Jul 8, 2020 | Holidays, What's going on |
The kitchen remodel project is nearing it’s end and I love how it looks. Painting the walls has been harder to do because Belle Belle has been very clingy and we had to establish a schedule of when we can play together and when I need to work.
I had a friend’s 13yo daughter come over as a mother’s helper for one afternoon. She had never been over before and AB was a little nervous about it. I checked on her in bed the night before and she was holding her little mirror and practicing what she would say. “Hi, Reagan. Would you like to play with clay? Hi, Reagan. Thank you for coming over. Mom, I don’t think that was right. Did I sound friendly?” At least she always got her name right. Our neighbor’s name is Kennedy and I kept calling Reagan the neighbor’s name. I knew it was a president’s name!
When Reagan did arrive, Annabelle had so much fun. She loves any new person to entertain with her endless stories and ridiculous questions. Reagan had just finished a safe sitter class so she asked me all the questions the teacher recommended. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to being on the mom side of the fence instead of the babysitter side. Her mom was thrilled that I asked for Reagan’s help. She texted me and said, “Thank you for giving Reagan this opportunity!” You’re thanking me? THANK YOU for giving me three hours to paint without disruption. I will be happy to give her the opportunity at any time. It’s crazy to think that in 7 years, AB might be the one I’m dropping off to be a mother’s helper. I need to go breathe into a paper bag.
We watched one of AB’s little friend’s yesterday. They get along fine but have vastly different interests. He can explain Minecraft and legos. She asked him if he knows what types of food they eat in Bulgaria then several hours later asked if he wanted to waltz. He did not. It made me laugh so hard.
The fourth of July has always been one of my very favorite holidays but this year but so different. I know it wasn’t normal for anyone and it didn’t seem like a celebratory day. We did a few things at home and I did grocery shopping like any normal Saturday. There were no parades, no cookouts, and no big fireworks displays. We have no family nearby to visit. We did make star and flag sugar cookies while listening to patriotic music which was nice. Christopher and Annabelle picked out sparklers and little fireworks so we had a little show in our driveway. Our favorite was the one that shot out a little parashooter.
AB gave me a lesson on how to do the throw poppers so they popped properly. She called them “popper-its.” She knows how to waltz and set off fireworks. There’s nothing she doesn’t do!
Jun 30, 2020 | What's going on |
We had planned on leaving for Texas yesterday to visit family, but the virus forced us to stay home. Annabelle was devastated. She had been counting down the days until she saw her cousins for weeks. She prayed every night that the days until we left would go by quickly. More and more things in her life are being touched by the virus and it makes me really sad. We already had a reservation at a hotel near the airport so we still spent the night there and had a fun weekend.
Every time I stay in a hotel I’m reminded of a hotel story from 2016. We were driving home from my cousin’s wedding in Tennessee and spent the night in Virginia. Mom and Annabelle stayed in the car while I checked in and ran to the room to use the bathroom. The handsoap was unwrapped and the wrapper was in the trash can which I thought was odd, but nature called and I didn’t time much time to worry about housekeeping not cleaning well. When I opened the door to leave the bathroom, I noticed that the tv had been turned on. I peered around the corner enough to see there were suits laid on the bed. The front desk had given me the key to an already occupied room. I never saw anyone, but the tv went on so someone was in there. I saw my life, and AB’s short life, flash before my eyes in the few seconds I stood there frozen. I tried to leave the room as quietly as possible but I couldn’t get the door unlocked. I was sure whoever was in the room would, rightly, try to stop the intruder in their room. Finally, I got out and went to the front desk to discuss the issue. The two workers looked at their computer then asked me if I was sure the room was already taken. Yes, I was sure! Clearly, someone was already in there! Did they need to check my blood pressure and pulse to see how worked up I was?! All that to say, I’m always cautious about entering hotel rooms now!
Annabelle loves a good hotel experience as much as I do. She inspects the light switches, the phone and opens all the drawers. We had gotten take out dessert so we sat on the bed sampling and ranking the sweets. We discovered a new show on Netflix called The Repair Shop and she instantly began pretending she was a “toy fixer” and I was her assistant. She was a picky employer and did not pay well.
Sadly she does not enjoy the actual sleeping part of staying at hotels. She didn’t fall asleep until after 11 o’clock which means I didn’t either. Christopher slept like a log and was not the least bit phased by the conversations that went on in a stage whisper. “Mom, I need the bathroom. Mom, can I have a drink? Mom, I’m so tired. Mom, have you ever eaten a plastic bag?” Sleeping in the same room as your child is a real treat.
The next morning we went to the zoo. We didn’t make it to Texas, but we went to see the animals of the African safari and Chinese pandas.
The zoo was set up with a one-way path with painted yellow lines where it was “appropriate” to stand. I always feel like I have to justify anything we do in public these days which is unfortunate. We understand there’s a virus and we are making life changes accordingly. We washed our hands like crazy and wore masks when required, but it was mid-90* and I did not make Annabelle wear a mask the entire time in such heat. A couple had matching black masks that said “6 feet apart” on them which seemed aggressive. The zoo is not a necessity. If you’re worried enough that you need to literally spell it out on your mask, maybe you shouldn’t go to the zoo. Speaking of heat, I wanted a sweet picture of us but instead, we have forever captured me trying in vain to fan myself and wipe the sweat off my face. What a family heirloom.
This is significantly better.
I watched Hermione while the others went into the reptile center. Belle Belle is as attached to this doll as she was to Mr. Lion the pacifier as a baby and as she has always been to her Memere blanket. She bought Hermione with her own money and she goes everywhere with us. Much like my work at the repair shop, I was not well paid for babysitting the doll.
I seldom sit in the backseat but I did on the way home and Sesame held my hand as she fell asleep.
She did the same exact thing on the way home from the hospital.
Jun 17, 2020 | It's all relative, What's going on |
This is the story of my life.
Yesterday Christopher called around 1:30. I told him I was going to do a second coat of paint on the cabinet doors then sit down with the heating pad. The next three hours were a snowball effect of little jobs. I painted and washed the brushes, made supper (I’m constantly forgetting I’m the adult responsible for meals around here), got AB in the tub and washed her hair, washed several pans, loaded the dishwasher, swept the floor, threw away some old food and took out the trash, got a snack, washed paint off the floor and went out in the pouring rain to shut the car windows. When Christopher got home around five o’clock I had just finally sat down. This is why I feel like I get none of my things done. I’m always doing one thousand other things!
We finally had church on Sunday. They had the parking lot split into three sections- people with lawn chairs, people in golf carts, and people in cars. We were in the car group.
AB and I dressed in our church clothes like normal even though no one would notice what we wore. I thought it might help her remember that even though we weren’t inside we were still worshipping. At one point I looked in the back of the car and she was doing a headstand against the driver’s seat and her dress was bunched under her arms. I should have put her in a gymnastics leotard.
We were given these little all-in-one communion cups, complete with a wafer on top and the dove of the Holy Spirit printed on the top.
That afternoon we participated in the holiest of Sunday games, an online murder mystery with my relatives. It’s a little known fact that I can be very competitive. It usually only comes out when playing games with my siblings and has weaseled its way into my marriage. I cannot count the number of times Christopher and I have started to play a game and I start with the smack talking and he responds with, “Ok.” Ok? That’s not the kind of competition I’m looking for! Elizabeth brought the same level of nonchalance when I asked if she was playing.
The theme was 80s Prom Gone Wrong and everyone dressed their part. I was given the role of Peter Prez, the class president who was hoping to be crowned Prom King. I made myself a crown since I was sure to win and a winner is always prepared with accessories.
Maybe I’ll wear my crown to church next Sunday.
Jun 10, 2020 | What's going on |
Our library finally opened back up! We were so excited to go in and not rely on curbside pick up. They had directional arrows taped on the floor and I went the wrong way because I have issues with going the right way in one-way parking lots, aisles, and evidently between library shelves. I am constantly going the wrong way now that the grocery store has become one way. “Mama! You went the wrong way again! Didn’t you see the sticker?” We stocked up on enough books to last us a week and Sesame is already asking to go back.
We didn’t get to church this Sunday after all. They had everything set up outside and ready to go, but it rained so they called it off. Instead of watching the service at our church online, we watched the service at our old Fort Campbell church. We loved that church. Everyone in our Sunday School class was so kind. It’s where AB had her baby dedication. Even now when we move and need to find a new church we talk about how we wish we could go there. When I was pregnant with AB she would move all through the week but barely move on Saturdays and Sundays. I don’t know why she took the weekends off but every week she had the same pattern. An older man named Kevin led the traditional service we attended and every single time he sang a solo, she would move. It didn’t happen with any soloist but Kevin. After she was born, she still had the same reaction to him. Low and behold, Kevin sang a solo this Sunday. It made me so happy for Annabelle to see him after she’d heard about him for so long.
Sesame had ballet for the first time last week. Going from nothing in the books for months to two ballet classes in one week seems like a phenomenon. What is this life where we have to be somewhere at a particular time? Only half the girls were there but the teacher wants to have a tiny recital this week and they need practice. During quarantine the teacher videoed herself doing a class as well as the recital songs, but doing ballet at home did not work for us. Annabelle only has a moderate interest in doing ballet in person so doing it through a screen was a flop. I practiced the recital songs with her and more than made up for her lack of enthusiasm. I made myself available to the studio for an “Animal Crackers in My Soup” ballet solo but I have yet to hear whether they’ll add me to the program.
We’ve been doing a lot of sewing together. Annabelle is constantly asking to use my thread and fabric. Most of what she sews are elaborate pictures to her but like her handwriting, nearly impossible for others to decipher. I’m cross-stitching a gift for friends who are moving to Japan and she asked to make one too.
I’m trying to say “yes” to more these days. At our old house, most of the yard was dirt so playing in the rain meant tons of mud and I didn’t feel like cleaning it up. I guess you could say it’s selfish that I didn’t allow it often but I know my limits and getting mud out of rugs is not good for my patience level. We have a great yard at this house and it’s been warm enough so I’ve happily let her play in the rain several times. By all means, go play in the rain and have the time of your life.
I captured this heartwarming and crystal clear picture of her joy.
Look for my photography class coming to a blog near you!
May 28, 2020 | Life, What's going on |
Today is my birthday. I am not, as Sesame guessed, 17 or 69. I am 31. One of my family members so kindly told me I’m now closer to 40 than I am to 20 which is depressing.
I honestly can’t remember many specifics from this year (I think I blocked out parts of it) but I came up with a few things worth noting.
Trips: I took a 30th birthday trip to Maine with Autumn and Joanna.
I saw Katie for the first time in 3 years.
I went to West Virginia, Denver, and on a cruise. I went to Ohio to hug Michelle after too many months apart.
Shows: My current favorites are This Is Us, Million Little Things and Virgin River. I just started Sweet Magnolia’s which is a mix of Gilmore Girls/Hart of Dixie/Hallmark small town movie. In other words, it’s right up my alley and checks all the predictable chick-flick boxes.
Beauty: Incoco nail appliques. I love having painted nails but get so frustrated when I spend an hour painting them only to have them chip the next day. I found the Incoco nails at the beauty world headquarters that is Walmart.
I continued my hunt for the perfect mascara. It’s been a long mascara road but someone has to bear the burden and I selflessly volunteer. I picked up a Rimmel mascara on sale because it said “buy one at $8.99, get one for $1.99” and if there’s anything to will get me to plunk down cash it’s a good sale. The second one kept ringing up at full price and I did not want to be that person who holds up the line, but I made her look at the sticker herself and even went so far as to wait for the manager to approve the price. Such cheap mascara is too good to pass up. I pair it with my L’Oreal primer and walk around town like this.
Celebrity sightings: Josh Groban, Josh Turner and Jimmy Carter. I did not get a picture with any of them but their people told my people they’ll be in contact soon for a photoshoot and autograph.
Books: I can’t think of a favorite book I read this year. I didn’t read nearly as much as I would have liked. I enjoyed What Alice Forgot, House Rules, and The Things We Do for Love.
Firsts: We bought a house. I was a stage mom at the dance recital. We survived (more accurately, are surviving) quarantine and life being turned on its head. I completed my first year of being a homeschool parent instead of a student.
Negatives: I haven’t been home to visit since early July and thanks to the current pandemic it could be a while. I saw several frogs. People close to me got very sick. I lost a baby in October and one in April. The latter has been an ongoing saga since February but that’s a story for another day.
Listened to: AB talk practically around the clock for the 362 days we were together since my last birthday. If I had to pick a soundtrack for the last year it would be ”Mom. Mama. Hey, Mom? Can I listen to my story? Mom! I’m hungry. What is the man doing? How many furs do you think Linus has? How many rocks are in my hand? What are the inside of planets made of? Can you google where my shoes are? Do I have email? Is it almost lunchtime?”
May 27, 2020 | What's going on |
I promised myself I would blog at least two times a week but it hasn’t happened. We’ve been doing the same thing day after day, week after week and it’s getting monotonous. I have nothing new to talk about.
We’ve had some plumbing issues with the kitchen sink recently. Hector the plumber came with his business partner/brother/person who did absolutely nothing the whole time. Hector gave his opinions on not using dishwashers (“way too expensive to run”), tequila (“haven’t seen that brand since last time I was home in Puerto Rico”) and the quality of the appliance installation (“always put the mistakes at the bottom, not the top so no one sees”) When he finally got around to looking at the sink, he twisted one thing and declared the job done. I said, “And you’re sure that fixed it and we won’t have a leak tomorrow?” “Nah. I see this all the time. You’ll be good. It won’t leak anymore.” I’m someone who uses an expensive dishwasher so what do I know, but I didn’t share his confidence. I didn’t want to have to call him to come back and write a second check. He decided to test the sink like he was doing me some big favor. He filled the sink up and in no time water came rushing out the bottom. He lay half in, half out of the cupboard for a good 15 minutes catching the water in a plastic bowl. In the end he needed to replace a pipe so it was more than one little twist. I didn’t want to gloat but I TOLD HIM SO. I haven’t been working since the pandemic started so I might offer my plumbing expertise to Hector.
Speaking of work, we got together last week for a little baby shower for one of the girls. We had a surprise shower planned for her in March but like everything else it got canceled. She’s due in a few weeks and since we’re “allowed” to gather in small groups we had a last minute celebration. Of the nine girls who work there, four of us have children. The other three moms in the group played the age old baby shower game of telling war stories from their deliveries. I didn’t share the horrors of AB’s birth because poor Alyssa looked like she was about to pass out. Why? Why do women always feel the need to tell a new mom how much they tore or how many people in the hospital room saw them naked and exposed? The other girls who have never been pregnant looked equally as horrified and swore up and down they will not deliver children. When we helped Alyssa bring the gifts to the car she showed off the baby’s car seat. All the girls who thirty minutes earlier were anti pregnancy started ohhing and ahhing over the car seat and it’s little cover. Suddenly they couldn’t wait to have babies. And so the human race continues.
When AB saw the diaper cake I made she said, “That’s a lot of diapers. I think more diapers than the baby will need in three years. I used like, three diapers a week.” As the person who changed many more than three of her diapers a week, I can say with 3000% certainty that is a false statement.
Annabelle loves cooking and baking. I’m glad she does but it’s never as neat and tidy as they show on pinterest. I like making things with her but it’s so messy. Flour gets everywhere. She asks to taste every single ingredient. Butter gets smeared on the counter. I try so so hard to stay patient because I want her to good memories of baking with me. One night last week I very optimistically said we could make pretzels the next day. She was so excited. We listened to Wee Sing Around the World and I showed her how to roll them. She made a tray full of swirls, snails and little breads. She was so happy.
She can be a handful but I’ll keep her around.
