Not much else to say other than - DADDY'S HOME!
It was a fun week, full of activity and adventure but we are glad to be back together as a family. I can rest well tonight knowing my family is back under one roof together - as it should be!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Day 5 and Final Day of Daddy's Vacation!
As I already wrote, this was an emotional day because of L's swimming incident. The rest of the day was fine, minus the rainstorm we ran into, the extra 46 miles we drove looking for the river turn-off spot and the 4 hours of driving to the party and home. We are just looking forward to Daddy being home tomorrow!!!
One Scared Mama
Today, we had a freaky accident that could have resulted in a tragedy quickly if not for one VERY powerful God and one fast mama.
We went up to the river to celebrate my niece's 16th birthday. As soon as we got there, my niece to L into the river with her. I was nervous and made sure L and Cousin S knew to stay together. Well next thing you know, L is playing with another little one about her age and Cousin S is out in the deeper river water. I asked my sister how deep the water was and she said only up to the girls' knees. I stayed on the shore but kept my eye on L, just for safety sake. A move that paid off. I was watching the girls play and next thing I know, L looked to be dunking her head in the water to get her hair wet, like she does but the next move she made looked to be one of distress. I hollered to her and she didn't answer so I yelled out to anyone listening and took off. This 7 month pregnant mama can move! I have no recollection of leaving my chair and getting to water - the only thing I can remember is actually being in the water and losing my shoes along the way, diving down to get her and holding her so tightly it was a wonder she could breathe at all. I do remember her head being above water the whole time and seeing her make big ice cream scoops to stay afloat. All those swim lessons have paid off! It seems that spot she was at had a drop off and she found it. I am so grateful to be writing this as a freak accident with lessons to be learned and not a tragic one. She could have drown if not for her staying calm and paddling and if not for a wonderful God that was watching over her. I tried not to make a big deal about it with her - just kept praising her for swimming so well. I didn't want her to freak and not go back in the water ever again. But for the rest of the time we were there, I didn't let her or her brother S more than an arm's length away from me!! This was a total accident that was preventable, as most are. I should never have let her be in the water without me, even if she could touch.
Thank you God for this being a learning experience and not a tragic event in our lives. Thank you for watching over L and protecting her.
We went up to the river to celebrate my niece's 16th birthday. As soon as we got there, my niece to L into the river with her. I was nervous and made sure L and Cousin S knew to stay together. Well next thing you know, L is playing with another little one about her age and Cousin S is out in the deeper river water. I asked my sister how deep the water was and she said only up to the girls' knees. I stayed on the shore but kept my eye on L, just for safety sake. A move that paid off. I was watching the girls play and next thing I know, L looked to be dunking her head in the water to get her hair wet, like she does but the next move she made looked to be one of distress. I hollered to her and she didn't answer so I yelled out to anyone listening and took off. This 7 month pregnant mama can move! I have no recollection of leaving my chair and getting to water - the only thing I can remember is actually being in the water and losing my shoes along the way, diving down to get her and holding her so tightly it was a wonder she could breathe at all. I do remember her head being above water the whole time and seeing her make big ice cream scoops to stay afloat. All those swim lessons have paid off! It seems that spot she was at had a drop off and she found it. I am so grateful to be writing this as a freak accident with lessons to be learned and not a tragic one. She could have drown if not for her staying calm and paddling and if not for a wonderful God that was watching over her. I tried not to make a big deal about it with her - just kept praising her for swimming so well. I didn't want her to freak and not go back in the water ever again. But for the rest of the time we were there, I didn't let her or her brother S more than an arm's length away from me!! This was a total accident that was preventable, as most are. I should never have let her be in the water without me, even if she could touch.
Thank you God for this being a learning experience and not a tragic event in our lives. Thank you for watching over L and protecting her.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Day 4 cont...
Kids are in bed. I am going to finish writing about our day and hurry to get stuff ready for our busy Saturday.
We had a nice evening. We played with that GeoTrax thing for a long time, after L helped me clean the playroom. The playroom looks so nice! We reorganized some and things fit better. We also put some toys out in the garage that aren't being played with very often. After eating dinner while playing with the train set, we ran to Target to get milk. We got to chat with Daddy Piper for a bit. The actual wedding is today. Sounds like they are having a grand time. I am a bit jealous though that he is hanging out with his good buddies, drinking, living the bachelor life for a few days and has no worries or responsibilities momentarily. I haven't had that feeling since becoming a mother. Guess it's a gender/mother/father thing.
Oh well - now off to get the stuff ready for tomorrow!
We had a nice evening. We played with that GeoTrax thing for a long time, after L helped me clean the playroom. The playroom looks so nice! We reorganized some and things fit better. We also put some toys out in the garage that aren't being played with very often. After eating dinner while playing with the train set, we ran to Target to get milk. We got to chat with Daddy Piper for a bit. The actual wedding is today. Sounds like they are having a grand time. I am a bit jealous though that he is hanging out with his good buddies, drinking, living the bachelor life for a few days and has no worries or responsibilities momentarily. I haven't had that feeling since becoming a mother. Guess it's a gender/mother/father thing.
Oh well - now off to get the stuff ready for tomorrow!
Day 4
Well today is Day 4 of Daddy's Solo Vacation. Three days is about as long as I can handle. I woke up super hormonal today and very not okay with him still being gone. Just ready to have him home, with us. I was able to chat with his hungover a*% this morning for a bit. I am so glad that he is having a great time - just wish the time for him to come home with tomorrow AM instead of the next day.
We went to a local kids museum today. That was so much fun (I see I use that phrase often but not much describes a child's activity as accurately as that statement). We went with some friends. All the kids had fun playing in their interactive play area. We went to lunch afterwards. Lunch was yummy. California sandwich for mom and pb&j's for the kids - can't go wrong! All 4 kids behaved properly at the restaurant (not like the other night!) and it was enjoyable company. Daddy Piper had said that if the kids were good all week to get them a toy or something to reward their behavior, so off to ToysRUs we went.
Well - ToysRUs was fun!! If you don't count the 4 - yes 4 - trips to the bathroom. L had to go twice and S had to go twice. So we pretty much spent the hour we were there running back to the potty. The kids did get to see some fun stuff and actually touch and play with things. I chatted with Daddy Piper for a minute while walking around ToysRUs. They were done with wedding pictures and waiting for the ceremony to start. I just miss him so much. And I miss that we aren't attending the wedding together. Weddings are fun. Especially when you are with your spouse. Always makes me remember our own wedding, a million years ago. So the chitlens ended up with a globe (a real globe), some glow in the dark planets to hang from the ceiling and a GeoTrax train system thing. Looks like fun - we'll see. They can't play with until naps are done and they clean up the playroom!!
We went to a local kids museum today. That was so much fun (I see I use that phrase often but not much describes a child's activity as accurately as that statement). We went with some friends. All the kids had fun playing in their interactive play area. We went to lunch afterwards. Lunch was yummy. California sandwich for mom and pb&j's for the kids - can't go wrong! All 4 kids behaved properly at the restaurant (not like the other night!) and it was enjoyable company. Daddy Piper had said that if the kids were good all week to get them a toy or something to reward their behavior, so off to ToysRUs we went.
Well - ToysRUs was fun!! If you don't count the 4 - yes 4 - trips to the bathroom. L had to go twice and S had to go twice. So we pretty much spent the hour we were there running back to the potty. The kids did get to see some fun stuff and actually touch and play with things. I chatted with Daddy Piper for a minute while walking around ToysRUs. They were done with wedding pictures and waiting for the ceremony to start. I just miss him so much. And I miss that we aren't attending the wedding together. Weddings are fun. Especially when you are with your spouse. Always makes me remember our own wedding, a million years ago. So the chitlens ended up with a globe (a real globe), some glow in the dark planets to hang from the ceiling and a GeoTrax train system thing. Looks like fun - we'll see. They can't play with until naps are done and they clean up the playroom!!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Day 3
Another day past - only 2 more full days to get through until Daddy Piper comes home. I can't wait! It has been nice to have this time alone with the kids. We have really bonded on an extra level that I really can't explain. But boy oh boy - when 10:00 Sunday morning rolls around, you'll see me hanging out at the airport, waiting for Daddy Piper to take these kids and give me a break!
The night went well again last night. Both kids slept through the night. I only woke up once to check on them - way better than the night before. 7:00 came around and they were both up. We heard from Daddy Piper pretty early this morning so we got to chat before heading out for swim lessons. I am trying my hardest not to call him while he's gone. I have only called once. I have waited for him to call us the rest of the times. So we went to L's swim lessons - where she did extremely well again. Her original swim instructor left for the Olympics so she has a replacement for this week and next week. She has responded well to the new lady. L seems to be learning some new stuff such as rolling on her back while swimming to get a breath (chicken, star, rocket).
Next up after lessons was another trip to the waterpark. I wanted to take them to lunch and to ToysRUs but they wanted to go to the waterpark, so waterpark it was. Again - fun, fun, fun. They really enjoying being able to splash around while touching the bottom, something they can't do in our pool. But funniest thing - I ran into a girl I went to junior high with almost 20 years ago! She was wearing the same maternity swimsuit I was wearing and she came over to chat about it and I recognized her but couldn't remember where from. After chatting for a minute and her reminding me what her name is, she remembered me and we remembered we went to junior high together!!! She is pregnant with her 4th. It was fun to catch up for a bit. Unfortunately, I left without getting a number. Kinda hurried and left since the kids were tired. Hopefully we run into each other again!
This evening, we went to dinner at our friends', the K family, house. That was so nice! The kids played so well together. Dinner was yummy, as always. At one point the kids were all jumping, running and laughing and playing, making the sounds kids are known for. J and I talked about how wonderful it sounded. I LOVE hearing this ruckus. It is the household I want for my children. The only unfortunate thing is we are having a storm right now and my kids (as well as Mama) are afraid of lightning/thunder. I expect this to be a sleepless night so I better sign off and get some rest while I can!!
I am looking forward to Daddy Piper to come home. It sounds like he is having a nice time and we are too - we just miss the other half to our whole!
The night went well again last night. Both kids slept through the night. I only woke up once to check on them - way better than the night before. 7:00 came around and they were both up. We heard from Daddy Piper pretty early this morning so we got to chat before heading out for swim lessons. I am trying my hardest not to call him while he's gone. I have only called once. I have waited for him to call us the rest of the times. So we went to L's swim lessons - where she did extremely well again. Her original swim instructor left for the Olympics so she has a replacement for this week and next week. She has responded well to the new lady. L seems to be learning some new stuff such as rolling on her back while swimming to get a breath (chicken, star, rocket).
Next up after lessons was another trip to the waterpark. I wanted to take them to lunch and to ToysRUs but they wanted to go to the waterpark, so waterpark it was. Again - fun, fun, fun. They really enjoying being able to splash around while touching the bottom, something they can't do in our pool. But funniest thing - I ran into a girl I went to junior high with almost 20 years ago! She was wearing the same maternity swimsuit I was wearing and she came over to chat about it and I recognized her but couldn't remember where from. After chatting for a minute and her reminding me what her name is, she remembered me and we remembered we went to junior high together!!! She is pregnant with her 4th. It was fun to catch up for a bit. Unfortunately, I left without getting a number. Kinda hurried and left since the kids were tired. Hopefully we run into each other again!
This evening, we went to dinner at our friends', the K family, house. That was so nice! The kids played so well together. Dinner was yummy, as always. At one point the kids were all jumping, running and laughing and playing, making the sounds kids are known for. J and I talked about how wonderful it sounded. I LOVE hearing this ruckus. It is the household I want for my children. The only unfortunate thing is we are having a storm right now and my kids (as well as Mama) are afraid of lightning/thunder. I expect this to be a sleepless night so I better sign off and get some rest while I can!!
I am looking forward to Daddy Piper to come home. It sounds like he is having a nice time and we are too - we just miss the other half to our whole!
- I have a little note to add - something I want to remember specifically. Tonight after getting their jammies on and reading books, both kids were getting a bit freaked by the storm and S crawled in my lap and through his arms around my neck and snuggled into my neck then L did the same and snuggled into the other side of my neck. MMMM- I love moments like that! I wish I could hold them forever like that. Such a feeling of contentment. Who knew being a Mommy would be this wonderful. Thank you God for my children. Thank you for allowing me to care for them, raise them and enjoy them. Such a blessing I am grateful for!!
Clean Undies & Call me on my Cell
Things kids say:
S on 8/6/08: I was getting undies on S after waking up from nap. He looks down and says "Mom - are these clean undies or dirty undies?" UH - I think they are clean buddy.....
L on 8/7/08: Getting out of the van to go to swim lessons, she hold up this rock that she pretends is her cell phone "If you need me, you can call me on my cell." Okay - you are 4, I am not calling you on your cell!
Sometime the things that come out of their mouths make me laugh so loud and hard, true belly laughs!
S on 8/6/08: I was getting undies on S after waking up from nap. He looks down and says "Mom - are these clean undies or dirty undies?" UH - I think they are clean buddy.....
L on 8/7/08: Getting out of the van to go to swim lessons, she hold up this rock that she pretends is her cell phone "If you need me, you can call me on my cell." Okay - you are 4, I am not calling you on your cell!
Sometime the things that come out of their mouths make me laugh so loud and hard, true belly laughs!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Day 2 of Daddy's Vacation
Today is Day 2 of Daddy's Solo Vacation up North. It should go without saying that he won't be enjoying a vacation like this for years to come. Nah, it hasn't been bad at all. I am glad he got away for a few days to relax and hang out with some old friends. He deserves some down time!
Last night ended up pretty well. We made it through the bath time/bedtime routine without a hitch. Daddy Piper called about 8 to say goodnight to the kids, which they both enjoyed. Both kids slept amazingly well - all night long without waking once. I was a nervous wreck all night though. I kept going in to check on them, making sure no one had taken them. They both woke up at 7 this morning happy, refreshed and awaiting a new day.
First up for the day - the waterpark. We went with some friends, the Knight girls. It was as much fun as always (except for the cashier who didn't want to break a $20 bill and the nice lifeguard that covered the admission fee for us - 2 bucks- Thanks!!). It was empty when we got there. We had the whole place to ourselves for about 15 minutes!! All the kids had fun splashing and swimming for about 2 hours until there was an evacuation. There was an unfortunate "fecal matter incident". Uh - gross! We had to get out of the pool for 30 minutes while they located all the matter and super cleaned the pool. We chose to have our snacks and go home. They should have it thoroughly cleaned by our visit tomorrow.
This afternoon was lunch, playtime and naps. We haven't done school in 2 days. I have jam packed our days with activities away from home to occupy us and keep our minds off Daddy Piper being gone.
This evening we had dinner at my favorite Mexican food joint (as I write this, the baby is kicking like a mule - one of my most favorite things ever!!) Anyway - we had a yummy dinner and sopapillas. Today Walgreens had a special to develop a roll of film for free so we took in a roll I found while cleaning a few weeks ago. It was from a mockup I was on in Miami, FL about 6 years ago. It was fun to see the pictures - made me miss my job and all the fun times (of course I only remember the good stuff, not the endless hours and other hardwork ... hey it's my memory!!).
We just got off the phone telling Daddy Piper goodnight. He called right on time - a miracle indeed. Both kids seem to be handling his being gone pretty well today. I know by the time Sunday rolls around, they will be so happy to have him home. Heck - so will I!
Thank you God for good friends, wonderful children and a husband I wouldn't trade for a million dollars. I am truly blessed and fortunate to have these in my life!
Last night ended up pretty well. We made it through the bath time/bedtime routine without a hitch. Daddy Piper called about 8 to say goodnight to the kids, which they both enjoyed. Both kids slept amazingly well - all night long without waking once. I was a nervous wreck all night though. I kept going in to check on them, making sure no one had taken them. They both woke up at 7 this morning happy, refreshed and awaiting a new day.
First up for the day - the waterpark. We went with some friends, the Knight girls. It was as much fun as always (except for the cashier who didn't want to break a $20 bill and the nice lifeguard that covered the admission fee for us - 2 bucks- Thanks!!). It was empty when we got there. We had the whole place to ourselves for about 15 minutes!! All the kids had fun splashing and swimming for about 2 hours until there was an evacuation. There was an unfortunate "fecal matter incident". Uh - gross! We had to get out of the pool for 30 minutes while they located all the matter and super cleaned the pool. We chose to have our snacks and go home. They should have it thoroughly cleaned by our visit tomorrow.
This afternoon was lunch, playtime and naps. We haven't done school in 2 days. I have jam packed our days with activities away from home to occupy us and keep our minds off Daddy Piper being gone.
This evening we had dinner at my favorite Mexican food joint (as I write this, the baby is kicking like a mule - one of my most favorite things ever!!) Anyway - we had a yummy dinner and sopapillas. Today Walgreens had a special to develop a roll of film for free so we took in a roll I found while cleaning a few weeks ago. It was from a mockup I was on in Miami, FL about 6 years ago. It was fun to see the pictures - made me miss my job and all the fun times (of course I only remember the good stuff, not the endless hours and other hardwork ... hey it's my memory!!).
We just got off the phone telling Daddy Piper goodnight. He called right on time - a miracle indeed. Both kids seem to be handling his being gone pretty well today. I know by the time Sunday rolls around, they will be so happy to have him home. Heck - so will I!
Thank you God for good friends, wonderful children and a husband I wouldn't trade for a million dollars. I am truly blessed and fortunate to have these in my life!
Go Fish
I forgot to write about L playing "Go Fish" . She got the card game for her birthday and we played it for the first time last weekend. She is really good at it! It is so fun to sit and play with her. A nice time for one on one. Boy is she competitive though - I have no idea where that comes from!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Daddy's gone
So Daddy Piper left on his vacation this morning. YIKES! I am totally alone with both kids. Solely responsible for their well-being for 5 days. Why does this freak me out so much???
We dropped him off at 4 this morning - yep 4 AM! The kids aren't used to being up that early but they were in such giggly moods. Very happy for early morning and for being woke up. I cried when we dropped him off. He seemed to have some tears in his eyes as well. L wasn't too happy with the whole situation and S didn't seem to understand. He sure understood when got home though and didn't bring Daddy Piper back with us! He cried and cried for about 10 minutes. L had swim lessons at 9:00 so after we came home from dropping him at the airport we just lounged for awhile until time to leave for lessons. She got stung by a bee at the pool. Daddy Piper and I were just talking about bee stings. I have never been stung and he's been stung a million times. Well, we found out today that she isn't allergic but that bee stings hurt like heck! We came home early from lessons because she was so traumatized by the event. We had lunch plans to meet Auntie D at Olive Garden and celebrate Cousin S's birthday. Lunch went well. We have some wonderfully behaved children. How nice!! We came home and attempted to nap but noone except Mama thought that was a good idea. We met up with some friends for dinner. That was chaotic to say the least! Again - well behaved children of mine, how I adore you!!!! Baths and bedtime await us now.
I just got off the phone with Daddy Piper. Boy this being away from each other is hard. I started crying a bit earlier picturing my life without him. It would be horrible to be alone, raising these kids without him. I get mad and think of things but this vacation really made me realize that I don't want to be without him - warts and all!
We dropped him off at 4 this morning - yep 4 AM! The kids aren't used to being up that early but they were in such giggly moods. Very happy for early morning and for being woke up. I cried when we dropped him off. He seemed to have some tears in his eyes as well. L wasn't too happy with the whole situation and S didn't seem to understand. He sure understood when got home though and didn't bring Daddy Piper back with us! He cried and cried for about 10 minutes. L had swim lessons at 9:00 so after we came home from dropping him at the airport we just lounged for awhile until time to leave for lessons. She got stung by a bee at the pool. Daddy Piper and I were just talking about bee stings. I have never been stung and he's been stung a million times. Well, we found out today that she isn't allergic but that bee stings hurt like heck! We came home early from lessons because she was so traumatized by the event. We had lunch plans to meet Auntie D at Olive Garden and celebrate Cousin S's birthday. Lunch went well. We have some wonderfully behaved children. How nice!! We came home and attempted to nap but noone except Mama thought that was a good idea. We met up with some friends for dinner. That was chaotic to say the least! Again - well behaved children of mine, how I adore you!!!! Baths and bedtime await us now.
I just got off the phone with Daddy Piper. Boy this being away from each other is hard. I started crying a bit earlier picturing my life without him. It would be horrible to be alone, raising these kids without him. I get mad and think of things but this vacation really made me realize that I don't want to be without him - warts and all!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Large Circumference
We went swimming today. It was fun!! S is now putting his face in the water and holding his breath - what a big boy!! L is doing a mahvelous job swimming. I just had to write down the funny comment from Daddy Piper though. We were getting out of the pool and I commented that Daddy Piper saved the biggest towel for me and he said "Well yea - you have the largest circumference." UH - nice way to say I am the biggest!?! :- )
We had a great lunch. Including some yummy fruit dip and fresh watermelon. Both kids are settling in for naps. I am going to join them for a bit :-)
We had a great lunch. Including some yummy fruit dip and fresh watermelon. Both kids are settling in for naps. I am going to join them for a bit :-)
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Some pics
Nothing special today - just another ordinary family day with soccer, lunch out and naps. I say ordinary because nothing extra-ordinary happened but you know what? Ordinary works for me!
Here are a couple pics Daddy Piper took today. I couldn't resist sharing them!!
I love how L put her hands on my belly without being prompted.
And this one - S wanted to kiss the baby :-) Friday, August 1, 2008
Is it really August?
I can't believe how fast the year has gone! We only have 10 1/2 weeks until the new baby comes. I feel so behind getting ready. The kids are doing wonderful, as always. We had a pretty uneventful day running a few errands this morning. Had to get the pool water tested and drop some film at Target. I will NEVER get one hour photo done again at Target. This is the 2nd time I have had film developed there and it has taken more than 2 hours - for 2 rolls of film!!! One roll happened to be of my friend's bachelorette party 5 years ago. What memories those pictures brought back :- ) We finally got that done and came home. Daddy Piper came home early due to an accident on the jobsite (thankfully not HIS accident). The water truck driver hit another vehicle and killed both people in the vehicle. Oh how horrible for everyone involved. It was a pure accident but still - what a tragedy.
L has been hitting S quite a bit lately. Of course this upsets me. Daddy Piper says not to read into it but I am wondering if there is something else going on and this is how she is reacting to it. AWWW - parenting is hard sometimes!! I will try to get more one on one time with her, quality vs. quantity time. Maybe that will help. S's butt seems better. Now he has a crappy cough though - always something with him!!
Another thought - I read this blog frequently. She is pregnant with her 4th and they are having some problems. It makes me grateful how uneventful things have been this time for me. She is posting the most wonderfully written stuff though - very eye opening and such faith!
Thank you God for such a peaceful pregnancy.
L has been hitting S quite a bit lately. Of course this upsets me. Daddy Piper says not to read into it but I am wondering if there is something else going on and this is how she is reacting to it. AWWW - parenting is hard sometimes!! I will try to get more one on one time with her, quality vs. quantity time. Maybe that will help. S's butt seems better. Now he has a crappy cough though - always something with him!!
Another thought - I read this blog frequently. She is pregnant with her 4th and they are having some problems. It makes me grateful how uneventful things have been this time for me. She is posting the most wonderfully written stuff though - very eye opening and such faith!
Thank you God for such a peaceful pregnancy.
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