Alabama Tracks

We went for a walk the other day and stopped at the park.  I took these there as she ate her snack and had some water.

We eat a lot of dirt lately and it is all from this plant in the corner.  At least 5 times a day she stops to test it.

Sing along with me:

There’s a hole in the bottom of the house

There’s a hole in the bottom of the house

There’s a hole, there’s a hole

There’s a hole in the bottom of the house

There’s a leak in the hole in the bottom of the house …

You can stop singing now. A few weeks ago I noticed a damp spot under the window by the kitchen. Didn’t think much of it because it was early and could have been condensation. A few days later I was walking Ruthie and noticed it was wet in ther afternoon. In the middle of a drought. Not good. So we called a plumber recommended by a builder friend. They took one look under our sink, found pex and pretty much called it quits. He didn’t believe me when I told him we had copper under the foundation but I had pictures to prove it. So anyways, onto plumber number 2. They come out, feel under the boards, declare they can’t remove the wall, tell us to remove it and call them back, and charge us $55 for the call.

And there it’s sat. Leaking silently. Today we were determined to get something done so we went out and bought a low end circular saw, a flat crow bar and a hammer. And then we set about removing the siding. Sadly, the siding did not survive the removal process (concrete fiber siding) but, thankfully, it’s pretty cheap stuff.

Next came the hard part. I had to use the circular saw to cut a hole in the side where the pipe is but in such a way that I could reattach it later. I missed the stud I was aiming for in cutting but I did succeed in making a cut section that we can reattach with minimal effort. A little caulk and some nails and hopefully this hole will be a temporary one.

We’ve got it tarped for now. Monday we call the plumber and have him come back and fix the leak. There’s no insulation between him and the leaking part of the pipe so hopefully this will be short and sweet and we can patch the hole up Monday night. Maybe. Siding will have to wait a bit longer until someone with a bit more experience than I can help us put two new panels up and make it look nice again.

If you were hoping for something Ruthie this time around here’s your fix. You’re welcome

So here is the latest.  Ruthie now has her two top front teeth and is getting one of the ones right next to them in now.  They were incredibly painful for her and thus for us as well.  Many nights I was up 6 or so times a night with her of which I’m glad is over.  Naps were almost nonexistent during that time as well.

Since that has happened, we also started reading a new book called Good Night, Sleep Tight.  I had Joel read it with me so he could help reinforce and yet help me be disciplined.  During any given night, she was waking 2 - 3 times a night nursing back to sleep and naps were still iffy.  I was constantly exhausted so something had to give.  This book was recommended by some friends on a forum and it was given rave reviews.  The whole premise is to teach your child how to sleep but not resort to the cry it out method.  The first night (Saturday) was somewhat painful but I only had to calm her down one time and other than that, she learned to self soothe each time she woke within 5 - 10 minutes.  Each night since has gotten better.  Naps have gotten better.  No longer are we getting up in the night and I feel like a new woman.  Last night I didn’t get up but one time and that was to head to the bathroom (something I would have to do anyways since this pregnancy.)  She woke one time at 5:15, fussed for all of 5 seconds and was out until I woke her at 7:10.  She is in the process of taking an hour and half (maybe 2 hr) nap now.  We put her in bed mostly awake these days as well.  Needless to say, more is getting done, I feel better, and I’m not so lethargic.

She also has started pulling herself up to the standing position something of which I am still trying to get a picture of.  I went to get the camera last night and as soon as I tried to focus in on her she dropped to the floor.  But she’s getting better. In fact last night she let go of me for all of 2 seconds and then fell.  I’ll continue trying to take pics.

She is enjoying the play table Auntie gave her immensly.  Gone is the fascination with the kitty toys for the most part.  The table is about the only thing that is getting the attention these days.  The snap lock beads that Momga bought for her work well along with the ones that came with the table and it amounts to several minutes of fun at a time. This is not the best picture but it will give you some idea anyways.

So there you have the latest in our household.  She is keeping me busy but is such a joy.  Her little personality is bursting forth each day.

I had a bite taken out of my knee today for the first time from my little Pirana.  She now has her two top middle teeth after much ado.  There were about 2 weeks where every night we were up at least 4 times, sometimes 6.  Between Motrin, Orajel, and Teething Tablets, nothing seemed to work some days.  But alas, they both have now cut through the gum completely and everyone is much happier now.

So days consist now of chewing on her tongue, taking my finger and cautiously trying to bite it and see if I’ll scream like when she tries to bite me when she nurses, and flashing a toothy grin.

She pulls up more and more each day and will be standing holding onto furniture anyday now.  I give it a week, maybe a week and a half.  Her crawling is in overdrive and seperation anxiety is heightened as well.

I’m glad dad is home tomorrow to help.  Tuesday we’ll go to the Probate office and get my license renewed and take care of the tag on the van.  Wednesday is Mops at the church and the children’s clothing consignment sale.  Saturday is church directory pictures and a facial for mom.