tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43760903211383114792024-03-13T12:30:49.502-07:00Life After DaphneJoanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-47417203051319739512020-09-21T12:26:00.003-07:002020-09-21T12:26:42.304-07:00A Decade of Daphne<p> Dear Princess and The Pea, Belle, Belladonna, Bean, Belle-Belle, </p><p>Our world has been blessed to have had you in it for an entire decade! If you thought the stars and the sea celebrated the day you were born, you should have seen the way dolphins dove and polar bears plunged at the news of your 10th birthday! You have made the world more magical, and even the trees thank you for your loveliness. </p><p>The year you turned 10 years old also happens to be the Year of the Covid-19 Pandemic. In April, you and all the other students in the country were sent home from school. For months, you learned by yourself at home or at Grandma Lil's house. To be honest, so much has changed since the pandemic began, that it's hard to remember what our life was like beforehand! But, I'll do my best to highlight what I can.</p><p>Last year, you were in fourth grade and started the year with a new friend named Mira. She ended up leaving New Horizon, and that was a really big loss for you. Often you would come home from school and tell me how it was hard for you there now that Mira was gone. Fourth grade was not your favorite year. But, you always have been able to find something joyful even through the challenging days. You are very smart, and your humor is so quick and sharp. You actually really enjoy your own company. </p><p>You spent a lot of time reading this past year. You started the Harry Potter series at Christmas time, and now you're on Book 6, I think. You *DO NOT* like the films, because you say they make you "cringe." You also feel it was poorly cast: Harry is supposed to have bushy, black hair and Hermione is too pretty in the movie.</p><p>For Halloween last year, you were dressed as a marionette. Aunt Jenny did your makeup, and you looked awesome. The cousins came over and Trick or Treated with us. It was a beautiful night, no coats required. This year, we haven't heard whether we will get to Trick or Treat or not, yet. </p><p>Nana Sue came and stayed with us for two weeks at Christmas and New Year's. She was there on Christmas morning when we opened all the presents she brought us, and we celebrated with the usual egg, bacon, and cheese croissant casserole you love. </p><p>Your tastes changed a lot this year. You matured in some ways and just changed in others. You love the color black. You love anime (especially "My Hero Academia"). You are on Pinterest or YouTube A LOT. Dad gave you his old phone, and I'm pretty sure that was a mistake. You are as hooked as any kiddo your age might be! You do something that you call "App Testing," which includes downloading new apps and playing them so you can personally rate them. You LOVE music. Lately, you've been listening to EDM (you like Skrillex) and The Living Tombstone. If I asked you if you wanted to go outside or stay inside, you would always pick inside. If I asked you what you wanted to eat, you would normally say chicken strips with BBQ sauce and french fries. You like to do crafty and artsy things.</p><p>Even though you're growing up, you still love to sleep in our bed with me and Dad. You love to play "car" by sitting on my knees and steering with my arms. You gave away a lot of your Barbies, but you couldn't part with the Dream House. You'd like to redecorate your room, but you're very nostalgic for your things and for the way things used to be. You could never part with your stuffed animals (especially Zoomie, Lamby, Eeyore, and Foxy). </p><p>Besides the pandemic, there's been some other crappy stuff this year. Dad and Dee Dee really struggled with their marriage this year, and you were definitely impacted deeply by this. You haven't seen Dee Dee or Rylan or Brenden since April, and it's not right how things have played out for you. I'm sorry, Daphne, and I wish I could make the world a place of sunshine and rainbows, but I can't. </p><p>Instead, what I hope to do is to inspire you to be strong and keep laughing. You have already overcome so many things. You recently started going to the Central Middle School for 5th grade. You all have to get your temperature screened every day before you start, and you wear a mask except for P.E. Whenever I ask, "How was school,?" you answer, "Meh." But, you did meet a girl you like, Sophia, and a boy who is your friend named Zeb. It's still early in the year, but you've already had to go home for a week, because someone at school had the virus. </p><p>You dyed your hair for your birthday this year, which was crazy and awesome. It took four hours to get your dark hair bleached and blue. We all love it, even Grandma Lil and Grandpa Eric and my Grandma Joan. </p><p>I'm so proud of you and how much effort you put in when you want to. You are capable of doing anything in this world, and I can't wait to see each day, how much more you grow. I love you so, Daphne. </p><p>Do you know how much? </p><p>Mom</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-81405719117600032462019-09-25T12:00:00.003-07:002019-09-25T12:00:43.755-07:00Novel nineDear Daphne (Bean, Princess and the Pea, Belle, Baby Belle, Baby Bean),<br />
<br />
You've grown up this time.<br />
<br />
I wasn't expecting this yearling with cascades of dark hair framing the blackest lashes almond eyes. I still see our toddler imp climbing on the couch to turn off light switches, but here you are listening to favorite bands, making Tik Tok's, and messaging friends on your iPad.<br />
<br />
Last year was hard. You told me it wasn't, that you didn't mind playing by yourself at recess, that you liked your own company the most anyway. You didn't lose your spark; you still sang under your breath constantly and bounced around with joy despite the blows, but you asked to switch schools at the end of the year. I thought about it and prayed with you about it a lot. When I decided to try one more year, you weren't happy; you had gotten so excited about meeting new friends and starting fresh at the Junior High. I was worried (are you surprised?), and I prayed over all those girls to be like Jesus, even though I know girls aren't anything like Jesus when we're nine.<br />
<br />
But, something unexpected and wonderful happened: there were new kids in your class ... and they are awesome! Finally, you've encountered free thinkers, wild thorns in the carefully manicured roses of this school to which I limited you. One girl told you of her romantic feelings for another girl, her fears after saying the word 'gay,' and the teacher who called her 'inappropriate,' and when you related the story to me, you said, "I told her to be herself and not worry about what other people think." Mountain top moment, my daughter, with whom I am well pleased. Your own sparkle is brighter with these new friends shining next to you, and I am so relieved God worked things this way.<br />
<br />
While other girls play basketball or tumble or spend weekends pitching softball, you found theater and your first role last year in Sleeping Beauty. This year, you've got an even bigger part in Pinocchio (Sofia!), and you're excited for cheer leading to start, too. For school picture day, you dressed in black and white with a bright pink belt, and you said it defined you, this unexpected contrast. You are my pop of color every day, so I think you are right.<br />
<br />
Daddy Paddy (Father Brain) finished school this year, and Nana and Papa came to visit for his graduation. I let you take off school to spend time with them. It was a beautiful spring week, and we all spent it on our back porch together. Now Dad is a nurse, and you joke a lot about that "nurse money," how he's going to spoil us with a trip to Disney (we hope!). You are so much like him with your dry humor and quick wit; the two of you make me laugh forever.<br />
<br />
Dad and DD have taken you to Rylan and Brenden's football games already this year, even though you need to be bribed with concession stand money. Dad has to work a lot right now, and I know you miss him. He is doing it to be a better dad for you, and they all love you so much. You don't like the transition days, from one home to the other, but you LOVE having two birthdays and two Christmases.<br />
<br />
We went to Maine again this summer, and you were afraid to step foot in the ocean after you and I saw jellyfish washed up on the beach. But, you loved being on the sand, playing restaurant/hotel with me, and even trying your best to boogie board when you weren't afraid of the water. We took you to the arcade twice, and that seemed to be your favorite part of our trip, besides spending time with Nana and Papa. Or maybe the annual candy store trip was your favorite...<br />
<br />
Sadness hit our family again this year, as your favorite grandpa died. Grandpa John adored you, and it made everyone else so jealous. He told you he loved you before he died, the last thing he said to you, in fact, and it was one of the only times he ever said this phrase out loud in his entire life. He gave you coins and a book to keep them in, which he wouldn't have done for just anyone. He didn't just like you, he respected you. He loved how you always try to "make a deal" with me, because he saw exactly how smart and witty you are. You came with me a few times to visit him at the nursing home, and it made his days so much better to see you. After I spoke at his funeral, you cried and cried, and I feel heartbroken still to think of it. You and Grandpa John were special friends, and I'm so glad he was here to be in your life.<br />
<br />
Oh, Daphne. You are so special to me. I dread the moment when I am your enemy and not your best friend, the teenage pulling away, because right now, we are so close. Just yesterday, we laughed and laughed while we danced and sang together. I still lie down with you every night, listening to meditation together before you drift off. I close my eyes and hold my breath to pray in those moments, because it actually hurts my heart to think of what a blessing you are to me. I peek at your sleeping face and I feel swells of love and pride.<br />
<br />
You continue to astonish and delight us, my dearest one. I love you. Happy ninth birthday.<br />
- MamaJoanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-84044987498714421462018-09-03T14:41:00.001-07:002018-09-03T14:41:02.988-07:00"Mom, I can't believe I'm eight!"Dearest Bean, Belle, Princess and the Pea, Boobalah,<br />
<br />
I titled this post with the sentence you kept repeating to me on your birthday and in the days that followed. Yes, this year's letter is late again, and your thoughts are the same every year! I hope someday you look on this day with less trepidation and more joy, but you are your mother's daughter after all.<br />
<br />
This year, all you wanted was a surprise party. I tried, Daph, I really tried to surprise you! Liv just wanted to share in the joy when she told you, I'm sure, and you did your best to look surprised anyway. It took a long time making all those giant candy decorations, so even if you weren't surprised, at least you had fun decor.<br />
<br />
In this past year, you have continued to wow us all. You're genuinely kind, extremely funny, clever, loving, surprising, and very sharp. We tested your reading competency this past summer and you were at a high school level! We might have Mrs. Smith to thank for that, since in second grade she didn't assign traditional homework but instead required you all to read for 20 minutes each night. You graduated to chapter books shortly after the school year started. You loved "Mr. Limoncello's Library," and right now you're reading, "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate." Another favorite for you are biographies of those who have overcome challenges; you loved Helen Keller, Ruby Bridges, and Rosa Parks, so far.<br />
<br />
You and Liv say you are best friends but you and all the girls seem to be pretty close. You were in Girl Scouts this year, with Gracin, Annalyn, and Elizabeth, and you really wanted to do archery. Instead, you sold lots of cookies and won a fanny pack. I went to a Girl Scout tea party with you and we both dressed up, but hardly anyone else did. I thought that was pretty funny, but not as funny as how bad the snacks were! We both agreed, they were yucky, and it was hilarious to tell Dad about later.<br />
<br />
At the Christmas pageant this year, your class sang the most inane song about evolution, which caused Dad and I both to freak out and teach you what we could about science (you've even spent some time watching Neil Degrasse Tyson on "Cosmos," which you say you love). Because that was your class theme, apparently, each of you dressed up like an animal for the pageant. No matter how many times I asked you to change your mind to a cute tiger or koala bear, you INSISTED on being a hideous spider. Kids were literally scared of you, even Joshua, who cried until he figured out it was only you.<br />
<br />
You're always that way, unique and stubborn about it. You say "normal is boring" and you are confident in being yourself. You should be, honestly, because you're great. I hope you never lose that strong sense of self and the confidence that comes with being uniquely you.<br />
<br />
You like when I braid your hair at night, so that it's crimpy in the morning, but you hate when I braid it for fun or try to curl it. You like to play with makeup, but at the same time, you love to tell me not to wear it and to be myself. This year you say you HATE pink and LOVE black, but I notice you still seem to like some pink things. You would argue hard about that, I'm sure.<br />
<br />
You wrote your own stories this year, on my computer, and you even found pictures to illustrate them. As soon as I saw the unicorn, I said, "How majestic!" and you said, "Mom! I literally looked up 'majestic unicorn' and that's what came up!" You still adore me as much as I adore you, and you even like wearing matching dresses, like we did when we went to Maine this June. Your Nana and Papa loved on you, as usual. When you saw Keyshawn this time, you immediately said, "Get down and be my pony!" He didn't, but he did play with you and let you wrestle him.<br />
<br />
Your family continued to change this year. I was gone a lot because Grammy was sick and needed help. Good thing you have two great dads and a step-mom who loved to have the extra time with you! DD and Dad and you and Rylan even took a road trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, right after our Maine vacation. All four of you got bit by a jellyfish! You were so lucky in some ways this year, but it was hard in others. You went to your first funeral, DD's mom's, and you went to the second only a few months later when Grammy died. You saw your mom pretty shaken up with grief a few times (maybe a lot of times?) and it worried you. We prayed a lot together for everyone, because we trust that God is the only source for our peace.<br />
<br />
I am so proud of you, Daphne Belle Minor. I really am. I love the person who you are becoming. My biggest gift in life is being your mama. This year you bravely pet dogs! Even more brave?? You learned how to swim! You even took the giant water slides at both the Salem and Rec Center pools. You wouldn't do it in front of me (yet!) but both your dads got to see.<br />
<br />
We all think the sun and the moon rise and set on you. Always know you are wonderful. I love you.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MamaJoanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-758805976359311982017-09-12T13:52:00.002-07:002017-09-12T17:27:36.770-07:00Daphne is seven!Dearest Daphne Belle Minor,<br />
<br />
The year you turned seven has been a wild ride!<br />
<br />
Last year, when you turned six, I realized you are the youngest person in your class (besides Bryden!), by an entire year. I remember the day you came home so frustrated and upset because everyone else (besides Bryden, lol) could tie her shoes except for you. I told you that your fine motor skills were still developing, a whole year behind everyone else, and we practiced on a thick, robe tie, which made it much easier for you to learn the technique. I hope I always remember the look on your face the first time you tied it, the sheer joy when you exclaimed, "I did it! I did it, Mama!"<br />
<br />
Mama, I am this year, or just Mom. I haven't been Mommy for a while, and this year when I dropped you off for second grade, you didn't let me kiss your cheek, because, "You'll embarrass me, Mom."<br />
<br />
At the beginning of first grade, Mrs. Flexter held you all to a high standard, and because you were still growing and figuring things out, it was hard for you to finish your papers on time. You were frustrated, and you thought she didn't like you. I went to meet with her around December, and she realized how much effort you were putting in. It wasn't long after that, you flourished! In fact, you are far and away the best reader in your class. There isn't a word you cannot either pronounce or sound out. At church on Transfiguration Sunday, Linda Simmons asked you and the other kids what the word was, and you immediately said it flawlessly. I laughed, so proud of my tiny six-year-old saying "transfiguration" with no problem. <br />
<br />
You are a tiny one, too, my dear. Every year of your life, you have fit the clothes of your age. As far as I can tell, this is pretty unusual! You are seven now, and you wear size seven! Your shoes are the smallest in your class, still a size 12. This year was the first year I saw you get attached to your things, and it was a pair of shoes, your Frozen shoes, that you loved dearly. You said to me, "Mom, there is something wrong with my shoe, it's gotten smaller here in the toes." But, it was just that your feet grew! So, we went to get you new shoes and you cried because you couldn't wear the old anymore.<br />
<br />
Daphne, you are pretty sentimental about things like that. You worry about your stuffed animals when I tuck you in at night, especially Tsumie, a raccoon Dad (Dave) bought you for your sixth birthday. You always make sure his little face is poking out of the covers so he can "breath" while you snuggle.<br />
<br />
Snuggling is still a favorite for you, though you much prefer dance parties, playing Barbies, and playing anything pretend. You have an arsenal of Nerf weapons from Dad (Dave) under your bed, and over this past year, you and I partnered up against him for some wars! We had a lot of fun, even if he seems to always beat us!<br />
<br />
This past year, you joined an acting class at the Cultural Society with Miss Carrie, who adores you and said you have a natural talent for it. You had a speaking part in the school Christmas pageant, and you practiced over and over again for the big night. You said it beautifully, just a tiny bit shy on the stage in front of the whole crowd. You also joined soccer this year, and your team was almost entirely made up of your class from school. That was pretty fun for you, the hanging out with your friends part, but you told us you really didn't like playing soccer that much. We could tell, because every time the ball came by you, you skipped around until someone else kicked it. You skipped a lot, and talked a lot! One game, there was a boy on the other team who seemed like he was a bully to the other kids. I saw you go right up to him, but you were so far away, I couldn't hear you. I asked you later, and you told me that he was mad at you. He said you kicked him, and I asked you, "What did you say?" You said, "I told him like you tell me. There is pain in soccer!" I laughed so hard. You're so brave!! My grandpa, Grandpa John, came to watch almost all of your games. We were all SO proud of you when you scored a goal in the final second of your final game! Even if you didn't love soccer, you kept trying, and I'm always so impressed at the way you put effort in and improve every day.<br />
<br />
This year was a big year for you, because Dad (Jon) met Diana. In May, they got married, and you were the flower girl in a darling blue dress. You told me so many times how happy you were that Dad met her, that she is the nicest ever, and you are even more happy about the step-brothers you gained. Dad tells me you annoy them every chance you get, which I'm sure you absolutely love. You told me that Dad is happy, which makes you happy. We prayed for God to send Dad his wife, and we are so happy that God answered our prayers with DD, which is what you've nicknamed her. She always pays attention to you, does your nails and your makeup, and makes you feel special when you're with her. I couldn't be happier for all of you!<br />
<br />
This year was also a hard year, which was kind of the first time you've ever had to experience that. My mom, your Grandma Joan, found out she has cancer. You didn't even know what cancer was. All you knew was that your mom was crying a lot and praying a lot for grandma. I know that it's been hard on you to see me so upset, and I am sorry for that. But, I also know, that this is real life, and I am grateful that you are learning how to cope with hard things. You're pretty tough, kiddo, and your kisses, and snuggles, and prayers have helped me so many times through the hard stuff.<br />
<br />
Another hard time this year happened when I had to go away for school again this summer. This time, I missed your seventh birthday and your first day of second grade. We were all pretty bummed about that, but you handled it beautifully. Dad (Jon) and his family took you to the Balloon Fest to celebrate, after you had Wendy's (your favorite!) and a piece of cake which DD made you. You loved coming back to school, too, I heard from my friends, the other moms. AnnaLyn's mom told me that when asked about the best part of summer, you answered, "Coming back to school today and seeing my friends!"<br />
<br />
That was probably true for you at the moment, but we also got to go on a most amazing vacation this summer! Nana and Papa brought us to Maine, and we stayed in a gorgeous beach house with Auntie Kris and Keyshawn, too. You slept on the pullout couch with your Nana, and loved every second of it. She spoiled you with all your favorite treats, including Munchkins! You were brave this year, and went into the very cold ocean all the way to your chest. You wanted to play on the beach every single day, and we mostly did! One day, we went to York and got to see the carnival there. You said that was your favorite, because Dad won you a stuffed animal playing a game and you got your face painted with a pink heart.<br />
<br />
Everything is still PINK! You still love all things girly, but you tell me you like chasing the boys at recess at school. I guarantee you're a comedian at school, because you're hilarious at home. You are quick witted, kind, thoughtful, curious, imaginative, and getting prettier every day. Everyone keeps telling me how tall you are getting, and now I see it, too. You are nearly up to my chest!<br />
<br />
As always, I am completely taken by you. Nothing in my life could have prepared me for how much I love you. I watch you, so brave, so confident, and I am utterly grateful that God gave me you.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MamaJoanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-48790558184289339712016-08-19T14:43:00.002-07:002016-08-19T14:43:31.916-07:00And Now You're Six!Hello, my little one.<br />
<br />
Two nights ago, I read to you, "On the Night You Were Born," to celebrate the anniversary of the night I labored to bring you here. You cried after it was over, and you said, "That made me so sad. I love it, but what if someone in my class doesn't have this book and they don't know how special they are?!"<br />
<br />
You, Daphne, are special. You see how special everyone else is, too.<br />
<br />
I held you in my arms that night, and I told you about the night you were born. I told you how I tried so hard to have a natural, normal birth. You cringed when I mentioned the scar on my tummy, and the next day, you told me not to talk about it again. I told you how your Dad Jon got to see you before I did, and he gave you a bath and helped measure you with the nurses. Your Grandma and your Great-Grandma watched through a window and marveled at you. When he finally brought you to me, you were wrapped up like a burrito, a hat on your gorgeous hair. I looked at you and held out my arms eagerly, and you looked back at me, your eyes clearly saying to mine, "Oh, there you are!"<br />
<br />
I held you in my arms, and I sang the only songs I have ever known by heart, the songs I have sang to you your whole life. "Silent Night" and "O' Little Town of Bethlehem" soothed you to sleep and I didn't want to leave your bed, so I kissed your peaceful forehead and held you some more.<br />
<br />
You woke up, and you were six-years-old!<br />
<br />
I gave you a birthday bear from Sister Andrea, who gave it to me months ago in anticipation of your precious day. You loved it, you said how your favorite part was that the bear's mouth moves while it sings and how fuzzy and snuggly it is.<br />
<br />
Now that we are in these school years, you turned six and were able to celebrate with a class full of first graders. You brought cookies but not cupcakes because Brighton's birthday is the exact same day, and his mom brought cupcakes instead. When you came home, I gave you some new chapter books for a present and your Great-Grandparents took us out to dinner. You ate pancakes and the waitress gave you a free piece of chocolate cream cake. You could only eat a few bites of the cake, but you were so excited to bring it home for later.<br />
<br />
That's pretty typical, my love, you getting excited about chocolate and treats in general. Eating delicious things is one of your favorite things to do. I'm sorry I passed this on to you, because eating vegetables is so much better for us!<br />
<br />
This past year, you grew so tall. You hover above my hipbone now. We cut your hair for the first time in July; you were able to donate it to a company that makes wigs for patients who have cancer. You said you love looking like a completely different person, but honestly, I haven't noticed you really caring too much whether it was long or short. You do prefer how little it takes to comb through now, though!<br />
<br />
Your sweet spirit continues to grow but your wicked sense of humor is even stronger. Dad Dave loves how you prank people (so do I! you're hilarious!), and he sees how you get some of your humor from him. I see traces of your Dad Jon in it, too. I guess both of your dads and you are funny, what can I say?<br />
<br />
You are an exceptional reader, and this summer you got excited about math. You went to the pool and the lake with Dad Jon a lot, but you don't want to learn how to swim. I can see the tan lines from your suit still, but they remind me that you fell in the pool and felt like you were drowning. I encourage you to learn, so you will feel empowered, but you're stubborn like me, and you say no.<br />
<br />
We visited Nana and Papa in Massachusetts earlier this year, and you said your favorite part was spending time with Nana. We took you to the Freedom Trail in Boston, where I carried you around like you were little and walked miles with you strapped to me. You're a little spoiled when it comes to things like this; I baby you, because you're my baby.<br />
<br />
I had to leave you for two weeks this August, and I was so grateful to be home in time to celebrate this birthday with you. Nearly every time I FaceTimed you, you wept into the phone, and I had to stop calling you. Dad Dave said you were happy and good as long as you didn't see me. I made him FaceTime when you were asleep, so I could see your face every chance I could.<br />
<br />
Oh, Daphne. You are so wonderful. I am so proud of the person you are becoming. You are caring. You are graceful. You started acting classes this year, and you said, "I don't like them. I LOVE THEM!" You are smart. You love God and other people. You are sensitive like me.<br />
<br />
You had your first sleepover this summer, with Annalyn. I curled your hair and hers and painted your faces with my makeup. We made brownies, which the next day the two of you stole. I found you both in your pink, play tent, a pan full of brownies between you, fists shoving handfuls in your mouths, giggles erupting amidst the crumbs. You would have never stolen a pan of brownies, but she made you brave and it made you laugh.<br />
<br />
The best part of your life is when you spend time socializing with other people. I wonder how Mrs. Flexter is going to keep you quiet this year. You thrive around people, often entertaining everyone around you. You twirl and dance and sing every where you go. You hate to sit still. I've never seen you sit still unless you are glued to the Kindle or TV.<br />
<br />
Daphne, I love everything about you. I hope you always know. You are the best part of my life and both of your dads'. You are unique and beautiful. I cannot wait to see what's next for you this year.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
MommyJoanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-77571863019964608782015-08-13T13:07:00.002-07:002015-08-13T13:07:24.711-07:00Happy birthday, Kindergartner Daphne!Dearest Daphne,<br />
<br />
I almost didn't know to whom I was addressing this, since I so often call you something besides your name. Your nicknames include Belle, Bella, Tiny Belle, and Princess and the Pea. Lately, you haven't loved that last one and instead prefer just princess, but I still slip it in sometimes.<br />
<br />
I think I am writing to you early this year because I have been so focused on getting everything ready for school. I have a list of things you need and your annual birthday letter is on that list, so here we go!<br />
<br />
School! Daphne, you are so much like me. You are both extremely excited and extremely nervous for school this year. Last night, you were feeling down and you cried and cried because, "I have been feeling sad every day for a long time." You don't realize it yet, but you are just nervous about this big transition. You told me you wish you could still go to Cheri's with your friends, and my heart swells with compassion for you. Cheri and the kids there (Jackson, Brooks, and Charli) have been your friends since you were mere weeks old. I know how emotional I have felt about you going to school but I cannot imagine how this change must feel for you. Because you love people and love learning, I know school will be fun for you, but this transition has made you and I very emotional. Tonight we have your open house and you will meet your teacher and see your classroom. Monday is your first day!<br />
<br />
You are certainly ready for school, though. Just a few weeks ago, I started reading chapter books to you and you loved them. You can count to 100 (with very little assistance) and your vocabulary continues to blossom. You are extremely creative when it comes to making up your own song lyrics and dancing passionately to music. Both Dad Dave and Dad Jon have told you how awesome you are when you dance and sing. You have them both so enamored. You know it, too. You have a way of getting what you want when you want it from all three of us.<br />
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Just last week, you and I visited my parents at their house. We celebrated Lily, Parker and Julian because they have birthdays right around the same time as you. My dad saw you for the first time in a long time, and he told me how smart you are and how cute you are. It's true. You're very intelligent and very pretty, little one. In fact, when we are at the grocery store, at least one person comes up to you each time and tells you how cute you are. You politely say thank you and I always say, "Remember, it's what is on the inside that counts." I've warned you that people won't always come up to you and say this, just because as we get older this happens. But, your value does not lie in how you look but in who you are. I always try to tell you, your kindness and love is what counts. God created you so uniquely and I always pray you will know that you are more than a pretty girl.<br />
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You are also a little monkey CLIMBING everywhere. Your bed is going to be destroyed, I just know it. You constantly climb the poles and hang from the canopy while it dangerously sways. You climbed the cabinets just the other day to reach a plate of cookies on top of the fridge. Your love for chocolate and sugar has developed into an unhealthy addiction, honestly. We tell you all the time to eat less red light foods and more green lights, but you are like everyone else: a snack fanatic. You shoved the cookie into your mouth as fast as you could so that no one would take it from you. You do the same thing at church!<br />
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This year you became so technologically advanced. You basically took my Kindle as your own to play games on and to watch YouTube videos. You love the videos where people use Play Doh to make things but more than this, you love making things with Play Doh! You would play with it every day. You do not like coloring still, but you love to paint and play Barbies. Instead of Barbies, though, you have lots of Monster High dolls. Toralei is your favorite one - because she is the villain. It's weird... you love villains. You have gotten in trouble for playing so meanly with your dolls. My friend Arica said you just want to be a dynamic and powerful girl, and on TV the villains have this type of personality. That makes sense to me; I don't think you want to be mean, I think you want to be the boss.<br />
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You have leadership skills, and I am excited to see how these develop once you start school. You may be nervous, but you are not afraid. You are always so fiercely independent. This year, you participated in your first dance recital! Even though you loved dance some times and hated the discipline of it other times, you definitely enjoyed performing on stage. During the rehearsal, your teachers came and got you and the other girls from me and the other parents. The other girls looked back at their moms, a little nervous to leave without them, but not you. You never looked back. You have ALWAYS been ready for the next adventure. This makes me so proud of you. You are always trying. You are always improving. I truly wish I was more like you in this way.<br />
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Pretty soon, I won't be able to lift you up into our "family hug" circle, but today I can and I will. Our family hugs and kisses are my favorite part of the day, so you have to endure all this affection, my dear, what can I say?<br />
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As you turn five years old next week, I feel blessed to be your mom, my Daphne.Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-83242499649735011532014-09-18T11:08:00.000-07:002014-09-18T11:08:02.084-07:00And now you are FOUR!Dearest Daphne Belle,<br />
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Happy birthday, my love. This year, the year you turned four, you were celebrated almost the entire month rather than just on your birthday! We celebrated you with a Pirate Fairy birthday party the first week of August; you and your friends doused each other with squirt guns and water balloons, ate pizza and cake, and you opened a mountain of presents at our house on Kristy. For some of the party, you sat near the tree and pouted because Jackson targeted you with his squirt gun, and Lily sat by you while you reveled in her attention. You love attention, little one, you love people and their reaction to you, so I guessed that you were just pleased with the one on one time.<br />
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We celebrated you early this year, because we traveled to Maine a few days after your birthday, and it was hectic! On the 18th, Dad Dave and I spoiled you with special cupcakes that you picked out at the store with him and you and Dad Jon spent the day together. THEN you were celebrated again in Massachusetts when we had a party at Kristina's house and Nana bought you a pretty chocolate cake with pink icing.<br />
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Dad Dave and I are sending you to dance class for your birthday present this year! You started last week, and you absolutely loved it. You weren't afraid for me to leave, and you can't wait to go back.<br />
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Daphne, you are always celebrated, because you are so loved.<br />
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In the past year, my dear, you have continued to astonish all of us with your brilliance. Your vocabulary is ridiculous. You correctly use words that even some adults aren't familiar with (you told Nana you were dehydrated in Maine!). You constantly ask all of us what words mean, and then you remember and incorporate them into your every day dialogue. It is obvious when you talk to other kids that you are different; I watch your interactions, and I see you so confidently introduce yourself and ask them about themselves. Other kids are not as mature as you (you who spend so much time with all of us adults), and they stare at you. You try so hard to engage them, and one day you will, but for now, you are just older than your years.<br />
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That is not to say you are some super human four year old! You are still very much a four year old girl, Daphne. You think poop jokes are hysterical and you adore your stuffed animals. Your sweet spirit is obvious; I tried to downsize those animals and you brokenheartedly cried that you would miss them too much. You love the Disney princesses, Sophia the First, Doc McStuffins, books, crafts, and you especially love when I pretend to be your stuffed animals and talk to you in silly voices. It's your favorite, really, and it's adorable. You still love pink the most. You wanted to be Elsa from Frozen for Halloween, but changed your mind when you saw Maleficent. I exercised my mom authority, however, and I am hoping you will wear the pink bunny costume I bought instead!<br />
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This year, you conquered potty training, despite a stubborn start, and you haven't looked back. This year, you were kind of scared of the ocean after she knocked you down with her strong waves. During the week we were there, you conquered your fear and joyfully played in the waves, even trying to boogie board. This year, you had a scary eye doctor appointment, and you triumphed! We were all scared for you, that you might have to have surgery. The specialist put stinging drops in your eyes and even though you HATED it, you endured so stoically. We had to put cream on your eye lids for three weeks afterwards, and Daphne, I hope I never forget how you composed yourself, put your fear aside, and bravely let us pull the bottom lid down for the medicine. You amazed me with your courage and your perseverance. Because you did so well, you haven't had any problems since.<br />
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You wanted to start school this year, but I decided to wait so you could just hang out with your friends at Cheri's one more year. Sister Michael, my friend from work, watched you one night as you talked to her about letters, numbers, colors, and shapes, and she said that you could start Kindergarten tomorrow. She taught for 42 years, so we were all really happy that you proved to be just as smart as we thought.<br />
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You can be pretty sassy, though, my dear one... Lately, you have been testing the limits and branching out where ever you can. You ALWAYS want things done a certain way. If we are playing, you often say, "No, Mommy, like THIS. Do it like I SAY!" You are very bossy and demanding. I accommodate you to your detriment. This whole mommy thing is so hard; I want to teach you how to be a good person, but I relentlessly spoil you. I am hoping, dear one, that I will do better for you.<br />
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I have to work so much, Daphne, and sometimes you are sad when I leave. We make up for it with snuggles when I return, and you spend a lot of time with your dads, too. They are both just as enamored with you as I am. You really are lucky in that, kiddo. I'm so, so grateful for both of them and their love for you.<br />
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I cannot believe that when I write this letter next year, you will be starting school. I cannot believe how fast these years are flying. I cannot believe that the tiny one I have carried is now her own person. Daphne, the person you are, the person you are continuing to become, is so beautiful. You are kind, compassionate, independent, smart, funny (you LOVE jokes and making people laugh), and always so loving and affectionate. I am so proud of you.<br />
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Love,<br />MommyJoanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-24867841665466154732013-08-24T11:06:00.002-07:002013-08-24T11:06:45.018-07:00Your birthday letter, my loveDearest Daphne Belle,<br />
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This year, you turned three years old! If you note the date of this letter, you may wonder why it is so many days after your actual birthday. Well, my darling daughter, let me tell you: the year you turned three was a VERY BUSY ONE!<br />
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When I think back to last year, Daphne, when you turned two years old, I remember I made a list just a few months prior which included about 75 words you used appropriately. That astonishes me, now, because you, my sweetest one, you are extremely articulate these days. Everyone we meet comments on your personality, Daphne, and how incredibly intelligent you are. As a newly minted three year old, you can tell jokes and get the punchline right!* Last year, you said "Pownja Rangahs" instead of Power Rangers and today Dad-Dave taught you the right way to say "stethoscope" and you said it the wrong way only once. I keep telling him not to teach you, because a part of me wants you to say your silly words still! My baby is so big now!<br />
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This year, Daphne Belle, you threw up for the first time. Christmas was at Uncle Joe's and Aunt Jenny's and you and I both got pretty sick. You are the toughest person I know. You bent over, heaved, looked up and smiled and started playing with toys again immediately!<br />
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You rode your big wheel bike for the first time by yourself.<br />
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You pray by yourself (God is great!).<br />
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You can get dressed with little assistance and always put your own shoes on.<br />
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You remember songs and LOVE to sing. You love music and dancing.<br />
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You can count to 20. You know your alphabet by the song and mostly by sight. You know all shapes and colors, and you asked me recently to teach you how to tie your shoes. Even though that's going to take time, this request characterizes you: independent and curious to the extreme.<br />
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You like to dress up like a princess, like Doc McStuffins, like a fairy. You love Play-Doh, Barbies, crayons, paint, reading, and Jem!<br />
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If someone asked me to describe your personality, Daphne, I would say this: Daphne is very smart. She enjoys making people happy, so she will try to make you laugh. She is very affectionate but is too independent to sit and cuddle for a while. She is much more likely to come over and give you big kisses and go back to what she was doing/working on. She is very silly and tells me this when she's hungry: My tummy says he is actually really hungry, Mommy. He needs some food, okay?<br />
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You love spending time with your Dad, Jon. He takes you to Wamac Park and to visit different friends. He calls me and tells me all of your silly stories. I call him and tell him how you have advanced so much even in a day since you've seen him!<br />
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This year, we took an airplane for the first time. You did AWESOME! You acted like a seasoned traveler. You are never scared, Daphne Belle. You trust people to take care of you and you enjoy the ride. I am so proud of you.<br />
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We saw the ocean together for the first time. You LOVED IT. You were meant to be in the water, my love. You never wanted to leave the ocean. You cried and said goodbye to her when we left Maine.<br />
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We got married this year! You told everyone that you and Dad-Dave and Mommy got married. You were adorable during the ceremony. You wrapped yourself in my dress and were the star of the show. Nana Sue got you a pearl bracelet and Dad-Dave got you a beautiful necklace which he gave you when he said his vows to you. He promised to always love you, Daphne, and that is all of our promise to you. We, all three of your parents, will always love you and provide everything you need.<br />
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We also moved this year! On your birthday! We had a small party with your cousins, Lily, Parker and Julian, and you had ice cream cake for the last time in the apartment where you first lived. You now have a pink room with a pink bed, which is all you asked for.<br />
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I know that this letter is a haphazard collection of things that your mama can remember about you, my love, and I wish I could remember every single thing you have done or said because you are so special and so funny!<br />
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You really are special, Daphne. Truly, this is not just your mother's opinion. Everyone we meet, strangers and loves alike, they tell me how special you are. There is something about you that stands out, Daphne. You sparkle, you really do. You shine. You are gentle and kind but also feisty and fierce. You are the most stubborn and strong-willed person I have ever met - even more so than your dad and me! You know what you want and you usually get it, haha! You love your friends, you love your family, and you love you.<br />
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You are loved, Daphne Belle. I am so proud of you. I am the luckiest and most blessed mommy that ever was. Thank you for being my sweet daughter. I adore you and am so happy to see you get stronger and brighter every day. I love you. Happy birthday, my fairy one.<br />
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Love,<br />
Mommy<br />
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*(Here are your jokes: "Why does a banana need sunscreen? So they don't peel!; Why do giraffes have long legs? Because their feet stink!; Why did the cat mess up the computer? Because he was chasing the mouse!" We read these in a magazine and you memorized them. Cheri told me that you had been telling jokes all day, and I was so surprised you had remembered them!)Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-48968501358421726712012-08-08T12:50:00.000-07:002012-08-08T12:50:42.331-07:00Happy birthday, Daphne Belle.My dearest Daphne,<br />
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It has been about six months since I last wrote on this site proclaiming your brilliance and your cuteness. I spent a year chronicling your achievements and how your daddy and I marveled at them. You have astounded both of us with your graceful and girlish demeanor, your fierce independence, your aptitude at mastering new skills so quickly; how friendly you are, how polite, how well you listen and yet how stubborn you can be.<br />
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So much has changed in six months, my darling daughter. Your daddy and I are no longer married, but we still are together very much as your parents. We still marvel at you. I called him this morning to tell him about you. When you got in the car this morning, you said, "I play Sammie JoJo?" You were asking me if we were going to the daycare to play with your friends, Sammie and JoJo. You are so smart! You remembered their names, asked if that's where we were headed. He laughed and wasn't surprised a bit. We both know how smart you are. We both know how smart you have always been.<br />
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In the past six months, you have grown astonishingly. In July, I wrote down a list of the words you knew. It topped 75. Now? It's most certainly closer to 200. You BLOOMED. You are stringing sentences together and even using the correct verb tenses! You love to read. Last night, you asked to read the book about Jeez (Jesus) and the story about Dani (Daniel in the Lion's Den). Your favorite books are the Highlight's magazines that Gigi Joan ordered you. You love to search for the hidden pictures. You have an uncanny knack for finding them! I am impressed every time. I clap my hands for you, sincerely, because you are incredible, Daphne. You blow me away.<br />
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You can recognize your name when you see it written down. You recognize the ABC's and have *started* singing them. You "count" and say 1, 2, 10. You love when the little piggies go to the market and you giggle all the way home. When you first started learning your colors, you learned blue right away. Then, you thought every color was blue. Now, you recognize blue! You haven't said other colors yet, but you recognize them! I'm so proud of you for this. You have started getting on the potty and you say, "I try potty, Mommy, I try!" You haven't "tried" for real, yet, but you sit on there and look very cute! :)<br />
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Your favorite toy seems to be a baby doll. I got you a brand new one for your birthday. I will give it to you this Saturday at your party and I am so excited! You are very nurturing. When I watch you through the window at daycare, I see you wrap up the baby doll over and over in a blanket and rock it and pretend to be its mommy. You do it at home with your Elmo doll and your Momo, too. You're so sweet, Daphne Belle.<br />
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You're also a tomboy, though! You love to play outside and to play rough. You climb EVERYTHING including your crib! Just the other day, you climbed right out of your crib. I had to take the side panel off and turned it into a toddler bed. I was worried you wouldn't want to sleep in it, but you did ... perfectly. The second night, you got up around 4 or so, and I just put you right back to bed. You seem to feel just fine in there and sleep peacefully.<br />
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Peaceful is a good word to describe you, really. Yes, you are almost two and you do have your moments of tantrums. You have started to say, "NO!" and "STOP!" but, on the whole, you are a very laid back and easy going girl. Many, many people have commented on your sweet nature. You are well loved by everyone in your life, Daphne. Everywhere you go, whether it's to Cheri's or the daycare or to see your grandparents (Lil or the Joan's), everyone loves you so much.<br />
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In the past few months, you and I have been blessed with even more people who love us. Dave and Nonna Sue are pretty taken with you as well. You have spent many hours giggling at Dave's antics and he often pretends that you are his pillow, which you think is hysterical. Nonna Sue loves you 1,000 miles away, and she is sending you a dollhouse for your birthday!<br />
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My dearest Daphne, you are growing up to be beautiful and fierce, intelligent and kind. You are exactly the daughter I dreamed of and hoped for. I love you more than I love anything or anyone and I always will. I praise God and thank Him for His gift to me of you and I pray for His hand to be in your life always. I love you, my daughter. <br />
<br />Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-19364276308044384612012-02-01T19:13:00.000-08:002012-02-01T19:13:42.552-08:00Writing again ... such a cute muse<div style="text-align: center;">
In the midst of my endless and eternally boring tasks, I feel like writing.</div>
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Because it's so rare I feel like this lately, I put down the three things I was going to do and here I am. </div>
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There is something so intimidating about writing here, for some reason. I feel like I have to capture EVERYTHING that Daphne has learned, that she has said, that she has done, because if I don't, I will forget, and that just seems unthinkable and obscene.</div>
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I think it's because of our technological culture, because we document everything whether on Facebook or on blogs or in texts. I feel so much pressure to have a record of everything, and instead of enjoying the process of capturing her essence here, I fret over it. Add to this fear the prevailing concern that every word I write make me look like I've got it all together, and then.I.just.don't.write.</div>
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I still don't have it all together, but writing is just sort of a part of me, and I'm really trying to get over what everyone else thinks <strike>anywayz</strike>.</div>
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That said. </div>
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Daphne is </div>
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ridiculously cute.</div>
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Of course, she's also 17 months old now and doing all kinds of new things.</div>
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She likes</div>
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helping Daddy fix the chair </div>
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and helping Mommy with the cooking. </div>
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Just in case you were fixing to call DCFS, the oven wasn't on. Also, I fix stuff and Jon cooks (sometimes), we're not completely Cleaver over here.</div>
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She also likes to get all glammed up</div>
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with Mommy's earrings </div>
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a little eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss</div>
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and fancy clothes. </div>
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I put makeup on her one day, just for fun, and I got so many dirty looks at the grocery store that I think I better wait until she's a more appropriate age, like 3 or something. </div>
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She's climbing on everything, chairs, tables, the backs of the couch, even the baby gate. One day she did a swan dive off the ottoman and I thought she broke her neck. She's.so.wild. It makes me crazy, but I love her spirit.</div>
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She has expanded her vocabulary to include: elephant, woof woof, sad, doggy, frog, chair, book, hi, hot (which she says in a very serious voice like Mommy does), and probably some other words I'm forgetting.</div>
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She says, "Shh," and puts a finger to her mouth. Yesterday, she heard a dog outside and said, "Hi doggy! Woof woof!" That was the first time she has strung words together. Jon and I were freaking out with excitement.</div>
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Basically, she's still brilliant and adorable and becoming more so every day.</div>Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-66540209125335867842012-01-16T19:18:00.000-08:002012-01-16T19:18:36.511-08:00My reality<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I usually use this forum to gush about how cute and brilliant my kid is, but today, I have to get for real.</div>
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I didn't know how ABSOLUTELY contrived a lot of the things I write for facebook and this blog are until recently. I mean, yeah, I do think my kid is a freaking genius and pageant beautiful, but I'm definitely writing for an audience (all three of you, yes, I know). Writing with this thought in my mind: "Someone I know is reading this, I have to sound like my life is decent, that I'm healthy, that I'm witty (well, you know, as much as possible), that I HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER. </div>
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Yeah. I don't.</div>
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This past week, I fell so hard. All it takes for me to fall: a series of tiny, bad choices strung together. </div>
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I don't want to shame the people closest to me by going into public graphic detail (even though I had to do just that on a personal level), but I do want to admit this. I want to be real and say, 'MAN. I completely messed up.'</div>
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What led up to this series of bad choices that turned out to be not-so-tiny? I'm completely depressed. </div>
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IT SOUNDS SO UNGRATEFUL, but becoming a stay-at-home mom has been so hard for me. Every day seems like a cycle of endless tasks. I kept coming to this realization: this is really it. This is my life. I didn't even take a shower today. On top of this eternal inner dialogue, I have been sad about other family things and I stopped nursing Daphne (which could totally be a physiological reason for this all coming to a head), and it all just took its toll recently.</div>
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As a Christian, I felt like I couldn't admit this on a completely honest basis. I've definitely laughed to my friends and admitted that this transition has been hard, but I haven't even been completely honest with myself about how utterly defeated I feel daily. I'm supposed to be investing in my relationship with Christ, because ultimately, He is the ONLY thing that will fulfill me. But, I haven't been. I made a decision to 'feel better' instead of being better.</div>
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Starting back at the beginning with Jesus. How many times have I been here? When will I get this right? </div>
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A friend texted me last night and asked, "How are you?" I said, "Good," and asked her back. She said, "I'm thinking about cutting, and suicide, and using drugs again. I'm lonely, I'm depressed." </div>
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We had a real conversation then because she was brave enough to be real.</div>
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I don't know when I'll be better. I know the only way is through Jesus. I know that I'm abnormally attracted to sin, and that I will struggle with my addictions (all of them) on a minute by minute basis at this point. </div>
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And, I know I want to be real about it. </div>
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<br />Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-87933309008178155972011-12-15T18:27:00.000-08:002011-12-15T18:27:25.331-08:0015 months oldIt's been so long since I've posted, and it seems like every day I think, "I have to write that down!" Daphne is learning so much so quickly and it's so darn cute, I hope I can remember everything!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMlKqE1E0Vg/TuqnbYZs8mI/AAAAAAAAAYM/wsC0-gdfAe0/s1600/DSCN1425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMlKqE1E0Vg/TuqnbYZs8mI/AAAAAAAAAYM/wsC0-gdfAe0/s320/DSCN1425.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping through the night is going AWESOME! We haven't had any problems, really. Cute alert: Daphne learned how to take off her clothes, so sometimes when we come in to get her, she is missing some or all of them. She also turns her light switch on and off repeatedly, which is annoying, but hopefully safe?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJpDDjYxPLg/TuqrHgiT_PI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/-3486P4T6CU/s1600/317399_1978349078881_1847764658_1346895_2078200062_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJpDDjYxPLg/TuqrHgiT_PI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/-3486P4T6CU/s1600/317399_1978349078881_1847764658_1346895_2078200062_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving 2011 at Grandma Joan's house. This picture pretty much sums up the debauchery allowed at Grandma's house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYTw51YaEuQ/TuqnctzNMhI/AAAAAAAAAYU/GaOMpxYbQEI/s1600/DSCN1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYTw51YaEuQ/TuqnctzNMhI/AAAAAAAAAYU/GaOMpxYbQEI/s320/DSCN1426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is extremely rowdy, climbs onto the dining room chairs and onto the table, falls off and doesn't even cry. Well, most of the time. She learned how to use the DVD player and does so REPEATEDLY. I think that with one year olds, repeatedly is like the key word.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkwyuuxn8Rk/TuqnesDqrCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/93B_3uTqZkE/s1600/DSCN1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkwyuuxn8Rk/TuqnesDqrCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/93B_3uTqZkE/s320/DSCN1438.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She really wants to be like Mama. Well, like Mama and Daddy, really. She has started imitating us and the results are adorable, of course. She puts our shoes on (or clothes) and walks around. She uses her toy phone and makes very familiar hand gestures and tones of voice (ahem), and the other day, oh man, she even prayed like us. She was in her high chair and reached out for Jon's hand. I thought she just wanted his food, but she grabbed his hand and then reached for mine. She then bowed her head and started mumbling in a very serious voice. SO CUTE. We are always trying to get her to hold hands with us when we pray, but she has never done it. This time, she did it on her own!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNr9-ORPl0I/Tuqnf2t1xHI/AAAAAAAAAYs/bh9Es28fvVk/s1600/DSCN1448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNr9-ORPl0I/Tuqnf2t1xHI/AAAAAAAAAYs/bh9Es28fvVk/s320/DSCN1448.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(You can't really tell, but it was snowing for the first time this year.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4MN9udFsr0/TuqniOUs2XI/AAAAAAAAAY8/tjHb3sq9eew/s1600/DSCN1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4MN9udFsr0/TuqniOUs2XI/AAAAAAAAAY8/tjHb3sq9eew/s320/DSCN1465.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live Nativity at UMCH</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSyH9xSbFf8/Tuqn1L1cc1I/AAAAAAAAAZM/VzQ7bLZ5Lng/s1600/photoshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSyH9xSbFf8/Tuqn1L1cc1I/AAAAAAAAAZM/VzQ7bLZ5Lng/s320/photoshop.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can never take a picture with this child when we are both smiling and pretty. </td></tr>
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At fifteen months old, Daphne knows her eyes, ears, nose, mouth, head, hair, hands, feet, fingers, and toes. She knows what you are saying to her if you say, "Hey, can you hand Mommy that block right there? Can you put your toys in that box?" She totally does it! It amazes me because last year at this time, this is what she looked like and she couldn't even reach for things yet!<br />
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Now she can say words like moo, duck, chicken, frog, bath, ball, and that. For real. It's craziness. Well, maybe not, but to me it is.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yObavw5uKoI/TuqqrNxySBI/AAAAAAAAAZc/YxQDIBeM1MY/s1600/DSCN1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yObavw5uKoI/TuqqrNxySBI/AAAAAAAAAZc/YxQDIBeM1MY/s320/DSCN1398.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes she seems so big. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5D_HWahvzxA/TuqqsFq2vJI/AAAAAAAAAZk/eEitegCPKPM/s1600/DSCN1404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5D_HWahvzxA/TuqqsFq2vJI/AAAAAAAAAZk/eEitegCPKPM/s320/DSCN1404.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then I realize she's still pretty tiny.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a big girl...</td></tr>
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<br />Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-16473242284647690872011-11-11T18:08:00.001-08:002011-11-11T18:28:29.753-08:00Glam Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> I think it's because my favorite holidays are approaching, but I am feeling a sense of excitement that makes me want to be glamorous! Of course, I have a mom haircut, clothes that are covered in sticky handprints, and no where glamorous to be, but it's fun to pretend. On that note, these are my Glamorous Fill in the Blank Friday ... um.. blanks. Play along at <a href="http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/">Lauren's blog *the little things we do*.</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">1. <b> My
favorite new blog of the moment is </b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> I actually don't read a lot of blogs, but I've been checking out <a href="http://www.linnysvault.com/">Linny's Vault</a> lately and she makes me laugh a lot. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">2. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b> Something I am thankful for is </b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">how Daphne reacts when I pray with her. I just started really doing it because she just now has a bedtime routine, so I was surprised she had a reaction at all. She snuggles into my chest and is very quiet and still and when I say "Amen," she kisses me. Seriously? Couldn't be any cuter.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">3. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Something
that made me laugh this week was </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Daphne dancing while Jon fed her chocolate pudding. It was most definitely a happy dance</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">4. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b>An item that is currently on my
wish list is </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></u><u><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shi-Alfred-Sung-Women-Ounce/dp/B000C1Z19M">Shi by Alfred Sung.</a> I haven't worn it in years, but I love it and desperately wish I had some now</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></span></span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">5. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>I am excited
about</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I hope they don't disappoint </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> .</span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">6. <b>If I
were a color I would be </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> purply magenta with sparkles. Even with this mom haircut, I have a rockstar inside <span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">7. <b>My favorite way to spend a chilly
fall day is by </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> hiking in the woods with Jon<span style="color: #333333;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span>Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-38034442943324248452011-11-10T13:16:00.001-08:002011-11-10T13:31:03.573-08:00Praise Jesus! My baby is sleeping!<div style="text-align: center;">
A miracle has happened in our family: Daphne is sleeping through the night, on her own, NO CRYING. I mean no crying even when you lay her down. </div>
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This was a typical day for us: </div>
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Daphne goes to bed between 9 and 10:30. If I couldn't get her to sleep by nursing, she would have to come in my bed with me until I nursed her to sleep there.</div>
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Once she was asleep, I put her in her crib where she slept for about 3 to 5 hours. Then, I would have to go get her and let her lay with me. Sometimes, I would put her back in her crib after she fell back to sleep. Sometimes, she would sleep all night with me. </div>
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As far as naps? I just let her fall asleep whenever.</div>
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Here is a typical day now: </div>
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Daphne goes to bed at 7:30 without being nursed and doesn't cry! </div>
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She wakes up 11 to 12 hours later!</div>
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She naps precisely 3.5 hours after she wakes up and 3 hours again after that nap.</div>
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(She is still adjusting to not crying when she lays down for naps, but she never cries longer than 5 minutes).</div>
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How did this miraculous change take place? <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?pq=baby+sleep+solution&hl=en&sugexp=ppwl&cp=11&gs_id=34&xhr=t&q=the+sleepeasy+solution&qe=dGhlIHNsZWVwZWE&qesig=7Wx4sKmbhHz9UwoCZC11Gg&pkc=AFgZ2tmoL78ufqgBIzMWts_MEovlGX3JXkIZ7Xv8yHA3hzJbnD7QrKUoy90wR0jZBXhc2vfZrt6GD80KCCl8LO3QVB9jCUXI9Q&safe=active&client=firefox-a&hs=JGI&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1366&bih=552&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=966296907417411641&sa=X&ei=Uz68TqSWGq_gsQK_urzNCA&sqi=2&ved=0CFQQ8wIwAw">The Sleepeasy Solution.</a></div>
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I was skeptical. Daphne is 14 months old. I have tried to let her cry it out in the past, but I was a wreck. It didn't work for us AT.ALL. The methods described in the book do include allowing the baby to cry, so I had SO MUCH ANXIETY about the process. After I read the book, I was somewhat encouraged to attempt it anyway. I mean, we were tired around here, yo.</div>
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So, the first night? Daphne cried for exactly 31 painful minutes when I laid her down without nursing. Then? She slept her typical 4 hours and woke up and cried for about 5 minutes. She woke up a couple hours later and cried for 5 minutes. I let her cry, and she stayed in her crib the entire time.</div>
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The next night? I laid Daphne down. She cried for two minutes and then SLEPT FOR 12 HOURS WITHOUT CRYING ONCE.</div>
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Tonight will be night five, and she has not cried since the second night. She is consistently sleeping well. </div>
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It's amazing. </div>
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Of course, I highly recommend this book, however, every parent and child is different, and what works for us may not work for everyone. Also? I don't think I could have done this method when she was younger than 12 months. But, I am SO GLAD I finally did it now!</div>Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-62123741331457950062011-11-04T18:53:00.000-07:002011-11-04T18:53:37.325-07:00Got to get down on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am super thankful that our family has made it through October and into November and I have to say: We would not have done so without very, very generous and loving friends. I am COMPLETELY overwhelmed and humbled and grateful for the people who have blessed us so lovingly. You know who you are, friends. <3<br />
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On that note, I'm excited to fill out these blanks that <a href="http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/">Lauren at *the little things we do*</a> has prepared for this lovely Friday! Head over there (after you read mine, of course), and fill some out yourself. All the cool kids are doing it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">1. <b> My
favorite thing about this week was/is </b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> finding a new Alice Hoffman book at the library and devouring it in a few days. Love her. I was CRAZY excited when I saw it on the New Releases shelf. (Side note? There was a BRILLIANT two year old in the kid section who knew all her shapes including octagon.. When the mom told me she was two, I was tempted to tell her that Daphne was five months old so she would think my baby was precocious, too...)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">2. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> Colder weather makes me </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">happy and sad. I AM a contrarian, so of course, this is the case. I love the feelings associated with the weather: joy of the holidays, zeal for sledding and snowman building, romantic cuddling, etc. However, the reality is, it gets kind of scary in the winter around here. We live in a small apartment and it's like we're in the Shining sometimes.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">3. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Three things
that make me terribly happy as of late are </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> um. This shouldn't be so hard to answer. My lovely friends, the weather, and books definitely have made me happy as of late. There we go..</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">4. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>If I could only wear one kind of
shoe for the rest of my life, I'd choose</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> cute flats. In fact, I probably will wear them for the rest of my life </span></span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">5. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>My
personality type is</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> </b></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> I really don't know. I perceive myself to be impatient, quick-tempered, generous, out-going, and loving </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> .</span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">6. <b>I have a
serious problem resisting </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> American Horror Story. I keep telling myself it's too dark and disturbing to watch, but I KEEP watching it. I've just gotten over being able to be in the dark when Jon's not home since the last episode, but I KNOW I will watch it again..<span style="color: #333333;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">7. <b>My favorite color to wear is </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> peacock blue or most shades of dark purple. However, I really only wear black<span style="color: #333333;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span>Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-60348437119133826612011-11-04T18:37:00.000-07:002011-11-04T18:37:12.233-07:00Daphne Duck<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though Daphne didn't really understand that the best holiday ever was going on around her, I did my best to make sure she took part in some of the festivities. </div>
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We started Halloween weekend by carving pumpkins. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, yeah. We actually started by creating this haircut. Pumpkins followed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is pretty much how she looked the entire time: Skeptical.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She finally got into it, but did not like the gooshy stuff on her fingers.</td></tr>
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I WISH I had taken a picture of the finished products, and I have no idea how I forgot to do that, but suffice it to say they were the best pumpkins you've ever seen (particularly because you will never see them.)</div>
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Poor Jon had to work during Trick or Treat, so I got Daphne all dressed up and we hit the town. </div>
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Well, really we went to her Grandma Lil's, Aunt Sue's, Honorary grandparents' Tony and Debbie's, another HGP Cheri's, and my other friend Sherry's. She was given candy, but I made a sacrifice for her nutrition and teeth and promptly ate it for her.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She didn't mind a bit.</td></tr>
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We took her to the Kiddie Parade on Saturday, and that was fun. We saw her friend Ella in the parade and said hi, and Ella RAN over to us to hug Daphne. That was the highlight, I think. </div>
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In other Daphne news, she is becoming more cute and intelligent every day.</div>
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Example? She says, "HEY DOE," for "Hello." Cutest. Ever.</div>
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<br />Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-23842147161005849722011-11-04T18:19:00.000-07:002011-11-04T18:19:38.405-07:00Punkin' at the PatchMy memories are so tied to this time of year, and as a result, I feel such a strong sense of nostalgia and yearning to recreate past feelings associated with fall. So, taking Daphne to the Pumpkin Patch is one way I've tried to do that.<br />
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We didn't have time to take her last year, so this was her very first time. I'm glad we waited, because now that she is one, she had so much fun running around Marlow's, checking out the animals, riding the hayride, and especially playing on the playground.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loves her Daddy.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-30095531439735483842011-10-21T17:27:00.000-07:002011-10-21T17:27:34.027-07:00Look at my cute baby and ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J42VhMCW5hw/TqIJ0FsatDI/AAAAAAAAASE/P_zeshBwY3U/s1600/DSCN1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J42VhMCW5hw/TqIJ0FsatDI/AAAAAAAAASE/P_zeshBwY3U/s320/DSCN1347.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> Join the Fill in the Blank fun at <a href="http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/">Lauren's blog, 'the little things we do'!</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">1. <b> Nothing
says fall like </b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">brisk winds, hoodies, bonfires and beautiful leaves .</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">2. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> My favorite autumnal tradition is </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> the <a href="http://www.centraliail.com/fallfestival/">Centralia Halloween parade!</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> I love the entire day from the Chili Cook-off to the 2.5 hour parade! </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">3. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>My favorite
fall treat is</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">apple pie, apple tarts, apple cake, apple crisp... Give me apples over pumpkin any day </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> .</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">4. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Fall makes me think of</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">romance </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> because </b></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">hayrides and bonfires and pumpkin patches are meant for cuddling couples </span></span></span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> .</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">5. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Autumn free
form word association, go!</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">crisp, harvest, cinnamon, crunch.</span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">6. <b>My go-to
outfit in the fall is </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> similar to my outfits in the spring and summer, except I exchange flip-flops for shoes and socks. I wish I had super cute fall clothes, but I'm poor and have to make things work in every season<span style="color: #333333;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">7. <b>My favorite fall holiday is
(Halloween or Thanksgiving) </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> yikes! Tough call. I love the fun spirit of Halloween and the vibe that anything can happen, but I also love getting together with family and eating delicious food<span style="color: #333333;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span>Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-30545548693127094102011-10-19T18:44:00.000-07:002011-10-19T18:44:56.270-07:00Rampage Minor<div style="text-align: center;">
Our darling princess is really more like a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinton_Jackson">UFC fighter/ninja</a>, so she gets called by her new nickname quite frequently these days. In my life, I have never been around babies on a regular basis, and I admit, I thought they remained pretty small and stationary for a long time, but now I know I was wrong. Somehow, Jon and I have a baby who is not only precociously physically active but also dangerously clever when it comes to getting what she wants at all costs. </div>
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At fourteen months old now, Daphne weighs 21 lbs and instead of that consisting of sugar and spice, she seems to be made of springs and wires. Lately she has been climbing onto everything and has figured out how to scale the ottoman that previously prevented her from wreaking havoc in the kitchen. She's especially fond of climbing onto the couch to reach the light switch that is so incredibly exciting to turn off. Also, she does this a lot.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5fIbJwtj0wk/Tp95UJIHdwI/AAAAAAAAARE/k3E2oneNEo8/s1600/DSCN1257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5fIbJwtj0wk/Tp95UJIHdwI/AAAAAAAAARE/k3E2oneNEo8/s320/DSCN1257.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She can't just sit in it leisurely, oh no, she has use it for acrobatics.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKNPS9DDviE/Tp95VZrMzQI/AAAAAAAAARM/FJnqKdmqK4M/s1600/DSCN1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKNPS9DDviE/Tp95VZrMzQI/AAAAAAAAARM/FJnqKdmqK4M/s320/DSCN1283.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She uses it more than we do.</td></tr>
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She is nearly immune to the scrapes and bruises that result from her many tumbles and hardly ever cries. Once, she climbed the couch arm after I repeatedly told her not to and when she fell, she defiantly looked at me! However, just the other day, she fell hard on the bridge of her nose. It was awful. Even then, she hardly cried, but her nose was so swollen and bruised. The WEIRDEST part of this experience was that later during the day, RICE came out of her nose. Yes, you read that correctly. She had apparently shoved some rice up her nose a couple days earlier and the fall dislodged it. Yeah. That about sums her up right there.</div>
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She was fine, though, and her nose is healing nicely. However, this incident came just after she recovered from <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001963/">Roseola</a>. That was a scary few days when my baby looked like this.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YMrAd_FJ-bY/Tp95X-Bd7hI/AAAAAAAAARc/YruqlsaLb8I/s1600/DSCN1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YMrAd_FJ-bY/Tp95X-Bd7hI/AAAAAAAAARc/YruqlsaLb8I/s320/DSCN1323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy but rashy</td></tr>
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So, finally, she has recovered from both. To celebrate, she had a couch party with her friends.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-leiBO4zUNzo/Tp95ZCEnTKI/AAAAAAAAARk/mt0mqE80Uco/s1600/DSCN1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-leiBO4zUNzo/Tp95ZCEnTKI/AAAAAAAAARk/mt0mqE80Uco/s320/DSCN1336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some other fun Daphne updates:</div>
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She learned how to say "Uh oh!" and uses it appropriately. </div>
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She blows on her food (like I do) even when it's not hot.</div>
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She gives kisses to Jon and me and her dolls constantly.</div>
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She dances like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zfC_KHgmkI&feature=relmfu">Justin Timberlake</a> when she hears music ... and sometimes when there isn't any..</div>
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The other day, Jon was doing squats and she started doing them too.</div>
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As you can see, everything she does is brilliant, hilarious, and adorable.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4KzstJOt2I/Tp95WqtUOxI/AAAAAAAAARU/rYZycvwasy8/s1600/DSCN1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4KzstJOt2I/Tp95WqtUOxI/AAAAAAAAARU/rYZycvwasy8/s320/DSCN1319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See?</td></tr>
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<br />Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-6906824953726260362011-10-15T19:38:00.000-07:002011-10-15T19:38:32.052-07:00FriendshipsYesterday, on a <a href="http://lifeafterdaphne.blogspot.com/2011/10/getting-back-to-normal-with.html">FITBF</a>, there was a question about best friends. I admitted that I don't have one. I didn't know how much that bothered me until I thought about answering that question and then when a later commenter told me she was praying for me to get one, it kind of affected me more than I expected.<br />
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I look back on my life and there has always been a group of girls who enriched my life with their friendships. I was defined by them. I told them everything and they told me everything. We were sensitive to each other's peculiarities, kept secrets to the death, and never had a crush on the same boy. In high school, the range of friends widened and I had good friends and acquaintances from many social circles. Also in high school, I found out what having a real best friend was like.<br />
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It's strange to think back on, to try and define that friendship, particularly because it's been broken and I can only see it with nostalgic eyes. But, I remember being consumed by her. I wanted to dress like her, talk like she did, read the same books, listen to the same music, but I also wanted to be someone about whom she felt the same. Like girls in a movie, we traded clothes, talked on the phone for hours, gossiped relentlessly, and told each other how awesome we were daily.<br />
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We had inside jokes that either annoyed everyone else or no one even noticed because we only really cared what the other thought anyway. I could tell her everything, and I did, and I think she told me everything, too.<br />
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We stayed friends through college, though it was at a distance. In college, I met another circle of girls who I still absolutely love to this day. We have been through INSANITY together, and we know more about each other than probably anyone ever will. College is where you are most vulnerable, and those girls have my back (and vice versa) forever.<br />
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My best friend and I definitely didn't stay as close as we once were when we could walk to the other's house, but we were still close. Even after we graduated, we talked on the phone a couple times a week, we visited, we stayed connected and invested in each other. Looking back, I can say now that is what I thought, but now I'm not entirely sure.<br />
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During college and immediately after is the period of my life that I squandered with drugs and alcohol. Honestly? There are blank spots in my memories, periods of time that I can't quite place, even people that I don't recall. It was a very selfish, devastating, and unhealthy time, and I'm sure this is when my friendship started to shatter.<br />
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Here's the thing: I didn't know it at the time. I thought we were still forever friends.<br />
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When I got married at 26, my best friend was my maid of honor. It wasn't until the day of my wedding that I realized that I was wrong. She was distant and seemed offended by something, but I still don't know what. After my wedding, we talked a handful of times, but then she stopped answering when I called, and she never called me back.<br />
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It took me months to accept the truth, that we were over as best friends. I kept calling. I emailed. I tried to apologize, but I didn't know exactly what was wrong. I have agonized over this and grieved over the loss of her in my life for years.<br />
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I have created a list of reasons why I think she may have cut me from her life, and I have tried to think of how I could fix our relationship. I finally realized nothing would have made this better, or she would have just told me and we could have moved on from there.<br />
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When I was 23, I moved to a small town where everyone knew everyone and I had no reason to invest in anyone. I had acquaintances aplenty and I still had strong friendships with my college girls and my bestfriend. After I got married at 26, everyone started getting married and starting families, and we still love each other but the distance makes strong friendships difficult.<br />
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I made friends with some older ladies at my church, who I still love and we are still close, but I really yearned for friends going through similar experiences- being newlyweds, talking about starting a family, just peers who could relate.<br />
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At the same time, I definitely feared making those kinds of friendships. There is SO much insecurity involved with "finding" friends. Everyone seems cooler, prettier, more together or whatever and in this town, everyone already had lifelong friends anyway.<br />
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So, when one day I was invited to join a small group Bible study with a group of women in exactly my age group and circumstances, I was completely nervous and excited.<br />
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This turned out to be the greatest friendship experience of my life. We started meeting three years ago, and we have gone through so much together and have petitioned in prayer for each other in so many different ways. We definitely love each other in Christlike relationship free from gossip and drama.<br />
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Unfortunately, lately, it just seems like everyone is going her own direction. I totally understand this, I just regret it. I can't help but have some hurt feelings when I find out other girls are getting together without me or when I call someone all the time and no one is really calling me. I've been vulnerable with these girls and I feel like I have invested so much, and now, it seems like we've gone back to being surface friends.<br />
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Friendships are so hard. I can't tell who really wants me to invest anymore. I can't tell if I'm calling too much or what. I know that I need real friendships and I'm willing to reach out again and again, but I'm really afraid to get hurt, too.<br />
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I've been in prayer about this a lot. I feel like God is telling me to reach out to other people who feel the same way. So, I have been investing in other people's lives more, girls who don't have strong friendships and who also want to feel that bond. It's hard starting over with new people, but I know from experience that friendships are worth the time and effort and awkwardness.Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-10421611745511690522011-10-14T18:43:00.000-07:002011-10-14T18:44:00.451-07:00Getting back to normal with a ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkadLaj5J4k/TpjhP2VWT9I/AAAAAAAAAQs/bvP39h7YNQU/s1600/pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkadLaj5J4k/TpjhP2VWT9I/AAAAAAAAAQs/bvP39h7YNQU/s320/pumpkins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Things are getting back to normal around our house as Daphne is starting to feel better! So, back to being more positive withhhhhh <a href="http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/2011/10/fill-in-blank-friday_13.html">Fill in the Blank Friday</a>! Play along at <a href="http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/2011/10/fill-in-blank-friday_13.html">Lauren</a>'s blog!</div>
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">1. <b> The
most selfless thing I've ever done was </b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> breastfeeding. Nursing my baby has, at times, been all-consuming, painful, tiring, draining (no pun intended), and inconvenient. Of course, it is also the most perfect nutrition for Daphne and it has led to hours of bonding and has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">2. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> When it comes to working out </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I actually love it, but I have a million excuses that keep me from doing it</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">3. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>A woman
should always</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> </b></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">use the sensitivity that God gave us to be more aware of how we can better help others</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> .</b></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">4. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>I wish I could</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> train for a marathon </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> and then
I'd </b></span><u><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span>feel amazing about myself </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> .</b></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">5. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>A best
friend is</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">hard to find. It seems like I have lots of acquaintances and friends who I love, but lately it seems like everyone is wrapped up in their own lives and it's getting harder and harder to get together. I genuinely wish I had a best friend. I used to, and I miss being able to just be myself with her.</span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">6. <b>I can't
get enough of </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> OMG Make It or Break It. Lately, I have been obsessed with this show. It combines two of my loves: gymnastics and dramatic soap opera type shows!<span style="color: #333333;"><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">7. <b>This weekend I am </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> going to the pumpkin patch with Daphne for the first time!</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I can't wait to spend time with Jon and our baby who is finally healthy again. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-24648119876265343592011-10-12T11:12:00.000-07:002011-10-12T11:12:41.320-07:00Today<div style="text-align: center;">
This happened.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We took Daphne to the doctor who said, yes, she does have a virus and it is contagious.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a result, I cannot babysit any children this week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a result, we cannot buy groceries this week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A friend, who was unaware of this situation, gave me $50 because she felt God wanted her to.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Praise the Lord!</div>Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-4399977144738277572011-10-11T19:03:00.000-07:002011-10-11T19:03:15.523-07:00Calm during chaos<div style="text-align: center;">
Jon and I are in a season where our faith and our resolve is being tested.<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}">Yet he did not waver through unbelief
regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave
glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he
had promised. Romans 4:20-21</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}">When I quit my job, we knew that our finances would dwindle<i>. </i>We've been here before, when we first got married. We know what it's like to cut every non-essential item from our budget. We're here again, and God has provided for us. Every month since I've not received a paycheck, we have been able to pay our bills and buy groceries and gas. We were making it!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}">This weekend, Jon got into a very minor car accident that was legally his fault but really he could not have avoided. Everyone was fine and the other car was in good shape, but our car was smashed. On top of the $500 insurance deductible, we also have to pay his $120 ticket.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span><i><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}">To many of my friends, this would feel like an inconvenience. Maybe they would have to scale back on not going out to dinner so often or maybe they would wait to buy the boots they've had their eye on. Unfortunately, for us, it means that's it. We finally can't make it. We are in over our heads with no financial hope in sight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}">Now, we know we have hope in Jesus. In fact, He's the only thing keeping us sane. I believe in all my heart that He delights to help His inheritors, His beloved, and I truly believe that this is something that He wants to help us through. I know that it's in these seasons, these valleys, that we have to turn to Him and BELIEVE that what He says is true. We will wait on Him, we will trust Him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}">On top of the car issue this weekend, my baby is sick. I don't know what's going on with her. She is definitely not herself. Her eyes are half-closed most of the time, she's had a fever on and off for the past three days, and she CANNOT find contentment anywhere but in my arms. She would've crawled back into my womb, if it was possible.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}">Again, I know that I just have to trust. God loves Daphne even more than I do, and He will bring her through this. </span></div>
<br />Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-78853357350142190482011-09-29T17:39:00.000-07:002011-09-29T17:39:53.563-07:00UghinspiredThat is an annoying combination of 'ugh' and 'uninspired.'<br />
<br />
It's ugly.<br />
<br />
There is something wrong with my head right now. Mainly, I'm discontent. Recently, my bffs for life and I did a Bible study entirely on contentment, so I've got the tools, but for some reason? It's unattainable right now. Which, from what I've learned, is totally by choice.<br />
<br />
See, I could choose to be content. But, I don't. It's the same as this: I could choose not to eat ice cream EVERY SINGLE DAY. But, I don't. (I'm calcium deficient. Don't judge me).<br />
<br />
This discontentment creates several problems for me: a poor attitude, a monotonous daily schedule of doom, and a hopeless outlook on the future. Major bummer.<br />
<br />
So, inspiration? Laughable. I can barely get through my task list let alone do any extras like 'play with Daphne' or 'be creative on my blog.' (Well, I'm joking on that first one. I only ignore her like 15% of the day).<br />
<br />
But, I know me. And, if I don't write something, I will completely give up on my blog (because it's not PERFECT and for some reason, I've convinced myself that means it's worthless). So, even if I think my blog is crappy, I do still hold fast to the reasons I started writing here.<br />
<br />
I NEED a creative outlet and I want to document my daughter's early life because I already forget so much.<br />
<br />
Here's what I can remember right now:<br />
<br />
She copies Jon and me all the time. He rubs his head, she rubs hers (and laughs hysterically).<br />
<br />
She started calling her dad Jon. Yeah, he hates it. He gets a slight hysterical twinge in his voice when he says, "No! I'm Dada! Daddy!" He looks at my frantically and says, "Don't even call me by my name, call me Daddy so she gets it!" It makes me laugh so much that I continually call him Jon. Heh.<br />
<br />
She fed her dolly some cereal the other day without any prompting. Freaking the cutest.<br />
<br />
She is a tank. She runs into tables, falls off furniture, does somersaults and crashes and never cries.<br />
<br />
She has 12 teeth right now. Craziness.<br />
<br />
She points to everything and says, "That." or at least that's what I think she's saying. As in, "What's that?" This leads to a a lot of grocery store stares. "That's frozen pizza. Those are peaches. That's toilet cleaner." I'm trying to increase her vocabulary, people.<br />
<br />
She loves her sock monkey and calls it MoMo. She constantly brings it to either Jon or me so we will make him talk to her in a silly voice.<br />
<br />
She still doesn't sleep through the night. Any suggestions? I'm pretty tired, yo.<br />
<br />
If you ask her to tell you where her eyes, ears, nose or any other body part is? She will point to her belly button. Every.Time. and say, "Bey but."<br />
<br />
We have a lot of fun in the 85% of the time that I'm not ignoring her. Probably soon I'll get used to being poor and bored, and then the contentment will ease in. I mean, she is really darn cute, so that should help.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ezRG78vOMo/ToUPSfiwE9I/AAAAAAAAAQo/4XnnJFn5o6I/s1600/IMG_9653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ezRG78vOMo/ToUPSfiwE9I/AAAAAAAAAQo/4XnnJFn5o6I/s320/IMG_9653.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376090321138311479.post-33666793110599386692011-09-16T20:10:00.000-07:002011-09-16T20:10:18.219-07:00Friday, ya'll!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4R0e56Y8gyc/TnQNPNxRFnI/AAAAAAAAAQk/7dKCyYuYGAE/s1600/montreal-canada-image-foliage-fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4R0e56Y8gyc/TnQNPNxRFnI/AAAAAAAAAQk/7dKCyYuYGAE/s320/montreal-canada-image-foliage-fall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> Thanks again to <a href="http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/">Lauren at *the little things we do* </a>for coming up with these fun posts! I hope everyone has a spectacular weekend!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">1. <b> You
should always take time to </b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> fix your hair. It sounds shallow, but I know I always feel better about facing the world when I've even just blow-dried mine</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> .</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">2. <u>Kittens and puppies</u></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> make(s) the world a happier
place to be.</b></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">3. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>I can hardly
wait for</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">the day when I sleep eight hours straight. Surely Daphne will sleep through the night at some point in the near future, right?!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">4. </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Monday </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> is my
favorite day of the week. </b><u>Because of Jon's schedule, Monday is like our Saturday.</u></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">5. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Something
totally dumb and ridiculous that I love is</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">television. It's sad but true.</span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">6. <b>If I
could, I would </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> help a lot more people fix all their problems<span style="color: #333333;"><span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">7. <b>I rather like </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLYxeJjxc8s" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">this episode of My Drunk Kitchen</a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">, but the language is totally inappropriate, just to warn ya</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">. Still? Pretty funny.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07354552349986466829noreply@blogger.com1