Monday, September 28, 2009

Excuse my Absence

I haven't had much to post lately. I'm not quite sure why exactly. I haven't been absent for any particular reason. It seems like there has been plenty to write about and yet nothing to write about. It has been busy and yet not nearly as busy as usual. Not a very comprehensible excuse I guess, but the truth.

Although she is still over a week away from her birthday, Jillian has turned into a full fledged toddler both physically and emotionally. She walks everywhere these days and is quick too. She has learned to move things too. We used to fence off the dining room because of the dog food and dog door, but unfortunately she is now strong enough to move the fence even when blocked off with the garbage can. Now we have to put the dog food outside (leading to rodent concerns) and block off the dog door (got to watch for when Cujo needs in and out). She climbs on and off of everything, usually remembering to go down feet first but occasionally forgetting and landing on her head before we can stop her. Bruises abound, which bodes well for her 1 year photo session next week.

She becomes easily frustrated these days, which inevitably leads to tantrums. We also seem to have a pincher and biter on our hands as the marks on my face and Jeramy's toes prove. The past couple of weeks she has slept well at night 80% of the time, but getting her to go to sleep is always accompanied by tears. Not even the usual rocking and singing seems to work these days. We've ended up just putting her in the crib to cry for 10 or 15 minutes until she falls asleep. It works, althought it is a bit wearing on all of our nerves. I am flying across the country alone with her in a few weeks, and this is admittedly quite intimidating. I've been trying to think of ways to keep her entertained, prevent her from grabbing inappropriate items like our seat mates drinks and food, stop her from pinching my face and neck and convine her to sleep without too many tears. I am very much hoping the plane won't be full so that we can get an extra seat, but given the airline industry these days I'm fully expecting to be crammed in.

I'm spending the rest of this week trying to clean up and get ready for Jillian's birthday party this weekend. Originally I had grand plans of baking and entertaining. After counting the numbers of attendees that vision quickly changed to survival. It will be fun, but a bit of a crazy crowd. Stay tuned for pictures.

10 comments:

Birdee said...

Even w/o pictures, she's still such a cutie pie, I know she's a handful for you but I can just imagine her little personality.
I would be anxious too flying with a toddler. GL on that, I have no idea on how to entertain a toddler in such crowded confined spaces, I'd be very anxious too.

Cant wait to see Birth Day Pic's.♥

BigP's Heather said...

You are brave flying with a toddler. I have faith you will be fine though.

Kelly said...

Can you even believe it's been a year? I can't! GL with the bday party! Can't wait to see pics:)

jenn said...

I can't believe she's almost a year old already! Can't wait for the pics! I am also flying alone with the pumpkin, but I'm hoping that 7 months means she can stay strapped to me & be less disruptive!

I tagged you on my blog too by the way!

Mike said...

Wishing her the best.


Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com
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Sunny said...

Would it help if Bean and I stayed home from the party? Naaaahhh, forget about it, we're coming anyway. :) At least my DH will be working.

If it makes you feel better, Bean outgrew his desire to mess with Evey's dog food fairly quickly. I still have it in the pantry, but the door is open and Bean walks past it with nary a glance. The garbage container too. Actually, now he will throw things out for us if we ask him. It's awesome.

George said...

Great to see you again! Sounds like you've been busy - and busier planning a big birthday party. Survival rules - I did the same and ordered all the food and cake (baking was a dream that never came true)!

Anonymous said...

If you can stand it try to stick with letting her CIO. It works you've just got to stick with it. I felt terrible at first but after a week Lemy went down with no issue. Good luck with the party! :)

Barb said...

GL with the flying and the party! All that intimidates the hell out of me. I have to ONLY focus on him being a newborn. haha

Nicky said...

I always dread flying, and it always ends up going more smoothly than I expected. Bring a few easily-contained favorite toys, one or two brand new toys, and lots of finger foods. Walk around the plane a lot. Make friends with your seatmates and flight attendants. You'll be fine. :) (And happy early birthday!)