HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Today was Halloween, bet you didn't already know that!

Both of the kids have the croup (sp?) and I seriously debated on even taking them out. We already had plans to hook up with Alaska and Diana (Buffalo friends) and eat pizza and trick or treat. This was Abygail's first Halloween, I know she is 19 months old tomorrow but last year the city was recovering from the October storm and it was just too dangerous to get out and trick or treat, so I decided that we had to go anyway. The kids and I went and then I had to go back and pick Jason up from work since his class didn't end until 6:30. Abygail was a duck/chicken and Jackson a pumpkin. Abygail did really well the first several houses and then she got tired. She carried her own treat bag and even said 'twik twet' towards the end. Her duck feet that I made were very cute but they kept spinning around and were backwards and then we would step on them and it would trip her so we took them off after just a few houses. Jason the kids and I went back to the house early since Jackson was coughing up a lung and Abygail was pretty much over the walking and getting candy scene.

We enjoyed the homemade pizzas and hanging out with friends. All the kids looked so cute! We even got some real doctor advice from Alaska's hubby and I got some advice from the girls about sick babies (much needed advice too, I still feel so new at this whole being a mom thing).

We didn't have our camera (It was enough to just get everyone ready and get out the door) but Alaska took some pics for us. As soon as I get those I'll update this post.

First Kiss

OK, so not my first kiss but Abygail's first kiss from a boy that is not her Daddy. While visiting teaching today Garret kissed Abygail, several times in a row. He thought it was funny and kept laughing (all the adults were laughing because it was pretty cute). Abygail was not quite sure what to think. She was half smiling and half perplexed because she just wasn't sure that she wanted a kiss. I guess the boys and kissing talks will come later.

Just thought I would document her FIRST KISS.

Do you remember your first kiss?

A Sunday Drive

A week ago I made Jason promise that on Sunday we would take a drive, so on Saturday he studied and worked all day at school just so he could take us (really me) for a fall foliage drive. {Thanks Sweetie!} We decided to drive to Letchworth State Park.

It was a beautiful drive, the trees were past peak and a lot of them have already lost their leaves but it was still beautiful. When we arrived there we saw even more fabulous trees in vibrant reds, golden yellows and mossy greens, just lovely. Not only did we see beautiful trees, a fabulous canyon and great views we also saw lots of deer and Abygail even got to play on some slides. Just before we left there was a fire in one of the pavilions that we sat next to so we could warm up (it was pretty windy and chilly).We had a great time and even met some people that are from our stake but in a different ward. You just never know who you will meet!(sorry the pics are so bad - all the photos I post are from my phone so they are a bit grainy and sometimes blurry - we did take pics with a real camera too but it's not digital)

Costume Party

Today was the last story time for this session. To celebrate all the kids dressed in their costumes and shared candy. We read books on Halloween and sang Halloween Songs. Then we got to walk in a parade around the library saying "Happy Halloween" and to finish our parade off we stood in front of the 'check out' desk and sang "Peek-a-boo, I see you; Peek-a-boo, I see you; Peek-a-boo, I see you; It is Halloween time" to the Librarians.

Abygail dressed as a duck/chicken. Duck because the bill of the hat looks like a duck bill, Chicken because it has that funky chicken 'crown' on the top. Jackson was a pumpkin and got lots of oohs and aahs. Abygail did very well, she played peek-a-boo, held my hand and stayed with the group. Jackson also did well he sat on my hip and smiled.

I'm glad to have a few weeks of a break from story time but I'll be even more excited when the new session begins in mid November...hopefully we'll get on the list in time this time.

I Heart Quilts

I Heart Quilts with all my love! They are one of life's simple pleasures, nothing feels better than a quilt (at least to cover up with). It warms my heart every time I cuddle up with a quilt...not only am I supremely comfortable but I am also literally surrounded by love. Someone (not I because I haven't made one yet) put lots of love in that fabric by cutting it, sewing it and quilting it. They picked out the fabrics, or used scraps that were left over. They spent time and energy to make a work of art. I think of the person who made it with their hands and time. I think of what that person means to me and how the quilt was received (hand me down, gift, etc).

My love probably started back when I was in middle school. I had a friend, Rhonda, who I would spend the night with from time to time. We would frequently spend the night at her grandmother's house and they always had quilts on the bed. They were worn and thread bare (the best kind - well loved) and all different colors. I rememeber that the weight of them laying on my body was the perfect, PERFECT, weight to sleep under and the feel of the fabric on my face was delightful. They smelled of home and family - I knew then that I loved quilts.

I have a quilt that was made by a friend (John) of mine's grandmother. This friend didn't want it anymore (how awfull!) so he gave it to another friend (Allison) of mine that was my roommate for several years. I am now in possession of the quilt and I love it and the memories of both of these friends fill my mind when I cuddle with that lovely brown and green quilt.

Jason has a quilt that was his grandmother's made by her grandmother. I only met his grandmother once before she passed away but I think of her when I cuddle with that cherished orange and white quilt.

Abygail has a quilt that was made by a very dear friend of mine (Allison, a sister in my heart). When ever I see that quilt or wrap my babies up in it I think of the love that she put into it. It also happens to be the first quilt that my friend ever made and her grandmother (Billie, who I know and love too) showed her how to make it. That red and green quilt will forever be a part of our lives.

Jason and I have a quilt made by the same dear friend's grandmother (Billie), it was given to us as a wedding present and I love cuddling it. It's the perfect size and I adore thinking about her and her entire family when I see it. Now a family heirloom that purple and white quilt has warmed me on many a chilly night in Utah, Idaho and now New York.

ALL of these quilts are used frequently and adorn my living room furniture. ALL of these quilts are well loved and hold a special place in my heart.

I HEART QUILTS!!!

I went to the fabric store today to buy some felt to make 'duck feet' for Abygail's duck/chicken Halloween costume (duck/chicken is another story). While there I couldn't keep myself from looking at the fabric, I saw two ADORABLE prepackaged quilt patterns that included fabric and instructions. So today I bought 2 quilt sets. I aspire to make a quilt for Abygail and for Jackson. I have never done it or been taught how to but I have a deep yearning in my soul to do it so...I will. Jackson's fabric is orange and blue and has animals, Abygail's fabric is brown and aqua and has flowers. I hope that when I get a sewing machine and some time to make them they will turn out great and I hope that they too will share my adoration for quilts and know that I love them, my babies, with all of my heart.

Abygail is currently sleeping all snuggly on the couch with the orange and white quilt that Jason's grandma's grandma made.

Book Review: Into The Wild

I can't say that I was Wild about this book. Possibly it was my own expectations that ruined my experience. My expectation was to read a true story that was based on the journal of a man named Chris McCandless who walked into the bush of Alaska and spent over 100 days there. He died in the bush and his body was found approx. 2 weeks after he died.

I was hoping to read about his adventure and be inspired by his tale. Instead I was disappointed and left wanting. There are actually very few journal entries and so most of the book is based on what other people said about him and the authors own speculation. IF you read it don't expect to read a biography - this is more of a time-line with lots and lots of quotes from books. Perhaps if I go back and read it again I won't get so bogged down by the quotes and it will all come together more fully for me now that I know the story/speculated events of Chris' Great Adventure.

To sum it up, it was a decent book but left me unfulfilled.

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!!

Ok, so technically we haven't purchased it yet but our offer was accepted (on a different house...better house and less money). If all goes well during the inspections (which will probably be the latter part of this week) than we will close in early December, just after finals are over.

HOW EXCITING!!! Can you feel our excitement?

We are very excited, it too is just around the corner from us. It is a 3 bedroom 1 bath home with a 1 1/2 car garage. 2 of the bedrooms are upstairs and one is downstairs. The kitchen is tiny tiny tiny (smaller than our current kitchen) but it can VERY EASILY be redone and that's what is first on the list. The house has a large living room and dining room too. When you enter it from the front door there is a 'mud room', which we are excited to have and then to the left is the living room and to the right is the dining room as if to be one big room. You then pass through a small door way and you are in the kitchen area. the stairs are there to go up to the bedrooms or you can go down the small hall and you will find the bathroom and the other bedroom.

I am not going to post pictures for 'security' reasons. It would be too easy for some unwanted person to find it on a listing of houses still for sale. Once it is off the list I will post pics. In the mean time...if you want to see pics just email me and I will send you the link to the listing.

{announcers voice} "In Other News", Jackson is crawling, well it's an inch worm kind of crawl but he gets where ever he wants to go. He has been doing this for several weeks now and just grows more adept every day. Abygail's bottom second incisors are coming in and she was chewing ice for the first time yesterday, I think she was testing out her new top molars.

The Fire Department

Saturday we went to a Fire Department Open House. I saw it a week ago and thought it would be fun, then at story time on Friday all the stories and activities were about Fire Trucks and Fire People (to be politically correct) so I was convinced to go. I thought it would be a good reinforcement of what we learned at story time...
To bad, Abygail was not feeling well so even though we went she was not 'into' it and we didn't stay long. We took a few pics, got hot dogs, soda and a cookie and then left. Maybe next year it will be better.

An Offer Made...The Waiting Begins

Ok, I finally have a moment to sit down and write more than a title.

As you have already read, Tuesday I went house looking without Jason. I saw 2 houses that I liked and we went back with him that evening to look at them. He dismissed both of them and that was that...until Wednesday morning. We both had houses on our mind Tuesday night and we both felt very impressed to go back and look at one of the houses again. So we did on Thursday afternoon. By that time we already had a list of things we wanted/needed to do to the house and an offer figure in mind but we wanted to take one last spin of the house to make sure. We were sure, so Cindy came over Thursday night and we put together an offer. It is very close to foreclosing so the bank and the seller both have to approve the offer. It's HORRIBLY over priced so we put in a VERY LOW offer...but we all (including our agent) feel like it's a fair offer for the house, the condition of the house and the neighborhood.

The house is a 3 bedroom cape cod with a garage. It has 2 bedrooms down and 1 bedroom up. Cindy (our Realtor) says that it looks a lot like Rachel and Tyler's house. It is just a 7 min walk from our current apartment. It needs some work (new floors in the kitchen, garage needs some roofing done) and could use some updating but we are pretty confident that we can get it for a reasonable price and then put our own touches on it over time.

We won't know anything until Monday so keep your fingers crossed.

Most importantly...it's a house that suits our needs and fits our budget.

The Hunt Continues

Yesterday Abygail spent the morning over at her friend Westin's house so that I could go look at some more houses. I looked at 4 and 2 were actually ones that I liked and thought that Jason should go and see. We'll have to see how it all turns out. We are going back on Thursday.

If this is THE house than I will post pics later.

Abygail fell yesterday and got her first black eye. Not only does she have a black eye but she has a bruised nose (on the bridge) and a goose egg on her forehead, my poor sweet little girl! She was playing on Jackson's jumping toy while I was out of the room and next thing I knew there was a cry of pain and I found her on the floor. She's had lots of falls before but none that gave her black eyes or bruised noses.

The weather has been quite nice. Its been a great temperature and damp. There are lots of mushrooms in the yards and the leaves are still slowly changing colors and falling. It's funny how in 3 days it will be the 1 year anniversary of the October Surprise storm where we got dumped on by snow and all the trees where slaughtered. Most of the trees survived but still look horrendous. In fact a lot of the trees still have limbs that are just barely hanging on, so sad!

Abygail and I decorated our pumpkins this week. I put newspaper down on the table and then put little squirts of paint on a plate. Then I showed her how to use the brushes and sponges. It was a lot of fun! Abygail did so well and really enjoyed painting. Once she painted her pumpkin just the way she wanted it she started working on mine - o well, I didn't care for my design anyway.

Mistakes Of A First Time Mom

I couldn't decide on a good title so I choose 'Mistakes of a first time Mom' because that's what I feel like I do, all day and everyday. Hopefully I will learn from them and actually remember what I've learned the next time the same situation arises.

Photo 1 left to right: Garret the birthday boy, Parker, Ciela and Abygail

Photo 2 left to right: Westin, Parker, Ciela and Abygail

The Zoo with Friends:

Thursday we went to the Zoo. We invited everyone we could think of to come and meet us there so that it would be fun for the kids and the grown ups could socialize. It was really fun to see so many people come...and it was nice to see so many familiar faces at the zoo, there were at least 10 parents plus their kids. I think the kids really enjoyed it and it's always fun to see the animals. I really enjoyed it to because I have really been craving adult interaction lately. Jackson wanted to go a bit faster than everyone else so we had to split off from the group for a little bit. Then he wanted to be fed so we headed to the play ground. Normally I don't stop at the play ground because it's so busy I'm scared that my child will wind up missing, but this time it wasn't very busy so it was a great shady place to sit. Abygail didn't discover the slides until the very end and then she didn't want to go...but being the first time mom that I am I forced her to get back in the stroller and continue on when the other kids/parents were ready to go. This started a screaming fit that got us lots of looks ('I've so been there' and 'O, that's so funny' - you know the nice kind of looks not the 'your a horrible parent' kind of looks). In retrospect I realize now that I should have stayed and let her play - the zoo was really for her, who cares about my socialization needs or wants, I should be making sure she is having fun and remembers the zoo fondly. In situations where it can't hurt to stay longer...than just do it, the kid will remember the fun time rather than a mommy that makes her stop playing. O well, I make lots of mistakes. Impatience is my biggest.

Story Time with Miss Lucy:
Today we went to story time and I'm so glad we did! We should have gone so much sooner.
Miss Lucy is the Librarian that directs it and she is so good. Abygail got to sing and dance. They talked about colors and body parts. It was a lot of fun. Abygail seemed to be very out going though, since we were in a closed room I decided to let her do her own thing. Most of the time she was paying attention and participating...but she also walked around, tried to open the door, tried to take another kids food (why are you feeding your kid at story time?) Handed several books to another mom and asked her to read.. and the list goes on. I'm not sure if this is because we haven't taught her manners very well or if she is a confident and secure child or just a free spirit. I will try to believe it's that she is a confident and secure child. Oh, I should mention, we were at the library early and got to wait outside until it opened, we saw a huge flock of geese and Abygail wanted to go and play with them. I didn't let her for fear of them getting mean and 'bitting' her. She took it ok, I just distracted her by showing her the beautiful flowers that were planted all around. I really feel like I should be doing more with her...story times, art projects, educational one on one time, singing and dancing, GOING TO THE PARK, and kid/parent stuff like that. I love doing these things with her but I have to remind myself to put forth the effort and remember to do them.

If 15 mins of sleeping in the car doesn't equal a nap than 90 mins of crying must...right?:
She didn't want to take a nap today because she had fallen asleep in the car and unfortunately woken up before I could lay her down once we got inside. So I thought, ok well, we'll just act like you haven't had a nap yet and do everything just like we normally do...well...it didn't work. After an hour and a half I decided that it just wasn't worth trying anymore.

Sweet Kisses:
Abygail has been such a kisser lately. When I buckler her into her car seat she gives me kisses over and over again. It's so sweet and cute and endearing. She also does this when she goes to bed, and when she wakes up. I really should just enjoy those moments instead of rushing around to get places or hurrying her to bed.

Rain Puddles and Ghosts

This morning both the kids had Dr. appointments. We all got ready and headed out the door (15 min late as usual). I called ahead to let them know we would be late...our Doctor is so great! They said it was no problem and they would be ready for us when we got there. Just before arriving...IT HAPPENED. Abygail threw up all her breakfast ... and she ate much more than normal this morning. When we arrived Jackson and I went in and Jason quickly cleaned Abygail up and meet us in there.

They are both growing perfectly.

Jackson Ridge at 4 months:
13.8 lbs (over 2 lb gain)
25" long (2" growth)
40 cm head circumference (2 cm growth)

Abygail Rain at 18 months:
23.4 lbs (a little less than 2 lb gain)
32 1/8" long (less than 1" growth)

They both got lots of shots. Jackson was a trooper and took it very well. Abygail was a little more upset but is still alive and I believe no permanent damage has been done to the Dr, her Daddy or herself.

Jackson goes back in 2 months and Abygail is off the hook for 6 more months, hopefully she will forget by then about the trauma of the day.

After we got out there was still a mess in the car to clean up before Abygail could get back in her seat so she and I jumped in rain puddles (it is a little rainy today) while Jason cleaned up (THANKS DADDY!). This was Aby's first experience with rain puddles, just this morning she said "It's Raining!" and she jumped/fell from the arm of the couch onto the couch itself. I picked her up and then 'splashed' her down in the puddle (I picked a smaller one so we didn't get soaked)...she stared, as if to say 'how did that happen? what's going on?'. After a few times she caught on and started 'heavy stepping' in the puddles. She even tried to jump (we are still working on that), she put one leg up in the air really high with her arms straight up and the stepped with all her weight on the leg as she brought it down. Priceless!

Yesterday:

Abygail and Jackson did their first craft project. We were invited over to Melanie's house (just moved into our ward) along with lots of other people. The kids got their feet painted white and then stood on black paper to make GHOSTS. Abygail thought it tickled and Jackson wasn't sure what was going on, he just knew that Mommy was holding him and he liked that. After the craft all the kids ate caramel popcorn and played in the yard. It was lots of fun getting together with everyone and letting the kids play. The kids really enjoyed it too.

Jackson's First Photos

Click HERE and HERE to see Jackson's Hospital pictures.