Thursday, April 17, 2008

To Vomit or Not to Vomit

So I woke up this morning and was whipping around getting ready for work, as usual. We have state testing today and a gazillion other things going on so I was on the ball---

I'm in the kitchen, making my egg beaters omelette, grabbing my lunch and snack for the day...as I'm running out the door, I grab my water bottle out of the fridge in my concious effort to get my 8 glasses in...

I'm in the car-boppin' to some good music and take a huge swig of my water.

Then, reality sets in. IT. IS. NOT. WATER.

Nope. It's vinegar. And I just drank a ton of it.

So, I'm trying not to throw up in the vehicle, looking for anything to wash down the burning taste in my mouth and throat. I got my hands on a few day old bottle of recycled (tap) water and guzzle it. Then, Vivian's day+ old juice cup. Down what's left of that. Ugh. Trying to make it to work.

Got here. Didn't puke. Guzzled more water, ate some pretzels. 2 hours later, my throat still burns a little and my stomach is churning at the very thought of it.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Quick Update

We're busy...I'm teaching 6th grade a Sandburg Middle while Adam is finishing up his grueling St. Cloud spring semester. We're still trying to close on the house. It has been a headache, to say the least. We're on our 3rd buyer, 6th closing. We get offers right away, it's just that no one can close the deal.

Vivian is doing great. We cannot believe she is almost two!

**I've got to brag just a teensy weensy bit here**
She knows her colors---red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, white, pink
She knows the letters S, M, L, E, O, Y
She knows most opposites---up/down, in/out, etc...

We continue to be amazed every day at the intelligence, spunk, and love that comes from our little girl. She is absolutely the BEST THING EVER!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Happy Week!

It is spring break, for me at least! So, I'm home with the Poosh--and we're having a blast! Here's some recent pictures:

#1. Lovin' her new backpack (doesn't seem to understand that she can't sit in her carseat with it on... :)

#2. Is that a doo-rag on her head? A Babushka? Nope. Just her choice of a hat for her "shopping trip".

#3 and #4. Coloring Easter Eggs--messy, but oh so fun!

#5. Swinging. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. Doesn't matter. LOVES IT!






Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Thursday, February 14, 2008

I Am You and You is Me

So, Vivian thinks her name is You. Don't know why...because we DO call her by her actual name...

Must be the whole, Where are you going? Are you hiding? Did you have a good sleep? Are you wet? Do you want some supper? Well, you get the picture.

So we go through names...dadda, momma, papa (grandpa), ramma (grandma), Elmo...then we say, "What's your name?" To which she promptly replies, "You!"

Silly girl.

Monday, February 04, 2008

'Lil Miss No No

Cute Vivster story:
If you've been around our daughter at all lately, you'll know she is OBSESSED with all things Elmo and Sesame Street related. SO, taking a little advantage of the 20 min. of peace it would provide so we can get something else done, we let her watch 20 min. of one of her ELMO videos each day.

WELL, the past few days, when she gets to a scene she doesn't want to watch or a song she doesn't want to hear, she starts in with, "No, No, No, No" etc., getting progressively louder until we skip ahead to something she wants to see/hear. (She especially dislikes Oscar's "I Love Trash"...which goes on...and on...and on...)

SO, I'm driving home with her today and I hear..."No, No, No, No" coming from the backseat. I look in the rearview and she is pointing to the radio station, basicallt asking/demanding me to switch stations...ya gotta be kidding...

Ach, I don't really prefer Edwin McCain either my dear Viv...

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

First Haircut!




Vivian's Friends!




Some New Pictures!




The Gronau's came over for some sledding fun at the beginning of January. The kids (and we, as well) had a blast! It was fairly warm out-35 degrees-so we were able to hang outside for awhile without freezing every finger and toe!

Monday, December 31, 2007

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

I am told that with a new year is a fresh start...a clean slate...a chance for something better. I suppose that is where everyone gets those insane ideas for new year's resolutions...

Regardless, if you need a fresh start in your life--go for it! There is no better time than right now.

Wishing everyone a blessed 2008, may your family be healthy and your wallets be filled (even if just with pictures of those you love). The best gift is to love and be loved. God Bless!

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Santa!

Ho! Ho! Ho! (this is Vivian EVERY time she sees a Santa Claus)

So we took her to see Santa today at Rosedale Center. He was super nice and Vivian loved him. She started out by waving as we walked up to him. Then, "HI!" in her cute little Vivi voice. I wasn't sure how she'd react when I actually put her on Santa's lap, but she seemed to like him! (See picture below) She smiled nicely for the super expensive computer printed picture that parents get sucked into and said, "BYE!" as we were leaving.

What a cutie! She is so much FUN!

Some New Pictures...Enjoy!



Friday, November 30, 2007

Thankful...

I never did getting around to posting new Viv stats, nor did I write a Thanksgiving message...

So, here's the scoop...
Vivian is just a little bit taller (32 3/4 inches) and 24 lbs 5 oz. That puts her in the 90% for height and 70% for weight. She's well into being a toddler now, as more and more of her "baby-ness" goes away with each passing day. Kind of sad for me, but we're enjoying this new stage in her life. She's very much into her baby dolls, little people and animals. Nevermind the dogs and cats, she would much rather mimic sea lions, geese, horses, whales, etc. Crazy girl! She has mastered her peg puzzles and her shape sorter...maybe Santa will have to bring a few more things! :)

As for us,
well...

last year we gave to charity...this year it seems as though we ARE the charity.
We are stressed out, tired of school, in need of our own space, poor (until the danged house sells), and generally taking everything out on each other.

But then, we look at each other with a smile, laugh with our daughter, hug as a family...and we know that we are so blessed. We have each other...and know that because we are strong together, we can get through it all. And that, is truly something to be thankful for.

Keep the true meaning of the holidays in your hearts. Don't get swept up by the commercialization of it all. Take pictures...make memories...love each other...

Monday, November 05, 2007

Need Some Prayers...

...to go out to my Aunt Peggy, her kids, my dad, etc. as my cousin Cherie (who is only 31) passed away this morning. Cause, right now, is not known. If praying is your thing, I know Aunt Peggy could use some right now.

Some Humor as We Start Winter...

Jeff Foxworthy on Minnesota :

If you consider it a sport to get food by drilling through

18 inches of ice and sitting there for days hoping that the food will swim by,

You might live in Minnesota .


If you're proud your state makes the national news 196 nights

each year because International Falls is the coldest spot in the nation,

You might live in Minnesota .


If you don't know the difference between 'borrow' and 'loan',

You might live in Minnesota .



If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through June,

You might live in Minnesota.



If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there,

You might live in Minnesota .



If your dad sleeps in his baseball hat, You might live in Minnesota .



If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time,

You might live in Minnesota .



If you know how to say...Wayzata...Mahtomedi....Cloquet . Edina ...and Shakopee,

You might live in Minnesota .



If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy,

You might live in Minnesota.



You measure distance in hours,

You might live in Minnesota .



You switch from "Heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again,

You might live in Minnesota .



You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow in a blizzard without flinching,

You might live in Minnesota .



You see people wearing hunting clothes to church,

You might live in Minnesota .



You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked,

You might live in Minnesota .



You think the 2 major food groups are fish, and deer meat,

You might live in Minnesota .



You carry jumper cables in your car, and your girlfriend knows how to use them,

You might live in Minnesota .



There are always 17 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm ,

You might live in Minnesota.



You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit,

You might live in Minnesota .



Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow,

You might live in Minnesota .



You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and of course, road construction,

You might live in Minnesota .


If "Down South" to you means Iowa ,

You might live in Minnesota .


You find minus 10 degrees "a little chilly",

You might live in Minnesota .

Friday, November 02, 2007

Quick Pics!

We went to Como Zoo Boo on Sunday when Viv was a Giraffe, then Halloween was Wed. where she was an angel...






Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Sent from a VERY COOL MOM...

Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

And She Weans Herself!

Vivian has no attachments to a nuk, blankie, stuffed animal, etc. The only thing that she relies on is a bottle before bed. We only give her a few ounces of milk, and frankly, we're just as attached to that night-time cuddle routine as she is. I love that time--as I'm reminded to relax, slow down and just plain ENJOY her!

Last week, she pushed away her bottle after only 2-3 ounces and rolled over on me, put her head on my shoulder and promptly fell asleep. 3 nights ago, she didn't want any bottle, 2 nights ago we didn't bother giving her one---and that was it. No more bottle at bedtime! What a big girl!

Only thing is...now mom and dad have to realize that our baby is growing up!

Friday, October 12, 2007

Loves Her Babies...

Such a girly-girl! Our Viv is so sweet and gentle. Her most beloved things right now are her baby dolls. She feeds them, rocks them and puts them down for naps and bed (blanket, nuks and all). Sometimes we have to rock them and burp them too! But, when we do, sometimes she crawls in our laps and pushes the baby away...perhaps to remind us that she is, and always will be, our precious baby girl.