11 Months

At the Zoo w/cousin Allie
Chloe pushing around her Monkey in the dog bowl

Our little Chloe is growing so fast. She now has 8 teeth that have popped through the gums and she is just talking up a storm. She is letting go a bit when she stands up, and likes to stand and walk when you hold her arms, but she is not quite brave enough to try it on her own. She wants to try and eat anything that we have and drink anything that we have, but when we give it to her she shares with the dogs. Its a slow process, but one thing she does love is Cheese Balls. She loves to drink out of straws and swap sippy cups with Allie, but she still would rather we hold her bottle.

We've had a great couple of weeks. The weather has been beautiful. It took a break from the triple digit temps to go down to the 70s and 80s. We soaked up every minute of it. We went on walks, went "hiking" up the White Tanks and went to the Zoo. I can't wait for this weather to be permanent as we are back up in the 90s which means we are back inside for most of the day.

Chloe has quite the imagination. Sometimes I think she thinks that she is a dog as she loves to look out the doggy door, chase the dogs, laugh at the dogs when they wrestle and when they eat she likes to go back and watch them. She has even picked up a bad habit from them. Buster likes to knock over the food bowls and then scoop the food into the corner. Then when the bowls are empty Daisy likes to play with them. So Chloe has put them both together and now she dumps the food bowls out and pushes the empty bowls around the floor. She doesn't just push the empty bowls she uses the empty bowls as a a vehicle for her stuffed animals. We would first get onto her about dumping out the dog food, but then when we see her push around her toys it is just too cute so now I just let her use her imagination and use the bowl as a vehicle. Buster and Daisy always eventually clean up the spilt dog food.

I just can't believe Chloe will be a year old next month!

Change is on the way!

Let me first start out by saying that I am not good with surprises and that I don't do well with change. I like to be in control of most situations and I like to have time to process any changes. I may be fearful and a little resistant at the beginning, but I normally come around with a little time. I've had a little over 8 weeks to grasp the change and still I'm a little dumbfounded. Don't get me wrong I'm very excited about this change, but still a little in shock. So are you ready for what this change is? Are you tired of me using the word "change"? Let me start from the beginning, well at least what happended 8 weeks ago.

It was a wonderfully warm Saturday, July 30th to be exact. Zach and I had been cleaning the house giving it a good spruce up and the the conversation was kind of like this...Jenna: "Fine, if you want to go pick up the test at the store while you get the groceries then go ahead. I'll prove you wrong." Zach: "I just might, but it will prove me right." So Zach went to the grocery store and came back. I took the first test and it came out positive...I took the second test it came out positivie. I then waited a day took another test and then waited yet another day and took another test, but a different brand. Regardless of the brand they all showed...that I was PREGNANT!

Shock was what came over me and I still have a hard time believing it to this day. So now we had to decide how and when we were going to tell everyone. We immediately told Adam and Sabrina and surprisingly Sabrina kept her mouth quiet and didn't even try to hint at it with anyone. I was able to keep my mouth shut only telling the people that had to know, like Chloe's doctor when he tried to give me advise on when we should have another one, and then the chiropractor because he flat out asked and its important for him to know so he doesn't do anything crazy, oh and then finally the dentist because I had an appointment with them. Zach on the other hand couldn't hold it in. He wanted to shout it from the rooftops I think. He told the neighbors and then he claims to have just told one guy at work and then has blamed that guy for telling his entire office of about 88 people. I don't really buy that story because Zach has what I like to call diahrea of the mouth. He can't keep anything in!

We had our 10 week appointment on September 9th and we heard the hearbeat loud and clear. It was quite a relief as it is hard for me to really believe there is a baby when I can't see or feel the baby. When I hear the baby it makes it all real. My parents were coming out on the 20th so we figured we would tell them then in person and then after we told my parents we would tell the rest of the family and Zach's family.

We told my parents by giving them a card from "Chloe". It had a picture of Chloe in it with little thought bubbles saying things like "I'm going to be a big sister", "What did you just say", and "In Mommy's belly?!?" It took mom a bit to read the card and then I could see it in her eyes. Her eyes just got huge and then she gave the card to dad so he could read it for himself. They were shocked, but very very excited. This wil be grandbaby #7 for them.

For Zach's parents we had a bit of fun. We had a bouquet of flowers sent to them on a Saturday to hopefully catch them both at home and the card read something like "Another Baby Batsche is on the Way." It wasn't signed and it was from a local florist so they wouldn't see who it came from. We wanted to throw the scent off of us and direct it to Jeremy and Mandi just to have a good laugh. We even thought about sending them wine from a place that Jeremy and Mandi had gone to try to be more convincing, but that takes a lot of work and snooping so this was 2nd best. We figured that using a local florist would maybe be something that they wouldn't think we would do because in the past we have always sent flowers from an online site.

On Saturday they called and spoke to Zach and he played dumb and deflected them. I'm not sure how much they really believed him, but they believed him enough to make calls to both Jeremy and Karlie (Jeff's fiance). Jeremy also called Zach after he spoke to his mom and Zach again tried to deflect and direct the attention to someone else. Zach finally fessed up with his dad and the rest of his family, but even after his dad knew we were still giving his mom the run around because she was at work and not with his dad when he found out. It was fun and a good prank. Not sure how much Ermine liked it, but at the end she is getting a new grandbaby so she can't stay mad too long :).

So just a recap...Chloe will be a big sister and the due date is the first of April (no joke). Keep checking back at the blog for new updates about both Chloe and the new baby.

10 Months

Chloe did not want to sit for her 10 month photo

Chloe saying Hi!

Another great month has passed us by. Chloe is go go go. She is pulling up on everything, climbing onto the couch, walking along the couch and crawling like a mad lady. She is quick! She now has 5 teeth. She has her top two and then three on the bottom. She is also starting to say words. She says "da da" for daddy and "key" for monkey. No mama yet, but she will get there. She is also dancing all the time and starting to mimic a little bit. We were at Joe's Crab Shack and she was mimicking the waitress. The waitress was putting her hands under her chin and then Chloe would do it. We all laughed and of course the waitress thought Chloe was just adorable as can be. Her other big "trick" is that when we tell her hi she waves her hands and arms really big like she is really excited, but then when we tell her bye bye she takes one hand and opens and closes it most of the time towards her. Its funny and she gets really excited.

Chloe and Daddy at the San Diego Zoo

At the Beach

Waiting for the waves

Discovering the sand

Chloe and Mommy wearing matching hoodies

We went to San Diego a few weeks ago. It was our first long drive and Chloe did really well. I think she may have done a little better than I did. We were there for just four days, but it was a fun four days. We went to the San Diego Zoo, the outlet mall, and of course the beach. This was my first time at the zoo and Zach's second. I kept telling him how big it was, but I don't think I fully understood how big it was and how many hills we had to walk up and down. We spent about 3 or 4 hours at the zoo and just got about half way through. We saw all the major animals, but we did not get through every zoo. Chloe's favorite animals were the Panda bears and the lions. I think it was because the Panda exhibit is really close up and they aren't really behind a cage and the lions were asleep right next to the glass so she got to see them close up. After the zoo we went to this little restaurant on the pier. I love restaurants on the ocean. The food was nothing spectacular until the dessert came out. It was this rum cake smothered in strawberries. I think it was the best dessert I have ever had.

The beach was fun. We took Chloe's stroller out on the beach (which is not easy to maneuver) and then we laid out a blanket and laid on the beach. Chloe didn't know what to think about the sand. She liked to pick it up and watch it fall back down, but she didn't really play in it much. We took her close to the water to get her feet in and she would get all excited about the waves but as soon as they would come close she would just pull her feet up. Her favorite part about the beach was watching the seagulls. After our beach time we went and walked the pier and ate at Ruby's on the pier. It is the one place that I always must go when we are in California. It is a little dinner with typical dinner food, but they have the best chicken fingers and of course it is on the pier so you are surrounded by the water.

Chloe did really good sleeping in the hotel and just being in the hotel. Our hotel offered a hot breakfast every morning for free. We had pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, waffles, cereal and all sorts of breads. It was a nice spread and a great way to save some food money. The pool was heated, but the weather was only in the 70s so even a heated pool did not feel very warm. None of us had brought jackets so we had to go to the outlet mall and buy a new hoodie for everyone. I love hoodies so no big deal to me.

When we got back home we discovered that Buster has a new favorite thing. He is not a big fan of Chloe. When Chloe comes by he runs away. She likes to chase him, but he doesn't like that. What he does like to do now is come wake her up in the morning and at nap time. We aren't sure why he likes it so much, but we when we head up to get her he beats us to the door. If he hears her in the morning playing in bed he starts whimpering as if he is letting us know she is awake. When we do go in the room he goes right to the crib and either licks her hands or just sticks his nose in between the crib slats. Its funny and we aren't sure why he has decided that he likes this, but maybe it is just leading up to him actually letting her play with him. Daisy on the other hand lets Chloe play with her ears, face, feet, tail pretty much anything except for her hips. She is so good with Chloe.
Other than our San Diego trip we've really stayed close to home and haven't done too much. It is still super hot out so we spend most times inside. This next month should be pretty relaxing as well. My parents are coming in town for a visit and so far that is the only plan. I'm sure Chloe will keep us plenty busy though!

9 Month Pic Blog

Chloe's top 2 teeth coming in

Playing in the dogs water

Finding the doggie door for the first time

Chloe & Zach in the Aquarium

9 months down and she now weighs 17lbs and 2oz. We went to the doctor last Wednesday and I think that I was given the best compliment that I have received as a mom. The conversation went as follows: Dr. "This is only your first child, correct?" Me "Yes" Dr. "I just can't believe that she is your first. You seem so experienced and know exactly what to do with her. You take care of her really well and she is very happy." Me "Thank you." Dr. "I hope you have more because you are a really good mom and Zach seems like a really good dad."

We've gotten compliments from family and friends that we are doing a good job, but when it comes from a doctor it made me really feel that we are doing a good job. Now don't get me wrong, I love when our parents or other family and friends say that we are doing good because we like the thought of making them proud, but this was just a different kind of validation.

We've had a great month and are really in the groove of things. Chloe's schedule can fluctuate easier I'm feeling more and more confident in the decisions that we are making for her.

Busy Busy Busy

Chloe on the flight to Texas w/her own seat and snax

Chloe w/her Grumpy (Steve)

Chloe with Uncler Jeremy (he's still trying to figure out what he wants Chloe to call him)

Chloe w/Papaw on the trampoline

Chloe w/Allie in the bike cart. Chloe didn't last long after Allie tried to give her a kiss.

Chloe proud of herself for standing in her crib after nap time.

I'm not sure if we were busier or if Chloe is now busier. We had a wonderful trip to Texas visiting with family and friends. Our trip almost got off to a rocky start when I thought that Chloe had an ear infection and I was worried as to if we would have issues flying or not. A quick trip to the doctor just a day and a half before we left it was confirmed that Chloe was just teething and her ears were great. Our flight to DFW was just a little over 2 hours and luckily the guy that was suppose to sit next to us was able to move a few rows up so we had a full row to ourselves. Chloe didn't sleep, but she was content and playing with us. She was not loud or fussy at all. This was a great start to our trip.

I was a little anxious about how the night time sleeping and nap times would go as Chloe was in the same room as we were and this is the first time we have all slept in the same room since the hospital. It went surprisingly well. There was only one night that Chloe realized we were in the same room and she did not want to sleep. She wanted to play and play and play. It was a long night, but one out of four nights is pretty good in my eyes. We spent a lot of time in the pool with the triple digit temps and 40% humidity. More importantly than the pool we had a lot of time to visit with our Texas family. Jeremy & Mandi came up from San Antonio and Karlie & Jeff also came into town for the weekend. We were so blessed and thankful that they all took time out of their weekend to come into town while we were there. We were also very grateful for all of our other family from Houston that made the trip as well. We also had a lot of reason to celebrate as it was Jeff's 22nd bday and Steve & Ermine's 30th wedding anniversary. It was a great trip and Chloe just fit right in like she has always been there.

Our flight back we had a lady in our row, but Chloe still did really well. She didn't fall asleep until the descend, but for the rest of the 2 hours she just played in our laps and was very happy. At the end of the flight we had multiple people tell us how good Chloe did during the flight. We were welcomed home by my dad. He had been there since the day before we left for Texas and still had another 5 days with us.

My mom also flew in for the weekend so it was another family filled weekend. Chloe was not a papaw's girl at all until his last evening. My mom came in on her first day and just sat down and fed Chloe and just picked her up and played on the floor. My dad was just amazed as Chloe would take toys from him, but then scoot back to me and would not let him carry her around. She does the same thing with Sabrina. I'm not sure why, but she likes to play games with both of them. We spent a lot of time just playing with the kids, swimming, eating and playing a few rounds of Euchre.

It has really been a great few weeks filled with family festivities, but on top of all of that Chloe is just changing daily. In Texas she drank iced tea out of a cup, had her first bites of a sno cone, crawling more on her knees and learned how to go up and down one step. When we got back home she discovered her tongue and has been constantly playing with her tongue, making noises with it, and just sticking it out all the time. She has also been pulling up and climbing on everything. We had to lower her crib to the lowest setting as she was pulling up and standing in her crib, but couldn't figure out how to get down so she would just stand there and once she got frustrated enough she would just start crying. Now that the crib is on the lowest setting she can't reach the top to pull herself up. Hopefully this will hold her off a little longer. Only time will tell.

8 months

What a month! Once Chloe began to crawl it has been non-stop. She is army crawling, getting up on her knees and crawling, pulling up on things to try and stand and she is able to get in a sitting position from her belly. She has discovered the doggy door and likes to go over and play with the flap. We are lucky that both dogs are a little unsure of her now that she is crawling so before they come in the door they poke their heads in to check and she is there waiting for them. One time Chloe was waiting by the door and Daisy poked her head in, but Chloe wouldn't move. So after a few minutes of waiting Daisy just started licking Chloe's head until Chloe finally moved after her head was all wet from Daisy.

Now that Chloe is on the go the dogs are also on the go in the opposite way. Its really funny that a little 16 pound baby can scare off a 55 and 100 pound dog. Its been great to see her developing, but it is definitely going by so quickly.

One of the other great things that I was very excited for was she is now eating (letting dissolve) little puffs for a snack. We can now eat at the table and give her a few puffs and she is completely happy. I have been waiting for this for a long time and I was so excited to finally be able to give her some. We weren't sure if she was ready, but one day after swimming at Sabrina's house Allie was having a Cheetos Puff and so we decided to let Chloe try one. She liked it and that was when we decided to go ahead and get some puffs for her.

We have also worked on her eating fruits. I've been told by about everyone that you start with veggies first because babies love the sweet taste of fruit and won't want to eat the veggies. Not my baby. She doesn't care too much for fruit. She takes about 3 spoonfuls of fruit and wants to be done, but with veggies she will eat 3/4 to the whole container. It is strange, but maybe she had too much fruit while she was in my belly. We keep trying fruit and maybe one day she will like them.

Another thing we have started this month is taking her out of her car seat and putting her in high chairs at restaurants and shopping carts. She likes it better than her car seat as it gives her more room to move around. It keeps her content longer to give us time to enjoy dinner.

We've had a great month and this next month will be busy with family visits and our doctor visit to the dermatologist. We will see what this next month brings.

New Developments

I was at work on Friday and I received a video email from Zach. It was Chloe CRAWLING!!! It is more of an army crawl, but she is moving and grooving now. She has also been sitting up better and playing with some of her toys while she sits up. She can't really make herself sit up, but if we put her on the floor sitting then she can stay there and play for a little bit.

It is so fun to watch her be able to move around!