tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191612172024-03-07T13:04:20.856-06:00Journies with GirlsThis is my journey through parenthood with two darling daughters!Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-33272262462347302672010-02-19T13:02:00.000-06:002010-02-19T13:03:00.112-06:00Bliss, Anxious, Excited, and NervousFor any of my FaceBook friends, you will see my status says, “anxious, excited, and nervous.” There are some responses from close family members cheering me on my new endeavor. I am confident that I will do a good job, but change always brings me a myriad of emotions.<br />I think I can add a positive emotion to the list. That is bliss. Bliss combined with excitement. This morning my inbox greeted me with an e-mail from my future boss. He said he is looks forward to working with me. He feels that I will be valuable to the organization. It made me so happy and excited to read such kind words about myself. My self esteem was pretty shattered when I left my last job. I feel that this job will have the reverse affect. After being in industry awhile, I think this change will be good for the future of my career.<br />I am anxious and nervous about the changes we are going through. Because, there is so many loose ends here Chris and the girls will stay here to tie them up. I will stay at my mom’s and commute in the meantime. We will see each other on the weekends. I can’t wait to be settled in. I really don’t like living in limbo from week to week. I am also nervous about not living up to my new company’s expectations. I hate letting people down. <br />I will miss dropping Meadow off at school. I dropped her off for the last time today. I love looking at the bulletin boards filled with projects. Right now they have one that says, “I have a gold medal in…” Each child made a gold medal that says what they are good at. Meadow’s says, “Helping Mommy”. It makes me melt. The other bulletin board has hearts on with why Jesus loves them. Meadow’s says, “Jesus loves me, because I am me, Meadow.” The teachers keep telling me how much they like having her in class, because she is so sweet. This morning really hit me hard with realizing I won’t get to see what Meadow accomplishes. She is so proud of the work she does in school.<br />I will also miss snuggling in bed with Lily in the mornings and her general goofiness. Today, she is walking around talking in her pirate voice. <br />Don’t worry, I will miss Chris too. I hate being away from him just as much as I hate being away from the girls.<br />There are many positives to this job. First, we will be able to live more comfortably. We will be closer to our family. I will feel comfortable finding someone to watch the girls so Chris and I can go on dates more often….Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-35507531243626896012010-02-17T17:07:00.002-06:002010-02-17T17:12:22.362-06:00Getting to know me<a href="http://twiggiemakes.com/">Candace over at Twiggie makes</a> had a Tuesday Top 10 Getting to Know You. Here are my answers:<br />Top Ten: Getting to know YOU!<br />1) What would you call yourself if you could choose your own name? I am not sure. When I was younger I hated my name, and my mom said I could go by my middle name. I never have.<br /><br />2) What was your worst date (as in going out on a date, not an actual calendar date…unless you have a really bad one to share)? I went on a date with a guy to Applebees. He told me his spending limit as we were looking over the menu, and I didn't have money with to pay for myself...<br /><br />3) If you had to teach one subject in high school or college, what would it be? Family and Consumer Ed<br /><br />4) When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? I can’t remember. I can remember about an hour ago, I laughed so hard it hurt.<br /><br />5) What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you? Listen when I had a problem.<br /><br />6) If money or skill-set was no issue, what would you love to do for a living? Fashion design<br /><br />7) What is one thing as an adult/parent/spouse you do that you swore you would never do? Leave my kids act up in public.<br /><br />8) If you could go back to one particular time in your life (not to live, not to change anything, just to visit) when would it be? College<br /><br />9) If your walls could talk, what would they say about you (good & bad)? I am a caring individual and lack patience.<br /><br />10) If you could fix or put an end to one problem in the world what would it be? WarAprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-92026338627488656232010-02-17T10:45:00.000-06:002010-02-17T10:46:55.661-06:00Turning down a new pathI am consumed by positive and negative emotions. I am on a path to bettering myself, my family, and hopefully our quality of life. I don’t have too many more days before I leave, and start the journey alone.<br />We are relocating for my job. I found it through careerbuilder.com. When I read it I thought it was too good to be true. 1. It was in my field of study. 2. The company is closer to our families. 3. The pay is more than I was getting at my last job. 4. They needed someone ASAP.<br />The job isn’t what I have been doing for the past 6+ years, but it does interest me. After feeling like a failure in my last job, maybe it is time for a minor career change. I like to learn and grow. I hate feeling stagnant. Slightly off topic, but do have you ever felt stagnant somewhere even though you were still growing? Almost like you knew the ceiling wasn’t far away? In my situation, I felt like no matter what I did, it would be near impossible to break through the ceiling and move onto the next level.<br />It is difficult to muster up any motivation to pack, clean, and prepare. I find myself trying to spend time with my family or doing stuff to put off the inevitable. This morning I spent a good 15 minutes babying Lily…I am sure she didn’t mind at all.<br />This brings me onto another topic. Everything has happened so quickly, I am not quite sure how I feel living within an hour of where I grew up. I always thought it was a good place to be from…far from. In reality it is a great place to raise a family. I feel that way about this state in general. The education system is good. What if my family members don’t like it? I want the girls to have more opportunity than I did…I hope they get it. DH says he will like it, but I am not confident he will. I am not sure how much of my family he can take. Hopefully we can find a good balance.<br />I feel like I will fit in great with the company, but I feel insecure about their opinions of me. They seemed so welcoming when I was there. I just want them to like me, and for me to not let them down.<br />Maybe, I keep trying to think negative thoughts, because everything has worked out so seamlessly this far. There are a bunch of things that aren’t so smooth – but the interview process was too smooth…Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-71689372185866277882010-02-02T18:11:00.000-06:002010-02-02T18:12:07.425-06:00Melting my heart in the coldest seasonMy daughters have come to an age where they make me melt. It does not matter how cold it is outside, they say and do things that spread warmth.<br />The other day, I was making breakfast. Meadow was in the kitchen watching me. It is one of her favorite activities – watching me cook. Anyway, she says, “I like Lily. Lily is my best friend.” How could that not get to my heart? Seeing my two girls at such young ages already considering each other their best friend (Okay, so Lil wasn’t so quick or forthright to say her big sister is her best friend). She may not say it, but she shows it in other ways.<br />It is so nice to be home with the girls right now. I get like an extra 9 hours of one on one time with Lily a week while Meadow is at preschool. Lily enjoys the opportunity to be just her and me. I feel so bad that the 2nd (3rd, 4th, and so on) child doesn’t get the time to be the center of attention – the parents only focus of attention. I feel that preschool is definitely making that up for Lily. Preschool is uncertain for Lil. I would love to put her in a program, but as long as our futures are uncertain so will preschool.<br /><br />Lily does know how to make me melt. She will wrap her arms around my neck with all her strength. At least I think she is using all of her strength. She pulls my ear next to her head and says, “I love you, Mommy.” I don’t think there is anything more precious than hearing your toddler tell you that they love you. I could sit all day and listen to her talk. Her telling me she loves me is her key to anything she wants – within reason. <br /><br />It cracks me up when I ask Meadow to do something she doesn’t want to do she will say, “No, thank you.” I am glad she has manners, but that is really not the response I am looking for. When I ask her to clean up and she is willing she says, “Music helps me.” Lily will say “Okay, “ or “Sure”. But it is rare that Lily is willing to help pick up.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-64599613644589219452010-02-01T19:21:00.002-06:002010-02-01T19:46:28.896-06:00Beating Myself UpThis isn't intended to be a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pity</span> post. I just need to blow off some steam, because I am really upset with myself. Well maybe not really upset, but just upset.<br /><br />I am mad that I am feeling so many negative feelings lately. I feel if I get them out then I will feel better:)<br /><br />Part of it is about finding a job. I feel so inadequate. The economy isn't great, and I am not sure that I have what it takes to set myself apart from the other applicants in the pile. I had an awesome phone interview last week. They called me back within an hour to set up the second interview. I was on cloud 9 for awhile. I don't want to get my hopes up and have them smashed. This is a job in the same industry - but it isn't a job I have done before. It is not on the career path I set forth for myself. It is a great opportunity. So great it is perfect. Too perfect, because it would put my closer to where I grew up. I get to diversify my career and be close to family all at the same time.<br /><br />Today, I got a call from the HR dept from another company I applied at months ago. Unfortunately, I was in the shower, but she did leave a message. I called her back when it was a better time for me. She did not answer, so I left a message. Then, I found out she also called a friend of mine. My friend told me of the updates to the job, and has a phone interview scheduled. I am still waiting for this person to call me back. Now is where the negative feelings come in. I know what my friend has to offer. I know what I have to offer, but now I am sitting here wondering how we measure up. Friend, if you are reading this - there are no hard feelings towards you. I think you need to go for this opportunity and everyone that is presented to you. Back to me - I feel inadequate without even talking to the HR person. I really don't know why. Maybe it is because when they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">initially</span> posted the job they had certain standards, and I am aware they are lowering the standards. I feel <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">competitious</span> and inadequate all at once here. If this opportunity worked out for me, we wouldn't have to move.<br /><br />Not, that you need to continue to read about my shortcomings, but there is one more thing that is bothering me. This is something I can fix. If I can get in the correct mindset - this problem will go away. It is 100% mental. I cannot lose weight. I see small successes and then I am back to where I started. I am so lazy about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">weight loss</span>. For the most part I eat pretty good. It is the getting up and getting moving part I need to do. I can do it, and I know it. I just have no desire to do it. As I am writing this, I am thinking of all the things I did to lose 10 pounds a year ago. So, now I just have to do it. Although, one of the things is a six week commitment and comes at a price...I need to figure out how to make that work.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-26970098254543497642010-02-01T09:46:00.001-06:002010-02-01T09:49:03.551-06:00I can relate to theseMy MIL sent this to me today. I had to share, because I could relate to too many.<br /><br /><strong>1) Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.</strong><br /><strong>2) I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.</strong><br /><strong>3) There is a great need for sarcasm font.</strong><br />4) How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?<br /><strong>5) I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.</strong><br /><strong>6) MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.</strong><br /><strong>7) Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.</strong><br /><strong>8) I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.</strong><br /><strong>9) Bad decisions make good stories</strong><br />10) You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.<br />11) I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.<br />12) I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damnit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?<br /><strong>13) I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.</strong><br />14) As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.<br />15) I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.<br />16) I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-41163391882587606472009-01-12T20:06:00.001-06:002009-01-12T20:06:20.292-06:00Pound For Pound Challenge Widget<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/4923379b59a36435/496bf71a8d6890eb/4923379b59a36435/c789abc4/widget.js"></script>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-24685348962504688702008-11-14T18:59:00.002-06:002008-11-14T19:28:43.119-06:00Self DisappointmentI always figured it wasn't as bad to disappoint yourself as it is others. How come the disappointment I have caused myself is causing me so much pain? I can't look at myself, and I don't want to be me.<br /><br />For weeks (and by weeks I mean months) I have tried to lose weight by eating better and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">exercise</span>. It has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gotten</span> me no where. I go in for my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">physical</span>. I think my thyroid is causing my body to hold onto fat. Nope, everything is normal. I don't know what normal is. I asked for them to send me the results. I should get them soon. He told the nurse to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">encourage</span> me to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">exercise</span> 20 minutes a day! Are you serious...20 minutes each day? That is all? That does not seem at all adequate to me.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">The</span> other part of the disappointment is he only did one of the four thyroid tests. I don't think that is sufficient. How do I advocate for myself to get the rest done when they don't think the rest are necessary, because this came in range?<br /><br />I don't know what to do. I feel like I have been doing something wrong all a long. And now with winter here, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">exercise</span> is going to get less attractive. I just can't believe I haven't gotten this right yet.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-68491870630541463852008-10-06T19:37:00.001-06:002008-10-06T19:40:38.947-06:00FINALLY!!!Lily is finally walking. She still crawls around obstacles, but she can and will walk across a room. I am so excited for her! Woot Woot! Go Lily.<br /><br />I will attempt to take a video of her, as it is so cute to watch her wobble as she walks.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-18234066660612898502008-09-17T21:14:00.002-06:002008-09-17T21:17:28.769-06:00P.T.P.T. does not mean Physical Therapy or Part Time...it means Potty Training<br /><br />DCP got a potty for the 3 kids over 3. She has them lined up in the kitchen area. Two days ago Meadow was the only one of the three to go potty. She got chocolate. Today Wendy put underwear on all three. Meadow had a little poop in her underwear this afternoon, and Wendy got her on the potty and she finished. The only time today she had a diaper on was during naptime. She got lots of chocolate today. I am so proud!<br /><br />She went potty when we got home. Then she had an accident outside with CHris and wanted to put a diaper on. I tried to encourage her to put underwear back on.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-50491318535114749472008-09-01T22:21:00.003-06:002008-09-01T22:26:10.508-06:00She can't walk yet, but...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvMRjFyCVM86IDNYhH-yAh2ujjAIpB2eiNteCSxwhE0GZ_OH3BpfPCRv0YlasaIsDAVdlXfVe3ekoykRi5maauoDlgTxS-EJP2qgro9Yh5U9XbVhH23hY8du315jPQPT40TuE/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241274625349767442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvMRjFyCVM86IDNYhH-yAh2ujjAIpB2eiNteCSxwhE0GZ_OH3BpfPCRv0YlasaIsDAVdlXfVe3ekoykRi5maauoDlgTxS-EJP2qgro9Yh5U9XbVhH23hY8du315jPQPT40TuE/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>She can climb onto the coffee table!</div><br /><div></div>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-267749615693652882008-09-01T20:55:00.001-06:002008-09-01T20:55:43.804-06:002-3-5!Last night the girls were taking a bath. When they were done, Meadowput all the toys away. As she puts them into the mesh bag, we countthem. She would put one in and I would say, "one". Then she wouldput the next three in saying, "two, three, five!" I told Chris whatshe did and so he was trying to get her to do one and four, but sheinsists on skipping over four. When we say four she looks at us likewe have three heads.<br /><br />I guess the number of the day is two. I just tried counting with herand after every number I say she says two.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-27519988121650678222008-08-30T23:24:00.002-06:002008-08-30T23:30:23.784-06:00L&M MilestonesOn August 16th, at her birthday party, Lily took her first step unassisted. We were opening presents when it happened. She was trying to go from me to a new toy! She took one step and realized she wasn't holding onto anything, then quick sat down.<br /><br />She keeps doing this...or she will stand unassisted for several minutes and not walk. I am starting to get frustrated.<br /><br />Meadow has started dressing and undressing herself. She has no problem putting bottoms on herself. Yesterday when she woke up from her nap, she had pulled a 3T shirt up around her waist. I have such a goofy girl!Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-28588451252948146932008-08-25T20:59:00.005-06:002008-09-01T22:21:16.951-06:00Dear LilyDear Lily,<br />I feel so horrible I didn't have this ready on your birthday, and at the same time I am glad I waited. I don't feel rushed. I don't feel like I am going to forget anything important ;)<br /><br />I love you so much. I love how in the first months of your life I was the only person you wanted to be with. I enjoyed watching you fall asleep nursing and your involuntery movements in your sleep. I loved whe you would look up at me with a mouthful of milk, smile, and it would all come out. I loved how snuggly you were whie you were nursing or sleeping. You good get as close to me as you could. I would not change it for anything!<br /><br />You are so layed back and goofy. Your personality develops more and more everyday. You like to explore all the toys and figure them out. I love watching you try to figure our how things work. It is so easy to make you laugh. Just making a goofy face does it for you :)<br /><br />I love how your first word was "Mamma." And, I feel bad that you didn't bond with dad right away. It took months for you to like dad. You figured you could like him, once he could start feeding you. You sometimes will go to him before me when you want something fills my heart with warmth.<br /><br />Love,MomAprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-51946109822196261072008-08-25T20:17:00.002-06:002008-08-25T20:21:05.980-06:00Lil' Lily, Lil' PeanutIt has been a year already. I haven't written my letter to Lily yet. Bad me. She is truly a peanut. We went to the zoo this week end and some one didn't believe me that she was a year. She is so tiny, and the nurse confirmed it today - 18 pounds 4 ounces, 28 1/4". The doctor said she is doing fine, and we are good parents - keep doing what you're doing! That is such a big compliment. I will have to write Lil's letter next.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-43049966370449864102008-07-13T15:34:00.003-06:002008-07-13T16:06:27.314-06:00H-lites from the party<div>The party girl waiting for the arrival of her friends...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGdOkPABnrGNbufdMuKBFqt3Q8A-4f04IFXGn5-rBBHQn71rDPGXL12_8LndJTzRoPiPIIaJGAwzRUGlhKpRWlzTIGWI7R4W7hhych3TUl2GASx3Rf6lgCGSe6W5G9KK2uGl2/s1600-h/IMG_0003_edited-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222616902260874370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGdOkPABnrGNbufdMuKBFqt3Q8A-4f04IFXGn5-rBBHQn71rDPGXL12_8LndJTzRoPiPIIaJGAwzRUGlhKpRWlzTIGWI7R4W7hhych3TUl2GASx3Rf6lgCGSe6W5G9KK2uGl2/s320/IMG_0003_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></a> The cake with floating teddy grahams<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7FXMsX1gNGmrokGTAGjkCy3g6K0zgJW5g4D09tBg983kujIn1imsroicxhbC9zlM4tubaFvtTRu-5xVJ-P2GG060nhNR83dYPyLNGXZBqg-tnXIIGQBiBD7oSe8EGW5XJV6F/s1600-h/IMG_0006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222616909595498882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7FXMsX1gNGmrokGTAGjkCy3g6K0zgJW5g4D09tBg983kujIn1imsroicxhbC9zlM4tubaFvtTRu-5xVJ-P2GG060nhNR83dYPyLNGXZBqg-tnXIIGQBiBD7oSe8EGW5XJV6F/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" border="0" /></a> Opening presents<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLRdRCzeKun3ZSeuDMr4A2oAU4kaXuWrcwUBLsrdmRNb6Vigh_ZBFf_E_OcjE87V84eDQ0t_eG0jqW3O-Z1aODyY6WHCOz3TG-nH-7RZnvRgD316owMMwu06MAz_4AcopgCuE/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222616914549403730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLRdRCzeKun3ZSeuDMr4A2oAU4kaXuWrcwUBLsrdmRNb6Vigh_ZBFf_E_OcjE87V84eDQ0t_eG0jqW3O-Z1aODyY6WHCOz3TG-nH-7RZnvRgD316owMMwu06MAz_4AcopgCuE/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" /></a> Meadow thinks...just let me eat the cake! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222618475763242098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_-WZUwgsZqiOayoMVDqvelHpFk6Dpe6FCUqFGGOyQpT9__jHi43JufcUmzrdQLM53I6fq8xZJs2iHE-W6lUhCgpLqHlnsTvpKhi0uNrwOQ1VM0Dhzfo3q6erjjV2pdBLVtD2/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgex8Q687b9-u179n0FWXtZSh9cOqaQ5krTqlWmBjBnuWyV_q8QDTBqgmJB_eDVxahizDZ_-q3Ab9lriT01fWAj37H5MCbAQuVeRQeMAY17J98a-Hb-lHKQlre4rmxPUwGfZzV9/s1600-h/IMG_0009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222616918687353554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgex8Q687b9-u179n0FWXtZSh9cOqaQ5krTqlWmBjBnuWyV_q8QDTBqgmJB_eDVxahizDZ_-q3Ab9lriT01fWAj37H5MCbAQuVeRQeMAY17J98a-Hb-lHKQlre4rmxPUwGfZzV9/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" /></a>" Mmmmm cake!" says the pretty birthday princess thinks<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkpAcjsu_5-GAON6aItMYkX-BiTnlg-AYqrc3odQ_XuZ2QZ9OyEczw1KwvHQ-d8mIfAfqfzb_sK3djXnQW-zqrSyCKWKwrCXz1IP8UvOVJkksPUaAO0j_R2bx8u503urvRpWh/s1600-h/IMG_0010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222616922804499538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkpAcjsu_5-GAON6aItMYkX-BiTnlg-AYqrc3odQ_XuZ2QZ9OyEczw1KwvHQ-d8mIfAfqfzb_sK3djXnQW-zqrSyCKWKwrCXz1IP8UvOVJkksPUaAO0j_R2bx8u503urvRpWh/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-83521407132293442522008-07-12T10:43:00.003-06:002008-07-12T13:26:40.073-06:00Happy 2 years!<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Dear Meadow,</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Today, you have been 2 for 4 days.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The past few months you have had a word explosion and started to experience more emotions. Sometimes, you get frustrated trying to express these emotions. Other times you get frustrated because we don't understand what you are trying to say. Both instances result in tantrums. Always remember, no matter how frustrated we get with each other - I still love you.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">In the past two years I have learned to love and laugh like never before. I have experienced the worst heart ache when you are upset with me. Yet my love for you still grows. I have laughed so hard, because of something you did or said, and my love for you continues to grow. There are too many times to count where I think of you doing something goofy and laugh to myself.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">You amaze me everyday with what you know and say. I love watching you figure things out and how the world around you works. Your fearless curiosity is astounding. You keep me wondering what you are going to do next. I often wonder if I will be prepared for your next milestone.</div><div align="center"><br />I look forward to spending many more years with you, Monkey!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Love, Momma </div>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-46335370611593494972008-07-06T19:27:00.005-06:002008-07-06T20:53:12.166-06:00A lot going on...<div><div>If it hasn't been noticed by the amount of posts I have made recently, we have a lot going on. I feel like we are always on the move.</div><div></div><br /><div><u>DH</u> - is planning on going back to school.</div><div></div><br /><div>If that isn't stressful enough, his grandfather recently passed away. He has been having a hard time dealing with it.</div><div></div><br /><div><u>Meadow</u> - her vocabulary is exploding. Today she said, "stinky." It was hilarious. But then again she smelled her feet and said it.</div><div></div><br /><div>Her strength amazes me...</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220080749425245842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozaovvmEhPf1GKqKnwBZXt9v3COJmUUQbzBbMUvT8R5Df5rQ11MyoiTIvZwMdJI6Q-9wGkDVuBQ9oBFTUy0h5BO_C8u13ast9VSKfuqaR6IoPNhng6lMP1b2ANuGDPTL5Jfat/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p>She is in the tantrum phase. She gets frustrated and throws her arms, and slaps something (usually the table). Then she will start to pout which leads to full on crying.</p><p>For her birthday she got a swing set. It is for her and Lily. Meadow loves it and her favorite part is the slide. She has thrown a tantrum in the morning to play on it on our way to daycare.</p><p>Meadow is a good big sister. She always says, "Lily!" when she sees Lily after waking up for the day or from a nap. It is so cute.</p><p>She definately has a mind of her own.</p><p><u>Lily</u> - is officially crawling. She can pull herself to a stand. When she is upset she will crawl to me and say, "Mamma, Mamma, Mamma." It just breaks my heart. It makes me happy that her first word was, "Mama." She says Daddy too. Meadow's first word was, "Daddy," so it is only right Lil says, "Mama."</p><p>Lily is also eating solids. She loves to eat. She can't get enough food ever. She will eat her food and then try to steal off of Meadow's plate. Last month she officially weaned from breastfeeding. It was a tough decision, but things are so much better for me. She was biting at every session. We made it 10 months which is 6 months longer than Meadow.</p><p>She has also warmed up to her daddy more. I think it is because he can feed her a bottle. She isn't relying on me as her only food source. She will crawl to him when she wants to be entertained.</p><p>Oh, and she has developed personal space against Meadow. If Meadow gets too close she will scream. You would think Meadow is hurting her! </p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220085918235082098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4o_Sm2GlrKOppVfm3ugEGYDFWiXGb-uUFbkaayssUkbL9dE536vchXBrRbiyW8YVhqIB_aYX-6G_A8F-1JQaKa4teXHTS70iL1lwdz-hg4SiQcbiQLzacZa9ir9PuaKZlaDo/s320/lil.JPG" border="0" />Tooth count is 6.</p><p><u>Me</u> - I am still struggling with work. I am sick of dealing with jerks who are stuck on titles and not willing to help people learn.</p><p>I missed my class reunion. I am disappointed, because I didn't get an invite. I found out about it 1 week before on Myspace. I guess it gives me 5 years to get into shape and look smoking hot!</p><p>I am really having a hard time mustering up motivation or ambition to get fit. I lost some weight and gained it back. I wish I could stick with it. I really need a huge kick in the butt! Today I created a poster for motivation. Let's see how it works. Any tips? I just need to get in the routine of working out...</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220089619924322162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6thvxEAZPYG8K4N8ayjsHFYhwOMo6KtAzdF9z1_gWhOVuf4YR8u6QK1JnKiUGfZpwLCAJYzpobiFv2KOyQW9nYiBuHGRKVnzVSUdZ7uM6LEN7rlWwDl1qdPvw7f4b-552rfo/s320/IMG_0030.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Meadow just climbed out of her crib again. The last time she crawled out, I put the couch cushions around her crib. Tonight I put them away since she hasn't attempted to do it...and sure enough she climbes out...</p><br /><p></p>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-21424569604504148472008-06-01T21:36:00.002-06:002008-06-01T21:46:58.215-06:00What a Couple of WeeksWow, so Lily has really taken off. She is really crawling. She sits on her own, and got her fourth tooth last week end. She started pulling herself up. Last week end we were on vacation with my in-laws and she pulled herself to a stand there. We also helped her walk a bit. I can't believe how fast she has taken off. I remember thinking that at this age Meadow was already walking.<br /><br />Lily is also imitating sounds. Meadow's favorite word is, "Daddy." Lily is now making the "d" sound. I am afriad her first word is going to be Daddy. I think it would be nice if she said Momma first. Especially since I seem to be her favorite person.<br /><br />Meadow's vocab has also exploded. She is a sponge. Last week end she started saying "Amma,", "Annee", "Kisses," I could go on and on. I should write a list of what she can say. BTW Amma is Gramma, and Annee is Andy.<br /><br />She also learned about the water slide thanks to Uncle Andy.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-21660794098127079172008-05-13T21:47:00.004-06:002008-05-13T21:53:43.682-06:00Quik Update<div>Hey Family and Friends,</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Days have gotten by me. I keep saying that I am going to post tomorrow...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Sunday I noticed Lily's third tooth.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>While grocery shopping on Sunday Meadow grabbed her own bunch of bananas. They were better than the ones her daddy picked out. She sure loves bananas.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I will leave you with two pictures from the zoo on Saturday. Special thanks to Kati for getting me out of the house.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200076302679693618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnkO_TuU4B-iWKkHDro8Dt766EENGK9eCBXpqgomJkUsnvJ6LraE5yUajnW8pW8jIczMQPW44Oa58YVYwXaD1mQR9JSQhZ_dhTDFfoCeqpLbBRn768ea0LPHO0UngUuAHiKuQ/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200076306974660930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFHawd2csF1m_Ta6BueszELEqzON_b29P1wkesPCJjETFvwIR9sXCbXI-xxxL-DYn8azCTY3S2sHsLMJnSulyih_CKoXCEhsI33QFGQtEBH2QIXfCtX5kIndevaaTq2iBmtvo/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>For those of you who know Meadow - you know who is in the last picture. This is definately going in the scrapbook</p>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-20031864885724082202008-04-18T22:24:00.002-06:002008-04-18T22:32:37.144-06:00About Lily PadShe has her second tooth. She is biting now. I think she thinks it is funny when she bites while nursing. It has gotten to the point to where I can predict when it will happen. She will grin then bite. I never made it this far with Meadow.<br /><br />She can also pull herself up from laying down to a sit position then onto whatever gets her attention next. She will crawl wherever she needs to go. Last night Chris said she crawled into the kitchen and was looking around the pantry to see where Meadow and he were. She doesn't like being in a room alone.<br /><br />Lily is also getting better about spending time with Chris. I have been putting in a lot of hours at work. She has been stuck with him :P He said she wouldn't start crying until I walked in the door!Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-34739061048243101262008-04-02T22:00:00.002-06:002008-04-02T22:09:52.379-06:00OMG, I can't believe I forgot to post this!This week end we went to my IL's. We were consistently putting Meadow on the potty, but she wouldn't go. On Sunday (3/31) I sat her there, and had to run to Lily. I gave her a book to read in the meantime. She was letting me know that she was done. I took her off the potty, and noticed a turd in the toilet! I was so proud of her.<br /><br />I told her good job, but she seemed unphased. Whether or not she knows what she did it is still a pretty big step in my book!Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-87069398003056396982008-03-28T21:17:00.002-06:002008-03-28T21:23:52.397-06:00Guess what Lily has!?Yesterday, Lily got her first tooth! For the past week she kept waking up several times during the night, and having a problem going back to sleep. I thought maybe she was reverse cycling. It turns out that she really just wanted to comfort nurse. She wasn't really fussy or anything, she just wanted me. I am so glad that she comes to me for comfort. <br /><br />My baby is growing so fast. Tonight, I saw her really cruise across the floor! I just can't believe it. I wish I had more opportunity to treasure every minute. Before I know it she is going to catch up to Meadow.<br /><br />Tomorrow we start swimming lessons. Both girls are signed up for the same class. It is with a new instructor, and she teaches differently. I heard good things about her.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-23122667458058826752008-03-24T20:15:00.004-06:002008-03-24T20:19:32.906-06:00She did it againTonight, Meadow came up to me squatting and grabbing her crotch. I asked her if she had to go potty and she ran to the gate. I took her into the bathroom and took her diaper off. She sat on the potty. After a bit she peed again. I will have to talk to the sitter about potty training more aggressively.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161217.post-82404599077160739902008-03-23T19:56:00.003-06:002008-03-23T20:14:05.270-06:00Milestones for MeadowEarlier today, Meadow took off her diaper. I explained to her that if she is going to keep taking her diaper off she is going to have to wear panties and go on potty on the potty. I took her into the bathroom. Took apart the potty seat, and snapped the seat onto the toilet. I set her on it for a few minutes, and nothing. <br /><br />Last night she had a bath, and tonight was Lily's turn for a bath. Meadow followed me it, put the potty seat on toilet, and started taking off her clothes. I snapped the potty in place and helped her take her pants and diaper off. I put her on the toilet. She sat for a minute. I asked her if she wanted a book, so I went to get her one. As I was coming back into the bathroom I heard her going. I called Chris in and he gave her a high five. She was really proud of herself.<br /><br />She insisted on joining her sister in the bathtub. I thought why not, and put her in the tub. She and Lily had a good time splashing eachother and seeing who could make the biggest splash. Chris helped me get the girls dried off. I came into the living room, got Meadow a diaper, handed it to her, and went to get Lily a diaper. When I walked passed her I noticed she was squatting and pooping on the living room floor!Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00603516556198292643noreply@blogger.com0