My Little Place

Time is short

2012-01-28T21:12:00.000-05:00

Here at the end of the month, I find myself shorter on posting time than I want to be. So tonight I shall share one story with you from a week ago.

Last Saturday while I was working I had the opportunity to call home and Chad had me on speaker phone with Ann who was chattering away. I decided to ask her what she had for lunch and promptly I heard a garbled toddler rendition of "french fry". Amused I replied back - "you did not have french fries for lunch!" at which Chad starts laughing.

She did indeed have french fries and grilled cheese for lunch and has already told a secret on her dad!

Fun for the Day

2012-01-27T21:38:00.002-05:00

Not feeling well again.

2012-01-26T20:47:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry for another post and run, but I'm not feeling well tonight. I will catch back up tomorrow.

When all else fails...

2012-01-25T21:10:00.000-05:00

go for what makes you smile:

Well, I should know better.

2012-01-24T21:06:00.001-05:00

I just tried to make cookie cutter cookies. Apparently I'm completely dumb when it comes to these things. Half the batch is just barely cooked enough and the other half over done because I can't roll one consistant thickness. I should know better and just leave the baking to Chad.

In my own nerdy little world

2012-01-23T22:27:00.000-05:00

Every now and then I wonder about all those taster choice commercials from when I was growing up. You know the ones that were like a soap opera?

Apparently they are my new passtime when I have nothing else to ponder about (who really believes that) since the elusive Nickelodeon Looney Tunes Commercial was sent to me by my brother.

Although they are certainly easier to find. They were made first in the UK and then in the US for the same coffee under a different name and this is what I can find of them:

and then I can find this one:

I know more are out there, I just can't find them. Plus, I'm a little surprised with all the other geeky things there are out there these days, that there's not one place that has all the US versions all in order. I think, from the little I've found out that the US carried it a little further than the UK but the UK had theirs compiled for them (as seen above) and a mystery writer wrote a novel based on the commercials...

Yes, I do indeed sometimes do way to little with my time. Honestly, it's what happens when my brain just needs a shut down for a little while. At least I did manage to put away the laundry today...

And for those wondering about the Looney Tunes Commercial:

Night all.

My mind is fried...

2012-01-22T21:56:00.000-05:00

third day in a row, my mind is fried and I'm ready to go to bed. I had thought of posting a story tonight, but I won't do it justice if I do. Of the other one I just thought of.

So, after three 12+ hour shifts I am useless... thank goodness that this is not a week that I do four in a row.

Now, I'm off to bed and I'm sure while I'm there I will continue to ponder how on earth someone can think that I look like I have any Hispanic in me... And yes, I was seriously asked if I had some Hispanic in me this weekend. Last time I looked I was one of the palest people around.

I don't understand

2012-01-21T22:06:00.001-05:00

They were calling it a victory for Newt at 7:40pm with ONLY 3% of the precincts reporting and the polls had only closed at seven.

I know that we have technology that should make it faster now, but only 3% were reporting. And I know that news analyst base some of it on exit polls and other factors but really one day we are going to be bit in the but by this.

And I think that for both national, state, and local races - wait to have 90% before feeling certain on the call. After all, look at what happened in 2000...

But, that's one of the little things that gets on my nerves about election coverage.

Not that I liked anyone enough to vote in this primary.

A long day

2012-01-20T21:32:00.000-05:00

So, I'm out of ideas today. That's what happens when I work the stabalization unit and help with the babies who are only in their very first minutes of life. So, I'm using the writing prompt from NaBloPoMo this month (and I'm lazy, the link for this is on the sidebar with the participant badge)

"Which do you enjoy more - the start of a book or the end?"

I can't say I've ever thought about this much. I guess I would have to go with the start, because without a good start I just can't get my momentum going to get me to keep reading. I'm definitely not one of those people who read the end of the book at the same time they read the start of the book, that ruins it for me.

The first few lines set the whole tone and lure me in to tell me how much I'm going to enjoy it. If you hook me in those then I'm happy to keep reading. I will allow though, for the first chapter to try to draw me in.

I should be sleeping

2012-01-19T22:58:00.002-05:00

Instead, here I am. And I'm not posting what I originally had thought I would post, what I had planned on posting on Monday but instead I know that there are many people getting hungry for more photos and videos.

Here you go:

If she sees the tricycle, she's got to be on it in some way:

I love where her feet are in this one:

Cheese:

The monthly picture (yes a little late):

We've named him Lumpy:

Additinoally, we have some videos too. She's really into climbing these days:

And I have spent all day trying to get more than 8 seconds of her dancing. She seems to like Michael Jackson:

Why she feels the need to hold onto the chair I can't tell you. If I try to get the video when she's standing in the middle of the floor she runs away from me unless I'm dancing too. No one wants to see that or get sick from me holding the camera and dancing. But if I have the camera off, away she goes for a little bit.

When it's the end of the day though, she gets to tired to dance and would rather spend time with a friend:

Hope you all enjoyed this. Maybe I'll get to my planned post tomorrow. Now, I really have to go to bed, I have to work in the morning.

If only

2012-01-18T21:11:00.001-05:00

all the political ads would go away, the little people would return to their lives and actually do their jobs instead of being babies about it (we really wonder where people are getting their attitudes and lazieness from when our lawmakers display the behavior themselves), and after all is said in done to not hear anything about elections in 2014 or 2016 until that year arrives would surely go a long way in helping me to get rid of this headache.

A good Book

2012-01-17T22:27:00.001-05:00

I'm always in the process of reading three or four books at a time, therefore it takes me awhile to get through one.

I just finished reading this book that I got for Christmas, because I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it for all, it's been so long since I've been engrossed in a book the way I was with this one.

So, now, as far as reading goes, I'm off to finish Outlander.

Anyone have anymore suggestions after I complete that one?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

2012-01-16T22:32:00.001-05:00

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I wish more people understood that this was part of the message you emphasized as you were for equality and opportunity for ALL.

Random Question

2012-01-15T22:10:00.001-05:00

I want to know why it is that when a van/truck/whatever that is company owned is parked, even in a parking space where they are legally parked with no issues, that they put the orange cone behind it? It completely baffles me.

Best estimate

2012-01-14T20:54:00.001-05:00

By my best estimate before going into my craft room and cleaning it (a project for when Ann is at daycare after I've had meetings) I have 10 incomplete projects of varying crafts.

Wonder how many more I will find...

Anyone else want to confess how many they have?

Scared...

2012-01-13T21:26:00.001-05:00

not of Friday the 13th. I call them my lucky day. I started dating Chad on a Friday the 13th...

I've read a good blog post recently (and stupid me can't find the link anymore) about the power of putting words down in writing.

To me that is very true. There are things that I have put in writing before and wished I had controlled myself to not to. Once in writing not only is it rattling around in my brain where I can hear it (am I the only one who hears my thoughts in my voice?) but then I can see it staring back at me and it's real.

And in this day of the internet and facebook where Big Brother is watching you, it makes it so much more real.

This is what scares me from pursuing things I have thought about or want to share. And then I use excuses to avoid putting things down in writing, especially when it can start a debate or let someone down.

This is why that stream of consciousness post I'm talking about is not done today (with absolutely no blame to go to the 12+ hour shift I worked, or the next two I have to do).

So, I promise this. To help me get over it I will post the stream of consciousness on Monday and I will answer a writing prompt honestly from NaBloPoMo on Tuesday. Both of those day's I'm off and will have time to go through them during naps to make sure they get done. The rest of the days we will take as they come.

As for tomorrow and Saturday, I'll see what I can come up with.

The Elephant

2012-01-12T22:00:00.000-05:00

This is one of Ann's presents that she received. When she's feeling better I have to get video of her trying to carry it around.

We remain with a little bit of left over sick here. As soon as I can I will post one stream of consciousness post for all to read just what type of crazy things go on in my mind. (As if you couldn't tell already.)

Sick

2012-01-11T21:35:00.001-05:00

I don't know what we have, but we are all under the weather in the house here. Chad's throat hurts, Ann's had a little rash on her face, and my eyeball feels like it's going to jump out and run away to get away from the sinus pressure.

Needless to say, that does not leave me ready to post my thoughts about a number of things tonight, especially since I'm having to go back and fix so many typo's. I'm off to bed for the night and will be catching up with the rest of you later.

Procrastination

2012-01-10T23:23:00.001-05:00

Leads me to post this for my father:

since we were talking about it when I was there last.

And this just because it's cute:

My Funny Story

2012-01-09T21:55:00.001-05:00

So, it's not out of "rainy day desperation" but more my desire to preserve the story that I'm posting this tonight (more about that thought tomorrow.)

If I don't manage to get myself together to shower while Ann is napping in the morning (which is now earlier than it used to be because she is cutting out the "midday" nap and just taking the "finish my sleep nap" an hour or two after she gets up and the "I have to have this to function without being a grouch" nap around 1pm) I will close my bedroom door so she can't play in my jewlery chest, make sure the gate is closed and not latch the bathroom door so that she can push it open as she want to.

She also sleeps with a frog lovey and a bunny lovey that are aptly called Mr. Frog and Ms. Bunny. (Lovey's are animals attached to blankets that are fuzzy on one side and satin on the back like this puppy one at Carter's) Unless we have something major that she's trying to deal with (umm like an upset that is not her fault and I alone can't get her to calm down for), a LONG car ride, or immunizations these two stay in the bed. We make a game out of me asking her where they stay and her pretending to reluctantly drop them back in the bed before I pick her up.

So, last Thursday, I'm in the shower and Ann's playing, doing her own thing when she peaks around the curtain and I notice she has Ms. Bunny in her arms (because she's sly and reaches through the rails to grab them out when we are playing upstairs). "Ann," I look at her and just get the "I'm completely innocent" look back, "Go put Ms. Bunny back in the bed." I say and continue doing what I need to do.

A few minutes later Ann peaks around the curtain again, this time with Mr. Frog in her arms. "Ann, go put Mr. Frog back in the bed." I say with a little exasperation in my voice because I'm certain this is a test for me. She toddles out, I finish up and am stepping out when she burst back in, this time carrying (well, dragging behind her like Linus) one of Chad's shirts from the laundry...

I smiled, told her to put it back with the clothes and walk out to see that Ms. Bunny did indeed make it back to bed as best as Ann was willing to try - the blanket part shoved through the rails with her head sticking out looking down the hallway, and Mr. Frog had been abandoned next to the clothes, never fully making it to the bed.

At least she tried to follow the directions.... And I do enjoy giving her directions and seeing just how much of it that she can follow.

Cheese

2012-01-08T19:52:00.001-05:00

Things appear to be fixed on the computer front here. I had a cute little story I was going to share but will now save for a rainy day to give you another cute little story today.

Little one is into saying "Cheese" when I take pictures, as of today. Here's one of them:

Another new thing, as of yesterday, is that it seems she has given a nickname for a first grandparent- her great grandfather. We went out to dinner with him yesterday, as we live in the same town. We just call him Grandpa and I told her we would be seeing him. She looked up at me and said "Pa pa?"

It amazing how these come to be. I await to see if everyone else will have nicknames. She has quite a few to come up with if she is going to.

It's also amazing how big she is getting. Chad was super excited to get her a tricycle:

She loves it, even if she can't quite reach yet, she's very close. So close that when we came in from outside and it was just in the living room with us, she mastered climbing on and off of it:

She's such a ham.

And that's all for now. Tomorrow's a work day, so it just maybe that cute story I'm pulling out for that occasion. I'm off to work on one of my many projects. The goal is to have my works in progress organized by the end of this month.

Later!

2012-01-07T23:55:00.001-05:00

Trying to post tonight but I'm having technical difficulties tonight (virus). Soon!

Getting Ready to Cave

2012-01-06T23:13:00.001-05:00

I think I'm getting ready to cave.

For awhile I've had a plan that I would only stick to the following crafts:
1. Yarn crafts
2. Digital Photography
3. Cross Stitch
4. Beading and Clay work
5. Sewing

by which I thought meant:
1. knitting and crocheting with dreams of spinning
2. thousands upon thousands of photos
3. small little kits of simple cross stitch that will only take an hour
4. occasioanl bead loom projects and small animal clay figures
5. bags, dresses, work tops, and maybe quilts

that has acuatlly become:
1. knitting, crocheting, and still dreaming of spinning and occasionally trying to
2. millions upon millions of photos
3. large projects of cross stitch that take FOREVER
4. jewelry and adaptations of cross stitch patterns into woven bead works and small animals in clay when I feel like it
5. quilting and sewing clothes for Ann and small Christmas projects

and now I want to add or will be adding:

Needlepoint, which fits in with number 3
tatting, which fits in with number 1
spinning, it's time to actually be able to do it and not just think about it
machine embroidery which fits into number 5
polymer clay bead making, which fits into number 4
scrap-booking which goes with number 2
needle felting, which fits with number 1

I'm sure there are a number of other things I haven't seen yet that I may want to try, never mind the fringe projects that I have seen (dying anyone...). And we won't even talk about all of the works in progress that I have. Why do you think my craft room is still not clean yet.

I know for a fact that I will be starting to needlepoint (I have a kit where that is the craft), spin (I have the spindle and the roving), and scrap-booking (my Christmas present from my mom was paper and chip board pieces and I already have paper cutters etc) before this year is over.

It's hard to say no to a craft when I already have the supplies for it...

Maybe I should go get a grip on all of those works in progress before I talk myself into the other things that I mentioned.

Pictures

2012-01-05T22:20:00.001-05:00

I didn't take many pictures at home, but managed to get these:

Gathered around the table, enjoying the meal.

With my grandfather, Ann was overtired and shy. But we loved the pajamas that my dad picked out!

She's been using her large Melissa and Doug wooden blocks in the case as a step stool/place to sit:

So she can get her books from the top of her toy shelf we got recently and then relax with a book:

And a video for your enjoyment. Especially since I don't think anyone but Chad and I get to see her do this. I speak harshly to her to motivate her so we don't spend an hour having a conversation with her at the top of the stairs and me at the bottom. We've done it before.

Back to the grind of work tomorrow, then off the weekend so Chad can work. More tomorrow!

Low Key Post

2012-01-04T21:33:00.001-05:00

It's been another long day at work, dealing with technology that is more temperamental than a two year old child throwing a tantrum in the grocery store. Therefore I am going to beg forgiveness and buy my post today with a meme.

Post the you tube video of the song that was number one the week you were born.

Mine:

Chad's:

Ann's:

My husband's comment to this information was that at least Ann's has meaningful lyrics that have staying power unlike his.

Pictures and stuff from the trip to come tomorrow. Good night all.

Positive Thinking

2012-01-03T22:03:00.003-05:00

Today was a work day. I awoke this morning with thoughts in my head that were positive. I was going to make it a good day...

I should be happy that today I awoke with positive thoughts. And unfortunately that's really all I can say on that subject.

So, instead I am going to transfer my positive thinking to my ability to not only carry through with posting everyday (because I've done that before) but post something meaningful everyday. At least meaningful to me.

At another place I participate in they like to say what their accomplishments for the day are to help keep them motivated. I am going to do this for myself for the same reason. It helps me see things that I've done that can't fit in the to do list.

Today my accomplishment, other than waking up with thinking positively was to not cave into my desire to go down to the cafeteria and get a taco salad from Baja Fresh and eat what I brought with me instead. This kept me in my target range for my points on my first day back on the WW bandwagon.

Anyone else want to share theirs?

Tomorrow is another work day. I'll have to try that positive thinking again and see if I can keep it up when I leave the house.

To Do Lists

2012-01-02T20:36:00.003-05:00

To get through my work day I have a to do list for each patient by hour. I was taught this during my orientation and can not give it up. Once upon a time at work I had to write the minute details of report on my card along with that to do list. Now the to do list and the pertinent details are all that's needed during report.

It's that to do list that is the key to my day. If there is something I have to do during the day related to a project, a class that I've taught, and even lunch for that matter revolves around the list created for that day.

Unfortunately; and I know many of you have read this from me in the past; even when I make lists (although, not hourly lists) for home, I don't carry them through. I am now fine with the fact that my stressful fast paced organization is impossible to keep up outside of that environment at work.

That said, it's time to whittle down that to do list that I have. Coming home from visiting the family this weekend, and carrying all the STUFF in with me has made me realize this. Plus, I want to see a few craft projects of my own (not only Ann's) finished. The reason this hasn't happened for me is that I gain my motivation only in the last day of a few days off completely running out of time to do the things on the list and get discouraged.

So, this week I ~~want~~ plan to accomplish one thing off of my to do list that is in my head.

My questions to you are - how do I keep my motivation for this? What works for you?

That's all for now. I'm off to put that to do list down on paper...

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T23:17:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!!

Here's to this year bringing better things for us all.

I have spent the weekend with Ann with family for the holiday visits we were unable to get in before. I've taken very few pictures and have lots of to do lists in my mind. I'm still holding onto my I'm not making a true resolution/s this year but just working each day to do the little things I want to do.

I'm aiming to do a better job at posting every day this month, as opposed to my try in November. That said, with little to say at the moment, especially if I don't want to bore with the same things everyone else says about the new year and new chances, than I will leave this post short and sweat.

Later all!

Thank You

2011-12-27T21:37:00.002-05:00

I have a friend I've been confiding in a lot lately and I just want to say thank you. You know who you are and you know why.

That said, she gave me the best advice the other day, that I'm going to work hard on to use. I was talking about how this time of year I always start planning fresh with a new beginning and lofty goals (come on, you know the post I'm talking about that happen every year at this time and you've been waiting to see it) that I can't keep and then I sink into disappointment because I don't and it gets worse because I'm disappointed.

My friend told me to stop it. Don't do it. Just stop it.

So, that's what I'm going to do. You are not going to see the this is what I plan post as you have before (although I didn't post it publicly this year I still had one formulated).

I'm going to stop it. I will do what makes me happy and work on what I need to as it comes. After all, as I see everyday at work - the best laid plans change in just a breath.

Christmas Fun

2011-12-26T21:37:00.001-05:00

I realize, that I neglected to show this months growth pictures to you all. Ann is looking and behaving more and more like a little girl. She doesn't want to be cradled in my arms any more when we are reading and she would much rather be exploring. (I do love that she is so independent, but my has the time gone quickly)

She also had her first party at Chuck E. Cheese to go to. It was her daycare's Christmas party. There was lots of fun riding the rides. Heck, even this picture didn't turn out too bad:

And then I tried to get pictures of her in her Christmas dress:

But she was more interested in doing this:

We spent some time with Grandpa on Friday the 23rd:

And then Santa came:

I loved Ann's reaction to the ball pit. She came into the living room, looked at it and goes "What's this?" in her cute little way (whas thees...) looked down into it and said, proudly "BALLS!" Although, we have to get more to make it a true ball pit.

(Unfortunately I didn't start the video in time for the question and reaction)

We enjoyed our Christmas and now it's planning for the New Year. I have to work tomorrow so more to come later this week!

1 week

2011-12-18T22:52:00.001-05:00

I can't believe we only have one week until Christmas. I'm in a neutral spot with a lot but not everything done and my head already thinking of the new year. Anyway, it's best to keep up with teh picture posts. So, here are two more pictures that I wanted to share from going to Anderson:

Ann and Tameeka reading:

And this is how Ann feels she should ride in the shopping cart these days.

We went to the festival of lights on Thursday:

We really enjoyed it. Well, except for one part:

We are not a fan of Santa yet... (poor child, I found it very funny).

And finally, Ann helping with the shopping:

And, she and Chad must have played hard today because this signaled that it was time for the day to be over:

Now, onto figuring out what else I have to do. Christmas cards will be mailed (and the packages that must go out) on Tuesday!

A little picture post and run

2011-12-13T23:05:00.003-05:00

A few from our trip to the upstate:

Loves the hearth, it's just the right size:

Not so sure about the dog:

Reading with her Uncle:

Feeding herself yogurt for the first time:

Giggling with one of her Aunts:

I have a few more I want to share from there but have to retrive them off my phone... we'll see if they ever make it on here.

Attempting to get a family portrait. Too windy, cold and rainy for that:

Poor child. (We only took off the jacket for the pictures)

Didn't Intend

2011-12-05T22:04:00.001-05:00

I did not originally intend to just drop off from blogging (even though I inevitably do). Things have been a little stressful around here with all going on with grandma's passing. And I'll just leave it at that as to do otherwise would get me in trouble.

I had put thought into continuing NaBloPoMo for this month. Instead maybe I'll wait until January or March to do so. Maybe the theme then will be more to my liking.

Pictures to come later. Talk to you all when my sanity returns.

Grandma

2011-12-02T08:59:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, all I managed to be able to post was pictures. That's because I was doing laundry and packing and a million other things all to prepare to take care of what I need to.

My dad's mother passed away yesterday.

At 90 years old she led a long full life. She loved my grandfather (who passed away in 1998) dearly and raised a wonderful family. I didn't get to spend as much time with her as others do with their grandparents because I was always living at least 8 hours away from them (in adult life further). She was generous and kind and wanted very much for everything to be equal between all. If she could split a penny 16 ways she would.

She will be missed and I'm glad that I took the final opportunities that presented themselves to me to go see her.

Bless you Grandma, we love you and you are missed.

Grandma

2011-12-01T14:32:00.001-05:00

Not What I Wanted it to Be

2011-11-30T10:13:00.001-05:00

There are a million things I could blog about today, this being the last day of November and the last day I'm on a blog roll to post every day. I could talk more about songs that I'm listening too, what's going on in the world today, politics, nursing or lots of other little topics.

Instead, I'm sitting here reflecting how this month of blogging is not what I wanted it to be. Many things in my life are not what I wanted them to be.

Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining about my life. I know that I'm very spoiled and have more than I need in life and what I pray and ask for.

There are just many things, some in my control and some out of my control, that are not what I wanted them to be. Blogging everyday this month - at the beginning I was going to blog meaningful special posts to me and they would touch others in some way. Instead I was coming up with things last minute and didn't put the time I should into it.

That last statement - that I didn't put the time I should into it - is the problem. With the majority of things that I'm disappointed in I don't do that for.

I know that I need to work on a solution to this. It's affecting me quite a bit these days. I just have to figure out my solution for it.

That said, I end this month disappointed with myself and contemplating if I'm going to do it again. If I do it again I'll use the theme and many of the writing prompts from the website.

We will see. If I ever dream of getting my thoughts truly down for others to read in any form, the only way is to practice. This it seems to me, is practice.

Silly Songs

2011-11-29T22:03:00.001-05:00

It's amazing how music can be so much for everyone and that all people will surprise you with some of what they listen to. What makes this even more fun is a silly song that will cheer you up no matter what your mood.

I seem to have a few. Two that are always with me. In a quiet moment this song will pop into my mind and I'll start singing it:

And of course the other go to is a Muppet silly song (although, it's not originally Muppet's and yes, I know the story about the origins):

But I also have one that is "current" in pop culture that alternates depending on what's "current." And yes I do use the term current loosely as sometimes that means within the past five years (maybe a little more).

At this moment though, my "current" silly song that I keep singing is Toby Keith's Red Solo Cup:

Yup, when I need a downtime from reality, this does it for me.

I hope you enjoy too.

It's the little things

2011-11-28T20:53:00.001-05:00

Lately I feel that it really is the little things that count for me. With so much going on in so many different areas, it's truly all I can do to stay afloat.

So, today's little thing is that I have purchased for all but two people on the gift list for this year. Still have to finish piecing those purchased items together... But all I have left to buy for it two.

See. It really is the little things for me.

Photo Catch Up

2011-11-27T21:53:00.001-05:00

Status quo here. Dealing with work and all the other responsiblities that abound. Including finally getting more pictures up for the grandparents!

Enjoy:

2011-11-26T22:19:00.001-05:00

Just watched Up again after a long day at work. I love this movie. And this montage is so beautiful, it makes me cry every time:

Still really tired

2011-11-25T21:13:00.001-05:00

I should have my iron levels checked as I'm still feeling really tired a lot...

Spent today cooking the turkey and fixings - ahh, life in healthcare. Wouldn't trade it though. Didn't manage to get pictures though. Everything did turn out wonderfully.

In case you missed it yesterday, here's a video link I posted on facebook yesterday...

If you're squeemish - for go this. It's an octopus walking on land.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T22:02:00.001-05:00

This Thanksgiving day I am thankful:

that I have an incredible husband, daughter, and family
that I have a job that I love, and co-workers who are just as passionate about the lives we care for
that I have the chance to choose between what I want to do in so many things because other people are sacrificing to protect that right
that I have been blessed with more than I need and everything I could want.

Goodnight all, I'll be posting the feast tomorrow!

A Day Late

2011-11-23T18:43:00.001-05:00

There will be no pictures of a roasting Thanksgiving turkey tomorrow... It will be on Friday. I'm working and we will be having friends over for the meal on Friday.

At the same time, I'm contemplating joining the crowd of crazy people at Toys R Us when I get off of work tomorrow night. It's only for two things... We will see how it goes tomorrow.

So, seeing as I will be blogging very late (or unbelievably early via email) tomorrow, I'll wish it to you now, as either of those times will make me forgetful.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Hug your loved ones just a little closer as you never truly know how long you have.

Johnson & Johnson Nursing Campaign

2011-11-22T21:12:00.001-05:00

Johnson & Johnson wants to do a lot for nursing and encouraging people to be appreciative of nurses or to become a nurse. Usually I'm amused by their commercials but then I saw this one and had an extremely negative reaction to it:

To me, the first time I saw this, it is against everything that hospice is about. Hospice is for letting people accept with dignity the end of their life.

I have since talked to a few hospice nurses about it and read some of the comments on the you tube video page about how it portrays a message that death doesn't have to me immediate for hospice care, or that it shows compassion and that the nurses are aware when the patient is ready to die. I can definitely see this point.

So now my reaction is not as strong but I still feel it's inappropriate teaching for the general public, who is the target audience of this commercial. I don't think they should change the video, but the wording could have been "I'll be happy to do that for you when the time comes" instead of "not tonight." That, to me, would have conveyed both the hospice nurses point of view and the a good view for general public at the same time.

This one though, makes me smile each time:

I couldn't imagine being anything else other than a nurse. It's not for everyone certainly, there is a quality we all share that not everyone has. My life has certainly changed because of it.

Nursing

2011-11-21T20:22:00.001-05:00

Monday, November 21, 2011
The Business of Being Born is a passion project that has been fulfilling on many levels. Are you pursuing a passion project? (Guest Post by Ricki Lake, who can be found on Facebook or Twitter @RickiLakeShow)

Yes, I pursue multiple passion projects in my unit. Probably more than is good for me, but I feel they all make a difference and have changed me.

Sleeping

2011-11-20T21:49:00.001-05:00

Lately in the evenings I've found myself sleeping as soon as I sit down and get comfortable. I'm sure the fact that today I'm adjusting to wearing glasses has nothing to do with it. . .

In the face of that, enjoy this:

Running out of time tonight

2011-11-19T23:26:00.001-05:00

It's been a long day. Chanting has yet to work as I feel as I have nothing accomplished. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Although, I did make one observation - when cleaning equals spillage of the contents of the room into the rest of the house and you don't see a difference it's time to get rid of some stuff.

Let me start chanting now...

2011-11-18T21:56:00.001-05:00

At work I find myself chanting to myself in my head a lot.

It's best to just leave it at that. But honestly I start chanting all the things I need to get accomplished in my 12 hour day, how I'm going to accomplish those things, and what to do when life throws the monkey wrench in (about once an hour) and I have to rearrange said tasks to fit in better.

When I get home I stop chanting. Maybe that's my problem.

In my head I frequently am living up to higher expectations than what you see. For instance I have long drawn out beautiful posts that express everything I want and draw lots of comments. Ever seen one of those here...

Yeah, neither have I.

So, now I'm going to change my chanting from work chanting to blog chanting and chore chanting... maybe in doing this I will accomplish my to do list that I posted yesterday and have a few more meaningful posts.

Get through tomorrow

2011-11-17T21:36:00.001-05:00

I have to work tomorrow. After that I have four days off and I need to make sure I do the following things:

finish cleaning the ~~junk~~ craft room
finish the shopping list for Thanksgiving
finish the gift shopping list
put away the clothes
go through Ann's clothes and find both warmer clothing and cooler clothing since the weather is bipolar (last week highs in low 60's I love it but Ann's fingers get so cold, this week high's 70's and 80's both Ann and I sweat...)
clean the car
Take the family photo

Now, the last thing on the list can wait a little bit.

Here's to hoping I acutally do all this, especially since the first one on my list has been there since... umm... before Ann was born.

Later all!

Wow...

2011-11-16T12:57:00.001-05:00

I end up not saying a lot of things about how I feel about the world and politics that I would like to express on here for two reasons:
1. How it could affect me professionally - everything can be traced back
and
2. I don't necessarily want to debate people who aren't willing to respect my viewpoint even when they disagree from it. I do enough of that in real life at times, no need to do that with anonymous people just looking to bother others.

But this article:

PETA slams Mario

Now I suppose PETA will go after children too who dress up as their favorite animal for Halloween... There are a lot of orgnaizations and people that need to find better things to do with their time. PETA is in the top ten.

Wow.

2011-11-15T22:13:00.001-05:00

What is it about kids that they have to get as close as possible? She can't even reach it...

It's too cute for words for the moment. Later I'm sure it will get on my nerves.

Until tomorrow...

And a little more work...

2011-11-14T22:32:00.001-05:00

This is a full week for me. Therefore not a lot of thought going on this evening.

I did find this article interesting though.

I can identify in myself some of the things I don't know. How about you?

Status Quo

2011-11-13T21:24:00.001-05:00

So, the weekly update is that we remain at status quo. Ann continues to be her usual self, adding words (duckie) and trying to insist that her way is the way to go.

And, since Sunday is now expected picture day with the weekly updates, here you go:

Suffering from procrastination again

2011-11-12T22:56:00.001-05:00

And that's why you get this little gem of a post.

My favorite SS song:

I sing it to Ann. For now she doesn't protest my voice.

An anticipated movie:

I can't wait!

The Muppets doing one of my favorite songs:

and another really fun song:

And approaching the finish. The Fraggles with two of my favorite songs from their shows:

and (although the quality is not what I like to see in this one)

Finally I will leave you with two skits that just make me smile for no reason. One from the Muppet Show and the other from Sesame Street:

Until tomorrow!

11/11/11

2011-11-11T21:41:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all the members of the military who are serving our country. You sacrifice so much for us and deserve to be honored.

Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law and my Sensei. Hope it's a wonderful one for the two of you.

The writing prompt today is this:

"It's 11/11/11 make three wishes."

Seeing as I have worked today and am woefully unprepared for anything else I think I shall. So, in no particular order:

1. I wish to resolve my "left over" issues with myself. I have the life I have wished for, beyond what I have imagined, so I wish to come to true grips with these issues and move on.

2. I wish that Ann becomes the person I dream her to be - as beautiful as her namesake who I still miss even though it's been 13 years since she passed.

3. I wish for the impossible - that the reasons for the pain and suffering of some that I know and all that I meet in my career to cease to exist. It wouldn't be a bad thing to have to learn a new specialty of nursing.

Good night all, until tomorrow!

The dreaded Christmas post

2011-11-10T11:46:00.002-05:00

It seems to me that this post is tied in with all my other things I'm delaying to do lately. Once again, as I mentioned yesterday I'm all talk and no action. Will someone, one of my 4 readers perhaps, inquire about these things occasionally and hold me accountable? Maybe then I can get of my lazy butt and actually do it.

Once again, it is November and I'm FORCED to think of Christmas before I'm ready because the decorations started going into the stores before Halloween. Growing up, at least the important years of growing up, Christmas was the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas day (but my family extended it until the Epiphany around January 7th normal for Catholics - odd for where I grew up). I recently heard a story on NPR from an Indian about the festival of Diwali and felt that I could relate to his feelings when I think about how we start the holiday advertising and Christmas music at Halloween now instead of waiting for this hallowed time.

It is one of my pet peeves that this comes earlier and earlier each year. I feel it makes people behave worse than before and makes the holiday into one that is about material goods and not spreading joy and hope and helping others. The true meaning is lost the longer the season goes on. I struggle with exactly how I will teach the true meaning to Ann.

Now, that is the quick and easy of why I hate holiday advertising, and the essential gist of this post. If your wanting to see how crazy I am, keep reading...

What's even worse, is that for my family I have caved into some pressure and created wish lists of things for Ann to help people out with ideas.

I feel as if I'm being a greedy jerk for doing this. I really do. But hopefully it can give people ideas that they want. In fact, I've overpaded the lists to truly help show that it's just ideas and I will add to them as I am able to.What's worse, is that out of laziness I have three for her based on what I could find when browsing different sites. (After typing that I acutally went to condense some and have discovered that some things are not available on the other site so I'm staying lazy and keeping three.)

You have my word that I will not be purchasing the items on the lists for at least 6 months. I know that the books I have on there are not any of the ones we own, and I am working on a list of what we do own so that you could go off list confidently.

I know I make it difficult for others because I have certain things I don't want- overly electronic items (I feel that Ann should use her imagination and not have a toy do it for her, but limited things are okay, there are even some things she has that I've never put batteries in and she loves the toys), items that require TV interaction (she's too young for it and I won't allow it for her for a long time. I have an age set in my mind that I may change, but it's not anytime soon), the Leapster items or other electronic reading help/game items (I think children start to rely on them and dont' learn to read effectively on their own from it), and color wonder items (have to learn to stay on paper and that things do mark where they aren't supposed to somehow). At least that's what I can think of off the top of my head.

Additionally Ann has more than enough dolls (although, interesting fact is that Cabbage Patch kids need preemie clothes because 0-3 month clothes fall off of them) and stuffed animals from me but I won't complain if there are more, she has the Fisher Price little people already (granted - the originals but I will supervise well), and a dollhouse play set already waiting for her (Precious Places - does anyone else remember this?).

She has definitely outgrown a lot of her toys. And what is advertised as appropriate for her age she will outgrow fairly quickly depending on what it is. That's why this year Santa will bring her lacing beads from Melissa and Doug, a wooden block set from Melissa and Doug, and the Castle MarbleWorks (or something similar for balls).

And books, we love real books. And I'm making it so that she will not have this type of reaction:

It makes me so sad that is the reaction of many kids now. (if the video is not working for you here, here is the link)

So, now that I've rambled and you've seen how crazy I am here is a link to the lists:
toysrus:Ann's Wish List
Amazon: Ideas for Ann
Barnes and Noble: Ideas for Ann

Once again I promise not to get anything on the lists. I promise that these are not must haves (heck, she really doesn't need anything!) and you can get things not on the list. I may add to the lists to share more ideas.

And, to help you out Mom, for everyone to see, is the Christmas list for my siblings and me:
Melissa gives to Tameeka
Chad gives to Kat
Daniel gives to Sarah
Kat gives to Chad
Tameeka gives to Daniel
Sarah gives to Kelly
James gives to Melissa
Kelly gives to James.

(We draw names each year to save on expenses as we are a very large family).

And soon to come will be lists for Chad and myself as well to make that easier too. I can't believe I caved.

That's it for now as I've got a diaper to change. Until tomorrow!

All talk...

2011-11-09T22:45:00.001-05:00

So, the Christmas post will wait until tomorrow... I have many reasons for this.

And just proving my point I'm showing how as of late I'm a lot of talk and a little action. Although, people who know me at work would probably look at me like I have five heads at that statement. There are a lot of things that I do and maintain at work that I just can't accomplish when I get home. Organization, prioritizing, accomplishing multiple tasks... yea, lets change that to everything.

(Yes, I do realize, to my co-workers who will see this, that this is because of what we do and that no one can keep up that type of schedule outside of the unit.)

But more so I'm seeing this in karate and taking care of myself. I'm struggling with it all right now, and I don't want that to be the case. So, I'm trying to come up with a good bribe to myself and I think I've found it. I can get something I want from one of my crafting ventures if I utilize the resources available to me to prepare to ramp back up and be ready to test for black belt within one year by losing 54 pounds.

This goal will be a stepping stone. It will not get me to my target weight, nor will it get me to black belt (and it is the weight I need to loose to get the craft item...)

I have lots of resources, it's time to stop talking about using them and actually do it!

And, if I can accomplish this, it will ensure that there is less talk only for the things I want to do for Ann and more action.

I'll leave you at that. Plus, a few pictures. They've been reported to be wanted.

Until Tomorrow!

Delay, delay

2011-11-08T22:35:00.001-05:00

It's getting later and I'm not finished with my prep for one of the three post ideas I had in my head for today... needless to say that mean you are not getting that particular post tonight. A second idea I had I really don't feel like doing today because it's my day off... needless to say it deals with my career. So, I have to settle for the third idea - a list of random thoughts that came to me throughout the day. What can I say, I write the most boring blog in the world.

1. Upon hearing the promo for what was to come on the Today Show this morning included the Duggars with a big announcment:
"Gee, wonder which one is pregnant again - the mom or the daughter-in-law..."

No surprise that it was Michelle Duggar expecting her 20th... Aside from the potential health risks discussions in the future I'm not going there. No need to host that debate on this board.

2. The Micheal Jackson MD verdict - "Okay, he doesn't need to be in jail, just loose his medical license."

I've had some people get mad at me when they here me say that I believe the doctor to be guilty. "You know other stars are doing it" I'm told. And that is true, but there was no reason for this doctor to at least not set up safe care since he gave into the demands of Micheal Jackson. There was no reason to have that much medicine available. So, I think the doctor should be held accountable for not practicing with prudence, but I don't think like the judge does that he is a danger to society. Loosing his license is more than enough punishment. (Granted I didn't watch the trial)

3. "I AM SICK OF THE CHRISTMAS ADVERTISING ALREADY, WAIT UNTIL AFTER THANKSGIVING!!"

But I will expand upon this in tomorrow's post as.

4. "Why on earth did we need a shortcut for overstock.com ... o.co makes me want to wretch"

I truly don't get this one, and as of right now refuse to use the site just because of that. Most deals on the things I look at aren't that great anyway.

and I'll leave you with this final random thought:

5. "I'm not sure which is her favorite - the frog or the bunny"
Ann has two small blankets with animals attached to them - a frog and a bunny - that have satin on the underside. Satin additionally runs around the top edges of the bunny one. She has taken a sudden (within the past month) liking to them and I can't figure out which is her favorite. As soon as I think it's one she clings to the other for awhile. But I'm certain that she loves the texture of satin and that's what has her going for both. Mostly they both stay in her bed unless she's hurting or I know I'm going to need to use it to help comfort her (such as for shots).

That's it for tonight. More to come tomorrow!

2011-11-07T22:15:00.001-05:00

Alas, instead of staying up late trying to be witty and clean I'm falling asleep as I type and my muscles still ache . Sorry all. 'till tomorrow.

One. More. Day.

2011-11-06T22:17:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine, who is a respiratory therapist posted something today along the lines of - "Okay NNICU, you win". I feel the same way and I have one more day to go.

I want to bore you with the little things I find that irk me, with observations about who I am since I am embedded in my NNICU career, my arts and crafts, and other such musings. Instead I am going to try to make it up the stairs so I can go to bed. My feet and ankles are putting up a pretty good protest though. I don't think they've protested like this since pregnancy...

So, that's my brief post. I'm still embattled in the midst of four twelve hour shifts and can't believe it's Sunday. I'd give a further update, but all of you are reading it from the day to day posts. (Yes, Ann has been fine since the fall, and she threw a fit this morning because she couldn't go with me to work) Pictures to come later in the week.

Until tomorrow!

Happy for the extra hour.

2011-11-05T22:55:00.001-04:00

Between yesterday and today, this is one of the few times I'm happy for an extra hour of sleep. My back aches, my feet are swollen, and I've been running thru corridors. I've also been late leaving work each day.

Once again I started with lots to think about posting and now am too drained, with my ears ringing to form more coherent thoughts. Not a good way to be during this month of trying to post each day.

All I do know at this point is that it is amazing what the human body can handle. If you who are reading (all 3 or 4 of you) would like to see me post about something, let me know and I will consider it depending on how involved the topic is.

I'll leave you with this - if I spent every shift like these past two, I'd be closer to my goal weight.

'Til tomorrow!

11/4/11 Writing Prompt

2011-11-04T22:26:00.000-04:00

Out of desperation, or rather all the ideas I had in my head at 6:00 this morning going down the drain as I spent all day in orientation for another part of my job that turned out extremely busy, I'm using a writing prompt from the NaBloPoMo site today.

When you are writing do you prefer to use a pen or a computer?

The answer to this is what am I writing for? The blog post I mostly prefer to come straight here for - mostly because I become so long winded if I don't. But most other things, I would prefer to write by hand and then type it in if it has to be put into a computer. I can't tell you why exactly, other than I ultimately find it quicker to hand write something, especially in a organizer. I also really enjoy the process of physically writing and that may be part of the process for me. I vary in all cursive or print, but most of the time I write with a combination of the two. Even with coming changes in the schools (cursive is really disappearing) I know that this will be a skill I emphasize with Ann.

Very simple and quick. This is only my first of four days, so you may see a few more of these.

'Til tomorrow!

As mom said, it's not the last time...

2011-11-03T15:44:00.001-04:00

Ann fell halfway down our stairs today. I've been working with her on going down the steps - she can do it very well actually and she's been able to go up for months - making her turn around backwards and then going down, she's been able to go up for months now. Being the spirit that she is, she thinks she should just be able to walk down them standing up.

So, I sat down against our laundry room doors (it's at the top of the steps next to her room) and started to put on my socks, as usually she'll try to pester me and sit down with me or tap on my head. The hope was that she would sit down with me and then we would both turn around and crawl down backwards together (after all, if I walk down the stairs why shouldn't she so I'll crawl with her to convince her to do it this way) No, my independent 12.5 month old lifted her leg, I saw it and couldn't stop it and took a little tumble, I swear there was a head stand in there too, came to a stop on the first stair that starts the turn (thank goodness for our 180 degree turn in our stairs, go figure, moving it it was the worst part) looked at me stunned and started to wail.

I get to her quickly, and the nurse in me takes over. No bumps, no bruises, eyes are fine, arms are fine, legs are fine, abdomen is fine... the whole nursing assessment. I take her the rest of the way down the stairs and give her a little cold pack shaped like a frog to distract her. It actually worked too. She stopped crying and just looked at me like "What was that about?" At that point the mom in me returned and I started crying, to which she started all over again. I stop crying and she stops.

So, I set her down and play nurse again, going to my medical books to read information that I think will help me (but I already know this information so that was just for reassurance) and Ann goes to playing.

She's fine. I know this. But I still feel like a horrible mother. It was going to happen at some point, I know this too. Still though, I feel as if I failed her for a moment.

And then I went to the store and started something that I shouldn't - I bought her a book to make me feel better about it all. Shame on me.

Til tomorrow.

Too late to disturb her...

2011-11-02T22:04:00.000-04:00

I'm a hideous procrastinator. In fact, this is the third time I've started a post for today and I'm running out of hours to post it in and be able to make it for the day. Technically, by my procrastination standards I still have time. It is only now 9:40pm as I write this. I have until 11:59pm so...

But I digress because I'm working around to saying this - most posts by me will be really late, and if they are early it is because I've written it out well in advance, and it keeps me from making a truly interesting post.

I was going to start a random things about me post and slowly add to it over the month. Doing it only in chunks though is a bit of a cop out for posting the whole list of 100 and I'm really boring. I went back and read the other two times I did it... I was coming up with a lot of the same things just reworded and more long winded.

Then it occured to me that I could show off the quilt I made Ann for her birthday as I don't think I've shown it on the blog. But it's 9:40pm. Ann's bedtime is between 7 and 7:30... the quilt is in bed with her and she's sleeping on top of it at the moment. So, you won't be seeing it today either.

There's actually quite a few crafts that we have done together that I should show off as well. No one but Chad and me have seen her hand print pumpkins we made... and I have lots more things planned. Not all of them for this season, but over lots of time and years.

Once Ann realizes that I have all of these crafts planned out though, she might become just a little scared. We read the Little House series and all I could think of during that time was re-reading it with her when she's 8 and all the little projects we can do from it - make a dress by hand without the sewing machine, turning cream into butter, hand quilting, etc. I want to do so many little things like that with her.

Poor child. I am very excited for that day. But I'm not going to wish for it to come sooner as she's already doing things too quickly.

Although, thinking about all of that - the only way it will happen is if I improve upon this procrastination. Which means I should go now and start that infinite to do list called the craft room....

And for those of you wondering - the concert last night was incredible!! This one was better than the first time I saw him. The only problem was that it was over too quickly. Tomorrow night I'm going to the fair to see another concert. I only hope that I have just as good a time, even if it will be quite different. I'm going to see The Guess Who. If you're not sure who they are you should look them up.

But I'm procrastinating again... Till tomorrow all!

2011-11-01T14:55:00.001-04:00

I know it can be disconcerting to get to afternoon on the first day of the biggest blogging month out of the year and see a blog that hasn't updated as frequently as the owner says they are going to. I apologize for that. And with that said, this post may not make a lot of sense to some readers, as I am once again catching up on past promised items. But I do thank you for coming and reading, and tomorrow when I have downtime and have organized everything better in my house I will return the hit and be reading many of yours. That said, let me move forward to the catching up portion.

I will do a brief introduction for you. I'm Melissa and I started this blog started almost six years ago as a way to share pictures with my family of the beautiful Charleston, SC area without clogging their inboxes. It has evolved multiple times, but I keep it still, even when there are times I am very lax about posting. I work as a neonatal ICU nurse and my husband is a lab technician and we have a one year old daughter. I also try to do arts and crafts in the way of knitting, crocheting, beading, and sewing plus whatever else I can't get out of my head and use this to share that as well. But you'll be hearing a lot more about that in the coming days.

For my family, the answer is yes I'm crazy again this year. I am participating for the second time in NaBloPoMo and will be posting every day this month. After not doing it last year because of Ann's age, I'm ready to do it again this time around.

So, to that catching up. Two weekends ago we went to Asheville. I know there are many waiting on those pictures, and here they are:

Well, okay that was a video, here are the pictures:

We really did enjoy our weekend.

Then you have the fact that yesterday was Halloween. Because I was working, Ann got to spend two days in her costume. Sunday with me at the aquarium!

She had a great time there looking at all the fish She was even great and had lots of whispers and smiles as we went all over the rest of town, her in her Tigger outfit.

But, that does do it for this post today. I have to get ready to go see Josh Groban tonight!! I can't wait.

Til tomorrow!

Just Back

2011-10-23T22:15:00.001-04:00

Just returned from Ashville. Pictures and details to come. Just did not want you to think I forgot the weekly post.

Once again, per demand, Ann

2011-10-19T12:42:00.002-04:00

It seems that I am constantly behind these days. There is not much to be said about that, if you're near me then you know everything that's going on. So, as opposed to becoming long winded in this post here are catch up pictures and first birthday, plus a few little fun videos.

Enjoy!

First time with pasta:

Although I should get the picture of her having pasta the next time. It's on Chad's phone. True spaghetti noodles everywhere.

A weekly picture:

Walking on the beach:

A visit with her Aunt:

More weekly pictures:

Bubbles! She asks for them constantly:

A quick view of her playing with her elephant toy:

Building blocks:

Although, now she is up to stacking six before they fall.

And on her first birthday, in a moment that she was feeling better from the ear infection and before the rash developed, we enjoyed our pictures at home and then out and about in downtown Charleston.

First, it's my birthday, and I'll cry if I want to!

But my friends make it better:

Then in downtown:

Having a handle to carry her with helps:

And finally, our birthday chocolate chip cookie (please excuse the conversation, Chad always forgets when I'm using the video portion and I want to share this too bad to keep it to myself):

And after the cookie it's outside for giggles and grins:

Last, but not least is the years worth of growth pictures. Not fancy, but all together:

What's up next is that the growth pictures now change to monthly. I return to regular blogging on Sunday's as that is ulitmately what worked best for me before. I also am planning once again participating in NaBloPoMo to get all of my thoughts down on "paper" (and I keep thinking of topics to discuss).

More to come later (per usual) but had to get this out there before it slipped away.

Missed A Little

2011-09-21T23:09:00.001-04:00

Before I watched a few programs about the aftermath of September 11th and then go a call about some paperwork I had to deal with, I was going to catch up with a long rambling post about anything and everything on my mind. Unfortunately I no longer have the time for that so lets just get to what's really improtant, and what most of you want to see, are the updates on Ann that I have neglected for awhile. So here are the pictures, excluding this week's, from the day we left for Seattle to now:

Then we have some generally cute pictures:

And in the next one I don't think that she's showing enough enthusiasm for the swing:

And of course, we have her latest and greatest developmental milestones, first the video I shared with as many as I could first:

We also showed off with Grandpa that day:

And another one at the request of many:

And last but not least, we have given her one birthday present early, as it's not really like she knows anyway. Here is her recieving it, and a picture of her after a riding session:

I hope you have enjoyed. I'm sure I'll have more to talk about later.

Yes, I'm behind, still

2011-09-09T14:47:00.000-04:00

And I still have to take yesterday's pictures, but Ann is napping at the moment. Until then, enjoy these holdouts:

This first one is her trying to "warble" her voice with her hand (I don't know what else to call it.) She's getting better at it and now knows to bring her hand to her mouth instead of turning her head to her hand. Still this is pretty cute:

And this next one is at the Bellevue Children's Museum outside of Seattle when we were visiting family. She and Chad loved the little pony so much that she will be getting a purple one for her birthday. Seeing as it can accommodate up to 400lbs it will be used for a long time here.

If you know me on facebook

2011-08-30T14:18:00.003-04:00

I've had the time to put up all inclusive Seattle photos there. I'm working on making a post about the trip here. Give me a little more time.

A Little Play Time

2011-08-11T15:12:00.000-04:00

We all know I'm behind. We all know who keeps reminding me that I'm behind. So let's start by catching up. Ann is really into finger foods now, including her first taste of cheese that came last week:

Then it was time for last weeks, weekly pictures, which Ann informs me she thinks already that they are a joke. After all, there's no need to look at the camera when it's at my eye, just before:

Or already give me a sullen stare (she's starting early she is) just because she can:

And then, we laugh and have a goofy grin:

But forget it if I ask her to be a lady, this is what I get:

And she shows me how delightful this behavior is for her:

Really, I can't ask for anything better though. It truly is mostly fun and games. Especially when I get to enjoy practicing my photography and showing off the skills that I'm learning (SLOWLY) when sewing:

The previous pictures came from this morning at the Colonial Dorchester Historic State Park. We weren't there long, as it is unbelievably hot and humid (typical Charleston) so I'm happy I got what I did. My friend Karen went with me and helped me with most of the set up, etc.

Then we came home to play, and generally be cute too:

And to take today's official pictures:

But now, I think I'm being told that's enough:

And I must post the following so the grandparents can enjoy, but they are of horrible quality, so pay more attention to Ann and her giggles, walking, and talking, than to me or the lack of stability in the first video or lack of focus in the second. Ann hounds me wanting to get a hold of the camera and then won't do what she was doing for the video. I'll have to set up one day and leave the camera alone, then video the next day, not having moved the camera so that she will ignore it again.

Anyway, enjoy what you can:

Wow, if I don't post these now I think I'm in trouble.

2011-08-01T11:24:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I haven't been able to get on here to post these. To my family: I will make a bigger size of all the pictures available to you for download on Wednesday!

These are from the whirlwind trip of the family reunion I went to. And then Ann's latest weekly picture. And just her.

Oh, and for anyone that I haven't told that is interested, the blog is friendly to smartphones and has a mobile version too. Makes it easier for Chad and I to show off the pics, plus blogger does it for me...

Enjoy!

Catching Up

2011-07-13T21:41:00.000-04:00

So, I posting pictures now to be behind again tomorrow when our baby girl turns 9 months old. Wow, that was fast.

Here she is the night of the fourth when we went to see fireworks:

That's here "I can not believe you have me away from my bed to stand around in the dark with crazy people and look at stupid things in the sky, plus it's super hot" look.

And pictures from last Thursday:

And here are some just playing around yesterday:

"Look Mom, no hands!"

Well, for that brief second anyway. Ann's not quite sure about letting go yet. But, she will stand on tiptoes:

And, here she is today, "chillin" with (Great) Grandpa:

Later all!

Happy Independence Day!!

2011-07-04T11:40:00.000-04:00

I'm told you want more videos...

2011-06-27T13:49:00.000-04:00

But first, enjoy the pictures.

Ann was being so funny coming in and out of her room to the gate at the top of the stairs I thought I would post jailbird pictures:

At one point she seemed (and I'm probably totally imagining it) to make the sign for dog so I found a puppy for her to play with:

Weekly picture:

Enjoying her carrots, I can't believe how big she is in the high chair now.

And she'll even let you see her teeth if you click the picture:

And finally the video.

Ann playing with her new toy:

Getting a little better:

And, this one is not good quality (I'm sorry for the unsavory view of me) but you can see her better at the end of it. As of right now she still isn't up to performing again for the camera and is protesting, although, she usually enjoys it four or five times a day.

Other than that typical day in our house. Later all!

Hilarious

2011-06-26T11:36:00.000-04:00

I know, I owe pictures, but I'm a little busy right now. I do want to say that this commercial cracks me up:

Additionally I always love these commercials too:

And our theme is...

2011-06-19T09:56:00.000-04:00

Standing!! Because I certainly can not keep this child down anymore. We stand everywhere we can pull up, which is 95% of places.

See, even mobile has to be taken out now, I did that last night after I snapped this picture. Ann even stand on her tiptoes to see better. She doesn't want to be a baby anymore and we still have four more months to go!

Here's the 8 month/weekly pictures:

And finally, for Fathers day:

Have a great one all! And a very special Father's day to my wonderful husband and to my father as well! We love you both!!

Maybe things are going a little too fast...

2011-06-13T17:00:00.000-04:00

So, I worked the weekend and Ann and Chad clearly had fun together. Chad even took pictures of Ann for me. His words to me about the pictures, "maybe she wants to be a gymnast:"

I swear, I don't think I've ever been able to do a split like that, but my mom will tell me if I'm wrong.

Chad was also telling me about another of Ann's new tricks that he didn't photograph for me, shame as I thought it would be cute. Apparently Ann decided it would be best to show me this herself this morning:

I just love that she turns to "smile" for the camera.

And then we went to a friends baby shower where there were lots of my coworkers babies and when Ann got home she wanted to make it clear how big she is by showing you one of her top teeth as well:

But truly, I've known that she wants to be bigger, that she thinks she's the best, most adorable baby in the world (and perhaps I'm biased but I tend to agree, that for her age, she is) (can't forget all my primaries that have also been the most adorable babies in the world during their time) but I wasn't prepared to be grabbing the camera for more pictures and turn around to find this:

In fact I so didn't believe it that I had to give her incentive to do it again, the remote control:

Heaven help us now, she is moving way to fast...

A little of this and that

2011-06-09T11:58:00.000-04:00

Okay, here are two pet peeves that I've been meaning to write about and never get to it that I just need to get off my chest before I delve into the pictures and such.

1. Sarah Palin - seriously people, why do we still pay attention to this woman. Forget the Republican versus Democrat stuff, I am staunchly in the middle with opinions that fall to both sides when we pick the big ticket issues. I did not like President Bush and did not vote for him and at the same time I do not like President Obama and did not vote for him either so... take it to mean what you want. But really, why do we continue to give her the time of day and take her seriously? When the going got tough in Alaska she couldn't cut it and she quit, you really want some one who does that to be your president when you know it going in?

2. Closed Captioning - I feel so bad for those who have to use this to know what is going on on television. I find myself using it more and more due to issues with my ears and I am appalled. There are so many times when it is just plain wrong on every level or skips over whole sections of conversations. And I understand that in live tv there will be a little bit of a delay and spelling mistakes, but this is constant and even on scripted tv. I'm going to write to these companies that flash up their website at the end of the show and start giving them a piece of my mind.

Now that we have that out of the way, onto the pictures:

Last weeks picture before heading off to Anderson

Graduation and festivities in Anderson:

He won't admit it, but he's jealous:

Grandpa playing with Ann, especially since she was warry of him at first since she doesn't get to see him that often:

Realizing that it's time to eat and I'm taking pictures instead of feeding her:

The festivities were nice but Ann's glad to be back at home and on her schedule. She's doing so much and enjoying new things such as these:

We are also playing in the kitchen, I'm going to regret this but I gave her these to play with. Right now all is quiet with these, but Ann is really enjoying hamming it up for the camera:

And then you have more of her just playing. I tried to edit to just the first few seconds of this next video, which are what I want to share, but I uploaded the wrong one so it's longer. Anyway, I know the grandparents enjoy just getting to watch:

And showing off those pulling up skills again to get to her favorite part of the toy she's playing with:

And she continues to be such a ham:

This weeks pictures:

And this morning, while I was sitting there watching her with the stool, she crawled over and put her hands up on the couch. Ann is not going to be happy crawling for long, she's ready to walk!

More to come later, now to go see if I can fix my pet peeves with this computer and it thinking it knows what I want when I gave no such direction to to some of the things it's doing... but that's another rant for another day!

A Treat

2011-06-02T08:37:00.000-04:00

I haven't taken Thursday pictures yet, but I have managed to do this, enjoy!

General Cuteness

2011-05-29T23:39:00.000-04:00

So, let's face it, no matter what my best intentions are, the pictures are always late and I never post about anything other than Ann. There seems to be a lot of best intentions with me that are not making it past the thoughts rattling around in my maze of a brain right now. And perhaps that's the problem, but I will get to that one day. Let just say that there is a lot of things going on right now weighing on my and all of them stem directly for work, that I very rarely talk about on here. I'll just leave it at that.

But I am lucky enough to have this distraction of general cuteness overload on my days off:

Since my last post we have done a varying amount of things here, I wanted to see how Ann would react to having "finger" foods so I took a few peas out of the can I was getting ready to puree and let her entertain herself:

And I call this one the, "Mom, you are out of your mind if you think I believe that I eat this little round things."

We've spent time in the water at both the beach and the pool but only have pictures from the beach:

Dancing with Daddy is so much fun!

We are sitting in a tidal pool here and she's still not sure what to think of the water, after all, it is salty!

We have been a ham for the camera during our weekly pictures:

And trying hard not to get caught practicing trying to crawl:

She's also hard at work at preventing me from taking pictures of any emerging teeth (one on the bottom and one on the top):

As well as amusing us with how she throws her foot out to maneuver herself around:

And really practicing trying to crawl:

"Oops, get down quick, Mom has the camera out:"

And perhaps, we are making a little progress:

(Interesting note on the video, suggested tag for it was "combat sports")
In light of realizing that I had been successful in capturing movement on camera, we deterred at trying to capture the teeth again:

And passed out exhausted on the floor that night:

We've continued just being adorable when playing and she's humored me as I try to find good pictures:

(I personally just find the single first finger in her mouth way too cute)

And mistakenly, if you look closely, manage to capture that elusive bottom tooth in a picture:

We have enjoyed posing and smiling even more for the camera:

And takes to showing how much work it all is when she doesn't realize I'm looking:

But we get back up in the morning, raring to go again:

Even to the point that we are ready to try this:

This is the best video I've been able to get as fully crawling has been achieved while I've been working this weekend (actually, I've been at MUSC 12+ hours for the past four days in a row but one of them was meetings and teaching CPR) She was still a little tired as I recorded it this morning, hopefully tomorrow brings on better video opportunities. Chad tells me she is fully going after what she wants (time to make sure all craft items are hidden!) and is dismantleing things that she gets her hands on. Ann doesn't quite realize yet that she can follow us into the kitchen, dining room, and bathroom but I'm sure it won't be long.

And now, I will retire to bed for the night. But I'm happy that for once I have finally posted at least some text with the photos!

She's Trying...

2011-05-16T11:43:00.000-04:00

So first we have our weekly picture (I think this is week 30) and then two days later our 7 month picture (in her pajamas)

And I want to thank my sister-in-laws mother for the outfit:

And, Ann would like to show you something:

In just a few short days we have gone from this:

To this:

And now:

Any minute now she's going to take off!

No Words

2011-05-09T14:13:00.000-04:00

Here are more pictures that you all have been waiting for:

Twice in one day

2011-04-26T14:45:00.000-04:00

Out and About

2011-04-26T10:52:00.000-04:00

So one the 17th we headed down to the waterfront park at Mount Pleasant for the Blessing of the Fleet (the shrimping season is in!) and a grand time was had by all:

After that we did a little shopping and played with the box afterwards:

Now we are working on sitting up:

And of course taking our usual pictures:

We are progressing well on the sitting:

And had family here for Easter:

6 Months Old

2011-04-15T21:59:00.000-04:00

Ann is now six months old as of yesterday. That was quick. She's now rolling over both ways, including at night she has taken to sleeping on her stomach. As long as she doesn't keep shoving her face into the mattress I'll be fine with it.

My favorite pictures are quickly becoming the ones looking up at me from her stomach:

And here are the six month pictures:

And just in case you think that my life does nothing but revolve around my daughter since that's all that I talk about now, well you are right, but I am still doing other things too (yes, I'm doing karate). Take for instance, don't you just love the face I'm getting as I'm asking Ann to show off her new dress (yes I made it!):

But she's really more interested in what she can hold on to to stand besides my hands.

And I found her nap today amusing, in how she was holding her pacifier (if she can help it, it no longer stays in the holder.)

And that does me for now. As I am only slowly improving my procrastination for this year, I do have other things to get to tonight. The craft room is now manageable and I can locate what's in my craft closet freeing me up to actually do things. Hence the dress and I finished repairing a much loved pillow for our couch. Now to see what other in progress crafts I have to finish.

It goes so fast

2011-04-09T22:50:00.000-04:00

No need to explain, it's the same story, so little time and so much that I'm trying to do. I'm enjoying watching Ann getting bigger everyday!

Falling asleep with the bottle:

Chad took the next too for me to be able to see her playing with my quilt since I was working:

Big Bird is her new best friend now:

And Chad took these for me today:

I know

2011-04-02T22:50:00.000-04:00

Always behind. I even tried to clean my craft room this week and if anything, even though I've thrown out things, it doesn't look like I've done a thing. I will be fixing this soon.

So anyway, here are the two videos I was talking about in the last post.

First for the grandparents who just want to see her playing. Truly, it's just an 8 minute (well a little over that) of us laying there, talking and playing.

The second video is one of the first times Ann rolled over when visiting in the upstate at the begining of March. I had turned off the camera giving up and then saw she was going to do it so turned it back on really quickly.

So, I will get to more soon as I do have lots more and will talk to you all later. It's off to sleep so I can work.

I find myself overwhelmed

2011-03-24T13:11:00.000-04:00

It still amazes me how quickly time passes and that I don't take better advantage of it. My thoughts have been filled with a million blog posts that I have not gotten to because I let time slip by. Things that show that my life is full of other activities too - such as how I really feel bad for those who have to rely on closed captioning because it is incorrect more often than not; my hobbies and projects, plans and other things. It doesn't help that I'm distracted by stunts like this:

"I can do it, mommy, now get that camera away!"

I'm uploading video to youtube now but because I can't get to edit it right now (agian, time restraints) it's going to take me awhile (90 minutes) to get it uploaded so I won't have that to show until later. Meanwhile, here is Ann at play yesterday. Thursday weekly pictures have not been taken yet but will be taken later today.

"Aren't I hot stuff standing by myself!"

Not to wish my time away but she will be a lot happier once she does figure out how to get here on her own!

5 months

2011-03-20T00:25:00.000-04:00

Five month pictures were Monday. Ann was unamused at having pictures done so early in the morning:

But grew to like it with daddy playing behind the camera:

Enjoyed not having to behave like a little lady:

Not amused being asked to be a little lady and keep her skirt down:

Ann is getting too big for her swing, and once again shows her desire to hold onto things:

And for the second time in a week was not amused with pictures:

I know

2011-03-15T11:18:00.000-04:00

Still haven't had time to edit videos for size to get them uploaded but here are a few pictures from the other day and a trip to Walmart...

Faster and Faster

2011-03-10T21:55:00.000-05:00

Every time I turn around two weeks has slipped by and I haven't posted. And I have new videos I should post too. I will stick with pictures for today and try to get the videos this weekend. I have to work tomorrow of course.

These pictures include one from our quick trip to the Upstate, weekly picture from week 20 (last week), our first taste of peas (with confusion that dad was holding the camera, because wait, isn't that mom's job, she gets just as confused if I have the camera on the tripod), playing with toys, and fun with this weeks pictures, including laughing at herself for showing off her socks, and an unexpected nap on the floor!

Got all that? Yea, that's about how I remember it too.

Other than that Ann is growing so big. We are currently transitioning into our 6-9 month clothes (today's outfit for her pictures is a 6-9 month outfit) and deciding what will work for a little while longer and what won't. We went today to a consignment sale in the area and got some really good deals. We came home with somewhere between 12 and 17 outfits between 6-9 months and 9-12 months, a bathing suit for her, and the best score of the day this activity center. The activity center was only $7 and all I have to do is get balls to go with it. Easy enough.

That will do for tonight as I now have to get to bed for work tomorrow. Later all!

A little of this, a little of that

2011-02-24T22:32:00.000-05:00

We took Ann with us to the battery when we had family here, Grandpa had a surprise birthday party and had Ann in her first dress for it and today's pictures. Plus a little video. Would right more but time is tight and I've got to get to bed. Later!

Another first

2011-02-17T20:53:00.000-05:00

There are so many little things going on in the house lately. Ann has taken to showing us the first signs that she will have some of Chad's mannerisms (at least this is his take on it) as she spends half of vehicle rides holding onto her seat in this way with either one or both hands:

And she's feeling better as today's photo shoot was much more playful and included shots with her looking at the camera:

But she also figured she would get a little support from her friends:

But please, everyone must remain on their respective sides:

And today we went and spent and extended period of time outside while I pruned the bushes beside the house:

And enjoyed the last of the cool weather flowers as spring is on it's way here as exhibited by the pollen count being given with the weather reports in each mornings news, buds on the tree, and quickly developing grass patches.

But really, today was our first attempt at "solid" food with formula mixed with rice cereal:

Obviously the jury is still out on this one.

Cookie Monster and Big Bird Photos

2011-02-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines!

2011-02-14T13:44:00.000-05:00

These are a little out of order but they're here:

17 weeks:

Happy Valentines Day!

Needless to say, she doesn't care for the pictures, but she'll smile just for you:

Really, it's harder getting pictures right now because she's distracted, today she's distracted by this:

Okay, one more smile:

and it just so happens that she's 4 months old today too. But Ann's also sick and easily distracted means that we are getting pictures like this:

Or refusing to look at me:

And playing with her pants

Really it's probably just her telling me that she's tired of all these pictures and I can stuff it.

Last week we started to see if we would play in our jumparoo:

We still have to warm to it, but she's doing more in it than she has before!

I leave you all with one last happy face after a successful monster wrestling match!

Just Playing

2011-02-09T11:50:00.002-05:00

I came over to her to see what all the fuss was about. Apparently she just wanted to be heard.

Another regular day, perhaps

2011-02-07T13:17:00.001-05:00

So, here are the delayed pictures from this past Thursday:

And here are Ann's two Cookie Monsters, the one for pictures, and the one she wrestles:

I set up last Thursday's pictures just sitting up and then felt that I needed to continue with her in the corner, but I see clearly now that at 14.5 lbs she doesn't fit neatly in the corner any more. That's why I've been taking both sitting up and in the corner for a few weeks now so that it wouldn't be a shock and the reference point would work.

And here I am just playing, this was taken Sunday:

And the rest were all taken today:

Going to get a better video of the second one if you have seen this already. It's coming soon!

Later!

Monster Wrestling

2011-02-01T22:40:00.000-05:00

We seem to have a new sport here in our household: Monster Wrestling.

Here's dad giving a pep talk the day before the match:

And on the morning of the match we have our game face on:

The challengers are introduced:

and immediately Ann goes straight for the eyes!

But Cookie Monster holds his own with a full body drape:

Ann doesn't appear worried by this notion though as she begins to cast Cookie Monster to the side:

Can't let him go too far though:

What a grip she has on his fur:

Cookie fights back valiantly, trying for a different pinning technique:

The referee is called in to separate the two but Ann's still ready for more:

She takes charge biting his leg:

And after a little while (and another referee time out) maneuvers him back into position:

Going straight for his eyes again:

Ahh, the look of a champion!

A second contender waits in the wings:

But giraffe wrestling really isn't as much fun:

At the end of the day, all our hard work buys us is a strange new hair do courtesy of dad:

No monsters or giraffes were harmed in the making of this post. All participants gladly volunteered for the pictures and will do so again soon.

My poor daughter is so going to hate me as a teenager when she see's these, but until then at least I'm having fun!

Time slips by

2011-01-28T21:55:00.000-05:00

And I find that I'm not posting on here, even if I have a ton I would like to post about: Christmas gifts I ended up making, commercials that are annoying me, how work is going now, etc, etc, etc. And I know, being behind as I am, that people are anxious to see this weeks pictues of Ann.

So, once again, I will do pictures and all the rest can wait for another time. Hopefully I'll get into my better schedule soon, especially since I'm working to do that some already and choose now to pump only four times a day as opposed to 7, it's already amazing how much time that feels like it has opened up for me.

Any way, on to the pictures. Ann has discovered she can look through the rails in her crib:

She's also discovered she can hold on to them too. It makes me giggle to see her little fingers sticking out when I place her in the crib during the day so that I can put on a load of laundry or take a shower. At night, at the moment she is still swaddled with her sleep sack but I'm slowly loosening that up so that when she outgrows this sack she won't be shocked going cold turkey without swaddling.

Grandma came to visit this past weekend:

and Ann is getting better at tummy time:

I am getting smiles and giggles almost every time I ask for them:

But, she does take after me with a natural pout:

And is having a lot more fun doing her weekly pictures:

"Cookie Monster is my best friend:"

"But I love Big Bird too:"

"I'll even give him a kiss:"

And she does seem to be giving kisses now, as she will open her mouth and put it up against my cheek. It's so sweet! (and probably all in my head that she's trying to "kiss" but I'll take it!)

Later all!