The oppressive heat and humidity that we've heard about and dreaded is slowly making it's way here. We're just about the point that inside is a much better option than outside. (Except for going to the pool!)
When we were at the pool on Sunday, I met a woman who was from New York. She and her family moved here last summer. I told her we hadn't lived through a summer in Augusta.
She said, "I went to the grocery store at 10:00 at night in July. When I walked outside it was horrible, so hot and humid, I could hardly move! And people were walking around as if everything was normal! It was the strangest thing."
Strange, indeed.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
Everybody in the pool!
We've had what we're told is an unseasonably rare spring in Augusta. But now the temperature is starting to creep up. Saturday we turned on the sprinklers for the kids (including neighborhood kids). Fun was had by all.
Sunday, we went to the pool we joined for the firs time. It was somewhat crowded, and we saw Erin's friends Sam and Emily and their families there, too. Last summer, Erin was a reluctant swimmer. This year, she seems much more adventurous. A few things are helping. The big pool has a section that ranges from 2-2 1/2 feet, so the water isn't over Erin's head. Also, peer pressure! Sam blows bubbles in the water, so does Erin. Sam tries swimming with the kickboard with her mom's help. Erin wants to try to. Emily puts her face in the water, so does Erin. So peer pressure is working well. She even got dunked once, but it didn't slow her down.
Lauren was very reluctant to go in the kiddy pool with daddy. Finally, though, she got in and had fun. Eventually she went in the big pool with mommy. Progress was made my all!
Sunday, we went to the pool we joined for the firs time. It was somewhat crowded, and we saw Erin's friends Sam and Emily and their families there, too. Last summer, Erin was a reluctant swimmer. This year, she seems much more adventurous. A few things are helping. The big pool has a section that ranges from 2-2 1/2 feet, so the water isn't over Erin's head. Also, peer pressure! Sam blows bubbles in the water, so does Erin. Sam tries swimming with the kickboard with her mom's help. Erin wants to try to. Emily puts her face in the water, so does Erin. So peer pressure is working well. She even got dunked once, but it didn't slow her down.
Lauren was very reluctant to go in the kiddy pool with daddy. Finally, though, she got in and had fun. Eventually she went in the big pool with mommy. Progress was made my all!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Why puppies shouldn't have pacifiers
As we were letting Daisy romp in the kitchen with us, she suddenly retreated to her crate in the laundry room. Rene said, "Isn't that cute? Daisy is resting in her crate." I knew that was not normal for Daisy, and soon Lauren kept requesting, "Blue Binky!" I went to Daisy, opened her mouth, and there was the the remnants of the blue binky. The main part (the part you suck on) had been bitten off. Lauren looked at it and said "Wash it!" So I carefully washed it in soap and hot water, dried it off, and handed it to Lauren. She looked at it, laughed, put it in her mouth, then cried.
Oh well, at least it varied Daisy's diet of puppy chow, pinecones, sticks and rocks.
Oh well, at least it varied Daisy's diet of puppy chow, pinecones, sticks and rocks.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Erin and Daisy graduate
Erin finished preschool last week. Although they didn't have a "graduation" ceremony, they did have a special singing performance for parents with snacks afterwards. Erin did great, she's been singing the songs for months. She even sang a song about colors in Spanish. They had lots of fun the last few weeks. The last week had pajama party day and a water fun day. We weren't going to do it, but Erin will attend day camp there with her preschool teacher. She'll go three days a week for the month of July.
Daisy graduated from puppy kindergarten tonight. She can sit, stay, and come (sometimes). Daisy is a bundle of energy and so big! Her paws are huge. Rene got on the scale with her and she ways almost 37 pounds. She almost weighs as much as Erin! But she is very sweet and a lot of fun.
Not to be forgotten, Lauren can sing her ABCs now. If Lauren sees a word in a book or on a sign, she says, "Look, mommy, ABC's!" Lauren knows some Spanish, too, from Dora, of course. If I pick her up she some times says "Arriba" and if I ask her if she needs help, she says "Ayudame".
Jake knows no Spanish, but a few weeks ago he polished off a few servings of turkey cheese enchiladas. That's our Jake.
Daisy graduated from puppy kindergarten tonight. She can sit, stay, and come (sometimes). Daisy is a bundle of energy and so big! Her paws are huge. Rene got on the scale with her and she ways almost 37 pounds. She almost weighs as much as Erin! But she is very sweet and a lot of fun.
Not to be forgotten, Lauren can sing her ABCs now. If Lauren sees a word in a book or on a sign, she says, "Look, mommy, ABC's!" Lauren knows some Spanish, too, from Dora, of course. If I pick her up she some times says "Arriba" and if I ask her if she needs help, she says "Ayudame".
Jake knows no Spanish, but a few weeks ago he polished off a few servings of turkey cheese enchiladas. That's our Jake.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
No spandex!
Rene's HR department sent around a notice that the dress code would now include a "no spandex" rule. Well that's going to limit his choice of a summer wardrobe!
Monday, May 08, 2006
Daddy did it
Last week of school for the girls. Yikes! Erin's class has been busy with a mom's tea (which we missed to due Erin's ear infection), crazy day, backwards day and pajama party day today. On Wednesday is the big singing performance. Erin has been belting out "Jesus Loves the Little Children" quite often. Of course, in her rendition, it goes something like, "Jesus Loves the Little ChildREM" and various other words are butchered.
Not to be outdone by her sister, Lauren has her own way of saying things. Here a guide to some of Lauren's favorite utterings:
lolla hop = lollipop
mope = milk
mo mope = more milk
Edin = Erin
bamas = pajamas
nur one = another one, as in "another one, binky", "another one blanky", etc
Gola Boots = Dora, Boots (as previously mentioned)
pee-low = pillow
pee-dow = playdough
Gam=Sam (Erins' friend)
Guck=Stuck
no like = I don't like it
I like it! = I like it!
Lately, any time I try to get her to do something, her response is, "Daddy did it."
Do you want to take a bath? Daddy did it.
Can I brush your teeth? Daddy did it.
Let me change your diaper. Daddy did it.
Now it may be true that at one point in time Daddy has done all of these things, but usually she says this when it is quite clear Daddy has NOT done those things recently. As Erin said once, "Babies can be pretty tricky."
Not to be outdone by her sister, Lauren has her own way of saying things. Here a guide to some of Lauren's favorite utterings:
lolla hop = lollipop
mope = milk
mo mope = more milk
Edin = Erin
bamas = pajamas
nur one = another one, as in "another one, binky", "another one blanky", etc
Gola Boots = Dora, Boots (as previously mentioned)
pee-low = pillow
pee-dow = playdough
Gam=Sam (Erins' friend)
Guck=Stuck
no like = I don't like it
I like it! = I like it!
Lately, any time I try to get her to do something, her response is, "Daddy did it."
Do you want to take a bath? Daddy did it.
Can I brush your teeth? Daddy did it.
Let me change your diaper. Daddy did it.
Now it may be true that at one point in time Daddy has done all of these things, but usually she says this when it is quite clear Daddy has NOT done those things recently. As Erin said once, "Babies can be pretty tricky."
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Gola Pilot
Gola Pilot. That would be "Dora Pirate" to you. On Wednesday we saw the Dora Pirate show in Augusta, or as Lauren says, Gola Pilot. All enjoyed.
We visited the dentist yesterday. It was Lauren's first visit to the dentist. She did not like it, so they didn't do too much. Erin is an old pro at the dentist, and she did great. I was surprised to learn that Erin's two bottom teeth are a little loose, so she may lose them by the summer! My baby losing her baby teeth already! I can't believe it.
Took Daisy to puppy kindergarten again last night. She's doing well with the sit and come commands. Lauren has just about successfully taught Daisy not to jump on her. Lauren is a pretty tough cookie!
Last weekend I attended the baby shower for Jenny, a mom in my mom's club play group. It was very nice. Erin drew Jenny a nice little picture of our family. Then on Tuesday, we brought a meal to Shelly, another play group mom who just had a baby girl. The baby was so teeny tiny and sweet. We went to get the girls feet measured for new shoes last week. Lauren's foot is a size 7 1/2. Yikes! Not so teeny tiny any more. She can also wear some size 4 stuff too in clothes.
Late last week I reconnected via email from a friend from high school. The internet is so cool! My friend is a successful published author, known as Holly Chamberlin. She gave me some updates on other high school chums, so that was neat. "Holly" pointed me towards her husband's cooking blog which is called http://stephencooks.com. The photos will leave you drooling! Going to add stephencooks to my cooking links. Yum!
We visited the dentist yesterday. It was Lauren's first visit to the dentist. She did not like it, so they didn't do too much. Erin is an old pro at the dentist, and she did great. I was surprised to learn that Erin's two bottom teeth are a little loose, so she may lose them by the summer! My baby losing her baby teeth already! I can't believe it.
Took Daisy to puppy kindergarten again last night. She's doing well with the sit and come commands. Lauren has just about successfully taught Daisy not to jump on her. Lauren is a pretty tough cookie!
Last weekend I attended the baby shower for Jenny, a mom in my mom's club play group. It was very nice. Erin drew Jenny a nice little picture of our family. Then on Tuesday, we brought a meal to Shelly, another play group mom who just had a baby girl. The baby was so teeny tiny and sweet. We went to get the girls feet measured for new shoes last week. Lauren's foot is a size 7 1/2. Yikes! Not so teeny tiny any more. She can also wear some size 4 stuff too in clothes.
Late last week I reconnected via email from a friend from high school. The internet is so cool! My friend is a successful published author, known as Holly Chamberlin. She gave me some updates on other high school chums, so that was neat. "Holly" pointed me towards her husband's cooking blog which is called http://stephencooks.com. The photos will leave you drooling! Going to add stephencooks to my cooking links. Yum!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Farewell, Chiron
Chiron no longer exists. :( Chiron is the biotech company that was Rene's previous employer for many years. I'm sure our Chiron friends are contemplating their fate, much as while I was at PeopleSoft during the Oracle takeover. Hang in there guys! May good career opportunities come your way.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Random updates and thoughts
It's been a while since I posted, so I'll try to update various happenings.
We had a nice Easter. We took the kayak, the girls and the doggies to the lake. First Rene ventured out in the kayak and then Erin braved it and went with him. They disembarked at various spots and saw lots of frogs and found a cave. Erin enjoyed the adventure and especially enjoyed wearing her Barbie lifejacket. Lauren and I played with the doggies on the shore and then she entertained herself by picking grass and throwing it on me. We all enjoyed a picnic lunch.
The previous day we did a lot of errands and took a bike ride to the river. We also took Daisy to the new Petco and had her sit with us as we ate lunch outside a small cafe. Part of our doggy kindergarten homework was to bring her to three new places.
The windows are almost done. I thought they would be done on Friday, but on Friday the guys were called to an "unexpected service call" (aka death in family, major hangover, the usual afflictions that meet contractors we work with). We like the windows and they seem to be keeping the house cooler which is nice.
Found a snake in the back yard last week. Between the neighbor's help and my research, we determined it's not poisonous, probably just a garter snake. But still, creepy! Snake appeared to have a bulge in its tummy, so after doing a quick child and doggy check, I guessed a lizard or frog met its demise. We've also seen a rabbit in our backyard in the past week.
Erin had a field trip to Brown's Feed and Seed last week and I was a driver. Not the best of field trips, in my opinion. They had baby chicks that were red, purple, green, blue, orange for Easter. The kids got to hold the chicks and the baby ducks. Baby chicks and ducks poop. Gross! They got to see chickens and roosters, and that was that. It was a short field trip, so afterwards I got to go with Sam's mom, Sandy, and get a pedicure and go out to lunch, which was very nice.
Am I the only one who has noticed that Anthony, the blue Wiggle (of THE Wiggles) seems to have super white teeth these days? Sure enough I saw an old episode and his teeth aren't nearly so blinding. But these days, those teeth just pop out at you.
The azaleas are already starting to fade here. Spring comes so early! we are getting many surprise flowers popping up in our garden. Our roses just started to bloom. This week I will try to join a nearby pool so we will be ready to beat the heat soon!
Oh, speaking of the masters, Rene spent a few hours on the first official play day of the Masters. 2 hours. He saw the whole gang, except for Tiger Woods. He saw Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, etc. As Rene put it, there were "lots of rich people. The place oozed of money".
This week: Windows are finished! Playgroup at our house. Pick out paint for exterior trim. Stay cool.
We had a nice Easter. We took the kayak, the girls and the doggies to the lake. First Rene ventured out in the kayak and then Erin braved it and went with him. They disembarked at various spots and saw lots of frogs and found a cave. Erin enjoyed the adventure and especially enjoyed wearing her Barbie lifejacket. Lauren and I played with the doggies on the shore and then she entertained herself by picking grass and throwing it on me. We all enjoyed a picnic lunch.
The previous day we did a lot of errands and took a bike ride to the river. We also took Daisy to the new Petco and had her sit with us as we ate lunch outside a small cafe. Part of our doggy kindergarten homework was to bring her to three new places.
The windows are almost done. I thought they would be done on Friday, but on Friday the guys were called to an "unexpected service call" (aka death in family, major hangover, the usual afflictions that meet contractors we work with). We like the windows and they seem to be keeping the house cooler which is nice.
Found a snake in the back yard last week. Between the neighbor's help and my research, we determined it's not poisonous, probably just a garter snake. But still, creepy! Snake appeared to have a bulge in its tummy, so after doing a quick child and doggy check, I guessed a lizard or frog met its demise. We've also seen a rabbit in our backyard in the past week.
Erin had a field trip to Brown's Feed and Seed last week and I was a driver. Not the best of field trips, in my opinion. They had baby chicks that were red, purple, green, blue, orange for Easter. The kids got to hold the chicks and the baby ducks. Baby chicks and ducks poop. Gross! They got to see chickens and roosters, and that was that. It was a short field trip, so afterwards I got to go with Sam's mom, Sandy, and get a pedicure and go out to lunch, which was very nice.
Am I the only one who has noticed that Anthony, the blue Wiggle (of THE Wiggles) seems to have super white teeth these days? Sure enough I saw an old episode and his teeth aren't nearly so blinding. But these days, those teeth just pop out at you.
The azaleas are already starting to fade here. Spring comes so early! we are getting many surprise flowers popping up in our garden. Our roses just started to bloom. This week I will try to join a nearby pool so we will be ready to beat the heat soon!
Oh, speaking of the masters, Rene spent a few hours on the first official play day of the Masters. 2 hours. He saw the whole gang, except for Tiger Woods. He saw Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, etc. As Rene put it, there were "lots of rich people. The place oozed of money".
This week: Windows are finished! Playgroup at our house. Pick out paint for exterior trim. Stay cool.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Spring in Georgia: Erin and Chandler put on a show
Springtime in Georgia. The calm before the heat and humidity. Yesterday, she and Chandler decided to put on a show on our front patio for the neighborhood. Tomorrow a neighbor is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt. Here's a link to view photos of Lauren's birthday, Alex's visit, the house and the big show: click me
Rene left a message that he's on his way to the Masters this morning! Some neighbors had tickets to the practice rounds, so it's pretty cool that he's going to the real thing. Maybe he'll see Tiger Woods! I hope Rene develops an interest in golf before he gets there. I guess this is a perk of working for Club Car. Puppy photos below, keep scrolling!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Correction: Daisy is a labradoodle
In my haste to post info about Daisy, I wrote that she's a Goldendoodle. She is a Labradoodle, 1/2 lab, 1/2 poodle. One of her grandparents may be a golden, I need to check.
Anyhoo, she checked out fine at the vet and she's doing well. She's doing a very good job doing her business outside, so we can't complain. When they're outside together, Jake and Daisy seem to play well. We do have to teach her not to jump on the kids. Next week, Daisy and I go to puppy kindergarten, so hopefully I'll learn how to train Daisy.
We're doing well on our week off this masters week. The kids in the neighborhood are off, and yesterday evening it was fun to sit on our front patio and watch the kids and doggies run around.
Anyhoo, she checked out fine at the vet and she's doing well. She's doing a very good job doing her business outside, so we can't complain. When they're outside together, Jake and Daisy seem to play well. We do have to teach her not to jump on the kids. Next week, Daisy and I go to puppy kindergarten, so hopefully I'll learn how to train Daisy.
We're doing well on our week off this masters week. The kids in the neighborhood are off, and yesterday evening it was fun to sit on our front patio and watch the kids and doggies run around.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Daisy, daisy
Daisy, daisy. Will post more on Daisy later, but we have our puppy, who we all agreed to call Daisy! As Lauren says, "Daisy cute!" And she is. Needs lots of attention, though! So I'll be busy. No school this week either. Daisy is a second generation golden doodle, which means her parents are golden doodles, and her grandparents are golden retrievers and poodles. She's black with wavy hair and is sweet. Jake is a little out of sorts, but seems to be OK with Daisy here. Daisy is currently residing in the laundry room and has her very own deluxe crate there. Will post pictures in a few days.
The ballet was wonderful and Erin did a great job (although she and the other cherubs did pause to pick up the snowflakes that fell on stage). She stayed awake till the curtain call, which was at 9. Hooray, Erin!
Our trip to Atlanta was good. We met Kara, Walt, Samantha and Sean for lunch and then we all headed to the aquarium. The aquarium is beatiful: the building, the exhibits, the beluga whales were awesome! BUT, it was way overcrowded. Granted we went on a Saturday afternoon, but there were really too many people there. Combine that with a napless Lauren, and it wasn't our best outing. But it was great to see Kara and family. Rene and Alex went to the Atlanta thrashers hockey game that night. They had excellent seats and had a great time. They got up early to go to the airport, and I never got to say goodbye to Alex. I think he had a fun week and we enjoyed seeing him and spending time with him.
Finally, received this interesting tidbit in the mail: On Wednesday this week, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06. It won't occur again until 3006.
This week is operation Daisy. Wish me luck!
The ballet was wonderful and Erin did a great job (although she and the other cherubs did pause to pick up the snowflakes that fell on stage). She stayed awake till the curtain call, which was at 9. Hooray, Erin!
Our trip to Atlanta was good. We met Kara, Walt, Samantha and Sean for lunch and then we all headed to the aquarium. The aquarium is beatiful: the building, the exhibits, the beluga whales were awesome! BUT, it was way overcrowded. Granted we went on a Saturday afternoon, but there were really too many people there. Combine that with a napless Lauren, and it wasn't our best outing. But it was great to see Kara and family. Rene and Alex went to the Atlanta thrashers hockey game that night. They had excellent seats and had a great time. They got up early to go to the airport, and I never got to say goodbye to Alex. I think he had a fun week and we enjoyed seeing him and spending time with him.
Finally, received this interesting tidbit in the mail: On Wednesday this week, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06. It won't occur again until 3006.
This week is operation Daisy. Wish me luck!
Friday, March 31, 2006
I'm back
Well I'm back to posting. I hadn't been feeling well the past few days, which culminated in me spending yesterday morning in bed. I'll spare everyone the details.
Alex arrived on Saturday. Rene picked him up in Atlanta. Alex is so grown up! 18! Erin was very excited to have Alex here. She wanted to show him to her friends, bring him to school, and of course, have him push her on the swings. Alex has been a good sport with all of this. Lauren has not warmed up as much. I think she's a little jealous of Daddy spending time with someone else.
Alex and Rene tried out the kayak, and found out how hard it is to go upstream on the canal! We went to Columbia on Sunday and had lunch. The plan was I'd take the girls to Edventure and Rene and Alex would go to the history museum next door. Unfortunately, the history museum was closed that day. Also, the big lake fishing trip was cancelled due to rain. But we did make a trip to the lake and had a nice little walk along the shore. Beautiful! Rene and Alex also took in a movie.
On Wednesday, when the girls were in school, we checked out the brand new library that opened this week. We're so happy to have a wonderful library near us! Brand new huge facility, with 60 computers with flat screen moniters, a coffee shop/ cafe, a playground outside, and an outdoor ampitheater for concerts and performances. They did a great job! I think we'll resume our weekly library nights that we did in California. Oh, and we got to see our the artwork of our neighbor Frances displayed in the library as well.
Since I was not feeling well yesterday, Rene had to make Erin's lunch, take her to school, and watch Lauren. Luckily, Alex researched on his own that he could go to the YMCA using his card from Calgary. He played basketball there for 3 hours. Alex also has ridden Rene's bike to downtown Augusta following the trail between the Savannah River and the Augusta Canal. Rene got Alex a small digital camera, and Alex has taken lots of pictures of his trip here.
In Erin news, I attended a kindergarten meeting for parents. I got to tour the classrooms and the principal gave a talk. The school looks wonderful, but it is so big! There will likely be 7 kindergarten classes. Each class has 18-20 kids with 1 teacher and 1 para professional. I got to read some of the children's journals. They're journalling in kindergarten! Very cute, and impressive too. I'm glad the school is so close. I also know a few other kids who will be attending. I saw 3 other moms I know from Mom's club, one from dance class, and one from Erin's preschool. Also, Erin's big ballet performances are today! We had a short spacing rehearsal on Monday evening, and then a full dress rehearsal on Wednesday. I had to volunteer as a dressing room mom. Quite chaotic! Erin did fine. They had lots of toys and activities for the cherubs, fireflies and ponies. That kept Erin quite occupied. I was trying to put the costume on the littlest cherub, who decided she did not want to be a cherub. She wanted to be a pony. There was no way she was going to put her cherub costume on. Finally I called her mom. Her mom got the costume on, and left, and later, the littlest cherub was hiding under a table, costume off again. Finally we got Miss Kathleen, the teacher who would be performing with them to come and talk her into it. They did well, but boy those cherubs were tired! We got home at 8:15. Tonight we'll probably get home after 9. Erin has a performance today in the morning for area school kids. Then a public performance tonight. Daddy gets to go in the morning, and mommy gets to go tonight.
And tomorrow, the Georgia Aquarium and Alex and Rene see the Atlanta Thrashers hockey game. We'll meet my friends Kara, Walt and their children Samantha and Sean for lunch and then all go to the aquarium. Then early Sunday morning, we take Alex to the airport in Atlanta. It's been good to see him.
OK, off to start our busy day!
Alex arrived on Saturday. Rene picked him up in Atlanta. Alex is so grown up! 18! Erin was very excited to have Alex here. She wanted to show him to her friends, bring him to school, and of course, have him push her on the swings. Alex has been a good sport with all of this. Lauren has not warmed up as much. I think she's a little jealous of Daddy spending time with someone else.
Alex and Rene tried out the kayak, and found out how hard it is to go upstream on the canal! We went to Columbia on Sunday and had lunch. The plan was I'd take the girls to Edventure and Rene and Alex would go to the history museum next door. Unfortunately, the history museum was closed that day. Also, the big lake fishing trip was cancelled due to rain. But we did make a trip to the lake and had a nice little walk along the shore. Beautiful! Rene and Alex also took in a movie.
On Wednesday, when the girls were in school, we checked out the brand new library that opened this week. We're so happy to have a wonderful library near us! Brand new huge facility, with 60 computers with flat screen moniters, a coffee shop/ cafe, a playground outside, and an outdoor ampitheater for concerts and performances. They did a great job! I think we'll resume our weekly library nights that we did in California. Oh, and we got to see our the artwork of our neighbor Frances displayed in the library as well.
Since I was not feeling well yesterday, Rene had to make Erin's lunch, take her to school, and watch Lauren. Luckily, Alex researched on his own that he could go to the YMCA using his card from Calgary. He played basketball there for 3 hours. Alex also has ridden Rene's bike to downtown Augusta following the trail between the Savannah River and the Augusta Canal. Rene got Alex a small digital camera, and Alex has taken lots of pictures of his trip here.
In Erin news, I attended a kindergarten meeting for parents. I got to tour the classrooms and the principal gave a talk. The school looks wonderful, but it is so big! There will likely be 7 kindergarten classes. Each class has 18-20 kids with 1 teacher and 1 para professional. I got to read some of the children's journals. They're journalling in kindergarten! Very cute, and impressive too. I'm glad the school is so close. I also know a few other kids who will be attending. I saw 3 other moms I know from Mom's club, one from dance class, and one from Erin's preschool. Also, Erin's big ballet performances are today! We had a short spacing rehearsal on Monday evening, and then a full dress rehearsal on Wednesday. I had to volunteer as a dressing room mom. Quite chaotic! Erin did fine. They had lots of toys and activities for the cherubs, fireflies and ponies. That kept Erin quite occupied. I was trying to put the costume on the littlest cherub, who decided she did not want to be a cherub. She wanted to be a pony. There was no way she was going to put her cherub costume on. Finally I called her mom. Her mom got the costume on, and left, and later, the littlest cherub was hiding under a table, costume off again. Finally we got Miss Kathleen, the teacher who would be performing with them to come and talk her into it. They did well, but boy those cherubs were tired! We got home at 8:15. Tonight we'll probably get home after 9. Erin has a performance today in the morning for area school kids. Then a public performance tonight. Daddy gets to go in the morning, and mommy gets to go tonight.
And tomorrow, the Georgia Aquarium and Alex and Rene see the Atlanta Thrashers hockey game. We'll meet my friends Kara, Walt and their children Samantha and Sean for lunch and then all go to the aquarium. Then early Sunday morning, we take Alex to the airport in Atlanta. It's been good to see him.
OK, off to start our busy day!
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Lack of postings
Bloggerjeanne has been very busy and under the weather. Sorry for lack of postings!
Friday, March 24, 2006
Rolling...
Soon Rene will be rolling on the river in his new deluxe kayak! I'm told he should start out with the Augusta Canal before he tackles the Savannah River. Alex arrives tomorrow, so he'll be taking the inaugural launch. Hey, I wonder if I get to christen the boat? I'd better get a bottle of champagne and think of a good name for the boat. Chartreuse? Lullabelle? Hmmm, this on top of trying to think of a puppy name. ETA for when we'll get a puppy: 2 weeks. Yikes! Where's that champagne?
I registered Erin for kindergarten today, which was a painless process except that they'll be taking my baby away from me 8:30-3:30 starting August 4th! August 4th! What happened to summers off?
Next week will be busy. Alex is here, rehearsals and the big show, soccer practice, kindergarten meeting. And we'll be off to Atlanta to see the new Georgia aquarium. We'll return to the Augusta Masters madness. "Do not go to a restaurant during Masters week," I'm told. We'll batten down the hatches and hole up in the house, I guess!
Monday, March 20, 2006
The birthday update
First bit of information to report is that Lauren does not like to have "Happy Birthday" sung to her. She made that quite clear.
We celebrated her birthday on Saturday with some of the neighborhood kids with cake on the back deck and a little playing in the back yard. It was simple, but a nice celebration. Weeks before Lauren's birthday, Erin had chosen the perfect gift for Lauren. She decided Lauren would like the Dora suitcase she'd had for a few years. She found the wrapping paper (Christmas paper, actually), tape and scissors and wrapped it herself. She was very excited to give the gift to her little sister. It was very sweet.
Erin had been playing with the kids across the street a lot, but hadn't really spent much time with Alan down the street, age 6, or his brother Zach. On Saturday and Sunday they spent a lot of time playing together, which was nice. You can always tell which house the kids are at, as there are a pile of bicycles in front of the house.
We've been trying to reduce the amount of time Lauren spends with her "binky" (pacifier), and she did so well that on Saturday night she fell asleep without a binky! She did wake up at 3, and got one then, but that was quite an accomplishment. On Sunday, we did a good job of distracting her every time she asked for a binky. Finally, after her bath, when Rene was reading her books, she kept asking for her binky. Rene said, "I don't know where mommy put it." Lauren said quickly and clearly, "kitchen counter"! She was obviously motivated to expand her vocabulary. Again we successfully distracted her. When I was changing her diaper and getting ready to put her to bed, she said, "Wait! Where binky go?" I told her she could have her binky when she went in her crib. Which seemed to make her happy. That did not prevent her from having a very bad night of sleeping. Mommy and Daddy are tired today.
We celebrated her birthday on Saturday with some of the neighborhood kids with cake on the back deck and a little playing in the back yard. It was simple, but a nice celebration. Weeks before Lauren's birthday, Erin had chosen the perfect gift for Lauren. She decided Lauren would like the Dora suitcase she'd had for a few years. She found the wrapping paper (Christmas paper, actually), tape and scissors and wrapped it herself. She was very excited to give the gift to her little sister. It was very sweet.
Erin had been playing with the kids across the street a lot, but hadn't really spent much time with Alan down the street, age 6, or his brother Zach. On Saturday and Sunday they spent a lot of time playing together, which was nice. You can always tell which house the kids are at, as there are a pile of bicycles in front of the house.
We've been trying to reduce the amount of time Lauren spends with her "binky" (pacifier), and she did so well that on Saturday night she fell asleep without a binky! She did wake up at 3, and got one then, but that was quite an accomplishment. On Sunday, we did a good job of distracting her every time she asked for a binky. Finally, after her bath, when Rene was reading her books, she kept asking for her binky. Rene said, "I don't know where mommy put it." Lauren said quickly and clearly, "kitchen counter"! She was obviously motivated to expand her vocabulary. Again we successfully distracted her. When I was changing her diaper and getting ready to put her to bed, she said, "Wait! Where binky go?" I told her she could have her binky when she went in her crib. Which seemed to make her happy. That did not prevent her from having a very bad night of sleeping. Mommy and Daddy are tired today.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
The heat is on
We had mid 80's temperatures and humidity this weekend, so I'm getting a taste of what is to come here in Augusta. It was nice to be outside in the warm weather. We tackled the vegetable garden. Rene bought a cheap rototiller. What a great invention! To think, I was pulling weeds! The rototiller and weed cloth have become my new friends. We cleaned up 3 or 4 of the beds. Erin helped me plant tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, basil, dill, rosemary and cilantro. We still need to get watermelon, pumpkin and carrots. Most of the other beds will be covered in weed cloth and pine straw, but at least it will be neater than it is now.
Another outdoorsy thing Rene did was to assemble the white adirondack chairs I had purchased for the front and back patios. I even sat in one on the front patio and read a book for a while on Saturday.
Why it was so warm out on Saturday that the neighbors had the sprinklers on for the kids to run through!
Today is Lauren's last day as a one year old! She has gotten into the spirit of being a two year old by refusing to do many things, including taking baths, getting diaper changes, eating dinner. "NO" is her first response to most questions. We love her anyway. :)
Another outdoorsy thing Rene did was to assemble the white adirondack chairs I had purchased for the front and back patios. I even sat in one on the front patio and read a book for a while on Saturday.
Why it was so warm out on Saturday that the neighbors had the sprinklers on for the kids to run through!
Today is Lauren's last day as a one year old! She has gotten into the spirit of being a two year old by refusing to do many things, including taking baths, getting diaper changes, eating dinner. "NO" is her first response to most questions. We love her anyway. :)
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Our angel
Actually, our cherub. Erin will be a cherub in the Ron Jones Dance Academy performance of The Roar of Love, based on The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Here is her photo in her costume. Note: Click on the photo to see a bigger version. You can then hit the back button on your browser to return to the blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
