Delanie Learns to Chew!

So, here's the scoop on this video...

If you follow this blog, you know that we have equated Delanie's eating habits to a squirrel - she likes to quickly fill her cheeks up and swallow her food whole. I swear, if she could use a straw to suck the food off her tray, she would. So, Dave and I have been working hard to teach her the concept of "chewing" her food. We will take a bite, and do long, exaggerated chewing motions in front of her, showing her how to chew. So, this is the reaction we got at dinner on Sunday. Enjoy!

Let Her Eat Cake...Part II

So, after many of the guests had left and we had butchered the face of the ladybug, she did try the cake. But, she never really got into it. She was more interested in seeing Lukas act like a monkey behind the camera (and she was exhausted!).

Let Her Eat Cake...Part I

Here is a clip from Delanie's birthday party, she wanted nothing to do with the cake! For those of you who know Delanie (and her appetite), it is rare that she turns down junk food!

1 Year Old!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

I turned one year old on March 28, 2008! This has been quite an exciting few days for me! So many people and presents and food!

My birthday celebration began on Friday, with a party at school. Mommy brought in blueberry muffins for my classmates and I to enjoy. Mommy picked me up early from school, so we could enjoy the warm weather. Daddy got home from work early and I was able to open my first gifts - a music set from Mommy and Daddy and a great package from Great Aunt Linda. We finished off the evening with some chocolate ice cream. But, the best part of my birthday - I took my first steps, right into Daddy's arms!

On Saturday, so many people came over to celebrate my birthday - Ladybug Picnic Style (see previous post for Sesame Street reference)! I was able to see all my long distance family: Grandma and Grandpa/Abuelo Blatchford, Mimi Bragdon, Uncle Nick, Mamo Foster. And, of course, so many local friends and family, including Papa Dave and Nana, Uncle Patrick, Aunt Kate, Aunt Connie and Aunt Sarah.


My BFFs enjoyed some playtime on the floor, while I enjoyed the arms of just about anyone willing to hold me. I also enjoyed lots and lots of goldfish crackers (thank you Papa Dave). We had a ladybug pinata, filled with treats. One of my favorite parts was having everyone gather around to sing "Happy Birthday" to me and take pictures. It was as though the entire papparazzi that followed me for the entire year was in my dining room! One detail my parents neglected to think about - a bug shaped cake can be a little scary. I wanted nothing to do with it! The picture here is actually several hours AFTER my party, when I finially decided to explore my cake a little bit. Still, not a lot of messy, hand smashing, as my parents had anticipated (not that they are complaining either).


As you may be able to see in one of the pictures, I had a "1" Ladybug t-shirt, which was fun to wear - what an accomplishment for me!

This past year has been amazing. Our family would like to thank everyone for all the love and support they have provided - the night shifts spent listening to running water in the kitchen; the free babysitting that Mommy and Daddy take whenever they can get it; the nearly-disposible clothing (thanks to my constant growth spurts); the phone calls, emails and IMs that have kept us sane; the advice from other "new" mothers as well as the experts; and most of all, thank you to Delanie, who has the most beautiful spirit.

Happy Birthday, Delanie!

One Year Photos

Here are a few shots from Delanie's 1 Year Photo Shoot. Instead of going to Sears and doing the normal package, we hired a photographer and got some outdoor shots at Meredith College. If you are interested in ordering prints, you can do so online and either have them mailed or sent to your Target store.

http://targetphoto.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=stw1qep.6k576axx&x=0&y=-9y6pjt
If this link doesn't work for you, just let me know you need the pictures sent by leaving me your email in the Comments section of this page, or email me.

Happy Easter!

This is Delanie's second Easter, and she is not even a year old yet! Last Easter, she was only 1 week old. Needless to say, it was much more fun this year! Overall, we had a pretty low key day, just the three of us.

We began the day by exploring our Easter baskets. Then we headed to jazz brunch downtown, where we enjoyed some great food. As you will see in the pictures, Delanie was more entertaining than the musicians.

We finished the afternoon with a walk in the park with our two dogs. We had an early dinner of leftovers, and we are all headed to bed!

We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and holiday!

Luck O' The Irish!

March 17 is here (Thank you Granny and Grandpa for the bib) - it is officially one year since my "due" date. And, although Delanie did not officially arrive on March 17, I find myself reflecting a lot on the pregnancy and March 2007 in general. Maybe because this is the first time SINCE March that I feel like I have any time to reflect!

First, let me start off by saying, I technically had three due dates - March 12, March 17, March 18 (notice how far all these dates are from 3/28...). And, as any pregnant woman will tell you, the due date is actually presented more as a date range nowadays. But, nevertheless, we advertised March 17 as our due date for several reasons:
1) I am proudly Irish, my maiden name is Callaghan, which was originally O'Callaghan.
2) I have always been a big St Patty's Day fan - I love to go out and spread my Irish cheer :)
3) Once we heard 3/17 as a possible due date, we brainstormed Irish names: Finn, Clare, Delanie - and of course we all know, one of them stuck, despite the later birth date.

One year ago today, I called into work mostly because I was in disbelief that nothing was going on with this pregnancy. I thought, maybe if I just stay at home and bounce on my yoga ball, watching a "Baby Story" marathon on TLC, something will happen. We went out for a nice dinner, which I affectionately referred to as "The Last Supper." After a restless evening, nothing. Woke up on March 18, got a pedicure and ran errands. And 10 days later, baby at last.

Some reasons why I was miserable, and how they compare to my feelings today:

1) Sleepless nights -
BEFORE: I could not sleep comfortably to save my life. People kept saying, "Get your sleep while you can" or "Enjoy it now." Both were very annoying comments, and I was very sleep deprived those last few weeks.
AFTER: We are very fortunate that Delanie has been sleeping for long stretches since about 3 months old, and she currently sleeps from 7 pm - 6 am. However, I am still exhausted! A neighbor explained that, as a parent, you never sleep the same again. I have to agree - my ears and brain are always working, even in my deepest slumber. And, I guess the biggest adjustment is not being able to sleep when or where I want! No more 4 pm naps in front of the tv! But, I am very grateful for the uninterrupted nighttime hours!

2) Heartburn -
BEFORE: I was on prescriptions AND over-the-counter remedies, a strict diet and forced to sit upright for 2 hours after eating to keep my food from irritating my stomach and throat.
AFTER: I think my heartburn and indigestion are returning, as I sprint to feed myself and Delanie at the same time! I barely have time to sneak in a bite for me before she is making noise, asking for "more." And, sometimes, I even try to finish so I can get a few dishes done before she wants to get out of her highchair.

3) Sore ribs -
BEFORE: I remember physically holding Delanie down to keep her off my ribs, they were so sore from the pressure and kicking.
AFTER: I find myself physically holding Delanie from jumping on my ribs when we are playing on the floor.

4) Fuzzy brain -
BEFORE: My brain seemed so scattered during those last weeks of pregnancy - we still can't find the car keys I lost last February! My memory was especially horrible.
AFTER: Apparently, "fuzzy brain" should be a medical term used to describe the permanent state of the female brain following childbirth. Still scattered, still forgetful, one year later!