Wednesday, December 22, 2010

First Snow: December 1



I love when things are tidy and symmetrical, like the first snow arriving on December 1. And arrive it did. We were sacked with no less than five inches in one fell, six hour swoop. Now that we live close to the lake, we get all the snow everyone else gets, plus an extra inch or so, for good measure.

(By the way, as I'm writing this we are in the midst of Storm Two. It looks just as ferocious as the first.)

One thing I love about raising kids (kid) is that their memories take a loooooong time to develop. So as far as The Boy was concerned, this was his first snow! Again! He immediately wanted to get his snow garb on and go play, where we quickly learned the inadequacy of toddler mittens. (I swear that I once saw mittens and gloves for kids that go up to their elbows (you put them on before the coat), but now I can't find them anywhere. Genius idea.) But he LOVED it and frequently yelled, "Mom! I runneen in da SNOW!"

Little Avery (the Havanese pup) loved her first snow, too! But hey! Wanna know what's not so much fun? A long-haired dog after a run in the snow. The poor thing had to be crated until her snowballs melted.




Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Monday, December 20, 2010

Photo Shoot

If you were a Holiday Card Recipient, you've already seen a few of these. Click here for the rest!

(And if, by some chance, you need a copy of one, let me know and I'll email you a high-res version that you can print.)

Thanksgiving--I know


It's late. Get over it.

I hosted TG this year, and had fond(ish) memories of the last (first) time I hosted....you know, when I had a two month old INFANT. Seriously, who's idea was that?! Anyway, because I was in a crazy Postpartum State of Mind in 2008, in 2010 I had little to no memory of how to cook the turkey/get the sides ready at the same time/make the #$%& gravy, etc. But it all worked out in the end--even if I spent all of Wednesday AND Thursday in the kitchen. Hence, there are no pictures of the pretty table (my photographer is a man and men don't usually take pictures of tables with no people sitting at them).

Whatever. The food was yummy and I'm not hosting next year. Who's turn is it? ;o)


Click here for photos.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Borrowed: Swistle

It has come to my attention that the dreary but necessary "last post" has been lingering for weeks. Time for something cheery! Except I'm too tired because SOMEONE decided it would be a good idea to take a vacation mid-December and SOMEONE ELSE decided she couldn't possibly accomplish that without large amounts of online shopping and guidebook-reading beforehand.

I digress.

The Holiday Season is upon us, folks, and what better way to celebrate them than by judging others who are just trying to do something nice! (I kid. Seriously, Swistle. Don't hate on me.) I bring you...."Swistle's Christmas Card Scoring System!" (The original post can be found here. Also, you can shop here for your own Swistle merchandise.)

By my calculations, my own card will receive a TWENTY-TWO! If you're one of the lucky few to receive one, I'm curious to know if we come up with the same score.

Enjoy!

"The C.C.S.S. (also called the H.C.S.S---Holiday Card Scoring System) is for those of us who look forward all year to receiving cards. It reflects how happy we are to receive them---and how our happiness increases when there are bonus thrill items such as photos and newsletters and prettiness. Lower scores are not bad: ANY Christmas card is a thrill to receive, and the higher scores of other cards don't make lower-scored cards look bad: 5 points is like a grade of A, and anything higher is extra credit.

Card received: +5
Card received before December 1st: -1
Card received after December 25th: -1
Card is pretty, and looks nice on wall: +3
Card is glittery: +1
Card sheds that glitter: -2
Card is shiny / has metallic accents: +1
Card does not contain card, but only letter, so there is nothing to put up on wall: -5
Card is e-card: -5

Card includes photo or is photo card: +5
More than one photo: +2 each additional photo
Photo is non-Christmassy so will look good on fridge all year: +1
Photo is Christmassy so increases holiday feeling of card: +1
Red-eye causes family to appear possessed by evil Christmas spirit: -1
Photo was taken on beach this past summer in summer clothing, so family looks chilly against winter pattern of card: -1
Photo includes dogs with glowing eyes who seem poised to eat humans: -1

Card includes letter: +5
Letter is informative and interesting: +3
Letter describes child as "amazing" or "already an avid reader and accomplished Suzuki violinist at age 3!": -3 each
Letter is so braggy and saccharine-cheery, I wonder why I associate with these people: -3
Letter is so very braggy and saccharine-cheery, it crosses over into comical and becomes fun to read aloud in an unkind tone of voice: +2
Letter uses the word "blessed" more than one time: -1 per use (not including first use)
Letter is a sermon/evangelism disguised as a Christmas letter, and contains pious spiritual hopes for our country, for our country's leaders, for mankind, and for me personally: -5
Letter mentions details of gross surgery/illness: -1 or +1, depending on entertainment value
Letter contains thinly-veiled family gossip: +3
Letter contains information that should have been told earlier: -2

Card includes check: +5
Large check: +10
Card includes announcement of pregnancy: +10
Card from Christmas Card Friends contains surprising news of baby born since last card sent: +10

This year my own card gets:
+5 for existing
+3 for being pretty
+5 for containing a photo
+2 for containing an additional photo (a Thanksgiving shot including my parents)
+2 for containing an additional photo (a divided photo showing 4 outtakes of the Christmas photo)
+1 for being a non-Christmassy photo

Some people will get just the first photo, some will get two, and some will get three---so my card will score 14, 16, or 18 points at most, with of course the 3 points for prettiness depending on the recipient."

Friday, November 12, 2010

Observation Day

November 12, 2009:

The phone rings, early. It's James*.

"Hi, Hannah. I'm so sorry to tell you this, but the doctors are saying it's time to gather Kristin's 'people.' They are recommending we take her off life support today. Can you come to the hospital?"

* * * * *

November 11, 2009:

I am driving to the hospital. I am later than I was hoping to get there, having waited for Brad to get home from work. I haven't eaten dinner yet. Kris has been here (again) for several days, after her doctor suggested she stay and get some further treatment for her breathing problems. This, after many weeks of lugging around oxygen tanks and sleeping with the Darth Vadar machine at night, transportation to and from her home bathroom/bedroom via wheelchair, begging her to eat...anything, knowing that her bowels aren't responding, watching her dehydrate. It's amazing, as I recall these details, that we were somehow still caught off guard by the ensuing events. Nevertheless, none of us are surprised at the doctor's suggestion that she stay. (It's not even close to the first time she's been admitted since September.) In fact, if we are being honest with ourselves, we are relieved. We have been taking round the clock shifts at her house for more than a month, and it's getting tougher to provide adequate care. And to care for our own families.

As I arrive at Northwestern Memorial, knowing there isn't really any sense of urgency since I'll be there most of the evening, I stop in the cafeteria for some soup. I never feared or dreaded visiting Kris in the hospital, but on this night I have to work a little harder to motivate myself to finish my food and head up to her room.

Ding. Elevator. People get on and I wonder, as always, who they are visiting. I wonder how many visitors get on and off each day with The Big C Word on their minds.

The elevator reaches Kris' (new) floor and I head down the unfamiliar-yet-still-familiar hallway. I see Melissa a few feet ahead of me. She looks panic stricken. Doctors, nurses and machines are streaming in and out of what I now suspect to be Kris' room at the end of the hall.
"What's going on?" I ask.
"I....I'm not sure," replies Melissa. "I showed up a few minutes ago and her code blue alarm was going off. They wouldn't let me in the room."
If it weren't for Dr. K's white coat, I would have never known she was a doctor. She looks 24.
"Is either of you named Ariane?"
"No, she's out of town with her family."
"Are you Kris' family?"
"Um, no. But, yes." She somehow understands. She pulls us into a closet of a room and closes the door. There are four boxes of tissues and four chairs in the room. I can tell I'm not going to like it in here. As she talks, I am clear on every detail of what she is telling us, though now my memory recalls it more like the Charlie Brown trombone ("wah wah wahwahwah wah wah"). Something happened earlier in the evening when they were trying to transport Kris from one building to another, through an underground labyrinth I had experienced with her a few weeks prior. Her heart had stopped. They were able to restart it. She was unconscious. On a ventilator. When a person's heart stops once, it is likely to stop again.
"Do we need to 'rally the troops?' Is is that serious?"
"Yes." Not one to mince words, that Dr. K.
Shit.

Melissa and I are utterly bewildered. Kris was "fine" earlier that day. Except for, you know, having stage four metastatic breast cancer and lymphoma. But she had just started a new chemo! She was only here because her lungs weren't working properly! We aren't ready....SHE isn't ready.

She was alone when her heart stopped the first time. She was alone when she lost consciousness.

Dr. K gives us a few minutes alone to process the information. My head feels noisy and buzzy and drunk and I can't think...or I'm thinking too much. I can't believe this is going to be the end. I can't believe I have to call her parents and tell them the gravity of the situation. (I can't believe they don't already know.) I can't believe I stopped for SOUP.

Dr. K tells us that Kris declared Ariane her medical power of attorney. Ariane, her best friend. Her "sister." The one of us who knew the most--not everything (only Kris had that information), but the most. The one of us that would now be charged with deciding how to proceed. The one of us stuck out of town.

We start making phone calls. Donna, Colby and Kate, Brad, Penny and James: The Team. Her parents. And Ariane, of course, who immediately books a flight for the next morning. Ariane calls Natalie, who also books a flight for the next morning. Her parents decide NOT to drive in from Wisconsin that night. They're going to "wait to hear some news" in the morning. I am dumbfounded.

Hours pass. There are are few of us gathered around her now. A kind nurse tells us that she can probably hear some of what we are telling her, which plays in a loop: "You're not alone; we're here with you." Her body is clearly being ravaged by the goddamned cancer, even as we watch. She writhes in pain and her forehead gathers into heartbreaking furrows. She makes strangling sounds in her throat as she slips in and out of awareness that there is a tube helping her breathe. The nurse smoothes balm onto her lips, and my brain flickers like a neon light: this is the end.

Two of us stay with her overnight, fearing she might pass naturally and unwilling for her to be alone.

* * * * *

November 12 is sunny and cold. The traffic sucks. I've left my son with a loving family member, so that I can be present on this awful day. I have made my peace with this loss, but I have a bigger purpose this morning. I know I can be clearheaded in the face of sadness. I know I am a vital trestle in this support system, and we exist to support each other even when Kris is no longer in need. I have built a tiny bridge between Us and her parents, and it's my duty to see this through.

I arrive. I park. I ride the elevator. I'm sure I screamed, "My friend is dying!!!" at the people in the hall, but no one hears me. Dr. K is there again. The oncologist has been there. All signs point to ending Kris' life support. "Life Support" is a double entendre today. We file in, one by one, to spend some time with our friend, who we're fairly certain can't hear us speak anymore. Ariane and Natalie arrive. We witness a heartbreaking scene between Kris and Ariane that is too private to share in this story.

As Ariane is the POA, the medical team is relieved (and swarming) when she arrives. I tell her that my job today is to be there for her, knowing the impossible decision she must make. The staff corrals Ariane and I into another suffocating closet with tissues. There are students, hospice care workers, oncologists, doctors, and others I don't know. I can't figure out why so many are gathered in this room. They give us the facts about Kris' prognosis, which isn't news. They present Ariane with a decision that doesn't feel like a decision. The best course of action, it is determined, is that when Kris' parents have arrived and everyone is ready, the IVs and breathing tube will be removed and nature will be permitted to take its course.

The worst part of the day ensues. Kris' students have gotten word of her condition and are trucking through the halls of the hospital and clogging the waiting rooms. I grow resentful, feeling intruded upon. Ironically, these "kids" have probably spent more time with Kris than I have, in total, but I still resent their presence, having wanted to keep this in the family--so to speak. They should not see her this way; she wouldn't have wanted it. Her parents arrive and I feel equal parts intruded upon and the intruder.

We gather. The sweet, empathetic nurse explains what is to happen. She tells us that when the tubes are removed, she will also turn off the beeping machines for our own comfort...this transforms the room completely. The nurse applies more lip balm, adds a blanket, adjusts her gown and sweat pants. She asks us if we can think of any other ways to make Kris as comfortable as possible. We can't. We wait. We cry. She is breathing on her own, but we can tell it won't last long. We struggle to find some humane way to usher her out of life. We gasp through a chorus of "You'll Never Walk Alone," from her favorite musical. We are all holding each other in a giant room embrace. We are all holding our breath.

And then she is gone.

* * * * *

November 12, 2010

I am sad today, on this anniversary that shouldn't be celebrated. I am disappointed that my consuming thoughts are of Kris' death, rather than her life. After a year, I am still processing those last few weeks and days. When I was in the thick of it I just kept trucking along, not giving much thought to what was really happening; and I wasn't alone. We all just did what we had to do to help her as much as possible, for a group of friends that are still no substitute for a family. (And while we're on the subject, it should be noted that her family's lack of participation in her end of days was a 50/50 deal: partly they chose not to be involved, and partly she didn't want to involve them.)

It is my hope, in writing my version of this story, that it will help me continue the grieving process...though I'm not naive enough to think it will end the process. Anyone who has suffered a loss knows you never stop grieving. Ever.

I miss you, my dear friend. I'm presuming your heaven is filled with Manolos and brownie sundaes, and I'm sure the theatre is spectacular. "Walk on, with hope in your heart."


*names have been changed

Friday, November 5, 2010

Pumpkin Patch 2010

Sigh. We visited the fancy-schmancy pumpkin patch a few weeks ago. You know the kind...exotic animals, hay rides, haunted house, and--oh yeah--pumpkins. The Boy was completely miserable the entire time. So we skipped the fancy stuff, bought some apples, cider and donuts, and had a little pity party on the sidewalk outside the store.

So, really, nothing to report, except that I love the light in these first two pics. :o)






A few more: http://gallery.me.com/hannahrae#100576

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Mohawk Hat Giveaway


I've been a fan of these hats for years, thanks to Kage.

Enter here to win!

"Annie"

...is over. But these are some of the crazies I worked with for three months. Could you just eat them up?

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Halloween 2010



It's November? Seriously? October was jam-packed, as usual, but not with Halloween, per se. We were invited to our annual family Halloween party, and had every intention of attending (especially since I figured out what to do for our costumes in AUGUST) but there was a snafu at "Annie" that day/night/next day, which resulted in me doing a Milli Vanilli off-stage while another actress lip-synched ON stage. Totally the weirdest theatrical stunt I've ever pulled off, but we actually did manage to fool a few people.

ANYWAY....I was also unexpectedly visiting Arizona (see previous post) last week, so I also missed out on the pumpkin carving and other possible opportunities to dress up. Fortunately, Brad and I are JUST confident enough in our dress up skills that we decided to Trick or Treat as a family, in full costume. What we learned from just about every single neighbor we've met since moving here is that few bother Trick or Treating anywhere else but Barberry Street. Now, there is a house on Barberry Street that has been in full-blown Halloween decor mode since October 1, but we really had no idea what to expect from the rest of the street. Let me tell you--it was like a giant block party...and I mean GIANT. Hundreds of kids and adults trolling the street for treats; dozens of parked cars that carried Treaters from other neighborhoods (and suburbs, if you can believe that); families who set up card tables and chairs and greet the Treaters at the foot of the driveway. Some were tailgating, handing out water bottles (rumor has it if you approach certain houses with an "empty," you will be handed a "refill"), handing out goody bags, coupons to restaurants, party favors, and just regular old ordinary candy, too. It was amazing.

And it turns out that we weren't the only adults in costume! We stumbled upon a charming Mary Poppins and Mini Mary Poppins, and plenty of folks with face makeup and the requisite ears (see my two previous costumes in '08 and '09). Side note: I'm so glad to be granted a reprieve on the Halloween (W)Hore costumes, now that I'm a parent--but not to worry: that particular fashion trend is still running rampant in the 12 and up group. Seriously.

The Boy did pretty well for his first REAL opportunity to TorT. He actually mastered saying, "Trick or Treat," followed by a "Thank you," but he also melted down 'round about house number three. A blue lollipop did the trick until we reached the house that was giving away mini pretzel bags, whereupon he decided he was STARVING and no amount of coaxing to persuade him out of the crabbies. So we headed home. Made it about an hour or so--not bad for Age Two. Moral of that story: Snack the kid before you go out. Duh.

The whole "people wearing costumes" thing was a bit of a stumper for the little tyke. At one point, a boy in a TERRIFYING gorilla mask approached, took off his mask, and The Boy exclaimed, "Mom! That's just a guy!" Mind. Blown.

Needless to say, we had about three groups of Treaters at our house, one of which I caught trying to steal ALL the candy out of the bucket on our porch when we returned (yep, I'm THAT mom).

Our evening ended with The Boy running around the house in the white sweatshirt and pants I had purchased to wear under his costume, complaining that he "had poop." I then proceeded to change the. biggest. diaper. blowout. ever. Did I mention he was wearing white? And the cover on the changing table is...white? And the pad that goes on top of it is...white? I apologize to the environment for using bleach. Well, it was a two man job, as it turned out. My life is so glamorous.

I wish we had gotten more use out of our pretty awesome costumes (Brad's vest had a pull-string in the back, for heaven's sake!), but we've added handsomely to the costume bin this year.

More photos: http://gallery.me.com/hannahrae#100568
Also, It thought this was cool, so I'm adding it here for my own future reference: It's a Pumpkin Beer (or whatever else) Cooler! Genius!

Monday, November 1, 2010

In Loving Memory

(1999)

[Edited to preserve confidentiality]

"H***, G. Edward 87, passed away on October 25, 2010. G. Edward H*** was a former manager for GLF Grange Federation League which later became Agway Inc. After many years with GLF he became the CEO of Farm Credit of Western New York which was a Farmers Cooperative serving the credit and financial service needs of production agriculture and farm related businesses with offices in Erie , Genesee , Wyoming and Livingston Counties . Serving in this capacity for 25 years, he was instrumental in the consolidation of the Farm Credit of Western New York Association, Lake Ontario Farm Credit Association, Finger Lakes Farm Credit Association and the Olean Farm Credit Association merger to become the Western New York Farm Credit Association serving the 16 Western Counties of New York State prior to his retirement in 1988. This merger resulted in significant efficiencies in operations benefiting agriculture in Western New York . Surviving are his loving wife of 61 years, Mildred; loving children, Robert (Val), Patricia (Ronald), Bonnie; 3 grandchildren, Hannah (Brad), Abigail, Megan; great-grandchild, The Boy."

All that AND he ran his own horse farm, grew his own veggies, took his granddaughters for tractor/horse/buggy rides, (sermonized us on the benefits of sulphur water), prayed the same prayer before every meal, and built me my very own stool for sitting near the wood-burning stove--it now sits on my front porch. Though his body has been steadily declining for over ten years, the passing of a loved one is never "expected," nor can one ever be truly prepared to grieve a loss. We will miss you, Grandpa.


(~1974?)


(2008)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Benched

Harrumph. I went to the doctor yesterday because I have a pulled muscle in my neck that caused enough pain to send me to bed for a good portion of Sunday because it literally hurt to hold up my head.

According to my doctor, the stupid pulled muscle in my neck is just a pulled muscle. This is good because...well, because it means it's not something worse. This is bad because I still have no explanation for why this has happened four times in seven months, in exactly the same spot, with exactly the same effect. Next to childbirth, it's the most painful thing I have ever experienced. It's even worse than pregnancy sciatica, but similar in that it's a constant pain that is horrendously distracting, not to mention debilitating. She gave me a muscle relaxer (which I can only take at night) and ordered me not to exercise until it's better.

That's the bad news: Usually this injury takes up to two weeks to heal (for me). So don't hate on me for missing my runs. I'll catch up.

Meh.

Monday, October 4, 2010

The First in a Long Line

Don't like reading about pee and poop? Skip this post. :o)

During The Boy's aforementioned two year checkup, we discussed potty training a little. My current philosophy is (was) that I'd really rather wait until The Boy is closer to 3 than 2, so he'll have better clothing removal skills, balancing atop the toilet skills, etc. But he's shown a TINY bit of interest lately, including wanting to "go pee on the potty" before he takes a bath.

(I can't believe I'm seriously posting about peeing and pooping. Sigh. And YOU'RE READING IT.)

So, upon the recommendation of our pediatrician, we went shopping for a little potty. (Explain to me why the simplest, sturdiest potty at Target also happens to be one of the most expensive? Explain to me why I would ever want a potty to cheer for my child? You pee and poop in it. Disturbing.) He chose the blue one, and it is now the only intentionally gender specific item in my house. Then again, I suppose I did buy the pink cash register, so he's just getting back at me. He also selected a blue water bottle on the same day. Y'all have brainwashed my kid.

I digress.

The first thing he wanted to do at home, naturally, was sit on his potty--which he did. "Do you want to pee in there?" I asked. "Okay." Off with the diaper, onto the potty...and he peed. First try. Tonight before bed I asked if he wanted to pee before putting his nighttime diaper on. "Okay." Off with the diaper, onto the potty...and he peed. And pooped (by accident, I'm pretty sure). And we dumped it in the big potty and flushed--just exactly what they tell you not to do. And he cheered.

So, people, I'm not sure what all the drama is that we're supposed to have. Not that we're "training," mind you. I have no intention of letting go of the diapers for some time, but I guess I was expecting a bigger deal over it. Also, I now have no idea what the next step is. Do we just keep trying to pee/poo more often during the day? Wait for him to ask?

Bring it, moms. Extra points if you have a boy.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Hip to be Square and Other Stories

My kid is square: 35" x 35 lbs. This is according to his two year checkup the other day. He is now in the 85th percentile for height, is predicted to be 6 feet tall by age 18, and is therefore pre-disqualified for the football team. (Right?Pleasepleaseplease.)


There has been a lot of discussion in our house lately on the topic of irrational fear. It goes like this:
Boy: "No bee gonna come in the house and hurt you." (He means himself)
Me: "Nope, you're right."
Boy: "Mommy, no bee gonna come in the house and hurt you and Avery."
Me: "That's right, you're safe. Bees don't usually hurt us at all. And I won't let bees in the house."
Boy: "Mom. Mama. No bee gonna come in the house and hurt you."
You get the idea.
Recently he was taking a bath and explored that fun looking button on the faucet...which turns on the shower. Of course the water that came out was freezing cold and scared the pants off him. So now each bath starts with, "Shower not gonna hurt you."


We had possibly our last day of Indian Summer on Wednesday, and used it to drive to the city to visit the beloved free Lincoln Park Zoo. It brought back lovely memories of our previous visits, including this one. The hit of the day was most certainly the giraffe. ("No giraffe gonna come over the water and over the wall and hurt you.") We visited them three times and were kicking ourselves that we hadn't brought along his little rubber animals (birthday gift from Mimi and Papa) so we could compare and contrast. He corrected the zookeeper that referred to one bathing mass as a Hippo ("Not hippo mommy. HippoPAmus."), and saw three black "Rhymeoferous"es. He narrated 99.99999% of the day's activities, asked me 6,264 questions, and fell asleep 3.2 seconds after takeoff.


1.Grand Dede has a friend he refers to as "Big Don," or sometimes "Big Donald."
2. The Boy has been singing the song, "Old MacDonald" for months. But it never sounds exactly like that, and I've been trying to decipher exactly what he's been saying.
3. Last weekend, The Boy was invited to a Northwestern football game. He told me he would be going with Daddy, Grand Dede and "Old BigDonald."
4. Mystery solved.
(Also, hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!)

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

C25K Update: Week 3

Week 3: 5 min walking warmup; 90 sec run/90 sec walk, 3 min run, 2 min walk; repeat interval; 5 min cooldown. This workout is a little shorter than the others.

Run 1: Well, the three minute running part wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It seems like a huge jump from 90 seconds to 3 minutes, which is the longest running stint so far.

Run 2: First treadmill run. Harder to set my pace, but highly entertained by whatever TV program I was watching.

Run 3: I thought this was supposed to get easier! The beginning of today's run was really tough, though today was the first day I've run outside when it was quite brisk (52 degrees), and I think that contributed to my labored breathing. The second half of the run (after dumping the dog back at home) was much more pleasant.

Did I mention I use to run a 6:30 mile?

In middle school.

But still.


(Looking forward to more autumn runs outside!)

Monday, September 20, 2010

Structure and "School"



I HEART FALL. But you know that already.

This year I love NEW things, though. I enjoy the summer, but I will never love it in the maniacal can't-wait-to-get-outside-and-look-at-the-leaves way that I love fall. I especially appreciate the structure that the fall brings. Partly from musical rehearsals, partly from our classes kicking back into gear, partly from the shopping for new clothes which always seems more enjoyable in the fall.

I love the light in my backyard, and how I can't still really tell if it's "partly sun, "mostly shade," or whatever. I can't wait to see what my new landscaping looks like as the weather changes. (And, believe it or not, I'm actually looking forward to gazing at my new evergreens topped with snow. For a minute.)

I love that (this year) I have Lawn Guys that magically blow the leaves away.

I love the first night it's cool enough to lounge around in sweatpants and hoodie.

And I love all the usual things, too....caramel apples, pumpkins and seeds, picking apples (must find a new place!), apple cider, baking cookies after a summer of "too hot to turn on the oven," sweatshirts, boots, fall jackets, football--wait.

So, The Boy started "school" last week. (SO NOT ANYTHING LIKE SCHOOL AT ALL, but he felt really cool when I said it. Now that we know he has an actual locker with his name on in (!), we will be packing his pack-pack full of...who knows. Snack? Cup? Star Wars guys?) This class we're taking together is basically an expensive playgroup comprised of four other boys his age and their NANNIES. Nannies?! The whole purpose of taking a Mom/Tot class (for me) is to meet other moms! Gah. So that is a bummer. But he thinks it's incredible fun and actually played WITH another boy during today's "class."

We also recently returned to The Land of Miss Mary. Hurrah! We seem to have a nice blend of girls and boys (mostly girls), some of whom were in our class last spring. And we have ALL parents (even a dad!), and NO nannies. Of course, it doesn't do ME any good because it's in the city, but at least they're nice people. And one of the women looks just like Jennifer Westfeldt.

Isn't the light pretty in the fall?



(1st Day of Pre Pre Preschool)

Sunday, September 19, 2010

C25K Update: Week 2

Week 2: 5 minute warmup followed by intervals of 90 seconds of running and 2 minutes of walking (30 min total).


Run 1: I'm not gonna lie...that extra 30 seconds of running feels like an eternity. Anticipating some soreness tomorrow.

Run 2: Ack. Forgot to make notes immediately after it, so I can't really remember much except that running on top of acorns makes me fearful of twisted ankles.

Run 3: I got off my schedule by two days this week. (Lest you think I'm a total slacker, I did replace it with about eight hours of cardio-heavy gardening with my mom.) So I completed Week 2 two days behind schedule. Ironically, today's run felt the best of the six so far. I felt like I could keep running after each 90 second running interval was completed. Yay! And the weather is still beautiful. Double yay!

On to Week Three!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Sweet 16

So like today is totally my baby sister's sweet sixteen bday. And like people keep asking me if i'm all "oh i can't believe she's so old" and "oh em gee don't you wish she'd stay young longer" and i'm all like "um no" and they're like "why" and i'm all "because the sooner she grows up the sooner The Boy can have some cuzins" and they're like...."whoa."

(No rush, baby sister. ;o) )

Sunday, September 12, 2010

C25K Update: Week 1

(Changed my mind. I decided I want a record of these runs, so that means you get to read a weekly update now--lucky you. I also have a couple of virtual running buddies that double as blog readers, and they actually requested more detail. Go figure.)

Week 1:
5 minute walking warmup followed by 8 intervals of 60 second run followed by 90 seconds of walking.


Run 1: Piece of cake! And hopefully burned enough calories to cancel out the piece of birthday cake I had over the weekend.

Run 2: Definitely more difficult today, mostly because of the early in the morning factor. Also because of the soreness factor in my shinny-shin-shins.

Run 3: In a word..."side cramp!" Still not enjoying this, per se, but I realized I just needed a change in mindset. Instead of trying to get to the point where I'm "HAVING FUN!!! WHILE RUNNING!!!", I just need to view this as part of my job, no different from meal planning and cooking and diaper changing.

Polly Want a Cracker?

In this instance, I'm not completely convinced that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. Evidently, we say, "Okay," "Yes," "Are you there?" and "Bye, bye" A LOT on the phone....and we talk with our mouths full.



Side notes:
1. No, that is NOT a teeny cell phone. It's a teeny remote.

2. I miss my rugs. This video was actually taken early in the summer, B.P. (Before Puppy). In the days A.P., we rolled up the rugs until the housebreaking has been thoroughly mastered. We're close.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Not Alone in the Woods

I'd just like to observe, for the record, that it's not just me who feels this way. Must be a blogger thing.

"Someone Who Reads This," linked by Swistle.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

C25K

If you've ever met me, you probably know that I do not work out on a regular basis. Never have. My most frequent form of exercise over the last seven years or so has been musical theatre...which works out great IF I'm doing a show and IF that show has a lot of dance. When I'm not in a show, I bike if the weather permits, and I walk the dog--neither will shrink the midsection.

So. Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it's off the couch I go.

The "Couch to 5K" program has been around a while, and it's designed for people (sort of) like me: non runners who need a very structured and well-paced program for motivational purposes. The only difference between me and them is that I'm not actually planning to run an organized 5K--unless the spirit moves me to join one of the overcrowded races that take place in the city (traffic) during the late fall/early winter (brrr). Instead, I'll be using a podcast to guide my speed and intervals, and probably alternating between sidewalk and treadmill.

Why am I telling you this? Aha...as previously mentioned, peer pressure works wonders. If I tell you about it, I'm more likely to stay accountable to my workouts, which will require me to GET OUT OF BED BEFORE I'M REQUIRED TO BE A FUNCTIONING HUMAN two days a week--on purpose. And once on the weekends.

But since reading about other people's workouts is boring, this is probably the only post you'll see. Instead, I've got a little something at the top right of the sidebar, for the two followers I have that read the actual blog instead of in google reader. :o)

Wish me luck.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Play in the Park, in Three Acts

The Players:
The Boy (as in, my boy--we'll call him Sam, to simplify)
Kevin, the Leader
American Boy
Me

Act I:
(The players are climbing on a too-difficult-for-a-2 year old-to-navigate-alone playground structure involving claustrophobia inducing giant plastic balls connected by steep staircases and an intimidating tunnel slide. Kevin is proving to be a very friendly 4ish year old with a savior complex.)

Kevin: "Hey, what's his name?"
Me: "His name is Sam."
Kevin: "Oh. I'm Kevin!"
Me: "Hi, Kevin."
Kevin: "Hi...Sam's mom."


Act II:
(After Brad and I both attempt to navigate the innerworkings of the structure clearly designed for persons under four feet, we let Kevin escort Sam through the tunnels while we watch from below. At one point, Sam gets stuck at the top of a step and can't figure out how to get down. Enter American Boy who is taller and stronger than Kevin.)

Kevin (to AB): "Hey, can you help my friend Sam? He doesn't understand what I'm telling him to do."
AB: "Well, does he speak a different language?"
[Nope. He's just 2.]


Act III:
(Kevin, still puzzled that Sam isn't understanding his litany of instructions at every turn, has decided the boys need to navigate the structure "one more time" before we leave for dinner.)

Kevin: "So...what...are you Hebrew? Russian? English?"
[No response.]
Kevin: "Are you four or one?"
Sam: [in toddler speak] "You foe oh one."
Kevin: "You're four AND one?!"


Curtain.


[In other news, we've had a few BIG days at the park, wherein The Boy overcame his bizarre (mostly out of nowhere) fear of slides. Peer pressure....works every time. :o) ]

2nd Birthday Celebration! (Or "Don't Stare at the Missing Comma.")


To sum up: Buzz Lightyear. That is all.

Just kidding.

The Boy (who is a little less incognito these days, but I still like using the nickname) had a wonderful time at his party, despite a late bedtime the previous night and an I'm-too-excited-to-sleep-late early morning the day of. He was joined by lots of family and just a few friends, making for a very manageable party for mom. I did mention to Brad, though, that having 18 people in this house is NOTHING--compared to last year's party in the comparably tiny town home.

Anyway, there were Anton's sandwiches and pasta salad, Deerfield's cake (no small feat...I'll spare you the story), (beer), presents, and over-stimulated toddlers as far as the eye could see.

He is so blessed to be loved by so many, near and far.



The Short Version (58 Photos): http://gallery.me.com/hannahrae#100551

The Long Version (110 Photos): http://gallery.me.com/hannahrae#100559


Also, a shout out to Karen over at Etsy. Check out her shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewsweettoo

Saturday, September 4, 2010

2 Years


Dear Munchkin Boy:

"Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy."

Thus begins my favorite children's book of all time: The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. It's the story of the tree who gives everything from her body to her soul--happily--to the boy who loves her, even when he becomes "too old" to swing from her branches and eat her apples, and trades in her company for the companionship of another. When I was a child, it never occurred to me that the overall tone of the book was a bit sad; I seemed only to be drawn to the simplicity of the drawings and narration. Only as an adult did it strike me as melancholy. Then I became a mother. Then I became a mother to a toddler. Then I became a mother to a two year old, and I now believe the book is a metaphor for motherhood.

We have our ups and downs, you and me. I think toddlerhood provides some foreshadowing to the teen years, and rumor has it that the wackier the toddler years (for boys), the calmer the teen years. Here's hoping, buddy. :o)

It's funny, though, how quickly you can erase a tantrum from my memory, by singing the lyrics to a Lady Gaga song. You have an infectious laugh which turns into a belly guffaw when you're surprised, as you were the other day when "Ayeksis" was pushing you around in the tire swing for the first time. Your current favorite question is, "Mommy, what are you doing here?" What you really mean is, "What are you doing?" but it comes out a lot funnier your way. You also like to demand, "Mommy! Turn around!"--particularly when I'm engaged in conversation with someone else and you want my attention back on you.

You talk about your grandparents CONSTANTLY. "Go see Grandma kitty cats?" "Grandad say 'cheese?'" "Go see GrannyGrandDedeplaywithtrucksandcars?" "Where Papa go?" "See goatsandmotorcycles at Mim's house?" "Grandpa play golf?" "Grammie sleep in Simon's room?" (That's a new one. I have no idea what he's talking about.) You are so blessed to have eight wonderful grandparents who dote on you with their love and attention (and probably too many toys, but whatever).

Avery is your new best friend. I'm hardly needed in the morning because the two of you chase each other around the house, play with her toys, try to teach her to not eat yours, run around the yard, roll around in the grass. Our hearts still ache for Oliver, but we know that Avery is a playmate better suited to your unpredictable toddler energy.

You are adept at all sports, at the present. You can hit a baseball off a tee further than I can; you're a little ambidextrous; you love to "play shoot" (basketball) in the basement; when you play football with your dad you say, "Hut, hut, HIKE;" you've even been known to kick around a soccer ball now and then--to my chagrin.

Your singing voice is developing nicely. I'm sure Miss Mary will be pleased. Your biggest musical accomplishment to date is learning "Happy Birthday," and even being able to follow the pitch contour with impressive accuracy.

You're still working hard on learning your manners. Sometimes you say, "Thankyoumommyyou'rewelcome," which cracks me up. And you're now aware that burping isn't considered socially acceptable. You give a look like, "Oh, crap. Now whaddoIdo?" Someday you'll learn to say, "Excuse me."

It occurred to me the other day that your preferred toys are getting (hurray!) quieter. From noisy V-Tech trains to Matchbox cars, animal figurines, your dad's old Star Wars "guys," wheely back-packs, and booksbooksbooks. I love to sneak into your room and "catch" you reading on the floor. You get very upset with me when I reorganize your books or put those on the floor back on the shelf. There is clearly a system with which I'm unfamiliar. :o)

You still wear a size 5 diaper during the day (and your little potbelly has shrunk almost completely away! That makes (made) two of us!), and a 6 at night. Your feet are just about ready to get into size 7s, and you fit comfortably into a 2T, though we prefer the adjustable waist pants. See shrinking belly, above.

You're still able to charm the pants of every lady you see. We call you the Mayor of the Jewel (the local grocery store), because you can't enter or leave without saying hello and goodbye to everyone you encounter. Your dad and I caught you flirting at a restaurant one night, tilting your head from side to side and playing peek-a-boo with the elderly woman at the next table. Sweet.

My favorite part of the day will always be when you find a reason for me to pick you up, and you wrap your little arms around me and squeeze (and sometimes play with my ponytail when you're really sleepy)--so don't ever stop doing that. Some days I can't believe we still have three...whole...years before you'll go to Kindergarten. Other days I can't believe I can't hold you with one arm anymore. Where has two years gone?

Hugs and Kisses and a Happy Birthday (since you sort of know what that means this year).
Love,
Mom




Thursday, September 2, 2010

8:30-10:00 AM

On any given day that we don't have an early activity, this is what you'll see:





Avery turned 15 weeks today. The Munchkin is a little nervous that visiting Grammie and Grandpa might take her home on the airplane when they leave. :o)


Saturday, August 28, 2010

"My Staycation"

Dear Munchkin,

While you were away, Mommy was busy, too. On Tuesday, I drove back to our house with Avery and then we took a long walk. My dear friend (and ex-roommate) met me in our town for lunch, introduced me to the local discount wine shop, and then we enjoyed several hours drinking coffee in the rocking chairs on the front porch. That night, I picked up some Maggiano's for our friends, I and D, who have a new baby, and your dad and I got to meet your newest little buddy: we'll call him Mr. Green.

On Wednesday, I hung out with Avery in the morning while The Guys installed the new shed in the backyard. I also had a meeting with a very unhelpful Backyard Lady, which was a waste of time--and you know how much I HATE wasting time. I spent a good portion of Wednesday morning fretting over how much I needed to get done and being worried that I wouldn't be able to cram it all in before you got back...so I decided to forget it all and went to a movie instead. By myself. With popcorn. It was awesome.

On Thursday, I ran a tonnnnnnnnn of errands all morning, logged some time on my traffic safety course, and drank a lot of coffee. Then I met a new dentist, had my teeth cleaned (no comments about the coffee, please), shopped for new jeans, and met a teacher friend for yummy dinner at California Pizza Kitchen.

On Friday, I woke up and went to the basement to start some laundry. I noticed a huge puddle in the laundry room. I noticed a huge (HUGE) wet spot on the basement carpet. I noticed a huge (HUUUUUGE) puddle in the furnace room. I noticed that the water heater was leaking. [Sigh.] I called the repair guys and went to "get my hair did." When I returned, the Water Heater Guy replaced said water heater, I spent many minutes on the phone with the insurance company and your dad, I tried to keep Avery out of everybody's way, I kept my cool when the Water Heater Guys took a chunk out of our banister....and didn't get anything else accomplished on my list for that day. Oh well. Later in the afternoon, I took a Metra train to the city to meet your dad and our friends for sushi and "Shrek, the Musical."

All in all....what a packed week filled with fun stuff. I missed you, though, and I'm glad you're home. Even if that home stinks of a citrusy carpet cleaner.

Love,
Mom

Friday, August 27, 2010

"My Trip to Mimi and Papa's House:" Excerpts

(Edited for content.)

"Dear Mommy and Daddy,

"We were very busy all the time. Tuesday we went to the Berrien County Youth Fair. I touched all kinds of animals, and loved running all around, riding on Papa's shoulders and watching the horse show. We saw clowns and motorcycles at the circus. I kept asking Mimi to take me back to the circus every day. She said, maybe next year. Mimi asked me if I wanted to go home to Mommy's house. I said no. Stay at Mimi's house.

"On Wednesday we played with cars and trains and built a racetrack. I played baseball with Papa and swam in the little swimming pool and played in the sandbox. But I wouldn't sit in the sandbox. Yucky. At night, we went to the ice cream social at the park and did swinging and climbing and laughing. I still want to stay at Mimi's house. But I cried a little bit for Mommy at bedtime.

"On Thursday we had a dancing party in the living room. Auntie Naomi and Mimi took me to the Rock (Rec) Center. I did lots of swimming and went underwater. We had mac and cheese for dinner. Yummy. I still don't want to go to Mommy and Daddy's house yet. But I miss them.

"On Friday I played with Mommy's old [awesome, discontinued, Fisher Price] castle for a long time. I love to make the little people fall down the tunnel and climb the stairs and ride around in their little cars. We took a long walk and played more baseball and ran through the sprinkler and watered Mim's flowers--and Mimi. We played hide and seek and Mimi made me a picture book from the fair day.

"At lunchtime, Mimi asked me if I wanted to go to Mommy's house tomorrow. I said, Ok. On Friday night, Papa and I went to Toys R Us. I picked out a pack-pack [backpack] and some new cars and an Elmo lunchbox for my birthday presents. I think I'm like Mimi: I like containers.

"I can't wait to see Mommy and Daddy and Avery. I will miss Auntie Omi and Mimi and Papa. Thanks for letting me go.

"Love,
The Boy"


I'm going out on a limb to guess that Mimi and Papa and Omi probably took a nice, long NAP the next day. :o)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

A True Staycation

For the next three days...


I will not worry about death by Matchbox car or Star Wars guy.

I will not microwave chicken nuggets with ranch dressing.

I will not haul eleventy billion toys up and down the stairs.

I will not hear the voice of Elmo.

I will not pack up a snack before leaving the house.

I will not carry a diaper bag.

I will not read "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Ican'tbelievewe'rereadingthisagain, Very Bad Day."

I will not be interrupted while on the phone.

I will not wash a sippy cup.

I will not hire a babysitter.

I will not clean up sixteen baseballs, three basketballs and two footballs from the yard.

I will not witness a tantrum--at least, not from the toddler.


Then again...

I won't get sweet toddler hugs and kisses, or snuggle during pre-naptime songs, or be asked, "Mommy, what are you doing here?" (He means, "What are you doing?") or be commanded, "Mommy, turn around!" (He means, "Pay attention to me!)

But that's okay. For three days. (Thanks, Mom.)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Bye-Bye, Gymbo

The boy and I attended his "last" Gymboree class a few weeks (ahem, possibly months) ago. I put "last" in quotation marks because I have learned to never say never. While he enjoyed Gymboree, I wouldn't say he actually gained many skills there that he wasn't getting in music class or from playing outdoors. It was really a great way to stay active during the winter...and to spend gobs of money at the mall in which it resides. We proudly know the entire layout, after six month of Gymboree, and have probably spent more time at the Gymboree retail store than the actual Gym. Whoops.

We will miss our wonderful teacher, Miss Rose (I know, right?), who is most certainly the best teacher at both locations we have attended, even if she can't sing. At all. :o)

Here are a few snapshots of his "last" class:





Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Anniversary, Part II

Did you know that for a five year wedding anniversary, you're supposed to give a gift of "wood?"

Don't you think this is a much better idea?


Avery Rose
Born May 20, 2010
Female

Friday, July 23, 2010

CINCO/CINQ/FIVE


Five years? We've only been married five years? How can this be?!

We spent this year's anniversary at lovely Lake Geneva, where we chased out the thunderstorms and spent the afternoon trolling the neighborhood in search of art...and ice cream. Oh, and we picked out a lake house. And then another, and another, and another. (None are for sale, you understand. And we haven't won the lottery recently, either.)

Many thanks to Granny and Grand Dede for taking care of the dude while we were out!


Panoramic Pic of Lake Geneva, compliments of Brad's iPhone 4


'Twas so VERY sunny...Great for moods, bad for photos

Art


Then I went on to do a show that night, and we capped the day off with a little celebration at our favorite (only) late-night bar in our town, with my cast. All in all, it was a lovely day.




*Hey, by the way, don't you love that I'm so well adjusted I don't even have to waste precious time apologizing to you for being off the grid for a few weeks? Oh...wait....