Almost walking on his own!!!

Okay so what am I going to do when Evan reads, writes, graduates, gets married! I'm so proud of him!! He walked 6 whole steps on his own! Not with the pass the baby game when there was some one to walk to, he just turned around and walked half way to his toy train! He was holding on to the couch, he looked around, he saw his train, he wanted his train, he figured out the fastest way to get what he wants is not to waist time and go down on his knees. So off he went, 6 steps, then down he went. But did he fuss? Nope. He just crawled the rest of the way. I guess the diapers are good for more then just catching a mess huh.

So that was my big news of the day.

Yesterday I did take a short walk with my new stroller. I would have been longer but every way I went I came upon impassible natural obstacles. You know rivers of melting snow, ice, puddles the size of Lake Eire. I got more of a work out pushing the stroller through the slush on the street then actually walking. So I had to come on home, it was just not enjoyable when you have to walk on the side of the road because every second person (on a main road) didn't shovel their sidewalk for the whole winter. As you can imagine walking on the road is not only unsafe but messy. I was so scared that a car would come speeding past and splash me either intentionally or otherwise. I can't wait for this white stuff to be gone!

I hate spring-it's messy, gross, dirty, and my allergies go crazy! But in order to get to the other seasons that are enjoyable one must deal with it.

Anyway that is my pointless rambling for the day. Have a good one! TGIF!!!!! Not that it matters since Earl is off today. Long weekend for him! Long weekend for me!

M&M me and Evan

This is my life in M&M's. Just add a living room that isn't so put together, 1 more cat, 2 small dogs. Oh and Earl too. lol.

My new stroller!

Well I think the melt is on out there. I really, really, really hope it stays warm. I'm so sick of being house bound. I can't wait to get out there and enjoy the great out doors again. I might go out for a walk today if the wind calms down. I have the freedom now because of my new stroller. My old one couldn't handle the spring terrain, but my new one can. I definitely suggest this stroller set up over the regular one. Especially if your baby is going to be born in the fall-spring. Which only leaves the summer so just skip the old style and go for the new improved. I did find this stroller set up with the click in infant seat on the Babies r Us web site, so that solves that dilemma. It's so funny that for the first 2 years of your child's life all the stuff is really more for you then your baby. lol Even the toys! You have more fun playing with them then your baby does. I guess that's the pay off for the labor pain, loss of hair and flying hormones.

Oh I tried some grapefruit for the first time in my adult life. I put a little splenda on the top since I clearly remember it being very sour. It wasn't to bad. It was truly a lot of work for what little food you got out of it, but that's a good thing right? Anyway I enjoyed it enough to do it again. Evan didn't like it that much, he gave me a crazy yucky face when I have him a taste of the juice. We can't eat anything with out him stating that we better share now a days, so we give him a taste. Silly kid!

No NS order yet. I can't take this anticipation!!

Well that's all for me today. I'm hoping to go for a walk, but it may have to wait till after Evan's nap. It will be warmer then. Have a great day all!

As requested...Travel Tues..okay Wed

JORDANNA'S CRUISE

Jordanna and her parents decided to take an Eastern Caribbean cruse with Princess Cruise Lines. Princess is known for it's class, service and of course it's ships. Princess boasts some of the largest and most luxurious ships in the business. Their main clientele are mid to high class couples and families.

Picture order: 1. Fort Lauderdale Florida 2. American cup yachts in St Maarten 3. View from tram way-St Thomus US Virgin islands 4. Dunns waterfall Ocho Rio Jamaica. 5. Blue Iguana-Cayman Islands.

6. Chankanaab Natural Park-Cozumel Mexico

Fort Lauderdale/ Florida-this is the first stop and the place where one boards the cruise ship. Fort Lauderdale was first put on the map because of the cruise industry but there is some great stuff to do there if you have some extra time.

Anne Kolb Nature Center: 1500 are wetland and mangrove forest habitat. There are also Tidewater tours and boat tours there.

Billie Swamp Safari: located on Big Cypress Reservation this swamp buggy Eco tour or air boat tours. Come on you've seen this on TV. There is also an alligator and snake show.

Butterfly World: 1000's of live butterflies in 10 acres of waterfalls, orchids, roses and tropical gardens. Also home to fish and hummingbirds.

St Maarten/ Netherlands Antilles - this is a very interesting island. Half Dutch and half French! Dutch, French and English sailors gave this island their traditions. There is also a west African influence infused in the culture. The official language is dutch but English is spoken everywhere.

Philipsburg: the dutch side capital-sale the America's Cup Yachts, St Maarten Museum shows the local history.

St Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden-Caribbean and South American Species such as the golden lion tamarian, brush dogs, speckled owls are worth seeing.

There is of course also fishing, horse back riding, hiking, diving and snorkeling.

St Thomus/ US Virgin Islands-Charlotte Amalie the capital combines natural beauty with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Great food, exciting nightlife and duty free shopping!!!

Coal World and Marine Park-on Coki Point on the northern shore. This park includes a underwater observatory tower, tropical nature trail, 80, 000 gallon coral reef tank, open air shark pool and a children's touch pool. Which is separate from the shark tank. lol

Paradise Point Tramway-takes visitors up to the 700 foot peak over the capital, offering a breath taking view of the island.

Mountain Top/ St Peter's Great house-Shows the recent history of the island. The estate and botanical gardens contains local art and 200 kinds of west Indian trees. Also enjoy the banana daiquiri offered here since the 1960's. mmmmm yummy!

Princes Kays-this is a 40 acre tropical paradise with miles of pristine white beaches. I can't tell you much about this privately owned island since it's owned by the cruise line for the use of it's cruise guests only. I can tell you it's situated in the Bahamas.

Ocho Rio/ Jamaica -this is a part of Jamaica that has been created for use by tourists. This is not the place to get a true feel for the culture but it is beautiful. Known for it's waterfalls Ocho Rio is full of shopping in its 6 plazas. They offer everything from duty free deals to local handy craft. If you really want some local are try the craft market down town. The most famous waterfall near by is Dunn's waterfall as pictured above, and yes you can swim in it!

Safari Tours-jeeps take you to White River for a breath taking river tub ride, or a hike if you are more interested in staying dry.

Prospect Plantation Tour-this is a tour of the oldest established and still working plantation. See sugar cane, bananas, avocado and pimento. There is also a new herb garden to see. Oh and your going to see lots of peacocks running around. Take this tour by horse back for a different experienced.

Grand Caymen/ Caymen Islands-South of Jamaica is the Caymen Islands. Actually their is only 2, one small and one large- the large one being Grand Caymen. This area is a diving mecca and the home to the rare blue iguana.

Pedro's castle-a landmark and said to be haunted. The island's first steps to democracy where made here.

Turtle Farm and Boatswain Beach-now rebuilt after Hurricane Michelle in 01 the farm and research center is a must see. There is both a fresh and salt water swimming lagoon, predator tank (which isn't for swimming lol), nature trails, and a fresh water touch pond. Lots of baby turtle to pet. lol

Rum Point - named ofter barrels of rum washed onto shore after a ship wreck. Eat great food and sip on yummy cocktails with your toes in the warm white sand. That's right, you eat on the beach-watch out for windy days or your food might get a little gritty.

Cozumel/ Mexico-this island is south and east of Cancun. The Mayans named it Cozumel which means land of swallows the indigenous bird that lives in abundance on the island. This island is a sport mecca! Golf, scuba, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, and sailing are just some of the stuff to do there.

Chankanaab Natural Park- a must see, it's close to the cruise terminals so I'm sure it would be super easy to find. This park has unique beaches, a sea lion show, swimming with dolphins, a botanical and archaeological park, a breath taking jungle pond, saltwater lagoon, shopping and 2 beach front restaurants.

Well that wraps it up for a Jordanna's cruise outline. For those of you thinking of taking a cruise I high recommend it. For some the lack of time one each place sucks but for those of you that are unsure of any one place to visit this might be for you. You do get a quick taste of each destination so if you want to see more simply go back some day.

Like all places now (even the US, a passport is a must) as far as health issues, there are none, of course don't drink the local water in Mexico. But as far as on ship, go for it, enjoy the food, pool, disco, casino etc. Oh and if your going on a cruise remember to bring at least one fancy dress for the banquet dinner. I know it sucks to get all gussied up sometimes, but your going to want to experience it at least once.

Have a great day all!

The dog ate it...

Okay I had my travel Tuesday all done! I had all my points down on paper and all I had to do is type it up....Teacher Jordanna honest the dog ate it!!!!!

Actually Earl had the day off yesterday so I didn't even get my regular post done. So I guess your cruise outline will have to wait till later this week. I will do it for you, it's just going to be late.

So anyways, yesterday Earl and I did some running around. We went G-shopping and I gotta admit I was a bad girl. I bought myself some treats that I knew I shouldn't' have when my NS arrives. I didn't go crazy, just got some low fat pudding. (butterscotch-mmmmm-I've been craving it for a while now-no I'm not preggy I just have a sweet tooth.) I also got some of those rice cake chip things. Luvs them!!! So that's about it. On the health food side I decided to try some grape fruit. I haven't had any since my mom was around so I thought I would give it a try. Might be a change from the same old banana or apple.

We also bought some baby stuff. For the first time we bought Homo Milk. Since Evan could have been changed to it when he was 9 months. We decided to keep him on formula for the whole 12 month time frame. But our doc said to take it slow with milk, so now he gets formula in the morn-and before bed. Milk in a sippy cup the rest of the day. Cool! I only have 2 bottles a day to clean now! That's down from 4, which used to be 8 when he was a new born. We also got a little more baby food, just to make sure he's getting enough of the good stuff he needs till he turns the big 1 year. Also to make sure he have a back up plan in case what I make he doesn't want to eat. But all his desserts are now in finger food form. Canned peaches, pears, apple sauce etc. I'm so scared he wount be getting the balanced nutrition he needs. I don't even know how to feed myself a balanced diet (hence why I'm a fluffy girl) how will I ever let go of the baby food security blanket! I know I'm going to have to eventually. Earl says it's a lot of trying new foods. It's a good thing he's done this before!

I have also decided not to weigh in till the morning I start NS. I want to know where I'm starting, but I want some free days. Don't worry I'm not going to pig out on cookies. lol I'm going to keep to the healthy stuff most of the time, but also allow myself a treat. Butterscotch pudding. mmmmmm.

Well that's about it for me today. I'll get back to you on travel tues. I'm sure I could get it done for thurs...maybe...no promises.

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it.....

I JOINED NS!!!!!

It was fun to choose all my meals and snacks. I've been doing my clicking thing, I've even been checking out the web site. You know just looking around. I'm really looking forward to getting started, but I know it will take some time for my order to get here. Oh well that's life I guess.

Baby Woes

Well folks it was another long night. Not to mention an equally long morning. He's finally down for his nap and I am looking forward to doing the same.

Again I really don't know what was wrong last night. The massive bruise on his little forehead my have something to do with it. He wiped out hard yesterday and I didn't see it coming. He was crawling around and pulling up on things as per usual. He fell and hit his head hard on the stereo speaker. Not the corner of it, just on the side of it. The corners and sides are rounded so I hadn't felt the need to remove them. Anyways he didn't cry to much, just fussed for a few seconds. I did the tickle test and he laughed instantly so I knew everything was probably okay. The thing is this isn't the first bruise, in fact its like the 20th since he started to be self mobile. I feel so guilty every time he hurts himself! I know he has to learn blah, blah, blah, but I can't help it. For a while every time I took him in to see the doc he has some kind of bruise on his head or face. I'm so scared if it happens at his one year check up I'm going to get hauled out by the cops for child abuse or something. Is letting him fall and get a bruise all the time considered neglect? I know I'm probably over reacting but that's truly how I feel some times. But what am I supposed to do! Put him in a protective padded bubble? Remove all the furniture from my living room? It's not like a just sit on my butt and let him run wild! I keep an eye on him but sometimes I'm just not quick enough. Should I be on my hands and knees following him around with a pillow? lol

On the other hand I thought I would up date you on my finger food situation. So far all is good. I'm feeding him his baby food still but not as much. (I'm trying to use up what I have in the pantry.) Then I'm giving him the recommended baby finger foods. So far the bananas, toast cut into strips are the biggest hits. Who knew a baby could eat a whole slice of toast!!! Tonight I might try carrots and maybe some cooked pasta. So far no chocking and I find I can feed him and make dinner and keep an eye on him all at the same time, which is making my life a little bit easier.

Well I'm one tired girl so have a great day all, I'm going for a nap!