Kaceism #1

It's been a long time. So much to say, so I'm not about to backtrack. That would be overwhelming, right? Kace is amazing me daily with the things he repeats, mimics, and tries to say. Some things perfectly and some things just a hair off. And I love it. He's at that age where he's saying some things wrong, but it's so cute that we want them to stay that way.

 When Riley was younger, he said "lasterday" instead of yesterday. I love it, still say it on occasion, and miss it terribly!

 Here's one of Kace's.

This Moment

Tonight Kace has us all to himself and Riley has Nunny and Buzz all to himself.  Kace hasn't stopped talking and jabbering since his Bubba left!! 
New words this week:  up, owl, money (?not sure if it's Mommy and Nunny mixed together?), hi, Mike, jp (pj's--and I love it!)

Words he's been saying:  bye bye, night night, Chachi (for Aunt Robbye), milk (sounds like meow), strawberry (sounds like HEB), water (sounds like double), Mommy, Daddy, Mimi, G, Nunny, Buzz, Bubba, bite, shoe, jeans, shirt, num num, snack, apple, and I'm sure there are more....

His vocabulary grows daily.
He loves music, loves to dance.
He loves his Bubba.
He loves snacks.
He loves to wake up early.
He loves to climb on furniture.

Here's a moment of him shakin' it tonight.  So precious!!

Hospital-iversary

Two years ago today I was 22 weeks pregnant, went to work, and went in for a doctor appointment.   My OB-GYN told me that I had a greater chance of losing this baby than keeping it.  The look on my doctors face told me that I should be frightened because you see, he doesn't ever look concerned or worried.  And he did. 

I had no amniotic fluid.

My favorite nurse, Judy, stayed late to check  me into the hospital.  She escorted me and my mom (who rushed to the hospital) upstairs to my room.  I was so glad she did.  She was a calm presence for mom and I.  That walk to the hospital room was a frightening blur.  Russ arrived shortly after.

My doctor thought I'd check in for the weekend, get some IV fluids and a steroid shot.  (And be on my way...?)  That was until the neonatologist showed up and informed us that I'd stay until the baby came.  My due date was January 30th.  YOU do the math.

It was horrifying, it was NOT on my calendar, it was NOT my choice.  This was in God's hands.  We were in God's hands and I've never been more certain.  I was scared, but looking back I don't have any bad memories.

We added to our family tree there.  Dr. A, Dr. D, Stephy, Melinda, Joanne, Lily, Cookie, Julia and Brian, Kate and Joey.....

I've never felt so loved in all of my life as I did those days.  Mom came every day.  My Bunco girls surprised me with Bunco in my room one month.  My teammates surprised me by sending Amy to give me a blowout on my birthday!  Riley and I shared books on the internet in my hospital bed....and watched The Bee Movie (thanks to the cafeteria's fruit plate and some microwave popcorn).  Friends and family sent flowers, food, books, crosswords, emails, calls, you name it, I had it.....pajamas, shower gel, lotion, everything a girl in a hospital bed could dream for, I had.  Except freedom.  Russ spent many nights with me when our moms could be home with Riley.  Tina and I had a couple of spent the nights.  All for me and I loved and appreciated every effort, whether big or small.  It still overwhelms me.

People ask how I made it.  Wasn't I stir crazy?  Wasn't that hard?  What did you DO?  Well I made it....I didn't have a choice.  Not making it wasn't an option, was it? 

Every day I obsessively checked Kace's development and wondered what our lives would be like if he was born each day.  I worried, but I felt so safe.  I knew we would be okay.  God would keep us safe and provide us with what we needed.

On December 21, Kace was born.  Induced 6 weeks early because of my continued lack of fluid and his size.  Dr. A was hoping for a 5 pounder.  Kace was 5 pounds, 5 ounces.  I was SO proud.  December 23 I was discharged from the hospital.  Just in time for Christmas Eve.  I'd spent my birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Russ's birthday in my hospital bed.  I'm so glad I was able to escape before Christmas.  Kace spent 10 days in NICU and was released on January 3.  We spent just a few days shy of 3 months in the hospital and when I say "we", I mean "we!"  Family, friends, and me.

What a journey.  What a blessing.  What a gift.  What a story. 

When I look at him I'm reminded of how much I have to be thankful for.  The big things and the little things.

Two years later, Kace is a happy, healthy dreamy boy.  Every day he amazes me.  Every day I'm thankful that we have him in our lives.  Our home wouldn't be complete without the sunshine he brings.

I wish I had a picture from this day 2 years ago.  I was too scared.  Here my and my little one are tonight before bedtime, on our hospital-iversary.

Real Estate

Today I went to Nana's house.  It's been "empty" for quite some time.  Mom's been going through the drawers and cabinets one by one for a while now.  Today I went to grab the china she gave me long ago.  And so many memories came flooding back.

 I walked through every room looking at all of her things spread out for the estate sale next week.  That was her life on those tables. 

Her sewing kit.  The sewing kit she used to make my clown costume and poodle skirt for 50s day.  The sewing kit she used to make the dress I wore to Mom & Gary's wedding. 

Her dishes.  The dishes we had Thanksgiving Dinner on.  The dishes we ate her famous spaghetti on. 

Her purses.  She always had a purse to match her shoes.  And a fancy purse for church on Sunday.

Her Ponds cold cream.  That's what Nana smelled like when she kissed me goodnight when I would spend the night at her house.

Papa's tools.  He was my original Mr. Fix It.  Now I have Babe and I'm so thankful he has that talent.

Papa's 8 tracks.  In a black case.  That we listened to going to Uncle Roy's for Thanksgiving (and every other occasion).  Merle Haggard.  Hits of the 1940s.  Marty Robbins.  Gospel Hits.  I knew every word.

What to keep?  What to let go of? 

Too bad I can't keep the smell of her Samsonite overnight case in there forever. Smells like Estee Lauder lipstick, Clinique powder, toothpaste, shower caps, and hotel shampoo.

Wish they were still there. Cooking, whittling, playing bridge, smiling, baking, mowing, laughing, watching National Geographic or the 6:00 News(Papa) or Guiding Light  or Murder She Wrote (Nana).

Now it's just a house.  Real Estate.  With tables of stuff.  Stuff that I don't need, but is part of me.  Stuff that filled a house with love. 

Countdown to Kindergarten

Last night, I was sitting in Riley's bed while he was choosing his 3 books for bedtime. As he was crawling into bed, I looked at my watch and checked the date. "10 days to Kindergarten" I announced. And noticed that ironically,one of the books he chose was...

We've read this one many times over the summer, he knows the story well. A girl is counting down to Kindergarten, dreading that she will be the ONLY one that doesn't know how to tie her shoes. And Rule #1 is that you can't ask for help!

One page, the girls parents are dropping her off in her classroom. Riley notices the mother is crying. "Why is her Mommy crying, " he asks "because she's happy?" "Yes, she is happy. And sad too, because her baby is growing up and starting school. I might cry too, on your first day" I explain. "Uh-uh" he says "Mommy, I'll always be your baby. I'll be your baby forever" he assures me, leaning in for a snuggle.

Yes you will....

The Deer Got Stuck by Riley

One morning at the ranch, Mommy was trying to take a picture of this tree and she saw a garden snake.
Then Mommy heard a noise that sounded like a loud goat. It was pretty loud, it sounded like "AAAAAAAH!"

Then she walked around and saw a deer. It was a baby fawn. The fawn was running into the fence and falling over backwards. It kept getting stuck in the fence. It couldn't get through, it was blocked.

Mommy put her hand over mouth and Daddy and I saw her. Daddy ran outside to help. Then I came outside to see what happened. We saw the deer running into the fence and falling on his back. He was saying "AAAAAAH!"

The mommy and daddy were out in the big pasture hiding in the bushes. The baby was in the little pasture. Oreo (a cow) was going to go over there and try to buck him.

Daddy climbed over the fence and picked up the baby fawn. Mommy and I were watching from the other side of the fence. Daddy brought him over so we could see him and pet him. Mommy petted him but I didn't. I didn't pet him because I was scared, he yelled, "AAAAAAH!" when I was trying to pet him.

Daddy spread the fence so the baby fawn could get out of the little pasture and get in the big pasture with his mommy and daddy. He said "AAAAAAH!" again and his mommy and daddy came running.

And guess what? The mommy deer jumped WAY over the branches of the big tall tree, alot of them, I mean alot.

Okay, this story's over.

*He spoke, I typed. I asked some clarifying questions for details and correct sequencing, but this is all him. I had this idea because when this happened, he was so excited to share the story with all who would listen. AND he wanted me to show the pictures as he was telling it each time. He would give me "turn the page signals!" Remember those? Needless to say, I'm pretty proud of my little storyteller!!

The Naked Chef

He loves to cook, just like his Mommy! I'm not sure where he gets the urge to cook pantless...

I Can't Believe it's Yogurt!

Paralyzed

Husband is at work.
Baby is at school.
Almost Kindergartener just left to go to the ranch until Saturday with grandparents.

I'm paralyzed with freedom.
Do I stay home and relish in the silence? Well...the iPod is on shuffle and I don't have to worry about Jay-Z dropping the f-bomb OR The Killers singing about his boyfriend that used to be his girlfriend...and that's NICE.

On one hand it's glorious. On the other hand, it's not.
As a mother, my kids are constantly on my mind, whether they're by my side, in my house, or otherwise. When I'm with them, I'm often fantasizing about my next "break." When I get that break, I enjoy it, but thoughts of them tend to monopolize. It's crazy!

Meanwhile, here I sit. Paralyzed with freedom. Where shall I begin?

They're Baaaaaack!

We rarely have time for t.v. anymore around here (which is fine by me) but when we do, Riley prefers the old Batman sitcom, Pink Panther, or Spiderman. As far as kids shows go, I prefer The Backyardigans. I've been missing them lately. Let's keep that between you and me, okay?

Riley requested an oldie and we went back in time to The Backyardigans this morning. Kace didn't stop shakin' it for the entire theme song! He wasn't interested in the rest of the show at all. Maybe there's a little Saturday morning Soul Train in our future...

Rebecca's War Dog of the Week: Eli, brother and protector, goes home - Tom Ricks | The Best Defense

I was blessed to know this young man. A ray of sunshine with a smile that could light up the entire town of Orange Grove. He paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedom in Afghanistan. He is survived by his parents, younger brother, older brother, and Eli. His mother posted this article and I felt compelled to share. This is just a tiny shapshot of him and his family. They've been through so much...anguish to jubiliation in the honors he's received.

His company, Darkhorse 3/5 returned from Afghanistan last week. Colton's family and friends went to meet them for their return. The soldiers brought home Colton's camera to give his mother...they wanted to give it to her in person.

Rebecca's War Dog of the Week: Eli, brother and protector, goes home - Tom Ricks | The Best Defense

Playing

A couple of good moments I captured at the ranch this weekend. I played around editing them and here are a few.







Not sure which one I like best...all of them, I think!

Austintatious!

OPI came out with a new line for the summer...a Texas collection! There was an Austin one....a sparkly turquoise...that I had to have. I'm pretty much a coral/pinkish/red kinda girl. Burnt orange in the fall and a dark brown here and there. I'm not really a blue/green/purple polish person, but I am now!!



Riley was first to notice:

Riley: "Mommy, I LIKE your pretty blue toes!"
Me: "Thanks, Buddy!"
Riley: "Daddy, do you like Mommy's pretty blue toes?"
Daddy: "Ummmmmmm....probably not if they're blue!"

Ha! Makes me giggle every time I look at my Austintatious Turquoise toes!

Sweet Dreams Little Men

Dragon Tales and the water is wide.
Pirates sail and lost boys fly.
Fish bite moonbeams every night
and I love you.

Godspeed, little man.
Sweet dreams, little man.
Oh my love will fly to you
each night on angels wings.

Godspeed, sweet dreams.
The rocket racer's all tuckered out.
Superman's in pajamas on the couch.
Goodnight Moon will find the mouse
and I love you.

Godspeed, little man.
Sweet dreams, little man.
Oh my love will fly to you
each night on angels wings.

Godspeed, sweet dreams.
God bless Mommy and Matchbox cars.
God bless Dad and thanks for the stars.
God hears Amen wherever we are
and I love you.

Godspeed, little man.
Sweet dreams, little man.
My love will fly to you
each night on angels wings.
Godspeed, Godspeed, Godspeed,
Sweet dreams.
I wanted to take a picture of the boys together tonight. It's been a while. It was bedtime, so I decided pajamas it was. I love them in pajamas, so why not? With Dog and Kace's blanket. Kace was impatient, anxiously awaiting his bottle of milk (and I'm not quite ready to let go of that bottle at night, but I'm cutting myself off this week). As I was taking the picture, Russ was trying to make them smile. Kace is going back and forth from laughing to tears. He is laughing in the above photos, but does have tears from the second before when he was crying for that bottle! As I was taking these photos, this Dixie Chicks song popped into my head, for obvious reasons. As I typed the lyrics, my eyes filled with tears. They're so precious at bedtime...definitely one of the highlights of my day. The bath--the way they smell like Johnson and Johnson's original soap...and sometimes the pink lotion on top of it (and I'm not letting go of that one for a while...maybe until they move out!). Add that to the Dreft & Downy of their clean pajamas. The pajamas that turn those rough and tumble little boys into my babies again. The routine--calm (most of the time), quiet conversations reviewing the day...our "favorite parts." The books--Kace gets 1--and I usually read it at least twice. Riley gets 3. I get to hold them, we snuggle up close. Yup, I'm certain this IS the highlight of my every day. Sweet Dreams Little Men.

I'm Just a Squirrel Tryin' to Get a Nut

Kace and I were outside enjoying the weather recently when we saw our neighborhood squirrel teasing our XL cat, Corky. We watched them for at least 15 minutes. Of course, I ran in to grab my camera.

We loved watching him dart around and twitch his tail at Corky. Corky would hunker down to play, then, very cat-like, become uninterested. So fun!!

Cheery-O

Kace loves Cheerios, as do most children his age. It's the independence of feeding yourself at your own pace, and a little bit of trying to stuff as many in your mouth as possible!

My Valentines

Valetine's Day started the weekend before, with Riley making his first Valentine box for his party at school. We started with a shoebox, he drew his idea on paper, and Daddy helped him bring it to life. It was perfect!

He chose Scooby Doo Valentines with pencils this year, so we filled them out--he wrote his name AND his friend's names on every single one!

Started the morning with our tradition, heart shaped muffins...and my tradition, coffee!

I was able to attend Riley's Valentine party because my class party was the Friday before and Riley's party just happened to be during my lunch time and conference period. What an unusual treat. I was so happy to be able to attend.

Before Russ and Riley ran off to baseball practice, my boys happily agreed to an impromptu photo shoot (yeah, right). Riley didn't get Valentines for family this year, so we emailed them pictures. Can you see the love in our eyes? Or the frustrationand irritation?

While they were out, there was this amazing sunset! After baseball practice, I surprised the boys with a Valentine dessert. Cupcakes from Cupprimo. They were beautiful and delicious! One for each of us. Cherry. Chocolate covered strawberry. Hot fudge sundae.

And coincidentally, my Valentine's surprised me with a cupcake charm for my charm bracelet and a beautiful wooden jewelry box! Thank you!

Kace loved his cupcake! He stuffed it into his mouth and then there was this little episode as we tried to clean him up...

And when we finally got the tray away, this...

Goodnight, my littlest Valentine.