Saturday, June 28, 2008
She's not a baby anymore...
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Tourists
We had a good weekend, busy, productive, and fun. However, it started with Laurelei getting a goose egg on her forehead, --the tail end of a chain into a door frame, big sister to thank for that one. And one tonight as she climbed onto the kitchen chair, she banged the other side on the chair. She is also tugging at her ear a bit, so I'm wondering if she might have an ear infection.
Pictures never do justice.
We got CJ a scooter, and she has been busy showing us all her new tricks. Here is a quick video of her just trying it out Sat. AM.
Then we headed to Port Aransas and played tourist. We had a picnic, rode the trolley, saw the shark store and even got to hold parrots. The parrot man said, would you like to meet my parrots. Sure. But then he posed us and put a red macaw on my arm, a blue one for Eric and then CJ, holding a standing stick, got two small ones, Lemonade and Kool-ade I think were their names. Before he snapped a picture, and just as he got into his sales schpeel, CJ's birds took off. Scared her and (Thankfully) that was the end of our session of meeting the birds. Also, some lady drove up and wanted to introduce her birds to his, and he went over to talk to her and I snapped a picture of the birds on my own.
Today we after church, we stayed home, played Uno, cleaned and organized the garage, and even sorted through a couple of boxes from the garage. And of course more scooter riding.
Pictures never do justice.We got CJ a scooter, and she has been busy showing us all her new tricks. Here is a quick video of her just trying it out Sat. AM.
Then we headed to Port Aransas and played tourist. We had a picnic, rode the trolley, saw the shark store and even got to hold parrots. The parrot man said, would you like to meet my parrots. Sure. But then he posed us and put a red macaw on my arm, a blue one for Eric and then CJ, holding a standing stick, got two small ones, Lemonade and Kool-ade I think were their names. Before he snapped a picture, and just as he got into his sales schpeel, CJ's birds took off. Scared her and (Thankfully) that was the end of our session of meeting the birds. Also, some lady drove up and wanted to introduce her birds to his, and he went over to talk to her and I snapped a picture of the birds on my own.
Today we after church, we stayed home, played Uno, cleaned and organized the garage, and even sorted through a couple of boxes from the garage. And of course more scooter riding.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
the weekend
Yesterday was Eric's birthday. He got to fly an airplane. CJ helped me make a cake, topped with purple frosting, she was sure that is what color Daddy wanted. With our anniversary (Valentines day as CJ called it), father's day and Eric's bday out of the way, CJ is looking forward to someone else having a special day. And one that would involve a real party with lots of gifts, not boring adult type of days. Laurelei thoroughly enjoyed the cake.
Yesterday Gma Strike sent us the funniest card, thought I would share.
I am feeling a bit better. I have been sleeping better at night which makes for better days. As long as things continue to improve that will make me happy. I am tired of feeling like crap.
CJ did attend swim lessons yesterday and using a noodle swam the length of the pool...darn those good coaches.
Yesterday Gma Strike sent us the funniest card, thought I would share.
I am feeling a bit better. I have been sleeping better at night which makes for better days. As long as things continue to improve that will make me happy. I am tired of feeling like crap.CJ did attend swim lessons yesterday and using a noodle swam the length of the pool...darn those good coaches.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
I've changed my mind
I can do that....for I am woman, hormonal and pregnant, oh and because I'm the mommy.
I'm pulling CJ out of swimming lessons. We will no longer go to the pool, the beach or even the aquarium. Showers only from now on.
Why you ask??? Because of what has happened with swim lessons!
Yesterday we went to the pool, the first time since last weekend. CJ has had 5 swim lessons. FIVE and only five. But she now can swim underwater, turn and dive down to get the dive sticks. She is busy swimming several feet (okay only 5-10 ft, but hear me out), is constantly flipping over under water coming up back floating then turning and swimming away. NO, this is NOT I repeat NOT acceptable!!! Last weekend she was jumping in, splashing around, and holding her breath for 3 maybe 4 seconds underwater. Five lessons later, she looks like a real swimmer. She is floating and kicking, diving and twisting. Oh sure, most of you would be proud of your little one's progress, and I am...but not what it means.
See her goal, since moving here and seeing the awesome huge slide at the pool, is to go down the slide. She has done this, and we have caught her at the bottom in 4ft of water at water parks and hotels. She has fun and I would love for her to continue to. This slide however, dumps her into 9, yes NINE feet of water! She knows she has to pass the swim test, and every day she is determined to work on her swimming so she can take the test. Last Sunday, I humored her and encouraged her to practice. Five swim lessons later, and it is a real possibility that this summer she could pass that test! She is 3, or as she would say FREE!
Thus, I have changed my mind. No more fun water things for her. NONE! That will include fishing and boating, the back yard sprinkler and squirt bottles. Her swim suits are being tossed tonight!
I'm very serious about this.
Okay, she can finish her lessons, and well I'm sure the beach we will visit, and we bought the pool season pass...but if she is actually about to pass that test...well maybe I'll find a sign that says she has to be 4....I'm the mommy, and I am sure that it is in the mommy handbook that I get to make all the rules for the big slide at the pool.
I'm pulling CJ out of swimming lessons. We will no longer go to the pool, the beach or even the aquarium. Showers only from now on.
Why you ask??? Because of what has happened with swim lessons!
Yesterday we went to the pool, the first time since last weekend. CJ has had 5 swim lessons. FIVE and only five. But she now can swim underwater, turn and dive down to get the dive sticks. She is busy swimming several feet (okay only 5-10 ft, but hear me out), is constantly flipping over under water coming up back floating then turning and swimming away. NO, this is NOT I repeat NOT acceptable!!! Last weekend she was jumping in, splashing around, and holding her breath for 3 maybe 4 seconds underwater. Five lessons later, she looks like a real swimmer. She is floating and kicking, diving and twisting. Oh sure, most of you would be proud of your little one's progress, and I am...but not what it means.
See her goal, since moving here and seeing the awesome huge slide at the pool, is to go down the slide. She has done this, and we have caught her at the bottom in 4ft of water at water parks and hotels. She has fun and I would love for her to continue to. This slide however, dumps her into 9, yes NINE feet of water! She knows she has to pass the swim test, and every day she is determined to work on her swimming so she can take the test. Last Sunday, I humored her and encouraged her to practice. Five swim lessons later, and it is a real possibility that this summer she could pass that test! She is 3, or as she would say FREE!
Thus, I have changed my mind. No more fun water things for her. NONE! That will include fishing and boating, the back yard sprinkler and squirt bottles. Her swim suits are being tossed tonight!
I'm very serious about this.
Okay, she can finish her lessons, and well I'm sure the beach we will visit, and we bought the pool season pass...but if she is actually about to pass that test...well maybe I'll find a sign that says she has to be 4....I'm the mommy, and I am sure that it is in the mommy handbook that I get to make all the rules for the big slide at the pool.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Swim Lessons
This week has been busy with swim lessons. CJ loves them! 40 mins of lessons actually seem to wear her out more than a couple of hours at the pool, but I suspect the late in the day lesson time has more to do with it. In her class there are 2 coaches and only 2 kids, the other one is 8 yrs old. I couldn't believe it when yesterday they started doing sitting, and even some standing dives! I quick got the camera out. Here is a short video and some pictures from yesterday.
And Laurelei is stuck watching...she doesn't care for that, but bagel chips seems to help!
And Laurelei is stuck watching...she doesn't care for that, but bagel chips seems to help!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Soggy IA
You may have heard of some flooding going on in the midwest. Houses being swept away in Wisconsin and hundreds through out 4 states being evacuated. My hometown of Decorah is one of those communities...as well as Cedar Falls, where Eric and I called home for about 7 yrs, and Iowa City where my sister lives, and Des Moines where Eric's brother lives as well as my grandparents. And thousands of other people live there too. It has been heartbreaking to see our familiar communities going through this. For some it is not as bad as the 1993 flooding, due to new dikes. But for others, like Decorah, this time they were hit really hard. A friend of mine and his wife have started a local magazine in Decorah and here is the link to their site, it has many pictures from various days. http://www.theinspiredmedia.com Another place to look, www.kdec.com
Today as I looked at the pictures, my compassionate 3 yr old came in. As she looked at a picture of a playground under water, I explained that in Grandma Martha's town they have too much water. She looked at me and said, "we have to go and help." I asked her what we could do to help, she replied "we'll splash the water out". She then called Gma and told her that she was coming and was going to splash the water out of her house. How sweet. My parent's house is fine. They have a wet basement like most, but they live in the country and not near the river, they are fine. The crops, may not be.
Roads are washed away, bridges are gone, it will be a long time before it is business as usual. Crops are under water, or more likely, gone. Rain is in the forecast for the rest of the week, and so now all are under a flash flood watch.
It has been a wild spring with tornadoes like never before, the east sweltering in heat, and the midwest underwater. To our friends and families--you are in our prayers. Keep in touch.
Today as I looked at the pictures, my compassionate 3 yr old came in. As she looked at a picture of a playground under water, I explained that in Grandma Martha's town they have too much water. She looked at me and said, "we have to go and help." I asked her what we could do to help, she replied "we'll splash the water out". She then called Gma and told her that she was coming and was going to splash the water out of her house. How sweet. My parent's house is fine. They have a wet basement like most, but they live in the country and not near the river, they are fine. The crops, may not be.
Roads are washed away, bridges are gone, it will be a long time before it is business as usual. Crops are under water, or more likely, gone. Rain is in the forecast for the rest of the week, and so now all are under a flash flood watch.
It has been a wild spring with tornadoes like never before, the east sweltering in heat, and the midwest underwater. To our friends and families--you are in our prayers. Keep in touch.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
slip ups
For about a year, I have had a hard time calling CJ by her name. Okay, since she was born I've called her Eric, Panther, and of course CJ, but about a year ago, she had a moment and in my head I thought, wow just like Aunt Jo. Since then, I call her Jo or Jorja, well more frequently than a mom should. It has gotten really bad with this pregnancy, the other night, in conversation with Eric, CJ in bed, I referred to her as Jorja. Eric stopped me and asked, if this one is a girl would I like to name her Jorja? NO! That is not my intent at all, I just can't get the right name out. I'm sure, okay I'm crossing my fingers, that I'm not the only one with this affliction, but right now I feel like I can never get her name right. She does very patiently correct me each time, with a sigh.
I finally picked up pictures today and here is one from Feb. Aunt Jo and the girls. Wow have they grown since then!
I finally picked up pictures today and here is one from Feb. Aunt Jo and the girls. Wow have they grown since then!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
New Season
The new season of Ice Road truckers begins on Sunday. So if I can stay awake, you all know that I'm a bit busy tomorrow from 9-10pm. The dash for the cash.
It makes me miss North Dakota...friends...family...winter, yes I said winter,...and with today's gas prices, you wonder if this year they have a chance at coming out ahead. If you missed season one, check out this season, I'm sure the same guys and gals will be back, and some new characters as well. And you can't ignore the accent, it's GREAT!
It makes me miss North Dakota...friends...family...winter, yes I said winter,...and with today's gas prices, you wonder if this year they have a chance at coming out ahead. If you missed season one, check out this season, I'm sure the same guys and gals will be back, and some new characters as well. And you can't ignore the accent, it's GREAT!
Friday, June 6, 2008
a movie to share
What the Bleep do we know? Watch it.
What else do I have to say? Go rent the movie and watch it. Okay, watch it when you are awake and can pay attention, it is a documentary and so if your kids aren't in bed, no big deal, except if you have a chatter box who constantly questions everything...then a bit distracting. Yes it is about quantum physics, but take this opportunity to become enlightened. Let me know what you think.
Need a preview? click here
What else do I have to say? Go rent the movie and watch it. Okay, watch it when you are awake and can pay attention, it is a documentary and so if your kids aren't in bed, no big deal, except if you have a chatter box who constantly questions everything...then a bit distracting. Yes it is about quantum physics, but take this opportunity to become enlightened. Let me know what you think.
Need a preview? click here
Thursday, June 5, 2008
update
I got chewed out today that I don't update enough. Well, down here in the armpit of Texas people and events move slowly. We really have been busy, doin' nutin'.
The pool is open, so we are there, nearly everyday. CJ is determined to pass the swim test so she can go down the slide. I have her signed up for swim lessons, they start next week. She does really well and holds her breath for up to a count of 3, jumps in, basically treads water constantly, has no interest in the life jacket any more, and is sad to leave the pool each time.
With the pool, she has discovered vending machines. On Saturday some friends got treats from the vending machine and poor ol' mom had no money. But we have started a very valuable lesson. On Sundays, and only Sundays, she may take her own money to purchase a treat. She is okay with it, and I feel like it is a descent compromise. On Tuesday we were at the commissary and I once again did not have a quarter for her to get her earned piece of candy from the pick a mix. For a quarter you get 3 pieces, she gets to choose them, and she gets one piece, in the car, the other two she either saves or more typically shares with daddy and me. So after a moment of considering that I didn't have change, she looked at me very seriously and said, "maybe next time I bring my own money". I love the fact that she was able to make the connection that sometimes in life when you want something you have to buy it yourself. Next we'll work on the individual worth of each piece of money, but for now she understands and is okay with buying things for herself once in awhile. sigh...she is getting too big!
Laurelei is doing well. Had her in to the doc to check on a lump. We were concerned that it could be a hernia, but it is a gland, swollen, but that just means it's working. She loves the pool and if I lay her to float on her tummy, she lays her head sideways on the water and giggles. That sincere, heartfelt child laugh, it makes the long days at the pool worth it. She also likes to "jump" into the big pool...looks like I may have 2 water babies on my hands.
My all day morning sickness has calmed down a bit. I haven't caught up on things around the house from my time of barely being able to move, but I am feeling better and that is encouraging all the way around. CJ has mentioned on several occasions that it is taking too long for the baby to come. I visit the OB on Monday and it will be nice to meet her and start the regular check ups and just make sure everything is on track.
Eric is flying, and after the first couple of flights, he has not been getting sick. I tell ya, for a couple of days no one was feeling good between air sickness and morning sickness, I think the girls enjoyed Caillou, but are glad we are feeling better. He has 6 flights before his check ride and solo. He flies this weekend, so it could happen next week!
Thanks for checking in, and I'll try and get some pictures up soon.
The pool is open, so we are there, nearly everyday. CJ is determined to pass the swim test so she can go down the slide. I have her signed up for swim lessons, they start next week. She does really well and holds her breath for up to a count of 3, jumps in, basically treads water constantly, has no interest in the life jacket any more, and is sad to leave the pool each time.
With the pool, she has discovered vending machines. On Saturday some friends got treats from the vending machine and poor ol' mom had no money. But we have started a very valuable lesson. On Sundays, and only Sundays, she may take her own money to purchase a treat. She is okay with it, and I feel like it is a descent compromise. On Tuesday we were at the commissary and I once again did not have a quarter for her to get her earned piece of candy from the pick a mix. For a quarter you get 3 pieces, she gets to choose them, and she gets one piece, in the car, the other two she either saves or more typically shares with daddy and me. So after a moment of considering that I didn't have change, she looked at me very seriously and said, "maybe next time I bring my own money". I love the fact that she was able to make the connection that sometimes in life when you want something you have to buy it yourself. Next we'll work on the individual worth of each piece of money, but for now she understands and is okay with buying things for herself once in awhile. sigh...she is getting too big!
Laurelei is doing well. Had her in to the doc to check on a lump. We were concerned that it could be a hernia, but it is a gland, swollen, but that just means it's working. She loves the pool and if I lay her to float on her tummy, she lays her head sideways on the water and giggles. That sincere, heartfelt child laugh, it makes the long days at the pool worth it. She also likes to "jump" into the big pool...looks like I may have 2 water babies on my hands.
My all day morning sickness has calmed down a bit. I haven't caught up on things around the house from my time of barely being able to move, but I am feeling better and that is encouraging all the way around. CJ has mentioned on several occasions that it is taking too long for the baby to come. I visit the OB on Monday and it will be nice to meet her and start the regular check ups and just make sure everything is on track.
Eric is flying, and after the first couple of flights, he has not been getting sick. I tell ya, for a couple of days no one was feeling good between air sickness and morning sickness, I think the girls enjoyed Caillou, but are glad we are feeling better. He has 6 flights before his check ride and solo. He flies this weekend, so it could happen next week!
Thanks for checking in, and I'll try and get some pictures up soon.
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