Time To Reflect

I don't normally blog during Zoey's nap (I tend to prefer the late night or wee morning hours, when I should be getting sleep), but I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on something that happened this morning.

Due to the insane way that Facebook makes everyone's worlds collide, all on one computer screen, right at our fingertips, I was able to see a stranger's FB post. Because this stranger and I share a mutual friend, and that mutual friend made a comment on the post, BOOM, there it was, on my Newsfeed. (Kind of ridiculous, but what can we do?). Anyway, the post was asking for prayers, as someone in their family is struggling with infertility and is at risk of losing the babies they fought so hard to conceive. After reading the initial post, I then followed the trail that was laid out for me (in the form of a link), and found myself on the parents' blog, reading their recent post about their heartbreaking situation. 

I will skip the rest of the details of their story, as captivating as it is, because ultimately, it's none of my business and isn't really my story to tell. But what occurred as I stood in my kitchen, glued to my computer screen, reading the mother's brave words, is very much a story of mine which needs to be told. For me, so that I make sure it sticks with me, and I do my best to make sure it doesn't happen again...

I was leaning again the kitchen counter, reading the blog post, and I could feel Zoey tugging at my pant leg. I then heard her say "Up, up, up", but I ignored her. She continued to ask, and I continued to address, yet dismiss her. A little bit into the post was a video, and I didn't hesitate as I clicked "play" and began to watch. Hearing the music and voices coming from my computer only made Zoey want "up" even more. I was so wrapped up in the touching video (a tribute to the son the couple had lost), that when Zoey tugged another tug and let out another "up", I snapped at her! And by snapped, I mean yelled. I think I even stomped my foot. And as tears immediately welled up in her eyes, I instantly felt ashamed. And embarrassed. What had I done?! I was standing there reading about a couple's intense struggle to conceive, when the whole time, I had my precious "baby" standing at my feet, yearning to be held. Again...ashamed and embarrassed. 

I know that I don't take Zoey for granted (I'm way too obsessed with her, and so, so in love), but I did let my focus shift this morning, which resulted in actions that I'm not proud of. I know this happens to all parents, and, unfortunately, it will likely happen to me again, but I pray that it won't occur too often. And when it does, I hope I always stop and reflect on it.

As soon as I realized what I had done, I snatched Zoey up (probably scared her a bit more), took her to the big chair in our living room, grabbed one of her soft blankets, and cuddled her big time. I covered her face in gentle kisses and said "I'm sorry". She then squirmed until she was in a seated position (like "Mom, let go, you're squishing me!"), climbed down from the chair, and came back with a book she wanted me to read. Through all of this, she still had leftover tears in her eyes. It's so crazy how you can be reading a book out loud, not skipping a word, while your mind is thinking about something totally different. I was reading to Zoey, but all I could think about was how blessed I am to have her. I am blessed, I am lucky, I am honored, and I am proud. My heart is so heavy for the couple I read about today and I pray they don't lose the two babies the mother is still carrying. They (the parents) seem to be really strong, with a strong faith, but I would hate for them (or anyone else) to have to suffer through more loss.

I am definitely going to be praying for them tonight, and asking God to also help keep me focused as I go through each day, surrounded by temptations (cell phones, computers, and gossip) that can easily take my focus away from what's really important. While I am so glad I got to read a portion of that couple's story, the rest of it can wait...

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Wanted to add a few pictures from today :)

After pulling her infant bathtub out from under the changing table, she stuffed in a couple blankets, her basket of hair accessories, and a pack of diaper wipes...and then hopped in!

What a goof!

She always hangs out on the bathroom floor, with some toys and books, while I shower. Today, while I was washing my hair, she snuck past the shower curtain, on the faucet end of the tub, and leaned nearly half way in!! When I turned around and noticed her, her hair, arms, and tummy were soaked!! Sneaky, sneaky!

She fished a shoe box out of my closet and discovered my rock climbing shoes. Never having seen them before, she just had to try them on!

I think they look great! ;)

(Please pardon the horrible lighting in all of these pictures. My phones "auto flash" setting has been making poor judgment calls lately!)

Early Morning Play Date

Last week, a girlfriend of mine sent me a text asking if Zoey and I wanted to join her, and some of her other mommy friends, for a play date this morning. Zoey and I love hanging out with these friends, and the only reason I ever hesitate to accept a play date invitation, is because of how far away my friend lives. My friend used to live in Lynnwood (about an hour and 10 minutes from us), but has since moved to Mukilteo, which is even farther out! 

It had been a while since we'd all been together, so I happily accepted the invite. When I was asked what time I could make it out there, I suggested 10am (which might as well be 5am for me. I am NOT a morning person). My friend responded that her son naps at noon, and asked if we could come at 9? 9! NINE in the MORNING (4am my time)! Ugh. It's a good thing the tone of your voice doesn't often come through when you send a text. I signed heavily as I typed back what was a very straight-forward, yet upbeat reply. I told her that we could certainly shoot for 9, but that I am notorious for being slow in the morning! I told her that we'd be there as close to 9 as possible (I knew darn well it would be after 9:30!). Fortunately, she laughed and said that sounded great. Phew!

So, when last night rolled around, and I literally fell into bed because I was so exhausted, I couldn't push away the feelings of complete and utter disgust I had towards the thought of getting up at 6:30am. I tried to be excited about the play date itself, but the whole awful process of making it there, was clouding my brain. 

When my alarm went off at 6:30 this morning, I promptly hit "snooze" and rolled back over. I stayed in bed until Zoey cried out at 7. Once Michael was free to watch her for a few minutes, I jumped in the shower, leaned up against the shower wall for a minute or two, and then actually started bathing myself. By the time my shower was over, I had embraced the fact that I was up and had a mission to accomplish: Leave the house by 8; 8:30 at the latest! 

Once Zoey and I were both dressed (pants and a onsie for her; no time to mull over which cute little tights to put with which adorable little dress), I stuffed some snacks in our lunchbox and we rushed out the door. I was a bit disappointed to see that it was already 8:36, but I was just glad we were on our way! My GPS gave me an arrival time of 9:57, but I knew I could do better than that! ;)

**Side note: I love Zoey for many, many reasons, and one that stands out every time we get into the car, is the fact that I get to drive in the carpool lane because of her!! I always smile every time I hit the freeway and remember that or factor it into my drive time before we even leave the house. What a blessing children are!!** 

When we finally made it to our destination, it was 9:38! Booyah! The carpool lane, and my "Batman In The Batmobile"-like driving skills (PLUS all of the government workers who didn't partake in today's rush hour commute, due to the government being shut down), made "quick" work out of that long drive.


As soon as we stepped into my friend's beautiful new home, all of the stress washed away, and we were greeted with hugs and squealing toddlers. Zoey walked right in, as if she knew where she was going, and started engaging with the other children. Mommy Bliss! :) 

Content Pirate

Irritated (Sick of the camera) Pirate!

All eyes were on the landscapers as they came through and mowed the lawns.

We usually forget to get a picture with all of the kids, so all of us were adamant about getting one this time. The kids...didn't really care about what we wanted.

Umm, no. Not gonna cut it!

Out of all the ones we took, this one was the best.

Still, so precious!

Zoey and Stella were holding it down for the ladies today! :)

Due to all of the fun the kids were having (and us chatty mommies, too) we visited just past noon, when a few of the kiddos were supposed to be napping. Zoey and I usually have lunch at around 12:30, so we did hit the road so we could make it to my mom's before her nap time. It only took about 20 minutes to get to my mom's (I always love getting to visit friends and family when I head that far North!) and the leftover meatloaf I brought, was heated up within minutes of us walking in the door. 

After lunch, Zoey was noticeably exhausted, but she didn't want to part with her Granny to take a nap. I can't blame her! At Granny's house, she gets to sprawl out on the table while she watches videos of herself on the iPhone and soaks up as many back rubs and snuggles as is humanly possible! What a spoiled little thing! *rolls eyes* 

These pictures seriously crack me up!! She started out on my lap while she was eating her lunch. Then, she crawled across the table to see what was on my mom's phone. Eventually, she was sprawled out, making video requests, and getting her back rubbed. Ha! To be a toddler again! :)

As always, we had a great time with my mom. Even though Zoey only napped for an hour, we were happy to have her rejoin us. And when we left during what would typically be the start of rush hour, again, (due, undeniably, to the government shut down), the drive was totally bearable! What a great day!


**Please, don't get me wrong...despite my speedy drive times today, I would absolutely prefer that my mom, and all of the other innocent people affected by the shutdown, was at work today. Where she's supposed to be...where she wants to be...

Photos by Zoey

Boy, do I have a treat for you! Zoey got a hold of the camera and created some serious...umm...Art? Enjoy!

This one really speaks to me. Wherever did she find such a lovely subject?? ;)

Were you as moved as I was? Yes? Yes, that's what I thought.

Allow me to present to you, the artist!

I'm definitely holding onto this picture for when she's rich and famous!

Do Over

Since everyone was feeling better yesterday, we decided to do a "do over" of our Downtown Seattle trip (the one where Jeremiah got sick in the back seat and we ended up at the Elephant Car Wash, instead of the Pike Place Market!). So, after breakfast, a short story time, and the time it took six people to get dressed, we piled into two cars and were on our way!

Caught with a full mouth.

Poor babies, they get absolutely no privacy!

"Reading" one of Zoey's favorites, "Are You My Mother?"

Someone got a hold of the Chapstick...and was applying it, in a circular motion, to her tongue!  

Look at all those teeth (a few of which, undoubtedly, got Chapstick-ed, too)!

We made it to the Market! Hooray!

After hunting down parking spots, then hoofin' it up the hill to the Market's main entrance, then realizing that Zoey needed to be changed and the diaper bag contained ZERO diapers (Oops, my bad! I blaim Zoey for distracting me while I was packing up ;), we had to make a slight detour. Fortunately, just a few blocks away was the City Target (that's actually what it's called) and we were able to buy a small-ish pack of diapers, change Zoey, and then get back to our regularly scheduled program. Phew!

Love the view from the park across from the Market. 

You can see the water and ferry boats, The Great Wheel, Mount Rainier, both stadiums, and so much more. So beautiful. Oh, and our little family's not looking too bad, either!

Some of the random things you'll come across at the market: a large assortment of eggs (chicken, quail, ostrich...), and some rocking toys. Of course, we had to stop for a ride.

Oh, and the deliciously disgusting Gum Wall!!

This is only a very small portion of it; there is SO MUCH gum! Yuck.

Zoey was having a tough time sitting still inside Red Robin, so Michael brought her outside while we ordered our lunch.

He scored major Daddy points for snapping a few cute pics of our rowdy, but oh-so-sweet, girl :)

Overall, the trip was a success and our California friends had a great time!

This morning (7/16), we had to say goodbye to Tebria, Cedric, and Jeremiah. It's always bittersweet parting ways with out of town friends. Everyone knows that they're going to miss each other, but we're all also excited to return to our normal routines. They get to go sleep in their own cozy beds, reunite with their dog, see all of their other friends; and we get our bathrooms back, Zoey's the only one after her toys, etc. You get the point...

So, after dropping them off at the airport, it was back to business as usual. Zoey got dressed in her rainbow polka dot pants, which always bring a smile to my face, and we went about our day.

Fun In The (Extremely Hot) Sun!

Despite the fact that (after taking care of Jeremiah all yesterday afternoon) Tebria was sick all day today, we decided not to cancel the BBQ we had planned. Jeremiah was feeling much better, and Cedric was still up for mingling with everyone. I felt awful, knowing that one of our guests of honor (and my good friend) was upstairs in bed, but we were given the green light, and the show needed to go on. 

We had a blast this afternoon with the family and friends who were able to make it out. We blew up the kiddie pool, fired up the grill, and engaged in a little friendly competition over games of Lawn Pong and Keg Toss!

Too excited to wait for the water

It didn't matter how much or how little water we put in, Zoey was just thrilled to be in the pool :)

A friendly brother-sister showdown. (my mom and uncle)

(Lawn Pong= just like beer pong, but it's buckets of water and bouncy balls, instead of keg cups and ping pong balls. Oh, the things that college life taught us!)

Another bucket down! 

Happy as can be!

Sidewalk chalk!

I thought this was a great idea, but I started having doubts once we caught her coloring her shoes. Then, when we noticed that her lips, teeth, and tongue were blue (she took a bite), we called it quits!

She did not stop buzzing around the entire time! 

The Keg Toss!

Three kiddie pools (each worth a different amount of points), one mini keg, and a bunch of giddy adults! It was definitely fun hurling the keg and trying to rack up enough points to beat out the competition. (And it's not as easy as it seems, to land the keg in the pool!)

Before saying good-bye to her grandpa, Zoey manage to get a story out of him :)

We are so thankful for the time we got to spend with our loved ones today. Tebria was even able to make it downstairs for a brief visit! We don't let a little sickness hold us down for too long! ;)

Hawkins Vacay

The Hawkins family is here!!

My good friend, Tebria, is in town with her husband (Cedric) and son (Jeremiah), and they're staying with us for a few days! Tebria was able to visit us shortly after Zoey was born, but this is the first time Cedric and Jeremiah are meeting her. We have all been anxious for the kiddos to meet, and so far it's been going really well. ...Umm, pretty well... OK, it's just going "well". Let's leave it at that.  

"Umm, I'm trying to play with this barn. Can someone kindly remove this girl?" (7/11)

(Zoey is 15 months old and Jeremiah is 3 years old--sharing doesn't always come easy :)

Enjoying a few stories before starting our day (7/12)

Monkey trade??

Zoey wanted a minute to check out Jeremiah's monkey that he brought, but he wasn't very receptive to her Mr. Monkey (that's him on the floor!). See what I mean, about the sharing? :)

While Michael and Cedric enjoyed an afternoon at the go-karts raceway, Tebria and I took the kids for a walk, and then to a nearby park.

Before she slides down, she says "Byye-byyye!"

Look at that handsome boy! Such a sweetie.

Oh, and speaking of sweet...check out the chocolate covered strawberries the Hawkins had delivered to our house, as a "Thanks" for having them as our guests!

Obviously, no thanks were necessary, but I was more than happy to accept! Yum!

We all woke up pretty excited today because we had planned a trip to Downtown Seattle. We knew we wanted to see The Fremont Troll, The Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and a few other things along the way. Well, we only made it to one stop, before our whole afternoon came to a halt. More on that in a minute...

The kiddos, before breakfast

My little cheese ball!

So, once everyone was well-fed and dressed, we hopped in the car and headed downtown! Yay! Our first stop: The Fremont Troll!

This big guy, who actually does live under a bridge, is clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle car! 

Another fun fact: the street that runs uphill towards the troll, was renamed "Troll Avenue" in his honor! Pretty neat.

We look so small next to his giant hands!

After our visit with Mr. Troll (and about 30 true, slightly annoying, tourists), we piled back into the car and headed toward the Market. As we rolled down First Avenue, searching for a place to park, I heard Jeremiah's tiny voice say "I don't feel good". I then heard his parents ask him what was wrong, to which he again replied "I don't feel good". Before they could offer up any words of encouragement and assure him we were almost to our final destination, his little body gave up the fight and he vomited all over the back seat!! AHHHH! 

Oh, and I just realized that I forgot to mention that Mike was not traveling with us today (he had a work golf tournament). Everyone knows that I'm the "poop handler" and Mike is the "vomit handler"! O.M.G.! I immediately pulled the car over and frantically rolled down the windows as the stomach-churning smell wafted toward the front seat. As I tried to avoid looking at any actual vomit, I checked on Zoey to see if any had gotten on her. Fortunately, she was clean, but looked a bit shaken! 

As soon as the car had come to a stop, Cedric jumped out, grabbed Jeremiah, and whisked him off to a nearby retail store. Once I saw that Zoey was alright, I noticed we were conveniently parked in front of a hotel. I explained to the concierge that I was in need of many, many paper towels and a cup of water. He was super helpful and I was able to return to the car with supplies, within seconds. 

Ugh, I'm going to skip the yucky details of the clean-up process (which Tebria took the lead on, while I sat on the sideline like a wimp), and jump ahead to the Elephant Car Wash. Fortunately, (Thank you, Lord!) there was a car wash a few miles away from us, and they were able to shampoo the portion of the backseat and floor that was soiled. In less than 30 minutes, we were back on the road (headed home!), and the smell of vomit was replaced with the sickeningly sweet, yet refreshing, scent of vanilla. Oy...what an afternoon!

When we got home, Jeremiah went down for a much needed nap while the rest of us ate lunch and tried to calm ourselves. Not only did I feel bad for J, but his parents had been through a lot as well. :( 

Leave it to Zoey to return the smiles to our faces.

She grabbed a book, brought it to Cedric, and happily sat on his lap while he read :)

(Wondering why his smile looks a bit smug?? Because it was! Poor Tebria has been trying to hold Zoey for the past few days, and Zoey won't let her! So, Cedric was definitely rubbing it in. Tisk, tisk!)