6 Months

Wow.
Josephine will be 6 months old tomorrow. Where has the time gone? Last night, Neil and I were looking through photos to upload onto Cindy's birthday present of a digital frame (yeah, we were late on her gift...not happy about this lateness streak i've been on...and the month started out so well...) and we were just in disbelief that this much time has gone by. And yes, like everyone said, it has gotten better - and continues to get better each and every day.
She is one active little munchkin. Even in her small stature, she's a pistol. And once she starts to actually move - we're all in trouble. Comparing her height w/other babies - she's petite. (She was wearing size 3 month pants today, for example) It does run in both families. Not that you can tell these days, but I was once and always had been quite small. I remained under 5 feet tall until about high school...and even then, didn't surpass 110 lbs until I join competitive sports where I gained muscle. It wasn't until I got married that all the weight gain happened...but that's been in past posts, and we're not discussing that ridiculous issue right now. We're on Josephine talk....
She's been on cereal for awhile now, and eats wonderfully - shouldn't surprise anyone...
We did start her on apples a week ago. Which I made myself, thank you very much! But by the end of this week, she has broken out in a nasty rash on her bottoms - this is no bueno...especially during a diaper change. So, we continued on cereal, but stopped the apples - at least until we talk to her pediatrician, which she's scheduled for her 6 month check up on Monday. Good timing! It hurts every ounce of me when she starts to cry from the pain...(ugh, and I just felt them again as I typed that, thinking back on today - poor baby!) We stocked up on creams and lathered that cute tooshy all up! Hopefully by morning it will have subsided.
She is almost crawling. She gets on all fours:
See...

And shifts front to back, huffs and puffs - it's the cutest thing. Even when she loses control and goes splat, head first into the floor - she doesn't cry, she scrunches back together, butt in the air, and gets right back up. She does this caterpillar shift thing to get to where she wants to go. It's hilarious.

And she's sitting by herself (sort of...she falls over after awhile)

Cindy has been dying to buy her a walker. Now....we've read all the dangers, and are aware that she needs to be monitored at all times when in one...but we all know she's going to have a blast in that thing bolting from one end of the kitchen, to the other. I'm pretty sure we're going to regret this decision when are ankles are black & blue and scraped up....we just couldn't help ourselves. I had one as a baby, and so did Neil. And when my mother babysat, all the babies she watched were always rolling around the kitchen in one. She can't quite touch the floor yet, but take a look at this cuteness:

(In the background, you can see our gift to Cindy - it's a photo of us in San Diego on our 3rd anniversary.)

These last 6 months have been amazing. She is SO FUN!

Catchin' Up

August was a busy month! With family coming into town, weddings, a birthday party, festivals, extra hours at work...it was a good month - that's for sure. The month started off with the Kalvelage wedding, which I posted about already. A week later our friend Erin threw a surprise party for her husband Leroy. That was a good time! Neil was in charge of keeping Leroy busy all day and I went to the house to help set up. Josephine was totally content just playing w/her toys:

Didn't get any pictures of Leroy & the surprise because I was in charge of the video camera. And then just forgot all about it for the rest of the party....
A couple days later Grandma Campbell came in from Florida...Josephine's only great-grandparent. Neil's brother Nathan and his wife Linda came in a couple days after that. Having them all here was so amazing. Cindy hosted a dinner that same week...boy did she out do herself. No surprise though. Hartman Style. Even with the 13 in attendance, there were so many leftovers, we have dinner prepped and frozen for about 5 nights. Ridiculous.
I took some pictures:

4 Generations

Uncle Nathan

(None with Aunt Linda. How is that possible? So upset right now. Just noticed this!!!!)
The weekend they were in town, it was the weekend of Celebrate Erie, or as everyone who has lived here longer then 15 years or so, call it Erie Days...we've gone every summer since we moved to Erie, and it's always an interesting time. It's a good time, don't get me wrong...but always interesting. People watching, yummy fair foods, seeing friends...we look forward to it :) This year, we made our way downtown two nights in a row. Didn't see that coming! With family going one night, and then other family members going the next...we couldn't not go. The only picture I got of the festivities? The chalk drawing our friend Joel did:

14, my favorite number! And the drawing - awesome as always. Why I didn't aim the camera towards me, and my munchkin is so strange. She was such a trooper! Both nights, just hangin' out in the bjorn w/mommy. At one point, she even fell asleep in it. Precious. And also impressive because it was LOUD. It was a great couple of nights, running into friends - like Mr & Mrs. Q., always a pleasure to see them! It was their first time seeing Jos, so it was nice we were able to see them & spend time w/them.
We had such a good time w/Nate and Linda, we were so sad to see them leave. We did so much with them. Ate a LOT - I can't even admit to what we ate....ugh....
We've had some cooler nights these last couple of weeks (minus the last few days) - I was excited to put Josephine in some super cute pajamas. For example:

Last weekend started off with Joel Quiggle's Art Show, which was so great! We left baby Jos with Grandma, and spent a couple hours hanging out w/friends and seeing ridiculous good art. All done by Joel. Along w/his older brother Davey, these guys never disappoint.
The following morning, I went to a huge Indoor Yard Sale that my boss told me about. Whether I buy anything or not, I love going to these things. It's nice to get out of the house, and the chance of good finds for my house is always an added bonus. I brought Jos w/me, and she was amazing. I originally was just going to head to this sale by myself, but when I mentioned it to my friends Taiya and Carly, they were in. Since the warehouse was near where they live, I picked them up and we headed over. I came out of there with a couple kitchen items, and a pretty great chair...that Neil dislikes, but I don't care. He says that about every item I come home with. What does he know, right?
That same Saturday, we attended our friends Selena and Tony's wedding that was actually held at Saint George's Catholic church - where Neil went to grade school, so that was fun for me to check out. This church was breathtaking on the inside w/all the stained glass.

Neil and Josephine

This past weekend consisted of a lot of hanging out w/good friends....
Sean came over on Friday, and we talked and hung out all day. I loved that. It's been awhile since we've had good quality hang out time w/this man. He's had a busy summer! I left at one point to return a redbox movie, and came home to this:

Apparently he had her laughing while I was gone. Can't believe I missed that! Which then leads me to say, my daughter is pretty stinking amazing. She is always smiling and having a good time. Unless Leroy is around. For some reason, she cries when she sees him. So sad.

Well...The next morning, I had made plans to hang out with Autumn. I was there for hours and hours...which is always so awesome. We don't even do anything. I just go to her house, bring Josephine...we drink coffee, eat and chit-chat. I just love that. We've also been spending a lot of time with the Hamps, and that night, we had them over for dinner. With their new addition on its way, it's fun being able to pass on advice to them when asked. What I learned early on in my pregnancy was that everyone and anyone is going to give you advice, whether you ask for it or not. So I've learned to give advice, when asked.
The month of August just flew by...Constant on the go, and extra hours/days at work - I'm exhausted. Which is why I'm spending Labor Day at home, with zero plans - except to make burgers for us to enjoy :)


(Just had to make phone call to the Erie Police Department because a cat and her kittens have been discovered under our shed we don't use out back. Of course, the Animal Dept. wasn't open today, due to Labor Day. Annnnnd...it makes sense why Cali constantly wants to go outside.)

Kalvelage wedding

This past weekend we celebrated our friends Bryan and Christina. It was such a beautiful and fun weekend. Neil has been blessed to have Bryan as a friend since very early on in his life. Not many can say they've been friends with someone for over 25 years. Growing up, I was barely friends with someone for 25 minutes I moved around so much. I am always astonished when I hear about friendships lasting so long. I love it.
Friday night was the rehearsal, and dinner:

Neil, Trevor and Lucas

Bryan and Neil

Bryan and Christina

After the rehearsal, we headed over to Bryan's grandparents' place where it was set up beautifully for a nice dinner. It was a great time spent reconnecting with family and friends we haven't seen in awhile. Christina is such a great addition to the Kalvelage family. Neil and I both just adore her entire family. Neil ended up staying the night over at Bryans. What was going to be an all nighter of boys playing video games, turned into a little bit of game playing - and then off to bed. Proof that these boys are getting old...

The next day was the BIG day! It was a hot/humid day. All it took was me going from the house to the car, carrying Jos - and I was sweating. Bleh. Thank God for air conditioning! I picked up Cindy, and we made our way to Grace Church. Found Neil. Took this picture:

While we waited for the ceremony to start, had to keep Josephine entertained:

Ceremony:

After the ceremony, we had some time inbetween so I went home & put Jos down for a nap and got her fed. Cindy then came to my house - and we headed over to Zem Zem, a shriner's club where the reception was being held. I was really looking forward to having Josephine meet and spend time with family/friends - but she had other plans. Well...actually....this didn't surprise me. If I'm an eye shot of her, she gets upset that I'm not the one holding her - no matter where we are. Unless of course the one holding her is Daddy or Grandma. She will first give me this look like "am I okay?" and then that'll lead to "why would you do this to me? do you not love me?" kind of look. Then the tears will come. And it's not fake tears. It's serious. It actually got to the point that Grandma couldn't even hold her. I had to be the one. Trying to eat/drink with those crazy uncontrolled hands reaching - not so fun. I was sitting at Christina's family's table, and Cindy was at Bryan's...I cannot express how lovely these people are. They all offered to take Jos while I ate, deal w/the crying - and I did try it - but I didn't want to ruin everyone's time. Because when she cries - it's LOUD. Cindy ate, then like we planned - took Jos home & watched her the rest of the evening. Seriously. I have the BEST mother-in-law. Let me just say, my bicep was burning by the end of this day holding that 14 pounder. Neil and I got to dance and mingle. It was such a good time. Oh and when I say dance, I mean slow dance - and then the ladies (4 of us) danced when it was more fast tempo. It was such a great weekend!!!!! Neil and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it all....

4 Months

After a bath...

Not too happy about this, but it is cute...(notice the index finger on her nose?)

Cereal messyness. It's unavoidable.

Content in her high chair, hanging with mommy, watching Veggie Tales...

Right now I hear her in her room, talking and playing - awake 30 minutes early from her nap. So, I have to make this quick. Some things we've learned this past month? Doesn't care to drink/eat her formula past 3ozs or so. Would rather talk/smile with whoever is feeding her. The rest of her feeding is always a battle. *Sigh*. Likes cereal. Hates cereal after about 5 minutes. Likes being read to some days. Hates being read to other days. Sucks her thumb when tired. Sucks her thumb when she's upset & does it to calm herself. Loves Cali & always tries to grab her face. Can roll from her back to her belly. Cannot roll from her belly to her back. Loves her owl "lovey". Loves her giraffe w/all the gadgets in place of limbs (see photo directly above). Is extremely happy to just be with either mommy or daddy. Likes watching daddy play video games (ugh). Smiles/laughs at Veggie Tales. Likes playing "under the sea" (floor play thing). Is very ticklish. As soon as I make eye contact with her, a smile just lights up across her face...that makes me melt. I love her more and more each day....

Seven

7 years ago I married my best friend

In front of our bestest friends:


It's been an amazing 7 years....
A lot has happened.
Honeymooned in Mexico.
Lived in a pretty great apartment for a few years.
Moved to Erie, PA from Murrieta, CA.
Bought a house.
Had a baby.
My heart is full.

4th of July weekend

It was yet another glorious 4th of July weekend here in Erie. The weather was perfect both Sunday and Monday. Which was good because we had plans.
Saturday we just wanted out of the house, so we packed up the little munchkin and headed to the mall. It was waaay too humid out to really do anything else, and since thunderstorm like clouds were threatening, we went for the "indoor" activity. I really wanted to go to Presque Isle and walk for miles, but I was too nervous we would get rained on. Anyways. To the mall we went. Who was the absolute perfect 3 month old? And who was getting gawked at the entire time? Josephine. We attached her giraffe that makes 4 different types of noises, to the stroller and people were just drooling over the cutenss. I mean really, how can ya not? Seriously. Neil & I each got ourselves a pair of sunglasses and just walked every inch of the mall, minus going in the actual stores. Too dangerous. I have a tendancy to want to buy everything. By chance though, we walked into the Shoe Dept., and I came across super cute Converse:

Cute, right? I got such a good deal on these, even Neil said: "You can't pass that up." That never happens!Sunday we went to church, then eventually headed over to Neil's uncle's house. It was such a good time! They have a gigantic backyard, and there's always lots to do. When it came time to feed little Miss Josie, she wasn't havin' it. Too distracted. So Neil took over. He has more patience then I do with her dramatic temper tantrums. If you just fight through it, she'll eventually eat... Which is true. I just hate dealing w/it in front of others. Sure enough, she drank the entire bottle. Which then leads to a happy baby. Some pictures:

I would have a love/hate relationship with such a big backyard. They do such a good job maintaining it too. I just love spending time back there. And of course, there's always this type of picture to post....he's ridiculous...

Monday I spent the entire morning doing laundry...then we headed over to the Atzert house. Did I take any photos? Nope. Not happy about it either. It was such a great time, I'm beyond upset I didn't capture of it in photos. Oh well. I always feel at home at their parties. Especially in the summer, when everyone's skin is bare and tattoos are visible for all to see. I tend to feel like a freak everywhere else I go here in Erie. It's becoming more and more common for people to be tattooed up - but not so much for the ladies. Autumn made a comment like "I wonder what the neighbors must think looking over here". Now, this is Autumn's house & she's married to Ryan who is covered in tattoos...and she really doesn't care what the neighbors think. We had a good laugh about it, as we surveyed the yard. Not only do these guys have tattoos, they are covered. Neil calls Sean "the painted man" - it's hilarious. Josephine was sooo good too! I love it. She was smiling at everyone. It was precious.

Happy 1st Father's Day

Happy 1st Father's Day to Neil!!!
He is truly the best father.
His father would be proud.
His grandfather would be extremely proud.
I am so blessed, Josephine is blessed.
I have to be honest, when I was pregnant with Josephine, I was a bit nervous. Neil didn't seem to understand the pregnant-lady struggles. He definitely didn't know how to handle my emotional breakdowns. And those happened quite often. I just really didn't know what to expect once she came into the world. Especially not having an ounce of experience with babies... He really impressed me. He just jumped right into fatherhood. I don't even think I made a bottle in the 1st month of her existence. And with our washer & dryer down in the basement - Neil was on laundry duty for about 3 weeks. He hated it, but didn't complain.
As Josephine is getting older, and her personality is starting to come through - Neil is really enjoying this whole parenting thing. He loves making her laugh, and reading to her...it melts my heart to see them together.
What is so amazing? That I can leave for hours at a time and don't have to worry - at all! Since he's off for the summer, it's daddy-daughter time 3 days a week. This last week was his first week doing this...he looked a bit drained at the end of each day...and made a comment like: I really need to thank my mom...those are long days...Uh. Thanks babe...I took that as a compliment to me as well....
Happy Father's Day babe!!!!!! I love you.
This video is from day 2 of him being a daddy: Neil 03-20-11

She's 3 months old...

Josephine Jimza Hartman
3 months old

We don't have any pictures of us as a family - how is that? I need to get on that....and pronto!

DownInTheDumps

I took my usual Tuesday night weights class last night. I've been back at the gym, taking this class, along with one other for about 6 weeks now. I don't feel like I'm getting stronger. I didn't realize what great shape I was in before pregnancy - until now. I knew it would be hard, and continue to be hard - but man. I didn't think it'd be this hard. During the ab section of the class, I was having a heck of a time pulling off the moves. I eventually gave up, and just went back to the basic sit-up. My instructor made it a point to make a comment at the end of class that it takes a really long time to get back to doing such hard moves after a long break from doing it...especially after surgery. She had a c-section herself about 8 years ago, so she must feel my pain. Guaranteed she bounced back a lot faster - she's in incredible shape, and has been at it for like 15 years. But annnnywaaays.
I guess I thought it would easier to jump right back into it. Not to mention I'd like to get back to jogging. Pre-pregnancy, I was doing 3 miles and getting good at it. And it took me a long time to get to that point. I have to start all over again...Ugh.
I'm going to try things a little different this time around. I found this article online, and it provided a guide to follow. For example: Walk 5 mins., jog/run 1 minute - do this for 30 minutes. Once I can do that, walk 4 mins., jog/run 2 mins....and so forth... Seems pretty simple. Eventually I should be able to run the entire 30 minutes, and then progressively get faster. My ultimate goal is 3 miles in 30 minutes. I wonder if I can do this by the end of the year?
Another thing that has me downinthedumps: My mother hasn't met Josephine yet.
No comment on that really.
But you know, at the end of the day - God has blessed me with this amazing little family.
Look...I'm already feeling better. :) Josephine is SOOO fun these days. Talking and smiling. Neil sent me this picture at work today:

Seriously. I died. She looks so cute. And if someone can find me a hat that's infant size, and white - I would greatly appreciate it because this navy blue one isn't going to cut it. It doesn't match anything in her wardrobe! Goodness I love her!!! Wow. Feeling a lot better now.

phew!

I made it through yet another cold winter here in Erie. Why am I blogging about this fact in June you ask? Well, it was literally cold a month ago. I was waiting for the consistency of warm days, and it's finally happened! Yippy! Of course now that the heat is here, I have something to complain about - the humidity. You have no idea what this does to my hair. Thankfully I have found a wonderful product that controls this frizz-chaos: Pureology Super Straight serum. It's amazing! The price? Not so much. I was hunting around on ebay looking for shoes, and I thought to hunt for this stuff...and look! There it was. After great communication with the seller, I found out she had only used it twice, and it didn't work for her - what?! I put a bid in, and WON!!! Yay. I got it for only $10. Okay, and another thing - unlike my husband, mr. i don't sweat, I sweat. With this humid/thick air, it's like no mercy. I have no escape. At least in CA, you can hide under a tree, and there's usually always a breeze.


Okay. Why am I complaining? This is stupid. There's no snow on the ground, and it's above 50 degrees. Shut.Up.

Jos is giggling. Good grief it's the cutest thing! And talking. When I read books to her, she talks back - I'm like, pay attention missy...she just comes back at me with a smile. Adorable.
And she's growing out of her clothes!!! Ahhhh, I need to do more shopping! She's fitting perfectly in 3 month sizes, and I'm pretty sure next week they won't fit. Well...3 month onesies & sleepers. Her 0-3 month pants still don't fit around her waist. It's hot, she doesn't need to be in pants - I know. She does have some adorable dresses that are so close to fitting her! Yay!
She's almost rolling over. She's kind of been at this stage for awhile, mainly because she likes to sleep on her side. It's so cute watching her get comfortable. When it's nap time, she always prefers her crib where she can talk to her friends that float above her in the mobile. Love her!

Tomorrow is Neil's last day of work for the summer. I'm bringing Josie in to show her off to his co-workers. Of course, Neil doesn't understand the chaos/infatuation of a new baby. When I brought this up to him, he was like "why?" I said, just inform the ladies in the office that I'm thinking about it, and you see their reaction. Of course, I was right. They are so excited. Us women and babies. Don't men understand?

Don't have any new pictures of Jos. I'll post them when I take more.
Next week the Q's are coming into town. I can't explain just how excited we are! Having good friends meet Jos is so fun. I can't wait.