The Harris Herald

Estate Saling Addiction

2011-09-19T15:04:00.024-05:00

I took a hiatus from estate saleing because it was burning a hole in our already holey pockets. I get such a rush from finding that unique item...shopping and eating are stress relievers for me and I can get really selfish about that whole instant gratification thing. It is hard to deny self and it's my prayer the Lord will help me rise above my own wants.

That said, I regressed a little by hitting up an estate sale THREE TIMES. Three days in a row. Because first day you pay full price, then the second day it's 25% off, then 50% the third day.

I found so many treasures, some of which I will pop on Etsy, the others I will keep, and others I will use in my craft booth display.

Some pretties include one of those fabric baskets, vintage Christmas glass ornaments, vintage fabrics, oval embroidery hanging, and rug for kitchen.
Oh yes, the winner of the Spincushions giveaway is Jessica. Congratulations; I'll email you. More for You Monday is on a wee break while I prep for BlogSugar/craft fairs/etc.

I'll end with some randoms:
Globe collection is underway. They are an expensive thing to collect. Maybe I'm just not buying at the right places?
As showcased in above photo, our house is always messy.
I had Lasik eye surgery a few years ago.
I like to wear pants above my belly button.
I'm stumped on what to wear to BlogSugar (I'll be there Fri-Mon so that's alot of outfits!).
I'm wondering if I can craft in the airplane on way to L.A. or if they'll say a needle is a weapon.

Marigold Road: the official launch!

2010-09-07T08:11:00.000-05:00

I've moved!

Please visit my new blog.

The Harris Herald will no longer be updated so please add marigoldroad to your blogroll; it's been wonderful having your readership for the past three years and I anticipate exciting things to come at my new "pad."

Weekly wrap-up, in numbers

2010-09-03T17:45:00.001-05:00

Life over the last 7 days:

Number of days I ran: 2
Miles logged: 3.5
Number of people in our house with a runny nose: 3
Number of people I talked on the phone with even though I hate it: 7? (scheduled appts)
Number of neighbors who came to chat: 1
Number of times we used sidewalk chalk: 2
Number of toes painted: 10
Number of cookies eaten: 12? eek.
Number of pictures taken: 100ish
Number of prayers prayed: 21 or so
Number of diapers changed: 91 (avg 5 for Wilder per day, and 8 for Story)
Number of Big Brother episodes watched: 2

Can you guess who this is?
It is me...what a sight. What a BOOGER.

Have a happy loooonnnnnggg weekend!

Estate sale goodies

2010-09-02T15:49:00.040-05:00

Vintage art supplies!
Bowl, necklaces, ice bucket

Sweet hummingbird pillow
Kitty magnet
Velvet framed picture
Mirror
And my favorite!! Vintage umbrella...I love the shape/colors.
I bought the cream-colored rug, too.

Can you guess how much all of these things cost?

$1.35

;-)

We all have those days, right?

2010-08-31T13:05:00.018-05:00

The party's over.

Back to another week. I wasn't ready. I thought today was Wednesday, but, nope, it's Tuesday!

I had a dentist appointment, and since Shawn's sick, I had to take Story with me. Wilder stayed home with Daddy because he is getting sick too and I figured they could just be sick together. Story screamed at the dentist. A nice hygienist scooped her up for a few minutes so I could get my teeth cleaned. What a nice lady.

Usually it doesn't hurt. I've never had a cavity. But my gums are really sensitive given the lingering childbirth and now nursing hormones. So I have a headache. And apparently I could do braces if I had the money. The doctor very nonchalantly talked about my slight overture (overbite). She probably didn't know that it's a very touchy subject with me.

Wilder woke up naked...sheets soaked.

We have a million doctors appointments through the month of September. How are we going to do this? Wilder's leg follow-up (remember his cast?), me dermo, Story more shots, Wilder more shots (just for flu season), me family doctor, me "girly" doctor...I am already feeling overwhelmed.

The house smells of pungent plastic because a measuring cup melted in the dishwasher.

We need toilet paper and diapers. Even more frustrating because I was just at the store yesterday.

I need cookie dough. In a really bad way.

M&Ms will do until I can get to the store.
Breathe. This is definitely a day where I say, "God, I need you!"

Thankful for our patio--a great place to party!

2010-08-28T19:13:00.009-05:00

We celebrated Wilder's second birthday in Elmo style today. That's why you've not seen us much this week.
I prepared during naps and late into the evenings to pull it off (Shawn helped ALOT too). What a wonderful, wonderful day spent with VERY special people. I'll post more pictures later.

(sweet little Elmo cake took me upwards of five hours to prepare...#overboard!)

Caution: not for the hungry!

2010-08-25T23:48:00.018-05:00

It could have gotten ugly.
Very bad. Very ugly.
But it didn't. Phew. Close call.
I escaped the candy tour with only a small box of fudge, my daddy's favorite. And there's still some left!

Some members of MeetUp rendezvoused at this place, Cero's, which I learned is a nonprofit that provides job training for special needs adults.
Wilder wasn't all that into it but pudgy Mommy and pudgy Story were tickled pink.
Here's to sweetness all around!

My house is a castle.

2010-08-24T12:45:00.002-05:00

home renovations, circa 2007

I am contented.

How many of us can say that?

I am, oh, let's say, 39 feet from being there. I have felt very convicted that much of what I invest my time and resources into has a direct benefit on self. I am selfishly walking along a path where there is so much need around. That needs to change.

I have everything I need. Really! I may not like my car but it gets us to where we need to go. We are clothed. Well fed (maybe too much). There's a treadmill downstairs; I don't need a gym membership. The children have comfortable beds, a roof over their heads.

Lately I've complained about the size of my house. But, Lord, it's too small for hosting things. People will get cramped. It's just not nice enough. The bathroom linoleum is ugly. Yet I feel very called to have my house open to others...24/7 if the opportunity ever arose. I am quite compelled in the area of hospitality; I love serving in that way.

I was at a women's conference this weekend; wish you could have been there. It was just what I needed. A slap in the tush to stop whining. A woman shared about her WorldVision trip to Uganda...and the video footage crumbled my heart. Showed me spiritual perspective of our belongings...our home, and that I've gotta obey with what God's given me.

So it is this: our house is a mansion. Our shower a spa retreat.

I came home with an African boy's picture. His card. His name.

Fillimon.

It's a start.

Story's three month update

2010-08-20T08:08:00.002-05:00

First of all, Happy Friday! Wheeeee!!!
This week it's all about my babies! Heck, every week is, gladly. We've missed out on Daddy's help from Tuesday through now as he had an out of town trip. BOTH kids had their well-child check-ups, which included shots. Yuck. It was most sad not having Daddy here for Wilder's birthday.

In other news, Story Elena, StoryGirl, Princess, Angel of love, Beauty (you get the drift), turns three months today. Here's a picture of me (not sure how old) so you can do a comparison:
Here's Wilder at around the same age:
Story, at three months, you:
~are a hoot; you truly are so funny--your mannerisms and personality are goofy
~nurse every three hours during the day
~go to bed at 9:30pm then up anytime between 5 and 7am to nurse (thank you, Girl)
~like to sit in the swing and watch us eat as a family
~jabber and coo
~love watching your big brother
~prefer to stand and look mommy in the face rather than be cuddled
~talk the best to Daddy...or your BFF Calla
~travel fairly well; we go, go, go alot so you're getting used to the carseat
~weigh 13 lbs, the 80th percentile, and are 22.5 inches long, the 28th percentile

I love you, Baby Girl! You are sooooo awesome!

Wilder is two. Aaaaannnnddd...exhale.

2010-08-19T15:32:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to my now two-year old!
Wilder, You are the song I sing--loudly. I sing you in the shower and I sing you at night. I sing you high, sing you low. Sing to friends. Sing in the snow.

You are the tippiest tip of my mountain. I would do anything for you. You make my heart flutter.
At two, you are the spitting image of your father, but with my blue eyes. Your hair is long and curly and I love running my fingers through it after your bath. You still suck your thumb, which was cute when you were a baby. But now it's getting a little old. Ha.

You are still a cuddler, but only on your terms. You are ticklish. You are fast and furious. You are smart and talk ninety miles an hour, repeating everything I say. My favorite thing you say is, "I love you, too." You say "sorry" after being disciplined, without my asking. You could live on hot dogs and french fries (sometimes you do). You like to have me go with you on the slipper slide.
You remember the words to songs better than I do. You kicked vacation Bible school's butt! You call teeth "eggs." You have very abstract thinking (you see shapes in every day things).
My heart swells with pride at all that you've accomplished. You break my heart in good ways then end up putting it back together. And sometimes you break it in bad ways because you can be naughty. It is just the nature of mankind, unfortunately.

There are people reading this letter to you so I better keep it short. Because, quite frankly, I could write about you all day. When it comes to you, there is no end to the chapters I write.
I love you mightily, now and forever.
Mommy

p.s.--have I mentioned I am proud of you? That my arms will always be open?

Brown paper packages tied up with string

2010-08-18T21:44:00.037-05:00

...these are a few of my favorite things! Because when I find something good, I just gotta share it!
Sublime Bronze One Day self-tanner:

I like it because it just lasts a day; perfect because I don't have time for the daily, gradual tanners. It seems like every time I shave, the gradual tanners wear off. With this, I can be tan for a date, a knee-length dress, girls night out, whatever. The gel is tinted so one can see exactly where it's going. I have no streaks, either! Side note: I have been fake-bake free since 2006! This is a big deal for me as I'd been known to go 4-5 times per week. Baaaad.

I got my first Scentsy plug-in. I always thought the Glade plug-ins were nice but not very attractive..plus kindof strong smelling. My favorite Scentsy fragrance is Cucumber Lime. It is heaven! Click here to check it out. Wish the website was scratch-n-sniff.
Want me to let my local readers know when I'm hosting a Scentsy party in September? It'd be a good way to meet you! And my rule is to host only one self-business party per year. All those home-based businesses are awesome and I love supporting my friends. But I limit it to one party per year so others don't feel overly solicited.

Next, I'll brag about this dual-purpose product by Aquage: their hydrating mist. I call it dual-purpose because both Wilder and I use it as a detangler. It smells good and makes the comb easy to run through mine, and my fingers to run through Wilder's (his hair is getting long). If you use it your hair will look like this, supposedly:

Image via

Land's End. Gone are my bikini days. And that's okay because Land's End offers cute "mommy" swimsuits. I got a skirt/flowered tankini this time. I never thought I'd sport a dorky skirt...but you really don't want to see my thighs. Just trust me.

Aside from the suit being a favorite/perfect fit (which seemed impossible given that I ordered it online), Land's End's customer service was top-notch. I had a chat session with a representative who helped find the suit best for my body shape, etc. And about a week after my order arrived (it only took two days), I received a phone call from them asking if I was happy with the product..and to thank me for ordering. Those extra touches mean I'll be back again!

Image via

What's rocked your world lately? Besides your husband/boyfriend...? Hehe.

Forget the cracker, Polly wants a cocktail.

2010-08-17T21:32:00.030-05:00

Ya'all kinda made my day with liking my most recent poem. It's encouraging. They are intimate pieces of my heart and the positive reception makes it float!

Shawn was on the computer for my most recent installment. I said, "move over, I gotta get something out!"...a pen and paper would've sufficed but I can type faster.

That's the way melodious words are for me. They come in, sometimes when I'm on the potty or before bed when I'm trying to fall asleep. And if I don't get it down...it'll be gone.

We made it to market again; the one on the other side of town. I think owning a farmer's market booth would be fun. Our markets run from April-October so that would be a lot of work! I am such a people person that I really think it would bring satisfaction, though. Someday.
Also, for an update on my sister's baby, click here. It is refreshing news. It was so good to see her at home last week. I dropped her off at an appointment and we also clothes-shopped...we kidded that it was like doing "real life" together. We fantasize about living in the same town. What it'd be like to swap babysitting or do girl's night at the movies, or do themed playdates...

And here's StoryGirl, doing what she does best. She's 12 weeks on Friday.
Wilder's two on Thursday. I don't think I'll be too emotional.

Right. right.

*gulp*

God lives above the airplanes

2010-08-15T22:51:00.016-05:00

In my micro world, there's the kitchen, the bedrooms.
Basement stoop.
Toys I trip on. Stub my toe.
Laundry strewn about.
Uh, is that clean or dirty?
Macaroni noodles under the table, a little bit sticky.
Nappies of poo and cloths of regurgitated milk
Prayers all day...Lord have him obey
Give us wisdom, happy hearts

There's the front porch with its bullying wasps
And the cracked driveway
The road to the park
The walk by the river
Geese and their still-soft droppings
The park and neighbors and vacation Bible school

In my micro world, I am small
Like a car
Not the way it is now
But the way you see it from an airplane
Moving along, like a wee ant
Moving to your favorite tune
Doing chores
Scurrying about
Building a home, life
A mountain

God lives above the airplanes
But I'm not small to Him
His hands hold all of me
He says, you're doing good, darling

Keep it up
You are big to me
You are planting seeds
What you do is important
I am glad in you

~mindy harris

I like home because the shower's hotter, sheets softer

2010-08-13T09:10:00.005-05:00

Photo credit

I am back from my little girl home.

Back from where things move at a different pace. A much slower pace.

You allow for 20 minutes extra at the store to visit with friends you run into (if you know me well you know I LOVE this!).

You get from one end of town to the other in 9 minutes.

And on your way back to your own "big girl" home, you pass farmers cocooned in their machines, toiling away in the beating sun. The earth beneath them succumbs to the plowing, tilling, harvesting, and other agricultural activities I'm too layman to know. The corn husks struggle to stand, their leaves brittle, crinkled by heat. Hay bales stake claims along the patterned fields. Cows provide one another shade, their tails swaying at, seemingly, the same frequency of a hummingbird's wings.

The driver opposite you waves. You wave back...that one wave where your hand is still on the steering wheel..."well howdy." The only radio stations you can pick up are country or oldies. Baby, I need your lovin', got to have all your lovin'...

I realize how much the town in which I was raised is a part of me. It is home to all the trial and errors of becoming. Happy and sad moments. First kiss. First job. Losing the family pet.

There's peace in knowing where I'm from. Sort of a permission to move forward. I am done there. I was done a long time ago. That feels sad sometimes. But wonders are on the horizon. Now, I work on creating roots for my children.

Regardless of where I was raised, I wouldn't have roots without my parents' own loving sweat and tears.

Their toiling 'neath the sun.

Today, why not thank the people who've invested in you along the way?

With family

2010-08-10T22:14:00.020-05:00

Spending extended time with family. Cabbaged on to Mommy's pictures ...
And we don't want it to end!

Wilder is a little glum in this picture (no nap).

Story has enjoyed the extra attention. I call her "Sissy" now. It's suiting.

She's such a good girl.Nightey night!

Then and Now

2010-08-10T06:53:00.002-05:00

Halloween 1999 (nice tights, Shawn)

August 2010

Wow.

Tidbits

2010-08-09T08:06:00.001-05:00

Summers are great for...

Attending birthday parties (Happy Birthday, Grey!)
Having friends over for dinner (with plastic cups and mismatched placemats!):
"Swimming"/playing with hose

And don't forget...napping!
What are you doing to beat the heat?

Viernes (or, Friday)

2010-08-07T14:48:00.005-05:00

Pretend it's Friday. Our scanner wasn't working. So I'm a day late.

Been gettin' my sketch on. Sharpie is my best friend.

Also for the cocktail drinkers out there I realize a martini wouldn't have champaign bubbles. Right? Oh well.

Mud. Pyes.

2010-08-06T16:43:00.017-05:00

Collect pie toppings.
Scoop up some dirt from place in yard that's okay with Daddy.
Add water and stir. Makes me want brownie batter.
Decorate dorky WalMart sandals. The messier, the better.
And there you have a gooey mud pie. Delectable.
Now kiss the baby.
The slightly bored baby.
Happy weekend. You made it!

This is about motherhood

2010-08-04T19:38:00.028-05:00

The last time we were at the library, I wanted so badly to wander the aisles, select books randomly, read their spines, their backs. And, ok, smell one or two. I adore the smell of musty books. New ones too.

But with two babies in tow I had to act fast, so I headed to the New Releases shelves and snatched two books on the end.

One, The Hand that First Held Mine, by Maggie O'Farrell was a seemingly serendipitous reunion between it, and me, the reader. A lovely read. I pay attention to different writing styles. It's fun; a passion of mine. Ms. O'Farrell certainly tapped into my emotional vulnerability. Her style is poetic. My heart picked up pace throughout. I stayed up until 1am finishing it last night. Cried. Checked on the kids.

And there's this part in there I just have to share with you. I'll precursor it by stating that Lexie, a main character, is a journalist in 1960s London. She's a new mum and pens an article on the same. I've put some blanks where the author uses some language, to keep my blog PG. ;-)

It is lengthy, but never have I discovered such a resolute description of one of the MANY sides of motherhood.

The Women We Become After Children:

"We change shape, we buy low-heeled shoes, we cut off our long hair. We begin to carry in our bags half-eaten rusks, a small tractor, a shred of beloved fabric, a plastic doll. We lose muscle tone, sleep, reason, perspective. Our hearts begin to live outside our bodies. They breathe, they eat, they crawl and-look!-they walk, they begin to speak to us. We learn that we must sometimes walk an inch at a time, to stop and examine every stick, every stone, every squashed tin along the way. We get used to not getting where we are going. We learn to darn, perhaps to cook, to patch the knees of dungarees. We get used to living with a love that suffuses us, suffocates us, blinds us, controls us. We live. We contemplate our bodies, our stretched skin, those threads of silver around our brows, our strangely enlarged feet. We look less in the mirror. We put our dry-clean-only clothes to the back of the wardrobe. Eventually, we throw them away. We school ourselves to stop saying ____ and _____ and learn to say 'my goodness' and 'heavens above.' We give up smoking, we colour our hair, we search the vistas of parks, swimming pools, libraries, cafes, for others of our kind. We know each other by our pushchairs, our sleepless gazes, the beakers we carry. We learn how to cool a fever, ease a cough, the four indicators of meningitis, that one must sometimes push a swing for two hours. We buy biscuit cutters, washable paints, aprons, plastic bowls. We no longer tolerate delayed buses, fighting in the street, smoking in restaurants, inconsistency, laziness, being cold. We contemplate younger women as they pass us in the street, with their cigarettes, their makeup, their tight-seamed dresses, their tiny handbags, their smooth, washed hair, and we turn away, we put down our heads, we keep pushing the pram up the hill." by Maggie O'Farrell

The section feels a little "poor me" and that's not the part I relate to (most of the time..ha). I am honored to be the primary caretaker for my children. Even though their needs are endless, I thoroughly enjoy being their mommy!! I adore them.

iPhone pics by who else? my hot babe husband Shawn

Night, or, rather, day, at the museum

2010-08-02T14:29:00.027-05:00

WAM is free on Saturdays. I thought it'd be a great choice for a mommy/son date, so I took Wilder this weekend. Story hung out with Grandma while Daddy mowed (and weed-whacked and swept! If our grass wasn't dry from the heat, it would've looked perfect).

I've been to WAM a few times and knew the Living Room was specifically designed for child's play. So we went their first.

We saw a bunch of cool Andy Warhol stuff:

Then we played on a glass platform that has lots of pretty glass sculptures underneath it:
I would show you the picture of my and Wilder's bare feet on the glass but my feet are really ugly.
On to see more glass...the hanging piece, my favorite part of the museum:

And we skipped my second favorite part, the store, because I knew there'd be breakable stuff Wilder would be desperate to touch. Plus I left my wallet in the car...a smart idea, really.
There were little sketchbooks throughout the museum, on little tables. I liked this sketch:
If you're in the area on a Saturday, wander into the museum. It wasn't stressful taking Wilder...the children's area entertained him for about 45 minutes (coloring pages, magnets, dress up, stacking boxes...). And the museum is so open, most things off the ground, that one doesn't have to worry (too much) about kids climbing/breaking things. Plus, it's an air-conditioned, free activity!

Looking forward to the next date with my beautiful boy.
He's two on the 19th. How'd that happen?

Friday afternoon

2010-07-30T15:14:00.015-05:00

Mend where there is brokenness

2010-07-29T15:10:00.032-05:00

L to R, Megan, me, Sissy (Erin). Silver Dollar City. Sister's Weekend 2007.

My eldest sister, Megan, is only 15 months older than I. People used to think we were twins. Mommy dressed us alike when we were little. I liked that. Until she had me get poodle perms. Then I looked like a kid who'd gotten too courageous with the electrical outlets. Ahem, Mommy.

Anyway, we played house outside in a structure of stacked cinder blocks. Mud pies adorned with leaves were our specialty. Never mind Meg used to have me drink muddy water ("chocolate milk") garnished with molded bread bits.

She was my idol for the longest time, and she still is. Though a slight woman, she packs more bravery, resilience, courage, humility, and joy than anyone I've ever met. Ever.

As we've aged, we've realized there's some sort of secret language between us...I've gone to go to dial her but she is right there, calling me...

When I got the call that she was pregnant with her second baby, I was happy. Grateful. Too, some sadness that I couldn't be there to take care of her during the pregnancy since we live so far away from each other. I'm very protective of both sisters (middle child syndrome?). Have had to pray through that because I know it's not my job to protect them...only the Lord's and their husband's.

She delivered the devastating news Monday. I fell down to my knees on the sticky kitchen floor. My heart hung suspended in my chest, eyes going left, right, left, right. Where do I look? How do I listen? What is she saying? Tears, you must leave so I can be strong.

Over halfway through her pregnancy, they learned that the baby has a rare congenital heart defect called Transposition of the Great Arteries. You can read more about their situation here. Bottom line? They need a miracle.

photo credit

I have personally met and only cyberly met some of you. I appreciate your journeying with me. I appreciate that you believe in my writing and like my pictures. So now it only makes sense to ask you, my friends, to pray for the baby, my sister, and her family.

Oh that everything we experience would make complete sense. But it doesn't. Psalm 139:13-14 reads: "For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." I've wondered if God was busy diverting a hurricane or distracted by some catastrophy when He was working on Baby Peter's heart. But that is thinking in human terms, and will only lead to more questions.

So I grasp this:

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1

This is a testing of our faith and I can already feel our family ties binding closer together.

So this is what it means to fight.

Park

2010-07-28T21:30:00.012-05:00

All Iphone pics by Shawn

How's your week been? We've had a family situation going on so I haven't posted a lot. Will get the word out on that in the next couple of days; will need your prayers.

Sweetest dreams.

Story, 2 months

2010-07-25T09:35:00.001-05:00

Here we are. Two months from when Story graced us with her beauty and perfection. People ask me how she is and I say, "hilarious." She truly is so much fun and just silly.

Story, in case you are going to be reading this when you are twelve (or in case I'm going to be reading this when you are off to college and I'm in the pit of despair), here's what you are like at this age:

Super strong...you hold your head up well, hold all your weight on your legs, and roll from tummy to back.
Love to eat...especially during the latter half of the day.
Go to bed around 10pm, nurse at 3am and 7am. So it only feels like one feeding. Thank you.
Still prefer to be held during awake time but are getting used to some independent time in your swing.
Notice patterns on our clothes and fixate on light fixtures.
Coo a little. You are quieter than Wilder was (except for your crying).
Smile more and more.
Take such wonderful, cuddly naps with Mommy.

I love you, StoryGirl. You are forever my light.

Bye bye blonde.

2010-07-24T21:31:00.003-05:00

Our everydays

2010-07-22T14:06:00.027-05:00

include things like:
Naps and
Donuts and
Anniversary flowers (from here) and
Messes and
Sensory boxes
and
Smiles and
Sunsets.

(All iPhone photos, the 1st one and last 2, are by Shawn)

What child is this?

2010-07-21T00:07:00.002-05:00

In one of our rare conversations (always interruptions!) I told Shawn that there's an ice cream truck in the area that plays "What Child Is This" instead of the traditional ding-ding-da-ling (or whatever) kiddie song to alarm customers.

Quite baffling.

Until we met the toothless ice cream man himself and commented on his choice of jingles for the truck. He said it was either that or "Home on the Range" and he'd rather listen to the former all day.

...where seldom is HEEAaaarrrdddd, a discouraging word, and the skies...

Okay he has a point.
Obey the safety clown...clowns are creepy.
Felt kinda bad for the guy; that's not how I'd want to make a buck.
Bye bye ice cream man.
I get to live with some pretty gorgeous men, no?
And here is Story debuting her Nutcracker moves:
And look at these pretty lips I get to kiss all day!
She's a hoot.

7 years!

2010-07-20T00:52:00.018-05:00

Happy Anniversary to my nerd.

circa 2004. cruddy 1st appt. halloween.

Ok, I'm a nerd, too.

circa 2004. halloween party at nursing home. i wore those flipflops during my wedding reception.
that's the real horror.

Shawn, seven years ago, we dove in, young and vulnerable, eyes wide shut.

We hit some potholes, as everyone does, but that makes what we have stronger.

You are:

hilarious
smart
creative
imaginative
patient
intuitive
doting daddy

These are things I love about you and I'll publicly profess it til the fat lady sings.

Tonight I loved sharing turkey melts and mac/cheese with you and watching Big Brother. :-)

Goodnights

2010-07-15T13:54:00.023-05:00

Your kiss at night spellbinds me
But moreso it closes the day
Saying, that was mine
You are mine
And, this life is ours
As wax sealed upon a fibered envelope
The kiss is warm, final
An imprint of what we've got.

May I kindly have another.

~m.harris

Antonio B

2010-07-15T02:58:00.005-05:00

Why, yes, Antonio. You may date me. But only because you begged.
In fact the pleading in public was quite embarrassing.

But I'll forgive you just this once.

Christmas in July

2010-07-13T14:32:00.018-05:00

We spent the day at home so I had to think of something to do.

A gingerbread kit from Christmas that I hadn't opened yet?

Why, yes!

Of course Wilder was more interested in eating the candy, but he was still a wonderful helper. He didn't much care for the sound of the mixer, though (for the frosting).

His eyelashes should make Maybelline wither.
As he gets older it will be rewarding to share my love of baking (and dough) with him.
A fun morning!
Story sportin' her birthday suit; lots of rolls for Mommy to wash!
I think her eyes might not stay blue; they are pretty dark.

The three troublemakers-together again

2010-07-12T21:51:00.019-05:00

And one could argue just whom the troublemakers are: the mommies or the toddler boys!

Fun in the fountains today...Grey and Ori went for it. Wilder...not so much.
He was more interested in nature:
Or the girls:

We successfully wore the boys out! They sure are beautifully different.
I think they'll be buds for a long time. That means their mommies are stuck with me, too!

Thank you for today, L and J. Girls night, next?

Summer days

2010-07-10T14:29:00.026-05:00

Our week flew, but I was still glad when Friday rolled around. It's a treat to have Shawn's help on the weekends.

Here's Wilder and I at Osage Park. Story was relaxing in her stroller.
I haven't taken many pictures of the kids together, so I dragged out the camera as we were waking from naps:
I am blessed!
My hair needs colored again. Well, poop.
And just for fun: here's WeiWei...quite the entrepreneur. Lemonade stands still exist! I hope the kids want to set one up when they're older...

We passed WeiWei's house on the way home from the park...I flipped a u-ie and went back to check out her stand. 1/2 cup of lemonade was $1! Steep price. I told her I only had $.55 and she said, "that'll work." She was really excited to have her picture taken.
What's your favorite moment of summer so far? Mine is when Story was born!

Wilder's hair

2010-07-08T14:45:00.006-05:00

Our boy's officially a hippie. We can't bear to cut his hair.

Wouldn't he fit right in with the World Cup competitors?

Time for a trim, soon, Love, but when does Mommy have time for that?

Work: though we may tire of it, we're built for it

2010-07-07T15:33:00.048-05:00

waiting with noodle. m.harris

It makes me feel grown up to have a few moments of personal time...I happened upon this portion that precursors his section on teaching children how to value and perform work:

"Work gives significance and meaning to our existence. Those who are good at what they do usually feel good about who they are. They draw satisfaction in knowing that they have handled difficult assignments in a superior manner. Conversely, people who fail professionally often struggle in their families and in other areas of their lives.

I remember one summer years ago when Shirley and I decided to take a two-week vacation to stay home and rest. We had been moving at a frantic pace and thought it would be fun to sleep late every day and just "dink around." What a disappointment. Both of us nearly went crazy. We had the "blahs" and walked around wondering what to do next. I even spent several dreary afternoons watching daytime television. That will drive anyone bonkers. I realized from that experience that work is integrally related to my sense of well-being and that doing nothing wasn't nearly as fun as I expected." (Dobson, pg. 238)

Don't get me wrong. I don't shirk at the notion of a week-long vacation with Shawn, where we COULD sleep in and meander along the beach, or drift along a river in a canoe just for two. We have to save our pennies for such a trip soon.

photo by Elliott Erwitt

And time at home is vital for the knitting together of family. I also know Wilder has to learn there won't always be a "really special activity to do outside the house" every day; he needs to learn to entertain himself.

What rings clear is Dr. Dobson's point that it is innate in humans to desire a sense of accomplishment that can only be achieved through work. It explains why I can tell Shawn "today was good" if I've made yummy cookies or folded all the laundry...if the kids and I made it to the park or a playdate. Usually I choose the latter because it's more fun. :-)

We need days at home. We're called to rest and need rest. It's just that now I understand why I am driven in whatever work I'm doing. Now I understand why the transition from an official paid job to a job with not so simple a description was a bit of an...an...

adjustment.

Last night I opted for lighter reading by flipping through Real Simple magazine and arrived at a helpful and charmingly illustrated article, 25 Instant Energy Boosters . Some helpful ideas, especially: being kind to a stranger, eating some chocolate, buying fresh flowers for your house, and being firm with energy-vampire people (just check out the article).

Happy Day. Signing off now as I have bums to wipe and chocolate to eat.

In no particular order.

Happy 4th of July!!

2010-07-04T09:25:00.005-05:00

Ahhh...one of my favorite holidays.

Proud to be an American :-)
We did not parade around the house in patriotic song this morning..
in our pjs, with the curtains open.

4th of July Kick-off

2010-07-03T14:28:00.020-05:00

Fireworks photos by my friend, Jessica Ross

We'd never been to any of the concerts that were part of the Summer Concert Series at Bradley Fair. But we didn't want to miss their 4th of July concert and fireworks Thursday night.
It seemed the whole town was there. We met with my friends from MeetUp. I was the designated "modesty maven" for the little girls who needed to go potty on the portable potty chair...I held up the blankie.
Wilder was awesome...he hadn't been up til 10:30pm in a really long time. Story was a good girl, too, even during the fireworks. I'm the only one who cried because I was scared about the noise being too much for the kids. Yes, folks, I cried.

Ring around the Rosie

We were responsible and brought the camera but it didn't make it out of the car. We looked like pack mules as it was. Iphone pics do the trick.
Also, thanks for your wonderful suggestions for a red/white/blue dessert. I'm going to do this one. Brownie mixes were only .$75 so I was sold!

The car that smiles

2010-07-01T14:18:00.009-05:00

We've had company in town. They drive a BUG.
What a cute, happy car. It makes me smile.
I just may get one once the kids are off to college.
It will probably be my mid-life crisis car.
What are you smiling about today?

Easy to love

2010-06-30T14:22:00.016-05:00

I call her "The Princess of Everything." I can do that because she's mine. And I tell her being the Princess of Everything is a hard job but she can do it.
I love her smell, the swirl of hair at the back of her head. Her fingers that splay while nursing...the noises she makes, the fat rolls that are beginning to multiply, the bit of lanugo left on her ears.

I soak her in. Even though I'm tired and wish I could get a full night's sleep, in the future I will covet reversion to her newborn days.

So we cuddle. We breathe in sequence during afternoon naps.

And I thank God I am living a dream.
One last thing: any suggestions for a Fourth of July treat bearing the colors red/white/blue? If not, I'm making my trusty dirt cake.

Oh the thinks you can think if only you try...

2010-06-29T15:01:00.009-05:00

A dear friend of mine and my sister in law threw the baby shower of the century for little Story. Thanks, girls!

From the cleverly written invitations to the pregnancy progression photos to the green deviled eggs to the wonderful ladies attending, the party was an incredible gift.
Story now has lots of precious clothes, including a Cora's dress--perfect for showing her off wherever we go!

To market, to market

2010-06-28T13:54:00.034-05:00

We set out for some apple pie at farmer's market Saturday. It can be exhausting going out as a family of four, but summer's whizzing by...time to get out and have fun!

I could go every Saturday morning...love the people, music, artsy stuff. Wichita boasts a couple of summer markets & has a new one headed this way. Pretty certain it will be in a Hispanic area; we'll sample their enchiladas I'm sure.
Story was well-behaved. I bought her another flower headband as a reward. ;-)
Wilder continues to soak up everything. We're working on colors right now because he only knows pink.

Did I mention he's a jabberbox? My favorite things he says: "sorry about that" "hi, gorgeous" "goodness gracious", &, "bummer".
Love this guy's red bike. He's rockin' those jeans, too.
Remember the fountains that weren't turned on on Father's Day? The boys finally got to test them out:
Some friendly Weimareiners joined in. Beautiful dogs.

And now you know how we spent part of the weekend. Off to catch a cat-nap (have a pretty exciting night life these days).

Story's a month!

2010-06-26T13:00:00.001-05:00

We are at the one month mark with Story; unbelievable.

At one month, she:

Loves to be held
Doesn't like being on her back
Rolls from tummy to back (this isn't supposed to happen for three more months!)
Enjoys mommy's songs and nursery rhymes
Snacks during the day; feasts at night
Is up three times during the night; sometimes we start as early as 7pm because it takes so long to put her down; she wants to party
Takes sometimes rough kisses from Wilder quite well
Loves lying on Daddy's chest
Will take a pacifier
Fairly patient...but really prefers to not have "independent time"
Doesn't like the swing...or vibrating seat...

She's living the princess life. As it should be!

If you have a daughter, buy her this book:

Story received it as a gift (Thanks, C!) and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. It reiterates inner beauty & the tenderness of loving the Lord.

Having a daughter sure is a blessing!

Wanting to protect

2010-06-24T13:46:00.021-05:00

Came across this in some reading material today. I really need it, especially with Wilder's increased interactions with other children...which means he might get hit or pushed. :-( It shatters my heart, and equally painful was when I was away from him, at the hospital. I thought he'd be scarred for life at my absence. A couple of weeks later, he's well adjusted and a joy in SO, SO many ways!! And I'm pretty sure he's forgotten I was gone. He's probably sick of me now.

As mothers, we never want to see our children experience the sting of failure or rejection. But in trying to shelter them from adversity, we sometimes overprotect them. By safeguarding them from pain, we also shield them from potential growth.

God calls us to journey with our children, encouraging and instructing as they encounter trials and temptations. In sorrow our children can experience the comfort of God; in failure they can learn to try harder; in disappointment they can exercise the priceless faith that we most desire for them.

~Dr. Juli Slattery

Brilliant idea...not so much

2010-06-22T15:03:00.015-05:00

I had the idea to go to a part of town I love for Father's Day...it has fountains in the summer, and Old Chicago right there, and a boutique I adore. And you're right, that does sound like more of a Mother's Day outing. But I was thinking of Wilder the most--wanted something fun for him to do, and Shawn was on board.

Except the fountains weren't on.

So we went to a park that has fountains but it was crowded and littered. Plus Wilder didn't like the fountains and got sunscreen in his eyes.

Poor kid.

These photos are proof again that Shawn deserves Dad of the Year award. That he let me pick the day's activity on his special day says a lot.

I love ya, Dude.

Here's Story givin' the peace sign:
And Story sporting her new summer digs:

A most special day

2010-06-20T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Father's Day to both my ground and my wings.
You are perfect.

postpartum crazy

2010-06-19T21:00:00.001-05:00

Ok I'm still talking about my pregnancy/recovery stuff. It's fresh in my mind. Although many of the details are foggy since I was very sick. This is a long post--stick with me!

Story was born on Friday, May 28th, and we checked out Sunday evening. When we got home, things were pretty chaotic but my parents were there to hang with Wilder. Shawn and I handled Story at night (Shawn's the best like that). Monday night I couldn't sleep, so I handled Story mostly on my own, then cleaned the house. I literally didn't sleep.

By Tuesday evening, I was completely wiped. I lied down for bed and started experiencing one of the worst headaches ever, along with some shakes, blurred vision, and shortness of breath. Shawn called the ambulance. They checked my heart rate, and it was high, but not so high that the EMTs demanded I go to the hospital. We called Shawn's dad, waited for him to arrive from Winfield to watch Wilder, then went to the hospital.

Upon our arrival, it was quickly determined that I was likely experiencing postpartum pre-eclampsia, something that's taken very seriously in that it can lead to seizures/stroke. Most of the time it happens during pregnancy, not after...weird. So, I was admitted. Story was with us. She was such a trooper and I prayed continuously that God would protect her from hospital germs. They set me up on a 24-hour magnesium sulfate dosage via IV. That was awful. I felt so, so sick. It wore me out just to go to the restroom, and I wasn't certain I'd be able to keep nursing. But we stuck it out.

After two nights in the hospital (and Shawn's brutal fight with a creaky hospital chair), my OB released me. I was a little surprised since I still felt pretty puny. I was home one night, then the next night experienced the same pounding headache/muscle spasms/blurred vision. Shawn checked my blood pressure with our home gauge, and it read high. Since he wasn't certain of its accuracy, he called 911. Again. At that point I was begging to go to the hospital. I knew my body was in a bad place. I was really scared. Before the ambulance got there, I called two friends and said, "I have an emergency. I need you at the house now (for the kids)." I'm blessed to have friends who will drop anything to help me. I'd do the same for them.

The paramedics read my pressure at 189, which is super high for me, and this time, I let them take me via ambulance to the hospital. It was a whirlwind of activity. The hardest part was being taken on the gurney into the vehicle...looking at the flurry of activity on the porch...leaving my house and kids. I told Shawn, "no, don't come with me. I can do this. Get the kids settled first. If I have to give up nursing, I do."

The ambulance ride was scary, but I took deep breaths while they worked on me (more needles!) and thought of my kids. How I needed to be strong for them. And how they are so resilient--how they'd be ok without mommy for a little while. The main EMT, Ed, reminded me of Shawn. Same kind of humor. That was really comforting and it was hard to have him leave me once I got to the emergency room.

I was admitted again. I saw my OB the next morning and she was, quite frankly, rather stumped. She said, "this is weird. We'll keep monitoring your blood pressure though, run some blood work." I can't remember how many times I was pricked. The blood work and EEG (since I was spasming) came back fine. Shawn and I thought the doctors were dilly-dallying, so we asked them to do more tests. We didn't want to leave until we had an answer. So I had an MRI (gosh, not fun), and it came back clear. Phew.

The next day, my doctor came in with a quasi-diagnosis. "There's a large anxiety factor here. You're obviously still recovering from pre-eclampsia, but when you experience that intense head pain, your anxiety/fear goes up, sets your nervous system into overdrive (spasms), and impacts your blood pressure."

So I'm a crazy person?

Though I had a lot to process from that diagnosis, it was enough of an answer for me. Something fixable.

Even though I don't feel like I was highly anxious or agitated once I got home from the hospital the first time, I could see where the doctor was coming from. I can pinpoint situational anxiety in my life for sure: worrying about my kids, freaking out if I get lost while driving, nervousness over being late or not finding matching socks, etc. Still I don't feel like anxiety is a stakeholder in my life.

Overall, the first subsequent hospital visit was awful. My emotions were out of control, and I lie awake crying "Wilder, Wilder, I want Wilder." I just wanted to be home with my boy so badly. The second hospital stay went a lot more smoothly. Shawn helped me put several things into perspective, and I felt an overwhelming sense of calm/peace about the wonderful care my children were receiving (we had round-the-clock care for each child). Story didn't stay with me that time, because I had to dump my milk (MRI fluid)...

We were also so lucky to get a post-partum room, with a queen bed. So Shawn could be right there with me. Gotta add that Shawn and I are even more tightly-bound after this experience. He is simply amazing--he scheduled the child care, took care of Story, Wilder and I simultaneously, made phone calls, arranged this and that...WOW. That's hot.

It'd be neat to say I wrote letters and watched TV, called friends, accepted visitors, but I literally just slept those two days. I was determined to get better. I could feel the prayers and support of loved ones near and far. I sensed God was going to right this.

He did! I am fully entrenched in mothering my two sweethearts, and though the days are long, exhausting, challenging...I'm just so glad to be here. So glad. I'm still processing the experience, but have mostly learned that my children must be released into the Lord's care every day. He is their ultimate guardian. My short inability to care for them in no way reflects His ability to protect them. I'm getting used to not being in charge.

Lastly, my support system came hurtling forth with such force, determination, and love that brings me to my knees. Friends and family were willing to do what we needed to keep things afloat. I am grateful to them forever.

And now you know the story!

Newborn photos by Unruh Photography

2010-06-16T14:33:00.020-05:00

The unpredicted turn of events had me super stressed about getting Story's pictures taken before she got "too big." But my wonderful friend, Jenna, for Unruh Photography, was able to dash over to the house on a sunny morning before Story turned two weeks.

I'm so proud of the pictures. Oh my! THANK YOU, Jenna!

There's a bigger version of the pictures over at Unruh Photography's blog (and a bonus picture of 6 week old Wilder at the top). They would love to hear from you...
Also, a big thanks to Ian and Julie over at Breezy Acres Farm for going on a hair accessory hunt (I'm a sucker for those flower headbands)/delivering them to my house. My little stinker's high maintenance already.

She's not following in my footsteps.

At all.

Story's birth story

2010-06-15T21:31:00.034-05:00

I have the good Lord to thank for my beautiful, healthy kiddos. And I also have Him to thank for a fairly breezy labor and delivery of Story.

Here goes:

Opted for induction May 28th, my due date and momma's birthday
8am Check in

10am Pitocin, dilated 3 cm

Pain pain pain; hugged Wilder's Wolfie for comfort; stood and swayed; I only experienced Pitocin labor with Wilder for a couple of hours without pain relief, so 6 hours without pain relief with Story was BAD.
Broke my water between 5-6 cm

4pm Epidural, dilated 6 cm-the epidural guy, Joe, said that as I good as I did receiving an epidural, that I should have more babies. I tried real hard to hold still for him and breathe and squeeze the nurses fingers while cursing out Shawn. Just kidding. I kept my words clean. Joe was the best; much better than my epidural experience with Wilder. Piece of cake.

5:15 Complete but had to wait for doctor to get there (she was gardening and almost got sprayed by a skunk/then traffic was bad. EXCUSES!)

5:40 Two pushes and baby was here! Shawn announced the gender and cut the cord. We both cried and were super surprised/excited. I was really happy to have both a boy and girl and felt an immediate sense of completion to our family. I was in love with the name Story Elena (more on that later) for a very long time and was so proud to use it.I looked at the placenta this time. It was both gross and fascinating.

Even though the day FELT long, it wasn't that bad. I'd rather labor through painful contractions and only push twice, than to labor not very long but have to push two hours (as with Wilder).
Our hospital experience this time was phenominal. We had a wonderful nurse, Connie, the whole day (always nice when there's not a rotation) and she even visited Story a couple days later. She was a little hard of hearing and smelled like smoke, but was so good at her job that I didn't care.
The only thing I got tired of were the pancakes and mac-n-cheese at the "Down Under" cafe. Maybe that's cuz I kept going back to the hospital. Kept having to eat that food!
Subsequent posts to come about my recovery. Plus I have a bunch more pictures; we had a photographer friend there.
I praise God for you, baby Story!

Purty tired

2010-06-13T21:04:00.012-05:00

Alrighty folks, I'm pretty tired. And I have my first solo full day with both babies tomorrow. I had a teeth cleaning appointment scheduled for 8am. Why in the world at my last appointment did I think it would be possible to make it to an appointment that early, two weeks postpartum, with a newborn?

I totally canceled it.

My teeth can wait. Just like my parched plants and sticky kitchen floor.

Story partied last night from 1 to 2:30 and 4 to 6:30...but we still made it to church. On time. Church's not til 10:45.

But still.

I didn't intend for us to match...kinda fun though.

Temporary tattoo

2010-06-11T21:22:00.034-05:00

Wilder went to the park with Mommy; just us two.

Wilder met a friend at the park yesterday. Andrew. His old tennies were too large, if not clompy, and I wondered if that was because it's all his family had for him or if they just didn't notice. Andrew told me he wants to be a firefighter when he grows up. I think that's going to happen for him as he was such a little daddy to Wilder on the merry-go-round.

He saw the IV tape remnants on my arm and thought it a temporary tattoo. I just agreed with him and said it was a square...never mind that it still makes me cringe at the thought of all those IVs and blood tests that seemed to lead to zero answers. I am not a pin cushion.

Even though our recent circumstances were what I call " going to heck and back", they were only temporary. And they've sealed our family closeness even tighter. Shawn pulled through as my knight like never before. I peed the hospital bed so many times from laughing at his humor. He slept in a creaky, uncomfortable chair, by my side, for several nights. He is so special.

We're all adjusting. But tonight, when we were on a walk, Story snug in her baby wrap, Wilder holding Shawn and I's hands, splashing through the neighbors sprinklers in his dorky WalMart sandals, I saw my happy again. I cried through those long nights in the hospital, aching for the melding together of our family...aching to take care of the blessings in my life. And steadily, I'm making that climb.

My back hurts, I wore Shawn's baggy soccer shorts most of the day, my one nursing bra stinks, and I'm kinda bummed about the long nights.

I hope we all remember that the good and bad moments in life are just that: moments. They come and go and it's up to us smile, to learn, to be human. And a more recent lesson: to accept help!Story at 2 weeks. Umbilical cord fell off today (kinda sad). Likes to party at night. Fairly easy going unless she has gas. Loves her baby bundling (thanks, A). In the 40-50 percentiles on height, weight, head circumference. So even through our ordeal, we were able to keep her healthy...she's up to 8 lbs 3 oz.

It feels good to tell you about life.

On the other side

2010-06-09T10:07:00.009-05:00

With the deepest sigh of relief, I'm proud to say I'm back home, putting the pieces of our family back together. Although I'm not doing it alone. To say Shawn deserves husband/dad of the year award is an understatement. He deserves the award into infinity.
The support from family and friends has been humbling, and a blessing. I never once had to worry about my kids' care. We had someone mow our yard in a circle pattern, a friend brush my hair and do backrub, food brimming over in our freezer, round-the-clock childcare including late nights with Story, Panera delivered to the hospital, baby supplies and cutsie clothes...we wouldn't have made it through the ordeal with out every single person's loving, selfless contributions.

When I find time and strength to recap the days since Story's birth, I will.
For now, I rest. And praise Jesus. He is always good.

Update on Mindy

2010-06-04T15:00:00.005-05:00

**************************

UPDATE

We had to come back to the hospital again last night. High blood pressure and a horrible headache. Doctors are running tests now and Mindy is more stable. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts.

**************************

Wanted to let everyone know that we are back at home after an unexpected trip to the ER on Wednesday night and 2 days at the hospital. Mindy was diagnosed with post-partum pre-eclampsia and after some uncomfortable treatment and recovery she is now doing well. More details and the full "story" on baby Story and our crazy adventure will be coming as soon as I let Mindy get her hands on the laptop. Thanks for your prayers and to all those who stepped in to help. What amazing people we have in our lives.

- Shawn

It's a little busy around here

2010-05-31T23:04:00.014-05:00

...but didn't want to leave you hangin' too long!

This was the best moment our first day home (reading to both babies before bedtime):
Story's an easy baby so far...she is so beautiful and wonderful and amazing...and...oh my I'm on top of the world. My cup runneth over.

The Baby's Here! A Little GIRL

2010-05-30T00:01:00.002-05:00

We have a baby girl! So thrilled! Story Elena Harris was born May 28, 2010 (my mom's b-day) at 5:40pm, weighing 7 lbs 9.6 ounces, measuring 19.5 inches long.

We're doing well. Wilder loves his sister. Leaving hospital tomorrow.

Let the sunshine bring out your best

2010-05-27T23:30:00.001-05:00

This boy brightens my day. Every day.
And soon another little person will, too!

Did I mention we received a meal this week (thanks, J!), AND my neighbor came and swept our floors/did my grocery shopping?

I should be pregnant more often. JUST. KIDDING.

I'm in a robe!

2010-05-26T14:32:00.017-05:00

...on the internet! And it's not a hospital picture...sorry.
At least I'm nice and covered.

I've been perusing the archives, mostly to look at Wilder's baby pictures...I do this SO OFTEN. But especially often since we are close to having another baby to cuddle.

I found this one from my Seattle business trip 4 years (?) ago. That hotel room coulda had a hide-a-bed (it didn't!) and I wouldn't have complained, because of the bathroom. My skin is pink in the picture because I'd just had a wonderfully scalding session in the glass/marble shower. Nice to wash off the airport filth.

I'm pretty sure later that night I took a bath and ordered $65 in room service...chicken alfredo, salad, and I seem to remember a chocolate cake...that was my one food splurge.

All to say that bathroom continues to feed my desire to have a nice one {bathroom} someday. Both Shawn and I can't fit in ours widthwise right now, because of my belly. So if he's fawning over his hair while I'm making a beeline to the loo, someone's gotta move. And that means Shawn of course.

On another note: special thanks to E for feeding W and I lunch today...

Sweet child of mine!

2010-05-25T00:03:00.001-05:00

Dear perfect Baby,

I haven't met you yet. In fact, I don't even know if you are a boy or a girl. But I know that you are mine and that I love you. That love is, and will surmount to, something magnificent that neither of us have ever breathed. And we won't want to live without it.

As these contractions have been testing our gumption the past three weeks, I want to thank you for hanging in there, for being strong, for kicking at just the time when I'm worrying about you. We got this, Hon.

Soon, we'll get to cuddle and kiss, smell each others' breaths, and, once again, the jumble of things that don't make sense in my life will magnetize into perfection. Even though I'm not supposed to have you to need you, I already need you a little bit. And ache for you.

It is good to be needed.

But I will stand my ground knowing one day you won't need me anymore. That doesn't mean I won't relish the moments of your needing me...those moments that seem unending when you are so small...down to the moments that dissipate as you grow up.

In a great and marvelous (and slightly uncomfortable!) way, it is sheer joy to help sustain your life. And even though I want to meet you this very second, I understand if you need time.

Kisses from the outside,
Mommy

Happy today...because...(no, no baby yet)...

2010-05-24T22:43:00.028-05:00

Howdy! I'm still here. Still pregnant. But wanted you to know I had a simply pleasant Monday. My lovely friend Laura came over and brought her daughter, A, along with a million beautiful plants/flowers to pot for my front porch.

Folks have been asking how they can help. I'm getting brave enough to say, "okay, this needs done." Wilder and A had a blast playing and at one point Wilder was naked, his scrawny, porcelain-colored (and perfect) body running through the water hose...what joy that brought to my heart.

Girls, thank you for today!
I also got to get my hair done, last minute, and jaunted to Victoria's Secret afterward, for some stretchy tanks and pants, and some Love Spell! I haven't worn that scent/lotion since college and was missing it.

definitely should've taken the time for eyeliner; oh well, you see the real me!

And the cherry on top? Chocolate ice cream! With no cherry on top (don't like 'em).
Many thanks for your prayers and support as I waddle my way through these last few days (4 til my due date!) of pregnancy...hoping doctor wouldn't make us wait until 41 weeks to induce (but it's the same doctor I had with Wilder & that was her policy then...). And, yes, I'm ok with induction. Good ole uterus and I are getting tired from all the false labor contractions...

Nursery is finished!

2010-05-21T14:26:00.049-05:00

Setting up Eenie Meenie's nursery, was, surprisingly, far less stressful than was Wilder's. That doesn't seem quite right given we don't know E.M.'s gender, but, it's true.

Perhaps what made the transformation most calming was not painting. That was hard for me, as a splash of paint color can speak volumes, but, in the end I'm glad we opted for color through accessories.

Turquoise, orange, and brown add punches of energy. Changing table colors are more muted but that's because I bought them first, before I knew what direction we were going. And the vintage touches make everything more whimsical.

View from kitchen; mobile animals were in the bathroom per Wilder

Shelving, faux plant, frame: Target
Dr. Seuss book, vase, and lamp: vintage

Blankie: Zutano; check them out if you haven't already
Crib: CSN stores
Brown bedding: Babies R Us

Changing table: $10 off Craig'sList
Storage bins and pad cover: Babies R Us
Bird print, shelving, blue frame: Target
Owl, books, other print: vintage
Disorganized!

Rug, curtains: Target
Black out shades: Home Depot

Futon cover (just a sheet), pillows: Target

Vintage Noah's ark fabric across canvas frame: Shawn!
Typewriter and gumball machine prints: Meg Duerksen's Whatever Etsy shop

The only thing missing is the baby! He/she is quite spoiled already.

False alarms

2010-05-19T22:35:00.038-05:00

Ever had a day when every vessel, every compartment, every secret of your body, mind, spirit, has been completely drained and you have nothing left to give--or really receive, either?

As I prepare to salute an end to this day, and to thank a Father (and husband) who kept me afloat, I wonder how I'll possibly find my way back to renewal. But I know it will come.

I am exceedingly grateful for a seamless pregnancy. But I am on my second false labor hospital visit and it's getting discouraging. You've stayed with me during my pregnancy updates, and it doesn't seem fair to leave out the "bad stuff," so here's some of it.

I don't feel like I should be allowed to complain about things, however the hurt in my heart is real; I cry a lot (hello, hormones). And to be frank, my ego is a bit bruised that I can't figure out what my body is doing: I have lots of painful contractions but until the baby's head engages, they are futile.

While this is about me, a smidgen, and I have the honor of giving Shawn and Wilder this gift, it's not all about me. God has a plan for our Eenie Meenie, and that includes the beautiful story of his/her arrival into this world. I am trying, trying, reaching, leaning into that hope. And into the fact that we're almost done!

The normal Mindy would've oohed and ahhed over the momma and her newborn, sitting in the wheelchair today, waiting to leave the hospital for a new world together. Instead I stood over by the elevator, sobbing...people all around; I didn't care. And I cried, hopefully not too loudly, "she gets to go home with her baby and mine's still inside!!"

Even though that hurt, even though I wish it was my turn, what a very lucky thing to be able to say that baby and I are healthy. There is a bigger picture than my disappointment, a lovely painting unfolding.

p.s.--you get a scroungy prego picture (38 wks, 5 dys)--had been up since 4am when Shawn took this at 10:30am.
p.p.s.--thank you, E, for looking after W today.

10 reasons why I'm glad I'm not pregnant in the olden days

2010-05-17T14:39:00.028-05:00

Despite my infatuation with pioneer times/Laura Ingalls, I'm glad I'm not pregnant in the olden days:

1. I'd probably only get one lumpy, pokey down pillow to lie on instead of the 6 squishy ones I use to get comfortable. One of them is body-size and I call him my "boyfriend," to Shawn's chagrin.

2. I'd have to do really hard chores like till the garden and make butter and milk goats.

3. I'd probably be the last to bathe. By then the water would be cold and full of everyone else's crumbs and dirt...blech.

4. Outhouse.

5. I couldn't text my friends on the way to the hospital. Er, I mean, on the way to my bedroom.

6. Maternity clothes?

7. I would have to cook alot...things like rabbit stew and deer casserole (?)--a lot of meat-handling/gross. No frozen pizza.

8. Can't think of something for number 8.

9. No drugs during labor.

10. Fewer (as in, nil) birth control options post-baby.

I feel terrible, but, hey, it could be a lot worse!

Oscar the Grouch

2010-05-16T14:10:00.018-05:00

Wilder loves watching Sesame Street on YouTube. At the present time, I most relate to Oscar the Grouch. Which is why you haven't seen me writing in awhile. I don't want to come across grouchy! My hormones are in full swing. Poor Shawn. One minute I am walking on Cloud Nine, the other minute I am in the pit of despair, thinking I'll be pregnant forever. I'm particularly frustrated at not being able to do all the things I want to do (sciatic nerve pain makes it difficult to walk), and having to turn over control to Shawn. And that takes from his time to complete projects that I can't do, like hanging some towel hooks in the bathroom so all our post-baby company has a place to hang towels...

I haven't been behind the camera much, either, but cabbaged onto some iPhone pics.

Hail resembled Sonic ice
The water always pools on our side of the street

Trial run to the hospital (think it took 45 mins because we needed gas, there was road construction, some kind of police block but I can't remember, a wrong turn...oh my)

W and I were well taken care of this week: three lunch playdates whereby I got to sit on my tush and just. watch/jabber.

This week, we rest. We do what we can do and we love each other a lot. I am not equipped for much else these days, but, hug and love on Wilder? That's easy!

Storm season (and time for an iPhoto post)

2010-05-12T22:19:00.010-05:00

Kansas storm season has arrived!

We went to dinner tonight and came home to see hail, just like Sonic ice, scattered across the yard. About scooped some up to put with a juice (I usually order apple juice at Sonic since I don't drink pop).

The rain is wonderful and all, but Wilder says, "Rain, rain, go away..."

hiding out in the basement during a tornado watch

puddle jumpin' in his ugly water shoes

29

2010-05-12T14:37:00.010-05:00

Today marks the start of the last year of my twenties. I remember when I turned twenty-five I told everyone, "I'm halfway to 30!" What a ditz. I was thinking of the 10 year span between twenty and thirty, you see...

I took a self-portrait (eye looks weird) showcasing my new McDonald's Happy Meal princess crown, since I am princess for the day. I am SO not doing the dishes.

I've spent my birthday morning feeling about 86 years old: got some kind of crummy pain in my left sciatic nerve, so it hurts to walk. Well it hurts to do much of anything, really.

Had my OB appointment and she told me I was 1.5 cm, but I think she was saying that just to be nice, since I came hobbling in and wasn't as smiley as usual. Then I went to my second appointment to get cracked/crunched by a chiro. It helped the pain a little.

I think a cookie will work better.

p.s.--thank you to everyone who's bombarded my email, phone, Facebook and snail mail. I am privileged to have the sturdiest support system around. Truly grateful. What beautiful hearts you have.

My flower shop

2010-05-11T14:47:00.021-05:00

So I don't really have a flower shop, but my home feels like one!

Here's some pretty pictures. I always shoot vertically...need to work on getting artistic horizontal shots. My wrist automatically goes vertical, though.

Flowers from Shawn and Wilder for Mother's Day. They are by Beards Floral Design--unique, modern arrangements. LOVE! Thank you, my boys.
Peonies from my friend B's yard; they are one of my favorites and remind me of being a little girl. My parents had them in the yard of one of my favorite houses we lived in. Oh, the fragrance.
Thank you for blessing me with these, B. I am so sorry you are allergic to them but am glad that we are getting enjoyment from them.
And a single bud from B's yard, too!
B also spoiled Wilder and I with lunch--salad with grilled chicken and veggies on top, and homemade applesauce. Heaven!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T08:13:00.001-05:00

Wilder, 4 days

We will read all kinds of inspirational things today.

We will surf blogs and cry at the gripping words and pictures; I will let those fill your heart and instead keep my words few.

Though the "job" is complicated and difficult to explain, mothering remains bound to this:

Our children are the best gift we have ever received. And we treat them as such.

They are also the greatest gift we will ever offer to the world. And we treat them as such.

Happy Mother's Day.

(with a shout-out to the papas, our cheerleaders; weloveyou)

37 weeks

2010-05-08T21:40:00.021-05:00

We never seem to get a prego picture in natural lighting...this is probably driving my photog friends CRAZY. At least I'm aware of the issue.

And I bet second-timers aren't supposed to document their pregnancies as religiously as first-timers, but, let's face it, I need a distraction. I also wanted to see if you like my blueberry cami--it's pjs (with my trusted bolero over it).
Three more weeks to go.

I'm ready! Well, sort of. We still have 19 things left on the to-do list, but we're both feeling pretty burned out. We watched a movie last night rather than do chores. We lied around in our pjs this morning for an hour or so. Had a park picnic Friday night. Just want to take time to relax and not overdue it so I can be a champ at delivery.

Shawn is nesting. Yes, Shawn. He reorganized my jewelry box and did the great Sock Match-up of 2010. Thank you, Babe. It is quite romantic.
Other stuff:
~Baby is head-down. That's all I could ask for. They thought Wilder was breech and that really stressed me out. But so far, this baby is in the "go" position.
~Same discomforts as last week (esp. my back). Braxton Hicks starting to kinda hurt now.
~Still no boy name chosen...

Baby Harris Tweetup

2010-05-07T14:32:00.021-05:00

Shawn's coworkers were too kind to throw Eenie Meenie a BBQ baby shower, or rather, a Baby Harris Tweetup, in honor of Shawn's Twitter obsession.

It was a perfect afternoon for a picnic atop the balcony. I didn't get many pictures, as I was too busy noshing hot dogs and baked beans, thinking how blessed we are to have a supportive group of friends.
The invite was quite clever:
As were the onesies:
Thanks for spoiling us! We are so grateful.
Now if we could all just meet you, Eenie Meenie...

What would you do...

2010-05-06T14:49:00.027-05:00

...if you won the lottery?

Here are my really, really selfish answers. But I am being honest! And I'd have to win BIG to make all this happen:

Pay off debt
Start a non-profit (something to do with mental health)
Open a home-accessory store (kitchy new and vintage gifts plus books)
Buy a new car (I have had mine 10 years)
Help family if they need anything
Get a gym membership
Establish recurring gift to the Alzheimer's Association
Donate my clothes and start a new wardrobe
Set up college funds for the kids
Travel (especially to Europe)
Get lipo and a breast lift ;-)
Invest for retirement (can't forget this)
Buy an awesome mid-century house in Portland (want to live there someday),
furnished with all things Eames, etc. & a jetted master tub

Disclaimer: I do not live a life of "if only." What a waste that would be.

Today, right now, I am the richest, albeit blimpiest girl in the world!

Tried to get some pics of Wilder kissing the belly but no dice.
He's wriggling free from me and my stretch marks...

What a smile

2010-05-04T14:39:00.011-05:00

She sent me a sunny smile, and what a smile, Georg;
it was a smile that could have melted the whole world,
because if the whole world had seen it,
it would have had the power to stop
all wars and hatred on the face of the planet,
or at least there would have been some long ceasefires.

excerpt from Jostein Gaarder's The Orange Girl

This is obviously about a love interest. I think it is just beautifully written. I'm making it about Wilder, though; his smile has the power to do the same thing.
Or how about Freddie, the pug down the street? Quite a strapping fellow--look at that smile.

Soon I will kiss and hold you.

2010-05-03T14:52:00.012-05:00

We pored over Wilder's birth/newborn pictures last night. What a story they tell. What a beautiful boy.
I am even more excited now! And a little nervous, too...kinda forgot about all that not-so-fun medical stuff...

I'll deal. I'll deal. If I did it once I can do it again.

Ok, pep talk over.

9 months pregnant--4 weeks left

2010-05-02T00:31:00.018-05:00

I am pretty scroungy most of the time-minimal makeup and whatever maternity jeans I can find that are clean. So when I dressed up a little for a night out with the girls, I had Shawn get a picture of me at 36 weeks.
I'm really ready to go and am so curious if we'll follow "statistics for second babies" and go a little early (I'm due May 28th). Of course every pregnant lady wants to go early, and I'm mentally prepared to go past my due date like I did with Wilder.

Still it's nice to hope.

My weekly visits start next week. I like going that often because it means we are very close. I also have a friend watching Wilder so I have a little time to go to the appointment and just relax.

The most discomforting things at this point are heartburn, difficulty breathing (scary), some ankle/foot swelling, pelvic pressure, and lack of sleep. It's also really hard to bend down/over and to get around in general. Botanica was probably our last big outing; it wore me out.

On a happier note, we're so excited to learn the gender and memorize this sweet baby's face. Wilder has seen the new crib and car seat and I'm sure he keeps wondering where the baby is who will fill each. He's going to be so proud!

Hallelujah for a concern-free, normal pregnancy! Almost done!

Gardens, II

2010-04-30T14:10:00.032-05:00

My friend J sent this picture from yesterday, so, you get to see more Botanica pics!
We missed the tulips but there was still plenty of color!
Here's L and her darlin' A:
J and Will (isn't he scrumptious?):
On another note, I went through the girlie toy aisle at Target today. Though I'm a grown-up, I still like to look at the dollies and no-bake ovens and such. Look who I found!
She's changed alot. Do you like her better now, or pre-makeover?

Lastly, I just might have to have this necklace...it's on sale at JC Penney.

P.S. ~If you think of us, please pray for Shawn's Grandma Dorothy, who's been battling lymphoma. It is now in her liver.

Gardens

2010-04-29T15:22:00.022-05:00

Spent some time at the local gardens this morning. I needed the fresh air, exercise, and social time. Although I was tired from having people in my home this week, I knew I wouldn't want to miss Botanica.

We were quite the sight with our strollers (some double), toddlers on leashes (not Wilder), and fancy cameras!

Wilder was infatuated with the streams, fish (which gross me out), and sprinkler systems, moreso than the flowers. A true boy.
Quite tempting to plunge my 9-months pregnant self into the fountain and bob around for a while.
But I didn't. No suit. And they would have kicked me out. Sympathy doesn't stretch that far.

Note to Wichitans: Botanica is $3 on Thursdays, for adults! I paid in quarters. We had some left from vacuuming the car.

Did you know?

2010-04-28T15:38:00.015-05:00

Did you know that I had the honor of interning in the activities department at a long-term care facility my last semester at K-State? It was part of the requirements for my degree; I was really excited to get the hands-on experience. I think field experience should be required early on, to give students a feel for what they really want to do, before they invest years into their education.

If you were to ask me, what's one of the most memorable/life-changing things you've ever experienced, I would answer: working at St. Joseph Village. I didn't get paid, but that didn't matter. I didn't need payment of the monetary sort. Time with the residents was worth more than gold. I had a million grandmas. They filled a huge place in my heart.

Earllee, me, and Kathryn, 2004

It wasn't an easy beginning. I didn't know much about wheelchair etiquette, dementia, Alzheimer's, activities and charting, whether to yell or talk normal due to their hearing loss, dietary restrictions, privacy, the odors...some moments were intense or really sad, or even scary when people weren't of sound mind or they insulted me, because my heart for people is strong and sensitive.

All of that came to not really matter once I got the hang of it. It was my paradise. Really, truly. And my strength somehow regenerated itself and I came back each day not knocked down, but built up.

I oft wonder how I'd handle the experience again: if I'd have the same patience, compassion, empathy, enthusiasm, mercy. I think I would. But I still don't think it's a career I'll pursue (I'd need more schooling, which I started but then had Wilder); the subsequent jobs I took weren't in gerontology-related fields.

For now, it's this experience that I have to appreciate and be proud of.

And when I live to be 103, like one of the residents, I'll still be gabbing about my precious 6 months tiptoeing about heaven.

Going from room to room, heart to heart.

Exercise time

C is for Cookie.

2010-04-27T14:25:00.020-05:00

Looking for a pretty cookie to take to your next gathering, or to treat your family? This slight spin on the sugar cookie is just enough to impress, I think. The only thing is that they are a little messy. Also, I prefer a 100% butter-based sugar cookie as opposed to one supplemented with cream cheese.

Black & White Hearts

They turned out nicely, and were yum-O!

3/4 cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening

1) Combine sugar, butter, cream cheese, egg and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl often, until light and fluffy. Add flour; beat until well mixed. Divide dough in half; wrap each half in waxed paper. Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm.

2) Preheat oven to 375 F. Roll out dough to 1 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut out with lightly floured heart-shaped cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 7-10 minutes or until edges are very lightly browned. Remove immediately to wire racks to cool completely.

3) Melt chocolate chips and shortening in small saucepan over low heat 4-6 minutes or until melted. Dip half of each heart into melted chocolate. Refrigerate on cookie sheets or trays lined with waxed paper until chocolate is firm. Store, covered, in refrigerator.
And when it's time to treat myself, I just beg Shawn for an Old Chicago Big Cookie!
After all, I've only 4 1/2 more weeks to eat "whatever I want."

Oh my closet!

2010-04-26T14:52:00.025-05:00

Gotta put it out there that I'm so proud of my husband for taking the reigns on many projects this weekend. Wilder stayed Friday night with grandparents so we could make concentrated effort on our ever-growing to-do list.

And when my doctor told me that sometimes second babies come a little early, we really upped the tempo on getting things done...15 things done, 22 to go.

And it feels guuud!

Gonna take you on a little history lesson of my closet experiences as a married person. First closet: shared with Shawn; had to use laundromat...pretty awful. Second closet: much bigger but never organized. Third closet: house was built in practically 10 B.C. so it was teeny tiney; never organized. Current closet: house built in 1950, when people didn't need as much, so, it's little. And never organized.

I was too embarrassed to take a before picture. If Wilder ever played in there he would come out with a tampon or dime or tangled mess of bras and belts and dust-bunnies...

But with the help of my super awesome friend, L, it is now beautifully organized. I think J Lo or Mariah Carey would be jealous:
Two trashbags off to Goodwill. Every shoe in its place. Seven cheapie purses on the top shelf.
It's freeing to have my belongings pared down to only what I use. Brave enough to show me your closet?

Secondly, we're progressing on the nursery. Have one blank wall (heaven forbid!) to find art for so I won't do a final nursery post until then. But, here's the crib corner:
Gender-neutral can be done!
Hope your Monday is dust-bunny free.

I did not sneak and take a lick of the Bisquick batter.

2010-04-23T14:34:00.021-05:00

Found a scrumptious-looking, pretty cookie recipe I'm making to share with you. However, the dough is still stuck in phase one: the 2-hr chill time turned into 16 hrs, and probably longer because I'm so taking a nap after this.

Will you settle for an easy pot pie recipe? It's nothing over the top amazing, but it will feed your families. Plus it's a total cheater's recipe (Bisquick, cream chicken soup, frozen veggies). Find the recipe here.
The boys worked on the nursery windows last night. I was excited to have them install the black-out shades but we ended up with the wrong size. Well, ok. Let's keep the reaction calm and neutral, for the baby.
And reason number 5,084 why I love being a mom:

Dime, marshmallow matey, strawberry yogurt

Seriously, I had a complete blast bending my 35-weeks pregnant body onto the super dirty green linoleum I pretty much can't stand, and using the brand-new clean kitchen towel to wipe up the mess. More fun than my bachelorette party. More hilarious than the latest SNL episode.

How's this for an aloof audience?
I'll take a standing "ove" today. Anyone?

Earth Day treats that I didn't make...

2010-04-22T14:01:00.027-05:00

I've been going through old pictures, the ones from our point-shoot. Aside from wondering how we ever survived without the Nikon, and how I still managed to complain about my appearance though I was thin and tan, I kept being drawn to this photo from a few years ago:
My current hormonal craze involves impatience as a mommy (can you please just obey this time? can you please not empty the trash onto the floor?) and this sort of clinging to Shawn, wanting to spend as much time with him as I can. I see him in the evenings, but it never seems to be enough, as we are fully focused on W.

Babe, just taking a minute to thank you for making it possible for me to stay home with Wilder. I would've never guessed this is how our lives would've evolved, but I love it {most of the time}. And I'll do each phase of our lives proudly as long as I'm with you.

On an unrelated note, Happy Earth Day! Did you make any cute crafts or recipes? If' I'd had my game on, I would've made these globe cookies, featured on FamilyCorner. Click here for recipe. But alas I do not have my game on (barely have a bra on that fits) as the kitchen still boasts scents/sights from Monday night's marinated chicken...and also I'm really tired and can't breathe very well because of the weakness in my diaphragm (related to pregnancy).
W and I couldn't have spent Earth Day any better than spending a cool morning in my friend's back yard. She has chickens, so I learned all about the egg-laying process, and a grapevine, which looks like something out of a movie; I told her she and her husband should renew their vows under the trellis. It made me want to go home and pluck/prune/mow/de-weed our yard; it is in dire need of TLC.

But we will get there.

A little suport for poetry

2010-04-20T14:47:00.027-05:00

How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)

September 2007, Point/Shoot, Salina, KS

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

~Elizabeth Barret Browning~

It's quite the privilege to celebrate National Poetry Month this April.
I'll never contribute as Poe or Cummings did, but that doesn't mean I don't
LOVE the stuff. Here's what the Academy of American Poets strives to
accomplish each April:

Highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets
Introduce more Americans to the pleasures of reading poetry
Bring poets and poetry to the public in immediate and innovative ways
Make poetry a more important part of the school curriculum
Increase the attention paid to poetry by national and local media
Encourage increased publication, distribution, and sales of poetry books
Increase public and private philanthropic support for poets and poetry

Enjoy art the way you love it today. What forms of art speak to you the strongest?

Food counts, too.

Family rolls on...

2010-04-19T14:37:00.041-05:00

In a sometimes malicious, and very much topsey turvey, world, my family has served as my anchor, a safe haven. Though I've had times of wanting to swim on my own, of wanting to coax the anchor out of the sand, I've wised up and arrived to appreciate the rich treasure of family.
Your family tree is likely much different than mine, and to that I say, "how beautiful." Some have lost their loved ones and now rely on friends who beat blood and life as much as their real family members did. Some have never known their fathers or mothers and to that I say, "you have a Father." Some may have cut ties due to conflict, and to that I say, "I'm so sorry."

Regardless the size, shape, color, scent, and makeup of your family tree, from fledgling sapling to towering sycamore, I urge you to connect yourself to each limb and member. A simple "thanks" or "I love you" might make Aunt Bertie's, or your sister's, day.
While trees are not perfect, they'll always provide shade. Safety. And for a little while, in those moments when we want to feel small and thoughtful and smart and selfless, we can stand under our tree, behold a tangled, sprawling history above, and appreciate our beginnings.

Twas never our job to do the pruning.

Daddy, I wish you were in these pictures. Peters, we miss you.

That darn crab nearly got me.

2010-04-16T14:15:00.001-05:00

Good afternoon, friends.

No one likes to hear each others' dreams just like it's a little boring to hear about other people's health woes, so I will keep this short. Last night's dream involved a large pet crab that made little round poos and hissed so I had to put it in a WalMart bag and let it skitter around. It still lunged forward and tried to get me...

And other things, some captured on iPhone because Shawn left camera at work:

I love sleeping with the windows open, but the sirens, mating cats, and drag races irk me a little.

Shawn got the shelves hung in the nursery but when I put the stuff on, they fell (cheap hardware). My boobs and belly caught the vase/pic frames, hence nothing was broken.

Wilder and I may be home-bound the last couple of weeks of this pregnancy. It's getting hard to bend down and over to get the trash or a toy or a boy.

I have two chin hairs that have needed plucked all week. I presume they'll remain there for awhile. Until someone says something.

We are going out of town this weekend and I'm getting my hair done. No, I haven't packed yet.

I own a drapery-ish, or wallpaper, dress. I wore it last summer to Sissy's college grad and my family politely hated it. I thought maybe I could get away with the bohemian hippy look since I'm pregnant, so I wore it today. It's so much more comfortable than jeans or even pj pants which kindof cut of my circulation right now...I'm 34 weeks!
Shawn turns 28 today. He is such a cool person. I just want to be around him all the time (unless he is stinky from mowing or has cereal breath). Happy Birthday, Hotness.

Found cute things at an estate sale. Were money not an issue we'd have a new exerciser trampoline, a large world globe, some vintage stationary, and an ottoman...
Found a going home outfit for a girl, if we have one. Couldn't resist the owls:
Just stumbled across the adorable Zutano baby brand. Such cute prints, though expensive. We bought this blankie, too, since it goes with the nursery colors.

How was your week?

What it'll look like...

2010-04-13T14:03:00.023-05:00

...to have two!
These are from last week's playdate with J and her sweet pea, Will. J just sent these to me today. I love the B & W & love it even more that my arms are capable of holding and nurturing two babies.
I've hit a little bit of an emotional roadblock this week, which I feel is the hormones coursing their way through my body. My blood supply has increased by 50%, and the volume of my uterus has grown by 500-1,000 times! No wonder I am tired. What an amazing journey.

And while this may sound bad, I'm grieving that this phase of our lives is nearly over. The one where it's just Wilder. The one that we thought/think is hard sometimes, is about to get harder (but better, too!). Thankfully, Wilder's not going anywhere! And we are giving him a new friend/playmate to be proud of. While we can't predict how we'll find our new normal, we can rely on God's promise that He works for our good.

Blessings to all the mommies today; you are doing a superb job. A+ and a sticker for you!

We're gonna need some work days!

2010-04-12T10:30:00.038-05:00

Our weekend was a flurry of busyness (girls night, dinner guests, park, cheesecake, yard work, Wilder portraits, church, a baby shower...) I didn't capture on the Nikon...but Shawn managed some iPhone pics.

I love that his blue sun hat finally fits him. Thanks, Becca! I'm obsessed with keeping this kid's skin protected.
The thing we most needed to accomplish was laundry...and, well, that didn't happen. But we did clean out the fridge! It was a nightmare, but at least no fuzzy stuff. Rotten lettuce in the picture, so look out...this is not for the fainthearted.

Momma, I promise I only bought margarine once, and we didn't even use it all. I always use real butter!
Gross, gross, gross.

We have 6 weekends left to cram in everything we need to do before the baby arrives, 7 if you count the weekend he/she is due. Some of the items on our to-do list include:

~oil change
~finish nursery: purchase mattress/sheets/hamper/storage bins/black-out shades; hang shelves
~print out pics of Wilder from 3-19 months (!)
~or maybe just make one of those Apple photo albums
~finish writing in Wilder's memory book
~organize Wilder's baby clothes by size
~make unfinished basement as clean/guestready as possible
~stock up on breast pads, tucks pads, those "other" pads, cabbage leaves, diapers, wipes
~install new kitchen ceiling fan for blistery summer days
~purge all closets
~haul off twigs/branches/leaves from backyard
~clean windows
~install carseat
~register at hospital
~think of a baby name
~make arrangements for family help with Wilder

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Whew! Shawn, are you reading this?

Want to share your to-do list? Am I totally overdoing it here?

Very truly

2010-04-09T07:56:00.003-05:00

Savor the moments before they leave you
Care a trifle less for what dost please you

Share a bubbly toast to success
But take heed that the best
Things in life cannot be explained
They are feelings unconstrained

Savor the moments before they leave you
Make it the purest earthly thing you'll do
Pause for a tick-tocking minute
Think how you've spent it

Time. That valuable commodity
May quiet moments cease as an oddity
Grate your fingers through the gritty sand
Release your bleeding heart into His hand

Touch the boundless, billowy sky
Don't attempt to decipher why
Answers are boring anyway
Tis much more fun to play

And glory in the moments
They are yours.

Yours truly.

~mh

Cookies and walks and playdates and hair in need of highlights.

2010-04-08T15:09:00.040-05:00

iPhone photos from Shawn:
Can anyone say root touch-up? Great mercyLord.

Pretty soon I'll be wearin' a baby for our walks. Any tips for a good baby wrap (isn't there a whole baby-wearing phenomenon going on right now? Shall I join the throngs? It looks really complicated & like it hurts the back & the kid can't breathe). I'd like to have something a little less harnessy than the Bjorn, although I still want to use it because it was such an awesome device with Wilder. I'd put him in it then make cookies. I was always so worried about flat-head that it was nice to be "holding" him even though I wasn't.

Blessed to get another playdate today, with J and her son. Wilder's loving all the time with babies; he kissed this boy--a bona fide, gentle, closed-mouth kiss.
But really, who could resist? Yum.
And my food of choice for "breakfast" was cookies and dum-dums.
Gotta start the day with zeal.

Cool and uncool: a list

2010-04-07T14:47:00.039-05:00

Things that aren't cool:

I'm lame at taking self-portraits on the Nikon.

See what I mean?
Pregnancy update: I have gained more weight with this baby. It is excruciating to step on the scale at the doctor's office. I'm 33 weeks this Friday, so, moving right along. Doctor said I have more amniotic fluid this time which may be why I feel like the baby moves so much more than Wilder did...this time he/she just has lots more room. And it's also why I'm bigger around and weigh more (ok maybe sugar has played a part, too). The most annoying discomforts are back pain, tiredness, and finding a comfy sleep position. Practice contractions and pressure also prevalent.

The nursery is at a stand-still as Shawn's been working on other things, but we hope to get the crib together, shelves hung, and a few more things taken care of in the next couple of weeks. So bear with me on a picture post!

Back to the uncool things:

The refrigerator stinks. Like, really stinks.

I'm unsure as to which piles of laundry in our room are clean or dirty. Sniff test not the most optimal during pregnancy.

Wilder can't wear pants/shirts pjs because he'll take off his pants/diaper and pee in the bed (prior post). Mission to comb the town for lightweight footed pjs: accomplished.

Things that are cool:

It's green and blue outside and the creatures have come out to play.

I got to hold Calla this week. That was a long time coming.

Passed the glucose test.

Wilder actually asked to help unload the dishwasher. I told him they were dirty but he could help once they were clean (this is a new, fun practice of ours).

Bath time/curly hair.

And if he isn't an exact copy of Shawn, I don't know who is!

Silver Dollar City--I'm going to work there

2010-04-06T14:43:00.021-05:00

As a little girl I had bright plans to be a teacher, artist, or...Silver Dollar City worker. Specifically, I'd be the lady in her pretty olden'times dress who drew pictures of balloons and kitties all over little lacy girlie umbrellas for sale. Each of us had one when we were younger. I saw the umbrella lady again and watched her for awhile. She does unicorns!

Shawn got to be a little kid:
I got freshly squeezed lemonade and time in an olden-times schoolhouse:
I'd never heard of their culinary/craft school; it was all brand new. Apparently one can sign up for a couple-hours class...such a cool idea. They're shipping the kitchen to me as I write.
Also here's Sissy's apple pie process. I haven't made a pie since cooking class in 7th grade. It's not too bad. It's worth the minimal effort! Good job, Sissy. Let me know if you find out how to properly "crimp" the crust...& next time we'll do fresh apples.

She sent 2 pieces home with us but I didn't share.

Silver Dollar City-always as fun as the first time

2010-04-05T14:34:00.023-05:00

How refreshed are we after a weekend getaway!! We become accustomed to the day-ins and day-outs of child-rearing that it's easy to let the core partnership fall by the wayside. We are really fortunate to live close to Shawn's parents, and they were happy to take W for Easter so we could go be boyfriend and girlfriend.

We chose to visit my sister and her hubby in MO--they've just bought a new home and it was all fancy and clean just for us. Now I want to tile my kitchen...

Bonus is that they live so close to Branson, MO, which was a favorite vacation spot of my parents as us girls were growing up. So many fond memories. Silver Dollar City, an 1880's themed-park located in Branson, is owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, which was recently featured on Undercover Boss. I'm impressed CBS preserved and presented the company's Christian values so marvelously. I was even able to meet and chat with one of the gentlemen interviewed in the show (he was given a college scholarship and will pursue a business management degree in the fall; such an inspiring story).

I just walked right up to him and shook his hand. I also walked up to people's babies and waved at them and raved about their cuteness. Not always the best reception there. But the pigtails! I just can't help it.

Geyser Gulch-if ya wanna get wet

Saltwater taffy, if ya wanna get fed
roller coasters, if ya wanna barf

Perhaps my favorite thing, besides Sissy's cinnamon rolls, was getting to lounge in the mornings--not have to rush to meet my sweet boy's needs...Shawn even brought me Fruit Loops in bed!
I'll see about weeding through some more photos and posting more tomorrow. Can't wait to take Wilder to Silver Dollar when he's a little older--and I'm ready to go back and be not pregnant so I can tackle some (tame) rides.

Mini-getaway

2010-04-03T19:00:00.000-05:00

Didn't want to keep you hanging all weekend--we are on a mini-getaway while WildMan stays with Papa and G'ma. I'll fill you in on the trip when we return; here's an iPhone photo of us this morning. Have a fun, blessed Easter!

Dinosaur poop & other things

2010-04-01T13:59:00.051-05:00

Imagine this: 8-months pregnant girl awkwardly flumping down the slide with her toddler. More than once. That wore me out. I wonder what the baby was thinking?

I did the splits in the kitchen because there was a melted ice cube on the floor. No signs of preterm labor, thankfully. But, ow.

Wilder woke up with his leg caught in the crib spindles so I used some lube (yeah, that stuff) to get it out. Fire department call averted. Thankful for friends who let friends call all panicked when their husbands are in meetings and can't help.

Spilled all of Wilder's Easter eggs on the curb while loading back into the car after today's hunt. You'd think it would be worth it for the chocolate in the eggs, but there was just squishy taffy--smart girls knew it wouldn't melt in the sun.

Wilder found greater intrigue with a crumpled, germy! Mountain Dew can than the eggs anyway. By the way, you can see that his Africa is healing up nicely:
All the mommas and their "under two's":

Thanks for all the pics, L!

Recent outing to Museum of World Treasures was a bit of a dud--not the trip itself because we always have a blast with our friends (Old Chicago pizza afterward!), but the museum was a little, um, low budget. The lady held up what looked like a rock and said it was petrified dinosaur poo. I didn't believe her.
I will give the museum props for trying hard to make the program fun for children by offering finger painting (Wilder's first time) and a moonwalk.We sure are lucky to be doing all this cool, fun stuff. Enjoying the time before new baby throws things for a big loop!

Black and white

2010-03-31T14:46:00.022-05:00

Oh that all things in life could be black as black and white as white!

Black and white from each of us:

Wilder's new kicks:
Daddy's hankie (he wears one in his back pocket every day):
My new $8 purse from Target (it'll be filthy in a week but it was only $8!):
The living room floor has officially been spring-initiated as it is now covered in sand and toppled over tennies from multiple trips to the park:
And after a morning of squirrel chasing and stick collecting, I am, yes, you guessed it, off to nap!

Peeps on cupcakes

2010-03-29T15:44:00.019-05:00

I was in a cupcake mood, and have friends to share them with tonight..we had to go to Wal-Mart anyway, so I bought some Peeps and a strawberry cake mix.

Add a little imagination (and sugar), and you get festive Easter treats:

I've linked to this before, but check out the Whatever blog for the buttercream frosting recipe.

Mine melted a little~keep this in mind as the weather warms...you might want to add less milk so the frosting's not as runny. I was using a Wilton tip, trying to make designs, but one could never tell!
My kicking baby and I are off to try to get a 15-minute nap before W wakes...

Africa on his mind

2010-03-28T18:49:00.024-05:00

W's got Africa on his mind. Well, his forehead anyway. Took his first faceplant in the driveway. He was supposed to get some of the cheesier Easter portraits done today, but that obviously fell through.

sorry about the gross hairbrush

Weekend:

~Much-needed mom's night out to include hot-tubbing (from the waste down for me)...it was so relaxing and the conversation encouraging
~Olive Garden to celebrate Papa's (Gpa) b-day; K-State game & DQ ice cream cake afterward
~El Salvadorian dinner and mini-massage with S and her family
~Broke out the heating pad for my back (oh.my.gosh.so.sore.people)

Today:

Shawn and Wilder feeling icky (again!), so we rest/do some yardwork

Here's another one of those precious iPhone pics Shawn took. That's the corner where I blog. The chair was 25 cents.
How'd you spend your weekend?

Cold tushy cheeks

2010-03-25T14:22:00.018-05:00

Instincts: fascinating thing, really. Had a gumption to go into Wilder's room earlier than normal this morning. He was sound asleep on his belly, in the corner, tushy high in the air. BUT, no diaper. Just porcelain white, cool-to-the-touch hiney cheeks. Poor kid! He typically wears footed pjs but was in a two piece number. The diaper (barely wet), and britches were crumpled in a heap. When I picked him up he smelled like a nursing home so off to the bath we went.

And down to the basement went all his bedding.

Fortunately, my friend T was over for a playdate later in the morning and she made the second trip down to retrieve the laundry. Hoping we can call it even since I served breakfast:
I've got baby on the brain, pretty much constantly, and that translates to repeatedly perusing Wilder's baby pictures. Here we are almost exactly a year ago to the day:
The days are fleeting.

Easter egg hunt

2010-03-24T14:14:00.021-05:00

The week has given us two beautiful days so far, one of which we spent hunting for eggs at Erika's! Erika is an amazing hostess and party planner, so much so that she's started party planning as a side job. So, if you need help with a party, I can get you connected!
Wilder was still a little young to fully grasp the concept of grabbing eggs so I did most of it for him...as well as I could with a big belly.
He lost interest fairly quickly and headed straight for the "pier":
Erika's daughter, Lillianah, is following in her mum's footsteps in that she's a great hostess, too. She took off Wilder's coat and laid it on her parent's bed. She's not even 3 yet! Isn't her tutu cute?
Here's the gang..some missing as it's impossible to get kiddie group shots. Aren't they all funny, doing their own thing? One's blowing up a balloon...I am thankful for beautiful weather. We were outside all morning/after nap yesterday. The sun really boosts my morale...how bout you?

Oreo treats--easy peasy!

2010-03-23T14:24:00.020-05:00

So you're not tired of pregnancy updates? Oh, good.

Today isn't one, though. Too soon.

Thought it'd be nice to share a simple but scrumptious dessert recipe with ya (I've been craving it):

OREO DIRT CAKE!!! Let the heavens rejoice!

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. Cool Whip
1 cup powdered sugar
3 cups milk
1 5 1/4 oz. instant vanilla pudding mix (sometimes I have a hard time finding these exact ounces so I buy 2 little boxes but don't use all of the 2nd box...maybe 2/3?)
1 pkg. Oreos (um, I use 1 1/2 pkgs.)

Mix pudding with milk as directed on the box (I use whisk). Then add in the cream cheese and blend on low 1 minute. Add powdered sugar and Cool Whip and blend well. Crush Oreos in 9 x 13-inch pan, press in bottom. Pour filling in and sprinkle more Oreos over the top. Best to let it chill at least an hour before serving.
If you're feeling really creative, add in gummy worms just prior to serving (if you add them too long beforehand it will make the dish taste sugary-weird).

Or, serve it in miniature terracotta planting pots with a homemade flower (construction paper/popsicle sticks) stuck in--and a ribbon around the pot.

Ok, one final touch: buy the mini-Oreos and plant them as little "surprises" in the pudding mixture after you've spread it in the pan.

What dessert should I make next? As long as it's not lemon, nutty, or raisiney, I'm game.