Here are some of the highlights (and low-lights) of Christmas 2012!
Hit: Jackie meeting Santa Claus! What a good little baby we have. Of course Ethan and I already know this :). She has always been really good around new people, but lately been hitting the "stranger danger" phase. As long as mommy or daddy is close by, Jackie warms up to the new faces pretty quickly. Lucky for Santa, daddy and I weren't far away (or out of sight).
Miss: Due to some recent misfortune we were without a camera for the Christmas Season. Thankfully we have some great friends who came in to capture many "firsts" for Jackie. Thank you to Kim and Peggy for helping us out!
Hit: Christmas decorations and lights! Technically this is our second Christmas in this house, but since we closed on the sale of the house on Christmas Eve last year, this is the first year we get to decorate for the season. Ethan braved the heights and put some very pretty lights on our house. It didn't scare him off though, he's talking about doing more next year :). I had fun placing the festivities around the inside of the house, with some trial and error. I predict next year I'll have all the placement figured out and everything will be fabulous!
Miss: Our tree was too wide for the place we wanted it to go. Not putting it up for two years, I forgot just how big it was. The location we wanted was a neat little corner of the family room. However, the entire tree would have blocked the walk-way and stuck out WAY too far. So I only put up the front half of the branches. Yes...it did look dorky. I didn't even end up putting any ornaments on it. Just lights. Next year we will purchase a pre-lit tall skinny tree and put the big one downstairs.
Hit: As much as I whined and moaned about having to have an in-service day the Friday before Christmas break, it ended up being a blessing in disguise. I left my desk and classroom all straightened up and ready to go for the new semester. Now, on our workday before kids come back I can focus on finalizing grades and planning for January. It feels so good to know I get to go back to work to a clean classroom.
Miss: I did not apply that same effort to my house. I got home from our in-service on Friday (knowing full well that we were leaving for B-town before 8AM Saturday morning) and wrestled with a battle within. The "what I don't want to do" vs. the "what I REALLY don't want to do." I didn't want to come home from my parents to a messy house, but I REALLY didn't feel like doing any cleaning up. Guess which side won?? If you said the "REALLY" you would be correct. Of course if I would have even THOUGHT ahead for a MOMENT I would have remembered that we would be getting back to the house with a few hours to spare before heading to Christmas Eve Dinner at Ethan's parents' house, and I needed to make TWO breakfast casseroles that night after dinner, and a dessert before Christmas dinner on Sunday. Needless to say my kitchen was a DISASTER area for a couple of days. Lesson learned. Next time power through and clean up BEFORE leaving!
Hit: We were able to take a family Christmas photo in front of our half-tree with white lights.
Miss: The picture is in need of some cropping because "someone" didn't have her fly zipped up. Jackie was in a dress... (I believe that would be what my students would call, a picture fail!)
Hit: Jackie had SO MUCH FUN these last few days playing with grandparents, reading (or turning the pages) of her new books, and wearing her stylish new clothes.
Miss: Naps were is short supply for a couple of days. There was just too much going on to sleep. I think she is making up for it today. Slept for 12 hours last night, took a 3 1/2 hour morning nap, and is currently working on nap #2.
Hit: We will be meeting up with my side of the family in a couple of days to celebrate my grandparents' 60th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! Ethan and I are so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful examples of marriage and a lifetime of love.
Miss: The break is going way too fast...can we get another week???
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Good vs. Great
What is the difference?
What makes something GREAT as opposed to just good, and when you compare something, just how much better is great than good?
I recently came across my portfolio that I created to take along to interviews for teaching jobs. My resume, my teaching philosophy, and my goals.
I stopped at my goals and just looked at it.
"To be Kansas Teacher of the Year."
I was serious. I remember as if it was yesterday writing that down. I remember that feeling of wanting to be like so many of the great teachers I had while in school. Inspiring learning and motivating students to be their best. Pouring my heart and soul into something that was so worthwhile.
So where am I today on the road to achieving my goal?
I believe I took a different turn. Not a bad turn, not a less passionate turn, just a different one.
You see. When I go back and think about all the teachers who I would classify as "great" and in the category of "Teacher of the Year" they all had one of two things in common.
They were either single, or sacrificed time with family to become great.
And there's the difference between good and great. Great involves many sacrifices in order to get there. No matter what you're doing. Sports, work or family. To be "great" at something means sacrificing other things.
I still have a passion for teaching. I love it. I sill believe in inspiring students and making a classroom that promotes motivation, but I'm not great. I'm not willing to sacrifice time with my family to be a great teacher.
It goes the other way too. Everywhere I look, I see "great" moms out there. Making cute little crafts with their kids, sewing buttons back on, playing new games, teaching their babies sign language, basically creating all those pins on pinterest that make me feel like I'm not cutting it as a mommy. All while never having a dirty dish in the sink, load of laundry unfolded, or surface dusty.
Most of those moms are stay at home moms. They can devote their entire lives to being the best mom there is.
Again, that's not me. While yes, someday, I do hope to have to opportunity to stay home with my kids at least part of the time, I'm not there yet. I enjoy going to work. Jackie loves going to daycare and playing with the other kids. We're good.
I can be a good teacher and a good mom.
And I feel great about that!
What makes something GREAT as opposed to just good, and when you compare something, just how much better is great than good?
I recently came across my portfolio that I created to take along to interviews for teaching jobs. My resume, my teaching philosophy, and my goals.
I stopped at my goals and just looked at it.
"To be Kansas Teacher of the Year."
I was serious. I remember as if it was yesterday writing that down. I remember that feeling of wanting to be like so many of the great teachers I had while in school. Inspiring learning and motivating students to be their best. Pouring my heart and soul into something that was so worthwhile.
So where am I today on the road to achieving my goal?
I believe I took a different turn. Not a bad turn, not a less passionate turn, just a different one.
You see. When I go back and think about all the teachers who I would classify as "great" and in the category of "Teacher of the Year" they all had one of two things in common.
They were either single, or sacrificed time with family to become great.
And there's the difference between good and great. Great involves many sacrifices in order to get there. No matter what you're doing. Sports, work or family. To be "great" at something means sacrificing other things.
I still have a passion for teaching. I love it. I sill believe in inspiring students and making a classroom that promotes motivation, but I'm not great. I'm not willing to sacrifice time with my family to be a great teacher.
It goes the other way too. Everywhere I look, I see "great" moms out there. Making cute little crafts with their kids, sewing buttons back on, playing new games, teaching their babies sign language, basically creating all those pins on pinterest that make me feel like I'm not cutting it as a mommy. All while never having a dirty dish in the sink, load of laundry unfolded, or surface dusty.
Most of those moms are stay at home moms. They can devote their entire lives to being the best mom there is.
Again, that's not me. While yes, someday, I do hope to have to opportunity to stay home with my kids at least part of the time, I'm not there yet. I enjoy going to work. Jackie loves going to daycare and playing with the other kids. We're good.
I can be a good teacher and a good mom.
And I feel great about that!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Baby Update
I keep putting off blogging. Not because I don't want to, and not because I don't have something to say. It's just that everything I have to say has to do with our little 8 month old.
I don't want people to get tired of reading about our little one.
But that's our life right now.
And it's just the beginning. She is number one (out of some unknown number...). This talking-about-my-kids thing isn't going away anytime soon.
So if you don't like reading about it. Don't.
And if you do...
~ Little Jackie just figured out that those little syllables "ma-ma" and "da-da" she's been babbling over and over for the last 4 months actually refer to us. Melts my heart every time she looks at me and says mama!
~ Jackie has learned to crawl. Actually, that's old news. She figured that one out about a week before she turned 7 months, and ever since then she's been OFF to the races. Moving anywhere that she can fit. She has gotten stuck under the bar chairs twice now. The first time she actually stood up. Silly girl!
~ In her 8 month life span, Jackie has fallen out of the baby swing, off of the bed, been pinched by a zipper, and most recently, taken a tumble down 6 (thankfully carpeted) stairs. I promise we really do watch her. I'm not exaggerating when I say this girl is on the move with some serious SPEED. (Not sure who she got that from...) At least no one will be able to say we babied her and protected her from every-little-thing.
~ I now fully understand the phrase "sleep like a baby." The first 4 months or so I was not so sure how people thought that made sense. Have they never tiptoed to the bathroom across the house hoping that the teeny tiny vibrations in the floor didn't wake up the baby? (Not that Jackie was a bad sleeper as a newborn, just woke up easily). Now she sleeps for 11+ hours every night and takes good solid naps at home.
~ I can thank the above mentioned sleeping routine to her "awake" schedule. It's like this. Crawl into the living room, pull up on the couch, fall down, crawl to kitchen, pull up on the dishwasher, fall down, crawl into the bedroom, play with the door stopper that makes AWESOME noises, crawl to the bathroom, pull up on the tub to see if it's bath time, fall down, crawl into living room pull up on toys, play with toys, fall down, bump head, cry, crawl into dining room, pull up on chair, fall down, crawl into kitchen...repeat 5 times then eat.
~ The first place Jackie goes to look for me is the kitchen. I guess I spend a lot of time there.
~ Jackie had a little bite of brownie at daycare last week. I guess one tiny bite wasn't enough for her. It didn't take her long to scope out the brownie of the little girl sitting next to her. One quick swipe and that little tasty treat was Jackie's!
~ Everyday Daddy takes Jackie out to the garage to play with the doggies. She just giggles and giggles as she watches them run around. Her favorite game is when daddy holds her on their backs like a pony. The smiles are priceless!
~ There are few constants with an 8 month old. No guarantees. However, there is one sure fire way to calm our cranky baby down. All she has to do is hear the bathwater running and she makes a bee-line for the tub. It's probably a good thing she isn't tall enough to get herself in yet!
~ Poor baby has been working on her teeth for MONTHS! She got her two bottom ones early, at three months she started teething and by 4 she had them in. Now these top teeth are taking F-O-R-E-V-E-R. I keep thinking we'll see something soon. Until then poor little one is drooling, gnawing, and putting anything in her mouth to help.
~ The Christmas tree is up, and so are our defenses as she discovers lights, prickly green things, and shiny balls. My main fear is her trying to grab the branches and pull herself to a standing position (her favorite activity). That will bring the tree down on top of her. Maybe she would leave it alone after that...
I don't want people to get tired of reading about our little one.
But that's our life right now.
And it's just the beginning. She is number one (out of some unknown number...). This talking-about-my-kids thing isn't going away anytime soon.
So if you don't like reading about it. Don't.
And if you do...
~ Little Jackie just figured out that those little syllables "ma-ma" and "da-da" she's been babbling over and over for the last 4 months actually refer to us. Melts my heart every time she looks at me and says mama!
~ Jackie has learned to crawl. Actually, that's old news. She figured that one out about a week before she turned 7 months, and ever since then she's been OFF to the races. Moving anywhere that she can fit. She has gotten stuck under the bar chairs twice now. The first time she actually stood up. Silly girl!
~ In her 8 month life span, Jackie has fallen out of the baby swing, off of the bed, been pinched by a zipper, and most recently, taken a tumble down 6 (thankfully carpeted) stairs. I promise we really do watch her. I'm not exaggerating when I say this girl is on the move with some serious SPEED. (Not sure who she got that from...) At least no one will be able to say we babied her and protected her from every-little-thing.
~ I now fully understand the phrase "sleep like a baby." The first 4 months or so I was not so sure how people thought that made sense. Have they never tiptoed to the bathroom across the house hoping that the teeny tiny vibrations in the floor didn't wake up the baby? (Not that Jackie was a bad sleeper as a newborn, just woke up easily). Now she sleeps for 11+ hours every night and takes good solid naps at home.
~ I can thank the above mentioned sleeping routine to her "awake" schedule. It's like this. Crawl into the living room, pull up on the couch, fall down, crawl to kitchen, pull up on the dishwasher, fall down, crawl into the bedroom, play with the door stopper that makes AWESOME noises, crawl to the bathroom, pull up on the tub to see if it's bath time, fall down, crawl into living room pull up on toys, play with toys, fall down, bump head, cry, crawl into dining room, pull up on chair, fall down, crawl into kitchen...repeat 5 times then eat.
~ The first place Jackie goes to look for me is the kitchen. I guess I spend a lot of time there.
~ Jackie had a little bite of brownie at daycare last week. I guess one tiny bite wasn't enough for her. It didn't take her long to scope out the brownie of the little girl sitting next to her. One quick swipe and that little tasty treat was Jackie's!
~ Everyday Daddy takes Jackie out to the garage to play with the doggies. She just giggles and giggles as she watches them run around. Her favorite game is when daddy holds her on their backs like a pony. The smiles are priceless!
~ There are few constants with an 8 month old. No guarantees. However, there is one sure fire way to calm our cranky baby down. All she has to do is hear the bathwater running and she makes a bee-line for the tub. It's probably a good thing she isn't tall enough to get herself in yet!
~ Poor baby has been working on her teeth for MONTHS! She got her two bottom ones early, at three months she started teething and by 4 she had them in. Now these top teeth are taking F-O-R-E-V-E-R. I keep thinking we'll see something soon. Until then poor little one is drooling, gnawing, and putting anything in her mouth to help.
~ The Christmas tree is up, and so are our defenses as she discovers lights, prickly green things, and shiny balls. My main fear is her trying to grab the branches and pull herself to a standing position (her favorite activity). That will bring the tree down on top of her. Maybe she would leave it alone after that...
Saturday, November 24, 2012
The Highlight of November
"Oops I forgot to tell you happy birthday this morning...there goes my husband of the year award."
That is the first email that showed up in my inbox on the morning of November 19. (My 30th birthday).
I just laughed, because I until that email I hadn't even realized that he was supposed to say it.
Funny how birthdays change as you get older.
I remember counting down the days as soon as November hit.
This year, I didn't even pay attention to the fact that it was on a Monday.
I think that's a good thing.
My birthday is no longer the highlight of November.
There are so many more great things going on in my life that I don't need to spend the time crossing off each day until the 19th.
And that's a great thing.
PS...he did earn back his "husband of the year" award by making me a surprise dinner of my favorite meal!
PPS...the fact that I forgot that it was my birthday had NOTHING to do with the fact that it was my 30th! :-)
That is the first email that showed up in my inbox on the morning of November 19. (My 30th birthday).
I just laughed, because I until that email I hadn't even realized that he was supposed to say it.
Funny how birthdays change as you get older.
I remember counting down the days as soon as November hit.
This year, I didn't even pay attention to the fact that it was on a Monday.
I think that's a good thing.
My birthday is no longer the highlight of November.
There are so many more great things going on in my life that I don't need to spend the time crossing off each day until the 19th.
And that's a great thing.
PS...he did earn back his "husband of the year" award by making me a surprise dinner of my favorite meal!
PPS...the fact that I forgot that it was my birthday had NOTHING to do with the fact that it was my 30th! :-)
Friday, November 2, 2012
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Motherhood
I've only been a mother for a very short 7 months and 6 days, and I can already tell many ways in which my life has changed. MOST of the changes have been incredibly awesome. Some of the changes have been different from what I expected, and of course some things have slapped me in the face like a wet rag.
Thus leading me to the good, bad, and ugly of motherhood.
In preparing the house for a baby:
The Good: The oh so cute baby things they have out now. My husband is probably thankful that I didn't get to in to Pinterest before we started this process. There are so many options out there.
The Bad: Having to sort through the things you really need and the extra "stuff" that baby companies make a FORTUNE telling you that you just "have to have." The really bad thing...you don't really know until you have the baby home.
The Ugly: The cost. And we did it cheaper than most!
In breastfeeding the baby:
The Good: I could go on and on, site source after source, and talk to expert after expert about the positives of breastfeeding. I'm so happy I was able to do it for as long as I did.
The Bad: I really didn't start to dislike it until I had to start pumping at school. Uncomfortable, I could only wear shirts that would be "easy access" for the pump, and having to ask male athletic directors for a room to pump. I never had one give me an answer. They all pointed me to the women running the score clock and said they could show me.
The Ugly: All the "mommy wars" against moms who breastfeed and mom's who use formula. It bothers me that women can be so arrogant to think that one way to feed a child is better than another. I love breastfeeding, but now that we are bottle feeding there are definite advantages and Jackie is as happy as she was before. Breastfeeding (or bottle feeding) doesn't make happy, healthy babies. Happy, healthy parents make happy healthy babies.
In a mobile baby:
The good: It is so fun watching her explore and discover new things. I love watching Ethan hold her hands and help her practice walking around the house.
The bad: We still haven't completely "baby-proofed" the house for a mobile baby yet. We did put the gate up, there's still MUCH more to do.
The Ugly: I am acutely aware of how quickly my floor get dirty as she's scooting herself around. Ewww!
In the way I care for myself:
The Good: I ate better and exercised more when I was pregnant. I am much more aware of the foods I am fixing because, now that Jackie is eating more and more foods, she's eating with us. I want her to be healthy, so we become more healthy.
The Bad: The days when my make-up does not get on. Bad. Very Bad.
The Ugly: I hate to admit it, but there are days when I don't get a shower in before school. I change my underwear, dab on some extra deodorant, and give an extra spritz of the perfume. In all reality, as long as I'm not the smelliest person in the room, I'm ok with it. I teach 8th grade boys. I'm good.
In keeping up with friends:
The Good: I have so many friends and families who had babies within the last year it has been fun keeping up with all the babies and what they're doing. The best part is that I'm in touch now with people who I haven't talked to in years.
The Bad: On the flip side, we don't get out and do as much with friends as we used to. This isn't a MAJOR change from how we were before baby. We weren't big "go to the bar" people. We have a select group of friends we get together with from time to time. Unfortunately it has been a while since our time and their time connects.
The Ugly: If you call my house after 8:00 PM and wake up my sleeping baby. Not only will you encounter a short, unpleasant mama, but you might just find yourself "unfriended" the next day. I'm kidding...kind of. Texts are much more appreciated, then we can call you, and no one gets the axe!
In finally figuring out a routine:
The Good: Jackie sleeps a good 8-10 hours straight every night. I'm much more rested and am finally able to get myself up at the sound of the alarm, allowing for a much smoother morning schedule.
The Bad: Jackie is ready for bed around 7:30, and on most nights that is awesome. It gives E and I some time to ourselves. However, if we ever want to do anything passed that time. Jackie will be a bear.
The Ugly: I live in FEAR of this schedule getting interrupted. To the point where, the little ladybug PJs that Jackie has will never be worn again. Why? she woke up in the middle of the night with them, twice. They're done. Jackie getting off this schedule equals less sleep for me.
Thus leading me to the good, bad, and ugly of motherhood.
In preparing the house for a baby:
The Good: The oh so cute baby things they have out now. My husband is probably thankful that I didn't get to in to Pinterest before we started this process. There are so many options out there.
The Bad: Having to sort through the things you really need and the extra "stuff" that baby companies make a FORTUNE telling you that you just "have to have." The really bad thing...you don't really know until you have the baby home.
The Ugly: The cost. And we did it cheaper than most!
In breastfeeding the baby:
The Good: I could go on and on, site source after source, and talk to expert after expert about the positives of breastfeeding. I'm so happy I was able to do it for as long as I did.
The Bad: I really didn't start to dislike it until I had to start pumping at school. Uncomfortable, I could only wear shirts that would be "easy access" for the pump, and having to ask male athletic directors for a room to pump. I never had one give me an answer. They all pointed me to the women running the score clock and said they could show me.
The Ugly: All the "mommy wars" against moms who breastfeed and mom's who use formula. It bothers me that women can be so arrogant to think that one way to feed a child is better than another. I love breastfeeding, but now that we are bottle feeding there are definite advantages and Jackie is as happy as she was before. Breastfeeding (or bottle feeding) doesn't make happy, healthy babies. Happy, healthy parents make happy healthy babies.
In a mobile baby:
The good: It is so fun watching her explore and discover new things. I love watching Ethan hold her hands and help her practice walking around the house.
The bad: We still haven't completely "baby-proofed" the house for a mobile baby yet. We did put the gate up, there's still MUCH more to do.
The Ugly: I am acutely aware of how quickly my floor get dirty as she's scooting herself around. Ewww!
In the way I care for myself:
The Good: I ate better and exercised more when I was pregnant. I am much more aware of the foods I am fixing because, now that Jackie is eating more and more foods, she's eating with us. I want her to be healthy, so we become more healthy.
The Bad: The days when my make-up does not get on. Bad. Very Bad.
The Ugly: I hate to admit it, but there are days when I don't get a shower in before school. I change my underwear, dab on some extra deodorant, and give an extra spritz of the perfume. In all reality, as long as I'm not the smelliest person in the room, I'm ok with it. I teach 8th grade boys. I'm good.
In keeping up with friends:
The Good: I have so many friends and families who had babies within the last year it has been fun keeping up with all the babies and what they're doing. The best part is that I'm in touch now with people who I haven't talked to in years.
The Bad: On the flip side, we don't get out and do as much with friends as we used to. This isn't a MAJOR change from how we were before baby. We weren't big "go to the bar" people. We have a select group of friends we get together with from time to time. Unfortunately it has been a while since our time and their time connects.
The Ugly: If you call my house after 8:00 PM and wake up my sleeping baby. Not only will you encounter a short, unpleasant mama, but you might just find yourself "unfriended" the next day. I'm kidding...kind of. Texts are much more appreciated, then we can call you, and no one gets the axe!
In finally figuring out a routine:
The Good: Jackie sleeps a good 8-10 hours straight every night. I'm much more rested and am finally able to get myself up at the sound of the alarm, allowing for a much smoother morning schedule.
The Bad: Jackie is ready for bed around 7:30, and on most nights that is awesome. It gives E and I some time to ourselves. However, if we ever want to do anything passed that time. Jackie will be a bear.
The Ugly: I live in FEAR of this schedule getting interrupted. To the point where, the little ladybug PJs that Jackie has will never be worn again. Why? she woke up in the middle of the night with them, twice. They're done. Jackie getting off this schedule equals less sleep for me.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
34 years ago
The fourth of five children was born.
Oh Halloween.
A boy. Causing his father to sing the chorus of "My three sons" on the phone as he called family to celebrate the good news.
He would learn to walk chasing a Coors beer can around the room as it was passed in laughter from one person to the next. I'm not kidding. Ironic that today he drinks Coors.
He was a typical baby, from what I understand. Grew like a weed early, stretching those legs longer than most of his peers. He would be 6' 4'' by his Freshman year of high school. The basketball coaches were drooling.
But he played soccer.
And the saxophone.
And enjoyed having his birthday on Halloween. Not only did he get to go from house to house collecting candy like all the other kids. He also got a cake.
Usually with M&Ms on top in some shape.
He was afraid of dogs. Not too sure if he was snapped at by a larger dog when he was little, but he wanted nothing to do with them. It wasn't until his parents got a little puppy that he started to like the furry, four-legged companions. Glenn would be with them for many years and not only ease his fear, but give him a love for dogs which would eventually lead to him having one...or two dogs of his own. He'd have three, but someone in the house says no :o)
His interest in electronics and how things work ended up in two degrees from WSU, engineering and computer sciences. Now enjoys working for one of the top three companies in the United States to work for. They have Beer Fridays. Yup. Beer at work. Provided by the employer.
32 years later he would celebrate his first birthday as a married man.
33 years he celebrated by finding out his first child would be a little girl.
and at 34 years, for the first time, he celebrated his birthday by taking his little baby girl out "trick-or-treating." Actually we went to three houses. Friends and family. Jackie celebrated daddy's birthday too by being a complete daddy's girl all day. It is almost as if she knew that today was daddy's day and she should want to be with him as much as possible. It was sweet, and he loved every minute.
I am so thankful that 34 years ago this wonderful man was born. I am thankful he called me again after our first date, and I'm even thankful that he still teases me about our second date. I couldn't have found anyone else who would have been a better match, and seeing him as a daddy only makes me love him more.
Happy birthday my love!
(Authors note: This is being published on Nov. 1 because apparently Halloween is a busy day when you have kids :o)
Oh Halloween.
A boy. Causing his father to sing the chorus of "My three sons" on the phone as he called family to celebrate the good news.
He would learn to walk chasing a Coors beer can around the room as it was passed in laughter from one person to the next. I'm not kidding. Ironic that today he drinks Coors.
He was a typical baby, from what I understand. Grew like a weed early, stretching those legs longer than most of his peers. He would be 6' 4'' by his Freshman year of high school. The basketball coaches were drooling.
But he played soccer.
And the saxophone.
And enjoyed having his birthday on Halloween. Not only did he get to go from house to house collecting candy like all the other kids. He also got a cake.
Usually with M&Ms on top in some shape.
He was afraid of dogs. Not too sure if he was snapped at by a larger dog when he was little, but he wanted nothing to do with them. It wasn't until his parents got a little puppy that he started to like the furry, four-legged companions. Glenn would be with them for many years and not only ease his fear, but give him a love for dogs which would eventually lead to him having one...or two dogs of his own. He'd have three, but someone in the house says no :o)
His interest in electronics and how things work ended up in two degrees from WSU, engineering and computer sciences. Now enjoys working for one of the top three companies in the United States to work for. They have Beer Fridays. Yup. Beer at work. Provided by the employer.
32 years later he would celebrate his first birthday as a married man.
33 years he celebrated by finding out his first child would be a little girl.
and at 34 years, for the first time, he celebrated his birthday by taking his little baby girl out "trick-or-treating." Actually we went to three houses. Friends and family. Jackie celebrated daddy's birthday too by being a complete daddy's girl all day. It is almost as if she knew that today was daddy's day and she should want to be with him as much as possible. It was sweet, and he loved every minute.
I am so thankful that 34 years ago this wonderful man was born. I am thankful he called me again after our first date, and I'm even thankful that he still teases me about our second date. I couldn't have found anyone else who would have been a better match, and seeing him as a daddy only makes me love him more.
Happy birthday my love!
(Authors note: This is being published on Nov. 1 because apparently Halloween is a busy day when you have kids :o)
Monday, October 29, 2012
Happenings at the Weber Haus
"It's been a while...are you sure you remember how to do this?"
Those were the exact words my husband said as he watched me sit here with a blinking cursor trying to figure out what to write.
Actually I have MANY things going on in my life in the last few months that are worthy of a blog post.
I have sat down at the computer probably 50 times, started, deleted, saved, and restarted post after post, but none of them make it to "publish."
I'm not really sure why.
So until I figure it all out, here are a few things going on around the Weber Haus.
As predicted Jackie is a moving machine. It didn't take her very long to figure out the army crawl and today there's not a barbed wire she couldn't crawl under. At 7 months she is standing, bouncing, and scooting herself all over the house. She's working hard at learning to stand on her own and moving those feet in a walking motion (with mama, daddy, or grandpa holding her hands). She is enjoying playing and exploring all around the house. But she doesn't get to go everywhere she wants, the baby gate is up and functioning keeping her off the stairs!
I finished coaching volleyball and for the first time in my teaching career I didn't follow it up with basketball. I went into the gym on the first day of basketball practice. It took me over 15 minutes to actually work up the courage. I was scared. Would I walk in there and realize that I made a huge mistake? But I needed to. I needed to find out if I was really ready to be done with it. I was. I walked in the gym and saw basketballs pounding on the ground and coach hollering "keep your eyes up," and I had a feeling of relief. I didn't have to be there. Not that I ever felt like I HAD to be there, I loved it while I did it. I'm just happy to be enjoying all the changes in my life!
Coaching, teaching, and being a mom was a HUGE transition and at times I felt like I was failing at all three. I was excited for the volleyball season to be over so I could enjoy afternoons with my baby and a day of work without an email from the athletic director. I'm finally finding the time to make new lesson plans and change things up in my classroom like I wanted to do at the beginning. My house is cleaner and I am working on trying to be more organized and tidy. I keep thinking and praying on what to do next year. I keep coming back to an article my husband told me about that describes how people are as busy as they make themselves. They decide to do this and that and everything and then complain about their busy lives. I don't want that kind of life, at least not yet. I don't want to get home at 9:30 at night, exhausted, and realize that I still have dishes to do and laundry to fold. However, on the flip side, I love coaching and the connection I make with the players. There's no greater feeling for a coach than to see his/her players improving, succeeding, and achieving goals, and I'm not sure I'm ready to give up that feeling yet.
I finished breastfeeding for baby number one. It was a sad, but necessary transition. I simply was losing my supply of milk and she wasn't getting enough food from me. We had already introduced some formula at daycare and night time, so luckily the transition for Jackie was a smooth one. I am doing fine with the decision as well, I wish I could have done it longer, but so many factors can affect a mother's milk. I gave my baby what I could for 6 and 1/2 months. She's happy and healthy. We're happy and healthy. It was a good move.
We made an unexpected purchase last weekend. A new vehicle. This was a big decision for us and it was one that weren't planning on making for the next year or so. However, when we took the truck in to get the oil changed it was discovered that we were going to need new tires, new brakes, and a new windshield. So it became apparent that we were either going to put a sizable amount of money into the truck and keep it longer than we planned or start looking for a new vehicle earlier than we planned. Well, turns out new Durangos with hail damage and an excellent interest rate make for a deal that we didn't want to turn down. That is hopefully the last vehicle we buy for a looooooong time!
The most recent purchase has many positive side effects, one of those was our budget. Not that it got better, it didn't. But what did get better was our knowledge of the budget. When it became obvious that we were going to be getting the Durango we went home and sat down that night looked at all our bank statements, credit card payments, and spending habits to find where exactly all our money goes each month. This was VERY good for us. We set up goals and limits and I even get an "allowance." Sounds juvenile, I know, but I am very happy for some "guilt-free" spending each month. It's funny how a major purchase can make me feel better about money.
Our baby is 7 months old. 7 MONTHS! I just got used to telling people she's 6th months, now I have to try to remember 7. I know so many people say "enjoy them when they're small" and I do. I love the stage she's at right now, but I don't wish for her to stay this way. I don't want to go back to when she was just born and SO TINY and I don't wish for her to be 5 or 6 years old yet. I look forward to each stage of her life (except the teen years...I'll be looking for volunteers then!). I can't wait till she's walking and talking and running all around here, but I'm enjoying the nightly cuddles and big smiles she gives me everyday!
Those were the exact words my husband said as he watched me sit here with a blinking cursor trying to figure out what to write.
Actually I have MANY things going on in my life in the last few months that are worthy of a blog post.
I have sat down at the computer probably 50 times, started, deleted, saved, and restarted post after post, but none of them make it to "publish."
I'm not really sure why.
So until I figure it all out, here are a few things going on around the Weber Haus.
As predicted Jackie is a moving machine. It didn't take her very long to figure out the army crawl and today there's not a barbed wire she couldn't crawl under. At 7 months she is standing, bouncing, and scooting herself all over the house. She's working hard at learning to stand on her own and moving those feet in a walking motion (with mama, daddy, or grandpa holding her hands). She is enjoying playing and exploring all around the house. But she doesn't get to go everywhere she wants, the baby gate is up and functioning keeping her off the stairs!
I finished coaching volleyball and for the first time in my teaching career I didn't follow it up with basketball. I went into the gym on the first day of basketball practice. It took me over 15 minutes to actually work up the courage. I was scared. Would I walk in there and realize that I made a huge mistake? But I needed to. I needed to find out if I was really ready to be done with it. I was. I walked in the gym and saw basketballs pounding on the ground and coach hollering "keep your eyes up," and I had a feeling of relief. I didn't have to be there. Not that I ever felt like I HAD to be there, I loved it while I did it. I'm just happy to be enjoying all the changes in my life!
Coaching, teaching, and being a mom was a HUGE transition and at times I felt like I was failing at all three. I was excited for the volleyball season to be over so I could enjoy afternoons with my baby and a day of work without an email from the athletic director. I'm finally finding the time to make new lesson plans and change things up in my classroom like I wanted to do at the beginning. My house is cleaner and I am working on trying to be more organized and tidy. I keep thinking and praying on what to do next year. I keep coming back to an article my husband told me about that describes how people are as busy as they make themselves. They decide to do this and that and everything and then complain about their busy lives. I don't want that kind of life, at least not yet. I don't want to get home at 9:30 at night, exhausted, and realize that I still have dishes to do and laundry to fold. However, on the flip side, I love coaching and the connection I make with the players. There's no greater feeling for a coach than to see his/her players improving, succeeding, and achieving goals, and I'm not sure I'm ready to give up that feeling yet.
I finished breastfeeding for baby number one. It was a sad, but necessary transition. I simply was losing my supply of milk and she wasn't getting enough food from me. We had already introduced some formula at daycare and night time, so luckily the transition for Jackie was a smooth one. I am doing fine with the decision as well, I wish I could have done it longer, but so many factors can affect a mother's milk. I gave my baby what I could for 6 and 1/2 months. She's happy and healthy. We're happy and healthy. It was a good move.
We made an unexpected purchase last weekend. A new vehicle. This was a big decision for us and it was one that weren't planning on making for the next year or so. However, when we took the truck in to get the oil changed it was discovered that we were going to need new tires, new brakes, and a new windshield. So it became apparent that we were either going to put a sizable amount of money into the truck and keep it longer than we planned or start looking for a new vehicle earlier than we planned. Well, turns out new Durangos with hail damage and an excellent interest rate make for a deal that we didn't want to turn down. That is hopefully the last vehicle we buy for a looooooong time!
The most recent purchase has many positive side effects, one of those was our budget. Not that it got better, it didn't. But what did get better was our knowledge of the budget. When it became obvious that we were going to be getting the Durango we went home and sat down that night looked at all our bank statements, credit card payments, and spending habits to find where exactly all our money goes each month. This was VERY good for us. We set up goals and limits and I even get an "allowance." Sounds juvenile, I know, but I am very happy for some "guilt-free" spending each month. It's funny how a major purchase can make me feel better about money.
Our baby is 7 months old. 7 MONTHS! I just got used to telling people she's 6th months, now I have to try to remember 7. I know so many people say "enjoy them when they're small" and I do. I love the stage she's at right now, but I don't wish for her to stay this way. I don't want to go back to when she was just born and SO TINY and I don't wish for her to be 5 or 6 years old yet. I look forward to each stage of her life (except the teen years...I'll be looking for volunteers then!). I can't wait till she's walking and talking and running all around here, but I'm enjoying the nightly cuddles and big smiles she gives me everyday!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Weaning
To wean: (according to Dictionary.com) to withdraw (a person, the affections, one's dependency, etc.) from some object, habit, form of enjoyment, or the like
Having a baby has caused us to use this word a few times already.
After only a week we had to wean Jackie of sleeping in our bed and transition her to the crib. That was a very successful and short weaning process. Thank goodness!
When Jackie reached about three months it became necessary to start weaning her off of sleeping in the swaddle. She was just too hot all wrapped up and more importantly, she had started rolling on her belly. That was a little longer process, but again successful.
In the future I will have to fully wean her from breast milk on to cows milk, but we're still a ways away from that (hopefully).
At 6 months old, my husband decided that it's probably time to start weaning her off of the swing.
Gasp!
My first reaction was FEAR. OH NO! We can't do that yet...she still meets the weight requirement.
But once I had a chance to think about it, he is probably right.
She is now mobile (more on that later...), she likes to lay on her side, and she HATES being strapped in to the swing.
Starting to get the picture now.
Falling out of the swing is now reality.
The swing has been our crutch for so long. It has allowed us to have dinner peacefully, me to get some chores done around the house, time to get ready for work in the morning, a place for her to sleep when she's stuffy and needs to be a little elevated, some of her best naps are taken in the swing, and it does wonders getting her to fall asleep at night.
Weaning off the swing means all of that disappears...
We are now on our second night of putting Little Miss to bed without the use of the swing and so far so good. Ethan even put baby in her crib awake to see if she would put herself to sleep (something else we need to do a better job of). I can hear her now rustling around in there and I hope she'll just play herself to sleep for the night.
I'm hoping so...I'm ready for bed myself (and it's not even 9:00 yet!)
Having a baby has caused us to use this word a few times already.
After only a week we had to wean Jackie of sleeping in our bed and transition her to the crib. That was a very successful and short weaning process. Thank goodness!
When Jackie reached about three months it became necessary to start weaning her off of sleeping in the swaddle. She was just too hot all wrapped up and more importantly, she had started rolling on her belly. That was a little longer process, but again successful.
In the future I will have to fully wean her from breast milk on to cows milk, but we're still a ways away from that (hopefully).
At 6 months old, my husband decided that it's probably time to start weaning her off of the swing.
Gasp!
My first reaction was FEAR. OH NO! We can't do that yet...she still meets the weight requirement.
But once I had a chance to think about it, he is probably right.
She is now mobile (more on that later...), she likes to lay on her side, and she HATES being strapped in to the swing.
Starting to get the picture now.
Falling out of the swing is now reality.
The swing has been our crutch for so long. It has allowed us to have dinner peacefully, me to get some chores done around the house, time to get ready for work in the morning, a place for her to sleep when she's stuffy and needs to be a little elevated, some of her best naps are taken in the swing, and it does wonders getting her to fall asleep at night.
Weaning off the swing means all of that disappears...
We are now on our second night of putting Little Miss to bed without the use of the swing and so far so good. Ethan even put baby in her crib awake to see if she would put herself to sleep (something else we need to do a better job of). I can hear her now rustling around in there and I hope she'll just play herself to sleep for the night.
I'm hoping so...I'm ready for bed myself (and it's not even 9:00 yet!)
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Tis the Season...
We've been in our house just nine months now, and I am still in awe that we even get to call this place our home. It is what I dreamed we would have someday when we were in our 40s or 50s, not where I thought we would celebrate our 2nd year anniversary.
There are still many things to be done.
And many things we are doing.
But there is just one "something" that I have been waiting to do.
Decorate for the seasons.
I totally want that house on the end of the corner that has the inside decorated for each of the beautiful seasons we get to experience (ok...this last summer wasn't exactly what I would call beautiful, but by February I'm going to be begging for 100 degree weather.)
We closed on the sale of our home last Christmas Eve. Meaning we had no tree, no lights, and my lovely nativity stayed packed in the boxes. At the time, it was a necessary sacrifice. We were in our home, we didn't have to pay two mortgages, and I was just starting to hit my 3rd trimester. However, I still missed it.
I went grocery shopping at Walmart today. Ugh...on a Saturday afternoon. It was not the best part of my Saturday. I was walking up and down the "For the Home" isles looking at all the pretty fall decorations. I even decided that I could do a little decorating for less than 15 bucks. So I picked up a tablecloth, some cute little leave-shaped salt and pepper shakers, and a pretty fake flower arrangement to put on the table.
By the end of the trip I put it back.
If I was going to buy decorations, I needed to do it on a day when I wasn't shopping for the entire month of groceries. By the end of the trip I decided that I didn't need to buy just one more thing.
However, it's coming.
I may not get to decorate for fall this year.
But Christmas decorations are already in the stores. Usually I have a problem with that...but this year I'm so excited to decorate for Christmas that I didn't even care there were lighted trees and puffed up snowmen as I walked through Wally World today.
There are still many things to be done.
And many things we are doing.
But there is just one "something" that I have been waiting to do.
Decorate for the seasons.
I totally want that house on the end of the corner that has the inside decorated for each of the beautiful seasons we get to experience (ok...this last summer wasn't exactly what I would call beautiful, but by February I'm going to be begging for 100 degree weather.)
We closed on the sale of our home last Christmas Eve. Meaning we had no tree, no lights, and my lovely nativity stayed packed in the boxes. At the time, it was a necessary sacrifice. We were in our home, we didn't have to pay two mortgages, and I was just starting to hit my 3rd trimester. However, I still missed it.
I went grocery shopping at Walmart today. Ugh...on a Saturday afternoon. It was not the best part of my Saturday. I was walking up and down the "For the Home" isles looking at all the pretty fall decorations. I even decided that I could do a little decorating for less than 15 bucks. So I picked up a tablecloth, some cute little leave-shaped salt and pepper shakers, and a pretty fake flower arrangement to put on the table.
By the end of the trip I put it back.
If I was going to buy decorations, I needed to do it on a day when I wasn't shopping for the entire month of groceries. By the end of the trip I decided that I didn't need to buy just one more thing.
However, it's coming.
I may not get to decorate for fall this year.
But Christmas decorations are already in the stores. Usually I have a problem with that...but this year I'm so excited to decorate for Christmas that I didn't even care there were lighted trees and puffed up snowmen as I walked through Wally World today.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Curious Geroge
I am positive that the monkey used in the Curious George books was modeled after a 5 (almost 6) month old baby.
In our case, more ways than one.
Apparently today at daycare, Jackie had a "Curious George" moment.
Our wonderful daycare provider was holding Little Miss in on arm while holding a banana in another.
As she turned her head to talk to one of the other little kids, Jackie saw a curious object staring her in the face.
And she did what most 5 (almost 6) month old babies do with curious objects. She leaned over, put it in her mouth, and took a big bite.
As our babysitter finished the conversation and looked back at her, now shorter banana, she realized that something was missing. Looked at Jackie, and...
Got a big, banana-y grin.
In our case, more ways than one.
Apparently today at daycare, Jackie had a "Curious George" moment.
Our wonderful daycare provider was holding Little Miss in on arm while holding a banana in another.
As she turned her head to talk to one of the other little kids, Jackie saw a curious object staring her in the face.
And she did what most 5 (almost 6) month old babies do with curious objects. She leaned over, put it in her mouth, and took a big bite.
As our babysitter finished the conversation and looked back at her, now shorter banana, she realized that something was missing. Looked at Jackie, and...
Got a big, banana-y grin.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Spoiled?
I read an article this past week that talked about spoiled American children. (Click HERE to read the article) I think that every generation feels that the new generation is spoiled.
"I didn't have that by the time I was your age!"
"You don't know how lucky you've got it."
"You should see what my first cell phone looked like...it came in a BAG!"
"When I have kids someday they will NOT have all these things other kids have..."
Then somewhere along the way kids end up with more technology than they know what to do with. I have students who say their family can't afford to pay for a 15$ t-shirt, but their 13-year-old carries an iPhone.
I don't even have an iPhone (or a smart phone for that matter...)
This is something that I worry about with Jackie. We live in a technology-rich society and I am sure she will learn in school a totally different way than I learned, or am even teaching now. She will go to school with some type of tablet-something-or-other attached to her hip. That is if she actually goes to a school at all. Who knows everything could be all virtual by then... Not to mention her daddy works in the technology field. It is literally his job to stay up-to-date with current technology.
Technology will be her life, and there's really no way of avoiding that.
So I worry about her being spoiled with things.
However, this article made me feel a little better.
It talked about spoiled American children doesn't necessarily refer to the things they have, but rather what they will and won't DO.
Hmmm....
When I think about the kids (or 20somethings who graduate from college expecting to be handed a $60,000+ job right away) I believe to be "spoiled," it really doesn't matter what they have. They could have nothing and still act spoiled.
They never offer to help with anything.
Nothing is ever their fault.
Want NOTHING to do with ANYTHING that MIGHT pose a challenge, or that they would have to actually WORK for.
There's where to put the time and effort into parenting. Making children responsible for SOMETHING. Give them chores, teach them EARLY ON to be a functioning part of the family. There are things even toddlers can learn to do. Sort the silver-ware into the correct place, help move clothes from washer to dryer, pick up their toys, and so on... They may not want to do it, they may not like to do it, but they NEED to learn to do it.
And that is where we will work with Jackie (and any future siblings). She will probably have "things" that will cause older generations to think she is spoiled, but hopefully when she goes to dinner at a friend's house, she will offer to help clear the table.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Baby's found her voice!
Apparently screeching at the top of your lungs is something fun to do when you are 5 months old.
Mom and dad think it's kind of cute too...
The first couple times.
Although screeching at the top of your lungs in a big church where you can also hear the echo. MUCH. MORE. FUN!
That was our Sunday church experience.
How was yours?
Mom and dad think it's kind of cute too...
The first couple times.
Although screeching at the top of your lungs in a big church where you can also hear the echo. MUCH. MORE. FUN!
That was our Sunday church experience.
How was yours?
Friday, September 7, 2012
The Hardest Thing
The hardest part about coaching isn't what you would think.
It's not the parents (although...depending on what you coach and where you coach, that can be a very difficult hurdle.)
It's not coaching 39 middle school girls (although if you've never tried it...you have NO IDEA!)
It's not the lack of competitiveness in players. That is one thing I had to learn early on. Not everyone is as competitive as me, and you can't force them to be! It's internal. Not everyone shakes with adrenaline during a Connect Four game because they just HATE TO LOSE. Not that they should...
It's not the long hours for little pay. Until you coach, you have no idea how many hours you spend thinking and thinking and thinking about practice, girls, equipment, games, attitudes, competitiveness, motivation, etc...
It's not the fact that the coach can't play. I'll admit that is a hard one. I tell my girls over and over and over again..."I can't do it for you." In all reality coaches have control over two things during the game. Time outs and playing time. TWO. Everything else you have to watch.
The hardest part about coaching is watching your team do EXACTLY what they are supposed to do, and still lose. It is SO hard to explain to players that sometimes you do everything right and you just don't come out on top. How do you get middle school girls to understand that you can have a good game, a great game, and still lose.
It's just hard.
It's not the parents (although...depending on what you coach and where you coach, that can be a very difficult hurdle.)
It's not coaching 39 middle school girls (although if you've never tried it...you have NO IDEA!)
It's not the lack of competitiveness in players. That is one thing I had to learn early on. Not everyone is as competitive as me, and you can't force them to be! It's internal. Not everyone shakes with adrenaline during a Connect Four game because they just HATE TO LOSE. Not that they should...
It's not the long hours for little pay. Until you coach, you have no idea how many hours you spend thinking and thinking and thinking about practice, girls, equipment, games, attitudes, competitiveness, motivation, etc...
It's not the fact that the coach can't play. I'll admit that is a hard one. I tell my girls over and over and over again..."I can't do it for you." In all reality coaches have control over two things during the game. Time outs and playing time. TWO. Everything else you have to watch.
The hardest part about coaching is watching your team do EXACTLY what they are supposed to do, and still lose. It is SO hard to explain to players that sometimes you do everything right and you just don't come out on top. How do you get middle school girls to understand that you can have a good game, a great game, and still lose.
It's just hard.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Lately...
Life has been a little hectic the last few weeks. Here's what's been goin' on!
~ My brother-in-law and his family came to visit from New Jersey. We hadn't seen them since the wedding. (two years) It was great to get to spend time with them the last few weeks.
~ I made the transition from just full time mommy to fully time teacher/coach and mommy. Jackie made her transition to going to daycare during the week and spending much of her late afternoons and early evenings with daddy. There's still quite a bit of adjusting to do...on my part. Everyone else seems to have handled the transition quite well.
~ My little brother tied the knot! In a beautiful wedding, to a beautiful lady, on a warm summer day. It was a great time! And I am so thankful that he picked a holiday weekend to get married. I think we all needed this extra day of "rest" to be ready for work again!
~ Jackie has TWO teeth! I cannot believe how soon her teeth decided to come in. I knew she was teething about a month ago, but now we've got some sharp little biters on her bottom gums!
~ I have found that I am not as good at reacting to last minute changes now that I am a mommy. I used to pride myself on being the "roll with the flow" type of person/teacher. Now, however, these last minute changes equal time away from my baby. I.do.not.like.it!
~ Along with rolling with the flow... I had to buy some formula for the first time today. I felt so stupid. There are TONS of different kinds and options. Which one do I pick? I didn't expect to be buying any formula, but the stress of recent weeks, plus decreased time of actual nursing (there is a big difference between a machine and a baby...) has resulted in a decrease in my milk supply. I just cannot keep up with bottles for daycare, bottles for daddy, milk for baby food, and add on top of that game nights where another bottle or two are needed for daddy in the evening and before bedtime. So, I decided to go for the one labeled "with the nutrients found in breast milk." I hope Jackie will take it...we'll find out tonight.
~ Ethan is loving the transition. He is getting to spend a lot of quality time with his little girl, and they are both enjoying it! Jackie is such a happy baby. We are so lucky to have a good baby!.
~ Jackie has discovered "Peek-a-boo." She just giggles and giggles when mommy or daddy pop up from behind the couch saying "here I am!"
~ I had to make a cut-back. I knew my fall would be a busy one, just as it always is, but this time with an added job of full time mommy, I just couldn't handle everything. I painfully decided to cut out helping with our Church's youth religion program through September and October. I will pick it up again in November when I am no longer coaching. I just couldn't do another night away from home.
~ We scheduled our first family photos. We decided to go for fall, when the weather would be cool and crisp. Our photographer? A high school Senior who I used to teach in middle school. For those of you who know my husband and his part-time photography hobby. You will understand how good these pictures must be for him to want to go to someone else! I can't wait. Now if I can just get a wardrobe all picked out...
~ Jackie has tried 3 foods. Rice cereal, which she had gotten pretty good at. Avocados...a little scary at first, but then she seemed to take to them really well. And sweet potatoes just this weekend. Not so sure about the sweet potatoes right now. She seems to have back-tracked and won't eat anything off a spoon right now. I think we'll give it a few nights and then try again.
~ I had the PERFECT S'more last night! Mallows were toasted and melted just right, the Reese's bar I put on was just the right ratio of chocolate to peanut butter (never tried a Reese's on a S'more...you're missing out!), and the graham was crunchy and didn't break all over when I took a bite. It's probably a good thing I only ever let myself have one!
~ I finished my 24 day challenge. Results were very good. 10 lbs. lost (and still slowing losing) and about 9 inches. I feel good and have been able to continue a lot of the program just on my own. Smarter choices, but still getting my s'more every now and then :)
~ Jackie LOVES the computer or the I-Pad or Ethan's smart phone. She is amazed with all the buttons and bright lights. Raising a baby in the technological age...
~ We have really enjoyed the last couple weeks and some of the cooler temperatures that came with it. I think we will definitely enjoy the fall and some evening and weekend walks with the cooler weather.
~ I have been to a zoo 4 times this summer. The Wichita Zoo three times and the Omaha Zoo once. Guess how many times I have seen my favorite animal. ZERO! The hippos just haven't been out when I come by. Yes, the hippos are my favorite. Such an under-appreciated animal!
~ My brother-in-law and his family came to visit from New Jersey. We hadn't seen them since the wedding. (two years) It was great to get to spend time with them the last few weeks.
~ I made the transition from just full time mommy to fully time teacher/coach and mommy. Jackie made her transition to going to daycare during the week and spending much of her late afternoons and early evenings with daddy. There's still quite a bit of adjusting to do...on my part. Everyone else seems to have handled the transition quite well.
~ My little brother tied the knot! In a beautiful wedding, to a beautiful lady, on a warm summer day. It was a great time! And I am so thankful that he picked a holiday weekend to get married. I think we all needed this extra day of "rest" to be ready for work again!
~ Jackie has TWO teeth! I cannot believe how soon her teeth decided to come in. I knew she was teething about a month ago, but now we've got some sharp little biters on her bottom gums!
~ I have found that I am not as good at reacting to last minute changes now that I am a mommy. I used to pride myself on being the "roll with the flow" type of person/teacher. Now, however, these last minute changes equal time away from my baby. I.do.not.like.it!
~ Along with rolling with the flow... I had to buy some formula for the first time today. I felt so stupid. There are TONS of different kinds and options. Which one do I pick? I didn't expect to be buying any formula, but the stress of recent weeks, plus decreased time of actual nursing (there is a big difference between a machine and a baby...) has resulted in a decrease in my milk supply. I just cannot keep up with bottles for daycare, bottles for daddy, milk for baby food, and add on top of that game nights where another bottle or two are needed for daddy in the evening and before bedtime. So, I decided to go for the one labeled "with the nutrients found in breast milk." I hope Jackie will take it...we'll find out tonight.
~ Ethan is loving the transition. He is getting to spend a lot of quality time with his little girl, and they are both enjoying it! Jackie is such a happy baby. We are so lucky to have a good baby!.
~ Jackie has discovered "Peek-a-boo." She just giggles and giggles when mommy or daddy pop up from behind the couch saying "here I am!"
~ I had to make a cut-back. I knew my fall would be a busy one, just as it always is, but this time with an added job of full time mommy, I just couldn't handle everything. I painfully decided to cut out helping with our Church's youth religion program through September and October. I will pick it up again in November when I am no longer coaching. I just couldn't do another night away from home.
~ We scheduled our first family photos. We decided to go for fall, when the weather would be cool and crisp. Our photographer? A high school Senior who I used to teach in middle school. For those of you who know my husband and his part-time photography hobby. You will understand how good these pictures must be for him to want to go to someone else! I can't wait. Now if I can just get a wardrobe all picked out...
~ Jackie has tried 3 foods. Rice cereal, which she had gotten pretty good at. Avocados...a little scary at first, but then she seemed to take to them really well. And sweet potatoes just this weekend. Not so sure about the sweet potatoes right now. She seems to have back-tracked and won't eat anything off a spoon right now. I think we'll give it a few nights and then try again.
~ I had the PERFECT S'more last night! Mallows were toasted and melted just right, the Reese's bar I put on was just the right ratio of chocolate to peanut butter (never tried a Reese's on a S'more...you're missing out!), and the graham was crunchy and didn't break all over when I took a bite. It's probably a good thing I only ever let myself have one!
~ I finished my 24 day challenge. Results were very good. 10 lbs. lost (and still slowing losing) and about 9 inches. I feel good and have been able to continue a lot of the program just on my own. Smarter choices, but still getting my s'more every now and then :)
~ Jackie LOVES the computer or the I-Pad or Ethan's smart phone. She is amazed with all the buttons and bright lights. Raising a baby in the technological age...
~ We have really enjoyed the last couple weeks and some of the cooler temperatures that came with it. I think we will definitely enjoy the fall and some evening and weekend walks with the cooler weather.
~ I have been to a zoo 4 times this summer. The Wichita Zoo three times and the Omaha Zoo once. Guess how many times I have seen my favorite animal. ZERO! The hippos just haven't been out when I come by. Yes, the hippos are my favorite. Such an under-appreciated animal!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
"You could make friends with a rock!"
We used to tease my brother Joe when we were growing up with that statement. Although I will always say that we really meant it as a compliment.
You see, my brother is a people person. He always has been. We would go on family vacations, camping somewhere, and he would always run off and return with some new friends for us all to play with. I don't know what it is that he's got, but people like it. And him.
If he needed anymore evidence to this fact, he got it. Last weekend.
It's no surprise to anyone that Joe found a wonderful woman who loves him, and before they walk down the isle, boys will do what boys will do and a bachelor party was needed.
Joe didn't want a fancy dinner or a trip to the casinos or even a night out on the town that ended up spending a lot of one dollar bills.
He wanted a chance for all his friends to get together, enjoy a few drinks, and spend the evening just hanging out. My dad smoked some pork, my brother, John, planned the entire shindig and sent out the invite to as many of Joe's friends as he could.
The result.
A little more overwhelming than Joe probably expected.
There were TONS of people there. I don't know how many times someone came running into the house and said "Can you believe it? ____ just got here. It was so nice of him to come." The back yard shop was hoppin' with people all night. Different kinds of people from all different times in Joe's life. They all hung out, enjoyed the company, and celebrated Joe.
After that night. No one can argue that Joe has been an important person in so many people's lives.
He sure has collected a lot of "rocks" over the years.
:-)
You see, my brother is a people person. He always has been. We would go on family vacations, camping somewhere, and he would always run off and return with some new friends for us all to play with. I don't know what it is that he's got, but people like it. And him.
If he needed anymore evidence to this fact, he got it. Last weekend.
It's no surprise to anyone that Joe found a wonderful woman who loves him, and before they walk down the isle, boys will do what boys will do and a bachelor party was needed.
Joe didn't want a fancy dinner or a trip to the casinos or even a night out on the town that ended up spending a lot of one dollar bills.
He wanted a chance for all his friends to get together, enjoy a few drinks, and spend the evening just hanging out. My dad smoked some pork, my brother, John, planned the entire shindig and sent out the invite to as many of Joe's friends as he could.
The result.
A little more overwhelming than Joe probably expected.
There were TONS of people there. I don't know how many times someone came running into the house and said "Can you believe it? ____ just got here. It was so nice of him to come." The back yard shop was hoppin' with people all night. Different kinds of people from all different times in Joe's life. They all hung out, enjoyed the company, and celebrated Joe.
After that night. No one can argue that Joe has been an important person in so many people's lives.
He sure has collected a lot of "rocks" over the years.
:-)
Saturday, August 18, 2012
I'm Not Old!
About a month ago, my husband calls me from work (actually I think it was a text message...) and tells me that Dierks Bentley is coming to Wichita. We are big fans of Dierks, as his music somehow seemed to be with us at various stages of our relationship. He proposed to me and we danced our first dance at our wedding to his song "My Last Name." A song he released a long time ago and rarely gets played anymore. But it fit us and we love it.
Since then we have loved every song he's come out with.
Needless to say we were excited!
As the day grew closer, I was still excited for the concert, but there was a little nagging thought in the back of my head. It just kept repeating itself over and over again...
It has been 9 years since you went to a concert.
There are many things that make me feel young. My daughter, family, my husband, my profession, my love of Harry Potter books, and many others...
However.
There are also many things that I do now that make me think I'm following a little too close in my mother's footsteps (NOT that she is old...just of a different generation. Not sure that sounded better....)
I get up at 5 AM on weekdays. I slept in this morning and was up at 6:50, and forced myself to lay in bed until 7:30.
I like to be in bed by 10 at the latest. I have no problem with going and laying down in bed at 8:30.
On most days I eat an early dinner. 5:00.
Not a fan of the "style" most young girls are wearing these days.
Back to that little voice in my head. It has been 9 years since you went to a concert.
As excited as I was for Friday the 17th to get here, I was also a little nervous. What if I thought it was too loud or that I was tired and out too late? I don't want to be that old yet...
I wouldn't know until I got there.
The result?
I'M NOT OLD!!!
I loved the concert. It was so much fun! I was so excited for it to start. I mean giddy-high-school-girl-can't-stop-smiling excited!!! I didn't get tired. At all. Although, he was done playing by 10:00, which did help :)
AND he played "My Last Name." Couldn't have made for a better night.
Since then we have loved every song he's come out with.
Needless to say we were excited!
As the day grew closer, I was still excited for the concert, but there was a little nagging thought in the back of my head. It just kept repeating itself over and over again...
It has been 9 years since you went to a concert.
There are many things that make me feel young. My daughter, family, my husband, my profession, my love of Harry Potter books, and many others...
However.
There are also many things that I do now that make me think I'm following a little too close in my mother's footsteps (NOT that she is old...just of a different generation. Not sure that sounded better....)
I get up at 5 AM on weekdays. I slept in this morning and was up at 6:50, and forced myself to lay in bed until 7:30.
I like to be in bed by 10 at the latest. I have no problem with going and laying down in bed at 8:30.
On most days I eat an early dinner. 5:00.
Not a fan of the "style" most young girls are wearing these days.
Back to that little voice in my head. It has been 9 years since you went to a concert.
As excited as I was for Friday the 17th to get here, I was also a little nervous. What if I thought it was too loud or that I was tired and out too late? I don't want to be that old yet...
I wouldn't know until I got there.
The result?
I'M NOT OLD!!!
I loved the concert. It was so much fun! I was so excited for it to start. I mean giddy-high-school-girl-can't-stop-smiling excited!!! I didn't get tired. At all. Although, he was done playing by 10:00, which did help :)
AND he played "My Last Name." Couldn't have made for a better night.
Monday, August 13, 2012
It's a Trifle!
"It’s a trifle. It’s got all of these layers. First there’s a layer of ladyfingers, then a layer of jam, then custard, which I made from scratch, then raspberries, more ladyfingers, then beef sauteed with peas and onions, then a little more custard, and then bananas, and then I just put some whipped cream on top!"
Many of you die-hard Friend's watchers will recognize this "recipe" as the trifle Rachel Green makes during an episode where she want so badly to prove to her friends that she can cook, something.
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| Photo from uproxx.com |
The trifle is my "go-to" dessert when I'm in a pinch.
Like today.
Today I started back to work and for some stupid reason said that "yes I would love to make a dessert for the funeral on Monday" when I was called on Saturday morning.
Sunday rolled through a quickly as Sunday's do, and before I knew it. I was ready to go to bed and I had not yet made my dessert.
Ugh!
I decided that I would just "wing it" in the morning.
Morning came and I quickly decided that I would just make some layers of crumbled Oreos, instant pudding and whipped cream, and throw in a few strawberries.
I was done in 10 minutes.
But thanks to the beautiful trifle bowl, it looked like I spend hours working up this beautiful dessert. The ladies at the church Ooohhh-ed and Aaaaww-ed over pretty dessert.
10 minutes.
That's it.
Thanks trifle bowl. I will keep you forever!
Friday, August 10, 2012
When Someone Else Does It
There have been many times where Ethan and I have laughed at the number of things people will PAY for someone else to do, when they are perfectly capable of doing it themselves. Some of our favorites include (but are not limited to):
I paid for someone to vacuum out the truck.
Yep, something I am capable of doing myself.
Actually it happened sort of by accident.
I wanted to get both vehicles all cleaned out and good to go before the start of another school year. Today was the truck. I cleaned out all the trash, wiped down the dusty dash, and searched for a new air freshener (didn't find one). But as I went to go vacuum it out two things caused me to stop.
1.) The cord for the ShopVac wouldn't reach, even with the extension cord and I couldn't get the truck in the garage because the John Deere Lawn mower was in the way and I don't know how to move it (plus it had a big sprayer attached and I couldn't move it far without hitting something anyway).
2.) There was dog hair on the floor of the truck...dog hair is SO HARD to get all vacuumed up off the floor. I figured that using one at the car wash would work better.
So, I decided that I would take the truck to get washed and then just put the quarters in the machine to vacuum it myself.
Well, Green Lantern Car Wash doesn't roll that way. They don't have the little side vacuum things to put your quarters in. They have two different sections. Outside and inside and they do both. So I figured, what the heck...I'll get a good clean on the inside. Plus they do windshields and mirrors...ours needed that so bad and I can't seem to do it without leaving smears...drives me crazy!
So Jackie and I got out and waited patiently while the truck was being cleaned. Jackie loved Green Lantern. So many things to look at, so many new sounds, and lots of people stopping by to tell her how cute she was. I'm guessing they don't get a lot of babies at the car wash...
The result:
AWESOME!
The truck looks fantastic, I can see out of the rear-view mirror like I never have before, AND they put in a nice little air freshener (new car smell) for free! Which I still haven't actually found where they put it, but I can tell it is in there somewhere...
They did a MUCH BETTER JOB than I would have done on my own, and I didn't have to do it!
Totally worth the 7 bucks.
- Walking your dog
- Picking up dog poo out of your yard
- hanging Christmas lights
- Getting your hair blow dried....seriously!
- Grocery shopping
I paid for someone to vacuum out the truck.
Yep, something I am capable of doing myself.
Actually it happened sort of by accident.
I wanted to get both vehicles all cleaned out and good to go before the start of another school year. Today was the truck. I cleaned out all the trash, wiped down the dusty dash, and searched for a new air freshener (didn't find one). But as I went to go vacuum it out two things caused me to stop.
1.) The cord for the ShopVac wouldn't reach, even with the extension cord and I couldn't get the truck in the garage because the John Deere Lawn mower was in the way and I don't know how to move it (plus it had a big sprayer attached and I couldn't move it far without hitting something anyway).
2.) There was dog hair on the floor of the truck...dog hair is SO HARD to get all vacuumed up off the floor. I figured that using one at the car wash would work better.
So, I decided that I would take the truck to get washed and then just put the quarters in the machine to vacuum it myself.
Well, Green Lantern Car Wash doesn't roll that way. They don't have the little side vacuum things to put your quarters in. They have two different sections. Outside and inside and they do both. So I figured, what the heck...I'll get a good clean on the inside. Plus they do windshields and mirrors...ours needed that so bad and I can't seem to do it without leaving smears...drives me crazy!
So Jackie and I got out and waited patiently while the truck was being cleaned. Jackie loved Green Lantern. So many things to look at, so many new sounds, and lots of people stopping by to tell her how cute she was. I'm guessing they don't get a lot of babies at the car wash...
The result:
AWESOME!
The truck looks fantastic, I can see out of the rear-view mirror like I never have before, AND they put in a nice little air freshener (new car smell) for free! Which I still haven't actually found where they put it, but I can tell it is in there somewhere...
They did a MUCH BETTER JOB than I would have done on my own, and I didn't have to do it!
Totally worth the 7 bucks.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Softening the Blow
If you were about to drop your first-born off at daycare for the very first time, which of the following statements would you want said by your daycare provider?
In one week I will be handing my little miss over to a babysitter who said EVERY ONE OF THESE today when we met to get everything in order.
I have practiced leaving her during the day for a week long conference, for a weekend away, and for evenings out with the hubby. All of this practice and the comfort of knowing that I have a ROCKING AWESOME daycare are not going to completely diminish the "mommy-guilt" I will feel next Wednesday...
But it should help soften the blow a little.
- "I like to take the kids outside everyday that the weather cooperates."
- "She'll take a morning and afternoon nap until she is one, then we cut out the morning nap. In the afternoon around one o'clock everyone gets their pillows and blankets and knows its nap time. We'll get her on a good nap schedule."
- "I feed the babies what the other kids are eating so they feel like they aren't missing out. I just mash it up in the blender and make sure it's not too chunky. That boxed baby food stuff is nasty!"
- "We try to stay away from processed foods."
- "Our puppy is the protector of the babies. He lets me know anytime one of them is crying."
- "I have no problem with using expressed breast milk to feed the baby."
In one week I will be handing my little miss over to a babysitter who said EVERY ONE OF THESE today when we met to get everything in order.
I have practiced leaving her during the day for a week long conference, for a weekend away, and for evenings out with the hubby. All of this practice and the comfort of knowing that I have a ROCKING AWESOME daycare are not going to completely diminish the "mommy-guilt" I will feel next Wednesday...
But it should help soften the blow a little.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
I Never Realized...
- How many times I just grab a little snack here and there throughout the day.
- How easy it was to lick the spoon of ice cream (after grabbing just one more bite).
- How I would take another bite or two of food as I put the leftovers away.
- How much salt was actually in the food I consumed.
- That a meal-replacement shake with a banana could actually keep me full until the next meal/snack.
- That natural peanut butter over a rice cake would actually be something I look forward to during the day.
I Always Knew...
- How much I LOVE bread (or anything with wheat in it)...
- How a piece of fruit would not satisfy my craving for one teeny tiny piece of chocolate (or an entire pan of brownies)
- How hard it would be to go out to eat with family and order a garden salad with no dressing, when I really want the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob.
- How I hate plain oatmeal. I have tried many different ways...just can't do it. I want to barf by the end of the bowl.
I am just finishing up day 5 of my 24-day challenge. The first 10 days are a cleanse. This is the hardest. No wheat. No dairy. VERY little added sugar (if any). I am having success and seeing results and not cheating. I am pushing through the first 10 days because of two main reasons. The success I'm seeing so far, and the fact that I paid more money than I care to admit to do this. After the cleanse I have a little more flexibility and I believe it will be something that I can continue on after the 24 days is over.
I just keep counting down the days.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Don't judge a book by its cover
Or...
Natural Peanut butter by the ugly separation of the oil and paste-like substance.
Yep, I did it. I tried natural peanut butter with no added sugar or other goodies. (After stirring together the ugly...)
And it was YUMMY!
I couldn't believe it. It still tasted like peanut butter, just MORE like peanuts!
Today is the day I start my 24 Day Challenge from Advocare. I am hoping for good results in the way I look, feel, cook, and eat. I begin with a 10 day cleanse and end with two weeks of a diet that will promote an increase in my metabolism and energy levels.
Until the end of the challenge, do not offer me any of the following:
~ Ice cream
~ Chocolate
~ Fried food of any kind
~ Pizza
~ A lunch out to eat where there is not some sort of healthy option.
Once the challenge is over I hope that regular eating of most of these options won't be happening, but I will never completely give up ice cream and chocolate!
Natural Peanut butter by the ugly separation of the oil and paste-like substance.
Yep, I did it. I tried natural peanut butter with no added sugar or other goodies. (After stirring together the ugly...)
And it was YUMMY!
I couldn't believe it. It still tasted like peanut butter, just MORE like peanuts!
Today is the day I start my 24 Day Challenge from Advocare. I am hoping for good results in the way I look, feel, cook, and eat. I begin with a 10 day cleanse and end with two weeks of a diet that will promote an increase in my metabolism and energy levels.
Until the end of the challenge, do not offer me any of the following:
~ Ice cream
~ Chocolate
~ Fried food of any kind
~ Pizza
~ A lunch out to eat where there is not some sort of healthy option.
Once the challenge is over I hope that regular eating of most of these options won't be happening, but I will never completely give up ice cream and chocolate!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
If it is good for you... it must be expensive
I just got back from the grocery store. I typically try to make one big monthly run to the store and then just go back for items that we constantly use up, bread, cheese, milk, etc...
That store run is usually a good chunk of change depending on how many new recipes I am trying or whether it involves getting a lot of meat. (We bulk up on meat when it's on sale and try not to get it every time.)
Today was different.
Tomorrow I am beginning a 24 day challenge to become healthier. Even though I hope to lose some weight on the challenge, that is not my primary motivation. I want to be a better, smarter eater. Learn how to take my everyday foods and meals and make them healthier. Eat less process foods and more whole grain goodness. I am very excited about this and have been waiting all summer for just the right time.
Today I grabbed my list full of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grain/wheat products, and many other healthier options and headed out the door full of excitement.
I returned, still enthused about the challenge, but not so excited about the items in the grocery bags.
Apparently shopping for healthy food has a language a lot like apartment shopping. (Cozy studio = bed in bathtub)
"Whole Grain" = expensive
"All Natural" = not on sale
"Fresh" = a few more quarters
"Low Sodium" = not in the store brand
It amazes me that peanut butter that has NOTHING ELSE IN IT EXCEPT PEANUTS costs more than the peanut butter with other (yummy) ingredients. Shouldn't the item with less in it cost less???
I know what all you "health-experts" are going to say...
"It's a choice of what MATTERS. Put more money in to good, healthy food and less in to something else."
Or...
"Think of it in long term. Healthy food now, less medical problems and costly prescriptions later."
Okay...you win. I can spend a little more for whole grain bread and natural peanut butter and change my lifestyle so I am healthier in the long run.
But when I look to my future and see a houseful of kids and trying to fix many peanut butter sandwiches for lunch, I'm struggling with how to make this a permanent habit not just for me, but for my kids (and hubby if he so chooses...) AND be able to afford it. Because food prices aren't going to go down. And coupons are made for processed meals and junk that we don't buy.
I know that making small changes will pay off big. I just hope that my paycheck doesn't become small change...
That store run is usually a good chunk of change depending on how many new recipes I am trying or whether it involves getting a lot of meat. (We bulk up on meat when it's on sale and try not to get it every time.)
Today was different.
Tomorrow I am beginning a 24 day challenge to become healthier. Even though I hope to lose some weight on the challenge, that is not my primary motivation. I want to be a better, smarter eater. Learn how to take my everyday foods and meals and make them healthier. Eat less process foods and more whole grain goodness. I am very excited about this and have been waiting all summer for just the right time.
Today I grabbed my list full of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grain/wheat products, and many other healthier options and headed out the door full of excitement.
I returned, still enthused about the challenge, but not so excited about the items in the grocery bags.
Apparently shopping for healthy food has a language a lot like apartment shopping. (Cozy studio = bed in bathtub)
"Whole Grain" = expensive
"All Natural" = not on sale
"Fresh" = a few more quarters
"Low Sodium" = not in the store brand
It amazes me that peanut butter that has NOTHING ELSE IN IT EXCEPT PEANUTS costs more than the peanut butter with other (yummy) ingredients. Shouldn't the item with less in it cost less???
I know what all you "health-experts" are going to say...
"It's a choice of what MATTERS. Put more money in to good, healthy food and less in to something else."
Or...
"Think of it in long term. Healthy food now, less medical problems and costly prescriptions later."
Okay...you win. I can spend a little more for whole grain bread and natural peanut butter and change my lifestyle so I am healthier in the long run.
But when I look to my future and see a houseful of kids and trying to fix many peanut butter sandwiches for lunch, I'm struggling with how to make this a permanent habit not just for me, but for my kids (and hubby if he so chooses...) AND be able to afford it. Because food prices aren't going to go down. And coupons are made for processed meals and junk that we don't buy.
I know that making small changes will pay off big. I just hope that my paycheck doesn't become small change...
Monday, July 30, 2012
Mystery Destination: Omaha, NE!
Well, I am home from the 4th annual Mystery Weekend Trip. My mom decided on the location of Omaha, Nebraska this year, and once again she did not disappoint.
We arrived in Omaha by 1:00 in the afternoon and enjoyed a few hours of shopping before heading over to visit some family we have in town. Our Great Aunt Karen and Uncle George. Uncle George is my grandmother's brother. We enjoyed spending the evening on their back patio enjoying pizza and cocktails.
The weather was PERFECT!
No humidity, no extreme heat, and a COOL breeze.
That is what summer's should be like. Warm days and beautiful evenings.
Not heat that's so extreme you don't want to go outside and it's still miserable at 11:00 at night!
The cocktail was a yummy concoction of strawberry liquor, vodka, and orange juice.
I had three. Maybe four...
Saturday morning found us up and ready to go enjoy a beautiful morning at the famous Omaha Zoo.
Wow! What an amazing place to visit.
Even though we felt like the only adults there without children.
A few of our favorite stops at the zoo...
We enjoyed dinner that night at a really cute little Italian restaurant "Vincenzos" and a walk around the Old Market area. Another beautiful evening!
Sunday we made our way back to reality (and the stupid heat). Sad for the trip to be over, but looking forward to being home. Ethan did an amazing job with Jackie over the weekend, but I missed my little family.
We had a fantastic trip and mom already says she has a couple of options in mind. Where might we head next? Only she knows...
The weather was PERFECT!
No humidity, no extreme heat, and a COOL breeze.
That is what summer's should be like. Warm days and beautiful evenings.
Not heat that's so extreme you don't want to go outside and it's still miserable at 11:00 at night!
The cocktail was a yummy concoction of strawberry liquor, vodka, and orange juice.
I had three. Maybe four...
Saturday morning found us up and ready to go enjoy a beautiful morning at the famous Omaha Zoo.
Wow! What an amazing place to visit.
Even though we felt like the only adults there without children.
A few of our favorite stops at the zoo...
Yes...that's us climbing on the lions. Yes, my mother told (asked firmly) a little kid to get off so we could take that picture. :o)
We enjoyed dinner that night at a really cute little Italian restaurant "Vincenzos" and a walk around the Old Market area. Another beautiful evening!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Mystery Weekend and My Weekend Away
I am a conflicting set of emotions today.
On one hand, I am SUPER EXCITED for the 4th annual Mystery Weekend that will begin in just under 24 hours. :)
On the other hand, I am sad about leaving my little one for the ENTIRE WEEKEND for the first time. :(
Mystery weekend began four years ago when my wonderful mother decided that just us girls (my sister, her, and I) needed to get together every year for one weekend. That turned in to her wanting to surprise us by not telling us the destination or special activities until we are on the road.
This prompted many "oh pleeeease tell us," little tricks to try and get her to accidentally let it slip, and trying to pry the location out of our dad. None of it worked. (Not that we really wanted it to anyway...)
The first year found us heading south to Oklahoma City. What an amazing trip! We saw the OKC memorial, went on a "booze cruise" downtown, shopped, and enjoyed some wine tasting. We all came home with a bottle of wine.
Year two was more of a local trip, but still one of my favorites. Lawrence, Kansas. We painted pottery, shopped, went bowling, and swam in the hotel pool. So much fun!
Last year was BIG. We went all the way to Dayton, Ohio for my cousin's wedding. We took a couple days to get there enjoying the shopping and a surprise stop at the Budweiser Clydesdale farm. What an amazing trip.
This year, we leave from Emporia at 8:00 AM for a short weekend away. No idea where we are going!
I could have taken Jackie along with us on the trip. I know mom and my sister would love to spend the weekend with her. However, two reasons kept me from it.
1. I have tried taking her with me to go shopping. Not much fun. I have tried sleeping with her in the playpen in the same room. Not much fun. I have had to breastfeed her in public. Not much fun. I have had her in a restaurant while she was tired and screaming. Not much fun. (catching on to the theme here...) I wanted to enjoy the weekend without having to worry about where and when and if baby would get a nap or fed.
2. Ethan only gets to see her in the evenings and on weekends while he's working during the week. It's almost unfair to him to take her away on the weekend. Plus he WANTS me to leave her with him for some special Ethan-Jacqueline bonding time. I figure I might as well leave kids with him as long as he wants me to. (There may be a time where he's asking me to take one...or two...or three...along with me).
I have no doubts about how great he will do with her by himself. When I was debating whether or not to take her along, Ethan caring for her was never a factor. It was always me, and how I would do emotionally being away from her for the entire weekend. I'm going to miss that little face!
And we will find out how I do in T-minus 23 hours and 28 minutes...
On one hand, I am SUPER EXCITED for the 4th annual Mystery Weekend that will begin in just under 24 hours. :)
On the other hand, I am sad about leaving my little one for the ENTIRE WEEKEND for the first time. :(
Mystery weekend began four years ago when my wonderful mother decided that just us girls (my sister, her, and I) needed to get together every year for one weekend. That turned in to her wanting to surprise us by not telling us the destination or special activities until we are on the road.
This prompted many "oh pleeeease tell us," little tricks to try and get her to accidentally let it slip, and trying to pry the location out of our dad. None of it worked. (Not that we really wanted it to anyway...)
The first year found us heading south to Oklahoma City. What an amazing trip! We saw the OKC memorial, went on a "booze cruise" downtown, shopped, and enjoyed some wine tasting. We all came home with a bottle of wine.
Year two was more of a local trip, but still one of my favorites. Lawrence, Kansas. We painted pottery, shopped, went bowling, and swam in the hotel pool. So much fun!
Last year was BIG. We went all the way to Dayton, Ohio for my cousin's wedding. We took a couple days to get there enjoying the shopping and a surprise stop at the Budweiser Clydesdale farm. What an amazing trip.
This year, we leave from Emporia at 8:00 AM for a short weekend away. No idea where we are going!
I could have taken Jackie along with us on the trip. I know mom and my sister would love to spend the weekend with her. However, two reasons kept me from it.
1. I have tried taking her with me to go shopping. Not much fun. I have tried sleeping with her in the playpen in the same room. Not much fun. I have had to breastfeed her in public. Not much fun. I have had her in a restaurant while she was tired and screaming. Not much fun. (catching on to the theme here...) I wanted to enjoy the weekend without having to worry about where and when and if baby would get a nap or fed.
2. Ethan only gets to see her in the evenings and on weekends while he's working during the week. It's almost unfair to him to take her away on the weekend. Plus he WANTS me to leave her with him for some special Ethan-Jacqueline bonding time. I figure I might as well leave kids with him as long as he wants me to. (There may be a time where he's asking me to take one...or two...or three...along with me).
I have no doubts about how great he will do with her by himself. When I was debating whether or not to take her along, Ethan caring for her was never a factor. It was always me, and how I would do emotionally being away from her for the entire weekend. I'm going to miss that little face!
And we will find out how I do in T-minus 23 hours and 28 minutes...
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Update: 15 Minutes of Clean
Thought I would report my first attempt at "15 minutes of clean"
After setting the microwave timer for 15 minutes I...
Now I'm rewarding myself with a little Facebook time and blogging my results before I get started on some laundry. (as long as Jackie will let me)
I think I'll need some kind of reward when I finish putting away laundry (my LEAST favorite job).
I'm thinking a nice cold berry smoothie...since I'm all out of wine :o)
This method could change my life!
After setting the microwave timer for 15 minutes I...
- Loaded the dishwasher
- picked up toys
- straightened pillows on the couch
- cleared off the kitchen table
- put the rest of the groceries away (I only put away the cold stuff before feeding Jackie)
- cleared on bathroom counter
- Clorox wiped bathroom counter and toilet
- opened drapes to let nice sunshine in bedroom
- picked up floor of master bedroom
- washed bottles.
Now I'm rewarding myself with a little Facebook time and blogging my results before I get started on some laundry. (as long as Jackie will let me)
I think I'll need some kind of reward when I finish putting away laundry (my LEAST favorite job).
I'm thinking a nice cold berry smoothie...since I'm all out of wine :o)
This method could change my life!
Monday, July 23, 2012
15 Minutes of Clean
In my "housewife" dreams my bed is always made, I have folded the laundry as it came straight from the dryer, toilets never get a little ring around them, dishwasher is loaded and unloaded with ease, carpets vacuumed, counters wiped down, toys picked up, and everything is done quickly and often enough that I never have to do all of it at one time.
Did I mention that this was dreaming...
Reality is so far from that.
I havementioned apologized to Ethan more than once, that he got the short end of the "wife stick" when it comes to cleaning. I know how to do it, but motivation is so hard for me to find. If I had a quarter for every time I've heard my mom say "If you'd just do it right away, it wouldn't be so hard or take you so long" I could hire a maid to clean the house.
I think my main problem is my attention span.
Or lack thereof.
I get started on the bathroom and clean the sink, then I go unload the dishwasher, then make the bed, and start a load of laundry, then it's back to do the toilet, load the dishwasher, and so on...
It's not until I'm all done (hours later) that I finally feel like I accomplished anything.
And in comes Frugal Faye.
Frugal Fay is a friend of mine from high school. She writes a very cool blog on being frugal, being a mom, and her everyday life as a wife and mother. She is (in my opinion) the gold medalist of house wives.
Today she posted a blog on the 12 ways she gets motivated to clean.
Out of all the things I think to Google on the Internet throughout the day (baby development, dress shopping, eating healthy, making baby food, shoe shopping, etc...) "how to motivate yourself to clean" was not something I even considered.
Faye had many great ideas to motivate yourself to clean, but there was one of her methods that just seemed to make me think "hey, I can do that!"
Setting a timer for 15 minutes. How much can I get done in 15 minutes?
It's almost like competing with myself. And I LOVE competition!
Then reward myself with something fun (another Frugal Faye tip).
Now this is not a way to get the entire house clean, BUT if I can do a little each day, 15 minutes at a time, maybe I can eliminate those all-day marathons.
Along with a few other tips from Faye!
I might just end up a bronze medalist house-wife.
Did I mention that this was dreaming...
Reality is so far from that.
I have
I think my main problem is my attention span.
Or lack thereof.
I get started on the bathroom and clean the sink, then I go unload the dishwasher, then make the bed, and start a load of laundry, then it's back to do the toilet, load the dishwasher, and so on...
It's not until I'm all done (hours later) that I finally feel like I accomplished anything.
And in comes Frugal Faye.
Frugal Fay is a friend of mine from high school. She writes a very cool blog on being frugal, being a mom, and her everyday life as a wife and mother. She is (in my opinion) the gold medalist of house wives.
Today she posted a blog on the 12 ways she gets motivated to clean.
Out of all the things I think to Google on the Internet throughout the day (baby development, dress shopping, eating healthy, making baby food, shoe shopping, etc...) "how to motivate yourself to clean" was not something I even considered.
Faye had many great ideas to motivate yourself to clean, but there was one of her methods that just seemed to make me think "hey, I can do that!"
Setting a timer for 15 minutes. How much can I get done in 15 minutes?
It's almost like competing with myself. And I LOVE competition!
Then reward myself with something fun (another Frugal Faye tip).
Now this is not a way to get the entire house clean, BUT if I can do a little each day, 15 minutes at a time, maybe I can eliminate those all-day marathons.
Along with a few other tips from Faye!
I might just end up a bronze medalist house-wife.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Ugh!
I am so frustrated with things that should work, that have no reason not to work, that aren't working!
It seems as though those things are constantly finding me right now.
Like our Netflix account. We have it connected to our blueray player. Internet it up and running, power is on, and for some reason when we go to get on Netflix we get this nice little Error message that pops up "Cannot connect to Netflix right now."
Then miraculously if we do actually get into Netflix and select a movie or TV show to watch we get this nice little message "Netflix cannot play this selection right now, please choose something else." Ok...Fine. So I try something else.
Yep, you guessed it. Same message.
Then there's my cell phone. I am so fed up with T-mobile I want to scream. First of all, our house doesn't get great service. Ethan's phone works pretty good most of the time. He has a smart phone. I have just a regular text and call phone. I don't need the Internet on my phone, or need to pay an extra 30$ just for Internet that I don't need to use.
There is a spot down in our basement where I get the best service. FULL BARS!!! But for some reason people still can't hear me. And that actually IF I can ever dial out. Sometimes I have full bars and good signal (even 3G) and for some reason "Call Ended" is the only thing that happens when I try to call out. WHY?!?!??!! I have battery, I have service, WHY CAN"T I CALL OUT????
Two years can't go fast enough...
We pay for these things...they should work, but don't. UGH!
It seems as though those things are constantly finding me right now.
Like our Netflix account. We have it connected to our blueray player. Internet it up and running, power is on, and for some reason when we go to get on Netflix we get this nice little Error message that pops up "Cannot connect to Netflix right now."
Then miraculously if we do actually get into Netflix and select a movie or TV show to watch we get this nice little message "Netflix cannot play this selection right now, please choose something else." Ok...Fine. So I try something else.
Yep, you guessed it. Same message.
Then there's my cell phone. I am so fed up with T-mobile I want to scream. First of all, our house doesn't get great service. Ethan's phone works pretty good most of the time. He has a smart phone. I have just a regular text and call phone. I don't need the Internet on my phone, or need to pay an extra 30$ just for Internet that I don't need to use.
There is a spot down in our basement where I get the best service. FULL BARS!!! But for some reason people still can't hear me. And that actually IF I can ever dial out. Sometimes I have full bars and good signal (even 3G) and for some reason "Call Ended" is the only thing that happens when I try to call out. WHY?!?!??!! I have battery, I have service, WHY CAN"T I CALL OUT????
Two years can't go fast enough...
We pay for these things...they should work, but don't. UGH!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Someday...
We all day dream. Some of us dream about the future, some dream about the past.
I am sure at one point or anther we have ALL dreamed of picking the perfect combination of numbers and hitting it big on the lottery.
No, I did not win.
Yet...
It is on my "to-do" list. I'll get around to it eventually.
Once I do win, you will be able to tell based on a few key changes.
~ I will delete my facebook page. And the husband's. No one needs that many "friends" after winning the lottery.
~ Our Church will get a sizable donation.
~ My and Ethan's parents will be taken care of for life. My parents can both retire and travel from campsite to campsite. E's will have a great time living in their "winter home" in Las Vegas.
~ I will become a stay-home mom and E will enroll in some photography classes.
~ The lot next to us will become ours with a very nice shop built on it to hold the husband's "toys," which will include his boat, truck, and new Dodge Charger and Challenger (heaven forbid I make him choose between the two...)
~ We will "summer" in the mountains in Colorado in beautiful little cabin next to a lake. This will of course be located close to Denver so we can make good use of our Rockie's season tickets, and close to a great ski resort for winter trips.
~ Our kids will get a nice little trust fund that will be available for them to use when they turn 18. It will NOT be enough to live on for the rest of their lives. Use for college, down payment on a house, a new car. Their choice, but they will still be responsible for their own lives.
~ Our yard will get the well, sprinklers, and beautiful fescue sod which will be put down by some very nice paid workers. The workers from "Magic Mike" will do just fine :o)
~ There will be a very nice vacation taken by the hubby and I to a beautiful tropical location.
So if you start to notice any of these things, just assume that I finally played the lottery and got very lucky!
Oh to dream...
I am sure at one point or anther we have ALL dreamed of picking the perfect combination of numbers and hitting it big on the lottery.
No, I did not win.
Yet...
It is on my "to-do" list. I'll get around to it eventually.
Once I do win, you will be able to tell based on a few key changes.
~ I will delete my facebook page. And the husband's. No one needs that many "friends" after winning the lottery.
~ Our Church will get a sizable donation.
~ My and Ethan's parents will be taken care of for life. My parents can both retire and travel from campsite to campsite. E's will have a great time living in their "winter home" in Las Vegas.
~ I will become a stay-home mom and E will enroll in some photography classes.
~ The lot next to us will become ours with a very nice shop built on it to hold the husband's "toys," which will include his boat, truck, and new Dodge Charger and Challenger (heaven forbid I make him choose between the two...)
~ We will "summer" in the mountains in Colorado in beautiful little cabin next to a lake. This will of course be located close to Denver so we can make good use of our Rockie's season tickets, and close to a great ski resort for winter trips.
~ Our kids will get a nice little trust fund that will be available for them to use when they turn 18. It will NOT be enough to live on for the rest of their lives. Use for college, down payment on a house, a new car. Their choice, but they will still be responsible for their own lives.
~ Our yard will get the well, sprinklers, and beautiful fescue sod which will be put down by some very nice paid workers. The workers from "Magic Mike" will do just fine :o)
~ There will be a very nice vacation taken by the hubby and I to a beautiful tropical location.
So if you start to notice any of these things, just assume that I finally played the lottery and got very lucky!
Oh to dream...
Random Chatter
I started this yesterday and just now finished it... I got a little sidetracked
~ Jackie has found her "outside voice" and seems to prefer it to her "inside voice." I swear her shrieking can be heard down the block. Ethan says she gets her volume level from me. It's funny because it's true...
~ I have decided that it is a good thing we moved in to our new house in December. We didn't get to do much in the Christmas Gift category, but we got all the "moving in to a new home" expenses out of the way before getting to the summer "get your yard in shape" expenses came. We have decided that it will be much more beneficial for us to pay for a well and sprinkler system than trying to run our very limited water pressure to run sprinklers for HOURS in order to grow some grass. This coming thankfully after we have had a chance to build up our account some.
~ I spend a week at the end of June working with my favorite group of history geeks in Hutchinson. I have been a part of this group for two years now and we have one year left of all working together. I know that my teaching has benefited from it and will miss it when it's over.
~ Because of the history geek group I mentioned above I get a nice little stipend. That stipend comes in perfect time for me to do a little "me" shopping before school starts. This year I'll be spending some of that on a healthy eating challenge I'm going to try (more on that later...) and school clothes! I may find something for little Jackie and the hubby also. :)
~ The 4th annual Mystery Weekend is coming up soon. I can't wait to find out where we are going, and Ethan is looking forward to some serious Daddy-Baby bonding time :)
~ I am currently going on month 2 without using the oven. While I love grilling as much as the next person, I love to cook and I start to crave things like lasagna, and pizza, and home-baked cookies. With the way things seem to be going it could be end of September before I get to use my oven again.
~ I love that Jackie has found her thumb to suck on. She hasn't been a big fan of the pacifier and even when she did suck on it for a while it would always fall out. I know that eventually down the road we will probably have to fight her on the sucking the thumb issue, but for now I'm going to enjoy the extra few hours of sleep it gets me!
~ Oreos should not be kept in our house in the summer. I have very little will power against Oreos. And ice cream...
~ Speaking of ice cream, Ethan and I plan on getting an ice cream maker for ourselves. I want my mother-in-law's recipe for the best home made ice cream I have ever had. That could be a dangerous but wonderful thing.
~ Jackie has found her "outside voice" and seems to prefer it to her "inside voice." I swear her shrieking can be heard down the block. Ethan says she gets her volume level from me. It's funny because it's true...
~ I have decided that it is a good thing we moved in to our new house in December. We didn't get to do much in the Christmas Gift category, but we got all the "moving in to a new home" expenses out of the way before getting to the summer "get your yard in shape" expenses came. We have decided that it will be much more beneficial for us to pay for a well and sprinkler system than trying to run our very limited water pressure to run sprinklers for HOURS in order to grow some grass. This coming thankfully after we have had a chance to build up our account some.
~ I spend a week at the end of June working with my favorite group of history geeks in Hutchinson. I have been a part of this group for two years now and we have one year left of all working together. I know that my teaching has benefited from it and will miss it when it's over.
~ Because of the history geek group I mentioned above I get a nice little stipend. That stipend comes in perfect time for me to do a little "me" shopping before school starts. This year I'll be spending some of that on a healthy eating challenge I'm going to try (more on that later...) and school clothes! I may find something for little Jackie and the hubby also. :)
~ The 4th annual Mystery Weekend is coming up soon. I can't wait to find out where we are going, and Ethan is looking forward to some serious Daddy-Baby bonding time :)
~ I am currently going on month 2 without using the oven. While I love grilling as much as the next person, I love to cook and I start to crave things like lasagna, and pizza, and home-baked cookies. With the way things seem to be going it could be end of September before I get to use my oven again.
~ I love that Jackie has found her thumb to suck on. She hasn't been a big fan of the pacifier and even when she did suck on it for a while it would always fall out. I know that eventually down the road we will probably have to fight her on the sucking the thumb issue, but for now I'm going to enjoy the extra few hours of sleep it gets me!
~ Oreos should not be kept in our house in the summer. I have very little will power against Oreos. And ice cream...
~ Speaking of ice cream, Ethan and I plan on getting an ice cream maker for ourselves. I want my mother-in-law's recipe for the best home made ice cream I have ever had. That could be a dangerous but wonderful thing.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
If Jackie could talk...
I have found probably the most challenging thing to raising a baby is that they can't talk. And I know that I will be probably wishing for these days again when she's talking and talking and talking... BUT when she's upset and I don't know why I would give anything for her to just be able to tell me what she's thinking.
So, if Jackie could talk, here's what I think she would say about her life these last few weeks.
~ I have mastered the skill of screaming as loud as I can in order to get anything I want. Sometimes mom tries to do many things before she figures out what I want, but I eventually get it. I hope this continues!
~ My dad makes silly faces and weird noises just to get me to smile. Doesn't he realize that all I need is a good fart :)
~ In recent weeks I have discovered that if I swing my legs over I can actually end up on my tummy. Interesting...
~ Not so interesting... being on my tummy. Again screeching at the top of my lungs sends mom and dad over to turn me over to the correct side. Sometimes I roll right back over just to have them come over again. It's a fun game.
~ Mom finally stopped strapping my arms down at bedtime! Ahhhh the freedom to MOVE.
~ Daddy knows how to hold me best. He also can get me to fall asleep so easily when he pats me on my back. I love spending time with daddy.
~ I heard daddy say the other day that he's going to have "Spoil Jackie" days and that we will get to go to Dairy Queen. When that day finally comes I'm going to make sure he invites mom too!
~ I have FEET and TOES. They are the coolest thing E.V.E.R.
~ Sometimes on a hot day mom will take me outside into this big blue thing filled with water. It's fun to kick my legs.
~ Daddy takes me to see my puppies, my real puppies. They are big and their noses are wet.
~ I have something going on inside my mouth. I have tons of spit and my mouth hurts. I try to make it feel better by pressing anything in my mouth and gnawing on it. Sometimes that helps, but sometimes I need that purple stuff shot in my mouth before it stops hurting.
~ Mom took me to see the doctor yesterday because I have been coughing more. He was funny, but now mom tries to make me drink this pink stuff. The doctor said that I would like it because it is bubble gum flavor. Haha. Jokes on him. I don't know what bubble gum tastes like, but I do know that I don't like that pink stuff. I spit as much of it out as I can!
~ Bath time is my favorite!
~ I met some of my cousins this week. They are so much fun! I just love it when so many people play with me.
~ Another interesting thing this week. Thumbs. They fit just perfectly in my mouth and I love to suck on them when I am sleeping. I might keep this up for a long time.
~ I still love my swing. Mom doesn't let me sit in it as much as she used to. Sometimes I hate change.
~ My favorite song is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
~ Once a week mom and dad take me to church. I used to sleep through it, but I have found it is much more fun to talk through it. Especially when no one else is talking.
~ Grandpas make the funniest noises!
~ Grandmas actually know the words to the nursery rhymes. Mom and dad just guess.
~ I like to be naked. I try to poop as much as I can just so mom will change my diaper and I get to be naked for a little while.
~ Mom and dad play music so I will dance with them. I just watch them and hope they never do that in public when I get bigger.
~ I can't wait to crawl or walk. I just want to MOVE! As soon as I am strong enough I will be on the go Go GO!
So, if Jackie could talk, here's what I think she would say about her life these last few weeks.
~ I have mastered the skill of screaming as loud as I can in order to get anything I want. Sometimes mom tries to do many things before she figures out what I want, but I eventually get it. I hope this continues!
~ My dad makes silly faces and weird noises just to get me to smile. Doesn't he realize that all I need is a good fart :)
~ In recent weeks I have discovered that if I swing my legs over I can actually end up on my tummy. Interesting...
~ Not so interesting... being on my tummy. Again screeching at the top of my lungs sends mom and dad over to turn me over to the correct side. Sometimes I roll right back over just to have them come over again. It's a fun game.
~ Mom finally stopped strapping my arms down at bedtime! Ahhhh the freedom to MOVE.
~ Daddy knows how to hold me best. He also can get me to fall asleep so easily when he pats me on my back. I love spending time with daddy.
~ I heard daddy say the other day that he's going to have "Spoil Jackie" days and that we will get to go to Dairy Queen. When that day finally comes I'm going to make sure he invites mom too!
~ I have FEET and TOES. They are the coolest thing E.V.E.R.
~ Sometimes on a hot day mom will take me outside into this big blue thing filled with water. It's fun to kick my legs.
~ Daddy takes me to see my puppies, my real puppies. They are big and their noses are wet.
~ I have something going on inside my mouth. I have tons of spit and my mouth hurts. I try to make it feel better by pressing anything in my mouth and gnawing on it. Sometimes that helps, but sometimes I need that purple stuff shot in my mouth before it stops hurting.
~ Mom took me to see the doctor yesterday because I have been coughing more. He was funny, but now mom tries to make me drink this pink stuff. The doctor said that I would like it because it is bubble gum flavor. Haha. Jokes on him. I don't know what bubble gum tastes like, but I do know that I don't like that pink stuff. I spit as much of it out as I can!
~ Bath time is my favorite!
~ I met some of my cousins this week. They are so much fun! I just love it when so many people play with me.
~ Another interesting thing this week. Thumbs. They fit just perfectly in my mouth and I love to suck on them when I am sleeping. I might keep this up for a long time.
~ I still love my swing. Mom doesn't let me sit in it as much as she used to. Sometimes I hate change.
~ My favorite song is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
~ Once a week mom and dad take me to church. I used to sleep through it, but I have found it is much more fun to talk through it. Especially when no one else is talking.
~ Grandpas make the funniest noises!
~ Grandmas actually know the words to the nursery rhymes. Mom and dad just guess.
~ I like to be naked. I try to poop as much as I can just so mom will change my diaper and I get to be naked for a little while.
~ Mom and dad play music so I will dance with them. I just watch them and hope they never do that in public when I get bigger.
~ I can't wait to crawl or walk. I just want to MOVE! As soon as I am strong enough I will be on the go Go GO!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Tonight
Little Miss is 3+ months old. Something within the last two weeks has changed. I know she's gotten bigger, more aware of the things around her, learned to roll over, and found her feet. Boy she loves those feet! But something has changed that hasn't been for the better, for either of us. Her sleeping habits. I swear she slept better as a one-month-old than she does at three. She would sleep 6+ hours wake up to eat and go right back to sleep. Now I'm lucky if she sleeps 3 or 4 hours and MAYBE will go back to sleep...but not likely. I thought babies were supposed to get better at sleeping as they got older...
Anyway...I have been painstakingly trying to figure out what might be the cause. My husband knows this all too well. I have been running through the different possibilities over and over each night as I lay awake in bed. Each night I think I come to a different conclusion...
Teething...
Too hot...
Rolling on her belly...
Not liking the swaddle...
Too much sleep during the day...
Not enough sleep during the day...
Hungry/growth spurt...
More aware of what's going on and not wanting to miss ANYTHING (even when there's nothing going on at 4 AM)...
or ALL OF THE ABOVE!
It comes down to one very scary thing to me. I have to get her out of that swaddle because no matter which one of the above options it is, that swaddle seems to be giving her fits. I have been avoiding this because she slept SO GOOD for the longest time in her swaddle, and on a now rare good night when she sleeps 6+ hours in a row she is swaddled. However, this cannot last. She (and I) must eventually break free.
Unfortunately breaking free is going to involve some nights that are worse. But this HAS TO HAPPEN before school starts up again. I can go on only a few hours of sleep when I don't have to go teach middle schoolers the next day.
So, training starts tonight.
Anyway...I have been painstakingly trying to figure out what might be the cause. My husband knows this all too well. I have been running through the different possibilities over and over each night as I lay awake in bed. Each night I think I come to a different conclusion...
Teething...
Too hot...
Rolling on her belly...
Not liking the swaddle...
Too much sleep during the day...
Not enough sleep during the day...
Hungry/growth spurt...
More aware of what's going on and not wanting to miss ANYTHING (even when there's nothing going on at 4 AM)...
or ALL OF THE ABOVE!
It comes down to one very scary thing to me. I have to get her out of that swaddle because no matter which one of the above options it is, that swaddle seems to be giving her fits. I have been avoiding this because she slept SO GOOD for the longest time in her swaddle, and on a now rare good night when she sleeps 6+ hours in a row she is swaddled. However, this cannot last. She (and I) must eventually break free.
Unfortunately breaking free is going to involve some nights that are worse. But this HAS TO HAPPEN before school starts up again. I can go on only a few hours of sleep when I don't have to go teach middle schoolers the next day.
So, training starts tonight.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Two Down and Lifetime to go!
My parents met Ethan for the first time over the 4th of July holiday weekend. They were up camping at Cheney Lake and Ethan and I had made plans to go out on his boat. After spending the day out on the lake we went back to the campsite for dinner and s'mores. I thought the first meeting went very well, considering this was the very first time I had ever introduced anyone to my parents.
I later came to find out that after that very first encounter my dad would go on to say "I'd pay for a wedding for that guy..."
Famous last words.
Dad did pay for a wedding for that guy. (partially...we did help)
And here we are 4 years from that initial meeting and celebrating our 2nd year as husband and wife.
What a 2nd year it has been!
Sometimes I look back on this last year and all that has happened and think of how wonderfully blessed we are. Everything we prayed for this year, God granted to us. We sold one house and built another. Packed, moved, and somewhere in all of that still found time to celebrate birthdays and holidays.
Throughout the Grace of God, three months ago we went from just being husband and wife to daddy and mommy. Our roles in life are forever changed again, and I know that's why God put us together in the first place. We had good lives on our own, but together we are able to live out His purpose for us. Husband and Wife. Mother and Father.
I am not so nieve to think that marriage will forever go as easily as these last two years has, but it is in the imperfections that we grow stronger together. In the end the goal isn't 10 years, it isn't 20 or even 50. It's a lifetime.
I later came to find out that after that very first encounter my dad would go on to say "I'd pay for a wedding for that guy..."
Famous last words.
Dad did pay for a wedding for that guy. (partially...we did help)
And here we are 4 years from that initial meeting and celebrating our 2nd year as husband and wife.
What a 2nd year it has been!
Sometimes I look back on this last year and all that has happened and think of how wonderfully blessed we are. Everything we prayed for this year, God granted to us. We sold one house and built another. Packed, moved, and somewhere in all of that still found time to celebrate birthdays and holidays.
Throughout the Grace of God, three months ago we went from just being husband and wife to daddy and mommy. Our roles in life are forever changed again, and I know that's why God put us together in the first place. We had good lives on our own, but together we are able to live out His purpose for us. Husband and Wife. Mother and Father.
I am not so nieve to think that marriage will forever go as easily as these last two years has, but it is in the imperfections that we grow stronger together. In the end the goal isn't 10 years, it isn't 20 or even 50. It's a lifetime.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Nope. Not yet. Probably never.
For the last two years I have had pretty much the same thing for breakfast everyday...peanut butter toast or bagel. (Other than the occasional special breakfast here or there).
My point is peanut butter.
I love peanut butter. Jiff peanut butter.
Tonight in an attempt to try to begin to make some small changes in order to eat a little healthier, I picked up a jar of Natural Peanut Butter. My mom ensured me that, yes, it is a different taste and will take a while to get used to it, but she was confident that I would eventually like it.
She had more confidence than I.
I don't know if it was stairing at the jar as we walked through Walmart, the ugly separation of the paste-like-substance from the oil, or just the thought of spreading it on my beloved morning toast that had me second guessing my mother's suggestion.
In the end I couldn't do it.
I put it down...somewhere in the men's underwear section I think.
I am just not in the right mind frame to give up my Jiff.
And I'm not sure if I will ever be.
Because quite frankly the thought of spreading that on my morning toast makes me gag.
My point is peanut butter.
I love peanut butter. Jiff peanut butter.
Tonight in an attempt to try to begin to make some small changes in order to eat a little healthier, I picked up a jar of Natural Peanut Butter. My mom ensured me that, yes, it is a different taste and will take a while to get used to it, but she was confident that I would eventually like it.
She had more confidence than I.
I don't know if it was stairing at the jar as we walked through Walmart, the ugly separation of the paste-like-substance from the oil, or just the thought of spreading it on my beloved morning toast that had me second guessing my mother's suggestion.
In the end I couldn't do it.
I put it down...somewhere in the men's underwear section I think.
I am just not in the right mind frame to give up my Jiff.
And I'm not sure if I will ever be.
Because quite frankly the thought of spreading that on my morning toast makes me gag.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Pool Days!
We attempted our first swim on Thrusday. I have been waiting for this day for a long time. The perfect mixture of a warm day plus very little wind. Those days can be hard to come by in Kansas, but we finally had it. I promptly filled up our recently bought little kiddie pool with water in the morning, so it would have a chance to warm up.
After our afternoon feeding I started the proces of getting Jackie all ready for her big experience in the pool. (This process, I would later realize, will take longer than the actual time spent in the pool...).
Lotion over every part of the body (including head) - Check.
Diaper changed - Check
Swimsuit on - Check
Sunglasses - Check
Hat - Check
Pre-pool picture - Check
We then made our way outside. The water so pretty and blue, just ready and waiting. Jackie, having no idea that some of her most fun summer memories would some day come from swimming in the pool. All starting out like this...
But we soon got the hang of things. Blowing bubbles
And posing like a little starlet!
I hope that Jackie eventually loves the water as much as I did growing up. Because if there's one thing I've learned from my mother (and there were many...) its that nothing helps get babies ready for a nap like an hour or two at the pool!
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