Best Buddies

Miriam and Maddie are just as in love as ever.  Miriam squeels with delight anytime she sees a kitty or doggie when we are out.  She lets them lick her toes and giggles with delight when a doggie's wild tail whips her in the head.  Zero fear of animals.  Wonderful, and also slightly terrifying as her mother.

Regardless, Miriam holds a special place in her heart for her kitty.  She will chase Maddie around the house now, and is the second thing she will crawl to every morning when Jason brings her into our room (second only to mama...she has the milk).  Yesterday we spent a few extra moments cuddling and scratching our kitty love because my brother had to put his 3 year old kitty down after discovering a chronic condition that was causing Chazzz a lot of pain. He is heartbroken and we are heartbroken with him.  Chazzz was a sweet kitty with a wonderful temperament.  Yesterday reminded me to love my Maddie everyday.  She is almost 16 and has more frequent moments of kitty dementia and general craziness, but that kitty was there before marriage, before Miriam, before Arizona.  Maddie's snuggles have seen me through many tears & just as many celebrations.  Unfortunately it took such a shock to remind me to take the time to love my sweet pet.

A few more updates on our family's comings and goings...

It's summer...well Jason reminded me it isn't technically summer, to which I replied, "school is out, it's hot...it's summer!"  Summer means Flagstaff Hullabaloo -- woohoo!  Lots of fun was had by all.

Summer also means weekend hikes. Jason with his carry on...

Enjoying the view...

I now I've told you how social Miriam is, and it is so true.  She would rather be out and about than stuck at home most of the time.  She will go to anyone who opens their arms to her (again, wonderful, and slightly terrifying for mama) and charms everyone at stores, restaurants, parks...

All dressed up for a morning out downtown...

One of her new favorite activities...tearing apart mom's purse.  It's contents are purposefully baby friendly; pulling everything out and exploring can entertain her for a solid 10-15 minutes...not bad.  I love watching how intently she pulls things out and meticulously explores the items. This was on the floor of The Mix where we stopped for coffee.

Of course, sometimes those moments at home are just as lovely.  I love this sweet face she's making after she got me up with the sunrise last week. 

"Look into my eyes...you are getting very sleepy...".  Ummm of course I'm sleepy, it's 5:00am!!

"Someone's gotta get some work done around here..."

This weekend Miriam is going to her first birthday party!  My friend's daughter is turning 5, and Miriam - AKA Baby Hammer to my friend's daughter, will be attending the soiree. It's also the Wine & Food Festival Saturday evening, and we just got Miriam a baby pool that we will use this weekend to beat the record heat.  Have a great summer weekend!

Mama and Me

Miriam started sleeping through the night a couple weeks ago, and while I was pretty happy to get a full night's sleep for the first time in 10 months, something strange happened.  I missed her.  Silly right?  I missed our middle of the night nursing sessions and cuddles.  It's rare she lets me cuddle her other than night time now a days.  In a weepy mama moment, I looked through all of her pictures on my phone while she slept soundly down the hall.  I reflected on how much by baby had grown, but I also noticed that we only had like 2 photos of she and I together. Unacceptable.  So, I had Jason take a few in our back yard as we were out the door to Phoenix.  I LOVE this picture.  I can look at it at night when I miss her and smile:) 

On the Move...

Miriam learned to crawl when we were at the Homewood Suites in Phoenix.  Apparently a change of scenery and the warm weather gave her that last bit of motivation.  Now we are home she is scooting all over the house, getting into things she shouldn't, and already trying to pull herself up to stand. She does this odd crawl hybrid where she plants her right foot on the ground and drags her left leg behind; it's surprisingly effective!

In PHX, we spent time with friends we knew from Clemson who also lived in Flagstaff with us for awhile.  They have 3 kiddos & lots of fun things for M to enjoy, including 2 doggies! With Jason around the fire pit.

Miriam has really picked up her eating.  She went on a "mush" strike and refused to let us feed her anything.   This is one area we really see her independent streak; she must feed herself, and she must use the spoon, not mama.  Unfortunately, she didn't quite have the dexterity at first that her perceived maturation desired, but she's coming on lately with the spoon, finger foods, and feeding herself from a food pouch.  Her favorites are hummus on anything, eggs, cheese, meats, tomato, avocado, squash, & sweet potato; although, she's eaten everything we've put in front of her to date with the exception of mushrooms.  Mushroom ravioli was spit right back out! This moment below had be rolling laughing -- "eating" her first pizza.

When we came back from Phoenix we celebrated our first Mother's Day since M's arrival.  I was curious what it would feel like to be a mother on Mother's Day, and it was a pretty normal, nice day.  Good food and  lots of snuggly time together.  Very lucky to be this little girl's mama.

Showing off her sweet new shades after Mother's Day brunch.  These things crack me up.  I think she knows they are awesome too because she laughs every time we put them on.

Miriam LOVES shopping.  Her favorite is the grocery store because she can gnaw on veggies and yogurt containers.  Last week she was chowing down on a roma tomato.

Her hair is getting so long!!  I've started clipping it back when we go out because it is hanging in her eyes.  Not even sure what to do with all these gorgeous locks.

This picture is from ages ago - shortly after we moved in - I think she's about 7 or 7.5 months.  Jason and I cracked up when we found it today - Miriam & Maddie pose for a serious shot.  Reminds me of this.

Just us messing around with the camera.  Miriam really likes the camera, it's actually getting harder to get pictures of her because she'll dive for the camera or my phone every time she sees it come out.  She spends a lot of time laughing and screaming with excitement.  Generally over tickles & kisses, daddy, her kitty cat, or whenever other people laugh.  Total strangers can laugh in a store and she'll look at them and try to join in -- "good one guys!"  She is SO social & wants to be buddies with everyone (as long as all they talk about is how adorable and funny she is:))

"Seriously with the hat & pictures, mom?!? I'm trying to relax by the pool."

Just to evidence her getting into things she shouldn't...the pile of recycling was just too much temptation to bear...

In case you were wondering why my blog posts are fewer and farther between lately, this is what happens when I bring out the computer and camera to upload pictures...

It is summer around here for sure and other than the nasty winds we get at least twice a week, which keeps us inside, we are at the park, in the back yard, and taking lots of walks.  We still detest yard work, and just do what we have to, but at least we care more now because we own our house.  Getting new patio furniture next weekend though so we can enjoy our yard with a glass of wine and dinner...more our idea of enjoyable yard work:)

Stopping for a Breather

Whew - things have been a bit hectic at the Hemmer house. Jason has been traveling like mad over the past month - he's been in our house about 4 days over the past 3 weeks.  He is in Brazil currently, and next week we are all going to Phoenix together, at least we'll be together next week.  We are looking forward to the sun, pool, and shopping:)  I've been busy keeping M out of trouble, working, and setting up the house.  It's coming together and I PROMISE pictures soon.

This weekend we got back from our spring 2013 east coast grandparents tour.  Miriam traveled really well again, in spite of cutting her first 2 teeth on our flight from Phoenix to Providence!  Jason, Miriam, and I were in Massachusetts and Rhode Island together visiting Jason's family.  Miriam met her Grandma and Grandpa Hemmer, Uncle, Aunt, and 2 cousins. Miriam and I also drove down to Delaware and spent a week with my parents while Jason was at training in Phoenix.  It was a really relaxing week together. I LOVE watching Miriam with her grandparents, it is so sweet.

I spent my mornings cuddling with Grandpa Bailey:)

With Auntie Cindy and Cousin Emelie.  Emelie was a doll and gave M lots and lots of hugs and kisses!

Seeing the Atlantic Ocean for the first time!

With daddy in Bristol, RI at mom and dad's favorite seaside drink spot.

Enjoying Friendly's ice cream.

Auntie Cindy signed me up for a Gymboree class, I loved it!!

With Cousins Emelie and Juliette at the Providence Zoo.

Hanging out with Grandpa Hemmer in his chair.  His beard is silly!

On our way to DE; Girls Only Road Trip!

Snuggles with Grandma

Getting some work done in Grandpa Bailey's office.

Giggles with Grandma and Grandpa Hemmer

In the midst of all this madness we learned that my grandmother passed away. Thankfully she did not suffer, passing away quietly in her sleep, but it was such a shock to us.  My grandmother was 79 years young, active, full of joy, and loved by her whole family.  We will miss her.  She came to Arizona when Miriam was 3 months old and we had the most wonderful visit; I will forever cherish those memories.

Miriam is a joyful, curious, charming 9 month old.  She loves to laugh, and will stare down strangers until they smile at her.  She learned to wave and point, a skill she will use on any person / animal / inanimate object she perceives important.  M is pretty vocal and makes the sweetest darn noises; I especially like it when she points and talks, it is like she is really trying to tell me something.  She's close to crawling, but not quite there yet, all in good time.

Hard for me to believe that my teeny baby girl will be 1 soon.  We went to the pediatrician today and they told me my next visit as at 1 year...it seemed so strange to hear!  She got a clean bill from the doc and is 29 and 3/4 in. long (94%), 18lb 8oz (54%), & her head is 64% -- we say she's finally growing into her head!!

I'll try to make the next update before 2 months from now:)

M

7 months (almost 8!) looks pretty good on her. M is up to her usual tricks: smiling, laughing, staring, and increasingly on the move.  She hasn't figured out crawling or pulling up yet, but pivots and scoots around on her belly and back.  SO HAPPY the weather is improving around here.  It means lots more walks, hikes, and outdoor activity.  Jason heads to Pittsburgh on Sunday, which begins his whirlwind traveling schedule for the next month or so. Luckily, included in that is a trip to Massachusetts to see Jason's parents, brother, sister-in-law, and our 2 nieces, a trip to Delaware to see my parent's, and Phoenix while Jason does a training for work (and M and I visit IKEA and the pool!).  Lots of excitement!  I've started working a few hours a week from home for NAU, and I am loving it.  I'm really fortunate to have a great employer who allows me to work on projects for them while taking care of Miriam.  We do take the occasional trip onto campus; tomorrow M is joining me for a coffee meeting at the Union - what fun!  Here are some photos of Miriam from the past month.

Smiley girl!!

Out to lunch for mommy's birthday.

"Listen here kitty, I'm in charge around here!"

Ready for a St. Patrick's Day lunch 

Ooo Thomas the Tank Engine is on

Cutest picture ever.  My friend brought her 7 week old over and we took their picture together.  M reached down and grabbed her hand...so sweet!!

Ready for spring!

Miriam loves the swing.  There is a park a few minutes from our new house and we go at least once a week to walk, swing, and watch the other kiddos play.

Doing some morning exercises

She seriously loves pulling on the string hanging down from her highchair

Smiles:) :)

Kitchen swimming

Snow day dress up party.  M and I played dress up while daddy hung her curtains.

Yummy!  M isn't totally sold on this whole solid food thing, but she's trying lots of new things.  Generally though she likes all different fruits, sweet potatoes, squash, avocado, & bananas.