Dishwasher Fun

Our dishwasher problems have been ongoing ever since we moved into the house. If you look in the paperwork the former owners left us, you’ll find multiple service bills. The glasses look grainy; dirt is never quite completely removed. We talked about getting a new one, but Nick said, “I think, if you are soaking glasses in vinegar and they come clean, that it might be because we don’t have a water softener.” We asked his dad, who convinced us that was it. And after two weeks of installing a water softener, our dishes have never looked better.

But to Lauren, the dishwasher is the world’s newest toy. She can’t quite stand on her own yet, so the door is the perfect place to balance her belly. The bottom rack comes in and out when I move it, Mom! And if you reach into the silverware holder, you get another toy! (I’ve made sure there aren’t any steak knives in there)

In recent weeks, we’ve learned Lauren will eat pancakes and plain slices of ripe tomato. We’re not sure why she likes plain tomatoes, because Nick and I don’t like to eat them unless they’re in a sandwich, tacos or something else. She must be confusing their juicy texture with fruit!

Visiting Cousins

Merry Christmas from S, Lauren and J! Yes, I know we just had a Halloween picture last week.

Nick, Lauren and I hit the road for Minnesota this weekend to see Nick’s sister C, husband N and nieces S & J. We timed the road trip around Lauren’s bedtime on Friday night and naptime on Sunday. This photo was taken at Macy’s, who unveiled their Christmas display this weekend. Lauren dug the lights and the sparkly fake snow. But even more brilliant were S & J, who clamored to ride in our backseat wherever we went. Once a rule was established that they could not pick up Lauren on their own without parental consent, they enjoyed playing with her and making her laugh.

My favorite quotes from the weekend:

“If you (pointing at me, Colleen) married my daddy, then Lauren and I would be sisters!” (S. Uh, not going to happen.)

“Lauren can have all my baby dolls, because I’m NOT a baby anymore!” (J. Lauren ended up with two.)

“Uncle Nicholas, buckle up your seat belt. It’s the law.” (Busted by J.)

Little Pumpkin

Lauren, 10.5 months, Halloween 2008.

Halloween Friday’s forecast held 70 degree temperatures – not exactly the norm in Wisconsin. Last year, the weather was rainy and cold, and the poor trick-or-treaters dashed from house to house. I was home alone with my pregnant belly, and I was feeling particularly tired, so in between doorbell rings, I napped on the couch.

This year, our neighbors hosted a block party in the cul-de-sac, kids complained they were “too hot” in their customes, and I sat in a lawn chair out on the driveway with a bowl of candy and a frosty beverage. Lauren bounced in her Exersaucer beside me and munched on finger food for dinner. Nick was dressed as a pirate. Neighbors brought 8-month-old son O over to join our lawn party. Later, after the babes went to bed, we warmed ourselves by a campfire.

Lauren’s gotten her first cold. I know we should be happy she’s been healthy until now, but I caught it today. And she’s cranky when she gets up. This too shall pass. Last week she learned to say “Uh-oh!” and she will say it over and over again, and it doesn’t matter if she didn’t have a mistake. Adorable. And the child’s always loved books, but I admire the way she respectfully looks and them and turns the pages. One particular favorite is “Butterfly Kisses,” a copy we obtained at Goodwill for 69 cents. (Yes, the book is based on that really gushy song by Bob Carlisle that’s popular at weddings.) This is the only book she’ll sit still for the whole reading. It’s got to be either the rhythmic words or the pictures she’s admiring.