Here is Abby this morning, all ready for her first day of Kindergarten. She chose her uniform last night, laid it out on her chair. This morning she wanted a braid and a bow (robin's egg blue ribbon, please), and little blue dot earrings. Oh, and we touched up her pink nail polish too... Shopping for school supplies was as fun as I remember it being. Abby brought her list and checked off the items as they went into our cart. Actually, she checked each of them about four times (multiplying that wonderful sense of completion and acquisition in a bright pink crayola marker). The "pink" eraser was a little on the reddish side for her taste, but she agreed it would do the trick. Watching her choose between glue sticks (the two pack or the three pack, hmmm.) was great. She opted for sensible yellow Ticonderoga No.2 pencils; the fancy pencils will make their way to school after she scopes out the kind of pencils other people bring. She likes fitting in, not sticking out, it would seem. She made other sensible choices, passing the candy aisle with comments about how candy isn't good for our bodies and how we can have treats from time to time but that we don't need candy (this just before we ate coldstone creamery ice cream). She mentioned to Noah that he didn't need to buy anything because he is too little for school. Noah looked at her with sleepy eyes and nodded off, giving us some space to finish our shopping. Abby chose the blue box of Kleenex, not the pink (I wonder how much of her affinity for blue is a desire to be like momma). But when it came to her new nail polish, only the pinkest of pinks would do. Watching her run to the car with her braid and blue ribbon bouncing, her eyes sparkling, and her anticipation rising, I grinned and felt a sweet sense of joy. Our little girl is really growing up. As Matty pulled away, I ducked back into the house to make my latte and post this picture. I am so thankful for Abby. What a gift she is.
August 15, 2007
blast off!
To infinity and beyond! Abby spontaneously made a space suit out of newspaper yesterday. She was making a scrapbook page from a Montana paper with her grandmother, Mia's, picture in it, and after cutting the picture out, she decided not to let the rest of the paper go to waste. I don't know how much tape was used in this endeavor, but it was a hoot hearing her crinkle around the house in this astronaut gear, complete with face mask. I think the meteor shower and shuttle news of late, along with an outer space episode of Reading Rainbow, have led to this sudden interest in things celestial. I personally like the blast off sounds she makes: pshhhhhhhhhhhhh...
August 3, 2007
found 'em!
I found my long-lost keys! They've been gone for at least a month, probably two or three. I think I lost them before Noah was born! They were in the front office of our apartment building, in someone's drawer. Thank goodness!
Oh yeah, and Noah is still sleeping in his crib (it's been almost an hour)! This morning we've found the keys, painted Abby's nails, begun a diaorama (a small cardboard box for Abby's Ratatouille Rat party), had a latte, started cleaning up G's desk, made the bed, blogged twice, and put the dishes into the dishwasher! And all of this while wearing a bra and DAYtime clothes! Well, Abby is in her jammies still, but that's ok.
Seriously, once you have an infant, you realize how much you can do in a short period of time if they'll just take a quick nap in the crib!
Oh yeah, and Noah is still sleeping in his crib (it's been almost an hour)! This morning we've found the keys, painted Abby's nails, begun a diaorama (a small cardboard box for Abby's Ratatouille Rat party), had a latte, started cleaning up G's desk, made the bed, blogged twice, and put the dishes into the dishwasher! And all of this while wearing a bra and DAYtime clothes! Well, Abby is in her jammies still, but that's ok.
Seriously, once you have an infant, you realize how much you can do in a short period of time if they'll just take a quick nap in the crib!
waaaaaah
Noah has begun napping in his crib. This went swimmingly well yesterday and the day before, with Noah nodding off for every nap with less than a minute's worth of protest each time. This morning he is trying a different tactic: cry HARD, sound really MAD...Why today? Well, probably because Matthew is gone for the whole day working on the car in a friend's garage and Abby is home for the last weekday before the start of Kindergarten.
I guess I'll be less "productive" today than I thought. Sometimes I feel sorry for myself as much as I feel sorry for Noah. I have to remember how quickly these days go by and how much of an opportunity I have to love and care for this little one. When I look out at the next two years, I think: We're entering the long stretch of babyhood in which we all try to understand one another's needs (and try to meet them the best we can). It seems like a long time, but I know that it is gone in the blink of an eye, and then they are borrowing your clothes, asking questions you can't answer without help (if at all), and needing new levels of independence and freedom which require that you trust the foundations they have and that you trust God to do what you never could: guide and protect their steps. Sigh.
Life is such a mixed bag! Speaking of which, I've lost my keys--if anyone finds them, let me know. There are about 7 keys plus a blue and gold VW keychain. Tennessee and St. Louis folks, don't worry--they were lost before we came out there for a visit.
WAAAAAAAHHHHHH
p.s. Noah is now asleep in his crib. It took about 3 minutes in the rocking chair and he's out. Coffee time.
I guess I'll be less "productive" today than I thought. Sometimes I feel sorry for myself as much as I feel sorry for Noah. I have to remember how quickly these days go by and how much of an opportunity I have to love and care for this little one. When I look out at the next two years, I think: We're entering the long stretch of babyhood in which we all try to understand one another's needs (and try to meet them the best we can). It seems like a long time, but I know that it is gone in the blink of an eye, and then they are borrowing your clothes, asking questions you can't answer without help (if at all), and needing new levels of independence and freedom which require that you trust the foundations they have and that you trust God to do what you never could: guide and protect their steps. Sigh.
Life is such a mixed bag! Speaking of which, I've lost my keys--if anyone finds them, let me know. There are about 7 keys plus a blue and gold VW keychain. Tennessee and St. Louis folks, don't worry--they were lost before we came out there for a visit.
WAAAAAAAHHHHHH
p.s. Noah is now asleep in his crib. It took about 3 minutes in the rocking chair and he's out. Coffee time.
July 28, 2007
Noah at 3 1/2 months
Isn't he so cute?!! Matthew loves the tiny fists, Abby loves the (not so tiny) nostrils, and I love the expressive eyebrows. Noah is actually asleep in his crib for the first time as I type this. We'll see how long it lasts; he's not one to be put down for long stretches!
Maynors and Pearsons 2007
Here are our two growing families, back together again! We were hoping that by watching Lillian and Grayson, Noah would catch on to how to thumb suck, but it didn't happen. Noah refuses pacifiers and seems eager to catch and hold his thumb, but the moment he catches it, he flails his arms out, loses the thumb, and resumes his frustrated search.
We had a glorious time with friends and family on this trip. We're so thankful that all went well!
We had a glorious time with friends and family on this trip. We're so thankful that all went well!
Four Parks and a Pearson
Here is Abby with the Parks girls (Matthew's cousins on his momma's side). Abby always has a blast with the girls (young women is more like it!), and this trip was better than ever. She especially enjoyed chasing after Emma! Hannah and Leah gave her gorgeous henna tattoos and all four of the girls showered her with love and affection. We look forward to our next reunion.
Noah's baptism
Noah was baptized (or "bapditized" as Abby puts it) on July 8th, right before the Pearsons 4 set out for our visit back East. I'll post pics.
June 28, 2007
sweet smiles!
See, he really is smiling at us! Noah's smiles look so much like Abby's :) He has sparkly brown eyes, like his daddy; chipmunk cheeks, like his mommy; and he is getting Yoda ears, like his Uncle Adam. Isn't he fetching? We think he is as handsome as can be.
first quilt!
I am learning how to sew quilts! It is an involved process, to be sure. But it suits my personality. I enjoy spending time and energy on making something that someone will (hopefully) want to keep and that will communicate that I love them. Quilts are better than cards because they are also practical, but they take a LOT longer to make! They are an excellent alternative to writing one's dissertation...
I'm taking a mental break at the moment, but I plan to return to academic thinking after our trip back East. Quilting may be the quiet hobby that keeps me sane as I write and study.
I'm taking a mental break at the moment, but I plan to return to academic thinking after our trip back East. Quilting may be the quiet hobby that keeps me sane as I write and study.
folding factory
Abby folded ALL of the clothes you see here! She can be a big help, especially if "the job's a game" (as Mary Poppins puts it). Yay for helpers around the house!
June 23, 2007
Noah 6/23
He looks JUST like his sister (except for the "bull nose" round nostrils and the turning-brown eyes). Noah has just started to give us real smiles! They are so precious (and they make up for the night-time wail fests that happen from time to time).
First swim of the summer
We got a summer pass to the local pool. Noah and I lounged in the shade (he lounged, I bounced and patted) while M and A went down the big slide and played in the mushroom waterfall.
June 18, 2007
new dress
Here is one little dress that Pam helped me put together! I am learning how to sew a "french seam," so this smocked fabric was perfect to start out with. We're loving this!
The other day in a fabric store, Abby was telling me how much she would like to learn to sew. Having just watched an episode of a fashion show on television (and being a big fan of "Project Runway"--a show about fashion design), I began imagining my daughter as a top designer. Just as I was thinking "She could be the next Vera Wang!":
G: you could even design your own clothes!
A: Yeah! And I could sew clothes for the orphans and give them to them!
It was a stunning dichotomy of images, and I looked at her and teared up. What a lovely thought. Then I began thinking about how she could clothe tons of orphans by selling just one designer gown, but I didn't say that out loud. I like the way she thinks and the tenderness she has in her heart for the orphans of the world. If she spent the rest of her life sewing scraps together for kiddos without parents, I would be the proudest momma in the whole world.
The other day in a fabric store, Abby was telling me how much she would like to learn to sew. Having just watched an episode of a fashion show on television (and being a big fan of "Project Runway"--a show about fashion design), I began imagining my daughter as a top designer. Just as I was thinking "She could be the next Vera Wang!":
G: you could even design your own clothes!
A: Yeah! And I could sew clothes for the orphans and give them to them!
It was a stunning dichotomy of images, and I looked at her and teared up. What a lovely thought. Then I began thinking about how she could clothe tons of orphans by selling just one designer gown, but I didn't say that out loud. I like the way she thinks and the tenderness she has in her heart for the orphans of the world. If she spent the rest of her life sewing scraps together for kiddos without parents, I would be the proudest momma in the whole world.
June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day
Look at this pro. Matty is an awesome dad; he is so capable and so loving. I'm more in love with him the more I get to watch him parent our children! This father's day we get to celebrate having two kiddos and seven years of marriage. This year has been the best yet, without question. So, happy father's day, Matty! The same to all of the dads out there :) And Happy 7th anniversary, baby; I hope we get to celebrate at least another 60 of these before we go home. I love you.
sew much fun!
My friends Pam and Charlie gave me a sewing machine for Christmas, and Pam is giving me sewing lessons!! I'm sure the seamstresses out there think that sewing a straight stitch is not daunting, but I have always wanted to sew and have always been afraid that it was too hard for me to learn. Well, I made a tiny quilt for Abby's groovy girl dolls yesterday! Abby is a big helper (she is practicing ripping hems in this pic). She likes to put her foot on the pedal and make the machine whir. If her driving speed is anything like her sewing speed, we will make her wear a helmet and visit the track. Pam and I are going to finish a baby quilt for Noah, and I am putting the finishing touches on a couple of sun dresses that we made yesterday. This is so much FUN! I hope that I'll improve with practice.
June 14, 2007
2 months and growing
Noah had his 2 month check-up yesterday. All is well. He now weighs 10 lb. 8.5 oz., which puts him in the 15th percentile, but when age corrected (i.e. pretend he is only one month old, like he "should" be), he is at the 50th percentile! He is 22 inches long now (up from 17 3/4 inches at birth). Noah has been doing some major growing!
He did get four shots (two nurses with two shots each). He has been uncomfortable since. He has a low grade fever, keeps throwing up his medicine, has very little appetite, and is just a pitiful sight with his sad eyes. He seems to be asking: "Momma, daddy, why do I feel so yuckie? Can't you make it all better?" So sad.
M and I are pretty tired. Conan (late night TV talk show host) was making less sense to me than usual last night in my delirium. I felt like my eyes were crossing or not focusing properly this morning as I made coffee. I'd make a terrible truck driver--I need lots of sleep, and I get loopy when I go long stretches with interrupted sleeps. Matthew too--just two nights ago he walked into the kids' room and ran into the crib in his sleep! (That used to be our room, so it makes sense that he was heading that way). He also talks in his sleep and swats his arms around if he is super tired...maybe this is where Noah gets his tendency to wake himself up by bapping himself in the face with his arms!
All in all, we're fine. In a day or two, Noah will be feeling much better.
He did get four shots (two nurses with two shots each). He has been uncomfortable since. He has a low grade fever, keeps throwing up his medicine, has very little appetite, and is just a pitiful sight with his sad eyes. He seems to be asking: "Momma, daddy, why do I feel so yuckie? Can't you make it all better?" So sad.
M and I are pretty tired. Conan (late night TV talk show host) was making less sense to me than usual last night in my delirium. I felt like my eyes were crossing or not focusing properly this morning as I made coffee. I'd make a terrible truck driver--I need lots of sleep, and I get loopy when I go long stretches with interrupted sleeps. Matthew too--just two nights ago he walked into the kids' room and ran into the crib in his sleep! (That used to be our room, so it makes sense that he was heading that way). He also talks in his sleep and swats his arms around if he is super tired...maybe this is where Noah gets his tendency to wake himself up by bapping himself in the face with his arms!
All in all, we're fine. In a day or two, Noah will be feeling much better.
June 4, 2007
floor d'oeuvre, take 2
A long while back I wrote about Abby eating an old chicken nugget from the floor. Well, she has topped that. I got a call from her school this afternoon:"You might want to come pick Abby up and call her doctor; she swallowed a staple." Apparently she found a staple on the ground during her nap (I think this is a great reason to not have naps anymore), bent the arms of it a bit and "somehow" the staple jumped down her throat. I can't get the clearest idea from Abby of how this happened, but I am pretty sure that it didn't go down her wind pipe--that would be cause for alarm, but she shows no signs of irritation in her chest; no coughing, no trouble breathing, no spitting up blood, etc. Her doc said to give her cheese pizza, which would hopefully surround the staple in her tummy and make it easy to pass. I'm hoping that she learns an important lesson from this! NO MORE non-food items in the mouth unless the item is a musical instrument or a toothbrush. Watch, the kid will gag on grass and insist that grass-buzzing counts as making music.
May 29, 2007
hairapy
no milk for G...no lattes, no honey bunches of oats. My hair cut makes me feel a little better. :)
tea and sympathy
So Noah may be lactose sensitive/intolerant... we're trying to make some changes to see if this is the case. But wait!!!! This means G has to cut out lattes. NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! This morning I tried a "soy" latte, and it was "soy" gross that I only drank half of it. I'm switching to tea for a few days, only because I love Noah more than life itself (and milk lattes too).
May 27, 2007
milestones
Noah is seven weeks old and this is the first picture we've managed to get of him with mom and dad! Abby was dressed as tinker bell at the time this was taken, so we went for just the three of us. Check out the flikr link (just click on this picture) to see some new pics of the kiddos.
We have a big milestone to report for Abby: she got her ears pierced!!! She has been talking about doing this for years. She has chickened out at the store a few times, but this weekend was different and more spontaneous. She is so cute with her pink sparkle flowers... She is most excited to graduate to her turtle earrings.
As for Noah, he went to church for the first time since being in-utero. He did very well, but we were cringing at the potency of his gas. My goodness, these things were foul. Noah is a people-magnet, but beware getting too close! Is it because he eats formula sometimes? I do not remember Abby being nearly so stinky. I think I would remember. Is it a boy thing?
We have a big milestone to report for Abby: she got her ears pierced!!! She has been talking about doing this for years. She has chickened out at the store a few times, but this weekend was different and more spontaneous. She is so cute with her pink sparkle flowers... She is most excited to graduate to her turtle earrings.
As for Noah, he went to church for the first time since being in-utero. He did very well, but we were cringing at the potency of his gas. My goodness, these things were foul. Noah is a people-magnet, but beware getting too close! Is it because he eats formula sometimes? I do not remember Abby being nearly so stinky. I think I would remember. Is it a boy thing?
May 24, 2007
nap
"He's cute and he's stinky and he grunts a lot and he likes to eat." That is Matthew's report on Noah. Noah has been enjoying showers with daddy and naps outside on the patio glider. Not much more to report--he is pretty much just being a baby!
A few of her favorite things
Watching Abby decide what to bring to school for show and tell is always enlightening. Her interests are diverse, and she can be downright passionate about things that she cares about. This week she is bringing her singing, light up, glitter-tail mermaid doll and her bug collection.
One day last week I heard her rummaging through the tupperware drawer (not a typical activity for Abby). I asked her what she was doing...
A: I need a home for my rollie pollie (how does one spell that anyway?). Can I poke holes in this lid?
G: Why don't we use foil for the top?
So the rollie pollie had a home, but apparently needed exercise. They don't make leashes small enough, so bug took a ride on Abby's hand and was retrieved several times from the floor after harrowing falls. UNTIL said bug fell onto the turkish rug and blended in (or rolled under the couch?) and was lost forever. Not being a big fan of bugs in the house, I went on a search for a more suitable bug-collecting kit and found one in town the next day. The gift of a 5-compartment plastic bug kit, complete with tweezers for spookier specimens and a small magnifying glass, was a hit. It also required a bug hunting expedition, which I went on with just a little trepidation. Abby collected a very large (and dead) black bumble bee, a cricket, six small beetles and two rollie pollies. There was a valiant attempt by daddy to nab a spider, and Abby and I spied a sneaky baby praying mantis, but couldn't catch her. So, the bugs are on display today at school, along with the singing mermaid--a strange but appropriately Abby-esque combination.
One day last week I heard her rummaging through the tupperware drawer (not a typical activity for Abby). I asked her what she was doing...
A: I need a home for my rollie pollie (how does one spell that anyway?). Can I poke holes in this lid?
G: Why don't we use foil for the top?
So the rollie pollie had a home, but apparently needed exercise. They don't make leashes small enough, so bug took a ride on Abby's hand and was retrieved several times from the floor after harrowing falls. UNTIL said bug fell onto the turkish rug and blended in (or rolled under the couch?) and was lost forever. Not being a big fan of bugs in the house, I went on a search for a more suitable bug-collecting kit and found one in town the next day. The gift of a 5-compartment plastic bug kit, complete with tweezers for spookier specimens and a small magnifying glass, was a hit. It also required a bug hunting expedition, which I went on with just a little trepidation. Abby collected a very large (and dead) black bumble bee, a cricket, six small beetles and two rollie pollies. There was a valiant attempt by daddy to nab a spider, and Abby and I spied a sneaky baby praying mantis, but couldn't catch her. So, the bugs are on display today at school, along with the singing mermaid--a strange but appropriately Abby-esque combination.
tee hee
Standing in Abby's room as she and I tidy up...
A: Momma, do you know where my skirt drawer is?
G: Yes, of course I do.
A: Do you know where my shirt drawer is?
G: Yes.
A: Do you know where my other shirt drawer is?
G: Yes.
A: Why doesn't daddy know these things?
A: Momma, do you know where my skirt drawer is?
G: Yes, of course I do.
A: Do you know where my shirt drawer is?
G: Yes.
A: Do you know where my other shirt drawer is?
G: Yes.
A: Why doesn't daddy know these things?
May 18, 2007
mmm...yummy
In an attempt to have some idea of what and how much I am eating each day, I decided to write down my intake. But lunch did not turn out as expected.
Breakfast:
Honey Bunches of oats with milk
Latte
Lunch:
1 slice provolone
5 slices deli turkey
4 bites grilled salmon
1 bowl snap peas...scratch that...1/6 bowl snap peas and one gross tasting caterpillar
3 after dinner mints
I can't believe I chewed up a boiled caterpillar. It tasted like what I imagine Noah's poop might taste like. Blech. I did spit it out, but seeing the little bugger didn't help things.
Breakfast:
Honey Bunches of oats with milk
Latte
Lunch:
1 slice provolone
5 slices deli turkey
4 bites grilled salmon
1 bowl snap peas...scratch that...1/6 bowl snap peas and one gross tasting caterpillar
3 after dinner mints
I can't believe I chewed up a boiled caterpillar. It tasted like what I imagine Noah's poop might taste like. Blech. I did spit it out, but seeing the little bugger didn't help things.
May 17, 2007
happy babies
how could I not blog this pic? As irresistible as Noah is here, he sure gave us a run for our money last night. He was up from midnight until 4 a.m.! The stinker is firmly convinced that night time is the best time to be awake. Any suggestions from experienced parents? Please??
May 12, 2007
SHOUT OUT
Here's a "shout out" to all the mommas out there: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! With love from the Pearsons 4
he's advanced
Hardly a month old (and only "full term" for several days) and he's holding his own bottle. This is more indicative of the kid's voracious appetite than his coordination! Don't come between Noah and his food! He takes after mommy with her lattes.
Noah's favorite spot
Noah loves to snuggle on Matty's chest; we get our best stretch of sleep at night when Noah is either on m's chest or in his armpit. Last week at the doc's office we found out that Noah weighs 7.4 pounds now!! At this rate, he wont fit on M's chest for much longer, so we're enjoying it while it lasts. With no shirt on Matthew, this snuggle is called the "warm fuzzy."
May 7, 2007
finally full term
Noah's "due date" was May 5th. We're all glad that he arrived in April; just look at the wonder in Abby's eyes at a simple yawn! Noah still has his days and nights mixed up (though we are getting better at working that out), and he LOVES to be held and snuggled. Like Abby, Noah seems very cuddly. He is starting to realize that he can give us small cues rather than just cry like crazy, though he does that from time to time too. He is waking up a little more and unfolding a bit (stretching his legs and arms out). He has little chubs on him now--not lots, but we will take all we can get! Noah's most impressive, and sometimes alarming, ability these days has to do with gas. This kid is full of it and shameless about letting it out. WOW.
May 1, 2007
sooo big
Noah is a growing boy! His 2 week check-up had him at 5lb.11oz. and just days later we weighed him at home at 6.4 lbs.! He does seem to be filling out a bit, and he eats nearly all the time. Dr. O said we can bring him back in at 2 months! Noah has his days and nights mixed up; he went to sleep at 5 a.m. this morning (FINALLY) and was up again at 7:30. He is spending more time with his eyes open--I will catch a pic of that sometime, but he hates bright lights so I feel bad subjecting him to the flash. The newness is wearing off somewhat for big sister Abby. She still loves to kiss on him, but she's ready for more attention from mom and dad. Hopefully we will figure out a routine that finds us all clothed more often and able to take Abby out to play. Volunteers to take her on play dates are welcome; anyone?anyone? More pics to come soon...
April 20, 2007
Before I forget
A few snippets from our first days with Noah...
*Abby meets Noah: I could hear her voice coming down the "recovery" hall in the birthing center. Abby was giddy and a little nervous about meeting Noah. He was smaller than she expected, but that didn't matter to her. Abby immediately asked to hold him. She put her hands on his tiny head and brushed his downy-soft cheeks with her five-year old, pink nail-polished fingers. She looked so grown up to me all of a sudden. Her hair was a mess and her cheeks were pink from playing at school. She wore her uniform and climbed into the hospital bed with us, with her shoes on. There wasn't a hint of hesitation in her once she had Noah in her arms; she kissed him over and over and giggled at every sniff and wiggle that he made. She looked amazed when he yawned. The next day at school, Abby proudly showed off her hospital bracelet. Apparently her report to the class included two salient details: " I am a big sister, and poor daddy has to sleep on a tiny bed--his feet hang off the edge." No mention of poor mommy--I must have seemed fine to her. :)
*Abby leaves a rock on Noah's bassinet: A gift of sorts, Abby brought a rock to the hospital. (Grammar folks--the dangling modifier is purposeful; both Abby and the rock were gifts). I don't know if she got it from school or where, but she put it under Noah's hospital bassinet on a little stainless-steel shelf next to his diapers. The nurses comment on it--they guessed Noah must have a sibling who brought the rock to him. I offered to move the rock, but they said "No, leave it; it's his little talisman." Well, I suppose stones do mark great moments even in scripture. We have a bowl of rocks that we write important events on (a wedding gift to us, nearly 7 years ago now, from the Parks family). Abby's little stone gift looks different from the dark-gray rocks in the bowl, but perhaps it will be Noah's rock anyway.
* On April 12th in the morning, my mom called me in the hospital: "You're late for jury duty!" I laughed and thought, :"That's right, I'm supposed to be sitting in the courtroom about now! Oh well, let them come and get me."
*G changes Noah's diaper for the first time, gets hosed: I had heard that boys are tricky to change; they have a habit of spraying everything around them. It is TRUE. My first diaper change and the kid goes off like a (well-timed) fire-hose. Only ten days later and he has now gotten me, Matthew, our bed (a few times), the floor, the couch, himself. Want to come over for tea? I warn you, there are no safe places to sit!
*G and N's first night together alone--Matty went home to be with Abby after two nights away from her. I was lonely and afraid to be the only one there with such a tiny little baby. I think pregnancy hormones played a part in this, but I cried and blubbered on the phone to Matthew for a while; he listened patiently and lovingly and then suggested that I take advantage of the nursery and the excellent staff at the hospital so that I could get a few hours of sleep. Noah slept in the nursery for a few hours then spent the rest of the night asleep on my chest. The nurse did offer to take him back, but I wanted to keep him with me for the second half of the night. I was weary but proud of myself for keeping him. I felt brave. I felt like he and I were going to make it after all. This little boy brought me big comfort, and he and I really bonded in those hours together, alone.
*Abby meets Noah: I could hear her voice coming down the "recovery" hall in the birthing center. Abby was giddy and a little nervous about meeting Noah. He was smaller than she expected, but that didn't matter to her. Abby immediately asked to hold him. She put her hands on his tiny head and brushed his downy-soft cheeks with her five-year old, pink nail-polished fingers. She looked so grown up to me all of a sudden. Her hair was a mess and her cheeks were pink from playing at school. She wore her uniform and climbed into the hospital bed with us, with her shoes on. There wasn't a hint of hesitation in her once she had Noah in her arms; she kissed him over and over and giggled at every sniff and wiggle that he made. She looked amazed when he yawned. The next day at school, Abby proudly showed off her hospital bracelet. Apparently her report to the class included two salient details: " I am a big sister, and poor daddy has to sleep on a tiny bed--his feet hang off the edge." No mention of poor mommy--I must have seemed fine to her. :)
*Abby leaves a rock on Noah's bassinet: A gift of sorts, Abby brought a rock to the hospital. (Grammar folks--the dangling modifier is purposeful; both Abby and the rock were gifts). I don't know if she got it from school or where, but she put it under Noah's hospital bassinet on a little stainless-steel shelf next to his diapers. The nurses comment on it--they guessed Noah must have a sibling who brought the rock to him. I offered to move the rock, but they said "No, leave it; it's his little talisman." Well, I suppose stones do mark great moments even in scripture. We have a bowl of rocks that we write important events on (a wedding gift to us, nearly 7 years ago now, from the Parks family). Abby's little stone gift looks different from the dark-gray rocks in the bowl, but perhaps it will be Noah's rock anyway.
* On April 12th in the morning, my mom called me in the hospital: "You're late for jury duty!" I laughed and thought, :"That's right, I'm supposed to be sitting in the courtroom about now! Oh well, let them come and get me."
*G changes Noah's diaper for the first time, gets hosed: I had heard that boys are tricky to change; they have a habit of spraying everything around them. It is TRUE. My first diaper change and the kid goes off like a (well-timed) fire-hose. Only ten days later and he has now gotten me, Matthew, our bed (a few times), the floor, the couch, himself. Want to come over for tea? I warn you, there are no safe places to sit!
*G and N's first night together alone--Matty went home to be with Abby after two nights away from her. I was lonely and afraid to be the only one there with such a tiny little baby. I think pregnancy hormones played a part in this, but I cried and blubbered on the phone to Matthew for a while; he listened patiently and lovingly and then suggested that I take advantage of the nursery and the excellent staff at the hospital so that I could get a few hours of sleep. Noah slept in the nursery for a few hours then spent the rest of the night asleep on my chest. The nurse did offer to take him back, but I wanted to keep him with me for the second half of the night. I was weary but proud of myself for keeping him. I felt brave. I felt like he and I were going to make it after all. This little boy brought me big comfort, and he and I really bonded in those hours together, alone.
student of the month
Yesterday the whole fam took Abby to school. I made that sound way too easy; let me start over. I was up with Noah from 4:30-7:30 a.m. He was wide-eyed and hungry. Abby made her way to our room after hearing Matthew and I talking to Noah (around 5 a.m.). Matty and Abby fell asleep again and I woke them up at 7:30 so that M could get A ready for school. I requested a wake-up call at 8 a.m., but time flew and I woke up at 8:35...totally unprepared to get into the car to go to Abby's school recital. A mad dash ensued and we were all in the car by 8:54 (she was due at school by 8:55). Noah was wailing because he was starving (I was going to feed him right before leaving the house). I grabbed a bottle of formula, which kept Noah happy during the recital, but also provided the ammo for his first world-class spit up episode--all over my nicest shirt that fits and in the middle of a large group of parents watching their kids sing patriotic songs. (Formula spit-up stinks). At that moment I realized I had forgotten to pack another outfit for him, and he was covered too. All of this faded into the background when Abby's teacher got up to announce that our own little Abby was "student of the month" in her class! Watching her walk over to her teacher to receive her star necklace and words of praise was a great moment. She smiled at Matthew and me and made sheepish grins to the rest of the onlookers. I remembered being about her age and singing in school recitals with mom and dad watching, and I wondered: How did I get here? My own daughter is singing and smiling up there and my son is in my arms; my husband is 30 and I'm turning 30. What a trip!
Next Abby shared Noah for show-and-tell. She held him carefully on her lap and told her classmates the important details: "This is my baby brother. He is very soft and very cute. He likes to suck on my nose and sometimes my finger too. We have to change his diapers when he poops. I like to snuggle him and kiss him. He smiles when he dreams." Wow. Abby really does love Noah. She lights up with smiles when she gets to snuggle with him or hold him. Last night she had him in bed with her for a few minutes and she wanted him to stay for the whole night:
A: I want him to stay with me. He makes me feel not afraid.
G: But he is so tiny; how could he protect you?
A: I don't know, he just makes me feel better. I want a real person with me in my room.
G: I understand, sweetie. When he gets bigger, he will sleep in your room.
A: Mama, will Noah grow up to be a dwarf? He is so little.
G: (laughing) No. Dr. O would have told us. Noah will probably be nice and tall.
A: Will I be a dwarf?
G: No. You're going to be taller than mommy.
A: Are you a dwarf?
G: No. (Though daddy likes to make fun of my shortness!)
A: I'm tired...
And so it went. Abby slept through the night--our little "student of the month"--she is such an amazing girl. Not once has she expressed even the slightest bit of jealousy toward Noah! I now have to remind her that I exist if I want a kiss goodnight; the girl is smitten with this new brother of hers. We all are.
Next Abby shared Noah for show-and-tell. She held him carefully on her lap and told her classmates the important details: "This is my baby brother. He is very soft and very cute. He likes to suck on my nose and sometimes my finger too. We have to change his diapers when he poops. I like to snuggle him and kiss him. He smiles when he dreams." Wow. Abby really does love Noah. She lights up with smiles when she gets to snuggle with him or hold him. Last night she had him in bed with her for a few minutes and she wanted him to stay for the whole night:
A: I want him to stay with me. He makes me feel not afraid.
G: But he is so tiny; how could he protect you?
A: I don't know, he just makes me feel better. I want a real person with me in my room.
G: I understand, sweetie. When he gets bigger, he will sleep in your room.
A: Mama, will Noah grow up to be a dwarf? He is so little.
G: (laughing) No. Dr. O would have told us. Noah will probably be nice and tall.
A: Will I be a dwarf?
G: No. You're going to be taller than mommy.
A: Are you a dwarf?
G: No. (Though daddy likes to make fun of my shortness!)
A: I'm tired...
And so it went. Abby slept through the night--our little "student of the month"--she is such an amazing girl. Not once has she expressed even the slightest bit of jealousy toward Noah! I now have to remind her that I exist if I want a kiss goodnight; the girl is smitten with this new brother of hers. We all are.
April 15, 2007
April 14, 2007
We're home!
The Pearsons FOUR are home at last. This is Genna by the way; now you get my side of the Noah story! Born April 11, 2007 at 10:47, he weighed 5 pounds 5 ounces (and is a little less than 5 pounds at the moment). He is 17 3/4 inches long (his sister was born at 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 19 inches, but she was three days early, he is between 3-5 weeks early). They think he may be at about 35 weeks, or perhaps 36. Noah arrived in spectacular fashion. My blood pressure was up so I was put on bed rest. The next day I went in to the birthing center to have some labs drawn and the doc just didn't see the point in letting the baby and I remain in any danger of complications due to blood pressure, so she suggested that we induce. Abby was at school, my hospital bag was at home and partially packed, and the infant car seat was still in storage. We thought we had some time left to prepare! Delivery details: so they placed a tiny pill next to my cervix, which had me dilated to 3cm by the morning. A pitocin drip got me to 4 cm shortly after that (all of this causing only mildly uncomfortable cramping). Then Dr. Wilson (a doc from Ireland) said he would break the bag of waters to "get things moving." He also said I could have an epidural at any time so I said I'd take it right then. Well, the rest of the story is the spectacular part: In less than 40 minutes, I dilated from 4 cm to 10 AND had Noah--WITH NO PAIN MEDS. They didn't even have time to get the epidural placed (though they were rooting around in my back for the right spot for a minute or two). I told the nurse that I had a super strong urge to push. To our surprise, she felt the baby's head already crowning! I was in complete agony from about 30 seconds after Dr. Wilson broke my water until Noah was born, but he was born with one push for his head and one for the rest of him. I don't know if I had more than one contraction. Matthew said he just came flying out. The doc made it to the room just after Noah arrived. Matthew said he hopes his hearing is intact (I screamed so loud that my throat hurt the next day). I had no tearing at all, and therefore no stitches or extra worries about infection, etc. I am sore, to be sure, but I feel really good. My BP is back down. Noah is itty bitty, but very healthy. Matthew taught Noah to nurse! We needed to give him some formula to keep his weight up, so Matthew got to feed him using his pinky finger and a tiny tube. My milk has come in now and Noah is nursing well. I have more stories to share, but I am exhausted right now. Before I go though, I just have to say that Matthew is an amazing husband and dad; he is taking such great care of me and of Noah and Abby too. You're the best, Matty.
Abby is in love with her baby brother. She thinks he is the cutest baby ever, and she is very proud about being his big sister. What a joy to see them together! Forgive my fogginess, but I am taking a muscle relaxant for a very owie neck (a result of looking down to nurse and admire Noah). More soon...
Abby is in love with her baby brother. She thinks he is the cutest baby ever, and she is very proud about being his big sister. What a joy to see them together! Forgive my fogginess, but I am taking a muscle relaxant for a very owie neck (a result of looking down to nurse and admire Noah). More soon...
April 13, 2007
Video of Noah in the hospital
Hi dear readers. Matthew again. I am home with Abby tonight, but before I left I took some video of a sleepy little Noah. Thank you all for your prayers, well wishes, and college fund contributions. Love, the Pearsons.
April 12, 2007
Noah Scott Pearson, 4/11/07
Hi all, Matthew here, guest-blogging for Genna, who is still in the hospital without an internet connection. I wanted to get some photos out to everyone though. Click on the photo to see more, and I will upload more pictures and video later.
Noah Scott Pearson was born yesterday at 11am, weighing 5lbs. 5oz. He's a tiny little tyke, but he and mom are doing great. I'm especially proud of Genna--she had the baby in 40 minutes with no pain meds! The doc was trying to give her an epidural but Noah wanted out! And actually, I don't think I suffered any permanent hearing loss as a result of it, so that's good. Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, and phone calls and we'll post more updates soon!
Noah Scott Pearson was born yesterday at 11am, weighing 5lbs. 5oz. He's a tiny little tyke, but he and mom are doing great. I'm especially proud of Genna--she had the baby in 40 minutes with no pain meds! The doc was trying to give her an epidural but Noah wanted out! And actually, I don't think I suffered any permanent hearing loss as a result of it, so that's good. Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, and phone calls and we'll post more updates soon!
April 2, 2007
honest opinion
Before church yesterday, I asked Abby what she thought of my outfit.
A: It's nice. But your belly sticks out a little.
G: (laughs).
A: Do you think people will think you're having a baby or that you ate too much?
A: It's nice. But your belly sticks out a little.
G: (laughs).
A: Do you think people will think you're having a baby or that you ate too much?
lip gloss and tighty whiteys
Abby woke me up at 7:30 this morning: "Momma, I have to get to school early today."
G: "Because you want play time in the morning?"
A: "Yeah."
Matthew drove Abby to school so that she could play for a while before class started. Right before getting out of the car, Abby proceeds to put on some (clear and glittery) lip gloss! Matthew came home to tell me that Abby looked just like me-- checking her lips in the mirror as she glossed and smacked. I told him that she reported getting an approving comment about the lip gloss from 4-year old friend Max (in another class, hence the desire to get to school early so that she can play with him before they go their separate ways). I think Abby has a little crush on Max. She called him her best friend and said she likes how his face looks. Matthew walks down the hall saying "Oh no, she has a crush. What are we gonna do?"
Then I related another conversation (from this morning):
A: Momma, why are girl undies called panties?
G: I don't know; that's just a name for them.
A: What is the name for boy undies?
G: Underwear?
A: No, something else.
G: Tighty whiteys?
A: Yeah! Those are gross.
G: Why? Are your undies gross?
A: No. Boy undies are gross because they go on butts.
G: So do your undies.
A: But girls aren't gross. Even daddy's undies go on his butt.
I did not ever clarify why boy bums are gross and girl bums aren't, but I took this whole conversation as an excellent reason not to make too much of her putting on clear lip gloss before school. As long as boys are gross, we're fine. Of course, if BBQ ends up being a boy, we will have more conversations like this one, I'm sure. Most of them will likely confirm her suspicions about boys--lovable and gross.
G: "Because you want play time in the morning?"
A: "Yeah."
Matthew drove Abby to school so that she could play for a while before class started. Right before getting out of the car, Abby proceeds to put on some (clear and glittery) lip gloss! Matthew came home to tell me that Abby looked just like me-- checking her lips in the mirror as she glossed and smacked. I told him that she reported getting an approving comment about the lip gloss from 4-year old friend Max (in another class, hence the desire to get to school early so that she can play with him before they go their separate ways). I think Abby has a little crush on Max. She called him her best friend and said she likes how his face looks. Matthew walks down the hall saying "Oh no, she has a crush. What are we gonna do?"
Then I related another conversation (from this morning):
A: Momma, why are girl undies called panties?
G: I don't know; that's just a name for them.
A: What is the name for boy undies?
G: Underwear?
A: No, something else.
G: Tighty whiteys?
A: Yeah! Those are gross.
G: Why? Are your undies gross?
A: No. Boy undies are gross because they go on butts.
G: So do your undies.
A: But girls aren't gross. Even daddy's undies go on his butt.
I did not ever clarify why boy bums are gross and girl bums aren't, but I took this whole conversation as an excellent reason not to make too much of her putting on clear lip gloss before school. As long as boys are gross, we're fine. Of course, if BBQ ends up being a boy, we will have more conversations like this one, I'm sure. Most of them will likely confirm her suspicions about boys--lovable and gross.
March 30, 2007
Jury Duty
Matthew walked in the door this afternoon and said: "G, you're a winner!!" Then he handed me a summons for jury duty--set for April 12. Now, I think serving on a jury might be really interesting, and I think it is an important part of living and serving in a democratic nation. But doing jury duty while 8 1/2 months pregnant sounds awful (do they give you "potty breaks" every ten minutes? Can you shift in your chair a lot? Are naps allowed? Would it be distracting to munch on grapes or apple slices during closing arguments? If your water breaks, do you have to raise your hand and tell someone, or can you just get up and call your hubby on the cell phone?).
So I filled out the "Request for disqualification, excuse or postponement." I laughed as I decided between checking the box for "Physical or mental incapacity," which required a doctor's note for people under 70 years old, and the box that claims "You have a personal obligation (not related to your employment) to provide care to another between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. You must explain below why alternate care is not feasible."
I checked the latter. I subdued the urge to make wise-cracks about needing a plastic chair (just in case), access to an excellent anesthesiologist, and (if the kiddo arrives before said date) a qualified wet-nurse. I just wrote that I'm due May 5th and planning to breastfeed my infant. I'll let you know if they still want me.
So I filled out the "Request for disqualification, excuse or postponement." I laughed as I decided between checking the box for "Physical or mental incapacity," which required a doctor's note for people under 70 years old, and the box that claims "You have a personal obligation (not related to your employment) to provide care to another between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. You must explain below why alternate care is not feasible."
I checked the latter. I subdued the urge to make wise-cracks about needing a plastic chair (just in case), access to an excellent anesthesiologist, and (if the kiddo arrives before said date) a qualified wet-nurse. I just wrote that I'm due May 5th and planning to breastfeed my infant. I'll let you know if they still want me.
March 23, 2007
the waiting game
We're at 34 weeks now, and the waiting game begins...when will the baby arrive? We're not hoping for anything too early, mind you, but I am feeling pretty ready to not be inhabited! As my energy becomes more sapped, Abby's is growing (correlation?); she was (literally) bouncing off the walls when she walked out the door for school today! She has been falling asleep during rest time at school--something she hasn't done for months--so I wonder if she's having another growth spurt. Her feet are now longer than my hands, and she is talking about sharing my clothes (and reminding me that the doc says she will be taller than her momma).
After school yesterday, Abby said "Let's go on a mommy and Abby adventure!" I was imagining a nap, but that was obviously not what she was thinking. So I suggested we go get manicures. She's never had a "real" manicure before, I mean the kind mommy doesn't do at home. I bit my lip and let her pick ANY color she wanted, no matter how wild. She went with a sensibly bright pink-fushia color, with glitter over that and flowers on her thumbs. They actually look very glamorous. I went with a french manicure on my already sensibly short nails. Funny how when your hands look nice, you feel more put together (even in your pajamas). Then we went to an art supply shop and got stretchy bracelet-making plastic wire, tracing paper, a flower stencil, and a kit to make a dolphin mosaic. I was thinking the mosaic would take her the whole weekend. She polished it off this morning before school. It has hundreds of pieces, but she apparently has some serious ability to concentrate on one thing till she's done with it.
This has been a big week for me: I finished and handed in my last seminar paper. This means I'm totally done with classes for my PhD! I have a ton of research and writing to do yet, but it feels great to have completed the coursework. I polished off my grading for the quarter (big sigh of relief) and handed in those grades, so now I have research for a professor to do, but on my own schedule!! I'm finally thinking about packing a bag for the hospital, wrapping up some scrapbooking so that baby #2 actually feels documented, and sitting quietly asking myself what I FEEL like doing! I have not had a chance to slow down like this in over two and a half years. No prelim studying, no papers to finish, no summer research projects to do. I'd take a deep breath if kiddo weren't pushing my lungs into my throat. :) Anyway, I feel really good about this time before baby arrives, and I'm actually super excited to see this little kiddo in person!!
After school yesterday, Abby said "Let's go on a mommy and Abby adventure!" I was imagining a nap, but that was obviously not what she was thinking. So I suggested we go get manicures. She's never had a "real" manicure before, I mean the kind mommy doesn't do at home. I bit my lip and let her pick ANY color she wanted, no matter how wild. She went with a sensibly bright pink-fushia color, with glitter over that and flowers on her thumbs. They actually look very glamorous. I went with a french manicure on my already sensibly short nails. Funny how when your hands look nice, you feel more put together (even in your pajamas). Then we went to an art supply shop and got stretchy bracelet-making plastic wire, tracing paper, a flower stencil, and a kit to make a dolphin mosaic. I was thinking the mosaic would take her the whole weekend. She polished it off this morning before school. It has hundreds of pieces, but she apparently has some serious ability to concentrate on one thing till she's done with it.
This has been a big week for me: I finished and handed in my last seminar paper. This means I'm totally done with classes for my PhD! I have a ton of research and writing to do yet, but it feels great to have completed the coursework. I polished off my grading for the quarter (big sigh of relief) and handed in those grades, so now I have research for a professor to do, but on my own schedule!! I'm finally thinking about packing a bag for the hospital, wrapping up some scrapbooking so that baby #2 actually feels documented, and sitting quietly asking myself what I FEEL like doing! I have not had a chance to slow down like this in over two and a half years. No prelim studying, no papers to finish, no summer research projects to do. I'd take a deep breath if kiddo weren't pushing my lungs into my throat. :) Anyway, I feel really good about this time before baby arrives, and I'm actually super excited to see this little kiddo in person!!
March 7, 2007
Butterfly week
It has been a good week so far! Abby is learning about butterflies and is getting ready to study the life cycle of frogs. (I did spy a jar of tadpoles in her class yesterday). She is clearly learning about things she's interested in; just last night I asked her to close the back door to keep the "skeeters" out (mosquitos). She proudly said: "Momma, I know something that will make you feel much better. You don't have to worry about the boy mosquitos at all. They are not interested in biting you. Only the girl ones will bite. See, so you don't need to worry about the boy ones!" She is also coming up with all kinds of funny phrases lately. I walked out of her room for a couple of minutes, and upon my return she said, "It is so nice to have you back again." I think she's about as cute as they get! We're really enjoying our kiddo, and we're confident that the timing of bubba #2 will be a great fit for our whole family! Times like these make me realize how and why we do everything that we do in order to be a family--I'm so thankful for my Matty and Abby. Speaking of Matty-- I woke up this morning (after going to bed, exhausted, at 9:30 last night) to a sparkling clean kitchen. And over the weekend, he took some 10+ loads of laundry (our usual laundry PLUS all of the baby stuff from storage) to the Laundromat and brought them home clean and FOLDED! He and Abby have been having raucously good times playing games, and he and I have been enjoying mornings out for coffee after dropping Abbs off at school. We know these quiet times of just the two of us are about to look very different! Anyway--that's our story. Hope all is well with y'all out there.
March 2, 2007
the girl cricket
Matthew and I met eyes across the table and giggled as we watched our radiant, bubbling, wiggly little girl hum "You're a Grand Old Flag" while rocking her bent arms to the beat. This went on for quite some time; all through dinner in fact (and sometimes there were words, sometimes just humming with eyes closed, sometimes determined-to-crack-mom-and-dad-up grunts to the beat). This is the new Merryhill-attending Abby--brimming over with things to share and feeling very confident! The after school barrage of new info. and ideas included the following (in no particular order):
"Momma, I held the tiniest snail today. Snails have just one foot. Just one body part! How many do we have? The snail slithered on my arm; it was tickly and soft. I was afraid at first, but then I wasn't."
"Mr. Runion timed me on the playground. I rode the bike all around the sidewalk part of the playground."
"I was in a play today. Lots of people were there watching! I was the girl cricket! The only girl cricket!" When asked what she did as the girl cricket, she replied: "I jumped!" We later found out that she was the beautiful girl cricket that made the boy cricket sing at last (the whole point of the play)! This was for a school assembly in front of parents and everything.
Other tid bits: The Jr. Kindergardeners will go to the Sacramento Zoo at the end of this month; next week is butterfly week in Abby's classroom (she's thrilled!); Abby started a new trend in her classroom--she requested a gold, puffy paint heart in the center of the (gold puffy paint) sun on her hat, which led to ALL the girls in class asking for such a heart in their suns. Abby is super happy about this. She's bringing her own flair to the class, for sure. She had a tough time falling asleep last night (for obvious reasons, I think), but I let her snuggle next to me while I graded papers and she was out in a matter of 5 minutes! Her later bed time did not hinder her from springing out of bed at 7 a.m. and saying: "I need to get to school; we're playing a game early today." Matthew told me she won the memory game tournament handily yesterday. Finally, I should mention that when we went to pick her up at 4:30 yesterday (giving her ample time to play after school, or so we thought), she requested that we go on ahead to the grocery store and leave her at school to play some more. We get the feeling she likes her new school.
"Momma, I held the tiniest snail today. Snails have just one foot. Just one body part! How many do we have? The snail slithered on my arm; it was tickly and soft. I was afraid at first, but then I wasn't."
"Mr. Runion timed me on the playground. I rode the bike all around the sidewalk part of the playground."
"I was in a play today. Lots of people were there watching! I was the girl cricket! The only girl cricket!" When asked what she did as the girl cricket, she replied: "I jumped!" We later found out that she was the beautiful girl cricket that made the boy cricket sing at last (the whole point of the play)! This was for a school assembly in front of parents and everything.
Other tid bits: The Jr. Kindergardeners will go to the Sacramento Zoo at the end of this month; next week is butterfly week in Abby's classroom (she's thrilled!); Abby started a new trend in her classroom--she requested a gold, puffy paint heart in the center of the (gold puffy paint) sun on her hat, which led to ALL the girls in class asking for such a heart in their suns. Abby is super happy about this. She's bringing her own flair to the class, for sure. She had a tough time falling asleep last night (for obvious reasons, I think), but I let her snuggle next to me while I graded papers and she was out in a matter of 5 minutes! Her later bed time did not hinder her from springing out of bed at 7 a.m. and saying: "I need to get to school; we're playing a game early today." Matthew told me she won the memory game tournament handily yesterday. Finally, I should mention that when we went to pick her up at 4:30 yesterday (giving her ample time to play after school, or so we thought), she requested that we go on ahead to the grocery store and leave her at school to play some more. We get the feeling she likes her new school.
March 1, 2007
off to a new school
Here's Abby in her uniform! She started Jr.Kindergarten today. I'll send an update when we pick her up from school this afternoon. Last night she told us we couldn't send her to school with "Yo-baby" or blues clues yogurt anymore, because it would seem "babyish" to the other kids.
February 7, 2007
LOTS of BBQ
With 12 weeks left until our due date, this is the state of things: My belly feels smaller in the mornings and larger by the evening/night time. I'm still riding my bike to school, but I'll cut that out as soon as I feel less balanced. Hopefully that wont happen for at least another month and a half. I don't want to ride the "gimp wagon" (a service the school will provide to people who have broken a leg, sprained a toe, etc.), but I'll do it if necessary. Baby kicks a lot every day, particularly when (s)he hears Abby or Matthew yammering. We toured the Birthing Center in Davis this week. Abby was fascinated! She came home with all kinds of doctor's gear (including an umbilical cord clamp, which I'm hoping does not end up clamped on anything vital)and has been practicing on her baby dolls. This kiddo is READY to be a big sister!
I know I have been slow to blog, but between teaching a class, taking a class, researching for a prof, wife-ing, mothering, and gestating, I find myself fairly worn out most days. I think to blog often, but then I decide that the quietude of just resting is more appealing. All is well; we are enjoying the wonders of preparing to be a family of four--the talks, the laughs, the belly-watching, the role-playing...life is good.
I know I have been slow to blog, but between teaching a class, taking a class, researching for a prof, wife-ing, mothering, and gestating, I find myself fairly worn out most days. I think to blog often, but then I decide that the quietude of just resting is more appealing. All is well; we are enjoying the wonders of preparing to be a family of four--the talks, the laughs, the belly-watching, the role-playing...life is good.
our 5 year old young lady
Sweet Abby wore this dress (from her grandmother) for her 5th birthday party. I couldn't resist blogging at least one photo of her in it! An update on Abby: She is getting ready to start attending a private school! Beginning on March 1, she will go to Merryhill School. (Anyone interested in contributing to the cost of this is welcome to do so! We figure that we will be able to actually afford private school in 2 years, once we get "real" jobs). Since Abby can already read, and since she is beyond the public school Kindergarten curriculum in other areas too, we decided to look for a better fit for her. We are thrilled with the school we've found and are tightening the (figurative) belt in order to afford to have her there--this as belts become a far off memory for me with my growing belly... Anyway, we will have to post pics of Abby in her uniform (as soon as we get one for her).
looks like a teenager
Abby likes to listen to music as she falls asleep. Usually this involves me singing, but she also likes listening to CDs. We put the music on a different player now (after finding her crashed out with the headphones still on), so that she isn't sleeping with wires. But this image made us laugh. Our kiddo is really growing up!
January 17, 2007
Birthday Girl
Abby is FIVE! Here she is in front of her school door this morning. Cupcakes, giggly friends, and a day all about her...perfect. This evening she picked her favorite--Thai food--for dinner. We had a lovely feast at Thai Bistro in Davis, and after eating way too much (we had sate chicken, calamari rings, lettuce cups, and panang curry chicken), they brought Abby a birthday treat of fried bananas with ice cream. I love that she wanted to go to Thai Bistro and not Chuck E. Cheese (she's never actually been there).
January 10, 2007
who's the boss?
While playing with dolls tonight:
A: This girl is going to be the mermaid. But I'm not the boss. I'm only the third boss of the bubba (BBQ).
G: Who is the first boss of the bubba?
A: daddy.
G: And the second?
A: you.
G: What about you? How many bosses do you have?
A: one.
G: Oh? Who's your boss?
A: mommy.
G: what about daddy?
A: he's your boss.
This totally cracked me up--all of it! We haven't had conversations about "bosses" really, but I love hearing her thoughts on things we haven't directly talked about.
A: This girl is going to be the mermaid. But I'm not the boss. I'm only the third boss of the bubba (BBQ).
G: Who is the first boss of the bubba?
A: daddy.
G: And the second?
A: you.
G: What about you? How many bosses do you have?
A: one.
G: Oh? Who's your boss?
A: mommy.
G: what about daddy?
A: he's your boss.
This totally cracked me up--all of it! We haven't had conversations about "bosses" really, but I love hearing her thoughts on things we haven't directly talked about.
January 8, 2007
Wisdom, snot, leg cramps, and organization
What a wild weekend this has been. I'll try to recap it briefly: M had his wisdom teeth pulled on Friday; well, drilled out is more accurate. The dentist had to cut his gums and drill into the bone in order to remove a root tip. Besides being a VERY painful recovery--I'll get to that in a sec-- M endured this without being sedated, since our insurance doesn't cover that expense. He was numb but was totally aware of the entire procedure. He's a little traumatized by it, but he will recover. The pain on Friday night was outrageous. He only had Tylenol-3 and that didn't touch the pain. A late-night run to pharmacy and we had vicodine and valium (for muscle spasms). Those made him loopy but not much more comfortable! Saturday morning in urgent care brought some relief by way of an injection to the buttocks (Abby thinks that's funny) of toradol. Since then we've stayed ahead of the pain and he is currently organizing our hall closet.
On to snot: Abby has a cold that began last week. She is now in the stuffy/runny nose phase, which means lots of vaporizer filling and vicks vapo-rub slathering. I've unfortunately come down with the cold myself (and can't take decongestants because I'm pregnant). Then last night, just as I thought I might actually get some sleep (i.e. 20 minutes after turning off the lights), Abby wandered in with leg cramps. So I ended up giving her some tylenol and rubbing the poor kid's leg until she could finally sleep. I slept in her bed till 7:15 this morning.
We stayed home from church today-- snotty Abby, sneezy and baggy-eyed G, and chipmunk-cheeked Matty-- what a miserable crew! It hasn't been a bad day though; we're making more progress on our apartment as we settle in and prepare for BBQ, and we got to hang out together and laugh. I'm ready for a LONG winter's nap.
On to snot: Abby has a cold that began last week. She is now in the stuffy/runny nose phase, which means lots of vaporizer filling and vicks vapo-rub slathering. I've unfortunately come down with the cold myself (and can't take decongestants because I'm pregnant). Then last night, just as I thought I might actually get some sleep (i.e. 20 minutes after turning off the lights), Abby wandered in with leg cramps. So I ended up giving her some tylenol and rubbing the poor kid's leg until she could finally sleep. I slept in her bed till 7:15 this morning.
We stayed home from church today-- snotty Abby, sneezy and baggy-eyed G, and chipmunk-cheeked Matty-- what a miserable crew! It hasn't been a bad day though; we're making more progress on our apartment as we settle in and prepare for BBQ, and we got to hang out together and laugh. I'm ready for a LONG winter's nap.
December 31, 2006
Now is the time for turkey
The other day M brought home a turkey that the grocery was practically giving away after the holiday, along with all of the trimmings. We decided to cook the turkey and just save it for weeknight dinners. Also, since we wern't interested in a big presentation, we tried a new cooking method from our favorite cookbook The New Best Recipe (p. 377).
What follows is Matthew's explanation of why we'd go to the trouble of cooking a bird right after the holidays: This recipe, called "Crisp-skin butterflied high-roast turkey" is an attempt to solve the problem that plagues most roasted birds: by the time the thigh is cooked, the breast is so dry it needs to be thoroughly doused in gravy to be edible. This problem can be solved with chicken by roasting it at a high temperature for a shorter amount of time, but a turkey is too big to be thoroughly cooked using this method, unless you flatten it out by butterflying it. As you can see in the picture (sorry, we tasted it before taking the pic), a butterflied turkey is one with the backbone and ribs cut out, and then the breastbone is flattened using a rolling pin (or sledgehammer, whatever you have lying around). This way, the legs shield the thinner part of the breast when they are arranged as shown, and this 12-pound bird was only about 2-3 inches thick all the way around. (Note from G: The process of de-backboning and sledge-hammering the bird is gruesome--I'll never look at my marble rolling pin the same way again--I suggest you attempt this only if you've got brawn and a stomach to match it! Even the sound grossed me out; I went and took a nap--no joke.)
Second, the problem of the drippings causing a lot of smoke (because you're cooking the bird now at 450 degrees) is solved by putting your dressing (sans butter, because the drippings season it) in the roasting pan under the turkey, which is then placed on top of the pan on a broiler grate and brushed with butter. The roasting only takes about 90 minutes, at which time the thigh is up to 175 by the time the breast is at 165, leaving both parts fully cooked and still very moist, not to mention that crispy skin. The other secret is to brine the turkey in about 1/2 cups each of salt and sugar in a large stockpot with about a gallon of water. This step allows the turkey to absorb the seasoning throughout the meat and causes it to retain more moisture during cooking. We left ours to brine overnight in the fridge and it was just right.
Finally, we took the backbone and giblets and roasted them in a pan with some celery, onion and garlic to make a base for the gravy, because, of course, you sacrifice the turkey drippings for the stuffing, which, by the way, turns out at least as good as any in-the-bird stuffing.
So there you have it folks, delicious turkey, stuffing, and gravy in under 2 hours, with the only sacrifice being the presentation (though we think this butterflied bird looks nice). So now that all of these items are on a fire sale at the grocery, it's time to give it a try!
What follows is Matthew's explanation of why we'd go to the trouble of cooking a bird right after the holidays: This recipe, called "Crisp-skin butterflied high-roast turkey" is an attempt to solve the problem that plagues most roasted birds: by the time the thigh is cooked, the breast is so dry it needs to be thoroughly doused in gravy to be edible. This problem can be solved with chicken by roasting it at a high temperature for a shorter amount of time, but a turkey is too big to be thoroughly cooked using this method, unless you flatten it out by butterflying it. As you can see in the picture (sorry, we tasted it before taking the pic), a butterflied turkey is one with the backbone and ribs cut out, and then the breastbone is flattened using a rolling pin (or sledgehammer, whatever you have lying around). This way, the legs shield the thinner part of the breast when they are arranged as shown, and this 12-pound bird was only about 2-3 inches thick all the way around. (Note from G: The process of de-backboning and sledge-hammering the bird is gruesome--I'll never look at my marble rolling pin the same way again--I suggest you attempt this only if you've got brawn and a stomach to match it! Even the sound grossed me out; I went and took a nap--no joke.)
Second, the problem of the drippings causing a lot of smoke (because you're cooking the bird now at 450 degrees) is solved by putting your dressing (sans butter, because the drippings season it) in the roasting pan under the turkey, which is then placed on top of the pan on a broiler grate and brushed with butter. The roasting only takes about 90 minutes, at which time the thigh is up to 175 by the time the breast is at 165, leaving both parts fully cooked and still very moist, not to mention that crispy skin. The other secret is to brine the turkey in about 1/2 cups each of salt and sugar in a large stockpot with about a gallon of water. This step allows the turkey to absorb the seasoning throughout the meat and causes it to retain more moisture during cooking. We left ours to brine overnight in the fridge and it was just right.
Finally, we took the backbone and giblets and roasted them in a pan with some celery, onion and garlic to make a base for the gravy, because, of course, you sacrifice the turkey drippings for the stuffing, which, by the way, turns out at least as good as any in-the-bird stuffing.
So there you have it folks, delicious turkey, stuffing, and gravy in under 2 hours, with the only sacrifice being the presentation (though we think this butterflied bird looks nice). So now that all of these items are on a fire sale at the grocery, it's time to give it a try!
home again
We are back in Davis, safe and sound. Settling back in to our apartment has been fun; we've moved Abby and BBQ's things to our big room and Matty and I are cozy in Abby's old room. I'm sipping on decaf coffee and feeling like I'm going to fall asleep, Abby is watching a show on her new portable DVD player (great for long car or plane trips--thanks Mia!), and M is putting a turkey in the oven. It feels great to be home. No big New Year plans tonight.
I'll be posting pics of the new rooms soon, but for now here are some funnies from the past couple of weeks:
A: Momma, why did daddy have to go to Broccoli?
G: What do you mean?
A: Remember when daddy went to Broccoli?
G; I don't understand your question; broccoli is a vegetable.
A: No, he had to take the train and I was sad when he had to go.
G: Oh, BERKELEY?
A: Yeah, broccoli.
(Another city naming funny)
On our way to San Diego we were naming off cities to Abby in anticipation of arriving at our destination. Note: the city before Vista is "Oceanside."
A: Where are we now? Are we to Lotion-side yet?
(Now a sibling-naming funny from last night)
A: Why do we call the baby barbeque?
G: It's a nickname.
A: But why barbeque? I think we should call the baby "Ranch."
(Peals of laughter from M and I)...
I'll be posting pics of the new rooms soon, but for now here are some funnies from the past couple of weeks:
A: Momma, why did daddy have to go to Broccoli?
G: What do you mean?
A: Remember when daddy went to Broccoli?
G; I don't understand your question; broccoli is a vegetable.
A: No, he had to take the train and I was sad when he had to go.
G: Oh, BERKELEY?
A: Yeah, broccoli.
(Another city naming funny)
On our way to San Diego we were naming off cities to Abby in anticipation of arriving at our destination. Note: the city before Vista is "Oceanside."
A: Where are we now? Are we to Lotion-side yet?
(Now a sibling-naming funny from last night)
A: Why do we call the baby barbeque?
G: It's a nickname.
A: But why barbeque? I think we should call the baby "Ranch."
(Peals of laughter from M and I)...
December 16, 2006
December 15, 2006
BBQ and I Passed our tests!
I passed the prelim exam, and we had our 20 week ultrasound: BBQ is a real baby! We told the doc that we wanted the gender to be a surprise, so she avoided dwelling on the bottom half of the baby... This kiddo was dancing and wiggling the whole time! I'm going to try to post a digital video of BBQ's dance moves sometime soon. We saw hands and feet, mouth opening and closing, and several of BBQ's famous double-foot kick moves (I could feel them but had no idea just what the kiddo was doing; NOW I know.) M and I were so excited to see our baby. We will show Abby the tape when she gets home from school. Our due date is still May 5th.
December 8, 2006
Unofficial, but "very good"
No official announcement yet on prelim results-- the department promises to let people know by the 21st of December if they have passed or not. BUT, my study partner, Kyle, (the only other person to take the Renaissance prelim with me this year) ran in to one of our profs. who said: "This is unofficial, but ALL Renaissance prelims look VERY GOOD." Kyle and I are taking this as a wink and a "you passed" nod. Things have to be unofficial since lots of the other prelim takers are up in arms over not knowing their results yet. Kyle and I are much more relaxed and passive than our fellow test-takers, but I think that may be because we know our profs. so well and figure that they wouldn't leave us hanging over Christmas. I'll be sure to pass on the official results as soon an I get them.
December 3, 2006
"Kafka"
This entry is from Bronwyn's blog (pasted shamelessly here, with proper citation credit...). She kept Abby during our tests on Friday and brought home some giggles with this story:
Yesterday I had the privilege of spending a couple of hours with my 4-year old neighbour Abby while her Mom was taking a grueling 8 hours English literature exam. We went from pre-school to grab a bite to eat for lunch: I had salad, she had chicken strips.
As we were leaving and getting her settled into her car seat, she asked "What's Kafka?"
I thought: "Kafka? Wow - I don't know anything about Kafka except that he was a great writer. Bohemian. Haven't read any, and couldn't name anything he had written. But why is she asking about Kafka? This is amazing English literature insight from this 4 year old! Maybe she is just really 'in tune' with her Mom who's writing this exam... but why is she asking this now?
I said: "Why do you ask?"
"There," she said, pointing. "What's Kafka?"
I followed her finger to the big red and white sign saying "K-F-C", which for little girls just learning how to sound out letters says "kuh-f-kuh" :-)
Yesterday I had the privilege of spending a couple of hours with my 4-year old neighbour Abby while her Mom was taking a grueling 8 hours English literature exam. We went from pre-school to grab a bite to eat for lunch: I had salad, she had chicken strips.
As we were leaving and getting her settled into her car seat, she asked "What's Kafka?"
I thought: "Kafka? Wow - I don't know anything about Kafka except that he was a great writer. Bohemian. Haven't read any, and couldn't name anything he had written. But why is she asking about Kafka? This is amazing English literature insight from this 4 year old! Maybe she is just really 'in tune' with her Mom who's writing this exam... but why is she asking this now?
I said: "Why do you ask?"
"There," she said, pointing. "What's Kafka?"
I followed her finger to the big red and white sign saying "K-F-C", which for little girls just learning how to sound out letters says "kuh-f-kuh" :-)
Drum roll please....
Matthew has PASSED his oral exams! He never has to take another academic test again! Bedraggled and beat up, M came home after a 2.5 hour grilling by 5 econ profs. They do not pull punches, and they do not let you get through this hurdle without really working hard. After their deliberations, the first thing Matthew was told was: Congratulations, you have passed. So, he is officially a "PhD Candidate" also known as "ABD"-- All-But-Dissertation. This means he still has to work on his diss. and get it signed, but the powers that be think he's ready to proceed. I am SO PROUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (times infinity!)
I am WAITING for my results, which should be announced in about a week or two at the most. (Since my test was written, the professors need more time to grade it). I feel good about my performance on the test; I knew the material cold and did all I could to evidence that knowledge. After over 5 months of studying, eight hours to show them what I've got seemed like the blink of an eye. Later that night though, I realized that I had indeed sat for 8.5 hours, with only brief potty breaks; my whole body ached when I got in bed. I was shivering and emotional and achy all over--it took me till this morning (Sunday) to feel the real relief of having gotten through the hardest studying and examination I've ever faced.
BBQ decided to kick harder than ever at about hour 5 of the test. I was sitting cross-legged (to give my lower back a break) and had my laptop on my lap. BBQ kicked the computer over and over until I moved to a different position. The kicking was distracting, but I assured baby that I wished I could kick the computer too.
Abby was a very good girl for our dear friend Bronwyn, who generously kept her all afternoon! After my test ended at 5:15 p.m. Abbs came home with energy to spare, Matthew was laid out face down on the bed, and I stood in my messy house in a complete daze. We're getting it together now, though. Thanks to everyone who prayed for us, brought us meals, kept Abby, brought us (me) lattes, manned the phones for frantic calls, bought us (Matthew) celebratory beers, and reminded us of what is so much more important than these tests. We are truly thankful to God for providing such a network of family and friends to lean on.
I am WAITING for my results, which should be announced in about a week or two at the most. (Since my test was written, the professors need more time to grade it). I feel good about my performance on the test; I knew the material cold and did all I could to evidence that knowledge. After over 5 months of studying, eight hours to show them what I've got seemed like the blink of an eye. Later that night though, I realized that I had indeed sat for 8.5 hours, with only brief potty breaks; my whole body ached when I got in bed. I was shivering and emotional and achy all over--it took me till this morning (Sunday) to feel the real relief of having gotten through the hardest studying and examination I've ever faced.
BBQ decided to kick harder than ever at about hour 5 of the test. I was sitting cross-legged (to give my lower back a break) and had my laptop on my lap. BBQ kicked the computer over and over until I moved to a different position. The kicking was distracting, but I assured baby that I wished I could kick the computer too.
Abby was a very good girl for our dear friend Bronwyn, who generously kept her all afternoon! After my test ended at 5:15 p.m. Abbs came home with energy to spare, Matthew was laid out face down on the bed, and I stood in my messy house in a complete daze. We're getting it together now, though. Thanks to everyone who prayed for us, brought us meals, kept Abby, brought us (me) lattes, manned the phones for frantic calls, bought us (Matthew) celebratory beers, and reminded us of what is so much more important than these tests. We are truly thankful to God for providing such a network of family and friends to lean on.
November 28, 2006
kick kick
M and I have just three days until we face down our big tests. We both feel good about our preparation and we are mopping up the bits of reading, typing, and studying as we look to Friday. Abby has been in San Diego (she goes to Disneyland on Wednesday for the first time!) and we will get her back Thursday morning. We are all longing for Saturday morning--to wake up and NOT have to study will be amazing.
"Barbeque" has been kikcking me daily. We're 17.5 weeks along now, so BBQ is about 5 inches long (according to the books). We will have our big ultrasound on Dec. 15th (the half-way mark!!), but don't expect to know if BBQ is a girl or a boy; we are leaving that surprise until we see our baby in person! We fondly remember waiting outside the delivery room when our dear friends Pete and Melanie announced that there was a new baby girl in the world...well, Pete announced it; Melanie was a little busy. Anyway, that was a great moment and we look forward to our own big announcement in a little over 5 months from now. Keep us in prayer on Friday! I'll check back in after Dec. 1st!
"Barbeque" has been kikcking me daily. We're 17.5 weeks along now, so BBQ is about 5 inches long (according to the books). We will have our big ultrasound on Dec. 15th (the half-way mark!!), but don't expect to know if BBQ is a girl or a boy; we are leaving that surprise until we see our baby in person! We fondly remember waiting outside the delivery room when our dear friends Pete and Melanie announced that there was a new baby girl in the world...well, Pete announced it; Melanie was a little busy. Anyway, that was a great moment and we look forward to our own big announcement in a little over 5 months from now. Keep us in prayer on Friday! I'll check back in after Dec. 1st!
November 13, 2006
prayer for Dustin
Friends and Family,
I ask your prayer for someone I don't know. He's a father of three, a husband, and he's the campus minister at Furman University with the same ministry Matthew and I worked for when we met. Here is what was sent by email: "Last wednesday Dustin was giving his new mountain bike a test ride with his two sons in their neighborhood when he somehow fell and received a massive brain injury. He was airlifted to the hospital, underwent surgury and is now in a coma. It doesn't look like this will be lethal, but there will most likely be serious brain damage. Brain activity is measured on a scale from 3 to 15--Dustin is at about 4 right now,while you and I are at 15. He has a wife and three children. The kids don't really understand that daddy "will probably not wake up"."
I know if it were Matthew in Dustin's place, I would want the whole world praying for his recovery.
If you want to pray and keep up with his progress, see our friend Grant Beechy's blog: http://www.redeemerchurch.net/dustin/
I ask your prayer for someone I don't know. He's a father of three, a husband, and he's the campus minister at Furman University with the same ministry Matthew and I worked for when we met. Here is what was sent by email: "Last wednesday Dustin was giving his new mountain bike a test ride with his two sons in their neighborhood when he somehow fell and received a massive brain injury. He was airlifted to the hospital, underwent surgury and is now in a coma. It doesn't look like this will be lethal, but there will most likely be serious brain damage. Brain activity is measured on a scale from 3 to 15--Dustin is at about 4 right now,while you and I are at 15. He has a wife and three children. The kids don't really understand that daddy "will probably not wake up"."
I know if it were Matthew in Dustin's place, I would want the whole world praying for his recovery.
If you want to pray and keep up with his progress, see our friend Grant Beechy's blog: http://www.redeemerchurch.net/dustin/
November 10, 2006
Barbeque
Matthew told me this morning at 4:40 am that he had just dreamt that we had a baby boy and that we named him: _John Barbeque Pearson (the underscore was part of the dream). I laughted for a long time; infact, neither of us could really go back to sleep after that. Seriously, those southern roots run deep! We don't plan to find out if the baby is a boy or a girl until his or her birthday, but we will let you know how little "Barbeque" is doing as we progress.
October 28, 2006
double whammy
We've just learned that Matthew is set to take his oral exam (to defend his dissertation prospectus) on Dec. 1-- the SAME DAY as my prelim! He is also presenting his research in South Carolina (Nov 17-21). Given the new twist, we realized that we would both be pressed very hard with our studies this month, so we called for help... My sister is flying up Nov.15th to pick Abby up and fly her to San Diego for a 15-day vacation with Aunt Andi, Alec, Mia, Mimi, and the cousins... I hear that a Disneyland trip is in the works!
So, this will give M and I study time and will make the time MUCH more fun for Abby. Yay for having help from a village! This also may be the last time M and I are together by ourselves for a LONG time (with baby coming in early May...). We will try to to take study breaks once or twice to go see a movie and have a dinner out.
So, this will give M and I study time and will make the time MUCH more fun for Abby. Yay for having help from a village! This also may be the last time M and I are together by ourselves for a LONG time (with baby coming in early May...). We will try to to take study breaks once or twice to go see a movie and have a dinner out.
October 23, 2006
the sound of childhood
I never had legos as a kid, but Matthew sure did. He and Abby went to Wal Mart tonight to hunt for legos. I never knew these things were so tiny (and, yes, I'm thinking that it will be interesting keeping baby Pearson away from them). One other detail about legos that I never knew: they are LOUD. Abby and Matthew have been digging around the bin, finding just the right pieces for their house, and I'm getting a little headachy. In fact, I think I am going to hide out and take a bath. I mentioned how loud the legos were and Matthew simply replied: "This is the sound of childhood." If we have a boy this time around, or a louder girl than Abby, I'll be needing ear plugs, aromatherapy, and maybe even quarterly massages.
I may be very slow to blog until after December 1--my PhD preliminary exam is on that date, and all of my time and energy is going to studying, managing nausea and fatigue, and trying to snuggle and love my family before I fall asleep at 8:15 p.m. So PLEASE pray for me and for us. Especially pray that I'll not be anxious and that I will somehow get the rest and peace that I need in order to manage this very stressful time.
I may be very slow to blog until after December 1--my PhD preliminary exam is on that date, and all of my time and energy is going to studying, managing nausea and fatigue, and trying to snuggle and love my family before I fall asleep at 8:15 p.m. So PLEASE pray for me and for us. Especially pray that I'll not be anxious and that I will somehow get the rest and peace that I need in order to manage this very stressful time.
October 17, 2006
props to Matthew
I mentioned that M has been a champ, but this deserves special mention. This past Saturday I got a serious headache--I'm not sure what sort it was, but it was awful. Tylenol wouldn't touch it and the doc said (over the phone) that I could take Vicodine. One vicodine and two hours later I was still in just as much pain. One more vicodine and thirty minutes later and my body decided to revolt. All night long. Dear Matthew held my hair and fetched washcloths as I threw everything and then nothing up over and over. Around 4 a.m. we quit trying to sleep and decided to watch a DVD. I took some anti-nausea medication, put the hot rice pack on my neck (THANK YOU, Bronwyn and Jeremy!) and prayed for relief. We both fell asleep at 5:30 and Abbs was up Sunday morning at 7:30, so we took shifts. If one must be sick all through the night, it sure helps to have a loving hubby to just be there and be willing to forego sleep if it makes things even a little more bearable. He earned some stripes this weekend, for sure.
I'll try to remember this the next time I'm frustrated with Matthew for declaring "spider amnesty day" when I beg him to kill a spider in our house.
I'll try to remember this the next time I'm frustrated with Matthew for declaring "spider amnesty day" when I beg him to kill a spider in our house.
a "miracle"
I came home tired after teaching from 4-6 tonight. Abby was pouting and grumpy because M wouldn't let her play a game on the computer. She started complaining about her leg, her hand, and her neck hurting; oh yes, and her eye was very itchy too. She was angry about her food (she wanted mommy's chicken tetrazini after she ate her own portion) and angry at not getting her way about the computer, so she decided to milk the owie card.
WAY too tired to put up with this, I calmly told her that the best course of action for someone feeling so blue and owie is to have a bath and go straight to bed. I walked out of the room a minute to take a deep breath and give her time to consider what I had said. When I walked back into the room, she sheepishly said to me:
A: Mommy, I know something great is happening, but I don't want you to think I'm lying.
G: What is it?
A: My owies are all better. My leg doesn't hurt anymore; my hand and my neck are better too. I'm not lying.
G: How did they get better so fast?
A: I don't know; they just did. (Pause) Momma, since I am feeling better, do I still need to go bed early? I'll stop whining, I promise.
WAY too tired to put up with this, I calmly told her that the best course of action for someone feeling so blue and owie is to have a bath and go straight to bed. I walked out of the room a minute to take a deep breath and give her time to consider what I had said. When I walked back into the room, she sheepishly said to me:
A: Mommy, I know something great is happening, but I don't want you to think I'm lying.
G: What is it?
A: My owies are all better. My leg doesn't hurt anymore; my hand and my neck are better too. I'm not lying.
G: How did they get better so fast?
A: I don't know; they just did. (Pause) Momma, since I am feeling better, do I still need to go bed early? I'll stop whining, I promise.
October 13, 2006
we're still here
An update on our fam...
Matty: M is working on paper #1 of 3 papers that will comprise his dissertation. He has been the champ of champs at home during a long six weeks of G's nausea. He is a TA this quarter and is preparing for presenting his research at a conference in November.
Genna: I still feel cruddy in the evening and at night in particular, but we're officially at 11 weeks now, so hopefully after another week or so I'll be in the clear! I haven't gained any baby weight yet, but clothes are fitting differently for sure! I'm getting a little pot belly, which Abby LOVES to talk to. She thinks she can feel kicks (it is still early for that though). I'm teaching a writing class and trying to study for my prelim exam.
You can pray for encouragement for both M and I; we are tired and discouraged at times as we face mountains of work.
Abby: She is being a real trooper. Abby is especially excited about trying out the church (K-6) choir (starts Friday!). She has had the sniffles for a while but nothing major. A likes to look at ("read") books in bed at night (just like her daddy). Last night we found her asleep with sixteen large books; no doubt it took her several trips to get those into bed. She had school pictures taken the other morning. I saw something stuck on her face so I licked my pinky and tried to rub it off. She said to me: "Now rub your germs off too." Ha!
Matty: M is working on paper #1 of 3 papers that will comprise his dissertation. He has been the champ of champs at home during a long six weeks of G's nausea. He is a TA this quarter and is preparing for presenting his research at a conference in November.
Genna: I still feel cruddy in the evening and at night in particular, but we're officially at 11 weeks now, so hopefully after another week or so I'll be in the clear! I haven't gained any baby weight yet, but clothes are fitting differently for sure! I'm getting a little pot belly, which Abby LOVES to talk to. She thinks she can feel kicks (it is still early for that though). I'm teaching a writing class and trying to study for my prelim exam.
You can pray for encouragement for both M and I; we are tired and discouraged at times as we face mountains of work.
Abby: She is being a real trooper. Abby is especially excited about trying out the church (K-6) choir (starts Friday!). She has had the sniffles for a while but nothing major. A likes to look at ("read") books in bed at night (just like her daddy). Last night we found her asleep with sixteen large books; no doubt it took her several trips to get those into bed. She had school pictures taken the other morning. I saw something stuck on her face so I licked my pinky and tried to rub it off. She said to me: "Now rub your germs off too." Ha!
October 5, 2006
celebrate naked romantic fire
As I opened the fridge to get milk for my cereal, I saw that Abby's art work was being held up by four of the fridge magnets that Matthew gave me some time ago--they are part of a set of "romantic words" which presumably one can make sentences out of. Abby had made her own sentence: "celebrate naked romantic fire." Matthew thought this was hillarious.
October 4, 2006
how'd you know that?
Abby and I were watching Jeopardy yesterday. Trebeck yammers something about "this country" while the screen shows a grey continent with a large red section indicating the country. I looked at and thought, hmmmm, don't know. Abby yells out: "That's Russia! It's Russia! I know it!" Then the buzzers go off and the contestant says: "What is Russia?" Trebeck replies: "Correct."
I just looked at Abby in amazement while she grinned.
This morning Matthew was still wondering how in the world she knew that answer:
M: Abby, how did you know it was Russia?
A: Because on Elmo visits the doctor they showed pictures of continents and countries, and I knew it was Russia.
So there. Rock on, Elmo.
I just looked at Abby in amazement while she grinned.
This morning Matthew was still wondering how in the world she knew that answer:
M: Abby, how did you know it was Russia?
A: Because on Elmo visits the doctor they showed pictures of continents and countries, and I knew it was Russia.
So there. Rock on, Elmo.
October 2, 2006
slow-mo
I feel like life is moving very slowly these days--not necessarily a bad thing at all; infact, we are usually moving way too quickly. My frequent naps (seriously, I took two naps today! The first one was more of a rest, but the second one was an hour and a half sleep!) seem to make the days surreal. I get drowsy every time I eat :) I think staying in one's pj's all day does that too--or perhaps it is the solitude (and the nausea) which makes one think that the world is moving in slow- motion? I teach Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 4-6 p.m., which makes the day/evening shift really odd for me. Anyway, I think I need to bust out more comfy daytime clothes to wear so that the jammies don't seem so enticing. My tummy just doesn't want to be pressed by jeans these days!
One interesting thing from the past week--I went to a "Women of Faith" conference in Sacramento. There are lots of great things I could say about it, but one surprise was that Robyn McGraw (American TV's "Dr. Phil's" wife) spoke compellingly about women and choices in how we live. Dr. Phil was there to walk her off the stage (as she has done for him so many times). They are both Christians--something I suspected, but not something they advertise from their national platform. All in all, I was encouraged and I've been pensively trying to process much of what I heard.
One interesting thing from the past week--I went to a "Women of Faith" conference in Sacramento. There are lots of great things I could say about it, but one surprise was that Robyn McGraw (American TV's "Dr. Phil's" wife) spoke compellingly about women and choices in how we live. Dr. Phil was there to walk her off the stage (as she has done for him so many times). They are both Christians--something I suspected, but not something they advertise from their national platform. All in all, I was encouraged and I've been pensively trying to process much of what I heard.
October 1, 2006
chicken pops
Abby does NOT have chicken pox, but her friend Abbey O. does. Abbs was supposed to have a play date yesterday; it was cancelled and we had to explain to Abby about her friend. Abby burst into tears about "chicken pops" and about how people would laugh at her if she had polka dots. Abby misunderstood Matthew when he said that Jess was not bringing Abbey O. over; Abigail thought that meant Jess was only bringing the chicken pops over! She then blubbered some questions about eating chicken pops??? I don't know what she was imagining these things to be (chickien nuggests?), but she had the impression that you got them by eating some chicken something or other. A little web MD sleuth work and discussion and she's a bit more clear on the issue now.
September 26, 2006
pac mom
While M was at a conference the past three days, I tried to keep up with Abby. Last night she was especially chatty and as I walked past a mirror, I caught a glimpse of us. I was walking and she was trailing right behind me, talk, talk, talking up a storm. The scene struck me at first as very duckling-like, but then I thought it was a little more like pac man, where pac man tries to outrun the ever-speeding ghosty-things. With Matthew away, there are no cherries for this pac mom to munch (making Abby momentarily unable to capture me). I'm thankful for her cleverness, her inquisitiveness and her loving spirit, but it is official--the kid can totally outrun, outlast, and out-talk me.
September 25, 2006
Birthdays
On the eve of my 29th birthday, I thought I'd share some special news... Many times in the last weeks I've thought to blog something, but (as some of you already know) I have a great reason for not having the energy: The Pearsons Three will be The Pearsons FOUR in about seven months! We are expecting baby #2. My pregnancy with Abby was perfect--very little morning sickness, no complications, perfect birth. This time around I have been socked with nearly 24-hour nausea. Thankfully, there are now safe medications to help with this sort of thing. So if I am not as quick to blog, be patient. There will be lots to write about as the months pass. Hopefully I'll be feeling terrific in about 3 and a half weeks (week 12). The due date is May 5 (though they say any time within the month surrounding that date would be considered "on time").
Abby is absolutely thrilled to be a big sister. She talks to the baby (puts her face right on my belly and has a chat). She talks about what the baby will and will not be able to do, eat, say, have... She is very practical about things, and she seems like a little momma herself! In fact, I think she's feeling much more "motherly" than I am at the moment. Now if that would only translate into her letting me take an uninterrupted nap...
Abby is absolutely thrilled to be a big sister. She talks to the baby (puts her face right on my belly and has a chat). She talks about what the baby will and will not be able to do, eat, say, have... She is very practical about things, and she seems like a little momma herself! In fact, I think she's feeling much more "motherly" than I am at the moment. Now if that would only translate into her letting me take an uninterrupted nap...
September 18, 2006
moms don't do their hair.
Abby and Meemo are playing with Abby's dollhouse. Matthew and I overheard the following conversation...
(Meemo is the kid and Abby is the mom)
Meemo: "Mommmy, it is time to wake up."
Abby: "I'm getting up, but first I have to do my homework."
Meemo: "Homework? You mean you have to do your HAIR?"
Abby: "Why would I do my hair?"
This is so true to Abby's experience of a mom-- ponytails, no curling irons, homework instead of "homemaking." I try for a balance, but it is hilarious to hear Abby be the "mom."
(Meemo is the kid and Abby is the mom)
Meemo: "Mommmy, it is time to wake up."
Abby: "I'm getting up, but first I have to do my homework."
Meemo: "Homework? You mean you have to do your HAIR?"
Abby: "Why would I do my hair?"
This is so true to Abby's experience of a mom-- ponytails, no curling irons, homework instead of "homemaking." I try for a balance, but it is hilarious to hear Abby be the "mom."
September 12, 2006
abby and friends
Abby loves to snuggle. If mom and dad aren't available, she'll take the next best thing. Tonight she has Pooh bear, angel bear, purple pony and blue (from blue's clues). Cozy.
September 5, 2006
Back in the Saddle
My computer came home today. The best news is this: my hard drive was not wiped out!!! This means all of my prelim exam study notes are intact (3 months worth of notes for my December 1 exam). I'm very thankful. So, I'll be blogging again. Stay tuned. Hmmm, an Abby tid bit. She had a nightmare last night that her daddy put her in the pool with two sharks. She was mad at him. They made up and had a nice walk to school.
August 31, 2006
computer probs
Dear all,
My computer is being sent to Apple for repair (of some mysterious problem). I may be a bit slow with the blogging for a bit.
Be back soon.
My computer is being sent to Apple for repair (of some mysterious problem). I may be a bit slow with the blogging for a bit.
Be back soon.
August 24, 2006
Allez Allez!
This pic of Matthew was taken at mile 97 of 100. He completed his first century ride in Napa valley on Sunday! Way to go!
August 23, 2006
girl meets road
I was riding my daily-rider bike (not my road bike) on campus yesterday. A left turn over a slick man-hole cover took my bike from its upright position and laid it, and me, out on the street. My first crash. So I've got scrapes and bruises on my left knee and ankle and a couple of deeper cuts and a small puncture wound on my right ankle. Thankfully the x-rays were clear: nothinkg looks broken. To top it all off I got a Tetanus (Tdap) shot. I'm limping along and will soon be better, but I may have a little souvenier from Davis...there is a thin black line of bike grease still under the deeper parts of the cuts on my right ankle. I couldn't take any more scrubbing out by the doc; I decided to take the impromptu tattoo instead. Matty is so proud.
August 21, 2006
Abby's New do
Abby got her first "real" hair cut today. So far I've been trimming her hair (and having fun playing beauty shop), but it was time for the real deal. Abbs was terrific at the shop. She chose the style, sat very still, and even asked for a few curls at the end. What a big girl!
August 14, 2006
parties in appropriate places
I've spent a couple of days deciding whether to blog this or not, but the hilarity has won out...
Abby was drawing on her doodle board and explaining her creation to Matthew:
A: I'm drawing a fairy!
M: Oh, that's a good fairy, Abby.
A: It's a fairy. She's in momma's undies! (Peals of Laughter from Abby) Here's a cake too...there's a party in momma's undies!
OK, I walked down the hall to hear this last comment and, wide eyed, walked over to see what in the world my kid was talking about. Matthew and I stifled back our laughter and tried to redirect the festivities. In cat-in-the-hat fashion, we moved the fairy party and cake to our shoes, hats, pockets and suchlike. Anywhere but in anyone's undies. This technique worked, and I think she's starting to get the point about good places for parties.
Abby was drawing on her doodle board and explaining her creation to Matthew:
A: I'm drawing a fairy!
M: Oh, that's a good fairy, Abby.
A: It's a fairy. She's in momma's undies! (Peals of Laughter from Abby) Here's a cake too...there's a party in momma's undies!
OK, I walked down the hall to hear this last comment and, wide eyed, walked over to see what in the world my kid was talking about. Matthew and I stifled back our laughter and tried to redirect the festivities. In cat-in-the-hat fashion, we moved the fairy party and cake to our shoes, hats, pockets and suchlike. Anywhere but in anyone's undies. This technique worked, and I think she's starting to get the point about good places for parties.
August 10, 2006
Floor d'oeuvre
At about 6 p.m. last night, Abby came up to me and breathed a big huff of breath in my face...
A: What does my "breff" smell like, momma? (said with a big grin)
G: Um, garlic?
A: Nope. Chicken Nugget.
G: Oh. Did you have chicken nuggets for lunch?
A: Nope.
G: Did you have them at Abbey O's? (Abby had a play date)
A: no. I ate the chicken nugget after 4 o'clock.
G: Where did you get this nugget?
A: Off of the floor.
OH NO! I looked over to the dining room and sure enough, the nugget she had dropped the night before was GONE. After laughing for a few seconds, I had visions of a vomiting kid and tests for mysterious bacteria. I can write this now (18 hours later) with a sigh of relief--the nugget hasn't made even the slightest difference in her very good health. I don't know what in the world is in the nuggets (and I now wonder if the ingredients even include chicken), but I'm glad that she is fine and that I'll be more motivated to sweep in the future.
A: What does my "breff" smell like, momma? (said with a big grin)
G: Um, garlic?
A: Nope. Chicken Nugget.
G: Oh. Did you have chicken nuggets for lunch?
A: Nope.
G: Did you have them at Abbey O's? (Abby had a play date)
A: no. I ate the chicken nugget after 4 o'clock.
G: Where did you get this nugget?
A: Off of the floor.
OH NO! I looked over to the dining room and sure enough, the nugget she had dropped the night before was GONE. After laughing for a few seconds, I had visions of a vomiting kid and tests for mysterious bacteria. I can write this now (18 hours later) with a sigh of relief--the nugget hasn't made even the slightest difference in her very good health. I don't know what in the world is in the nuggets (and I now wonder if the ingredients even include chicken), but I'm glad that she is fine and that I'll be more motivated to sweep in the future.
August 8, 2006
Her first Dentist visit
I WISH I had brought my digital camera to capture this one, but who brings a camera to the dentist's office? Anyway, Abby had her first dental check-up at Dr. Mandelaris' office. The office is amazing in every way--the staff can make even the sheepish kiddo feel at home. They have a dedicated playroom (Abby played Pac Man for the first time!), and they have flat screen TVs secured to the ceiling above each dental chair with headphones for the kids AND sunglasses so that the dentist's light isn't too bright. The decor is great--model planes hanging from the ceiling and an open floor plan. Abby laughed, giggled, and zoned out to "Madagascar" during her teeth cleaning. When she got up from the chair, she said: "That was FUN!" This dentist is doing it right!! I was somewhat reminded of the vision for a "fun" children's hospital in the film "Patch Adams."
Abby didn't catch this, but I sure did...the doc is willing to BET that she will need braces. She did not get my chompers after all; she has daddy's jaw, but then again he hasn't ever had a cavity, so the trade off may be worth it? I guess that's partly why we keep studying and working each day: to afford braces one day.
Abby didn't catch this, but I sure did...the doc is willing to BET that she will need braces. She did not get my chompers after all; she has daddy's jaw, but then again he hasn't ever had a cavity, so the trade off may be worth it? I guess that's partly why we keep studying and working each day: to afford braces one day.
July 30, 2006
Blessed Assurance
Abby and I were singing about wishes, and I asked her what her wishes would be. She replied:
1. To fly over a rainbow.
2. To fly over the world,
3. I wish I could jump 100 million high
4. I wish I could blow a rainbow through a cloud
5. I wish that the world was different.
6. I wish to go to Europe.
7. I wish I could be a grown-up, to be a princess with a really pretty dress that was gold with jewels on it and a top with light blue.
She asked me what I wished. When I said I wished for God to protect our family, Abby replied:
A: Momma, he already does. You need to wish for things that aren't true yet.
I smiled with tears in my eyes. It is in moments like these that I feel and witness God's grace to me.
1. To fly over a rainbow.
2. To fly over the world,
3. I wish I could jump 100 million high
4. I wish I could blow a rainbow through a cloud
5. I wish that the world was different.
6. I wish to go to Europe.
7. I wish I could be a grown-up, to be a princess with a really pretty dress that was gold with jewels on it and a top with light blue.
She asked me what I wished. When I said I wished for God to protect our family, Abby replied:
A: Momma, he already does. You need to wish for things that aren't true yet.
I smiled with tears in my eyes. It is in moments like these that I feel and witness God's grace to me.
July 26, 2006
the good life
I know it might seem strange to get a hot stone massage in the midst of a heat wave, but I'm so glad I did it! I was given a gift certificate to a spa in town for said massage and thought I'd cash it in after a long week without Matthew (he was in So. California for an economics conference). Abby and I fared fine, and apparently, so did Matthew! He said to me today (speaking of his stay in a college dorm, complete with cafeteria): "I forgot how great it is to have someone cook for you and do your dishes!" I swatted his arm and we both laughed a real belly laugh. I knew what he meant--I too would like to wake up to eggs, bacon, muffins, pancakes, fresh o.j. and a latte (ones we didn't make for ourselves, that is!).
July 23, 2006
sizzlin' hot
112 F, and rising? Is this for real? Well, yes--Davis is roasting hot right now and we are hiding out in our apartment. Thank goodness our landlords FINALLY replaced our AC unit (one window unit for the whole place and it didn't work for 2 years!). M. is in southern California for the week, and Abbs and I are trying to keep ourselves entertained in doors. Now, I know that we have family members who live in parts of the world that reach 120 F, but 112 feels like a real limit to me! I feel tired just walking to get the mail. I'm wondering how the rest of you (fam and friends reading this) are faring at this point in the summer. Write in with your best wild weather stories. Can anyone beat 112 degrees?
July 17, 2006
names
Abby likes to talk about having a sibling. The other night as I was putting her to bed, she asked:
A:Momma, can we talk?
G: Sure, what do you want to talk about?
A: Lets talk about when I have a sister or a brudder.
G: What about it?
A: Lets talk about names.
The naming chat ensued. Here are some of Abby's suggestions (some of them jokes, some of them real suggestions)...
Her top picks for a girl: Sparkle Pearson, Twinkle Twirl Pearson (I'm thinking this may indicate a "My Little Pony" influence??)
Some other ideas (delivered with giggles): Elmo, Bed, Edmund, Sunshine, Sally
A:Momma, can we talk?
G: Sure, what do you want to talk about?
A: Lets talk about when I have a sister or a brudder.
G: What about it?
A: Lets talk about names.
The naming chat ensued. Here are some of Abby's suggestions (some of them jokes, some of them real suggestions)...
Her top picks for a girl: Sparkle Pearson, Twinkle Twirl Pearson (I'm thinking this may indicate a "My Little Pony" influence??)
Some other ideas (delivered with giggles): Elmo, Bed, Edmund, Sunshine, Sally
An Ice Cream Saturday
Abby is on the mend (or maybe all mended). She's been on antibiotics for 2 days, and she is her old self again! On Saturday evening we decided to take her for ice cream.
M: Abby, do you want to go get an ice cream sundae?
A: No. I just want to go get ice cream now.
G: Do you know what an ice cream sundae is?
A: ice cream.
M: It is ice cream with whipped cream and chocolate and a cherry on top.
A: YES, I want to have that. But why can't we have that today?
G: We will have it today.
A: Well, why is it on Sunday?
We explained the difference between Sunday and sundae and decided that we would have ice cream Saturdays afterall.
M: Abby, do you want to go get an ice cream sundae?
A: No. I just want to go get ice cream now.
G: Do you know what an ice cream sundae is?
A: ice cream.
M: It is ice cream with whipped cream and chocolate and a cherry on top.
A: YES, I want to have that. But why can't we have that today?
G: We will have it today.
A: Well, why is it on Sunday?
We explained the difference between Sunday and sundae and decided that we would have ice cream Saturdays afterall.
July 15, 2006
bummer of a day
Today has been cruddy, not as bad as it could have been, but cruddy. Abbs was up from just after 2 a.m. until 6 a.m. with a fever and headache. We just took her to the doc. One no-fun strep test later and we still don't know for certain what she's got. We do know that her tummy did NOT want the ibuprofen we gave her in the doc's office--she vomited all over the place. I am glad that she did that there and not in our livingroom. She pitched a fit when we made her leave the office in a paper gown with dinosaurs on it: "This is for boys. I don't want to go outside in this; I don't look pretty in it!" I told her that it was better than wearing barf, but I don't think she was convinced! We're home, she's clean, and we're hoping that this too shall pass (quickly). So pray for the Pearsons. Pray especially for Abby's head to not ache and for her to get well. Oh yes, pray that mom and dad avoid getting this bug.
July 12, 2006
spring cleaning
We've spent the last week "cleaning" our apartment. I think maybe "clearing" is a better word for it. We've gone through every box, every drawer and every corner of our closets in a massive purging expedition. Folks, it has been a long week! Were it possible to weigh the whole lot of our possessions before and after this feat of domestic pruning, the difference would be more than a HALF TON. I'm not joking. Granted, we need to procure more seating for guests, but in the meantime, we are really enjoying the space, the simplicity and the relief.
July 3, 2006
things that go BUZZZZ in the night
Since returning home from our road trip, Matthew and I have been on a strange schedule. We've ended up staying up to watch the discovery channel until 1 a.m. a couple of nights in a row now, as we've been sucked in to the worlds of killer jellyfish, squid and bees. Little did I know that my hubby has long had a fear of africanized killer bees! We watched part of a program on the tenacious and rather scary buggers then went to bed. Several hours later I awoke to M swatting all around and brushing his arms off. I asked him what in the world he was doing and he said something about bees coming in the window. There were no bees, but that didn't stop the flailing. Once I got him to wake up, things were fine and we fell back to sleep, but I think he had a few more nightmares about bees, judging from the twitchy, wiggly sleep he got.
I've had my fair share of bad bug dreams. I think I've had about 7 or 8 spider nightmares in the last six years. I once dragged M out of bed by his leg in order to rescue him from the monster spider on the bed! I've screamed out, jumped out, swatted, and even yelled out and explative (with guests in our house at the time, no less)! Now I know I'm not the only one who has bug nightmares from time to time. Ususally Matthew laughs in his sleep, or talks, but this was really entertaining.
I've had my fair share of bad bug dreams. I think I've had about 7 or 8 spider nightmares in the last six years. I once dragged M out of bed by his leg in order to rescue him from the monster spider on the bed! I've screamed out, jumped out, swatted, and even yelled out and explative (with guests in our house at the time, no less)! Now I know I'm not the only one who has bug nightmares from time to time. Ususally Matthew laughs in his sleep, or talks, but this was really entertaining.
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