Last day in New Mexico

We woke up this morning and headed to church. I have never been to a Catholic Church and I felt quite out of place. There were to many things specific to that church that I didn't know what they were doing half the time or if I should participate. We stopped by this restaurant Frontier and got some breakfast then headed back to the house to finish packing. I took some more video of the girls together and then we headed up to the airport. I made sure to grab snacks this time so that Alayah wouldn't scream the whole way back to Denver. The airport wasn't too crowded when we got there and we were able to get through security pretty quickly. It was sad though when I had to put all of our stuff on the conveyor thing Alayah wouldn't put her blanket on it so I figured we could just carry it through with us. Wrong. They made me put it on there and Alayah started screaming and the TSA people were telling her they were sorry and they were hurring trying to get it scanned so she could have it back. I waited to be the last person on the plane hoping to avoid another scene like before. Let me say that Alayah was looking out the window as we left the gate and I was pointing things out to her. By the time the plane was starting down the runway she was asleep. She slept the entire way back. Ahh...such peace. The only bad thing was the flight was so turbulent I thought I was going to be sick. It kept dropping and shaking so bad my drink was spilling. Luckily we made it back safely. I am so glad that Alayah was able to meet her brother and sister. I hope this can be a yearly trip.

Aquarium and Zoo

Today we took the girls to the zoo and to the Aquarium. Alayah loves the aquarium. She enjoys looking at all the fish and standing next to the glass. We finally got Imani to give Alayah a hug too. It was so cute.


Checking out the Stingrays





The girls first hug

After the aquarium we headed over to the zoo to get some lunch before we started checking out the animals.


Posing by the Polar Bears


Chillin' by the seals


By the time we left the girls were exhausted. I picked up some cute shirts for Alayah from both places so she can keep them. Today was definitely a fun day. :)

Konked out after a hard day

Day 2

Cuddles


Watching Cashmere tie his shoes


Today we took the kids to get their pictures taken together. Alayah wasn't really in the mood and didn't really want anything to do with sitting next to her siblings. We got some good shots though. The girls looked cute in their matching outfits. We took Cashmere home and then we were going to take the girls to see the movie "UP". Unfortunately, right after we bought our tickets and got our snacks...someone pulled the fire alarm and they made us all leave. I was a little disappointed but what can you do. We took the girls home for a nap and watched a movie at home. Tomorrow is a full day as we are going to the zoo and the aquarium. Alayah will love it. I am so glad the kids finally got to be together all three.

Albuquerque

We were supposed to get up at 5:30 this morning so that we could be to the airport in enough time to catch our 8:15 am flight. Well, I somehow turned my alarm off instead of hitting snooze and we didn't wake up until 6:00am. I through clothes on us ran down to the front desk and checked out as fast as humanly possible. I only wish that I had stopped and grabbed something for Alayah to eat while we were at the hotel instead of thinking I would get some at the airport. We got to the airport and I rushed to find a parking spot. I got us on the shuttle and made it to the check in desk, through security(which held us up because I forgot to tell them about the sippy cup with milk, so we had to have the milk tested before they would let us through)
The Denver Airport is huge and our gate was number 96 which is all the way on the other end of the terminal...I ran as fast as I could as it was already after 8. I wanted to stop and get Alayah something to eat, but the lines were all too long. By the time we got to our gate we were the last people to board. I stupidly thought they would give out pretzels or something....I thought wrong. I would like to personally apologize to everyone on the United flight as my daughter usually does not scream her head off and throw herself on the floor for 45 minutes straight. I do apologize for any ear drums that were possibly damaged during the flight. I was so embarrassed by her behavior, but it was all my fault as I did not feed the poor girl. I felt horrible!! Please believe I will never ever do that to her again...ever!

Heading to Denver

Today Alayah and I are headed to Denver so that tomorrow morning I can take her to Albuquerque New Mexico to meet her half brother and half sister. I've been wanting to take her for a long time, but finances were just not allowing it to happen. Her half brother and half sister have different moms, so I am sure it will be slightly awkward for the three of us to get together knowing that we all were with the same man and all had children by him. I am excited for the kids to finally mee. Her brother is 5 and he has asked to see his sisters for a long time. Alayah's sister is 2 so her and Alayah may not remember much of this visit later on. Our flight leaves at 8:15 am tomorrow morning and I am truly hoping that Alayah behaves on the plane ride. Pray for us to have a safe flight and for my sanity if Alayah decides not to behave lol

First Words...Maybe

Alayah could say uh-oh and bye-bye a long time ago, but then she stopped. She is almost 17 months now and the only words she says if she is asked is Papa and sometimes Mama and Nana. She has yet to call me mommy or mama when she wants me or is referring to me. I really hope she will soon. Tonight though I swear she said "all gone" and "owie mommy". She definitely starting saying "owie" today and she points to her "owies" when she says it so I know that she understands the meaning and isn't just immitating. Oh, I can't wait for her to call me mommy.

I tried to put barrettes in Alayah's hair today. Her hair has been too short to put any in before now. It turned out pretty cute, but the hair in the back that I am trying so hard to get to grow is still too short for any. There is a patch of hair in the back that she is laying and rubbing all the time, so it is extremely dry and coarse. The rest of her hair is healthy and grows super fast, but that back patch just will not grow. Oh well....

Before the Barrettes

The back ones were too short for barrettes

She looks so much older with the barrettes in.

oh and look who can go down the stairs without help now

How to eat pizza...Alayah style

How to get and eat pizza by Alayah

First you must throw yourself on the floor and scream at the top of your lungs for no apparent reason. You must do this until you gain the attention of an adult figure. Once this is accomplished you may get up off the floor and point at the pizza box. If said adult figure does not understand the afore-mentioned pointing then you must again throw yourself on the floor until your point is made.

Once you have received your piece of pizza you may grin from ear to ear of shear happiness.

Then you may take a huge bit of the deliciously yummy pizza. Mm mm

Then you will need to go find your Papa and cuddle with him while he sleeps on the floor while you rest from all the work that it took you to get your yummy piece of pizza.

After resting for a few short minutes you may then tackle your papa and show him your lovely piece of pizza and tell him about all the trouble it took to get you your piece of pizza.

THE END

Baby Girl

1/13/2008

10 days old

Where has my baby girl gone? It seems like yesterday Alayah was an itty bitty tiny baby and these last few days I find myself staring at her like she is a whole new person. She has thinned out, gotten taller, and is finding her own. She is strongly independent and insists upon doing everything herself. Where did the days go of her needing me for everything. I am excited to see this new side of her, but at the same time I am mourning the loss of my dependent little baby. I don't feel ready to move on to this new phase yet. I want to enjoy yesterday again.

4/19/2009 15 months old

Weekend Vacation

We headed to Pinedale Wyoming on Saturday so that I could take my grandma to put flowers on my grandpa's grave. My grandma hasn't been able to go the last couple of years because she can't make the five hour drive by herself and my parents and I have been to busy to take her. I remember taking this drive many many many times when I was younger. About halfway into the drive we always stopped at this park to play. It was nice to be able to take Alayah there and see where I used to play as a little girl although, none of the play equipment was the same...lol

Alayah playing on the swing

Chasing Nana

Alayah didn't do so well on the drive there or the drive home. She hates being stuck in her carseat. We visited my grandpa's grave and added flowers. I also took Alayah to the park in Pindedale and let her walk across the bridge that I used to walk across and let her go down to the water. I should have known that my girl was going to walk straight into the water without a care. Luckily the water wasn't very deep. It was nice to get away and go somewhere quiet. Pinedale is probably a town of 1,000 or less so it is extremely quiet there. It was a nice trip overall and great girl bonding time.

Visiting her Great Grandpa

Really wanting to go back into the water
What mom.. :)

Mother's Day 2009

My beautiful baby girl. You have made me so happy these last 16 months. I can't imagine my life without you and I am forever grateful that God wanted me to be your mommy. I love you so much! Thank you for all the hugs and kisses...snuggles and tears. You make me complete.

Pretty girl in her dress complete with drool.

This is my favorite picture from today.

We enjoyed a nice lunch with my parents today and then just stayed at home together and played. Time is going by so fast and I find myself wanting to slow down and savor every moment. Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommy's and Mommy's in waiting. It was kind of disappointing that the man who made me a mom couldn't even say Happy Mothers day, but I guess if we aren't together there is no obligation on his part. Oh well.

First Dentist Appointment

Today was Alayah's first dentist appointment. Unfortunately, she also woke up this morning with pink eye in both eyes. I had to take the day off work since she can't go to daycare with pink eye which is going to hurt the paycheck in a couple of weeks. Anyway, we get to the doctors and I was just going for the pink eye, but he was checking her over and I was in hurry to leave so we could make the dentist appointment. Well, guess what....I know you already know the answer....yup...double ear infections. I mean seriously how many does she need to have before we do something about it. At least this time the doctor said if this new medicine didn't work that he would send her for tubes. I almost half wish they don't go away just so she can get the tubes because I know she will get another ear infection in the next couple of months. The doctor said her right ear was really waxy so we had to hold her down so he could get the wax out. It was gross. We made it to the dentist appointment and the dentist said her teeth look good, but she has to come off the bottle. I feel so bad trying to take something away that she really enjoys, but I know its time. We will see how she feels in a couple of days and maybe I will start taking it away...maybe

Sweeper Girl

Alayah has a new love...this love involves a broom.

She seems to think that this broom is the best thing ever.

She tries to sweep, but she is just a little too short. I was enjoying watching her playing with the broom until she decided it would be fun to whack mommy over the head with said broom. There was no longer any fun to be had since the more mommy said "ouch" the more she continued to whack me. One day she will hate the broom when she has to do it as a chore lol

Crash

I was on my way to drop Alayah off at daycare before work when a car pulled out in front of us. I couldn't stop quick enough and I slammed into the side of the other drivers truck. Luckily, no one was injured, but my car was totalled. I am very thankful that Alayah wasn't hurt. She screamed for a few minutes afterward...I think she was just scared. I banged my knee and aggravated my back. I already have back issues and this accident definitely did not help. I am going to have to buy a new car now and I don't want to. I owned my car and I was making it just fine without car payments, but now I don't have a choice and my pocketbook is going to be strapped tight for the next few years with car payments. I know that God will provide so I will put my faith in him and hope for the best. No matter what happens I am so grateful I have this beautiful face to wake up to everyday.

P.S We went to the hospital afterwards just to make sure we were both okay and guess what!? Alayah has another ear infection...who would have ever thought that...not me. I'm seriously over the ear infections....seriously

Denver Aquarium

I took the girls to get their hair cut today at a real salon. I felt very out of place as I chose to go to a salon that specializes in black hair. I was hoping to get some ideas and help with Alayah's hair, but the lady wan't much help at all. She didn't even do a good job cutting Alayah's hair. I had to cut it myself when we got home to get it evened out. After their haricuts we went to the Aquarium.

Baby Phat girls

Buddies

Easter 2009

Alayah hated her Easter dress. This was her look right after I put it on. Poor girl. She has yet to learn the price of beauty haha.

We enjoyed a lovely church service and afterwards went to the grandparents house to let her hunt for some eggs. She couldn't quite figure out how to hold the basket and pick up the eggs, so she left the basket in the middle of the floor and threw the eggs she found at the basket. Have I mentioned my daughter is not very lady like lol.

Alayah lost interest after a handful of eggs and I ended up having to hunt the rest down. Once she figured out the eggs opened and there was candy inside, all she wanted was to open all the eggs and have us open the candy. Smart girl.

Surveying the loot together.

Pondering her first real Easter or poking her ear because it hurts....hmmm I will bet the latter.

Easter Bunny

I took you to see the Easter Bunny today at the mall. You helped mommy pick out a pretty pink and green dress to wear for the pictures. You went right up to the Easter Bunny and blew him kisses and gave him high fives. It's crazy to think last year on Easter you were barely three months old. My how time flies. I was so glad that you were not afraid of the bunny. You sat on his lap and even smiled for you picture. When it was all over you waved bye bye and blew him a kiss. Good job baby girl.

Double Ear Infections Again

Mommy had to take you to the doctors today because you have had a fever of 102 since Monday and I couldn't get it to go down. Guess what....You have double ear infections again! Oh, I can't wait for the day you no longer get ear infections every month. You had an ear infection two weeks ago...and already have more. Mommy hopes you feel better soon.

15 month Well Baby

You had your fifteen month well baby visit today at your doctors. You are now 30.5" tall and weigh 22lbs 13oz. You are in the 50th percentile for weight and the 80th percentile for height. You are going to be a tall girl. You had a low grade fever so you weren't able to get your shots....Papa is going to take you next week to get them since mommy has to work.

Big Girl Bed

I changed your crib into a toddler bed today. It's getting hard for mommy to lift you in and out because you are getting so big. I felt like you were ready to try sleeping without being caged in. I put you to bed and I don't think you even noticed that you were not trapped in the bed anymore. You never tried to get out and slept all night....Great job...keep it up :)

RSV and Double Ear Infections to Go

My poor baby is sick again. She hasn't slept much the last two days and had a fever on and off over the weekend. I thought it was just from her teething. I took her to the doctor today and she has double ear infections and bronchial pneumonia. I hate that she is sick and I want to her to feel better. Hopefully she can get some good sleep tonight because she was up almost all night crying and trying to get comfortable last night. I am glad that it wasn't bad enough to warrant a trip to the hospital.

Croup

Alayah laid down for bed about six as usual and I came to my room to update her blog, when about 7:30 I heard her fussing. I went to check on her and she was wheezing really bad and had no voice. It scared me to death. I couldn't tell if she was breathing okay or not. I bundled her up and headed to the ER and surprisingly I didn't even have to wait. They put one of those oxygen reader things on her finger and the numbers that came up were kinda worrisome as they were all in the low 80's, but the nurse said they weren't accurate. They put it on her toe and the readings showed levels in the 90's which were much better. We got to our room and the doctor walked in the room and before he reached her bed said its croup. I'm like okay...pretend you needed to do a little more than hear her to diagnose her....I mean I am about to pay you hundreds of dollars for this lol. They gave her a dose of steroids and an albuterol treatment and we were outta there. I can't believe we were in and out in less than 2 hours! I'm scared to leave her side tonight...I don't want her to quit breathing and me not notice. I feel so bad for her and I hate the feeling I had when I first noticed. It is scary to be so out of control and there was nothing I could do to make it better. I know its minor compared to what other families have gone through, but I think the feeling is the same. That maternal instinct kicks in overdrive so fast! She is sleeping soundly now, so I hope she sleeps well through the night.

Dirty White Shirt

Alayah's daycare was closed today, so I asked her father to keep her while I was at work. I dressed her in a white shirt and when I came home...let's just say it was no longer white. It makes me mad that he couldn't at least put a bib on her or take the shirt off instead of ruining it. Money doesn't grow on trees and he isn't helping support her! It's the only shirt I had that with with that particular outfit, so now she can't wear it unless she wears something that doesn't match or doesn't wear it at all and it was a brand new outfit. The lack of respect from her dad is really getting on my nerves! It was nice to come home and have her run to the door to welcome me and she didn't want me to put her down for quite a while. I love you baby girl...dirty white shirt and all!

p.s. I love her look in this picture...its almost the look I gave her father tonight lol

Inauguration Day

Today is your first presidential inauguration. Although you don't understand the meaning of today, I will tell you about it and do my best to help you understand the importance of it all. It's not just that, we as a nation elected a new president, it is that we as a nation have elected "change". Change in the form of a step towards ending racism, change in the fact that despite the color of your skin you can reach for your dreams, and change in many ways I can't begin to describe. Speechless is what mommy describes today as I watched Barack Obama take an oath on the same bible as so many other presidents. A bible that has yet to be touched by a skin color darker than mine. I am so glad this day has come. The future is bright baby girl...so very bright.

Back Finally!!

I have been without the internet for soooo long now! I have so many things to update with Alayah. Over the next couple of weeks, I really hope to get more posts on here.