Govies – its summer so of course I’m pretty busy with Govies. This is the big final push before our big trip out east and then the season will be over. This year more than most, I’m really glad it’s nearing the end. Of course I’ll miss my friends that are in that group, but I just really haven’t had the time or energy this year to really put in 100%. I feel little stretched right now and it shows when I’m super bitter at every rehearsal. What does that mean for the future? I really don’t know right now and if I say I’m not doing it, I’ll get yelled at.

Mom Life – I like that little girl quite a bit. Yesterday she gave me a look that reminded me of old pictures of Jacqueline. I have plenty of days that I don’t think I know what I’m doing at all, but she’s healthy, seems happy and really is a pretty easy baby. My worries always come from food things right now. Am I feeding her enough, am I feeding her a healthy diet, just junk like that. I am REALLY excited though that ECFE classes start up in September again. It will be good to be around other parents.

Self – see comment in govie section about bitterness. It’s pretty much just who I am right now, except with Muiread. I’ll work on that one this fall.

We begin with what’s most important – Miss Muiread. It’s hard to believe she’s 10 months old now. I guess that means I need to put some new pictures up again. (I’ll get to it, there are some pretty cute ones). I find myself doing little videos more and more these days. There are some updated videos on our YouTube site as well. I can’t access that from work to include a link so you’ll have to use one of the previous videos here to get there for now. (I should add a link in the right hand column I suppose)

Muiread is still a peanut but she is growing like crazy. At her 9 month appointment her stats were as follows:

She’s eating like crazy. Loves applesauce, spaghetti O’s, cottage cheese….well honestly, we really haven’t found a food yet she won’t eat. These are just the foods she kicks her feet for. We have tried all sorts of stuff and keep trying more things as she is able to try more “chunky” food. If she would only get some more teeth! (she still only has 2, but we’re pretty sure there are two more on their way finally)

Movement – Let’s see in June she finally started crawling (see video from June 10th), that quickly progressed in to much faster and accurate crawling. Then in July while we were on our trip, she surprised us by pulling up in the hotel crib. (there are pictures). Now all she wants to do is stand up everywhere and cruise around the perimeter of the downstairs. She’s getting pretty good at that too. I’m waiting for the day she let’s go of the couch and is just standing there. (she’s one handing it right now most of the time).

Babbles – Muiread has a lot to say but has no inside voice. I’m pretty sure her first word will be ball, but we’ll still have to wait and see on that one. Everyday when I’m driving her home from daycare, she tells me all about her day. It’s pretty cute even if I have no idea what she’s trying to say. Her other big communication thing is waving. She’s been doing this now for at least a month. She waves to everyone we see. The other day she was even waving at the people on TV.

So those are the big points. I’ll try to do a little better with this in the future, so don’t give up on me yet!!

The first is cool because she makes some sound, looks excited, and looks at me to share her joy:

The second is nice becuase she's kind of singing along at times (and there's good cross hand action!):

Obviously the list got a little silly at times and really none of that made us make our decision, but it is still a fun list. There are some things I think about now that didn't make either list that are interesting (example Govies). Also it's just kind of fun to think how different life was before, during and after that experience.

Anyway, just felt like sharing.

I’m sure there’s more, but I just can’t think right now – it’s too early. Of course there are new pictures in the gallery.

For those of you in Iowa that don’t know, I’m playing Euphonium this year. All that means is by August I should be able to beat any of you in arm wrestling….with my left arm. What I would like to take a moment to mention though is that it would be great to see some of you at a show this year (unless you’re in Govies and then you should be there anyway). I never really have truly solicited my friends to come to shows, but I see some of you so infrequently it would be a great excuse for a trip for you. Now my first year, a few of you did come out…and I was horrible…worst show of my life …and not a happy camper, or polite for that matter. However, things are much better now.

Anyway, here are the show dates so mark your calendar:

This past weekend we traveled to Iowa City for Spring Game. As my sister stated last night, “I thought football was in the fall.” True, but why not gather for food and beverage to watch the Hawks practice. The child to adult ratio is shrinking every tailgate it seems, but they are all so cute that it’s just fine. For many pictures from the event, check out Wendy’s photos. The game was cut a little short due to the cold drizzle that was falling, but it was still a good time. Just nice to be back in Iowa City for a short time.

Next up, 6-month appointment. She’s still itty bitty, but no worries.

Which brings us to the next big event; We started solid food on Tuesday. Day 1 went pretty well, we got smiles, reaches for the spoon and general cuteness. (of course all of this is in pictures and video which will come later). Day 2, not so hot, but I did get a little into her. We’ll just keep trying and hopefully she’ll figure out, “Hey this stuff isn’t too bad and it makes my tummy feel full.

Okay, that’s enough from me. Enjoy.

We’re proud parents and just can’t get over how flippin’ adorable she is.

PS. Of course there are new photos too!