Just like I said! This pic was on Melanie's camera. I think Noah will win Project Runway someday (in, say, 20 years or so). Wouldn't that be cool?
March 29, 2008
March 28, 2008
Bananas
EXTREME PARENTING AND QUILTING... That was the theme of Spring Break this year. Melanie and I had our hands seriously full with the kids and with the CRAZY goal we met of sewing two (queen size) quilt tops that we've been planning for months. We did most of the cutting, ironing, and sewing during afternoon naps and at night when we had peace, quiet, and wine. Here we are holding up our funky quilt tops (we will add borders, but these are the centers). We finished in enough time to take a hand full of pictures before running out the door to get the kids and me to the airport! We were a little bananas to even try to combine quilting with mommying our crew, but it makes the endeavor more memorable, that's for sure! There were high fives and shouts of joy when we were done, and the process included lots of talking, reminiscing, thinking about the future, getting stabbed by quilting pins. All in all it was therapeutic and the kids survived without anyone swallowing any of the several dropped pins! PHEW.
Next vacation will be kid-less and somewhere tropical.
Next vacation will be kid-less and somewhere tropical.
Spring Break
Noah, Abby and I went to St. Louis over the break. We're home now, and catching up on our sleep, after an ACTIVE and fun trip. All four kiddos did well: Abby (6), Lillian (5), Grayson (almost 3), and Noah (almost 1) had a great time playing, digging for worms, riding bikes, dancing, eating (and eating and eating), singing, and playing a ton. We went to the zoo and the highlight was hanging out with the hippo! Abby and Lillian adopted hippo webkins for Easter, so it was cool to see the real deal at the zoo.
March 2, 2008
just like the Bard...
Abby took one look at Noah and his friend, Tegwyn, and said: "Look! They're oppositting!"
I LOVE this phrase. How succinct and appropriate. She's a word girl, for sure.
I LOVE this phrase. How succinct and appropriate. She's a word girl, for sure.
impromptu fanciness
We were a little bored in the late afternoon yesterday, so we quickly whipped up a skirt for Abby out of some pink dress lining material and elastic (Abby worked the sewing machine pedal and helped pin a straight line). Then we coordinated our pinks, threw on some tulle and some bling, and pranced to dinner at Bron and Jeremy's. I love seeing Abby's royal affectations--the snobby-nosed looks at herself in the mirror (when she's a queen) and the dainty ballet moves (when she's a princess). It would seem that aging and marriage turn a lovely princess into some other thing entirely! Thank you, Disney, for carrying on this legacy (grrrr). Most fascinating is the way Noah always has a part to play: he's a prince, a king, a servant, a pet, a monster... What will happen when he has more of an opinion about this?
his favorite things
Noah loves the bikes! Come to think of it, he seems like a perfect copy of Matthew in his likes: road bikes, computers, cell phones, tools. But then he also likes things I like: fabric, shoes, photos, and paper. Perhaps more interesting are the things he doesn't like: loud noises, having his nose wiped, having clothes put over his head, walking away from the bikes in the hall.
February 29, 2008
Gonzo
Our little comedian loves to entertain us. I shot this clip yesterday; we think Noah looks like the muppet "Gonzo" in this one!
February 27, 2008
I've been trying to write my dissertation prospectus, so spending free moments crafting words for a blog has seemed anything but enticing. Noah is napping, Matthew is making coffee, and I'm waiting for my sudafed to kick in and relieve me of this awful head congestion I've developed since yesterday . Being sick is no good. No good at all.
Anyway, the kids have been doing cute things and I've been trying to remember them...
Matthew told me this one just a minute ago. It requires some background: Abby has been learning about Chinese New Year and about the animals associated with different calendar years.
As she registered her first "webkin" (a stuffed animal with a website password to the webkinz virtual world on line), she entered in her info. with Matthew watching over her shoulder.
In the Name field: ABBY
In the birthdate fields: Month: JANUARY Day: 16 Year: RAT
No joke. She thought they wanted to know the current year, which she apparently knows is the year of the rat.
Now for a Noah moment: The sweet little dude has been giving us real kisses--sometimes without any prompting. He leans in to our mouths and gently rests his (open) mouth on ours for a second, sometimes two. I got two kisses in a row the other day. He gave Matthew a goodnight kiss last night. He seems to know the word "kiss." I wouldn't be surprised; he gets squeals of delight, smiles, hugs, and praises when he kisses us. It is probably my favorite thing he does. Noah is finally, officially, saying mama (or mum mum). He can also point at what he wants to see-- usually he is pointing at the bikes hanging from our hall ceiling. He likes to stick his fingers in the "cassette" (the intricate circular gear apparatus). He visits the bikes about 20 times a day. He's a grease monkey in the making, much to his daddy's delight.
Another Abby moment: We were watching something on TV-- American Idol, which she loves. A commercial came on for shampoo and Abby piped up:
A: Momma, I really want that stuff for my hair. I want my hair to be silky smooth.
G: Abby, your hair is gorgeous. It is already smooth.
A: But it isn't *silky* smooth. (she said passionately)
Here's a question I wasn't anticipating (it was inspired by a rowdy boy in her class):
"Momma, Adrien says girls are hot. Not like warm hot; another kind. What does hot mean?"
I didn't give her the low down--she's only six, for goodness' sake!
There are more cute moments, but that's all I can recall at the moment. I think we have the most awesome kids; seriously, I never expected them to be so cool, so funny, so genuine, and so loving. We have an embarrassment of riches in this home!
Anyway, the kids have been doing cute things and I've been trying to remember them...
Matthew told me this one just a minute ago. It requires some background: Abby has been learning about Chinese New Year and about the animals associated with different calendar years.
As she registered her first "webkin" (a stuffed animal with a website password to the webkinz virtual world on line), she entered in her info. with Matthew watching over her shoulder.
In the Name field: ABBY
In the birthdate fields: Month: JANUARY Day: 16 Year: RAT
No joke. She thought they wanted to know the current year, which she apparently knows is the year of the rat.
Now for a Noah moment: The sweet little dude has been giving us real kisses--sometimes without any prompting. He leans in to our mouths and gently rests his (open) mouth on ours for a second, sometimes two. I got two kisses in a row the other day. He gave Matthew a goodnight kiss last night. He seems to know the word "kiss." I wouldn't be surprised; he gets squeals of delight, smiles, hugs, and praises when he kisses us. It is probably my favorite thing he does. Noah is finally, officially, saying mama (or mum mum). He can also point at what he wants to see-- usually he is pointing at the bikes hanging from our hall ceiling. He likes to stick his fingers in the "cassette" (the intricate circular gear apparatus). He visits the bikes about 20 times a day. He's a grease monkey in the making, much to his daddy's delight.
Another Abby moment: We were watching something on TV-- American Idol, which she loves. A commercial came on for shampoo and Abby piped up:
A: Momma, I really want that stuff for my hair. I want my hair to be silky smooth.
G: Abby, your hair is gorgeous. It is already smooth.
A: But it isn't *silky* smooth. (she said passionately)
Here's a question I wasn't anticipating (it was inspired by a rowdy boy in her class):
"Momma, Adrien says girls are hot. Not like warm hot; another kind. What does hot mean?"
I didn't give her the low down--she's only six, for goodness' sake!
There are more cute moments, but that's all I can recall at the moment. I think we have the most awesome kids; seriously, I never expected them to be so cool, so funny, so genuine, and so loving. We have an embarrassment of riches in this home!
February 17, 2008
mini-me
She's actually a cuter version of me, but here is Abby this Sunday morning sporting momma clothes and jewelry. We added the rest of the props to finish the look.
February 16, 2008
hand-made (by machine)
So I tried my hand at making a garment for the first time. Even more than before, I now appreciate the Project Runway designers (and the thousands of clothing industry workers) who make clothing. This little dress is cute, but I learned a lot about the pitfalls of working with fusible interfacing (note the lumpy look to the collar) and of just using a pattern without extensive fittings on the model (note the slightly baggy arm holes). I might fit the arm holes and make some fabric flowers for the collar, which would help the overall look to be more polished.
It was fun to try, but I like quilting better. Quilts lay flat and are made of lots of straight lines! Plus, I enjoy shopping with Abby in the stores. She loves to model big, flouncy dresses! Abby's great-grandmother, Nancy, makes her nightgowns on occasion--she has worn her first one to nearly-threadbare condition, which makes it all the more cozy and special. I now realize how much time is spent crafting the nightgowns with their gathers and lace, bows and cuffs. Good night! That's a lot of work. I went with a non-sleeve option hoping to avoid some trouble, but I guess clothes are just quirky things to make by hand. Hats off to Meemo and to the others of you out there who do this stuff well. Really. Oh yes, I have to mention that without Matthew explaining the ridiculously baffling instructions, I never would have made this dress. I am not gifted at thinking spatially; M provided lots of technical support in the making of this dress!
It was fun to try, but I like quilting better. Quilts lay flat and are made of lots of straight lines! Plus, I enjoy shopping with Abby in the stores. She loves to model big, flouncy dresses! Abby's great-grandmother, Nancy, makes her nightgowns on occasion--she has worn her first one to nearly-threadbare condition, which makes it all the more cozy and special. I now realize how much time is spent crafting the nightgowns with their gathers and lace, bows and cuffs. Good night! That's a lot of work. I went with a non-sleeve option hoping to avoid some trouble, but I guess clothes are just quirky things to make by hand. Hats off to Meemo and to the others of you out there who do this stuff well. Really. Oh yes, I have to mention that without Matthew explaining the ridiculously baffling instructions, I never would have made this dress. I am not gifted at thinking spatially; M provided lots of technical support in the making of this dress!
February 10, 2008
Abby made me do it
When you have a big sister, you are subject to being conscripted into her games. Even if that means being a rainbow-winged fairy with a gossamer white tutu.
Noah doesn't mind the attention; in fact, he quite likes to have new textures and colors to chew on. It is funny though--he looks so cute and so like he would gently flutter over to you and give you butterfly kisses; but if you see him in action, he's tearing ribbons off the wand, biting the wings and grunting on his way to his toy box to find the next chew toy. Good thing Abby has a creative imagination!
Noah doesn't mind the attention; in fact, he quite likes to have new textures and colors to chew on. It is funny though--he looks so cute and so like he would gently flutter over to you and give you butterfly kisses; but if you see him in action, he's tearing ribbons off the wand, biting the wings and grunting on his way to his toy box to find the next chew toy. Good thing Abby has a creative imagination!
February 4, 2008
pantomime
Always something new... I love Abby's flair; the headband-turned-mask is my favorite touch. I'm struck by what an individual Abby is; not just because she has her own ideas about things, but because of how she makes her mark on her world in ways I don't even know about (until later, if I ever do find out). I notice this in everyday ways, such as when a woman in a magazine ad is transformed (via sharpie) into a pirate--complete with blacked out teeth and Johnny Depp-style dreds; or when I climb in to bed to discover several books tucked in to the covers and under my pillow; or when I clean up a pile of papers and find she has written: "I love mommy and daddy" or (another recent find) "I have a wiggly tooth. Good luck!". Abby is so present, and I love that I experience her even when she's not in the room. It can be annoying when she makes a mess, but I think it is actually a tangible reminder of how blessed we are to have her in our lives.
noggin
Noah had his 9-month check up today. I'm still giggling at his stats.
His "Gestational Age adjusted" (i.e. if he had been born on time) numbers are:
Weight: 10th % (He weighed in at 17.9 lb)
Height: 30th %
HEAD: 75th % !!!!!!!!!!!!
Doc says Noah is growing perfectly. I think he's the product of two people who think too much. If you see him naked, you do notice that he's got quite a noggin on him, but he seems to hold it up perfectly well, so I guess he's fine.
His "Gestational Age adjusted" (i.e. if he had been born on time) numbers are:
Weight: 10th % (He weighed in at 17.9 lb)
Height: 30th %
HEAD: 75th % !!!!!!!!!!!!
Doc says Noah is growing perfectly. I think he's the product of two people who think too much. If you see him naked, you do notice that he's got quite a noggin on him, but he seems to hold it up perfectly well, so I guess he's fine.
February 2, 2008
My Renaissance Man
Matthew made this 18"X8" glass platter this week! I was so impressed when he brought it home :). It's the product of his recent glass-fusing class. I think if the PhD in Economics doesn't pan out, we will just build a big art studio and live off our original art pieces. I'd buy Matthew's art! Wouldn't you?
January 28, 2008
Off the cuff answers...
A friend of mine asked her 5-year old some great questions recently, and I was inspired to do the same of my 6-year old. These are un-edited, honest answers from Abby:
What's your favorite thing to do?
A: Draw pictures.
What is your favorite place to go?
A: Um, toy shop.
What is your favorite ice cream?
A: Swirl. (This refers to a frozen yogurt made with live, active cultures, and no additives. Tastes like frozen Kefir, if you've had that. Very yogurtish compared to the "frozen yogurt" you might think of, which is more like soft serve ice cream with tons of corn syrup. Blech. Abby gets a belly ache from that stuff.)
Favorite thing at school?
A: To play in the blue stuff (tires and cut-up tires).
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: Dolphin trainer.
What will you name your first kid?
A: Um, I don't know. Um, what is it, Bekatris? Beatrice. Beatrice, that's what I think.
Whom do you want to marry?
A: I don't know. (giggle) How should I know that? I don't know anybody yet.
G: what about Miles or Grayson?
A: They're not a grown up! Why can't I marry Noah?
G: Because he's you brother, and you're not allowed to marry your brother.
A: Allowed? Is that the law?
G: I think maybe it is the law.
Where will you live when you grow up?
A: I don't know.
G: Where do you WANT to live when you grow up?
A: St. Louis.
What is your favorite song?
A: Down by the bay.
What is your favorite thing to watch?
A: The Chipmunk Adventure.
What is your favorite food?
A: Cous cous.
What is your favorite treat?
A: (giggle) My favorite treat is to stay up late.
Who is your best friend?
A: Noah
What is your favorite drink?
A: Cold Water.
Favorite Book?
A: Dr. Seuss.
Favorite Game?
A; Sunken treasure adventure.
G: What is that?
A: It's a game where there is an octopus on a board, and whoever gets the most words, wins.
What is your favorite word?
A: More.
What 's your favorite animal?
A; dolphins. Why are you asking me so much?
G: Because I think you're interesting.
A: I want to do more.
How would you describe daddy?
A: Um, he likes to have naps. His name starts with an M. He's my dad. He is a doctor, that doctor thing where you're a teach-doctor. He doesn't smile very much, he doesn't laugh when I show him something funny, he just smiles. He loves me. And I love him. My favorite thing to do with daddy is go shopping with him. He lets me pick something out and he lets me choose whatever I want.
G: Does he let you eat when you're at the store?
A: YES!
G: Do you think daddy is handsome?
A: Yes.
G: Does he look like any cartoon character?
A: Dave from Alvin and the Chipmunks. Doesn't he?
Note from G: For the record, Matthew does smile, though not as much as I do, and not as much as Noah does, perhaps. Abby is a VERY sensitive face-reader. She notices even the tiniest glimmer of emotion in a face. She often asks me: "Momma, are you tired? Because when you smile, your eyes go down." Or she will notice the curve of your lip, the movement of an eyebrow...She will probably work for the CIA one day, reading faces.
How would you describe mommy?
A: Um, I like how you let me choose what movie I want. She has green eyes. Uh, I like her. She listens to me very well.
G: What's your favorite thing to do with me?
A: Not go to school. Play.
G: Does mommy look like any cartoon character?
A: Ratatouille Girl. (Colette)
How would you describe Noah?
A: He's little. He's my brother. He likes to chew on my stuff and he smiles at me. He doesn't like going to bed. His name is Noah, and he's my brother.
G: Does Noah look like any cartoon character?
A: yoda. No, Simba when he is little. Maybe piglet.
Are you happy?
A: yes.
G: What makes you happy? What do you like about your life?
A: 'Cause I don't have to do that much homework like you, and it's easy. I'm happy because I have a little brother. And I'm happy that he "Oh's" at me. And I'm happy that he says "G" and "mama."
What do you wish for?
A; That um, I could do anything I want, whenever I want. And I want every movie in the world.
What's your favorite kind of flower?
A: Tulip.
What's your favorite thing to do?
A: Draw pictures.
What is your favorite place to go?
A: Um, toy shop.
What is your favorite ice cream?
A: Swirl. (This refers to a frozen yogurt made with live, active cultures, and no additives. Tastes like frozen Kefir, if you've had that. Very yogurtish compared to the "frozen yogurt" you might think of, which is more like soft serve ice cream with tons of corn syrup. Blech. Abby gets a belly ache from that stuff.)
Favorite thing at school?
A: To play in the blue stuff (tires and cut-up tires).
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: Dolphin trainer.
What will you name your first kid?
A: Um, I don't know. Um, what is it, Bekatris? Beatrice. Beatrice, that's what I think.
Whom do you want to marry?
A: I don't know. (giggle) How should I know that? I don't know anybody yet.
G: what about Miles or Grayson?
A: They're not a grown up! Why can't I marry Noah?
G: Because he's you brother, and you're not allowed to marry your brother.
A: Allowed? Is that the law?
G: I think maybe it is the law.
Where will you live when you grow up?
A: I don't know.
G: Where do you WANT to live when you grow up?
A: St. Louis.
What is your favorite song?
A: Down by the bay.
What is your favorite thing to watch?
A: The Chipmunk Adventure.
What is your favorite food?
A: Cous cous.
What is your favorite treat?
A: (giggle) My favorite treat is to stay up late.
Who is your best friend?
A: Noah
What is your favorite drink?
A: Cold Water.
Favorite Book?
A: Dr. Seuss.
Favorite Game?
A; Sunken treasure adventure.
G: What is that?
A: It's a game where there is an octopus on a board, and whoever gets the most words, wins.
What is your favorite word?
A: More.
What 's your favorite animal?
A; dolphins. Why are you asking me so much?
G: Because I think you're interesting.
A: I want to do more.
How would you describe daddy?
A: Um, he likes to have naps. His name starts with an M. He's my dad. He is a doctor, that doctor thing where you're a teach-doctor. He doesn't smile very much, he doesn't laugh when I show him something funny, he just smiles. He loves me. And I love him. My favorite thing to do with daddy is go shopping with him. He lets me pick something out and he lets me choose whatever I want.
G: Does he let you eat when you're at the store?
A: YES!
G: Do you think daddy is handsome?
A: Yes.
G: Does he look like any cartoon character?
A: Dave from Alvin and the Chipmunks. Doesn't he?
Note from G: For the record, Matthew does smile, though not as much as I do, and not as much as Noah does, perhaps. Abby is a VERY sensitive face-reader. She notices even the tiniest glimmer of emotion in a face. She often asks me: "Momma, are you tired? Because when you smile, your eyes go down." Or she will notice the curve of your lip, the movement of an eyebrow...She will probably work for the CIA one day, reading faces.
How would you describe mommy?
A: Um, I like how you let me choose what movie I want. She has green eyes. Uh, I like her. She listens to me very well.
G: What's your favorite thing to do with me?
A: Not go to school. Play.
G: Does mommy look like any cartoon character?
A: Ratatouille Girl. (Colette)
How would you describe Noah?
A: He's little. He's my brother. He likes to chew on my stuff and he smiles at me. He doesn't like going to bed. His name is Noah, and he's my brother.
G: Does Noah look like any cartoon character?
A: yoda. No, Simba when he is little. Maybe piglet.
Are you happy?
A: yes.
G: What makes you happy? What do you like about your life?
A: 'Cause I don't have to do that much homework like you, and it's easy. I'm happy because I have a little brother. And I'm happy that he "Oh's" at me. And I'm happy that he says "G" and "mama."
What do you wish for?
A; That um, I could do anything I want, whenever I want. And I want every movie in the world.
What's your favorite kind of flower?
A: Tulip.
little chef
Now that he can crawl, Noah is focusing his attention once again on vocalizing. He was quiet for a long time as he practiced pulling up, crawling, and a few moves somewhere in-between those two. Lately he likes to make funny crinkle sounds by blowing air through his teeth and smiling. He doesn't raspberry with his lips together very often, but every once in a while he surprises himself. Squeals, grunts, and attempts at baby-talk phrases are common. He favors the guh sound and the muh sound.
Noah lights up with grins when Abby comes home. His legs start pumping and his arms wave around with anticipation of her attention. Sometimes his excitement vents through small bites to my shoulder, but we're working on curbing that. When Abby is within reach, Noah likes to pat her: pat, pat, pat, pat, pat. After nearly every nap, we find him standing up and yammering for attention. When we walk up to the crib, the arms go up, as if to say "pick me up!" He is irresistibly cute, and is lots of fun at this stage. If you're a Noah fan, you really should come visit us before he grows out of the pre-toddler cuteness. You don't have all that much time!
Noah lights up with grins when Abby comes home. His legs start pumping and his arms wave around with anticipation of her attention. Sometimes his excitement vents through small bites to my shoulder, but we're working on curbing that. When Abby is within reach, Noah likes to pat her: pat, pat, pat, pat, pat. After nearly every nap, we find him standing up and yammering for attention. When we walk up to the crib, the arms go up, as if to say "pick me up!" He is irresistibly cute, and is lots of fun at this stage. If you're a Noah fan, you really should come visit us before he grows out of the pre-toddler cuteness. You don't have all that much time!
January 20, 2008
Happy Birthday, beautiful Abby!
Abby's 6th birthday party was a blast! The Paris-themed party, with Ratatouille flare, was attended by six kids plus Abby and Noah. The kiddos got to go to town on tons of cupcakes: sprinkles, color spray for an air-brush effect, sparkle powder, sparkle gel--you name it, we had it. Click on the pictures to see a couple of Abby's original creations; they are really terrific. The parents got to sit in the living room and drink coffee while the kids giggled and talked. Wow, six is easier than two or three! Noah watched the whole scene from his bouncy seat.
The two-tiered cake was a family affair: Matthew made the cake (vanilla/chocolate swirl) and the AMAZING (from scratch) vanilla custard torte filling. Abby helped with the baking and the design choices, and she had a hand in icing the cake too! She had a specific green in mind and wanted light blue centers for the white flowers. Noah and Abby were in charge of taste testing. We were going to have green and white balloons, but Abby simply didn't want balloons...she was adamant.
It was quite an event. We're more proud of our girl than we can say. She is darling and truly a sweet girl.
Next up: Noah's first birthday (in April).
The two-tiered cake was a family affair: Matthew made the cake (vanilla/chocolate swirl) and the AMAZING (from scratch) vanilla custard torte filling. Abby helped with the baking and the design choices, and she had a hand in icing the cake too! She had a specific green in mind and wanted light blue centers for the white flowers. Noah and Abby were in charge of taste testing. We were going to have green and white balloons, but Abby simply didn't want balloons...she was adamant.
It was quite an event. We're more proud of our girl than we can say. She is darling and truly a sweet girl.
Next up: Noah's first birthday (in April).
January 19, 2008
January 14, 2008
Peekie the Peacock
For their 100th day of kindergarten, the kiddos got to use 100 somethings to make a picture (100 macaroni pieces, buttons, seeds, cotton balls, etc.). Abby chose 100 pieces of fabric--she is a girl after my own heart!!!!!!
With help from mom and dad only on crafting the body, Abby designed this gorgeous peacock and placed every feather, every pompom, every string, with such flare! We all love "Peekie" the Peacock and will enjoy having him around for a long time.
With help from mom and dad only on crafting the body, Abby designed this gorgeous peacock and placed every feather, every pompom, every string, with such flare! We all love "Peekie" the Peacock and will enjoy having him around for a long time.
January 11, 2008
Student of the Month!
Abby was honored as the student of the month this morning at an all-school assembly! Her teacher praised her for her mix of intelligence and humility (a really lovely combination of attributes). Abby seemed very excited to see Matthew, Noah, and me as she filed in to the assembly room; we don't know if that tipped her off as to her award, but she kept looking back at us with bright eyes and a huge grin. We're so proud of our precious girl; she is a delight to know and to love. I cannot think of anything in the world that could teach us more about what love is and how deeply we are loved by God than having Abby and Noah in our lives.
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