Moore-Oliphant Family

A mother's vacation

2012-01-29T20:17:00.001-05:00

The children are peacefully sleeping all tucked in their beds. Abigail took a long nap today and is sleeping soundly tonight after a couple days of fever and restless sleep. I'm sitting with both of my parents next to the wood burning stove, warm and toasty. I'm reading and thoroughly enjoying The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food, and Love by Kristin Kimball.

Simply heaven.

The Magic House

2012-01-27T20:58:00.001-05:00

We had another fantastic day at the Magic House.

Joseph in the water works exhibit

Abigail had an absolute ball!

Train engineer Joseph

Going for a ride in the Magic Treehouse book exhibit

January 24, 2012

Joseph at Bedtime

2012-01-26T20:26:00.000-05:00

My mom does it all and always has! I don't know how she does it, but I'm enjoying her labors while I'm home. She does all the planning, shopping, cooking ,cleaning up of meals while I'm here. She says I'm doing enough mothering the children, and wouldn't it be nice if every mother could have a cook and maid so we could focus on the children. Indeed. Although mom certainly never had that with her eight children.
With the extra time in my evening, I have been savoring the bedtime routine instead of marching everyone through it. Tonight Joseph and I read a couple books as we snuggled up in Grandma and Grandpa's library room. Joseph put his head on my shoulder and said, "You're so fun to read with." One of the books I read was one of my childhood favorites, Gertie and Gus by Lisl Weil. I also stayed with him in bed as he drifted off, but more importantly listened to his questions:

"Mom, why is Greenland named Greenland if it is mostly ice? I would think Greenland should have a lot of grass." He explained he had been looking through a book What I Eat that Marc had checked out from the library. There was an entry from Greenland; it did not look green to him.
"Mom, do you think I should apologize to Ms. Schiffano when I get back to school?" On the last day of school before we left on our trip, Joseph's teacher's aide was telling me that the teacher had sent some books in Joseph's back pack for him to read while we were gone. In the course of the short interchange, Joseph disagreed with the teacher--there were four books, not two. I was concerned that he was being disrespectful and corrected him. I guess he's been thinking about it and thinks maybe he should apologize to Ms. S.
"Mom, one last thing I want to tell you. One day we were playing on the blacktop and there is a glass door to the 1st grade class. They were watching a Brain Pop and we watched it through the door."

I've really missed Joseph since he started school. Since he and Abigail share a room, I don't lay by him while he goes to sleep anymore. We read and sing in our bedroom and then send him tiptoeing into his bed. So, I miss those "chats" he and I used to have at bedtime. One of my favorite parts of this trip has been bedtime with Joseph. Thanks, Mom, for giving me this time with my boy.

Eagles

2012-01-24T21:18:00.002-05:00

Bald eagles migrate down the Mississippi River and nest in Missouri and neighboring Illinois during the winter. Uncle John and Aunt Catherine suggested we check out the eagles this year.

Luckily, the National Great Rivers Museum had a captive eagle on display because we didn't catch a sighting in the wild. It turned out to be a rather gray, dreary day. The kind of thick sky that borders on foggy and is all too common in my memories of St. Louis winters. But, the museum was really fantastic, the real-life eagle was pretty impressive, and Joseph and I learned a lot watching a short film on eagles. I'm looking forward to visiting the museum again to learn about life on the Mississippi, and to tour the massive lock and dam adjacent to the museum.

Joseph has announced he would like to be an eagle because they have such great eyesight; he was so impressed that they don't have to go under water to snatch out a fish--their vision is so keen they can see under the water from above.

The museum had some eagle-themed crafts for the kids. We brought them home and worked on them the next day. I told Joseph this was like homeschooling; he still isn't buying that idea.

Eagle Joseph

Joseph pretending to be an eagle with his talons catching a fish in the water.

January 22, 2012

Making ourselves right at home

2012-01-23T18:24:00.003-05:00

The kids were a dream on the flight. Abigail flirted with everyone she could see on the plane and entertained everyone out of her sight with her infectious giggles. Joseph was helpful and patient and quite independent--he even went to the restroom on the plane by himself.

Abigail looked a little confused when we arrived in St. Louis and I tried to tell her this was Grandma and Grandpa. But she gave them her generous smiles and waves anyway. However, she is quickly catching on--toys, treats, and Joseph's obvious adoration of my parents have convinced Abigail. The morning after we arrived she was happy to climb into their bed (at 5:30 am) and give them hugs, giggles, and peek-a-boo.

Immediately, upon arrival, the kids dug into the toys have haven't surfaced yet.

January 21, 2012

Happy Birthday Marc

2012-01-20T12:54:00.003-05:00

Where I come from, birthdays are a big deal. You celebrate all day--and often long before and long after. Marc does not subscribe to this philosophy. He wanted to spend his day soberly reflecting on the past year. Yikes! Soberly reflecting inside my own little head is a recipe for disaster for me, but it works for Marc. I respected his wishes, though it pains me to ignore a birthday all day long. I shouldn't complain, though, because during all of his reflecting, he cleaned out the shed, the backporch, and the car!

It wasn't all somber, though:

Marc and I went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie while Grandma Donna stayed with J & A.
On Sunday, Marc's parents' had us over for lunch. We had Joseph's cake and Marc let us sing "Happy Birthday" and blew out the candles (he probably didn't make a wish, though!)

Joseph made Marc a birthday cake as well as a larger than life drawing of a chocolate cake with 32 candles on top!

At Grandma and Grandpa's house before blowing out the candles

January 7, 2012

My girl

2012-01-19T09:48:00.001-05:00

Abigail is so cute I can hardly stand it! Her latest thing? She loves to sit with her back against the front door--surveying the whole house from her vantage point--and she places the little bunny, "Carrots", right next to her to keep her company.

As I write this, she is also doing a new trick, blowing raspberries onto the leather couch. Gotta love this girl!

Give me your Opinion!

2012-01-17T13:49:00.001-05:00

I'm heading to Missouri this weekend. I always get my hair cut by the fabulous Tracy B. while I'm there. Marc teases me that I'm like Bill Clinton who had to travel to Arkansas to get his hair cut. However, Tracy B. doesn't charge a $400 haircut (Am I confusing politicians?)

Anyhow, Tracy, a former Aveda stylist who has opened her own salon, gives me a screaming deal. If you live in Missouri, or you ever travel there, let me know, and I'll give you her contact info!

Decisions, decisions! What should I do with my hair?

Short?

Or long with bangs?

Long without bangs (which usually means pulled back)

Chin length?

Please, tell me what you think! Vote here or leave me a comment with an altogether different idea!

Quizzes by Quibblo.com | SnapApp Quiz Apps

New Year's Celebrations

2012-01-16T19:41:00.001-05:00

At the last minute we decided we wanted to get out of town during the holiday season, afterall. We headed down to the Outer Banks, North Carolina for a quick weekend trip to visit Marc's Aunt Joyce and Uncle Dave. We realized it has been almost two years since Marc and Joseph visited (on the fateful trip when Joseph broke his leg) and almost three years since I was there on the last leg of our big southern trip when we moved to Arlington after Marc graduated from Virginia Tech. And little Miss A. hasn't ever been there! How time flies!

It was a wonderful trip--amazingly warm temperatures, gorgeous views, and the peaceful feeling of the Outer Banks (during the off season). We enjoyed visiting with Aunt Joyce and Uncle Dave. Joseph listened with rapt attention to Aunt Joyce's stories about teaching kindergarten. Abigail mastered climbing up a flight of steps on the carpeted stairs at their house. We went to the indoor swimming pool, soaked in the hot tub on the deck outside our bedroom, took bike rides, walked on the beach, and had a relaxing, worlds-away-from-D.C. weekend.

For New Year's Eve, we did a countdown and banged pots and pans with the kids at about 6:30 after dinner with Aunt Joyce and Uncle Dave, and then put the kids to bed. Marc and I looked at the moon and stars from the hot tub and then rang in the New Year fast asleep.

Our bike ride led us to the nature center where Joseph was excited to see a whale jaw bone.

Joseph enjoyed taking a nature class in which he learned about animal tracks and scat (poop). I'm sure you can imagine what a kick he got out of that.

During Joseph's nature center class, Marc and Abigail explored around outside. Isn't it so beautiful?

On New Year's Day, went to the tallest natural sand dune on the east coast at Jockey's Ridge State Park.

Abigail enjoyed playing in the sand (and luckily has stopped eating it)

Joseph and Marc climbed, jumped, and slid on the dunes. As Joseph climbed to the top, he said he was climbing "Mt. Vernon." It was kind of hilarious--I guess that is the "mount" that first pops into his head.

Most of the time we spent on the "sound side" or at the sand dunes, but we did make it over to the ocean just before the sun set on New Year's Day..

I think it has been a long time since our last visit to the Outer Banks partly because we dread the long drive. It wasn't too bad, but Abigail did cry for a pretty big chunk of the trip home. Joseph tried to entertain us all on the drive with his antics.

Happy New Year!

December 31, 2011-January 1, 2012

Zoo Lights

2012-01-15T17:50:00.001-05:00

We went to the Zoo Lights, which turned out to be quite impressive and fun. Rachel and Elizabeth drove down with the kids and me. Marc took the metro from work and met us. We didn't actually look at any of the animals, but there was ice skating, a train ride, a gingerbread contest display, and most importantly a dancing panda bear. After the zoo, John and Gwen joined us all at our house, and we ordered Chinese food and chatted while the kiddos slept.

December 28, 2011

Millennium Stage

2012-01-14T12:47:00.001-05:00

Joseph and I were joined by Aunties Rachel and Elizabeth for a fun performance at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage.

Joseph loves bluegrass music--maybe because of our time in Blacksburg. Anyhow, he says he wants to take banjo lessons and loves to listen to banjos play. When I saw that Bob Perilla's Big Hillbilly Bluegrass band was performing, I figured this was the show for us. Luckily, the performances are archived so you can watch it here. Joseph was a little exhausted from all the Christmas week excitement, but he still enjoyed the show. I confess, I just love to watch his face and see his little foot start tapping.

December 26, 2011

Bowling

2012-01-13T12:29:00.001-05:00

The week after Christmas was filled with fun family events. First up: bowling.

This was Joseph's first time bowling, and he was full of hilarious poses and faces--as usual. If you live in the area, Fort Myer's Bowling Alley is a great spot--and open to the public even though it is located on the base.

"Poor Abigail and her little head," is all I can think when I see these pictures!

Grandma Donna and cheesy Joseph

Abigail, looking resigned to being trapped in the stroller to watch, with Aunt Elizabeth

Sweet friend Scarlett

Sweet Scarlett's mom, Kim, holding Cousin Lucy (whose parents are not as mean as me and don't keep their child trapped in a stroller)

Joseph and Aunt Rachel, who organized the bowling fun. In the background you can see Mark (of Mark & Meg fame), Grandpa Lincoln, and Annie.

Grandpa Lincolln in his classic sport observing pose. Happy Birthday Grandpa Lincoln!

Marc decided to opt out of bowling and instead "crap around" (his words) the house and yard. Joseph joined him when we were home. They created this bike trailer made from an old fertilizer spreader.

And a video of the latest invention in use:

December 26, 2011

A New Day

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

So between the visit to the doctor and the rain, yesterday was a down day--ever have one of those?

But don't worry, I washed those blues away with some oreos and milk (if only I could pass that coping mechanism on to Abigail--it might actually be considered healthy in her case).

Today is already looking brighter. A young mother always thinks everything looks better after 4 and a half hours of sleep, right?

Plus, I'm attending the national conference for the Society for Social Work and Research. My angel mother-in-law is watching my children while I try to get in the social work research game. This is the conference with all the big shots--rock stars in the social work world (oxymoron?). Anyhow, the theme of the conference is "Research that Makes a Difference: Advancing Practice and Shaping Public Policy."

I might be a lowly doctoral student, but I have a few ideas for them--and I don't think it takes a national conference to talk about these ideas. For starters, stop accepting presentations and papers with names like, "Attenuation of Cortisol Across Development for Victims of Sexual Abuse" or "Instrumental Support and Its Impact on Self-Rated Health Over time Among Older Adults in Rural China: An Application of Bivariate Latent Change Score Structural Equation Modeling." I'm sure the research is solid and the findings valuable, but the first step in making a difference with our research is putting the results in language that is accessible to everyone. We're social workers for heaven's sake. We should be including people, not excluding everyone who doesn't have a research background.

Okay, off my soapbox for now.

I hope your day is looking up, too. If not, I highly recommend the oreos.

Grow baby!

2012-01-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

I just got home from taking Abigail in for another weight check. 17.3 pounds. She has gained one pound in two months. Of course, Abigail charmed the doctor and the nurses, but she can't charm that darn scale! The pediatrician said it is time to send Abigail to a specialist. Up to this point, the battery of tests have come back normal, but we're going to explore more. The doctor is sweet and tells me that she has a hard time sending Abigail to a specialist because she looks fantastic and is developmentally right on, but thinks it is time since she just doesn't gain weight like she should. We're also going to start Abigail on Pediasure. If we can get her to drink it, I think that will practically double her caloric intake.

I have to confess, I feel helpless. I'm trying, really I am. I have to recite to the doctor what I feed Abigail in a day, and it feels like an test in mothering--one I am miserably failing. Like I am starving my child. Some days, parenthood is harder than others.

How about a big puffy coat to add some pounds?
December 31, 2011
Outer Banks, North Carolina

The magic of snow

2012-01-10T14:42:00.000-05:00

Yesterday it started snowing in the afternoon. The first snow of the season. Not long after the magical flakes started falling, it was time to pick Joseph up from school. Abigail was awed. She looked around with questioning eyes, but a hint of a smile as if she knew it was a good thing. I told her "snow" and she thought I was saying "nose" and kept pointing to hers, then mine.

When I arrived at the elementary school, I found Joseph's kindergarten class running wild on the enclosed blacktop area they use for short recesses. His teacher had brought them all out to play in the first snow. Now that is a good kindergarten teacher, in my book. There was electricity in the air, and more children than I can count with their faces upturned and their tongues sticking out--trying to catch a snowflake. I found Joseph--the green pom pom bouncing atop his hat --as he played chase. His cheeks were red and shiny from melted snow, his eyes were bright as he told me, "It's snowing!"

We headed home where he insisted on pulling out boots, snowpants, and a sled. He plopped right down in the grass that had a dusting of snow and made a snow angel, and miraculously, he and his dad were able to gather enough snow (from yards up and down the street?) to make a snowman.

For his bedtime song, I chose"Once there was a snowman." I love that Joseph still hops out of bed to do the actions as I sing. Stay sweet and young forever, my little man.

January 9, 2012

Resolutions

2012-01-09T14:32:00.001-05:00

I love goals and check lists and fresh starts. My roommate in college used to tease me by stealing my planner and writing random things on my to-do list because I was slightly obsessive about checking everything on my list. I'm that kind of girl.

But this year, I'm not feeling up to a big list of shiny new goals. I'm tired. Last semester-- did I mention it was my final, last, ultimate semester of coursework for my PhD?--- was a doozy. I don't know how else to explain it. It wore me out. It wore my whole family out, I think.

This semester they asked me to teach a research and statistics class to the master's students. I'm too tired. A professor I really admire asked me to be her research assistant for a really interesting study she is conducting. I'm too tired. Of course I didn't say that I was just too tired. I couched my answer in needing to balance my time between studying for my comprehensive exams and still focusing enough time on my young family. True enough. But the real truth is I'm just plain tired! I'm afraid that once I get any motivation back, all the great opportunities are going to have already passed me by. But sometimes, you just have to take a break.

I want to set goals. I really do. I want 2012 to be a year of fresh starts and measured improvements.

I want to set a resolution to try new recipes and delve deeper into vegetarian meals.
I want to set a resolution to start running and complete a half marathon with my sporty little sister.
I want to set a resolution to follow a disciplined schedule for the family so piano practicing, bed making, and healthy eating become ingrained habits for my kids.
I want to set a resolution to prepare clever and entertaining family home evening lessons, activities, and treats on a weekly basis.

But I'm tired. Keeping the house {relatively} orderly, cooking {sometimes healthy} meals, keeping everyone in {mostly} clean clothes, and teaching {sometimes just showing up} for our Primary teaching gig seems like a big enough mountain to climb this year. Oh, and passing comprehensive exams and starting a dissertation.

So, while I do want--theoretically--to set those worthy resolutions, I'm not going to. It's not what I really, really want. Instead:

I want to travel to St. Louis to my parents' house and sit by the fire while my children play in the never tiresome playroom. I want to sit and admire Abigail's method of walking around the house on her knees and cheer with her when she stands by herself.

I want to travel to see friends that I haven't seen in too long. I want to meet their babies that have already grown into children. I want to laugh late into the night and eat at all our favorite old spots. I want to visit friends in new places that I haven't been yet so they can show me all their new favorite spots.

I want to visit the sites in Washington, D.C. that have eluded me in my years here. I want to go to lunch with my husband just because I want to see him in the middle of the day.

I want to rest so that next year I'm not quite so tired; maybe then I can tackle that list of resolutions.

How about you? Tell me what you really, really want!

Abigail at the Outer Banks, January 1, 2011

Abigail Walks!

2012-01-05T19:58:00.000-05:00

Abigail turned 15 months today and took her first "real" steps. It couldn't have been more perfect because Marc was home from work and we were all together in the dining room. Marc held out his arms and Abigail took about four steps to him. We all cheered and smiled and laughed--and Abigail was so proud of herself. Joseph ran over and hugged me--he couldn't contain his excitement. When going to bed, he prayed that his sister would keep learning to walk and not get hurt.

Abigail kept doing it over and over--taking four or five steps to Marc and then to me. She got bolder and is just so pleased with herself.

All month, she has been steadily getting more brave in standing. Most recently, she would stand and then lift her arms up in victory and open her mouth in a big "Oh" and revel in her standing accomplishment. I have not been able to capture this on camera; however, because she loves cameras (and computers and cell phones) and will immediately reach for the camera instead of standing.

She also is now going up full flights of stairs on her own! Another favorite trick is to climb up on a little plastic storage container we have--she'll sit up there and play or sing for quite a while. She is saying baby, night night, bye-bye, and Grandma very distinctly now. Tonight Marc asked her where her baby was, and she crawled over to the toy area, found her doll and started giving it loves and saying baby. She also is really into stacking right now--she has stacking cups and boxes. She really focuses on putting them inside each other. It is fun to see her little mind at work. She still likes to sit in my lap to read, which I love. She is a great dancer and will start leading the music when it starts (especially on slow songs). When I put her to bed in her crib she tucks her arms under the length of her body, but must wiggle around after I leave because she never stays under a blanket.

15 months and ready to start blogging

January 5, 2012

Welcome, 2012

2012-01-03T12:20:00.002-05:00

Thankfully, 2011 was a quieter year at our house than 2010.

Abigail is on the move--crawling and climbing, but not walking quite yet. She loves to sing, dance, look through books, pull plastic cups out of the cupboard, smile, and wave. I can't seem to get enough of this little girl. I love her smile that scrunches up her whole face and her spontaneous bursts of singing. She has become my little friend who keeps me company while Joseph is at school. I love this stage where she is able to communicate more and more each day. I'm looking forward to this year when she'll learn to walk (so her clothes won't keep telling everyone how long it has been since I mopped) and when she'll learn--and want-- to feed herself (I still follow her around the house to spoon feed her babyfood). I've given up hope for sleeping through the night.

Just this month I realized that Joseph has grown into a well-behaved child, not a little kid, but a full fledged boy. I don't know exactly when it happened. But somewhere between the stages of spitting in my face, running straight into the street, loud, dramatic, carry-him-flailing-arms-and-legs meltdowns everytime we left the park or library, and epic fights over naps and bedtime--somewhere-- we transitioned into a sweet boy. Now he often comes up and gives me a hug out of the blue, tells me he's tired and goes to get ready for bed, and loves to quietly draw at the kitchen table for hours on end! He is still the tender hearted boy he's always been--always right there to comfort if someone is hurt. And, he hasn't lost his passion, but I think he's really learning to channel it. (And, lest you worry, he is a normal five-year-old who loves bathroom humor and burping).

I was heartbroken when Joseph started kindergarten--I mourned the upcoming event all summer. Not that I didn't want him to grow up, but I miss him so much when he is gone. I miss his smile, his unpredictable questions, his excitement for life that just infuses into eveything we do. But, I sacrificed and let him go, and all of Patrick Henry Elementary is glad I did. He makes friends with everyone from the crossing guard to the 5th grader who reads the morning news. He is learning Spanish and loving art class. He loves "chatting and eating" at lunch time and gives me the class discipline report every afternoon. He rides his bike to school as Abigail and I walking along behind.

Marc started a new position with the Navy this year, still at the Navy Yard location so he can continue biking to work. He is still my Renaissance man--constantly with a "hold list" at the library that is miles long. I'll have to ask him to give me a top ten list of books for 2011. He and I teach Primary at church--and he is the peaceful soul who keeps me from wringing the dear childrens' little necks!

I finished my coursework for my PhD just a couple weeks ago! There is so much still to go, but it feels good to hit this mark. I admit I've considered letting this milestone be the end of the road for my PhD path. It has been a great hobby for me, but I have some new things I really want to do--homeschooling, writing, buying a house, travelling--that are time and energy-consuming. But for now, maybe I'll keep mulling those ideas in my mind while I finish my degree.

I'm grateful for a safe and healthy 2011. Now, bring on 2012!

How about you? What are you looking forward to in 2012?

Januay 1, 2012
Outer Banks, North Carolina

Christmas Morning

2011-12-25T22:04:00.000-05:00

Our house usually is up and {reluctanctly} going at about 5:30 am. We used to think it was bad that Joseph woke up religiously at 6:30 am. Abigail has upped the ante. Marc wanted to make sure that we didn't have an extra early morning on Christmas so on Christmas Eve he gave Joseph a digital clock to keep by his bed, with the firm instruction, "Stay in your room until the clock says 6:00." At 12:36 I was awoken by a frantically whispering Joseph by my bedside. "Mom, mom. It is past 12. 12 comes after 6!" He thought he'd slept right through Christmas!

We all ended up surviving the night, though, I think waking up every hour to check the clock!

Joseph had a LEGO Christmas!

All week before Christmas, Joseph has been slipping his artwork into our stockings so we had lots of treasures on Christmas morning.

Abigail was having so much fun trying to dive into all of the presents, we pulled up her high chair so she could breakfast through some of the gift opening.

Grandma Charlotte sent a book that has her voice recorded reading to the children. I confess I love getting to hear my mom's voice everytime I push the button as much as the kids do!

Joseph got right to work building legos!

Abigail climbed onto her favorite perch to play with her new little music box.

Joseph also took some photos of his completed legos. Pretty neat shot, I thought.

After gifts and playing and breakfast, and a phone call to family in Missouri, we headed off to church and then to Grandma Donna and Grandpa Lincoln's to spend the afternoon with Grandma, Grandpa, Rachel, Elizabeth, John, Gwen, and Lucy eating and chatting and playing even more. There was even a little voluntary napping from my children who had been up most of the night!

A very merry Christmas!

December 25, 2011

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T16:10:00.000-05:00

This was our first year to stay home for Christmas.

What did we do?

We played.

At the Oliphant Family Christmas party on the 23rd, Aunt Joyce and Uncle Dave gave Joseph a race track, so the morning of Christmas Eve was like a Christmas morning preview with "some assembly required" and lots of playing. We also took a brisk walk to the library and stopped at the elementary school playground. Joseph put me through the recess obstacle course; I didn't do too badly!

We relaxed.

We cooked.
This summer in our garden, Marc planted pie pumpkins. During the day on Christmas Eve, Joseph and Marc cooked a couple pumpkins from our garden that we've been saving. Then I turned the pumpkin puree into pies!

We enjoyed our neighbors.

We invited Bob over for our big meal at lunchtime--burritos with homemade beans, fresh salsa and guacamole.
Our Philippino neighbors invited us to their celebration that begins after midnight mass. We passed because of the kiddos, but they brought us a big bowl of the delicious soup they traditionally eat at midnight.
We had a playdate at the park with our Egyptian neighbors (one of Joseph's classmates and her family). They later stopped by with a traditional Egyptian dessert, kanafeh, fresh from the oven.
On our walk home from the park, one of our neighbors was setting up his observatory (apparently this size is too big to be called a telescope). He invited us back when it was dark for a viewing. Joseph (in his jammies) and Marc took him up on it while the sugar plums were already dancing in Abigail's head.

We celebrated the meaning of Christmas.
We sang Christmas songs, Joseph read us the Christmas story from the children's scripture reader, and we drank egg nog by candlelight. Marc's family also stopped by to carol to us and bring us a heaping plate of Grandma Donna's homemade goodies.

December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T13:26:00.000-05:00

We have tried to simplify. Marc and I are not exchanging gifts. We spent less than $5 between the two children. How is it possible that our tree can look like this? Joseph says thank you to all those extended family members who are not buying into the simplify hype!

Merry Christmas!

December 23, 2011

Oliphant Family Christmas Party

2011-12-23T13:14:00.000-05:00

Marc's entire family was here for Christmas this year. His parents hosted an Oliphant Family Christmas Party--complete with a delicious dinner, acting out the nativity, singing carols, and opening presents-- which kicked off our Christmas weekend. Gwen already blogged about the party, and since her pictures are far superior to mine, I intended to send you to her blog until I realized it is a private blog. So instead, I'll "borrow" her pictures.
About an hour before the party started, Abigail took her first big tumble and got an ugly goose egg on her head. Everyone was very sad about it (I had both Joseph and Abigail crying in my arms), but our little girl is tougher than she looks. She cheered up and had a wonderful time at the party (she begins kicking her legs in excitement the minute she sees Grandma Donna and Grandpa Lincoln's house), even if we ended up being a little later than we expected.

Uncle John, Joseph and Lucy

Joseph the Shepherd

John and Gwen as Joseph and Mary with Lucy as Baby Jesus

Aunt Joyce makes a dramatic angel!

And Missy and even more dramatic star.

December 23, 2011

Christmas Break

2011-12-23T08:54:00.002-05:00

For eleven whole days, this guy is all mine! Can't wait!

December 17, 2011

Caroling

2011-12-21T11:04:00.001-05:00

The highlight of my Christmas season this year was the Kigin's caroling party we went to last night. The weather was warm, the food was delicious, and the Christmas spirit was abundant. I had a couple favorite moments: when Joseph wanted to sing a solo and then proceeded to belt out a Kwanzaa song he learned in kindergarten. Makes a mama proud--and gives her some great laughs! My other favorite moment was watching Colleen Kigin join an elderly lady up on the porch as we sang to her. Colleen hugged her and sang with her--brought tears to my eyes. That Colleen sure knows how to show love to all around her! I feel lucky we got to be in her path of love last night.

**All photos in this post are courtesy of Colleen Kigin
The Oliphants have been friends with the Kigins forever! Apparently the caroling party is a long standing tradition, but this was my first year. The Kigins take this very seriously: booklets with words to all the music and flashlights to see by, and antlers or Santa hats for all (they even had Abigail's size, but she wasn't interested).

Joseph popped a Reeses peanut butter cup into his mouth right before this picture. Love that boy!

I love this candid shot that caught us all adoring little Abigail.

We caroled throughout the neighborhood--to people the Kigins knew and people they didn't. Sometimes people came out of their houses and waited on their porches for us to make it to their house. And one mother and her three-year-old joined us after we stopped at their house. Joseph got to ring the doorbell at the houses, ring the jingle bells, and give out candy canes.

And, of course, Joseph made friends everywhere we went.

December 20, 2011

National Christmas Tree

2011-12-20T23:00:00.000-05:00

We visited the National Christmas tree and Santa's workshop. Even though our kids don't believe in Santa, it is fun to sit on his lap and go through the Santa's workshop--complete with a toy conveyor belt and naughty-or-nice-o-meter.

Merry Christmas!

December 19, 2011

Kindergarten Holiday Songs

2011-12-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

Joseph's kindergarten class sang a "selection of holiday songs" at the local grocery store. They sang a Christmas "Las Posadas" song in Spanish, a Hannukah song, a Kwanzaa song, and finished with Jingle Bells. Joseph sang his little heart out. I had several people comment on what a "performer" he is; indeed. Many of the children didn't know the words or shyly sang here and there. Not Joseph! He knew all the words and his whole body was into the music. The hilarious moment was when they were singing Jingle Bells and Joseph led his whole section in the wrong verse. The music teacher was no competition to Joseph! It ended up sounding kind of like a round--very cute!

This is the best picture I could get of him while juggling Abigail.

Here's a video. It really doesn't do it justice, but you get the idea.

December 19, 2011

Botanic Garden Train Display

2011-12-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

One of our favorite D.C. Christmas traditions is the Botanic Garden. The poinsettas, the train display, the lights, the artistic creations out of plant matter (acorn cap cups for fairies anyone?). It is magical.

This year, we went on a Saturday so Marc could go with us. It was a little more crowded, but worth the wait!

December 17, 2011

Ready for Christmas!

2011-12-19T12:31:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

December 18, 2011

Christmas Dates

2011-12-18T14:45:00.000-05:00

This year Marc and I have gotten to go on several Christmas dates. Thanks to Donna, Rachel, and Elizabeth for each taking a babysitting night!

On December 1, we went to see A Christmas Carol at Ford's Theater. We really loved it--beautiful, intimate venue, fantastic music, and of course a timeless message. At the end, the cast took collections for a local organization, Miriam's Kitchen, which I thought was a fitting way to honor the meaning of the show.
We forgot our camera to snap a picture, and the photo we took with my old-school flip phone is terrible. But it was a perfect night, I love being the city at Christmas with all the decorations and twinkling lights. And we capped off the night with our first trip (of many yet to come) to Fro-Yo.

Then, on December 8, we went to see the National Tree, Santa's Workshop, and just walk around downtown.

Santa's List

The toy workshop

We enjoyed walking around the city (see the White House through the gate behind us?) And then came home for hot chocolate with Elizabeth who had kindly our little Christmas angels.

On December 10, we went to see Handel's Messiah performed by the National Philharmonic at Strathmore. It was pretty amazing--stunning venue, great seats, beautiful voices, and an unbelievable piece of music.

I had been at school for almost 12 hours that day, and Marc picked me up from my building and we headed out. We were in a rush and stopped for dinner at a taco truck in Silver Spring at a gas station we passed. That is so perfectly "us"--all dressed up and eating tacos and pupusas and drinking atol de elote. Aunt Rachel watched the kids, and she & Aunt Elizabeth even took them to the ward Christmas party.

Finished with Coursework!!

2011-12-16T11:11:00.000-05:00

Now that coursework is behind me, and I "just" have comprehensive exams and a dissertation in my future, I've got time to catch up on this blog. However, for now, here's a picture of my sweet Christmas angels! And stay tuned for lots of updates (all at once, just for you Hannah!)

Zoo in December

2011-12-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

A little known secret: winter is the best time to visit the zoo! Joseph had a half day off of school, so we headed off to his favorite destination. I'm convinced we could spend every day of his elementary school years there and learn everything he needs to know. The lesson I learned that day: if you are on autopilot and hop on 395, it is worth it to exit and turn around and go back to Route 50. Going through town takes forever!!! But we eventually made it to the zoo, and Joseph's spirits were repaired after five minutes there.

The weather was brisk, but the Amazon house was warm. We also saw pretty active animals--the tiger roared ALOT for us. And, even better, we basically had the place to ourselves.

The zoo has a gigantic pizza that is supposed to teach kids where our food comes from, but the most important part is that they can climb and play on it.

Joseph in an olive:

Abigail has to crawl when she plays so she got extra dirty since the surface was slightly wet and muddy in spots.

December 14, 2011

14 Months

2011-12-12T09:07:00.000-05:00

Oh, Abigail! We just love this little pixie. She is sweet and gentle. She gives kisses by offering her forehead and then laughing after you kiss her. She is still crawling, but will "walk" holding our fingers. She even stood without holding on to anything once--until she realized it and quickly sat down with a terrified look on her face. She is as social and happy as ever. She loves to say "hi" to anyone she can see and she waves "bye-bye" the minute she sees Marc put his coat on in the morning or if I pick up my purse. She also waves to everyone we pass--a big, full-body wave--like she is washing windows. I took her with me when I went to lunch with a friend this week (can we all say hurray for this semester being finished?!), and she was charming everyone in the restaraunt, leaning out of her highchair and smiling until she caught people's eyes. She seems to methodically make her way through the restaraunt until she has won over each person! And the people here in D.C. are a hard sell; they usually work pretty hard to maintain their non-friendliness (too cool for friendliness or maybe they think everyone is a threat to national securty). Anyhow, Abigail can melt the grumpiest soul.

I love to hear her chatter and sing. And, of course, watch her lead the music! Oh, and she has four teeth on top now--still two on the bottom. We're hoping she grows into those teeth :)

She turned 14 months on December 5, but this picture was taken December 11.

Her latest trick is climbing up on this toy storage bin, which makes me nervous since it is not too sturdy. She also loves to climb the one stair up to the landing at the base of the steps. She won't go more than one step up, but can't get herself down so she gets "stuck" there. I know she can go up more stairs (she climbs all the steps up to the play equipment at the park), but maybe the home stairs are more steep?

Occupy D.C.

2011-11-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

Our Thanksgiving race started at Freedom Plaza, which this year turns out to be right in the midst of the Occupy D.C. tent camp. It was really fascinating to see the tents, read the signs, pick up a newspaper, and even engage a little with one of the protestors. When I told him I was a social worker, he started in on the social worker is a social control agent argument. It's actually something I've struggled with over the years from time to time--this idea that social workers help people just enough to keep them above the breaking point, but that the U.S.social programs (which social workers often carry out and become very invested in) don't provide enough to help people really get on their feet. One argument is that social workers should be true to their social justice mission and be advocating for system wide changes. In truth, I find that argument very compelling. However, I cannot justify the part that requires ignoring the basic needs of people in order to foment widespread uprisings. Where the protestor and I really differed was when we discussed rape crisis services (my former job in social work). He argued that lawyers are benefitting from rape cases and that this promotes rape. He seemed focused on changing that financial aspect of it; I am adamant that we provide services to survivors. All in all, it was an interesting, respectful discourse about ideas and approaches.

I don't see myself going and camping on Freedom Plaza; Joseph, however, was ready for a committee meeting--he sat right down.

In the Occupied Washington Post paper that we received, there was a powerful article by Bill Moyers. It was adapted from a speech he gave and also included in an edition of The Nation. I think he eloquently expresses why I support the Occupy movement.

November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

On Thanksgiving morning, we joined 7,000 others to "Trot for Hunger" to benefit a fantastic local organization, So Others May Eat (SOME).

We were in the group with lots of strollers and pets! Joseph and Marc played chase throughout much of the course, which was a great way to get Joseph to run without realizing he was doing it!

The route was fantastic--right along Pennsylvania Avenue. Do you see the Capitol behind us in this shot?

November 24, 2011

Happy 18th Hannah!

2011-11-24T00:01:00.003-05:00

My sister Hannah turns 18 today!

I remember shopping for baby clothes before Hannah was born--we were anticipating her arrival long before her debut. I remember going to the hospital to meet my new sister. I remember our best Thanksgiving ever was when Hannah first came home from the hospital. I remember studying in high school with little Hannah crawling around me--and I accidentally dropped a book on her--sorry! I remember people asking me if Hannah was my baby when I would take her places in public. I remember Hannah as a two-year-old on the phone talking to me when I was away at BYU; I was afraid she were going to forget me. I remember coming home for summers during college and taking Hannah to the pool and having movie nights where we would "vote" on the video. I remember asking Hannah's wise opinion about boys I brought home to meet the parents.

Aunt Hannah has been there from the start with my own little family. She came and helped when Joseph was born. She entertains my kids endlessly when we visit Missouri. She makes sure they get Cardinals baseball shirts and don't forget they have St. Louis roots. She tickles and wrestles and lets them listen endlessly to the "BEEP-beep-BEEP" CD she uses with her piano students.

Hannah is great fun and a blessing to our whole family. She helps us keep traditions and make new ones; she's fiercely loyal to her family. Hannah introduces me to new things like Silky's frozen custard flavors and Drop Dead Diva. She is always up for a road trip and has visited me in Utah, Blacksburg, and D.C.

Happy Birthday Hannah! I love you and am so glad you're my sister and my children's aunt.

Happy Birthday Hannah!

What is your favorite memory of Hannah?

13 Months

2011-11-16T14:23:00.002-05:00

At 13 months, Abigail is driving me crazy! Good thing she is the cutest baby since, well, since Baby Joseph five years ago!

As I previously reported, Abigail's one-year check up was a tough one. We proceeded with all of the testing, but nothing was found. Today I took her in for her 13 month check and she had gained weight: she is at 16 pounds, 2 ounces. Since she gained about 10 ounces, the doctor said we could avoid the specialist that she was going to send us to. However, she said we cannot relax on "force feeding" Abigail. Literally, we follow Abigail around the house with a spoon trying to get a bite in here or there. She does not like to sit in the highchair for long at all--but will stand at our legs and let us feed her a bite. We try to have an animal or fish cracker in her hand at all times while in the car, walking in the stroller, etc so she will eat a few throughout the day. She also likes the fruit smoothies at Costco so we go to Costco a lot--though, it takes her a few days to get through one smoothie.

In addition to the weight problem, the doctor was also concerned that Abigail would not bear weight on her legs. She literally lifted her legs up if you tried to get her to stand. The doctor told Abigail she had a month to start putting weight on her legs before we needed to check it out (that she isn't walking is no problem--she's got months before that even matters; it was just that she refused to put her feet down). That very week, Abigail started pulling up. Marc grabbed the camera to catch the "first" and I started crying--so relieved that everything was in working order.

She now will hang on to the couch, chair, toy bins, or whatever and scoot along. She even will "practice" walking holding on to my fingers--if she is in the mood. Sometimes she still lifts her feet and won't let them touch the ground; however, we realize this is just another manifestation of her independent Moore-Oliphant genes and not an indication that her legs won't hold her weight.

Her sleep has taken a turn for the worse. I thought it couldn't get worse than nursing every three hours during the night at one-year-old. I was wrong; it can always get worse. Her latest trick to is wake up and make this crying-humming-whining noise for hours on end. I can feed her, walk her, pat her back ,etc. but she does not go back to sleep. You would think this would translate into longer naps (nope) or a later wake up time (nope, 5:30 am is constant unless Joseph gets up to go to the bathroom at 4:49 am and then that is Abigail's wake up time).

Abigail can climb up stairs, but only at the park. At home, she goes up the first stair to the little landing and then stops, rather stuck.

She loves peek-a-boo and will lean her head to the side and then pop it back (even if there is nothing to hide behind) and then just laugh and laugh.

She also loves the computer and will often start crying if I'm on it and won't let her type. Slightly annoying :)

She is as verbal as can be--with quite a few words already and constant chatter otherwise. She says "hi" and waves to everyone. Her favorite place is Costco where she sits at the food court and flirts with everyone. We meet all kinds of people; it is actually quite fun.

She understands even more than she says--we can ask her which food she wants and she will point. If we ask her where her shoes are, she will crawl over to them. Today I was tickling her tummy and she started tickling her own tummy and saying "tick, tick, tick." She mimics the rythmn of what we say--when we read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, she will chatter in the same cadence that I read the story. She likes to "sing" and loves to dance. She also knows to say "mmmm" when she takes a bite. I guess we've done that a lot trying to convince her to take a bite. However, she doesn't know that if you say "mmm" you like it and want to take more bites!

Last night when putting her to bed, she popped her head up to see Marc as he was leaving the room. When he turned around to see her, she quickly laid back down so as to not get "caught" getting up. So funny!

I love as we're able to communicate more. It only gets better!

November 5, 2011

Next Stop, Promised Land

2011-11-10T20:16:00.000-05:00

Our second, and final, destination was Promised Land State Park--also in Pennslyvania. When we arrived it was a rainy, gray day, but the colors were still beautiful.

First on the agenda: fishing

The park office loaned us this little backpack filled with leaf identification guides, etc. Also, a fishing pole and tackle box.

We took a nature walk during which we found this tee-pee.

And finally we checked in to our cabin--a rustic cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s.

October 12, 2011

Exploring

2011-11-10T17:15:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday morning, Marc hiked the "Shades of Death" trail, one of the many hiking trails at Hickory Run. The kids and I opted out of that one, but we saw some wild turkey, which was adventure enough for us.

Then we all headed to the nearest town for more exploring.

Joseph and I took a bike ride on the D & L Trail Lehigh Gorge State Park Trail.

While Marc stayed with this sleeping beauty.

We wandered around the cute little town of Jim Thorpe, Pennslyvania.

We capped the fun day with pizza at a local restaraunt in White Haven that was newly opened. The owner told us he named the place for his son, Jireh, who had been born four days before. Delicious pizza at dusk with happy children. A perfect end to the day.

October 11, 2011

Our cabin

2011-11-10T16:43:00.000-05:00

The cabin at Hickory Run was great--heated, electric lights, and clean.

Joseph slept on the top bunk, but he let Abigail visit him up there.

We ate all of our meals outside on the front porch. We put a cooler in front of the stairs so Abigail could have full roam of the porch. She liked peering out through the slats.

October 10, 2011

Boulders and Waterfalls

2011-11-09T16:08:00.000-05:00

A National Natural Landmark, Boulder Field, is located in Hickory Run State Park where we were camping. This spot was formed by periglacial movement during the Ice Age. It was really fascinating--and harder to walk on than it looks!

Joseph took this picture. I know that because Marc took the kids while I took a nap at the cabin. I was literally not sleeping at night for the first two nights--I have no idea why--so this afternoon Marc took the kids and I took a nap.

It was so beautiful--I definitely got to soak up fall this year.

October 10, 2011

Hickory Run

2011-11-08T14:12:00.002-05:00

I give Marc all the credit for planning this particular trip. I wanted to be surrounded by fall, but was a bit worried about camping in the cold with the baby. Marc found a couple wonderful Pennsylvania state parks with cabins. However, he did wait until we got there to ask me, sheepishly, "How do you feel about pit toilets?"

Our first destination: Hickory Run State Park

Our cabin from the outside

Inside the cabin, snuggling in bed.

Abigail does not have any interest in walking. Usually she will not even let the soles of her feet touch the ground. But miraculously, she "stood" holding my hands for this picture.

October 9-11, 2011

Fall Escape

2011-11-07T14:10:00.000-05:00

Marc and I agree that we shouldn't let school get in the way of Joseph's education (or our desire to take vacations)! Joseph had Monday off for Columbus Day so we took the rest of the week and made a fall trip of it. I really wanted to immerse myself in autumn. Marc planned a great trip up to Pennsylvania--and we saw the most beautiful fall scenery.

On the drive to our first destination, we saw a sign for Boiling Springs, PA. There is an Appalachian Trail Conservancy office (a totally impractical dream job for Marc) so we decided to stop in. We fell in love with the town.

October 9, 2011

Cox Farms

2011-11-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

For years I've heard about Cox Farms. We've had multiple invitations to go with various friends, but have never been able to make it. Until this year....Joseph had a day off from school for teacher conferences and off we went.

I don't know quite how to describe Cox Farms. It is a pumpkin patch with huge slides that you go down on a gunny sack. It also has a "haunted" hayride with some bizarre twists like aliens and random wood cut outs of various Sesame Street and other cartoon characters. We didn't try the hay maze since there were over ten little kiddos in our group.

I was too busy sliding down the slides (with Abigail in the Bjorn--she loved it!) to get any pictures, but I did snap one of Joseph during our hayride.

Nothing compares to a huge haystack you can jump from!

October 7, 2011

Baby Story Time

2011-11-07T13:42:00.000-05:00

We're huge fans of public libraries. Proximity to one is a must for everywhere we have lived. In Provo, Blacksburg, and now in Arlington, we have been able to walk to the public library.
Abigail loves Baby Story Time (stories, songs, and lots of love from the fabulous Ms. Desiree). However, Abigail does not sit nicely on my lap and sing/clap/listen along. She does crawl and visit every other baby in the room. She loves the music and the stories, but wants her participation to be on the move. She especially loves the "social time" at then end. Just for the record, no one needs to worry about Abigail not being able to fend for herself.

September 30, 2011

Apple Picking

2011-11-07T13:30:00.000-05:00

I love apple picking. I took Joseph out of school (much to his dismay) and we headed to Homestead Farms for a perfect fall day. Even Joseph--after being grumpy for the whole drive over--after we'd been out in the beautiful orchard for a few minutes, said, "This is actuallly fun." Indeed.

My friend Kristin came with us, and we enjoyed the peaceful orchard, the beautiful view, the delicious apples--and Joseph enjoyed seeing the animals and playing on a huge haystack with new friends.

September 30, 2011

Happy Birthday Abigail!

2011-10-27T13:55:00.001-04:00

Can you believe she is a year old? We've had our little angel face for a whole year!

We love you Abigail!

At one year Abigail is crawling all around, but not standing or walking. She has four teeth--two on the bottom, two on the top. She can say mama, dada, JJJJJJ (for Joseph), yes, night. She can tell you what a dog says; she can show you where her head is, and she is very good at shaking her head and waving her hand to tell you she does not want to take any more bites of food. She isn't sleeping through the night, but she has given up her morning nap. She loves people, loves the park, loves to swing. She loves to play with her big brother and loves to go pick him up from school. She is mostly bald, but what hair she does have is blonde. She squeals and chatters and is such a happy, social baby. She has become my little buddy and likes to go with me to the store and sit up in the cart--smiling and flirting with everyone along the way.

For Abigail's birthday, I took her to the park to swing on our way home from dropping Joseph off from school. Then I took her to have her one-year-photos, and of course she charmed the photographer--even though she refused to pose in a standing position holding my hands. She just won't put her feet down when we try to get her to stand.

Then, when Marc got home (don't you love the just bike home from work look?) we had a little party for Abigail. Joseph insisted on party hats.

Mama and baby--we've come a long way since last year, little one.

Oh my gosh. Could they be any cuter?

Grandma Charlotte sent one of her famous boxes in the mail--all kinds of presents to unwrap--balls, a book, stuffed animals, puppets, and lots of treats for the whole family. There was also a card that plays music when you open it--Abigail immediately started dancing. And everytime she opens it she starts dancing; we've tried to capture it on video, but no luck yet.

We sang happy birthday and Joseph helped Abigail blow out the candle in her strawberry icecream.

October 5, 2011

Old Friends

2011-10-26T14:55:00.000-04:00

Marc's good friend Nick just got home from a year traveling abroad. Ryan and Melissa hosted a dinner in Nick's honor. Nick, Ryan, and Marc go way back.

Nick brought Melissa and me scarves from India.

Ryan and Melissa have three little boys and the most fun kid-house ever. Joseph had a blast.

October 2, 2011

Bath time

2011-10-26T14:42:00.000-04:00

October 2011

October 1st

2011-10-26T14:40:00.000-04:00

At our house, the first of October means HALLOWEEN! We decorated for Halloween, started playing spooky music, and baked some delicious fall treats. Welcome October!

October 1, 2011

Penrose Neighborhood Picnic

2011-10-26T14:34:00.002-04:00

September 10, 2011

School Days

2011-10-26T14:21:00.000-04:00

Joseph has taken the kindergarten of Patrick Henry by storm. He loves it; they love him. He can't seem to get enough; I mean this kids gets excited on Sunday night because he gets to go to school tomorrow! He rides his bike to school and I follow behind with Abigail in the stroller. He waits for me to cross the streets, and he and the crossing guard have a nice chat each morning waiting for me to catch up.

At back to school night, Joseph got to bring home the first portion of the "All About Me" book he is writing.

Joseph and his new friend Natalia.

Joseph's favorite toy is his teddy bear, Mr. Bear. Please note that Joseph started spelling his name Josef because it is shorter!!!

Joseph's favorite color is blue; this page cause a great deal of concern for Joseph. He has several favorite colors, but his teacher told him he could only have one favorite color for this book. He started asking everyone what their "favorite, favorite" color is.

Our family on the first day of school.

Sending our guy off. I didn't cry, I think I had done that enough the previous few months everytime I thought about it. It took Joseph about a week and a half to decide he liked school. The first day when I asked how it was, he answered, "Boring." I think he was a bit surprised that you have to sit at your desk all day--and he told me that they only get to play with the toys during recess. He told me kindergarten was nothing like preschool and that his teacher "is no Ms. Anita." One day during the first week he said he wished he was still four so he could go to preschool. And, of course, we will always have a special place in our heart for Ms. Anita and her preschool--(Joseph even asked to go visit her when he had a day off of school this month).

But he has decided he likes school. I don't think he is learning anything academically, but he's have a wonderful social learning experience. I'm happy for him.

Truthfully, I still miss him terribly. But I go in once a week and have lunch in his classroom. He is thrilled to see me and runs for a hug and introduces me around to everyone (isn't is nice he isn't embarrased of me yet?)

Good-bye Summer

2011-10-26T13:59:00.000-04:00

We bid farewell to summer on Labor Day with a day trip to Sandy Point Beach on the Chesapeake Bay. It was a perfect day--we grilled bratwurst and enjoyed the beach. I had a sprained foot so I sat and read a novel and drank a Diet Coke while Marc took the kids on the nature trail. A perfect day!

I had a hard time letting go of summer this year--most likely because I knew it meant my little treasure would be heading off to all-day kindergarten.

September 5, 2011

Home from vacation

2011-10-26T13:50:00.001-04:00

We made it home from our trip just a few hours before Hurricane Irene hit Washington, D.C.

We harvested our watermelon and enjoyed playing (or chewing) the toys we missed during vacation--as we had an extra day of vacation since everything was cancelled due to the hurricane.

August 27, 2011

Lake Erie

2011-10-26T13:50:00.000-04:00

On one of our days at Allegany State Park, we took a day trip. We stopped by Chautauqua, New York which is the home of the amazing Chautauqua Institution. Someday we'd like to spend a week or two there. Then we headed on to Presque Isle State Park which is a peninsula in Lake Erie.

Our family with Lake Erie in the background.

Abigail is so delightful--she waves at everyone with an adorable backward wave. As I'm walking along holding her, she often waves and squeals at people behind us. She's flirting everywhere we go!

Presque Isle was a great park with beaches, boat rides, a light house, hiking and biking trails....But no camping so that is why this was a day trip.

We also stopped at the Tom Ridge Ridge Environmental Center, which is the park's new nature and education center. Joseph and Marc took this picture of Abigail and me from the roof exhibit.

More educational moments:

August 25, 2011

Siblings

2011-10-26T13:28:00.001-04:00

I love to see Abigail and Joseph enjoying each other. During our trip, they had a great time together, especially during the car rides when they enjoyed laughing with each other. While we were on our way home, Marc captured this video. You can't see Joseph, but you can hear him laughing--as he tries to get Abigail to laugh.

Joseph also really enjoyed listening to The Music Man soundtrack during our drive. I brought a collection of books on cd--he's working his way through the Ramona books right now, as well as music--Mama Mia, Sound of Music, and Music Man. He really loved the Music Man--and so we all listened and danced and sang along.

August 27, 2011

Wildlife

2011-10-26T13:18:00.000-04:00

One of the highlights of our trip for Joseph was spotting wildlife. He made a list of all the animals we saw: bear, geese, deer, praying mantis, chipmunk, dolphin, woodpecker, frog, swan, racoon, salamander, woodchuck... to name a few.

August 2011

By Popular Demand

2011-10-18T09:13:00.000-04:00

The artist known for his original rendition of "Darci and Tracy" has released another original recording destined to hit the big time, "Big Trucks, Little Trucks"

Enjoy!

Silver Linings

2011-10-17T18:12:00.001-04:00

Sometimes it's just one of those days, or weeks, or months. But, today I was reminded that there are always a few good moments mixed in with the rest.

This morning I was not happy to begin another day. Abigail slept poorly, again. Boo. Between these two children of mine and this darn PhD program, I'm learning how little sleep a human being can actually survive on. Survive, not thrive.

I'll blame it on aforementioned lack of sleep, but I was pretty snippy with Joseph in getting him off to school this morning. Boo. That's not the mom I want to be.

Next, I took Abigail to her one-year check up. She is not gaining weight. I've tried so many of your great suggestions--pudding with pure cream, breakfast sausage patties, ice cream, avacado, but to no avail. They are running more tests--blood work, stool samples, the works. Boo.

However, the happy news is that she is darling and beautiful and cheers up everyone around her. The doctor called her "a beautiful rose" and said it is hard to be worried about her when you look at her, (but then you look at her growth chart and realize we need to check more things out). She even gave smiles to the nurse who gave her four shots!

Also, today I had three different people tell me she looks like me when she smiles. I couldn't ask for a better compliment.

And, today I had both kiddos with me while I was getting our flat tire fixed at Costco, and a woman told me she could really tell I enjoy my children by the way I interact with them. I really do enjoy them; even when I'm a grumpy mom.

One last bit of silver lining: my hometown team is headed to the World Series! Go Cards!

September

2011-09-28T09:38:00.001-04:00

With Joseph in school, Abigail gets all the books and toys to herself--and she likes to pull them all out!

September has meant big changes around our house--Joseph is at school all day! Abigail and I had a rough first week when Joseph started school. We missed him! Abigail uncharacteristically cried and cried that week--and I really think it was because she missed him and was bored--I'm not as exciting as Joseph! She and I are figuring our our groove together, and I think she is adjusting to becoming queen of the castle all day long.

September also means the end of baseball season. Joseph got to go to a Nationals game with Aunt Rachel (post to follow--I have so many, many things to catch up on---still haven't even finished posting about our Missouri trip)

Abigail and Joseph in their Cardinals baseball outfits. Grandma Charlotte sent this adorable outfit for Abigail in Joseph's back-to-school package. I should have taken a picture of her little bum--it has blue and red ruffles!

September also means new harvest in the garden. This monster butternut squash was delicous.

September has been full of development for Abigail. She has attached to Little Lamb. I tried to keep it in her bed after nap one day and she started crying until she could carry it down with her. I was reminded of Joseph taking Mr. Bear everywhere--around the house, in the car, to the store, to the doctor, etc.

Abigail is "talking" more and more. I feel like she really knows whats going on--though, I've thought Abigail has been trying to chat since she was a couple months old.

She likes to roll, be tickled, play peek-a-boo, clap, wave, jabber, and DANCE! She is also learning to blow kisses (right now she puts her hand up to her mouth, but hasn't gotten to the throwing it part). She seems to have started to understand "about gravity" as Joseph describes it. She stops at the edge of the bed, doesn't head for the stairs, etc. She is nowhere near standing or walking. In fact, if you try to put her feet on the floor, she bends at the knees. I have seen her pull up to her feet once. She is not interested in being rushed. This girl has opinions. Her latest hilarious (if it only lasts a little while) phase is to grunt/growl really loudly if she doesn't get what she wants.

September 2011

FHE

2011-09-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

We try to hold family home evening, a great tradition that is more or less successful (or existent) depending on the day. This week, we had a kid friendly (read: short) lesson on showing compassion, a collaborative game of Memory in which we had a three-way tie, and a treat of Rita's frozen custard (thank you, Missy!). Oh, and we also took some videos of the kids:

Enjoy!

September 19,2011

Kindergarten

2011-09-07T13:55:00.000-04:00

Joseph takes on kindergarten....

September 6, 2011

11 Months!

2011-09-07T13:33:00.001-04:00

Abigail turned 11 months at the Chesapeake Bay on Labor Day.

Abigail, our little bald blondie, loves to dance. Sometimes if the radio is on while I'm feeding her, I can't get her to stop shimmying long enough to take a bite. She has the most adorable wave with her fingers pointing backward. She loves to wave goodbye and night-night. She is doing the official hands-and-knees crawl now. She likes to point at things (like birds) and at pictures in books.

September 5, 2011

Allegany State Park, NY

2011-08-29T13:13:00.002-04:00

Our next stop was Allegany State Park in New York. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

The lodge (with a good restaraunt on the second floor):

Our campsite was filled with all kinds of wildlife! The chipmunks were very aggressive--I thought they were going to climb right up my leg while I was cooking! Joseph saw a huge raccoon before it even got dark--and the racoon was going in and out of occupied campsites. One night we saw a BEAR (luckily we were in the car driving when we saw it!!!). Another night, we had raccoons in our campsite--running between our two tents and in the trees above our tent!!! I told Marc I was going to be in the tent and not come out for anything until morning. During the night when it started pouring down rain, I was afraid we were going to be washed away. I called out to Marc in the next tent, but the rain and thunder were so loud we couldn't hear each other. I figured the animals were taking cover from the rain, too. I sat up for hours hoping we wouldn't be washed away or struck by lightning. Our little Abigail who wakes at a touch on the doorknob of her bedroom, slept soundly through the whole storm.

Because of the animals, there were no trash cans in the park. All trash was to be brought to this gated and electrified area.

There was an artist-in-residence at the park. We went to one of her concerts--cool evening, great music, perfect night, cute baby....

We visited "Thunder Rock" in the park:

We also visited "Bear Caves":

Joseph and Marc visited the fire tower and listened to a local expert and author talk about the area (I was in the car feeding and napping Abigail):

We enjoyed the beach here, too.

August 24-27, 2011

Camping

2011-08-29T12:48:00.002-04:00

We camped at Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania. Joseph was so excited! When we arrived at the campsite he said, "Can I go make friends with everyone?"

It was Abigail's first night of camping. It was pretty chilly, but she did well. She looked so cute all bundled up. We had two tents: Joseph and Marc in one, Abigail (and her pack-n-play) and I in another.

For breakfast, we made a version of my dad's "train wreck" camping breakfast. Breakfast came hours after we woke up. Since there were "quiet hours" we took the kids on a nature walk away from the campground (where we saw deer) and then sat in the car trying to keep them quiet until 8 am. Joseph was full of energy and asked, "When will it be loud hours?"

Marc insisted I post this picture; I guess he wanted to illustrate how relaxed we were!

Ricketts Glen had many waterfalls. We took a hike and saw several of them.

There was also a lake with a sandy beach. Joseph enjoyed the lack of waves after the water at Cape May. There were some men with metal detector and Joseph asked them if they were looking for lobster. Abigail loved the ducks--she was fascinated.

Joseph made so many new friends that we could barely pull him away for the campfire (I thought that didn't start until he was a teenager!!). He found friends with a skateboard that he loved to try--and has been asking for one since we got back.

While we were at Ricketts Glen, we later learned that a major earthquake happened back home. As close as we can determine, Marc was canoeing and I was at the campsite while the kids napped at the time the earthquake happened. We didn't feel a thing.

August 22-24

Atlantic City

2011-08-29T12:48:00.000-04:00

We included a stop in Atlantic City because they have a transportation system called a jitney. Our resident transportation guy wanted to check them out. So Marc and Joseph took a ride on the jitneys while I fed Abigail. We also stopped in a casino hoping (unsuccessfully) to find a good lunch buffet. When we walked in, Joseph asked, "Is this Chuck-E-Cheese?"

We determined Atlantic City isn't our scene, but the verdict is that the jitneys are great.

August 22, 2011

Cape May Extended

2011-08-29T12:16:00.002-04:00

We loved Cape May so much we stayed a couple extra days. We went to Cape May Point State Park where we saw a beautiful lighthouse, attended an amazing children's animal program, and took a ranger-led nature walk.

During the nature program, Joseph got picked to pretend to be a tree on which the Australian tree frogs could sit. Joseph also absolutely loved the nature walk. They loaned us binoculars and walked us out to see plants and animals. Joseph stayed right by the ranger's side. At one point, he fell behind because he stayed back with Marc to look at the birds on the pond. When he realized the group had moved on, he came rushing up and said to me, "Did he [the ranger] say anything?" Our little sponge didn't want to miss anything.

We also visited a Nature Conservancy bird watching area.

I stayed in the car to feed Abigail, but Joseph and Marc got to see swans.

Then, they met some serious bird watchers who had heard a rare bird had been sighted that morning and had immediately hopped in their cars and driven from Pennslyvania to come this rare bird. They let Joseph use their high-tech equipment and get the full bird watching experience.

August 21, 2011

Cape May

2011-08-29T08:00:00.060-04:00

We escaped for a wonderful vacation in August.

It began with a perfect few days in Cape May, New Jersey with Marc's family.

Abigail and Lucy in their matching hats and matching fascination with eating the rocks.

Aunt Rachel with Abigail and Aunt Gwen with Cousin Lucy

Joseph and I starting our whale and dolphin watching cruise with Aunt Gwen one afternoon.

Joseph saying, "This is so awesome" as we were watching the dolphins.

Do you see the dolphin?! We didn't see any whales, but we were thrilled with all of the dolphins. Joseph has been really into sea animals lately, so he was soaking up all the information he could get. When we boarded the boat, he asked the guy taking our tickets, "What is the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise?"

Morning cousin time: Abigail, Joseph and Lucy!

Abigail finding trouble

Morning walks along the beach.

Joseph and Marc kayaking

Joseph looking so grown up!

Aunt Elizabeth and Aunt Rachel kayaking

Joseph kayaking--Abigail was too little so I stayed home with her for a nap during this outing.

Grandma and Abigail enjoying the beach.

Joseph making friends and building sand castles with other kids on the beach. The waves at Cape May were pretty big; unfortunately, I didn't realize that until I had taken Joseph out into them. He got quite a scare, but hopefully won't be afraid of the ocean for the rest of his life!

August 18-20, 2011

Arlington County Fair

2011-08-19T23:20:00.001-04:00

I grew up doing 4-H, and the County Fair was a place for crafts, livestock, tractor pulls, and carnival rides. Here in the big city, we at least still have some rides at the County Fair. Joseph played on the moon bounces and then got to choose one ride--and he loved it!

The moon bounce

The swings:

Before

During

After

August 11, 2011

Love these kids!

2011-08-18T12:36:00.000-04:00

Today Joseph wrote "The Cricket Family" on a post-it note and put it on the wall in a corner. Below it on the floor was a green toy race car. Joseph informed me that the car was for the cricket family to drive out the house. Can you tell we've been listening to Beverly Cleary's Motorcycle for Ralph?

Joseph went to a zombie birthday party and came home with this awesome mask (the mom sewed one of these for each of the kids!!! plus hand dipped all kinds of chocolate zombie treats and more--it was an awesome party on all accounts).

We love Abigail. And we have all loved the pool this summer.
Today I found Abigail on her knees pulling up on the slats of the crib--a first. Baby girl is growing up!

August 18, 2011

Reunited Family

2011-08-15T22:22:00.000-04:00

After the kids and I got back from Missouri, Marc and I decided we needed a family picture. After countless attempts, these are the pictures we came up with:

August 7. 2011

10 months

2011-08-14T09:55:00.000-04:00

Abigail is our curious and wiggly little girl. I love this sequence of pictures which seems to capture this stage. She wants to grab my earrings, necklace, Joseph's glasses. She says "ha ha" and "oooh" all the time. She scrunches up her nose into this adorable smile. She got her first tooth this month! Abigail is still scooting along on her tummy. She will also get up on her knees and rock, but drops to her tummy to scoot when she wants to move. She can easily go from sitting to scooting now. She and Joseph are still love each other so much that it hurts her-- literally :) Abigail is sleeping much better now and I'm hoping it is permanent and not a phase. She is just wonderful. I love to be reminded of the wonder of the simple things through her eyes--birds, grass, the swimming pool, a dog.

August 5, 2011

Urgent

2011-08-09T15:01:00.000-04:00

I've been listening to news about the debt crisis, worrying about our savings plummeting and if we'll ever be able to buy a house...

Then I watched this ABC news clip about the famine in Africa. http://www.saveone.net/#1745413/It-Takes-an-Army-to-Solve-a-Crisis-3-Ways-to-to-help-fight-the

Joseph and I watched together, and I started crying--which caused him to tear up, too. We immediately donated.

I hope you will donate too.

Joseph's Heaven

2011-08-05T23:45:00.000-04:00

Joseph loves visiting Missouri! It is his paradise. One night he actually said to me when I was putting him to bed, "This was the best day ever."

Grandpa Bill and Joseph

Joseph and Cousin Ally--Joseph learned all about hand-held DS Ninetendo games. I loved how these two would sit and look at this tiny screen together.

"The cousins" and Joseph got to go see Ramona and Beezus at the theatre, spend at day at Wapelhorst Water Park, go to the cousins' house for dinner, and play, play, play at Grandma's house. Abigail liked the water park--mostly sitting on my lap in the shade while she ate vanilla wafers!

We had such a great trip--can't wait for next year.

July 21-August 3, 2011

Muny Night

2011-08-05T23:00:00.000-04:00

"Sisters"

Another highlight of the trip was going to see "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" with Hannah, Catherine & John. We had a Chipotle picnic and enjoyed a perfect evening. Thanks to Mom and Dad for watching my little ones again.

During this trip, it was fun seeing John & Catherine's new place, learning about their car-free life, and of course making trips to Ted Drewes. I especially appreciated their tour of St. Louis neighborhoods that would be affordable for us to buy a home (no, we're not moving, but I can dream!)

August, 1, 2011

The Rabbit Trap

2011-08-05T19:00:00.000-04:00

Joseph's cousin Ben made a rabbit trap. Joseph thinks Cousin Ben is pretty cool. This rabbit trap is made of a plastic laundry basket propped up by a log which has a piece of string tied around it. The string then is stretched (loosely so as not to trip anyone) across the yard into the house, where the rabbit catcher can sit and watch and wait for a rabbit to go under the hamper--at which point the rabbit catcher will pull the string, bringing down the hamper and catching the rabbit. Oh, and I forgot to mention the bait. There are some carrots and a leaf or two of lettuce under the hamper to entice the rabbit.

This is a picture of a rabbit trapped inside!!!! Unbelievably, this rabbit trap worked! Ben set up the trap, and a few days went by. One day I was walking up the stairs and looking out the wall of windows into the backyard. I noticed a rabbit near the trap so I said "Joseph, there's a rabbit near the trap." Being the nice mother that I am, I was just thinking he could watch the rabbit and it would keep him busy for awhile--only getting his hopes up, only to be crushed and never actually catching the rabbit.

I contined on into the other room---probably going attempt to get Abigail to eat, again-- Grandpa was watching with Joseph and I hear shouting, "Pull, Joseph, Pull!!" Joseph pulled the string, the rabbit was caught--and then proceeded to go crazy under that basket!

Uncle John saw Joseph immediately after the catch--he said he had his hands straight up in the air in a victory dance, jumping up and down, saying "YES! YES!" I wish I had a picture of that moment. But I do have a picture of the little rabbit catcher, Joseph, a little bit after the cathc. The rabbit is under the basket in the background. Grandpa called Ben to tell him the news, but Ben was out at a birthday party. I have to say, it was quite exciting for all of us.

The rabbit jumped and jumped and was eventually (just a few minutes) able to knock over the laundry basket. So, the rabbit was free and safe in the end.

July 31, 2011

Hiya Dad!

2011-08-05T17:00:00.000-04:00

This is the picture we intended to post to say hi to dad while we were gone.

Dear Dad: We miss you.

But we're having fun playing legos, going on field trips to Purina Farms, the Magic House, the zoo, going to Sno Biz, riding bikes (Grandma even bought Joseph a bike to ride while he's in town), eating frozen custard, and having a great time with much of our Moore extended family.

July 24, 2011

STL ZOO

2011-08-05T15:09:00.000-04:00

One of our favorite places to go in St. Louis is the ZOO!

We touched and fed the stingrays. This year, there were also sharks swimming in the tank with the stingrays!

Can you see the animals in the water?

Grandma and Grandpa both took us to the zoo. The Penguin house is especially fun on a hot day!

My favorite is the sea lion show!

And of course, the train ride.

July 30, 2011

First Tooth

2011-08-05T14:00:00.000-04:00

Abigail had fun in Missouri. We expected that she would start to crawl there, but she didn't. She did; however, get her first tooth! It came in on the top and looks a bit silly all by itself, but the next one is following close behind.

Abigail also slept the best of her life in Missouri! 12-hours-per night! It is almost worth moving to Missouri without a job or house--just to get uninterrupted sleep!

July 27, 2011--First tooth

Playing at Grandma's and Grandpa's House

2011-08-05T13:09:00.000-04:00

Joseph found some great dress-up clothes in the toy room!

July 2011

The Magic House

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

Grandma took us to The St. Louis Children's Museum-- The Magic House. It was indeed a magical day for Joseph, Abigail, and I to spend with Grandma and Uncle Andrew.

Joseph served a pizza at the play restaraunt.

A life-size beanstalk from "Jack and the Beanstalk"

Of course, the construction site was a favorite for our future construction worker. He could have spent all day in this one spot.

Racing lego cars was another favorite attraction!

And we can't forget the mechanic's station.

July 27, 2011

Did you Know?

2011-08-04T14:58:00.000-04:00

Purina Farms

2011-08-04T10:50:00.000-04:00

At Purina Farms, Joseph got to pet a pig (and a chicken and a bunny),

Swing on a rope in the hayloft,

Milk a real live cow!

And, most importantly, play with these miniature tractors in a tray full of dried corn.

It was a sweltering day! So, so hot! But we didn't want to miss the dog show. It was really amazing--if you look closely at the picture of the pool, you can see a dog that has jumped and caught a frisbee in her mouth before she lands in the swimming pool! The numbers along the side of the pool are used to measure how far the dog jumps before landing--apparently, there is a real competitve deal around these dog shows. Who knew?

By the end of the show, even little Abigail's face was sweating. Isn't she just the cutest?

We're missing Hannah (and half of Joseph) in this picture, but she was there with us! We love Hannah--what a fun aunt!

July 26, 2011

Abigail Eats

2011-08-03T22:47:00.000-04:00

My parents were determined to help little Miss Abigail gain some weight while we were in Missouri. Abigail liked my mom's meatloaf so she made sure there was always a meatloaf on hand during the whole trip! She also made pudding with pure cream (thanks to the suggestion from Jenn); they fed her fries, avacado, ice cream, etc. Marc teases me about the goal-oriented perspective my family all has, but agreed that Abigail was in need of the Moore can-do attitude in terms of gaining weight!

July 2011

Sno Biz

2011-08-03T14:30:00.000-04:00

Going for snow cones and sitting in the bed of Uncle Dan's truck is one of Joseph's favorite Missouri summer traditions.

While we were in Missouri, Abigail had a bit of stranger anxiety--wanting me to hold her all the time, bursting into tears if I left the room. However, Grandma and Sno Biz were the perfect combination to overcoming that problem. Grandma and Grandpa gave me the night off to go visit my sister Catherine--we walked over to the Loop for ice cream. Both of my babies were sleeping soundly when I got back home.

Abigail liked the peach snow cone!

Joseph's face in these pictures cracks me up!

July 25, 2011

Sunday with the Moores

2011-08-03T10:36:00.000-04:00

Abigail and Grandma before church. Grandma is an awesome gospel doctrine teacher.

I love this picture that captures an after church scene--Andrew and Ben playing Pokemon, Catherine playing Candyland with Ally and Joseph, Uncle John playing Peek-a-boo with Abigail, and Gracey playing her Nintendo DS.

The next room over, Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncel Dan getting Sunday dinner ready.

Abigail with Uncle John. The first time I really saw Abigail play peek-a-boo was with Uncle John--she would lean around a table or any object and try to catch Uncle John's eye from afar in the room.

Abigal and Uncle Dan.

July 24, 2011

Summer Trip to Missouri

2011-08-02T10:22:00.000-04:00

Summer would not be complete without a trip to St. Louis. Grandma and Grandpa gave us the best trip ever--two action packed weeks filled with fun activities, favorite foods, old friends, and F-A-M-I-L-Y! We had a wonderful time--even if it was 100 degrees + every single day we were there!!!

Uncle Andrew and Abigail (she loved that little soccer ball!)

Aunt Hannah and a very excited Abigail

Joseph and his cousins, Ally and Gracey. Uncle Andrew pulled out his mega lego collection and Joseph set up lego central in the middle of the living room for the duration of the trip. It was fun, actually, because the kids would play with the legos while we talked around them. And admittedly, an adult or two couldn't resist a little lego building along with the kids.

Grandpa Bill took Joseph fishing at Klondike Park. It was so fun to see Joseph catch his first fish--and see how surprised he was to discover how slippery and floppy a fish can be. We went early, early in the morning (BEFORE the ward breakfast) in order to avoid the hottest temperatures.

Joseph caught several fish (5?) with corn as bait. (Grandpa was that a secret? Sorry!)

Grandma, Abigail, and I hung out in the shade during the fishing.

After fishing, Joseph stayed with Grandpa and Grandma for a Pioneer Day breakfast. I took Abigail home for her morning nap (and felt lucky for the excuse to escape the heat!!!)

July 23, 2011

Waynesboro

2011-08-01T10:04:00.000-04:00

Ever heard of Waynesboro, VA? Me neither. But, apparently it is near Charlottesville, and it is where we stayed for a couple nights when Marc presented at the annual meeting of the Virginia chapter of the American Planning Association. While Marc was busy talking transportation, I went swimming with these two cuties in the hotel pool.

A suggestion for all you Virginia travellers: I do not recommend the Comfort Inn in Waynesboro. Over the phone they confirmed I had a crib reserved; when I arrived the front desk told me they didn't have cribs. After a sleepless night--for Abigail, me, and probably all of the guests in rooms near ours--I went back to the front desk in the morning to lodge a complaint and was told, indeed, they do have cribs. Uh, sorry?!!?

But, we did have a fun trip. Swimming, dinner out (where we learned Abigail loves spinach artichoke dip by the spoonful and drinking water from a straw), local frozen custard joint, a few hours on the Charlottesville pedestrian mall, and flying to Missouri out of the Charlottesville airport--which was a great highlight for Joseph because we flew in a small plane--and got to walk out on the runway and walk up stairs directly to the plane!

Joseph was really well behaved on the trip. We had planned to stop for ice cream on the drive down, but kind of ran out of time--or out of Abigail happy time--and just needed to get to the hotel. Joseph asked, "When are we going to get ice cream?" I told him we were going to wait until the next day. He said--and I quote, "Ok, mom." No whining, no crying, not even a little complaint. Maybe we have turned a corner!!!

Abigail is a fan of flying. She loved finding new friends among people on the plane, at the airport. The ladies across the aisle were loving her--played hide and seek, asked to hold her, etc. My favorite moment was the two tough construction workers who were standing in line behind me. Abigail turned on her charm, and she had these two burly guys wrapped around her finger!

July 19-21, 2011

Abigail Updates

2011-07-19T11:50:00.000-04:00

Abigail, Joseph, and I are off to Missouri. We may or may not post for awhile so here's a little Abigail to tide you over. By the way, we took Abigail in for her 9 month check up yesterday. She needs to gain weight-- still only 14 pounds and one ounce! Luckily, the doctor said, "I have a hard time getting too worried because just look at her!" which consoled me a bit when I received the after-visit print-out which listed the diagnosis, "Failure to Thrive". That is a sickening phrase to a mother's ears and heart. We are supposed to try to increase her caloric intake with red meat, whole milk yogurt, butter in her cereal, olive oil in her veggies, etc. And take her back for a weight check next month. The doctor also did some blood work for tests.

She speaks! It is official, Abigail says "Dada" when talking about her Daddy!

July 13, 2011

July Days

2011-07-19T11:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Cousin Missy!

Sheriff Joseph

Don't ask!

Babies for Peace

2011-07-19T11:28:00.000-04:00

Abigail wearing her "Code Pink: Babies for Peace" onesie.

We love our children's librarian, Ms. Desiree. She does storytime under the trees during the summer.
July 14, 2011

Sentimental

2011-07-05T22:03:00.001-04:00

I registered Joseph for school last week. My baby. All day kindergarten. It kind of hit me all at once last week when I was thinking about taking him to the zoo "once the weather cools off a bit." And then I realized that he will be in school when the weather cools off. We have two months left until we enter a whole new phase. So I've been in a bit of a sentimental mood. Here's a beautiful song if you're in the mood to be sentimental, too. I'm not a big fan of music videos, so I suggest you just listen instead of watch the video Remember When by Alan Jackson

My Joseph is wonderful--passionate and determined. Emotional and tenderhearted under his sometimes defiant exterior. He peers over the top of his glasses with skepticism, has been known to retort "Make me" when given an instruction not to his liking, and melts into tears and a hug if I embrace him instead of scold him. He still loves songs at bedtime, matchbox cars, drawing trucks on every surface imaginable, and praying for "my mom, my dad, and my baby."

His best friends moved away yesterday. When we went to say good-bye he hugged Anderson so hard it picked him up off the ground--even though Joseph is a foot shorter. I teared up just watching him. He hugged Tee a little too hard and she cried.--which was fitting of their relationship. And Ruby called him upstairs to show him something and couldn't understand that this was goodbye. This morning when he looked out our bedroom window and saw their moving truck drive away, he ran into Marc's arms and sobbed and sobbed. Our little boy is growing up.

Today at the park, he found a megaphone and started directing everyone, "Okay guys"--and they all listen; he must have had six little boys who followed him. Later he came over and informed me "Mom, we're going to get into nature" as they were going to venture away from the playground a bit. He asked me to play clubhouse with him this afternoon. I could be "Team Fruit Loops" with Abigail as my servant. He was going to be "Team Vehicle" with Mr. Bear as his servant. He made signs for our teams.

Joseph loves to invite our neighbor Bob to dinner. He walks over and invites him and then listens to his stories like a grown-up while we eat. Joseph is at a wonderful stage between little kid and big kid--a mix of both, I guess. And it seems I never quite know which one to expect.

This afternoon he went out to turn on the hose to water something, I suppose (I didn't know he was going to do this until he came back in soaked--it didn't work as he planned). It was a hot day so I said, "Well, did it feel pretty good to get wet anyway?" He responded, "Surprisingly, no." I love when he says things like that. Just a little man in a 5-year-old body!

This boy challenges, pushes, and exasperates me! He has turned my world upside down since he first made his debut and plunged me headfirst into motherhood. I can hardly remember life without Joseph. I love this boy. He is my child, my friend, my treasure.
July 5, 2011

Fourth of July Weekend

2011-07-05T21:27:00.000-04:00

The holiday weekend was full of fun family events: a concert at the Folklife Festival with Marc's family including John, Gwen and Lucy who were in town; a day at Pohick Bay with sailing for Marc and Pirates Cove water park for Abigail and Joseph, then church and family dinner, a going away party for our neighbors, a sleepover for Joseph at Grandma and Grandpa's (and Aunt Rachel who had the kicking boy next to her all night), and big family barbeque at David and Fatima's on Independence Day.

My babies

Elizabeth and Sarah with baby Abigail watch the fun

Aunt Rachel is so fun : she played catch and croquet with Joseph.

Donna, Lincoln, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Gwen

July 4, 2011

Nine Months

2011-07-05T21:17:00.001-04:00

Abigail is nine months old today. She is so much fun and has the most playful, happy personality. She responds to her name and will scoot across the floor to get to me. I love seeing her face light up when she sees me, even peeking around a corner at her. Lately, when I lay down to nurse her, she will eat for a bit and then roll away from me--and start laughing before making me come get her to finish eating. She is teasing already! She also started rolling away while I'm changing her diaper--and just laughing and laughing. Oh, how I love her laugh.

Abigail has gone back to terrible sleeping--waking every couple hours--but just over the weekend we enacted some tougher measures. She had some rough nights, but I think we are on the upswing. She likes to look out at Joseph from her crib. If they both go to bed at the same time, it can take awhile for sleep to come because they have so much fun together. Joseph even confessed to Marc one day last week, "Sometimes I kneel by Abigail's bed and smile and play with her" when he is supposed to be going to sleep. Abigail is still our tiny little baby. I finally packed away the last of the 3 month size clothes! I am constantly meeting babies who are months and months younger than she is who are bigger. But she makes up for it in personality.
She is still scooting, not real crawling, but can get all over the house. We think she looks like she is swimming when she scoots. She sits on her own, but sometimes still tips over if she is reaching for a toy, and she can't quite make the transition from sitting to laying down/crawling.

She still chews on everything, though has moved from whole hand in mouth, to just thumb--every once ina while. She has started eating the little baby food puffs; she can pick one up, but can't quite get it to her mouth.

We went swimming over the weekend and once she got used to the cold water, she loved it--laughing and squealing and kicking, kicking, kicking. And of course, making friends with everyone in the water.

I still get comments from almost everyone we meet about how happy and interactive she is. I want the whole world to meet her because I think everybody is better off after having been loved by Abigail.

She is the absolute joy of my life.

July 5, 2011

Happy Un-Birthday Grandpa!

2011-07-03T20:36:00.000-04:00

Grandpa Lincoln's birthday is the day after Christmas. This year we celebrated his half-birthday--exactly six months from his birthday--June 26. Lincoln's children planned a fun party and invited family and close friends from Lincoln's work and church.

Grandpa with Joseph and Abigail

Joseph with Aunt Elizabeth, Aunt Rachel, and Cousin Missy

Joseph helps Grandpa blow out the candles while Marc holds the cake that Elizabeth baked.

Church friends Wally and Sharon, Bill, and Dick

Work friends Jim, Bob, and Ann

Lincoln with former RPC colleagues Bill and Jim

Donna with Kathy and Anne

Family out on the porch: David, Lila and her new caregiver

Lila and Missy

Sarah, Christy and Rachel

June 26, 2011

Sneaky

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Abigail loves to crawl under our the train table. She seems to think she is very clever.

It makes a great clubhouse.

June 2011

Bedtime

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For our bedtime routine, I nurse Abigail and then hold her and sing her a song before putting her in her crib. Abigail is usually always alert and looking around--very little snuggling or cuddling. However, at bedtime, she puts her head on my shoulder and rests while I sing to her; sometimes she even hums along. It is one of my most treasured times of the day. Marc tried to sneak in to capture a picture of this moment.

But, she wasn't fooled by Marc's sneaking. She knows the camera: she's bright eyed and ready for a couple more pictures!

She also sticks out her tongue alot--kind of funny. I'm glad we accidentally captured it on camera.

June 2011

Blues Festival

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After the dragon boat racing, we came home, ate shrimp tacos for dinner (our summertime favorite this year) and then put Abigail to bed. She woke up 30 minutes later and we decided to just get her up and walk down to the Columbia Pike Blues Festival instead of fighting her on the sleep issue. It was a perfect end to a wonderful summer day.

We ran into our neighbors down at the festival. The kids had a ball together.

June 18, 2011

Dragon Boat Racing

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Marc joined the NAVY "Killer Bees" team to compete in dragon boat racing at the Taiwanese Dragon Boat Festival.

The boats can hold twenty rowers, plus a steerer and a drummer. The drummer sets the pace for the rowing.

We enjoyed watching and cheering from the banks of the Potomac and walking over to Geogetown for burritos during a break between races.

Joseph made friends with some people who were fishing and catching huge catfish.

They even let Joseph pull in a catfish once it had been caught.

A great day was had by all.

June 18, 2011

Goodbye Friends

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Our neighbors and good friends are moving. Joseph is planning to stow away in their car. I think he really would prefer to be in their family--four children under the age of 6 with two easy-going parents--it is a party all the time. However, I am not about to give up my Joseph so I will keep him here with me. As a consolation, we've tried to spend as much time with them as possible these past couple weeks. I remembered to bring the camera when we visited a spray park this week:

Abigail and Houston enjoy the sandbox together.

We'll definitely miss these two girls!

If Abigail has a cell phone, she is happy!

Joseph!

(Now somehow, I didn't get a single shot of Anderson--Joseph's best friend and idol!)

June 30, 2011

He Can Read!

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Joseph and I have been working our way through this book for a while now. We haven't quite done a lesson a day, as suggested by the author. However, it has been really fun to see reading open up for Joseph. Even though we haven't finished the book, he can already read basic new reader books from the library--which I suppose is why it is harder to get him to do the lessons with me now. He thinks he knows it all. Actually, he thought that at the beginning of the book, too. In one of our first lessons he was arguing with me about a sound that a letter makes. I shut the book and told him I was not going to teach him if he was going to argue with me. He stopped arguing and begged me to keep teaching him, promising not to argue (a miraculous event in my parenting life with Joseph)!