Her first hike.
Meeting all the Oregon folks.
Celebrating two birthdays.
Highlights from Oregon
Some pictures from our two week trip to Oregon. Bella had a great time. She grew and grew and grew. I think the family enjoyed seeing her, too!
Her first hike.
Her first hike.Thirty Years Later
Yep. Yesterday was the big day: my big 3-0! Hard to believe that I'm entering the fourth decade of my life, but harder to believe that I feel so young. When my brother and sister turned thirty (16 and 15 years ago, respectively), it seemed like thirty was OLD. Now that I'm here, I feel like it's so YOUNG. 30 is a good round number, and I know it's going to be a fantastic year.
M came into town 2 weeks ago for a long weekend... a kickoff to my birthday celebrations. It felt good to spend time with my BFF... talking about everything, solving none of the world's problems, laughing the entire time. She also got some much needed time with Bella.
We celebrated again while visiting the in-laws in Oregon. Grandpa spoiled me with one of Grandma's amethyst rings -- talk about speechless. And, Mom and Dad gave me some spendin' cash. Along with good food and good conversation, it was a great way to celebrate.
Zach, on the other hand outdid himself this year. Last night he cooked me dinner (something he never does) and then brought me to Costco to pick up this baby:
Hooray! So excited to play with my new toy. We're also planning a trip to Florida sometime this fall or early winter. Cannot wait!
On Monday I'm getting together with the Clan at the Compound for celebration of my birthday, the twins' 7th birthday, and PopPop Normy's birthday. Just a good old Labor Day cookout with the whole famdamily.
Yep. Thirty years old feels pretty good.
M came into town 2 weeks ago for a long weekend... a kickoff to my birthday celebrations. It felt good to spend time with my BFF... talking about everything, solving none of the world's problems, laughing the entire time. She also got some much needed time with Bella.
We celebrated again while visiting the in-laws in Oregon. Grandpa spoiled me with one of Grandma's amethyst rings -- talk about speechless. And, Mom and Dad gave me some spendin' cash. Along with good food and good conversation, it was a great way to celebrate.
Zach, on the other hand outdid himself this year. Last night he cooked me dinner (something he never does) and then brought me to Costco to pick up this baby:
Hooray! So excited to play with my new toy. We're also planning a trip to Florida sometime this fall or early winter. Cannot wait!
On Monday I'm getting together with the Clan at the Compound for celebration of my birthday, the twins' 7th birthday, and PopPop Normy's birthday. Just a good old Labor Day cookout with the whole famdamily.
Yep. Thirty years old feels pretty good.
Waving from the Great Northwest
My inner LifeArtist was tugging at me today as I spent some time in Ali's hometown of Eugene, OR. We're out West visiting Bella's Grandpa, Grandma, and Great-Grandpa. It seems that we brought the heat and humidity of Atlanta with us. While it cools down at night, it is blistering in the sun during the day. Yes, I'm melting! However, Bella is having a great time. We're able to hang out on the lawn watching the wild turkeys and deer stroll by. It's quite exciting.
Today we visited the Saturday Market in Eugene. It is one of my most favorite things to do while we're here. Eugene is a college town, as well as a hippie town. Put those two kinds of folks together and you get one amazing Market. I think it covers 4 city blocks. We got some amazing photographs from a local photographer (I'll have to link to him later... I don't have his card right in front of me...) as well as some tie-dye for the little girl. When in Rome...
After graduation, M and her girlfriend, along with Z and I spent 2 weeks out here. Of course, we visited the Saturday market. We were impressed by many things: the great art, the digeridoo (sp?) guy, M's allergic reaction to the fresh produce and flowers... and the open breastfeeding that occurred on the green. OY! I mean, I'm all for breastfeeding, but is it necessary to pop your boob out for the world to see and feed your child as though no one is watching? Yeah. No. Well, I got to do some feeding of my own today on that green --- quite covered up thankyouverymuch. But I remembered that fun Saturday we had eight years ago... one of those "you have to laugh or you'll cry" memories. And smile I did.
No fun pictures in this post, or others over the next two weeks, either, I'm afraid. We're rocking the world of dial-up out here. No cable. No DSL. Only the phone line to keep me connected to the Wide Wide World of Web. So... you'll have to have my thousand words to paint the pictures for you. Can you see the sweat dripping off my forehead as I type this???
Tomorrow Bella meets the West Coast peeps. Being as Z is an only child, we don't have aunts and uncles and cousins to meet out here... only the best kind of family instead: the family his parents chose as close friends. I can't wait to show her off and have her wow the masses with her amazing smile. Until then, I'm going to pour a HUGE glass of ice water, find the fan, and attempt to do some reading. Here's hoping I don't melt into the furniture never to return.
Send rain!
Today we visited the Saturday Market in Eugene. It is one of my most favorite things to do while we're here. Eugene is a college town, as well as a hippie town. Put those two kinds of folks together and you get one amazing Market. I think it covers 4 city blocks. We got some amazing photographs from a local photographer (I'll have to link to him later... I don't have his card right in front of me...) as well as some tie-dye for the little girl. When in Rome...
After graduation, M and her girlfriend, along with Z and I spent 2 weeks out here. Of course, we visited the Saturday market. We were impressed by many things: the great art, the digeridoo (sp?) guy, M's allergic reaction to the fresh produce and flowers... and the open breastfeeding that occurred on the green. OY! I mean, I'm all for breastfeeding, but is it necessary to pop your boob out for the world to see and feed your child as though no one is watching? Yeah. No. Well, I got to do some feeding of my own today on that green --- quite covered up thankyouverymuch. But I remembered that fun Saturday we had eight years ago... one of those "you have to laugh or you'll cry" memories. And smile I did.
No fun pictures in this post, or others over the next two weeks, either, I'm afraid. We're rocking the world of dial-up out here. No cable. No DSL. Only the phone line to keep me connected to the Wide Wide World of Web. So... you'll have to have my thousand words to paint the pictures for you. Can you see the sweat dripping off my forehead as I type this???
Tomorrow Bella meets the West Coast peeps. Being as Z is an only child, we don't have aunts and uncles and cousins to meet out here... only the best kind of family instead: the family his parents chose as close friends. I can't wait to show her off and have her wow the masses with her amazing smile. Until then, I'm going to pour a HUGE glass of ice water, find the fan, and attempt to do some reading. Here's hoping I don't melt into the furniture never to return.
Send rain!
Two months!!!
We can no longer, officially, call her a newborn. She's two months old now and growing, growing, growing! Here are some highlights from her 2 month photo shoot. And a shout out to Aunt M who suggested the monthly pictures to begin with: Word!My Nephew, the Rockstar
When M&M adopted Andy, our cousin sent him a guitar. Music kind of runs in the family, you see. In his room, Andy has a hook on which he hangs his guitar. M tunes it to a chord for him so he can play and not sound totally awful.
Enter Eddie. At 3, he became Andy's little brother. For years they've shared a room and Eddie has learned how not to destroy Andy's stuff. Except when he gets mad. Which happens from time to time. Well, one of those times, Eddie decided to throw something. This something hit Andy's guitar. The bridge broke off. Alas, no more guitar playing for Andy.
M did the best he could to repair Andy's guitar. But it was no use. For his 9th birthday, Andy got an electric guitar... and M decided to throw the broken acoustic away. So sad. Here's what transpired:
"Dad? Are you getting rid of my guitar?"
"Yep. It's going in the trash, buddy."
"Can I smash it?"
Ahh, my nephew. He's a rockstar.
Enter Eddie. At 3, he became Andy's little brother. For years they've shared a room and Eddie has learned how not to destroy Andy's stuff. Except when he gets mad. Which happens from time to time. Well, one of those times, Eddie decided to throw something. This something hit Andy's guitar. The bridge broke off. Alas, no more guitar playing for Andy.
M did the best he could to repair Andy's guitar. But it was no use. For his 9th birthday, Andy got an electric guitar... and M decided to throw the broken acoustic away. So sad. Here's what transpired:
"Dad? Are you getting rid of my guitar?"
"Yep. It's going in the trash, buddy."
"Can I smash it?"
Ahh, my nephew. He's a rockstar.
Cyrano de Bergerac meets Bella
Bella loves a good snuggle, especially from her PopPop (aka my Dad). Poor dude has been through a LOT this year... he turned 71, and aside from the regular family insanity, his baby daughter (that'd be me) had a baby, he had quadruple bypass surgery in April, and just last week, he had skin cancer removed from his nose. When we arrived, he was asleep in the recliner. Bella decided that he looked like a good place to continue her nap, so here they are. Cyrano is definitely a suitable name because Miss Piggy just didn't do him justice!
A little nonfiction...
Before Bella was born this summer, and I mean right before she was born, I was at our school system's Summer Writing Institute. I could have taught most of it, but it did give me an opportunity to work on a piece that I've had brewing in my writer's notebook for 2 summers now. I thought I might share it.
*****
“Okay, Treeza, you’re next,” the guide called to me. One by one, the other members of our expedition had disappeared over the waterfall before me. I stepped forward, and thought about the grandmother and her two granddaughters who had already taken the leap. If they could do it, so could I, right? Is this really me? I thought.
*****
My arms gripped my brother’s neck tightly. Holding on to him, I was safe from slipping under. This day was different, though.
“Swim to me, T!” my sister called from the side of the pool. She stood there, arms outstretched, waiting for me to swim to her. No words would come out of my mouth. I can’t do this, I thought.
“Go on,” Marc urged. “If you don’t, I’m going to go under.” I hated nothing more than the thought of being submerged in the water, unable to breathe, unable to move. Surely, I would drown. I wasn’t wearing my lifejacket as I normally did. All I had was Marc to hold on to, and now I couldn’t even trust that.
“Swim to me,” Lyn repeated.
“I’m going under,” Marc warned. “One…” If I let go, what would I do?
“Two…” If I hold on, surely I’ll go under.
There was only one option.
“Three!” I slipped from my brother’s hold and, flailing my arms and legs, swam to the side of the pool where my sister was waiting to catch me.
“You did it!” she breathed in my ear. “You swam!” Marc emerged from the bottom and smiled as he wiped the excess water from his face.
Looking from one to the other, all I had to say was, “Can I have my lifejacket now?”
*****
“Okay,” I sighed as I stepped from the shore into the rushing water of the underground river. Darkness surrounded me as my headlamp clicked off. I knew we were at the top of the waterfall, but I could not see it. Voices from those who went before me echoed from below. I could barely make out their headlamps shining up at me.
“Don’t stop there!” he directed and pulled me by the elbow to the very tip of the ledge. “Remember how we practiced?” he asked as he turned me around facing my back to the falls.
“Yeah, I remember,” my sarcasm took over. “We were outside in broad daylight and I could actually see where I was going to land.”
“Alright, cheeky.” He tweaked my nose. “Do you have a good grip on your tube?”
*****
Melissa answered the phone on the third ring, “Hello?”
“Hey! Mom and Dad left and I’m on my way over,” I told her as I twirled the keys around my index finger. “What’s the best way to get there?”
“Come up 85 to Steve Reynolds.”
“Are you kidding?” How could she expect me to take the interstate? I don’ t drive on the interstate, I thought. There was no possible way I could get on that highway.
“I can’t drive on 85,” I continued. “I’ll get killed. I hate all that merging and speed.” My fingers gripped the keys as my sweaty palms took on their pungent, sour smell.
“Okay,” she sighed, “here are the back roads, but it’ll take you about an hour.”
“That’s fine.”
“Really, 85 would be much quicker.” Still, her suggestion did not appeal to me.
“Nope. Give me the back roads.” I didn’t care if it took an hour to get there. Back roads are calmer, slower, and no one can cut in front of you. The risks were much greater than the potential outcomes.
*****
I pulled the rubber tight against me and prayed I would land, as practiced, sitting on it when I reached the bottom.
Am I really doing this? I thought to myself.
“I’m going to count to three, and you’re going to jump – just like we did outside the cave.”
Sharon and Liam called up from below, “You can do it!” The few remaining members of our group at the top smiled at me as I prepared to leap.
*****
We sat on the bench looking at the ducks who never seemed to leave the pond. Though the sun shined directly on us, I made fake smoke rings with my breath. I reached over and tucked my hands inside the cuffs of Zach’s sleeves, grabbing onto his wrists for warmth. The January breeze brushed over me.
“You’re what?!” he stared at me, one brow furrowed, one raised, his head cocked to one side.
I pulled my hands from his sleeves and studied them as I rubbed my thighs.
“Student teaching,” I tentatively repeated, “in New Zealand.”“You?”
“Yes, me!”
“You?”
“Yes!”
“Are you sure?”
“Zach!” I was frustrated. Why was he questioning me? Did he think I couldn’t do it? Sure, I wasn’t a risk-taker. No, I had never been away from my family for a long time. I was truly a homebody. Attached to my family. Maybe he was right. Maybe I should be questioning myself.
“Okay. Wow. That’s – that’s…,” he stuttered, searching for the right words, mouth opening and closing without a sound. Then his brows furrowed again and he asked, “For how long?”
“Two months.” It wasn’t a statement, but it wasn’t a question, either. My wide-open eyes searched for his approval, for comfort and support. I had signed the paperwork and committed to it. I was accepted to the program and had already been in contact with the school. There was really no turning back now.
*****
“One.” I took a deep breath and pulled the tube close to me. Was I ever really afraid to drive down 85? Surely, that was someone else.
“Two.” I closed my eyes tightly and tensed my shoulders, preparing to jump. See, no life jackets here. No need for a brother to hold onto or a sister to swim to.
“Three.” I took a deep breath. I bent my knees and jumped backwards into the darkness. This is me. I’m doing this.
The wetsuit clung to my body and the miner’s hat shifted backwards as I flew down-down-down towards the water. I didn’t breathe. I couldn’t breathe. My hands gripped the bottom of the inner tube as my arms wrapped around it – hugging it tight to my rear end. It was my safety net – my assurance that I would survive this jump.
I heard the hollow echo as the rubber tube landed below me, then the silent rushing of water as I was completely submerged in the waterfall pool.
“I did it!” I shouted the moment the tube propelled me out of the black depths and back up to the surface. My triumph echoed through the cave.
The rest of our expedition made their jumps and we continued our journey through the glow worm cave. I tucked my feet under Liam’s arms and grabbed the feet that appeared under mine, making sure our chain was secure.
Resting my head on the tube, I thought about the journey that had led me to this moment. I saw my first swim across the pool and felt the steering wheel in my hands as I merged onto the highway. I recalled the love I saw in my fiance’s eyes the day I boarded the plane and too a journey to the other side of the world.
I relished the taste of accomplishment, cool in my mouth, and lost myself in the view above me. Like thousands of green stars in a sky with no moon, the glow worms congratulated me. Their green glow – the light of hope – lit the way for the new-found me.
*****
My arms gripped my brother’s neck tightly. Holding on to him, I was safe from slipping under. This day was different, though.
“Swim to me, T!” my sister called from the side of the pool. She stood there, arms outstretched, waiting for me to swim to her. No words would come out of my mouth. I can’t do this, I thought.
“Go on,” Marc urged. “If you don’t, I’m going to go under.” I hated nothing more than the thought of being submerged in the water, unable to breathe, unable to move. Surely, I would drown. I wasn’t wearing my lifejacket as I normally did. All I had was Marc to hold on to, and now I couldn’t even trust that.
“Swim to me,” Lyn repeated.
“I’m going under,” Marc warned. “One…” If I let go, what would I do?
“Two…” If I hold on, surely I’ll go under.
There was only one option.
“Three!” I slipped from my brother’s hold and, flailing my arms and legs, swam to the side of the pool where my sister was waiting to catch me.
“You did it!” she breathed in my ear. “You swam!” Marc emerged from the bottom and smiled as he wiped the excess water from his face.
Looking from one to the other, all I had to say was, “Can I have my lifejacket now?”
*****
“Okay,” I sighed as I stepped from the shore into the rushing water of the underground river. Darkness surrounded me as my headlamp clicked off. I knew we were at the top of the waterfall, but I could not see it. Voices from those who went before me echoed from below. I could barely make out their headlamps shining up at me.
“Don’t stop there!” he directed and pulled me by the elbow to the very tip of the ledge. “Remember how we practiced?” he asked as he turned me around facing my back to the falls.
“Yeah, I remember,” my sarcasm took over. “We were outside in broad daylight and I could actually see where I was going to land.”
“Alright, cheeky.” He tweaked my nose. “Do you have a good grip on your tube?”
*****
Melissa answered the phone on the third ring, “Hello?”
“Hey! Mom and Dad left and I’m on my way over,” I told her as I twirled the keys around my index finger. “What’s the best way to get there?”
“Come up 85 to Steve Reynolds.”
“Are you kidding?” How could she expect me to take the interstate? I don’ t drive on the interstate, I thought. There was no possible way I could get on that highway.
“I can’t drive on 85,” I continued. “I’ll get killed. I hate all that merging and speed.” My fingers gripped the keys as my sweaty palms took on their pungent, sour smell.
“Okay,” she sighed, “here are the back roads, but it’ll take you about an hour.”
“That’s fine.”
“Really, 85 would be much quicker.” Still, her suggestion did not appeal to me.
“Nope. Give me the back roads.” I didn’t care if it took an hour to get there. Back roads are calmer, slower, and no one can cut in front of you. The risks were much greater than the potential outcomes.
*****
I pulled the rubber tight against me and prayed I would land, as practiced, sitting on it when I reached the bottom.
Am I really doing this? I thought to myself.
“I’m going to count to three, and you’re going to jump – just like we did outside the cave.”
Sharon and Liam called up from below, “You can do it!” The few remaining members of our group at the top smiled at me as I prepared to leap.
*****
We sat on the bench looking at the ducks who never seemed to leave the pond. Though the sun shined directly on us, I made fake smoke rings with my breath. I reached over and tucked my hands inside the cuffs of Zach’s sleeves, grabbing onto his wrists for warmth. The January breeze brushed over me.
“You’re what?!” he stared at me, one brow furrowed, one raised, his head cocked to one side.
I pulled my hands from his sleeves and studied them as I rubbed my thighs.
“Student teaching,” I tentatively repeated, “in New Zealand.”“You?”
“Yes, me!”
“You?”
“Yes!”
“Are you sure?”
“Zach!” I was frustrated. Why was he questioning me? Did he think I couldn’t do it? Sure, I wasn’t a risk-taker. No, I had never been away from my family for a long time. I was truly a homebody. Attached to my family. Maybe he was right. Maybe I should be questioning myself.
“Okay. Wow. That’s – that’s…,” he stuttered, searching for the right words, mouth opening and closing without a sound. Then his brows furrowed again and he asked, “For how long?”
“Two months.” It wasn’t a statement, but it wasn’t a question, either. My wide-open eyes searched for his approval, for comfort and support. I had signed the paperwork and committed to it. I was accepted to the program and had already been in contact with the school. There was really no turning back now.
*****
“One.” I took a deep breath and pulled the tube close to me. Was I ever really afraid to drive down 85? Surely, that was someone else.
“Two.” I closed my eyes tightly and tensed my shoulders, preparing to jump. See, no life jackets here. No need for a brother to hold onto or a sister to swim to.
“Three.” I took a deep breath. I bent my knees and jumped backwards into the darkness. This is me. I’m doing this.
The wetsuit clung to my body and the miner’s hat shifted backwards as I flew down-down-down towards the water. I didn’t breathe. I couldn’t breathe. My hands gripped the bottom of the inner tube as my arms wrapped around it – hugging it tight to my rear end. It was my safety net – my assurance that I would survive this jump.
I heard the hollow echo as the rubber tube landed below me, then the silent rushing of water as I was completely submerged in the waterfall pool.
“I did it!” I shouted the moment the tube propelled me out of the black depths and back up to the surface. My triumph echoed through the cave.
The rest of our expedition made their jumps and we continued our journey through the glow worm cave. I tucked my feet under Liam’s arms and grabbed the feet that appeared under mine, making sure our chain was secure.
Resting my head on the tube, I thought about the journey that had led me to this moment. I saw my first swim across the pool and felt the steering wheel in my hands as I merged onto the highway. I recalled the love I saw in my fiance’s eyes the day I boarded the plane and too a journey to the other side of the world.
I relished the taste of accomplishment, cool in my mouth, and lost myself in the view above me. Like thousands of green stars in a sky with no moon, the glow worms congratulated me. Their green glow – the light of hope – lit the way for the new-found me.
My tubing mates and me, Waitomo Caves, New Zealand 2001
Catchin' Up
After my doctor's appt on Tuesday, Mom and I hit the Carter's store because, well, who can pass up a sale on baby clothes these days??? We found some great stuff for Bella including a onesie that says "Daddy's wrapped around my finger." Just love it! Mom had to get these socks -- Mary Janes in 3 colors, along with another 3 pairs that are ballerina slippers. Too cute for words.
After the Carter's shopping spree, we drove home, picked up Kristina and my dad and headed to the lake. Mom and Dad are "camping" there this summer. (You can hardly call it camping when you have a microwave, recliner, and DVD player!!) We swam and played and took Kristina to the petting zoo they have at the campground. She loved it. Here she is with her favorite: the lamb.
I've been back from the lake for a few days now... catching up on laundry, working on sub plans, spending time with Z, and hanging out with our visitors! With most of the Clan on vacation, we're hosting these two cuties for our friend Marilyn. The first adorableness you see is Savannah. She's a Jack Russel puppy. She keeps Kharma busy and has kept Luna in the sink for several days. Xerxes could care less. Speaking of caring less, the second adorable pup you see is Houston. He is the brother of my SIL's dog, Roscoe, may he RIP. Yes, he has a cleft lip. Yes, he's nearly blind and deaf. But he's 14, soft and cuddly and is pretty spry for an old man. He could care less about Kharma or the cats. Just make sure he goes outside, gets something to eat, and has a quiet place to sleep, and he's one happy man!
Baby Crazy
Went a little nuts with the photography last night. Bella was in a great mood after dinner and she was wearing this adorable onesie my friend Mara got for her... so I had to take some pictures. I mean, really, how could you not???
The Cousins
Here are the results of that crazy photo shoot. The first is my favorite. The second is my Mom's fave. You can definitely see the personalities of these kids in these photos! The eldest girl and the girl in the pink dress are my sister's kids. The rest, excluding that adorable baby, are my brother's kids. Yes, he has 5. No, I won't be taking a page out of his book. Bella has much to look forward to in the years to come. Many playmates.
Well, I'm off to the lake for a few days. No wi-fi. Just me, the 'rents, one of those nieces, and my Bella. Oh, and curriculum calendars and lesson plans... ;oP
Passages of Time
Twelve years ago this month, I was in New Jersey holding my first niece, the baby I anticipated for so long, my sister's first child, my god-daughter. I spent a long 6 weeks with my sister, brother-in-law, and this new little wonder, getting to know her, bonding with her, and learning about what it takes to really care for a baby. I was in on it all... feedings, bathing, diaper changes, nap times... you name it, I did it. I was the live-in nanny. The world went on around me during that summer before I started college. I noticed nothing. Only the gorgeous new baby who was part of my life. I knew I wouldn't get to spend this kind of time with her again, so I made every moment count.
So, here we are twelve years later, and that baby is the oldest of my parents' eight grandchildren. I was right. I never again did have long periods of time to spend with that little girl. But the summer I spent with her was well worth it. We bonded. She's my girl. That's why I loved having her meet my little girl. The other baby I waited for. The other baby I anticpated, my first child, my daughter, my Bella. Here's my "first" baby with my first baby. Both my girls, both so special to me:
I gave Z a lot of crap this weekend about the fact that there are tons of pictures of his parents with our child. Tons of pictures of him with our child. And none of me with my child. So, he snapped away. I liked this one best.
It happened after our "cousins" photo shoot... we got all of the kids together: M&M's five, L&G's two, and our little one for a picture for Grammy. The chaos and comedy ensued. I captured it all on video... for posterity. All in all, the kiddos did a great job of obliging their most annoying parents, "Smile! Smile for the camera! Eddie, if you don't smile, so help me! Sit up straight! Smile! Look here! Look at Uncle M! Eddie... I swear..." Z and I had a good laugh! As soon as I get a hold of a copy, I'll post it for the world to see.
So, here we are twelve years later, and that baby is the oldest of my parents' eight grandchildren. I was right. I never again did have long periods of time to spend with that little girl. But the summer I spent with her was well worth it. We bonded. She's my girl. That's why I loved having her meet my little girl. The other baby I waited for. The other baby I anticpated, my first child, my daughter, my Bella. Here's my "first" baby with my first baby. Both my girls, both so special to me:
I gave Z a lot of crap this weekend about the fact that there are tons of pictures of his parents with our child. Tons of pictures of him with our child. And none of me with my child. So, he snapped away. I liked this one best.
It happened after our "cousins" photo shoot... we got all of the kids together: M&M's five, L&G's two, and our little one for a picture for Grammy. The chaos and comedy ensued. I captured it all on video... for posterity. All in all, the kiddos did a great job of obliging their most annoying parents, "Smile! Smile for the camera! Eddie, if you don't smile, so help me! Sit up straight! Smile! Look here! Look at Uncle M! Eddie... I swear..." Z and I had a good laugh! As soon as I get a hold of a copy, I'll post it for the world to see.Bathing Beauty
I've been away from home and the computer this week... spending lots of time at the "Compound" with my family... all of them. Ugh. As if having a baby wasn't exhausting enough! Anyway... thought I'd share these snaps of my bathing beauty.Transitions
The past few days have brought about some change for me and my little girl. It seems that she's been in transition -- growing and changing. Since she can't tell me what's on her mind, I just have to go with it. We've finally made the transition from some formula supplements to NO formula supplements. Mommy is now supplying all her food! This is a HUGE accomplishment for both of us.
She has also been working on sleeping through the night. For the past two nights, she has slept through for 7 hours, awakened for a feeding, then returned to sleep for another 2.5-3 hours. Needless to say, I am LOVING this! This transition, though, was not without its kinks. She decided not to nap for a few days. She had some serious crankiness and screaming fits... but today, blessed day, has been a good one. Good eating, good naps, a lot less cranky. Hallelujah! Knock on wood, we'll continue in this manner for a while. Happy babies mean happy mommies.
Not much else going on around here. More family in town visiting, but fortunately NOT staying with me. Getting the helmet hair cut tomorrow (after about 2 months -- can I get a little "Amen?"). Starting to think about putting a calendar together for my long-term sub.
And a shout out to my scrappin/stampin girls. Thanks for all the goodies! We are so lucky to have you in our lives!!! Kisses!
She has also been working on sleeping through the night. For the past two nights, she has slept through for 7 hours, awakened for a feeding, then returned to sleep for another 2.5-3 hours. Needless to say, I am LOVING this! This transition, though, was not without its kinks. She decided not to nap for a few days. She had some serious crankiness and screaming fits... but today, blessed day, has been a good one. Good eating, good naps, a lot less cranky. Hallelujah! Knock on wood, we'll continue in this manner for a while. Happy babies mean happy mommies.
Not much else going on around here. More family in town visiting, but fortunately NOT staying with me. Getting the helmet hair cut tomorrow (after about 2 months -- can I get a little "Amen?"). Starting to think about putting a calendar together for my long-term sub.
And a shout out to my scrappin/stampin girls. Thanks for all the goodies! We are so lucky to have you in our lives!!! Kisses!
Reasons #546,214 and 546,215 why I love my husband
He LOVES our nieces and nephews. This is typical!
Just a regular ole Friday night at our house. =o)Daddy's Girl
Z has been completely exhauted at work this week. It might be the heat and humidity. It might be the pain in the butt job he just finished. Either way, he comes home sleepy as hell. This lends itself to some cuddle time with Bella. Love this picture of the two of them snuggling the other night.
This is our pal, Taylor. Z met Taylor 12 years ago when he arrived in Atlanta. Taylor and I both hit decade marks this August... he'll be 20, I'll be 30. Needless to say, we watched him grow up. He was super excited when our Bella arrived. So glad he was finally able to meet her today. He promised to tell her all his secrets on how to eat chocolate and get it all over Daddy's car and, later, how to sneak out without getting caught. Yes, we have only the BEST role models for our little one!
This is our pal, Taylor. Z met Taylor 12 years ago when he arrived in Atlanta. Taylor and I both hit decade marks this August... he'll be 20, I'll be 30. Needless to say, we watched him grow up. He was super excited when our Bella arrived. So glad he was finally able to meet her today. He promised to tell her all his secrets on how to eat chocolate and get it all over Daddy's car and, later, how to sneak out without getting caught. Yes, we have only the BEST role models for our little one!
Sixth grade much?
Some things just never change...
Except me... Did I really scream until I cried over these jokers? Oh my!
Except me... Did I really scream until I cried over these jokers? Oh my!
A Short, but GREAT visit
Bella got to spend some time with her aunts this weekend.
Marching with Aunt M in the Dyke March.
Marching with Aunt M in the Dyke March.
Cuddling with Aunt K
Hangin' out with her aunts...
Demons, Dykes, and Fireworks
Several things to comment upon here today.
]he first: my husband's need to "play" with our child. Before our little girl arrived, the furkids got to endure the torture. It seems that Bella is now the unlucky (?) recipient of Z's need to "play." Here, butterscotch chips are used to create the horned look of a demon. OY!
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Second, I have no pictures yet, but aside from being 4th of July weekend, it is also Pride Weekend here in the ATL. Bella's two favorite aunts are in town, and she recieved a phone call last night inviting her to participate in her first Dyke March. Needless to say, she accepted the invitation and asked her Dad and I to join her. Can't wait!
Third, and finally, what would 4th of July be without fireworks?!?! We joined the Clan for a day of hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, "MY" famous macaroni and cheese, and FIREWORKS!! Bella enjoyed showing off her "All-American Girl" outfit while hanging out with her cousins. As always, the fireworks were amazing, even if she did sleep through them!
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Bella says, "Pick me! I want to see the fireworks!".jpg)
Bella's thinking about what color cotton candy she wants....jpg)
Not exactly sure what she's thinking here, but I LOVE this picture!
HOORAY!!!
Woman on the right... the woman who has made her the happiest woman in the world.
Color me happy: Visit here.
Congrats, you two!
Why, WalMart, Why?
In an effort to help feed the fam on July 4th, I headed to the Wal of Mart today to pick up some vittles. Not much, just some hot dogs and watermelon and the like. You know, Independence Day fare. It was a quick trip. It had to be... Bella was napping and I wanted to get in and out as fast a possible.
This is where I then ask, Why, WalMart, Why?!?!?! I can get thru the aisles of my friendly neighborhood store in about 20 minutes. And that's moving pretty slowly, as I don't know what's where. I don't really frequent Wally World... but today the deals were calling my name. So, shopping cart is filled with required food as well as some extras (beer for Z, shirts for me, a July 4th outfit for Bella) and we head to the checkout stand.
Could someone please explain to me why WalMart has 87,000,000 checkout lanes and only 2 are open and the cashiers at those 2 open lanes are taking their sweet-ass time? Why? Honestly? WTF?! They might roll back the prices, but I'd rather pay more and have better service than pay less and know it. Sweet Lord! So, 45 minutes later, we were out of there!
And I forgot the charcoal. Dammit. So, we hit the Kroger on the way home. Should've just gone there in the first place. Rollbacks are SO not worth it.
... end rant.
Enter my sleeping beauty. She's doing better... Longer naps today: Hooray! And, I've decided that she won't be an exclusively breastfed baby. This was a hard decision on my part, but since I don't seem to make enough milk to satisfy her all the time, and I don't want to starve her, it was the only real option. It's not horrible. Usually about 4-6 ounces of formula a day. Out of 25 total ounces, we're not doing too badly. Oh, and that doesn't count the 3 ounces she gets at night because I want to SLEEP! Sigh. The things they don't tell you about in school. Or on the net. Or at the hospital.
Sooo, here's to common sense, trusting yourself, and Similac Advance!
