Did I mention I'm married to a rock star?

Hello! This is not a Ramona post, sorry. My husband, Chris, is in a christian band called Price Hill. And they are in a new band competition for the live music festival, Cornerstone. In order for them to get to play on a gigantic stage they need to get as many votes as possible. The top ten bands will win a spot on the big stage. Price Hill is number 12 right now! Please go to Cornerstone's website (click here) and register for a password. Annoying, I know, but it takes two seconds. Then you can vote once a day until the contest is over.

Fame and fortune, here we come!!! Ok, maybe not...but a girl can dream.

:) Thanks everyone!

Stupid Strangers!

The other day I was in Walmart and a couple stood and watched as their daughter put both hands on Ramona's face and touched her nose to Ramona's. They smiled and said, "She LOVES babies". While I silently FREAK OUT that she could have just blown a stupid cold into my child's mouth. What the heck were they thinking?!? Personal space, People! Ever hear of it? What should I do in those situations? I hate to be rude...Stupid Strangers.

Party Plans and the Zoo!

Today was a big day. As I type this, Ramona is passed out in her crib. And might I add, she put her self to sleep without shedding a single tear. So, here were today's activities:

1. I won the ebay auction for Ramona's birthday present. It's a giant frog tent. I fell in love with it when I saw it at another mom's house and had to have it. I'm quite sure I over paid. I HOPE it gets here in time for her party on Saturday.

2. We bought all the decorations for Ramona's party. I'm so excited! I thought I might be sad that she's turning one, but I can't wait to see her smash the cake in her face. It's not sad seeing her grow up, everyday is more fun than the day before. It's the teen years that I worry about.

3. Since Chris went out of town for the day, we had to do something fun to get out of the house. So we went to the...ZOO! It was so much fun. But when did house cats, ducks and roosters make it into the zoo? Those were, of course, Ramona's favorite zoo attractions. Forget the monkeys, show me a chicken!

I took thousands of pictures, here are a few of my favorites.

I'm pretty sure there's a sign that says,

"Do not poke fingers inside the cage." Whoops.

Fear not, everybody left with just as many

fingers and toes as we came with.

The turtles were not such a big hit.

But she LOVED all the leaves.

She thinks she's invisible. Where's Ramona?

Ramona's Book (0-12 months)

A good friend of mine told me about an awesome website, www.blurb.com. You can design, publish and sell books online. So, of course, I had to try it. I made a book of Ramona's first year of life for her upcoming birthday. Hopefully I will keep it up and make one for each year. If you want to see my work of art you can preview it here. If you are at all interested in making a book, I highly recommend this website. It was so easy and I now I have a forty page, one of a kind, book-o-memories for only $30! You can't beat that!

NEWS FLASH:

Ramona is eating solid food!!!!! It has only taken 10 1/2 months for her to start liking anything but breast milk. I was so afraid that I would be that woman nursing the 10 year old. Now hopefully after her first birthday, I can start weaning her. (Please, God!) It has been almost 2 years since I have been either breast feeding someone or growing someone in my body. I'm ready to have a glass of wine in the evening without being terrified that Ramona will wake up hungry the second the alcohol touches my lips. (She has impeccable timing.) 

Now, please enjoy the photos of today's snack time. Strawberry yogurt is yummy...and messy.

Holy Teething Baby, Batman!

Ramona is working on 4 teeth growing in. That will bring her to 6 teeth total. Her new favorite past time is grinding them together. Not a fun sound. Also, she has her second cold this cold and flu season. The first lasted 3 weeks and then we had a week off, now she is coughing with a runny nose again. So, she is not very happy, therefore not sleeping much. The nights are long in the Chalman house.

I know, I know...I'm a bad blogger!

OK, you would think that since I'm staying at home now that I would have tons of time to update the ol' blog. Not the case. So here is a quick update on what Ramona is doing now.

1. Crawling like crazy

2. Pulling up to standing

3. Waving

4. Clapping

5. Teething (just one for now)

6. Bumping her head on everything

7. Eating solid food? NOPE.

8. Getting spoiled by grandparents

9. Turning nine months old (I know! How did that happen?)

10. And Yelling (This baby is getting very loud.)

I was going to post a video of Ramona showing off all that she can do, but that will have to wait until another time. Sorry! Here is a picture to tide you over.

This is Santa Pope on Christmas morning.