It's morning. We survived the first night sans-binky. That in itself is a huge accomplishment, for Katherine and for us. After opening the letter, Katherine willingly put all her binkys in the box and we put it outside for the binky fairy. She took the bunny and told her how proud we were of her. She was fine for about 20 minutes then started crying and screaming hysterically for the binky. So mommy said she was such a big girl, maybe she'd like a popsicle to celebrate? I know, 8:00 isn't the best time for that, but I was all about distraction.
So, I put Natalie to bed and while reading her stories I can hear Katherine crying while Dean is trying to calm her. So ensues the pattern for the next 2.5 hours. She was crying, screaming "no!" and very tired. We took turns rocking her. I finally got her to fall asleep while rocking her, but when I tried to move her to the crib she woke up and was crying again. So I left her in the crib and sat next to it soothing and singing to her. She finally fell asleep, woke up w/in two minutes and started crying again. Then she finally fell asleep for good. It was so hard. It's heart wrenching to hear your child in despair, know exactly what she wants, and not give it to her.
I went to bed as I was pretty certain she would wake up again. And she did. At 12:30 and she was hysterical. Screaming, crying... poor thing. I felt awful. But we talked to her, Dean brought in some warm milk and she settled down. Fell asleep in the rocker, I moved her to the crib, she cried momentarily and then fell asleep. This time it took about 30 minutes. And then, slept until 7:00!
We checked outside this morning and sure enough the binky fairly had left presents for both Katherine and super big sister Natalie. She loved her princess shoes and has been hugging Pooh Bear all morning. So sweet. We then went to Panera for scones to celebrate.
Hopefully that will be the worst of it. I know she understands that the binkys are gone, but I predict more crying at nap time. It just breaks my heart to hear the forlorn, sad cries. I'm hoping it will get a bit easier for her each day until she forgets about the binkys and sleep with ease like she used to. Stay tuned...
Monday, October 25, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Binky Fairy Returns
After success the first time around with Natalie, the binky fairy is making a return visit for Katherine tonight. I am excited and apprehensive about this. I'm very happy that the binkies will soon be gone. I'm tired of hearing "I want a binky mommy" 20 times a day. And the resulting screams that ensue when the request is denied.
However I am anxious as I think this will be a harder transition for Katherine. She uses two binkies at night. One in her mouth and one in her hand. She doesn't have a set lovey like Natalie did. She's 2 and a few months, so while she gets it, I think it will be tougher than with Natalie. Natalie was three, and cried a bit the first night, but went to sleep pretty quickly. She woke up once and cried but I was able to comfort her. For about a week, she was sad at bedtime, said she missed her binky, but that was it. No major sleep issues.
Katherine is still napping and my biggest fear is that the departure of the binkies will also mean the departure of the naps. This is a BIG fear. Katherine still needs her naps... she gets tired and cranky right at naptime. I still need her naps. I get tired and cranky by her naptime too!
So fingers crossed and stay tuned. The UPS box has been delivered. Inside is the red box that Katherine is to put all her binkies in for the babies who need them. A gift is in there too, to help her get through the first night. A bunny animal/blanket combo that will hopefully provide some comfort. And tomorrow morning she will awaken to a huge Pooh Bear and some Snow White dress up shoes as her reward.
Hmm... thinking ahead, perhaps I'd better alert Starbucks. Depending on how tonight goes, I may need an injection drip tomorrow!
However I am anxious as I think this will be a harder transition for Katherine. She uses two binkies at night. One in her mouth and one in her hand. She doesn't have a set lovey like Natalie did. She's 2 and a few months, so while she gets it, I think it will be tougher than with Natalie. Natalie was three, and cried a bit the first night, but went to sleep pretty quickly. She woke up once and cried but I was able to comfort her. For about a week, she was sad at bedtime, said she missed her binky, but that was it. No major sleep issues.
Katherine is still napping and my biggest fear is that the departure of the binkies will also mean the departure of the naps. This is a BIG fear. Katherine still needs her naps... she gets tired and cranky right at naptime. I still need her naps. I get tired and cranky by her naptime too!
So fingers crossed and stay tuned. The UPS box has been delivered. Inside is the red box that Katherine is to put all her binkies in for the babies who need them. A gift is in there too, to help her get through the first night. A bunny animal/blanket combo that will hopefully provide some comfort. And tomorrow morning she will awaken to a huge Pooh Bear and some Snow White dress up shoes as her reward.
Hmm... thinking ahead, perhaps I'd better alert Starbucks. Depending on how tonight goes, I may need an injection drip tomorrow!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Dixon Ultimate Family Vacation
Catchy title, eh?
Sponsored By
Cheerios® is giving you the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, your ultimate family vacation. As part of a paid promotion for their “Do What You Love” Sweepstakes, Cheerios® is sponsoring my post today about what my ultimate family vacation would be. Read mine and Enter the Sweepstakes for a chance to actually win your own fantasy family trip or one of a bunch of other great prizes.
I've been thinking lately of what our ultimate family vacation would be, if we could do anything. That I love to travel is no secret, that I've not done much since the birth of the Dixon chicks is no secret either. Since moving to FL, our big annual vacation is a trip back to CA to visit my family. Luckily for us, this is a great destination. Unlucky for me, having grown up in CA, while I love the state, it's not really a true "vacation". Especially since Dean is usually working half the time we are traveling. Working from home has it's benefits, but having a portable office while on vacation isn't really one of them.
So, what would my ultimate family vacation be? While my adventurous side dreams of an extended trip through Europe or Asia, or perhaps biking through the Italian wine country, my realistic side knows that with one child still in diapers and napping, this one will have to wait a few years.
We live an hour from Disney World, so while this is a huge family vacation destination, for us it is a day trip. And living in FL, I don't feel the need for a beach vacation as much as I used to. So, where would I go?
France!
Starting out in Paris specifically. While you may think this crazy at first with two young children, I have plans. Oh yes, I have plans. We would rent an apartment somewhere near the city centre, or in one of the great nearby districts. Where we could walk or take public transportation. I love the idea of waking up, grabbing a quick breakfast for the kids in our little cozy french kitchen. Then we'd meander through the neighborhood in search of coffee for Dean and I and delicious french pastries for the girls. (Okay, us too!). We would then enjoy ourselves by playing at the local playgrounds, strolling through the beautiful french shops and enjoying the bakeries and markets for the culture, the food and to let the girls enjoy some real, unbelievably creamy, cheese. On bread baked fresh that day. Here the girls could experience real fast food: fresh baked bread, cheese, olives and fruit.
This trip would be ideal as we could truly immerse ourselves in the french lifestyle, if only for a moment. I really want my girls to grow up with a world view, and I think immersing them in a foreign culture from a young age will not only give them that appreciation, but also a sense of adventure, community and pride in their own country. Nothing makes you appreciate what you have and love about your own home, than being away from it for a period of time.
Of course, no trip to France would be complete without hitting the beaches of southern France, where we would spend a few lazy days at the beach so the kids could soak up the universal fun of a beach playground, wherever in the world one might be.
Hmm... sounds so dreamy. I can't get away to France at the moment, but I can open a bottle of wine. Au Revoir!
Don't forget to enter the “Do What You Love” Sweepstakes, for a chance to win your own ultimate family vacation. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.
Sponsored By
Cheerios® is giving you the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, your ultimate family vacation. As part of a paid promotion for their “Do What You Love” Sweepstakes, Cheerios® is sponsoring my post today about what my ultimate family vacation would be. Read mine and Enter the Sweepstakes for a chance to actually win your own fantasy family trip or one of a bunch of other great prizes.
I've been thinking lately of what our ultimate family vacation would be, if we could do anything. That I love to travel is no secret, that I've not done much since the birth of the Dixon chicks is no secret either. Since moving to FL, our big annual vacation is a trip back to CA to visit my family. Luckily for us, this is a great destination. Unlucky for me, having grown up in CA, while I love the state, it's not really a true "vacation". Especially since Dean is usually working half the time we are traveling. Working from home has it's benefits, but having a portable office while on vacation isn't really one of them.
So, what would my ultimate family vacation be? While my adventurous side dreams of an extended trip through Europe or Asia, or perhaps biking through the Italian wine country, my realistic side knows that with one child still in diapers and napping, this one will have to wait a few years.
We live an hour from Disney World, so while this is a huge family vacation destination, for us it is a day trip. And living in FL, I don't feel the need for a beach vacation as much as I used to. So, where would I go?
France!
Starting out in Paris specifically. While you may think this crazy at first with two young children, I have plans. Oh yes, I have plans. We would rent an apartment somewhere near the city centre, or in one of the great nearby districts. Where we could walk or take public transportation. I love the idea of waking up, grabbing a quick breakfast for the kids in our little cozy french kitchen. Then we'd meander through the neighborhood in search of coffee for Dean and I and delicious french pastries for the girls. (Okay, us too!). We would then enjoy ourselves by playing at the local playgrounds, strolling through the beautiful french shops and enjoying the bakeries and markets for the culture, the food and to let the girls enjoy some real, unbelievably creamy, cheese. On bread baked fresh that day. Here the girls could experience real fast food: fresh baked bread, cheese, olives and fruit.
This trip would be ideal as we could truly immerse ourselves in the french lifestyle, if only for a moment. I really want my girls to grow up with a world view, and I think immersing them in a foreign culture from a young age will not only give them that appreciation, but also a sense of adventure, community and pride in their own country. Nothing makes you appreciate what you have and love about your own home, than being away from it for a period of time.
Of course, no trip to France would be complete without hitting the beaches of southern France, where we would spend a few lazy days at the beach so the kids could soak up the universal fun of a beach playground, wherever in the world one might be.
Hmm... sounds so dreamy. I can't get away to France at the moment, but I can open a bottle of wine. Au Revoir!
Don't forget to enter the “Do What You Love” Sweepstakes, for a chance to win your own ultimate family vacation. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
It takes a village...
They say it takes a village, and you know what? It's true. We've been in FL almost three and half years now, and in that time I've made some great friends. Most of them are SAHMs (Stay at Home Moms) like me, and let me tell you, when you are with your children, ALL day, EVERY day, you need an outlet. And my FL friends have not disappointed. I'll leave the girls night out stories for another post (or three), today is about how great it is to help out other moms.
Case in point. With Natalie having started Kindergarten this year, I was eager to volunteer in her classroom. I really want to do this as my mom was very involved in our elementary school and I think both my brother and I, and the school, really benefited from it. It's nice to have my turn now, sort of an ode to my mom, following in her footsteps.
I'm excited to volunteer while Natalie is still young enough to be super excited about having me in her class. I start volunteering next week, and she's already asking if I can volunteer more than one morning a week. So cute. However, for obvious reasons, it would not be conducive to bring Katherine into the classroom with me. Trust me, she would create total mayhem in minutes. Well, as it so happens my friend Sarah is in the same boat. Her son Nolan (one of Natalie's best friends) started Kindergarten this year too. And he too, has younger sibling that would also generate mayhem in the classroom. So Sarah and I are swapping childcare so we can each volunteer in our kids class. Fantastic!
We started the swap this week and Graham and Katherine had a great time at our place on Monday. I threw on some tunes while he was here and you can see for yourself he was having a fantastic time. Sarah had mentioned he seemed to be really into music and she was right. How cute are these two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVVTCS-7ZJk
And here is Katherine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOuyTRl6DLU
Stay tuned for next week's update on how the first day volunteering goes. Should be interesting!
Case in point. With Natalie having started Kindergarten this year, I was eager to volunteer in her classroom. I really want to do this as my mom was very involved in our elementary school and I think both my brother and I, and the school, really benefited from it. It's nice to have my turn now, sort of an ode to my mom, following in her footsteps.
I'm excited to volunteer while Natalie is still young enough to be super excited about having me in her class. I start volunteering next week, and she's already asking if I can volunteer more than one morning a week. So cute. However, for obvious reasons, it would not be conducive to bring Katherine into the classroom with me. Trust me, she would create total mayhem in minutes. Well, as it so happens my friend Sarah is in the same boat. Her son Nolan (one of Natalie's best friends) started Kindergarten this year too. And he too, has younger sibling that would also generate mayhem in the classroom. So Sarah and I are swapping childcare so we can each volunteer in our kids class. Fantastic!
We started the swap this week and Graham and Katherine had a great time at our place on Monday. I threw on some tunes while he was here and you can see for yourself he was having a fantastic time. Sarah had mentioned he seemed to be really into music and she was right. How cute are these two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVVTCS-7ZJk
And here is Katherine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOuyTRl6DLU
Stay tuned for next week's update on how the first day volunteering goes. Should be interesting!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Best Mom Tool Ever
We recently picked up my new favorite addition to my mom aresenal. The digital timer. My neighbor has been using one for years. And at Dean's suggestion, I finally picked one up from Amazon. It always amazes me how the simplest things have the biggest impact on kids.
So now, when it's five minutes to bedtime, we set the timer and the girls head straight to the bathroom to brush their teeth. No arguing. It's not us telling them, it's the timer. And for whatever reason, that works. When they both want a toy, I set the timer and when it beeps, it gets handed over to the sister w/out complaints.
Brilliant! Dean gets big dad points for this one. Love that guy...
So now, when it's five minutes to bedtime, we set the timer and the girls head straight to the bathroom to brush their teeth. No arguing. It's not us telling them, it's the timer. And for whatever reason, that works. When they both want a toy, I set the timer and when it beeps, it gets handed over to the sister w/out complaints.
Brilliant! Dean gets big dad points for this one. Love that guy...
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Ballet Class
Katherine had her first ballet class at the Y today. So cute! And yes, our little peanut was BY FAR the smallest in the class. But she kept up like a champ! Small and mighty, that one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crXNWdyJQMU
Yes, they are all two, really!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crXNWdyJQMU
Yes, they are all two, really!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
1st Day of Kindergarten
Here's our "baby" off to her first day of Kindergarten. She's wearing the same dress her big cousin Megan wore on her first day of Kindergarten, so cute! We are lucky enough to live close enough to the school that I can pull her in a bike trailer, which is really a great way to start the day, riding through the neighborhood.
When I picked her up and asked how her first day was, the replay was an enthusiastic, "it was great!" Music to my ears. A great day... no tears by anyone and we celebrated with ice cream sundae's when we got home. A year of adventure surely awaits!
When I picked her up and asked how her first day was, the replay was an enthusiastic, "it was great!" Music to my ears. A great day... no tears by anyone and we celebrated with ice cream sundae's when we got home. A year of adventure surely awaits!
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| This is how we roll... |
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| Getting ready to ride. |
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| In her new classroom. |
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Florida Living
Dean did some major yard work today (have I mentioned that my hubby is awesome!!). And the place is looking great.
However, when Natalie and I got home from the gym in the middle of said yardwork, Dean tells me that he found wasps nests in essentially ALL of our bushes. He pulls one out and there are eggs in the honeycomb. Aack!! He then shoos me inside.
You see, I am highly allergic to black wasps. And they are ALL over our neighborhood. I seriously have less than an hour to use an epipen or get to a hospital before I will be rendered unable to breathe. This is frightening enough, what is more frightening is that I do not yet know if either of our daughters will have the same allergic reaction.
Sigh. I will never get used the FL creatures.
However, when Natalie and I got home from the gym in the middle of said yardwork, Dean tells me that he found wasps nests in essentially ALL of our bushes. He pulls one out and there are eggs in the honeycomb. Aack!! He then shoos me inside.
You see, I am highly allergic to black wasps. And they are ALL over our neighborhood. I seriously have less than an hour to use an epipen or get to a hospital before I will be rendered unable to breathe. This is frightening enough, what is more frightening is that I do not yet know if either of our daughters will have the same allergic reaction.
Sigh. I will never get used the FL creatures.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Amazing Friends
So last month, my Verry amazing friend Sherry sent us, special delivery from Ireland, two handmade quilts for the girls. They are adorable! Sherry, you've no idea how much this means to me. I am hugely sentimental and handmade gifts are rare these days. I was so excited to open the package, and you did not disappoint.
I put Katherine's quilt on the floor to show her and she immediately laid down on it and started singing a lullaby. So glad I caught that moment! The quilt is absolutely adorable, with all things girly: castles, princesses and flowers. And little did Sherry know, this was a perfect fit for Katherine, who is such a girly girl (WHERE that came from I do not know.). But she loves her baby dolls and all things princess-like, so the quilt was adored as you can see below. While she doesn't yet understand how truly special it is, I will make sure she does as she gets older. And I was so inspired by it, that I plan to decorate Katherine's room around the color scheme.
And of course only another mother would go the extra mile and make a matching doll quilt for big sister. So thoughtful! Natalie already has her own Sherry creation, which is hanging on her bedroom wall, so to receive another is truly a special treat.
So Sherry, thank you so verry much!! These will be cherished and handed down to generations of future Dixon Chicks, of that I am sure.
And btw, if you want to check out more of Sherry's amazing quilting, you can check out the magazine she started here: http://www.irishquilting.ie/Irish_Quilting/home.html or her blog here: http://verrysherry.blogspot.com/
I put Katherine's quilt on the floor to show her and she immediately laid down on it and started singing a lullaby. So glad I caught that moment! The quilt is absolutely adorable, with all things girly: castles, princesses and flowers. And little did Sherry know, this was a perfect fit for Katherine, who is such a girly girl (WHERE that came from I do not know.). But she loves her baby dolls and all things princess-like, so the quilt was adored as you can see below. While she doesn't yet understand how truly special it is, I will make sure she does as she gets older. And I was so inspired by it, that I plan to decorate Katherine's room around the color scheme.
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| Katherine loving her new quilt. |
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| Natalie loving her doll quilt. |
And of course only another mother would go the extra mile and make a matching doll quilt for big sister. So thoughtful! Natalie already has her own Sherry creation, which is hanging on her bedroom wall, so to receive another is truly a special treat.
So Sherry, thank you so verry much!! These will be cherished and handed down to generations of future Dixon Chicks, of that I am sure.
And btw, if you want to check out more of Sherry's amazing quilting, you can check out the magazine she started here: http://www.irishquilting.ie/Irish_Quilting/home.html or her blog here: http://verrysherry.blogspot.com/
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Happy 4th of July!
It's only 9:00am here and we've already had an amazing 4th of July, we witnessed the birth of a butterfly!
My neighbor Jen brought over three caterpillars last week and we've watched them hang, turn into cocoons and have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the butterflies. We woke up this morning to find one already had been born and were lucky enough to catch the second being born. It was amazing. See for yourself. And yes, I do know a butterfly isn't an animal, but I was in the moment, what can I say? Enjoy!
If you don't see the video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye59Bm_PUoM
My neighbor Jen brought over three caterpillars last week and we've watched them hang, turn into cocoons and have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the butterflies. We woke up this morning to find one already had been born and were lucky enough to catch the second being born. It was amazing. See for yourself. And yes, I do know a butterfly isn't an animal, but I was in the moment, what can I say? Enjoy!
If you don't see the video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye59Bm_PUoM
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mothers Day 2010
We had a great day at Lido Key with the girls. It might be my fav new beach spot. St. Armand's Circle is right around the corner, across the street is a hotel that packs up cocktails for the adults and the water is shallow and mellow for the kids. A great time was had by all... take a look!
Oh, and in other news. there is a 4 ft black snake hiding in our garage somewhere. Fun!
Oh, and in other news. there is a 4 ft black snake hiding in our garage somewhere. Fun!
Friday, May 07, 2010
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Here are the girls having some Friday afternoon fun! This is Natalie's favorite new thing to do.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
We have a Walker!
You'll have to tilt your head to see (ahem, technical difficulties) but here is Katherine taking some of her first steps. I love how she is laughing the whole time, so cute!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friends Rule
Can I just say, I have the best group of friends ever. Hands down. Yesterday a surprise box arrived in the mail. Filled with some of my fav yummy Trader Joe's treats. Thank You! Thank You! This totally made my day. One of the many things I miss about living in CA is Trader Joes. I used to do at least half of my regular shopping there. And especially now with kids, I would love to have one near, but for the moment, it is not to be.
Great friends, you know who you are, my belly is very happy right now, mmm...
Friends rule.
Great friends, you know who you are, my belly is very happy right now, mmm...
Friends rule.
Monday, September 28, 2009
I've been cheating
You may have noticed as of late my posts have been a bit sporadic. I have a confession to make. I have been cheating on this blog. I didn't plan it, it just... sort of... happened. Innocently enough, we were just to be friends. But I got caught up. And have been seeing him on a daily basis. Yes, folks, I have been cheating on Dean and the Dixon Chicks with...
Facebook.
There, I've said it. It's finally off my chest. I've felt horrible about neglecting you, and honestly, it feels great to be back. But I know I will digress again. I've accepted I am not a monogamous internet poster and I am okay with that. So I will continue this relationship, because I do love you so, my precious blog. But you will have to share me with my facebook friends. It doesn't mean I love you any less, it just means I am well rounded. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
In the meantime, Natalie has started her new preschool and now goes every morning. We both love this! She is starting to write her name, which is amazing for me to see. And she's starting to ask all the "why" questions. It's been so fun to watch her develop and start trying to understand why things are the way they are.
Katherine is on the cusp of walking and I love watching her motor around the house. She appears to be more of a daredevil than Natalie and is chattering away non-stop. It is adorable. I love, love this age and just want to bottle it up. I could literally sit in a chair and just watch her all day an be thoroughly entertained. Yeah, I love that gal.
Here are a few of the latest photos for your enjoyment.
Summer Fun - Joan, if you lived here you could hang in the pool with us.
Natalie breaking out the rain gear...
Bathtime fun
First time painting mother/daughter toes!
and ps - if you didn't notice, I have a new URL for this blog: www.erinanddean.blogspot.com. Was having some issues with the other domain, so had to move it. Same great blog, new URL...
Facebook.
There, I've said it. It's finally off my chest. I've felt horrible about neglecting you, and honestly, it feels great to be back. But I know I will digress again. I've accepted I am not a monogamous internet poster and I am okay with that. So I will continue this relationship, because I do love you so, my precious blog. But you will have to share me with my facebook friends. It doesn't mean I love you any less, it just means I am well rounded. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
In the meantime, Natalie has started her new preschool and now goes every morning. We both love this! She is starting to write her name, which is amazing for me to see. And she's starting to ask all the "why" questions. It's been so fun to watch her develop and start trying to understand why things are the way they are.
Katherine is on the cusp of walking and I love watching her motor around the house. She appears to be more of a daredevil than Natalie and is chattering away non-stop. It is adorable. I love, love this age and just want to bottle it up. I could literally sit in a chair and just watch her all day an be thoroughly entertained. Yeah, I love that gal.
Here are a few of the latest photos for your enjoyment.
Summer Fun - Joan, if you lived here you could hang in the pool with us.
Natalie breaking out the rain gear...
Bathtime fun
First time painting mother/daughter toes!
and ps - if you didn't notice, I have a new URL for this blog: www.erinanddean.blogspot.com. Was having some issues with the other domain, so had to move it. Same great blog, new URL...
Friday, July 17, 2009
One.
Today is Katherine's 1st birthday. Wow. Happy Birthday Kate!!!
Like all parents, I'm wondering where this year went? It flew by in a hurricane-swift gust. And today, my daughter is just a beautiful, happy baby girl. Chattering and laughing. Cooing and crying. Screaming to be heard and oohing and aahing at the world around her. So lovely, this constant state of change. She will soon to be off and running... yet I want this moment to last. I know it is ever so brief, and cannot believe it was a short year ago, that I was huge with child, swollen and impatient to meet her.
Maybe it's because I know this is my last baby... I'm 41 and neither Dean and I have the capacity/energy/patience for another child. We are thrilled with our girls and our family feels complete. But I just want this moment to last a little longer. I want to hold onto the baby cuddles, the coos, the giggles, and the pure beauty of an innocent and all encompassing smile. Katherine brings me such joy everyday, I truly cannot describe this feeling in words. She is just so adorable.
She is on the cusp of crawling and like with Natalie, I'm eager to see where this leads her. Where her curiosity will take her. And of course, how fast I have to chase her to keep up. It's very interesting with a second child to see the similarities and differences to their sibling. Like Natalie, Katherine is a great sleeper (thank you sleeping gods!), pretty easy going and loves to look at books and have them read to her. She is much more animated and silly than Natalie was. She loves to make you laugh and can crack herself up playing with any given toy. This is adorable to watch.
She loves the water as much as Natalie, which is great for FL living and is already a dancing gal like her mama. Turn on a good beat, or punch a musical button on a toy and she gets super excited and moving. We have regular living room dance parties and she loves me to hold her and dance around the room with her. I cannot wait to take Natalie, and then Katherine to their first concerts. And to listen to their first recitals with whatever musical instrument they choose. But for now, I'm going to enjoy holding her, rocking with her and doing anything I can to get that adorable grin on her face. Because I know in a blink of an eye, she will be a teenager and prefer the company of her friends to her mom. So until that day comes, I will soak up every moment of being the center of her universe. It's a pretty good place to be.
So happy birthday Katherine! You are an amazing baby and we love you more than you can know.
Like all parents, I'm wondering where this year went? It flew by in a hurricane-swift gust. And today, my daughter is just a beautiful, happy baby girl. Chattering and laughing. Cooing and crying. Screaming to be heard and oohing and aahing at the world around her. So lovely, this constant state of change. She will soon to be off and running... yet I want this moment to last. I know it is ever so brief, and cannot believe it was a short year ago, that I was huge with child, swollen and impatient to meet her.
Maybe it's because I know this is my last baby... I'm 41 and neither Dean and I have the capacity/energy/patience for another child. We are thrilled with our girls and our family feels complete. But I just want this moment to last a little longer. I want to hold onto the baby cuddles, the coos, the giggles, and the pure beauty of an innocent and all encompassing smile. Katherine brings me such joy everyday, I truly cannot describe this feeling in words. She is just so adorable.
She is on the cusp of crawling and like with Natalie, I'm eager to see where this leads her. Where her curiosity will take her. And of course, how fast I have to chase her to keep up. It's very interesting with a second child to see the similarities and differences to their sibling. Like Natalie, Katherine is a great sleeper (thank you sleeping gods!), pretty easy going and loves to look at books and have them read to her. She is much more animated and silly than Natalie was. She loves to make you laugh and can crack herself up playing with any given toy. This is adorable to watch.
She loves the water as much as Natalie, which is great for FL living and is already a dancing gal like her mama. Turn on a good beat, or punch a musical button on a toy and she gets super excited and moving. We have regular living room dance parties and she loves me to hold her and dance around the room with her. I cannot wait to take Natalie, and then Katherine to their first concerts. And to listen to their first recitals with whatever musical instrument they choose. But for now, I'm going to enjoy holding her, rocking with her and doing anything I can to get that adorable grin on her face. Because I know in a blink of an eye, she will be a teenager and prefer the company of her friends to her mom. So until that day comes, I will soak up every moment of being the center of her universe. It's a pretty good place to be.
So happy birthday Katherine! You are an amazing baby and we love you more than you can know.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Thanks FPD
Just wanted to shout out a thanks to the police officer who pulled me over for speeding today and DID NOT give me a ticket. I owe the smaller Dixon Chicks for this one.
My early driving years were filled with angst for my parents. I rear ended someone in my first car on an overpass. I then rolled the same small hatchback car, stuffed with three friends, off a highway due to speeding and other stupid teenage antics while driving. Totaled that car. Then, I almost drove myself and a friend over an embankment while driving around an L turn in a new mall and simultaneously trying to change a tape. So, you think I'd have learned by now. Especially with my own children in the car. Sigh.
To get to our house we have to drive almost a mile on a 2 lane road that circles around our neighborhood for 4 miles. The speed limit is 30. I regularly speed on this road for various stupid reasons:
- Apparently, I like to drive too fast.
- I hate hearing screaming children in the backseat and just want to get home.
- I'm constantly late.
So I pull onto this road, speed up, and then immediately see the 2 motorcycle cops; one writing a ticket and the other just getting back onto his motorcycle. So I slow down quickly, but not before he pulls right out and flashes the light. Damn! I pull over and he comes over and asks for my license and registration. He then comes back and tells me he pulled me over as I was going 45 in a 30 zone. Then he asks me why I was speeding. I tell him my daughter was screaming in the back seat because she was hungry and I was trying to get home to feed her. (while not entirely true at that moment, it does happen often) He looks back at Katherine and then at Natalie and smiles and says she must be hungry too. I give him a lame smile and he says that the ticket is $241 and that he'll give me a warning this time. I am so thankful I could kiss him! I was fully prepared to accept the ticket I deserved and come home and have Dean be really angry, but today I got lucky. And you know what? I'm going to take this lesson and drive 30 on the road from now on. All the neighborhood teenagers will hate and curse me I'm sure, but I don't care.
In the meantime, as I drove home from the incident, another 1/2 mile, by the time I turned into my neighborhood I had five cars behind me. And guess what? They were all going 30mph.
My early driving years were filled with angst for my parents. I rear ended someone in my first car on an overpass. I then rolled the same small hatchback car, stuffed with three friends, off a highway due to speeding and other stupid teenage antics while driving. Totaled that car. Then, I almost drove myself and a friend over an embankment while driving around an L turn in a new mall and simultaneously trying to change a tape. So, you think I'd have learned by now. Especially with my own children in the car. Sigh.
To get to our house we have to drive almost a mile on a 2 lane road that circles around our neighborhood for 4 miles. The speed limit is 30. I regularly speed on this road for various stupid reasons:
- Apparently, I like to drive too fast.
- I hate hearing screaming children in the backseat and just want to get home.
- I'm constantly late.
So I pull onto this road, speed up, and then immediately see the 2 motorcycle cops; one writing a ticket and the other just getting back onto his motorcycle. So I slow down quickly, but not before he pulls right out and flashes the light. Damn! I pull over and he comes over and asks for my license and registration. He then comes back and tells me he pulled me over as I was going 45 in a 30 zone. Then he asks me why I was speeding. I tell him my daughter was screaming in the back seat because she was hungry and I was trying to get home to feed her. (while not entirely true at that moment, it does happen often) He looks back at Katherine and then at Natalie and smiles and says she must be hungry too. I give him a lame smile and he says that the ticket is $241 and that he'll give me a warning this time. I am so thankful I could kiss him! I was fully prepared to accept the ticket I deserved and come home and have Dean be really angry, but today I got lucky. And you know what? I'm going to take this lesson and drive 30 on the road from now on. All the neighborhood teenagers will hate and curse me I'm sure, but I don't care.
In the meantime, as I drove home from the incident, another 1/2 mile, by the time I turned into my neighborhood I had five cars behind me. And guess what? They were all going 30mph.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Girlie Fun
Natalie had her very first ballet recital yesterday. She was adorable! It was so fun to get her all dressed up in a fancy tutu, feathers in her hair and ballerina bun. She loved it. I remember how much I loved getting dressed up and finding out what our costumes would look like each year when I danced as a child. So it's very fun to relive this with Natalie.
She takes classes at the local YMCA, so it's fairly low key and more fun just to watch the little kids react to all the crowd watching them. Her 3-4 year old class did great, a fun swing song and she alternated between dancing her heart out and looking around. I'll have to get video soon, but here are a couple photos.
In the blue, waiting for the show to start
Still waiting...
Post show cupcake!
And in other matters, we have successfully created the second binky addict in the family. I know. This is how I find Katherine after most naps. Think she likes her bink(ies)?
We put 3-4 in her crib so if she wakes up in the middle of the night she can find one. Works well as she's been sleeping through the night for months now. Looks like there will be another visit from the binky fairy at some point in the Dixon household...
She takes classes at the local YMCA, so it's fairly low key and more fun just to watch the little kids react to all the crowd watching them. Her 3-4 year old class did great, a fun swing song and she alternated between dancing her heart out and looking around. I'll have to get video soon, but here are a couple photos.
In the blue, waiting for the show to start
Still waiting...
Post show cupcake!
And in other matters, we have successfully created the second binky addict in the family. I know. This is how I find Katherine after most naps. Think she likes her bink(ies)?
We put 3-4 in her crib so if she wakes up in the middle of the night she can find one. Works well as she's been sleeping through the night for months now. Looks like there will be another visit from the binky fairy at some point in the Dixon household...
Monday, May 25, 2009
Four? Really? Already?
Wow, how did this happen? Just yesterday you were so tiny and helpless. I had to do everything for you. And now, suddenly, you are becoming your own little person. With your own sense of humor, kindness and sweet personality. Oh Natalie, I'm so proud of your four year old self!
You have become such a social gal... you freely go up and introduce yourself to other kids, you say hi to everyone and almost always remember to say thank you.
I melted at your birthday party when you went to every kid and gave them a big hug and said thank you for coming to my party. I was so proud. I see that you actually do listen to what your dad and I try to teach you. And that you are kind, emotional and happy. I couldn't ask for more.
This may be my favorite age yet. You are beginning to understand the world, and have endless questions. I love that.
I love that every single time I pick you up from preschool, as soon as you see me you yell "mommy!" and come running for a hug.
I love that you tell me, everyday, in the sweetest voice "mommy, I love you. You always take care of me." And while I know you are starting to get a sense of how that makes me feel, you really have no idea. When you're in that sweet mood, I just melt. In that moment, there is nothing I would not do for you. Or say yes to. Thank god you don't yet know the power you yield.
I love that you still wake up singing every morning. (not so much at 5:30 in the morning, but it's still pretty darn cute)
I love watching you swim in the pool with your dad. And that at almost four, he got you to jump in off the edge.
I love how sweet and caring you are to your baby sister Katherine. You get so happy when you make her laugh. And you are the best little helper.
And to be fair and honest, there are a few things I don't love so much:
- the newly found high pitched screaming. Yeah. That's got to go.
- the daily rounds of "I don't waaaant to play by myself"
- the fact that on school days, I have to wake you up at 7:00 to get you to school on time, but every other day of the week you like to start your morning singing around 5:45/6:00. Really, what's up with that?
But those complaints are small and minor to the joy that you have brought your father and I. We love you so very much Natalie, and look forward to all the adventures your fourth year brings.
And here are some highlights from the weekend birthday extravaganza.
Friday was her preschool party, which mommy got to make 40 cupcakes for. Yay. The Montessori school does a cute birthday celebration where you walk around the world and say the four (or whatever age) things you want to do that year. In case you can't make it out Natalie's were, in order:
1) Help mommy make pancakes
2) Help mommy do the dishes (right on, but I've no idea where that came from)
3) Play with my baby sister Katherine
4) Play with my friends
And a couple photos from the birthday weekend.
For more birthday photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/virtualerin/NatalieS4thBirhday?feat=directlink
You have become such a social gal... you freely go up and introduce yourself to other kids, you say hi to everyone and almost always remember to say thank you.
I melted at your birthday party when you went to every kid and gave them a big hug and said thank you for coming to my party. I was so proud. I see that you actually do listen to what your dad and I try to teach you. And that you are kind, emotional and happy. I couldn't ask for more.
This may be my favorite age yet. You are beginning to understand the world, and have endless questions. I love that.
I love that every single time I pick you up from preschool, as soon as you see me you yell "mommy!" and come running for a hug.
I love that you tell me, everyday, in the sweetest voice "mommy, I love you. You always take care of me." And while I know you are starting to get a sense of how that makes me feel, you really have no idea. When you're in that sweet mood, I just melt. In that moment, there is nothing I would not do for you. Or say yes to. Thank god you don't yet know the power you yield.
I love that you still wake up singing every morning. (not so much at 5:30 in the morning, but it's still pretty darn cute)
I love watching you swim in the pool with your dad. And that at almost four, he got you to jump in off the edge.
I love how sweet and caring you are to your baby sister Katherine. You get so happy when you make her laugh. And you are the best little helper.
And to be fair and honest, there are a few things I don't love so much:
- the newly found high pitched screaming. Yeah. That's got to go.
- the daily rounds of "I don't waaaant to play by myself"
- the fact that on school days, I have to wake you up at 7:00 to get you to school on time, but every other day of the week you like to start your morning singing around 5:45/6:00. Really, what's up with that?
But those complaints are small and minor to the joy that you have brought your father and I. We love you so very much Natalie, and look forward to all the adventures your fourth year brings.
And here are some highlights from the weekend birthday extravaganza.
Friday was her preschool party, which mommy got to make 40 cupcakes for. Yay. The Montessori school does a cute birthday celebration where you walk around the world and say the four (or whatever age) things you want to do that year. In case you can't make it out Natalie's were, in order:
1) Help mommy make pancakes
2) Help mommy do the dishes (right on, but I've no idea where that came from)
3) Play with my baby sister Katherine
4) Play with my friends
And a couple photos from the birthday weekend.
For more birthday photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/virtualerin/NatalieS4thBirhday?feat=directlink
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Back from Cali
We're back!
After almost two weeks in CA, we are settling back into our routines and timezone. Fun was had by all. It was a great combination of a good quality family time, and a little friend time too. I've many tales to tell, but no time at the moment. However, I did have to post my favorite photo from the trip. It is of the cousins, and recreates a photo of Pete and I and our cousins from back in the 70s. I love it!
After almost two weeks in CA, we are settling back into our routines and timezone. Fun was had by all. It was a great combination of a good quality family time, and a little friend time too. I've many tales to tell, but no time at the moment. However, I did have to post my favorite photo from the trip. It is of the cousins, and recreates a photo of Pete and I and our cousins from back in the 70s. I love it!
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