this could take all day

trying not to be tacky

Alrighty, folks, time to come out of hiding and give me some help.

As you know, we are expecting baby #2 in July. We know the gender of Spud, but aren't telling anyone else for three main reasons:
1. Suprises are fun!
2. We don't need much in the way of baby stuff. We've got lots of girl stuff, of course, and have access to mucho boy clothes too. And the stuff like swing and toys and towels we're covered in too.
3. The things we do need are "larger" items and we're hoping people will contribute to those as gifts instead of buying little things like onesies and jammies and washcloths.

We need things like a double-jogging stroller and OUCH those are expensive. The BOB one appears to be best for us because it has the ability to adapt for an infant, and is sturdy enough to handle the roads & trails around camp.

I'm also interested in adding some cloth diapers to the mix this time around. These bumgenius ones I've used with MJ are brilliant and easy to use, but once again: not cheap.

We also would like a new carseat as the one we were given with Daisy is heavy and doesn't adapt to strollers.

So, here's where you guys come in. We've got a shower coming up with camp folks, and I'm sure lots of friends and family would like to share their love with gifts for Spud as well. But how do I share our needs without being tacky? How can folks contribute to a gift without us just asking for cash? I'm sure somewhere in internet land is a type of registry for this kinda thing. Anyone have suggestions or thoughts?

Thanks guys!

bubbles

Like most toddlers Miss Daisy has discovered the joy that is bubbles. With some nice spring-like weather around here lately we've had lots of opportunities to get out and blow. Daisy likes to do it herself, but as you see here she often gets a load of bubble mix in her mouth as she puts her lips right on the wand.

When I was a kid my dad fashioned me my very own huckleberry-picking device by duct-taping a funnel into a small bucket. I'm not sure which one was more motivating: keeping me from eating all the berries I picked, or keeping me from crying when I spilled all those berries. Either way, this bucket has forever served as an example of my dad's creativity and craftiness.

I think I married a man like my dad.

Later the same day we shot the video above my dear husband Darin fashioned a bubble-blowing device out of two wands so that all Daisy had to do was put her lips on the non-bubble-covered side to blow. Now, blowing bubbles is still a difficult task to master, as you'll see in the video below, but at least we're not eating bubble mix anymore!

And some stills for you to enjoy as well.

 

 

look who we got to meet!

Last Saturday Darin's sister Sierra and her little guy came for a visit.

 

Such a cutie!

Jackson Hole

Now that we are parents and have a daughter who could also be a fish, a good pool is a requirement of any hotel. So when we planned a little mini getaway to Jackson Hole, Wyoming the Best Western fit our bill. Our stay also included a decent breakfast, so that was a bonus as well. (The room was great too. We'd highly recommend this place if you're ever there.)

So when we arrived and checked in on Tuesday afternoon our first stop was the pool. I sat out this time and took some pictures and video (since we aren't allowed to film at the Y).

The hotel pool had an outdoor part that was separated from the indoor part by a glass door. So Darin decided he and Daisy could sneak under it and take a little swim in the snow.

 

 

After pool time we drove into main square to find some dinner. We parked and were planning to just walk around until we found the right spot. Let me tell you about the stores in Jackson Hole: almost every one has some sort of taxidermied (is that a word?) animal, if not multiple animals. And most of these animals are large, and totally freak my kid out. But we managed to get a picture anyway.

 

Our dinner plans were kinda bust when we couldn't find a restaurant that looked kid-friendly enough. So we drove back to our hotel where right next door was a steakhouse-type restaurant that was perfect. Darin and I enjoyed an amazing dinner and Daisy was a total dream child. It was a great end to the day.

The next morning we got up and enjoyed some yummy hotel breakfast before taking one more dip in the pool. (I even joined in this time.)

After checking out we were considering taking a sleigh-ride tour of the Elk Reserve just outside of town, but Daisy was crab-by, so we just drove through instead.

 

Lots of elk.

 

Some bighorn sheep on the hill.

 

And we even spotted a wolf!

 

The view was gorgeous.

 

Some swans.

 

 

And this is how Daisy enjoyed our tour.

 

On our attempts to find dinner the night before, we had picked out a lunch place called "The Bunnery" that was a delicious treat. And I thought the combination of thin hair and dry air and hat-wearing was pretty darn hilarious on Daisy.

  

Our last stop before heading back to Idaho Falls was the town square park. Daisy was dissapointed there wasn't much to do in this so-called "park" (where is the slide?!) and I was dissapointed the daily gun-battles don't run in the winter. But we still got a photo for the scrapbook!

 

 

 

Sometimes this kid cracks me up. She was sticking her toe in the snow, and then got made when it got stuck to her shoe. Ah...childhood.

 

 

 

I believe this is the end of our vacation photos...but I've got lots more blog posts in the work, so stick around!

on the way to Jackson Hole

(Sorry for the delay in postings. My Daisy and our little buddy and my growing a new person and my other job keeping my house in order have been keeping me busy lately. Today, how about some more vacation recap?)

I found this little camera at Target and covered the speaker with some tape in order to make it a more enjoyable toy for our fellow plane passengers. But it turns out Daisy was happy with her books and coloring on the plane and the camera never made an appearance.

So out it came on our trip to Jackson Hole and Daisy fell in love. Amongst a few sayings it cycles through as you push the button is "Say cheese" which we heard repeated by Daisy about a hundred and fifty times on our two-hour drive. But it was just so darn cute.

Like mother, like daughter...

 

 

Daisy at 22 months

I wish I could stop time and just live with you where you're at right now for a while. This age is so amazing and fun. Here are some things your Papa and I want to remember about you right now.

 

You know so many words and are learning more every day. You love to repeat us and practice your new words. We are trying our best but often will have no idea what you are trying to say!

You love to "daw" (draw) which to you means handing us crayons and telling us what to draw. Usually you request "a face" or "uh-fy" (butterfly) or "heart".

 

Your "nah" means "yeah" and it confuses a lot of people. Good thing your no is so clear!

You are really good at hugs and kisses and it is rare for you to give one without the other. You also like high fives and fist-pounds.

You love pointing out flowers and stopping to smell them (or pick them).

 

You are really good at remembering people's names but so far the only nickname you've give is for Aunt Dakota whom you just call "Ta". (Also, Noah is "Ohna" and Mandi is "Annie".)

Speaking of names, you are great at saying your own: "Dee-zee". You can answer the question "what's your name?" and love pointing to yourself in pictures or the mirror and saying "Dee-zee". You can even spell your name!

You are starting to put together phrases and we all LOVE the pause you have between "hello......name" or "thank you.....name" or "buh-bye......name."

You are really good at saying thank you and it makes me so happy.

You are not very good at staying in time out because you hate sitting still. We are working on this one!

 

You amaze me with how many letters you can identify and your ability to count to ten.

You are very affectionate with MJ and love when she come over every day. (This gives me hope for when we bring home baby Spud!)

No babies were harmed in the taking of the following photo.

 

You still love to read "boots" (books) and the library is one of your favorite places to go. It is so fun to read with you and have you identify objects or repeat words. (Some of your favorite books lately are "No David," "15 animals," "Sheep In a Jeep," "First Words," and "Colors".)

You love Barney and Elmo & Abby (from Sesame Street) but "Super WHy" and "Seemore's Playhouse" are usually parts of our morning routine and you love those shows too.

You have started requesting food, espeically for breakfast (toast, cereal, bananas, yogurt, etc.).

 

You can identify lots of animals and if you learn a new one you'll look at me and ask "say?" Papa and I are getting good at making some up. (Anyone know what a giraffe, ostrich, antelope or porcupine say?) 

At the park your favorite is the slide and I'm impressed how many times you'll climb up and go down.

 

You ask every day to blow bubbles but get frustrated when you can't make it work.

You've learned how to scoot down stairs and say "whee" whenever you do.

 

You played your first game of hide and seek with your Papa this week. (Although he did all the hiding.)

You make your Papa feel so loved by how excited you get when he comes home from work.

 

When you are excited and when you are really frustrated you stomp your feet in rapid succession. (It's your happy dance and your mad dance.)

Your favorite person after Mama is probably your Gran.

We can leave you with sitters or in childcare very easily. The only problem seems to be when I leave you with Papa, then you miss me a lot.

 

Daisy, you are such a delightful daughter. I love waking up and wondering what kind of adventures we'll share together each day. You are learning something new every day and I hope that most of all you know that you are a child of God and that you are so very loved.

chillin' with the Eddy's

I was so excited to finally get to meet the twins! It was a bit of amazing serendipity when I emailed Jen to ask about dates for a visit, that the Eddy's were planning a visit the exact same week. Despite the fact that 12.5 people would be crammed into a modest-sized home, we were up for it. After all, we're practically family. And for now, at least, the adults still outnumber the kids!

I'm just going to share a random smattering of photos from our few days with the Eddy's. Their lives are hectic, but they are wonderful and I'm so thankful to be their friend and Aunt Deanna to their kiddos.

My first attempt at a shot of Noah.

 

Cool Uncle Kevin with Mr Sammy Sam.

 

Oh look, there's Jen & Joe. Jen pretended not to be frustrated with her hubby long enough for me to snap this blurry pic. These two look great, huh?

 

Darin holding Daisy holding baby Kate.

 

Daisy's first playdough experience.

 

And look! Someone took a picture of me with Baby Kate.

 

On our last morning in IF I tried my hand at some baby photography. Miss Glory wasn't in the best mood, so I only got a couple shots. Here's the best one. Miss Serious.

 

And a little urban action.

 

Sister Kate was much more cooperative. Here's my favorite shot.

 

Again for fun, a little b&w and vintage actions.

 

 

Then Noah wanted in on the action and was an amazing little subject.

 

You know what's coming...

 

How about an adorable almost-three-year-old smile?

 

And one more favorite (just ignore that finger).

 

When Daisy got back from her coffee run with Darin she got in on the action too. (This photo is on my desktop right now. I love it!)

 

And with a little parental encouragement, some cheek kisses.

 

 

And my other favorite, a sweet candid.

 

Daisy and Noah each had acquired a "special toy" during the week: a Cars truck for Noah and a play camera for Daisy. It was pretty amazing watching them switch and give each other turns. And I had fun playing with depth of field.

 

 

Lastly, when it comes to our Eddy friends, did you hear about the April Fool's day joke I got to be a part of? If not, you should click away HERE to read the story, and HERE to see the video. If you only watch one video watch the last one and be sure to stay for the last line!

Darin took a couple shots of dear Kevin, the poor victim.

 

 

We love you guys and are glad we got to spend some of our vacation with you!

26 weeks

I've been feeling pretty good lately. Finally had to bust out the maternity apparel and was excited to put this outfit together for Easter (thanks Jen!).

 

And there's the uncovered version.

 

My little bunny wanted to say hello to the baby.

 

 

And while we're at it, I could use a new profile pic.

 

And one for Darin too.

 

Happy Easter

From our adorable Easter bunny.

 

And for those of you who want the unedited version, here you go. Click and save away! (Someday I will have a better lighting setup in my house. Someday...)

 

(We LOVED the dress from Aunt Tiffany and Uncle Trevor!)

Our Easter was lovely. We woke up in Lakewood and made it to church in Gig Harbor by 10:30. The service was awesome and then we spent the rest of the day relaxing, cleaning and playing. The day ended with a wonderful traditional meal shared with some camp friends and I got to use my china!

Hope your day was just as nice.

Easter Egg Hunt practice

Darin's wonderful Mom left us these fun Noah's Ark eggs when she was here a few weeks ago. Already pre-filled with coins and Daisy-friendly candies, I pulled them out today so we could do a practice hunt before the "real" thing in Arlington tomorrow. (We're going north to Gran's for the weekend.) I set a few around the yard during naptime, and when Daisy woke up we got on our boots and grabbed the basket and headed outside. She caught on to the concept right away and was so excited that the eggs made noise when she shook them!

I took a ton of photos and should really make a collage, but I've got lots of chores to accomplish before we can leave tonight, so instead I'll just upload photo by photo in between work. Here are a bunch of my favorites.

 

 

Tomorrow we'll have to do some video as it was adorable her verbal excitement over every new find.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daisy had so much fun collecting her first batch that I asked her if she wanted to do it again. She was definitely game so we went inside where I set her up with a snack and grabbed the rest of the eggs. I also called Darin and told him he had to come home for a few minutes to witness our sweet girl and her first egg hunt. Another perk of living 2 minutes from work!

 

 

And the money shot:

IF Library

So Sunday of our vacation was a lost day due to Darin being sick and Daisy and I recovering. We relaxed with the Kaufmans and watched some movies. By the afternoon the kiddos were getting restless, so Jen and I mustered the energy (in the driving snow, by the way) to load them up and take them to the mall for a little play time in Barnes & Noble. We tried the play area too, but Daisy wanted to escape so we had to call it quits.

On Monday morning we were considering when to leave for our overnighter to Jackson Falls, so Joe took us to the public library to get a guidebook and some CDs for Daisy in the car. We love libraries, and this one was great. The children's department was HUGE and we were able to catch about 15 minutes of toddler storytime before Daisy'd had enough.

The library also has a cool lobby with a waterfall and fish so we spent some time hanging out there while Sam had a nap in his Dad's sling.

 

 

 

We were going to leave that afternoon just before nap time, but when we tried to make hotel reservations we were unable to do so. So we decided to wait until Tuesday to leave for Jackson and hung out that afternoon eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Eddy's and their zoo.

More on that later...

cross-country skiing, not snowshoeing

When we were planning our trip to Idaho Falls, Joe talked to Darin about taking a trip to see some snow and do some skiing. For some reason, whenever Darin talked about this little trek (as in, wha did he need to pack) he'd refer to it as snowshoeing. I have no idea why, but it cracked me up every time.

Even sitting with Joe in IF talking about their trip the very-next-day, there was still talk of snowshoeing.

But no, Darin and Joe took our babies with them on an awesome skiing adventure. I don't know much about what happened that day, except that Darin wore some awesome shoes and Miss Daisy got a stomach bug, but I wanted to share their cool pictures with you anyway.

Joe did most of the child-pulling, since I understand learning to ski and pull a sled at the same time could be rather difficult.

 

Daisy and Sam did a good job of sharing space.

Chillin' at the warming cabin. 

 

Poor girl had no idea what was about to hit her. Darin & Joe were thankful that Daisy was sick here instead of in the sled. That little incident also was the catalyst for their decision to turn around rather than keep going.

  

Darin took a turn on some flat-land to try his hand at pulling.

 

 

Didn't I tell you he had some awesome shoes?

 

Somewhere along the way back the kiddos fell asleep. Before that, Joe told Darin he could hear Daisy saying "wheee" whenever they'd go down a hill. Too cute!

 

 

 

And here's our sick trooper and her cool Papa watching Barney later that day.

 

Daisy was really the one (of the three of us) who handled the stomach bug the best. Moments after up-chuckin, she'd be back at playing and smiling. She was sick in the car and again in the Kaufman living room, but after that we were able to figure out her tell of stopping, crying/whining, and then coughing in time to grab a bowl. Amazingly, she also went to bed without incident and slept the whole night through. This kid is awesome.

And the last shot from our day you may have already seen, but I love it. Daisy and Sam enjoying bath time together. I'm sure they'll love this shot when they're teens! (Especially because we can't even use the "but you're related, so it's okay" excuse.)

quick scrappin'

On Sunday during nap I wanted to do some scrappin', but I didn't feel the creativity quite a flowin'. So I pulled out a little mini-book kit I'd been holding on to for a while, lots of summertime photos, and got to work.

So cool to actually get a whole project done in one day!

Sweet Summer Memories

 

Some of the interior pages:

 

 

 

 

And while we're at it, a few pages I'll be adding to my books today.

"hand?"

 

"One of my favorite things lately is when you reach up and ask for my hand, like you did this day on our walk around camp. Melts me..."

big belly

 

"I had no idea just how BIG my belly was until after DAISY was born and i saw hte pictures from our day at Birch Bay. WOW!"

Say Cheese

 

"I was trying to be all sneaky and use my new fancy lens to get some shots of Miss Daisy as she was playing all by herself so sweetly. But she spotted me and my camera and without either of us saying a word, she flashed this cheesy grin in my direction. Oh boy. Already?"

Baby Shower for Daisy!

 

 

"My friends Peggy, Glenda and Sherry threw me an amazing baby shower at church. We played games, had a touching devotional, ate yummy food (just look at that cake-as tasty as it was beautiful-made by our own church member Randy), and of course, I opened a mound of presents. The friends, family members, and wonderful church ladies who came sure know how to make a mom-to-be feel special."

Sam's buddy, Uncle Darin

As we were waiting to get off the plane I told Daisy that once we got off we would get our bags, and then Uncle Joe would pick us up and we would go to Uncle Joe's house. (Just keeping it simple, I know Jen and Sam and Doc and Schatzi live there too. And Tancie for now.) Daisy definitely got that into her head, and for the next 20 minutes all we heard was "Unc Joe's [long pause] house?"

When Joe did pick us up we piled in and then headed to pick Sam up from daycare. With the carseats on either side, I sat in the back middle. (Anyone remember the dirty word we used for this spot in college? How about the positions of Sam & Daisy?) All was fine and dandy with Sam being picked up early until he saw me in the backseat and whoa, nelly. The kid was not happy with me one bit. Sam screamed nearly all the way home, and when he would calm down all he had to do was glance my direction and away he'd wail again.

I wasn't going to push it.

So Sam wasn't a big fan of me, but he did sure love Uncle Darin. They were buddies from the start.

 

 

(this photo was taken the next day...more on that later)

 

So since Mr Sam didn't want to play with me, I decided to play with my camera. Oh wow, do the Kaufman's ever have good light upstairs. So so jealous.

 

SOOC (straight out of the camera). Look at those big brown eyes.

 

with some photoshop fun

 

another one sooc

 

photoshop softening

 

and some black and white

 

By the end of the day, Sam still wasn't so sure about me. But he did let me hold him long enough for his mama to capture a quick picture.

flying to Idaho Falls

I've got lots of pictures and stories from our trip to share with you, but I think I need to blog in order to keep things straight in my own head (and perhaps for the scrapbook, too).

Miss Daisy by the big windows at SeaTac. We tried our hardest to let her loose in the airport knowing she'd have to sit for a while on the plane. So instead of using the stroller for the kid, we mostly used it for our stuff :). Ah...the luxeries of traveling with children.

 

 

I already wrote about how great Daisy was on the plane. She was. Perfect.

 

We arrived in the afternoon and had a relaxing evening at home with the Kaufmans. Jen even served Sam's favorite, whipped cream, for dessert. (Us adults had some cake and fruit to go with it, but the kids just needed the good stuff.)

 

 

A great kick-off to what would be a great trip.

first haircut

I remember in college Jen & Amy were instructed to marry men with certain professions. I can't recall which ones (can you guys?) but they all revolved around the missing "connections" the family needed. Like a lawyer, or accountant, or mechanic.

I'm thinking having a hairdresser in the family isn't too bad either.

So while in Idaho Falls, Daisy and I took advantage and got Cousin Tancie to cut our hair.

 

It was the first cut for our little Miss. And really, nothing much more than giving her bangs. I was tired of pulling those stray strands out of her eyes.

 

Darin set her up in a high chair with a little Barney on the laptop, and she was a perfect client.

 

 

Tancie was quick with those scissors, and in no time at all I had a little handful of my baby's hair to take home for her baby book. (Oh, yeah, I don't have a baby book. And come to think of it I'm not sure where that little baggie of hair ended up. BUt we did try to save it.)

 

 

Darin wasn't so sure about the haircut, but now he's convinced. Those bangs are darn cute!

 

Apparently my haircut isn't such a big deal as no one stuck around to take pictures of me :).