Month 9

You’re on the downhill slide of your first year. 9 months, baby Bird. You’ve been outside just as long as you were inside.  It’s been another month of amazement, but I guess that’s what first time mommyhood is all about. It’s been a month full of baby skirts and flip flops, play grounds and picnics, water play and bare bums.  Every morning after daddy leaves for work, we crawl out of bed still in our PJ’s and sit on the back porch soaking up the morning sun. I drink my coffee and you occasionally sip on juice in between chasing the boys and picking grass. It’s my new favorite time with you. 

Your adventurous spirit is shining through more and more, and even more so you’re becoming quite the adrenaline junkie.  There is no bigger smile then when daddy throws you in the air. Your independence only goes so far still, but if by chance you crawl out of sight I know right where to find you- with the boys eating dog food.  Nonetheless, you follow commands extremely well for not speaking the English language.  Dare I compare you to a dog? You come when you’re called, redirect when told “no”, and respond well to treats. We’re working on sit and stay, but somehow I doubt you’ll master that.  Zip is quite your mother hen, wherever you go, he’s right behind you. I’m not sure if he’s keeping you out of trouble or leading you to it; but you and those boys sure are bonded. 

But some things never change….you are reminding me of a funny story as I (try) to type.  Right now you are prying and prodding at my laptop. You’ve done this since you first laid eyes on it. You have a hardcore obsession with the keyboard and you will not leave it alone. You’ve even gone so far as to delete the entire keyboard system and change the desktop picture. So two months ago, to encourage your sensory skills Auntie Andrea bought you a toy laptop.  And you hated it. You hated the noise, the lights, but most of all you hated it open. If that thing is open with in a 20 foot radius, you’ll stop all current activities to shut that danged thing. I just wanted you to have your own, but apparently you like to push mommy’s buttons instead. J

Tractor rides with Grandpa, tennis with Nana, chicken coops with the great’s, and late night phone calls with the Aunties…you’re in high demand, Bird. You are so close to walking. I can see the desire in your eyes every time you stand up. Just one step; that’s all it will take and you’ll be off. I love watching you problem solve. You are so smart and continually way ahead of the curve. It seems baby toys, food, etc. are a thing of the past. You want what the bigs have…especially our food.  Since day one you slept right with us in bed, and everyone said the transition to your crib would be hard. But just like everything else, it was easy. I wasn’t emotionally ready to let you sleep alone, but then as if a switch turned on, you and I were both ready for this transition.  You took so easy to it. We started putting you to bed in there at 9, and then when you woke up around 2am we would bring you back into sleep with us. And then, all of the sudden, you stopped waking up. You just kept sleeping right on through until 7:30. But that doesn’t mean I don’t sneak in your room in the wee hours of the night to check on you. I miss you at night; I miss watching you sleep so soundly, I miss the intermittent snoring between you and daddy, I even miss waking up to you climbing over my head to get to the boys. But as independent as you may be, know that I’m always close by.

I’m in awe every time I rock you to sleep. Remembering when your entire body fit across my chest, and now it seems there are miles of legs dangling at my side.  Everything about you is growing, from your size, to your smarts, to your smile….everything except your hair. No matter how big you are, I’ll always make room for you in my arms for you’ll always be my baby.  I love you Bird.

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The Stuff You Thought You Didn't Need To Know

For my sanity and your entertainment value, here’s a non-gushy sentimental update on Bird’s every moment. Instead, this will entail very random notsoimportant facts about everything else.

• We finally have a backyard. With grass, might I add.
• And a porch. Can you guess where we spend 95% of our time?
• Brent has been promoted to a Safety Specialist. His computer desk sitting, research doing, supervisor position, not outside manual labor office dream job has finally come true.  He’s in 7^th heaven. The perks come with a major raise, company truck, and is home by 5:00 every evening…clean.
• It’s summer. The boys are shedding and my house is covered in dog hair.
• It’s also covered in slobber…Bird is working on her 9^th tooth.
• This Wyoming soil is seriously testing the limits of my green thumb. It’s more or less a brownish color…ya know, to match my dying plants.
• We are bike riding fools…like every night. It usually entails a trip to the canal for the boys and speed racing down the big hill for Bird.
• It doesn’t even get dark until 10:00pm, which makes me feel like even more of a loser for going to bed at 9, so I force myself to stay up later. I think I’m getting better at living the night life. I even caught half an episode of Letterman once.  
• I’m really frustrated with typing on an actual computer keyboard because I expect it to autocorrect everything for me like my Iphone. Alas, it does not.
• I’m back full force working on the Ambulance. Bridger Valley, feel free to hurt yourself in any way possible. I would like some good calls please. (Too harsh?)
• Brent and I have started the Paelo diet. He’s lost like a million pounds in a week and I don’t even bother stepping on the scale. Probably because I’m the worst dieter ever.
• I feel like it’s probably safe to officially say I’ve stopped biting my nails. After 24 years of being a relentless nail biter I finally told myself that MILF’s don’t bite their nails…not that I consider myself a MILF but it was a nice thought. I’ve been 6 months in recovery and haven’t relapsed once. I paint my nails every other day. I had no idea what I was missing out on.
• Because of our obsession with our new porch, Brent BBQ’s every night for dinner. Thank you Pinterest and you’re great recipe section.
• Lilly is a pro at swimming lessons. She loves it all.
• My sister in-law Ashely has decided to NOT move home for the summer and I couldn’t be more disappointed in her bad bad choice. Family means sacrifice, and if she’s not willing to sacrifice her entire social life for me then boo on her. (I kid Sholly…)
• And on that note, in July I’m going to a family reunion in NC and then to Atlanta to visit Hillary…if I didn’t hate the excessive use of exclamation points so much you would see about a million of them here. But here’s a small taste of my excitement: !!!!!!!!........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Month 8

As expected, you’ve changed. When does this stop? When will I wake up in the morning and you’ll be the same baby as the day before? Will I even recognize you tomorrow? Whatever you do, wherever you go, I’ll always know you by your spirit.  As much as I wish babies came equipped with a pause button (maybe even a fast forward button at times), I find myself so submerged in each stage you enter.  I can’t get enough of your intuitiveness and perceptions of the world around you. Summer is a whole new world for you. You’ve learned this world is far more than four walls and a ceiling.  Your mind is limitless and you are so captivated by the new outdoor surroundings.  I feel like I’m depriving you of valuable experiences if we stay inside too long.  We are starting a whole new chapter, dare I say a new book, and watching your eyes light up with every fresh experience delights my heart more than I can say.  Here’s your month Bird, it was immeasurable, unsurpassed, but mostly unbelievable.

•  You had some serious diaper rash, which is where I learned the power of butt-paste and Aquaphor.
• Aquaphor also doubles as some extraordinary lip gloss. Don’t judge, just try it.
• Morning routine: wake up, pull moms hair, climb over mom, yell for dogs, encourage dogs to jump on bed, play with dogs on bed, eat smear breakfast, share breakfast with dogs, play with dogs on floor, nap…sometimes with the dogs. Repeat.
• Two things in this world get you so excited that your arms and legs flail uncontrollably; Daddy coming home and hearing Nana’s voice on the phone. You. Go. Crazy.
• You’ve discovered the laundry room, and in the laundry room is the boys’ food and water. And the doggie door.
• You discovered the doggie door. …and the dog water… and the dog food. Which you ate.
• You pooped out your first inedible object. Part of a fake flowers.
• We went swimming in the hot-tub. You were butt-naked. I dunked you and you giggled. Nana didn’t like the dunking, so I signed her up for swimming lessons with you.
• Oh ya, you start swimming lessons next month.  I also bought you a bathing suit. Now you have three. You’re seven months old and you have three bathing suits. I have a problem.
• The first time I put sunscreen on you, Daddy said you smelled like “Lagoon”.
• You’re a biker babe. We go on a bike ride most every day. You have a baby seat, a helmet, and a smile. The boys are jealous of your seat, but you just giggle at them as they run next to you.
• I melt every time I watch your Daddy rock you to sleep.
• Grandma and Grandpa tell you every day how adorable you are.
• Next month will be an adventure…you’re about to walk.

Unbelievable

My mother has always told me that I wouldn’t be able to understand her love for me until I had a child of my own. Impossible, I would say, knowing that my love and adoration for her was equal. Having seven months of motherhood tucked under my belt, I realize now how deep a mother’s love truly runs. In the days after Lilly’s birth, my Mom and I would spend evenings just staring at her, spellbound by love and with words so far out of reach.  I’ve spend my entire life watching my mom; studying her, learning from her mistakes, and capturing her strong will. At times I’ve resisted so much of her determination and dedication to motherhood; pushing when I should have been pulling and falling only when she tried to help me climb. But here I am…with a daughter of my own, who is bound to test her own limits and fly without wings.  I am so grateful for the footsteps I have to lead my way.  Ask me what it means to be a mom and I’ll tell you it is an unbelievable experience; so unbelievable that there aren’t any words to describe its beauty, fulfillment, or joy. Ask me what it means to be the daughter of my mom and I’ll tell you the same.    

My very first Mother’s Day wasn’t short of perfection.  Bird spent all morning in the kitchen cooking breakfast in bed for me, and in the days before she picked out the most beautiful gift at my favorite boutique. She even cleaned the house while the {fur}boys put away laundry and Brent did the dishes. And then, all together they took me on a picnic to our favorite park with lunch from my favorite restaurant. And to finish out the day, Bird promised to entertain daddy while I planted in the garden and wrote a blog or two. As for the boys; they chose to help dig in the garden.  Happy day for this Momma. 

The Boys Are Back In Town

Remember when this entire blog revolved around two little fur boys and their adventures? And then it seemed to suddenly shift focus elsewhere.  But it’s not what you’re thinking.  They didn't get booted because the Bird took center stage, we didn't love them any less since her arrival, and they certainly haven’t stopped being the center of attention.  Their absence can be attributed to good behavior.  No drowning pugs, no runaway heelers, and no more midnight barking jam sessions. But fear not; the boys are about to make their big comeback. 

We moved to the country for one main reason; the abolishment of all laws doggy. Unfortunately, that isn't the case and somehow our boys seemed to find their way straight into trouble. But you know how the saying goes; every dog has his day in court, except the names appearing on the court dockets we’re that of yours truly.  Zip and Tank found their way into the neighbor’s chicken coop and ruffled a few feathers. No chickens were hurt in the midst of their gallivanting but it was just enough to send out the big guns and summon us to appear in front of a Judge for the crime of the century.  Yadda, yadda, yadda, we ended up not having to appear and instead were told to provide proof that we built a fence, which was well in the plans anyway. It took a phone call to pop and one expensive trip to Home Depot and voilà, we now have a back yard. 

Let me paint you a picture of my property.  A house, a porch, a driveway, various types of fences, and rocks. Lots of rocks.  No grass, no trees, no flowers, not a shrub insight.  That was so last week.  My charming little house got a makeover last September and now it’s on to landscaping.  Aside from the creation of a backyard, we've tilled up all the land and are planting grass, building a back deck, enlarging the front porch, adding landscaping, oh and this weekend we created and planted an entire garden.  I live in God’s country and it’s about time our little piece started looking like it. I LOVE where we live, the home we've created, and the people I get to share my life with.  So grateful for a hardworking and loving husband, a chirping little bird, a willing and giving mom and pop and the best neighbors/in-laws a girl could ask for. Oh, and some boys who are now forever forced to walk the line. Sorry guys, but I’m going to say it…I have a damn perfect life.  

Month 7

As I wrote the very last word on your 6 month adventures, you spun a 360 and everything about you changed. Your personality amplified a hundred times and your smile, now accompanied by four teeth, shined even brighter. 

I am happy to report that that car seat of yours isn’t as treacherous as before. You seem to understand that you won’t be strapped down forever and wherever we’re going, it’s usually fun…like to Nana and Poppa’s house or Benedicts; both of which are of high entertainment value in your book.  I guess after a road trip to California, you’ve adapted to that ol’ chair pretty well. 

As pre-mentioned, you and I have become quite the traveling pair and sadly a lot of it has been done without daddy.  He started a whole new job and in the working world it’s not all play. But he does it all for you, Bird.  So know that even if every picture doesn’t have daddy creeping in the background or if the stories are told without details of daddy, he’s there. He knows every detail and he is a part of every memory you will make.  I know how lucky I am to have him has my husband, but girl, you are off the charts blessed to have him as your daddy.  He leaves bright dark and early every morning, and no matter how deep asleep you are you inevitably wakeup within 20 minutes of him leaving. You can sense that he’s not right next to you and therefore can’t sleep. Let’s work on the 6am wake up time, ok? But days he doesn’t have to wake up early, you will sleep, cuddled up right next to him, until you’re weird synchronized internal clocks go off.  Mommy loves those days. 

Sleeping has always been a waste of time. Apparently. And there is no rhyme or reason to your patterns. It’s either five minute cat bird naps that must be taken in my arms, or you are out for the count sprawled in your crib. And as soon as the snooze is over your little legs start going. Crawling is overrated, it’s obvious you’d rather be walking and ohhhh how you try. But congrats little girl, you no longer resembled a beached walrus. You can most successfully chase me around the house at hyper speed on your hands and knees. Once I’m caught you start climbing my leg…or the dog, or anything within reach. You can pull yourself up on anything. ANYTHING.

You’ll grow up surrounded by a family that loves you to the stars and back, and none more than two of your aunties, Andre and Hillary. And just as I did, you’ll grow up being influenced by them more than you’ll begin to appreciate.  One of them will take you on adventures beyond your wildest dreams and the other will make you famous. But both of them will love you more than you’ll know.  Trust these girls. Listen to them, take their advice, and when you can’t handle me, run to them. Because of them you’ll become the most well rounded and cultured young lady. Take Hillary’s strong will and steady feet and Andrea’s carefree life and positive outlook, mix it with their spirit of adventure and you’ll have the world in your hands. I’ve had the two of them my entire life and I’m so grateful I get to share them with you. You don’t know how lucky you are bird. Consider yourself blessed.

Things will definitely slow down this next month; maybe not for your growing soul, but at least for our traveling adventures.  The Idaho squad is coming down this week, and I can only imagine the level of excitement when you’re reunited with your aunt Sholly. Your grandpa got you baby chicks and we all giggle at the thought of you collecting the eggs and chasing the chickens. And rumor has it, he’s been looking at ponies for you. 

I’m excited for summer; for you to feel the grass on your toes, the sunshine on your shoulders (which will be completely covered with layers of sunscreen), and the exploitation of the outdoors. Spring is here, and you can soon stretch your wings Bird. 

As I wrote the very last word on your 6 month adventures, you spun a 360 and everything about you changed. Your personality amplified a hundred times and your smile, now accompanied by four teeth, shined even brighter. 

I am happy to report that that car seat of yours isn’t as treacherous as before. You seem to understand that you won’t be strapped down forever and wherever we’re going, it’s usually fun…like to Nana and Poppa’s house or Benedicts; both of which are of high entertainment value in your book.  I guess after a road trip to California, you’ve adapted to that ol’ chair pretty well. 

As pre-mentioned, you and I have become quite the traveling pair and sadly a lot of it has been done without daddy.  He started a whole new job and in the working world it’s not all play. But he does it all for you, Bird.  So know that even if every picture doesn’t have daddy creeping in the background or if the stories are told without details of daddy, he’s there. He knows every detail and he is a part of every memory you will make.  I know how lucky I am to have him has my husband, but girl, you are off the charts blessed to have him as your daddy.  He leaves bright dark and early every morning, and no matter how deep asleep you are you inevitably wakeup within 20 minutes of him leaving. You can sense that he’s not right next to you and therefore can’t sleep. Let’s work on the 6am wake up time, ok? But days he doesn’t have to wake up early, you will sleep, cuddled up right next to him, until you’re weird synchronized internal clocks go off.  Mommy loves those days. 

Sleeping has always been a waste of time. Apparently. And there is no rhyme or reason to your patterns. It’s either five minute cat bird naps that must be taken in my arms, or you are out for the count sprawled in your crib. And as soon as the snooze is over your little legs start going. Crawling is overrated, it’s obvious you’d rather be walking and ohhhh how you try. But congrats little girl, you no longer resembled a beached walrus. You can most successfully chase me around the house at hyper speed on your hands and knees. Once I’m caught you start climbing my leg…or the dog, or anything within reach. You can pull yourself up on anything. ANYTHING.

You’ll grow up surrounded by a family that loves you to the stars and back, and none more than two of your aunties, Andre and Hillary. And just as I did, you’ll grow up being influenced by them more than you’ll begin to appreciate.  One of them will take you on adventures beyond your wildest dreams and the other will make you famous. But both of them will love you more than you’ll know.  Trust these girls. Listen to them, take their advice, and when you can’t handle me, run to them. Because of them you’ll become the most well rounded and cultured young lady. Take Hillary’s strong will and steady feet and Andrea’s carefree life and positive outlook, mix it with their spirit of adventure and you’ll have the world in your hands. I’ve had the two of them my entire life and I’m so grateful I get to share them with you. You don’t know how lucky you are bird. Consider yourself blessed.

Things will definitely slow down this next month; maybe not for your growing soul, but at least for our traveling adventures.  The Idaho squad is coming down this week, and I can only imagine the level of excitement when you’re reunited with your aunt Sholly. Your grandpa got you baby chicks and we all giggle at the thought of you collecting the eggs and chasing the chickens. And rumor has it, he’s been looking at ponies for you. 

I’m excited for summer; for you to feel the grass on your toes, the sunshine on your shoulders (which will be completely covered with layers of sunscreen), and the exploitation of the outdoors. Spring is here, and you can soon stretch your wings Bird. 

California dreamin'

If I don’t blog ever again, it’s probably because I ran away to the mountains at Lake Tahoe.  We stopped there for a night on our drive to San Francisco. Apparently 10 hours stuck in a car seat was long enough for little bird.

Mom rant: I HATE car seats.  Strike me down dead for saying this, but seriously.  I’m well aware of the risk factor and will spend my entire life ensuring the safety of my littles, but I’ve got to devise some sort indestructible bubble suit for infant travel. When she’s content, she’s happy as, well, a bird. But go a mile further than she wants, and you’ll hear it until she’s freed.  I’ll admit it, I’m totally tempted to take her out and let her just be. But I don’t, and I won’t.

 

Travel day two was much shorter. I’m not sure if my geography teacher skipped over this part or I’m just a total ditz, but having never been to California before I was not expecting so many mountains. And it’s not just one big beach party with beer, babes, and sunshine. Apparently that happens a little further down south. Granted it’s only March, it’s a tad chilly nonetheless.

 San Francisco doesn’t go without its own highly sought after attractions though. So far we’ve seen the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and a homeless man with projectile diarrhea on the side of the road; all of which were a first for me. 

San Francisco is no Lyman, Wyoming folks. It’s building to building chaos. But if you ignore the GPS enough times, you eventually find yourself amongst some of the prettiest scenery around.  I’m amazed at the diversity here, amongst the people, homes, and scenery. Within 3 square blocks there are slums, million dollar mansions, and then somewhere in the mix you’ll find Haight-Ashbury, which is an experience all on its own.  But right outside the concrete jungle you’ll get to Pacifica, where we are camping right on the cliffs of the shoreline and get to watch a nightly sunset that stretches for miles. 

Mom’s appointments are going well. Everything is as to be expected. The medical team is top notch; her surgeon was the one who developed the main aspect for this newest theory of treatment. Ocular melanomas are rare; only 2000 diagnosis each year, and a majority of them; we all feel so lucky that she was a candidate for proton radiation and that she is in with the best of the best. We’ll be here for a few more days for surgery recovery and more appointments. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.   

Out of the Closet

Maybe it can go without saying and maybe others need an explanation, but here it is; I support Gay rights. I am God fearing, bible reading, cross wearing Christian, and I support the right of equality for all.

Gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, whatever…I support your earthly right to follow your heart.

Say whaaat?? Conservative Christian Elizabeth is going against the Bible and advocating one of the biggest sins out there? Surely, she must not be a true Christian. Maybe the husband baby thing is a cover up for her own gayness? The Bible clearly states homosexuality is a big no-no. Or does it?

Well folks, sorry to stop your gossip train, but I am indeed a full-fledged straighty.  Though I do enjoy rainbows…

I’m not here to eradicate your core beliefs and demand you have a change of heart. Along those same lines, I’m not here to debate this with the thumpin’ of your scriptures to counteract mine. Because, let’s face it, the fight for gay rights goes so far beyond any of our opinions. But isn’t that why we’re having this debate in the first place? Because everyone has varied opinions? Well, maybe I have something to say that might sooth your judging soul.

This is the part where I could summarize a wonderful article written by (a way more knowledgeable) Christian in my same boat, but instead I’m going to link you over HERE, and hope you read it for yourself.  And by read, I mean read the whole dang thing folks. It’s long, so you might need to push pause on your rerun of The OC, but it will at least give you some insight.   

I don’t feel as strongly as the author does, because I haven’t experienced the same tribulations of my friends deeply involved in the Gay community. But what I do feel in my heart is that that God loves us all, regardless of circumstance. Amen? Amen.

I will say I especially enjoyed Argument #4- Because God Says So. That’s been the foundation of every Christian’s argument.   I’ve spent my fair share of time in prayer to ask for guidance on how to view homosexuality.

I woke up this morning to facebook covered in red equality signs, and I had zero intentions of changing my picture.  Are we going to overturn Prop 8 through changing your profile icon? Nope. But did you know I supported equality before today? Probably not. And I was pleasantly surprised at the number of my friends who publically support it as well. What are we doing then? Why change your picture? Why write a blog? Because one voice, one picture, one word at a time we’re demolishing the taboo of supporting Gay rights.  And eventually, the world will be one red equal sign. Maybe it won’t happen this time, or the next but in the famous words of some teeny-bopper who got at least one thing right, never say never.

So whatever it is your stance is, get educated. It’s not our place to judge; that job is reserved for the Big Man. I’ll admit, I was indeed a closet gay rights activist. Well folks, here’s to coming out of the closet. Let’s all live in love. 

Month Six

Hold your horses, kiddo. You’re 6 months; not 16 years…so stop acting like it.  This has been a crazy month for you. You’ve experienced so many new things, it’s as if you’re skipping this baby thing and heading straight for adolescence- a force to be reckoned with. 

You have a serious love-hate relationship with your car seat.  Let’s be honest, it’s an altogether hate, and in fact the only love thing about it is the new places you go once you’re freed- oh, how you love new places. Babies are a pretty hot commodity, but you my friend, are in the limelight.  Everyone is attracted to you. I don’t know if it’s that bald head or huge grin that draws people in, but once they are there, they are captivated for good. 

Not much has changed on the home front. You spend your days perusing the living room floor, exploring the hallways in your walker, and your nights cuddled up right in between mom and dad. I wouldn’t say you’ve successfully mastered crawling because you more resemble a walrus on land that a mobile baby but you are so close to victory.  Another big first is that you sit in high chairs at restaurants. The only reason this didn’t happen months ago wasn’t the lack of skill on your part, but more or less my severe co-dependency constantly getting in the way of your independency. 

You’ve spent the majority of your time voicing your opinion; it seems you have one on just about everything.  I’ve learned the difference in all your tones. They aren’t words yet, but you’re speaking full sentences just the same. Cars, doctor offices, crowded restaurants are all the same to you- a place to turn on your charm and captivate your audiences. You’re quite the loud lady, and no matter how hard I try, manners just don’t apply to you. Sometimes, I’m that mom with that baby but it’s always in a good way.

You’ve traveled way more than you wanted to this month but you’ve experienced so many first, it has been so well worth it (for me and my picture taking obsession).   This has been the most maturing month, so many first, so much personality, and a lot of family time.

You’re the light of my life, and have been since the moment of your existence.  We’ve been traveling a lot without your daddy, and he misses you so much, but the smiles and giggles that emerge from your reunion makes my heart melt more than anything.  You're turning in to such a little lady. We love you Bird.