Chas & Aubs

Conversations
Superhero
B: Mom, my house far away.

Me: Yes, we're going home now.

B: Need a cape to go faster!

B: Mommy, Bella can't reach the stars. Stars far away.

Me: Yes, we can't reach them, but we can look at them.

B: Need a cape, fly, to reach them!

B: There's a pond, mommy! Want to go in there!

Me: No, your feet will get wet and muddy.

B: Mommy, I need a cape to walk on water!

Then I just thought to myself, no, you don't need a cape, you need God!

Tulips
Finally made it to the Tulip Festival in Skagit County... the colors were vibrant, you could see the tulip fields from many, many farm fields away.

12 April 2010
Spring Escape
Partially for Charles' birthday and partially for our mental health, we made the decision to take a long weekend and jet off to the coast. Neither of us had ever been to the coast before, but we will surely make the trek over and over again. The Pacific coast of Washington is easily one of the most beautiful parts of the country I have ever seen. I honestly felt God's magnificence and strength while walking on those beaches and taking in all of HIS glory. Charles and I couldn't help but feel soooo small and really just recognize how little a time we are here.

On another note, we couldn't have had more fun! We started out our journey on the ferry to Kingston and from there we drove to Port Townsend. We walked along the coast and stumbled upon an old Fort... Fort Worden, where, I later learned An Officer and a Gentleman was filmed. For military geeks like Charles and I, exploring an old base conjures up many memories and images of our military days gone by as well as imagining what it was like long ago. The bunkers were pretty cool...lots of hallways, passages and carved out holes in the ceilings and floors to pass ammunition. Very cool. The rest of the town was super cute...imagine Gilmore Girls/Main Street/Norman Rockwell.

From there, we drove to Port Angeles where we found our accomodations for the evening. We stayed at the Olympic Lodge which was Bella's first hotel stay. We enjoyed a quiet evening, a cheap meal, and rest and relaxation. Once Bella fell asleep in the bed next to ours, we had to be hush-hush, so I dove into some much needed Kindle reading and Charles played on his iPad.

In the morning, we rose to explore more of the Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge. Magnificent. I couldn't believe how high we were and how close the road was to the edge...without a barrier of any sort! I definitely almost lost my lunch a couple of times. We made it to the top, experienced the drastic change in weather (multiple feet of snow), and took in the majestic Olympics. Bella had fun walking around in the snow and playing in the ski lodge that was up there. I was flabbergasted that people downhill ski from up there.

After Hurricane Ridge, we trekked down the mountain and continued our journey to and through Forks, Wa. Upon arriving there, Charles and I wondered what the heck was up with the all the vampire paraphernalia everywhere. Turns out, that is where the Twilight series originated. Who knew? So, though we are not fans, we took a picture of Bella on top of the infamous red truck that belongs to Bella in the movies. From Forks, we took a jaunt to La Push and explored the beaches there for hours. So amazing. From La Push and Mora Beach, we continued our drive down the coast to stay at Kalaloch Lodge on the beach. More beach exploring and burying Bella in the sand. Too fun. Our resting place for the evening was nothing more than two beds in a cottage and the quiet was much needed. We didn't get any internet signal or wifi...so we were left to converse and read. Loved it. That night, the Trujillos decided to meet us in the morning, so we were excited to get together with them.

In the morning, we drove back towards Forks to meet up with them, enjoyed breakfast with all the little girls in their very own booth, then took tons of cheesy pictures in Forks. We then ventured off to Rialto beach where we hiked for hours upon hours, of course stopping to take in the amazing scenery and let the girls chase the waves.

It was an amazing weekend that actually felt like we were worlds away. We'll be taking all of our family and friends out there on their next visits. Where your hiking shoes!

Easter
I was very excited for Easter this year and prepped Bella for egg hunting as the day drew near. We hit up 3 egg hunts over the coarse of the weekend and Bella had a blast!

What's Bella saying these days?
12 April 2010
"Wook at me, mommy!"

"I want a ... banana, or onange, or vitanin, or noodahls..."

"Where daddy go? Daddy at work. Nooo...(sheepishly)...daddy hidin' in bushes! Daddy siwwy(silly)!"

"Ah-nother one mommy!" (When she wants me to change the song)

"I'm cold, mommy. Need a hat (or banket)!"

She says so many sentences and logical thoughts now, I can't even begin to list them! In one of her books it illustrates someone pulling a friend out of the mud with a rope. Tonight, there was a picture of a car stuck in the mud. Bella, excitedly, points to the car and says, "Car stuck in the mud! Uh oh! Need a rope to pull da car from da mud!" I love how she's putting things together! What a smart girl!

Another Fear Becomes Reality
18 March 2010
Sad, sad, sad. I can't get over some of the patients we see. Yes, they are all heartbreaking, but when it's something that could be prevented, it's that much more tragic.

Parents! Put your chemicals up high or lock them up!!

Siblings ingested draino. Sad, sad, sad.

The thing is, I've always worried about this - probably more so since I've started working at Children's and removing foreign bodies from kiddos. Medication and chemicals particularly always worried me since Bella became mobile. Just last week - seriously, just last week - I relocated all chemicals and cleaning materials to under the kitchen sink and locked it down. Then, I put all of our frequently used medications to a high cabinet - out of reach for Bella. Then all of our INfrequently used medications, ointments, etc to under one of the bathroom sinks and locked it down.

Home is where the heart is... so lock up your poisons!

Bella Speak
8 March 2010
Here are some funny things Bella has been coming up with:

(99% of the time we are in the car and she is in her seat, Bella will take off her shoes & socks to examine her toes. This logical, though fragmented, string of thoughts comes to her mind and out of her mouth: "Toesy owie. Ban-aid make all better. Ban-aid at home. Wait for ban-aid."

Today when I picked her up from school, I was wearing a skirt. Bella ran up to me and stroked the hem of my skirt: "Mommy pretty. Mommy dress. Mommy princess. Princess Mommy!"

Every time we go down the stairs, Bella insists on doing it herself. Every time, though, she pretends to almost lose her balance: (She gasps and puts her hand to her chest) "Uh Oh, careful. Bella no fall down. Scary." (She's very dramatic.)

The winner, however, was mid week last week. She's been saying what sounds like "Abrir" (Spanish for "to open"), but she says it more like, "Auwbreyr". She kept saying it over and over again. I kept asking, What are you saying? or Show mommy what's Auwbreyr or Where's Auwbreyr, trying to get her to show me what she was talking about. Nothing. She just smiled and kept singing it. Finally, after days of hearing this, I decided she had learned the spanish "abrir" and was just repeating it over and over again. Then, Thursday last week, I got the sneaky suspicion that she was saying "Aubrey". I pushed the thought away in my mind. Then it got to me. I said, "WHO is Auwbreyr?" She responded, "Mommy!"

Ready... or not?
24 Feb 2010
At the beginning of the year we officially enrolled Bella in her first extracurricular activity: swimming. I know, so exciting. Charles is adamant that Bella becomes comfortable with water at an early age considering how much we heart sailing.

You must know, that I am not entirely at ease in the water. I could probably stay afloat if my life depended on it...for about 15 minutes before I'd begin to get that sinking feeling. I like the back stroke simply because my face is not in the water and I don't have to mess with that holding breath business. I don't particularly like the beach - having sticky sand all over is not my favorite. However, I do enjoy being on a boat.

I digress.

Swim class. Bella LOVES it. She LOVES it. Tonight, in fact, at dinner, she asked, "Swimning (not a typo) 'morrow? Bella put on swim suit?"

Class one: Water adjustment. Check. That was easy. Mommy can demonstrate that. Throw and reach. Bella throws a tub toy and then she has to reach for it as I move her in the water. Check - she loves that. Mommy can do it, too! Blowing bubbles. "Ok parents, time to demonstrate!" Sheesh. Face in water stuff. "It's all about your reaction parents, if you're smiling when you do it, your kids will know its ok!" Here goes. Ugh, water in nose...stinging, lots of stinging...SMILE! I manage enough and perhaps Bella watches other parents to get the right idea and she eventually blows bubbles. Kicking. Kids get in circle supported by parents and kick ball to one another. Easy for both of us.

Class two. Review water adjustment, throw and reach, blowing bubbles & kicking. Check. Holding onto the side and kicking. Mommy & Bella check. Can Bella hold onto sides without mommy support. Check. She loves to bounce up and down along the sides by herself. Jumping into water on cue. Bella LOVES that, too. Good class.

Class three (last weekend). Review water adjustment, throw and reach, bubbles, kicking, holding onto sides & kicking, self support on side, jumping in. "Next, parents, let your kids go under water when they jump in! Remember to be smiling when they come up so they don't become afraid!" You want me to what? Let my kid feel like she's drowning as she gets water in her nose and can't find the surface or enough air? What? Okay...I guess they know what they're doing... Bella stands at the edge (at this point, Charles has joined us and is watching just a foot behind Bella)...she jumps...and, oh, I catch her before she can go under. I couldn't do it! I, myself, hate jumping in the water like that! It's always unpleasant for me! Charles gives me the look as if to say, "Aubrey, seriously, let her. It's ok. You're being crazy mom." Ok, she's up there, I've convinced myself I'm going to let her go under. Ready, set, go... she jumps...and, oh, I catch her again before her head goes under. I don't even look at Charles, I can feel how he's rolling his eyes. The instructor comes over and says to me, "I know, it goes against instinct, would you like her to jump to me and I'll let her go under." I look at Bella and already I know she's not going to jump to Chelsea. I say, no, I'll do it this time. Ready (Am I?), set (Am I seriously going to let her go under?), GO! And before I know it, I'm beaming ear to ear to reassure her she's ok - but I'm not so sure she's the one who needed the reassurance. She was smiling at me to let me know it's ok.

Pediatrics
2/18/20
Sometimes the hard part about being a pediatric nurse is knowing that some kids' fate lies in the hands of their parents. They are, for the lack of a better word, helpless. Fortunately, most parents are natural advocates for their children, and would give anything to get their child the best care.

Unfortunately for some kids, their parents still have personal issues that take precedent over the health needs of their children. Just last week, after we noticed a kiddo was late for their procedure, I called them at home. No answer. Another hour passes and I decide that if they do show up, we'll have to cancel. Can't push back other patient's cases who do show up on time. Eventually, I received a phone call from their primary clinic informing me that they would not be making it to their appointment because the patient's mother just got thrown into jail. Endearingly, his older brother was going to try to bring him in, but unknowingly gave him a hot dog because he was hungry - which was reason enough to cancel the procedure.

Earlier this week, same situation, the patient was an hour late. I called. No answer. Finally, I received a call from the family that mom forgot to save gas money to make the drive.

So, who suffers? And, where does the cycle end?

Reality
As a future mother and then as an expecting mother, I used to insist "I'll never use that" or "I'll never do that" as I disdainfully looked upon families who were doing just that. That being, for example, have character themed toys (Dora, Princesses, or Tinkerbell) or that I would never sit Bella in front of the television as a babysitter or scold her through gritted teeth in a public place or have my house over run by toys.

Then there's reality. The truth is, it happens. Bella flipping LOVES Dora & Tinkerbell. I didn't introduce them to her. To be honest, she gets SO HILARIOUSLY excited when she gets to eat with her Dora spoon it gives me great joy to give it to her at dinner time. She lit up at church today when I pulled out her Tinkerbell book that it made my day. It gives me great joy to see her delight that I don't care if she's got Tinkerbell paraphernalia all over the house. Sure it's not how I imagined it, but it makes her happy.

Brace yourselves, folks. Bella has watched TV. *GASP* Charles and I snobbily used to say we'd never let Bella watch tv, but oops, she does. She watches maybe a half hour a day. During the weeknights, usually none at all. If I could take saying it back, I would. I probably said it around an experienced mother who probably rolled her eyes at my naivete. There are those times when you're alone, you need to get dinner going, your child is absolutely clingy and there is nothing else to do. Or you're all alone and you need to shower - she's too big for the bouncy, the swing, or the jumper these days - so you turn on the tv. It happens. Don't say it won't. Even our friends who don't own televisions - put on DVD's on the computer. And still, our friends' kids possess character paraphernalia. It happens.

Then there's the public scolding. I never thought it would happen to me. I remember judging these mothers, being quick to criticize their inability to control their children. However, I've quickly learned there's little else to be done when errands must be run when the kiddies are absolutely driving you crazy. In those situations, you do worry about what other people are thinking around you. You're aware other mothers and non-mothers are scrutinizing your disciplinary techniques. So I've learned that unless you know how that family's day has transpired, or what stresses they are under, or perhaps what learning disabilities the child suffers - judge not. In a few years you may find yourself in the same situation. Been there. It's embarrassing & a bit humiliating...but you do what you have to do to get through it and get your groceries.

Charles and I had these friends several years ago whose house was absolutely FILLED TO THE BRIM with Fisher-Price and Little Tikes. No kidding. Every inch of wall space was lined, every shelf filled, and each closet stuffed with TOYS. Charles and I couldn't believe it. We would leave their house and say, "Our house will never look like that." Well, we're not nearly at that point, but we've got a lot more toys then we ever thought we would. We went a little overboard this Christmas, but we honestly don't buy her a lot in the way of toys throughout the year. We're grateful for the ones that we've received - and that's honestly why we have what we have. So our adjusted goal is that all her toys require her imagination and can be used through several developmental stages. So, again, it happens.

The reason I'm on this kick is because I talk to moms all day. I take care of kids, so naturally I have a lot of conversations with parents ALL DAY LONG. It's funny how critical moms are of other moms - there's a lot of "Can you believe she did that..." and "I would never..." Truth be told, I did that a lot too. Then there's reality.

Nurse/Mom
2/10/10
I recently recertified in Basic Life Support. I'm also certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support. I've also been certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. I like to consider myself a PACU nurse - one who recovers patients during the delicate and sometimes unpredictable stage of waking from anesthesia. I'd like to think that I could save your child's life in an emergency situation. I could use the defibrillator appropriately if needed at the airport, or mall, or hotel. I could perform effective CPR.

All of this and all of my experiences as a nurse and still I panicked at the sight of blood coming from my daughters mouth.

Bella had her first accident which caused blood to gush from her mouth. Somehow during her fall she must have chomped down on her cheek or tongue and she started that silent screaming: the one where her face is all contorted, tears are springing from her eyes, her body is shuddering, her mouth is agape and quivering and yet there is no sound...and then it comes, non stop...and it is bloodcurdling horrific. I just grabbed her and tried to soothe her... Hello? Nurse/Mom? Are you in there? How about trying to stop the bleeding? Luckily, Daddy was there with his level, always cool & collected head to bark at me to get some gauze and have her bite down on it.

Despite all of my work experience, my momminess overrides the nurse in me. That comfort & soothe instinct is far more powerful than years of professional training. However, the mommy in me works synergistically with the nurse in me.

Bella @ 2 years
1. We listen to her Car Songs CD almost every time we are in the jeep together. She sings along more each time nailing the words at the right moments - and she says each with extra 'umph' as if to say, "Ha! I got it this time!". The quirky part is how between every song - every song - she says, "Music, go?" (Where did the music go?) to which we reply... "It's coming..." and she responds, "Music coming...", then she picks up and starts singing the next song.

2. Her vocabulary is expanding exponentially and her ability to put 3 and 4 words together in logical sentences is astounding. We have short, but complete, conversations and I'm amazed every time we communicate in a productive manner.

3. She counts all of a sudden. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. So, she misses a few counts in the middle, but she's almost got it!

4. She calls the ABC's her "ABCD's".

5. Bella loves her puzzles. Friends got her puzzles for her birthday and she loves to dump out the pieces and put them back together over and over again.

6. We are steadily progressing with the potty thing. I'm not forcing it yet... in fact I need to e-mail her school and see if I can get them on board with it. It won't work unless they regularly encourage it too. However, she is using it with more frequency each week! Thanks to family, she has plenty of big girl undies (Tinkerbell & Dora) awaiting her transition out of diapers.

7. One night last week, Charles called to say goodnight. Bella and I were in her room when the phone rang. When she heard it, she stood up, said "Phone rinning" and made a run for it. I couldn't get around her because of obstacles (her toys) and she got to the phone, picked it up, and said, "Hello?" as if she'd been answering the phone her whole life. Never has she done that before. Charles and I were shocked - he thought I prompted her. Reminds me that she is always watching and observing us, waiting for her chance to mimick us.

8. Another reminder that she is always observing and learning: I usually have Bella call down for Charles when it's time for night time prayers so we can do them as a family. He didn't hear her calling, so I went to the top of the stairs and called, "Charles". Then Bella started calling, "Cha-ahls" and giggling. Now I understand why parents often address each other as "Mom" or "Dad".

9. She can say this much of her night time prayer by memory and without prompting: "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep..." then we say the rest together.

10. Over the last couple of weeks her winter hat has become an item of comfort for her. She LOVES wearing it. She asks for it when we leave the house, she keeps it on inside stores & restaurtants, she wears it inside the house (with her galoshes), and she's even insisted on wearing it to bed a few times.

"Mommy's book"
30 Jan 2009
That's what Bella calls my Kindle. "Mommy's book". I've had it for a month and am on my fourth book. One month, four books. It's as if the Kindle has created more time for reading. I don't know how that's possible, but before the Kindle there was no way that I could have done that much reading. It's so convenient, so portable, so perfect... I finished my third book yesterday in the car while waiting for Charles (he had to run into work for a bit & Bella had fallen asleep) on my iPhone, because of course, it has an app for the Kindle! My first book was kind of my test read... I was on the airplane and needed to upload a book quick, so I turned to Jodi Piccoult and picked one of the few of her titles I hadn't read yet. My second book was The Glass Castle - developed a new love of the memoir. Next, I read "The Help" which provided an interesting perspective and it read in a fun dialect. I am currently reading another Jeannette Walls book - Half Broke Horses.

I'd have to say the Kindle is the best purchase I've made in a long time!

I will admit, however, that I have sustained a reading related injury. A lot of my reading takes place in Bella's rocking chair as I wait for her to fall asleep. She likes to hold my hand through the crib as she falls asleep (precious), so picture this: I'm upright in the rocking chair, leaning to the right and over, holding her hand, but my dim reading light is to the left... so my neck is craned to the left, my left arm far to the left so that I can see the print, and my eyes are squinting because the light is probably too dim for reading. So then my hand is wrapped around the kindle so that I can hit the "next page" button on the right side of the kindle. Phew. So, for about a week now, my hand/wrist feels like it has carpal tunnel. Totally worth it though.

2 Year Check Up
January 29, 2010
*Sigh* Still can't believe I'm a mother of a two year old. Time is moving at warp speed...

I've spent the last two years taking Bella to the doctor's office, first, every couple of days, then every couple weeks, then every couple of months, then every 3 or 4 or 6 months...then today Dr. Kelly said her next appointment will be her 3 year check up. What?! Don't you want to check her height, weight, development milestones more often than that? (Or, maybe I just have enjoyed hearing accolades for her growth and development...)

Her well-child exam went without a hitch - I'm proud of my baby cooperating so well after dealing with some very difficult kiddos myself all day. She didn't even cry when she received her shots deep into her chunky-so-pinchable thighs. My brave girl. I haven't given you her measurements since before her first birthday, so here they are: 29 pounds, 2 feet and 8 inches tall. I'm told that the height you are at when you are two multiplied by two is the height you will grow to be. (Old wives tale?) If it's true, Bella will be taller than I am! Hooray!

Bad Daddy
19 Jan 2010
Me: Bella, who took your socks off?

Bella: Daddy socks off.

Me: Daddy? Daddy shouldn't take your socks off!

Bella: Daddy bad. Time out daddy.

"Bella, Time Out"
The other day I put Bella in time out for being defiant (which is happening more and more). So, it usually goes like this:

Bella is crying in time out.
Me/Dad: Are you done?
Bella: Yes.
Me/Dad: Then wipe up your tears.
(Bella wipes at tears)
Me/Dad: Ok, come on over, say sorry and give kisses.
(Then we talk about the violation at hand.)
Me/Dad: Do you understand?
Bella: Yessuh.

This is what happened the other day:
Bella is crying in time out.
Me: Are you done?
Bella: Noooooo. Bella more time out! (Screaming at this point!)
Me: Do you need more time?
Bella: YES! Bella more time out!
Me: Ok, tell me when you're done.
Repeat a couple more times, then resume the usual conversation above.

Sheesh. T is for TWO which means Turbulent, Trying, and tiring.

January 16, 2009
The feeling that I had on this particular day has been happening relatively frequently since I became pregnant with Bella. I imagine that I will have these thoughts and feelings often - forever, really. It's the feeling of seeing myself from the outside - watching myself be a mother. That probably doesn't make any sense. I'm in the moment and looking back at the same time - I'm committing it to memory and reveling in the present. I just want to hold on to every moment of being a mother, of experiencing firsts with Bella.

Today was her second birthday party - but her first real invite-friends-rent-a-place-kind-of birthday party. Charles, more than once, had to calm my nerves as I fretted over every detail - as if kids really care in what order they eat-play-or chase each other around. I stayed up the entire night before baking (trying to keep the tradition of baking her birthday cakes) and preparing favors (that in the end, never actually got passed out as the kids ran around the museum each chased by a exasperated parent).

In the end, we celebrated with about 30 friends (12 kids, mostly parents). Having such a good turn out of friends made me also realize that we have truly made a home out of Seattle - warm fuzzies. Bella's birthday was a success - made extra special with Lola here to participate. I know that I'll always look back at Bella's Second bday as her perfectly flawed birthday party event where everything went perfectly, but nothing as planned.

TWO YEARS OLD
JAN 15, 2010
Dear Mom and Dad,
Today I am turning two and I can hardly believe it! I love the new things I am able to communicate and the new things I am able to do independently. Just the other day I put my shoes on by myself, put my head and arms through the right holes in one of your sweaters, and I almost pedaled my bike by myself!

I am aware that this new found freedom and these abilities have made your life a little more complicated, but I see you smile in awe and I am encouraged to continue learning and trying new things! You two never seem to get enough of me singing along to the car songs CD!

Being two traditionally means going through the stage of the "terrible twos", but I hope to not put you through too much trouble. I know the last couple of nights were a little rough being that I screamed for dear life if you stepped in the opposite direction or if you tried to put me in bed. Sorry about that. I know I've had my share of tempter tantrums. I'm just testing my boundaries, you know, all that developmental stuff that normal two year olds do.

I look back on my two years and I have to say, we've done quite a bit. We've had our ups and downs, mostly ups. The first 6 months were a blur, I couldn't figure out my nights from my days, I hated the bottle, diaper rash was awful a few times - but mostly we cuddled and that's what I remember. Oh yeah, and mommy would try to sing and then daddy would show her what real tunes sound like. LOL - as you say. Wait, I remember we had two, big, black four legged animals when I was born... what ever happened to those two? We went on many airplane rides to meet all of my family - slightly overwhelming each time - but you get used to their faces, er, family after the first day. They all show me lots of love, so I couldn't ask for more! Then, there was the first time all my stuff started getting put in boxes and we took an airplane for a long, long time without daddy. What was it that you called it? Moving? Holidays...my first birthday...sigh, what memories. Seattle has really been an adventure - we've had lots of fun here. Can we stay? So here we are on my second birthday, who knows what is to come this year? Really, all I want is more cake. Oh, and to stop wearing diapers. I hear that rocks!

Lub, Beywah

In retrospect: December
I haven't kept up with my journal simply because I cannot sum up the magic and wonder that was our December. I simply cannot convey in words how different the holidays were for us - how we saw the whole thing through Bella's eyes, how our joy was seeing her joy, how we delighted in her excitement, and how we are starting our own *family* Christmas traditions.

It was like being a kid again. Truly. I love being a parent. (I will try to elaborate more when I have more time.)

The other reason is probably just that: time. While I want to keep a current record of our family adventures, finding the time is a different story. Perhaps after all the holiday dust dissipates, we'll settle into a routine again and my allotted journal time will resume.

Meanwhile, I'm devouring books on my !Kindle! in the little free time that I do have.

I will, however, update my list of Bella-isms...

Bella-isms January 2010
1. She's turning TWO -- NEXT WEEK!

2. She is saying more and more of her dinner and nighttime prayers by herself - without prompting!

3. When it was time to open presents she completely scoped it out and went from biggest to smallest. Sometimes even picking one up, shaking it, and deciding to go for another one of the big ones.

4. We've "trained" her so well to put garbage in the trash. So as she tore each little bitty piece of wrapping paper off, she had to put each piece in the "garbeche" before continuing. Opening "pwesents" took forever!

5. Of the entire kitchen set we got her, she has clung to the plastic banana and the ice cream cones.

6. Bella also got a radio flyer wagon and radio flyer trike. Every day we take one on a walk to get the "mayuhl" (mail) and every day she has trouble deciding which one she wants to take.

7. One of Bella's gifts was a toy tool set, which she loved using alongside daddy while he built his tool bench.

8. She recognizes but still fears Santa.

9. We put up a decorative plant in place of the Christmas tree, but Bella still calls it the "Kwismastree" (all one word).

10. Bella wins: we have her fold out couch in our room so when she wakes up in the middle of the night, she can just crawl into it - instead of our bed. Sometimes, you have to pick your battles and Charles & I decided we need our sleep. (In our defense, we tried - my goodness did we try - to get her to go back to bed, but we'd end up passing out in her rocking chair or on the floor and that just wasn't good.)

Bella-isms
December 1st, 2009
My quirky little lady continues to astound us each day with her sparkling, engaging personality, with her new accomplishments, with her expanding vocabulary, and with her understanding of situations, instructions, and emotions:

Now that she has freedom to get out of bed and her room, she often finds herself standing in our doorway at 5 a.m.. She'll just stand there and kind of whimper, as if waiting to be invited in. Once Charles or myself is startled awake by her faint crying, we beckon her in. With that smallest of gestures, the tiny tot comes running at us and leaps into bed, only to fall quickly to sleep.

She loves to play "keep away" from us. If we sit down with both of her shoes to put them on, she'll grab one of them and slip it behind her back and lay on it - all the while laughing hysterically. Or, if I go to zip up her jacket, she'll grab one side of the jacket and swing it behind her back - giggling to herself.

When we lay her down to do nighttime prayers with her, she'll fold her hands and join us in praying. But then she'll break her hands apart because she knows it'll stop the prayer. Then, just before we can tell her to fold her hands, she'll fold 'em and continue praying. Seconds later, she'll separate her hands again and laugh, laugh, laugh stopping the prayer. She is such a silly girl!

With all the Christmas decorations about the house, Bella has taken to pretending she's picking something to eat from the garlands on the banister. She'll pinch "it" off, put "it" in her mouth, and go, "Yum, yum, yum"... repeating it all the way up the stairs!

Here's a memory for us: last night we had a hard time keeping Bella in her bed - she kept wanting to get up. So, in a fatherly-stern voice, Charles told Bella she needed to stay in bed and no more crying. So, we went to check on her before we went to bed and found Bella asleep next to her door! We couldn't stop laughing and smiling - our hearts just melted! We put her back in bed of course and for the rest of the night we kept smiling and laughing about it. She didn't make a peep and she didn't leave her room, but she didn't stay in bed either!

Thanksgiving
Friday Nov. 27, 2009
November 27, 2009

It started out with a statement which led to us having 30 guests for Thanksgiving! Josh had come over to see our new place and in the days to follow suggested to us that our place would be the perfect place for Thanksgiving. In a silent conversation between Charles and my eyes, we agreed and said that we would love to host Thanksgiving. It would be great motivation for us to finish unpacking, hang pictures on the wall and call it home. The following weekend, Caryl, one of Lina’s aunts caught us and asked if we were serious – she would be grateful as it would otherwise be at her place, too soon following another soiree. Again, we confirmed that we would love to host seeing as how Josh & Lina’s family have completely adopted us into their family. We’ve been invited to every gathering, every holiday, every birthday party; we’ve been included in the gift giving, the family traditions, and the family e-mails; they’ve made us family. I thought it would be a great way to give thanks for that and we had yet to have them over to our house since our townhouse was too small to have such a large family over. Our Mill Creek house finally gave us the opportunity to host.

So after weeks of facebook threads over the time, the menu, and the actual dinner time – we finally hosted our first big party! It was a sight to see all the food – we easily could have fed double the crowd with the amount of food that was brought. I’d never seen so much food – which is an accomplishment considering the kinds of parties my Filipino family liked to throw growing up. Barbara and Charles’ Dad, Rodger, were here visiting for the week and with Barbara’s love of cooking – she quickly took the reigns on the turkey, the stuffed mushrooms and the green bean casserole. I didn’t have to lift a finger although I did take several tips and tricks for the next year. She was a lifesaver considering I worked all week! I think there were 10 pies alone among the rest of the desserts. Our appetizer menu could have easily been an entire dinner in and of itself. Two hours of appetizers left us wondering if we had room for our Thanksgiving feast. Charles and I cleared our living and dining rooms to make room for one LONG table so that we could all eat together. After filling our stomachs to the brims, we each gave thanks to something special, but left out our politics – last year there was giving of thanks to Bush and Obama – quickly a heated discussion-starter to be avoided this year.

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving to remember, made extra special by Bella’s grandparents being in town. We received lots of compliments on the house. Many comments that we should host yearly and that they’d never be happier having Thanksgiving anywhere else. I responded with, "As long as I don’t have to cook, I will always be willing to host!"

October/November List
Nov. 10, 2009
1. Bella had her first official trick-or-treating! It was adorable. She quickly got the hang of it by house three, excitedly scurrying up to the door, holding her basket out, and singing, "Tickah Tweet"! She attempted to reach for multiple "tweets" when given the chance and tried to charm her way to more "tweets" at each house - which for the most part was successful. However, the sum total of candy that she ate that day was miniscule - a lollipop!

2. Bella is in a toddler bed! Hooray! I had tried to convince Charles that our move would be a good time to transition her to a toddler bed, but he wanted to wait until she gave us a sign that she was ready: climbing over the rails. Well, it happened! Last week, in her new big girl room, Charles was trying to help her get to sleep, laying next to her crib. He was in and out of sleep and at one point, he looked up to see her rear in the air and her head coming straight for him! So, in the end, it turns out it was a good time to transition her! She loves, loves getting in and out of her bed now.

3. In addition to Bella having a big girl room and a big girl bed, she has a big girl potty seat. I bought her a potty ring for the toilet - DORA patterned - thinking she'd love to sit on it. Well she did. And she didn't want to get off. And she wanted to take it EVERYWHERE. We've had multiple meltdowns when we have to leave it in the bathroom - to the point that I've just put it away all together!

4. Bella LOVES to sing with her "Goose" book (Mother Goose). Here's how she sings Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star:
Tinkle, tinkle... tar
How I wonder... what...are
Ah ba bah da wirl...high
Diamond in da ky...
Tinkle, Tinkle, itle tar
How I wonder...what... are

5. She's got her first acting gig: the school Christmas play. This year she'll be playing a stable animal. Hopefully next year she'll get a speaking part...assuming she'll be speaking a lot more :)

6. During the move Bella's been so helpful! When I pack things, she takes heaps of whatever I'm packing and throws it in. If I was unpacking, she'd reach in the box and take an armful and throw it on the shelf. If I'm doing the laundry, she wants to push all the wet clothes into the dryer.

7. She's getting to be a really picky eater. Each night is a battle at the dinner table. If she doesn't like the way it looks, she won't eat it and instead will ask for "O-meal" or "Cereoh" or "Nana". At least she asks politely with a "Pease".

8. Last friday Charles and I had a dinner and auction to attend, so Bella hung out with the Trujillo's for the night. She had big plans: the Disney icecapades! All weekend long, she asked for "Tinkahbewel".

9. We are teaching Bella who is in her family, so we ask her, "Who's in your family?" She often responds, "Mommy, daddy, Behwah, Mia and Claire (her friends at school)" not necessarily in that order.

10. Bella's really into needing kisses for "owies" right now. Every 5 mins something is "owie". Good thing everything is easily fixed with a quick kiss and an "all better" from her mommy and daddy.

Adorable Things
27 Oct 2009
Bella did the cutest things over the weekend:

She said "Hi" to a girl sitting next to us. The girl responded with an excited "Hello". Then, Bella points to herself and says, "Behwah". She totally introduced herself. What a polite girl I have.

Bella got in tripod position, bottom high in the air, head on the ground. Then, she slowly inched her feet toward her head and pushed over and completed a somersault! So funny!

She met baby Nathanael this weekend and was such a typical almost two year old. She regressed a bit and needed to be held as much as possible, particularly when I was holding Nathanael. She pretty much didn't want anything to do with him unless he had a toy she wanted -- which was every toy. She would stroke his head and then be done with him. When his pacifier fell out, she attempted to put it back in his, ahem, eye...and with gentle redirection, his mouth.

I'm trying to teach Bella who's in her family. So I ask her, "Bella, who's in your family?" She responds, " Mommee, Datty, and Behwah". Too cute.

On the road again...
October 20, 2009
...ok, not really. Sort of.

As our one year anniversary here in Seattle approaches, I can't help but be overwhelmed with amazement and happiness at how well we've settled in Seattle.

This year has been filled with hikes, toddler parties, new friends, parades, festivals, holidays, travels, concerts, sailing, new jobs, day care, island getaways and TONS of happy things. I am in awe at how fast this year has gone. It's been a ripsnorter (noun; something extraordinary - word of the day).

Moving
So, as our year approaches, so does our rental agreement. And, if you've kept up with us, you know that our living situation (HOA from Hell) hasn't been the greatest. So, we are moving and it feels right. How do I know it's right? Well, there's a pattern. We found our Myersville home one night, in the twilight hours, when we were driving around trying to stay awake because we were on night shifts. Two contracts fell through in order for us to get that house and it was a perfect starter house - so much love went into that place and it will always be our first home.

The Riverbend townhouse that we are in now was also found late into the evening. We stumbled across an irresistable ad on craigslist, viewed it an night, and signed later in the week.

The Mills Creek house, the one that we'll be moving into next week, was also found on craigslist - last Friday. I came home from work, pulled up Craigslist, and saw it at the top of the list. It had just been posted. I called and asked if we could see it before the Saturday showing - it was an amazing house at an incredible price. The property management firm didn't think it was possible, but we really expressed our interest, and they said we could see it that night as one of the agents would be there to clean before the showing. So, off we went to the house, with bated breath. We got there and what do you know?! The power had been shut off since the house was empty. So, we viewed the house via headlamps that Charles just happened to have in the Jeep. We knew right away that this was going to be our next home. And, as of last Friday, we are the new tenants who are to be moving in November 1st! The Mills Creek house has more than we could ask for: a yard, a fence, a front yard, TONS of space - we'll have room for Charles' office, my office/sewing room, a guest room, and of course, Bella's room. The kitchen is extremely spacious - maybe I'll get more into cooking with all the counter space for experiments. Charles will have room to work on the CJ7 in his incredibly roomy garage that is comparable to our Myersville garage. Anyway, we feel incredibly blessed to have found this home - several bonuses: we can rent for the next few years, there's a gorgeous park just a 3 minute walk away, it's near three of my wonderful coworkers, and it's in a great neighborhood with lots of families. The biggest bonus and probably the reason this blessing has been given us: there's a WELS church 2 miles away. This will be the first time in years we haven't commuted 30-60 minutes to church! God is GREAT!

Potty
10/08/09
Bella used the potty again! This is the third time, but I forgot to note when she used it the second time. Last night, she just sat on the potty and went potty like she'd been doing it all her life! Hooray!

My Perfect Fall Weekend
10/2-10/4
Fall is undoubtedly my favorite season. I smile ear to ear in the golden light under the changing leaves, wearing my jeans and sweater. I love to breathe in the cool, crisp air, smell the kettle corn, and feel the crunch of leaves under my feet. I love it. I'm sure last year I wrote about my favorite fall activities: the pumpkin patch. Growing up, we went to Edwards Apple Orchard, year after year and it was an unforgettable experience each time. Still makes me smile. I never thought I'd find a place that could recreate the feeling. Maryland, no. Virginia, no. Seattle...YES. Remlinger Farms, we will be back year after year. And, we'll recommend you to our friends. And, we'll take our family there when they visit. And, we'll spend lots of money on you. And, Bella will grow up having the same love of fall that I did.

Friday 10/2
After a grueling day at work, Charles picked up Bella and we agreed to meet up at home. I arrived home before C & B, so I put on lounging clothes, filled a large coffee mug up with ice cream, and plopped my exhausted behind on the sofa. About 15 minutes later, C & B arrived home and we all spent some time snuggling. Charles turned to me and asked what I wanted to do. I told him I thought a night in would be fine and that we could order pizza. He suggested I get dressed because the babysitter would be over soon! He had arranged for our friend Heather to watch Bella for the night so we could have a dinner date. Perfect!

Saturday 10/3
Most of Saturday morning was spent in our pj's in bed, Bella included. We finally rolled out of bed and downstairs in time for a morning matinee and brunch. Bella went down for a nap (never having gotten out of her pj's) and we decided we'd go to the pool for the afternoon. Instead, the Trujillo's called and told us to meet up at the Issaquah Salmon Days Festival. We had an amazing time and were so impressed with the size and magnitude of the festival. And, we found my new favorite interesting animal: salmon. We saw them in the shallow rivers, nearing their expirations, after having laid their eggs... such interesting animals...and so tasty! We had a marvelous family day at the festival! Perfect.

Sunday 10/4
Sunday, after church, we went to the pumpkin patch - one of my fave fall activities. We spent all day there and left at closing. For a reasonable price we afforded admission into the entire Remlinger Farm, which included an amusement park with 25 rides (all of which Bella could ride), the hayride to the pumpkin patch, the corn maze (which coincidentally Seattle Children's sponsored this year), the 4H petting zoo, and many, many more activities. We had sooo much fun in the amusement park part that we never made it to the pumpkin patch & corn maze. Bella, Ravenna, and Araya rode most of the rides multiple times! It was so fun for the girls to be able to get on all the rides. The park wasn't too crowded either, so the lines were short and the room plentiful. The whole park was also one big photo-op after another. So, yeah, plenty of pictures as usual and they will be revealed soon! Perfect.

Retiring the Baby bag...
9/28/09
The baby bag is officially getting retired. It's in my pile of things to pack away, along with the shirts, pants, and socks that my ever-growing Bella no longer can squeeze her pudgy little body into. The last few weeks, instead of the diaper bag, I've been using a mini-hiking pack that holds a fond memory for me. I bought it in the hills of Switzerland the summer I worked there. (Steph, didn't you buy one, too?) It's the perfect size for the few things that Bella now requires.

So, here's what we used to pack for a day: 8 diapers, diaper cream, formula or breastmilk, baby food, at least ONE extra outfit, a hat, extra bottles, a TON of wipes, 2-3 bibs...etc...

Now, we pack a hair brush, extra hair bands & clips, a ziplock of goldfish or cheerios, her nalgene bottle, 4 diapers, a small container of wipes and sunscreen. If that doesn't say toddler, I don't know what does. And yes, she has her own blue nalgene, complete with spill proof valve...it's her fave.

Go Bears!
9/27/09
Another first for me: my first NFL game! It was truly an incredible experience: wonderful seats, perfect fall weather, the roar of the crowd resounding in one of the nation's loudest stadiums, and good company!

Earlier in the week, as the game approached, I knew I didn't want to waste such a great opportunity - I mean, how many NFL games is a girl going to go to? Up until this weekend, I must admit, I was that girl that went to super bowl parties and did not pay a lick of attention to the actual game going on. North Park hardly had a football team to speak of and going to the games wasn't the "thing to do". So, now that football season is in full swing and the rivalry between UW and WSU football is in the forefront of Washington residents, I thought: I better learn this game. In Washington, you're either a Coug or a Huskie; you're either a Seahawk fan or not. For the first time, I get it: I get Charles' die hard loyalty to WSU, his unwavering Couger-ness regardless of season stats.

So, for probably the 50th time in my life, someone attempted to explain the game to me. Charles and I sat down on Saturday night to watch the Cougs play and down by down, pass by pass, Charles explained the rules, the strategies, the roles, and the numbers. And, well, folks, it finally clicked!

By Sunday, game time, I was psyched! Orange, blue, and white all the way! The game was so much more enjoyable and I can't wait to follow along as the season progresses. Perhaps this year I'll actually know who is playing in the super bowl.

Kindle 2
28 September 2009
This is what I would like for the next big gift-giving occassion (even if I have to give it to myself): The Kindle 2. I enjoy reading very, very much. However, I often find it difficult to make it to the bookstore and even if I do, Bella doesn't allow much time for book browsing. Also, after all the things that go in the Bella bag (note: it's no longer a "baby bag" as she is a big girl now) are packed, there's hardly room for a paperback book. So, the Kindle 2. Jus' sayin'.

The End.

10 Reasons to buy the Kindle 2
(From Crunchgear.com)
1. It’s great if you travel. If you travel, the Kindle is a godsend. I’m the kind of guy who stocks up books for even short trips, fully expecting to finish War and Peace, Notes from Underground, and four Clive Cussler novels on a plane trip from Pittsburgh to Columbus. With the Kindle you have a full complement of books available at any time.

2. You can put anything you want on it. You can easily email DOC, TXT, and PDF files to your own Kindle email address for conversion to the Kindle – but that costs 10 cents.

3. It looks great. The Kindle 2 is an amazing improvement over the Kindle 1. If every manufacturer took cues on build quality and product life cycles from Amazon, we’d all be better off.

4. It feels great. This new version has excellent button placement and is thin enough to cut cheese. It’s eminently portable.

5. Almost any book at any time. Except for a few esoteric reference books I’ve found just about everything I need on the Kindle store. As more and more publishers go ebook – and I think an iPhone Kindle reader will truly blow the last bottlenecks out – this excuse will become ineffective.

6. It works in inclement conditions. I was in Mexico with the wife and kids and I wanted to test the Kindle out near the pool. Three books later and I felt like the laziest high-tech maven in the world. The ladies next to me brought twenty softcover novels with them and all of them got wet and messy. The Kindle worked like a dream.

7. The bookmarking and highlighting systems are vastly improved. The original Kindle had two methods for note-taking: you could select text and add a note or you could add a book mark. The new system refines those considerably and adds visual feedback whenever you take a note.

8. The dictionary is now in-line. When you move to a word, its definition appears at the bottom of the page. If you wanted a definition before, you had to pop out to a separate page.

9. You can almost see and understand the illustrations in 16 greyscale shades. Note the “almost.” However, it’s better than 4 shades, which was abysmal.

10. It is the future. Sorry, it is. Amazon nailed the ebook and they’re going to own the space for the next few years. Maybe they’ll pull a Netflix and sell the software to OEMs, which is fine by me. But ebooks are what we’ll be reading while we rocket to Mars in 2050. Or we’ll have our robotic concubines read them to us.

Witty Wednesday
9/23/09
How do you make a kleenex dance?... You put a boogie in it!

These are the jokes you collect at a children's hospital.

And, this is Bella zoned out in the morning.

Updates, updates...
I'm finally on the road to recovery with my dry socket issue. All the packing came out of my dry socket, and to my relief, the pain did not commence. SO, I am headed in the right direction and steadily decreasing the amount of ibuprofen I take each day. Phew. That was a rough road. However, now that I can eat regularly, I have more than made up for the 2 weeks that I lived off of a soft diet and my net weight gain is +2 pounds. Blech. Gotta head to the gym next week... no more excuses, Hall!

Bella is starting to put two words together! She'll say, "Help, please" or "Up, please" or "Nana, please" instead of one or the other.

She got her first time out from daddy the other day.

Her school photos turned out marvelously...to be revealed another time.

I've been appointed one of two charge nurses in our department (and the crowd goes wild...)

Bella can count to three...

Go Cougs!
9/12/09
Bella and I had our first ever Washington State Cougars game this Saturday! We donned all our WSU gear, adhered tattoos to our faces, and cheered our team on with the best of them. Having gone to a tiny school with little football action, going to a college game of this size was how I imagine NFL games to be. It was very exciting and I find myself getting sucked into the season! Hey, if I'm going to live here I've got to live and breathe Cougars!

Happy Thoughts
9.9.09
My wisdom teeth extraction experience is not a pleasant one. It was not normal. My upper wisdom teeth had roots which were located in my sinuses, so upon removal, a gaping hole remained and still remains causing me great discomfort. My bottom wisdom teeth were so impacted, they had to be sectioned out and the nerves were exposed to air and the elements - again, causing me great discomfort. I will not continue to complain, but I will say that this is definitely worse than laboring for 30 hours with Isabel, while on increasing doses of pitocin. I will also say this is worse than waiting 11 days after Charles broke both bones in my right leg to have the surgery. The end.

Here's what Isabel is up to:
1. She can finish some lines of certain nursery rhymes when we read them together. For instance, if I say, "One, two, buckle my..." She will finish with "Shoe!"

2. She can go down the stairs without holding onto the walls or rails. Dangerous, still, so we remain close.

3. She hasn't gone to the potty since that first time.

4. She sings into things that look like microphones.

5. Bella can use doorknobs for their intended purposes now, but freaks out when she shuts herself in a room.

6. She knows the names of her friends and teachers at school.

7. When you sing the alphabet, she pretends to sign it by holding her right hand up and wiggling her fingers frantically. Apparently, they are teaching them the alphabet song with sign language.

8. When she comes home, she goes up the stairs to the door by herself, waits for me to open the door, and goes straight to her easel and colors.

9. She asks for a lot of different foods by names. See below.

10. She told me "no" to the first outfit I picked out for her today. She approved the next one.

Bella's words:
nacks = snacks, kaker = crackers, cereo = cereal, wawa = water, feesh = fish (goldfish), yogir = yogurt, chees = cheese, gapes = grapes, buberry = blueberries, nana = banana, dink = drink

She knows the animal noises for cow = moo, horse = naaay (which sounds more like knee when she does it), bird = teet, teet, snake = ssss, sheep = baba, duck = cack, cack

She says "Yucky" whenever something is stuck to her that she doesn't like, a piece of lint on her pants, a crumb on her arm. She repeats "yucky" until you remove the offensive item. I think I have a princess on my hands.

She can identify many things, imitate more, repeat loads... but still her favorite words are: MINE & NO!

Step Interval Cardio Class
1 September 2009
I am my mother's daughter. As a child, my mother dragged my brother and I to the gym 2-3 times a week, if not more, to work out. I vaguely remember being annoyed that I wasn't old enough to stay at home alone. She dropped us off at the child care center for the duration of her step aerobics class. My mother lived and breathed working out, still does. She is dedicated to the gym and sweating to club beats. Charles has been encouraging me to try one of the classes, but I just couldn't swallow the idea of jumping up and down and around little boxes and yelling out the counts. I've resumed jogging/running for the last couple of weeks, but as was predicted, my ankles and knees are already screaming for mercy. I tried to run this evening, but a quarter mile into it I couldn't withstand the pinch and twirk of my joints. So, I thought, "What the Hell?!" I'll try the step interval cardio class.

I tentatively entered the aerobics room and saw that some benches had already been set up, topped off with water bottles claiming the space. So, I set up a medium height bench (so as not to get too ahead of myself) near the back of the room. A nice lady lined her bench next to mine and we introduced ourselves. I admitted I was a first timer, so please don't laugh! She was encouraging and told me how the class works and what equipment to have handy. The first beats began to play. I couldn't help but laugh out loud...I felt ridiculous! I was sure I wouldn't be able to work up a sweat to this bench hopping hocus pocus. Sure enough, twenty minutes into it and I was drenched with sweat and working to keep up with the rest of the class. Every so often we'd have breaks of spinning for 5 minutes which further intensified my heart rate and opened the flood gates of my sweat glands. By the end I'd learned most of the moves and counts, but I'll admit, this was no joke! I felt like I was at boot camp doing group exercises! I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, "Oh my gosh, I am my mother." I'm pretty sure I'm addicted and now can understand fully the joy she had in her work outs. It's so contagious and energizing!

Kayak Point Camping Trip
August 28-30, 2009
I posted pictures on the photo albums page!

Hall Headlines
26th day of August, 2009
Headline News - Isabella Grace of Bothell, Wa has appropriately used the potty. After dinner on this cool evening, Isabella was taking a bubble bath when she announced, "Poo, poo". After being swiped from the warm water, she sat on her potty and performed her duties without hesitation. This new achievement did not come without fear, however. The facial expression that Isabella Grace was wearing did nothing to hide her discomfort of doing her business without a diaper, without clothes, and without hiding. Once finished, she examined the contents of the potty and giggled. This evening will forever go down in history as Isabella Grace's first successful use of the potty. (Photo not taken... though seriously contemplated.)

Nathaniel Alexander
He's here! Our new nephew is here! Hooray! We can't wait to meet the little guy! Mom and baby are resting and healthy... more to come!

Hello?
August 22, 2009
First off, is anyone there? I know it was all fun and exciting during the pregnancy and Bella's first year when your comments were abundant and your emails flew in like the Blue Angels after each post... but she's a toddler now! She's funny. We have new adventures! Are you still reading? Comment. Please. Let me know I'm not just talking at myself.

Life
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. How is it done? How do you have 2.5 children, a dog, a picket fence, an enjoyable career, a house, a list of traveled to destinations? How do you live "the dream"... what is the dream?

The grass is always greener, right? Tim and Beth just lived one of my dreams to go to South Africa. In the same breath, I know some people would give anything to live my life...a husband, a beautiful baby, a home, a rewarding career.

How do you have it all? By "all", I certainly don't mean "all". I just mean, how do you fit in what you can?

SO, we didn't sell our house. That threw off our plans in a big way. (Who's plan is it anyway?) No use crying over spilled milk. However, now we're trying to figure out when we should have baby #2 (God willing). And...my master's degree. And...how do we afford daycare for two? And...moving in November. And...buying a house again? And...traveling (I can't tell you how much I miss traveling). And...how does one afford three airline tickets anywhere (Bella turns two soon...meaning a full price ticket)?

Charles and I would LOVE to go on a real vacation. What about visiting family? We want Bella to know her family... How do I even earn enough vacation days? Shouldn't I save my vacation for maternity leave? Isn't spending as much time as possible with your newborn more important than say, going to Greece? How does one save enough cash?

As I reread what I've written, two things come to mind: First, I want to assure you, I wouldn't change my life in any way and I am truly grateful for the blessings that God has bestowed upon my family. Secondly, when you see our videos on America's Funniest Videos, please vote for us. (Ok, three things.) Third, this is called being a grown up, having a family, and prioritizing. Sometimes I just have to remind myself.

A normal Saturday
Our Saturday started out kind of slow, but we eventually got moving at noon. We headed out to lovely Bellevue to play in a lovely park for a couple of hours. During our traipse around Main Street Bellevue we stumbled across the Taste of Main. We enjoyed some music and Bella got an up close tour of a Police Rescue vehicle. Once we'd taken in the sights and adequately tired Bella out, we headed home. Once home, we packed up again to go to the pool at the gym. Bella really L-O-V-E-S the pool and still saying "love" doesn't quite suffice there. Charles tested out her "breath-holding" reflex and dunk her under - yip, still intact. We closed out our evening with storytime at Barnes and Nobles. And that there folks is our regular family Saturday.

Sew... what?!
August-ish
I made Bella's first blanket! (Only 19 months too late, but who's counting?!) I bought this fabric while pregnant in Maryland, if I remember right, with Bella's memaw when she was visiting. It was then that the birth of my sewing dreams were conjured. It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that that dream became reality! I was so excited and so proud... of such a simple thing! It was really quite fun to make and I've already got my next projects lined up. I couldn't stop looking at it and asking for compliments! Yay!

18 month check-up
8/18/09
...a month late.

Funny how in the first year, I was completely neurotic about her appointments and this year, I forgot to get her 15 month immunizations and schedule an 18 month check up. Wow. K, that was my confession. I feel better now.

So, she is totally advanced. (All my patient's parents always say their kids are advanced, I think it's funny... though Bella really is advanced... ) Wink, wink.

Anyway, she's right on target...talking, singing, dancing, height, weight, learning, pretending, copying. She's 25 lbs and 2'8" tall which puts her at the 50th percentile.

School Pictures
I got an email yesterday from Bella's school director announcing that they are having class pictures taken on Monday. Something about the idea of her taking class pictures already made my eyes well up! My little girl is having her first school pictures taken! The email suggested we dress them up and fill out the order forms early. My first thought was that they ought to take these pictures early in the morning before all the kids start looking crazy. Actually, the term we use is "homeless". My mommy friends and I agree that our kids look homeless by the time we pick them up in the afternoon. Don't get me wrong, it's not for the lack of care and attention. Kids are kids. However, by the end of the day, they are wearing food on their clothes and face, there may be paint or marker on their bodies, their hair is never in place, and undoubtedly they've played outside in the dirt! I've learned that if I want to go somewhere after I pick her up that I have to bring an extra change of clothes, a hair brush, and a washcloth! What do you do? Kids are going to be kids and look homeless by the end of the day!

Poddy
August 9-10, 2009
Who knew having a kid size potty in the house could be so entertaining? We are by no means hard-core potty training, we are simply enjoying a minute or two sitting on it, looking at it, and playing with the lid. We're thinking about it.

Yesterday I got the potty out while Bella was in her bath and just set it down next to the tub. Within 5 minutes, Bella started saying, "Poddy, Poddy, Poddy" and stood in the tub trying to get out. So there I am thinking, "By golly, my daughter is SO going to get this on night one. I just know it!" Out of the tub she went and onto the "poddy" dripping wet she sat. Then there was a burst of giggles and she gave me the sign for all done. Sigh. Into the tub. Three minutes later she said, "Poo. Poo." and since I'm terrified of her pooing in the tub, I swiped her out and sat her on the potty again. She sat there a minute and then starts straining and making a "straining face". Of course, I'm patting myself on the back thinking I've raised such a smart girl. Then the giggles and "all done". Sigh. Back in the tub. (One more time...) "Poo, poo", the fear in me made me get her out again and sit her on the thing. She makes the straining face and starts tooting...(I'm sure she'll love that I'm telling this story)...I start encouraging her...and then the fit of giggles. About 15 minutes after she's dressed she says, "Poo, poo." Sure enough, she's done it. That's night one of lazy potty training.

Night two: we get home from daycare and she says, "Poddy, poddy". Bella and I race upstairs, strip her down and she sits on the potty. Giggles. Sigh. I stand her up and oh, what do you know, she pees on the floor. Sigh.

So, here's what I've gathered: she obviously knows what its for and can kind of tell what's going on with her body. It's a timing thing... she announces it, I sit her on the can, and then nothing. 10-15 seconds or minutes later, there it is. Hmm... good times, good times.

Guilty Pleasures
August 2, 2009
These are the things I enjoy when I'm home alone:
1. Uninterrupted movies.
2. Using paper products so clean up is minimal.
3. Not rushing to get grocery shopping done.
4. Spontaneously stopping by a store on a whim.
5. Carrying a small purse!
6. Not having to tip toe around in the morning.
7. Time to catch up with friends.
8. Long showers!
9. Not making lunches!
10. Time to do whatever I feel like!

However, these are the things that I miss when I'm home alone: (I'll leave all the mushy gooey stuff I miss about Charles not being here)
1. The sound of "mama".
2. The feeling of Bella hugging on my legs.
3. The sound of Charles & Bella playing.
4. Conversing with Bella.
5. Hearing new words that she's learned.
6. Watching her attack and devour her food.
7. Getting her attention at day care when I arrive and kneeling down to receive her as she runs into my open arms.
8.Watching her "pretend" with her toys.
9. Our nighttime routine.
10. Hugs and kisses and cuddles from Bella and of course Charles...

Mommy & her busy weekend
Prior to Charles and Bella taking off, I'd worried that I'd get lonely or get sad that they weren't here. So, I naturally made plans. I needed to catch up with girlfriends, so that's what I did. Friday I worked, had happy hour with coworkers, then met up with Heather for movie, and the coffee. I got to bed around 1 a.m. (after watching Bridge of Madison County). Saturday morning I ran errands, dropped off dry cleaning, picked up around the house, then met up with Sarah for a country concert. We were at the concert venue from 4 until 11! Got home around midnight, bed around one. Had tentative plans for Sunday, but I was soooo tired I bailed! I felt like crap! Four weekends of traveling and I'm realizing I'm just not cut out for that any longer! Phew. So, we're done with our summer travels and are going to enjoy our lovely state from home! It sure made for some fun & good memories though!

Chicago
July 24-26, 2009
To think, Carl and Rebekah met on one of our wild spring breaks in New Orleans... she had given him a fake name and seduced him into buying her drinks. Six years later, over this weekend, they were wed! Congratulations! It was a fantastic weekend filled with laughter, good memories, new memories, stories, new marriage, new pregnancies... sigh. Time flies. I can never get over how fast time flies.

Bella or no Bella?
Just two days before my weekend jaunt to Chicago, Charles and I decided Bella was too ill to bring her along on my trip. She was getting a cold and I couldn't imagine sitting with her in an airport for an hour or so before the flight, for four hours on my lap, a 1.5 hour drive to Rockford, and then again on Sunday in reverse.

I felt alright with the decision although I knew it would sorely disappoint my mother. However, I guiltily felt a bit relieved in not bringing her knowing I would get to spend more time with friends and less time driving in between. After all, how often is it that all of us girls are together anymore? L.A. was the first time Bella and I had been apart... I can hardly believe it. Perhaps it was a test run for my Chicago weekend. I called often and "talked" with Bella on the phone which was nice. Her "Hiiee" instigated many feelings, most of which were sadness to be apart, directly followed by reassurance to myself that it was ok to have "mommy" time.

Weekend Getaway
July 17, 18, 19, 2009
"Charles and his weekend getaways..." says a friend of mine. It's true. Charles has a knack for whisking me away for a weekend here or there and I. LOVE. IT.

As this weekend approached, Charles suggested I find some place for us to go. Book it, he said. So all day on Wed, Thurs, Fri I spent scouring the internet looking for a not-so-far-away-yet-could-feel-like-a-vacation-spot to the mighty East of us. We had a budget, an ideal distance, and a preferred style of vacation - so you see, it wasn't an easy task. However, by Friday I was thisclose to booking a chalet in Leavenworth, WA (look it up - it's adorable). I called him to confirm and this is what he says: "The sooner you get home the better. We can be where I'm thinking by 9 or 10." Later he adds clues (like he always does - and like a child, I love it): we will have several modes of transportation. So, I'm thinking, by golly are we going to NM? Alaska? Canada?

I get off of work a half hour early at three and call him. He says he's on his way to Mercer Island...it's all part of the plan. At this point my head is swimming in excitement and nervous energy. How should I pack? What does Bella need? He tells me that I should pack like I'm in town, but sort of camping. Huh? He says he'll meet me at home, but we need to be turned around...packed, ready to go...in 10 minutes. Hmm...ok. By pure adrenaline, I manage and we are out the door driving north which could mean a destination of a multitude of beautiful places. A few hours later, we are in Anacortes in line to board the ferry. This could mean that we are heading to one of several of the San Juan Islands and still I am not sure if we are camping, hotel-ing, resort-ing or what. Giddy with excitement I enjoy my first trip to and through the San Juans. (Again, look it up, GORGEOUS!) Around 10 p.m we approach the world renowned Friday Harbor and Charles tells me what luck we've struck.

One of his doctors has invited us to use his "cottage". And by cottage, he meant, 6 bedrooms, gourmet kitchen, heated floors throughout, game room, 2 car garage, and a view of Roche Harbor. It was right on the water. AMAZING. We were so grateful for the opportunity to relax and explore more of our beautiful state of Washington. We were there barely two days and it actually felt like a real, relaxing, getaway. Saturday was the longest day ever...in a good way! I love island towns - it's like the hands of time are ticking away in slow motion, moving through molasses. We had a fabulous family weekend and hopefully we can take our family there someday (to further convince them to move to Washington - and trust me, it's PRETTY convincing).

WTP
July 2009
As we prepare kids to have surgery, we often tell the parents that we allow one comfort item. So, one kid after another usually arrives in our recovery room with their binky, banky, or bear. Many of them are Bella’s age or around Bella’s age. So it occurred to me that Bella never had and does not have a “security” item. She never sucked her thumb, needed a bottle for bed, or clung tightly to a blanket or toy.

Enter: WTP.

Background info: Bella’s room is decorated in Winnie the Pooh (WTP). We liked the neutral colors and traditional style which accommodated our desire to keep Bella’s gender a surprise.

So, we went on a weekend getaway for Jen’s baby shower. Charles and Bella left a day ahead of me and he tells me that as they toured Jen’s nursery, Bella spotted a WTP stuffed animal almost identical to the one she has at home. It was then that an unbreakable bond was created between Bella and WTP. Sparks flew and they could no longer stand to be separated. She calls him Pooh. We ended up having to bring him back to Seattle with us, she was that attached. WTP went everywhere with her that weekend. When he was absent momentarily, Bella would only speak of her beloved Pooh.

Now, back on the home front, in order for Bella to leave for school in the morning without Pooh she has to lay him down for “nigh, nigh”. She and Charles have a whole routine of putting him to sleep identical to our night time routine with her. She tucks him in, they say prayers, blow kisses and say “byee, byeee”. When I bring her in after picking her up in the afternoon, she immediately asks for Pooh. I say, “Remember? Pooh went ‘night, night’, so we have to ‘shhh’”. So then she says, “Nigh, nigh Pooh” (while doing the sign for sleep) and she holds her finger to her lips and says, “Shh…” Just before we lay her down, she spots Pooh safely tucked away and Bella gets insanely giddy at the idea of being reunited with Precious Pooh. Giggling, smiling and everything.

Last night Bella cried out multiple times as she is getting some molars in and having trouble sleeping. Each time we went in to check on her she had her arm around Pooh’s neck. If Pooh had slipped out of sight under the covers, she looked for him. If we pick her up without Pooh at the same time, she just about dives back in the crib head first to rescue him. It’s incredibly darling…

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” --WTP

Home.
15 July 2009
I remember the first couple of years that I had my driver’s license, cruising the streets in Rockford, enjoying a new found freedom. When I had to drive somewhere new, I’d have to get directions, and pay close attention as I navigated the roads. It wasn’t long before I realized that I knew the streets of Rockford, it had been my home all of my life. The system of streets, highways, and alleys was already mapped out in my mind. Each turn would trigger a memory of which direction to turn my wheel towards next. A landmark would remind me that I needed to continue on my way for 2 more blocks before my destination. There were times that I would be on autopilot and end up at my “point B” without a clue as to how I arrived there. Other times, I would end up at other frequently driven to locales though I meant to go elsewhere due to my “autopilot” status. I just knew it so well. I was home.

In Maryland, well, it wasn’t the same. Charles and I always talked about how we always knew we’d be moving, so I failed to really settle in there. I was always anticipating “the move”, so didn’t cling tightly to too many people and I didn’t drive around too much. Charles will tell you that I used my GPS all the time, except to go to work and back. I repeatedly asked directions to certain parts of town, never really deciphering the signs, the turns, and winding roads myself.

Last week, as I was headed to pick up Bella, I found myself “waking up” on the road to figure out where I was. Autopilot. I glazed in and out on every road and had to regain awareness of where I was going and that I was on the correct road—which I was. My autopilot was taking me there. Seattle highways and byways are quickly imprinting themselves on my mind. I am actually living here, this is my home. Another reason I know this is home? When we turn onto our street, Bella says, “…(H)Ome…” excitedly.

The Fourth of July
2009
The American flag on a coffin.
A wife and child waving their husband and father as he leaves for deployment.
Navy enlisted in their white cracker jacks standing along the edge of their ship as they move away from shore into an unknown future.
Movies, scenes, news, and footage that depict our nation's heroes, past & present, as they risk their lives and possibly make the ultimate sacrifice.
The veterans that we saw wave proudly in the parade, holding their flags, basking in the glory of crowd...
These are the things that make me proud and humble to live in this country. Happy Birthday America!

The Potty
July 8, 2009
So, I'm not quite ready to tackle this next big adventure: potty training. I'm ready to start thinking about it. I'm not sure Bella is quite ready, yet, but getting close. I mean, she lets me know when she's wet or had a #2 by saying, "Dyee, Dyee" and grabbing her diaper or by saying "Poo" and grabbing her diaper. I figure, if she can let me know after, how do I change her thinking to let me know before she relieves herself?

So I'm asking: please depart your knowledge upon me. I want to know your experiences, your things to do, things to avoid... funny stories. Potties that worked for you or didn't. How long did it take? How old was your kiddo when they started training or finally got it? Did you use bribes? How did you make it fun? The Guestbook is now open for your words of wisdom!

Thank you in advance!

Four Years
There is no other place in the world I'd rather be than right here with you; with the path that we've taken, the path that we're forging, and the paths that we'll cross. Love you.

All Better
1 July 2009
I often wondered how Bella would learn that my tender kisses on a bruised elbow or pinched finger could make any "ow" vanish as if it never existed in the first place. I can't take credit for teaching this to her, but it has occurred on many occasions, recently. Today, for instance, she somehow managed to bump her forearm on a lower cabinet in the kitchen. She looked at me, held her forearm up for me to see "the injury", and walked over to me--holding her forearm high and away from her as if it now had a contagious disease--saying "ow" until I kissed the point of interest. After rendering her "all better", she nodded, as if given a new mission by her superior officer, and ran away to tackle whatever next came her way. When I say "ran away", I have to describe this to you. She runs now. She runs with her head low, her shoulder shrugged, and her arms bent at 90 degree angles propelling her forward--as if this position somehow makes her more aerodynamic. Her legs seem to move so fast--pitter, patter--across the floor but her distance is short and her head is frequently turned around to ensure that I am there to don her with my golden kisses the next time she should be afflicted with pain.

Great-Grandma McGrath
This photo is for Bella's G-G McGrath. Thank you for the Bella-size Dora!

Swansons in Seattle
Lask week of June 09
The Swansons stormed Seattle by road trip last week and we all had a delightful time.
They arrived Tuesday evening, just in time for juicy burgers and hot dogs. After oodling over Bella and re-introducing Jake & Papa Goofy to her (she had immediately been comfortable with Memaw), we all went on a walk on our nearby trails.
On Wednesday, I believe they relaxed in the morning and awaited Charles' return from work. After finishing a grueling work day myself, I was greeted by the familia in the parking lot and whisked away to the Mariners game. It was a first for all of us with the exception of Charles. The entire evening was enjoyed by one and all.
Thursday while I was at work, they toured downtown Seattle, Pikes Place, etc and in the evening we went to one of our fave restaurants Hot Iron. Friday was for the museums in Bremerton (Navy & Submarine) and a short ferry ride. That evening, the boys and I saw Transformers! Saturday we ventured East to Snoqualmie Falls and of course, some outlet shopping which yielded many new clothes for Bella. Sunday came and sadly the Swansons had to depart after worship and lunch at Red Robin. What a busy and fun week! In just over a week we will be taking off for LA for Jen's shower! Woo hoo!

Bella's building vocabulary
28 June 2009
Bahbowl = bubble
no
mine
peas = please
duck
doh = dog
pa pa
mama
dada
nos = nose
mow = mouth
money = monkey
bike
ball
piche = capishe
teech = teeth
nahnah = banana
These days Bella will say or repeat anything if prompted. It's exciting to hear what she's been listening to for so long!

No
June 11, 2009
Bella has learned the dreaded word, "no". Sigh. I consciously made the effort over the last 16 or so months to avoid using the word as much as possible, but that proved to be impossible while your child simply wants to explore, touch, pull, find, empty and play with everything! I used to say things like, "Honey, let's not do that" or "Bella, try this instead". Fruitless. It was inevitable, who am I kidding. So now, everything is "no". (And she says it so damn sweet that it's hard not to chuckle even though she's rejected your kisses!) So here's how it goes:
A: Can mommy have kisses?
B: No-o-o. (While shaking head vigorously left-right-left).
A: Show mommy where's your head?
B: No-o-o. (With her mouth all exaggerated into an "oh" shape and secretly thinking: seriously, mommy, I'm tired of this game.)
A: Okay Bella, let's put shoes on!
B: Noooo. (Walks away and looks back, like, what was she thinking!)
A: Here's your dinner Bella.
B: Noo-oo-oo. (While pushing plate away and trying to get out of seat.)
A: I don't blame you kid, mommy can't cook.

Disciplining Wars
Alright, so I'm done pretending like I'm Patty Perfect Parent. Surprise! Maybe you weren't so surprised. I've always felt, since I started this site anyway, that I couldn't be completely honest about the hard days, the depressed days, the exhausted days, the days where I felt like I was awful mom of the year. I thought you, my dear reader, would think, "Been there. Done that. Get over it, girl. We've been there." (Many of you were parents before me.) So here's an ugly truth: Charles and I don't always agree on how we discipline Bella. I agree with him in theory. We need to be firm. We need to be consistent. We need to have that tone in the voice that lets her know we're serious. She's a smart cookie, she tests, she pushes her luck, she tries to be sneaky when you're not looking. I completely agree. But honestly, try doing that when your little girl's mouth transforms into an honest to God upside-down half moon and HUGE crocodile tears roll down her cheeks and she crawls to you with her tail between her legs. How can I not want to be her hero?

I've got to get better at this. I definitely do not want to be the push over parent and I don't want to drive a wedge between Charles and I as the stakes get higher. But maybe he could just not be so stern...and I could be a little more stern. Maybe he could lower his voice just a tweency bit and I could raise mine a little more...

A conversation.
C: Remember when our house didn't sell as planned, but we took a risk and moved anyway?
A: Remember when we said goodbye to each other the night before we left, scared of all the uncertainty?
C: Remember when we moved in with friends and stayed in their office/guest room?
A: Remember when all we had was a few pieces of furniture and a couple weeks worth of clothes?
C: Remember when we couldn't afford Christmas presents for anyone or ourselves?
A: Remember when we only had one car between us?
C: Remember when we had to pay for formula with change we dug around for?
A:Remember when Bella was barely walking and teething?
C: Can you believe that was only 7 months ago?

It's nice when you can look back and see how far you've come in a short amount of time, with a lot of prayer, some planning, and lots of support from family & friends.

Scrub Butt
June 11, 2009
I think I'm pretty lucky when I consider all the professional categories that I could have fallen into. My job is rewarding so I feel great about what I do on a daily basis; it's social, so I feel connected to other people; it's critical, so I feel challenged intellectually... and I get to basically wear pajamas every day to work. I can't really think of any downsides to that except for the phenomenon we in the surgical world commonly refer to as "scrub butt". On the up side, we don't wear out our regular clothes and the hospital provides the scrubs. Should they get soiled there is seemingly an endless supply of scrubs. There is no fashion competition among my coworkers, we are all the same. Pockets, lots-o-pockets, for pens, gum, phone, notes, did I say pens? The downside: scrub butt. You wear these wonderfully comfortable, always-too-big-no-matter-what-size-you-are scrubs and you begin to feel invincible to calories. You go to work, feel light and itty bitty, go to the cafeteria and think, "I've got room for those! And those... I'll take those, too..." Then, BAM! The weekend comes, you go to put on your favorite jeans and you're hit smack in the face by the startling realization that scrub butt has got you again.

This is how we roll.
Not only are the perks of my job great, but this is how we do it in the OPC (Outpatient Procedure Center). Here we are in this picture, having an inservice & staff meeting. As you can see, we've rolled out stretchers and the reclining chairs and made ourselves quite comfortable for a 2 hour meeting! Our director also provided fancy (as in, not hospital provided) popsicles and ice cream. I think I'll stick around for awhile.

Bits & Pieces
6 June 2009
Finding less and less time to write thoughtful entries here. With the warmer weather we are often spending our free time outdoors every chance we get. However, here are some of Bella's latest adventures, mishaps, and short tales. **Typically, after her bath, I let Bella run to her room stark naked. Airtime is good for the rear end, thought to prevent diaper rash. Unfortunately for her, last week's incident will prevent this from ever occurring again. Imagine picking up little poops all the way from the hallway to her room. Hm.** **Last night, Bella woke up crying. I found her standing in her crib like she normally does, holding her hand out. It was so dark and I was still half asleep, so I naturally grabbed what she was holding out. Hm. A handful of boogies.** **She makes this adorable scrunchy face. I've been trying to capture it on video** **When daddy has his ball cap on, Bella absolutely has to have her hat on, too. It's precious. If her's falls off, she freaks out and puts it right back on.**

Germies
On Tuesday last week, we got a call from the daycare that Bella had a 102.5 degree temperature. Schucks. But that wasn't the "sch..." word I might have said at the time. Charles and I discussed who would take off of work early, and I was the one. As I've said before, these times that she's sick really remind us of how nice it would be to have family nearby. Charles and I are still relatively new at our jobs, and have already missed weeks of work due to Bella being sick or ourselves being sick after catching it from her. It's been really hard. Our workplaces are relatively understanding up front, but I'll find out how it reflects when my evaluation comes along soon. I'm actually in the hole when it comes to vacation/sick time. So our week long vacations that we had planned this summer have been transformed into quick Fri-Sun trips here and there. (Grandparents... are you getting this guilt trip yet? When are you going to move out here to be with your grandkiddo?) "They" say that when you move to a new place, you have to catch all the bugs in the new place until you get acclimated. Ouch. That could make for a long year. We ended up trading off half days at home with her the rest of the week. We are now looking into nanny agencies that we can use when she is sick. However, that makes me super uneasy to think of some stranger we've never met before stay in our house with our daughter when she is sick. I know I worked for an agency all through college, but I can't quite stomach the idea. I can't stomach the idea of being let go at work either though... Hmmm.

Whidbey Island
Going there just confirmed why we moved to the Pac-NW. Breathtaking. This picture is from Bella relaxing at the campsite. Honest. Not posed. She loved her little chair. We had planned on camping all weekend to take in the sites and have some good times, but with Bella just over her fevers (still not sure the etiology) we didn't want to expose her weakened immune system to the elements. So, we went up for the day and met up with everyone else. We enjoyed the beach, the camping, and the hiking quite a bit.

Baby Numero Dos
2 June 2009
I've got babies on the brain!
Two of my dear friends (one in Maryland and one in Illinois) are now pregnant with baby number two! These two pals don't know each other, but had their first babies in May last year and now they are both due in December this year!

This wonderful news has had an odd effect on me. Part of me feels like maybe we should start planning for number two, too. The other part of me is severely overwhelmed at the idea of having another little one when I feel as if I've just gotten into the swing of things. Hopefully Bella will at least be out of diapers by the time baby number two comes along!

31 May 2009
Toddler Time
Haven't done a TOP 10 list about Bella lately, so here goes: 1o. She makes really great attempts at saying the words that we ask her to repeat. One of the words today was "pretty", which came out: "phitty".
9. Did I mention she's letting us know when she needs a diaper change? She does this by grabbing her diaper. People say this is a good sign she'll be ready for potty training early, but we'll see.
8. She knows the sign for "please" and uses it regularly. We're working on adding "thank you" to her list of signs. 7. Now that it's warmer, she is wearing summer dresses a lot. And like all little girls, she loves to lift her dress up in public. It's adorable. 6. Today she touched a roley poley bug and discovered ants. She chased them all over our friends' yard. 5. She loves to mimic whatever we're doing. 4. She's completely off her sleep schedule and daily routine. We've had a few weeks of rough nights and nap times. 3. The sun stays out until almost 9-10 p.m., so it's been challenging to actually put her to bed at 7 since she (and us) would like to be out doing things in the evening! 2. Birds are her favorite. She points and giggles at them and says, "Buurrr" when she sees them. 1. She really likes her green veggies: peas, broccoli, green beans... Hmm, that last one was very anti-climactic, but that's all I could think of. I'm sure she does a lot more than this, but to list them all would be ridiculous!

Blake Island
May 24, 2009

A Birthday Sail
May 24, 2009

Boo Boo
May 23, 2009
Bella's a toddler and so naturally wipes out a lot. She gets running, with her body ahead of her feet, and she topples over. She hadn't gotten a real boo-boo until this one. Ouch! Here she is passed out in the v-berth on my birthday sail.

Hello Animals!
22 May
Bella's first trip to the zoo was a mix of fear, fascination, & fun. We had a blast! Here she really wanted to make sure the statues were fed since she wasn't allowed to feed the animals.

Our Worst Fear
Saturday May 16, 2009
...Well, one of them. I'm still having mental playbacks of the moment Charles, Isabel, and Ravenna fell into the water, into Lake Union, today. Where to begin? It started out to be a normal Saturday: a morning family run, errands, laundry... awesome festival in the University District where we met up with the Trujillo Family. The Dads went ahead to the boat while us girls continued shopping the festival. Speed up to the part where we're all at the sailboat. Josh takes Ravenna for a ride in the dinghy. We're not actually planning on taking the sailboat out, the guys are just cleaning, restocking, power washing and getting it geared up for the summer. Josh & Ravenna return and Charles decides he's going to take Ravenna and Bella out for a spin in the dinghy. So, Ravenna is sitting on the edge of the dinghy (mistake number one) while Charles prepares to step into the dinghy. Charles has Bella in his left arm (mistake number two) while stepping into the dinghy. Ravenna is jostled a little too much by Charles getting in and falls backwards into the water. Charles, with one foot in the boat and the other on the pier, lunges for Ravenna (gut reaction), but at the same time, the dinghy tips and he and Bella fall in. I'm watching from the pier (I had been ready to take pictures)... I drop the camera and lunge for the girls who are now crying bloody murder. Charles, from under water, hoists both the girls up (thank the Lord he's such a strong swimmer) so I can pull them out by their life jackets. Bella is closest to me, so I pull her out. Then Charles brings Ravenna over, but I'm not strong enough to pull her all the way out, so I just hold her halfway out with Bella crying into my ear. While all of this is going on in a matter of a couple of minutes, Josh runs over and grabs Ravenna out and Lina is on the sail boat wanting to help but has Araya in the sailboat to watch. Once I have both girls in my arms, Josh goes to help Charles out. Sheesh. I examine both the girls, making sure they haven't swallowed too much water and they are fine. At this point, Bella is laughing now and looking at her hands. I open up her hands to find that she has held on to the water rocks she took from inside the sailboat and was delighted to still have them! It was a fast few minutes, but our fight or flight gut reactions went into gear and my heart is still racing. Thank God both the girls had their life jackets on... though they went under water it was just a split second before they were bobbing upright. No one was injured, everyone was safe. We're all just a little more cautious now.

Healthier Halls
12 May 2009
Well, after Charles had a bout with influenza A, we are now all healthier! Bella completed her prescription for antibiotics, I am back to work, and Charles also returned to work today. Let's hope we never get this sick again! It was terrible!

Mother's Day
Despite Charles' being sick with the flu, he managed to pull off a wonderful mother's day surprise for me. I woke up to a trail of roses leading out of the bedroom to where I found an amazing breakfast and 2 dozen roses! I have an amazing husband and daughter!

Hall Health Headlines
3 May 2009
Today is day number 7, yes, a whole straight week, that Isabel has had a fever. Despite that, her affect is only slightly lethargic. Over the weekend she developed nasty boogeroos and a wet cough. We continued to give her tylenol around the clock to no avail. Off to the doctor we went this afternoon and Bella was diagnosed with a sinus infection. She was prescribed an antibiotic (ooh, a first!) and hopefully this infection will meet its demise. Me. I wanted to die this weekend. I got a tickle in my throat on Wednesday/Thursday, but was quick to chalk it up to my allergies. On Friday, I was debilitated. I...hit...a...brick...wall. Getting out of bed was an insurmountable task. Muscles in my body that I didn't know I had ached and screamed for mercy. I had the headache from HELL. Hell's Hell. I was freezing in a tub of scalding hot water. I woke up drenched half a dozen times a day. Flu, you toxic villain, you certainly won this round. I had an appointment right after Bella and was diagnosed with the flu. However, already on the mend, I didn't require any specific treatment but was told I was not safe to return to work right away. And for the first time, I'm sad about that because actually really LOVE my work and feel terrible about leaving them in a crunch. All weekend Charles bounced between Bella and I - keeping us quarantined in different parts of the house. I can't tell you how sad it was to have Bella look at me, reach for me, say, "Ma Ma" - and to have to tell her that I can't... so heartbreaking. Today, Charles has come home with $40 of cold/flu medicine, gatorade, kleenex and reports of feeling a stiff neck. Uh oh - here we go.

15 Month Check uP
28 April 2009
Bella weighs a whopping 22.5 pounds and is 2 feet 6 inches! Oh, Bella boo. Bella is sick - again - with fever and lethargy. She does not have any other sick symptoms, no runny nose, no cough. Yesterday, coincidentally, she had her well-baby check up, so we went out to see Dr. Kelley. He deemed her in the 50th percentile for height and weight. Of course, Charles made a funny reference to my height challenges and we all figured Bella would be on the petite side. She was sent home from daycare today... even though we had a doctor's note that said her fever was most likely not contagious. She reportedly had diarrhea, too. Hmm... funny, she didn't at home and hasn't had any since. (I understand their concern though and wanting to keep the other kids safe.) Anyway, so Charles has been home with her for two days and much to my dismay (or delight), I am staying home with her tomorrow. I say dismay because I hate, hate, having to "call out" of work. However, to my delight, I get to baby my baby all day tomorrow. At least there's one other mom on my unit who understand the joys of being working parents - her kids were sent home from day care the day before.

Day 8 of 12 On the Job
I'm working 12 days in a row because I took a Pediatric Advanced Life Saving class over the weekend... makes for great shopping money, but sheesh... I'm tired. Kinda feels like I'm running a marathon. I haven't spoken much of my new place of work, but I've got three words: I LOVE IT! I can't rave about it enough, but Charles has definitely noticed a significant difference in my attitude towards work. I get up in the morning looking forward to work, I come home relaxed, my commute is 20 minutes and it's easy, the ladies I work with are exceptionally wonderful and the kids I get to care for are a blessing and reminder of God's love.

An Angel
Short story that I wanted to share... Last week I was assigned to care for a 5 year old girl who was what we nurses call "complicated". She had a complicated family/social history, was blind, had multiple congenital deformities, and was about the size of Isabel. I'd heard her dad was difficult and that after her procedures she can have airway challenges. Naturally, I was a bit anxious about receiving her post procedure. She was wheeled into the recovery, screaming, her frail, 2 year old frame writhing in discomfort. Immediately, she began vomiting and required deep throat and nasal suctioning. Long story short, after an hour, she came to and I transferred her to an observation room where I continued to care for her. She perked up, began to eat, and became very conversive. This girl was smart as a whip and I would even venture to say far beyond her 5 years in maturity. At one moment, she turned towards my voice and said, "I like you Aubrey. Can I sing for you?" I said, "Of course" and was brought to tears by her sweet, sweet tender voice singing the words to "Jesus Loves the Little Children" followed by The National Anthem and Jesus Loves Me. She asked me to do her hair and when it came time to discharge her, she said, "I'll look for you the next time, Aubrey!" What a blessing.

Friends
4.19.09
As I've mentioned before, the girls see each other at least a few times a week whether its for a quick dinner together or playgroup or a party. They often end up taking a bath, too. On Friday night we ended up at Josh & Lina's to bbq. Eventually Josh and Charles went out for a drinks while Lina and I popped in a movie for the girls to fall asleep to. Lina and I got to talking about how nice it is that the girls are going to grow up together. While they were taking a bath, Lina said, "Aw, girls who take baths together end up being friends for life." Odd as it is, it's often true! We daydreamed about living next door to one another and having the girls have sleep overs one day, calling one another to get together and "just to talk". It's exciting to look forward and imagine all the opportunities they'll have to create memories. It makes my heart warm to know Bella has amazing family and friends to grow up with.

Announcement.
I hereby post this to announce our next big challenge and to hold us accountable for completing this mission. Charles, Bella and I are running a 5k May 31st, 2009 at 0900.

There. I've said it. Now it would be embarrassing to back out.

I casually mentioned it to Erin, one of the moms in PEPS at the Easter egg hunt. She suggested I email the group about it and we can turn it into one of our activities, running with our kiddos in their strollers. So, I did not expecting such a quick response from Erin stating that she's in and already completed the registration.

Shoot. I guess I've got to commit, don't I? My idea and all. How am I going to get Charles to agree to this? I thought there would be discussion before we sent in our registration forms!

So, we're doing it and it'll be a good way to get us running again on a timeline. We wouldn't want to embarass ourselves. Trash-talking has already begun. Josh got it started by saying he's going to smoke us... but they've got two kiddos to push...

I ran over the weekend and remembered how heavy the stroller is with Bella in it. Arms get pretty tired, too. Got miles to go before I rest...

Little Lady
4.19.09
This was Bella this morning getting ready for church. There are these moments where I find myself just captivated by her every action and I realize that this young toddler of mine will someday grow into a graceful, elegant young lady. Someday, we will send her off to a sleepover, her first dance, and wave her off to her honeymoon. This was one of those moments. She sat on the stairs to have her shoes put on and she ever so gracefully held out her feet to have shoes put on by daddy. (This is Easter dress #2.)

Last Week
Some of you may find it a bit strange that a mother would be nervous to care for her child on her own for an extended amount of time. Weeks ago, Charles presented me with the idea of going out of town for a week for work. Initially, the idea didn't phase me because my natural response was, "Who can we fly in to help out?" It then occurred to me that every time Charles had to go out of town since Isabel had been born, we'd had a grandparent fly in to visit and take care of Isabel while I worked. This trip, unfortunately, corresponded too closely with my secret birthday visitors being in town, a surgery, and Easter visitors in Rockford, so we couldn't coerce anyone to visit us during this week. I panicked. Odd, I'm her mother. I take care of her every day. I'm pretty much a pro at being a mommy (most of the time). Why on earth am I panicking? Despite my best attempts at rationalizing, I couldn't shake this anxiety. How was I to get myself up, get ready, get Bella ready, get to work on time, pick her up on time, feed her, bathe her, bed time her, and start all over again... without help? Without a break? Without an extra pair of hands? I kept telling myself that there are single parents all over the world who do this all the time, some with more than one offspring, it most definitely can't be that hard. Well, it was difficult, but definitely surmountable. It was also satisfying and rewarding. I adjusted my work schedule to allow me to drop Bella off; I arranged a back up person to pick Bella up each day in case I didn't get off of work on time. I packed extra food and clothes for Bella each day in case I couldn't have her home in time for dinner. I laid out every day's clothes in advance to save time. I planned and prepared all of our meals ahead of time, loaded the car up the night before, and employed sticky notes to remind me of what I might forget. In the end, I'm pretty proud of myself for what seems like such an ordinary thing to have done... take care of one's own child. Seems silly to see it in writing. It can be done and I can appreciate the fact that I have a very loving and caring husband who is very involved with his daughter. A round of applause as well, to all those single parents who do this every day - cheers!

15 months! TODAY!
15 April 2009
I haven't done a list in awhile, but that's because I'm mad at this site for not allowing list format or paragraph format or any kind of formatting for that matter. Ugh. However, I'm going to overlook this fault at the moment for the sake of writing down some of Bella's milestones. Here goes... in no particular order: 1. Bella tries to do "Itsy bitsy spider" by holding her pointer fingers together and swaying. 2. I can put her hair half up in pigtails now! (But not without a fight!) 3. She can hold her snacks in the car in a regular bowl without spilling (she doesn't need a snack trap anymore!) 4. She has 7.5 teeth and she lets me brush them as long as I sing the ABC's while doing it. 5. She likes to unlace her shoes. 6. It happened. She flipped herself into the bathtub by swinging one leg over. Scared the living you know what out of me. 7. Most of the time, she just lays down when it's bed time! 8. She can blow kisses now! 9. She is signing again and uses the signs for "all done", "milk", "bath", "more", and "eat". 10. Actually, when she's done eating, she'll pick up her plate and hold it out in front of her. 11. She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to be chased and to chase.

Egg-seeking Bella
I had wondered if Bella would grasp the idea of hunting eggs and collecting them in a colorful basket... for absolutely no reason at all. She demonstrated her egg hunting abilities to one and all and appeared to be a seasoned egg hunter. The determination and focus were clearly displayed through all of her actions as she scurried from one egg to another... long after the others had stopped. She picked one up, then ran to another; with an egg in each hand, she'd run to a third but figured that she had no way to carry it. So she'd quickly look for me nearby, toddle over to me, slam dunk her two eggs in her basket then return to third egg to collect. She had more eggs in her basket faster than the older kids! It was so fun to watch! Then on to the egg coloring. I wondered if she'd grasp this concept, too. She's never eaten a hard boiled egg, let alone dipped one in various cups of colored dye. Off the clothes went and onto the kitchen floor the kids sprawled. Bella got the hang of it quite quickly! She greedily took several eggs and plopped them into the dyes...over...and over...and over again. She was examining one when she discovered the egg shell comes off. When that occurred and she was sitting in a large puddle of dye, it was time for the bath... which of course was just another game of "how many girls can we fit in the tub..."

Secrets & Lies
April 3-5, 2009
It was hard, but we pulled it off. Months and months of planning between Jen, Dad (Hall), and I resulted in a fun-filled birthday extravaganza for Charles and Louis. Will write more when time allows... it was a fantastic weekend! They couldn't have come on a better weekend weather-wise... it was stunning here in the Pacific Northwest. The sun burst through the gray skies every day, the temperature was warm, the mountain ranges were in view all around... and our boys turned 74...collectively.

Growin' Up Bella
3.30.09
I remember people telling us stories about weaning kids off bottles or toilet training...they said, "Wait until they're ready, it'll happen." Being the worrisome, maybe even neurotic, mommy that I am, I was antsy to get Bella off the bottle. I'd been thinking that we need to wean her SOON and I'd tried a few times in the past to no avail. Well, it took ONE week. She must've been ready, as they say. Not only did we wean her off the bottle, but we weaned her off her bedtime bottle of milk! Tonight, in fact, after bath time and after story time, she just laid down. She giggled as we tucked her in and watched us as we walked out, turned out the light, and didn't make so much as a peep or movement. In the past, she would whimper or cry for a few minutes after we left, but tonight she just went off to sleep. AMAZING. Growing up too fast.

Bullies and "Mama Instinct"
Last week one of the daycare providers informed Charles that a little boy, slightly bigger and a little older, had been pushing Bella around. She told us that it didn't take too long before Bella started to shout and put up her hand to his chest to stop him before he could reach her. When Charles told me, I couldn't help but want to find out who this kiddo is and just push him down! I know that sounds awful, but I can't lie. I'm proud of my Bella for finding a way to deal with him and stop him before he starts. When I went to pick her up today, they were outside and she was inside the toy car. I could only see that it was her by her coat, but then I identified her squeal as an older girl picked her up and pull her out. UGH. It was obvious Bella did not appreciate that. I resisted running in to rescue her and fight her fight... these things happen and Bella's going to have to learn to be a defensive driver.

Bella Goes to Egypt
24 March 2009
Beth & Tim took Isabel with them on their trip to Egypt! What an awesome idea - we LOVE it. Thank you! I can't wait for Isabel to one day get a kick out of this... like Beth said, maybe she'll have deja vu!

204 Main St.
Again, a Hall-life example of why God's timing is so perfect. Forgive all my gripings and goings on about our house not renting, for now I see the reason. Our current tenant is a God-fearing, children's book author who's titles include: Heavenly Hugs, Held in Heaven's Hands, among others. She writes Christian books for children during times of grief. Many of you reading may think this to be a very small niche, but in the world I work in, this is a very large population. She's living there alone and has already raved to Charles about how much she enjoys the area, our neighbors, and our home. Remind me again why it's so hard to just let God?

Pick Up Duty
I have the privilege of having Bella pick up duty in the afternoon - I wait in anticipation for the moment she sees me at daycare. Today I arrived to find them playing outside. Before she saw me, she was sitting in a toy car holding onto the steering wheel. Her classroom teacher knelt down and said, "Bella, guess who's here" and pointed in my direction. Once Bella saw me, she couldn't get out of the car fast enough. I'd never seen her RUN so fast! Other days, she reacts in much the same fashion and usually squeals. I definitely have the better end of the bargain. Charles says she is super clingy when he has to drop her off, usually hugging onto his legs trying to prevent him from leaving. It breaks my heart to think of it. If I had to drop her off, it would be a long process!

Work, work, work...
Getting back into the swing of things... my department opening has been delayed to April 13th, so until then, I am working in the main PACU learning the routine.

Another week!
22 March 2009
This week was interesting. Monday morning we woke to find Isabel with fever. Charles stayed home with her and tried to nurse her back to health. We treated her with the usual tylenol and gave her lots of TLC. It was one of those now rare moments where we go, "My, we are indeed parents--who is going to stay home when our child is sick?" Let me not forget to mention that we had lost heat in our house, so it was freezing... I came home to find Charles and Isabel holed up in the guest room with a space heater. We decided to live out of the guest room for the night, ordered pizza, and cozied up together on the guest bed. Isabel's fever persisted through the night and when it remained 105.2, even after a tepid bath, we took her into the ER. They kept us for a few hours, ran tests to rule out pneumonia and RSV, gave her a chest x-ray... then let us go around 2 a.m. Luckily, I didn't have to be at work until 8. Charles was able to stay home with her again on Tuesday while her fever slowly relented, but still she had no appetite and seemed lethargic. Wednesday, Charles had to go into work, so despite my "new hire" status, I had to take the morning off. Again, another reality of being a working mama. Luckily, my boss was extremely understanding, again a perk of working at Children's which totes it's "work/life" balance policy. Thursday she was able to return to daycare after being fever free for 24 hours without medication (state law). Happy to say she is back to her normal, goofy, fun-loving, always smiling self. Yay!

Dress Up
Saturday night we returned the favor to the Trujillos and babysat for them. Charles and I went over at about 5 and took over parenting duties. Of course, being at Ravenna's house... dress up and costumes ensued...

Main St.
On another great note... we have someone living in our Myersville house!!! Yay! They moved in last weekend and we are stoked. We, obviously, hope they are good renters and that everything goes well. Thank the LORD!

Piss Poor Planning Produces Poor Performance
15 March 2009
(This is the 3rd time I've had to retype this blog - damn computers.) Sunday afternoon my friend Sarah and I had lunch at my place, then took a short jaunt to the nursing supply store to get a few things before we both started our real jobs on Monday. I got a text from Josh: "Going hiking. Call me." I called him and he said they were heading off to Rattlesnake Ridge - last minute - could we meet up? I consulted Sarah, who was game, then called Chas who was also game. I said I'd be home in 10 - could he have our gear packed in 10? He said yes. We arrived home in 20 (still learning my way around) and found Charles ready to rock and roll. We headed to Rattlesnake Ridge which is about 40-45 minutes East of us. As we reached the half way point, the skies began darkening and the winds started to pick up. We then noticed that our thermometer reading was dropping ever so slightly. What started out at 48 and sunny in Bothell was now 39 degrees, dark, and windy. We began to question our decision, but proceeded anyway. We figured, our Seattlite friends, Josh & Lina, wouldn't lead us astray when they themselves also had two kids to worry about. As we reached the base of the mountain, we noticed, to our shock & dismay, SNOW. We hadn't anticipated snow. We found Josh, Lina, Mike, Barbara, the girls, & Luna at the trailhead ready to go. They also laughed our situation which no one had anticipated. Barbara offered us "doggy-doo" plastic bags for our shoes which we quickly donned to protect our toesies from freezing. We began our ascension which started off enjoyable, easy conversation, not too slippery ground. As we journeyed on, we realized how great of a packer Charles is...perhaps his Navy training was good for something after all. One by one, as we got colder, Charles had enough gloves, hats, scarves, and layers for us all. When it started raining, Charles had enough rain gear for those who needed it. Rain hood for Bella's back pack carrier...check. What was to be an enjoyable Sunday afternoon, spontaneous hike, quickly turned into a dangerous, ridiculous idea as the rain, sleet, and hail flew at us diagonally. The game turned into who would turn back first. It would naturally be for the kids sake, right? We eventually all agreed to turn around, "for the kids", and get some hot lunch at the Trujillo's. It was best for the kids, really.

Updates, updates
3/10/09
I want to begin this by telling you another awesome Seattle kids thing (of course I am always trying to sell people Seattle so our friends & family move here). On Saturday afternoon, the Seattle symphony jazz band put on a kids concert - a full blown jazz concert, all the instruments and even the tuxedos - just for kids! We went with our "new" (they made us "official" members of their group) PEPS group and got front row seats! The kids were allowed to run and play and dance to the music. Afterward, there was a question and answer time! They do this apparently every 6 months and it is so popular you have to get advance tickets though its FREE! What a great way to expose kids to all kinds of music! The whole concert hall was FULL!

DAY CARE DAY ONE
We've heard all the things proud parents want to hear from their child's teacher: "She's such a joy in the class", "We're so glad to have her", "She's so pleasant and mild mannered"! Day one was really rough for me... and yes, I did cry a bit (maybe more than a bit - but I definitely didn't sob) as we left her there. As we called out one last "Bye Bella", she didn't even turn around as she waved us good bye. When we went to pick her up, she clung to one of the daycare workers and tried not to come to us! A good sign letting us know she felt comfortable and enjoyed herself. I suppose it was a bit easier today and will get easier. She is SO tired from getting up a whole hour earlier that tonight, she was falling asleep as she ate her dinner at 6:15... spaghetti in mouth and all!

Work for Mommy Day One & Two
Yes, getting up at the crack of dawn and going to work is already kicking my rear end - I...Am...Tired! I feel like a true working mommy already... I've flown home, gotten dinner ready, given Bella her bath, had some play time, read her her stories, said prayers then put her off to sleep. Next came dishes, kitchen clean up, prepping our lunches for the next day...watching a little dancing with the stars... laying out all of our clothes for the next day...PHEW...I definitely miss my Bella-boo. I don't feel like we have as much time to connect and play anymore and it is a significant part of my day I miss. I feel like my time is always rushed with her. It should be better next week as I'll get off at the time I'll be getting off of work at 3:30, so we'll have more of the afternoon together. Anyway, we're all getting adjusted and happy to be employed!

Peaks & Valleys
So, that phone call we got on Saturday morning that I mentioned in my last post...yeah, that one. Well, it was a call that someone had put in an application for our house and that it all checked out and that they wanted to move in ASAP. So, as you can imagine, with the economy & all, we were STOKED. Well, it fell through. Boo.

The Night Before
Sunday March 8th
God continues to prove his existence in our lives every day. I have neither the time nor the energy to lay out this entry the way that I'd like, but here goes: First, I am starting an incredible job on Monday. Second, Charles and I woke up to a very exciting phone call today! Spent the day busily getting ourselves ready for a new adventure. Bella starts daycare tomorrow and I will have my first day of work. Yes, that's right, I'm employed - which is a miracle with the state of the economy right now - so I'm so thankful. I had to tackle today quite differently than the last four months. Bella's daycare is a great situation, in a church, Christian-based, and a small class size for her age. We really like it and hope that it works out. However, unlike other daycares, we have to provide lunch for Isabel - a carefully planned out lunch, low sugar, based on the food pyramid for kids. I'm pretty good at making sure Bella gets her fruits, veggies, proteins and whole grains at each meal, but to efficiently provide this for the week was a new challenge. So, to the grocery store I went and I prepared enough lunches for her to last the week. Steamed all the veggies, baked enough chicken, and cooked enough pasta so that we can throw her lunches together with ease all week. Go me! I feel a bit like a super mom! (All the while taking care of Bella, too!) So, after Bella went to bed tonight, I pulled out the label maker and labeled all of her belongings that she's taking to day care. I had to label her extra set of clothes, her toothbrush, her wipes box, etc. >>Sigh<< style="font-size:180%;">April 4, 2008 A strike There was, and still somewhat is, a strike going on in our house. It turns out that Bella's as opinionated as her daddy and as picky as her mommy. For two weeks Bella weaned herself off the bottle to the point where she would not take the bottle. From reports from a very frazzled daddy, Isabel would push it away, cry, and wail if you tried to give her the bottle. However, she would get so hungry she would continue her tantrum regardless. The whole situation was traumatic for all the Halls. So, I went out and spent a small fortune on different bottles and nipples - we were so desperate! Two days after said shopping spree, Isabel took the bottle yesterday with less of a protest. Hopefully she will continue to improve! A Bed Hog It's funny how this little, adorable bundle of joy has completely turned our lives inside out. It's been amazing! Charles and I always laugh at how before we had Isabel, we had all this resolve to not do this or not do that and do this or that regarding our parenting... well that went out the window! Before Isabel we had resolved to not have her sleep in bed with us - well it's the only thing that works and the only way we all get a good night's sleep! Not only does she sleep with us, but she sleeps sprawled out in the middle - so much so that Charles and I are pushed to the edges of the bed. We are stiff in the morning from not moving in fear of rolling over her or waking her up!

A Laugh
April 3 - her first laughter! I was at work and Charles called to give me "Izzy updates". He reported the usual but then excitedly told me that he had made her laugh! I was excited, but a little skeptical. Perhaps he confused a long run of cooing and gurgling. She hadn't laughed yet for me and we have great conversations! So last night, Isabel and I started talking and she got so excited at one point she really did laugh!! I tried to get it on video, but it was just that once. I can't wait until she's laughing more and louder! It melted our hearts to hear her first laughter! So cute! A birthday Charles' birthday is coming up (April 8!) and this weekend Isabel and I have a surprise for him! We can't wait!! Of course, pictures to come. Charles, by the way, is turning 25. ;) Our Last Pics on the Potamus Isabel's Meant for Sailing-Curled up in the VBerth Pulling Away from the Inner Harbor I heart sailing.

Sat. Mar 29, 2008 Our Last Sail on the Potamus For those of you who didn't know, Charles and I picked up a new hobby over the last couple of years: sailing. We fell in love with it in Seattle, bought a sailboat that was an amazing deal, and enjoyed learning the lessons it had to teach us. We fell deeper in love with the art of sailing. However, as we prepare for life's changes, we had to sell the boat. The lucky buyer? Tim & Beth. So, it stayed in the family and hopefully our first boat will be a good first for them, too. We were glad to be able to give them the gift of memories to come. So, on Saturday we went full circle and sailed the boat to the place where we first found it: Old Bay Marina. It would be our last sail on the Potamus. As we pulled away from Anchorage Marina for the last time, we spotted this boat named Isabella Grace! We couldn't believe it! We took it as a sign that it won't be our last sail. Once we're settled into this next chapter, we hope to be able to set sail again.

Tuesday: March 26, 2008 The Love of Auntie B Auntie Beth arrived today from Chi-town with outpouring excitement of love. She will be cuddling Isabella for the next couple of days...showing her with love and refining motherly skills! Beth's love for Bella girl is priceless!

Mar 23` Isabel's first Easter He is Risen! Isabel's first Easter was fantastic. Friends were in town. Good weather. An amazing crowd at church. Couldn't have asked for more. I tried to get Isabel excited for the Easter Egg Hunt, but she slept through it. Emily carried her around as I hunted for AN egg. (We didn't want to take any more away from the kids who were doing their own hunting.) Well, I suppose this time next year she'll be waddling around grabbing for her own Easter eggs.

Mar 21 2008 - Mar 25 2008 Rockford comes to visit! Emily & Kari came in on Friday, the 21st - after their flight got cancelled, their standby flight got cancelled, and then getting rerouted through good old West Virginia. We've toured the monuments (this is Kari's first time in D.C.) the fastest I've ever taken a first timer through. We're not the greatest tourists! We've been cooking, baking, relaxing, watching movies, reminiscing, and enjoying some great, quality time together. I really appreciate them coming. They've been great with Isabel and Isabel has really taken to them. They came with us to church last night and helped out with the Easter Egg Hunt and the potluck! It's been a great joy to have them out. Today, while I am at work, they are going to enjoy Baltimore and then I will meet up with them there for dinner! Isabel Stands... With a little help... Being a cougar kid

Mar 17 08 Isabel helps during diaper changes She gets the biggest grins during bath time and on the changing table. She couldn't be happier on the changing table. She bends her knees and holds her legs up in anticipation of changing time! She could be wailing and crying in sheer horror, but once on the changing table, it's all smiles! Silly Isabella. Love it. What a blessing she is.

17 March 2008 Happy St. Pat's! As usual, I forgot to wear Kelly Green clothing or ornaments today. Does sage count? My North Face fleece is sage green. Let's go backwards. Wednesday last week was my first day on call here at the NIH. Typically, there are no call cases. However, as luck would have it, there was a case added on for 6 p.m. So, I got off of work at 3:30 as planned and just hung out until the case got started. It was a quick case and a quick recovery for quite possibly the cutest little girl ever (next to Isabel). I packed up and realized I didn't have my phone. So, off I went, running all over the hospital retracing my steps without success. Well, I thought maybe I looked too fast, so I ran through it again. UGH. I was on call, so I needed to have my cell phone. I left, feeling defeated and frustrated, with no means of communication. (How is it that we ever lived without cell phones?!) The 45 min. drive home without a means to make contact or be contacted were so lonely! Sadly, Isabel was pretty much asleep when I got home so I got no mommy-Izzy time. :( Thursday... nice woman calls...she had found my phone in the parking garage. This renews my faith in kind people. She went under "My contacts" found my home number, googled it, found Charles Hall (called the house-no answer), searched the NIH directory, didn't find him, searched all the other Halls that had matching information. Scary what people can dig up. This time, I'm thankful for her detective skills. Fri...normal day at work. Isabel = adorable. I heart Isabel so much. Had friends over for dinner and Isabel was absolutely AH-mazing the whole time. She was awake, quiet, and peaceful allowing us grown-ups to chat. They had brought their two kids over - who were also AH-dorable. They are Abigail (2yrs) and Nathan (9 mos), again, so cute. Saturday... see entry... Sunday...church, bible study...went over to Dawn & Russel's. Isabel got to see Mila move around in Ms. Dawn's belly. Dawn was feeling under the weather, so hopefully our visit perked her up. We hope she's feeling better. Isabel is 2 months!!

Mar 15 08 Isabel... she is sleeping in long sprints of 4-6 hours at night now and it is wonderful! However, this starts around 9 p.m. and unfortunately, we don't go to bed like we should when she goes to sleep. So, by the time we are asleep, she is up 3 hours later and it doesn't feel like she's sleeping that long. We have "conversations" with her that go like, M: Oh really? I: coo, gurgle, coo M: And then? I: hum, coo, ooh, gurgle M: I can't believe it! I: gurgle, coo, coo, ahh It's so cute! This carries on for several minutes and she's smiling the whole time. She moves her mouth to copy mine if I exaggerate my movements. I love it!

Mar 15 08 Family Time Saturday... YAY FOR FAMILY DAY! All week I'd been insisting that the three of us go for a leisurely stroll and just breathe. It seems that we have not had a Saturday alone since Isabel was born. Also, Saturday feels like my only day off as we spend most of Sunday at church and by the time we get home, it's time to get ready for the week, do laundry, clean up, etc. - so it doesn't allow for family time. Charles wanted to do some work, but I side stepped it all day until I got my leisurely family stroll. So we did. We enjoyed a nice afternoon walking along old towne Frederick, people watching, taking pictures, and B-R-E-A-T-H-I-N-G. It actually felt like a weekend - the first in a long time. Mom out for a walk

March 11, 2008: 2 months old! Tummy Time Tummy Time, Tummy Time, Tummy Time! Dad keeps hearing the importance of tummy time for Bella. So....to show everybody the progress my baby girl has made with tummy time, here are some tummy time pictures. Enjoy! LOOK AT THE VIDEO ALBUM! TUMMY TIME! (P.S. Also take a peek at the new photo album: Daddy's Girl) March 11 Daddy's Girl Bella likes to sleep, but this is one of her favorite sleeping places. Chas put together an awesome slide show of Bella's Tummy time... check it out.

Mar 11 08 No worries, Toby is still alive and kicking - he's just relocated. The Halls of New Mexico have taken over the responsibility of raising Toby in New Mexico. Having two dogs and a new baby with our hectic schedules and commutes made for a crowded house. More importantly though, it didn't allow for us to spend much time with either dog. So, we know that the Halls will provide for him as well as they do for Goldie. We'll see you soon, Toby!

Mar 7 08
Adorable Here is Bella with Grandpa Hall, Grandma Barb and Daddy... To Grandpa Hall and Grandma Barb, thank you for all that you did for us while you were here. A Children's Prayer by Samuel Taylor Coleridge Ere on my bed my limbs I lay, God grant me grace my prayers to say: O God! preserve my mother dear In strength and health for many a year; And, O! preserve my father too, And may I pay him reverence due; And may I my best thoughts employ To be my parents' hope and joy; And O! preserve my brothers both From evil doings and from sloth, And may we always love each other Our friends, our father, and our mother: And still, O Lord, to me impart An innocent and grateful heart, That after my great sleep I may Awake to thy eternal day! Amen

Mar 5 2008
Today Isabel smiles in her sleep. I wonder what she's dreaming about. She has to stretch for 10 minutes before opening her eyes and waking up. I think we'd all have better days if we stretched for that long in the morning before tackling our day.
Quotes
Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body. (E. Stone)
Before you were conceived I wanted you Before you were born I loved you Before you were here an hour I would die for you This is the miracle of life. (M. Hawkins)
If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle. -- Vincent van Gogh

Mar 2 Pablo Neruda Ever since I was in college, one of my favorite poets has been Pablo Neruda. He's a Chilean poet whose work consists of beautiful love poems, surrealist poetry, historical epics and many more. I love reading his work in Spanish and then reading the translation. Though I may not understand the whole thing in Spanish, it's more beautiful than in English. Many years ago, Patch Adams the movie came out and featured a tidbit of one of Pablo Neruda's love poems. I recently came accross it again and realized that it not only sums up the intense romantic love between a man and a woman, but as I reread it this time, I realized that this is also a description of love between a parent and a child. Here it is: "I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist, nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep." I definitely recommend his book, "100 Love Sonnets: Cien Sonetos de Amor" and any others. On another note... As I sit here at work, Isabel is out and about with her Grandma Barb & Grandpa Hall. Charles called to tell me that Isabel was no longer in his possession - meaning they had left for the morning/afternoon. I have to admit, I shed a few tears of nervousness as this is the first time anyone has ever taken Isabel without the presense of one of her parents. Ok, they were more than a few tears. Maybe I cried a bit harder than what would be expected because I hadn't cried at all last week when I first came back full time. Yes, I realize that they too were parents of infants once and surely have plenty of experience - but I couldn't help but worry. I can't help but worry, still. I'm sure they are fine and Isabel is fine. I guess I'm still an over-protective, worried, first-time mommy. (Sigh.) To Shoot or not to shoot? So, I need some opinions. What would you do? So, we never got to take our "newborn photo shoot" by a professional photographer. In hindsight, it wasn't as important as I thought it to be before Isabel was born. It had come down to money as it was soooo expensive to get a professional photographer when you added up the cost of the session and then the cost of prints. Well, the gentleman who took pictures at Brad & Elaine's wedding knew how much we wanted to have these pictures taken (he also wanted to take our pictures) has sent us a gift certificate to cover the session fee. We know the pictures are going to turn out incredible. We've seen plenty of his work. However, a single 4x6 print costs $35, a 5x7 is $50, and anything greater starts at $85. We would probably want to spend a fortune - so do we even tempt ourselves?
March 1 Gramma Barb Isabel meets Gramma Barb!

March 1 The Halls Yay! The Halls arrived after a long three day drive from the Land of Enchantment. Isabel was delighted to meet more grandparents! Feb 29 2008 Thumb Isabel found her thumb this weekend! So, it's Friday night and I take night duty so Charles can get some sleep. Isabel and I decide to stay in the guest room. Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, Isabel began to get fussy. She kept putting her hands and fingers all over her face and cheeks and mouth, meanwhile opening her mouth in the most uncoordinated fashion. Soon she managed to get a few fingers in her mouth for split seconds. Then, in a blink of an eye, she landed her thumb in her mouth and sucked as if it were her job. I stared for a moment in disbelief then jumped out of bed and ran down the hall for the camera. By the time I returned (only seconds later) she was all uncoordinated again. It didn't happen the rest of the day. We're going to start encouraging the pacifier since that can be taken away later in life whereas a thumb sucking habit is a bit harder to break. (I have to say, it was the cutest, most precious thing though!) This picture is from Saturday night - Isabel found her thumb again while Barb was holding her at dinner. Feb 27 thoughts Couldn't you just gobble her up? 4 hours. That's what I think about on my drive home. I have 4 hours to get all that I need to get done done and of course spend time with my family. I get off of work at 3:30, which lands me at home close to 5ish by the time I get dressed, drive out of the garage, drive off campus and then fight traffic home. I have to be in bed around 9 to be up at 3:30ish for another day. It's usually more like 10ish, but 9 makes the morning drive easier. It's amazing when I think about the lives of mothers and fathers. Mine were often up before I was and in bed long after I was. I would wonder what they would do - but now I know that they got up earlier and stayed up later to accomplish all that needed to be done and have some of their own time to read the paper, watch their shows, or just have some "me" time. It's amazing (I say that a lot as I ponder just how amazing our new lives are) to watch Charles with Bella. I love it. I love how expressive she is and how animated she is. I want to remember every smile and every twinkle in her eye. Just when I think my heart can't grow any bigger with love for her, it does. I like how at work I have a decent amount of "me" time when it's slow. I can do all my e-mailing, reading and blogging from work so I don't have to take time to do it at home. When I get home, it's family time. American Idol is back on! The Lactation Room When did public places start having "family bathrooms"? Did they always or did I just start noticing them? I think it's a great idea. I hate changing Bella in a busy ladies' room. The changing table always seems to be out in the open right when you walk in. I may be germ-a-phobic, but I feel like as she lays there all these gross bathroom germs that are floating in the air get all over her. Also, how often is the changing table disinfected? How come the liner container is always empty? Whenever I use them, I usually cover the entire thing with paper towels, then put down her changing pad, then lay her down paying careful attention so that she doesn't touch the actual changing table. I'm thisclose to packing a spray bottle of disinfectant in the baby bag or disinfectant wipes in the baby bag. Another thing. Public breastfeeding. If public facilities can provide family bathrooms, how come they can't provide a quiet and private place for women to breastfeed their babies? It would ease the situation for all involved from the mother, the baby, to the uncomfortable public that isn't used to seeing a breastfeeding mother. I understand that the demand isn't that high, but I don't think one tiny room or cubicle or curtained off 4ftx4ft area is too much to ask in a busy mall or amusement park or shopping center. NIH, lucky for me, supports breastfeeding, working mothers and provides several rooms throughout the hospital for women to pump or breastfeed. The room closest to my department has two cubicles, each with telephones, a table and a bulletin board full of baby pictures of the mom's who use the rooms. It's quiet, serene, locked, and hidden away from the judgemental eyes of others. Feb 26 blog Forgive my subhead title as I have little energy to even consider what this blog is going to be about let alone think up a creative title to summarize the theme. Nights. Isabel's all backwards still - as most infants are. Nights are days, days are nights. However, it's not just that she's awake at night - she's awake and cranky. Very cranky. I feel for Charles since he's got night duty now that I'm back to work full time. I retire to bed about 9 or 10 (preferably 9 since I have to be up at 4 a.m.) at which time I transfer sole care to Charles. This time also coincides with Isabel's sudden 6 hr long cranky spells. Charles says she doesn't sleep, nor does she want to be laid down. He's been up with her all night most nights. At 4 a.m. he brings her into the bedroom with his blood shot eyes and hands her over to me for a feeding. Then he crashes in the guest bedroom. I feed Isabel for about half an hour and she gracefully - and often with smiles - drifts off into dreamland. I can't explain this Jekyl and Hyde behavior that occurs each evening like clockwork. So, she and Charles sleep until 7ish (today 10ish) and then it's time for a bottle. So, then Charles feeds her and she is an angel falling to sleep again. He's able to get a lot of "to-do's" done as well as study during the day because she sleeps ALL DAY LONG and is nearly impossible to wake up. I come home after a grueling day away and lucky for me, I get her most alert and happy hours in the early evening. Last night we played and played and played and I took a million pictures of her smiling! It's adorable. Pictures to be posted when I get home - if I have time.

Feb 21 08 Big Week (Picture caption: I'm bushed!)
Today Izzy had her 2 month well-baby check up. She was outstanding during the appointment - an absolute angel. She is growing rapidly which is a testimony to our excellent feeding sessions. In terms of length, she's in the 75th percentile...she's really long/tall. She also now weighs a wopping 9 lbs, 11 oz!! Almost 10 lbs! Every measurement gave us all confirmation that Izzy's a normal (well better than normal), healthy, happy, thriving little angel. The worst part of today was probably for me though it was done to her. Izzy had to get four immunizations today. This is the worst - and I knew it was coming and I knew exactly how it would be done. I'd done it, afterall. They laid her on a table and two corpsmen held down her little legs. They each took a syringe, counted to three, then thrust the needle into her upper thighs. Then they did it again for the 3rd and 4th shot. She screamed so loud and painfully with each injection. I huddled in a chair away from the table and covered my face. Once it was over Charles was able to scoop her up and console her. However, she wasn't done yet... she had to take an oral immunization which didn't go over too badly. >>Deep breath<< style="font-size:180%;">Feb 17
This is what over protective mommies do when they've got a cold. It's been so hard to maintain my distance from her as I just want to snuggle all the time! It's even more difficult when I realize that I return to work this week. :( Isabel's now just over a month old! It's crazy how she's grown. She's fitting into clothes that just four weeks ago were GI-normous. Her cheeks are pudgy! Her smile is contagious - I love the smile where her mouth is open exposing her happy little gums; oh, and how her eyes smile, too! So amazing. For several nights this week, Charles and I thought we were experiencing "colicky baby nights". She would scream her little lungs out before and after feedings. So, I started doing some research and though a cup of coffee is usually acceptable, some babies are more sensitive to caffeine intake. I had an "Aha!" moment. So, for the last few days, I've laid off the coffee and we've had easier nights. (Sigh.) I am learning to enjoy hot tea, though.

On Returning to Work I realize that I've been pretty lucky to have even 6 weeks off as some mothers aren't granted that much fortune. Yet, it's not enough! Seeing how much she's already changed in a month reminds me of how much I'll miss while I'm away at work. I have irrational fears that she'll forget the sound of my voice or the smell of my skin. I chalk it up to "new mommy" emotions.

Feb 14 Valentine's
"My First Valentine's Day" Chas and I celebrated our Valentine's yesterday with Isabella since Charles has class tonight. We went out to a nice dinner and enjoyed our first family Valentine's. Izzy might have a bit of a cold so we are keeping her indoors for a bit. Feb 13 Here's our darling hanging out in her crib with her stuffed animals. She's almost one month! Hard to believe!!

Feb 10
Sing-a-long In the last month since Isabella was born, Charles and I have realized that we don't know many lullabies or children's songs. At any given point, day or evening, you could walk into our house and hear one of us singing ridiculous lyrics to the tune of the barney theme or the mockingbird song or many others. I like to sing the mockingbird song--the first few lyrics--over and over again, at the end of which I end up singing that "momma's gonna have a glass of wine..." It goes like this: "Hush little angel don't say a word, Momma's gonna buy you a mockingbird And if that mockingbird don't sing, momma's gonna buy you a diamond ring, and if that diamond ring don't shine, momma's gonna have a glass of wine..." (Repeat as needed) Sometimes, it goes like this: "...and if that diamond ring don't shine, momma's gonna sing some patsy kline..." I know somewhere in the song there's something about a looking glass, but I'm not sure where. Sometimes it ends up in my song, sometimes it doesn't. Good thing Izzy can't tell the difference and can't tell that I'm tone deaf. She's just amused at the facial expressions I make while singing... Memaw Alas, the last of the Swanson clan, Memaw, had to catch her flight home to New Mexico. What a crazy two weeks! The Hall Inn will be turned around in the next few weeks to welcome the Hall clan. Mom Z wasn't sure what she wanted to be called as a new Grandma. She had a friend who was called Memaw, but up until this week, she thought it was just because that friend's grandson couldn't pronounce Grandma. However, we've since learned that Memaw is a southern alias for Grandma. We're trying that out for now. Izzy has three awesome sets of grandparents, so it's important that they each have their unique term of endearement. Muchas Gracias Many thanks to EVERYONE for all the love, cards, e-mails, calls, and gifts that we've received since Izzy's birthday. Thank you also if you've contributed to Izzy's wardrobe (I'm envious as I don't have nearly that much variety). We feel honored to have so many family and friends welcome Izzy so warmly into the world! Is it possible? Is it possibly that Iz has already changed so much? She's filling out and her feet are actually reaching the feet portion of her sleepers! She's getting these adorable pudgy arms and thighs and cute, cheeks! She smiling more, gaining more head/neck control, and eating better! She's the light of our life! Feb 8 08 Word to Big Bird Thanks to Aunt Jenny & Uncle Louis, Iz has a bunch of clever onesies. This one, "Word to Big Bird". Another one of my faves says "Forget the milk, where's my latte?"

Feb 7 2008
First Today, Isabella, Memaw and I went out to eat at Panera Bread. Isabella was wonderful and slept the whole time! Today was also Isabella's first trip to the grocery store. I forgot the sling so I plopped Izzy down in the grocery cart and I think she enjoyed the ride! She started crying after a while and like an experienced Mom, I was oblivious to the stares and kept on shopping. Another little victory. I did, however, forget half the things on my grocery store because I felt an urgency to get home to feed Izzy. Oops.

Feb 5, 2008 Another Good-bye
This afternoon we had to say farewell to Aunt Jenny and Uncle Chi-Chi (as Louis is now affectionately named). We hope to visit them in sunny California soon! Then there were 4... well, 6 if you include Nina & Toby... now we have Grandma Swanson (or Mema, Nana, Gamma) all to ourselves!

Feb 4, 2008
Sadly, early this morning we all had to say good bye to Aunt Beth & Uncle Tim. They departed only to end up in Louisville, Kentucky due to foggy conditions in Chicago. They ended up renting a car and driving all the way back to the windy & foggy city. We all wish we could have foreseen this so they could have stayed an extra day! After a restful morning, we packed Izzy up and headed to Washington, D.C. for some night time touring. Louis has never toured D.C., so this was a new experience for him. Izzy enjoyed the sling for much of the first couple of hours, but then we had to separate from the group and head to the jeep for a feeding and changing. It was a bit damp, but she was warm in the sling. We didn't take her pictures anywhere so we decided we wouldn't count this as her first time in D.C.! We also had to say farewell to Papa G today... hence, picture.

Feb 3, 2008 Baptism
Today was Isabella's baptism!! She was baptized at our church, Christ Our Savior, in Sterling, VA. Izzy had the honor of wearing the same baptismal gown that Papa Goofy himself wore! Tim, Josh, and Jacob also wore the gown when they were baptized. The gown is over 90 years old and still stunning! Izzy swam in it, but it was still lovely! Papa Goofy baptized her and also did the sermon. My girlfriend Dawn did an awesome job with refreshments and an absolutely delicious cake. Throughout the service, Brad took amazing pictures and after ther service, we spent an hour taking various family group pictures (which will be posted soon, hopefully)! After all was said and done at church, we all went over to Red Robin for an enjoyable lunch. Sadly, Jacob had to catch his flight home after lunch. It was precious watching Jacob privately say good bye to Isabella in the car as everyone was exchanging pleasantries.

Feb 3, 2008 early a.m.
Aunt Jenny & Uncle Louis
Isabella dozed in and out all night waiting up to meet Aunt Jenny & Uncle Louis who arrived after midnight this morning. We're still waiting to get a good picture of the three of them... Now we just have to wait to meet Uncle Adrian, Cousin Ethan, Uncle Josh, and The Hall clan (who will be coming next) as far as the immediate family goes! Isabel's lucky to have such a large, loving family!

Feb 2, 2008 Girls' Day
Today Isabella, Grandma Swanson, Aunt Beth and I all spent the day shopping! Isabella received many new additions to her closet! We enjoyed a nice lunch in the food court and I successfully fed Isabella in the midst of all the chaos! Small-but significant-victory for a new mommy! I was beginning to think that if I didn't get comfortable doing that, Isabel and I would never leave the house! Charles, Tim, Jake, and Papa Goofy all went to the Air & Space Museum for the afternoon and enjoyed some "guy time". My girlfriend Angela called and affirmed my determination to keep a daily journal for Isabel's first year. I have been trying to do this via this website, but I was beginning to think that it was "over-doing" it. But, she did it and someday her daughter will get to read it all and I want the same for Isabel. So, expect a daily blip about our "everyday"! Feb 1, 2008 Part II Isabella meets Jacob Later that day, Jacob made his way to Myersville and hesitatingly held Isabella...

Feb. 1, 2008 More visitors!
Today was a bit too chilly and wet for Isabella to welcome Aunt Beth and Uncle Tim at the airport, so we anxiously waited for them in Myersville.

Jan 31, 2008 Grandma Swanson
Grandma Swanson meets Isabella! Isabella is making many trips to the airport this week. First, Papa Goofy at BWI, now Grandma Swanson at BWI. Tomorrow morning we'll be venturing off to welcome Aunt Beth and Uncle Tim at Dulles. Whew, busy schedule already! Somehow, there's not enough time to catch up on the house, but I seem to manage to keep this updated! Go figure...

Jan 30 2008 2 week check up
Today Izzy had her 2 week check-up! Her weight is just about back to her birth weight (she's 7 lbs 9 oz) - so we're doing well with our feedings and growing! She's 21.5 inches now (gained an inch) and she's looking fantastic according to her doctor. As a nurse, I've had to hold down infants to give them their immunizations and it's always broken my heart. Today, however, was a different story. Izzy had to get her heel stuck for a blood draw and I totally cried as she screamed in horror! Her cries were different from any other we've heard so far. I felt horrible as she suffered! It was over in a couple of minutes and she was consoled by nursing... 4 more weeks until more immunizations...

Jan 29, 2008 Isabella meets Papa Goofy Isabella meets another grandparent - Papa Goofy! Papa Goofy flew into BWI today and we trekked to Baltimore to surprise him with Izzy! She even wore her Cubs warm-ups to commemorate the meeting! Jan 28, 2008 Kissy Face Our daughter likes to make a lot of faces! She's always making kissy faces, pouty faces, and smiling a lot! She's such a joy! Jan 26, 2008 Our First Family Photo So, it took Grandma Swanson pointing it out for us to realize that despite the millions of pictures we've already taken of Isabella and various people in various poses, we have yet to have a picture of all three of us! So, here is a picture! She's not into posing as you can tell... this is her half smile. Photo courtesy of Brad! :) I would love to scrapbook everything since the beginning of the pregnancy... I've got everything saved and catalogued... no time, no energy... >>sigh<< style="font-size:180%;">Jan. 25, 2008
Night shift
Lately Isabella's been sleeping pretty well through the night and staying awake for most of the morning. She's so alert - just watching everything around her! We're not using bottles anymore, so that's a relief and tiny victory!

When she does nap, Chas and I are busy trying to get the house ready for the next group of visitors! Papa Goofy, Grandma Swanson, Uncle Tim, Aunt Beth, Uncle Louie, Aunt Jennifer, and Uncle Jacob are all coming next week. They kind of stagger in and out, so they are not all here at the same time, but they will all overlap next weekend! So we will have an exciting house full of people!! Isabella's baptism is February 3rd and we definitely welcome all of our family and friends that are in the area still.

She's precious! Here she is trying out her bouncer atop her pack-n-play...

P.S. Yay...I'm wearing pre-prego jeans today!! Another little victory! I'm anxious to go unpack all my pre-prego clothes! :)

Bella's a Sailor
We spent the day in Baltimore taking care of things in preparation for this next semester for Charles. Isabella and I came along to get some fresh air since we've been holed up at home for several days. We went to some of the campus buildings and then the campus bookstore. By the time we were done, it was rush hour and there was no sense in sitting in traffic for hours to get home. Lucky for us (or Charles...) there "just happened to be" a sailboat/motor boat show at the convention center. So, we checked it out and Bella was on her first sailboats. She was the epitome of perfect all day... she slept in her sling for most of the day, not making a peep!

Public displays of Feeding
Well, well, well... I am indeed not ready to breast feed in public. I tried, I really did. But I felt people staring and judging; when she cried, I felt people burning their eyes into the back of my head. Suddenly, I was that mom with the screaming baby. I couldn't handle it. I packed up quickly and finished nursing in the car - with the windows covered up! I assume I'll get over the stares and feelings of judgement eventually....

January 23, 2008
Flow Baby
Yesterday we went to see the big LC (lactation consultatnt - the guru of all things related to breastfeeding) for some much needed help. After an hour of working with our Bella, we determined she's a flow baby. She's begun to prefer the fast flow of the bottle. She's into the instant gratification; she wanted the milk, like, yesterday. (I wonder if that's an inherited trait from mommy?) However, after some coaching and tricks of the trade, Bella started to remember what we learned in the hospital about nursing! For the rest of the day we got her to nurse with only a few implemented tricks!! Yay, back to basics! Messing with all those bottles was so tedious... hopefully I'm not speaking too soon. It's just after midnight, she just had a successful feeding... and I'm returning to bed soon...

Making weight
When Bella was born she was 7 lbs, 10 oz. She lost some... then gained some... she now weights 7 lbs, 0.5 oz. Hopefully we'll be back to birth weight within a week!

Misc.
What I thought was way too many onesies, sleep-n-plays, bibs, socks, hats, mittens...isn't enough. How I thought I'd hop on the treadmill this week... not going to happen. Trying on my pre-prego clothes... too soon. Never thought I'd sniff my baby to see if she needs a diaper change. I think her smiles are a gift from God. Her cries melt my heart...esp. when she whimpers...

January 21, 2008
Isabel's First Week
(Picture from our first check-up 48 hrs after discharge on Friday, the 18th. She's cozy in the sling!) It is 3:30 a.m. and I just put Isabel down to sleep after nursing. I can't believe it's been a week already! All the days have blurred together and I can't remember what life was like before she came! At the hospital, I didn't sleep much because I just thought of Isabel ALL the time. My mind raced with thoughts of her. I watched her sleep and closely observed every expression on her face, committing them to memory. This first week has been quite a learning experience for all three of us. We've learned to nurse, change diapers, pack & dress appropriately for baby, care for bottles and pumps, and the list goes on!

Our Trip Home from the Hospital
On Thursday the 17th we were discharged from the hospital after a battery of exams on both of us. It was our second snowfall here in Maryland and it was coming down hard. The weather forecasts had called for a wintery mix, but it was snowing pretty steady and almost 2 inches by the time we hit the road. We got Isabel all bundled up and in her carseat for the first time and headed home around 1100. (First Jeep ride!) When we got to our house after a long and extra-careful drive to find an ambulance in our driveway. Immediately we had traumatic flashbacks to our garage fire. I worried knowing my mom and dad were waiting at home for us. However, the ambulance was for our neighbor, who is doing just fine now! Well, we had to park across the street for the time being. Charles took care of bringing Isabel in and I walked, stupidly in my flip flops (my feet were too swollen to wear my shoes!), in the snow... only to completely wipe out on the sidewalk - intensifying all of my post-labor pains! (Today's the first day my back doesn't hurt!) In the end, we all got in o.k. and settled down. We thought it was amazing to have Isabel finally in our home - we felt complete!

Lulu & Lula
"Lulu & Lula" mean Grandpa and Grandma in my parent's Filipino dialect. It was amazing to have them here. My mom and dad took care of all the cooking and cleaning so Charles and I could work on getting adjusted to being parents. It was so nice not to have to worry about feeding ourselves. In the true fashion of my mother, we have enough food to feed an army every day and for this week! Their last night here they gave us quite a gift of letting me sleep through an entire night. Since Isabel was born, I hadn't slept more than three hours a night or at all. It was a complete reset and much needed. They unfortunately had to leave on Sunday and will miss Isabel tremendously. Hopefully they will be back soon! Thank you, mom & dad, for everything!

Isabel Grace
Isabel learned how to nurse really well while we were at the hospital and I was feeling pretty confident about it all. However, yesterday my milk came in and everything changed about nursing. Isabel is having a hard time nursing and is losing weight. We went to the doctor's on Saturday and Sunday for weight checks, and we're to report again tomorrow. Unfortunately, we had to introduce the bottle (with breast milk) to get some nutrition to her. We're pretty sad about that, but hopefully once things return to normal, she'll be able to latch again.

She took her first bath on Saturday, the 19th!
Her cord stump fell off at the hospital on Sunday, the 20th.

Chas & Aubs

Saturday, July 24, 2010

The BabyWindow Site

Friday, July 23, 2010

Bella's First Two Years