2009 Ice Storm/Snow Days in Louisville

We were lucky to have weathered Kentucky's BIG winter storm with little more that cabin fever (no loss of power from this one or hurricane Ike). I enjoyed the joy of snow through the eyes of two very excited children (and now am ready to send them back to preschool as soon as they will have them)!
Bella really turned a corner this year and was really a delight to take outside for play in the powder & ice. Last year she did nothing but complain about the layers, the cold and the effort it takes to be in the snow. This year she loved every bit of it. Her favorite part of the day was still the hot chocolate (which in our house is more like warm milk with a sprinkle of cocoa) after being outside, working every angle to up the number of marshmallows in her cup. She watched too much television this week and managed to grate on my last nerve more than once, but warmed my heart as often. Dean was a great sport about keeping on his hat & gloves and was fine with snow as long as he didn't have to touch it. We had a rough start getting him outside, but once Dean was moving fast in his sled he warmed up to the idea. He later explored our white street with his sister looking in amazement how everything had changed. I have to admit I can't wait for it all to melt away and for spring to come, but have many great memories of the big snow & ice storm of 2009. I am sure my friends who are still without power and living outside their happy space may not feel the same.

Bella's Stack Story & Such

Last night we were watching a show on the History channel about horses. Since Bella is so into her princess stage I thought I'd share with her how Eric and I got engaged. I told her that Daddy asked Mommy to marry him while they were on a horseback ride. She then asked me if "Daddy picked me out of a stack". "What"? I replied? She then said,"Well Mom, all the Daddy's go to a room and they pick out the one they want from a stack of mommy's" When I asked her where she heard that from, thinking about mail-order-brides, she giggled and said, "I just thought that up". When I told Eric about her "Stack Story" he said, "I didn't know about that room". Watch it.

Yesterday we were playing doctor in the office when Bella asked me to lay down so she could examine me. After using her stethoscope she proceeded to diagnose me, "Well, Mommy you have dirty breath, but I can give you medicine for that". I promise you I had brushed my teeth & wasn't sporting bad breath!

While all playing in Bella's room she put on her blue feather boa and put a scarf on Eric's neck. She then said, "Daddy when we both wear these similiar scarfs it will be like magic and we will fall deep in love". Too many Disney stories maybe, but a sweet moment none-the-less.

Balance

What I most want out of 2009....BALANCE. Call it a resolution if you want, but today it came clear to me at the strangest time. I was cleaning Dean's room after he vomited last night. I know it sounds gross, but that's what it took to get me to change my schedule and indulge in a morning of deep cleaning. It was so gratifying to strip his sheets, curtains, dust, mop and put together a cleaner space...symbolic of something I am sure. I forgot how much I like things in order and clean. I usually spend the two mornings a week I have without the kids working on the computer. Today I didn't have a choice but to change things up, and for that I am grateful. Yesterday I went to the gym in the morning, dropped Dean in the daycare and spent a very satisfying hour working out. I forgot how much I love exercise & my time alone with music other than kids tunes. This year I will "put myself back on the schedule" as Oprah said. I will aim to balance my time better, and make everyone happier in doing so. Now that it is clear just what I need to do in 2009 to make myself happier & healthier I can dig out those tools for organizing, the calendar and daily list making. I look back on the last few wonderful years birthing and raising two young children, but along with work deadlines and the daily grind certain important things seemed to slide. I did my pregnancy time and nursing time, but now it is time to give back to my body for serving me so well, to realize work is always going to be there, but not at the expense of myself. I want to look back this time next year and say 2009 was my year. Balancing may mean a little more exercise, definately more time on the yoga mat, a lot more water and a little less wine, a little more reading...and not so much "who did what" on facebook! It will require discipline, something I once had & reminding myself what I want. Every year I come up with something to call my resolution, but never has it been so clear on this 7th day into the new year that it is all about the big picture. Who knows? I may even pick up a paint brush or squeeze a chunk of clay if I'm lucky.

Christmas At Our House

We had a great Christmas with the kids this year watching the excitement unfold through thier eyes. Bella is really into Santa and baby Jesus, so it has been funny to hear her interpretation of what Christmas is about. She's been singing all month, mixing carols with her own words. My favorite was a song she learned at school. Instead of "Mary had a baby oh lord", she was singing, "I am a ballerina oh lord" to the same tune. It was hilarious. She made her first gingerbread house and was all about the candy of course. We made divinity and reindeer ornaments to take to the neighbors. On Christmas day she was all about opening gifts (normal at four I guess?) They played with toys around the tree all day. Santa brought Bella a princess chair which was a favorite along with all the toys from grandparents & family. Dean is mesmerized by the tree lights and loves looking at all the ornaments. He's been really good about leaving them alone, for the most part. Hopefully he isn't sad when it comes down! His wasn't as "into" opening presents as his sister, but loves moving from toy to toy now. His favorites seem to be his firetruck from Santa and a nerf football. Eric's dad Cliff (PPaw) joined us on Christmas and we all enjoyed a wonderful dinner Eric made, a Citrus glazed ham and scalloped potatoes. As usual picky eater Dean wouldn't try any of it, but Bella loved the ham like her mom. As the next big event of the New Year rolls around and Christmas festivities slow down we will turn to our memories. We missed our family in NJ & AL, but were with you in spirit. Thank goodness for the internet and things like blogs to share pictures of special days like Christmas 2008. We hope your time together with those you love were just as precious!

EXTREME (weather) FUN!

Oh the weather outside is frightful, oh wait, now it is 73˚, and back to the 20's. December has been the month of extreme swings in temps, one day icy, then mildly muddy the next. We are surviving our Christmas break without cabin fever for the most part. I would like to say I am not counting the days until Bella and Dean return to pre-school for a much needed mommy break & chance to work again without interruption (Jan 5th), but it's been a fun holiday with them both. Life in Louisville without family close by can be challenging, but I wouldn't trade my flexible setup & friendships for anything. My life allows me to take advantage of warmer winter days at the park with my little ones, while working at night while they slumber.
Hope you enjoy these photos as much as I did chasing them around with the camera. It was chilly, but sunny in the company of good friends. The kids burned off a lot of energy which meant a nice long nap (for both of them) when we got home. Dean is now able to climb, slide and jump right along side his sister. He is fearless, but coordinated (thank goodness). I can't believe his April birthday will bring on the terrific two's (for Bella 3 was the rough year). We went to the zoo the other day and he ran the entire time, never tiring until I made him "buckle in" for a swift walk back to the car. I got a glimpse of how fun spring and summer will be with him out of the baby stage seeing the 2 1/2 year age gap between he and Bella narrowing. They love to color together, sometimes without fighting or screaming and now sit together on the couch to watch a show, for a few minutes until Dean is off & running. She is starting to take pride in her big sister role, something that took a while for her to try on & like!
Sometimes I dream of the day they are both in school, so I can focus for more than a minute, but I know I will miss these times when they are gone, when they are so little. This morning Bella told me "When I am five or fourteen Mommy I am going to have to move out of the house and marry a daddy". I stopped in my tracks and asked her if she thought that was a little young. She also told us she decided today she didn't want to get her ears pierced ever because it would hurt. When I told her she didn't have to she said, "oh, thank you mommy". I should have gotten that on video.

Happy New Year To All!

Turning Four Fairy Style!

Turning four has never been so fun, at least I can't remember back that long...too many years. Bella's big day, on November 30th was my favorite celebration to date for her, except for the day she was born :) Our living room was transformed into Pixie Hollow and housed several little adorable fairy friends. (Thanks Aunt Shar for the SilverMist Fairy Costume and Kristina for being my photographer for the evening)!

Bella, being Bella, had the entire party planned out for weeks, months, maybe longer. There would be dressing up, a pinata, cake, balloons and presents all for her! She and a few of her girlfriends flitted and fluttered about twirling and playing as fairy friends should. There was so much energy, and excitement in the air. They even disappeared into her room for a long while allowing us adults to socialize and partake in much needed adult conversation. She has fully embraced the maturity of a four year old (ha) in her head anyway, and often reminds us of her age. In fact, as soon as she turned four she asked me if she was going to be moved to the five year old class at school. Um, no, you are four now I told her. When I took her for her four year old check up the nurse complimented her on how still she was when having her blood pressure taken. She quickly informed the nurse she was four now, and that's what four year olds do. The pressure has gotten to her once or twice, so much expected of her new age she asked me a few days later when getting in trouble if she could go back to being 3. I told her sure if she was willing to give back all her presents. That thought quickly vanished. Dean even is reminded by his sister that he too can do certain things when he is a four year old. I look at her independent streak, strong will, creativeness and wonder where did she get that from? Then I look in the mirror and think maybe she comes by it honestly (except the sassy & moodiness :)).

As I see my little Bella getting bigger (44 inches and 42lbs now) I am reminded how quickly time flies. Just yesterday I was heading for Peidmont Hospital in Atlanta for the unknown, to give birth and now she is 4 going on 14. She is already planning her fifth birthday, drawing pictures for her guests, thinking about what she wants on her cake (anything but Hannah Montana please). When I tell her she just had a birthday she is quick to say, " I know mom, but I just want to be ready". Who can blame her for that?

Did I mention there were also Tinkerbell tattoo's? Don't you wish you were there?

Our Trip to Curaco, Netherland Antilles

Finally a post NOT about the kids! We just returned from my brother Sean's wedding on the lovely beach of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles (4 hours by plane south of Miami near Venezuala & Aruba). After 11 hours in 4 airports our trip started out a bit rough when as weary travelers we discovered our luggage didn't make the trip from Miami (thank you Delta). Thanks to Sharlette sharing her things with sis and a friend of Sean's lending a shirt to Eric we made it until the bags arrived the next night. It was hard to complain about anything when you don't have kids under your feet or work deadlines, and are surrounded by such beautiful scenery & weather. The snorkling was breath taking, swimming among the schools of blue fish & coral. I even saw an octopus which was one of the highlights for me. I enjoyed pina coladas by the pool, practiced yoga on the beach under palm trees with coconuts & spent qualilty time with my husband & family. Sharlette and I caught up on all things trivial & Eric and I even enjoyed a nice game of giant size chess in the afternoon.

The wedding itself was one of the most beautiful I've ever been to, the only one I've ever attended where both the bride and groom had barefeet. Kristina & Sean's vows were so original, honest and touching, not a dry eye in the house! With the backdrop of the Mediterranian Sea, they tied the knot among family and friends & we all partied the night away to the tunes by german band "The Smu" who were amazing!!! Not only were they incredible musicians, but some of the smartest, nicest guys you'll meet. Kristina sang with them in highschool and they traveled all the way to play together on her big day.
We owe a world of gratitude to Ann (GeGe) who gave up 5 days watching the kids to allow us to take this trip. They did great with Grandma, especially Dean who was so hard to leave behind and not worry about. He was his happy self and both were without attitudes upon our return. We missed them so much and have no desire to be apart for some time, but this trip was just what the doctor ordered. At a time when I was over parenting and stressed to the max I got a great break and reminder of how lucky and happy I am to have the life I do.
We wish the newleyweds all the best for a lifetime of happiness & a fabulous honeymoon in Chile. Thanks for the memories in Curacao!