Lots of learning to do...

Lily had playgroup this week at Isobel's house. She loved Izzy's books! Tomorrow will be playgroup at Miss LaRain's house!

I loved Grover as a kid and I'm hoping Lily will love him just as much. Grover was with me when I got tubes in my ears as a little girl. My Dad bought him for me so I wouldn't be so scared.
I know the "guy" to love is Elmo, but I didn't not grow up with Elmo, he is foreign to me, it's all about Grover! And when did Snuffalufagus become a real character and not in Big Bird's imagination? I have lots of new things to learn as a parent.

MNO

Friday and Saturday was MNO (Moms Night Out). Friday was a gathering with friend, LaRain and her friends. It was a nice, laid back, pot luck. Saturday night was dinner and a movie with my Tuesday Playgroup Mommy friends. Thanks girls for two nights of fun...AND...Thank you David for watching Lily this weekend! You rock!

Pictures from Saturday...

Kristi and Nicole

me and Jessica

Michele and Anne
Sabrina and Denise

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Lily at two months

And today...

I put Lily in her bouncer seat this morning so I could make the bed. I couldn't believe how big she is in the bouncer! It's been a few weeks since she's been hanging out in the bouncer. She actually sits up now. *sniff* My little girl is getting so big!

Hanging Out on a Saturday

It's Saturday morning. I have not taken a shower yet. I will venture into the cleaning apparatus once Lily takes her morning nap in an hour or so. I love Saturdays that are not rushed. David and I do have plans to get stuff done around the house, but we are taking the morning to just hang out for a few.

Picture of "the kids" from a couple of days ago. I normally don't let Maya on the couch, but couldn't resist the picture.

Last night I hung out with some Mommy friends. It was a pot-luck gathering at a friend's house. It was nice and laid back. Tonight I get to hang out with more Mommy friends for dinner and a movie. A real Mom's Night Out! Thank you David for watching Lily for two nights for me!! I owe you!

New Foods and Adventures in the Front Yard

Every so often, I introduce a new food to Lily. So far she has ventured into the world of rice cereal, oatmeal cereal, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas and most recently pears. Normally we still use a small jar (size 1) and Lily will eat about 1/2 of a jar a day. When given pears, she ate the whole jar! Go Lily!

We have community mailboxes in my neighborhood, so every day or two, we trek out to the mailboxes to pick up our mail. This was a new concept to me when I moved to Colorado and saw these mailboxes. I grew up in Indiana, and normally most people have their own mailbox at the end of their driveway. Not sure why community mailboxes are used here, but they are quite common. Anyway...
On our way to get the mail, we let Lily check out our apple tree in the front yard. We think within a month or so, we will get to pick some apples. I love apples as long as they are not baked. Unfortunately I do not like apple pie - I know, not American. However, I plan to use some of these apples in salads and whatnot.

Our walk home

Our Day in Denver

Today Lily and I went to Denver. We brought our friend, Christine along with us. We met up with my friend Josh. It was a great day. We ate at Victory Restaurant and I had a yummie candied walnut salad. Lily was on her best behavior and we really enjoyed our visit.

Miss Christine

Josh

I made Josh do manual labor: pushing the stroller
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Our friends Lisa and Rik stopped by on Saturday. It was great to see them too!

Lily believes Rick is "young Santa"

Unleaded

I know I am obsessed about this lead in toys issue. But I found a neat toystore from the Mom Go Green blog I read.

Oompa toys are now dividing up their toys by where they are made. I love it! I may have to investigate this shop for Lily's 1st Christmas and Birthday!

My friend, Amy also gave me a good website as well.

Today I had an impromptu gathering with my friends Cat, Karen and Kimberly. Thanks ladies for meeting me!

We also went to visit David's Mom in the hospital. She is doing okay and we hope she comes home soon!! David's Dad is doing well. He is up on crutches and moving around!

Tomorrow is a playgroup at Cat's house. Should be fun!!

Saturday I may be getting together with my friend Melanie.

Sunday is my outing to Denver with my friend, Christine to see Josh!

Lots going on, but that is a-okay with me :)

Lunch with Raz

Today Lily and I had lunch with Raz and her daughter, Carlie. Raz and I are a lot of like in that we love being social. I was joking with my friend, Amy, that I get depressed if I don't get out and about. I believe Raz would say she is the same way. Thank you Raz for your company!

Ramblings

Mommy and me

My fancy shmancy hat!

This week has been quite a crazy one! David's life is especially busy as his Dad just had hip surgery and his Mom is in the hospital right now. They are both doing okay, but it's still hard when a parent is in the hospital. Lily and I try to visit Grandma everyday to life her spirits and we hope she gets to come home soon!!

Today I had lunch with my friends Liz and Polly and darn it, forgot to take a picture. I hope to see them again soon and will remember their picture next time!

I heard from my good friend, Josh Prince today. He lives in NYC and soon will be choreographing the Broadway version of Shrek! I'm so excited for him!! I got his picture here. Anyways, Josh is in Denver for a week, so we are hoping we can trek up there to see him! It's been at least a year or two since I have seen him. We have known each other since about 13 years old. He's a sweet guy and remember his name, he will be famous!!

Tomorrow I will be visiting with my friends Raz and LaRain. I will remember to take pictures. I will remember to take pictures.

More later...

Happy Birthday and Playgroup

Today is my good friend, Amy's birthday!

I've known Amy since we were 17 years old at Lawrence Central HS in Indy. We also went to Indiana University together and were roomies for two years. She now lives in Kansas City with her husband, Chris and daugher, Elise and she is currently pregnant with their second daughter due in September. She is so very creative and sweet and kind and I'm so lucky to know her. Lots of hugs, Ames!! ( by the way, I stole this picture from Amy's pics...Thanks Ames!!)





I must also mention that my friend, Suz had her birthday on the 10th! I've known Suz since I.U. and we were roomies for one year. Suz lives in Portland (one of my favorite cities). I saw Suz last year when David and I went to Seattle and Portland for a visit. Lots of hugs Suz!! (and I stole this pic from Suz's Myspace...Thanks Suz!!)






Lily hosted a playgroup on Friday with three friends: Caoimhe, Isobel and Zachary. She had lots of fun with her buddies. I know this to be true, as she slept 11 hours last night! Tired baby!! Thanks Mommy friends for coming over and having a great playdate!!

I can sit by myself!

Today Lily is 7 months old!

Over the last several days, Lily has been doing awesome with sitting on her own! And she likes to surround herself with lead-free toys.

Lily and Maya playing

I love carrots!!

Morning Tradition: Smoothie
A few people have asked how I make my smoothie:
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
handful of almonds
teaspoon flaxseed
a couple of frozen strawberries
half a frozen banana
hand full of frozen blueberries
trace of almond extract
one package stevia (you could substitute any sweetener)
enough non fat milk to blend this all together (about 1/2 cup or so depending on how thick you like smoothies - I like mine fairly thick)

This makes a large glass full and I'm sure has plenty of calories. You could reduce these amounts for a small glass.

New Barista in Town

There is a new barista in town! I finally made a good latte at home!! Move over Starbucks! I also used non-fat milk. According to Alton Brown, you cannot foam skim milk - what? I say that is good foam!! Don't get me wrong, I love Alton Brown. I always learn something new from his show.

As I've mentioned before, Colorado gets great rainbows. We were graced with another one on Monday night. This is from our backyard.

These two are the front yard...notice the double rainbow!

Okay, I'm not a photographer, but I had to take a picture of the sunset tonight. So pretty!! My camera cannot capture it, but I tried!

I also got the name of the website for "natural" toys. Nova Natural has their toys should be without lead.

Worrying about Lead

Just a small rant here.
I heard about the toy recall list from last week. I double checked my toys to make sure none of them were on the list.
Why must we be worrying about lead contamination with our children's toys?! We buy a toy, thinking of a child's learning experience and fun and come to find we could be harming them!?? Please see the recall list if you have children, especially small children who tend to put *everything* in their mouths.

Then, this morning, I was getting coffee with some friends, one of my girlfriends told me that on Good Morning America, she said many more toys were found to have lead. See their video.

David bought us a Lead Testing kit. I have tested a few things around the house and so far, so good! You can get a lead testing kit here.

David has also mentioned some websites that sell wooden toys (hopefully without paint). I'll get those from him and post them soon.

Spa Day, Stamping

On Saturday I got a Spa Day! Thank you David!!!! I got a massage, manicure and pedicure. These are my toes. Sorry for all those who don't like to see feet. I thought they were cute though. I have nice toes for once in a loooooooooooooong time!

Saturday night I went to Open Stamping Night at Kim's house. Kim is a FABULOUS stamper. She has been stamping and scrapbooking for awhile now and has many many great ideas.
Check out Kim's blog.

Lisa

Betsy

The instructor, Kim

These are the stamping pets...they gave us a show last night. heehee

Belly, Playmates, Late Night Coffee Talk

My friend Melanie came over for dinner the other night. She is 20 weeks pregnant! She found out the sex of the baby...I won't post it until I know she has told everyone. Congrats Melanie! I cannot wait to meet your little one!!
Yesterday, Lily had a playdate with Caoimhe (pronounced Keeva) and Isobel. Isobel hosted the playdate this time. Isobel's Mom, Cat made yummie sandwiches, guacamole and cookies. Thanks Cat!! On Friday Caoimhe will be hosting a playdate. Caoimhe and Isobel are a few months older than Lily, so I'm hoping Lily will watch them crawling/walking around and learn a few tricks.
I had coffee with my good friend, Christine last night. I went sans baby. We met after Lily went to bed and spent a good 2 hours chatting. I always enjoy my time with Christine. I forgot my camera, so this is a picture of her with Lily a few months ago.

Just a random picture of the Lily Pad and me...