We were at the Lindenmeyer's the other day just to visit. We were in their backyard and you walked up to this huge tree and gave it a hug! I so wish I had my camera. You were fascinated by it, especially the bark. It dawned on me that this might be new to you....seeing as how we have no trees in our yard. What kind of BoulderMama am I?
iloveyoumadly.
mama
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
No Longer a Baby...
You moved into the Toddler room today at school. It is such a big moment for you! You are now only going to nap once a day (God help me and daddy!) - and you don't have a crib...just a bedroll! When I dropped you off this morning you saw your little buddy, Neva. You and Neva were the best of friends in the Infant room. You saw her right away, smiled so big and opened your arms to give her a hug. It brought tears to Elizabeth's eyes (Elizabeth and Barbara are your new teachers).
You seemed quite at home in your new room - they have such cool toys. You will get to spend your afternoons outside on the playground, and you no longer have to sit in a highchair - they have little booster seats at the table for your lunch and snacks. Oh! I forgot to mention that I bought you a lunchbox yesterday. It is adorable. I chose to avoid Barbie or Dora the Explorer - that's not your (read: my) style. So you got a super cool tie-dye and flower lunch box. Much more you. :-)
As I kissed you goodbye and walked out the door, I realized that my little baby is...no longer a baby. And I cried.
Iloveyoumadly.
mama
You seemed quite at home in your new room - they have such cool toys. You will get to spend your afternoons outside on the playground, and you no longer have to sit in a highchair - they have little booster seats at the table for your lunch and snacks. Oh! I forgot to mention that I bought you a lunchbox yesterday. It is adorable. I chose to avoid Barbie or Dora the Explorer - that's not your (read: my) style. So you got a super cool tie-dye and flower lunch box. Much more you. :-)
As I kissed you goodbye and walked out the door, I realized that my little baby is...no longer a baby. And I cried.
Iloveyoumadly.
mama
Monday, May 12, 2008
Mother's Day
Yesterday was my second Mother's Day. It was with great pride that I wandered around the Flagstaff House holding your hand.
You are the best reason in the world to celebrate this Holiday. You are my daughter. You are my everything. I love you.
iloveyoumadly.
mama
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Fifteen Months
Happy 15-month birthday, my sweet Baby Toad.
Days around here sure are getting more and more fun! You are such a precious little person. I have become somewhat addicted to what is being referred to in the media as "Mommy Bloggers" - these are public posts by other moms that talk about their lives, their children's lives and all the adventures that go therein. Some are good, some are kind of mundane (much like mine would probably be to someone else if I ever allowed public access to this site). But all of them share one thing in common: this isn't an easy job - but it is a job none of us would ever give back.
You are somewhat of a Daddy's Girl. And by this, I mean you seem to want to impress him or be held by him or want to be where he is more than with me. And that's OK - I love how much you two love each other. And sometimes I admit that I get a little sad as I think it somehow shows me a glimpse of our future as mother and daughter. But really, when it comes down to it, you are my little buddy. You are - at least so far - an almost CLONE of me. Minus your dad's feet and eyes. But you talk in your sleep like me (ask daddy someday about some of the things that come out of my mouth at night), you look almost exactly like I did at your age, you have magic toes (quite possibly my most favorite of all your gorgeous body parts), and I am next to positive that you are inheriting my allergies. There are so many other similarities that sometimes take my breath away...maybe I'll add more to the list later.
Your Grammy and Gramps were here this past weekend - it was so fun. You LOVE your Gramps. I'm tellin' ya - you two are little peas in a pod. I have never seen anything so cute. But again, I missed the photo ops and didn't take any pictures. D'oh! Your Grammy said to me in passing on their last day, "I don't know how you do it." And I asked what she was referring to. To sum up everything she said, it was basically - "I don't know how you are able to be such a great sister, such a great wife and an amazing mom - all while working full-time." She didn't work while raising Christian. My response was something like, "I am lucky to have such a great family." But you know what else is in there? You. You are so amazing, and easy to be with and around .... and raise. You actually make me think I know what the hell I'm doing. (And your Daddy is amazing, but this post is about you and me). I hear and read about all these moms that struggle through the early years as their children throw tantrums, and challenge everything - and I don't get that with you. Don't get me wrong - you have your moments where I wonder where my baby went as I look at the screaming alien that replaced you - but overall you make me a good mom.
Every parent thinks their child is the most beautiful child on the planet. It's biologically impossible for us not to feel this way. For God's sake - we made you out of our own flesh and blood! (Someday that will amaze you as much as it now amazes me). But really - you are the most beautiful child on the planet. In everyway possible, your beauty takes my breath away.
You will stay this beautiful to me always.
iloveyoumadly.
mama
Days around here sure are getting more and more fun! You are such a precious little person. I have become somewhat addicted to what is being referred to in the media as "Mommy Bloggers" - these are public posts by other moms that talk about their lives, their children's lives and all the adventures that go therein. Some are good, some are kind of mundane (much like mine would probably be to someone else if I ever allowed public access to this site). But all of them share one thing in common: this isn't an easy job - but it is a job none of us would ever give back.
You are somewhat of a Daddy's Girl. And by this, I mean you seem to want to impress him or be held by him or want to be where he is more than with me. And that's OK - I love how much you two love each other. And sometimes I admit that I get a little sad as I think it somehow shows me a glimpse of our future as mother and daughter. But really, when it comes down to it, you are my little buddy. You are - at least so far - an almost CLONE of me. Minus your dad's feet and eyes. But you talk in your sleep like me (ask daddy someday about some of the things that come out of my mouth at night), you look almost exactly like I did at your age, you have magic toes (quite possibly my most favorite of all your gorgeous body parts), and I am next to positive that you are inheriting my allergies. There are so many other similarities that sometimes take my breath away...maybe I'll add more to the list later.
Your Grammy and Gramps were here this past weekend - it was so fun. You LOVE your Gramps. I'm tellin' ya - you two are little peas in a pod. I have never seen anything so cute. But again, I missed the photo ops and didn't take any pictures. D'oh! Your Grammy said to me in passing on their last day, "I don't know how you do it." And I asked what she was referring to. To sum up everything she said, it was basically - "I don't know how you are able to be such a great sister, such a great wife and an amazing mom - all while working full-time." She didn't work while raising Christian. My response was something like, "I am lucky to have such a great family." But you know what else is in there? You. You are so amazing, and easy to be with and around .... and raise. You actually make me think I know what the hell I'm doing. (And your Daddy is amazing, but this post is about you and me). I hear and read about all these moms that struggle through the early years as their children throw tantrums, and challenge everything - and I don't get that with you. Don't get me wrong - you have your moments where I wonder where my baby went as I look at the screaming alien that replaced you - but overall you make me a good mom.
Every parent thinks their child is the most beautiful child on the planet. It's biologically impossible for us not to feel this way. For God's sake - we made you out of our own flesh and blood! (Someday that will amaze you as much as it now amazes me). But really - you are the most beautiful child on the planet. In everyway possible, your beauty takes my breath away.
You will stay this beautiful to me always.
iloveyoumadly.
mama
Friday, May 2, 2008
How We Met You
Much like the letter Gramps wrote to you after you were born, Nanna wrote me this letter so that I could never forget the amazing experience that was your birth.
February 16, 2007
My dear Ginna,
I have been thinking about my time with you and I hope it is alright if I share some of my thoughts and memories.
When you and Becca were born, I knew the greatest love a woman could ever experience, or so I thought. Being able to experience Hadley’s birth with you made me love you both at an even deeper level, and I now know another love, one that is so profound, it is difficult to describe.
When you, Mom and I shared a meal when you were in northern Minnesota this past year, you remarked, “Just think, Mom, I was once growing inside you and you were once growing inside Nonny.” That was quite a moment of reflection for me as I watched you carry your precious daughter for the past nine months. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your feelings, emotions and experiences with me. It is unbelievable to watch your daughter grow up, become a successful businesswoman, a loving wife and now an exceptional mother. You handled this pregnancy, difficulties and all, with the greatest of poise and calm. You knew what you had to do to keep your baby safe and secure until her birth sometime in the month of February. You and Nels were very well educated about what your body was experiencing, and this removed even the smallest bit of apprehension about the magic, mystery and miracle of birth. I applaud you both for taking your job so seriously.
I arrived in Boulder on Sunday afternoon and Becca and I went directly to your house where you and Nels were preparing to go to the hospital, as you were being induced the very next morning. The excitement we all felt about what was about to take place was absolutely electric! I wept. Monday morning arrived and you waited for the process to begin. Once underway, you waited patiently, reviewing with Nels how you were going to help expedite the arrival of your daughter. You had the most wonderful nurse, Jackie, with you, who made the day very special, indeed. Once the contractions began, you went to work. Your breathing was natural, easy and confident. Nels was extraordinary with his coaching and support. Becca and I just watched and marveled at you both, and of course a little solitaire was thrown in too. Sitting by your bed as you experienced the beginning of this miracle, pouring all my love out to you and your daughter was a life-altering experience. I wept. Toward the end of Monday, you had dilated to four centimeters and we felt that progress was really being made. Alas, Jackie and Dr. Jones felt that you had worked hard enough for one day and perhaps it would be better to rest, eat and try again on Tuesday. So, with a degree of disappointment, you agreed. Sleep wasn’t the best, of course, as you were continually awakened by the night nurse who kept checking on your blood pressure.
Tuesday arrived with another sense of great excitement and determination. Today was going to be the day to say “hello” to Hadley. Maya was your nurse today and she was also quite wonderful and reassuring. You were hooked up again, and once again the contractions began. You and Nels were determined to do more to help little Hadley arrive, so you walked the halls, rocked more on the ball and concentrated on the job at hand. I watched the love you shared at that moment and reflected on the love you were going to soon acknowledge, and I wept. Once again, it appeared that Tuesday wasn’t the day either. You resigned that a hot bath, dinner, and another night of sleep would be beneficial as you had been working very hard again that day. So off I went to your house and the cats for another night of prayer and gratitude.
Nels called Wednesday morning to tell me that your water had broken between 2:00 and 2:30 during the night. This was fabulous news, as we had started to think that your fervent desire to deliver Hadley rather than have a C-section was not going to come to pass. So, with renewed determination, the day began. When I arrived at the hospital, you told me that you had talked to Hadley while in the shower that morning and had told her that no matter what the delivery outcome, you promised her she would be safe and protected. I was so deeply proud of you, awed by your composure, and inspired by the motherly love you shared with your unborn daughter, and so I wept. So Wednesday progressed, once again with dear Jackie and we were grateful. Dr. Jones had told you that one way or another, your baby would be born that day. You were comfortable with any decision, but still very determined to try to do it your way. So, we walked the halls again, listened to the lullaby play as new mothers and their babies were moved to the “Mommy and Baby” wing, and you labored and worked. Labor was significantly more intense today. Your training really came into play as the contractions became more intense and uncomfortable. You hit your zone and audibly breathed you baby down into the birth canal. It was about 4:30 p.m. when you told Nels you didn’t think you could do this anymore, as it was painful and tiring. He reminded you that you had decided to give it another 45 minutes once you had reached this point. Your will was strong but so was your discomfort. Nels went to tell Jackie that perhaps it was time to speak to the anesthesiologist. So he came and administered the medication. This seemed to relax you significantly and make the work to come less intense. Suddenly, you said, “Mom the pressure is unbelievable.” When I asked you where you were feeling this pressure and you told me, I went for Jackie. She came, measured you, and said, “You are fully dilated!” I wish I could have had a camera to capture the look you both had on your faces. It was a combination of shock and wild anticipation. This was really going to happen today! Suddenly there was a flurry of activity as you got into position, saw Dr. Jones, held on to Nels and began to push. The time was 5:30. Chris, who had arrived earlier that day, and I left you alone to do your work. We couldn’t go far, however, as this was quite probably the most excitingly wonderful moment either of us could recall. We walked the halls, called Tom and Bob and Becca and Jo and Sonja, and we waited. And we wept. The hospital staff paraded in and out of your room, always leaving the door ajar so we could hear the progress of this magnificent delivery. At 6:32, Hadley was born and your first words were, “Oh, Hello!” I wept. Becca flew through the doors, ran to us as we held our collective breath awaiting her first cry. It came, loud and strong, and we all wept. It seemed forever before we could come in and meet her ourselves and hug and love our precious children, her parents. Nels brought out his camera to show us her first pictures, taken when she was only seconds old. She was spectacular! Finally it was time to come in and meet her.
She was swaddled tightly, eyes wide open, precious little mouth pursed and ready for her life in this world. The feeling I had at that moment was so profoundly spiritual and I wept. I couldn’t wait to embrace you, praise you, and welcome you to this wonderful world of motherhood. Finally you knew how very much I love you.
Ginna, thank you for sharing your journey with me. You may never know the impact it has had on me until you can share the same experience with your own daughter. We have always known God and believed in the miracle of life. Yet, once you experience the privilege of giving birth yourself, it takes on new meaning. As you examine Hadley’s eyes, ears, and every other aspect of her body and when you see her smile, hear her laugh, hear her call you “Mommy, “ and watch her grow into the beautiful and spectacular woman she will obviously become, remember I shared the same experience with you and Becca and I continue to marvel at the perfection in you both.
I love you madly with all my heart.
Mom
February 16, 2007
My dear Ginna,
I have been thinking about my time with you and I hope it is alright if I share some of my thoughts and memories.
When you and Becca were born, I knew the greatest love a woman could ever experience, or so I thought. Being able to experience Hadley’s birth with you made me love you both at an even deeper level, and I now know another love, one that is so profound, it is difficult to describe.
When you, Mom and I shared a meal when you were in northern Minnesota this past year, you remarked, “Just think, Mom, I was once growing inside you and you were once growing inside Nonny.” That was quite a moment of reflection for me as I watched you carry your precious daughter for the past nine months. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your feelings, emotions and experiences with me. It is unbelievable to watch your daughter grow up, become a successful businesswoman, a loving wife and now an exceptional mother. You handled this pregnancy, difficulties and all, with the greatest of poise and calm. You knew what you had to do to keep your baby safe and secure until her birth sometime in the month of February. You and Nels were very well educated about what your body was experiencing, and this removed even the smallest bit of apprehension about the magic, mystery and miracle of birth. I applaud you both for taking your job so seriously.
I arrived in Boulder on Sunday afternoon and Becca and I went directly to your house where you and Nels were preparing to go to the hospital, as you were being induced the very next morning. The excitement we all felt about what was about to take place was absolutely electric! I wept. Monday morning arrived and you waited for the process to begin. Once underway, you waited patiently, reviewing with Nels how you were going to help expedite the arrival of your daughter. You had the most wonderful nurse, Jackie, with you, who made the day very special, indeed. Once the contractions began, you went to work. Your breathing was natural, easy and confident. Nels was extraordinary with his coaching and support. Becca and I just watched and marveled at you both, and of course a little solitaire was thrown in too. Sitting by your bed as you experienced the beginning of this miracle, pouring all my love out to you and your daughter was a life-altering experience. I wept. Toward the end of Monday, you had dilated to four centimeters and we felt that progress was really being made. Alas, Jackie and Dr. Jones felt that you had worked hard enough for one day and perhaps it would be better to rest, eat and try again on Tuesday. So, with a degree of disappointment, you agreed. Sleep wasn’t the best, of course, as you were continually awakened by the night nurse who kept checking on your blood pressure.
Tuesday arrived with another sense of great excitement and determination. Today was going to be the day to say “hello” to Hadley. Maya was your nurse today and she was also quite wonderful and reassuring. You were hooked up again, and once again the contractions began. You and Nels were determined to do more to help little Hadley arrive, so you walked the halls, rocked more on the ball and concentrated on the job at hand. I watched the love you shared at that moment and reflected on the love you were going to soon acknowledge, and I wept. Once again, it appeared that Tuesday wasn’t the day either. You resigned that a hot bath, dinner, and another night of sleep would be beneficial as you had been working very hard again that day. So off I went to your house and the cats for another night of prayer and gratitude.
Nels called Wednesday morning to tell me that your water had broken between 2:00 and 2:30 during the night. This was fabulous news, as we had started to think that your fervent desire to deliver Hadley rather than have a C-section was not going to come to pass. So, with renewed determination, the day began. When I arrived at the hospital, you told me that you had talked to Hadley while in the shower that morning and had told her that no matter what the delivery outcome, you promised her she would be safe and protected. I was so deeply proud of you, awed by your composure, and inspired by the motherly love you shared with your unborn daughter, and so I wept. So Wednesday progressed, once again with dear Jackie and we were grateful. Dr. Jones had told you that one way or another, your baby would be born that day. You were comfortable with any decision, but still very determined to try to do it your way. So, we walked the halls again, listened to the lullaby play as new mothers and their babies were moved to the “Mommy and Baby” wing, and you labored and worked. Labor was significantly more intense today. Your training really came into play as the contractions became more intense and uncomfortable. You hit your zone and audibly breathed you baby down into the birth canal. It was about 4:30 p.m. when you told Nels you didn’t think you could do this anymore, as it was painful and tiring. He reminded you that you had decided to give it another 45 minutes once you had reached this point. Your will was strong but so was your discomfort. Nels went to tell Jackie that perhaps it was time to speak to the anesthesiologist. So he came and administered the medication. This seemed to relax you significantly and make the work to come less intense. Suddenly, you said, “Mom the pressure is unbelievable.” When I asked you where you were feeling this pressure and you told me, I went for Jackie. She came, measured you, and said, “You are fully dilated!” I wish I could have had a camera to capture the look you both had on your faces. It was a combination of shock and wild anticipation. This was really going to happen today! Suddenly there was a flurry of activity as you got into position, saw Dr. Jones, held on to Nels and began to push. The time was 5:30. Chris, who had arrived earlier that day, and I left you alone to do your work. We couldn’t go far, however, as this was quite probably the most excitingly wonderful moment either of us could recall. We walked the halls, called Tom and Bob and Becca and Jo and Sonja, and we waited. And we wept. The hospital staff paraded in and out of your room, always leaving the door ajar so we could hear the progress of this magnificent delivery. At 6:32, Hadley was born and your first words were, “Oh, Hello!” I wept. Becca flew through the doors, ran to us as we held our collective breath awaiting her first cry. It came, loud and strong, and we all wept. It seemed forever before we could come in and meet her ourselves and hug and love our precious children, her parents. Nels brought out his camera to show us her first pictures, taken when she was only seconds old. She was spectacular! Finally it was time to come in and meet her.
She was swaddled tightly, eyes wide open, precious little mouth pursed and ready for her life in this world. The feeling I had at that moment was so profoundly spiritual and I wept. I couldn’t wait to embrace you, praise you, and welcome you to this wonderful world of motherhood. Finally you knew how very much I love you.
Ginna, thank you for sharing your journey with me. You may never know the impact it has had on me until you can share the same experience with your own daughter. We have always known God and believed in the miracle of life. Yet, once you experience the privilege of giving birth yourself, it takes on new meaning. As you examine Hadley’s eyes, ears, and every other aspect of her body and when you see her smile, hear her laugh, hear her call you “Mommy, “ and watch her grow into the beautiful and spectacular woman she will obviously become, remember I shared the same experience with you and Becca and I continue to marvel at the perfection in you both.
I love you madly with all my heart.
Mom
Thursday, May 1, 2008
My Little Boulder Baby
Top 10 Reasons Why You Belong in Boulder:
10. You LOVE big dogs - the bigger the better
9. You think a hat makes any outfit
8. You prefer barefeet to socks & shoes
7. You have yet to get get your hair cut
6. You love live music
5. You think the Coyotes howling is neat, not scary
4. You love the taste of granola
3. You love the tulips on Pearl Street
2. You already own a bicycle helmet
...and
1. You already know how to recycle
I am so proud. :-)
10. You LOVE big dogs - the bigger the better
9. You think a hat makes any outfit
8. You prefer barefeet to socks & shoes
7. You have yet to get get your hair cut
6. You love live music
5. You think the Coyotes howling is neat, not scary
4. You love the taste of granola
3. You love the tulips on Pearl Street
2. You already own a bicycle helmet
...and
1. You already know how to recycle
I am so proud. :-)
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