Author: Brand_New_World_Betsy

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Long legs

IMG_1576.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Eliza’s one-piece outfits are quickly becoming too short. Time to go shopping soon. It’s kind of hard to find clothes for baby girls without the following annoyances:

  • ruffles (especially on the butt!)
  • a collar that constantly sticks up, rubbing against her face
  • gendered words like “princess,” “precious,” and “angel”
  • bows and flowers that stick up (why??)
  • pastel colors, especially pink
  • stretchy bow headbands (YIKES! you’ll never catch Eliza dead in one of those)

All we want is simple: soft, comfortable, functional, cute but not cutesy, easy to take on and off, easy to care for clothes made out of good quality cotton, fleece, or terry. Eliza is not a doll, she is a kid. She wants to feel good while sleeping and playing in her clothes.

Ok, I’m done ranting now.

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Exploring the world

IMG_1553.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Eliza is starting to “use” her hands more. If you offer her something, she will grab onto it for a while. Here, she explores the interesting textures of a “Taggies” book, a wonderful gift from our friend Chrysty. It seems like Eliza is changing by the minute. You can almost see her brain working overtime.

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meeting Papaw




IMG_1511.JPG

Originally uploaded by griffey

Eliza met Papaw (my dad) for the first time yesterday. They became fast friends, especially because Papaw sang and talked to her a lot. He was amazed at how much she smiles and how bright her eyes are, drinking in the world.

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My hands work!

elizabee1.jpg

Eliza is learning to bat at things with her hands. She’s not great at it yet, but it’s fun to watch her work at it. Finally, all those things that hang down from all the baby gear are useful!!!

And update on the post-shot trauma: she had a freakout yesterday afternoon, but has been fine today. Last night she slept for her longest stretch to date: from 8:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., then again from 5:30 to almost 10:00. And she has napped throughout the day. I think the vaccinations took a lot out of her.

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The cousins



IMG_1445.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Here is a great pic of Eliza and cousin Parker, both right around 9 weeks old, hanging out at Nana’s house. Eliza is dainty compared to the big guy. They’re both absolutely adorable and starting to develop personalities. Parker coos and “talks” a lot, especially to his stuffed animals. Eliza is much more quiet than Parker (aka “Toot”) but smiles a lot, especially when you talk/sing to her. In the background is a gorgeous quilt made by Jason’s grandmother.

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Eliza’s big day out



IMG_1405.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Eliza is 2 months old today! I had to take her to a departmental meeting, unfortunately. And then we got stuck in the elevator on the way out. No, I’m not kidding. She could sense that I was freaking out, I think, so she cried a lot but eventually I was able to rock her to sleep in her car seat while we waited for help. I lost track of how long we were in there (probably not long), but it felt like forever. I’m not really claustrophobic, but it was really hot in there, and by the end of the experience, my nerves were totally shot. All things considered, Eliza and I did okay at keeping our cool, though. A memorable outing to say the least…and I’ll never get on that elevator again, with or without her.

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Kickin’ it old school



IMG_1357.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Eliza is loving her new crib toy. It plays music and animal sounds when you kick it. She’s just starting to kick a lot, so this toy is perfect. I don’t know that she’s doing it on purpose, but it makes her quite happy, regardless. We got it because Eliza’s little friend Jace loved this same toy when he was smaller. We noticed how great it was when we visited his mom and dad, Tacia and Loren, in Durham, NC.

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Brand_New_World Friends

Eliza’s new friend

Eliza has a new friend: Amelia Anne Gunnels, born 2/7/08 (less than 8 weeks after Eliza!). Welcome to the world, Amelia! Eliza (and I) can’t wait to meet you. And huge congrats to mommy, daddy, and big brother. A trip to Atlanta is in order this Spring, for sure!

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First walk



IMG_1207.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Because it was unseasonably warm, Eliza took her first walk yesterday afternoon! She seemed to enjoy it, but she was a little shocked by the sunlight (our house tends to be dark, due to an unfortunate lack of windows). Jason, Eliza, Indy, and I all walked down Lake ODonnell Road for a few minutes, and it was amazing how such a simple act made me so happy.

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Stuffy baby nose

Lately, Eliza has a seriously stuffy nose when she wakes up in the mornings. The doctor has suggested saline drops in her nose and a humidifier in her room. So Jason is making a pit stop on the way home tonight. It’s the saddest thing in the world to hear her struggling to breathe while she drinks from her bottle. But hopefully she’ll be better in the morning. She doesn’t have a fever or anything, so it’s just normal baby stuff. But it’s still tough to listen to and not be able to help!