I talk too fast when I get nervous. I WILL STOP THIS IMMEDIATELY.

It is horrible. I'm not scared of the phone, but I do get uncomfortable when talking to specific people and I talk sooo fast. I called a lady today to update her on some work, and she literally had to say, "ASHLEY. SLOW DOWN." :x I was so embarrassed. I think she was joking with me, but it made me realize how fast I go when I'm nervous (and she makes me nervous). I think it's because I know they're busy and I'm trying to not take up their time, but it just takes longer because I seriously have to repeat myself at least twice, sometimes three times. Ugh.

I think I'm going to join the "dark side" and start reading Harry Potter. I know, right? I'm a little interested in it. I've only read one book..I think the Chamber of Secrets, and I've seen one movie but I don't remember which one. It's been years. I want to try and catch up before the last film comes out though, because I don't want the ending to be spoiled for me (although it may be spoiled since the last book is coming out soon, anyway).

I feel things are looking up for us lately. Well, I don't just FEEL it. They are. We'll be working our butts off for awhile, but it will pay off. It is already starting to pay off some, which is fabulous.

Dear LORD my daughter is adorable. 14 months already.
Some new things of hers:

- shaking her head "no"
- nodding her head "yes" (really only when I nod at her first, so far)
- blowing kisses constantly
- eating bigger pieces of food: last night I made beef tips and rice (with some peas and carrots mixed in), and I made her a bowl of it with smaller pieces of beef. She mostly just picked out the beef and rice and ate it, leaving the veggies. Sigh. I'll keep trying. She eats veggies fine when they're pureed and fed in a spoon, but lately has been refusing to eat the regular version.
- saying "daddy" more clearly. She used to say "dadadada" around John, and starting yesterday she began directing it at John only and saying "Da-yee". Small thing, but worth noting in my book.
- blowing rasberries with her tongue
- not new, but cute: dancing! anytime any music is put on, she stops whatever she's doing and grins real big while bopping up and down with the music. Freaking adorable.

I wish I could post new pics, but I've been without a camera as ours broke. John is having to use extra of ours for his work, so I've empty-handed lately. :( I'll try and remember to take some pictures in the morning before John leaves for work.

Elizabeth came over last night for a couple hours...we watched "Because I Said So". CUTE movie. I hate that it bombed, because it was really fun to watch. Although some of the acting was way over the top, COME ON, it's a chick flick! We really enjoyed it, I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of that genre. I told Elizabeth, "PLEEEAASE do not let me be that way with any of my kids. PLEASE." She solemnly swore she wouldn't allow it.

In other good news, we managed to squeeze in grocery shopping and I only spent $45. It got us food for a week, isn't that awesome? Possibly even longer with leftovers, but I don't like to eat until the shelves are bare if I can help it. I know it sounds like a small feat, but I budgeted for $50 (and brought cash!), and so I have a little extra to work with next time. We're doing the Dave Ramsey envelope thing, if that explains anything. I'm too tired to go into it, but it's extremely helpful so google it if you're interested. haha

I'm also going to start being way more consistent on signing with Reagan. She doesn't really use any words at all other than Mama, Daddy, and cracker, so we need to figure some way out to communicate at least a little bit. The meltdowns and whining are getting to be too much for me. I know part of it is her diet, I'm going to focus more energy on being sure she eats enough. Since we switched to mostly table food, I think she's not getting as much as she used to because she throws off whatever she doesn't like (she likes peas, but hates carrots, so she picks out the carrots and throws them off the chair. sigh). She also tends to play with her food more when she gets bored. Anyway, that's one thing I'm going to focus more on because I think good nutrition will make a big difference. I hope. Don't get me wrong, she's not going hungry, but she may not be ready to go 100% table food yet like I thought.

Ok I think that's enough rambling for tonight.

I promise to bring pictures soon!

♥

I miss her while I work. :(

John watched her today, which was nice. Father-daughter time is always good. He has a slow week, work doesn't come in until Monday..so yeah.

I still missed her! She still won't really drink out of a bottle or sippy cup, she mostly plays with them, bites the nipple, etc. John said he got her to drink some out of the bottle by laying with her on the bed (she insisted on holding the bottle herself), but even then she kept trying to sit up and drink it. She just isn't strong enough to lift it and drink out of it herself (not while sitting up), and she won't let him do it.

I'm usually gone for about 3-4 hours. Today it was about 4.5. She ate jarred food, and I couldn't leave earlier because I was at the store by myself. She did ok, but I was sooo happy to see her! I just love how excited she gets when I come home, she starts freaking out and crying for me. :D

Oh man, we watched "The Fan" last night (Robert Deniro, Wesley Snipes). Intense. I told John he needs to start warning me when a movie is going to be about a child, or even HAVE children in it somewhere. I don't want to spoil anything, but I just cannot handle seeing intense situations involving children (no matter what age, if there is a parent-child relationship, I'm done). Something in me just breaks, as a mother. I feel like THEIR mother. It was a great movie though!

Picture time!

Here's a sneak peek of the incredible cuteness that awaits...


( CLICK! )