Little K Photography's Blog

Sister Playtime

2010-12-15T10:51:00.002-07:00

It is a bit on the lengthy side and my video skills leave a lot to be desired, but I think this is pretty cute!

Laughing Lena...or Elizabeth is the Funniest Big Sister EVER!

2010-12-09T11:22:00.002-07:00

It is because of times like this that I never seem to get enough done during the day.

On Praying

2010-10-04T10:12:00.004-06:00

As I was leaving Elizabeth's bedroom the other night, she asked if we could say her prayers. I admittedly am not good at remembering this, so it surprised me that she asked. Naturally I agreed.

She started by blessing herself (using the wrong hand and a tad out of sequence), In the name of the Fader, Son, Holy Spirit Ghost, Amen. Dear God...Please I pray to Santa?

I told her she could not pray to Santa and that we could write him a note later.

Obviously we have some work to do still.

1 month

2010-09-23T15:40:00.002-06:00

Yesterday marked Lena's one month birthday! It has been an eventful and quick month. I am finally feeling like I am getting into the groove of having two. Lena will go for her 1 month check up next week, but I think I can safely say she is at least 10lbs now! My mom and I used a very precise one person stand on the scale then add baby way to weigh her the other day. She is an eating champ. She is also a sleeping champ. Other than maybe two nights the first week, she has only gotten up once or twice a night to eat. She eats and goes right back to sleep. We have been lucky that we had two babies that were such good sleepers from the start! I am tired from having a new baby and Elizabeth, but feel like I get plenty of sleep at night. Hooray for good babies!

Anatomy of a Smile

2010-09-23T15:34:00.003-06:00

Lena just started to smile last week and I finally got pictures!

Belated

2010-08-13T15:11:00.003-06:00

I have a blog? One that I am supposed to maintain? Who knew, obviously not me! Anyway, 3 weeks ago we celebrated Elizabeth's 4th birthday! We did not have a party, but a mellow family gathering at Nana and Papa's house. It turned out to be a perfect way to ring in 4.

The Name Game

2010-06-21T11:37:00.002-06:00

The picture in my previous post where you can see a part of the last letter of baby's name has stirred up a lot of guessing. In response to that, I thought I would throw some hints out there and see what you think.

it does not end in a y or k (sorry mom and Sara)
you can not spell it using only letters from Elizabeth's name
it is on the shorter side (Elizabeth will hate me one day for this)
it has a Greek origin
I have never met a person with this name, I think that goes for Chris as well
we did not make it up
it can not be used as a boy's name
I think it is pretty dainty sounding

And that is all you get! Happy guessing!

Crafting

2010-06-16T13:15:00.005-06:00

I am sure by now it is quite obvious that I do not have a design gene in my body. It really has not been a problem until recently because we have always had rentals that we felt no attachment to. There was no need to make it ours. But now that we do have a place that we can do whatever our heart's desire, I have a stronger desire to make everything just right.

Baby's room has proven to be quite the project. I will post pictures soon of the progress we have made in there. So far, I am quite happy. In decorating and planning the room I have stolen ideas (sorry Jen) and scoured the internet for inspiration. One of my favorite inspiration places is etsy. I like the idea of accessible, mostly affordable and unique pieces for my home. On a recent search, I came across this sweet little piece, though did not want to pay the $35 she had it listed for. So, I set out for JoAnn and spent less than $10 to make a few designs inspired by what I had seen. It has been a while since I picked up a needle and thread, but I guess it is like riding a bike, because my copy turned out pretty good. Yes, I am so patting myself on the back.

I would love to show the full picture of this, but her name is stitched on it and well, that is a closely guarded secret. There is a glimpse of one letter and that is all you will get. It just needs a good ironing, frame and it is ready for the shelf!

A Conversation

2010-06-03T08:43:00.002-06:00

Elizabeth: I like your ring.

Me: Thank you.

Elizabeth: Where you buy it?

Me: At Tiffany.

Elizabeth: I come with you?

Me: No.

Elizabeth: Oh, I in your tummy?

Me: No.

Elizabeth: Where was I?

Me: Heaven.

Elizabeth: What I do there?

Me: Just waiting for Mommy and Daddy to pick you.

Elizabeth: How I get in your tummy? Doctor put me there?

Me: Yep, she sure did.

Chris was lying in bed with Elizabeth and I as this took place, he had to hide his face so Elizabeth would not see his laughing. For now, that is my story and I am sticking to it!

A Moment of Terror Followed by a Moment of Joy

2010-04-12T08:47:00.002-06:00

I assume that most everyone who reads this is also my friend on facebook, so it may be a bit redundant to tell you that baby #2 is a GIRL! But if you did not already know, now you do. My ultrasound was last Thursday, so I am a bit late in posting about our results.

The first thing I saw on the ultrasound screen was two large circles. I nearly had a heart attack, I thought I was having twins. Based on family history, I know my chances are very high, so I have always known this was a possibility. I was so scared she was going to tell me there were two in there, so I asked what the large circles were and she said it was the head and the abdomen, they are about the same size at this point. THANK GOD! I am not sure neither Chris nor I could have handled news like that.

After that reassurance, she asked me how this pregnancy was going and I told her it was good, totally different from my first and fairly easy. She asked if we wanted to know the sex (overwhelming YES!) and then asked me if I thought I was having a boy because of how this pregnancy compared to Elizabeth's. I told her yes (duh!) and then she told me there was a little girl in there! I was shocked, Chris was not and Elizabeth was elated. I absolutely could not believe that a pregnancy so different from the first could produce the same result! Apparently this is a common misconception.

I was not at all disappointed to be having another girl, please do not think that, just stunned my mama radar was so off. As much as I thought I was having a boy, I was a little sad that Elizabeth may not have a sister. Not that that is the most important thing in life, but I wanted that to be a part of her life. I am so excited she will have that experience now.

Since learning about our little August present, I think I have planned the nursery and we have picked a first name (to remain secret this time)! I have just about 4 months to go and feel like I have a lot to do, thankfully buying a bunch of baby clothes is not one of them!

Hooray for us all!

Why

2010-04-07T19:48:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY! We are finally going to find out what the sex of the baby is! And while I have reasons for wanting for each, I am dead convinced it is a boy. I thought it would be a good idea to document my reasons for thinking the way I do before we make the big announcement. Either way, by the time you are done reading my reasons, you will surely think that I am 100% crazy.

In no particular order:

this pregnancy has been so polar opposite from Elizabeth's. I can eat all food groups, I am not limited to cereal (seriously) and I actually have an appetite.
Instead of being sick for almost the entire pregnancy, I have had fairly consistent migraines. I am not sure which is more unbearable.
All the gross things that come with pregnancy (and I seem to get them all) came at the beginning rather than the end like with Elizabeth. I will not gross you out with all the details, but I feel like 9 months of gross equals a boy.
I have had minimal acne. I have never been one to have bad acne, but with Elizabeth it was BAD!
I think I am carrying differently.
I have had more leg cramping and my Navajo student told me that leg pain meant boy. I had bad back pain and no leg pains with Elizabeth, which she said meant girl, but I always have back issues so I did not buy it. I have both now, so for her reasoning I am going with leg pain means boy.

And the last reason may be the craziest of all, but I am sticking with it...

My mom's friend Kathy and her crazy Italian voodoo said so. She did her little trick with Elizabeth and said girl right away and was right and said this one is a boy. I trust her.

Chris is convinced it is a girl and Elizabeth just wants a girl (so we can name her Belle), so the results of tomorrow should be interesting. Chris and I have have a little bet, if he is right he gets a new hat and if I am right I get a pedicure.

I can't wait to see what the Doctor says! Stay tuned...

18

2010-03-15T19:18:00.002-06:00

This is me at exactly 18 weeks. No make up and completely unedited...try not to look too hard! I wish I had a picture of me at this point with Elizabeth, but we did a horrible job of documenting her pregnancy. I know I was smaller. I have really started to feel more movement recently and am feeling very good...so different from Elizabeth!

Help, please!

2010-03-15T09:20:00.005-06:00

I am having a bit a of a design dilemma! I know getting our house to that perfect point is a work in progress, but a quick trip to Crate and Barrel gave me some affordable design inspiration! Here is what I want to buy:

I love their colors and they will go on the wall in my kitchen. But where? Here is what I am working with: :

Right now the two framed pictures are hanging on either side of the massive window we have in the kitchen. I really want to get the black and white one framed as well. Can I hang these three together to make space on one window side for the plates? Hmmmm, conundrum! I could hang the plates over the sink, but am not sure how they would look with the green paint (hopefully tile one day!):

So, what do you think? What should I do? I hate decorating!

To Boy or not to Boy...

2010-02-22T09:22:00.003-07:00

Every Thursday, in the only section of the paper I read, there is an interview with a prominent Denverite at a bar. The interviewer is very conversational and just tries to give the reader a little insight into the person, nothing hard hitting. Recently Chauncey Billups and his wife were interviewed. Not really exciting, but when it came up that he had 3 girls, the interviewer asked this question:

BH: Do you miss not playing H.O.R.S.E. with a son?

Chauncey: I don't know, I've never had a son.

Piper (wife): And he plays with the girls all the time.

It really irritated me. I feel like his underlying question was, so how much does it suck not having a boy, especially considering you are an athlete? Poor Chauncey just has girls, his life must not be complete and he must be so upset by his lack of a son (please note the sarcasm). I think Chauncey handled the question really well. If he had asked that of me, I would have had a very rude answer.

My point. I am dead convinced that this little baby that is very cozy in my belly is a boy. Just like I was so convinced that Elizabeth was a girl that when we found out she was indeed a girl, it was very anticlimactic. It made me crazy when people would say that I just wanted a girl so bad. Not really, Chris and I would have been happy with either, we just really thought it was a girl. What really annoys me though, is when people tell me they hope I have a boy. I can't figure this out. Why does it matter? Why do people act like having a girl is so awful and moreover, why do they have to tell me this? Sometimes I want to tell people that if I am having a girl that they do not have to come around after she is born. Yes, I think that I am having a boy, but I don't really care what we have so long as I have a have a healthy baby come August.

And that is the complete truth. After miscarrying and having a scary start to this pregnancy, I don't care what I have. Boy or girl, bring it on. At the end of the day, a sibling for my little girl and another member of our family is all we truly want.

*more to come later detailing exactly why I think I am having a boy...then you will really think I am crazy!

Have You Heard?

2010-01-25T10:48:00.002-07:00

Sweet and to the point.

When Mom is Away

2010-01-24T20:03:00.003-07:00

I noticed Elizabeth had painted nails when I got home from work today. I asked if Daddy did that for her and she said she did it all by herself. Sure enough, when I went to the bathroom expecting a big nail polish mess, I found her stool next to the counter and her nail polish sitting right in arms reach. No mess, she had even used one of my face wipes to clean up!

New

2010-01-13T10:57:00.002-07:00

Here is a much belated video of our new place. Since taking this video we have have rearranged the living room, added a play house to the basement and taken down Christmas decorations. I am finally getting it to where I had envisioned...but I still have a way to go! (sorry for the poor camera skills)

Old

2009-12-02T11:24:00.002-07:00

Now you can see why we wanted to move. As soon as I get things a little more straightened up here, I will give you a tour of the new place.

Lost?

2009-12-02T10:52:00.002-07:00

Elizabeth and I went shopping last week. She was wandering around as I was looking for shoes for her and saying Mama, Mama while wandering. I knew where she was and was watching her the whole time. A lady came up to her and asked her if she was lost. She told the lady yes and the lady started to help her find me. Next thing I know there is this lady walking up to me telling me she had found my little girl. I told her Elizabeth knew where I was and was pretending. I think she thought I was crazy. Elizabeth thought this was so funny.

The other night, as Chris was putting Elizabeth to bed, she tells him, Mama take me to store, buy me ball, I tell lady I don't know where mama is. It so funny.

That is my child.

Update

2009-10-20T21:40:00.002-06:00

So...the house. It is coming along. Slowly, but surely, we are making progress and with each day it is starting to look more and more like what I want it to look like. I will be posting pictures soon and will even be giving you a video tour of our old place as well as this one so you can see that all my complaining was really valid.

We will be hosting 10 people on Saturday night for dinner, so Friday we hope to have most things done!

Stay tuned!

Liar, Liars

2009-10-14T15:58:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago, while they boys were working on the basement, my mom and I decided to take Elizabeth shoe shopping. She had been asking both of us to take her to get some new tennis shoes and I was feeling like a bad mom sending her to school in sandals in fall weather, so it was time. My mom knows that I do not do the character shoes, yuck, so we quickly walked right by those. We found what we were looking for: tasteful, preschooler tennies that did not cost a small fortune. We just needed to do sell Elizabeth on them. And that we did...with the help of a princess shoe box.

You see, we may have told Elizabeth a little lie to get her to lobe (E speak for love) the aforementioned tennies. While I distracted Elizabeth, my mom took the approved shoes and slipped them into a Cinderella box that happened to be lying on the floor (honestly!) next to us and we showed her the pretty Cinderella shoes. She was so excited and completely oblivious to the fact that these were the same shoes that she had just tried on, but had come out of a boring pink box.

She is totally obsessed with these shoes, she tries to sleep with them, wants to put them on first thing in the morning and wants to wear them everywhere (I draw the line at church). She shows EVERYONE her princess shoes and I have to discretely tell them just to pretend that they are, in fact, princess shoes.

So, I am a liar (as is my mom), but at least I have one very happy little girl!

Hey!

2009-09-28T09:46:00.004-06:00

Hey! Lurkers, I know you are out there. Drop me a line, leave a note, let me know you are there!

#4529

2009-09-25T16:48:00.002-06:00

Why sisters should not live on the other side of the world, reason #4529:

Because you need someone to come and hang out with your child and give you a break when you have been in tears or near tears all day.

That has been my day.

This I Believe

2009-09-23T09:44:00.003-06:00

I have long been a fan of the now nonexistent NPR show This I Believe. In the broadcast they have a variety of people read essays they have written explaining what they believe in. I have often thought about what I would submit to share with the NPR listening world.

Here are a few things that have crossed my mind:

public education
living abroad
living on your college campus, in a dorm
travel
summer camp
good art
that I am one of those people that will always have to work to keep off my extra weight

There are other things, of course, but it is the last one that I have the biggest problem with. Because, you see, I don't want to be one of those people. I want to be one of the other people (Sara) that can not worry about the weight issue and eat amazing meals that I am longing to cook in my new kitchen that are full of cream and butter and rich, creamy cheesses and pastry...you know all that yummy, rich, French bad-for-you goodness. But the thing is, I can't cook all that yummy goodness because my body just can't handle it. Well, it can handle it, but I do not want to do that to my waistline or heart! Oh, and I know that I can make amazing, healthy meals in my new kitchen, which I most certainly plan to do, but I want to make the really unhealthy amazing ones as well.

Find a balance, right? Well, I have done that as well. Last year, right about this time, I did that very thing. Rattled by a miscarriage I set about to lose my weight and get healthier. Which I did thanks to the amazing Sunday Weight Watchers meetings (something else I believe in). But this summer I allowed myself to stray from everything I knew was right and smart.

A year later I find myself in similar weight situation to where I was last year at this time. Although some of the weight is still off, a few of the pounds have crept back on, and we are not friends.

So...I start over, again. I think this time I have more self knowledge that I perhaps lacked before, which I do believe is important to make any success.

Should be a healthy fun!

Ms., not Mrs.!

2009-09-22T10:06:00.004-06:00

When I get to a classroom in the morning, I always write my name on the board. Two reasons, so the kids don't forget it and because it is a mouthful and sometimes seeing it helps to know how to say it. What I don't do is write Mrs. I write Ms. Most of the time this goes unnoticed and they take it at that. But the past few times I have subbed, when I have asked the do you have any other questions question, I have been asked why I did not put Mrs. One observant girl even pointed out my ring, letting me that I was married after all.

How do you tell a 5th grader that Mrs. was abbreviated to show ownership to the husband and that no where in the word Missus is there an R, it is only there for the Mister? I don't do that. I am not my husband's possession. Shocking as it may be, I am my own person, I do not BELONG to my husband like his new baseball hat belongs to him. At my wedding I made sure that they did not introduce us as man and wife or Mr. and Mrs., but rather Chris and Kathryn...

So...I avoided the longwinded explanation, told the kids that if they really felt inclined to call me Mrs. they could but I would rather they said Ms. I have a feeling I will encounter this over and over, but oh well.

I am no Mrs.

A Year

2009-09-16T09:09:00.003-06:00

A year ago Elizabeth was doing well to put more that two words together. She usually got out only one syllable and was not easily understood.

What a difference a year makes!

Now, she streams together sentences, still leaves off some syllables/constants and is much better understood. It is amazing the growth she has made in under year's time of speech therapy. She goes to speech class once per week with two other little kids in a preschool like setting. She knows it is her speech class and it is different from preschool, but she seems to really like it. She gets homework and stickers to show what she has done-this is very cool if you are 3! She got a Barbie notebook in her happy meal the other day and was quick to start playing the speech teacher, telling me the words to say and take notes in her notebook about how well I was doing.

While she has become a chatterbox (we knew she would not stop once she got started), there is still some difficulty in understanding her. I tend to understand her the best, I am with her most of the time, so I have adapted to her. I worried about sending her to camp and to preschool (although I knew she was ready) because I was not sure how well the teachers would be able to understand her. While emailing the preschool teacher is on my to do list today, I have not had any questions or comments regarding her speaking, so that is at least somewhat reassuring. It does break my heart when she tries to say something and she knows that the other person is not getting it so she resorts to hand gestures or showing...I like that she is able to reason and find another way to get her message across, but it saddens me that she has the awareness that she is not being understood.

But, all in all, WOW! I have a full blown talker on my hands and that is pretty cool!

Totally Serious...

2009-09-02T17:25:00.002-06:00

Remember when I said that I was going to paint my bathroom Tiffany blue? Well, here is the proof! I quickly went to home depot this morning while Elizabeth was at speech to get a few paint samples for the living room and I walked out with this! I found this can of paint in the oops paint section, and was pretty sure it was the right blue. When I got home I compared it to the box, and I think I have a pretty good match! Not bad for a $5 gallon of reject paint!

What Happens at Nana's...

2009-08-19T10:55:00.003-06:00

The other night when we invaded my parent's house for our weekly free meal and laundry time, Elizabeth had a mani/pedi compliments of my mom. Sara gave her one when she was home and she lobed (E speak for loved) it so much, since Sara was not around, Elizabeth decided that my mom would be her manicurist of choice. She was concerned all dinner if my mom was done, she was eager to her polish done. I picked out my old faithful summer color, It's All Greek to Me, and my mom made all of Elizabeth's nails beautiful.

Well, in the course of two days, a couple of her nails got chipped and this was upsetting to Elizabeth. When I dropped her off with my mom yesterday she made sure to show Nana right away the touch up job that was needed. When they got to my mom's house, she made the necessary touch ups and then allowed Elizabeth to paint her toes. Yes, that is right, my mom let a three year old paint her toes! My mom said she was very serious and trying really hard to paint the whole nail. Chris came over just in time to get a few pictures.

Looks like I should stop saving money for a pedicure and just let Elizabeth do it!

Preschool!

2009-08-13T09:08:00.006-06:00

Today marks Elizabeth's first day of many first days of school. Chris and I took her out for a special first day of school breakfast and then dropped her off for school. Thankfully she has a friend in her class and has been going to camp for the past two weeks, so this was a pretty easy transition for her. For a while we did not think she was going to be able to go to school, I will fill in all the details later, but I am beyond excited for her because I know she is so ready for this and is going to really thrive!

For Adult Use Only

2009-08-12T21:02:00.001-06:00

Remember when I went to Vegas? Even though I spent most of my money on Elizabeth, I did manage to find myself a nice treat. It is a wine disguised in a juice box! I got this in a little shop in the Paris hotel, I was sold as soon as I saw it. I brought it home with me and kept for a time I thought would be suitable for such a necessity, camping. Seriously, the French are some smart people!

Shallow

2009-08-05T17:06:00.004-06:00

Here's the deal, I do not pretend to not be completely shallow when it comes to certain things. One of these things is my great appreciation for Tiffany's (yes the jewelry store). Elizabeth even knows that blue boxes are what jewelry should come in (her poor husband). So, when I went to get her cupcakes, because that is what she requested for her birthday, I knew just which cupcake I would be enjoying, The Tiffany. It really is quite pretty with the blue frosting, the pearlized candies and yummy vanilla bean cake. I got the last one in the store and enjoyed eating EVERY LAST BITE!

And just so you know, I will be painting our powder room that very same, lovely shade of blue. It could become my favorite room in the house!

Behind

2009-08-05T16:48:00.003-06:00

There is so much that I need to post about, but I just have not put forth the effort-Sorry. I need to fill you in on 4th of July, Elizabeth's third birthday, starting camp, show you some of our beautiful, new family pictures and tell you about our new house. Seriously, too much. Anyway, here are a few pictures to hold you over till I decide to do all of that!

Enjoying 4th of July and her glowing necklace!

Mama and the Birthday Girl

Showing Mama and Daddy how to shake her booty-while hiking

Her first ponytail

Just being cute!

3 Years Ago

2009-07-16T08:17:00.004-06:00

This is what I looked like exactly 3 years ago. It is amazing how fast time flies and how fast that baby I would have less than two weeks later would grow. It is hard to believe that my baby will be three in a matter of days!

What SAHMs Do...

2009-07-15T13:26:00.002-06:00

Because I am, predominantly, a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM) I am expected to do crafty little things like this. I am not sure why that seems to be the case, but it is and since I sort of like to do crafty little things like this, I don't totally mind. And because I hand made all the invites to last year's Minnine Mouse second birthday, I could not be a slacker this year and get the store ones. So, I mustered up some drive (because I was just not feeling the whole party thing this year) and made these pretty cute (if I do say) invites. And while I am a crafty mom (or at least when I feel like it) I am not a cutesy-crafty mom, this worked well for the play-in-the-water party. Here is the invitation to Elizabeth's third birthday.

What Big Sisters Do Best...

2009-07-14T20:30:00.001-06:00

This is for Sara.

Do you see who signed this book, this book, that I own, that has my name hand-written, lovingly from the very nice, English, author? Are you jealous? You should be! Had you not been so eager to buy your own copy, the one that you just had to have the day it came out, she would have done the same for you. And I even would have mailed it to you even though it probably would have cost more than the book itself. Oh well.

And this, do you see this as well? Who knows when they will release it down under. Too bad for you. Maybe someone will buy the book for you and mail it to you. Let's hope!
Yes, this is what big sisters do. We (I) make you feel bad, for being so far way. I am good at my job, aren't I?

Jabber, Jabber, Jabber

2009-07-06T19:03:00.003-06:00

Some pieces of recent conversations with Elizabeth. Yes, that is right, we have CONVERSATIONS! She talks incessentaly...what a difference a year (and some speech therapy) makes.

Me: Elizabeth, what is your favorite thing about Mama?

Elizabeth: That I love you.

* * * *

Elizabeth: Read me 'nother book.

Me: No, I just read that book to you. You read it to me.

Elizabeth: I can't, my teeth too little.

* * * *

Elizabeth: I want two cups.

Chris: No, you can have one. You can have another one maybe later.

Elizabeth: Mmmm, maybe now.

* * * *

Me: Elizabeth, if you don't eat your dinner, no more shows and no snack.

Elizabeth: No show you, no snack you!

* * * *

After telling Chris that the swing at the park was wet.

Elizabeth: Mama, calm down!

* * * *

Elizabeth: Mama, where you get your boobies?

Me: God gave them to me. (in a very mean joke)

Elizabeth: Where you buy them? (like I would CHOOSE to buy this particular set)

Me: I did not buy them.

Elizabeth: Where you pick them? (again, I would NEVER pick this particular set)

Me: I did not ever pick these.

This is probably a result of 18 months of breastfeeding. Oh well.

* * * *

Yes, I know she is sassy. But I just have to laugh sometimes and remind myself that contextually, she is doing very well!

You Should Be Jealous...

2009-06-30T15:26:00.003-06:00

...because your camera can probably not do this. I am still learning the art of photgraphy in the manual setting. Trying to caputre a moving, almost 3 year old is not so easy in that setting, so I opted for a subject that would cooperate a little bit more. While not exactly my photographic taste, I do love this picture. The only editing I did was a minor crop. Enjoy (and take a moment to love my camera)!

Joys of Facebook

2009-06-29T16:53:00.003-06:00

Realizing that you would probably still be friends with the people that you were friends with years ago, had facebook been invented then (and you did not have to pay for internet time in minutes and dial up for 20 minutes just get on).

While I have not been the best at keeping this up, I have had fun learing more about the people I once knew so well and shared so much with.

Thanks facebook.

Feeling Validated

2009-06-16T13:37:00.001-06:00

I babysat for a friend recently, this was with the supplies that came with all of the necessary items to care for her child. I saw this while making a bottle for my extra child. Made me feel good. I will take a compliment and validation, even if it is from Costco. I think if I was choosing to use this though, it would make me feel bad. Good thing I do not have to worry about that.

Bird Poop and other Good Things

2009-06-02T13:15:00.002-06:00

This past weekend was the first time I had ever been away from Elizabeth for more than nine hours. I was a little sad when I left and excited to return home to see her (and Chris), but it was a nice break from the mommy world.

My mom and I went to Vegas to hang out with Sara, gamble a bit, soak up the sun and EAT! Even though the last time I was in Vegas, about 7 years ago, I did not have the best time because Chris and I wanted to do different things, I had been wanting to go for a while. When I heard that Bette Midler would be performing where Celine did at Cesar's, I wanted to go back. Yes, I know, I have a very eclectic taste in music! Because I did a little research, I knew there was a ticket kiosk on the strip that sold day of tickets at a huge discount. My mom and I were able to get tickets to see Bette for $60 a piece, a huge savings!

After taking in some of the sights, doing a bit of shopping and lots of walking we decided to hit the pool. It was nice to be at a pool and not have to worry about fighting with Elizabeth about not being able to swim be herself. It was at the pool that a bird pooped on me. And while I was disgusted at first, as I washed my arm off in the water I remembered that having a bird poop on you was a sign of good luck. And since we were in Vegas, I was willing to take any luck thrown my way!

Friday also happened to be my 5 year wedding anniversary. Since we are not huge on making a big deal about our anniversary, I was ok with being away from Chris. Turns out, I think this was my favorite anniversary. I got to see Bette Midler, went to a great dinner at one of Mario Batali's restaurants (fried proscuitto balls-to die for) and bought myself something that I have been wanting for about 20 years. Next year I think I will try and be a better wife and include my husband, though he does have a lot to compete with.

On Saturday night, after more time at the pool, my mom and I went to eat at Bobby Flay's restaurant. We knew ahead of time that they were booked for the night, but we went there anyway. When we got there and inquired about a table, we were told it would be at least 10:30 before one was available (it was 8 when we got there), but I spotted two seats at the bar and we enjoyed our meal there-with out the wait! After dinner we played blackjack at the Bellagio (surprisingly low minimums on the table), I doubled my money and played some slots (won a little more) and then we had dessert. Because we HAD to have dessert. I spotted Serendipity earlier that day and despite my aversion to chocolate, I had to go. It was well worth the calories!

I think the luck thing actually turned out well for us. We got A-MAZING seats for Bette, $350 face value, I won on the slots (even on the ones at the airport) and blackjack and had some great meals! I will never be grossed out by the prospect of bird poop again!

Days Like That

2009-05-21T09:16:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was probably one the the hardest days Elizabeth and I have ever had. We were both in tears at various times for various reasons. All week I have had an additional child with us during the day. I have been watching my friend's one year old, who Elizabeth is usually quite fond of. I guess she decided that she had had enough of sharing her Mommy and decided to become a child I did not know. She was being territorial, mean spirited and very whiny. I found myself struggling to find a redeeming quality that she could possible possess. And while she did have her moments, I was more than happy to drop her off with my dad (sorry, Dad) and go out with my mom and even more happy that she would be with Chris for the rest of the evening. I just needed a break (and a Margarita).

It is days like those that sort of make me happy that she will be in the four year old range when another little addition to our family comes along. I think she will have the ability to be reasoned with better than know and will also to be able to maybe more fully understand what is going on. Maybe I am just telling myself this because I NEVER thought I would ever have kids this far apart. But I sure hope I am right, because I can't have too many more days like the one we had yesterday.

Today

2009-05-15T15:09:00.004-06:00

Here are two pictures of the nose today. I cancelled the pictures for tomorrow. Let's hope she does not damage herself next time.

What Happens at Nana's...

2009-05-14T22:36:00.002-06:00

I dropped Elizabeth off at my parent's house today in perfect condition. She returned home in not the same codition. Of course this has to happen 2 days before we have family pictures scheduled.

A Healthy Dose of Brainwashing

2009-05-13T14:59:00.002-06:00

Although it was never our intention, Chris and I have managed to successfully brainwash Elizabeth. Chris has made her into a little CUBS fan. Sorry family, he has done this when left alone with no supervision. When we were at the Rockies game the other night, I had to take Elizabeth to use the bathroom and as soon as she sat down to do her business she raised one hand in the air and said Go, CUBS, Go! It is kind of cute, even if she is cheering for a group of losers. She also told Chris the other night that she liked to watch baseball. Not too sure how much I really believe her, I think she was just trying to suck up to daddy.

I have said before that I am a bit of a jewelry snob. I can't help it. Chris knew this piece of information going in. While I am an admitted jewelry snob, I am also very boring and tend to wear the same pieces over and over again, this has worked out well on the budget side of things. If you ask Elizabeth what is the only color jewelry box a boy is allowed to get her, she will quickly tell you blue. Boys, you have been warned.

Not long ago Elizabeth told Chris and I that she wanted to go to Pari. We were unsure of what she said, because that is not somewhere we thought she knew, but she continued to insist. We later found out that she had been listening to a lot of the Anastasia soundtrack at Nana's house and in one particular song they sing about Paris. She learned to love Paris with out me even doing anything! Seriously could not be happier about that. She does ask to go every so often and I tell her that we will go in a few years. I even have an Eiffel Tower picture that matches the pinks and greens in her room that I plan to put up in the next few days. I have decided that her room will have subtle french accents, I know she'd pick the same things if given the choice!

Midnight Visitor

2009-05-09T08:20:00.002-06:00

Elizabeth joined Chris and me in bed last night around 2 a.m. At that time of night, I just let it go. I have no desire to put her back in her bed because I am too comfortable in mine. When I woke up this morning we had this conversation:

Me: Elizabeth, why did you come to sleep in Mommy and Daddy's bed?

E: Cuz (my new least favorite word she knows)

Me: Because why?

E: Cuz I love you.

And that makes it o.k. with me.

Breaking News

2009-05-06T14:45:00.002-06:00

While it is not customary to post news such as this, I just could not resist. Sorry Sara.

A terrible thing happened the other day in the land down under. It is rare for such things to happen in a land that is filled with beautiful weather, sparkling water and mesmerizing accents. But it is true, all good things must come to an end. Sadly, one Outward Bound instructor has reported that her beloved Burberry has lost it's battle with maintaining appearances and has broken. And when this horrible incident was reported to the other instructors, they found themselves confused as to why loosing a berry, a fruit, is such a tragedy. You see, the saddened instructor is a rare breed. While she may camp for a living and take the youth of the world on wilderness adventures, she loves the finer things in life. An odd juxtaposition, but one that makes her the person she is nonetheless.

And while she lays to rest one possession that she held so dear to heart, even more so after learning of the affection that her niece felt for this bag as well, I ask that you take a moment of silence for her now broken bag. It is the only request she has made.

In loving memory of the Burberry bag that has been on many travels, coveted by a young niece and is, from the best of my knowledge , discontinued.

An Artist in the Making

2009-05-01T21:53:00.002-06:00

I love that Elizabeth enjoys doing artsy things like drawing, painting, sculpting and creating. It is a quality that I hope she carries with her though her life and learns to appreciate the art of others as well. She loves to play with sidewalk chalk. And because we are limited on space, sidewalk chalk becomes deck and house siding chalk, but she loves it nonetheless. This is a recent drawing of hers. She told me it was Daddy. Considering she is not quite 3, I think she did a pretty good job. I know I am her mom and I am supposed to think that, but check it out.

For the Family...

2009-05-01T21:43:00.002-06:00

Due to a recent layover in Denver, Elizabeth was able to meet her cousins. She had only met Dillon once before and this was our first time meeting Colin. We were able to spend a few hours with them at the airport, it was a great oppurtunity to get some pictures. Because Colin was sort of all over the place, it was hard to get some of the 3 of them together.

A Girl and The Dryer; A Love Story

2009-04-24T20:16:00.003-06:00

To fully understand what I have intended to share, we must take a little trip back in time. February 2001, I am living and going to school in Salamanca, Spain. Each Friday, I send out a mass email, in a very blog-like manner, to fill everyone in on my happenings. Thanks to my mom and her stellar archival skills, I will share a bit of one of those e-mails. This comes from an e-mail entitled My Cultural Observations and Woes...

And let's discuss the fact that there are about a total of 0 dryers in houses out here. Everyone has a washing machine, but the dryer has just not hit yet. The same teacher who was the smoking advocate (ed. note-said smoking was healthier in Spain due to less pollution than in the U.S.) thought we were the most spoiled little kids when we (my roomie and I) said how happy we were to have used a dryer. I can confidently say that the highlight of my week was when I did my own laundry and dried it. You never know how much you miss that dryer until your socks can stand by themselves and your whites are really musky colored your shirts and jeans have not gone back to original shape. Thank God for the laundry mat. I think that all of you right now should take a moment and hug your dryer. That was, without a doubt, the best $12 I have spent since

being here.

Now, more than 8 years later, I am having issues again. Only this time it is with the washer and dryer. You see, when we rented our lovely place (note the hostile tone and sarcasm), we were under the impression that it came fully equipped with my two favorite appliances. Not so much. Shortly after signing the lease, the previous tenant called us to see if we would like to buy her almost new washer and dryer for $700. We had just had Elizabeth and had no extra money, this was out of the question and this was also when I realized that we just rented a place with no way to clean all the new baby messes. So, for quite some time, we trekked-often a few times a week-to my parents to do our laundry. Nothing like having to waste your day inside someone else's house doing laundry all day.

Relief finally came when a neighbor moved out and we got her 25 year old set (to go with all my other 25 year old appliances). Although it was 25 years old and very small (we only have room for a stackable), it worked. Until the dryer started to leak OIL, thus ruining a whole load of clothes.

We have since stopped using that set. So now we are in the same predicament as we were when we moved in. Schlepping laundry EACH and EVERY time we go to my parents. It is not fun. The list of reasons why we are not buying a washer and dryer for our place basically boils down to stackables are VERY expensive both used and new.

So, what is my point in sharing all this with you? Love your washer and dryer. The next time, when you are cursing all the loads of laundry you have to do, think of me. Know what a luxury it is to do your laundry at your house. Love the fact that you can throw a load in and then go and do something else. Enjoy the convienance you have. Give your a washer and dryer a hug. Because I am sorely jealous.

My New Toy

2009-04-21T15:24:00.004-06:00

The cool thing about brothers is that when they grow up and have no kids of their own, they buy you cool birthday gifts. This year, Andy bought me a flip camera. While we already have a regular video camera, this one in nice to just throw in the purse, because it is that small! It also directly downloads to our computer, something I have been saying I wanted to learn with our other video camera. So, here is a little video of Elizabeth. I thought Sara would like it becuase she gives a little shout out and for those of you who have not seen elizabeth in forever, here she is. Be forewarned, I have not learned how to use the editing function yet. Oh, and knock knock is Elizabeth for binoculars.

Wondering...

2009-04-21T13:41:00.002-06:00

If a watched pot never boils, does that go for e-mails as well?

Chris has sent off MANY applications to MANY different jobs in MANY different places. I keep checking his e-mail. Waiting for something. This is not fun.

A sign of Maturity

2009-04-09T09:27:00.003-06:00

My birthday is in less than a week. I think this is the first time in my life that I am constantly forgetting this fact. I have too many other things floating around in my head at this point. I asked for three things: one expensive and somewhat unreasonable, one an indulgent spa treatment and one just because I want it (none of these include jewelry-rare), but what I would really like is for Chris to find a new job. I know it sounds silly and sort of like asking for peace on earth at Christmas, but I cannot think of anything that would make me happier.

Due to the desire to increase our family size, get a place of our own and find a better work environment (Chris), Chris and I have both been applying for jobs like our lives depend on it (though sometimes I feel like they really do). I used to have requirements for the job search, mainly stay here. Then, when that became apparent that Colorado may not have all the opportunity right now, I said, find something where we at least have some sort of family close by. Now, it is a free-for-all. As long as it is in a reasonable state (namely not CA, or a few east coast states due to an incredibly high cost of living), I am willing to go. Texas?Bring on the humidity. Nebraska? Corn, please! Kansas? Sort of like eastern Colorado, sure!

I guess this is when you know that you are an adult. When you realize that your personal wants pale in comparison to the bigger want/need. Don't get me wrong, while I would like each one of my list items, I would love a new endeavor for us even more.

Snow Day!

2009-03-30T14:46:00.005-06:00

Our mini blizzard combined with beautiful spring temperatures this weekend gave Chris and I an excellent opportunity to take Elizabeth sledding on Sunday. We only took her to the little park by our house, but it was a perfect size for her! We had a blast! It was hard to pick the pictures to share, I got so many good ones and am quite happy with the way they turned out!

See Kids, Dreams Do Come True!

2009-03-25T14:56:00.003-06:00

I often tell people that I married ESPN. Sometimes I am met with a sympathetic, Oh, my husband is really into sports, too. And while this may be true for that woman, it is safe to assume her husband has nothing on mine. Watching the movie Fever Pitch was like watching a movie about Chris and I, just with a different team obsession and minus season tickets (thank God we don't live in Chicago). We related a little too much. I am not saying this in a complaining sense at all, I learned this fact quickly after Chris and I started dating. I actually think that my sports knowledge, baseball in particular, is one of the reasons he liked me. In my dad's toast at our wedding, he even referenced that my Cubs obsessed husband married into a Cardinal loving family. He accepts the fact that I only half listen when he is telling me the sports news of the day, he just needs someone to tell it to, poor Elizabeth for having to endure this as well. His Mii is named Ryno, in honor of his favorite Cubs player. Chris marks every event in his life around what sporting event happened that day. We both will tell you that we started dating when the Diamondbacks were in the playoffs to get to the World Series, a Series they eventually won and I saw what I was in for-it was a close one. I am sure he knows what games were on when we got married and Elizabeth was born. His year is not measured in months, but rather athletic seasons and schedules (we are currently in March Madness/Spring Training).

I was not exaggerating when I said I married ESPN.

Shortly after Chris started grad school, it was decided, without his knowledge, that upon graduating, he would get a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame and Fenway. A perfect gift for him. Obtaining his master's degree is something that he never really thought he would do and this was a perfect way to reward him for such hard work and a great achievement. This is also the perfect gift for me, too. Chris can experience it with two people (my dad and brother) who care and want to be there and I can be here, at home, not having to relive every important moment in baseball history. I went to the hall of fame when I was probably 12 years old. It was nice. I can appreciate it for what it is, I just have no desire to spend another 8 hours there, though the introductory movie that Sara and I watched about 10 times was quite good. Leading up to the big reveal, Chris received a few items he may need to bring on his trip: a paper bag-should he start to hyperventilate, aspirin-should he pass out from shear shock (or too many beers), bandaids-to mend the scratches from passing out, boxers-should he loose control of bodily functions and two beers compliments of an absent Sara to be enjoyed at the Black Rose. Needless to say, after opening these gifts, he was a bit confused. When he got to the real gift, he was speechless. He received an itinerary and thought he was going to Boston to watch one game, then realized it was two and then saw the Hall of Fame info. Shock. It took a minute to register, but when it did, I know he was beyond excited. Other than me allowing him to name our next child Ryne Sandburg, this may quite possibly be the best gift he will ever get.

Like Breastfeeding...But Not

2009-03-25T14:40:00.002-06:00

While I was nursing Elizabeth I became a pro at scouting out spots where I could easily feed her when we were out. I knew where all the good spots were and quickly learned that the Nordstrom women's lounge is the nursing mommy hang out. I was able meet Elizabeth's needs while getting out of the house. It was a good little arrangement we had.

Fast forward to a potty-trained toddler. I think it is safe to say that Elizabeth is fully potty trained. She has been wearing real undies for over a week now and we have only suffered one minor accident (under Chris' watch-he forgets she is wearing undies I think). I did not do the stay at home for a few days while she is learning method. That would have made me crazy. And really, I can not take muuch credit for her quick learning, she just did it on her own. We have been business as usual around here. To the gym, mall, library, babysitter, out to eat...everywhere. I am finding myself scouting out potty spots should she announce she needs to go. Because, although she has mastered the basics in bladder control, she still can't compete with a teacher. There have been times when she will make such an announcement and I have to drop everything and get to a potty a.s.a.p. It is not as easy as giving her the pacifier and hoping that holds her over for 5 minutes while I wrap up, like I did when I was nursing.

But it sure is a lot better than having to regularly buy diapers. Hooray for the big girl!

She Said It...

2009-03-20T13:59:00.003-06:00

In the bathroom at Nordstrom today:

E: Look Mama, you do yellow pee-pee. I wanna do yellow pee-pee too!

She is learning her colors!

And So It Begins...

2009-03-19T14:47:00.002-06:00

After story time this week I went into a store for me to try and find some bargains. Once I had said bargains in hand, it was off to the fitting room. Because it is always important to get a 2nd opinion, and because my usual opinion-giver is on the other end of the world, I asked Elizabeth what she thought of the shirt I tried on. She told me I no like dis one. Thank you. I was unsure of it, so it went in the no pile. Shirt #2, I asked what she thinks and she tells me, I like Mama shirt. Good, I liked it too, so it went to the yes pile. In between shirts she pointed to the mirror and says, Look, Mama big belly. Really? Did she really just point out my one of my least favorite body parts in a fitting room for other women to hear?

And so it begins. Because I am a daughter and I still question what my mom wears on occasion (though never mentioning the size of her belly like my lovely did), I knew this is only to be expected with having a daughter. I just never thought it would start at 2! I guess I asked for it, but I would have thought that she would have been a bit more agreeable.

Ballet

2009-03-11T15:39:00.002-06:00

When I saw Elizabeth doing this in the shower the other day, I quickly told her she was doing ballet. To which she responded: I do ballet! I absolutely cannot wait to sign her up for her first class.

Naked Day

2009-03-09T11:16:00.002-06:00

Elizabeth is having a naked day. She refuses to wear clothes and takes off anything I attempt to put on her. She told me earlier, I be nudie. Nice to know we have that cleared up.

There will be no gym today.

There will be no outings.

Just hanging out at home. Fun.

At least this is less she has to take off when she needs to use the potty.

Passive Aggressive

2009-03-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

Nothing annoys me more than people talking about the downfalls of having a girl. I had to endure comments while I was pregnant from mothers of boys telling me how happy they were that did not have a girl. I have one friend who recently told me that she would not have another child until her husband is ok with the fact that they could have another girl. I heard more negative comments in the past 3 years about girls, and I just don't get it. If people are under the impression that all little girls are shy and meek and boring, they obviously have not met my child. She has an amazing personality, is adventurous and is oftentimes found with a doll in one hand and a ball in the other.

When I saw this shirt in the Gap recently, I had to buy it. It is my own little way of telling all those people to shove it! I could not be happier with my little girl!

What Sisters are Good For...

2009-03-06T12:08:00.002-07:00

I will be the first to admit that I am not the biggest fan of Sara living/working in Australia. Florida was a bit of a stretch, but at least we were able to text on a regular basis when she was on a course and removed from any sort of civilization.

Now, we just have facebook and the web cam. And while the web cam is a great piece of technology, the time difference sucks and it is just not as easy as sending a quick text or voicemail.

Earlier this week, I was able to chat with Sara via web cam and it gave me a chance to get a 2nd opinion on some recent purchases. I don't generally listen to what Chris has to say about my clothes, he usually just tells me what he thinks he should. This is what sisters are good for, telling you honestly their opinion (whether asked or not). We had a mini fashion show thanks to the computer, a weird way to do it, but it had to be done nonetheless. So, Sara got to live vicariously though me and be excited over some new shirts and sad that she is missing out on these and I now get to make a trip to the mall to return a top that got a big NO from her.

I am still not the biggest fan of this living arrangement, but at least I can get my 2nd opinions when needed. Well, as long as she is not in the middle of nowhere with no internet access.

Shocking

2009-03-06T11:51:00.002-07:00

Elizabeth has this new, weird habit of swishing food and liquid around in her mouth. It is as though she has mouthwash. I find this habit to be very gross. This was a coonversation we had when such an incident happened.

Me: Elizabeth, stop doing that, it is gross.

Elizabeth: No gross, Daddy taught me.

Me: Of course he taught you.

Elizabeth: Uh-huh.

Nice to know Chris is imparting such great knowledge to our 2 and a 1/2 year old.

She's Got a Way

2009-03-02T22:17:00.002-07:00

Elizabeth is a skilled procrastinator. She has it down to an art. She can dally and take her sweet time with most things. She knowingly does it too. When she knows she is being especially annoying or being a huge procrasinator, she will look at me and very seriously say, I love you, Mommy.

It kills me. It is like she knows that that is the one thing that I cannot argue with and melts my heart. Sometimes she will even add a spotaneous kiss to it as well. How can you be frustrated with that? Yes, she has got the sucking up thing all figured out.

I Just Don't Get It...

2009-03-02T22:04:00.003-07:00

I spend the majority of my time with Elizabeth. I chose this role and am not complaining about it, but I have been with her almost non-stop since last Wednesday. Until yesterday afternoon, Chris was with her minimally. My parents, Elizabeth and I went skiing over the weekend to give Chris some final work time for his thesis. Elizabeth asked for Chris incessantly. When she wants something, she put her mind to it and keeps trying till she can try no more. She was so excited at the prospect of seeing him when we were on our way home. I was excited at the idea of some much needed me time.

Nope.

She wanted me. When we put her down for a nap, she wanted me to lay with her. And getting into the car after the pool, she wanted me to put her in her seat. And when she decided to have a hard time sleeping last night, she wanted to sleep with me. ME! What happened to the little girl chanting, I want my daddy?

Doesn't she ever tire of me? I get sick of just hanging out with myself sometimes, you would think she would too. I am flattered that she likes to hang out with me so much, but I have to admit that when given the choice and oppurtunity, she would pick Chris.

Thank You Humidity...

2009-02-20T17:28:00.001-07:00

There is nothing cuter than a full head of curls on Elizabeth! Houston just may have one redeeming quality after all.

Poser

2009-02-20T16:39:00.002-07:00

I do not know how, maybe it is the fact that Elizabeth is realted to Chris, but she does not like having her picture taken. This fact kills me. I was beyond thrilled the other day when I got this shot of her, I guess all it took was some Mardi Gras beads and she found her inner model.

Giving Mama Anxiety

2009-02-18T13:09:00.004-07:00

I don't fly well. It is probably the great irony of my life, I love the destination, not the journey. Whenever I fly I must mentally prepare myself. I have found it is a bit easier to have Elizabeth as a travel companion because I focus more on her than my impending doom. We flew this past weekend for our annual jaunt to Houston. I must admit that both flights were pretty uneventful and not as bad as I interpreted them to be. Elizabeth is an excellent traveller, I could learn a lesson or two from her.

My only complaint about traveling with her is that she likes the window closed. Because FAA says that if she is going to sit in her car seat, she must sit in the window seat, she gets control of the window. This gives me anxiety. I especially need the window up during take off. I don't know why, I just do.

After we boarded and got situated the other day, the window shade was the first choice toy for Elizabeth to play with. When we were about to take off I told her to keep it open, she replied with a quick NO! I replied with Elizabeth, you need to open that window because it gives Mama anxiety.

We fought, she won and I survived. I am sure anyone listening in thought I was a lunatic. I know my mom did.

Things that Annoy Me

2009-02-12T09:57:00.002-07:00

I am easily annoyed. It is a vice of mine that I recognize and constantly remind myself that I need to work on. The kid who was at my table at work the other day who refused to get a tissue at my constant suggestion who then sat there for an hour letting his snot quiver with each breath. People who have no world view and are so ethnocentric that they can't see out of their bubble. Elizabeth when she asks the same question over and over and over again, perhaps expecting a new response.

These all annoy me.

My newest annoyance is the publisher that thinks it is necessary to place age levels on books. Is this really necessary? Can I not read Elizabeth's picture books to her because they are intended for children older than her? Really? Maybe it is because I am a teacher, or just weird, but I do enjoy children's literature. Specifically the lit that is written for the upper-primary, middle school level. Some of my favorite authors write for this intended audience. I do love a good picture book as well. If I could, I would get my master's in children's lit. That is how much I like it.

On my most recent trip to the library I was excited to see that one of my favorite authors had a new book out. I grabbed it and devoured it in a matter of an evening (see previous post). I was annoyed to see that it had an 8-12 yr. level on it. I vote for an 8+ level, if they must have one. I think it is more friendly that way. At least with that, it is assuming that anyone over the age of 8 should be at a reading level that would allow them to successfully read this book alone. 8-12 is too limiting, suggesting that if you are over 12, this is not a book for you. I wonder how many young readers put back a book because they see that?

Good thing I am such a rebel and ignored the publisher's suggestion, because I may have to break my rules and add it to my permanent collection.

Love That Book

2009-02-12T09:43:00.003-07:00

Love That Book
(Inspired by Sharon Creech who gave life to
Jack who was
inspired by Walter Dean Myers)

Love that book
like a baby loves her mother's look
I said I love that book
like a baby loves her mother's look

Love to read it through the night
love to hold it tight,
wish it was mine to write.

The Owl and the Pussy Cat

2009-02-05T11:27:00.006-07:00

Sara said that my blog was boring. I say that someone who is living in Australia and is out of contact with me for too long cannot have an opinion. Regardless, this is not boring.

I know the importance of previewing text before reading it to a class. I learned the hard way. In April of 2004, when I spent what felt like a year with kindergartners, my supervising teacher gave me a book about chickens and eggs to read to the class. This was in preparation for them getting an incubator and eggs to hatch. As I was reading I get to a part that very elaborately describe the reproductive part of egg making and a discussion of sperm. Not exactly kinder-friendly so I skipped a few pages and acted like they eggs just show up. I still do not know if the teacher gave me that part knowingly or if she had failed to preview the book, but I learned to always preview.

Fast forward to today. I am subbing in a 2nd grade class that is currently working on poetry. I was told that each student had preselected a poem to share with the class and that they would share today. They had the option of asking me to read it or they could read it themselves. Most of the poems were cute and funny. The Owl and the PussyCat was neither cute nor funny. Here is an excerpt from the sweet, little 2nd graders poem:

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat

Edward Lear

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat went to sea

In a beautiful pea green boat,

They took some honey, and plenty of money,

Wrapped up in a five-pound note.

The Owl looked up to the stars above,

And sang to a small guitar,

"O lovely Pussy! O Pussy, my love,

"What a beautiful Pussy you are,

"You are,

"You are!

"What a beautiful Pussy you are!"

It goes on, but I will spare you. The student asked me to read this, and read it I did. I added the word cat so it did not sound so inappropriate. It was hard not to laugh, I was just thankful this was 2nd grade and not 5th.

Fired Up!

2009-02-01T21:47:00.002-07:00

I have been a long time reader of Dear Abby. I rarely miss a column, it has long been a part of my morning breakfast. I usually do not read Dear Abby's response, just skip it and go to the next letter. I read it for no other reason than habit and entertainment-it is almost funny sometimes what people write in about. Recently there was a girl who wrote in asking if it was, in fact, sinful to wear thongs-amusing. When I saw this in response to a previous letter the other day, I was fired up, not what I have come to expect from Dear Abby.

Every mother is different.
Some of us were meant to be stay-at-home moms,
others need the challenge of a career and the company of other adults.

This was not written by Dear Abby, but from another reader. In my opinion, one that is quite obviously a working mother. While I have nothing against full time working moms, I do have a problem with those that think us moms who choose to stay home are lazy and in need of psychiatric help. I have friends that work full time and ask frequently if I get bored, or what could I possibly do all day? Have they not spent enough time with their kids to know that this is work?

Challenge. I face challenge everyday. I do not need a career to give me that. Sometimes I think that had I gone back to work full-time, it would be less challenging. I would know what I was supposed to teach and when and would receive objective feedback frequently on my performance. Not such the case here. I spend the majority of my time with someone with whom I cannot effictively communicate with 100% and with whom I must out think and try to always be one step ahead of. I have to think of new and creative ways to hold her attention and worry about if I am teaching her the right things. One minute I am her favorite person in the world, and the next I have become the wicked witch and Daddy is the new hero. It is one big grey area. There is not one go-to book for me to answer my questions with or a standard set of guidelines that I must follow.

Rarely does a day go by that I do not encounter a challenge.

2 1/2

2009-01-26T21:29:00.003-07:00

Today Elizabeth is officially 2 1/2 years old. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from today.

Swimming

2009-01-26T15:02:00.002-07:00

One of the things that I am finding most fun about Elizabeth is her ability to play and pretend. She often will pretend to make a treat for one of the cats and hand them her invisible concotion. She'll make chewing noises and tell me that her treat taste good. She got a doll house for Christmas and it is fun to see where she moves the family to, it is quite obvious that she thinks out what each person is doing. She put the Dad on the couch the other day facing the t.v. and told me Daddy, ball show (as in the Daddy is watching a ball game, hmmm, wonder where she learned that!).

Elizabeth also got a lot of Disney action characters for Christmas. These also provide a lot of imaginative play for her. Often I am one character and she is another and more often then not I have to chase her character around. This is great fun. Today, rather than chasing, or going to work (because that is where Nemo's dad goes apparently), Nemo's daddy wanted to go swimming. In the toilet. Elizabeth was quite proud to show me where Nemo's daddy had gone, like this was the most logical place for him, why the cat's water dish or sink was not a viable option, I am not sure. Because I am not feeling well and I was just too tired to explain that the toilet was not a toy, I simply reached my hand to the bottom of the toilet, retrieved Marlin, rinsed him off and handed him back to Elizabeth, nicely telling her that he did not, in fact, want to swim in the toilet.

Good Girl

2009-01-16T20:19:00.005-07:00

Sometime between Christmas and New Years, Elizabeth decided to really start using the potty. Since then she has had had her good and bad days, but progress is being made nonetheless. I would like to take some of the credit for her success, but I think it just comes down to a girl thing. I am not sure what it is, but it just seems like this is something she just decided she wanted to do. I guess the Minnie and Tinkerbell undies and Princess Pull-Ups may be a motivating factor as well.

This week has been a particularly good week for her. There have been times throughout the week that she has used just one or two diapers/pull ups from the time she gets up to the time she goes to bed! She does not always tell me she has to go, I put her on the potty and have her sit there and usually she is ready. She is even almost to the point where she does not expect a treat afterward, which I think is really exciting. Tuesday she stayed dry from about 11-2, I was pretty proud of her, then felt bad when I realized after she used the potty that she had probably been holding it for a while. I am still not sure what to do to get her to go when we are out, she does not like for me to hold her on the toilet, so I am not sure how to handle that.

Today has been her best day yet! I have not had one wet pull up and she has even taken the initiative to use the potty on her own while I was straightening up! She told me she was a good girl, I have to agree 100%!

Rental Woes

2009-01-09T09:54:00.003-07:00

There was a recent story in one of the Sunday newspaper magazines that discussed the benefits of renting. It was actually somewhat humorous to me, because most days I find myself cursing renting. While it is nice to have someone do your yardwork (if you could call it a yard), I do not enjoy the fact that they always seem to come when Elizabeth is sleeping. And let's face it, even when we do own a house, I won't be the one doing yardwork anyway, so it is not such that great of a benefit anyway. And the twice weekly trash removal is nice, but also always seems to happen during sleeping hours and with no schedule. I a have 25 year old stove, fridge and diswasher. They do not function well, not going to be replaced on my dime. The main benefit mentioned in the article was the maintence issue. As in, something breaks, the landlord fixes it.

In a perfect world.

When dropping off rent the other day (something I loathe each month), I included a note that went something like this:

Judy,
The vertical blinds in our kitchen area keep breaking. Because they are so old, they have become very brittle and fall off easily. They cannot be put on again because they tear. They need to be replaced. Also, would you please consider putting a washer and dryer in? Thank you.

On Tuesday, I got a phone call from the landlord that went a little something like this:

LL-what is wrong with your blinds?
Me-They keep breaking and cannot be fixed because they tear.
LL-Do they open and close?
Me-Yes, but because they keep falling off and cannot be put back on, they are not really keeping the sun out or people from seeing in.
LL-So, they are not broken, right?
Me-Well, not all are, but they will be soon.
LL- Have you priced them?
Me-(trying to not act too stunned) No, I have not.
LL- We will see what we can do. Maybe try not to use your back door or open and close the blinds.
Me- That is very difficult because we need to use the back door because it goes directly to the car and we need to open and close the blinds so not everyone driving down the road and our neighbors can see in.
LL- Oh. We do not suply washer and dryers. You can buy one I know.
Me-Yes, I know we could buy one, but even the bottom of the line ones cost more than our rent each month and we do not plan to need a stacking washer and dryer upon moving out. We thought if there was one here, you could charge the next tenant more rent.
LL-We do not supply washer and dryers.

That was the conversation. Looks like we will not be getting a washer and dryer. Still have not heard about the blinds. Our windows also need to be replaced. If you open them, they actually wiggle and feel like they are going to fall off. Not to mention that they serve no purpose, do not keep heat or a/c in and let us hear street noise as if we were right there. This issue was brought up when the HOA contacted to Landlady about about another issue and she sent a repair guy over and he told her what horrible windows we had. She then asked, but they are not broken are they? I am waiting for the day that the window falls out.

At least we have a roof in a nice neighborhood with cheap rent.

Resolve

2009-01-06T15:15:00.003-07:00

Though I am not big on the whole New Years Resolution thing, I did make a few for myself this year. I thought I would share them, I guess the internet will now have to hold me accountable. In no important order, here they are:

No more credit cards. Plain and simple. They are to only be used in ICE (in case of emergency) situations.
Find a church. Being back in the most perfect town at the most perfect church for Christmas Eve made me want to find a church here. Although nothing will ever trump St. Joe's, I have decided to make it my mission to find something I can live with. Unfortunately for me there are only two churches in our town (which explains the standing room only on holidays and arriving early on a normal day just to get a seat), so I think we may have to look outside of the little bubble we live in.
(Are you sitting?) Start using the library. Yep, that's right, I will not be buying personal pleasure books for myself. Notice how I qualified that? I absolutely cannot stop all book buying, I am allowed to purchase reference books (i.e. potty training and photshop for dummies) and Elizabeth may get books too. But not for me.

Here's to a new year!

Yes, I am Good!

2009-01-06T14:46:00.003-07:00

I am a shopper. If you do not know that, you probably do not know me well. What you may not know is that I am a fantastic bargain shopper. I don't do thrift well, I have neither the patience nor the desire. It often frustrates me that I find something extremely cute and it is flawed or not the right size/color. That being said, I very rarely pay more than $10 for a piece of clothing for Elizabeth and almost exclusively shop at the Gap for her. She is well outfitted until next summer. Because stores did not seem to get the quantities they have had in previous years, there has not been as much on sale and her fall and winter pile for next year is looking bleak. Other than the lack of Elizabeth bargains, I have done well in other areas and felt like bragging. Here are some of my latest deals...

$80 worth of groceries for $45 (this will get us through dinners this week)
a $150 wool car/trench coat at the gap for $20 (a size Small too!)
a new tree skirt at PB Kids for $10, regularly $80 (see, it pays to go to Storytime!)
$80 J Jill cords for my mom for $24
a $55 sweater at Banana for $18
I found a dress at Banana for Sara for $17 that was originally $150, but she did not like it
$15 worth of stuff at Michale's for $8
Elizabeth's winter coat and snow pants bought at the Gap last year for $20, with at least a $75 value

See, I told you I was good!

My New Baby...

2009-01-06T14:26:00.003-07:00

I think that it is safe to say that Santa was extra good to everyone this year! I am not sure if there was much left of the want list at the end of gifts. Elizabeth got lots of great gifts, I think her favorites include her new doll house, the Minnie suitcase and the baby backpack (or pack pack in Elizabeth speak). Chris, being the most difficult of the three of us to shop for, was happy with a new wii game CUBS t-shirts. For me, I can't complain. Chris outdid himself and got me a great down vest, a key chain I had been eying, Chicago tickets (which inculdes a dinner date) and a new water bottle! My parents topped my favorites list though, I got a new camera. And this is not just any camera, it is a real one, that allows me to have control and makes beautiful pictures. It also comes with two camera/photography classes! So, I am happy to report, that I am now able to post pictures again. I am trying to get my hands on a copy of Photoshop to make even better pictures, but for now enjoy...

My new baby!
Evidence of my camera's greatness!

FYI

2008-12-15T22:43:00.002-07:00

Just in case you were wondering, Jasmine (you know, from Aladdin), has boobies. Elizabeth made sure to tell Chris and me that the other night as we were putting her bed. Not only did she tell us, she showed us as well. Great. How do you respond to that without laughing? She was just so matter of fact, and there Chris and I were acting like two third graders. There is no getting anything past Elizabeth.

There is never a dull moment around here.

This may be as close as we get...

2008-12-15T17:35:00.001-07:00

Elizabeth really likes the part at the end!

Good Mama

2008-12-11T15:04:00.002-07:00

I would love to be able to show you pictures of what Elizabeth and I have been up to this week, but I can't. Elizabeth broke the backup camera and so we are completely without. I sort of feel like a limb has been cut off. But in happier news, I got over my bah-humbugness and put up the Christmas tree. I did plan on putting one up originally because we will not be celebrating Christmas here and our place is really just too small- I did not want one more thing to make less space. After seeing how excited Elizabeth was getting over everyone else's trees, I put ours up as well. And thankfully I did, becuase she really was just beside herself excited. She called my mom and Chris at work and told them just what we had done. I also gave her her new Minnie ornament and she was so excited to put it on the tree!

As if the tree could not get any better, we got a package in the mail yesterday from her Aunt Jeri that had some of her old Princess ornaments in it for Elizabeth. After explaining that these did not in fact come from Santa, as she now thinks all presents do, she eagerly put her new ornaments on the tree.

Today we made a gingerbread house! Before you get all excited and think that I am some great mom, know that I bought a kit, prebaked with all necessary pieces. I did not excatly know what I was getting myself into with this thing and did not realize how long it had to sit and set before decorating. Being impatient and scared the royal icing would harden, I rebeled and we decorated, completely ignoring any instructions for allowing time for the house to set. This was a really fun thing for Elizabeth to do and I will probaly let her decorate a bread house each year. She did a really good job of knowing not to eat the candies and placing them somewhere I had already put icing. I think that she thought it was pretty cool that she got to play with the candy and do with hem as she pleased. She was quite proud of her masterpiece when we were done. It is pretty apparent which parts of the house I did and which she did, I am thinking next year we will have to make two so we each can do exactly as we wish!

Now, if only you could see the fruits of our labor!

Finally

2008-12-11T14:53:00.002-07:00

I am finally done with the Twilight series and can now get back to my regular life. I am pretty proud of myself, even though this was Young Adult Fiction (Chris would not let me forget), I read over 2,000 pages in less than 3 weeks. I got pretty sucked in, just as was intended, and just could not put the books down. For the most part I enjoyed the storyline, surprisingly because this is not the kind of book I would normally pick up. I was a bit disappointed with the ending though. I thought it was a bit anticlimactic. After all this great writing and imagination, is was just sort of so-so, Disneyesque really. Oh well, there is nothing I can do about that, though it would have been nice if she would have given a glimpse to 20 years in the future.

I wonder now, if in a few years, we will see an increase in the use of Edward, Bella (Isabella), Alice and Renee for baby names. Sort of like the Friends effect, really how many Emma's did you hear of before then? Hmmmm...

That's all I have to say about that.

Realla Cakes

2008-12-04T16:13:00.006-07:00

On a recent trip to the grocery store I noticed some princess sprinkles, Disney has really got the market covered, that's for sure. And being the nice mama that I am, I bought the sprinkles for my little princess obsessed child! Chris had been dying to decorate and bake cupcakes with her, so I thought this would be the perfect accessory. So we baked and decorated. It was not the disaster that I had imagined (I am by no means a baker) and she had a blast. She called them realla (as in Cinderella) cakes.

Helping to make the batter

Mixing
Making the cupcakes
Licking the spoon, like every good chef!Shoes, crowns, pearls and apples

neon frosting

Decorating

Mess

YUM!

The final products!

Lucky Day

2008-12-04T16:01:00.002-07:00

I finished the second Twilight book on Tuesday, not as good as the first, but it held my interest. I had an under the weather baby yesterday and was left with no Bella and Edward action. I seriously considered trying to take her to target to get the last two books, but decided against it in an effort to save some money (it probably would have been 40 for the two)and also to avoid buying hardbacks, I am not a fan of those. So, I did the unthinkable, (drumroll please), I got on the library web site to see if they had any in. The waiting list was over 100 long, but I did notice that there were about two books that were marked with a 4 leaf clover and said lucky day and were supposedly on the shelving cart-they have a few copies of in demand books that cannot be put on hold. Score! After Elizabeth's nap and determining that she did feel better, we raced to the library to try to beat the jr. high and high school crowd for my books. Well, what do you know, I got them! I thought I may have to fight this 12 yr old for them, but I asked the librarian about the shelving cart and he got the books from the secret spot and I was no longer with out. I think I may have gotten the shakes or something if they did not have them.

I am about 1/3 of the way through #3 and am really liking it thus far. I have a sub job tomorrow and I know these particular students have a special at the end of the day so I should get lots of reading time there! I will be so happy when I am done with these, I can get back to being normal!

Twilight

2008-11-30T07:53:00.003-07:00

Ok, I am obsessed. I have not posted anything because any free minute I get I must read. I finished book one Tuesday night and had to go and get the next book, New Moon, Wednesday. I am already half way through that. Not my usual genre of books, but I am loving them. They are written in such a way that you believe that the whole vampire thing is totally plausible, much like the notion of time travel in the Time Travellers Wife-another favorite. My only complaint is that the books are written in a Dawson's Creek sort of fashion, no teenager has that sort of vocabulary. Oh well, minor really.

I am so obsessed that after my before dawn wake up on Friday morning I went to go and see the movie. I was surprised at how crowded the theater was for an early afternoon show, I was lucky to get a decent seat! Overall I enjoyed to movie, it stayed pretty true to the book with only a few exceptions. Here are my complaints, minor in most cases, but irritating nonetheless:

The actor that played Edward needed a chest wax, he is supposed to be 17. I should not see any chest hair sprouting out of his shirt.
The girl that played Bella made her seem like this ultra depressed teenager, she hardly smiled the whole movie. She was not written like that in the book.
They made Charlie look like a drunk, hardly a shot of him without a beer around.
I firmly believe that the actors playing Emmet and Jasper should have switched.
They did not explain enough of the back story of the Cullen family, I think it was an important part of the story.

That is all I have got for now. I think that I will forgo my usual Sunday paper and read another chapter!

Wait and Watch my Weight #5

2008-11-21T18:01:00.003-07:00

I am officially down 10 lbs! I hoped to have a slightly better number than that right now, but with Sara home I did not do as well as I had planned. Sara is like a pusher. Although she does make healthy choices, she likes to cook and eat out. Not necessarily a good combo for me. Oh well, 10 lbs is still 10 lbs. Last Saturday night Chris, Elizabeth and I went with some people from work to a family style restaurant known for its fried chicken and fried corn fritters. It was very good. Since I have chosen Sundays as my weigh in day, I was a little nervous, so much so, after dinner I went and worked out that night. I am not sure if it was the work out cram session or good choices during the rest of the week, but I lost 1.5 lbs, so that made me feel good.

Also, on a positive note, I got into some of my size 8 pants. I knew when I bought them last year that they ran on the big side, but I will take an 8 where I can get it right now. I am still not in my skinny jeans, which is annoying because they are the cutest pair I own and I am sick of wearing my ugly jeans. That is my christmas goal, to get in my skinny jeans. I can get them buttoned but they are just not cute yet, I think I can do it.

What will you do for a princess sticker?

2008-11-20T15:47:00.005-07:00

Monday night Elizabeth announced she wanted to use the potty. It took Chris and I a few minutes to figure out what she was saying because it was sounding like party, but once we got that down, I was more than happy to grant her request. After getting totally naked (because one can absolutely not go with clothing on) and getting sufficient reading material, she finally peed in the potty! I was so excited, and immediately rewarded her with a princess sticker to put on the potty and let her get two m&m's. We have not been pushing the potty issue and I was quite surprised at her request.

Tuesday was even better, she told me she needed to poop in the potty and that is just what she did! Well, she did after she stripped down and got some reading material, but mission accomplished. She was a little grossed out by the disposing of the contents of the potty, but I was too. She was very proud of herself and got another princess sticker to put on her potty.

Last night after work I went to Target and found some Minnie Mouse undies. I have been told by various people that maybe having undies in her drawer and her knowing they were waiting for her would help with wanting to use the potty. Well, when we got up this morning and I told Elizabeth I had a present for her, she was more than excited, she practically shoved me out the door to get it out of the car. When I came back in to show her the undies, she was even more excited. She then insisted on wearing them and took off the diaper, refusing to think about putting one on. So much for going to the gym this morning. So all morning I kept telling her, when you need to go potty tell mommy. Not so much. She made it about 2 1/2 hours before she had an accident. At least she has a diaper on now!

I expect I have an interesting few months ahead of me, hopefully with plenty of princess stickers to decorate the potty with!

First Snow

2008-11-14T14:42:00.003-07:00

Elizabeth and Sophie were both completely enamored with the falling snow this morning. I call it romantic, movie snow. The flakes were so big and pretty. Elizabeth insisted on sitting on the counter to watch with Sophie.

Bad, Bad Mama

2008-11-14T14:07:00.002-07:00

I broke one of my cardinal rules today. I let Elizabeth play at the mall. While this may not seem like such a big deal, it is something I have always said that I do not want her to do. I do not want Elizabeth to associate the mall with play time (getting a cookie when we go, I am OK with that). If I have to take her there, I like to do what I have to do and that be it. I do not want to have to stop at the play area each time and have a potential meltdown when we have to leave. Call me weird, but if I want to take her to play, we will go to the park, pool, indoor playground or children's museum or play at home (gasp!).

We woke up to snow and that immediately ruled out the indoor playground I had planned to take her to, I knew that it would be way too busy with fresh snow on the ground. So, instead we went to the mall. I had to go there anyway to get Chris some new jeans ($24 for two new pairs from the Gap-go me!), so I told Elizabeth she could play at the play area when we were done. They have this huge play area with gigantic breakfast items to play on, she had a blast. She played for almost an hour and fell asleep on the way home. I have to admit that this was a happy medium for us, I got done what I needed to and she had fun. Although this activity will not be occurring too much in Elisabeth's day, I do see how I could get a bit of shopping done and have her and Chris play there, I could shop whine free. Then again, they could just stay home and play there. The mall play area I guess was just not made for me.

What's Up Stoner?

2008-11-13T12:16:00.002-07:00

I taught a kid the other day who had Stoner for his last name. Can you imagine all the jokes that will ensue in high school? Poor kid. If I was to marry that man, I would drop the r, seems more pc that way.

Speaking of...

2008-11-13T11:31:00.004-07:00

It is hard not to compare. I really believe it is human nature. My old teaching partner used to pick out one of the biggest people in the room and ask me if she was a big as that. As a mom I know that I should not compare Elizabeth to other children, knowing there is no benefit. But I do. Sometimes I am shallow and I think, my baby is cuter than that or look how bright my little girl is. Other times, I think, why is Elizabeth not able to do (fill in the blank)? This last question led to Elizabeth's new little venture.

I had been noticing for a while that Elizabeth was not talking as well as other kids her age. And while I know that kids develop at their own pace, and she did have a decent sized vocabulary, she just seemed to not be where I thought she should be. Having any other background other than education, this would have freaked me out, but I know that speech problems do not really relate to one's intelligence and honestly, I really do think she is a pretty sharp little girl. After talking to a few friends that have little ones involved in speech programs, I decided to call and have her evaluated. Before you get all worried that she had to be evaluated, know that she had a blast, they had an awesome room for her to play in and interact with the evaluators.

After her evaluation, it was determined that Elizabeth gets to see a speech therapist 2 times a month until she is 3. In April she will be reevaluated and they will determine if she needs to continue services at 3. She just needs to focus on articulation. She likes to drop the last sound in a lot of her words, she says ni ni for night night. She also needs a little boost putting more than two or three words together. I have read that this is a common occurrence with kids with personalities such as hers. She would rather, run, jump, play than worry about stringing more words together, is is just not on the top of her to do list.

Two of my teacher friends commented on how calm I seemed about all this. How could I not be? I am not a speech therapist. I have no idea how to best help her. The therapist will be helping both of us, her to speak better and me to work with her on this better. I just want what is best for her. I sort of have a mental list in my head about what bumps we may come along in life that I think I could handle, and ones that I am not so ok with. So far, have not gotten any of the latter, and knock on wood to keep it that way.

Artist in Residence

2008-11-09T13:46:00.003-07:00

Elizabeth and Chris recently took an art class. Each week they learned about something new and used a different material. At the end of each class they shred their work and clapped for each other, I would have loved to see it! Here are some of her masterpieces. They were all done with minimal help from Chris.

A Late Halloween

2008-11-04T21:15:00.006-07:00

This was the first year that Elizabeth really got and enjoyed Halloween. I think that this will be the last year that I get to pick her costume, so I took full advantage and dressed her as a ballerina, I could not pass it up when I saw it. Halloween is probably my least favorite of the holidays, but I actually had fun this year.

Elizabeth and I went to the Children's Museum in the morining. They had a really nice setup outside, it was very nice out, so we hung out there for a while and then enjoyed all the activites inside. They had trick or treat booths set up around the museum so she was able to get some goodies there. She can't say trick or treat yet, but did an excellent job of saying please and thank you and opening her bag! After the museum we went to see Chirs for lunch and stopped my mom's office to say hi and also say Whitney and Uncle Andy.

Halloween night we ate chili at my parent's, a halloween must, and took Elizabeth around to some of the nieghtbors houses. She loved it and kept telling us, one more.

Until Now

2008-11-03T09:55:00.004-07:00

I, along with I think every other in the United States, read and loved Eat, Pray, Love. Earlier this year, Sara and I even went to go and hear Elizabeth Gilbert speak. It was a really enjoyable experience.

I enjoyed the eat part of the book the most. That is the section I most identified with. Not because it was deemed the eat part, trust me-I did in fact eat my way through Italy, but because she was so immersed in the culture and went to a language school there. That would be me if I could.

The part of the book I least identified with was her pray part of her journey. Not because I do not understand her desire to seek out a religion/spiritual practice that she felt comfortable with-I get that. What I did not really get was, was the life she lived while there. It just seemed a bit too extreme, hard maybe a better word. It was like she went there and ended up doing a lot of hard labor-scrubbing floors is not my idea of getting away to find myself. There was one lady she describes in the book, from Australia with many kids, who chose to be in silence for her few month stay at the ashram. When I fist read the book I thought that lady must be crazy. How could she spend all that time in silence? Who would want to do that? I just did not get it. Until now.

Now, I am not going to run off to an ashram in India for 4 months, but there are some days when I wish I could just put a sign around my neck telling people I was in silence. How fantastic that would be. After a long day with Elizabeth: In Silence. After subbing for 1st graders: In Silence. When I just want to read a book for 30 mins.: In Silence. Ahhhhh, simple pleasures that seem to evade me. I think this must be the reason for spas!

Randomness

2008-11-01T21:01:00.006-06:00

My friend Janet tagged me the other day, I now am obliged to inform my public (ha!) of random things about myself. In no order whatsoever, they are as follows...

1. I don't do the library. Specifically the Wilmette Public Library, but since my expulsion from there, I have not been much of a library goer. When I was younger, I can't remember how old, I am guessing about 12, I was informed I could no longer be a member of the library because I had an outstanding fine for a book I had lost and never paid. I do not recall the name of the book, but I do remember it was a red hardback of the historical fiction nature. I was convinced I would find it when we moved but no such luck. My dad is convinced I am public enemy number one at the Wilmette Library. Since then, I tend to avoid them.

2. I fell in love with Art when I was in Elementary school. We were fortunate enough to have a program where we learned about the masters. I grew up wanting to have my wedding reception at the Art Institute of Chicago. To this day it is still one of my biggest passions and I still regret not getting a degree in Art History. I often dream that one day I will get my master's in Art History. I would love for Chris or myself to land a job at a university so I could get discounted tuition and could be a professional student. I'm serious.

3. I whole heartily believe I should have been born in a European country. It is not that I don't love it here, I am thankful for all my rights and privileges, but I have always been drawn to that part of the world. Italy, Spain and France are probably the only places other than Chicago I would like to live. Chris rolls his eyes every time I watch a movie or read a book set in that part of the world, he has been with me long enough to know that I will suggest we just pack up and go, even just for a year. Keep dreaming, I know.

4. I have taken two field trips to the 4 Seasons Hotel in downtown Chicago. One in 2nd grade and the other in 5th grade. Before each field trip some of my classmates were also interviewed on a very popular morning radio show. It helped to have friends with dads in high places. I remember most the one in 2nd grade. We wore chefs hats and made chocolate covered strawberries (I ended up feeling sick the rest of the day from eating too many). We had a pillow fight in one of the suites and got to slide down the grand staircase on our bottoms in our very fancy clothes! I wore my new American Girl dress, Kirsten's summer one, I was so excited to be wearing it.

5. I believe Chicago pizza is the greatest ever for 2 reasons. First of all, nothing beats Lou Malnati's. Hands down the best pizza one could ever eat, with a light and flaky crust that cannot be matched. The second reason is that real Chicago style has the sauce on the top which works out well for me because I hate the sauce. All I have to do is scrape off the top part and everything else stays in tact! Genius!

6. I don't do relaxing vacations. My first choice for a vacation would not be a lazy trip to the beach. I would much rather spend my time sight seeing and exploring. In my mind, I cannot justify spending tons of my saved up money just to lie around on the beach. Just not my cup of tea!

My People

2008-10-29T12:20:00.002-06:00

For quite some time, Elizabeth and I have been attending storytime at Potterybarn Kids. We do this for two reasons (both selfish on my part), the first one is that I get a $10 coupon after 5 visits and second, I do not do well at the library. This also gives me a weekly excuse to go to the mall, not that taking Elizabeth there is my idea of a good time, but the cookie from the Nordstrom cafe seems to keep her happy long enough. Over the course of our time at storytime, we have become and gotten to know the other regulars. We have gotten to know them so well that we were invited to play group, last week and the week before! Hooray for us!

There are no other two year olds, but that does not seem to phase her at all. The kids range in age from 4 years to 22 months, and I am the only one of the 4 moms with just one kid, the others have one boy and one girl.

After our first play group, I realized, I felt like I have found my kind of people. Obviously, they are all moms that stay at home-one is even a former teacher like me, so I don't feel like to have to explain my choice to stay home with Elizabeth. They share coupons (read thrifty and love a bargain-so me), this is really exciting, my mom can attest to the fact that I steal hers weekly. They are crafty, I am getting good ideas for fun crafts to do by myself and with Elizabeth. They are totally noncompetitive and I don't feel like I am the poor one, we bring down the average income by at least $50 grand.

Elizabeth and I have both made friends!

Yes, I Know

2008-10-26T21:15:00.004-06:00

I know that I said I would be good about staying up on the blog, but I have been busy and tired lately. I have a bunch to report too. I have an easy work week this week, so I hope to catch everyone up. Jeanne and Sara are in town and I have been busy visiting with them and Elizabeth has been quite the little entertainer! She is getting really good at saying both of thier names and likes to show off for any willing audience.

I have gotten some payback from Chris for three weeks in a row of attending football games and have enjoyed a few nights out this past week. Tues, the fam and I (minus Chris and Elizabeth) went to a wine bar, Fri. Chris and I went on a dinner date (thanks to babysitting from Nana and Papa) and to see Jimmy Fallon at a new comedy club and last night we had a girls night complete with dinner, a theater/comedy show and drinks afterward. Talk about jam-packed weekend. I enjoyed my little mommy break, but I also feel like I have hardly seem my baby these past few days :(

Not surprisingly, with all my nights out, I gained 2lbs. I was actually down 10lbs last Sunday and then I went and screwed myself up. On the bright side, I am still 8lbs down and that makes me happy. I will not be going out again like that anytime soon, so I am confident I can make up for one bad week!

Oh, I finally got Elizabeth's wish lists updated on the side there!

Where I'm At

2008-10-17T11:23:00.004-06:00

What, you ask, am I doing blogging at 11:30 in the morning? I will tell you. I am subbing. I am alone now in a dark classroom while my little cherubs are at lunch. Really they are not that bad, they are just second graders and cry on a moments notice. There is a reason that 4th is the lowest I will go for a full time job. The day has passed pretty quickly, we have more than enough to do and even more this afternoon. Just three more hours and I get to go to my real, non-paying job. Hey, it's money, right?

Today also marks the first time I have left Elizabeth this long with someone that I am paying to watch her and is not related to me. That makes me sad. She was ok this morning when I left, eager to go and play on the swing set, I just hope her attitude stayed so good. I have been busy enough so I have not thought of her all day, but now I am missing her. At least I get to come home and find the house in the same way it was left this morning, no yucky lunch mess or other effects of our daily hurricane Elizabeth.

That Time Again

2008-10-16T14:33:00.002-06:00

Chris and I have both been asked by different people for Christmas ideas for Elizabeth. She honestly does not need that much. If you have seen our place, you will know too, that we do not have a ton of extra room. With that being said, there are a few things that I have thought of. There are some really cute action figure sets that she has played with at other kids houses that she seems to like. They are from Disney. I know she would like the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, Handy Manny, and Princess sets. These are currently 2 for $20 on the Disney site, economical choice and fun for her. I could not find a dalmatian set, but I know she would love that as well. The links under the Elizabeth Hit the Jackpot section of the blog (look to your right) will also be updated by the end of the weekend. She really enjoys books, but you may want to check with me before you buy her one so she does not get a duplicate, she has many! I almost always buy the $5 books from Kohl's for her, I can not say no to $5 hardback book for her! She really does not need any clothes, I tend to shop the clearance rack out of season for her, so she is well equipped in that area. Also, please no more stuffed animals, soon she will need a full sized bed to accommodate her and all of her friends. She also likes videos, which drives me crazy, but with the winter upon us, they may be a lifesaver. She likes the Disney sing along DVD's. There are many of those to choose from. I would prefer she learn something if she is going to watch something, like this or this or this. If you do happen to get her something from this list and not the one on the right, could you please leave a note in the comments so others know not to buy it. You would think that Disney would have a wish list button, but no such luck. Hope this helps!

...It's My New Obsession

2008-10-15T14:21:00.002-06:00

I digress. To say that I watch some of the stupidest shows on tv is an understatement. Really, I do not care, it is a mindless way to relax after a typically busy day. For just a sampling of my poor taste, today I will be recording Project Runway, Private Practice, Oprah, The View and Lipstick Jungle (I will not watch all of them). Ahhh, Lipstick Jungle. I was bored a few weeks ago, being crafty in my room and needing something other than nothingness to listen to. I decided to see what the show was about since I had recently seen Brooke Shields on PR. I fell in love. During my regularly scheduled craft time and late nights with no Chris, I have now seen all of season one and am caught up on season two! I just love full length episodes available on network sites! Being a die-hard SATC fan, this show is so for me!

New obsession #2 is janegreen.com. I read 4 or 5 of her books this summer. I have been reading her for a while and I really just love her. I go through bouts of not reading much for no real reason, so I had fallen behind on her novels. Now that I have got myself all caught up, I was sort of missing her, her writing is completely captivating and fun. Anyway, I came across her website not too long ago and she keeps a daily blog. It is filled with the same wit and sarcasm that is found in her books! So while I am waiting for her next book to come out, I can get my daily fix from her blog!