Savannah Aged 5 Months

The best days of my life right now are the Fridays I go south to spend the day with Mandy and Savannah. I don’t even mind the driving! Or the getting up early to make the trip down and return before dark.

On Friday I woke at 6 AM. Brutal. I really dislike getting up so early, but then I think that I sometimes hear my grandmother laughing in the wind, as she used to tease me about sleeping until noon as a teen! I have not slept that late in 35 years, but since I have the four dogs, it is seldom that I can sleep past 8 o’clock!

Anyway, I got down there really early, and I didn’t want to wake Mandy if she and Savannah were asleep, so I sat in the car resetting my seat. I have one of those automatic seats which somehow got reset incorrectly when it was in the shop. I finally got it on my third attempt!

Then I got out and rang Mandy’s buzzer and then…there they were! My girls! Mandy and Savannah!

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Savannah has discovered her tongue. She loves to stick it out and loves it when you do the same to her! Then she laughs and smiles and has a good old time!

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We played at the apartment for a while before heading out to get a little shopping done. Savannah is already a great little shopper!

After lunch we went back to the apartment and Mandy was getting Savannah changed. That child just loves having those diapers changed. On top of that she is a real ham!

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What a blessing and a joy she is in our lives!!!

After Effects

I was concerned, only slightly, about Hurricane Sandy. The track of that storm, was south of us, and did not appear to be headed our way. Still, I prepared with food and water, and gas for the generator.

I also baked and cooked meals, and generally kept myself busier than usual, to burn off the extra energy that I had. Stress does that to me.

As I predicted, Sandy went south west of us, and all we had was a little wind and rain. We did lose our internet and cable, but never did lose our power. Funny how that worked. I couldn’t communicate “online” for nearly 24 hours and I felt so isolated! I started telling myself I needed a “Smart Phone”.

Of course, by the time our cable came back, the thought of an expensive “Smart Phone” vanished and life went on.

The next day dawned dark and gloomy. We heard that it would rain off and on most of the day, and it did. Then, around dinner time, my weather bug went off on my computer telling me that a Thunder Storm was headed our way, with severe lightening, winds, and rain. The storm was moving at 65 miles per hour and was already in Concord. Next stop…our home!

Hubby ran out to put the fruit tree ladders on the grass, and turn over our patio table. No sooner had he come in, then the storm began!

The one good thing was, going 65 miles an hour, the storm blew by us pretty fast. And lucky for us, the real damaging winds were further west from us. A heavy down-burst hit Franklin, New Hampshire and destroyed a few houses!

Wednesday arrived with gray skies, which cleared from time to time. Hubby worked in the yard clearing some fallen branches, and as usual, I was cooking.

My heart breaks for all those along the Northeastern Coast of the United States, who have lost their homes to Hurricane Sandy. So, so, sad!

Meanwhile, it was Halloween today and Mandy sent me a picture of Savannah! I leave you with this bit of sweetness!

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Blessings

On Friday I drove down early to see Mandy and Savannah. I left really early, because Mandy wanted to take Savannah into her work to introduce her. Mandy had her all dressed up in the cutest pink dress and ballerina tights for her debut!

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Then we went off to do some shopping. Both of us needed a few things, and this time Macy’s came through with a few deals. We also walked through the mall, and I was able to pick up a cheap copy of “Love Actually”! I was so happy.

We stopped for lunch, and there we were in a noisy restaurant, and Savannah slept through it all. I know I could not do that. I need either silent rooms, or the low white noise of the TV. But slept, she did.

We visited Trader Joes, and I learned that the Christmas Stollen (Fruit Bread), and the Lebkuchen (cookies) from Germany won’t be in until mid November.

Then we headed back to Mandy’s place and began snapping pictures. If you ever have trouble getting a picture of a baby or young child, use the paparazzi setting on your camera. It works so well.

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Savannah and Mandy.
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Pulling her Mom’s hair.
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Savannah and Grandma!

I can’t believe how fast she is growing up! She loves to sit up now and actively reaches and plays with her toys. She talks to Mandy and to her toys.

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And I as her Grandma, am amazed!

Savannah Age 4-1/2 months

On Friday morning I headed down to see Mandy and Savannah. Oh, how I just love these visits with my girls! It is so wonderful to see how Savannah is changing each time I go for a visit!

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Friday she went to the Pediatrician for her check up and vaccinations. She was 18 and a quarter pounds (or 8.31 kg). She is now 25 inches long (or 63.5 cm). She is one happy, healthy, baby girl!

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After her visit to the pediatrician and her shots, she was exhausted and just crashed out! We stopped and had a light lunch, and Savannah slept through the entire thing.

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You know, when I look into that beautiful face, I realize how blessed we are to have Savannah with us.

Savannah Rose 4 Months Old

I went down on Friday to see Sweet Savannah Rose. What a doll she is. I was amazed at all the little changes, and the big changes as well. She now wants to play, and reaches for toys. Also today we brought Savannah shopping for a bouncing chair and we found one that Mandy and I liked, but…Savannah had different ideas! She liked another one, and so in her first shopping selection ever, we allowed her to buy the bouncy chair of her dreams!

Savannah and her chair

Fisher Price Discover and Grow

I was amazed how she very clearly got her point across that this was the seat for her. She is strong. She can easily stand on her feet, and loves to do this. Her neck is also strong and she holds her head well. I have a feeling that she will be a very happy girl in her new chair.

I also took a little video of her playing with her silly Grandma! That’s what I call myself! She just laughs!

Savannah Rose

On Friday I went down and babysat Savannah Rose while Mandy had two doctor’s appointments. She had grown so much and changed too! No longer a little baby, she is now more aware and alert!

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We watched a little Sesame Street, rolled around on the floor and I played with her trying to get her to make vocalization noises. I would say “AHHHHHHH” and tap my mouth like and Indian. Then when she started to do it, I tapped lightly on her mouth so she made the sounds too! Oh she just loved that!

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She is totally beautiful and very sweet! You should have seen me, on the floor crawling around and then this little gal must be going through a growth spurt because she is just chugging her bottles!

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As you can see, her eyes are staying light blue and gorgeous! I am simply a sucker for blue eyes!

Well, this old Grandma needs to get a nighty on and go to bed.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Aloha! On August 21, 1959 Hawaii officially became a US state. Have you ever been? Upon arrival would you prefer an orchid or a hibiscus to tuck behind your ear?

I’ve never been, but I would love an orchid. I would also enjoy going there.

2. Since we’re talking tropical…what’s your favorite food or beverage made with pineapple?

Sadly, I am allergic to pineapple! I wish I weren’t because the one time I had pineapple I loved it. That was, until I broke out!

3. Do you believe in soul mates? Explain.

Yes. I do not think it a “soul mate” is necessarily limited to one’s spouse or significant other. I am lucky to have several friends who are truly “soul mates” for me.

4. Share a memory about the house you grew up in.

You could run around the house in a circle, from room to room on the first floor. As kids we would chase each other. It was a blast!

5. Are you comfortable with silence?

Oh yes! Sometimes I crave it! Sometimes silence is hard to find. In the winter, when it snows, I go outside and stand there and listen to the silence!

6. You spot a giant spider on your bedroom wall…what’s your next move? (all spiders are giant, right?)

I’m not crazy about spiders, but not scared about them either. I would get up on a chair, with a kleenex and squash it!

7. My idea of fun does NOT include having a root canal.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I had a chance to go down and visit with Mandy and Savannah. She is getting so big and grown up! Soon she will be turning over and moving more. It is going by so fast!

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A Visit With My Girls!

I went down to see Savannah Rose and Mandy on Monday. What a great time I had. I just love Mandy so much, and I really love seeing her as a Mom. She is just the best!

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As you can see, Savannah’s eyes are getting blue-er by the minute!

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I got home very late and Hubby and I didn’t even eat dinner until nearly 9 PM. I’ve got a dentist appointment in the morning, but I promise I will write more about the visit and put in a few more pictures. For now, I need to get to bed!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen miscellaneous things.

  1. Savannah Rose is now two months old! She weighs 13 pounds and is 23 inches long!
  2. 2 months

  3. I’ve been screwing up with my eating lately. On Wednesday I weighed in and I was shocked. So it is back on track for me.
  4. This is tough because in the summer I love to eat all the things that one shouldn’t eat, like chips and burgers and dips.
  5. I told Hubby that now I need to eat, fruit and vegetables, and cut out the junk! I’ll report in each week and I hope that keeps me honest!
  6. It was so wonderful to see the Women’s Gymnastic Team win the Gold Medal at the Olympics!
  7. I also loved seeing the joy on Marta Karolyi’s face! She was so proud of her girls!
  8. Love, love, love, the tennis as well. I’m hoping Roger Federer wins the gold.
  9. I’ve been watching a lot of the Olympics. Both on the TV and online.
  10. Favorite sports, gymnastics, swimming, diving and equestrian.
  11. I found that watching the fencing was sort of interesting, but I did not understand the rules at all. Or the point structure.
  12. Hubby knows it all. He is a real sports aficionado! Thank goodness.
  13. The peaches in the yard are getting pink and lovely. We’ll be picking soon.
  14. When I got the munchies today, I looked around, panic in my mind! I ran to the fridge and got a long stalk of celery. I chewed and chewed until I felt more under control. Boy, losing this weight is really going to be a challenge!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. I’m joining my daughter1 in the 101 in 1001 challenge. Essentially you create a list of 101 things you hope to do or accomplish in the next 1001 days. What’s one thing you’d put on your list?

We’re talking about my office again. Really it is just terrible. It’s on the other side of my house, and I avoid looking in at all costs. The other thing is my closet. I desperately need to clean it out and get things together to donate.

2. How many remote controls do you have in your house? What’s one item in your home you wish could be operated by remote control?

Five. Just for our family room TV/DVD/VHS/Satellite. Then two in our bedroom and two in the guest room and then 3 remotes for the air conditioner and one for the sun awning. I’m the only one who knows which ones work on what, and how to operate them. One thing I wish worked on remote? The door to let the dogs in and out!

3. What does having it all mean to you? Is it attainable?

Some people are pretty screwed up about this. Having it all to me means, sharing life with the ones I love. Good health and happiness. The rest will take care of itself.

4. What’s your favorite movie soundtrack?

It’s got to be The Sound of Music! What beautiful songs! Second favorite….The Lake House. No sung words, but beautiful themes.

5. Describe the best view you’ve seen from a rooftop.

I think it was when we went to the top of the Empire State Building in New York. It was a nice day and the view of the city was beautiful! But, I tend to dislike heights, so I don’t go up that high too often.

6. What’s your least favorite thing about summer?

When it gets too hot. You can only take off so many clothes. I much prefer winter, as you can always add another layer.

7. Our weekly Hodgepodge falls on the first day of August. In ten words or less sum up your July.

Crazy. Root canal. Beautiful Savannah. Vegetables. Dill Pickles. Greek Festival.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Savannah Rose is now 2 months old! Can you believe that? It’s gone so fast, and yet, it always seems like she has been here, and always that I have known her!

Savannah 2 months