Julia found out something important today... she doesn't know what she can do and she never will if she doesn't try.
She was adamant that she couldn't ride a 2 wheeler. After demanding (nicely - with lots of positive encouragement) that she try, the training wheels came off. After about 20 minutes of practicing, she did it! She does great at the going, the stopping is where she'll need work.
We are so proud of her - and best of all - she is unbelievably proud of herself. She said at dinner tonight, "I can't believe I did it. You said I could, and I didn't believe you." I told her that she could do just about anything she set her mind to. Her response, "I just have to try, right?" Right.
Anna also surprised us that she can ride her bike really well (with training wheels), and can handle Julia's scooter. Not to be left out - Em did a great job sitting in the stroller.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Crack is NOT whack
For the first time in my life I think I could do drugs. Really. Not the kind prescribed from the doctor either.
No downers for me - no sir. I want the stuff that ramps you up. Speed. I have no idea what does that - but I want it. I had a small taste of it today and it was delicious.
I'm no longer a big caffeine drinker. I'll have a Coca-cola when I'm out for dinner but I rarely buy it, if ever.
I also don't drink coffee. I've never had an entire actual cup of coffee in my life.
Yet - I found myself in the middle of night a couple of months ago at Tim Horton's door. There I found deliciousness. The iced cappuccino. Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelicious. I'm addicted.
This morning I had to run an errand after I dropped Julia at the bus. I couldn't bring myself to drive across town to Tim Horton's. So I hit McDonald's and bought one of the Paul Newman Iced Coffees. It was ok. A little toooo coffee for me - but good enough.
Then I decided to drive around for a while. I ended up at Tim Horton's. I broke down and bought an iced cappuccino.
OH MY GOODNESS. I was sooooooooooooooo ramped up. I can't even begin to explain it. When we finally got back home I was like a crazy person. I did dishes, laundry, got on the floor and scrubbed it with spray and paper towels, I swept. I cleaned out the girls toys. I did Namaste Yoga. I threw stuff away. I organized the diapers, pull-ups and wipes. I made lunch. I bagged snacks for the girls for later. I did jumping jacks on the back porch (OUCH b*oobs!!). I washed all of Em's toys. I almost washed the windows but I realized I had to pick Julia up from school. Then I drove around neighborhoods looking at houses for sale. Then we came home and ran around outside picking up trash that blew all over from the trash that turned upside down. Then I came inside and made dinner. Within 15 minutes after dinner was done, the dishes were washed, the stove was cleaned, the table scrubbed. Then I scrubbed Em's high chair seat. Oh - then I took everything off the counter in the kitchen and scrubbed it down. Then I went through the medications in our lock box and checked expiration dates. Then when Dan took the girls up for their bath - I picked up what they had gotten out earlier. Then I went upstairs and brought all the laundry down. Got Em from Dan and dried her off and got her dressed. Got Julia and Anna ready for bed. Took a shower. Cleaned the bathroom.
Then I had a phone call from a good friend of mine and then I SAT DOWN.
Man. That's more than I've done in weeks. I'm thinking I need to find a dealer. I haven't been that artificially high in my life.
No downers for me - no sir. I want the stuff that ramps you up. Speed. I have no idea what does that - but I want it. I had a small taste of it today and it was delicious.
I'm no longer a big caffeine drinker. I'll have a Coca-cola when I'm out for dinner but I rarely buy it, if ever.
I also don't drink coffee. I've never had an entire actual cup of coffee in my life.
Yet - I found myself in the middle of night a couple of months ago at Tim Horton's door. There I found deliciousness. The iced cappuccino. Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelicious. I'm addicted.
This morning I had to run an errand after I dropped Julia at the bus. I couldn't bring myself to drive across town to Tim Horton's. So I hit McDonald's and bought one of the Paul Newman Iced Coffees. It was ok. A little toooo coffee for me - but good enough.
Then I decided to drive around for a while. I ended up at Tim Horton's. I broke down and bought an iced cappuccino.
OH MY GOODNESS. I was sooooooooooooooo ramped up. I can't even begin to explain it. When we finally got back home I was like a crazy person. I did dishes, laundry, got on the floor and scrubbed it with spray and paper towels, I swept. I cleaned out the girls toys. I did Namaste Yoga. I threw stuff away. I organized the diapers, pull-ups and wipes. I made lunch. I bagged snacks for the girls for later. I did jumping jacks on the back porch (OUCH b*oobs!!). I washed all of Em's toys. I almost washed the windows but I realized I had to pick Julia up from school. Then I drove around neighborhoods looking at houses for sale. Then we came home and ran around outside picking up trash that blew all over from the trash that turned upside down. Then I came inside and made dinner. Within 15 minutes after dinner was done, the dishes were washed, the stove was cleaned, the table scrubbed. Then I scrubbed Em's high chair seat. Oh - then I took everything off the counter in the kitchen and scrubbed it down. Then I went through the medications in our lock box and checked expiration dates. Then when Dan took the girls up for their bath - I picked up what they had gotten out earlier. Then I went upstairs and brought all the laundry down. Got Em from Dan and dried her off and got her dressed. Got Julia and Anna ready for bed. Took a shower. Cleaned the bathroom.
Then I had a phone call from a good friend of mine and then I SAT DOWN.
Man. That's more than I've done in weeks. I'm thinking I need to find a dealer. I haven't been that artificially high in my life.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Potty training - again
So - as I mentioned, Anna is potty training. She does great if I ask her if she needs to go, or take her to go. She's pretty much self sufficient. She can take her pants and pull up/underwear off, climb up on the potty, go, wipe, get down, flush and then wash her hands and get dressed again. What we're lacking is the interest. She's perfectly content to be wet or dirty.
We tried the 'bare it all' method but considering we're in a rental house, we gave up after a couple of accidents. It made no difference to her. We're even rewarding her with a peice of candy and sticker each time. She really is doing great if we initiate, but at this point I feel like I'm the one who is potty training. She never puts up a fight, but it never crosses her mind - "hey, I need to pee".
We are putting new meaning to the term "potty TRAINing" though, we set it up so she has a sticker chart and each time she reaches one of the stars (every 8 times she goes) on the chart she gets to pick out a small toy and then when she fills the chart (about a weeks worth of going) she gets a new train. She LOVES Thomas trains. I was thinking along the lines of a dollar store type of thing for the small toy. Dan ruined this for me, in front of Anna, when he suggested that she get a train each time she gets a star. He had no idea that a little train runs $10-20. That's my guy!
So now when Anna gets to a star - she gets a train, and when she fills the chart she will now get Thomas undies. She really wants Thomas undies (Dora is so passe'). Once she fills up her sticker chart we're going to move from "using the potty" method to "not having accidents". Hopefully the stress of possibly peeing on Thomas will be enough to make the move towards self motivation in going to the bathroom.
Funny story though. Anna has two funny quirks about going to the bathroom. When she's about to pee she'll say to whoever is in the room, "are you ready? huh??? are you ready?" and then she pees. She STILL thinks it's funny to hear the sound. Then - every time she poops - she demands the fan be turned on. Funny kid.
Enough about the potty right now...
We tried the 'bare it all' method but considering we're in a rental house, we gave up after a couple of accidents. It made no difference to her. We're even rewarding her with a peice of candy and sticker each time. She really is doing great if we initiate, but at this point I feel like I'm the one who is potty training. She never puts up a fight, but it never crosses her mind - "hey, I need to pee".
We are putting new meaning to the term "potty TRAINing" though, we set it up so she has a sticker chart and each time she reaches one of the stars (every 8 times she goes) on the chart she gets to pick out a small toy and then when she fills the chart (about a weeks worth of going) she gets a new train. She LOVES Thomas trains. I was thinking along the lines of a dollar store type of thing for the small toy. Dan ruined this for me, in front of Anna, when he suggested that she get a train each time she gets a star. He had no idea that a little train runs $10-20. That's my guy!
So now when Anna gets to a star - she gets a train, and when she fills the chart she will now get Thomas undies. She really wants Thomas undies (Dora is so passe'). Once she fills up her sticker chart we're going to move from "using the potty" method to "not having accidents". Hopefully the stress of possibly peeing on Thomas will be enough to make the move towards self motivation in going to the bathroom.
Funny story though. Anna has two funny quirks about going to the bathroom. When she's about to pee she'll say to whoever is in the room, "are you ready? huh??? are you ready?" and then she pees. She STILL thinks it's funny to hear the sound. Then - every time she poops - she demands the fan be turned on. Funny kid.
Enough about the potty right now...
Ok mom - here is a new post just for you!
I always think that when people apologize for not posting as frequently - they sound fairly pretentious - as if there are swarms of people paused to hear what absurdly interesting thing I have to say next. I have actually received several emails (not just from you mom!!) asking what I'm up to and asking about the business. It definitely made my day a couple of times. I almost feel a Sally Field Oscar moment coming on. I'll just leave it alone with a thank you.
Yes, I'm busy setting up the website, making phone calls and trying to get things finalized. I'm really, really, really, really excited. Some of you have asked for info on what a Virtual Assistant is - so here is a link to a description.
We toured some open houses this weekend and found our house. Unfortunately the seller doesn't feel the same way and has listed it well over our budget. I think our idea of how our life was going to be here is having to adjust. I'm guessing a small fixer upper is closer to our reality. I hope we're up for the challenge. I know it's worth it.
Anna is in the throws of potty training. That's fun. I'll share more about that adventure in a separate post.
Emma is weaning off her Prevacid. We're keeping our fingers crossed that her reflux really is improved and we can put that journey behind us. She's sick again - so she had 3 nights of frequent waking. I'm hoping now that she's better that we'll see an improvement and that it's not the reflux keeping her up.
Julia is doing great, she seems excited to move into a house that is "ours". She has her paint colors picked out and everything! We have parent teacher conferences next week, and I'm excited to hear how she's doing. I know her reading skills have exploded. She can read about 95% of what is put in front of her now. She can also read with comprehension some 3-5 grade level books. It's is amazing to me how fast she has taken to it.
I always think that when people apologize for not posting as frequently - they sound fairly pretentious - as if there are swarms of people paused to hear what absurdly interesting thing I have to say next. I have actually received several emails (not just from you mom!!) asking what I'm up to and asking about the business. It definitely made my day a couple of times. I almost feel a Sally Field Oscar moment coming on. I'll just leave it alone with a thank you.
Yes, I'm busy setting up the website, making phone calls and trying to get things finalized. I'm really, really, really, really excited. Some of you have asked for info on what a Virtual Assistant is - so here is a link to a description.
We toured some open houses this weekend and found our house. Unfortunately the seller doesn't feel the same way and has listed it well over our budget. I think our idea of how our life was going to be here is having to adjust. I'm guessing a small fixer upper is closer to our reality. I hope we're up for the challenge. I know it's worth it.
Anna is in the throws of potty training. That's fun. I'll share more about that adventure in a separate post.
Emma is weaning off her Prevacid. We're keeping our fingers crossed that her reflux really is improved and we can put that journey behind us. She's sick again - so she had 3 nights of frequent waking. I'm hoping now that she's better that we'll see an improvement and that it's not the reflux keeping her up.
Julia is doing great, she seems excited to move into a house that is "ours". She has her paint colors picked out and everything! We have parent teacher conferences next week, and I'm excited to hear how she's doing. I know her reading skills have exploded. She can read about 95% of what is put in front of her now. She can also read with comprehension some 3-5 grade level books. It's is amazing to me how fast she has taken to it.
Friday, March 23, 2007
I think I'm about 2 weeks away from starting with the business. I'm really excited. It's taking a big portion of my time right now, but I know it's going to be worth it. I'm in the process of designing my web site and fliers.
I have talked at length with the small business bureau here and I'm excited that I don't have to be licensed! They are so helpful. Maine rocks.
That's about it. Emma had her 12 month check up and is perfectly average... 21.5 lbs and 28.5 inches. She has made some wonderful advances in the last two weeks. She has started to be cooperative when getting her dressed - putting her own arms into the sleeves. She now crawls over and lays down when I tell her it's time to change her diaper. My favorite is that she's trying very hard to talk. She focuses on your mouth when you say something she's interested in and then moves her mouth the same way a couple of times and then tries to add vocalization. It's sooo cute.
We're also beginning our search for our next home.
Oh - and I've started the process of chairing the staff appreciation week activities at Julia's school. That is a week long event in May.
So - I'm busy. But what else is new.
Julia has the day off of school today and we're having a great day just hanging out. This weekend should prove to be a beautiful taste of spring. Sunny and in the 50s!
I have talked at length with the small business bureau here and I'm excited that I don't have to be licensed! They are so helpful. Maine rocks.
That's about it. Emma had her 12 month check up and is perfectly average... 21.5 lbs and 28.5 inches. She has made some wonderful advances in the last two weeks. She has started to be cooperative when getting her dressed - putting her own arms into the sleeves. She now crawls over and lays down when I tell her it's time to change her diaper. My favorite is that she's trying very hard to talk. She focuses on your mouth when you say something she's interested in and then moves her mouth the same way a couple of times and then tries to add vocalization. It's sooo cute.
We're also beginning our search for our next home.
Oh - and I've started the process of chairing the staff appreciation week activities at Julia's school. That is a week long event in May.
So - I'm busy. But what else is new.
Julia has the day off of school today and we're having a great day just hanging out. This weekend should prove to be a beautiful taste of spring. Sunny and in the 50s!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Talky, talky
On Friday I did something that I haven't done in a long, long, long time. I talked on the phone for just about 6 hours.
Dan was on his way home from Florida - and caught up in the big winter storm. His flights were cancelled and so he was hopping from airport to airport, slowly getting closer to home.
I had been alone with the girls for 5 days, and this was just another week of him being out of town. I was starved for adult conversation. I was emailing my friend (the one I've mentioned before that was my best friend for 7 years of my life during my school years - we had a falling out and didn't talk for 10 years and have been in touch for the last 2 years getting reacquainted) and her husband was also out of town, so she called me.
It was like the ten years hadn't ever passed. We spent some time tripping down memory lane, but most of the time we were talking about our present lives. It was as if one of us went on vacation and we were just catching up on what had happened on our trip.
It was wonderful.
Dan was on his way home from Florida - and caught up in the big winter storm. His flights were cancelled and so he was hopping from airport to airport, slowly getting closer to home.
I had been alone with the girls for 5 days, and this was just another week of him being out of town. I was starved for adult conversation. I was emailing my friend (the one I've mentioned before that was my best friend for 7 years of my life during my school years - we had a falling out and didn't talk for 10 years and have been in touch for the last 2 years getting reacquainted) and her husband was also out of town, so she called me.
It was like the ten years hadn't ever passed. We spent some time tripping down memory lane, but most of the time we were talking about our present lives. It was as if one of us went on vacation and we were just catching up on what had happened on our trip.
It was wonderful.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
I can finally tell you why I've been such an absent blogger. There are many reasons but there are two of importance. One is that Dan has been out of town 4-5 days each week for the last 5 weeks, so I've had less computer time. Then when the kids are in bed each night, I'm not exactly in the mood for creativity.
The second reason is a very exciting reason. I'm starting my own business. I can't go into too many details till I launch, but I am incredibly positive about this opportunity. I need a job - and with Dan gone so often, a traditional part time job isn't practical. I'd hand over most of my paychecks to babysitting or daycare.
I'm going to work mostly from home as a virtual assistant. I'm going to start out slow and with minimal start up costs. I'm going to work for mostly local clients at the beginning - so I can build some recent references. The one thing I have in abundance (besides a*ss) is office experience, it's just been 6 years since I've used them for anyone besides Dan and my family. So instead of working in someone elses office, I'm going to do my best to do the work from my home office. Eventually I hope to be 90-100% virtual.
That's it in a nutshell. I'm only looking for part time work to start with and someday maybe make a full time business out of it - but for now I believe it's going to meet my needs.
The second reason is a very exciting reason. I'm starting my own business. I can't go into too many details till I launch, but I am incredibly positive about this opportunity. I need a job - and with Dan gone so often, a traditional part time job isn't practical. I'd hand over most of my paychecks to babysitting or daycare.
I'm going to work mostly from home as a virtual assistant. I'm going to start out slow and with minimal start up costs. I'm going to work for mostly local clients at the beginning - so I can build some recent references. The one thing I have in abundance (besides a*ss) is office experience, it's just been 6 years since I've used them for anyone besides Dan and my family. So instead of working in someone elses office, I'm going to do my best to do the work from my home office. Eventually I hope to be 90-100% virtual.
That's it in a nutshell. I'm only looking for part time work to start with and someday maybe make a full time business out of it - but for now I believe it's going to meet my needs.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Tell me all about it...
I know someone out there can help me with this...
We are thinking of placing Anna in a preschool program based on the Reggio Emilia educational approach. I can do the research to find out what the details are (it emphasize the arts and communication and will feature music, movement, work with clay and an introduction to the Spanish language) but I'm looking for more of a personal account.
Anna as a 3 year old would go two half days a week to start in the Fall and then possibly 3 half days the next Spring. They also have a 5 day half day program for 4 year olds that she could move into next year.
So - my questions for you - What kind of temperment your child has and how they did in the school. What kind of interests your child had before they went into the program? Why did you choose this approach? What did you like? What didn't you?
Thanks!!!!
We are thinking of placing Anna in a preschool program based on the Reggio Emilia educational approach. I can do the research to find out what the details are (it emphasize the arts and communication and will feature music, movement, work with clay and an introduction to the Spanish language) but I'm looking for more of a personal account.
Anna as a 3 year old would go two half days a week to start in the Fall and then possibly 3 half days the next Spring. They also have a 5 day half day program for 4 year olds that she could move into next year.
So - my questions for you - What kind of temperment your child has and how they did in the school. What kind of interests your child had before they went into the program? Why did you choose this approach? What did you like? What didn't you?
Thanks!!!!
It's finally here...
It's time for me to write another one of "those" posts. The "where I was a year ago" posts. You know the "birthday letter to your kid" posts. I think I've met my quota of quotation marks now. I will "stop".
Emma Leigh Clare,
My sweet surprise.
A year ago I was in the hospital STILL in labor with you. The nurses were starting to worry me because I wasn't making very good progress. I was so scared to have a c-section. I remember laying there hooked up to so many wires thinking how this was such a terrible way to have a baby. It wasn't supposed to be this way. I had an IV giving me fluids, an epidural killing the pain, pitocin giving me contractions, a catheter taking care of bizness, an internal fetal monitor and some sort of contraction measurement dohickey, an oxygen mask to help with your heart rate, a blood pressure cuff, and a pulse oximeter.
My labor with your sisters was about 5 hours. Yours was over 12 hours. Still nothing compared to many others, but for a third baby after such fast previous deliveries, I was unprepared!
It was a dark and super stormy night when I got the call from my OB that he was transferring my induction to the other hospital. It took us well over an hour to get there. When I was finally checked in and ready to go it was midnight.
Dad spent most of the night snoring in the chair next to me. I tried to sleep but was too anxious and worried. I was thrilled at about 4am when I found Fiddler on the Roof on TV.
I called the house at 6am to tell Meemaw and your sisters that you hadn't come out yet. They were all disappointed and tired. They hadn't slept well either.
You finally came around and started to make your exit. The nurses and my doctor were commenting on the fact that the mountains outside the window were covered in snow. I was disappointed I couldn't see what they were talking about. One of the nurses said she liked the flower detail I had on my freshly pedicured toes. Then - finally - you arrived. As with both of your sisters, you had the cord wrapped around your neck, but pinked up well.
They said you had dark curly hair. Your face was super squishy looking and I was surprised by your blue eyes. You were a fast nurser. We spent the next day enjoying getting to know each other. Your sisters were so excited to meet you. Daddy was enthralled with everything having to do with you.
Of course this begins the next stage of your development. Jaundice. Then a short happy period. Then the screaming began. Reflux. You nursed or screamed all day long. I was sad to pump your little 4 week old body full of Zantac and then Prevacid, but I was desperate for you to have some relief. Some days I wasn't sure you would ever grow out of it. I had several friends that had kids with reflux, and without them talking me through it, I'm not sure how I would have made it through that time. Now there are even some days where the word reflux doesn't pop into my head. We are at the point where we are beginning to wean you from Prevacid. I pray it goes well. I can't wait to get to know you without reflux wearing you down. You have had two ear infections (you have one right now as a matter of fact) and other than the big things, have been relatively healthy.
You are such a passionate little girl. You are either sublimely content and happy or you are ferociously angry. You can go from laughing to screaming in a heartbeat. You love to dance, and you sure can get your little arm a swinging (think Russian soldier style). When your sisters are singing you try and join in which makes us all laugh. Speaking of your sisters, you sure do hold your own with them. You love watching them play and it's been wonderful watching you go from being spectator to actively playing with them.
Your favorite toys are your Bouncing Zebra (which you can know get on and off of by yourself!!) and your Roll A rounds Dino (which you growl back at!) and your little pop up toy. You love to have books read to you., your favorites are "Grow Up" and "Peek a Who".
Your nicknames are Emma Boo, Lizbat (because of your fondness of hanging upside down) and Monkey. When I get frustrated with you, I've been known to call you Emma Leigh Elizabeth. I don't know why.
You have lots of hair. It's sometimes straight, sometimes wavy and occasionally you can even get some little ringlets. It's a gorgeous honey brown color with some red highlights. You have beautiful blue eyes that are framed with long dark eyelashes. You have an amazing smile with dimples on top of your dimples. I love your little teeth, right now they are crooked and too big for your little mouth, but are quite charming.
My favorite and least favorite thing about you are the same thing. Your temper. I know one day it will serve you well. Your determination and fortitude will help you accomplish all of your dreams. In the mean time - your attitude makes me laugh as well as frustrates me. I hope your Dad and I are successful in guiding your strong willed soul down a functional path.
You are still nursing although I see the day soon where you will be weaned. Your stubborness even extends to your eating - you refused baby food early on and only wanted to each what you could feed yourself. Your favorite foods are bananas, broccoli, carrots and apple.
Sleep? Well, lets just say that you don't feel you need a lot of it. I do. Someday we'll meet in the middle. `
You are a speed crawling, stair climbing, cruising little thing. I know that your first steps are only a short while away. I'm nervous for what that will bring.
So, Emma Leigh. Your father and I spent years debating if we would have three children and know we know we were on the cusp of making the wrong decision. I'm so grateful that God took that decision out of our hands and made our lives complete with you.
Emma Leigh, you are loved. So very, very loved.
Happy first birthday,
Love,
Mommy
Emma Leigh Clare,
My sweet surprise.
A year ago I was in the hospital STILL in labor with you. The nurses were starting to worry me because I wasn't making very good progress. I was so scared to have a c-section. I remember laying there hooked up to so many wires thinking how this was such a terrible way to have a baby. It wasn't supposed to be this way. I had an IV giving me fluids, an epidural killing the pain, pitocin giving me contractions, a catheter taking care of bizness, an internal fetal monitor and some sort of contraction measurement dohickey, an oxygen mask to help with your heart rate, a blood pressure cuff, and a pulse oximeter.
My labor with your sisters was about 5 hours. Yours was over 12 hours. Still nothing compared to many others, but for a third baby after such fast previous deliveries, I was unprepared!
It was a dark and super stormy night when I got the call from my OB that he was transferring my induction to the other hospital. It took us well over an hour to get there. When I was finally checked in and ready to go it was midnight.
Dad spent most of the night snoring in the chair next to me. I tried to sleep but was too anxious and worried. I was thrilled at about 4am when I found Fiddler on the Roof on TV.
I called the house at 6am to tell Meemaw and your sisters that you hadn't come out yet. They were all disappointed and tired. They hadn't slept well either.
You finally came around and started to make your exit. The nurses and my doctor were commenting on the fact that the mountains outside the window were covered in snow. I was disappointed I couldn't see what they were talking about. One of the nurses said she liked the flower detail I had on my freshly pedicured toes. Then - finally - you arrived. As with both of your sisters, you had the cord wrapped around your neck, but pinked up well.
They said you had dark curly hair. Your face was super squishy looking and I was surprised by your blue eyes. You were a fast nurser. We spent the next day enjoying getting to know each other. Your sisters were so excited to meet you. Daddy was enthralled with everything having to do with you.
Of course this begins the next stage of your development. Jaundice. Then a short happy period. Then the screaming began. Reflux. You nursed or screamed all day long. I was sad to pump your little 4 week old body full of Zantac and then Prevacid, but I was desperate for you to have some relief. Some days I wasn't sure you would ever grow out of it. I had several friends that had kids with reflux, and without them talking me through it, I'm not sure how I would have made it through that time. Now there are even some days where the word reflux doesn't pop into my head. We are at the point where we are beginning to wean you from Prevacid. I pray it goes well. I can't wait to get to know you without reflux wearing you down. You have had two ear infections (you have one right now as a matter of fact) and other than the big things, have been relatively healthy.
You are such a passionate little girl. You are either sublimely content and happy or you are ferociously angry. You can go from laughing to screaming in a heartbeat. You love to dance, and you sure can get your little arm a swinging (think Russian soldier style). When your sisters are singing you try and join in which makes us all laugh. Speaking of your sisters, you sure do hold your own with them. You love watching them play and it's been wonderful watching you go from being spectator to actively playing with them.
Your favorite toys are your Bouncing Zebra (which you can know get on and off of by yourself!!) and your Roll A rounds Dino (which you growl back at!) and your little pop up toy. You love to have books read to you., your favorites are "Grow Up" and "Peek a Who".
Your nicknames are Emma Boo, Lizbat (because of your fondness of hanging upside down) and Monkey. When I get frustrated with you, I've been known to call you Emma Leigh Elizabeth. I don't know why.
You have lots of hair. It's sometimes straight, sometimes wavy and occasionally you can even get some little ringlets. It's a gorgeous honey brown color with some red highlights. You have beautiful blue eyes that are framed with long dark eyelashes. You have an amazing smile with dimples on top of your dimples. I love your little teeth, right now they are crooked and too big for your little mouth, but are quite charming.
My favorite and least favorite thing about you are the same thing. Your temper. I know one day it will serve you well. Your determination and fortitude will help you accomplish all of your dreams. In the mean time - your attitude makes me laugh as well as frustrates me. I hope your Dad and I are successful in guiding your strong willed soul down a functional path.
You are still nursing although I see the day soon where you will be weaned. Your stubborness even extends to your eating - you refused baby food early on and only wanted to each what you could feed yourself. Your favorite foods are bananas, broccoli, carrots and apple.
Sleep? Well, lets just say that you don't feel you need a lot of it. I do. Someday we'll meet in the middle. `
You are a speed crawling, stair climbing, cruising little thing. I know that your first steps are only a short while away. I'm nervous for what that will bring.
So, Emma Leigh. Your father and I spent years debating if we would have three children and know we know we were on the cusp of making the wrong decision. I'm so grateful that God took that decision out of our hands and made our lives complete with you.
Emma Leigh, you are loved. So very, very loved.
Happy first birthday,
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Soooo Kelly has us asking questions about St. Pat's Day. Here are Julia (6) and Anna's (2 1/2) answers.
1. What is a Shamrock?
J- It's a kind of leaf A - I don't know
2. What is a Leprechaun?
A- I don't know J- I don't know
3. Why does St. Patrick like the color green?
A - something about a butt J- I think it's because peas are green and leprechauns like to wear green
4. Who is St. Patrick?
A - I don't know J - I don't know, I think my Grandpa (note of clarification - her grandpa was born on St. Patricks Day and he says his name means Saint Patrick in Gaelic. Not sure of the veracity of this statement - but he delights in telling the kids HE is Saint Patrick. )
5. What happens if you don't wear green on St. Patrick's Day?
A - I don't know J - Ummm, I don't know
6. How will you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
A - I don't know J- having a day with my family, I'm gonna eat green ice cream sandwiches that I made today at cooking class, ummm I don't know
Friday, March 09, 2007
Harry Potter and all that shizznet
Do you ever just feel your dork meter rising?
Well, I'm afraid that before too much longer mine is going to top out.
I've been in a bit of a Harry Potter obsession. Just a bit.
It all started with the discovery of the pottercast and mugglecast podcasts on itunes. Then it just exploded from there. I never knew how crazy people were about "Jo's" books. I mean I knew people really liked them, but not how deeply. As in VERY deeply.
There is the fan fiction. Amazing stuff. People write creatively using "Jo's" writing as a jumping off point. Some of these stories are fascinating and exciting.
Then there is the Wizard Rock. I can't quite get into this - but it's astonishing that so many bands exist and tour the country and world and make MONEY singing songs about Harry and his pals.
DId you know there is a canon? There is. Everything you would ever want to know about Harry Potter can be found here. Anything.
I'm only getting my feet wet, barely scratching the surface and what other cliche's you can put in here - but some people live and breathe all things Potter. A lot of these people are other grown adults (and yes, some may question my choice of the term "grown").
So here is a summary of links I've recently uncovered...
Need to bone up on Harry to prepare for Book 7 - http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#static:bookseven/toc
Pottercast - http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/pottercast/
Mugglecast - http://www.mugglenet.com/mugglecast/
Wizard Rock - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizard_rock
http://wizardrock.org/
http://groups.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=groups.groupProfile&groupID=101583940&Mytoken=665CBB21-42E5-4EFE-B598F78A701D83CA80074921
Fan fiction - http://www.harrypotterfanfiction.com/
http://www.fictionalley.org/
http://www.veritaserum.com/fanfiction2/fanfiction/
Other Potter sites-
http://www.veritaserum.com/
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/
The Lexicon - http://www.hp-lexicon.org/
Yeah I know... dork meter is going off now...
Well, I'm afraid that before too much longer mine is going to top out.
I've been in a bit of a Harry Potter obsession. Just a bit.
It all started with the discovery of the pottercast and mugglecast podcasts on itunes. Then it just exploded from there. I never knew how crazy people were about "Jo's" books. I mean I knew people really liked them, but not how deeply. As in VERY deeply.
There is the fan fiction. Amazing stuff. People write creatively using "Jo's" writing as a jumping off point. Some of these stories are fascinating and exciting.
Then there is the Wizard Rock. I can't quite get into this - but it's astonishing that so many bands exist and tour the country and world and make MONEY singing songs about Harry and his pals.
DId you know there is a canon? There is. Everything you would ever want to know about Harry Potter can be found here. Anything.
I'm only getting my feet wet, barely scratching the surface and what other cliche's you can put in here - but some people live and breathe all things Potter. A lot of these people are other grown adults (and yes, some may question my choice of the term "grown").
So here is a summary of links I've recently uncovered...
Need to bone up on Harry to prepare for Book 7 - http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#static:bookseven/toc
Pottercast - http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/pottercast/
Mugglecast - http://www.mugglenet.com/mugglecast/
Wizard Rock - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizard_rock
http://wizardrock.org/
http://groups.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=groups.groupProfile&groupID=101583940&Mytoken=665CBB21-42E5-4EFE-B598F78A701D83CA80074921
Fan fiction - http://www.harrypotterfanfiction.com/
http://www.fictionalley.org/
http://www.veritaserum.com/fanfiction2/fanfiction/
Other Potter sites-
http://www.veritaserum.com/
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/
The Lexicon - http://www.hp-lexicon.org/
Yeah I know... dork meter is going off now...
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
I'm going to admit to something here...
I love to nap with my girls.
There. I said it.
Every day at around 1pm I sit in my recliner and nurse Em till she falls asleep. Then Anna climbs up and cuddles with us until she falls asleep too. Then I either catch up on a big person show on the DVR or sleep with them.
I know I could be actually getting some things done. I could use that time to do dishes, or pick up. Or anything other than sit on my duff.
I guess the big part of this admission is that it's my favorite part of my day. I LOVE it. I love every second of it. Holding two little sleeping girls in my arms. Looking at their little faces. Admiring their long eyelashes, and little noses. Seeing how their lips form perfect little shapes. I love watching Em randomly begin to purse her lips and nurse on a phantom n* ipple. The little sighs. The little smiles. The little beads of sweat that form on their hairline as they get deeper and deeper in sleep.
Then when they wake up the little rosy cheeks and fluttering eyelids. The cuddling and smell of sleep.
They won't want to nap with me soon enough. The time between cuddles will slowly start to grow. Eventually an occasional hug and a kiss on the cheek will be my reward. Then I'll have to sneak into their rooms and watch them sleep from a far.
Until then - I'll hold them close.
I love to nap with my girls.
There. I said it.
Every day at around 1pm I sit in my recliner and nurse Em till she falls asleep. Then Anna climbs up and cuddles with us until she falls asleep too. Then I either catch up on a big person show on the DVR or sleep with them.
I know I could be actually getting some things done. I could use that time to do dishes, or pick up. Or anything other than sit on my duff.
I guess the big part of this admission is that it's my favorite part of my day. I LOVE it. I love every second of it. Holding two little sleeping girls in my arms. Looking at their little faces. Admiring their long eyelashes, and little noses. Seeing how their lips form perfect little shapes. I love watching Em randomly begin to purse her lips and nurse on a phantom n* ipple. The little sighs. The little smiles. The little beads of sweat that form on their hairline as they get deeper and deeper in sleep.
Then when they wake up the little rosy cheeks and fluttering eyelids. The cuddling and smell of sleep.
They won't want to nap with me soon enough. The time between cuddles will slowly start to grow. Eventually an occasional hug and a kiss on the cheek will be my reward. Then I'll have to sneak into their rooms and watch them sleep from a far.
Until then - I'll hold them close.
Electric Avenue
Em has a death wish. She apparently doesn't want to make it to her first birthday next week. She has an unhealthy fascination with anything related to electricity. Outlets, plugs and cords are her favorite things. Slightly less dangerous but equally enticing are the earbuds for my ipod.
Last night I pulled her from the plugs in our living room about 30 times. In about an hour. I swear it's pathological. It's not just to get my attention because she'll leave me actively playing with her to zoom over to a plug. She screams like I just pulled her toenails out every single time I take her away from them. This weekend we're going to head back to Babies R Us and find some outlet covers for when there are big plugs in them. That will hopefully buy me enough time to move the laundry over without having a zapped babe.
I have no choice but to take her with me every where I go now. As soon as my back is turned she either looks for some electricity to chew on or she makes a mad dash for the stairs.
ahhhh - the stairs. Another conundrum for us. I'm trying to make the stairs safe for Anna to use, but inaccessible to Em. I don't have to worry about a gate at the top of the stairs for now since she's not ever unsupervised up there. Downstairs is where we have our delimma. It's not our house - so we can't drill into the walls. We have tried several configurations of gates, but we haven't found a solution yet. I'm not giving up though.
I guess for now I just will continue hauling her around the house with me as I go from room to room trying to clean or get things done.
Last night I pulled her from the plugs in our living room about 30 times. In about an hour. I swear it's pathological. It's not just to get my attention because she'll leave me actively playing with her to zoom over to a plug. She screams like I just pulled her toenails out every single time I take her away from them. This weekend we're going to head back to Babies R Us and find some outlet covers for when there are big plugs in them. That will hopefully buy me enough time to move the laundry over without having a zapped babe.
I have no choice but to take her with me every where I go now. As soon as my back is turned she either looks for some electricity to chew on or she makes a mad dash for the stairs.
ahhhh - the stairs. Another conundrum for us. I'm trying to make the stairs safe for Anna to use, but inaccessible to Em. I don't have to worry about a gate at the top of the stairs for now since she's not ever unsupervised up there. Downstairs is where we have our delimma. It's not our house - so we can't drill into the walls. We have tried several configurations of gates, but we haven't found a solution yet. I'm not giving up though.
I guess for now I just will continue hauling her around the house with me as I go from room to room trying to clean or get things done.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Happy Belated Birthday!
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday Dear Cat in the Hat
Happy Birthday to you!
He's 50 years young,
Round the world his praises are sung.
His books we have read,
At night tucked in our beds.
Please click on this link and give it a look,
and Random House will send kids their FIRST BOOK.
For every free card you send,
help illiteracy come to an end.
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday Dear Cat in the Hat
Happy Birthday to you!
He's 50 years young,
Round the world his praises are sung.
His books we have read,
At night tucked in our beds.
Please click on this link and give it a look,
and Random House will send kids their FIRST BOOK.
For every free card you send,
help illiteracy come to an end.
Friday, March 02, 2007
SNOW DAY - Take 2
Well - the storm hit as predicted. More accurately, the storm is hitting as predicted. We have a couple inches of snow with no sign of slowing. We're looking at about 8-12 inches by the time all is said and done. I just hope the sleet that has been suggested as a possibility, doesn't make an appearance.
Julia doesn't have school today. I'm hoping Dan gets out early so he can come home and take Julia and Anna out to play. I'd love to, but Emma is congested and coughing again, so I'd rather not drag her outside.
There is something magical about a snowfall. (Especially when you aren't expected to go out and drive in it.) It covers everything in a blanket of white, hiding the piles of dog poop, the trash cans and mudpiles, giving the yard a clean slate. At least until it melts. :)
Julia doesn't have school today. I'm hoping Dan gets out early so he can come home and take Julia and Anna out to play. I'd love to, but Emma is congested and coughing again, so I'd rather not drag her outside.
There is something magical about a snowfall. (Especially when you aren't expected to go out and drive in it.) It covers everything in a blanket of white, hiding the piles of dog poop, the trash cans and mudpiles, giving the yard a clean slate. At least until it melts. :)
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