See the chomper?!
Lila in lilac
Although she doesn't need them, she loves shoes. In 15 second intervals.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A tooth for a Lila
See the chomper?!
Lila in lilac
Although she doesn't need them, she loves shoes. In 15 second intervals.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Land of Lincoln
This last weekend we road tripped up to Illinois for Braden's 10 year high school reunion. And because I have never seen where he grew up. And because I have never met the Ellsworth's, who are basically an appendage to the Reynolds family.
I have to say, for all the ragging Braden does on Champaign, I quite enjoyed it there. They have sidewalks, and open fields, and farms, and lots and lots of ordinary neighborhoods. I liked that I didn't see any scary parts of town, or any extravagent parts of town. It was just so working class ordinary. It has such a down to earth feel about it. And I instantly loved the Ellsworth's. You can't help it. They just suck you right in. What a sweet sweet family. I rarely see kids interact with each other like they do. I feel the need to sit them down and interview them on all their parenting tactics. Now, it's too late for me to be sweet like them, but maybe they've got something else up their sleeve? I just loved being in their home.
We went to a darling little orchard which won my heart. I am a sucker for fall festivities. We ate at Jimmy JOhns's, a scrupmtious sandwhich shop where Braden used to work. I went to the doctor because my tongue somehow turned into a blister factory, which feels as awesome as it sounds. The doctor thought maybe it was just tastebuds. I could see he and I not hanging out on the weekends. Maybe it was stress, he said. Well you know what helps stress? Paying $150 bucks to be told that maybe you're feeling stress. Bah.
On to the reunion. We were told that it was going to be held in a restaurant below a bar. Turns out it was in a bar below a bar. We were also told it was a dinner buffet and a family event. Turns out it was veggie platters and chips and a buffet of alcohol. So I'm lookin around at the other girls there in their little black dresses with their little night clutches and I feel like the sesame Street song "one of these does not belong". Something about a big bag with diapers and crayons and books spilling out of it. Then Lila spots Balloons and goes nuts. So Braden's friend cuts one down for her. Well, of course Anabelle wants one too. So now, as if I'm not already a roaming circus, with the only kids in the place, I have big balloons attached to the said bag, in case anyone should somehow lose sight of us. I sat with the girls in a corner booth and tried to isolate the insanity. That worked well. Until Anabelle decided that tortilla chips were "tickets" and began to pass them out. First just to Braden's little circle of buddies. But then to the CHS class of 99. I didn't even stop her. It was really entertaining to see people drinking and get a tug of their pants with a tiny pig tailed girl handing them their "ticket" and instructing them that it was not to be eaten. I had the bright idea as the night wore on to put a sticker on my shirt with my name on it and try to get the super drunk people to remember me. But I didn't. Should have, would have made a better post. Maybe I'll start creating alternate endings for my stories.
Good trip, looking forward to another one to Virginia in a few weeks. Till then, we are LOVING this fall weather.
We look pretty sturdy and coherent for having spent the whole night in a bar right? eating grape tomatoes and brocolli florets all night will do that to you
"Is there something on my face?"
Not sharing a fresh apple donut.
Sharing a fresh apple donut.
Lila partaking of heaven in a styromfoam cup (Fresh apple cider). Never has the urge to not share with my kids been so strong within me.
our family, riding the short bus
hmmmmm....what to say about this picture?....
So VERY excited to be beholding something so furry. Her approach to animals is this: pet, pet, SQUEEZE!! The love is usually uni-directional for Lila and animals.
No, Lila. The expression is 'chewing the fat' not 'chewing the cat'! Silly baby!
This one LOVES a slide
Anabelle feeding the farm goats. Something about this little goat reminded us of Uncle Tim. Can't really put our finger on it though. Help me out Tim, what is it?....
Anabelle loving the Ellsworth's tree swing
Lila looking so sweet in her car seat, where the little gem spent the majority of the weekend.
Braden's family all go crazy over this little BBQ joint so when any of them are in town they buy the sauce. Once after being stuffed at dinner Braden spilled some of this said sauce on the kitchen floor. Wipe it up? You bet he did. He got out a loaf of bread and wiped up every drop of it with bread and ate it just because he couldn't bear to see it get rinsed down the drain.
The gang at the friday night football game
I have to say, for all the ragging Braden does on Champaign, I quite enjoyed it there. They have sidewalks, and open fields, and farms, and lots and lots of ordinary neighborhoods. I liked that I didn't see any scary parts of town, or any extravagent parts of town. It was just so working class ordinary. It has such a down to earth feel about it. And I instantly loved the Ellsworth's. You can't help it. They just suck you right in. What a sweet sweet family. I rarely see kids interact with each other like they do. I feel the need to sit them down and interview them on all their parenting tactics. Now, it's too late for me to be sweet like them, but maybe they've got something else up their sleeve? I just loved being in their home.
We went to a darling little orchard which won my heart. I am a sucker for fall festivities. We ate at Jimmy JOhns's, a scrupmtious sandwhich shop where Braden used to work. I went to the doctor because my tongue somehow turned into a blister factory, which feels as awesome as it sounds. The doctor thought maybe it was just tastebuds. I could see he and I not hanging out on the weekends. Maybe it was stress, he said. Well you know what helps stress? Paying $150 bucks to be told that maybe you're feeling stress. Bah.
On to the reunion. We were told that it was going to be held in a restaurant below a bar. Turns out it was in a bar below a bar. We were also told it was a dinner buffet and a family event. Turns out it was veggie platters and chips and a buffet of alcohol. So I'm lookin around at the other girls there in their little black dresses with their little night clutches and I feel like the sesame Street song "one of these does not belong". Something about a big bag with diapers and crayons and books spilling out of it. Then Lila spots Balloons and goes nuts. So Braden's friend cuts one down for her. Well, of course Anabelle wants one too. So now, as if I'm not already a roaming circus, with the only kids in the place, I have big balloons attached to the said bag, in case anyone should somehow lose sight of us. I sat with the girls in a corner booth and tried to isolate the insanity. That worked well. Until Anabelle decided that tortilla chips were "tickets" and began to pass them out. First just to Braden's little circle of buddies. But then to the CHS class of 99. I didn't even stop her. It was really entertaining to see people drinking and get a tug of their pants with a tiny pig tailed girl handing them their "ticket" and instructing them that it was not to be eaten. I had the bright idea as the night wore on to put a sticker on my shirt with my name on it and try to get the super drunk people to remember me. But I didn't. Should have, would have made a better post. Maybe I'll start creating alternate endings for my stories.
Good trip, looking forward to another one to Virginia in a few weeks. Till then, we are LOVING this fall weather.
We look pretty sturdy and coherent for having spent the whole night in a bar right? eating grape tomatoes and brocolli florets all night will do that to you
"Is there something on my face?"
Not sharing a fresh apple donut.
Sharing a fresh apple donut.
Lila partaking of heaven in a styromfoam cup (Fresh apple cider). Never has the urge to not share with my kids been so strong within me.
our family, riding the short bus
hmmmmm....what to say about this picture?....
So VERY excited to be beholding something so furry. Her approach to animals is this: pet, pet, SQUEEZE!! The love is usually uni-directional for Lila and animals.
No, Lila. The expression is 'chewing the fat' not 'chewing the cat'! Silly baby!
This one LOVES a slide
Anabelle feeding the farm goats. Something about this little goat reminded us of Uncle Tim. Can't really put our finger on it though. Help me out Tim, what is it?....
Anabelle loving the Ellsworth's tree swing
Lila looking so sweet in her car seat, where the little gem spent the majority of the weekend.
Braden's family all go crazy over this little BBQ joint so when any of them are in town they buy the sauce. Once after being stuffed at dinner Braden spilled some of this said sauce on the kitchen floor. Wipe it up? You bet he did. He got out a loaf of bread and wiped up every drop of it with bread and ate it just because he couldn't bear to see it get rinsed down the drain.
The gang at the friday night football game
Do Over
Anabelle turned 3 on the 12th of September. She chose to go camping for her birthday. But it rained. So we threw together a last minute party for her. Braden and I decorated jungle cupcakes the night before along with all other party prep. But she woke up sick. We canceled the party and spent half the day in Urgent Care, and the other half she spent in bed, miserable. She would ask to open a present, then ask to go to bed. After a few hours, she would ask for another present, then go back to bed. I asked her if she wanted a cupcake and she said, "Can I just go to bed and stay there for however long I want?" At about 10 that night, after having spent much of the day asleep, she was AWAKE. So me being the extra super cool mom that I am, (read irresponsible), took her to see a 10 o'clock showing of "Ice Age, Return of the Dinosaurs'. I asked her if she liked it when it was over and she said, "Yeah. But I didn't like the parts with the dinosaurs." So I guess after the previews it was all downhill for her.
She spent that week sick and we had a re-do party the next week because she was asking if friends were going to come over and watch her eat cake. But by that time I had thrown all the jungle cupcakes out and was over the whole party thing. So we frosted sugar cookies and she didn't even eat hers because she was excitedly watching all her friends eat. It was fun to see her at her party. She was so excited about everything and just so happy. Then I took her to Toys R Us because she had a little gift card and let her walk around looking at stuff for hours. Hours. Lila will tell you. And of all the fantastic toys in that place do you know what she chose? A stuffed animal. What a shocker.
She spent that week sick and we had a re-do party the next week because she was asking if friends were going to come over and watch her eat cake. But by that time I had thrown all the jungle cupcakes out and was over the whole party thing. So we frosted sugar cookies and she didn't even eat hers because she was excitedly watching all her friends eat. It was fun to see her at her party. She was so excited about everything and just so happy. Then I took her to Toys R Us because she had a little gift card and let her walk around looking at stuff for hours. Hours. Lila will tell you. And of all the fantastic toys in that place do you know what she chose? A stuffed animal. What a shocker.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
For the record:
Anabelle, these are things about you when you were three. Thank you for each one of them, for they are my happiness.
You are perceptive.
You are observant.
You are intelligent.
You are musical.
You are sensitive.
You are nurturing.
You are fun.
You are contemplative.
You are intense. About everything. Always.
You are playful.
You are funny.
You are loving.
You are mine.
And I am grateful. Always.
Regarding groceries: You have a very mature Mediterranean pal latte. You enjoy humus, cous-cous, baked Talapia, garbanzo beans. You've been known to put down more than your fair share of corn on the cob. You also like broccoli and peas. You love cheese balls (fresh mexican queso) and beans. Black beans, re fried beans, whatever- you're all about beans. And of course, the staples: yogurt, applesauce, and cereal. You, my small friend, can eat your weight in noodles and can put down a few ribs with your Daddy. You do not eat sandwiches; you lick off all the jelly. You do no not eat cupcakes or cake; you lick off all the frosting. You have, on more than one occasion, swiped sticks of butter and devoured them, as well as the piles of salt from the salt shaker. You eat pizza dough like it's your job. You feel that each day should begin with a batch of oat pancakes.
You say that every color is your favorite, but when given choices, you often choose pink.
You talk in song. No, really. If I ask you a question, you sing your answer to me to the tune of a song. You often match tune and pitch perfectly. You LOVE music. You always have. Your favorite songs seem to be: Let it Be by The Beatles, Come Thou Fount, Castle on a Cloud from Les Mis, and What's the Dilly-Yo?, from some stupid band that nobody cares about. You spend a lot of time in your room by yourself singing your thoughts. You do this for hours, literally. I find you singing and dancing your animals around your room, often with great emotion. I love your love of music, it is a delight.
Right now you are into dressing up. You are always tromping around the house in some fantastic outfit singing about the little world that you are lost in. This makes me happy. Your imagination is your favorite toy and you can entertain yourself for hours with no toys at all. I love to stand outside your door and listen to how you are interpreting the world, based on your "pretend" dialogue.
You LOVE books. Any books. Baby books, long books with no pictures, scriptures. You are all about hearing a story. Whenever you start to whine we start to threaten to take away bedtime stories and you make a quick turn around. Usually. One of my most treasured times of the day is reading with you, snuggled up in bed together, kissing and hugging and laughing and reading and catching each others kisses as we part ways.
You also like puzzles, cutting paper, making arts and crafts, going to the park, meeting people and puppies, cooking with me, dancing in the living room all dressed up, and running errands.
You like to wear "sister dresses" and match Lila and you love to play with her. You have always loved Lila and been very involved in her every move. You make her laugh like no one else can, and it is music to my soul and sunshine to my heart. Big sister is a job you take seriously.
You ask to go to Barnes & Noble, the park, the library, nursery, and Costco.
You are a nurturing soul. From animals to babies, you love to comfort and you do so with deep emotion. You are incredibly perceptive. You sense emotion and are so very sensitive to the feelings of others. The other day you watched a clip of someone singing who became choked up, and when Dad looked over at you, you had tears in your eyes. You innately feel compassion.
You do not like loud things. Even though you are one. Not blenders, not vacuums, not roaring or yelling.
Recently, you asked to watch a movie. I asked which one, then began naming titles. With each one, you named the villain in the show, then said you did not like the movie because of that character. Even 'A Bug's Life' got cut because of the "mean ugly hoppers". For your birthday you got a 'My Little Pony' movie filled with singing, rainbows, sparkles, lollipops, friends, and all things lovely. And this show has won your heart. You are not interested in anything that bears teeth or claws.
Your love for animals is astounding.
You LOVE nature.
You love camping.
You love friends.
And I love you.
Thank you Lovebug, for the gift of you. You have my heart.
xoxo,
Mom
You are perceptive.
You are observant.
You are intelligent.
You are musical.
You are sensitive.
You are nurturing.
You are fun.
You are contemplative.
You are intense. About everything. Always.
You are playful.
You are funny.
You are loving.
You are mine.
And I am grateful. Always.
Regarding groceries: You have a very mature Mediterranean pal latte. You enjoy humus, cous-cous, baked Talapia, garbanzo beans. You've been known to put down more than your fair share of corn on the cob. You also like broccoli and peas. You love cheese balls (fresh mexican queso) and beans. Black beans, re fried beans, whatever- you're all about beans. And of course, the staples: yogurt, applesauce, and cereal. You, my small friend, can eat your weight in noodles and can put down a few ribs with your Daddy. You do not eat sandwiches; you lick off all the jelly. You do no not eat cupcakes or cake; you lick off all the frosting. You have, on more than one occasion, swiped sticks of butter and devoured them, as well as the piles of salt from the salt shaker. You eat pizza dough like it's your job. You feel that each day should begin with a batch of oat pancakes.
You say that every color is your favorite, but when given choices, you often choose pink.
You talk in song. No, really. If I ask you a question, you sing your answer to me to the tune of a song. You often match tune and pitch perfectly. You LOVE music. You always have. Your favorite songs seem to be: Let it Be by The Beatles, Come Thou Fount, Castle on a Cloud from Les Mis, and What's the Dilly-Yo?, from some stupid band that nobody cares about. You spend a lot of time in your room by yourself singing your thoughts. You do this for hours, literally. I find you singing and dancing your animals around your room, often with great emotion. I love your love of music, it is a delight.
Right now you are into dressing up. You are always tromping around the house in some fantastic outfit singing about the little world that you are lost in. This makes me happy. Your imagination is your favorite toy and you can entertain yourself for hours with no toys at all. I love to stand outside your door and listen to how you are interpreting the world, based on your "pretend" dialogue.
You LOVE books. Any books. Baby books, long books with no pictures, scriptures. You are all about hearing a story. Whenever you start to whine we start to threaten to take away bedtime stories and you make a quick turn around. Usually. One of my most treasured times of the day is reading with you, snuggled up in bed together, kissing and hugging and laughing and reading and catching each others kisses as we part ways.
You also like puzzles, cutting paper, making arts and crafts, going to the park, meeting people and puppies, cooking with me, dancing in the living room all dressed up, and running errands.
You like to wear "sister dresses" and match Lila and you love to play with her. You have always loved Lila and been very involved in her every move. You make her laugh like no one else can, and it is music to my soul and sunshine to my heart. Big sister is a job you take seriously.
You ask to go to Barnes & Noble, the park, the library, nursery, and Costco.
You are a nurturing soul. From animals to babies, you love to comfort and you do so with deep emotion. You are incredibly perceptive. You sense emotion and are so very sensitive to the feelings of others. The other day you watched a clip of someone singing who became choked up, and when Dad looked over at you, you had tears in your eyes. You innately feel compassion.
You do not like loud things. Even though you are one. Not blenders, not vacuums, not roaring or yelling.
Recently, you asked to watch a movie. I asked which one, then began naming titles. With each one, you named the villain in the show, then said you did not like the movie because of that character. Even 'A Bug's Life' got cut because of the "mean ugly hoppers". For your birthday you got a 'My Little Pony' movie filled with singing, rainbows, sparkles, lollipops, friends, and all things lovely. And this show has won your heart. You are not interested in anything that bears teeth or claws.
Your love for animals is astounding.
You LOVE nature.
You love camping.
You love friends.
And I love you.
Thank you Lovebug, for the gift of you. You have my heart.
xoxo,
Mom
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
You said it, not me....
Laying in our fort together (ie: under the kitchen table), we talk:
What's the biggest word you know?
BRADY
What's the smallest word you know?
ANABELLE KRISTINE
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A COSTUME COW
What kind of car will you drive?
GREEN
Do you want to have babies?
YES
How many?
FOUR
What will you name them?
KRISTY
And what about the other ones?
I'LL CALL THEM ALL KRISTY. ALL THREE OF THEM.
Will you make them take naps?
YES
What will you do if they don't listen?
SPANK THEM. SPANK EACH ONE OF THEM. AND THEY WILL HAVE NO TREATS.
Is this her way of saying she wears the pants in the family?
What's the biggest word you know?
BRADY
What's the smallest word you know?
ANABELLE KRISTINE
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A COSTUME COW
What kind of car will you drive?
GREEN
Do you want to have babies?
YES
How many?
FOUR
What will you name them?
KRISTY
And what about the other ones?
I'LL CALL THEM ALL KRISTY. ALL THREE OF THEM.
Will you make them take naps?
YES
What will you do if they don't listen?
SPANK THEM. SPANK EACH ONE OF THEM. AND THEY WILL HAVE NO TREATS.
Is this her way of saying she wears the pants in the family?
Monday, September 21, 2009
King Verkie
As told by Anabelle and Mom, lines are rotating narrative
This story is about a
King
And his name was
King Verkie
And he was
A berry very mean guy
The name of his kindom was
A castle ….What was it?
What was the name of his castle?
Verkie’s Castle
And he had a lot of daughters
Two
He had two daughters. What were his daughter’s names?
Verkies.
What were the daughters names?
VERKIES!!!
Oh they were all Verkies. So to tell them apart he…..one daughter wore
A dress
And the other daughter wore
A berry berry jacket
And all day long
The Verkie would dress up in another dress
And the king decided to have a
Another Verkie princess named Sticky
And she looked
In her mirror
And when she looked in her mirror she felt
Sad
Because
She was scared of the king
The king was so mean to her.
He was a wicked king.
He did terrible things like
He smashed his teeth
And get his sword out and have a sword fight
With
And it was berry berry mean.
His favorite food was
A lunch of yogurt
And he also liked some
Yogurt with strawberries.
And he always drank
Juice….orange juice
And his favorite treat was
Some chocolate cake.
The weird thing about the king is that he had
A treat
That
Is yummy
And he always shared his treat with
The princess
The queen thought that the king was
Berry berry mean
But she had to marry him because
She has her dress on
Their wedding was so
Nice.
Because he
Had a crown on his head
One day a handsome prince came looking for
A king
Becase he wanted
To marry the princess.
To show him how much he loved her he
Rocked her back and forth and showed her he loved her.
And while rocked her he sang
I’ll love forever how much I love you my baby you’ll be.
And the princess said
Let’s give eachother kisses.
And then they started
Going to bed
Because
The stars were in the sky
For the wedding the king gave her
A new new car that was very long and green.
So that she could
Squeeze the king tight.
So the princess and the prince
No, the King!
So the king and the princess
Were married
And the prince was
Very in her room to sleep nice and cozy
So everyone lived happily
After.
This story is about a
King
And his name was
King Verkie
And he was
A berry very mean guy
The name of his kindom was
A castle ….What was it?
What was the name of his castle?
Verkie’s Castle
And he had a lot of daughters
Two
He had two daughters. What were his daughter’s names?
Verkies.
What were the daughters names?
VERKIES!!!
Oh they were all Verkies. So to tell them apart he…..one daughter wore
A dress
And the other daughter wore
A berry berry jacket
And all day long
The Verkie would dress up in another dress
And the king decided to have a
Another Verkie princess named Sticky
And she looked
In her mirror
And when she looked in her mirror she felt
Sad
Because
She was scared of the king
The king was so mean to her.
He was a wicked king.
He did terrible things like
He smashed his teeth
And get his sword out and have a sword fight
With
And it was berry berry mean.
His favorite food was
A lunch of yogurt
And he also liked some
Yogurt with strawberries.
And he always drank
Juice….orange juice
And his favorite treat was
Some chocolate cake.
The weird thing about the king is that he had
A treat
That
Is yummy
And he always shared his treat with
The princess
The queen thought that the king was
Berry berry mean
But she had to marry him because
She has her dress on
Their wedding was so
Nice.
Because he
Had a crown on his head
One day a handsome prince came looking for
A king
Becase he wanted
To marry the princess.
To show him how much he loved her he
Rocked her back and forth and showed her he loved her.
And while rocked her he sang
I’ll love forever how much I love you my baby you’ll be.
And the princess said
Let’s give eachother kisses.
And then they started
Going to bed
Because
The stars were in the sky
For the wedding the king gave her
A new new car that was very long and green.
So that she could
Squeeze the king tight.
So the princess and the prince
No, the King!
So the king and the princess
Were married
And the prince was
Very in her room to sleep nice and cozy
So everyone lived happily
After.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
A very happy me
My day started by puking up diced green chiles out of my nose. So really I had nowhere to go but up. Before we overwhelm ourselves with speculation, let's let the official record show that this case of puking in the a.m. had nothing whatsoever to do with growing a new person. It was the result of doing the plyometrics workout from P90X. I noticed a warning before it began that said not to do it if you have knee or back injuries. I didn't however see a disclaimer about not doing it unless you are a Brazilian tree frog. Apparently jumping around for an hour makes me sick. Very sick. Throw up ten times in a row sick. But I digress...
So again, my day had nowhere to go but up. Now, how much 'up' I was simply not prepared for. Yesterday some dude was at our house trying to get us to upgrade our internet service. He came in and conversation turned to how he used to work on computers. Of course I ask him if he does hard drive recovery. Of course I do, because I ask everyone, because I WANT MY PICTURES BACK. And do you know what he said? He said yes. Of course he said yes, or else what kind of post would this be? So he brought it back to me today and I looked at movies and pictures that I had never seen of Lila's birth. Not like, THE BIRTH, but you know, freshly birthed. I watched about 10 videos of Anabelle around 18 months and it brought tears to my eyes. I remembered in a way I could not have otherwise, exactly what life was like then. How she was. Her little voice. The things she did that were so uniquely her. It's only been a year and oh, how I've forgotten. I made an instant resolution to start making more videos of the girls. It was by far the best spent 45 bucks I have ever spent. (The ocean front resort in Uba Tuba is a close second- but you should have seen their juice bar). This Mama bear is happy tonight, let me tell you. It was also timely because Anabelle has whined more in the last two days then she has in her whole life. I'm not gonna lie-it has worn me down a bit. So I did something tonight I've never done before- I went to see a movie by myself. 'My Sister's Keeper' was at the dollar so I went for it. I sat in the back all by myself. Which was strategic and most helpful when I began to cry my face off. Not just tears- the ugly cry. The sniffles, snotty, puffy eyes cry- you know what I'm talkin' about. It's a very good movie to see if ever you feel that your child has driven you to the point of insanity. It will drive you right home and into their tiny precious arms.
So, one year later, here they are,... the fresh meat media: (a few anyway)
I've included this one only so you know exactly what Lila looks like if you drink a beverage in front of her without giving her any. Less vernix around the hair and ears though and more yogurt.
I totally believe that she is looking at my lips thinking, "Wow! And I thought my skin was flaky- someone get this girl some carmex!"
The little gremlin still loves the dark
Watching her first MLS game- 2 hours old
First night in NICU
Mom, I will have to post the other videos separately, they are taking for-e-ver.
So again, my day had nowhere to go but up. Now, how much 'up' I was simply not prepared for. Yesterday some dude was at our house trying to get us to upgrade our internet service. He came in and conversation turned to how he used to work on computers. Of course I ask him if he does hard drive recovery. Of course I do, because I ask everyone, because I WANT MY PICTURES BACK. And do you know what he said? He said yes. Of course he said yes, or else what kind of post would this be? So he brought it back to me today and I looked at movies and pictures that I had never seen of Lila's birth. Not like, THE BIRTH, but you know, freshly birthed. I watched about 10 videos of Anabelle around 18 months and it brought tears to my eyes. I remembered in a way I could not have otherwise, exactly what life was like then. How she was. Her little voice. The things she did that were so uniquely her. It's only been a year and oh, how I've forgotten. I made an instant resolution to start making more videos of the girls. It was by far the best spent 45 bucks I have ever spent. (The ocean front resort in Uba Tuba is a close second- but you should have seen their juice bar). This Mama bear is happy tonight, let me tell you. It was also timely because Anabelle has whined more in the last two days then she has in her whole life. I'm not gonna lie-it has worn me down a bit. So I did something tonight I've never done before- I went to see a movie by myself. 'My Sister's Keeper' was at the dollar so I went for it. I sat in the back all by myself. Which was strategic and most helpful when I began to cry my face off. Not just tears- the ugly cry. The sniffles, snotty, puffy eyes cry- you know what I'm talkin' about. It's a very good movie to see if ever you feel that your child has driven you to the point of insanity. It will drive you right home and into their tiny precious arms.
So, one year later, here they are,... the fresh meat media: (a few anyway)
I've included this one only so you know exactly what Lila looks like if you drink a beverage in front of her without giving her any. Less vernix around the hair and ears though and more yogurt.
I totally believe that she is looking at my lips thinking, "Wow! And I thought my skin was flaky- someone get this girl some carmex!"
The little gremlin still loves the dark
Watching her first MLS game- 2 hours old
First night in NICU
Mom, I will have to post the other videos separately, they are taking for-e-ver.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Weeding out the weirdos
If you're reading this, that means you made the cut. Congratulations! Not everybody did. The only reason I made the blog private is because I don't want the whole wide world to know when I am home alone for months without Braden. (Because the whole world reads my blog, you know). I was a bit weirded out by the requests I got from people I have never met, who found my blog surfing the web and started following it. So weird. Needless to say, they are no longer with us. I didn't have them killed or anything- they just didn't receive an invite. I feel better spilling my guts now. At last I can announce all things secret....Braden will go to OTS March 1st. Later than he hoped. Much. Later. But I of course, am happy. He counts down and I am in denial about it.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
So long sweet summer
BBQ's, watermelon, ice cream cones, fireworks, amusement parks, long days, tan lines, camping, fireflies, swimming, the smell of tanning oil- these things make me happy.
I can't lie- it's a little easier to bid farewell to an Alabama summer than other places I've lived (for those of you out west turn your shower on to it's piping hottest for 15 minutes with the door closed. Then get dressed in all your layers and walk in your bathroom and you will get a small sliver of the soggy south). But still, my little heart beats for the summer, I can't help it, it's in my California blood. Oh how I wish I did not love the feeling of burning my own flesh day after day. I think this is the first summer in 20-something years that I did not go to the beach. Shameful. It weighs on my soul. I shall live there next summer to make up for it. Meanwhile, we did our best to seek out bodies of water in all their forms.
I can't lie- it's a little easier to bid farewell to an Alabama summer than other places I've lived (for those of you out west turn your shower on to it's piping hottest for 15 minutes with the door closed. Then get dressed in all your layers and walk in your bathroom and you will get a small sliver of the soggy south). But still, my little heart beats for the summer, I can't help it, it's in my California blood. Oh how I wish I did not love the feeling of burning my own flesh day after day. I think this is the first summer in 20-something years that I did not go to the beach. Shameful. It weighs on my soul. I shall live there next summer to make up for it. Meanwhile, we did our best to seek out bodies of water in all their forms.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Trying to decide...
on my favorite moment of last week. Was it:
A) Pulling toilet paper out of Lila's mouth that she fished out of Anabelle's unflushed toilet
B) Talking with the missionaries at the door when Anabelle joins us wearing a piece of lacy silky lingerie with a slit up the leg. I don't know who it belongs to but they should come get it out of my house. And to extend the awkward moment, the missionary asked her what she was wearing. At which point I kindly offered them a drink. Or a meal. Or the name and address of every friend I have.
C) Braden and I are laying down. Anabelle comes in and asks if she can snuggle us. I tell her "sure" but to go find Lila and ask her if she wants to come snuggle too. She leaves. We hear a high pitched exchange. She comes back and snuggles in. I ask, "What happened?" She responds, "I squished her little baby cheeks together and said,'Lila we're snuggling together, do you want to come' and she said 'du du du du du du du du du"
D)Friday morning I told Anabelle that she was gonna play with her friend Carly that night because her Dad and I were going to the temple. Eight hours later, as soon as Braden walks in the door she says, "Dad, are you gonna marry my Mom?!!"
E) Anabelle peeing on my foot in public
Or was it
F) Going to THE BEST YARD SALE OF MY LIFE on Saturday. Among many other outrageous finds, I scored 60 pairs of kids shoes (many with tags, hardly any of them have been worn at all)....grand total? $15 bucks (.25 per pair). You need shoes, I'm your girl.
This is what Lila looks like after you bust her. Does this look like the face of someone who cares that they have been busted? No. Not at all. The girl cares not. In fact, she looks as though she's actually mocking me. As if to say, "oooooooohhh Mom, what are you gonna do? Real scary..."
A) Pulling toilet paper out of Lila's mouth that she fished out of Anabelle's unflushed toilet
B) Talking with the missionaries at the door when Anabelle joins us wearing a piece of lacy silky lingerie with a slit up the leg. I don't know who it belongs to but they should come get it out of my house. And to extend the awkward moment, the missionary asked her what she was wearing. At which point I kindly offered them a drink. Or a meal. Or the name and address of every friend I have.
C) Braden and I are laying down. Anabelle comes in and asks if she can snuggle us. I tell her "sure" but to go find Lila and ask her if she wants to come snuggle too. She leaves. We hear a high pitched exchange. She comes back and snuggles in. I ask, "What happened?" She responds, "I squished her little baby cheeks together and said,'Lila we're snuggling together, do you want to come' and she said 'du du du du du du du du du"
D)Friday morning I told Anabelle that she was gonna play with her friend Carly that night because her Dad and I were going to the temple. Eight hours later, as soon as Braden walks in the door she says, "Dad, are you gonna marry my Mom?!!"
E) Anabelle peeing on my foot in public
Or was it
F) Going to THE BEST YARD SALE OF MY LIFE on Saturday. Among many other outrageous finds, I scored 60 pairs of kids shoes (many with tags, hardly any of them have been worn at all)....grand total? $15 bucks (.25 per pair). You need shoes, I'm your girl.
This is what Lila looks like after you bust her. Does this look like the face of someone who cares that they have been busted? No. Not at all. The girl cares not. In fact, she looks as though she's actually mocking me. As if to say, "oooooooohhh Mom, what are you gonna do? Real scary..."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)