A Sudden Realization

This weekend I have discovered that my soon to be three month old is... what would be the best word... tempermental! I suppose I've always known, since those first moments at the hospital when even the nurses commented that this little girl knew what she wanted and when she wanted it, she wanted it NOW! But I have reasoned that all babies are like that, my child is no different, right? But after conversations with several other mothers, and most recently, upon visiting with my good friend and her new baby (roughly the same age as Ella), I realized Ella might be slightly less patient and slightly more vocal than other babies! Shaun likes to call her the incredible hulk bulging vein baby when she gets angry because she first turns red and then a not so lovely shade of purple... and that's when THE VEIN begins to pop out on her little head, a sure sign she is very mad. When we visited with my friend, Kristin, this weekend, and her adorable little baby, I was very impressed with his mellow and sweet disposition. Even his cry was more like a sweet coo compared to my child who during our visit made sure to have an outburst on an hourly basis. It was at that moment, the moment when she had her fourth outburst while little Peter sat quietly just watching her as he had the previous three times, that I had my sudden realization. My child has a temper! Does this hold implications for the future? I'm picturing a very obstinate three year old.

Now, this being said, she is still the cutest thing this world has ever seen. And still, all it takes is one little smile for me to forget the incredible purple hulk moments, but I am a little concerned. My mom thinks she may have stomach problems but I've always said that she's just gassy like other babies. Maybe though, it's worth ruling it out. I'd hate to think she's in pain and that's the reason for her little temper. I think I'll look into that, but further investigation may reveal that my child is telling me at an early age that she is going to be strong willed and not so patient.

Ella's sweet victory

I thought I'd reveal Ella's delight with her new swing... "ahhh, sweet peaceful sleep! At last, a swing I like!" she says! Shaun is still sad he had to swallow his pride, but I'm just glad she's got a place to help her when she's extra fussy.

Back to school... again!

One of my all time favorite movies is Grease 2. For those who have not had the pleasure of viewing it, it's like a really bad, really suggestive version of high school musical. Now before you go accusing me for loving such a movie, you have to understand I fell in love with Michael Carrington, the lead role, at the young age of five. I wanted to be like the lead girl, Stephanie Zanoni, (played by Michelle Pheifer) when I grew up. I have to say that as I review who I've become, I'm very far from that five year old goal. I'm okay with that though. The only similarity is that I have a husband who's a "COOL RIDER". However, this is to my dismay. I would rather have him sell his motorcycle so we could have a nice computer or put the money in savings. But anyway, this still ranks as one of my all time faves... perhaps because it reminds me of my childhood. I was clueless to all of the sexual references, and just enjoyed the music and dancing. I still do in fact.

Today, however, the music holds a different meaning. Their opening song, "Back to School," has me thinking about life two weeks from now when I return to work. Now, I shouldn't go complaining because as far as jobs go, working for the schools is one of the best options. I will only work a mere two months before summer break arrives. But leaving Ella will be hard. I have always been a homebody, and now the prospect of not only leaving home, but leaving my baby at home, makes me want to cry. At least Shaun will be able to work his school schedule so that he can be with her during the day. I'm sure she and daddy will have lots of fun together during the day, and we're both relieved we don't have to worry about childcare. But despite these positive things, I still lament today with Stephanie and the rest of the pink ladies that I have to go "Back to School."

Dad's first disappointment

I thought life had come to an end two days ago when Ella's Fisher Price swing died. This little swing was a beloved hand me down from friends who had it handed to them by a neighbor. It had probably been through at least four other babies before Miss Ella. Needless to say, it's time had come. The motor just gave out. I was devastated, and insisted upon a new swing being bought immediately. Shaun was very excited when he called me on his way home from the store. He had found the bees knees of swings. He couldn't wait to come home and assemble his state of the art, vibrating, MP3 playing, mother of all swings.

However, to his dismay, upon placing Miss Ella IN the swing, she was not impressed. Despite all of its bells and whistles, Ella refused to find comfort in this new technology. Instead, I placed her in the old swing and even broken she immediately quieted. "Take that dad," she seemed to say through her defiance in delighting in his recent purchase. So alas, Shaun is returning the swing today, and we will buy her a similar version to what she had for much less money which makes me and Ella happy:) Ella has again won, and dad will just have to be disappointed!

An ode to grandma and granpa "C" from Ella

This entry is dedicated to Grandma and Granpa C. We'll call it, "A letter from Ella."

Dear grandma and grandpa,

Today when you left, mom and dad almost cried. I DID cry. Of course, I cry every day, but this time it wasn't because of my "assfacious" condition, but because I miss you two. Grandma gave me nightly baths that I absolutely loved, and Grandpa had a magic touch when my tummy hurt. He also called my crying "singing", which I appreciated!

I have enjoyed having so many admirers these last few days. Between my parents and both sets of grandparents, I've enjoyed the almost constant attention of six adults hovering over my every need. A girl could really get used to that, you know? By contrast, today was sooo sad. Grandma and Grandpa left, Nana and Papa went back to work and their routines, and dad went back to school. Mommy was not as good at catering to my every need as my doting admirers of the past three days have been. Where were my ooohs and aaahs? Today I was not held and adored every second as I have grown accustomed to. But alas, if mom will not hold me at every moment, I will enjoy looking up and around more. I like seeing everything going on around me. My parents make the funniest faces, which is why I'm laughing more now. Mom says my smiles melt her heart!

I also had my baby blessing this week at church. I only cried when my binky fell out. But luckily my grandpas and cousins were there to catch it for me and pop it right back in on three separate occasions. Therefore, I maintained my composure for the most part. Dad did a wonderful job bestowing on me blessings that Heavenly Father wants for me, as well as both of my parents. Family and friends joined in the celebration and it was a wonderful time. I feel so blessed to be a part of this Calderwood family. They're amazing!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for coming to visit me. I can't wait to see you again in August:) In the mean time, I'll work on growing and getting over my assfacious. Mom and dad say they also want me to work on sleeping through the night, but I haven't quite decided if that's a priority for me yet.

With love,

Ella Celeste Calderwood

Playing with the crip mobil

Is there anything cuter? I submit... there is not!

These photos need no words. She's just the most precious thing ever... especially when she's sleeping!

Growing like a weed!

Today we had Ella's two month check up. She was so brave as she got her three shots, and we are proud of her progress, weighing in at 11 pounds, 1 ounce! She's in the 75th percentile for weight, 50th for height, but only 5th for her head circumference. That's okay! Little head, big body, she's a perfect little nuggett! Right now she's napping with daddy, one of her favorite past times (it's his favorite past time too). I love watching them. They make the same face sometimes when they're sleeping. She's such a daddy's girl.

A Perfect Day

I know I claimed in our first blog entry that I wouldn't be the wordy type, but something about today makes me want to write. It was a perfect day. I don't really know why. The weather was somewhat gloomy, and nothing crazy exciting happened, but it was perfect in the way that wearing your favorite pair of pj's is perfect, or those jeans that you just can't bear to wash because they fit just right are perfect. Yes, like old jeans, today was comfortable. I'm finally establishing a routine with Ella. She ate like clockwork every three hours, and slept in perfect increments as to allow me to do some of my favorite things like clean my house, go for our daily walk, and shower and get ready. I know these things are ordinary, but since having her it's been rare that all three of these things have occurred without her crying at some point, inevitably delaying that shower or walk until another time. Often, I try to make her conform to my schedule but she stands her ground. She'll have none of it. Today though, she did conform to my schedule. It's amazing the things you appreciate after having a baby. Like being able to finally fold that load of laundry that's been sitting in the dryer for too long, or sleep just four hours without interruption. But despite all of it's adjustments, I simply can't imagine a better life. Even on those non-perfect days when she does disrupt my planned "to do" list (which has been every day thus far in her eight week life), I wouldn't trade her for all of the clean homes or walks in the world. And for those of you that know me, that's saying a lot. I like a clean home.

I'm sad that I have to go back to work in just one short month. I feel like we're just barely starting to nail down a routine. But today has taught me to be grateful for the little things, and enjoy the present. I think today I was able to do that, and that made it perfect!

More photos, less wordy

We have finally decided to start a family blog. I am not a prolific writer like many of my friends, but occasionally I like to plunk out some thoughts and share them with the rest of cyberspace (actually, not cyberspace, just family and friends... I'm going to make this a private blog if I can figure out how). I shall use this blog for just such a purpose. However, those pontifications may only come sporadically, so as today's title reads, you shall probably see more photo updates than anything. There you have it! For those of you who wish to subscribe to the Calderwood Chronicle, realize it's more like a children's book than a fancy editorial. Lots of big pictures and just a little print! We hope family and friends enjoy catching up on the latest happenings in the Calderwood life and times, and invite you all to share your comments and feedback.