Toledo Zoo

Thanks to Autumn and my recent trip to the Toledo Zoo I have now been to 27 US states and Autumn has been to 15.  Evan was so jealous because he hasn't been to Ohio, but it is ok since he is still ahead by 2 states (for now).  Yes, we are a little competitive.  Autumn enjoyed the animals, but really liked hanging out with the "big kids" we went with.  From the fancy parking lot to the gift shops spread out sporadically throughout the park to the oh so friendly large staff, the zoo felt a little Disneyland-ish.  My med school wife friend Kristin (who lives near me) and I met up with another med school wife friend Nicole (who has passes to the zoo) and we had ourselves a fun day.

At the entrance

I think these tiger statues were Autumn's favorite thing to see at the park.

My AZ buddies, Kristin and Nicole

This is what it looks like to carry an 8 month old in a Baby Bjorn (Ok not really.  I move the camera down to Autumn's eye level.)

No I do not have bangs.  My post pregnancy fuzzies are just taking over!

After we had a picnic lunch the kids played in a play area (see what I mean by Disneyland-ish) where the kids could pan for rocks and built a dam like a beaver.

Don't worry Heather this is after the second application of sunscreen.  I think her hand will be ok.

Evan told me I could go splurge and spend the $14 to take Autumn to the Zoo if I would "take a bunch of pictures,"  Hence the dorky pictures of me/Autumn 2 headed monster.  

8 months

Autumn is 8 months old.  She FINALLY has a tooth poking through and another one in the works.  Autumn is very active.  She now crawls all over the place but, she prefers to stand (and even stand a couple seconds unassisted).  She can pull herself up to things like the ottoman, couch, bathtub, and computer.  I put her toys on the ottoman and she is a happy little clam.  Autumn can also sit herself up when she wants a break from crawling.  She has taught me to be more observant.  We pay attention to things like the above door hinges, mirrors at back corners of stores to prevent shop lifting and Mylar balloons at drug stores.  Evan went to pick her up from a nap a couple days ago and she was standing in her crib.  She makes more noises, lots of times it sounds like she is saying "mom" or "dad," which gets me all excited even though I know she is not referring to her parents.  Autumn is a very happy little girl and likes to smile at strangers and makes friends wherever we go.  She doesn't even mind the car anymore.  In fact she will just fall asleep if she gets bored!  She has a new fascination with dogs (gross).  I still squeeze her into 3-6 month onesies, but she really should be wearing 9 month stuff (she has some really cute 3-6 month things ok?)  She is in the 75% for height (27.5 in) and weights 17 pounds.  She got 2 shots at the doctors this week.  She cried for a few seconds and then calmed right down.  Oh how I love her!!

At the Farmington Hills Library on Evan's day off

 

At the Plymouth Library after we went to "music in the park"

Just hanging out playing with blocks

Work

Evan is working in the ICU this month.  He has worked 12+ hours 6 days a week, which means I work that much, plus the night shifts last week when Autumn was sick.  BUT it hasn't been that bad.  Evan likes the nurses he works with (I asked, they are married-expect for the x-ray tech who asked if Evan was married.  That is another story.)  He gets along with the attendings. This week since he is working nights he gets to drive my car to work, which can go over 45 miles per hour, unlike our other car. (Is that a run-on sentence Grammar Police?  I couldn't figure out where to put a period.)  This month would have been a lot worse if Evan complained, but he didn't.  He still helps put Autumn to bed and watches a show and eats frozen yogurt with me before bed (what a great guy huh!).  I'm glad he only has this schedule for 4 weeks.  I do not envy people that work this much all the time.  But we have almost survived!  Less than 4 shifts left!  I visited Evan last week for a bit while he ate dinner.  It happened to be employee appreciation day so we both got snow-cones and Evan gave me his free shirt.  I've really like the hospital and program thus far.  I think they treat him really well.

I took this picture (one of the times) I drove over to the hospital to give Evan his pager when he had forgotten it. 

This is one the St. Mary's website.  Pretty cool huh?  The guy next to him was a professional soccer player. (not for the US somewhere I can't remember)

I was going to make this post all about Evan but....

Autumn rocking her Vans. Below Autumn and Evan at the slash pad last month sometime.  She liked it.

Autumn doesn't like to sit IN her stroller she likes to ride on top like the Pope or Pharaoh.  We call her princess Nadalia.

This is why they are recalling the Bumbo seats.  Whatever I still use it.  I like it because it DOESN'T have straps SO THERE!

Just pictures

Our life right now through photos.

Autumn likes shiny things

She puts everything in her mouth.

Evan works in the ICU this month and has to work Sundays.  I try to find an activity for us to do together on Saturdays when he is off.  We went to the Farmington farmers market this week. 

Autumn now pulls her self up on things to stand up.  Look at our gifted 2004 MAC.  

One handed.  She is trying to reach the key board and mouse.  She likes the light/laser thing from the mouse.

I try to foster her love of adventure and exploration.  She is now only entertained with her "toys" for about 15 minutes before she ventures to something expensive/shiny.

She loves to eat.  She loves to steal dad's glass at dinner time and listen to the sound her voice makes in the glass cup.

We play in the bathroom a lot.  She likes to play with water, the shiny faucet, my toothbrush (even when the electric one is on). and look at mom's reflection when she makes funny faces.

Each city/township has there own library.  Autumn and I have been to 6 libraries here.  The Farmington Hills one is my favorite. Lots to do and see.  Autumn likes the puppets.

In the play area with the puzzles.

Autumn sporting a clip since her bangs are getting long.

In non picture news.  I gave a talk in church this week on sacrifice.  I showed up to church late.  Right before I was to speech Autumn banged her mouth on the pew.  She started crying really hard.  Evan was gone so a young woman played with her while I spoke.  I ended up with 25 minutes to speak.  That same day Evan helped say a guys life.  They did ACLS (like CPR) on a man for 13 minutes.  The nurses/other doctors told Evan he had good rhythm.