Dream Girl

Tiny Dancer

2009-03-17T21:33:00.003-05:00

So at one point tonight we switched the TV from the DVR to live viewing, and "Dancing with the Stars" popped on the screen (don't judge, it was a coincidence!), and one of the couples were in mid-dance. S. was playing on the floor, and when she heard the music, she sprang up onto her feet and faced the TV. And when she saw the dancing, she started twirling to the music! It was so adorable!

Sweet girl is feeling better-- that croupy cough transitioned into bronchitis (plus an ear infection) and a trip to the ER last week. But yesterday's follow-up visit to the doctor's office earned her reports of "clear lungs" and "perfect ears." Of course, we're watching her like hawks, because, this week, her dad and I have had a stomach bug. A bad, bad bug. Bad.

The Girl seems to like the new daycare pretty well, other than being dropped off, at which time she still cries. Her teacher started last week, and S. seems to like her. Cal and I pounce on those daily reports.

Little girl's first week in a big daycare center

2009-03-08T20:54:00.007-05:00

I don't think I'm going to call The Girl's first week at CKLC a rousing success, seeing how, on Wednesday, she tripped and hit her head on a shelf, which left her with a big honkin' goose egg and a little cut on her forehead. And then she was sick when I picked her up Friday evening. Yeah, sweet girl has had a croupy cough all weekend.

We knew her exposure to germs would be much greater at this daycare center, but come on, she's sick five days into it? At Cathie's she only came home sick twice in 16 months.

On the upside, though, S. seems to like it there pretty well, after those upon-arrival crying jags. But hopefully those will end during this (second) week.

Creative Kids

2009-03-02T20:16:00.005-06:00

Well, today was The Girl's first day at Creative Kids Learning Center, a brand spankin' new place that still has that new daycare smell. Her dad and I took her this morning, to learn the ropes and, hopefully, to help ease the transition. I'm so glad Cal was there, because, for the first time, Samantha cried when dropped off at daycare. I was ok until I left the building, and I almost started to cry myself, but I toughed it out.

We were unable to meet S.'s teacher, because, this being a brand spankin' new daycare, she doesn't work there yet. Her first day is Monday, so today we met the other toddler teacher (the toddlers are all together this week and will split up next week).

We're already big fans of the daily report. "Today's Activities" it read, S. "had fun reading stories and singing songs during circle time. She was very comforting to children who were upset." That's our girl! On the downside, she had marker all over her hands and pants when I picked her up. Plus, they're not Cathie.

All in all though, S. seems to have had a good day and was absolutely worn out tonight.

Ms. Cathie

2009-02-27T23:00:00.007-06:00

Ms. Cathie has cared for The Girl virtually every weekday since S. was six weeks old. She has provided wonderful care for, and been a great influence on, S. And Cal and I think the world of her.

Sadly, this was The Girl's last day with Cathie, who keeps babies until they're 18 months old. And while S. has another month to go, there's an opening at the new place.

I think the new place will be culture shock for my girl and me. We both just love Cathie. She is wonderful!

First Haircut

2009-02-24T21:13:00.010-06:00

I wanted to have The Girl's hair cut, because it's very uneven. The scraggly top is almost constantly in a bow, because it had never fallen out, and the sides and back, which had fallen out when she was four months old, are curly and cute. I took her to Susie, who cuts my hair. Cal was all in favor of it, as long as Susie "[did]n't cut any off."

So, I took S. to CarMichael's, and though she wouldn't sit in the booster seat, she was happy to sit in my lap while Susie worked. Susie worked quickly, with S. preoccupied with a lollipop, Tinkerbell stickers, and a hot pink butterfly-covered cape, and before I knew it, my girl's curls were pulled up in two little bunches, and The Girl was saying "thank you" to Susie!

Thankfully, Susie gave me some of the product she used, so we can see how we like it. Maybe it will be what we've been looking for, because that has been a long quest!

And also thankfully, Cal thinks Susie did a good job and didn't say anything anything about the Girl's hair being too short. Whew!

By the way, Little Miss S. is 17 months old today...

Resolved: 2009

2009-01-11T20:15:00.011-06:00

Long time no post, huh?

Yeah, 2008 was a rough year, Since I created this blog primarily for my mom, I just didn't have the heart to blog after her death last February...

But I'm back. In fact, this is one of my resolutions for 2009!

More later-- Miss S. is fussy and needs her mommy right now.

I'm youth, I'm joy...

2008-02-10T21:59:00.003-06:00

Still so very far behind with the blogging, and still will catch up, but in the interim, check this out: Beth Serradet with b more creative photography has updated her website, and there are seven shots of The Girl on her Babies page!

(FYI, the partial quote used as the posting title is by James M. Barrie)

Great-grandmommy (Thanksgiving, part 3)

2008-01-03T20:39:00.006-06:00

Probably the biggest highlight of the holiday weekend occurred when Granny, Pa, ABCD, The Girl, The Daddy, and I drove to Stratford, TX, where S. met Great Granny, her great-grandmommy. It was a very special visit, and The Daddy and I are so happy our baby and her awesome great-grandmommy were able to spend time together. We can hardly wait to return to Stratford for another visit.

I am so greatful for my precious child and for the blessings of love and family. Thanks be to God!

Family Portrait (Thanksgiving, part 2)

2008-01-03T20:22:00.003-06:00

One of the biggest highlights of the holiday weekend was this family photograph (a million thanks to sweet Aunt Kay for snapping the pic)! It warms my heart to have this memory of these dear people who love unconditionally and who are so happy for The Daddy and me. From left to right: (standing) Uncle Bill and Aunt Anissa, (seated) cousin D., The Daddy, The Mommy, The Girl, Granny, Pa, and (kneeling) cousin C.

Gobble, Gobble! (Thanksgiving, part 1)

2008-01-03T20:20:00.003-06:00

The Girl's first Thanksgiving was a big family occasion in Texline, TX, not to mention a huge success! We won't even factor in the fact that just moments after snapping this photo of her in an adorable "Baby's First Thanksgiving" outfit (from the Joneses!), she was covered neck-to-toes in spit-up. Yikes!

As you'd expect (especially after a change of clothes), she was the center of attention the entire weekend! (In fact, it almost seemed as though if you weren't there to see The rock star Girl, you might as well not be there! Happily, I had rock-star-by-association status, as S. is very powerful and generous.) Of course, she was a big hit with her Granny and Pa and with her great Aunt Kay. Dana and Ivy were smitten with her. As it turns out, Byron is a bit of baby monopolizer, and even Kolton wanted to hold her! Actually, everyone over toddler age held her (rock star, I'm telling you!). I think she really took to her uncles and Aunt H., and when Aunt A. met her, well, let's just say that there were tears (and not just mine!). The Girl was a big hit with her sweet cousin D., who was very helpful at diaper-changing time, when she would always help me by closing the bedroom door for "priacy."

We were so touched by everyone's love and affection for The Girl. It was a sweet reminder why we love our family so much!

My, how time flies!

2007-12-31T21:06:00.002-06:00

Well, it's been well over a month since my last post, and all I can say is...

I have a baby-- I don't have time to post!

No excuse, I know. How 'bout this one: I cannot stand to tear myself away from my sweet, cuddly, yummy baby!

Better, yet not good enough, huh? I will catch up in the next few-ish days, though - from Thanksgiving on - I promise! Please be patient with me!

Happy new year!

***Edited: No, I never caught things up, what with the sudden turmoil my family and I faced. Que sera sera.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-20T21:24:00.005-06:00

As The Girl's Traveling Road Show gears up to get her to Texline, TX in time for her first Thanksgiving, I wanted to share the beautiful photography of Beth Sarradet of b more creative photography. We're awaiting the proofs from The Girl's photo shoot, but Beth posted a sneak peek to tide us over.

(Note to The Daddy: I told you that feather boa from New Orleans was a good idea!)

We're hitting the road tomorrow... Hope your Thanksgiving is happyily full of loved ones and other blessings!

Few people realize the profound part angelic forces play in human events

2007-11-04T14:34:00.002-06:00

We took The Girl to Deaconess on Thursday and visited The Angel. We hadn't seen her for two or three weeks, so it was really great to catch up.

The Angel is beautiful and sweet and precious, and she means the world to us.
(And FYI, the quote used as the posting title is by Billy Graham.)

No tricks, just treats

2007-10-31T22:23:00.002-05:00

So, The Girl's first Halloween was a quiet affair at home, but she was still dressed to the nines (dig the spooky-but-cute holiday hair) in her sweet peek-a-boo outfit (love the lavender spider!), which was a gift from the Joneses of Canyon, TX.

San Antonio Rose

2007-10-30T21:06:00.002-05:00

The Girl's Traveling Road Show went to San Antonio this past weekend, and she was a model traveler the entire trip! The Daddy and I, on the other hand, were not model travelers, since we forgot the Pack 'n' Play, and the Road Show didn't quite make it to the Spurs game. All in all, however, even though her first trip to Texas was not to see family, we're calling it a great success!

And The Girl was the hit of the Riverwalk: stopping traffic, gaining admirers, breaking hearts. The usual, as The Daddy and I are learning.

Introductions...

2007-10-25T21:43:00.004-05:00

My husband has met another woman.

She's a spicy little tomato.

She is perfect, amazing, beautiful, our dream come true. She smells yummy and adorably squeaks in her sleep! The Daddy and I are madly in love with her; she fills our hearts, arms, minds and conversations. She has made us a family.

The Girl is so worth that wait.