From Mary Ann: Happy Fourth Day of July Everyone (2 days belatedly)
Mary Ann is currently lying on my bed looking over my shoulder as I sit on the floor. For the past three months or so she has been asking me to do another blog post that she can add to. I keep putting her off, because my creative juices have stopped flowing. Maybe they are pooled in my swollen ankles, but wherever they are, they certainly are not flowing.
It's summer here in Lee's Summit with quite a vengeance. The high temperatures have been 100+ for at least two weeks straight and no rain for a long, long time. This has resulted in an unfortunately rather sedentary summer for us all. Broken only by trips to the pool, which are actually a lot of fun.
From Mary Ann: Are you all having a good summer in your respective places? I am, even though my mom isn't doing enough to keep me entertained. I get to watch a lot of T.V. and I've been doing a pretty good job of doing my chores and being helpful when I'm asked to be helpful : ). Right now I'm hoping that we make it to a showing of Puss in Boots at 12:30. Of course, my mom will say we'll do something and then it will turn out that we don't do it, because she is tired or whatever. She is ALWAYS tired. Oh, we also saw Brave on the Fourth Day of July (Note from Mary Ann's Mom: I've told Mary Ann that people say "The Fourth of July" not the "Fourth Day of July" but she likes to buck trends). Brave was cool, I liked it. (Spoiler Alert: The mom turns into a bear, which I can totally relate to).
From Katie: So while Mary Ann is here directing the blog post, I am giving voice to what I suspect she actually thinks, but is too polite to say. Despite the renegade hair cutting incident of the my oldest repeat offender, over all Mary Ann has been very patient with what even I would term a boring summer for my kids. My only hope is that this ennui and lack of energy and brainpower I feel will come to an end once our little bundle of joy is born. I know that then I'll be dealing with nursing and newborn issues (not to much night awakenings) but honestly this pregnancy has me whipped and I can only think it has to get better from here.
Mary Ann is now bored with doing this blog post and wishes you all farewell. I (Katie) need to clean my room. The goal for the day is at least deal with the clothes that have been sitting on my ironing board for nearly 3 month. And to tidy the top of my dresser. The bathroom could also be dealt with and let's not even mention the pile of laundry that Robert likes to remind me is still there. Okay, Mary Ann has now informed me that not only is she bored, she is SO bored. Time to go and fight the good fight with my iron, duster and laundry basket. (On a side note, Peter and Rose are playing together nicely and apparently not bored)
Cheers!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Those 3 little words
Happy 4th of July!!
We didn't get a present for the USA...but we did put the flag out. Good enough?
Lakewood (our subdivision) had a little kids parade today. Basically the kids can ride their bikes around a bit. We missed it last year, so Katie and the kids have been getting excited about it.
1. Katie got up early (nothing new there) and started decorating the bikes.
2. Then Mary Ann storms in and upstairs. Katie then comes in to tell me that Mary Ann cut her hair again. Just a little trim of her bangs, you can't really even notice. But, this is the 3rd time and so we had to punish her. So, no parade for her. But we did relent so she could watch.
3. On the way there, Rose announces that she forgot any shoes. So back we go!
4. On the second time there, we find that the bridge we usually take just closed as they shoot off the fireworks from there. So...had Rose had shoes we would have made it.
5. We get there and I drop Katie and Rose off to go register. I get Peter out into his nice stroller and Mary Ann is watching him. Then I get balloons out to attach them and the wind blows them away. They pop on the grass. Shoot.
6. Then came those 3 little words from Mary Ann. "Peter threw up." All over himself. Pool of vomit in the stroller. Some on the sidewalk, so I'm sure all the runners are really happy. We got the chunks off for the most part, stripped him to his diaper on the sidewalk and I took him home.
7. After cleaning him off we went back to pick up Katie and the girls. When we got home, Peter said he felt like sitting on the potty. Immediately after sitting, he said he didn't feel good and put his hands up to his mouth. I did the quick flip with him and he threw up again in the little potty.
8. We were all planning on going to see Brave, but now I'm stuck at home with him. He watched TV for a while, now he's in bed hopefully to sleep it off.
9. Finally, we had to cancel our party for tonight. Katie's college friends and their families were going to come over for a BBQ, but since they have infants they elected to not expose them to Peter. Oh well...happy 4th of July!!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Grandpa
Tom Reddig was always one to let me know that blogs hadn't been updated or pictures posted. Even if it had been months (years) since a last post, he remained optimistic that surely one of these days I would write something about his family.
Tom passed away on Sunday, April 15th. His death was unexpected and has left an unanticipated and unwanted hole in our lives.
In retrospect, it does seem clear to me that his death does not have any "what-if" connected to it. His health had been problematic for the last several years, and the fact that all of us assumed that it would still allow him to be around us all for the next several years only indicates to me how much we take for granted the precious time we do have with our loved ones.
Tom spent his final night in his home enjoying time with Nancy and his grandchildren. Robert and I saw him before he went to the emergency room for what we thought was a "routine" trip to help his lungs out.
In this I can see God's hand at work to give us all a measure of peace and comfort in the fact that Robert and I and the children were able to see him that last time.
Thank you, Tom, for the love you gave your family. May you rest in eternal peace. We miss you.
Tom passed away on Sunday, April 15th. His death was unexpected and has left an unanticipated and unwanted hole in our lives.
In retrospect, it does seem clear to me that his death does not have any "what-if" connected to it. His health had been problematic for the last several years, and the fact that all of us assumed that it would still allow him to be around us all for the next several years only indicates to me how much we take for granted the precious time we do have with our loved ones.
Tom spent his final night in his home enjoying time with Nancy and his grandchildren. Robert and I saw him before he went to the emergency room for what we thought was a "routine" trip to help his lungs out.
In this I can see God's hand at work to give us all a measure of peace and comfort in the fact that Robert and I and the children were able to see him that last time.
Thank you, Tom, for the love you gave your family. May you rest in eternal peace. We miss you.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Holy Week
Despite me being on call during Holy Week, we actually were able to take the kids to all 3 days of Mass/service. Katie and the kids even went to all 4! Holy Thursday was fun for the kids because I got to wash their feet. It's hard liking the non-liturgically correct way more than the correct way.
On Good Friday we all made it through the veneration. The kids either kissed the cross or just touched it. I wish they had pictures at those kinds of things, like they do at amusement parks when you come down the big hill. It would be awesome to have pics of things like this. And a fundraiser for the church! How could they pass up this??
Holy Saturday saw us take the kids to 8pm Mass. We probably shouldn't have told them they could leave early. After every break in the action, they (mainly Mary Ann) reminded us that we told them they could probably leave early. They did love seeing the baptisms though. Our priest used a whole pitcher of water for each person. They got pretty wet! Since they stayed for that, there wasn't really that much left but the kids were about gone, so Katie and the kids left while I fulfilled my obligation. Since I was on call I couldn't go Sunday morning. Katie said she didn't get much outward grace from going on Sunday; the kids weren't their usual good selves...
This week is Mary Ann's spring/Easter break. Different ice cream place every day. Monday we went to Shawnee. We were going to go to Wonderscope (I took the day off too) but they are closed on Mondays...really?!? Anyway, we had lunch and ice cream with Fr Scott. I guess priests get pretty worn out after Holy Week?? Tuesday the kids and Katie went to Wonderscope. Pretty fun, but not really better than Paradise Park. Since Paradise Park is so closer, and we joined as members, I don't think we'll head back to Wonderscope anytime soon...
Today, Wednesday, I think they are having a lazy day at home. It is Wednesday, so pizza for dinner. Friday we're planning on heading to Science City and then my parents are taking the kids for the weekend. Any ideas on what to do?
On Good Friday we all made it through the veneration. The kids either kissed the cross or just touched it. I wish they had pictures at those kinds of things, like they do at amusement parks when you come down the big hill. It would be awesome to have pics of things like this. And a fundraiser for the church! How could they pass up this??
Holy Saturday saw us take the kids to 8pm Mass. We probably shouldn't have told them they could leave early. After every break in the action, they (mainly Mary Ann) reminded us that we told them they could probably leave early. They did love seeing the baptisms though. Our priest used a whole pitcher of water for each person. They got pretty wet! Since they stayed for that, there wasn't really that much left but the kids were about gone, so Katie and the kids left while I fulfilled my obligation. Since I was on call I couldn't go Sunday morning. Katie said she didn't get much outward grace from going on Sunday; the kids weren't their usual good selves...
This week is Mary Ann's spring/Easter break. Different ice cream place every day. Monday we went to Shawnee. We were going to go to Wonderscope (I took the day off too) but they are closed on Mondays...really?!? Anyway, we had lunch and ice cream with Fr Scott. I guess priests get pretty worn out after Holy Week?? Tuesday the kids and Katie went to Wonderscope. Pretty fun, but not really better than Paradise Park. Since Paradise Park is so closer, and we joined as members, I don't think we'll head back to Wonderscope anytime soon...
Today, Wednesday, I think they are having a lazy day at home. It is Wednesday, so pizza for dinner. Friday we're planning on heading to Science City and then my parents are taking the kids for the weekend. Any ideas on what to do?
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Weekend in review
I'll take a shot at updating, give that pregnant wife a break...
Friday night started out well. For one, I wasn't on call, always a plus. We then figured out how to play Mario Kart on the Wii online with Eric and Liesel. FYI: playing teams when your teammate is a tired pregnant lady is not a good way to win. But it was fun, and I'm glad we figured it out. I'm sure the kids will really love it once we let them take over...
Saturday was a blur. We had early soccer--7:40am pictures followed by a 9am game. Mary Ann's team won again. Then we came home to rest and change. Then off to Lawrence for a 2pm wedding. Luckily they had a nursery that Peter could hang out in. I'm not sure why "intro" music is played after the start time. Everyone was there, yet they still played intro music until 2:15. I'm glad my kids didn't notice; I know it was making me impatient enough. The wedding was nice, some good readings from the Bible.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Then we went to 4pm Mass at St Lawrence. Peter wasn't too bad, thankfully, as Msgr Krische was presiding. The girls were a little confused by the whole "2 Gospel" part of Mass, but all in all did great considering 2 church events in just a few hours.
Dinner at the Keels' house followed. Pretty good jambalaya--nice with a little kick. The kids ate hot dogs. Nana is nicer than me--I would have made them just try the jambalaya and take a few bites. Then on to the basketball game! Rose and Peter I think made it through the first half, then they went down. Mary Ann made it through it all. Then Katie, Mary Ann, L'Opa and I went down to Mass Street. Pure enjoyable craziness. Mary Ann loved it, and was a hit for the drunks to high-five. Check out some of the pics: here .
Sunday saw another soccer game. The girls were all super exhausted from the game on Saturday. Their 2-1 lead turned into a 3-2 loss. They were upset but not too upset. I think they were just glad the game was over.
Tonight Fr Scott is coming over for supper. And then the weekend will be complete--bring on holy week!!
Friday night started out well. For one, I wasn't on call, always a plus. We then figured out how to play Mario Kart on the Wii online with Eric and Liesel. FYI: playing teams when your teammate is a tired pregnant lady is not a good way to win. But it was fun, and I'm glad we figured it out. I'm sure the kids will really love it once we let them take over...
Saturday was a blur. We had early soccer--7:40am pictures followed by a 9am game. Mary Ann's team won again. Then we came home to rest and change. Then off to Lawrence for a 2pm wedding. Luckily they had a nursery that Peter could hang out in. I'm not sure why "intro" music is played after the start time. Everyone was there, yet they still played intro music until 2:15. I'm glad my kids didn't notice; I know it was making me impatient enough. The wedding was nice, some good readings from the Bible.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Then we went to 4pm Mass at St Lawrence. Peter wasn't too bad, thankfully, as Msgr Krische was presiding. The girls were a little confused by the whole "2 Gospel" part of Mass, but all in all did great considering 2 church events in just a few hours.
Dinner at the Keels' house followed. Pretty good jambalaya--nice with a little kick. The kids ate hot dogs. Nana is nicer than me--I would have made them just try the jambalaya and take a few bites. Then on to the basketball game! Rose and Peter I think made it through the first half, then they went down. Mary Ann made it through it all. Then Katie, Mary Ann, L'Opa and I went down to Mass Street. Pure enjoyable craziness. Mary Ann loved it, and was a hit for the drunks to high-five. Check out some of the pics: here .
Sunday saw another soccer game. The girls were all super exhausted from the game on Saturday. Their 2-1 lead turned into a 3-2 loss. They were upset but not too upset. I think they were just glad the game was over.
Tonight Fr Scott is coming over for supper. And then the weekend will be complete--bring on holy week!!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Car Games 2
That last post was getting a bit long, so I wanted to break it up a bit. Please this brings my total of blog posts to 3 this month.
A car game that we also play, Robert with more enthusiasm than I, is Fortunately/Unfortunately. This is a great game, and while maybe not the best for the car, it still works pretty well. It begins with someone starting a story. For instance:
Robert: Mary Ann, Rose, Peter, and Mommy and Daddy were all at home when Unfortunately a dragon came to the front door to eat them all up.
Katie: Fortunately, we locked the door so the dragon couldn't get in.
Mary Ann: Unfortunately the dragon blew fire and burned it down.
Rose: Fortunately we all had secret hidings spots, like under the coach, so the dragon couldn't find us.
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY (caps his) mumble, mumble, mumble MONSTER!
Robert: Unfortunately...
Rose: No, Dad you are Fortunately
Katie: Rose, Peter's doesn't really count, because we don't know what he said.
Robert: Unfortunately, the monster found our hiding places.
Katie: Fortunately, his head was too big and his arms were too small and he couldn't reach us.
Mary Ann: Where exactly are these hiding places were a dragon couldn't get us?
Katie: Um, use your imagination.
Mary Ann: Hmmmm...fine. Unfortunately, the dragon was able to tear up the hiding places so he could get to us.
Rose: Fortunately, ummm, ummmmm, ummmmm, the dragon didn't get us.
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY! Mumble, mumble, whisper, whisper, Darth Vader....MONSTER!!
Robert: Unfortunately...
Rose and Mary Ann (together): Daddy, Peter did Unfortunately, you're Fortunately!
Robert: I don't know what Peter said, so I'm still going to do Unfortunately.
Rose and Mary Ann (togehter): *sigh* Fine.
Robert: Unfortunately, the dragon got us and ate us all up
Katie: Fortunately, the dragon had Rose's stomach bug and threw us all up and we were okay.
*General cries of "Ewwww, Gross! That's so Nasty!"
Mary Ann: Unfortunately, some of the throw up got on Rose's pinkie.
Rose: Hey!!
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY!! MONSTER!!
Katie (sensing a general deterioration in the game): Fortunately, everyone was covered in throw up, so the dragon didn't want to eat us anymore and went home. The End
So who's up for Road Trip with the Reddigs?
A car game that we also play, Robert with more enthusiasm than I, is Fortunately/Unfortunately. This is a great game, and while maybe not the best for the car, it still works pretty well. It begins with someone starting a story. For instance:
Robert: Mary Ann, Rose, Peter, and Mommy and Daddy were all at home when Unfortunately a dragon came to the front door to eat them all up.
Katie: Fortunately, we locked the door so the dragon couldn't get in.
Mary Ann: Unfortunately the dragon blew fire and burned it down.
Rose: Fortunately we all had secret hidings spots, like under the coach, so the dragon couldn't find us.
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY (caps his) mumble, mumble, mumble MONSTER!
Robert: Unfortunately...
Rose: No, Dad you are Fortunately
Katie: Rose, Peter's doesn't really count, because we don't know what he said.
Robert: Unfortunately, the monster found our hiding places.
Katie: Fortunately, his head was too big and his arms were too small and he couldn't reach us.
Mary Ann: Where exactly are these hiding places were a dragon couldn't get us?
Katie: Um, use your imagination.
Mary Ann: Hmmmm...fine. Unfortunately, the dragon was able to tear up the hiding places so he could get to us.
Rose: Fortunately, ummm, ummmmm, ummmmm, the dragon didn't get us.
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY! Mumble, mumble, whisper, whisper, Darth Vader....MONSTER!!
Robert: Unfortunately...
Rose and Mary Ann (together): Daddy, Peter did Unfortunately, you're Fortunately!
Robert: I don't know what Peter said, so I'm still going to do Unfortunately.
Rose and Mary Ann (togehter): *sigh* Fine.
Robert: Unfortunately, the dragon got us and ate us all up
Katie: Fortunately, the dragon had Rose's stomach bug and threw us all up and we were okay.
*General cries of "Ewwww, Gross! That's so Nasty!"
Mary Ann: Unfortunately, some of the throw up got on Rose's pinkie.
Rose: Hey!!
Peter: UNFORTUNATELY!! MONSTER!!
Katie (sensing a general deterioration in the game): Fortunately, everyone was covered in throw up, so the dragon didn't want to eat us anymore and went home. The End
So who's up for Road Trip with the Reddigs?
Car Games
We are rapidly becoming "one of those" families who virtually live in our mini-van. At least it feels that way, since to go any where seems to involve the packing of snacks, drinks, blankets, and books in the car, whether this be to the grocery store, school or a visit to grandparents. And I have definitely caught myself think of the van as one more room to clean.
That being said, I don't necessarily think that because we spend time together as a family in the car multiple times during the week (day) is necessarily a bad thing. We're all trapped in there , and while Mary Ann has kind of started doing her own thing by reading a book or two or three, for the most part it's pretty nice to be in there together. There's lots of discussions that come up, the most impressive recently has been multiple re-tellings of Romeo and Juliet, thanks to Mitzi mainly for gifting a CD with Taylor Swift's song (which by the way gets replayed about 4-5 times in a row each time it comes up in the queue, and this is per Peter's request). Usually the discussion ends with us telling each other that the monk and Romeo and Juliet are all pretty stupid and if everyone had just calmed down a bit and talked the whole tragedy could have been avoided. But far be it from a virtual soccer mom and a few precocious grade school kids (and toddler) to rewrite Shakespeare.
This might gross out a few, but another activity in the car we engage in is dead skunk bingo. This is played when we drive to school on the aptly named Dead Skunk Road which is known to most Lee Summitians as Lee Summit Road. But the road was re-christened because of the presence of a dead skunk on the side of the road. I usually don't point out the roadkill I see, because, well it's gross and a little sad. But something about this dead skunk just kind of tickled my funny bone (which is a favorite phrase of Rose's, thanks to Grandma). One day last November I was driving just Mary Ann and she seemed a little down, so I told her about the dead skunk. She too was diverted by the idea of this skunk. The next day with all three in the car and Aunt Mitzi, I was able to slow down enough that I could point it out to them. Of course this backfired because Rose saw it, but Mary Ann delayed looking out her window, due to reading, and wound up missing the fascinating sight of this deceased animal. This resulted in 24 hours of bragging rights for Rose about how she "saw the dead skunk, and Mommy you weren't going to fast for me to see it." Luckily, the dead skunk remained by the side of the road for nearly 3 months, giving us all ample opportunities to see it and also note how long it had been there. That particular skunk has now disappeared, but a new one has now appeared to keep us entertained. And Peter makes sure to ask if we are going to be taking the road and seeing the dead skunk in the morning.
That being said, I don't necessarily think that because we spend time together as a family in the car multiple times during the week (day) is necessarily a bad thing. We're all trapped in there , and while Mary Ann has kind of started doing her own thing by reading a book or two or three, for the most part it's pretty nice to be in there together. There's lots of discussions that come up, the most impressive recently has been multiple re-tellings of Romeo and Juliet, thanks to Mitzi mainly for gifting a CD with Taylor Swift's song (which by the way gets replayed about 4-5 times in a row each time it comes up in the queue, and this is per Peter's request). Usually the discussion ends with us telling each other that the monk and Romeo and Juliet are all pretty stupid and if everyone had just calmed down a bit and talked the whole tragedy could have been avoided. But far be it from a virtual soccer mom and a few precocious grade school kids (and toddler) to rewrite Shakespeare.
This might gross out a few, but another activity in the car we engage in is dead skunk bingo. This is played when we drive to school on the aptly named Dead Skunk Road which is known to most Lee Summitians as Lee Summit Road. But the road was re-christened because of the presence of a dead skunk on the side of the road. I usually don't point out the roadkill I see, because, well it's gross and a little sad. But something about this dead skunk just kind of tickled my funny bone (which is a favorite phrase of Rose's, thanks to Grandma). One day last November I was driving just Mary Ann and she seemed a little down, so I told her about the dead skunk. She too was diverted by the idea of this skunk. The next day with all three in the car and Aunt Mitzi, I was able to slow down enough that I could point it out to them. Of course this backfired because Rose saw it, but Mary Ann delayed looking out her window, due to reading, and wound up missing the fascinating sight of this deceased animal. This resulted in 24 hours of bragging rights for Rose about how she "saw the dead skunk, and Mommy you weren't going to fast for me to see it." Luckily, the dead skunk remained by the side of the road for nearly 3 months, giving us all ample opportunities to see it and also note how long it had been there. That particular skunk has now disappeared, but a new one has now appeared to keep us entertained. And Peter makes sure to ask if we are going to be taking the road and seeing the dead skunk in the morning.
Monday, March 12, 2012
How Time Is Going in Our Family
This post was titled by Mary Ann who is home from school today due to a "Construction Day" at school to connect electricity to the new additions being added to the school building. Of course if anyone reads this they will have no idea what we're talking about, since, except for Robert's valiant attempts to post on a tri-monthly basis, the self-appointed scribe in the family (me, i.e. Katie) has been on hiatus since December 2010. A situation I shall try and rectify. I've given up Facebook for Lent and my sister Liesel is blogging everyday, and in the interest of spiritual purification and sibling competition, I shall endeavor to blog on a more frequent basis. Perhaps, once a week, but let's not get too ambitious.
Mary Ann is standing here dictating information about our family to be updated and is adamant that I waste no more time in announcing our 4th pregnancy, due in August. Mary Ann wasted no time in announcing to all she knew that we were indeed expecting, so most likely you all already know. We are indeed very excited, and Mary Ann has nearly forgiven us for choosing to have another baby instead of adopting a dog, but Rose and Peter probably are still in deliberations over that. (Mary Ann would like it to be known that she does indeed still want a dog--a beagle)
Beginning this life in Lee's Summit has been a bit overwhelming, lots of changes in all areas of life to adapt too. (But, as Mary Ann reminded me just now our home is located on a cul-de-sac that celebrates a Block Party EVERY YEAR!!--happy thought, indeed!) It really is just in these last couple of weeks that I feel like I can look at the house and begin to think about a timeline of projects for it to make it more our own. Maybe it's nesting setting in early, but I'm feeling the itch to buy furniture and paint!
Though right now the most pressing issue in our lives is Peter's introduction to potty training, which is being encouraged through the use of Star Wars underwear, Star Wars stickers, a Potty Pirate video, and Skittles. All in all I'm pleased with his work, but can see I've mellowed a bit in my expectations of success and definition of failure since we went through the process with Mary Ann. In case anyone drops by (announced or unannounced) be forewarned that you will likely be greeted by a nearly naked boy.
Mary Ann and Rose recently completed a session of swimming lessons. For the first time I saw them swimming out on their own in the middle of a pool with the life guard actually still on on the edge of the pool watching them, instead of centimeters away. It made me realize how much my girls are growing up and honestly how unprepared I am to let them start doing things independently from me.
We are also in the throes of making a tremendous decision on the purchase of American Girl dolls for the girls. After much debate and consultation with Santa Claus, it was decided that he would not bring the desired doll on Christmas, but rather the girls and I would make the purchase after Christmas, with the girls contributing a portion of the cost from their saved gift money and allowances (more on how allowances are earned and my admiration for families that successfully give their children allowances and have them complete chores for said allowance later). This past Saturday we visited the American Girl store with Nana to see for ourselves these wondrous dolls and make a choice as to which doll to purchase. The girls (and I'm pretty sure Nana, traitor grandmother that she is (which, Mom, is meant very lovingly)) were absolutely enthralled, especially by the little doll hair salon and spa, where they could bring their dolls to have their hair and nails done and probably get a massage too. I was slightly appalled and the sight of the store and the business it was doing made me question whether the economy really is in such a sorry state after all. (Last mildly political comment for a bit, I promise)
I'm actually very sure that 2 of these dolls will be taking up their residence in our home in the not too distant future (I admit I do feel some guilt over the whole dog/baby issue), but if they want their hair done, that will be coming out the girls' pocket books.
Cheers and Keep the Faith, folks!
Mary Ann is standing here dictating information about our family to be updated and is adamant that I waste no more time in announcing our 4th pregnancy, due in August. Mary Ann wasted no time in announcing to all she knew that we were indeed expecting, so most likely you all already know. We are indeed very excited, and Mary Ann has nearly forgiven us for choosing to have another baby instead of adopting a dog, but Rose and Peter probably are still in deliberations over that. (Mary Ann would like it to be known that she does indeed still want a dog--a beagle)
Beginning this life in Lee's Summit has been a bit overwhelming, lots of changes in all areas of life to adapt too. (But, as Mary Ann reminded me just now our home is located on a cul-de-sac that celebrates a Block Party EVERY YEAR!!--happy thought, indeed!) It really is just in these last couple of weeks that I feel like I can look at the house and begin to think about a timeline of projects for it to make it more our own. Maybe it's nesting setting in early, but I'm feeling the itch to buy furniture and paint!
Though right now the most pressing issue in our lives is Peter's introduction to potty training, which is being encouraged through the use of Star Wars underwear, Star Wars stickers, a Potty Pirate video, and Skittles. All in all I'm pleased with his work, but can see I've mellowed a bit in my expectations of success and definition of failure since we went through the process with Mary Ann. In case anyone drops by (announced or unannounced) be forewarned that you will likely be greeted by a nearly naked boy.
Mary Ann and Rose recently completed a session of swimming lessons. For the first time I saw them swimming out on their own in the middle of a pool with the life guard actually still on on the edge of the pool watching them, instead of centimeters away. It made me realize how much my girls are growing up and honestly how unprepared I am to let them start doing things independently from me.
We are also in the throes of making a tremendous decision on the purchase of American Girl dolls for the girls. After much debate and consultation with Santa Claus, it was decided that he would not bring the desired doll on Christmas, but rather the girls and I would make the purchase after Christmas, with the girls contributing a portion of the cost from their saved gift money and allowances (more on how allowances are earned and my admiration for families that successfully give their children allowances and have them complete chores for said allowance later). This past Saturday we visited the American Girl store with Nana to see for ourselves these wondrous dolls and make a choice as to which doll to purchase. The girls (and I'm pretty sure Nana, traitor grandmother that she is (which, Mom, is meant very lovingly)) were absolutely enthralled, especially by the little doll hair salon and spa, where they could bring their dolls to have their hair and nails done and probably get a massage too. I was slightly appalled and the sight of the store and the business it was doing made me question whether the economy really is in such a sorry state after all. (Last mildly political comment for a bit, I promise)
I'm actually very sure that 2 of these dolls will be taking up their residence in our home in the not too distant future (I admit I do feel some guilt over the whole dog/baby issue), but if they want their hair done, that will be coming out the girls' pocket books.
Cheers and Keep the Faith, folks!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Typical weekend
Maybe easier to just give a typical weekend, rather than catch up from last post.
On Saturday we had a birthday party for Mary Ann. She had invited all the girls from her homeroom over. Katie planned a great party. 5 of her friends came over. The theme was "winter princess" or "ice princess" or something like that. Of course, being that we were in KC, it was beautiful weather out. We had face painting, fingernail painting, games, and decorating cupcakes. 2 hours of a pretty good time. Rose did a good job of not being involved in everything where there were teams (6 divides pretty well for 2 and 3 player teams!) but was happy just watching some and being involved in others.
Saturday night Katie and I went to a Missouri Maverick's game. Centerpoint has a suite so we were able to hang out there. There was food (brats, hamburgers, nachos) and drinks (beer, soda). It was pretty fun. The administration "host" for that night was Dr Randy Culbertson. He's the VP of Business Development, but also a doctor. We found out that he actually played KU Basketball back in the 1970s! He wasn't a star by any means, but he did play! He played under Ted Owens, and played with Bud Stallworth and Dave Robisch, both who have their jerseys hanging in Allen Field House.
On Sunday we were able to sleep in a bit, then went to church where they had "divine donuts" after Mass. We came home, hung up a streamer across the living room, and then played volleyball with a balloon. The girls really got into it! Once Peter was down for a nap, we decided to see how much train tracks we had. We didn't think we would have enough, but we were able to circle from the living room into the kitchen and in front of the stairs.
Overall, a pretty good weekend.
On Saturday we had a birthday party for Mary Ann. She had invited all the girls from her homeroom over. Katie planned a great party. 5 of her friends came over. The theme was "winter princess" or "ice princess" or something like that. Of course, being that we were in KC, it was beautiful weather out. We had face painting, fingernail painting, games, and decorating cupcakes. 2 hours of a pretty good time. Rose did a good job of not being involved in everything where there were teams (6 divides pretty well for 2 and 3 player teams!) but was happy just watching some and being involved in others.
Saturday night Katie and I went to a Missouri Maverick's game. Centerpoint has a suite so we were able to hang out there. There was food (brats, hamburgers, nachos) and drinks (beer, soda). It was pretty fun. The administration "host" for that night was Dr Randy Culbertson. He's the VP of Business Development, but also a doctor. We found out that he actually played KU Basketball back in the 1970s! He wasn't a star by any means, but he did play! He played under Ted Owens, and played with Bud Stallworth and Dave Robisch, both who have their jerseys hanging in Allen Field House.
On Sunday we were able to sleep in a bit, then went to church where they had "divine donuts" after Mass. We came home, hung up a streamer across the living room, and then played volleyball with a balloon. The girls really got into it! Once Peter was down for a nap, we decided to see how much train tracks we had. We didn't think we would have enough, but we were able to circle from the living room into the kitchen and in front of the stairs.
Overall, a pretty good weekend.
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