GOODWIN life

Pumpkin fun!

2011-10-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

Jude enjoyed drawing on pumpkins!

Playdoh Shapes

2011-05-02T09:26:00.001-07:00

Jude wanted me to make shapes for him, he called them "letters". LOL

Laundry Fight

2011-03-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Orange Lullaby

2011-02-25T14:13:00.001-08:00

Listen closely and you can hear Jude title this little masterpiece "Orange Lullaby".

Jude sings to his "Babies"

2010-10-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

This kid melts my heart...

Jude loves Pho!

2010-10-14T07:28:00.001-07:00

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Making Brownies

2010-09-14T10:27:00.001-07:00

Jude was such a big help in the kitchen last night when we made brownies.

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Fun in the sun.

2010-09-06T15:12:00.001-07:00

Jude loves playing outside in the water and he kept telling John to make it "rain" on him. Hee hee.

This little man is such a joy to be around.

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New York!

2010-09-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from our trip to New York. Enjoy!

Jude tuckered out on the plane for our flight to NYC.

Our first stop in NYC after getting checked in was this pizza place in times square where we had delicious pizza with fresh mozzarella. Yum.

On the ferry. Jude loved the "boat" and the "big statue" aka Lady Liberty.

Daddy showing Jude the sights.

Such lovely weather while we were there!

Jude's first beach experience at Coney Island. He was timid at first but eventually let the tide rush upon his feet and later we had a difficult time getting away from the water!

Eating hot dogs and fish n' chips at the authentic original "Nathan's hot dogs".

Feeling like a sardine in Times Square.

Jude loved the subway (Jude called it the "train") and feel asleep on the longer trips.

Awesome music on the subway!

In the rain on Broadway!

At the Natural Museum of History

Can you tell that John loved the dinos?

Visiting where John Lennon lived.

Strawberry Fields.

Resting in Central Park

Growing...

2010-08-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

Jude and I comparing toes in the Oklahoma heat.

"It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself."

~Joyce Maynard

The best seat in the house.

2010-08-05T21:19:00.001-07:00

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My Little Aquaman Daredevil!

2010-06-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is what Jude does when I'm working! :) Jodye (home daycare mom) took the kids swimming and Jude decided to jump into the pool to Lily! This little man LOVES being in the water, we are trying to get to a pool every weekend because he loves it so much!

Only 85 more days!

2010-06-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

Until we board our flight to NYC!

I am so excited that we will be getting there several days prior to the conference starting (That's right, this trip isn't totally considered a vacation) But, we'll make the most of our free time for sure!

Looking forward to showing Jude...

The statue of liberty

Times Square

Central Park

Coney Island

Guggenheim Museum

If you've been to NYC and have any tips on where we should go or what we should do, please let me know! Also, I appreciate any tips you may have on air travel with toddlers! Jude has been on a plane before, but never in his own seat.

Table full of food and gratitude

2010-05-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

Cooking a southern dinner with my sister and mom;
I come full circle, round the women of my family who inspire me.

I roll biscuit dough with my grandmother's marble rolling pin.

I watch out the kitchen window to see our mom swinging in the yard with our boys.

I feel the prairie wind blowing through the screen door.

I rejoice at the dining room table full of food and gratitude to celebrate our bond.

Broccoli is Delicious!

2010-05-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

"When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie - that's amore"

2010-05-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Jude has been very busy these days with his culinary training (aka home daycare). As you can see he is very talented. :) Thanks to Jodye (aka home daycare mom) for sending me these pics!

Quote of the day

2010-04-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

While we try to teach our children all about life,

Our children teach us what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt

Lemon Balm

2010-04-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

Since we have lemon balm in abundance in our backyard I decided to harvest some and make a lemon balm tincture and dry some leaves for tea. I am learning so much in this Women's Herbal and Aromatherapy course I am taking. Who knew it would be this much fun to play with some leaves?

Our lemon balm in the backyard:

From Wikipedia:

"The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as a repellant for mosquitos. Lemon Balm is also used medicinally as a herbal tea, or in extract form. It is claimed to have antibacterial, antiviral properties. The extract of Lemon balm was also found to have exceptionally high antioxidant activity. Lemon Balm contains eugenol which kills bacteria and has been shown to calm muscles and numb tissues. It also contains tannins that contribute to its anti-viral effects, as well as terpenes that add to its soothing effects."

First, I harvested and washed the leaves:

I cut the leaves and fill the jar:

I added apple cider vinegar as the solvent (most tinctures use alcohol, but we don't drink):
The finished tincture will set in a cool spot for several months to allow for maximum extraction!

I will update with more pictures when it is ready to strain! My next project will be homemade herbal bath salts and oils.

Easter 2010

2010-04-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Jude!

2010-04-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

Dearest Jude,

Thank you for blessing me with your birth 2 years ago today. In this short time we have shared so many tender memories and milestones. Your spirited personality keeps us on our toes, your sweet laugh lights up a room, your loving eyes shine so bright. Mothering you is the greatest gift I'll ever know. Happy Birthday, son!

Love,

Mom

Some highlights from your birthday bash:

What a difference 2 years make...

2010-03-31T18:48:00.001-07:00

Then...

Now...

Dear Jude,

2010-03-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is your life at 23 months (Only 10 days shy of your 2nd birthday). My oh, my...when I was pregnant with you people told how quickly you would grow before my eyes, but I really had no idea...

It seems like just yesterday you were days old, where I kept you snuggled on my chest to sleep because I just couldn't bring my self to lay you down.
It seems like just yesterday when you started smiling at your Daddy & I for the first time.
It seems like just yesterday when you first learned how to sit up by yourself, crawl, and walk.
It seems like just yesterday when you took your first taste of pureed foods, avocado was your first solid food. You didn't know what to think at first, but eventually you loved it.
It seems like just yesterday when you started dancing to music even before you could walk. You would pull yourself to a standing position and bounce up and down, rocking your hips from left to right and shake your head to the beat. You are a true music lover, just like your daddy & I.
It seems like just yesterday when you said your first words "mama" and "da-da".

Now that you are growing into such a little man you are connecting words to make small sentences, and learning new words everyday. Here are a few of your favorite things to say:

"Backetball" (For basketball - You love all balls, but especially all things basketball, you even point to the TV and tell Daddy "Daddy, Backetball!!! Backetball!!!" and if Dad can find some basketball on TV you watch the ball on the screen closely, pointing with excitement! The funny thing is that you don't care for TV otherwise!
"Doggy nigh nigh" (Which means dogs went night night)
"Bobby" or "mama cup" (Which is Jude's words to nurse)
"Colra" (For Clara - his good friend at his home daycare)
"Wee-oh, Wee-oh..." (The noise he makes to imitate the sound of his police car toys and puzzle, pretending to drive it around)
"Bye ________" (insert any inanimate objects that Jude sets down or walks away from) You say bye to everything, its hilarious!
And you often point at pictures finding and saying "Grandma, Grandpa, and even Great Grandma" You recognize that you have more than one grandma and grandpa, and you light up with excitement when you say any of the Grandparents.
"Uh-oh" (Anytime you spill something or drop something)

You say so much more than that, and can repeat almost anything that Dad & I ask you to say, but I just wanted to list your favorite words for now.

Your current 10 favorite foods are:

Cheese (In shredded form, on burritos, string cheese, cottage cheese, etc.)
Yogurt
Pasta (The messier the better)
Brussel Sprouts ( Yes, crazy as it sounds - you love your brussel sprouts because they look like little balls, you will eat them...in between trying to throw them)
Humus (You dip the chip into the humus and use it like a spoon, never actually biting the chip!)
Oranges
Bananas
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Hard boiled eggs
Bacon

Here are a few of your favorite activities:

You love your puzzles, and have a specific fascination with the 2 puzzles that have boats and cars on them.
You love to play with your shape sorter cube, although find it easy to get frustrated if your octagon doesn't slide into its spot with ease.
You love to do anything outside, whether it is playing with the dogs (terrorizing them with your sticks aka laser beams), or helping daddy garden with your own gardening tools.
You love to dance and run through the house like a wild man.
You love to take baths, oh my, do you love to take baths...it is like pulling teeth to get you out of the bath!
You still love to pull off your socks, you must really hate socks!
You love to sing songs with mommy, you've nailed the melody on the ABC's, twinkle twinkle little star, This old man, and you even sing a few songs that mommy made up (like our Ode to the smelly dogs song)
You love to help me in the kitchen, you pull up your little step stool and you help me do the dishes and you love to be involved when we cook.
You love to help mom & dad clean, you always ask for your own rag to wipe the table and you like to use your mini vacuum when we use the big one!
You love to hide, behind chairs, in corners, under the dinning room table, in my closet, etc.
And you are so considerate that if you see that mom or daddy got hurt or if a ball you threw accidentally hit us, you immediately come give us a kiss, just like when momma kisses your "boo boo". Thank you for this, it really does make it feel better. ;)

You are such a sweet, amazing little boy, and we feel so lucky to be your parents.

Jenks Aquarium

2010-03-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from our recent day trip to the Jenks Aquarium. Jude pointed out the fish and enjoyed seeing all of the exhibits.

Jude really wanted a Popsicle, and this one was shaped like spiderman.

Checking out the turtles

Jellyfish

Dad showing Jude the fish

It was a lot of fun!

Gum Mystery

2010-03-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

The other day while Jude was whining I told him that when I feel like whining I just think about what makes me happy, I proceeded to ask Jude what makes him happy...

He said "Gum!"

I thought who could have given my son gum, I know I sure haven't!

Check out this video to see the gum mystery solved!

Jude's awesome meltdown

2010-02-25T09:04:00.000-08:00

Last night at Lowe's.

This is only the 2nd or 3rd time we've let Jude out of the cart to walk by us in the store.

After realizing mom & dad weren't going to buy the knee pads he'd been playing with in the gardening section Jude asserted himself by throwing himself down on the floor (Just like my mom said I did to her when I was a wee one) Karma anyone?

Adventures in peanut butter!

2010-02-21T05:59:00.000-08:00

Someone got into the peanut butter...

A White Christmas

2009-12-26T18:24:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from Christmas. Jude got to play in the snow for the 1st time and he sipped some cooled hot cocoa out of his sippy cup afterwards. We had record snow fall for Oklahoma (12+ inches) and it was so beautiful.

Jude opened presents with excitement and happiness. Last year we pretty much had to open them for him. He is getting big SO fast. Thank you to all for your thoughtful gifts.

We are so blessed to have had such a great Holiday but we dearly missed those in our family who aren't close by. We hope that you have been blessed with warmth and joy this Holiday season. Much love!

Welcome to the world Riley Cole

2009-12-20T23:55:00.000-08:00

Thursday evening at exactly 10:00pm my sister Aimee gave birth to Riley Cole. He weighed in at 8lbs 7oz and is exceptionally cute! Here are a few photos!

Aimee's Baby Shower

2009-11-15T21:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I hosted my little sister's baby shower. She is around due Dec. 19th (My birthday) and I have had so much fun bonding with Aimee over the anticpation and joys of approaching motherhood.

Here are some pictures from the shower!

Sisters are priceless.

Opening gifts....
Jude playing with the "baoons"

Stringing beads with affirmations for Aimee's labor blessing bracelet...

This kid already has cooler clothes than I do!

Silly Brian!

Jude playing Peek-a-boo with grandma!

Playing games...

It was a blast!

In case you haven't seen Aimee's sarcastic face....here it is! LOL

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday night fever!

Getting ready to go to Great Grandma's house!

Check out my stash!

Deer in the headlights look courtesy of candy overload!

Jude pointing at the "mon" (Thats Jude for moon)

Pumpkin Patch '09

2009-11-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

Jude's 1st taste of Apple Cider. He approves. :)

Looking up at the Pony.

John and his father.

My father (in town from New Hampshire) and I.

More Apple Cider from Grandpa.

Playing with the bunnies!

Running in the field!

All the boys!

Petting the pony.

Sleepy head

2009-11-03T16:09:00.000-08:00

Jude's "big boy" bed!

2009-10-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

Check out Jude's beetle car toddler bed given to us by a good friend. It was pre-loved by her family for several years and according to Jude's BIG smile of approval below, it looks like it will be loved for years to come! Thanks Tracy!

I apologize for the poor photo quality. It is from my phone.

John's birthday festivities...

2009-09-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

What a day! I surprised John for his birthday and took him to the Arts Museum (which he had been talking about going to for months) followed by a trip to a local cupcake bakery, dinner at the steak joint, and last but not least... a movie! We had a blast!

John's amazing sara sara bananna and snickers cupcake.

Chihuly exhibit at the arts museum.

More Chihuly.

We had a wonderful time at the museum!

Organic steaks from The Mantle with Blue cheese Au gratin potatoes and asparagus.

The smile of a happy man!

Happy Birthday John!

2009-09-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

This made me laugh.

Everyone needs a good mullet laugh for their birthday.

Crayons and mayhem!

2009-09-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

Daycare

2009-09-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Jude at his home daycare with Jodye's children posing for a home school picture.

How cute is it that they call Jude the "transfer student" in the caption for this picture on her blog!?!

:)

Just wanted to share a picture of who he plays and learns with Monday-Friday while Mommy & Daddy work during the day.

Jude absolutely LOVES this family. (and so do we!)

Summertime, Sleepytime & Bathtime

2009-09-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Sleepy Boy takes a nap!

Walking with Daddy.

Swinging and loving it!

Swinging with Mommy!

Look at my Lady Killer Eyes!

Bathtime is splash time!

Bathtime is CHEESE time!

Bathtime is very serious playtime.

Mom and Me - circa 1986

2009-08-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

Jude plays with "Little".

2009-08-16T17:09:00.001-07:00

Little is our neighbor's Great Dane, he is obviously not little but he is so kind and gentle with Jude. We captured a few photos with the camera on my phone, so excuse the poor quality!

"Sorry son, it doesn't work that way!"

2009-08-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

I think its hilarious that after mastering drinking through a straw from a Styrofoam cup at the restaurant last night, Jude tried to put the straw down my shirt to nurse.

Too funny!!!

My very first pie...

2009-07-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Turns out I am more domestic than I thought!

Made my first blackberry pie this weekend! The crust crumbled a bit, but overall it was great. John and I had the neighbors over to enjoy the pie. Nothing like home baked goods and good conversation!

Next domestic mission: Keeping my closet clean and organized for more than one week at a time. **sigh**

Jude's new moves

2009-07-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

he turned the radio to the country music...ha ha.

someone was sleepy.

2009-07-07T17:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Jude,

2009-06-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

This is your life....

...at 14 months.

1. You started walking...when you are hanging out by the coffee table or couch you will walk to daddy or I if we are close by. When you walk you stick your arms out like Frankenstein. It's adorable.

2. You manage to eat more than I thought humanly possible at your age...and you still prefer your veggies over most everything else.

3. We have this semi-ritual established now, the last few times we have been with Grandpa Darrell, he has spoiled you with ice cream, last weekend for instance...pomegranate sorbet. The weekend before that, blood orange sorbet. You loved it so much you could barely sit still between bites.

4. You love to give kisses and when you give me a kiss I usually say "Thank you, what a good kiss!" Well, the other morning you gave me a kiss and said "Good kiss?" I couldn't believe it!

5. You are getting ready to have some more teeth come in. I know this because you are a drooly, biting man these days.

6. Your new dance moves are fantastic! We turn on music and you boogie! At first, it was just a bounce, but now, you can shake the shoulders and bounce to the beat at the same time! Ladies, watch out!

7. You love to take apart the barrel stacking toys and put them back together again.

8. You love to toss or roll the ball back and forth, and your aiming skills are very precise!

9. You are super ticklish. Primarily under your arms and on your footsies.

10. You love to take food off your highchair and put it on the ground when the dogs are inside so you can watch them eat your scraps.

You are such a glorious boy. Our love for you grows bigger each day.

June is here!

2009-06-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

Look at that sweet silly face!

Rudy getting some kisses in.

Playing for the 1st time in the inflatable giraffe pool!

This was how Daddy got Jude to come in! :)

slow parenting

2009-06-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

I cherish every second I spend with Jude. Some of my favorite moments are nursing him while paying attention to his face which is rosy with contentment, when he sleeps and wiggles about the bed propping his limbs on our torsos, and the playful times where he spends time clanking toys together, babbling, and cruising along the furniture giggling at the prospect of me coming toward him for a kiss.

I used to over-worry about what kind of man he would be when he grows up and what I should or shouldn't do to "shape that". Thinking to myself "If I show these flashcards, or these videos, he will be better off or smarter somehow." Now, I believe in fully embracing each second with my child, as it is, without fancy or structured playtime learning.

I have no idea where he will go to preschool, but I'm sure he'll learn his ABCs and 123s by the time he needs to and I am so happy instead of worrying about my child I can truly enjoy his amazing presence.

Little did I realize, but I'm part of a trend called "slow parenting," and it's all about mellowing out.

Carl Honoré, author of Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children from the Culture of Hyper-Parenting, contends that too many parents are focusing too hard to trying prepare their children academically -- and that parents are thrusting their own fears and anxieties onto their children.

He writes on his Web site:

"Childhood is always evolving and it has always been defined by adults. But we seem to have reached a point now where childhood is being warped more than ever before by adult fantasies and fears, anxieties and agendas. Every aspect of childhood education, safety, discipline, sports, play, etc. is now set up to suit grown-ups rather than children. We are living in a culture that tells us that childhood is too precious to be left to children and children are too precious to be left alone."

Think about it: Baby Einstein. Leap Frog. Flashcards for toddlers. For some kids, it's like ever moment of their day is about learning what their parents want him to learn when they want him to learn it.

And it starts early. Think about the comparisons: Aidan can walk at 9 months! Emma slept through the night at 4 months! Andre is off the charts for height!

So what exactly is slow parenting? Honore says it's really just about chilling out and backing off your agenda: "It's about giving childhood the time and attention it deserves."

Slow parenting is about giving up control and learning to appreciate unstructured time -- and learning to appreciate different sorts of rewards: your baby's breath, the way your son's skin feels, the curl of your daughter's lip, their laughter.

"Sink into the uncertainty." Honore suggests.

Want to learn to relax as parent? Here are some reading suggestions from BabyMap:

**Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn - And Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less
**Reclaiming Childhood: Letting Children Be Children in Our Achievement-Oriented Society
**Trees Make the Best Mobiles: Simple Ways to Raise Your Child in a Complex World
**Pressured Parents, Stressed-Out Kids: Dealing with Competition While Raising a Successful Child

Adapted from: 'Slow parenting' movement: Quitting the childhood rat race posted by Kim Hays

Atlanta Trip

2009-05-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

We spent several days in Atlanta for a Conference John & I attend every year. We were nervous about Jude flying for the first time, schedule changes, and limited play areas in the hotel. As usual, Jude was fantastic, he slept most of the flight, played with airplane passengers, and hung out with Daddy a lot at the hotel.

We went to Benihana's Restaurant and Jude was awestruck with the Hibachi grill, laughing at the chef when he did his tricks.

During several of the main speaker meetings Jude played with a 13 month old girl from Michigan that we met, they shared Goldfish and kisses. Seriously! Jude pulled her in and gave her a open mouthed peck on the face!!!

It seemed like everywhere we went people were infected by Jude's contagious smile. :)

Here are a few pictures.

Flying to Atlanta!

Hanging out in the lobby with Friends!

Jude playing with his favorite new toy, i mean hairbrush. LOL

Check out his farmer's tan!

Checking out the view from the 30th floor!

I'm so glad to be home!!!

Home grown.

2009-05-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

(Not my picture....but hopefully we'll have our own harvest pics soon!)

It's been raining non-stop for the last week and yesterday the sun made it's way out so John & I decided to take advantage of the wonderful weather and work on our vegetable/fruit garden.

Our very kind neighbors built us a garden box out of composite material lumber (made from recycled tires and milk jugs) this won't rot like a wood box would. We had them set the box in the sunniest part of our backyard where it will surely receive 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily.

We mixed top soil, cotton bur compost, and peat for the box to ensure a balanced soil PH level and adequate nutrient supply for our garden.

We planted Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Spinach, Red Pimento Peppers, Shallots, Dill, & Basil in the box. We planted our Squash & Blackberry bush along the fence. Yum!!!!!!!! I have such a found memory of picking blackberries, strawberries, and tomatoes at my Grandmother's farm. Man, I miss her and the farm.

We also planted perennial flowers all through the yard. I am so excited about our garden this year. I will post pics soon!

Jude has Grandma's Pie

2009-05-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

Before & After

2009-05-02T13:52:00.001-07:00

As we are working on our home remodel I wanted to share pictures of the room I am most proud of. Our kitchen. We still have some work to do, but i am proud of how far we have come!

Before

Old stove, non-working stove hood and hot water heater only covered by a screen, dangerous!

After

Handmade cabinets locally made to match our vintage 1920's cabinets. Finally a enclosed water heater! We replaced the old 1960's linoleum flooring with tile. New stove, microwave, lighting, hardware, and paint on the cabinets. (We still need to paint the trim, walls & get new back splash & counter tops)

Before

Missing cabinet doors used to showcase our clutter, notice the dingy paint and annoying pendant light.

After

New windows, custom doors, new paint & IKEA rug.

The many faces

2009-05-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

...of Jude.

...and the Academy Award for most dramatic baby goes to...

(drum roll please)

Jude's 1st Zoo Adventure

2009-04-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

Jude's new favorite way to travel.

He would start giggling when he saw the kangaroos hop.

Here's a picture of the hopping kangaroo that Jude fell in love with.

John wearing Jude, who needs a stroller?

Jude's 1st swing experience, he was nervous at first but as you can tell he warmed up to it.

Easter

2009-04-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some highlights of our Easter weekend.

Swinging with daddy.

Picking up his first girl...

Hunting his first egg...

Jude's famous "wind dance"

2009-04-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Jude,

2009-04-10T12:51:00.001-07:00

This is your life....

...at ONE.

1. Let's start by looking back to when you were born.

You weighed 7 lbs. 13oz and were 21.1 inches tall.

Now...

You weigh 23.8 lbs and are 29.5 inches tall.
Look how much you've grown!!!

2. You're new favorite word is no and you usually pair it with a swift shake of the head. You have been giving daddy & I open mouth kisses for a while now, but last night when I requested a kiss and knelt down to you, you said "No. No. No" and shook that little head! :) Isn't it to early for you to be declining kiss requests from your mommy?

3. You started pulling yourself to standing on everything, your crib, the table, & your toy box. It won't be long until you walk all by yourself!

4. You point at things when you want daddy or I to give something to you or explain what things are. You are very smart and when you pointed at the tree and I said "That's a tree." After several weeks of doing this with everything you point at you are really catching on! Last night we were standing on the porch watching the Oklahoma winds blow through and I said "Where's the tree?" and you pointed right at it!!! What a smart boy!

5. You love being outside in the wind. This is very strange, but when we walk outside and get caught in a strong breeze you laugh and bounce smiling ear to ear. You must love the Oklahoma weather like your daddy :)

6. You are still our little drummer boy, taking your drumstick (see picture above) and drumming on everything! You love music and will even dance to your own drumming!!!

7. You are at "that age" where you are falling, scraping, and bruising everything!!! Don't scare mommy & daddy like that too often!

8. Your still prefer your vegetables over everything else.

9. You have perfected your "puppy dog" eyes and make it near impossible for us to teach boundaries with you. Save this look for your future girlfriends, bubba.

10. You are so blessed to have so many people show up at your 1st birthday party. You're bounty was unprecedented. So many people love you.

Jude's 1st Birthday!

2009-04-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

The day was a major success. Here are the highlights, enjoy!

This day last year

2009-04-01T15:29:00.001-07:00

...we were putting the finishing touches on Jude's nursery. Here is one of the pictures I took of the nursery before Jude was born.

April 1, 2008 - 1 day past my "due date" and I can remember how excited and nervous John & I were. The baby boy that forever changed us was getting ready to make his first appearance.

In 3 more days,

Our baby will be 1,

It's bittersweet.

I need to find the pause button

2009-03-24T12:11:00.001-07:00

on the remote of life!

Seriously... why am I even on her blogging? I have a gazillion things to do today and then another bazillion things to do by Friday. (I feel a minor panic attack coming on, lol)

To do list

Get our taxes done ASAP.
Call whirlpool about our new stove that won't stop beeping at me!
Call and cancel our Tivo subscription (we have switched over to Cox's DVR).
Order doggy heart worm meds online.
Finish getting Jude's 1st birthday party supplies.
Bake a practice cake in special car cake pan to make sure the official birthday cake won't crumble, we wouldn't want that!
Make the rest of Jude's baby food once the bananas & avocados ripen.
Mail Arbonne catalogs & samples to those that have requested them.
Make follow up calls for Arbonne.
Finalize Red Rock Canyon Spirituality Retreat flier.
Distribute the above mentioned flier.
Finish my required reading (2 books) before my Doula Workshop this weekend.
Make time to work out because I am getting sick of my saggy post-baby figure.
Deep clean our office at work before our major client visit next week.

I have so much more I have to do at work that I won't even bore you with...

Sometimes It gets overwhelming.

Through the week I get up, get ready, get Jude ready, take Jude to daycare, go to work, get off work, mommy shift starts, John & I cook and clean, get Jude to sleep, John & I share some quality time and then we go to bed!

Where is the "EXTRA" time that I need to get my list done???

I guess I just needed to write all this out so i can visualize all the stuff I need to start working on.

Back to the grind.

I reminisce...

2009-03-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

nausea

heartburn

sciatic nerve pain

indigestion

nervous anticipation

hypertension

headaches

fatigue

swollen everything

stretch marks

41 weeks and 4 days worth every pain and pound gained

I rejoice in gratitude each day about his life in the world

but part of me misses him being in my belly

kicking me sweetly

twisting when I tried to sleep

growing in utero, peacefully undisturbed...

I wanted you to be born so we cold hold you in our arms

now i understand the precious time i held you in my womb

I reminisce...

A few random but priceless pictures

2009-03-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Sleeping soundly.

Crawling around chasing the doggies.

Racked out in the car with his frog puppet...his favorite place to nap.

Adventures in cottage cheese.

Dear Jude

2009-03-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

This is your life.........at 11 months & 14 days...

1. You are officially crawling....EVERYWHERE and getting into EVERYTHING...remind me again why did I put off baby-proofing the house until you became mobile? Yesterday I found you stuck hidden under your highchair trying to eat a candle you pulled off the shelf.

2. You eat all sorts of "Big Boy" foods now, you pretty much eat what we eat (minus the over processed, sugary, "guilty pleasures" your father & I eat sometimes.) Yesterday at the restaurant you even swiped corn right off my plate and shoved it into your mouth when I wasn't looking.

3. I had promised I wouldn't give you any sweets until your first birthday cake, but you demanded otherwise and we indulged in letting you sample a donut and Grandma's famous cheesecake. You protested like a wailing sailor when I wouldn't let you have more than a taste.

4. Bath-time is just another term for playtime in our house. We moved you into the big tub and out of the sink. Yesterday you figured out how to blow bubbles on the surface of the bath water without any help from me. I thought it was really cute until you swallowed some bath water.

5. You are such a picky sleeper, you start out in your crib, wake in the early a.m. and nurse back to sleep in bed between mommy & daddy. We don't mind this one bit because we work all day so it makes sense that you'd want to cuddle with us at night. You kick all the covers off, even if you are only in a diaper and it's chilly in the house, you toss and turn all night somehow managing to maneuver me into the very edge of the bed (a king bed, mind you). Awe....the family bed.

6. You have this new expression you do, where you crinkle up your face and smile, sometimes you make a loud squeaky squeal with it. You look like a old man when you do this and it makes us laugh. You are such a entertainer.

7. You play "Wheeeerrre's Jude?" all the time (our version of peek-a-bo) You pull the sheets or blankets over your head and I say "Wheeeeerrrre's Jude?" and you pull them down and I say "Theeeerrrrre he is!" You pull the sheet up over your head and we repeat until you are bored! What fun!

8. You try to pull up on everything and can walk so well when we hold your hands, you will be walking very soon.

9. You are talking more and more each day, and your baby jargon is making more sense each day, you can say the following with purpose: mama, dada, baba, yum-yum, hi, bye-bye, & baby. I think you have said (but haven't been able to get you to say on request) the following words: doggy, book, big boy, & gram-ma.

10. You weigh 23lbs and are 30 inches long. People always compliment you on how beautiful and happy you are.

You continue to amaze your father & I.

Thank you for showing us how much love our hearts could hold.

Proud to be an Okie

2009-03-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

We have spent a lot of time at home lately. I know we need to get out more when grocery shopping becomes the highlight of our week!

So, yesterday we went on a adventure downtown, as John & I set out to explore our city in an attempt to appreciate and fully embrace it's charm. (Instead of talking about all the places we'd rather live, we decided to fully enjoy Oklahoma City)

We were pleasantly surprised with how awesome our adventure was! I can truly say "I am proud to be an Okie!"

We started at Brown's bakery where Jude sampled his first donut, then we went the local library where we found several books to take home, then we went to a record store downtown and perused through tons of used Cd's, finding a few gems. After that we walked to a local coffee bar and had some amazing iced tea, after which we explored a local bicycle shop. We finished our adventure at our local Asian market where we explored everything from dried jellyfish to fermented bean curd!

We stuck to getting some fresh spring rolls, green tea ice cream and won ton wrappers so we can make homemade dumplings this week. Yum!

Here are some pics:

Jude right after his first ever donut bite!

Jude was flirting with the bakery ladies!
After I cut him off from the donut sampling...look at that face! ha ha!

Morning discord

2009-03-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

Jude wakes earlier than normal and my usual snooze button press pattern is interrupted, but its good to cuddle with morning Jude, he is so sweet when he wakes up.

I fix a cup of coffee but don't end up drinking it because I forget its on the table because I was rushing around trying to get into the habit of our new morning routine.

I take Jude to his daycare home and go to get some fast food breakfast. Usually I settle for the instant oatmeal, but Monday's make me crazy so, I justify some greasy breakfast food. As I pull out of the parking lot my wallet falls into the floor and change falls everywhere because I didn't zip the wallet closed. Coins under the seat, in the seat, on the floor. I have to stop, pull over and get out to pick up all the change. At this point I am feeling irritated.

I proceed to drive to work and after merging onto the highway a parallel vehicle refuses to slow down or speed up to let me over while I am in a exit only lane, I have to slow my speed to nearly nothing to get over, I felt even more irritated in that moment.

My morning taught me a valuable lesson about perspective and acceptance.

My morning was filled with life's little moments, maybe "little" stresses put in my path to remind me its not the change that spilled all over the car, its not the forgotten coffee, the missed snooze, the driver that didn't help me to merge, its about the reaction I choose apply to these events.

If I am feeling spiritually fit, in line with my higher power these things are merely a dot on the radar of life and my day remains joyous, if I am off the beam and disconnected with my spirituality I can let these "little" things ruin my day.

Today, as I start my day over I promise to accept the little things as they are, just little things. I will spend my energy being grateful for all the discord, because without it life's joys would not be nearly as rewarding.

My little ham...

2009-02-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

We needed to get Jude into a daycare while we work and after hours of calling daycare after daycare, hearing about all the waiting lists, and screaming babies in the background I knew I wanted a home based non-daycare setting, you know?

I started looking on craigslist.com for that type of arrangement and I found an ad that had a good vibe, so I called and set up a meeting with the family and John & I went and met with them and coincidentally I know the mom (Jodye) from my catholic schooling days! Small world! She is the mom to most delightful 6 children she home schools.

As intelligent, well mannered and sweet as her children are I know that Jude is in good hands...but....of course I still was nervous and terrified of Jude being somewhere new, watched by people he wasn't familiar with, yada. yada, yada....well....

Jude was just fine....

In fact he was so happy Jodye sent me these pictures with a message that said:

"Don't worry Mama, I having a great time!"

I finally breathe a sigh of relief when I see these....

P.S. How cute is his little curly Q sprouting by his ear? Daddy didn't believe me when I said he'd get my curls! :)

Teething bites.

2009-02-25T10:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, so after countless nights waking to Jude's teething induced crying I am officially feeling brain-dead. I am worn out, restless, foggy, and working in a zombie-like state.

I can only imagine what poor Jude is going through. He is losing sleep over the pain of his newest teething marathon. He cut his lower central incisors around 6 months and is now cutting 2 upper central incisors and 2 lateral incisors, so all 4 teeth at once!!! YIKES!

He is a red cheeked, drooling, whimpering, feverish boy and all we can do to comfort him is give him some Hyland teething tablets (I LOVE THEM!) and rock him to sleep on our chests for comfort.

According to this teething diagram he could be teething for another 20 months before he is done cutting his first set of teeth, oh joy.

Daddy gives jude a bath

2009-02-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

Ignore the blotchy spots, they were from a rash Jude got from an allergy to his antibiotic for his ear infection. He is all better now!

Is it spring yet?

2009-02-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

You'd think it was spring by looking at the daffodils and assorted blossoms sprouting up all over our front yard! This picture is of a small flower from a bush we have. It's the middle of February and truly in full Oklahoma swing with our random 70 degree tornado producing days followed by a cold front...pray my sweet little flowers don't freeze.

Jude and I played outside on the front porch for a while and soaked up some sun....
Daddy painted the bedroom like a mad man... the color here is called Blue Wood lawn Angel, its like putting some Prozac on the walls!

Grandma Jean and Grandpa Glen came over this weekend... Jude is thinking about quantum physics here or something very serious as he appears deep in thought!

Jude went to town with his teething biscuits...

With Jude teething (he has 3 or 4 teeth on top that are ready to pop out) and the home remodel in full swing life is crazy these days and sometimes It feels like we could use a weekend from the weekend, you know?

Life is a balancing act, and we are constantly struggling to stay on the beam. However, I do have to remind myself we are doing just fine :)

Look at what I found

2009-02-07T09:08:00.001-08:00

This morning...

Awwwww.

Date night

2009-02-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

Dinner and our first rock opera. Dinner was Chinese buffet overload. We talked about Jude almost the entire time, lol. It's funny how we can leave him with a babysitter so we can have alone time and then we can't stop thinking or talking about him!

We saw The Who's TOMMY at Lyric Theater. It was great to go to the theater. I love the excitement of a live performance. The lead (Tommy) was rushed to the hospital just 30 minutes before the show started but they were able to use the understudy. The cast was impressive overall and It was a nice change of pace to get out and enjoy a date like this!

Thanks to my father in law for the tickets and mom for babysitting Jude!

My fortune at the Chinese buffet:

Mmmm......nothing like the greasy plate of Chinese buffet goodness.

A valentine from Jude

2009-02-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I know its early but...Happy Hallmark Holiday! I mean Valentine's Day! :)

Jude's new game

2009-02-05T20:36:00.000-08:00

ONE here we come

2009-02-05T20:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a friend (Ally) off my birth forum I have this wonderful invite for Jude's 1st birthday! I know its 2 months away but what is the harm in planning ahead? I am a compulsive planner...

So I am not really into the "cutesy" themed party stuff but I did want Jude's party to have a theme so after getting the coolest vintage car cake pan I decided to make Jude a mini car cake and make his theme vintage cars.

I am very excited about Jude turning 1 but I am also somewhat sad he is growing so quickly. If the next 17 years go by as quickly I am in trouble.

No crying it out here

2009-02-05T09:06:00.001-08:00

So, the other day a (well intentioned) friend and I were talking about Jude not sleeping through the night and she came on fairly strong suggesting that I let Jude cry it out in his crib, she also said that if I don't he will have "sleep issues". Come on! I mean lets get real I think a child is likely to develop "issues" if he/she is left alone to cry in a crib while his/her caretakers stand by and ignore it.

I have always been against this approach and see it as cruel not to respond to a baby's cry. Some people might say I'm spoiling Jude but I know I am just providing unconditional love and care.

I'm sure I may offend anyone who does use the CIO method and has had success, i don't care. As a human, as a mother, as a mammal, I have to remember the best parenting advice won't come from a book, a t.v. show, a doctor, or a friend. It will always come from my gut.

A Fact-Based Case Against Letting Your Baby "Cry It Out"

"Why not let your baby cry it out?" There is no such thing as a baby crying it out! There is only exhaustive submission after it becomes clear that his/her caretaker is not coming to help. There can be physiological as well as psychological repercussions.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/19237/a_factbased_case_against_letting_your.html

More cheese please

2009-02-04T13:37:00.000-08:00

So, my intentions of posting more often have been swallowed by life's ability to drown me in the 'everyday things'.

Jude is huge. Today he is 10 months old and around 22lbs. It seems like just yesterday I was teary eyed, holding him in the hospital bed afraid of his little fragile body. I am so glad I cherished every moment of those early days.

Jude is eating much more than just momma's milk these days. He is nursing like a champ and still eating the occasional puree, but mostly tiny pieces of carrots, green beans, baked pears, tofu, avocados, bananas, papaya, & cheese (see picture above, lol) He gets some of our table food, but I am still nervous about feeding him some of the seasoned processed foods that John & I eat. Jude eats so much better than we do and it has been a good motivator to change our eating habits as we start eating together more as a family. I am proud to say that he hasn't had one jar of commercial baby food and I really enjoy making his baby food, it gives me purpose after working 40-50 hours a week. I need "mommy duties" like that to feel balanced, you know?

John is well. Well, other than the fact that he is recovering from a bad sinus infection and cold. All of our allergies are pretty bad lately as John and I are in the process of major renovations around the home. I will post more about that later...I promise.

Back to the grind.

Welcome

2008-07-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I have started this blog with the intention of posting updates, pictures, videos of our family adventures and milestones.

I hope you enjoy the journey as much as we do.