The Backyard Homesteader

changes

2010-10-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

I've done it again:

I moved to a new blog.

It makes me feel kind of ridiculous, but mostly super excited.

I have been wanting to make the switch to Typepad for a while now, and I finally felt the time was right. And rather than carrying these old posts and blog title over with me, I wanted to start fresh.

I have been thinking a lot about blog direction, audience, general purpose. And what it really comes down to is that I need a space where I can post whatever I want without pressure for it to fit a certain mold. Things that make me happy. Things that are making me mad. What's inspiring me at the moment.

This new space gives me the wiggle room I was looking for.

Much of my posting will be the same: mostly pictures of our day to day, which means lots of kid cuteness. But I also hope to share more from behind the scenes. The inner workings of our day. We'll see. I'm just excited to get started.

Won't you join me?

www.simplyontheearth.com

{this moment}

2010-10-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Inspired by Amanda.

this week

2010-10-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

This week has slipped by much quicker than I wanted. It was a full week. A good week. A visit-from-Molly week. Rather than trying to go back and write individual posts about all of the fun we had, I'll just give the highlights.

Saturday

I have been wanting to cut my hair short since before River was born, but promised myself that I wouldn't until I fit into my favorite jeans again.

Here are the jeans and here is the new hairdo. I love it.

My mom treated both of us to haircuts at the Paul Mitchell School in Fayetteville. I didn't get the haircut I was wanting - I asked for a longish pixie cut and ended up with a bob - but I am still super happy with the outcome. I think the girl was nervous to cut off so much hair. I ended up with this length after I had her cut it a second time since her first try was well below my chin. I didn't have the heart to ask her to cut it yet again, especially since it had already taken 2 hours to get to this point. But, really, I can't complain.

Sunday

River stayed home for some special Daddy time while Liam and I went with Grammie to the airport in Tulsa to get Molly.

It looks like they had a good time.

Monday

We spent the morning in Fayetteville, visiting Crystal and her kiddos, getting some groceries, and shopping at a favorite thrift store. Liam treated Molly to a full blown meltdown in the thrift store. Screaming, refusing to get into the stroller, throwing his shoes. It was a classic moment.

That evening, we picked Linda up from work and went to my mom's for a girl's night. A soak in the hot tub, face masks, brownie sundaes, eyebrow waxing, and Gray's Anatomy. Fun fun fun.

Tuesday

Gabriel and I took River down to Children's Hospital in Little Rock for a consult with the pediatric urologist. We knew we'd be making this trip since he was born, and the conclusion of the matter is that he will need surgery. It's nothing major, but the details are not something that 13-year-old-River-in-the-future would want me to share with the world wide web. We scheduled him to have the next available surgery date: September 9, 2011. Apparently, his surgeon is the only pediatric urologist in the state, and he is quite busy. So now we wait.

And since we were down in Little Rock, we decided to visit the zoo. It was raining and the zoo was empty. We had a blast. In all of my zoological wanderings, I've never seen a giraffe quite like this before.

And these koi were insane. Insane.

All of that walking made River nice and tired for the drive home.
While we spent the day on the road and in Little Rock, Liam had an extra special day just him and his Tia Molly.

They played trains and legos. They went on a walk to the park. They painted Linda's birthday present.

And she gave him a bath. Liam is a big Tia Molly fan.

Wednesday

Linda is turning !20! next Tuesday, so we decided to celebrate her special day while we were all together.

And since no birthday of Linda's is complete without manicotti, I was more than happy to oblige (even if that meant I could only have the dairy-free pesto on gnocchi... oh, the sacrifice...).

Hurray for Manicotti

And it wouldn't be Linda's birthday without something extra chocolatey:

triple layer chocolate torte

with buttercream filling

covered in ganache

A lesson in candle-licking

There were presents

There were lots of Grammie-smooches

and Auntie Snuggling.

Can you tell we're related?

Especially from this angle?

Like mother, like daughters...

Thursday

Before taking Molly to the airport, we met my mom and Linda for lunch at Mcallisters and then went to Gulley park in Fayetteville for some photo ops.

Liam wasn't so into the picture-perfect moments, but he does love the slides...

And so does Tia Molly.

We're still working on it with River.

And I discovered what a little static will do for my haircut.

I think I may have found my new look.

After a splash in the creek

And some more cuddles with Molly,

We were off to the airport.

It was a long week. A good week. A Molly-filled-week. I'm sad it had to come to an end.

Thanks for such a great visit, Sister.

the green one

2010-10-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

See the other tie dyed onesies here.

brothers

2010-10-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

{this moment}

2010-10-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.
A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Inspired by Amanda.

deep greens and blues are the colors I choose

2010-10-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

River's wardrobe is full of Liam-hand-me-downs, which means some of the stuff is badly stained.

For the most part, stains don't bother me. They are like the living room that isn't too pristine and put together: they say someone lives here. But these long-sleeved onesies were gross.
Instead of tossing them, I remade them with two packets of Rit dye and a handful of rubber bands. Following the easy dye instructions on MADE, I transformed three of the onesies with awesome tie dye, and left the other two solid colors.

horizontal stripes

center swirl

I also made a horizontal striped onesie in a forest green, but he hasn't worn it yet for a picture.

This was my first attempt with dyeing fabric, and I think I'm hooked. It was a lot of fun and was a project I completed in one afternoon. I see more color recreations in my future...

another day

2010-10-06T18:00:00.001-07:00

another disaster

guilty as charged

let's talk about River

2010-10-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

Last week was rough. Liam was every bit a troublemaker and general miscreant. But let's take a break from the terrible-twos and talk about River instead.

I know it's cliche to say it, but the second child just doesn't get the spotlight like the first. In our family, it's not because we aren't oohing and ahing over every little thing he does. No. It's because I spend nearly every second chasing his big brother, stopping him from making more mess and cleaning up those I haven't caught in time. But this post is not about that.

It's all about Mr. Big Boy 5 Month Old.

This kid is so fun. He is generous with the smiles, easygoing, and just pleasant to be around. And his favorite toy is a wire whisk. It doesn't get much better.

Sometimes he just seems like a cute accessory that I get to carry around. I even coordinate our outfits when we are going out. Is that weird?

Mostly I just feel lucky. Lucky to know this little person. To go from being one person to being me and my boy. To learn just who River James was always meant to be. And I love it.

He is happy happy happy as long as I am careful not to consume even the slightest amount of dairy.

He is growing more each day. I just swapped out his wardrobe and now he is wearing 9-12 month clothes. I get all teary-eyed every time I pack up his small clothes to pass along to another little guy, but I can't help but smile at those chubby thighs.

I am planning to wait until he is 6 months before introducing solid foods, and when that time comes, we'll take it slow. Even though he is already showing a lot of interest - he lunges towards our plates of food, grabbing, and trying to shove those tasty morsels into his mouth - I want to give his sensitive digestive tract plenty of time to develop and acclimate to the new foods. Since we already know about the dairy allergy, he is likely to have other food sensitivites as well.

River loves to watch Liam do just about anything. He loves it when I sing to him. He loves splashing in the bath tub, laying on a blanket outside, and grabbing the cats fur whenever they get close enough. He loves Daddy's whiskery kisses and Dahlia's slobbery licks whenever she can sneak one past me. He loves to snuggle up next to me while we are sleeping at night.

River does not like to nap. He doesn't like to be startled, not one little bit. And he doesn't like to be too warm or too cold; apparently he has my California-blood.

And all of these things add up to one sweet little River James.

{this moment}

2010-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

sweet, sweet relief

2010-09-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

The sun shines brighter, the birds chirp louder, and I am so much happier when

There is less of this:

And more of this:

Today was the first day in more than a week where nap time was not a huge battle of wills and testing of fortitude. The last two days, he didn't nap at all. Not so this afternoon. After a story, a song, and a brief complaint, he laid down and dozed for the next two hours. Sweet, sweet relief.

And because today must have been a Mama-needs-a-break kind of day, River was kind enough to nap at the same time. Magical.

I was even able to do some of this:

And later in the afternoon, they did this:

See? Birds chirping and sun shining...

weekending and other updates

2010-09-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday

After Friday's mayhem and mental exhaustion, we all needed a good weekend. And I needed to remember the joy of sharing Liam's excitement.

So I brought him cleaning at the preschool with me and my mom Saturday morning. This is a big treat for him. Plenty of toys to play with, small brooms and vacuums for helping Mama and Grammie, tricycles to ride in the hall, and getting to help Grammie squeeze the mop. What could be better?
The forbidden fruit. Liam loves this shelf of goodies and other snacks I don't buy for him, but Grammie is always sure to share...

And the cherry on top: taking the trash out with the bye bye buggy.

River and Gabe stayed home for some special Daddy bonding time.

Sunday

We woke up to Fall. Crisp cool air dense with mist. It felt fantastic.

And then we got in the car to go to church and the car didn't want to turn on. Our neighbor Trish came to our rescue yet again and let us borrow her car for a jumpstart. Trish, what will we do when your house sells? I'm not letting myself go there yet...

We went to Wal-Mart, because that is what you do here in Arkansas, and bought a new battery. By the time we got back into our car, the battery was dead again. So, we went back into Wal-Mart for some cheap pliers for switching out the batteries. Liam helped.

After church, we went to Gulley Park in Fayetteville for Ozark Natural Foods annual Co-Optoberfest. Yummy (dairy-free) food. Music. Wide open grass fields. Playgrounds. A rocky creek. It all added up for a fantastic, and slightly chilly, afternoon.

This is the Liam that keeps me going.

Our attempt at a family portrait. The camera thought the tree in the foreground was much more important. We didn't bother with a retake...

The perfect ending for a great weekend: the first fire of the season.

...

And an update:

After a week of dairy-free for both boys (and me), River is back to being blissfully happy, smiley, and just fun to be around. And Liam's appetite is definitely picking up. He has eaten at least some dinner every night for the past few days, and is even willing to try new things. He ate pea soup tonight... Clearly, dairy-free is working for him, too.

So, we will stick with the dairy-free diet for now.

determined

2010-09-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, a huge garden spider set up its web right outside Liam's bedroom window. We have all enjoyed watching Liam's Spider as it built its web and then feasted on trapped flies.

And then Liam discovered that he can torment the spider: spraying the web with the hose, throwing sticks at it, and swiping the web down with his hands.

The spider quivers, seeking shelter. Running from the all-too-curious toddler.

And then it rebuilds right back where it started. I hardly notice the spider's return before the web is complete once again, and the spider is framed happily in the window.

I remind Liam that this spider is special. It chose to be in his window right where he can see it. It is a special gift that we don't want to destroy. But this message seems lost on my little one who seems to take such delight in destruction.

But despite his inhospitable host, this spider keeps coming back.

I need to be more like Liam's Spider.

To contentedly rebuild the messes he delights in making. To pick myself up after he swipes away at my plans for the day. And to hold fast to my composure after he tests me again and again.

But first, let's back up to yesterday. Liam did not nap. He was in his room for 3 1/2 hours. He still did not nap.

I felt frazzled, fed up, and exhausted.

Needless to say, we ate at the taco shop for dinner.

And then today, he spent 2 hours in his room, not napping, before I went in and discovered him standing on the changing table, filling the fish tank with all of River's cloth diaper wipes, a tub of rash cream, and the rest of the fish food

I began the process of cleaning the mess, and he took that as his cue to run around the house, pulling out everything he could get his hands on

He was a tornado of destruction. A living terror on a radio flyer scoot bike

I nearly came unglued. I was debating between laying down and crying face first on the hardwood floor or calling Gabriel and telling him that I needed him to come home now! when I noticed that my neighbor Trish was home early from work

And that is how I got through the afternoon: Liam went to play with Trish while I cleaned up the mess. I think I owe her my sanity

Both kids are in bed now, and we are getting ready to watch the SEASON PREMIERE! of Grey's Anatomy with a bowl of (dairy-free) chocolate ice cream.

What a day. What a day.

{this moment}

2010-09-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

in case you were wondering

2010-09-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

they are still ridiculously adorable...

It was fun while it lasted...

2010-09-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks we have been getting raw goat's milk from a small farm in nearby northeast Oklahoma, and for the past few weeks River has been increasingly irritable and gassy.

I am embarrassed that it has taken me this long to figure it out: River is allergic to dairy, which includes goat's milk.

My selfishness is shocking sometimes. I so wanted him to tolerate goat's milk because I wanted real milk, real cheese, and real yogurt.

Apparently this is the lesson I am still supposed to learn: parenting is all about self-sacrifice. Just when I think I get it, I am humbled again. So, parenting is also all about humility. Realizing just how dense I can be at times.

So, the goat's milk was fun while it lasted. We all fell in love with the farm and the goats. So, allow me to indulge in one last hurrah.

This is Nuby

the nubian goat

This is Blondie

the kid

Every time we made the drive out to Leach, OK (yes, the town is apparently named after a blood-sucking parasite...), Mike the farmer was more than happy to stop whatever he was doing and let us visit with the goats.

The goats were all friendly and obviously well-loved. Liam especially enjoyed seeing the goats every week. We're all sad that we can't drink their yummy milk anymore.

Notice I said we.

Liam may be allergic to dairy as well. Last week, I was talking with a woman at our church who has two grown children with dairy allergies.

She was able to give me lots of advice, start probiotics for both kids, wait until River is at least 6 months before introducing solid foods, and she suggested that Liam's poor appetite may be an indicator that also is dairy-allergic.

Liam isn't just finicky. He doesn't eat dinner. And if he eats more than a bite or two, we are impressed.

And it would also explain his constant crankiness from infancy, regularity issues, and frequent stomach aches.

So, we've cut him off from dairy, too.

Gabriel is the lone dairy-drinker in our house now, and once he finishes the goat's milk we had already brought home, we'll all be dairy-free at home. At least for now.

We are all working on adjusting. Adjusting meals. Adjusting flavors. Adjusting expectations.

trying

2010-09-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

The more time I spend with both a baby and a toddler, the more I realize that I prefer infants.

Do not get me wrong. I love Liam. Fully. Desperately. Unconditionally.

But taking care of a baby comes much more naturally to me. It's easy.

Liam is not. He is a lot of work. All of the time.

I struggle to keep up with him. The messes he makes. The path of destruction he so gleefully leaves in his wake.

In the past few days, he has pried off the wood trim from the bottom of the living room window twice with his play tools, emptied a bottle of lotion into the fish tank, and ripped up a book (One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish) and dunked it in the fish tank.

He whines. He yells. He refuses to eat his food.

He is a two year old.

I find myself struggling. Struggling to clean up after him all day long. Struggling to show him patience, and yet I expect it from him.

I whine. And I yell. I refuse to stop and consider that he is still learning. Still learning how to be.

Messes can be cleaned. The house can be straightened. The fish can get new water. We can start over. Again and again. Because that is what it takes to learn.
And then the day is over. We go to sleep, and then awake. Ready to do it all again. Maybe with a little more grace this time around.

Invasion

2010-09-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

Look who we found, sliming through the kitchen:

It gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Please focus on the outrageously huge slug, not my funky feet, which my mom says are cute, like a hobbit's without all the hair. Thanks, Mom.

tummy time

2010-09-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

{this moment}

2010-09-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

apples, apples, apples (and pears)

2010-09-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

This summer seemed particularly hot. Hot, humid, and hot some more. It may have had more to do with feeling cooped up indoors with a newborn who just couldn't take much heat. And, let's face it, summer is so much more enjoyable when I am feeling good in my swimsuit. Thank you, post-baby body. So this sneak peek at fall weather that we have had the last week or so has been more than welcome.

My thoughts are turning from lemonade, simple salads, and outdoor grilling to my favorite flavors of fall. Bring on the sweaters, falling leaves, and fires in the woodstove. I'll take some brisk morning air, thank you.

And there is no greater hint at the glory of the coming season than bushels and bushels of apples.

We picked a box full of them at the farm in Iowa. I know, here I go again about our farm trip last month. Yes, it really was that good.

Liam especially enjoyed the treat of picking and eating his own apples.

We ended up with quite the sinkful. Jim and Janelle weren't sure about the variety. The tree is old, and they usually don't bother with harvesting these ones since the apples aren't very pretty, they are kind of sour, and they are prone to worm-invasion...

In other words, they're perfect for apple butter.

After a thorough washing and removing of yucky spots, Gabriel and cut them into large chunks, skins, seeds, stems, and all.

I cooked them until the apples broke down. The smell was fantastic.

After a run through the food mill attachment on my KitchenAid, I returned the apple puree (nearly 2 gallons worth!!!) to the stovetop along with 1 1/2 cups of sucanat sugar, two cinnamon sticks, two slices of orange peel, and a good pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. The sauce simmered away on the stovetop for the better part of the afternoon, resulting in wonderfully spiced apple butter.

We ended up with a dozen jars, canned and ready for all the pancakes we can make...

This Sunday, after we got home from our weekend camping trip, we went and picked more apples along with some pears from some neglected trees that were just brimming with fruit.

Gabriel did most of the work, picking bag after bag of the tasty fruit.

And when he had picked all he could reach from the ladder, Gabriel did the next logical thing.

Up, up, up.

All of that hard work payed off.

The pears need a while to ripen, but, oh, do I ever have plans for them. And we went through one bag of the apples and cam eup with 8 ziploc bags of apples, sliced, sweetened, and spiced for apple pie. All they need is a crust to cook in.

Okay, fall, we're ready for you...

weekend camping

2010-09-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Is it really already Wednesday? This week has been slipping through my grasp. So many things to do, and not enough time to do them.

Despite the hectic start to my week, we had a wonderful labor day weekend: camping out at New Life Ranch. The Maples invited the Francos who invited us. We are so glad they did.

We set up our tents at one of the ranch's camping sites, tucked up in the hills and just a short hike from the creek. A 2-year old boy's version of heaven.

Splashing in the creek with his buddy, Sage, and a friendly canine friend, Kelty.

Liam's first canoe ride.

This was River's first camping trip (not counting our trip while I was 37 weeks pregnant...).

He loved it.

Especially since Grammie was there to share it with.

And camping wouldn't be camping without the Franco family. This picture cracks me up. Everyone really was having a good time. Really.

Sage and his Granddaddy Longlegs...

Ever the little extrovert, Liam loved all of the commotion and play that came along with the four Maple kids. (That's Sage in the foreground, saying good morning...)

All of the commotion and play.

And some tent-style snoozing...

An evening spent around the campfire

(this is the proverbial gun on the mantel... you've been forewarned).

S'mores. Liam-approved.

The bedtime plan for Liam was to let him have a late night, enjoying the campfire, smores, a night under the stars...

But as soon as he ate his last bite of smore, he hit major meltdown mode. I need a nap! I need to go to bed. I need to sleep in the tent. Now! All screaming, flailing about. I couldn't get him to bed fast enough.

Much better.

The best thing about early fall camping: needing something warm to snuggle upon waking...
And the pancakes.
Okay, remember the gun on the mantel?

We didn't light a fire in the morning, instead cooking over our campstoves. But the ashes and coals in the fire pit were still hot from the night before. Liam discovered that he is not a firewalker after all.

He's fine.

His feet are fine.

No blistering, just some swollen tenderness.

And a lesson well-learned: we do not walk across the fire pit. Never ever.

Run, Forest, Run

2010-09-04T06:02:00.000-07:00

My brother scored a touchdown in the first game of the season last night! Go #29!!!

47-0. Woohoo!

a week on the farm - on the way home

2010-09-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am finally getting around to finishing our week on the farm posts. Yes, it has taken me nearly two weeks. And, yes, that drives me crazy. But it is what it is.

Especially since I have been single mom this week: Gabriel gets back tomorrow from yet another week-long business trip. While he has been in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, I have had the joy and privilege of a very-two-year-old and a teething baby all to myself. It's a lot of fun.

Maybe next week I'll get around to posting some of the fun moments from the two since we've been home. Maybe.

...

Like all return trips tend to go, the drive home from the farm was not nearly as peaceful as the drive up had been.

Liam was. not. happy. to be in the carseat going away from the farm. Janelle was amazing enough to have some special surprise gifts for him to open in the car, and of course they worked their magic. But magic only lasts so long, and the normal 8 hours by car took us a good 12 hours coming home. Whew.

We made a long stop in Kansas City, the half-way point, at a shopping mall with this fun restaurant:

Welcome to Fritz's, every train-loving-boy's dream.

Model trains rumbled on tracks throughout the dining area, and more trains circled around overhead on tracks along the ceiling.

Each table had a phone from which we called to place our order.

And there were conductor hats.
But the real showstopper was when the trains overhead delivered our meal. They have these special trays which hang below the train and then lower at the appropriate table. In hindsight, I should have explained to Liam what was going to happen, but I thought it would be a fun surprise for him. More like a moment of terror when the train stopped above us and started lowering a big box of who knows what. He got over the panic quickly, not because Gabriel and I were telling him that it was okay. No, it was all about the grilled cheese sandwich he found inside.

Across the street from the shopping mall, we found a great place for Liam to let loose some of his bottled up energy. But he was a bit intimidated by all of that water shooting out of the ground.

Once Gabriel started running around in the fountain with him, Liam decided this place was more than okay.

They were soaked for the remainder of the drive, but Liam took a huge nap once we were back on the road.

...

We had a fantastic trip, but it is always nice to be home again.

a week on the farm - simple pleasures

2010-08-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Being on the farm in Iowa is one of our favorite places to be. Janelle always bemoans the fact that there is nowhere exciting to go and nothing exciting to see. Exactly! That is what we love most about these visits: the excuse to just relax and enjoy simple tasks and the pleasant ache of a workday finished.

And they have cows.

River got a crash course on where the milk that he won't be drinking comes from. It was a little odd being on a dairy farm on a dairy-free diet. Milk, milk everywhere, nor any drop to drink.

milk truck

Gabriel and Liam spent most of their time out in the barn building new stalls with Jim for the cows. Liam was happy to dig in the dirt and the sand and give the skid loader plenty of space.

Gabriel was happy to get his hands dirty (okay, his entire body...shower every night, please).

And look at this guy. I can't help but smile.

The farm is just one gigantic playground for Liam.

The kinds of sweets he doesn't get at home...yum.

And because they're dairy-free! , I had my fair share of Oreos, too...

Corn fields to explore.

Kittens to meet

and to share.

and to snuggle.

We all had such a nice time. Really, this is our favorite vacation destination.

Liam is still talking about the farm, asking when we are going to go back and see Unca Gim (Uncle Jim) milking cows.

Next week? is his suggestion.

{this moment}

2010-08-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

...

Even more farm pictures coming soon. Liam is behaving just like a two-year old today. It's a bit exhausting.

a week on the farm - Iowa State Fair

2010-08-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

We spent Thursday at the Iowa State Fair.

Gabriel has great memories of the fair from when he was a little kid, but I had never been before, and Liam jumped at the chance to see more cows...and pigs, sheep, horses, goats...

But first we had to consult a fairgrounds map, circa 1891.

At the fair, we made our way over to the Little Hands on the Farm, where they outfitted Liam with a farm apron, a bucket, and an oversized hat.

He followed the path from the veggie plot where he harvested some peppers, squash, onions, and carrots,

around to the apple tree, fresh for the picking but not for eating. Liam tried taking a bite of the plastic apple...it wasn't quite what he was expecting.

After a stop at the grain barn for both corn to give in exchange for milk and soy beans that became the fuel for his tractor,

he was off to the market to sell his goods

and earn some cash

just the right amount for a tasty treat.

fun fun fun

But the real fun was to be had in the barns...

This horse's back stood taller than Gabriel's 6'2"... And we didn't want to get one step closer, so you'll just have to take my word for it.

Baaa.

There were plenty of cows to see and pet

cows taking a bath

and blown dry until they're soft and fluffy

River took it all in, although his view from down in the stroller may not have always been ideal...

sweet sweet little cows

And then we saw some pigs. They wanted to see us, too.

I had a lot of sympathy for these poor mama pigs...

But everyone's favorite was the goats. This one in particular.

See?

Liam was especially taken by him.

Okay, we all were.

It was all so much fun that it wore River out.

Tractor time!

Big tractors...

The first thing he said was, Where are the keys?

And what would a visit to the fair be without some food on a stick? Yummy pickle!

It was a big day. A fun day.

...

After the fair, we stopped at Gabriel's cousin Jared's house to visit him, Allison, Makenna, and to meet Colin for the first time.

Colin is 2 weeks younger than River, but also a good 2 inches taller. It was fun to see them side by side.

And these two. They were going non-stop.

You can see a video of all of the commotion over on Jared and Allison's blog here.

And trying to get a decent picture of the two of them together...well, it was about like this.

This is as good as it gets.

We had a nice visit with them, thanks guys!

...

And it was on the drive home to the farm late that night that a deer did this.

The picture doesn't really do it justice. Our poor car is in the shop until sometime next week.

...

In other news, River's appointment with the cardiologist yesterday was encouraging. Although the hole in his heart has not yet closed up, the doctor didn't think surgery would be necessary since River is thriving: he's growing well and is a very happy baby.

It's a relief. A big one.

But, of course, before we left for the appointment yesterday morning, we discovered that our refrigerator had stopped working. The freezer still works, and a repairman is supposed to come back with some replacement parts sometime tomorrow.

In the meantime, we have stuff in coolers in the kitchen, and our milk delivered last night has already gone sour. Boo.

C'est la vie, oui?

A week on the farm - day 1

2010-08-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

We left extra early Tuesday morning so we could be to the farm by mid-afternoon. Both boys traveled great, and Liam was especially excited that we were going to see cows.

And this is where the littlest one spent a lot of time. We're still loving the Ergo carrier.

Extra special sleeping accomodations: Liam loved his tractor bed!

...

This has been another long day of post-trip housekeeping along with a 4-month old who's teething and grouchy.

Hopefully, I'll be able to post more pictures soon along with some commentary by yours truly. A certain someone was just sitting around waiting for farm pictures, so I am staying up extra late to oblige...

...

Tomorrow we meet with River's pediatric cardiologist at 10:00am. I'm hoping for good news to report.

what a day, what a day

2010-08-23T16:59:00.000-07:00

I had planned on posting some pictures and stories about our wonderful week on the farm, but I just don't have it in me for tonight.

This was a long, long day.

The craziest news from our trip is that we were hit by a deer Thursday night.

Yes, the deer hit us. It ran straight into our car as we were cruising down Highway 20. I was driving, and by the time I saw the deer, the collision was inevitable. So, I floored it, hoping for more of the damage to end up at the rear of the car rather than the engine. The deer smashed into the front passenger door, crashed and slid along the back passenger door, and bunced off the back of the car.

None of us were injured, the car still ran fine, and neither of the kids woke up. Gabe, who'd been sleeping, just about jumped out of his skin, and I fear the worst for the suicidal deer.

So, the long story short is that I had to call the insurance company, meet with the adjuster, drop off the car, get a rental car, and go grocery shopping all in the same day with two kiddos who wanted nothing more than to stay at home all day. That clearly didn't happen.

Our insurance is covering the cost of the repairs along with the rental car for the six days or so it will take until the work is finished. And apparently the rental car agency takes a close look at the renter and chooses a car that is the complete opposite of their lifestyle. So, that's how we ended up with a jet black Chevy Impala.

...

I'm ready for a nice peaceful evening. Like this foggy morning on the farm. Much better.

we're back

2010-08-22T20:29:00.001-07:00

We just got back from a week at the farm in Iowa. Lots of pictures coming soon...

an introduction: chickens and carrots

2010-08-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

Last week, I bought River a bumbo seat off of Craigslist. We never had one for Liam, who at 3 1/2 months would have been too wobbly still to manage in it. But the main reason we never bought one for Liam was because he did not like to be set down, which meant I wore him strapped to my chest for most of the day when he was River's age.

I am happy to have a little one this time around who is content to sit back and watch what's going on in the world around him.

And the bumbo seat gives him a whole new view.

River has really been enjyoing morning's spent outside before it gets too hot. It was time for a very special introduction:

River, meet the chickens.

Chickens, meet River.

He wasn't sure what to think at first, but he spent a long time observing our feathered friends.

While River and the chickens became better acquainted, Liam and I harvested our bed full of red! carrots. He was an enthusiastic helper.

And since it was a morning for new sights, sounds, and friends, why not add some new textures/tastes as well?
I am anxious for the cooler weather just around the corner. Both these guys will be glad for the extra backyard time, too.

a sure thing

2010-08-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

If I am being completely honest, I'll admit that most days are exhausting. I wake up cranky. I try to distract with toys instead of interact. I just want the kids to sleep. At the same time, please. And when I am feeling fed up and like I'd rather be anywhere but this moment, River will smile. Liam will make me laugh.

And then I love being a parent. I love the challenge. I love these boys.

If I am being completely honest, I am really really lucky to have them.

River is such a happy baby. Ever since he discovered that he can stick his tongue out, he does it all day long.

Just watching a baby discover the world is something to smile about.

Seeing his little personality emerge is so much fun. He is so different from Liam, but still so similar. Hurray for brothers.
And then there is this kid. What a challenge. What a crack-up. Always into everything everywhere at the same time.
He is a lot to keep up with.

He is potty trained (well, most of the time when he feels like being cooperative), but living au naturale still suits him just fine.

And now he calls me Dorth. When did he become such a little boy?

So, all of this is to say that these two little guys make our family complete. Content with what we have.

All along, Gabriel and I have said that we wanted to have two of our own and then after that adopt kids into our family.

That hasn't changed. And now that we have these two, we were ready to make sure of it. Yes, it's a big decision. One we have put a lot of thought into, but also one that we feel very confident about.

There is a bittersweet sadness in it. A finality. But also gratitude for the pregnancy and childbirth we have had the privilege to experience twice, and also a gladness that we are done with that season of our lives.

If and when our family of four is ready to grow again, we want to make a home for children who don't have one. But until then, it's just the four of us.

And, really, the thought of no more birth control... That's an added bonus.

tummy time

2010-08-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

dairy free it is

2010-08-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

After a week of eliminating dairy from my diet for River's benefit, it is obvious that this boy just can't take the cow's milk.

From the research I've done, it's not that he is lactose intolerant. That would be too easy. It's most likely that he is allergic to casein, the protein found in cow's milk, and he may or may not outgrow it. He fits the symptoms: sudden abdominal pain, gas, occasional congestion, bloody stools, diarrhea. Poor guy.

But going all of last week without dairy, he was like a new person: happy and content all the time, fussing only when he was tired, hungry, or needed a diaper change. He laughed and played, sat back and observed the family's going-ons, and slept really really well.

And then, over the weekend, the abdominal pain and gas returned, along with the inconsolable fussing. We haven't been getting much sleep.

I'm trying to figure out what caused the setback:

Was it the single bite of a bagel with cream cheese on Saturday, and then a bite of green beans on Sunday that apparently had some butter in them?

Could he also be intolerant to beef? I had (cheeseless) supreme pizza on Saturday and roast beef on Sunday.

Or maybe it's *shudders* chocolate. The dark chocolate bar on Saturday and chocolate chip cupcakes on Sunday tasted great to me, but maybe he just can't take dairy-free chocolate either?

Those are the only foods I ate over the weekend that I didn't have during the week of bliss before. So, I'm being careful to avoid beef and chocolate along with dairy over the next few days, and then I'll test them one at a time to try and figure out what else I can't eat for the next year or so.

It's frustrating. But, after seeing how happy he can be when his intestines aren't complaining, all of these foods sacrificed are a small price to pay.

I'm a lucky girl

2010-08-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

Look what I got for my anniversary gift:

It's a Nikon D5000 DSLR with the 18-55 mm lens to start with.

I love taking pictures: our boys, the garden, trips we go on, bread I bake. We decided that it was worth upgrading from our little point and shoot to something a bit better, and I am SO EXCITED.

Now, I have to learn how to use the thing... but I am loving it already!!!

What did Gabriel get for our 7 year anniversary? A pretty little hatchet. Well, and I suppose the camera is his also...

seven years

2010-08-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Monday was our wedding anniversary.

Seven years ago we promised ourselves to each other: It was the craziest best decision I have ever made.

Our marriage has survived the college years, the year we completely gutted and remodeled our house, and the birth of two kids. Some days are definitely better than others, but when it really comes down to it, there is no person I'd rather spend my life with.

And even though neither of us is the same person that we were on our wedding day, we are even more perfect for each other now. God is funny like that.

Gabriel, I love life with you, our children, and whatever tomorrow may bring.

take me to the river

2010-08-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning, we went to the White River out by Beaver Dam for the first time. Gabe wanted to scout out the fishing spots for later trips, and we decided to make a day of it for the whole family.

We drove up near the dam, but didn't go over it. Just getting close to it made me almost hyperventilate. I don't indulge in a lot of fears, but gigantic dams holding back large bodies of water just about undo me. That and suspension bridges. And, yes, there was one of those in the day, too. The only one in the area. It was one lane, old, and seemed awfully rickety. It freaked me out.

But the river was beautiful. (Before you roll your eyes at Arkansas, this isn't the river...just a puddle on the way for Liam to splash in)
River hung out in the Ergo carrier and was happy to look around.

Learning about the tackle box. So. Much. Fun. (for both of them...).

We got back in the car and headed over to a camping area in Beaver to find a place where Liam could splash in the water and throw rocks without irritating the nearby fishermen.

Add to that sticks for digging in the mud.

And a park to explore.

And a happy happy baby.

And we have a good day.

trains trains trains

2010-08-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

After our morning at the river, we took a different route home and passed through Eureka Springs, a funky little town tucked away in the Ozarks. It's a local tourist attraction for lovers of eclectic arts, bikers with beer bellies, new agers and hippies, homosexuals and their Pride events, and, of course, conservative Christians flocking to see the Great Passion Play and the enormous Christ of the Ozarks up on the hilltop. Add to that the charm of an historic Victorian style mainstreet nestled into the bluffs. You never quite know what you'll find in Eureka Springs.

This time, we found the old railroad station.
Most of the tracks and engines date back to the early 1900's, and we were able to climb all around and check them out.
Liam is really into Thomas the train lately, so he was very excited to climb into a real steam engine. A BIG ONE.

Gabriel was pretty excited about it, too. Okay, we all were.

Liam had me singing:

Down by the station early in the morning

See the little pufferbellies all in a row.

See the engine driver pull the little handle.

Chug chug, toot toot

Off we go!

Apparently, River was excited about the trains, too.

Ok, River, no more health scares. Please.

2010-07-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I found blood in River's dirty diaper. Not a whole lot. Just traces really. But it was unmistakeably bright red blood.

I will spare you the agony of suspense I went through before getting to the doctor's office. Here's the conclusion:

He's fine. Breathes sigh of relief.

...

Earlier that morning, he had some gas pain (not unusual for him), but it was bad enough for him to get really upset about. After his nap, he woke up, nursed, and then I changed the scary diaper.

I immediately called the pediatrician's office, left a message with the promise that the nurse would call me right back, and then called my mom.

She helped me not freak out too much, prayed with me, and then the nurse called me back to schedule an appointment for later in the afternoon.

I did my best to have anormal afternoon. To preoccupy my mind. Liam is good at helping me with that.

Since I didn't have the car for the day, my mom left work early to take us to the doctor's office across town, and Trish was amazing enough to come and stay with Liam, despite the fact that she was already having a difficult day.

I brought the diaper with me, which the doctor took a sample from to rule out any kind of bacterial infection, but she was pretty sure that River is intolerant to dairy, and the dairy I consume is irritating River's intestines through my breast milk.

So, the long story short is that I am supposed to avoid dairy for a little while to see if that makes the problem go away. I'm pretty sure it will, especially since I have had a niggling suspicion that dairy is what has been causing him the everpresent gas problems, but I didn't want to find out for fear that I would have to make some changes in my own diet. I eat a lot of dairy. Especially cheese and yogurt. Now I am feeling really bad. It took blood in his diaper for me to give it a try.

Oh, River, I am sorry.

He continues to thrive despite it all. And he's gained a pound and a half in the last month.

He's such a happy little guy.

taking care

2010-07-31T15:10:00.000-07:00

This is Liam's meerkat, known as Kittycat. I'm not sure he realizes it isn't actually a cat...but it's a favorite nonetheless. Kittycat needed to snuggle in the bouncy seat with Liam and Gee, the blanket.

And then Kittycat was ready for some stories.

Liam so rarely has pretend play with his stuffed toys and dolls. That was one of my favorite modes of play when I was little (although I also had my favorite cars, too), so it is always a treat to see him explore imaginative play without my initiating it.

Kittycat enjoyed the time, too.

...

Another rare occurence lately:

Washing Liam's hair.

Grammie has been the only one able to persuade him to cooperate in the last couple of months, and she doesn't give him that many baths.

And he also refuses to have his hair brushed.

So when Liam woke up with a major fro yesterday morning, we faced the inevitable.

He likes the new do. I like the idea of no more hair-battles.
But, oh, how much I miss those golden locks...

bleh

2010-07-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

It started with extreme fatigue, fevers, and nausea on Wednesday and ended with nearly 24 hours of sleep yesterday, but I am most happy to say I am recovered from a yucky flu. Yuck. And yuck again.

I hate being sick, but at least I have an amazing husband who stayed home from work yesterday to take care of the kids, allowing me to sleep the day away upstairs. He even did laundry. Yes. Amazing and wonderful super husband, indeed.

Now I am praying that no one else in the family comes down with it...

in the news

2010-07-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

River and I were pictured in Ozark Natural Foods' August Newsletter. It's silly how happy this makes me, but it is what it is... Hurray for Green Babies!
You can see the picture in the newsletter by clicking here. Scroll down to page 9.

out of thin air

2010-07-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

My bread baking has taken a magical turn.

A few weeks ago, I began the process of developing a sourdough starter from scratch, which basically means I harnessed the natural wild yeast looming in my kitchen and, along with flour and water, turned it into a foaming, yeasty, glop of sourdough starter with enough leavening power to make fantastic breads.

And it worked. You might want to start calling me Hermione Granger. At least that's how I fancy myself as I stir up another batch of bread dough with this magical brew.

And somehow, I am still surprised every time my dough rises without me adding any packaged yeast. Sometimes, it's even a little too active.

I have been experimenting with sourdough recipes found in Breads from the La Brea Bakery, Local Breads, and The Bread Bible, and I have started using them as the starting point for my own bread recipes.

The results have been mostly scrumptious. Gabriel would be the first to tell you that not all of the loaves have been a huge success, but many have. Of course, I'll only share pictures of the good ones...

Sourdough Rye Sandwich Bread

Sourdough Pizza Dough

topped with pesto, goat cheese, tomatoes, and onions, then finished on the grill

Sourdough Croissants

I used the instructions found in The Bread Bible as a guide, which only requires rye flour, all-purpose flour, water, and a few days of patience. The chlorine contained in tap water would have inhibited the initial growth of the natural yeast, so rather than going out and buying bottled water for this project, I set out an open quart jar of tap water over night. The chlorine all evaporated by the next day, and I was able to put a lid on the jar and use that water for the entire process.

The initial starter I finished didn't have quite the leavening power necessary, but within another week of refreshing and refreigeration, it worked fantastic.

Interested in giving natural sourdough a try without going through the hassle of making your own? I have extra starter I can pass along (instead of just pouring it down the drain or feeding it to the chickens) with each loaf I make. Of course, I can only pass it along to those of you here in Northwest Arkansas...

River

2010-07-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

At almost 3 months old, River is doing great. He's chunking up, eats well, smiles a lot, and watches Liam's every move.

We're still waiting until the end of August to meet with the cardiologist, and doing our best not to think about his heart until then.

He has been making that pretty easy. Look at this sweetness:

Not quite what I had in mind...

2010-07-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

I have been toying with the idea of cutting my hair for the past couple of weeks. Nothing drastic. Maybe even just a trim. Something a little different.

But when I woke up this morning, showered, and got ready for church, I had no intention of making today the haircut day.

But then I got my hair stuck in the hairbrush. Not just kind of stuck. Completely and irreversibly stuck. I have no idea how I managed to do this...
So then I had to swallow my pride and call for Gabriel to come and rescue me from my brush's death grip. I felt like an idiot. And then I looked like one.

So, now I have bangs. Not casual side bangs that say I'm-thinking-about-switching-to-bangs. No. These are in your face, no turning back now, short little bangs. The kind that look cute. I wasn't going for cute.

But cute it is.

I wonder how long it will take for them to grow out?

lime love

2010-07-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

story time

2010-07-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

Uncle FoFo

2010-07-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

This was a whirlwind of a week. From the time that Forest and Hayden flew in on Monday, until we dropped them off at Hayden's dad's house in Kansas City yesterday morning, I never had much of a break. But it was a good week. So good to see my not-so-little baby brother.

At Joe's Crab Shack on Monday.

Liam had a great time bossing them around in his sand box.

He told them to sit. They sat.

He told them shoes off. So they did.

He told them where to dig. And that's where they dug.

Aren't Uncles great?

Don't be fooled.

I am not sure how the camera captured Liam looking so calm and relaxed. River got to know his Uncle Forest, too, although he wasn't soft and squishy enough for River to get very comfortable in his arms... Forest wasn't so sure about holding a fussing baby, either. They tried.

We're looking forward to seeing Forest again over the holidays... I wish the visits didn't have to be so few and far between.

at the aquatic center

2010-07-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we went to the aquatic center in Springdale. I'm not sure how I have lived in Northwest Arkansas for nearly seven years without ever knowing about this place, but it was great. There is an entire gated area perfect for little toddlers, and another big splash area with little slides. Not to mention shade awnings over sections of the swimming areas and benches to splash and sit on, too.

But, everyone has to pay to get in.

Yep, we had to pay admission for River !?!

As long as he had a special someone to hold him, River had a great time. He may have even gotten his $2 worth...

Not one to hold back, Liam splashed and played and splashed some more. He was super excited to swim with his Auntie Linda and Ethan.

Water slides? Yes, please.

River got some special pool time with his Auntie Linda, too.

Hurray for swimming on a hot hot hot summer day.

Forest and Hayden were at the pool, too, but somehow I never got a picture of them...

it was a whopper

2010-07-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

Today was non-stop:

4:00 AM - Wake up to take Gabe to the Northwest AR airport for a business trip

7:30 AM - Drive to Tulsa Zoo with Rochelle and Sage (Yay! Lots of fun. See below...)

1:00 PM - Make a quick-as-quick-can-be-with-toddler-who-dislikes-riding-in-the-cart-while-I-lug-carseat-with-sleeping-baby to Whole Foods for some colic relief tablets for aforementioned baby who is finally sleeping after crying through most of the morning.

2:25 PM - Arrive at Tulsa airport to pick up my brother Forest and his buddy Hayden, my mom joins us.

3:00 PM - Eat at Joe's Crab Shack. Yum. Bucket of crab legs. Yum.

5:30 PM - Hit the road, heading back to Arkansas. Before we reach the freeway, Liam has to potty. We stop at a gas station, Liam decides he doesn't need to go after all, but then Forest does. And then they need to get drinks inside. And then it's really time for River to nurse again. And then he has a really messy diaper. And then Liam needs to pee again (another false alarm).

6:05 PM - Leave the gas station.

7:30 PM - Get to the childcare center in Springdale where my mom teaches and also cleans three days a week (I'm going to help her with the cleaning from now on for some extra income). Liam goes to sleep on a cot in one of the classrooms, and Forest and Hayden take turns trying to rock River to sleep and then coming to get me when he won't stop fussing. This happened several times.

9:30 PM - Finish the cleaning, and it is pouring down rain in classic summer-storm fashion. I crawl along the 412 at 45 mph...

10:15 - Finally home. Get the boys into bed. Unload the car. Sit down at the computer with a glass of milk and a couple cookies...

I really need to get to bed soon.

...

Sometimes the crazy stressful days are actually really fun. This was a good one. But I'm also glad all days are not as busy as today. Just call me an introverted homebody.

...

And now for some zoo pictures:

Getting these two to look at the camera simultaneously just wasn't happening. But they really liked the meerkat.

His first carousel ride.

This is the I'm-not-so-sure-about-this-Mama face. But when the ride was over and we got down, he didn't want to leave. I think we'll be trying again next zoo trip.
River's first train ride.
He's been really into blowing spit bubbles lately.

Me and my boys.

what he does with bubble wrap

2010-07-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

let's go for a walk

2010-07-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would be the kind of mother who puts her kid on a leash.

Then again, I never thought I'd have a two-year old who likes to run run run and doesn't wait for Mama to catch up.

This wasn't too bad until I also had a newborn to tote around.

So, I made Liam a harness and leash.

Somehow, I feel less conflicted about the whole thing since the harness is really cute.

Meet Mr. Frog

He enjoys piggyback (froggyback...?) rides

Liam likes him, too. Especially since that means he can run run run without me yelling for him to come back.
I made the pattern up as I went along. The frog's arms and legs attach to some strong webbing anchored around and onto his chest under a lily pad, with a buckle closure on the side.

I think he may make my life just that much easier. Thanks, Mr. Frog.

Rainy Summer Days

2010-07-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

The last few day here have been rainy and cool. In my California days, I never would have called mid-80's cool... oh, what a little perspective will do.

Yesterday, Liam looked longingly out the front window, watching the rain.

Liam play outside in the rain, Mama?

So that's what we did. I stayed under the cover of the front porch with River while Liam splashed and skipped through the rain and puddles.

And what makes playing in the rain even more fun? A bike, of course.

And to make Liam's morning perfect, the city truck came by to haul away our branches waiting by the street. This was unbelievably exciting.

transfixed

The simple joy of trucks

And look at what a chub this guy is turning into.

sad, silly, and so sweet

2010-07-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

Sad

I'm really not sure how this happened, but my pizza stone has baked its last. We've had a nice run, but it's time to move on. Sniff.

I just ordered this one as a replacement.

Silly

This is what Liam wears when he gets to choose: last night's pajama shirt, big boy undies, and hiking boots that are a few sizes too big.

We ran some errands this morning, and I decided to be totally gutsy and take him in his underwear and shorts instead of a diaper. In the store, he told me when he needed to use the potty, we rushed over to it, and he peed. Success! I think we might maybe, almost, so close now be potty trained (fingers crossed...).

So Sweet

Night time stories with Grammie are extra special.

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

celebrate

Friday Night Pizza

2010-07-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

On the grill:

barbecue sauce
shredded cheddar cheese
black olives
sliced green onion
sliced red bell pepper
sweet corn
diced jalapeno
baby portabello mushrooms
crumbled cajeta cheese

just for fun

2010-07-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

Liam at 11 weeks

River at (almost) 10 weeks

such happiness

2010-07-03T15:17:00.000-07:00

Keep Calm and Carry On

2010-07-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

I know these posters have been circulating the blog world for a while now. Definitely old news. But they are so timely for me right now.

A boisterous toddler + an infant = a lot of craziness, even on a good day.

Ever the thrifty DIY-er, I scrawled the message on the chalk wall in my dining room:

Keep Calm and Carry ON

Yes. It helps.

...

Monday morning, River had his 2-month check up with the pediatrician (2 months...can you believe it?).

His doctor detected a heart murmur and sent us to UAMS Children's Center in Lowell the next day for an echocardiogram.

The procedure took nearly two hours, and even though it wasn't painful or even uncomfortable for him, River was not happy about it. The technician was awesome. Very understanding of the stress it was causing for both River and me. We took two breaks to calm the little guy down, but then eventually just had to let him scream himself to sleep. After that, the rest was a breeze.

They sent the scans down to the pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital in Little Rock, who sent the results to River's pediatrician, who, in turn, called us Wednesday afternoon.

River has two holes in his heart. The atrial septal defect is super common, and almost always self-heals. The ventricular septal defect isn't all that unusual either, although these ones don't always close on their own.

We have an appointment with the pediatric cardiologist (who comes up to UAMS from Little Rock) at the end of August.

They tell me not to worry. That, other than the heart defects, he is thriving (He now weighs 11 lbs, 2 oz, and is 23" in length...which puts him right in the 50th percentile).

The fact that we aren't meeting with the cardiologist until late August is reassuring. Obviously, they don't think it's too pressing of an issue.

But, still. It's hard to hold him, feel his heart beating, and not think about what's going on in there.

Keep Calm and Carry On, Dorothy. Keep Calm and Carry On. Amen.

...

As a side note, I finally went upstairs with the intention of grabbing our camera charger, only to discover that it is missing a component. We can't find it, so a replacement is on its way. It should get here maybe today or tomorrow. We're long overdue for some picture updates...

A day at the zoo

2010-06-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Friday morning, Crystal, Simone, and Everett joined me, Liam, and River on a trip to the Tulsa Zoo.

It was quite an adventure, but we had a great day. Let's just say Crystal and I were definitely outnumbered by our little people.

We brought the double jogging stroller, the Ergo carrier, and Crystal's Bjorn.

Liam and Simone rode in the stroller.
And then they walked (and Crystal and I worked on our patience since every rock, curb, and mound of any kind needed to be jumped on) while River and Everett had a turn.

I can't get over this picture. My mom says it looks like they are sitting between the two love gods... I could easily see this on the wedding invitation Crystal and I are not-so-secretly hoping for in a couple decades or so.

More sweetness.

We finished the afternoon with a wholesome lunch at Wholefoods.

I have to say, spending the day at the zoo with four kids under three, with only a few meltdowns along the way, is definitely empowering. It was a good day.

triumph!

2010-06-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

Liam has been sleeping WITHOUT HIS PACIFIER since Tuesday. It has conveniently been missing (on my dresser) since the nap when we couldn't find the thing, and he eventually went to sleep without it.

I think the paci may find its way into the trash by tomorrow...

summer swimming

2010-06-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

Liam has spent this week going from one swimming pool to the next:

Monday - swimming with Simone

Tuesday - swimming at home with me and River

Wednesday - swimming with Sage and Claire

Today - more swimming at our place

He is slowly warming up (or cooling down, perhaps) to the idea of actually playing in the water instead of just splashing from the outside.

Of course, I only have pictures from Monday. The camera battery is just about dead, and I haven't made it all the way upstairs to grab the charger, which has been hanging out on my dresser since we unpacked from our Destin trip... I know, that's lame.

But here is some swimming pool cuteness from Monday at least.

Simone in the water
Liam out of the water

Liam encouraging Simone to destroy things: chalk soup anyone?

It wasn't long after this picture that Liam realized that his shorts were wet, stripped them off, and happily splashed around naked for a bit.

sweltering

2010-06-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

We lived without air conditioning yesterday.

The indoor temperature hovered at a balmy 92 degrees for the majority of the day.

We spent the morning in Wal-Mart just for their air conditioning, and came home with lemons for lemonade, strawberries for popsicles, and a kiddie pool for the backyard.

When I put Liam down for his nap, he looked at me and said, Turn heater off, Mama.

It was hot enough that both boys napped for over 4 hours !!! which gave me plenty of time to lounge on the couch, utterly miserable and overheated. I know, that's pathetic. My neighbor Trish has been living without a.c. all summer, and it wasn't too long ago that everyone everywhere lived without the benefit of air conditioning.

I have a new respect for the people who tough it out more gracefully than I, but I am also quite pleased to have our house back down to a comfortable 78.

seasonally speaking

2010-06-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

Gabriel and I recently listened to an audio recording of Barbara Kingsolver's Animal Vegetable Miracle. I had read the book back when it was first published, told Gabriel all about it, and began to seek out more local goods because of it.

But when we listened to it together a few months ago, what struck me most was the idea that eating what is locally available teaches greater lessons than just the ecological ones: learning to eat seasonally is learning to wait. To eat and live seasonally is to embrace change, waiting out the long cold months, working through the changing seasons.

Life is not always baskets of strawberries and bushels of tomatoes.

My family has been going through a long and difficult season for nearly two years now, the details of which are too convoluted, too dark and murky, too sensitive to delve into in this space. We have been in this awkward limbo for what seems like forever, and it's hard to imagine resolution for my parent's marriage, my sister's struggles, and all of our grief.

So, we're in this season. Learning to live within it has been a challenge. I find myself sinking deep into my own family: my precious boys, my beautiful husband. I cope with each click of my knitting needles. With each yard of fabric. With each loaf of bread. With each plant I coax out of the soil and water and prune and harvest. I'm dealing.

Winter never lasts forever, but it may go on longer still. I'm learning to embrace it for what it is. What God is allowing it to be.

This embracing of the seasons, the wrapping one's self in the moment, is how we are meant to live. I think this is what drew me to the Episcopal church. What continues to draw me. The repetition of the liturgy, flowing and ebbing through the year, respecting the seasons and changes. Honoring them.

Right now is where I am supposed to be. Praise be to God.

This post is part of Suzannah's ShoutLaughLove blog carnival over at So Much Shouting So Much Laughter.

mary mary quite contrary

2010-06-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here's how my garden grows:

lots and lots of peaches

echinacea
water lily

daylily

russian kale

mesclun lettuce mix

past its prime and trying to flower...

a watermelon sprout

flowers on the potato plant

promises of tomato goodness

ruby chard

and gigantic earthworms to keep it all going

just because they're cute

2010-06-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Father's Day

2010-06-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

We're both still trying to figure out how to handle two kids at once. Some days are super fun and easy. Others are full of temper tantrums, whining, and lots of squirming (from us and from Liam...).

Through all of the ups and downs and running around, Gabriel is proving himself to be a fantastic Daddy. Liam adores him and wants to be just like him. River gives him the special Daddy stare and plenty of big baby smiles.

And it's all a lot more fun when they are wearing matching shirts.
I used Simplicity 3852, a father-son shirt pattern that also included a romper variation for the littlest one. The fabric is just Absolutely Cotton, a basic quilting cotton from Hancock's Fabric. All of the buttons came from my mother-in-law's vintage button stash she generously passed along for my sewing habit.

And despite the last two weeks of nap times that I devoted to this project, I was still up late last night finishing them for the big day. I couldn't have finished without the full of day of sewing plus the extra hands for sewing buttons that my mom very generously gave... Thanks, Mom.

Liam loves to wear Daddy shirts (anything with a collar).

We call this the disappearing baby act
Happy Father's Day, Gabriel.

We love you.

Brad Pitt?

2010-06-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

While holding River the other day, Crystal said,

You know, River kind of looks like Brad Pitt.

I kind of think I maybe can see it if I really use my imagination.

But the person he is looking more and more like is himself. I don't think I have ever seen a cuter River James.

And just for fun, here is Liam at 7 weeks.

still working on that toilet training...

2010-06-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Liam has been doing better and better with the potty training.

My mom got him some Elmo underwear, and of course he loves them and wants to keep them dry.

And then Gabriel showed him the special access pocket in the front, and Liam is excited to pee out the hole... which he has been doing for the past couple of days.

We're finally getting there... that wonderful place where I don't have to change diapers for two all day.

But then, yesterday, Liam was playing with my stock pot where I store the lids to all of the saucepans (a favorite toy since he learned to scoot around on his own); next thing I know, he is standing up, peeing directly into the pot, a look of complete satisfaction on his face.

I let him finish his business, and then calmly (and with a straight face) explained that it's yucky to pee into the dishes, and if he ever did it again he'd get a big spank.

OK, Mama.

And then he went and played with his train set.

I've got a new way to walk

2010-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

I hadn't planned to get a double stroller.

They are just too cumbersome, besides the fact that I really prefer to wear River in the fantastic Ergo Baby Carrier my in-laws gifted us with (I'll save all my gushing over how it has changed my life for another post...).

But when Crystal offered us a double jogging stroller someone had kindly passed along to her family, and they didn't expect to use it, I couldn't say no.

We are a one-car family, which is great most of the time. Gabriel has a long commute to work, but he is able to carpool with a fellow Siloam-ian, so I get to have the car every other week. On the off weeks, I usually get around town by foot. In our small town, I can easily walk to the library, several parks, historic downtown, the post office, and my favorite thrift stores. With those basics covered, the only real obstacle is the weather.

Gabriel and I tried out the new jogger with an after-dinner stroll.

And both boys were comfy.
And now it'll be even easier to get the two little guys where we need to go. Thanks, Grays.

friends

2010-06-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

It's strange to think that just over 3 years ago none of these little people were here.

Instead, it was just me, Gabriel, Crystal, and Micah in this place on Friday nights with good food and the latest episode of Lost.

Things have changed a bit since then, but it's hard to imagine life any other way. These four are bound to be friends.

a bit too sweet

2010-06-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

Liam is turning into a very nurturing big brother.

Whenever River drops his pacifier, Liam tries to put it back into his mouth, and when River is crying, Liam will gently pat his back or his head and say it's ok, River, it's ok.

He has always been a sweet boy, but never showed much interest in stuffed toys or dolls, and certainly didn't seem especially sensitive to others feelings. So his attentiveness to River's needs has come as a big pleasant surprise. Well, most of the time.

I was just now in the kitchen with both boys. River was lying on a blanket on the floor, and Liam was beside him, sucking on a lollipop. Next thing I know, the lollipop is in River's mouth, and Liam is saying Here you go, River in the sweetest little voice.

I had to explain that lollipops are a special treat just for big boys like Liam, and he didn't need to share with River. Ok, Mama.

And River just kept smacking his lips at that unexpected taste. I definitely didn't plan for him to get that first taste of sugar at 6 weeks...

River Dancing

2010-06-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer, there is live folk music at the park in downtown Siloam Springs on the second Saturday of each month. Last summer, I realized that listening to this folksy music on a hot humid night and swatting away the bugs, all the while reclining on a blanket, has made me appreciate living in Arkansas a teensy bit more. Rejoicing in these little things that have made Arkansans happy for generations somehow makes me feel more connected to this place. So, yesterday evening we walked down to enjoy the festivities.

River particularly liked the music, and he was grooving to the rhythms. Feast your eyes on some River dancing:

Liam enjoyed the music, too, but he especially liked making friends and mooching some of their food. They were kind enough to share their bananas.

Fun with Everett

2010-06-08T05:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, we went to Fayetteville to visit with Crystal, Simone, and Everett. Spending a morning with such a dear friend does wonders. And our kids enjoy each other's company, too.

Everett and River are 4 months apart, just like Simone and Liam, but the size difference isn't quite as noticeable as it was for their oldser siblings (Oh, Simone, those legs of yours...)

Yep, I'll think they'll be friends.

and one more Destin post...

2010-06-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

As much as we played in the sun and the water, that wasn't all that we did in Destin.

Gabriel carried two cranky toddlers for our stressful-so-tired-but-we-have-to-buy-groceries shopping trip.
Liam practiced coloring with Grace and Aunt Carolyn.

We walked around the harbor and saw big boats and fish in the water...

and we saw more fish out of the water...

Saturday morning, we packed up the car and headed home. The oil spill wasn't supposed to reach Destin until Sunday, but as we drove along the coast, we were able to see the effects as nearby as Pensacola, and even more so once we got into Mobile, AL. It's so sad to think about the devastation the spill will cause, not only for the wildlife, but also for the economy in Destin (and all of the gulf...). Destin is such a charming beach town. Not so touristy that it's overkill, but it's hard to imagine Destin without the tourists to support it. Not to mention the fishing industry. Ugh. So so sad.

Since there is no direct highway from Destin back to Siloam Springs, we took the quickest route which meant a series of meandering country highways through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

With more "presents" to keep him entertained, lots of sleep to catch up on, and a tummy full of Krispy Kremes (a very special treat), Liam was a fantastic traveler.

And, apparently, Gabriel has a huge fascination with capitol buildings. We have been married for nearly 7 years, and somehow I never knew this about him. Marriage is full of surprises.

So we stopped to see the Mississippi Capitol building in Jackson.

Where the boys admired a cannon.

And Liam didn't want to seize a picture opportunity...

Then it was back into the car

Until we made it to Little Rock. Another capitol building.

I never thought that being in Arkansas could be such a relief, but after a 17 hour drive, it feels wonderfully like home.

water water water

2010-06-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

We spent a lot of time in the water: mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Most of the time it was just the four of us, but one evening Ben , Carolyn, and Grace joined us for a trip to the beach.

We somehow missed the signs for public beach access directly across from our condo, and ended up finding a great little cove in the harbor. Between the fish in the shallows, crabs in the sand, and boats coming and going, there was plenty to keep Liam and Grace occupied. And, the water was great for swimming.

Sweet little Grace.

The resort we stayed at had an amazing pool area, including a lagoon pool, a children's splash area, and a hot tub.

Gabriel loved being in the water even more than Liam...

But swimming is even better when you have a little one to splash with.
Liam's favorite part of the pool area was this fountain area.

And having a ball to splash with is even better. We went back to the beach Friday morning, and the waves were bigger and louder than the other times, which made Liam a little more than nervous.

It took quite a while for him to venture off the beach towel.

Since we planned to be at the beach all morning, we lugged the pack and play out and shaded it with an umbrella. This kept River completely out of the sand and sun, and proved an excellent place for a morning nap.

Gabriel finally persuaded Liam to help him dig a big hole in the sand, big enough that all of the kids playing nearby came and joined in on the fun. Ever the little extrovert, Liam thought the company was great.

This was the closest he wanted to get to the water. It's a good thing Gabriel didn't mind hauling bucket after bucket...

After a morning at the beach, we were ready for some seafood. I wanted to eat at a place that is more about really great food than really great tourism, and we found it here: Dewey Destin's Seafood, a whole in the wall shack overhanging the water in the harbor.

And the fish was as fresh as it gets: Amberjack caught that same morning. Yum!

After a long morning of playing, Liam was ready for a nap. He fell asleep in the car, and we drove around Destin for over an hour so he'd get some sleep.

It was a beautiful morning.

To Florida

2010-06-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

We were on the road by 7 am Tuesday morning. This was the short drive of our trip: a mere 6 hours from Huntsville, Alabama to Destin, Florida.

Our boys are great travelers.

River slept the majority of the time, snuggled up in his car seat, which he seems to actually enjoy being in now.

Taking a cue from my own childhood road trips, we prepared several small "presents" for Liam to open periodically along the way. Things like a dinosaur figurine, a coloring book, stickers, lacing cards... all wrapped up and waiting for him to open them up. It's really amazing how much easier these small surprises made the trip for our energetic two-year old.

Welcome to Florida!

Back when we first learned that River was going to be born at the end of April, we decided to postpone our usual Memorial Day weekend trip to the farm in Iowa until August. Gabriel and I both thought that we wouldn't be up to a road trip with a newborn.

But then after River was born, and we realized that adjusting to life with two kids wasn't so bad, or at least that life at home is just as difficult as it would be on vacation, we thought we'd make a trip to Alabama for a visit. Not long after making those travel plans, Ben invited our family to join his for what is actually his work conference with very hospitable accomodations, including an extra room in their condo.

And that is how we came to find ourselves staying at this fancy schmancy resort on Destin Beach:

Gabriel and I planned to spend the next morning on the beach with our two boys while Ben attended meetings and Carolyn stayed in the condo with Grace.

After slathering ourselves with sunscreen, wrestling Liam into his swimwear, and gathering all of the beach necessities, we went to catch the shuttle to the beach, which started service at 9 am.

When the lady at the front desk politely informed me that the shuttle wouldn't begin service until 9 am, it took me a minute to register what she was saying. What time is it? It's only 8 am. What?

Apparently, the clock in our room was set to the wrong time zone...

So, Liam got to run around and splash in the puddles on the tennis courts while we waited for the real 9 am to come around.

Finally on the shuttle, which took us across the busy highway to Henderson State Park. Liam thought the shuttle ride was very cool indeed.

The last time Liam saw the beach was back in September. This was long ago enough that he looked clueless when we told him we were going to the beach.

When we first came down the steps, Liam saw the white sand and shouted, "SNOW!" But as soon as he stepped into it, he declared "Shoes off."

This is an extra large sand box.

As exciting as all of that sand was for him, Liam wasn't so sure about the water and those scary waves.

There's nothing like sitting in the sun with my toes in the sand.

River napped well out of the sun in the warmth of the gulf breeze.

What a rough life. Yawn.

Gabriel preferred to lay back at the water's edge, and ended up with a lot of sand in his pants...

And what would a giant sandbox be without sand toys?

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T12:33:00.000-07:00

Nothing says summer is here like corn on the cob.

We have been enjoying a humid and wet Alabama full of sudden thunderstorms and downpours, which means we have had to be creative to keep the little ones entertained.

Yesterday afternoon, Gabriel and Uncle Ben took Liam and Grace on a bike ride during a lull in the rain. Along the way they found a big puddle that called for some splashing. They came back wet and muddy, clear indicators of a good time.

Today, Liam and Grace had some more water time under the shelter of the screened porch. Cousins sure are a lot of fun...

While Grace napped in the afternoon, and Liam refused to do the same, Ben took us to a fantastic playground at a nearby park. Shaped like a castle, with plenty of secret tunnels, bridges, and towers to explore, this playground kept Liam entertained for quite some time.

And River has been a little doll doing what he does best: lots of sleeping. A little doll? Why, yes. He has been perfectly snug in Grace's doll bed:

to Alabama

2010-05-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

We left our house way before the crack of dawn this morning and were on the road to Alabama by 1:00 am.

While this seems kind of crazy, we're convinced this is the only way to travel with small kids. We were over half way to Alabama before Liam was awake for the morning.

We stopped every 2 hours for River to nurse, so he stayed content for the most part, and we made it to Ben and Carolyn's by 10:00 am.

So far so good.

one month later

2010-05-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

We have been a family of four for an entire month. It is hard to remember what it was like before River joined our family. What did I do with all of that free time?

River is doing great. He loves to eat and it is beginning to show. He also really enjoys tummy time. He'll often lay like this for long stretches without complaining (Baby Liam thought even a few seconds of this was torture...which might have a lot to do with his not crawling until after 12 months).

He sleeps great at night, just waking up twice to eat. We're still working at establishing a napping schedule. Some days he naps great. Other days he doesn't and I almost go crazy between his overly-tired crankiness and keeping up with Liam and his antics. But we're dealing.

Liam still hasn't shown even a hint of jealousy towards River. He loves to come upstairs and say good morning to his little brother, he gets upset when River cries, and he lets me know when River has dropped his pacifier. He seems to genuinely enjoy looking out for him.

But Liam isn't exactly an angel. We power-struggle much of the day, and today he threw a book which bounced off River's head. River almost didn't even notice (he was nursing...), but Liam knew he'd be in trouble as soon as the book left his hands.

Tomorrow early early morning, we'll be loading up the car with both kids and all of the necessary gear and driving to Alabama where we'll visit Ben and his family. On Tuesday, we'll join them for their trip down to Destin, FL. We plan to come home the following Saturday.

Either we are very brave or very stupid. Or both. The return trip is a 14-hour drive. It could be interesting with a newborn...

But we are looking forward to the visit with Ben, Carolyn, and Grace and a week on the beach. We'll see how it goes.

a week of Grandma love

2010-05-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

We spent the last week having a great visit with Gabriel's mom. She came out to meet River, play with Liam, and give Gabriel and I an extra pair of helping hands.

On Friday, we made the big trip out to the Tulsa zoo. This was River's first big road trip, and he slept through it just fine.

Liam enjoyed the zoo, especially since Grandma was there to share it with.
He walked most of the time and really enjoyed looking at the different animals (here is looking at gobbling turkeys...).

He really liked the snake.

The petting zoo was a highlight, and so was the little lamb.

We had a really good time. The week was fairly low-key. A lot of sitting and chatting, digging in the sandbox, a bit of gardening, and a lot of taking of turns holding a fussy River (I'm learning what foods he just can't seem to take right now. Thai is obviously out).

Last night was pizza, salad, and a side of scrumptious baby. It was special for River to get to meet his Grandma. If only California weren't so far away.

more brotherly love

2010-05-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

bliss

2010-05-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

long johns for everyone

2010-05-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

When I was little, every Christmas my mom brought out a teeny tiny pair of red long johns as part of the holiday decorations. She hung them on a little hanger up on the wall. I'm not sure where they originally came from, but they became a Christmas staple. That is, until Liam was born and it was determined that he needed to wear them as well.

He was so big when he was born that he only fit into them while we were still in the hospital (click here to see).

River, of course, also wore the long johns in the hospital, and even though he is definitely growing, he can still barely squeeze into them.

Molly ordered Liam a pair of big boy long johns because the picture possibilities were just too cute.

When we were finished taking pictures, it was time for Liam to go to bed. He was really excited for River to hang out for the bedtime story and really disappointed that we wouldn't let River sleep with him all night.

Tia y Tio

2010-05-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

Molly and Andres spent Monday through Wednesday of this past week visiting at our house. They were excited to meet River, and Liam was thrilled to have his Tio and Tia for a few special days.

Molly spent a lot of time with River in her arms, and Liam had a lot of fun playing with Andres. He is still talking about their visit, reminding me of things we did with Tia Molly.

I didn't take many pictures, but Molly took a few at the park (which you still need to send me, sister...)

We had a really good visit. I'm sure it won't be too long until we see them again.

Yes, I can do this.

2010-05-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

I went on my first solo outing with Liam and River today. I figured I had put it off long enough.

We went on a walk down the hill and around the corner to the cafe downtown. Liam rode in the stroller; River in the mei tai wrap.

Liam had a cookie. I sipped a decaf Americano (I have discovered that River is a much happier baby if I keep the caffeine out of both of our systems...ditto for broccoli, too).

We sat in the chairs outside, watching the cars drive by. Liam gave a running commentary on the comings and goings of downtown Siloam:

Motorcycle
Girl
Big truck
Whoa, BIG truck
Guy

Then he was back in the stroller, and we headed home.

Sure, it was a small trip, but it was still a trip.

I think I just might be able to handle the two of them by myself.

all spiffied up

2010-05-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

My brother, Forest, went to prom in San Diego last night. See how well he cleans up:

He went with his girlfriend, Estella.
My little brother really isn't little anymore.

two weeks

2010-05-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

This is what River does best:

He is one good little sleeper. He wakes to eat and look around for awhile, and then it's back to the snoozing. He prefers a leaisurely nap in someone's arms, especially mine, but he doesn't discriminate against his crib, carseat, bouncy seat, or snug against my chest in the mei tai wrap.
And he is sleeping well at night, waking to nurse 2 or 3 times.

I'm soaking up all this newborn-sleepiness while I can.

Liam is still adjusting to the change of pace at home. He loves River. Loves to hold him. Loves to talk to him. Loves to help me burp him.

But he has been quite the handful. Extra whiney. Extra fussy. Extra testy.

Good thing they're both extra cute.

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

2010-05-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we visited the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville.
The last time we had been there was just after Liam was born, so it only seemed fitting that we visit again with a brand new baby River.

The morning was beautiful. Sunny and just warm enough. Liam had fun walking all of the trails.

A picture moment...
Another one with Daddy

The BIG SHOVEL! This was very exciting...

The garden is divided into different themed "rooms." The children's room is particularly awesome. Liam thought so, too.

In the bird's nest.

Going through the tunnel.

Pointing out the view from the train.

In the fort.

In the hollow of the tree.

Admission is free Saturday mornings, and Liam thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I have a feeling it won't be another two years before we visit again...

I can hardly stand it

2010-05-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Oh, the sweetness.

sponge bathing

2010-05-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

We gave River his first sponge bath last night. It was a hot day, and our house was uncomfortably warm...which meant it was just right for stripping him down and washing him up.

He seemed to really enjoy the whole experience.

All clean

the sandbox

2010-05-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

On one of the afternoons before he went back to work, Gabriel helped Liam build a sandbox for the backyard.

Liam was a great helper. He even pulled the trigger on the power drill to screw it all together (he has a very trusting Daddy and a Mama who has learned to just not watch while they are building things together...).

He is loving the sandbox. When they first finished building and then filling it, Liam wasn't sure what to do; but as soon as Gabriel started digging in it with a shovel, Liam caught on quickly. He kept saying fun, fun, fun!

He wakes up asking to go dig outside. It has been a great diversion for Liam, and a sanity-saver for me.

You may be wondering, why no pants?

We are still working on the potty-training. If he has a bare bottom, he goes on the potty every time, without any assistance. But as soon as I put any kind of anything on his lower half, he forgets all about the potty.

Just letting him run around au naturale from the waist down is making the day that much easier...

No diapers to change, no messes to clean up. Maybe someday he'll figure out how to stay dry in his underwear, but until then, he's going native at home.

first week and first day

2010-05-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked both River's first week with us and Gabriel's first day without us.

Like all milestone days, this one was bittersweet.

the sweet

River had his one week check-up with the pediatrician, who pronounced him still healthy. He weighs 8 pounds, 3.5 ounces (just an ounce-and-a-half shy of his birth weight). Considering his initial feeding issues, this weight gain is great.

He is now waking every 2 hours, wanting to nurse, and sometimes even more frequently. Since he is doing so great with the daytime feedings, if he wants to sleep for a 5 hour stretch at night, I have been letting him.

Liam loves to hold River (with lots of assistance on my part...), and is still reminding me often that he is the big brother. He seems to genuinely enjoy River's presence and likes to say Hi and I see you, River.

the bitter

I woke up with a hideous monster of a cold sore on my lip, a parting gift from the mild cold I picked up at the hospital. This is really more of an annoyance than anything else, but it really doesn't help with my post-baby body blues...

And then I stepped on a nail in the backyard. A big framing nail. It went straight through my gardening crocs and into the sole of my foot. Getting the protruding nail out of the mulch, convincing Liam that we had to go inside, and taking care of River while trying to clean my injury was not a fun experience. And now I'm hobbling around like a gimp while trying to carry a newborn and take care of a toddler. Still not fun.

And then the crowning moment: I was sitting on the couch, holding a sleeping River while Liam napped, when I noticed a snake slithering across the living room rug. It was just a small prairie ringneck, harmless, but still it was a live snake. Thank you, Coleridge.

I grabbed the broom and whisked it out the front door.

Let's just say I was not calm and collected super mom by the time Gabriel came home from work.

But we made it through the day, a lovely friend from church brought us homemade bread and potato soup, and we barely made it through the latest episode of Lost without nodding off.

savoring the Daddy time

2010-05-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Gabe's last half-day at work before going back full time. We decided to make the most of it and spent the afternoon at the park.

River zonked out strapped to my chest while Liam played on the playground.
While Gabe entertained Liam on the playground, River and I crossed the creek to the library for some perusing sans toddler. We came back and discovered the guys down at the creek. Well, with Liam actually in the creek...

He had a great time throwing rocks, splashing, and throwing more rocks with Daddy.

Later that evening, we had a family movie night, complete with pajamas, popcorn, and the three of us snuggled on the couch in front of the computer (River was cozy in his bouncy seat beside us). Liam watched Disney's Cars for the first time, and seemed to really enjoy the whole experience.

We were all sad for Gabe to go back to work today, although he probably saw it as a relief after so much Liam-duty.

little zoolander

2010-05-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

Strike a pose

Add a little flair
Camera love

This was one of the rare moments today when River was not sleeping. I never thought I'd say this, but our newborn sleeps too much.

The first few days home from the hospital seemed like an endless cycle of trying to persuade our sleepy little boy to wake up and eat. He is finally starting to nurse every 2-3 hours without me having to undress, tickle, and talk him into it.

It's a huge relief now that he often wakes all on his own ready to eat.

from market to garden

2010-05-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

This morning, we went to the Farmer's Market in Fayetteville and came home with tomato seedlings for our garden.

This has become our Mother's Day tradition, and this year we ended up with a cherry tomato, 2 heirloom beefsteaks, 2 paste tomatoes, and a yellow pear tomato. We're hoping for enough tomatoes to enjoy over the summer and a surplus to can for later in the year.

Liam helped Gabriel plant them in the garden, sprinkling the surrounding area with marigold seeds, and rounding out the bed with some cantoulopes to vine in and among the other plants.
Our early spring plantings are really starting to take off, and most of the greens are ready for us to start thinning/eating them.

Mustard Greens and Garlic

Arugula
We also set up two new rain barrels. This collects rainwater off of the shed, and the other one is back in our pond garden to collect rainwater off of the side of the house.

The black raspberry vines we brought back from the farm in Iowa last spring are really taking off now. We're hoping for lots of berries later in the summer...

River enjoyed the afternoon under the shade of the mulberry tree.

brothers

2010-04-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

Liam woke up this morning asking Where's River?

He is loving his role as the big brother, which he continues to remind us is his new title.

He especially likes to hold River, asking if he can have him now.

Liam has never been especially aggressive, but neither is he known for gentleness. His enthusiasm around the baby makes me a little nervous, but also very, very happy.

It's still strange to think that I am the mother of two boys... Gabriel is, of course, thrilled and quite proud. I keep reminding him that it will still be a little while before he can take them off on canoeing expeditions and backpacking trips.

The Birth Story

2010-04-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Birth Story:

or, how we got from

here

to here
in 12 hours.

Warning: This is the post where I talk about such things as ruptured membranes, cervical dilation, and all those fluids.

Tuesday morning, Gabriel and I went to my 40 weeks doctors appointment with 6 days of labor already behind us and still only 1 cm of dilation to show for it.

Dr. Crownover, my OB, assured us that from the baby's standpoint whether we decided to help my labor progress more quickly through medical intervention (i.e.-pitocin) or if we just stuck it out and let nature take its meandering course, either option appeared safe.

Having been down this long road before with Liam, my greatest concern wasn't the pitocin-hard labor-epidural path, it was the increased risk for caeserean. He assured me that, assuming my health and the baby's continued to remain steady, he would not make a decision for a caeserean unless I opted for it. In other words, he wasn't going to put an allowable time frame on my labor process.

As soon as he said that, I asked how soon we could get things going at the hospital.

We got home from the appointment at 11:00 am and checked into the hospital by noon.

I was anxious for it all to be over with.

After filling out paper work, changing into a much-too-large gown, and enduring two attempts at my IV line, they had me going on the pitocin by 1:30 pm.

The first couple of hours, the pain of my contractions slowly increased. I shifted onto the birthing ball and it wasn't long until I felt a peculiar popping sensation, some dampness, and then I stood up and the gushing began. This was unbelievably exciting, not just because things were finally starting to happen, but because my body handled this part all on its own.

From that point on, things became increasingly painful quicker and quicker.

By 7 pm, the contractions were becoming excruciating.

The nurse checked me: 5 cm. This was a lot of progress in under 6 hours, and I was hurting bad. And have I mentioned before that I was tired?

One epidural, please.

Make that two.

The anesthesiologist hit my vertebrae on the first try. Yes, ouch. Ouch again, and again, while he tried to maneuver his way in. Then he just started over and it slid in without me even noticing it.

Within 10 minutes I felt so much better. So good, in fact, that I promptly fell asleep.

Over the next few hours, while my body labored away and I dozed off and on, I became

increasingly aware of the sensation of pressure during my contractions.

Even though my lower half was so numb I couldn't move my legs if my life depended on it, I could still feel the overwhelming urge to push when I reached 10 cm.

I pushed River out over the course of just a few contractions, and once he finally crowned, he came out all in one push. I didn't have a single rip.

He came out crying, covered in that white waxy vernix (Liam didn't have any of that on him), and a bit of meconium, too.

They placed him immediately on my belly, and it wasn't long until we fumbled our way through the first attempt at nursing. He is still figuring out the whole latching-on concept, but he is getting it.

They declared him healthy.

I declared it all a big relief.

And now we are home, I am no longer in endless labor, and I feel better than when we got to the hospital.

I know the next few weeks will be tough. The adjusting to life with a newborn and a toddler. But at least we are there. That's all I really wanted.

the picture post

2010-04-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

River James Hall

2010-04-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

April 28, 2010

1:30 am

8 pounds, 5 ounces

21.5 inches

More details and photos soon.

He needs to eat...