Any Given Moment

Hey, who turned off the lights?

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Folks, I truly tried to get on my computer yesterday, but there was a winter storm, and the power went out, and Champ got to stay home and well...

by the time everything got settled, we were ALL TOGETHER and in the thick of a rare family day. Forgive me for not stopping by here, for not answering e-mails? I know you will. Oh boy, was it well worth it!

It is the end of the month which means I am archiving January's photos. Bear was certainly busy with costume changes...

{Space guy}

{Firefighter Joe}

{Giraffe}

and the classic, much returned to...

{Dirt biker guy}

Have yourselves a great weekend!

The shift

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:15:00 +0000

My sister-in-law, S, introduced me to the works of Eckhart Tolle. I adored him upon first read and yet I am sometimes stubborn and refuse to hear the weight of his words.

I saw these lined up in the morning (Champ and his amber necklace were already long gone for work) and felt blissfully at peace. A shift was in the air and the necklaces helped me to see it. I began to lift my anchor. I put down my self inflicting pack of judgements.

So much to be grateful for. My children's sweetly scented necks waiting to be adorned. Getting ready for "work" simply by putting on my amber and opening the front door. Getting my hands on more of my MOST FAVORITE type of jasmine tea and introducing yet another powerfully relaxing routine into my morning.

There had been no sadness in me really, no true disdain, but still I did not want to conform. I had forgotten how opening change can be if one lets it. Like my first yoga headstand, my first black diamond ski run- fear, exhilaration and confidence all mixed together in that amber resin of change.

I'm on the other side of it now and a better soul for it. Thanks to all of you and your supportive words. Thanks to Eckhart for his.

“The moment that judgement stops through acceptance of what it is, you are free of the mind. You have made room for love, for joy, for peace.” - Eckhart Tolle

*************************************************************
About that job... almost a month in and I'm finding it to be rather fun. My boys are as well.

A hint? Only one of those hands is from my family :).

With each fistful

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:05:00 +0000

My computer was most certainly in the shop. It's a bit better.

A few other elements of my daily life have been under inspection and repair lately as well. Like a puzzle, we are arranging Champ's weekend job, my new job (it's true!), our boys and the category of "everything else" into a scheme that works peacefully, smoothly for us. The picture isn't in focus just yet.

Life does continue on though, even in the midst of change (or especially because of it). Babies continue to grow and mine has even discovered his fists. He is delighted by his findings.

Ace is coming out of his infancy cocoon and drinking in all this winter white world around him. His amazement just adds to my own wonder of babies, their joy for all things. Even fists...

most especially fists for this 3 month old.

I am a hypocrite. I love change and transition when I am in control, when I invite it in to serve a selfish purpose. I grate against change when I must go along with things out of my control: I feel like poor 'ol Sterling trudging along at the end of a lead, ok with the walk but with her eyes focused on home.

Ace never sees it that way. His body and mind are going through enormous changes- daily- and all the while he's clearly in awe of what is occurring. I do not wish to be as overwhelmed with the world as he is, but I watch him wiggle and sway his little fists around

and remind myself that if nothing else, Life is a constant adjustment to newer destinations. If my wee son can handle it with glee, then surely I can peer into the future with hopeful expectations, even as I stubbornly keep one foot in the present moment.

Wish me luck.

Festing

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:56:00 +0000

Oh, it's been merry and bright for us this holiday. With ever thankful hearts we celebrated Ace's first festive season and Bear's Norman Rockwell-like reaction to all the things that make Christmas magical. We gathered with loved ones and led some of them back to Vermont where festivities continued long into each snow sprinkled night. These moments? These kind of moments are what I love best about Christmas.

~ Trot oversees Christmas morning
~ New Year fireworks
~ after the presents are opened...
~ holiday breakfasts
~ checking in on our first house
~ Samantha is well received
~ helmeted holiday visits
~ Vermont guests

Happy New Year. May the magical moments continue...

ps: when my computer returns from the shop, I will return to blogging :)

Loading up the sleigh

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:28:00 +0000

Readers, it's time. Time for me to say goodbye to Molly and Samantha as I pass them on to the capable hands of my nieces.

(before)

Time too, for you my friends, to breath a sigh of relief as this will be my last American girl post (until a new one finds her straggly way to me here in the land of misfit toys) for a while.

(after)

This means the holidays must be upon us, so with that I wish you all a Merry Christmas!! Happy everything else, too!!
Get your lists finished up

and a good night's sleep

'cuz Santa's on his way!

Christmas just might be effortlessly wonderful

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:11:00 +0000

I am always a little something or other this time of year. Part of it is that Champ's third job always starts up around this time. Most of it is because I struggle hard to balance family time with prepping for Christmas and find it difficult to be regularly "present". Do you?

I strive to keep my Faith at the forefront of my mind these days leading up to Christmas, but even with daily treks into Nature to center me and a purposeful intent to keep the holiday buzz at bay, I still only get it right 30% of the time. Thank goodness God is forgiving. And understanding. And all knowing...

Ace knows how to chill out. Why not me?

This past weekend while Champ worked, Bear asked to make a present for baby Jesus

and we made snowglobes for all our loved ones.

The Wise Men moved a little closer to the manger,

and as we settled in that night and a large majority of family members clamored for the warmth of the wood stove,

the peace of the season was finally upon me. I had received one of the greatest gifts of Christmas somewhere between sun up and sun down and it had arrived effortlessly, through God's grace.

I felt relaxed, some of the Christmas check list was accomplished, the boys had my presence most of the day, and the Spirit of Christmas had never wavered even as each hour passed. God was among us and it felt wonderful to welcome Him in. May it happen again tomorrow, and the next day, and long after Christmas has faded in to winter.

2 months. 5 months.

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:54:00 +0000

Now Ace, I understand that maybe this picture wasn't set up to your liking. Baby B is already a few months older than you, so to place him in front like that makes you seem very much like a peanut.

However, I really don't see how that's any reason to take a swing at him. You knocked the poor boy's tongue out.

No, I don't care that he babbled put downs to you and called you a "Mama's boy" (he's one too, you know), you still should not have thrown that left hook. Learn for next time.

(thanks for the pictures, J! Can't wait til we meet again. Ace will bring his boxing gloves...)

Cheap photo cards for the procrastinator OR planner!

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:31:00 +0000

This isn't a deal blog. I'm not really a coupon cutting Mama and I go elsewhere to smarten up about coupon codes and frugalities on the Internet.

BUT...

this my friends I discovered all by my little own self and it was too good not to share!!!

$1.99 for 10 or 20 photo cards (um, which set are you gonna order. Hmm...) over at Vistaprint!!! Yay! Now you can get caught up on your Christmas cards, send out those baby announcements, or prepare for Valentine's Day (don't think I'd ever do that last one, but hey, you can go right ahead since these are so cheap).

Pick out a great photo and then follow this link from the magazine "Real Simple" to create inexpensive photo cards. By changing the text and getting a little creative you could truly use this deal for something beyond the holidays.

I ordered some last night. I got the original 20 and then was offered a steal of a deal for 10 more, so I went with it. All told, my order came to $12.88 and I'll have the cards in time to mail for Christmas.

(the tiniest of hints from our lighthouse adventure...)

I know there have been previous photo card deals on the Internet, I even took advantage of some, but it is days before Christmas and I am ready to focus on finalizing Christmas cards now. Now that Ace is a bit older and we have our picture taken by this year's lighthouse (long story...), so thank you Vistaprint. May Santa be very very good to you!

7 days

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:38:00 +0000

These past seven days, Bear has been busy in his workshop making gifts. I had been calling it "Santa's Workshop", but Bear said Santa wasn't around to help, so we should just call it "workshop". fine.

Ace and I were in charge of overseeing his productivity, but really I was in charge because how much can that baby really keep an eye on when staring at my collarbone for most of the day?

(no idea why I'm giving you a thumbs up, but hey- good job.)

These past seven days, three out of four of us have been sick with colds. It's not been pretty.

These past seven days, my in laws arrived with food, affection and helping hands. It was awesome.

These past seven days, through sickness and visitors and adjusting to a new baby brother, I realized that not only does Bear look older, he's acting older.

He's setting the table without being told. He's putting on his boots by himself. He hauls logs over to the wood stove and sweeps up crumbs with a dust pan.

He's making motor sounds for his dirt bikes and loudly flying his airplanes. He meticulously dresses his Playmobil people and then launches in to the most imaginative play with them- including extensive conversations that make me giggle when I eavesdrop on him.

He understands now that the warm feeling in his heart is love and has announced that Trot is his best friend (Trot was delighted).

I had not meant for the post to go this way today. I am baffled by my wistfulness, but I look at these pictures, I recall how Bear catered to me when I was down for the count and it becomes clear that there's no denying it.... Bear is growing up.

No need to slow it down or lament his toddlerhood passing quickly by, but I ask you- how did I miss it? They all warned me to watch; that he would grow before I knew it and to be vigilant. I had my eyes on every blonde hair of his and monitored his shoe size like a hawk and yet somewhere between head and toe, my baby boy has begun to grow up.

Moveable Alphabet

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:14:00 +0000

I've never been a big fan of numbers,or Math (bleech), but words and language? Now that's something I can get behind and it's something I tend to photograph way more often than any counting activity we might do around here. Today, I'm actually going to use some of those random language arts photos!

I keep a basket handy in our living room (great room? With a high ceiling and wall to wall windows, I never know what to call it) complete with pre-reading supplies. There are Bob books, a moveable alphabet box, some writing tools and sandpaper letters along with a book or two that Bear can confidently ~~read~~ retell.

A typical activity begins with us reading a "Bob book" and then focusing on a word from it, in this case "cat". We play around with it's sounds and I help him pick the letters that represent these sounds out of the moveable alphabet box.

If we're feeling jumpy, we go on to match up and trace these letters with the sandpaper letters. Sometimes, we develop rhyming words and I show him how to just replace the beginning sound.

Bear also use these letters to help guide him as he practices writing new words.

There is so very much that can be done with these materials! I'm still discovering new uses for them that help to keep Bear interested and engaged in his learning.

If you're curious for more, just Google "moveable alphabet" and have at it!

Stalked at the Thrift Shop

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:24:00 +0000

Yet another one of them found her way into my life. She heard I do wonders with mangled, well-loved hair, so she apparently looked me up.

I have her settled into a "Downy dunk" (do I sound like I know what I'm doing? I don't.) and she seems happy enough. Not this kind of happy...

but still, happy.

Funny enough, the whole household seems happier today. I'll take it.

Have I mentioned my time at the store has come to an end (boy that went fast!), and now I'm home with the boys? You would think my blessed situation would keep me from whining a bit on certain TRYING days, but then I wouldn't be telling the truth, now would I? And honestly, how interesting would my blog be then? Exactly.

Enjoy your Friday!

Full disclosure on boys and pinecones

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:37:00 +0000

Those two seem innocent enough, but that isn't necessarily the case (especially that little one right there). While my life is mostly peachy keen, I'm not about to pretend we don't have our moments.

Take yesterday, for example. Notice what's missing from this mug full of tea?

THE TEABAG. I was so, shall we say occupied?! with Ace, that I didn't even notice I had forgotten to add it until a few sips into my drink, you know, the drink that I had steeped WITH NOTHING for 10 minutes.

Maybe I should rethink drinking decaf tea??? Really it didn't matter anyway because the baby needed to nurse, Bear needed something or other and before I knew it an hour had passed and my tea was cold.

Oh if that was the only complaint I had from this week.

So yes, life is awesome and tricky right now and I've had to rein my priorities in hardcore to compensate. Goodbye "visiting other blogs regularly", bon voyage "learning how to use Photoshop", adieu "making my own yogurt each week"... I know I'll be back to you eventually, but for now XOXOXO.

On the bright side, In a sane moment last week, Bear and I got a little crafty. We gathered up pinecones

dipped them in some melted wax (you could use old candles)

and then rolled them in a concoction of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and sparkles.

They turned out beautiful and smelled scrumptious!

Truly, hello out there and I hope each of you are doing well.

What? You didn't have a trophy on your Thanksgiving table?

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 21:47:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is now over and this year's Gluttony Bowl trophy rests solidly in my Father's hands. Well played, Dad.

Perched next to the trophy was a birthday cake, or rather a Kransekake (no I'm not Norwegian, I just got the molds at a bargain basement price), which is even cooler because you can hide presents in it.

(some birthday folks prefer the simpler, pumpkin pie route...)

As it was recently my birthday among many, I sampled a bit of both cakes while exploring my gifts. I know- GIFTS?! I find it hard to believe I still get any, but hey, I'm not about to complain. I am so lucky, in fact, that one of my dear, dear friends got me a fisheye adapter for my camera lens. Yay! Now I can take pictures of

humorless husbands (really Champ, why not look at me?)
and

polite Playmobil.

I could have also taken a picture with it of this other tradition we have on Thanksgiving...

wait, what are you thinking right now? I mean, yeah you might not have a trophy at your Thanksgiving, but surely you shoot clay pigeons? Hmm, how about this instead-

Ace was christened! Not only does he have the most wonderful, wonderful Godparents- you are the best S & C!- but he had a little peanut gallery rooting him on...

A few other twists and turns happened recently-

but I'm going to leave well enough alone since, if you're not so sure about this update, then you really wouldn't believe the pictures I haven't posted.

Gobble, Gobble to you all!

I am beginning to hate daylight savings time

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:10:00 +0000

Spring forward, Fall back... I'm finding it's all the same to children. They lose their mojo; their bearings thrown out the window to mix with this year's falling leaves.

My usual cherub-like, perfectly mannered, impeccably clean gentlemen

are a little OFF. I am too (are you?), but I'm nothing like these poor guys. My nap trick of warming things up with a hot water bottle? Yeah, not cutting it this week with Ace.

Bear has boycotted all apparel, short of a sling for his beloved Bear.

Even Sterling is confused, begging more often than usual for food and lurking around corners waiting for scraps.

Daylight Savings time may have been perfected for the greater masses, but try telling my 3 year old why he cannot get up at that early of an hour, or my 16 year old dog why she actually has an hour until dinner will be served.

To keep the sanity around these parts and to prep for all the exciting birthdays (and a Christening!) coming up over these next few days, I am signing off until next week. By then all our good juju, yogic breathing vibes will have returned. right? right? Tell me that's correct ;).

How to mail a letter

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:34:00 +0000

That right there made me smile. And then giggle. And then breath a big sigh to clear my thoughts and go on with my hectic, wonderful day.

Tell me, in your town would you have received this or would Ace have had one less birthday card?

Have a lighthearted weekend, everyone!

Grilled date, chive and goat cheese sandwich

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:21:00 +0000

Newborns don't believe anyone should eat regularly besides them.

This especially applies to their mothers. I am working to change this since I like food, especially tasty, flavorful dishes.

As with all systems, there are loopholes and this one contains only 4 delicious ingredients:
- goat cheese

-chives

- dates

- bread

Put them together as if making a plain old grilled cheese sandwich, top with a little honey...

and Presto! A sandwich that meets my "tasty, flavorful" criteria and is fast and healthy too.

Paired with warmed almond and nutmeg milk, it's a lunch made in heaven and Ace is none the wiser.

Ace. The birth story.

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:07:00 +0000

"Courage is knowing you're licked before you've begun but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."

- Atticus Finch, "To Kill A Mockingbird"

In a way, at the beginning of this pregnancy I did feel licked. Bear's birth had ended in a C-section which made me a VBAC candidate this time around. Our hospital does not perform VBACS thus my current midwifery could not deliver. We temporarily needed to leave them for a VBAC friendly hospital and an OB/GYN practice affiliated with it. I again felt in control of my pregnancy with this switch and was thrilled to have the VBAC option: it meant that no matter how things ended, my body would be able to go into labor naturally, allowing for all those good hormones to surge and do their thing.

In the 35th week of my pregnancy, I received the standard Strep B test and it came back positive. Typical treatment for this involves hospitalization for antibiotics once labor begins or the waters break and none of it bodes well for a VBAC candidate. I called doctors, trolled the Internet and cried- then I came up with a plan. I would only be willing to take the antibiotics if a) my waters were ruptured for 18+ hours b) I went into labor before 38 weeks.

More drama (or shall I say "courage building") came at the tail end of my pregnancy. Long story short: I received news there was a discrepancy over my due date and so I was suddenly considered "late". I could go into a big explanation here, but there's no need because at 3:47am the next day my water broke and the point was moot. Oh how I adored this baby already!

I labored through the day; some of it intense, some not. Eventually Bear was settled in at a friend's house and the clock struck 18 hours. Like it or not, I knew it was time to head to the hospital.

A woman in Laborland doesn't really know what's going on around her besides contractions. Time must have passed; eventually it was evening of the second day. I labored and exhaustion was beginning to creep in, but the baby stayed strong and I was so proud of my body to have come that far. I tried to register each wave of contractions to memory, for this phase was a gift and I knew it.

The morning of the third day came upon us and with the final exam I was told what I already intuitively felt: regardless of the intensity or amount of contractions, my cervix was not dilating appropriately.

"Ace" arrived by C-section on 10/7/11. He was

9 pounds 9 ozs. and 22 1/4 " long.

A week later, we took him to meet the midwives. They oogled and fussed, congratulated me and wiped my uncertain tears as I told them the story. My hands were clasped by one of them and she looked me in the eye and said,

"You had guts to do what you did.

You took the cards you were

dealt and turned them into aces. He's beautiful!"

I tell you this- none of the decisions arrived at on this journey were easy nor lightheartedly made. It could have gone differently- perhaps better, perhaps worse, but I stand by the way it went down and I own each moment. In the end I learned to trust myself further. I gathered my courage around me in time of need and I pulled up to the table with the hand I had. Not enough cards to trump, but an Ace none the less...

and he is indeed beautiful.

Setting and Stage prep...

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:51:00 +0000

"For Posterity's Sake". I like saying that; it sounds fancy. I like the meaning behind the phrase too- it gives me free range in this blog space to type things up simply for the act of remembering them in the future. I'm forgetful, so posterity helps.

This post and the following one will be written For Posterity's Sake. If you are a fan of babies and births, stick around; otherwise, I'll see you next week.

I like being pregnant and everything that comes with it, but this time around I just about reached my max being patient with pregnancy related ailments. A DOUBLE THUMBS DOWN to pregnancy related carpal tunnel. It arrived when I was about 8 months pregnant and it has only just subsided now (almost a month after delivery).

And you know what? I couldn't even knit! Oh, I was so irritated!

Baby A has been patient though and this week I finally finished his Ravelry inspired kicking bag.

He looks quite charming in it...

Another "ailment" I developed this time around was testing positive for Group B Strep. In and of itself, this isn't a big deal as far as how it's contracted or how it is generally treated, but there is a bit of a risk factor for the baby. We began to weigh all the options of how to deal with it once labor began and in the meantime I took matters into my own hands.

(funny kind of setting for supplements isn't it?)

I cranked up my probiotics and began taking 500mg vitamin C/day as well as 500 mg garlic oil. I also took Sovereign Silver
each day and Echinachea over a 2 week spread. Now these last two supplements are controversial, but I had done my research and trusted what I had found through reading and word of mouth.

The point of all those supplements was to prepare my immune system and the baby's to a) hopefully fight off Strep B without the use of antibiotics during labor b) build up the flora in our systems so that if I DID have to use antibiotics, all my immunities would come back quickly after birth.

Over these 9 months I discovered Traumeel works awesome for any sort of ache and pain. This was fabulous for my pregnancy (and afterwards too), but anyone can appreciate it's magic- check it out! It's produced by the same company who makes Sterling's arthritis pills.

The day before I went in to labor, we moved into this century and bought an I Pod Shuffle to load and help get me through contractions. We got it in the nick of time. I also packed lavender and bergamot essential oils. Those 2 scents always help to keep me calm and focused.

Do you know about Bach Floral Remedies? I swear by them and used the basic Rescue Remedy as well as Larch (if you feel overwhelmed, like you are losing confidence...) and Mimulus (fear of needles, procedures) during labor. Once you know my full birth story, you'll see why these came in so so so so handy!

The birth story stage has now been set. Stay Tuned.

PS: we had a blast yesterday for Halloween, did you? See Bear waving his scepter and saying "Be Still!". Can you guess what book character he was?

PPS: Happy Birthday Trot and Happy All Saints Day to all of you!

PPSS: he was Max from "Where the Wild Things Are"

PPSSS: join in on the fun...

Mutsu

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:56:00 +0000

Apple season can come to a close because Bear has figured out what his favorite variety is.

Hands down, it's the exceptionally large,
exceptionally tasty

Mutsu apple.

Figuring it out

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Update: so it did snow. And a few days later it snowed even more. Pictures at the end of this post.

-It is already Thursday.

- In the wee hours of the morning snuggled close to the baby, I awoke to spit up flowing into my mouth. I was amazed. It was gross.

-I roused to Champ changing the car's snow tires as we are estimated to get 6" of snow today. I don't know if I buy that, but it is snowing out and we do have baby A's doctor's appointment today, so snow tires it is.

- We've been finding dog vomit in the house on average about 2 times a day. Is it a ploy for attention or some delicious feast found outdoors? I'm not sure, but that too is gross.

- I have sushi and gossip plans with a girlfriend tonight (baring any blizzards). NO BOYS ALLOWED. It will be short and sweet since I am on a baby feed timer (no pumping for bottles just yet), but it will be rejuvenating!

- We have company arriving late tomorrow morning and through the weekend.

- There's no way I'm going to get the birth story up before the end of this week.
- I would not be able to function without my Maya and Moby wraps
- thanks to those wraps, I've been in the kitchen making chili, granola and pumpkin pie. Fall comfort foods are the best, don't you think?!

All of this comes with the territory of a newborn. I remember that, too. A fond hello to all of you and may you not have a "spit up in your mouth" kind of day ;)

the sun rises over our lake

a snowy new roof and chimney!

Love to the Pit Bull

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:16:00 +0000

Today- October 22nd- is National Pit Bull Awareness Day.

We are celebrating Sterling and Trot coming into our lives with a giant love fest...

I believe there are mutual feelings on both sides.

* thanks to newlywed AND pit bull owner, A, for bringing this to my attention. Sterling and Trot send their regards to Alice and Zoey!

Snapshots

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:23:00 +0000

I sat down yesterday afternoon to write you, but then there was a knock at the door and friends and food and joy drifted in. Before we knew it, it was bedtime...

And so here I am today; back at the computer, happy for yesterday's impromptu celebration and with a few moments on my hand to write you all a note.

The friends of yesterday haven't been the only sweet souls to stop by. Our days are well balanced between visits from friends and family and serene (mostly) hours spent privately among all six of us under this roof- from baby to dogs.

This NEW roof to be exact. The shifting of ladders and tools from the back of the house to the front signaled the end was in sight. Yesterday we bid a fond farewell to our ~~house elves~~ hard workers, D & D. Thank you again gentlemen and to the "underwriters" of this project!

(pics from a recent apple picking outing- thanks M, J and E!!!)

Bear begins most mornings snuggled in our bed listening to stories with baby A. He then moves on to booking his personal calendar for the day- I seriously think he gets more calls each week than Champ or I do. "It takes a village", most certainly.

The harvest has continued even though our world stutter stepped for a few days. Gradually, peacefully I am picking up where I left off; eager to freeze my most favorite of all fall homage- pumpkins!

Champ is ever reminded of his important role in this family as all clamor to him eager for snuggles, wrestle time or a quick walk. His patience astounds me since after he has pacified all the males in the family, he still has to deal with me.

That sums it up for now. We try to swing with the ups and downs and savor when all the puzzle pieces click into place.

-The birth story patiently waits in the dugout as I roll the words around in my mind. I'm thinking next week for sure...
- Oh, were you here for baby pictures? Here's what I pulled out of my sling earlier this week:

Prelude

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:54:00 +0000

Life with two and all the memories come back. I remember this place of sweet baby sighs and milky whispers.

The washer loyally churning out fresh diapers and the kitchen being called upon to create comfort food after comfort food. Wee hours of the night looking at his face, always for the first time, and inhaling that perfect smell; unlike any other.

I startle in remembrance too: here is where my water broke, there is where I danced away a contraction. Of hospital and nurses, steady heartbeats pounding through each night...

did I really just go through all that?
is that phase of the journey truly over?

Tears come as I watch my uterus shrink to a place possibly never called upon again and I can't bear to think of the pregnancy clothes eventually leaving my drawers. Bear seems to have grown 6 inches while he was out of my sight.

We visit the midwives to present our newest son and they circle around us, celebrating courage and new life, singing of Hakuna Matata.

It is sad.
It is sweet.
It is these moments that fill my lucky, blessed days.

My birthday began...

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:04:00 +0000

with the water- birds and the birds of the winged trees

flying my name above the farms and the white horses

and I rose in a rainy autumn and walked abroad

in shower of all my days.
- from "Poem in October" by Dylan Thomas

Baby "A" arrived in this jewel toned world
October 7th 2011
9 pounds 9ozs
22 and 1/4 inches

We are all perfectly smitten with him and soon I'll have time to tell you just how wonderful he is!

XOXO,

Chew on this

noreply@blogger.com (T.J.) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:20:00 +0000

Today I have now officially been to the dentist 2 TIMES IN THE PAST 7 DAYS which ups my grand total of "visiting the dentist during this pregnancy" to somewhere in the range of 7-8. It's awesome really.

My time with those tooth fanatics is up and I don't plan on going back until way after the new baby is here (if ever, but I digress).

Pregnant or not, here's a tip for all of you on how I coped during the time I wasn't getting relief in the dental chair. Maybe you need to alleviate your suffering now, too.

Step 1: call the dentist because this treatment can only get you by so long
Step 2: gargle around in your mouth with a hydrogen peroxide rinse 2x per day to keep infection down and therefore- pain. I did a capful to half a shot glass of warm water.
Step 3: Dab some clove oil on your sore tooth/gum with a Q-tip. It numbs the pain and helps to keep it disinfected. Clove oil IS a strong flavor, but it helped with the pain, so I didn't mind one bit.
Step 4: grind up some Tylenol so that it looks suspicious. Use a Q-tip to dip into the powder and directly apply it to your aching tooth. I liked to do this before bedtime and it solved the problem without me having to take a full dose of Tylenol internally.
Step 5: go to your dentist appointment and celebrate your painfree mouth (until the next tooth falls out).

And now it's time for some gossip:

I am so very very proud of Champ! Over these past few months he has been nominated and involved in the process to nominate Vermont's Teacher of the Year. The closing ceremonies were last week and he ended up being one of the top 4 finalists in the state. Bravo and kisses to you!!!!

The nonprofit that both Champ and I are affiliated with is currently running it's online auction- bid on a Ski getaway, a signed Red Sox Wakefield baseball, a gorgeous pottery bowl (From the studio I used to work at!)...
Go visit and help The Collaborative raise funds to continue supporting substance free youth.

And with that, me and my new-white-painfree tooth are over and out.