So sad

How can things like this happen? I am saddened, sickened, confused, and disturbed. I mean really, how could people not know? I don't get it. I don't believe in the death penalty, so I think this guy should just be tortured. Slowly. Forever and ever.

Slow tip

Things have been slow moving here on the gossip front, but home demo is full steam ahead. Dave completed the upstairs back deck, making it totally kid-friendly and perfect for the upcoming season. Our neighbor and us are going in on the new privacy fence, and one side is already torn up (which sux for our dog, but he'll love it in the end). These 2 projects were our warm weather projects and here we go, it's all 40 degrees outside on April 29. Poor farmers.

Sylvia's bday is fast approaching, and though I have her gifts taken care of, I've made little preparation for the actual party. Plus, it's supposed to rain all day next Tuesday. Sucky. All she cares about is Aydin being there, a cake with candles, people singing her happy birthday, and opening presents. And yes, she has told me all these things. Everyday for 2 weeks now. All day long.

Isn't 2 fun?!

Sculptures and Such

Ever since the new sculpture exhibit opened at the MO Botanical Gardens, Sylvia has been obsessed with the pieces. They are fun, bright, colorful, and (best thing) touchable. Kids can climb through them, sit on them, and feel the neat mosaic textures. But when we went yesterday, she wanted nothing to do with me or the camera I lugged around. You see, I never bring my camera because it's a digital SLR, which means it's big and cumbersome (and not toddler friendly). Since I hadn't taken any new shots of her recently, and the gardens is super pretty right now, I brought it. And let me tell you something, I captured no pleasantly faced Sylvie frames. EVERY single shot has her flashing me a crabby face, or running away from me.

It just goes to show that I should stick with my no-lugging-the-camera-around policy. I was so paranoid the entire time I was going to get it wet, or stolen, that it was hard for me to relax. Plus, Syl was so crabby, that it just wasn't the pleasant of times.

Anyway, here are some of the halfway decent shots I got. And if you haven't seen the exhibit, it's well worth the trip.

Today was much more fun, we went swimming and Syl had a blast. She was squealing with delight and loved every minute of it. Plus I got a 2 hour nap out of her after that. Nice.


Notice the scowl? I was obviously ruining her good time with my camera.



This was going to be my mom's mother's day photo, but out of 15 shots, I gave up. This face is the closest to pleasant I got.


"If you don't put that camera down, I'm going to hurl this wood box at your head!!"
Not in so many words, but let me tell you, the face says it all.

100th Post

And it is totally fitting that my daughter is sitting behind me, playing with her toys in a crazed stupor, because it is 2 hours past her bedtime and she refuses to go to sleep. Since the big bed transition, it has taken us longer and longer to get her to sleep. The routine starts at about 6:45 with bath time, then stories forever, then we lay next to her and sneak out when she's asleep. I know, it's horrible. Trust us, we know we should have nipped this in the bud a loooooooonnnnnnnnnggggggggggg time ago. But, we didn't, and here we are. Tonite, we tried to leave her awake. Wow, many long screaming sessions later, I decided to just let her be up. Now she's wild, I'm feeling wild, and the whole house is instantly a zoo.
For my 100th post, I'm anticipating a long night ahead. And my 101st post will probably be about the same topic. In fact, I'm predicting the next 100 posts will have something to do with this issue also. So if you're bored already, you'd best forget my blog name and ignore me the rest of my/your life. Because that is what a crazy toddler does to you. In case you don't know this yet.

Earthquakes and Babies

which do seem to go hand-in-hand this week. My cousin went into labor the morning of our midwest earthquake. I, of course, the light sleeper I am, slept through the tremors. But my cousin was awoken contracting every 2-5 minutes, the biggest and most intense being simultaneously with the earthquake. . Needless to say, she had her baby about 6 hours later (lucky her). Dylan Wayne N. was born at 11 am on Friday. I got to see him today (sans my toddler) and he was cute as can be. Short, fat, and oh-so tiny. Apparently, she wasn't alone. The hospital was so busy with laboring mothers-to-be that she had to labor for almost an hour in the waiting room. On hard plastic chairs. While people were around. Every 2 minutes.
Ouch!
Congrats to my cousin and her newly expanded family!

Change is in the air

So I've been feeling a bit in a retrospective mood lately. Be it spring in the air, the terrific 2's quickly approaching, or some mad renovations in my home that are about to occur, change seems inevitable. I never have claimed to be this highly introverted, philosophical writer. And by all means, please don't take me that way. But change of season always reminds me of the other changes that were secretly occurring in my life. Changes I didn't mean to make, that I forced upon myself, or that simply just exist. My baby is growing up, my career is keeping me busy, friends are moving and starting new paths, babies are being born, my family remains crazy, the tulips are exploding out of their bulbs.

It seems as though when everything is a constant, the explosive nature of the everyday event twists life upside down. No, nothing has exploded yet. But I sense it. Things only flow smoothly for so long, and the change surprises you without precedent. I guess I'm a bit freaked by change forcing me to lose that comfortable place, but it keeps me guessing and excited too.

I love this time of year! I love seeing the green overpass the skeletal remains of trees. I love the freshness of new life and color. I love being outside and seeing the joyful glee of Sylvia chasing down robins and using stix as shovels.

This short rambling has instantly reminded me of how tired I currently am, my eyes are like slits. So this is the end today.

Done and Done

Problem solved. Rented a pavilion in Tower Grove Park for her bday party. El Cheapo (me) didn't want to pay the full price to have it all day, so we will be having a late morning party on the actual day of her bday (Tuesday). Sorry people who work and friends who are in school, but $10 was well worth it. I thought about throwing in pony rides, but her friends are all too young for it. I thought it'd be a hilarious photo op.
Having the party this way eliminates a huge guest list (like last year) and allows for a not-so-overwhelming event. I mean, she is only 2. But she is our little rock star. So I'll make a fruit salad, mini sandwiches, and a cake and call it a day. We'll be home by her nap and will be right with the world.

What to do

So May 6th is quickly approaching and I have no clue what to do for the little one. She'll be 2, I mean 22. What does she care? Sure, she'll get a gift or 2, but then it'll be added to the pile of toys she already wants nothing to do with. Or she'll get clothes, which are usually too small because of her pure girth. I mean, we are grateful, but with that comes the guilt. I don't want my poor friends spending money on a 2 year old, though I have spent a penny in my day on kids that weren't mine. My long winded point is that I don't care, SHE doesn't care, so why care?
The other guilt kicks in. I HAVE to do something for her birthday. I mean, who skips a birthday for their kid? I'm torn, any I feel slightly rushed to make a decision (ya know, invitations and all). Last year was totally stressful and I vowed never to do that again. And now I'm going the opposite route and contemplating doing nothing. Oh the undiagnosed bipolar in me is really coming out. Tomorrow I'll be totally gung-ho (how do you spell that one??!!).
Another busy few days ahead. Got a STLC stitch and bitch tomorrow, work on Saturday, cooking dinner for some friends on Sunday. Maybe I'll decide the bday thing next week. Since there is SOOOOOO much time and all.

23rd Month

My Dearest Sylvia,
As of tomorrow, you will be 23 months. In nonmomspeak, that number sounds totally ridiculous, but being a mom, it is MAJOR. Why, you may wonder, little Syl? Because it means that in one month (30 days) you will be 2 years old. F***ing crazy.
This last month has flown by, working and crafting and being super busy. But you, my dearest one, have changed so much. Suddenly, you speak conversations. I know you think you're going on 24, but the truth is, you are not even 2. But you fill my day with inquisitive questions, statements, memories, full songs (with note changes and everything) and memorized books. In fact tonite, on our way home from Springfield, as the sun was setting on the horizon, you said, "Mama, the sun is setting and it is getting very very dark."
You Blow My Mind little girl.
You are still incredibly affectionate, which I know may have exits periodically, but I will gladly accept it now. The relationship b/w you and daddy is becoming filled with affection also (though it started out as a sort of torturous demand.) I know you will outgrow this, but I eat up every stinking minute of it now. You are only 23 months once.
Library trips used to be a every 3rd week adventure. Now we have to go every single week because you get so sick of the books we JUST got, because we have to read like 50 times a day. Brilliant and a bit obssessive (another trait you have inherited from mommy). Like your current love of your toothpaste bottle, or any bottle that you can open, shove in the nearest nose, insisting they "SMELL IT." Weirdo.
Everyone always thinks their child is a star, but baby, you are my moon. You radiate so much joyful energy that it stops strangers in their tracks. Really dirty, rough and tumble dudes stop to talk to you. And you indulge in conversation. Cuz that's how you roll.
But I think my favorite change this month is the keen observations you make of the world around you. You are noticing the web of people who love you, surround you, and want to teach you. You are becoming cognisant of family, friends, and your pals. You ask to go hang out with specific people. You want to call your friends on the phone to say hello. You are growing up so fast, as all parents say.
In one month, you will enter a shaky, unpredictable, volatile age. I am prepared, I am willing, and I'm up for the things you'll try to swing at me. As long as you keep giving me kissies and a big squeeze, I'll accept it (while muttering fowl language under my breath).
I love you,
mama

Shooting Babies

I think my favorite part of blogging is coming up with goofy titles.

Took photos of my friends newest baby, who is so freakin cute. She's the one I am lucky enough to hold in the sling when we hang out. It reminds me of how freakin tiny babies are!! Especially since I have a 32 lb. mammoth toddler. I need to get my portfolio together and start trying to shoot some babies for some moolah (how tacky does that sound?), but that will be yet another ball to juggle. Going out of town for my cousin's baby shower so there will be no postings for a few days (sorry my 3 fans).

Happy rainy weekend!

Little Baby Rosa, 4 months old