Connolly Twins » November 2004 Journal Entries » AboutMyBaby - online baby scrapbooks, photo albums, videos, birth and pregnancy announcements

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Sun, Nov 28, 2004 7:58 PM
Henry said "Mommy"!

Not once, but twice! hahaha! Stephen heard him say it both times, so I'm not making it up. He isn't looking at me saying it, but it's become part of his gurgles now -- probably from me saying "mommymommymommymommy" to him while I'm changing him. Henry handles "subtle" hints quite well.

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Wed, Nov 24, 2004 8:34 PM
Libby/Henry in the News (again)

Our friend, Maria Stuart, is the editor of the local paper (a close family friend) and she had a really touching column today about what she was thankful for. Guess who made the list? Libby and Henry! Isn't it nice to have community members who love our babies as much as we do?

Mommy's boss, Shea Charles, the City manager, was just happy that Mom didn't make the newspaper AGAIN. Libby and Henry are less controversial, than say, new developments or zoning disputes.

Here's the text of the column (copyright Livingston County Daily Press and Argus)
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Maria Stuart column: Giving thanks for many blessings

Now and then, there are slivers of a day that are mine alone. They come early in the morning, when I am the only person in the house awake, or in the evening when my son is asleep and my husband is not yet home from work.

There is nothing more luxurious than that half-hour or so spent alone on the deck or at the window with my thoughts and a cup of coffee. That these times come so sporadically makes them all the more special. For each and every one of them, I am eternally thankful.

This year, I am also thankful for:

My sister. No matter when or where we get together, there is always a manic episode in which we laugh so hard we cry and our stomachs hurt - you know, the very therapeutic kind of laughter that releases tension and endorphins and dignity.

Years ago, after she committed some teenage transgression against me and I took my complaint to the high court in my house, the judge, er, my mother, told me that friends will come and friends will go, but my sister would always be there for me.

"No one else will always tell you the truth," she said.

It didn't seem like much comfort back then, but time has revealed that my mother is truly a wise woman.

I cherish my sister. That's not to say that we don't sometimes drive each other a bit crazy, but my sister is a one-of-a-kind original I can always depend on. I can't imagine not having her in my life.

And she always tells me the truth.

The staff of the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus. In just four short years, the newspaper has gone from being Michigan's newest daily to the Michigan Press Association's "Newspaper of the Year" in its circulation category. That doesn't happen without a talented bunch of people working hard and I'd like to congratulate the staff as well as the individual award winners - Tim Robinson, Matt Smith, Al Ward, Gillis Benedict - for their well-deserved recognition.

It takes a village - Each and every day, I realize that it does, indeed, take a village to raise a child. My son is blessed to have some pretty special people in his life. Deborah Loveday, Will's teacher, has helped him ease from day care and preschool to kindergarten, a transition that hasn't always been a smooth one. She is patient, full of humor and follow-through, and she keeps Will on task.

There are other people who are special to Will, including Mary Foisy, Katie Horne and Tonya Markovich. For these people, I am thankful.

Brighton's streets. The pedestrian utopia being created in Brighton - which includes chokers, roundabouts and flashing cross-walks - has me equally mystified and enthralled. I like the creativity of the solutions. Now, if I'd just master driving through the roundabout.

Dianne Roth, who became an official family member this year.

New kids on the block: Libby and Henry Connolly, Emily Horne, Charlotte Menko and Charlotte Moorehouse.

Staff writer Dan Meisler for showing grace and perseverance in the face of adversity and writing some pretty good stories, too.

Eugene and Nellie Tolot, my parents, who have discovered the joys of childhood with their checker-cheating angel.

Terry Wilson of Howell's DPW, who came up with a remarkable design for the reconstruction of my street. His boulevard concept may never become reality, but the beauty and creativity of his solution to the street's problem is impressive.

Rich Perlberg, one of the best newspaper guys around.

Our guest columnists - Wayne Johnson and James Teela in particular - who have contributed thoughtful commentary to the Daily Press & Argus' op-ed pages this year.

Our letter writers, who always keep our editorial pages lively. They were at their best - and worst - during this election year.

Ritter's Frozen Custard. Need I say more?

The Women Build Project for Habitat for Humanity. Cool fund-raisers and a great cause have made this wonderful project become reality. It's been a pleasure to watch it grow.

Folly Beach, S.C.

Cheryl Tompson, for her friendship, her ideas and her ear.

Pat Convery, for always thinking about the big picture and what's best for the Howell community.

Nancy Flanagan, for her friendship, her musicianship and her fabulous CD compilations.

Sara Miller, for her gentle humor and generous spirit.

The Grand Inquisitor of the Stuart household, my sweet son, Will, around whom my world happily revolves.

And, finally, my husband, Michael Stuart, for giving Will rides to bed on his shoulders every night.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thu, Nov 18, 2004 9:35 AM
Bye Bye Reflux

It appears that Henry no longer has reflux. He hasn't had a episode in over 3 weeks now. We can't tell you how happy we are to be rid of those nasty, tear filled traumas. When this stuff started at the end of July, we dreamed of this day!

The literature on reflux does say that once they start eating solid foods in earnest, the relfux goes away. Henry is now eating two meals a day of solids - but he's still putting away at least 40oz of formula. We've stopped adding rice to his bottles too.

Both Henry and Libby are big spitters. We are constantly covered in baby puke. Our routine is to feed them, burp them (increasingly becoming less critical), and put them in their bouncy chair for at least a half hour so that their food settles. If that routine isn't followed, clothes must be changed.

The good news is that we'll be able to take Henry off the ruinously expensive Hypo-allergenic formula and introduce him to the good old regular stuff. Libby is now off soy and taking regular Enfamil and we hope Henry is there soon, too!

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Sat, Nov 13, 2004 7:38 PM
Shopping for 6-9 Month Clothes!

Babies are growing like weeds. They are both completely out of 3-6 month clothes and are now in 6-9s! We all went shopping at the local outlet mall and bought Libby a new wardrobe at Old Navy and Carter's. Henry has lots and lots of wonderful hand-me-downs from friends, but still needed long sleeved tee-shirts. Just ordered Polartec snowsuits and hats from Lands End.

We ALSO had to buy new carseats this weekend because Henry's feet are out of his infant carrier. We ordered Evenflo Triumphs and I'm sure we'll have fun installing the seats!!

Henry's new trick is screaming -- a paint peeling, wine glass breaking, ear drum shatting, high pitched scream. It's almost ultrasonic. Libby went through this phase about a month ago and now Henry is in the middle of it. Stephen wears earplugs 24/7 now to protect his tinnitus ears. He also prefers his bouncy seat to the high chair because the bouncy seats rock and bounce -- he gets the bouncy seat bouncing so hard that we fear he'll throw himself out of it. Bounce. Scream!. Bounce.

Libby loves her hair chair. We think she likes the new viewpoint. She also likes to giggle. Everything is funny to Libby lately. The best thing she's doing now is yelling and fussing between bites of solid food because we're not getting it in her mouth fast enough.

They are both delightful, happy babies. Especially if they get their naps!

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