Floaties

And I'm not talking about what you use in the pool.....

As you may know, Abby has had some poo issues this week. Well, tonight while giving her a bath she managed to let a few "floaties" loose. UUUGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Needless to say, "bath-time" quickly became "chore-time" for Mommy.

Tiaras for Mommy?

Let me start by saying that I do NOT have an issue with ALL pageants. In fact, I have been a supporter of the Miss America program (the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for women) for almost 10 years now.

Well, Michael was just flipping through channels and landed on TLC. Currently, Toddlers & Tiaras is on. I have watch this show before and relate it to a car accident: you know you shouldn't look but you can't help but try to figure out what is going on as you drive past. Tonight's show was about an "American Best" pageant and once again I was a bit disturbed in what I saw: Parents (mothers mostly) pushing their children to preform (and getting mad/upset if they were not perfect), 2 year-olds wearing full makeup, 6 year-olds wearing fake teeth, toddlers being "sexy", mothers/toddlers NEEDING to win, Mothers/toddlers crying if they did not win, etc..

Sure you could argue that the little ones are learning to speak publicly while building self confidence, but I don't see why you would need to do this with more makeup on than the average adult woman wears on date night while also sporting fake hair, nails and teeth. In total dismay I did some checking trying to find SOME benefit to such pageants; perhaps these too are good collage-money-makers. I found this site for America's Best Pageants. With a $225 entry fee (and a required $25 shirt purchase along with a fee for each additional category you wish to participate/win, then add in the cost of hair, makeup, nails, teeth, costumes and perhaps talent training) I don't see how this is really a deal or money maker for many, if any participants. At this point, I can't find a true benefit for the girls and it still seems to be more for the moms.

So, my current question is which is worse:

A) Parents actually spend mass amounts of time and money on such pageants

or

B) Grown adults actually take time to coordinate such events


I just don't get it...please feel free to discuss/enlighten me via comments.

Love for Our Pediatrician

Well, little Miss Abby has managed to pick up a case of the liquid-poos from somewhere. Whether it is a bug or a side-effect of a pending bought of teething, we are not sure. Anyway, I called the doc. the other day to see at what point we should come in or start giving her Pedilalyte to keep her hydrated and played a little game of phone tag with our favorite nurse. I haven't been all that worried since Abby has had rather wet diapers so I didn't follow up with the last message.

Well, at 8:02 this evening our phone rang and it was the doctor's office. I picked up the phone expecting to talk with Nurse Nancy, but much to my surprise it was Dr. Dean Moscovic himself! He was calling to check up on Abby, to see how we were doing. We chatted a few minutes about her butt-flu (he laughed at me for calling it that, but said he might have to steal that description) and told us not to worry too much, as there seems to be a bug going around.

I have to say that I thought the days were long gone when the doctor a) remembered the patients he saw that week b) had someone follow up on pending issues or c) called himself to see how things are going. I am truly impressed! Thanks Dr. Moscovic!!!

Happy Daddy's Day

Well, I hope that Michael had as much fun to day as Abby and I did!! We started the day with a little family "nap" at about 6 a.m. then Daddy opened his gifts in bed. I got MJ a grill set to make sliders and Abby got him tickets to the Tigers game (and we have been working on a little craft for Daddy too but Abby has not been cooperating....). So, after getting ready for the day in almost record time (under 1.5 hrs) we headed to MJ's parents house for a little visit. On our way we realized that we forgot food for Abby in the fridge so we had to make a little pit stop to pick up a little something for her to eat (I refuse to feed Abby a hotdog at this point in her life...Emily I know you understand my issue with this). We had a good but quick visit with Nana and Papa then headed down to the game.

In true Johnson fashion, we got there during the 2nd inning, which was a good thing because our seats did not get any shade until a little later in the game. Abby managed to make friends with the older couple in the seats behind us and with the little girl in front of us. I think she had a good time at her first Tigers game by people watching, drinking mommy's water and sitting with daddy. Here are a few pics of our day:

Family Photo

Checking out the stadium

Taking a little break in the shade

Abby's first Tigers win!!

Making memories

Peanut wouldn't miss a day at the park!

Family time

I love my dad

After a drive home and some dinner we took a ride on our new swing. Abby loved just sitting with daddy.

All in all we had a great day!

P.s. Michael, you never cease to amaze me. It is a true honor to watch you be a Daddy and I am thankful every day for the gift of you (and Abby too). Thank you for loving me and your little girl with all your heart--I couldn't imagine our lives with out you!

Carrots and Parsnips...

I need to take a moment to applaud my little girl, for she is a far more adventurous eater than her father or I.  While shopping at Whole Foods the other day we came across a carrot and parsnip patty in the deli section.  While parsnips have never been in my food repertoire, Abby loves carrots so I thought "what the heck, lets give it a try".  I am happy to say that she is currently eating devouring said patty as if she was not fed all day.  Way to go Abby, you rock!

Standing Tall

Abby wanted to help me fold some laundry today, which is always fun but counter-productive. She was standing next to the basket pulling one item at a time out then throwing it on the floor. I find that I have to fold faster then her little arms can move or I never get anywhere. Anyway, just as I folded the last of the load she went in for the pretty pink washcloth. I slowly pulled the basket away and as I did she let go of the basket and stood upright, bobbled a little and stood back up only to decide to slowly sit herself down. Michael and I looked at each other in disbelief. Whether or not it was a freak moment we are not sure, but either way our little girl stood on her own for about 6 seconds or so. Yikes!!!

Up From the Waters

It's official, Abby is now a member of the christian community! You guessed it, today was Abby's baptism. It was a very special day full of God, family and food! Father Joe made the service very special by including not only the parents and Godparents, but the rest of the family too. We are very lucky to have found a home at Christ the Redeemer. Here are a few pictures of Abby's big day:

Abby and Paul getting ready for the festivities

A happy little girl


Godparents to-be

Getting ready for the big dip!

Almost-naked Abby...she doesn't realize what is coming

Immersed in the font

Officially baptized!

Abby's debut in her baptism gown

First of three gifts: The white garment from Abby's Godmother, Aimee

Abby checking out the third gift: The baptismal candle and light of Christ

It was more interesting when it was still burning

Our happy little family

Abby in her bonnet, so funny!

Abby with her Godparents, Paul and Aimee, and Mom and Dad.

Such a loved and lucky little girl!
Father Joe joined us for a few shots

Nana and Papa

Gramps and Grandma D

Great Grandma Davis came out too

Uncle Mark, Aunt Stacey and cousins Julia and Gracie joined in the fun

Smiling with Aunt Wendy, soon-to-be-Uncle Scooby, Uncle Tom and Amanda too

Sweet and Savory Bake Shoppe never fails us...it was even yummier than it looked

Looking good with Julia and Gracie

Love from my cousins

What a special day for a special little girl! She had a great time today even though she missed her afternoon nap. She was a trooper and partied with the best of them...and slept hard once she fell asleep at 10:45 pm!