Big Girls Don't Cry

A little grainy....but cute.


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Ahhhhhh....summer camp!

Today was Vivien's first day of summer camp!!! I didn't take any pictures, but she was a little concerned that she wasn't going to know her teachers. We talked about how it would be a new adventure. When we got there, she went right in like an old pro. I was so relieved and excited for the few mornings I have left to myself before DGBB gets here. She had an awesome time and the teacher mentioned how cute she is. She looks forward to going back next week.

These past few weeks since MDO has been out have been really trying. I can't do much because my anemia makes me so faint, so the poor child has been cooped up in the house watching way too much TV. Naturally, her behavior has been less than pleasant, but I really can't blame her. The poor kid is so bored. Hooray for summer camp!

The Mommy Purse & Gymnastics

Last week while I was attending a funeral, Mommy Jan babysat Vivien. In an effort to keep her from chasing me out of the door, Mommy Jan let Vivien see her purse. When Vivien asked her what was in her purse, Mommy Jan said, "Mommy stuff." Vivien was intrigued. She wanted a mommy purse with mommy stuff. Mommy Jan obliged and sent her this purse with some "mommy stuff" in it.




Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

********************

Last Saturday was Vivien's first day of gymnastics (also through the parks & rec department....and coincidentally in the same room as ballet). However, I forgot my camera. She was very excited until it was time to walk into class. Then she planted her feet and buried her head in my legs, much like the first day of swimming lessons. I talked her in to going in the class and sitting on the bench with me. She was out on the mat participating in no time. Her teacher, Ms. Tiffany is wonderful with the children (unlike the ballet teacher as I learned this week...but that's a different rant). Vivien really enjoyed this class a LOT. The only problem is that there are dads there and she is intimidated by men.

Today started the same way, although I was much less patient as I've been feeling really rough lately. It took her a little longer to warm up to the idea of participating, but she eventually did. Unfortunately, when they were lined up to do their floor exercises, she was right next to me and thus was very distracted. Here are some pics and videos of what they did today.








Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

An Open Letter to My Husband on Our 5th Anniversary

Babe,

Five years ago today (it was a Friday, in fact) you became my husband. So much has changed in those five years, but I think we've done a pretty good job muddling through it all. I know I'm not the most expressive person when it comes to conveying my feelings, but I really want you to know how much I do love and appreciate you.

I knew pretty early on that you were the man I was supposed to marry. The first clue was shortly after we began dating, I found myself daydreaming one day about having children with you. I had no interest in having children, and seeing you with kids made me feel like my previous decision had been because I just never felt I had a suitable partner. There were many other things that helped me to know you were the one. You fit in seamlessly with my family and they have adored you from the first time they met you. Your commitment and loyalty to your family, your sensitivity, the way you treated me with respect...I could go on and on about why I chose to marry you.

I can't imagine being married to me. I'm an irritable, easily annoyed, cynical know-it-all....and that's when I'm NOT pregnant. You are very tolerant of me, and I'm hoping my good qualities outweigh what a pain in the rear I am. How you have survived two pregnancies with me, I'll never know.

You have consistently supported me when other people have been critical and judgmental. You put me through school and have supported my dream to continue on in my education. You trust in my research when making decisions for our children, even when things may seem a bit unconventional compared to how we grew up. You put your faith in me as a mother to raise our children. You have taken on the burden of getting up every morning and going to work to support our family in order for our children to have a mother at home with them.

You have proven to be an amazing father from the very beginning. Although you nearly passed out while I was delivering Vivien, you really were not squeamish when it came to decision-making in her first hours. I felt relieved that you were able to step up and make some very difficult decisions and advocate for our daughter while I was stuck in the other hospital feeling helpless and scared. Bringing her home was so intimidating, but you were so helpful with keeping the house in order and working her feeding pump. I know that the transition to me being a stay-at-home mom to care for her was hard on both of us, but I was glad when you came around on why it's so beneficial for her to have a mom home with her. Both of us came from homes with strong working moms, so it was an adjustment for both of us without a doubt.

We have really had our hands full with this little girl. And this pregnancy has been really hard on me. I know I have been miserable and it's been difficult on you. You have gone above and beyond to help me with Vivien and care for me when I've been ill. I appreciate every single thing you do. From the second you get home, you are on the clock with Vivien. You allow me to get some rest and put my feet up. I know you are exhausted, but you are so good with giving her a bath every night and tucking her in. And lately, our evenings have been rather colorful and frustrating with a mischievous little girl. But I know we will make it through this too.

I don't want you to ever think that the things you do go unnoticed or unappreciated. I may not be great at verbalizing, but I feel it in my heart and try to show you in other ways. If we've made it through these past 5 event-filled years, I'm sure we can make the long haul.

I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for giving our family such a blessed life.

Maternity Portrait Session

We had a maternity portrait session a couple of weeks ago with Kandice of Kandice Ray Photography. She happens to be a very good friend of mine and was happy to work with a family that wasn't looking for "typical" maternity portraits. There are some tasteful semi-nude pics (or as my sister calls them, weird naked pics), so you may want to skip over them if you are easily offended. I think Kandice did a fabulous job and we are very proud of these pics. The first half is black & white, and the second half consists of the same pics in color. They are well worth seeing in color too. Enjoy! (click link below)

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZNGblqzbtG1J

UPDATE: We have also made it on Kandice's blog!!! http://kandicerayphotography.blogspot.com/

First Day of Ballet

Today was Vivien's first day of ballet class. I signed her up through the city's parks and recreation department. I think it's a total of 4 classes. Mommy Jan came with us. We were so happy to have her there. She bought Vivien's first pair of ballet shoes and said that if she liked it, she would send her to a better program in the fall!

It was certainly hard to stifle the giggles watching these precious little girls. The teacher taught them all kinds of things. Jan said she couldn't remember hardly any of what they did by the end, and I agree! I have to say that I could not have been more proud of Vivien. She was the best behaved child in the entire class. She sat quietly in the position the teacher asked them to sit. She did not get distracted or talk. She was a bit timid and unsure of herself, so she asked for help a couple of times. They learned 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th position. The practiced fairy walks, hopping, big kicks, and leaping. They also did a little bit of bar work. Vivien was as awkward as can be, but she was adorable. I have a few more video clips on our Dropshots page if you would like to see more.

Here she is during warm-up time

This was so funny. The teacher taught them how to run and do a leap. Not one of the girls got it, but it made for great entertainment. I'm still holding out hope that Vivien did not inherit Jim's lack of dancing rhythm (sorry Babe). (Edited to add: I guess this comment hurt Jim's feelings, as he was unaware of his lack of dance moves.)

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Here she is doing her bar work. Very cute.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

I'm spillin' the beans

The wonderful event that I alluded to in my last entry was the birth of Wyatt David, our new nephew. Liza and Joel are adopting a beautiful baby boy who was born on Thursday. We are so thrilled for them during this time of joy in their lives. It has been an emotional year for this family, and it is so wonderful that they have been blessed with this child.

They brought him home yesterday. We went to meet him today and somehow in the 3 hours we were there, I did not get a chance to hold him. But Jim did get a chance to feed him, so that's what counts. He is just a perfect little guy. I'm excited that our son will have a boy cousin so close in age.

He has his own blog, which I have listed to the right under "Blogs that I Read". It's called Wyatt David.

Uncle Jim feeding baby Wyatt

This week

It seems like I've been waiting around all week. We were supposed to have Best Buy here to fix our washer on Tuesday (after rescheduling from Friday), but they called at the last minute in the middle of nap time after I'd been waiting on them and asked if it was too late to come. I told them to forget it. I've had enough of Best Buy given our experience with them last year regarding our washer. I don't know why I thought they would be any better this time. I need to get on top of sending their corporate office a letter of all of the nonsense they have put me through. Today I'm waiting on the plumber to come look at our toilets. It's always something!

I'm continually feeling poorly. The feeling of faintness just doesn't seem to go away and my old pals nausea and indigestion keep making appearances. Not to mention the heat is getting to me. I feel so bad because our activities are limited during the day because of my energy level. I have a billion errands to run, and no energy to fight to get Vivien out of the door.

My paper is finally finished and has been submitted to the journal we are trying to publish in. My co-author said that it will probably take up to 6 months before we have any answer at all. Then the answer could be that they want us to make some revisions. So the process is still going.

Ballet and gymnastics start next week! I'm so excited to have Vivien involved in some activities. If she likes ballet, Mommy Jan has offered to put her in a good dance program in the fall. I'm sure she will love it!

We finally pulled out our kiddie pool (which is actually big enough to fit all 3 of us). Vivien can stay in there for hours!

Dad is dutifully blowing up the beach balls per Vivien's command.

Jim's company picnic was on Sunday. It was fun, but VERY hot. I could only handle it for so long before we had to go. I almost fainted when they did the pony rides. Vivien had her face painted and bounced in a bounce house. Jim participated in the tug-of-war competition. His boss's boss's daughter asked me immediately why my hair was pink. A few people were mortified, but it happens all of the time. Just normally with younger children. I don't sweat it. When you have pink hair, kids are very interested. But apparently it was discussed at Jim's office after the fact.

Here is Miss Butterfly Face

Riding the pony with the pink mane and tail. There was also one with rainbow-colored main and tail.

This is just random around the house stuff. Vivien was carrying her baby in the baby carrier. I thought that was so cute. I'll probably have to fashion a wrap for her when DGBB gets here so she can carry her baby doll like I carry him in my Maya Wrap.

After dinner dessert. She ended up with pudding between her eyes.

We had an exciting thing happen in our extended family yesterday, which I can't really say much about right now until it's all official. But something really great happened for some really deserving family members.

Our New Car

Well, after 5 years of loving the Dodge truck, we decided it was time to go with a more economical choice for Jim to drive to work. Here is our new Mazda 3! It was certainly sad to say goodbye to the truck. Vivien talked about how sad she and all of her dolls were about it the whole ride home. Which, by the way, she was an amazing trooper through the whole process. We didn't leave until almost 10 PM, which is 2 hours past her bedtime. She did so great!

Kudos to my husband for being enough of a man that he doesn't feel he has to prove his manhood by the size of vehicle he drives. I am very proud of his decision and the sacrifices he makes so that his children can have a mother at home with them.