For The Birds

Aren't my distant cousins beautiful?

See, our last name is spelled with 2 R's and 2 T's. That's why you all are in the cage and we're not!

Today Lily and I met Nai Nai and Aunt Sheila at The Cat*ctin Z**. The zoo isn't too far from Suzy's house and I thought it would be a fun place for all of us to meet...but...not so much. I actually thought the zoo itself was kind of run down and a little creepy.

Even though the zoo wasn't the nicest we have ever visited we had a fun day together. We all went to a buffet place for lunch after the zoo and Lily got to eat free. Obviously, they didn't know how much Lily can eat! Lily even had vanilla ice cream for dessert.

A yummy lunch and some fun gifts from Nai Nai and Aunt Sheila's recent travels and the creepy zoo was soon forgotten!

Mommy, these big things aren't in our family tree are they?

I don't think I like these guys. Can we go back and see the parrots?

By the way, I haven't forgotten how to type. A friend of mine who had problems with an Internet stalker told me I shouldn't list the names of places, companies, etc. on my blog or someone might inadvertently come across our blog while doing an Internet search. Hence, the asterisks in the name of the zoo. Ongoing, I will try to remember to do this. The only people I want stopping by to visit our blog are our friends and family.

Happy 21st Birthday Jamie!!

Today is my nephew, Jamie's, 21st birthday. Happy Birthday handsome!! We love you!!!

It seems like just yesterday that Mary Beth called me to tell me she was pregnant...again! After I got over the initial shock...after all Ryan was only 6 months old...I remember my first feeling was a little bit of sadness. I can so clearly remember thinking I would never love another child as much as I loved Ryan. Wrong!! The first time I saw Jamie I understood that there is always room in your heart for more love. I learned that love isn't like some kind of pie that once you've doled out all the slices there's nothing left. Love grows more love and Jamie helped me to truly understand that.

Jamie is an absolute hoot to be around. He has a very quick wit coupled with a caustic sense of humor. Jamie is one of the few people on earth who can literally make me laugh until I cry.

Jamie wants to enter law enforcement when he graduates from college next Spring with the goal of becoming an FBI agent. Personally, I would not be the least bit surprised if he becomes a stand-up comic instead...or...at the very least the funniest agent the FBI has ever seen!

Enjoy your day (and night), James. Have fun...and please be safe. Sorry...I can't help myself...after all I am Aunt T.

The Idiot Box

When I was a kid my mother referred to the television as "the idiot box". Obviously, she was not a big fan. When we were growing up watching TV in our house was definitely a privilege and not a given...and by no means a daily occurrence.

So, if we didn't watch TV what did we do? We played outside. We built forts. We played kickball, baseball, basketball, and Frisbee. We took walks, jumped rope, rode bikes, and somehow filled the hours of our day. We quickly learned to never tell my mother we were bored. If you did, Mom would find something for you to do. Trust me, being bored was better!

My parents used TV as a reward. For instance, if the four of us were well behaved in church we were able to watch Adam-12 and Dragnet on Saturday evening. By the way, we had to be well behaved during church period. There were no Cheerios, small toys, coloring books, etc. to help keep us quiet.

I inherited my mom's feelings about television. I, too, am not a big fan. When I lived alone I didn't own a TV...and I didn't miss it. I have never seen an episode of Friends, Seinfeld, Lost, Desperate Housewives, etc. Again, I don't feel like I've missed anything.

We do have a TV now...Tony insisted. I insist we only have one...no more.

I'm not saying I don't watch TV at all. I consistently watch an hour of TV every Wednesday night. As I've posted before I am a Project Runway and Top Chef junkie. However, after looking at these stats I think it's safe to say I watch a lot less TV than most folks.

The same is true for Lily. Lily doesn't watch any TV. None. No videos. No DVDs. I know some people think I'm crazy...but...come on... she's only 2! I know some day she will watch TV...just not yet...especially not while we're grocery shopping!

Yes, you read that correctly...grocery shopping. I can't tell you how shocked I was today when Lily and I went to the grocery store and found they now have grocery carts with TV monitors in them! Yes, that's right. A 7 inch monitor for your child to watch movies while you grocery shop. Don't worry, your kids aren't the only ones that have a monitor...you get one, too. I'm guessing so you can be bombarded with advertising while you shop.

Am I the only one that thinks that's absolutely NUTS?!? I think it's crazy enough that there are TVs in SUVs/vans. Yes, I'm sure those TVs come in handy on long car rides...but I can't believe all the SUVs and vans I see on the Beltway every day with TVs blazing are on a road trip. I would guess most of them are simply on their way to or from home..kind of like Lily and I were just at the grocery store to pick up a few things. Why would I want to put Lily in a cart and plop her in front of a video when I could talk to her, or play I Spy with her, or have her help me find the next item on our list?

I could go on and on...but I'll stop and get off my soapbox. The air is getting really thin up here.

Mommy only thinks I don't watch Project Runway!

The Artist Formerly Known As Lily

Lily loves to do crafts. She loves painting, markers, stickers, crayons, etc. I get the biggest kick out of watching Lily's creativity. When she is in the mood Lily will stick with a craft for the longest time. If she's not in the mood...forget about it! When that happens it takes me longer to set-up and clean up than it does for Lily to make her creation!

Part of what Lily has really enjoyed about preschool is craft time. Each week the kids do some type of craft associated with that week's theme.

The first week the theme was "Transportation". The kids got to roll different types of cars, buses, motorcycles, etc. in brown mud (paint) and then roll the tires on white paper.

Last week the theme was "Emotions/Facial Expressions". The children made hand-held mirrors with paper plates and CDs.

Today's theme was "Fall". The kids made the cutest little wreaths with leaves and cut outs of their hand shapes. So sweet!

One thing that has really surprised me during craft time is how many parents actually DO their child's craft. We're not talking...help...I mean actually do it! I've always viewed my role when Lily is doing crafts as more of a...watch the scissors....help keep the glue out of her hair...and the paint off the carpet. That sort of thing. Not, "Honey, you're using too much blue. Let's make sure these stickers are lined up perfectly. Um, just move over and let Mommy do it." However, I must confess. I glued Lily's hand shapes onto her wreath today. Lily had reached the end of her craft mood and had moved on to the workbench!

With our tiny house and limited storage space I know I wont always be able to keep every craft Lily makes, but that doesn't mean I wont try! For now, I am really enjoying seeing Lily's artwork grace our fridge, walls and doors!

Four-gotten

I don't know how long Lily has been counting to 10 and even on occasion to 20. Um, come to think of it...that sounds like something a mother should know...doesn't it?!?

Anyway, what I can tell you is that our little girlfriend has a serious aversion to the number 4. Every time Lily counts she seems to four-get the number 4!

Here's some cute proof:

Feels Delicious

When I was a young girl we would go to the beach with my Mimi and Granddad (my mom's parents). My grandfather loved to swim in the ocean. When Granddad would come out of the water he would say, "Mmmm. That felt delicious." Even as a little girl I remember thinking how strange that was. After all, things taste delicious...they don't feel delicious. Boy, I was wrong.

Yesterday morning Lily was standing on the footstool in the bathroom while I was doing my normal morning routine. As I was washing my face I heard Lily's sweet little voice say, "Lily help Mama." Then I felt Lily's tiny little hands "helping me" wash my face. I can't tell you how tender that moment was.

Lily's hands were as soft as butter and she could not have been more gentle. As Lily helped me wash my face I realized that Granddad was right...somethings do feel delicious!

Speaking of delicious...look what I'm making for dinner.

A Beautiful Bouquet

Today I attended the funeral of one of my former campers. It was heartbreaking and beautiful.

DeShawna had a smile that lit up a room. Despite the various physical challenges she faced her outlook was always upbeat and her death was a complete and utter shock.

As I sat there this morning and looked at the grief stricken faces of many of my campers I was reminded of a conversation I had with my mother many years ago. When I was in high school my cousin Laura's boyfriend, Rob, was diagnosed with a incurable disease. Laura and I were very close at the time and I had a very difficult time grappling with Rob's diagnosis. One evening Mom sat me down and asked me if I was working in the flower garden on the side of our house would I only want to pull out the weeds or would I also want to gather some of the flowers to enjoy. Mom then explained that God was the Master Gardener.

Sitting in church today I couldn't help but think what a beautiful bouquet God must have.

Life Goes Down The Drain

I love this playhouse!

Today was Lily's second day at preschool and I'm thrilled to report she had another great day!

As class was wrapping up the teacher had all the kids and parents sing and dance to the Hokey Pokey. Poor Lily was quite confused. You see, I sing to Lily A LOT. Many of the songs I sing have made up lyrics set to familiar tunes. Case in point...one of our favorites...the Soaky Pokey. Here's how our version goes:

We take your soaky diaper off,
We throw your soaky diaper out;
We put a clean diaper on
and you shake your buns about.
We do the Soaky Pokey,
And then we can run around
That's what it's all about!

Lily couldn't figure out why everyone was singing the wrong lyrics!

Apparently, I'm not the only one in the family that is a closet songwriter. Today as I was putting away laundry in our bedroom I could hear Lily singing in her room. Here's what I heard:

Row, row, row your boat

Gently down stream

Merry-ree, Merry-ree, Merry-ree

Life goes down the drain.

Mama Don't Like Privacy

**Warning: This Post Contains Way Too Much Info!**

The other day Lily and I were in a bathroom stall together at Target. Lily began to open the stall door and I said to her, "Please keep the door shut so Mommy can have a little privacy." Lily replied, "Daddy likes privacy. Mama don't like privacy." I imagine the two women who were washing their hands at the time are still laughing!

The truth is I have an almost pathological need for privacy. I grew up in a house with 6 people and 1 bathroom and yet I still managed to never share the bathroom. In fact, I couldn't seem to use the bathroom if anyone else was around. My mother even spoke to the pediatrician about my little "problem". The doctor told her I was "bladder shy". I don't know if that's even a real diagnosis or if it was just the doctor's polite way of telling my mother what she already knew...I have issues.

Tony and I have been married for years and we never share the bathroom. Never. Speaking of sharing a bathroom, who came up with the idea of school gym locker rooms? Barbaric! Did someone honestly expect me to take my clothes off in front of my classmates? Yeah...right. Like that was gonna happen!

It's not just classmates I don't want to change in front of. It's pretty much anyone. Period. If you ask my sisters they would tell you that I only get undressed in the closet with the lights off. They lie. The lights are on!

Okay, since I seem to be in the mood to share... What is it with women going to the bathroom together?? I mean...really. If you and I happen to be in the bathroom at the same time PLEASE don't talk to me. Unless, of course, you need to tell me the stall I am in is on fire. Anything else you have to say can wait until we are washing our hands...or bet yet...until we are out of the bathroom altogether!

Wow. This post really took an unexpected turn. I think my original point was I can't believe the surprising ways motherhood has changed me. For instance, I am now the opposite of "bladder shy". In fact, I'm not sure I can use the bathroom without a pair of cute little hands resting on my knees and a sweet little voice telling me some kind of very important story. And about that problem getting undressed in front of people...well now...I always have an audience. In fact, Lily normally provides the play-by-play while I shower!!

Hey, thanks for letting me get all of this off my chest. Feel free to send me your bill for this therapy session!

Mommy's not nearly as crazy as she sounds...really.

All Aboard!

It sure is hot out here. I hope the train is air conditioned!

On Sunday, Tony, Lily, and I went to a park that offers free rides on miniature steam trains once a month. The trains run on 7 1/2 " wide tracks...at a lightening fast 6 mph (that's scale miles). Lily loved it! If it hadn't been about a million degrees outside I'm sure we would have ridden the trains a few more times than we did.

We will definitely visit the trains again. Maybe next month when it's a little cooler!!

Fun At Daddy's Company Picnic

Saturday we headed to Tony's firm crab feast. We may not have touched a crab while we were there but we sure did have a good time!

Lily spent most of the afternoon running around playing soccer with Daddy. I'm sure she would have had an even better time if Mommy had "remembered" bathing suits. Lily can't get in the pool by herself and Mommy wasn't quite willing to don a bathing suit in front of Daddy's co-workers. I know I have issues...but...is it just me...or do company picnics and bathing suits just not mix????

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

In China and other Asian countries people celebrate the Mid-Autumn or Harvest Moon festival on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. On our calendar...that date is today...September 14.

In China the Mid-Autumn festival is comparable to our Thanksgiving. We didn't celebrate the festival tonight by eating Chinese food...or traditional Thanksgiving fair...we went out for pizza!

When we arrived home the moon was shining brightly. As I looked at the big beautiful moon my mind drifted to a brave woman half a world away. I wondered if she had looked at this same moon, too. Maybe she thought about the precious baby girl she brought into the world. The same precious girl that fills my days, my heart, my life with love.

Happy Birthday Maggie!

Today is our beautiful niece, Maggie's, 15th birthday!

Maggie, hope your day was as special for you as you are to us!! We love you!!

Green Apple, Sour. Red Apple, Sweet.

How many shoes are on my feet?
How many feet are in my shoe?
What it the first thing I must do?

These are lines from, Carry Me!, a children's book by Rosemary Wells. We recently checked this book out from the library. I didn't realize Lily had memorized part of the book until we went to a local farm today to pick some apples. Each time Lily picked an apple she said, "Green apple, sour. Red apple, sweet. How many shoes are on my feet......" That girl cracks me up!

While we were at the farm we also picked peaches and blackberries. Apparently, Lily doesn't have any lines memorized for fruits other than apples. We'll have to work on that next time we're at the library!

It must be time for apples. Speaking of time...did you notice I'm wearing one of Mommy's watches?

Picking blackberries is messy business...but I LOVED it!

Despite all the funny faces I ate a TON of blackberries!

Let me tell you...picking fruit is exhausting work. I even fell asleep on the way home!

A Happy Day and Sad Memories

This morning Lily attended her very first day of preschool...and LOVED it!

Lily is attending a co-op preschool one morning a week. It is a "parent observation program"...so, I guess I should say Lily and I are attending preschool!

I was interested to see how Lily would do in this new setting and the good news is she did GREAT. Often in new situations Lily prefers to stay right by my side...or on my lap...or in my arms...you get the picture. Today, she warmed up very quickly. In fact, she left me in the dust quite a few times. It is so much fun to watch her confidence grow!!

When we arrived in the classroom Lily did a little exploring and then gravitated immediately to a table filled with buses, motorcycles, tractors, etc.

The kids had some time for free play and then the teacher brought them all together for circle time. During circle time each child stood up in the front of the group to introduce themselves. Lily was the first to go. She was a little unsure...but then she said her name nice and loud and quickly ran back to sit down. It was so cute!

The morning also included singing, a treasure hunt, painting, a snack, and time on the playground...all of that in 2 hours!

Today it really hit me when I was taking pictures of Lily how different I was feeling 7 years ago. As I grieved for the families who suffered unimaginable losses and for our nation on September 11, 2001, I can remember thinking, "Thank God we don't have children." At the time, I couldn't imagine trying to comfort or explain the unexplainable to my child...the one person who would expect me to have answers. I still can't.

Of course, now I thank God every day for Lily. I also continue to pray for peace in our world and hope that someday there will be no need for impossible explanations.

The Low Down On Lily

I've done quite a few posts about Lily's gift of gab and her love of "fashion", but there's a whole lot more to Lily than her chattiness and Hollywood's. Here are some fun facts about our little sweetie...they are listed below in no particular order:

• Lily loves to laugh and she has the best laugh. Her laugh is surprisingly deep and you can't help but laugh along once you hear it.
• Lily has an UNBELIEVABLE appetite. You would be shocked. Trust me. Honestly, Tony and I were a little concerned about how much Lily eats. Months ago we spoke to Lily's pediatrician about it. The pediatrician assured us that Lily's weight is well within normal limits and since she is such an incredibly active child she needs the food to fuel her busy little body. Lily's doctor advised us to continue to provide Lily with healthy choices and allow her to control how much she eats.
• Right now some of Lily's favorite foods are: bean burritos, hummus, and lemons. Yes, lemons. Lily LOVES lemons.
• Lily has an *incredible* memory. We are continually amazed by the things Lily recalls. The other day we were at the mall and bumped into a mom and daughter who attended My Gym with us months ago. Lily said, "Hi Bella. Hi Karen." I about fell over. Thank God Lily remembered their names...I sure didn't!
• Lily makes THE BEST faces. We're talking...this girl is seriously expressive! Her multiple facial expressions crack us up.
• Lily LOVES books. Lily loves to "read" and to be read to. We go to the library every week and check out 10 - 15 books. We also own a ton of books. Sometimes I think if Lily had her way we would read every book in the house to her 10 times every day. I am such a book nerd myself that it is hard for me to say to Lily, "We only have time to read 4 books right now."
• Lily has a BEAUTIFUL personality. She is sweet and easy going. I know I'm her mom but I'm not just saying this...it's true. Lily has never had a bad day. Don't get me wrong, Lily does have her fussy moments but they are very short lived.
• Lily is very social. Lily loves to talk to anyone and everyone.
• Lily's friendly personality and tendency to be a social butterfly do not equate to her wanting people in her personal space. In fact, the surest way to turn Lily off is to come on too strong. Here's some advice, if you want to win Lily over give her some room and with time and patience she will come to you.
• If Lily had her way she would live outdoors. Lily absolutely LOVES to be outside!
• Lily is VERY sensitive to loud noises. Lily hates sirens, hairdryers, vacuums, blenders, and anything else that makes a lot of noise.
• Lily is an incredible mimic. Lily loves to copy the facial expressions, body language, and movements of other people. If you're with Lily and you want to know what you look like...don't look in the mirror...look at Lily!

Lily makes being a mom so easy and so much fun. I've had such a happy life but NOTHING compares to the pure joy I've experienced since Lily was placed in my arms almost 18 months ago.

Lily Loves Disco

I am the Outings Coordinator for the Stay At Home Parents group I belong to. Really, it's the perfect "job" for a stay-at-home mom who doesn't like to stay at home!

When I was looking for outings for the month of September and came upon Baby Loves Disco I just couldn't resist. Lily loves music and Tony loves to dance...it sounded like the perfect fit. So today Tony, Lily, and I headed downtown and sure enough...Lily loves disco...and so do her mom and dad!

Basically, the event is exactly what the name says it is. A disco setup for little people. There is a DJ playing classic disco music from the 70s and 80s. On the dance floor there are bubble machines, egg shakers, tambourines, colorful scarves, and hula hoops for the little ones and their grown up friends to use.

Dancing wasn't the only fun thing happening at Baby Loves Disco. There was also a woman making amazing balloon creations, a toddler tattoo station, tons of healthy snacks, juice boxes, and the bar was open for those adults who can only dance if you add alcohol.

On the second floor there was also a "chill out" area with children's activity carpets, over sized pillows, board books, stuffed animals, puzzles, and games. It was a great place for the kids to be able to have a little down time and recharge their batteries so they could be ready to hit the dance floor for the Hustle.

I'm not sure who had more fun today...Lily, me, or Tony! I wish I had brought our video camera. The few still pictures I took don't do our day at the disco any justice!

Happy Birthday Charlie!

The birthday boy!

Today is my nephew Charlie's 12th birthday. I can't believe it's been 12 years since I was in the delivery room witnessing the miracle of his birth. Talk about a goosebump moment!


Happy Birthday, buddy! We love you!!!

How Did She Do It?

My mother died 6 years ago today. She died before she had the opportunity to see me as a mother and before I had the chance to see her through the lense of one mother to another. I have such a different appreciation for her now. Many days I find myself thinking...How did she do it? How did she raise the 4 of us?

Mom didn't have many of the modern conveniences and resources that I have. I'm not just talking about safety gates, car seats, outlet covers and the like. Though to be honest, I do wonder how she survived (and we survived) without them!

My dad was certainly not the typical dad of the 60's. Dad was (and is) very hands-on. Dad changed diapers, gave baths, and basically did whatever needed doing. There was one small problem. Dad travelled A LOT. There were months when he was on the road more than he was home. How did Mom do so much alone? I can't imagine.

Like Dad, Tony is very hands-on. Thankfully, Tony rarely travels. He has been away from home a few times in the past 16 months and then only for a few days. Suffice it to say I prefer when he is home!

Other than Dad my mom did not have the support network that I have. Mom didn't have a Girl's Night Out group, a Neighborhood Book Club, or sisters that she could call whenever she wanted to vent, to laugh, or just to have a little "me time".

Of course, there were other ladies that lived in our neighborhood. I don't remember them doing much together or being much of a support to each other. I think each of them was trying to do the same thing...keep their heads above water! I do remember at one point Mom and some of the ladies in the neighborhood went to a Stretch-N-Sew class in the evenings. The only thing I remember that came from these classes were some really unfortunate matching Easter outfits for me, Mary Beth, Don, and Patti.

Like me, Mom was very close to her family. I speak to Dad, Patti, and Mary Beth every day (often more than once). I don't speak to Don quite as often but I try to not let more than a week pass without speaking to him.

Mom didn't have the same luxury. My Mom's parents, sisters, and brother were all a long distance phone call away. Back then there was no such thing as unlimited long distance. Mom couldn't pick up the phone anytime she wanted to chat to her family without racking up a hefty tab. In fact, I remember Mom and Dad having more than one "conversation" about long distance phone bills!

By nature, Mom was far more of a homebody than me...but...it was also a matter of necessity. For many years Mom did not have her driver's license. Even after Mom got her driver's license it was many more years before we had a second car. Basically, Mom was "stuck" at home with the 4 of us. The thought of that makes me completely claustrophobic!

I love being a stay-at-home mom with one big exception...I don't like staying at home. I go stir crazy very easy! Each afternoon Lily and I are home for lunch and for her nap. That is enough at home time for me. So, every morning Lily and I are on the go. We head to the park, a playground, or sometimes we just run your basic errands. Either way we are out of the house from about 9 to 12 every day. I can't imagine it any other way.

I know my Mom's experience as a mother was not much different than many women of her generation. I also know it is MUCH different than mine. I wish she was still alive so I could thank her for...all she did without...all she did for me... all she did for all of us. If you are reading this and your mom is still alive why not give her a call? I know I wish I could.

Magic Chip

So often I wish I had a video camera...or at least a tape recorder...permanently attached to me. Every day Lily says or does something I never want to forget...but...of course...I do. So, I thought I'd write a few recent things down.

The other day I was putting sunscreen on Lily and we had the following conversation:

Lily: Mommy, no sunscreen in my mouth. Okay?

Me: I promise I'll do my very best.

Lily: Okay Mommy....do your Mary Beth.

Me: Cracking up laughing

Lily: Mary Beth, Very Best, Mary Beth, Very Best

For those of you who know Mary Beth you know just how perfect that little slip was!

Several months ago two tiles on our bathroom floor cracked when something heavy fell out of the linen closet and hit the floor. Lily commented on these cracked tiles almost every time she walked past them. This past weekend Tony replaced the broken tiles. Last night this was the conversation between Lily and Tony when Lily was getting ready for her bath:

Lily: Daddy, tile has a BIG crack.

Tony: Lily, look at the tile. Daddy fixed it.

Lily: Wow! Super Job, Daddy!

Now, one more. You'll need a little background for this one.

Occasionally, when Lily is eating she has a hard time getting the last little bits out of her bowl or off her plate. If it looks like she's really struggling I will sometimes say to her, "Do you want Mommy to use the magic spoon and see if I can get you one more mouthful?" The answer is always a resounding, "YES!"

So, Monday we're eating lunch and I had some chips and guacamole. I wasn't quite licking the bottom of the bowl...but...let's just say I wasn't letting any guacamole go to waste either! As I was scraping the bottom of the barrel Lily chimes in and says,

Mommy, are you using the Magic Chip?

Tony and I cracked up laughing. At first, Lily failed to see the humor in it...then she couldn't help herself and started laughing right along with us!

I may not always remember all the sweet, funny, silly things Lily says and does but there's no way I can forget all the joy and happiness she brings us every day!!!

Weeeeeeeee!!!!

Fashion Statement

What? Doesn't everyone wear bunny ears, Hollywood's, and carry a purse to the playground?

I never thought I'd be one of those moms that let their kids leave the house wearing a Superman cape, or their bedroom slippers, or some other kind of strange outfit...but...if you could see the effort Lily puts into picking out just what she wants to wear...how can I say, "No!"???