Bea's birthday is this weekend.
I have been so busy, I haven't even had time to process it.
We had a big party lat weekend, with my parents and sister in town, and my ILs here and staying through this week.
Sunday we are going to CA to introduce Beanie to her great-grandmother.
I want to write Beanie a love letter, and tell her all the things that she does now and that she is to me. And I will bake her a cake. And she has some presents to open. And I plan to kiss her plump cheeks a thousand times*. And the camera will come out.
But somehow, tonite, given a few seconds to think about it, it feels kinda anticlimatic.
Should I be gnashing my teeth because Serenity is not here? Should I be bouncing off the walls because I've managed to keep Beanie alive?
Or, does a day on a calendar not really matter when every day is important?
*normal days it's probably 999 times.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
De-shtuff
I am about 75% recuperated from my cold. It's been more than two weeks...
My sister is here for her spring break. My ILs arrive tomorrow and my parents on Thursday. We have a big BIG birthday bash planned for Bea on Saturday.
And I have editing work coming out of the woodwork!
For the second half of March, Bea and I will be flying out on three separate trips.
I am tired just thinking about it all!
My sister is here for her spring break. My ILs arrive tomorrow and my parents on Thursday. We have a big BIG birthday bash planned for Bea on Saturday.
And I have editing work coming out of the woodwork!
For the second half of March, Bea and I will be flying out on three separate trips.
I am tired just thinking about it all!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Oh shtuff!
Little Beanie has a stuffy nose. I can hear her breathing/ snorting out here in the living room. It started running today. Poor girl...
I had a major sinus congestion the last few days. I thought it was allergies, maybe from cleaning up the garden. But I've never had allergies before. Of course, I didn't use to leave stuff to mold in my garden either. Or, maybe just from too much fresh air.
But now Bea is all stuffy. So, maybe it is a cold.
The second time she woke up, I tried nursing her, but poor little thing couldn't breathe. She has stirred and fussed and called out 'mama' several more times this evening.
Maybe we'll enjoy a nice warm bath together tomorrow. My back could use it.
And as much as I love hearing her call for me, I wish she didn't have to so much tonight. I hope this passes for her more quickly than it did for me. I was miserable in the evenings.
I had a major sinus congestion the last few days. I thought it was allergies, maybe from cleaning up the garden. But I've never had allergies before. Of course, I didn't use to leave stuff to mold in my garden either. Or, maybe just from too much fresh air.
But now Bea is all stuffy. So, maybe it is a cold.
The second time she woke up, I tried nursing her, but poor little thing couldn't breathe. She has stirred and fussed and called out 'mama' several more times this evening.
Maybe we'll enjoy a nice warm bath together tomorrow. My back could use it.
And as much as I love hearing her call for me, I wish she didn't have to so much tonight. I hope this passes for her more quickly than it did for me. I was miserable in the evenings.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
On Minimalishism
I came across the term 'Minimalish' yesterday. I think that better describes my simplification efforts. I'll never get down to 100 things. I doubt I'll even get down to 1000!
Last week I got rid of two bags of old clothes to Remains. They were to damaged to go to Goodwill.
Today I am donating 6 bags to Children's Homes Services. They called ME to do a pickup! How did they know???? So it prompted me to get rid of a bunch of stuff that was on my out list, like my old record player (since I got rid of my records, what do I need a record player for?), a backpack carrier someone gave us, stuffed animals with eyes that people gave us for Bea (heeeelloooo?), some clothes she was grown out of, all of our plastic sports bottles (we switched to Siggs two years ago or so) and some other random stuff. It's taking up 1/4 of the front porch! That's a lot of stuff OUT THE DOOR!
***
This last week Bea has been so happy. There has been just a big change in her. She is outgoing and exploring more in strange places.
It's been sunny and warm here, and I am sure that is a contributing factor. I am feeling happier, and really hoping we are through the worst of winter. It was a cold one this year.
Wewent to the Botanical Garden on Sunday. Beanie was waving at everything and eerybody - including the plants. We skipped the indoor orchid show since it was so nice outside. The witch hazels were in bloom - one of my favorite!
Monday we went to Baby Bookworms at the library, and Bea just enjoyed herself! She was trying to get to the book that the librarian was reading and crawling around and interacting with the other babies. She fell asleep in the car, so I went to our large city park to edit while she slept. When she woke up we went to the zoo. We saw the chimps enjoying the sun just like us. But, honestly, I think she likes the Botanical Garden better. She didn't wave at any of the animals. That's my girl!
Tuesday we were walking to the YMCA, but Bea fell asleep in the stroller, so we sat in the park and I read a book on Montessori. When she woke up we went to the playground. I sat her on the gym, and we met a little boy about her age. She also went on the swing.
Wednesday we went to La Leche League meeting. The moms sit in a circle in a church nursery (in the little kiddie chairs, comfortable it is not!). The wee babies stay in mothers' arms, the ones 6 mos + play inside the circle, and the older kids play on the other side of the room where all the toys are. At one point, Bea looked over where the bigger kids were creating mayhem, and I told her *I* wasn't ready for her to go ver there (There's older siblings in the 4-5 age range and they were wound up). But, then again later Bea looked over and tried to exit the circle of chairs, so I let her go. She played over there with many toys quite happily for a good long time. *I* kept looking over my shoulder for her. I wanted to be sure that the older kids were being careful with a baby over there. Pretty soon, I fear, I won't be able to say she is the baby. She will be one of the rough and tumble toddlers.
I am glad she is feeling more secure and can venture out. This bodes well for me leaving her at the tot watch at the YMCA, so I can go work out.
Today is the last day of her 10th month. It's been a whirlwind. I am happy that she is growing and progressing and learning and changing, but it is happening all a little too fast for this mama.
***
As you can see, we've been quite busy with this wonderful weather, hence the lack of posting. Today we will just take a walk around our neighborhood park and maybe play in the front yard. I need to cut back the old perennials, which did not get done int he fall as I usually do. Babies really interrupt gardening...
***
Yesterday I had the thought to get the LLL leader training. The leaders of our group are really wonderful and I wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to train with them. One of the places that Triple S is interviewing seems to have less LLL groups. I'll have to research the breastfeeding rates there. It's a more conservative part of the country, so I imagine breastfeeding in public is seriously frowned upon.
I'll have to seriously consider this over the net few days, how it fits into the next year, the next five and after that.
Last week I got rid of two bags of old clothes to Remains. They were to damaged to go to Goodwill.
Today I am donating 6 bags to Children's Homes Services. They called ME to do a pickup! How did they know???? So it prompted me to get rid of a bunch of stuff that was on my out list, like my old record player (since I got rid of my records, what do I need a record player for?), a backpack carrier someone gave us, stuffed animals with eyes that people gave us for Bea (heeeelloooo?), some clothes she was grown out of, all of our plastic sports bottles (we switched to Siggs two years ago or so) and some other random stuff. It's taking up 1/4 of the front porch! That's a lot of stuff OUT THE DOOR!
***
This last week Bea has been so happy. There has been just a big change in her. She is outgoing and exploring more in strange places.
It's been sunny and warm here, and I am sure that is a contributing factor. I am feeling happier, and really hoping we are through the worst of winter. It was a cold one this year.
Wewent to the Botanical Garden on Sunday. Beanie was waving at everything and eerybody - including the plants. We skipped the indoor orchid show since it was so nice outside. The witch hazels were in bloom - one of my favorite!
Monday we went to Baby Bookworms at the library, and Bea just enjoyed herself! She was trying to get to the book that the librarian was reading and crawling around and interacting with the other babies. She fell asleep in the car, so I went to our large city park to edit while she slept. When she woke up we went to the zoo. We saw the chimps enjoying the sun just like us. But, honestly, I think she likes the Botanical Garden better. She didn't wave at any of the animals. That's my girl!
Tuesday we were walking to the YMCA, but Bea fell asleep in the stroller, so we sat in the park and I read a book on Montessori. When she woke up we went to the playground. I sat her on the gym, and we met a little boy about her age. She also went on the swing.
Wednesday we went to La Leche League meeting. The moms sit in a circle in a church nursery (in the little kiddie chairs, comfortable it is not!). The wee babies stay in mothers' arms, the ones 6 mos + play inside the circle, and the older kids play on the other side of the room where all the toys are. At one point, Bea looked over where the bigger kids were creating mayhem, and I told her *I* wasn't ready for her to go ver there (There's older siblings in the 4-5 age range and they were wound up). But, then again later Bea looked over and tried to exit the circle of chairs, so I let her go. She played over there with many toys quite happily for a good long time. *I* kept looking over my shoulder for her. I wanted to be sure that the older kids were being careful with a baby over there. Pretty soon, I fear, I won't be able to say she is the baby. She will be one of the rough and tumble toddlers.
I am glad she is feeling more secure and can venture out. This bodes well for me leaving her at the tot watch at the YMCA, so I can go work out.
Today is the last day of her 10th month. It's been a whirlwind. I am happy that she is growing and progressing and learning and changing, but it is happening all a little too fast for this mama.
***
As you can see, we've been quite busy with this wonderful weather, hence the lack of posting. Today we will just take a walk around our neighborhood park and maybe play in the front yard. I need to cut back the old perennials, which did not get done int he fall as I usually do. Babies really interrupt gardening...
***
Yesterday I had the thought to get the LLL leader training. The leaders of our group are really wonderful and I wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to train with them. One of the places that Triple S is interviewing seems to have less LLL groups. I'll have to research the breastfeeding rates there. It's a more conservative part of the country, so I imagine breastfeeding in public is seriously frowned upon.
I'll have to seriously consider this over the net few days, how it fits into the next year, the next five and after that.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
V-Day
Triple S just showed me the valentine he got for Bea. So cute.
breaks my heart
that this is the first year we bought a valentine for a little girl
***
My hairdresser asked me today if we will have another, because it's not good for Bea to be an only child.
But she isn't.
But she is. Alone.
***
And, no, I am not really feeling like being pregnant again. Although I loved being pregnant and never had 'bad' symptoms, it's just too overwhelmingly stressful to even think about it.
***
I hope your Valentine's Day is filled with love, and chocolate.
breaks my heart
that this is the first year we bought a valentine for a little girl
***
My hairdresser asked me today if we will have another, because it's not good for Bea to be an only child.
But she isn't.
But she is. Alone.
***
And, no, I am not really feeling like being pregnant again. Although I loved being pregnant and never had 'bad' symptoms, it's just too overwhelmingly stressful to even think about it.
***
I hope your Valentine's Day is filled with love, and chocolate.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Ice, ice everywhere
The ice is finally starting to get under control around here. There are now tire tracks in our street and alley.
Bea's had a playgroup both Monday and today. Another playdate tomorrow. This girl has a busy social schedule. Poor mama can barely keep up.
But, she falls asleep in the car afterwards, and usually sleeps longer than at home, so I can get some editing done. It doesn't hurt that I don't have internet in my car - so I HAVE to edit instead of surf.
Serenity's day passed, there were some tears but it wasn't incapacitating. We read two poems in the park. I lost it on 'I am in the birds that sing', as I always was warmed last winter, while I was pregnant with Bea and approaching Serenity's 2nd birthday, by the birds at my feeder in my office window and as I had taken bird seed as the offering to the ancestors while we burned incense.
Bea is dressed in spring colors today. Think it and it will come, right? She looks so darn cute. She is also diaperless right now. She seems happier. Well, she just has to hold up her 'end' of the bargain and let me know when she has to potty. I've taken every 20 min for two rounds now, and she 'niao niaos'* a little bit. Maybe she is doing better with this EC than I thought!
Over the last, snowed-in week I added many new blogs to my google reader. Stuff on simplifying (both mental and physical), a montessori blog, other parenting blogs. I am running out of ideas here for things to do with Bea. The last month the focus has been social things, like the playgroups. But she is sleeping less now, so I think there is time to add more activities. Plus she is getting stuff more and more. She still likes to crawl and cruise around herself, exploring. At these times, she isn't really interested if I try to get her to 'play' with me. She also doesn't care for book being read or shown to her. But, I still try to read at least one a day. Eventually she'll be in to it. She likes bouncy games and mama-jungle gym and doesn't seem to mind me singing to her. But, mostly it's all about the search for trouble.
*It's the Chinese for urinating, and I didn't want to say peepee and I didn't want anything that she would hear by others and go at the wrong time!
Bea's had a playgroup both Monday and today. Another playdate tomorrow. This girl has a busy social schedule. Poor mama can barely keep up.
But, she falls asleep in the car afterwards, and usually sleeps longer than at home, so I can get some editing done. It doesn't hurt that I don't have internet in my car - so I HAVE to edit instead of surf.
Serenity's day passed, there were some tears but it wasn't incapacitating. We read two poems in the park. I lost it on 'I am in the birds that sing', as I always was warmed last winter, while I was pregnant with Bea and approaching Serenity's 2nd birthday, by the birds at my feeder in my office window and as I had taken bird seed as the offering to the ancestors while we burned incense.
Bea is dressed in spring colors today. Think it and it will come, right? She looks so darn cute. She is also diaperless right now. She seems happier. Well, she just has to hold up her 'end' of the bargain and let me know when she has to potty. I've taken every 20 min for two rounds now, and she 'niao niaos'* a little bit. Maybe she is doing better with this EC than I thought!
Over the last, snowed-in week I added many new blogs to my google reader. Stuff on simplifying (both mental and physical), a montessori blog, other parenting blogs. I am running out of ideas here for things to do with Bea. The last month the focus has been social things, like the playgroups. But she is sleeping less now, so I think there is time to add more activities. Plus she is getting stuff more and more. She still likes to crawl and cruise around herself, exploring. At these times, she isn't really interested if I try to get her to 'play' with me. She also doesn't care for book being read or shown to her. But, I still try to read at least one a day. Eventually she'll be in to it. She likes bouncy games and mama-jungle gym and doesn't seem to mind me singing to her. But, mostly it's all about the search for trouble.
*It's the Chinese for urinating, and I didn't want to say peepee and I didn't want anything that she would hear by others and go at the wrong time!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
February 6, 2011
Oh Serenity. I miss you, girl.
***
Bea has a multitude of nicknames. So many, in fact, that I don't think she recognizes any as 'her' name.
As a matter of fact, the dog also has many nicknames. She does know her 'given' name. She also basically just answers to tone of voice, as we've tried calling her in gibberish and she still answers. Such is a dog.
The cat also has a few nicknames.
But Serenity, Serenity is just Serenity.
We rarely refer to her by her Chinese name. She never got a sweet name like cutie or sweetie. She never learned to smile. She never was a stinker nor acted squirrly.
She never revealed her personality to us. She never had favorites. She never did anything remarkable.
But we love her still.
***
I see her in the butterflies, the snow, the rain, the fall leaves. Today we will burn incense for Da Ku* and Serenity at the park. I will put out birdseed where we released butterflies. We will read a poem or two out in the cold, on this overcast day. And we will bake a cake.
* Triple S' oldest aunt passed away and her funeral is today (or yesterday) in China.
***
Bea has a multitude of nicknames. So many, in fact, that I don't think she recognizes any as 'her' name.
As a matter of fact, the dog also has many nicknames. She does know her 'given' name. She also basically just answers to tone of voice, as we've tried calling her in gibberish and she still answers. Such is a dog.
The cat also has a few nicknames.
But Serenity, Serenity is just Serenity.
We rarely refer to her by her Chinese name. She never got a sweet name like cutie or sweetie. She never learned to smile. She never was a stinker nor acted squirrly.
She never revealed her personality to us. She never had favorites. She never did anything remarkable.
But we love her still.
***
I see her in the butterflies, the snow, the rain, the fall leaves. Today we will burn incense for Da Ku* and Serenity at the park. I will put out birdseed where we released butterflies. We will read a poem or two out in the cold, on this overcast day. And we will bake a cake.
* Triple S' oldest aunt passed away and her funeral is today (or yesterday) in China.
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