My Little Monkey

I can't set this child down AND break eye contact or she acts like I've abandoned her. Desperate to get SOME work done around the house, I found time and made a mei tei. I already have front and hip carriers, but those hurt my shoulders after awhile. I figure if she's on my back, it won't hurt as much. Besides, it wasn't TOO long ago when I would haul around 20 pounds of college texts books all day long. Surely this couldn't be much different.

Photo Op for Daddy.







She's not sitting up COMPLETELY on her own. Almost, but not yet.

See that little eye peering out? While running errands, as far as I know, she's sleeping as I troll up and down aisles. That is, until some stranger says, "Oh, I see you..." They turn to me and ask, "Can she breathe with the flap over her face?" I know it's weird, but she likes something covering her face when she sleeps. Usually, it's her Pinky (the little pink security blanket).

In her clinginess (is that even a word?) and my frantic attempt to get some laundry folded, I put Elayna in the basket so she could sit with me while I fold. I may not be holding her, but at least there was eye contact... USUALLY OCCASIONALLY that's good enough.

These next pics crack me up. We were outside washing the jeep. She spent half the time in the stroller and the other half strapped to my back in the mei tei I made. I'm not sure why, but she looks like a sausage. I promise she's not really that chunky.

The Bucket List

Okay, yes, here's another list-o-things.

The Bucket List. There's an "X" by all the things I've done. Copy the list and let me know all the things you've done.
(x) Gone on a blind date (I could still strangle you for this, Jess)
(x) Skipped school (and chapel)
( ) Watched someone die
( ) Been to Canada
(x) Been to Mexico
(x) Been to Florida
( ) Been to Hawaii
(x) Been on a plane
( ) Been on a helicopter
(x) Been lost
(x) Gone to Washington, DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
( ) Swam with Stingrays
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Played cops and robbers
(x) Recently colored with crayons
(X) Sang Karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only (Harding! Whoo Hoo!)
(x ) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(x) Made prank phone calls (Harding, once again)
( ) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) Danced in the rain-naked (It was a high school dare, people. I'm not that weird.)
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sun rise with someone
(X) Blown bubbles (... where?)
(x) Gone ice-skating
(X) Gone to the movies
(x) Been deep sea fishing
(x) Driven across the United States
( ) Been in a hot air balloon
( ) Been sky diving
( ) Gone snowmobiling
(x) Lived in more than one country
(x) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars
(X) Seen a falling star and made a wish
(x) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser
(x) Seen the Grand Canyon
( ) Seen the Statue of Liberty
(x) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
(x) Been on a cruise
(x) Traveled by train
(x) Traveled by motorcycle (does around the block count?)
(x) Been horse back riding
( ) Ridden on a San Francisco cable car
(x) Been to Disneyland OR Disney World
(X) Truly believe in the power of prayer
(x) Been in a rain forest
(x) Seen whales in the ocean
( ) Been to Niagara Falls
(x) Ridden on an elephant
(x) Swam with dolphins (Hip-deep waters. So it was more like I "walked" with dolphins. Whatev, still cool.)
( ) Been to the Olympics
( ) Walked on the Great Wall of China
( ) Saw and heard a glacier calf
( ) Been spinnaker flying
(x) Been water-skiing
( ) Been snow-skiing
( ) Been to Westminster Abbey
( ) Been to the Louvre
( ) Swam in the Mediterranean
(x) Been to a Major League Baseball game
( ) Been to a National Football League game
(x) Swam with sharks (I was snorkeling next to a shark, does that count?)

WOW, how funny is it that the majority of life events have happened at Harding? I didn't note all of them, but trust me, most were at Harding.

etrade baby

These commercials crack me up! Sometimes I wonder what Elayna's really thinking and saying when she's fussing or laughing at us.

Contortionist, I am not.

A few people have asked me if I was driving when the video of Elayna was taken. I would have to be a serious contortionist to manage that. And if I did have that sort of amazing talent, I would join the circus just for experience sake. So no. I was not driving. Actually, that very moment, I was outside of Circuit City getting my NEW GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEM! All yall know they're going out of business and we've been wanting a Garmin for the longest time. So I thought, "Hmm, why not?" I've been driving between a few different stores and whenever I find a gps I like, they don't have it in stock anymore. As I was leaving this store, my oh so keen sense of peripheral vision caught this baby still new in the box locked inside the front counter. After much deliberating with a friend, I decided to spend the extra $40 (in addition to what I was willing to pay for the others I originally wanted) and get it. I'M SO GLAD I DID! This thing is G-R-E-A-T! There's just way too many features to list, and I wouldn't want to read them if I could be looking at pictures of Elayna. So here you are:

This beautiful shot was taken after a nice small bowl of fruity cereal. If you can't see very well, she's COVERED in it. At one point, she took the entire over-sized bib and wrapped it around her face. Later that night, I kept finding pieces of cereal in her hair, behind her ears, etc. I've been trying to make cereal a part of our evening routine.
This was after wandering Target. I was surprised to see the dogs still sitting up. Normally, they're pooped after a long afternoon and I don't see their heads until we pull into the driveway. (NO, this was not taken while driving down the road. I was still parked at Target.) They were acting like crazies on the way to the dog park and messed up Elayna's mirror, so you can't see her. Speaking of crazy, Dax has been a wild animal lately, escape after escape from the backyard. Luckily, he comes when I call. If it were Libby, she'd be in Canada already.

Happy Valentine's Day

From me to you!

Target Buffoon

Yall, seriously, this is completely out of the blue. She started this "mamama" business a few days before the video was taken. I've never "coached" her to try to say anything, assuming she was just too young. Besides, we're working on signing before verbalizing. That doesn't stop Ryan & I from trying to get her to say things like, "Tell Mama to do the dishes." To which I respond, "Elayna, tell Daddy to clean up his own mess." Things like that. We never really expect her to mimick us.

Mwahaha! Now I'm wondering what can I get her to say before Ryan comes home. Any ideas?

Elayna & I took the dogs to town today. They got to run around the dog park and check out Petsmart. Afterwards, we humans trolled up and down every aisle Target has to offer. After about an hour, Elayna started to get fussy. So what does a desperate, -WINDOW- shopping mother do? Act like a lunatic, mirror babbled nonsense and make faces like some crazy lady to keep my small child entertained enough to prevent the meltdown that's bound to happen if I break eye contact.

Oh, okay. So here's a great poll. WOULD YOU RATHER see a mother make a fool of herself OR listen to a screaming baby? (I don't know, folks. To me, they're both equally annoying.)

MAMAMAMA

Here you go. Earlier, I mentioned how Elayna can say, "mama" (or at least a variation, which to me is close enough!). I know I may be just a little biased, but she is absolutely the cutest!

Warning: Parts of the video are a little loud. (My loud mouth is right next to the phone and Elayna cries at the end.)

I'm a 44.

I LOVE personality quizes. That was the reason I wanted to go into psychology, which later turned into a passion for social work. Great quiz Cheri!

Answers apply to who you are now and not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready.

This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and in their prospective employees.

It's only 10 Simple questions, so grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers to each question.

1. When do you feel your best...
A) in the morning
B) during the afternoon and early evening
C) late at night

2. You usually walk...
A) fairly fast, with long steps
B) fairly fast, with little steps
C) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
D) less fast, head down
E) very slowly

3. When talking to people you...
A) stand with your arms folded
B) have your hands clasped
C) have one or both your hands on your hips
D) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
E) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with...
A) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
B) your legs crossed
C) your legs stretched out or straight
D) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
A) big appreciated laugh
B) a laugh, but not a loud one
C) a quiet chuckle
D) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
A) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
B) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
C) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted...
A) welcome the break
B) feel extremely irritated
C) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most...
A) Red or orange
B) black
C) yellow or light blue
D) green
E) dark blue or purple
F) white
G) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are...
A) stretched out on your back
B) stretched out face down on your stomach
C) on your side, slightly curled
D) with your head on one arm
E) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
A) falling
B) fighting or struggling
C) searching for something or somebody
D) flying or floating
E) you usually have dreamless sleep
F) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINT: Others see you as someone they should 'handle with care'. You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality, a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once, someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting, someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding, someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you, realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively
or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well, know that you aren't.

She said, "MAMA!"

Okay, truth be told, she REALLY said, "MAMAMAMAMA." But that's close enough to "mama" so I'm totally going with it. But she only says it when she's fussy... and it's in a pathetic, angry tone. I have a video of it on my cell phone (we were out shopping-- shh, don't tell Ryan). If I can ever figure out how to get it from phone to laptop, all yall can see it. It's TOO cute.

Ryan called tonight. I'm glad we were able to talk to him before he goes into the field tomorrow for two weeks. I told him what Elayna said and he didn't believe me. So when I said it was on my cell phone, he made me put down our screaming baby so he could listen to the video. He really liked it. Our big, manly man husband-daddy is such a sucker for his little girl. He found one of her socks in his bag and now carries it around in his pocket. Yall, I can't tell you just how much these two love one another. Of course I'm in the mix somewhere... but they TOTALLY just... FIT.

An hour later, she's still fussing (on and off) in her crib. She switches between the tired cry and the angry cry... so I'm not sure if I should go see her. Maybe a little bit longer and I'll go check.

Heh, she DOES sleep.

Well wouldn't ya know it? Elayna Vaye took her second nap today (only SINCE RYAN'S BEEN GONE). And I was able to set her down for awhile to do some laundry and work. She's gradually returning to her normal schedule. Now I'm afraid of how it's gonna be when Ryan returns... Will she go on a sleep strike again? Will she again insist on being held non-stop? Will she smile and laugh with me? (Okay, for that last one, she'll smile and laugh and have a good 'ol jolly time with her mama. But this fun is NOTHING compared to how she is with her daddy. You'd think he was the center of her world. And one might have thought being her food source would've amounted to much more. But what do I know?) I'm very eager to get a picture of that chunky cheeked, gummy grinned smile of hers when she first sees Daddy again.

It's...

... a BOY! Yay for Chiblings! Diane called this morning to say Jerry David was a boy and there was NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. Even though he was as stubborn as a girl to start off with-- very uncooperative at first and then flaunting later.

BOY BOY BOY BOY BOY

Now I'm super-excited to find out what Matt & Lori are having!

Numa Numa, Harding Style

I miss Harding again. I usually get into these Harding funks when I have a crying baby stuck on my hip and I can't do anything but think about things and reminisce. I like YouTube just about as much as I like Craigslist. And I'm sure all yall have heard of the Numa Numa video....

Now Harding's Uplift made one of their own. It's GGGGreat!

Stick 'Em Up!

WAY Up! Hands! I have hands! Many of you know what a clingy baby Elayna has been since Ryan has been gone. I think his absence is the major issue, combined with her possibly teething. I can't set the child down without going temporarily deaf, in addition to watching her cry so hard that she stops breathing and begins to turn this lovely shade of CRIMSON RED. I've mentioned before how much I love Craigslist. I found this hip hammock on there for $5. Five Dollars, Folks. It looks brand new. Now that's a deal and my kind of shopping. Here we are, sporting our new hip hammock, which is so far keeping Elayna Vaye a happy little girl.

And this is what I would like to refer to as the "Butt Hammock." The instructions strongly discourage this position. Well, actually, it says, "This product should NOT: Be used to carry a baby on a user's back or front of body..." and it goes on to name all sorts of other no-nos. BUT... I think those warnings are only there for the tiny endowed. I only see her falling out if I do a handstand. I haven't done one of those in, oh, I'd say five years (since Harding). And while I'm curious to know what would happen if I even attempted one, I'll refrain.

I've been taking lots of photos and videos since Ryan's gone. He wants to know everything we're up to while he's away. (I'm telling you, this big burly man is one big softy under all that tough skin.) Here she is taking a nap... it lasted all of five minutes.

I'm at the computer. This is the ONLY time I can set her down and she doesn't squall. I guess it's because she's still right next to me?

Still fascinated with her own feet. Half the time, she's got them in her mouth.

This would be one of her many fake naps. Before Ryan left, she did this all. the. time. When you go in to check on her, she's just laying in her crib, quiet and content.

Notice the sock on the corner of her blanket. This girl is a sock Houdini. I'm sure I could probably duck tape the suckers on her and she's still manage to get 'em off.

Le Petit Prince

I like to read people's secrets on Post Secret's blog. People mail in anonymous secrets to this guy who publishes them. It's relieving to see how some people have my same fears, expectations, or weird quirks. I must warn you though that sometimes there are very disturbing, embarrassing, or heart-wrenchingly painful secrets.

In my high school french class, we read Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. A children's novel with MUCH MORE depth to it. I think it's a book all adults should read. I have a copy if you're interested. (But just remember how particular I am about my books. And if you so much as crease a page or crack the spine, you'll be sorry. Oh yes, you'll be sorry.) No really, if you want to borrow it, I will let you. Just please be careful.

Each time I read The Little Prince, my life is put back in perspective and I remember what's important. I can totally relate to whoever this secret belongs to.

Toddlers & Tiaras

Since I don't have to wrestle anyone for the television remote, I was channel-surfing and came across this show. People, I barfed in my own mouth. I assure you that Elayna will NOT be involved in such festivities.

Gag me!

Seriously, who thinks this is a good idea? It doesn't promote independence and self-esteem. It encourages sex appeal and an inappropriate sense of attractiveness. No Sir. No Ma'am. Elayna will not. And it's embarrassing to watch these parents "doll" their small children up. Seriously!

She Rolled Over!

AND I MISSED IT!

Elayna Vaye woke up this morning at 7am, like she does every day. I get up (zombie-like from staying up way too late last night) and go into her room. I didn't grab my glasses, so when I walked in there and saw this little blurry blob in her crib, my thought was, "Wait a minute. I put her at the other end of the crib. And what's that on her face?" When I got closer, I realized she was ON HER STOMACH. She lifts her head towards me with a BIG gummy smile. I absolutely love those Good-Morning-Mama-I'm-So-Happy-To-See-You grins she gives me each morning. Before Ryan left for his training, he was sad that he would miss Elayna's first "official" sit up on her own and rollover. Now I'm sad that it's actually happened, I was home, and still managed to miss it. Not to mention this means our baby is growing up. Before he left, Ryan was bound and determined to get that girl sitting on her own. She's so unbelievably close. She can kind of catch herself when she leans a little, but there's a pretty small Point of No Return and she ends up falling over... a lot. I'm very excited to be able to catch these actions on camera so I can send pictures and a letter to Ryan. I know he misses her. And me. But mostly her.

Whoa Big Brother

One of the things about the Northwest that I'm not particularly fond of is how late the news is. I'm used to like a 7pm or 8pm broadcast, something to watch before hittin the sack. But here, oh no, it's 10pm or even 11pm. I stayed up tonight to watch the new episode of LOST. I don't know why I'm addicted to this show, I just am. Okay?! (I know, I know. I used to be one of those Seriously-How-Many-Scenarios-Could-There-Possibly-Be-On-An-Island, Oh-Great-Another-Glorified-Gilligans-Island-Show, and Please-Give-Me-A-Break-This-Is-Stupid people. Thanks to the Hubbs and a nice long Lost Marathon, I am now a Lost fanatic.) Tonight, I stayed up a little later to catch some news.

Folks, techology just freaks me out. I know it's great... just like GOOGLE... and it's SO handy... but on the flip side, I don't want Big Brother (like it's 1984) knowing my every move, WHICH IS NOW POSSIBLE VIA CELL PHONES AND GOOGLE. It's called Google Latitude. People can use it to locate friends. KING (our local news) says you can "See where your friends are in real time! Enjoy Google Latitude on your phone, computer, or both." One aspect of it that I really like is how it puts a person right on a map. Whenever I get lost in Tacoma, finding myself on one of the many 134th streets (N, NW, E, SE, Avenue, Court, Ave Ct E, you get the idea), I simply call a friend and tell them to google whichever intersection I just passed and help me find my way out of the madness and to where I'm trying to get to. BUT NOW, they'll be able to see exactly where I am. I guess it really only cuts out one step... but it's still pretty cool. Scary, but cool. And wicked sick.

So... can I add you to my "friends" list and keep tabs on you?

What a Thumb Sucker

Here's our little Sleeping Beauty.

Click on the picture to get a real good look at her slobber mouth.


I LOVE those gorgeous blue eyes.

Day (oh I don't know) 4 of Jumperoo.

I think she likes it. Thanks Grandmother and Grandaddy.

Here's the baby we all know and love!

Can't forget her infamous surprise expression. Strangers comment on how BIG her eyes are. It's just her look, people. I swear, her eyeballs aren't really that ginormous.

Lovin her some of Daddy's nose.

I was walking past the guest room when I noticed a bump under the quilt I hadn't seen before. When I felt of it, I was expecting jumbled sheets... not...

Juju. He's so weird. Our feral kitty. I'm so glad he hasn't taken an interest in reliving freedom like Jessie's cat, Loki.

Generators = Hotcakes

How scary is this?! It's like something straight out of a movie. Kinda reminds me of Chronicles of Narnia.







Western Kentucky is finally recovering from a recent ice storm that made national headlines and weather records. We weren't able to contact anyone back home for nearly a week. Power lines were just ripped from poles because the weight of the ice. So many homes are without heat, electricity, and running water. Some parts of Western Kentucky are predicted to be without electricity for ANOTHER THREE WEEKS.

It is near impossible for stores to keep generators in stock. As soon as they come in, they're sold. Renee went to town the other day and said stores were putting generators on pullies, straight off the trucks, anticipating sales. But without electricity, gas stations aren't able to pump any gas. So folks have to drive quite a distance to find working stations to fuel their generators. Several stores are operating on a cash-basis only and allowing small numbers of customers to shop at a time. Schools and churches have opened their doors as emergency relief shelters. Renee says their treeline looks like a row of stalks, stripped clean of their limbs. Apparently, every 1/2 inch of ice carries 500lbs of pressure. Melber was covered in two inches (three in some parts), so it's no wonder all the trees are unbelievably damaged.

And without running water, they've surrounded their house with buckets to collect dripping water (the Phillips too). Listening to her stories has really made me appreciate the comforts and luxuries I'm privileged to. Renee is sending me an entire CD of pictures, but until I receive it, I wanted to share with you some photos I found online.

The weather has finally been warm enough to melt all the ice away. Now it's time to repair all the damage that was done. Please pray for everyone who was affected by the storm.