For those who need some comic relief today, and for those who would enjoy proof that I am trying to follow my daughter's lead in finding joy in simple things, please enjoy these video offerings.
First, before bedtime the other day, Jillsie discovered a "mirror" in the french door windows, and couldn't resist doing a little chair dancing... (You will need to tip your laptop on its side for this one. If you have a desktop, you will need to tip your head. Sorry.)
Always one to oblige Diva Three, Diva Junior (aka the Gutsy Mom) joins in. I realize this is way more embarrasing for me than it is for Jillsie, but nevertheless, I present:
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
We Sing, We Run, We Make Things
Let's see... I had the pleasure of singing again this week. Twice in a row; I'm starting to get a reputation! The dogs got three big walks (and assorted little ones); I lifted twice; I ran three times. Go me!
Unfortunately, I also had my first spell of baby blues. I've been waiting for it. And, well, for those of you who also may have been wondering when the other shoe would drop, the answer is: yesterday. It didn't last long and wasn't too deep, but I just felt so sad and hopeless and unmotivated. Thankfully, the Gutsy Dad was right here, and, after nearly ten years of putting up with me, he knows how to lift my spirits. I'm feeling much better now, thank goodness.
In Gutsy Girls news: Jillson had her first haircut ever this week. (You may recall I cut her bangs last spring, but quickly gave up when I realized I have no talent for bang cutting and I didn't want to have to do bang upkeep forever.) This time the haircut was a family affair: I cut while Papa provided much needed distraction and the occasional chin hold to keep the head steady. Maddie did her part by hanging out in the bouncy seat, quietly gaining weight. She is now 11 and a half pounds!
How much cuteness can one couch take? Check out this multiple-girl pile-up! Left to right, Marion, Jillson, Kerala, and Denali with Madelyn on her lap.
Lastly, here's the start of a project I've been talking about for ever and ever. I finally got started on it. It's my very own family cookbook! The pics make it look huge, but the pages are only 6x6 inches. I created a template in Word, so I can type up all my favorite recipes and collect them in one place. This also makes it very easy to duplicate for people (Trin? Heather? Mom?) who want one of their own. In order for a recipe to get "in," it must be something we make on a regular basis; no random recipes torn out of mags or printed off the internet that languish in binders unmade... This is the food we REALLY EAT. (Thanks to Cathy Zielske for the inspiration, as always.)
Unfortunately, I also had my first spell of baby blues. I've been waiting for it. And, well, for those of you who also may have been wondering when the other shoe would drop, the answer is: yesterday. It didn't last long and wasn't too deep, but I just felt so sad and hopeless and unmotivated. Thankfully, the Gutsy Dad was right here, and, after nearly ten years of putting up with me, he knows how to lift my spirits. I'm feeling much better now, thank goodness.
In Gutsy Girls news: Jillson had her first haircut ever this week. (You may recall I cut her bangs last spring, but quickly gave up when I realized I have no talent for bang cutting and I didn't want to have to do bang upkeep forever.) This time the haircut was a family affair: I cut while Papa provided much needed distraction and the occasional chin hold to keep the head steady. Maddie did her part by hanging out in the bouncy seat, quietly gaining weight. She is now 11 and a half pounds!
How much cuteness can one couch take? Check out this multiple-girl pile-up! Left to right, Marion, Jillson, Kerala, and Denali with Madelyn on her lap.
Lastly, here's the start of a project I've been talking about for ever and ever. I finally got started on it. It's my very own family cookbook! The pics make it look huge, but the pages are only 6x6 inches. I created a template in Word, so I can type up all my favorite recipes and collect them in one place. This also makes it very easy to duplicate for people (Trin? Heather? Mom?) who want one of their own. In order for a recipe to get "in," it must be something we make on a regular basis; no random recipes torn out of mags or printed off the internet that languish in binders unmade... This is the food we REALLY EAT. (Thanks to Cathy Zielske for the inspiration, as always.)
Sunday, February 1, 2009
On A Roll
What a week! I've been so surprised by how great I've been feeling since Madelyn was born, that I figured I better ride the wave. This past week was a good start. I managed to go on three long dogwalks, I did my weightlifting workout twice, and I got my first run in. So far so good on the goals I set out in the last post. I am particularly excited about starting up the running again. I'm starting back with a "Run 2 Walk 3" ratio, and a distance of 3 miles. This went well yesterday. My average pace, to include all the walking, came to 13:37 minutes per mile. To quote one of my favorite runners: "I'm slow; I know; Get over it!" I am trying very hard not to compare my current running status to what it used to be, but instead I use my past accomplishments as part of my new running mantra. (You know, the thing that uninspired runners mutter under their breath in time with their footsteps to get them through a tough mile... in geekier times I used Shakespeare's sonnets--no joke.) For now, mine goes:
I ran a marathon
I passed a kidney stone
I survived back labor for 30 hours
So this... is... nothing!
Also this week... Jillsie showed a new interest in her potty training and has been wearing underwear (so far without accident) quite often when we are at home. She is enjoying teaching "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" to her German classmates, and she is SUCH a good big sister so far. She helps by taking dirty dipes to the trash and by giving Maddie her binky when she fusses.
Maddie is already a month old! How on earth this happened so quickly, I have no idea. She is starting to be awake for longer stretches of time during the day, and she is beginning to socialize more. She is trying very hard to smile, which is adorable to watch, and she now weighs over 10 pounds.
My wonderful friends, pictured here in their ballgowns, threw a "Welcome Brunch" for Madelyn this week. We celebrated the arrival of our littlest Auerbachian, shared good food and conversation, and, yes, I was showered with gifts. I love you guys! Thank you so much for spoiling the Gutsy Girls! (Haven't uploaded photos from the shower yet, so the ball pic will have to do.)
In more "me" news (after all, it is my blog) I sang a duet this week with an awesome baritone. It was a beautiful piece, not technically difficult, but satisfying in harmony and message. It felt SO GOOD to really sing again. Note to self: must do more of this in 2009.The week is closing out as most do... the Gutsy Dad and I are lounging on the couch during naptime, armed with our laptops, watching "CBS Sunday Morning" news on the TV. We're making lists, comparing calendars, and gearing up for another busy week.
Happy February, everyone!
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