I love that Kate.
And, her debut as a biped . . .
(forgive me -- I cannot for the life of me figure out how to reorient the second half of the video -- so turn your head to the left and enjoy!)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Kate the Great
Oh that Kate, she's been so very busy lately . . . she is DEFINITELY busier than Meg was at this age. She's busier than Meg ever was as a baby. She is a monkey, a climber, and into everything.
I love that Kate.
And, her debut as a biped . . .
I love that Kate.
And, her debut as a biped . . .
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Home Stretch
In just a few short weeks, my itty bitty baby . . . my tiny little gem . . . will turn one. ONE. We have rounded the corner and are headed fast toward that one year marker. And it feels good.
The milestones are flying fast. Kate's gotten her first tooth, said her first word(s), and took her first steps all in the last month. The teeth you knew about . . . but yes, you heard me right: Kate has started walking and talking.
Her first word? "Uh oh" Loud and clear, plain as day, and used in correct context. As a matter of fact, dropping her cup from her high chair and exclaiming, "Uh oh!" is officially one of Kate's favorite games. She can also say a very breathy "Hi" while waiving, but it's not quite as consistent as "Uh oh." Still, it counts.
The first steps? That milestone occurred just this past weekend. On Sunday, as we all attempted to bbq in the rain at Aunt JuJu's new place in the Virginia Highlands, Kate took her first shaky 4-5 step pass with a crowd of about 8 people watching. We cheered! We clapped! And now when you place her firm on her little feet and try to get her to walk, she starts out with a big smile and a few claps. As if to say, "Look at me! I need my praise now, please!"
Since Sunday, her steps have gotten better and better. And she's even managed to stand herself up from falling in the middle of the room, which shows her balance it getting there. I have to tell you . . . Kate looks like a little doll walking. My grandma said she would, and boy -- she was right. All 28 inches of her just toddling along is the cutest thing I've seen in a while. I can't wait until she really takes off and uses her legs as her primary form of mobility. She's still dropping to her knees to crawl (because it's faster), but certainly that won't last long. I'm about to have TWO totally mobile kids around here.
The milestones have come and gone so quickly. Wasn't it just last week I was detailing all of the effort it took to bathe both girls? Now I pretty much throw the both in the tub, and we're done in no time. And remember when Kate could not sit up . . . or when she was wanting to crawl so badly? Those days are long gone. She's accomplished so much this year.
The "first birthday party" invitations were mailed today. To me, that means we are officially in the home stretch . . . the first year is nearly done. With Meg, the party and the first year celebration was truly all about her. It was a BIG to do, bigger than I had originally planned. It was quite an event for our family. Kate's will also be a big production, though it feels a little different the second time around.
I'm not taking anything away from Kate in saying this -- but I do have to admit -- I feel like sharing a little in Kate's first year celebration. She made it a whole year . . . and so did I. This year has been one of the hardest I will probably endure (at least I can hope life doesn't get too much harder), with all the changes and the blindsiding that the second baby brought to our home. This time last year, I had NO idea what Kate's first year would hold. Now, a year later, I actually feel like I'VE accomplished something by making it from June '08 to June '09.
Like I said, I'm not taking anything away from Kate. She is going to have a first birthday party all to herself . . . I'm not even sharing her party with Meg, though their birthdays are just 3 days apart. Meg will have a pool party with HER friends, and Kate is going to have a party with our family and close family friends. Two parties in 3 days time means a lot of work for mommy, but it's worth it. Birthdays are totally for celebrating.
My calendar amazes me . . . just about 3 weeks until Kate is a year old. ONE. Time certainly flies. It flies when you are having fun . . . and as hard as this year has been, it's been amazingly fun at the same time.
Here we go . . . we've rounded the corner, and I can see the finish line ahead. We've almost made it, Kate! The one year milestone is straight ahead. And we're going to WALK across it together!
(I have pictures of Kate walking, but the computer is on the fritz so I can't get them downloaded -- I'll post some later this week for sure.)
The milestones are flying fast. Kate's gotten her first tooth, said her first word(s), and took her first steps all in the last month. The teeth you knew about . . . but yes, you heard me right: Kate has started walking and talking.
Her first word? "Uh oh" Loud and clear, plain as day, and used in correct context. As a matter of fact, dropping her cup from her high chair and exclaiming, "Uh oh!" is officially one of Kate's favorite games. She can also say a very breathy "Hi" while waiving, but it's not quite as consistent as "Uh oh." Still, it counts.
The first steps? That milestone occurred just this past weekend. On Sunday, as we all attempted to bbq in the rain at Aunt JuJu's new place in the Virginia Highlands, Kate took her first shaky 4-5 step pass with a crowd of about 8 people watching. We cheered! We clapped! And now when you place her firm on her little feet and try to get her to walk, she starts out with a big smile and a few claps. As if to say, "Look at me! I need my praise now, please!"
Since Sunday, her steps have gotten better and better. And she's even managed to stand herself up from falling in the middle of the room, which shows her balance it getting there. I have to tell you . . . Kate looks like a little doll walking. My grandma said she would, and boy -- she was right. All 28 inches of her just toddling along is the cutest thing I've seen in a while. I can't wait until she really takes off and uses her legs as her primary form of mobility. She's still dropping to her knees to crawl (because it's faster), but certainly that won't last long. I'm about to have TWO totally mobile kids around here.
The milestones have come and gone so quickly. Wasn't it just last week I was detailing all of the effort it took to bathe both girls? Now I pretty much throw the both in the tub, and we're done in no time. And remember when Kate could not sit up . . . or when she was wanting to crawl so badly? Those days are long gone. She's accomplished so much this year.
The "first birthday party" invitations were mailed today. To me, that means we are officially in the home stretch . . . the first year is nearly done. With Meg, the party and the first year celebration was truly all about her. It was a BIG to do, bigger than I had originally planned. It was quite an event for our family. Kate's will also be a big production, though it feels a little different the second time around.
I'm not taking anything away from Kate in saying this -- but I do have to admit -- I feel like sharing a little in Kate's first year celebration. She made it a whole year . . . and so did I. This year has been one of the hardest I will probably endure (at least I can hope life doesn't get too much harder), with all the changes and the blindsiding that the second baby brought to our home. This time last year, I had NO idea what Kate's first year would hold. Now, a year later, I actually feel like I'VE accomplished something by making it from June '08 to June '09.
Like I said, I'm not taking anything away from Kate. She is going to have a first birthday party all to herself . . . I'm not even sharing her party with Meg, though their birthdays are just 3 days apart. Meg will have a pool party with HER friends, and Kate is going to have a party with our family and close family friends. Two parties in 3 days time means a lot of work for mommy, but it's worth it. Birthdays are totally for celebrating.
My calendar amazes me . . . just about 3 weeks until Kate is a year old. ONE. Time certainly flies. It flies when you are having fun . . . and as hard as this year has been, it's been amazingly fun at the same time.
Here we go . . . we've rounded the corner, and I can see the finish line ahead. We've almost made it, Kate! The one year milestone is straight ahead. And we're going to WALK across it together!
(I have pictures of Kate walking, but the computer is on the fritz so I can't get them downloaded -- I'll post some later this week for sure.)
Monday, May 25, 2009
When Last We Met . . .
Meg was about to send me to the looney bin, and Kate was about to pop her 2 front teeth. We were about to leave for our family vacation in Iowa and Kansas, and I felt like I was about to lose my mind in preparation for it.
Fast forward more than a week, and here we are.
The trip was awesome. The girls were angels. We had a wonderful visit with extended family, followed by some great days with just the Grandparents.
Nobody was sick. Meg was really a GREAT kid -- the great kid she usually is, prior to the week of hellish behavior we had right before the trip. Kate popped her two front teeth on the last day of our trip, but she really didn't complain about it at all in the days leading up to their big debut. Both girls were a true pleasure to be around. As you can imagine, the grandparents ate them up.
I can't even begin to describe all of the things we did while away in the midwest. We had just a fantastic time . . . both at the big 90th birthday celebration for Jim's grandma and in the week that followed, when we just hung out with the family.
In Iowa, this is prime crop planting season. The crop? Corn, of course. Corn and some soybeans, though most everything we saw planted or being planted was corn. There was a little divine intervention on our trip . . . we were at Great Grandma Moen's farm (that would be Jim's Mom's Mom) on the day that they planted the corn on her land. We got to see the BIG tractors till the land one evening, then they returned with the planters and planted the corn seeds the following morning. For a suburban kid like me (and Meg and Kate), it was a real treat. They only do the planting once a year -- one day a year -- and we just happened to time it right. That was certainly the highlight of the trip for me and Meg.
We also went to the little town cafe and had breakfast in Emmons, MN. We went to the Elks Lodge for 'Taco Tuesday' and had a ball. We shopped, we drove the 5+ hours back to Kansas, we saw family friends, and we visited our favorite local petting zoo in Jim's hometown of Overland Park, KS.
It was a great trip.
And now we are home, and after nearly 3 days, I think just about everything is back to where it belongs. The girls went to bed at 7:30pm tonight -- eastern time, that is. Back to our schedule. We've (selfishly) kept them on central time for the past couple of days to enjoy a few holiday weekend evening activities and the late morning sleep that follows when your kids body clocks are about an hour behind 'real' time. Tonight, though, it was a return to normalcy.
I'm just so glad we had a great trip . . . and now I'm so glad to be back home. Tomorrow is another day, as Scarlett O'hara says. Tomorrow we'll get back on track. (And yes, for those of you that missed me, I'll get back to blogging!)
Enjoy the photos in the albums linked -- I've added a lot of stuff, including trip pictures and just general pictures of our lives in the "May 2009" album.
Fast forward more than a week, and here we are.
The trip was awesome. The girls were angels. We had a wonderful visit with extended family, followed by some great days with just the Grandparents.
Nobody was sick. Meg was really a GREAT kid -- the great kid she usually is, prior to the week of hellish behavior we had right before the trip. Kate popped her two front teeth on the last day of our trip, but she really didn't complain about it at all in the days leading up to their big debut. Both girls were a true pleasure to be around. As you can imagine, the grandparents ate them up.
I can't even begin to describe all of the things we did while away in the midwest. We had just a fantastic time . . . both at the big 90th birthday celebration for Jim's grandma and in the week that followed, when we just hung out with the family.
In Iowa, this is prime crop planting season. The crop? Corn, of course. Corn and some soybeans, though most everything we saw planted or being planted was corn. There was a little divine intervention on our trip . . . we were at Great Grandma Moen's farm (that would be Jim's Mom's Mom) on the day that they planted the corn on her land. We got to see the BIG tractors till the land one evening, then they returned with the planters and planted the corn seeds the following morning. For a suburban kid like me (and Meg and Kate), it was a real treat. They only do the planting once a year -- one day a year -- and we just happened to time it right. That was certainly the highlight of the trip for me and Meg.
We also went to the little town cafe and had breakfast in Emmons, MN. We went to the Elks Lodge for 'Taco Tuesday' and had a ball. We shopped, we drove the 5+ hours back to Kansas, we saw family friends, and we visited our favorite local petting zoo in Jim's hometown of Overland Park, KS.
It was a great trip.
And now we are home, and after nearly 3 days, I think just about everything is back to where it belongs. The girls went to bed at 7:30pm tonight -- eastern time, that is. Back to our schedule. We've (selfishly) kept them on central time for the past couple of days to enjoy a few holiday weekend evening activities and the late morning sleep that follows when your kids body clocks are about an hour behind 'real' time. Tonight, though, it was a return to normalcy.
I'm just so glad we had a great trip . . . and now I'm so glad to be back home. Tomorrow is another day, as Scarlett O'hara says. Tomorrow we'll get back on track. (And yes, for those of you that missed me, I'll get back to blogging!)
Enjoy the photos in the albums linked -- I've added a lot of stuff, including trip pictures and just general pictures of our lives in the "May 2009" album.
 |
| Iowa/Kansas May 2009 |
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Because I Know Many of You Can Relate
Kate seemed hot when she woke up bright and early this morning. She was a little cranky. I now know -- thanks to the pediatrician visit yesterday -- that teeth are eminent, so I gave her some Motrin.
Meg woke up her usual cranky crabby self. The morning was not fun, by any means. By 10:30am, she had a temperature of 100.0, so I gave her Motrin.
I gave Kate her second dose of Motrin before afternoon nap, which was about 6 hours after her first dose. The doctor recommended pre-nap and pre-bedtime Motrin to help her sleep better as those teeth push their way through.
Meg's fever was gone after her first dose of meds, and it stayed away most of the day. Dare it say it . . . she was tolerable to be around once she seemed to feel better. At about 3:30pm, the whining returned and I noticed she was hot . . . and then discovered the fever was back slightly at 99.3. I waited, and at 4:30pm it was 101.7. Dose two of Motrin for Meg.
Before bed, I gave a cranky Kate her 3 allowance of Motrin. Meg can't have any more until at least 10:30pm, but I have the bottle in her room ready to go if she wakes up needing it.
If you are a mom out there, I know you can relate to this. Of course the doctors said nothing was wrong with these girls on our visit yesterday . . . yet they both are still feverish and moderately miserable today. Oh well. When it doubt, load them up with Motrin and hope it helps.
Meg woke up her usual cranky crabby self. The morning was not fun, by any means. By 10:30am, she had a temperature of 100.0, so I gave her Motrin.
I gave Kate her second dose of Motrin before afternoon nap, which was about 6 hours after her first dose. The doctor recommended pre-nap and pre-bedtime Motrin to help her sleep better as those teeth push their way through.
Meg's fever was gone after her first dose of meds, and it stayed away most of the day. Dare it say it . . . she was tolerable to be around once she seemed to feel better. At about 3:30pm, the whining returned and I noticed she was hot . . . and then discovered the fever was back slightly at 99.3. I waited, and at 4:30pm it was 101.7. Dose two of Motrin for Meg.
Before bed, I gave a cranky Kate her 3 allowance of Motrin. Meg can't have any more until at least 10:30pm, but I have the bottle in her room ready to go if she wakes up needing it.
If you are a mom out there, I know you can relate to this. Of course the doctors said nothing was wrong with these girls on our visit yesterday . . . yet they both are still feverish and moderately miserable today. Oh well. When it doubt, load them up with Motrin and hope it helps.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Of course . . .
Everyone is fine.
Now, can someone help explain the horrible behavior? Kate -- okay, I get it. She's teething. The dr said all of her congestion (and they did agree it's pretty bad) could be teeth-related. She is just about to pop the top two front teeth, that much was confirmed. Kate's behavior has a reason.
But Meg? UGH. They said maybe she is fighting something . . . maybe the pollen is bothering her, maybe she has a touch of a cold that is making her crabby. Still, no solid diagnosis that would give me a real reason for her acting out these last few days.
This sounds awful, but I almost wish there HAD been something wrong with Meg. At least then I could point to that something as the cause for her terrible behavior. I would never wish my kid sick, don't get me wrong. If you are mom out there reading this, I think you know what I mean. I just want a reason so that I can attack the problem with more confidence! I've been wondering for days if I was arguing with a sick kid . . . but she's not sick . . . so I'm just arguing with a terrible two-yr old, I guess.
Anyway, please keep your fingers crossed that Meg and Kate make it through the evening and night without forcing me to jump off of our roof top.
Oh -- and where is Jim during all of this, you ask? Charlotte, NC. Enjoy your next few good night's sleeps and your mornings in peace, hubby . . . when we meet you in Iowa on Friday, I'm on vacation.
Now, can someone help explain the horrible behavior? Kate -- okay, I get it. She's teething. The dr said all of her congestion (and they did agree it's pretty bad) could be teeth-related. She is just about to pop the top two front teeth, that much was confirmed. Kate's behavior has a reason.
But Meg? UGH. They said maybe she is fighting something . . . maybe the pollen is bothering her, maybe she has a touch of a cold that is making her crabby. Still, no solid diagnosis that would give me a real reason for her acting out these last few days.
This sounds awful, but I almost wish there HAD been something wrong with Meg. At least then I could point to that something as the cause for her terrible behavior. I would never wish my kid sick, don't get me wrong. If you are mom out there reading this, I think you know what I mean. I just want a reason so that I can attack the problem with more confidence! I've been wondering for days if I was arguing with a sick kid . . . but she's not sick . . . so I'm just arguing with a terrible two-yr old, I guess.
Anyway, please keep your fingers crossed that Meg and Kate make it through the evening and night without forcing me to jump off of our roof top.
Oh -- and where is Jim during all of this, you ask? Charlotte, NC. Enjoy your next few good night's sleeps and your mornings in peace, hubby . . . when we meet you in Iowa on Friday, I'm on vacation.
Tuesday's Child . . .
I'm taking both children to the pediatirican today. Meg is just horribly behaved again today, and I can't help but wonder if something is physcially wrong that could cause that kind of attitude. Kate was up for quite a while early in the am coughing and whining, which makes me think possibly an ear infection for her. Both girls have been feverish on and off for the past several days . . . I just can't take it any more.
It's worth the $30 in co-pays to hear the doctor say, "Nope, they are perfectly healthy . . ." At least then when we leave for Iowa on Friday, I'll know I just have one brat and one teether . . . not 2 sick kids.
I'll keep you posted . . .
It's worth the $30 in co-pays to hear the doctor say, "Nope, they are perfectly healthy . . ." At least then when we leave for Iowa on Friday, I'll know I just have one brat and one teether . . . not 2 sick kids.
I'll keep you posted . . .
Monday, May 11, 2009
Dear Ms. Anne and Ms. Keisha
Dear Ms. Anne and Ms. Keisha,
My mom would like me to apologize for how I behaved at our lunch playdate this morning. Really, I think I shocked my own mother with my horrible fits and incessant whining during our visit. I've never really acted like that before . . . at least not out in public. My mom hopes that this will be my one and only display for a crowd . . . it was a pretty miserable ride home, so I know I must have done something really wrong.
I was even a little shocked at my own behavior. I guess I'm just testing my boundaries . . . seeing if my mom really means what she says. And, I'm learning that she does. I had no birthday cake today to celebrate your birthday, Ms. Anne. I wish I had acted better so I could have enjoyed the yummy ice cream cake. And, Ms. Keisha, I didn't even get a chance to tell you THANKS for having us over and for all the special treats you gave me. My mom rushed us all out the door so fast at 1 o'clock because she just couldn't deal with me for one more second. I'm sorry I caused such a problem, and I'm sorry that I missed out on a really good time. My mom is even MORE sorry that she didn't get to spend even a few minutes talking to her friends because she was so busy dealing with her kids. I made it a pretty miserable morning for everyone involved. I'm sorry for that.
My poor mother . . . she's been dealing with some real attitude from me lately. I guess that turning 3 means that the 'terrible twos' are over, but it appears that I am only just beginning. I wasn't a bad two year old, honestly. However, if being 3 continues to be as bad as it's been the past few weeks (and -- actually -- I'm technically still 2 until June), my mom might need some heavy medication. Or she might become an alcoholic. I'm not sure exactly what either of those things mean, but I don't think it's good.
To top it all off -- my little sister is working on some new teeth. She's a classic 'baby teether' . . . runny nose, poopy pants, cranky attitude, drooly, sleep interruptions. We know the teeth are coming, it's just a matter of when. I guess my terrible attitude and my sister's teeth related fussiness has created the Perfect Storm of misery around here for my mom.
My mother really did intend on having a good time today. She was looking forward to it all weekend . . . she even made a special trip to TCBY for the yummy cake I didn't get to eat. She wanted to talk to you, Ms. Anne, about how life is with baby, how you like staying at home . . . and she wanted to talk to you, Ms. Keisha, about your summer plans and when we could all play together again. I kinda ruined it all . . . I kept having to be sent to Time Out and I kept complaining about everything . . . my mom pretty much talked to nobody and then had to leave because she couldn't take it any more.
Yes, I was tired. For whatever reason, I was up for about 2 HOURS in the middle of the night last night. My parents were NOT happy about that. And yes, I'm only 2. I am learning what my mom will and won't tolerate, and I'm still a little kid at times. But even still . . . there is no excuse for my behavior. Believe me, my mom has been telling me that over and over since we left your house.
My mom called my dad at 1:30 pm to see how early he could come home from work. She needs the relief. As I mentioned, I've been quite a pill for SEVERAL days now, so I think Mom is reaching her limit. Dad can't come home early, so my mom is just going to have to deal with me (and Kate) for the afternoon and pray that the traffic doesn't keep Daddy away any longer than absolutely necessary. It's been a long day already, and it's only nap time.
Anyway, sorry again for how I behaved. I hope I only ruined my mom's visit, not everyone else's, too. Hopefully the next time you are in town, Ms. Anne, my mom can take you out WITHOUT me. She'd really like that . . . she has found that outings sans children are better for her if she actually wants to enjoy adult time.
Thanks for having us, Ms. Keisha. Please tell Kendall and Tanner I'm sorry and that I hope to see them again soon. Let's go to the pool here in a few weeks . . . maybe then I'll be preoccupied and you and my mom can do a little more visiting. And Ms. Anne . . . my mom said next time she sees you and Jack, she wants to HOLD that cute little boy . . . she didn't even have a chance to today!
With many apologies and much love,
Meg Dahlby
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
I love Mother's Day. Around here, I affectionately refer to it as 'Employee Appreciation Day' -- since I don't have a job or an annual review, Mother's Day fills the role as the day I get appreciated for all that I do. I take FULL advantage of the holiday. I don't care if it was created by Hallmark or not . . . I just love that I get a day of appreciation for being a mom.
Mother's Day 2009 started with Jim bringing me some coffee in bed . . . a very nice gesture, which I thanked him for as I rolled over and promptly went back to sleep. Sleeping in was the real present. I drank the coffee a while later when I woke up.
A little before 9am, Meg, Jim, and Kate brought me breakfast in bed. Meg had been so very excited about this -- I think she has been looking forward to it since the last time we had breakfast in bed, which was last Mother's Day.
"Happy Birthday!" Meg said with excitement, as she kissed my cheek to wake me up.
I laughed -- close enough, Meg. I'll take a 'Happy Birthday' wish on Mother's Day. I know what she meant.
Unfortunately, even the glory and thrill of Mother's Day could not stop Meg from being . . . well, Meg. She's only 2.9 years old (I'm constantly reminding myself). The terrible twos are still hanging on around here . . . and they seem to have really flared up lately. So -- when her caterpillar shaped pancake fell to pieces as she picked it up to eat it -- prompting Meg to immediately fall to pieces herself -- I wasn't that surprised. She began to throw quite a fit about the disintegrating pancake (a fit that included some flying syrup), which ended the breakfast in bed treat before it really even began. I ate my breakfast in bed, she went to her room.
And Kate? She came into the room with the breakfast tray but was not really 'into' the whole breakfast idea. She had already eaten her breakfast at that point, and she was ready for a morning nap. Or at least that's what we we thought . . . Jim went ahead and put her down for a nap a little earlier than her usual time, and she proceeded to cry and protest for about 45 minutes.
Oh well. So much for my breakfast in bed. Maybe we'll try again next year. :)
I did get to run out and do a little shopping . . . Jim gave me a Victoria's Secret gift card to spend. The gift was really from Kate. After nursing her for nearly a year, I was in serious need of some new (non-nursing!) bras. I got some lovely ones . . . now just about a month or so more of nursing, and then I can wear them every day.
Getting to shop alone was another awesome present. See? I'm not high maintenance . . . some extra sleep and some time to myself are the things I have treasured most this Mother's Day.
Of course, Mother's Day also makes me stop, think about, and appreciate the two lovely ladies that allow me to celebrate this holiday in the first place. Really, those are the things I treasure most on Mother's Day.
Mother's Day 2009 started with Jim bringing me some coffee in bed . . . a very nice gesture, which I thanked him for as I rolled over and promptly went back to sleep. Sleeping in was the real present. I drank the coffee a while later when I woke up.
A little before 9am, Meg, Jim, and Kate brought me breakfast in bed. Meg had been so very excited about this -- I think she has been looking forward to it since the last time we had breakfast in bed, which was last Mother's Day.
"Happy Birthday!" Meg said with excitement, as she kissed my cheek to wake me up.
I laughed -- close enough, Meg. I'll take a 'Happy Birthday' wish on Mother's Day. I know what she meant.
Unfortunately, even the glory and thrill of Mother's Day could not stop Meg from being . . . well, Meg. She's only 2.9 years old (I'm constantly reminding myself). The terrible twos are still hanging on around here . . . and they seem to have really flared up lately. So -- when her caterpillar shaped pancake fell to pieces as she picked it up to eat it -- prompting Meg to immediately fall to pieces herself -- I wasn't that surprised. She began to throw quite a fit about the disintegrating pancake (a fit that included some flying syrup), which ended the breakfast in bed treat before it really even began. I ate my breakfast in bed, she went to her room.
And Kate? She came into the room with the breakfast tray but was not really 'into' the whole breakfast idea. She had already eaten her breakfast at that point, and she was ready for a morning nap. Or at least that's what we we thought . . . Jim went ahead and put her down for a nap a little earlier than her usual time, and she proceeded to cry and protest for about 45 minutes.
Oh well. So much for my breakfast in bed. Maybe we'll try again next year. :)
I did get to run out and do a little shopping . . . Jim gave me a Victoria's Secret gift card to spend. The gift was really from Kate. After nursing her for nearly a year, I was in serious need of some new (non-nursing!) bras. I got some lovely ones . . . now just about a month or so more of nursing, and then I can wear them every day.
Getting to shop alone was another awesome present. See? I'm not high maintenance . . . some extra sleep and some time to myself are the things I have treasured most this Mother's Day.
Of course, Mother's Day also makes me stop, think about, and appreciate the two lovely ladies that allow me to celebrate this holiday in the first place. Really, those are the things I treasure most on Mother's Day.
Those girls . . . I love them to bits. As they get bigger, I know they will learn to love Mother's Day, too. Right now, they are only babies, so I can't really expect them to act any differently than they normally do just because its the second Sunday in May.
I won't expect to much . . . I'll just hug them and love on them today. They don't have to express their appreciation for me just yet. I'll hug and love on Jim, too . . . I know he appreciates the day. I know he appreciates the job I do as the mother to our girls. I really do feel appreciated this Mother's Day.
Happy Mother's Day to everyone . . . I hope you feel appreciated at your house, too. In our own ways, we are ALL fantastic mothers. Don't ever tell yourself anything different!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Favorite Photo Friday -- Beach Babies Edition
Kate Allison, Charleson SC, May 2 2009
Totally unedited -- totally unframable -- but so, so funny. THIS is what it is like to try and take pictures of a 10 month old at the beach.
Oh, and here is what you get when you take a nearly-3 yr old and let her play in the sand . . .
Happy Weekend! Happy Mother's Day!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Babies Babies Babies
What is it about this time of year that makes it a favorite time of year to have a baby? It seems like there are always a million birthday parties and new births each spring. We are in the thick of it here at our house, that is for sure.
What was going on 10 months ago? Summer? Heat and exhaustion? Not even a big holiday or occasion to pin down the baby making bonanza that leads to so many springtime babies. Maybe it's anniversaries . . . there are a lot of weddings in the summer, so that must be it.
We've been to at least a half-dozen birthday parties since early April . . . all of which were fun celebrations to attend. And now we are in an official baby boom . . . three babies born in the last 3 weeks, and several more to come as May turns into June.
I hold these tiny creatures . . . snuggle them close to me, watch them sleep . . . and know in my heart of hearts that there is at least ONE more Baby Dahlby out there for us. The babies make me want another of my own, they truly do. BUT not so fast . . . they don't make me want to get pregnant right away, don't worry. They actually make me want to go get an IUD so that I can be assured no surprise babies will be born at our house next spring.
Anyway . . . here are some debuts of new babies for our friends. Meet Bridget Francis, Walker Robert, and Connor Brittan (2 photos of each). . .
What was going on 10 months ago? Summer? Heat and exhaustion? Not even a big holiday or occasion to pin down the baby making bonanza that leads to so many springtime babies. Maybe it's anniversaries . . . there are a lot of weddings in the summer, so that must be it.
We've been to at least a half-dozen birthday parties since early April . . . all of which were fun celebrations to attend. And now we are in an official baby boom . . . three babies born in the last 3 weeks, and several more to come as May turns into June.
I hold these tiny creatures . . . snuggle them close to me, watch them sleep . . . and know in my heart of hearts that there is at least ONE more Baby Dahlby out there for us. The babies make me want another of my own, they truly do. BUT not so fast . . . they don't make me want to get pregnant right away, don't worry. They actually make me want to go get an IUD so that I can be assured no surprise babies will be born at our house next spring.
Anyway . . . here are some debuts of new babies for our friends. Meet Bridget Francis, Walker Robert, and Connor Brittan (2 photos of each). . .
Ahhh . . . those sleepy newborns. Such a dream. Expect to see more baby pictures as the boom continues. We still have lots of newbies coming our way! (Robinsons -- you are next!!)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Great Weekend Getaway
We had a great weekend . . . and we had wonderful, fabulous hosts in Charleston that made our stay perfectly awesome. Seriously, the hosts MADE the weekend great. Great weather and great friends in a great location . . . it was bound to be a great weekend.
Incidentally, nobody got carsick -- on the ride to or from SC -- so, like I said, I'm a happy Mommy as far as the travel is concerned. I was so worried about vomit, I think I made myself nauseous for at least the first half of the trip on Friday. When we arrived, I took a deep breath and finally was able to relax about our car travel.
Then, after we unloaded, ate dinner, and were just about to chill out with our friends, I made Meg take some children's Claritin for her puffy, allergy eyes. Almost immediately, she vomited all over the kitchen floor. Isn't that my luck? No puke in the car, but a whole kitchen floor covered because I forced her to take medicine she told me she did not like and did not want to take. Go figure. (At least it was easy clean up.)
The rest of the weekend went off without a hitch. We went to a Dragon Boat race, shopped, went to the beach for some pictures, went out to dinner . . . and just enjoyed time with friends we wish we could see more often. Sunday we left our friends to enjoy their day, and we hit downtown Charleston for just a little looking around and lunch. We were home by bedtime, tired and happy from our weekend away.
Jim said we should do this more often -- just get away for a day or so to places somewhat close to home. I agree . . . but then I think about the work involved in a weekend away . . . and I sometimes shy away from these trips. I look forward to the days when these types of getaways are a little easier. Even if there was some work involved in getting us all (and all of our stuff) to Charleston, it was totally worth it. And Jim is right -- we should do this more often. I always have a lovely time.
Thank you to the Smith Family for having us. We know your lives are so busy -- and we are very grateful that you had ALL of us for the weekend! We hope to see you again soon, and we can't wait to host you here on your next visit to Atlanta.
A few of the beach pictures . . . which I've not edited, but they are cute enough the way they are.
Now back to reality and the life here at home. LOTS of HD Portraits to do this week due to a baby explosion among our friends and neighbors. Three newborn shoots and two family shoots in about 2 weeks time, so I have some catching up (and keeping up) to do.
This upcoming weekend is Mother's Day . . . or, what I call "employee appreciation" day at the Dahlby house. It's a chance for me to be appreciated for the work I do :) Jim and I have chatted about a new pocket camera for Mom as a treat. I'm excited -- another camera for me -- the girls and Jim know me too well. I'm sure some work will go into the decision on that gift as this week goes on.
Back to regular life for me . . . with visions of sunny Charleston dancing in my head.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Road Trip
Going to Charleston, SC, tomorrow . . . our first road trip with the girls. We rarely drive anywhere because of Jim's frequent flyer miles, but the Charleston trip was last minute and is only 5 hours from here . . . so we are hitting the road tomorrow morning.
Can you tell I'm anxious about the driving aspect of this trip? I hope it goes well. Worst case scenario (in my opinion): car sickness. It's happened to Meg before, so I pray that was a fluke and it won't happen again. If we make it to SC with both girls and no vomit, I'll be a happy mommy.
We have some very good friends that live in Charleston, and they have been kind enough to invite us -- our WHOLE clan -- to come and stay the weekend. When we used to go visiting, it was just Jim and I . . . no real inconvenience for anyone. Then we had one baby, which made us a little more cumbersome as visitors, but still no biggie. Now when we go visiting, here comes Mom, Dad, Big Sister AND Little Sister. We are a whole lot of family (and all the stuff that comes with it). Hopefully the Smiths (our Charleston hosts) don't mind too much.
It's going to be a great weekend, I can already tell. We are going to the BEACH on Saturday night for pictures, so what else could I possibly ask for? I'm just so excited to get away . . . after the April we had around here, a weekend out of town is perfect for us.
Must go get to the packing and cleaning . . . conveniently, Jim is not coming home to drive us until early tomorrow morning, so I will be doing the prep work solo . . .
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Out in Public
Today we spent the day in Newnan with my dad. He's doing well -- so very well, and we know how lucky we are. Now that he's out of the hospital and has really started doing some research on larynjectemees (that is the term for people who have had their voice box removed), we know it could have been a LOT worse. Not that he feels lucky to have had cancer (again), but my dad seems to feel lucky to have survived and to be recovering so well so quickly.
During our visit today, we decided to take Meg to the big Burger King in town for lunch. Her lunch time request today was 'Cheeburgers' . . . and the BK down there has some really massive indoor playground equipement. Sounded like a win-win for us all.
When Dad, Meg, Kate, and I arrived at the restaurant, we decided to divide and conquer . . . Dad would take Meg to play while I took Kate with me to order the food. My dad just had his feeding tube removed last week, and he's having really no trouble with food what-so-ever. He's glad to be back eating solids, and he is anxious to taste things again. With his new electro-larynx, my dad asked me to get him a cheeseburger and a milkshake. He thought he'd try and see how easily a cheeseburger went down his still swollen throat, and the milkshake he know would be fine. I said something about being surprised that he wanted to try something like a cheeseburger, but he said he'd just see how it went.
We parted ways, and I noticed an older couple with their granddaughter sitting in the corner of the dining room, looking at us very intensely. Staring, really.
Do I know them? I thought. I always think this when I'm in my hometown of Newnan . . . I am so bad at remembering people, so I am always wondering if I should know someone that notices me.
Oh -- they are probably noticing my dad here with me and his two grandaughters. Grandparents seem to have that kinda bond in public. I decided that was probably the reason for the staring.
Then, as I walked away and got into the line to order, I realized they were actually staring at us for a totally different reason.
My dad's 'new voice' is certainly not something you hear every day. If you want a sample,
here and then click the green play buttons to listen. And those demonstrations are from people who are accustomed to using the devices . . . we are still getting used to them on the speaking AND listening ends), and it takes some time to master the new way of speaking. My dad sounds GREAT -- since he got his 'voice' last week, he's learned a lot and I think I understand about 95% of our converstaions. The phone is a bit tricky, but we are getting that, too. He's doing awesome.
But -- to those other grandparents in Burger King today -- my dad's voice was certainly something to stare at. They don't know how great he's doing. They just know it sounds weird. They probably wondered what the heck was going on . . . until they turned saw my dad speaking to me. Then they probably wondered what had happened to cause him to use an electronic voice. They probably thought a lot of different things while they were staring at us.
It didn't bother me, the staring. Like I said, it took me a minute to even realize what was going on. I don't think it really bothers my dad, either. He mentioned to me that he's already been experiencing this type of thing . . . in the hosptial, people would stare at him as he moved through the hallways for different tests and radiation treatments. He's getting used to it.
I just was very caught off guard at the whole thing. I wanted to go back and tell them to stop staring -- that he'd lost his larynx to cancer -- that they were being so rude to oggle at us. Of course, I didn't. We'll experience this more, I know . . . and I'll want to have a few words with other nosy people, I'm sure. But I probalby never will. I'll get used to it; I'll ignore it. I honestly couldn't care less about what other people are thinking of us when we chat with each other out in public. I am just so very glad to have my dad here -- with me and my family -- with or without a voice. The rest of the world can stare all they want.
It was our first experience of this kind, that's all. I realize now that we are probably something to stare at, since we are now not the most common pair of people you'd see at your local BK. Being out in public . . . just another thing that has changed with this surgery. A LOT of things changed . . . more than I even imagined, more than my dad could have even anticipated. We are getting used to it all, one day at a time.
During our visit today, we decided to take Meg to the big Burger King in town for lunch. Her lunch time request today was 'Cheeburgers' . . . and the BK down there has some really massive indoor playground equipement. Sounded like a win-win for us all.
When Dad, Meg, Kate, and I arrived at the restaurant, we decided to divide and conquer . . . Dad would take Meg to play while I took Kate with me to order the food. My dad just had his feeding tube removed last week, and he's having really no trouble with food what-so-ever. He's glad to be back eating solids, and he is anxious to taste things again. With his new electro-larynx, my dad asked me to get him a cheeseburger and a milkshake. He thought he'd try and see how easily a cheeseburger went down his still swollen throat, and the milkshake he know would be fine. I said something about being surprised that he wanted to try something like a cheeseburger, but he said he'd just see how it went.
We parted ways, and I noticed an older couple with their granddaughter sitting in the corner of the dining room, looking at us very intensely. Staring, really.
Do I know them? I thought. I always think this when I'm in my hometown of Newnan . . . I am so bad at remembering people, so I am always wondering if I should know someone that notices me.
Oh -- they are probably noticing my dad here with me and his two grandaughters. Grandparents seem to have that kinda bond in public. I decided that was probably the reason for the staring.
Then, as I walked away and got into the line to order, I realized they were actually staring at us for a totally different reason.
My dad's 'new voice' is certainly not something you hear every day. If you want a sample,
here and then click the green play buttons to listen. And those demonstrations are from people who are accustomed to using the devices . . . we are still getting used to them on the speaking AND listening ends), and it takes some time to master the new way of speaking. My dad sounds GREAT -- since he got his 'voice' last week, he's learned a lot and I think I understand about 95% of our converstaions. The phone is a bit tricky, but we are getting that, too. He's doing awesome.
But -- to those other grandparents in Burger King today -- my dad's voice was certainly something to stare at. They don't know how great he's doing. They just know it sounds weird. They probably wondered what the heck was going on . . . until they turned saw my dad speaking to me. Then they probably wondered what had happened to cause him to use an electronic voice. They probably thought a lot of different things while they were staring at us.
It didn't bother me, the staring. Like I said, it took me a minute to even realize what was going on. I don't think it really bothers my dad, either. He mentioned to me that he's already been experiencing this type of thing . . . in the hosptial, people would stare at him as he moved through the hallways for different tests and radiation treatments. He's getting used to it.
I just was very caught off guard at the whole thing. I wanted to go back and tell them to stop staring -- that he'd lost his larynx to cancer -- that they were being so rude to oggle at us. Of course, I didn't. We'll experience this more, I know . . . and I'll want to have a few words with other nosy people, I'm sure. But I probalby never will. I'll get used to it; I'll ignore it. I honestly couldn't care less about what other people are thinking of us when we chat with each other out in public. I am just so very glad to have my dad here -- with me and my family -- with or without a voice. The rest of the world can stare all they want.
It was our first experience of this kind, that's all. I realize now that we are probably something to stare at, since we are now not the most common pair of people you'd see at your local BK. Being out in public . . . just another thing that has changed with this surgery. A LOT of things changed . . . more than I even imagined, more than my dad could have even anticipated. We are getting used to it all, one day at a time.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
April is Gone
How did that happen?
I looked at my calendar and got a little breathless today. April is nearly GONE . . . already? I was so preoccupied with my dad for the first half of this month, then Paulette was here for a few days, we were all sick . . . and now, here we are, staring down the barrel at MAY.
May is so busy for us . . . on top of a weekend trip to Charleston and a week long trip to Iowa, we have the end of the school year events, birthday parties, a big graduation party, bunco, Mother's Day, a friend coming from VA, a big neighborhood block party, and five photo shoots. And -- I realized -- I have to make, order, and send birthday party invitations for BOTH of the girl's June parties. That's a lot to accomplish in 31 days. Thank goodness the Memorial Day holiday is thrown in there . . . it's like a 'bonus' day, with Jim being home and all.
Um, Jim . . . in case you didn't know . . . don't make too many plans for next month. I kinda 
booked us up already.
booked us up already.This last weekend in April was much like our May to come. A (fabulous) birthday party, a photo shoot, dinner with neighbors, Jim's sister got ENGAGED!!, another photo shoot, play date with some friends, and another birthday party. It was a picture taking palooza around here. It's nearly 8:30pm as I write, and poor Jim is outside mowing the lawn. A chore that must get done, but there was nearly no time to do it. And the cleaning lady is coming tomorrow, which means some major 'pre cleaning' has to get done around here. I guess the night is not over yet.
I am trying to NOT freak out and get too stressed about all the busy-ness . . . the busy weekend, our busy week ahead, a non-stop upcoming month. It is what it is. We are busy, and I either have to learn to deal with it better or become a hermit. The latter sounds less than optimal, so 
deal with it I must.
I find that I'm always trying to get things off my "list" so that I can have time to do nothing and just relax. As long as my list continues, I feel like lying down and vegging on TV, reading a magazine, or doing something for me is equivalent to 'blowing off' stuff that really needs to get done. What I guess I'm going to start doing -- to avoid that feeling of always needing to get things done -- is just schedule time for myself. Like Tuesday nights -- no working, I get to chill and watch American Idol (yes, I watch -- no judging from you!). My list is never going to end, never going to get shorter . . . so unless I find a way to manage that AND allow myself time to goof off, I might go crazy.
Think it will work? We'll see.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Hat Shots
Most of you noticed the new photos of the girls I posted in my blog header last month. The 'hat shots' I call them. I've had a lot of fun with these pictures, these hats . . . and now I have some fun photos of my girls.
A friend of mine sent me these hats with the request that I return to her some images of my girls wearing them. Her mother (in law, I believe) is going to begin selling these darling hats on the internet, and she needed some models for her cause. I was MORE than happy to oblige (but, sadly, it took me waaaay longer than I intended to get the pictures to her!).
A friend of mine sent me these hats with the request that I return to her some images of my girls wearing them. Her mother (in law, I believe) is going to begin selling these darling hats on the internet, and she needed some models for her cause. I was MORE than happy to oblige (but, sadly, it took me waaaay longer than I intended to get the pictures to her!).
If you are interested in the hats, let me know and I can put you in touch with my friend. They come in all different styles, colors, and sizes.
Forgive me if I have already plugged these hats -- but they are just so cute, and now I have the photos to prove it :)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
At the Neighborhood Park
Kate is now getting to where she really enjoys going to the park. As seen on my 'Favorite Photo Friday' last week, she loves to swing. She's totally mobile . . . crawling, standing, cruising . . . so the play equipment is now becoming more and more entertaining for little sister. It's really a lot of fun to take the girls to the park on these nice spring days were are having around here.
Yesterday, Kate and I were playing in a tunnel on our neighborhood playground. She would peek-a-boo at me, then laugh out loud. It was a great little game, and I was enjoying my time with my baby. Meg was wandering around while we played . . . she can handle the playscape at our neighborhood park, so I don't feel that I have to watch her like a hawk as I once did. She's getting so very good at playing alone . . . make believe, etc. She's getting so big.
Then again, maybe I should pay a little more attention to Meg. Look where I found her -- when I turned away from Kate to make sure everything was OK with big sister . . .
It's laugh out loud funny, I know. I also know Meg will probably kill me later in life for posting this picture of her.
We take our 'travel' potty to the neighborhood playground because there is no open bathroom close by. I always throw the pink potty and some wipes under the stroller . . . just in case Meg gets the urge. Guess she got the urge yesterday . . . and without even saying one word to me, she went to the stroller, whipped out the potty, pulled down her pants, and took care of business.
Right in the middle of the sidewalk!
Yes, people saw her. A neighbor walked by with her dog and praised Meg for being such a big girl and going potty all by herself. I was mortified. I didn't raise my kid to be publicly indecent at age two!
Oh, Meg. What are we going to do with you?
Yesterday, Kate and I were playing in a tunnel on our neighborhood playground. She would peek-a-boo at me, then laugh out loud. It was a great little game, and I was enjoying my time with my baby. Meg was wandering around while we played . . . she can handle the playscape at our neighborhood park, so I don't feel that I have to watch her like a hawk as I once did. She's getting so very good at playing alone . . . make believe, etc. She's getting so big.
Then again, maybe I should pay a little more attention to Meg. Look where I found her -- when I turned away from Kate to make sure everything was OK with big sister . . .
It's laugh out loud funny, I know. I also know Meg will probably kill me later in life for posting this picture of her.We take our 'travel' potty to the neighborhood playground because there is no open bathroom close by. I always throw the pink potty and some wipes under the stroller . . . just in case Meg gets the urge. Guess she got the urge yesterday . . . and without even saying one word to me, she went to the stroller, whipped out the potty, pulled down her pants, and took care of business.
Right in the middle of the sidewalk!
Yes, people saw her. A neighbor walked by with her dog and praised Meg for being such a big girl and going potty all by herself. I was mortified. I didn't raise my kid to be publicly indecent at age two!
Oh, Meg. What are we going to do with you?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Time to Think
I was sick this weekend. SOOOO sick. Miserable. Came on late in the day on Friday and body slammed me by about 10pm. I think it was a touch of the flu, probably passed to me by the girls -- who had fevers and congestion most of last week. I was in bed most of the weekend. A total and complete bummer b/c Jim's mom was here visiting and we had planned a lot of fun things to do on such a lovely weekend.
While Jim, the girls, and Nana Dahlby did enjoy some of the fun activities, I sat in bed and had a lot of time to think. I thought about a lot of things . . . .
Summer Camps . . . the are the 'rage' around here right now, and I can't decide which Meg would like most. Dance Camp? Music? Vacation Bible School? Gymnastics? Tennis? Oh -- and what about swimming lessons? And they are all pretty pricey -- should I just skip them all together? I have this urge to involve Meg in all kinds of activities . . . and she'd love them all , I'm sure . . . but I know that one or two is probably the most that I can handle. I think I'll try to narrow it down this week and choose which camps/activites fit into our summer schedule. And which ones Meg would like most, of course.
How Many Kids Should We Have -- and When? . . . . Something I think far too much about far too often. We've always talked about three kids, so it's safe to say that there is one more baby Dahlby coming. Now that Kate has rounded the corner and is fast approaching the one year mark, the idea of another baby is creeping up on me. The plan is to wait until Kate is 2 before we attempt getting pregnant again. That would mean a baby sometime mid 2011 (corrected -- originally I wrote 2010), with Meg going off to Kindergarten later that year. I think I can handle a third once Meg is in school 5 days a week. But . . . is 3 really our number? And if we even want to toy with the idea of more (don't think I'm crazy), should we wait for that third baby? I'm already 31. But -- I'm not ready to get pregnant again yet. Two back-to-back, then a year of nursing following each has left me wanting control of my OWN body for at least a period of 6 months.
When you are stuck in bed for forever and there is NOTHING on TV (and you've watched evertyhing in the Tivo that was not originally broadcast on Disney or Public TV), you think about how big you want your family to be and when you want another baby. At least, I think about that.
Am I too hard on Meg? . . . with someone else in the house (Jim's mom), you feel like your own behavior is on display. I really started to realize how often I get on Meg's case about things . . . standing on the couch, whining, complaining, playing with her food. I'm on her case a lot. And I do threaten her quite a bit . . . You aren't acting like someone who wants a cookie after dinner. You can cooperate with me or we will not go play on the swingset . . . t's like every little thing she enjoys is held over her head. And -- on a few occassions -- I've walked into the room and said a cheery, "Hey Meg!" to my daugher, only to be met with a timid look and a "You scared me!" in return. It seems that she's on edge all the time!
Of course, when she is here visiting, I worry that Nana is going to think I'm too hard on Meg . . . but, she's the grandma, so any kind of discipline is probably viewed as too much by a grandma. Right? People tell me that Meg is sooo well behaved. Maybe it's because I'm always working on her behavior with her. Or have I scared her into submission?
I thought of a lot of other things, too.
Am I going to miss HD Portraits, now that I've decided to put that on the back burner (officially)?
Do I want to have Meg' birthday party at the pool -- or at some facility where they do all the work for me?
When am I ever going to have time to go shopping for some of the Spring things I've been wanting -- both for myself and for the house/yard?
Baby gifts, baby gifts . . . who else do I need baby gifts for? Will I have time to sew some burp clothes like I so badly want to do?
Maybe it was a busy weekend for me -- for my mind, at least. Now I've returned to the land of the living (I'm running at about 75% today), and I feel like I have soooooo much to do. I rested my body so that I would be well again before Jim left for the week, but my brain kept right on going. All rest and a little time to think . . . and somehow, I now feel exhausted.
While Jim, the girls, and Nana Dahlby did enjoy some of the fun activities, I sat in bed and had a lot of time to think. I thought about a lot of things . . . .
Summer Camps . . . the are the 'rage' around here right now, and I can't decide which Meg would like most. Dance Camp? Music? Vacation Bible School? Gymnastics? Tennis? Oh -- and what about swimming lessons? And they are all pretty pricey -- should I just skip them all together? I have this urge to involve Meg in all kinds of activities . . . and she'd love them all , I'm sure . . . but I know that one or two is probably the most that I can handle. I think I'll try to narrow it down this week and choose which camps/activites fit into our summer schedule. And which ones Meg would like most, of course.
How Many Kids Should We Have -- and When? . . . . Something I think far too much about far too often. We've always talked about three kids, so it's safe to say that there is one more baby Dahlby coming. Now that Kate has rounded the corner and is fast approaching the one year mark, the idea of another baby is creeping up on me. The plan is to wait until Kate is 2 before we attempt getting pregnant again. That would mean a baby sometime mid 2011 (corrected -- originally I wrote 2010), with Meg going off to Kindergarten later that year. I think I can handle a third once Meg is in school 5 days a week. But . . . is 3 really our number? And if we even want to toy with the idea of more (don't think I'm crazy), should we wait for that third baby? I'm already 31. But -- I'm not ready to get pregnant again yet. Two back-to-back, then a year of nursing following each has left me wanting control of my OWN body for at least a period of 6 months.
When you are stuck in bed for forever and there is NOTHING on TV (and you've watched evertyhing in the Tivo that was not originally broadcast on Disney or Public TV), you think about how big you want your family to be and when you want another baby. At least, I think about that.
Am I too hard on Meg? . . . with someone else in the house (Jim's mom), you feel like your own behavior is on display. I really started to realize how often I get on Meg's case about things . . . standing on the couch, whining, complaining, playing with her food. I'm on her case a lot. And I do threaten her quite a bit . . . You aren't acting like someone who wants a cookie after dinner. You can cooperate with me or we will not go play on the swingset . . . t's like every little thing she enjoys is held over her head. And -- on a few occassions -- I've walked into the room and said a cheery, "Hey Meg!" to my daugher, only to be met with a timid look and a "You scared me!" in return. It seems that she's on edge all the time!
Of course, when she is here visiting, I worry that Nana is going to think I'm too hard on Meg . . . but, she's the grandma, so any kind of discipline is probably viewed as too much by a grandma. Right? People tell me that Meg is sooo well behaved. Maybe it's because I'm always working on her behavior with her. Or have I scared her into submission?
I thought of a lot of other things, too.
Am I going to miss HD Portraits, now that I've decided to put that on the back burner (officially)?
Do I want to have Meg' birthday party at the pool -- or at some facility where they do all the work for me?
When am I ever going to have time to go shopping for some of the Spring things I've been wanting -- both for myself and for the house/yard?
Baby gifts, baby gifts . . . who else do I need baby gifts for? Will I have time to sew some burp clothes like I so badly want to do?
Maybe it was a busy weekend for me -- for my mind, at least. Now I've returned to the land of the living (I'm running at about 75% today), and I feel like I have soooooo much to do. I rested my body so that I would be well again before Jim left for the week, but my brain kept right on going. All rest and a little time to think . . . and somehow, I now feel exhausted.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Favorite Photo Friday
Kate, April 17, 2009, East Cobb ParkKate loves to swing, and I love her smiles. What better way to start a weekend?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
I Miss My Buddy
I'm truly having a hard time dealing with my dad's inability to speak.
He's my buddy. My dad and I spoke on the phone at least daily before all of this . . . sometimes two or three times a day. Just 'hellos' or 'did you hear about . . .?' conversations. Nothing life changing, usually. We just kept up with what was going on with each other. He called to talk to Meg . . . to try and get her to sing him a song. I called to see if he'd heard the latest news or to tell him about something I thought he'd like on TV.
I'm an only child. Maybe it is because of that that my dad and I have always had a ridiculously close relationship. Maybe it's in lieu of a sibling . . . who knows. I talk to him as much as I imagine that I'd probably talk to a really close sister or brother (but obviously not always about the things you might talk to a sibling about).
And I MISS him. I can't call him . . . well, I can, but the 'beeps' conversations are a bit exhausting and very unfulfilling. I can't tell what's going on with him. I can't tell if he has something to add to our conversation . . . or if he even cares about what I'm talking about. All I know is one beep is 'yes' and two beeps is 'no'. Three beeps is 'I don't know'.
This whole situation is way harder than I thought it would be. I'm pretty much hating it all.
Lately, my dad and I had not really been getting along too well . . . December through the end of February were pretty tough times for our relationship. Big change (like the birth of Kate) usually do that to us, but we always rebound. And now that he's not able to talk to me -- even to yell at me, as it were back a few months ago -- I really, really miss him. I had no idea it would be like this.
I want my buddy back.
He's my buddy. My dad and I spoke on the phone at least daily before all of this . . . sometimes two or three times a day. Just 'hellos' or 'did you hear about . . .?' conversations. Nothing life changing, usually. We just kept up with what was going on with each other. He called to talk to Meg . . . to try and get her to sing him a song. I called to see if he'd heard the latest news or to tell him about something I thought he'd like on TV.
I'm an only child. Maybe it is because of that that my dad and I have always had a ridiculously close relationship. Maybe it's in lieu of a sibling . . . who knows. I talk to him as much as I imagine that I'd probably talk to a really close sister or brother (but obviously not always about the things you might talk to a sibling about).
And I MISS him. I can't call him . . . well, I can, but the 'beeps' conversations are a bit exhausting and very unfulfilling. I can't tell what's going on with him. I can't tell if he has something to add to our conversation . . . or if he even cares about what I'm talking about. All I know is one beep is 'yes' and two beeps is 'no'. Three beeps is 'I don't know'.
This whole situation is way harder than I thought it would be. I'm pretty much hating it all.
Lately, my dad and I had not really been getting along too well . . . December through the end of February were pretty tough times for our relationship. Big change (like the birth of Kate) usually do that to us, but we always rebound. And now that he's not able to talk to me -- even to yell at me, as it were back a few months ago -- I really, really miss him. I had no idea it would be like this.
I want my buddy back.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter
I feel a bit like we missed out on Easter this year . . .
I bought the girls dresses and made an attempt at pictures, but they didn't turn out like I'd hoped.
We missed out on our breakfast with the Easter Bunny plans, as well as a couple of egg hunts I know the girls would have loved.
On Easter, we didn't go to church. We didn't dress in seersucker, the girls did not wear frilly hats or gloves.
We, instead, spent the day with family. And this year -- of all years -- we know how valuable that time is. We spent 1/2 the day with my dad and the other half with some of my extended family. It was a beautiful afternoon, and we spent it as a family. After the past 2 weeks, I was just glad to be with Jim, Meg, and Kate for one solid day.
Yeah, we missed out on some of Easter, but not all of it. The girls did get to dye eggs. We did find Easter Baskets left by the big bunny himself, as well as a dozen or so treat-filled eggs hidden around the house . . . a few traditions were not forgotten.
We didn't run around or dressed up, but it was a great holiday, just the same.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
He's Home!!
As we drove away from the hospital this morning, my dad wrote on his notepad . . .
"Like MLK said . . ."
Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, we are free at last!
He's so glad to be out of the hospital, and we are all so glad FOR him. ELEVEN days in the hospital. That seems like eternity to me -- and I wasn't even the one stuck in a hospital room for a week and a half.
I'm so glad he's home. DEEP BREATH. Big Sigh. He made it, and so did our family.
Dad cannot talk at all for a while still, and he made the comment that not being able to speak seems much stranger now that he's out of the hospital. I agree. I think this part of the recovery process -- learning how to communicate without speech -- could be the toughest part of all. We can already tell that it's going to be a lot harder than anyone envisioned.
Right now -- and through at least the 23rd of April -- he's writing down everything he wants to say. No speech while he heals. Then, with his first speech therapy meeting, we are hoping he'll get an electro-larynx, which will allow some speech. It's not great -- we got a sample of how it works at the hospital -- but it's better than nothing. In time and once his throat is totally healed, the doctors are hoping to put a small device between his esophagus and his neck which will allow more normal, clearer speech. Natural speech. All in time. Right now, he's developed a callus on his hand from writing everything down when he 'talks'.
Can you even imagine? I asked him today -- does it feel a little like you are trapped in your own head? Not being able to speak at all? He agreed that it does feel exactly like that.
Just imagine. Every single little thing you want to say -- any little comment, little noise, little grunt or groan -- NONE of it working. He says that when he talks, he can still hear it in his head. Today he thought he was whispering -- swore he could whisper to me -- but when I leaned in close to try and hear him, all I hear was the sound of his teeth and his tongue as he tried to talk. Not even a whisper. But he hears it in his head Imagine.
Funny enough, during the 11 days in the hospital, we did find a way to communicate on the phone. It involves a lot of talking on my end -- all yes or no questions -- and some button pushing on his end. Hey, it totally works. I figured out a LOT of what was going on down at the hospital by asking those 'yes' and 'no' questions, believe it or not. I somehow managed to decipher a pretty complicated set of instructions the doctors had given my dad, all in beeps and questions. It's kinda funny . . . but the telephone is such a part of the relationship I have with my dad, it's really no wonder we found a way to make it work.
Anyway . . . he's home. We are all glad for that. It's still not 'normal' -- but it's better. We'll get back to normal at our house in about a week or so. My dad's 'normal' will take a bit longer . . . but all in time.
Thanks again for all the well wishes and the HELP from all of you, my friends. It's so very appreciated and valued more than you can know.
"Like MLK said . . ."
Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, we are free at last!
He's so glad to be out of the hospital, and we are all so glad FOR him. ELEVEN days in the hospital. That seems like eternity to me -- and I wasn't even the one stuck in a hospital room for a week and a half.
I'm so glad he's home. DEEP BREATH. Big Sigh. He made it, and so did our family.
Dad cannot talk at all for a while still, and he made the comment that not being able to speak seems much stranger now that he's out of the hospital. I agree. I think this part of the recovery process -- learning how to communicate without speech -- could be the toughest part of all. We can already tell that it's going to be a lot harder than anyone envisioned.
Right now -- and through at least the 23rd of April -- he's writing down everything he wants to say. No speech while he heals. Then, with his first speech therapy meeting, we are hoping he'll get an electro-larynx, which will allow some speech. It's not great -- we got a sample of how it works at the hospital -- but it's better than nothing. In time and once his throat is totally healed, the doctors are hoping to put a small device between his esophagus and his neck which will allow more normal, clearer speech. Natural speech. All in time. Right now, he's developed a callus on his hand from writing everything down when he 'talks'.
Can you even imagine? I asked him today -- does it feel a little like you are trapped in your own head? Not being able to speak at all? He agreed that it does feel exactly like that.
Just imagine. Every single little thing you want to say -- any little comment, little noise, little grunt or groan -- NONE of it working. He says that when he talks, he can still hear it in his head. Today he thought he was whispering -- swore he could whisper to me -- but when I leaned in close to try and hear him, all I hear was the sound of his teeth and his tongue as he tried to talk. Not even a whisper. But he hears it in his head Imagine.
Funny enough, during the 11 days in the hospital, we did find a way to communicate on the phone. It involves a lot of talking on my end -- all yes or no questions -- and some button pushing on his end. Hey, it totally works. I figured out a LOT of what was going on down at the hospital by asking those 'yes' and 'no' questions, believe it or not. I somehow managed to decipher a pretty complicated set of instructions the doctors had given my dad, all in beeps and questions. It's kinda funny . . . but the telephone is such a part of the relationship I have with my dad, it's really no wonder we found a way to make it work.
Anyway . . . he's home. We are all glad for that. It's still not 'normal' -- but it's better. We'll get back to normal at our house in about a week or so. My dad's 'normal' will take a bit longer . . . but all in time.
Thanks again for all the well wishes and the HELP from all of you, my friends. It's so very appreciated and valued more than you can know.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday was Better than Tuesday
Better day today . . . Dad is hanging in there, Meg had 0 accidents, and I managed to keep from wrecking the car. What more could I ask for?
I'm exhausted, and I don't have anything to write about. Sorry to disappoint, but I'm just not too motivated to do much of anything right now.
Today I woke up, took Meg to a friend's, went to the hospital and brought Kate along to cheer my dad up with a very short visit, came home, went to Target, ate dinner, and now I'm going to bed. I'll wake up and do a similar version of the same thing tomorrow. And Friday. And Saturday.
Three more days.
That's all for now . . .
I'm exhausted, and I don't have anything to write about. Sorry to disappoint, but I'm just not too motivated to do much of anything right now.
Today I woke up, took Meg to a friend's, went to the hospital and brought Kate along to cheer my dad up with a very short visit, came home, went to Target, ate dinner, and now I'm going to bed. I'll wake up and do a similar version of the same thing tomorrow. And Friday. And Saturday.
Three more days.
That's all for now . . .
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
When it Rains, it Pours
Ants invaded our kitchen pantry late last week . . . their wrath carried through until the weekend. They were everywhere . . . and they lingered for days and days before we were rid of them. Only yesterday was I finally able to get the entire contents of my pantry OFF of my kitchen counters and back to their rightful places. I HATE ants.
Kate got her first tooth today. It's great and such a big day . . . and we certainly knew it was coming with all the poopy pants, crabbiness, drooling, hand-in-mouth, and snotty nose symptoms that have hung around the house since late last week. Everyone knows how much fun a teething baby can be, don't they?
I rear ended someone today on the way to visit my dad in the hospital. Someone was making a right turn in front of me . . . but they decided at the last second NOT go to. I, on the other hand, decided to go on anyway and ran into the back of a white truck. No damage to the other car -- he didn't even want my number or anything. Good thing -- I figured out after returning to my car that I didn't even have my wallet with me. The Tahoe did not escape the incident unscathed -- it now has a totally banged up bumper.
Meg pooped in her pants this afternoon. Thank GOD I didn't have to deal with that. Jim was home with her when it happened . . . she was just so busy playing "Post Office" she didn't want to stop and potty. This is the second accident in a week. UGH. NINE months into potty training, and this still happens?
While visiting my dad today, the doctors came in and said he will be going home -- at the earliest -- on Saturday. I hate that for him. He's so itching to get out of there. Four more days. Four more long days for him. He's hanging in there -- the doctors are very happy with his progress -- but I could tell he was very bummed to hear the news about his longer-than-planned hospital stay.
When it rains, it pours.
PS -- Please don't ask me about the fender-bender. I'm totally embarrassed about the whole thing. Trust me, it's not that big of a deal. The car will heal . . . not on it's own, of course, but we'll get it taken care of. I just feel so stupid . . . I don't need any comments on that to make me feel worse!
Kate got her first tooth today. It's great and such a big day . . . and we certainly knew it was coming with all the poopy pants, crabbiness, drooling, hand-in-mouth, and snotty nose symptoms that have hung around the house since late last week. Everyone knows how much fun a teething baby can be, don't they?
I rear ended someone today on the way to visit my dad in the hospital. Someone was making a right turn in front of me . . . but they decided at the last second NOT go to. I, on the other hand, decided to go on anyway and ran into the back of a white truck. No damage to the other car -- he didn't even want my number or anything. Good thing -- I figured out after returning to my car that I didn't even have my wallet with me. The Tahoe did not escape the incident unscathed -- it now has a totally banged up bumper.
Meg pooped in her pants this afternoon. Thank GOD I didn't have to deal with that. Jim was home with her when it happened . . . she was just so busy playing "Post Office" she didn't want to stop and potty. This is the second accident in a week. UGH. NINE months into potty training, and this still happens?
While visiting my dad today, the doctors came in and said he will be going home -- at the earliest -- on Saturday. I hate that for him. He's so itching to get out of there. Four more days. Four more long days for him. He's hanging in there -- the doctors are very happy with his progress -- but I could tell he was very bummed to hear the news about his longer-than-planned hospital stay.
When it rains, it pours.
PS -- Please don't ask me about the fender-bender. I'm totally embarrassed about the whole thing. Trust me, it's not that big of a deal. The car will heal . . . not on it's own, of course, but we'll get it taken care of. I just feel so stupid . . . I don't need any comments on that to make me feel worse!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Meg & OCD
We've joked about it . . . our Type A, Super First Born Meg can be quite obsessive and compulsive at times. Don't you dare put her milk cup in the wrong spot on her placemat, and heaven help you if you try to comb her hair before putting her jammies on. The kid is particular, and it's exhausting. We wonder if maybe she'll grow up and be diagnosed with OCD . . . or maybe just as a tight a$$.
Case in Point: This afternoon's Easter Egg Hunt.
Meg and I enjoyed an adorable birthday party/egg hunt this lovely spring afternoon. As the hunt began, Meg was handed a cute pail to collect her goodies. Lucky for Meg, the pail was a bright and cheery yellow . . . just like her dress.
"Mommy! My bucket matches my dress!" she exclaimed. And happily -- pail in hand -- she went about collecting what seemed to be dozens and dozens of eggs scattered all about the yard.
After she collected for a while, she returned to me . . . and I noticed something about her pail. I noticed it right away, honestly. EVERY egg in the freakin' yellow pail was -- you
guessed it -- YELLOW. There were millions of colored eggs, but Meg had stratigically picked out only yellow ones.
Yellow dress. Yellow pail. Yellow eggs. Hmmmm . . . a little particular? Type A? YES and yes.
What am I in for as this child ages? Oh . . . don't I know what I'm in for . . . this child is just like me. It's the revenge every parents wishes on a kid like me. I got one JUST LIKE ME. Good God, it's scary.
Case in Point: This afternoon's Easter Egg Hunt.
Meg and I enjoyed an adorable birthday party/egg hunt this lovely spring afternoon. As the hunt began, Meg was handed a cute pail to collect her goodies. Lucky for Meg, the pail was a bright and cheery yellow . . . just like her dress.
"Mommy! My bucket matches my dress!" she exclaimed. And happily -- pail in hand -- she went about collecting what seemed to be dozens and dozens of eggs scattered all about the yard.
After she collected for a while, she returned to me . . . and I noticed something about her pail. I noticed it right away, honestly. EVERY egg in the freakin' yellow pail was -- you
guessed it -- YELLOW. There were millions of colored eggs, but Meg had stratigically picked out only yellow ones.Yellow dress. Yellow pail. Yellow eggs. Hmmmm . . . a little particular? Type A? YES and yes.
What am I in for as this child ages? Oh . . . don't I know what I'm in for . . . this child is just like me. It's the revenge every parents wishes on a kid like me. I got one JUST LIKE ME. Good God, it's scary.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
If You Want to Help . . .
If anyone wants to help us out by watching the girls next week, I would be unbelievably grateful. My dad is going to be in the hospital until at least Friday . . . so I'm desperate for some child care so that (a) I can spend as much time with my dad as possible and (b) Jim does not have to miss an entire week of work in the process.
The whole process of visiting takes about 4 hours . . . and it's easiest for me to visit during the day. Evenings are harder because I am still nursing Kate at night and there are a lot of evening responsibilities that I like to be home to help with.
If you can and would like to help me, just let me know via email. (And thanks to those of you who are out-of-towners or not personal friends . . . but you don't have to worry about trying to help. I know you are thinking of me.)
Thank you in advance. I HATE having to ask for help -- but desperate times call for desperate measures.
The whole process of visiting takes about 4 hours . . . and it's easiest for me to visit during the day. Evenings are harder because I am still nursing Kate at night and there are a lot of evening responsibilities that I like to be home to help with.
If you can and would like to help me, just let me know via email. (And thanks to those of you who are out-of-towners or not personal friends . . . but you don't have to worry about trying to help. I know you are thinking of me.)
Thank you in advance. I HATE having to ask for help -- but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Favorite Photo Friday
Dad and the girls, March 17 2009, Marietta GA
Hangin' in there . . . Dad is hopefully being moved from ICU to a 'regular' room today. I'm not too confident that will happen, but we'll see. He's doing as well as the doctors could hope for, but he just needs a lot of care . . . he's got suction for his mouth and chest, meds, some swelling in his neck, and they have to try and move him to see some oncology specialists for some kinda scan before the radiation treatments start Monday. Just seems like a lot for a 'regular' nurse to handle when he's out of ICU. But here's hoping . . . the move from ICU to a room is one step closer to being home.
The stress has manifested itself in me by making me sooooo tired. I'm exhausted. When I get home from my visits with him, I just feel worn out all over. I've been bad about returning phone calls and emails because I'm just too tired when I have the time to do it. Forgive me . . . I'll get back on track here in another few days.
Have a great weekend, everyone. We will be at the hospital for most of it, so continue to pray for our family.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Today is Over
Since we found out that the tumor was so large . . . that the surgery was going to be on April 1st . . . we've all just been waiting for today to be over. We've waited to be on the other side of this surgery for more than 3 weeks so that we would all know that my dad is going to be OK, he's going to heal, and we can continue.
Today is over, and it went exactly as planned. We are on the other side . . . and my dad is on his way to recovery.
The surgery went exactly as it was planned and described to us. No surprises, good OR bad. That's good, I know . . . but there definitely was a part of me hoping that the tumor wasn't as large as they thought, or maybe they could save his voice box after all. None of that happened, but nothing BAD happened either. It went exactly as planned, and for that I am glad.
My dad is in ICU tonight. My mom and I saw him for a little bit this evening, and he wrote on a piece of paper how glad he was that we were there. He seemed to be pretty uncomfortable . . . but then the nurse gave him some additional meds about 15 minutes into our visit, and he feel asleep within about 5 minutes of that. I stayed for just a bit longer, then wrote him a note that I'd be back tomorrow. He's resting now, I hope. I just hope he's resting somewhat comfortably.
I'm exhausted from the day, and I wasn't even at the hospital until about 5pm. I'm going to bed, and hopefully I can get some good sleep tonight knowing Dad has made it through.
If you called me today -- thank you for thinking of me -- and I'll call you back when I can. I sincerely appreciate the calls, the emails, and the notes here on the blog. It helps to know that so many of you are truly thinking and praying for him.
We made it. HE made it. Today is over. Tomorrow is Day 1 of recovery.
Today is over, and it went exactly as planned. We are on the other side . . . and my dad is on his way to recovery.
The surgery went exactly as it was planned and described to us. No surprises, good OR bad. That's good, I know . . . but there definitely was a part of me hoping that the tumor wasn't as large as they thought, or maybe they could save his voice box after all. None of that happened, but nothing BAD happened either. It went exactly as planned, and for that I am glad.
My dad is in ICU tonight. My mom and I saw him for a little bit this evening, and he wrote on a piece of paper how glad he was that we were there. He seemed to be pretty uncomfortable . . . but then the nurse gave him some additional meds about 15 minutes into our visit, and he feel asleep within about 5 minutes of that. I stayed for just a bit longer, then wrote him a note that I'd be back tomorrow. He's resting now, I hope. I just hope he's resting somewhat comfortably.
I'm exhausted from the day, and I wasn't even at the hospital until about 5pm. I'm going to bed, and hopefully I can get some good sleep tonight knowing Dad has made it through.
If you called me today -- thank you for thinking of me -- and I'll call you back when I can. I sincerely appreciate the calls, the emails, and the notes here on the blog. It helps to know that so many of you are truly thinking and praying for him.
We made it. HE made it. Today is over. Tomorrow is Day 1 of recovery.
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