Molars...Father's Day...Sweetness

Well, we've had an interesting couple of days. Alina has been adjusting to her medicine, but then she also started teething again. I swear she doesn't go two weeks without starting teething. The last big teething was about a three weeks ago and she cut two big Molars in the back of her bottom row. Now she seemes to be getting more on the bottom and starting her top as well.

We had a nice visit with my brother and his family on Saturday, but then when we got home Alina had a bit of a meltdown and wouldn't sleep. She fought sleeping like I haven't seen in months.

Andy said that his Father's Day was the best one he's every had (funny since it's his first). He got a shirt, chocolate, and a sweet kiss from his little munchkin.

Today was so much better for Alina. We got the Motrin into her in time this morning, went to Mother Day out and got worn out, did a nap, and when I got home tonight from work she was excited to see me. She was soooo sweet this evening. She snuggled in my lap and drank some pedialyte. Andy and his Mom went to Lowe's so we did her bath, read a couple of books, and then she relaxed with her head on my shoulder while I sang her some songs. Those moments are some of the most precious.

Alina doesn't just relax. Usually she's full energy and then will just lay down for bed. We try to settle down and she won't relax against me. She doesn't usually melt into me like most other children do. It makes my heart so full when shes showing signs of trusting me, relaxing, and doing the limp noodle in my lap. Slow down enough to enjoy those moments those of you who are parents.

I looked at pictures of her just two months ago with her round pudgy face. Now she's slimming out and becoming a toddler. She's grown 6 inches in the last 4 months. But she's still my little bit.

Love to all.

Scary steps...

Well, Alina is officially (kind of) walking...well sort of. She has decided she really likes free standing and she will take about 2 steps...but then she falls. So her fun is free standing and then going into one of our recliners to cruise walk again. But she's decided she really likes climbing instead. So she now climbs onto the couch. She has no fear of course so she leans out to try and jump to the recliner.

Wish it was simple walking. So scary...but it's just beginning.

She's been doing so good this week with Andy though. They've gotten into a good rhythm and she's adjusted better to her medicine.

Love to you all...

Update on Alina

Hey everybody, as usual sorry for the delays but its been a pretty busy two weeks. We spent week before last in Michigan visiting with extended family. Alina was crazy on the plane going over and wouldn't settle down. We had a late night flight and didn't get settled until almost midnight which is too late for little bit. But once we got settled into the hotel she did very well and was a big hit with the family. She has learned that she's cute and knows how to entertain a group.

We got back last Sunday and the next day I returned to work. This week has been pretty tough on all of us as we transition to Daddy as the primary and Mommy going to work. Also, Alina had a positive TB Skin test (with neg Chest x-ray) so the doctor wanted us to start INH preventive therapy.

Alina spent the first 3 days of the week catching up on sleep from the trip...so Thursday we started her medicine. Unfortunately, she had a bad reaction to the meds with a rash and diareha. The doctor gave us some ointment and diareaha medicine and she's doing much better. So it's been a bit interesting.

Other positive developments includes walking. Alina has been practicing her steps by cruising for months. But this week she finally started walking without holding onto anything. At first it was just some free standing, but now she is taking a few steps. She's not steady and not taking a lot, but she is so smug and proud of herself when she does it.

That's about it for now. Much love to all.

The Dreaded Day Arrived...

Well, the first major at home hurdle I have been dreading arrived today. We started Alina in Mothers Day Out. I go back to work next Monday and Andy takes over, but needs coverage at least two days a week. So we started her at the MDO at our church. When Andy takes over we're calling it Father's Day Out.

Well...I took her in for the first time and left her. I didn't call and when I went there she was happy as a clam. They said she didn't freak out when she realized I was gone and she came to me so happy when she saw me. She ate lunch we took no problem and they had worn her little self out. She passed out in the car on the way home and barely moved when I changed her diaper and put her to bed for her nap.

So Day 1 was a success. She'll go again this Wednesday and then not for another week because they have Vacation Bible School next week. But I think it will be fine.

Now I just have to worry about Mommy withdrawal when I go to work next week. But Alina seems so great.

Thanks for the moral support and Love to all.