Afternoon Adventure

Hello,
Well, Siobhan, Aibha, Maddie and I took a metro ride into DC this afternoon to watch Macy's unveil their Christmas windows and really kick off the holiday season. It was great. First, we thought we'd arrived late, only to find that the newspaper had been a half an hour early about the time-so we were right on time. We had a great view of a couple of windows, plus the man on stilts, the helpful elves that passed balloons out and the highschool dance team. Quickly, I need to say here, that while the dancers were trying very hard, they danced very sexy considering the environment and also their age. I was sort of thinking this and then I turned to Siobhan and she had the best way to sum it up. She said "It's like dirty dancing gone strange." And that's my favorite quote of the day. It was a very celebratory atmosphere. Santa stopped by to welcome us, a band played and the windows were exposed for all to see. They were beautiful and reminded me of Macy's Union Square windows last year when I saw them before Elisabeth's wedding. After the windows were shown, we went inside to have hot apple cider and cookies. The girl's seemed to really like it. It was entertaining and Siobhan and I both felt like we were being good mom's and taking them to create a memory-that we will probably only remember. The photo collage above tells the whole story. The last 4 pictures are of Maddie (but not from today) riding a train in the mall last week, her and Aibha shopping (which they seem to do a lot lately), Maddie hiding from me (can you find her? :) and Maddie with her warm, bunny hat. It was a great time and worth the effort! Now it's time for tea and bed.

Still here...

Sorry that it seems like I haven't been as on top of my blogging lately as I used to be. There's a lot going on around here. Maddie is super busy and doesn't really appreciate when I'm online and not paying attention to her. So, I usually have to blog once she's down for a nap and lately during those naps, I've felt selfish with my "me time." As a stay-at-home-mom, the "me time" thing is so coveted; you tend to day dream about it during your child's awake hours :) It's necessary for the sanity factor and often I want to read, take a long shower, make tea and something to eat-and just be unplugged. In order to be unplugged and really enjoy my time, it has put the blogging on the back burner. But, I'm still here. And, as most of you know, I still have plenty to say. I will post newer pic's of Maddie soon, but I'm in the market for a new camera (a high-tech, fancy one) for a new venture I'm pursuing. Only a handful of people know what I mean, but I'm still working on it and then I'll post about it. I know, the suspense is killing you. Let's just say it has to do with photo's and dogs (shocker). Leave it at that.
So, Thanksgiving is upon us and it really is a time to reflect on all that you're thankful for. To be honest, I really try to remember often all that I'm thankful for and not just leave it for one turkey-stuffing-cranberry day a year. This year I'm thankful for:

• the church I've found (very comfortable fit for me)
  
• family (all types-not just the ones related by blood)
• patience (I've used up more this year than I even thought I had)
• books (a private other world that you can get to through quiet)
• cinnamon sugar cookies and tea (the BEST afternoon and evening treat)

There's so much more, but this is what I felt like sharing now. It's a funny thing with blogging; when you're sitting here typing these words, you feel like you can be as open as you want, but if you let your mind really think about it, you become more restrained in what you say. Strange. Hey, if you read this and you're going to comment-tell us a few things you're thankful for.

I normally wouldn't complain, but...

I did. I meant to blog about this yesterday, but time got away from me. Plus, Gabe came home early and I didn't want to waste that time blogging. So, yesterday, Maddie and I stopped at the grocery store, Giant, in Hayfield on our way home from Gymboree. It's on the way home and I normally don't like Giant (the one near our house is pretty ghetto), but this one is actually nice and Gabe and I have been there several times before. The checkers are usually really nice and helpful and the store is clean and well stocked. Well, yesterday was a different story. Maddie and I had finished our shopping and picked lane 5 to pay for our groceries. We were 2nd in line and I kept reminding myself that I want to ask for paper bags (I have to remind myself to ask for this, as well as if I have any coupons because often I get caught up with the baby, or finding my wallet, and I forget). So, it was my turn, and the woman was ringing me up (strange saying) and halfway through, I realized I forgot to say "paper please." I want to note here that there used to be a time when you, as the customer, were asked "paper or plastic?" Remember that? Now, it's just assumed that you want plastic, even though the facts are that it takes about 500 years for that bag to disintegrate at a landfill. Don't get me wrong. I, too, have plenty of plastic bags-they are very useful for poopy diapers :) Anyways, I tell the woman "Oh, I'm sorry . I meant to ask for paper bags. You don't have to re-bag the items already in plastic, but could you please bag the rest in paper bags?" If looks could kill. This woman was sooooooooooooooooooooo put out by the fact that I dare ask for paper bags! This really pissed me off because isn't my choice? She acted like I had totally put her out and she continued to not only ignore me when I thanked her, but she bagged my groceries the way Maddie would do it; not in any sort of order and without thought to how heavy they were. She basically threw my groceries into the bags (including dropping my apples). It left me with a TERRIBLE taste in my mouth and as I drove home I debated calling the manager of the store. I thought to myself, "she's just having a bad day." But then I decided, "that's not my problem." So, when we got home and I put Maddie down for her nap, I called the manager. He was pleasant and listened to what I said. He said he'd take care of it and I did feel better. Whether he talks to her or not-I did feel better because the level of service in many industries is terrible and I think I'm sort of done dealing with that. Especially in the name of the environment. It got me thinking that there should really be a way for grocery stores and stores like Target, to promote paper bags instead. I know many are thinking that this takes trees, but if you reuse or recycle the paper bags then it's a win-win situation. I encourage you all to ask for paper from now on. At some stores it's a little less convenient because they don't have the paper bags with handles-but it's worth it. Or, better yet, bring your own reusable bags. They sell them at almost all stores for like $.99. That's my rant/opinion for the day. Discuss amongst yourselves...

Monday

Hello,
Sorry that I haven't blogged in a while! I tried to upload a video of Maddie wearing her new coat on Friday (see picture), but I got frustrated with our internet. We've been having problems. I even had the Geek Squad people out here last week and yet starting again last night, it's not working properly. I'm able to be online now via our wireless card, but it's much slower than our DSL-so another phone call to Verizon is in store. So, it's Monday and it's raining and pretty cold. It's 46 degrees here, but it's nice. I love the rain. Siobhan, Aibha, Maddie and I are supposed to walk this morning-which will be fun because we haven't seen them in a week :) Later, I'm having an eye exam because I'm having trouble seeing clearly. I feel like a lot of things are hazy; so we'll see. I need new glasses anyways. Gabe will be home early to watch the baby-so I'll have a break. I never thought I'd look at a visit to the optometrist as a "break." Funny.
This week isn't too busy. We'll have Gymboree, our neighbors (Sean and Rita) over for dinner on Thursday and depending on weather, Maddie and I may visit a museum this week. The National Gallery of Art has an Edward Hopper exhibit that I really want to see. The last time Maddie and I went to look at art, she wasn't a walker. We shall see how she does. I'm watching the news and the oil spill in SF Bay is a nightmare! I can't believe that happened. It's hard to watch them clean the birds and they showed air footage of the sea lions that live in the bay. Very sad. Oh, and I'm reading a really good book. It's called "The Rest of Her Life" by Laura Moriarty. Very good. It just came out, so it's hardback. She wrote the book "The Center of Everything" which I really liked and this is her second book. Maddie is getting into drawers in the dog's closet-so I gotta go :)

Much Better and feeling "Green"

We woke up (albeit quite early) and are feeling much better! Yeah! We needed to feel better today because it was starting to become depressing. You know that feeling? When you've been couped up in the house, sick and just dying to get out and do something. Well, we were at that point yesterday and then last night when Gabe and I were hanging out after the baby went to sleep, I realized that I was feeling good enough to joke around. That feeling is awesome. When you know you're coming out of the sickness. I'm happy to feel better. Plus, Maddie is also feeling better and that makes life a lot easier. Sick babies are no fun. So, today is Gymboree and we're going. I might be a Purel fanatic because I have a sinking suspicion that we got sick from Gymbo last Tuesday. But, we need to get out and do something-so we're going! I'm waiting for a guy from the Geek Squad to come out to the house this morning to check our Internet. It's been not working since a few weeks ago-but since we have a wireless card, we've been using that to get online. So, we'll see what this guy can do. Tomorrow we have our flu shots. Yuck. I've never had one and neither has Gabe and neither has Maddie; so it should be an experience. I talked to Alexa last night and she said she's gotten the flu shot for many years and never feels bad afterwards-so that's promising. I think older people don't feel well after the shot; so I'm expecting us to be fine. Gabe leaves at the crack of dawn on Friday morning for a dog show a few hours away. It's for one night and Maddie and I had planned to go, but then I got to thinking that I don't feel like packing and getting all ready just for one night. It's too much to do, plus in a hotel, she sleeps in our room and that is very difficult with her being such a light sleeper; we need our space. So, her and I and the dogs will be here and Gabe will go.
We're getting into Thanksgiving mode. We'll be over at Gabe's parents' house for it and I think it's just us, them and his sister Janie. Nice and mellow-which I like. No traveling-which I like also :) Gabe called and ordered our turkey the other day-free range and organic (Mom, you're proud) but not a Willie Bird. We got something local (Mom, you're proud again). When I was just home visiting, my mom talked about being a seasonal eater. Basically, you only buy/eat produce that's in season for the region in which you live-for example, you don't buy strawberries right now because they're out of season in North America. They're imported from other countries and I think the thinking is that we don't really know what pesticides/regulations there are on foods from other countries-so it's just safer to not eat them. Plus, getting produce from your local farmers market, ensures that you know the food source (which definitely is safer). I like this way of thinking. It matches all of our "green" light bulbs. (change your light bulbs people-it's worth it and it's easy to do)

Still Sick :(

It's Sunday and we're watching 60 minutes (more depressing news about why we're at war). Anyways, we're still sick and I'm going to try and take her to the dr. tomorrow. I'm not well at all. I've had a headache for 3 days and also some nausea. Not fun. Gabe thinks he's coming down with it now...We shall see how the week goes. I'll keep you posted.

Sick Morning :(

Hello,
Well, let's see. This morning has not been great. Since Maddie woke up and drank her bottle, she's been throwing up! I mean, real throw up. Not baby spit up. It's a nightmare. She is sick. I called the doctor since this is one of the first times she's actually been sick and they said if she can't even keep water down by noon, then I have to bring her in. Well, she kept a little water down and now she's having her morning nap, so we'll see. To top it off, we are scheduled to have our flu shots tomorrow :( The doctor said that if she's still throwing up later, then she shouldn't have her flu shot tomorrow. So, hopefully she's ok and we can just get that shot over with. Not looking forward to it. Plus, Gabe and I are both getting the shot also. Never had one before, but it's highly recommended, so we're doing it. I'll keep you updated.

Halloween

Hello,
Well, Trick-or-Treating was successful. We had a blast. Siobhan, Greg, Aibha and Siobhan's sister Klina joined Maddie, Gabe, Sandy and I. We went to the houses across the street from Gabe's parents' house and it was the perfect neighborhood to be in. Lot's of kids and friendly people. Aibha really knew how it worked. She'd knock, say "trick-or-treat" and grab 2 treats-one for her and one for Maddie. It was really cute. She was dressed as a lady bug and Maddie was a pumpkin. Yesterday Maddie and I went to the library and checked out some books. They had a play room with books for her age in it, plus puzzles to do also. It was fun and probably going to become a weekly trip! She's still off with the time change from California time, but today I'm making an effort to try and get us both back on the right schedule. So far, so good. Tonight is The Office and I'm excited to see it. It's November-can you believe it?

We're Back!

Good Morning,
We made it home safely last night and this morning we are very off from the time change. Maddie is still sleeping and it's almost 8:30am (which has never happened before). We will take it easy today and hopefully make it to Gymbo. I need to upload the pic's of the trip and then I'll put them up on the blog. If you're wondering about the flight, it was stressful. Gabe and I tried to keep a good attitude and Maddie wasn't being bad, she was just really frustrated and at a certain point, just really sick of being on a plane (I can't blame her, I was feeling the same way). We are already worried about our flight at Christmas-but what can you do? More to come later...

Gabe is on his way :)

Hello All,
We are having a great time. I just got done baking the Elmo cake for her party on Sat. I'm going to frost it in a day or so, but so far so good. The cake is chocolate and looks pretty cute. Went out to lunch at my favorite sushi restaurant here today and my sister's good friend AZ was our waitress. Small town. Maddie did not have sushi-she ate grapes, cheese and some pasta we brought from home. They seated us in front of the aquarium and she loved looking at the fish. My mom and I are taking her to a park this afternoon. I'll take lots of pic's. I just tracked Gabe's flight and he's flying over Wyoming right now. Only 2 and a half hours til he lands. Can't wait.
So, we're having a blast, and feeling that it will be very hard for me to leave California this time...

Day 5

Good Morning,
Maddie and I made it as you can see and we finally adjusted to the time change :) Yeah. We've been pretty busy since we got here, but today is going to be more like normal, with errands to run and food to eat. I've taken some pic's here, and I will try to upload them soon. We're busy today getting party things together for her birthday party on Saturday-Elmo themed. Alexa sent me the pic's from Maddie's 1st party in Virginia, so if you'd like to see them, then click on the link below. Have a great Tuesday...

http://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q63/newstart20/Maddie%20Birthday/

California or Bust!

Well, it's about time for me to go to bed because I'm getting up at 3am! Our flight leaves at 6:30am out of Dulles and I want to leave plenty of time. This time tomorrow night, I'll be in CA. So excited, but nervous about flying with Ms. Squirmy Pants. Think of me early in the morning as I'm making my way across the country. And if you pray, pray for us :) I'll blog and hopefully post pic's of our trip as it's happening. See ya in 10 days VA...

Clothes, Books and Rocking Horses-Oh My...

Hello,
Maddie had her birthday party on Saturday and I think I've finally recovered :) It was A LOT of work-but Gabe and I really wanted to make it special-even though she'll never remember it! WE had about 20 people here in our small living room, but it was a blast. Maddie was napping as people were arriving, but she woke in time for her daddy's excellent BBQ chicken and baked mac & cheese (made from scratch). I made her 2 butterfly cakes (1 of which is still in the kitchen). I forgot to take a picture of the one we all ate, so the picture you see is of the 2nd cake. They turned out really well-I was determined. We opened presents and Maddie got a lot of warm clothes (we really needed), some toys, a book and a very special rocking horse named Velvet from her Aunt Janie and Aunt Patrice. She likes to pet his mane and she likes to ride him, but she needs help because her feet can't touch the ground yet! Tucker was pretty interested in Velvet too...I think he thinks we got another dog :) We tried to put her party hat on her, but she really hates to wear things on her head. Also, other people took pic's because I was so busy, so the pictures I have are few. Alexa is supposed to send me the ones she got online soon and then I'll post those.
We leave for California in 4 days and I'm excited, but also a bit nervous for the flight. We leave really early in the morning, so I'm hoping she feels tired and can rest. She has her new car seat now (thanks Nonni) and she'll be able to ride facing forward on the plane, so hopefully I can keep her occupied :) Gabe will meet us there about 6 days after we leave and then fly back home with us on the 29th. Just in time for Halloween. Maddie's costume came in the mail the other day and it's so cute. She's going to be a pumpkin (but the costume is a silky material) and it's really nice. I'm excited for her to dress up. I think that night we will be trick-or-treating with Siobhan, Aibha and Greg. Aibha will be a ladybug this year. I'm sure we'll have lot's of pictures from that.
So, we have a busy week ahead of us. Lot's to do to get ready to leave and I even want to try and fit in a pumpkin patch excursion :)

Big Scare :(

Hello All,
I'll start by telling you that Maddie is fine, but yesterday we did have a big scare. Gabe's Mom, Sandy, and I took Maddie to her 1 year appointment for a check-up and shots. Well, I already knew it would be a hard day because it's really hard to see and hear your baby cry (especially when they cry like that). The check-up was great. Maddie is now 18lbs 9oz, and 28" long. She's still in the 10th percentile (she's miniature). But, she's met every milestone and has even exceeded some, so the doctor was pleased. At her 1 year appt. she is supposed to have her finger pricked for the first time to look at her blood. That was pretty terrible. She flipped out and hated the woman who was doing it. So, the visit was over and we left and went on with our day.
Maddie and I were shopping for her new car seat when I got the call. It was the doctor from the morning saying that the number for Maddie's white blood cell count was really low and she needed us to come back so they could take her blood again and re-check it. Okay, "breathe" I thought. I seriously had a moment where it felt like a dream/nightmare; "this isn't happening." I asked her what "low white blood cells could mean", and she said "the first thing is to retest, and if that produces the same results then we need to find out why her bone marrow isn't making enough white blood cells." I told the doctor I would rush there with Maddie and I called Gabe to leave work and meet me.
The drive to the doctor was unlike anything I've ever felt. The worst ran through my head-"does she have cancer? is it because I've heated her bottles in the microwave? how will I be able to handle this?" I started to cry and pray "please let her be okay...she needs to be okay...please let her be okay...she has to be okay..." I felt like I was going to throw up and to be honest have NEVER been so scared in my whole life. She's so healthy and watching her get shots that morning had been incredibly stressful; I couldn't imagine watching a child go through any kind of medical treatment for a disease.
Maddie and I got to the doctor's quickly and they saw us right away. The doctor kept saying she was sorry to worry me and that Maddie seems so healthy, so it's probably nothing, but we need to retest to be sure. So, off we went to get her finger pricked again. That was a nightmare. As soon as Maddie saw the woman who pricked her finger earlier, she started to scream. She already knew what was going to happen. They took the blood and Maddie and I waited in the waiting room for the results and for Gabe. Gabe got there, and we waited for 15 minutes while Maddie played with another baby who shared her birthday. We made small talk with other parents, but I couldn't get my mind off of the results we were waiting for. I continued to pray in my head "she has to be okay..."
The doctor came out of the lab room and she gave us the thumbs up! "thank you, Lord," was my first thought. She came and told us that the number was totally normal and that it must have been a lab problem (like her blood clotted too soon in the tube before it was tested). She said the number is exactly what it should be and there's no need to retest in the future or follow up with anything. She's completely healthy.
I think facing that yesterday should remind us of several realities. I think we all take our health and the health of our children for granted, that life is truly fragile, and that the outcome of things is out of our hands. I'm so thankful today that she is a healthy little girl.

Pictures from last night's celebration...

Hello All, sorry no video from last night because we used our video camera instead and I think that's too long to upload, but I can take a look later. We went to Sandy and Carlos' last night for dinner, presents, a bath, and cake. It was fun. She liked looking at the candle when it was lit, and then she went straight for those raspberries; in fact, she ate them all! She liked them better than the cake itself :) What can I say, she loves fruit... We are getting ready right now to go to the Pediatrician's office for her shots :( It's scheduled around the time she get's tired, so I'm hoping she falls asleep on the ride home and wakes up happy so that we can go to Open Gym and see Aibha and Siobhan. We have lots to do to get ready for her party on Saturday, so I'm sure that will fill our next 2 days. Have a great Thursday!

Madeline is 1 Today

Maddie & Mommy 6:00am (just woke up!)

Good Morning to Everyone! Well, it's finally here. Maddie turned 1 this morning at 2:16am. Wow, how fast a year has flown by. I have to admit that last night I was SUPER emotional about today. I remember being in the hospital like it was yesterday and I'm sure I'll say that every time she has a birthday, even when she's turning 30 :) I was crying last night because I was feeling like she's no longer a baby-sort of like grieving her babyhood. I called my mom and she reminded me that even though Maddie is 1 now, she still needs me for a lot and has a lot of growing up to do. But, it's that whole blink of an eye thing that keeps getting me. We are only here for such a short time in the grand scheme of things. It's hard to see it fly by so quickly because it reminds me that as she gets older, I too am getting older. I mean, I have wanted to be a mom ALL my life, and the fact that I'm living that right now is wonderful, amazing, hard at times, etc. I guess I'm feeling like her and I were made for each other and what happens when she's grown up? I know, I know, you're thinking, "Sarah, she's only 1; get a grip." Well, here she is. This little person I had a part in creating. It's pretty amazing to have her in our lives and it's also hard to remember a life without her. I really believe that she is the best thing that's ever happened to me; without a doubt. She fills my days, makes me laugh, brightens my world, reduces me to tears and pushes my buttons.
For those of you that love her, thank you. Thank you for caring about her-I couldn't ask for anything more.
Happy 1st Birthday, Madeline Elisabeth...It's going to be a great year.

The Weekend is here...

Good Friday Morning to you! I'm here at the computer while Maddie is upstairs trying to fall asleep for her morning nap-wait, there's silence :) I think she fell asleep (yeah). We had a busy week. We've taken walks, been to Target (a million times), went to the grocery store, played at Gymboree twice, walked around the mall with Siobhan and Aibha, picked up my wedding ring (so pretty and now the wedding band is soldered to the engagement ring-much better), talked on the phone to Grammy Sandy in the hospital, went to doctor and discovered I have strep-throat, had sofa and chair steam cleaned, and many other things I'm sure I'm forgetting. In case you're reading this and don't know, Gabe's mom, Sandy, had knee replacement surgery on Wednesday and she gets out of the hospital today (finger's crossed). It went well, and she's there recovering, but they have her on a lot of drugs, so she's feeling pretty out of it. Gabe's been going to see her each day, but because I have strep and the baby isn't 12 years old (rules at the hospital) we aren't allowed to go see her. We plan to see her at the house tomorrow and keep her company for a while. Gabe's been really busy at work. Early mornings and later evenings than we're used to. Tomorrow he'll work and I need to figure out a cake recipe for Maddie's b-day next week. Cannot believe she's almost one. I'm going to save the sappy stuff for her actual day, but I've been going over it in my head. Sunday, Gabe is off to the Redskins game with his buddy Alex. Maddie and I are on our own. We are probably going to see Alexa and Ella once we decide what we want to do together. So, not much going on for us. We'll be around. There's only 5 days til' her birthday, and only 14 days til' we're back in California!!!!

Bathtime (Click play to watch)

Short Video

Only 8 days til' she's ONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chilli, Cookies and Cornbread

Good Morning,
It's Monday and Maddie has decided to sleep in a bit (Yeah). It's 7:22am and not a peep, yet... Saturday was nice. Gabe was gone the whole day (sad)-he had to work and then to dog show and then back to work to bathe the show dog, and then home. Maddie and I got up early and went to the Farmer's Market in Old Town. We bought one large tomato, two apples, a loaf of sandwich bread, a mini blueberry bread, and a basket of brussel sprouts. I know, none of the items seem to go together, but that's sort of how the farmer's market is. Plus, it was fun to see how the selections have changed now that it's supposedly fall here. I say supposedly because even though the calendar says it's fall, sometimes the temperature says summer. Anyways, Maddie and I came home and hung out and then went on a nice long walk in the afternoon. It was a nice day. On Sunday, I woke up early and went to church. It was a good service and once again I was thankful that I could get there. I say that because often on Sundays, something will come up that will make it impossible for me to get to church-dog show, out of town, etc. I decided later in the day to make chili. I made it in the slow cooker and also made some cornbread to go along with it. Then I still had time and Maddie was napping and Gabe wasn't home, so I decided to make Halloween sugar cookies-and then decorate them with frosting and sprinkles. We took the food over to Gabe's parents house and fed everyone and they were saying that I had been "very domestic" that day. I said, "yeah, that and I was trying to fill my day..." Have a great week!