In Search of these Bangs

Is there any reason not to take the scissors and just go for it? I mean, how hard can it be to cut my own bangs?

And surely, if I have her hair, the body will follow, right?! ;)

Having an awesome time in SD. The weather is gorgeous and the kids have been napping for HOURS. A true vacation, by definition.

South Dakota

We're packing up the troops and heading out of town for Labor Day weekend.

Be back next week!

God Made Me Special

Is what Caeden said to Wayne as he ran out of his preschool class today (wearing a Hawaiian lei and sunglasses).

He has learned the most important lesson of all ... and it is only week 3.

Pain in the Neck

Oooh man. What did I do?! I started off with a stiff neck on Friday morning, and by the end of the day, I couldn't move. Seriously, I could not move. I hate going to the Doctor's office, but when Wayne suggested it was time, I was ready. Not only was my neck/head not moving, but my arms were useless as well. So I went in my p.j.'s.

The Doc took a look, and yup, I pulled a muscle. He recommends Valium and whips out his prescription pad.

Uh, I am nursing my daughter. Will that be a problem for her?

Yes.

Dang it! Gimmie that Valium! (I would have swiped it out of his hand had my arms been working.)

He pretty much tells me he feels sorry for me because all he can give me is Flexerol (sp?), which doesn't really work but it will make me tired.

"Give it three days and you'll feel better."

Please, please give a shot! Give me anything. I cannot wait three days!

Friday night was so bad that I don't remember much of it except horrible charlie-horse type of cramps in my neck and shoulders that came in waves. I whimpered a lot.

Saturday I could not get out of bed. When I finally did, it took a solid hour of rolling, crying, whimpering, and finally lighting bolt pain. Wayne had to bring me Claire so I could feed her, take care of me, "More meds, Wayne!" and Caeden (who was so sweet - my accident crimped his Chuck E Cheese plans but he didn't mind, he just kept asking if I was feeling better - little honey).

Saturday evening I called the Doctor and asked how long the Valium would stay in my system. I was getting desperate and was willing to make Claire take a bottle so I could start to recover. 24 hours. Too long. Great. I just had to stick it out.

Sunday I started feeling better. Better as in, I could get out of bed after trying for only 10 minutes.

Today, I feel really good and only have minor pinching when I over-do it.

Okay, I am totally done with my pity party.

(Insert martyr-like voice):

Just so you know, it really, really hurt.

12 Weeks

Claire Estelle. This sweet bundle of bubble blowing and softness is 12 weeks old. She's starting to laugh ("ahhh! ahh. ahhhh!") and smile. Full smiles - the kind that make her eyes light up and her pudgy little cheeks to strain. And those lips. What can I say? The are the perfect shade of red and are always slick with baby drool.
I could stare at her all day. I often do.

Invitation

I've got kiddos with Spring/Summer birthdays, so I've got awhile to wait. BUT, for all of you planning a big schwing-ding, look at these adorable invitations! They can be found here.

When is Daddy Coming Home?

Wayne's travel schedule has been crazy. He was gone A LOT over the past year, and it seems the goodbyes were getting harder and harder for Caeden.

When Wayne took ICL, the bonding between them (him & Caeden) was great. Each day they were together: playing, building things, hanging out ... and then Wayne started traveling again.

Goodbyes are now really hard and each morning and night Caeden asks, "When is Daddy coming home?" Or, "Where is Seattle?"

Today, as an airplane flew overhead, Caeden said, "I bet it's flying Daddy home." What do you say to that?

To help the loneliness, this picture is going into Caeden's room on his bedside table.

I mean, no one plays "construction" the way Wayne does. I'm no slouch, but I sure am not Dad, either.

He'll be home soon, Caeden. And, until then, I promise to play construction trucks with you -- messy sandbox and all.

Family Pictures

Claire is 12 weeks old tomorrow and we have yet to get a photo with all of us in it. Usually it's me that's missing since someone has to take the photo.

Enter Caeden's first homework assignment: bring a family photo to class.

This was due this morning, and we remembered we had to do something ... fast ... last night.

So, without further fanfare - our first family photo. No one had taken showers - to be honest, we were quite grubby from a day of playing outside. BUT, the important thing is that it is officially documented. We are a family of four. :)

Window Shopping

I get the itch for "new" this time of year. Maybe it's the back to school bug, or just the change in seasons? Either way, I wish I had a justification for the fabulousness of a new leather bag or smart looking coat. In reality, I know the bag would hold baby things and would collect Cheez-it crumbs at the bottom.

The coat I could justify ... it's cold here today! Oh wait, I have a closet full of coats.

What about a new shirt ....?

Okay, okay. Nothing new for me but if I could get them, I know people would whisper about me in line at the grocery store. I'd be the envy of everyone. They'd say, "Look at HER. She is just fabulous in her new coat ... and look at that bag! Too bad she hasn't washed her hair and has baby spit running down her back."

Sigh. A girl can dream.

Koop Family Visit

Dave, Donna, and Nikki were all here last week/weekend. I hope they weren't bored - we did alot of visiting, cooking, and hanging out. Maybe next time we'll be ready to take them into the mountains and do some sight seeing. It was just too hard with Claire not sleeping to convince me to do anything other than hang out. Forgive me, guys!

{We loved having them here (miss you guys already!) and can't wait to go up to SD over Labor Day. I think Caeden has already started the countdown.}

The Mirror

To see yourself in your children is somewhat surreal. Caeden is 3 and I am just now starting to see bits of me in him (mostly the eyes). His mannerisms are just like his Dad. He reminds me so much of Wayne in personality (always looking for the loophole) and looks (those lips!)

And there's Claire. For so long she's just been a skinny stick of a baby with sharp features. I was having a hard time figuring out who she looked like ... but she's up to around 10 pounds now (and just shy of 3 months old) and is starting to look more like ... ME. Last night I was giving her a bath and it was like looking into a mirror. So crazy and wonderful! I don't have a picture of her from last night, but here is one of last week (Grandma Koop holding her):


Genetics are fascinating.

In other news, I made the Andes cookies today. For my high altitude friends: decrease butter by 2 TBSP., add 1 more TBSP water and 3 TBSP of flour. They will come out perfect.

AND, get this: it is only going to be 60 degrees here this weekend! I am ready for fall - bring on the long sleeves and jeans, football, chili, and firepit weather. I am ready.

On Anatomy

Caeden is starting to notice that there is a difference between boys and girls. He asks a lot of questions about people he knows, trying to place them in the proper boy/girl categories. Lately he has gotten a bit more pointed in his questions.

"Mommy? Is Grandma a girl?"
"Yes, Grandma is a girl."
"Does she have a penis?"
"No, that means she does not have a penis."
"Ohhhh... That's really too bad."

Andes Mint Cookies

I got this recipe from another blog years ago and love them! Just wanted to share a fun after school snack for all our kiddos (and the rest of us!).

I use the green Andes mints most of the time, but at Valentine's Day I break out the red ones (usually you can find the red at Christmas - I just freeze em until Feb.)



ANDES MINT COOKIES

3/4 c. butter (or margarine)
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 T. water

Melt in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and then add:

2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring until completely melted.

Cool for 10 minutes. Pour into a mixing bowl and beat in 2 eggs.

Add:
2 1/2 c. four
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix together and chill for about 45 minutes. Roll into balls (like 1 - 1 1/2 inches big), flatten slightly, and place on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes (for my oven, this is the perfect time, keeping my cookies soft; your oven may be slightly different).

When cookies come out of the oven, place an Andes mint on top of each cookie and allow to melt for a few minutes. Swirl the melted chocolate like icing. Allow to cool.

We All Scream for Ice Cream

What is with the ice cream truck cruisin' around the neighborhood before dinner? It never fails... and then I ask Caeden at the dinner table, "why don't you ever eat anything?"

Duh.

And get this: the ice cream he had last time (thanks to his awesome Aunt Nikki) was Spider Man. With eyeballs. I kid you not. Totally gross, huh?! But, there's something so sweet about the music that little white trucks plays that takes me back to the days. Waaaay back. Caeden should have that, too. Even if it's before dinner.

Recap on First Day of School

Miss Loretta (one of Caeden's teachers)

(Caeden right at home with the Play Doh)

The conversation after school:

What did you do today, honey?

Oh, played in the sandbox with a tractor.

Did you make any friends?

Yes.

What are their names?

I dunno.

Did you have a snack?

Yes.

...What was it?

Cheez its.

What do you think of your teachers?

They are nice.

Did you like school?

Yes. (A very bored sounding "yes." -- As in, please quit asking me questions.)


We went home and he slept until it was time for dinner, and today he is asking when he gets to go back. Super cute.

Tag

Tagged by Sara!

Ok, here's what I'm supposed to do: list 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 surprising facts and then tag 5 other people. Leave a comment for the people you tag so they know they have been tagged.

joys
1. Watching Caeden with his grandparents. It's happiness in it's purest form.

2. Zoning out to great music on my iPod while working out.

3. Waking up (early) after being up most of the night and seeing coffee waiting for me. My husband is wonderful.

fears
1. Not having enough time to record all of the clever things Caeden (and eventually Claire) does and says. I don't want to forget a moment.
2. Not fitting back into my pre-pregnancy clothing.
3. Staying in Parker a moment longer than we have to (love our neighborhood, but dislike our town very much. Please turn around, housing market!).

obsessions
1. Anthropologie - everything from clothing to housewares.
2. Internet - reading blogs, shopping, reading the news ...
3. Eradicating clutter. I cannot stand clutter. Anywhere.

facts
1. I want to run a marathon next year. I will run a marathon next year.

2. I rearrange the furniture in my house at least once a month.

3. I have had photoshop loaded on my computer for a year and still have NO IDEA how to use it. This fact drives me crazy!

Tag Five People:
1. Nikki
2. John
3. Cathy
4. Delise/Jeff
5. Destine

He's Growing Up

First Day of Preschool

I thought I was ready. I thought of all the things he was going to learn and all the friends he was going to make. This is good. I am ready for him to have all the experiences school has to offer. Until.

Until he put on his new rocket backpack. Until I saw just how much he has grown over the summer. Until it hit me just how fast it goes. Until I realized that from now on, he will always be in school until he leaves our home (well, unless he lingers a bit too long in college and we're forced to cut him off) .

I honestly didn't think I was going to cry because I was SO EXCITED for him. Until the clock read it was time to take him to school. Until he grabbed his dad's hand as they walked out to the truck.

I cried all the way to school but pulled myself together just in time to walk in. Until.

Until I saw his name on his own locker. Until I saw his teacher guide him to his chair to play.

I cried some more. And then pulled myself together for real.

Wayne and I went to lunch (where I promptly ordered a Lemon Drop Martini - no judgments, please!) and reminisced about Caeden and how fast it has gone, and how proud we are of him ... of us ... to actually be parents of a child in school. It really makes me feel like I am in a new "Mom Circle/Group" now that I have to worry about snacks days and volunteering for the Christmas program.

Then we picked him up from school. It was an amazing feeling to watch the kids all run out of the room and into their parents' arms. To lock eyes with Caeden and feel his little arms wrap around me and give me a squeeze was the BEST feeling. He had a great time. Sang songs, colored a picture, listened to a story ...

I am just so thankful he enjoyed himself (after the gym playroom situation I was a bit nervous). I am truly thankful for this day. Progress is a wonderful thing.

Child Care ... Revisited

I took Caeden with me to the gym. It's the first time he's gone and he was SO EXCITED. When we got to the play area he took off for the tunnels and didn't look back. I tried to tell him I was leaving - that I would be back, but he could have cared less at that point. He was having so much fun climbing and sliding ...

Dejected, I introduced myself to one of the caregivers - telling her it was his first time in a setting like this, and if he needed me just page me. She told me that most Mommies feel this way, and that we are much more anxious than the kids are. "He'll be fine." And she sent me off with a wave.

Okay. Off I went to hop on the treadmill, where I completely got caught up in competing with the teeny boppers on the treadmills beside me. I can't remember a time when not one ounce of me jigglied when I ran ... but these girls where all business - and nothing moved on them except their legs. Well, it goes without saying, but there was a certain amount of jiggle going on over on my treadmill, but I did better than the day before and felt great!!

So, after my workout, I went downstairs to get my little man. I was heartbroken by what I saw when I got there. He was bunched up in a ball on the floor behind the main desk area - crying so hard that his shoulders were shaking and snot was coming out of his nose. I scooped him up and told him I would always come back for him, but he just kept crying.

It was one of the most awful moments I've had as a Mom. Seriously, I should have only left him for 15-20 minutes for his first time. What was I thinking?? (Don't answer that. We all know I got caught up in trying to keep up with those unhuman treadmill girls. I mean seriously, who in the world can run at a dead sprint for 45 minutes?! It was insane to watch.)

After I talked Caeden down by offering/bribing him with fruit snacks (that contain zero fruit, mind you), we got to the truck, and this is what he said:

"Mommy? I am so sad."

"Honey, I will never leave you for long. I will always come back. I promise."

"I'm still sad..."

"Baby, I am sorry. I was gone too long. I'm really, really sorry."

"Well, I need something."

Pause. He knows he has me where he wants me. Damn!

"What do you need?"

"A new toy."

Folks, it's manipulation at it's best.

Pizza

We brought dinner over to some neighbors who just had a baby [Hi Campbell!]. The mom eats only a few things ... one of them being pizza. So Wayne fired up the Green Egg (a grill/smoker) and proceeded to make homemade pizza. It had a bit of a wood-fired taste to the crust and was sooo good. Who needs Papa John when I have Papa Wayne?

I'll post the recipe soon.

Gimme a C

Claire Bear (the nicknames have started to kick in) is 9 weeks old. When Caeden was this old, I already had a computer hard drive packed with photos. I think I have a dozen of Claire. While Caeden beats her in photos, I think she's ahead in number of clothes. ;)

Here's what she's up to:

She still loves to be swaddled (well, she tries to get out but I won't allow it - I have her wrapped up like a mummy because she'll sleep longer...).

Doesn't like anything near her face.

Loves to be sang to (in contrast, Caeden loathes music - can you believe that?).

Can't get enough time in the bath.

Starting to tolerate her swing and carseat for a few minutes.

Weighs 9 pounds 9 oz. and is almost 22" long.

Has 1 roll of baby fat on her thigh - no more scrawny chicken legs.

Likes to cuddle, cheek to cheek, in bed -- this is my favorite thing to do with her.

Won't sleep in her crib unless I make sure she is in a deep sleep, having a heating pad on the mattress to warm it up, hunch waaay down into the crib so we have maximum contact before I unfold her from my arms, have the fan running for white noise ... and tip toe out. This nifty little dance wasn't working last night, though. I was up until 2 am repeating and repeating until I finally lost all patience and took her to bed with me. Of course, she slept until 6 am without a fuss...while I woke up every 30 seconds to make sure I hadn't smothered her.

Is totally, completely ... adored and loved.