Swimming and Raspberries

Yesterday we had a high temp of 99° with a heat index of 108° - which would work for me - if it wasn't 80% humidity!

Needless to say, the three Meier's went swimming! Myla loves the pool - especially floating in her raft when mom and dad push her around making motorboat noises!

And you'll notice she has a her turtle in the pool - she just loves that adorable little turtle - it goes with her quite frequently!

I guess we'll have to go swimming again tomorrow!

And the raspberries...

In the summer of 2003, I found a fabulous recipe for Raspberry Sour Cream Pie - somehow in my super fantastic organizational system - I misplaced the recipe! (Which if you know me, probably isn't that shocking!) After hours of scouring the Internet, and many emails and phone calls - my mom found the recipe in one of her files!

Since I've been talking about this pie for the 6 years that Ian and I have been together - I figured I better head to the store to get the ingredients to make it! Here's the finished product and I can't wait til lunch to try it! (The filling was delicious before it cooled, so I'm assuming it will be great today too!)

I'm not ready for this...

This past week has been full of a few big moments. On Wednesday, Ian and I took our little girl to the zoo for the first time. Nothing fancy, but Oshkosh has a charming little zoo. Myla loved it! She was fascinated by the baboon who was throwing empty plastic bottles around his habitat! And of course - she loved being the zookeeper!

 And she wasn't thrilled to be the monkey...

On Thursday, Myla and I made a trip home to visit Grandma, Great Grandpa and Great Grandma plus Grandpa and Great Aunt Sonja! It was a very fun trip. Myla loved seeing Grandma and Grandpa's cows. Myla was having such a great time playing on the floor at Grandma's and was trying her hardest to move, but couldn't. So we even made a trip to Tomah so Grandma could get Myla an adorable Winnie the Pooh walker! We took Myla and her new walker to Great Grandpa and Grandma Hutchinson's to show off her new skills! Unfortunately for Myla and, I think, fortunately for Momma - Myla can only go backwards so far! (She was so excited to use the walker - I didn't get all the toys mounted on top before she wanted to get in it!)

But, I definitely am not ready for this, even if Myla is.

Everyone said time flies when you have a baby. I can't believe my baby is going to be 7 months old next week. That alone I'm not ready for. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled she's growing and developing all of her skills, but what happened to my little snuggle bug who used to fall asleep on my chest? Now, somehow, we have a very active, independent and strong willed little girl who is developing her very own completely adorable personality. 

Myla has loved to stand on our laps for months - she even could do 'squats' on her own when on our laps and leaning against our chest. Now today, she decided she wanted to stand on her own! We started with her standing and leaning against the ottoman.

And we ended with her standing all by herself!

I'm not ready for my little baby growing into a big girl quite yet. Where is the rewind button??

I am officially the worst blogger...

Well, it is official. I am the WORST blogger! I just realized that I had not updated our blog in over 5 months. Instead of trying to go back through everything, I'm going to start fresh!

To start - here is a the most recent photo of our little family!

Myla is now 6 months old (going on 7 in a few short weeks) and I can't believe it. Everyone said time went fast once you became a parent, but I had no idea it would go this quick. I can't even tell you what we've done in the last 6 months and I certainly can't tell you what I did with my time before our little girl came into our lives.

I always knew I wanted to be a parent, but I had no idea how much I would enjoy spending my days with my child!


Every day is a new adventure! Yesterday (4th of July), Myla realized that the little girl in the mirror does the same thing she does. When she gives the baby a kiss - the baby in the mirror kisses her back! It's absolutely adorable. She and I sat on the floor looking in her mirror - I was amazed that 20 minutes could go by and all I can tell you is that I just watched her learn and observe her surroundings.


Speaking of that, she can sit all by herself for a significant period of time and when she tips over - she does it so gracefully! Certainly she didn't get that skill from her mother (I may be the most clumsy person in the world - especially in my younger years!)


A few weekends ago, we traveled to Neillsville to celebrate Ian's grandparents 60th anniversary with a surprise party! Needless to say, Myla was the star of the day and Great Grandpa and Grandma Meier loved showing her off to all of their friends! Myla is such a lucky little girl to have so many great grandparents and grandparents in her life! And to Great Grandpa and Grandma Meier - congrats on 60 years together - that is no small feat! Thank you for being such fabulous role models to the Meier boys (and now to the first Meier girl!)

Clarence and Marie Meier holding Myla

The Meier Family
Clarence & Marie Meier holding Myla Meier (front row - left to right)
Karin Meier, Jeff Meier, Sandy Meier, Ali Dammeir, Jeb Meier, Ian Meier, Jacie Meier, Carrie Meier, and Seth Meier (back row - left to right)

Now, on to my midyear resolution - blog more! Wish me luck!

IT'S OFFICIAL: We are a CLOTH DIAPERING family!

It's official ... Myla is now a Cloth Diaper (CD) baby!

For those of you that used CD's years ago - you'd be amazed at how far they've come! They are so neat these days! Plus - they are MUCH cuter than disposables (sposies)! I have spent a number of hours in the last six months learning all about CD's and have finally started using them full time!

Myla attempting to roll over wearing a CD!

Isn't her fluffy bottom just so cute?!?

Myla after she rolled over!

People keep asking what made us choose CD's and it's something we put a lot of time and consideration into! So basically, we chose CDing for a number of reasons:

• First, it's better for the baby - Disposable Diapers contain Dioxin (which is banned in most countries, but not in the US) and is one of the most toxic poisons and it can cause cancer. Plus, Disposable Diapers contain Sodium Polycrylate (the small crystals used to absorb & hold moisture). Sodium Polycrylate was in tampons but is no longer used because it can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome. They also contain a number of other chemicals that are kinda yucky too. And, babies that use cloth diapers very rarely get diaper rash – as long as the diapers are washed and maintained well, which isn’t hard. Also, studies show that babies that use disposable diapers can get diaper rash much more frequently. (There are also studies that show the checmicals in disposable diapers may be linked to male infertility and prostate cancer in adult men.)
• The second reason is the environmental factor. Approximately 49 million diapers per day and create 1 ton of garbage per child per year. Best guess scientists have is that diapers take at least 250 years for disposable diapers to decompose, but they actually may take up to 500 years.

We (mommy and daddy) are absolutely LOVING cloth diapering! 

And Miss Myla is happy too!

The Packers WIN & Dad Turns 30!

It's been an eventful week - beginning on Sunday. We went over to Grandpa and Grandma Meier's to watch the Packers vs. Bears. Uncle Seth & Aunt Carrie came down to visit too! Actually, for every Packer game since Myla joined us, we've watched the game with G&G Meier! And for those of you that know Ian - know what a Packer fan he is - which means a little superstition! We all wore our Packers gear (that we've worn since Myla's joined us!) Even Miss Myla was sporting a Packers outfit.

Not only were we able to celebrate the Packer's win - we were able to have an early celebration of Dad's 30th Birthday with a Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake! (I am not sure who was more excited - me or Ian!)

             
 

And Grandpa & Grandma loved snuging with Miss Myla!

For Dad's official 30th Birthday on Wednesday, Myla gave her dad his first birthday present from her! While dad was at work on Tuesday, mom and Myla took a few photos of Miss Myla wearing the outfit her dad wore home from the hospital 30 years ago!

 

Myla can even make an outfit from the 80's look good! 

A busy week & it's been a month...

Last week was a busy week in the Meier household.

On Wednesday evening, Ian had his first day back in school! I wanted to take a picture of him headed out the door for his first day of class, but he completely refused! He did let Myla and I drive him to class - ok, Myla didn't drive - I did. And, I did forget to buy him his container of paste, but overall it went well! He is really thrilled to be going back to class.

Thursday, we celebrated Myla's 1-month birthday! I can't believe my beautiful baby girl is one month old.

On Monday, Myla and I met Grandma Patti at East Town Mall in Madison to shop! Myla had a blast - she loved the lights and people in the mall. Grandma really loved taking Myla on her first shopping trip that didn't involve Wal-Mart or Target. We even had lunch in the food court and Grandma Patti was able to show her off to some mall-walkers who thought she was gorgeous.

While I've had a lot of time on my hands, I forgot about my new blog! Perhaps blogging isn't for me?!?

In the last four weeks, We've had some great times with Miss Myla! She's such a blessing to us. I never would have imagined how much a little girl could change your life. Of course, we knew we'd love her - but this is just so much more than love!

On January 5, we took Myla to her 2-week pediatrician appointment. She weight 9lbs - on the dot - she gained 14oz since birth! And she grew 1 1/2 inches - she's now 21 1/2 inches long! She's gotten so big! And I'm certain in the last 12 days - she's grown even more!

On January 9th - we retired all of Miss Myla's newborn clothes - it was a little challenging for mom to do! I think I ended up in tears! They all were just so darn cute, weren't they?

See...the leg's are a little snug!

We've made a couple trips back to New Lisbon to visit everyone in the last few weeks. It's been great to let Myla spend time with Grandpa Rich (eventhough he's been a little photo shy!) It's also been so nice to let Myla spend time with Great Grandpa and Grandma Hutchinson! They've really enjoyed seeing her too, I think.

Myla's also been quite busy learning the rules of football and cheering on the Packers with Daddy this post-season! Although as dad will tell you - dressing Miss Myla in her Packer's outfit was a bit traumatic for both Daddy and Myla! The first onsie daddy dressed Myla in happened to be a turtleneck onesie!! (Personally, I think he did a darn good job - although she didn't appear to be a fan of the outfit!)

Well, Myla must eat brunch - she gave her warning cry and if I don't get moving fast enough - I'll get the full out cry! And, I'll make a better attempt to update the blog more frequently from here on out!

With 2011 Changes Are Here...

In the accordance with the title of this post, I figured it was probably time to start a blog! We have so many family and friends that don't live near us and might be interested in keeping up to date with our 'happenings'! (I also have realized that without work for a few months, I have a little bit of spare time - and I can only watch so much TV and surf the net. At least by blogging, I can accomplish something!)

And in the spirit of the post title, as most everyone knows, our little Menagerie added a new addition late last year - and surprise, surprise - this addition only has 2 legs! Our lives have changed, our future has changed and it all is just beginning! What a great way to start 2011!

Myla Corin Meier joined our family on December 20, 2010 at 6:55pm. She weighed 8lbs, 2.6oz and was 20 inches long. We couldn't be more excited to have her with us. Here's one of the first photos of our beautiful Myla!

It's such a blessing to have such a wonderful little girl in our lives! Ian is clearly taken by Myla - he can sit and snug with her for hours! (He even can pass up watching a football game - and for any of you that know Ian - you know how big of a deal that is!)

Just to give you a little synopsis of what has taken place since Myla has arrived:

First, we had to get more receiving blankets and newborn clothes; everyone told us "don't buy newborn size clothes" - well, our little stinker needed newborn outfits. The 0-3 month clothes were HUGE on her! Now, sadly, at 13 days - the newborn clothes are about to become too snug!

Second, Myla, Ian and I headed to New Lisbon to visit everyone for Christmas. (2 hours in the car each way and Myla did FABULOUS!)

Myla was able to visit her Great Grandpa and Grandma! They both were tickled to get to see her - I just wish she hadn't been sound asleep in her carseat. (We have to make a trip back again soon to visit and plan it around her eating/sleeping schedule a little bit.) Myla also was able to meet her Great Aunt & Uncle, Grandpa and many cousins! She received a plethora of presents, unfortunately - she had no idea what they were or who they were for! (Thank you to everyone for all the Christmas Presents for both Myla and us - we appreciate everything!)

Another big first for Myla happened on December 24 at only 4 days old -- Myla met Santa. Santa was so excited to hold a 4 day old baby and Myla was pretty content with Santa!

Third, Myla also has already celebrated her first New Year's! I can't believe she already has two holidays under her figurative belt! I didn't think milestones would come this fast. Needless to say, Ian and I did not see midnight this year, but we also had the absolute best New Year's ever!

I suppose this is a long enough post for the first blog entry for Meier's Menagerie! I should save some 'material' for future posts!

We hope the holidays brought each of you many reasons to smile! And we wish you a Happy New Year's from the Meier Family!