More Collages

The other two collages I made yesterday.

  

Finally

Finally I got it finished!!!! When I was pregnant I took weekly pictures so I could make a collage. But I never got to make it. Yesterday Juliana slept really good so I worked on making my collage. It took most of my day yesterday. Some of the pictures didn't turn out so this is what I came up with. Oh and I also made two smaller collages. I will have to post when I have more time.

More Challenges

I was challenged to do the ALS ice bucket challenge hype that is about the world today. I'm thankful that someone thought of me but I will not be doing the challenge. There are several reasons as to why.

First, I'm an advocate for testing in a more humane way. Now I understand it is hard to research illnesses with out having some way of testing and for years that has been on animals. But I do not feel subjecting an innocent animal/creature to testing is the appropriate way.  If it is not humane for humans to be tested then why would it be okay for animals? I guess because we are the superior race... but I would laugh if an alien race came and researched us. It would serve us right for thinking we were the superior race. So instead of giving to the ALS I will be making a donation to a group that helps rescue lab animals.

Second, there are many individuals who do not have access to water. Using it in this manor only shows how much we take things for granted. Now some people would say but you using that water doesn't mean that somebody else is going without. No that is true...whether I use it or not other people would still be without. But instead of spending money on wasting water for this challenge I am going to put aside some money to help dig a well for those in other countries lacking water access. I'll also try to use less water over the course of the next month as a reminder to not take water for granted.

I did accept two other challenges as well. One was from an online friend. It was to donate time, money or supplies to an animal rescue of your choice. And another was from Stray Rescue founder Randy Grim to become the leader of the pack.

So there you have it I'll get off my soap box. And move onto something else.

ISR Lessons

I'm not sure if anyone has ever seen this video. But I've blogged about it before. It is something I think is VERY important. So this summer I've been researching and checking for trainers. But the closest trainer is in Chesterfield, MO. I'm so sad. I really think the Keokuk Y should offer it...even if they only have a trainer come in for several weeks to do it. I'd be the first to sign my child up.

I did submit my name to the "waiting list". Joining the waiting list lets them know if there is enough interest in an area and helps them see a need for a trainer. Hopefully accelerating getting a trainer in the area. Point is maybe if everyone shares the need and signs up then maybe we can get one in the area. That would be GREAT. So click here to join the waiting list.

Or maybe you are interested in being certified yourself and doing classes? The link above also has a way to let them know you are interested in becoming certified. If this is you please let them know so I can get my daughter into a class! I would be forever grateful if you teach my daughter how to properly swim fully clothed... ISR style.

I amazed at their facebook posts of kids swimming fully clothed and underwater at such young ages. 

Here is one example of an ISR trainer in action.

How Life Has Changed

I've seen this before but I think it's cute. Now I know we only have one kid and we are just starting out. But I'm pretty sure this is becoming me. Matt and I really have no time to be cool. Heck we don't even get to hang out with each other. :(  I definitely feel like I sport the mommy do majority of the time.

  

And while I am showing this I figured I would show another fun video that must have been wrote for me. Well when I was pregnant that is!



Despite all the change in our life we would not want it any other way. Like I said before Juliana brightens our lives every day. We just love her!

Seven Months

Our baby is growing way too fast. I'm not sure what is happening. One minute she was this tiny little human and now she is all over the place. Why must time go by so fast...probably to make sure we enjoy every waking moment. It goes by so quickly.

Juliana turned seven months on Wednesday. I had a Halloween costume idea for her but I am beginning to think she should go as Curious George. She always has to see what is going on and is so easily distracted when eating. It's like oh something is happening I can't eat right now. Juliana loves to take on all kinds of adventures and she is quite the dare devil. This past month she has been experimenting with standing by herself. She is getting pretty good at it. Joanne has also told me that she climbed up two steps on Wednesday. Oh man this girl is so fun!

Sorry, about the last photo. It is a bit grainy... I will need to take another one. Actually I need a different camera. Ours sucks and with her moving more it is harder to get one with our camera that is not blurry. I've played with the settings and it seemed to make it worse. Maybe I need one of those books for dummies.

Juliana has been doing all kinds of things. She imitates/mimics what we do, crawls like she is in a race, standing by herself for longer periods of time (as I mentioned earlier) and climbs over barricades to get where she wants. We catch her doing all kinds of adventurous and cute things.

Anyways, I can't wait to do some of the fun things we have planned, these next couple of months, with her. First of all it is my favorite time of the year. So I'm really excited to share that with my little family. I am looking forward to taking walks with Ty, Juliana and Matt before the winter season comes. We have also made plans to go to the Grape Festival, which I have missed the last couple of years. But took off this year to be there with Juliana. I'm excited to take Juliana to the pumpkin patch and my moms Halloween festivities.

Also Matt and I are going to see the Phantom of the Opera on 19th of September for our anniversary. Woohoo! I'm excited! Hopefully I ordered the tickets for the right day. I am always worried about things like that.

Oh yes and I cannot forget the Mutt Strut. We will be doing the Mutt Strut again for the Quincy Humane Society. If you would like to help sponsor Ty and our little family in the Mutt Strut please let me know. We would like to reach at least $250 in donations for the QHS. Thanks in advance!

Sleep Is Overrated...

We have the cutest little girl on the planet, in the universe, whatever she's the cutest. But last night she about made me lose my mind. She is finally resting peaceful so I thought I would type a quick post.

Our little princess has been standing by herself more and more. Testing the water I guess to see what she can do. She impresses me everyday.