caryn4carys

Here it is:

2009-05-05T14:04:00.001-05:00

Why can't things work the first time?!? Click here to see the new website.

New and Old

2009-05-05T13:45:00.005-05:00

So, it's been a while eh? I'm sorry.But I do have some pretty good reasons.

1. I'm pregnant. Yep. It's crazy. Though I am almost 12 weeks, there are still sometimes that it feels really surreal. Don't get me wrong, I feel it! Especially with Carys getting more curious and mobile all the time, it keeps me on my (very tired) toes. And actually a cold recently was a blessing in disguise, because I couldn't smell or taste for a long time. And if you

can't smell, you really can't get all that nauseous. So, a nice break. But I'm getting back to 'normal' now after having the flu twice and that cold, and supposedly I'm starting to get a bit of a belly- so that's fun.

2. Well, being pregnant, being a mom, doing shows at night- I feel like those are all good reasons for not being the best blogger.

3. BUT. Exciting- I've started another blog/website. This one is much more extensive, colorful, creative, and easier. It's through iWeb on our new Mac, and it's very fun. I am still trying to figure out how to get the videos to load quicker, so please be patient, but until then check out the pictures and blog.

Well, I'm a bit sad to be ending this blog. I can't believe that I have been doing it for a year already. April 30th was a big anniversary for me- the day we left Virginia for Illinois. It's been quite a year, and to know that we've all gotten through it in one piece, is quite an accomplishment I feel proud of.

SO. Before you take this link to my new website, check out past blogs and pictures of our dear Carys to see how she (and I) have grown. Thanks! love, Sarah

http://web.me.com/sarah.ev.mayo/caryn4carys/Welcome.html

These are a few of my favorite things...

2009-03-12T14:34:00.002-05:00

Well, I thought I should share a few fun new things that Carys is doing.

Touches the nose of the person who is holding her when you ask her to. Once she even touched "Carys' nose."
Says "ppppstz" for UP when is in her crib and wants to get out, when she is standing holding onto your pant legs, etc. And usually it is a very-aggressive-alot-of-air-behind-it "ppppstz" not just a little "ppp" action. Funny!
Loooooves going through Books, which she calls "BBaaaa-oo." It's actually more funny to see her say the word than actually hear it because after she is done saying it she keeps her mouth on the 'O' position, which she learns from constantly staring at our mouths as we are trying to teach her words. She'll sit through them alot easier now too, we usually make it at least 1/2 through before she tosses it.
Can hum and make propeller sounds with her tongue (sticking out your tongue and blowing at the same time). The first time she learned how to do this she cracked herself up so much that she would keep interrupting the sound, which would crack her up more.
Can feed herself yogurt and pudding with a spoon. Quite skillfully too.
Signs "More" and now also says "Maa" with it. That has really helped alot..which leads to the next one
Pointing. Amazing! Mike has made a few jokes at work that his 1-year old daughter communicates more clearly with pointing than some of his Communications colleagues. It is nice to know what she really wants now.
Tantrums. Not too bad, but she definitely is exercising her will when I pick her and she doesn't want to leave. Arching the back, whining a bit. Never lasts more than 5-10 seconds (that I've seen). But I guess I am happy she's doing this, another way of telling me what she wants....it's just that she's not always going to get it! :)
Says "Dada" whether I am on the phone, whether it's with him or not.
Loves going through the Tupperware in the bottom drawers in the kitchen. Gives me time to make the food!
Sweet with everybody. I am so thankful. I have to brag a bit- when I take her to the nursery at our gym I get the nicest compliments, from her incessant waving, to 'she's always so happy,' to one of my favorites when one of the girls said she was the best behaved kid her age there. :) That's all her, not me. If anything, I've hopefully passed on the 'love of life' mantra that I am trying to impress.
Drinking from a bottle by herself. I know this is not very advanced, but it is still darn cute.
Cruising nicely. I put this last because I am making this list partly to remind myself of all the awesome things that she is doing, to take my mind off of the 'yet-to-walk' portion. Not worried at all, just excited.

I know I am forgetting some things, but I'll leave that for next time. Enjoy the pictures from playing with her friend Contessa to the girlfriends road trip to St. Louis.

Sharing?
Out?Follow the leader?
Hand holding Fancy Dinner
Breakfast in Bed
Bon voyage Meg Super Trooper.
Congratulations on making it through your 1st girls weekend!
Thanks to all the girls for their help and love.

Fun Chicago Weekend

2009-03-06T12:30:00.000-06:00

Surprised Elisabeth at work at took her out to lunch for golden birthday. My first attempt at making a home-made t-shirt.

Carys making quick friends with Evelyn, Elisabeth's niece.
The gang at lunch
Sisters extrordinaire! Flexibly showing off their pedicures.

After the Johnson fun, I went with my Dad to visit my Grandma and took this 4 generational pictures (excluding the camera woman).

Iiiiiii'm not sure this fits Grandpa.

Well, ok. Just this once! Cute.

Yep...she likes broccoli!

2009-02-20T17:33:00.000-06:00

I was more surprised than anyone when she just grabbed it with her little paw and started munching. It was actually great- it kept her busy for quite awhile...not to mention the health benefits!

Springfield Day

2009-02-20T15:50:00.000-06:00

On President's Day, Carys and I met Uncle Johnny and Robin in Springfield for a day of fun. We had a great time going to the Lincoln Museum, if you haven't gone- you must, but were not able to take pictures there. We did, however, get to take some at this old 1950's diner on Route 66 called Cozy Dogs. I had a great grilled cheese while they had the famous corn dogs which they are credited for creating. The picture of Carys in Robin's lap is her trying to spit out the 'dog' portion. Distingued palette.

Now You can comment too!

2009-02-17T14:29:00.000-06:00

Yes, now everyone can comment on my blog! I changed the setting to that everyone who wants to say something about the blog can do so. All you need to do (if you haven't before) is to go to down to the bottom of the post and click on 'comments (there is a picture of a pencil next to the word).' You will be taken to a page where there is a big open box. Write what you want to in it and you can sign your name or remain anonymous, then go down further to the option 'anonymous' and tick that box. Then click 'Publish Your Comment.' And you're all done!

Thanks to those of you who do leave comments, there are just some days where I feel like no one is reading it, and it can be time-consuming especially with a little one. So I like to know that it is being used. Thanks!!

Birthday Party Pictures

2009-02-11T13:52:00.001-06:00

It was a wonderful party! Carys was a doll during the whole thing, and looked pretty cute in her Janie and Jack dress and cute, sparkly, big girl shoes. I had a TON of help with putting the final touches on everything- thanks to Elisabeth, Jess, Robin, Christine, Krista, Jen, Becca and especially my wonderful Mom. Couldn't have done it without you ladies. We had fantastic guests from family, to neighbors, to an old Illinois Wesleyan professor, to the old owners of our house, to friends from as far and wide as Chicago, Springfield, and St. Louis. We feel loved! How appropriate that the name Carys means love (in Welsh, of course). Thank you all for the love you have shown her and us throughout this special 1st year. Enjoy the pics!

Carys Birthday/Valentine's Day balloons welcoming everyone to the house.

Carys and I on her big day.

Carys enjoying her first few, surprisingly dainty, bites of her lemon cupcake.

Big bite, little paw.

The boys eating the lemons that were a 'garnish' from the lemon cupcake plate. I think they thought they were oranges!

The Gorgeous Grandmas.

Johnny, Robin, and Carys. Totally unposed. Just being them. Hilarious.

Cousin Josie and Carys in matching shirts.

Erin telling Carys a really funny joke as Grandpa Evans looks on ('looks on'...reminds me of my old yearbook days!).

Carys and her friend Eva digging in.

The spread.

Carys staring ardorably at someone while Grandpa Evans and Aunt Ree have a chat.

The best way to end a great day, is having a cuddle with those you love.

Unfortunately, Mike was taking most of these pictures so I don't have him in any of them. But he took a great video of everyone singing Happy Birthday to her. We'll see if I can get that on!

Happy Birthday Beauty!

Carys' Birthday! January 30th

2009-02-04T11:59:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Beauty
Birthday hug
Peek a boo!
Is this how a crown is supposed to feel?

Her 1st Pizza! The table next to us was celebrating another girl's birthday-Paris! Can you believe it! They were very sweet though and brought over a huge slice of cake.

More to come from her big birthday bash.....

One Year Ago Today

2009-01-27T13:27:00.000-06:00

I still barely believe it even when I look at the pictures. Today, last year, Mike and I went to an appointment after a long week of bedrest for me and was told that Carys would be induced on the 30th! The last appointment we had gone to we were told it would be early February (her original due date was the 10th), so the thought of having a baby in three days (let alone actually knowing when you would be having them!) was surprising and exciting.

It's an indescrible feeling knowing you are on the brink of something life-changing. The cusp if you will (thanks E). And it has been 10 million times better than I could have ever imagined.

10 Days Until the BIG DAY!

2009-01-20T19:09:00.000-06:00

10 more days...
10 more days until my daughter's 1st birthday. I absolutely cannot believe it. Yes of course this year has gone by quickly, but slowly at the same time. Both Mike and I at times have been anxious for the next step whether it was eating solids, sleeping through the night, crawling, (and now) walking. But we need to constantly remind ourselves to enjoy every minute of it. And now as her infant days are drawing nigh and we look towards toddlerdom, I'm getting very nostalgic and sappy. I want everything to freeze. I want to hold my Beauty like this forever, before she is constantly squirming to get down and explore the world for herself. I am so looking forward to her walking around, putting words together, telling me what is in her little head and heart...but at the same time- I love guessing. THE FACES she makes! They just kill me. Of course I think she is the most beautiful baby (kid!) in the world, but what I most proud of are her expressions. They are so, for a better word, expressive! She reacts to so much; it just makes me think that there is just so much inside waiting to get out. I can't wait to hear/see/feel it with her.

But, again. Those first few days, the first smells, the first time I got to hold her, the first outfit, first time feeding her...all those firsts. Oh how I miss them! I just can't believe that she was given to me to take care of for life. What an honor. Don't get too old too fast please. I love you so much Carys girl.

Alma Mater Pasta

2009-01-20T18:52:00.000-06:00

I have of late been obsessed with
a cooking website:
http://www.101cookbooks.com
I love it to pieces, has THE best vegetarian
recipes and she takes such amazing pictures
of her food too. So I was inspired to take this
pic of what I like to call 'Alma Mater Pasta.'

Get it?

Front room fun

2009-01-20T18:44:00.000-06:00

Does this sound pretty Mama?

Aaaaalllmost there.

Looking for extra sheet music.

Reading one of our favorite books.

Post bath time.

2009-01-12T12:46:00.000-06:00

Dada has definitely been her favorite lately. She's got good taste.

Evans Christmas

2009-01-05T22:20:00.000-06:00

Some pictures from our Evans Christmas. Dinner with the Westerbecks and Bears, fun box time with Carys, cute Johnny & Robin pic, Carys' first stocking from Grandma and Grandpa...and then her opening, Mom and Dad in Johnny's new apartment, Dad and I, Carys opening presents, then just a cuddly moment with Carys.

Again, Carys did so well during these visits but wanted to stay up too late hanging out with everyone. She is quite the social bee! I love it.

Mayo Christmas

2009-01-03T23:34:00.000-06:00

A few snapshots of the Mayo Christmas.

Carys wanting in on the action.

Moses hugs.

Erin looking snazzy in our themed Christmas sweaters.

Carys getting so excited about presents that she's clapping faster than the speed of sound.

Mike and I dressed up for dinner.

A wonderful time all around.

Christmas at home.

2009-01-03T23:20:00.000-06:00

Carys' First Christmas
It was really special to watch Carys during the Christmas season, helping us cut down our first tree, putting up decorations, going to services, being with family, just all the hub-bub. Especially when there were presents/paper/bows, it seemed like she knew something was going on. And she LOVED being with people. Loved it so much it was hard to get her to bed a few nights because she wanted to stay up and be with everybody. My little social butterfly!
It was so nice to have a home this year to celebrate in. We've been in apartments before for Christmas, which has been great, but to get to set up a tree, play Christmas music (as loud as we wanted!), start special traditions together as a wee family, bring Carys downstairs to see her stocking and tree on Christmas morning.....it was wonderful.

Evans and Mayo Christmas pictures coming soon!

Happy 11 Month Birthday Carys!

2009-01-01T21:33:00.000-06:00

What a big cowgirl...almost a year!!! Christmas updates and pictures coming soon.

Christmas Morning. Hat or no hat? Precious.

2008-12-25T17:13:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

CLAPPING

2008-12-15T08:39:00.000-06:00

SOOOO EXCITING!!! Please ignore my lunacy....but I mean, she's clapping!

Drinking like a lady

2008-12-15T08:32:00.000-06:00

This was at a really cute German-style restaurant at Goods in Kewanee. It's nice when your waitress has a baby about your age because they'll bring fun toys!

The Giggles

2008-12-14T22:24:00.000-06:00

This just makes my day.

The Progression of Eating

2008-12-10T15:18:00.000-06:00

Curiosity. Cheerios. Crankiness.

Yes yes, I know the exposure is different on some of them. But I thought you'd rather see them, than not because I am not a pro photographer. Pish posh.

Happy 10 Month Birthday Beauty

2008-12-04T08:56:00.000-06:00

Carys being dramatic (a la Hamlet) in front of our first real Christmas tree. She is pulling herself up on everything lately!

Thankfulness

2008-11-26T14:34:00.000-06:00

Hmmmm. What am I most thankful for? That's a tough one. So many wonderful things to choose from. But of course, due to the title and point of this blog...I would have to say Carys wins. It's crazy to think that she will be 1 year old in a little over 2 months. She has completely changed my life...and you know, sometimes you need something like that. Something so monumental can put things in perspective and show you more about yourself than you knew was possible.

So, if you know me, you know that I like to ask silly questions and asking them many times in a "Top 10" style, i.e. "What are your three favorite foods." So along those lines, here are my top 10 (of about 30 million..or as my 4 year old neighbor calls everything imaginable- 'google') things that Carys has brought into my life that I thankful for:

10. She has gotten me to relax...and stress out at the same time. You need both in life to get different things accomplished.
9. I am thankful for her smile and specifically the way she smiles at me when I go get her after a nap, and also the way she smiles at Mike when he comes in the door.
8. The way that strangers light up and turn goofy as they talk to her in a baby voice.
7. The way I get excited for poopy diapers, never thought that would happen.
6. How she just breaks my heart and melts me every time she cries.
5. The sound of "mama." And how that means ME! Nothing like it.
4. The utter joy it is to be with her each and every day.
3. Seeing the specific Sarah and Mike things in her. Amazing.
2. Just getting the honor and blessing of being her Mom.
1. This one has probably been the most pleasantly surprising thing I have found with having her: How she brings joy to my family and friends. All I want is for those I love to be happy and when I see them with her I see happiness. What a blessing. She is the biggest gift to me, but also a gift to others. Thank you Lord!

Oh and I'm also thankful for you!

Sweetness

2008-11-17T23:23:00.000-06:00

So, tonight I took Carys with me to our 'Oliver' rehearsal. Let me set the stage for you: 50 kids ages 8-18 with any amount of energy ranging from passable to hysterical, a small cramped room, parents running around with clip boards, a kid (Alec) laying on the floor holding a paper town up to his bloody nose yelling 'I'm ooookay!,' a choreographer watching, berating and not fixing, a director who every 5 minutes would look over at me with wide, terrified eyes... Oh yes. In a word: pandemonium.

It'll get better..
But anyway- Carys was just a doll baby the whole night. She sat in her car seat for the first 15 minutes then one of the parents couldn't wait any longer and scooped her up. Every few minutes, as I was pounding the keys and trying not to focus on the cacophony of sound I was hearing, I would look over to see how she was. She went from lap to lap all with a smile. Whenever there were breaks, all the 8-11 year old girls would crowd around her (and the accomodating lap) as if she was going to read them a story. It was adorable to watch. Once in a while I would hear her cough or 'baba,' and it was everything I could do not to look over at her instanteously. It's strange to be need in two ways at the same time.

Then, as I was packing my multitude of things, this adorable 12 year old girl Kylie came up to me panting and said that I was the luckiest mom in the whole world. I smiled and just kept on kissing Carys and telling her that that girl was right. Heaven.

But the best part of the evening was actually on the way home. Carys was of course tired from entertaining everyone (ha) and was a bit finnicky. I reached back there and tried to rub her cheak. Well, she grabbed my hand with both her hands and squished it on to her face. All over. Her cheeks, her eyes, her nose, her mouth, both hands, and didn't let go. She quickly fell asleep and we stayed like that all the way home. And I realized, that if she coulnd't have all of me right there with her, at least the smell and touch of my hand would do.

Nnhh.

Halloween Pictures

2008-11-07T10:37:00.000-06:00

Who me?
Carrot meet Zebra, Zebra say hi to Carrot.
Plowing over the boys already.
Daddy and Zebra outside waiting for Trick or Treators.
A thoughtful pause.

Chicken or Zebra?

2008-10-30T21:16:00.001-05:00

Carys and I at the Botanical Gardens. She loved it.

2008-10-28T22:27:00.000-05:00

2008-10-21T09:33:00.000-05:00

I wrote this last blog at 9:30, not 7:30 like it says. And she has now moved on to mmmmmmeaaahhsss. Just want another MA!

Baaa bbmm ba bahh

2008-10-21T09:29:00.000-05:00

So, Carys is always asleep for her morning nap right now. But not today. As I write this downstairs I am listening to her on the monitor (probably sitting up in her crib staring at her hands that she is trying to weave together) saying, "Baa ba ba baaaa ba ba, bmmmwaaabaa bbbbbbaa." Hilarious. I would love to know the kind of conversation she is having right now with herself.

"Ma....Ma"

2008-10-16T12:12:00.000-05:00

The Big Day

Well, how long have I been waiting for his...hoping..dreaming...imaging. That my little girl would look at me and call me Mommy. Now, granted- she is doing all kinds of great babbling, lots of "na's and da's and ga's"...just no "ma's." Tuesday, October 14th. 12:29pm

It happened in the funniest of places. Carys was down for her nap and a good friend called to see if we wanted to meet at Steak and Shake for lunch..random, but it sounded good. The timing worked out perfectly, she woke up after I got my shower in, we packed up the car and were on our way. She was already doing a bit of babbling...which I like to call coversating. She and I talk all the time; I try to make sure I reciprocate with something verbal when she is doing this so she knows that I am there and I care about what she is 'saying.'

So we get there and of course it takes awhile to get a high chair all set up and enough cheerios to keep her occupied while I figure out which specific shake is calling me today. So we're talking while I give sideways glances to make sure she is ok and has enough to play with, all the while this table of older women keep looking over and smiling at her and our waiter just keep calling her all these funny pet names. I smile. So, Jen and I are talking about something, I don't know what, and I turned to look at her with a cheerio in my hand and, "Maa...Ma?"

I freeze. I completely stop moving and my jaw drops, I probably didn't breathe for a minute or two. My eyes start to tear up. I look at her in total awe and she just looks away like nothing even happened. I can't even get my thoughts together to respond or ask my friend if she just heard that too. I don't know if she knew what she was saying or had put the two together yet, but she waaaas looking at me when she said it. ALL I wanted was to push pause and the world would go away and it would just be me and my Beauty. I would love all over her, kiss all over, scream, jump, hug. But no..we were in Steak and Shake with all these people. Ugg. But it was still a beautiful beautiful moment.

But as hard as it is to imagine... I know it will happened again. And I absolutely can't wait.

Picture from our friend Jacob.

2008-10-16T11:55:00.001-05:00

I love this face (mid crawl). I feel like she really takes in the world and is just pondering life.
Our friend Jacob caught this picture. Just your every day hug, but it just doesn't get better than that.
You should have heard the soundtrack to this picture. She just wouldn't stop giggling! Loved it.
Carys and I on her first train ride (besides the L in Chicago) at the Wildlife Prairie Park. Very fun...until she ate a big honking chunk of our ticket and I was worriedly scraping the inside of her mouth for dissolving think blue chunks of paper. Lovely.
I love this picture. It is so us. Just enthralled and focused on her. How lucky we are that she looks back at us with that face too. So blessed.

Chicago Weekend

2008-09-30T21:02:00.000-05:00

Bethany and Job feeding Carys oranges- she loves them. My love Elisabeth and I. The girls at Jenny's birthday.

Here are pictures from our quick trip to Chicago to pick up our D.C. friend Jacob. He took all these great pictures (thanks!). More pictures to come!

Happy 8 months Beauty.

2008-09-30T20:43:00.000-05:00

There she is. My little girl. Not so little any more. She is doing SUCH big girl things. It is SOOO exciting. Every day there is something new. She's been able to crawl since Thursday, Sept. 18th at 4:30pm. Strange, I know, that I would have it documented that precisely, but I have been waiting and waiting for this momentous occasion! At first she would straighten her legs and do a modified 'downward dog.' That lasted a few days. Then fiiiinally her little knobby knees started to bend into something of a 90 degree angle. But not at the same time. It was usually her left leg/knee, and then her right would go out to the side of her body, making me jealous of her innate flexibility that she did NOT get from me.

Then she made it to all fours. And this was just so cute! It was like someone had placed her there in that position; she was as surprised as I was. Then- rocking. Which was hilarious. Back and forth and back and forth she would rock, as if she was getting up all the inertia in her body to propel herself forward. I loved it.

Then. Thursday. We were hanging out in the 'piano' room on her beloved pink 'Illinois stitch' quilt (from Joan Armstrong, thank you Joan) and it happened. Her little adorable knee moved. 1/4 of an inch...but it moved! More trepidatious wobbling and rocking, but then the other knee. AMAZING. My little girl, that I held just minutes after being born was now moving on her own. Absolutely incredible. I am just in awe of what our bodies can do. Innately. That's the amazing thing. As ridiculous as it, I'm sure, would look- the all the crawling, wobbling, imitating a bear thundering through the woods, all of that would never do much good for her. She had to figure it out on her own. And I sat there, biting my nails (figuratively) excitedly cheering her on to greatness.

And this is just the beginning. I love you Beauty.

P.S. In her 8 month picture we made her crawl to the pumpkin, but never expected her to pick it up for the picture. She now seems to pose for pictures- it's great. We'll be yelling, "Beauty..Carys..here Beauty..Carys, look over here...hey Bug Bug...Beeeeauty," all the while she be intently studying something with a furrowed brow, then at the last second she will look directly at the camera and smile. Precious.

7 month birthday picutre.

2008-09-30T20:40:00.000-05:00

Here is Carys' 7 month picture. Her first reeeeal month of sitting up unsupported. Such a big girl!!!

2008-08-13T16:14:00.000-05:00

2008-08-13T16:09:00.000-05:00

2008-08-13T16:06:00.000-05:00

2008-08-13T10:19:00.001-05:00

Thoughts on my birthday

2008-08-13T08:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I've got a lot of them. I don't know why, but I have been thinking alot about my birthday this week. Up until yesterday I didn't want to be reminded- 27 sounds so... well, not old, but mature, adultish, reeealll. But last night whilst doing the dishes I just kept thinking about how many great things have happened in my life and how I am looking forward to what this year brings. I decided I want to look at my birthday like people do New Year's Eve. I want to make resolutions on how to be better, feel better, be better towards others in 'the year of '27'.

I have so much to be thankful for (yes, Meg I know that I just ended in a preposition). My family and friends have to be first- I am surrounded by the most amazing people. I miss everyone that is not near, but smile when I think of them. Again, while doing the dishes I remembered how my parents always made my birthday special. Always. My mom would ask which kind of cake I wanted (many times confetti cake with pink frosting) and dinner (when we were in Tomahawk, WI at the lake for my birthdays I remember asking for Chicken Tetrazini in my old carnivore days). My mom would hang the Happy Birthday sign (that we just used for Robin, Johnny's girlfriend- I liked that) somewhere noticable all day long so you felt like the entire day was yours and the attention was on you...and come on, sometimes that's nice, at least in the safety of your own home. Then at night we would have dinner and amazing cake, and then presents accompanied by lots of pictures. Then at 10:29pm on the dot, my family would sing 'Happy Birthday' to me. That was what made it really special. Them being there, celebrating with me was fantastic- but the fact that minute on that day was mine felt really special. And now that I am my very own awe-inspiring daughter who was born January 30th, 2008 at 5:16pm, I just know how amazingly special it is to help welcome someone in the world and all the joy that it entails.

So thanks Mom.

My 26th year of life was very rich. I wouldn't say easy, but rich. Alot happened; when I think about it all it makes my head spin. Three moves in 10 months and then a beautiful baby girl. Also, not working outside of the home for this past year has added to the 'change' aspect in my life. Still trying to figure that one out. So. As much as I gained insight, perspective, more flexibility, and darling girl in this past 26th year, I would say that I am happy it is done and I can look forward to the 27th. If this past year was any indication of my life to come, honestly, I have no idea what is in store. But I am excited. And I need to remind myself of that daily. Mike and I went to a wedding once (and I am sorry to say that I can't remember whose it was) where the pastor was talking about the challenging of marriage (true, true) and at the end of the a long lists of differences in men and women looked earnestly at the couple and said, "But remember, you get to do this." I get to do this. I get to be a Mom and a wife and a daughter and a sister and a friend and a granddaughter and an in-law and neighbor and most importantly a child of God. Because without Him I am nothing. And honestly, without Him I don't think we can be truly grateful for what we have, because it is all from Him.

So, with the lines on my face and bills we have to pay and all the other minor frustrations that come with being a 27 year-old adult, I say.... bring it on!

(Thank you to everyone reading this for making my life so wonderful. I love you.)

First steps in the water...

2008-08-06T12:28:00.001-05:00

Pictures from vacation to Hilton Head, SC:

Carys' first time in the ocean and water for that matter..

Testing the waters..

2008-07-28T21:38:00.000-05:00

Carys' first steps in the ocean! It was the most adorable thing to see her meet the big seas. She really clung to us as we moved closer to the roaring waters and when we set her down in the sand, she kept picking up her feet. But the more times we do it, the better it gets. She even fell asleep in our arms as we were standing waist-high in the water. Our little fish.

New Carys Updates

2008-07-13T17:57:00.000-05:00

Hi all! I realized I have not shared much about what has been going on with us- especially Carys. It's been a crazy time and through it all Carys continues to get more amazing, more curious, more adorable, more hungry and is doing all kinds of new things. So I thought I would organize my thoughts and memories here:

Sleeping through the night: For the past 2-3 weeks, I would say that she has slept through the night 70% of the time. I don't really know what to expect quite yet, but I am thankful for the nights that I get to sleep all the through, but also for the special quiet times where we get to hang out and she eats in the peace of the night.
SOLIDS: We decided to start on her 5 month birthday. For two reasons: 1. She was showing all the signs of being ready- showing interest in my food, pawing at food, being more hungry, etc. 2. I just wanted to be able to remember the date that she started solids easily. :) Lazy butt am I. Solids have been hilarious! We have taken some hilarious videos, but I just don't seem to have the time to upload them to youtube and then here. If anyone has a faster suggestions- let me know. Rice cereal was first and that went really well. ~She's had three days of carrots so far (today was almost a whole jar!!).~ I think we are supposed to start a fruit tomorrow, if anyone has any suggestions on any of this-let me know. ~And yes if you are wondering- her poop is getting alot more dense, smelly and interesting. I love it!
Giggles. They are amazing. The sweetest sound in the entire world. Mike is actually better at getting them out of her. And while at times I am jealous, I am also really glad. They have a special relationship, just like she and I have- just different. I am so happy that my baby's Dad can light up her world like that. Again. I have a video- just got to get it up there!!
Turning over. It's so awesome. The first few times she did it (from her stomach to her back) her eyes got soooo big. But now I think she likes it. It's so fun. It's amazing how ELATED I get when she does these seemingly small things. I couldn't cheer louder.
Turning 360 degrees. I try to have her on her stomach alot now- for the turning over and moving. The first time it happened she was on her stomach and I was doing something in the room, can't remember, then all of a sudden I noticed that her head was facing 90 degrees to the left. And she kept slowly inching around until she was back to the beginning. Incredible.
Just can't stop loving her to pieces!!!

Now all these things didn't just happen in a week or anything, but time is starting to speed up and blur. So I need to write it all down!

Well, time to wake her up and go to Erin's Ethiopian dinner. Yum!

4th

2008-07-02T22:43:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th of July!!!

Frustrating!!!

2008-06-22T21:34:00.000-05:00

I have been tryyyiing to put up more pictures of the past week or two- vacations, reunions, pool time, etc. but blogger won't let me upload any more. I have tried a dozen times. Any one have an suggestions??

Finished product

2008-06-22T21:06:00.000-05:00

Mike decided to pull up a shrub that had spread for at least 4 x 10 ft. in our new backyard. Little did he know how insanely stubborn the thing was; it took hours in the hot afternoon sun of pulling and digging and stabbing and grunting- but it finally came out! This was the final product! I was so proud of him.

God bless the library

2008-06-12T14:07:00.000-05:00

I LOVE the library! I still keep all of my old library cards in my wallet. This past year provides 3! My favorite building it a toss up between libraries in LaSalle or Sunbury. Sunbury had a such a setting with great windows, aaaaand it was across from my favorite (and only in that town) coffee shop.

Having a library card in my wallet gives me security. Security that I know I can go somewhere safe, air conditioned, and Carys-friendly that will provide for me many different kinds of entertainment. I love it. It also is a place that personifies growth for me ( I just got a 'An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe' DVD of shorts)- you can really find information on whatever you feel like learning about.

Yep. I like the library.

just a good day

2008-06-10T00:13:00.000-05:00

Today was a great day. Nothing super extrordinary (except for getting to be with Carys), but everything just went 'right.' Ya know? Sometimes a day like that is so needed and so nice. Everything went according to plan, it was nice weather, and I have to bruises to show for it. Not always the case, especially now with a baby, but honestly- I don't think it could have been much nicer (aside from seeing all l the people I love and winning the lottery).

I think it's good to be thankful for these kind of days...I know I sure am.

p.s. Oh..Carys is starting to laugh now and it seriously kills me. It sounds like the beginning to a cough, or ever the start of a cry/whine, but then it turns into these bubbly giggles that just make me want to freeze time. AND she turned onto her back from her stomach 3 times, in front of my family no less. My little performer!

2008-05-29T21:26:00.000-05:00

Carys is 4 months old!

Can't believe it! Every day she just gets more amazing, adorable, special, hilarious, wonderful....

We have poop!!!

2008-05-16T18:12:00.000-05:00

WE HAVE POOP!!!!

Step 1: Assess the damage.

Step 2: Remove all the poop stuck to body parts using a sink because wipes are just not going to cut it.

Step 3: Bathe. Use your imagination

Step 4: Elation!!! Jump for joy and high five everyone you see for the rest of the day 'just because.'

Step 5: Relax. Enjoy the moment. Celebrate by sucking your fingers and holding your left knee cap in place while your mother looking lovingly on at the most amazing thing that has ever happened.

waiting for poop...

2008-05-14T13:42:00.001-05:00

It's been 7 days!!!! Carys has gone 5 days without pooping before, but never this long. I don't know whether to take her out of the house or not, I'm only dressing her in clothes that she is practically growing out of just in case they get ruined in the big explosion, and I can't bear watching her face as she writhes in agony. This is my life right now.

I would have loved to have started my first blog with good news...but we're still waiting. Any poop prayers are welcomed. (Get it? The font is brown...)

Check out the video...

Waiting to poop