This photo was taken at 9 pm. I was dirty and tired, and my digging arm was sore, but phew... it feels good. And they said gardening at night never works.also...
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Sunday adventure and gettin' dirty
Not that kind of dirty, you sick-0. Jim hurt his back this weekend at the Spring Games. This left our bike ride and painting project plans on hold. So... this Sunday's adventure was getting one of the flower beds under control. Some new plants, some edging, and mulch...
This photo was taken at 9 pm. I was dirty and tired, and my digging arm was sore, but phew... it feels good. And they said gardening at night never works.
This photo was taken at 9 pm. I was dirty and tired, and my digging arm was sore, but phew... it feels good. And they said gardening at night never works.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Willful Willa
Our little prodigy is showing she's ahead of the behaviorial curve this week by testing the waters of temper tantrums. Full blown rolling on the floor, kicking the ground and yelling temper tantrums. And we're not supposed to laugh? Oops.
She's mostly upset because she can walk now and doesn't want to be carried. Also, she doesn't want to go to sleep. Ever again.
PS - note: when I use the word "prodigy" I'm totally joking. I don't wish prodiginess on Willa, particularly in the vein of temper tantrums. I just wish normal kidness on her.
I should really stop using the word. This morning it got me in trouble when Isabella's dad introduced himself to me outside of daycare by showing me her sheep art (photocopied outline of a sheep with glued on cotton balls, just like Willa's). I said, "oh, that's quite good. She's a prodigy, eh?" Not finding the humor in that, Isabella's dad turned around and walked away. Ouch.
She's mostly upset because she can walk now and doesn't want to be carried. Also, she doesn't want to go to sleep. Ever again.
PS - note: when I use the word "prodigy" I'm totally joking. I don't wish prodiginess on Willa, particularly in the vein of temper tantrums. I just wish normal kidness on her.
I should really stop using the word. This morning it got me in trouble when Isabella's dad introduced himself to me outside of daycare by showing me her sheep art (photocopied outline of a sheep with glued on cotton balls, just like Willa's). I said, "oh, that's quite good. She's a prodigy, eh?" Not finding the humor in that, Isabella's dad turned around and walked away. Ouch.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
More randomness, this time from my head
I don't like modern design. "Smart and clean" lines make me feel cold and uncomfortable.
I learned today that green beans and other dense vegetable may spark in the microwave because of the minerals they contain. Glad to hear our microwave isn't on the fritz.
Grand Rapids festival of the arts needs to expand the art for sale tent. Or, I should look for art on Division Ave. instead.
I'm looking forward to a Detroit zoo trip this summer with Willa and MaKenna.
I was planning to plant hops this year in the backyard. Hops grow 20 feet in a season. Where am I going to get 20 vertical feet to support that? Might just stick with green beans this year for vertical gardening.
I learned today that green beans and other dense vegetable may spark in the microwave because of the minerals they contain. Glad to hear our microwave isn't on the fritz.
Grand Rapids festival of the arts needs to expand the art for sale tent. Or, I should look for art on Division Ave. instead.
I'm looking forward to a Detroit zoo trip this summer with Willa and MaKenna.
I was planning to plant hops this year in the backyard. Hops grow 20 feet in a season. Where am I going to get 20 vertical feet to support that? Might just stick with green beans this year for vertical gardening.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
The difficulty of being co-president of Willa... and her quest for sovereignty
Every morning Jim and Willa get together time over breakfast while I shower. I usually emerge from the bathroom listening to her cooing while he agrees with her and rustles a magazine or newspaper. They both eat cereal.
This morning I wrapped a towel around my wet hair, opened the door, looked in the living room mirror and saw a reflection of Willa in her blue dinosaur sleeper walking across the kitchen table. I ran to her yelling, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" And then I turned my head to see Jim near the sink. "And what are YOU doing?!" She looked at both of us and laughed.
There was a moment of tension filled silence. I was wrong to yell at him. He was wrong to let her stand up in her high chair, wriggle out of it, and walk across the table, holding a pen in each hand and heading for the scissors (scissors! I'm pretty sure those are on the top 10 list of mother worries). It's hard being co- anything. Jim's good at not getting upset with me for being weak when I go to console a crying Willa in her crib before bedtime. I need to work on that a little. Okay, a lot. Though, I did not hold him solely responsible for the small wound that appeared on her face while I left them alone Saturday morning.
We shook our heads at the moment and continued on. I brought her into her room to play while I got dressed. She waddled back to the kitchen.
I scooped her up again, asking if she was hoping daddy would let her play with sharp knives and fire.
As she and I went back to her room I heard Jim saying something like, "if mommy can dance on tables...."
He wishes.
This morning I wrapped a towel around my wet hair, opened the door, looked in the living room mirror and saw a reflection of Willa in her blue dinosaur sleeper walking across the kitchen table. I ran to her yelling, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" And then I turned my head to see Jim near the sink. "And what are YOU doing?!" She looked at both of us and laughed.
There was a moment of tension filled silence. I was wrong to yell at him. He was wrong to let her stand up in her high chair, wriggle out of it, and walk across the table, holding a pen in each hand and heading for the scissors (scissors! I'm pretty sure those are on the top 10 list of mother worries). It's hard being co- anything. Jim's good at not getting upset with me for being weak when I go to console a crying Willa in her crib before bedtime. I need to work on that a little. Okay, a lot. Though, I did not hold him solely responsible for the small wound that appeared on her face while I left them alone Saturday morning.
We shook our heads at the moment and continued on. I brought her into her room to play while I got dressed. She waddled back to the kitchen.
I scooped her up again, asking if she was hoping daddy would let her play with sharp knives and fire.
As she and I went back to her room I heard Jim saying something like, "if mommy can dance on tables...."
He wishes.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Now reading
Grace (Eventually) by Anne Lamott
Will review at completion
She's one of my favorite authors.
Will review at completion
She's one of my favorite authors.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Sunday adventure: Bird and Monkey
First off, my birthday was wonderful. I arrived at home to find a bouquet of tulips, a stem of sweet William, and spray roses, the same orange color as our wedding flowers. Jim told me that the Tulips represent how we bloom like a new spring every day. Some days I get more blatant reminders that I married the right man than other days... He had arranged for Jenny and Joe to watch Willa while we had a relaxed dinner out. After a terrific Indian meal, we went back to Jenny and Joe's, had brownies and visited. It was a wonderful night.
Yesterday we made a new friend:
This little guy was one of three babies from the house finch nest. They hatched last week. Yesterday I found the nest strewn across our front deck and the babies on our patio furniture. This is the only one that made it. The house finch nest was replaced by some sparrows. Mom and dad house finch were no where to be seen. So... this baby spent the night in our basement under a reading lamp. He (Jim keeps calling it a she) was well fed on soggy dog food from an eye dropper. Knowing we aren't equipped to care for a baby bird, Jim looked up and found a wildlife rescue shelter. A mile from our house. He called and a nice woman named Peg agreed to care for our friend.
We dropped him off on a street that we had visited before. We eyed a house there about 6 months ago. When we pulled up, there were ducks on the lawn across the street, and a gathering of neighbors. One of which was holding a monkey. For real. We took the bird to Peg who was talking with the monkey lady. Turns out she is a rescue worker too. I asked permission to do this:
We gave Peg a $10 donation for her organization and thanked her for taking care of our little buddy. And then left to walk around the Meijer Gardens for an hour.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Last night's conversation
"So... what's the big plan for tomorrow?"
"Marky Mark AND the Funky bunch will probably drive up in a Yaris."
"I hate that car."
"I know. They'll come, and then the car will stomp all over little gas nozzle spiders."
"Yuck. Did you know Marky has a third nipple?"
When I was dropping Willa off at day care this morning, I overhead a mom telling someone that her son was 26 months old. It's a matter of person taste, but I think at this point Willa is just over a year, soon she'll be almost a year and a half, and beyond that she'll be nearly two. When do we draw the line for age in months?
I almost called my mom today to tell her that today I am 384 months old. I'll save you the division. Today I turn 32. I hope Willie Nelson and Jimmy Carter swing by with the funky bunch.
"Marky Mark AND the Funky bunch will probably drive up in a Yaris."
"I hate that car."
"I know. They'll come, and then the car will stomp all over little gas nozzle spiders."
"Yuck. Did you know Marky has a third nipple?"
When I was dropping Willa off at day care this morning, I overhead a mom telling someone that her son was 26 months old. It's a matter of person taste, but I think at this point Willa is just over a year, soon she'll be almost a year and a half, and beyond that she'll be nearly two. When do we draw the line for age in months?
I almost called my mom today to tell her that today I am 384 months old. I'll save you the division. Today I turn 32. I hope Willie Nelson and Jimmy Carter swing by with the funky bunch.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Odd Jim dream
"I must have fallen asleep for a minute there. I just drempt that you were really tall. I laid you down and your feet went to 44th street."
"My feet were all the way to 44th street, and you could lay me down?"
"Uh-huh."
"Wow!"
"zzzzzzz...."
"My feet were all the way to 44th street, and you could lay me down?"
"Uh-huh."
"Wow!"
"zzzzzzz...."
Another instance in which on command vomiting would have been useful
Willa and I are really going to have to work on some kind of system that will punish people who do not have her best interest in mind; like doctors who think we should sit at home with a 106 fever. Vomiting on command is the best idea I have now. I thought of asking her to lean over and bite her "friend" on their arm, but that's unnecessary pain inflicted on people who aren't familiar with the strength of her jaws or sincerity of her will. Teaching her to flip people off would probably only backfire on us later. I am taking suggestions.
Yesterday when I picked Willa up from daycare a fully formed adult employed by the day care to tend to the safety and needs of the children mentioned to me that Willa ate the charm off of her (the adult's) shoe. Uh... what? My kid ate something off of your shoe? Last week? And you're only telling me about it now? In her defense, she is a moron. Also, her voice is like a 3rd grader's.
Generally I'm a nice person. Really. Ask around. Oh, Amy? Yup, she's nice. I tried to draw on my strengths in the face of adversity. "You really need to let parents know if something like this happens. That's pretty harmful, and we need to watch to see if it passes through her system." She said, (really she did this, could I even make this up?) "if you see a dinosaur in one of her diapers, could you clean it off and bring it back?" She totally wasn't getting it. And this is when I wish that Willa could have taken over and vomited all over her now dinosaurless shoes. But no. Slacker.
I got in my car, which was a difficult feat when considering that I was feeling roughly what a mother lion feels when some other beast messes with her cub. Oh, I thought, so this is mother rage. I dialed the phone and spoke with the center's director. The director was equally shocked and disturbed. She told me she'd get to the bottom of this. 20 minutes later there was a message on my phone from the director who was letting me know that this didn't make it any better, but spacey girl's dinosaur was a small piece of foam, and not sharp, pointy tetanus-carrying metal that was, at this moment, puncturing her bowel. Also, it may have been swept up and thrown away instead. Spacey girl was mentioning it to me because she thought it was funny (and because she wants her freakin' dinosaur back). She's now been written up and properly educated.
[I need to insert here that with the exception of this one employee, I fully trust and adore the staff at the center Willa is at. They are wonderful, and particularly not spacey or moronic.]
Willa, by the way, is fine. Last night I put her to bed while she was fully awake and laughing. I heard her play for a minute, then the music from her crib toy that she turned on herself. When I went to check on her a few minutes later, she was sleeping on her knees with her butt in the air. I covered her up and patted her head. "Goodnight sweet Willa. Goodnight foam dinosaur."
Yesterday when I picked Willa up from daycare a fully formed adult employed by the day care to tend to the safety and needs of the children mentioned to me that Willa ate the charm off of her (the adult's) shoe. Uh... what? My kid ate something off of your shoe? Last week? And you're only telling me about it now? In her defense, she is a moron. Also, her voice is like a 3rd grader's.
Generally I'm a nice person. Really. Ask around. Oh, Amy? Yup, she's nice. I tried to draw on my strengths in the face of adversity. "You really need to let parents know if something like this happens. That's pretty harmful, and we need to watch to see if it passes through her system." She said, (really she did this, could I even make this up?) "if you see a dinosaur in one of her diapers, could you clean it off and bring it back?" She totally wasn't getting it. And this is when I wish that Willa could have taken over and vomited all over her now dinosaurless shoes. But no. Slacker.
I got in my car, which was a difficult feat when considering that I was feeling roughly what a mother lion feels when some other beast messes with her cub. Oh, I thought, so this is mother rage. I dialed the phone and spoke with the center's director. The director was equally shocked and disturbed. She told me she'd get to the bottom of this. 20 minutes later there was a message on my phone from the director who was letting me know that this didn't make it any better, but spacey girl's dinosaur was a small piece of foam, and not sharp, pointy tetanus-carrying metal that was, at this moment, puncturing her bowel. Also, it may have been swept up and thrown away instead. Spacey girl was mentioning it to me because she thought it was funny (and because she wants her freakin' dinosaur back). She's now been written up and properly educated.
[I need to insert here that with the exception of this one employee, I fully trust and adore the staff at the center Willa is at. They are wonderful, and particularly not spacey or moronic.]
Willa, by the way, is fine. Last night I put her to bed while she was fully awake and laughing. I heard her play for a minute, then the music from her crib toy that she turned on herself. When I went to check on her a few minutes later, she was sleeping on her knees with her butt in the air. I covered her up and patted her head. "Goodnight sweet Willa. Goodnight foam dinosaur."
Monday, April 23, 2007
Good morning
The sun was not up this morning when I heard Willa stand up in her crib. It was 6 am. I felt well rested. I hopped out of bed, went to her room, being careful not to trip over the toys that made her giggle last night. She held her arms out for me. I picked her up and brought her to me. She wrapped her arms and legs around my body, laid her head on my shoulder and hugged me. An honest, for real hug. My kid likes me, and that's pretty neat.
I took her back into bed where Jim was dozing. The window had been open all night, and the room had a great spring morning scent and slight chill. I nursed Willa and Jim rolled over to put his hand on her back. She laughed.
We invited Arlo to join us. Greta followed. The sun was starting to rise, and the whole family was snuggled together on the queen sized bed. It was one of *those* moments.
Willa finished eating, and started playing. She moved Jim's hand to my stomach to get him to tickle me. She blew raspberries on both of our stomach's and my shin. She stretched out on Jim, and rolled off to get the dogs.
We all got up and took a family walk.
We have a good life.
I took her back into bed where Jim was dozing. The window had been open all night, and the room had a great spring morning scent and slight chill. I nursed Willa and Jim rolled over to put his hand on her back. She laughed.
We invited Arlo to join us. Greta followed. The sun was starting to rise, and the whole family was snuggled together on the queen sized bed. It was one of *those* moments.
Willa finished eating, and started playing. She moved Jim's hand to my stomach to get him to tickle me. She blew raspberries on both of our stomach's and my shin. She stretched out on Jim, and rolled off to get the dogs.
We all got up and took a family walk.
We have a good life.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Don't hate us because we're beautiful...
If we didn't have a digital camera, we'd probably miss a lot of good shots. Here are some out-takes, too funny to immediately delete:
Aren't we pretty?
In other news, Willa's daycare incident report: "Willa was sitting on the floor next to a friend. Her friend leaned over and bit her arm. Willa cried." She's fine - no broken skin. I'm just imagining the shock on her face when a "friend" bit her.
Also, happy birthday to my mom! Hope you enjoy your gift.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
In spite of this, she woke up this morning laughing and with a normal temp.
"Well, you put the thermometer under her arm, wait until it beeps, take the measurement and add one degree."
And then, on command, Willa vomited on him.
No, she didn't really, but if there were ever a time that I wished my kid could vomit on command...
At 3:40 yesterday I got a call from day care letting me know that Willa (who was fine in the morning after a weekend of fever we blamed on the shots) had a fever of 103.2. I left work, picked her up, called her doctor's office talked to the nurse and made plans to go straight to the After Hours care office. This being Michigan and moderately nice weather, all major roads are now under construction. So we were stopped for a while, and when we started moving again, Willa began to throw up in the car seat. All I could do was watch her while soothing her verbally, "I'm so sorry you don't feel good, but if mommy stops right now, that semi will run us right over." We got to the office, I stripped her and cleaned her up.
We got into the office, nurse calls us back, blah, blah, blah... Doctor comes in. Starts talking to Willa as "buddy" and "little guy" whatever. Tells me he thinks she has an ear infection, and perscribes antibiotics. I start asking questions. You know, I'm partly in charge of my kids life and like to be informed - and he had the information. I know we're not his normal patients, and I know there's a whole waiting room full of people with injuries and illnesses, but...
So I was trying to ask one question and he kept interrupting me to answer what he thought I was asking. I don't know, maybe he took a speciality in mindreading too. Or maybe he was just a pompus jerk. Willa was clinging to me, eyes glazed over, and whimpering, which is why she didn't get the "vomit now" cue. I stopped him in the middle of telling me how to take my kids temp - uh... thanks, after a year, I consider myself a seasoned veteran - and demanded that he listen to my full question. And finally I learned that it takes about 8 hours for fever reducing medicines to leave the system (see what I went through to pass this info along to you?). Also, if her fever gets to 107 degrees, we should take her to the ER - because it means her brain is on fire.
And then, on command, Willa vomited on him.
No, she didn't really, but if there were ever a time that I wished my kid could vomit on command...
At 3:40 yesterday I got a call from day care letting me know that Willa (who was fine in the morning after a weekend of fever we blamed on the shots) had a fever of 103.2. I left work, picked her up, called her doctor's office talked to the nurse and made plans to go straight to the After Hours care office. This being Michigan and moderately nice weather, all major roads are now under construction. So we were stopped for a while, and when we started moving again, Willa began to throw up in the car seat. All I could do was watch her while soothing her verbally, "I'm so sorry you don't feel good, but if mommy stops right now, that semi will run us right over." We got to the office, I stripped her and cleaned her up.
We got into the office, nurse calls us back, blah, blah, blah... Doctor comes in. Starts talking to Willa as "buddy" and "little guy" whatever. Tells me he thinks she has an ear infection, and perscribes antibiotics. I start asking questions. You know, I'm partly in charge of my kids life and like to be informed - and he had the information. I know we're not his normal patients, and I know there's a whole waiting room full of people with injuries and illnesses, but...
So I was trying to ask one question and he kept interrupting me to answer what he thought I was asking. I don't know, maybe he took a speciality in mindreading too. Or maybe he was just a pompus jerk. Willa was clinging to me, eyes glazed over, and whimpering, which is why she didn't get the "vomit now" cue. I stopped him in the middle of telling me how to take my kids temp - uh... thanks, after a year, I consider myself a seasoned veteran - and demanded that he listen to my full question. And finally I learned that it takes about 8 hours for fever reducing medicines to leave the system (see what I went through to pass this info along to you?). Also, if her fever gets to 107 degrees, we should take her to the ER - because it means her brain is on fire.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Tragedy today
This morning someone woke up, picked up two guns, travelled to Virginia Tech, and shot 50 people. At this time there are 31 people dead, including the man who was shooting.
I'm so glad that Willa's not old enough to ask me why.
No words.
I'm so glad that Willa's not old enough to ask me why.
No words.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
But wait, there's more.
Apparently my awesome husband had 1% even more awesome in him than I knew. He called to say he went to get a cable at lunch. And uploaded 226 photos to Snapfish.
Extra minutes on a neck rub tonight for him!
So, here we are:
Willa being "dainty" note the pinky is up.
Monkey cake, and her own banana cake
MaKenna, Willa's cousin turned 3, the day after Willa turned 1.
4 Generations of April b-days. All of "the ladies" in my dad's life were born in April, mom, wife, 2 daughters, 2 grandaughters.
And finally, proof that having a cute daughter has made me soft; Willa in a purple frilly dress, hangin' with uncle Brian:
Extra minutes on a neck rub tonight for him!
So, here we are:
Willa being "dainty" note the pinky is up.
Monkey cake, and her own banana cake
MaKenna, Willa's cousin turned 3, the day after Willa turned 1. 4 Generations of April b-days. All of "the ladies" in my dad's life were born in April, mom, wife, 2 daughters, 2 grandaughters.And finally, proof that having a cute daughter has made me soft; Willa in a purple frilly dress, hangin' with uncle Brian:
Topsy turvy
So, here's the thing. We left some things behind accidentally when we visited my family over the weekend. Willa, Arlo, Greta and the pita bread I can't find here all made it to the car (phew). Jim was driving and I had the keys, so we both got back okay too.
On Sunday night my head felt like it was hosting an elephant rock band, and we were looking at getting home near midnight. We had done a decent job of gathering and packing most of our stuff into the car ahead of the Easter dinner rush, but. Some things didn't make it. So far, we've noticed a lack of: the big bowl I cooked the birthday cake in, the specially formed ice pack for my breast pump (lucky for us, breast milk stays cool with non-specially formed devices also), and the USB cable that lets our camera talk to our computer. Mom, if you find these things, please put them in my drawer. What? Don't you all have a special drawer at your parents houses to collect credit card offers, newspaper clippings and other items of note?
Two nights ago Jim and I had every intention of uploading the birthday photos to Snapfish so I could share some here. "I'm a terrible mommy blogger if I delay her first birthday party photos any longer..." But nope. And we have 3 others somewhere - though I think we've checked every somewhere - in the house, so we're not anxious to go buy another one for this "emergency."
Last night I looked at the photos again on the tiny camera screen. They're cute, and you'll see 'em soon. In the mean time, here's something to tide you over. Willa's birthday was on Friday. She tripped over her Easter basket as we were packing the car for the weekend. So, she played with her Easter Sunday basket on Birthday Friday and we celebrated her Birthday Friday with my huge family on Easter Sunday, at which point she also got to play with her Easter basket for the second time. Now do you understand why we've been feeling hung over?
Anyhow, she loved shaking the eggs filled with animal crackers for her and jelly beans for Jim. She's also been carrying the wind chime around like Linus carries his blanket.
On Sunday night my head felt like it was hosting an elephant rock band, and we were looking at getting home near midnight. We had done a decent job of gathering and packing most of our stuff into the car ahead of the Easter dinner rush, but. Some things didn't make it. So far, we've noticed a lack of: the big bowl I cooked the birthday cake in, the specially formed ice pack for my breast pump (lucky for us, breast milk stays cool with non-specially formed devices also), and the USB cable that lets our camera talk to our computer. Mom, if you find these things, please put them in my drawer. What? Don't you all have a special drawer at your parents houses to collect credit card offers, newspaper clippings and other items of note?
Two nights ago Jim and I had every intention of uploading the birthday photos to Snapfish so I could share some here. "I'm a terrible mommy blogger if I delay her first birthday party photos any longer..." But nope. And we have 3 others somewhere - though I think we've checked every somewhere - in the house, so we're not anxious to go buy another one for this "emergency."
Last night I looked at the photos again on the tiny camera screen. They're cute, and you'll see 'em soon. In the mean time, here's something to tide you over. Willa's birthday was on Friday. She tripped over her Easter basket as we were packing the car for the weekend. So, she played with her Easter Sunday basket on Birthday Friday and we celebrated her Birthday Friday with my huge family on Easter Sunday, at which point she also got to play with her Easter basket for the second time. Now do you understand why we've been feeling hung over?
Anyhow, she loved shaking the eggs filled with animal crackers for her and jelly beans for Jim. She's also been carrying the wind chime around like Linus carries his blanket.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
One chance - no pressure
Because of the recent milestone, I'm been somewhat sentimental so far this month. Yesterday I was having a daydream about how much I'm in love with Willa while listening to NPR at the same time. The dichotomy got me philosophical. I started thinking about how every person - ever - used to be a baby. Every person used to be a fetus and, if they were lucky, their mom would rub her belly at night dreaming of holding her newborn, and helping that baby take shape into an adult. Even the guy who went to his office this week and shot and killed the mother of a family I grew up with. Even the president of Iran. Whoever ran that red light on the way home had a mom. She probably would have been terrified to see how he drove. My daycare nemesis mom probably took her mom's breath away when she first rolled over, first took steps. Then she probably disappointed her mom when she became a self-centered bitch (I'll have to tell you about her a different time). So... everyone had a mom, and everyone was a baby and cue Elton John singing "the Circle of Life" and/or DUH! I know, I know...
It's in the face of its common experience: how mundane pregnancy and childbirth and parenting is, that I'm amazed at how sacred this motherhood thing is. Why is my experience any different - why do I feel the need to write about it for myself as well as family, friends, and folks who stumble on this accidental? Because so far this is the most important do it yourself (not myself, ourselves - Jim and I, and hey, thanks village) projects I've been a part of. I get one chance with Willa to raise someone who will be a good person, someone who will be on NPR for positive reasons, someone who I am trying to be. I want my kid to do better than me, but not just financially. And because it's one chance with one person, it's huge!! And we all feel that, in different ways, us moms. It's an important job, and I'd like that not to be a cliche.
I guess if we really screw her up, we can rely on our other (not yet in production) kid(s), but then they'll be all new and precious and exposed to a bad seed. See, it's big doin's.
Also, if it doesn't stop snowing I might just over think myself to crazy. It's physiologically time for me to be in the garden. All this time indoors is making me nutso. We might be done throwing parties for that groundhog!
It's in the face of its common experience: how mundane pregnancy and childbirth and parenting is, that I'm amazed at how sacred this motherhood thing is. Why is my experience any different - why do I feel the need to write about it for myself as well as family, friends, and folks who stumble on this accidental? Because so far this is the most important do it yourself (not myself, ourselves - Jim and I, and hey, thanks village) projects I've been a part of. I get one chance with Willa to raise someone who will be a good person, someone who will be on NPR for positive reasons, someone who I am trying to be. I want my kid to do better than me, but not just financially. And because it's one chance with one person, it's huge!! And we all feel that, in different ways, us moms. It's an important job, and I'd like that not to be a cliche.
I guess if we really screw her up, we can rely on our other (not yet in production) kid(s), but then they'll be all new and precious and exposed to a bad seed. See, it's big doin's.
Also, if it doesn't stop snowing I might just over think myself to crazy. It's physiologically time for me to be in the garden. All this time indoors is making me nutso. We might be done throwing parties for that groundhog!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Back from the tour
I know that as co-president of the Willa fan club, I really ought to have photos here by now of Willa at her birthday party and Easter. I know folks are looking for "the cake photo." I'll warn you now, it's not going to be that exciting. I think someone called her dainty when she stuck one fingertip in the frosting, and then another fingertip. Dainty is not a word I'd use to describe her: this is our tornado who likes to ensure that all of our table tops are cleared of paper and other clutter by throwing everything over her shoulder to the floor. I think the big audience of well wishers gave her stage fright. We'll see what happens this weekend when we celebrate with Jim's family.
I promise photos and some better thoughts will be up soon. We've been in a fog. A weekend away - with 2 birthdays and Easter and not getting home until midnight on Sunday has us in a stuppor. Even the dogs were tired.
After last night's rest and today's sunshine, we are on the road to recovery.
In other news, under the awning of our front porch is a small nest that a finch couple in love built. I checked it yesterday with a mirror: 4 teeny eggs. Hope we don't scare them away.
I promise photos and some better thoughts will be up soon. We've been in a fog. A weekend away - with 2 birthdays and Easter and not getting home until midnight on Sunday has us in a stuppor. Even the dogs were tired.
After last night's rest and today's sunshine, we are on the road to recovery.
In other news, under the awning of our front porch is a small nest that a finch couple in love built. I checked it yesterday with a mirror: 4 teeny eggs. Hope we don't scare them away.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Day after the birthday
Friday was Willa's first birthday. She and I went to visit a mommy-to-be in St. Mary's. It was strange to walk the hallway a year later with my one year old. Turns out that Amanda is in the room next door to where we were. Passing the ice and water machine, I felt nostalgic.
Later, Jim, Willa, and I went to the Meijer Gardens to be in plants that weren't heavy with ice and to see the butterflies. When one passed near her, Willa would turn very earnest, point and say, "wow!" over and over. We let her out of the stroller so she could test out her new walking skills. It was crowded, but we found a corner tucked away.
Then we went to visit Jim's parents for a little visit with the birthday girl. And then back home to pack to come to visit my parents where we are now. In all the rush, we left no time to give her presents from her parents. So... we snapped a few photos of her with her presents, some were left behind. Some she'll open tomorrow.
Tonight was a celebration with my parents (and Bill and Jackie) and Willa got a whole new Spring wardrobe.
Tomorrow will be my family to celebrate Willa and MaKenna's birthdays, and then my extended family over for Easter.
I have made my first birthday cake for my child. That was fun. Photos to follow, along with a more thoughtful entry. It is now 1:08 am on Sat. Jim and I are headed to Wallgreens to pick up photos to give to everyone tomorrow.
So tired, and we're not done yet!
Later, Jim, Willa, and I went to the Meijer Gardens to be in plants that weren't heavy with ice and to see the butterflies. When one passed near her, Willa would turn very earnest, point and say, "wow!" over and over. We let her out of the stroller so she could test out her new walking skills. It was crowded, but we found a corner tucked away.
Then we went to visit Jim's parents for a little visit with the birthday girl. And then back home to pack to come to visit my parents where we are now. In all the rush, we left no time to give her presents from her parents. So... we snapped a few photos of her with her presents, some were left behind. Some she'll open tomorrow.
Tonight was a celebration with my parents (and Bill and Jackie) and Willa got a whole new Spring wardrobe.
Tomorrow will be my family to celebrate Willa and MaKenna's birthdays, and then my extended family over for Easter.
I have made my first birthday cake for my child. That was fun. Photos to follow, along with a more thoughtful entry. It is now 1:08 am on Sat. Jim and I are headed to Wallgreens to pick up photos to give to everyone tomorrow.
So tired, and we're not done yet!
Friday, April 06, 2007
Thursday, April 05, 2007
"Ummm... I don't think I'm going anywhere. I think my water just broke." I spoke those words a year and a few hours ago to my doctor who was discharging me from the hospital. I was 39 weeks pregnant and was sent to the hospital to be monitored for high blood pressure, swelling, and possible protein in my urine. The concern was that I was developing pre-eclampsia. After a night in the hospital my blood pressure went down and my doctor was telling me to go home after my 24 hour collection time was over.
Apparently Willa had other plans. Because the water broke in a very messy gush, I was happy to be in a hospital bed (and not at work or my car or in a store...) talking with the woman who would, 19 hours later, place brand new beautiful and slimy daughter on my chest.
This was one of the longest, mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging days of my life. And the next day, at 2:51 am, there she was. Tomorrow we will celebrate Willa. But today, I celebrate myself and every woman who has gone through the miraculous yet mundane process of pregnancy and childbirth.
Here is a photo of me in the small pocket of time between relief that my water broke and it was time to get the show on the road, and the devil Pitocen (labor inducing drug) was wh
eeled into the room. Notice the Sudoku book and journal. I have a few notes from early in the day written down in the journal and did 3 puzzles. Both lasted to about the time I entered a phase where I also wanted to maim Jim for standing in front of a screw on a electrical outlet. Visual confirmation of the screw's existence and my ability to stare at it with intensity that would have lit sticks on fire gave me comfort that I would most likely make it through the next contraction.
Apparently Willa had other plans. Because the water broke in a very messy gush, I was happy to be in a hospital bed (and not at work or my car or in a store...) talking with the woman who would, 19 hours later, place brand new beautiful and slimy daughter on my chest.
This was one of the longest, mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging days of my life. And the next day, at 2:51 am, there she was. Tomorrow we will celebrate Willa. But today, I celebrate myself and every woman who has gone through the miraculous yet mundane process of pregnancy and childbirth.
Here is a photo of me in the small pocket of time between relief that my water broke and it was time to get the show on the road, and the devil Pitocen (labor inducing drug) was wh
eeled into the room. Notice the Sudoku book and journal. I have a few notes from early in the day written down in the journal and did 3 puzzles. Both lasted to about the time I entered a phase where I also wanted to maim Jim for standing in front of a screw on a electrical outlet. Visual confirmation of the screw's existence and my ability to stare at it with intensity that would have lit sticks on fire gave me comfort that I would most likely make it through the next contraction.You can also see that I was wearing purple slipper socks which stayed on during the entire labor and delivery. I now call them my warrior socks. When I wear them, I feel the strength and focus I drew on that day.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
"The Feminine Mistake"
It might have been yesterday morning that the Today Show had a woman on talking about her new book, "The Feminine Mistake."
For info, look here: http://www.hyperionbooks.com/titlepage.asp?ISBN=1401303064
Basically, she's writing about how women are making potentially crisis-producing decisions when they make a choice to be a stay at home mom. The mistakes are financially based: what happens if the husband is injured, or suddenly finds himself unemployed or there a divorce or worse, death? Also, what company, in this environment of plenty of applicants to select from, would want to hire someone who's been "off the market" for a period of time?
I've been wrestling with this since I listened to her. I want to tell her to shut up, because who the heck is she to say that staying at home with your family's most precious resource is wrong?! But she's right. Financially, a lot of families are taking risks if one adult sacrifices work for raising a child.
We take a lot of risks, financially and otherwise. Adding a child to a family is a risk. Getting married to another person, tying your fate to theirs, is a risk. There aren't a lot of buses going down our street, but we all know we can step off the curb and... well, you know.
This book makes me uncomfortable and angry. I want to chalk this book up to just another way to cash in on the media driven "mommy wars," I want to rail against the sexism of the assumption that "the feminine mistake" isn't being made by a lot of modern stay at home dads.
But I'm glad she has people talking... and thinking.
Your thoughts?
For info, look here: http://www.hyperionbooks.com/titlepage.asp?ISBN=1401303064
Basically, she's writing about how women are making potentially crisis-producing decisions when they make a choice to be a stay at home mom. The mistakes are financially based: what happens if the husband is injured, or suddenly finds himself unemployed or there a divorce or worse, death? Also, what company, in this environment of plenty of applicants to select from, would want to hire someone who's been "off the market" for a period of time?
I've been wrestling with this since I listened to her. I want to tell her to shut up, because who the heck is she to say that staying at home with your family's most precious resource is wrong?! But she's right. Financially, a lot of families are taking risks if one adult sacrifices work for raising a child.
We take a lot of risks, financially and otherwise. Adding a child to a family is a risk. Getting married to another person, tying your fate to theirs, is a risk. There aren't a lot of buses going down our street, but we all know we can step off the curb and... well, you know.
This book makes me uncomfortable and angry. I want to chalk this book up to just another way to cash in on the media driven "mommy wars," I want to rail against the sexism of the assumption that "the feminine mistake" isn't being made by a lot of modern stay at home dads.
But I'm glad she has people talking... and thinking.
Your thoughts?
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Monday, April 02, 2007
Tiger's opening day
Willa's not sure what happened to her team today - heck, she barely understands the infield fly rule - but she's looking forward to a whole season of Tiger baseball.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Willa's 1st 2nd Holiday coming up
This will be Willa's second Easter. Last Easter she was all of a week old when we propped her against a stuffed bunny she received as a welcome gift, and took her photo in a very sweet dress 
than might fit her big toe these days.
Today we took her to the mall to meet the Easter Bunny. We both think it's weird to have a kid sit on the lap of a stranger dressed as a rabbit who doesn't speak (no, "were you a good litlle girl this year?" or "what would you like the Easter Bunny to bring you in your basket this year?"). But, hey, we're kind of into weird.
And she sat on the lap of the most
raggidy bunny I've ever seen and took it all in stride. Like we do this every single day. "Sure mom, I'll sit on the lap of this giant bunny who is wearing a bow tie and smile. I love this kind of weird crap you guys make me do. What's next weekend? I vote that you two let me eat my own cake while smearing frosting into every facial cavity I have. AND I want to wear nothing but a diaper."
than might fit her big toe these days.Today we took her to the mall to meet the Easter Bunny. We both think it's weird to have a kid sit on the lap of a stranger dressed as a rabbit who doesn't speak (no, "were you a good litlle girl this year?" or "what would you like the Easter Bunny to bring you in your basket this year?"). But, hey, we're kind of into weird.
And she sat on the lap of the most
raggidy bunny I've ever seen and took it all in stride. Like we do this every single day. "Sure mom, I'll sit on the lap of this giant bunny who is wearing a bow tie and smile. I love this kind of weird crap you guys make me do. What's next weekend? I vote that you two let me eat my own cake while smearing frosting into every facial cavity I have. AND I want to wear nothing but a diaper."Friday, March 30, 2007
Normalcy
All three of us are where we should be on a weekday. Willa is healed and was smiling and waving at everyone when we got to day care; a wounded soldier returning from battle.
After this week, I am very thankful for daycare. I love my daughter. I will be able to be better with this love after a full day at work, not worried about her.
After this week, I am very thankful for daycare. I love my daughter. I will be able to be better with this love after a full day at work, not worried about her.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Waiting it out... still
Willa's still sick and it's my day to stay home with her. It's day 5 of gastrointestinal distress. Here's hoping today we see solid poop. She's become a Pedialyte junkie. But she'll only drink the grape. We've cleared out the local CVS.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Girl's best friends
Yesterday Willa worked for the emancipation of the dogs from the house. She and I were sitting on the front porch playing with her blue ball when she caught sight of Greta behind the storm door's window. She made her way to the door walking via chair and table assistance and pounded on the door shreiking, panting and saying "'eta! 'eta.". I let them out and we all hung out on the front porch soaking up Summer in March (well over 70 degrees).
In the interest of full disclosure, these photos are not from yesterday, but earlier in the month. Jim had the camera at work. It looked a lot like this but in different clothes. Also, Willa didn't look quite as old man/pirateish as she does in the 1st photo.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Spring and ee
I don't want to put this in writing, but I think this high, giddy feeling I get in the hiccup between winter and spring makes enduring Michigan winters worth it. Almost.
in Just-
spring when the world is mud-
luscious the little
lame balloonman
whistles far and wee
and eddieandbill come
running from marbles and
piracies and it's
spring
when the world is puddle-wonderful
the queer
old balloonman whistles
far and wee
and bettyandisbel come dancing
from hop-scotch and jump-rope and
it's
spring
and
the
goat-footed
balloonMan whistles
far
and
wee
e.e. cummings
in Just-
spring when the world is mud-
luscious the little
lame balloonman
whistles far and wee
and eddieandbill come
running from marbles and
piracies and it's
spring
when the world is puddle-wonderful
the queer
old balloonman whistles
far and wee
and bettyandisbel come dancing
from hop-scotch and jump-rope and
it's
spring
and
the
goat-footed
balloonMan whistles
far
and
wee
e.e. cummings
Monday, March 26, 2007
Big backyard plans, compliments of Willa's stomach bug
Willa tried her darndest to make all fabric in our house tye-dyed with her projectile vomiting this weekend, but I think it's over and a few loads of laundry later and many, many ounces of baby Gatorade, we're all okay.
We took her to the med center on Sunday just to make sure we shouldn't be worried, and got her wrist rash (confirmed as eczema)and Jim's ear looked at too. Jim has an ear infection - in his good ear. This makes him virtually deaf for now. One stop shopping for a bunch of concerns.
Yesterday she was moving slow and very cuddly. We spent 2 hours in my hammock. While she napped (and yes, it is bliss to cuddle your sleeping baby in a hammock on an early spring day), I made big plans for our backyard. This year's priority is to reclaim the hill that a natural spring and the dogs are ruining. Too much water and happy dog exuberance equals erosion on the hill.
It's Spring! At last!
We took her to the med center on Sunday just to make sure we shouldn't be worried, and got her wrist rash (confirmed as eczema)and Jim's ear looked at too. Jim has an ear infection - in his good ear. This makes him virtually deaf for now. One stop shopping for a bunch of concerns.
Yesterday she was moving slow and very cuddly. We spent 2 hours in my hammock. While she napped (and yes, it is bliss to cuddle your sleeping baby in a hammock on an early spring day), I made big plans for our backyard. This year's priority is to reclaim the hill that a natural spring and the dogs are ruining. Too much water and happy dog exuberance equals erosion on the hill.
It's Spring! At last!
Friday, March 23, 2007
out on the town
Last night I had dinner at one of my favorite places in town. I don't get there often because my most frequent dining companion feels uncomfortable in a place where there is no meat. He stayed home with Willa and I went out.
I had a great time getting to know some women who I've met on a message board. Yup, I have internet friends now.
When I was driving home I was thinking about my goal to not lose myself in mom-ness. I haven't been making great steps at that, but it's like ordering the veggie hash every time when I go to Gaia - if I loovvveee it, why do something else? However, talking with 3 other women as a grown up without having to worry about my kid lobbing spoons at people or trying every tactic she knows to get to the ground was... nice.
So was the actual conversation, and the cookie Emily bought.
I had a great time getting to know some women who I've met on a message board. Yup, I have internet friends now.
When I was driving home I was thinking about my goal to not lose myself in mom-ness. I haven't been making great steps at that, but it's like ordering the veggie hash every time when I go to Gaia - if I loovvveee it, why do something else? However, talking with 3 other women as a grown up without having to worry about my kid lobbing spoons at people or trying every tactic she knows to get to the ground was... nice.
So was the actual conversation, and the cookie Emily bought.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Willa says Wow.
Last night was the first thunderstorm of Spring. It was a pretty showy one - lots of noise and light. It took Willa a long time to wind down for the night (she giggled and moved my hand toward her ribs when I was patting her tummy after putting her in her crib), and I blame the electricity in the air.
Hoping to not have a kid fearful of thunderstorms who would then grow into an adult fearful of thunderstorms (ahem, Lisa), I would say WOW to each loud boom or streak of lightening in the sky. Willa was very impressed with this expression. She stared at me while I said it and opened her eyes wide and her mouth wider. She whispered "ow" and smiled - all 7 and 1/4 teeth showing. In the bath we continued saying wow to each other.
This very hectic morning I got her packed up and we walked out to the car. The damp spring air swept her cheeks while she heard the cardinals in the trees and saw water dripping off of the roof. She looked at me and said, "wow."
Sigh. I'm in love.
Hoping to not have a kid fearful of thunderstorms who would then grow into an adult fearful of thunderstorms (ahem, Lisa), I would say WOW to each loud boom or streak of lightening in the sky. Willa was very impressed with this expression. She stared at me while I said it and opened her eyes wide and her mouth wider. She whispered "ow" and smiled - all 7 and 1/4 teeth showing. In the bath we continued saying wow to each other.
This very hectic morning I got her packed up and we walked out to the car. The damp spring air swept her cheeks while she heard the cardinals in the trees and saw water dripping off of the roof. She looked at me and said, "wow."
Sigh. I'm in love.
private vs. public and this blog
I've arrived at an interesting point in blog-ville.
There are things that are happening in our lives (and the lives of people close to us) that are taking time, energy, and concern. Some of these things are not public, and this is a public spot. Ordinarily I would use this space to explore some feelings to get to an "end spot," and this blog is a good way to record for the future. I guess it might be time to start a private journal again.
This all sounds cryptic, and I'm sorry for that. Jim, Willa, and I are in good health, so don't worry about us please.
In the meantime, topics here will likely remain pretty surface.
Put good thoughts and kind actions out into the world, because the world could really use them.
There are things that are happening in our lives (and the lives of people close to us) that are taking time, energy, and concern. Some of these things are not public, and this is a public spot. Ordinarily I would use this space to explore some feelings to get to an "end spot," and this blog is a good way to record for the future. I guess it might be time to start a private journal again.
This all sounds cryptic, and I'm sorry for that. Jim, Willa, and I are in good health, so don't worry about us please.
In the meantime, topics here will likely remain pretty surface.
Put good thoughts and kind actions out into the world, because the world could really use them.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
on the menu - recorded for posterity
Willa likes to eat big people food. Every so often she's inclined to humor us in our quest to use up all the baby food. But mostly if she can't get her hands on it, it's not going in her mouth.
She likes broccoli, peas, corn, sugar peas, sweet potatoes, avacado, apples (hand her a whole one, she'll chew off slivers), pineapple, mandarin oranges, NOT NOT NOT bananas, peaches, pears, mango, pasta, soy sausages, goldfish crackers, string cheese (on hiatus due to increased congestion), kidney beans, green beans, garbanzo beans, and if we let her she would eat a whole gallon of ice cream - she gets a crazed look in her eye after just a taste or two.
Except for her moving chicken from her tray to the table, she hasn't touched meat yet. We decided before she was born that it would be her decision when she could make it. Jim's in charge of providing for that department.
She likes broccoli, peas, corn, sugar peas, sweet potatoes, avacado, apples (hand her a whole one, she'll chew off slivers), pineapple, mandarin oranges, NOT NOT NOT bananas, peaches, pears, mango, pasta, soy sausages, goldfish crackers, string cheese (on hiatus due to increased congestion), kidney beans, green beans, garbanzo beans, and if we let her she would eat a whole gallon of ice cream - she gets a crazed look in her eye after just a taste or two.
Except for her moving chicken from her tray to the table, she hasn't touched meat yet. We decided before she was born that it would be her decision when she could make it. Jim's in charge of providing for that department.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
step by step - ooh baby...
Someday Willa's going to ask me when she started taking steps on her own. And I'm going to say, "uhhh... I don't remember, but check the blog from your childhood. I put it in there. Your baby will walk when he/she's ready. And seeing as he/she's my grandbaby, it will be the best walker ever."
And she'll read this entry that says that over the weekend Willa had many adventures that involved 3 or 4 steps out into the open with no furniture or dogs or people to hang on to. And then she'd realize what she was doing or that her dad and I were watching her while holding our breaths and then she'd sit down.
And she'll read this entry that says that over the weekend Willa had many adventures that involved 3 or 4 steps out into the open with no furniture or dogs or people to hang on to. And then she'd realize what she was doing or that her dad and I were watching her while holding our breaths and then she'd sit down.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Serious play
Willa has started to figure out the world via her set of nesting cups - 10 plastic buckets that fit in each other. She loves to put the small ones in the bigger ones and stacking the bigger ones on top of smaller ones and tossing what she's not interested in over her shoulder. Last night I was amazed to watch her put 8 of them together in order on her own. Before she smiles - ever - she needs to have it figured out. It could be a person, a room, a toy... I'm sure she enjoyed the cups, but the entire 15 minutes that she played with them, she never cracked a smile. Very serious concentration. "No problem mom, can I take a bath now?"
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Team of one for a few days
Our mornings are usually equal parts backstage at the circus and well oiled machine. Jim and I clumsily glide around each other while getting dressed, getting Willa's bottles ready, feeding the dogs... Often we get in each other's way; and because we're not really morning people, but try for the sake of each other, we do not greet each other with an enthusiastically cheery smile. However, we also don't growl at or punch each other in the gut.
This morning I was flying solo while Jim's in Chicago. It was a little lonely being able to access my sock drawer without waiting for him to leave his closet area.
Greta spent all night by the front door instead of her normal under the bed sleep spot. Arlo was happy to start out on the bed in Jim's spot, but left after I accidently threw a pillow his way. This morning Willa kept looking around corners. "Dadadadadada," she cried as I put her on her back for a diaper change. "Dad will be back tomorrow, but he'd wisk you away from playing with the shampoo bottle for a diaper change if he were here."
This morning I was flying solo while Jim's in Chicago. It was a little lonely being able to access my sock drawer without waiting for him to leave his closet area.
Greta spent all night by the front door instead of her normal under the bed sleep spot. Arlo was happy to start out on the bed in Jim's spot, but left after I accidently threw a pillow his way. This morning Willa kept looking around corners. "Dadadadadada," she cried as I put her on her back for a diaper change. "Dad will be back tomorrow, but he'd wisk you away from playing with the shampoo bottle for a diaper change if he were here."
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
baby steps
The past 24 hours have included me feeling like a train rolled over me 200 times, Jim getting over his sick, but not being able to sleep while I was unable to stay awake, Jim scrambling this morning to get on the road for a 3 day trip to Chicago, all 3 of us sleeping a little too long, Willa bumping her head on the bedside table just as Jim was leaving, and my car window not closing after opening it (shouldn't be a problem, this is where the shop "fixed" my car, so I'm bringing it back this afternoon to see if they can do a quick fix - and it's a great day to have a stuck open window: sunny and 60 degrees.). I don't need to go into all of that in detail. Jim's feeling better, I'm feeling better, Willa is okay, just crawling around with a bump...
What I want to share today is a moment she and I had yesterday. We all decided to go outside for a little while. The snow is melted except in the shady areas, the sun was shining, and it was spring jacket warm. I set Willa on the sidewalk and took one hand. She walked slowly and clumsily to the neighbor's driveway. It was amazing. A year ago Jim and I were getting him moved back into the house after finding a job back in Grand Rapids. And now here's our baby holding my hand and walking outside.
Life is good.
What I want to share today is a moment she and I had yesterday. We all decided to go outside for a little while. The snow is melted except in the shady areas, the sun was shining, and it was spring jacket warm. I set Willa on the sidewalk and took one hand. She walked slowly and clumsily to the neighbor's driveway. It was amazing. A year ago Jim and I were getting him moved back into the house after finding a job back in Grand Rapids. And now here's our baby holding my hand and walking outside.
Life is good.
Monday, March 12, 2007
dad and willa sledding (retro video).
I know I'm behind on the technology, but I've figured out how to share video on the blog. This is an old one from December. Check out the dogs romping at the end. Don't adjust your volume, our current videos have no sound.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
cuties on parade
The hats were a flop. But grandma pushing the girls around on great-grandma's wheeled walker like they were on a parade in front of an audience of 10 adults was a big hit. 
Friday, March 09, 2007
Party like you're (almost) 3!
Tonight we're going to visit my tribe on the east coast (of MI).
MaKenna has decided we're going to have a party. Except she kept saying on the phone "have a potty" so I thought my sister had to take her to the bathroom. Until she said, "get our hair wet and take our shirts off." I hope that doesn't send Child Protective Services to Lisa and Ken's house.
A some time MaKenna decided that you can't wear shirts or have a dry head to have a party. Does that happen in one of the Disney movies? She's addicted to Peter Pan, but I think Wendy keeps her clothes on. Cinderella too... Has Sleeping Beauty been on "Girls gone Wild?" OH! Maybe it's Ariel - I hope MaKenna doesn't want us to wear a shell bra and swim this weekend. Brrr...
Willa and I went to the party store yesterday to buy party hats. I hope those distract MaKenna enough so that we can all stayed fully clothed. And dry.
I'm sure a photo of our rockin' party will follow within the next few days.
MaKenna has decided we're going to have a party. Except she kept saying on the phone "have a potty" so I thought my sister had to take her to the bathroom. Until she said, "get our hair wet and take our shirts off." I hope that doesn't send Child Protective Services to Lisa and Ken's house.
A some time MaKenna decided that you can't wear shirts or have a dry head to have a party. Does that happen in one of the Disney movies? She's addicted to Peter Pan, but I think Wendy keeps her clothes on. Cinderella too... Has Sleeping Beauty been on "Girls gone Wild?" OH! Maybe it's Ariel - I hope MaKenna doesn't want us to wear a shell bra and swim this weekend. Brrr...
Willa and I went to the party store yesterday to buy party hats. I hope those distract MaKenna enough so that we can all stayed fully clothed. And dry.
I'm sure a photo of our rockin' party will follow within the next few days.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
baby allergies?
I've got some research to do.
Willa has had a cold for 5 weeks. Today I took her to the doctor. He think she may also have allergies. All fingers are pointing to Greta and Arlo, but it could be dust in which case all fingers are pointing to the carpet, and my lack of desire to dust frequently.
The doctor was very comfortable perscribing allergy medication for her. I don't know anything about long term affects on kids who take this daily for a long time, and I'm going to have to look.
My fingers are still crossed that it's just a nasty cold with no place else to go. In the meantime, we'll be trying Claritin and see if we can't rule anything out. Here's hoping the medicine does nothing within a week, a cold clears up and we're all good.
Willa has had a cold for 5 weeks. Today I took her to the doctor. He think she may also have allergies. All fingers are pointing to Greta and Arlo, but it could be dust in which case all fingers are pointing to the carpet, and my lack of desire to dust frequently.
The doctor was very comfortable perscribing allergy medication for her. I don't know anything about long term affects on kids who take this daily for a long time, and I'm going to have to look.
My fingers are still crossed that it's just a nasty cold with no place else to go. In the meantime, we'll be trying Claritin and see if we can't rule anything out. Here's hoping the medicine does nothing within a week, a cold clears up and we're all good.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Gold standard baby.
Eleven. Months. Old.
Wow.
Jim and I were talking last night about how to handle compliments from strangers about how cute or good Willa is. I told him I smile and say, "thanks, we like her." Truth is, yes, we do think she's precious and the most beautiful and virtuous, and wise baby ever invented. But that's a lot to live up to, you know? And it might be a little arrogant to respond to a strangers polite compliment with, "I KNOW! Aren't you envious?! I mean really, people should just stop having babies, because we're reached the apex of babydom here. Evolution can stop, 'cause here she is."
This photo kind of takes my breath away. I'm not sure how two yahoos like us created this.
"Thanks, we like her."
Monday, March 05, 2007
very long review of our short vacation
Jim, Willa, and I returned yesterday from our trip to Washington DC. She and I tagged along as Jim had two days of meetings for his job. Some highlights:
Drove until 2 am on day one and stopped for the night just inside of Pennsylvania. Exhaustion put us as the Whatever Inn complete with a full bed (with padding on the head board) and towels that looked like our rag collection.
I woke up the next morning asking Jim if I would look more odd with an eye patch or my right eye swollen shut. Called the dr. and got a prescription for pink eye.
Willa projectile vomited her milk and was pretty freaked out.
We got to DC, immediately went to the FDR memorial
and got in the spirit of America, public service, and democracy. Then we walked around the tidal basin to visit Mr. Jefferson. 
Jim lost his glasses.
The next morning Jim was off to work. I enjoyed the king sized bed, a napping Willa, fresh brewed coffee and a nutty buddy bar
for breakfast. When Willa woke up we walked to the National Zoo and saw pandas and orang utans though the meercats were her favorite.
Drove until 2 am on day one and stopped for the night just inside of Pennsylvania. Exhaustion put us as the Whatever Inn complete with a full bed (with padding on the head board) and towels that looked like our rag collection.
I woke up the next morning asking Jim if I would look more odd with an eye patch or my right eye swollen shut. Called the dr. and got a prescription for pink eye.
Willa projectile vomited her milk and was pretty freaked out.
We got to DC, immediately went to the FDR memorial
and got in the spirit of America, public service, and democracy. Then we walked around the tidal basin to visit Mr. Jefferson. Jim lost his glasses.
The next morning Jim was off to work. I enjoyed the king sized bed, a napping Willa, fresh brewed coffee and a nutty buddy bar
for breakfast. When Willa woke up we walked to the National Zoo and saw pandas and orang utans though the meercats were her favorite.She was thrilled- the whole trip- to be in her stroller. It was beautiful weather and the breeze in her hair and her bopping along was a site to see. She made many strangers smile on the streets.
Friday she and I hung out near Dupont Circle: bookstore, bead store bakery for an oatmeal cookie. Then to the park/Circle to people watch, read her new book and eat the cookie. We weren't wearing winter coats.
Kelli is my friend who still lives in DC - she and I met at Habitat in Americus and we both went from there to DC. She, Willa and I had Friday lunch while Jim was in his last hours of meetings. From there we hugged goodbye, and Jim, Willa and I walked around the great neighborhood.
Later that night Willa had her first Metro ride as we all went to Old Town Alexandria (VA). She was fascinated by the flamenco dancing women who had castanets. They danced for probably 8 or 10 minutes, and she watched them, hypnotized, the whole time.
Friday she and I hung out near Dupont Circle: bookstore, bead store bakery for an oatmeal cookie. Then to the park/Circle to people watch, read her new book and eat the cookie. We weren't wearing winter coats.
Kelli is my friend who still lives in DC - she and I met at Habitat in Americus and we both went from there to DC. She, Willa and I had Friday lunch while Jim was in his last hours of meetings. From there we hugged goodbye, and Jim, Willa and I walked around the great neighborhood.
Later that night Willa had her first Metro ride as we all went to Old Town Alexandria (VA). She was fascinated by the flamenco dancing women who had castanets. They danced for probably 8 or 10 minutes, and she watched them, hypnotized, the whole time.
Saturday we woke up, packed up and stuffed the car. We took the Metro to Eastern Market and had a great Salvadorean breakfast on the market. We strolled through fresh flowers and 
produce and crafts. From there we went to the mall and the Air and Space Museum, and then to a botanic outdoor garden. Then to The White House to "pay respects" to W. Then we walked 
through interesting neighborhoods, back to the car to get on the road. We were totally content to walk with no winter coats, seeing robins and daffodils.
produce and crafts. From there we went to the mall and the Air and Space Museum, and then to a botanic outdoor garden. Then to The White House to "pay respects" to W. Then we walked through interesting neighborhoods, back to the car to get on the road. We were totally content to walk with no winter coats, seeing robins and daffodils.On the way back there was no vomiting or hideously swollen eyelids, but there was some snow. That night we stayed just in Ohio, and got home at about 5 on Sunday. We were in the car for about 24 total hours. Only 
one of those hours had me wanting to crawl out the window. Willa was a great kid in the car, in the stroller, in the hotels. Jim and I really enjoyed the city and each other. It was a great trip that left us pretty tired.
one of those hours had me wanting to crawl out the window. Willa was a great kid in the car, in the stroller, in the hotels. Jim and I really enjoyed the city and each other. It was a great trip that left us pretty tired.
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