Pictures from the Week....

I tried to get some fun shots of Annabel with her name plaque. This bench isn't the perfect place, but I thought they were pretty cute, regardless:)

These next two are after her accident Sunday night. Funny...the blood stains seemed so much bigger in my memory! :) You can't see the sleeve of my sweater but it is also covered, as well as several spots on my jeans.

Oh yeah...haha. This is from one day last week when Annabel and I decided to see how many animals could fit on the ark!! Oh the silly things we do....  :)

Patiently waiting their turns...

 You know the monkeys.... always monkeying around!

  

 

 Well, who's to say it didn't look like this?! Anyway...Derek and I have been somewhat enjoying our time alone! Last night after my mom and Annabel left we kind of sat around for awhile trying to figure out what to even do! Finally we went to Pizza Hut to eat and rented a movie. (The Happening- interesting film). Then this morning Bailey and I slept in till after 9 and then I went and did yoga with a friend. Now I am (supposed to be!) cleaning because we are having small group at our house tonight but I'm having trouble getting motivated. Darn internets! 

3 Cheers for Big Lots!

This is complete randomness. But I was just telling my mom how much I've grown to love Big Lots in the last several months. We rarely ever went as a kid because my mom has such an aversion to it... long story, has something to do with being one of six kids, won't go into that now ;)

Anyway, I love Big Lots because they carry awesome brands that you can't find anywhere else in this ghetto town... 7th Generation, Method, Earth's Best, etc. Since probably October I've been buying 7th Generation chlorine-free diapers (for daycare) for 8.99 a pack...Holla! (That was for you Paige). Back when I used to buy the same size pack at Whole Foods they ran $13.99 or more. And recently I bought some Method laundry detergent for $3.50, which at drugstore.com it is $12.49....Wow. I'm wishing now I had stocked up because I think its gone now. Oh, and the other thing I love to buy at Big Lots is Oreos...always $2.50...which if you have an Oreo-loving family you know they are over $4 at the grocery. 

So anyway, that's my random thought of the day. Go check out what your local Big Lots has to offer:)

Koo koo kachoo

I just wanted to post an update to my last post. We went to the doctor on Monday and he thought she should get stitches, since its a face wound. But instead of "real" stitches he was able to use glue- yay! She did fine, but has since picked it all off.... grrr. I guess that's the down-side! 

Anyway, we've been having a pretty good week. This is my last week before Spring Break, and I'm really looking forward to that! Since I've always had a job in the past, this is my first spring break since college with nothing to do! Annabel's going to stay with my parents for about 4 days, and Derek and I are hoping to get some work done around the house. Yippee! We'll see if anything actually gets done, haha. 

Annabel's been so cute lately - she's learned to hum! She can hum "Frere Jaque" (sp?) or you may know it as "Where is thumkin":) I was so surprised when I first heard her- I about fell out of my chair! What a smart little cookie:)

This weekend we went up to Fort Wayne because Derek desperately needed to get some new clothes. He found a bunch of great stuff- even bought a whole outfit at the Gap! I was so proud of him:) (For those of you who know him, Derek hates "name brand" clothes!) But I made him try stuff on and I think he realized how good he looked! I didn't find anything for Annabel or I... the deals just aren't that great yet on summery type stuff. H&M had suuuuper cute stuff for little girls but I'll wait a few months for it to go on sale!! 

Then Monday I took all our bloody clothes to the cleaners- bleh. So freakin' expensive. But Annabel and I both had on nice clothes, so I guess it was worth it. 

I didn't post a menu plan this week because we are out of food and basically just winging it from the freezer/pantry! Monday we ate at a friends, tonight we did Subways, and Thurs/Fri my mom will be here so who knows what she has up her sleeve! I'll get back on it next week! 

Anyway, that's all my random thoughts for the evening. I'll post some pictures soon!

So Much Blood

Tonight my baby had her first real accident. We were at Kohl’s shopping and Annabel was starting to get tired. She was stumbling a little bit like babies do and Derek and I were laughing at her. Suddenly, she tripped and fell face first onto the leg of a clothing rack, right on the corner and busted her head. 

I know when Derek reads this post he will make fun of me and say I’m being overly dramatic, and say something like “Wow, I didn’t realize she was dying.” But he was so cool and calm about it, while I reacted in a way that was completely new for me. Looking at it from a clinical standpoint, all I can think is that I went into a state of shock. Most of you who know me know that I am not a histrionic or dramatic person, in fact I often err to the side of being too laid back in my parenting style. But this was different. 

I picked her up from the floor and what I remember from there is bits and pieces, What I remember most is all the blood. Staring at it as it ran down and covered my beautiful daughter’s face, making her look grotesque and unrecognizable; just staring at the blood pooling in my hands and dripping to the floor, and her screaming. Derek ran to get paper towel, and I remember it seemed like he was gone for hours; I felt so helpless and unsure. 

Then Derek was there and I shoved her at him, saying “Take her, I can’t…” From the floor we made it to an elevator, then a bathroom. I remember staring into a sink as I washed my hands, watching the blood come off my hands in clots and strings, trying to get it off faster, “get it off!”

Derek: “Take her into the bathroom and clean her up”

Me: “I don’t know what to do.”

Derek: “Take her in the bathroom and clean her up.”

Me: I don’t know what to do! You have to come in there with me.”

Another woman, a stranger: “Come on, I’ll help you.”

(At this point I’m sure Derek wanted to shake me and say “Get ahold of yourself, woman!”)

Then I was watching as a stranger seemingly in slow motion took off my baby’s blood-soaked shirt, washed each of her tiny hands, gently cleaned off her chin, her mouth and nose, then her forehead, ears and hair. At this point maybe I came back as I started to recognize her again. I did what I should have done all along: I scooped her up, held her to me and comforted her. Only at this point did her pitiful sobs stop and she began to calm down. 

It turned out all she had was a tiny little gash in her forehead, more of a puncture wound really, and a nosebleed. But it sure was a gusher! We didn’t take her to the ER, but I’ll call the doctor in the morning to see if she needs a stitch or two. We’ve also been keeping an eye on her for concussion. It was just such a surreal experience for me and it gave me the tiniest insight into what a trauma victim must go through. Now, I’m not saying that this in any way compares to the trauma of rape, assault, abuse, war, terrorism or witnessing a violent crime. No way. All I’m saying is that through this experience I’ll gain empathy for those that have experience these things. 

The funny thing is that in church this morning I prayed for greater understanding and empathy for my clients. As an addendum to God I added “though not at the expense of my family…” (i.e. I don’t really want to know what it’s like to lose a spouse, or lose a child.) So, was this a coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. Some would say there’s no such thing as coincidence. 

Life With a Crazy Toddler

These first pictures are of the dress/shirt I made for her last week. It was supposed to be a dress but when I tried it on her it was pretty short! I wasn't crazy about the way it fit, but I guess that's why you keep practicing to make perfect! (Also, i guess that's why you take measurements:))

we love spaghetti night!!

and yogurt for breakfast!

I love how this is a series of pictures. Annabel is getting more independent and wanting to use the spoon herself. I guess I'm glad that she's able to do more, but it's hard to give up the control! Plus- what a mess!:)

and I love her face in this last one:

must be some pretty good yogurt!!

The shirt says it all. 

I just love a baby in a diaper:) In this picture she is pointing at the window because she wants to go outside!

She's content just to look, for now.

Earlier today, a little bummed by the cold weather, we (I) decided to have a beach party!!

As long as she doesn't do this when she's 16!

The child does love to look out the window! I love the lighting in this picture. 

Last but not least, Annabel's very own keyboard. She loves banging on my laptop so much I made Derek cut off the cord to this one just for her! Unfortunately, she's still much more interested in mine...

Menu Plan Monday!

On this week's menu:

Monday - cheeseburger soup, hawaiian sweet rolls

Tuesday - pizza at school (lunch)

- spaghetti, garlic bread, green beans

Wed - tilapia, alfredo, peas

Thurs - Breakfast for supper! Bacon, eggs, pancakes. Canned fruit or apple slices. (on this night we have a short window of eating - 5-6 pm)

Friday - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn (my night to cook!)

Saturday - steak and rice, hawaiian rolls, steamed broccoli

Sunday - tuna melts (lunch) <---Didn't get around to them last week! 

     - pot roast with carrots, onions, celery; crescent rolls

Happy eating!

Happy Valentine's Day week!

As far as my brain can remember, this hasn't been a super-special week by any means.  We all went about our routines as usual; work, school, daycare, family time. Derek had his last (rescheduled due to weather) Christmas dinner on Wednesday, and I know he's relieved about that! However, that means....no more leftover cheesecake for me for another year:( Probably for the best!  Speaking of which...I made it to the gym twice this week! Go me! I feel a little bit more motivated when the weather is cooperating. 

It's been so nice this week, we've played outside several times and one night we all (Derek, myself, Annabel and Bailey) walked to the library and rented movies. Annabel LOVES being outside, and she cried when I put the stroller back in the closet! That makes me so excited for this summer, because I love being outside. I have lots of plans for our back yard this summer. We've pretty much neglected it for the past 3 years, just letting it be Bailey's kingdom, but this year with a toddler I'm going to take advantage of the fenced yard! If anyone (nearby) hears of any used patio furniture for cheap or free please let me know! 

Valentine's day came and went in our home with little fuss. I had planned to buy valentines for Annabel's classmates, but she doesn't go on Fridays so I kind of forgot. And Derek said he meant to buy me flowers, but I think he forgot as well. Oh well. 

We did manage to go out to eat with my grandparents on Valentine's Day (had a heck of a time finding a restaurant that wasn't reservations only!) and Annabel wore her sweet little tutu...:) I don't think a single person who saw her didn't say..."awwwww, look at the baby!" Can you blame them?! ;)

We stuck to our meal plan pretty well, but you have to be flexible with it as well! You have to allow for life happening! I was going to make cheeseburger soup Friday night, but Derek had some duck breasts in the fridge that really needed used so we had that instead. And we were going to have McDonalds Wed night but I ended up not going in to work, so we came home and munched on some leftovers. Derek's red beans and rice was sooo delicious! I could eat that every week! I'll try to get him to post the recipe on his blog. Anyway, since I already have hamburger thawing, I'll have to make the soup tomorrow night! 

Saturday my grandparents came up and brought a cedar chest my grandpa made me for Christmas. It is so gorgeous! I know it took him longer to make than he anticipated, but it was worth the wait. I can't wait to get it up to our room and put stuff in it! :) 

 

Another fun surprise my grandma brought (this one's for you, Tera).....GYMBOREE! Yay! This will be her little Easter dress this year. So cute!

I'm working on a dress for Annabel right now. In fact, I can't wait to get off here and get to my sewing machine while she's still napping! It is similar to Matilda Jane's knot dresses, and I got some Amy Butler fabric in teals and lime greens that is sooo cute. I hope to get it done in time for Morganne's birthday party:)

This morning we went to church for the 4th Sunday in a row. I'm pretty sure that is a record for us, so I guess its safe to say we are in the right place. Last Monday we went to our old church and spoke with the pastor and his wife. We just wanted to explain to them why we hadn't been coming and what our reasons for switching were. It was very emotional for me, and yes, I cried. I have never met such friendly, welcoming people in my life, and it was hard to say goodbye. But it was time. We need a place where Annabel can grow, and honestly, I needed a place where my husband felt excited to go. That's very important. So now I just have to make sure we don't get swallowed up in the "bigger" church and not become involved. 

That's about all for now! I'll try to post a new menu plan tomorrow! 

25 Random Things...by Annabel

Hi Everyone. This is Annabel instead of my mommy. Someone sent me this list on my Facebook page and mommy said I should post it here instead of on there. So this is a list of 25 random facts about myself.

1. When I was born I weighed 7 lb 14 oz. 

2. I surprised mommy and daddy by being a girl instead of a boy!

3. I love shoes. I'd rather have a new pair of shoes than a new dolly! I like to wear mommy and daddy's shoes, too!

4. This morning I tripped over a pair of shoes in the hallway and hit my head on the door! That hurt really bad and I cried but mommy made it better. Now I have a big bump and a bruise on my forehead! 

5. I just pooped but mommy doesn't know it yet. 

6. I'm simultaneously fascinated by and terrified of anything hot. 

7. Bathtime is my favorite time of the day! 

8. Sometimes I dream about going to the prom with Elmo. 

9. My favorite person in the whole world is mommy

10. After mommy my favorite person is grandma, then Bailey, then daddy. 

11. Mommy said I have to say daddy is my second favorite person (wink, wink)

12. I love to read books! My favorite book right now is called Rainbow Rob. 

13. Sometimes I feel frustrated and mad.

14. Mommy makes me eat vegetables for a snack but daddy gives me cookies! Then daddy is my favorite person. 

15. I get in trouble when I mess with the stereo and the volume knob! 

16. I like to hide things under the couch. Sometimes I put my cookies under the couch and go back for them later! 

17. I haven't been around too long but I know lots of stuff. 

18. I can turn the tv on with the remote control! I can also change the channel when mommy and daddy are watching. Its funny to watch them yell!

19. I've been to Tennessee, Seattle, Iowa, Wisconsin, Chicago, Kentucky and Florida (when I was in my mommy's belly!) And maybe more places. Mommy can't remember.

20. Some people say I'm the cutest baby they've ever seen.

21. I have a cousin named Morganne and pretty soon she's going to be 1 just like me! 

22. Some of my favorite foods are peas, macaroni, hot dogs, daddy's risotto, bananas, Life cereal, cheese, quesadillas, and cheeseburgers.

23. Sometimes I pretend to not understand what mommy is telling me so I don't have to do it. I learned that from daddy. 

24. I like to show strangers my belly! I learned that from daddy too. 

25. I have lots of special people in my life that love me. I'm pretty lucky. 

Menu Plan Monday

Okay Mel, Lisa, this one's for you. I'm getting into the Menu Plan Monday! I've realized that with our crazy schedules, if I don't plan specific meals on specific nights, groceries go bad. :( Not good, especially when you have a limited grocery budget. So, anyway, here's the plan for the week:

Monday - Hot wings, french bread, celery

Tuesday - pizza at school (lunch)

- grilled chicken with alfredo, garlic cheese bread, peas

Wed - leftover alfredo (sack lunch)

- McDonalds! (Derek has to work late - and I'm taking Annabel to work with me)

Thurs - sack lunch

- red beans and rice - crockpot meal started by Derek in a.m. Served with corn bread and green beans

Friday  - orange cream smoothies (breakfast), 

- cheese quesadillas on whole wheat tortillas

- cheeseburger soup with toasted buns on side (My night to cook!)

Sat - something with spinach balls....grilled tilapia, perhaps?

Sunday - tuna melts after church (a Sunday favorite)

- eating dinner with small group at church

Snacks this week: grapes, pears, apples/peanut butter, oatmeal cookies, granola bars, cheese cubes, raisins.

What an exciting week of meals! Notice how I only cook once a week (sometimes less!) I'm so spoiled!

Some videos

Picture Vomit

Hey all, here are some pictures from the past several weeks. Sorry its been awhile!

Here is the one picture from our play date at Gymboree Play and Music. I wish I could have got more, but my camera died!! :(

These next few pictures are from this morning...Annabel's growing into her 18-24mo clothes:( These are still a little big on her, but the 12-18's are too short! She was being so silly this morning!

  

So forlorn at the window...waiting for a war hero, perhaps?:)

Last night, we had some friends over for dinner. Here's Annabel getting into the groceries before they are unpacked! She found the grapes:)

 Please mom? Can I have baby Cassidy's pacie?

"Okay:( Here you go, baby."

Here's a few days ago - begging for cookies!

"Daaaad!! Cookie!"

 

 Not getting what she wants, she sadly walks away.

Giving Bailey kisses!

A sweet sleeping shot:)

A few nights ago we went to a local church for supper. One of Derek's friends was making it.