Dear Elise,

Momma realizes that you are starting to readjust your waking schedule, but we need to come to a compromise.  I loved the winter mornings when you slept until 10am.  When we both woke up together.  When I rolled over and peeked over the pillow in between us to see your little toothless smile.  I also loved when every once in while you would sleep until 10:15 or 10:30 and give me a chance to have my morning cereal and milk before scooping you out of bed.  Then a couple weeks ago you starting getting me up around 9am.  I thought "eh, no biggie, I'll take 9 over 7am any day!"  So, 9am it was... we had to get up and start watching Regis & Kelly.  Momma adapted.  Then a while after that you decided that 7:30 or 8am was a more appropriate time to be up and playing.  Momma is still trying to adapt to that, but we're making it.  I stay awake and play in bed with you for about an hour, and then you repay me by going back to sleep for about 45 minutes to an hour... which is takes me about 20-30 minutes just to fall back asleep.  So, that very small window of opportunity is just a tease and leaves me longing for one more hour!  But then this morning, at 4:30 I am awakened to the playful sounds of your "ooohhhh"  "eeehhhh" and "aahhh."  This is where I draw the line!!  I refuse to get up and play with you at 4:30am!  Being up at that hour is unnatural as it is, but being awake and wanting to play is ludicrous!  Do you remember last night around 11:15 when Momma woke you up to feed you before she went to sleep?  And do you remember how very angry and upset you were to have your peaceful slumber interrupted?  Well, that's kind of how your Mommy feels at 4:30am.  So, I hope you and I can reach an understanding about getting up in the mornings.  How about this?  If I don't wake you up past 9:30pm and you don't wake me up before 8am?

Love,

Mommy

First Easter

Jason, Elise, and I went to Nana & Grandpa's yesterday.  Since the Easter bunny in Canyon is going through the recession still, the one in Pampa was generous enough to leave Elise a new walker!  She loves it!  She loves to be able to sit up and look around.  The toys keep her entertained too.  She was dressed up in a pretty pink dress.  We played outside and took a walk sine the weather was nice.  Next Easter we'll be hunting eggs!

On another note, I have been working on getting Elise on a schedule with naps, feedings, bed time, etc.  It was hard to have her a schedule in the beginning because all she did was eat and sleep and she did that whenever she wanted to.  I operated around her, but now after keeping things consistent we have finally got on a good schedule.  The best thing about having her on a schedule is nap time.  She tends to fight going to sleep, but now she has come anticipate going down.  I watch the clock and when she's been up for 2 hours in the morning, we start to wind things down, no playing, I'll hold for a few minutes while she settles down.  Then I lay her in our bed, give her the paci, and sometimes she turns right over and closes her eyes.  Other times she'll fuss, but I will lay with her and Shhh her and she'll go right to sleep.  I try to get her take a good nap in the morning and one in the afternoon.  At 8 o'clock every night she gets a bath, lotion, and jammies.  Then she eats and goes to bed.

A schedule is my best friend, but it took some time to get her on one.  I'm hoping we can get her night time sleeping on some type of schedule too.  She wakes up in the middle of the night at random times and has recently started waking up earlier in the mornings.  She has become so aware of her environment and all the new things, that she can't wait to wake up and play.  She hates to sleep because she's fearful she will miss something!

Finally! Someone My Size!

Elise's friend, Scout came to visit her.  Scout will be 5 months old in about a week, so they are only about 2 weeks apart!

 It was almost bed time!

 These are our feet!

 Elise wanted to play with Scout's feet because she had bunnies are her's!

 Scout's thinking maybe she can get Elise's hand in her mouth to play with too!

The Camera Loves Me

First Time Swimming!

We took Elise up to the WT swimming pool this evening.  She wasn't quite sure what to think.  The water was a little cooler and much more of it than her little bathtub.  I was so proud of her.  She didn't cry once.  Hopefully next time we'll get a few smiles!

Sports Illustrated Called...

They're Looking For Their Next Swimsuit Model

Poosplosion!

Jason, Elise, and I were headed to do a little grocery shopping this afternoon.  Jason lifted her car seat out and noticed a little poop on her socks, legs, and blanket.  After further examination, we had to put our shopping trip on hold and immediately head for home!  After we got her out of the car seat, I just put her in the kitchen sink and sprayed her off with the nozzle.  It's was the best option I had for that mess!