So far summer has been relaxed (not necessarily relaxing). The kids are getting along really well; this is mostly due to Abby being an awesome big sister and putting up with a little rug rat following her around. The slower pace is a good change for us after this past school year. Last night Abby told me that I'm nicer when I'm out of school. She's right, I'm sure. We've been together--all 4 of us-- a whole lot, which makes us all happy.
Noah's new antics: *pulling everything out of kitchen drawers (cabinets have been baby proofed at last)
*saying "Abba" "mama" and "da"
*dancing
*pushing his tractor around the house
*nodding yes and giving kisses
*handing us tiny pieces of junk from the floor--leaves, wood chips, thread. You know, the things we track in RIGHT after I vacuum. :)
*freaking out over animals. He LOVES to see squirrels, chickens, and cats. This kid needs a pet just as soon as we move!
*playing pat-a-cake with Abby
That's it for now. I'm getting ready for a ballet class I've just signed up for with my friend Bronwyn. We're both returning after years of not dancing, and boy are we feeling the burn.
June 24, 2008
June 16, 2008
Fine, upstanding citizens
What a day! This morning, Noah stood on his own! Matthew was holding his hands, let go, and there was Noah in the middle of the living room on his own two feet! What a cool milestone.
Later today, after I learned that I passed the oral exam (thank goodness they tell you right away), my dissertation co-chair said: "Congratulations: you and your son stood on your own for the first time today." What a thought. It was a big day for this little family.
Later today, after I learned that I passed the oral exam (thank goodness they tell you right away), my dissertation co-chair said: "Congratulations: you and your son stood on your own for the first time today." What a thought. It was a big day for this little family.
June 13, 2008
June 11, 2008
oh my! it's almost test-time (for mommy)!
I have 5 more days before I take my orals. I'm supposed to be studying right now, but I thought I'd quickly upload a bunch of new pix before settling in to the books again. Quick break for my tired brain. I'm feeling pretty good about things--I mean, there isn't much I can do in 5 days but freewrite, read a bit, and try to think about the written comments I got from my dissertation committee after the written qual exams. I'm scared, but I'm trying to keep thing in perspective and trust that the adrenaline and focus will kick in when I'm in the room with my (brilliant, expert, engaging, and supportive) committee. I look forward to the discussion; I just need to get past the nerves.
After the 16th, I think I will be taking a couple of weeks to recover. We plan to do LOTS of hanging out, coloring, walking, swimming, BBQing. Who knows what! All I know is that I plan to indulge in the non-academicness of just-post quals...
This intense experience has taught me a lot about what I want most in life and what my calling is at the moment. I'm still trying to figure out how it balances out, but I know that I do not have the same desires as Matthew does to do this type of work all day, every week day. Maybe I'll feel differently when the kiddos are older, but it's too much for now. More like 2-3 days per week seems better to me, with a lot more time built in for family. I am miserable when school takes me away from home for too long, and I need to pay attention to that! As soon as the test is over, I'm going to change the schedule up a bit--a luxury of being "ABD" (all but dissertation) and of having a very supportive hubby! : I'll have 3 days per week when I focus hard on my teaching and research; when I leave my office, I will leave the work there. I need to not wear more than one (or two or three) hats all at once. This promises to yield more productive and intentional parenting as well as researching/writing.
OK. Back to work!
After the 16th, I think I will be taking a couple of weeks to recover. We plan to do LOTS of hanging out, coloring, walking, swimming, BBQing. Who knows what! All I know is that I plan to indulge in the non-academicness of just-post quals...
This intense experience has taught me a lot about what I want most in life and what my calling is at the moment. I'm still trying to figure out how it balances out, but I know that I do not have the same desires as Matthew does to do this type of work all day, every week day. Maybe I'll feel differently when the kiddos are older, but it's too much for now. More like 2-3 days per week seems better to me, with a lot more time built in for family. I am miserable when school takes me away from home for too long, and I need to pay attention to that! As soon as the test is over, I'm going to change the schedule up a bit--a luxury of being "ABD" (all but dissertation) and of having a very supportive hubby! : I'll have 3 days per week when I focus hard on my teaching and research; when I leave my office, I will leave the work there. I need to not wear more than one (or two or three) hats all at once. This promises to yield more productive and intentional parenting as well as researching/writing.
OK. Back to work!
first dance class!
Abby is taking Jazz dance class. Soon she will get to take Ballet as well. Then Fairy Camp, DisneyMania (a singing group). These are all 1-2.5 hour classes (1-2 times per week) through the Davis Arts Center. They will help keep summer interesting for Abby, who has a TON of energy. I can see Abby loving the jazz dance classes...
June 3, 2008
Graduation Day!
Abby graduates from Kindergarten today!! We're super proud of her for being such a sweet kiddo and for working very hard in school this year. She is READY for summer time. I'm so glad that this graduation is into first grade and not out of twelfth!
Great job, Abby. We are so so happy for you :)
Great job, Abby. We are so so happy for you :)
June 1, 2008
Some good news
Matthew's Aunt is doing somewhat better. Her lungs are clearing and she was taken out of the rotating bed. She is, however, still sedated and intubated. Please continue to pray for her recovery.
Life and death matters certainly put other things into perspective, but it is worth mentioning that I did pass my written exam. I'll take the oral exam on June 16th. Other than that, I just have to write the dissertation.
Life and death matters certainly put other things into perspective, but it is worth mentioning that I did pass my written exam. I'll take the oral exam on June 16th. Other than that, I just have to write the dissertation.
May 29, 2008
Pray for Matthew's Aunt Teensie
Dear Readers,
Matthew's Aunt is in the hospital with a very severe case of pneumonia, which will not respond to the medications the doctors have tried so far. At the moment, they are giving her a 50% chance of surviving. Please pray for her recovery, and pray for her children who are by her side.
Thank you so much. I'll write when I have more news.
Gen
Matthew's Aunt is in the hospital with a very severe case of pneumonia, which will not respond to the medications the doctors have tried so far. At the moment, they are giving her a 50% chance of surviving. Please pray for her recovery, and pray for her children who are by her side.
Thank you so much. I'll write when I have more news.
Gen
May 25, 2008
sleepy head
It is Sunday morning. 8:11. We're letting Matthew sleep in for a bit, but we're about to clobber him with snuggles. We've been "sleep training" Noah, which means we've been letting him soothe himself back to sleep at night. The result is that M and I are not getting very good sleep. But I can't nurse him 1-3 times a night anymore; I'm far too exhausted for that, and the kiddo can go through the night without eating. The rest of us do. Usually. So last night it was the 2-3 a.m. hour that we were up listening to Noah moan himself back to sleep. It worked, eventually. Hopefully tonight will be better.
May 21, 2008
Written Exam
I took the 4-hour written portion of my Qualifying Exams today. I've written enough for one day, so this will be brief.
I'll know if I passed in a week or two; then I will take the oral exam on June 16th (if I passed). I answered two questions--the first I feel pretty good about. The second answer was choppier, less coherent, but hopefully passable! My brain decided to just poop out after hour 3. I really felt like I was fighting to understand my own writing and my own thoughts, let alone a large and challenging question. Thinking deeply is tiring for my poor brain! I'm not sure at this moment if I am cut out for this kind of work. If I don't pass, I'm gonna throw in the towel. I'll concentrate on quilting and gardening and eating bon bons with my kids.
Mostly, I want to cry, be hugged and comforted, and sleep.
Thank you to the people whom I know were praying: Mom, Mel, Bron, Matty
and to those who were praying and I didn't know it...
and to Kate for watching Noah Bean while I took the test
and to Matty for living with me through the stress.
Nap time.
I'll know if I passed in a week or two; then I will take the oral exam on June 16th (if I passed). I answered two questions--the first I feel pretty good about. The second answer was choppier, less coherent, but hopefully passable! My brain decided to just poop out after hour 3. I really felt like I was fighting to understand my own writing and my own thoughts, let alone a large and challenging question. Thinking deeply is tiring for my poor brain! I'm not sure at this moment if I am cut out for this kind of work. If I don't pass, I'm gonna throw in the towel. I'll concentrate on quilting and gardening and eating bon bons with my kids.
Mostly, I want to cry, be hugged and comforted, and sleep.
Thank you to the people whom I know were praying: Mom, Mel, Bron, Matty
and to those who were praying and I didn't know it...
and to Kate for watching Noah Bean while I took the test
and to Matty for living with me through the stress.
Nap time.
May 15, 2008
Spelling Bee (or, How do you spell "hurt"?)
Abby did a great job in the final Spelling Bee today. Kids came from all over--Yosemite, San Jose, Roseville... She took it hard when she was eliminated. In an almost too-sad twist, the word she misspelled was "hurt," which she spelled with an e. It did hurt to see her cry and to know how disappointed she felt. She wanted a trophy and the approbation of her teacher, her friends, and her parents for WINNING, not just for participating. That's understandable, but it is also a great opportunity for all of us to show her how completely her worth is NOT in her performance. She is a lovely person, a tenderhearted and generous girl, and a bright kid too. It may be the better outcome in the long run for her personal development, but it still "hurts." I was so thankful that her teacher, Mrs. P, gathered her in her arms when Abby arrived at school. Mrs. P put Abby's certificate up on the board, told her that the whole class would get popsicles to celebrate Abby's achievement, and that Abby could share about the experience during circle time. This cheered her up. When we pick her up from school, we will take her to dinner--Abby's choice (which will almost certainly be Thai food)--and celebrate her. Competition is hard. This is the first time I've experienced it from the parental side of things, and it's harder than I thought to watch your kiddo "perform." I was so nervous for her, but I had to just keep giving thumbs up and smiles. It's good Matthew was there to hold her while the remaining kids duked it out on some hard words (like ditch and monkey); he has a way of calmly lending strength and comfort in times of disappointment.
Good job, Abby. You're our champion.
Good job, Abby. You're our champion.
May 11, 2008
Notice Anything Different about Abigail?
She picked a great day to lose her first tooth! This little tooth has been wiggly for days, and today Abby really had it moving. It took Daddy's bravery to pull it out (Abby was tired of it hurting when she bit into things and she wanted it OUT!). So, we're all happy for her...she is really growing up! Our sweet, toothless wonder. What an excellent Mother's day present :) It made my day, especially after most of it was spent with everyone moping around as we heal from 2 weeks of the flu.
Abbs is excited to tell everyone at school about it tomorrow. Her brother will probably notice it tomorrow too. What a milestone!
Abbs is excited to tell everyone at school about it tomorrow. Her brother will probably notice it tomorrow too. What a milestone!
May 3, 2008
train. t-r-a-i-n. train.
Abby won her class spelling bee! Her winning word, spelled correctly, was train. This means Abby is a finalist in the all Merryhill school spelling bee in Sacramento 2 weeks from now. We're so proud of her, and we're assuring her that even if she strikes out on the first word she gets, she is still our champion and we're still going to celebrate her. After all, she has already accomplished so much! So three cheers for our precious Abby!
April 30, 2008
Margaritas and Mother's Day
Before bed tonight, Abby, Matty and I were all sitting in the livingroom, talking together. Then Abby busts this out:
A: Momma, there are not gonna be margaritas at the Mother's Day Tea. There's just gonna be water, and lemonade, and other stuff that kids and grown-ups can drink.
G:Who said there wouldn't be margaritas?
A: Mrs. P.
G: Why did she say that?
A: Because I said: "Mrs. P, are there gonna be margaritas? Because my mom loves margaritas!"
Matthew and I are laughing are heads off at this point.
G: Did Mrs. P laugh?
A: No, she just said we would have water, and tea, and iced tea and things that kids and grown-ups could drink.
Then Matty chimes in: "G, the lush."
Apparently, Abby asked this in front of the whole class. Maybe we will be the subject of the next PTA meeting...dun dun dun..."Parents who drink!" I wonder what her teacher thinks of me, but mostly I just think my kid is the awesomest. She makes me want to squeeze her tightly and kiss, kiss, kiss her face. What a riot!
A: Momma, there are not gonna be margaritas at the Mother's Day Tea. There's just gonna be water, and lemonade, and other stuff that kids and grown-ups can drink.
G:Who said there wouldn't be margaritas?
A: Mrs. P.
G: Why did she say that?
A: Because I said: "Mrs. P, are there gonna be margaritas? Because my mom loves margaritas!"
Matthew and I are laughing are heads off at this point.
G: Did Mrs. P laugh?
A: No, she just said we would have water, and tea, and iced tea and things that kids and grown-ups could drink.
Then Matty chimes in: "G, the lush."
Apparently, Abby asked this in front of the whole class. Maybe we will be the subject of the next PTA meeting...dun dun dun..."Parents who drink!" I wonder what her teacher thinks of me, but mostly I just think my kid is the awesomest. She makes me want to squeeze her tightly and kiss, kiss, kiss her face. What a riot!
April 26, 2008
picnic day fun
We had fun at picnic day this year. Abby talked me in to having my face painted like hers at the orphaned kitten exhibit. We didn't leave with a cat. Noah is plenty of work--we don't need any more creatures in the house! Abby rode her bike all over campus. She giggled and scampered, slid down a big hill of manmade snow (with daddy), and talked to her brother about animals.
On another note, between now and mid-June, I'll be studying hard and preparing to take my Qualifying exams (written and oral "defense" of my dissertation prospectus). Matthew will be finishing a draft of his job-talk paper (the last of his dissertation). Because of this, I think my blogging energy will be very low. I'll do my best to check in again soon, but don't expect too much! Abby finishes Kindergarden on June 5th, after which she will be home until first grade starts up! We're excited about our new Nanny, Kate; she takes care of Noah 3 hours per day, 3-4 days a week. This seemed the best way to get study hours in without putting little Bean in daycare. He's not ready yet. He is still such a little guy and takes great naps at home and such. We love Kate! She is as sweet as can be and super-qualified! She graduates with her BA in Human Development this June, followed by her MA in early childhood ed. She is getting married in July and will be Noah's nanny through June. Noah seems pleased as punch to have a new (energetic and loving) friend!
That's it for now. I'll check back in later.
On another note, between now and mid-June, I'll be studying hard and preparing to take my Qualifying exams (written and oral "defense" of my dissertation prospectus). Matthew will be finishing a draft of his job-talk paper (the last of his dissertation). Because of this, I think my blogging energy will be very low. I'll do my best to check in again soon, but don't expect too much! Abby finishes Kindergarden on June 5th, after which she will be home until first grade starts up! We're excited about our new Nanny, Kate; she takes care of Noah 3 hours per day, 3-4 days a week. This seemed the best way to get study hours in without putting little Bean in daycare. He's not ready yet. He is still such a little guy and takes great naps at home and such. We love Kate! She is as sweet as can be and super-qualified! She graduates with her BA in Human Development this June, followed by her MA in early childhood ed. She is getting married in July and will be Noah's nanny through June. Noah seems pleased as punch to have a new (energetic and loving) friend!
That's it for now. I'll check back in later.
TWO WHEELS!
Abby learned how to ride a bike without training wheels! She has gone from wobbly and tentative to confident (bordering on reckless) in just a week. She has yet to take a really hard fall, so she still has little fear. She rides all over the place!
Matty has done a great job teaching her and giving her lots of encouragement. It is so fun to see her ride!
Matty has done a great job teaching her and giving her lots of encouragement. It is so fun to see her ride!
April 11, 2008
Today I am ONE!
Today is Noah's first birthday! We celebrated by having some delicious frozen yogurt. Cupcakes will come later when daddy gets home from his trip. Noah's Mia (G's mom) is spending a few days with us--giving G a hand with the gang.
It is hard to believe that a year has passed, but Noah perfectly completes our family. He brings us all so much joy--more than we thought possible.
It is hard to believe that a year has passed, but Noah perfectly completes our family. He brings us all so much joy--more than we thought possible.
April 5, 2008
dressing-room confessions
We went to the mall today: this is something we very very rarely do. We go once a year around Christmas time, but not in April!?! Anyway, we found ourselves (all 4 Pearsons) at Express (a clothing store for men and women) and I tried a few things on just for yucks. If I'm going to the trouble to try things on, I figure I ought to try things I normally wouldn't wear: such as a cute little black dress. You know, just to see how I look in it! Well, I tried it on in front of Abby, and we had the following conversation:
G: Hmm, this is cute but I'd never have anyplace to wear it!
A: Yeah, you'd have to get a divorce!
G: (After truly belly laughing and feeling thankful I hadn't just taken a sip of anything, lest I spray it all over the place) Where did you hear that word?
A: On Mrs. Doubtfire (a movie). If the dress were white, it could be like a wedding dress a little bit.
At first I thought she meant what I was thinking she meant: Yeah, daddy isn't going to take mommy anywhere that she needs to wear that dress. And, really, neither of us are into fussy dates--we like coffee dates, movies out, dinner together (alone), and an occasional destination date where we actually have something we want to see or experience together, like wine tasting or a bike race (or a Vols game). But these dates are rare; we're too busy for that level of planning. Maybe Abby was thinking that the dress would make a cute wedding dress, but that I wouldn't need one of those unless I remarried (which would, logically, require a divorce). So, I was shocked in the funniest way that she would even think about the concept. Man, my kid is a crack up.
G: Hmm, this is cute but I'd never have anyplace to wear it!
A: Yeah, you'd have to get a divorce!
G: (After truly belly laughing and feeling thankful I hadn't just taken a sip of anything, lest I spray it all over the place) Where did you hear that word?
A: On Mrs. Doubtfire (a movie). If the dress were white, it could be like a wedding dress a little bit.
At first I thought she meant what I was thinking she meant: Yeah, daddy isn't going to take mommy anywhere that she needs to wear that dress. And, really, neither of us are into fussy dates--we like coffee dates, movies out, dinner together (alone), and an occasional destination date where we actually have something we want to see or experience together, like wine tasting or a bike race (or a Vols game). But these dates are rare; we're too busy for that level of planning. Maybe Abby was thinking that the dress would make a cute wedding dress, but that I wouldn't need one of those unless I remarried (which would, logically, require a divorce). So, I was shocked in the funniest way that she would even think about the concept. Man, my kid is a crack up.
potty water drinker all the day
I just caught Noah Bean standing in front of the potty: holding the rim with one hand, fishing around in the water with the other.
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