January 1, 2011

Ruby Reds

Amelia is almost 1 year old.  At daycare, they've decided that it's time for her to transition into the 1-year-old room.  She was a "Mockingbird."  Now she will be a "Ruby Red."  They have been letting her spend a few hours in there each day with the Ruby Reds, and she absolutely loves it.  The big challenge is getting her to eat "table food" with the "big kids."  She's getting a lot better at it though.  Her teacher says that she has learned a lot by simply watching the other kids.  She's definitely gotten better at eating her soy butter and jelly sandwiches at home.  Still a VERY messy proposition, but at least some of it is now making its way into her mouth.  Today she actually ate some small bits of chicken, ham and cheese ravioli.  Way to go Amelia!

One of the big benefits of transition the Ruby Reds was going to be a decrease in daycare price.  But last week Amelia came home with a notice of an across-the-board rate increase.  So now we are actually paying more than before.  Go figure . . . .

Baby Billy also seems to be doing well.  He's started making his presence known by kicking around a little this week.  His favorite time to kick seems to be when I'm rocking Amelia and giving her a bottle before bed.  Apparently this cramps his space, and so he kicks her.  She definitely feels it, complains a little and repositions.  It's pretty funny.  I guess the sibling rivalry has already started.

We had a pretty low-key new year.  I had to work really late on the night before New Year's Eve, and then through mid-day on New Year's day.  I'm going to take off on Monday though.  I'll keep Amelia home from daycare and we'll have some play time.  I'm also thinking about another pedicure . . . . .

My new year's resolution this year is to continually look for new ways to improve my parenting skills.  Of all of my hobbies, jobs, etc., this Mommy business is definitely the most fun and rewarding.  I really want to be good at it.  I just hope that I can keep my sanity and sense of humor when both Billy & Amelia (both under age 2) are scurrying around.  That will be a real accomplishment.

Okay, that's it for now.  Below are some photos that Nanny requested -- Amelia in her white dress and red Christmas sweater.  I chased her around with the camera for an hour trying to get a good photo.  These were the best that I could manage.  She's on the move!

(Click on the thumbnails below to view a larger version).