The Perfect Blankie!!!

Enjoying the perfect one!

Gretta's transitional object is her pink blankets that Nana makes for her. We must have at least 6 in our house at one time. My mom sends new ones every so often to replace the ones we lose. It is amazing how easily they gets lost. I am so grateful that thus far they have been replaceable because it would drive me crazy to keep track of just one.

Well on Sunday Gretta was all upset and told Eric she needed a new blankie. Every blankie he gave her wasn't good enough. Finally he took all the ones we had in the draw out, and let her pick. She laid them all out and picked one. She declared it the perfect one. Eric wanted to see if she would pick the same one twice. So he mixed them all up and tried it again. She smelled each one of them, and "tried"them out. That means she put her thumb though it and sucked her thumb. She picked the same one out three times.

Today she had a huge melt down when I put the one she likes in the wash. Not one of the other ones would due, except for Eliza's. Eric thinks it has to do with the smell, but I think it has to do with how tightly it is knit. I think we have 2-3 that will work, but we will have to see if she actually picks one favorite.

Smelling them all.


Getting ready.
Checking them all out.
Trying them out.
Picking just the right one.
Can you tell a difference???

Today's Band-aids

Eliza makes a great patient! She is so easy going and lets Gretta put Band-aids all over her too.

Gretta with her box of band-aids. She is putting another one on her finger.

This is Eliza looked like when Eric came home tonight.

Band-aid anyone???

Gretta has had an obsession with band-aid's lately. She always is telling me that she has an "owie" that needs a band-aid. She loves to unwrap them herself, and put them all over herself. She also thinks Eliza needs a band-aid to solve a mysterious problem. Gretta is convinced a band-aid will solve any problem from a real cut to crying. She once wanted one for her ear when she had an ear infection. She made me put it on her ear, and it actually stopped her crying for a while. She also just like wearing them. I thought it might be because the ones the Doctors office are colorful, or have some character on them. However, at home we only have the regular old band-aid. Nothing special, and she still wants to put them everywhere like on Eliza's chest, on her legs, arms, and just about any where she can find. The other day she covered her mouth so she couldn't talk.

We were going though a lot of band-aid's, so I bought her a box of them at the $.99 store. She loves having her own box. Eric found 9 band-aids on her legs today after church.

I took her to the Doctor on Friday because she had been telling me that her ear hurt. She has told me this before, and it turns out to be nothing. It is kind of hard to judge with her because she never gets a fever when she has an ear infection, and even with tubes I rarely notice drainage. Due to her high levels of crankiness this last week I was hoping that this "ear pain" was actually the cause. So Friday we went to see Dr. Schlundt. I was prepared for him to tell me it was nothing. Especially since once we got to his office she perked right up, and wanted to play doctor and look in my mouth. She LOVES to go to the Doctor, and she didn't look one bit sick. However after looking in her ears he did conclude that indeed there was something amiss, and she came home with a prescription for some amoxicillian. Ear drops would work better with her tubes, but she won't let us get near her with ear drops, and she begs for more pink medicine when you give it to her. Go figure. Eric is convinced it is because I pay the extra $2.99 for it to taste like cherry.

I am just hoping that helping her ears feel better will turn her back into the sweet daughter I know.

Sister's

I try to be a good mom and read to Gretta on a daily basis, However, I will admit that I don't spend as much time reading to her as I would like. Gretta loves to watch TV, and it is so easy for me to let her watch to much TV. I know it is bad when she says, "I NEED to watch TV mom!".
So I am trying to spend more time reading to her, and thus decrease the time in front of the TV. We participated in the library's summer reading program and had a great time. Now that school has started her preschool has a reading program too. This helps both of us get excited.

Friday morning I was so happy to find Gretta reading of her picture books to Eliza. She is such a good big sister! Love it! Guess reading more is paying off is lots of ways.

Here is Eliza trying to read to herself.
"Lets see what it tastes like?"

Isn't she cute

Surprise Surprise!!

Well,

It looks like Papa Bear finally figured this new blogging contraption. I just want to let my girls, especially my "special" girl how much I love them. It's a pleasure and honor being their husband and dad. I look forward every day to walking in the door after slaying the dragons to get a kiss from my princess, Gretchen, and a big hug from Gretta while asking me "how dem day dad?". That's what she used to say to me. Now she is more eloquent in her speach, saying "how was your day dad?" My how kids grow!!

Love,

Papa Bear

FIrst Solo Disneyland trip post Eliza

We skipped our PCC Parent Ed class today and headed for Disneyland. My cousin Amanda's husband, Jeff, was going to be at Disneyland, so it was also a good excuse to try Disneyland by myself with both girls. Our first solo trip turned out to be a big success. My only goal of the day was to going on the Finding Nemo ride. Gretta still remembers that I told her we could go next time we went to Disneyland, so I figured if all we got to do was going on Nemo we could come home and call it a sucess.
Luckily the wait was only 30 minutes today, so we got a few more rides in in the 2 hours we spent at the park. We made it on Nemo, Buzz Light year, and the Rockets. The funniest thing was that they made me take Eliza out of my sling to ride in the Rocket. She had to have her bottom on the seat too. I wish I could have taken a picture of the three of us on the Rocket. I am sure it looked cute to see a 5 month old sitting up in the ride.
We meet Jeff for a quick lunch. Good to see you Jeff. We wish the girls could have come with you too.
It was a fun trip. I am really to do it again sometime soon.

We look pretty serious.
Inside the sub!

Worth the wait! What a great ride! Gretta loved it. I am sure it has something to do with the fact that is loves to watch,"Finding Nemo". Disney is sure good at marketing to kids:)

Sleeping Children = Happy Mom

Tuesdays are kind of a rough day at our house. It is the only day of the week I work at City of Hope at a Nurse Practitioner. I enjoy working one day a week because it keeps up my skills, gives me some contact with the outside world, and gives me a break from the day to day work of staying home.
Working isn't what makes it rough, it is the rush of coming home trying to get everyone feed, Eric to Young Men's by 7:00, and then putting Gretta to bed by myself when I am tried. I don't know how mom's who work full time do it everyday.
My mother- in-law graciously watches both kids while I go to work. Gretta loves "Grandma Tuesday". Now not only does she get to spend some time with Grandma, but she goes to preschool from 9-11:45am and then stays for "lunch bunch" until 2:30pm. At lunch bunch they eat lunch, watch a movie, and then go outside for some more playground time. Last week when I picked her up at 11:45 on Thursday she begged to go to "lunch bunch". She really enjoys preschool.
Yesterday I got done with work a little early, and when I picked her up her T-shirt was really dirty which for a two year old is a sign of a fun day at preschool. I tried to keep her awake on the ride home, but was unsuccessful. She fell asleep at 5:00pm. Usually she falls asleep on the way home, but it is around 6:00pm.
Oh well. A sleeping child = a happy mom.
It was such a nice Tuesday night. I wasn't rushed making dinner, Eric and I had some nice quite time together before he had to leave for Young Men's, I got to spend some one on one time with Eliza, and do some of my own things.
At 9:45pm I was thinking I should go to bed. Then I heard something in our house. I thought someone broke in at first. Then I realized it was Gretta. Oh no! Awake at 9:45pm. So much for my quite night!
I let her watch the new ABC DVD Nana sent so I could finish up some things I had started on the computer. Then feed her two hot dogs, a banana and some milk. She was hungry! Eric came home from basketball and couldn't believe she was awake.
The good news is that after a bath and her regular bedtime routine she actually fell asleep pretty easily and slept through the night.
I guess I learned my lesson. I need to feed her dinner and wait at least until 6pm to let her fall asleep to guarantee sleeping though the night.

Autry National Center

Saturday while Eric was busy writing his essays for Business school Dennis and Linda were kind enough to hang out with the girls and myself. We went to the Autry Museum at Griffith Park. We bought tickets at Dennis Scout Auction last April and hadn't used them yet. We had a great time! The museum was a great hit with Gretta. I am sad I forgot my camera. I did take some pictures with my cell phone, but I don't know how to get them out of my cell phone yet. Oh well.
Gretta enjoyed sitting on the fake horse, panning for gold, sitting in the stage coach, and playing in the Chinese-American exhibition . The Chinese exhibition is set up for kids under the age of 8. Gretta loved dressing up in the Chinese cloths, and pretending to run the Chinese restaurant.
It was a fun outing.
Saturday night Eric and I went to the Temple. Allison and Rod agreed to watch the girls which was so nice of them. After we dropped them off we headed to the Temple and then experienced the joy of LA freeway grid lock. Who knew that at 4:30pm on a Saturday both the 134, 101, and 10 freeways would all have problems! We ended up taking Santa Monica Blvd from Hollywood to the Temple. We had an interesting driving tour of LA, and missed our Stake Temple night session by 8 minutes. Oh well. At least we made it to the Temple. We did some sealings and had a good experience. It is always nice to be in the Temple.
Thanks Fors/Guillens for such a nice Saturday.

Eliza's 5 month check up

Does this baby look like failure to thrive??? Who knows what was up with her being so small for the first three months. However, since her 3 month check up she has turned into the happy, chubby baby she longed to be.

Eliza went to see Dr. Schlundt today for her 5 month check up. Here are her stats:

Height 25 1/2 inches 72% tile

Weight 15 lbs 15.5oz 65%

Head Circumference 42 cm 55%

Since her last check up she has learned to roll over from back to front. I think it took her so long because she rarely gets to be on the ground without her big sister "playing" with her.

She also laughs. It is so funny to see such a husky laugh come out of such a little baby. Gretta can really get her to laugh. It is fun to watch.

She is "talking" up a storm and seems to have a lot to say about everything.

She is also can tripod sit. She isn't that stable yet, but she is working on it.

She got her first blankie from Nana which she loves too.

She is such an easy, happy, and fun baby. She goes along with the flow very well, and enjoys tagging along with her big sister to all of her activities. We are so grateful for her and her sweet personality.

Sleeping arrangments at our house

I have been saving these pictures to post after I successfully moved Eliza to the crib in Gretta's room, but since I don't think that is going to be for a very long time. I am going to post the pictures. Eliza is still sleeping in the pack'n play in our room. There is such a nice crib in Gretta's room that sits empty every night. I really wish that I could figure out how to get her to sleep in it. Here are the reasons why I can't...

1. Gretta has been waking up randomly in the night a few times a week. She always needs something like her blankie (which is usually right by her), wants some water, needs a story, or something. If Eliza was in the crib I am sure she would climb right in and start to play with her, hurt her, or at least wake her up.

2. Eliza still wakes up crying sometimes for someone to put her binkie back in her mouth. I just have to roll over and put the binkie back in her mouth, but the one night I had her sleep in Gretta's room. I got up 3 times to put it in. I would rather roll over than walk all the way to Gretta's room.

3. I am not quite sure how to guarantee Eliza's safety once Gretta wakes up in the morning.

I really wish we had a three bed room apartment. I have thought about putting Eliza's crib in the living room, or in our room. I am still thinking about that. Enjoy the pictures...

Now she has out grown laying width wise in the pack'n play.

Pretty soon she is going to out grow the bassinet feature too.

I think she out grew the moses basket. What do you think?
Gretta always wants to be by Eliza if she is in the crib.
This is after I put Gretta to bed in her own "big kid" bed.

Protect Marriage

In 2000 California voters passed Proposition 22 that said that "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." It passed by 61%. Earlier this year it was overturned by the California Supreme Court in a vote 4-3. That is why this November Californians will vote on Proposition 8. Proposition 8 will be making an amendment to the state of California's constitution. Making it impossible to judges to overturn. Proposition 8 has the exact same wording as Prop 22 in 2000, it says:
"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California" Some of you know that Eric and I have been involved in knocking doors and trying to get the word out about protecting Marriage. This is moral issue more than a political one. I have always been taught that marriage should be between a man and woman. We were reminded that this is God's design in The Family, A Proclamation to the World. The first presidency has encouraged Californians to give of our time and our means to support this cause.
If this does not pass I believe that it will have a great impact on our society as a whole.

Some of the consequences of it not passing (that they talked about at the fireside) that frighten me the most were:
(1). Our children would be taught in schools that same sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage. They would not be able to opt out of this like sex education.
(2). Those who refuse to marry same sex couples could have their licenses to marry anyone taken away by the state. This could include bishops and temple sealers.
(3). This not being passed in California is HUGE. Eventually, other states would follow suit. Not living in California will not make you immune to these consequences.
For more information or if you would like to donate money to the cause go to http://www.protectmarriage.com/. There you can also look at the FAQ which I found very helpful. You can also sign up as a supporter, or find more ways that you can get involved or help us out, even if you do not live in California.
We have been going door-to-door asking people if they were to vote today, what they would vote. The two Saturday mornings Eric and I knocked door in El Sereno we actually had great success. We had way more who said they would vote yes than no. I actually only had 2 people who told me know. Now I just hope everyone will go out an vote.

It is not easy being on the Lords side, but very necessary.
"Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society." -The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Please vote yes on Proposition 8!

Daddy Daughter Camp Out

The campers all ready to go.

Skits by the camp fire.
Hangin out with the big girls! Gretta thinks she is 2 going on 12. She loved pretending to sing karaoke. I guess Miley Cyrus was the big hit!
Eric took Gretta on the Stake Daddy Daughter Camp out last night at Wilderness Park in Arcadia. They had a great time! Gretta has been wanting to sleep in a tent for a long time now, and was really excited to go with her dad. She already can't wait for next year.

Second Attempt

Here is my second attempt at trying something new with Gretta's hair. This time I did it after her bath with wet hair, and it seemed to work much better.

Taking a spin

Eliza is getting a little bit bigger so I decided to try a new configuration of our Phil & Ted stroller. I think Gretta is actually suppose to ride in the front because she weights the most, but she wanted to ride in the back. Eliza enjoyed the upfront view.

Hang loose! You can just see Eliza's feet in the picture. We had a nice walk with Dad.

She does hair!

I have never been that good at hair. I always wished I was, but now that I have two girls I figure I better get better at hair. One of my friends showed me a great blog www.shedoeshair.blogspot.com that has some great ideas. Here is my first attempt today.

Not bad for a first attempt.
Gretta wanted to act like a dog for the picture too.

Gretta sat pretty still. It only took a mickey mouse sucker and a piece of gum as a bribe. Hopefully I will get the pony tails straighter next time.

Thank you Nana!

We received a package from my mom in the mail today. Gretta loves to get packages. The mail man leaves them on our front door, and she gets so excited when we get off the elevator and there is a package waiting.

My mom sent Gretta a new blankie and also one for Eliza. Eliza's are going to be hot pink. Gretta was so excited to show Eliza how to hold the blankie.

Here is Eliza with both hers and Gretta's blankies.
My mom also sent Gretta a ballet outfit for her bear, the Friend Church Magazine, and a new blankie. Gretta loved having her "own" magazine to read just like the grown ups of the house.

Thank you so much!

P.S. I would also like to report that Gretta's first day of going to preschool by herself went great! She had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back by herself. She really is Miss Independent already.

Gretta's First Day of Preschool

Gretta had her first day of Preschool at St. George's in La Canada today. I can't believe my little girl is starting school already. It is actually a little early for her to start school, she is only 2 years and 9 months. However, due to my working on Tuesday it worked out nice for her to start school this year. She is one of the youngest in her class, but because she is so tall you would never know. I feel really lucky to have found such a great preschool that was willing to take her a little early. I looked all around the area and there is a big difference between a real preschool, and a daycare preschool. My mother in law will still watch her on Tuesday's before and after school, so this way she will still get some Grandma too. I am hoping it will work out perfect for everyone.

Last week she was so excited, and she told me she wanted me to take her to school and drop her off by herself instead of going to Parent Ed with me last Wednesday. Well this morning after being so excited all last week, she wasn't so sure about the whole preschool thing. These are the pictures I took before we left the house.

Doesn't she look so cute in her pink St. George school shirt.

Ready to go! Notice she doesn't have back back because St. George's is all about play and doesn't believe in homework for 3 year olds. We will be leaving the back pack home for a while.

The bad news is that my camera died when we got to school, so I didn't get any first day of school pictures at school. It makes me so sad because she looked so darling all dressed up in the play cloths. She also enjoyed playing with the play doh, and the playground. Today I went with her for an hour. Thursday is the first day she goes by herself.

P.S. She did great on Thursday by herself. She was so excited she ran the whole way from the car to the playground. No separation anxiety for us. She is Miss Independent this days. When I picked her up she was so excited to show me the painting she made. I think she is going to love preschool.

LA Galaxy

Tonight for date night Eric surprise me with tickets to the LA Galaxy vs. Salt Lake Real at the Home Depot Center. It was a fun date night. It was my first time to a major league soccer game, and also the first time to the Home Depot Center. It was a very pleasant summer evening in LA. The Home Depot Center is a really nice venue that isn't to large considering it is in LA. It seems like very seat in the house has a good view. Eric got tickets from work, so we had great seats! It was a good game, and we even got to celebrate two goals. I was sad that David Beckham is injured, and didn't play. Oh well there is always next time.
Thanks Eric for the wonderful evening.
http://web.mlsnet.com/players/roster.jsp?club=t106

Private Blog

I love blogging and reading my friends blogs. When I open my google reader and see new iteams I kind of feel like I am getting a Christmas card in the mail. It is so much fun to see what our friends and family are up to in their daily lives.

So I am sorry to make my blog private. I know it makes checking it a little harder, but when my mother in law told me that she met someone who read my blog who I didn't know it was it was kind of creepy. I want to keep my family save, so I decided to make it private.

I actually have been thinking about doing it for a while because my blog has kind of turned into our family journal. I found a great web site that turns your blog into a book (www.blurb.com), and it would be nice to have some more detail in the entries. I am just warning you ahead of time my blog might even get more boring too. My sister found my journal in High School, and after reading a few entries told me that it was really boring.

Thanks for keeping in touch!
Love,
Gretchen

Primary

Gretta with this weeks craft!

Gretta loves Primary!!! She can't wait to go to Church on Sunday so she can go to Nursery. We are so lucky she likes it so much. Plus Gretta also has some great nursery teachers which makes it even better. Bess makes the cutest crafts and handout for the children. She is also very sweet with the children.

Gretta helped me send Bess a thank you note and this is the cute note I got in return.

Thanks so much Bess for making my day!

Hi Gretchen,

Thank you for the kind words. I'm always looking forward that Gretta is present every Sunday. She is our assistant in calling all the kids whenever the parents come to pick them. She seems like a mother hen, gathering all her chicks. She would tell them to hurry as well. She is so cute. And she is the only kid who so serious to finish her craft. Last Sunday she patiently wait for me to give her the sticky foam square to glue the last two item. The other kids were in la la land with their unfinished crafts. When I get all the crafts she would gently remind me to give it back to her. She listens attentively on what to do with the crafts. She's so special. I love her. I will surely miss her when she graduates in nursery.

I told her to help you then she can eat one goody from her craft. I won't be around this Sunday. Laurie will be my sub. I have the crafts ready, it's a necklace that says I can be a friend. Laurie is a great teacher.

See you !

Love,
Bess

Friday Night August 29, 2008

Boating at Lucky Peak

We went up to Lucky Peak on Friday night. It was a beautiful summer evening. The water was also nice and calm for water skiing. I grew up going boating with my family. My dad has kept a captain's log ever since we bought a boat. Every time we go he writes in it who came along. One summer when I was in High School we went boating about 30 times. My dad was one of their favorite people back them because he was so cool. My friends from High School use to like to add to the captain's log and also look back at what was written previous. We sure use to have a good time.

Even thought I grew up boating, I don't really like to water ski. My sister Anna is a pretty good wake boarder ,and my dad would win the senior tour of waking boarding if they had such an event. When I married Eric he even decided to learn how to wake board. I, however, just enjoy riding in the boat and the company.

This time we took our cousins the Magelby's with us. I have many fond memories of camping at Red fish lake with them at transfer camp. Lowell Magelby first taught me how to water ski at Red fish lake. Maybe that is why I have never like it much. The water at Red fish lake isn't much warmer than 40 degrees even in the heat of the summer.

It was a lovey night.

Gretta and Daddy taking a swim. She has no fear. She jumped right off the back of the boat without looking back. I think she is going to be a wake boarding babe as soon as she is old enough.
Eric wake boarding.
My dad getting some air.

Enjoying sitting in the front of the boat! What a beautiful evening.

When we returned home the house was full of the rest of the family. Eliza has enjoyed being spoiled by cousin Mary and Katie Edwards Robison, the newest addition to the family. We sure love Katie and think Jimmy got a great catch! It was fun to catch up with the cousins, and enjoy a nice summer evening.

The National Holiday

Happy 30th Birthday Anna!

August 29, 2008

We didn't know we were going to be lucky enough to celebrate Anna's 30th birthday with her. We went to lunch at the Cheesecake factory on Friday afternoon. Our whole family went along with Danaka who is Anna's good friend from Rochester. She moved to Boise this summer. Danaka actually planned a big birthday party for Anna last year for her "golden" birthday. It was so fun that Danaka could join us. Gabe, Anna, Dad, Grandpa Huff
Blowing out her candles, and making a wish.

Grandpa Huff holding Eliza

Grandpa Huff, Gretta, Eliza, Nana Carolyn and Jackson. Nana Carolyn was in heaven having all of her grandchildren with her.
Gretta loves her cousin Jackson.
Danaka and Jude. Jude sure loved the whip cream! What kid doesn't?