Sometimes if you just sit and listen to your child you will hear and see some amazing things. Here is Ava telling us about her day.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Day Eighty
Chatting it up...
Sometimes if you just sit and listen to your child you will hear and see some amazing things. Here is Ava telling us about her day.
I love listening to her gibber in her own little language. She normally throws in some real words but there is nothing like gibberish.
Sometimes if you just sit and listen to your child you will hear and see some amazing things. Here is Ava telling us about her day.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Day Seventy-Nine
Dawning of a new Era...
We did it...we finally did our research and cut ties with blockbuster. We are now official members of Netflix and it's only been a few days but I LOVE it. We already have our first movies and we have starting catching up on Weeds which we haven't been able to watch since we moved. I do miss showtime and hbo but this is making up for it. I also got to watch a chick flick during Ava's nap the other day. We don't rent many because, well, they are chick flicks. Speaking of movies...we have one to watch so tonights post is being cut short.
We did it...we finally did our research and cut ties with blockbuster. We are now official members of Netflix and it's only been a few days but I LOVE it. We already have our first movies and we have starting catching up on Weeds which we haven't been able to watch since we moved. I do miss showtime and hbo but this is making up for it. I also got to watch a chick flick during Ava's nap the other day. We don't rent many because, well, they are chick flicks. Speaking of movies...we have one to watch so tonights post is being cut short.
Day Seventy-Eight
Outdoor fun...
Yesterday after lunch Ava and I went out to play in the yard. Aaron was out trying to repair a brick-lined flower bed that had collapsed under the weight of all of the snow we had. There were also some more that lined the driveway that got knocked over by the plow truck. He joined us to play before Ava's nap.
I got all of the photos processed but never got back on to post. Here they are...
then she took her shoes off...
Now to take pictures of something for today. This project does not allow laziness and some days it is nice to be lazy.
Yesterday after lunch Ava and I went out to play in the yard. Aaron was out trying to repair a brick-lined flower bed that had collapsed under the weight of all of the snow we had. There were also some more that lined the driveway that got knocked over by the plow truck. He joined us to play before Ava's nap.
I got all of the photos processed but never got back on to post. Here they are...
then she took her shoes off...
Now to take pictures of something for today. This project does not allow laziness and some days it is nice to be lazy.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Day Seventy-Seven
A beautiful day and a duck fight...
Today was such a nice day and I'm starting to feel semi-human again. Aaron was home with us so we went to the park this afternoon. I took some photos of the views and wished I could have captured one of the best of the day but my hands were full.
We were feeding the ducks so I was holding Ava and the bag of bread which did not leave a hand for a camera. Plus I am one of those super paranoid people who always pictures myself dropping my valuables in the water. So picture me standing over water with Ava and the camera...the camera was for sure going in. So seeing that I could not have my camera in hand I will have to paint the picture for you.
We began feeding these two small ducks who were nearby and slowly more and more ducks began to come over. This mallard came over and he was a lot larger than the other. He must have been the leader of the pack because there was an older looking mallard of equal size but this mallard pushed through even him. He came over and flapped his wings and almost pulled himself completely out of the water. He made quite the show puffing out his chest and fluffing his feathers. He was really quite mean so we tried to throw the bread to those on the outskirts of the circle but that would send him after those ducks. Well the smallest mallard and the largest mallard got into it. It was such a scene that they threw water splashing up over the walls like waves crashing onto the beach. We had to run to not get wet. I really wish I could have caught it because it would have been an amazing photo.
I did capture some other images from today and they are pretty great...my favorite is the last one :)
There is just something that I LOVE about pictures of Ava and her Daddy. It's like my world captured in one single shot...it's all there.
Today was such a nice day and I'm starting to feel semi-human again. Aaron was home with us so we went to the park this afternoon. I took some photos of the views and wished I could have captured one of the best of the day but my hands were full.
We were feeding the ducks so I was holding Ava and the bag of bread which did not leave a hand for a camera. Plus I am one of those super paranoid people who always pictures myself dropping my valuables in the water. So picture me standing over water with Ava and the camera...the camera was for sure going in. So seeing that I could not have my camera in hand I will have to paint the picture for you.
We began feeding these two small ducks who were nearby and slowly more and more ducks began to come over. This mallard came over and he was a lot larger than the other. He must have been the leader of the pack because there was an older looking mallard of equal size but this mallard pushed through even him. He came over and flapped his wings and almost pulled himself completely out of the water. He made quite the show puffing out his chest and fluffing his feathers. He was really quite mean so we tried to throw the bread to those on the outskirts of the circle but that would send him after those ducks. Well the smallest mallard and the largest mallard got into it. It was such a scene that they threw water splashing up over the walls like waves crashing onto the beach. We had to run to not get wet. I really wish I could have caught it because it would have been an amazing photo.
I did capture some other images from today and they are pretty great...my favorite is the last one :)
There is just something that I LOVE about pictures of Ava and her Daddy. It's like my world captured in one single shot...it's all there.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Day Seventy-Six
The luck of the irish...
In honor of St. Patricks Day I decided to take photos of ten green things. Most of which I found in the kitchen since I happened to be cooking dinner at the same time.
A Green Afghan
Brobee or as Ava lovingly calls him Boppy
A Green Block and a bonus Green wall
A Plant
Green Beans (they were yummy)
Olive Oil
The DC on Ava's DC Shoes
A bottle of tanning lotion
The top of the olive oil
and last but not least...a pear
I am going to end today's post by sharing a link to another blog that was part of a yahoo feature today. I think this teacher deserves a medal for bringing attention to school lunches. It's the reason that I packed. Check out Fed up with lunch: the school lunch project but be warned, I was lost over there for a good hour catching up on her year.
In honor of St. Patricks Day I decided to take photos of ten green things. Most of which I found in the kitchen since I happened to be cooking dinner at the same time.
A Green Afghan
A Green Block and a bonus Green wall
Green Beans (they were yummy)
The DC on Ava's DC Shoes
The top of the olive oil
I am going to end today's post by sharing a link to another blog that was part of a yahoo feature today. I think this teacher deserves a medal for bringing attention to school lunches. It's the reason that I packed. Check out Fed up with lunch: the school lunch project but be warned, I was lost over there for a good hour catching up on her year.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Day Seventy-Five
Grocery Shopping and rude old ladies...
Today we got out and went to Trader Joes. My original intent was to get to Whole Foods as well but I just wasn't feeling up to it. My stomach has been a mess for days and I've just felt awful. While we were at the store I was browsing the coffee section, minding my own business. I heard an old lady (late sixties maybe older) saying Hi to Ava. At first I didn't pay her any attention because I figured she would just keep going since they normally do. Well I noticed she was attempting to get me to turn around so I did so and smiled. The lady then proceeds to say to Ava, "look what someone has done to your hair", in the rudest tone. Well at this point I was puzzled because her hair was in adorable piggies. She then looked at me disgusted and said " I probably shouldn't say this because you aren't going to like it". Now this is the part where I should have said then how about you just not say it but part of me was intrigued and part shocked by what was proceeding. She continueD to ask me how I would feel if Ava were to do that to my hair and lecture me on how cruel it is and blah blah and so on. I attempted to brush it off with a comment about how unruly it is if it isn't done and she still kept going. I really wish I could move past the whole have to be nice because she is old crap that I was taught. I just couldn't do it. I couldn't tell the anti-piggy tail old biddy where she could go and what she could do when she got there. I imagine her to be some miserable lonely old woman but the scarier thought is that this woman is someones mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and I pity those people.
Now I guess she should have called Child Protective Services on me for putting my daughters hair in piggys. O for shame...I should be embarrassed that I could be so cruel. I mean really who goes up to perfect strangers and says things like that. Maybe if I was one of those real piece of works that is always going out and getting drunk instead of being with my child and letting other people be responsible for my child. It's actually a pretty common trend these days but nope, I will not be caught dead in that crowd. One thing is for sure...from here on out every time I put my daughters hair in piggys I will be reminded of that obnoxious old lady. Here is to hoping she one day says something similar to a Mother who doesn't have the same ideas about respecting their elders.
After such a day as today I needed to treat myself to some TJ's dark chocolate and hot tea. I even allowed myself two extra squares because it was that kind of day.
We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family."
"We're taking a survey," she says half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"
"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.
"I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations."
But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her.
I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes.
I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.
I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, "What if that had been MY child?"
That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her.
That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.
I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub.
That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moments hesitation.
I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood.
She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell.
She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.
I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no longer be routine.
That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma.
That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.
However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.
Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself.
That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child.
That she would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her children accomplish theirs
I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.
My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, and not in the way she thinks.
I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child.
I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.
I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving.
I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike.
I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time.
I want her to taste the joy that is so real it actually hurts.
My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes.
"You'll never regret it," I finally say.
Then I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter's hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.
Today we got out and went to Trader Joes. My original intent was to get to Whole Foods as well but I just wasn't feeling up to it. My stomach has been a mess for days and I've just felt awful. While we were at the store I was browsing the coffee section, minding my own business. I heard an old lady (late sixties maybe older) saying Hi to Ava. At first I didn't pay her any attention because I figured she would just keep going since they normally do. Well I noticed she was attempting to get me to turn around so I did so and smiled. The lady then proceeds to say to Ava, "look what someone has done to your hair", in the rudest tone. Well at this point I was puzzled because her hair was in adorable piggies. She then looked at me disgusted and said " I probably shouldn't say this because you aren't going to like it". Now this is the part where I should have said then how about you just not say it but part of me was intrigued and part shocked by what was proceeding. She continueD to ask me how I would feel if Ava were to do that to my hair and lecture me on how cruel it is and blah blah and so on. I attempted to brush it off with a comment about how unruly it is if it isn't done and she still kept going. I really wish I could move past the whole have to be nice because she is old crap that I was taught. I just couldn't do it. I couldn't tell the anti-piggy tail old biddy where she could go and what she could do when she got there. I imagine her to be some miserable lonely old woman but the scarier thought is that this woman is someones mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and I pity those people.
Now I guess she should have called Child Protective Services on me for putting my daughters hair in piggys. O for shame...I should be embarrassed that I could be so cruel. I mean really who goes up to perfect strangers and says things like that. Maybe if I was one of those real piece of works that is always going out and getting drunk instead of being with my child and letting other people be responsible for my child. It's actually a pretty common trend these days but nope, I will not be caught dead in that crowd. One thing is for sure...from here on out every time I put my daughters hair in piggys I will be reminded of that obnoxious old lady. Here is to hoping she one day says something similar to a Mother who doesn't have the same ideas about respecting their elders.
After such a day as today I needed to treat myself to some TJ's dark chocolate and hot tea. I even allowed myself two extra squares because it was that kind of day.
Edited to add...
A Mom on my Mom forum posted this today and I had to share. It was sent to her in an email and I think it's perfect.
Being A Mom
We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family."
"We're taking a survey," she says half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"
"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.
"I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations."
But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her.
I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes.
I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.
I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, "What if that had been MY child?"
That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her.
That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.
I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub.
That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moments hesitation.
I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood.
She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell.
She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.
I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no longer be routine.
That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma.
That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.
However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.
Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself.
That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child.
That she would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her children accomplish theirs
I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.
My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, and not in the way she thinks.
I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child.
I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.
I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving.
I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike.
I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time.
I want her to taste the joy that is so real it actually hurts.
My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes.
"You'll never regret it," I finally say.
Then I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter's hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Day Seventy-Four
Spring Break=Mommy & Baby Days...
Lets see where to begin. I was up early but I let the little miss sleep in since we didn't have to go anywhere today. When she got up we went upstairs and got some breakfast and then I painted her toes. She did very well and waited till they were dry to touch them. Here is a semi blurry photo but you get the point.
Then after we played for a while we got ourselves together and headed out to noodles and company. My original plan for today was to get the whole foods and trader joes and get myself some tummy friendly food but when I got up it was pouring. I felt bad trying to take Ava out in it if we didn't really have to. By lunch time it had let up so we went out. I got Japanese Pan noodles with tofu and I picked up some mac & cheese with chicken for Aaron. Ava had a little of both. She LOVES the tofu.
It was a pretty low key day. I did notice one of the house plants has started to bloom so I snapped a few shots. Then I play with some different edit options for them just to create some different looks. So fun!!!
Here is the breakdown...
Lets see where to begin. I was up early but I let the little miss sleep in since we didn't have to go anywhere today. When she got up we went upstairs and got some breakfast and then I painted her toes. She did very well and waited till they were dry to touch them. Here is a semi blurry photo but you get the point.
Then after we played for a while we got ourselves together and headed out to noodles and company. My original plan for today was to get the whole foods and trader joes and get myself some tummy friendly food but when I got up it was pouring. I felt bad trying to take Ava out in it if we didn't really have to. By lunch time it had let up so we went out. I got Japanese Pan noodles with tofu and I picked up some mac & cheese with chicken for Aaron. Ava had a little of both. She LOVES the tofu.
It was a pretty low key day. I did notice one of the house plants has started to bloom so I snapped a few shots. Then I play with some different edit options for them just to create some different looks. So fun!!!
Here is the breakdown...
Bold
Faded
Warmed Up
Texture
Vintage
Shot Two
Bold
Faded
Warm
Texture
Vintage
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