Noah, Abby and I went to St. Louis over the break. We're home now, and catching up on our sleep, after an ACTIVE and fun trip. All four kiddos did well: Abby (6), Lillian (5), Grayson (almost 3), and Noah (almost 1) had a great time playing, digging for worms, riding bikes, dancing, eating (and eating and eating), singing, and playing a ton. We went to the zoo and the highlight was hanging out with the hippo! Abby and Lillian adopted hippo webkins for Easter, so it was cool to see the real deal at the zoo.
March 28, 2008
March 2, 2008
just like the Bard...
Abby took one look at Noah and his friend, Tegwyn, and said: "Look! They're oppositting!"
I LOVE this phrase. How succinct and appropriate. She's a word girl, for sure.
I LOVE this phrase. How succinct and appropriate. She's a word girl, for sure.
impromptu fanciness
We were a little bored in the late afternoon yesterday, so we quickly whipped up a skirt for Abby out of some pink dress lining material and elastic (Abby worked the sewing machine pedal and helped pin a straight line). Then we coordinated our pinks, threw on some tulle and some bling, and pranced to dinner at Bron and Jeremy's. I love seeing Abby's royal affectations--the snobby-nosed looks at herself in the mirror (when she's a queen) and the dainty ballet moves (when she's a princess). It would seem that aging and marriage turn a lovely princess into some other thing entirely! Thank you, Disney, for carrying on this legacy (grrrr). Most fascinating is the way Noah always has a part to play: he's a prince, a king, a servant, a pet, a monster... What will happen when he has more of an opinion about this?
his favorite things
Noah loves the bikes! Come to think of it, he seems like a perfect copy of Matthew in his likes: road bikes, computers, cell phones, tools. But then he also likes things I like: fabric, shoes, photos, and paper. Perhaps more interesting are the things he doesn't like: loud noises, having his nose wiped, having clothes put over his head, walking away from the bikes in the hall.
February 29, 2008
Gonzo
Our little comedian loves to entertain us. I shot this clip yesterday; we think Noah looks like the muppet "Gonzo" in this one!
February 27, 2008
I've been trying to write my dissertation prospectus, so spending free moments crafting words for a blog has seemed anything but enticing. Noah is napping, Matthew is making coffee, and I'm waiting for my sudafed to kick in and relieve me of this awful head congestion I've developed since yesterday . Being sick is no good. No good at all.
Anyway, the kids have been doing cute things and I've been trying to remember them...
Matthew told me this one just a minute ago. It requires some background: Abby has been learning about Chinese New Year and about the animals associated with different calendar years.
As she registered her first "webkin" (a stuffed animal with a website password to the webkinz virtual world on line), she entered in her info. with Matthew watching over her shoulder.
In the Name field: ABBY
In the birthdate fields: Month: JANUARY Day: 16 Year: RAT
No joke. She thought they wanted to know the current year, which she apparently knows is the year of the rat.
Now for a Noah moment: The sweet little dude has been giving us real kisses--sometimes without any prompting. He leans in to our mouths and gently rests his (open) mouth on ours for a second, sometimes two. I got two kisses in a row the other day. He gave Matthew a goodnight kiss last night. He seems to know the word "kiss." I wouldn't be surprised; he gets squeals of delight, smiles, hugs, and praises when he kisses us. It is probably my favorite thing he does. Noah is finally, officially, saying mama (or mum mum). He can also point at what he wants to see-- usually he is pointing at the bikes hanging from our hall ceiling. He likes to stick his fingers in the "cassette" (the intricate circular gear apparatus). He visits the bikes about 20 times a day. He's a grease monkey in the making, much to his daddy's delight.
Another Abby moment: We were watching something on TV-- American Idol, which she loves. A commercial came on for shampoo and Abby piped up:
A: Momma, I really want that stuff for my hair. I want my hair to be silky smooth.
G: Abby, your hair is gorgeous. It is already smooth.
A: But it isn't *silky* smooth. (she said passionately)
Here's a question I wasn't anticipating (it was inspired by a rowdy boy in her class):
"Momma, Adrien says girls are hot. Not like warm hot; another kind. What does hot mean?"
I didn't give her the low down--she's only six, for goodness' sake!
There are more cute moments, but that's all I can recall at the moment. I think we have the most awesome kids; seriously, I never expected them to be so cool, so funny, so genuine, and so loving. We have an embarrassment of riches in this home!
Anyway, the kids have been doing cute things and I've been trying to remember them...
Matthew told me this one just a minute ago. It requires some background: Abby has been learning about Chinese New Year and about the animals associated with different calendar years.
As she registered her first "webkin" (a stuffed animal with a website password to the webkinz virtual world on line), she entered in her info. with Matthew watching over her shoulder.
In the Name field: ABBY
In the birthdate fields: Month: JANUARY Day: 16 Year: RAT
No joke. She thought they wanted to know the current year, which she apparently knows is the year of the rat.
Now for a Noah moment: The sweet little dude has been giving us real kisses--sometimes without any prompting. He leans in to our mouths and gently rests his (open) mouth on ours for a second, sometimes two. I got two kisses in a row the other day. He gave Matthew a goodnight kiss last night. He seems to know the word "kiss." I wouldn't be surprised; he gets squeals of delight, smiles, hugs, and praises when he kisses us. It is probably my favorite thing he does. Noah is finally, officially, saying mama (or mum mum). He can also point at what he wants to see-- usually he is pointing at the bikes hanging from our hall ceiling. He likes to stick his fingers in the "cassette" (the intricate circular gear apparatus). He visits the bikes about 20 times a day. He's a grease monkey in the making, much to his daddy's delight.
Another Abby moment: We were watching something on TV-- American Idol, which she loves. A commercial came on for shampoo and Abby piped up:
A: Momma, I really want that stuff for my hair. I want my hair to be silky smooth.
G: Abby, your hair is gorgeous. It is already smooth.
A: But it isn't *silky* smooth. (she said passionately)
Here's a question I wasn't anticipating (it was inspired by a rowdy boy in her class):
"Momma, Adrien says girls are hot. Not like warm hot; another kind. What does hot mean?"
I didn't give her the low down--she's only six, for goodness' sake!
There are more cute moments, but that's all I can recall at the moment. I think we have the most awesome kids; seriously, I never expected them to be so cool, so funny, so genuine, and so loving. We have an embarrassment of riches in this home!
February 17, 2008
mini-me
She's actually a cuter version of me, but here is Abby this Sunday morning sporting momma clothes and jewelry. We added the rest of the props to finish the look.
February 16, 2008
hand-made (by machine)
So I tried my hand at making a garment for the first time. Even more than before, I now appreciate the Project Runway designers (and the thousands of clothing industry workers) who make clothing. This little dress is cute, but I learned a lot about the pitfalls of working with fusible interfacing (note the lumpy look to the collar) and of just using a pattern without extensive fittings on the model (note the slightly baggy arm holes). I might fit the arm holes and make some fabric flowers for the collar, which would help the overall look to be more polished.
It was fun to try, but I like quilting better. Quilts lay flat and are made of lots of straight lines! Plus, I enjoy shopping with Abby in the stores. She loves to model big, flouncy dresses! Abby's great-grandmother, Nancy, makes her nightgowns on occasion--she has worn her first one to nearly-threadbare condition, which makes it all the more cozy and special. I now realize how much time is spent crafting the nightgowns with their gathers and lace, bows and cuffs. Good night! That's a lot of work. I went with a non-sleeve option hoping to avoid some trouble, but I guess clothes are just quirky things to make by hand. Hats off to Meemo and to the others of you out there who do this stuff well. Really. Oh yes, I have to mention that without Matthew explaining the ridiculously baffling instructions, I never would have made this dress. I am not gifted at thinking spatially; M provided lots of technical support in the making of this dress!
It was fun to try, but I like quilting better. Quilts lay flat and are made of lots of straight lines! Plus, I enjoy shopping with Abby in the stores. She loves to model big, flouncy dresses! Abby's great-grandmother, Nancy, makes her nightgowns on occasion--she has worn her first one to nearly-threadbare condition, which makes it all the more cozy and special. I now realize how much time is spent crafting the nightgowns with their gathers and lace, bows and cuffs. Good night! That's a lot of work. I went with a non-sleeve option hoping to avoid some trouble, but I guess clothes are just quirky things to make by hand. Hats off to Meemo and to the others of you out there who do this stuff well. Really. Oh yes, I have to mention that without Matthew explaining the ridiculously baffling instructions, I never would have made this dress. I am not gifted at thinking spatially; M provided lots of technical support in the making of this dress!
February 10, 2008
Abby made me do it
When you have a big sister, you are subject to being conscripted into her games. Even if that means being a rainbow-winged fairy with a gossamer white tutu.
Noah doesn't mind the attention; in fact, he quite likes to have new textures and colors to chew on. It is funny though--he looks so cute and so like he would gently flutter over to you and give you butterfly kisses; but if you see him in action, he's tearing ribbons off the wand, biting the wings and grunting on his way to his toy box to find the next chew toy. Good thing Abby has a creative imagination!
Noah doesn't mind the attention; in fact, he quite likes to have new textures and colors to chew on. It is funny though--he looks so cute and so like he would gently flutter over to you and give you butterfly kisses; but if you see him in action, he's tearing ribbons off the wand, biting the wings and grunting on his way to his toy box to find the next chew toy. Good thing Abby has a creative imagination!
February 4, 2008
pantomime
Always something new... I love Abby's flair; the headband-turned-mask is my favorite touch. I'm struck by what an individual Abby is; not just because she has her own ideas about things, but because of how she makes her mark on her world in ways I don't even know about (until later, if I ever do find out). I notice this in everyday ways, such as when a woman in a magazine ad is transformed (via sharpie) into a pirate--complete with blacked out teeth and Johnny Depp-style dreds; or when I climb in to bed to discover several books tucked in to the covers and under my pillow; or when I clean up a pile of papers and find she has written: "I love mommy and daddy" or (another recent find) "I have a wiggly tooth. Good luck!". Abby is so present, and I love that I experience her even when she's not in the room. It can be annoying when she makes a mess, but I think it is actually a tangible reminder of how blessed we are to have her in our lives.
noggin
Noah had his 9-month check up today. I'm still giggling at his stats.
His "Gestational Age adjusted" (i.e. if he had been born on time) numbers are:
Weight: 10th % (He weighed in at 17.9 lb)
Height: 30th %
HEAD: 75th % !!!!!!!!!!!!
Doc says Noah is growing perfectly. I think he's the product of two people who think too much. If you see him naked, you do notice that he's got quite a noggin on him, but he seems to hold it up perfectly well, so I guess he's fine.
His "Gestational Age adjusted" (i.e. if he had been born on time) numbers are:
Weight: 10th % (He weighed in at 17.9 lb)
Height: 30th %
HEAD: 75th % !!!!!!!!!!!!
Doc says Noah is growing perfectly. I think he's the product of two people who think too much. If you see him naked, you do notice that he's got quite a noggin on him, but he seems to hold it up perfectly well, so I guess he's fine.
February 2, 2008
My Renaissance Man
Matthew made this 18"X8" glass platter this week! I was so impressed when he brought it home :). It's the product of his recent glass-fusing class. I think if the PhD in Economics doesn't pan out, we will just build a big art studio and live off our original art pieces. I'd buy Matthew's art! Wouldn't you?
January 28, 2008
Off the cuff answers...
A friend of mine asked her 5-year old some great questions recently, and I was inspired to do the same of my 6-year old. These are un-edited, honest answers from Abby:
What's your favorite thing to do?
A: Draw pictures.
What is your favorite place to go?
A: Um, toy shop.
What is your favorite ice cream?
A: Swirl. (This refers to a frozen yogurt made with live, active cultures, and no additives. Tastes like frozen Kefir, if you've had that. Very yogurtish compared to the "frozen yogurt" you might think of, which is more like soft serve ice cream with tons of corn syrup. Blech. Abby gets a belly ache from that stuff.)
Favorite thing at school?
A: To play in the blue stuff (tires and cut-up tires).
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: Dolphin trainer.
What will you name your first kid?
A: Um, I don't know. Um, what is it, Bekatris? Beatrice. Beatrice, that's what I think.
Whom do you want to marry?
A: I don't know. (giggle) How should I know that? I don't know anybody yet.
G: what about Miles or Grayson?
A: They're not a grown up! Why can't I marry Noah?
G: Because he's you brother, and you're not allowed to marry your brother.
A: Allowed? Is that the law?
G: I think maybe it is the law.
Where will you live when you grow up?
A: I don't know.
G: Where do you WANT to live when you grow up?
A: St. Louis.
What is your favorite song?
A: Down by the bay.
What is your favorite thing to watch?
A: The Chipmunk Adventure.
What is your favorite food?
A: Cous cous.
What is your favorite treat?
A: (giggle) My favorite treat is to stay up late.
Who is your best friend?
A: Noah
What is your favorite drink?
A: Cold Water.
Favorite Book?
A: Dr. Seuss.
Favorite Game?
A; Sunken treasure adventure.
G: What is that?
A: It's a game where there is an octopus on a board, and whoever gets the most words, wins.
What is your favorite word?
A: More.
What 's your favorite animal?
A; dolphins. Why are you asking me so much?
G: Because I think you're interesting.
A: I want to do more.
How would you describe daddy?
A: Um, he likes to have naps. His name starts with an M. He's my dad. He is a doctor, that doctor thing where you're a teach-doctor. He doesn't smile very much, he doesn't laugh when I show him something funny, he just smiles. He loves me. And I love him. My favorite thing to do with daddy is go shopping with him. He lets me pick something out and he lets me choose whatever I want.
G: Does he let you eat when you're at the store?
A: YES!
G: Do you think daddy is handsome?
A: Yes.
G: Does he look like any cartoon character?
A: Dave from Alvin and the Chipmunks. Doesn't he?
Note from G: For the record, Matthew does smile, though not as much as I do, and not as much as Noah does, perhaps. Abby is a VERY sensitive face-reader. She notices even the tiniest glimmer of emotion in a face. She often asks me: "Momma, are you tired? Because when you smile, your eyes go down." Or she will notice the curve of your lip, the movement of an eyebrow...She will probably work for the CIA one day, reading faces.
How would you describe mommy?
A: Um, I like how you let me choose what movie I want. She has green eyes. Uh, I like her. She listens to me very well.
G: What's your favorite thing to do with me?
A: Not go to school. Play.
G: Does mommy look like any cartoon character?
A: Ratatouille Girl. (Colette)
How would you describe Noah?
A: He's little. He's my brother. He likes to chew on my stuff and he smiles at me. He doesn't like going to bed. His name is Noah, and he's my brother.
G: Does Noah look like any cartoon character?
A: yoda. No, Simba when he is little. Maybe piglet.
Are you happy?
A: yes.
G: What makes you happy? What do you like about your life?
A: 'Cause I don't have to do that much homework like you, and it's easy. I'm happy because I have a little brother. And I'm happy that he "Oh's" at me. And I'm happy that he says "G" and "mama."
What do you wish for?
A; That um, I could do anything I want, whenever I want. And I want every movie in the world.
What's your favorite kind of flower?
A: Tulip.
What's your favorite thing to do?
A: Draw pictures.
What is your favorite place to go?
A: Um, toy shop.
What is your favorite ice cream?
A: Swirl. (This refers to a frozen yogurt made with live, active cultures, and no additives. Tastes like frozen Kefir, if you've had that. Very yogurtish compared to the "frozen yogurt" you might think of, which is more like soft serve ice cream with tons of corn syrup. Blech. Abby gets a belly ache from that stuff.)
Favorite thing at school?
A: To play in the blue stuff (tires and cut-up tires).
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: Dolphin trainer.
What will you name your first kid?
A: Um, I don't know. Um, what is it, Bekatris? Beatrice. Beatrice, that's what I think.
Whom do you want to marry?
A: I don't know. (giggle) How should I know that? I don't know anybody yet.
G: what about Miles or Grayson?
A: They're not a grown up! Why can't I marry Noah?
G: Because he's you brother, and you're not allowed to marry your brother.
A: Allowed? Is that the law?
G: I think maybe it is the law.
Where will you live when you grow up?
A: I don't know.
G: Where do you WANT to live when you grow up?
A: St. Louis.
What is your favorite song?
A: Down by the bay.
What is your favorite thing to watch?
A: The Chipmunk Adventure.
What is your favorite food?
A: Cous cous.
What is your favorite treat?
A: (giggle) My favorite treat is to stay up late.
Who is your best friend?
A: Noah
What is your favorite drink?
A: Cold Water.
Favorite Book?
A: Dr. Seuss.
Favorite Game?
A; Sunken treasure adventure.
G: What is that?
A: It's a game where there is an octopus on a board, and whoever gets the most words, wins.
What is your favorite word?
A: More.
What 's your favorite animal?
A; dolphins. Why are you asking me so much?
G: Because I think you're interesting.
A: I want to do more.
How would you describe daddy?
A: Um, he likes to have naps. His name starts with an M. He's my dad. He is a doctor, that doctor thing where you're a teach-doctor. He doesn't smile very much, he doesn't laugh when I show him something funny, he just smiles. He loves me. And I love him. My favorite thing to do with daddy is go shopping with him. He lets me pick something out and he lets me choose whatever I want.
G: Does he let you eat when you're at the store?
A: YES!
G: Do you think daddy is handsome?
A: Yes.
G: Does he look like any cartoon character?
A: Dave from Alvin and the Chipmunks. Doesn't he?
Note from G: For the record, Matthew does smile, though not as much as I do, and not as much as Noah does, perhaps. Abby is a VERY sensitive face-reader. She notices even the tiniest glimmer of emotion in a face. She often asks me: "Momma, are you tired? Because when you smile, your eyes go down." Or she will notice the curve of your lip, the movement of an eyebrow...She will probably work for the CIA one day, reading faces.
How would you describe mommy?
A: Um, I like how you let me choose what movie I want. She has green eyes. Uh, I like her. She listens to me very well.
G: What's your favorite thing to do with me?
A: Not go to school. Play.
G: Does mommy look like any cartoon character?
A: Ratatouille Girl. (Colette)
How would you describe Noah?
A: He's little. He's my brother. He likes to chew on my stuff and he smiles at me. He doesn't like going to bed. His name is Noah, and he's my brother.
G: Does Noah look like any cartoon character?
A: yoda. No, Simba when he is little. Maybe piglet.
Are you happy?
A: yes.
G: What makes you happy? What do you like about your life?
A: 'Cause I don't have to do that much homework like you, and it's easy. I'm happy because I have a little brother. And I'm happy that he "Oh's" at me. And I'm happy that he says "G" and "mama."
What do you wish for?
A; That um, I could do anything I want, whenever I want. And I want every movie in the world.
What's your favorite kind of flower?
A: Tulip.
little chef
Now that he can crawl, Noah is focusing his attention once again on vocalizing. He was quiet for a long time as he practiced pulling up, crawling, and a few moves somewhere in-between those two. Lately he likes to make funny crinkle sounds by blowing air through his teeth and smiling. He doesn't raspberry with his lips together very often, but every once in a while he surprises himself. Squeals, grunts, and attempts at baby-talk phrases are common. He favors the guh sound and the muh sound.
Noah lights up with grins when Abby comes home. His legs start pumping and his arms wave around with anticipation of her attention. Sometimes his excitement vents through small bites to my shoulder, but we're working on curbing that. When Abby is within reach, Noah likes to pat her: pat, pat, pat, pat, pat. After nearly every nap, we find him standing up and yammering for attention. When we walk up to the crib, the arms go up, as if to say "pick me up!" He is irresistibly cute, and is lots of fun at this stage. If you're a Noah fan, you really should come visit us before he grows out of the pre-toddler cuteness. You don't have all that much time!
Noah lights up with grins when Abby comes home. His legs start pumping and his arms wave around with anticipation of her attention. Sometimes his excitement vents through small bites to my shoulder, but we're working on curbing that. When Abby is within reach, Noah likes to pat her: pat, pat, pat, pat, pat. After nearly every nap, we find him standing up and yammering for attention. When we walk up to the crib, the arms go up, as if to say "pick me up!" He is irresistibly cute, and is lots of fun at this stage. If you're a Noah fan, you really should come visit us before he grows out of the pre-toddler cuteness. You don't have all that much time!
January 20, 2008
Happy Birthday, beautiful Abby!
Abby's 6th birthday party was a blast! The Paris-themed party, with Ratatouille flare, was attended by six kids plus Abby and Noah. The kiddos got to go to town on tons of cupcakes: sprinkles, color spray for an air-brush effect, sparkle powder, sparkle gel--you name it, we had it. Click on the pictures to see a couple of Abby's original creations; they are really terrific. The parents got to sit in the living room and drink coffee while the kids giggled and talked. Wow, six is easier than two or three! Noah watched the whole scene from his bouncy seat.
The two-tiered cake was a family affair: Matthew made the cake (vanilla/chocolate swirl) and the AMAZING (from scratch) vanilla custard torte filling. Abby helped with the baking and the design choices, and she had a hand in icing the cake too! She had a specific green in mind and wanted light blue centers for the white flowers. Noah and Abby were in charge of taste testing. We were going to have green and white balloons, but Abby simply didn't want balloons...she was adamant.
It was quite an event. We're more proud of our girl than we can say. She is darling and truly a sweet girl.
Next up: Noah's first birthday (in April).
The two-tiered cake was a family affair: Matthew made the cake (vanilla/chocolate swirl) and the AMAZING (from scratch) vanilla custard torte filling. Abby helped with the baking and the design choices, and she had a hand in icing the cake too! She had a specific green in mind and wanted light blue centers for the white flowers. Noah and Abby were in charge of taste testing. We were going to have green and white balloons, but Abby simply didn't want balloons...she was adamant.
It was quite an event. We're more proud of our girl than we can say. She is darling and truly a sweet girl.
Next up: Noah's first birthday (in April).
January 19, 2008
January 14, 2008
Peekie the Peacock
For their 100th day of kindergarten, the kiddos got to use 100 somethings to make a picture (100 macaroni pieces, buttons, seeds, cotton balls, etc.). Abby chose 100 pieces of fabric--she is a girl after my own heart!!!!!!
With help from mom and dad only on crafting the body, Abby designed this gorgeous peacock and placed every feather, every pompom, every string, with such flare! We all love "Peekie" the Peacock and will enjoy having him around for a long time.
With help from mom and dad only on crafting the body, Abby designed this gorgeous peacock and placed every feather, every pompom, every string, with such flare! We all love "Peekie" the Peacock and will enjoy having him around for a long time.
January 11, 2008
Student of the Month!
Abby was honored as the student of the month this morning at an all-school assembly! Her teacher praised her for her mix of intelligence and humility (a really lovely combination of attributes). Abby seemed very excited to see Matthew, Noah, and me as she filed in to the assembly room; we don't know if that tipped her off as to her award, but she kept looking back at us with bright eyes and a huge grin. We're so proud of our precious girl; she is a delight to know and to love. I cannot think of anything in the world that could teach us more about what love is and how deeply we are loved by God than having Abby and Noah in our lives.
January 9, 2008
Four teeth and an assembly
December was THE MONTH of teething for Noah. Four new teeth made their way to the surface (three on top and one on the bottom). Noah now has all four front top teeth broken through and three (maybe four, though I can't get a good look) on the bottom. WOW. He had another good sleep last night. He only woke once after being put down. His naps today, on the other hand, have been awful. Oh, and another first to report: Just a minute ago I checked on Noah (he had been crying for a few minutes after being put down for his nap); the little guy was standing all the way up, holding onto the side of the crib! So now he can crawl across a room, pull to standing, and bite with 7 sharp teeth.
I am happy to report that Abby, while also able to do these amazing things, is more busy reading on her own and thinking of herself as a little grown-up. She really is working hard to be a good girl, and we are VERY proud to report that she will be named student of the month during this Friday's assembly! She doesn't know it yet, though, so save congratulations for after Friday morning!
I am happy to report that Abby, while also able to do these amazing things, is more busy reading on her own and thinking of herself as a little grown-up. She really is working hard to be a good girl, and we are VERY proud to report that she will be named student of the month during this Friday's assembly! She doesn't know it yet, though, so save congratulations for after Friday morning!
January 8, 2008
thank you, NOAH!
I cannot believe it. My son SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT. I mean from 10:15- 6:15. I hadn't thought it possible, but he did it. Matthew also slept through the night. Abby had a leg owie around 4 a.m. and ended up sleeping next to me for a couple of hours, but still, it was a good night.
Note to self: do NOT overfeed Noah after a full night's sleep. His eyes were way too big for his stomach this morning and he ended up ralphing a ton of milk on me after eating like he was STARVING. It was the most spit up (though not at all digested yet) I've ever had on me. Amazing, actually. So we were totally awake by 6:45.
Off to teach my first class of the quarter. Oh yes, and we DO have power despite the storms here in NorCal. We were only without power for about 7 hours.
Note to self: do NOT overfeed Noah after a full night's sleep. His eyes were way too big for his stomach this morning and he ended up ralphing a ton of milk on me after eating like he was STARVING. It was the most spit up (though not at all digested yet) I've ever had on me. Amazing, actually. So we were totally awake by 6:45.
Off to teach my first class of the quarter. Oh yes, and we DO have power despite the storms here in NorCal. We were only without power for about 7 hours.
a bob!
Matty took Abby for a haircut this weekend! She looks SO adorable with her hair short (and it is MUCH easier to brush!). Abby loves it and has gotten some great attention from her teacher and classmates. She looks very grown up to me, which she always does after getting a haircut. But as we near her 6th birthday (in just one week!), I am especially conscious of how grown up she is becoming.
December 30, 2007
Wrapping paper tastes so good...
It has been a full month. We had a great visit from Matthew's grandmother, Nancy (a.k.a. Meemo). I'd blog pics from that but all of them are on Mattew's computer at the moment, so he will have to send them to me first! It was a treat for all of us to have her here, but I think Abby and Noah were most pleased and spoiled to have so much attention! I bet Meemo was glad to get home and sleep through the night again.
So the whole month of December has been spent hanging out together (well, finishing classes and research in the early part of the month), cooking, eating, getting Noah through his first cold bug (poor little guy), and fighting a war against mice. Let me explain:
While Meemo was here, we were up one night watching a movie when we heard some odd scratchy sounds coming from the kitchen. I claimed we had a mouse and Matthew chuckled at the idea and said he doubted it was a mouse. Meemo seemed pretty convinced, but mostly she just laughed at the situation. This became funnier with each rustle and even funnier after a day or two. Finally, a couple days after Meemo left, I heard Matthew whisper to me: "G, I just saw the mouse!" Since then, Matty has caught 8 mice, making the whole thing not so funny anymore. We think that since ours is the only warm apartment (our bachelor neighbors are home for the holidays), the critters have found their way here. We're winning, but it is no fun.
Highlights from our holidays so far: Abby loves her Littlest Pest Shop, her little Disney Fairies, and her Wii game Big Brain Academy. She has been playing happily for days. Noah began crawling on Christmas Eve! Our friends caught it on their camera (I'll blog the youtube link soon). Matthew and I had fun making a big Christmas morning breakfast and laughing in the glow of the Christmas tree lights at night. It has been really wonderful.
So the whole month of December has been spent hanging out together (well, finishing classes and research in the early part of the month), cooking, eating, getting Noah through his first cold bug (poor little guy), and fighting a war against mice. Let me explain:
While Meemo was here, we were up one night watching a movie when we heard some odd scratchy sounds coming from the kitchen. I claimed we had a mouse and Matthew chuckled at the idea and said he doubted it was a mouse. Meemo seemed pretty convinced, but mostly she just laughed at the situation. This became funnier with each rustle and even funnier after a day or two. Finally, a couple days after Meemo left, I heard Matthew whisper to me: "G, I just saw the mouse!" Since then, Matty has caught 8 mice, making the whole thing not so funny anymore. We think that since ours is the only warm apartment (our bachelor neighbors are home for the holidays), the critters have found their way here. We're winning, but it is no fun.
Highlights from our holidays so far: Abby loves her Littlest Pest Shop, her little Disney Fairies, and her Wii game Big Brain Academy. She has been playing happily for days. Noah began crawling on Christmas Eve! Our friends caught it on their camera (I'll blog the youtube link soon). Matthew and I had fun making a big Christmas morning breakfast and laughing in the glow of the Christmas tree lights at night. It has been really wonderful.
December 25, 2007
December 3, 2007
Abby's first Christmas tree at home!
For some reason, once Thanksgiving was over, I was feeling like we HAD to get our tree. We were missing out on something important and time was slipping away too quickly. I was right. We brought home our Christmas tree on December 2nd (yesterday) and had a grand time decorating together. We listened to Bing Crosby and Sinatra, Abby snipped branches at the table for fun, and Matthew and I strung lights and talked about how crazy it is that the last time we put these lights up, Abby was in-utero! We're all enjoying the warmth and excitement the decorations bring to our home. We put up ornaments, by the way, and we fixed the ribbon so it no longer looks like someone "TP'd" our tree with golden toilet paper. Matthew likes our star--it tops a very happy looking tree!
November 29, 2007
snaggle-tooth
Noah has a third tooth just showing! It peeped out this morning. This one is the first tooth to show up on the top, and is over to the right side. He is going to look like a real snaggle-toothed kiddo soon! A quick visit to the doc for immunizations and we now know that Noah weighs 16.5 pounds!! He has seemed VERY hungry lately, so I think he is hitting another growth spurt. Go, Noah!!
November 25, 2007
Tickle tickle!
We've had an awesome break from school. Abby and Noah have been playing well together (thanks, no doubt, to Abby's lovingkindness and patience). Matty and Abby have been mastering a game on the Wii, and I've been working to (finally) finish Abby's blue quilt. We've cooked and cleaned, vegged, watched football (GO VOLS!! We won a nail-biter of a game yesterday!!), and Abby and I went on a terrific girls-only date to see "Enchanted." Matty and Abby are already planning their date to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. Matty and I are scheming about our tree-finding expedition! My favorite moment this Thanksgiving: we sat around our little table and shared what we were most thankful for this year. Matthew said he that he feels like a success and that he couldn't want for a better family to come home to each day; Abby said she was thankful that we had "really good chicken, I mean turkey" to eat; I said that I'm so thankful that we have Noah in our lives now. We feel very much like a family, the four of us. These days have been the sweetest ever.
Feasting
Matty, Abby and I feasted on turkey and delicious side dishes for Thanksgiving (while Noah napped), then we packed some din din to go and got to feast our eyes on darling (and BRAND new) Tegwyn Ella! Proud parents, Bronwyn and Jeremy, are besotted with their lovely daughter, and rightfully so. She is amazing. Congrats, friends! What a cause for thanksgiving, indeed!
November 17, 2007
5K Baby-jogger Run
Matty and Noah did the 5K baby-jogger run. Apparently Noah was asleep for most of it! I'm proud of Matty for getting out there for this run; it reminds me of cheering him on for the Chicago Marathon when Abby was about Noah's age! Of course, it was a LOT harder to find him after Chicago, and this time I actually got to cheer him across the finish line. I did the mile with Abby in the jogger and Matty holding Noah, but since Matty had my shoe chip in the jogger for his 5K, I'll be listed in the newspaper as having finished the 5K as fast as he did!
Go Abby, Go!!!
Abby ran the 1/2 mile today in the 2007 Davis Turkey Trot. She had fun and did an awesome job! I've posted a bunch of pictures on flikr, so click on this pic and check out the rest!
November 12, 2007
November 10, 2007
7 months old!
Tomorrow Noah will be 7 months old (or 6 months old, gestationally, but he seems to be meeting the milestones for his birth age). Noah has two teeth now, with more on the way soon. He likes music and likes to play. So far he still prefers hands-on play versus playing in an exersaucer (spelling?) by himself. When he falls off to sleep, he does this funny moaning thing: aaaaaawowowowowowwuhwuhwuwuhmmmmmmm. I think he just might have been saying mummmmmummmmmummm (an early form of mama??).
So far the Pearsons 4 have remained healthy! No flu-bugs this October and early November. Yay!
So far the Pearsons 4 have remained healthy! No flu-bugs this October and early November. Yay!
October 31, 2007
I see crawling on the horizon...
For those of you who were around and remember Abby's monkey crawl, you'll be interested to know that Noah seems to be preparing to crawl in a more traditional--all fours--manner. He tucks his knees up underneath his tummy, pushes up and bounces! He mostly goes backwards at this point, but one day soon I bet he will head in a forward direction. He is super curious and tenacious, so I think we will have our hands very full with this soon-to-be-crawler. The other day, I peeked into his room during naptime and spied him PRACTICING! He was experimenting with his bounce moves and seeing what he could do. Oh boy.
update on the G's family
Thanks for all of your prayers and calls about the SoCal family. Everyone is alright after the crazy fires and evacuations. All of my family's homes were spared (though my grandmother's place has lots of smoke damage to the carpets and walls--soot and a strongly infused smoke smell, which aggravates her lungs). Here is a pic of Noah meeting two of his cousins, Patrick and Jonathan, on our recent trip to see them.
Nanna and Grandpa
We recently had a visit from G's dad and step-mom. We had a lovely time hanging out with them. This was a funny moment: dad loaded Noah up in the Baby Bjorn and some guy walking by said "You'll get the hang of it!" It was cute.
Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion
Here are our kiddos decked-out for Halloween. Abby decided the theme for the year, and Noah didn't object. She's a looker with dark hair, eh? He's a looker no matter what you do to him!
Hoof-Hearted in Lane 1
We are all signed up to run/walk the Davis Turkey Trot in November (Noah will be in his jogger). Here is Matthew "racing" Abby to the finish line. She won. Actually, she ran a whole MILE out on the track in her brand new New Balance go-fasters (tennies). That kid is a veritable Forest Gump. Matthew and I couldn't believe her stamina. I think she should be my running partner; she runs at my speed and can probably run father than I can at the moment. What a gal, our Abby!
p.s. the post title is from a famous horse race...someone named their horse Hoof-Hearted and the horse won, I think. But it is a gas listening to the commentators say over and over again: "Hoof-Hearted in the lead; hoof-hearted in the winner's circle," etc. (read those quickly, out loud. You'll get it).I know this story because of Matthew, of course. Check it out on you tube.
p.s. the post title is from a famous horse race...someone named their horse Hoof-Hearted and the horse won, I think. But it is a gas listening to the commentators say over and over again: "Hoof-Hearted in the lead; hoof-hearted in the winner's circle," etc. (read those quickly, out loud. You'll get it).I know this story because of Matthew, of course. Check it out on you tube.
October 30, 2007
check-up / check-in
We're all fine here--just busy. I'll write more son, but know that Noah's stats are as follows: he is 2ft 2.25 in. tall (50th percentile) and he weighs 15 lbs. 11oz. (apx.23rd percentile). His doc is pleased with Noah's health, as are we. Noah is a little guy and very sweet! He now has TWO teeth (the front bottom two)! No fever from his puppy shots this time! I'll write in again soon.
October 23, 2007
SoCal Firestorm
Please pray for my family. Most of the members of my mom's side of the famiy have been evacuated from their homes; they are all safe and away from San Diego. My sister is staying in Vista in order to take care of horses and dogs (I wish she would get out, but she's a resourceful girl). If you're watching the national news, you'll see Matt Lauer and others reporting from Rancho Bernardo--that's where my Grandmother lives. I'll post updates in the days to come. G.
October 20, 2007
It's a Small World
After a whirlwind tour of Southern California, Abby, Noah and I are back in Davis. We flew to San Diego last Thursday. Friday was a hang-out day at my mom's. Abby and Alec played cousin Wii challenge 2007 (I think it was a tie). Noah spent as much time as possible hanging out with his Mia. He came up with a new sound just for her: the screech owl. It is a *special* sound. He also discovered blueberry applesauce. Thumbs up.
Saturday we met up with the fam (G's Aunt Pat, cousins, their kiddos, and G's grandmother, Mimi, of course) and we were finally able to introduce little Noah! The kiddos played and it was fun to see how big all the big kids are getting!!
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: we made our way to Aneheim, went to the Rainforest Cafe, and then did TWO days at Disneyland! Highlights included Pooh's honey adventure (this, according to Abby and Alec), Splash Mountain (Abby's FAVORITE!!), and the tea cups (which my sister kindly went on a couple of times; I can't handle the spinny rides!).
The most EXPENSIVE ride? Certainly the Nemo submarine ride. While in line, my mom broke a tooth on a mickey-shaped lollipop. After the ride, as I steped off the sub (with Noah in my arms), my cell phone decided it had had enough of me: it took the big dive and is sleeping with the mechanical fishes in the depths of the Nemo ride. We're hoping it will be retrieved by the divers and sent back to us, but the chances of it drying our and working are practically nil. If you want to talk to me, you'll need to use email--I'll send you an interim phone number; or you can call M's cell.
Lunch at Blue Bayou and two trips to Cafe Orleans for beneigts (how do you spell that?) and coffee, cotton candy (as sticky and strangely good and gross as ever), you know the deal. The kids partied like they had their grandmother with them, that's for sure. You know how when you were out with your parents (when you were little), and you begged for the glowing bracelets, the toys, the mickey ears, the treats...you thought you'd just die if you didn't get them, but your young parents blew the budget just to get you in to the park (which you didn't understand)? Well, all of that changes when you go with a grandparent. Suddenly your sweet eyes and batting lashes WORK! Abby and Alec were spoiled rotten. Click on the photo to see more pics from the trip.
Saturday we met up with the fam (G's Aunt Pat, cousins, their kiddos, and G's grandmother, Mimi, of course) and we were finally able to introduce little Noah! The kiddos played and it was fun to see how big all the big kids are getting!!
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: we made our way to Aneheim, went to the Rainforest Cafe, and then did TWO days at Disneyland! Highlights included Pooh's honey adventure (this, according to Abby and Alec), Splash Mountain (Abby's FAVORITE!!), and the tea cups (which my sister kindly went on a couple of times; I can't handle the spinny rides!).
The most EXPENSIVE ride? Certainly the Nemo submarine ride. While in line, my mom broke a tooth on a mickey-shaped lollipop. After the ride, as I steped off the sub (with Noah in my arms), my cell phone decided it had had enough of me: it took the big dive and is sleeping with the mechanical fishes in the depths of the Nemo ride. We're hoping it will be retrieved by the divers and sent back to us, but the chances of it drying our and working are practically nil. If you want to talk to me, you'll need to use email--I'll send you an interim phone number; or you can call M's cell.
Lunch at Blue Bayou and two trips to Cafe Orleans for beneigts (how do you spell that?) and coffee, cotton candy (as sticky and strangely good and gross as ever), you know the deal. The kids partied like they had their grandmother with them, that's for sure. You know how when you were out with your parents (when you were little), and you begged for the glowing bracelets, the toys, the mickey ears, the treats...you thought you'd just die if you didn't get them, but your young parents blew the budget just to get you in to the park (which you didn't understand)? Well, all of that changes when you go with a grandparent. Suddenly your sweet eyes and batting lashes WORK! Abby and Alec were spoiled rotten. Click on the photo to see more pics from the trip.
October 4, 2007
Some thoughts from 1927
I picked up "The New Butterick Dressmaker" from the library a couple of weeks ago. It is from 1927 and is fascinating to read for its clues into the social and behavioral trends (or instruction/ideals) of America at that time. Here are a couple of gems:
On Maternity Clothes:
"Maternity clothes have two objects: One is to make your condition unnoticeable, the other is to give you every physical advantage possible. If your clothes make you feel conspicuous and awkward, you will shrink from going out and will suffer from a lack of exercise and legitimate amusement which would keep you in a happy, contented frame of mind..."
"At this time you do not want to be conspicuous in any way. You want to look as much like other women as possible so that there will be nothing to draw notice to you."
On Baby clothes:
"All baby clothes should be white, and as fine and dainty as possible. [...] A little baby must be kept absolutely clean, warm and dry. The layette given below is complete and large enough to keep a baby fresh and dainty if one can have constant laundry work done."
On Maternity Clothes:
"Maternity clothes have two objects: One is to make your condition unnoticeable, the other is to give you every physical advantage possible. If your clothes make you feel conspicuous and awkward, you will shrink from going out and will suffer from a lack of exercise and legitimate amusement which would keep you in a happy, contented frame of mind..."
"At this time you do not want to be conspicuous in any way. You want to look as much like other women as possible so that there will be nothing to draw notice to you."
On Baby clothes:
"All baby clothes should be white, and as fine and dainty as possible. [...] A little baby must be kept absolutely clean, warm and dry. The layette given below is complete and large enough to keep a baby fresh and dainty if one can have constant laundry work done."
October 3, 2007
think PINK
Inspired by pink bismuth and the pink amoxicyllin in our fridge (and NOT in the frosting), this lovely cake is my creation from class last night. It looks delicious, and I've probably eaten my weight in pink frosting already. I've decided that I DO like cake decorating. It should be a handy skill in the years to come--lots of celebrations to have!
October 2, 2007
Strep Tests, Fire Alarms, and Overdue Books
Maybe the title gives it all away. Today has been nutty, and it isn't even 2pm. Well, the morning started out well: All of us up by 6:00 am, Abby and Matthew were out the door for school by 7am (Matthew to teach in Stockton, an hour away); Noah was down for his nap by 8 and I was getting research done while sipping my latte. Noah woke up happy and we went to the UCDavis library and the English department to drop off books for a professor. With intentions to take a large stack of books to the Davis Public library--books due TODAY, or we will owe even more than the ten dollars in overdue fines we've racked up--the day unravelled...
I missed an incoming call from Abby's school (couldn't get the cell out of my purse fast enough, as I was just putting Noah down for his afternoon nap). Upon calling back, I was informed that Abby had a tummy ache, a headache, a throat ache and a low fever. I said I was on my way, hung up, and called to make an appointment with Abby's doc. Abbs has had a tummy ache on and off for 4 days now, and that's long enough!
So with a sleepy Noah packed in the car, we got Abbs to the doc by 12:03pm. Abby has a delicate gag reflex, for those of you who didn't know that. Well, the strep test was enough to send her heaving. Twice. The doc got to hold Noah while I undressed poor Abby. After a positive result on the test, we left the doc's office: Abby in my shirt, me in an undershirt (thank GOD for that!), Noah taking it all in and trying to hang in there despite being super tired by this point. I felt too underdressed to trapse through Rite Aid to get Abby's antibiotics and figured I'd call my friend Bronwyn to see if she could guard the kids for a minute while I ran over. She's in a meeting at the moment, but something will work out.
OK--home at last and feeding Abby a very light lunch (plus her milk from the Starbucks drivethrough we visited on they way home from the doc). Noah fell asleep sometime during all of the hullaballoo, UNTIL the knock on the door from the fire dept. checking fire alarms. I remembered getting the notice on the door about this, but now it became much more inconvenient. One cannot check a fire alarm quietly, and I had already requested that maintenance TRY to be more quiet as they install a new water heater in our upstairs neighbors' place. In the meantime, Abby looks pale green and I grab a wastebasket and hold it as she upchucks her pesto pasta salad and Starbucks milk. My second latte of the day is all of a sudden MUCH less enjoyable, and Abby has now taken out two of my shirts besides her school uniform--all of which are in a pile in the hallway. I WISH WE HAD A WASHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So the fire alarm woke Noah up and I decided to wait and see if he could soothe himself back to sleep. He did. Deep breaths. Noah is sleeping in his crib, Abby is asleep in our bed. The fire department guys are beeping their way through the whole apartment complex, though the alarms become fainter as they get further away. Perhaps it was because I told him I was up to my elbows in vomit, or perharps he has kids himself, but the Davis Public Library dude gave me a break and renewed (by phone) all but one of our overdue books: "Baby-proofing Your Marriage" must be returned by 10 am tomorrow. Tee hee.
I'm supposed to frost a cake for my decorating class tonight. What a laugh! Maybe I'll just snuggle up to Abby and nap while the kiddos are napping. It has certainy been a productive day, though not in the way I had anticipated. OH! Bron just called from work and will pick up Abby's meds on her way home. Bless you, oh pregnant one. Things are working out and we will be fine. I think parenting is actually harder than getting a PhD. It definitely smells worse.
I missed an incoming call from Abby's school (couldn't get the cell out of my purse fast enough, as I was just putting Noah down for his afternoon nap). Upon calling back, I was informed that Abby had a tummy ache, a headache, a throat ache and a low fever. I said I was on my way, hung up, and called to make an appointment with Abby's doc. Abbs has had a tummy ache on and off for 4 days now, and that's long enough!
So with a sleepy Noah packed in the car, we got Abbs to the doc by 12:03pm. Abby has a delicate gag reflex, for those of you who didn't know that. Well, the strep test was enough to send her heaving. Twice. The doc got to hold Noah while I undressed poor Abby. After a positive result on the test, we left the doc's office: Abby in my shirt, me in an undershirt (thank GOD for that!), Noah taking it all in and trying to hang in there despite being super tired by this point. I felt too underdressed to trapse through Rite Aid to get Abby's antibiotics and figured I'd call my friend Bronwyn to see if she could guard the kids for a minute while I ran over. She's in a meeting at the moment, but something will work out.
OK--home at last and feeding Abby a very light lunch (plus her milk from the Starbucks drivethrough we visited on they way home from the doc). Noah fell asleep sometime during all of the hullaballoo, UNTIL the knock on the door from the fire dept. checking fire alarms. I remembered getting the notice on the door about this, but now it became much more inconvenient. One cannot check a fire alarm quietly, and I had already requested that maintenance TRY to be more quiet as they install a new water heater in our upstairs neighbors' place. In the meantime, Abby looks pale green and I grab a wastebasket and hold it as she upchucks her pesto pasta salad and Starbucks milk. My second latte of the day is all of a sudden MUCH less enjoyable, and Abby has now taken out two of my shirts besides her school uniform--all of which are in a pile in the hallway. I WISH WE HAD A WASHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So the fire alarm woke Noah up and I decided to wait and see if he could soothe himself back to sleep. He did. Deep breaths. Noah is sleeping in his crib, Abby is asleep in our bed. The fire department guys are beeping their way through the whole apartment complex, though the alarms become fainter as they get further away. Perhaps it was because I told him I was up to my elbows in vomit, or perharps he has kids himself, but the Davis Public Library dude gave me a break and renewed (by phone) all but one of our overdue books: "Baby-proofing Your Marriage" must be returned by 10 am tomorrow. Tee hee.
I'm supposed to frost a cake for my decorating class tonight. What a laugh! Maybe I'll just snuggle up to Abby and nap while the kiddos are napping. It has certainy been a productive day, though not in the way I had anticipated. OH! Bron just called from work and will pick up Abby's meds on her way home. Bless you, oh pregnant one. Things are working out and we will be fine. I think parenting is actually harder than getting a PhD. It definitely smells worse.
October 1, 2007
HIS FIRST TOOTH IS COMING IN!
We discovered a budding tooth this morning! Well, actually, I discovered it the hard way in the middle of the night last night, when I felt in Noah's mouth to see if the abrasive and rather shocking feeling while nursing him was just my imagination. It wasn't. I had half forgotten about it by the time I felt it again while he was gnawing on my finger today. Abby felt it too! She seems very excited about it, and she got to tell Matthew about it.
No wonder Noah has been restless. We will dearly miss his toothless grin. We wont miss the buckets of drool, but I have a feeling we've got LOTS more of that coming...
No wonder Noah has been restless. We will dearly miss his toothless grin. We wont miss the buckets of drool, but I have a feeling we've got LOTS more of that coming...
me and my first "real" cake
I'm 30 now.
I woke up on my b-day morning with Abby snuggled on one side and Noah burrowed in between Matty and I on my other side. The queen size bed is really too small for us now. Noah did his morning stretch and toot routine and I said to him : "Oh, is that my present! Thank you!" Abby (half asleep) cried out: "I was supposed to give you your present--I was supposed to give you the earrings as a surprise!" Te cat out of the bag, the rest of the morning was spent trying to console poor Abby, who was convinced she had ruined the day by accident. All worked out though; she and Matty stopped by a cute store in town on the way home from school and got me some gorgeous bird and nest stamps, and some Eiffel tower/Paris stamps. Abby also made some lovely drawings for me!
Before having a wnderful Thai (take out) dinner, I decorated this cute little cake, which is here displayed on an adorable robin's egg blue cake stand--my gift from Nonee (Gwenn), my mom's momma. You can see another pic of the top of the cake on my flickr reel (just click on this picture). I was showered with love and affection from my family and friends--cards, emails, calls, well wishes from across seas...how good it is to be loved so much!
The morning after my birthday, Abby snuggled me on the couch and said: "You're just the same; you still just look like a momma." Well, thank goodness I do! I am so glad to be G and 30.
I woke up on my b-day morning with Abby snuggled on one side and Noah burrowed in between Matty and I on my other side. The queen size bed is really too small for us now. Noah did his morning stretch and toot routine and I said to him : "Oh, is that my present! Thank you!" Abby (half asleep) cried out: "I was supposed to give you your present--I was supposed to give you the earrings as a surprise!" Te cat out of the bag, the rest of the morning was spent trying to console poor Abby, who was convinced she had ruined the day by accident. All worked out though; she and Matty stopped by a cute store in town on the way home from school and got me some gorgeous bird and nest stamps, and some Eiffel tower/Paris stamps. Abby also made some lovely drawings for me!
Before having a wnderful Thai (take out) dinner, I decorated this cute little cake, which is here displayed on an adorable robin's egg blue cake stand--my gift from Nonee (Gwenn), my mom's momma. You can see another pic of the top of the cake on my flickr reel (just click on this picture). I was showered with love and affection from my family and friends--cards, emails, calls, well wishes from across seas...how good it is to be loved so much!
The morning after my birthday, Abby snuggled me on the couch and said: "You're just the same; you still just look like a momma." Well, thank goodness I do! I am so glad to be G and 30.
September 25, 2007
"Enjoy your last day in your twenties!"
As she left for work, my friend Bronwyn gave me this greeting: "Enjoy your last day in your twenties!" There was glee (the good kind, not the mean kind) in her voice, and a giggle too--she is already 30 and I got to razz her too. I hadn't thought about this day that way. I've got lots of muddled emotions about the whole thing, and thought I might cry, but really, I am quite happy to be entering my 30's. I have very high hopes that they will be less tumultuous than my 20's. Don't get me wrong, 20's have been great: I finished two degrees, got married, was a college ministry intern, had TWO babies, bought and sold my (our) first house, made lifelong friends, traveled a little bit, began a PhD, learned how to scrapbook, sew,quilt, cook, garden, research, write, teach college kids, teach my own kids, blog, air up a bike tire, do pretty much anything with one hand (or no hands!), figured out what my favorite color is, leared to LOVE thai, indian, and afghani food, figured out that I actualy DO like the open possibilities of a ranch style house, and on and on... Of course the 20's brought other things too: I lost two grandparents (my dad's folks), found out that marriage can be lonely (big shocker, actually) and requires LOTS of work (another shocker--hey, I watched too much Ane of Green Gables, alright?), I also found out that: kids can drive you a little nuts--mostly because you love them so much that they can really get to you, getting babies on a schedule is HARD work, exercizing isn't easy either, I really am NOT in control of a lot of things, and I can't totally protect my loved ones; there is a difference between hurting and harming people (and sometimes hurting them means they are protected from harm! Think vaccines, boundaries, loving honesty, etc.). I survived young Calvinist's disease (at east, I think I did), and made it through my second childbirth without an epidural. My 20's brought real struggles with anxiety, high blood pressure, real life hurts and even feeling depression.
I don't think I've got it all figured out; if anything, I've figured out that I wont ever "firgure it all out" but that I can survive (maybe even thrive at times) though uncertainty. I look forward to the richness that comes with having loved, served, and struggled alongside my life-partner, Matthew. I do NOT look forward to the loss that is sure to come in this life--the loss that takes my breath away at the tiniest thought--that of the most precious lives I am honored to share this life with. I'm in a tender spot at the moment--feeling pretty raw, pretty open to the wonder and the pain of living. This isn't altogether bad. Tears can be good (as I'm trying to explain to Abby, who wonders why sometimes people cry when they are happy). I think happy tears come when you finally realize how special the good things in life are, and how much those things should mean!
And now, I am going to try to do it: Enjoy this last day in my twenties. I've already done my research work for the day (did that first), and now I need to frost a cake, safety pin Abby's quilt so I can start quilting it, and hang out with Noah (who is practicing a new skill, to our great delight: blowing raspberries!). Life is pretty good.
I don't think I've got it all figured out; if anything, I've figured out that I wont ever "firgure it all out" but that I can survive (maybe even thrive at times) though uncertainty. I look forward to the richness that comes with having loved, served, and struggled alongside my life-partner, Matthew. I do NOT look forward to the loss that is sure to come in this life--the loss that takes my breath away at the tiniest thought--that of the most precious lives I am honored to share this life with. I'm in a tender spot at the moment--feeling pretty raw, pretty open to the wonder and the pain of living. This isn't altogether bad. Tears can be good (as I'm trying to explain to Abby, who wonders why sometimes people cry when they are happy). I think happy tears come when you finally realize how special the good things in life are, and how much those things should mean!
And now, I am going to try to do it: Enjoy this last day in my twenties. I've already done my research work for the day (did that first), and now I need to frost a cake, safety pin Abby's quilt so I can start quilting it, and hang out with Noah (who is practicing a new skill, to our great delight: blowing raspberries!). Life is pretty good.
Practice Run
We busted out the cake decorating goodies to try our hands at decorating a cake. Abby loved it--as you can see. The sticks protruding from the cake are glow in the dark bracelets. They added a *special* flare to the cake. Tonight at my decorating class, I will decorate another cake; this one will end up being my birthday cake for tomorrow (Wednesday) night.
September 20, 2007
Hanging on by a thread...
This is the top of Abby's quilt, which has been my latest sewing project. I still need to back it, quilt it, and bind it. The pillow, however, is done. Abbs seems to like it, and I am excited to see it come to fruition after staring at piles of tiny scraps on my sewing desk (in the corner of the livingroom) and wishing I could put more than a 10 minute dent in it at a time. One thing I have discovered: The G needs a room of her own. I dream of a room with wall to wall craft stations...sewing, scrabooking, painting. I want to try my hand at pottery, but that can't be done around the fabric! I can hear my future-self now: Noah, step away from the fabric. You have the right to remain muddy, but not in my craft room! I want to try sewing something with a pattern (like a skirt or apron) next. We will see if I find time for that.
I am taking a cake decorating class. I'll share pics of my cullinary handiwork soon--good, bad or ugly.
I am taking a cake decorating class. I'll share pics of my cullinary handiwork soon--good, bad or ugly.
go VOLS!
Well, the Vols didn't beat Florida, but Noah was so cute in his t-shirt that we were consoled. He seems to like watching football.
first bites of rice cereal
Abby fed Noah his first bites; he was thankful. I think his cereal smells like seaweed--Matthew got him the DHA stuff (from algae oil). He seems to like it! Maybe he will be a sushi lover.
September 7, 2007
So Close, but So Far Away
I think things often seem simultaneously so close and so far away. The exhilaration and frustration of ALMOST is what many of us secretly seek; sometimes ALMOST is just another way to describe the reality of not being in control.
I've been "off-line" for a while as I wait for Apple to replace my computer, which hit the magic number (4) of break-downs. Apple has replaced the logic board thrice, and now my little silver friend has been shipped off for the scrap pile. I feel like I just sentenced R2-D2 or C-3PO to machine purgatory, or worse! And now I wait...and check the FedEx tracking number...again....again...and I watch as my new computer leaves Shanghai, passes through Alaska, Indianapolis. They tell me it will be Tuesday before it arrives. Baaa.
I miss my old, unreliable mac.
Another ALMOST: We live just an hour from Berkeley. For years M and I have known that the Tennessee VOLS would play the Cal Bears in Berkeley in September of 2007 (I'm talking about football, people). We did not know, however, that we would have an infant by the time the game rolled around and that said infant would not be much of a bottle-taker, making the babysitting option not an option. Alas, the game ensued with us watching from Davis and not "re-living" our first date (M took me to a VOLS game in Knoxville some eight years ago). That said, we're sure glad we have Noah Bean. Oh yeah, and the VOLS lost, so we would have had a long, bummerish ride home from Berkeley anyway.
other ALMOSTS? We ALMOST got 3 hours of sleep the night before last (fussy baby).
I've ALMOST started exercising again. And studying again. And cleaning the house again; wait, I didn't do that much before...ha!
And you, yes you, reading this blog post, don't ALMOST call me and say hi. Do it! Write me a snail mail letter! If that's not enticing enough, write Abby a letter; that kid LOVES to get mail. She checks the mail box every day (and usually complains about not having anything in the mail). Even better, send her a new chapter book or a (non-lead-tainted) toy!
Alright, I'm about to have ALMOST had time for a latte before Noah wakes up!
See ya!
I've been "off-line" for a while as I wait for Apple to replace my computer, which hit the magic number (4) of break-downs. Apple has replaced the logic board thrice, and now my little silver friend has been shipped off for the scrap pile. I feel like I just sentenced R2-D2 or C-3PO to machine purgatory, or worse! And now I wait...and check the FedEx tracking number...again....again...and I watch as my new computer leaves Shanghai, passes through Alaska, Indianapolis. They tell me it will be Tuesday before it arrives. Baaa.
I miss my old, unreliable mac.
Another ALMOST: We live just an hour from Berkeley. For years M and I have known that the Tennessee VOLS would play the Cal Bears in Berkeley in September of 2007 (I'm talking about football, people). We did not know, however, that we would have an infant by the time the game rolled around and that said infant would not be much of a bottle-taker, making the babysitting option not an option. Alas, the game ensued with us watching from Davis and not "re-living" our first date (M took me to a VOLS game in Knoxville some eight years ago). That said, we're sure glad we have Noah Bean. Oh yeah, and the VOLS lost, so we would have had a long, bummerish ride home from Berkeley anyway.
other ALMOSTS? We ALMOST got 3 hours of sleep the night before last (fussy baby).
I've ALMOST started exercising again. And studying again. And cleaning the house again; wait, I didn't do that much before...ha!
And you, yes you, reading this blog post, don't ALMOST call me and say hi. Do it! Write me a snail mail letter! If that's not enticing enough, write Abby a letter; that kid LOVES to get mail. She checks the mail box every day (and usually complains about not having anything in the mail). Even better, send her a new chapter book or a (non-lead-tainted) toy!
Alright, I'm about to have ALMOST had time for a latte before Noah wakes up!
See ya!
August 29, 2007
planning her party...
Abby will turn 6 years old this January (16th). Up until now, the rush of the holidays (plus Matthew's birthday falling on Dec. 21st) has left me bedraggled by the time it comes to a kiddo party. Abby has had celebrations, but nothing really well planned or anticipated. This year, she has asked for a "Ratatouille" party--a chef party with a Parisian-restaurant setting, inspired by the new Pixar film. Now, I'd LOVE to celebrate her birthday in Paris; heck, I'd let her rent real rats if it meant going to Paris, but we're going to attempt to transform our humble apartment in Davis into a chic Parisian and save a few thousand dollars.
So far we're set on letting her friends decorate their own cupcakes with real decorating gear. We're going to have chef hats, etc. I've been searching for an Eiffel tower lamp or something, but no dice so far. I know I have a few readers out there, so PLEASE write in with your brilliant ideas about cool ways to make the party tres tres chic and not just kitch. Merci beaucoup, mes amis!
So far we're set on letting her friends decorate their own cupcakes with real decorating gear. We're going to have chef hats, etc. I've been searching for an Eiffel tower lamp or something, but no dice so far. I know I have a few readers out there, so PLEASE write in with your brilliant ideas about cool ways to make the party tres tres chic and not just kitch. Merci beaucoup, mes amis!
August 28, 2007
little momma
Abby is AWESOME with Noah. She gets tired of him from time to time, but she enjoys him too. Abby is excited about her similarities to mom and dad: she now has homework, like us; she goes to school, like us; she can eat burgers, shrimp, thai food, and dessert, like us. But Noah can't--he's "just a baby." I feel a real kinship with Abby, a friendship and a closeness. This pales when she is whiney or grumpy, but then I'm sure I'm much less pleasant when I'm whiney and grumpy too.
self-portrait
Not much time to write at the moment, but had to post a couple of pics. This one needs a happy John Denver song playing in the background...Sunshine, on my shoulders makes me happy...
August 27, 2007
growing boy
Noah weighs 13.9 pounds! He is in the 35th percentile (or so) for weight and 60th for height. He is as healthy as can be and doing everything he is supposed to for his age (even without subtracting the extra four weeks!). The shots caused a fever for a day and a half, but all's well now. More pics to come soon.
August 22, 2007
fish face
M always did this to Abby's face when she was an infant. Actually, he still does it; there's just not as much to squish.
Matthew just told me that Noah said "Elmo" earlier today. Noah talks a ton to Matthew--not so much to me. Me, he bites. And we're talking hard bites on sensitive places (if you know what I mean, nursing moms...). But then he smiles at me and I forgive him.
Ha! I found proof. Here is M fish-facing Abby back in 2002.
Matthew just told me that Noah said "Elmo" earlier today. Noah talks a ton to Matthew--not so much to me. Me, he bites. And we're talking hard bites on sensitive places (if you know what I mean, nursing moms...). But then he smiles at me and I forgive him.
Ha! I found proof. Here is M fish-facing Abby back in 2002.
I'm 4 1/2 months old!
Little Noah likes to stand (and drool, and and pant like a puppy, and grab hair, and smile...). We think he weighs about 13.5 pounds now, but we will get the official weigh-in tomorrow at his 4-month appt. with the doc. Yes, shots come along with this appointment, so we're probably in for a couple of icky days and nights. Stay tuned for his stats...
climbing
A friend of Matthew's took some great pics of the Pearsons4 yesterday. Here is one of Abby climbing at a park near our apartment.
August 18, 2007
Deflated
How do you spell disappointment? Abby was invited to her friend Blake's birthday party at a place called "Pump it Up!" This is a huge bounce-house place--a veritable air and plastic heaven for 5 year olds. Well, I just got a call from Matthew and there is a power line down somewhere and NO power to run the air generators. The poor kids are sitting in a dim room at picnic tables, eating pizza and feeling truly sad about not bouncing their fool heads off. I feel like crying for Blake, for Abby, for Blake's parents. I mean, what a serious bummer--to look forward for weeks to a big bouncing party and to be met with flattened dreams. What a stunning visual--all these kids looking out at a sea of lost potential, and all they need is AIR to make the place come alive. It seems a moving image of what we are without Christ's spirit: Emptied out and incapable of serving the very function for which we were designed, needing only to be made full and able by the power which cannot be self-generated, the breath of life.
I'm praying that Pacific Gas and Electric arrives soon and "saves the day." I'm also hoping that Abby can collect herself and realize that this day is about celebrating Blake, not about bouncing. That may be asking too much of a disappointed 5 year old. SIGH.
I'm praying that Pacific Gas and Electric arrives soon and "saves the day." I'm also hoping that Abby can collect herself and realize that this day is about celebrating Blake, not about bouncing. That may be asking too much of a disappointed 5 year old. SIGH.
August 15, 2007
first day of Kindergarten!
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)