I'm home!

We're finally home! It was a long drive and I was tired of it. But what a fun time I had! I didn't post because Mommy and I were too busy relaxing to type and I don't think that there is internet way out at the cabin! See me floating with Mommy and Daddy? Let me tell you all about it.
On Sunday I got all dressed up and went to church. I wore my blue dress from Grandma Z. It is nice and light because it was very hot in New Jersey! My hair was all curly. At church, I saw Grandpa preaching and I waved to him. I really worked on my waving and smiling all day Sunday because so many people said hi to me and wanted to hold me.
At night we drove up to the cabin in Hancock, New York. It is a pretty drive but I was sleepy most of the way. I woke up long enough to take a walk around and check things out. It was getting pretty foggy when the sun went down. I helped Grandma unpack the grocery bags and then I slept in my packnplay in the porch by Mom and Dad. Dad and Grandpa brought a mattress downstairs so that no one would have to climb up the spiral stairs with me. Mommy fell down them once and hurt herself pretty bad. She wouldn't want to do that with me!
On Monday I had a day full of surprises. I woke up pretty early and hung out with Grandpa and Daddy. I played on the porch and then I took a long, long nap. I needed to unwind from the busy weekend. While I was napping, Mommy went fishing and caught two fish! Grandpa let me touch them and I even put my fingers into a fish's mouth! It felt strange. Maybe next year I can fish too! After fish petting I went in my floaty and we all swam in the river. It is muddier than it was last year. Daddy was up to his ankles in silty mud but he still swung me around in the water!
After swimming Mommy put my life jacket on and we went for a paddle in the canoe. Mommy and Daddy paddled that canoe 70 miles down the Upper Delaware river a few years ago. They say that someday they will take me on that trip! I didn't like being in my life jacket, though. It cramps my style! I can hardly wave my arms. But Mommy says I must be safe because the water in the eddy is deep.
Before dinner we took a walk down the road past Peter's farm. I saw a doggie who came right up to say hi! I grinned at him. Then I saw brown cows that mooed at me. I waved. There were some little baby calves who were walking with their mommies! Then we had to head back home for some food.
For dinner, we ate the fish Mommy and Grandpa caught. I had peaches but Daddy gave me a small bite of bass. I was not really sure I liked it but I didn't spit it out! I don't turn down much food at all. I did beg for ice cream for dessert!
Then it was time to leave. Mommy and Daddy packed up while I played with Grandma and Grandpa. I was getting so sleepy! I fell asleep before we even got into town. We drove to Jamestown, NY where we stopped so Mom and Dad could get some sleep. I just moved from my seat to my crib and kept on snoozing.
In the morning we woke up and kept on driving. I did OK, but by the time we got into Michigan I was just fussed. We took some breaks at rest stops so I could stretch and play, eat and get clean pants.
Now we're finally home. I petted Ozzy to let him know I am home to love him again and crawled around the house like a windup toy. It didn't last long, though. Now I'm sound asleep and I'll get into my regular routine tomorrow!

Saturday in New Jersey

I had a very fun and very busy day today! I woke up early to get started. I woke up a few times last night because I just didn't quite know where I was. It was hot and humid here, but Grandpa put an air conditioner in our upstairs room. Thanks Grandpa! My hair gets curly in this humid weather. Mommy says it's very cute.
I woke up and Grandma fed me my oatmeal. Then I played with Grandpa even though he was supposed to be finishing his sermon. We played peekaboo! It was so much fun. Finally I had to go to my nap and I took a long one!
After my nap we went to Eastside Park where Daddy played when he was a little kid. The playground is new and I had fun on the seahorse and the swings. Grandma says it was not nearly this nice when she used to take Daddy. We saw the hill where Daddy went sledding and walked around to see the fountains. One splashed on me!
After my very short afternoon snooze in the car we went to Great grandma and grandpa Abma's new house. I liked exploring around. We went out for dinner at the Ramsey Country Club with all my grandparents, Mommy and Daddy and Daddy's cousin Kyle. I ate some of Grandpa's sweet potato fries and my pears and chicken dinner. There was another little girl there! We waved and shouted to each other. I played peekaboo with Mommy's napkin and waved and smiled for everyone at the table.
After dinner we went to Guernsey Crest Ice Cream for yummy home made ice cream. Mommy couldn't believe what a huge cone she got for 1.25. I begged and Daddy and Grandpa let me have some of their chocolate fudge and rum raisin ice cream. Yum! Mom wouldn't share her butter pecan because it had some little nuts in it. She wants to tell Grandma Z that Harry was definitely on break for that batch!
When we got home I got my Saturday night bath in the kitchen sink. I wiggled and splashed. I didn't want to get my diaper on or get dressed. I just wanted to run around bare bunned. Now Grandpa is reading me a story and I'm crawling around saying hi to everyone. Soon I'll get sleepy after such a fun day!

Road trip!

Here I am in New Jersey! Mom didn't post last night because we were on the road until late at night. It was my first road trip! We left yesterday while I was napping. We drove for a while until it was dinner time. Mom and Dad ate Arby's and I had chicken and apples. Then I stayed awake for a while playing with toys and reading Duck by the Sea. Mommy thought I was trying to say duck"! I pointed at duck and talked to him. I waved to truckers and laughed. Then I got sleepy so Mom and Dad stopped at one of the I-80 rest stops for my bedtime routine. They tucked me into my car seat and I slept until we got to the hotel. Daddy set up my packnplay and I snoozed till morning.
In the morning, we woke up and ate breakfast at the hotel. I had cereal and banana chunks. I liked sitting in the dining room waving at people and talking to Mommy and Daddy. Then we got in the car and drove some more. I took my morning nap for a lot of the drive. I woke up for lunch and some playing, and then we got to New Jersey! We went to visit Grandpa andGrandma at their church. See me peeking at Mommy over the porch! It was thundering and raining so we had to go inside.
After a while we went to visit Great Grandpa and Grandma Algera. I had fun crawling around their apartment. Great Grandma gave me a pretty outfit that I can wear this fall! While we were there, the fire alarm went off and everyone had to go outside! I had fun meeting their neighbors. When we walked to the car there were fire trucks and police cars with flashing lights! I waved to the police officers and they waved back. They were leaving so everything must have been all right.
Now I'm at Grandma and Grandpa's house crawling around. It's pretty babyproofed but I'm exploring just in case there is some stuff to get into. But there are four people keeping an eye on me! They won't let me crawl off the porch or get into the bathroom. I try to grab Daddy or Grandpa's beer but they say that isn't for babies.
I think we are going to take a walk to the park after the grownups eat their pizza. I'm having fun in New Jersey!

New cousin!

Here he is! My new cousin, Andrew Robert Pastoor. Isn't he cute? He is Allison's brother. Uncle Nate and Aunt Ellen are his Mom and Dad. He was born today at 5:40 pm. He weighed 8lb 13oz and was 20inches long. He has dark hair and pudgy cheeks! He was sleeping when I saw him. I think his Mommy had just fed him and he was happy. We didn't stay very long because I was sleepy and so were Aunt Ellen and Andrew. But I had to meet my new cousin! I waved to him.
I'm realizing that Mommy has not blogged for a few days. She has not been feeling so good. She called in sick to work yesterday and I was good so she could rest a little. Now it's time to catch up on my days!
Yesterday we missed Daddy's ball game. His team won, 19-9! We did all go to the pizza party afterwards. Mommy let me have a bite of her ice cream sandwich! It was cold. I said ohhhh wahhh! But I wouldn't spit it out!
Today Mom and I went to Grandma's house to hang out with her and Ally. We were all waiting to hear about the baby! I had banana chunks for lunch and ate a half a banana! Mommy says I'm a piggy. We played until I was getting heavy eyes. I went home at nap time. Ally and I were keeping each other awake.
When Dad got home we put my new car seat in the car. And then the phone rang! We rushed over to see the baby.
Now I'm peeping a little in my crib. Soon I'll settle down. Good night!

See me sipping!

I'm learning a new trick! Drinking from a big girl cup. Mommy can't figure out how to get me to drink from a sippy but I drink from grown up cups. Mommy let me drink from Daddy's old baby cup. It has Raggedy Ann and Andy on it. I sipped water! I spilled some but I got some in my mouth too!
I was a busy girl yesterday. Mom and Grandma took me to get my pictures taken. I smiled big! And when we were done, Allison and Aunt Ellen met us to go shopping. Grandma bought me a blue dress and Mommy bought me a green dress that won't fit me until next summer. Ally and I had fun reading my number book and waving to each other until we were tired and had to go home to our dinner.
Today I hung out with Grandma. She says I had one of my best days ever! I took good naps and ate lots. I crawled around and practiced my standing.
When Mommy opened up my blog page today, she noticed that it is my 100th blog post. I've told 100 stories about my days! I started way back in March when I was 5 months old. My favorite things to do then were looking out the window and going for walks all bundled up. I didn't eat solid food, crawl or talk babbles like I do now. I was just learning peekaboo and sitting up. Haven't I grown! I've learned to wave bye-bye and crawl up stairs. I chase the kitty and play in my pool. I smile and have teeth in my mouth. Mom and Dad were reading my old stories and think that I have been a lot of fun to have around. I can't wait to tell another 100 stories!

Into everything

I was full of silliness today. I was into everything I could reach! Mommy had a hard time keeping up with me. She had to resort to gates and closed doors. I'm too much to handle unassisted!
I got an early start today and hung out with Daddy for a while. We were silly until he had to go to work. We pounced on Mommy to wake her up. She was only grumpy for a few seconds before I made her smile. Mommy took me downstairs and fed me a good big breakfast to get the day going.
I learned so many things today! My job before my morning nap was to unroll the toilet paper. It's soft and fluffs all over! Mom shut the door after I finished that. I took a good nap to charge up for the afternoon.
I was not that hungry for lunch. I ate some peas and blew some peas all over Mommy. I snacked on some puffs while Mom ate. I was plotting my activities! When Mom was picking up my toys I scooted over to the stairs and figured out how to go up them! Mommy was very quick to grab me so I wouldn't fall down. She let me keep climbing while she stood right behind me and I made it halfway up the stairway! It was fun! But now there is a gate between me and the stairs. I can only play stairs when Mommy or Daddy are watching me very closely.
We went to Target before dinner to get me a bigger carseat. I'm getting to big for my baby one. This one is much more comfortable. Daddy fit me into it in the living room. I thought we were going bye-bye! But no, we were just trying it out.
I enjoyed my big, big dinner and now I'm crawling around and talking to Mommy. Daddy went to play softball. His game is at 8:30 and Mom says that is too late for me. I have to go to bed. Check out Flickr today! Mom took pictures of my inquisitive little self. The only thing she missed was the toilet paper pile. I thought it was genius. I'll try it again tomorrow if I get a chance!

It's the weekend!

Yes, it's Saturday. I got to hang out with Mom and Dad all day long. We had fun. I slept very well. It was raining when I woke up so Dad and I played inside while Mommy slept in a little. See me learning to throw a little disc?
Mommy woke up and Daddy went for a long bike ride. Mom and I cleaned the house. She vacuumed and I started to cry. I don't like the loud vacuum cleaner! But it is nice to have a clean floor! Mom has to keep things clean or I get all grimy. I'm a little floor mop; everything sticks to me!
I spent time today crawling around, pulling boxes out of the pantry and chasing the kitty. A typical Sara day around the house. Mom and I went for a short walk before afternoon nap. I ate a big dinner and then I went to bed at a good bedtime for Daddy. I like laid back weekend days.

I'm a big girl!

Yes, I am a big girl. I went to the doctor today to get all checked out and measured. I weigh 17 pounds and 11 ounces. I'm 28.5 inches long! I'm happy and healthy! I had fun at this visit because I didn't have to get any shots! The only thing I didn't like was looking in my ears. Keep those pokey things away from me! I waved bye-bye to everyone and we went to see Grandma.
I had fun crawling around at Grandma's house. I like to smile at her and crawl fast through the kitchen. We stayed just a little while until I had to go get my dinner and Grandma and Grandpa had to get ready to go to a wedding. I tried a new food for dinner, an apple and chicken dinner. It mostly tasted like apples with just a little new taste. I think I like it!
After dinner I went with Mommy and Daddy to get baby gates for the stairs. I have to be safe in my crawlings! We went out for dinner at Applebee's after that. I was a little upset because the bowl of puffs was empty. I saw it and pointed and fussed. Mom let me have pieces of her baked potato instead. I had fun smushing them in my mouth.
When we got home we all took a walk to the park and Daddy showed Mommy how to throw golf discs. I started getting blinky-eyed so we walked home and I went to bed. I'm peeping a little but soon I'll nod off. Goodnight!

Get the kitty!

Get the kitty! That's what I like to do now. I can crawl around and chase him. And when I catch up, I pounce! Mommy has to rescue Ozzy so I don't pull out all his fur. I keep telling Mommy he doesn't really mind but she can't understand my words yet.

I had a good day with Grandma yesterday. I followed her around the porch and the kitchen. I like Grandma's porch. I fell right to sleep for my nap while she held me. Mom says she understands, the porch is a very relaxing place. You should never go there if you have a lot of errands on your list.

I slept well last night but I woke up with a sniffly nose. Don't worry, I'm OK. Mom decided not to get my picture taken today and wait until my sparkle is back. We're getting pictures taken because I'm nine months old today! I ate lots today and chased Ozzy. I didn't take long naps, so I had lots of play time! We went for walks outside in the bright sunshine and then went to the library. I met another baby! We talked and waved.

Now Daddy is home after playing disc golf. He got a small disc that he lets me play with. I want to be able to play with Daddy. I have to ask Uncle Rich to teach me how to play real golf. He got a hole in one last weekend! Way to go, Uncle Rich!

I'm cruising around the furniture right now and talking to Daddy. Soon it will be bedtime. I've been a night owl lately, but maybe my short nap day will make for an early bedtime. At least I'll get my story and snuggles soon!

Hot day swimming

I got a surprise today! A new pool! Now I have a pool at home and a pool at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Water everywhere! I am very excited. This pool is taller than the other one and I have a little more room to scoot around. Mom can even sit in the water with me. How much fun!

I had a good day today, even though another tooth is on the way. I woke up right on time and had a big breakfast. I helped spoon up my cereal. I didn't want Mom to do it. I let her get the cereal on the spoon but insisted on putting it in my own mouth. I took a long time and made a mess but Mom and I had fun. I'm getting big and independent.

After nap, we had a yummy lunch. I let Mommy feed my soupier veggies to me. Daddy stopped home after his haircut and we got out the new pool! Mommy finished blowing it up and then put just enough water in for me to splash. It was hot outside so she let me out in just a swimmer diaper. I was very excited and didn't get out until I was yawning for afternoon nap!

Now I'm just crawling around. Mom went to the store to get a few things and Daddy and I hung out. Now it's dinner time and then we're going to watch the All Star game. I like summer fun!

Big Adventures!

I was a busy big girl today! We went to Michigan's Adventure with the kids from church. Mommy and Daddy let me come along! I had to wear lots of sunscreen and drink a lot. I had so much fun! See all my admirers? Everyone made sure I had a great time.

Daddy is feeling much better after the weekend. He spent Saturday and Sunday being sick. Mom says he is a grumpy patient. He did not play with me even though I scooted over to the couch and poked him. He just slept. I can't even sleep for two days! But it seems to have worked for him. I'm glad that he feels like playing again, though.

Today I started off by sleeping in a bit and then getting ready to go! We drove all the way to Muskegon. I rode with Jeremy and Logan. They read my number book to me, made funny faces and told me silly stories. We had fun! We ate lunch in the parking lot. I tried to beg from everyone but I had no luck. I got milk and peaches. Then I got into my stroller and we walked around. I took my nap in the shade with Daddy while Mommy rode the Wolverine Wildcat. Mom didn't get to ride coasters last year because I was on the way. She missed out! So Dad let her ride more rides than he did.

After the roller coasters we went to the water park. I didn't know that such wonderful places existed! There was water everywhere! Mom and Dad took me to the kid pool and I splashed and yelled. Daddy took me down the baby sized water slide! It's even better than the playground slide. I yelled, squealed and waved my hat. Then we went to the Lazy River. I rode with Daddy. I floated and waved to everyone. After that I got sleepy and snoozed in the stroller until it was time to go. Before we left, Daddy won me a stuffed tiger! He swung a hammer so hard that the lights all lit up. I have a big strong Daddy!

Now we are home and I'm crawling around chasing Ozzy. He's much faster than I am but he lets me catch up and pounce on him. He makes me laugh! Mom and Dad can't believe that I'm not crabby or tired. I had a fun day and soon I'll fall asleep. But not until after I throw some junk mail around!

Teething troubles

Yes, I am getting another tooth. It's just not fun! It messes with my nap times. I just want to be held and to chew things. I reach my arms up for Mom to pick me up when I'm sitting on the floor. Now I can crawl over to her and reach when she is away from me. She always picks me up. I must look so sad!
Yesterday Parker and his mom and dad came to visit. They rode the ferry from Wisconsin! Parker had fun but his mom felt a little sick. He had to come home to have a doctor's visit and get some shots. Not fun! I had fun seeing him and sitting by him at dinnertime. After dinner I was so sleepy that I fell to sleep at 7:30! I was up a couple times at night to get settled and get my Tylenol. Mommy found me standing up and chewing the crib.
I was OK today, I just couldn't get a comfy nap in. I snuggled Mommy and that helped. We spent lots of time walking around the house and walking in my stroller. We took a ride to the beach and I yelled at the seagulls. I missed them! I got to see them every day when we were at the cottage.
Right now Daddy is taking his turn at cuddling. He is not feeling well tonight either. His tummy hurts. Mom is taking good care of both of us. She bosses Daddy around! She says drink your water and go to bed! He mostly does what she says. I guess she bosses me too, but I do whatever she says. I take my Tylenol and cuddle in my sleepytime blanket. I tried to give Daddy my blanket, but it doesn't seem to work as well for him as it does for me. I hope we will all feel better tomorrow and won't wear Mommy out!

Happy Fourth of July!

Today was my first 4th of July! I had lots of fun. I started the day by sleeping in until 8:00! Mom and Dad appreciated it. I got up and Daddy fed me a big breakfast. I went down for my nap like a good baby and when I woke up, Grandma and Grandpa came over! Great grandma Ophoff came too. They all ate a lunch that Daddy grilled. They ate chicken and sweet corn and pie. I ate peaches.
I went down for my afternoon nap and when I woke up we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner. Aunt Ellen, Uncle Nate and Allison were there! Ally and I played in the pool together. We splashed and yelled. We played with my frogs and her ball. I put my head under the water! Mom and Aunt Ellen thought I would be scared and cry, but I laughed and did it again! I like water. I stayed in until dinner time.
I had peas and puffs while everyone else ate dinner. Ally sat in her booster seat since I took up the high chair. I reached for Mommy's hot dog but didn't get any. I tried for some chips too but came up short.
After dinner we watched the Tigers game. Ally and I played on the floor with all the fun toys Grandma has. I crawl my fastest when I'm trying to follow Allison. We laugh at each other. I wish I could move fast like she does! I showed how well I crawl and how I like to play with my blanket. I love to play peekaboo with Mommy.
When it was time to go home, I showed how I can wave bye-bye. I learned what that means this week. I waved to everyone when they walked to the door. I was getting tired and I fell right to sleep about half way home. Mommy tucked me in and now I'm snoozing. I like holidays!

Summer day fun

I had a fun summer day today! Mommy did not have to work her on call day at all so we got to have fun from the start. I slept in a little bit and then crawled around exploring in the morning. Mommy and I read books and played silly peekaboo games. I helped fold my laundry. I like to pull shirts out of the basket and wave them around.
Daddy came home early and we all went to Winstrom Park where Daddy played disc golf. Mommy and I took a walk and slid down the slide. We came home and made dinner. See me helping Mom find ingredients? I like knocking the cereal boxes over.
After dinner we went to play some beach volleyball. One of the engineers Daddy works with built a court in his backyard. Mommy didn't play last year because I was in the way and she was a little rusty. They still let her play, though. I watched with some new friends, Bryce and Matteo. They kept me safe while our Moms and Dads played ball. They didn't let any balls hit me! They let me hold their Transformers. But finally I had to have Mommy sitting by me because it was getting to be bedtime. Mom and Dad took me home and are tucking me in. What a fun day!

Fun times

Look at Daddy goofing off with me! I discovered riding on shoulders today. Mommy gave me a ride in the morning and I yelled and giggled. So Daddy had to try it when he got home. It's fun!
I had a fun weekend. My great grandpa and grandma came to visit all the way from New Jersey. On Saturday morning we went to Windmill Island and showed them around Holland. We had to borrow a stroller from the neighbors because Mommy took mine to work in her car. Silly Mom.
At night we went to a party with all the Zandstras! Daddy golfed and then we all got together for dinner. I had fun until it was time for me to go home to bed.
I hung out with Daddy on Sunday, too. He dressed me all cute for church. At night we went to visit some of Mommy and Daddy's friends. I got to play with other kids! We had fun. I saw sparklers! Mommy says next year I can wave a sparkler, too. I can't wait!
After all that fun, I had a relaxing day today. Mom and I hung out and were silly in the morning. After my nap we went to visit Grandma. She is cleaning out her basement. She found Mommy's old baby toys and let me play with them!
We went shopping and found a pretty quilt that will be mine when I'm big enough to sleep in a big girl bed. That will be a little while, but I tried it out. It was fun to roll on!
I went to watch Daddy play softball after dinner and had fun crawling around. Mommy kept me out of the dirt and wouldn't let me eat the grass. I had fun anyway. Daddy's team lost and we are sad about that.
After the game, Mommy and Daddy got some ice cream from Ben and Jerry's downtown. We walked around and looked in store windows while they ate. I got one lick and then they were mean and made me watch them eat. Someday I will be big enough to get my own!
Now we are home and it's time for me to get ready for bed. Goodnight!