Brrrrrr!

It has gotten cold out!  This is making Mary Rose's clothing issue even harder, as she needs to layer pieces.  She is finally starting to gain a little weight, though, since I have been off dairy.  She is over 9.5 pounds.  She has a lot more "happy time" and less painful screaming.  I think there are a few foods affecting her that I haven't identified, yet, but they seem to affect her tummy less frequently than before I went dairy-free.  She can clear a room when she passes gas, though!  It is great to see her smile so much, but a pain for me to check everything I eat.  So far, I have been very strict, avoiding foods that contain any milk or butter, and will test products slowly.  This limits my breads and granola bars, excludes bake goods and has me cooking with special margarine and soy cheese (ick).  Rice cream is not so bad, and may be better with chocolate (I have been off it 2.5 weeks and am ready to try it again).  Anyway, Mary Rose is getting great head control.  We found a grandmother who lives near my clinic to watch Mary the days I will be at work.  This will be great, as it is personal (she will be the only child there) and flexible, plus, I can pop over to nurse her at lunch!
We have had a TON of rain this month and a few frosts.  The rain brought down most of the leaves before the peak of the colors and washed most of the local pumpkin crop into the Connecticut river!  It is hard for me to remeber that Brian is not used to raking, as Houston does not have "fall" and his other residences were rentals.  I am sure it will keep us busy!
I have been trying out some fitness classes and gyms to get some tone and endurance back (and hopefully to fit back into a few of my old pants).  I tried Zumba, which is very aerobic.  I liked the salsa and meringe components, but prefer a dance class.  I hope to join the Dartmouth gym next month.  Brian is finally altering his suits to accommodate the weight he lost when we moved to New England. 
Brian spent this week traveling for work, the longest he has been away since he became a father.  He starting in Monterrey, where he was able to see the hotel where his great-grandfather had worked.  He spent the second half in Houston and spent time with his family.  I was grateful to have my mother visit during this time, so I could get a break, some sleep, and run errands.  She even cleaned and cooked (with meals to freeze, too).  It will seem quiet next week, without her, but I will be traveling to Minnesota the week afterwords.  I am going home while Brian travels Texas for another week. 

We have a baby Halloween party to attend, and have found a great costume for our baby.  However, she is so tall that we will have to let out the bottom seams or buy a new one!