Annabelle, Neen and I were smelling each others hair today. Annabelle had taken a bath with Neen and helped wash her hair. Anna smelled my hair and said "it stinks!" I asked what I should do about and she said, "go to the trash can. Get in the trash can Daddy!" Hilarious! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Today as we were driving this song came on and Anna said, "I like this song -- who sings this song?" It was funny. She's in question mode 24/7. Anyway, here's her cute recommendation: "Fireflies" by Owl City.
Sample lyric (I approve of the whimsical quality here):
'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs From ten thousand lightning bugs As they tried to teach me how to dance
A foxtrot above my head A sock hop beneath my bed A disco ball is just hanging by a thread
Cute no?
In other news, happy birthday to Gavin and to my friend Ray -- a Valentine's Day baby. Also to sis-in-law, Cathy (missed by a few days -- I'm not back in the blogging groove) and other sis-in-law, Leigh Ayn (early by a few). Then there's Cari. A good friend from college whom I don't see much anymore. Still think of her on her birthday though and wish her well.
Where to start? I can't even begin -- and that's saying something for me.
Our cat, Sarah, is lost. She slipped out of the house and we can't find her. We're desperately sad and worried for her welfare.
Christmas is just closing in on us and I feel so unprepared. Because we are.
Annabelle participated in her first Christmas program earlier in the week and she was so cute. I cried my eyes out when she walked in the church and all the way through her class' rendition of "Away in a Manger," complete with hand gestures. It was the most adorable, precious thing.
Please join me in a prayer for Sarah's safe return and that, wherever she is, she is OK.
Annabelle told me today I needed a haircut. To her, a "haircut" is putting your hair up. I normally put her hair in ponytails or pigtails everyday and, you know how it goes, you throw your own hair into a chip clip or do the ponytail too. So today, I actually had my hair down and Annabelle noticed.
She said, "Your hair long."
"Yes," I said.
"You need hair cut. ... Hair band."
(Then I laughed to myself about hair bands and moved on.)
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In other news, I swear, some days, some months it feels like the entire world and everyone in it is against you. I feel that way right now. :-(
I haven't felt much like chatting lately. Not that I am ever chatting, it's just me posting. Or, sometimes, Andy. I feel somewhat glum.
But Annabelle did tell me she liked a song today, so I thought I would share her music choice of the day with you: "Forever Young" by Alphaville. Random happenstance that we heard that song today and she told me, "I like this music." So here ya go. Old school alternative or something like that. And weird video.
New pix online. If you have a Flickr account be sure to sign in. I am not sharing all of my pictures with the masses, so you will miss some if you don't. Ask me if you have issues getting a flickr account. You shouldn't. It's free and easy. But if you do, let us know.
And last night I thought Mya on "Dancing With the Stars" was awesome. Kelly Osbourne is my favorite, but she isn't the best.
There's so much to talk about, but I wanted to get this out there for family. Here are the proofs from Anna's portraits for school. If you want one of these, let me know. Obviously it would not have the watermark.
Posted a bunch of pictures of Annabelle in the Photo Albums, so take a look. Here's one of many cute ones.
In other news, Annabelle seems to not like her dance class anymore. I can't quite understand it. She loved it the first three times she went. Now it's crying and fit-throwing from the moment she even sees the building. I've watched every class and as far as I can tell, nothing negative happened. Why is she doing this? I don't know. But as of our last (of three) visits, which resulted in crying and screaming, I've decided that it's just not worth it. For whatever reason she doesn't want to go. Nevertheless, she has to be out of the house and in the world for small bits of time, so Andy and I decided to put her in a Mothers-Day-Out thing (here they call it pre-school, even though it is a mere three hours, twice a week at a church).
Anyway, the horrible dreams have already started. The day after I signed her up, I dreamed some terrible things. In my career I've read so many scary stories that it's just bubbling up in my subconscious I guess. Anyway, wish us luck. Pray for good things for Anna if you happen to be one who prays.
That's about it from here. Andy and the cat are crashed out on the couch. I think I want to crash too.
One of Annabelle's favorite phrases is still a classic: "I can't like it." Also popular, "I can't want to." But today, we were going through some clothes and I held up a shirt and Annabelle said, "I can't wear it."
"Why?" I asked.
"It's not cute."
I am not sure if she even knows what she is saying, but Andy heard her from upstairs and cracked up. We both died laughing.
She did love the one with "buttons on!" And demanded we put it on her immediately, which we did. So maybe she is already -- at the tender age of 2 1/2 -- developing her idea of what is cute and what isn't? I don't know, but it was really funny.
We were eating lunch at Saltgrass today and Annabelle was enjoying her sundae when I decided to eat a spoonful of it. As I was swallowing the tasty treat wheb Annabelle looked up at me and said "I want that back, put it back!". It was hilarious! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Annabelle played with finger paints and this is just some of the very messy results. At one point she turned to me and said, "I painted myself."
In other news, I can't sleep. I've been having horrible dreams. I need to start working out again. Seriously. I just want to forget all of the things that are happening and go back to "normal." (Whatever that means, right?) There's lots to say, but it's best unsaid I am sure. So I will just go try to sleep.
Annabelle has started asking questions. I wondered when that was going to happen -- and I am excited for the challenge. Let's see what I know! Ha ha! She was asking me "what is this?" "What is that? " All day today. It was quite exciting.
We had a busy day so far. We took a bubble bath (twice! I am a sucker for the word "please, please!" as spoken by a child). Played with ponies. Finger painted. Played with bubbles. Watched the "Jelly Fish Jam" episode of "Spongebob" just one-too-many times. And so much more! Whew! I am tired already.
Au Contraire Monsieur Voltaire, We Know Where One Angel Dwells
It is not known precisely where angels dwell - whether in the air, the void, or the planets. It has not been God's pleasure that we should be informed of their abode. - Voltaire
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Annabelle danced like a fairy princess today. Her class has two other girls in it and they get lots of personal attention. I think she really, really enjoys it. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
I've posted photos of Annabelle's first day of dance class, but most of them are available to my family and friends (on Flickr) only. If you don't have a Flickr account (it's free and easy), sign up and let me know who you are -- if you want to see the pictures. There are images of Anna's classmates and identifying information and I want to control who sees that.
To Get a Flickr Account...
Go to: http://www.flickr.com/
Click the big "Sign Up" button (upper right)
Follow the instructions.
If you already have a Yahoo! account, this will be easy, easy.
Auntie LeeLee and/or Sam & Bobbie, let me know if you have problems signing into your Flickr account. I can help you.
I just talked to Annabelle's dance teacher -- she starts pre-ballet tomorrow. Just talking about her in a class and what she'll be doing ... I walked out the door and burst into tears. I'm so happy she's healthy and wonderful and smart and growing, but the thought that she&'s ready for a class alone makes me want to cry again and again. Happy tears and sad ones.
Then I got in the car and "Funky Cold Medina" was on and I burst into some mixture of tears and laughter. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Annabelle is just so amazing. We were eating dinner last night and she was using a baby fork. She was having some difficulty negotiating the rice with her small fork and said "I need a new one". I handed her a salad fork, she held it in the air and said "this fork is easier!" I was blown away. I had never heard her say anything like it before.
Andy and I missed Annabelle the whole time we were gone. We hardly had fun for missing her and wishing she were with us. Today was the first day we really seemed to be able to relax and we found out Andy's bankcard was flagged and put on hold by the bank because he used it in Naples, Ft. Meyers, Ft. Lauderdale, and other places not in Texas. So we spent two hours at the bank hassling around and I was so frustrated in the car I finally broke down and cried. It's amazing how technology that is supposed to help you makes your life so much more difficult sometimes.
We did find a little nook that was off the beaten path, where a bunch of crusty locals were downing drinks at mid-afternoon. We sat by the water and watched the boats and water fowl going by. It was delightful.
Then we found a completely deserted beach. Not ONE other person was on this beach and it was weird. It was like we were characters from "Left Behind" -- and we were the unfortunate ones being left behind. You'd think a deserted beach would be a delightful find, but it was really unsettling to be in the middle of a place that was a bit of a walk through some brushes, out there all alone with nothing but a big osprey to watch over us. We didn't spend much time there.
Basically we tooled around the rest of the day (what tiny bit was left) and talked about Annabelle and the future. I've decided I want to become a scholar of Turgenev's work. I've been a de facto scholar of his work for a long time, but it would be awesome to finally become fluent in Russian and be able to read his work in its original language. He is the most fluid, beautiful, gorgeous writer I've ever read. I highly recommend him to everyone I know and, over the years, only my Dad has ever indulged me and read one of his works: "Fathers and Sons."
Anyway, I have to go to sleep now. Buenos noches mein froinds, as the old Rush lyrics go.
Words can't describe how much I miss Annabelle. I Was looking forward to time away, but I wish I was away with her.
Now for a little joke only my side of the family (and Kelly's husband's dad) will get -- I'm sorry -- but an older woman sitting behind me just said, "My daw-tah the dawk-tah"! I'd be happy to explain this to any interested parties in person. Oh LOLOLOLOLOLOL!
Annabelle is so funny. I've been singing Spinal Tap's "Listen to the Flower People" -- a parody of a 1960s flower power song -- a lot lately. Annabelle has started to enjoy this and sometimes sings along. It is so cute. Today as I was singing it she said, "I like that song, Mommy likes it too."
I was making lunch for Andy and Annabelle -- and Annabelle wanted something RIGHT NOW! So we gave her a pickle slice (she loves them) and Andy said, "here's your appetizer."
Annabelle started snacking on it, took a few bites and exclaimed, "Broken! I broke my appetizer! My appetizer is broken."
It was HILARIOUS.
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Kelly, Andy and I played Gauntlet for way too long tonight. Once Andy fell asleep the battle raged on with Kelly as the Sorceress and me as the Archer. For the record, I want to say: Nobody can bring out the 13-year-old in you like your sibling. She was calling me out, telling me I wasn't fair and I thought I was playing very fair. After a while, it was just a free-for-all, despite the fact that Gauntlet is a quest embarked upon by Us (human players) against Them (computer-generated bad guys). No mercy! Ha ha! :-)
Annabelle, my little darling baby. Makes me happy to be alive.
She made a "masterpiece" today -- Auntie Leelee had requested one of Anna's special pictures, so we got out the paint and made one. It is drying now. It's on a mini canvas and is very frameable. :-) So this could be one of the earliest works of a future great artist, Miss Belle. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Annabelle said the girls at the gym kids club wouldn't let her play. I'm sad.
When I went to get her after my measly 25 minutes on the elliptical, the people working there said, "She's ready to go."
When I asked her, "Anna, did you have fun?" (She's always enjoyed going there before.)
She said, "No."
"Why not?" I asked.
"Bad girls won't let me play."
I was soooo sad, I don't even want to take her anymore. Annabelle is such a sweet, gentle, loving little soul and the thought that she is hurt, hurts me beyond words. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
So the mad rant is over. At the time I wrote the yesterday's entry I was livid. So was Andy. But I've come down from the edge to realize that if Pensacola Poster wants to believe that I am, "sick" for taking an interest in my child's toys; or that I "need help"**, for worrying she'll be kidnapped at a public park, SO BE IT. Go ahead and leave all the rude remarks you want and feel free to do it anonymously -- we'll restore that function just for you, because you seem to need the outlet. Making other people feel bad must make you feel good. We don't want to deprive you of that.
Instead, we choose forgiveness and not holding a grudge.
'Tis all.
** Another gem from another time from the same poster on the same computer, but different state. **
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Annabelle's phrase of yesterday was "I can't want to" -- a variation on the classic, "I can't like it." She's so very funny.
I am taking her to the gym with me when she wakes up, where, I will, worry the entire time she's at the kid's program.
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Anonymous commenting is back after its very brief hiatus (it missed you). I know several people with helpful, insightful, funny things to say use that function, so feel free to keep using it. Hi Mrs. R! Auntie Kell! Miss Shannnon! Kerber! Etc. <3 you all!
You take the spazzy-frizzy-haired My Little Pony and know you must find a way to make her hair shiny and new again. So...
You search the Internet for tips on refurbishing the colorful plastic hair of the pony.
Jot down instructions for said refurbishment.
Proceed to follow instructions to the letter, including worrying that you might not be doing it right and asking your spouse whether he thinks the conditioner should be left on all night? Hair wrapped in plastic for better effect? Does he think conditioner will actually work on plastic hair? &etc.
Once crucial decisions have been made you...
Wash pony with anti-bacterial soap.
Lather pony's hair with your own human shampoo, then rinse.
Take your expensive salon conditioner and slather it on pony hair.
Comb through.
Arrange pony hair in elaborate formation on top of its head.
Cover in plastic, then a towel (in case daughter spies pony in mid-refurbishment and demands it on the spot).
Leave pony to condition for 24 hours.
Return a day later to rinse hair, then comb through, admiring to self the silky feel of the little plastic pony's mane and tail; thinking how delighted daughter will be; anticipating giving it to her.
Fire up your own $150 ceramic flat iron.
Lovingly iron pony's wet hair to silky sheen, whilst again imagining the joy it will bring to your daughter.
Look down and realize you are flat-ironing orange-and-yellow plastic pony hair.
Have a good laugh, while continuing to iron hair with great zeal and precision.
Stop occasionally to brush pony's mane and tail, and admire your work.
Continue ironing until pony hair is dry and silky.
Take newly beautified pony and brush it's gorgeous, shining mane and tail with the pride of a celebrity hairdresser.
Give pony to daughter who squeals with delight and tells you the pony "smells good."
Entire process worthwhile.
Want to see one of the refurbished ponies? Here's Flutterbutter. I finished her this morning and I think she turned out well. She was a total hit with Annabelle, too.
Take a look and don't forget you can leave a comment and tell me how fabulous she looks -- or how crazy I am (but you'd do it for your kid, trust me).
We went and looked at Mother's Day Out, er, pre-school programs for "Two's" (as they like to call it). They are half-day (four-hour), twice-a-week programs. We saw several really good options. Of course, the one we liked the most has a ridiculously long waiting list.
I am not sure what we are going to do yet. It was very interesting to see the differences in programs. Though, to say the prospect of allowing her to go to one of these programs causes great consternation would be an understatement. I am still not sure I can let her go. If she's ready to go? Is it right for her to go? Etc.
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In other news, I've meant to blog about this, but kept forgetting. When Mimi arrived on Wednesday, Annabelle saw her and said, "Hi Mimi ... Boys????" She wanted to know if Mimi had brought C- and J- (her cousins who'd recently visited). I felt bad for her and it was also adorable, which brings me back to the top of the page and the reason I am looking for a little program for her -- so she can make some friends.
We just left the Dog Show and had Icees. We played a scratch off game at Burger King. Annabelle chose wisely and won! Yeah! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Annabelle went to her first Major League Baseball game today. It was a whirlwind of purple cotton candy, popcorn, free hot dogs (it was free 'dog day for kids today), a little bit of baseball, the 7th inning stretch to "Deep in the Heart of Texas" (!), and, of course, humidity and heat. (The latter has been merciless this summer.) We were there for three or four innings only, as she got restless and tired and needed her nap. Overall, it was fun.
I've decided we need to be the People Who Do Things. I struggle with depression, but I think it's better to struggle with it while being out doing something. I always hesitate to mention depression here because people inevitably ask, "Why are you depressed?"
Anyone who has ever experienced real depression knows it doesn't work that way. It's not some outside issue -- like I hate my job or whatever. It's very similar to humidity, it just surrounds you and suffocates you. You don't want to feel that way, but you do.
The hardest thing about depression is that even when you want to be the Person Who Does Things, depression is conspiring against you. It wants you not to do things. That's the hardest part for me. But anyway ...
I often think everyone is given some issue or issues that they have to battle throughout their lives. I think this is one of mine, unfortunately. BUT, that's not the point of this post -- or it wasn't intended to be.
Baseball! We had fun. It's a long way to drive for just a few innings, but it was good to be out and doing things.
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Anna spent some time with her cousins -- J- and C- -- this weekend. She really has fun with other kids. I think it is time for me to look into a program like Mother's Day Out (how antiquated is that title anyway?). She needs to be around other kids and I need to meet other moms (or, let's say, parents).
OK. That's about it.
Oh yes, Annabelle's two favorite songs of the week: "Caribbean Amphibian" by Jimmy Buffet and Kermit the Frog; and, as reported last week, "Flawless" by George Michael (!).
She really likes the chill songs -- artists like the Beach Boys (see Sloop John B.) and, yes, Jimmy Buffet. She also loves dance music! It's pretty amazing to see her personal tastes in music emerging. As an aside, I love this song, "Fire Burning on the Dancefloor." It makes me (kind of) miss the dance club days! ;-)
Today Annabelle told me "I want ..." For the longest time everything was "I need ..."
E.g. "I need something." (pronounced "sumptin'")
Now it's "want." I am amazed at how fast she is learning and growing up.
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Lots of thoughts on MJ. But it's mostly about his kids. I feel sad, not because he is dead -- the MJ I loved when I was a kid ceased to exist a long time ago. It's more about the cult of celebrity and sycophants and evil doctors and cruel journalists and opportunists. I'll just leave it at that.
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The Kaat came out to play today. She also found out that the "skirt" she'd tried on last week was actually a ... wait for it ... sleeveless top! Miss Gigi and I laughed like crazy when I told her how I thought it was such a cute skirt, but it was too short!
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Just wanted to say "hi" to Mrs. R. Thanks for your comments. :-)
Annabelle said the funniest thing to Nana this morning. When she woke up, she wanted a drink and Nana was fixing it as fast as she could, and she said, "What's the problem, Nana?"
She does say some funny things.
We love her so much.
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I sometimes feel like I am always the listener. The one people tell everything to, yet I feel they don't know me -- or want to?
Anyway...
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I went to a bookstore the other day and it had a rack of gift cards for the store. One of them looked like on of those name tags. You know the ones: "Hello, my name is..." This one looked like a name tag, but it said, "Hello, call me ..." And in handwritten script it said, "Ishmael." I just about died laughing. Very clever. I took a picture...
That's about it. And, oh yes, it rained yesterday, breaking a month-long drought. Praise the Lord!
Annabelle is chewing gum -- first time. I tried to slip Andy a piece and she saw it and demanded a piece. Eclipse Winterfrost is the brand. I can't say she loved it. A bit of a chew then gave it back to us to throw away. But another step into big-girl-dom! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
I am going to tell you something exciting then show you something exciting. I am trying to think of a delicate way to put this. Annabelle used the ladies room like big girl today. *cheers and applause for her* We were very excited. Now I know she's just a step away from cars and boys.
And, I give you, Annabelle's favorite music video.
I have a humorous story to share. It involves our precious, amazing Annabelle, of course. Last Thursday after we our workout at the gym, we stopped by Subway to get dinner. Geneen and Annabelle stayed in the car, while I went inside. I ordered Geneen's usual -- turkey on white, which includes a bag of Cheetos. On our way back to the house, Geneen opened the bag of Cheetos and gave some to Annabelle, who seemed to enjoy them.
The next night I took Annabelle with me to pick up dinner, again from Subway. We went inside to stand in line and were waiting by the chip rack. On the top row were the Cheetos. Annabelle saw this, pointed at the Cheetos and said, "mommy likes them!" It was priceless!
She did it again today when we were at Target. We were proceeding to the toy section and passed by cosmetics when Annabelle saw a large display of lip glosses. She again pointed and said, "mommy likes them." This time she followed it with "Annabelle likes them too!"
I know I am biased, but our little Anna is as sharp as a tack. We love our little girl so much!
It's a great story and it ends with, "Mommy likes them!"
Andy will have to write about it tomorrow.
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We went to the gym Thursday -- all three of us. Annabelle stayed for 30 minutes in the kids club while we worked out. Huge step for us. Annabelle has never, ever stayed with anyone not blood related to her. She really didn't even know we were gone I don't think. She seemed to enjoy being with the other kids.
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On another note, it was really hard watching Marian Hossa lose the Stanley Cup for a second time in a row -- and after he chose to go to the other team and ended up losing to the one he'd just left. Ouch.
But in happier news, the last game of the Stanley Cup Final means we are *this much* closer to seeing the Thrashers again. Yay!
On Fridays Annabelle and I have kind of a free day. No set plans or activities. Today she's watching a little bit of "The Aristocrats." When Edgar was chasing Thomas O'Malley, Annabelle yelled out, "uh oh!" It was really funny and cute and all those thing she is. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
I have a lot to write about, but here's one to start off...
It's so awesome when you get to spend time with a friend just talking and laughing and knowing that person likes you anyway. I say some of the dumbest things EVER, but your real friends don't care. Friends like that are pretty rare.
Two humorous stories.
First, I've been listening to Russian CDs and tapes in my car on the way to class every week. Annabelle is in the car with me for an hour -- there and back. She's usually back there reading a book or looking out the window or playing with her lizards (you get the picture). Every once in a while she busts out a Russian word that I know I know I should know, but I don't! She just yells out "KNIGA!" (book) or "MOLODETS!" (well done!). It's hilarious. But it's even more hilarious when there are witnesses. For example, today Gigi and Gavin were visiting and Gavin had picked up Annabelle's piggy bank.
Gigi said, "Annabelle can Gavin play with your piggy bank?"
Annabelle -- with great enthusiasm -- yelled, "NYET!!!" It was so hilarious.
I am a huge REM listener. I think they're one of the greatest bands of all time. But anyway ... Andy and I had an REM CD in the car and we were listening to it on the way home from dinner with Gigi, Carlo and Gavin last week. The song "Imitation of Life" was on and Andy and I were singing and being silly and, suddenly, from the backseat, we hear this little voice doing the "come on! Come on!" chorus and the up and down vocal sliding of the word "cry" that the song has throughout. It was amazing and beautiful and awesome to hear her singing for one of the first times ever.
Annabelle is just amazing. The things she says are a constant source of entertainment and amazement. Geneen, Annabelle and I were on our bed tonight playing when we started talking about playing outside in our cul-de-sac. I said "Annabelle, we have to watch out for cars, don't we?" She quickly replied, "...and boys too." It was so funny! We love her so very much. These are the precious moments we never forget. (Especially since we write them down!)
Re: The NBA I love Inside the NBA on TNT. Charles, Ernie and Kenny. The Rockets sent the Trailblazers fishin '! Yeah!
Re: Photography I'd been looking for this rather excellent article for a while. Boy do I know some of the let's-talk-about-our-equipment-rather-than-use-it types! Seven Levels of Photographers
Re: This website I am going to be making some changes in the near future. I want to change blogging software, so the look of this site will probably change. Though I want to avoid it looking too bloggish. We'll see. Blogger is great, but it doesn't have some of the features I am looking for right now. So anyway, be on the lookout, ye three people who actually read this blog. Oh, and Anonymous, who loves to make nasty comments -- you too.
Re: Annabelle We spent hours in the pool today. She's a little water baby. So funny and adorable and unique and precious.
We were sitting having breakfast. Annabelle had a toy horse in here hand whom we were feeding cereal. She'd kind of forgotten the horse as she ate. I'd made some stacks of O-shaped cereal pieces and asked Annabelle if the horse wanted some from the tall stack. And she startedsaying "where horsey? Where horsey?"
I finally said, "he's in your hand!"
And she started to laugh like crazy. She'd forgotten that she was holding him while she ate.
I guess stuff like that happens at all ages. Someday she'll be walking around with the best of us -- her sunglasses on her head -- asking, where are my sunglasses?!" Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
New cases and deaths finally seemed to be leveling off in Mexico, where 160 people have been killed after an aggressive public health campaign.
-- From MSNBC's story "WHO notches up swine flu pandemic alert" (I know, I know, what am I doing on MSNBC anyway?)
Is it just me or is that some bad writing? Where's a little ol' comma when you need one? So 160 people were killed (!) after an aggressive public health campaign?!? That IS aggressive isn't it? Wow! And, in addition to our friend the comma, I think I'd have used "have died" as opposed to "have been killed." Then again, I would not have written the sentence that way at all. But maybe I am just splitting hairs. Or not.
Anyway, today Annabelle woke up saying "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!"
I went to her door and knocked and said, "May I come in?"
"YEAH!" she yelled.
When I walked in she was jumping up and down and was just so very cute. Lil' Miss Adora-belle.
I am kind of irked right now. You go out of your way to help someone else and when you ask them for help it's like: What? Where? Me? And I don't ask for help that often. Consider this a face of great rage: >:-(
Anyway, in other news, Annabelle was hilarious today. When I went in to pick her up from her nap, the cat came in too. Sarah jumped up into Annabelle's crib to Anna's great delight. She was so excited to have Sarah in the crib with her. This is a big no-no for me, but just this once, I let her in there briefly. The best part is this: Our nickname for Sarah is "Reeny." And Annabelle has picked up on this. Unfortunately, she has a stuffed animal whose name is "Greeny." Now she thinks Sarah's name is also "Greeny." It's hilarious.
So when Sarah jumped out of the crib (much to the Anna's dismay), she kept trying to call her back yelling, "Greeny! Greeny!" It was hilarious.
This might, however, be one of those cases of "you had to be there" to find it as funny as I did.
Anyway, yay Annabelle! And grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr other people.
Maybe I'm the jerk, but it bugs me when people say, "our goalie was amazing, now if we'd just score a bit more." YOU aren't playing, so there's no "our" there.
I know, I know, I am a cantankerous jerk sometimes.
On the lighter side, it's been raining nonstop for two days, so we've had to come up with alternative entertainment. Forts, improvised nests. Yes, improvised nests. Annabelle likes to pretend she's a bird and the pillows are her nest. In this world of make believe she sits on eggs, feeds Mommy and Daddy -- and herself worms, and flies in and lands in the nest. It's very cute. Especially the enthusiastic delivery of words like: "NEST!" "WORMS!" "FLY!" There is no substitute for the sheer excitement and squeals this kind of play elicits!
Annabelle loves "Dancing With the Stars.". When she found out we didn't have it recorded she threw a huge hissy fit, complete with crying and jumping up and down. She kept demanding, "Mommy dance!" "Daddy dance!" And pointing toward the open space in the room. So cute. Maybe a baby Julianne Hough? Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Annabelle LOVES The Beach Boys. We are in the car every Tuesday for an hour so I am always looking to find music she likes. (She gets tired of the learn Russian CDs after about 10 minutes!) And today I'd put my iPod on a Beach Boys album that I really like. I looked in the rearview mirror and she was back there with her hands over her head clapping and kicking her feet. It was the cutest thing ever.
In case you're wondering, the song was "Do You Wanna Dance?" It's one of those silly nothing songs, but it's a good one. She also seems to really like "Surfin' USA."
We went to the park today and met an older little girl and her grandfather. I wish I could relax and not be convinced that everyone -- including grandfathers and their little granddaughters -- is going to kidnap my precious. I can't relax. Ever. Even -- maybe even especially -- around friendly kids and adults; because if they are nice they are surely up to no good! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
While I am thinking about it, a few of Annabelle's pronunciations. She is able to speak in brief sentences that, sometimes, only I understand. You spend that much time with someone you decode their secret language. Must remember that for the resume: Extraordinarily proficient in breaking secret codes.
* Ah'-nuh (her name) * Oh-peen' (open) * Bro-keen' (broken) * Bahn-keet' (blanket) * Mao (a cat) * Peeeenk, very long "e" sound (Pink) * Oy'-nt (what a pig says) * Oh'-p (up) * Dah'-n (down)
Looking at the list, she kind of speaks with a British accent. ;-) I just wanted to scribble down some of her cute pronunciations. Someday I'll put all of this information in a baby book.
Russian is really hard. When I am studying I find myself asking: "Why? Why are you doing this?" Not only is the stuff hard, but getting babysitting and getting down for class and finding time for homework -- it's all tough.
That being said, being on a college campus makes me long to go back and finish my MA. It's fun to be back in class. And, hokey as it sounds, it's fun to learn. I love Russian, so all the hassle of getting there and back with a toddler and cramming in bits of study here and there is worth it. But once a week for a language like Russian seems almost unrealistic. I need to be in a class everyday to keep the momentum going, but once a week is not only all they offer, it's all that is realistic right now.
I am trying to reconnect with old friends. It's like for the past two years Andy and I have been in a battle just to stay alive and we're finally coming out of the really hard part. We've been in [town] for a year now and we've both realized we really have no friends and few prospects. I'm trying to reach out to old friends hoping that, though time has passed, it won't matter. I've come to realize not everyone feels that way. I am really such a naive little girl sometimes.
Andy and I both miss ATL desperately. It has been suggested that it's a golden memory that we miss, not reality. And, I am sure there is some truth in that. But I really miss the friends I had there. I miss Andy's friends that he had at work. I miss cold weather. I miss going to Thrashers' practices. I miss living in a smaller "big city." I miss the beauty of the rolling hills and greenery and kudzu. Our favorite restaurants. The shopping. The church. The general vibe of the city. It's very different here. It's not the town we grew up in anymore. Atlanta, really, is the town we grew up in. If that makes sense. Anyway...
Annabelle is very funny. Her speech is starting to take off. She learns scores of new words everyday -- and remembers them. It really is fascinating to see the light click on in her head when she learns something new. I doubt I look that cute when I learn that a preposition in front of a noun in Russian changes the ending of the word. No, nyet. I am sure I don't. But Annabelle learning? That is something special to see. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Do you ever realize after the fact that you've been insulted? Well, that's not totally accurate. At the time I felt offended, but kind of played it off, but now, thinking about it, I'm pretty irked. And, the more the think about it, the more of an insult it is. It's not worth a confrontation, because I am sure it wasn't meant to be as insulting as it totally was. But still.
Hey, I am not one of those gotta-keep-up-with-my-neighbor people. I loathe the pretensions of so many in our society today. When did just being a good person cease to be enough?
[** this portion deleted for your protection **]
I swear, I am just about to go on a very ill-advised rant. So, therefore, I will leave it at that.
In other, more happy news, Annabelle loves going through her clothes. She puts on skirts and hats and shorts (all over her existing outfits). But it's hilarious to see her get so excited about a bag of clothing. "Shoes!" She'll exclaim. Or "Cute!" she says frequently. She should know, she is the Cute Queen.
I've been reading a book on organization &etc. and here are a few tips I really like.
* Figure out what your goal is for a room. If an item doesn't serve that goal, get rid of it.
* If you don't love it, use it, wear it, cherish it, or have room for it, get rid of it. It's clutter.
And here is the big one:
* Just because someone gave you something doesn't mean you have to keep it.
*****
In other news, my entire family just got over a hideous, awful plague-like thing. We were all so sick. Annabelle really is still recovering. Poor little Bitsy with dry heaves. No baby should have to endure that. ... Or parent for that matter.
Do you ever feel like people think you're an idiot? People seem to think that I am a moron and it's driving me crazy! As Rocky's old pal Bullwinkle once said, "I may be stupid, but I'm no moron!"
*
Annabelle has been very busy today. She's been putting shapes into their corresponding holes. She's talking to herself like crazy. Someday soon, she's just going to bust out and talk to me in sentences. She already communicates well with me, but I am just waiting for the sentences! Not that I am rushing her babyhood. That time is rapidly waning and I already miss it!
Annabelle went Trick-or-Treating for the first time on Friday. She caught on really quickly and seemed excited to go. We only went to a few homes -- neighbors of my parents and Andy's. Anna went up to one house in my parents' neighborhood and was quite terrified by a ghostly display. She ran to me crying. I felt so sad.
Overall, though, it was a lot of fun. Here are a few pictures. Don't forget our complete photo albums!
September both flew by and seemed like it was never going to end. I have a whole new respect for what my parents went through when Hurricane Alicia hit Houston in 1983. Back then it was "Oooh! Look all the golf carts are in the bottom of an empty pool!" and "how did that get there?" and "let's play with our Star Wars figures in this big pile of dirt!"
Now that I am grown up (that's what people keep saying anyway), it is no fun at all. Fences to rebuild, trees to chop, our sprinkler system was ruined -- so was the ice maker on our refrigerator. We lost all of our beautiful landscaping and flowers and bushes and four trees. We have a leaky roof. Our power was out for more than two weeks. Yet, we definitely ARE the lucky ones.
I did a heavy-duty closet clean out on Wednesday, being absolutely brutal. I eventually got two boxes worth of stuff together to donate to Hurricane Ike victims. (Andy did the same.)
I am somewhat miffed that Galveston and parts of Houston are suffering so much, yet they (we) are all forgotten. God, when Katrina devastated New Orleans it was wall-to-wall Katrina for a month and a half. And I know how much attention the media gave the story -- I worked day after day on it. For Ike it was hey! look! And move along. It pisses me off.
In other news, we moved back into our house Sunday. It was so great to be home. We still have so much work to do, but it is nice to be back in my own house. With control of my own thermostat! Oh baby, is it ever! :-)
Annaebelle is going to Gymboree twice a week and swim lessons. It's my goal to get her out and interested in new things. Meet kids her own age. I am fun and all, but I am sure she appreciates playing with other toddlers.
Here are a few pictures from September. We've got Annabelle in there among many Hurricane Ike pictures. And don't forget our family photo albums and don't forget to comment! We want to hear from you!
Well, it's been a long-quick week if that makes sense. Looking back it seems like forever ago that it was Monday, yet it feels like it was just yesterday. I accomplished quite a bit this week. Annabelle really liked Gymboree. She was very good at most of the activities that the kids were supposed to do, but she seemed kind of overwhelmed by the other children. You see, Annabelle has really only been with me, her Daddy and her grandparents her entire life. She doesn't know any other kids except Gigi and Carlo's little Gavin -- and he is a bitty baby. So seeing a bunch of kids her age was rather overwhelming for her, I think.
She ran around and squealed and really enjoyed the whole experience. It actually made me want to cry. Seeing what an amazing person she is becoming. And how she problem solves. And how she is so determined to do it all by herself.
From a battling-depression point of view, I am glad I got out and just did it. I tried really hard not to let myself go through those negative thought patterns that always want to come up when I am with strangers. (e.g. "Are they looking at me?" "Do they think I am stupid? Ugly? Fat? Whatever?") I just thought to myself: "You are Annabelle's mom and she loves you." That made a huge difference.
All of that probably sounds really lame, but so be it. I can't control what you think of me. I used to think I could. I am slowly (oh-so-very-slowly) coming to the realization that I can only control what I think of me. Whether I want you to or not, you will make a judgement of me. And nothing I can do is going to stop you. So why worry about it. Right?
Anyway, that's it from here. Big weekend. Gavin gets baptized! Yay!
Sometimes being a stay-at-home mom is really mentally taxing. Sometimes the hours seem to crawl by. Other times they fly by with alarming quickness. This has been one of those weeks. Annabelle has done something new everyday this week. Maybe two or three new things.
Her comprehension of the spoken language is remarkable. Though she hasn't spoken all that many words, she understands many words and phrases. She can point to a cat, a dog, a duck, and, yes, a toucan (!). She can understand simple commands. She knows who mommy and daddy and nana and mimi and poppy and papaw are. She knows who Miss Gigi is. She even knows who kitty Sarah is.
She loves to point. She loves to read. She loves to dance. She is an amazing little girl.
Annabelle has recently learned how to pucker her lips as if in a kiss. Before she goes to be she will make the little lip smacking noise after I kiss her. It melts my icy heart. I love her to little tiny pieces.
Annabelle and I were playing downstairs this morning. I was multitasking, you know making lunch, putting the dishes away and playing with AEB. Anyway, I was making some noodles on the stove when Annabelle stood up in the middle of the living room and toddled all the way over to me and gave me a big hug around my leg. I couldn't believe it.
She is also learning to use a spoon and a fork. It is a messy business.
My ex-best friend forever, Marian Hossa, had the game winning/series clenching OT goal today for the Penguins (versus the New York Rangers). I miss him! He's been a monster this playoff season. All true Thrasher fans die just a little bit every time he scores a goal for another team.
It has been too long since my last post. So much has happened in our life, especially when it comes to Annabelle. She is walking now! Each day she gains more confidence and takes a few more steps. Each day she shows a new wrinkle in her personality. She is amazing, wonderful and precious.
Geneen is amazing as well. She is such a wonderful mother to Annabelle. Annabelle loves her so much, as do I.
Annabelle has learned lots of new words. She knows what many, many words mean, but she doesn't yet speak them. Balloons. Cat. Mommy and Daddy (which she does say). Nana. Mimi. Charles (!). Hand. Popsicle. Pool. Just to name a few.
I have also added to our family's personal lexicon.
There is the ever popular: Grumpasaurus (aka Grumpasaur). The fearsome Grumpasaurus Rex. The soon-to-be-outdated Trendasaurus. The oft-used (and fun to say) Fussasaurus. And, who could forget the Tryantasaurus (as in, "my boss is a tyrant-a-saurus"). See what great things I am doing for the English language?
I've noticed lately that Annabelle is becoming a bit camera shy. I am not sure why that is. Maybe it's a natural thing. Now that she's getting older and recognizes things she gets scared more easily. Whatever the reason, her smile, while ever present, is increasingly difficult to capture on film.
A big Happy Birthday to the most precious baby in the world: Our daughter, Annabelle Elizabeth. She turns one today. I've spent the past hour or so reflecting on the year gone by and the many changes it has brought.
It's hard when your life changes overnight. You check into the hospital one person, you check out another. Forever changed in society's eyes, for you are now this person called "mother."
But I know I can speak for Andy when I say we wouldn't have it any other way. So to Annabelle...
It's impossible to describe the love we feel for you. You bring laughter and smiles. You bring light and joy. Your face is that of an angel. And to see you is to be assured that, yes, there is a God because nothing so precious -- so perfect -- could be anything but divine.
Annabelle, day one, hour one.
Annabelle, almost a year old (and she's already perfected her BlackBerry technique!).
Baby Winter, or "Gavin Charles" as he is now known, came into the world on February 12. Gigi and Carlo are thrilled and have since taken their newborn bundle of joy home from the hospital. Congrats to our good friends! Much love.
Time continues to fly by. Annabelle is fast approaching her first birthday. We are amazed at how everyday brings changes and new accomplishments. She has two teeth. She can eat many different non-baby foods. She is standing and on the cusp of walking. She babbles and smiles and claps. She's just the most amazing thing ever.
Today I was doing a little cleaning while Annabelle played nearby. We were watching the news when all of a sudden I heard the TiVo's trademark beep. Annabelle was changing the channel. So what number did she push? That's right: 36. She wanted her CNBC Power Lunch. She apparently also wanted to watch it later because she pressed the "Record" button too. And gave it two thumbs up. She's my daughter, but we have very different tastes in programming.
Want to see one of the refurbished ponies? Here's 
Annabelle went to her first Major League Baseball game today. It was a whirlwind of purple cotton candy, popcorn, free hot dogs (it was free 'dog day for kids today), a little bit of baseball, the 7th inning stretch to "Deep in the Heart of Texas" (!), and, of course, humidity and heat. (The latter has been merciless this summer.) We were there for three or four innings only, as she got restless and tired and needed her nap. Overall, it was fun.
