Right now

I am tired, I love reading my friend's and family's blogs, I feel a great sense of accomplishment for making several "business" calls today and securing several appointments, I feel more accomplishment over the spinach/sweet potato manicotti I made for dinner, I couldn't stop laughing at my son while I was trying to put him to sleep - he's so silly.

He would holler and then I would whisper to him that it was time for sleeping and not playing. He would "whisper" back and then giggle . . . like we were telling each other silly things at a slumber party and keeping the others awake well past normal hours. Then he would do it all over again. I had to give up and just put him in his crib. How do tiny little people get such a sense of humor and such clever ability to connect with people and make them smile? What a gift . . . . I hope he always has it.

My brother-in-law said, a couple weekends ago, "Does he make everyone feel special?" I still almost cry when I think that, because I do believe he has a gift to connect with people and make strangers and lonely people smile.

He is most definitely walking now - started on Brett's birthday last Thursday. He really enjoys rocking in his little rocking chair. He talks all the time. He has no idea he is getting a little brother or sister in May, but is fascinated with my belly button. What will he do when it disappears?

Beginnings of walking

I had the opportunity to be in an artisan show over the weekend in Kansas City. My parents were champs and seemed to love taking care of Warrick all day two days in a row. Wow. Brett was sad to be away from us for nearly 5 days and was super nervous that Warrick would start walking while we were apart.

Well, I wouldn't say that he started walking, per se, but he definitely took steps. On my way out of town, getting my oil changed at a Valvoline, Warrick was crawling and cruising all over the mostly clean little waiting room. He was particularly interested in the bumpy floor and the other girl waiting - who was not particularly interested in him. I just happened to look up while he was standing in the middle of the room. Tap tap tap tap tap. WHAT! Almost a running in place, very quick tiny steps. But definitely something he has not done before, and definitely closer to walking. I almost cried, for some reason, and then told the girl sitting there, "I know you probably don't care and didn't see, but he just took his first steps in front of you." She didn't really care, but I was so excited I had to tell someone.

Wow. A few more random steps over the last two days, and a tumble into the bathtub. Other than that, no official walking yet.

Warrick's birthday

I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I think I am not a very good blogger - I write amusing things in my head every day, but I just don't post them.

Last Sunday, our little son, Warrick, turned one. He jumped twice before his guests came to his well decorated party. Unassisted, without even losing balance a little. He landed it perfectly, like a gymnast. And he legitimately got off the floor. There were three witnesses.

You may not think this is very remarkable, but he cannot walk yet.

Most all of Brett's family came from SE kansas, and my parents came from Kansas City. Two couples we really like here were able to come as well. We crowded into our little living room and opened presents. Not sure he really understood the unwrapping, but he certainly enjoyed his presents. His family was so generous and fun. He opened a present from us - a little shirt that said "Big Brother" on it. It's true. We will be, Lord willing, a family of four in May.

My parents were absolute gems - helping decorate, clean and bake - my dad grilled the burgers in the mosquito infested backyard, and my mom baked the cake. Quite a task, when we wanted a pumpkin cake and there was a pumpkin shortage. She had to cook one of the giant ones you put on your porch for Halloween. And Val and Rita even brought all kinds of extra yummy food too.

Here are a few pics of the celebration.

Lately

I'm gearing up for labor day weekend. Weird . . . . so many emotions. It will be the first time overnight away from Warrick and we'll be gone maybe two nights and the better part of 3 days. So, I'll be gone, because this is "girl's weekend". I think this is probably the 7th year? maybe more, don't know. It's perfect - time away from family, work, regular life and restful time with good old friends who know you well. Friends who have waded through several life stages together already. But, I think I will miss my boys pretty bad.

Regardless, it will be good. For all three of us.

Warrick cut a new tooth and slept through the night last night. You may not think that is a huge deal, unless I tell you I don't think I've slept through the night since the end of 2007. True story. Welcome to motherhood.

He's also eating like a champ and starting to dance LOTS and imitate animal noises. And he thinks I'm hilarious. It's good that someone does - I think it's a healthy boost for me.

dancing

He's started dancing - of his own volition, but I must also admit that I practice with him. Can you tap rhythm into a kid while they are really little? Don't know, but I'm trying. Please note the obvious speed and dexterity in his right hand as he plays piano. Very impressive and advanced for his age.

a special gift

This might be silly to some, but several months ago I was wishing I had a small daypack with several sections, pockets, etc... The pack I have currently could carry my son and a friend in it - obviously not practical for little here and theres that only need a diaper, a phone and a few snacks. I had in my mind what it would look like. However, we're a bit tight on cash lately and so a new day pack didn't make the list.

BUT, when we got home to our "27,000" letters (in the words of my neighbor who collected our mail) I found a happy birthday postcard from Backwoods. Funny, because my birthday is at the beginning of June. They invited me to come in to receive my birthday gift - a day pack valued at $49. Very very cool. Even got to pick from 4 colors. It's orange. It's just what I imagined.

Sometimes, when I'm in a bit of a dry spell with God and I have been lately, I pray that I will know Him better again and not make up dumb stuff in my head about who He is -like that He doesn't like me and can't be bothered by my silly cares and ideas. And then He goes and does something like this . . . . totally unexpected, but tangibly reminds me that He loves and likes me and is interested in the details of my life. Weird to say it that way, because He's actually orchestrating so many of the details in my life that I am utterly unaware of . . . .

He's so kind and generous. Thanks for the day pack, God. Thanks for the reminder.

And . . . . for those of you who mostly just want to see pictures of Warrick. Here are some. Please don't think we're cruel for fighting him so we could see his huge teeth with the space between. He forgot about the tussle promptly and is fine.

turkey meatloaf w/ Feta and Sundried Tomatoes

I've never really liked meatloaf. I don't even like to SAY meatloaf. But this redeems my past experiences with the filmy ketchup-covered lump. Very yummy. Even my 3 1/2 year old nephew ate more than my sister on this one. Kept asking for more....


1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup chopped garlic and herb marinated sundried tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs, lightly beaten, room temperature
2 TBL whole milk
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 lb. ground turkey, dark meat preferred
_____
preheat oven to 375
spray 9x5 loaf pan
mix all ingredients but turkey,
gently mix in turkey
carefully pack mixture into loaf pan and back
until internal temp is 165 F on an instant read thermometer.
(about 45 minutes)
remove, let sit for 5 minutes. transfer to cutting block
slice and serve.

We used oregano because we didn't have parsley
We also packed the mixture into a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan
(by the way, I much prefer saying "meat muffins" to "meat loaf"
I don't know why.)

Serves 4-6 people. Very tasty.

Two more of the bridge

More pictures of Mel's visit

Guess I have to make my giant pics a little smaller so you can view more than one per post.

So . . . I'm just trying to get the hang of this thing without having unrealistic expectations of myself.

For starters, my sister helped me get this going because she doesn't see her nephew enough. She graced me with her company this weekend - bringing along her Micah, a kindred spirit of mine in a 3 1/2 year old. It was wonderful and easy. Sisters are great, especially mine. It's rare to feel so empowered and encouraged and enjoyed by someone who also knows all your crap, and your propensities to make this and that mistake. She is so very kind to me. I dearly love her and am grateful to have a friend in her that is bound to me til death, since we're blood, you know...

I will attempt to attach some pictures of our weekend to this post. If I am unsuccessful, I will direct you to her blog as she is very savvy with her mac (and her camera, I might add).

Oh yes, and apologies for my husband's entries. I think he is very funny, but on paper you cannot always tell when someone is trying to be humorous - especially if they are of the dry sort of humor.

My Third and Final Post

Well, no one responded to my second post, so I have come to the conclusion that nobody actually cares to read my posts. I took precious time away from my family to write these posts - plus it was really good potato salad.

Brett

My Second Post

I'm eating potato salad right now. I made it myself.

Love,
Brett

my first post

This is Mel, forcing my sister my sister to blog, so I can see pics of my nephew on a regular basis. 

So, here she goes...