Thursday, April 30, 2009
tag, i'm it.
so i was tagged by my friend bethany. oh, bethany.
how to describe her. um...she is kind and gentle. she is quiet when she needs to be...and opinionated when it's appropriate. she is honest. and loving. and best of all, she is a wonderful, wonderful mommy. i am blessed to know her.
here are the instructions for "eight things":
. mention the person that tagged you
. complete the list of eight things
. tag eight of your wonderful blogger friends
. go tell them you tagged them
eight things i look forward to
. pratt talking and putting together sentences. hearing him say his abc's. his 123's. him telling us he loves us. all of it. yet, i'm so scared of it at the same time. scared of him growing up.
. our anniversary trip.
. wearing my true religion jeans again. (shallow...i know. but hey, at least i'm honest).
. a day when my dad doesn't have to work anymore. when he can just go to the races or play golf or travel with my mom.
. being an aunt. or i think more than that...seeing spencer with her first child.
. clint being off on friday. and him not worrying about his business. (does that count as two?)
. my mom's back never hurting her. never, ever, ever.
. growing old with my husband. and loving every minute. well, most every minute.
eight things i did yesterday
. had a cheat at mcdonalds: french fries. i CANNOT resist them.
. nearly crapped my pants approximately 5 minutes later....barely made it to a nasty, nasty gas station bathroom. one that even b.spears wouldn't have gone barefoot in.
. ran into the gas station juggling a child, a diaper bag...all while chanting..."hold it, hold it, hold it!"
. attempted to put pratt on the changing table...but refused when i saw how dirty it was...and i somehow didn't have his blanket in his bag. this led to me....
. somehow using the restroom all while holding an 18 pound baby...who giggled the entire time. yes, he giggled. he's a genius, i tell you.
. lied. (in response to the lady who said, "wow...someone had a dirty diaper"....i said, "yes, he has a BAD tummy ache.")
. bought sugar free gum because i felt guilty about the bathroom incident. i HATE using restrooms at gas stations without buying anything.
. vowed never to eat fried foods again.
eight things i wish i could do
. cure cancer.
. play the guitar.
. learn to sew.
. see my old abs. they were great. and they're gone.
. be a secretary and wear a headset.
. find my best friend whitney a husband. she is semi-responsible for finding mine. it'd be nice to pay her back.
. grow a green thumb.
. be forgiven by all those that i've hurt. that would be great.
eight shows i watch
. any and every law & order.
. the office.
. american idol.
. the view.
. desperate housewives. (i know, i know...)
. the first 48.
. good morning america.
. paula's home cooking/everyday italian EVERY SINGLE DAY. (11 and 1130).
in my defense, i read books too. i promise. i'm reading several right now...i read several at a time. always have. weird, yes.
i tag...emily frost, emily merryman, ashley guilbert, tanna horton, lindsay laney, allie winningham, sarah bell and dannis holland.
how to describe her. um...she is kind and gentle. she is quiet when she needs to be...and opinionated when it's appropriate. she is honest. and loving. and best of all, she is a wonderful, wonderful mommy. i am blessed to know her.
here are the instructions for "eight things":
. mention the person that tagged you
. complete the list of eight things
. tag eight of your wonderful blogger friends
. go tell them you tagged them
eight things i look forward to
. pratt talking and putting together sentences. hearing him say his abc's. his 123's. him telling us he loves us. all of it. yet, i'm so scared of it at the same time. scared of him growing up.
. our anniversary trip.
. wearing my true religion jeans again. (shallow...i know. but hey, at least i'm honest).
. a day when my dad doesn't have to work anymore. when he can just go to the races or play golf or travel with my mom.
. being an aunt. or i think more than that...seeing spencer with her first child.
. clint being off on friday. and him not worrying about his business. (does that count as two?)
. my mom's back never hurting her. never, ever, ever.
. growing old with my husband. and loving every minute. well, most every minute.
eight things i did yesterday
. had a cheat at mcdonalds: french fries. i CANNOT resist them.
. nearly crapped my pants approximately 5 minutes later....barely made it to a nasty, nasty gas station bathroom. one that even b.spears wouldn't have gone barefoot in.
. ran into the gas station juggling a child, a diaper bag...all while chanting..."hold it, hold it, hold it!"
. attempted to put pratt on the changing table...but refused when i saw how dirty it was...and i somehow didn't have his blanket in his bag. this led to me....
. somehow using the restroom all while holding an 18 pound baby...who giggled the entire time. yes, he giggled. he's a genius, i tell you.
. lied. (in response to the lady who said, "wow...someone had a dirty diaper"....i said, "yes, he has a BAD tummy ache.")
. bought sugar free gum because i felt guilty about the bathroom incident. i HATE using restrooms at gas stations without buying anything.
. vowed never to eat fried foods again.
eight things i wish i could do
. cure cancer.
. play the guitar.
. learn to sew.
. see my old abs. they were great. and they're gone.
. be a secretary and wear a headset.
. find my best friend whitney a husband. she is semi-responsible for finding mine. it'd be nice to pay her back.
. grow a green thumb.
. be forgiven by all those that i've hurt. that would be great.
eight shows i watch
. any and every law & order.
. the office.
. american idol.
. the view.
. desperate housewives. (i know, i know...)
. the first 48.
. good morning america.
. paula's home cooking/everyday italian EVERY SINGLE DAY. (11 and 1130).
in my defense, i read books too. i promise. i'm reading several right now...i read several at a time. always have. weird, yes.
i tag...emily frost, emily merryman, ashley guilbert, tanna horton, lindsay laney, allie winningham, sarah bell and dannis holland.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
dear pratt.
dear pratt,
when i was little, i would line up all my stuffed animals at night. you see, they stayed on my bed during the day. but at night, they had to be moved. my room was at the back of the house. i had french doors onto the upstairs back porch. and so i would line all the animals up along the doors. they all had pillows and blankets. i couldn’t sleep until i knew they were all comfortable. i would worry considerably about the draft from the doors…but there wasn’t anything else i could do. i needed them in a place where i could see them from my bed. you see, i’ve been neurotic from an early age.
fast forward many years. i lived in little rock. i was heading to get ice cream when i spotted a small black and white kitten on the side of the road. i got out of my car and tried to catch her. she wouldn’t come to me, but i knew i could get her eventually. i went back to your dad’s apartment and got a can of anchovies. (i dunno. your dad eats really weird things sometimes). after looking for the mom, i realized the kitten was all alone. she was so tiny…and covered in fleas. i knew i had to save her.
it was actually your dad that saved her. we bathed her that night, and got all the bugs off her. she slept on your dad’s chest that night. she spoke a language i’ve never heard from a cat. she talked. in a really weird voice. and so she was appropriately named "yoda". you’ll understand this later when you watch one of the greatest movies of all time.
as a girl, i’ve always wanted to take care of things. people. animals. even stuffed animals. and i’ve always done a pretty good job…at least i think i have. but even still, anyone could come along and take care of these things.
but you, you’re different.
i'm your mom.
and for the first time…i really feel like your mom. i finally know what it means to be yours…and only yours. i finally know what it means to be needed. to be wanted. in a way much different than anything i've ever experienced.
i wasn’t sure i would ever get to this point. when i was unable to nurse you…i felt very much like a failure. like anyone could come along and be your mom.
but i don’t feel that way anymore.
i have found my purpose. i have found my niche.
what a gift you give, sweet little boy.
i love you.
when i was little, i would line up all my stuffed animals at night. you see, they stayed on my bed during the day. but at night, they had to be moved. my room was at the back of the house. i had french doors onto the upstairs back porch. and so i would line all the animals up along the doors. they all had pillows and blankets. i couldn’t sleep until i knew they were all comfortable. i would worry considerably about the draft from the doors…but there wasn’t anything else i could do. i needed them in a place where i could see them from my bed. you see, i’ve been neurotic from an early age.
fast forward many years. i lived in little rock. i was heading to get ice cream when i spotted a small black and white kitten on the side of the road. i got out of my car and tried to catch her. she wouldn’t come to me, but i knew i could get her eventually. i went back to your dad’s apartment and got a can of anchovies. (i dunno. your dad eats really weird things sometimes). after looking for the mom, i realized the kitten was all alone. she was so tiny…and covered in fleas. i knew i had to save her.
it was actually your dad that saved her. we bathed her that night, and got all the bugs off her. she slept on your dad’s chest that night. she spoke a language i’ve never heard from a cat. she talked. in a really weird voice. and so she was appropriately named "yoda". you’ll understand this later when you watch one of the greatest movies of all time.
as a girl, i’ve always wanted to take care of things. people. animals. even stuffed animals. and i’ve always done a pretty good job…at least i think i have. but even still, anyone could come along and take care of these things.
but you, you’re different.
i'm your mom.
and for the first time…i really feel like your mom. i finally know what it means to be yours…and only yours. i finally know what it means to be needed. to be wanted. in a way much different than anything i've ever experienced.
i wasn’t sure i would ever get to this point. when i was unable to nurse you…i felt very much like a failure. like anyone could come along and be your mom.
but i don’t feel that way anymore.
i have found my purpose. i have found my niche.
what a gift you give, sweet little boy.
i love you.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
happy birthday nana!
last night we were able to celebrate nana's birthday here at home! she got here around 530 and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and much conversation. i think her favorite part was getting to ride on the rhino with clint :)
we were going to go out for dinner, but i've realized lately it seems so much easier to cook here. pratt has his highchair and he's just easier at home during meals. this is good actually because i really love to cook. and this gives me an excuse to do it.
i cooked a big dinner of roasted red bell pepper soup (loca luna's recipe), the invisible chef salad with green apples and pecans, bread and for dessert we had a french silk pie. (don't worry tanna, i didn't have any of the pie...it's chocolate and has sugar :)
we had a great night with nana. pratt got to cuddle with her until nearly 9 pm! and he didn't fuss once. i think the kid is picking up on this. if he doesn't fuss, we won't put him down. i mean, can you ask for anything better? he sleeps through the night...and wakes around 630 or 7. i can't bring myself to do it. oh well...sleep problems, here we come...i'm sure of it.
happy birthday nana! so glad we got to celebrate with you! we love you!
Monday, April 27, 2009
pratt's first...
trip to the farmers market and boat ride.
a bit of advice: do not attempt a stroller at the farmers market around 10 am. seriously, clark. i guess clint and i have always gone early in the morning. like around 8. and well, there is a huge population difference at 8 and at 10-ish.
besides me having a full out panic/claustrophobic attack...we had a great time on saturday morning! i think pratt enjoyed seeing all the people. and animals and kiddos. it was a beautiful day. windy, and not too hot.
a bit of advice: do not attempt a stroller at the farmers market around 10 am. seriously, clark. i guess clint and i have always gone early in the morning. like around 8. and well, there is a huge population difference at 8 and at 10-ish.
besides me having a full out panic/claustrophobic attack...we had a great time on saturday morning! i think pratt enjoyed seeing all the people. and animals and kiddos. it was a beautiful day. windy, and not too hot.
pratt went on this first trip to the aquarium store later that afternoon. clint LOVES aquariums. always has. and from what clint said, pratt loves brightly colored fish too! i'm sure at some point, clint will come home with a gigantic aquarium and say, "pratt just had to have this!" right, right...:)
we spent saturday night at the lake. pratt had his first boatride. he is NOT a fan of the lifejacket and NOT a fan of being covered when it got chilly on the boat. however, he IS a fan of chewing his dad's sunglasses.
we spent saturday night at the lake. pratt had his first boatride. he is NOT a fan of the lifejacket and NOT a fan of being covered when it got chilly on the boat. however, he IS a fan of chewing his dad's sunglasses.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
question for you mommies.
hi everyone.
i have a friend named hilary. she has a little boy...almost a year old...probably 10 months or so. she is having trouble with her daycare and asked me for suggestions. i told her a few of the ones i'm familiar with.
but i know several of you know more about this issue than i do. so, if you can...would you please either leave me a comment as to a daycare you use and you like...or maybe one a friend or relative uses. if you don't want to comment, feel free to email me. it's hannahfielderfulks@yahoo.com
again, probably in the little rock area. we would both really appreciate any help! i know that leaving your baby somewhere you're not one hundred percent satisfied with is oh so difficult!
thanks again for any help you can give!
have wonderful weekends!
i have a friend named hilary. she has a little boy...almost a year old...probably 10 months or so. she is having trouble with her daycare and asked me for suggestions. i told her a few of the ones i'm familiar with.
but i know several of you know more about this issue than i do. so, if you can...would you please either leave me a comment as to a daycare you use and you like...or maybe one a friend or relative uses. if you don't want to comment, feel free to email me. it's hannahfielderfulks@yahoo.com
again, probably in the little rock area. we would both really appreciate any help! i know that leaving your baby somewhere you're not one hundred percent satisfied with is oh so difficult!
thanks again for any help you can give!
have wonderful weekends!
Friday, April 24, 2009
thinking.
so, i've said this before, but i love driving. if pratt is content in the backseat, then driving gives me time to think. really think. i'll usually turn on npr. and just listen.
something always gets me all rowled up. and then i just go from there. thinking.
today, it was a lawyer. talking about waterboarding. and what should be considered "torture".
somehow, i started thinking about my life. and my lack of an "outside the home" job
don't get me wrong. i love being a mom. i love having a job as a mom. but i miss people. i miss learning. i miss intelligent conversation. and work. really working.
not laundry. or bottle washing. or baths.
i miss powerpoint presentations (nerdy, yes.) i miss highlighters. (even worse? probably.) i miss teaching students with their notebooks open ready to write down something i have to say. i miss it all.
i wonder what pratt will think of me when he gets older. will his dad be the one he looks at and thinks, "i'll work hard like him"? will he ever really know that i too, work hard? will he ever really appreciate my staying at home with him? do i make any difference being here?
these are all rhetorical. so for those five of you reading this...don't feel like you have to answer them :)
please don't get me wrong. i love being home. and i know that the grass is always greener...yada yada. and i appreciate so much that i'm able to stay here with him. i do, so thank you clint.
it's all just stuff i've been thinking lately. wondering, really.
i worked really hard in high school. and in college. and in grad school. studied hard. i always have. and i feel like i've lost that part of me. i feel like those who know me now...don't even know that person.
and i'm not sure i was really ever ready to let her go...
something always gets me all rowled up. and then i just go from there. thinking.
today, it was a lawyer. talking about waterboarding. and what should be considered "torture".
somehow, i started thinking about my life. and my lack of an "outside the home" job
don't get me wrong. i love being a mom. i love having a job as a mom. but i miss people. i miss learning. i miss intelligent conversation. and work. really working.
not laundry. or bottle washing. or baths.
i miss powerpoint presentations (nerdy, yes.) i miss highlighters. (even worse? probably.) i miss teaching students with their notebooks open ready to write down something i have to say. i miss it all.
i wonder what pratt will think of me when he gets older. will his dad be the one he looks at and thinks, "i'll work hard like him"? will he ever really know that i too, work hard? will he ever really appreciate my staying at home with him? do i make any difference being here?
these are all rhetorical. so for those five of you reading this...don't feel like you have to answer them :)
please don't get me wrong. i love being home. and i know that the grass is always greener...yada yada. and i appreciate so much that i'm able to stay here with him. i do, so thank you clint.
it's all just stuff i've been thinking lately. wondering, really.
i worked really hard in high school. and in college. and in grad school. studied hard. i always have. and i feel like i've lost that part of me. i feel like those who know me now...don't even know that person.
and i'm not sure i was really ever ready to let her go...
pratt's first...
blackberry....
and lifejacket...courtesy of cookie.
nana got him his own personalized beachtowel. we're headed to the lake tomorrow afternoon and i'll be sure to get pictures of pratt's first time on the party barge with his lifejacket, towel and sunglasses! woo woo!!
and lifejacket...courtesy of cookie.
nana got him his own personalized beachtowel. we're headed to the lake tomorrow afternoon and i'll be sure to get pictures of pratt's first time on the party barge with his lifejacket, towel and sunglasses! woo woo!!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
dear pratt.
dear pratt,
i hope that one day you read all these letters. all these posts. there isn't anything i love more than digging through my box and reading what people have written to me. especially notes from my mom and dad.
you're growing so fast. and i just want to let you know that i'm trying so hard to soak it all up. like a sponge. i find myself watching you throughout the day. you've become so verbal. and you know when you want something, all you have to do is just give a little shout. and i'll frantically try to figure out what you want.
you laugh so hard when something funny happens. this makes me so happy. you have brought so much happiness to my life. even with the really difficult days when i doubt all my abilities, the highs are so much higher with you here.
i still check on you every night around 2. my body just wakes up. i click the monitor. see you, but still feel the need to walk in and look at you. you've usually kicked off your blanket. and you're sleeping on your tummy.
you're starting to recognize other people besides me and your dad. today when we went up to dad's office, you saw amanda and immediately smiled. seeing your dad is my favorite. you get so excited...stretch out your little arms and just scream. it's absolutely adorable.
opening the door to get you out of the car is great. you're always sitting there waiting with a big grin. i've finally given in and started using the dvd player that sugar and poptart gave you for christmas. i don't want you to not be able to ride anywhere without that thing...but you were having a hard time...so i just did it. for the most part, you like it.
but the other day, i noticed you started screaming. you've done it a couple of times. today i looked back and saw what you were screaming about.
a clown. yep, a clown on the baby einstein video.
that right there proves that fear is genetic. at least some of it.
we love you pratt.
i hope that one day you read all these letters. all these posts. there isn't anything i love more than digging through my box and reading what people have written to me. especially notes from my mom and dad.
you're growing so fast. and i just want to let you know that i'm trying so hard to soak it all up. like a sponge. i find myself watching you throughout the day. you've become so verbal. and you know when you want something, all you have to do is just give a little shout. and i'll frantically try to figure out what you want.
you laugh so hard when something funny happens. this makes me so happy. you have brought so much happiness to my life. even with the really difficult days when i doubt all my abilities, the highs are so much higher with you here.
i still check on you every night around 2. my body just wakes up. i click the monitor. see you, but still feel the need to walk in and look at you. you've usually kicked off your blanket. and you're sleeping on your tummy.
you're starting to recognize other people besides me and your dad. today when we went up to dad's office, you saw amanda and immediately smiled. seeing your dad is my favorite. you get so excited...stretch out your little arms and just scream. it's absolutely adorable.
opening the door to get you out of the car is great. you're always sitting there waiting with a big grin. i've finally given in and started using the dvd player that sugar and poptart gave you for christmas. i don't want you to not be able to ride anywhere without that thing...but you were having a hard time...so i just did it. for the most part, you like it.
but the other day, i noticed you started screaming. you've done it a couple of times. today i looked back and saw what you were screaming about.
a clown. yep, a clown on the baby einstein video.
that right there proves that fear is genetic. at least some of it.
we love you pratt.
randoms.
my battery to the camera is dead. and i'm too adhd to charge it. seriously, i walk into my room to get the charger, forget what i went in there for, and then decide to clean the blinds.
i'm currently sitting here steaming fresh peaches for pratt. he hasn't had peaches yet. and i found some at whole foods that looked delicious. i'm thinking of taking him to the farmers market downtown little rock and picking up some yummy vegetables and fruit there. maybe we could all go on saturday as a fam. that'll be fun. clint and i LOVED going last year before pratt's arrival.
the steaming peaches smell incredible. they actually smell like a peach cobbler. yes, they do. i have the BEST peach cobbler recipe ever. it's from katie lee joel's cookbook, "the comfort table". which, if you like to cook, and don't have this cookbook, go get it. right now. here it is...
pratt had cauliflower for the first time last night and he LOVED it. i was so excited. he's been in an eating funk lately. too distracted to eat anything. but he loved the cauliflower. i didn't even have to mix it with anything initially. now, if only i could get him to eat his green beans. ha.
he's doing this thing where he sticks his arms up..straight up...and gets stiff and sort of screams. i think he's wanting someone to pick him up...but i'm not sure. it's pretty funny.
also, as soon as he sees his toothbrush, he opens his mouth "as wide as an alligator". he LOVES having his teeth brushed.
okay, i'm going to puree some peaches. and take a shower. just for the record, i haven't used any cheats. i want to document this so that long after this challenge is over, i know that i could make it at least four days. i want to see how long i can go.
this challenge is very much about changing my lifestyle. forever. not just for 42 days. and i'm feeling pretty good about it. stronger than i've ever felt before. mentally...and i know i'll get there physically.
have wonderful thursdays. my favorite tv night!
yes, it's that bad. it was bad before i had pratt. now, it's even worse. yay. fun.
geez...so i said all that to say (hello adhd) that i have lots of pictures to upload, but haven't been able to yet. but i will today.
i'm currently sitting here steaming fresh peaches for pratt. he hasn't had peaches yet. and i found some at whole foods that looked delicious. i'm thinking of taking him to the farmers market downtown little rock and picking up some yummy vegetables and fruit there. maybe we could all go on saturday as a fam. that'll be fun. clint and i LOVED going last year before pratt's arrival.
the steaming peaches smell incredible. they actually smell like a peach cobbler. yes, they do. i have the BEST peach cobbler recipe ever. it's from katie lee joel's cookbook, "the comfort table". which, if you like to cook, and don't have this cookbook, go get it. right now. here it is...
pratt had cauliflower for the first time last night and he LOVED it. i was so excited. he's been in an eating funk lately. too distracted to eat anything. but he loved the cauliflower. i didn't even have to mix it with anything initially. now, if only i could get him to eat his green beans. ha.
he's doing this thing where he sticks his arms up..straight up...and gets stiff and sort of screams. i think he's wanting someone to pick him up...but i'm not sure. it's pretty funny.
also, as soon as he sees his toothbrush, he opens his mouth "as wide as an alligator". he LOVES having his teeth brushed.
okay, i'm going to puree some peaches. and take a shower. just for the record, i haven't used any cheats. i want to document this so that long after this challenge is over, i know that i could make it at least four days. i want to see how long i can go.
this challenge is very much about changing my lifestyle. forever. not just for 42 days. and i'm feeling pretty good about it. stronger than i've ever felt before. mentally...and i know i'll get there physically.
have wonderful thursdays. my favorite tv night!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
a tornado.
so, i'm not sure how moms that work are able to do it.
seriously. i mean, i think i'm pretty busy during the day. and my house still isn't perfect, and my meals still aren't cooked everynight. etc. etc.
but you girls that work...AND are moms...well, there should be a whole new day dedicated just for that. and on those days, you should all be whisked away to spas. and have massages and facials...ALL DAY LONG.
honestly. today, i'm up at clint's office. here's how my morning went...
i got up at 630 am. now, it takes me about 25 minutes to get ready. start to finish. shower to walking out of the bathroom. on good days, it takes 20 minutes. yes, i'm fast. and...i never learned how to wear or properly put on makeup. true story. so, that part doesn't exist in my routine. i feel like a giant freaky clown when i have on makeup. i dunno...i'm just being honest. i feel like everyone is staring at my face.
okay, so i am ready by 650 this morning. i go downstairs. get pratt's bottle ready. and i hear him moving. so i get him. feed him. change his clothes. put on his lotion. his clothes for the day. and then i begin to get his bag ready for the day.
the day of just being at dad's office. which...requires the following...
1. 5 diapers.
2. bottles
3. formula
4. applesauce/cereal
5. 2 blankets (one to sleep with, one to lay on while on the floor)
6. books and toys to read while at the office
7. ziploc bag full of rattles and other brightly colored stuff
8. making sure the wipe container is full
9. shoes and socks
i think that's it. maybe, i probably forgot something.
anyway, i'm running around to make sure i have all that. and he's busy yaking all over my black shirt. because that's what he does when i feed him and then shake him on my hip going up and down and up and down the stairs.
i get him in the carseat and realize that i don't have anything to eat. and i eat about 6 times a day people. small meals...yes, but still...i have to have something on my tummy.
so i run back inside and get a water and a banana.
i should say here that i HATE bananas. does anyone remember multiples? the clothes? they had holes in the armpits? weird...anyway, my mom bought me a yellow multiple jumper.
so picture this...me, in the 3rd grade, wearing my bright yellow jumper (ala mc hammer pants), with underoos that said, "macys" across the butt. they were a christmas present from aunt carol in new york. who knew that you'd be able to see them through the bright yellow outfit.
well, you could. but that wasn't the worst. the worst was that EVERYONE on that playground at whiteside called me, "hannah banana". and rightly so.
all that to say that i hate bananas to this day because of this incident.
and so i'm sitting here...hungry as a bear. just choked down that gross banana. ugh. and now all i want is a chicken biscuit from mcdonalds. with a dollar sweet tea. yum.
i think i'll go do squats instead. let's hope no one walks in....
also, i don't even want to go home today. my house is a wreck. in the midst of trying to get pratt and myself ready, a tornado came through and destroyed everything. looks like i know what i'll be doing when i get home today at 5....when all i really will want to do is sit down and watch kris allen...and eat a big bag of oreos.
a long road to a short house...kudos to you working moms. kudos!
seriously. i mean, i think i'm pretty busy during the day. and my house still isn't perfect, and my meals still aren't cooked everynight. etc. etc.
but you girls that work...AND are moms...well, there should be a whole new day dedicated just for that. and on those days, you should all be whisked away to spas. and have massages and facials...ALL DAY LONG.
honestly. today, i'm up at clint's office. here's how my morning went...
i got up at 630 am. now, it takes me about 25 minutes to get ready. start to finish. shower to walking out of the bathroom. on good days, it takes 20 minutes. yes, i'm fast. and...i never learned how to wear or properly put on makeup. true story. so, that part doesn't exist in my routine. i feel like a giant freaky clown when i have on makeup. i dunno...i'm just being honest. i feel like everyone is staring at my face.
okay, so i am ready by 650 this morning. i go downstairs. get pratt's bottle ready. and i hear him moving. so i get him. feed him. change his clothes. put on his lotion. his clothes for the day. and then i begin to get his bag ready for the day.
the day of just being at dad's office. which...requires the following...
1. 5 diapers.
2. bottles
3. formula
4. applesauce/cereal
5. 2 blankets (one to sleep with, one to lay on while on the floor)
6. books and toys to read while at the office
7. ziploc bag full of rattles and other brightly colored stuff
8. making sure the wipe container is full
9. shoes and socks
i think that's it. maybe, i probably forgot something.
anyway, i'm running around to make sure i have all that. and he's busy yaking all over my black shirt. because that's what he does when i feed him and then shake him on my hip going up and down and up and down the stairs.
i get him in the carseat and realize that i don't have anything to eat. and i eat about 6 times a day people. small meals...yes, but still...i have to have something on my tummy.
so i run back inside and get a water and a banana.
i should say here that i HATE bananas. does anyone remember multiples? the clothes? they had holes in the armpits? weird...anyway, my mom bought me a yellow multiple jumper.
so picture this...me, in the 3rd grade, wearing my bright yellow jumper (ala mc hammer pants), with underoos that said, "macys" across the butt. they were a christmas present from aunt carol in new york. who knew that you'd be able to see them through the bright yellow outfit.
well, you could. but that wasn't the worst. the worst was that EVERYONE on that playground at whiteside called me, "hannah banana". and rightly so.
all that to say that i hate bananas to this day because of this incident.
and so i'm sitting here...hungry as a bear. just choked down that gross banana. ugh. and now all i want is a chicken biscuit from mcdonalds. with a dollar sweet tea. yum.
i think i'll go do squats instead. let's hope no one walks in....
also, i don't even want to go home today. my house is a wreck. in the midst of trying to get pratt and myself ready, a tornado came through and destroyed everything. looks like i know what i'll be doing when i get home today at 5....when all i really will want to do is sit down and watch kris allen...and eat a big bag of oreos.
a long road to a short house...kudos to you working moms. kudos!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
oh hershey...
so today is day 2. no sugar. no fried foods. little carbonated beverages. actually, i haven't had any of that either. so...day two...seven am...i have a headache like you wouldn't believe.
which totally freaks me out. proves that my body is completely, one hundred percent addicted to caffeine. frightening. and makes me want to stay away from it anyway.
so yesterday after lunch, pratt was napping...and all i wanted was chocolate. because after meals, that is usually the time i really want it. "just a little piece", at least that's what i say. then it turns into a big piece...or an entire bar. or bag. yes, it really does.
my dad caught me eating a two pound bag of peanut m&m's when i was a kid. sitting on the couch...watching tv...eating away. he sat down next to me and said, "hannah, never ever ever do drugs. you won't be able to stop."
i think he realized that i wasn't moving until that bag was gone.
anyway, back to lunch. my sister hid all my candy sunday night.
so yesterday, i was standing at the refrigerator, door wide open...looking in for something that might cure my sweet tooth.
that's when i saw it.
hershey chocolate syrup.
it was the only chocolate i could find. and i swear it was looking at me, saying..."hello hannah! i'm here...right here! on the second shelf! woooo, pick me!!!"
i sort of yelped...and for a split second thought about taking it and squeezing it with both hands. all over my face.
i slammed the door of the fridge and texted tanna. "could i have an atomic fireball instead...or is that considered sugar?"
she told me that she thought it would be fine...as long as i didn't have ten.
so i enjoyed the fireball. and closed my eyes and dreamed it was chocolate.
ri.diculous.
which totally freaks me out. proves that my body is completely, one hundred percent addicted to caffeine. frightening. and makes me want to stay away from it anyway.
so yesterday after lunch, pratt was napping...and all i wanted was chocolate. because after meals, that is usually the time i really want it. "just a little piece", at least that's what i say. then it turns into a big piece...or an entire bar. or bag. yes, it really does.
my dad caught me eating a two pound bag of peanut m&m's when i was a kid. sitting on the couch...watching tv...eating away. he sat down next to me and said, "hannah, never ever ever do drugs. you won't be able to stop."
i think he realized that i wasn't moving until that bag was gone.
anyway, back to lunch. my sister hid all my candy sunday night.
so yesterday, i was standing at the refrigerator, door wide open...looking in for something that might cure my sweet tooth.
that's when i saw it.
hershey chocolate syrup.
it was the only chocolate i could find. and i swear it was looking at me, saying..."hello hannah! i'm here...right here! on the second shelf! woooo, pick me!!!"
i sort of yelped...and for a split second thought about taking it and squeezing it with both hands. all over my face.
i slammed the door of the fridge and texted tanna. "could i have an atomic fireball instead...or is that considered sugar?"
she told me that she thought it would be fine...as long as i didn't have ten.
so i enjoyed the fireball. and closed my eyes and dreamed it was chocolate.
ri.diculous.
Monday, April 20, 2009
dear pratt.
dear pratt,
every single day, something about you changes.
you are growing so fast. here are a few things going on in our house right now.
you love my silver "mom" necklace. it has your name on it too...and when you look at me, it always catches your eye. you try to grab it and put it in your mouth. you're still at the stage where i can usually distract you long enough to pull it away without you getting upset.
you are a great baby in the church nursery. this is remarkable. i'm pretty sure my mom could never have left me there without a pretty ugly fight. i wouldn't even go to mothers day out. or daycare for the day...while she ran errands. i feel more guilty about this now. apparently, i would throw up in the backseat as soon as i realized where we were headed! sorry, cookie!
you nearly fall off your changing table every single time we change you because of the mirror behind it. your new name could be narcissus. it's that bad. i'm hoping there are no puddles of water around here...otherwise, you're totally going to fall in face first. it's actually really cute how much you love the mirror. you will smile so big at yourself and at us.
you LOVE your daddy. he has started spoiling you and rocking you to sleep later and later each night. you love it. you stick your middle two fingers in your mouth and put your head on his shoulder. he gets really quiet...and he's warm, i know...and you just love it. you will lay there till you fall fast asleep. only then will he put you in his bed. i'm pretty sure that is a sleep problem just waiting to happen. oh well...you're only this little for so long. and it doesn't seem to be all that long these days.
you love to be outside. it was raining this weekend, and daddy took you on the front porch to watch the rain. you loved it. the view from our front porch is great. we can see mountains in the distance. perfect. i hope we stay here in this house long enough for you to really love it. it's a great place out here.
no matter how late it is, you want to be up and in the middle of the action. even if you're completely exhausted. and you actually don't fuss at all. it's like you know that if you fuss, i'll think you're tired...which means i'll put you to bed. i think you're a genius. i really do.
you have brought so much joy to our lives. you remind us daily that one of the most important things in life is family.
you have so many people who love you. never, ever, ever forget that.
sleep tight little man.
every single day, something about you changes.
you are growing so fast. here are a few things going on in our house right now.
you love my silver "mom" necklace. it has your name on it too...and when you look at me, it always catches your eye. you try to grab it and put it in your mouth. you're still at the stage where i can usually distract you long enough to pull it away without you getting upset.
you are a great baby in the church nursery. this is remarkable. i'm pretty sure my mom could never have left me there without a pretty ugly fight. i wouldn't even go to mothers day out. or daycare for the day...while she ran errands. i feel more guilty about this now. apparently, i would throw up in the backseat as soon as i realized where we were headed! sorry, cookie!
you nearly fall off your changing table every single time we change you because of the mirror behind it. your new name could be narcissus. it's that bad. i'm hoping there are no puddles of water around here...otherwise, you're totally going to fall in face first. it's actually really cute how much you love the mirror. you will smile so big at yourself and at us.
you LOVE your daddy. he has started spoiling you and rocking you to sleep later and later each night. you love it. you stick your middle two fingers in your mouth and put your head on his shoulder. he gets really quiet...and he's warm, i know...and you just love it. you will lay there till you fall fast asleep. only then will he put you in his bed. i'm pretty sure that is a sleep problem just waiting to happen. oh well...you're only this little for so long. and it doesn't seem to be all that long these days.
you love to be outside. it was raining this weekend, and daddy took you on the front porch to watch the rain. you loved it. the view from our front porch is great. we can see mountains in the distance. perfect. i hope we stay here in this house long enough for you to really love it. it's a great place out here.
no matter how late it is, you want to be up and in the middle of the action. even if you're completely exhausted. and you actually don't fuss at all. it's like you know that if you fuss, i'll think you're tired...which means i'll put you to bed. i think you're a genius. i really do.
you have brought so much joy to our lives. you remind us daily that one of the most important things in life is family.
you have so many people who love you. never, ever, ever forget that.
sleep tight little man.
spring cleaning.
so, there are a few things...random things i need to remember.
one. pratt loves beth hunt. on channel seven news. if he hears her voice in the morning, he will nearly break his neck trying to see her. the kid has good taste...she is quite pretty.
two. i worked out this morning at 6 am. and didn't have any creamer in my coffee. i assume that is considered "sugar"...so i left it out. nothing like hot, black coffee early in the morning. i'm ready for a day with no sugar. and no fried foods. bring it on, tanna.
three. this weekend was long. and emotionally overloaded. i have to figure out a way to not be so sensitive. i wear my heart on my sleeve...and it hurts me every.single.time.
four. i've been teaching pratt baby sign language for about 3 months now. the sign for "more" is the first sign i taught. well, he has his own sign for "no more". it's a complete and quick dropping of the chin to the chest when you show him a bottle. works for me.
five. went went to a church yesterday that i really loved. i think clint liked it too. at least, he said he did. for the first time, in a long time, i felt i could belong. i miss that feeling. that feeling of belonging. i forgot how much i yearn for it.
enough cleaning for now. more cobwebs...but i have a million things to do around here. first, i must get to the grocery for my challenge! i am sooo thrilled that so many of you are doing this with us! have wonderful mondays!
one. pratt loves beth hunt. on channel seven news. if he hears her voice in the morning, he will nearly break his neck trying to see her. the kid has good taste...she is quite pretty.
two. i worked out this morning at 6 am. and didn't have any creamer in my coffee. i assume that is considered "sugar"...so i left it out. nothing like hot, black coffee early in the morning. i'm ready for a day with no sugar. and no fried foods. bring it on, tanna.
three. this weekend was long. and emotionally overloaded. i have to figure out a way to not be so sensitive. i wear my heart on my sleeve...and it hurts me every.single.time.
four. i've been teaching pratt baby sign language for about 3 months now. the sign for "more" is the first sign i taught. well, he has his own sign for "no more". it's a complete and quick dropping of the chin to the chest when you show him a bottle. works for me.
five. went went to a church yesterday that i really loved. i think clint liked it too. at least, he said he did. for the first time, in a long time, i felt i could belong. i miss that feeling. that feeling of belonging. i forgot how much i yearn for it.
enough cleaning for now. more cobwebs...but i have a million things to do around here. first, i must get to the grocery for my challenge! i am sooo thrilled that so many of you are doing this with us! have wonderful mondays!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
advice, please...
okay, i have a mom question for all of you.
pratt turned seven months on monday.
and i promise you that on monday...he started doing this thing before he naps or sleeps at bedtime.
as soon as he realizes i'm about to put him down, he starts to cry. it only lasts about 15 seconds...but it's a real cry. a heartbreaking cry. and it's loud. when he wakes up though..he's fine. no crying. just talking to himself in the bed. i always immediately get him up as soon as i know he's awake.
i've tried different things this week. like the first time i noticed it, i apologized to him...and thought maybe i was wrong. like, maybe i was putting him down too soon. so i carried him back to play. well, ten minutes in...and he's fussy again. totally ready for a nap (he typically cannot be up more than 2 hours without needing a nap). so i take him back in his room. he realizes what i'm doing and cries. or screams really.
so i sort of soothe him. rock him..or attempt to. he's not much of a cuddler. he has his two middle fingers in his mouth. totally exhausted. and i put him back in his bed. screams/cries. for 15 seconds. i get downstairs, check the monitor and he's asleep.
he's pretty much done this the entire week. and i cannot figure out why.
i have tried to get him down before the magic 2 hour mark. cry.
i have waited until it's been 2 hours and ten minutes...even three hours. he's completely pooped. and he cries.
tonight when i put him to bed...we were literally walking in his room..and he did it.
it is heartbreaking. and i'm crying as i type this. even though it only lasts 15 seconds...it's the worst 15 seconds of my day.
i've convinced myself that it's because he's getting older. and he's smarter. and he knows he is about to have to nap or go to bed for the night. and he doesn't want to.
but he has to, right? i mean, he HAS to sleep.
this summer, i kept a little boy. he was 18 months old. and he did the same thing. he was a wonderful sleeper. but as soon as you would walk into his room at naptime, he'd cry. for about a minute. then fall fast asleep.
i just don't know. but it's killing me. and making me doubt everything i've done up to this point.
do you have any pointers? any advice?
thank you....i'm dying over here.
pratt turned seven months on monday.
and i promise you that on monday...he started doing this thing before he naps or sleeps at bedtime.
as soon as he realizes i'm about to put him down, he starts to cry. it only lasts about 15 seconds...but it's a real cry. a heartbreaking cry. and it's loud. when he wakes up though..he's fine. no crying. just talking to himself in the bed. i always immediately get him up as soon as i know he's awake.
i've tried different things this week. like the first time i noticed it, i apologized to him...and thought maybe i was wrong. like, maybe i was putting him down too soon. so i carried him back to play. well, ten minutes in...and he's fussy again. totally ready for a nap (he typically cannot be up more than 2 hours without needing a nap). so i take him back in his room. he realizes what i'm doing and cries. or screams really.
so i sort of soothe him. rock him..or attempt to. he's not much of a cuddler. he has his two middle fingers in his mouth. totally exhausted. and i put him back in his bed. screams/cries. for 15 seconds. i get downstairs, check the monitor and he's asleep.
he's pretty much done this the entire week. and i cannot figure out why.
i have tried to get him down before the magic 2 hour mark. cry.
i have waited until it's been 2 hours and ten minutes...even three hours. he's completely pooped. and he cries.
tonight when i put him to bed...we were literally walking in his room..and he did it.
it is heartbreaking. and i'm crying as i type this. even though it only lasts 15 seconds...it's the worst 15 seconds of my day.
i've convinced myself that it's because he's getting older. and he's smarter. and he knows he is about to have to nap or go to bed for the night. and he doesn't want to.
but he has to, right? i mean, he HAS to sleep.
this summer, i kept a little boy. he was 18 months old. and he did the same thing. he was a wonderful sleeper. but as soon as you would walk into his room at naptime, he'd cry. for about a minute. then fall fast asleep.
i just don't know. but it's killing me. and making me doubt everything i've done up to this point.
do you have any pointers? any advice?
thank you....i'm dying over here.
42 day summer challenge.
so, several years ago my best friend whitney had a baby. gosh, six years ago actually. wow. time flies. anyway, we joined the gym after her little boy was born.
six weeks to the day, she started working out. well, we started working out. at 5 in the morning. yes, 5 am!!!
i don't know how much weight i lost...only because i don't really measure my success in weight. i measure it more in how my clothes fit. and how i feel about myself. do you know what i mean?
we worked out from 5 until 630 every single weekday for...oh, five months straight.
it was unreal. i was in the best shape of my life.
i would wake at 450 am, and be dressed and ready at 5. be at gym at 510.
i hated waking up...but i would put on rob thomas...and sing at the top of my lungs the entire way to the gym. and by the time i got there, i'd be excited.
and whitney is my other soulmate...so it was so nice to be able to be with her. looking back, i have NO CLUE how she did this with a six week old baby. wow.
so fast forward six years. to today.
my friend tanna is a beast in the gym. as long as i have known her she has been this way. when she sets a goal for herself as far as dieting/working out goes...she meets it.
she has proposed something...and i've joined her. as have 10 other people.
please click here if you're interested.
if you are wanting accountability...and wanting to change the way you eat. and wanting to lose weight...then you should check it out.
and...honestly...pratt is eating real people food now. and more than ever before, i want him to see his mom make healthy choices. and i don't always do that.
i truly believe this will help me to be a better example to my little man.
i hope you join us!
six weeks to the day, she started working out. well, we started working out. at 5 in the morning. yes, 5 am!!!
i don't know how much weight i lost...only because i don't really measure my success in weight. i measure it more in how my clothes fit. and how i feel about myself. do you know what i mean?
we worked out from 5 until 630 every single weekday for...oh, five months straight.
it was unreal. i was in the best shape of my life.
i would wake at 450 am, and be dressed and ready at 5. be at gym at 510.
i hated waking up...but i would put on rob thomas...and sing at the top of my lungs the entire way to the gym. and by the time i got there, i'd be excited.
and whitney is my other soulmate...so it was so nice to be able to be with her. looking back, i have NO CLUE how she did this with a six week old baby. wow.
so fast forward six years. to today.
my friend tanna is a beast in the gym. as long as i have known her she has been this way. when she sets a goal for herself as far as dieting/working out goes...she meets it.
she has proposed something...and i've joined her. as have 10 other people.
please click here if you're interested.
if you are wanting accountability...and wanting to change the way you eat. and wanting to lose weight...then you should check it out.
and...honestly...pratt is eating real people food now. and more than ever before, i want him to see his mom make healthy choices. and i don't always do that.
i truly believe this will help me to be a better example to my little man.
i hope you join us!
seven whole months.
well, somehow my child turned seven months old on monday.
i don't know.
it's crazy. i mean, that's like 28 weeks, somewhere around 200 days, and i can't even try the hours or minutes without my ti83.
pratt is skinny. and tall. he's handsome. and getting more blonde hair every day. well, light hair. maybe not blonde.
he's happy unless he's tired. he will only sleep on flat surfaces. mostly, he prefers his bed. or any bed. anything but a carseat or my arms.
he is eating like a champ, but not enough to put any weight on (jealous? cause i totally am). he takes 6 ounces every 3 hours. unless it's after breakfast. he eats an entire banana, with cereal and a 6 ounce bottle every morning around 730 when he wakes. then he eats again around 1130. then again 230. then again at 530. and has dinner. a vegetable. and then cereal with formula again after dinner.
he sleeps like a champ. i didn't realize how big of a deal this was until a few weekends ago. my parents had some friends at the condo. and they were amazed that i could just put him down and walk out.
he still sleeps every two hours. that is a total must. he starts getting fussy after he's been up for about an hour and a half.
he usually naps two hours after he gets up. so around 915 am, then again around 1. then again around 4. then he's up until bedtime. that's usually around 730 or 8. then he sleeps until 730 the next morning.
he got two teeth on or around april third. that was a friday. my mom actually noticed it first. and then upon closer inspection, i saw two bottom teeth poking out! he woke around 2 am two nights before then...and i assume this is why. it was strange at the time. other than that one time, i haven't noticed him being fussy.
he still hasn't really liked any green vegetables. but we're going to try green beans this week. clint is worried he's going to turn orange :) he would prefer to eat whatever he sees us eat.
he still loves to be read to. and he'll try to read to you, too. he bangs his hands on the books (board books are our faves right now for this very reason) and will verbalize whatever he's thinking. he will often laugh at pictures in books. usually, they are pictures that are actually pretty funny. like someone making a silly face. that is pretty crazy. and it's at those times i'm convinced he is a genius. :) i know all moms think those things...so i'm completely normal!
he can pass things from one hand to the other with no problem. he's still a little wobbly trying to sit up alone. he tends to be okay for a while, then he'll fall over to one side.
he loves necklaces. and earrings. and wants to put them in his mouth. he can literally be in a dead sleep, and see a necklace and reach for it. and immediately, it goes in his mouth.
he scooches well on the floor. but isn't really anywhere near crawling. he loves any stuffed animal.
for the first time, he's starting to tell us when he's upset about something. he very much will let you know when you're taking too long with breakfast or dinner or a bottle. or when you take away a necklace he's playing with. i've gotten pretty good at doing the sneaky thing...you know, where you switch out toys. take away the necklace without him every knowing by giving him a loud, crinkly infantino elephant. works like a charm. and i've become a pro at it.
he HATES having his face washed off after dinner or breakfast. when he sees you coming, he will drop his head and squint his eyes. it's pretty hilarious.
these were the best i could do with pictures. he's quite active these days and doesn't really like sitting still.
pratt, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me and your dad. you make us want to be better people. you have brought a whole new meaning to our lives. thank you. and thank you for being such a good, good boy.
happy seven whole months buddy. we love you.
i don't know.
it's crazy. i mean, that's like 28 weeks, somewhere around 200 days, and i can't even try the hours or minutes without my ti83.
let's see.
pratt is skinny. and tall. he's handsome. and getting more blonde hair every day. well, light hair. maybe not blonde.
he's happy unless he's tired. he will only sleep on flat surfaces. mostly, he prefers his bed. or any bed. anything but a carseat or my arms.
he is eating like a champ, but not enough to put any weight on (jealous? cause i totally am). he takes 6 ounces every 3 hours. unless it's after breakfast. he eats an entire banana, with cereal and a 6 ounce bottle every morning around 730 when he wakes. then he eats again around 1130. then again 230. then again at 530. and has dinner. a vegetable. and then cereal with formula again after dinner.
he sleeps like a champ. i didn't realize how big of a deal this was until a few weekends ago. my parents had some friends at the condo. and they were amazed that i could just put him down and walk out.
he still sleeps every two hours. that is a total must. he starts getting fussy after he's been up for about an hour and a half.
he usually naps two hours after he gets up. so around 915 am, then again around 1. then again around 4. then he's up until bedtime. that's usually around 730 or 8. then he sleeps until 730 the next morning.
he got two teeth on or around april third. that was a friday. my mom actually noticed it first. and then upon closer inspection, i saw two bottom teeth poking out! he woke around 2 am two nights before then...and i assume this is why. it was strange at the time. other than that one time, i haven't noticed him being fussy.
he still hasn't really liked any green vegetables. but we're going to try green beans this week. clint is worried he's going to turn orange :) he would prefer to eat whatever he sees us eat.
he still loves to be read to. and he'll try to read to you, too. he bangs his hands on the books (board books are our faves right now for this very reason) and will verbalize whatever he's thinking. he will often laugh at pictures in books. usually, they are pictures that are actually pretty funny. like someone making a silly face. that is pretty crazy. and it's at those times i'm convinced he is a genius. :) i know all moms think those things...so i'm completely normal!
he can pass things from one hand to the other with no problem. he's still a little wobbly trying to sit up alone. he tends to be okay for a while, then he'll fall over to one side.
he loves necklaces. and earrings. and wants to put them in his mouth. he can literally be in a dead sleep, and see a necklace and reach for it. and immediately, it goes in his mouth.
he scooches well on the floor. but isn't really anywhere near crawling. he loves any stuffed animal.
for the first time, he's starting to tell us when he's upset about something. he very much will let you know when you're taking too long with breakfast or dinner or a bottle. or when you take away a necklace he's playing with. i've gotten pretty good at doing the sneaky thing...you know, where you switch out toys. take away the necklace without him every knowing by giving him a loud, crinkly infantino elephant. works like a charm. and i've become a pro at it.
he HATES having his face washed off after dinner or breakfast. when he sees you coming, he will drop his head and squint his eyes. it's pretty hilarious.
these were the best i could do with pictures. he's quite active these days and doesn't really like sitting still.
pratt, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me and your dad. you make us want to be better people. you have brought a whole new meaning to our lives. thank you. and thank you for being such a good, good boy.
happy seven whole months buddy. we love you.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
piece of cake.
so when i was in graduate school, i'd often sneak off to tjmaxx in conway. either there or target. they seriously have the BEST shops in conway. i would drive from little rock to shop in conway. yes, i did. it's that good.
anyway, i'd be procrastinating school work. typical. and as i walked up and down the aisles, i woud run into moms with kids in strollers. and i'd always think, "man...that must be so nice. to just be a mom all day. to shop. and eat. and do laundry whenever you feel like it."
yes. i really did think that. i would yearn for it. i'd hope that when i was lucky enough to be a mom...that my life would be so...(dare i say it...) easy.
hahahahahahahaha!
so today. pratt and i headed to conway for a baby shower for one of the best people i know. her name is eva. and if you're lucky enough to know her, you know how wonderful she is. if i could be more like anyone...she is who i would pick.
anyway, i wouldn't have missed this shower for the world. so we head there.
i LOVE to be in the car. i love driving and thinking. listening to music. just being myself. alone. i can sing loud. or i can listen to npr. or i can turn the radio off completely. well, pratt apparently doesn't like to ride in the car.
this could have something to do with cookie riding in the back with him and not always making him be strapped in. i mean, it's just a guess.
anyway, he pretty much cried the entire way to conway. in little rock, i stopped to check on him. whit convinced me that maybe his straps were too tight. so i pulled over. i got around to the back of the car, looked in..and the kid was LAUGHING.
yes!!!! laughing!!! i'm sure thinking to himself, "well, look what i've done. i've got her wrapped around my finger!"
i did a quick check, realized he was fine. and got back in the drivers seat.
around maumelle, i start singing the alphabet as loud as i could. then i sing nursery rhymes.
then around the morgan exit, i'm doing "i spy".
somewhere between morgan and conway, i start rolling the window down on him. thinking that the cool breeze will be soothing. nope. not.at.all.
i'm ready to pull my hair out when i pull into los amigos.
pratt...he's laughing. and laughs his way through lunch. pretty much. that, and he ate the paper package of eva's new pacifiers.
around 1230, we leave. he should have napped at 12. well, he falls asleep as soon as i get on the interstate. they do that to him. i could french kiss whoever is responsible for those things. i really could.
so around alexander, i hear him waking up. i'm thinking, "great...he's awake. i'll make a bottle, feed him...and we'll stop and shop at target. and maybe kohl's."
hahahahahahahahahah!
we get in kohls. i have several pieces of clothing i need to try on. i get in the "family" dressing room, and the little man is having a blast. looking at himself in the three way mirror. laughing. blowing raspberries. by the way, he's in his stroller.
well, i'm trying things on...trying to pacify him...rolling the stroller back and forth...and putting clothes on with one hand. i don't have any pants on and i'm dancing around. making googly faces at him...and silly noises. about the time i lean to try on a pair of pants, the dressing room door opens. i forgot to lock it. yes. poor woman.
it's shortly after this that i smell it.
that's right. p.o.o.p.
i think to myself...no problem. i have his bag. i'll just clean him off and be done with it. i spread out his blanket. and lay him on it.
it's then i see that the p.o.o.p. has come out of this outfit and is running down his legs. apparently, prunes take two days to digest. yummy.
i'm still cool. i get out the diapers and the wipe case. unsnap his outfit. take off the diaper. open the wipe case...
and yes, you guessed it. NO WIPES.
none. zero. none. NONE!!!!
what!? so i start thinking....and realize i'm wearing two shirts. a tank under a shirt.
i'll finish this up by saying that my white tank is now in the trash can outside kohls in bryant. and...antibacterial wipes get the job done as far as getting everything super dooper clean.
i put him back in the stroller. i'm thinking i've done a great job. he's happy. fed. and up for another hour. so we head to target.
it's at the checkout line of target that the nice woman behind me says...and i quote, "m'am...um...there is something green on the back of your pants."
i don't know how...but somehow...pratt's p.o.o.p. had gotten on the back of my pants. and i'm not talking a little smear! i'm talking a big ole glob of it!!!! like thick. like, i had to dig in with an antibacterial wipe to get it off!!!
AND i had been walking around with it on me for oh...about 45 minutes. (and yes, prunes make poop green. i don't know. i thought purple and brown just made dark brown...but no, it makes it all green)
so...all those times i saw those women with their kids in the strollers around lunchtime...or 2...and i thought to myself..."wow...that is so easy. i want that life."
i was wrong. it's not easy. and i proved that to myself today.
ah...good times.
anyway, i'd be procrastinating school work. typical. and as i walked up and down the aisles, i woud run into moms with kids in strollers. and i'd always think, "man...that must be so nice. to just be a mom all day. to shop. and eat. and do laundry whenever you feel like it."
yes. i really did think that. i would yearn for it. i'd hope that when i was lucky enough to be a mom...that my life would be so...(dare i say it...) easy.
hahahahahahahaha!
so today. pratt and i headed to conway for a baby shower for one of the best people i know. her name is eva. and if you're lucky enough to know her, you know how wonderful she is. if i could be more like anyone...she is who i would pick.
anyway, i wouldn't have missed this shower for the world. so we head there.
i LOVE to be in the car. i love driving and thinking. listening to music. just being myself. alone. i can sing loud. or i can listen to npr. or i can turn the radio off completely. well, pratt apparently doesn't like to ride in the car.
this could have something to do with cookie riding in the back with him and not always making him be strapped in. i mean, it's just a guess.
anyway, he pretty much cried the entire way to conway. in little rock, i stopped to check on him. whit convinced me that maybe his straps were too tight. so i pulled over. i got around to the back of the car, looked in..and the kid was LAUGHING.
yes!!!! laughing!!! i'm sure thinking to himself, "well, look what i've done. i've got her wrapped around my finger!"
i did a quick check, realized he was fine. and got back in the drivers seat.
around maumelle, i start singing the alphabet as loud as i could. then i sing nursery rhymes.
then around the morgan exit, i'm doing "i spy".
somewhere between morgan and conway, i start rolling the window down on him. thinking that the cool breeze will be soothing. nope. not.at.all.
i'm ready to pull my hair out when i pull into los amigos.
pratt...he's laughing. and laughs his way through lunch. pretty much. that, and he ate the paper package of eva's new pacifiers.
around 1230, we leave. he should have napped at 12. well, he falls asleep as soon as i get on the interstate. they do that to him. i could french kiss whoever is responsible for those things. i really could.
so around alexander, i hear him waking up. i'm thinking, "great...he's awake. i'll make a bottle, feed him...and we'll stop and shop at target. and maybe kohl's."
hahahahahahahahahah!
we get in kohls. i have several pieces of clothing i need to try on. i get in the "family" dressing room, and the little man is having a blast. looking at himself in the three way mirror. laughing. blowing raspberries. by the way, he's in his stroller.
well, i'm trying things on...trying to pacify him...rolling the stroller back and forth...and putting clothes on with one hand. i don't have any pants on and i'm dancing around. making googly faces at him...and silly noises. about the time i lean to try on a pair of pants, the dressing room door opens. i forgot to lock it. yes. poor woman.
it's shortly after this that i smell it.
that's right. p.o.o.p.
i think to myself...no problem. i have his bag. i'll just clean him off and be done with it. i spread out his blanket. and lay him on it.
it's then i see that the p.o.o.p. has come out of this outfit and is running down his legs. apparently, prunes take two days to digest. yummy.
i'm still cool. i get out the diapers and the wipe case. unsnap his outfit. take off the diaper. open the wipe case...
and yes, you guessed it. NO WIPES.
none. zero. none. NONE!!!!
what!? so i start thinking....and realize i'm wearing two shirts. a tank under a shirt.
i'll finish this up by saying that my white tank is now in the trash can outside kohls in bryant. and...antibacterial wipes get the job done as far as getting everything super dooper clean.
i put him back in the stroller. i'm thinking i've done a great job. he's happy. fed. and up for another hour. so we head to target.
it's at the checkout line of target that the nice woman behind me says...and i quote, "m'am...um...there is something green on the back of your pants."
i don't know how...but somehow...pratt's p.o.o.p. had gotten on the back of my pants. and i'm not talking a little smear! i'm talking a big ole glob of it!!!! like thick. like, i had to dig in with an antibacterial wipe to get it off!!!
AND i had been walking around with it on me for oh...about 45 minutes. (and yes, prunes make poop green. i don't know. i thought purple and brown just made dark brown...but no, it makes it all green)
so...all those times i saw those women with their kids in the strollers around lunchtime...or 2...and i thought to myself..."wow...that is so easy. i want that life."
i was wrong. it's not easy. and i proved that to myself today.
ah...good times.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
a zoe update.
just wanted to update you all on something very dear to my heart.
zoe will have a surgery this week in order to place a large catheter in her central vein for apheresis. according to her mom, this is a technique where her blood will be taken from her body, separated to obtain stem cells and then returned to her body. once she is discharged, injections will begin...in order to obtain these cells....or until apheresis occurs. my (limited) understanding is that they are giving injections in order to harvest the cells. and then they will gather the cells.
apparently, the injections cause bone pain. after this, round three of chemo will begin. one of the medicines that she will receive during this round, can affect her hearing.
my prayer...like everyone else's is that she is spared of this. and of the pain that occurs with these injections.
as you say your prayers this week with your kiddos...or maybe you say your own, please remember zoe. and her family.
thank you to each of you. i know they feel stronger because of each and every one of you.
zoe will have a surgery this week in order to place a large catheter in her central vein for apheresis. according to her mom, this is a technique where her blood will be taken from her body, separated to obtain stem cells and then returned to her body. once she is discharged, injections will begin...in order to obtain these cells....or until apheresis occurs. my (limited) understanding is that they are giving injections in order to harvest the cells. and then they will gather the cells.
apparently, the injections cause bone pain. after this, round three of chemo will begin. one of the medicines that she will receive during this round, can affect her hearing.
my prayer...like everyone else's is that she is spared of this. and of the pain that occurs with these injections.
as you say your prayers this week with your kiddos...or maybe you say your own, please remember zoe. and her family.
thank you to each of you. i know they feel stronger because of each and every one of you.
Monday, April 13, 2009
our little photoshoot.
so friday night, pratt and i had a little time to ourselves. clint was turkey hunting...well, spending the night at the lease to turkey hunt the next morning. sugar was with spice. they were seeing a movie. and eating dinner. and cookie and poptart were having dinner with friends. so, it was just me and pratt.
we tend to make the best of our weekend nights together. we spent a little time watching "united states of tara". if you have showtime...well, i hope you watched this show. it was written by diablo cody. the girl that wrote juno. i loved juno! and steven spielberg directed it. it is awesome. or was awesome. the season is over. but mom had it on dvr, so pratt and i watched a few episodes of that. then after pratt's bath, we had a photoshoot. in the "black and white" room, as sugar calls it.
we tend to make the best of our weekend nights together. we spent a little time watching "united states of tara". if you have showtime...well, i hope you watched this show. it was written by diablo cody. the girl that wrote juno. i loved juno! and steven spielberg directed it. it is awesome. or was awesome. the season is over. but mom had it on dvr, so pratt and i watched a few episodes of that. then after pratt's bath, we had a photoshoot. in the "black and white" room, as sugar calls it.
here are a few of our pictures. it's unreal how old he looks. seven months old...wow.
1st post
so...i mis-spoke. i said that mamaw was instrumental in clint's raising. and he wanted to say this...
I have to say I was blessed with the greatest grandparents in the world. They were each instrumental in raising me and I would not be who I am today if not for them. From falling off of a pony to parachuting off of the refrigerator, they were always there to catch me. Thanks for setting such a fine example. I love each of you very much. -Clint
I have to say I was blessed with the greatest grandparents in the world. They were each instrumental in raising me and I would not be who I am today if not for them. From falling off of a pony to parachuting off of the refrigerator, they were always there to catch me. Thanks for setting such a fine example. I love each of you very much. -Clint
the drive home.
thursday, i worked at clint's office. i answered the phone. and cleaned the operatories after each patient. pretty much...that's all i can do. i mean, my life long dream is to be a secretary...but i'm not all that great at it. (and yes, that really is what i've always wanted to be...and i think there is still hope yet. i mean, i'm only 29. i still have time to be a secretary).
anyway, once a month, i should go work with him. it's good for me. for us. i should be reminded monthly what it takes to be a dentist. a good dentist. apparently, people don't like the dentist. i didn't realize this. people have full out panic attacks there. who knew? well, yes, they do.
clint has a hard job. and i know that. but sometimes, i wish that just one morning, i could get up. and get ready without being interrupted. you know, without having to worry when pratt will wake. and without having to worry about having his banana and cereal ready when he wakes. for all of you moms who work...and parent...congrats. i don't know how you do it. seriously, i don't.
anyway, thursday was good. because i got to work with him. and hear him say things like, "breathe through your nose...and wiggle your toes." and my favorite...to kids, "open wide like an alligator!"
i love those things. they very much make clint, clint.
i left thursday to go to hot springs. so i didn't see him until saturday. and it wasn't until sunday that i really got to visit with him. it had been too long. so last night, as we drove back from beebe, we visited. pratt was asleep in the backseat. and it felt like it was just me and him.
i don't want to be too personal. well, i mean, i don't mind...but i don't want to be too personal for clint. so i'll try to be a vague. something i'm not really good at :)
clint's grandmother is in a retirement center. she's had multiple strokes. and she is unable to speak. this is a grandmother that has been very much an instrumental part of his life, as were all his grandparents. for many years, he lived with them. she once said to me, "i consider clint to be my fifth child...not my grandchild."
he has told me many things about her. about growing up with her. many stories. but my favorite is that she somehow got him to eat oatmeal. not only eat it...but enjoy oatmeal. what?! he hates it. and i've tried to make it...yes, just simple oatmeal...but apparently, i can't make it like mamaw does.
we got to see her yesterday. but when we arrived, we didn't see papaw's car. or clint's dad's car. so he headed in to leave her a note. thinking she was probably asleep. it was around 7 pm.
well, she wasn't. she was in her wheelchair. in the cafeteria. and she was thrilled to see him! and recognized him! so he went back to her room...and told her to wait, that he'd go get me and pratt.
when the three of us walked in, she raised her arms to get pratt. she had the biggest smile on her face! she absolutely loves him. and i know that she very much sees her clint in pratt. which has to be so special.
we visited with her. told her what pratt was up to. asked her some questions she might could answer by shaking her head yes or no.
i won't lie. the entire time we were there, i kept thinking...how are we ever going to leave. i just couldn't leave this woman to be all alone. and yet, i knew we were going to have to. we finally did...and as soon as clint said bye to her, and she kissed pratt, she started crying.
clint walked several steps ahead of me down the long hallway to the car. i didn't try to catch up with him because i knew he was upset. i didn't cry until we got into the car. i was sitting in the backseat with pratt...and clint said, "it kills me to leave her here alone. because she used to hate to be alone at home. and now, she's here. with all these strangers. and i'm leaving her alone."
that was all it took for me. i lost it. here is his grandmother. in this place. full of people who can't speak. and here she is...in a body that cannot do anything for her. her mind is fine...and yet, she is trapped in this body that won't work.
we talked the entire way home. about mamaw. about God. about religion. about life and death. all of it.
and when we got home, i slept closer to him that i have in a really, really long time. and this morning, when his alarm went off, i knew i had only a few minutes before he would get up to shower. and so i scooted over really close.
because life is just too short. and we're only here for a little while.
this weekend reminded me of what my husband means to me. and how lucky i am. thank you clint. and thank you cookie, poptart and sugar for giving us a night alone. we needed it.
anyway, once a month, i should go work with him. it's good for me. for us. i should be reminded monthly what it takes to be a dentist. a good dentist. apparently, people don't like the dentist. i didn't realize this. people have full out panic attacks there. who knew? well, yes, they do.
clint has a hard job. and i know that. but sometimes, i wish that just one morning, i could get up. and get ready without being interrupted. you know, without having to worry when pratt will wake. and without having to worry about having his banana and cereal ready when he wakes. for all of you moms who work...and parent...congrats. i don't know how you do it. seriously, i don't.
anyway, thursday was good. because i got to work with him. and hear him say things like, "breathe through your nose...and wiggle your toes." and my favorite...to kids, "open wide like an alligator!"
i love those things. they very much make clint, clint.
i left thursday to go to hot springs. so i didn't see him until saturday. and it wasn't until sunday that i really got to visit with him. it had been too long. so last night, as we drove back from beebe, we visited. pratt was asleep in the backseat. and it felt like it was just me and him.
i don't want to be too personal. well, i mean, i don't mind...but i don't want to be too personal for clint. so i'll try to be a vague. something i'm not really good at :)
clint's grandmother is in a retirement center. she's had multiple strokes. and she is unable to speak. this is a grandmother that has been very much an instrumental part of his life, as were all his grandparents. for many years, he lived with them. she once said to me, "i consider clint to be my fifth child...not my grandchild."
he has told me many things about her. about growing up with her. many stories. but my favorite is that she somehow got him to eat oatmeal. not only eat it...but enjoy oatmeal. what?! he hates it. and i've tried to make it...yes, just simple oatmeal...but apparently, i can't make it like mamaw does.
we got to see her yesterday. but when we arrived, we didn't see papaw's car. or clint's dad's car. so he headed in to leave her a note. thinking she was probably asleep. it was around 7 pm.
well, she wasn't. she was in her wheelchair. in the cafeteria. and she was thrilled to see him! and recognized him! so he went back to her room...and told her to wait, that he'd go get me and pratt.
when the three of us walked in, she raised her arms to get pratt. she had the biggest smile on her face! she absolutely loves him. and i know that she very much sees her clint in pratt. which has to be so special.
we visited with her. told her what pratt was up to. asked her some questions she might could answer by shaking her head yes or no.
i won't lie. the entire time we were there, i kept thinking...how are we ever going to leave. i just couldn't leave this woman to be all alone. and yet, i knew we were going to have to. we finally did...and as soon as clint said bye to her, and she kissed pratt, she started crying.
clint walked several steps ahead of me down the long hallway to the car. i didn't try to catch up with him because i knew he was upset. i didn't cry until we got into the car. i was sitting in the backseat with pratt...and clint said, "it kills me to leave her here alone. because she used to hate to be alone at home. and now, she's here. with all these strangers. and i'm leaving her alone."
that was all it took for me. i lost it. here is his grandmother. in this place. full of people who can't speak. and here she is...in a body that cannot do anything for her. her mind is fine...and yet, she is trapped in this body that won't work.
we talked the entire way home. about mamaw. about God. about religion. about life and death. all of it.
and when we got home, i slept closer to him that i have in a really, really long time. and this morning, when his alarm went off, i knew i had only a few minutes before he would get up to shower. and so i scooted over really close.
because life is just too short. and we're only here for a little while.
this weekend reminded me of what my husband means to me. and how lucky i am. thank you clint. and thank you cookie, poptart and sugar for giving us a night alone. we needed it.
hoppy easter pictures.
easter is my second favorite holiday. second to christmas, of course. i've always loved easter. hated halloween. because of the masks. and valentines day...yuck. don't like it either. but easter...i LOVE easter.
before pratt went to sleep saturday night, i took the time to explain to him what easter was all about. i think we lose that. i think that kids (because of their parents...and society in general) get lost in what it's really all about. and i'm going to hold myself accountable for always telling pratt what the day is really about.
and how it has nothing to do with the easter bunny. who is totally freaky to me. i mean, have you seen donnie darko? come on. that movie ruined me on the big bunny. and while we're on it...i just cannot do big animals in the mall that don't talk. you know, the easter bunny. he doesn't talk. because bunnies aren't supposed to, i guess. but what...they are supposed to sit in the mall and let kids sit on their laps. no thanks. (this all reminds me of the macy's elf story from david sardaris...hi.larious.)
cookie filing pratt's nails. hoping that maybe that will be less traumatic than clipping.
laughing at his sugar.
applesauce, his fave.
the family after church. i had changed clothes...
and before church. pratt is wearing his white bucks!
pratt's new cowboy hat!
twirling before his bath. sugar is so much fun!
reading with the best fourth grade teacher ever.
before pratt went to sleep saturday night, i took the time to explain to him what easter was all about. i think we lose that. i think that kids (because of their parents...and society in general) get lost in what it's really all about. and i'm going to hold myself accountable for always telling pratt what the day is really about.
and how it has nothing to do with the easter bunny. who is totally freaky to me. i mean, have you seen donnie darko? come on. that movie ruined me on the big bunny. and while we're on it...i just cannot do big animals in the mall that don't talk. you know, the easter bunny. he doesn't talk. because bunnies aren't supposed to, i guess. but what...they are supposed to sit in the mall and let kids sit on their laps. no thanks. (this all reminds me of the macy's elf story from david sardaris...hi.larious.)
poor pratt. someone else will have to take him to the easter bunny when he gets old enough to want that. because i can't do it. i really can't. it sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it.
enough rambling...we had a wonderful easter. pratt got several easter baskets with new toys, a new "infant" toothbrush, two new books, clothes, and two very sweet cards. and...of course, the tractor and hat from his pop.
two of my favorite boys. concentrating on the task at hand.
two of my favorite boys. concentrating on the task at hand.
cookie filing pratt's nails. hoping that maybe that will be less traumatic than clipping.
laughing at his sugar.
applesauce, his fave.
the family after church. i had changed clothes...
and before church. pratt is wearing his white bucks!
pratt's new cowboy hat!
twirling before his bath. sugar is so much fun!
reading with the best fourth grade teacher ever.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
is that...my mom and dad!?
so pratt is currently at cookie's house. i'm meeting them this afternoon in hot springs. but for now, they're in camden. sugar is showing him the picture of us on the blog.
how hilarious is this? he totally recognizes our faces. at least...i think so. look at him staring! so cute!
six/seven month stats.
so we had our six month (really seven month) doctor's visit yesterday.
all went well.
let's see. pratt is 28.5 inches long. which is the 92% percentile. he only weights 17 pounds, 3 ounces. which is the 24% percentile. yikes.
i know, i know. i wish i were in the 24th percentile for weight. the doctor asked how much he was eating. six ounces every 3 hours. and a fruit plus cereal for breakfast. and a vegetable at night. and 8 to 10 ounces at dinner. before bed. well, apparently this isn't enough to pack on the pounds. i asked if i needed to force it. you know, to add more...he said no. that he might just be a skinny guy. he is continuing to gain weight...it's just that he's skinny. who knows. the doctor said, "maybe he's just going to be thin like his mom and dad."
hahahahahahaha. i wanted to fall off the bench. and tell him that pratt's mom hunted for an hour for something to fit her behind that morning. and that yes, maybe he'll be thin like his dad. but not his mom. what ev.
the shots went well. he actually stopped crying once the nurse left the room afterwards. this was a first. by the time we got to the elevator, he was himself again. all smiles. except one lonely tear that was resting on his cheek.
dr. stanford again complimented us on his demeanor. he said that most babies fuss from start to finish. you know, while they are checking their eyes and eyes and everything else. not pratt. he's too busy trying to grab the otoscope. and his glasses. etc.
anyway, when i was leaving, i was reminded to be thankful for such a healthy baby. we are so blessed. and i remembered it yesterday.
i'll post more pictures sunday. or maybe before then. cookie has pratt now. i'm helping at dad's office. and then tonight, we will spend the night in hot springs with cookie and sugar. then go to church in camden and then to beebe for easter with clint's family and all pratt's sweet cousins.
hoppy easter to everyone!
all went well.
let's see. pratt is 28.5 inches long. which is the 92% percentile. he only weights 17 pounds, 3 ounces. which is the 24% percentile. yikes.
i know, i know. i wish i were in the 24th percentile for weight. the doctor asked how much he was eating. six ounces every 3 hours. and a fruit plus cereal for breakfast. and a vegetable at night. and 8 to 10 ounces at dinner. before bed. well, apparently this isn't enough to pack on the pounds. i asked if i needed to force it. you know, to add more...he said no. that he might just be a skinny guy. he is continuing to gain weight...it's just that he's skinny. who knows. the doctor said, "maybe he's just going to be thin like his mom and dad."
hahahahahahaha. i wanted to fall off the bench. and tell him that pratt's mom hunted for an hour for something to fit her behind that morning. and that yes, maybe he'll be thin like his dad. but not his mom. what ev.
the shots went well. he actually stopped crying once the nurse left the room afterwards. this was a first. by the time we got to the elevator, he was himself again. all smiles. except one lonely tear that was resting on his cheek.
dr. stanford again complimented us on his demeanor. he said that most babies fuss from start to finish. you know, while they are checking their eyes and eyes and everything else. not pratt. he's too busy trying to grab the otoscope. and his glasses. etc.
anyway, when i was leaving, i was reminded to be thankful for such a healthy baby. we are so blessed. and i remembered it yesterday.
i'll post more pictures sunday. or maybe before then. cookie has pratt now. i'm helping at dad's office. and then tonight, we will spend the night in hot springs with cookie and sugar. then go to church in camden and then to beebe for easter with clint's family and all pratt's sweet cousins.
hoppy easter to everyone!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
busted flat in baton rouge...
waitin' for a train,
when i was feeling nearly faded as my jeans...
so dinner time for pratt comes around 545 to 6. i try to push it back so that clint is here for it...but it doesn't always work out.
so dinner time for pratt comes around 545 to 6. i try to push it back so that clint is here for it...but it doesn't always work out.
i'm a schedule person. i mean, not really totally obsessive about it...but i think it's good for pratt. for as young as he. so that he knows what to expect.
so our new thing in our schedule...the ipod.
a couple of years ago, my dad gave me a great bose speaker set-up for my ipod. you know, you just dock your ipod into it..and play it. great present, huh? yes. it was. and totally unexpected. it's one of those presents that my dad gets and doesn't tell anyone about. and on christmas morning, he is so proud of himself. i love those presents.
anyway, during pratt's dinner, we play music. john mayer. james morrison. david gray. soothing music. music with lyrics. good lyrics. lyrics that count.
anyway, during pratt's dinner, we play music. john mayer. james morrison. david gray. soothing music. music with lyrics. good lyrics. lyrics that count.
well, today i came across a song i forgot i had.
me and bobby mcgee.
that's right, the janis joplin. well, really the kris kristofferson.
pratt was getting kind of fussy. he was sick of sitting in his highchair. i was trying to finish our soup and cornbread. so he was stuck there. so...i did the only thing i knew to do...
DANCE, baby. dance!
and sing. like janis joplin. he LOVED it. and you know, she says, "i pulled my harpoon out of my dirty red bandana..."
and so well...here is pratt's bandana. because i mean, you have to play the part, right?
our big boy.
so my good friend allison told me that some of her favorite times with her little girl madeline were in the grocery store. when madeline was old enough to sit up in the grocery cart. and allie and madeline could shop and play at the same time.
pratt is getting so big. so fast. i rarely use his carseat for anything other than driving now. which is nice...because that thing is getting heavy!
oh, and our 6 month appointment is tomorrow. we're a little late (about a month) because of the rash. so if you happen to think of us tomorrow around 1, say a little prayer for pratt. because he'll be getting stuck with needles. yucky.
have great nights!
so allie, i get it. and yes, you're right. it's wonderful.
i'm making potato soup tonight. one of clint's absolute favorites. and green chili cornbread muffins. yummy. courtesy of paula deen...and cookie. because sometimes recipes aren't really right. yes, it's true. there is too much oil in the paula deen recipe. so cookie has to help me fix it.
anyway, pratt loves grocery shopping. i think it's because he's going to be like cookie and his uncle andy...and maybe one day be a great chef. oh, that would just be wonderful!
here he is in the grocery cart. and don't worry, i wiped down that entire cart with antibacterial wipes. i forgot the cart cover that cookie gave me. i'll have to keep it in the car from now on. but it seems that there will be lots more grocery shopping in the days ahead! yeah!!! because i love to grocery shop. sans list. just walk up and down the aisles. i really do love that.
pratt is getting so big. so fast. i rarely use his carseat for anything other than driving now. which is nice...because that thing is getting heavy!
today has been a good day. we went grocery shopping and then he watched while i peeled potatoes. it really doesn't take much for him to be interested in something.
i didn't sleep well last night because of sinus stuff, and took an aleve cold and sinus this morning. let me tell you..if you have any sinus trouble, this is the medicine for you! it's one of those with pseudoephedrine in it...so you have to use your drivers license to buy it. and you only get like 6...but man, do they work!!!
i feel like i'm on an upper. diet pills. or those yellow jackets that i used to buy at gas stations in college. don't judge. i had organic chemistry to study for. i had to find something to keep me up...and coffee wasn't cutting it. anyway, i could lift my car at this point. that's seriously how i feel. and my scalp is moving all around. maybe i should go lay down...
just wanted to document the grocery trip...and pratt's first time to sit up like a big boy! he's growing like a weed.
oh, and our 6 month appointment is tomorrow. we're a little late (about a month) because of the rash. so if you happen to think of us tomorrow around 1, say a little prayer for pratt. because he'll be getting stuck with needles. yucky.
have great nights!
Monday, April 6, 2009
dear pratt.
dear pratt,
when i was a kid...just a few years older than you are, i would pull random books off the shelves in my dad's study. i loved to flip through and see what the book was about. some of them were way too grown up for me. but some i could flip through...see pictures, and i was instantly interested.
like the world books. we don't have those now...i don't know why. but they were the best. each book represented everything in the world that started with that certain letter. some of the unpopular letters like "v" were always combined with "u" and maybe "w". i was always interested in "a" and "m". who knows why.
well, i kind of know why. "a" was popular because most of my early reading was done on africa. i've always wanted to go there. bring back several babies. i haven't given up hope yet. i will go one day. (yes, dad...i really will). and one day, if we're lucky, we'll have a baby from there.
anyway, one day i came across a skinny book called the prophet. i remember flipping through it and not really understanding much of what the author said. the author is khalil gibran. the book...it's deep. and very hard to understand. one of those books that i have to read several times to really get it.
there is a chapter on children. and now...at this point in my life, i understand so much better what mr. gibran was saying. here it is...
your children are not your children.
they are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself.
they come through you, but not from you.
and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
you may give them your love, but not your thoughts,
for they have their own thoughts.
you may house their bodies, but not their souls,
for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
you may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
for life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
he goes on to say more. more about God. and about how He made us. but the part that i've recently been reminded of is the part above. the part about "you may give them your love, but not your thoughts. for they have their own thoughts."
i won't lie. this is hard for me. and the part about how you've come through me, but not from me. and how you don't belong to me.
i guess what's so hard is wrapping my mind around all this. realizing that while i'm here to raise you. while i'm here to see you grow...i shouldn't impose my thoughts on you. instead, i should show you what exists. and tell you what i believe. and then leave you alone...so that you may find your own way. so that you may find your own path.
oh, how this hurts. and how i'll fail to do this...over and over and over again, i'm sure.
when i was a kid...just a few years older than you are, i would pull random books off the shelves in my dad's study. i loved to flip through and see what the book was about. some of them were way too grown up for me. but some i could flip through...see pictures, and i was instantly interested.
like the world books. we don't have those now...i don't know why. but they were the best. each book represented everything in the world that started with that certain letter. some of the unpopular letters like "v" were always combined with "u" and maybe "w". i was always interested in "a" and "m". who knows why.
well, i kind of know why. "a" was popular because most of my early reading was done on africa. i've always wanted to go there. bring back several babies. i haven't given up hope yet. i will go one day. (yes, dad...i really will). and one day, if we're lucky, we'll have a baby from there.
anyway, one day i came across a skinny book called the prophet. i remember flipping through it and not really understanding much of what the author said. the author is khalil gibran. the book...it's deep. and very hard to understand. one of those books that i have to read several times to really get it.
there is a chapter on children. and now...at this point in my life, i understand so much better what mr. gibran was saying. here it is...
your children are not your children.
they are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself.
they come through you, but not from you.
and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
you may give them your love, but not your thoughts,
for they have their own thoughts.
you may house their bodies, but not their souls,
for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
you may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
for life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
he goes on to say more. more about God. and about how He made us. but the part that i've recently been reminded of is the part above. the part about "you may give them your love, but not your thoughts. for they have their own thoughts."
i won't lie. this is hard for me. and the part about how you've come through me, but not from me. and how you don't belong to me.
i guess what's so hard is wrapping my mind around all this. realizing that while i'm here to raise you. while i'm here to see you grow...i shouldn't impose my thoughts on you. instead, i should show you what exists. and tell you what i believe. and then leave you alone...so that you may find your own way. so that you may find your own path.
oh, how this hurts. and how i'll fail to do this...over and over and over again, i'm sure.
but i needed this today. i needed to be reminded that our job was just to get you here. your purpose in life is so much bigger than anything i could ever dream up for you. only God knows what you will be. only God knows what you will do in this life.
and while i can encourage you...and i can push you...it is probably best for me to just let you be.
let you be pratt.
whoever that might be.
one thing is for certain...your dad and i will always be your biggest fans. always. no matter what.
we love you.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
someone has a tooth!
i know you can barely see it...but for documentation purposes...here is pratt's first tooth!!!
it's bittersweet actually. i mean, could time be flying any faster?
no, it couldn't.
the other night...wednesday night, he woke up at 1135, screaming. it scared me to death. i ran into his room and found him hot and very unhappy. i think it must have come through sometime between then and this morning.
last night i brushed his teeth and didn't see it. and then today...BAM! there is it! first tooth! bottom, his left side.
and to make my husband proud...tooth o. is that right? i'll let dad take a look when he gets home. until then...i'm claiming tooth o!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
for my clint.
it's been raining pretty much all day here. on and off.
i actually love rain. as long as i'm not expected to get out in it. all you short girls can understand this. most of my pants touch the ground. you know, the bottom part. so when i'm in the rain, the bottoms of my pants get wet. and i guess by some type of weird, capillary action...the entire pant leg is wet before too long. yuck. then i'm freezing cold. and it all goes downhill from there.
it's been thundering, but pratt doesn't seem to be affected by it. that's good. because his mom is a totally scaredy cat when it comes to thunder. always have been.
i'm reminded today of how lucky i am to be home. to have this "job" at home. there are some days when i complain. but days like this...when pratt and i can have pajama days...i remember why i love it. and i remember that at certain times, it really does feel like this is what i was meant to do.
so clint...if you're reading this...thank you for letting me stay home. thank you for working so hard that i can. thank you for never complaining that i don't always make dinner. and that i don't always have the laundry done. thank you for never, ever asking what i spend my time doing. thank you for being a wonderful dad. and an even better husband.
remember this post next time we get into a fight :) just kidding...sort of.
i actually love rain. as long as i'm not expected to get out in it. all you short girls can understand this. most of my pants touch the ground. you know, the bottom part. so when i'm in the rain, the bottoms of my pants get wet. and i guess by some type of weird, capillary action...the entire pant leg is wet before too long. yuck. then i'm freezing cold. and it all goes downhill from there.
it's been thundering, but pratt doesn't seem to be affected by it. that's good. because his mom is a totally scaredy cat when it comes to thunder. always have been.
i'm reminded today of how lucky i am to be home. to have this "job" at home. there are some days when i complain. but days like this...when pratt and i can have pajama days...i remember why i love it. and i remember that at certain times, it really does feel like this is what i was meant to do.
so clint...if you're reading this...thank you for letting me stay home. thank you for working so hard that i can. thank you for never complaining that i don't always make dinner. and that i don't always have the laundry done. thank you for never, ever asking what i spend my time doing. thank you for being a wonderful dad. and an even better husband.
remember this post next time we get into a fight :) just kidding...sort of.
dear summer and allyson.
dear summer and allyson,
summer, mom says that she cannot wait for me to meet you. she said something about how i'm supposed to say, "rowdy's rockin' again." but i'm not really sure what that means.
anyway, here i am in the outfit you bought me. my waist is finally big enough to hold up the pants! i love it! it's super soft.
also, to the mother of my future bff parker...thank you for the shoes. they finally fit me! and even though my feet sweat just like my daddy's...mom says they look cute...and so i must wear them.
love, pratt.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
exactly.
you know how when you close your eyes, you can see someone's face. perfectly. you can see exactly what their eyes look like, their nose. their cheeks. all of it.
well, when i close my eyes...and think of pratt...this is the exact face i see.
and somehow poptart captured it on camera.
well, when i close my eyes...and think of pratt...this is the exact face i see.
and somehow poptart captured it on camera.
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About Me
- hannah
- i'm a girl who likes to write. not a girl that's necessarily good at writing. it's cathartic, i think. and boy do i need that from time to time. i married a wonderful man named clint in may of 2007. he is everything i am not. he is calm. he makes plans. he is organized. his truck is always clean. his clothes are hung by types of shirt/color/size/etc. i'm full of nervous energy. i'm spur of the moment. i can't ever find what i'm looking for. we live in my car...pretty much. i'm lucky if my clothes are within ten feet of my closet. God gave us a precious angel of a baby in september of 2008. his name is pratt allen. he is 2.5 years old.we have another little one on the way. his name is max wesley. and he is due may 19th. somehow i'll be the mother of two boys. craaaaa.zy. i spend my days cleaning house. picking worms and caterpillars out of the flower beds. cooking meals. shopping at target. washing clothes. playing on the floor. reading books. doing puzzles. traveling to sonic. and the library. and blogging. i hope you enjoy our blog. feel free to leave a comment. hopefully it's a nice one. i tend to wear my heart on my sleeve.