Bjorlin Family Blog

The Streamer Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

2010-06-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting ...

2009-12-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

.....Squeezably CUTE!

I have so much to do, I am trying to enjoy my little munchkins, and still keep Christmas traditions going too. Here is my poem of Holiday to do's:

Keep Baby crawling away from the wood stove
Big Brother cough to cure
Green snotty noses to dry up
Presents to wrap
Cards to put together, address, and send
A few more gifts to buy
A few more gifts to make...yikes!
Cookies to bake
Home goods to put in baskets for neighbors

Plus the usual...
A house to keep clean
Laundry the size of mountains to wash
Keep dishes washed and put away

Oh, and did I mention I still haven't...
tried to get the baby to drink from a glass
been working on sounds, numbers, or geography with Truitt for quite some time
been reading with Truitt like I should be

And please, please, despite it all, please don't let me forget to...
Laugh, snuggle, giggle, and smile with my babies
be kind to my husband
and appreciate all I have this holiday season!

Half a Year Gone

2009-09-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

6 months ago

Now!

1 month

4 months:

2 months:

6 months:

Truitt on his real big boy bike

Truitt on his first day of pre-preschool

4 months:

6 months:

5 months with Aunt Stacey

4 months (first time eating)

It's been a whirl wind of a half year! I hope to keep this thing updated now, I just needed to get going again!

Stay tuned...

It's a Boy!

2009-03-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

Finley Frederick Bjorlin

Born Saturday, February 28, 2009
5:09 pm
5 lbs. 4 oz.
18 inches

Finley's birth was an awesome experience! With the help of five amazing women and one wonderful and strong husband I was able to have a natural birth even with pitocin. After four hours of labor, nine minutes of pushing, and zero tearing, Finley came out screaming, pink and adorable!

He is eating like a champ, and sleeping pretty well too. Now if only I could sleep! We are adjusting to the care of two little ones, and luckily, for now, Truitt is pretty patient with the needs of his brother, and seems to think he is pretty cute too!

I am so happy to have two little boys! I should have listened more during my pregnancy...five dreams about tiny baby boys, and an unexplainable attraction to the name Finley, I think he was trying to tell me something! But now he is here I am just so happy. I already feel an amazing connection with him, just as strong as with Truitt, but different too.

Joyeux Anniversaire mon petit bebe!

Baby is coming!

2009-02-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

Well, I just wanted to send out a quick note...I have to be at the hospital in 45 min to be induced! I had a large amount of protein in my urine and my blood pressure was 172/ 110! So baby is coming... a February baby, can you believe it! I meant to update with the cute little video we made last night of Truitt kissing my belly, nursery pics, etc., but you'll just have to wait. I have to eat dinner and take a shower before we get over there. Wish me luck, I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-02-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

We have had a busy couple weeks trying to finish up house projects for Baby B. I will post more soon. In the mean time
look at this amazing giveaway! I just love this blog!

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

All's well...

2009-02-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

Well, just got back from the doctor and everything is fine! My bile levels are smack dab in the middle of normal, so phew! I am relieved but also mystified and amazed at how pregnancy puts your body through the ringer and how all these little subtle changes in your body can totally be unexplainable!

I feel like I have been on an emotional roller coaster this week! If this is a girl I would totally not be surprised! Wow, the ups and downs of this pregnancy are just crazy! So different then with Truitt! We could have our hands full with this one!

So the doctor is starting me on some anti-anxiety meds this week. We were going to do it at 36 weeks, since I had some post-partum after Truitt, as a preventative, but she and I both agreed that now seems like a good time to start.

I hope that I can maybe relax a little and actually enjoy the end of my pregnancy...what a concept that would be!

Update, 33 weeks and Obstetric Cholestasis

2009-02-01T07:37:00.000-08:00

So this past week has been an adventure for us. I haven't been feeling all together since last week (lots of bowel issues), the day of hunger did not turn out well and my appetite has been hit or miss ever since. Dairy is definitely off limits now! I am making a run to the natural food store today to get some alternative milk and cheese, because my life without these all together is just too hard!

Tuesday night I woke up in the middle of the night with intense itching all over my body, but no rash. I called in the morning and they assured me it can happen and was normal and to take some Benedril. It seemed to get better as the day went on, but on Thursday morning it was pretty intense again, so I took some Benedril with dire consequenses...I totally forgot it makes you drowsy! I was so tired I could not keep my eyes open! I really felt drunk, it was awful and I really should have called someone for help! Luckily Truitt went down for an early nap and when we woke up I felt much better.

That afternoon (Thursday still) the clinic called me to check in, again confirming that all was normal, and to only take the Benedril at night (a friendly reminder of this BEFOREHAND would have been nice!) So after dinner on Thursday, the itching was pretty intense again, so I thought "if this is so common there has got to be other itchy moms out there!" I was on the search for blogs or websites for itchy moms! Well, what I found was there are not alot of itchy moms out there late in pregnancy that do not have a rash. I did find these websites for Obstretric Cholestasis, interestingly most based from the UK:

The Obstetric Cholestasis Support Website: http://www.ocsupport.org.uk/
Baby Centre UK: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/complications/obstetriccholestasis/
Itchy Moms: http://www.itchymoms.com/
Pregnancy Info.net: http://www.pregnancy-info.net/obstetric_cholestasis.html

After reading all this info. I was very alarmed. I have a lot of these symptoms. I realized that I had actually been itching for the past two weeks, it had just been isolated to my hands and feet and I wrote it off as puffy, stretching, dry, winter skin. I had actually itched my foot until it bled two weeks ago, which freaked me out, so then I made a conscious effort not to scratch so much, but like I said it didn't seem like that big of a deal. But when combining this with all the other problems too, it just seemed too much at once. I knew that something could be wrong and that I needed to see my midwife right away! I could barely sleep Thursday night from worry (and itching!).

Friday morning I called and got an appointment for that afternoon. As soon as my midwife saw me she knew exactly why I was there and what I wanted, without me even having to say! I am wondering if the nurses didn't completely fill her in that I had been calling everyday, or if she knew I must have researched this on my own and would know what I would want done. From now on I know to just ask for her or just get an appointment, well actually from here on out I am suppose to call the birthing center with any major problems or concerns after hours or just go in!

So they ran the tests. The first liver function test came back slightly elevated, I guess this is common in pregnancy, but this test is not the major indicator of a problem. The bile test won't be back until Wednesday, but we are pretty sure there is a problem. Even if the test comes back negative, as long as the itching persists I will have to keep testing and keep checking in on this issue. Then that evening they had me go in to the birthing center for a non-stress test and to get a base line of activity for the baby. Everything came out great. So we are glad the baby doesn't seem to be affected at this point. The nurses there were very nice, and gave us a tour afterward and made sure we knew to call or come in if we have any concerns. She also confirmed my suspicion that this all over itching is not common, and something to definitely be keeping a careful eye on. I am so glad that I stuck to my guns this week and listened to my body!

I will be sure to post more as we know more! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we get through these last few weeks of pregnancy!

Must EAT...NOW!!!!

2009-01-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

Oh my lordy be! I woke up starving and haven't stopped eating pretty much all day! I'm still a little nervous to eat dairy, and fish (things that seemed to send me over the edge). I can't stop thinking of this new burger place in Beaverton (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/24/776807/restaurant/Portland/Five-Guys-Beaverton). If I had a car today I would drive to Carl's Jr. as soon as Truitt woke up and get the biggest hamburger (sans cheese) I could! Maybe I'll have to ask hubby to make a stop on the way home....

31 weeks!

2009-01-20T21:27:00.000-08:00

Wow, oh Wow! I just saw my own ticker "8 weeks 2 days to go" (or less!) and I just can't believe it! My "Braxton Hicks" (although they are painful!) contractions have been getting stronger and I have been having one every two hours or so now for a week or so, sometimes more in the evening. But I just go lie down and drink some water or tea and they lighten up if that happens. I have also been feeling so nauseated, and tired (probably mostly from lack of food!). The only thing I can keep down is crackers, chicken soup, Gatorade, ginger ale, basically the BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet. This evening the only thing I wanted for dinner was French Fries, so after my doctor's appointment we went to happy hour at McMenamin's so I could have fries and hot orange tea! Great dinner, I know! But it stayed down and hit the spot! All I want to do is sit on my birthing ball, let my body purge itself, and be in my own little cocoon, classic end of the line feelings! But isn't it too early for these feelings? My mid-wife says she is not concerned about a pre-mature delivery, and if the baby comes at 36 0r 37 weeks (Truitt came at 37 weeks 6 days) that it will be okay, and that there is really nothing we can do about it anyway. So I am trying to just relax with that thought, that whatever happens is going to happen, and I just need to keep listening to my body.

I also have decided not to read anymore pregnancy magazines, because at every turn I seem to find stories on pre-mature birth. This is the last thing I need to keep reading right now!

We are pretty much ready for this little one to come out and join us. There are a few minor projects that I would like to get done, only one project that must get done, and just a few odds and ends to replace/ stock up on, and we'll be ready. I have been feeling the need/ urge to get the hospital bag packed, along with a bag of goodies and necessities for Truitt.

It is so funny because this baby already has a definite schedule and a definite way of how it wants things. Up at 6:15 almost to the minute, lots of kicking until I eat something. Then very quiet until about 11 am, time to eat mom! the baby seems to say, the baby starts kicking and my stomach starts to feel hungry (pavlovian response at this point!?!) Quiet again until it's time to put Truitt down for his nap, likes to kick/ move towards Truitt as we cuddle! Then at around 3pm, baby and Truitt are up together, everyone wants to be on my lap and my body feels like a jungle gym inside and out! The baby remains active until after dinner, when at about 8pm it gets very still. We settle down for the evening. The boys go to bed, I stay up and putz around getting odds and ends done, then finally decide to go to bed, at around 10 pm, at which point the baby gets SUPER active for about thirty minutes, but is then quiet, with no kicking until 6:15 in the morning! Not too bad of a schedule! Maybe just maybe the baby will stick with it even after birth? For some reason I am guessing I shouldn't count my chickens (or chicks) before they hatch!

A Birthday Poem

2009-01-07T20:49:00.000-08:00

Today my wonderful hubby turned 42. I think he looks great for his age, if I do say so myself. We celebrated by having a mid-west favorite, Tator Tot hot dish (they don't say "casserole" back there, but use "hot dish" instead. Also his wonderful "hot dish" is 20 WW points per 1 cup serving (and you cannot eat just one cup!!!), so needless to say I make it only once a year! I have not stopped chugging the water since dinner, and I still feel parched!), and Apple Upside Down Cake. He recieved a great Packers golf shirt from his Dad and his wife, and I got him a bird book he has been wanting for months (we get quite a large variety of birds here, so it should be fun to have around). He also received this fabulous poem from his brother Kris. I had no idea you were so poetic Kris!!!

Happy Birthday Honey! And thanks for doing the dishes on your birthday so I could post on the blog and check my email!

Forty two. Whooo!
By Kris Bjorlin

What do you do at forty two?
Logistics/Sales at a berry farm that's what you do.
Shovel snow until your face turns blue.
No more bike rides like when you were thirty two.

Forty two will make you a father for two.
More diapers with poo.
Disposable income goes kaploo.
Muscle definition in your body is few.

What you will miss later on looking back at forty two.
Your kids laughed at a sound ending in moo.
The economy blew.
Your town should own a snow plow or two.

Advice for forty three.
Be careful of increased frequency to pee.
Watch out for soccer leagues who increase their fee.
Your wife will most likely be expecting number three.

Happy Birthday!
Your much younger brother

Happiness for 2009

2009-01-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

I love the start of the new year, and usually love the fun of making "resolutions". However, this year seems different. Being pregnant means it's not the year to resolve to lose those lingering 20 lbs. We have already been working on a financial budget for the last two years that has kept us secure and stable, and is now finally a way of life for us, so check mark on that one too. As a mom, I finally have a daily schedule down for me and the little guy, which I am hoping the new baby will just slip into without too much disruption. Life is good overall: stable and steady. It feels like a good year just to resolve to continue to be happy with what we have, and look forward to the little things that bring great pleasure.

I am currently just finishing up Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I started it early in 2008, but got stuck in the middle section of the book. Last week I decided to just skip the middle section and finish reading the last part of the book. It has been wonderful! I have really been looking forward to getting into bed every night and reading (it also helps that dish network and our local ABC channel are having a dispute, so I am not able to watch all my favorite shows). I am so tired though that I can't read much at a time. Anyway, a few days ago I read this passage on happiness. It definitely sums up how I have always felt on the subject, and how I have tried to live my life. Every night since, I have had a dream about telling this passage to someone different, and people I haven't seen in quite a while. It has been great to not dream about having a preemie, but I also think my brain is telling me to share this already. So, I hope you enjoy as much as I did, and here's to a very happy 2009:

"...people tend to universally think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you're fortunate enough. But that's not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you achieve happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it, you must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it. If you don't, you will leak away your innate contentment. It's easy enough to pray when your in distress but continuing to pray even when your crisis has passed is like a sealing process, helping your soul hold tight to its good attainments."

Christmas Present Videos

2008-12-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas present videos can be found in the You Tube link in the right hand column. Thank you to all our family for sending such wonderful presents for Truitt for Christmas. He is very blessed!

Joyeux Noel Already!

2008-12-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

UUUUGGGGG!!!!
It has been 3 days now and Blogger will not let me post our Christmas Morning video! It is so sweet I wish I could show all of you, and alas all we took were videos of gift opening, no stills! Here are some of the highlights of our Idylic Christmas 2008...

...Staying up after the little one went to bed to set up the presents for Christmas morning, another milestone in the parent club for sure!
...The pitter patter of his little feet coming down the stairs on Christmas morning
...seeing him discover the cat is dressed like an elf
...listening literally to the directions we gave him and tripping over his surprises under the tree
...staying in PJ's the entire day, eating too many sweets, and taking a big family nap in the afternoon!

Joyeux Noel a vous et la votre! Merry Christmas to you and yours! Hope is was filled with wonderful memories you will hold dear forever!

More Elf Fun!

2008-12-26T11:26:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

We've been Elfed!

2008-12-26T11:14:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Twas the night before Christmas...

2008-12-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

Truitt opening his Christmas Eve present, Firetruck slippers!

And the Final Count Is...

2008-12-25T14:53:00.000-08:00

21.5 Inches!

Our lamps in the backyard looked like little gnome hats poking out of the snow!

The car buried.

And Boy has it Been Snowing!

2008-12-22T12:50:00.001-08:00

Friday Morning Snow Video:

Saturday with a mere 8 inches, and we thought that was the most of it, Hah!

Stephen up shoveling the flat parts of the roof off, thank you for taking care of us so our roof doesn't fall in! Sorry you have to do it again today! The Kiss song above is for you Honey!

Here's Penny chomping the snow as it fell. Truitt and I tried to play in it but it was too deep for him, he couldn't even walk. So we went and said hello to the neighbor's out front and then went back inside.

Truitt and I snug inside while Stephen worked outside.

Saturday night we had the neighbor's over for a hearty dinner. It seemed so "Dickens-ish" as they tromped over bringing their goods, covered in snow, and the aroma of the pot roast wafting about us. It was wonderful to share this snowy, blistery night with great food and wine and even better company!

By Sunday morning...

Penny was not sure what to do or where to go.

That's right 12 inches!!! And we got about another 6 inches last night!

Sunday afternoon we watched the snow fall and drank hot chocolate. Truitt learned how to say chocolate, "cockolate".

See that look, that's a sugar induced bought of crazy about to tear around the living room!

Sunday night snow shoe walk around town:

Our "Bench" Measurement:

Sunday

Monday (today)

Stay tuned...more pics to come as soon as I can tromp outside. This is just nuts! La Foulard!

Une Meme a Moi!

2008-12-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged for my first Meme by the Duchess . Doesn't that sound so official!
(www.theduchessofearl.blogspot.com , also in my blog roll to the right.)

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here is my Meme:

1. Despite my love and adoration of gourmet food, I also LOVE corndogs. The crunchy sweet dough and salty dog, dabbed with mustard is undeniable! (Tator Tots and Onion rings could also be added in with this)

2. Once while was I volunteering for the Summit of the Eight in Colorado before starting college, I got to call the White House and speak with Clinton's personal secretary (only to verify a fax, but still it was cool!)

3. I have never made a souffle. They totally intimidate me and freak me out!

4. I tried out for Nickelodeon when I was 12 in a contest and made it to the second round.

5. I once won a screaming contest at the zoo. I was about 9 or 10. My Dad was very proud. His self defense lessons weren't a total waste!

6. In 7th grade I won a writing contest about Martin Luther King Jr. and got to meet Colonial Powell. Again, thanks Dad!

7. I cannot stand tarragon! The cooking shows I watch say that it is related to basil, so if you like one, you'll like the other, but I cannot stand the stuff, it tastes so vile to me! I know, so very un- French of me!

Well, that's my meme!
So, tag! your it to: Pearl, Stacey, Rebecca, Tina, Jenny, Lynn, Rochelle
And Merci Mme. La Duchess!

Munchkin in the Snow!

2008-12-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

The snow came! I was so excited for snow, I just love the snow! They said it would come on Saturday night, but it didn't arrive at our house until late Sunday. I was was getting very upset that we weren't going to get any, but by Monday morning this is what we had. Luckily I bought a snow suit for Truitt last month in hopes of taking him up to the mountains for some sledding, so if we don't make it up, or just go once, at least I will feel like it got used, and it is sooo big (the pants come up to his armpits!) , I am hoping it will last for next winter too.

We had fun watching him explore the snow. He loved snowballs, loved watching Penny run and eat the snow, loved watching the trucks go by (nice and slow!), and he didn't slip once on the ice! Maybe Stephen will have a snow board buddy in the future? After about a half an hour it was time to go in (temp was about 20!). And with pink cheeks and cold fingers he went very relunctently...we had to entice him with a bath!

PS- The Ludacris music above is from the end of the movie "Fred Claus" which we rented over the weekend. Truitt was busting some major moves when he heard the music. It is one of my goals over the next few days to get this on film!!! It's absolutely hilarious and adorable!

The Holiday Season Begins: an essay in pictures, mostly

2008-12-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Last week my kitchen counter looked like this:

As Thanksgiving came and went, I was fighting a cough and an ear infection. After four calls to the doctor and three doctor visits, this was the proliferation of medicaments I accrued! Each call added another layer of treatment! I couldn't taste for Thanksgiving (what a bummer!) And I couldn't hear for Christmas Carols at the Christmas tree lighting (maybe not such a bummer?).

But Now....
This week my kitchen counter looks like this:

Wow! What a difference a week and the right antibiotics makes! Christmas music plays from the radio almost all day long, and baking is in full swing. My sister came for her annual pre-Christmas visit this week and helped me get organized, relax a little, and get me totally into the Christmas spirit. We had a fun time making sugar cookies, orange cappucino brownies, regular brownies, and chocolate caramel pecan clusters. She is home now and is sorely missed by all, creatures big and small! This weekend we are expecting a snow storm, and I am so excited to hunker down at home and continue the holiday festivities: put up the rest of the decorations, wrap presents, and bake (chocolate peppermint thumb print cookies, chocolate peanut butter balls, and I might tackle some home made ravioli)!

Here are the past two weeks in pictures:

Truitt enjoying Thanksgiving dinner in the same high chair I once sat in for the same family gathering!

My prego cousins and I at Thanksgiving. Jeanette is due in April, Me in March, and Nikki in February! Three babies in three months! The next family gathering in May should be alot of fun!

At the town Christmas tree lighting:

Here comes Santa, on a firetruck. Truitt really only cared about one thing, and sorry Mom, it wasn't Santa!

The town tree gets lit!

Christmas tree cutting day:

Truitt's handprint in the frost.

Truitt and Daddy walk home from breakfast.

We all pose with the tree.

Truitt learns to say "cheese" for the camera.

Decorating Daddy for Christmas.

Truitt's turn to be cute!

Truitt in front of the tree. Yes, we stayed in our PJ's for most of the day while we decorated, it was a blast!

A Peek at Baby B

2008-11-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had our 23 week ultrasound. It was amazing to see the little bugger arching it's back, pulling it's feet up to it's mouth (almost sucking on it's toes!) sticking out it's tongue (!!!), turning it's head towards the wand, and even seemingly smiling at the camera!

You probably noticed we didn't find out what it was (all the "it's"). The sonographer didn't even look, so no one knows, which makes it a lot easier to not think about, or not have the temtation to call the doctor in a moment of weakness and find out. I did have a moment of weakness as we walked up to the appointment, but Stephen asked me which surprise I want more, and I want the delivery room surprise the most!

This little one has the same type of face and nose as Truitt did. In fact these ultrasound pictures look just like Truitt's. I wouldn't be surprised if they look alot alike, which is fine with me, 'cause my little guy is so cute, if I do say so myself! The only "bad" news we got was that Baby B is in a breach position, but the sonographer and the midwife assured me that this is fine and the baby still has a ton of room and time to turn. Truitt was head down from the get go, so this is new for me. They said not to worry until 37 weeks, but I hope this little one turns way before then! Otherwise Baby B is perfect: a four chamber heart, a healthy brain, no spots on the kidneys or spine, two arms, two legs, two ears, two eyes! But I won't feel totally secure until I hold this precious little one in my arms and count the fingers, the toes, and give it a ton of kisses!

Truitt Update...18 months today!

2008-11-19T09:21:00.001-08:00

Our little man is officially 1 1/2! In just six months he will be two and a big brother (I foresee much change/ growing up in the future!) We don't have to go in for his next check up until he turns two since we were in for his one year check up at 15 months.
So here are a few of the latest...

Words (20):
gog = dog; mama; mommy; dada; car; uh-ohh; eh-ii = ready; eehh= set; go; ouw = any of these: ouch, out, up (will say uuhh for up if asked to); ii-eee = kitty; ha = hot; eye= hi; ba-bah= bye; baa= ball; wow; oohh;loves to say the "T" sound; also says "oh si" alot, after making a mistake, or dropping something, I am afraid to know what this is, but I am almost positive it is "oh sh#t"...nice!

Also yesterday (11/18) he repeated "oui" for me at the breakfast table!

Occasional words (4):
daddy, guck= truck, fu-gu or just Ooohhh= firetruck, heeeyy= helicopter

Signing Words(11):
Milk, Please, More, Bath, All Done, Hot, Water, Cracker, Eat, Shakes head no or yes, and will also sign please at the same time if needed. This week we are working on help and thank you, he is almost there!)

Maybe someone out there with a speech background knows if signing words count as words as far as language acquisition and development goes?

Teeth (12):
In the front, four on top and four below
one molar on the lower left side
one molar on top of each side
Another coming in just this week on the lower right side

Height: 32.75 inches
Weight: 22.5 lbs (with clothes and diaper)
These could be slightly off as I was trying to do this myself with a squirmy one!

He knows a lot of head and body part words and loves to have us ask him to show us.

He can follow almost any command we give him. (11/2) I asked him to throw something away in the garbage. I wasn't sure what he would do, but he went right to it and did it! He is really into helping right now, well except for cleaning up his toys, he doesn't understand that at all! I did sing the clean up song today and he just stared at me with the strangest look on his face, almost saying "how do you know that song!?" (like he would know it from somewhere else!)

He seems to be imitating what we are saying, every day there seems to be little phrases he will repeat. It is never the same phrase, nor is it clear. But the intonation and syllables and basic sound is the same. The words don't stay around, and when we make a big deal about it he seems to be a little embarrassed!

He learned how to play "ready, set go" with his cousins when they were here in October, and now he loves to do this when we go on walks.

He loves to dance and sing. He has even come up with a few of his own moves. We have tried to get it on video, but he usually stops when the camera is out. As he plays his xylophone he will sing along (which he is doing right now as I type). Hopefully we can get some of this on video soon!

He has been taking his naps in his big boy twin bed with a rail attached to it since about September. He usually wakes up, gets out of bed and goes right to playing! Sometimes he wakes up a little grumpy, but that is definitely not the norm. It is fun to see him be able to do some things so independently.

He is understanding more and more about going to the bathroom. He has shown interest in this area since he could crawl. At that time he would crawl over to the changing station and get me a clean diaper after he pooped. He started hiding while pooping as soon as he could walk, and still will not poop if he can't have some privacy or alone time. Now he sits on his potty while we use the big toilet, he'll even read a magazine while he sits there! He also wants a piece of toilet paper when we get ours, or he'll get it for us too. He'll throw his paper in the big toilet and wave bye as we flush the toilet.

He found one of the vacuum attachments last week and will walk around the house making a distinct vacuum sound while pretending to vacuum.

Books in a Bottle gets away

2008-11-19T08:57:00.000-08:00

Mary on the beach with her awesome walking stick

Tiffany holding up a cool ladder washed up on the beach. We both wished we could atke it home and do something cool with it!

A tree washed up on the beach!!!

A view of the debris on the beach

Mary, Tiffany and I with the Pacific Ocean

Last weekend I went to Lincoln City on the Oregon coast overnight with my book group. We were very lazy, but it was great to get away and have a full night's sleep without any interruptions! Saturday we had lunch at Blackfish Cafe, yummy! Then we spent the rest of the day shopping! By 4:30 we were exhausted and starving, so it was back to the condo for pizza, movies and lots of talking. Sunday we took a walk on the beach, which looked more like a disaster scene from a movie, due to a storm earlier last week, ran back to the outlets for a few more things, and then headed home! Truitt didn't even blink when I walked in the door, but Penny was thrilled I was home, at least I got some excitement from somewhere!

Saturday night I also spent some time making a schedule for Truitt and I and writing down some goals for us. It has helped a lot and we have had a much better, more well rounded week!

More Songs for Obama!

2008-11-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, I went a little crazy, but they were all so good! So get up and get moving for our future!

Yes We Can!

2008-11-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

We are extremely happy and relived that Obama has won! I saw this video over at Mom-o-Matic, and just had to share it too. Don't you think they should play at either the inaugural ball or at least on some TV celebration?

You'll have to pause the music above to hear it.

An Afternoon Alone

2008-11-03T22:52:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I had the whole afternoon to myself, I left at lunch time and didn't get home until dinner time! I was a little sad to be leaving my guys, but I knew I needed the break. I did some shopping and then sat in a coffee shop and had some peppermint tea and a brownie for twenty five glorious minutes all by myself while I waited for book group to join me. It was divine to sit in silence and watch the shoppers and just enjoy the moment.

Then we went and saw The Secret Life of Bees. Oh my goodness, BRING TISSUES! I was a complete mess! But a great movie with great acting, and very appropriate to see before the election too. You will leave happy your life is so easy and good!

It has been so long since I saw a movie in the theater!!! Probably three years. It was really fun! I returned home very ready to see my guys! Thanks for the break honey!

Next weekend I will be off to the beach for a couple days with book group. I am really looking forward to sleeping in! I know I will probably get teary eyed leaving home, but will enjoy some time to relax! And will be ready and rejuvenated when I come home.

VOTE!

2008-11-03T22:44:00.000-08:00

We walked to the county clerk's office this evening to turn in our ballots. We bundled up and battled the rain, sloshed in puddles, and kicked the leaves all the way there and back. I am so glad we vote through the mail. It took Stephen and I three hours to fill in our ballot on Saturday (we always vote together, take turns reading about the measures in all the guides, and discuss the measures). I don't know what I would do if I had to memorize all the issues and go vote. I would be in there for hours, with all my voting guides!!! So get out and vote or make sure to turn in your ballots!

Twenty weeks, Half way there!

2008-11-02T00:43:00.000-07:00

This week I am twenty weeks pregnant. I can hardly believe how fast this pregnancy is going. It has not fully entered my conscience that we are having another baby. Even though the baby is kicking all the time now and I really am showing (finally). Even as I rocked my little guy to sleep tonight and felt Baby B moving around. I am just having a hard time with the realization of it. We had to go through some muck to finally get our sweet Truitt, but this baby just came to us easy as pie. It is a much different sensation.

This pregnancy has also been much harder then with Truitt. Both emotionally and physically. I haven't shared this with everyone. We were so happy to be pregnant, but then the reality of it settled in. I battled with a lot of anxiety and depression for the first 16 weeks. A few times a week I would be crying by the afternoon, so unsure of myself as a mother, feeling as if I was abandoning Truitt, and feeling so disconnected from the baby. It wasn't until I saw Truitt playing with his cousins that I realized he is going to like having a sibling, and that we are all going to be okay, even blessed by having our kids close together. It will be hard at first no doubt, but Truitt is going to be okay, and our family with be better for it.

Physically, I have been having a lot of pelvic pain and pressure since about week 11. Week 17 I finally started water aerobics and stopped doing Stroller Strides, which has helped a lot. But I still have to sit down quite a bit in the evening, and my sciatic nerve has started flaring up if I don't rest enough. I can feel it all the way from my tail bone down around my thigh and into my foot! I never had that with Truitt. I think it is so different this time because I am carrying the baby quite differently. I am not all out front like I was with Truitt. This baby is just now popping out and I feel much wider then I do all in the front. You can't really tell from the photo above, but I also feel like I am carrying a bit higher. Many people think this means I am having a girl, but I am trying not to let my mind go there as we are not finding out the sex this time. We even played an old wives game over my birthday weekend where you put a needle in a pencil, then put a string through the needle, and hang the pencil completely still above the mother's wrist. If the pencil goes across the wrist from side to side it's a girl, if it goes up and down from fingers to arm, it's a boy. Well, that pencil started going crazy from side to side! But, like I said I am really trying to keep an open mind, because even though I want to know, I want the surprise more.

I have had three dreams that it is a boy, but I have never woke up with a certain feeling about it. I had a dream with Truitt that he was a boy, and I woke up so certain. I was hoping for a girl, but I knew that was wrong. This time saying it is either one doesn't feel completely right, so I really don't know what to think.

I do feel bad that I don't have time to just lie around and dream about this baby. Truitt has a whole scrapbook of my pregnancy. This one will have a few pages! I enjoyed every pain and every movement with Truitt. Oh well baby B! One good thing about not being able to just lie around and dream about baby, less weight gain, much less!!!

October Came and Now it's Gone

2008-11-02T00:10:00.000-07:00

So I didn't post for all of October, and it was my favorite month too!

The beginning of the month was full of house projects in anticipation of family coming to visit from Chicago. This meant Mama got no break as Daddy was busy every night after work upstairs! But now we have a real bedroom with walls and heat, hallelujah!! I never realized we were living in basically a log cabin bedroom, what a difference!

Truitt is now fully aware of the computer and all it's workings. Let's see, he has almost deleted the camera software from the hard drive, and changed a few orders in Stephen's work files, just to name a couple. Much like my phone, he has found many functions that I did not even know about! Needless to say, my time typing while he is awake is over (also I can't really talk on my cell phone while he is awake either, unless he is fully occupied or in the car.) This has made it a new challenge to find time to blog. Now it is very late, but I know I need to get caught up!

Then we had Stephen's brother, his wife, and their kids here for a week. We had a blast! It was great to watch the boys play together non-stop all week! We spent a couple days in Seattle (packers were playing) before coming back down to McMinnville. Once here we visited a winery and had the boys pictures taken, strolled around downtown, went to the Evergreen Air Museum and took helicopter rides, visited the Roloff family pumpkin Farm, and carved pumpkins. We miss them already and are sad it will be over a year until we see them for Christmas 2009!

Amy Roloff, the kids were hungry and about to have a melt down so we couldn't wait for a photo with her, boo!

Stephen was out of town twice last month too. The last trip was over my 30th birthday weekend! I was pretty upset about it for a while, until I decided to have a girls weekend. It was so much fun to have all my girlfriends here! We talked until 3am! Ladies will understand when I say that it was very rejuvenating to have a chance to talk with my friends that much! We ate great food, and all rode a helicopter for the first time too. (Even Truitt got to sit on my lap! He was mesmerized!) It was a weekend full of fabulous memories. And now it is going to be an annual event as Stephen has this same conference about the same time every year.

One of the girls landing

The girls from my helicopter take off

View of McMinnville from the sky!

And one more fun happening in October:

Singing with Thomas Lauderdale from Pink Martini!!!!!! We went to a political rally at a farmer's barn and there he was with a piano, a violinist, and a stack of lyrics.

I sang Hang on Little Tomato. It was so much fun. You know you are singing with a true professionel when they make you feel so at ease, when you are usually so nervous. I had so much fun, I forgot all about my nerves and was actually sad when it was over. He asked for more songs and singers at the of the event, and I totally regret not also asking to sing Clemetine (both songs can be found above in our playlist). Well, maybe someday I will get a another chance!

Oh how I hate this picture of me! But at least he's short and round like me!

This past week we settled back into our normal routine and got ready for Halloween.

Now as we enter November, I am so excited for the holidays! This will be our last Christmas with just one child and I look forward to watching Truitt figure it all out and showing him the joy of the holidays: being with family and friends, baking, playing in the snow, and sitting by the fire cuddling in front of the Christmas tree!

Mystery Food Gifter Strikes Again...or was it the Great Pumpkin!

2008-11-02T00:07:00.000-07:00

We had another visit from the Mystery Food Gifter last night. This time the box included a big bag of rice and a pair of pants for Truitt. So it is someone who knows Truitt (they were the right size) ...hmmm, we are so curious!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

It is now the first weekend in November! The rain has settled in here in the northwest (which I find very comforting!) The leaves have past their prime and are falling off the trees at record pace, mushing in the streets and on the sidewalks. I never did take a picture of Truitt in a big pile of leaves this year. Maybe we'll get a sunny afternoon soon and I can still give it a try, but I may have missed my chance. Last weekend was definitely peak color for the leaves, with beautiful sunny weather too, but there didn't seem to be that many on the ground to rake up, plus I was completely exhausted from my girls weekend (more to follow on that event!) Oh well!

Yesterday was Halloween. Truitt was definitely curious about it and willing to play along, even though he didn't quite get it. It is interesting that he has been uber into his Halloween board book for a few weeks now, wanting to read it three or four times a day. He pulled it off the shelf after our first monthly trip to the grocery store in October. It took me a couple of days to realize that he must have noticed the pumpkins at the store and remembered seeing them on his book. From there it seems he started making the connections all on his own about all the decorations he was seeing.

Wednesday and Thursday night I finally HAD to put the finishing touches on Truitt's Charlie Brown costume, the jagged stripe! Since I do not know how to use a sewing machine, I just used felt and then did a quick whip stitch to put it on the shirt. I know it's not much, but as I sewed late into the night on Wednesday, I definitely felt a right of passage. I was sewing my child's costume! Even though I was tired, I was happy to really feel like a member of the mom club!

Halloween morning we drove off to Vancouver so Truitt could trick-or treat at my Dad and Step-mom's house (they had the day off as it is a major holiday for them!) , and stop by my mom's work. What a wonderful idea, right? Well, not when your kid is cutting two molars and didn't sleep the night before! It would have been okay had he woke up at his normal time, but as he slept in, then had to get right in the car, then be shuffled around for three hours without a real chance to run around, then drive home for an hour and twenty minutes. Needless to say, he was frustrated, and I was exhausted, and we won't be doing that again! If we go up again next year, it will be with a nice long stop somewhere so he can play for a good long while. But with two in tow next year, we'll just have to see!

Once we got home though I completely made it up to him, and his frustrations melted away, as did mine! Our town has a wonderful Halloween celebration for the kids. We don't get many trick-or-treaters as a result (maybe 5 to 10) but it really is fun anyway. At 3pm they close the main downtown street off and have hay rides and a hay maze down the street for the kids. Then at 4pm the store owners sit out front and pass out candy as the kids and parents make a giant parade line down and around the sidewalks to trick-or-treat. The coffee shop even had free coffee out for the parents! We just went to a few stores before Truitt was done, and of course the police and firemen stop was a must! Everytime he got a peice of candy he was intrigued with that one piece. After a few tries of people giving him candy, he started giving them his candy! Seems logical, he was just sharing too! Soon we just walked down the middle of the street and looked at all the great costumes. Everyone dresses up: kids, parents, and dogs too! We even saw a parrot!

After trick-or-treating it was happy hour at McMenamins, and some new friends Chrissy, Graham and their daughter Cora joined us for a quick dinner. Just a side note...since when does a lemonade cost as much as a pint of beer? Geesh!

We then walked home stopping at our neighbors along the way. I wish we would have left a little more time for this, it was more fun then I expected, and fun to reap the rewards of my months of searching for all the pieces of Truitt's costume.

At 8pm it was off to a co-workers Halloween party. We were exhausted, but it was fun to stop by for a little while. When Truitt lied down on the floor in the fetal position, we knew we had run our course! They live about six blocks from us, but by the time we drove home Truitt was out! He was so tired he didn't even wake up for a diaper change!

Wow, what a Halloween! Full of learning experiences for all (the biggest one for mom) and so much fun too!

Mystery Food Gifter...Who are you?

2008-09-23T17:07:00.001-07:00

So today I went to get the mail and found a HUGE box of canned goods on our porch! I never heard it put there, and Stephen didn't see it when he left for work. We just went and asked the neighbors who were home today and they said they didn't put it there. Most of it is basics we can definitely use such as veggies, broth, tomato sauce, and soups. Someone also left us yummy home grown grapes a few days ago! Sooooo....who are you? Come out, come out where ever you are! And thank you, it is much appreciated!

We live in Mayberry!

2008-08-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

I didn't have the camera with us (darn it!) , but here a picture of the main engine we saw.

Last night after dinner we walked to the library to get more books. On our way home we decided to walk past the fire department. Truitt was mesmerized as we passed the shining trucks. He was actually at a stand still pointing at their beauty. Then one of the firemen saw us and invited us to come in! He let Truitt into the cab of their main engine! He got to touch nozzles and gears and lights...it was a very special moment. The fireman finished the surprise tour with a MAC fireman hat and a ton of stickers. We already have Truitt's costume for this year, but next year I think it is going to have to be a Fireman. Maybe I can find a baby fire hydrant costume to go with him!

A Weekend Visit from Auntie Nicole...she went home with more than she ever thought she would!

2008-08-27T14:27:00.001-07:00

Nicole joined Truitt and I at Carrie's baby shower. She is one beautiful pregnant Mama! Her little boy is set to arrive Sept. 29. I can't for all of our boys to play together!

Dinner/ Happy Hour at McMenamin's Hotel Oregon...Truitt sees a truck!

And Finally...Introducing La Chatte Nikita!

The neighbors found this beautiful cat on Friday and were looking for someone to take her home, when Nicole showed up for an innocent weekend visit. It was love at first sight! She was christened Nikita and is now at home with Nicole, and I am told settling in very well. She follows Nicole around her apartment, cuddles, and every once in a while has a kitten burst of energy. I am so glad Nicole has this sweet little kitty to come home to!

Nikita has very striking markings. Here you can see the tiny little heart she has on the top of her head. She also has a heart shape on her thigh. Her feet are still looking a little too big for her body, so we think she is going to be a tall kitty. She reminded us of a Russian super model in cat form, hence the name.

Camp Disney at Bridgeport with Pearl and Scarlett

2008-08-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

Despite the rain we kept our long awaited play date for this Gymboree day at Bridgeport. The kids had fun for the actual event, but the real highlight was the rain puddles!

Scarlett gets her groove on!

Truitt makes a friend!

After the Gymboree fun (boy I wish we had one closer!) We all had a yummy lunch at PF Chang's! Pearl's second is set to arrive on Oct. 2, hopefully we can all get together again before life gets cozy once morefor them.

August Ended up Being Fuller Than I Expected!

2008-08-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Here is Truitt with his Great Grandma Ruth. We stopped by for lunch along with Great Aunt kay from Colorado, and Nana Janet. We shared with them the news about the new baby!

Truitt swinging at GrandDad and Grandma Debbie's in the airplane swing. Finally brings smiles!

My first harvest of Green and Purple beans from the garden. The garden has been pretty meager this year...we haven't had much tomatoes (most of them have big brown bottoms?) , and I only got one big zucchini (and a bunch of little ones, I'm talking about 3 inches!), and there is only one butternut squash growing!

A couple weekends ago we had a major heat wave here in the Willamette Valley. After the first day I couldn't take any more, so Truitt, Penny and I got outta dodge and headed to the beach for some "Mom and Son Friday Fun". We ended up at Pacific City. We had such a wonderful time. We ate lunch at The Pelican and then played in the sand for two hours! I can honestly say that it was great to just "hang out" with my little guy. It really was a little get away!

Our first shells, one big and one small!

A boy, his tractor, and sand...what could be better!

Then on Sunday, still frightened by the possibility of humidity we all headed to the beach again. It was much cooler. After lunch at Pirate's Cove in Garibaldi, we headed up to Manzanita, probably our favorite beach, well, Devil's Punch Bowl is a close second! It was actually raining a little when we got there, then after about an hour on the beach it started thundering and lightning! It was crazy!

Then we walked through town and did some window shopping. On our way back to the car we found a new hot dog stand called "Mudd Dogs". They were closing up but let Truitt play on this Jeep. He was in heaven! Thank goodness the battery was disabled!

Here we are at the Portland Providence Bridge Pedal. We did the 14 mile family ride. It was much smoother than in years past, both from thier end and ours! The route was better, it seemed calmer, and I didn't have to walk up one brigde! I was able to ride the entire way and not ever feel totally exhausted, a little deep breathing, but I never had to stop! It felt good that even though I may not be as skinny as I used to be I am stronger than ever! Thanks Stroller Strides! Truitt was a pretty good little trooper too. He was done a few miles before the end, but considering he had an hour long ride in the car to get there and then had to sit for two hours for the actual ride, he did great. Maybe next year we will have to get there super early and have breakfast or something so he can have a chance to run arounf first!

Stephen and Truitt look at the city from the Marquam Bridge.

The crowd gets ready to go.

Truitt at Hurst's Berry Farm visiting Daddy. He now wants to walk down the stairs like a big guy and actually step instead of crawling down backwards!

Stephen and Truitt out looking at the Trucks!

In the packaging warehouse.

Also not pictured:
An overnight visit from Carla and Caiya from Portland-what fun we had getting hot cocoa and playing at the park in the morning.

An overnight visit from Liz and Abigail Bryce from Milton, WA- we had some much needed talk time face to face after almost 2 years! The next day we enjoyed a walk to New to You and swimming at the pool!

Truitt's one year check up (at 15 months!) All was given a big thumbs up! We have such a happy and healthy little boy!
Height: 31.5" (75%)
Weight: 22.3 lbs. (25%)
Head: 18.5" (50%)

My Name in Print!

2008-08-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

The local paper, The News-Register, did an article about our RTP walking team! Paste the link below to read the article:

http://www.newsregister.com/news/results.cfm?story_no=239014

It's pretty hilarious!

Baby Number Two On It's Way!

2008-08-08T16:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we had our first doctor's appointment and heard a nice strong heartbeat, 162 bpm! So, it's official, we are having a baby! Due date is March 24th, but I'm sure I will be early like I was with Truitt. Maybe a St. Patrick's day baby?! Truitt and the baby will be 22 months apart. We are very excited!

It's hard to see, but that's the baby along the lower right side of the black oval. We saw the heart fluttering, and the sound it made was magic!

Daddy reading the positive test on July 15th! Happy 20th Anniversary Dad and Debbie and Happy Birthday Shae and Riley!

Poor Truitt doesn't know what hit him!

Sorry Truitt, I can't give birth to a firetruck!

I'm dreaming of an 18 wheeler!

2008-08-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning we woke up to an 18 wheeler pulling up in front of our house. Well, do you remember what it was like to wake up and find snow outside on a school day? Well that was the look on Truitt's face! Pure delight and wonderment!

Petanque et l'Agneau

2008-08-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago our neighbors, and owners, at the B&B, A Tuscan Estate, invited us over to play Petanque, also known as Boche Ball in the US. They have a certified professional court filled with crushed limestone! It was like a little evening vacation in France! Then they invited us to stay for dinner! Jacque is an authored French chef... what a treat in itself...then he made lamb, my favorite! We were also treated to some Truffle sea salt, and some delicious, gooey, yummy French cheese. We walked home with full bellies and smiley faces! It was such a fun night!

Jacque, Truitt, Stephen, and Liz

Follow this link to learn more about A Tuscan Estate: http://www.a-tuscanestate.com/

Happy 30th Birthday Jaida!

2008-08-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Jaida, one of my oldest friends ( we have known each other since we were about 6!) celebrated her 30th birthday! She had a big wonderful potluck BBQ at her house in St. Helens. It was fun to see her family and get to know her husband better. Truitt had a ton of fun climbing the gravel hill in their backyard and chasing a little dog and a little girl around.

It is so fun to be able to celebrate the year of the 3oth with such old dear friends!

Me and Jaida

Shayna (Jaida's little sister), Jaida, and me

Jenni, Jaida, Me and Heather (some old friends from elementary school that I haven't seen since!

Truitt trying out a skateboard, which he took to a little too well!

Happy 30th Birthday Stacey!

2008-08-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

Stacey and I have been friends since 8th grade, so since we were about 13. On July 24th she turned 30! We joined her family and friends to help her celebrate this important day. I can't imagine my life without her kindred spirit. It was wonderful to be there, or should I say to have her here all the way from Connecticut. Here is an awesome tidbit, Stacey's birthday is exactly three months before mine, and on Stephen's mom's birthday; Lyn, Stacey's mom's birthday is exactly three months before my mom...weird! I love "coincidences" like that!

Stacey with her favorite...Jamocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream

Stacey and Joe with some photo nightlights from us. Joe loves night lights just like me!

Our gift to Stacey, a signed CD of Michael Allen Harrison lullaby music for her classroom

Stacey and my little guy...he hears a truck outside!

The Rainier to Pacific Relay Walk

2008-07-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I competed in The Rainier to Pacific Relay Walk with my team "Striding Mac Moms." I have been training for about seventeen weeks. It was hard but also a lot of fun hanging out in the van with the ladies and getting to know each other better.

My first leg was 7 miles at about 5pm. It seemed sooo much longer! But I did manage 14 miute miles. My second leg was 3.5 miles at about 12:30 am. Thankfully we had a night system down by then so the van followed me the whole way and talked to me as I walked. Actually, we even did Madlibs through the window. However, this also slowed me down to about 16 min miles! But I was very grateful for the distraction! My last leg was 2.5 miles at about 5 am. This was such a beautiful and peaceful time to walk; 5 am used to be my favorite time of day when I lived in France and when I was in college. I loved to watch the world wake up. Nowadays it is hard to get me up at this time except for camping! During this last leg my hip and knee were really bothering me, so try as I might I still only did 18 minute miles! Yikes!

The last mile we all walked togehter, well, except I had to sit in the van because my knee felt like it was about to snap. That was very frustrating! All in all we walked 97.78 miles in 22 hours and 48 minutes!

I am so glad that I finished, had a good time, and haven't been too terribly sore or tired this week. I look forward to doing in again in the years to come, and improving on my times! It has kept me walking and exerciseing even when I didn't feel like it and has given me something to look forward to and be proud of! Thanks ladies for a fabulous time!

Peek-a-boo!

2008-07-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, I 'm jumping back on this thing. We have had quite a few fun events around here. First off Truitt now has six teeth! Four on top (plus an eye tooth that will be around shortly), and two on the bottom!

He is such the little communicator lately too! Maybe not with words we can understand, but with gestures, movement, mumbling and laughter (and crying too), he sure does let us know what he wants!

In our flicker account you can see photos of all these activities from the past month:

Father's Day hike
Trip to the zoo
Bubble hair
Park Concerts
....And more!

Just click on the flicker box in the right hand column.

A Poppy

2008-06-12T01:25:00.001-07:00

Beauties in the Garden...last week before the cold snap!

2008-06-12T01:21:00.001-07:00

Peonies Bloomed

2008-06-12T01:19:00.001-07:00

June-uary

2008-06-12T00:29:00.000-07:00

So while we wait for summer to actually begin (we lit up the wood stove last night, and it felt so good after being chilled all day long!) we have been busy getting caught up on house projects after the busy month of May (some photos will be added in the next few days...while a lot has been done, some things still haven't):

#1 best thing done: The Learning Chair

Now Truitt has a safe place to stand and watch me cook, wash dishes, and just hang out as I bustle around the kitchen and get things done. It has helped tremendously! It is so much easier to get the kitchen chores done now that he can watch!

#2 better late than never: Planted my Victory Garden

Okay, it really isn't a "Victory Garden" however, we are against the war, and we did rip out our front yard, and we did end up filling it with seeds for things we can actually eat. But all of these events did not happen on purpose. I wanted some vegetables, and it just happened to be the only space available. I did consider putting up big signs that say "Food is Beautiful" or "Make Food not War" or "All we are saying...is give food a chance", but then I imagined rabid conservative teenagers demolishing my yard, plus, it seemed slightly hypocritical as this was not our intended goal, and Stephen hates to make a statement that is hypocritical.

So now our parking lot drive way is a courtyard for tomato and bean plants. Our front yard will soon be filled with: chives, rosemary, lavender, cilantro, nasturtiums, butternut squash, zucchini, pumpkins, fennel, sage, thyme, and artichokes. I tried planting carrots and beets under the trees, but my dad says they probably won't grow. Also, how long do seeds live for? The pumpkin seeds were from 2002, do you think they will grow?

In the back I have basil that was potted and the mesclun seeds in pots (that have been dug up slightly as the neighborhood cats used the pot as a litter box!) I also have flowers waiting to be put in hanging baskets. I picked up some cheap planters at Lowe's ($1.47 each) and a bunch of cheap annuals for about the same price each. So for the cost of one hanging planter I will be able to make 5! And if you want to be really cool and cheap, you can actually use plastic grocery bags as hangers! Once the flowers grow and hang you will hardly be able to tell it is a bag!

#3 Re-selling stuff we don't use for money

We cleaned out our clothes closet and got a huge box of clothes. Then I went through the attic and found a ton of home decor items we don't want. They can all be resold and hopefully next month we will be a little richer!

Love Returned

2008-05-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

Carter is back.

Stephen went out with the flashlight last night for one last look around and to talk to the last two neighbor's we hadn't yet got to. He was found in the the back yard "kitty corner" to us, supposedly he had been there all day, playing with their cats. I had been calling for him from the kitchen throughout the day, so I am sure he heard me, but had no way to get back over the fence. He must have used our hot tub as leverage to get over there.

So now all is right here in our house. He is curled up on some blankets by one of the heaters. (Aspen has joined him and they are sleeping paw over paw!) We have had lots of cuddles and face smooshes last night and this morning.

My mind is at ease, and I actually got a full night's sleep.

Love Missing

2008-05-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

In a twisted stroke of fate, assumptions, mistakes and bad decisions colliding, my precious Carter is lost. His brother Aspen returned earlier today without him. I cannot go into the incident further for fear of ruining a perfectly wonderful friendship. I am emotional and exhausted so I must guard my tongue.

But my heart and spirit are crying for my little Carter kitty. My sweet kitty, my cuddle buddy, the one who always knows when I am feeling blue and comes to console me first. I have walked the neighborhood three times today, but so far he is choosing to stay hidden, at least that is what I hope. He was my feline baby, my very first cat a moi propre. And Truitt has learned to pet and kiss him just like me (full face smoosh, in order to enjoy all of his wonderful soft fur), it is very cute.

Come home Carter, I know you are scared but just come out from the bushes and come home. We are here waiting for you.

If you see him please don't yell, please don't scare him, and please don't take him. Send him on his way. His family misses him!

(Stomach turning, wringing with worry)

Happy First Birthday Little Man!

2008-05-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

My sweet little boy is one year old. He is growing so fast. His little legs have lost their baby look and their extra wide stance. He now has a much more toddler look with defined muscles even. Still no hair and still only two teeth, but much bigger all the same. He is beginning to run, and he is trying so hard to talk, he mumbles stories all day long, and we try hard to make out any words or gestures that can help us understand. I can't wait to know what he is talking about. And he must be frustrated too. He has started what one of our parenting books calls "oppositional behavior," not quite a full blown temper tantrum, but aggravating just the same with throwing his head back onto the ground and whining, or crying. To top it off he got a chest cold the day before his birthday party. So little man is in serious need of cuddles, kisses, and hugs right now, for lots of reasons. I am trying my best to explain things to him and just get through the tough moments that still have to happen (i.e.: diaper changing, face washing, dressing). Hopefully soon he will be able to either express himself or understand a little bit more. It is simply amazing how fast the human psyche wants to be independent, and expressive.

We have experienced so much change over the last year and there is still so much more to come, and we are looking forward to every single moment. Truitt, I know I can't catch every fall, or wipe every tear, but I will always be here for you. To quote a Chinese proverb: I will give you roots to ground you and I will let your wings soar to reach your dreams.