Thanks Grandma Beth

It's already May and time for Grandma Beth to head back to Oregon on the train tonight. Her help around the house and with Erin for the past couple weeks has been great, and of course she's wonderful company. It's really taken the pressure off of having Fran sleep-deprived at the hospital every third night. Plus, I learned that Erin loves warm oatmeal first thing in the morning and I know how to safety-pin on a cloth diaper now. So, thank you!


Speaking of diapers, Erin has been fighting a terrible diaper rash this week. Even with frequent changes and cream, the cloth diaper and rubber diaper cover have irritated her skin lately. We've found the best remedy is a couple hours sans diaper each morning (watch out for the puddle!), as well as loosely pinning on a diaper when we're around the house later in the day. She's so active now that, sooner rather than later, the diaper turns into a low rider and out comes the plumber's butt!



I have a funny story from the other day. I woke up at the usual time (~6 a.m.) to hear some quiet rustlings from Erin's room. Fran was on call at the hospital, so it was just me and the dogs. I can see the crack under her closed door from our bed, and the light was on. A little alarmed, I was sure I hadn't left it on and I didn't hear Beth up yet. As I'm getting out of bed, I see the light turn off... then on... then off... then giggling. Erin finally found the light switch above one corner of her crib! We usually find her standing up smiling at us in the morning and after naps, but her exploration of the side of the crib against the wall has paid off. We'll see if the novelty wears off or how much our electric bill goes up! What a cute girl.

Today is Erin's first birthday, which she shares with Grandpa Deanie (i.e. Boof). We're headed over to grandpa and grandma's house to celebrate with some friends and family this afternoon. Another update and pictures to come...