Today at lunch, Staley and I had this conversation.
Staley: "Where is my brother and my sister?"
Me: "You don't have a brother or a sister yet.
Staley: "Yes, I do."
Me: "Really? Where are they?"
Staley: "In there." (Pointing to the living room.)
Me: "What are their names?"
Staley: "Jake and Elwood."
I guess they do live here and have been a part of our family since before Staley was born. At this point, it's the closest thing she has to siblings. Of course, they are cats and both boys, but other than that, Staley wasn't too far off.
Adelie and Staley's World
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Learning about Homonyms
Homonym: In linguistics, a homonym is, in the strict sense, one of a group of words that share the same spelling and the same pronunciation but have different meanings.
Staley and I stopped into CVS this morning so that I could pick up a prescription. In the Christmas aisle, there was a Nutcracker Ballet musical scene. I let Staley push the button and watch the ladies in tutus spin around in circles while a short portion of the Nutcracker music played. She was intrigued. We watched it twice on the way into the store, Staley told the pharmacist all about it as she was ringing up my prescription, and then we watched it again on our way out of the store.
As we were driving home from CVS, Staley started giggling in the back seat and saying "two crackers, two crackers." I thought she had found some left-over snacks hidden in her carseat. Then she said, "Cracker is a horse. Cracker is dancing ladies." Staley had discovered that cracker can have several meanings. Cracker IS the horse owned by our friend, Libby, and ridden by Zach's cousin, Emma. And the Nutcracker is, in essence, dancing ladies. (Or, according to Zach, the Nutcracker is two hours of his life that he'll never get back.) Either way, Staley had her first lesson in homonyms. I'm just surprised that she forgot about meaning number 3: her favorite snack food.
Staley and I stopped into CVS this morning so that I could pick up a prescription. In the Christmas aisle, there was a Nutcracker Ballet musical scene. I let Staley push the button and watch the ladies in tutus spin around in circles while a short portion of the Nutcracker music played. She was intrigued. We watched it twice on the way into the store, Staley told the pharmacist all about it as she was ringing up my prescription, and then we watched it again on our way out of the store.
As we were driving home from CVS, Staley started giggling in the back seat and saying "two crackers, two crackers." I thought she had found some left-over snacks hidden in her carseat. Then she said, "Cracker is a horse. Cracker is dancing ladies." Staley had discovered that cracker can have several meanings. Cracker IS the horse owned by our friend, Libby, and ridden by Zach's cousin, Emma. And the Nutcracker is, in essence, dancing ladies. (Or, according to Zach, the Nutcracker is two hours of his life that he'll never get back.) Either way, Staley had her first lesson in homonyms. I'm just surprised that she forgot about meaning number 3: her favorite snack food.
Monday, November 26, 2012
She Says...
Last night at dinner, Staley was sitting in her highchair while I was putting the last few things on the table. I placed Staley's plate with her veggies in front of her, and then I put a bag of pretzels on the table. Before I had said a word and before Staley had taken a bite of her dinner, she said, "I want pretzels. Mommy say eat veggies first." That little girl has got me figured out.
Today, Staley and I were driving around town doing some errands. Staley said, "Mommy driving. I riding in carseat. We going fast like gazelle." I'm not sure how 'fast like gazelle' translates into speed limits, but hopefully it's around 30 mph.
When Staley is looking at something that she doesn't know what it is, or looking at book that she doesn't know the title, she will ask, "What's that look like supposed to be?" I guess there's nothing wrong with combining two questions into one to save a little time.
Staley has a pair of gold, glittery dress shoes that her Uma bought her. She LOVES those shoes. Anytime I ask her to go get a pair of shoes before we go somewhere, she always chooses those ones. This morning, as we were getting ready to run our errands, I told Staley to go get her tennis shoes. She responded with, "No. I wear my sparkly glitter shoes from Uma." And so, my fashionable little girl wowed today at the library and the grocery store in her pink courderoy pants, her striped sweater, and her gold glitter shoes.
Staley is still figuring out relationships. She knows her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. She knows her friends. She is beginning to figure out that people can hold several different titles in her life. On Thanksgiving morning, she was looking for "my friend Grandpa." Today at lunch, Staley told me, "Mommy, you are my favorite sister. And Elliott is my favorite brother." I guess we still have a little work to do with those terms.
Not a day goes by that I don't hear something amusing from my little girl. She keeps me smiling, keeps me laughing, and keeps my heart filled to the brim.
Today, Staley and I were driving around town doing some errands. Staley said, "Mommy driving. I riding in carseat. We going fast like gazelle." I'm not sure how 'fast like gazelle' translates into speed limits, but hopefully it's around 30 mph.
When Staley is looking at something that she doesn't know what it is, or looking at book that she doesn't know the title, she will ask, "What's that look like supposed to be?" I guess there's nothing wrong with combining two questions into one to save a little time.
Staley has a pair of gold, glittery dress shoes that her Uma bought her. She LOVES those shoes. Anytime I ask her to go get a pair of shoes before we go somewhere, she always chooses those ones. This morning, as we were getting ready to run our errands, I told Staley to go get her tennis shoes. She responded with, "No. I wear my sparkly glitter shoes from Uma." And so, my fashionable little girl wowed today at the library and the grocery store in her pink courderoy pants, her striped sweater, and her gold glitter shoes.
Staley is still figuring out relationships. She knows her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. She knows her friends. She is beginning to figure out that people can hold several different titles in her life. On Thanksgiving morning, she was looking for "my friend Grandpa." Today at lunch, Staley told me, "Mommy, you are my favorite sister. And Elliott is my favorite brother." I guess we still have a little work to do with those terms.
Not a day goes by that I don't hear something amusing from my little girl. She keeps me smiling, keeps me laughing, and keeps my heart filled to the brim.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Just Kickin' It
Peanut Milestone: At 21 1/2 weeks, Zach can feel Peanut kicking. After spending the past several weeks exclusively enjoying the sporadic reminders from Peanut that he/she is keeping up a strict exercise routine, now Zach gets to join in the fun. Hooray for shared enjoyment! If only Zach could share in the enjoyment of multiple night-time bathroom breaks and rapid weight gain, then we could really engage in some pregnancy bonding.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Thankful
Zach and I have so much to be thankful for. Our families, our friends, our stable jobs, our home, our health. But topping the list of things we are thankful for...
...our amazing baby girl.
And, of course, Peanut too. We couldn't be more blessed...or more thankful. God is good!!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
The Story of Peanut
When I started this blog almost 2 years ago, I wanted to tell Staley's story from the beginning. I wanted to remember all the little moments and big moments leading up to her arrival. I wanted to remember my pregnancy with her, those precious 9 months of wondering who my little baby would be. I wanted to make sure that one day, when Staley could go back and read my words, that she would understand how much she was truly loved right from the start.
For Peanut, my desire is the same. Although the story will be different, I want Peanut to know that he/she is a blessing that we hoped for and wished for and prayed for, a miracle that we thank God everyday for giving to us. We are only at the halfway mark to meeting the newest addition to our family, so this story will be a work in progress. We'll call this Chapter 1: Our Little Miracle.
Obviously, Staley's story began with the heartbreak of infertility. The beginning of her story took us a long time to reach. Since that time, there has been a surgery and medication changes that we hoped would resolve some of the issues that we faced when trying to start our family. Nevertheless, we weren't sure what path we would have to take in order to add to our family. At my routine doctor's appointment in April, when learning of our desire to add to our family, my doctor recommended returning to our fertility specialist. He made the referral, but when they called to make an appointment, I asked if we could wait a bit before scheduling. The farthest out they were scheduling appointments was in August, so I made an appointment for then.
As August approached, Zach and I continued to discuss our options. We weren't sure if we wanted to go through the in vitro process again, primarily concerned about decisions we might have to make if we were successful and ended up with frozen embryos. We went back and forth, determining that we would use this appointment to discuss all our options with our doctor and then make some decisions after that. A few days before our appointment, I realized that I was in a gray area with my body's cycle. Zach and I thought it made sense to take a pregnancy test before the appointment, just in case, but were both convinced that it would be negative. We were wrong! Miracle of miracles, we had a positive pregnancy test. We cancelled our appointment with our fertility doctor, and made one with the ob-gyn instead.
My ob-gyn didn't want to see me until I was 8 weeks along. In that time, Zach and I didn't tell anyone about our news. We didn't even discuss it between ourselves. I waited nervously, preparing my heart for the worst. At our 8 week appointment, they did an ultrasound that showed a baby with a healthy heartbeat. As soon as we saw that heartbeat, I cried with joy. We then shared our news with our parents and siblings, waiting for our 12 week appointment (and another strong, healthy heartbeat) before sharing the news with other family and friends.
The first trimester went by smoothly. I was tired (of course), but Staley's 7:30 bedtime and my 8:30 bedtime gave Zach plenty of time for reading, internet, and television shows and movies that I didn't want to see. I had a week or two of some mild night-time nausea, but otherwise it was smooth sailing. I was certain I felt baby movement at 14 1/2 weeks (while waiting in line at Express), but my doctor told me that the earliest baby movement is usually felt around 16 weeks. I still believe that Peanut was enjoying our shopping experience, but between 16-17 weeks was when those first, beautiful, reassuring flutters and tickles were definitely felt.
My pregnancy with Staley was very easy, and this one has been the same. The primary differences are that I have less time to dwell on every little change in how I feel (and therefore, some decreased worries) because more of my time is consumed with keeping pace with a toddler. My doctor's appointments are much shorter since I don't come armed with a list of questions and worries each time I visit him. And my ability to keep this pregnancy a secret was much harder, not because of my mouth but because of my body. Apparently if you don't do anything to strengthen your ab muscles after your first child, your second one pops out there for the world to see much, much sooner. (I actually had a few gutsy individuals ask me directly if I was pregnant when I was only 9 or 10 weeks along, before we were even sharing the news with those close to us. Yikes!) I graduated into my maternity clothes around 18 weeks, although I probably could have squeezed into my regular clothes a little longer. But I had the maternity clothes available and I now know how comfortable they generally are, so I embraced the new wardrobe without hesitation. Elastic and stretch and work pants that feel like pajamas are not something I'm going to turn down.
Our 20 week ultrasound last week was another milestone in Peanut's journey. Each doctor's visit, each heartbeat I hear, and each kick I feel makes me smile with relief. And an ultrasound that affirms our baby is healthy and growing and developing just like he/she should is a true answer to prayers. Each week brings us one step closer to meeting our baby that I already love with all my heart.
And I'm not the only one. Peanut is already surrounded by so much love. Our families and friends have expressed so much excitement and support. Peanut's cousins are eagerly awaiting his/her arrival. Big sister, Staley, talks regularly about the baby. And, of course, Zach and I couldn't be more thrilled. We have plenty to do before Peanut arrives, like a nursery and a name, but we also have a few more chapters in this story before he/she is here. So we will continue to pray and wait patiently to meet our little miracle.
For Peanut, my desire is the same. Although the story will be different, I want Peanut to know that he/she is a blessing that we hoped for and wished for and prayed for, a miracle that we thank God everyday for giving to us. We are only at the halfway mark to meeting the newest addition to our family, so this story will be a work in progress. We'll call this Chapter 1: Our Little Miracle.
Obviously, Staley's story began with the heartbreak of infertility. The beginning of her story took us a long time to reach. Since that time, there has been a surgery and medication changes that we hoped would resolve some of the issues that we faced when trying to start our family. Nevertheless, we weren't sure what path we would have to take in order to add to our family. At my routine doctor's appointment in April, when learning of our desire to add to our family, my doctor recommended returning to our fertility specialist. He made the referral, but when they called to make an appointment, I asked if we could wait a bit before scheduling. The farthest out they were scheduling appointments was in August, so I made an appointment for then.
As August approached, Zach and I continued to discuss our options. We weren't sure if we wanted to go through the in vitro process again, primarily concerned about decisions we might have to make if we were successful and ended up with frozen embryos. We went back and forth, determining that we would use this appointment to discuss all our options with our doctor and then make some decisions after that. A few days before our appointment, I realized that I was in a gray area with my body's cycle. Zach and I thought it made sense to take a pregnancy test before the appointment, just in case, but were both convinced that it would be negative. We were wrong! Miracle of miracles, we had a positive pregnancy test. We cancelled our appointment with our fertility doctor, and made one with the ob-gyn instead.
My ob-gyn didn't want to see me until I was 8 weeks along. In that time, Zach and I didn't tell anyone about our news. We didn't even discuss it between ourselves. I waited nervously, preparing my heart for the worst. At our 8 week appointment, they did an ultrasound that showed a baby with a healthy heartbeat. As soon as we saw that heartbeat, I cried with joy. We then shared our news with our parents and siblings, waiting for our 12 week appointment (and another strong, healthy heartbeat) before sharing the news with other family and friends.
The first trimester went by smoothly. I was tired (of course), but Staley's 7:30 bedtime and my 8:30 bedtime gave Zach plenty of time for reading, internet, and television shows and movies that I didn't want to see. I had a week or two of some mild night-time nausea, but otherwise it was smooth sailing. I was certain I felt baby movement at 14 1/2 weeks (while waiting in line at Express), but my doctor told me that the earliest baby movement is usually felt around 16 weeks. I still believe that Peanut was enjoying our shopping experience, but between 16-17 weeks was when those first, beautiful, reassuring flutters and tickles were definitely felt.
My pregnancy with Staley was very easy, and this one has been the same. The primary differences are that I have less time to dwell on every little change in how I feel (and therefore, some decreased worries) because more of my time is consumed with keeping pace with a toddler. My doctor's appointments are much shorter since I don't come armed with a list of questions and worries each time I visit him. And my ability to keep this pregnancy a secret was much harder, not because of my mouth but because of my body. Apparently if you don't do anything to strengthen your ab muscles after your first child, your second one pops out there for the world to see much, much sooner. (I actually had a few gutsy individuals ask me directly if I was pregnant when I was only 9 or 10 weeks along, before we were even sharing the news with those close to us. Yikes!) I graduated into my maternity clothes around 18 weeks, although I probably could have squeezed into my regular clothes a little longer. But I had the maternity clothes available and I now know how comfortable they generally are, so I embraced the new wardrobe without hesitation. Elastic and stretch and work pants that feel like pajamas are not something I'm going to turn down.
Our 20 week ultrasound last week was another milestone in Peanut's journey. Each doctor's visit, each heartbeat I hear, and each kick I feel makes me smile with relief. And an ultrasound that affirms our baby is healthy and growing and developing just like he/she should is a true answer to prayers. Each week brings us one step closer to meeting our baby that I already love with all my heart.
And I'm not the only one. Peanut is already surrounded by so much love. Our families and friends have expressed so much excitement and support. Peanut's cousins are eagerly awaiting his/her arrival. Big sister, Staley, talks regularly about the baby. And, of course, Zach and I couldn't be more thrilled. We have plenty to do before Peanut arrives, like a nursery and a name, but we also have a few more chapters in this story before he/she is here. So we will continue to pray and wait patiently to meet our little miracle.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Great Expectations
Staley has always been a happy, social, interactive little girl. As she gets older and spends more time with other kids, it is becoming evident that she also has a sweet, gentle, and caring nature. She is so good about sharing and taking turns, even with her favorite toys and snacks. She loves to give hugs and is concerned when someone is crying. These are all traits that make me certain Staley will excel at being a big sister.
The prospect of being a big sister is exciting for Staley, in the limited understanding she currently has of it. The other night, while getting ready for bed, Staley was sharing with us her expectations of being a big sister.
Staley: "We are going to have a baby."
Me: "Yes, we are."
Staley: "I be a big sister."
Me: "You will be a great big sister."
Staley: "I play ring-a-round-the-rosy with the baby."
Me: "That will be fun."
Staley: "I share my princesses with the baby."
(Her princesses are some of Staley's most prized possessions.)
Me: "That will be so nice of you."
Staley: "The baby wants to hold my bears. We take turns."
(Her bears are another of her favorite toys.)
Me: "It will be so nice to share and take turns with the baby."
So far, Staley's expectations of being a big sister include playing together, sharing, and taking turns. I'm all for it! Let's hope she doesn't change her mind before April.
The prospect of being a big sister is exciting for Staley, in the limited understanding she currently has of it. The other night, while getting ready for bed, Staley was sharing with us her expectations of being a big sister.
Staley: "We are going to have a baby."
Me: "Yes, we are."
Staley: "I be a big sister."
Me: "You will be a great big sister."
Staley: "I play ring-a-round-the-rosy with the baby."
Me: "That will be fun."
Staley: "I share my princesses with the baby."
(Her princesses are some of Staley's most prized possessions.)
Me: "That will be so nice of you."
Staley: "The baby wants to hold my bears. We take turns."
(Her bears are another of her favorite toys.)
Me: "It will be so nice to share and take turns with the baby."
So far, Staley's expectations of being a big sister include playing together, sharing, and taking turns. I'm all for it! Let's hope she doesn't change her mind before April.
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