Heads

Sniff. Snort. Hack.

2012-02-29T19:59:00.004-06:00

David has his first case of the sniffles.
He caught it from me.
I caught it from Dan.
Madeline is peachy keen as of now, and I'm hoping she stays that way.

Baby D, being the happy little love bug he is, has smiled and giggled through the watery eyes and gunky nose. Poor baby. He sounds like a piglet. He didn't like the snot sucker, but who does? I wish you could hear him right now, snoring away like he's trying to suck the paint off the ceiling.

Madeline is such a sweet little helper. She brings me stuff and tries her best to help me feed David. :) She kisses his head to "make him peel bedda." So, so sweet.
She thinks it's hilarious when I blow my nose, though.

I suppose we're quarantined since everyone we know has small children and probably doesn't want our cooties. I don't know, though. I got my cootie shot in, like, 4th grade. How long do they last? Is that a forever thing like polio vaccines, or do you have to keep getting new ones like the flu shot?

I might be a little delirious. Not because I'm contemplating how long cootie shots last, but because I just told you that I think about how long cootie shots last. Thank you , Alka Seltzer Plus!

I should go before the left side of my face, which is leaking, informs the right side of my face that I'm sick.

>snort<

Fluffy Chick

2012-02-24T14:51:00.004-06:00

Madeline reads Fluffy Chick, March 2010

David reads Fluffy Chick, February 2012

Just doing our part to promote literacy for the next generation.

Sunshine On a Cloudy Day

2012-02-20T14:46:00.004-06:00

I Don't Get It.

2012-02-19T20:12:00.004-06:00

It's a giraffe. It's made of rubber. It squeaks. It is, for all intents and purposes, a glorified dog toy.
It's required fare for the cool babies. Oh, you didn't know there was such a thing? Yep. Everybaby who's anybaby has these things in common: smocked and/or monogrammed outfits for every day of the week, and a Sophie Giraffe. Seriously, if you're a baby and you don't have one of these, the cool babies won't let you into their inner circle. I hear the E-Trade baby has a whole closet full, just in case he leaves one in the hotel when he's on tour.
We have one. No, our kids don't run with the snooty kids. It was a gift. David probably wouldn't have it if it hadn't been a gift. It's not that we don't want our kids to have the same toys as the babyclones. It's just that, well, at Barnes and Noble, this thing is $27.
I'll give you a moment to let that register...
Uh, huh. Twenty. Seven. Dollars. For a piece of rubber that squeaks. It's a (very) little cheaper at Babies R Us, but still.
Can someone explain this to me?? Why in the world is this thing upwards of twenty dollars?? It's a friggin' baby toy! He will slobber on it, spit up on it, and probably use it as a teether, which I think is the purpose of the overpriced bauble. So, what happens when he has all his teeth and forgets he has it?
It's adorable, yes, and I get that it's a great teether for some kids. Fine. It's still a $27 piece of squeaky rubber.
I don't get it.

Four Months Old!

2012-02-14T16:34:00.003-06:00

Our baby boy is 4 months old, 26.5 inches long (90th percentile), 14.15 pounds (60th percentile), and as happy a baby as I've ever seen! We love our Baby D!

Just a Couple of Pictures

2012-02-07T10:59:00.004-06:00

Thanks to his Papa's influence, Baby D is getting a head start on having awesome taste in music.

The Divine Miss M is just beginning to warm up to the camera again, but still refusing to smile.

We had been at the park, hence the disheveled hair, and she was determined to prove to me that yes, she certainly can still fit into the Bumbo seat. You know, the Bumbo seat that she hasn't fit into since she was nine months old.

I make no excuses for the condition of my house. I was having one of those, "Playing with my kids is more inportant than putting away those books" days.

17 Has Turned 35

2012-02-01T14:02:00.003-06:00

Yes, my birthday was yesterday. Remember when you thought 35 was ancient? HA!
We didn't take any pictures this year, but I thought I'd leave you with one, along with some John Cougar Mellencamp (before he dropped the "Cougar") lyrics.
Some people are embarrassed by their old pictures. I'm not. I use them to prove that I used to be thin and that I look awesome as a redhead.

17 has turned 35.

I'm surprised that we're still livin'.

If we've done any wrong,

I hope that we're forgiven.

Got a few kids of my own,

And some days I still don't know what to do.

I hope that they're not laughing too loud

When they hear me talkin' like this to you.

That's when a sport was a sport,

And groovin' was groovin'.

Dancin' meant everything.

We were young and we were improving.

Laughin', laughin' with our friends.

Holdin' hands meant somethin', baby!

Outside the club, Cherry Bomb

Our hearts were in it, my friend.

Say yeah, yeah, yeah.

Poser: Why I Don't Want Baby D to Wear Camo

2012-01-28T11:15:00.002-06:00

When I was 18, I knew a girl who had more than one sticker on her car depicting those adorable, rainbow hued dancing bears. That was the year Jerry Garcia passed away. As a group of us sat sipping our lattes around a table (hey, it was 1995. We thought we were Friends.) the girl piped up and asked, "So, who is Jerry Garcia and why is everybody making such a big deal that he died?"
The girl was, as we say, a big ol' poser.

Fast forward to 2012. Camo is everywhere. It's all over the baby clothes made for little boys. And, I don't want to dress my baby boy in it.
Yes, I realize I live in Alabama and camouflage is considered a staple in every person's wardrobe. However, I don't think there is any in our home. Maybe the county fashion police should come and arrest us.

First of all, we're not in the military. My dad was in the Army, my cousins were/are in the Army, both our grandfathers served in WWII, and I am very proud of my former student who is now a Marine protecting our freedom in Afghanistan. But, well, we're not soldiers. Madeline isn't a firefighter, so I don't dress her like one. I don't dress like a police officer to go to the grocery store. So, why would I dress my son like a soldier when he isn't one?

Second of all, we don't hunt. I'm going to try not to get all sanctimonious about this one, because I don't have a problem with people who hunt. But, since there is a Publix roughly 7 minutes from our house, there's really no reason for us to go a-shootin' at some food. We can buy it at the store. (And, a sport is when two opposing players or teams both know what's going on and have an equal chance at scoring. Unless you arm the deer, hunting is not a sport.)
I know of several people, relatives included, who presented their little boys or young adolescent boys with firearms for Christmas. I get that they're going to use them for hunting, and will wear camo as they do it. I'm not judging. I just don't think giving my little boy a lethal weapon is a choice I'm going to make in the future. So, there's no need to get him acclimated to the camo culture this early.

If, when Baby D is old enough to make his own choices, he decides he wants to get up at 3 a.m. to sit in the woods when it's 32 degrees outside on the off-chance that he might shoot a deer that we're not going to eat because we don't like venison, OK. He can wear camouflage. The same goes for if he decides to follow in his Poppa's footsteps and join the military.

But, for now, dressing him in camo would be like me wearing a football...um, uniform? Is it called a uniform?

We try to be genuine people. No need to turn our kid into a poser.

Happy Anniversary!

2012-01-24T08:17:00.002-06:00

Ahh, is there anything sweeter than dorky love?

Happy anniversary to my best friend. You still make me laugh like that.

Prayers

2012-01-23T08:29:00.003-06:00

Our love and prayers are with those here in the Birmingham area who have suffered losses in last night's round of tornadoes.

Most of the damage was in the area where I taught last year, although I am not aware of anyone I know whose homes were damaged or lost. Many others were not so fortunate.

For those of you who live in other parts of the country, or even in other countries, when it's 70 degrees in January anywhere in Alabama, tornadoes are pretty much a given.

*About an hour after I posted this, I learned that our friend's student lost her life in the storm. Please pray for the student and her family & friends.*

Just a Couple of Pictures

2012-01-21T12:35:00.005-06:00

Don't forget to read the other new post when you're finished looking at the pictures! :)
Just hanging out in the Bumbo with a football. Life is good.

Conversations With Madeline

2012-01-21T11:07:00.003-06:00

I used to list words in Madelinese and then translate them for you. Now, the girl speaks in complete sentences and is picking up an everything she hears. I know I've said this before, but at this point, it's probably not a good idea for me to listen to Nine Inch Nails with the kids in the car anymore. I had to tone it down and start listening to the local radio stations (which are horrible, by the way), and save my '90's nostalgia for that once-per-month time I find to be alone in the car.

Anyway, I thought I'd share some of Madeline's latest with you, since I know you can barely sleep at night without knowing every time we eat, sleep, or speak.

Madeline likes to, "Hold Dabid's han'," because, according to her, "We're bess fends." I'm so glad they're "bess fends." Also on the "bess fends" list are Cinderella and Snow White, and Mommy and Daddy.

Every night, our bedtime routine is the same. She takes a bath, gets into her pjs, puts her head on her ladybug pillow (thanks, Aunt Ann!) and snuggles in with her lovey. We read two or three stories and then we say our prayers. The prayer goes like this:
"Deeah God, tank you soooooo much fa' ma fammy, an' ma home, an' ma fammy, an' ma home. I' Jesus name, AY-meh!"
I'm going to make the assumption that you can translate that one on your own. It absolutely melts my heart.
Then, I have to turn on her sleepy time music because if I forget, she yells, "Meesic, Mommy!"
Of course, there are kisses and wishes of sweet dreams, and Madeline tells me, "Don' yet da pa-pas pite!" (Don't let the bed bugs bite.)
The other night, I was trying to be so sweet and tell her night-night. She responded with "Mommy, goff my banket." (Get off my blanket.)
Sometimes, she starts listing all the people who love her, which can take a very long time since she names every family member she's ever met, my friend Nina, her friend Lauren, Lauren's brother, God, etc.

She can actually tell us what she wants now, which is sad because I miss my baby Sweet Pea, but it's making life so much easier!
She can now let me know that she wants "Chee-os and byoobeyyies" for a snack. That would be Cheerios and blueberries. I'm glad I know that kids grow out of substituting "Y" for "L" and "R," otherwise I would be worried.

I'm a little surprised at how well she does with pronouns. Did I say that before? She uses "I" and "me" appropriately most of the time, although she does still say, "Mommy hold you," when she means, "Mommy hold me."

She has remarkably good manners for a two-year-old. Well, at least she does with everyone but me. She says "excuse me," when she wants someone to get out of her way. For me, it's "Move, Mommy!" She is full of "yes, please," and "no, thank you." She also knows the difference between how we behave when playing at home, and when having a meal in a public place. I love it. Good manners are so incredibly important and I hope she carries them with her forever.

Truth be told, Madeline hardly ever stops talking. I tend to be a little more taciturn, so it makes me crazy sometimes, especially when she repeats the same phrase 496 times in a row. But I love to hear her laugh and I LOVE that she is so engaged in imaginative play now! It thrills me to listen to her having a conversation with her dolls (or other toys) and to have her tell me that she's Cinderella and Mommy's a "pincess."

Here are some things we tend to hear at least a few times a week, and I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we enjoy hearing them. Of course, we're her parents so you probably won't, but I can dream of a world where everyone gushes over my children, can't I?

"We go yiberry an' get books, Mommy?"
"Dat's byoo-ful! (beautiful)" Most recently said while gazing upon a cupcake display at the grocery store.
"I go park/chetch (church) an pay wif Ya-Ya! (Lala, aka Lauren.)"
"I yike moah milk, peese."
"I ____ fuhst." Usually at bath time or bed time. She sounds exactly like Forrest Gump when she says, "first."
"I wannnacomewifme." I want to come with me, or, I want to go where you are going. She says it so fast it sounds like one word.
"I helpin', Mommy! I put coze away!" She doesn't actually put the clothes away, but I appreciate the offer.
"Iz pizza night? Daddy bing dinna home?"

There are dozens more, but I'll leave you with those. Stay tuned for a post of David pictures. I would post some new pictures of Madeline, but another one of her favorite phrases is, "No! I no take pick-cha!"
I'll be so glad when this camera-shy business is over.

The Incredible Edible... Everything

2012-01-17T13:57:00.000-06:00

This morning, I was present at a very interesting MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting and I thought I'd share some of it with you.

I like food. I mean, I really like food. I am picky about what I eat, and I have some of the strangest eating habits ever, but when I eat, I thoroughly enjoy what I'm eating. In fact, I'm devouring a tasty salad as I write this post. I took just as much pleasure in making it as I am in eating it. Cooking, baking, making food look pretty, watching Food Network, finding new recipes - it's all a Mardi Gras for me.
So, naturally, I've taken an interest in Madeline's eating habits and wonder what David's will be. When I learned that our MOPS speaker for today would be discussing food and nutrition, I was eager to get there.

She spent a lot of time discussing picky eaters. I know all about that one. Not only am I a picky eater, I am the spawn of two people for whom "picky" is not an ample description. My mother's restaurant orders take roughly ten minutes to complete once she has finished removing the 7 items on the sandwich/in the soup/topping the pasta/filling the taco that she absolutely cannot have in her presence, and replacing them with the 2 she likes. My dad just eliminates the entire restaurant if he doesn't like the first thing he tries on their menu. But, I digress.
I thought Madeline was picky, but I learned today that all of her food issues are pretty common in toddlers and she'll probably get over them soon. Most toddlers refuse some vegetables and meats because they're very tactile creatures and the textures give them the heebeejeebees. I can relate! I just didn't realize I had a toddler's palate. Most of my food dislikes are texture-related.

Speaking of that, the nutritionist said that it's very important to respect severe dislikes. (Do you hear that people?? Stop trying to make me eat potato salad!! And baked beans, and cole slaw, and pretty much all other foods associated with the 4th of July.) So, how do you know when it's a severe dislike? It turns out that a kid has to watch you eat something 10 times and try it 5 times before it's considered a severe dislike. Who knew?

I also learned that nutrition should be a weekly goal for the kids, not a daily one. So, if Madeline doesn't get all her green veggies in one day, it's OK. She can make up for it later in the week.
To be honest, though, her eating habits intrigue me. I have a feeling she might be a chef one day. The kid won't eat cheddar or American cheese. Nope. Feta. Broccoli with cheese sauce? Uh-uh. Try raw spinach with garlic peppercorn salad dressing. She also pretends to make coffee, but I think she's just imitaitng something she sees happening all throughout the day.

Why the heck am I sharing this with you? Well, for one thing, I found it fascinating and I wanted to pass it along. For another thing, I want to hear about your experiences. Are you a picky eater? Are your kids? How do you handle it? What are some creative ways you've found to work healthy stuff into kid food?
More importantly, does anyone have any toddler-friendly dinner recipes you'd like to share? I'm getting tired of making the same old stuff.

Three Months Old!

2012-01-14T17:06:00.000-06:00

"I'm Just a Kid Who's Four..."

2012-01-07T20:24:00.000-06:00

If you have a toddler or preschooler, there's an excellent chance that the title of this post just struck a chord of mortal dread and fear in your very soul.

If not, allow me to explain. There is a cartoon, quite popular with the little ones, called "Caillou." I know I've mentioned Caillou (kai - yoo) in previous posts. Madeline is obssessed with the whiny little beast. My dear friend, Jakki, doesn't even want her kids to watch it. I don't blame her. Good heavens, that kid's a big ol' whiner! The newer episodes are not quite as bad, but the original episodes are enough to make a grown-up want to put her head into a blender.

Whining aside, there are some things that I just do not understand about Caillou, his family, and the world he lives in. And, by that, I don't mean Canada. My good friend, Cindy, has assured me that the show is not an accurate portrayal of Canadian life.

I'd like to report Caillou's parents to the local child protective services. The kid lives in Canada and wears shorts and a tshirt every day of his life, even when there's a mighty snow storm outside that causes a power outage. Don't even get me started on his mama's pajama jeans and sweatshirt with a ruffled collar, or her Hillary Clinton circa 1992 headband. The point is, she's wearing warm clothes. So are his dad, his sister, all this friends, his teacher, the next-door neighbor... Do you get where I'm going with this? Doesn't the kid ever get cold like everyone else does?

Speaking of storms, why does Caillou's friend Sarah have to spend the night at his house when the power goes out? She lives next door. Is Caillou's dad too stinkin' lazy to walk her twenty feet to her front door?

Why are there so many redheads in Caillou's life? Now, you all know how much I love (and envy) red hair. But, there's a very small percentage of people in the world who actually have naturally red hair. In Caillouland, his sister, best friend, best friend's mom, his teacher, three kids in his preschool class, and several random people who show up in Caillou's adventures are redheads. I keep expecting to hear someone say, "O'Doyle rules!"

When Caillou goes to play at Clementine's house, why do they have to take the subway there, but it's close enough to walk home?

How old is Rosie, exactly? Sometimes she acts as if she's two-years-old, and sometimes she seems to be no more than nine months or so. And, where the heck is she when Caillou's mom is driving him to and from preschool?

Why do they go on so many picnics? Who has a picnic every week of their lives?

Finally, and prehaps most importantly, why is Caillou's head still slick bald at the age of four??

I'm probably overthinking this, but give me a break. I'm home with a toddler and a baby all day. My thoughts revolve around what they do. I just wish she were this obssessed with Little Einsteins.

Enjoy the clip, if you dare.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqnQqg8MouU

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T12:29:00.000-06:00

OK, so I'm a couple of days late with this greeting. I've been a little busy.

So, let's see...there's the matter of New Year's resolutions to address, I suppose. I'm doing the whole cliche thing this time around. I have to get rid of this baby weight. Have to. HAVE TO! I haven't quite mapped out a master plan for making it happen yet, but I can say that I've eaten less and moved more today. Wish me luck!

I also want this to be the year that Dan and I focus more on making our lives Christ-centered. Oh, sure we go to church every Sunday and try to do Wednesday night fellowship dinners as often as we can. But, is that really making Christ the center of our lives? I'm thinking we could start with a Bible-study together when classes resume, or something along those lines. I'm also thinking I should tell him this before I sign us up for something.

There are dozens of things I would like to accomplish this year, but I don't know if I would necessarily call them resolutions, per se. I'd like to become organized again, evict the dust bunnies from my house, go back to work at a job that I like, and make more time for Dan and me without the kids.

I'd also like a mini-van and more frequent trips to Atlanta to visit the friends I so desperately miss.

We'll see how it all pans out.

What about you? What do you see for yourself in 2012?

Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T19:27:00.000-06:00

We hope all of you had an awesome Christmas, because we sure did! We drove up to visit Dan's family in South Carolina on Christmas Eve and returned to Birmingham this afternoon. Instead of giving you a detailed description of the entire holiday experience, I will now regale you with a photo narrative. If you're reading this, I already assume you're interested in what happens in our lives, so enjoy!
"OOh! A ball with beads thingy! I didn't have one of those in the womb!"

Baby Lawson, our favorite boy cousin.

Opening presents with the girl who refused to wear her lovely bow.

Uncle Ben practicing for the sweet bundle he and Aunt Elizabeth are expecting in April. We're expecting a lot from you, Ben. David is reporting back to us on how you performed.

I love, love, love this picture. That is pure joy on my baby girl's face. I think she likes the tricycle Santa brought, don't you?

Baby D's first adorably humiliating Christmas outfit. Yep. This one's going in the senior yearbook.

I threw this one in just because I adore my husband. He's such a good dad to our kidddies.

Baby D snuggles with Aunt Elizabeth in an attempt to communicate with Baby Mary Mathews about life on the outside.

Baby D and Lawson, jes' chillin'.

That's all, folks! Next up, New Year's resolutions.

A Little Christmas Nostalgia

2011-12-20T18:15:00.000-06:00

I know I'm not the only one who feels just a little pang of nostalgia for childhood memories when Christmas time rolls around.
As a self-professed TV junkie, I must admit that many of my memories from the early 80's are centered around ABC After School Specials, commercials, and the words, "Tonight, on a very special _____."
So, because Christmas seems more Christmas-y when I see the following commercials, I thought I would share them with all five of you to help boost your holiday cheer.
Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7kxPYzigCQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xi-kKMBNe0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4kNl7cQdcU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DknyfnzIhjo&feature=related

One more thing. Although my ears do tend to bleed upon hearing the twang of country "music," it's just not Christmas until I hear "Christmas in Dixie."

Something to Think About This Week

2011-12-19T08:46:00.000-06:00

"The the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?" -- Dr. Seuss

Look! Up In the Sky!

2011-12-14T12:36:00.000-06:00

It's a bird! I'd a plane! No, it's...

My kids.

Let's briefly recap the winter and spring seasons of 2010 and 2011. Madeline was pretty much average for her age until she was about 6 months old. Then, she started getting tall. Really tall.

By the time she was 18 months old, she was half my height. I'm talking waist-high, folks. Yes, I realize I'm only 5 feet 4 inches tall, but that's average, for heaven's sake!

Fast forward to this morning.

This was the eight-week appointment for Baby D and the two year appointment for Sweet Pea.

At eight weeks old, David is already in the 70th percentile for length (height), and Madeline is now half Dan's height. The girl is over three feet tall!!

I know it's hard to believe, but all through elementary school I was just a smidgen taller than the other kids in my class. That came to a halt in middle school.
Dan's mom has a picture of his kindergarten class Christmas program, and Dan looks like a chaperone.

I'm going to need a mini-van for no reason other than that my children are going to burst through the roof of my Honda Accord.

Sweet David James

2011-12-12T12:03:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know I've been slack about posting all the awesome things about our David. I feel horrible about that, especially since I posted so much about Madeline during the first few weeks of her life. But, I guess I'm destined to saddle the poor boy with second child syndrome. Between accepting "gifts" of ornaments from the tree that Madeline brings me (because she's helping me 'keen up!'), the constant care that always accompanies the first couple of months of a baby's life, and trying to keep some semblance of order around the house, I just haven't had time to blog as much. I will tell you that this smile is almost always on his precious little face. He is such a sweet, happy baby! He loves to cuddle and has a smile for everyone who holds him. And, oh my gosh, does he adore Madeline! We made an attempt at having Christmas pictures made (another post for another time) and the incredibly patient photographer had a hard time getting him to look at the camera because he was so focused on what his big sister was doing.

Here she is showing him how the floor gym works. I'm not kidding. I put him down and she lay beside him, pointed to all the toys attached and said, "Yook, Dabid!" They seem to have a very special bond already. Oh, and try to ignore Madeline's shiner in this picture. No, I haven't signed her up for boxing lessons. She got into an altercation with the bannister, and the bannister won.

I promise, faithful five readers, to post more about our happy boy. He's about to be 2 months old! Can you believe it?

You know what's funny? As an only child, I couldn't imagine being able to love anyone as much as I love Madeline. But, I was soooo wrong! This little guy sets my heart on fire just as much as his sister always has!

Guess Who's Two??

2011-12-05T08:03:00.000-06:00

Our sweet Madeline turned TWO yesterday!! Geez, when did that happen?! I'm seriously terrified that I'm going to wake up tomorrow morning and she's not going to be in her bed because she's already left for college.

We celebrated by sharing some Minnie Mouse-themed cupcakes with a few friends.
My dear friend, Rachael the Talented, made this precious shirt for Madeline's big day. Madeline declared, "Minnie Mou'! I yove dis shirt!" (Translation: "Minnie Mouse! I love this shirt!")

It was a lot of fun. I'd love to post all the pictures we took, but it would take forever.

We are so blessed to have this sweet, happy, beautiful girl in our lives for the past two years. I'm looking forward to seeing what the coming years bring.

When I tucked her into bed last night, the conversation went like this:

"Night-night."

"Nigh'-night, Mommy."

"I love you."

"I yove you, too. Hap' birday, Mommy."

Happy birthday, my sweet girl.

Thankfulness, Part 30

2011-11-30T08:35:00.000-06:00

In my final post on thankfulness, I'd like to thank God for giving me the desire to help others, to educate, and to be a good wife and mom. I'd also like to thank Him for the ability to do all those things.

On that note, loyal five people who read this, I'd like to encourage you to discover what God has called you to do and do it with gusto. You've been called to a purpose for a reason. Embrace it!

Peace and Love,
H

Thankfulness, Part 29

2011-11-29T09:34:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful that I have people in my life who are positive and compassionate. Often, I need reminders to embody those two traits, myself.

I also need reminders that life is not about ME. In the grand scheme of things, nothing will matter except that I shared love and joy with those who didn't have any, and shared what I had with people who needed it more than I. And, that's not about me.

Thank you, God, for the reminders of what really matters.

http://www.adventconspiracy.com/

Thankfulness, Part 28

2011-11-28T12:54:00.001-06:00

Today, I'm thankful that God seems to finally be pushing the pause button on the warm weather and ushering in some glorious winter days. There's even talk of snow in the forecast!

Finally!!

Thankfulness, Part 27

2011-11-27T15:25:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful for the season of Advent.

I love this time of anticipation of the coming Christ. I love everything from the candles to the month-long series of carols being sung at church to the feeling that something wonderful is about to happen.

That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. These are the values we want our children to have.

I've said this before, but I can't say it emphatically enough. We do not want to raise our children with the idea that Christmas is all about the gimmes. It's about hope, love, joy, and peace - all those wonderful gifts that Christ brought with him to Bethlehem and the whole world.

Presents? Sure! But, Advent first. Anticipate the incredible mystery that is the birth of our Savior first, and then receive.

Thankfulness, Part 26

2011-11-26T12:58:00.000-06:00

I think I said this last year, but I'm thankful for reliable transportation.

Anyone who has ever said a prayer as they tried repeatedly to turn the key in the ignition knows this feeling.

Thank you Lord, for my means of transport and for getting me from one place to another safely.

Thankfulness, Part 25

2011-11-26T12:52:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful for long naps. For me, when I get the opportunity, but mostly for the long naps my kids take that allow me little snippets of time to catch up on a cup of tea, a slice of cheesecake, and a movie adapted fro a Jane Austen novel.

It's good to have a few minutes to oneself to collect one's thoughts.

Just a Couple of Thanksgiving Pictures!

2011-11-24T20:49:00.001-06:00

How David spent his first Thanksgiving.

Playing in the leaves, or as Madeline calls them, the "piddy yeeps!"

Yum!

Goodnight, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankfukness, Part 24

2011-11-24T20:46:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving, one and all!

Today, I'm just thankful. That's it. I'm thankful for all of it. It's all a part of God's master plan, and He deserves our thanks and praise.

Amen.

Thankfulness, Part 23

2011-11-24T20:43:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful that there are two Starbuckses (yes, that's spelled correctly. Look it up.) near enough to my house that I can knock out my get out of the house/need a quick pick-me-up fix pretty quickly.

Thankfulness, Parts 19, 20, 21, & 22

2011-11-22T17:15:00.000-06:00

19) I'm thankful for moments when my Madeline looks at me and says, in her precious little voice, "Mommy princess!" Thanks, Sweet Pea!

20) I'm thankful for nights when David sleeps 4 hours at a stretch. That's only happened a couple of times, but last night was one of them. Although I don't relish the sleep deprivation, he's only going to be this little once, and he won't always want to cuddle with me in the middle of the night.

21) I'm thankful for the grown folks' time Dan and I spend together in the evenings, watching TV shows on which no one sings, counts, or recites the alphabet. I'm thankful for the opportunity to sit side-by-side with my husband and talk about our day, make plans, etc. He really is my best friend.

22) I'm thankful that I have spent the entire week, thus far and continuing tomorrow, catching up with true, dear friends whom I don't see often enough. I can think of a few more with whom I'd love to sit at the table and share coffee and conversation. In the meantime, I'm thankful for social media that keeps us in touch.

Thankfulness, Part 18

2011-11-18T08:55:00.001-06:00

I'm thankful that I have all five senses.

If there were a fire in our house, I would be able to hear the smoke detector and get myself and the babies to safety. For the past year and a half or so, I have been able to hear my sweet Madeline's laughter, and I can't think of any sound that brings more pure joy. When David is hungry, I can hear his little cries so that I can feed him.

I can see my kids growing. I can see and appreciate those lush fall colors I can't seem to shut up about. I can see to drive, which gives me the freedom to come and go as I please.

I can smell bread baking, fresh flowers, David's sweet little baby smell, and grapefruit (yum!). I can also smell poopy diapers, which isn't pleasant, but it helps me take care of my children.

I can feel my husband's touch. I can show him and my babies how much I love them with lots of snuggles and nuzzles. And then, there's the feel of sheets that are fresh and warm from the dryer. Ahhh....

I can taste my coffee, pasta with plenty of basil and garlic, a good glass of red wine, and pretty much anything with cream cheese icing.

Lord, thank you for creating all these wonderful things to enjoy. And, thank you for giving me the senses to enjoy them. Help us remember to devote our time and help to those who lack one or more of these, and, and thank you for giving them your comfort.

Thankfulness, Part 17

2011-11-17T12:54:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful that Dr. T has given me the go-ahead to continue with normal activities - including picking up my Sweet Pea!
It's good to have my life back.

Thankfulness, Part 16

2011-11-16T11:39:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful that my family is clothed and shod.

I don't need to tell you how many people can't say that. Unless you live under a very large rock, you already know.

You know what's great, though?

There are so many people who are struggling to keep their families clothed, yet they find the time and words to count their blessings and be thankful, anyway.

Thankfulness, Part 15

2011-11-15T13:44:00.000-06:00

Madeline's birthday party is in two weeks. (If you haven't received an invitation yet, be patient. I ran out of stamps.) So, I'm looking around our townhouse thinking, "Where the heck am I going to put all these people?? We're outgrowing this place. I need a bigger house!"

NEED? Really? Dan and I have a very nicely furnished bedroom, and so do each of our kids. If we need to go tinkle, we have our choice of three (relatively) clean places to go and do that. This place is climate controlled all year long. We have electricity, running water, a place to wash our clothes, our dishes, and ourselves in clean water, and shelter from the elements.

I could go on and on about what we have here.

And yet, I complain that the space we occupy might not be as large as someone else's. I worry what other women will think when they come in and see that I don't have all the storage space in the world, so things that should be put away are out in full view.

The truth is, I have a nicer place to live than most people in the entire world. Shame on me for expecting more.

Thank you, God, for providing a roof to go over our heads. Please don't let us forget those who will lie down tonight with nothing but the ground for a bed and the sky for a roof.

Thankfulness, Parts 12, 13, & 14

2011-11-14T13:19:00.000-06:00

12) I'm thankful for little things that lift my spirits: short excursions to Starbucks for something seasonally yummy; looking at Madeline's blond curls brushing her shoulders; the sound of David cooing; an inspirational quote posted by a friend on facebook; Dan's hand reaching over to rub my shoulder as we spend some "us time" every evening.
Thank you, God, for little reminders of how good life is.

13) I'm thankful for my ecclectic taste in music. Blame it on parents who didn't listen to the same radio station and made sure I was exposed to every kind of music so I could choose for myself and didn't like something just because other people did. Wouldn't it be great if we could all make informed decisions about everything, instead of just picking something because someone tells us we're supposed to?
Thank the good Lord that with all that music, car rides never have to be boring.

14) I'm thankful that my follow-up appointment with Dr. T is later this week, and hopefully I'll be able to return to normal activities, like picking up and playing with my kid!

4 Weeks Old!

2011-11-11T17:01:00.000-06:00

Love that sticky-uppy hair!

Thankfulness, Part 11

2011-11-11T09:47:00.000-06:00

Today is Veteran's Day, and the Head family is thankful for all the men and women who have put their lives on the line to ensure that we can feel secure.

Lord, thank you for sending those who have answered the call of duty. As for those who are currently serving, please keep them safe and bring them home to the people who love them.

Thankfulness, Part 10

2011-11-10T12:57:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful for our church, and the freedom to worship there. I'm thankful that we can get up every Sunday morning and go to church, hear God's Word proclaimed, and nurture our relationship with Christ, and we can do it without persecution.

Every day, Christians are arrested, imprisoned, or worse, for the crime of worshiping Christ. It may not happen under our noses, but it happens more frequently than we care to think about when we're dressed up in our Sunday best, sitting on a plush pew in a climate controlled, beautiful sanctuary. So many of our Christian brothers and sisters are kneeling on a dirt floor, whispering prayers and living in fear of what will happen to them if they are caught praising God.

Thank you, Lord, that I can worship you when and where I please and teach my children to do likewise. I can keep this blog and have multiple Bibles in my home and pretend that the whole world has the same freedom. But in truth, it's all because of Your grace.

Thankfulness, Part 9

2011-11-09T10:10:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for mommies who refuse to participate in the Mommy Wars.

That's it.

Thankfulness, Part 8

2011-11-08T09:07:00.000-06:00

The side of our refrigerator is littered with the beautiful faces of sweet babies whose parents have sent us announcements of their arrivals. Our own childrens' birth announcements are among those, and Madeline's is the only pink announcement on the whole fridge. :)

I'm thankful for all those precious children and the joy they bring to their parents and to us.

Lord, bless those children with health, love, and joy. I pray that each of them chooses Your path.

Thankfulness, Parts 5,6, & 7

2011-11-07T08:52:00.000-06:00

5) I'm thankful for small things that I take for granted on a daily basis. You know, things like disposable diapers and running water. I'm thankful for fleece pajamas when it's chilly at night, for a cell phone that I can use to call someone if there is ever an emergency, for reliable transportation, and for a warm, soft bed.
Thank you, God, for your provision. You really do spoil us sometimes. I hope I never forget to tell You how much I appreciate it.

6) I'm thankful for things that make me laugh. I know some of you think I don't have much of a sense of humor and that I don't laugh often enough, but that's not true. I just don't make any sound when I laugh. Anyway, I'm thankful for irony and satire. I'm thankful for my kids (and kids in general), cats, dogs, The Andy Griffith Show, Friends, Adam Sandler, and books by Gavin Edwards. I'm especially thankful for jokes shared between me and Sara V, stuff Sheryl says, Jakki's anecdotes, memories of making up alternate lyrics to songs with Misty, and my husband's constant reminders that if we don't laugh at ourselves, we'll cry our eyes out.
Lord, thank you for the gift of laughter, and for making your own sense of humor evident.

7) I'm thankful for decent medical care. I know we all complain about how the healthcare system operates here in America - whichever side you're on - but, think about how it could be. I just had a baby by c-section. He was delivered by a competent doctor in a sterile room. I have now had two children knowing that my prenatal care was there to ensure that my children and I were safe and healthy.
Thank you, Lord, that when I am sick or injured, there are board certified, educated doctors available to help me feel better and I don't just have to suffer. Big, huge thanks that both my children are here and healthy.

Thankfulness, Part 4

2011-11-04T19:34:00.000-05:00

Today, I give thanks that we have family and friends who love us.
Even though so many of them live entirely too far away, there has been no end to the calls, text messages, emails, facebook messages, etc. from people who care and want to know how the baby is, how Madeline is adjusting, how we're doing, how I'm healing, or just want to let us know they're happy for us.

It meant the world to me when one of my dearest friends, who now seems a world away even though it's only three hours, just wanted to know if I was having a better day than the one before.

There have, so far, been four women in my MOPS group who have volunteered to come over to help with dinner. That may not sound like much, but it's a huge help when you can't do much else but sit on the couch and feed the baby. Besides, I've only been to two MOPS meetings. These women don't even know me.

Thank you, Lord, for putting people in our lives who simply love us - no strings attached. Help us to return that love back to them.

Thankfulness, Part 3

2011-11-03T10:21:00.001-05:00

When I was in graduate school, I had a professor who grew up in Ghana. He took a few moments of our class time once to explain how the education system works there.
In Ghana, only children whose parents can pay for their education are allowed to go to school. When a child turns 12, he takes the test. I know that in our current educational situation here in the U.S., THE TEST means whatever standardized test the teacher is required to give that year and have every student pass, regardless of circumstances, in order to keep his or her good standing as an educator. That's not what it means in Ghana.
The test is what determines whether or not a child is allowed to continue his education. If the student passes the test, he is allowed to return to school. If not, the child is put to work and the government chooses his job. The jobs given to these children are on the bottom rung, and that is the person's job for life.
The process is repeated three times before the child is an adult. The jobs assigned improve slightly with each test, but it always works the same way.

College? Ha! Only if the child's parents are very, very rich. We're talking royalty rich.

Did you notice I only used male pronouns? Yeah. Girls are not allowed to be educated at all.

So, today, I'd like to give thanks for my education.
I was not only allowed, but required by law to be educated for at least 11 years. Yes, I whined and complained just like every other kid about going to school and doing homework. But, what a gift! I can read and think for myself and make my own choices. How many people in the world would love to have that chance??

My gender makes no difference. We may have different degrees, but I have as much education as my husband and no one told me not to. I chose to be a teacher. No one chose that for me.

Sometimes, I feel guilty because I have had the opportunity to acquire as much education as I want, and I still want more. I mean, there are girls who can't lawfully even read their own names, and I'm pouting because I don't have a Ph.D. or because I'd like to finish what I started in seminary. (Yes, CTS friends who read this. You told me so. Another post.) Whine, whine, whine.

Thank you, God, for the opportunity to be educated and do something with my life. I pray that I never take this gift for granted.

Thankfulness, Part 2

2011-11-02T11:23:00.000-05:00

Having just come home from David's two-week appointment with Dr. G, and having heard a great report on my sweet little boy, I'd like to express my thankfulness at having two beautiful, wonderful, healthy children.

I can barely remember what life was like before Madeline, and I don't want to. A good friend once told me, long before I became a mom, that if I thought I loved Dan, just wait until I had children; it would blow my mind. She was absolutely right.

There is nothing like loving these incredible gifts that God has provided us and watching them grow. They are His, on loan to us and entrusted to our care. He has put them in our safekeeping and is relying on us to direct them, to shape them, to love them unconditionally. I can't think of a responsibility that I would be more willing to accept.

Yes, I know what a blessing it is that we were able to conceive these two angels, that they were born healthy and strong, and that we have the means to take care of them - and then some. God has been so good to us.

Thank you, God, for Madeline and David. I need Your guidance to be the mom You have planned for them. Help us to provide all the love and instruction they need to bring Your plans for their lives to fruition.

30 Days of Thankfulness

2011-11-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

1 Chronicles 16:34 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Throughout the month of November, I will be counting my blessings and sharing those things for which I am thankful. There may not be 30 posts, but there will be 30 blessings posted here (at least).

Today, I'm thankful for my husband. I don't say it enough, and I certainly don't tell him enough, but I am so grateful for a husband who genuinely loves me and our children, and shows it every day.
I was so worried for so many years that I was going to be the proverbial "old maid" who lived alone with 137 cats. I even had a pastor tell me once that she didn't see me as being married; she saw me as a wise old woman who lived in a remote village and helped others with their children. I still don't know what vibe I was exuding to make her think that.
Now, I'm forever and profusely thankful that God always knows better than I do. God knew that I wouldn't be happy with just any man. So, He set aside a husband who treats me as his equal, who respects me, who sees more good in me than I see in myself.
God set aside a husband for me who takes care of me and our kids when we're sick, who puts the needs of his family before his own wants.
I couldn't ask for more. I couldn't love him more.

Thank you, God, for Dan and for knowing me better than I know myself.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T09:18:00.001-05:00

David sports his pumpkin pj's. No trick-or-treating for you, baby boy!

My little garden gnome.

I liked that there were people at Trunk-or-Treat who were handing out toys instead of candy. All the fun, no cavities!

Sweet little gnome walking with her daddy.

So...we played too hard and took a little tumble. No real harm done. Just a little bump.

We hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween!!

Madeline the Fearless

2011-10-30T19:55:00.000-05:00

This is not a trait she inherited from me. At 23 months (almost), she has more athletic ability in her right foot than I have in my entire body.

Climbing wall, twisty slide, you name it. Bring it on. Madeline the Fearless will tackle any obstacle with a smile on her face, and then ask to do it again.

A New Normal?

2011-10-26T08:59:00.000-05:00

There are still no good pictures of my two babies together. Sorry. Hmmm...I wonder if I'm apologizing to you or me?

We've been trying to settle into a new normal. That is, we're trying to settle into a new "normal for now." This is the normal in which Madeline watches too much Caillou and makes the living room look like a toy store exploded; the normal in which I can't pick her up to love on her or put her in her high chair; the normal in which I can't scrub the bathroom or vacuum the floors (Hey! I used to do that occasionally!).

This is the new normal in which Dan takes over the stuff I used to do - dishes, laundry, Madeline's bath, making arrangements for dinner - until I feel up to it. He's been such a huge help, and never complains.
Everybody sing! What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man! (He's a mighty, mighty good man!) Many thanks to Salt n' Pepa for providing today's soundtrack.

Anyway, I'm not a fan of the new "normal for now." I do not like being limited in what I can do. I don't want to have someone else do the laundry. I don't want to have someone else put my baby girl to bed. Again, I do not like limits! Thankfully, it should only be a couple of weeks. Still. What's funny is that I was so eager to not be pregnant anymore so that I could move around freely and sleep better. Then, I had a c-section. Hmph.

Enough whining. I love my husband. I love my kids. I am more blessed and thankful than I can put into words. God has been so, so much more gracious and kind to me than I deserve.

I can do this, right?

And Now, There Are Four

2011-10-20T08:39:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to get a decent picture of Madeline and David together, but the suddenly camera-shy diva has not allowed that to happen.
We thought you might want to know the story of Baby D's arrival.
6 a.m. was our arrival time at the hospital, and things seemed to be moving pretty quickly - that is, until the afternoon approached, I was 8 cm, and the kid hadn't budged an inch. C-section time! No, it wasn't in the plan, but he's here safe and healthy, and that's all we really cared about.
After one extra day in the hospital, we brought out sweet boy home to his room and his big sister. I don't think she quite knew what to think of him at first, but now she's a bit of a mother hen. She finds things for him, brings him his blanket or his paci, kisses his head and tells him she loves him; it's so, so sweet.
So, I'm still pretty sore and can't do a lot. It's killing me that I can't pick up Madeline. Seriously, killing me. But, Dan is the most incredible husband on earth and has done an excellent job taking care of me, Madeline, and the laundry while I feed David and try to heal so I can chase a toddler and take care of a newborn at the same time.
That's all I have for now, I think. Praise God for my healthy, wonderful babies and my awesome husband. I couldn't ask for more.

He's Here!!!

2011-10-18T13:38:00.000-05:00

David James Head
October 14, 2011 3:34pm
7lbs 5oz
20.75 inches

Last Day As an Only Child!

2011-10-13T15:42:00.000-05:00

She's suddenly camera shy. Hmmm...

Poll Results

2011-10-09T16:23:00.000-05:00

If you look to the right, you will see that the poll has officially closed. You will also see that the results are reflected as 62% and 37%. I'll give my fellow English teachers a minute to go get your calculators...

...

I know!! It's not 100%! Did that mess with your brain, too??

Anyway, 62% of you are correct. We've opted for induction this Friday, October 14, if David hasn't arrived yet. We're sort of hoping he holds out until then to give my mom a chance to heal from her gallbladder surgery, and Dan's mom a chance to get here.

We have accomplished a lot, but still have several small loose ends to tie. The nursery is finished. Woohoo!!! The laundry is in the process of getting done, hospital preregistration has been taken care of, the new baby stuff has been purchased, and the big sister has been notified of the changes about to take place. Whew!

Now, I just want to hold this sweet baby and kiss his little face.

5 more days!

Time for Another Poll!

2011-09-30T16:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I visited Dr. T for my 37 week appointment. Everything's still hunky dory. I lost a pound (again), and I can't tell you how much that continues to surprise me. With Madeline, I gained 35 pounds. I've gained 18 with this one. Weird.

Anyway, Dr. T says David's ripe for the picking whenever he gets good and ready. It may not surprise you to know that I'm good and ready. She mentioned induction if he's not here by the 17th, and I'm good with that.

There have, however, been some predictions made that he might arrive before then. Dan's one of the soothsayers making these predictions. I'm not sure if he's basing it on my size, my BH contractions, the fact that I can barely move, or if it's wishful thinking on his part. I wouldn't blame him. I'm a mess. Just imagine that Medusa as a character in The Bell Jar.

We'd love to know what you think! There's a poll on the right. When do you think Baby David will grace us with his presence?

Playground Etiquette?

2011-09-28T12:47:00.000-05:00

Part of me wanted to title this post, "Here I Go Again."
Welcome to another episode of, "Is it just ME???"

First, I want to clarify something. I am still in the South, right? You know, the South where people are noted for having better manners than anywhere else in the world. I still live there, don't I?

Maybe it's because I didn't spend a lot of time on playgrounds when I was a kid. You see, my mom was convinced that if she took me out and let me play in public parks and such places, that two things might happen: 1. I might bump into something, and since I was obviously made of very rare and precious glass, that might cause me to get scratched or chipped in some way. 2. Another child who had a dirty face or dirty hands might come within 10 feet of me, which would be the cause of a natural disaster such as the world has never seen, such as the sky bursting into flames or all the lakes and rivers drying up at once.
Anyway, I'm thinking perhaps that might be the reason I'm so unschooled in public playground etiquette.

I just sort of assumed that the same rules for common courtesy would apply there as anywhere else.
I didn't know that it was OK for one mom to block a play area with her body so that only her own children could play there. But, sure enough, I witnessed this behavior earlier this week when I took Madeline to the park.

I've seen a dad let his much older children take over the "little" playground where there were several toddlers enjoying themselves, without even a warning that there were little kids and they might need to be careful. So, of course, they weren't.

I watched an older, bigger boy shove Madeline out of the way, while his mother stood there and watched without even batting an eye.

I have seen parents bring toys from home to the playground (I know. Why come to the playground equipment if you're going to bring your own entertainment, right??) and then get all huffy puffy when other children, curious as toddlers are, come over to play with the toys.

Now, please don't think I'm one of those "My-child-is-such-a-victim" parents. She's not. Fortunately, she didn't inherit my MOGS (Made of Glass Syndrome). I see her smack head first into the dining room table or bannister, fall down, get up, and say, "I OK." Therefore, I assume it's fine to take her to the parks and let her go down the twisty slide as many times as she wants.
And, I want her to fight her own battles. I just don't think she's ready to fight her battles against older kids yet, and I don't understand why a mom would let her bigger child bully a toddler without saying anything.

So, I ask again...is it just me?? Am I missing something here? Do all the rules that apply in classrooms and playdates at home fly out the window when we go to a public park? I haven't been a mom for very long, so if I'm expecting too much from other mommies, just let me know.

And, yes, I realize that I harp on manners a lot. I just cannot abide or understand rudeness, and it bugs me when I see parents not only demonstrating rude behavior, but refusing to correct rude behavior in their kids.

Lord, please let me be the kind of parent who teaches her children to treat others the way they want to be treated. Amen.

5:41 and 3:03

2011-09-28T07:34:00.000-05:00

After almost a week of successful big girl bed sleeping, with cute 6:45 am wake-up calls of "Heyyo!", it finally happened.

Yesterday, she came into our room at 5:41.

Today it was 3:03.

"Daddy! I big girl bed!"

Yep. But, it's still dark outside.

We're open to suggestions, people!

Happy Autumn!

2011-09-23T08:10:00.000-05:00

It's here! It's finally here!! Bring on the pumpkins, apples, and pecan pies! Shower me with rich hues of red, brown, yellow, and orange! Cool the air, shorten the daylight hours, and let's curl up and watch God's earth prepare to renew itself again!

I think I'll celebrate with a pumpkin spice latte and bake some applesauce cookies.

Happy Fall, everyone!

Um...help?

2011-09-21T13:01:00.000-05:00

As you saw in my last post, we have a big girl toddler bed. Woohoo! The room is starting to come together, and as soon as it looks the way I want it, I'll post some more pictures.

By come together, I mean that we have moved Madeline's toys and most of her clothes into her new room. Her familiar sheets and quilt are on the bed. She has her books, her piggy bank, her dolls, etc. Everything is familar and comfortable.

She likes the bed. When we saw it in the store, she climbed onto it and said, "Bed! Go night-night!" So, we bought it and brought it home for her. She likes to play on it, put her baby dolls to bed in it, and occasionally to pretend she's "going night-night" in it.

The problem is, she won't actually go night-night there. She has napped in the new bed twice - once for thirty minutes, and once for forty-five. Now, however, she refuses to sleep there at all. Any attempts to put her in her big girl bed are met with whining, tearful protests.

All the experts on the websites recommend moving to the new bed a couple of months before the new baby arrives. Well, the new baby is due in four weeks and we have made no progress.

I'm open to any and all suggestions for how to make this transition easier. I can't ever remember Madeline having a hard time with any other transition, but this one is not sitting well with her.

Help!

Just a Couple of Pictures

2011-09-17T16:53:00.001-05:00

Our big girl bedroom is still in the works, but it's starting to come together!

Somebody woke up with hair like Mommy's. Bless her heart.

Baby Boy Has a Name!

2011-09-15T12:48:00.000-05:00

David (probably James) Head will be arriving in just a few short weeks. We can't wait to meet this little mover and shaker face to face!

I had a very promising visit with Dr. T this morning. I'm 1.5 cm dilated, 70% effaced, and she could feel his little head. So, it looks like we're all set to go, whenever David is ready. Oh, and if you don't know what any of that means, chances are you probably don't want to.

I'm just glad we've finally agreed upon and announced a moniker for the young lad. I know he's ready to meet us, too, but sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.

(I know, I know. But, it's been a while since I've gotten in a classic TV allusion. Cue the piano!)

A Couple More

2011-09-09T08:01:00.000-05:00

I wanted to add some things to the last post, not only because I'm convinced that the entire world (or, again, the 5 people who actually read this blog) think my child is the most adorable creature they've ever seen and are completely mesmerized by every word she says - like we are.
OK, chances are you probably love your own kid more than you love mine, and I don't blame you. But, thanks for indulging me, anyway.

Truth be told, this blog serves as a baby book for me. Although she has an actual baby book and I do occasionally write in it, I'm more likely to record her milestones and activities here and then go back and record them in ink later.

When Madeline sees or tastes something, she will tell us, "I yike it," or "I don' yike it." When it comes to food, "I yike it" is usually preceded by "Mmmmm, good!"

"I do it!" Our new couches are a little taller than the old one, which makes it slightly more difficult for a not-quite-two-year-old to climb up and sit with us. However, if I try to help her, she's probably going to tell me, "I do it!" or "I got it." She also says it sometimes when I try to help her up the stairs or out of her stroller.

It's not uncommon for our Sweet Pea to see a sign or billboard and point out what's on it. For instance, on our way to Nashville, Madeline piped up from the back seat, "Waffle! Waffle!" It took us a minute to realize we were approaching a billboard for a restaurant advertising their breakfast special. She especially likes to point out letters, even though she only knows a few of them. She surprised me the other day when we were reading her alphabet book and she said, "O. Owl." And, she was right!

Finally, and probably the most telling, she recognizes the Starbucks logo. When she sees it anywhere, she says, "Mommy coggee." No, that's not a typo. She replaces the "f" sound in coffee with the "g" sound. The point is, she recognizes that green circle with the lady in the middle and she knows what beverage comes in that cup. That's my girl!

More Stuff My Kid Says

2011-09-07T12:26:00.000-05:00

Madeline has become quite the little chatterbox. Well, OK, she always was, but now she says little mini-sentences and has gotten so much better at communicating her wants and needs. She fascinates me with things she says, sometimes because it's funny and sometimes because I have no idea where she heard something or how she picked it up so quickly.

For instance, depending on the outfit and whether or not it has a skirt, she may or may not twirl it around and say, "I so piddy!" or "I so cute!" No body image issues for this beautiful girl!

She likes to make lists of people she knows and tell me what they do. "Mommy tee-tee in potty; Daddy tee-tee in potty; PaPa tee-tee in potty..." Get the idea? To that end, she is also pretty nosy and likes to know what people are doing, real or animated. "What Daddy doo-eeng?" "What Mommy doo-eeng?" "What Mickey doo-eeng?"

I think it's kind of sweet when it's night-night time and she doesn't want to go to bed and she snuggles in really close with Dan so he can read her another "tory." And, speaking of books, there was a period of about a week or two when she kept saying a word and I could not figure out what she was saying to save my life. It sounded like the first syllable of shower. And, she would say it over and over again: "Sha-oo. Sha-oo!" I thought the kid was speaking Mandarin and I was about to be incredibly impressed. But, I just didn't understand so we were both getting frustrated with each other and she wasn't getting whatever "Sha-oo" was.
Self. She was saying "self." She says it when I'm trying to do something for her and she wants to do it all by herself, like look at a book or get her own shoes.

Dan is pretty excited that she has invented her own words for football (puttball) and baseball (bahball). In fact, just this morning, she was pointing to the TV and asking for both Mickey and SuperWhy, because those are her current favorites. The conversation went something like this:

"Mickey! Why! Mickey! Why!"
"Do you want to watch Mickey?"
"Nooo!"
"Do you want to watch SuperWhy?"
"Nooo!"
"Well, what do you want to watch?"
"Puttball!"
Are you kidding me with this one???

Other phrases she has recently added to her repertoire are:
"Nope! I don't sink so!"
"Where Daddy?" usually followed by, "Daddy pizza?"
"PaPa has a hat!"
"We go Mayin's house!" (Mayin = Madeline)

I'm sure there are many others that just aren't popping into my head right now. I really love this kid.

Now, I must go. Madeline is napping like an angel and Pretty in Pink is on. I could, and probably should, go put laundry away and vacuum the living room. But...Pretty in Pink is on!

P.S. I guess Baby D____'s name is officially official, since we have had it monogrammed on a pillow, but Dan still wants me to keep it to myself. I'm not really sure why, but he doesn't want to reveal the baby's name until some joyous day in mid-October. I, however, have a very difficult time keeping a secret.

It's Football Time!

2011-09-03T11:08:00.000-05:00

Yes, folks! It begins today. Today marks the beginning of wearing houndstooth, eating football food, and hearing "Yea, Alabama" every Saturday.

Now, we all know that I don't even do a good job of pretending to understand how football works. If you say the words first down in my presence, my mind will automatically go to the soft feathers on a baby duck. But, I looooove this time of year. Don't tell Dan, but I secretly like it when he watches football on TV (in moderation). I don't get why he watches a game more than once, or why he feels the need to recap the game he just attended with his friends that he was just sitting with, but he probably doesn't understand how I can watch the Harry Potter movies 100 times without getting bored, either.

I like the sound of marching bands, particularly ones of the Million Dollar variety. I like the noise of a crowd that's high on adrenaline. I want my alma mater to win. It's a school spirit thing. And, perhaps more importantly, I really like nachos. With jalapenos. And sour cream. Oh, sorry. I had a pregnancy-induced digression.

So, bring on football season. And, while I know that my saying "Roll Tide" is a little like Dan wearing a Beatles t-shirt, I'll say it anyway. Roll Tide!

Welcome!

2011-09-02T13:08:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the new and improved blog! I guess whether it's really improved remains to be seen, but it is new.

I made the switch for several reasons, and I could launch into a tangent about how wordpress has all kinds of doohickies and whatnots that I will never use, which is true. But, honestly, I just wanted a pretty blog. Wordpress isn't pretty.

So, sit back, relax, grab a cup of coffee and a scone, and enjoy the random nonsense that pours freely from my head - now with pretty backgrounds and fonts I can change!

Yes.

2011-09-01T05:18:00.000-05:00

I borrowed this from a friend who posted it on facebook, but there's just something about this article that makes me want to share it.

http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/spiritual-but-not-religious.html#.Tl6UH29H6K8.facebook

Yep.

Only 23 More Days, Folks!

2011-08-31T09:52:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not talking about my due date. We still have a bit longer for that. Yesterday was my 32 week appointment and all is well. We're still right on track for a mid-October delivery. Baby D_____ sounds strong and healthy, thanks be to God!

I'm talking about the 23-day wait we have until...

[caption id="attachment_1248" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Oooooh!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1255" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Ahhhhhh!"][/caption]

Now, before you go reminding me that I don't live in a place that looks like these pictures during wonderful, glorious autumn, or that Alabama's actual seasonal fall weather only lasts for a few weeks, I'll thank you to let me have my delusions for a little while. I'm OK with that, as long as I can still put on my sweaters and boots, mull my apple cider, put some pumpkins outside my front door, and put icing on something that contains cinnamon.

So, if you'll excuse me, I need to go look up the word "mull" before I try to do it to an apple.

The Times, They Are A-Changin'.

2011-08-24T08:45:00.000-05:00

I usually save my posts on thankfulness for November, but I have some thanks to dole out, so bear with me.

Through the magic of Facebook, I recently had a chance to reminisce with a childhood friend about the way we used to sit side by side with a Sears catalog (or JC Penney, or whatever our parents had on hand) and pick out all the stuff we were going to have when we grew up and had our own husbands, children, and homes. Needless to say, I do not have the country blue decor with geese and ganders that I wanted in 1985. I was eight, and it never crossed my mind that styles might change in the time it would take for me to grow up.

For instance, in 1985, I assumed that when I grew up and became a mom, I would look something like this (the ladies, not the creepy guy gawking at them):

I thought that because, well, that's what everyone's mom looked like, right? That's just what a mom looked like. Well, except for mine. My parents looked like this until 1997:

Um, yeah. I don't look like the JC Penney ad seen here. I also do not look like contemporary ads that detail what a woman in 2011 should look like.

When I was eight, I assumed that when I was a grown up hauling my kids to school, I would be hauling them in one of these (because, again, that's what many of the moms who came to pick up their kids at my elementary school drove):

Hey! What do you know? I actually do drive a Honda Accord! However, times have changed and the general consensus today is that, in order to keep your children safe and be a good mom, you have to drive one of these:

This is for one child. You must add an entire extra row of seats for each child, so that by the time you have three or four, you morph into Shirley Jones and start chauffering your brood in a multi-colored bus from gig to gig.

Do you know what I realized a few years ago, that I didn't know in 1985? I'm a square peg who is never going to fit into a perfectly coiffed, bone thin, expensive brand wearing, football loving, potato salad eating, Top 40 music listening, ginormous SUV driving, McMansion dwelling, round hole. I think those are fine choices for those who do fit in somewhere. I just, well, don't.

Please understand that I am not judging the choices of those who do enjoy the things I mentioned. It's just that I spent a good portion of my life - most of it, actually - trying to fit into one particular place or another by doing what other people did, and I just never quite felt comfortable doing that. I used to think that if I didn't become like them, I would never be normal and my life would never be complete.

It has taken me until now to be OK with admitting that I'm shy and say dumb things when I'm nervous, or that I miss my Doc Martens and really don't care if someone else likes my haircut or not. If you like potato salad, good for you. But, I don't like it and I don't have to like it just because everybody likes potato salad and I'm a freak if I don't.

But, the awesome thing is that I have friends who don't care what I wear, what I drive, where I live, or whether I have the same things they have. God sent them to me, and I am so thankful for them.

I have an incredible husband who knew I was a square peg when he fell in love with me. He knows I'm quirky, and that I'm never going to fit the mold of the...um...whatever the Southern equivalent of a Stepford wife is. He loves me. Not my waistline, not my hairstyle, not my clothes or my make up. ME. He loves my nose in a book, my stupid questions when he's watching sports, my picky eating habits, and my soapbox rants about education and theology. He makes me glad I'm the misfit I am, and I don't tell him enough how thankful I am that God chose us for each other.

I serve a God who does not give two figs whether I drive a Honda or a BMW, whether I wear my best dress to worship on Sunday or my favorite jeans, or whether I went to Alabama or Auburn. (I know some of you are looking that last one up. I promise, it's true!)

In 1985, I wanted to grow up to be a teacher, wife, and mother. It's 2011. Well, look at that. 3 for 3.

Not bad for a square peg, huh?

"Miling" for the Camera

2011-08-20T16:33:00.000-05:00

I know I already posted this on facebook, but I absolutely love this picture.

It was so sweet. Madeline was playing like the good girl she is, and she saw me pick up my phone to - of course - take a picture. I mean, she looked so stinkin' cute in her striped pants and purple bow.

Anyway, SOMEONE has had her picture taken one too many times. She looked so excited and said, "I mile! I mile, Mommy, I mile!" Then, she showed me all her sweet little teeth as she "miled" for me to capture her beautiful image.

I love this kid.

Happy Birthday, Dan!

2011-08-14T15:57:00.000-05:00

Happy, Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband from your adoring wife and precious babies. We love you to the moon and back!

Two Things

2011-08-12T12:04:00.000-05:00

The first thing is this: I have been TERRIBLE about keeping you updated on baby Hamish's progress. I was so diligent about making sure everyone knew how every doctor appointment went when I was expecting Madeline. I documented every little thing. This time, I just haven't had that kind of time because, well, I have Madeline.

So, I thought I'd give you the latest on the new kid. You'll notice we haven't revealed a name yet. Yeah. Don't get me started.

Today was my 30 week appointment, which means that we only have 10 short weeks to get Madeline's new room cleared out and done, Baby _____'s bedroom stuff purchased and put in place, a firm plan made for Madeline's care when Baby _____ is arriving, and a name set in stone so we can stop calling this poor kid Hamish. You know me. I'm a planner. I'm in panic mode because everything isn't done yet.

Physically, though, all is well. His heartbeat is perfect, my blood pressure is good, and I've only gained 10 pounds! Actually, I gained 12 and lost 2. I have no idea how, since I am always ravenous and eat almost everything I see, but that's what the scale says.

We'll be sure to let you know when we nail down a name. :)

The second thing is this: Have you seen this??

www.dearphotograph.com

Maybe it's because I love pictures, but I think it's awesome!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-08-10T08:10:00.000-05:00

Does anyone remember the Staples back-to-school commercial from a few years ago, with the dad dancing through the aisles on a shopping cart while his kids trudged behind him like they were being marched off to prison, and "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" played in the background? I love that commercial!

And, I love this time of year. I know, it's weird. But, I have always loved back-to-school time. Long before I was a teacher, I loved back-to-school shopping. There were new clothes, new routines, and best of all, new school supplies! I adore the smell of crayons, Elmer's glue, and the plastic scent that wafts into your nose when you open a new binder. Or, in my case, a new Trapper Keeper. Mmmmmm... (Yes, I know I'm a high school teacher and there are no crayons or glue in a British literature class. I'm hoping to change that when I return to the classroom. More on that later.)

When I was in college, I worked 4 years in a school supply store for the best bosses anyone could ever ask for. (www.learningexperiences123.com) What a perfect job for me, and I promise you that if Sam and Teresa had a store in Birmingham, I would go back to work for them before you could say tempera paint. I'm such a dork that I would actually get excited when new shipments would come in and I would have to open the boxes and check in the merchandise, because that meant I got the first look at all the cool new classroom stuff!

Once I started teaching, back-to-school time meant new students and again, new school supplies! I'm not going to lie; I am a little sad that I'm not teaching this year. But, Madeline and Baby ____ need me at home this year and this is where I want to be for now. I also don't need to settle for a school where I'm unhappy, just to have a teaching job. So, I'm hoping that God opens up a door to a reading specialist/literacy coaching position next year. We'll see. In the mean time, I'll keep walking by pencil boxes and notepads in Target and thinking, "I need this!"

Back-to-school time means the door is open for fall to begin. There will be football games, and football weather. It will be time for little hands to make construction paper pumpkins, while high school art classes carve jack-o-lanterns for fall festivals. Text books will crackle as they are opened for the first time, and bonfires will crackle in celebration of homecoming events everywhere.

It will be a couple of years before we have to shop from a school supply list for Madeline, but I'm looking forward to it. Because I love the smell of crayons, Elmer's glue, and the plastic smell of new binders.

And those scented markers that don't really smell like bananas.

And pencil shavings.

And rubber erasers.

And Crayola watercolor paints.

And dry erase markers...

Vacation in Nashville!

2011-08-05T15:58:00.000-05:00

I know the most popular vacation destination this time of year is the beach, but we decided to do something a little different. We got our country on and relived a couple of childhood memories.

Because I have some Canadian friends who read this, I'm going to give you a couple of instructions so that you can fully enjoy the pictures and the Southern summer experience with us. 1. Preheat the oven to the temperature at which you would bake a cake. 2. While you wait for the oven to preheat, go put on a wool sweater and your heaviest winter coat. 3. Go outside and run around your house 132 times. (Are you sweating profusely? Good! That's what's supposed to happen.) 4. When the oven is completely preheated, open the door and stick your head in. I don't recommend doing this for an extended period of time, especially if you have a gas oven.

This is what the Southern states feel like from June - September. Ready? Let's visit Nashville!

Does anyone watch the show, American Pickers on History? Well, we're nerds and we do. So, our very first stop was a visit to Antique Archaeology, the store featured on the show. They had some really neat stuff, which was even cooler since we watched them acquire it on TV.

The next stop was the Country Music Hall of Fame. Yee Haw! If you know Dan and me, you probably already know that our tastes in music are vastly different. I like everything, with the exception of rap, contemporary country, and that whiny '70s garbage that was supposed to make you feel your feelings. Dan likes stuff in the Garth Brooks vein. So, with a little Patsy Cline and a little Garth Brooks, there was something there to make both of us happy. Oh, and I love Hee Haw. Really. I got a little giddy when I saw Minnie Pearl's dress.

[caption id="attachment_1206" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Madeline taking a stroll through the cornfield."][/caption]

The pictures are a little dark because, well, it was dark in there and no flash photography is allowed.

[caption id="attachment_1207" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption=""Dinosaur patroller/ Listenin' to Buck Owens/ Doo-doo-doo lookin' out my back door""][/caption]

I'm not sure if my friend, Andy, is reading this, but if you are, this one's for you...

[caption id="attachment_1208" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I wonder which one is REALLY the reason their kids are ugly."][/caption]

On day two of our Nashville vacation, we took another trip through our early '80's childhood.

[caption id="attachment_1209" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The reason I always wanted a white Jeep."][/caption]

and...

[caption id="attachment_1210" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Dan introducing the next generation to the General Lee."][/caption]

Now, I will expect all of you (all 5 people who read this blog, that is) to make Waylon Jennings proud and begin singing the theme song from The Dukes of Hazzard.

We took a riverboat cruise where Madeline was mesmerized by the two men playing "Duelling Banjos" on the same banjo, walked through the enormous and beautiful Opryland Hotel, picked up a birthday present for my dad at the Willie Nelson museum, and spent day three touring The Hermitage before hopping in the car to head home.

I would love to visit The Hermitage again and see more of it when it's not very hot and I'm not very pregnant. :) It is a gorgeous place and deserves much more attention than I was giving it.

(Canadians, take your head out of the oven now.)

49 days until fall!

Birthdays and Basketball

2011-07-27T15:48:00.000-05:00

Madeline and I had the pleasure of celebrating with adorable Ryder at his 2nd birthday party this afternoon. I tried really hard to get some good pictures of the cousins in the same vicinity, but since Madeline wanted to be attached to my hip and Ryder moves faster than my camera, most of them are of Madeline watching Ryder walk away. :)

[caption id="attachment_1184" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption=""Where'd he go?""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1185" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption=""Bye Bye, Ryder!""][/caption]

And then, there was the moment of which her daddy was most proud. This was Madeline's first attempt at playing basketball. In addition to the wildly popular choo-choo train, Ryder's party was also equipped with a basketball...um...thing (Dan says it's called a goal, and I should stop being such a ninny). I know there was a ball floating around somewhere, but Madeline decided this game should be played with a balloon.

[caption id="attachment_1186" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption=""I wonder if I can get this balloon into that basket.""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1187" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption=""Of course I can. Mommy and Daddy said there's nothing I can't do.""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1188" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption=""Go, Madeline!""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1189" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="And, the crowd goes wild!"][/caption]

(Don't worry. She's still our sugar and spice and everything nice Princess Diva Madeline.)

Dear Weather Caster

2011-07-20T08:30:00.000-05:00

Dear James Spann,

I'm OK with any other Alabama meteorologist reading this as well, but I trust you. Your predictions are usually spot-on. Even when I lived in Atlanta, I used to listen to your weather wisdom imparted via one of the Christian radio stations and I knew that I was in good hands. Plus, you are a fellow Tuscaloosan, so that gives you a little extra credit in my book.

Since you are such a skilled forecaster, I have a few requests for the remainder of the year and through spring of next year. I know I am asking a lot, but hear me out. My reasons are valid and just.

The school semester that begins in August is known as "fall" semester. This is true beginning in preschool and throughout all the years of higher education. Based on that fact, I would like for the actual season of fall to begin in August, just to make things less complicated. I want cooler weather, a good gust of wind once in a while, red and yellow leaves, pumpkins, the smell of cinnamon - the whole shebang - starting on the first day of school. It really bothers me that my beloved autumn only lasts for a few weeks and then is nothing but a distant memory for an entire year.

If you cannot arrange this, a dramatic drop in temperature would suffice. I just want it to be cool enough to take my child outside to play without worrying about heat exhaustion or drowning in her own sweat.

My second request is for some snow this winter. I know we got plenty of it last winter and I quite enjoyed it. However, I spent the entire week worrying about what was going to happen when we went back to school after the break. This year, since I will be home with my beautiful babies, I would like for them to have the experience of snowball fights and helping to build a snowman. I would also like to, myself, experience snow that goes all the way to my ankles (or higher). I've never seen snow like that and I think it would be awesome. Did I mention that snow is beautiful and would make such pretty pictures of my kiddies? (Note: I am fully aware that baby ___ will only be a few months old. I do not expect him to make a snowball, but he can watch.)

[caption id="attachment_1179" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Photo courtesy of my sister-in-law, Sara. Featured here are Dan's brother, Michael and Moose, the peek-a-poo."][/caption]

I do not, in any way, expect this snow to last more than a week. I would get tired of it by then.

As for the spring, if you don't mind, I would like for you to predict a longer season of beautifully mild weather, suitable for days at the park without sweat or bugs. My only request for this one is that it extend into May and last until the calendar officially announces that summer has begun.

Mr. Spann, I'm sure you can see that I have put a great deal of thought into this. Thank you for considering my requests. I hope you will take them into consideration, especially the one specific to autumn, and make some predictions we all can live with this year.

Thanks,

Madeline's & Hamish's Mom

P.S. If you can swing this, I promise to send you a baker's dozen of my famous red velvet doughnuts...when I invent them.

A Budding Musician?

2011-07-18T05:12:00.000-05:00

You Thought I Was Joking.

2011-07-15T10:02:00.000-05:00

When I was pregnant with Madeline I suggested, somewhat in jest, that Gerber or Beech Nut or someone should make available a line of Southern baby foods. You know, alongside the spinach and pears, they could throw in some okra, turnip greens, and grits for little palates.

Well, joke no more. Our little belle has surprised us with her culinary tastes. She is certainly a Southerner. She will not touch green peas (a.k.a. English peas, or those things Yankees refer to as just, "peas") but put some good ol' black-eyed peas in front of her and watch her descend on them like a buzzard. She really likes turnip greens, especially of you put some cornbread in them, and grits are one of her favorite breakfast staples. I don't know what she would do if she had to go without sweet potatoes, and a small plate of okra will make her forget there's anything else on the table.

So, see? There has to be a business idea in there somewhere.

Her Southernness is also evident in her budding manners. (I have to admit I glow with pride at this part.) We haven't really encouraged her to do any of this; she just sort of picked it up on her own. Or, maybe it's in her blood. Who knows?

You can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat people in food service, store cashiers, sales people, etc. Our sweet Madeline seems to know that instinctively. She flashes a sweet smile and says, "Thankchoo!" whenever the cashier hands me my receipt. She does the same thing in restaurants, when she hands the server her little kid's menu or holds up her sippy cup for more water. She always has a smile and a, "Thankchoo!" Recently, she has even tried to clean up after herself, handing bowls, cups, spoons, or whatever to me or the server, of course with the obligatory, "Thankchoo!" Such a precious girl.

Dan would also tell you that our mini- Melanie Wilkes is also developing into quite the little girly-girl. Hey, just because she holds out her skirt and twirls around, just because she asks for bows in order for her ensemble to be complete, just because she wants to wear Mommy's necklaces, and just because she would rather cuddle and dress her baby dolls than bounce a ball...that doesn't mean anything, does it?

Of course it does. (Insert arched eyebrow and maniacal laugh here.)

So, that's what Sweet Pea has been up to. Check back soon to find out if we've actually decided on a name for Hamish. We're getting closer!

Because I Have a Daughter, Part...Something.

2011-07-13T04:42:00.000-05:00

I did a series of blog posts a while back about things I want for Madeline, but I don't remember how many I made and frankly, I'm too lazy to look it up.

I stumbled upon this devotional today, and I think it's such an important message about mothers and daughters that I wanted to share it.

It is a reminder that if I want my sweet Madeline to be better than I, it has to start with me.

If I want her to be confident enough, to like her self enough, to see herself as good enough NOT to have to keep up with the Joneses, NOT to hide from people if she's in public without the right color of lipstick, NOT to be superficial and silly enough to talk about other peoples' physical appearances and to focus on their characters first, I have to be the one to model that behavior.

It's also a great reminder that she will stumble sometimes, and so will I. Neither of us is perfect. But, God is. And, it's only through Him that either of us can accomplish anything.

Enjoy!

July 11, 2011More for My Girl
Lynn Cowell

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe…” Ephesians 1:18-19a (NIV)

More. More than the empty promises from boys. More than the masked protection of makeup. More than the false assurance of outfits.

More. It’s what she wants for her daughter. She wants her girl to grow up with courageous confidence and without raw regret.

Even though my friend practically grew up under a steeple, during her teen years the truth that Jesus was crazy about her slipped through the cracks of her low self-worth. She turned to easy choices laid out by friends and gave away so much of herself in hopes of finding love.

But the more my friend gave, the emptier she felt. Eventually she lost hope and wondered, “Is there such a thing as lasting love?”

This is the opposite of what she wants for her own daughter. Yet, she sees things in her girl’s life similar to her own teen years. Chasing after attention. Wearing layers of makeup. Flirtatious outfits that draw others’ eyes. Her daughter is turning to everything and everyone to fill the hole that only God’s love can.

I want God’s best for my girl, too. And if you have a daughter, I bet you do as well.

The question is: how do we give our girl the assurance she needs? How can we help her find the confidence to make wise choices that lead to God’s best for her?

I’ve found that it’s important to start by praying verses like today’s key verse, asking God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts. Then we will see the hope Jesus calls us to and we can share it with our daughter.

You see, as we possess the confidence that comes from knowing we are loved and accepted by the Lord, our daughter will take notice. When she sees her mom live out of the hope and love of Jesus, our girl will discover that she too can make choices based on His love for her and seek the hope only He can give.

When we need to make hard decisions, we can turn to Jesus for understanding and courage, modeling an example of confidence for our daughters. As moms, we can take them further on this journey of growth by asking them to pray with us, read His Word with us and speak hope to others with us. They will see how to transition from simply reading the Word of God to applying it and living out its truths. They’ll witness firsthand what it means to view this world, themselves and others from His perspective.

When our girl sees His incomparably great power working in us, filling our hearts, it makes God’s promises believable. As we find our fulfillment in God’s love for us, instead of looking to someone or something else to fill us, our daughter will see a life that blossoms with purpose.

It may not be immediate. In fact, it could possibly take years for her to want what we have. But we can trust in the goodness of our God. He wants more for our girl, too!

Dear Jesus, I am desperate to see my girl walk in the freedom that comes when her heart is filled by You. Fill my heart, Lord, so I can model this fulfillment. Help me turn to You. May my daughter see me run to You first and may she run to You too! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Application Steps:
Take an inventory in your own life today. What things do you run to instead of Jesus? Husband, food, best friend, FaceBook? Tomorrow, when you see this same pattern, make a deliberate choice to pray. Invite Jesus to fill that spot instead.

Reflections:
What would my daughter say she sees me run to when I feel anxious, fearful or rejected?

What changes would have to take place in my life for me to find my confidence and hope in Jesus instead?

Power Verses:
Ephesians 3:17a, 18-19, “And I pray that you…may have power, together with all the Lord’s people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews, NC 28105
877-P31-HOME (877-731-4663)

Just a Couple of Pictures

2011-07-06T11:53:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_1148" align="aligncenter" width="204" caption="Such a beautiful girl."][/caption]

Watching the rain.

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T06:51:00.000-05:00

Dan, Madeline, Hamish, and I want to wish everyone a fun, safe, and happy 4th of July!

We would also like to challenge you to be thankful to our merciful Creator that we live in a country where we are free to live, work, marry, and worship as we choose. There are so many who cannot say that. With that freedom comes a responsibility to work hard, love much, and help many.

With that in mind, as you enjoy your barbecue and fireworks today, please take just a moment to remember all the men and women who continue to serve in our armed forces to secure that freedom.

Have an awesome day!!

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love." - Galatians 5:13

[caption id="attachment_1145" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="*Picture from thundafunda, free online pictures and kids' coloring pages"][/caption]

Bows for Life

2011-06-25T08:53:00.000-05:00

A friend of a friend is trying to adopt a little girl from Ethiopia, and she and her family are raising money to put into the adoption fund. If you know anyone who had adopted a child from another country, you know that it can be a long, stressful, and expensive process, but SO worth it!

In order to raise funds, she is making and selling bows. I have seen some of the bows up close and they are very well made and absolutely precious. They stay in place really well, even in Madeline's fine hair.

If you have a little girl or know a little girl who could use a sweet bow in her hair (and what little girl couldn't?), please take a look at her website and consider adorning a pretty noggin for a worthy cause.

http://www.madetoorganize.com/bows-for-life/

A Fun Week With the Girls!

2011-06-23T16:39:00.000-05:00

Since Dan was in Las Vegas for work, the poor soul, Madeline and I decided it was time for some quality bonding with the friends we left behind in Atlanta.

We enjoyed the hospitality of Jakki for four days. If you have never had the privilege of experiencing a stay at Hotel Jakki, you have missed out. She is so creative and really goes out of her way to make her guests feel like royalty. It was amazing to see how much Madeline and her friend, Aubrey, have grown in the past year. (Aubrey is Jakki's daughter, 3 months Madeline's senior.)

[caption id="attachment_1132" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Madeline and Aubrey, June 2010"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1133" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Reunited, June 2011"][/caption]

We were also able to have a lunch date with Angela - Hannah's mommy, Daniel's wife, and a friend I wish I could see more often. She made a fabulous lunch and we had a great time catching up. I think Madeline enjoyed her time with baby Hannah, too. She's grown so much since the last time we saw her!

[caption id="attachment_1136" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sweet kisses for her sweet friend."][/caption]

All these wonderful reunions happened on Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday was a day of relaxation for Jakki and me as we released our inner girly girl and had a Jane Austen book discussion/tea party while the kids napped. What a fun way to relax!

We had to head back home today, but not before doing the traditional summer appetizer lunch with Jakki and Sheryl. It seems like we add a new kid to the lunch date every year, although Sheryl was not accompanied by her precious Andrew this year. I guess we'll have to catch up with him next time, unless Sheryl wants to hang out in Birmingham during her time off this summer. Hmmm, Sheryl?

Great week. Great friends. Great to be home with my favorite husband.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T12:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Dad's Day to you, whether you're a biological dad, adoptive dad, granddad, stepdad, or anyone who has played the role of father figure in the life of someone who needs you.

In particular, Happy Father's Day to my awesome daddy:

...to Dan's great dad:

...to Madeline's incredible daddy and the best husband God could have sent me:

"Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalm 127:3 - 5

(Oh, and if you read Cake Wrecks, "Happy Falker Satherhood!")

In Case You Missed It, I'm Having a Boy.

2011-06-12T11:46:00.000-05:00

Some of you have already heard this rant, and you may feel free to skip this post.

Allow me, if you will, to clarify. I am having a little boy. I am thrilled about having a little boy. I really am. I think - no, I know it's going to be awesome.

But, I, who could have won a trophy for putting make-up on a Barbie head as a child; I, who have never played (or enjoyed) a sport in my entire life; I, who loathe heat, bugs, dirt, and all other things related to being outside; I, who instinctively roll my eyes at potty jokes because they are not even funny enough for me to fake a laugh; I, who have not left the house without mascara in 20 years (I wish I were exaggerating); I, who insist on good manners at all times and in all situations - I am having a little boy.

I'm the woman who has never understood why the Y chromosome makes a person have to reach up and touch the door frame EVERY time he walks into a room. I don't get the affinity for things that smell bad. I may never understand why male people have to mess with stuff. (Yes, it's loose/broken/off-center. LEAVE IT ALONE!)

I'm ecstatic, but don't you feel just a little sorry for the boy? (Not Dan, The Boy. The boy I'm currently incubating.)

My friend, Misty, once joked that my future children would come to me, whining, "Why do I have to wear these stupid bows in my hair?!" And I would respond, "Son, it's because your brother stopped letting me dress him."

I probably won't be quite that bad, but keep this kid in your thoughts. He has a very girly mom, and a big sister who likes her baby dolls and her tea set, and who brings Mommy bows to put in her hair. I'm picturing her trying to dress him like one of her baby dolls.

This is just another reason I'm so thankful for my incredible husband, who is also an incredible dad. If he can be the world's best daddy for a girly-girl, I can figure out this whole little boy thing, right?

Have I mentioned...

2011-06-12T11:17:00.000-05:00

...how beautiful my sweet girl is?

It's a Boy!!!

2011-06-06T16:28:00.000-05:00

This October, we will be welcoming a baby boy to the Head household.

Not only is he a boy, but he is also perfectly healthy and moving around quite a bit!

We are so excited and Madeline is going to be a fabulous big sister!!

Now comes the big challenge - naming this young 'un!

It's time to vote!

2011-05-29T16:47:00.000-05:00

We have about a week before we find out if Hamish is a boy or a girl. It's time for a poll! We want to know what you think. So, in case you need a little help to make your decision, here are some old wives' tales to guide you along:

It's a boy if:

You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy. - I did this time, but just got a little queasy with Madeline. Go figure.

Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute. - Nope. 150.

You are carrying the extra weight out front. - That's where the baby is. Isn't that where I should have extra weight?

Your belly looks like a basketball. - Too soon to tell.

You are carrying low. - I think this one's a little higher, actually.

You are craving salty or sour foods. - YES!! I want to drink pickle juice and eat salt & vinegar chips all day. Mmmm. Tasty.

You are craving protein -- meats and cheese. - Yuck. Still not a meat eater and I can only tolerate cheese in moderation.

Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy. - We live in Alabama. It's 350 degrees outside, 8 months a year. So, no.

The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy. - Nah.

Your hands are very dry. - Nope. Still baby soft.

Your pillow faces north when you sleep. - I'm supposed to take a compass to bed??

Dad-to-be is gaining weight right along with you. - He's lost a little poundage, to be honest.

Pregnancy has you looking better than ever. - Ugh. No.

Your nose is spreading. - Big nose anyway.

You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves back and forth or side to side. - Yes. But, it did that with Madeline, too.

You are having headaches. - Some, but not as many as the first time.

You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number. - This one is tricky because it's based on the Chinese lunar calendar and I conceived in January.

It's a girl if:

You had morning sickness early in pregnancy - Yep.

Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute. - 150.

You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear. - If my butt gets any bigger, I can just stand by the couch and Dan can use it as an end table. Let's hope this one never happens!

Your hair develops red highlights. - Well, since I haven't seen my natural hair color in 20 years, this one is impossible to verify.

You are carrying high. - See above.

Your belly looks like a watermelon.

You are craving sweets. - No more than usual.

You are craving fruit. - Not really.

You crave orange juice. - Yes, but only when I'm already thirsty.

You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy. - I really, really don't.

You are moodier during pregnancy. - Poor, poor Dan.

Your face breaks out more than usual. - Like the spotted elephant from the Island of Misfit Toys.

You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread. - Bread is bread.

Your pillow faces south when you sleep. - Again, I don't think I own a compass.

You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles - See above.

You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number. - See above.

All right, here we go. What's your prediction for the new kid?

[polldaddy poll=5095382]

Happy 90th, Grandmother Head!

2011-05-29T16:13:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, Dan's grandmother turned 90 years young and we had the privilege of spending the day celebrating at her surprise party in South Carolina. Enjoy the pictures!

[caption id="attachment_1091" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Dan & Madeline with Grandmother Head"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1092" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption=""Beh-bee!""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1093" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Everyone, and a couple of ferns."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1094" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Tickling her cousin, Lawson."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1095" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Big hugs for Aunt Elizabeth"][/caption]

I Know...

2011-05-26T05:01:00.000-05:00

I have been terrible about blogging lately.

School is finally (finally!) coming to a close and that means it's the busiest time of year for any teacher. And, don't forget that we have an extra week tacked onto the end of the year because of all those beautiful snow days. (That wasn't sarcasm. I really did love the snow. I know it's hard to tell with me, sometimes.) So, exam schedules and such have been wonky and that's created even more confusion and stress than the usual end-of-the-year festivities.

But, as of June 3rd, I am officially a full time Mom. I'm taking next year off to hang out with my babies and work on finding ways to do God's work in the community. I can't even form the words to say how excited I am about what the next year will bring.

That said, I want to thank Odyssey Early School for being Madeline's home away from home for the past 10 months. She has made some great friends and her teachers have been awesome. She really has thrived there and we wouldn't hesitate to send both these kiddies back there when I go back to work.

I have a lot of blog posts that I would like to make, including some with many pictures, so be sure to check back. It's about time for a poll, too, with the big ultrasound coming up on June 6th. Hmmm...boy or girl? Girl or boy? We'll just have to wait and see...

And speaking of new additions (not of the Bobby Brown variety), we wanted to send congratulations out to our friends, the Swarts family, on the arrival of Parker Eli (April 4) and the Rodgers family for welcoming Benjamin Graham (May 7). Welcome to the 'hood!

Not much to report

2011-05-17T09:38:00.000-05:00

"We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb." - Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

It's been a while since I posted anything. Truthfully, I don't believe I have anything to say that will amaze the whole room.

Sweet Madeline is on the go and can barely slow down for a good picture. She has learned several new words and phrases, including what an elephant says. (That's "Roll Tide," in case you didn't know.)

We're trying very hard to be patient as we wait to find out whether baby Hamish is a boy or a girl. We'll know June 6th!

There. Are you amazed?

More amazing things to come.

Hey, Birmingham!

2011-05-05T04:20:00.000-05:00

And, anyone in Tuscaloosa who would like to make the drive for pure yumminess for a good cause.

Ashley Mac's is donating 100% of the proceeds from brownie sales to tornado relief through the month of May.

You know you want some brownies!

For a great example of people who truly live Christ's example of generosity and compassion, check them out:

www.ashleymacs.com

www.andyandashleymac.blogspot.com

16 Week Appointment

2011-05-04T05:50:00.000-05:00

I had my 16 week appointment yesterday to check on Hamish's progress.

All is well! Hamish's heartbeat is perfect. I checked out well, too, and we're just eagerly awaiting the next appointment when we find out if Hamish is a boy or a girl!

Pretty soon, I'll post another poll to find out what you think.

Almost halfway there!

Easter 2011

2011-05-03T16:13:00.000-05:00

First of all, shame on me for not getting any decent pictures of my sweet girl in her Easter dress. But, once she discovered that she couldn't climb the stairs in anything containing chiffon, it was over. The dress had to come off.

My favorite picture from that day, however, is the one right after she discovers that the Easter Bunny was kind enough to put goodies in those pretty plastic eggs:

More important than dresses or jellybeans, though, is the fact that we proclaimed the risen Christ as a family.

He is why we are who we are, and he is risen, indeed!

Words

2011-04-28T10:44:00.000-05:00

There are none.

I know I haven't made an Easter post yet. I will.

Right now, I want to solicit prayers for everyone who lives in my home town. In case you missed it - and I doubt that - certain areas in Tuscaloosa were demolished by a tornado yesterday evening.

A public housing unit near where we lived when I was a kid, which housed hundreds of needy families, is now nothing more than a pile of trash with some overturned cars. Where are they supposed to go?

Restaurants where I used to eat, stores where I used to shop, and neighborhoods where I used to visit are all gone. It narrowly missed my mother's neighborhood.

I don't know why I'm taking this so hard. I guess it's because that was the place I called home for most of my life and I can't imagine it without H & W Drug store or Krispy Kreme on 15th Street or the gas station you go to between paychecks because it's creepy, but cheap. None of those places are there anymore. Weird.

As of a couple of hours ago, the death toll in Alabama was 160+. I know those families would appreciate your prayers.

Hamish

2011-04-21T05:37:00.000-05:00

In case you're wondering, Hamish and I are doing very well. At our last appointment, Babyhead2 had a good strong heartbeat and was moving around. :)

I haven't been sick in a while, but at 14 weeks, I'm still so stinkin' exhausted I can barely function. This pregnancy has, thus far, been very different from the first. Madeline always wanted fruit, fruit, and more fruit. This one is a fan of pickles, olives, and the like. A student gave me Warheads the other day and it made my whole day!

Coffee and eggs don't make me gag this time, but certain smells (high school boy cheap cologne, grease, warm milk - UGH!!!) are bad news.

I definitely feel more tired this time around, and I'm getting bigger by the second.

We still have 6 more weeks until we know if we'll be decorating in pink or blue, but stay tuned for updates! We may have to take a look at the old wives' tales again.

Oh, and don't forget to check out the newest update on Madeline, below!

Stuff My Kid Says

2011-04-21T05:25:00.000-05:00

She's so funny. I'm constantly amazed by things she knows and what she can do.

I'd like to add a few words to Madeline's Dictionary, if I could:

Mayin, Madden, Mannen: Madeline

Gog: dog

Gock: sock

Doo: shoe, two

Bapple: apple

Bow: bear

Cat: cat

Papa: purple

Poon: spoon

Doughs: toes

Eye: eye

Mou: mouth

Beyyey: belly

Kai: Caillou

Melmo: Elmo

Chica-Chica: Chica

Choo-Choo: what a train says

Kack kack: what a duck says

Cow: cow. It says "moo."

Poe: phone

Sat? "What is that?" This is usually followed by, "Oh," when you answer her question

Up: up. DOWN!!: down. She knows the meaning of these two, but she also uses them for open and closed.

She also likes to say "hi" to people and things. "Hi, Daddy!" "Hi, Mommy!" "Hi, baby!" "Hi, beyyey!"

Conversations with Madeline are getting interesting, too. She seems to really like the numbers two and nine. For instance, we start counting with, "One," and she says, "Doo." We follow up with three through eight, and then she excitedly exclaims, "NINE!!" Applause comes after ten.

You'll be relieved to know that she pronounces nine correctly, not "naaaaahn."

She is such a sweet, wonderful child. I just hope I can measure up and be the parent she deserves.

Madeline Goes to the Zoo

2011-04-09T12:44:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_1015" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Showing Daddy the giraffes."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1016" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="We liked the giraffes!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1017" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Showing Mommy the elephant, which we also liked."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1018" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Completely enthralled by the hippo."][/caption]

Soon after this, a very friendly meerkat got a little too close to the glass. I thought it was cute. Madeline...well, didn't. She also DID NOT like the monkeys! She cried pretty much through the primate habitat.

[caption id="attachment_1019" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Look! I'm a giraffe!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1020" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Mommy's favorite part of the zoo."][/caption]

We had a really fun day, in spite of the boiling heat. (Seriously? 87 degrees in April??? Ridiculous!)

She really liked all the birds, but I think the primates spooked her a little when they go too close to the glass.

Just the first of many trips to the zoo in her lifetime!

Coming This October

2011-04-07T15:57:00.000-05:00

It cries...

It sleeps...

It goes through more diapers than you can imagine...

It's ...

BABYHEAD, THE SEQUEL

From creator God and producers Dan and Heather, comes the epic tale of Madeline's new brother or sister.

Don't miss it!

Yes, that's right! We are expecting our second miracle this fall. I have now had two doctors appointments, and both the baby and I are perfectly healthy.

Just as with movie previews, you will see lots of new baby previews via blog posts. Here's the first: Just as we called Madeline Opie before we new her gender, this baby will be called Hamish for another 8 weeks or so.

We are so excited, blessed, and thankful to God for our growing family.

"Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from Him." Psalm 127: 3

16 Months Old

2011-04-04T15:31:00.000-05:00

I realized that I have been terrible about posting "growing up" updates, as well as taking pictures.

Madeline is 16 months old today.

Really?? When did that happen??

When did my baby go from this...

...to this?

[caption id="attachment_1009" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="She toddled over very close to me. Her nostrils aren't really that big."][/caption]

Such a sweet girl!

Then and Now

2011-03-29T16:54:00.000-05:00

I'm not that old. Either that, or I didn't realize 34 constituted the need for Centrum Silver. But, this post might make me sound just the slightest bit like an old curmudgeon.

It really hasn't been all that long since I was a little kid. Just ask my parents. I know that things change, but I'm finding that I am just a little bit unnerved by some of the changes. Part of that is probably because, well, I'm the mommy now.

I'll give you an example (two, actually). As you can imagine, I played with dolls when I was a child. I certainly had favorites, and Strawberry Shortcake was one of them. Oh, yes. I had the dolls - plural because you couldn't just have Strawberry Shortcake herself; you also had to have her friends, Blueberry Muffin and Apricot. My obsession didn't stop there. I had the comb and brush set, the bowl, cup, fork, and spoon set, the sleeping bag, the wall hangings, the t-shirt, and yes people I ate Strawberry Shortcake cereal for breakfast.

This is how she looked when I was 5:

Look what a cute little girl she is! Everything from the pudgy cheeks to the sweet smile to the ruffled pinafore screams innocence and fun for young kids.

This is what Strawberry Shortcake is, 2011:

I'm OK with her wearing her little jeans and t-shirt outfit. But, and this is where I start to sound old, can someone explain to me why, exactly, a five-year-old needs to be putting on the glitz? What message does that send to little girls when we can't keep them sweet and cute without "glitz" beyond their single-digit age?

I have another example, and it is another doll that I loved as a child. Remember Rainbow Brite? If you weren't a little girl/didn't have a little girl in the early '80s, then probably not. But, I do! Again, I had the doll, the coloring books, her horse (whatever his name was), the stickers, and I watched the cartoon every Saturday.

Here she is, '80s style:

In case you're unfamiliar with Rainbow Brite's story, she is supposed to be a little kid - like, 8 or 9 at the very oldest. She's a child on a mission to bring more love and joy to those who don't have it. But, in 2011, Rainbow Brite is...

...no longer a little kid! What the heck?? I thought the whole idea behind these things was for kids to be able to relate to the characters and aspire to do good because they see children like themselves doing the right thing.

Are we really in such a hurry for our kids to grow up and look like adults? Why does a kindergartener need to dress like a high school kid?

I know I ask this a lot, but, is it just me?? Am I really so weird because I want my daughter to be a little girl for a while - to have fun playing outside and coloring and dressing up her dolls while she's so young?

If this whole "tart 'em up early" thing is the current accepted trend in childhood toys and fashion, I'm still going to lean toward the Amish thing. I really don't want her to grow up too quickly, and it bugs me to no end that so much of our culture is geared toward making her believe she's supposed to.

I would really prefer to let her be a child for as long as she needs to foster a sense of strength and self-worth, so that she can learn who she is without all these images showing her what she "should" be.

I ask again - am I that old? That weird? Is it just me??