I painted my giraffe.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
ya ya
I know. I've not been posting. See the picture of the baby below? All that cuteness comes with a price.
Someone only naps for 20-30 minutes at a time. Someone is also up every hour all night long.
Someone is starting baby sleep camp today.
If you know me, you know I'm against making a baby "cry it out" alone. What, exactly, is IT? Their need for you? Their wet diaper? Their fear of the boogy man?
I am not, however, against rocking a baby who is crying at me because I'm providing a different level of comfort from the one she's accustomed to.
I've been trying the No Cry Sleep Solution. It worked great for Niall. Not so much now. We're going to be doing the Acceptable Level of Crying but Mommy Is Still Here With You Sleep Solution. And Daddy might be there, or he might flee to the couch. But no one is getting up at 1:12, 2:26, 3:12.... again. Got it?
I started blogging about the family waaaaay back when Niall wasn't sleeping and I was trying to get a handle on things. So the lack of sleeping baby isn't all bad - it started me keeping a family blog, which I then merged with this blog. So there.
But I'd like to request a 5 hour block of sleep now. Considering the bladder issues of late pregnancy, it's been over a year since I've had that. So it would be nice to have. Please and thank you.
Someone only naps for 20-30 minutes at a time. Someone is also up every hour all night long.
Someone is starting baby sleep camp today.
If you know me, you know I'm against making a baby "cry it out" alone. What, exactly, is IT? Their need for you? Their wet diaper? Their fear of the boogy man?
I am not, however, against rocking a baby who is crying at me because I'm providing a different level of comfort from the one she's accustomed to.
I've been trying the No Cry Sleep Solution. It worked great for Niall. Not so much now. We're going to be doing the Acceptable Level of Crying but Mommy Is Still Here With You Sleep Solution. And Daddy might be there, or he might flee to the couch. But no one is getting up at 1:12, 2:26, 3:12.... again. Got it?
I started blogging about the family waaaaay back when Niall wasn't sleeping and I was trying to get a handle on things. So the lack of sleeping baby isn't all bad - it started me keeping a family blog, which I then merged with this blog. So there.
But I'd like to request a 5 hour block of sleep now. Considering the bladder issues of late pregnancy, it's been over a year since I've had that. So it would be nice to have. Please and thank you.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Portrait session
Y'all know that I'm trying to learn more about photography so I can take our portraits here at home and save some money. This is in our dining area. Three are here, the rest can be found on flickr. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
First day of school!
I'm stealing a friend's idea to always take the first day of school pictures in front of the car, because that dates them. Then we can look back and remember when the van was new, or when we drove that van.
His hair is spiked, his collar popped (his idea. No I am not trying to revive the 80s), and he's ready to go.
His hair is spiked, his collar popped (his idea. No I am not trying to revive the 80s), and he's ready to go.
It took a little over half an hour to get there. Traffic wasn't bad at all.
We'll see you at 3:10, Rowan! Have a great day!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Rowan's new school
We had open house and meet the teacher today at Rowan's new school. Here are a few pictures to show you what it's like.
They use these chains to figure out math problems.
Drawers with letter combos on the outside and objects on the inside for phonics.
Science. Rowan's favorite subject.
They use these chains to figure out math problems.
Drawers with letter combos on the outside and objects on the inside for phonics.
Science. Rowan's favorite subject.
We're very happy. I got his school t shirt this afternoon for him to have for field trip and spirit days, and he hasn't taken it off yet.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Dreamboat
Today was the perfect combo of lighting and patience to get pictures of the kids' eyes.
And can you just swoon? I mean, look at this:
He has his daddy's eyes. Isn't he dreamy?
And can you just swoon? I mean, look at this:
He has his daddy's eyes. Isn't he dreamy?
And this?
We are in T.R.O.U.B.L.E.
We are in T.R.O.U.B.L.E.
And this...
Are those even real?
How many times do John and I look at each other and ask ourselves how we managed to have such gorgeous kids... And I have to say no to these eyes when they're begging. It's a tough job, I tell you. They don't make it easy!
Are those even real?
How many times do John and I look at each other and ask ourselves how we managed to have such gorgeous kids... And I have to say no to these eyes when they're begging. It's a tough job, I tell you. They don't make it easy!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Airplanes!
Yesterday, I finally finished the wallpapering in the boys' room. It's almost all the way done. I still have to make the curtain (machine is in the shop) and paint the other wall, but the wallpapering is done! Well, except for the border that will go on the painted wall. But still... done!
And here's the closet after a visit to Ikea.
And here's the closet after a visit to Ikea.
I have cuts on the tip of one finger, and my body is sore from climbing up and down off that stool over and over again, but YAY! I think it looks pretty awesome, and the kite that Pop and Fannie gave the boys goes great with the rest of the room.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Kerfuffle
I took last week off, and then started this week with the grand intentions of getting back into the swing of things and posting every day again. And then the phone rang.
You know how sometimes you get some sort of news, and it swoops along and changes everything? This was one of those phone calls. It was the charter Montessori school that we applied to last spring. Rowan had been wait listed. Last we checked, he was 12 on the list, so we were pretty much resigned to it not happening.
But it did. They called on Monay offering him a spot, and at first I didn't know what to say. I mean, the poor guy has been at school since July 7th, and the Montessori school is on a traditional calendar. And this would be his 3rd school in as many years. But... but... but...
I freaked out a little and called Amy asking what I should do. I drove over to the elementary school, Niall and Eleri in tow, and asked them what I would have to do to withdraw him. What did they think? Was I crazy? I talked to his guidance counselor. We made a plan. And then I ran back home and packed a lunch to take back to his school so we could eat with him and give him the news.
I called John and made sure he was in agreement. I called the school and accepted the slot. I called Mom and Fran to give them then news. And the whole time running through the back of my mind was He got it. He got it. Thank you, God. Thank you, God. He got it! and I was crying because I was so happy.
It threw me all in a spin. I forgot the grocery store. I forgot to get refills at the pharmacy. I forgot about the laundry and the bathroom and every other thing. And Tuesday I was driving over to the new school to pick up paper work, and still walking around in a daze of thanks and happiness and well being. And Wednesday was his last day at the elementary school (this was the plan we agreed on) because it was early release day and we were keeping the neighbor kids for the afternoon until their Mom could get home. And Thursday was going to the Walmart and getting some of his new school supplies (like a clipboard and construction paper and... and... and...) and forgetting once again to buy food because - YAY! School!
It's difficult to comprehend unless you've seen him. How much this means for how he learns and how terribly bright he is and how the drudgery of worksheets and centers (OH the horrid CENTERS) were killing his little sense of self. It's an answer to prayer.
And so we ate pizza one night and KFC one night and hot dogs one night... because I kept forgetting that we still needed to eat in all the fog of new and thanks and Rowan is home from school because he's on break now because his new school doesn't start until the end of the month.
Is it any wonder I didn't remember a thing about a piddly little blog?
You know how sometimes you get some sort of news, and it swoops along and changes everything? This was one of those phone calls. It was the charter Montessori school that we applied to last spring. Rowan had been wait listed. Last we checked, he was 12 on the list, so we were pretty much resigned to it not happening.
But it did. They called on Monay offering him a spot, and at first I didn't know what to say. I mean, the poor guy has been at school since July 7th, and the Montessori school is on a traditional calendar. And this would be his 3rd school in as many years. But... but... but...
I freaked out a little and called Amy asking what I should do. I drove over to the elementary school, Niall and Eleri in tow, and asked them what I would have to do to withdraw him. What did they think? Was I crazy? I talked to his guidance counselor. We made a plan. And then I ran back home and packed a lunch to take back to his school so we could eat with him and give him the news.
I called John and made sure he was in agreement. I called the school and accepted the slot. I called Mom and Fran to give them then news. And the whole time running through the back of my mind was He got it. He got it. Thank you, God. Thank you, God. He got it! and I was crying because I was so happy.
It threw me all in a spin. I forgot the grocery store. I forgot to get refills at the pharmacy. I forgot about the laundry and the bathroom and every other thing. And Tuesday I was driving over to the new school to pick up paper work, and still walking around in a daze of thanks and happiness and well being. And Wednesday was his last day at the elementary school (this was the plan we agreed on) because it was early release day and we were keeping the neighbor kids for the afternoon until their Mom could get home. And Thursday was going to the Walmart and getting some of his new school supplies (like a clipboard and construction paper and... and... and...) and forgetting once again to buy food because - YAY! School!
It's difficult to comprehend unless you've seen him. How much this means for how he learns and how terribly bright he is and how the drudgery of worksheets and centers (OH the horrid CENTERS) were killing his little sense of self. It's an answer to prayer.
And so we ate pizza one night and KFC one night and hot dogs one night... because I kept forgetting that we still needed to eat in all the fog of new and thanks and Rowan is home from school because he's on break now because his new school doesn't start until the end of the month.
Is it any wonder I didn't remember a thing about a piddly little blog?
Monday, August 10, 2009
High Five!
You all know that we love AmeriFace, cleftAdvocate, and the support they've given us since Rowan was a baby. Here's a chance to give them a high five for all the work they've done. And thanks from us!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Rainy day fun
We found this thing on Facebook and have been playing with it today. We've been cracking up so hard, my face hurts. Here are some of the best.
Look at the rest HERE.
Look at the rest HERE.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
wow
It is QUIET.
The baby is sleeping.
Niall has an appointment today with a dermatologist for that ongoing skin thing, and it's at 2pm. That is right in the middle of naptime, and we wouldn't be home in time to meet the school bus, so John is going to take him.
And since he would have to drive in to work, and then drive back here, and then drive to Chapel Hill (we have to go where we're referred, thanks, CHIP) so he took Niall to work with him.
Which means that it's just me and the baby.
And it's QUIET.
The baby is sleeping.
Niall has an appointment today with a dermatologist for that ongoing skin thing, and it's at 2pm. That is right in the middle of naptime, and we wouldn't be home in time to meet the school bus, so John is going to take him.
And since he would have to drive in to work, and then drive back here, and then drive to Chapel Hill (we have to go where we're referred, thanks, CHIP) so he took Niall to work with him.
Which means that it's just me and the baby.
And it's QUIET.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The NINO dress
I wanted to get this done in time for her offical nine months day yesterday, but I forgot how freakishly long it takes to make one of those cords. So here it is today!
The yarn is bambewe from Zenstring, though word on the street is that if you're in one of her clubs or order a custom it takes a loooooong time to get it. This was in stock though, and I got it while I was still pregnant. I just didn't know what to do with it until this dress.
The pattern is the SugarBubbie Halter. It's the same pattern that I used to make the dress for Sarah's baby. But this time I used the Bambewe yarn (merino and bamboo blend. So soft! So drapey!) instead of acrylic. I don't mind using yarn that has to be hand washed for my own stuff, but I won't give it as a gift unless you ask for it.
I think it came out super cute. Perfect for a hot summer day.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Nine months
It is difficult to impossible to get pictures of a nine month old baby who has figured out how to move and wants to do so. Add in a thunderstorm and the related bad lighting...
She is also hell bent on getting the camera cord.
Now... take the above conditions, and add in a request from Mom to get a picture of all three kids. It's comedy. Pure comedy.
I did get one that wasn't too terribly grainy.
But, my baby is nine months old. She has now been on the outside as long as she was on the inside. She still disdains most solid food, but has developed a liking for cheerios. She's progressed to an inchworm kind of crawl, and is still the apple of her brothers' eyes. She's everything we could ever have wanted in a little girl, had we known what to ask for. I can only imagine what this next 9 months will bring. Perhaps a full night's sleep? Even if no, I wouldn't trade her for the world.
She is also hell bent on getting the camera cord.
Now... take the above conditions, and add in a request from Mom to get a picture of all three kids. It's comedy. Pure comedy.
I did get one that wasn't too terribly grainy.
But, my baby is nine months old. She has now been on the outside as long as she was on the inside. She still disdains most solid food, but has developed a liking for cheerios. She's progressed to an inchworm kind of crawl, and is still the apple of her brothers' eyes. She's everything we could ever have wanted in a little girl, had we known what to ask for. I can only imagine what this next 9 months will bring. Perhaps a full night's sleep? Even if no, I wouldn't trade her for the world.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The internet is a magical thing
Someone sent me a forward recently, about how being a 30something curmudgeon complaining how kids these days have it so easy. How if you wanted to know something, you had to go to the library and look up a book in a card catalogue and then go find it. Remember that? Subject card, author card, title card!
It was a funny forward. At least my kids know what Pac Man is, because I cling to old school video games.
It made me think, though, about how I look up song lyrics all the time. And how when I was in high school we'd argue about what someone really said, and there was no way to know unless you had the copy of the lyrics that came with the tape - and sometimes they didn't even have the lyrics in them.
In particular was a song by the Cure. None of us had the lyrics. We all swore he said, "Two white chicks!" It was funny. I could randomly walk by Rachel (or Sarah before she graduated) and say, "two white chicks!" and they'd know just what I was saying and laugh. Fun times.
Today while I was lying down with Eleri, trying to get her to go to sleep, I remembered that song. So, I looked it up.
It was a funny forward. At least my kids know what Pac Man is, because I cling to old school video games.
It made me think, though, about how I look up song lyrics all the time. And how when I was in high school we'd argue about what someone really said, and there was no way to know unless you had the copy of the lyrics that came with the tape - and sometimes they didn't even have the lyrics in them.
In particular was a song by the Cure. None of us had the lyrics. We all swore he said, "Two white chicks!" It was funny. I could randomly walk by Rachel (or Sarah before she graduated) and say, "two white chicks!" and they'd know just what I was saying and laugh. Fun times.
Today while I was lying down with Eleri, trying to get her to go to sleep, I remembered that song. So, I looked it up.
A few hours after this and we're apart againI like our lyrics better. Two white chicks!
Like two white checks
Like opposite poles
In a secret game
(Like nothing like these I suppose... )
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Fresh!
There is something to be said for picking something and then having it for dinner an hour later.
Green beans, from the garden, picked right before 5, eaten right after 6.
Our garden is pretty pitiful this year, all weedy and unkempt, and only has green beans and some tomatoes planted. But it's a first year garden, so I think we're doing pretty well. This is the second or third time I've picked beans, and they've paid for themselves many times over already. The tomatoes - Cherokee Purples - will only have to produce two to return their investment, and as there are several green tomatoes on the vine... mmmm I can taste the hummus and tomato sandwiches already. And let's not forget the bacon and tomato. YUM!
Green beans, from the garden, picked right before 5, eaten right after 6.
Our garden is pretty pitiful this year, all weedy and unkempt, and only has green beans and some tomatoes planted. But it's a first year garden, so I think we're doing pretty well. This is the second or third time I've picked beans, and they've paid for themselves many times over already. The tomatoes - Cherokee Purples - will only have to produce two to return their investment, and as there are several green tomatoes on the vine... mmmm I can taste the hummus and tomato sandwiches already. And let's not forget the bacon and tomato. YUM!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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