Sunday, September 18, 2011
Vale la Pena
Friday evening- I purchased a new bottle of OPI nail color instead of treating myself to a manicure. The $15 I saved...spent on Fall clothing for Hayden.
Friday night- Hayden had a fever (I'm guessing from last week's MMR shot) so I enlisted the troops...my mother, my BFF, and the hubby. "Should I call the doctor?" "What should I give her, and how much?" So many questions running through my head that I'm too scared to Google for fear of reading people's horror stories. My BFF graciously showed up at my door with a bottle of Motrin in hand, ready to dispense medicine AND her motherly advice. I set my alarm for 2 am so I could go in and give her more meds and another Pedialite popsicle.
Saturday- She seemed to be fine, so we went to tumbling class, the Antique Market with Nana, and even for an outing at Pilcher Park.
Saturday night- No fever at bedtime, so I thought we were in the clear. A glass of wine later, (for me, of course) she awoke with another temp. 10pm- more meds, more popsicles. 2am- repeat.
Sunday morning- She was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. We watched Sesame Street and ate breakfast together. I would like to go run some errands but the cool, damp, dreary weather is making me want to keep my PJs on all day!
**I chronicled these events not to gain an ounce of empathy, but rather to make the point, that depsite the scary moments in motherhood, the late nights, and the not-so-glam lifestyle...I wouldn't change a moment of it. Not for a second. The dirty diapers, the crying fits, the sleepless nights. I will take the bad with the good. Because no matter how bad it may seem, someone always has it worse off. And even when I think I've seen the worst of it, I have these tiny blue eyes staring back at me telling me it's worth it (or vale la pena, in Spanish).
Friday night- Hayden had a fever (I'm guessing from last week's MMR shot) so I enlisted the troops...my mother, my BFF, and the hubby. "Should I call the doctor?" "What should I give her, and how much?" So many questions running through my head that I'm too scared to Google for fear of reading people's horror stories. My BFF graciously showed up at my door with a bottle of Motrin in hand, ready to dispense medicine AND her motherly advice. I set my alarm for 2 am so I could go in and give her more meds and another Pedialite popsicle.
Saturday- She seemed to be fine, so we went to tumbling class, the Antique Market with Nana, and even for an outing at Pilcher Park.
Saturday night- No fever at bedtime, so I thought we were in the clear. A glass of wine later, (for me, of course) she awoke with another temp. 10pm- more meds, more popsicles. 2am- repeat.
Sunday morning- She was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. We watched Sesame Street and ate breakfast together. I would like to go run some errands but the cool, damp, dreary weather is making me want to keep my PJs on all day!
**I chronicled these events not to gain an ounce of empathy, but rather to make the point, that depsite the scary moments in motherhood, the late nights, and the not-so-glam lifestyle...I wouldn't change a moment of it. Not for a second. The dirty diapers, the crying fits, the sleepless nights. I will take the bad with the good. Because no matter how bad it may seem, someone always has it worse off. And even when I think I've seen the worst of it, I have these tiny blue eyes staring back at me telling me it's worth it (or vale la pena, in Spanish).
Sunday, September 11, 2011
A Photo Shoot Adventure
For weeks now, I had been wanting to get out to do an 18-month photo shoot for Hayden. With a toddler that loves to run, explore, and do anything but listen to her mama giving "photo shoot" instructions...this is not something I can handle on my own. As usual, I enlisted my mom to come along.
We wanted to go out to a public park with some old barns. When we got there we saw that they were having a festival, so we weren't able to park close, but rather we had to park and then take a hayrack ride over to the barn area. This threw me for a loop at first, but it actually made the whole trip a lot more fun!
I also had my mom take some "mommy & me" photos-- seeing as I am always behind the camera & I hardly have any with her!
Thanks, mom, for the precious moments you captured.
We wanted to go out to a public park with some old barns. When we got there we saw that they were having a festival, so we weren't able to park close, but rather we had to park and then take a hayrack ride over to the barn area. This threw me for a loop at first, but it actually made the whole trip a lot more fun!
I also had my mom take some "mommy & me" photos-- seeing as I am always behind the camera & I hardly have any with her!
Thanks, mom, for the precious moments you captured.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Our Summer (summarized in about 3 minutes!)
Before hitting play...scroll all the way down & hit "pause" on the music playlist below.
The Dells
We just returned from a fabulous 5-day vacation to the Wisconsin Dells. It was our 2nd outing in the new camper. I had never been to the Dells before- it was the perfect family vacation spot...we will be sure to return.
Here is just one little teaser photo. I'm in love with this image!
More to come...
Here is just one little teaser photo. I'm in love with this image!
More to come...
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Picture Perfect
Today was another check off the summer list. Mission completed: Morton Arboretum. I can't believe that all of my life I have lived about 30 minutes away from this heaven on Earth & I have NEVER visited it before. Sinful, I tell you.
The weather was gorgeous today, nearly picture perfect. We headed out first thing in the morning & got our explorin' on. Hayden loved every. single. second of the experience. So much so that I think we now need to become members. I think our zoo membership, the beach membership, & an Arboretum membership can live in harmony, no?
It was a much needed day with just Buggie & I. We left there sweaty, thirsty, & dirty. The kind of summer dirty that reminds you when you pull in the driveway that it was well worth it. We shall return.
Today was one of those days that I knew there were a few jems on my memory card. I was starving, but my photos were calling me. We walked in the door, Buggie went down for a long nap, & I then me & my images had a long afternoon date together.
Incredible.
Precious.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Summer "Bucket List," Volume One
Way back in May, I put together a summer "bucket list" of sorts. We've done a pretty good job at crossing off some of those items so far. Here are pics of just a few.
Fourth of July fireworks
We normally adhere to a pretty strict sleeping schedule with Hayden because she thrives on it. She goes to bed around 6:30pm each night, and gets up at 6:30-7am each morning. It works for us. But on the 4th of July, she had already been sleeping for two hours when I went into her room, awoke her from a deep sleep & asked her if she wanted to come on a special trip with us. She of course, replied, "Yesh," in her half-sleepy, tiny voice. We got there & set up our spot.
She waited patiently with all the other kiddos & when the fireworks finally lit up the sky, she LOVED them. She was even "Ohh-ing" & "Ahh-ing" along with the crowd!
The Shedd Aquarium
Hayden has really been into fish & turtles lately, she's constantly pointing to them in books, saying their names, telling me their color (Did you know they're all yellow?) & trying to make her best "fish face." So, I knew a trip to the Shedd was in order. Lucky for me, I get in free for being an educator, and kids under 3 are free, as well. I only paid $16 for parking, which amounts to a pretty cheap day at the museum!
Her favorite part was the penguins. They are so inquisitive & interactive, almost putting on a show for everyone!
Afterwards, we enjoyed the perfect 75* day in the city by sitting outside for lunch. Mama had a Chicago style hot dog drug through the garden & Hayden had cheese, mango, strawberries, carrots & crackers.
More summer "bucket list" items to come!
Fourth of July fireworks
We normally adhere to a pretty strict sleeping schedule with Hayden because she thrives on it. She goes to bed around 6:30pm each night, and gets up at 6:30-7am each morning. It works for us. But on the 4th of July, she had already been sleeping for two hours when I went into her room, awoke her from a deep sleep & asked her if she wanted to come on a special trip with us. She of course, replied, "Yesh," in her half-sleepy, tiny voice. We got there & set up our spot.
She waited patiently with all the other kiddos & when the fireworks finally lit up the sky, she LOVED them. She was even "Ohh-ing" & "Ahh-ing" along with the crowd!
The Shedd Aquarium
Hayden has really been into fish & turtles lately, she's constantly pointing to them in books, saying their names, telling me their color (Did you know they're all yellow?) & trying to make her best "fish face." So, I knew a trip to the Shedd was in order. Lucky for me, I get in free for being an educator, and kids under 3 are free, as well. I only paid $16 for parking, which amounts to a pretty cheap day at the museum!
Her favorite part was the penguins. They are so inquisitive & interactive, almost putting on a show for everyone!
Afterwards, we enjoyed the perfect 75* day in the city by sitting outside for lunch. Mama had a Chicago style hot dog drug through the garden & Hayden had cheese, mango, strawberries, carrots & crackers.
More summer "bucket list" items to come!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Homecoming
We've been home from Florida for a week now, so I guess it's high time that I get my Florida pics posted. The first week back home is always a re-adjustment, especially when you're working full-time & chasing a toddler. We always say, as nice as it is to get away...sometimes it's even nicer to return to the comforts of home.
The Florida trip was grand. We enjoyed Easter there, along with many pool & beach excursions. Not to mention the occasional ice cream treat. Perhaps the most memorable part of the trip for me was my pilgrimage to my grandparents' home in Bonita Beach. They both passed away just a few years ago, but I just HAD to return to the place where so many childhood memories were etched into who I am today.
The place looked JUST as I had remembered it. So much so, that I could almost envision my grandma & grandpa coming to the door to greet me & take me on a boat ride, or for a stroll on the beach. I was curious about who had bought the place, so I knocked on the door. Then I heard a voice, "They're not there- those folks only come in July." It was the next-door-neighbor who was sitting out on his porch. I walked over & began talking to him...told him who I was & why I was there. I also inquired about the people who had bought their place & made other small talk. They, of course, knew my grandparents. It was a delight to speak to them & share a few memories with them. Then I took a walk down towards the docks where my grandfather kept his prized Bayliner. Flashbacks of feeding the seagulls the crust from my morning toast at this very spot & memories of spending the night on his boat suddenly washed over me & I broke down in tears.
Then, we walked across the street to the beach so that Hayden could have her very first "walking on the beach" experience in the same sands that her mama once did about 30 years ago.
Our original plan was to simply walk on the beach to let Hayden get her toes wet a bit, so we didn't dress her in a swim suit & swim diaper. Apparently, she had other plans! We discovered that she was a beach bum, & couldn't get enough of the sand, sun & waves. Soon we took off her shorts so they wouldn't get too wet. Then, she sat down in the sand in her diaper. And finally, even her precious little baby halter top was drenched with salty sea water.
This kid loves the beach. Duly noted.
This tackle shop is in Bonita & Bart and I get the biggest kick out of it's name. The immature high-schooler in me just had to snap a picture.
And, I'm so glad I did, because check out what the sign reads just above the neon "OPEN" sign. I would have missed that had I not snapped the pic! HA!
So, we had to indulge her & take her for a real beach experience- swim suit, pail, shovel & all.
I am just in LOVE with this last image. It's my new desktop background.
On one of our last nights there, Bart & I went to see the sunset show at Ft. Meyers Beach. I told him that it could have been one of the best dates ever. Check out the view...
I will post more Florida pics in another post...that's all for tonight!
The Florida trip was grand. We enjoyed Easter there, along with many pool & beach excursions. Not to mention the occasional ice cream treat. Perhaps the most memorable part of the trip for me was my pilgrimage to my grandparents' home in Bonita Beach. They both passed away just a few years ago, but I just HAD to return to the place where so many childhood memories were etched into who I am today.
The place looked JUST as I had remembered it. So much so, that I could almost envision my grandma & grandpa coming to the door to greet me & take me on a boat ride, or for a stroll on the beach. I was curious about who had bought the place, so I knocked on the door. Then I heard a voice, "They're not there- those folks only come in July." It was the next-door-neighbor who was sitting out on his porch. I walked over & began talking to him...told him who I was & why I was there. I also inquired about the people who had bought their place & made other small talk. They, of course, knew my grandparents. It was a delight to speak to them & share a few memories with them. Then I took a walk down towards the docks where my grandfather kept his prized Bayliner. Flashbacks of feeding the seagulls the crust from my morning toast at this very spot & memories of spending the night on his boat suddenly washed over me & I broke down in tears.
Then, we walked across the street to the beach so that Hayden could have her very first "walking on the beach" experience in the same sands that her mama once did about 30 years ago.
Our original plan was to simply walk on the beach to let Hayden get her toes wet a bit, so we didn't dress her in a swim suit & swim diaper. Apparently, she had other plans! We discovered that she was a beach bum, & couldn't get enough of the sand, sun & waves. Soon we took off her shorts so they wouldn't get too wet. Then, she sat down in the sand in her diaper. And finally, even her precious little baby halter top was drenched with salty sea water.
This kid loves the beach. Duly noted.
This tackle shop is in Bonita & Bart and I get the biggest kick out of it's name. The immature high-schooler in me just had to snap a picture.
And, I'm so glad I did, because check out what the sign reads just above the neon "OPEN" sign. I would have missed that had I not snapped the pic! HA!
So, we had to indulge her & take her for a real beach experience- swim suit, pail, shovel & all.
I am just in LOVE with this last image. It's my new desktop background.
On one of our last nights there, Bart & I went to see the sunset show at Ft. Meyers Beach. I told him that it could have been one of the best dates ever. Check out the view...
I will post more Florida pics in another post...that's all for tonight!
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