Being Thankful

It's easy to be thankful for the obvious things--our family, our health, our prosperity. But are you thankful for the little things? The things that are easy to overlook in our hectic highly scheduled lives?

The clear crisp fall day where you can see your breath. Can't you just feel what being alive feels like? The spark of discovery in the eyes of a child who suddenly puts two and two together and understands the connection.

The unconditional love of a child.

A child's imagination.

A baby wearing sunglasses.

We hope that you believe you are as infinitely blessed as we feel we are, and that you were able to take a moment today and reflect on those blessings and be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving and Peace Be With You.

Musical Chaos

I just wanted to give you insight into how I spend my evenings when Joel is gone...

On television is the Madonna: The Confessions Tour. I secretly love Madonna even though I haven't bought an album since the Blonde Ambition era. But seriously? Don't even try to pretend you play the guitar, Madonna, when you only know two chords. It doesn't make you look like the bada** you think it does. Stick to singing. And dancing. And showing off your buff arms.

On the computer I'm listening to songs on the Zach Braff playlist because I also secretly love him. I enjoy most of the music he helps get on Scrubs and in his films. Garden State should be in my list of favorite movies in my profile. I don't think it is, but it should be. (But, Zach. Post something current on your blog. Please. A month without a post? Lame.) I just bought the soundtrack from The Last Kiss even though I haven't seen the movie yet. Maybe I will love it just that much more once I finally get to see it.

Now I'm going to go listen to other artists I've never heard of and probably buy a few more songs. I LOVE iTunes. And my iPod. And I'm going to continue being amazed at how Madonna can sing AND dance without seeming to lose her breath.

Did I mention I'm also drinking wine, picking out Christmas presents for Katelyn and trying to fold laundry? It's a rough night.

All the Best Conversations Happen at Breakfast

"Mommy, is it going to be my birthday again?"

"It isn't going to be your birthday again but you are going to have a birthday party with your friends in a couple weeks."

"And there will be CAKE?"

"Yes, there will be cake. What kind of cake do you want?"

"PINK!"

"Ok, I'll get you a pink cake."

"And we'll have my cookies?"

"No, your cookies are all gone."

"Where are they?"

"We ate them. They're in your tummy."

"In my tummy? For JESUS to EAT!"

Not yet quite understanding the concept of Jesus living in her heart.

Following in Big Sister's Footsteps...Literally

This? Nothing good can come of this. NOTHING.

Too Soon to Tell

I feel great this morning. GREAT! It is probably due to the fact that I slept 8 hours in a row last night. EIGHT! IN A ROW! This hasn't happened for at least 9 months. Between getting up to pee while pregnant and getting up to feed the babe, I have forgotten what 8 hours in a row feels like.

I turned the light off at 10:05pm and woke up at 6:40am. Of course, my first response was to freak out. Usually I hear from Katelyn a couple times a night, although I don't go in to her room until after 5am to feed her. But 6:40am and I still hadn't heard her. I listened very carefully and a minute or two later, I heard her very quietly talking. She had slept 11 hours!

I don't expect this to continue. I'm going to assume it's a fluke due to teething, possible cold, growth spurts or some other inexplicable reason to break her pattern. That way, when I'm awake at 1:30am, 4am and 5:30am tomorrow morning, I won't be too disappointed.

Good Morning, Momma

Apparently Daddy had the exact same conversation with her yesterday morning.

Scene: Sitting at the table, eating breakfast.

"Momma, how is your morning going?"

"Fine, Padyn. I got a good night's sleep and I feel good this morning."

"I had a bad time sleeping last night."

"Why?"

"Because Kate was yelling. She was screaming and screaming."

"Ummm...no she wasn't."

"Yes. She. Was."

Really, she wasn't, but she was the night before last.

All Grown Up?

Last week I turned 32. Not a big deal. It doesn’t feel any different from 31, 30 or 29. And really, the only reason it feels slightly different from younger than that is because before 29 I was in the pre-baby mode. In fact, in some ways, it feels better than when I was younger. I have no research reports to complete, I’m getting more sleep and eating better, and I’m in better shape than I’ve been in since before I was pregnant with Padyn. But what strikes me as odd is just that—I don’t feel much different than I did at say 23 when we were first married, or even 20 when I was still in college. Albeit, I can see that I’m a bit more mature, and I’m a bit more set in my ways and opinions than I was then. But physically, I feel the same.

Yet, when I was younger (late teens, early twenties) I saw the age I am at now as old. Not old, as in old and decrepit needing a cane or anything. But old in the sense of being mature, having a plan for your life, knowing what you want to do when you grow up and doing it. Feeling settled, complete…I don’t know….GROWN-UP. Maybe that’s just it. I thought I’d feel like a grown-up. And I don’t.

In all outward appearances, I am a grown-up. I have two kids, a husband, a mortgage and a nice car. I used to have a steady pay check and people wanted to know my opinion and seek my advice concerning work issues. We mostly have a plan for our life. Those are all grown-up things. I even have gray hair. Well, it’s more white really, but that plum hair coloring I used two weeks ago has taken care of some of that.

I guess what I’m really wondering is, do you ever feel like a grown-up? Look, yes. But feel? Maybe that wouldn’t be a good thing after all. I do have a few more aches and pains in my neck and back, but I just chalk that up to weight training and carrying a 17 pound infant around all the time. (That and carrying the 17 pound infant AND the 30 pound preschooler at the same time.) And why is it I thought I would feel different? What is at the heart of being “grown-up?” Certainly not age. I’ve met many adults that I wouldn’t call grown-ups. Unfortunately, some of them even have children.

I bet my babysitters think I’m a grown-up. Maybe you are a grown-up as long as people younger than you perceive you as one. Or at least your children. Which is just the way it should be, I guess.

Lambda Blog

Look! She's getting close to a fuzzy creature!

This is our new friend, Lambda. She belongs to our good friend, Dr. Stephanie. We were in Davis for the weekend and went to visit Lambda out at her barn. I think Kate liked her better than Padyn. Kate made all these squeaky cooing noises whenever she saw the little lamb. When I gave her the chance to pet her, she grabbed and pulled on her head. It was highly adorable. Padyn didn't want to have much to do with her until Steph brought out the food. I don't know why Padyn was more interested in feeding her out of her hand than petting her. Strange strange child of mine.

I keep trying to convince Steph she should start a blog for her little baby.

Accomplishments

Suddenly within the last couple weeks, Padyn is able to do things that I've been trying to teach her to do for the past 6 months:

ride her bike (peddling AND steering)
color in the lines
trace shapes

The only thing I can figure is that she does all these things at school because she certainly didn't want to hear how to do them from ME. I am amazed that within a short 2 and a half months of school (and that's only 2 days a week, so really we're talking about something like 20 days) she has pulled together all the encouragement, modeling and instruction from the last 6 months and is completely capable of doing these skills. The most amazing thing is I never saw the progress. I feel as if one day she couldn't do it, then the next she could. Well. Without my help. Because she WANTS to.

I never cease to be amazed by my 3 year old.

We're #1

Now, today, if you Google Padyn?

That's right...we've made it to the number one spot.

But how long can this newfound fame last?

So Many Ducks, So Little Time

DSC_0078
Originally uploaded by P & K's Mommy.

Can you believe she has allowed herself to be surrounded by so many ducks?

Photo Friday

Here it is...Friday again. And here we have what just might became a tradition, even after NaBloPoMo is over. Photo Friday! Featuring photos from the week (or previous weeks if I've been really lazy) that are my particular favorites, either because I feel they completely capture my children's personalities or I just like how I got the shot framed (vanity, vanity). Anyway, there are a few from Padyn's birthday that I hadn't posted yet, and some from our trip to the duck pond almost a week ago. And of course, one of the best is of Kate practicing her new-found yoga skills. Mad skillz this girl has. What's this one called, the Cobra?

The Naked Fairy

Yesterday morning I went for a run really quick since my mom was here to watch over the children. When I came home, Mom met me at the door and said, "I had nothing to do with this."

What? Your grandchild decided on her own to dress up in her new fairy costume with nothing else on totally by herself?


Apparently so.

Do you see the fuzzy slippers?

Two Snaggled Teeth

Kate cut her second tooth yesterday-7 months, 1 1/2 weeks old. I just hope that tonight there is not as much crying and gnashing of teeth as there has been over the past few nights. Will this kid ever sleep through the night again?

Padyn's Birthday Fun

I have been so tired these last couple days that all I can manage to post today is a few pictures from Padyn's little birthday celebration last night. Grandma flew in yesterday morning and is here until Saturday. She and Auntie Colleen were here for dinner, then Papa and BonBon joined us for cake and presents. Padyn was hysterical with her presents. I don't know yet which photos Blogger will manage to post, but her favorite presents were her dress-up clothes from Grandma, her new (REAL!) digital camera from Auntie Colleen and Auntie Erica, and her "computer" from Papa and BonBon. Notice nothing her parents gave her was a favorite? Actually, it was today. One of her presents from us was some pretend food. She's been playing all day with it. Even Kate's been playing with it! But her new Bob and Larry CD that I thought she'd love?

"I no like this one. I no want to watch it."

Ok...well, here's what she DID enjoy about her birthday yesterday.

Grandma and Grandpa Lane gave her this lovely skirt, wand and fairy wings. There are a couple feather boas that go with it, but she seems to be afraid of them. Those and the crown. She made everyone else wear the crown but she refused to put it on.

Taking pictures of everyone with her new camera was a big hit. And it takes real pictures! I'll download some and post them on Photo Friday. This is her new 'puter that plays music, shows her letters and their sounds and does a bunch of other stuff I haven't figured out yet. She'll probably figure it out before me. Mmmm...cake. I love cake. Do you think this bite is too big?

I was going to just do white whipped cream for the frosting, but when I was posting yesterday's blog, she was sitting on my lap and saw the picture of her blowing out her candles from last year. She said she wanted a cake just like that. I said, "What, pink?" Yup. Pink. It's a good thing I still had red food coloring.
And that seems to be all Blogger can handle for now. I'll post more tomorrow. And show you what I came home from my run to this morning. It was scary...very very scary.

Why Can't It Be More Than Once?

Padyn had a nice birthday. It was mostly normal--school, nap, "Curious George" in the afternoon. But everything was tinted with the pinkness that was her birthday. So tonight when I put her to bed, I wanted to warn her that tomorrow would not be the same.

"When you wake up, it won't be your birthday anymore."

"Why?"

"Because it's only your birthday once a year."

"Awww...but when I turn two I will have TWO birthdays!"

Not yet understanding the concept of birthday...

Happy Birthday Padyn!

It's hard to believe that today Padyn is 3 years old. It seems like just last week that we brought her home from the hospital. Here a look at her last three birthdays. (Yes, three. There was the first actual BIRTH day.)

More tomorrow of her celebrating turning 3.

Alison Krauss and Union Station

Joel managed to find last minute tickets to the Alison Krauss concert last night in San Francisco. (Gotta love Craigslist.) If you don't know Alison Krauss, or don't think you like bluegrass, you are really missing out. Just try it. I swear you will like it. If you appreciate true musicians, you will love it.

I've been to many many concerts. Everything from U2 to The Ramones. I don't think I've been to one where the quality of the music was as good. Vocally, Alison is amazing. The things she can make her voice blow my mind. Even I recognize the skill and strength it must take to make her voice perform the way she wants. And musically, the band is phenomenal. It helps that they've been playing together for many many years. Some 15, 8, 17...when you work that long together what you get is near perfection. They have songs of substance that immediately evoke emotion. They have created things that people think that cuts right to the heart of what I'm feeling.

But it wasn't just that the music was excellent that made the concert so memorable. They are a great group of people. All of them were charming, funny, and in no way arrogant. It seemed like they really enjoyed each others company and playing together was so much fun. The weren't afraid to poke fun at themselves or act silly on stage. Alison loved talking in silly voices and impersonating people. Who does that in concert?

I'd have to say seeing Alison Krauss and Union Station is right up there with seeing hugely famous musicians live. It may have been the very best show I've been to. It definitely ranks with U2, whom we manage to see every tour. I think we'll be adding AKUS to our "must not miss" list.

Bathtime

Don't have time to post now since we are on our way to the Alison Krauss concert. (SO COOL!) But I knew I had to get something on today, so here's a picture of Katelyn's new favorite activity--taking a bath with her sister.

Really Not Sure This Time

I'm in need of a little advice from you, my loving internet community. You are full of wisdom, experience, and advice. I know you'll come through for me. You always do. I could probably figure this one out on my own, but why, when I have you to ask?

It's about the pacifiers. Padyn's beloved pacis. You see, she turns three next Tuesday. And in my mind, three was always the cut off for the pacis. Pacis must go bye-bye at three. Dr. N, Padyn's unofficial dentist (unofficial because Padyn's never actually been to see her in the office) said they had to be gone by three. Three seems a good time. Preschool, big girl, potty trained...it just makes sense that these should be next. And really, I thought by now she would have decided she didn't want them anymore. But she hasn't. She loves them.

And I SOOOOOO don't want to take them away.

One--because they are just too easy. She loves the pacifiers. They are her lovies. She doesn't have a blankie or special stuffed animal that she's latched onto (although lately she's really into one of her duckies). They instantly calm her. She goes to bed without a fuss because she knows she can have her pacis there. Once her pacis are in her mouth and hand (one goes in the mouth and the other gets rubbed on her nose) there is no more crying and gnashing of teeth. There's no more tantrums and whining. There's peace. And contentment. And sleeping.

Two--because I'm afraid of what the next few weeks would be like. I'm a bit lazy and the thought of living with an extra super whiney three year old does not sound appealing.

And Three--because I just don't really know how to take them away. Paci party? Paci fairy? Pacis going to needy children in Africa? Throwing them out the car window?

I've been talking up THREE lately. Three is when you are a BIG GIRL. And big girls don't need pacis. Only babies need pacis. You'll be a big girl and you can go to sleep without them. You have your duckie. He'll help you go to sleep. Sometimes I get her to agree with me and sometimes she says she wants to be a baby.

Is it really that important for her to not have them anymore? Is it too much of a crutch? Is it harmful? I can see if she got them all the time and was walking around the grocery store with them that it would be time to call it quits. But for the most part, she only gets them when she goes to bed. And they fall out of her mouth when she goes to sleep. I'd really like to give her the opportunity to decide it's time to get rid of them rather than me deciding for her. Eventually she'll decide she doesn't need them anymore, right?

And maybe she'll just go off to college with them.