This year sure has gone by quickly. Certainly better than 2009. I think partly that is why it went by so fast. As of May we found out we would be adding to our little family. The baby is due in 2 weeks, but I have a feeling she may show up any day now. Tom started teaching as a grad student in Linguistics and I've done some moving around at work too.
Let's see... other big things for our family this year: In April I got to help with a fundraiser for the Wildland Firefighters Foundation. We were able to raise about $11,000 to give to the Foundation. My brother won a big bronc riding this fall and I believe managed to stay out of the hospital this year. Like I said Tom is back in school and is now a seasonal worker for the airline he works for. As of when I started my maternity leave I'm now working on building the technical publications department for the company I work for. A lot of tedious, page-by-page reading of technical manuals etc but I really like doing that. It is amazing the information you can come across.
Bear has had all sorts of things change this last year. He's gone from just starting to talk to being a non-stop chatter-box. As a baby he was only a little cuddly. He is still super independent with his demands of, "Bear turn" but he is a bit more snuggly. I love the spontaneous hugs and I love you's I get now. He loves to play trains, give his dog hugs, and scratch animals. He has a thing for cows. ???? Always has. Any time we are at a fair he wants to be either at the petting zoo if there is a calf or in the steer barn. At least 4-H and FFA kids are usually pretty good about letting a little kid come scratch their prize steer and the steers are usually tame enough to let a little kid safely do so.
On Bear's independence: I love it. He cracks me up. Even as just a little guy working on learning to pull up to a stand he would push help away. I don't mean to sound like I really want my kid to be off on his own yet. It is just that it seems as a parent a kid's independence is what you strive for. Sure it is nice to be needed/wanted, but ultimately the kid has do be able to do for themselves. I've known too many kids that never gained those skills and at 30 plus years old are still relying on Mom and Dad for a lot.
It is just nice to see that Bear doesn't have the personality to do that. I can see him being a good leader somewhere down the road. I hope we can instill the integrity into him so that he uses those skills to better people and not tear them down. My biggest worry for now is that he lets being a clown cloud everything else. Anything for a laugh. If there is something I don't want him doing I'd better not even crack a smile. If he gets even a hint that it might be funny he will push that button more.
Hmmmm... Somehow I ended up a bit side-tracked. I was going over our year. I think it went by so quickly that it is pretty blurred to me. We have been truly blessed. We have great family and friends, a cozy home, a nice town, and stable jobs. And above all we have each other. Other than a couple of minor changes (like how much of a particular vegetable to plant or if I should expand the garden) I think we'll just keep working on maintaining our current lifestyle.
Here's to a good year. Let's hope 2011 is just as good if not better.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas Day
Whew, we made it through the big day. We had a very nice quiet Christmas at home this year. Somehow travelling this year just didn't seem like a good idea. All the further we went was 60 miles to a good friend's house for Christmas dinner and some good play time for the kids.
Bear didn't want to leave last night. When we went to leave about 9 p.m. (with an hour drive ahead of us) Bear saw his coat and immediately buried himself into the couch saying no. We asked him all sorts of questions but what it boiled down to is that he wanted to spend the night with his friends and he didn't care if Mom and Dad were there. I didn't really foresee that coming at 2 and 1/2.
We all got spoiled rotten by our lovely family and friends. I think everyone managed to get new toys and gadgets to occupy ourselves for quite sometime. Along with some clothing to get us at least until spring.
Now I'm off to play catch up on the rest of life.
Bear didn't want to leave last night. When we went to leave about 9 p.m. (with an hour drive ahead of us) Bear saw his coat and immediately buried himself into the couch saying no. We asked him all sorts of questions but what it boiled down to is that he wanted to spend the night with his friends and he didn't care if Mom and Dad were there. I didn't really foresee that coming at 2 and 1/2.
We all got spoiled rotten by our lovely family and friends. I think everyone managed to get new toys and gadgets to occupy ourselves for quite sometime. Along with some clothing to get us at least until spring.
Now I'm off to play catch up on the rest of life.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Bear updates
I'm realizing I've mostly been updating about the baby and not Bear. Well, not any specifics anyway. His vocabulary gets bigger every day. Seems like every time we turn around we are asking when he learned that word. He sure is a parrot.
He has a couple of pretty funny sayings that are his. He seems to like to announce when things are "heavy" or "too big" and of course there is no way I can type the way he says them. The other day he was trying to get me up at some ungodly hour and was lifting up my belly trying to get me to move. He said, "Heavy. Mom too big." Thanks kid. Just what a very pregnant mom wants to hear at about 5:30 a.m. Of course those moments are made up for when I get a big hug with an, "I wuv you too Mom." Just can't beat those.
Let's see... On the milestones: Bear can count to 10. Although he does it correctly sometimes most of the time he likes to skip up to 7,8,9,10. He knows all of his basic colors and seems kinda tired of us asking him what color things are. He also knows the difference between dark and light colors. Mostly because we have almost all blue towels and he gets asked if he want a dark blue or light blue towel. As far as shapes go, he has circle pretty down pat. This is because we build circles with his train tracks. He's working on the rest of his shapes too. He would be a lot better at them if we remembered to work on them. One of the most recent developments is that he changes his voice for what a puppy or a dog says, what a baby bear, mama bear, and big bear say, and what big and little dinosaurs say.
Overall he seems to be developing like a normal kid. I feel for his teachers down the road. He'll be the kid that some teachers love and some hate. He will do just about anything for a laugh, even if it gets him in trouble. He is good, but if he thinks it will pull a laugh out of someone look out. The worst is trying to keep a straight face. He really is pretty funny.
I think I have caught up on the majority of the milestones etc. He is constantly picking up something new. He can pretty well put his own coat and boots on. Pants can be a chore depending upon the pair. He loves to help though so anything he can do by himself after saying, "Bear turn," he'll do. We are making good progress with potty training. Well, Bear is making good progress. Mom and Dad haven't had to do much. We've been letting him take the lead on that one. So far it seems to be working. We seldom have accidents in the pants during the day when there isn't a diaper on, and he made his first night without going in his pants last night. He got up this morning and when Tom went to change his diaper it was dry. Then Bear asked to use the toilet. Yippee!!
It will be interesting to see if all this continues once a baby comes along. Everything you read says the older kid may revert. Who knows with Bear? I guess we'll find out.
I think I'll nap while he does. There is lots to do around the house, but a nap sounds too good to pass up.
He has a couple of pretty funny sayings that are his. He seems to like to announce when things are "heavy" or "too big" and of course there is no way I can type the way he says them. The other day he was trying to get me up at some ungodly hour and was lifting up my belly trying to get me to move. He said, "Heavy. Mom too big." Thanks kid. Just what a very pregnant mom wants to hear at about 5:30 a.m. Of course those moments are made up for when I get a big hug with an, "I wuv you too Mom." Just can't beat those.
Let's see... On the milestones: Bear can count to 10. Although he does it correctly sometimes most of the time he likes to skip up to 7,8,9,10. He knows all of his basic colors and seems kinda tired of us asking him what color things are. He also knows the difference between dark and light colors. Mostly because we have almost all blue towels and he gets asked if he want a dark blue or light blue towel. As far as shapes go, he has circle pretty down pat. This is because we build circles with his train tracks. He's working on the rest of his shapes too. He would be a lot better at them if we remembered to work on them. One of the most recent developments is that he changes his voice for what a puppy or a dog says, what a baby bear, mama bear, and big bear say, and what big and little dinosaurs say.
Overall he seems to be developing like a normal kid. I feel for his teachers down the road. He'll be the kid that some teachers love and some hate. He will do just about anything for a laugh, even if it gets him in trouble. He is good, but if he thinks it will pull a laugh out of someone look out. The worst is trying to keep a straight face. He really is pretty funny.
I think I have caught up on the majority of the milestones etc. He is constantly picking up something new. He can pretty well put his own coat and boots on. Pants can be a chore depending upon the pair. He loves to help though so anything he can do by himself after saying, "Bear turn," he'll do. We are making good progress with potty training. Well, Bear is making good progress. Mom and Dad haven't had to do much. We've been letting him take the lead on that one. So far it seems to be working. We seldom have accidents in the pants during the day when there isn't a diaper on, and he made his first night without going in his pants last night. He got up this morning and when Tom went to change his diaper it was dry. Then Bear asked to use the toilet. Yippee!!
It will be interesting to see if all this continues once a baby comes along. Everything you read says the older kid may revert. Who knows with Bear? I guess we'll find out.
I think I'll nap while he does. There is lots to do around the house, but a nap sounds too good to pass up.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Christmas is on its way...
Christmas is around the corner which means baby is too. Not sure we are ready. Oh sure we have things, and we've done this before, but I'm still not sure we are ready to be the parents of two. Seems like a bit of a frightening prospect. I'm sure it will work out, but the anticipation is always what gets a person.
I'm ready to not be pregnant that's for sure. It really is nice to be able to set a kid down once in awhile. I love my kid, but I also like to have my own body to myself. Oh well, soon enough.
We are basically ready for Christmas too. Cards have been sent (for the most part). I've gotten presents shipped (once again mostly). Our tree is up, the stockings are up, Bear seems to be getting excited for Christmas, and all of our snow melted. Now, if we can just get some snow this next week, maybe bake some cookies, and get the last of our errands run we'll be in good shape.
Oh, official baby update: Big kid. The doc says that at this point there is no trying for normal birth now. C-section it is. She was going to let me try if this was a little kid, but by our last ultra-sound this last week doc was estimating the baby to be about 8 pounds already with almost 4 weeks to go. No wonder my body hurts from packing it around. So, with my history and the size of the kid she says no go on the normal birth. Such as life. I kinda figured. At this point I'm just ready to meet our little one.
I'm ready to not be pregnant that's for sure. It really is nice to be able to set a kid down once in awhile. I love my kid, but I also like to have my own body to myself. Oh well, soon enough.
We are basically ready for Christmas too. Cards have been sent (for the most part). I've gotten presents shipped (once again mostly). Our tree is up, the stockings are up, Bear seems to be getting excited for Christmas, and all of our snow melted. Now, if we can just get some snow this next week, maybe bake some cookies, and get the last of our errands run we'll be in good shape.
Oh, official baby update: Big kid. The doc says that at this point there is no trying for normal birth now. C-section it is. She was going to let me try if this was a little kid, but by our last ultra-sound this last week doc was estimating the baby to be about 8 pounds already with almost 4 weeks to go. No wonder my body hurts from packing it around. So, with my history and the size of the kid she says no go on the normal birth. Such as life. I kinda figured. At this point I'm just ready to meet our little one.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Latest snowy weather photos
Bear and Auntie Kate eating icicles
Bear, Dad, and Kate decorating the tree
Our crazy icicles and a very pregnant me.
We've been having fun with our snow. Bear loves playing in the snow.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Powder Incident
So, a little introduction to this... Bear was in his room to take a nap not too long ago. About a half an hour into it I start to hear, "Mom?" at his door. When I didn't answer I heard, "Dad?" I figured I'd better go check now. I opened the door to a cloud of baby powder. Bear had taken the big bottle of baby powder (3/4 full) and dumped it all over his bed and himself. He was very proud of himself and it was too funny to be mad so we just grabbed the camera. I'm just glad it was the corn starch powder as opposed to the talc. Enjoy. We did.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Fall dreary days...
Ugh. Time change and clouds. Now it is drive to and from work in the dark. Makes the days seem very short. And now that I have a day off it is grey. It is maybe supposed to snow, but hasn't been able to muster that. Just grey and cold. I love Fall, but don't love the in between weather. Oh well.
I can't believe Halloween is over, Thanksgiving is just around the corner with Christmas on its heels. And then it will be New Year's, Tom's birthday, and baby will be here. Holy cow! I am not ready for all of this. I'm excited for it all, but not ready.
I forgot how much I can't do being this pregnant. I get tired so much faster and I can't reach things that I normally never think twice about. Grrrr... I wonder what it would take to be able to have someone else clean my house etc.
Mmmmm...Just thought about Thanksgiving dinner. I can't wait. It is one of my favorite meals to eat and cook. I don't really like to cook other meals, but I love to make the Thanksgiving one. I'm not sure why. Maybe because it is fairly straight forward and there really isn't any menu planning. It is kind of a given. Turkey, potatoes, gravy, dinner rolls, and a couple sides (which-ever are your family favorites). That's it. Pretty set in stone. Sure you can mix it up here and there with a ham or something, but the menu is pretty much the same year after year. I like that. No planning. Throw a turkey in first thing in the a.m., make stuffing, make bread, cook potatoes, make the sweet potato casserole, any other sides or veggies get made, and then you eat. There is family to be with and the house smells good.
I'm making myself hungry. I guess I'll have to go clean up the kitchen and make some bread. I suppose I should do the laundry too. Hmmmm... Maybe I'll make dilly bread this weekend. The weather is certainly conducive to baking. It'll help warm up the house.
I can't believe Halloween is over, Thanksgiving is just around the corner with Christmas on its heels. And then it will be New Year's, Tom's birthday, and baby will be here. Holy cow! I am not ready for all of this. I'm excited for it all, but not ready.
I forgot how much I can't do being this pregnant. I get tired so much faster and I can't reach things that I normally never think twice about. Grrrr... I wonder what it would take to be able to have someone else clean my house etc.
Mmmmm...Just thought about Thanksgiving dinner. I can't wait. It is one of my favorite meals to eat and cook. I don't really like to cook other meals, but I love to make the Thanksgiving one. I'm not sure why. Maybe because it is fairly straight forward and there really isn't any menu planning. It is kind of a given. Turkey, potatoes, gravy, dinner rolls, and a couple sides (which-ever are your family favorites). That's it. Pretty set in stone. Sure you can mix it up here and there with a ham or something, but the menu is pretty much the same year after year. I like that. No planning. Throw a turkey in first thing in the a.m., make stuffing, make bread, cook potatoes, make the sweet potato casserole, any other sides or veggies get made, and then you eat. There is family to be with and the house smells good.
I'm making myself hungry. I guess I'll have to go clean up the kitchen and make some bread. I suppose I should do the laundry too. Hmmmm... Maybe I'll make dilly bread this weekend. The weather is certainly conducive to baking. It'll help warm up the house.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Almost Halloween...
This weekend is Halloween. We still really don't know what Bear is going to be. Either a lion or a monkey. He has both costumes. I guess we'll wait and see which he wants to wear on Sunday. We have friends coming over to spend the weekend. We'll go play in a pumpkin patch, carve pumpkins, and have a slumber party. Should be lots of fun.
We've been very busy with school, work, and colds. One big downfall of a kid in daycare is the creeping crud they bring home. It is amazing how many versions of the common cold there are.
The daycare does help with things like counting. Bear counts to 3 and knows lots of colors. One of these days we'll get going on the alphabet. Part of the reason we haven't is Tom and I haven't gotten the gumption up.
Yesterday we had the last of the monthly doctor appointments. Now I'll go every two weeks. This means I'm lots closer to having Bear's little sister. Because of sizes, previous history, etc I'll be a c-section unless I go into labor super early. I was told that if I were to go into labor at 34 weeks (5-6 weeks early) my doctor would let me try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section). Otherwise it will be the c-section. Looks like she won't let me go the full 40 weeks either. Sounds more like about the 39th week, which will put things about the 1st week of January. I guess we'll see how things go in the next couple of months.
One last note. Bear is now almost 37 inches tall. The way he is growing he'll be my height by the time he is 10. I'm 63 inches. Only about 2 feet to go.
Ok. Time to chase a Bear monster down...
We've been very busy with school, work, and colds. One big downfall of a kid in daycare is the creeping crud they bring home. It is amazing how many versions of the common cold there are.
The daycare does help with things like counting. Bear counts to 3 and knows lots of colors. One of these days we'll get going on the alphabet. Part of the reason we haven't is Tom and I haven't gotten the gumption up.
Yesterday we had the last of the monthly doctor appointments. Now I'll go every two weeks. This means I'm lots closer to having Bear's little sister. Because of sizes, previous history, etc I'll be a c-section unless I go into labor super early. I was told that if I were to go into labor at 34 weeks (5-6 weeks early) my doctor would let me try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section). Otherwise it will be the c-section. Looks like she won't let me go the full 40 weeks either. Sounds more like about the 39th week, which will put things about the 1st week of January. I guess we'll see how things go in the next couple of months.
One last note. Bear is now almost 37 inches tall. The way he is growing he'll be my height by the time he is 10. I'm 63 inches. Only about 2 feet to go.
Ok. Time to chase a Bear monster down...
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Thank you
Those of you that read this, thank you. If nothing else I find it entertaining to look on my little widget thing that tells me where a reader is and it says some place like Brazil, Colombia, India, or Missouri. I love seeing all the different places that show up. I like to imagine the places you all come from. Funny to think that you could be doing the same with me.
Hopefully I don't make too many awful typos/spelling errors. I tend to not proof this very well. I find if I spend too much time editing that's all I get done and no actual posts go up.
Off to get my boys to eat something before they are totally done for the evening...
Hopefully I don't make too many awful typos/spelling errors. I tend to not proof this very well. I find if I spend too much time editing that's all I get done and no actual posts go up.
Off to get my boys to eat something before they are totally done for the evening...
Friday, October 22, 2010
Time flies
I can't believe October is almost over. I swear it was just starting to be spring and now it is almost Halloween and then it is rushing toward Thanksgiving and Christmas. Luckily no travel this year. Somehow a toddler, dog, snowy roads, and a pregnant lady don't sound like a good combo. Besides, there is something to be said for spending holidays in your own home. I'm looking forward to decorating for the holidays too.
Bear updates:
He has started to use the potty! Not every time, but a few times. There might be a light at the end of the tunnel for the diapers. At least with Bear. I know his sister will be in diapers for a long time but it is nice to know that it will end.
Bear's language is exploding. Now he asks what lots of things are. There is so much more expression in what he says now. Things can be so exciting. It is fun to see him get excited about things. I can't wait to see what he thinks of Halloween this year. He might really be able to say trick-or-treat.
I hear someone is up. I guess I'd better get some lunch ready.
Bear updates:
He has started to use the potty! Not every time, but a few times. There might be a light at the end of the tunnel for the diapers. At least with Bear. I know his sister will be in diapers for a long time but it is nice to know that it will end.
Bear's language is exploding. Now he asks what lots of things are. There is so much more expression in what he says now. Things can be so exciting. It is fun to see him get excited about things. I can't wait to see what he thinks of Halloween this year. He might really be able to say trick-or-treat.
I hear someone is up. I guess I'd better get some lunch ready.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Kids and other random thoughts
Poor Bear. He has had a cold (that's what comes from starting daycare again) that has turned into an ear infection, cough, and possibly pink eye. He's handling it well. He really isn't a grumpy sick kid. He apparently is just goopy. Still wants to run around like a crazy man, chase dogs, play in the dirt, eat zucchini from the garden, help with dishes and laundry, and watch Kipper and Dirty Jobs. He knows he can get Dad to let him watch t.v. if he asks to watch Dirty Jobs.:)
At any rate he stayed home from "school" and I stayed home from work today so he could go to the doctor. Doc says the "green monster" got him and now he's on antibiotics to kick the dang thing.
Bear's sister seems to be doing well. Today it has been what feel like full body flips in there. Otherwise it is just small kicks and punches. She isn't as wiggly as Bear, but still plenty active.
We are starting the very not fun process of figuring out finances and time schedules for having this kid. By far the worst of the process of having a second kid is figuring it all out. Of course it will work out in the end, but it is one of those things that is difficult to get to. Such as life.
At any rate he stayed home from "school" and I stayed home from work today so he could go to the doctor. Doc says the "green monster" got him and now he's on antibiotics to kick the dang thing.
Bear's sister seems to be doing well. Today it has been what feel like full body flips in there. Otherwise it is just small kicks and punches. She isn't as wiggly as Bear, but still plenty active.
We are starting the very not fun process of figuring out finances and time schedules for having this kid. By far the worst of the process of having a second kid is figuring it all out. Of course it will work out in the end, but it is one of those things that is difficult to get to. Such as life.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Finally some photos!
I realized I've been really bad about taking pictures. We have been super busy what with harvesting, canning, school starting, work, doctor appointments, and all sorts of things. At any rate I finally got a few last weekend while my folks were here to can salsa. Grandpa gave Bear a ride in his wagon. Dad rigged up a way to pull the wagon from his chair. Although I couldn't catch the smiles, Bear had a blast.
Bear is a big help around the house. He loves to help do dishes. He pulled his stool over while Grammy was doing some canning dishes and "helped" her. He really just gets a cup or spoon to play with the bubbles. This makes him feel like he's helping out though. He apparently tries to help at daycare too. Whenever the gals are cleaning up Bear goes over and says, "I help." Apparently none of the other kids want to help.
Also at daycare Bear now has a "girlfriend." There is a little girl that he really likes. We ask him about his friends and he tells us that he likes Avery. Most of the other kids get no mention. Tom was telling me that Bear did about 10 minutes in the car after daycare one day about liking Avery.
That is about all the updates here. Bear is talking up a storm. It is so nice to have him tell me what is going on instead of guessing. Amelia (what we think we are going to name Bear's sister), is growing like crazy if my belly is any indication. She is very wiggly like Bear was. I can't wait to meet her and see what this next little person is like.
Friday, September 10, 2010
A promise...
...of photos to come. One of these days I will get some pictures uploaded. We've been pretty busy lately. Tom is now teaching, going to school, and working weekends. I'm still working my 40 hour weeks and trying to can and help Tom around the house. Meanwhile Bear is now in daycare 4 days a week. He seems to enjoy that.
We are slowly getting the house ready for Fall and Winter. It isn't where we'd like it to be, but we are chipping away at projects.
Last, but not least, we are trying to figure out everything for the second kiddo to come along. I think we are basically ready, but we won't know that until she gets here. She is growing well if my belly is any indication. I went from not showing to seeming to "pop" overnight. I don't remember it being that sudden with Bear.
Hmmmm...off to stir the apple butter and tomato sauce before Bear decides he really is awake.
We are slowly getting the house ready for Fall and Winter. It isn't where we'd like it to be, but we are chipping away at projects.
Last, but not least, we are trying to figure out everything for the second kiddo to come along. I think we are basically ready, but we won't know that until she gets here. She is growing well if my belly is any indication. I went from not showing to seeming to "pop" overnight. I don't remember it being that sudden with Bear.
Hmmmm...off to stir the apple butter and tomato sauce before Bear decides he really is awake.
Friday, September 3, 2010
News!
Well, we had our ultrasound yesterday. A girl! Everything looks good. She's a bit bigger than "normal" but still looks good. They didn't see anything to be worried about at any rate.
This means we are half way done. Whew! I'm for sure starting to look more pregnant. I actually had to buy a couple pairs of maternity pants. I am apparently bigger than I was last time. Actually I know I am. I was quite small when I got pregnant the first go around. Not so this round. It does mean I have to buy new clothes. I'm not sure how happy I am about this. Oddly enough most stores have tiny or no maternity sections and the one maternity store kinda weirds me out. I might have to try a consignment shop in town. Hopefully it is less weird than the store in the mall.
I guess what it boils down to is that I'm just not all that excited about shopping for me. Now for a baby girl... That will be fun. There are so many cute clothes and all for girls. Even though I'm mostly a tom-boy I still like some girly things. I'm also excited about the winter clothes. I love winter clothes anyway. Soft fuzzy fabrics that make you feel like curling up next to a fire. Mmm... Good thing it is fall and winter is on its way. I love the change of seasons.
Speaking of being fall, I'd better get going on some of my Fall to-do list. Lots to do to get ready for winter. I'm much better at Fall cleaning than Spring cleaning.
This means we are half way done. Whew! I'm for sure starting to look more pregnant. I actually had to buy a couple pairs of maternity pants. I am apparently bigger than I was last time. Actually I know I am. I was quite small when I got pregnant the first go around. Not so this round. It does mean I have to buy new clothes. I'm not sure how happy I am about this. Oddly enough most stores have tiny or no maternity sections and the one maternity store kinda weirds me out. I might have to try a consignment shop in town. Hopefully it is less weird than the store in the mall.
I guess what it boils down to is that I'm just not all that excited about shopping for me. Now for a baby girl... That will be fun. There are so many cute clothes and all for girls. Even though I'm mostly a tom-boy I still like some girly things. I'm also excited about the winter clothes. I love winter clothes anyway. Soft fuzzy fabrics that make you feel like curling up next to a fire. Mmm... Good thing it is fall and winter is on its way. I love the change of seasons.
Speaking of being fall, I'd better get going on some of my Fall to-do list. Lots to do to get ready for winter. I'm much better at Fall cleaning than Spring cleaning.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Quick note
Holy cow! Strollers are expensive. No wonder we bought the one we did. Problem is that it is starting to wear out. Imagine that after two years and plenty of off-road trips. I do have some basic requirements of strollers, as does Tom, and there doesn't really seem to be a match that isn't insanely expensive. Those that match for being compact, sturdy, lay flat or sit up, not a jogger, can have a kid bundled for winter, and don't come with umpteen zillion accessories are pretty much the European styles that run upwards of $1000.00. Yes, I got the number of zeros correct. That is insane.
Problem is that Americans seem to like the wide strollers that are made for walking around a mall. The European styles seem to be made to walk all over town, get into small shops, over cobblstones, and keep a kid warm because you are out walking around in the winter. Hmmmm...Sounds like us. I guess it will be keep shopping and see what we can find second hand. I'll make do with a stroller that is trying to wear out long before I spend that kind of money on something that is only used for a couple years. Especially considering I think I was on my 3rd car before I spent that kind of money on my own transportation. Besides I don't want to end up obsessing if something gets spilled on the stroller, or Bear runs it into something. That happens. If we spend tons of money on it I'll never want to use it for fear I'll do damage to it.
Okay, I think I'm done complaining about the insanity. :)
Problem is that Americans seem to like the wide strollers that are made for walking around a mall. The European styles seem to be made to walk all over town, get into small shops, over cobblstones, and keep a kid warm because you are out walking around in the winter. Hmmmm...Sounds like us. I guess it will be keep shopping and see what we can find second hand. I'll make do with a stroller that is trying to wear out long before I spend that kind of money on something that is only used for a couple years. Especially considering I think I was on my 3rd car before I spent that kind of money on my own transportation. Besides I don't want to end up obsessing if something gets spilled on the stroller, or Bear runs it into something. That happens. If we spend tons of money on it I'll never want to use it for fear I'll do damage to it.
Okay, I think I'm done complaining about the insanity. :)
Summer's end...
School has started for Tom and so Bear is in daycare again. I guess this means summer is officially over. I didn't think it had really started yet. The time is flying this year.
Bear is a complete chatter-box. He wakes up talking, talks all day, and goes to sleep talking. Whew! I've noticed that even after only a week of daycare he is picking up new things to say. Now he says "One, two, go!" He apparently loves to go play at daycare. He was very bummed this morning that he couldn't go to "school" and see his friends. Thank goodness he enjoys it. And of course, one week in and he has the sniffles again. That takes no time at all. The speed a cold can travel amongst a bunch of little kids is impressive. Then of course it is brought home to Mom and Dad. Oh goody.
Let's see, other Bear highlights: He is 3 foot tall and skinny. Loves to play in the garden. Isn't fond of bugs. He likes to look at them, but doesn't want to hold or touch most of them. He likes to eat pickled asparagus and okra, but doesn't like pickled cucumbers. Normal pickles are out. He loves Marshmallow Matey cereal and strawberry milk. He is an absolute clown. If he discovers something make you laugh he will keep it up. He is very much a dog lover too. Actually he loves animals in general. Dogs are a favorite, but he likes them all.
In other news: We find out the likely sex of Bear's sibling soon. Other than that not much has changed on that front. Other than my front that is. It is starting to grow. People may start to notice soon. I've noticed since I'm starting to feel all the little wiggles now. I'm excited for Tom and Bear to start to be able to feel the little one.
Off to tuck someone in for a nap...
Bear is a complete chatter-box. He wakes up talking, talks all day, and goes to sleep talking. Whew! I've noticed that even after only a week of daycare he is picking up new things to say. Now he says "One, two, go!" He apparently loves to go play at daycare. He was very bummed this morning that he couldn't go to "school" and see his friends. Thank goodness he enjoys it. And of course, one week in and he has the sniffles again. That takes no time at all. The speed a cold can travel amongst a bunch of little kids is impressive. Then of course it is brought home to Mom and Dad. Oh goody.
Let's see, other Bear highlights: He is 3 foot tall and skinny. Loves to play in the garden. Isn't fond of bugs. He likes to look at them, but doesn't want to hold or touch most of them. He likes to eat pickled asparagus and okra, but doesn't like pickled cucumbers. Normal pickles are out. He loves Marshmallow Matey cereal and strawberry milk. He is an absolute clown. If he discovers something make you laugh he will keep it up. He is very much a dog lover too. Actually he loves animals in general. Dogs are a favorite, but he likes them all.
In other news: We find out the likely sex of Bear's sibling soon. Other than that not much has changed on that front. Other than my front that is. It is starting to grow. People may start to notice soon. I've noticed since I'm starting to feel all the little wiggles now. I'm excited for Tom and Bear to start to be able to feel the little one.
Off to tuck someone in for a nap...
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Made me a liar...
Well, he did it. I said he won't even taste green beans and then what does the kid do? Every time he goes past the bowl of green beans on the counter he grabs one, tastes it, and then spits it out. The funny part is that he won't stop tasting them now. Goof ball.
Today feels a bit like fall. I'm anxious for fall to be here and yet it doesn't feel like summer ever really got here. The late rains pushed summer into the last couple of weeks. Oh well, I don't mind that we haven't had oppressive heat most of the year. I feel like I shouldn't rush things, but I love fall. I love the slight sense of urgency to stock up that comes with the cooling weather, the smell of the dried grass and rotting leaves, the oranges, yellows, and browns, and all the holidays that come with fall. I don't think there is anything that I dislike about fall, other than it doesn't last long enough.
School starts soon too. That will mean a change in schedules for us. We might even end up with weekends off together like normal people. I don't think we've had that since the first year we were married. Not sure what we'll do. With school it will be super busy though. Tom will be teaching and taking classes. Bear will be in daycare again (here come the runny noses). My schedule shouldn't change. Tom is considering still working on weekends, so we may not get those days off. We shall see.
I should be off to see what I can do about getting green beans blended up and frozen for the little one. Although I will give a quick update there. The last couple of doctor appointments we've heard the little heart beat and this latest one we could hear movement. The ultrasound is scheduled for next month. That is the one we will find out which sex they think the baby will be. Yes, we are finding out. It helps with names and will help to let us know if we need to pick up a couple pink onsies or just sort through Bear's clothes.
Other than that things are pretty normal. You can't really tell I'm pregnant yet. This is good since most of the guys at work don't know yet. They get to be real mother hens and it drives me bonkers. I am certainly feeling more pregnant and I've felt the baby move a bit. That is the one thing I like about being pregnant. Otherwise, someone else could do this part for me. I love the kiddo at the end, but the 9 months prior to that is the pits.
Well, off to make some baby food...
Today feels a bit like fall. I'm anxious for fall to be here and yet it doesn't feel like summer ever really got here. The late rains pushed summer into the last couple of weeks. Oh well, I don't mind that we haven't had oppressive heat most of the year. I feel like I shouldn't rush things, but I love fall. I love the slight sense of urgency to stock up that comes with the cooling weather, the smell of the dried grass and rotting leaves, the oranges, yellows, and browns, and all the holidays that come with fall. I don't think there is anything that I dislike about fall, other than it doesn't last long enough.
School starts soon too. That will mean a change in schedules for us. We might even end up with weekends off together like normal people. I don't think we've had that since the first year we were married. Not sure what we'll do. With school it will be super busy though. Tom will be teaching and taking classes. Bear will be in daycare again (here come the runny noses). My schedule shouldn't change. Tom is considering still working on weekends, so we may not get those days off. We shall see.
I should be off to see what I can do about getting green beans blended up and frozen for the little one. Although I will give a quick update there. The last couple of doctor appointments we've heard the little heart beat and this latest one we could hear movement. The ultrasound is scheduled for next month. That is the one we will find out which sex they think the baby will be. Yes, we are finding out. It helps with names and will help to let us know if we need to pick up a couple pink onsies or just sort through Bear's clothes.
Other than that things are pretty normal. You can't really tell I'm pregnant yet. This is good since most of the guys at work don't know yet. They get to be real mother hens and it drives me bonkers. I am certainly feeling more pregnant and I've felt the baby move a bit. That is the one thing I like about being pregnant. Otherwise, someone else could do this part for me. I love the kiddo at the end, but the 9 months prior to that is the pits.
Well, off to make some baby food...
Saturday, August 7, 2010
A few random thoughts...
I still can't believe Bear is two. That means this blog is as well. Time sure does fly. It seems like not very long ago I was pregnant with Bear, and now I'm pregnant with his sibling. Amazing.
I think I'm looking at the passing time as I realize we are already into the second week of August. I swear I was just marvelling that it was already June.
Bear is funny with his food tastes. Doesn't like carrots, but loves peas out of the garden. Doesn't like asparagus unless it is pickled. Likes pickled okra, but not beets. And he won't even taste green beans. Usually he is good about tasting food, but not green beans. This is funny because as a baby that was practically the only baby food veggie I could get him to eat. Now he won't touch them. He still loves basque chicken and General Tso's chicken that Tom makes. And to drink one of his favorites is "bubble water." Translated into adult: S. Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water.
I suppose I should see if the kiddo is up from his nap yet. He's been down for awhile and I think I heard a thump or two from his room.
I think I'm looking at the passing time as I realize we are already into the second week of August. I swear I was just marvelling that it was already June.
Bear is funny with his food tastes. Doesn't like carrots, but loves peas out of the garden. Doesn't like asparagus unless it is pickled. Likes pickled okra, but not beets. And he won't even taste green beans. Usually he is good about tasting food, but not green beans. This is funny because as a baby that was practically the only baby food veggie I could get him to eat. Now he won't touch them. He still loves basque chicken and General Tso's chicken that Tom makes. And to drink one of his favorites is "bubble water." Translated into adult: S. Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water.
I suppose I should see if the kiddo is up from his nap yet. He's been down for awhile and I think I heard a thump or two from his room.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Bear updates
Just thought I would finally provide some updates on Bear himself...
He is somewhere between 34 and 36 inches tall. He doesn't like to stand still long enough to get a measurement. He weighs almost 34 pounds and talks up a storm. It seems like his vocabulary is exploding. Half the time I don't even know where or when he learned a word. He is most definitely at the repeat word stage. Looks like we'll have to mind our mouths now.
As far as personality showing through, he is still an imp. He loves to play outside, with his dog, and his trains. Bear likes to help with whatever we are doing. He almost always puts his dishes in the sink (has only broken a couple doing this). He gets cranky when he's hungry or hot. Can't blame him here. It must be inherited. He likes to go for bike rides with Tom too. He's a bit of an adrenaline junkie. The faster you go with whatever he is on or in the better he likes it.
He just gets more and more fun the older he gets. We can almost carry on a conversation now. He cuddles more than he ever did as a baby. I actuallly get hugs and kisses now even though he still likes his alone time.
That's about it for now. I'd better get the kitchen cleaned up so I can do a little canning today. Green beans are ready and I got huckleberries at the farmer's market yesterday. Time to get busy.
He is somewhere between 34 and 36 inches tall. He doesn't like to stand still long enough to get a measurement. He weighs almost 34 pounds and talks up a storm. It seems like his vocabulary is exploding. Half the time I don't even know where or when he learned a word. He is most definitely at the repeat word stage. Looks like we'll have to mind our mouths now.
As far as personality showing through, he is still an imp. He loves to play outside, with his dog, and his trains. Bear likes to help with whatever we are doing. He almost always puts his dishes in the sink (has only broken a couple doing this). He gets cranky when he's hungry or hot. Can't blame him here. It must be inherited. He likes to go for bike rides with Tom too. He's a bit of an adrenaline junkie. The faster you go with whatever he is on or in the better he likes it.
He just gets more and more fun the older he gets. We can almost carry on a conversation now. He cuddles more than he ever did as a baby. I actuallly get hugs and kisses now even though he still likes his alone time.
That's about it for now. I'd better get the kitchen cleaned up so I can do a little canning today. Green beans are ready and I got huckleberries at the farmer's market yesterday. Time to get busy.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Kid's meals
Looking for recipes for preserving summer harvests, for baby food, and for the family in general has gotten me looking at many different food blogs (thank you Tracy), baby food websites, and cooking web pages in general. I'm rather amazed by the advice in regards to baby food. Almost all of the suggestions are for bland, boring food. I realize that with a baby you want to introduce one food at a time to eliminate allergic reactions, or at least to be able to know what caused the reaction, but my goodness. I'm liking one of the blog approaches to baby food. Keep it simple, but yummy.
I just got done looking at a baby food site and was not all that impressed. Lots of processed foods. I realize they are advertising, but wow. Bear hasn't eaten that kind of food for at least 6 months (probably closer to a year). He just stopped eating baby food at about 8 -9 months of age. Just wouldn't eat it anymore. He was eye-balling our plates, so we chopped up some of our dinner and viola' he ate again.
I know that our society has gone the route of microwaves and convience all processed and packaged into a 30 second prep time. I just hadn't realized how far this went. "They" are quoting studies of toddlers not eating any vegetables on given days. How do you not at least give a kid a glass of 100% juice? I know that a lot of folks say that the fresh produce is more expensive and unrealistic to purchase for folks living in poverty. What a load of crap! I grew up in "poverty" and ate fruits and veggies. You just have to be careful about how you purchase.
It doesn't seem to matter what monetary level you are on these days though. You are either a "hippie/crunchy" person that goes organic, green, sustainable, and all the other key words or you are "normal" and eat processed, packaged, fast food. I know this can't be entirely true. There have got to be some people out there that are trying to be in the middle somewhere. We try, but I find myself leaning more and more toward the crunchy side of things. Although it does get expensive if you are shopping at the natural stores, and you can't seem to find much without preservatives/chemicals in a normal grocery store. Especially when you get to small town America.
Now that I've ranted for awhile...
Basic ideas for kid's food we've come up with:
Any food from the garden is fair game
What we are eating: with the rule of try it you might like it, but it isn't a big deal if you don't
So long as he tastes everything on his plate he doesn't have to eat it. He decides when he is done after tasting everything. So far this works well.
More milk, juice, water, and fish than Tom and I eat (we don't eat much fish being this far inland, but Bear loves fish)
Let his tastes be the deciding factor, he likes peas but not carrots, so he gets peas
Other than that we all try to eat homemade with more fruits and veggies than meat. More chicken than beef. And we try to expand our palates with something new once in awhile. Besides it is more fun to cook new things.
I just got done looking at a baby food site and was not all that impressed. Lots of processed foods. I realize they are advertising, but wow. Bear hasn't eaten that kind of food for at least 6 months (probably closer to a year). He just stopped eating baby food at about 8 -9 months of age. Just wouldn't eat it anymore. He was eye-balling our plates, so we chopped up some of our dinner and viola' he ate again.
I know that our society has gone the route of microwaves and convience all processed and packaged into a 30 second prep time. I just hadn't realized how far this went. "They" are quoting studies of toddlers not eating any vegetables on given days. How do you not at least give a kid a glass of 100% juice? I know that a lot of folks say that the fresh produce is more expensive and unrealistic to purchase for folks living in poverty. What a load of crap! I grew up in "poverty" and ate fruits and veggies. You just have to be careful about how you purchase.
It doesn't seem to matter what monetary level you are on these days though. You are either a "hippie/crunchy" person that goes organic, green, sustainable, and all the other key words or you are "normal" and eat processed, packaged, fast food. I know this can't be entirely true. There have got to be some people out there that are trying to be in the middle somewhere. We try, but I find myself leaning more and more toward the crunchy side of things. Although it does get expensive if you are shopping at the natural stores, and you can't seem to find much without preservatives/chemicals in a normal grocery store. Especially when you get to small town America.
Now that I've ranted for awhile...
Basic ideas for kid's food we've come up with:
Any food from the garden is fair game
What we are eating: with the rule of try it you might like it, but it isn't a big deal if you don't
So long as he tastes everything on his plate he doesn't have to eat it. He decides when he is done after tasting everything. So far this works well.
More milk, juice, water, and fish than Tom and I eat (we don't eat much fish being this far inland, but Bear loves fish)
Let his tastes be the deciding factor, he likes peas but not carrots, so he gets peas
Other than that we all try to eat homemade with more fruits and veggies than meat. More chicken than beef. And we try to expand our palates with something new once in awhile. Besides it is more fun to cook new things.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Some random thoughts after reading and article and the comments that followed
I am fascinated by all the "advice" out there when it comes to babies and children. I'm sure there is someone (maybe many) who have done studies on the people who give and who use the advice. People get extremely judgemental when someone does things differently when it comes to raising children.
Example: Breastfeeding vs. Bottle feeding. Huge debates there. Those who are able to breastfeed exclusively sure look down their noses at those who either can't or choose not to. I ran into it with Bear too. I was rather amused since the gal had no idea who I was or what our situation was and yet she looked at our small supply of emergency formula with such disdain. She was still breastfeeding her two or three year old along with her 6 month old. More power to her, but that wasn't gonna happen for me. And on a bit of a side note, I don't want teeth near me in such personal places. Especially when they involve a hungry mouth. Now, that isn't to say that if that was our only option for keeping the kid fed I wouldn't do it. Of course I would. But, I have other options this day and age.
Another example: Cloth vs. disposable diapers. More controversy here. Cloth is great. Albeit disgusting to clean after the kid starts eating regular food. Strictly breast fed kid, no problem. Disposable sure are convenient though. Gotta say we used a mix with leaning heavier on disposable. Maybe if I were a stay-at-home mom that liked laundry and/or used a diaper service cloth might have been more of a choice. Besides, it sure is nice to get rid of the nasty diaper when you are travelling. Carry the nasty thing with you? Ugh. Especially if you are travelling for any length of time with out access to a washer.
Example: Slings vs. Strollers. I like both. The sling worked well when Bear was a little guy, not so well once he got bigger. He's been 30 pounds since just over a year old. While it would be much more convenient to use a sling, my back says use the stroller. Especially when he starts to wiggle. I know lots of sling advocates would say get a better sling etc. I used several styles depending on age and weight. They all had advantages and disadvantages, just like a stroller. Our other problem we ran into... They just don't make slings, carriers, or backpacks, that fit a man the size of my husband. Well, it might fit him, but not with the Bear in there too. Things get too tight and uncomfortable for both of them.
I've heard plenty of criticism on both ends for these. I'd love to see some of these tiny sling women with their tiny babies carry my bear of a child around without complaint from either one of them.
And lastly: Crib vs. Co-sleep. Completely "to each their own" here. I say, kid's choice. Bear never did like sleeping with us. None of us slept well. Didn't like the cradle either. But, when we laid him in his crib he would zonk out. Now, this is unless we were travelling. In strange places he liked (still does) to cuddle in bed with us. So, while travelling we co-sleep, usually, and at home he's in his crib. I'm sure every kid is different. I kinda wanted to co-sleep since I wouldn't have to actually get up to nurse. No such luck.
I guess the whole point to all of this is that every person should be able to get to choose their own method of raising their own children. True not everyone is a good parent. That still doesn't mean that if a parent has the basics covered in some form or another, isn't hurting the kid, and the child seems healthy and happy, then who are we to judge?
Example: Breastfeeding vs. Bottle feeding. Huge debates there. Those who are able to breastfeed exclusively sure look down their noses at those who either can't or choose not to. I ran into it with Bear too. I was rather amused since the gal had no idea who I was or what our situation was and yet she looked at our small supply of emergency formula with such disdain. She was still breastfeeding her two or three year old along with her 6 month old. More power to her, but that wasn't gonna happen for me. And on a bit of a side note, I don't want teeth near me in such personal places. Especially when they involve a hungry mouth. Now, that isn't to say that if that was our only option for keeping the kid fed I wouldn't do it. Of course I would. But, I have other options this day and age.
Another example: Cloth vs. disposable diapers. More controversy here. Cloth is great. Albeit disgusting to clean after the kid starts eating regular food. Strictly breast fed kid, no problem. Disposable sure are convenient though. Gotta say we used a mix with leaning heavier on disposable. Maybe if I were a stay-at-home mom that liked laundry and/or used a diaper service cloth might have been more of a choice. Besides, it sure is nice to get rid of the nasty diaper when you are travelling. Carry the nasty thing with you? Ugh. Especially if you are travelling for any length of time with out access to a washer.
Example: Slings vs. Strollers. I like both. The sling worked well when Bear was a little guy, not so well once he got bigger. He's been 30 pounds since just over a year old. While it would be much more convenient to use a sling, my back says use the stroller. Especially when he starts to wiggle. I know lots of sling advocates would say get a better sling etc. I used several styles depending on age and weight. They all had advantages and disadvantages, just like a stroller. Our other problem we ran into... They just don't make slings, carriers, or backpacks, that fit a man the size of my husband. Well, it might fit him, but not with the Bear in there too. Things get too tight and uncomfortable for both of them.
I've heard plenty of criticism on both ends for these. I'd love to see some of these tiny sling women with their tiny babies carry my bear of a child around without complaint from either one of them.
And lastly: Crib vs. Co-sleep. Completely "to each their own" here. I say, kid's choice. Bear never did like sleeping with us. None of us slept well. Didn't like the cradle either. But, when we laid him in his crib he would zonk out. Now, this is unless we were travelling. In strange places he liked (still does) to cuddle in bed with us. So, while travelling we co-sleep, usually, and at home he's in his crib. I'm sure every kid is different. I kinda wanted to co-sleep since I wouldn't have to actually get up to nurse. No such luck.
I guess the whole point to all of this is that every person should be able to get to choose their own method of raising their own children. True not everyone is a good parent. That still doesn't mean that if a parent has the basics covered in some form or another, isn't hurting the kid, and the child seems healthy and happy, then who are we to judge?
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Latest addition
Well, here it is... First picture of baby number 2. Just a blob for now. The little kidney bean shaped blob in the lower left is the kiddo. We had our first doctor appointment and got the ultrasound there. Yes, there is a baby in there and we saw the heart flutter. Good thing there really is a kid in there or else I've been queasy for nothing. Other than that... nothing much from the doctor appointment other than the next couple of appointments got scheduled. Now that I'm pregnant again, I've begun to wonder why. We want another kid, but I don't want to be pregnant again. I really don't understand those that enjoy this. They must be masochistic. Being tired, queasy, and becoming large as a house just isn't my idea of fun. The munchkin at the end of it is wonderful though. I think I'll chalk it up to one of those things we just have to do if we want the treat at the end. Kinda like saving up you money as a kid for that big toy you want. The waiting is the worst...
It will be fun to see Bear's reaction to a baby. And my growing belly. He loves to point out bellies anyway. He has also shown lots of interest in friends' babies lately. Hopefully good signs. I can see Bear being a great big brother. He'll be plenty "helpful" I'm sure.
I do have a list of things that will have to get done in the next several months... It includes going up in the attic and sorting out Bear's baby stuff. Ugh. I have a feeling there won't be much we need. Maybe another dresser? Not sure where we'll put it. My house is going to start to be even smaller. Maybe we'll get the gumption to finish the attic and re-do the stairs to the attic. Ha! Now I am dreaming. Although as I sit on the couch writing this I'm noticing how threadbare it is getting. Maybe that's what we'll do. Especially with company coming that will need a bed. New hide-a-bed couch. I think this one is only about 20 years old or so. Who knows what we'll end up doing. First will be sort through the attic and get rid of a ton of things and see what is what up there.
At least I'm down to working 40 hours a week again so that will give us a day or two that we can sort. Especially if the weather stays as rainy as it has been. Then I won't be inclined to spend the time out in the garden. Oh! This fall's canning just had a twist thrown in. Guess I'll have to can some blended peas and that for baby food. Looks like it is going to be a busy year.
Tom starts teaching this fall too! He'll have his own class at 30. Met his goal. It will be only working summers for the airlines so our flight benefits will be cut. Bummer there.
Well, off to hang laundry. We finally have a nice day to dry clothes on the line.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
June Already?
Where does the time go? The first week of June is already gone. I think it rained the whole month of May. Ugh. We are so soggy. Of course that means not nearly enough playing outside time. Somehow it just isn't fun to play outside in a downpour.
I think the water is watering Bear. He just keeps growing. He is 3T (size) height but 18month to 2T around. For some odd reason when they make clothes for kids that are about 30 pounds they seem to think they are complete chunkers and not very tall. Poor Bear is stuck with the same problem his dad and grandpa have: tall and skinny. It certainly could be worse, but it can make it difficult for clothing. Cute 3T outfits get split up. He can wear the top, but will have to wait on the bottoms.
In addition to his growing Bear's vocabulary is exploding. He uses a fair amount of sign language too. That is whatever I've bothered to learn. Even a few other people can understand what he says now. A few words anyway. He's also learned to jump. It is funny all of the things we take for granted knowing how to do. Probably one of the cutest things he has learned is to say "excuse me" when he belches or farts. It comes out more of a "moo-me."
Now that Bear is done with his PB and J I'd better wrap this up and try to keep going on the laundry. Goody.
I think the water is watering Bear. He just keeps growing. He is 3T (size) height but 18month to 2T around. For some odd reason when they make clothes for kids that are about 30 pounds they seem to think they are complete chunkers and not very tall. Poor Bear is stuck with the same problem his dad and grandpa have: tall and skinny. It certainly could be worse, but it can make it difficult for clothing. Cute 3T outfits get split up. He can wear the top, but will have to wait on the bottoms.
In addition to his growing Bear's vocabulary is exploding. He uses a fair amount of sign language too. That is whatever I've bothered to learn. Even a few other people can understand what he says now. A few words anyway. He's also learned to jump. It is funny all of the things we take for granted knowing how to do. Probably one of the cutest things he has learned is to say "excuse me" when he belches or farts. It comes out more of a "moo-me."
Now that Bear is done with his PB and J I'd better wrap this up and try to keep going on the laundry. Goody.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Busy
Somehow the month of May is almost over. We've been busy. Tom finished school for the year, I'm working 50 hr weeks, and Bear has been battling strep-throat. With all that going on we haven't been able to stay up to date on blogs.
Spring is going full swing too, so any chance we get we've been outside. The lilacs are blooming and the garden is in. Bear loves to help water and pull weeds. I hope we can keep that love going.
Summer plans: Paint the porch and windows, have a great garden, can like crazy as we harvest, do a bit more landscaping, get Tom ready for school in the fall, and get Bear potty trained. I have all sorts of other things on my to-do list but it really doesn't need to be published. Besides, if I did that I might actually have to do it all.
Mmmm...off to see what I can accomplish during nap time. Even if it is a nap for me.
Spring is going full swing too, so any chance we get we've been outside. The lilacs are blooming and the garden is in. Bear loves to help water and pull weeds. I hope we can keep that love going.
Summer plans: Paint the porch and windows, have a great garden, can like crazy as we harvest, do a bit more landscaping, get Tom ready for school in the fall, and get Bear potty trained. I have all sorts of other things on my to-do list but it really doesn't need to be published. Besides, if I did that I might actually have to do it all.
Mmmm...off to see what I can accomplish during nap time. Even if it is a nap for me.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Fundraiser---April 25th
^Bear and his aunts out on the tarmac^
^The collection boot with the statue for Brian at the WFF table^
^Bear offering Smokey cookies^
^Bear trying to decide what he thinks of Smokey^
^Quilt for the silent auction made by one of the widows from T-09^Just thought I'd put a couple photos on here from the fundraiser we put on for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. We turned a sad day into a happy one. The amount of money we raised just seems to keep climbing. We really didn't put any expectations on it to begin with. We started with giving the Foundation $4300.00 the night of the fundraiser, and we just keep having more come in. As we tally it up we keep getting closer to $9000.00. Holy cow! We have a great community that is very generous. It is too bad foundations like this are needed, but since they are it is nice to help them support the families of firefighters.
Bear had fun running all over with his aunts in the hanger. He also got to meet Smokey the Bear. At first he wasn't too sure, but he wasn't afraid of him. Bear just offered Smokey his cookies and then growled at him.
I hope everyone enjoyed themselves at our event. We were happy with the turn-out. We don't know if it will happen next year or not. We've had people ask about it, but we just don't know.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Talking
Just thought I would update (finally) on how Bear's words are coming along. Hi, Bye, Mom, and Dad are getting more clear to people besides Tom and I. Also, Buddy, cracker, elbow, nose, eye, diaper, please, thank you, crayon, cheese, scooter, stinky, sticky, icky, draw, choo-choo, car, truck, and shoes are said though not with much clarity. He understands lots more than he says. He can point to his hair, ears, mouth, chin, eye, nose, and wiggles his fingers and toes when asked to identify them. He sort of forms sentences. He'll say "I got it," and "I draw." Besides those things he says he has several signs he uses. Please, thank-you, airplane, cheese, banana, cracker, and more are mostly in ASL. Then he has his own made up signs for the movie Cars, outside, and dancing/music.
We are working on colors and counting as we work on stacking blocks and other activities. He almost has blue down, and understands to just take one tissue. Bear loves to help in the garden. He did really well spreading my mulch the other day. I got him his own hoe the same day. I was using wood shavings and as I pulled them out of the bag Bear started spreading them around. The fun part about that was that he did it on his own right from the start. I didn't show him what I wanted done. Mostly he loves an excuse to be outside and getting dirty.
Off to bed after a wonderful weekend of nice spring weather and playing outside in the dirt with the boy-o.
We are working on colors and counting as we work on stacking blocks and other activities. He almost has blue down, and understands to just take one tissue. Bear loves to help in the garden. He did really well spreading my mulch the other day. I got him his own hoe the same day. I was using wood shavings and as I pulled them out of the bag Bear started spreading them around. The fun part about that was that he did it on his own right from the start. I didn't show him what I wanted done. Mostly he loves an excuse to be outside and getting dirty.
Off to bed after a wonderful weekend of nice spring weather and playing outside in the dirt with the boy-o.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
A few photos
Just a bit of what we've been up to. Bear loves to play in things. Dryers (only allowed if we are right there), and a cardboard box left over from our dishwasher.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Time flies...
Wow. Somehow the time has gotten by me. I haven't even finished posts about our trip to Austria that was two months ago. With all of the spring weather here we have been busy getting the place cleaned up and the garden ready to go. Plus Bear loves to be outside. He doesn't care if dishes or laundry need doing he wants outside. It is pretty amazing that sticks, rocks, and mud can entertain the kid for hours. The other day we were out all afternoon and it was still a fight to get him inside in spite of the fact it was getting dark and cooling off. I love that he loves to be outside, but it can make it difficult to get the inside chores done. Not that that really breaks my heart.
We've been so busy partly due to the fact that I am working close to 50 hrs a week now (we are behind so we are on mandatory over time). It is amazing what taking away a day off together means for the chores around a house. It gets down to the bare essentials that get done. At least for a day or two and then it gets to where a person can't take it anymore and starts to go nuts cleaning and doing chores.
One of the advantages to having Bear love being outside is that I've gotten lots of yardwork done. At least in the backyard. We even tilled the garden yesterday. Mid-march and we are warm and dry enough. We will have to till one more time with the neighbors big roto-tiller because we are expanding the garden so we need to break through the sod. Our small tiller just doesn't have enough oomph to break sod. It is perfect once the sod is gone, but...
I will work on getting posts regarding Munich and the rest of our Austria trip. Along with updates of Bear. The basics at this point as far as Bear: He is now 34 inches tall and 31 pounds. He is the tallest kid in his group at daycare and he is the second-to youngest. He is a very talkative kid. Still not sure what he is saying most of the time, but he says a lot. As I learn more sign language to teach Bear he is using a lot more. He picks it up really quickly. He just learned "cracker" and now uses that pretty much for everything at the moment. The cool part is he is also saying the words as he signs them. It is amazing how fast he learns. He has most of the parts of the face down pat. It is a lot of fun teaching him things.
Well, I'd better get going on dishes while Bear is asleep. He loves to help with them, but they go much faster without his help.
We've been so busy partly due to the fact that I am working close to 50 hrs a week now (we are behind so we are on mandatory over time). It is amazing what taking away a day off together means for the chores around a house. It gets down to the bare essentials that get done. At least for a day or two and then it gets to where a person can't take it anymore and starts to go nuts cleaning and doing chores.
One of the advantages to having Bear love being outside is that I've gotten lots of yardwork done. At least in the backyard. We even tilled the garden yesterday. Mid-march and we are warm and dry enough. We will have to till one more time with the neighbors big roto-tiller because we are expanding the garden so we need to break through the sod. Our small tiller just doesn't have enough oomph to break sod. It is perfect once the sod is gone, but...
I will work on getting posts regarding Munich and the rest of our Austria trip. Along with updates of Bear. The basics at this point as far as Bear: He is now 34 inches tall and 31 pounds. He is the tallest kid in his group at daycare and he is the second-to youngest. He is a very talkative kid. Still not sure what he is saying most of the time, but he says a lot. As I learn more sign language to teach Bear he is using a lot more. He picks it up really quickly. He just learned "cracker" and now uses that pretty much for everything at the moment. The cool part is he is also saying the words as he signs them. It is amazing how fast he learns. He has most of the parts of the face down pat. It is a lot of fun teaching him things.
Well, I'd better get going on dishes while Bear is asleep. He loves to help with them, but they go much faster without his help.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Spring?
Well, we are into the crazy weather of spring. At least it feels like it for this weekend. We had 55 degrees F. the other day. It was so nice that we all threw shoes on and went for a walk. We all had a good time. Especially Bear that got to splash in the mud puddles. As you can see we have NO snow. We are bummed about that but there isn't a whole lot we can do. I think it has even dried out enough I could till the garden. Crazy. 
This last photo blurry but shows Bear rockin' out with the mp3 player and his scooter. He sets the player between the handlebars and then rides around the house. I believe it was Pink Floydhe was listening to at this point. Usually it is Red Hot Chili Peppers. The kid does like his rock and roll.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
A bit of cabin fever...
Well, it has been almost a full week since I've even been outside. Ugh! I had surgery last Tuesday and haven't been all that mobile since. I'm kinda going crazy. Luckily the weather hasn't been nice so I haven't felt too bad about it, but I haven't even been to the grocery store or post office that are across the street.
In being in my house that long it is certainly making me look long and hard at the things around me. We have too much stuff. I know part of it is that we don't have a large house, but... We are plagued by the typical American ideals of consumerism even when we try to fight it. It is a little overwhelming to think about where I would start getting rid of things too. Because once I try to figure out where to start I start looking at where I need to end up. That gets scary.
I know part of our problem is I'm storing a lot of the family heirloom/history items in my house. My parents are trying to move (Dad's health) and my brother is not even close to settled. He'd better bring an empty horse trailer the second he gets sorta settled and empty out my attic.
In all of this I've become a bit nostalgic for the first year or two we were married. We had very little and we were ready to go at the drop of a hat. I kinda miss that, but at the same time I like having roots. I think I basically want to become a bit of a hermit in the mountains. I've always kinda wanted this. I love people. As one person at a time, as a whole I'm not too sure about them. As my dad always put it, "People, people. Ain't you glad you ain't a people?" I know, doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but that is kinda the whole point. Not much about being a subset of "people" does.
I think what it all boils down to is that I've been craving simplicity. Our lives can spin in all sorts of directions and before one knows it they are going in a whole new direction. I'm discovering I love my work, but not necessarily my job. Now, I have to explain a little. I love working on the actual airplanes, but I hate that my job is stressful, dangerous, and frustrating. I really despise that I have lost several dear friends and co-workers to this industry. Actually I've been loosing people to the aviation industry since I was 12. Makes ya wonder why I ever got into it. It gets in your blood. Plus it appeals to me in the sense that what I do is physical labor with a lot of mental labor too. I like doing something that challenges me as a whole.
Looks like I've digressed again... Back to simplicity. I do wish I could find a cabin on 10 acres or so, find a way to support my various interests I'd like to pursue, and yet be close enough to a small city where Tom can do all he wants as well. Hmmmm... A major problem with a homestead type place is that if you are truly self-sufficient then you can't ever leave without someone to watch over the place. That throws a wrench in the plan because we like to travel. These have been my dilemmas. Basic issues at hand: I love turning wrenches, I want to learn more trades, I don't want to work for someone else, but I don't want the headache of my own business, I want Tom to be able to do his thing, I want Bear to have a good education, and most of all I want us all happy. Oh, and I want to get rid of a bunch of our stuff! I just don't know what I'm willing to part with. And yes, this refers to any of the items on that list.
One last thing: I'm curious how many readers of this blog there actually are. I see from my little tracker where people are but that is all it tells me. A few of the locations I know are family, but some of the locations... Let's just say my curiosity is piqued.
In being in my house that long it is certainly making me look long and hard at the things around me. We have too much stuff. I know part of it is that we don't have a large house, but... We are plagued by the typical American ideals of consumerism even when we try to fight it. It is a little overwhelming to think about where I would start getting rid of things too. Because once I try to figure out where to start I start looking at where I need to end up. That gets scary.
I know part of our problem is I'm storing a lot of the family heirloom/history items in my house. My parents are trying to move (Dad's health) and my brother is not even close to settled. He'd better bring an empty horse trailer the second he gets sorta settled and empty out my attic.
In all of this I've become a bit nostalgic for the first year or two we were married. We had very little and we were ready to go at the drop of a hat. I kinda miss that, but at the same time I like having roots. I think I basically want to become a bit of a hermit in the mountains. I've always kinda wanted this. I love people. As one person at a time, as a whole I'm not too sure about them. As my dad always put it, "People, people. Ain't you glad you ain't a people?" I know, doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but that is kinda the whole point. Not much about being a subset of "people" does.
I think what it all boils down to is that I've been craving simplicity. Our lives can spin in all sorts of directions and before one knows it they are going in a whole new direction. I'm discovering I love my work, but not necessarily my job. Now, I have to explain a little. I love working on the actual airplanes, but I hate that my job is stressful, dangerous, and frustrating. I really despise that I have lost several dear friends and co-workers to this industry. Actually I've been loosing people to the aviation industry since I was 12. Makes ya wonder why I ever got into it. It gets in your blood. Plus it appeals to me in the sense that what I do is physical labor with a lot of mental labor too. I like doing something that challenges me as a whole.
Looks like I've digressed again... Back to simplicity. I do wish I could find a cabin on 10 acres or so, find a way to support my various interests I'd like to pursue, and yet be close enough to a small city where Tom can do all he wants as well. Hmmmm... A major problem with a homestead type place is that if you are truly self-sufficient then you can't ever leave without someone to watch over the place. That throws a wrench in the plan because we like to travel. These have been my dilemmas. Basic issues at hand: I love turning wrenches, I want to learn more trades, I don't want to work for someone else, but I don't want the headache of my own business, I want Tom to be able to do his thing, I want Bear to have a good education, and most of all I want us all happy. Oh, and I want to get rid of a bunch of our stuff! I just don't know what I'm willing to part with. And yes, this refers to any of the items on that list.
One last thing: I'm curious how many readers of this blog there actually are. I see from my little tracker where people are but that is all it tells me. A few of the locations I know are family, but some of the locations... Let's just say my curiosity is piqued.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Sledding
These are all from our sledding on the "kiddie" hill. The big kid hill involved a taxi, warming huts, and a half hour sled ride down the hill. At least that's what we were told. We decided against going this round. We just weren't prepared to keep snow out of our pants for that long a trip down. That will be better saved for another trip. We had lots of fun on the kid's hill and got to let Bear do his own thing there.
The Austrian sleds were awesome. I didn't expect them to be as fast as they were but they were lots of fun. Pretty easy to steer too once you figured out how to do so with your feet. Although this did put a lot of snow up the pants. At least we had a beautiful day to go sledding.
More to come at a later date...
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Bear's Baptism
^Bear liked the food in Austria^
^He decided to be a goof ball^
^Tracy and Adam^
^Bear feeding me^
^Bear with some of the crew^
^The priest and myself^
^Bear started to have fun and dance toward the end^
^Candle lighting ceremony portion^
^Annointing with oil^
^Actual baptism part. I really like this photo. Good timing Ginna.^
^Bear was making sure the video was going to be good.^
^St. Andre Church of Bear's baptism^
^The crew^
^Bear led the way into the church^
^Family photo op^
^Hamming it up^Well, our second day of being in Lienz Tom's mom and Ilona had set up a Catholic baptism for Bear. It was a wonderful, albiet chilly ceremony. We didn't understand much with it all being in German, but Ilona had translated everything into binders for us so we knew what was supposed to be said. The priest didn't help much by throwing poor Ilona's hard work out the window, but we appreciated having the basic guidline. It was a good time. We got to meet Ginna and Ilona's friends as well. We had a blast. I have to admit that if we lived there with that priest we just might have to attend a mass occationally. He was great with Bear, had a great sense of humor, and was wonderfully charismatic. We had Aunt Tracy and Uncle Adam stand in as godparents since our trips overlapped a day and a half. The only bummer was that we weren't able to have all the family and friends attend. Still, what a great story for Bear. Baptised in a beautiful Austrian church, in German, by an African priest. Pretty darn cool for a kid from Poe-dunk, Montana.
I didn't take photos of the baptism myself. I left that one up to Ginna and Ilona and they also had a friend video for us. I just kicked back and enjoyed the experience. So thanks to Ginna and Ilona for these photos and everything else as well. What a great start to a great vacation.
More to come with photos from Tom and I later...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)