clean and simple

EVR: Ten months

2012-02-03T16:56:00.000-06:00

1.31.2012

Lizzy is ten months old!

Her hair is getting longer and thicker. Her hair clips are looking more promising.
She sucks on her pacifier on one side of her mouth and sticks her tongue out the other side.
She's letting go and standing on her own.
If you can't find her, your best bets are to look in the laundry room where the dog food is or in any of the bathrooms with an open-lid toilet. Those are her favorite spots. (Gross)
She's saying "mamamama" and "dadadada" more often. "Ggggg"is her preferred sound.
She prefers finger foods over being spoon-fed. Blueberries, cheerios, bananas and breads are faves.
We're pretty sure she has a dairy allergy/sensitivity. Since cutting out yogurt and cheese from her diet, she no longer screams through the night. (Hallelujah!)
She will play along with Pat-A-Cake, and loves to clap her hands and throw them in the air.
She's a "So big!" pro, too.
Her favorite activity is to empty things. Anything. Books from shelves. Clothing from drawers and baskets. CDs from cases. Magazines from racks. Toys from bins. Everything!

We love this girl. She is busy, yet calm. She is stoic, but so excitable. She already seems to know what she wants -- and lets us know when we interfere with her wishes. She is quietly strong.

I think she's the best.

Blues Game 1.16.2011

2012-01-22T22:06:00.000-06:00

Dave loves hockey. He'll always accept an invitation to attend one of the St. Louis Blues hockey games. And if he isn't attending, he's likely watching it at home. He isn't in front of the TV with a Blues jersey on, pretzel in hand, and jumping up and down. But he's still a big fan.

Whenever D goes to a game, Winston's always bummed that he can't go. So for Christmas, I gave Winston and Dave tickets to a game. Just W and Dad; kind of special.

Turns out, if you're under three, you don't need your own ticket, so I tagged along on their special date last week. And it was just that: special. W wore his Blues hat, just like his dad. He cheered, "Go Blues!" over and over. He ate a whole pack of cookies by himself and shared part of daddy's treat, too. He loved the crowds. He loved walking to/from the game outside in the city. He had a lot to say all night long. So fun to just be mom, dad and W. It was a treat to watch. He was delighted.

{Walking to our seats}

{Fascination.}

Several of the Cardinals players were in a suite behind us. W was happy to see David Freese.

{Go Blues!}

KC

2012-01-19T09:46:00.000-06:00

Made a quick trip to Kansas City over the weekend. Nearly four hours in the car and the kids were champs. Champs!

{Books, toys, treats, games only lasted so long. Martha Speaks and Cars to the rescue.}

{KC Temple, near completion}

{Pooped! Riding in the car is a lot of work.}

Phone dump

2012-01-19T09:43:00.000-06:00

I still have yet to post about Christmas. Seems I can't make it to the computer for longer than two minutes at a time. So here's our phone camera documentation of life lately.

{Butterfly House -- W trying so hard to be still so a butterfly will land on his arm. No luck.}

{Rainbow Room -- indoor playground showroom and best kept secret around town}

{Unseasonably warm weather}

{Early lunch at Pappy's BBQ. W has never consumed so much in one sitting. He could've won an eating contest.}

{Stroll/bike through Forest Park}

Photo Series: EVR Rolls and Wrinkles

2012-01-06T08:02:00.000-06:00

EVR: Nine Months

2012-01-05T21:35:00.000-06:00

December 31, 2011

Lizzy-girl is nine months old.

Height: 29 inches (95%)

Weight: 20lb 15oz (60%)

She is crawling at light speed, emptying every book case, standing wherever she can possibly pull up, and eating us out of house and home.

I joke that in her nine months of life she has consumed more vegetables than W has in nearly three years. Sadly, though, I don't think it is a joke. This girl can eat!
She always seems to be so smiley and excited. She is happy and has such a funny, grunt-like laugh that can be tickled out of her.
She never sits still -- never! She turns into a little fish as soon as the bath water turns on, squirming and excitedly flailing about. Once she's in the tub, it's like a water park; toys, splashing, squealing, water everywhere.

She turns into a dragon/pterodactyl when she has to wait for food and roars/cries like said pre-historic animal (animal?).
She insists she doesn't need to sleep, which makes nap time and nighttime sporadic and unpredictable.
When she wakes up for the day and cries to be rescued, W rushes upstairs with his guitar and piano toys, climbs in her crib, and they begin band practice. It's kind of ridiculous.

Photo Series: Big Brother

2012-01-01T22:51:00.000-06:00

Like a good big brother, W is teaching E the ropes. There's a lot E needs to learn to be successful around here.

Skill #1: How to climb on the banister like a monkey (while simultaneously wearing your snow boots).

Skill #2: Numbers.

Skill #3: How to share.

And of course, Skill #4: How to climb in your crib.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-24T15:33:00.000-06:00

As we've gotten ready for Christmas, I feel like a little kid again. I can hardly wait to see this special day through the eyes and experiences of a two year old. He has been asking for a Buzz Lightyear toy for months. I am dying to see his reaction when he receives the gift tomorrow. (I hope he's as excited as I've pictured him to be in my head).

Listening to Christmas music is always a favorite of mine. W has fallen in love with the Frosty the Snowman song. He about jumps out of his seat when we hear it on the radio, and his excitement turns to frustration when the song ends and a new one begins. Today, we were all talking in the kitchen and Christmas music was on in the background. Over all of the noise W shouts, "Listen!" and puts his finger to his mouth. We all quieted and, sure enough, Frosty the Snowman was on. He was thrilled.

I have loved reading books about Christ's birth, and seeing W pick out "Murry" (Mary), Joseph and Baby Jesus. He knows the shepherds and their "sheepies." He knows the wisemen brought prizes. W knows Jesus was born in the city of David ("Hey, that's my daddy!") and He grew to be a good man, Jesus Christ.

My favorite moment this season was just a few days ago. Like many, each year D and I identify a family who could use some extra help to meet their needs; families whose burdens could be lightened a bit.* So we found this certain family and put some things together that would be special for the kids and needed by the parents. One night, we all loaded into the car and drove to the family's apartment. I left the bag of goods on the porch, knocked on the door, and ran to the car. We zipped away just in time to go unnoticed. I was nervous. D was focused. And W was just plain excited. On the way home, we were trying to explain to W the details of the deed. What it came down to was a simple way to show Winston what Christmas is; it's a time for us to remember Jesus Christ and share the love he has for us with others. We celebrate Christ by doing what he would do. It was a special night for all of us.

*I hesitantly share this strictly for journaling purposes.

I am already looking forward to next Christmas and this one hasn't even happened yet!

Christmas-ing 1

2011-12-24T15:32:00.000-06:00

The big day is tomorrow. Since W hasn't quite gotten the hang of the advent calendar or the Little Elf (named "Elf") just yet, we did special activities at random to get in the Christmas spirit.

We got a Little People nativity set for the first day of December so W could learn all the traditional figures involved in the story of Christ's birth. From there, we found lots of fun and special ways to spend time together in preparation to celebrate Baby Jesus' birthday.

{visiting Santa at the Toys-for-Tots party}

{wanna-be gingerbread house making}

{masterpiece}

{playing with toys of Christmas past}

{baking -- complete with mis-match socks (that are Mom's)}

Christmas-ing 2

2011-12-24T15:31:00.001-06:00

Some more Christmas prep.

{lights at Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park}

{luminary prep for Christmas Eve}

{building forts while I strip beds and wash sheets}

{exhausting trips to the mall}

{more baking -- cookies!}

Photo Series: Light Magic

2011-12-21T08:38:00.000-06:00

Playtime with camera + kids + Christmas lights.

So fun.

Everybody clap your hands

2011-12-20T15:36:00.003-06:00

And she's clapping.

Photo Series: Bathtime Baby

2011-12-06T05:01:00.001-06:00

These just make me smile.

EVR: Eight Months

2011-12-05T16:59:00.000-06:00

Happy eight months, baby girl!

You are crawling at light speed.
You curl your legs under and roll up on your little toes to stand up.
No one makes you smile more than your brother.
Your hair is thick!
You have eight teeth: four on top and four on bottom.
Your crooked smile is to die for.
You like to eat. A lot.
You've tried out the sippy cup. It's just OK.
You love your cozy blankets and bunny when you go to bed.
You're wearing mostly 12-18 mo. clothing.
You are so tall!
You discovered that you love to smile. We figured that out over Thanksgiving.
You are quite giggly, too, especially when we tickle your back and neck.
You're a hoot in the tub. You become a giddy little girl who can't control her excitement.
You love fiercely. You prefer to pull hair, bite faces and poke eyes to show your affection.
You snuggle with Daddy. Not with Mommy.
You babble and say "Huh! Huh!" like you know exactly what you're talking about.
You're just such a good baby!
Sleepy time and naps are getting a little better.

I'm so lucky to be your mom.
Love you!

Wassailing

2011-12-05T16:29:00.000-06:00

Dave and I hosted the inaugural neighborhood holiday party last night. It was a hit. Phew! I'm glad the stress of it is gone.

In true Waterfall fashion, I served up some hot wassail to our guests. I'm not a big fan of it myself, but everyone else always seems to like it. However, last night's was actually pretty good, if I say so myself. I mean, it was really good.

Here's the little-bit-of-this-and-that recipe.

2 bottles of apple cider (2x64 oz)

2 oranges, sliced

2 lemons, sliced

1/2 can orange concentrate

1/2 can lemonade concentrate

~2 cups water

6 cinnamon sticks

~1 T whole cloves

Combine all ingredients in stock pot.

Cook thoroughly until it's almost boiling.

Turn down heat and simmer for several hours (4+ hrs).

Best served piping hot (in my opinion).

Enjoy!

Tardy Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T15:06:00.000-06:00

Lately, the idea of sitting at the computer for longer than 30 seconds is quite laughable. Almost instantly I'm a human jungle gym. Or I'm guilted into feeling neglectful because I turned my attention from Sir W. Oh the horror. (sarcasm)

Consequently, the expected daily thanksgiving didn't happen. However, I have not failed to find things to be thankful for along the way. I did make an effort to pointedly appreciate something every day. Or maybe a few in one day to make up.

In all seriousness, I am thankful for many things. Like...

people who help me wrastle two babes at church
waking up to W reading outside my door (as opposed to him running in screaming, "Miwk, mommy! Miwk!")
W learning feelings, what it means to be sad, and feeling empathy for his screaming, teething sister
working together outside; E on a blanket, W using a stick-turned-blower, D cleaning gutters and I raking leaves
rolls that turn out perfectly, twice!
W giving me a hug and telling me he loves me after reading I Love You, Stinkyface
peppermint pretzels from Trader Joe's
spending time just with Lizzy
flowers
being part of a family who can and will pull it together for each other
sisters
a hard-working hubs who changes the oil in my car and cleans up dinner
mindless movies
DVR (and mindless TV)
church callings that teach me even when I don't want to be taught
good health
trust
watching Lizzy reach milestones at light speed
hearing D call Lizzy "baby doll"
my dad who returned home safely (from Afghanistan! nbd, right?)
chaotic family pictures
Lizzy giving great-grandparents each a hug before leaving
good haircuts (sorry W, you never seem to get one)
a certain two-year-old's imagination and the conversations he can have with a mini Buzz and Woody
dual bathtimes
W's seemingly indestructible body and endless energy
cousins: mine and my children's
happy babies who love each other
a fun week with MaMom

Grandpa

2011-11-27T21:55:00.000-06:00

Jack Richard Lane

My sweet grandpa Lane passed away last week. We were fortunate to be able to find tickets to get us to Utah in time to be with family during the viewing and funeral, as well as Thanksgiving.

The funeral was such a nice tribute to the gap-toothed man who healed many and sacrificed much for his family. Grandpa always made me laugh -- whether he was checking the alignment of my hips or cursing at one of his many "damn dogs." While giving adjustments, he was known to say, "Take a deep breath. Now blow it out your ears." He was a dapper man, always dressing to the nines. He always said what was on his mind, and was always so excited to see or hear from his grandchildren. I am lucky to have a grandpa like him.

His one request was to have someone sing the song, "On a Clear Day" at his funeral. I had never heard the song before, but a trio of women from my street pulled together a beautiful, beautiful rendition of the song.

On a clear day

Rise and look around you

And you'll see who you are.

On a clear day

How it will astound you

That the glow of your being

Outshines every star.

You'll feel part of every mountain, sea and shore

You can hear

From far and near

A word you've never, never heard before...

And on a clear day...

On a clear day...

You can see forever...

And ever

And ever more.

The song was the perfect way to show how sensitive, kind and thoughtful Grandpa was.

W is becoming more and more aware of feelings and emotions. It was so sweet to see him react to and console me and others who were sad during this time. It's amazing how much he can understand and how kindly he can empathize with and comfort.

I am happy my grandpa is no longer struggling so hard to live, and instead enjoying the eternal progression of things in heaven with his deceased daughter Kathy and other loved ones who had passed away. I know I will see him again some day, and I am thankful to have the knowledge of life continuing after we leave this earth.

Love you, Grandpa.

Above water

2011-11-27T21:33:00.000-06:00

a couple of weeks ago I was playing phone tag with my sister. it had been a particularly challenging day and the thought of staying in bed all day with the lights out and the door shut was all i could think to do. quite honestly, this was the closest to feelings of depression i have ever felt.
when i finally got a hold of my sister to discuss something probably not entirely important, i couldn't keep feelings in. our conversation turned into much less about the initial topic and more about talking me off the ledge. my sweet, sweet sister. thank you. thank you for being there.
i was able to pull myself together enough to get off the phone and lie on the couch. D got home with a bag of Trader Joe's peppermint pretzels and i ate my feelings for the rest of the night.
the following day, a mysterious, unmarked van showed up at my house. i was hesitant to answer the door. so glad i did. beautiful sunflowers greeted me along with this friendly gentleman. i about fell apart in the foyer. he probably gets that a lot.
my same precious sister sent some literal sun my way with words that restored my destroyed self-confidence and depleted energy.
thank you, mag-lite. you're the best.

The hand that feeds you

2011-11-06T21:04:00.002-06:00

W feeding E. Too cute.

Imagination

2011-11-05T23:10:00.005-05:00

His imagination is really going these days.

He flew around the house all morning in his "Buzz rocket ship" and fireman boots.

Love this.

WF&P Rail Road

2011-11-04T05:50:00.004-05:00

We visited the WF&P Rail Road a couple of weeks ago. It's basically this mini train that works just like a regular steam engine train. It runs on mini tracks, has mini cars, blows mini steam and toots its mini horn; perfect for a little boy. We caught the train on a perfect Fall afternoon and rode through the woods and along the river through the beautiful, colorful leaves.

The train engineers are all volunteers. It seems to be a sort of generational thing passed down from father to son.

The whole operation seemed a little backwoods-ish (no "keep your arms and legs inside the train," we were free to get on and off the train at any stop but we couldn't expect much notice as to when it would start up again), but it was fun, nonetheless.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-03T05:46:00.000-05:00

For the past 3+ weeks, W greeted people with a, "Hi! I'm a fireman!" -- all spoken in an excited, boisterous (read: loud!) voice. His fireman dreams came true over the almost week of Halloween festivities.

We attended Papa and SheShe's ward trunk-or-treat, our ward trunk-or-treat, went to Dave's office, visited the real firemen at the fire station (post coming soon), plus did the actual trick-or-treating on Halloween. As expected, W had no problem picking up the "Trick-or-treat, please!" routine, so he had no trouble acquiring more candy than I know what to do with. We are on sugar overload just due to how much is in the house, let alone what's been consumed.
I have to admit, these two are the cutest fireman and pumpkin I've ever seen.

{carving the "mama punk" and "baby punk" pumpkins with MaMom}

{baby punk}

{Mary Poppins and "baby punk" Lizzy}

{W and his friend Alex}

Photo Series: W becomes a fireman

2011-11-02T22:12:00.005-05:00

W's life became exponentially better on Halloween. Aside from getting more candy than any child needs, we made a stop by the local fire station. W will never be the same.

The firemen were over-the-top nice. They were so flattered and accommodating to us and our unannounced visit. They were thrilled to see W in his fireman costume and they were so impressed by its "authenticity." The firemen showed him around the fire engine and their fire suits. Then -- then!-- they pulled him up into the front seat of the fire truck on one of the firemen's lap, started it up, and let him drive it out into the station's driveway. He honked the horn and pressed the foot pedal siren.

And if that wasn't enough, then they pulled out the fire hose and let him shoot water. Really?!

W was beside himself. He had no words. He just followed directions and stared blankly. I think he was in shock. But once he got back in the car and came to, he went nuts. It was the greatest thing that has ever happened to this little two-year-old boy. He still hasn't stopped talking about it.

EVR: Seven Months

2011-11-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

Lizzy girl turned seven months old on Halloween. Her current status:

nearly crawling; should be any day now, but I'm not encouraging it
getting to sitting position on her own
lots of dental activity; all four teeth on top are coming through, plus another one (for total of three) on the bottom (gasp!)
moving, moving, moving; she can't seem to hold her legs still, but prefers to kick, kick, kick at all times
smiley as can be
inhaling with excitement (I need to get this on camera)
weighing way too much to carry around in her car seat anymore
eating more green vegetables in last four weeks than W has in his entire life
loving foods; eats yogurt, peas, beans, fruits, rice crackers, breads
pulling hair, pinching skin, grabbing on to everything
jumping/bouncing up and down
pointing toes, curling feet and showing just how flexible she is
saying lots of mamama/dadada/wawawa/bababa

Love you, baby girl.

Thies Farm 2011

2011-10-25T14:50:00.000-05:00

We went back to Thies Farm Pumpkinland this year. W was more up-to-size this time. He thoroughly enjoyed the tractors, hay bale obstacle course, and the zip line (although a bit nervous at first). Last year he had a meltdown about 20 minutes into it. But this year he was a champ...until he was barreled over by a girl coming down the slide. Total wipeout. Lots of tears. Both survived.
We also picked out some pumpkins while we were there. We came home with several wacky looking gourds, a 26 pound pumpkin, and a "baby punk" for W that he had been requesting for days.
Here's to Fall!

{waaay to bright for pictures}

{thumbs up}