Stella says hi!

Stella goes to the doctor

Stella had her two month appointment today (we are a little past due because of a conflict in Matt's work schedule and me not having a car) and I had my 6 week check-up (again, very past due). Anyway both of us are great. Stella was 24 inches long and 11lbs 101/2 ounces. She's in the 88th percentile for height and the 34th percentile for weight and 38th percentile for her head. She's a tall, skinny little girl! She hated her shots and screamed for a good five minutes after the whole process but she's been sleeping ever since. I encouraged Matt to come along today because of the dual appointment and shots, but I don't know if I will do that again. Here are the three golden things Matt had to say to the doctor today:

"Is it bad to teach her how to hold the bottle herself?" (Sometimes he tries to get her to hold the bottle while he's feeding her just to be funny, but this made it sound like we were propping it up and leaving her to fend for herself)

"She loves watching TV!" (I had to clarify that NO we do NOT prop her up in front of the TV and leave her to be entertained, but rather how she will turn her head to the TV when we are holding her in the living room)

"So it's okay to let her watch rated "R" movies? (When Dr. was explaining what her vision is like at this age and how she can't see clear very far)

I was relieved that the Dr. laughed at all these things and knew he was joking, but he embarrases me every time we go to an appointment. I love him though, of course. =)

Ode to Tinner

Matt and I have decided that we have the best cat we could ask for. Matt's cousin Dave found her on the side of the road with a tin soup can stuck on her head and we've had her ever since. Here are a few special moments with Tinner:

Taking a nap with Stella

Hanging out with a close friend

Chillin' under the couch

Hanging out inside the recliner

Warming up her feet by the space heater

My Boopies

I'm thankful that we finally got our driveway plowed so I don't have to take a trek accross the frozen tundra to get in the car, shake the snow out of my boots, and go get groceries. It's nice to know we'll be able to get the Cobalt out of the driveway if need be (after a lot of work of course because right now it looks like a gigantic marshmallow). I'm sure the UPS guy is going to be pretty excited too this week too when he delivers my Moby sling (Stella has decided she does not like to be put down at all at this point). I could almost hear him cursing as he trudged through the snow just to deliver my next Twilight book. Poor guy, I hope he waterproofed his boots.

Nate and Dani, and Austin and Lauren came up to visit for the weekend and Stella decided that she'd rather be a part of the party than take any naps so yesterday when everyone left she slept from 2 until 7, and then slept again all night! I remember when I was pregnant she would always shift to the side that was closest to another person. I have a feeling she is going to be a very social little girl.

Nate, Dani and Stella

Stella making sure to hold onto that Nuk for later. Notice, not a trace of any eczema left!

I blame the cold weather for the skin problems Stella and I have had (although I have doubts this is the case). Since I gave birth to her I've had very itchy skin that results in inflammation. My Aunt Judy diagnosed me a month later (when I gave up on the hormone excuse) with "dermographism" which literally means "skin writing" because you can see the lines immediately after you scratch. She suggested some Benedryl at night and Zyrtec or any other antihistemene during the day. Well before I get myself addicted to antihistemenes, I heard to try Noni juice, which is a natural juice from Hawaii. I started about two weeks ago, and plan on giving it a few months to work its magic.

Stella, on the other hand, has been dealing with baby eczema for about a week. Thanks to her Aunt Karyn, we had some Emily skin soother on hand and we've noticed a significant difference in just a few days. Our poor little itchy girl is looking and seems to be feeling much better. We're still applying it two to three times a day and also using the soap for her baths.

The difference one night made:

Before After