Items of Note

1. My dog can't tell the difference between grass and garden.  
2. Dani arrived today!!!!!!!  I'm SO excited!
3. A woman who lives in Germany definitely needs a trip to the 'Jay for a reintroduction to America. ;o)
4. I have a POD in my driveway.
5. Dani and I will be going through said POD, making piles and selling and donating and junking.  Sounds like what I did back in March, no?
6. Kat and the kids are coming for a visit tomorrow.  Woo hoo!  LOTS of friends!
7. The pok choi were SO yummy with our chicken this evening.  
8. Lil is growing up WAY too fast.  Her reading and writing are growing by leaps and bounds.

Sparklies up there.

BTW, any of you former teachers who have no plans to reenter that vaunted profession have any suggestions for what to do with all those materials and such that are currently stored in my garage??  Thanks!

Is the Bean Sprouting?

Her first "real" candy.  I think it was a hit. ;o)

Miss Teeny Beanie had her one year well baby visit today.  As is typical with our office, it was a rather long visit and wait, and Ellie was rather squirrelly since she was missing her morning nap.  In fact, she had almost fallen asleep in my arms when Dr. Jen walked in to perform the exam.

El is developing right as she should be and is perfectly healthy.  Once more I had to suffer through subjecting her to immunizations--only two: Prevnar and Hep A--although, I suppose others might say she was the one who suffered.  I think that maybe, Patricia, our nurse, may be the one suffering.  All I can say for certain is all three of us were none too pleased when it came time for the jabs. :o(

But, in typical Beanie fashion, she was finished crying within seconds of the sticks being over.  She looked up at us with one tear rolling down the corner of her eye. May I just tell you that that was FAR worse than having her scream the place down for ten minutes?  One stinkin' tear and I was a wreck.  :sigh:

Speaking of wrecks, Ellie has been one.  She missed her morning nap, and then only took an hour long nap this afternoon.  She is not feeling so hot (runny nose, low-grade crumminess), so the shots combined with no sleep is a deadly combination. 

At any rate, here are her stats:
*Weight: 17 pounds 12 ounces, 5th percentile
*Length: 28.25", 22nd percentile
*Head: 17", 15th percentile

My sweet little peanut.  Just like her sister.  :o)

Lil went for her one year around 13 months.  She was:
*Weight: 19 pounds 4 ounces
*Length: 28.25"

And, I can't remember for the life of me what Hannah was, but I can guarantee you it was MUCH larger than 20 pounds, lol! 

Once again I marvel at the strangeness of genetics and Brien and me producing two teeny girlies.  I blame Mom and GG.  ;o)

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Today's Sparklies:

1.  Thank you, Lindsay, for the blog award. :o)  I'll do a quick 7 things about me right now:

• I have a ROY G BIV OCD. 
• I played rugby in college.
• My father's nickname for me was Bubba--and not because I was a big girl in any way shape or form.  I was just rough and tough.
• During a high school powder puff football game, I punted the football 45 yards.  Granted, it was with no rush, but still.
• I have always had a pet of some variety as long as I can remember.  In the course of my life I've had 13 dogs, 6 cats, 2 gerbils, 3 hamsters, various and sundry fish, 4 rats, 2 lizards, and one BIG bunny.  Hm, I feel as if I'm missing something...
• I LOVE reading series books--but they MUST be read in order. Woe unto me if I find a book that comes in the middle of a series-- because it really lets me get to know the characters and follow along as they grow and develop.  Lil and I started Little House in the Big Woods this week and I'm SO excited. :o)  Other series I love: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; The Lord of the Rings; Anne of Green Gables; Harry Potter, and Julia Quinn's Bridgertons to name a few.  I was thinking about it the other day, I've been a sucker for series stories since I was a 'tween (Babysitters' Club, anyone? I discovered L.M. Montgomery then as well)--although I never really did get into the Sweet Valley books.  Hm.
• I was the first female member of the Montgomery County Public Schools (VA) lawn maintenance crew.  I lugged around a weedeater and drove a lawn tractor (not one of the piddly kinds you see in home improvement stores, a real one!) all day, every day, for two summers.  I really did enjoy that job.  Go figure.    

2.  A healthy, happy, well proportioned, well growing Bean.
3.  Dani comes down tomorrow!
4.  Leftovers for dinner.  Sometimes those are simply the best. :o)
5.  I've been wearing Han's anklet "necklace" and I'm constantly reminded of her.

No milestones.

Time

I was desperately trying to raise the seat and having no luck.  I wonder why...

As Brien and I sat swinging on the porch swing last night, looking out over our yard, he made an off-hand comment about how much more attractive it will all be once we no longer have large, plastic toys scattered all around.

 The same can be said for the inside as well.

My life seems to be spent cleaning up after Bits and Beans and small furry mammals. 

Someone has figured out how to climb.

 There is always a stuffed animal here, a bit (or more) of plastic there.

And climb and climb and climb.

 One-Two One-Two gets shoved all over the downstairs. 

 The contents scattered hither and yon.

 Baskets full of toys upended and thrown, tossed aside in favor of the next thing that catches an eye. 

The bridge is a repository of plastic and fluff, housing Little People and Wheelies and babies and such. 

I sat for a moment, thinking that yes, it would be even more beautiful when we no longer have these items all over our yard and house.  And then, it came to me, we will be in a new phase of life with the girls when we get there.  This time is so short and so precious.  Before I know it, Ellie will be in kindergarten and Lil will be in upper elementary and they'll no longer be interested in these things. 

I don't wish this time away for anything in the world.  The time of no plastic will come soon enough.  For now, I'll embrace every cruddy, clunky piece of it.

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Today's Sparklies:

1.  I picked up my night guard this morning.  Hooray for protecting my teeth.  :oP
2.  The red azalea is blooming:

I knew it was going to be stunning!

3.  My happy little Johnny Jump-Ups are making me smile:

4.  My two heirloom columbines are doing their thing as well:

 I'm hoping to get to the Smithfield heirloom plant sale again this year--if I can make it home for Mother's Day weekend.  We'll see. 

5.  The rose--Hannah's rose that we tried so desperately to remove all traces of--is going to be lousy with blossoms this year if the buds are anything to judge by:

6.  Dani is stateside!  :o) 
7.  Gabriel came through his surgery with flying colors.  Hallelujah!
8.  Family working together to clean up scattered messes.
9. Holly got a haircut, hopefully meaning fewer mulch messes throughout the house...:fingers crossed: ;o)
10.  I cleaned out two of the junk drawers today and reorganized them.

Milestones:
One of the drawers I cleaned out was Hannah's.  We have my junk drawer, a kids junk drawer, and a Brien junk drawer, each holding items specific to those family members.  (Yes, I'm spoiled that I have that many drawers in my kitchen--believe me, I know!)  I hadn't cleaned out those drawers since July 2007, when I did so with the Monkey. 

She was all over those two drawers.  There were photos and toys and writings and drawings and those items Hannah treasured and held dear.  I found her wallet with her "monies" and a Tarjay gift card.  I found her "necklace" that Lissie had given her that was really an anklet (which I promptly put around my ankle).  I found rocks (lordy how the child adored her some rocks) and cheap, trashy kids' meal toys and hair doodles.  In short, I found the Monkey, and oh my, my heart.  My heart sighed. 

It didn't hurt like it would have three years ago.  Scabs weren't ripped off, yos weren't sent in a downward spiral.  I just feel wistful.  I miss my girl. 

A Thanks to Secca

 Because my sister loves me, she made sure to send me photos since I didn't bother to take any photos this weekend--or take my camera with me to my initiation (what the heck was WRONG with me?!).

Last night was absolutely beautiful and perfect.  Mom, Paul and Bob stayed with the kiddos and Brien, Jessie and I went to church where we met up with Nana and Pop and my sponsor Angie, and her husband, Joe.

I've never attended an Easter Vigil, and found the Vigil Mass to be very moving and beautiful.  It was absolutely thrilling to be confirmed, and fully participate in Mass for the first time. 

I couldn't stop smiling. :o)

 My first communion.  I joked with Angie and Terri (my RCIA instructor) that I was going to go out and get my white dress and veil so I would be ready.  ;o)

 Did I mention I was a grinning fool?  :oP  So many parishioners came up to me after Mass to welcome me and give me hugs.  I'm still glowing from it. :o)  My Sisters were all there (except for Rose who was a sponsor for initiation at the other parish here, and Sister Lucy who is visiting family back home in Kenya), as well as other members of my RCIA class (they came late so won't be initiated until May 21). 

I was SO wired when I got home I couldn't sleep.  I was filled with joy and light. :o)

This morning I was awakened by an utterly thrilled voice crying out in delight that the Easter Bunny had arrived--and that he brought her just what she wanted.  Yay!

Ellie discovered she too was a fan of the Easter Bunny, especially Kit Kat bars.  Lil had one and shared a piece with Beanie.  She then offered a piece to her Daddy who said no.  Before she could do anything else, Miss Bean had shoved the small piece she had left into her gob and was begging for more, signing "please" as fast as her little arm could go.  It was too sweet!

Mom and Paul arrived around noon yesterday, followed by Jess, Bob and the gang around 3:00.  The kids ran around having a fun time on the playground while I worked on prepping food for the next day.  Before dinner we decided it was time to dye eggs.  The coolest thing happened as Gabriel and the girls were dying eggs, their names and decorations magically appeared on the eggs.

Then, last night, while Lissie and Ella where watching "Tiana", the Easter Bunny snuck in the house and grabbed the Easter baskets, and never made a peep.  Ella had no idea he had even come.  ;o)

Ellie was utterly enchanted with Gracie--as she is with all babies--and could be found chasing her down.  I had to chuckle watching the two girls walk.  Ellie is pigeon toed, and Gracie is slew-footed, so between the two of them, they have a "normal" gait. :oP

Gabriel is such a sweetie pie, and a true introvert.  He was just as happy playing inside at the train table by himself as he was being outside running around and playing with the girls.

They stayed in a hotel and got here after breakfast this morning, in time for the girlies to play some more, and for J's kiddos to find their Easter baskets. 

Dinner was ham (thanks, Jess and Bob!), French potato salad (B's family's recipe, made with homemade dressing--eek!), deviled eggs, "Russel Sprouts a la Hannah", spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette, and rolls.  We didn't even get to dessert, so I now have TWO faux Key Lime pies in my freezer.  Great.  :oS

Nana and Pop came to join us for dinner, and then, the out of towners took off around 2:00. 

It was a whirlwind of a weekend, and I enjoyed every minute of it.  :o)

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Weekend Sparklies:

See above! :o)

Easter Vigil

Tonight's the night.  I'm giddy with excitement!  :o)

I wish you all a happy Easter and time spent with family. :o)

Baby Josh

 I know the images are small, but that's what happens when you take emailed photos and post them on your blog.  :oP

I asked Robin if she would be cool with me sharing young Dumpling with you all, so you could see his progress.  He is, without a doubt, a smoosh of a cutie patootie! :o)

 According to his mama, he's also quite the flirt, doing everything in his power to make eyes at those around him.

 At six months, he's 15 pounds of happy, healthy, sweet, precious baby.  In fact, he's perfect.  What more could a mama ask for?

Robin too is doing well.  She has recovered her reading abilities (thank God!) although is still frustrated by a lack of her former fluency.  Her peripheral vision is also shot in her right eye, but considering how severe and awful it was all looking back in October, I'm very pleased with this. 

Her neurologist told her the other day the CAT scan looked great and that the bleed is gone, as is any residual blood/clot.  This is all wonderful wonderful news.  Her brain has been working on creating new pathways for those areas that were damaged. 

Considering she's lucky to be alive (as well as Mr. Joshua here), I think this is all such a blessing.  :o)  He is such a little miracle baby! :o)

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Today's Sparklies:

1.  I don't know why, but I so love to mow and weedeat.  Is it the fresh air and sunlight and being outside?  Is it the smell of the freshly cut grass? Is it the stripes I put in my yard that give me a secret thrill?  I don't know, but I do know I do like to mow (a caveat: when the temps are 90 or lower, that is, and with relative humidities of less than 50%).
2.  My first daylily bloom has appeared on my Bitsy. 
3.  The irises are in fact, gorgeous.
4.  SU! goodies arrived today.  Woo hoo! :o)
5.  Comfort food for dinner: homemade biscuits with sausage gravy and scrambled eggs with cheese. Mm.
6.  Long chats with Robin.
7.  Dani is going to be stateside within a few days.  YES!!
8.  Holy Thursday Mass tonight.  I'm bringing up one of the oils we had blessed Monday. 
9.  Terri (my RCIA instructor) called to let me know there will be a gentleman being initiated with me on Saturday evening.  Cool!

No milestones.

Who Knew?

 I have been beyond chuffed to have goldfinches at my feeder.  I've been longing to have them, reminiscing about the goldfinches and indigo buntings we would have at the house on the Run.  Talk about a vivid Technicolor image.  Wow.  We also had a blue million ruby throated humming birds, and watching the territorial males swoop and fight with each other was incredible. 

Hence, my desire for goldfinches and the hanging of hummingbird feeders. ;o)

 So, I'm sure you can imagine my delight when I noticed a slew o' goldfinches outside my kitchen window (which explains the cruddy quality of the photo). 

Now, it should be noted I learned something very interesting from Grandma the other day.  How many of you knew goldfinches have summer plumage and winter plumage?  I sure didn't--and I know a lot of really useless information. 

So, with this info tucked firmly in my little pea brain, I concluded that all those little "finch-like birds" I'd been seeing at my feeder throughout the winter that I couldn't identify were indeed goldfinches in their olive drab.  Who knew?  :shakes head:

 I finally decided to risk frightening the birds off and snuck out the backdoor for a better photo.  He's eating with a purple finch (that's really reddish--explain that one...).  I had no idea that feeder would bring us such pleasure.  I'm now ready to purchase a couple more.  Hm, maybe B and Bitty can build one...?

 Speaking of Bits, I was scrubbing the carpet (someone tracked in some muck, but I'm not sure who--and, yes, it cleaned up with a bit of my vinegar/water cleaning solution without any trouble) and she asked if she could help.  I told her I needed to do the carpet, but that if she wanted, she could do the kitchen floor.  It was totally a jest, but she desperately wanted to, so I took a photo of my little Cinderlily.  ;o) And, it should be noted, she had fun (I have no idea how since I certainly don't enjoy the hands-and-knees work of floor scrubbing) and did a REALLY good job to boot.

 On to the gardens.  The irises have begun to bloom.  I have five blossoms now and more I'm sure, tomorrow.

 This azalea has begun to bloom.  I'm waiting for the shrub to be smothered.

 The columbines are gorgeous.  No surprise there. ;o)

 My peas are beginning to climb their trellis.  Yay. :o)

 The leaves are coming, the leaves are coming! 

The girls and I have been heading out for fresh air and playtime immediately after breakfast.  Nothing makes Miss Ellie happier than being outdoors.  She definitely takes after her Mama and Daddy. :o)

 This azalea is starting to bloom as well.  I had no idea the blooms would be so intensely pink when I purchased it.  I LOVE it!

 And, HOORAY!  My frozen hostas have made it! :o)

And now, the birthday Bean.  :o)

Items of note:
*If she's hungry, she'll sign please with both hands, often rubbing her belly instead of her chest.
*She loves (I mean luuuuuurves!) her some bananas, and has been calling them "daddy".  We're working on that one.  I think B should be flattered, though, given her love of the fruit. :oP  I think she actually called it "nana" at dinner this evening.
*She has yet to meet a bean she doesn't like.  Girlfriend threw down some baked beans the past two days--I mean, the are good, but still...
*She is now walking as her primary form of transportation, standing up in the middle of the floor and moving.
*She still has her blue bouncy seat and uses it as a recliner.  I got the funniest video of her sitting in it today.
*The child LOVES music and will bop and clap to it.  She'll sing along in church.
*She also loves her paci, and will use them as loveys.  When we put her to bed, there are three in the crib: one for her mouth and one for each hand.
*She will crawl under her crib to find items she has tossed out during naps.
*She is definitely the funniest of the three girls at this age.  She is happy and jolly and will laugh at anything, and will make YOU laugh as well.  She has a very well-developed sense of humor for her age. ;o)
*She is a daredevil (anyone here surprised?) and has discovered she loves going down the slide.  Go figure.  If you seat her at the top of the slide, she'll scootch forward until she can go down.  
*While she'll have a quick drink during the day, nursing is only done at night now.  She'll have herself weaned within weeks, you watch.  :sigh:

Her babyhood flew past--due in no small part to her extreme physical development.  Sheesh.  When your baby rolls over at nine weeks and begins crawling at four months(!), she's not going to be a baby for long, now is she? :oS

I'll say this, I adore every stage my child is in.  I may not like some of the behaviors that accompany the stage, but the personalities at each stage are wonderful.  It's all about finding those things that make you smile. :o)


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Today's Sparklies:


1.  Watching Beanie play with her birthday toys. :o)
2.  Leftover birthday cake.  I made Ina Garten's coconut cake and Bobby Flay's coconut custard/cream/frosting.  It was a most excellent combo. :o)
3.  I FINALLY caught up on all the laundry once more.  Oy.  Now to finish that mountain of ironing...
4.  Watching the girls play outside.
5.  My birdies.
6.  My Nook.  I swear, I LOVE that thing.
7.  I have three stars on all but two levels of the latest installment of "Angry Birds Seasons".  Hee hee!
8.  Brien is thisclose to finishing his degree.  I can't WAIT.

No milestones.

*****ETA 4/20/11 @ 9:48 pm*****

I meant to mention this sooner.  All I can say is, AMEN, brother.  Have you all seen this opinion piece?  He's speaking my language, folks. 

A First Birthday in Photos

It was a wonderful day, followed by a marvelous evening.  The mark on her cheek is a bruise she sustained when she hit her cheek on a bed rail last week. :o( It's looking MUCH better.  And, best of all, it didn't have any effect at all on her birthday celebrations. :o)