Sorry world. After vowing to do better I leave you all hanging for 7 months. I do apologize. I'd like to make excuses like, this kid Anna is destroying my house, or this hurricane named Anna likes to play in the kitchen cupboards, empty my purse, go through my wallet, dump out her toys, and walk around screaming or squealing. Ok, so she's doing all of these wonderful, amazing things like exploring and developing her motor skills. We've been working on real words which can help us communicate more efficiently beyond the yells, screams, grins and pointing of fingers. Some days it seems like we've made monumental break through (potty training back in April), then times when we've moved on or aren't quite there (potty training sporadically in August).
She is working on using utensils, some meals are a lot better than others, but I'm just excited she's trying. Anna has such a fascination with all things that I do, I feel bad for the day she's going to wake up and think it lame. The computer and keyboard are by far her favorite items to play with, my cell phone is a close tie. She's already learning to dial numbers, call people from my phone book, and retrieve voice messages is amazing, though baffling why she won't play with her own toys.
We just had a visit with Mom and Aunt Jo last weekend here in Charleston. Oh yeah, we've moved from Colorado Springs, to Evans, CO to Charleston, SC in this lapse of communicado. Sorry. The visit was great.
Ben Upward's wedding is coming up in October, and Anna and I will be attending. Very excited to go back to Wisconsin in the fall. Hoping to see some amazing colors. The holidays aren't far off, so while I'd like to say I will do better, I'll be honest in saying I have no idea when I will get back here. Hopefully it's not so long again!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Decemeber
Anna, I'm so sorry I haven't kept up with this as well as I've intended to. Truth is, December came and went by so fast this year we were living in survivor mode by the end of it. Here is a play-by-play of December and I will try to do better in 2011.
Wildwood Marketing is taking off. I have found myself very busy with work and trying to complete my projects before our big mountain getaway. The first weekend of December we put up a tree. You Dad drove to a nearby grocery store, paid $15, shoved the tree into our white car and drove home with it. It was set up while you were taking a nap and I was showering. I had no idea he was even doing it until I came out and saw a tree in our living room. Your expression was priceless! You kept looking at the tree then at me as to ask,"Mama, why is there a TREE inside?!" You enjoyed touching the tree and trying to pull of needles to eat them.
Later that day, again while you were napping, we put up the lights and ornaments. You woke up and now the tree was lit up! The wonder and amazement in your eyes was precious.
The next weekend your Grandma and Grandpa Sanderfoot came out to visit and watch you while your Dad and I went to his company Christmas party. They spoiled you like crazy, but you loved every one of the toys they gave you. There was a play table with four different stations that sing, make music, talk to you, and speak Spanish! Another toy was a green and purple dinosaur you can ride on or walk with. Yes, he sings too. They had such a good time with you, I could tell it was hard for them to leave. Your Grandma and I made Christmas cookies and candies while they were here too. It was a family tradition on your Grandma's side of the family that I've missed for many years. We didn't make everything, but I'm glad we spent the time to make what we did.
The following weekend Julia babysat you while your Dad and I went to the Medlyn's Christmas party. It wasn't as fun as the year before, but we went and tried to enjoy our time out. Two days later we had the Red Rock Realty Christmas party at Motif and again Julia came over to babysit you. That was a lot of fun for me. There was a live jazz band, great food, and good drinks. The conversations were great.
Three days later, Thursday, your Aunt Liz flew in to Colorado Springs. She made it fine, her luggage took a couple of extra days to get here. Friday we loaded up and drove to Glenwood Springs. Remember that house we stayed at in August? We went there again, only this time we had the whole thing to ourselves and your Grandma Susan, Uncle Ben, Aunt Linnea, and Aunt Liz were there too!
We had yummy fondue (you had a few nibbles before going to bed), a delicious beef tenderloin your Uncle Ben cooked up, crab pasta, spaghetti, beef barley soup, beer cheese soup, French toast, even a Turkey! The food was incredible. Your Dad and I were able to get out snowshoeing a few times, but we didn't bring you along. Sorry. We didn't have enough room for the hiking backpack, plus this initial hill we had to climb was tough enough without 30 extra pounds strapped to either one of us. It was very cold and snowy there. Just beautiful.
We celebrated New Year's Eve out by a bon fire your Daddy made. You had woked up when you heard my snowpants, so I bundled you up too and took you out. You were very crabby and it was incredibly cold out so you weren't out there more than 10 minutes, but you were there getting kisses of luck for the new year.
Wildwood Marketing is taking off. I have found myself very busy with work and trying to complete my projects before our big mountain getaway. The first weekend of December we put up a tree. You Dad drove to a nearby grocery store, paid $15, shoved the tree into our white car and drove home with it. It was set up while you were taking a nap and I was showering. I had no idea he was even doing it until I came out and saw a tree in our living room. Your expression was priceless! You kept looking at the tree then at me as to ask,"Mama, why is there a TREE inside?!" You enjoyed touching the tree and trying to pull of needles to eat them.
Later that day, again while you were napping, we put up the lights and ornaments. You woke up and now the tree was lit up! The wonder and amazement in your eyes was precious.
The next weekend your Grandma and Grandpa Sanderfoot came out to visit and watch you while your Dad and I went to his company Christmas party. They spoiled you like crazy, but you loved every one of the toys they gave you. There was a play table with four different stations that sing, make music, talk to you, and speak Spanish! Another toy was a green and purple dinosaur you can ride on or walk with. Yes, he sings too. They had such a good time with you, I could tell it was hard for them to leave. Your Grandma and I made Christmas cookies and candies while they were here too. It was a family tradition on your Grandma's side of the family that I've missed for many years. We didn't make everything, but I'm glad we spent the time to make what we did.
The following weekend Julia babysat you while your Dad and I went to the Medlyn's Christmas party. It wasn't as fun as the year before, but we went and tried to enjoy our time out. Two days later we had the Red Rock Realty Christmas party at Motif and again Julia came over to babysit you. That was a lot of fun for me. There was a live jazz band, great food, and good drinks. The conversations were great.
Three days later, Thursday, your Aunt Liz flew in to Colorado Springs. She made it fine, her luggage took a couple of extra days to get here. Friday we loaded up and drove to Glenwood Springs. Remember that house we stayed at in August? We went there again, only this time we had the whole thing to ourselves and your Grandma Susan, Uncle Ben, Aunt Linnea, and Aunt Liz were there too!
We had yummy fondue (you had a few nibbles before going to bed), a delicious beef tenderloin your Uncle Ben cooked up, crab pasta, spaghetti, beef barley soup, beer cheese soup, French toast, even a Turkey! The food was incredible. Your Dad and I were able to get out snowshoeing a few times, but we didn't bring you along. Sorry. We didn't have enough room for the hiking backpack, plus this initial hill we had to climb was tough enough without 30 extra pounds strapped to either one of us. It was very cold and snowy there. Just beautiful.
We celebrated New Year's Eve out by a bon fire your Daddy made. You had woked up when you heard my snowpants, so I bundled you up too and took you out. You were very crabby and it was incredibly cold out so you weren't out there more than 10 minutes, but you were there getting kisses of luck for the new year.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
November
Here's a quick flash of November. I can't believe I've let a whole month slip by without a post.
November 4th we flew to Appleton, WI for Carl & Nikki's wedding. I was a bridesmaid and Anna had her first fancy dress. Friday the 5th Jon took Anna to see his grandparents in Sun Prarie. He said she did well. I stayed behind for the bridesmaid duties. That night was the rehearsal and my cousin Allison babysat for Anna. Saturday was the wedding. A beautiful if not cold day. Nikki looked amazing and Carl cleaned up pretty well too. We flew back on Sunday. That next week things took a big turn. A business opportunity landed in my lap and I've been running with it ever since.
In late August I may have mentioned that I was starting to write blog posts for an agent I was working with in my office. She has been so pleased that she told others in the office of my skills. Then it came time to sell my website. It sold for a nice price, and that agent has been very pleased. He told others. Since then I have created two additional websites, I maintain two blogs, I maintain 4 websites, and I have orders for more blog posts, enewsletters, restaurant birthday clubs, and a yoga website. All coming out in a matter of weeks. It has been very busy and profitable. I am really enjoying it, and I still manage to find time to spend with Anna. I will admit our house isn't very clean these days, but I am really working on trying to find a better balance with those duties as well. I really need to find a babysitter during the weekdays to help me out occassionally. It's tough to trust perfect strangers.
Anna's first Thanksgiving was great. We trotted in the Turkey Trot in the morning, met up with the Schulers for coffee afterwards, and had a quiet and relaxing four days together. I felt like I was able to just catch-up, not really get ahead, but I enjoyed the family time.
Now we are into high holiday season. My parents are flying out in two days to spend the weekend with us and to watch Anna as Jon and I go to the HP Christmas party in Loveland. The following weekend we will be with friends at their holiday party then it is a mad dash for three days as we prepare to go on the trip we've been anticipating for over a year.
Anna will walk with us if we hold her hand. She hasn't figured out how to sit up on her own or to stand up on her own. We have a doctor's appointment on the 21st where I am hoping to get some answers if she hasn't figured out at least one of those by then.
November 4th we flew to Appleton, WI for Carl & Nikki's wedding. I was a bridesmaid and Anna had her first fancy dress. Friday the 5th Jon took Anna to see his grandparents in Sun Prarie. He said she did well. I stayed behind for the bridesmaid duties. That night was the rehearsal and my cousin Allison babysat for Anna. Saturday was the wedding. A beautiful if not cold day. Nikki looked amazing and Carl cleaned up pretty well too. We flew back on Sunday. That next week things took a big turn. A business opportunity landed in my lap and I've been running with it ever since.
In late August I may have mentioned that I was starting to write blog posts for an agent I was working with in my office. She has been so pleased that she told others in the office of my skills. Then it came time to sell my website. It sold for a nice price, and that agent has been very pleased. He told others. Since then I have created two additional websites, I maintain two blogs, I maintain 4 websites, and I have orders for more blog posts, enewsletters, restaurant birthday clubs, and a yoga website. All coming out in a matter of weeks. It has been very busy and profitable. I am really enjoying it, and I still manage to find time to spend with Anna. I will admit our house isn't very clean these days, but I am really working on trying to find a better balance with those duties as well. I really need to find a babysitter during the weekdays to help me out occassionally. It's tough to trust perfect strangers.
Anna's first Thanksgiving was great. We trotted in the Turkey Trot in the morning, met up with the Schulers for coffee afterwards, and had a quiet and relaxing four days together. I felt like I was able to just catch-up, not really get ahead, but I enjoyed the family time.
Now we are into high holiday season. My parents are flying out in two days to spend the weekend with us and to watch Anna as Jon and I go to the HP Christmas party in Loveland. The following weekend we will be with friends at their holiday party then it is a mad dash for three days as we prepare to go on the trip we've been anticipating for over a year.
Anna will walk with us if we hold her hand. She hasn't figured out how to sit up on her own or to stand up on her own. We have a doctor's appointment on the 21st where I am hoping to get some answers if she hasn't figured out at least one of those by then.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
A Catch-Up
We are starting to get invitations to holiday parties, and our weekends are quickly filling up. This weekend we are going to the last farmer's market of the season here, then to the Emma Crawford Casket Races in Manitou. Later on Saturday, your Dad and I are going to have our first date night since June 25th. You are going to hang out with Ed & Libba-our neighbors, while we go out to dinner and to an Avalanche game. I'm excited for a night out.
While our social calendar is starting to heat up, the temperatures outside have crept down to the 40's by day, and the 20's by night. This weekend looks promising with low 70's.
Uncle Carl and Nikki's wedding is next weekend. I can't believe it is nearly here already. The month of November is going to be a very busy one for your Dad. We will be in Appleton from teh 4th-7th, on the 16th he leaves for Chicago and will be there until the 19th. The following week is Thanksgiving. We have one weekend in November and one weekend in December open. I would like to host our own little holiday party early in December, but to take away one free weekend in a very busy month is questionable.
As I look at our calendar and the colder weather coming in (snow in Aspen 1 foot of snow yesterday!) is getting me very excited to be up in the mountains for Christmas this year. I am starting to think about meals and activities. It isn't quite Halloween yet, but as of Monday, I will probably be in full holiday mode.
While our social calendar is starting to heat up, the temperatures outside have crept down to the 40's by day, and the 20's by night. This weekend looks promising with low 70's.
Uncle Carl and Nikki's wedding is next weekend. I can't believe it is nearly here already. The month of November is going to be a very busy one for your Dad. We will be in Appleton from teh 4th-7th, on the 16th he leaves for Chicago and will be there until the 19th. The following week is Thanksgiving. We have one weekend in November and one weekend in December open. I would like to host our own little holiday party early in December, but to take away one free weekend in a very busy month is questionable.
As I look at our calendar and the colder weather coming in (snow in Aspen 1 foot of snow yesterday!) is getting me very excited to be up in the mountains for Christmas this year. I am starting to think about meals and activities. It isn't quite Halloween yet, but as of Monday, I will probably be in full holiday mode.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Bump in the Night
It's creepy, it's spooky, it's Halloween time! On Saturday we are going to our friends Matt & Kelley Schuler's house for a Halloween party. We are going as a family of garden gnomes. Is it the cutest costume idea ever? Probably not. In fact, I stole the idea from a 3 year old we saw last year while handing out candy at JD & Stacey's house. BUT, this is the family version, and I am making most of the costumes.
Anna is teething like crazy lately and a bit crabby for two-three days at a time, then seems happy for a few days before turning into a mini-monster again. Poor kid. I feel so bad for her, but I hope that first tooth starts to show itself soon. I can feel it if Anna lets me.
Anna has also been crying in her sleep. This is an incredibly creepy and eerie thing to watch. It started three nights ago, but when I think back I think it was happening back in WI too. At first I thought it was just her teeth bothering her. Now as I've witnessed it, she will be sleeping fine for a couple of hours. Then she will start to pout or whimper, if I let it go long enough or if something happens in her sleep, it will quickly turn into a full out scream. Two nights ago it was a full out scream and when I picked her up (later found out a HUGE NO NO) she was thrashing in my arms and I had to lay her back down so I wouldn't drop her. These apparently are called night terrors. Babies start to feel seperation anxiety and stranger danger, and have bad dreams about a vision that mommy or dadddy are leaving them. When I look in on her, Anna's eyes are shut but she seems very awake. I thought this was odd, but interesting. Now during the day, if I set Anna down to play and get up and walk away she starts to cry out. Apparently, this is a very real thing, and she doesn't like to be left alone.
I've learned the only way to deal with this is to start to go out once or twice a week for a little while and let her hang out with Jon or a babysitter. I'm hoping to actually implement this next week. We go to the Y 4 times a week with 3 of those days she goes to the child watch area. She doesn't seem to cry when I drop her off, but she does look around frantically. The other day we go swimming. She loves the warm water in the pool.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Late 6mo check-up progress
Since our trip started earlier than planned, we missed your 6 month checkup and went the day after we returned to Colorado.
You are 16 lbs 14.5 oz., 27.75" tall, up from 23.5" the last time we were in Wisconsin. The doctor says you are a tall slender baby like her parents.
You received four vaccines, one oral, and three in your legs. You were very tired and crabby all day, but I don't blame you. I wouldn't have been very cordial either.
Anna, you seem disoriented since we returned. It has felt like we brought you home from the hospital all over again. The first night home was spent with several wakings, and few smiles. You look around like you aren't quite sure about this place, or about your dad. Luckily the second night you seemed to recognize him. This morning you are full of smiles again and seem to remember your play area.
You are 16 lbs 14.5 oz., 27.75" tall, up from 23.5" the last time we were in Wisconsin. The doctor says you are a tall slender baby like her parents.
You received four vaccines, one oral, and three in your legs. You were very tired and crabby all day, but I don't blame you. I wouldn't have been very cordial either.
Anna, you seem disoriented since we returned. It has felt like we brought you home from the hospital all over again. The first night home was spent with several wakings, and few smiles. You look around like you aren't quite sure about this place, or about your dad. Luckily the second night you seemed to recognize him. This morning you are full of smiles again and seem to remember your play area.
September Blog - A Long Read
At David's enjoying the beautiful fall day.September we had two weeks here in Colorado, then you and I went to Wisconsin. The original plan was to fly out on the 22nd, but on the 13th Grandma Sanderfoot called me to let me know that my Grandma Mackowiak wasn't doing well, and that she was fadding fast. A few years ago when I received a similar call from my mom encouraging me to call my grandpa because I made excuses not to go back. It's a regret I have to live with, but I knew the next time I got a call like that, I would go. After much frustration with United Airlines (a true love-hate relationship), we were on the next flight out at 6am on the 14th. We arrived in Green Bay around 11, and were at Great-Grandma's bedside that afternoon. It was a shocking difference between your bright lively smile and her dull dying gray face. You cheered up everyone in that room, and the nursing home. The next morning she passed and we went back to meet up with the family. It was a very cold and rainy day, perfectly matching our somber moods. We hung out at the farm cooking and baking for everyone else while they prepared the funeral arrangements. The rest of the week was sad, but finally came to its conclusion on Saturday with the funeral, church services, and the burial. Afterwards we went to Great-Uncle David's and spent the afternoon taking in the beautiful fall sunny weather and enjoying each other's company.
A Five Generation photo. Alice (Great-Grandma), Leone (Great-Great Grandma), Theresa (Mom), Anna (5th generation), Don (Grandpa).The next week was spent at Grandma and Grandpa's house playing, and settling in for our extended stay. Some days we were working on wedding stuff, other days just running errands. On the 25th, you went to stay the night at Great Aunt Jo's and from the sounds of it you had a great time. Grandma and I went to Aunt Nikki's bachelorette party. The next day, we went to your Great-Great Grandma's 100th Birthday! She is an amazing woman, and it was really nice to spend time with the Sanderfoot family.Tuesday the 28th was your Uncle Carl's birthday and we all went to the Stone Cellar Pub for dinner. That is where their rehearsal dinner will be, so we went to sample different meals so they could choose what to have. A jam band was playing when we were there and Grandpa and you checked them out and danced a bit. You had your first french fries there.
Wednesday we drove down to Madison and visited with your Great-Grandma and Grandpa Schroeder. For lunch we met up with Heidi and walked around the capital before heading back to Grandma and Grandpa's house. That night Carl came over to hang out and we watch Iron Man 2. A decent flick, but a lot of loose ends and possibilities for a trilogy.
Saturday, October 2nd was Nikki's bridal shower. It was a beautiful shower held at the deli. You stayed with Grandpa and had a fun day with him.
Sunday we took a girl road trip with you, me and grandma up to Eagle River. It just happened to be Cranberry Fest. We walked around the crafts but only left with craisins, kettle korn, and maple walnut fudge. :) Yum. You had some of the craisins added to your applesauce. You seemed to really like it.
Tuesday the 5th we flew back to Colorado. Your Daddy really, really missed us and was happy to have us back home. What started out as a two week vacation to spend quality time with family without the rush, and to attend a bridal shower, turned into a three week vacation with quality family time seeing more people than originally expected, and lots of love. You helped so many people during a tough time, and reminded people to smile.
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