The Evolution of Addison

Thankful Thursday

2012-02-09T16:07:00.001-05:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Smiles

and cupcakes.

And that's enough to be thankful for, I think.

2012-02-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a mixed bag. Beautiful weather allowed us to go to the playground and dust off our winter blues, but an exhausted preschooler was quick to cry. A sweet baby had one of those days - crying, screaming, general unhappiness. Poor Andy came home to a messy house, no dinner, a frazzled me, a miserable Brenna and an exhausted Addie.

Instead of focusing on the parts of the day that found me hiding in my room by seven o'clock, under the covers, sneaking peanut M&Ms, I'll highlight the better things.

We had beautiful weather - sweatshirt and jeans kind of weather. Run around outside and play kind of weather. Weather that begged us to play a the park - the perfect weather to try out a tire swing for the first time.

After our trip to the park we headed out to find jeans that might be long enough to go all the way Addie's ankles while also staying up over her nonexistent behind. The shopping trip was a success overall, particularly when we discovered that Addie can absolutely rock a pair of skinny jeans - something her mother could never dream of.

After hiding out with my M&Ms, I took a stab in the dark at dinner and it turned into a huge success - huge in that it was delicious and that I made enough to feed the neighborhood. But truly, nothing tastes better after a bad day than homemade chicken noodle soup (adapted from this recipe).

Once her screams turned to coos I had was able to realize how amazing it is that this time last year, I wasn't even pregnant and now my babiest baby is ten weeks old. She laughs and smiles (when not screaming), she can get her hand into her mouth, recognize our faces and do some impressive tummy time. And those wide eyes of her's - those can make my day.

Growing

2012-01-31T21:28:00.001-05:00

I know I have had a few sappy posts about Addie growing up, but it seems that all she is doing these days.
She still needs reminders to do things and she can be an awfully pokey puppy in the mornings, but she does a lot on her own these days.
She makes her bed pretty much every day, more or less on her own. Occasionally I have to help her get her pink comforter back up on the bed, but she does the sheets, the pillows and the decorations on her own.
She dresses herself many days - to be fair I lay out her clothes on school days, but her own unique sense of style shines through on nonschool days.
She can brush her own hair and teeth and is perfectly capable of picking up her own messes.
For awhile now she has helped herself to drinks and snacks, but last week was a milestone - she made herself a peanut butter sandwich and cut it into fourths.
I know, amazing.

Next thing I know she'll be borrowing my shoes, snagging my car keys and demanding an allowance.

I think holding bitty little Brenna in my arms makes Addie seem like an giant - that and her new Chuck Taylors.

Dear heavens, when did my baby's feet get so darn big?

Photos on Friday

2012-01-27T11:04:00.002-05:00

JOHNSON FAMILY CHRISTMAS

(Minus about 5 family members)

Brenna and Uncle Jeaf without his creepy face mask

Brenna doesn't seem so sure about Uncle Jeaf & Emmett

Hanging on Papa's lap

Meeting and loving cousin Emmett

Gram and Papa's visit

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-26T14:39:00.001-05:00

This Thursday I remembering to thankful.

Addie is thankful for her stuffed Uni

I am so very thankful for my family. I am thankful for their opinions, their oddities, their voices, their hugs, their health. An old friend unexpectedly lost his amazing brother this past week- thinking of all he is going through makes me realize how lucky I am for family have. Yes, at times we don't see eye-to-eye, and of course each of them can drive me batty in their own special way, but they are my family and I love them.

I am thankful for my husband. He gets up every day and goes to a stressful job, yet he still manages to come home to our chaos with a smile. He knows when I am at my breaking point, takes over the girls and orders me upstairs to the bathtub with a glass of wine.

I am thankful for friends who pick up the phone, shoot off funny texts, get on airplanes, and drive for hours for a visit. I feel so lucky to have friends near and far who let me rant, help me laugh and keep me sane.

I am very thankful for my daughters. Both of them. I love the one that coos and ahhs and shrieks and dirties diapers. I love the one that has endless questions, demands attention and is generous with hugs and kisses. I am thankful for who they are helping me become.

I am so very thankful.

Two Months....

2012-01-24T16:41:00.001-05:00

In order to not completely fail as a mother, this time at Brenna's check up I took notes. She's doing pretty well for a brand new person. She's meeting all the milestones - tracking with her eyes, smiles, coos and aaahhs. Her neck is strong - although the doctor is concerned that she might have a tight muscle on one side and now in addition to to tummy time I have to do daily neck "exercises" her, she is not thrilled at the idea. Then again neither am I. And neither of us were very excited about the two shots she got today!

Her two month report card is:
Height: 22.5 inches/55th percentile
Weight: 10 lbs 6 oz/36th percentile
Head: 16 inches/89th percentile

I keep saying that I think Miss Brenna takes after my body type and Addie takes after Andy's. At two months old Addie was a full inch taller than Brenna, but weighed 9 ounces less - she really was quite the spider monkey. The doctor wants to continue to supplement Brenna four ounces of formula a day and we'll head back next month for a weight check...but no more shots until March, thankfully.

This pictures were taken, of course, before Brenna had her horrible, mean shots. Mornings are her best time of days lately - she is full of smiles and coos. That sweet face and sounds are even more adorable after she has slept for 7.5 hours straight like she did last night. High Five Brenna Bear, High Five!

Wednesday Chat

2012-01-19T07:25:00.000-05:00

Mama? I cried at Nicholas' house today.
You did? Why did you cry at Nicholas' house today, babe?
Just because I wanted you.
You wanted me? Why, honey? Did you and Nicholas have a fight?
No Mom. Nicholas and I don't fight, we're best friends. I just wanted you.
Why did you want me babe?
Just because I never get to see you anymore Mama and I miss you.

In case you were wondering how to break a mother's heart, this conversation is a perfect example.

Morning Snapshot

2012-01-17T10:05:00.002-05:00

Every morning, while getting ready for school, they chat and chat. Addie tells Brenna what she hopes she will do at school and about her dreams. She reads her stories and sings her silly songs. And Brenna dutifully listens.

Ringing in 2012

2012-01-16T22:59:00.001-05:00

Last year's New Year Eve was chaos at our house - cases of champagne, bowls of punch, mad Minute to Win It competitions. There was a broken chair, red wine spilt on the family room floor, two dozen cream cheese based snacks. There were many hangovers chased away by New Year's Day drinking

This year we only had two house guests. There was one bottle of champagne, talk of punch but no actual punch, a few rounds of Pretty as a Princess and CandyLand. I am pretty sure there weren't even hangovers.

There was a lot of game playing, TV watching and snickerdoodle eating. On New Year's Day there was also a dusting of snow...which may have been Addie's favorite thing of the year's start.

While I loved the festivities that ushered in 2011, the quietness of ringing in 2012 was fabulous. It was great to be with my girls, to be with wonderful friends and to not have to scrape champagne off the ceiling.

I didn't bother to make actual resolutions - I almost never follow through on them anyway. Instead I have some suggestions to myself.

I would like to remember that these days of tiny shoes, diapers and "play with me, mommy" are numbered. They may be exhausting days, but they are fleeting and precious.
I would like to remember that I do not have any house elves, but I do have a helpful husband and a four year old you can lend a hand, and when I need or want help I should ask.
I would like to get off the couch and off the computer more often - whether it's heading to exercise, going for a walk or playing on the floor. It's important to be an active participant in my life.
I would like to do more to make my home my own, personalized and comfortable, lived in and warm, organized and functional.
I would like to try more recipes and learn to cook something well other than chicken.
I would like to be more present in my life and more patient with those around me. This year instead of focusing on all the little details I will, instead, worry about the broad strokes....at least until I get all caught up in the details.

Christmas...

2012-01-15T14:23:00.000-05:00

Christmas still hasn't ended here at Chateaux Neyer - the Johnson family celebration is still a week away! We have, however, finally de-Christmasfied the house. I guess technically there is still one more tree to be disassembled, but our real tree was officially evicted last night, leaving 80 percent its needles strewn throughout my entry way. With everything boxed up the house seems a little less cozy and sparkly.Our main celebration went for four days - Christmas Eve through the 27th.
Gramma Kathy arrived in balmy Cincinnati on the 23rd, much to the delight of her girls (and her Andy, of course). Christmas Eve day we continued the Addie/Gramma cookie extravaganza tradition. Gramma and Addie whipped up pecan caramel cookies for the neighbors, which we later delivered. They also toiled over a batch of delicious snickerdoodles as requested by Santa himself.

We spend every Christmas Eve with Andy's Grandmother, GG, and his entire extended family. It is the only time in the year that GG gets to see her entire family and quite a bit of spoiling occurs. Family camps out in the basement, in chairs and around the bar, while Uncle Ed dutifully hands out gifts, one by one. We get a bit spoiled by GG and Secret Santas, but Addie, and now Brenna, really get regaled with gift after gift. Both girls got beautiful new clothes, books and toys. Addie really cleaned up with a baby doll care kit, four foot tall paper dolls, roller skates and her own make up kit - all of which have become fast favorites.
We made it home a little before midnight and Addie scrambled off to bed once she put out Santa's snickerdoodles. After a tired glass of wine in front of the tree we also headed to bed, preparing for an inevitably early morning.

Early morning? Ha! My little elves didn't tumble out of bed until 9 a.m. Talk about a fabulous Christmas gift! While we waited for Grandma Patty and Aunt Nikki to come over, Addie and Brenna opened their stockings and us grown ups enjoyed our coffee before the storm of gift opening began.

Unlike past Christmases, this year it was a long, yet somehow enjoyable, event. Addie wanted to play with each gift she opened instead of just plowing on to the next. She made sure to help pass out other gifts and loved seeing what Brenna received. Brenna handed out some coos and ahhs and smiles...but mostly she just slept
through her first Christmas hoopla.
We spent many hours lazing, eating and playing - just as Christmas should be. And, even though the girls had living room full of gifts, the next two days were spent celebrating with Andy's extended family and then with our immediate family.

To say that our house is now busting at the seams would be a colossal understatement.While we love the generous gifts that were lavished upon us, it was was being together that was the best gift.

Having our little family healthy and happy? I'll put that on my list to Santa every year, and be perfectly happy if that is all he brings down our chimney.

One Month

2012-01-13T13:37:00.001-05:00

Somehow, over three weeks ago, Brenna turned one month old. How is that possible? Ever since Addison was born I have been told "don't blink, it all goes by so fast"...dear heavens, I think I understand that now.
Most of the past seven weeks have been a blur of holidays and interrupted sleep, visitors and interrupted sleep, nursing, preschool and interrupted sleep. The transition to two has been much less stressful than I anticipated - sure I am tired and at times feel completely overwhelmed, but compared to the first two months of figuring out motherhood with Addie, this is a dream.

I didn't start this little blog until Addie was already two months old - basically because I was nonfunctional. From what I remember of the first month or so, the first time around, there were lots of tears and frustration. Every little thing Addie did sent me running for the phone to call my mom, or to my supply of parenting books to make sure I wasn't messing her up. I worried about nursing and sleeping and television exposure and just about everything else.

This time around? This time I seem to be able to remember to breathe. For heavens sake Brenna went five days without a dirty diaper and I didn't even pick up the phone to consult with our pediatrician. On the fifth day I was rewarded with quite a load of lovliness.

Brenna's first month is blur of nursing and not cooking. We were spoiled rotten by neighbors and friends who cooked for us and we had no qualms calling for take out. Brenna spent the first two weeks of life sleeping in our arms pretty much around the clock - she didn't like her bassinet, her crib or the magic swing. She liked her Mom and Dad and she liked very much to be wide awake at four in the morning.

Our neighbor commented that she was a very zen baby - she seemed to be content with just being, and while she fussed it was not an epic amount of fussing. From the get go, Brenna nursed like a champ. She was an instinctual nurser, unlike Addie who was totally blase about the whole process. I am sure having a baby who nursed with ease also made this second stab at motherhood that much less stressful.

The downside of being the second born? The strength of Mom's memory. I can't recall what the doctor reported on Brenna's one month stats...I know that she lost weight, from 9 lbs 6 oz at her first official doctor's appointment, to 8 lbs 15 oz at the one month check up. Of course this threw us through a bit of a loop - did she have a touch of the stomach flu? Was she not getting enough from nursing? Did she have a milk sensitivity? Even now we don't have any of those questions answered - but we started supplementing her with four ounces of formula and at her last weight check she had chunked back up.

In nine more days Brenna will be two months old...and I will try to remember to write down all her numbers when we're at the pediatrician. For now I will congratulate myself on just getting her fed and bathed, which is better than I am doing with her sister, but that's a story for another time.

2012-01-09T20:53:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah, I have a blog. There is, without a doubt, plenty to write about these days...but somehow there seems to be very little time to actually write.

I wrote those first two sentences a solid 36 hours ago - point well illustrated.

Right before Christmas Miss B turned one month old...one whole month!

I am now typing this blog entry one-handed eight days after initially starting it....while looking longingly at a glass of red wine.

So here's what's coming down the pipeline when have the use of both hands:

**Brenna turning one month old
**Christmas craziness
**New Year quietness
**Being married to an older gentleman
**Figuring out how to stay sane

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-15T19:20:00.002-05:00

On this balmy 60 degree day in December, I am thankful for:

Baby booties, Johnson & Johnson baby wash, large burp clothes and little hands.

Three nights in a row where I have logged three straight hours of sleep.

Good recipes that make great dinners - tea braised pork, chicken pot pie, ham and swiss stromboli - we've been eating well in the Neyer household.

The totally undainty noises of the newest Neyer - no coos and ahhhs around here, friends. Nope this little lady is all chirps, grunts and gas.

Fridays - they mean the start of the weekend and, for the last few weeks of the month, they also mean half days of work for my fabulous husband.

A clean house decorated for the holidays - red glass, ornaments and twinkle lights just make everything so much more lovely.

My wonderful neighbors and their endless support - from supplying us with baby coupons and hours of Addiesitting, to taking us out on errands and stopping by just to hold a baby - we are so lucky to have landed in this neighborhood.

Guiness and Rivertown Winter Ale - my love of wine is on the back burner and I am having a pretty hot fling with dark beers.

Photo Christmas cards - I love getting a peek at my friends' lives. Today I got a card from a Chicago friend who I haven't seen since moved to Ohio - it made me smile be remembered on her list and get to see that her toddlers are now "kids".

The heart of my four year old - sure at times she can be an absolute beast, but underneath it all she's a true beauty.

Being in the final days of Christmas madness - soon all that will be left to do is the sitting and enjoying.

Capturing just hint of a smile.

Photos on a Friday

2011-12-09T15:24:00.001-05:00

Two special ladies seeing Santa...

2011-12-07T12:02:00.001-05:00

Dear Addison,

I know that this wasn't your idea. I know that you haven't happily vacated my lap. I understand that not going to the museum or out on a daily adventure was not a choice of yours. And I completely get why you are a bit grouchy in the mornings, after all you no longer have my lap all to yourself, or quiet snuggle time - no, now you have share with your baby sister.
I know that I expect and ask a lot of you. I know that sometimes it slips my mind that you are just a four year old. I know that Brenna is getting a lot more attention than you and I know that it isn't fair of me to raise my voice toward you just because I am exhausted - you are not the one who kept me up half of the night, after all.

My mood this morning wasn't very good and I shouldn't have taken it out on you - but I did, and I'm sorry. Thank you for forgiving me - and for eating all of your breakfast, putting on your sneakers by yourself and getting your teeth brushed with me only asking you one time to do all those things. Thanks for the big hug and kiss before you headed out the door for school and for waving at me from the car window so enthusiastically. Thank you, also, for telling me to "take a pictures of the girls" this morning - I liked having your face with me on this exhausting day
.

You are doing your best, and I know that. More importantly, I am thankful for all that you are doing and how understanding and flexible you've been. I am thankful that you happily fetch blankets and wipes; that you throw away diapers without complaint; that you have started getting ready for school without much prompting. I am grateful that you want to hold your little sister and kiss her chubby cheeks. I love that at least once a day you ask if Brenna can play with you and that it's your idea that she join us for bedtime stories.

Sometimes you'll catch me watching you and widen those gorgeous eyes of your and say with a smile

What is it, Mama??

And I don't know how to truly explain to you how lucky I feel to have such a kind hearted child. Or how to tell you that being up all night with your sister reminds me of the hundreds dark hours I spent pacing our condo trying to soothe you as baby - and now you sleep curled around your stuffed animals not needing a thing from me. Or that I cannot believe four and half years have gone by and suddenly there is almost nothing baby about you...you are so big.
I don't know how to tell you all that, so I try to give you extra hugs and squeeze your you little hands whenever I can. I try to remind you that you promised to always be my baby - but when I said that this morning you told me that Brenna is my baby now, not you.

My heart cried a little when said that. You didn't say in a jealous way or to be mean - it was just a matter of fact: Brenna is the baby and you are my big girl. No way, I said to you. No way, you may be a big girl but the deal is you will always be my baby! I reminded you that you were the one who made me a Mommy. Because of you, I explained, I am more patient with Brenna. Because of you, I am better equipped to handle this tiny baby. I am calmer, less frantic, more logical all because you taught me about being a Mom.
So, while life may seem a bit different right now, I want you to know that I love you with my whole heart, bigger than the sky, deeper than the ocean. While there will still be mornings and hours where my patience is low and I may raise my voice, I want you to know that I couldn't ask for a more wonderful little girl.
I am so lucky and thankful that you are mine.

xo,
Mom

Chicago Kate and the Mall

2011-12-05T21:14:00.001-05:00

The day after Brenna was born, Addie was treated to a bit of spoiling by our friend Kate.

Kate is a native Cincinnatian who I was lucky enough to meet and become friends with at Loyola. She and I ended up on the same freshman floor and the rest is history.
Andy briefly met Kate before college, when she almost ran him over with her car - needless to say they didn't start off as best buds. However, now we are lucky enough to count her among one of dearest friends. And, Addie thinks Chicago Kate is just so cool.

So, while we were in the hospital trying to figure out how to work a newborn (again) Kate and Addie went out on a shopping date. They had planned their date back in October - they were going to go Christmas shopping for Mom, Dad and Baby. Addie talked about their date for weeks, and when it arrived she went all out and dressed in her beloved polka dot tutu and worn in cowgirl boots. She made sure to carry her pink purse, filled with coins and small bills (the big bills went in Kate's wallet). She promised Gramma that she would use her manners and wear her listening ears.
Kate bravely took Addie to Kenwood Town Center - our nicest mall - the day before Thanksgiving. Brave, oh so very brave, of Kate.
A few hours into their shopping adventure I received an email that read:

I swear....I did not teach her this.

I opened the attachment and laughed my ass off, as did everyone else in the room. My little diva showed the shoppers of Kenwood how it's really done.

Apparently after visiting a few stores...H&M, Coach, Macy's, Sephora and Godiva, to name a few, Addie requested that Kate put all of her packages in the crooks of her elbows and off she strutted down the middle of the mall, one cowgirl booted foot in front of the other.

When Kate and Addie got to the hospital we were shown all her goodies - pink metallic flats, a pink pompom hat, gold glitter nail polish, purple lip gloss,a gold clutch, a L'Occitane perfume sample, a bag of Godiva chocolates and a packet of ketchup from Chik-fil-a.

Yes, a ketchup packet - never question the treasures of a four year old.

Brenna

2011-11-29T09:54:00.001-05:00

Dear Brenna,

One week ago today you entered this crazy world and completed our little family. I can't believe a week has already gone by.
You were due on November 25th, but, after consulting with our doctors, we decided to induce labor on on the 22nd. We kept the decision to induce you largely to ourselves, partly because we didn't want to hear others opinions about our choice and partly because we were convinced you were going to make your entrance well before the 22nd - we were wrong. Apparently I provided quite a cozy little home in my belly and you were rather content staying put.

After many hours, and lots of pushing, you finally decided to let us meet you. You arrived at 2:19 p.m. on a very rainy Tuesday to two extremely proud, slightly tired, parents. When the doctor plopped you on my chest you immediately stuck your index finger in your mouth and your other hand tightly grasped my index finger...and I am pretty sure my heart swelled three times its size. You were an impressive little baby - full of fat rolls and chub. Your cheeks could have stored berries and nuts for the winter months.

You weighed in at a healthy eight pounds, ten ounces and were 20.5 inches long. Your little toes look just like your big sister's, as does your perfect little bow tie mouth. While you don't demonstrate their abilities often, your lungs are quite powerful as well.
Dad and I struggled naming you - for the longest time we had list of twenty or so names. Every time we would think of a new name we would add it to the list. About two weeks before you were born we thought we had settled on a name for you, and then two days before your arrival we did a complete reversal.

Brenna Kathleen.

We are not positive about how your name, Brenna, even entered our consciousness. I think I heard at the park one day and then texted it to Dad. We both thought it was beautiful, strong, and different. As we researched it we learned that Brenna was a Gaelic name meaning "little drop of water" or "raven" - and you were born on a rainy day with a head of beautiful, soft, dark hair. We chose Kathleen as your middle name to honor your Gramma Kathy - something that makes her a bit verklempt.
This past week with you has been wonderful - you are sweet and snuggly. You love to be held - by anyone really, but your favorites seem to be me, Dad and your amazing big sister, Addison.

Addison is so proud of you and so in love with you. She wants to watch you sleep, she loves holding you on her lap, and she insists that you join us for bedtimes stories. Addie also helps Mom and Dad so much - she fetches clean burp cloths, throws away dirty diapers and makes sure your swing rocks you gently to sleep.

So far you have been very gentle on Mom and Dad - you are a great at nursing, you burp like a champ and you give us at least three hour stretches of sleep each night. You lost a little weight, making us nervous, when we got home, but we head to the doctor tomorrow and hope to hear that you are chunking back up.

In your first few hours and days you met tons of people - Papa Johnson and Gramma Kathy were at the hospital when you were born - Grandma Patty and GG were there just a tiny bit thereafter, along with Aunts Nikki and Kim and Addison. Uncle Brian and Aunt Kelly rushed over after work and our pal Kate even stopped by to meet you. You came home on Thanksgiving day - our tiny turkey. At our house you were passed from arms to arms, as your Aunts and Uncles came by to snag some snuggles, even Uncle Jeaf drove down from Akron.

Without even knowing it, it turns out that you were the missing piece to our family. Our house seems that much more cozy, our hearts that much more full now that you are here. I marvel at your tininess and can't stop inhaling your gorgeous baby aroma. In the early morning hours, when it is just you and me, I feel so content and so ready and so fulfilled. I didn't realize how much I was looking forward to meeting you - and now you are here.

Welcome to our family, beautiful Brenna Kathleen...

Photos on Friday

2011-11-18T08:27:00.001-05:00

This week I was able to spy on Addie's dance class. I learned a few things:

A. I would never have the patience to be a preschool dance instructor.
B. Addison may not listen to me, but she is an excellent student who listens to her teacher.
C. The graceful gene that I lack has lightly touched my daughter - she ain't too shabby at this dance thing.

How are you?

2011-11-15T19:29:00.001-05:00

What a loaded question that is these days. I, of course, usually answer with a "good and how are you". But what I am really thinking is:

Me? I am exhausted. I haven't slept well in months and I have months looming ahead of me without sleep. Exhausted.

Me? I am really, really pregnant. I am super thankful to be carrying this baby, but my body is about done. I am uncoordinated and waddling. My legs feel like cement blocks at the end of the day. I can't see my pedicured feet.

Me? I am done. Done with my aching back, my ginormous belly and swollen feet. Done with my racing thoughts and exhaustion. Done with uncomfortable doctor appointments and peeing in cups. I am done with bumping into things and being unable to sit comfortably at the the table...or anywhere.

Me? I am 39 week pregnant and chasing after a four year old. My patience is short. I trip on toys I can't see on the floor and there is practically no room on my lap for snuggles.

Me? I am anxious. I have another little girl on the way, any day now, and I worry about keeping both ladies happy. I worry about both ladies feeling special and loved. I worry about keeping it all together.

Don't get me wrong. I am have an amazing support system. I have a loving husband who cooks and does dishes and sends me to room to sleep. I have a sweet preschooler who loves to snuggle and feel her sister kick. I have neighbors who offer to do anything I need and a family and friends who check in with phone calls and texts and voicemails.

But me? I am at the end of the pregnancy rope. I have been ready to meet my little one for weeks and I am done being patient. I am ready. So now that I have that off my chest...

How are you?

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-10T16:52:00.001-05:00

This is going to be short and sweet. And I know that I haven't done any blogging since last week, but friends, this girl is uberpreggo and when I sit down I tend to fall asleep....

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Homemade burp cloths and baby blankets.
Clean bath tubs and warm water.
A shrinking To Do list.
A new hair cut and color.
Chicken salad sandwiches from Tag's Cafe - I am averaging about two a week now.
Friends that make me laugh and play dates that are drama free.
Early morning whispers of "Mama? Can I cuddle with you?".
Knowing there are only two more days to stress about the preschool craft show fundraiser.
A husband who puts up with my moans and groans and huffs and puffs.
Excellent tickets to see Wicked tonight with a tall, dark and handsome date.
Free babysitting from my wonderful mother in law.
Keurig Apple Cider, Juicy Juice Mandarin Tangerine Juice and apple-strawberry sauce.
Being 99 percent of the way through with laundry.
Having plans to see my cousin and his fabulous family this weekend
Being told by the doctor that good progress is being made and who the on call doctor will be this weekend.
Knowing that the pregnancy finish line is in sight.
For the gorgeous fall weather that stuck around for a few days, allowing me to snag this stinking cute picture.

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-02T21:32:00.002-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for many things - but I have decided to highlight just one. This Thursday I am thankful for this body of mine.

Different, right?
I have spent much of my life hating my body. Growing up I hated how short I was and that I wasn't covered in freckles like my friend Marie. I hated my Johnson feet and the fact that my fingernails were never as perfectly oval as my mother's. My hair has always been my nemesis - the wrong color, wrong length and full of cowlicks. I hated my body for betraying me in adolescence - all my girlfriends were getting real boobs and I was being teased about my anthills. I was covered in zits, had braces on my teeth and braces on my knees. I wore glasses, and for a short while, hearing aids. My body was my sworn enemy.

This body of mine has put up with a lot though. I managed to miss out on the coordination gene and have made my body work over time healing broken bones, dislocated elbows and endless stitches. I have made it grow a new ACL and I have completely removed the menisci in one knee. I have had countless xrays and MRIs and should have had a frequent flyer card for the emergency room.

In it's younger years my body bent and stretched its way through gymnastics and acrobatics. It sashayed, did the jazz square and tapped its way through dance class after dance class. It chased soccer balls and climbed high up into pine trees. My body has probably run hundreds of 5Ks, has hurled down ski slopes and has cross country skied up mountain trails. It's gone parasailing and white water rafting.

This body, that I complain about, has been subjected to ear piercing, tattooing, hot wax treatments, thousands of pounds of deep fried food, cigarette smoke and alcohol. It rarely is rewarded with enough water, enough sleep or enough fresh vegetables.

It's held its own when dealing with changes. It survived puberty, car accidents, bike accidents and surgeries. It's dealt with my weight fluctuations, from the 30 extra pounds of college to the emaciation of depression. It slimmed down for my wedding and added muscle as I trained to run the marathon.
It got me to the end 26.2 miles unscathed and unknowingly three weeks pregnant.

This body has done its job - it has maintained two healthy pregnancies with almost no complaint. And I've realized, this week, that this tough old body of mine ain't so bad.
Sure there are things that sag and jiggle in ways that are upsetting. I still wish I was taller, more slender, more graceful.
Sure, in its current manifestation I have very little control. My belly is enormous, my feet are a mystery. My back and legs ache and my hands swell. Those boobs I wished for in adolescence? Yeah, in pregnancy those have shown up to work overtime.
My legs are covered in spider veins - but they still allow me to chase after a four year old and squat down to get a great picture. My back is sore and uncomfortable, but it can still carry load of laundry and a sobbing child. Sure, my eyes are permanently bloodshot and tired, but they can still convey a smile.

And this belly? This enormous, shape shifting belly?
It is cocooning a baby.
Another little lady.
It has kept her safe and warm. It has provided a nest for the last leaf on our family tree - where she has heard my heart beat, her sister's silly stories and her father's deep laughter. This belly has been a safe haven for two babies - it has done it's job and done it well. And in a few months, when it is wiggly and flaccid with extra, worn out skin, I will remember to be thankful, because this belly sheltered my girls, let my husband feel tiny kicks and hiccups, provided a pillow for a tired four year old. This pregnancy has reminded me that my body is so much more impressive than I ever give it credit for....and for this imperfect, aching, aging body, I am eternally thankful.

Drama Mama

2011-11-02T09:57:00.002-04:00

If you continue to cry like this I fear that my heart will turn to stone and I will stop caring all together. Cry like what?
Cry like you did this morning because you didn't like the purple shirt I picked out and because I told you that the zoo catalog couldn't go to school.

I know - those things are not worth tears, but that doesn't stop you from turning on the water works complete with jutting out lower lip and quivering chin. Normally when I see you upset, mouth all turned down and your big eyes so sad, I melt a little. I try to make what ever is troubling you better, because seeing you distressed makes me blue. But lately the tears have been on demand and for inconsequential, downright silly, things.

In the last week or so here are the things that you blubbered over:
You were being silly and you spilt your milk. You literally cried over spilt milk.
Your cousin didn't want to play the game you suggested, so you sulked in the corner.
I offered you Skittles and and you wanted M&Ms.
Only getting to pick out five books at the library.
You slept in, because you were exhausted, and then sobbed because Jake and the Neverland Pirates was no longer on.
Tears because you didn't like the outfits I laid out or the bows I put in your hair or your pigtails or braids.
Tears because Daddy said no when you asked for a fourth piece of candy.
Tears when the cat swiped at you, after you had hit her in the face with your Halloween bucket.
Tears because your sticker ripped, your seatbelt was twisted, your socks were too small.
Tears because your piece of chalk broke, magnet fell off the door, book was missing.
Endless tears.

And part of me rationalizes that you sense that our world is changing. You know that the baby is on her way and may try to take over your throne. I know that you are excited to be a big sister and meet our sweet littlest lady, but I also know you are worried. Worried that Mommy and Daddy won't have time for bedtime books or midday snuggles. Worried that we won't still play Candyland and Old Maid and Princess Bingo. I am sure that you wonder if there is enough room for all of us in our house and whether or not you will have to share your precious toys.
I try to keep in mind that you are four and yet smart enough to know that big changes are on the horizon. I try to remind myself that you may be feeling sensitive and needy, wanting to make sure that you still have Mom and Dad and Grandma under your spell...and you do.
We all still love you as much as ever. We are excited to see what a wonderful sister you will be - how you will teach and care for and protect your baby sister. We are excited to watch you turn your back on being the baby and run full speed ahead into being the big girl of the house.

But the tears, the ridiculous, dramatic tears must end.
I will always comfort you when you've scraped your knee or hurt yourself. I will always soothe you when you are scared or worried or overwhelmed. When something hurts your heart or your sensibilities, I promise to listen and care.

But the rest of this drama mama ridiculousness? I'm totally over it.

Princess Personified

2011-11-01T09:30:00.002-04:00

A few days ago, at a family party, it was suggested that Addie may be one of those girls who never really outgrows princesses. Part of me inwardly groaned and thought to myself how is she my daughter? I thought of her tears over tangles, her endless love of twirls and taffeta, her need to accessorize. Another part of me secretly admires her dedication to girliness - there is nothing wrong with wanting to sweet and sassy and full of sparkles and shine. Afterall, it is perfectly alright for her to be a girl.

She desperately wants to be old enough to wear eyeshadow and lip gloss. Weekly she tries on my bras or heels and prances around the house. Rarely a day passes without playing dress up or princess. Often times she asks me to introduce her when she makes her entrance to the first floor: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, orange cats of all sizes introducing Princess Addison Evelyn Butterfly....

Lately her princessness has translated into a fair amount of drama, complete with tears and blotchy red cheeks. Andy and I know that some of the drama that we face is just her realizing that she is soon going to have to make more room in the castle for another princess.

Although, who is to say that the gymnast who is currently residing within me will be so princess focused. Perhaps she will like sports and dirt and the color green. Maybe tutus won't be her uniform and sparkles won't be part of every accessory. Maybe - but I kind of doubt that her big sister won't influence her a little bit.

Last night, Addie personified what a princess should be - she used good manners, she remembered her pleases and thank yous, she curtsied and bowed. She daintily lifted her skirt to cross the street and kept a smile plastered on her face. She hung out with her princes, but did a lot of the decision making.

She shined...as every four year old princess should.

Thankful Thursday

2011-10-27T18:39:00.001-04:00

This cold, rainy Thursday I am thankful for:

Homemade chicken pot pie, banana chocolate & peanut butter chip muffins and good conversation. After preschool pick up today Addie and I got to lunch with Genna and Liam, as well as my friend Kelly and her kindergartner Maddie. Genna did all the cooking and baking, so I knew Kelly and I were in for a little spoiling - I could've licked the pot pie crock. Kelly is due about a week and a half before me and it was good to have someone who truly understands the exhaustion, aching back and uncomfortable sleep.

A rare chance for an uninterrupted phone date with Chrisite. Me with a toddler and her with an infant is a recipe for limited phone time - today was the exception. She's a gentle reminder of what I am about to be plunged back into and I am a gentle reminder to her that "this too shall pass". Ahhh, motherhood.

Finally getting the nursery into baby shape. Lamps are plugged in, decorations are on the wall, onesies are folded in the drawers. While folding littlest lady's clothes earlier this week I was in awe of how tiny everything was - how in the world was Addie every so bitty?

Being "this" close to finishing Addie's Halloween costume. Of course she wanted to go trick-or-treating as a princess, and without a second thought Cinderella was her choice. I went looking for a costume early this year, hoping to find a good one, since I knew I would be uberpreggo by the time Halloween rolled around. However, every Cinderella costume I found was cheap looking and not at all cheap to buy - I bit the bullet and bought a pattern and fabric. This dress has not been as hard as I thought, but it was not been a breeze either. Many phone consultations with my mom and sewing meetings with my mother-in-law have gotten me through it. End result, however, is a pretty happy four year old.

Taking advantage of getting out of the house. These days I am feeling about as big as a house and happily would spend the day feet propped up, eating candy corn. Addie, of course, has other ideas. Earlier this week we headed to Parky's Farm and frolicked in the sunshine - I was exhausted after, but that's okay, because she was pretty happy.

Addie-isms

2011-10-25T15:32:00.002-04:00

I didn't want our day to start off that way.
I don't like to see you crying at the kitchen table and I hate being frustrated and angry over trivial things.
You did an excellent job getting dressed, and making your bed. You were even doing a good job munching on your bagel and finishing your orange juice.
And I know you want hair like Rapunzel - but to have her hair you have to have thicker skin. You have to understand that with long hair, comes tangles and with you, tangles means tears.
This morning the tangles created huge, cascading tears and angry words. You howled and hit and stomped. And then I got angry and I cried. And maybe I stomped too. Just like that our morning was ruined.
After you climbed on my lap and we snuggled a bit, we talked through it. I apologized for getting upset and raising my voice. You apologized for screaming and hitting...and then you whimpered Mama, please don't cut my hair. Please don't make it shorted up.

After dropping you off at school, and having a few minutes of silence to myself, I started making list of the things you say, with your serious little voice, that make my heart smile. Things that I want to remember years from now, when you are a teenager, and not saying anything to me.

These are some of my favorites:

Dad, I'm confused. No. I mean I'm all puzzled up.
Saying spagaragus instead of asparagus.
Have fun storming the kingdom!
Can I have a sleepover with Nicholas, Dad? No, not now! When I am like 14 or 21.
Saying poot frunch instead of fruit punch.
Instead of saying went you love to say go-ed.
Look Mom! It's gone! It disreppeared!!
Lately, when your stomach hurts you tell me your wrist hurts, I believe you mean to say waist.
A few weeks ago you told Hilary that rolls are fancy greasy bread.

And, of course, your tearful plea made the list today...

Thankful on a Friday with a Photo

2011-10-21T06:45:00.001-04:00

Early on a Friday morning I am thankful for:

My Thursday. It was cold and rainy but relaxing and wonderful. For Mother's Day Andy and Addie had the foresight to buy me a prenatal massage, which I cashed in on yesterday morning while Addie was at school. So wonderful.

After my massage I couldn't go straight home - because the cleaning ladies were there. I actually spoke this sentence to my girlfriend, Kate: "I just finished with a massage, but now I am going shopping because the cleaning ladies are at my house." And then I laughed out loud at how fabulously spoiled it sounded. That really is no way a snapshot of my life, but it sure was fun to live it yesterday. Then instead of heading straight to shopping I had an impromptu lunch with my handsome husband. So lovely.

Finding a six foot long mirror at a ridiculously good price. We took the down the three large pieces of "art" in our family to add them to our repainted basement and the enormous family room wall has looked rather naked over the past few weeks. Now it has a huge mirror on it and today I am going to bargain hunt for a sconce or two. So well priced.

My, Addie and Nicholas' trip to the pumpkin patch on Monday. The weather was perfectly autumn - crisp blue skies, gentle wind, cold enough to need a light fleece. They played and smiled and I sat and watched. So sweet.

Being one week closer to meeting Baby. My belly is constantly shape shifting and there is no denying that she is getting positioned to make her grand entrance. I am up at 6 a.m. because she's been up since 4:30 - might as well keep her happy and enjoy a few moments of sweet silence, as I think I am going to be rather short on silence and solitude in the coming weeks. So much anticipation.

My very clean house. The bathrooms and kitchen alone make the price of a cleaning lady worth it. I promise not to get used to this arrangement, it's only to get me through the last moments of pregnancy and first moments of mothering two, but I will enjoy it. So sparkling clean.

A planned lunch date with Kate, the possibility of baking Funfetti with Addie, an XU evening of fun with the family tomorrow and an hour or so sitting in my chair with my cup of decaf this morning. So relaxing.

Earlier this week I tried to do a self "portrait" of 35 week pregnant me but was unable to get any kind of decent angle using the timer. Instead snapped a picture of me and my mini me that I am positive 10 years from now, when she's telling me she hates me and that I don't know anything, I'll look back on and remember that at one point in time she loved me more than chocolate. Okay, as much as chocolate.

Five Weeks

2011-10-19T10:20:00.001-04:00

We are in the final five weeks.
Five weeks until our little family of three turns into a family of four.
Five weeks until incredibly sleepless nights and endless diaper changes.

Five weeks until tiny onesies and the sweet smell of baby.
Five weeks until toothless, gum filled grins enter our house.
Five weeks until I can stop fretting about being pregnant.
Five more weeks until I start worrying about raising another daughter, sibling rivalries and being able to do it all.

Five more weeks until we meet her.
Her, our still nameless daughter.
The one who forms right angles in my belly and dances each day around midnight.
Her, the baby we took years to decided whether or not to have and now can hardly wait for her introduction.
The one who will inherit tons of tutus and pink and purple.
Her.
Addison's little sister.
Our littlest lady.

Who will she be?
In her infancy will she only be calmed by the soothing voice of her father?
As a toddler will she endlessly seek the shelter of my lap?
Will she demand hairbows and skirts and be in love with all things Princess?
Or will she wear ponytails and jeans and not be caught without her shin guards?

Will she have dark hair and chocolate eyes like her father?
Will she share her sister's cheeks?
Will she be feisty or sweet or a mix of two?
Will she like tummy time and stories, rocking slowly and the cat?
How will she feel about green beans?

Five weeks to get the house organized.
Five weeks to fill the drawers with sweet baby clothes and decorate the nursery.
Five weeks to stock pile sleep, patience and sanity.
Five weeks until our world is turned wonderfully upside down again....

Just five more weeks.

Photos on Friday

2011-10-14T08:45:00.001-04:00

Of the 1300+ pictures that were on my Blackberry, there were a few that I couldn't quite part with. Here's a glimpse:

In this one Addie, Grandma Patty & I went downtown for Reds Opening Day Parade. I don't know who had more spirit, Addie or Grandma.

Mich is Addie's favorite photography subject (besides herself) and this looks like a morning spent cuddled up in my chair. It's quite the slimming angle on Mich, don't you think?

This must have been two Easters ago. To give Genna a break I would attempt to steal Elise on Tuesdays for story and craft time before she headed to school. They both look so dang little.

There is something that melts my heart seeing my little lady snuggled up with my Dad for bedtime stories.

This was a year and a half ago at my Aunt Ruthie's - we were supposed to be helping clean out her house, but I think Addie was more of distraction than an asset. It's great that my Mom's shirt is able to more or less caption the picture.

When we moved here my sister, Kelly, said that I lived in the south. When I stated I didn't she told me that if I could find okra in my grocery store then I was southern. That week at Meijer I saw these.

Addie and I both call Karen princess - and I think this photo illustrates perfectly why.

My cousin Jill made this rocking hat (Kate C. made the fuzzy scarf) and Addie wanted to wear both one cold visit to Chicago - this was when I officially realized that I was the mother to a fashionista.

One look at this picture and you know, without a doubt, that my little lady was getting sick. Minutes later she fell asleep in my lap and was unable to finish out her week at her first dance camp.

When my brother saw this picture on Facebook he asked "How did you get them to sit and tilt their head the same way?". Little did he know that Carolyn and Addison are suckers for fruit snacks.

Two buddies in a turtle shell - what's not to love? They are so little here!

I am not sure what Emmett and Addie were up to, perhaps avoiding bedtime, but it's clear they were having fun together.

A diva on her way to Disney world with color coordinated glasses, outfit and luggage.

There is very little in life better than sharing a chocolate shake with one of your best buds on a beach vacation.

This summer at lunch on Oak Island - summer curls on her, vacation smiles on him. Perfection.

Thankful Thursday

2011-10-13T15:15:00.000-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Addison's suggestion of spaghetti, meatballs and Italian sausage for dinner. It's cold and rainy and a big pot of meatballs seems like the perfect antidote to the gray skies.

The discovery of the Green Lantern pizza at Dewey's - mozzarella, artichoke, mushroom, garlic, pesto and goat cheese. Um, what?? I am also thankful for eating that pizza with a good friend in the middle of the week.

Having started Addie's Cinderella Halloween costume. I've put together the bodice and most of the skirt and haven't yet cried. Of course I have called my mother a dozen times and set up a sewing consultation with my mother-in-law. Who knew sewing could be so darn hard?

Last weekend. It was wonderful to be among friends and their unconditional love. Not to mention the laughter, appetizers and the sweet smile of baby McKenna.

Getting some sleep. I still wake up and need to pee constantly, but somehow I have managed a few hours of consecutive sleep each night this week.

Watching Addie experience the theater for the first time. Her wonder and awe made my cup runneth over.

My health, the directive from the doctor to take it easy and stay off my feet and my amazing husband who has picked up the slack without a complaint. He paints, he builds bars, he cooks, he does the dishes, he reads bedtime stories. Oh, and he works full time. So very thankful.

Having cleaned off the 1300+ photos that were stored on my Blackberry - no worries, I kept a few of my favorites.

Seeing these darling faces in my rear view mirror - their friendship truly makes me smile.

Don't worry, I wasn't driving - we were parked in the preschool carpool line.

Tale as old as time....

2011-10-10T11:28:00.000-04:00

I have a fuzzy recollection of going to Boston with my mother and brother when I was little to see Peter Pan. I am pretty sure I was all dressed up, I haved some memory of braids and a white sweater. I think we rode the Swan Boats in the Public Garden. I remember Peter Pan soaring out into the audience and falling in love with the song I've Got to Crow. While the recollection is fuzzy, the memory is still magical. I have gone on to see many musicals since Peter Pan, from high school productions of The Sound of Music and Man of La Mancha, to Les Miserable on Broadway with my high school chorus, to Joseph and the Amazing Techicolor Dreamcoat and Showboat with Loyola pals, to The Lion King and Wicked with Andy. So quite obviously, I kind of like my musical theater.
Last night, however, I saw it with renewed eyes - through the eyes of my little four year old. Andy scooped us up tickets to Beauty and the Beast. We didn't tell Addie about our plans until an hour before we left for dinner and the show - she jumped in the shower, tolerated having her hair blown dry and slipped into her fanciest get up (yes, she added the floofy hair bow herself).

After a very grown up dinner of fresh fruit, lemonade and a hot dog at Rusty Bucket off we headed to the Aronoff Center for some musical magic. Addie gaped at the size of the size of the theater. She exclaimed that all the lights were beautiful and loved the plush of the seats. During the play she hopped from daddy's lap to Aunt Nikki's lap to my lap. She clapped with enthusiam after each number, ahhhed at Belle's dresses, hummed along in places and let out an enthusiatic woot woot! when Mrs. Potts finished singing Beauty and the Beast. Without a doubt Addie was completely swept away by elegance and beauty of the theater - and when she was handed a rose as we left I think her heart just about exploded.

The Sound of Silence

2011-10-07T21:18:00.003-04:00

Thankful Thursdays

2011-10-06T20:53:00.001-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Finding a greasy pizza joint that is nowhere near my house, but worth the trip on a Wednesday night with my little family. The crust was so thin, with speckles here and there of a crispy burn; the pepperoni was plentiful and fabulously greasy; the cheese was salty and the ambiance was that of a unclean gas station - Pizza perfection.

Early afternoon naps snuggled in a twin size bed with a beautiful toddler nestled by my side, her hand on my endlessly growing belly.

Purple tutus. Black leotards, tights and ballet slippers. Blond hair pulled back in a pony tail.

My Kindle and a hot, soaky, bubble bath. There is nothing like a good book to sweep you away from the uncomfortableness of pregnancy, coupled with warm scented water. Oh, and silence, because I have finally smartened up and now lock the door when I escape to the tub.

Neighbors who will mow my lawn for a fair price - Andy spent the beginning of the week painting our basement (and yes, I am super thankful for that too) and the end of the week traveling for work. He'll also be traveling a majority of next week - if we held off on cutting the lawn until his return I am afraid that it would be over Addie's head. Enter neighbor David who had it all done by 7:45 tonight - Thanks neighbor David!!

Beautiful summer like weather this week - 70s and 80s and clear skies. Perfect for a fire pit at night - which hopefully we'll do this weekend when Karen and Matt get here. Not ideal for a pumpkin patch, but we'll make it work anyway.

The colorful mums on the front porch.

My freshly painted basement in "denim blue" and "smokey charcoal" and the new bar stools - in just about two months I will finally be able to cozy up to that bar, on a new bar stool, and not have juice box.

My ultrasound today. When I went into the doctor earlier this week there was concern that I was "measuring small" (which I couldn't understand because I feel enormous). I was scheduled for an ultrasound "as soon as possible" which was today. For 48 hours I didn't obsess about the possibility of there being something wrong, but I did fret. Luckily, there was no reason to worry. The littlest lady is doing just fine, THANKFULLY, with what the ultrasound tech called a full belly and a good sized head. She also reported that as of right now the weight estimate is 5 pounds 1 ounce...and we still have seven more weeks of marinating to go!

Photos on Friday

2011-09-30T11:14:00.000-04:00

I have babbled quite a bit, in Thankful Thursdays, about my weekly photography workshop. I have had our fancy camera for a little over two years and now I finally feel as though I can decent photos - although I still have TONS to learn. The workshop classes have definitely helped me think through the composition of a photo, what I really want to capture and the fine art of patience, because it seems that there have to be six dozen so-so shots to get a few great ones.
I am committed to continuing to get better and keep my camera attached to my hip so that those rare wonderful moments might be captured.

Now I just need to get my husband to be not hate the camera and my daughter to break up with her fake smile...

By no means I am a pro at this photography thing, but over the past month even I have seen some massive improvement in my pictures - below are a few of my favorite from September. A for effort, right?

Thankful Thursdays

2011-09-29T14:36:00.001-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

The cleaning ladies who scoured my house. I am not the world's best housekeeper, and with an expanding belly I am that much worse. My floors look better than they have in years (ack! years??) and I am not embarrassed to have people stop by. Now if I could just find a dishes and laundry fairy take up residence with us...

Vegetarian black bean chili and corn muffins. Addie did all the mixing of the muffin ingredients and helped add things to the chili, but still informed me that the chili didn't "taste so good". She is her father's daughter, beans and tomatoes offend her. I, however, loved how it made my kitchen smell and how delicious it tasted - all the more for me.

A beautiful Fall day - the skies are blue, the wind is gently blowing and Addie is outside playing at a neighbor's - perfection.

Going on a girl date with Hilary. Hilary and Aaron moved to our neck of the wood from Chicago and we are so excited to have them here. Aaron, Andy and I have been good friends since our Loyola days and Hilary fits in perfectly to our ridiculousness. Plus, I had an excuse to go gorge on a yummy meal at Tag's and get a fancy manicure. Yay for girl dates!

Early Christmas shopping. I most likely won't be able to do very much shopping after Thanksgiving, so I have been trying to get a few things done early - so far I have my nephews, Elise, and some of Addie done - now I just need to find good hiding places.

The few good nights of sleep that I have managed to log. Sadly they aren't consecutive and are probably aided by a few Tylenol PM, but they are glorious when they happen.

Harper Lee!! After a very long, drug free labor, one of my dearest friends finally became a mother to a beautiful, curly blond headed, 8 pound 8 ounce baby girl. She called me on her way to the hospital (in North Carolina) and I about died waiting for news - for 30 hours! Miss Harper is so lucky to be born to the amazing people that she was born to and I can't wait (even though I know I'm going to have to) to get my hands on her. Why is Cincinnati so far away from Durham??

The start of ballet and jazz. Leotards. Tutus. Ballet slippers. All of it. Three times a month from now until the "big, big show" in April Miss Thang will learn to dance...hopefully.

Weekend

2011-09-26T07:37:00.001-04:00

Dinner out with the Lees.
The crib and changing table assembled and the nursery coming together.
A few good naps.
The neighborhood block party.

Not a bad weekend at all.

**Yes, it's dark out and the kids are playing in water from fire truck. Yes, the parents are in long sleeves and fleeces. Yes, the kids loved every freezing second of it.

Thankful Thursdays

2011-09-22T10:17:00.001-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Tylenol PM. Exhaustion has been pretty prevalent around here these days, but those magic little pills helped a bit last night. I still woke up three or four times, but was able to fall back asleep without much effort.

Raisin Bran. I was never allowed to to have sugar cereal as a kid, in fact my Mom passed Raisin Bran off as sugar cereal at home. For some reason a big bowl of Raisin Bran in the mornings makes me incredibly happy.

My Wednesday night photography workshop. After each class I feel as though I have that much more of an understanding on how to manipulate my camera. I also feel like my camera may be slightly smarter than me.

The smell of a clean toddler. It is amazing how the sweet smell of baby morphs into the stinky, sour smell of toddler. Addie used to take a bath at least every other night but in all honesty her parents have become a bit of slackers as of late. This morning I threw her in the shower and she left for school smelling of strawberries and soap - delicious.

Starting each morning with a perfect cup of decaf coffee. Even on the most uncomfortable or chaotic of days a few minutes alone with my big cup of coffee makes it all a bit better.

Montauk Daisies, Black Eyed Susans, and Echinacea. All three perennials have been freshly planted in backyard, taking the place of three shrubs that I despised and hacked down. I do not recommend hacking down and pulling up rooted shrubs when 30 weeks pregnant - not smart.

That very handsome husband of mine who painted the baby's room all on his own last night the most perfect shade of green, who is meeting me for an early lunch today just so we have a few minutes alone, and who is on Daddy duty tonight while I go see a play. Lucky me.

This big, old belly of mine. While at times I am rather uncomfortable and often am lacking sleep, there is nothing more wonderful feeling than the flips and dips of the littlest lady. She just pushes and nudges her way around until she finds a comfy spot, and swear she jumps for joy when anything chocolate is eaten. Now, if she would just let her Dad feel her acrobatics....

12 Step Mornings

2011-09-21T10:14:00.000-04:00

Step One: Morning sweetie. Did you sleep good last night? What? The pillow stealing monkies were in your room again? Sure you can sit with me. Let me see the weather - okay, one more minute and you can have a cartoon. One cartoon today - we have to get ready for school. What? Yes I'll pause it while you go potty. Babe please go back and flush and turn off the light. Yes you can still sit with me - when this cartoon is over we need to have breakfast.

Step Two: Don't forget to give Daddy his hugs and kisses. Yes, I'll pause your cartoon. Sure you can help Daddy out - don't forget shoes! Okay, kiddo close the door. Yep, he's gone. I don't know why he didn't stop at the stop sign, ask him when he gets home. Seriously, kiddo, close the door, it's almost time for breakfast.

Step Three: Eat your breakfast. No, babe please don't feed it to the cat, you need to eat your waffle. Addie are you done yet? Come on, you can finish one waffle. Did you just dip your marker in your milk?? No, Addie, that's gross. No, milk does not taste better when it's purple. Okay, two more bites and put your dishes in the sink.

Step Four: Get dressed. Really it's time to get dressed. Please go upstairs and change - your pjs go on their hook and your dirty undies go in the dirty clothes bin. Addie! Upstairs now please, stop trying to pick up the cat. The cat is FINE - clean. clothes. now.

Step Five: Are those undies clean? Good. Why are your dirty undies and pjs on the floor. Come on, kiddo, let's go. Pjs on the hook and undies in the dirty clothes bin. While you're at it can you please pick your clothes up off the floor from last night? Our dirty clothes always go in the orange bin or down the laundry chute. Yes, everytime.

Step Six: What do you think is next? Well what do we do every morning? Right - brush your teeth. Yes, I'll help you with the toothpaste. I don't know where your Ariel toothbrush is - just use your SnowWhite one. SnowWhite if fine, Addie. No, Ariel does not get your teeth cleaner. Oh MY GOSH, just start brushing. Up and down, front and back. Okay, rinse and spit. Wipe your face off too, please. Addie! Why is your toothbrush on the stairs? Please put it where it belongs.

Step Seven: Have you brushed your hair? You did? Good job, but I think we missed some spots, can I help? Do you want braids, pigtails or a headband this morning? Pigtails? Okay - SORRY sweetie, it's really tangled. Pigtails done - you want what? A bow in front for decoration? Okay.

Step Eight: Time to make your bed. No, I made it for you yesterday, you can do it today. Okay, I'll help, but really you can do it on your own. What do we do first? No - we need to pull up the sheet and then the cover. Okay, good job. Put all the pillows up - yes you can add as many of your stuffed friends as you want. I think 10 is more than enough - okay. Yep, it looks beautiful.

Step Nine: Do you have any other jobs that you should get done? No? There's nothing else you need to do each morning? Can you hear the cat meowing? Do you think there might be a reason? Oh yeah, she needs to be fed. Thank you. Sweetie, only measure to the line on the cup - she doesn't need a full bowl. Addie, please don't add food to her water, that's gross!

Step Ten: Okay, what do you need for school? Do you have your coat? Your bag? I think they are on the hook or whereever you left them last. Did you check your school bag - do you have the things you need? Lunch? Message bag? Great, I think you're ready.

Step Eleven: Okay let's head to the car (or carpool). Yes you need your coat and bag. Okay, that's enough cat kisses, let's go. Hop up kiddo - you can buckle. No, Addie, this is not the time to get out your markers, please get buckled. Alright kiddo - have great day at school. What? No I don't think we can have a friend come over today. Hmmmm? Because, babe, we have things to do. Okay, maybe next time. You have a great day too, I love you!

Step Twelve: Collapse into chair with bowl of cereal and decafe coffe. The day has just begun.

School Days

2011-09-20T08:36:00.000-04:00

Last week I was the parent helper at preschool. This job is one part heaven and one part sheer hell. It's heaven, because I get to get a peek at what Addie is learning and spy on her playing with others. She doesn't pay me a ton of extra attention while I am there and I feel like I get to be a fly on the wall watching her play, learn, problem solve and just be herself.

It's a little bit of hell because a bunch of 4 and 5 year olds know the routine better than I do. There also is inevtiably a child with mucus or tears or both cascading down their face, and that child always wants to hold my hand. Everything in a preschool, including the toilets, are very low to the ground - which, come on, is pure hell on any seven month pregnant lady. Not to mention I sometimes struggling playing pretend with my own kid, let alone eleven other kids (who may or may not be covered in mucus).

However, being helper also lets me be a bit more thankful for my sweet daughter. It's no secret that sometimes she pushes my buttons or that she knows exactly where to stand to be on my last nerve. Sometimes I am convinced that she suffers from a hearing loss that blocks out the very sound of voice. But being at school lets me see that my parenting is paying off - she shares, she takes turns, she asks good question and she listens, very well, to her teacher. Being helper also let me see some other kids in action - which always makes me thankful for the kid I have.

On Addie's first day of school I asked her to learn the name of one new kid in her class (only two of her friends from last year are in this year's class). When I picked her up from school she told me her new friend was __________ and that he was a boy. I discovered last week that she may not have learned ________'s name by befriending him. She may have simply learned it from hearing his name said over and over and over again. Turns out __________ does not have listening ears.

Today I am not helper. I am not even the driver. Today I have a little over three hours all to myself. I plan on doing exciting things like vacuuming and laundry. I may run to Home Depot to buy paint for the littlest lady's room and get a mini blind cut to size. I know - it's exciting stuff. But at least I can do all these mundane errands and chores knowing that Miss Addie will be learning and engaging and listening - and, hopefully, not being that kid. With any luck, she'll leave that up to __________.

2011-09-19T14:16:00.004-04:00

Proof, that on occassion, she can put away the skirts and dresses, shelve the pink, and play a little ball.

Back to School

2011-09-13T14:10:00.000-04:00

She told me she would listen to her teacher.

And eat her healthy food for lunch first.

She said she'd learn one new name.

And use her best manners.

She told me she couldn't wait to be a Frog.

And was so excited to ride to school with her best bud, Nicholas.

She told me she wouldn't miss me, but hoped I had a good day without her.

At least this time she turned around to say goodbye instead of just marching off through the doors to big girl school.

Relaxing with the Reuters

2011-09-12T15:20:00.000-04:00

She may have looked terrified:

But trust me, she loved every second of it:

This weekend was filled with giggles and silliness - Addie's buddy "baby" Sam came to visit and the girls did a lot of giggling and playing, a tiny bit of napping and some carnival ride riding at Oktoberfest. Sam didn't love the roller coaster, but the Ferris Wheel, cars and Merry Go Round were a hit.

Little Ferris Wheel Riders - they just kept going around and around

Silly willies on the Merry Go Round

Addie showing off Andy & Tool's favorite part of Oktoberfest

Enjoying the Ride

Giving the pony some loving

Mine and Michelle's favorite part of Oktoberfest
(the fried Snickers was a close 2nd for me)

The gentlemen enjoyed some plastic steins of good German beer, we all partook in some incredibly fried food (mmmm, sauerkraut balls) and the people watching could not be beat. After a back yard fire pit Saturday night, Michelle and I turned in early (aaahhh, pregnancy), while the boys continued to play for few more hours.

Sadly on Sunday our playmates had to head back to Chicago - but not before two sweet little princesses made crowns together and gave each other a dozen hugs.

It's amazing to see these little girls grow...isn't it?

In Chicago August 2009

In Cincinnati 2011

Meet the Teacher

2011-09-09T16:14:00.004-04:00

Yesterday we went to Meet the Teacher at school. Addie has moved from Miss Sue's Ducks class to Miss Cathy's Frogs class. Addie loved school last year - loved Miss Sue and loved being a duck. I was a little nervous that she may be apprehensive about the change of classroom and a new teacher - how silly of me. On the way to school yesterday she declared that she already "loved Miss Cathy" and that she was so excited to be a frog - RIBBIT! (Yes, she ribbited the entire way to school).

She had no problem walking right into her new classroom, introducing herself and giving Miss Cathy a lovely drawing that she made during breakfast.

We dove right into the class scavenger hunt - locating the calendar, the helper board and where the toys are. She quickly found a froggy print out with her name on it and went on to decorate it. She declared, on her worksheet, that her favorite color is pink, but proudly made her frog rainbow colored.

Once her coloring was done Miss Cathy hung Addie's frog on the classroom door. Addie very proudly and very excitedly showed me her masterpiece. She was so comfortable. So confident. So totally at ease in her polka dot and stripes displaying her colorful frog.

And yet again, I was momentarily sobered at the realization that she is growing so fast. My mind raced: school three days a week this year and then on the bus and off to kindergarten next year. She is tall and self assured and brave - willing to try anything. It never crosses her mind to be nervous in a new situation, instead she flings herself into the middle of the action. Soon she'll be a big sister, and maybe not want to snuggle on my lap or hold my hand just to hold. I got a little misty eyed - and then I saw this picture:

Turns out now matter how very big she seems to me, she is still, really, just a little girl. Thank heavens.

Thankful Thursday

2011-09-08T14:07:00.000-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Getting a second quote on replacing the blower motor in our furnance - quote number two was over a hundred dollars less. Am I thankful about having to replace the blower in my furnance? Not in the slightest.

Wednesday nights in September. Andy and Addie enrolled me in a photography class for the month to help me get more use out of my fancy camera. In the two hours that I was there last night I feel like I already have a better grasp of how to better use it. Also - HELLO, two hours to myself every week, yes please!

My mother being okay after getting in a car accident yesterday. Apparently she was stopped in traffic and the woman behind her didn't feel it was necessary to stop - the car has quite a boo boo, but Gramma is okay.

My four year old who this side of two months ago was being a relentless diva and lately has been an amazing angel. She's been full of pleases and thank yous and Yes, Mamas. She has wanted to snuggle and read story and play games and her tantrum have been few and far between - I just jinxed myself didn't I?

Strawberry Apple Bread. Yesterday Addie and I were supposed to make banana bread, but apparently our bananas were beyond rotten and thrown away Tuesday night. We improvised and made some pretty tasty strawberry apple bread - it's like the perfect mix of summer and fall.

Being productive around the house - I have managed to change all the burnt out light bulbs, wash the downstairs windows, do laundry and wipe tiny finger prints off our cabinets, doors, door jambs and light switches. Nesting perhaps?

Weekend visitors - Tool, Michelle and Baby Sam will be here tomorrow. Addie and I have decided that now that Sam is two and a half we probably have to stop calling her baby Sam. Andy and I are excited to have playmates, but Addie is ecstatic.

A week of cooler temperatures. This has directly translated into me getting a bit more sleep. Now instead of waking up four times a night and eventually moving to the couch, I have only woken up once or twice and forced myself back to sleep. Turns out I am a much nicer person when sleep.

Meet the teacher day. Today Addie headed to preschool to meet her new teacher, Miss Cathy. She bounded out of bed this morning at 7:20 asking if she could pick out an outfit for her "special day". She chose one of her cute new outfits from our trip to see Gramma Kathy - but told me she wasn't sure it would fit because it was a size five and she wasn't sure she was "she'd be big enough to wear it". Oh, little girl, it'll fit - you're growing like a weed.

Entrepreneurs

2011-09-04T12:57:00.002-04:00

Today is raining and thundering - at 12:45 we are still lounging around in our pajamas munching on cinnamon coffee cake. Yesterday, however, was sunny and sweltering. Taking advantage of the oppressive heat, and a neighborhood tag sale, Addie and her buddy became lemonade entrepreneurs.

The girls sold their lemonade, pink or yellow, for 50 cents a large cup or 25 cents a small cup - ice was free. And make no mistake, these ladies knew how to sell some lemonade. At the end of fours hours they had each earned nine dollars. Definitely future business leaders of America!

Thankful Thursday

2011-09-01T08:37:00.000-04:00

This Thursday I am Thankful for:

A dinner, enjoyed at the kitchen table, with Andy last night. After a very busy day, Addie passed out at 6:30 and slept for over 12 hours. Andy and I got to sit and talk without bribing a little one to eat or provide a constant reminder to use manners.

Trips to the zoo and Skyline with her buddies - it was loud and chaotic, but it made her happy. It also directly contributed to the 12 plus hours of slumber.

An afternoon to myself on Monday spent watching The Help and eating Massaman Curry. Even though I have been incredibly spoiled with vacations this year I haven't had much time to truly call my own and those four hours were not only appreciated but needed.

Emails from dear friends who are far away. In the daily grind and rush of life it is too easy to forget to stay connected to those you love and getting an email first thing in the morning from one of your oldest friends is the perfect way to start the day.

Buckling down and cleaning/organizing the mudroom closet, front hall closet and junk drawer. The state of my drawers, closets and home always directly correlates to the the state of my brain. If the house is disorganized and a mess, usually so am I. Let the nesting begin.

Our well loved leather couch - it is where I have to run away to in the middle of the night when I can't sleep. I spent many nights on it when I was pregnant with Addie and in her early weeks, and it appears as though that pattern is repeating itself.

The health and safety of my family and friends who were in the path of Hurricane Irene. Somehow my hometown was largely spared, even though there was devastation all around it.

My birthday gifts from Addie and Andy - the Keurig coffee maker is a dream, the coffee is so good I almost forget that it is decaf. Starting next Wednesday I have a weekly photography class two hours a week for the month of September - two hours to myself a week, priceless!

The promise of some relative quiet over the next few weeks and months before our world is rocked yet again.

Branded

2011-08-31T17:12:00.001-04:00

I am not a "brand" person. Growing up brands were not even an option so they never really became important to me. Most of my clothes are from Target or Kohl's - if there is anything that has a label on it in my closet it inevitably was a gift or a hand me down. Andy and I drive cars without bells and whistles and don't sink very much money into furniture.

Don't get me wrong, I have some things that are fancy. For instance, I will always pay the extra dollar or two for Q-Tip brand cotton swabs and Cottonelle is really my toilet tissue of choice. This year, for my birthday, I got a Pandora bracelet from my mother - it's probably the most brand identifiable thing that I own.

This is not to say that I don't often covet other people's fancy things. I have several friends who carry beautiful Coach bags - I don't, mostly because they are very expensive, but also because I am well aware of the fact that I will leave a pen uncapped or melt a chocolate bar into the lining. I think 7 Jeans are beautifully cut, but I still buy cheap off brand jeans because I know how I often I forget to empty my pockets before doing wash.

As it stands now, anything that Addie has that is considered a labeled brand was not bought by one of us. Admittedly she has several pairs of Crocs, none of which we paid for. Mostly the brands that Addie wears are Circo, Cherokee, Granimals and JellyBeans. Her sneakers are generic, her flip flops were $2 and she still isn't 100 percent sure what an American Girl Doll is.

With any luck, I can keep her label blind for years to come. I hope that she likes things not because of the emblems sewn on them, but because they simply make her feel good. As a parent, I am slowly starting to understand the desire to "keep up with the Joneses". I want my daughter to fit in, to be well liked and to have friends - but I would prefer that all happens not because of what she wears or has, but because of who she is.

Where is this all coming from?

In a conversation today I was told that an acquaintance's young daughter headed off to school decked out from head-to-toe in Abercrombie Kids. Abercrombie Kids? What?! When I think Abercrombie, I think shirtless 17 year old boys, really stinky cologne, and horrible thumping music. So I looked up the website and saw clothes that a) were expensive and b) were more or less horribly inappropriate for a grade-schooler. Forty-nine dollars for a tank top? Shorts that barely cover a rear end, no matter how tiny? Um, no thanks.

It is bad enough that when Addie and shop at our high end boutiques, Target and Kohl's, she now wants to go in the girl section. It is bad enough that she is particularly enamoured with clothes that have sparkles, lace and glitz all over them. It is bad enough that sweatpants and athletic wear in the girl section print things across the bottoms of size xs 4/5. But now do I have to worry about her, this young, being exposed to label envy?

Am I off base here? Overreacting? Maybe, maybe not, either way I am just a bit leary of what's to come.

Thinking about it makes me realize that my friend Barb really spoke the truth earlier this month when she said Addie "couldn't start parochial school soon enough" - I am pretty sure there is no fancy label sewn onto the back of a homely plaid school uniform.

Weekend

2011-08-30T08:44:00.002-04:00

Last weekend was one of little intentional plans, but ended up being quite full of fun. Along with our foray into bowling, Addie and I headed to the fourth birthday party of her pal Max.

Max, and his 1st grade big brother Jake, live a little over a mile away and are quintessential boys. They love basketball and football and polliwogs and dogs. They both are rough and tumble, but also incredibly sweet and fun loving. Addie and Max are about a month a part in age, and met through my exercise class when they were only a year old.

They shared strollers while us mommies ran laps. They play dolls and cars together and, before Nicholas, Max was her original prince. While they are not in the same classroom this year, they will be across the hall from each other at preschool and I am sure that I will get daily updates about Max when I pick her up from school.

I snapped this picture on Addie's 2nd birthday of the two playmates:

And this over the weekend celebrating Max's 4th birthday:

My how they've grown! They continue to be wonderful friends to each other and all night Saturday Andy and I were told time and time again how fun the party was at Max's.

Sunday was a lazish day - Andy made a delicious breakfast, we lounged around and drank coffee. Soccer was watched, naps were taken, books were read. Late in the afternoon we headed off to a church festival - a hallmark of summer in Cincinnati.

Church festivals here aren't picnics with potato sack races and egg tosses. No, church festivals in Cincinnati include beer tents, gambling, carnival games and ears of corn drowning in melted butter. One of the last festivals of the season is the St. Ignatius Fest, just a few miles from our house. Before Andy's volleyball game, and a scrumptious dinner of steak, potatoes and blueberry dump cake, we headed off to our first, and probably last, festival of the season.

With a stack of ride tickets provided by Gramma Patty, Addie and her cousins were in heaven. The spun on the twirling pumpkins, climbed the wizards castle multiple times, flew helicopters and airplanes and raced horses on the carousal. A perfect end to what was unplanned, but not lazy, family weekend

Helicopter pilots

Carousal races

The boys - Ry and Liam

Flying high above Cincinnati

Bowler Babe

2011-08-29T08:55:00.001-04:00

A little bit of coaching from Dad

For several years, while we still lived in Chicago, Andy participated in a Sunday night bowling league. I joined him for a year or two, but it turned out I severely lacked any bowling skills (although I did excel in beer drinking and french fry eating). I would often go to hang out with the boys and fill in if needed - Andy, however, became quite the bowler. By the end of one league he had his own shoes, bag, ball and blood blister to prove it.

Since moving to Cincinnati I don't think his bowling bag has even been unzipped. That all changed this weekend when we headed to Western Bowl with Genna and her clan for a little family bowling night. We thought Addie might like doing something a little different - we were wrong.

She didn't like it, she LOVED it. I think the bright pink ball and the 16 ounce cherry slushie helped solidify her opinion.

Addie approached each frame with impressive four year old concentration and cheered every pin that she knocked down. My favorite frame was when she stepped over the line, slipped down the alley on her belly and still managed to roll a spare - the girl has raw talent! On her second game, she even managed to bowl a 92 - a score that I celebrated achieving back in our Chicago league days.

Home from Home

2011-08-24T16:36:00.000-04:00

Blueberries picking

And back we are from our week long escape to Gramma Kathy's. It was good to be home - we sat on the deck and ate our breakfasts. Addie froliced in Mom's backyard, swinging in the hammock, feeding birds and squirrel hunting.

Pittsfield's Third Thursday

We ate fabulous bagel sandwiches in the park, picked over six pounds of fresh blueberries, spent quality time with Auntie Barb, and made a new friend. Of course we hit the outlets for some tax-free clothes, and Addie made out like a bandit. We wandered up to the farm to feed some animals, over to Conneticut to visit family, and down North Street for the Third Thursday festival. Addie painted Gramma's nails, got a little spoiled, and woke up this morning missing her Gramma when she realized she was stuck all day with just me.

Hugs with new friend Emily

For my part I did a lot of reading and some resting and quite a bit of sitting back while Gramma took over. I ran into some old faces on the street and missed seeing one of my oldest friends by a few hours. I reveled in the cooler temperatures and having someone else make my coffee for me.

The goats at Whitney's Farm

Addison traveled, four airplanes and a several hours in the car, like a champ. By the time we touched down in Indianapolis, she was so sound asleep that she didn't even know we landed. Daddy got a few extra hugs this morning and the cat is being smothered in with toddler love.

And for now we are home - no travel plans on the calendar...but we sure are thankful for the wonderful trip "home" we just took.

Next stop, Julliard

2011-08-12T15:17:00.000-04:00

Yes, I miss my good camera.
Yes, of course I teared up.

Thankful Thursday

2011-08-11T11:30:00.003-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for a lot of little, perhaps superficial, things.

I am thankful for Pretty as a Princess Dance Camp. While it hasn't quite lived up to my expectations, Addie seems to love it and it has allowed me to have 14-plus hours to myself this week. I have been able to conquer our mountain of laundry, scrub our kitchen floor to a gleam, go shopping in peace, shave my legs and go to the bathroom without an audience, vacuum the entire house, make at least one dinner, bake apple banana bread, enjoy silence.

I am thankful for 30 percent off at Kohl's. While the coveted coupon did afford my husband a new pair of shoes and get my daughter two Christmas presents, it reminded my that while pregnant and shopping, stick to handbags and jewelery.

I am thankful for a dinner around our table, just the three of us. We all ate and liked what I cooked (that in itself is a feat) and had a few minutes just to be together.

I am thankful for my apple green three ring binder in which I have finally organized all the recipes that I have collected from magazines and the Internet - it makes figuring out meals so much easier (thanks for inspiration, Colin and Liz!).

I am thankful for the changing table I found on uberclearance at Target - the first step in getting the baby's room ready for her arrival.

I am thankful for ten minute checkups where I get to hear the sweet sound of the littlest lady's beating heart.

I am thankful to be heading out to a fancy steak dinner tonight at Jeff Ruby's. Special thanks to Cincinnati restaurant week for making this an affordable option this week and to Kim and Rick for watching Addie so that we can eat in peace. Maybe I'll wear some fancy new jewelery.

I am thankful for my husband who has been working tirelessly on our basement bar. Sure I don't know the ins and outs of building one, but I have been really amazed watching Andy toil over it. He, and we, have spent ours planning and doing - and it's almost done.

I am thankful for a weekend with no plans - I have trip to the Berkshires right around the corner and Andy's Football draft is about to invade my house, a quiet weekend is the perfect way to prepare.

Finally, I am thankful for my four year old. She's had a hard couple of days, er weeks. She had definitely discovered her inner diva and is attempting to redefine drama mama. But yet, there are moments when I see that she is still just a baby - like this morning when she genuinely was crying over spilt milk. And although she has been trying my patience and fraying my nerves, I will always be thankful for her.

Camp take two

2011-08-09T07:49:00.000-04:00

Today was the start of Pretty as a Princess dance camp. If you recall last year we only made it to three days of camp due to a mean case of pinkeye. This year we, translate I, am hell bent on attendance for the entire week. Three hours everyday where 1. She frolics and plays 2. She burns off energy 3. She gets to interact with tons of girls her age and 4. Most importantly, I get three hours for five days to my darn self. It's amazing how much easier a trip to Target is alone.

After camp, we attempted to go to Mrs. Teapots with Grandma Patty, GG, and Aunt Nikki. I say attempted, because yet again, we failed. This is the fourth time that Grandma Patty has tried to take Addie there for lunch - and the fourth time it didn't work out. Truth be told, it was my fault - I said that I'd check to make sure it was open, and I didn't. It appears Mrs. Teapot feels she should take Mondays off.

Lunch was not total fail - we ended up at the The BonBonerie Cafe, another scrumptious tea room. The upside to The BonBonerie is that they serve their checks with tea cookies and they are attached to one of the most delicious and decadent bakeries. So, of course, after our healthy lunches we side-tripped to the sweet shop for some goodies. By some, I mean I got two boxes of goodies - two mini key lime pies, two lemon poppy seed cookies, a vanilla cupcake, three mini cheesecake cupcakes, a sugar cookie decorated like a baby girl and a huge freaking hunk of cinnamon coffee cake. That was just the sweets for my house - GG and Nikki ordered their own.

Damn it's good to pregnant!

Addie had a small case of the crankies - which she informed me was because she was so tired from all her dancing.

I'll take cranky in exchange for three hours on my own, I guess.

Plus, when eating a lemon poppy seed cookie shaped like a daisy cranky doesn't bother me much.

The big guy

2011-08-05T07:26:00.003-04:00

Let's just go ahead and blame this growing baby girl for my inability to blog. She's a feisty little lady whose favorite times to practice her dance moves seem to be between 10:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. By 5:30 a.m. I have to get up to pee - which is upsetting to a woman who has always had a bladder of steal and never has to pee. And, once awake, I rarely fall back into a good sleep. Essentially, a good night's rest is already out the window and I still have 16 glorious weeks of pregnancy to go.

That being said, I have been meaning to share this interaction for days. A little background: Addie is full, as we all know, of questions. Since finding out about our new baby she asks, constantly, how people are made.

Mommy? How do people get made?
Where do people come from mommy?
Do we make people mommy?

Learning from my friend, who shared a bit too much factual information with her five year old, I have chose the stock answer that Mommies and daddies love each other very much and decide to have a baby (see Mom, I did learn some thing at L.A.M.O. in sixth grade). Some days Addie takes this response and is good to go with it. Sometimes she demands a bit more specifics.

This week, after giving her my line, she looked at me and said:
But what about the big guy, Mom?
What big guy, babe?
You know, the big guy in heaven. What about him? Doesn't he help?
Er - I, uh...
No! Mama! Not the big guy, like Papa*, but that other big guy in heaven?

Oh. Him.
God**. Er - I, uh...

*It's nice to know that Addie thinks Papa Neyer is the man in heaven, like he's his own small time heavenly mayor. Which, let's be honest, he probably is.

** Maybe it's time we go to church more often than friends' weddings? Perhaps it's time for Sunday School?

Additude

2011-07-29T08:59:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I didn't have it in me to be thankful.
I had taken Addie and a friend to see Winnie the Pooh. Before we got there I told the girls we weren't getting snacks since we'd be going out to lunch right afterward. No sooner had we walked in the theater and I was asked for popcorn and a drink and candy. I inhaled deepy and with little less patience I told the girls "No". For heaven's sakes the movie, which was all of about an hour long, cost us over $21 to get into, I was not buying $9 popcorn. During the movie Addie cried and stomped her feet because her friend "hit" her (translate, barely touched her arm). Obviously money well spent.

At the beach showing Additude

At lunch the Additude continued. There were tears because the waitress brought dreaded french fries in addition to her requested apple sauce. There was pouting when she got the red crayon instead of the blue crayon and more tears because the air conditioning was too cold. As we left to bring her friend home there was an argument in the car over what her Petshop animals' voices sounded like. And more tears and whining because once her friend went home Addie "just wanted someone to play with her". The pouting, sobbing and drama were epic -and annoying.

By the time we got home, at 1:30, she was passed out in the back seat. I lugged her inside, plopped her into bed, swallowed a few Tylenol and curled up on the couch myself. Laundry and floors could wait...I needed silence.

And silence was what I got, until almost four o'clock when little Miss Grouchy woke up. Woke up in a much better mood - full of cuddles and hugs. We played games and checked the mail. We snacked on grapes and waited for Daddy to come home. And then she got invited to her buddy's house to watch Toy Story and I got to go to a grown up dinner.

So I went to bed feeling a bit more thankful. Thankful that I survived a day a high Additude. Thankful that my husband suggested a dinner out. Thankful that my neighbor invited Addie down for a movie. Thankful for icecream while watching Project Runway. Thankful that friends are coming to visit. And hopeful that today would lack Attitude.

So far there have been hugs and kisses and thank yous. She has been coloring and painting and telling me stories. Manners have been used. As I sang along to "Don't Stop Believeing" while Journey performed on the Today show Addie asked me how I knew the song. I told her I knew it because I was old - You're not old Mama she said. You're beautiful.

Yes, I think today has the potential to be a better day.

OKI 2011

2011-07-25T09:50:00.000-04:00

We have returned and are slowly recovering from another fabulous week in Oak Island, NC. As of ten minutes ago the car was unpacked and nothing has been put away. We spent yesterday lounging around enjoying the air conditioning and avoiding the oppressive heat that Cincinnati welcomed us with - longing for the beach breeze.

The weather on the shore was nothing short of perfection, with sunny, breezy days and beautiful nights. This year the house was brimming with activity - six adults, two toddlers and one infant; for good measure we mixed a teenager into the fold for 24 hours.

We feasted on tuna steaks, fish and shrimp tacos, milkshakes - and in my case - Doritos. With two pregnant ladies and one nursing mama, the silliness was a bit more understated this time, as was the alcohol consumption. Without the presence of Phelan, no hard liquor appeared and almost a case and half of beer was packed for the trip home. Christie and I did good work on polishing off some non-alcoholic beer, wine and champagne, but it just wasn't the same.

The little alarm clocks thought that 6 a.m. was a perfectly reasonable time to start the day and they often could be heard giggling well past bedtime in the room they shared. Seashell necklaces were made, crab hunts occurred, beach walks were taken and the gigantic sand pit made a late week appearance for toddler entertainment.

Andy played golf twice on two beautiful courses and had one of the best games he's ever had. There was beer surfing and horseshoes and tidal pool sitting. For my part, I took a break from my Kindle and dove head first into Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows (it was a reread before seeing the final movie) and The Passage (an incredibly good, yet creepy book). You know it's a good vacation when two 700 pages plus books were devoured.

Now we are planning to shake the sand out of our belongings and settle back into reality. There is laundry to be done, a refrigerator to fill and bar that needs to get finished being built. We have play dates to get to and swim lessons to resume. Just around the corner is "Pretty as a Princess Dance Camp" and a week long trip to see Gramma Kathy in the Berkshires. Next thing I know the air will be chilly around here and we'll be preparing for the new arrival....and I know I will need a moment or two to look back at these photos and remember the simple magic of the beach.

Thankful Thursday

2011-07-14T11:39:00.001-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Seeing this beautiful picture, with a beating heart, while holding my husband's hand and listening to my darling daughter sing a nonsense song. My word, in a short 20 weeks our lives will drastically change with the arrival of another Neyer princess.

A fresh baked batch of Blueberry Raspberry Banana Muffins. Oh, the cinnamon brown sugar topping is heavenly. Not to mention that the muffins baked perfectly in our new gas oven - joy.

Escaping to the neighbor's house for a few hours last night for a M&Ms, popcorn, alone time with grown ups and one really bad movie.

Having a four year old who now takes responsibility for making her own bed. Now if only her good habit could rub off on Andy and I.

Fresh cut Shasta daisies from my garden - they brighten the kitchen so nicely and are free.

Being told by the vet this week that Mich is a rather healthy cat with a strong heart beat. While I am thankful for this, Andy was a bit disappointed.

The smell of freshly cleaned and dried clothes - only two more piles to go and this house is laundry free.

The Tummy Sleeve - it makes my growing belly feel so good, and let's me wear my regular summer skirts - bliss.

This picture, because not only does it perfectly capture two of my favorite kiddos, but it also makes me laugh out loud.

Beginning the 48 hour countdown until I "got my toes in the water, ass in the sand". Holla!

Another year, Another Princess

2011-07-09T23:04:00.000-04:00

Three years old with Cinderella

Four Years old with Aurora

The difference of a year? Not much. It's still all about princesses and girliness and smiles and celebrating.

One 4th birthday party done = one exhausted Mommy.

Goodnight.

And then she was 4

2011-07-08T11:35:00.003-04:00

And somehow, three morphed into four. How are you four?

Just a moment ago your were three...or were your two? Or my god, weren't you just a few weeks old? And now you're four.

You have so many ideas and opinions. You are brutally honest about everything and do not seem to possess a thought filter. You are still all girl - you are happiest when wearing skirts and dresses and being fancy. You like to accessorize and beg for swipes of eyeshadow and dabs of lip gloss.

You don't let your skirts keep you from kicking balls, running in circles or climbing as high as you can get. In the past few months you have fallen in love with the water and have done wonderfully at swim lessons. Last year you would shriek if you went under water, yesterday you swam around so much under water that your eyes were bright pink for hours.

You love to talk to me, to your dad, to anyone who will listen. You frequently start conversations with Hey Mom? I gotta tell you something. Often times you forget what you wanted to say and you simple say Um, I love you. I never tire of hearing that - even when you are saying it to stay awake in the car or steal a few more minutes before bedtime or simply fill the silence.

This year you went to preschool two days a week - sometimes those days seemed to stretch on for weeks as I would miss you, my constant companion. Other times the days seemed to end in seconds. You made all sorts of new friends and learned so much - from how to ride a tricycle to how to hop on one foot. You came home with stories about Ava, Adam, Lindsay and Henry and loved our weekly carpooling with Nicholas. You can now spell your name, and you've finally figured out how to make a lowercase 'e'. Your teacher, Miss Sue, described you as kindhearted, sweet, independent and adventurous. She said you are inquisitive and polite. At times she said you can be a bit sloppy, which is no surprise given your genealogy.

Your imagination continues to astound me. You build all sorts of fantasy worlds with themes and princesses and good and evil. You often play the part of the princess and whoever is around you is relegated to part of queen, prince, witch or creature. In good weather you log hours out in the backyard - trying to hula hoop or jump rope. You swing so high it makes my heart stop. You decorate our patio with chalk drawings and you pick our potted herbs for snacks. Sometimes you twirl at the top of our small hill and belt out the hills are aliiiive with the souuuuund of muuuusic or you stand in your play set and warble a dozen different princess theme songs.

You have a complete love affair with our neighborhood. You think that Miss Kelsey, your babysitter, is just about the best thing in the world and beg for your dad and I to go out so Miss Kels will come play with you. You also adore the rest of her family and can often be found hanging on the back fence talking to all of them. You have buddies across the street who you want to visit every time you spot their car - often we have to go over just to say Hi or you will pout for hours. Nicholas continues to be your best bud - you two rarely fight and are so kind to each other that my heart often melts.

Family is still super important to you and your face lights up when you talk about them or to them. On your birthday you got to speak to Aunt Nikki, who was in Spain, over Skype and I though your smile was going to jump off your face you were so excited to see and hear her. You often request that you get to say Hi to whomever I am on the phone with and you still believe that mom and dad's friends are really only your friends.

You have shown a bit more of your diva side as of late. There has been some foot stomping, crocodile tears and ear shattering screaming. In those moments I have to take a deep breath and try to remind myself that you are just trying to figure out your place in this big world.

You have gotten so tall and so big. You are wearing size 10 shoes and 4T clothes are too small for you. You no longer ride in a car seat and have graduated to a booster seat, which you think is so cool. The dimples that were on your wrists are no longer and there is not a trace of of those amazing rolls that adorned your thighs. You're taller than most kids your age and skinny as a beanpole, even though you often eat like a wrestler in training. The only place I still see traces of your babiness in in your face - I think those cherubic cheeks are going to stay with you, which makes me incredibly happy.

Your birthday party is tomorrow and you keep telling me that it is going be such a special day. I know that it will be, as you will get to have your pink Aurora cake and more presents and be the center of everything, as you so adore. But I am beginning to realize that everyday with you is a special day, even the bad days. You are full of spunk and vivaciousness. You are honest and sensitive. You are creative and funny. You are thoughtful and intuitive. You have made me and you dad shockingly better people and have brightened our world to technicolor. This is your last birthday where it will just be the three of us. By the time you are five you will have logged months of being a big sister - I can't wait to see you in action as a sister. I have no doubt that you will be patient and kind and embrace your new role wholeheartedly.

You are my still little baby...and you always will be, even though you keep on growing. Happy fourth birthday, my sweet girl.

McKenna

2011-07-05T06:18:00.019-04:00

How is it possible that I have let an over a week go by without talking about the lovely McKenna Maria?

Let's back track a bit - three years ago one of my very dearest friends married one of our best friends. They both have become rocks on our lives - people we rely on for advice and perspective. They were there when we brought Addison home from the hospital and they were there when we slammed the door on the U-Haul and moved to Cincinnati. In short, they are a huge part of our lives.

Keelin and I met in 2003 while both working at a southside elementary school in Chicago. I was the green behind the ears social work intern and she was the most amazing kindergarten teacher I had ever encountered. She was kind and firm, creative and insightful. She spent her days crouched down to the eye level of five year olds. Through out our time working together she kept me entertained with hysterical stories and educated me about the amazing resilience of children. We started hanging out after work - catching dinners and drinks, inviting each other to parties. Karen and I thought she should meet our friend Berto from our Loyola days, because if nothing else the story of their fling would entertain us.

Berto and I met somewhere in the mess that was our freshman year at Loyola. He and Andy were friends well before Andy and I even knew each other existed. They both had horrid roommates, but a fun floor and quickly found each other as they escaped the persons with whom they were assigned to live. In the years that followed they shared an on-campus apartment and Berto became a fixture on Andy's off-campus apartment's couch. We went on Spring Breaks together, proudly used our ids to get into bars before we were old enough, shared retreat experiences. After we graduated LUC we hung together pretty much constantly - late night talks on the porch of my volunteer position, Thursdays at Sports Corner, trips to Indianapolis to see friends, New Years Eve parties where they boys entertained everyone with their costumes and antics. In the past decade and a half we've been through everything together - the good, the bad and the ridiculous.

Keelin and Berto met - nothing clicked. They met again - he bought her McDonald's. The rest is history - three years ago today they married - Andy and I stood up in their wedding. Twelve days ago, they welcomed baby McKenna into our fold. These are two people who are meant to be parents- they are both kind and thoughtful. They have amazing intuition, tons of patience and humorous perspectives. They are gentle and firm, know what they believe and are such a fabulous addition this wonderful club we call parenthood.

When McKenna was two days I got my hands on her - Andy scooped her up last week. She is tiny and pink. She seems to have Berto's eyebrows and Keelin's hair. She barely made a peep when I met her, just seemed to be taking in the world around her. Her parents are doing wonderfully, not that we ever doubted they wouldn't be...and I am dying to get my hands on her again.

Happy 4th

2011-07-04T23:10:00.004-04:00

It what 4th of July weekend is all about - backyards, sprinklers, laughter and family.
Following a long afternoon nap, the perfect way to end the weekend? A dip in Uncle Ed's pool.

Happy Birthday, Mom

2011-06-30T22:25:00.010-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Having been taught to do things for myself and not expect someone else to do for me.

Being told I'll always love you, but I don't always like you. At the time I thought it was mean, now I know it was heartfelt and true.

Creative lying (Eat the crust, it gives you curly hair or The animals on the side of the road are just napping) - not only did it make my childhood more colorful, but makes parenting slightly easier.

Knowing the difference between wants and needs and understanding that needing always trumps wanting.

Daily phone calls just to check in and chat.

Knowing how to iron, cook, paint, drill and garden.

Understanding the importance of the quick once over when it comes to cleaning my house.

The joy of coming home to a clean house after a restful vacation.

Patience and humor, even if at times I am short on both.

Stamina - without knowing how to just keep going nothing would ever get accomplished in my life.

Understanding that it's okay to ask for and accept help.

Laughter and silliness, insight and understanding, truth-telling and hand-holding.

My wonderful, vivacious, gentle, silly mother - who taught everything I know. This list barely scratches the surface of what she has taught me and I know there is so much more to learn.

Windy City Wedding

2011-06-29T06:48:00.016-04:00

Since last time checking in here we have been on the go, go, go. Last weekend was the long awaited and fabulous wedding of Karen and Matt. To say it was nothing short of beautiful would be a massive understatement. Anyone who knows me, knows that wedding (and babies) are my Achilles heel. I cry at strangers' weddings, needless to say, watching one of my best friends get married came very close to being a sob fest...except I remembered that I had $65 worth of make up plastered to my face and therefore pulled it together.

Thursday we had the rehearsal at Loyola and a fabulous dinner at Wildfire (so hard to be at Wildfire and not have flight of mini-martinis, thank heavens for Clausthaler). Addie was spoiled with gifts of her very own tiara and rhinestone bracelets, while Karen was slightly embarrassed by her bridesmaids sporting a wearable version of the note that rekindled her and Matt's relationship. By the time we rolled into bed at midnight we had logged an 18 hour day.

The celebrating continued on Friday with daytime manicures and pedicures after a girls trip to the Aroma Workshop to create signature perfumes. Addie and Andy napped and off we headed to downtown - first for a delectable dinner at Quartino's and then chilly, but lovely, boat cruise of the skyline. The little lady thought downtown was amazing, was awestruck by the Magnificent Mile, was astonished by the beauty of the skyline and thought that the bicycle cab we took back to the car was "weary , weary cool".

And then it was Saturday. We got our hair done, faces painted and zipped into our finery.

Karen redefined what a relaxed bride is with laughter and smiles. The ceremony was breathtaking at the chapel on Loyola's Lakeshore campus, followed by photos inside Wrigley field, at the Magnificent Mile, on the museum campus, and of course, where it all began, at Mulligan's.

The reception was perfection down to the last detail - from the beautiful atrium cocktail hour, to the specialty drinks, to the dance floor flanked by antique cars. There was a Chicago style hot dog cart (sweet heavens!), moist delicious cake, and more desserts than I ever imagined (chocolate mousse shooters, martini glasses full of fresh berries, ice cream sandwiches - OH MY!). The dancing was non stop - as was the laughter. A night focused on celebrating two wonderful people and filled with with our dearest friends -can't get better than that!

sleepover

2011-06-22T10:49:00.009-04:00

Andy and I reached and survived yet another milestone earlier this week - the first official friend sleepover.
Sure we've had kids spend the night before - Rylan has crashed here on occasion, Evan has come to visit, Baby Sam and Emmett have come down from Chicago. But this time, it was Addie's partner in all things princess-y, Elise (and her adorable baby bro, Liam).
Elise's parents ran away to Southern Florida for some much need and well-earned rest and relaxation. And being that Genna has helped me out a thousand different times since moving to Cincinnati, and I need a little practice on mothering more than one kid at a time before the next one arrives, I told her I'd take the kiddos for Monday and Tuesday.

For the most part it was smooth sailing. Just about every toy in the house was played with, banana bread was baked, popcorn popped and a princess movie was enjoyed. The girls played in Addie's room, the basement and outside on the swing set. We watched massive thunderstorms roll through and read a few good books. Liam hung out babbling, stacking blocks, racing cars and snuggling a long ago forgotten stuffed piggy, which is now officially his.

There was some girl drama, as there always is when you put two princess together in the same castle, but over all it was fine. Fine, with the exception of bedtime. The girls had been read to, tucked in and kissed goodnight by 8:45 p.m. About a half hour after bedtime, when I walked to the bottom of the stairs to warn them to settle down I heard the urgent, hushed whisper of of "Shhhh! Here she comes!". At 10:30 p.m. there were still peals of laughter, the thud of small feet, and the sound of voices conspiring who knows what. Then silence - sweet silence.
Before I plopped into bed, six minutes after the silence started, I checked in on the cherubs. Elise was sleeping like an angel with her hands folded below her chin. Addie was passed out half on, half off her bed like a college student after a bender. I went to bed solid in my knowledge that the next morning I would have two little ladies who were tired and would sleep in.

I was wrong.

Both girls were bright eyed and bushy tailed at 7:10 a.m. full of questions and ideas and demands. I am pretty sure I just grunted at them until after my first cup of coffee. After Liam woke up and after breakfast was inhaled we headed outside to get a few new pictures of the little angels. I was impressed what sleep deprived, slightly cranky kids could pull off for the camera. . .

For the record, I stayed in bed this morning until well after 9 a.m.

2011-06-16T09:06:00.010-04:00

This morning I realized that I am all out of coffee filters. I almost cried. I mostly avoid regular coffee while prego, but my cup of decaf, particularly in a quiet house with a few moments to myself, is pure happiness. I decided to avoid doing laundry for a few more silent minutes and logged onto Facebook to see what the world was up to. I was greeted by this:

So I don't know if you know this but it has been ten days since you
posted a new blog and I am in Spain and have no way to know all the things
going on in my favorite niece's life. Can you please fix this?
Thanks. Love ya!

Dearest Nicole Elizabeth,
I am so sorry for being so lackadaisical about the blog. I know that your life in Spain, lounging on beaches, drinking sangria and being generally fabulous, has been really taken a toll on you. I do apologize - I have no excuse for not updating the blog.

I have not been busy getting a new stove installed. Or mulching all of our landscaping. Or enriching Addison's daily life. I have had no laundry to do and haven't bothered to clean the house at all. Addie and I haven't had errands to run or play dates to attend. I will try not let my pure exhaustion due to 17 weeks of pregnancy hinder my blogging. So to keep you, my dear sister-in-law, in the know, here is an update:

This week was our second YMCA swim lesson. Last week Addie jumped in the pool without reservation and volunteered to go first for everything in her class. When class was over she was beaming and oh-proud. This week she went underwater over and over and came up grinning. She learned about different swim strokes and swam, with a noodle, from one end of the pool to another. I was bursting with pride.

There has been a pretty horrendous emergence of preteen attitude as of late. Sadly Addie has logged many hours "pulling it together" and thinking about her choices. Last week, while Grandma, Aunt Kim, Uncle Rick and Ry were over Miss Thang was in rare form, threw a temper tantrum and then spit on me. Kim congratulated me on allowing her to continue living.

Addie has had many play dates over the past week. Last week revolved around the sprinkler and giggling with her buddy Nicholas. This week Rylan and Elise came over which resulted (surprisingly) in three very well behaved and happy preschoolers. There have been a couple quality visits to Fernbank playground, where she has mastered the climbing walls and parts of the park she wouldn't even attempt last summer. Last night I was given a reprieve around dinner time, as Nicholas requested the company of "his lady" for another play date.

Addie has been having Miss Kelsey come over on Thursdays for a few hours so that I can go to my knitting classes and run some errands. Miss Kelsey comes over because you selfishly ran away to Spain. Last week they baked a batch of delicious chocolate chip and M&M cookies - yummmm - and this week they played outside with (of course) Nicholas.

We are getting ready to visit cousins Jackson and Emerson for a day this weekend. We're also trying to get organized for Karen's wedding in Chicago. Addie's big purple bow came in this week and miraculously my dress fits.

I was asked by her highness to let you know that she misses you and she took good care of your Mom before Grandma headed on vacation. She thinks that it is imperative that I tell you that Mich is doing just fine.

Finally, I was informed today that she is planning to marry Nicholas. Oy.

Forgiveness

2011-06-06T12:27:00.004-04:00

Mom, what does forgive mean?
Umm, it means to no longer be mad at someone for upsetting you. Why?
Because I forgive you.
You forgive me? What did I do to upset you?
You didn't let me go to the park, but I forgive you.

And off you flounced to play outside, so I started thinking about all of the time I have forgiven you.

For waking me up at 2:45 a.m. to tell me you're uncomfortable.
For vomiting sausage and grapes down my back.
For coloring in the back door.
For spilling a cup of milk in the car and not telling me.
For drinking my water and leaving it cloudy with floaters.
For throwing toys from one end of the house to the other.
For telling me daddy is much better cook.
For calling me a mean, old thing.
For saying eeeeewwwwww and pointing at my backside when I took off my shorts to try on a skirt in Target.
For kicking me in the shins just to see my reaction.
For informing me you wished our neighbor was your mom.
For the multitude of poop that went out your diaper and up your back.
For the stretch marks, the spider veins, the lower back pain, the 24 hours of labor.
For mistaking me for the maid and asking me if I came with the house.
For the multiplying stains my carpets.
For stepping my toes 10 tens a day and my weekly headbutt to the face.

I am sure that I am missing some major points in that list, but you just told me, rather firmly, it's time to make lunch, and I best do that so that you don't get mad at me again.

stand beside the ocean

2011-05-31T11:05:00.008-04:00

During our first trip to Surfside Beach she still wore diapers. She took naps without argument. She didn't use words like interesting, actually and exhausted. Her wrists were bookended with dimples and her hair could barely be adorned with a bow. She tightly held my hand walking the beach.
This trip to Surfside Beach, two years later, she barely napped in the car. Princess themed undies were packed and she had opinions. She ran at the breaking surf without a second thought and dove under water in the pool. Her hair was swept back in rubber bands and there wasn't a trace of fat on her long, lean little frame.

Yet somehow, despite all those changes, she still looked just like my little baby when she stood at the edge of ocean.

2011-05-19T21:59:00.008-04:00

Today was the last day of the first year of preschool, for "graduation" the kids proudly walked into Pomp and Circumstance.

Thank god my Mom wasn't there - she would've wept like a baby.

Thankful Thursday

2011-05-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Sean and Ali's sweet little Henry for finally deciding to grace us with his presence. Welcome to the world Henry Ryan!

Two weekends in a row in Chicago. Last weekend we got to spend QT with much loved friends; I got to meet Miss Elizabeth Rose (about time!) and logged quality time on Keelin and Berto's couch. This weekend I will get QT with the family and get to embarrass the bride with one more weekend of bridal festivities.

Adorably pink Crocs covered in lady bugs - sometimes I wish adult could pull off the shoes of a three year old.

Being okay with not vacuuming myself out the door. The house is a mess. The air conditioner isn't working and there are piles of laundry on the basement floor. It goes against my nature (and everything my mother taught me) but it can all wait for my return.

The mama robin that decided to take up residence in our patio tree. Addie loves watching her sit on her nest and we are both looking forward to seeing the babies.

Elastic-wasted pants. Let's be honest I am thankful for these even when I am not pregnant!

Being that much closer to the Flaherty Family Beach Invasion - there is NO doubt that a fabulous time will be had.

My husband. Last night when I informed him that I couldn't face trapping one more tarantula sized wolf spider in my basement he took care of it without hesitation.

Thankful Thursdays. Not every week have I remembered to be thankful. In fact, this week is my year anniversary on embarking on thankfulness and my 35th Thankful Thursday entry.

Sometimes the list that I made was short or superficial, sometimes it was long and heartfelt. Occasionally being thankful became a chore - but mostly I am reminded that I have so much to be grateful for.
I am blessed with people who take the time to read the rants I put in this little space.
With a family, near and far, who love me.
With a husband who works hard so that I can be home with our daughter and appreciates me for me.
With friends who remind me to laugh and give me endless strength.

I have clothes in the closet, food in the fridge and flowers in my garden.
And for all of that, and SO much more, I am truly thankful.

Mothers Day

2011-05-09T09:04:00.018-04:00

This Mothers Day started at 6:30 a.m. with a little lady looking for some snuggles and cartoons. Being that we were at our friends' house in Chicago we padded quietly downstairs for some early cartoons and snuggles. Once we were cuddled up on the couch Addie turned to me and said Mama is today Sunday? When I told her it was, she gave me a huge hug and said Oh good! Happy Mothers Day Mom, I love you!

We had a delicious breakfast with our friends, lingered in Chicago for a bit longer and then hit the road to try get home at a decent hour. Both Andy and Addie were sleeping by the time we hit Indiana and I got to enjoy a car free of questions while listening to the Cubs game on the radio. The few hours of listening to what I wanted to without answering dozens of questions was gift in itself.

We made it back to Cincinnati in time to stop by Gramma Patty's for a little picnic, wiffle ball (Addie hit the ball all by herself!) and chocolate covered treats. By the time we made it back to our house it was getting close to bed time...but Addie was excited to give me the gifts that she had made.

I got pampered with an hour long massage (thanks for helping her pick that out Andy!) and several preschool creations. Her hand print in pink paint to remind how little she is. A butterfly beautifully decorated with scraps of tissue paper and a poem about mothers. A handmade picture frame with a picture of my little cutie. And my favorite, a sheet called Meet my Mom which made me laugh and kind of made my day:

Meet My Mom

By Addie

What is your Mom's name? Jessica

How old is she? 29 or 26 (um, hells yes, thanks sweetie!)

What color is her hair? Brown

How much does she weigh? 50 lbs (sure that sounds about right - give or take a few)

What does your mom do around the house? She mops and sweeps and cleans (Hysterical, since the two chores I do the least is mopping and sweeping)

What is her favorite drink? Iced Tea (thank you, sweet angel, for not saying wine)

What does your mom cook? Yummy dinner, Yummy breakfast, Yummy lunch (errr, no your dad does most of that, but I'll take the credit)

What is your Mom's favorite TV show? The News (don't I sound informed?)

Where does she like to go? Target (um, yep. No argument there)

How do you know she loves you? She lets me make crafts (that is a sign of love because crafts drive me batty!

2011-05-03T09:17:00.004-04:00

This morning I woke all of six minutes early.
I wanted to make sure that Andy remembered to swap cars with me and take his lunch to work. After he left, as I started to brew my mini-pot of decaffeinated coffee, I heard the patter of little feet upstairs followed by some sniffling and tears.
When I got up stairs to find out what was wrong with my little dear I was greeted with a big pouty face streaked with tears.

I wanta hug and kiss Daddy good bye and tell him Have a Good Day and I think he's all gone.

I told her yes, Dad had to leave for work, but she'd see him tonight. She curled into my side and continued to cry and softly hiccup. I stroked her hair and thought about how sweet it was that she wanted to tell Andy to have a good day and make sure he knew that she loved him. What a sweet little pumpkin.

A few seconds later she looked up at me with those gorgeous eyes of hers and asked
Why do some of my friends cry for their Mommy at school?
I told her I thought maybe they missed their moms and were sad to be without them. Her response was
Oh. I don't cry. I don't miss you at school ever Mommy. School has so many fun toys that just don't miss you. Let's get dressed, today is school!

I guess the pecking order is rather clear...

Thankful Thursdays

2011-04-28T10:13:00.023-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

The rays of sunshine that are lighting up my yard - rain has been clouding our days for a week straight.

Our much loved homemade queen sized quilt that has been lulling me to sleep on these rainy days.

Baked potatoes with sour cream and chives - so filling and warm and yummy.

Waking up Easter morning to find that our neighbors had filled the front yard with brightly colored eggs for Miss Addie (Thanks Kels & Bay!).

A weekend with no plans - followed by four weekends of travel.

GG's goulash - I can't believe that I didn't score a bowl of leftovers.

Play dates at the Children's Museum and the Art Museum - more importantly having a three year old who thought the Art Museum was "super great".

The many sewing projects I have planned, however, I have no idea when exactly I will tackle these projects.

There being less than month until I have toes in the ocean and am surrounded by people who make laugh until I cry.

Finally being able to share the big secret of Baby Number 2 with all the people I love most.

Addison being so excited at the idea of being a big sister - now I just have to find the patience to field endless questions the next 30 weeks.

Homemade

2011-04-25T10:35:00.012-04:00

When I was in middle school, maybe seventh or eighth grade, I took a sewing class as part of Home Economics. I really don't remember much about the class, but I know that I made two slightly cockeyed pink and blue pillows. I am pretty sure I gave them to my mother as a Mothers Day gift and that they sat on her bed for quite a few years. Interestingly, she has no memory of these masterpieces, which perhaps speaks to their beauty.

Anyway, after taking this class I thought that I could be a heckuva seamstress and I begged my mother to let me make an outfit. If memory serves, I chose a black, white and red print to make a one piece shorts jumper (I know, wth??). I also seem to recall getting as far as cutting out the pattern before I declared it a far too difficult endeavor and shoving the whole thing into some dark corner of the basement where it forever stayed, rotting.

Sewing was just not for me.

Then along came Addison.

When she was two I wanted to dress her up for Halloween as a bumblebee because she loved the
song "I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee..." and because I thought she'd look darn cute. This is where the sewing machine reentered my life. My mom convinced me that she and I could whip up a cute little bee outfit in no time. She was right and I was smitten with the sewing machine.

Fast forward to my 33rd birthday - Mom got me my own sewing machine. I made a curtain for the kitchen. I made pillows for the couch (and the bed, and the living room, and anywhere else I could shove a pillow). I made aprons as Christmas gifts. I bound baby blankets. I essentially had a love affair with my sewing machine.

In early Spring I decided to step it up a notch. When my mom came to visit I informed her that I was going to sew Addie's Easter dress with her help. And I did. It took hours of sitting in front of the sewing machine. Many stitches were ripped out and resown. The skirt was hemmed. The bodice was taken in. The dress was pressed to perfection. I had managed to make a dress not only in pink and purple, the only colors her highness approves of, but one that twirled and had a bow. She was excited, and I was, to say the very least, darn proud.

And yesterday a smiling little lady wore it with a perfectly matched smile.

Thankful Thursdays

2011-04-14T16:54:00.003-04:00

I think this says it all....so very thankful.

eye of the beholder

2011-04-13T15:50:00.012-04:00

When I was little I thought that dandelions were the most fabulous flower. They were bright and yellow. They were around all spring, summer and fall. I could pick them and pick them and still more would show up.

Dandelions made gorgeous bouquets for my mother. They were perfect to weave into bracelets and necklaces and crowns. I thought they were like little dots of perfection. Even when they were dead I thought they were fluffy and fun.

Now that I have my own yard, my taste in flowers has shifted a bit. I love lilies and daffodils. I think daisies and late summer black-eyed susans are gorgeous. Flowering trees make me smile and my hydrangeas are a labor of love. I am constantly trying to think of the right combinations of flowers and colors to brighten our landscape.

And it seems I am forever waring with dandelions.

Our yard is like the yellow brick road of dandelions. They are thriving everywhere. And while Andy and I see tons of annoying weeds, someone else in our house sees them through more innocent eyes.

She sees tiny, perfect bouquets. And little dots of perfection. A soft place to take a mid afternoon break. And a thousand reasons to smile.

Thankful Thursday

2011-04-07T10:43:00.012-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful :

For not be harassed about updating this little blog of mine. I have been low on wit, insight and time lately and just really haven't had much to say.

That my sweet neighbor is okay. She was in an awful car accident that left her bruised and her car totalled. Needless to say we are anxious to see her so that Addie can smother her in hugs.

Honey Nut Cheerios with fresh sliced strawberries - they really made my morning today.

Family time snuggled on the couch.

Two beautiful days of sunshine and warm breezes and a back yard for us to play in.

A Tuesday night date to the Bob Seger concert - that old dude can still rock it out, but I would be even more thankful if he had played You'll Accompany Me. This is my second Seger concert in four years and he still hasn't played that one glorious song. I guess I can forgive him...since he's awesome.

The finches who eat breakfast outside our bay window each morning - they're so colorful and they make a certain three year old so happy.

Friends who take Addie to play in the park allowing me to go grocery shopping solo - heavenly.

The promise of a laughter filled weekend and girl time with some of my very bestest - watch NYC, here we come!

This little stinker.

Thankful Thursdays

2011-03-31T17:50:00.011-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

The bouquet of daffodils that are brightening my kitchen counter.

A little girl who loves to hold my hand.

An impromtu kids movie night at the neighbor's house.

Friends who email clothing suggestions to break me out of my sweatshirts.

The clerk at Kohl's who gave me 30 percent off even without my having a coupon (so that I could get suggested wardrobe additions).

A free cup of Orange Ginger Mint Tea from Panera - so warming and tasty during a chilly week.

Netflix On Demand and their crappy selection of kids movies that make my daughter oh-so happy.

Uninterrepted bubble baths. The sound of laundry finally being done.

That on the dreariness of this Thursday I can look back at the sunniness of two Thursdays ago:

Bathroom and a Sleigh

2011-03-27T21:20:00.004-04:00

On Thursday, while I was buying kitty litter and Windex and laundry detergent at Target I stumbled across a oil rubbed bronze towel bar on clearance. As we all know I have an incredibly hard time passing up a good deal, therefore the towel bar made it into my cart, along with a matching toilet paper holder. I was just going to change out the hardware in the downstairs bath - it should have been a simple, straight forward task. Instead, it resulted in a 3 day bathroom make over which has made me incredibly happy.

I got most of the painting done while Addie napped on Friday. Uncle Dickie installed the new light while I got a pedicure on Saturday (I know, awesome). Sunday I finished the touch up painting and added all the finishing touches that Addie helped me shop for, and wah-la a new bathroom was born. It makes me stupidly happy.

What else makes me stupidly happy? A three year old who very patiently entertains herself on a Sunday morning while mommy hangs and adjusts and fiddles and decorates. When the bathroom was 99 percent of the way done this is the obstacle course I encountered.

I was told it was a sleigh ride for Addie and her buddies. Oh, to live in her brain.

Thankful Thursday

2011-03-24T20:33:00.005-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Quick trips to visit the fam. Especially ones filled with laughter and silliness, as it always is when the McWhorter girls are involved.

Buxom Lip gloss in Ginger - I know, it's so superficial, but it makes me feel like I am at least making an effort. (There is also a tube called Jessica, I plan on purchasing it once there is a bit more of a tan on this face).

Two days of 70 degree weather that resulted in a large amount of yard work getting completed.

A towel bar on clearance for $4.58. That small purchase is now resulting in plans for me to repaint the downstairs bathroom and shop for a new mirror and light fixture this weekend.

The shakers of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and chocolate that Starbucks keeps by their sweeteners - my coffee always feels that much fancier with a shake or two.

Nap time. The days that nap time occur are magical days. Today was not one of those days.

Having my house back - no four TVs and an extra couch in the living room. No loud, cursing, gas-filled boys yelling. No smell of wings or stale beer. So VERY thankful.

Drama Queen

2011-03-23T15:57:00.003-04:00

Today's major drama melt down was brought to me by a pair of socks, a Kroger sticker, and cousin Rylan.

I detected a little bit of attitude this morning, but it seemed to correct itself. And then we went to Bed, Bath and Beyond where I cruelly wouldn't purchase her a box of Skittles and a princess tent. Foot stomp, pout and glare.

After a little talking to in the car it seemed all better. I am choosing to believe that when she ran into my Achilles tendons as hard as she could with her "own perfect size" shopping cart it was truly an accident.

And then we got home and Rylan came over to play. They galloped through the yard, slid on the slide, swung on the swings, climbed the fence and had a fabulous good time.

The beginning of the end was at lunch when Rylan selfishly and purposely took the Kroger sticker that was probably laying on the floor and put it on his napkin.

Shrieks followed by tears -But that was my Kroger sticker and I don't want Ry to have it. I was saving it special for Mich and Daddy and IT'S MINE.

Once the lunch drama was done came the sock drama. Tears and shrieks and screaming. Again, Rylan was all to blame because he's just so mean. How dare he think that it's okay to touch and try to wear one of Addie's 64 pairs of socks. Oh the humanity!

This followed by more bickering, a bit of pushing and hitting, tons of foot stomping and a load of theatrics from two toddlers. Rylan left to go take a nap at his grandparents' house and I ushered Addie upstairs for quiet time.

As she crawled on my lap to read Ramona Quimby, Age 8 she looks up at me and says, I love having Ry here. Can he come back tomorrow?

Thankful Thursday

2011-03-17T04:26:00.000-04:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

This stunning plastic crystal chandelier exiting my life and main entry way

and this simple, but lovely, chandelier taking it's place.Bubble gum pink knee high rain boots.
Discounted fabric remnants and my sewing machine. The two together have resulted in many-a new pillow in our house, all of which make me insanely happy.

My little thought out but much loved purchase of a storage ottoman for the family room. It was on clearance which was a bonus, but most importantly it fits all of Addie's toys and crap. It makes me unbelievably happy to not see toddler crap all over.

Second hand shopping. I get a little icked out thinking about bed bugs and cooties, but bought and cleaned a ficus for the living room, a new end table with storage and an old wooden chair that I am going to refinish and recushion and put in the living room. I feel like a true HGTV groupie and do-it-yourselfer. Not to mention I spent a grand total of $39.

The sweet and adorable friendship of these two stinkers. They hold hands and dance and giggle and endlessly chat. I hope that their friendship always stays so strong.

Seeing James Taylor in concert yet again. His voice is nothing short of perfection and his songs me make emotional for all sorts of reasons. Thank you to JT for singing "Sweet Baby James", "Fire and Rain" and, of course, "Carolina in my Mind".

Tiny hands that pick me dead flowers - Look Mama! I picked these for you because I love you.

Deciding to embrace Cincinnati's restaurant week. Saturday was dinner at Local 127. Monday was a neighbor date at Lavomatic and this weekend is a girl date at View. Which explains why I have made myself show up to work out each day this week.

Showing up to work out. Everything, and I do mean everything, hurts. It hurts to sit, to stand, to make dinner, to smile - but I know (really I do) that working out is a good idea for my rear.

The birds that count on my daughter's dedication to filling the bird feeder, and the fact that she can now identify mocking birds, goldfinches, house finches, robins, chickadees, cardinals, mourning doves and blue jays.

Sunshine.

Daffodils pushing through the soil.

Tiny buds on the trees.

The promise of 66 degree weather.

A quick road trip to West Virginia.

Grow

2011-03-15T09:15:00.003-04:00

There was a moment this morning, between getting coffee brewed and Addie out the door to preschool, that slapped me in face and took my breath away.
It really wasn't anything spectacular or special, but for just a second, as Addie finished getting into her sparklefied jeans and cute panda tee shirt, I wasn't able to see a baby anymore.
I saw some strange big girl standing in her place.

Her legs are impossibly long with no trace of the rolls that once resided there. The adorable little dimples that bookended her wrists have disappeared, leaving behind hands that can write letters and zipper coats. Her chubby cheeks seem to be melting away, barely pinchable anymore.
And in that moment, as my breath was taken away, my eyes filled with tears.
How is it possible that my baby is so grown up? She barely just got here.

Mama? What? What'sa matter Mama?
You've just gotten so big sweetie - I can't believe how much you've grown.
{Eye roll and shrug} I gotta grow Mom. I'll be your baby but I gotta get big too.

Inquisition

2011-03-08T20:59:00.003-05:00

I remember having questions as a kid. All sorts of questions, like:
Why is it called cheese?
How do birds know how to chirp?
Does everyone know how to whistle?
Where does snow come from?
Why isn't rain the same as snow?
What does the brain look like?
Why is it my bedtime?
Will I wear glasses?
What makes the sun rise?
Why do cats pee inside and dogs pee outside?
Blah blah blah blah....

I now have a sneaking suspicion that I may have asked my mother all of those questions in addition to about forty million more. Why do I suspect this? Because my darling daughter never stops talking. She has question upon question upon question. I love that she is curious. I love that she is exploring her world. I empathize with her need to dissect and understand her world, but I would do anything, anything to just have a moment of silence.

Mama....MAMA!
What is a state?
What rhymes with giraffe?
Why do I have to wipe?
Who makes mushrooms?
How do trees talk to each other?
What is a stranger?
Is she a stranger?
Why are we always late?
How do we get boogers?
Why can't I dip my hotdog in yogurt?
Do I have to wear my coat?
What's my breath smell like?
Do you know who my best friend is?
What's your favorite color?
Do you know my favorite color?
Does Daddy have a favorite color?
Who is Gramma's gramma?
Why do I have to wash my hands?
What are cavity bugs?
Where is the North Pole?
Do you know who I love from The Sound of Music?
How do flowers grow?
Why can't I have a treat out of orange bowl?
What is healthier salami or grapes?

And that, my friends, is just one tenth of the amount of questions that I am asked every day.

And it's shocking about how many times I really have to think about what the answers are.

Time

2011-03-04T11:06:00.011-05:00

If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I'd like to do
Is save everyday
Watching you play
Smiling and laughing with you

If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I'd make you a princess in purple and pink
And spend all my days twirling with you

But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things I want to do
Laundry, dishes and life get in the way
And I've been a mom long enough to know
That time goes too fast and you just continue to grow

If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that were all brand new
It would be full of bubbles, sparkles and wonder
And all the amazing things I know you will do

But there never seems to be enough time

To do the thing we want to do

Snuggles, fairy tales and your worlds of pretend

I am so thankful you are mine

And everyday day fall even more in love with you....

Thankful Thursday

2011-02-17T08:24:00.005-05:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

No longer being sick. Last week sucked, my whole body ached and I felt like I had been hit by car, but this week is so very much better.

My new necklace - it is a lovely piece of white yarn adorned with beads and foam hearts and it was meticulously made by loving toddler hands.

Two days of glorious weather - 65 yesterday and 69 today. Sure, it might be a little bit of global warming, but it feels so very fabulous and is beyond appreciated.

Taking advantage of the nicer temps to refill the very neglected bird feeders - the house finches seem awfully thankful too.

Addie's babysitter, Kelsey. Addie absolutely adores having Kelsey watch her and often asks Andy and I to "go somewhere" so that she can have a "Kelsey date". On Valentines Day Kels dropped off bag filled to the brim of treats for Addie - all of which we plan on feeding the kiddo 45 minutes before Kelsey babysits the next time.

Promises of burgers and brats on the grill for dinner tonight...in February!

Frish's iced tea - it is brewed perfectly and served over crushed ice with a lemon. It is the perfect midday pick me up and tasted great on my little girl lunch date yesterday.

Goat cheese and sundried tomato pesto stuffed chicken, parboiled asparagus and salad with balsamic parmesean dressing for a Valentines dinner - along with lovely conversation and a glass of wine with my husband.

The arrival of Gramma Kathy tomorrow morning! She'll be here for a week and we've got big plans. Gramma is going to be the helper at school next week, Addie starts her next round of gymnastics and Andy and I are going on a date or two - fabulous!

My Little Valentine

2011-02-14T15:43:00.004-05:00

Valentine's Day is a non-holiday for Andy and I, in fact I think that we've spent more a part than we have together. Sure I have a nice dinner planned for tonight and I might even shower and change out of my work out gear, but in general Valentine's Day ain't no big thang to us.

But a certain three year old thinks it's awesome. She spent the day yesterday decorating heart shaped cards for her classmates and repeatedly writing her name. Today she brought lollipops and heart stickers to her exercise buddies. I have been told I love you, Mama more times than I can count.

What did I expect? This is a day devoted entirely to her favorite shape after all...

Conferences

2011-02-11T10:15:00.006-05:00

Growing up I was always a pretty good student. I generally did what I was told and listened to my teachers. I almost always did my homework, but occasionally forgot to hand it in. I was a bit a chatty in class, but rarely disrespectful.
In fact, growing up I remember idolizing my teachers.
I think preschool set the tone of my loving school and my teachers (I could tell you about every single one of my teachers, but I think that might be a bit of a long post). My preschool teacher, Miss Paula, was cool. She was stylish and funny and read good stories. With the exception of my evil Kindergarten teacher, all I adored all my teachers. And even though I knew my conferences would go well, I always fretted about what would be said about me.
What if my teacher secretly didn't like me? What if I was failing and didn't know it? What if what if what if?

Inevitably, my teachers usually had the same things to say about me - "Jessica works hard. Jessica needs a little help with her organization. Jessica is quite the social butterfly. It's hard to believe that Jessica and JohnEthan are siblings".

My mother would come home with the same report: try to be more organized, remember to hand in your homework, ssssshhhhhhh. And then she'd take my brother in the other room and they would have a long talk that I was not invited to.

Addie has been in two day a week preschool since September. She loves it. She adores her teacher. She pouts on snow days, plays school with her dollies and repeatedly tells us that when she grows up she wants to be a teacher. She loves school, she loves learning and loves Miss Sue.

Tuesday was our first parent teacher conference. It was all of fifteen minutes long and it was glowing. Addison is a joy to have in class. Addison loves to learn. Addison is such a sweetie.

We were told that her cognitive development is right on. She recognizes her colors, numbers., shapes and letters. She is drawing most of her shapes. She recognizes her name and is starting to write it. She can count and recite her alphabet. She can hold pencils and scissors correctly.

She follows directions, expresses what she needs, has a good attention span and listens well. She is respectful to herself and her peers, takes turns and participates. And so forth and so on - a glowing report overall.

The places she needs improvement? Respecting school materials and cleaning up after herself - apparently she thinks everything she plays with belongs on the floor when she is done. Which is exactly what she does at home with her things and is a battle we've been fighting for the last few months.

We've seen her grow since starting school - she's become a better problem solver, her imagination has exploded. She is much better at turn taking and sharing. Her vocabulary is out of control. She points out words that rhyme, she can tell us that boy cardinals are red and girl cardinals are brown, she asks endless questions about the world around her.

Our silly 15 minute conference reassured me that Addie is doing a-okay. But what I loved most about it was seeing her work from the beginning of the year until now. Being with her all day, every day, I sometimes can't see how much she's changed or grown, but I think these pictures illustrate her growth perfectly.

In October, Miss Sue asked Addie to draw a face - this is her first attempt.

Miss Sue then told Addie she really needed her to draw a face - so Addie drew this.

Last week Miss Sue asked Addie to draw her family - and she drew this.

Leaps and bounds, she's grown, leaps and bounds.

Thankful Thursday

2011-02-03T09:15:00.001-05:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Making dinner three nights in row and having none of the meals be epic failures. If fact, last night's dinner, stuffed herb chicken with Boursin cheese and asparagus was indeed declared excellent by that husband of mine.

Seven loads of clean and folded laundry.

Good work outs and lower numbers on the evil scale.

That I live in Cincinnati and not snow covered Pittsfield or Chicago - There is a tenth of an inch of snow on the ground here and the sun is shining and yesterday I could see grass.

The safety of all my friends who were slammed with the Chicago blizzard. For some there were scary moments, but every one is safe and sound and warm.

Addison's endless imagination. Sometimes I find it to tiresome to play the part of the daughter, the grandmother, the baby, the prince, the not-nice girls, the stepmother, but always enjoy hearing the stories she weaves as we play.

The arrival of Violet Rose . I get very emotional about the arrival of new babies and she was no exception. I am so very thankful that she and her mother are doing well - and that her parents ignored my suggestion to name her Hermione.

Having a brief chance to see my "her" for dinner tonight, and hold her hand and tell her it will all be okay.

Strong coffee with half and half and splenda in my ceramic orange striped travel cup.

This conversation with Addie on Tuesday:
Mommy! Daddy's hair is changing color!
Ha! It is...daddy's getting gray hair.
No, mom. Not gray. His hair is turning white.

She's a darling! She's a demon! She's a lamb!

2011-01-31T21:37:00.005-05:00

For Christmas this year Andy got The Sound of Music on blu-ray and dvd. Believe it or not, this was a gift that he was happy to receive. He, like me, is a lover of this fabulously saccharine story. He can sing most songs and took the Sound of Music tour while traveling Europe after college.

This may be one of the reasons I love him. The Sound of Music and his amazing grilling skills.

Since Addie was a babe I have sang her Baby Mine at bedtime and he has sang Edelweiss. Needless to say, when Addie realized that "her daddy's song" was in the movie she was hooked. Since Christmas we have watched about it two or three times. Addie is enamoured with Maria and likes to pretend she's running down the mountain, late getting to the convent. She loves to sing all the songs in the car Do Ri Me and My Favorite Things and Sixteen going on Seventeen. Nightly she thinks she should perform Song long, farewell as she heads up to bed. But suddenly, her most requested song is Maria.

Today as we were running around town she said to me "Mama, let's sing the Maria song" - so I started a loud, off-key rendition of Climb Ev'ry Mountain with enthusiasm.

No! Noooo Mama! Not that one!

Well, which one do you want babe?

The one with Maria and the witches.

Maria and the witches? I don't know that one, honey.

Yes you do Mama. The one where the witches sing about about Maria.

The witches sweetie?

Yeh-us Mom! The witches in black who help take care of baby Jesus.

Trying not to drive off the road while laughing - Honey, those aren't witches, those are nuns.

Oh? Well, sing that nun one then.

Dear lord parochial school is going to be eye opening for my sweet child.

2011-01-28T09:09:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, after her afternoon snack, I asked Addison to put her dishes in the dirty dishwasher instead of in the sink.I don't think she was quite ready for such responsibility.

Thankful Thursday

2011-01-27T17:54:00.017-05:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

A fully functioning furnace. A mere hundred-ish dollars later and we have consistent heat - but the repair man showed me how fix the same problem should it arise again. File that under: one more thing that I know that Andy doesn't.

An unexpected overnight guest who brought two stuffed Chicago style pizzas with him. His laughter and that amount of cheese is always welcome in my home.

A vase full of multiple colored Peruvian lillies on the mantel, brightening up these gray January days.

Forcing myself to clean and organize our closet. Every once in awhile I revert to my 15 year old self and just throw clothes at the hangers and let them stay on the floor. And then I remember that 15 was over 15 years ago and it's time to clean up my act.

Getting in three good workouts so far this week. I am sore. I ache. I am stiff. But I feel good.

Having the ability and opportunity to spend a few hours at preschool with Addie. She was "star of the week" this week and truly shined. It is amazing to watch her learn and to see how much she adores learning, which is in no small part due to the kind and wonderful teacher she has.

Celestial Seasonings Peppermint Tea - it makes me able to face unnapped afternoons with a bit more patience.

Deciding to make broccoli and chicken casserole for dinner (aka: Andy's out of town and I had broccoli that was about to walk out of my refrigerator). Addie ate a huge portion of it and we discovered that she like the stalks of broccoli, just not the tops. It is a veggie victory, my friends.

Plans with my husband this weekend that include a dinner out, a play and an excuse to wear a dress.

Pandora streaming through our blu-ray. The sound is clear, the music is good and as a result my kitchen is much, much cleaner.

A long overdue phone date.

The prospect of early bedtime tonight - for me and her.

Snowday inspiration

2011-01-21T11:39:00.003-05:00

When we first moved to Cincinnati I would walk everywhere with Addie in the stroller. We would wander to UDF for milkshakes, to Kroger for groceries, to the book store to kill time. On occasion we would wander the aisles of Whole Foods pretending that it was okay to spend $100 on five items of produce. Mostly I liked the smell of their bakery, the samples in their cheese aisle and the array bright, fresh flowers.

On one of those aimless Whole Foods trips I found a mug in the clearance aisle and it made me smile, so I bought it.
This morning I randomly grabbed that mug out of the cabinet and it was the perfect antidote to two days snowed in the house with a mercurial toddler. It says:

live with intention.

walk to the edge.

listen hard.

practice wellness.

play with abandon.

laugh.

choose with no regret.

continue to learn.

appreciate your friends.

do what you love.

live as if this is all there is.

So I took a break from laundry and made my husband breakfast. I noticed my bored daughter and brainstormed in-door fun. I sat alone for five minutes and stretched my stiff, aching body. We tied on our homemade aprons and made cherry jello.

And I thought about those words and how to incorporate them into my days - and I know that I can't walk to the edge everyday. And that practicing wellness takes a lot of effort and that it's not always easy to laugh when being bossed around by a three year old, but it's okay to try.

So that's what I'll do.

I'll try.

Are you happy now, Mom?

2011-01-20T21:59:00.005-05:00

This Thursday I am thankful for:

Only being called a 'mean old thing' six times today instead of the usual ten.

Being told 'I am sorry' for hitting and screaming and crying after thirty minutes of maniacal hitting and screaming and crying.

Hot coffee, strawberry pancakes and crock pot stew.

An hour with my sewing machine.

A few hours spent laughing with my family.

A deep bathtub filled to the edge with hot water and scented bubbles.

Having finally de-Christmas-fied my house, although my mantel looks oh so sad.

The small flock of chickadees that hung out by my kitchen window during my cup of coffee.

Lighting a fire in the fireplace - it was pathetic but it cheered me up.

My brown velour blanket - it is the Calgon version of a blanket, ahhhh.

Snow Queen

2011-01-11T20:12:00.005-05:00

At 5:30 this morning there wasn't a snowflake in the sky and the schools were already on a two hour delay. By 7:10 this morning school was cancelled - snow had started to fall. A snowbound day - no errands, no preschool, minimal sanity.

Addie and I built dozens of block towers. We hunkered down in the basement and played game upon game of Uno Moo (she dominated) and back to back to back games of Hi Ho! Cheery-o (I dominated, she accused me of being mean). A carpet picnic of grilled cheese and pickles with Chamomile hot tea was shared. Laundry was folded, bathrooms were scrubbed and quiet time was taken.

At 4:30 I went outside to snow blow the two-ish inches of snow that fell off our driveway.

Yes, I said snow blow and two inches of snow in the same sentence. Dear lord, I think I am becoming a Cincinnatian.

While I spent all of nine minutes clearing the snow, Addie went to town frolicking - making snow angels, sampling the freshly fallen flakes and throwing snowballs. Once I was done I joined her - we made, per her request, a snow queen.

Instead of a magic hat she has sparkly crown. We didn't give her a scarf, but she does have a purse. No corncob pipe for this snow madame - instead she has a wand.

Around here we're all about the high class snow people... in relatively little snow.

Out of the Mouth of My Babe 4

2011-01-10T16:35:00.007-05:00

Snippets

Today in the car:
Mama. When we get rid of our old cat I wanta get a new one and I'm going to name it Tom.

Playing alone in her room:
I am the princess and the queen. I am also the teacher and a mommy and I'm a doctor. I'm going to teach you and you listen or no treats.

Earlier today:
Mommy? How old you? (33) Oh. How old is Daddy? (34). Oh. You guys are way older than I can be.

Yesterday:
Hey! I gotta super great idea. We go to lunch and then to the store. After that I take quiet time and you take quiet time and Daddy takes quiet time and then we have a big family hug. Yeah, that's a super great idea.

Fighting nap time:
I'm tiiiiiiiired! I'm tired and I don't wanta talk. I want a book and you rock me and no talk. NO Talk! (two minutes later) Mama, I wanta talk to you.

3.5 and 34

2011-01-06T09:39:00.005-05:00

Today Addie is three and half.

Three and a half!

I have been told that today she will become wonderful again. My friends who have survived being the mothers of three-year-olds have assured me that at three and a half pixie dust falls from the sky and the hellion that I have been spending my days with returns to the sweet angel that used to smother me snuggles and kisses.

Kisses and snuggles are the opposite of what I am smothered with these days - glowers and huffs and pouty faces.

I am told No three thousand times a day. I am told I am mean. And old and "not very nice". I have been kicked and scratched and have had to subdued a temper tantrum daily.

Once in a while I get an extra tight hug. Daily I am told "I love you Mommy" - but that's usually after a stomping fit.

Last night I was told that dinner was yucky and that I am "not a good cook".

This morning I was I was repeatedly told that I am "not being nice" and need to stop being "so mean". She was unhappy about the bows I picked out for her hair. She was unhappy that I asked her to put on her shoes. She was unhappy that I didn't allow her to grab her English Muffin out of the very hot toaster. She was angry that I made her brush her teeth and that I wouldn't let her have a Twinkie for breakfast.

We were late getting out to our preschool car pool because she was too busy petting the cat instead of putting on her shoes.

And then I slammed her finger in the car door.

Awesome. I am a mean old Mom.

So ten hours into three and half things aren't looking so good - but I have to be hopeful, right?

As for the 34?

Today is my fabulous husband's 34th birthday. He does not stomp his feet or pout or glower or huff at me (99 percent of the time). He has never called me mean or old (because, let's be honest, he's significantly older than me) or told me that my dinner is yucky. He has not scratched me in the face and he still likes to hug and kiss me.

He occasionally forgets to act his age and is often quite silly, but he is always kind. He is always loving and he is always supportive. He puts up with my ramblings and my frustration and my ridiculousness.

My 34 year old husband is an amazing father to my three and half year old daughter. He is firm and gentle and consistent. He attacks her with tickles and kisses her boo-boos and reminds her to use her fork. He is patient and insightful. He fills our home with warmth and laughter and good cooking.

Most importantly? That 34 year-old husband of mine reminds me that "this too shall pass" when dealing with my moody three-and-a-half-year-old.

Happy Birthday to you, husband. I don't know what I would do with out you.

And Happy Half Birthday to you, daughter. I can't wait for that pixie dust to fall from the sky.

Merry and Bright

2010-12-24T18:27:00.005-05:00

Happy Holidays from our corner of the world.

Thankful early on a Friday

2010-12-24T00:02:00.004-05:00

This week I am thankful for:

The arrival of my mother. She got to Cincinnati safe and sound and on time. She was slightly exhausted but overjoyed to be with her girls.

Having tried a new pork tenderloin recipe in the crock pot and succeeded. Even the husband said it was good - that's a helluva compliment.

Seeing my old lady cat act like a silly kitten while chasing a fuzzy red ball.

Not running out of tape while wrapping the gazillion gifts that will be shoved under our tree.

Vacuumed floors, clean bathrooms and almost done laundry.

Surviving a trip to the Cincinnati Zoo's "Festival of Lights" two days before Christmas with a toddler and Gramma Kathy in tow.

A tiny loaf of homemade bread dropped off by a fabulous neighbor.

Watching Addie cast a spell on Gramma - who suddenly is now being called Grammy. That makes me smile because that's what I called my Dad's mom when I was little.

Five newly covered throw pillows on the couch - I do love that sewing machine.

Seeing several toddlers, in addition to mine, at The Party Source as we stocked up on holiday libations.

The fact that I have about a week to prepare for the onslaught of NYE visitors....I will rest and be ready to rumble when my playmates arrive.

Most importantly, for my wonderful, entertaining family. That fabulous husband of mine. That precocious daughter of mine. Family who are here with me during the Christmas chaos, those who are far away, those who will be here Christmas Day, and those who will be here in a few weeks. This time of year always reminds me how very lucky I am for the family I have - both in my backyard and throughout the country.

Thankful Thursday

2010-12-16T23:16:00.009-05:00

It's not quite midnight, so I can still squeeze in some thankfulness this Thursday.

This Thursday I am thankful for:

An unexpected night out at Playhouse in the Park to see Second City does Cincinnati: Pride and Porkopolis. It was chilly, and I stole my friend's husband's ticket, but the show was funny. Funny and child free.

Sugarcookies with crushed peppermint candy canes. Okay, they are NOT low carb, but they are delish and minty and sugary. Yum.

A neighbor who snowblowed my walks and driveway at the beginning of the week and lent me his snowblower for today's more impressive snow.

Returning Cinderella II and Cinderella III to Blockbuster. I could not take one more viewing of either movie.

Addie's recovery. Surgery was a bigger deal than I had thought and recovery has been more painful than I anticipated - but she's been a trouper and I've gotten more cuddles than ever.

Zima tomatoes - so sweet. So delicious. So orange. What a great new discovery.

The return of Maggie the Elf - she makes our mornings exciting and Addie knows she is being watched. And on occassion that knowledge make a difference.

Having another adorable picture of Addie and her very much still alive furry friend to add to the collection.

Christmas lights shining through snow - it makes me feel ready for season, even though I am not at all.

Getting my Christmas cards addressed, stamped and sent - one less holiday chore to complete.

Having slept through the night last night. Through the night, people! That hasn't happened since LAST Wednesday. Holla!

Trying a new hairdresser and loving the results. She trimmed Addie's hair nicely and gave mine some style. You know it must be a good hair cut when it gets two compliments from my always loving, but not all observant husband.

Getting Christmas cards in the mail - I love seeing all faces of friends and friends' children. It makes trudging out to the mailbox in the cold worth it.

Having a sister-in-law who heard the desperation in my voice and gave me a few hours to Christmas shop with out my mini-me in tow.

Finding this picture of Addie and her Aunt Kimmie on my camera two days after I was given the chance to escape and shop.

2010-12-15T17:45:00.005-05:00

It's been a bit exhausting around here with all the middle-of-the-night ouchies and tears. With the extra pair of feet in our bed and the endless watching of animated movies. And the cold, the freaking cold, is ridiculous.

I am sure that I have funny anecdotes to share, but my brain is too fried to think of any right now.

So instead I will say this: A few weeks ago Addie said to Andy and I that we "never get to see Uncle Brian anymore". That made us sad - and I pretty sure it made Uncle Brian even more sad. Just to prove her wrong, Uncle Brian came over last week to watch the Bengals game and the weekend before he trekked through the snow to help us find the perfect Christmas tree.

Seeing them play in the snow brought a smile to my face then and again today as I was organizing photos on the computer (while trying to block out the insipid sounds of Max & Ruby).

Tonsillectomy

2010-12-14T09:31:00.004-05:00

Last week I didn't write about the fact that Addie was having her tonsils and adenoids removed because, well, I wasn't convinced that she was. She was supposed to have surgery the first week in December, but of course had a lovely case of walking pneumonia. The pneumonia went away, but her phlegmy, gross cough hung around. I, foolishly, thought that her cough would prevent her from having her surgery.

I was wrong. Her pediatrician gave us the green light early in the week and the hospital staff seemed relatively unfazed by her hack.

An hour after arriving at Children's Hospital she was heading to the operating room, riding her "princess wagon" and waving to the surgeons and nurses as though she were royalty and they were her commoners.
She had no problem letting the nurses take her temperature, blood pressure and various other vital signs. She was excited to be wearing the hospital gown and no-slip socks and was looking forward to bubblegum flavored "sleepy air" and a wheel chair ride out to the car.

Andy and I went with her as she got put under - she was very busy telling the nurses and doctors about her favorite princesses and her trip to Disney World when her eyes went real wide and then she was out - somehow I managed not cry, although my entire chest was tight and breathing seemed a difficult task.

We headed out to the waiting room, with it's watered down coffee and anxious parents, and prepared for a long, tense hour. Luckily for us, twenty minutes later we were sitting with the surgeon being told everything was okay.

It took Addie about an hour to come out of recovery - at first awakening very unhappy, but then being enticed to sit up with the promise of a Sprite and a Popsicle. Less than four hours after walking into the hospital, we were driving away, minus one set of tonsils and one set of adenoids.

And since Thursday she and I have more or less been cooped up together - playing games, watching movies, doing crafts. Thankfully Andy took Thursday and Friday off to entertain us. She has logged a gazillion hours of cuddle time with both Andy and I, and I am pretty sure neither of us really need to see another animated movie again. It doesn't help that since coming home from the hospital she hasn't slept through the night and has come into our room crying because of the soreness in her throat.

Her favorite things to eat have been Popsicles, sherbert and macaroni and cheese. She is currently in her room pouting because I insisted she eat apple sauce and peaches. She got mad, stomped her feet and said "I only want sherbert!". Andy and I are pretty sure that the 10 days of recovery time are going to undo three years of solid parenting.

She isn't allowed to go back to 'normal' activities until Monday - no school, no craft class, no exercise class. It would be a massive understatement to say that both she and I are going a tad stir crazy.

I didn't realize how much pain she'd be in and didn't take seriously that recovery would be 7 to 10 days...but we're on day five and the bottle of Tylenol is almost gone and there are still plenty of tears and ouchies and general grouchiness (I think we both are feeling a bit grouchy) to go around.