Panty Time!

Ella, who continues to grow at warp speed, is wearing panties! She has worn them the last 3 days all day long (with the exception of nap and bed time). We've had only one accident so far! She's wearing them at home and in Yellow Class. She never ceases to amaze us!

3rd Annual Santa Cruz Vacay~2013

EMC + Nonni and Grumps spent our 4th of July (plus a few more days) in gorgeous Santa Cruz. The weather in Sacramento was 107; the weather in Santa Cruz was 70ish. Need I say more about what a great trip this was?

We headed up on Wednesday, July 3rd. We left 2 hours later than we planned (as usual), but we still made it there in time to get settled in our VRBO property right off of West Cliff Drive and walk on over to the Boardwalk. (Thank goodness we were able to walk too, because apparently, lots of people like to trek over to Santa Cruz for the 4th of July, duh!, so the traffic was mucho loco). Wednesdays is $12.95 all ride wristband day with a Pepsi Can after 5PM, so everyone but Grumps got a band, even Ella. After indulging in some Boardwalk food and a community Blue Moon in a can (yeah, I didn't know it was available in a can either) we went on our first ride--the Carousel. Mitch finally made a ring into the Clown's mouth! Nonni did too, but she always does! In fact, I believe she made two. Good job, Nonni!

After more rides with Ella, she and the grandparents headed back to the pad while Mitch and I enjoyed a date night. The Pirate Ship and the Giant Dipper are my two fave rides. The Giant Dipper hurt my back (I am getting way too old for this, apparently) but was still a blast. The ship went high enough to give you a rising tickle in your tummy that kept making me giggle. So much fun!

The next day we made it out for Ella's first day on the beach. She looked like a mini surfer girl with her rash guard and bright blond hair. Mama C was super excited that her baby was FINALLY going to enjoy the ocean--my absolute favorite destination. Ella, however, had different plans and cried! After chilling in the beach tent for a bit, she ventured onto the sand. I showed her how to dig her toes into the sand. Then, we played with her sand toys. Eventually, she worked up the nerve to go to the water. Finally, she was playing all over that beach and in the ocean just having a blast. Thank goodness!

Community Beer

Pizza My Heart

Surfing Doggie

Some New Old Stuff

Mama C has been cleaning out her electronic files at work as she prepares to transfer to a new job in a new division (same department). In doing so, she discovered some oldies but goodies that have not appeared on this blog. Take a look:

Check out these old babysitting instructions for Ella (Mama C wasn't an uptight neurotic first time mommy whatsoever!).

Instructions for Ella

February 2012

 

Schedule

 

6-7 AM: Wakes up. (Wake time may vary depending on how many night wakings she had. No need to wake her).

 

11-12:30. Nap (1 only). Feed her lunch and a bottle then put her down not too long after. If she wakes up after ½ an hour or 1 hour, rock her back to sleep. She should get about 2 hours. No need to wake her up from her nap unless it starts to go after 3:30, then wake her up.

 

6:30-7:00 PM: Bedtime. Give her a last bottle at 6pm. Head back to her bedroom at around 6:30 for bedtime routine.

 

Food

 

Bottles: No more than 3 a day. We are trying to wean her. Can give to her cold.

 

When to give bottles:

 

Upon Waking

Before Nap

Before bed at 6PM

 

Offer her water and milk in sippy cups throughout the day.

 

**Make sure she has 3 solid meals a day and two snacks. She can have anything but straight honey. It’s okay if it’s added as an ingredient to bread or something though.

 

Ideas for Meals:

Breakfast: toast, scrambled eggs, fruit or her oatmeal mixed with fruit and yogurt on the side.

Snack 1: puffs and yogurt, cliff kid’s bar and milk, cheese and crackers

Lunch: pb&j (very light layer of jam and peanut butter) with fruit and veggies, grilled cheese on wheat with yogurt, etc.

Snack 2: fruit, veggies, crackers, cheese, olives, etc.

Dinner: baked fish sticks, broccoli, cheese and shells; pasta, veggies, fruit, etc.

 

She can have just about anything you’re eating, just make sure she’s having healthy stuff, very little sugar, and a good amount of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Offer her water and milk in sippy cups at every meal and snack. If she asks for her baba and it’s not time for one, give her solid food and/or sippy cup.

 

Miscellaneous

 

-Bedtime routine:

·        make sure to put on good night diapers (light pastels with stars, moon, and sometimes Winnie the pooh on it).

·        Dress her in the following:

-Short sleeve onesie

-light comfy pants

-light comfy socks

-fleece zip up pajamas

·        Set thermostat for 71. (Use arrows to select temp and then press “hold temp”).

·        Put on her sound machine and nightlight. Press the top to turn on light and press button in the back to turn on sound.

·        Dump all water out of humidifier (including reservoir), fill with cool water, and put on low.

·        Read her a few books in her chair, make sure she has Joey and a binky, sing songs, say prayers and rock her until she falls asleep. Don’t use a blanket for bedtime (she’ll be too hot). You can use one for nap though if you want.

 

-Binky

Trying to wean her from this, so only give for sleep or if she’s not feeling well.

 

 

Medication

-Call me if she needs something. NEVER give her aspirin. Should only medicate in rare circumstances, like fever.

 

If she’s congested or not feeling well, give her a warm bath. She loves them and it seems to help with the congestion.