It's not that I don't love updating my blog that keeps me from posting more often... It's that I never get around to uploading our fabulous pictures.
So, here I am, another blog without pictures. I swear I'll doing it soon. Maybe not tonight, as it is potato soup night with my parents, but soon, I swear!
Now that I am back on campus and finally getting back in touch with friends and aquantencies, I am able to reflect and then share our amazing holiday. We didn't do anything special or out of the ordinary. We simply enjoied time with one another and those that are closest to us. And, we ate delicious food! The only addition this year was bringing Madison, Emery and Richard together to open their presents for eachother. This was the kick off of present opening season 2010. It was a smashing success! The kids loved opening presents and seeing what each one had gotten. The excited "whoa" and "ooh" were enough to make my heart melt. Madison and Richard have come into my life and stolen my heart. I absolutly adore these two kids. And, with the addition of Emery they make up the 3 musketeers. They are BFFs, hard core. I love it.
And, the other major event of this year, was no event at all. No trip to the ER, no sick baby, no frantic calls to 911. We put on Emery's thermal jammies (which Madison also had) and went to bed.
When I was a kid we got to open one present on Chritmas Eve. Something to wet our present appetites. We've decided that this gift will now be jammies for Emery to wear that night. It's amazing how much my kid loves jammies. We've also decided that we will get up earlier on Christmas morning to have our own private family christmas moments before heading over to my moms. I'm sure someday Emery will beg to have a slumber party with Madison, but for now, this hour as a family of three is something I cherish. Jason and I exchanged our gifts while watching Emery beam with excitment. And yes, we spoiled her with presents. But, after every gift she looked as us and said thank you... followed closely by MORE PRESENTS MOMMY?
Christmas with a little one has changed our family. Christmas with both Madison and Emery has brough it back to life. The magic of Christmas that gets lost on cynical teenagers has returned. And for that, I am so greatful!
Since Christmas, Jason and I took our first "alone" trip up to Santa Barbara. We were only gone for a night, but it was so wonderful to just exist together as husband and wife. Thank you to my amazing sister for keeping Emery-doodle over night. It was rainy, but cozy. We shopped, enjoyed great food, beer and wine... and didn't have to worry about diapers or toddler tears. Motherhood is the greatest gift of all, but I must never lose sight that it is because of my marriage that it is all possible. We need to take time to connect as a couple in order to be effective parents. And, while on our trip, I was able to cross something else off my life: wine tasting. And I have the 4 bottles of wine to prove it. I have the photo proof that is in the group to be uploaded soon.
until then.
xoxo
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Hoping for an uneventful Christmas!
Last night, Jason, Emery and I visited our local firestation to donate a toy to their "spark of love," holiday toy drive. I had never heard of this before, but my division participated as apart of our holiday party this year on campus. I loved that our local police and fire departments took toys to children that teachers and councelors had identified as underprivlaged. It wasn't a program where random people, with plenty of resources, could show up, just for the free toy.
As most of our friends and family know, last year, on Christmas Eve, we had to call 911 and the same local firefighters came to our home. Emery had a febrille seizure, something we knew nothing about, or that it was hereditary from my mother-in-law's side of the family. All we knew was that Emery had a fever for about 24 hours and it wasn't going down... after a cool bath she started shaking and turned blue. It was our first christmas together and all I could think of was that my perfect little girl was going to die on Christmas Eve. But, it turns out that these types of seizures are more common than we knew...and that when you seize, you naturally stop breathing, but begin again on your own. However, if it ever happened again, and it could, you better believe I am calling 911. It was terrifying. Even thinking about it now has me tearing up. And, with Christmas just a few days away, I can't help but think about that first Christmas. I am praying for an uneventful Christmas.
We were so thankful to the speed in which the fire fighters responded to our home, and how patient they were with me... As you can imagine, I was hysterical. Emery has so much. She is so spoiled and loved. She never goes without her hearts desire. We truly hope that our one toy will go to a child that will love it.
We decided this is going to be a new Christmas tradition for our family. We want to give back during the holidays and teach Emery to give to other children that are not as fortunate as she is. In future years we may expand our service, as she gets older and wants to try new things. I was so lucky to have a family that was passionate about service to others and lead by example. I hope to set that example for Miss Emery and instill in her a love for giving back... this is just one small way we can start that new tradition for our family now.
I am so loving the new traditions we are starting for our own family.
xoxo
As most of our friends and family know, last year, on Christmas Eve, we had to call 911 and the same local firefighters came to our home. Emery had a febrille seizure, something we knew nothing about, or that it was hereditary from my mother-in-law's side of the family. All we knew was that Emery had a fever for about 24 hours and it wasn't going down... after a cool bath she started shaking and turned blue. It was our first christmas together and all I could think of was that my perfect little girl was going to die on Christmas Eve. But, it turns out that these types of seizures are more common than we knew...and that when you seize, you naturally stop breathing, but begin again on your own. However, if it ever happened again, and it could, you better believe I am calling 911. It was terrifying. Even thinking about it now has me tearing up. And, with Christmas just a few days away, I can't help but think about that first Christmas. I am praying for an uneventful Christmas.
We were so thankful to the speed in which the fire fighters responded to our home, and how patient they were with me... As you can imagine, I was hysterical. Emery has so much. She is so spoiled and loved. She never goes without her hearts desire. We truly hope that our one toy will go to a child that will love it.
We decided this is going to be a new Christmas tradition for our family. We want to give back during the holidays and teach Emery to give to other children that are not as fortunate as she is. In future years we may expand our service, as she gets older and wants to try new things. I was so lucky to have a family that was passionate about service to others and lead by example. I hope to set that example for Miss Emery and instill in her a love for giving back... this is just one small way we can start that new tradition for our family now.
I am so loving the new traditions we are starting for our own family.
xoxo
Sunday, December 19, 2010
When it rains... I go for a walk
21. Take a walk in the rain- done 12/19/2010
Well, since mother nature has decided to unleash herself upon long beach... I thought it was a pretty good sign that I should mark another off the 30 by 30 list. So, today, when Emery went down for a nap...Jason and I went for a walk. We went just down our street, not too far in case Miss Emery decided to wake up. But, it was so fun. I felt like a kid again. We jumped in puddles, splashed eachother, and came back soaking wet. There is something totally liberating about walking in the rain and having your neightbors question your sanity a bit. But, I am so glad we did it. And more happy that we did it together.
I know this 30 by 30 list is something that I created, but I love that Jason and I are getting to go on some of these adventures together. I'm so lucky to have a husband that is just crazy enough to take a walk in the rain, just to check something off of my list. I love you babe!
Now, for the photo evidence!
Well, since mother nature has decided to unleash herself upon long beach... I thought it was a pretty good sign that I should mark another off the 30 by 30 list. So, today, when Emery went down for a nap...Jason and I went for a walk. We went just down our street, not too far in case Miss Emery decided to wake up. But, it was so fun. I felt like a kid again. We jumped in puddles, splashed eachother, and came back soaking wet. There is something totally liberating about walking in the rain and having your neightbors question your sanity a bit. But, I am so glad we did it. And more happy that we did it together.
I know this 30 by 30 list is something that I created, but I love that Jason and I are getting to go on some of these adventures together. I'm so lucky to have a husband that is just crazy enough to take a walk in the rain, just to check something off of my list. I love you babe!
Now, for the photo evidence!
Monday, December 6, 2010
30 by 30, not so easy
So, I have to say, 4 months after posting my 30 by 30 list, I haven't really accomplished much. 1 item checked off the list.
30 by 30
13. Have an “in the moment” non-studio photo session with my family - DONE 11/7/2010We did an awesome photo shoot with my bff heather and her husband.
This is probably my favorite picture ever.
Jason and I are going away to Santa Barabara at the end of the month, just the two of us. I think we are going to do a walking urban wine tasting tour. I'll be sure to post a picture. My goal is to make myself a cute little book of all my 30 by 30 adventures. Stay tuned.
30 by 30
13. Have an “in the moment” non-studio photo session with my family - DONE 11/7/2010We did an awesome photo shoot with my bff heather and her husband.
This is probably my favorite picture ever.
Jason and I are going away to Santa Barabara at the end of the month, just the two of us. I think we are going to do a walking urban wine tasting tour. I'll be sure to post a picture. My goal is to make myself a cute little book of all my 30 by 30 adventures. Stay tuned.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Celebrating 122 years of sisterhood.
"Let us found a society that shall be kind alike to all and think more of a girl's inner self and character than of her personal appearance."
- Sarah Ida Shaw, founder, Delta Delta Delta
Happy Founder's Day to all of my DDD sisters!
I am so thankful for my membership in DDD. Even after 8 years, I find new things that I cherish about this organization and it's members. Through DDD, I have met my husband, best friends, found learship, and rediscovered service. My DDD sisters, both from Phi Kappa and around the country have taught me about unselfish leadership, service to others, and assisting one another in every possible way.
Thank you Sarah Ida Shaw for writing our rituals, choosing our emblems, and founding an organization that brings so much joy into my life.
delta love, ladies.
- Sarah Ida Shaw, founder, Delta Delta Delta
Happy Founder's Day to all of my DDD sisters!
I am so thankful for my membership in DDD. Even after 8 years, I find new things that I cherish about this organization and it's members. Through DDD, I have met my husband, best friends, found learship, and rediscovered service. My DDD sisters, both from Phi Kappa and around the country have taught me about unselfish leadership, service to others, and assisting one another in every possible way.
Thank you Sarah Ida Shaw for writing our rituals, choosing our emblems, and founding an organization that brings so much joy into my life.
delta love, ladies.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
thoughts on parenting.
I woke up this morning and truly felt the need to comment on parenting. The joy, heartache, stress… the choice of parenting. I use the word “choice” on purpose. You choose this people. Now, you get to figure out how to manage it. I think there are two main ideas about parenting that I’d like to touch on…
1. I have noticed how easy it is for people to comment on parenting, or stages of parenting when they have never experienced it. I would bet that I am guilty of it myself…not only in judging my own mother, but other women around me. However, now that I am a mother, I take offense to it. It is easy to tell me what “I should or should not do” when you have never tried to keep a house, a job, your sanity, all while having the life, happiness and well-being of a tiny human in your hands. I can promise you, anyone that is happy their their CHOICE of being a parent is doing the best we can. Some days it takes all of my energy to get out of bed and get some type of outfit on, so please don’t judge me. I had a friend recently tell me that she was shocked when people could not control their toddler in a restaurant. She is a mother, of a very tiny infant. This is so easy to say when your bundle of joy will sleep through an entire meal in a restaurant without so much as a peep. When she doesn’t need attention or reassurance, or isn’t struggling to get their food on their fork. As the mother of a toddler, I can tell you when they get frustrated sometimes they only understand how to communicate loudly. Have you ever tried to REASON with a toddler? Yes, Emery is rather smart, but negotiation isn’t really one of her strong suits yet. Here’s where good parenting comes in… Jason and I have come to truly enjoy home cooked meals, or take out. Yes, toddlers are going to scream and cry sometimes, but I don’t have to take them to a restaurant. And if we CHOOSE to do so, we have the responsibility to get up from our meal and take her outside. Or leave. I think my main point here is that if you don’t know what it is like to stay up all night, get pooped and peed on…and cry right along with your baby because you are so tired, please don’t judge me. I am doing the best I can. And, in return, I will do my best to keep my child from ruining your meal. I swear.
2. I think the biggest challenge I have faced as a parent is consistancy. It might as well be a 4 letter word. Recently, I found myself telling Emery she can not, under any cirmcumstances put a blankey over her head and walk around growling like a monster. Why? Because she has fallen several times in recent days and hurt herself. However, two weeks ago it was so cute and we all laughed and giggled at her silliness. I might find myself laughing in another two weeks, because let’s be honest, she’s the cutest monster ever. It is so hard to keep consistant on anything: bedtime, eating, saying please, and picking up toys. It is exhuasting spending every moment of your day trying to do the same thing you did the day before to maintain some consistancy. Sometimes it’s just easier to let her go to bed with toys all over the floor. Or to pick them up myself. I struggle with this, maybe more than anything.
Finally, I can tell you that Emery did not come with a manual when she was born. I did not immediately have a clue what I was doing when the doctor handing her to me. I’m figuring it out as I go along. I take when I learned and loved from my family, and adding things I feel are important. Sometimes these things change. As Emery grows and changes and we see her personality, we have to change how we parent. She is sensitive, but willful. She requires endless patience, consistency, and compassion. Jason and I had certainly talked about how we wanted to parent, but there is nothing like figuring it out as you go and based on your child’s needs and your own needs.
I think every mother is asking for a little patience and compassion from those around them. Please don’t judge me, but offer to hold the door open when I’m carrying my toddler, diaper bag, and 10 grocery bags. Understand that yes, I might be crabby, there is a good chance I only slept 3 hours last night, all of which had a heavy toddler kicking me in the face. I love my baby. I know she is my responsibility, not yours. Give me a break. Have a little patience. Know that I am doing the best I can.
xoxo
1. I have noticed how easy it is for people to comment on parenting, or stages of parenting when they have never experienced it. I would bet that I am guilty of it myself…not only in judging my own mother, but other women around me. However, now that I am a mother, I take offense to it. It is easy to tell me what “I should or should not do” when you have never tried to keep a house, a job, your sanity, all while having the life, happiness and well-being of a tiny human in your hands. I can promise you, anyone that is happy their their CHOICE of being a parent is doing the best we can. Some days it takes all of my energy to get out of bed and get some type of outfit on, so please don’t judge me. I had a friend recently tell me that she was shocked when people could not control their toddler in a restaurant. She is a mother, of a very tiny infant. This is so easy to say when your bundle of joy will sleep through an entire meal in a restaurant without so much as a peep. When she doesn’t need attention or reassurance, or isn’t struggling to get their food on their fork. As the mother of a toddler, I can tell you when they get frustrated sometimes they only understand how to communicate loudly. Have you ever tried to REASON with a toddler? Yes, Emery is rather smart, but negotiation isn’t really one of her strong suits yet. Here’s where good parenting comes in… Jason and I have come to truly enjoy home cooked meals, or take out. Yes, toddlers are going to scream and cry sometimes, but I don’t have to take them to a restaurant. And if we CHOOSE to do so, we have the responsibility to get up from our meal and take her outside. Or leave. I think my main point here is that if you don’t know what it is like to stay up all night, get pooped and peed on…and cry right along with your baby because you are so tired, please don’t judge me. I am doing the best I can. And, in return, I will do my best to keep my child from ruining your meal. I swear.
2. I think the biggest challenge I have faced as a parent is consistancy. It might as well be a 4 letter word. Recently, I found myself telling Emery she can not, under any cirmcumstances put a blankey over her head and walk around growling like a monster. Why? Because she has fallen several times in recent days and hurt herself. However, two weeks ago it was so cute and we all laughed and giggled at her silliness. I might find myself laughing in another two weeks, because let’s be honest, she’s the cutest monster ever. It is so hard to keep consistant on anything: bedtime, eating, saying please, and picking up toys. It is exhuasting spending every moment of your day trying to do the same thing you did the day before to maintain some consistancy. Sometimes it’s just easier to let her go to bed with toys all over the floor. Or to pick them up myself. I struggle with this, maybe more than anything.
Finally, I can tell you that Emery did not come with a manual when she was born. I did not immediately have a clue what I was doing when the doctor handing her to me. I’m figuring it out as I go along. I take when I learned and loved from my family, and adding things I feel are important. Sometimes these things change. As Emery grows and changes and we see her personality, we have to change how we parent. She is sensitive, but willful. She requires endless patience, consistency, and compassion. Jason and I had certainly talked about how we wanted to parent, but there is nothing like figuring it out as you go and based on your child’s needs and your own needs.
I think every mother is asking for a little patience and compassion from those around them. Please don’t judge me, but offer to hold the door open when I’m carrying my toddler, diaper bag, and 10 grocery bags. Understand that yes, I might be crabby, there is a good chance I only slept 3 hours last night, all of which had a heavy toddler kicking me in the face. I love my baby. I know she is my responsibility, not yours. Give me a break. Have a little patience. Know that I am doing the best I can.
xoxo
Monday, November 8, 2010
in the spirit of thankfulness...
I have to say, this fall has been so busy I simply haven't had an opportunity to put enough thoughts together to share an update on our family. I can say that this has probably been the best fall we have ever had as a family. Jason has finally come home! He started an amazing new career that brings him home every night to our family. Having my partner back to share in the daily chores and joys of our live is more amazing than I could have thought. Emery has happier than ever. She loves taking walks with daddy, playing in the yard, bath time... everything seems to be more fun for her these days. And, I have such a signifigant drop in stress in my life with more sleep, less tantrums, yummier dinners... Who knew the effects of getting a new job could be so signifigant?
I have to say, this journey of being without my husband, then raising our daughter alone has not been easy. But, it was made much easier with the help of the most amazing friends and family. I'm so lucky to have a family that loves having me pack up a bag and show up at their door (occasionally unannounced) to stay the evening. Thank you for that Mom, Ed, Grandma, Jennifer, and Madison. I love that Emery and Madison have that time in the evening to laugh, play, and sometimes fight. Seeing my daughter and my niece love eachother so strongly is truly amazing. They have a built in best friend. And,that gives me time to spend with my sister. Who is my sounding board and therapist. We have been through a lifetime of laughter and fights that so reminds me of our girls. I'm so glad that we have eachother, and so do they. Mom, Ed, Grandma...the best baby sitters ever! How could I have kept my sanity without having a place to leave my girl for a few hours here and there. In fact, she often has more fun with you than me. I guess what are grandparents for than to pump you kids full of sugar, let then run around like crazy monsters getting filthy, and then sending them home happy, and exhausted.
In the spirit of fall and thanksgiving... I have to continue in thanking my friends. As really the first one to get married and start a family... I am so thankful for my best friends who have shared in my joy, heartache, and the craziness that is my life. Your support, laughter, friendship and for my DDDs.. your sisterhood. I have to say, I would rather have 5 really amazing friends than 20 kinda friends. I know you have my back and you know I'd do anything for you... like wait overnight in waiting room waiting for you to deliver a baby (thats a shout out to you kacie). I love you! You know who you are!
Finally to my husband. Thank you for putting your family first, always. For making sure I stay sane and that we have such a great lifestyle. For valuing date nights, and my sleep. For making breakfast on the weekend. For taking over bath time. For i love you emails for no reason...and stopping by the office just for a hug. And of course, for giving me the most amazing little girl in the world. She is sassy, smart, and everything I could have ever asked for.
xoxo
And because I could never forget fabulous pictures of the ones I love....
I have to say, this journey of being without my husband, then raising our daughter alone has not been easy. But, it was made much easier with the help of the most amazing friends and family. I'm so lucky to have a family that loves having me pack up a bag and show up at their door (occasionally unannounced) to stay the evening. Thank you for that Mom, Ed, Grandma, Jennifer, and Madison. I love that Emery and Madison have that time in the evening to laugh, play, and sometimes fight. Seeing my daughter and my niece love eachother so strongly is truly amazing. They have a built in best friend. And,that gives me time to spend with my sister. Who is my sounding board and therapist. We have been through a lifetime of laughter and fights that so reminds me of our girls. I'm so glad that we have eachother, and so do they. Mom, Ed, Grandma...the best baby sitters ever! How could I have kept my sanity without having a place to leave my girl for a few hours here and there. In fact, she often has more fun with you than me. I guess what are grandparents for than to pump you kids full of sugar, let then run around like crazy monsters getting filthy, and then sending them home happy, and exhausted.
In the spirit of fall and thanksgiving... I have to continue in thanking my friends. As really the first one to get married and start a family... I am so thankful for my best friends who have shared in my joy, heartache, and the craziness that is my life. Your support, laughter, friendship and for my DDDs.. your sisterhood. I have to say, I would rather have 5 really amazing friends than 20 kinda friends. I know you have my back and you know I'd do anything for you... like wait overnight in waiting room waiting for you to deliver a baby (thats a shout out to you kacie). I love you! You know who you are!
Finally to my husband. Thank you for putting your family first, always. For making sure I stay sane and that we have such a great lifestyle. For valuing date nights, and my sleep. For making breakfast on the weekend. For taking over bath time. For i love you emails for no reason...and stopping by the office just for a hug. And of course, for giving me the most amazing little girl in the world. She is sassy, smart, and everything I could have ever asked for.
xoxo
And because I could never forget fabulous pictures of the ones I love....
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