Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Peyton Days - Fantastic!
I headed back to Olathe on Sunday afternoon in time to give Peyton's Mommy and Daddy an opportunity to go out for a peaceful dinner - it gave Peyton and me an opportunity to reconnect after I had been back in Clinton for two days! We had missed each other.
Peyton and I had a great time hanging out together Monday through Wednesday this week. We ventured to Walmart twice and to CVS to pick up some pictures. While there, I thought I had lot my wallet - called Ron to get all my cards cancelled - then I called Amanda who suggested I look on the floorboard, etc. for my wallet - lo and behold, it had fallen out of my pocket and was between the door and my seat - whew - close call! Peyton was oblivious and was very good while making two trips into CVS to see if my wallet had been turned in, etc. Too much excitement for an old Grammy!
Peyton was a joy (as usual). She still prefers getting her nourishment directly from her Mommy, however, she did pretty good with Mommy's milk from a bottle. Just like her Mommy was, Peyton is a "cat-napper", just getting enough rest to revive herself - a power nap. She is happy when she wakes up and gives her signature smiles, so Grammy melts and we go on having fun !
Peyton had a first while I was watching her - she rolled over (twice) from her back to her stomach - she and I were both a little surprised and quite proud! She hasn't done it since, but I am sure she will be performing for her Mommy and Daddy real soon.
We attempted a walk outside on one of the nice days, but we made the mistake of taking Apollo with us. Peyton didn't like the sun in her eyes and was screaming - Apollo wanted to sniff every blade of grass and was uncontrollable - needless to say, it was not a good experience, so after 4 blocks, we hurried home!
Amanda came home a little early on Wednesday so I could get back to Clinton for Ash Wednesday services at church. It was kind of like leaving camp - I had adjusted quite nicely to visiting for days at a time at the Todd household and will miss seeing them every day. I am having Peyton and Amanda withdrawals, however, I have wonderful, priceless memories of Peyton's first three months of life and had a fantastic bonding experience with her. It was also very special to get to spend so much "quantity" time with Amanda - not since high school had we had so much uninterrupted time together - it was super!
Spending time with Peyton made me realize that she is a carbon copy of her Mommy in so many ways - she looks like her - acts like her (at the same age) - naps like Amanda did - you name it, it is just like re-living Amanda's childhood. At times I agree with Mary that Peyton also looks like Chad - some of her expressions are vintage Chad.
Back to work today - very busy - took me until 11 a.m. to get through my mail and my e-mail, then I left to go to Hermitage for a meeting. Only in the office a couple of hours tomorrow before I go to Butler for a meeting. Next week should be back to normal.
Everyone at work loved the new pictures of Peyton - gorgeous baby!
Peyton will start "school" next week, and Grammy won't be needed - it was so much fun having the opportunity to stay with her, and I am going to miss my days with her terribly.
Peyton and I had a great time hanging out together Monday through Wednesday this week. We ventured to Walmart twice and to CVS to pick up some pictures. While there, I thought I had lot my wallet - called Ron to get all my cards cancelled - then I called Amanda who suggested I look on the floorboard, etc. for my wallet - lo and behold, it had fallen out of my pocket and was between the door and my seat - whew - close call! Peyton was oblivious and was very good while making two trips into CVS to see if my wallet had been turned in, etc. Too much excitement for an old Grammy!
Peyton was a joy (as usual). She still prefers getting her nourishment directly from her Mommy, however, she did pretty good with Mommy's milk from a bottle. Just like her Mommy was, Peyton is a "cat-napper", just getting enough rest to revive herself - a power nap. She is happy when she wakes up and gives her signature smiles, so Grammy melts and we go on having fun !
Peyton had a first while I was watching her - she rolled over (twice) from her back to her stomach - she and I were both a little surprised and quite proud! She hasn't done it since, but I am sure she will be performing for her Mommy and Daddy real soon.
We attempted a walk outside on one of the nice days, but we made the mistake of taking Apollo with us. Peyton didn't like the sun in her eyes and was screaming - Apollo wanted to sniff every blade of grass and was uncontrollable - needless to say, it was not a good experience, so after 4 blocks, we hurried home!
Amanda came home a little early on Wednesday so I could get back to Clinton for Ash Wednesday services at church. It was kind of like leaving camp - I had adjusted quite nicely to visiting for days at a time at the Todd household and will miss seeing them every day. I am having Peyton and Amanda withdrawals, however, I have wonderful, priceless memories of Peyton's first three months of life and had a fantastic bonding experience with her. It was also very special to get to spend so much "quantity" time with Amanda - not since high school had we had so much uninterrupted time together - it was super!
Spending time with Peyton made me realize that she is a carbon copy of her Mommy in so many ways - she looks like her - acts like her (at the same age) - naps like Amanda did - you name it, it is just like re-living Amanda's childhood. At times I agree with Mary that Peyton also looks like Chad - some of her expressions are vintage Chad.
Back to work today - very busy - took me until 11 a.m. to get through my mail and my e-mail, then I left to go to Hermitage for a meeting. Only in the office a couple of hours tomorrow before I go to Butler for a meeting. Next week should be back to normal.
Everyone at work loved the new pictures of Peyton - gorgeous baby!
Peyton will start "school" next week, and Grammy won't be needed - it was so much fun having the opportunity to stay with her, and I am going to miss my days with her terribly.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Peyton Days - More Fun in Olathe
I had the pleasure of staying with Peyton Wednesday through Friday this week - I am one lucky Grammy that the Goddard School didn't have an opening for her unti l March 2 - we have had sooooo much fun. While I was there this week, Peyton started holding onto her keys, toys, etc. and even shakes her rattle now! She sucks on two of her fingers on her hand sometimes and is still quite fascinated by her hands in general! She discovered she could get ahold of the bottom of her pant leg and pull it up and thinks that is fun - on Friday, she even took off one of her socks (I think it was accidental, but she did it just the same). She continues to talk more and more and smiles back and laughs. She is so much fun. We worked and worked and she finally accepted the pacifier, which she has refused up to this point. Mommy doesn't want her to get "addicted" to it, but it sure will calm her down if she uses it just for a few minutes in a crisis! I honored her Mommy's wishes and didn't give it to her hardly at all, but it will be good to have "just in case" nothing else is working. Her Mommy used her "buddy" until she was 2 1/2 years old and grew up to be a well-adjusted adult, so...... Grammy's not boss though, so I will follow the rules! Peyton rolled over for me on Friday while we were having tummy time. She can push on her weighted ball and finds it quite entertaining that it rolls and makes pretty sounds. I took Amanda's Rockin' Elmo with me to Olathe, and she absolutely thinks he is so entertaining!
On Friday, Peyton and I had our first solo outing - we went to the Great Mall of the Great Plains to do a little shopping. We were gone from home about an hour and a half from start to finish - she did great! I think she is a shopper in training. I was so proud pushing her around in the mall and having everyone tell me how adorable she is. Of course, they were right. She likes to keep moving. She took a little snooze while in the mall, but she was awake for both car rides and loved watching her mirror car toy.
Murray was glad to see me when I returned to Clinton for about 48 hours - it's back to Olathe for more Peyton Days on Sunday afternoon - can't wait!
My brother asked me if I was going to have any vacation days left after Peyton Days conclude (actually yes, I will have LOTS of days left, but even if I didn't, it wouldn't matter) - in my 53 years, I have NEVER enjoyed my vacation days more or had better pictures from a vacation than Peyton Days have been and will be next week - I am so very blessed to have her in my life.
On Friday, Peyton and I had our first solo outing - we went to the Great Mall of the Great Plains to do a little shopping. We were gone from home about an hour and a half from start to finish - she did great! I think she is a shopper in training. I was so proud pushing her around in the mall and having everyone tell me how adorable she is. Of course, they were right. She likes to keep moving. She took a little snooze while in the mall, but she was awake for both car rides and loved watching her mirror car toy.
Murray was glad to see me when I returned to Clinton for about 48 hours - it's back to Olathe for more Peyton Days on Sunday afternoon - can't wait!
My brother asked me if I was going to have any vacation days left after Peyton Days conclude (actually yes, I will have LOTS of days left, but even if I didn't, it wouldn't matter) - in my 53 years, I have NEVER enjoyed my vacation days more or had better pictures from a vacation than Peyton Days have been and will be next week - I am so very blessed to have her in my life.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Valentine's Day
Beautiful, sunny day for Valentine's Day. Had coffee with Mom and Daddy early. One of my co-workers who moved away in October came to our house to visit around 10 a.m. - she had her first grandchild, a girl, 4 days after Peyton was born, so we had a lot of things to catch up on and lots of pictures to look at! Was supposed to play the organ and sing at a funeral at 2 p.m. - the singing part took place, but no organ music - no power at the Funeral Home - we had to sing acapella which went amazingly well. We are going to Ron's Mom's for dinner - Merle and Debbie are visiting today. Afterward, we will visit with Mom and Daddy and pick up Murray - he has been playing with Lenny today at their house. Thanks to Amanda for snazzing up my blog with wallpaper. No clue how she did it, but it looks nice.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Peyton Days - Fun in Olathe
After choir practice at church on Wednesday night, I traveled to Olathe so I would be there in time for Amanda and Chad to go to work Thursday morning - Amanda's first day back to work since Peyton was born 12 weeks ago. It was my privilege and my pleasure to get to hang out with Peyton Thursday and Friday since her Goddard School spot won't be ready for her until March 1 - worked out well for Grammy! I think it will be a help for Amanda too for her transition back to work. I pretended I wasn't there, and they "practiced" their work day routine, which worked like a charm. They handed Peyton to me on their way out the door - they had time to spare! Peyton is such a wonderful baby - she sleeps all night and is so much fun. We had a great time both days. She gets a little impatient while I'm warming up the milk her Mommy so lovingly leaves for her - supply and demand is better fulfilled by her Mommy - but all in all, she was easy to take care of. She was sure happy to have the "real thing" from her Mommy when she got home and was all smiles for her Mommy and Daddy. Rocking her to sleep is especially enjoyable - and when she cuddles up and sleeps on my chest - ah, priceless. See Amanda's blog for more details on Peyton Days. Amanda looked like a million dollars when she left for work - exactly like she did a year ago before she got pregnant with Peyton - except for now she has that proud Mommy look about her.
Murray had a great time visiting with Lenny at Grandma and Grandpa's. He was happy to see me when I picked him up.
Murray had a great time visiting with Lenny at Grandma and Grandpa's. He was happy to see me when I picked him up.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday
Weather today couldn't have been much better - except for February! Murray and I went for a 5 a.m. walk this morning, and Ron, Murray and I walked again after work tonight. We had a delicious salad luncheon at work today which was fun.
This Grammy is packed and ready to travel to Olathe tomorrow evening following choir practice for the privilege of staying with Peyton Thursday and Friday - her Mommy is returning to work after 12 weeks of baby bliss with Peyton. I am looking forward to lots of fun with Peyton - I will get to hug and kiss her all day long and won't have to share! I guess Apollo will be there too to "help" me. I wish I could train him to warm up her bottles - she gets a little impatient sometimes when she is really hungry - she's not used to waiting for her meal from her Mommy! I'm sure we will come up with all kinds of fun things to do - what a gift for me - can't wait! I'm glad the Goddard School didn't have an opening until March 1- worked out well for me!
This Grammy is packed and ready to travel to Olathe tomorrow evening following choir practice for the privilege of staying with Peyton Thursday and Friday - her Mommy is returning to work after 12 weeks of baby bliss with Peyton. I am looking forward to lots of fun with Peyton - I will get to hug and kiss her all day long and won't have to share! I guess Apollo will be there too to "help" me. I wish I could train him to warm up her bottles - she gets a little impatient sometimes when she is really hungry - she's not used to waiting for her meal from her Mommy! I'm sure we will come up with all kinds of fun things to do - what a gift for me - can't wait! I'm glad the Goddard School didn't have an opening until March 1- worked out well for me!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Weekend Fun
Saturday was a great day for us grandparents! We headed to Olathe very early so that Grandpa could spend some time with Peyton before he and Chad headed to the Golf Show. While they were there, Amanda, Peyton, Apollo and Grammy went for a 2 mile walk around the neighborhood - it was a little windy and chilly, but nice to be outside. The guys came back to the house, along with Chad's friend, Jeff, for pizza before they headed out to play 18 holes of golf at Iron Horse Golf Course. We girls decided to go shopping - Peyton continued her good shopping skills at BabiesRUs, Sam's Club, Carter's and Target. We had a great time. After we returned home we bundled Peyton up and spent some time in the porch swing outside. She really liked it!
After we returned to Clinton, we visited with Mark, Joe, Lenny, Grandma, Grandpa and Murray at Mintuns. Mark brought Lenny for his annual Clinton vacation while his family goes to Florida. Had coffee with Mark before he left Sunday morning to return to Chesterfield.
After we returned to Clinton, we visited with Mark, Joe, Lenny, Grandma, Grandpa and Murray at Mintuns. Mark brought Lenny for his annual Clinton vacation while his family goes to Florida. Had coffee with Mark before he left Sunday morning to return to Chesterfield.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Peyton Days in Olathe
Grammy has been in Olathe the past two days for Peyton Days! Amanda took Apollo to the vet while Peyton and I hung out at home. When Mommy returned, the three of us went to Kohl's and Sam's Club with the plan to go out for lunch, however, Peyton wasn't having too much fun, so we decided to pick up lunch at Chipolte (Amanda's favorite) and go on home. Later, Amanda went for a facial while I made the sacrifice and stayed home with Peyton (ha ha - my privilege - not a sacrifice). We had a super time! She played in her bouncie seat and had a great time hitting the hanging Larry the Lion with her hands - then she would just coo and smile! Being Peyton's Grammy is such a blessing! Mommy really enjoyed her facial - it was nice that she had the opportunity to have some well-deserved alone time. Peyton's bath was a hoot - she really likes the water and no longer screams bloody murder during bathtime. Of course, she was adorable during the whole process. She didn't eat too much right before falling asleep at 8 p.m., so I was worried she wouldn't sleep through the night, but lo and behold, Amanda had to wake Peyton up at 7 a.m. this morning to feed her! We decided it was too cold to go out for pancakes for breakfast, so we had pancakes at home. Amanda loaded pictures off my camera onto her computer and mine while we got some things done around the house this morning. She had some more errands to run today, so I was lucky again and watched Peyton. We had a great bonding time - she interacts so much more now and is so much fun. All-in-all, a successful trip!
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