Here is a picture of the face...
Keeping Your Flowers Fresh
9 years ago
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Lincoln the Troll
This absolutely cracks me up! Lincoln started a new face - it's a scrunched up troll-looking face and it's almost always accompanied by this heavy breath of fire breathing. He does it a lot for Chris. The other night he kept doing it and by the time I got the camera to record this he was starting to wind down...
Here is a picture of the face...
Here is a picture of the face...
Happenings
Oy! So much to report!
Ava had her first soccer lesson on Saturday. It was OK. She tends to lean on Chris and me for support a bit too much. She can fend for herself and she does if we're not around. Unfortunately, we can't drop her off and run...she's only three years old after all. She did great when the coach spent some one-on-one time with her. Otherwise, she wanted one of us on the field with her at all times. Hopefully she'll come around.
Someone Chris works with had a picnic at his house (on the water) this weekend too. Linc got to dig his toes in the sand for the first time. Exciting!
Guess who's back?! ASPEN!! We're dog-sitting her this week while her family is on vacation. It's so super great to have her company again. Ava is loving the attention from Aspen and she even played with her outside all day yesterday. I didn't know a three-year-old and a dog could play "work" together. This kid has an imagination! Aspen looks very happy with her new family. It was cute to watch her boys say "Bye" to her several times before finally walking out the door. They gave her hugs AND kisses. She's loved!
Chris and I decided that absence really does make the heart grow fonder because Ava never paid this much attention to Aspen when she was around every day. We know it's a short-lived affection so we don't feel bad having to give her back to her new family in a week. The minute Aspen walked in the door we started subtly mentioning how she's going back to her house later so it doesn't come as a shock to Ava. So far she seems to understand just fine. Yesterday morning I woke up to find Ava sitting on Aspen's bed in our bedroom reading her a pile of books she brought in from her own bedroom. Aspen was kindly listening. So cute.
We snuck in a walk on the trail just before dark the other night with Aspen. Wouldn't you know we spotted the Piebald Deer and I had my camera with me! It's not a great shot but you can see that it's a white deer. Uber cool!
Finally, brother and sister still adore one another. They're giving each other Eskimo kisses here...
Watching a movie together (Ava's such a lady, isn't she?)...
Snuggles!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Water Country
A few weeks ago we received a voucher in the mail for Busch Gardens pass members - Water Country was offering a complimentary day at their park this past week. A lot of the Moms is my Mom Group faithfully take their kids to Water Country during the summer and they insist that Ava is the perfect age to enjoy all that the park has to offer. So, Chris took the day off work yesterday and Honey was kind enough to watch Linc for us (thanks, Honey!) so we could spend some QT with Ava at Water Country.
All in all, it was nice to spend that time together and the weather was beautiful. As far as the park experience is concerned, it earned an "Eh..." rating from us. We could clearly see how other families and children would enjoy it but our little Ava-Bean was too timid to fully embrace the experience (surprise, surprise). They do have a few nice kiddie areas with several inches of water and precious little slides...unfortunately, Ava only wanted to splash in the minute amount of water and completely refused to go down the itty bitty teency weency slides. However, oddly enough, she was willing to go on a couple of the mild but bigger inner-tube rides with one of us with her.
Despite the look on her face here she enjoyed it and even let out an authentic laugh...
Behold one of the itty bitty kid slides. Here she is refusing to go down the slide-o-horror. In fact, shortly after this picture was taken she made her way back to the stairs and opted to battle her way down the stairs through the untamed crowd of pint-size terrors impatiently making their way up the stairs.
This is about as much action as that cool playground behind us got out of Ava.
I will say that Ava enjoyed the Hubba Hubba Highway (think Lazy River on steroids). I really liked Hubba Hubba Highway too and would have been content going around and around and around at least until I would become hungry.
Needless to say, we walked away from the water park feeling glad that we decided not to purchase passes to both parks this year.
We're off to Ava's first soccer lesson. Here's hoping she can gather more courage today than she had yesterday...
P.S. She LOVED her life preserver!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Rubber Ducky, You're the One!
He's moving on up in the world of bath tubs...
Also, he grinds his teeth...all the time... Anyone know what that's about or what to do about it? It's awful...
Sporting the Tribe gear in honor of Daddy...
Also, he grinds his teeth...all the time... Anyone know what that's about or what to do about it? It's awful...
On Staying Home
Oddly enough, I’ve received a lot of interest in my recent working mom vs. stay at home mom (SAHM) situation. I haven’t been able to give an adequate answer until recently because I’ve been trying to experience the change. My answer might still be premature but I want to get my thoughts out while they’re fresh. I want to give a good answer for the sake of each side. I’m not trying to validate either side of the debate – I’m simply sharing my story for those who asked. Here it is…
When we moved to VA from MD a couple years ago I stayed home with Ava for four months while looking for a job and a house. During that time I decided that staying home was not for me. In retrospect, I believe that I decided that staying home was not for me long before I ever gave it a chance. Therefore, I did not justly give it a chance. There was a lot of change happening in our world during those four months and I was anxious to get back to what felt “normal” to me, which meant working outside the home.
I think it’s essential to point out that I come from a line of successful workingwomen. This was my “normal.” My Mom has worked for as long as I can remember. Not only did she work as a full-time teacher during my impressionable youth, but she was also the co-owner of a coffee shop, manager (for lack of a better description) of an out-of-state apartment block and mother of three. My maternal grandmother and mother of four daughters began her own business at her dining room table during a time when women couldn’t even purchase a house without a male co-signor. She spoke a few languages and only wore skirt-suits, panty hose and heels…even to the beach. Her business is still thriving today. Thus, I definitely thought that my daughter was better off in a daycare facility with people who specialize in her world. I thought I was doing her a favor by giving her a mother with strong work ethic and determination. I also thought that I was a better wife and mother if I was financially contributing to my household and our future. In fact, at that point in my life, I was a better working mom than a SAHM. I don’t think I was mature enough to stay home.
With that said, it didn’t take long for me to find my identity in the workplace again. We found a suitable daycare for Ava. Everything was peachy. We were living comfortably. I was living the life that I know best. Next thing we know, we’re driving home from the hospital with our infant son and our first baby is suddenly a big girl.
Sitting at home with my son in my arms and my daughter on my lap I realized that I’m suddenly the mother of two children. The realization hit me that my daughter is no longer a baby; she has big hands and big feet, she speaks in complete sentences and she eats all her meals at the table with us. Where did those three years go? At the same time that I’m rejoicing over the arrival of my son I find myself mourning what feels like the loss of my first baby. At the same time that I’m mourning this theoretical loss I’m celebrating the many advancements and triumphs of my first baby and I find myself eager to see what the next three years brings for her life. What a mixed bag of emotions!
Over the course of my six-week Maternity Leave from work I found myself trying to make sense of these emotions and pondering over the many different paths I can now take in my life. I got in touch with what’s ultimately important to me. I felt overwhelmed and anxious. I felt like I needed to make big changes in my life but didn’t know if I had the gumption, support and knowledge to do so. I quickly became my own worst critic. I decided to pull myself together and prepare for that same life that I knew best, that of a working mom. This time, however, I was clouded by guilt and internal turmoil. Ultimately, I decided that this was not the time in our life for me to make big personal changes. I kept reminding myself that Chris only has two years left in school and then it’ll be my turn; this temporarily subsided my feelings of guilt and internal turmoil.
At the end of the day, I was glad that my mind was made up. I was glad that my husband and I were on the same page. I was glad that I had time to plan for “my turn” which was to come in two years. Two days before I was due to return to work I woke up feeling relieved and re-energized. I fixed my cup of tea and the phone rang. I was informed that I had been laid off from my job.
I was instantly free. Then I realized that I had to break the news to my not so flexible and comfortable with change spouse. It didn’t matter really because I was free. Surely he’d understand my relief. The decision had been made for me. Due to the current economic situation I knew that the chance of me finding another adequate job was slim to none. After a quick and initial run-down of our living expenses we came to the conclusion that this new stay-at-home life-style wasn’t going to be easy. We’re going to put a dent in everything that we’ve worked so hard to build. Together, though, we were excited about this new path. It’s a challenge! The best gift was the unexpected and unconditional support I found from my partner.
I instantly got to work on my new job. I created lesson plans for our pre-schooler and I re-organized our lives. I joined local Mommy groups and made new friends. I re-discovered a plethora of local resources. I learned the art of coupon clipping and budget grocery shopping and menu planning. I started to pull on some of my childhood memories from visiting my paternal grandmother who has not worked outside the home. I recalled the laid-back and attentive nature of our time together. I yearned to incorporate a similar atmosphere for my children. I find myself willingly hopping out of bed six times a night to cuddle my irritable newborn and savoring the rare moments when my big girl wants her Mommy’s help.
I’ve been staying home for six months now. I can honestly say that I’m having the time of my life. I can also attest to all the buzz about how this is one of the most difficult and rewarding jobs, regardless of how cliché it sounds. I think that my children are two of the most fascinating people and I’m fortunate enough to be able to spend every day in their presence. I don’t miss my career. I don’t even think about it. There is time enough for that in the future. My kids are only this small once. Our family was lacking this essential balance in our lives. Sanity has been restored. I’d be lying if I said our world is full of sacrifices. I don’t feel like I’m living without anything. I actually feel selfish at times because I know my children won’t consciously remember this time together during their young years, but I will. I look forward to an empty nest one day and recalling the many glorious memories they’ve unknowingly given me. I realize that they’re shaping my character just as much as I’m shaping their characters.
The only regret I have is that the decision to stay home was made for me. I wish I had the sense enough to come to this conclusion on my own. I’m thankful for the different roles of the influential women in my life. Rather than succumbing to internal turmoil and feelings of anxiety I’m now relishing in every moment that I spend with my children. I’m certain that I wouldn’t appreciate this time with them as much as I do if I had not first experienced the working mom side of this rusty coin.
Despite my story and the outcome so far, I understand that staying home is not suited for all mothers. I’ve witnessed SAHMs in public and thought to myself how their children would probably be better off in some one else’s care. I’ve met SAHMs who are anxious to get back to work and therefore they’re not entirely present for their children. I’ve met working moms who are convinced that they’d fail as a SAHM, but I know better. Finally, I’ve met working moms turned SAHMs overnight who, just like myself, are shocked to learn how well suited they are in their new role. I think we mothers can have it all – the family and the career - just not at the same time. My career will be there waiting for me when I’m ready.
When we moved to VA from MD a couple years ago I stayed home with Ava for four months while looking for a job and a house. During that time I decided that staying home was not for me. In retrospect, I believe that I decided that staying home was not for me long before I ever gave it a chance. Therefore, I did not justly give it a chance. There was a lot of change happening in our world during those four months and I was anxious to get back to what felt “normal” to me, which meant working outside the home.
I think it’s essential to point out that I come from a line of successful workingwomen. This was my “normal.” My Mom has worked for as long as I can remember. Not only did she work as a full-time teacher during my impressionable youth, but she was also the co-owner of a coffee shop, manager (for lack of a better description) of an out-of-state apartment block and mother of three. My maternal grandmother and mother of four daughters began her own business at her dining room table during a time when women couldn’t even purchase a house without a male co-signor. She spoke a few languages and only wore skirt-suits, panty hose and heels…even to the beach. Her business is still thriving today. Thus, I definitely thought that my daughter was better off in a daycare facility with people who specialize in her world. I thought I was doing her a favor by giving her a mother with strong work ethic and determination. I also thought that I was a better wife and mother if I was financially contributing to my household and our future. In fact, at that point in my life, I was a better working mom than a SAHM. I don’t think I was mature enough to stay home.
With that said, it didn’t take long for me to find my identity in the workplace again. We found a suitable daycare for Ava. Everything was peachy. We were living comfortably. I was living the life that I know best. Next thing we know, we’re driving home from the hospital with our infant son and our first baby is suddenly a big girl.
Sitting at home with my son in my arms and my daughter on my lap I realized that I’m suddenly the mother of two children. The realization hit me that my daughter is no longer a baby; she has big hands and big feet, she speaks in complete sentences and she eats all her meals at the table with us. Where did those three years go? At the same time that I’m rejoicing over the arrival of my son I find myself mourning what feels like the loss of my first baby. At the same time that I’m mourning this theoretical loss I’m celebrating the many advancements and triumphs of my first baby and I find myself eager to see what the next three years brings for her life. What a mixed bag of emotions!
Over the course of my six-week Maternity Leave from work I found myself trying to make sense of these emotions and pondering over the many different paths I can now take in my life. I got in touch with what’s ultimately important to me. I felt overwhelmed and anxious. I felt like I needed to make big changes in my life but didn’t know if I had the gumption, support and knowledge to do so. I quickly became my own worst critic. I decided to pull myself together and prepare for that same life that I knew best, that of a working mom. This time, however, I was clouded by guilt and internal turmoil. Ultimately, I decided that this was not the time in our life for me to make big personal changes. I kept reminding myself that Chris only has two years left in school and then it’ll be my turn; this temporarily subsided my feelings of guilt and internal turmoil.
At the end of the day, I was glad that my mind was made up. I was glad that my husband and I were on the same page. I was glad that I had time to plan for “my turn” which was to come in two years. Two days before I was due to return to work I woke up feeling relieved and re-energized. I fixed my cup of tea and the phone rang. I was informed that I had been laid off from my job.
I was instantly free. Then I realized that I had to break the news to my not so flexible and comfortable with change spouse. It didn’t matter really because I was free. Surely he’d understand my relief. The decision had been made for me. Due to the current economic situation I knew that the chance of me finding another adequate job was slim to none. After a quick and initial run-down of our living expenses we came to the conclusion that this new stay-at-home life-style wasn’t going to be easy. We’re going to put a dent in everything that we’ve worked so hard to build. Together, though, we were excited about this new path. It’s a challenge! The best gift was the unexpected and unconditional support I found from my partner.
I instantly got to work on my new job. I created lesson plans for our pre-schooler and I re-organized our lives. I joined local Mommy groups and made new friends. I re-discovered a plethora of local resources. I learned the art of coupon clipping and budget grocery shopping and menu planning. I started to pull on some of my childhood memories from visiting my paternal grandmother who has not worked outside the home. I recalled the laid-back and attentive nature of our time together. I yearned to incorporate a similar atmosphere for my children. I find myself willingly hopping out of bed six times a night to cuddle my irritable newborn and savoring the rare moments when my big girl wants her Mommy’s help.
I’ve been staying home for six months now. I can honestly say that I’m having the time of my life. I can also attest to all the buzz about how this is one of the most difficult and rewarding jobs, regardless of how cliché it sounds. I think that my children are two of the most fascinating people and I’m fortunate enough to be able to spend every day in their presence. I don’t miss my career. I don’t even think about it. There is time enough for that in the future. My kids are only this small once. Our family was lacking this essential balance in our lives. Sanity has been restored. I’d be lying if I said our world is full of sacrifices. I don’t feel like I’m living without anything. I actually feel selfish at times because I know my children won’t consciously remember this time together during their young years, but I will. I look forward to an empty nest one day and recalling the many glorious memories they’ve unknowingly given me. I realize that they’re shaping my character just as much as I’m shaping their characters.
The only regret I have is that the decision to stay home was made for me. I wish I had the sense enough to come to this conclusion on my own. I’m thankful for the different roles of the influential women in my life. Rather than succumbing to internal turmoil and feelings of anxiety I’m now relishing in every moment that I spend with my children. I’m certain that I wouldn’t appreciate this time with them as much as I do if I had not first experienced the working mom side of this rusty coin.
Despite my story and the outcome so far, I understand that staying home is not suited for all mothers. I’ve witnessed SAHMs in public and thought to myself how their children would probably be better off in some one else’s care. I’ve met SAHMs who are anxious to get back to work and therefore they’re not entirely present for their children. I’ve met working moms who are convinced that they’d fail as a SAHM, but I know better. Finally, I’ve met working moms turned SAHMs overnight who, just like myself, are shocked to learn how well suited they are in their new role. I think we mothers can have it all – the family and the career - just not at the same time. My career will be there waiting for me when I’m ready.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Summer Fun Box
I saw a similar project on one of the craft blogs - it's called "Doorway into Summer" and I think it's a neat idea. I tweaked it and this is what we came up with...
We're pretty excited about it and all the "fun" contained within!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Vegas vs. Honey & Papa
Chris' life is so hard. He's staying at the Venetian in Vegas this week for a work conference. He feels guilty, so he says. He tells me this after he describes the marble-top dressers, flat screen TV in the bathroom and remote-control blinds in his room. It doesn't matter because the kids and I are staying at the prestigious 4-star "Casa de Honey & Papa." We're keeping ourselves occupied here so Mommy doesn't think about how she could be sitting by the Venetian swimming pool reading every single book on her list of books to read while sipping on a Mojito just delivered by the cabana boy...
Whatever.
Here are some pictures of how we're passing the time.
Yep, you read that right! It's an Aspen count down calendar! Her family is going on vacation in 9 days (but who's counting?) and they've asked us to dog-sit! Obviously, we're excited.
So, we tried making the birdseed cookies. It was fun, but it didn't work so well for us. A lot of them broke when we flipped them over. We put the broken ones outside for the birds or squirrels or deer or ants and we don't have any takers... Guess I'll stick to chocolate chip cookies instead.
Ava watching the rain...
Drinking a smoothie treat...
Check out those fingernails and that ring...
She's washing the windows...
The big dude...
Fairy Garden
It's coming along nicely...
Giant corn...
When she's not cleaning the house, she's taking care of the garden...
Cucumber!
Tomato!
Big view...
Daddy's favorite garden flower...
Papa Bear's flower...
More flowers...
Garden knick-knacks...
Corn...
Sneaky girl...
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Dress Up
She's not posing as a dinosaur...she's in the middle of telling a story and those are her hand gestures. You'd think she is Italian!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Speak of the Devil...
I just sat down to read my email and saw that my cousin's wife (and mother of two) sent me this article regarding car seats. There you have it! Thanks, Mindy!
6 Months
Lincoln had his 6-month doctor appointment today! He weighed in at 19 pounds 6 ounces (85th percentile). He's 28 inches long (91st percentile) and his head is 17 1/2 inches (79th percentile). He's a growing boy! Since he's eating and sleeping so beautifully we didn't have too many questions...made for a quick appointment. He got some shots and therefore earned some sparkly silver band-aids that I saw Ava eyeing. The doctor said we can start him on stage 2 foods and yogurt.
Also, the doctor brought up an interesting point regarding car seats - other parents and grandparents might want to tune in. He said that the American Academy of Pediatrics recently came out with a study suggesting that children should be rear-facing in the car until 2 years of age. He said the study showed that they're 5 times safer that way in the event of an automobile accident. I'm not sure how comfortable this is for the tall kids... He also said that once we turn our children around in the car seat that we should keep them in a 5-point harness for as long as possible. He said that his own eleven or twelve (can't remember) year old daughter is still in a booster seat because she's petite and the seat belt would otherwise injure her in an accident.
Overall, the appointment went well. He goes back at 9 months. The little man is wiped out and snoozing his little heart out in his bed right now.
Also, the doctor brought up an interesting point regarding car seats - other parents and grandparents might want to tune in. He said that the American Academy of Pediatrics recently came out with a study suggesting that children should be rear-facing in the car until 2 years of age. He said the study showed that they're 5 times safer that way in the event of an automobile accident. I'm not sure how comfortable this is for the tall kids... He also said that once we turn our children around in the car seat that we should keep them in a 5-point harness for as long as possible. He said that his own eleven or twelve (can't remember) year old daughter is still in a booster seat because she's petite and the seat belt would otherwise injure her in an accident.
Overall, the appointment went well. He goes back at 9 months. The little man is wiped out and snoozing his little heart out in his bed right now.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Laptop
Ava saw the Little Einstein's laptop at the store the other week and she keeps asking if she can have it. We're not ready to drop $50 on a laptop for our 3-year-old yet so we made this instead. Again, I cannot take credit for the laptop idea - I got it off one of the craft blogs to the right. I did add the apple though, gotta start them young! Chris created her mouse.
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