Day 286 : A Brush with the Tooth

Sadie -

After the ice cream incident last night, your mom and I got a little more serious about something we've been meaning to introduce to you since you started breaking in all those teeth you have: the toothbrush!

I put some special Baby Einstein toothpaste on your Baby Einstein toothbrush (maybe these utensils will make you really smart as you grow?!?) and put it in your mouth while you played in the tub. Since you like chewing on almost anything, you didn't have much to complain about. You let me brush all through your mouth!

Now we can do something about youir morning breath! (Just kidding!... well, kind of... maybe not!)

- Dad

Day 285 : You Scream, Ice Cream

Sades -

It was a moment of weakness for me. You, your mom and I and your DeeDee and Pops were all at the mall tonight and stopped by Dairy Queen for treats. We all got vanilla ice cream cones and I was holding mine when you got very interested. We all had the cones. It wasn't like I could get you away from them. So I just let you lean in and take a lick.

OH MY GOODNESS! You loved it! You loved it so much that you couldn't think about much else. If you were around any of us, you were lunging at our particular cone.

Your mom and I had always said you'd have nothing "sweet" until your first birthday party, so I was pretty dissapointed in myself for letting this happen 3 months early...

But your mom didn't mind and your DeeDee and Pops were glad they got to witness your first bite of ice cream. They said that when I your Aunt Amy was little, your Great Grandma Eich gave her ice cream when they weren't around and they'd always wished they had gotten to be a part of that moment.

Hope this helped!...

Love ya so much!

- Dad

Day 284 : Us

Sadie -

Your mom had to work late tonight, so we had a "Sades & Dad Hangout Night." We shared some leftover lasagna for dinner and we were going to go to the pool after dinner, but when I couldn't find your swimsuit we ran out of time. Instead, you just played with your toys while wearing only a diaper. You kept offering me a bite of your plastic rings. They were delicious!

After some bath fun, you went right to bed without any trouble. It was a fun evening!
I love having your mom around, but it is cool to have you to myself every once in awhile!

- Dad

Day 283 : Wave on Wave

Sades -

Yesterday it was the wave pool - today it was just the wave...

Your Grandma says that at your age "they do something new everyday!" She is not far off. Grandpa was in the kitchen and started waving at you tonight while you were eating at the dinner table. You didn't miss a beat. You waved right back - which came as a bit of a shock to all of us...

Are you going to talk in full sentences tomorrow? If so, please give a little warning - you talking like a grown-up is liable to freak me out a bit!

- Dad

Day 282 : Stand up and clap your hands!

Sadie -

We went to Six Flags this afternoon to let you play in the water again. You were infatuated with the lazy river (just like last time), and you had no fear of the aqua-current emanating out of the large wave pool.

Mom held your hands as you sat in the edge of the wave pool and you immediately pulled yourself up into a standing position! As if that was not enough developmental excitement for one day, when one of us would hold you up and let you stand in the water, you would clap your hands out of excitement whenever a wave came near...

You sure are growing up... Must be something about the water park that brings it out of you... Are you trying to grow so you can be tall enough to ride the roller coasters with me?

- Dad

Day 281 : Favorite People

Sadie -

You are generally slow to "warm up" to new people or people that you don't see everyday. It even took you several visits to your Grandma's to really get excited about seeing her.

Today we went to the doctor's office again (this time for your nine month check-up; everything is good!) and as we played patiently in the vacant waiting room, I suddenly heard someone talking to you. A young nurse working behind the adminstrative desk had caught you eyeing her and started talking to you... You weren't eyeing her skeptically, though. You were smiling and laughing at her.

Your mom and I have no idea why you felt so comfortable around her instantly... Maybe she reminds you of someone??

Tonight your "Uncle" Ben and "Aunt" Danielle came for a visit and you were quite excited. You LOVE being around Aunt Danielle and when you are not in her arms, you try to get there by batting your eyes and tilting your head at her from across the room. (She loves all this attention, by the way!)

You must be "coming out of your shell" (as they say...)

- Dad

Day 280 : Early Bird Catches the Smiles

Sadie -

Your mom went in your room to wake you up this morning and you were still in dreamland. She said your name and a huge smile and giggle started. You could hardly open your eyes, because they weren't used to the light, but you were instantly glad to be awake! You must know it is Friday!

We dressed you this morning in a new shirt that your mom's friend Lori got you. It is yellow with a picture of a stroller on it and it says "This is how I roll."

Trust me, you'll get it later in life!

- Dad

Day 279 : Nose-y

Sadie -

Mom brought you into the bathroom for "rub-a-dubs" (as we call it!) the other night while I was finishing running your bathwater. I was sitting on the edge of the tub and turned and looked up to see you hanging from your mom's arms - in nothing but a diaper, of course - just inches from my face. You had a very amused look on your face and went directly for my nose. You started pinching it, completely unprovoked or teased. The more you did this, the more amused you seemed and thus, the more amused your mom and I both became.

If you think my nose is funny because it is big, I've got news for you - that sucker is genetically dominant. Your nose could grow to be quite large, too...

- Dad

Day 278 : BoingaBoinga

Sadie -

As you get more and more aware of how to shift your wheight on your feet, the more noise you can make in your bouncy chair (which I am afraid you are quickly going to outgrow...). You have even started to make it sway back and forth when you get tired of moving up and down.

You and your mom have a game. When you are sitting still in the chair, she'll look at you and say, "BOINGA-BOINGA-BOINGA!" You then promptly begin jumping up and down to make the chair make a similar sound. Mom will let you do this for a few seconds and then say "STOP!" You immediately halt and wait for mom to once again say "BOINGA!"

I try this game with you, too, but you seem to think of it as something just for you and mom. (Or you just don't like listening to me when I say "stop"?!?!)

- Dad

Day 277 : Blowin' in the Wind

Sadie -

Mom was excited when I got home tonight. She told me that when you left pre-school this afternoon, she jokingly asked you to say goodbye by blowing a kiss at your teacher - and then YOU DID IT!

Of course, it wasn't exactly a "kiss" - more your version of the custom. You smacked your lips at her from across the room. You are learning to take instruction and you are starting to understand gestures and greetings. It is amazing how quickly you are becoming so aware of the world and how to be a person in it...

- Dad

Day 276 : Baby Brain

Sadie -

I had a coupon for a large discount on a single item at my favorite book and music store in town, so you and your mom and I went yesterday. Your mom and I both looked for items for ourselves, but couldn't find anything we really wanted, so we decided to find something for you.

As soon as we walked into the children's section, I saw the book I wanted to get you from across the room. It was big and red and was called "Baby Brain Superstar." On the front cover was a drawing of a baby in a diaper wielding an electric guitar!! The story is about a baby musical prodigy who starts a rock band!

We bought the book and I read it to you on our short drive home. And then again... And then more tonight!

I may like this silly book more than you right now... But I am just glad you let me read it to you repetitively!

- Dad

Day 275 : Sing Sing

Sades -

You were not happy being left in the church nursery this morning, so after leaving you there and letting you cry it out for awhile, I went and rescued you near the end of the adult church service. We sneaked back in to the grown-up congregation just in time for the last song of the day. We stood and started to sing and suddenly you became animated. As mom held you, you kicked your feet and flailed your arms and you hummed. You were singing with us!

Friends sitting across from us in the congregation even noticed your excitement.

I am SO GLAD that you like music so much already!

- Dad

Day 274 : Two Stooges (and You!)

Sadie -

This morning, you and your mom and I went to Meijer so your mom could look at some dresses she has been wanting to buy. You were in the cart playing with your shopping toy mat and I was trying to help your mom pick up some dresses that had fallen off of a rack. As we both attempted to reach and re-rack the clothing, your mother, in a very accidental way, hit me in the forehead with a hanger that then caused me to rear back out of surprise.

We started to chuckle at the comedy of the situation when we suddenly heard someone else having a laugh... IT WAS YOU! You had seen the whole thing and were CRACKING UP with cute giggles at what you had seen. This just made your mom and I laugh even harder...

- Dad

Day 273 : Blanket Statement

Sadie -

Up until recently, your mom and I have been very cautious about letting you have ANYTHING in your crib (besides you and a sheet, of course!) But as you get older and more mobile and alert, you have started to form quite an attachment to a certain blanket.

This is normal. Most kids have some sort of "lovie" item they use to help calm themselves and to make themselves feel comfortable. Your light little blanket is quite the sleep charm, too. When we are getting ready for bed, I just lean you onto my shoulder and give you the blanket and you are almost asleep within minutes.

Most nights I still come take the blanket out of your crib after you have fallen asleep, though. You can never be too careful, right?

- Dad

Day 272 : Pea on the Floor

Sadie -

You and your mom and I ate at your mom's favorite place tonight: BD's Mongolian Grill. We set you up at the table in a high chair and gave you tortilla and some peas that we brought from home.

Peas are a little hard for you to grip, so for every one you got in your mouth, about three or four fell on the floor. By the end of our time there, peas surrounded the entire side of the table you were on.

Your Grandpa would have said that someone "pea-ed on the floor" (a reference to a silly story I'll tell you when you are older...)

The waiter said I didn't have to clean them up, but I didn't mind. I am just so glad you are adapting so well to eating table food.

- Dad

Day 271 : Peek - A - Freak Out

Sadie -

You scared your mom and I so badly tonight.

It started yesterday, actually.

I was feeding you breakfast, and near the end of the meal I noticed that you started squinting your eyes and grimacing at the end of each bite. I was worried at first, but you quickly asked for another bite and we finished the meal soon thereafter. I didn't think about this again until today.

Today your mom was feeding you and you started with the same behavior. Because you have been sick and have had a cough, we got really worried that something was wrong with your throat. This went on for several bites and mom was on the verge of calling the doctor, when suddenly we noticed you smiling.

It seems - we have since figured out - that you have been playing a game with us.
You have been playing peek-a-boo with the concept that if you can't see us then we can't see you. You must be getting board near the end of the meal and think that a little recreation might make the process of finishing your food more fun.

Mom and I have had several laughs about this now - but you REALLY scared us at first!

You have such a funny sense of humor...

- Dad

Day 270 : Happy Birthday, Mom!

Sadie -

Today is special! Your mom celebrates her birthday today. And, of course - if she hadn't been born, you would not have been born (and I'd be really lonely!)

I put a DVD that we bought for your mom as a birthday present in your crib before you woke up this morning so that when she went in to get your day started she would find it. She thought it was hilarious to see it there!

We have also worked up a funny birthday song-and-dance routine for your mom where I hold you and move your arms while singing in a goofy, high-pitched voice. Your mom laughs every time we do it.

Give Mom extra kisses today!

- Dad

Day 269 : Rest(less)

Sadie -

You woke up with such a jolt last night that it caused your mom and I to wake up out of deep sleep instantly and sit straight up in bed.

The clock said "11:00 PM."

We tried to let you calm down on your own, but you seemed very shaken. When I finally picked you up out of the crib the crying stopped but I could feel your short breath. This congestion and ear ache must have been really getting to you.

Eventually I gave you some milk and some medicine, but you seemed most in need of some quality time. I made us a mat on the floor in the middle of your room and laid you on my chest and wrapped us up in blankets. You fell asleep quickly and so did I.

Mom woke me up after a half hour and I put you back in your crib with no trouble and we heard little from you the rest of the night.

- Dad

Day 268 : Give Me

Sadie -

The developments in you just keep taking form.

Mom was in charge of the church nursery this morning and you kept her company with the other kids there. She fed you lunch during this time and you wolfed down a lot of banana and other food. She got out some fruity cheerios to give to other children in the nursery and you turned all your attention to the cereal box, making it quite apparant that you wanted to try some.

Mom commented that it is quite an adjustement to have you able to execute or at least make known your own free-will all of the sudden.

I think this is where this parenting stuff might start to get a little more challenging... But I'm ready. Bring it on!

- Dad

Day 267 : Sunny and Share

Sadie -

You have been acting like you don't feel well and I noticed when I got home last night that you were running a fever.

Mom and I took you to the doctor this morning to find out you do indeed have another ear infection. The doctor told us to pay special attention to your right ear since that is where you keep getting these infections.

Mom was snuggling you at the doctor's office today while you chewed on one of your toys. Joking with you, mom asked you if she could have a bite. You responded by taking the toy out of your mouth and putting it in hers!!

This is a huge step in understanding how to relate to others! I am glad you are already learning to share.

- Dad

Day 266 : Pick Yourself Up

Sadie -

I've noticed recently that when we rough-house and roll around on the living room floor, you have suddenly found some new strength.

While you have been rolling around on your own for some time and sitting up on your own for sometime, you have now learned to put the actions together. You were sprawled across my legs tonight when you suddenly decided you wanted to sit up. And that is just what you did - you went from lying on your back to sitting straight up, all on your own.

Next thing I know, you are going to be playing Solitaire in your crib when I come to wake you up from your nap...

- Dad

Day 265 : Proof is in the Pudding

Sadie -

So today at pre-school it was "texture" day. Your teachers were showing your class how different substances feel different to the touch.

I am not sure what all the textures you felt were, but one in particular made you particularly happy. Your friend at school Miss Lizzy thought it was so funny she sent a picture of it to your mom.

Let me just describe the picture:

You are seated in a high chair, shirtless and with your hands in the air. The rest of the picture is pretty much just made up of smeared sugar-free pudding - EVERYWHERE! You had it smeared on your face and arms, all over the tray of the high chair...

Let's just say I am glad I didn't have to clean it up, but everytime I look at the picture I have to fight off a hysterical fit of laughter. You look extremely captivated by the whole event.

- Dad

Day 264 : Repeat-er

Sadie –

You hit another amazing milestone this week! Mom started making a popping with her mouth and you started doing it back to her! This may not sound like a huge deal, but the process that goes into seeing or hearing something and then being able to repeat it is complicated and important.

Now that I think about it, it is also overwhelming and scary for me… Please don’t start repeating me when I accidentally say a bad word, okay?

- Dad

Day 263 : Give Me Liberty or Give Me ... Cereal?

Sadie –

You are getting to be so independent! Feeding you used to be a long involved process, but it is becoming less that way every day. Most meal times now I just strap you into your chair and hand you a bottle. When you get done drinking, I pile some finger food on your tray and let you feed yourself. You are getting so good at doing this!

Of course, cleaning up after you eat is a little more involved now… In fact, most days there is usually a moment that happens a half hours or so after you finish eating when the light hits the back of your head or the top of you face a certain way and I realize that you have banana goo or sweet potato dried to your skin somewhere. Hey – nobody said learning to feed yourself wasn’t dirty work!

- Dad

Day 262 : Cooler Than You

Sadie –

Your Dee Dee and Pops were out of town last week so they came over for dinner and to see you tonight when they got back. They were playing with you on the living room floor when I got home this evening. I walked in and said “hello” to you and your grandparents thought it quite cute that you suddenly lost interest in them and got very excited to see me.

Before you were born I had several people tell me that one of the best things about being a dad is the look of excitement you receive when you walk in the door after a long day at the office. I have to agree! What you might not realize is that I am just as excited to see you!

- Dad

Day 261 : Water You Doing?

Saders –

You and your mom and I went to the Six Flags water park in town again today. The last time we went with you, you still weren’t sure what to think of bathing suits and inner tubes and getting wet outside of the bathtub. But since then, we’ve taken you out to the pool several times and you have grown quite fond of summertime water fun.

We went on the lazy river this afternoon and I thought you were going to jump off of my lap and out of the inner tube we were floating in! You were so excited about touching the water. You were lunging and leaning over me trying to touch the cool water for the entire three trips we made around the course.

We even let you stand on the edge of the wave pool. That is right – I was supporting your lumbering upper half while you tried out putting weight on your legs and standing in the water. Waves lapped at your feet and you seemed to really enjoy it. At one point, we even got hit with a big wave that slapped you in the face, but you didn’t get upset. You are fascinated by the water. (This is good, because your mom LOVES water and you loving it will make all of your childhood summers that much easier!)

- Dad

Day 260 : Antlers and Snack Cakes

Sadie –

Our cousin Rachel got married in a town a few hours away today. I went to the ceremony but you and mom stayed at home. After your lunch, mom took you to the library and found books to read with you. One of them is called “If you Give a Moose a Muffin.” She read that to you this afternoon and you enjoyed touching the colored pictures.

I missed you lots at the wedding today, but I think it was good that you didn’t go. I did see a little girl there who is almost exactly your age, and by the reception tonight she was having a hard time happily keeping her eyes open. I am glad you got to have a more comfortable day with mom and a moose and a muffin!

- Dad

Day 259 : The Fourth of July

Sades –

Today is the “4th of July” – also known as Independence Day. Every year on this day, Americans get a day off work to eat, swim, and set off fireworks in remembrance of how our country was founded. You’ll learn about all of the specifics of this when you get older. For now, just know that today is a family day of fun.

Our friend Brian and our friends Steve and Sam and their daughters, Abigail and Joanna, all came over for dinner tonight. We ate corn on the cob and played cards and had a really good time. Abigail thinks you are something special. She spent the parts of the evening when you were both awake trying to attend to your every need. At one point – with all the best intentions – she got you completely barricaded by your toys because she was trying to make sure you had plenty to play with!

See! – I am not the only one who loves being around you!

- Dad

Day 258 : It's My Party...

Sadie -

I took you to pre-school today and you did something you'd never done before. I sat you down when we arrived and you promptly burst into tears.

They say kids always go through a phase where they don't want to be seperated from their parents, but I was not ready for yours to start today.


I think you haven't been feeling good lately and have a little diaper rash which definitely added to your anxiety today.

I hate leaving you when you are crying, but I can't ALWAYS be with you. I sure am glad you like hanging out with me so much, though!

- Dad

Day 257 : Puff the Magic Sadie

Sades -

I got you up this morning and you were starving. I put you in your chair and handed you your bottle. You started sucking it down right away and I turned to do something in the kitchen. A minute or two later I heard you stop drinking and your mom suddenly laughed. I looked over and you were eating a cereal puff - but I hadn't given you any cereal yet. While you were drinking you found it in your chair, leftover from the day before!

Your grandpa would be proud! He loves to eat old and left-over food!

- Dad

Day 256 : What's Up(chuck)

Hey Sades!

Funny story...

Tonight we went out for dinner (you, your mom, and me). When we finished up the delicious Thai (your mom and I have really been missing Thai food recently... When we lived in Arkansas we used to ate at this great little place called... never mind... That's a whole other story that doesn't pertain to the story I am telling now... I tend to get off on tangents sometimes...)

Anyway, after dinner the three of us walked around the mall for a few minutes. I was holding you and mom was goofing off with you by ducking behind polls and walls and playing peek-a-boo. I decided that we should play back with her. You and I ducked into a corner to hide from mom and I heard something hit the ground. I turned to look and didn't see anything. Mom was laughing when we came out but looked concerned. She pointed to a puddle on the ground and then motioned to my shirt sleeve.

Without changing your expression AT ALL, you had thrown up a little of your dinner. You weren't phased at all.

We quit playing peek-a-boo and headed home.

Hours later I realized I never changed my shirt. I just rolled my sleeve up to hide where you had spit up on me.

I guess I am OFFICIALLY a dad now!

- Dad