Another set of teeth!

9 1/2 months--Elodie's gums have been bothering her (in a non-painful way) for weeks now. I see what all the commotion is about..she had her new top teeth popping through, or as the pediatrician calls it, "cutting", which sounds super painful, but apparently it is not and only minor bleeding.

Elodie, just for the record when you read this. I thought you were adorable with just your bottom teeth, but now you are really looking like a little girl. Hope you always will show off your pearly whites! xoxo Mom

(pic and/or video to be posted)

Laughing at and with Mom....

Elodie learns to stand

Oh..oh..the day has come. Now at 8 1/2 months old, Elodie has finally learned to advance from the crawling stage to standing in her playpen. She also is falling down, sometimes with a cry, but like her Mom, she holds on and just gets back up to try it again. After only 5 days, she has mastered this ability and is on her way!!

(pic and/or video to be posted)

My Review of Secure Transitions Baby Tub

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Introducing the BIGGEST, cushiest inflatable baby bath tub you'll find! It's more comfortable for baby and offers more room to grow. This soft, jumbo-sized tub keeps little bathers safe and secure, without feeling cramped. Unique supply holders keep your shampoo and rinse cup close, so yo...

Secure Transitions Baby Tub

Love it so far...

By jeyn from Cupertino, CA on 9/29/2008

4out of 5

Gift: No

Pros: Easily Assembled, Safety Features, Lightweight, Dries Quickly

Best Uses: Washing, Infants, Bathing

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

We needed a larger tub since my daughter was getting too big for her regular tub, so I thought this would be a good idea. Plus, she is starting to enjoy water and playing with her rubber duckies, so she needed more room.

I love this tub because it drys quickly, is easy to assemble, and I like the little holes for the shampoo,etc. The only downfall for me is that it is really meant to be used in a bathtub and we don't have a tub in our home, so we've been using it on the kitchen table. Putting water in and taking it out is a problem for now, but it will make due for now and she seems to enjoy it.

My first trip--and to France too!!

Elodie follows her parents love of travel and has her first trip abroad to see the relatives in France. Being a long trip at almost 3 weeks, we travel by plane, train, and automobile, around the French countryside, stopping along at Patrick's brother's house, Bernard and Chantal, for the weekend. It was perfect timing because Patrick's sister, Vero, and her new fiance were there too, visiting from their own getaway. Elodie got to have kisses again from Aunt Vero and having the family there made the stay even better.

After our little fun weekend, we then the Dordonne area for 2 nights, seeing the Medieval village of Sarlat--beautiful! One night in Carcassonne to visit the Medieval castle there, then yummy lunch in Narbonne. One night in Pepignan, then a day trip to Barcelona, then 1 night in Chateauneuf de Pape (famous wine region), and off to see Grandma (Patrick's mom) in Vermondans and celebrate Elodie's 7 month birthday.This was a really relaxing and a nice stay, plus, Elodie got to spend a little time with Aunt Vero again (and so did Mom with her "Sista" Vero and shopping 'partner in crime') ;o) We also added 2 nights in Strasbourg in between.

We expected a lot of crying or fussiness, but she was such a good sport. We had a few restless moments where we were on a train with noisy passengers, or driving around to find a place, but overall, Elodie was really great.

She had a lot of energy while on the plane, but no ear aches, no crying hysterically. Just her being verbal with her new voice and words.

Some things I'd change or baby notes about this trip:

* Bring more onesies instead of dresses
* Bring a baby scarf
* Baby shoes are not necessary and take up space
* We brought our Baby Bjorn baby carrier, but ended up using our lightweight Combi travel stroller a lot more.
* Pacifier clip is essential
* My OneStepAhead diaper bag was AWESOME! very convenient and can hold so much.
* Sassy biodegradable bags for dirty diapers was nice..as so not to stink up hotel or relative's garbage cans.
* Our baby travel bed wasn't used as much as we hoped. It worked well for the beach, but Elodie needed to already be asleep before we could put her in the bed. Most of the time we just had her on the bed and surrounded by pillows, and then she would sleep in the bed with us as normal.
* Bringing our own car seat was a SUPER idea. She didn't have to use someone else's seat rental and possibly get exposed to any sickness, and we used it all the time at the restaurants, as most didn't have high chairs available. A car seat BAG as well was essential, and helped us stuff more items in there as well.

I also found some very cute items for Elodie. The French definitely have more baby style than in the U.S., and I've never seen so many stores marketed towards babies and kids.

It was a good trial run to see how it is to travel with a baby. It wasn't as bad as we expected and we'll be sure to do it again.

Thanks Elodie for being such a trooper!!

First new sound..

Almost 7 months old--Like a laugh, but more of a squealing sound while in Sarlat/Dordonne. Very cute!

(pic and/or video to be posted)

I'm crawling now!

At 7 months, in France at Maman's house and she is really mastering her crawling technique now. Ok, looks like she is in the military, going through the trenches, but nevertheless, still cute and fast!

(pic and/or video to be posted)

Another tooth!

9/4 - 6 1/2 months--another tooth in the bottom front and bigger now

(pic and/or video to be posted)--if I can get her to show them!

Ma! Ma! Ma!

Now almost 7 months old---just before our trip to Europe, she is now saying MA MA MA very clearly. Laughs when I repeat it.

Ah-ha! my first tooth!! make a wish!

Patrick called me into the room telling me that he feels something like a tooth on Elodie's bottom gums. I rush in and take a peek, and low and behold! the cutest little tooth, just sitting there on her bottom right hand side and peeking up from her little gums.

Of course we did a tooth chant and applauded. Elodie thought this was funny, but I'm sure she didn't know why.

Now, I just need to watch out for when I breastfeed...ouch!