So today was picture day at Leah's school. Want to know when I figured that out? How 'bout when I decided to pick up the form off the floor of my car this morning as I strapped the girls in to take Leah to school. The same form that fluttered to the floor a week and a half ago after dropping Leah off at school. That's how fast life is moving these days. So fast I can't even pick up a piece of errant paper, read a few sentences or stop to drink a glass of water. I realize I totally have to work on that last one. Staying hydrated should be a priority as it contributes greatly to health...but I digress.
I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining. The picture day thing really didn't matter to me. Pete was away on business lastnight and wrangling these two really zapped me. Seriously, I don't know how single parents do it. They must be so strong! Leah wasn't dressed in her Sunday finest, but then again it wasn't Sunday and it wasn't her worst outfit either. Luckily, I had Leah's haircut last friday (she looks so grown up!) and she was dressed in her usual put-together yet casual looking school fare.
And let's ask ourselves, do I really need a formal portrait to commemorate her year in the toddler development program? Probably not. I snap enough of my own portraits as it is. Besides, Leah can't be relied upon to smile appropriately anyway. It's either the biggest "CHEEEEEZZZZZZ" you've ever seen, which makes her eyes disappear completely or she looks so serious, it's as if she's about to be put in time out. Perhaps the photographer can pull something out of her that I can't. Maybe Leah really "saves the drama for her mama!" and will pose and smile sweetly for the camera at school? We'll see.
Last but not least (before I crumble from exhaustion) I chose this picture of Aisy, becuase it truly personifies what I'm feeling these days. Life with toddlers moves at the speed of toddlers. And if you didn't already know it, that HAS to be almost as fast as light speed! Much like Aislin, I feel like the days are in perpetual foward motion, careening towards the next big thing (or crash landing!).
As I wobble speedily through the dwindling days and weeks of 2007, I hope I can do it with as much excitement, bravery, and sheer joy as Aislin does. I might be downright tired, but I never want to stop learning from these girls. The older I get, the more I realize my goal is to be more like them...never afraid of falling, always curious to know what's around the next corner, and giggling madly while I do it!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Here's....a book?...in your eye!
I'll admit it, my girls have been driving me a bit crazy this week. First off, let me say that our favorite babysitter Fran is away. The lady only takes one 2 week vacation a year and BOY does she deserve it! Nevertheless, I was once again reminded just how much that one day a week (usually from around 9-2) when Fran is here with the girls is good for me as a mom, business owner, friend, wife, the list goes on. I get a lot done during that time and it really frees me up to be "fully present" and more patient with the girls the rest of the week. I'm more organized, caught up on work, and probably a whole lot more pleasant when I get that time "to myself."
In addition to all that, our spirited little Leah has really been testing boundaries with both me and Pete lately. There is more bouncing, jumping, talking, screaming (with joy, incredulity, etc), asking, telling, moving, singing, defying, and just general non-stop activity that goes on with that girl than I could heve ever imagined before I was her parent. Don't get me wrong, the girls and I have been having a whole lot of fun doing nothing this week. We took the donations from the guests at Aisy's birthday party over to the womens' shelter we wanted to support. We ate a picnic lunch outside the other day, Leah and I made muffins and we all did a ton of playing.
Even with Leah pushing limits and Fran being on vacation, all would have been perfect had I not mistakenly poked Leah in the eye with the corner of the Madeline book we were about to read before settling down for naptime on Wednesday. Curse you Ludwig Bemelmans!!! Who honestly just may be my favorite children's writier/illustrator ever. Thankfully, I don't think this unfortunate accident ruined him for me forever!
Can you say "Mommy guilt?!" I felt terrible. Leah would go in and out of being fine and playing, then would suddenly drop to the floor kicking and screaming saying her eye hurt. Several hours later we were at the pediatrician. Leah had a fluorescein solution put into her eye by our wonderful pediatrician. Then he shone a black light on it. The fluorescein glows green under the light and will work itself into any abrasions on the cornea, making them very easy to see. Turns out Leah indeed had a corneal abrasion. Sounds scary, but luckily Leah's was superficial. The only cause for concern was it's location, right over her pupil. Not wanting to mess around with a 2 year olds eyesight, we were sent home with an antibiotic cream we had to stick in her eye before bed that night.
Let me tell you guys...getting medication into a child's eye is not easy! It took both physical strength and mental agility.Trying to talk this out with a two year old was pretty hilarious! I half expected her to say "No dice Mommy and Daddy!!!"...which is pretty much what she said but not in so many words.
Yesterday we were instructed to keep her home from school and the pediatrician set us up with an appointment with an ophthalmologist (right during nap time...which made for a ROUGH visit...but I had to take what I could get). Amazingly, his diagnosis was that it was healed completely! As difficult as it was for her (and for me...my heart nearly broke when she told the pediatrician "Mommy poked me in the eye!!!) the girl was a trooper...putting up with having all sorts of solutions and antibiotics put in her eyes and then being attacked with bright lights by doctors. She performs well for professionals (much better than she behaves for her Mom...but that's to be expected right?). Mercifully, Leah has asked me to read her "Madeline" at least five times in the past two days, which makes me think she forgives me...that and the fact that today she told me "You're my favorite Mommy." Gotta love that.
I think this week has finally caught up with me, and now I'm sick with flu-like aches and pains, a heaviness in my chest, and just feeling pretty terrible. But I'll end it this post with Leah's favorite last lines from "Madeline." They seem to comfort both of us in a funny little way...
"Good night little girls!
Thank the lord you are well!
And now go to sleep"
said Miss Clavel.
And she turned out the light --
and closed the door --
and that's all there is --
There isn't any more.
In addition to all that, our spirited little Leah has really been testing boundaries with both me and Pete lately. There is more bouncing, jumping, talking, screaming (with joy, incredulity, etc), asking, telling, moving, singing, defying, and just general non-stop activity that goes on with that girl than I could heve ever imagined before I was her parent. Don't get me wrong, the girls and I have been having a whole lot of fun doing nothing this week. We took the donations from the guests at Aisy's birthday party over to the womens' shelter we wanted to support. We ate a picnic lunch outside the other day, Leah and I made muffins and we all did a ton of playing.
Even with Leah pushing limits and Fran being on vacation, all would have been perfect had I not mistakenly poked Leah in the eye with the corner of the Madeline book we were about to read before settling down for naptime on Wednesday. Curse you Ludwig Bemelmans!!! Who honestly just may be my favorite children's writier/illustrator ever. Thankfully, I don't think this unfortunate accident ruined him for me forever!
Can you say "Mommy guilt?!" I felt terrible. Leah would go in and out of being fine and playing, then would suddenly drop to the floor kicking and screaming saying her eye hurt. Several hours later we were at the pediatrician. Leah had a fluorescein solution put into her eye by our wonderful pediatrician. Then he shone a black light on it. The fluorescein glows green under the light and will work itself into any abrasions on the cornea, making them very easy to see. Turns out Leah indeed had a corneal abrasion. Sounds scary, but luckily Leah's was superficial. The only cause for concern was it's location, right over her pupil. Not wanting to mess around with a 2 year olds eyesight, we were sent home with an antibiotic cream we had to stick in her eye before bed that night.
Let me tell you guys...getting medication into a child's eye is not easy! It took both physical strength and mental agility.Trying to talk this out with a two year old was pretty hilarious! I half expected her to say "No dice Mommy and Daddy!!!"...which is pretty much what she said but not in so many words.
Yesterday we were instructed to keep her home from school and the pediatrician set us up with an appointment with an ophthalmologist (right during nap time...which made for a ROUGH visit...but I had to take what I could get). Amazingly, his diagnosis was that it was healed completely! As difficult as it was for her (and for me...my heart nearly broke when she told the pediatrician "Mommy poked me in the eye!!!) the girl was a trooper...putting up with having all sorts of solutions and antibiotics put in her eyes and then being attacked with bright lights by doctors. She performs well for professionals (much better than she behaves for her Mom...but that's to be expected right?). Mercifully, Leah has asked me to read her "Madeline" at least five times in the past two days, which makes me think she forgives me...that and the fact that today she told me "You're my favorite Mommy." Gotta love that.
I think this week has finally caught up with me, and now I'm sick with flu-like aches and pains, a heaviness in my chest, and just feeling pretty terrible. But I'll end it this post with Leah's favorite last lines from "Madeline." They seem to comfort both of us in a funny little way...
"Good night little girls!
Thank the lord you are well!
And now go to sleep"
said Miss Clavel.
And she turned out the light --
and closed the door --
and that's all there is --
There isn't any more.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Zoe and the zany pair
As many of you know, we traveled to Sesame Place this weekend. It was a BLAST! Leah even surprised me by using the term "blast!" herself, to express her joy at being on "Sesame Street" with her cousin Clare and Aunti K and Uncle Mark. Oh, and Daddy and Mommy and Aisy too...
Leah and Clare enjoyed our "Breakfast with Elmo" a great deal. Zoe was a big hit, and Elmo was too. Leah's freaky fear of extra-large TV characters did kick in a bit once Ernie and Bert came by our table. She still managed to give Bert a high-five and the only one I didn't manage to get her picture with was Big Bird. Clare on the other hand seems to love the oversized costumed folk! Just look at her cuddled right up in Zoe's hand. Clare also got her picture with Cookie Monster and a new character for us old-timers, Abby Caddabby, Sesame Street's resident fairy-in-training.
The best part for Leah I think was the RIDES!!!!! She went on Grover's "Vapor Trail" roller coaster with Pete 4 TIMES. I think he almost had more fun than she did. Leah also loved the Tea Cups, Big Bird's Balloon Race, The Humungous Slide (not the ride's real name), and the free fall drop style ride. Clare was not a fan of that last one, but the faces she was making did give me a little chuckle down on the ground. Overall, it was a great day. The lovely fall weather was perfect...no water rides (which was fine with me!) and less lines. K had free tickets which made it even better! Thanks Auntie K!!!!
Also, here's a Hey Pretty Cupcake update. HPC Christmas ornaments are now available in their Etsy Shop! You can see and read all about the cupcake themed Christmas tree illustration I created for this year's HPC's ornaments at bridedesign.blogspot.com The blog entry also has link that can take you to the shop if you are interested in purchasing one. I know I would be tickled red and green to spot my ornament on some of my friends' and family's trees this holiday season!
Leah and Clare enjoyed our "Breakfast with Elmo" a great deal. Zoe was a big hit, and Elmo was too. Leah's freaky fear of extra-large TV characters did kick in a bit once Ernie and Bert came by our table. She still managed to give Bert a high-five and the only one I didn't manage to get her picture with was Big Bird. Clare on the other hand seems to love the oversized costumed folk! Just look at her cuddled right up in Zoe's hand. Clare also got her picture with Cookie Monster and a new character for us old-timers, Abby Caddabby, Sesame Street's resident fairy-in-training.
The best part for Leah I think was the RIDES!!!!! She went on Grover's "Vapor Trail" roller coaster with Pete 4 TIMES. I think he almost had more fun than she did. Leah also loved the Tea Cups, Big Bird's Balloon Race, The Humungous Slide (not the ride's real name), and the free fall drop style ride. Clare was not a fan of that last one, but the faces she was making did give me a little chuckle down on the ground. Overall, it was a great day. The lovely fall weather was perfect...no water rides (which was fine with me!) and less lines. K had free tickets which made it even better! Thanks Auntie K!!!!
Also, here's a Hey Pretty Cupcake update. HPC Christmas ornaments are now available in their Etsy Shop! You can see and read all about the cupcake themed Christmas tree illustration I created for this year's HPC's ornaments at bridedesign.blogspot.com The blog entry also has link that can take you to the shop if you are interested in purchasing one. I know I would be tickled red and green to spot my ornament on some of my friends' and family's trees this holiday season!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Number 2 Turns Number 1!!
Tomorrow is the official day, October 9. Aisy will be 1 year old! She's like a whole new baby. Sure, she's still a mama's girl, she's sensitive and she wants what she wants when she wants it! But, she's also walking around like crazy, babbling up a storm, and as you can see from the picture, she is demolishing entire cakes with her bare hands (OK and he teeth too!).
This weekend we had a little neighborhood party. The grandparents were all in attendance and Auntie D and Uncle Mike came too! This shot was art directed once again by D...who was oh so crafty and placed some frosting on Aislin's nose. There are many more shots to share with you, even if Dev's pictures are way better than mine! I was too busy trying to keep Leah's grubbly, little paws off the BIG cake. Once again, my friend Jen OUT DID herself and wowed the crowd with a fantastic caramel apple confection covered in chocolate fondant and decorated beautifully to match the green and brown daisy invitations I created for my own little Aisy daisy. I won't even go into the cupcakes that were piled high with icing and subsequently devoured by the neighborhood children. Mmmmm.....
We had planned to have the party outside, but showers of rain upon arrival brought everyone inside. That was fine. My vacuum needed some use anyway. It was a tight squeeze but no one seemed to mind and Aislin had the best time of all I think. I have a meeting tomorrow, but my mind will be with my little one. I can't believe it has been a year already. She's my buddy...always hanging off me, racing towards me or clamoring for my attention. We'll you've got it kid! Happy early birthday!
This weekend we had a little neighborhood party. The grandparents were all in attendance and Auntie D and Uncle Mike came too! This shot was art directed once again by D...who was oh so crafty and placed some frosting on Aislin's nose. There are many more shots to share with you, even if Dev's pictures are way better than mine! I was too busy trying to keep Leah's grubbly, little paws off the BIG cake. Once again, my friend Jen OUT DID herself and wowed the crowd with a fantastic caramel apple confection covered in chocolate fondant and decorated beautifully to match the green and brown daisy invitations I created for my own little Aisy daisy. I won't even go into the cupcakes that were piled high with icing and subsequently devoured by the neighborhood children. Mmmmm.....
We had planned to have the party outside, but showers of rain upon arrival brought everyone inside. That was fine. My vacuum needed some use anyway. It was a tight squeeze but no one seemed to mind and Aislin had the best time of all I think. I have a meeting tomorrow, but my mind will be with my little one. I can't believe it has been a year already. She's my buddy...always hanging off me, racing towards me or clamoring for my attention. We'll you've got it kid! Happy early birthday!
Friday, October 05, 2007
Websites, winning, and weather!
Just wanted to share with everyone that my third baby (that would be my business website) has finally arrived!!!
Check out bridedesign.com here!
It was a long process. All in all, this thing has been in the works in various forms for about twice as long as it takes to have a human baby. I'm glad it's complete (for now). Certain items will need to change as time goes on, and of course I will continually add images of my work to the gallery. It's definitely focused more towards my custom work and down the road I will need to add more to this site, or create other sites that focus on certain other areas of the business. I'm sure at some point I will want feedback on it, but for now I just need to bask in the glow of this thing being put to bed! In other words, I'll take compliments on it but please hold back on constructive criticism until I'm past my current state of mental exhaustion.
I'm also delighted to be one of the runners-up in heyprettycupcake.com's artist collaboration contest. My friend Jen encouraged me to enter and I sent in several illustrations I created of famous american buildings done as cupcakes. I've tentatively titled the series "Cupcake City" and I hope to add more illustrations to it in the future. You can view them in the illustrations set on my flickr stream. As a runner up, I won a collaboration contract with Hey Pretty Cupcake, and they will be turning my illustrations into all sorts of nifty products. I'll keep you all posted on when my stuff is added to their site and available for purchase (just in time for the holidays I hope!!!)
Speaking of pretty cupcakes, Aislin's birthday is next Tuesday. This weekend we are having various family members visit and are hosting a little neighborhood party to celebrate Aislin's big 1st birthday. I think we'll even host the party outside since it is supposed to be downright HOT out. Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining. Central, NY has more than enough cold and winter to go around, so I'll take this San Diego type weather if that's what's being given to me. Still, it's had me a little on edge. I can't get into the Autumn mood when we had to finally break down and put the AC on yesterday! As a nod to the weather we've been having I thought I'd include this shot of Leah picking (or rather eating!) apples on her 85° field trip day. As I mentioned in my last post. She had a blast. What's next breakfast with Santa in our bathing suits??? Come on Autumn!!!!
Check out bridedesign.com here!
It was a long process. All in all, this thing has been in the works in various forms for about twice as long as it takes to have a human baby. I'm glad it's complete (for now). Certain items will need to change as time goes on, and of course I will continually add images of my work to the gallery. It's definitely focused more towards my custom work and down the road I will need to add more to this site, or create other sites that focus on certain other areas of the business. I'm sure at some point I will want feedback on it, but for now I just need to bask in the glow of this thing being put to bed! In other words, I'll take compliments on it but please hold back on constructive criticism until I'm past my current state of mental exhaustion.
I'm also delighted to be one of the runners-up in heyprettycupcake.com's artist collaboration contest. My friend Jen encouraged me to enter and I sent in several illustrations I created of famous american buildings done as cupcakes. I've tentatively titled the series "Cupcake City" and I hope to add more illustrations to it in the future. You can view them in the illustrations set on my flickr stream. As a runner up, I won a collaboration contract with Hey Pretty Cupcake, and they will be turning my illustrations into all sorts of nifty products. I'll keep you all posted on when my stuff is added to their site and available for purchase (just in time for the holidays I hope!!!)
Speaking of pretty cupcakes, Aislin's birthday is next Tuesday. This weekend we are having various family members visit and are hosting a little neighborhood party to celebrate Aislin's big 1st birthday. I think we'll even host the party outside since it is supposed to be downright HOT out. Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining. Central, NY has more than enough cold and winter to go around, so I'll take this San Diego type weather if that's what's being given to me. Still, it's had me a little on edge. I can't get into the Autumn mood when we had to finally break down and put the AC on yesterday! As a nod to the weather we've been having I thought I'd include this shot of Leah picking (or rather eating!) apples on her 85° field trip day. As I mentioned in my last post. She had a blast. What's next breakfast with Santa in our bathing suits??? Come on Autumn!!!!
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