Updates

Financial Fasting - Week 1: This may sound totally crazy, but I'm really kind of loving this. Yes, it is really difficult and yes, I am feeling like there are many things I am going without. But oh how freeing it is to know that for once I'm not accumulating more junk in my house, and that I'm not lugging a ton of plastic in my wallet. We are kicking ourself for not filling up the cars on the 31st, but we're also learning that because of that we may have to be a bit more creative the rest of the month. Transportation is definitely the biggest challenge for us. Living at least 6 miles from town and 21 from J's office make it tough. Plus being on the highway, with a baby make bicycles impractical and walking not even an option.
So the first week, (actually through today, so the first 10 days) we spent $54.17, most of that went towards water and groceries, but also $9 to gas. It is amazing how fast it adds up. I just hope that Kaylee's blueberry addiction ends soon, or at least she learns to function a bit better with the rationing that I've had to enforce, because it is definitely making things a bit difficult, those juicy organic gems aren't exactly cheap, at least not here. And yes, we're still eating all GF, organic and locally as much as possible, I'm not compromising my standards just because money is more of an issue. I honestly don't see it as much of a problem, but I guess I don't eat the same way most people do. I actually think we're eating a bit healthier as I'm really forced to soak my beans and make grains if I want to eat at all rather than just grab something 'convenient' (can't remember or think of what that would be right now - fruit maybe? or open a can of beans?) Anyway, the $1 bags of 'questionable' produce have been awesome for fresh fruits/veggies. We have actually had 2 pies, and a few fruit salad's because of them, and some awesome red swiss chard.

EC update- I have put off writing this because I didn't want to jinx myself and have things change. But, Kaylee is amazing. She has been so consistant in telling us when she has to go and going when she is given the opportunity that I have only had one almost full load of diapers each week for the past three weeks. She has been a huge fan of the 'big potty' and hasn't been too keen on using her little ones, which I guess is fine. She still grabs them and carries them around when she has to go and I didn't take notice that she was tapping her diaper. Or if she's diaper free she'll sit on it and go without even being prompted. She's so amazing! I'm just blown away at how much we as humans grow and accomplish just within the first year of life here on earth.

We have a walker!

Tuesday was an exciting day for our little girl, at least in my eyes. Not only did she get to go on her first fishing trip with Grandpa, eat pine needles, and come back reeking of fish; she also started walking! She's been cruising for a long time, and I knew it was coming but I was still pretty surprised when she stood up from the middle of the floor and walked across the room to me. I guess I'm really in trouble now.

Happy Birthday Kaylee

I know I'm a little late in getting this post up but it's been busy. We were in San Diego, CA for a friend's wedding during Kaylee's first birthday. But we did our best to still make our little girl feel special for her big day. I made her a Kaylee safe birthday cake and our amazing friends shared their wedding celebration by having every one there sing happy birthday. Here's a picture of Kaylee eating her birthday cake. We also got to take her to the beach on the trip, and see the water and people surfing. She enjoyed the water but isn't a big fan of the sand. I guess we don't have to worry about getting a sand box any time soon. Kaylee has grown so much and is doing amazing. She's starting to talk and has about 9 recognizable words now and 4 signs that she uses consistently. She's standing on her own very well and can walk across the room if she's holding on to something, but unaided can only go a step right now. It seems that her physical abilities change daily though, she's doing new things and climbing to new heights (literally) every day. She is also amazingly smart, identifying things in pictures when asked, stacking, sorting, using utensils and all kinds of other fun things. I'm just blown away at how many changes take place in such a short amount of time. It was not that long ago she was completely helpless. Now her independence is increasing and she is growing so much. It scares me a little, I'm don't really feel like I am ready for all of this yet.

Teething Sucks!

I don't know any other way to put it. I feel so bad for my little girl who is drooling like a faucet and has goo pouring from her nose, her little tongue poking out repeatedly like a snake and is waking up constantly crying in pain. Neither of us is getting any sleep, and there is really very little that I can do for her it seems. I think Jer picked the perfect weekend to be out of town, but who knows how long this is going to last. I just keep praying that those little buggers will pop out quickly, and that they will all just come at once and get it over with. Ahh if it were only so easy. I guess until they do arrive it's all popsicles, bibs and chewy toys for us. And me learning how to sleep sitting up holding the snorting baby (and the kitten of course)... I should probably start practicing now, as she finally seems to have nodded off. Goodnight.