At least it does to Emma. Then again, she also thought the putrid smell of Alimentum formula was yummy, so take it for what it's worth.
The good news is that we are officially off formula, and Emma is like every other 17 month year old out there... except she is drinking rice milk instead of whole milk. But actually, her pediatrician seems to think that's perfectly fine. And so do I.
As long as I continue to add fat to Emma's diet and buy the enriched rice milk (with Vitamin D), she really is getting all the nutrients she needs. And as any family member will tell you, I am still an anal retentive first-time mom that makes sure she gets a well-balanced meal 3 times a day. Go ahead and gag. And then tell me it will wear off. I know, I know. :o)
Anywho, the even better news is that Emma has been off her reflux medicine for about 2 months now. I am still not convinced she doesn't have reflux, but I am waiting for more "evidence" before I put her through any tests. She is sleeping fine, but she still coughs up food and chokes more than I think is "normal." Jeff isn't convinced, but then again, he isn't with her as much as I am. He realizes this and says he'll support me if I want to get the scope done, but that's a lot of pressure and honestly, I am not at that point yet. I'm waiting it out until I get that gut instinct to get it checked.
For now, I'm just staying away from very acidic foods (i.e., oranges, tomatoes) and spices, but that is slowly but surely getting annoying. I'd love to give her a meal with more taste, but I am nervous. I'm sure most of you think I'm nuts, and I know she won't die, but I also don't want cause her pain. I have seen what food does to Jeff, and I'd hate to make her go through that -- or worse, have her think that sort of discomfort is normal.
I do realize that I have completely overanalyzed this, and I am now at the point where I can't seem to move forward. We are stuck with the same old meals, but when you take out milk, acid and spices, there's not much left. Our staples include ground turkey, chicken, whole wheat/organic pasta, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, pears, peaches, grapes, cantelope, eggs, wheat bread and oatmeal. And, of course, Cheerios!! Any new ideas out there? Emma has to be as bored as I am.
At what point do I take the plunge and try adventurous foods like peanut butter, fish and strawberries? Jeff and I had salmon and broccoli tonight, but I was afraid of the fish and I thought the broccoli would make her gassy. I've also read broccoli can aggrevate reflux.
But she might not have reflux, you say? Yes, I know. So what's my problem?
This is the first time I've done this, but I'd like to hear your opinions. Do I go for the food and hope for the best, all the while getting sick to my stomach and stressing? Or do I get the test done, all the while feeling guilty for possibly putting Emma through this for no reason at all.
Or maybe I just need a glass of wine.
You tell me.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Fashion Friday: Baby It's Cold Outside
It finally feels like winter. I thought I was never going to be able to put this outfit on Emma! The sweater is certainly cute, but I really love the pants. They are lined with purple fleece -- nice and cozy for today's chilly trip to the grocery store!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
My First Meme
I have been tagged by Kelli Belly! I have never done this before because the focus of my blog is Emma. Still, I don't want to spoil all the fun. Plus, Emma should know a few things about her Mommy! And feel free to play along in the "Comments" section. Emma should know about her Commenters too!
A- Available or married? Married for 6 years, but taken for 10.
B- Best Friend? Definitely Jeff. But my best girlfriend is my sister.
C- Cake or Pie? Pie, I guess. But why aren't brownies an option? ;o)
D- Drink of Choice? Water. But I do like me a Decaf Soy Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks
E- Essential Item? Bottle of water and a container of Cherrios
F- Favorite Color? Blue
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Neither, but I guess gummi bears if I have to pick.
H- Hometown? Southwest Suburb of Chicago
I- Indulgence? See second half of "D"; Also guilty of reading US Weekly. (I know, I know...)
J- January or February? February.... it's closer to Spring!
K- Kids & names? Emma Kay (17 months)
L- Life is incomplete without? God & my family!
M- Marriage Date? September 8
N- Number of Siblings? 1 older sister, 1 younger brother. Also 1 brother-in-law, 2 sister-in-laws, a brother-in-law to be (September 28), and a sister-in-law to be (we're still waiting, Uncle Nonny... J/K ;o).
O- Oranges or apples? Clemetines
P- Phobias/Fears? Confined spaces -- no Fear Factor for me!
Q-Favorite Quote? "The only thing you can take with you to Heaven is other people." (Not sure of the author.)
R- Reason to Smile? My baby girl's giggle
S- Season? Spring -- love the smell of rain and the hint of summer!
T- Tag three people! I Am Not, Mama of Four, and Days of My Life
U- Unknown fact about me: I have a belly button ring... Well, used to. It's now a empty hole that shall forever remain empty...
W- Worst habit? Not knowing when to shut up. I also think I might interrupt people a lot...
Y- Your favorite food? Anything Italian!
Z- Zodiac? Don't believe in this, but I think I'm on the "cusp" of two signs. My birthday is Oct. 23. You can look it up if you really want! :o)
A- Available or married? Married for 6 years, but taken for 10.
B- Best Friend? Definitely Jeff. But my best girlfriend is my sister.
C- Cake or Pie? Pie, I guess. But why aren't brownies an option? ;o)
D- Drink of Choice? Water. But I do like me a Decaf Soy Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks
E- Essential Item? Bottle of water and a container of Cherrios
F- Favorite Color? Blue
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Neither, but I guess gummi bears if I have to pick.
H- Hometown? Southwest Suburb of Chicago
I- Indulgence? See second half of "D"; Also guilty of reading US Weekly. (I know, I know...)
J- January or February? February.... it's closer to Spring!
K- Kids & names? Emma Kay (17 months)
L- Life is incomplete without? God & my family!
M- Marriage Date? September 8
N- Number of Siblings? 1 older sister, 1 younger brother. Also 1 brother-in-law, 2 sister-in-laws, a brother-in-law to be (September 28), and a sister-in-law to be (we're still waiting, Uncle Nonny... J/K ;o).
O- Oranges or apples? Clemetines
P- Phobias/Fears? Confined spaces -- no Fear Factor for me!
Q-Favorite Quote? "The only thing you can take with you to Heaven is other people." (Not sure of the author.)
R- Reason to Smile? My baby girl's giggle
S- Season? Spring -- love the smell of rain and the hint of summer!
T- Tag three people! I Am Not, Mama of Four, and Days of My Life
U- Unknown fact about me: I have a belly button ring... Well, used to. It's now a empty hole that shall forever remain empty...
W- Worst habit? Not knowing when to shut up. I also think I might interrupt people a lot...
Y- Your favorite food? Anything Italian!
Z- Zodiac? Don't believe in this, but I think I'm on the "cusp" of two signs. My birthday is Oct. 23. You can look it up if you really want! :o)
Friday, January 19, 2007
Fashion Friday: Growing Up
Is it me, or does Emma look really old in this picture? Maybe it's the "school girl" jumper or the hairdo, but it freaks me out a little. Is that my Emma?
Oh wait...she's obviously yelling something...yep, that's her!
Definitely her.
**P.S. Last week's shoes and this week's shoes are both from Preschoolians. Santa sure has good taste. ;o) **
Oh wait...she's obviously yelling something...yep, that's her!
Definitely her.
**P.S. Last week's shoes and this week's shoes are both from Preschoolians. Santa sure has good taste. ;o) **
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
We Like it Goofy!
I know all little kids can be silly, but our Emma is definitely a goof ball. Sometimes Jeff and I just look at each other and say, "She's so wierd!"
She likes to stand on her head ALL.THE.TIME. Not sure where she even learned this little trick, but I'm hoping the constant blood rush isn't doing any permanent damage... ;o)
After dinner, she is like a crazy woman. She honestly runs around in circles... spinning and spinning until she loses her balance and falls to the ground. She climbs on the couch, rolling around and throwing herself back on the pillows.
Now some of you may think this describes an overtired child, but her nap is about 2-3 hours and bedtime is at 7pm. And dinner is over by 5:30pm!
She LOVES to wrestle. I even catch her wrestling alone with her jumbo stuffed doggie and teddy bear. And, of course, chasing anyone around the house is always a good time.
You've all heard about the cabinet thing, and closing herself in the pitch-black powder room is another one of her favorite things to do. When we go to play dates, she immediately makes herself at home and takes it upon herself to take out EVERY toy and EVERY book. Meanwhile, her playmate is quietly playing with ONE toy.
Of course, she comes by it all quite honestly. Today we were dancing to her Tots Rock video, and when Emma started laughing hysterically at me, I realized what a goof ball I must look like. But hey, that's the perks of having a kid... you get to a act like one too!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Fashion Friday: Go, Go, Go!
Okay, maybe I should be calling this "Style Saturday" or something, but it just doesn't have the same ring to it...
So, yes, we missed yesterday, but that's because we've had a busy last couple of days. Play dates to attend, new babies to see, meals to deliver... Emma has been a real trooper!
What better way to depict our recent outings than her ususal "on the go" attire! Thankfully, we'll be at home today for some much-needed chillin'. Have a great weekend everyone!
So, yes, we missed yesterday, but that's because we've had a busy last couple of days. Play dates to attend, new babies to see, meals to deliver... Emma has been a real trooper!
What better way to depict our recent outings than her ususal "on the go" attire! Thankfully, we'll be at home today for some much-needed chillin'. Have a great weekend everyone!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Happy Birthday Great-Great Grandma!
Yep, you read that right -- Emma's Great-Great Grandma Emma turned 93 on Monday. In honor of her special day, we took a drive over to visit. It seems like just yesterday they were meeting for the first time!
Emma had tons of fun visiting with Grandma, but I think Grandma had even more fun! It's hard for her to see these days, but she was still able to catch quick glimpses of our busy bee out of the corner of her eye.
Emma had a ball running around Grandma's house, and as usual, getting into everything. She wouldn't stay still so Grandma could hold her, but she did let Grandma play with her baby and cell phone. Our peanut also got some one-on-one time with Great Aunt Helene and Great Aunt Lorrie, who she didn't get to see on Christmas. Aunt Helene showed her the versatility of an old wipes box, a coaster, and a broken hearing aide, while Aunt Lorrie made an empty Dr. Pepper box a new hiding place for Emma's baby. Who needs real toys anyway?? :o)
It wasn't before long the sleepies started to hit Miss Emma hard, so we had to say goodbye. But we did manage to snap a few photos before we left for the night!
The first photo shows the precious love Grandma has for her namesake. I feel so blessed to have both Emmas in my life!
The second photo is of Aunt Helene, Aunt Lorrie, me, Great Grandma, and Martina, my cousin (and Emma too of course!). Props to Jeff for hanging out with all of us girls!
I am so glad we were able to visit. My Great Grandma is truly an amazing, faithful woman. She inspires our whole family.
Stay tuned for photos of birthday number 94!!!
Emma had tons of fun visiting with Grandma, but I think Grandma had even more fun! It's hard for her to see these days, but she was still able to catch quick glimpses of our busy bee out of the corner of her eye.
Emma had a ball running around Grandma's house, and as usual, getting into everything. She wouldn't stay still so Grandma could hold her, but she did let Grandma play with her baby and cell phone. Our peanut also got some one-on-one time with Great Aunt Helene and Great Aunt Lorrie, who she didn't get to see on Christmas. Aunt Helene showed her the versatility of an old wipes box, a coaster, and a broken hearing aide, while Aunt Lorrie made an empty Dr. Pepper box a new hiding place for Emma's baby. Who needs real toys anyway?? :o)
It wasn't before long the sleepies started to hit Miss Emma hard, so we had to say goodbye. But we did manage to snap a few photos before we left for the night!
The first photo shows the precious love Grandma has for her namesake. I feel so blessed to have both Emmas in my life!
The second photo is of Aunt Helene, Aunt Lorrie, me, Great Grandma, and Martina, my cousin (and Emma too of course!). Props to Jeff for hanging out with all of us girls!
I am so glad we were able to visit. My Great Grandma is truly an amazing, faithful woman. She inspires our whole family.
Stay tuned for photos of birthday number 94!!!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Where's My Baby?
So is it me, or do you feel like some days your toddler wakes up a new person? I swear, those development spurts hit me out of nowhere every time.
And this time it is hitting me hard. The other day I was almost in tears because my baby was sitting at her little table and chairs "reading" a book. Like a big girl. I was so proud, but completely sad at the same time. Who is this little person? And more importantly, how in the world did she survive this long?! ;)
Seriously, all of the sudden she is like a talking/learning machine. I'm sure it's all normal for her age, but it is sure impressing me. Words sound like words. "Duck" is "duck" -- complete with the "ck". Doggie has graduated from "dada" to "doggie," with the "g" sound. More went from "mah" to "mooooore." Daddy is now clear as a bell. And if she doesn't know the word, she tries really hard to communicate. And she repeats words pretty darn well too.
Of course, her favorite thing to do is tell me when she doesn't want to do something. The word "no" accompanied by enthusiastic head shaking is more than a normal occurrence around here.
She knows more animal sounds -- cow, bee, piggy, cat, sheep, bird. It is just so darn cute!
She has finally learned the concept of down, as opposed to "uppie" every time she wants to be transferred from someone's arms to somewhere else. She gets what it means to "open" and asks you to do so ("oppie") -- only after some frustrating failed attempts of her own, of course.
She points to pictures and items and calls them by name: ball, doggy, baby, banana. She recognizes them and tells me what they are. She notices photos of Grandma and Grandpa, and calls them by name. It's just so strange.
She has also gotten more loving. She still only gives quick loves, but they seem to be more often. I even got squeezed the other day during a hug -- like a REAL hug. Usually I get arms around the neck and quick pat. But a squeeze?! I was like butta!
The whole "surprised" look is her latest thing. She looks at me and forms her mouth in a big "o" as if she is so shocked by what she is seeing. So funny!
And leaving her Mommy? No biggie. I now get a quick kiss and a wave goodbye as she runs off to play at the church nursery, or barely a second glance as I leave her with Grandma and Grandpa. Not a cry, not even a hesitation. It's, "See ya, Mommy. I've got toys to play with here."
She's busy -- oh yes -- but so much fun! I can remember in those early days just wanting to get to this point, but now, well, now, I kinda want to rewind.
Or at least press pause.
And this time it is hitting me hard. The other day I was almost in tears because my baby was sitting at her little table and chairs "reading" a book. Like a big girl. I was so proud, but completely sad at the same time. Who is this little person? And more importantly, how in the world did she survive this long?! ;)
Seriously, all of the sudden she is like a talking/learning machine. I'm sure it's all normal for her age, but it is sure impressing me. Words sound like words. "Duck" is "duck" -- complete with the "ck". Doggie has graduated from "dada" to "doggie," with the "g" sound. More went from "mah" to "mooooore." Daddy is now clear as a bell. And if she doesn't know the word, she tries really hard to communicate. And she repeats words pretty darn well too.
Of course, her favorite thing to do is tell me when she doesn't want to do something. The word "no" accompanied by enthusiastic head shaking is more than a normal occurrence around here.
She knows more animal sounds -- cow, bee, piggy, cat, sheep, bird. It is just so darn cute!
She has finally learned the concept of down, as opposed to "uppie" every time she wants to be transferred from someone's arms to somewhere else. She gets what it means to "open" and asks you to do so ("oppie") -- only after some frustrating failed attempts of her own, of course.
She points to pictures and items and calls them by name: ball, doggy, baby, banana. She recognizes them and tells me what they are. She notices photos of Grandma and Grandpa, and calls them by name. It's just so strange.
She has also gotten more loving. She still only gives quick loves, but they seem to be more often. I even got squeezed the other day during a hug -- like a REAL hug. Usually I get arms around the neck and quick pat. But a squeeze?! I was like butta!
The whole "surprised" look is her latest thing. She looks at me and forms her mouth in a big "o" as if she is so shocked by what she is seeing. So funny!
And leaving her Mommy? No biggie. I now get a quick kiss and a wave goodbye as she runs off to play at the church nursery, or barely a second glance as I leave her with Grandma and Grandpa. Not a cry, not even a hesitation. It's, "See ya, Mommy. I've got toys to play with here."
She's busy -- oh yes -- but so much fun! I can remember in those early days just wanting to get to this point, but now, well, now, I kinda want to rewind.
Or at least press pause.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
When it's too quiet...
You know your tot is doing something she probably shouldn't. Like eating the vaseline from her diaper bag and spreading it all over the couch...
Monday, January 01, 2007
A Look Back
Okay, I'm jumping on the bandwagon. I'm stealing an idea I originally heard from Mama C-ta , who was inspired by others and has since inspired many others.
Although the New Year is a time to look ahead with hope and a fresh start, it's also a time to look back at the blessings of the previous year -- both the expected and unexpected. With that in mind, below is a quick "year in review" of Emma's life as described in this blog. The idea is to take the first sentence from the first post of each month. You can click on the month to see the entire post.
I did have to cheat a few times and use titles since I'm a bit lazy and often just post photos, but I guess I'll make that one of my New Year's resolutions... to write more!
Happy 2007 everyone!
January
They say to never pray for patience...otherwise, God might give you LOTS to be patient about.
February
We're Famous!
March
I usually try to keep this blog pretty upbeat because, hey, it's all about Miss Emma.
April
Well, we knew it was coming... Emma is crawling.
May
Emma and Cricket Visit…
June
As I'm sure you've all guessed (and read on this blog MANY times), Emma is a busy little girl -- constantly moving and wiggling since day one.
July
Well, our first 4th of July with Emma was certainly, uh, explosive.
August
So we got the allergy tests back and of course they are all negative.
September
"On matters of style, swim with the current; on matters of principle, stand like a rock." --Thomas Jefferson
October
Yes, you can be cute and casual -- not to mention adventurous -- in this little dress.
November
So first of all, who in the world left last Friday off the calendar? I mean, I certainly missed it.
December
So, we have yet another ear infection and a VERY gooey left eye, so I went to the vault and resurrected another fashionable moment from Emma's "younger years."
Although the New Year is a time to look ahead with hope and a fresh start, it's also a time to look back at the blessings of the previous year -- both the expected and unexpected. With that in mind, below is a quick "year in review" of Emma's life as described in this blog. The idea is to take the first sentence from the first post of each month. You can click on the month to see the entire post.
I did have to cheat a few times and use titles since I'm a bit lazy and often just post photos, but I guess I'll make that one of my New Year's resolutions... to write more!
Happy 2007 everyone!
January
They say to never pray for patience...otherwise, God might give you LOTS to be patient about.
February
We're Famous!
March
I usually try to keep this blog pretty upbeat because, hey, it's all about Miss Emma.
April
Well, we knew it was coming... Emma is crawling.
May
Emma and Cricket Visit…
June
As I'm sure you've all guessed (and read on this blog MANY times), Emma is a busy little girl -- constantly moving and wiggling since day one.
July
Well, our first 4th of July with Emma was certainly, uh, explosive.
August
So we got the allergy tests back and of course they are all negative.
September
"On matters of style, swim with the current; on matters of principle, stand like a rock." --Thomas Jefferson
October
Yes, you can be cute and casual -- not to mention adventurous -- in this little dress.
November
So first of all, who in the world left last Friday off the calendar? I mean, I certainly missed it.
December
So, we have yet another ear infection and a VERY gooey left eye, so I went to the vault and resurrected another fashionable moment from Emma's "younger years."
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