Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in Sarah Leight's LiveJournal:

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Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
9:58 pm	Our morning routine starts with me going down to the basement to exercise. Matthew gets up to shower and pack his lunch, then we wake up the kids to get them ready for school. This morning, Danielle apparently woke up early, and when I came up the stairs she was sitting on the counter with the most beautiful smile on her face. And she was so happy to see me - it was a wonderful way to start the day! Tonight was the last night of Bible School for Lucas, and we went to watch them perform the songs they've been learning. Danielle stood on my lap and tried to copy some of the motions she saw Lucas doing. He did a really good job with the motions - they did NINE songs so I certainly didn't expect him to know them all, but he kept up pretty well. And for one song, they had to stomp a foot and clap their hands, and he was right on the beat which surprised me a bit! Several teachers came over and told us how much they'd enjoyed having him there and that he was very enthusiastic and participative. We liked hearing that! Current Mood: happy (Comment on this)
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
9:47 pm	Tonight's post is all about Danielle: She likes to have her hands traced on the MagnaDoodle, and will come over with it, hand me the pen, and put her hand down to trace. Last night, we were playing while Matthew took Lucas over to Bible School, and she started the same as always. Then she wanted me to put my hands down for her to trace. Then she laid a Beanie Bear on the board to trace. I was then confused when she tried to crawl into my lap, saying "Danielle" - until she finally got up there and then laid down on the board so I could trace her! She was quite amused when I drew in her face and her ponytails. Mom commented when we were visiting that Danielle really likes to sort things and might have a future as an accountant. She's not far off - D also likes to inventory and make sure everyone has an item. For example, last night at the table, she went around saying "Mama butter, Daddy butter, Danielle butter. Mama 'poon, Danielle 'poon, Daddy 'poon." Sometimes this is directed to us, and sometimes she just seems to be talking to herself. And I have no idea where this comes from, but when she and I are heading somewhere she'll line up behind me, push on my rear end, and chant "go, go, go" as we walk around the house. She doesn't seem to do it to Matthew, but I have to laugh every time she does it! Tonight was bath night, which she loves. She ran to help turn on the water, then pointed out to me that her clothes needed to come off. She's starting to help with her pants and socks. Then she ran to put them in the laundry without me even saying anything - that was a nice surprise! I reminded her to get her towel, which she ran to get, then she threw away her diaper. She's quite the little helper, but part of it is simply because she likes playing in the tub so much! All is good with Lucas, too, but I didn't see him enough today to have anything to say - picked him up from school, got supper at Wendy's, and dropped him off at Bible School. Oh - but he did learn how to walk through a piece of paper - have to get more details on that one tomorrow. Current Mood: cheerful (Comment on this)
Monday, June 29th, 2009
9:47 pm	Busy busy weekend - we finally got out for our first camping trip of the summer. We went up to one of our favorite campgrounds: Bay City State Park, about 2 hours north of here. We camped in the same spot we did last year and really liked. There were a few small issues, the main one being that after temporarily putting out the slide out, then putting it back in while we moved the camper to put the leveling blocks under it, the slide out would then not slide out. Matthew spent about an hour working on it while the kids and I explored, and finally managed to use the battery and jumper cables to get it opened again. Once we got settled in and Lucas stopped whining (he does a lot of whining some days) the weekend was pretty good. Danielle has completely taken to the camping lifestyle, as she does to almost anything. She's pretty good at understanding and following directions/rules, like staying on our side of the camper. As hot as it was, we ended up making use of the shower facilities at the park. Danielle isn't used to spraying water but loves her bath, so I took her in one with me. I made a big game out of swooping her back into the water and twirling around, and she laughed a lot. Lucas was totally amused by the fact that he got to walk back to the camper naked except for his towel. Sunday morning we packed up and drove home. Then Danielle helped Daddy unhitch while I took Lucas to a birthday party for a friend from daycare. The party was at a local park, and shortly after we got there the kids went off to feed the ducks. The bread was abandoned when they realized they could go in the stream, so they entertained themselves there for about 45 minutes before moving on to cake and presents. Meanwhile, Danielle apparently had a lot of fun popping under the camper where Matthew was working on getting the slideout out for unloading, and happily greeting him "HI DADDY!" repeatedly. Then it was home and a quick supper for Lucas before Danielle and I walked him over to the church around the corner from our house for Vacation Bible School. This isn't the church we go to, although it is the same denomination. He had so much fun at Grammy's church camp that I figured we'd sign him up here, and he did have a great time. Matthew and Danielle walked over to pick him up at the end and I hear that several of the women were amused by how excited she was to see Lucas. Today was work/school and then race to pick up the kids, feed Lucas, and get him back to the church. It makes for a long and busy day, but he's really having fun. It still felt weird to eat dinner with just Danielle, who wants to be carried around a lot, which is rather inconvenient for making supper. But it's so much fun to have her giving me kisses as I hold her in my arms, that I can't stay annoyed for too long! Current Mood: busy (Comment on this)
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
9:31 pm	Oh, what to say about today? It was a pretty uneventful day, but it did start with me waking up Danielle, and getting to enjoy her happy little face. She's so much fun to wake up, and just see her smiling and bouncing in her crib. Lucas was very excited about the fact that there was going to be a moon bounce at school, and he'd earned the right to be in the first group to go on by taking a good nap yesterday. The moon bounce did not disappoint - apparently both kids enjoyed multiple turns on it. Surprisingly, they weren't as worn out as I expected tonight. The best moment of the evening was when Lucas got Danielle to lay on her back on the couch, and kept blurping her. They were both having a great time and it was so neat to see them playing together! Current Mood: happy (Comment on this)
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
9:43 pm	Life around here has quickly returned to 'normal' - meaning, plenty of disagreeing over possession and lots of noise! Funny - the whole week Lucas was gone, Danielle had no interest in anything in his room. But now that he's home, she's in there any chance she gets trying to get her hands on his stuff! I realized I never posted from Friday from Grammy: "Friday - Day 5 at Grammy and Baba's House Camp crafts today included playing with pipe cleaners. Lucas made a bird's nest, a travel bird's nest, a bird, and an egg. At the end of the day when we were cleaning up, the Youth Counselor who had been at that table brought over several forms she had made and asked Lucas if he wanted them. He did. :-) They included an elephant, giraffe, pig, girl with blond hair (we decided she looked like Danielle), a fish, and a couple others. The Parents will have to decide how to display/store them! After a nap, Lucas and I worked on a "Marker-by-Number" project. We colored Lightening McQueen, and saved the Tow Mater picture for another time. We enjoyed the quiet time and collaboration. For supper, I had planned spaghetti mac, with bread and butter, focused on the butter. I bought whipping cream so we could shake it into butter. Even with the three of us shaking, it wasn't happening fast enough, so we ended up putting it in a bowl and using a small electric mixer. We enjoyed it on the bread, and maybe will try it again next summer. NieNie! made it over to join us for supper. Baba and Lucas then talked about and watched part of a movie about the race to the moon. Mom, Dad, and Danielle arrived about 8:30. There were BIG HUGS all around! What a wonderful week!" Current Mood: okay (Comment on this)
Sunday, June 21st, 2009
9:22 pm	This weekend was a trip down to retrieve Lucas from Grammy and Baba. It was mostly a good trip, but the drive home included a long delay on the highway due to a traffic accident, the kids not napping as they normally do, lots of whining, and some general frustration by the time we got home and unloaded. Lucas needs a little readjustment to being around parents instead of grandparents. Danielle was just tired, so at least that is easy to fix! The weekend was good, but I'm tired and have a headache so it's hard to remember what the good stuff is right now! I do want to say Happy Father's Day to the dads in our life. I'll share one small story about my Dad - when I was in college, he used to send me care packages with his fabulous homemade oatmeal cookies. When we got packages, they would be left at the main desk in the cafeteria and we got a little slip telling us we had something to pick up. My roommates quickly learned about the oatmeal cookies and would be quite happy when I received a package slip! After I told Dad I was having to share too much, he started sending the cookies in TWO bags, so I could get one out and share, then unearth the other one in privacy. Thanks, Dad! Current Mood: loved (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Thursday, June 18th, 2009
9:44 pm	I was in charge of getting Danielle over to daycare today, then headed into work to make up the time from Monday. She woke up while I was still getting ready, so she hung out with me and we chatted and were silly and it was a lot of fun. I'm definitely going to look for ways to spend a little more one-on-one time with her when Lucas gets back. She mostly has her voice back now, but is very congested and coughing a lot. So this evening was quiet playtime and reading. Danielle will paw through the pile of books always in the living room saying "How 'bout... How 'bout..." just like we do! She really likes a book that has little puzzles in it, and spent a while working on them. She was very amused by the guinea pig and called my attention to it several times. Danielle also kept me company while I made cookie dough - I didn't want her coughing on it so I didn't let her too close, but she was very interested to see how I measured the baking soda and cinnamon, and helped our a couple things into the bowl. And two reports on Lucas tonight: "Thursday - Day 4 at Grammy and Baba's House Camp continues to go well for Lucas, and for the visit as a whole. We were at the park again, but Friday has been scheduled to be at church due to expected rain. Today's lesson was about sharing and giving back - each child and teacher and helper received a penny, then gave it to someone else, then they all ended up in an offering basket to help others. Lucas seems to interact well with the adults, and more enthusiastically knows what is coming next and where to go. He isn't sure of kids' names yet. (His class is the largest: 23 4-5 year old children, most of whom are pretty quiet.) The music teacher again commented on Lucas participating. I think Lucas likes the crafts, too, but we forgot to bring today's home. Lucas and I were using push brooms as we helped clean out the pavilion today, and I forgot to get the sack. It has his name on it, though, so I presume it will be at church on Friday for him. Lucas learned a secret today, as we were putting away our brooms: Chip The Pirate is a regular person! Imagine that! I told Lucas that Chip used to be a little boy at our church, just like Lucas, and he was very nice, and that we know his mommy and daddy. He felt special to know the secret. :-) Baba came home early so I could go in to work as planned. In the afternoon, there was bubble blowing, car driving, a short walk with a rocket in hand, throwing of a parachute (sans rocket) into the air, and watching part of a rocket movie. Lucas was actually born very fast, and there is a lovely picture of Baba holding newborn Lucas, and the frame is engraved "Rocket Boys". Little did we know... No nap this afternoon, but a bath and smooth bedtime were accomplished by 8 pm. Baba is GOOD! I'm feeling a little sad already, because I have really enjoyed having Lucas here. Love, Grammy" "I came home early to let Grammy attend a meeting at work. We sat out in the shade with bubbles, big Lightning, a model rocket, a kitty and had a very nice time. The kitty was the pit crew and later we took the nosecone and parachute off the rocket and had fun tossing it in the air. Then indoors for playdoh, getting more rockets out, and fixing dinner. Lucas chose a walk over a bike ride as he could fly the rocket during a walk. Then some "From the Earth to the Moon" and then bath and right to sleep. He really played well by himself with just a little attention on my part. Love Dad/Baba Current Mood: mellow (Comment on this)
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009
10:07 pm	Danielle slept through the night last night, and managed to sleep through Matthew leaving and me getting ready for work. She didn't feel too warm when I did wake her up, but she was wet from a diaper leak, and her voice was quite raspy and hoarse. She didn't seem too bothered by any of it; more surprised than anything. When I dropped her off I found out that the raspiness has been going around the center. Matthew picked her up, and discovered she didn't nap today! I'm a little surprised she was in as good a mood as she was at dinner, but not at all surprised that she went to bed a little early and very easily. I picked up new photos of the kids today - these were taken about 2 weeks ago and the focus was supposed to be Lucas' fifth birthday. But D stole the spotlight - there are several really cute ones of her. A couple good ones of Lucas, too, so I will have something good to put up on the wall at least. Lucas, though, continues to be in the spotlight in the journal. I talked to him for about 10 minutes tonight - it's such a surreal experience because I don't think I've ever talked to him on the phone before this week. I'm always the one holding the phone and echoing everything he says so the person on the other end can understand what he's talking about! It's a good thing I know him as well as I do, so I can kind of guess at what he's saying. Here's what Grammy reports from today: "Wednesday - Day 3 at Grammy and Baba's House Summer Church Day Camp was not rained out today as we had feared, and it was fun to see Lucas feeling comfortable with the rhythms and routines now. He was more interactive, and when I peeked out during "drama" time with Chip The Pirate, he was enthusiastically, accurately, and immediately following the red light - green light directions. I also pointed out that Pastor Jeanie was like Pastor Charlotte, and that seemed to make sense to him. After a nice nap this afternoon, we played with some large bubbles from a 6" dish. We also did a little weeding and gathering of old oak leaves. He commented several times that he wanted some time to play with Baba. Right after supper, they had a little time and they went on another flying "adventure", though without luggage since it was just a one-day trip. He carefully checked his map and pointed out where they were going. They were little baby fishes today, and off they went to the tent upstairs (large sheet). Lucas makes a great fish face, and I realized that his arms were held close to his chest so his flapping hands really did resemble flippers. Grandpa Steve will come home mid-afternoon on Thursday to be with Lucas, as I have a session of new-student registration 3-7 pm at school. They will get some more time together then. They are also talking about going to a rocket launch that happens to be scheduled on Saturday here in Fort Wayne. NieNie! came over after supper and collected Lucas to spend the night with her. Annie will take Lucas to Day Camp in the morning, where I will already be working. What a great week! Grammy" And then Annie's report: "After a long day of training at work, I went to pick up Lucas at Grammy and Baba's house. I grabbed a quick dinner (Thanks Mom)... while I was eating, Lucas came downstairs with his suitcase and Littlefoot, ready to go. I was still eating, and we hadn't switched carseats yet! As I was driving out the addition, Lucas said "I think you need to be more nicer about letting other cars go." So I explained about the right of way and stop signs, and the expectation of a car going without stopping, and you don't want to get confused because that's when accidents happen. Then he said that Mama lets lots of cars go, because she's so nice. In fact, she's the bestest mama in the whole world! [I especially liked reading this part! -SEL] Uncle Bill found a big Lightening McQueen, so we played with that this weekend. At one point, Lightening saw the sunflower photo on my computer. He started angrily revving his engine, and Lucas explained that Lightening doesn't like sunflowers. Apparently he smelled one once, and discovered he was allergic. We watched part of the Dancing Show. Lucas is very impressed with "that boy picked up that girl and spun around!" He especially liked Brandon and Janette (kid has good taste)! My favorite part of the evening, though, was when Lucas "outed" Grammy and Baba. I had said he had 5 minutes before we changed activities. Lightening drove up to my face and said he was mad. I asked why, and Lightening said it was because I only gave Lucas 5 minutes instead of 6. I asked why that made him mad, and Lightening said it was because grown-ups should always do what kids say. I said, "oh really?" And Lucas said, "Yah, Grammy and Baba do!" HAHAHAHAHAHA! The truth is out! -NieNie!" Current Mood: amused (Comment on this)
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
9:54 pm	Danielle seemed to sleep better last night, but still had a fever this morning. She was ok to go to school though, and seemed to have a lot of fun there. She did come home with an accident report, having scraped her leg, but she apparently didn't mind too much. Danielle got to have dinner with Daddy, and helped him do dishes, while I was at church again. She's woken up a couple times since she went to bed, though - hope she can settle down and sleep well and feel better tomorrow! I did get to talk to Lucas briefly - he needs some practice at talking on the phone but it was nice to hear him say he misses me and loves me all the time even when I can't see him (reference to a book Grammy got him several years ago). Grammy reports: "Tuesday - Day 2 at Grammy and Baba's House Lucas was a Really Great Kid all day today! At Summer Church Day Camp, the music director told me he was well behaved, joined in the singing, and followed directions well. He made a big fish with colorful crepe-paper streamers for the tail, and "swam" it around as we walked to the car and in the small grocery store. He was pretty groggy for the in-between stop at the regular grocery store, and rode in the cart there. He likes Chip The Pirate, who leads games with lots of running in the grass, and who also leads grace - the kids are learning to sing The Johnny Appleseed Grace. (I'll have to follow-up on the words.) Instead of a nap, we did some small jigsaw puzzles and wrote a book, which he will take home with him. He says that next time he writes a book, he will make sure all of his pictures are right-side-up before stapling. There was very light rain - really just a sprinkling - late this afternoon and I let Lucas play on the deck in his bare feet. He used the watering can to wash toy cars, his feet, and water plants. This evening, Lucas and Baba talked rockets and we all had an adventure where we started out by packing pretend suitcases, driving to the airport, flying on a combination plane/rocket, then going to a hotel where the two of them played kitties-in-a-tent. I did the bath, and Lucas was asleep in a very smooth manner. Since storms with lightening are in the forecast for the next three days, there is a possibility that camp will be canceled. We just have to wait to see if we get a phone call in the morning." Current Mood: busy (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, June 15th, 2009
10:03 pm	Danielle had a fever and woke up a lot early this morning, so I stayed home with her. She slept a LOT - woke up about 7, then we slept in the living room until my phone rang at 8:30! We didn't do anything exciting, but it was fun to focus on her. And surprisingly quiet around here, confirming what we thought about how much noise Lucas generates, though Danielle did her best to fill the quiet with endless rounds of "Twinkle Twinkle." She makes the cutest little diamond shape with her fingers! We woke her up after a three hour nap, and she was asleep by 8:30 - hope all the sleep helps her feel better! She's been running a temp all day, but doesn't seem to have any other symptoms so will probably go to daycare tomorrow. From Grammy: "Monday - Day 1 at Grammy and Baba's House (Actually, Sunday evening) Correct use of the word "boring" was the drive home from connecting with Grammy in Toledo and driving to Fort Wayne. We talked about that a bit, looked for letters on signs and in our minds (F, W, and M were his choices), and chatted in general. Monday morning: Summer Church Day Camp at a city park: First Presbyterian's version of Vacation Bible School, or it's many other names. Lucas was in the youngest group, of Pre-K/'Kindergarten students. They had breakfast, opening, crafts, drama/music, games with a Pirate, and storytelling, with a focus on mission projects in the US (last two years had international focus). After lunch, there was playground/splash pad time. After dismissal, Lucas changed IN THE VAN into his swim suit and we went back to the splash pad. No nap this afternoon, but we had some quiet reading time and a little bike riding in the street and around the tree in the cul-de-sac. Baba made sandwiches and took Lucas back to another (closer) park with a 5/8 mile bike trail which he rode (the gravel surface made it harder than he expected). They had their picnic supper, then Lucas played on another splash pad. Those are great for the kids! With no nap for two days and being up late on Sunday night, he fell asleep right away, by 8:15 pm. I was at a church meeting and missed saying goodnight, so look forward to tomorrow morning. What a pleasure to have this special time! Love, Grammy " Current Mood: sleepy (Comment on this)
Sunday, June 14th, 2009
9:37 pm	Last night was NOT pretty! Lucas woke up twice, and was basically talking in his sleep. Then Danielle started waking up around 4, and would settle down for 10-20 minutes, then start fussing again. I took her into the living room where she slept on my chest for a while, but neither of us really rested well. Much of the day revolved around Lucas going to Grammy and Baba's. He eagerly packed a WHOLE suitcase of friends to take with him, and I gave up fighting it (as he pointed out, he wasn't taking ALL of them, just ALL of the ones on his bed. I'd say that accounts for at least 50% of the total volume of friends). Then he followed my directions exactly on getting out his clothes, which we loaded into a second suitcase. Grammy was driving home from Cleveland this afternoon, so Lucas and I drove down to Toledo and met her there for the handoff. Lucas was very excited; I was a little teary as they drove off. Matthew and Danielle had a quiet evening at home, including washing dishes, making and eating dinner, and some biking and a little walk. It feels weird to be home with just Danielle - Lucas usually wants to be involved in anything that's going on, so we rarely get much time with just Danielle. That will be kind of fun, to see what she's like without Lucas around! Current Mood: ambivalent (Comment on this)
Saturday, June 13th, 2009
9:12 pm	We did something right - Danielle slept until 7 this morning! Lucas crawled into bed with me about that time, but he flopped around and crawled over me and generally was kind of a nuisance until I convinced him to go have breakfast with Daddy and Danielle about 8:30. Before he left, he asked what time I wanted him to wake me up - so helpful. The boys worked outside this afternoon. They made a pretty good dent in the woods - there is now a big path all the way back to the fire pit. Lucas at one point was up in a tree higher than the garage roof! Danielle napped, then went with me to run some errands. We weren't as successful as I'd hoped, but it was fun anyway. Then we had a cook-out with Tia Chris and Tio Doug at the fire pit - hot dogs, potatoes, baked beans, veggies, and of course Smores! Lucas finished off two hot dogs, some beans and veggies and was asking for a third hot dog when I reminded him about the Smores. He had two of those plus a couple plain marshmallows. Guess he deserved it after all that working outside today. Danielle flitted around, and managed to feed half her bun to Coco (the Ridderings' dog) but did like the plain marshmallows. Tia Chris brought out some sparklers, which the kids really liked. It was a lovely evening! Tomorrow, I will be handing Lucas over to Grammy and Baba for a week - he and I will meet Grammy part way. He's been wanting to go visit by himself, and it worked out well that this week is a day camp through church that Mom is helping with, so that will keep him busy in the mornings. I know he will have a great time there, and am totally comfortable with the care he will get, but I'm just plain going to miss having him around! Current Mood: calm (Comment on this)
Friday, June 12th, 2009
9:42 pm	A milestone day for each of the kids: This morning included some errands and the promise of a trip to the playground if we got through them. Just after we reached the sidewalk to the playground, Danielle managed to trip over her toes and scrape both her knees. She let me brush her off and headed off to play, but once we got home and I looked at them better, I ended up putting bandages across both knees. Her first 2-bandage day! We have several different ice cream trucks that ply their wares along our street. (And all the streets around us, from which we can still hear the music.) Matthew finally broke down and told Lucas what those trucks are actually for a couple weeks ago - we had managed to go several years without admitting to the fact that they sell a delicious little treat! One came down the road this evening as the kids and I were out playing and walking down the street, and Lucas asked if he could have ice cream as his treat with the movie tonight. I reluctantly agreed, so he raced home and must have asked Daddy for money because he returned to me a minute later with Matthew's wallet. (I like the fact that Matthew just sent the whole wallet!) Lucas selected a Spiderman molded thing on a stick as his first ice-cream-truck treat. What a momentous day! Current Mood: amused (Comment on this)
Thursday, June 11th, 2009
8:42 pm	You'd think after how late the kids were up last night, we'd have slept in this morning. Think again. Danielle woke up at 6:11. She was just settling down on my chest in the rocker when Lucas wandered in, gave her a kiss, then headed off to my bed, without saying a word. She dozed a bit, but we were up and opening the blinds by 6:30. The whole morning was built around a couple requirements: I needed clean, well-dressed, rested children at daycare at 3. So they played in the tub for quite a while, and then we hurried to have an early lunch so Danielle could get a nap in; Lucas rested on the couch and watched some PBS. Then it was into nice clothes and off to school. Why, you ask? For Lucas' Preschool Graduation Ceremony. It was very cute. First the whole class sang a couple songs, then the 9 kids graduating went and got robes and caps on. I had convinced Lucas to wear a dress shirt and tie, so he looked pretty good! The ceremony was brief and the kids less than enthusiastic, but I did get misty watching it and hearing the music. After some punch and cookies, we decided to go out to Olive Garden for supper, which was quite enjoyable. Then some playtime for the kids while Matthew did work from the table - I'm amazed he was able to concentrate with all the noise and interruptions, but he assured me that it wasn't too bad compared to his cubicle, which is right next to the coffee station! Both kids were quite ready for bed, but I'm not holding out any hopes about sleeping in tomorrow! Current Mood: Proud (Comment on this)
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
10:14 pm	No post tonight - the kids and I went to the choirs picnic, got home about 9:30, and just put them to bed. Here's hoping we sleep in a little tomorrow! Current Mood: tired (Comment on this)
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
8:33 pm	Today was 'take your favorite book to school' day. They've put together a calendar for the whole month with different special days, and Lucas is really excited about it. I had mentioned it last night, and this morning he got up before I went in to wake him and came out with his Airplane book, declaring it is his Favorite and the one he wanted to take. Ok. He went right back down to his room and got dressed by himself and was in the best, most helpful mood ever. Danielle decided she was taking her Elmo book - we tried to discourage it because it has a pop-up page that we thought would be tough to read with the little ones. But she was absolutely insistent, and we acquiesced. Lucas made a big paper airplane at school, and wanted to fly it outside after supper, so out we went. The kids spent a good 30 minutes playing with the small gravel around the base of the playset, and shoveling it into a couple little buckets. I was amazed at how long they played this! Then Lucas did some skin-the-cats. He's getting pretty good, and I continue to be amazed by his upper body strength and control. Danielle got Very Angry with me when I said it was time to put away the buckets and come in, but it was definitely time to come in for bed. Current Mood: okay (Comment on this)
Monday, June 8th, 2009
9:37 pm	Matthew made it home Saturday just as we were sitting down for lunch. I think Danielle summed up the feelings pretty well - she was sitting next to me, turned to me and said "Mama? Mama? (pointing to Daddy) DAAAADEEE!" Yep - Daddy's home! Friday morning was pictures - the focus was supposed to be Lucas for his fifth birthday, but D stole the spotlight. Got some great pics of each of the kids, and even one of them with me and mom. It was hard to pick which ones to purchase. We got in plenty of outside time, and a couple of walks. Every morning, Lucas went right upstairs with some books to read with Grammy. They both Really Like that tradition! Lucas did 'hog' Grammy a bit, but I enjoyed some one-on-one time with Danielle. I am looking forward to the time I'll have with her when Lucas is in school. He doesn't like to be left out of anything, so we are usually a threesome. But she has a great personality and is a lot of fun to sit with - a couple times, we just sat on the porch swing and 'talked,' though it usually included her crawling all over me. Lucas and I are currently reading "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." He's following along pretty well, and it's neat to see what he picks up on. During the conversation tonight, we were talking about dinosaurs, and when I mentioned there aren't any dinosaurs around anymore he told me "they're extinct." They recently did a dino unit at school, but I was pretty surprised he remembered the word! Current Mood: happy (Comment on this)
Thursday, June 4th, 2009
10:00 pm	Forgot to mention the most important part of yesterday - dentist appointments for the kids! Lucas went first, so Danielle could watch. He got a full cleaning and exam, and was pronounced cavity free. Also, the bottom left center tooth is loose - I kind of thought it might be - and he is quite excited about that although I suspect it will be a while before he loses it. Danielle got the abbreviated version, since this was her first time and it was more about getting a little bit used to having someone's hands in her mouth. The funniest part to me was watching both the dentist and the hygienist say "Open Wide Danielle - Aaaahhh" and not realize she couldn't SEE what they were doing due to the masks! Today was (hopefully) the last crazy day this week. I knew I had some stuff to do for work, plus some financial stuff to prepare for a meeting at church tonight. Mom and I took the kids on a shopping trip to get some plants, and then Mom and Lucas planted them after lunch. He abandoned the project after a while to climb in a tree and be a monkey, but Mom finished up and it looks good out there. Then the kids and I did a walk/wagon ride to the grocery store for spaghetti sauce - needed it for dinner tonight! It was fun to watch Danielle pulling the wagon on the way back - she refused to believe that it wasn't practical for her to pull it when Lucas was riding! Current Mood: amused (Comment on this)
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
9:50 pm	Lucas woke up at 5 this morning, when my alarm went off. I think he was waiting for a chance to get upstairs with Grammy! I had to be at work for a 7:30 meeting, and with Mom's help did get the kids ready and dropped off and walked in just as it was starting. Tonight was a party for the diaper program at church, so Lucas and I went over. He got to play with Caroline for quite a while, and Danielle got some Grammy time. Then I put D to bed while Lucas got to watch some of the dancing show with Grammy. A short evening, but I think we got the important things in! Current Mood: okay (Comment on this)
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009
10:15 pm	Oh, thank heavens - Mommy came to rescue me! We did ok for the last 48 hours, but it was just-the-basics. Both mornings, Lucas woke up earlier than he usually does, but he was pretty cooperative with entertaining himself while I got my shower. But this morning, he'd had some kind of bad dream about some giants hurting Danielle, and he was very upset. We peeked in on her and the sight of her sleeping seemed to help him feel better. How sweet it was to see how upset he was about the idea of someone hurting his baby sister. Not that I liked seeing him upset - you know what I mean! He'd also had an accident and wet the bed for the first time in months. So I had to get that laundry in before we left this morning! Mom was here when we got home, and the kids were ecstatic to see her. I'm not exaggerating! Danielle was shouting "Ammy! Ammy!" and went running to her for a big hug. Lucas was bouncing all over the place. Inside my head, I just kept thinking, Mom's here, everything will be ok! Did check in with Matthew this morning - he's keeping busy but things were going well so far. Current Mood: relieved (Comment on this)