A Madison Mom

Busy busy busy

2009-07-01T15:50:00.004-04:00

Life has been so busy. I can't believe my last post was before our cruise. I still really don't have time for a real post... but wanted to check in and say
"HI!!! I'M STILL ALIVE!!! OUR SHIP DID NOT SINK!!!"

So... a list... which I will follow up with full posts as soon as we slow down a bit.

The cruise was wonderful. We drove to the port in New York City (about 1 hour) and then parked and got right on the ship. We went North to Canada... making stops in St. John and Halifax. We all had a good time. A little more sunshine would have been nice... but the temperature was in the 60s which wasn't too chilly and wasn't too hot. Perfect for trolley and bus tours... and a little walking. And then... when we were all cruised out and arrived back in our home port... we only had to jump in our car and drive (about 1 hour) home. It is so nice to skip the flight. I will have pictures to post very soon... and I'm sure it's will end up being 3 or 4 posts worth.
Yesterday was Zoe's 4th birthday. 4 whole years old. We had her "friends' party" today at the ice cream shop in town and we'll have a "family party" on the 4th of July. Actually.... the family party is to celebrate Zoe's 4th (6/30) and Ana's 1st (7/10). It should be a blast. So again... I will have pictures to post very soon... and again... I'm sure it will end up being a couple of posts worth!
My parents are visiting for a couple of weeks for the birthday parties and just to visit.
My grandparents will be up tomorrow for a week for the party and to visit.
My cousin Travis is staying with us this week. He turned 12 years old in June. Let's just say it's interesting for this house of little pink girls to have a preteen boy around. And... I didn't think it was possible to find someone in our family more addicted to computer internet games... but in a couple of days I have seen and know more about RuneScape than I feel should be possible in a year's time (and out of host courtesy I have allowed myself to be booted off of our computer for days at a time... and I'm online posting now because Travis is playing my Wii.). And also... we have been watching the Military Channel (which I didn't know existed) and I know a whole lot more about Ultimate Weapons.
Swimming lessons at the community pool started Monday. Zoe has a lesson every weekday for 3 weeks. What was I thinking?
I still have to post Zoe's "graduation" which was on 6/18 and her dance recital which was on 6/13.
It's July. How is it possibly July?????

I think that's mostly what we've been up to in the last few weeks. I am hoping that after this weekend's birthday festivities that summer will set in and we'll have a more relaxed lifestyle. I mean, how stressful can a daily trip to the pool really be?

Um... yeah. Save me.

Grace in Small Things - 59

2009-06-20T10:35:00.001-04:00

1. We're

2. going

3. on

4. a

5. cruise!!!

See ya next week!!!

(This might be "cheating" at GiST a little bit... but I think it deserved all 5 spaces.)

Wordless Wednesday - What to do when it just won't stop raining.

2009-06-17T17:52:00.008-04:00

For more Wordless Wednesday posts check in at 5 Minutes for Mom or The Coupon Coup or Wordless Wednesday.

Grace in Small Things - 58

2009-06-14T23:34:00.002-04:00

1. The green grass.

2. The enormous plant growth.

3. A million rose buds and blooms on the bush.

4. No water shortage.

5. Zoe's love for her rain boots and umbrella.

(I really hope it stops raining soon.)

Grace in Small Things - 57

2009-06-13T23:18:00.004-04:00

1. Zoe's 2nd dance recital. Just as good as her 1st.

2. Zoe's enthusiasm while on stage. She is a true performer.

3. Zippety-do-dah! Zippety-eh! (Is there a happier song?)

4. The silly little thrill a mommy gets while watching her girl on stage in a tutu.

5. A little ballerina trophy. Each girl was given one as soon as they finished their dance routine. You would think Zoe won the highest honors with how proud she is. The first thing she said to me when she got off the stage... "MOMMY, LOOK WHAT I WON!!!"

(I will get photo and video up soon!!!)

A new set of wheels

2009-06-11T20:41:00.007-04:00

A couple of weeks ago (when it was sunshiny and cheery) Zoe got a big girl bike. If you wanted to experience extreme excitement our house was the place to be.

We actually ordered a bike weeks ago and I finally got notice that it had been lost while being shipped "site to store". I was truly annoyed. Every time Zoe saw someone on a bike she asked where her bike was. We finally decided to just go into town to the Madison Bicycle Shop and just bring one home. It was a little pricier... but oh so worth it.

Zoe and I had stopped at the bike shop once to see what size bike to buy, so I knew they only had 2 or 3 models available to choose from. Any of them would have been fine with me so I stayed home with a napping Ana while the bike buying became a Daddy + Daughter occasion.

When Nick and Zoe got home they were both beaming. He was happy with each bike they had to offer and since the prices were all about the same he let Zoe pick out her very own bike. She also picked out a basket with flowers and an orange bell. Talk about a thrilled girl. She was so excited and so giddy with happiness.
Nick was happy to get his bike out of the shed, too. After a little coaxing Zoe followed Nick in the road. She is a stickler for her rules... and it was REALLY hard for her to accept that it was OK to be in the road as long as she was with Daddy or Mommy (or both). I guess that's a good thing, huh?
Ana inherited the car Zoe got for her first birthday. She was also one thrilled little girl. Just look at this photo and imagine those little chunky arms shake shake shaking with excitement.
I'm sure I will be seeing this site many more times (probably even with the same dress since it's the current favorite). This first ride/walk around the neighborhood was the best, though.
It's hard watching your babies grow older... but my heart is full just know that they are both growing so happily.

Spoiled

2009-06-10T07:24:00.004-04:00

We are spoiled here.

We have girls who like to sleep.

They LOVE to sleep.

They get in their bed/crib around 8 pm and it is only on the rarest of nights that we hear from either of them again until 6:30 or 7 am. Sometimes 7:30 or later.

Even when Zoe wakes up "early" at 6:30 she goes back to sleep in my bed because the rule is "we can not get out of bed until the first number on the clock is a 7."

Even when Ana wakes up "early" at 6:30 she stays happily in her crib until we meet the get out of bed at 7 rule... and Zoe goes potty... and Zoe gets dressed... and we finally go get Ana.

This morning Ana started crying at about 5:30. Not just whining. Crying. Pissed off... get me out of this crib... NOW... crying.

I rolled over trying to ignore her and hoping she would calm down and go back to sleep or at least get happy.

That didn't happen.

Therefore... today I am feeling miserable and it's not even 7:30.

Help.

Grace in Small Things - 56

2009-06-07T20:02:00.001-04:00

1. Giggling girls.

2. The way Zoe waters herself while she helps Nick water the plants.

3. Eating dinner outside on the deck.

4. Bubba burgers.

5. Finishing the day with a glass of wine.

Grace in Small Things - 55

2009-06-06T19:57:00.002-04:00

1. Getting together for dinner with neighbors.

2. Having adult conversations while Zoe and Ana are busy with the neighbor girls.

3. Continuing the conversation through dinner... while Zoe and Ana eat with the neighbor girls.

4. Pad Thai. I'd never had it before... and was a little afraid to try it. Yum.

5. Knowing that more neighbor get togethers will happen regularly... because this first one was a HUGE success.

Ana Faces

2009-06-04T22:03:00.008-04:00

This is Ana's normal happy smiling face. (And her chunka munka neck, arms and legs.)
This is the smile face that Ana makes when you crinkle up your nose and make sniffing noises at her.
This is the face Ana made when she learned to crawl all around the TV room but then realized she was trapped because she didn't know how to get up the one step. (She's a quick learner though.)
This is... um... I dont' know what this face is. But, it makes me laugh.
This is Ana's crinkle nose smile.
Oh... and this is what Ana looks like when you find her somewhere that you didn't leave her and she thinks she's so clever for getting all the way into kitchen play area and is enjoying a mess of plastic food and 3D glasses. (Um... where did she find those glasses anyway?)
This is a belly button. It's not an Ana face but I couldn't help it. Belly belly belly!

Mini-posting

2009-06-02T11:33:00.002-04:00

I'm sure a few of you have noticed how sparse my blog posting seems to have become. There are quite a few reasons for that.

Good reasons (like Ana crawling... the girl is into EVERYTHING),

bad reasons (I just can't get myself organized),

silly reasons (Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook is like a drug... I can't turn away... someone help me!).

I'm friends with some of you on Facebook so you get a bunch of little updates on what's going on with us. You might know that I was printing Zoe's birthday invitations (and that in response Kim thinks I'm quite organized - bwahahaha fooled her!) or that a stomach bug visited last week, or that I've become obsessed with blip.fm, or that a census taker came to my door to find out how many pets we have (um... 0) Wanna be my friend?

I've realized I do quite a bit of updateing on Facebook. I think it's because I can pop on, type out a few words about what's happening, and still get back to the tv room in time to stop Ana from reprogramming all of the electronics. I'm thinking about trying to do some mini-posts here on the blog. Longer than Facebook status updates... but shorter than my normal posts. A paragraph or so, or a photo and a little blurb.

What do you think? Are short posts OK? Or are short posts only status update worthy?

Grace in Small Things - 54

2009-05-31T20:27:00.002-04:00

1. A spring breeze.

2. Sunshine at 7:30 pm.

3. Ana's look of total relaxation while getting pushed in the baby swing.

4. The way exhausted children fall asleep after a full day.

5. Coffee ice cream.

Grace in Small Things - 53

2009-05-30T20:24:00.003-04:00

1. The theme song to Zoe's new favorite show... 64 Zoo Lane. Zoe sings the ENTIRE song EVERY SINGLE TIME she watches the show. (I warn you... it's perky... and will get stuck in your head.)

2. Zoe's school "carnival". Silly little games, silly little prizes, a couple yummy snacks, a lot of preschool friends. One and a half hours of fun for $6.

3. The way Zoe's creativity comes in waves. On one hand, she names her fish "Fish"... but on the other hand, she has created an entire alternate family (with her "other Mommy") and a best friend named Aleigh (which I have no idea how you would spell).

4. Ana had a tummy bug. I believe it has passed. Phew.

5. Having Zoe's birthday party scheduled. Step 1 checked off the party to-do list.

Congratulations Mayci!!!!!!!

2009-05-28T08:08:00.005-04:00

My cousin Mayci is graduating from high school today. At 11:00 she'll be all dressed up in her cap and gown and marching into the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds. She'll be surrounded by her friends. She will be smiling her beautiful smile. Our family will be beaming with pride. (And no... for all of you wondering... I'm not in Florida. We couldn't swing another trip just yet. So... I'm missing it. Someone better be taking pictures!!!)

It is VERY hard for me to believe she is graduating from high school since she was born the year I graduated from high school. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE????? When she was a year old my uncle and aunt came to visit me at college. I was a freshman... and she was 1.

It is a little surreal to me as I write this post. As I'm writing the math is all coming together for me. When I was a freshman in college Mayci was 1... and now when Mayci is a freshman in college Ana will be 1. In just a short time... I can take Ana and Zoe to visit Mayci at college... and I can take a photo of them all together in Mayci's dorm room.

And then... I will blink my eyes... and Ana and Zoe will both be in college.

OK... I need a tissue now. Sniffle sniffle.

Congratulations Mayci!!! We are all very proud of you and we all know you are going to continue on to do amazing things.

Best Shot Monday - Mommy and her girls

2009-05-26T11:06:00.004-04:00

Yes... I know it's Tuesday. But it's the first weekday after Memorial Day weekend... so I'm saying it counts!

I finally uploaded the camera pics. It had been a while. I was happy to find a couple photos from Mother's Day that I love. Here are my 2 favorites.

Zoe's face just looks so sweet... and Ana has her little nose scrunched up which just makes me laugh.
I think this 2nd one is my real favorite. All relaxed but happy faces for the camera. Even though Ana has baby's head in her mouth it's just perfect. She has baby's head in her mouth at least 50% of the day... so it's just what she looks like. heehee

Make sure to visit Tracey at Mother May I to check out everyone's best shots!

Grace in Small Things - 52

2009-05-24T16:34:00.005-04:00

1. Brief thunder and lightening showers.

2. The giggle I got over an e-mail Nick forwarded to me about local belly dancing lessons. Belly dancing... heehee.

3. Wheat Thins - Toasted Chips - Garden Valley Veggie flavor. Yum.

4. Big Fish Games ... I love playing games free for an hour.

5. Listening to Zoe sing in the basement recording studio.

Grace in Small Things - 51

2009-05-23T16:29:00.000-04:00

1. Plane tickets booked for our July/August trip to Florida.

2. A new pink 2 wheel bike.

3. The joy on Zoe's face after getting that 2 wheel bike.

4. Perfect bike riding weather.

5. The thrill Ana gets out of riding in her "new to her" little red car.

(Pictures coming soon... promise!)

What?

2009-05-22T17:52:00.003-04:00

What do you mean my mommy's blog has been suffering since I've been crawling?

I'd think that my gettin' into trouble would be givin' her all kinds a good stuff to write.

Not my fault.

Ebeanstalk is giving away $1000 of toys to bloggers!

2009-05-18T11:25:00.010-04:00

Did that get your attention? $1000 of toys for free... just for being a blogger. How awesome is that?

Ebeanstalk is a great site (and not just because of the giveaway!). The products they sell are all specially chosen and researched. Each toy listing has information on why it is appropriate for each developmental age level. I love searching by age... and they even have the infant toys separated into newborn+, 3+, 6+, and 9+ months. It makes picking out toys really easy. Most importantly... Zoe and Ana think their research is right on target. The things I've gotten from ebeanstalk are their favorites. And, they're giving away $1000 in toys. Awesome.

Some info from Ebeanstalk -

"Ebeanstalk is dedicated to a baby's development. And we select the best baby toys matched to a baby's development. To see great information on how a baby grows up, check out the info on our baby toys page.

"Picking toys for a baby is not as simple as it sounds. Here are some quick baby facts:

Toys for a newborn baby: A newborn baby is briefly looking at objects and attempting to imitate facial expressions. They can follow objects with their eyes and usually quiet down, when they are picked up.

Toys for a three month old: They will enjoy ‘frolic play', reaching for objects and will repeat enjoyable activities. Believe it or not, they will respond to ‘no' (about half the time) and will start babbling.

Toys for a six month old: They'll search for hidden objects (object permanence). They'll reach for themselves in the mirror, play peekaboo, crumple paper, roll from their stomach to their back and even respond to their name.

Toys for a nine month old: They are pushing toy cars, playing pat-a-cake and looking for hidden sounds. The baby toys they are playing with are also getting more fun."

Oh yeah.... the giveaway. Did you think I forgot the giveaway?

The toys include: Road and Rails Railway Station from Plan Toys, Thomas Trains, Jungle Bean Bag Toss, a Schoolhouse Tent, Bath Toys, Balance Boards, a Newborn Playmat, Ball Pit, Melissa & Doug Toys, a Talking Globe and much much more!

Who's gonna win?

* One blogger will get $500 worth of toys
* Five bloggers will get $100 worth of toys (each)

If you're interested in participating in the giveaway just let me know and I'll send along the information! Leave me a comment including your e-mail address (in the comment... not just in the form) or e-mail me directly (xcolleenx@aol.com). I will forward you the e-mail that includes all of the specifics on the giveaway. (Write a post, e-mail to let Brian know you posted, and then send another e-mail with a child development question you'd like answered. Easy peasy lemon squeazy.)

Grace in Small Things - 50

2009-05-17T08:01:00.000-04:00

1. Pillsbury Toaster Scrambles

2. Pizza delivery

3. A self-inking date stamp I plan to use for marking the backs of all of my photos

4. Zoe's new song... "I smell poop! In this diaper!" (Because her life is a musical... everything must be sung.)

5. Season finale weeks. As much as I'll miss the shows we watch... I'm looking forward to having time to put our Netflix subscription to use again. (Our current 2 movies have been sitting on the shelf waiting for 2 months! eek!)

AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

2009-05-16T08:32:00.001-04:00

Um... Ana's crawling.

Today it's for real.

Sort of.

Save me.

Grace in Small Things - 49

2009-05-16T08:19:00.002-04:00

1. Flight status checks that show you where Daddy's plane is on the map.

2. Having Zoe sleep a little bit later this week. (Every sleeping moment counts!)

3. A Friday afternoon playdate.

4. Going to Target with Ana while Zoe stayed at her friends house.

5. Zoe's new love of Oobi (what a wacky show). She calls Oobi "Boobie" which makes me laugh (aren't I mature?). "Mommy.... I need to see some Boobie now!" heehee

Not Wordless Wednesday - Cherry Blossoms (then and now)

2009-05-13T20:36:00.012-04:00

Then - May 5th, 2006...
It was sunny and warm.
Zoe was just 5 days over 10 months old.
Now - May 6th, 2009...
It was rainy and chilly.
Ana was just 4 days under 10 months old.
5/5/06
Zoe was happy and smiley and into the camera.
To be honest.... she was freaked out by the flowers and could not wait to be picked up.
5/6/09
Ana was happy and smiley and refused to look at the camera for me (which was strange).
To be honest... she wished I would put down the camera and help her roll around in the flowers.
5/5/06
The cherry blossoms fell from the tree on lovely spring breezes.
They were a fluffy and pink... a beautiful mess.
Zoe decided they tasted like crap.
5/6/09
The cherry blossoms fell from the tree during days of downpours and thunder storms.
They were damp and pink... still a beautiful mess.
Ana decided they tasted like crap.

So... then or now... rain or shine... warm or chilly... Zoe or Ana... flowering cherry tree blossoms make a huge pink mess that is beautiful... but tastes like crap.

Best Shot Monday - Shades

2009-05-11T12:20:00.002-04:00

I don't know what else to say... except that this makes me smile.

A good shot is one that makes you smile every time. Don't you agree?

As always... the best shots are amazing!

Grace in Small Things - 48

2009-05-10T22:23:00.001-04:00

1. Being awakened with a "Happy Mother's Day!!!"

2. Having "M O M" written by Zoe for the first time. (I love the envelope more than the card. heehee.)

3. An unopened bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups just for me.

4. The difference it makes by celebrating with a BBQ rather than a regular party.

5. Sitting back and realizing how truly blessed I am to have my 2 girls.