Update

Sorry I've been such a slacker with blogging.  We've been busy around here.  Emma and I have been visiting the library two days a week for baby storytime.  She loves it and it's been so good for her.  When we first started going, she would cling to me and fuss if she wasn't with me the whole time.  Now she will play and wander away a little (but not too far).  She loves looking at the books and especially at the other babies.  She's fascinated with other people.  We've also started music class, which is once a week.  The rest of the week is spent running errands.  She loves grocery shopping with me (thought not if I take too long) and probably thinks she lives at Target.  Walgreens and CVS are fun because the carts are small, so she feels like a big girl.  Although to me, she IS a big girl.  We've only gotten to play in the pool (our small pool from Walmart) once, but she loved it....after a few minutes.  She chilled out in her float until she figured out how to kick her legs and move in the water.  I hope she loves to swim!  Our swing-set is up in the backyard, and she really likes swinging in her toddler swing too.  Pretty much anything outside she loves.  Our little crawler also pulled up for the first time yesterday.  It's hard to believe that she wouldn't even put weight on her legs only 4 or 5 months ago.  I have been trying to babyproof the house the best I can, though she still doesn't seem to have much interest in getting into things.  Other than the entertainment center...she loves it.  She is developing quite the personality, complete with her parents' stubbornness and temper.  Even the pediatrician commented on her temper.  It's a good thing she has her looks going for her!  We don't go anywhere without people coming up to us and telling us how pretty she is (yes I'm bragging, but what mother doesn't think her baby is the best looking?).  Usually it's nice, but I still have a hard time with the people who think they can touch her.  Like babies are community property.  Yes, please get germs and bacteria all over my baby...I can't wait to care for a sick, fussy baby who won't sleep!  Please give me your address so I can send you a thank you note!  Obviously I'm not talking about people we know...only total strangers.  Honestly, it's just creepy.  I know I'm a mother, because I worry about many things, one being my daughter being kidnapped.  That's where the separation anxiety comes in handy...I know she would scream bloody murder if anyone tried to take her!  I just hope that her very strong desire to be with me now will get me through the preteen and teenage years...I already dread that.

In other great news, we've made the transition from formula to milk!  We tried whole milk, which wasn't good.  She's drinking soy milk, but she seems to like it.  Hopefully the days of paying $22.50 for formula are over!  Figures...this week our formula is on sale at Kroger.  It never went on sale when I needed it!  But my stockpile of coupons is out, so it's good timing.  And I found coupons for Silk soy milk!  Emma has started being pickier about what she eats...I so hoped we would bypass that, because she's always been so great at eating anything and everything.  But I can't complain too much...she spits out foods like pasta and other tablefood and prefers her fruits and veggies.  I've been flash freezing as much fresh fruit and veggies as I can find on sale.  Food prep is much easier now.  Last night I made Tomato & Hamburger, a recipe I found for a toddler-friendly meal.  It consisted of pasta, ground turkey or beef, carrots, peas, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.  Emma tried it and ate leftovers for lunch today...even Nick ate it, which is saying a lot (usually I have to sneak veggies in his food).  I hope she will always love fruits and veggies.

Well, sorry about the long post, but I haven't updated in quite a while.  Most of my time online is spent printing coupons and store deals!  I'm trying to decrease our grocery bills, and am making progress on stockpiling our necessities.  Especially personal hygiene items, diapers and wipes, and BBQ sauce!  If anyone spots some mac & cheese or boxed stuffing mix on sale, let me know!