tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16565174315567516442024-03-13T06:36:45.181-07:00Days full of joy...and then someAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15473878467286959302noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-83690416287678983542015-02-08T19:14:00.002-08:002015-02-08T19:14:47.749-08:002015I was looking back over photos from 2014 and found it very hard to digest that this picture in January of 2014:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fXTHegepi4Q/VLA_Le99xeI/AAAAAAAADJE/PKihg6GCfBQ/s1600/IMG_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fXTHegepi4Q/VLA_Le99xeI/AAAAAAAADJE/PKihg6GCfBQ/s1600/IMG_0107.JPG" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Turned into this by January of 2015: </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FK9IRootdak/VLA_doC4MbI/AAAAAAAADJM/0MKywaU4oTU/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FK9IRootdak/VLA_doC4MbI/AAAAAAAADJM/0MKywaU4oTU/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I had forgotten how little they were at the start of last year. I've also forgotten most of the 'little moments'. You know, the ones everyone tells you to cherish because they go by too fast? They do; go by too fast that is. I find it nigh impossible to keep them in my head. I sit there trying to take a mental picture, telling myself "Remember this moment, it's a sweet one." but by the next morning (at the latest) it's gone. It's one of the reasons I'm thankful for social media and blogs. Without them I would lose 90% of the things my kids do and say that I want to remember forever. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcc1d2kwx80/VLBBQQJPolI/AAAAAAAADJY/VsQw-GvU3bw/s1600/IMG_1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcc1d2kwx80/VLBBQQJPolI/AAAAAAAADJY/VsQw-GvU3bw/s1600/IMG_1327.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a>Just a very, very few I manage to write down...like the other day when Calvin came running into the kitchen in his pjs.<br />
"Mama!" He yelled barreling around the corner.<br />
"Yes Calvin?"(We play this 'you-say-my-name-I'll-say-yours' a lot so I was ready and even half paying attention.) <br />
"Mama!"<br />
"Yes, Calvin?"<br />
"Hug!" which he promptly offered and then hurtled back down the hall to brush his teeth.<br />
That one I hope I remember forever. <br />
But I probably won't. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now we have another added to the mix. He's the most precious ball of baby fat I have ever laid my eyes on. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
True story. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All four of the rest of us could eat him up and, thanks to Abigail, have taken to calling him Chubbsy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPZD432JB8U/VLBGGIP3IPI/AAAAAAAADJo/zMsS7JoDbEM/s1600/DSC01449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPZD432JB8U/VLBGGIP3IPI/AAAAAAAADJo/zMsS7JoDbEM/s1600/DSC01449.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
which hopefully won't stick. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2nwJJEn9998/VNgjpw-LM-I/AAAAAAAADKA/bECk1M0aADg/s1600/P1040061edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2nwJJEn9998/VNgjpw-LM-I/AAAAAAAADKA/bECk1M0aADg/s1600/P1040061edit.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We'll keep him regardless. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-83557679297557979642013-11-20T05:00:00.001-08:002013-11-20T05:00:25.623-08:00The Greats.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">I've been trying to write this post for awhile, but can't figure out exactly what I want to say. I'm giving up and simply giving you the pictures. What I was trying to communicate brilliantly, kindly, and in a manner worthy of them...is that John and I have three remaining grandparents, they all happen to be on my side, and I absolutely love that our kids are able to know them. They love their 'greats' and are deeply loved by them. I have no idea how much longer the Lord will keep all of us on earth together and want to record as much as possible their times together with their Greats. I barely remember my Papaw, the only great-grandparent I met. John barely remembers his. May my kids, if they barely remember their Greats, at least have tons of memories captured in pictures to 'remember' later.<br />
<br />
<br />
These are their O's, as they're known together. My dad's parents, Don and Sue. <br />
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2EJYz4IEAQ/Un2SptyhZfI/AAAAAAAADGg/fus0pJxB3XM/s640/P1030198.JPG" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouma and Oupa with their 3 greats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For most of my growing up they lived overseas, in East Africa or in England. They were wonderful, sending fantastic letters and quirky gifts. We were able to travel to see them once or twice and absolutely loved the times when they would come and visit. About two years ago a wonderful gift happened. They moved to Birmingham, Alabama. That means my kids can know them in a daily way now, and I am so very thankful for that truth!! We see Oupa and Ouma every time we go to Birmingham, and my kids know and count on that.<br />
<br />
<br />
This is Nana, my mom's mom Mary Ann. Our family moved in with her 21 years ago now, while looking for a new house, and never left. She knows me so well, having seen the good and bad of me daily for so many years. It has been a privilege (with all the ins and outs of living life together) to have her <i>be</i> part of our nuclear family for the past two decades; and it was incredibly special to introduce (to this now 95 year old southern lady) my husband, then my daughter, and then Calvin...her 14th, I think, great-grandbaby! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNrqB4kRP0c/Un2Si2JI7DI/AAAAAAAADGU/xjVZhrObvOU/s1600/P1010037edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNrqB4kRP0c/Un2Si2JI7DI/AAAAAAAADGU/xjVZhrObvOU/s400/P1010037edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calvin at 2ish months with his Nana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oupa and Calvin have an affinity for caps, and take advantage of frequent opportunities to match. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WR7CznQjDQ/Un2Se6JlmAI/AAAAAAAADGI/Ah4sjBgkxmo/s1600/P1010342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WR7CznQjDQ/Un2Se6JlmAI/AAAAAAAADGI/Ah4sjBgkxmo/s320/P1010342.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
All three of their Greats have been able to visit us at our house, and it is really sweet to be able to share with them where we live and the kids daily play (Calvin looks chubby there!!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5Cc0xX9WJI/Un2Sl8PGZxI/AAAAAAAADGc/pOtByyGJ_rE/s1600/P1010436edit+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5Cc0xX9WJI/Un2Sl8PGZxI/AAAAAAAADGc/pOtByyGJ_rE/s320/P1010436edit+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_cEv8RkS94/Un2Se2-MhlI/AAAAAAAADGM/fMQs2OfSVmo/s1600/P1010348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_cEv8RkS94/Un2Se2-MhlI/AAAAAAAADGM/fMQs2OfSVmo/s320/P1010348.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abigail loves her Ouma, and loves how elegant Ouma always looks with her
scarves, and bracelets and necklaces. She loves (she says) to look in
Ouma's wallets. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z654vfopJK4/Uoyv-9awyZI/AAAAAAAADGw/PC4z5TASpxQ/s1600/P1030288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z654vfopJK4/Uoyv-9awyZI/AAAAAAAADGw/PC4z5TASpxQ/s640/P1030288.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This wonderful lady turned 95 on
November 13th, and I am thankful for the gift of all the big moments
I've been able to share with her! She is the perfect grandmom for little
kids, having incredible patience with them and their curiosity. My kids
adore visiting her in her bedroom, because it's filled with treasures
and big windows (Abigail says that Nana's red chair and how she can see
out of her windows from her bed are her favorite things). Usually, in
Birmingham, if I've lost the kids; I find them in Nana's room chatting
about whatever has caught their eyes as she patiently and with delight
answers their garbled speech.<br />
<br />
I love my grandparents and am so glad our kids do too. May they always have memories of them tucked away in their hearts.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Katy </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-8965001323500689912013-10-12T12:38:00.003-07:002013-10-12T12:38:48.623-07:00In love with my son <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPalQUH7FjM/UkZGPqWiVZI/AAAAAAAADCg/z50y1o3EzOQ/s1600/P1020955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPalQUH7FjM/UkZGPqWiVZI/AAAAAAAADCg/z50y1o3EzOQ/s640/P1020955.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Absolutely, completely, besotted. There's no other word for it.<br />
He's a cuddler; stubborn when he wants his way; loves his daddy incredibly; will follow his sister anywhere; and he thinks I'm funny, all 19lbs, almost 29inches of him. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-frHkJG1_91k/UlhYNXD5BOI/AAAAAAAADFE/GOU5rZbz49k/s1600/IMG_0931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-frHkJG1_91k/UlhYNXD5BOI/AAAAAAAADFE/GOU5rZbz49k/s400/IMG_0931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
His 1st birthday was September 19th. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The actual day passed without much fanfare. We sang "happy birthday Mr. Man" (Abigail's version) over breakfast and tried to make a birthday cake.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I say 'tried' because the only truly successful part was the batter-licking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-incBAC77rc0/UlglFRPsBXI/AAAAAAAADDM/b5aC7Sv5798/s1600/P1020976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-incBAC77rc0/UlglFRPsBXI/AAAAAAAADDM/b5aC7Sv5798/s400/P1020976.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOKK0HRY_l8/UlglNomOnWI/AAAAAAAADDc/GRdmOEwWGkE/s1600/P1030052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOKK0HRY_l8/UlglNomOnWI/AAAAAAAADDc/GRdmOEwWGkE/s400/P1030052.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7amAL8dY9s/UlglFCFoMBI/AAAAAAAADDE/R53W7MvAoj4/s1600/P1030004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7amAL8dY9s/UlglFCFoMBI/AAAAAAAADDE/R53W7MvAoj4/s640/P1030004.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGI-wCVc_0c/UlglFEH4i8I/AAAAAAAADDI/yrts0Vr1jdI/s1600/P1020963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGI-wCVc_0c/UlglFEH4i8I/AAAAAAAADDI/yrts0Vr1jdI/s640/P1020963.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That was a huge success, with an epic birthday bath afterwards. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The cake, after refusing to let go of the pans, became a dump cake; covered in a pool of blue icing. Not one I was taking a picture of for the files.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The image will, unfortunately, always be in my head for reference.</div>
<br />
But birthday day aside, Calvin celebrated his 1st twice. Once with the Kirkwood side (where 8 other children helped him open gifts. It.was.hilarious) and once with the Myers side (where his favorite gifts were mylar balloons. We still have them.)<br />
<br />
Some random facts about my son: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ABf7l7R3Ak/Ulg3Hc1oyLI/AAAAAAAADDs/APnY0miDc3E/s1600/P1020840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ABf7l7R3Ak/Ulg3Hc1oyLI/AAAAAAAADDs/APnY0miDc3E/s640/P1020840.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
1.) He can put on his own hat. Or his own necklace....thanks to Abigail there are plenty of the later lying around.<br />
<br />
2.) Pretending to be just like his sister is his favorite activity. Anything she can do he can try too. And, usually, she's a pretty good sport about it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Az_kI4fTzdE/Ulg4AiwjsbI/AAAAAAAADE0/PoJ4cS9--DA/s1600/P1030077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Az_kI4fTzdE/Ulg4AiwjsbI/AAAAAAAADE0/PoJ4cS9--DA/s640/P1030077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
True story: Abigail ran into the column in our hallway yesterday because she was walking backwards. Calvin, tottering after, very carefully and deliberately walked himself into the column and then looked back at his daddy with a huge smile and kept on going after his ideal sister. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3.) He loves to help with the laundry. Not just climbing in the washing machine, but transferring clothes to the drier or the laundry basket, depending on his preference. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMbZm8yDLBo/Ulg34QYHV_I/AAAAAAAADEw/IUAPZeY1lA0/s1600/P1020915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMbZm8yDLBo/Ulg34QYHV_I/AAAAAAAADEw/IUAPZeY1lA0/s400/P1020915.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
4.) He has 5.5 teeth. It makes eating apples very tricky. <br />
<br />
5.)The highest spot he has managed to attain by himself is a tie between our dining room table and our bed. <br />
<br />
6.) He loves dogs<br />
<br />
7.) He hates avocados<br />
<br />
8.) He's much handsomer now than when he was first born<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSOoRdbBaHQ/Ulmi7x9qwNI/AAAAAAAADFU/v9fJTo9b418/s1600/DSC_0689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSOoRdbBaHQ/Ulmi7x9qwNI/AAAAAAAADFU/v9fJTo9b418/s400/DSC_0689.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
See?!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9WIrev48F5g/UlmjLDPXRLI/AAAAAAAADFk/TWV6bMj9yoc/s1600/P1030086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9WIrev48F5g/UlmjLDPXRLI/AAAAAAAADFk/TWV6bMj9yoc/s640/P1030086.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iX5VxYpU5JM/UlmjLe7ZKAI/AAAAAAAADFg/idRoOxBfm7U/s1600/P1030118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iX5VxYpU5JM/UlmjLe7ZKAI/AAAAAAAADFg/idRoOxBfm7U/s640/P1030118.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you Buddy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjW0LgZcQOo/Ulg33g9lGeI/AAAAAAAADEs/we3HQenyG8Y/s1600/P1020898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-49902608370689202122013-07-17T13:38:00.001-07:002013-07-17T13:38:52.030-07:00Sayings Lately<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Things my daughter has told me lately: </span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYmJePsNN8I/Ueb3oVXLF9I/AAAAAAAAC_0/DNHBUROh9tM/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYmJePsNN8I/Ueb3oVXLF9I/AAAAAAAAC_0/DNHBUROh9tM/s640/IMG_0420.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
While standing half-nude in our hallway </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Mama, I need to have no panties on today so I can get all my pee in the potty."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3f8CXFkm14/Ueb4d7l9hVI/AAAAAAAADAU/dzzoUxZ4ZHg/s1600/P1020522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3f8CXFkm14/Ueb4d7l9hVI/AAAAAAAADAU/dzzoUxZ4ZHg/s640/P1020522.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right after I asked her (my first mistake) if she was whining. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"No Mama, dat's a mockingbird noise. A mockingbird." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDhiBo1W6iM/Ueb94ZDkJBI/AAAAAAAADAw/CB5xERWrexQ/s1600/P1020536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDhiBo1W6iM/Ueb94ZDkJBI/AAAAAAAADAw/CB5xERWrexQ/s640/P1020536.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shortly after seeing a deer cross in the road in front of us (and after repeating herself 5 times as this was completely off my radar). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
" I no ever seen a deer in a wild. Not in a wild....... Ha, dat's silly Mama, a deer in a wild. Dey not gonna be dere!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3PCZMb7khA/Ueb_p0UV0dI/AAAAAAAADBA/pe-Anupc1Lg/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3PCZMb7khA/Ueb_p0UV0dI/AAAAAAAADBA/pe-Anupc1Lg/s400/IMG_0502.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
At bedtime "I want to wear underwear tonight please."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Abigail, you'll probably wet it. Let's practice keeping your pull-up dry."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"But Mama, I'll jus' always pee in my pull-up. Jus' always!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
.....so we've been washing sheets every day for a week. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Her logic is hard to argue with. So I'm glad I don't try. That's when it's extra nice to be the parent so that I can say "I am your mother. This is how it will be." Who knew those words could be so gratifying?!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-78506096981140410992013-06-19T14:01:00.000-07:002013-06-19T14:01:06.088-07:009 x 2.5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-micH3W6Q-NE/UcHcSX3PFVI/AAAAAAAAC_A/A-Bx109U2NE/s1600/P1020306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-micH3W6Q-NE/UcHcSX3PFVI/AAAAAAAAC_A/A-Bx109U2NE/s640/P1020306.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
He spends most of his days crawling after Abigail. Favorite activity number two is walking himself along the furniture and climbing things. It is adorable to watch him gather his courage to reeaacchhh from one piece of furniture to the next, and when he succeeds his smile is enormous. <br />
<br />
We have two props here thanks to Abigail. It was easier to concede than insist. So please welcome Mr. Pink Bear to the photos this month. He adds much, I'm sure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywopNTCg8BE/UcHdQdKERtI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/_5iPGLDZvsU/s1600/P1020315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywopNTCg8BE/UcHdQdKERtI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/_5iPGLDZvsU/s640/P1020315.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An extra monkey was thrown in for good measure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hdv_EkVDHLA/UcHdRRHmpEI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/MmQHm_FDAWY/s1600/P1020316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hdv_EkVDHLA/UcHdRRHmpEI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/MmQHm_FDAWY/s640/P1020316.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since Calvin's 9 months make Abigail two and a half, the added celebration made a few extra animals seemed a valid concession. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll post a few more pictures tomorrow or Friday, but I'll stop here so this can actually be posted. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I do love these two and am so thankful for their love for me. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-7898479481263415872013-05-23T20:24:00.000-07:002013-05-24T04:47:31.428-07:00Calvin at 8 months <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRbCEQfaagk/UZ4Dh9sfgaI/AAAAAAAAC9M/3Lo2ctoMI0M/s1600/P1020220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRbCEQfaagk/UZ4Dh9sfgaI/AAAAAAAAC9M/3Lo2ctoMI0M/s640/P1020220.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
8 months. We've made it this far; and even though this past week has been crazy, life is actually settling into a rhythm a bit. Calvin is still so full of joy it spills over onto anyone he smiles at. I cannot tell you the number of people who stop us while we're out because Calvin smiled at them as they walked by. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Zm1U2BWAn0/UZ4Duw1vsYI/AAAAAAAAC9c/5sTBXd_YTSk/s1600/P1020229+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Zm1U2BWAn0/UZ4Duw1vsYI/AAAAAAAAC9c/5sTBXd_YTSk/s640/P1020229+-+Copy.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is incredibly busy, having learned to crawl around 7 months and pull up a week later. He is currently adept at walking himself along a piece of furniture and has no discernment <br />
about what can and cannot hold him up. He is gumming all sorts of food with no teeth in sight; the latest being mushrooms, cheese, and mango. No hummus though, Abigail and I laughed for a full five minutes at the hummus faces he made. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FXnJ8RddeRI/UZ4D8bQ274I/AAAAAAAAC9s/PUo40m-W6ak/s1600/P1020238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FXnJ8RddeRI/UZ4D8bQ274I/AAAAAAAAC9s/PUo40m-W6ak/s640/P1020238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Speaking of, Abigail has really enjoyed his mobility. Once she got past the shock of Calvin's new found ability to reach her toys, she adjusted well. They'll crawl after each other down the hall, both laughing with delight. I think she often views him as her personal minion, to be incorporated into her pretend as she wishes. He's not very compliant but that doesn't stop her trying to force feed him pretend cookies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jczZYquYjvk/UZ4EJq-M5KI/AAAAAAAAC98/6jVk3qYxHnU/s1600/P1020246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jczZYquYjvk/UZ4EJq-M5KI/AAAAAAAAC98/6jVk3qYxHnU/s640/P1020246.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We do have really rough days where she spends the whole day trying to maim him and he refuses to stay out of her stuff, but mostly they have fun. I love, absolutely love, shooing them both out onto the back porch and watching how they play. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nAuvCMEtOA/UZ4DN2Pd9BI/AAAAAAAAC80/i0WQLZtTSD0/s1600/P1020198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nAuvCMEtOA/UZ4DN2Pd9BI/AAAAAAAAC80/i0WQLZtTSD0/s640/P1020198.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They eat a lot of dirt, get a lot of scraped knees, and scatter grass all over my porch while having a tea party for fifteen (about all the people Abigail can think to name and invite). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By 5 o'clock I'm often ready to hand everyone over to John and hide in the closet all by myself for 30 minutes, but that's life as a mom, right? And it's awfully good life-practice at depending on the Spirit's power minute by minute. Whether I want that practice or not. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-owMCuLIsKU0/UZ4CzRuzcfI/AAAAAAAAC8U/7i4tbU3z604/s1600/P1020176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-owMCuLIsKU0/UZ4CzRuzcfI/AAAAAAAAC8U/7i4tbU3z604/s640/P1020176.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think she was upset that he was getting a picture in her hat....even though she put it on him in the first place. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I love them; and they love each other. Abigail recently told me she's going to teach Calvin to turn on the TV with the remote, not push things over, and how to feed himself. Lofty goals, all three. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eReUafiDB0M/UZ4DbbyCthI/AAAAAAAAC9E/eA2t51dntz0/s1600/P1020214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eReUafiDB0M/UZ4DbbyCthI/AAAAAAAAC9E/eA2t51dntz0/s640/P1020214.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy 29 months to my sweet punkin (she's not my baby. I made that mistake the other day and she was quick to let me know the truth of the situation. Calvin is the baby).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgjZ7CVVUdQ/UZ4EQEFXnAI/AAAAAAAAC-E/nBb8theB4bU/s1600/P1020255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgjZ7CVVUdQ/UZ4EQEFXnAI/AAAAAAAAC-E/nBb8theB4bU/s640/P1020255.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And may the next 8 months be filled with as much joy from this fellow as the first 8.<br />
I love you John Calvin, and you make me smile. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-32476589180905776342013-05-16T20:29:00.001-07:002013-07-17T12:46:55.075-07:00When cloth diapers fail you....or at least make you want to tear your hair out. <div style="text-align: center;">
Disclaimer: This post is <u>all</u> about cloth diapers. If that doesn't interest you then you can look through cute photos in the archived posts. <br />
<br />
This thing below. This wondrous thing. This thing made of aplix and PUL and string.......</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/img/ucart/images/prodtext2/66/thirstiesdiapercoverbluebabybird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/img/ucart/images/prodtext2/66/thirstiesdiapercoverbluebabybird.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from Jillian's Drawers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This thing has given me fits over the past two years when I've tried to clean it. </div>
<br />
"Cloth diapers," everyone said. "No problem, it'll be easy, much easier than disposables. Your kids will never have rashes and they'll potty-train by 12 months for sure." And, well, for some people it is that easy. Just not for me. <br />
<br />
I fell hard for the promise of a land full of milk & honey. <br />
<br />
Then I saw the giants:<br />
<br />
Leaks, rashes, ammonia, stank (stink and stunk!), special soap, 8 cycles of washing, not to mention the thousands of choices of brands that all seemed to promise better things. After about 18 months of cloth diapering I was frustrated, and more or less ready to throw in the towel because I simply could not clean my diapers well. <br />
<br />
I read every blog I could find that had tips. And there are some good ones. Sites like <a href="http://allaboutclothdiapers.com/" target="_blank">All About Cloth Diapers</a> gave me the hope that surely just a little more information would solve my problems....but easily cleaned diapers were beyond me for some reason. My diapers always stank, leaked, caused rashes, and took 5.5 hours to wash (well, not always, but it <i>felt</i> like always).<br />
<br />
If this is your experience as well, you absolutely have my sympathy and I will listen any time you need a shoulder to cry on. <br />
<br />
But then, one day, I had an epiphany. Not my own epiphany mind you, I borrowed it from <a href="http://paddedtushstats.com/2011/10/22/washing-diapers-survey/" target="_blank">here</a>. She said (and I paraphrase) "yes, using very expensive/miniscule amounts of detergent/lots of washing cycles/air drying/no bleach or additives might be what you're supposed to do to gently care for your diapers.....but will the headache all those extra steps give you be worth the extra 3 months of diaper life?"<br />
<br />
My grey sky parted to reveal a ray of sunshine. <br />
<br />
So, now I use Tide. Which grates on me since I'm an Auburn grad....but I can get over it for the sake of my cloth-diapering sanity. I use the recommended amount (which was almost physically beyond me after all the cloth diaper reading I'd done. I still have to coach myself into doing it each time).<br />
I rinse, I wash, and if it still has soap suds I'll rinse once more. Done.<br />
<br />
No more 5 cycles (I was literally cold-rinsing with soda; heavy-hot washing with detergent and borax; short cold cycle with vinegar; then a rinse or two; then air-drying covers....it took forever); no more tricking my machine into letting more water out by adding a wet towel (yes, we paid extra for a water-efficient washer and now spend our time/energy trying to trick it to be more inefficient); or adding in 18 things to make my diapers clean.<br />
<br />
I just wash them, and it's wonderful. My life is so much simpler (if you don't count the 2 other loads of wash a day I need to be doing). Everything goes in the dryer too....except for plastic training pants from Target. Those melt. Do not put those in your dryer ever. Take my word for it. They really melt.<br />
<br />
Sure, sometimes my diapers still get a funk, but once a month I'll add in a little (key word little) <a href="http://allaboutclothdiapers.com/when-cloth-diapers-leak-part-2/" target="_blank">dish soap</a> or bleach (I have yet to ruin a cover this way) to strip them, and that generally takes care of things. Once I added close to a tablespoon of dish detergent and had heart palpitations watching the bubbles fill up every available inch of my washing machine. I was even <i>this</i> close to bringing my husband in on the situation, which would have been awful because I would have <u>never</u> lived down sudsing over our washing machine.<br />
<br />
I feel like I can breathe again. Maybe that's too melodramatic, but not by much. Washing diapers consumed my life for awhile (my daughter had pretty sensitive skin and a yeast infection her first two weeks of life....it started me down the road of Excess Care in my washing) and made it a very unpleasant experience. Plus, my diapers leaked <u>all the time</u> which was frustrating and time-consuming and meant I had to carry 5 changes of clothes wherever we went.<br />
<br />
So. My Summary of Diaper-washing lessons learned: Keep it simple. Start with the easiest method you can think of (A cold rinse, then a hot dirty wash....maybe an extra rinse, then dry everything), use your regular soap.....and only IF that doesn't work should you try something else.<br />
<br />
Unless you like your special soap and think this article is ridiculous, then keep doing what you're doing, that's okay too. <br />
<br />
Now, if I can only remember to remove my diapers from the wash when they're clean I'll be set to go. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-91901272935292595352013-04-23T18:57:00.000-07:002013-04-24T08:15:21.092-07:007 months of life with a boyI'm tired of starting each post saying I'll surely post more frequently. Or that I can't believe it's already been a month (or three). So, I won't. But what I will say is that my kids are incredibly fun....when I'm not letting them drive me crazy; and life is always crazy round here right now; and I'll just have fun filling people in as I get the chance because, quite honestly, when I have five minutes I want to sit and stare into space....or read. Reading is always a good option. I have 20 chapters of <u>Jane Eyre</u> to read by next Thursday....think I can make it? The last time I read <u>Jane Eyre</u> I was in middle school. I'm stoked to read it again because I'm positive 75% of the book went over my head, who knows what treasures I might find? If I can only pick it up and begin....I love book clubs. And I hate that a chosen book suddenly transforms into homework. How does our inner psyche do that? <br />
<br />
I need to go to bed, but before I do: Calvin turned 7 months last week. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gelDVUOOpFg/UXc2q4WIXUI/AAAAAAAACuY/2TW3jiWGLqY/s1600/P1020012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gelDVUOOpFg/UXc2q4WIXUI/AAAAAAAACuY/2TW3jiWGLqY/s640/P1020012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
He started crawling last week. I was taken aback by his voracious practice habits. From 7:30am to 7:30 pm all this boy did was try to crawl. For three weeks. The last week involved much wailing and tears. He is proud as punch. And rightly so. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGu3OS5Gw90/UXc2rxQYktI/AAAAAAAACug/Mon3gngypZE/s1600/P1020022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGu3OS5Gw90/UXc2rxQYktI/AAAAAAAACug/Mon3gngypZE/s640/P1020022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
He also has the most joy-filled smile this mama has ever seen. I catch my breath sometimes when he unleashes one straight at me. I wish I could catch it on camera to save forever. I know in 18 months this stage will be a haze and I'm pretty sure everything will fade to a fuzzily warm clarity.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IOYWT9p6b3U/UXc2oXuvLzI/AAAAAAAACuU/5RBWxwgqSRo/s1600/P1010995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IOYWT9p6b3U/UXc2oXuvLzI/AAAAAAAACuU/5RBWxwgqSRo/s640/P1010995.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Abigail is proud of Calvin ( Ca-in she calls him. Or Big Man. No idea where she got that moniker, it's all her own and it's adorable) for crawling but largely unsure of this new state. He's spent 6.5 months plotting out which toys he desires...and they all happen to be hers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BL5RjG4cMaQ/UXc4upjlwUI/AAAAAAAACuw/EyjJ3HgyJDg/s1600/P1010943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BL5RjG4cMaQ/UXc4upjlwUI/AAAAAAAACuw/EyjJ3HgyJDg/s400/P1010943.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
He's a sinner. A cute one, but definitely a sinner. :o) He has perfected the "I want that" cry and Abigail is quickly becoming enured to it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XgzY5PGJJz8/UXc4wkfY5lI/AAAAAAAACu4/AFX9TLJo72g/s1600/P1010958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XgzY5PGJJz8/UXc4wkfY5lI/AAAAAAAACu4/AFX9TLJo72g/s640/P1010958.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The day that Calvin turned 7 months, Abigail rang up 28 of them, I celebrated my 366th month, AND John and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. How's that for consolidating dates?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But back to Abigail. She's entering that stage where she can more completely express thoughts and handle past and future thoughts better. All of this leads to absolutely hilarious phrases coming out of her mouth. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tonight she told John that he was 'quishing' her hands. Or, if she has something in her hands but wants to pick up another object, she'll look up at me with wide eyes and say: "I jus only got two hands Mama. Hep me." When she is trying to wheedle her pacifier out of me her line of reasoning runs : "I cold Mama....I hot....I sweepy....Mama, I jus' need sumpin in my mouf." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We're also going on 8 months of potty training....I know. Sometimes I just want to bang my head against the wall. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0veh0Y1jVc/UXc4yxYGeaI/AAAAAAAACvU/chv7wqRuAvM/s1600/P1010974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0veh0Y1jVc/UXc4yxYGeaI/AAAAAAAACvU/chv7wqRuAvM/s640/P1010974.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But she is getting it. Slowly. Very slowly. Slow like molasses. At least we get the benefit of comments like</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I jus' don know when my poop coming Mama." or, no matter the condition of her underwear, as soon as you take it off and wipe her bottom she'll proudly proclaim " I cwean an dwhy!" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her favorite place to do her business is in our WC while John is in there sitting. No joke. And he often lets her. Which just goes to show you never can tell what kind of pull a daughter will have over her father. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Who could resist a face like this? </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V62dNr1kKZU/UXc4x7P14gI/AAAAAAAACvM/ynq56TwFyQ8/s1600/P1010966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V62dNr1kKZU/UXc4x7P14gI/AAAAAAAACvM/ynq56TwFyQ8/s640/P1010966.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This smile is her Papa's fault. He taught her how to do a grimace and it's become her go-to expression. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3HE-qMJsXg/UXc7XYf0GyI/AAAAAAAACvg/L_z5lbsch6s/s1600/P1010910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3HE-qMJsXg/UXc7XYf0GyI/AAAAAAAACvg/L_z5lbsch6s/s640/P1010910.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
That's how we roll around here. Signing off until next time we're footloose and fancy free ( or pants-free, depending on the day)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8HqLlHcQ9CA/UXc4xBA-4uI/AAAAAAAACvE/8qyiRH0aeyo/s1600/P1010951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8HqLlHcQ9CA/UXc4xBA-4uI/AAAAAAAACvE/8qyiRH0aeyo/s640/P1010951.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Much love, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Katy </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-76000223150231351092013-03-22T17:43:00.001-07:002013-03-22T17:43:09.023-07:00Calvin at 6 monthsHe is 6 months old this week. It's flown. Before Calvin's birth my friend Anna, who has two children, mentioned that her second seemed like an infant far longer than her first. As if she had to wait longer to know who that baby was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtkqASuaeQM/UUz1f-DJcjI/AAAAAAAACtI/zuLX0qLaELk/s1600/P1010756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtkqASuaeQM/UUz1f-DJcjI/AAAAAAAACtI/zuLX0qLaELk/s640/P1010756.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
It didn't make sense at the time, but now it does. Abigial at 4 months seemed so full of personality. Every new thing she did made her seem so 'old'. Calvin has seemed like a newborn in comparison....because my comparison is running around the house in her underwear and a tie while making up songs. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CY3Pv8BtBs/UUz1hIBUPJI/AAAAAAAACtc/CkDMQiYti2U/s1600/P1010794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CY3Pv8BtBs/UUz1hIBUPJI/AAAAAAAACtc/CkDMQiYti2U/s640/P1010794.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
So it's been a lot of fun this past month watching Calvin start to blossom. He's sitting up, he's jabbering, he's reaching for what he wants and laughing at Abigail running around in her underwear. He's 15.5 pounds, 26 inches long, has more smiles than any baby I've ever met, and is generally a good sleeper.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itRkiaAMzQM/UUz1QSpxbtI/AAAAAAAACrg/foYOOBVJDpo/s1600/P1010536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itRkiaAMzQM/UUz1QSpxbtI/AAAAAAAACrg/foYOOBVJDpo/s640/P1010536.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is also his 5 month photo.....I just never got it up. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He also loves his daddy. And, coincidentally, happens to be wearing his daddy's outfit in this picture. I love that it says 'superbaby' all over. Makes me wonder if this is, perhaps,the precursor to "If you think I'm handsome you should see my daddy." and "I'm cute" .......but Calvin wears it well.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a side note: One of my favorite aspects of digital cameras is seeing the progression of the photo shoot. Some are hilarious; this particular one was just sweet. So I'll let you see a few ( because I know you're dying to). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jl0WIxHUKtc/UUz1P3IuiaI/AAAAAAAACrY/_jk_stMENdo/s1600/P1010537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jl0WIxHUKtc/UUz1P3IuiaI/AAAAAAAACrY/_jk_stMENdo/s400/P1010537.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxxbL1O3iMw/UUz1TLha6WI/AAAAAAAACrs/W2vxuX49L6U/s1600/P1010538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxxbL1O3iMw/UUz1TLha6WI/AAAAAAAACrs/W2vxuX49L6U/s400/P1010538.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oqc4HpBTXSs/UUz1TfXquUI/AAAAAAAACr4/i4D8OYHWwZQ/s1600/P1010544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oqc4HpBTXSs/UUz1TfXquUI/AAAAAAAACr4/i4D8OYHWwZQ/s400/P1010544.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgieFyxEJ2o/UUz1VPjXopI/AAAAAAAACsE/BVzO55uz4oY/s1600/P1010546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgieFyxEJ2o/UUz1VPjXopI/AAAAAAAACsE/BVzO55uz4oY/s400/P1010546.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BXVct1YfgLo/UUz1YvPBCBI/AAAAAAAACsc/HJGyvUjDYVI/s1600/P1010550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BXVct1YfgLo/UUz1YvPBCBI/AAAAAAAACsc/HJGyvUjDYVI/s400/P1010550.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_VmA-huhQA/UUz1bxgcmgI/AAAAAAAACs4/ihfXa3IGtps/s1600/P1010557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_VmA-huhQA/UUz1bxgcmgI/AAAAAAAACs4/ihfXa3IGtps/s400/P1010557.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He makes me smile. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vo259O8oxiQ/UUz1ehPFtsI/AAAAAAAACtE/BYzDp5nRRRI/s1600/P1010561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vo259O8oxiQ/UUz1ehPFtsI/AAAAAAAACtE/BYzDp5nRRRI/s640/P1010561.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It helps that I'm his favorite right now. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Halfway into his first year we declare him a keeper. </div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-70943847108866376942013-01-17T15:46:00.003-08:002013-01-17T15:47:01.973-08:00Why Our Bodies Need Water<div style="text-align: center;">
We were sitting on the potty this morning; nothing new, we do this every day with varying success several times a day. Lately with more failure than success. She went. We cleaned her up and I told her to run get an M&M (current reward candy of choice). She took off. I heard the subsequent rattling of the glass dish and scrape of stool, and Abigail was suddenly back in the bathroom with me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Pee again." She announced gleefully, promptly pulling down her panties and filling up her little potty. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Up she pulled that underwear ( before I had time to wipe, mind you) and ran for the kitchen and her reward. </div>
Chuckling I started to clean up when, lo and behold, here she was again.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Pee more, Mama." she said, confident she had this racket figured out. She plopped down happily and sat, and sat, and sat. Nothing doing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Punkin, you're going to have to drink more water before your body can make more pee." I offered "That's how it works."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her eyes lit up, up came the panties, and she took off for the living room and her water bottle. In maybe 15 seconds flat she was back, slid down those training pants and sat. She looked up at me, looked down at the empty potty, and came to a decision: " I need mo' water." she stated and off she went again. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_BBFvHTTLg/UPiI-VqhP8I/AAAAAAAACpM/JcFTKGvxP_4/s1600/P1010412edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_BBFvHTTLg/UPiI-VqhP8I/AAAAAAAACpM/JcFTKGvxP_4/s640/P1010412edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The funny thing is: I woke up grumpy this morning. I'm tired, we've had a lot of sickness that's kept me up, a lot of Calvin waking up during the night, a decided lack of naps on my part and, well, I'm tired (which happens as a mom, go figure). So I wanted to wallow in my bad attitude. I didn't want to be a parent today. I knew I should let the Holy Spirit handle my attitude and give me His peace and joy, but I didn't <i>want </i>it. I prayed anyway, begrudgingly. And in His graciousness the Lord made me laugh.<br />
It started with her holding her baby doll over the trash can so it could puke ( it's fresh on her mind),and continued on throughout the morning so that by naptime I had completely forgotten about my bad attitude and was loving being a mother. God is so soft in how He dealt with me today. I love it. And I love her. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZJnvRQlZpI/UPh4MA-dZSI/AAAAAAAACos/gTXbXB_0LyI/s1600/P1010348edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZJnvRQlZpI/UPh4MA-dZSI/AAAAAAAACos/gTXbXB_0LyI/s640/P1010348edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my Ouma, my dad's mom. They just recently moved to Birmingham and I can't even begin to express how thankful I am that Abigail and Calvin have the chance to <i>know</i> their Ouma and Oupa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ironically, it's now 5:34pm and my attitude is bad again. I've found other things to be grumpy about. I didn't really realize that until sitting down to write the post...this time I want to hand my self-centeredness to the Lord with a willing heart and stop and remind myself of all I have to be thankful for just in today. I have a feeling we'll all have a better evening that way. <br />
<br />
With joy,<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Katy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-90890254810487361112012-12-24T07:51:00.000-08:002012-12-24T07:51:55.674-08:00I two. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's what she'll say on a very good day. On a normal day, in response to "How old are you?" she'll say "I Abigail." which is close, but no banana. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As of December 19th, this is sweet girl is, in fact, two years old. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvpJHuaN6V4/UNSuG0gan0I/AAAAAAAAClY/-xhhejyLqd8/s1600/P1010091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvpJHuaN6V4/UNSuG0gan0I/AAAAAAAAClY/-xhhejyLqd8/s640/P1010091.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has also had the flu this past week, so when I tried to take pictures, this is the best I got out of four. Yep, just four. That's all she would sit for. Oh well :o0 At least her nose wasn't running at the time. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are the other three.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bABDBienfso/UNSunhRxaHI/AAAAAAAAClg/NUx36XyN4qE/s1600/P1010092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5N82tMm6Eew/UNSxv_Jx5WI/AAAAAAAACmQ/hxmnYqs74x8/s1600/She%27s+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5N82tMm6Eew/UNSxv_Jx5WI/AAAAAAAACmQ/hxmnYqs74x8/s640/She%27s+two.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YhT9fraFl4/UNSutPcZ1BI/AAAAAAAAClo/Q9fJBDK9Tr8/s1600/P1010093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
:o) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is growing like a weed, I can tell because I've been holding her a lot this week and her legs drop down much, much further. It's almost unbelievable how much she's changed this year, the unbelievable part being how much I've already forgotten. It's scary that the memories become a distant blur so quickly. If it wasn't for the quick notes I occasionally jot down there's no way I would have any memories of her second year of life. Because she <em>has</em> changed so much I'm putting up 12 pictures, one a month, so you can enjoy her change too...what more could one ask for, huh?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">January</span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dr43rXFLRZU/UNS8Volkg7I/AAAAAAAACm0/1tjzEphG1uc/s1600/100_8789edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weQU5ZBWPlY/UNS8UsER39I/AAAAAAAACms/1X1bLn_brRI/s1600/100_8760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weQU5ZBWPlY/UNS8UsER39I/AAAAAAAACms/1X1bLn_brRI/s640/100_8760.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is playing her chapstick, aka kazoo, I think. She started giving us peeks into her sense of humor around one year old, and I love it. She thoroughly enjoys a good joke, especially if it's on her papa. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> February</span></strong></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dr43rXFLRZU/UNS8Volkg7I/AAAAAAAACm0/1tjzEphG1uc/s1600/100_8789edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dr43rXFLRZU/UNS8Volkg7I/AAAAAAAACm0/1tjzEphG1uc/s640/100_8789edit.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture makes me laugh, because she still does this ( she's doing the laundry). We start 'em young around these parts. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong> March</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyKAX1jPgbY/UNS8WuBfuJI/AAAAAAAACm8/g7gKiYzOxhA/s1600/100_8845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyKAX1jPgbY/UNS8WuBfuJI/AAAAAAAACm8/g7gKiYzOxhA/s640/100_8845.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing in the flowers. Nothing funny to say here. She's just cute. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">April</span></strong></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0NcE3rjV2M/UNS8fRJrXUI/AAAAAAAACnc/UVqpvVpwhVE/s640/february.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She grew up a lot from March to April, I can see that as I look back. No, we did not start potty traning in April ( though I wish we had....it's taking long enough now), but she had fun experimenting. She also had fun playing in her birthday suit in the backyard. We did that a lot this past summer, a cute tan resulted. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">May</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHk0gFt28g4/UNS8gVlKpvI/AAAAAAAACnk/m-KoeW0IVg4/s1600/may.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHk0gFt28g4/UNS8gVlKpvI/AAAAAAAACnk/m-KoeW0IVg4/s640/may.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She picked up her pacifier the day she was weened from nursing.....and she's kept it ever since. We managed to keep it hidden whie she was a flower girl in her Aunt Sarah's wedding. I <em>love</em> this last picture. I love my husband and how much fun he has with his little girl. Makes me weak-kneed. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
June</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqjQIwS60H0/UNS8YFThbLI/AAAAAAAACnE/WxiMZCbjnD4/s640/100_8935.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The serious business of blueberry picking requires serious accessories. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">July</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we have no pictures in July. John? Papa? Will? anyone? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">August</span></strong></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmolJdNoj2w/UNS8eDsdibI/AAAAAAAACnU/IsHNKeL0Kok/s1600/august.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmolJdNoj2w/UNS8eDsdibI/AAAAAAAACnU/IsHNKeL0Kok/s640/august.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left to right: One of my all-time favorites: Abigial pushing her best-buddy Amelia. Drinking from a 'big' cup. Always take your bike safety seriously: wear your helmet. And last but not least, the value of a well-protected baby doll can never be underestimated. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAJ2a6B7j-Y/UNSuzTwvoNI/AAAAAAAAClw/FRpW9PW7JzA/s1600/P1010094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
September</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpuHUo_Nwl4/UNS8jqhBafI/AAAAAAAACn0/QDVfTbI3aCo/s1600/september.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpuHUo_Nwl4/UNS8jqhBafI/AAAAAAAACn0/QDVfTbI3aCo/s640/september.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She grew up a lot from August to September as well. Some of that might be the addition of a new baby, but her hair grew too and that lends an appearance of age somehow. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
October</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VUQ2gOfFMc/UNS8bzWpQTI/AAAAAAAACnM/9MKw26-qsDs/s1600/October.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VUQ2gOfFMc/UNS8bzWpQTI/AAAAAAAACnM/9MKw26-qsDs/s640/October.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise: Proper black walnut picking costume; a hoe-down skunk; good accessories make the outfit (or make up for the lack thereof); and taking care of the baby (she'll lay down and say "baby, tomach, mama. Baby tomach")</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
November</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDBPabxSJpc/UNS8g48pKKI/AAAAAAAACns/uHlr55tKqFw/s1600/photo+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDBPabxSJpc/UNS8g48pKKI/AAAAAAAACns/uHlr55tKqFw/s640/photo+-+Copy.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She went for her first ever hike over Thanksgiving and loved it (we came back with pockets laden with acorns). She walked at least half of a 2 mile trip, and wanted to carry the backpack for the home stretch. She would fall backwards without extra support. Kind of how the Lord's yoke is light and his burden easy.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I <em>love</em> being with her. She makes me smile, knows how to push my buttons, is growing in understanding every day, and is a delight to know. May the Lord continue to grow her into a woman who loves him wholeheartedly and loves life with abandon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy birthday punkin. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-90967010572908891052012-12-11T05:44:00.001-08:002012-12-11T05:44:57.173-08:00Calvin at 1 and 2 months (now that he's almost 3 months)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I feel like my photography skills have decreased with Calvin's birth. Or maybe it's just that as I try to take a picture of the baby, I am simultaneously trying to keep Abigail from eating dirt. Concentration has been difficult.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
One month photo. That's what the <span style="font-size: small;">following</span> is. The following is this. This, unfortunately , was as good as it got that day. :o) But at least he's upright, has on clothes and the monkey looks cute. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyNK9_kNxXA/UMc1oUZZigI/AAAAAAAACZ8/YZvcLdyqfos/s1600/100_9186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyNK9_kNxXA/UMc1oUZZigI/AAAAAAAACZ8/YZvcLdyqfos/s640/100_9186.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two months</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHP536QWTsc/UMc1GfJbixI/AAAAAAAACZs/eSgzMimw8fw/s1600/000_0348edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHP536QWTsc/UMc1GfJbixI/AAAAAAAACZs/eSgzMimw8fw/s640/000_0348edit.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My skills are improving ( I think Abigail was only eating bark here.) Not only is Calvin upright and clothed, but he's awake. Still no smile ( which is a shame, as he is an incredibly cheerful baby. I thought Abigail was happy....but this little man showed me just how many levels of happy and content there are), but maybe next month. At two months he was a little over 12 pounds, maybe 23ish inches, and now has cute little fat rolls all over. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not as cheeky as Abigail. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OT-IFyT0w58/ToDL6ntRZ1I/AAAAAAAABnQ/3qzqt2FE1uE/s1600/DSCN1611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OT-IFyT0w58/ToDL6ntRZ1I/AAAAAAAABnQ/3qzqt2FE1uE/s320/DSCN1611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But he's his own man. And rightly so. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLWXYQMo4ac/UMcoXS7K4rI/AAAAAAAACYc/BHVpjPhH-4Y/s1600/100B9350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLWXYQMo4ac/UMcoXS7K4rI/AAAAAAAACYc/BHVpjPhH-4Y/s400/100B9350.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with joy, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Katy </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-17952004908987890642012-12-11T05:27:00.002-08:002012-12-11T05:27:31.044-08:00Two children show me...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bqIKdUNKIc/UMch6ZhNhNI/AAAAAAAACXY/fKSo-c5kzHA/s1600/100_9180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bqIKdUNKIc/UMch6ZhNhNI/AAAAAAAACXY/fKSo-c5kzHA/s640/100_9180.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My brain has felt fried lately. And the days it doesn't feel fried, all I want to do in my 'free' time is read (certainly not compose a blog post...or balance the budget.....or finish projects.....or fold clothes. never that.) Maybe the escape of a good ( or even mediocre) story allows me, for a small space of time, to shrug off the responsibility of running a household and discipling two kiddos. A friend phrased it well the other day. She said having two children is forcefully weaning her off of a need for much alone time.....and it does feel forceful. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My Ouma always said kids will show you exactly how selfish you are. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRyYf6kGJS8/UMckzEiCAqI/AAAAAAAACXw/XvzUuaiJBOo/s1600/100_9195edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRyYf6kGJS8/UMckzEiCAqI/AAAAAAAACXw/XvzUuaiJBOo/s640/100_9195edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
With one child I recognized the truth of this maxim. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But two children have shown me that I most emphatically <u>own</u> it. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xdOnnieUEk/UMclbIVDgwI/AAAAAAAACX4/rsFlBVTnwDQ/s1600/100B9300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xdOnnieUEk/UMclbIVDgwI/AAAAAAAACX4/rsFlBVTnwDQ/s640/100B9300.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is incredibly fuzzy and makes Abigail look extra chubby. But I still love both of their expressions</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that selfishness is something I'll be combating my whole life. But it's been a shock to my system to see how far I'll go to 'rest' a little. Like trying to manipulate the situation, even when I know he's had a long day, so John will put Abigail to bed without my having to do anything but give her a kiss. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDUg3YZaw0E/UMcmM-vLH5I/AAAAAAAACYA/5rap5wJj9uI/s1600/100_9192edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDUg3YZaw0E/UMcmM-vLH5I/AAAAAAAACYA/5rap5wJj9uI/s640/100_9192edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And my kind husband often does so, without a complaint, even though I know he can see right through my ruse. Have I mentioned that selfishness also brings out my manipulating nature? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kA1RDgKuZOE/UMcmpykPhbI/AAAAAAAACYI/RCMnQOohc30/s1600/100_9158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kA1RDgKuZOE/UMcmpykPhbI/AAAAAAAACYI/RCMnQOohc30/s640/100_9158.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This little girl is good at it too. But when one is almost 2 and precocious, the rest of the world doesn't mind so much. (you should see her at bedtime: she is a master of procrastination and prevarication. Calvin has his work cut out for him keeping up with her.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJsdmtELqqg/UMcyxkp9quI/AAAAAAAACZU/5XiRWIyPxw4/s1600/100_9224edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJsdmtELqqg/UMcyxkp9quI/AAAAAAAACZU/5XiRWIyPxw4/s640/100_9224edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I think he'll be okay though. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eoGjA2sYw_w/UMcyyev3CnI/AAAAAAAACZc/r-qKLH5xR2Y/s640/100_9227edit.jpg" width="426" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He can disarm her with his charming smile and infectious chuckle </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(he laughs already! It's tiny, but it's adorable). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kyHOy57GmKs/UMcyzoCIIaI/AAAAAAAACZk/nja4cjyNq2Q/s1600/100_9312edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kyHOy57GmKs/UMcyzoCIIaI/AAAAAAAACZk/nja4cjyNq2Q/s400/100_9312edit.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then quickly make his escape before she's realized what's happened. Truthfully though, as much as I dislike seeing my own sin; I adore having both of these kids. They are and will continue to be a joy. And if I <i>have</i> to learn to be unselfish I couldn't ask for a sweeter way to have it happen. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-41118943017736055162012-10-25T05:06:00.001-07:002012-10-25T05:06:31.731-07:00snapshots of enjoyment <div style="text-align: center;">
I'm hoping to do a couple of short posts in the next week, mostly pictures; but since pictures are generally what family and friends far away want, I sure this will please :o). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of Abigail's favorite parts of receiving a new sibling was all the extra time she got with some of her favorite people (although none of John's family have been able to meet Calvin yet. Mom and Aunt Pat arrive this Saturday and I am thrilled. Especially at times like this it's frustrating to be so spread out!) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abigail got abundant outside playtime with everyone and I got some ( I think) really cute picture showing her enjoyment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osTirToaXyg/UIkq6MB7BoI/AAAAAAAACW4/BcLY0nvcfXs/s1600/100_9096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She now, every time we're outside, asks to "pin"; and, since only Uncle Nate has the ability to do this long enough to satisfy her, she is inevitably diasappointed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fxk1F0DklNU/UIkndn6fwVI/AAAAAAAACVk/F5rbIrCyZeM/s1600/100_9102edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fxk1F0DklNU/UIkndn6fwVI/AAAAAAAACVk/F5rbIrCyZeM/s640/100_9102edit.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yupwBx5mng/UIkneAIplLI/AAAAAAAACVs/2DbYczXbLFg/s1600/100_9103edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yupwBx5mng/UIkneAIplLI/AAAAAAAACVs/2DbYczXbLFg/s640/100_9103edit.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWkeLUbRtao/UIknfPFLpuI/AAAAAAAACV0/hv-7Htm5tIk/s1600/100_9104edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWkeLUbRtao/UIknfPFLpuI/AAAAAAAACV0/hv-7Htm5tIk/s640/100_9104edit.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwUMFNSZBkc/UIkngcI4fyI/AAAAAAAACV8/VmhUR2PLJNc/s1600/100_9106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwUMFNSZBkc/UIkngcI4fyI/AAAAAAAACV8/VmhUR2PLJNc/s640/100_9106.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3G4SM3NIO5o/UIknhY3Q8JI/AAAAAAAACWE/SUOOJVVZOyE/s1600/100_9107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3G4SM3NIO5o/UIknhY3Q8JI/AAAAAAAACWE/SUOOJVVZOyE/s640/100_9107.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is one of my new favorite pictures. I love how much they're both enjoying themselves. She even took her doll outside the other day, showed her the tomatoes and then spun her around just like Uncle Nate spins her. It was sweet. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John had two weeks off of work right after Calvin was born and Abigail soaked up all the extra time with her Daddy. It's his job to take her to new heights, and they both take this task seriously. It often begins with a run around the yard to heighten anticipation. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NIuwSR8Rleo/UIkorrmQOtI/AAAAAAAACWQ/3A30Iih2kG4/s1600/100_9057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NIuwSR8Rleo/UIkorrmQOtI/AAAAAAAACWQ/3A30Iih2kG4/s640/100_9057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's telling him to "tay, Daddy, 'tay ", as she apparently needs a break from the chasing. She'll confidently hold out her hand like a policeman directing traffic when she makes her pronouncement.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDMk8b80KOE/UIkouK-e3HI/AAAAAAAACWg/mBUHn0Pv8c4/s1600/100_9064edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDMk8b80KOE/UIkouK-e3HI/AAAAAAAACWg/mBUHn0Pv8c4/s640/100_9064edit.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQK5gOOnR6g/UIkoum-dHmI/AAAAAAAACWo/_yu0jaHQwy8/s1600/100_9065edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQK5gOOnR6g/UIkoum-dHmI/AAAAAAAACWo/_yu0jaHQwy8/s640/100_9065edit.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dFqkCHOvyE8/UIkovdUMzCI/AAAAAAAACWw/MN6wnwSz_Kc/s1600/100_9066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dFqkCHOvyE8/UIkovdUMzCI/AAAAAAAACWw/MN6wnwSz_Kc/s640/100_9066.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4S6pOy1FhU/UIkotPlYhhI/AAAAAAAACWY/6NMBWp67c44/s1600/100_9061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4S6pOy1FhU/UIkotPlYhhI/AAAAAAAACWY/6NMBWp67c44/s640/100_9061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little victory lap around the perimeter. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm pretty sure she'll take the addition of a new baby any day as it means lots of fun attention for her. We'll do our best to continue that trend if the Lord blesses us with more kids.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osTirToaXyg/UIkq6MB7BoI/AAAAAAAACW4/BcLY0nvcfXs/s1600/100_9096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osTirToaXyg/UIkq6MB7BoI/AAAAAAAACW4/BcLY0nvcfXs/s640/100_9096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Calvin took it all in stride. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-50324510070744209852012-10-13T19:29:00.004-07:002012-10-13T19:29:43.756-07:003 weeks and 3 days agoJohn Calvin Kirkwood Jr. was born ( at least I think he's a junior.....I was the only one present when the midwife filled out the birth certificate and, well, I can't remember.....we'll just have to wait and see.....I'm sure it's fixable. Right?)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ol75XbrXkXw/UHoZrxLjuaI/AAAAAAAACTU/ZCMA8yBWAQA/s1600/100_9037edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ol75XbrXkXw/UHoZrxLjuaI/AAAAAAAACTU/ZCMA8yBWAQA/s640/100_9037edit.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was 8 lbs, 6 oz; 21 inches long and came out yelling</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Three weeks later he's proving to be a wonderfully content baby (except when he's crying) and is starting to 'chub' up just a bit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbLH8WdhpL4/UHoaHUIMKNI/AAAAAAAACTc/h9_IIWR977M/s1600/100_9147edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbLH8WdhpL4/UHoaHUIMKNI/AAAAAAAACTc/h9_IIWR977M/s640/100_9147edit.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His head still looks a bit like a kidney bean....but we try not to mention that in his presence.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(truthfully, this picture makes it look more pronounced than actuality)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've survived our first week as a family of four.....a large part of that due to the fact that John worked half-days (Abigail has been crying when he leaves for work...it's adorable and sad)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJhfjre8Xn4/UHoaw7sAj-I/AAAAAAAACTk/Y8IftmXT_TY/s1600/100_9112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJhfjre8Xn4/UHoaw7sAj-I/AAAAAAAACTk/Y8IftmXT_TY/s640/100_9112.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although here she's crying because we told her she couldn't stand in her umbrella. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is her umbrella: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTv8HKfFPck/UHobCGKel2I/AAAAAAAACTs/atcFfGmrLZc/s1600/100_9088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTv8HKfFPck/UHobCGKel2I/AAAAAAAACTs/atcFfGmrLZc/s640/100_9088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mimi brought it. It's provided much entertainment....I still remember getting my first umbrella and raincoat not much older than Abigail. It's big stuff. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwLymzTA9j4/UHobDvzBg7I/AAAAAAAACT0/SuBtMYI-CAU/s1600/100_9114edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwLymzTA9j4/UHobDvzBg7I/AAAAAAAACT0/SuBtMYI-CAU/s640/100_9114edit.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Truthfully Abigail has done great with Calvin. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQnrUanUj5g/UHob8S6gWYI/AAAAAAAACUc/6UTkmI81abE/s1600/100_9121edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQnrUanUj5g/UHob8S6gWYI/AAAAAAAACUc/6UTkmI81abE/s640/100_9121edit.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
With a face this cute how could you not? </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwyH5_uZ-HY/UHob80RqJQI/AAAAAAAACUk/UmxSr2VQx2k/s1600/100_9126edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwyH5_uZ-HY/UHob80RqJQI/AAAAAAAACUk/UmxSr2VQx2k/s640/100_9126edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another example of cuteness, this being a pensive cuteness. I had forgotten how much babies simply gaze at you, it melts my heart .</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abby ( as she calls herself) delights in holding him </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KH_Hzz4p2Yo/UHob35_uSrI/AAAAAAAACT8/z5WDdSxUPmE/s1600/100_9047edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KH_Hzz4p2Yo/UHob35_uSrI/AAAAAAAACT8/z5WDdSxUPmE/s640/100_9047edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBJxpMyOrpY/UHob4oIxv1I/AAAAAAAACUE/qj2c3g5jLNg/s1600/100_9053edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBJxpMyOrpY/UHob4oIxv1I/AAAAAAAACUE/qj2c3g5jLNg/s640/100_9053edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...as long as he's not crying. She then moves quickly to hand him off, saying "Hol' Mama. Baby cwhy. Milk Mama." which is her way of saying it's time for him to nurse. :o) She knows food is the way to a man's heart and, in her small world, milk fixes everything. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97EWlR45lUw/UHoiBPEtJfI/AAAAAAAACU8/9WU3HDW2QPc/s1600/100_9083edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97EWlR45lUw/UHoiBPEtJfI/AAAAAAAACU8/9WU3HDW2QPc/s640/100_9083edit.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCs7ZnH_-XU/UHoiB0JVNlI/AAAAAAAACVE/-CZJhd-8QuI/s1600/100_9096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCs7ZnH_-XU/UHoiB0JVNlI/AAAAAAAACVE/-CZJhd-8QuI/s640/100_9096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think he agrees. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-11531047067885121812012-09-09T19:42:00.003-07:002012-09-09T19:42:59.266-07:00Pictures tell a storyI have had several friends say this lately, in fact, most of the friends whose blogs I read have said this recently as pregnancy has been in the air....but the motivation to spend any constructive time on the computer has been incredibly lacking these last few months. Notice I said constructive time: like responding to e-mails, updating a blog, actually doing needed research. Time to waste always seems abundant....especially since I discovered Fanfiction a couple of months ago......can anyone say 'addictive'?!<br />
<br />
The baby is due in less than 8 days ( please Lord, please, let on-time babies be a trend for me!) and I'm figuring time will be short after the birth so I wanted to post a few pictures of what we've (mostly Abigail) been up to lately. When I went to upload 'a few' pictures I realized I had about 7.....so here they are :o)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLyFyEqgwEE/UE1OtNxesrI/AAAAAAAACSA/e4Wgy4-FHk0/s1600/100_8948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLyFyEqgwEE/UE1OtNxesrI/AAAAAAAACSA/e4Wgy4-FHk0/s640/100_8948.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abigail has spent lots of time on the back porch by herself: "tay Mama; tay" I have been happily watching from inside, adding to our air conditioning bill by not closing the door all the way ( we really need a child-height handle on the outside....)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iIQ2UvuJfTY/UE1Oum6zliI/AAAAAAAACSQ/Uh0Z_bOYNWU/s1600/100_8951edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iIQ2UvuJfTY/UE1Oum6zliI/AAAAAAAACSQ/Uh0Z_bOYNWU/s640/100_8951edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've been cooking. Aprons a must. Notice the "one sock on, one sock off" state. It's almost perpetual right now. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvaS6zDWXYQ/UE1OvE-WG6I/AAAAAAAACSY/7xagsM6SoH4/s1600/100_8959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvaS6zDWXYQ/UE1OvE-WG6I/AAAAAAAACSY/7xagsM6SoH4/s640/100_8959.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spending lots and lots of time in our Cozy Coupe; being pushed, just sitting on the back porch, or even pushing our friends. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vn2EOTJmgw/UE1Owf1jKPI/AAAAAAAACSg/Ck6ybzeFd7E/s1600/100_9014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vn2EOTJmgw/UE1Owf1jKPI/AAAAAAAACSg/Ck6ybzeFd7E/s640/100_9014.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although, when Abigail stopped and demanded that it was Amelia's turn to push the game kind of fell apart......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu-V4v4ATLY/UE1Oxmo84jI/AAAAAAAACSo/2V5a6om47xo/s1600/100_9016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu-V4v4ATLY/UE1Oxmo84jI/AAAAAAAACSo/2V5a6om47xo/s640/100_9016.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushing the doll is much easier. It was the best $1.87 I have ever spent at a thrift store. Dolls have been a huge part of our day. We have a basket especially for 'changing' the doll's diaper; we take the doll to the potty where she gets a chocolate chip for going ( this is a once-a-day limit, for obvious reasons......); we wrap her up for naps and carry her around in the car....and dump her on the sidewalk when Daddy plays too (please see John's Facebook page for further enlightenment) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xa-fm304fk/UE1OyXSapMI/AAAAAAAACSw/iWZk6E46egk/s1600/100_9017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xa-fm304fk/UE1OyXSapMI/AAAAAAAACSw/iWZk6E46egk/s640/100_9017.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we've been riding 'bikes'. With, I think, our helmet on. We know about helmets from hanging out with our best friend's older sister. Actually, we know about bikes because of Penny too......</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m37CPuUDDnE/UE1Oy7dWOlI/AAAAAAAACS4/R7MJPsRv5tI/s1600/100_9019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m37CPuUDDnE/UE1Oy7dWOlI/AAAAAAAACS4/R7MJPsRv5tI/s640/100_9019.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot, for good measure. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Even in the midst of tiredness and the late-pregnancy laziness, we've been having fun. Ready for the baby to come though; definitely ready for him to come.<br />
<br />
Katy Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-45419473718382763232012-08-01T10:55:00.001-07:002012-08-01T10:55:43.762-07:00"Pee-boo"She's sitting in her crib right now reading to herself. I know this because every 30 seconds a quiet "pee-boo" comes drifting out as she lifts the flaps in her book to hide the animals faces. Actually, she's hiding the blank space where a picture of her is supposed to go. I've been too lazy to put one in, but she valiantly soldiers on not seeming to mind one bit.<br />
I love her.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-88362701976943293342012-06-16T05:53:00.000-07:002012-06-16T05:54:00.064-07:00The vegetable dreamIf cucumbers had been my main vegetable goal, I would be over the moon right now.<br />
In actuality, they were an afterthought; a productive one, but only an afterthought.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mof4hTDsDIY/T9x3SwkNgwI/AAAAAAAACRY/8N7SN8GZmz8/s1600/100_8919edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mof4hTDsDIY/T9x3SwkNgwI/AAAAAAAACRY/8N7SN8GZmz8/s640/100_8919edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I seem to find at least 4 every time I go check, and I don't know that many recipes for using up cucumbers ( we will have no carrot sticks this summer, only cuke-sticks)......any suggestions would be helpful. Especially if mint is included. I have that in copious amounts too ( although I love putting mint in vases around the house.....smells delicious).<br />
Abigail's favorite part of the cucumber overproduction is when we miss one for a couple of days and she gets to find something like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLi9MvRAOEo/T9x3TlmrPFI/AAAAAAAACRg/Dna9LDleQc0/s1600/100_8924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLi9MvRAOEo/T9x3TlmrPFI/AAAAAAAACRg/Dna9LDleQc0/s640/100_8924.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Although, it is nice to have lots of something edible. Last year the only thing we succeeded at growing well were rotten watermelons. Rotten because they got lost under the crabgrass that exceeded a foot in most parts of the garden. Crab grass does not count as a vegetable.<br />
<br />
So being able to actually harvest <u>edible</u> produce has been fun.<br />
<br />
Things we have eaten/are hoping to eat:<br />
<br />
<b>Snap Peas:</b> Abigail was fantastic at finding the pods. Problems arose as she would always take a bite out of the top before we could get hers inside. Then she would spit the top out after chewing on it for a bit. I think she'll have gum figured out no problem. She's good at not swallowing things. <br />
<br />
<b>Tomatoes:</b> They're all green, mind you, so this is enjoying in advance and with the hope that we can save some from the birds. (any tips on encouraging good tomato growth?)<br />
<br />
<b>Squash</b>: Even if we never get tons, I love seeing the yellow blossoms from the house, and the leaves are scratchy enough that Abigail isn't tempted to pick all the flowers off. Double bonus.<br />
<br />
<b>Bush Beans:</b> I<u> would</u> have had fun growing these if the rabbits weren't topping all of them. Beans are a bit of a wash unless I get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Contech-CRO101-Scarecrow-Activated-Sprinkler/dp/B000071NUS" target="_blank">this </a>(the best picture by far is the 6th one).<br />
<br />
<b>Strawberries: </b>These were designated, unwillingly, as the rabbit's personal property. It was too hard to protect them. Next year maybe.<br />
<br />
<b>Asparagus:</b> Mmm, mmm I'm excited about these.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Sydsm8RvI8/TxchrRzbNsI/AAAAAAAADVQ/m82iyZjv3Kw/s1600/Asparagus300x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Sydsm8RvI8/TxchrRzbNsI/AAAAAAAADVQ/m82iyZjv3Kw/s400/Asparagus300x400.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
They look cool don't they? Maybe even romantic with they're wavy stems ( I now know why Asparagus Fern is so designated). <br />
<br />
I won't see anything edible for another year or so, but the satisfaction alone of growing a <i>perennial </i>vegetable ( as in, I don't have to plant it each year) has already earned me back my money. The only thing dampening my spirits with perennials is the fact that John and my father (who only has raised beds) went in on a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BCS-Tiller-Tractor-GX160-832H8180/dp/B001O4S918" target="_blank">BCS 712 Tiller</a> (Italian-made btw. I can read him the directions if he needs) new price of $1900, auction price of $278....and I'm nervous about the success of transplanting everything so the "tiller-thirst" can be satisfied. It's even designed so you have to buy........attachments.......that's what has me really worried. <br />
<br />
<b>Corn: </b>I was excited about this, and then really confused when my ears never filled out fully<br />
(although Abigail thought they were just her size). A nice friend at church clued me in last week that I needed at least 2 rows so they could cross-pollinate. Apparently only east-west winds work for corn. So maybe I'll tear all the peas and corn out and give it another shot. We all like watching how fast they grow.<br />
<br />
It's been fun though. As opposed to last summer when it was really just a looming chore. Abigail is big enough to entertain herself and even help some ( she's good at pulling peach seedlings out); I'm actually weeding and, when I get behind, John comes through with round-up and nukes the paths; and we're even seeing some of the 'fruit of our labors' as long as, for the moment anyway, we confine our definition of 'fruit' to 'cucumbers'. :o)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrQDGRNr9v8/T9x3Rp2Wo5I/AAAAAAAACRI/lGfT-zdffPA/s1600/100_8918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrQDGRNr9v8/T9x3Rp2Wo5I/AAAAAAAACRI/lGfT-zdffPA/s640/100_8918.JPG" width="480" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As in "cool as a cucumber" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
much love, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Katy </div>
<br />
PS- maybe next year we'll be ready for <a href="http://www.somertontanksfarm.org/gallery/video.shtml" target="_blank">this</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-54248665529335977592012-06-08T05:40:00.000-07:002012-06-08T05:40:12.603-07:00BubblesShe helped me wash dishes today.<br />
Standing in a chair on one side of our sink,<br />
The water was excessively filled with bubbles.<br />
I did the washing and rinsing;<br />
She did the bubble-eating,counter-scrubbing, and floor-soaking.<br />
It was fun. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmVLlqawKLA/T9Hx9vMXk6I/AAAAAAAACQk/1xOPgXlbAaE/s1600/000_0316edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmVLlqawKLA/T9Hx9vMXk6I/AAAAAAAACQk/1xOPgXlbAaE/s640/000_0316edit.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ruA7_8XkBkM/T9Hx-SeAWvI/AAAAAAAACQs/Jc0zHThnu8g/s1600/100_8857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ruA7_8XkBkM/T9Hx-SeAWvI/AAAAAAAACQs/Jc0zHThnu8g/s640/100_8857.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pSYtU0cy6w/T9Hx_EejRjI/AAAAAAAACQ0/rsSN3KYVXX0/s1600/100_8859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pSYtU0cy6w/T9Hx_EejRjI/AAAAAAAACQ0/rsSN3KYVXX0/s640/100_8859.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping me put up winter clothes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0ZFD_JluRY/T9HyAWAitNI/AAAAAAAACQ8/gnggYFyJvPo/s1600/100_8866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0ZFD_JluRY/T9HyAWAitNI/AAAAAAAACQ8/gnggYFyJvPo/s640/100_8866.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-56256303224957863902012-05-30T15:13:00.000-07:002012-05-30T15:13:17.564-07:00The wedding. We just got back from Sarah's wedding in La Jolla, CA. It was Anthony's wedding too but, let's be honest, the groom doesn't carry as much weight. It's always a special thing when a sibling gets married, and it was extra special to see John's sister marry a guy we are all super excited about, in a place we were excited to visit.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Destination weddings for family? Yes, please. </div>
<br />
Here are a few snapshots of the weekend. Well, really a few snapshots of Abigail with John thrown in for good measure. Ninety percent of the time I see a good photo op it has disappeared in the seconds it takes my camera to turn on and present itself as ready....and if I leave it on, the battery dies in 4.5 minutes flat. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTO-0t1buOs/T8ZbPXXn8SI/AAAAAAAACOs/gaCEmNfqK9Q/s1600/100_8875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTO-0t1buOs/T8ZbPXXn8SI/AAAAAAAACOs/gaCEmNfqK9Q/s640/100_8875.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
We had lots of long walks along the beach. Abigail (and us) loved the waves (although we never went swimming. Too cold.....like days in the 60's cold. I know. Coming back to Bama was a shock to my system), chasing the squirrels, the pigeons, and the seals.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The seals were a huge hit. They stank, they hit each other in the face with their fins, and, occasionally, they'd even go swimming. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgilSQhdKZk/T8ZbOd_AC9I/AAAAAAAACOg/1mdiwcaAstA/s1600/100_8874jonell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgilSQhdKZk/T8ZbOd_AC9I/AAAAAAAACOg/1mdiwcaAstA/s640/100_8874jonell.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the sand.....never, never forget the entertainment value of dirt and sand. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D521x7C-y1c/T8ZbQvKawmI/AAAAAAAACO8/yY_4R-LrzGo/s1600/100_8884edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D521x7C-y1c/T8ZbQvKawmI/AAAAAAAACO8/yY_4R-LrzGo/s640/100_8884edit.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She found lots to keep her and us entertained, and consented to sport the most adorable pigtails several days in a row. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sld9K3D8t_U/T8ZbONv46vI/AAAAAAAACOc/yerkyFhdqfk/s1600/100_880jonell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sld9K3D8t_U/T8ZbONv46vI/AAAAAAAACOc/yerkyFhdqfk/s640/100_880jonell.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The rehearsal gave me the opportunity to show off the dress for Abigail that I finished the day before we left; culminating three months of work.....I'm much wiser now ( I hope) about setting timelines. But I liked how it turned out and she liked wearing it. A win-win. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WH8pdygE25c/T8ZbRhUeTLI/AAAAAAAACPE/STNJMGRt0DU/s1600/100_8886edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WH8pdygE25c/T8ZbRhUeTLI/AAAAAAAACPE/STNJMGRt0DU/s640/100_8886edit.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plus, it's apparently climbing-approved. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PTn1eEeDmc/T8ZbSlQtrHI/AAAAAAAACPM/VlTPWXowQM8/s1600/100_8892edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PTn1eEeDmc/T8ZbSlQtrHI/AAAAAAAACPM/VlTPWXowQM8/s640/100_8892edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Directing traffic in fine form.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had so much fun hanging out with family and I'm disappointed I didn't capture <strike>many</strike> any of those quiet moments on camera. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, the wedding was beautiful </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nex35wxgTFE/T8ZbWrFlECI/AAAAAAAACPs/7FxNILl6NNs/s1600/100_8898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nex35wxgTFE/T8ZbWrFlECI/AAAAAAAACPs/7FxNILl6NNs/s640/100_8898.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She even walked <u>all the way up the aisle holding her flower ball</u>. I couldn't believe it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yMBT-4SqpBk/T8ZbX35bdiI/AAAAAAAACP0/6vglxuOTVm4/s1600/100_8902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yMBT-4SqpBk/T8ZbX35bdiI/AAAAAAAACP0/6vglxuOTVm4/s640/100_8902.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah looked gorgeous. Although something about her that day scared Abigail. It was hilarious. She wouldn't go near Sarah. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsIlNybs1mI/T8ZbZpCa5qI/AAAAAAAACQE/dplaalDxSS8/s1600/carolandjoyce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsIlNybs1mI/T8ZbZpCa5qI/AAAAAAAACQE/dplaalDxSS8/s640/carolandjoyce.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John's mom looked gorgeous too. Beautiful and like she had a lot of fun. Which she did. :o) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and the party afterwards was <u>much</u> fun </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQN-_xEViXs/T8ZbZPqj1xI/AAAAAAAACP8/TeDCeM1HB74/s1600/100_8903edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQN-_xEViXs/T8ZbZPqj1xI/AAAAAAAACP8/TeDCeM1HB74/s640/100_8903edit.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Matt knows how to win friends....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MIlTEyGVP_s/T8ZbateTXrI/AAAAAAAACQM/9E2vdRBoYws/s1600/sarahanthony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MIlTEyGVP_s/T8ZbateTXrI/AAAAAAAACQM/9E2vdRBoYws/s400/sarahanthony.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
( with a 5-course dinner! This is what Abigail thought of the dinner)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mSbGXjR6kHM/T8ZbbFFAd9I/AAAAAAAACQU/YyQkeVXBewg/s1600/sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mSbGXjR6kHM/T8ZbbFFAd9I/AAAAAAAACQU/YyQkeVXBewg/s640/sleeping.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Actually, we were so far off schedule all weekend that this is what she thought of many meals. She was a trooper though and loved being in the middle of everything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-76088181425766128082012-05-04T09:59:00.000-07:002012-05-04T09:59:43.850-07:00Of Radishes and Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxRm6B3mLvo/T6LiEwFgKXI/AAAAAAAACNY/51DIf9peYvU/s1600/100_8836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxRm6B3mLvo/T6LiEwFgKXI/AAAAAAAACNY/51DIf9peYvU/s640/100_8836.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Have I mentioned lately that I'm thankful for flowers? One of my favorite parts of our yard is the three rose bushes that were already planted in the back corner. Add two more to the mix ( from my wonderful friend <a href="http://theharnation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Becca</a>, who gave me many other perennials, most of which I've killed) and we've got a decent rose garden. Enough, in fact, that Abigail and I go out there almost every day to pick some. Her picking consists of pulling all the petals off every rose she can reach, but she's good at it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's also good at eating hummus. As long as good is defined as "wiping it everywhere after we tire of eating". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJth4fKDGh4/T6LiDDD-DdI/AAAAAAAACNI/LsGOEI0-rIc/s640/100_8830edit.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You could also blame her daddy, since she was distracted watching him. I get distracted watching him as well. So I can understand the forgetful, contemplative state. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ua6GZjA5CcE/T6LiEAmsSaI/AAAAAAAACNQ/u1R42nLJkYE/s1600/100_8831edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ua6GZjA5CcE/T6LiEAmsSaI/AAAAAAAACNQ/u1R42nLJkYE/s640/100_8831edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Speaking of lawn mowing, this is our garden.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right there, I promise, underneath the mounds of hay. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Which I realized gives me a headache any time I spend a lot of time in it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Live and learn. :o) There are actually beans and peas and corn and tomatoes and a couple of other vegetables growing among the hay (which was scattered to help with weeds and moisture but the debate is still raging in our household as to the actual effect). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDGZ0bLj7rc/T6LiHFJiucI/AAAAAAAACNo/LKm-cyNALh8/s1600/100_8841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDGZ0bLj7rc/T6LiHFJiucI/AAAAAAAACNo/LKm-cyNALh8/s640/100_8841.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDGZ0bLj7rc/T6LiHFJiucI/AAAAAAAACNo/LKm-cyNALh8/s1600/100_8841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the first produce picked. It was, well, radishey. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4vQpCAz7f8/T6LiF_VN8TI/AAAAAAAACNg/c0Rcyko3huw/s1600/100_8839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4vQpCAz7f8/T6LiF_VN8TI/AAAAAAAACNg/c0Rcyko3huw/s640/100_8839.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm hoping for better things later. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7ax_O0q8A8/T6LiJHiw5bI/AAAAAAAACNw/L17T-gPH5uk/s1600/100_8843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7ax_O0q8A8/T6LiJHiw5bI/AAAAAAAACNw/L17T-gPH5uk/s640/100_8843.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So is Abigail. <br />
Who, by the way, has discovered a passion for flower arranging.<br />
She 'helps' to bring them in with her wagon<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9C2UIlFxkQE/T6LiKK82Q1I/AAAAAAAACN4/GrU9bY5sL3E/s1600/100_8845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9C2UIlFxkQE/T6LiKK82Q1I/AAAAAAAACN4/GrU9bY5sL3E/s640/100_8845.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then carefully pulls off all the petals</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZoNXcvQO00/T6LiLH2yzXI/AAAAAAAACOA/P-6GGwL8q5A/s1600/100_8849edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZoNXcvQO00/T6LiLH2yzXI/AAAAAAAACOA/P-6GGwL8q5A/s640/100_8849edit.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
and chooses just the right spot in the bowl to place them. Three guesses about which bowl was hers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZqpwge4qjY/T6LiMNniqAI/AAAAAAAACOI/l_6ZsYtyMwk/s1600/100_8851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZqpwge4qjY/T6LiMNniqAI/AAAAAAAACOI/l_6ZsYtyMwk/s640/100_8851.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then she helps clean up by wiping everything off onto the floor. It's a huge success. Every time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GD9UJReisIM/T6LiM9OggOI/AAAAAAAACOQ/N74S-iWfYU4/s1600/100_8853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GD9UJReisIM/T6LiM9OggOI/AAAAAAAACOQ/N74S-iWfYU4/s640/100_8853.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Almost as much fun as washable markers. Almost.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-28109905124934122672012-05-01T12:20:00.002-07:002012-05-01T12:20:49.193-07:00Four out of thirty-four<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday my Love, </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDESsVV4Pwg/SDMyr5_UXvI/AAAAAAAAAR8/wI5CcpeWHDg/s1600/Us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDESsVV4Pwg/SDMyr5_UXvI/AAAAAAAAAR8/wI5CcpeWHDg/s400/Us.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's hard for me to believe that I've only known you for five years, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and only know you well enough to celebrate <u>four</u> of those with you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVNX7ZrUKEE/R5dcykIxqGI/AAAAAAAAAEY/apg3Tri9rdM/s1600/IMG_6152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVNX7ZrUKEE/R5dcykIxqGI/AAAAAAAAAEY/apg3Tri9rdM/s400/IMG_6152.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For you have filled up my heart and my memories, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
making it seem impossible to have had so far only five years together. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROp05wBhzuY/T6Asvmx94cI/AAAAAAAACK8/z_-W2NDem-w/s1600/20141_820395538703_5385763_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROp05wBhzuY/T6Asvmx94cI/AAAAAAAACK8/z_-W2NDem-w/s400/20141_820395538703_5385763_n.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes I get distracted by how much we both have yet to learn about marriage;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but when I stop to think about who you <i>are</i>, as opposed to aren't, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and all that you <i>do</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am thankful, overwhelmed, and turned on ( though not speechless).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are a fun playmate, yet a good leader,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVOoW5QCllU/T6AsxFU2hGI/AAAAAAAACLk/mQKxmnWDuj8/s1600/647_1077553182200_1327362593_225347_1950_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVOoW5QCllU/T6AsxFU2hGI/AAAAAAAACLk/mQKxmnWDuj8/s640/647_1077553182200_1327362593_225347_1950_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An incredibly thoughtful husband,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R6USje7gSJQ/T6Asw3FBaFI/AAAAAAAACLc/EF033EGGrQo/s1600/39513_859189001261_7030396_46742515_5083953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R6USje7gSJQ/T6Asw3FBaFI/AAAAAAAACLc/EF033EGGrQo/s400/39513_859189001261_7030396_46742515_5083953_n.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An unselfish father </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(you melt my heart when I watch you with Abigail. Listening to her laugh with delight as you both brush your teeth in the mornings is a sound I'll never forget)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BKQmHewpndM/T6AsvBt8wWI/AAAAAAAACK0/uwU1gwENfgo/s1600/100_8819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BKQmHewpndM/T6AsvBt8wWI/AAAAAAAACK0/uwU1gwENfgo/s640/100_8819.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A tender and passionate lover,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvWce-zFeI8/T6AswaXuVFI/AAAAAAAACLM/IAA19HgHb4g/s1600/273_21633232988_500092988_756772_447_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvWce-zFeI8/T6AswaXuVFI/AAAAAAAACLM/IAA19HgHb4g/s640/273_21633232988_500092988_756772_447_n.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am blessed among women to call you my own....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I can hardly wait until you come home tonight. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDbxMkIlJBo/T6Ax3wxqeaI/AAAAAAAACMI/zlygptw2Giw/s1600/271_591043002991_7010010_38448299_9712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDbxMkIlJBo/T6Ax3wxqeaI/AAAAAAAACMI/zlygptw2Giw/s640/271_591043002991_7010010_38448299_9712_n.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy 34th Birthday my Love!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YroUTRukIJM/T6Ax4CQQXgI/AAAAAAAACMQ/K_C007KDprk/s1600/78_535658069841_7030396_34740796_8465_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YroUTRukIJM/T6Ax4CQQXgI/AAAAAAAACMQ/K_C007KDprk/s400/78_535658069841_7030396_34740796_8465_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PS- I think this is one of the very first pictures I have of you. It
catches one of my favorite views....... (you were right, my hair <i>was </i>
really short.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At least I know you can love me through thick and
thin.....or, well, definitely short and long)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-74666978786608314232012-02-22T09:54:00.000-08:002012-02-22T09:54:40.176-08:00A Little House-HelpIt's been slow around here lately. Not because of a lack of activities, but because I've been feeling pretty draggy during this first trimester. Mmm, mmm. In truth it's been better than with Abigail, probably because I have her to distract me during the day....and also because we're not living in an extended-stay-hotel with all the complimentary smells they provide.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Either way I'm pleased. </div><br />
What <u>has</u> been fun is Abigail. She has taken a leap in her comprehension and it's been a blast to play with her and have her help around the house.<br />
Typically, one of the first things she does after breakfast (besides making sure she knows where her blanket and pacifier are located) is get dressed for the day:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sUfdzxsH_4/T0UnF5pcGvI/AAAAAAAACD4/IdEXJZ6uwcQ/s1600/100_8783edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sUfdzxsH_4/T0UnF5pcGvI/AAAAAAAACD4/IdEXJZ6uwcQ/s640/100_8783edit.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It just so happens her favorite outfits consist of my underwear and slips. Colors and styles vary by day, but they are what she reaches for when it's time to get dressed. She must know high-fashion is demanded of her and wants to perform accordingly. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(although it can make unexpected visitors a bit awkward) </div><br />
Once dressed she actually has been a big help around the house, mostly by being content to let me do housework while she puts underwear around her neck. But she's also fantastic at putting laundry away.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOP6q4Mhsh0/T0Un1iuRsdI/AAAAAAAACEA/Dg5HTPlOgj0/s1600/100_8789edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOP6q4Mhsh0/T0Un1iuRsdI/AAAAAAAACEA/Dg5HTPlOgj0/s640/100_8789edit.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>and generally puts them in the right place ( as long as I don't mind when she pulls them all out ten minutes later. But it's hard to begrudge a girl her favorite games). <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Then we'll play office, to top the day off</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K912yBlHnQ/T0UoPZNM-CI/AAAAAAAACEI/8ClBTFTmiQo/s1600/100_8786edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K912yBlHnQ/T0UoPZNM-CI/AAAAAAAACEI/8ClBTFTmiQo/s640/100_8786edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We cram as many ads, old coupons, and pieces of junk mail into one envelope as possible, then lay everything out and start all over again. When that finishes we put stickers on our faces and throw crayons at pieces of paper. It's fun. I really like her. </div><br />
PS- anytime I say the phrase "we play office" it makes me think of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sleeps-Over-Book-Read-Along/dp/0618852824/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329932855&sr=8-1" target="_blank">this</a> book<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.picklemethis.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/ira-sleeps-over-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.picklemethis.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/ira-sleeps-over-cover.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">one of my all-time favorites ( thanks Mama!)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-41612666205753248712012-02-03T20:00:00.000-08:002012-02-03T20:00:06.527-08:00Double-undersAbigail and I took a one-night trip to Birmingham recently so Mimi, Papa, and Abigail could fill their tanks up ( me too, although for me a large part of 'why I enjoy my mother's home' is that I'm not in charge of anything there.....I tried explaining to John why that's so relaxing, but I'm not sure I succeeded. Does anyone else agree? Visiting and <i>helping</i> is more of a vacation than having a long weekend at home where you're still planning all meals and cleaning all messes). <br />
<br />
My dad was working on his 'double-under' skills with the jump rope ( two turns to every jump) and Abigail thought it was the funniest sight she'd ever seen. Deep belly chuckles came forth as she watched him jump. In fact, it was so funny she had to try it herself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcrxAXluDzY/TyysJQ5oCFI/AAAAAAAACDo/M07O8F-kbog/s1600/IMG_0826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcrxAXluDzY/TyysJQ5oCFI/AAAAAAAACDo/M07O8F-kbog/s400/IMG_0826.jpg" width="298" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5VPwpyfuds/TyysJBo5DjI/AAAAAAAACDg/kGYf18yuGl8/s1600/IMG_0809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5VPwpyfuds/TyysJBo5DjI/AAAAAAAACDg/kGYf18yuGl8/s400/IMG_0809.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
Her feet never left the ground but she had the hand motion down perfectly. She was laughing so hard at herself she could hardly turn the handles.<br />
<br />
Sigh, I love that girl.<br />
Thanks Papa, for getting her started off right.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656517431556751644.post-11263274781668970802012-01-19T12:33:00.000-08:002012-01-19T12:33:18.510-08:00Present and accounted forWhew, we're still here, I promise. Honestly if I didn't put up pictures I would post more often. I <strike>hate</strike> really dislike organizing/editing photos....especially since I didn't do any of that for almost 4 months after Abigail was born. Can we say over 400 photos that weren't in any type of folder or category?<br />
<br />
But, the best part about this blog is, I'm pretty sure, the photos of Abigail. So I'll keep pushing on. To entertain you in the meantime here's a video of what it looks like when spoons are in use at our house.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/35336003?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0