I suddenly realized today how much my life really has changed in the last ten years, but most especially in the last one. Ten years ago today, I was living with my in-laws in St. Louis, working at Kohl's and anxiously awaiting Damon's return from his medical screenings, etc. for joining the Army. Little did we know that the next morning, our whole world would change. I know that we didn't experience the kind of events that so many others did. We didn't loose a loved one or have our whole lives destroyed. What did happen to us, I believe, changed the course of our two lives and lead me to where I am today.
Regardless of those events and the ones that followed, I sit here on the 10th Anniversary of September 11th, and marvel at what my life and the world around me has become. 10 years ago, the world seemed calm, safe and, well, normal. We were two young married kids, working hard and trying to figure out where life would take us. Today, I'm a newly divorced mom of 2 kids under 5. Then, I was living with my in-laws in a tiny room. Today, I share a 2 bedroom apartment with my children. Then, I was worried sick about Damon being in the Army and going "over there" to fight in this war. Today, I ponder how lucky I was that he never had too, even though he wishes he could have been given the chance. Despite everything that has changed so drastically in our lives since that day, I can still say that I have a life of blessings. I have two beautiful children who love me dearly. I have amazing friends who have stood by me through my best and my worst. I have my family to support and love me. I have a good job, a nice car and live a comfortable life. There are so many in the world today who can't say any of those things.
So, despite the challenges I face as a single mom, I am grateful that I even have those challenges. Will there be more? Sure, there always are. Will I get through them? Most definitely. I am strong. I am smart. I am loved. No one or no thing can change any of that. I will continue to face this new life that I choose for myself with courage and conviction, so that my children will see me as a role model, as a mom who loved herself enough to do what she needed to do, and in turn made their lives happier, too.
Where is life going to take me next? I haven't the slightest idea. I hate surprises, but I have a feeling that this is one surprise that I'll just have to live with!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Thursday, December 2, 2010
More updates and news from Our House
Its been way to long again, and I'm soo sorry to my loyal followers (all 2 of you!). Its been another few very busy months in our household with lots more changes!
At the end of August, I interviewed for a position with St. Louis University- it was a Program Director position, and while it was less salary, it was a promotion in terms of responsibilities, etc. It seems that no one can match a community college when it comes to salaries! After a long couple of weeks, the HR department called and extended me the official offer and I accepted! During this time, Damon was unemployed (had been since the end of June) and we decided that it was as good a time as any to make our move to St. Louis where we have lots of family and friends. Fortunately, Damon's dad has room in his house and agreed to let us move in with him until we get our feet back under us financially. I packed up lots of our stuff and the kids and I moved to St. Louis the over the first 2 weeks of October. Damon and his dad have both made trips to bring carloads of our things to us here in St. Louis and I am still sorting through boxes and storage totes trying to organize and put it all away. Damon is still in Kansas City, as he found a temporary position there that pays better than unemployment and he also has a male roommate who is helping with the house payment and utilities. Damon is busy trying to tie up the loose ends on our remodel so that we can hopefully get the house on the market in early spring and he can get moved here to be back with us.
My new position is going great- lots of challenges and new things to learn, but I love my staff and am enjoying getting to know everyone at the University. I swore I'd never go back to a Catholic institution, but I'm finding that I feel more at home here than I anticipated. Its been a good feeling. The kids are settled with their new babysitter, who adores them and treats us all well. Its hard being a single parent to 2 small children, especially when they are sick or they both need something at the same time, but we're learning to manage. Elizabeth is becoming quite the big girl and Edward is growing so fast I can hardly keep up. I'm sure that he'll be crawling/walking very soon. He LOVES sweet potatoes, bananas and peaches. He's learning to like green beans and peas. He hates baby cereal, so we just skipped right to the food. He is such a happy baby and a joy to be around. Elizabeth adores him and he lights up when she is near by.
I have some new(er) pictures to post when I can get them off my camera! Stay tuned for more updates from this crazy adventure!
At the end of August, I interviewed for a position with St. Louis University- it was a Program Director position, and while it was less salary, it was a promotion in terms of responsibilities, etc. It seems that no one can match a community college when it comes to salaries! After a long couple of weeks, the HR department called and extended me the official offer and I accepted! During this time, Damon was unemployed (had been since the end of June) and we decided that it was as good a time as any to make our move to St. Louis where we have lots of family and friends. Fortunately, Damon's dad has room in his house and agreed to let us move in with him until we get our feet back under us financially. I packed up lots of our stuff and the kids and I moved to St. Louis the over the first 2 weeks of October. Damon and his dad have both made trips to bring carloads of our things to us here in St. Louis and I am still sorting through boxes and storage totes trying to organize and put it all away. Damon is still in Kansas City, as he found a temporary position there that pays better than unemployment and he also has a male roommate who is helping with the house payment and utilities. Damon is busy trying to tie up the loose ends on our remodel so that we can hopefully get the house on the market in early spring and he can get moved here to be back with us.
My new position is going great- lots of challenges and new things to learn, but I love my staff and am enjoying getting to know everyone at the University. I swore I'd never go back to a Catholic institution, but I'm finding that I feel more at home here than I anticipated. Its been a good feeling. The kids are settled with their new babysitter, who adores them and treats us all well. Its hard being a single parent to 2 small children, especially when they are sick or they both need something at the same time, but we're learning to manage. Elizabeth is becoming quite the big girl and Edward is growing so fast I can hardly keep up. I'm sure that he'll be crawling/walking very soon. He LOVES sweet potatoes, bananas and peaches. He's learning to like green beans and peas. He hates baby cereal, so we just skipped right to the food. He is such a happy baby and a joy to be around. Elizabeth adores him and he lights up when she is near by.
I have some new(er) pictures to post when I can get them off my camera! Stay tuned for more updates from this crazy adventure!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Our newest addition!
Anyway, everything went pretty much as I had planned/hoped. I headed on in to my office and got started for the day with finishing up a few last minute projects. There was a staff association meeting yesterday that everyone wanted to go to, so I offered to cover the front desk so they all could go. While I was sitting there, I go the most intense pains I have ever felt! They started coming about every 3 minutes and were so painful I couldn't talk, walk, sit or stand through them. I finally asked someone to go upstairs and get one of my coworkers so I could leave. when they came down, they took one look at me and told me they were calling an ambulance to take me to the hospital instead of home. I called Damon and told him to meet me at the hospital. Got to the hospital and finally got to the L&D observation room, since they didn't have a room ready for me. When they checked me, I was at 4cm, but he was still high and my water hadn't broken. they called for the epidural, but they were tied up in an emergency c-section. I was hurting pretty bad, but Damon did a good job of helping me through the contractions and breathing. 30 mins later, they checked me again and I was at 6cm and still no epidural. They finally had a room ready so we go moved and settled in around 12:30 or so. they finally gave me some Stadol through my IV to help w/ the pain since we were still waiting on the epidural. At around 1 pm, the OB came and checked me since I felt like I need to push. I was at 9 cm, so they went ahead and broke my water and told me that it was too late for the epidural (YIKES!) I started pushing, as he still needed to come down. Once he got past the initial hump, he came down pretty quickly. In fact, it happened so quickly that my OB didn't make it back in time. My poor nurse had to go grab a resident out in the hallway to come and play catch! After much screaming and ripping off Damon's hand (lol) he came out pretty quickly. I only pushed for 29 minutes and he was born! Two small tears that required just a couple of stitches, but otherwise all good. I am soo proud of myself for getting the VBAC I wanted and with no epidural too!
Edward Charles Riemann arrived at 1:36pm, at 6 lbs, 7 oz and 18.75 inches. Photo to come soon!
Edward Charles Riemann arrived at 1:36pm, at 6 lbs, 7 oz and 18.75 inches. Photo to come soon!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Whoa! Put on the brakes!
Guess I need to update everyone again....
I had my 3D ultrasound this morning (it is just for fun and to see the neat pictures). Let me tell you, I got the surprise of my life! After almost 6 weeks of thinking we were adding another little girl to our family, we found out this morning that we are actually adding a little boy! My ultrasound tech said it was the first time in 14 year she can remember being wrong about it at the first ultrasound! But, in her defense, baby was in a bad position and my placenta is front and center, making it hard to get good pictures of things.
So, guess we'll be back to the drawing board on names. Good thing we didn't decide to paint the nursery pink this time! I'll try to get the ultrasound pics up soon- I promise!
I had my 3D ultrasound this morning (it is just for fun and to see the neat pictures). Let me tell you, I got the surprise of my life! After almost 6 weeks of thinking we were adding another little girl to our family, we found out this morning that we are actually adding a little boy! My ultrasound tech said it was the first time in 14 year she can remember being wrong about it at the first ultrasound! But, in her defense, baby was in a bad position and my placenta is front and center, making it hard to get good pictures of things.
So, guess we'll be back to the drawing board on names. Good thing we didn't decide to paint the nursery pink this time! I'll try to get the ultrasound pics up soon- I promise!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Ok, I'm a slacker!
I can't believe I haven't logged in to update our blog w/ all that's been going on lately! Its been a whirlwind few months for us, to say the least!
In late October, we welcomed a 3rd niece into our family (thanks to my sister Katy and her husband)! Megan is a beautiful little girl and so sweet and sunny- I'm so blessed she is in our lives and so close by! Thanksgiving weekend, another niece arrived, via my sister in law and Damon's brother! Josephina is a big girl-already wearing 6 month clothes as she is quite long! Her mommy went back to work today and its been a tough one, but I know they'll both survive!
In late October, I was diagnosed w/ a herniated disc in my back and began to prep for back surgery. The next week, the brakes were put on all those plans, as we discovered that I was pregnant! Talk about surprised!! While this baby was not planned, we are so grateful that it happened very easily for us this time and so things are going well. My surgery was postponed until January, when I entered the 2nd trimester, and I'm so glad I went ahead. The pain was horrible and the medicines were making me so ill! I went back to work 1/2 days after 3 weeks of being off and I feel great. I anticipate being released back to full duty sometime this week.
As far as the pregnancy and baby, things are going much better! I'm off all the medicines that were making me sick and its been almost a week since I had any morning sickness to speak of. Early this month, we found out that the newest addition to our family will also be a girl, so we're excited that Elizabeth will have a little sister to play with and share her toys! We're still working on names, but we'll let you know once we've decided.
Whew! That's sure a lot to catch everyone up on. I'll try to get some ultrasound pictures and new Elizabeth pics up soon. Stay warm!
In late October, we welcomed a 3rd niece into our family (thanks to my sister Katy and her husband)! Megan is a beautiful little girl and so sweet and sunny- I'm so blessed she is in our lives and so close by! Thanksgiving weekend, another niece arrived, via my sister in law and Damon's brother! Josephina is a big girl-already wearing 6 month clothes as she is quite long! Her mommy went back to work today and its been a tough one, but I know they'll both survive!
In late October, I was diagnosed w/ a herniated disc in my back and began to prep for back surgery. The next week, the brakes were put on all those plans, as we discovered that I was pregnant! Talk about surprised!! While this baby was not planned, we are so grateful that it happened very easily for us this time and so things are going well. My surgery was postponed until January, when I entered the 2nd trimester, and I'm so glad I went ahead. The pain was horrible and the medicines were making me so ill! I went back to work 1/2 days after 3 weeks of being off and I feel great. I anticipate being released back to full duty sometime this week.
As far as the pregnancy and baby, things are going much better! I'm off all the medicines that were making me sick and its been almost a week since I had any morning sickness to speak of. Early this month, we found out that the newest addition to our family will also be a girl, so we're excited that Elizabeth will have a little sister to play with and share her toys! We're still working on names, but we'll let you know once we've decided.
Whew! That's sure a lot to catch everyone up on. I'll try to get some ultrasound pictures and new Elizabeth pics up soon. Stay warm!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Wow...We're 2!
I can hardly believe it! Elizabeth is 2! Where did the time go? She is getting so big...running, talking in complete sentences, doing things for herself, sleeping in a toddler bed, eating milk and cereal w/ a spoon...I could go on and on.
She is such a sweet little girl, so kind, loving and helpful. She loves her playmates and mommy and daddy.
She is such a sweet little girl, so kind, loving and helpful. She loves her playmates and mommy and daddy.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Rough Day....
*UPDATE: My dad is out of surgery as of noon CST. Doing fine and the Drs. are very optimistic for his recovery. Thanks for all the prayers!*
Today is a pretty tough one. Its raining, which I hate, one of those cold, damp, drizzly rains. Then, my dad is in surgery for his back. I'm sure he's fine, but I hate the waiting and not knowing anything. I just wish my mom would call and tell me something! And, last, but certainly not least, I'm taking our beagle, Casper, to the vet today to have him put down. After a rough couple of weeks with him getting progressively more aggressive towards people and biting someone over the weekend, we've decided, that, for everyone's safety and peace of mind, its time for him to go. I HATE doing this, but I know its the right decision. I just can't risk Elizabeth's safety or the safety of my nieces/nephews.
So, I'm sad. Casper was my first baby, the first dog that was truly mine. We went and picked him up from a breeder on a cold and wet March day. He was only 3 1/2 months old- I remember Damon climbing over a fence, in the mud to pick him up. We drove home w/ him on my lap. I remember how little he was and how much he struggled to get up and down the stairs in our townhouse. How he loved to ride in the car and how great he did every time we moved. How he was my teddy bear when Damon was away from me for school or when he left for the Army. How he cuddled with me during thundertorms and always let me hold him when I needed to cry. How he protected me from all kinds of things, how he always begged for the scraps leftover from cutting carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce. How we taught him to catch popcorn and how to speak softly. What a show-off he was at puppy kindergarten and how beautiful he was when he ran.
I'll miss a lot of things about my "fuzzy", but mostly his wagging tail, his sloppy dog kisses and how excited he would get when I'd get home. I'll also be missing how patient and gentle he's been (for the most part) with Elizabeth and how cute she is when she pets and hugs him or when she wants to take him for a walk.
I'll post some pictures later on..right now I'm holding them close to my heart. I'll never forget or replace you, Casper....thank you for being my dog.
Today is a pretty tough one. Its raining, which I hate, one of those cold, damp, drizzly rains. Then, my dad is in surgery for his back. I'm sure he's fine, but I hate the waiting and not knowing anything. I just wish my mom would call and tell me something! And, last, but certainly not least, I'm taking our beagle, Casper, to the vet today to have him put down. After a rough couple of weeks with him getting progressively more aggressive towards people and biting someone over the weekend, we've decided, that, for everyone's safety and peace of mind, its time for him to go. I HATE doing this, but I know its the right decision. I just can't risk Elizabeth's safety or the safety of my nieces/nephews.
So, I'm sad. Casper was my first baby, the first dog that was truly mine. We went and picked him up from a breeder on a cold and wet March day. He was only 3 1/2 months old- I remember Damon climbing over a fence, in the mud to pick him up. We drove home w/ him on my lap. I remember how little he was and how much he struggled to get up and down the stairs in our townhouse. How he loved to ride in the car and how great he did every time we moved. How he was my teddy bear when Damon was away from me for school or when he left for the Army. How he cuddled with me during thundertorms and always let me hold him when I needed to cry. How he protected me from all kinds of things, how he always begged for the scraps leftover from cutting carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce. How we taught him to catch popcorn and how to speak softly. What a show-off he was at puppy kindergarten and how beautiful he was when he ran.
I'll miss a lot of things about my "fuzzy", but mostly his wagging tail, his sloppy dog kisses and how excited he would get when I'd get home. I'll also be missing how patient and gentle he's been (for the most part) with Elizabeth and how cute she is when she pets and hugs him or when she wants to take him for a walk.
I'll post some pictures later on..right now I'm holding them close to my heart. I'll never forget or replace you, Casper....thank you for being my dog.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Operation Toddler Bed...
was successful! She couldn't climb into the bed fast enough on Saturday night, she was trying to climb on the mattress before we even had it all the way on the bed. She laid right down on her pillow, with her"babies" and did pretty good going right to sleep.
Last night, daddy took the crib apart. She again climbed right into her new bed, but she got back up about 4 times before she finally stayed. I checked on her once last night, and she was sleeping on the floor, but at least she was still in her room!
Daddy will be working on get her bedroom door up this week (I hope), but so far so good. Now, if we could just master PTing! SIGH....
Last night, daddy took the crib apart. She again climbed right into her new bed, but she got back up about 4 times before she finally stayed. I checked on her once last night, and she was sleeping on the floor, but at least she was still in her room!
Daddy will be working on get her bedroom door up this week (I hope), but so far so good. Now, if we could just master PTing! SIGH....
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Craziness!
I have to tell you, I CANNOT believe that our fall semester of school starts next Tuesday!! Where did the summer go? I certainly wasn't ready for all of this and it has landed like a lead balloon!
Work has been crazy busy- the phones ringing off the hook, students coming in by the dozens to register (even at this late date), talk about payment, pick up their textbooks...you name it, they're hear asking about it or trying to do it! The hardest part is that some of our most popular programs are already full for the fall, so it seems like we're turning some students away when they aren't interested in any other options. I hate that, but what do you do? We've been enrolling since mid-April...
On a happy note, I'm going to see Joe Nichols tonight at the Power & Light District for FREE! I'm sure that tomorrow morning I will be completely dead tired, but I love Joe's music and can't pass on the chance to see a free show. I know it won't be the same as a full blown concert, but that's ok. Its a great chance to get out of the house and enjoy some "me" time, as Damon will be staying home w/ Elizabeth. I'll try to post about it tomorrow and let you know what I think.
No pictures today, but will have some in a week or so-we're having our annual family & friends party next Saturday, so hope to have some fun pics of all the cousins and such...while I'm not looking forward to the prep work, I am soo looking forward to seeing our friends and family. More to come on this later....
I was also not ready to come to terms with how grown up Elizabeth has become in the last month or so. She is now asking to brush her teeth, wash her hands, only wants to take showers, not baths, wants to dress herself...you get the picture. If all goes as planned, I am meeting some folks tomorrow to purchase a toddler bed for her from Craig's List. Hope it works out...told Damon today that we REALLY need to get a door put on her room if we're serious about letting her sleep in a toddler bed.... so we'll see what happens. Maybe, just maybe, we'll actually get her closet and room door up this weekend...but I'm not going to hold my breath.
Catch you all later...have a great weekend!
Work has been crazy busy- the phones ringing off the hook, students coming in by the dozens to register (even at this late date), talk about payment, pick up their textbooks...you name it, they're hear asking about it or trying to do it! The hardest part is that some of our most popular programs are already full for the fall, so it seems like we're turning some students away when they aren't interested in any other options. I hate that, but what do you do? We've been enrolling since mid-April...
On a happy note, I'm going to see Joe Nichols tonight at the Power & Light District for FREE! I'm sure that tomorrow morning I will be completely dead tired, but I love Joe's music and can't pass on the chance to see a free show. I know it won't be the same as a full blown concert, but that's ok. Its a great chance to get out of the house and enjoy some "me" time, as Damon will be staying home w/ Elizabeth. I'll try to post about it tomorrow and let you know what I think.
No pictures today, but will have some in a week or so-we're having our annual family & friends party next Saturday, so hope to have some fun pics of all the cousins and such...while I'm not looking forward to the prep work, I am soo looking forward to seeing our friends and family. More to come on this later....
I was also not ready to come to terms with how grown up Elizabeth has become in the last month or so. She is now asking to brush her teeth, wash her hands, only wants to take showers, not baths, wants to dress herself...you get the picture. If all goes as planned, I am meeting some folks tomorrow to purchase a toddler bed for her from Craig's List. Hope it works out...told Damon today that we REALLY need to get a door put on her room if we're serious about letting her sleep in a toddler bed.... so we'll see what happens. Maybe, just maybe, we'll actually get her closet and room door up this weekend...but I'm not going to hold my breath.
Catch you all later...have a great weekend!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Pictures from our mini-vacation....
Finally, here they are! Sorry for the delay. With school getting ready to start soon, the office has been VERY busy, leaving little time for playing on-line! Just wanted to share these pics...promise I'll try to get a better update posted soon!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Friends & Vacations!
It's just about the most awesome thing to spend quality time with good friends. Elizabeth and I recently came back from spending three wonderful days with my friend Cindy, her husband and their daughter. Cindy and I are friends from the days after we lost our first babies....so we have lots in common. We are very fortunate that our little girls were born about 4 weeks apart, so they are doing lots of the same things.
We had SO much fun w/ Cindy! We went to book talk at the local library, got to see their church, went to the mall and played outside lots! We also were blessed to meet Cindy's sister, her son, and Cindy's parents while we were there! Cindy and her husband prepared wonderful meals for us and we had a great time! It was sad to have to leave and come home! Cindy should be sending me pictures of the girls soon, so I hope to have some to post here shortly.
Thanks Cindy, Nate, Hannah, Amy and Andrew for a wonderful 3 days! We hope to get together again soon!
We had SO much fun w/ Cindy! We went to book talk at the local library, got to see their church, went to the mall and played outside lots! We also were blessed to meet Cindy's sister, her son, and Cindy's parents while we were there! Cindy and her husband prepared wonderful meals for us and we had a great time! It was sad to have to leave and come home! Cindy should be sending me pictures of the girls soon, so I hope to have some to post here shortly.
Thanks Cindy, Nate, Hannah, Amy and Andrew for a wonderful 3 days! We hope to get together again soon!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Another goodbye.....
Well, its seems that all I've been doing the last year is saying goodbye to coworkers. I'm starting to wonder if its me or just bad timing.
Anyway, my supervisor for the last year had decided to retire. Its a great thing for him, as he'll get to travel w/ his son and go on some amazing hiking/climbing trips. It will be hard for us left behind as we will be without an official direct supervisor for the time being. The other Dean will be stepping in until we complete the hiring process for my supervisor's replacement.
While I'm sad that John is leaving us, I'm happy for him. I know that he will enjoy his travels/adventures. We'll miss is Cheshire cat grin, dry jokes, McDonald's coffee cups and the ever present gum/mints he always seems to have in his pockets. Mostly, I'll miss his supporting and caring nature and the way he encourages me when things get rough.
So, here's to "see you later, John"! I won't say goodbye, as I hope we'll see you again in the future.
Anyway, my supervisor for the last year had decided to retire. Its a great thing for him, as he'll get to travel w/ his son and go on some amazing hiking/climbing trips. It will be hard for us left behind as we will be without an official direct supervisor for the time being. The other Dean will be stepping in until we complete the hiring process for my supervisor's replacement.
While I'm sad that John is leaving us, I'm happy for him. I know that he will enjoy his travels/adventures. We'll miss is Cheshire cat grin, dry jokes, McDonald's coffee cups and the ever present gum/mints he always seems to have in his pockets. Mostly, I'll miss his supporting and caring nature and the way he encourages me when things get rough.
So, here's to "see you later, John"! I won't say goodbye, as I hope we'll see you again in the future.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
18 month check up!
Its hard to believe my little girl is 18 months! We headed to the pediatrician today for our check-up and shots. It was soo cute...Elizabeth gave Dr. Sauer a hug when she came in! Everything looks great and she is really pleased with how Elizabeth is doing overall. We were slightly concerned that her height has dropped off a little bit, but she is still on the charts and within normal ranges. So, at this point, we'll just keep an eye on it and worry if it continues to be a downward trend or anything weird. After all, its not like her daddy and I are tall people anyway! She recieved two vaccines today, her DPT and Hepatitis A- she only cried for about 15 seconds after the shots and then she was all smiles again.
Here's our stats at 18 months:
Height: 31 inches (25th %)
Weight: 24 lbs (50th %)
Head circum.: 47 cm (75th%)
All in all, it was a good and quick visit. I'm very proud of my girl-she's growing up so fast!
Here's our stats at 18 months:
Height: 31 inches (25th %)
Weight: 24 lbs (50th %)
Head circum.: 47 cm (75th%)
All in all, it was a good and quick visit. I'm very proud of my girl-she's growing up so fast!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Terrible Two's ....at 18 months???
LOL! I just have to remember to smile. Miss Elizabeth is definitely showing mommy and daddy her independent spirit these days! She is a pro at shaking her head and saying "no" and we've mastered the fine art of temper tantrums. She wants what she wants, when she wants it. Daddy and I are struggling to say no to her, but it is so hard! She is the only person in the world I struggle to say "no" to...but I know that we need to in order for her to grow up being respectful and knowing right from wrong. I hope I'm not the only first time parent that struggles with this!
We're also challenged in the meal area..some days she eats like a horse, other days she picks at her food. Like yesterday, for example, it seemed like all she wanted to do was eat! Every time we turned around, she was asking to get up in her high chair and for food or a drink! I think she wore daddy out with it.
Other than these, what I suspect are normal stages, life is really good. Despite her moods, Elizabeth is mostly a very loving and considerate little girl. She loves to give hugs and kisses, especially to mommy and the dog and she is completely enthralled with her 3 fish!
Daddy and I are thankful that summer is on its way, so we can hopefully get out and enjoy our yard and the pool before too long- swimming lessons are on the agenda for this summer!
Hugs to all our friends near and far...we love you!
We're also challenged in the meal area..some days she eats like a horse, other days she picks at her food. Like yesterday, for example, it seemed like all she wanted to do was eat! Every time we turned around, she was asking to get up in her high chair and for food or a drink! I think she wore daddy out with it.
Other than these, what I suspect are normal stages, life is really good. Despite her moods, Elizabeth is mostly a very loving and considerate little girl. She loves to give hugs and kisses, especially to mommy and the dog and she is completely enthralled with her 3 fish!
Daddy and I are thankful that summer is on its way, so we can hopefully get out and enjoy our yard and the pool before too long- swimming lessons are on the agenda for this summer!
Hugs to all our friends near and far...we love you!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Before I Was a Mom.....
Before I was a Mom ,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby..
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom ,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom ,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom ,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom .
Before I was a Mom ,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom ,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom .
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom .
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby..
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom ,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom ,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom ,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom .
Before I was a Mom ,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom ,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom .
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom .
Monday, March 9, 2009
Family Time!
Here's a couple of photos from our family photo shoot at Sears a few weekends ago. My family and I were all together for the first time in almost 2 years! It was lots of fun to spend the weekend w/ my sister, BIL, niece and my brother, who were all here from out of town. The 2 little girls had so much fun playing together- their favorite game was peek a boo! While it was lots of fun, we were certainly glad to come home to our own beds after 4 days of sharing space with 8 other people!
It was also lots of fun to see our extended family and meet some of our new cousins that we hadn't had a chance to see yet...all in all, it was a great weekend! I'll try to get some more of my photos up soon!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Pigtails and Parties!
Well, its been a while again- lots going on around here! We've been to a 3rd birthday party for my friend's daughter, worn our first pigtails and doing lots more talking! Damon and I are super-busy with work, but are very grateful to be busy instead of unemployed! We'll be headed to my folks in about a week to celebrate my sister's wedding (she got married in Sept in Jamaica) and hang out with family! I'm very excited to see my sister and my niece- its been almost a year since we saw them last and I can't wait to see the 2 cousins together! I'll also get to spend some quality time with my brother, who will be in from Louisianna! It will be a busy weekend, but I'm really looking forward to the time with family and 3 whole days away from the office (and the dog, who will be boarded for the weekend :))
Anyway, here are some pictures from the birthday party where we hid out in the cottage and played dress-up and of her first pigtails today.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
New year!
Wow! Where has the time gone?! I realized I hadn't posted in quite a while...
Anyway, things have been busy, but good around here for us. Damon has moved to a new group with Sprint and seems to be happy with the change. I took on a special duty assignment with my work, taking over my former boss's duties. It makes for some long days, but I'm enjoying the work, and the new, bigger corner office! :)
Elizabeth is growing by leaps and bounds...its hard to believe at this time last year I was coming back to work after 8 weeks of maternity leave...that seems like a lifetime ago now. She is running everywhere, is cutting 2 teeth (for a total of 5 when they all come in!) and has new words all the time. She is such a joy and a blessing to us.
I've had a little excitement in my life (via some good friends) who are newly pregnant. One friend found out yesterday that she is expecting twins, and my BFF called me last night to tell me she is 5 weeks along! I'm so excited for both of them- maybe I'll be able to squash my current baby fever by following their progress! Either way, its going to be a very exciting 9 months for my friends!
Hopefully, I'll have a few pictures after this weekend when my camera returns to me from St. Louis (where I left it last weekend)...until then- Enjoy and have a great day!
Anyway, things have been busy, but good around here for us. Damon has moved to a new group with Sprint and seems to be happy with the change. I took on a special duty assignment with my work, taking over my former boss's duties. It makes for some long days, but I'm enjoying the work, and the new, bigger corner office! :)
Elizabeth is growing by leaps and bounds...its hard to believe at this time last year I was coming back to work after 8 weeks of maternity leave...that seems like a lifetime ago now. She is running everywhere, is cutting 2 teeth (for a total of 5 when they all come in!) and has new words all the time. She is such a joy and a blessing to us.
I've had a little excitement in my life (via some good friends) who are newly pregnant. One friend found out yesterday that she is expecting twins, and my BFF called me last night to tell me she is 5 weeks along! I'm so excited for both of them- maybe I'll be able to squash my current baby fever by following their progress! Either way, its going to be a very exciting 9 months for my friends!
Hopefully, I'll have a few pictures after this weekend when my camera returns to me from St. Louis (where I left it last weekend)...until then- Enjoy and have a great day!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Birthday Party #2!
What a lucky little girl! Elizabeth was lucky enough to celebrate her birthday a 2nd time, with my family and our friends in the Kansas City area. The party was a great success, despite the awful weather (it was so cold!) and she recieved a lot of very nice gifts. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful family and friends! My mom took a lot of pictures, so I'm waiting to see those, but here are some of the ones that I have....
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