Hurting

One thing about the blog world is you get very attached to the people you read about. Even if you don't know them personally, reading their thoughts about things happening in life can affect you. Today was one of those days. I read something you never want to read... but yet sadly, I have several times. A couple lost their little baby girl who was born at 35 weeks. It was due to an infection or something, its still unclear... either way, I am holding Ariel tighter tonight. No one ever expects these sorts of things at the end of a normal pregnancy, and I think it makes it that much harder. This particular couple are believers, and are depending on that faith to get them through this.

I often look back at my own moments when these things happen. Why them? Why not me? Ariel never showed distress with being 2 weeks overdue, and even with the doctor breaking my water and it showing the signs of meconium since the water was green, we never really worried, yet later I read about this same situation with another woman and she lost her baby girl. I try not to dwell on these moments, but its still hard to come to grips with knowing someone didn't get the answer to prayer they wanted.

So I just ask you to pray for a new little angel named Kendall, I don't know her or her family, but I know the pain and I am sure everyone reading this can relate in one way or another. Pray for comfort and the strength they will need dealing with the loss of a little baby who lived for only a day.

If you wish to read more about this couple, please follow the links below.

Cooking the Baby Bean (The couples blog who haven't updated since going into the hospital.)And at Yankee, Rebel and a White Furry Devil (This was Kendall's Aunt, and she has more info regarding donations)

Mall victory!

Ok, at this particular moment, Ken is playing scary movies themes on Ariel's toy piano. Eek. What happened to kid friendly songs. Sounds like they moved to the Muppet theme. All safe. Day 4 of Scab-gate 2007. As you can see, still red, but the scab itself has fallen off. Makes it look less nasty. Yay.

Today was our grand shopping day with Stella down in Richmond. Whee. Started off by picking up my tickets to Dancing with the Stars at the radio station. Can't wait, I need a girls night out. Then off to the mall for lots of shopping. There were uber sales and found some great deals. I had my gymbucks stuff set aside from yesterday, so I picked it up. While there, we ran into Lesley and the kids Cam and Nicole.

Bought the bag of goodies, along with my favorite tomato dress!!! Yay! Yes, I am a dork. Blah. Went to Please Mum, love that place. Got a little outfit for each Carter and Issac's birthdays. Stella thought it be fun to have another baby day before Kara goes back to school, and we can celebrate all three birthdays. That will be fun. So, being the prepared girl I am, I got the presents early. Very cute! Its different shopping for boys clothes. Plus, I have to think, what they would put the boys in, I would have been getting the silly lobster shirts... but decided they might not be appreciated the same way. Haha.

One other exciting find at the store was the little velour track suit. She got a real cute one last year from Natalie and Peter when she was born, and we used it all the time. This year the brown is a bit lighter and the style is different, but I know we will get lots of wear out of it. Nothing better than comfy clothes in winter... and cute to boot!

Had lunch at the mall, we had pizza, Ariel ate a whole piece of garlic toast. Made for a VERY stinky diaper later. Did a bit more shopping, then headed to the fabric store where I got some cool organza for my tables at Ariel's birthday. I rented a light green table cloths and the fabric will be used to give it a fairy like touch. Then I can use it later for other crafty things. Big score, only 5 bucks meter on sale. Sweet!

Ariel had fun as usual at the fabric store. Crawling around with a piece of fabric, putting it on her head to play peak a boo. She even crawled on to a shelf this time and was quite happy just to sit there. What a goof.

Came home and napped. Made yummy bok choy stir fry for dinner, then left for swimming. From the full group we started with, we are down to 3 kids... thats including Ariel. Apparently, the kids weren't that keen about the water. Kinda too bad, but Ariel continues to do well and impress her teacher. We practiced floats and tows again. This time we went through a tunnel with stickers, so while on their backs they could see the pictures. It really makes a difference and calms them, since being on the back is somewhat scary. Ariel would squeal every time it was our turn, she loved it. She always enjoys high fives with teacher. This has been so much fun, I totally suggest everyone get to try this.

After class, Ken picked us up and we stopped at Nana's for a quick visit and a piece of pie. Stella and Monica happened to see our car and walked in with Holly the dog. Ariel was thrilled! She played with her, and admired her tags. Our little girl just loves animals, which we couldn't be prouder of.

Then she moved on to peas in the bucket. Tossing them all over the deck. Then transferring them from one bucket to the other. A farm girl indeed she is.

Enjoy some video footage too.

Water Baby Ahoy!

Day 3 with the scab, yuck. This was right before we left for water babies, and it fell off when we got home. Will show an update tomorrow on scab-gate 2007.

I wish I had some pictures to share of Ariel's class, but until someone comes to watch us (Ken is coming on Friday) then we won't have any documented proof. So you will have to take my word. Its been a lot of fun and very informative. I didn't know what to expect going in, which is always good. We learned to go underwater. If you blow on a baby's face, they reflex by holding their breath. Cool! I heard it before, but its neat to try. Anyways, Ariel gets a big kick out of going underwater, unlike her 1 or 2 year old classmates. It was funny to see their parents say, 'look, the baby isn't crying when she goes underwater.'

We played some water games, sang some songs and basically got the kids use to the water. Today we were learning about front and back floats, practiced kicking and tried to blow bubbles. Kinda hard to get Ariel to do that, since she has no clue what I want her to do, so she just splashes. She loves her teacher, and has to give her hugs, awe. The neat thing we learned today was how to teach the kids about grabbing hold to the side of the pool. If they ever were to slip away, they would know that it was possible to grab out. Ariel was pro and impressed everyone with her strength to practically pull herself out of the pool.

Ariel is the youngest in class, everyone else is either one or two years old. Doesn't seem to phase her, as she smiles and waves to them. The one thing she didn't like so much today was wearing the PFD (personal floatation device). They gave her the smallest one, and yet it was still quite big on my little petite girly. She didn't like it pushing into her face and I think it made her mouth sore and she cried a bit. If that dang tooth would just come out, it be better. Sigh.

Didn't get around to blogging last night since we were watching 'Bridge to Terabithia' and got to bed late. I was pleased to see that it did follow the book well, and was as sad as I remembered from elementary school. Sigh. Its really a tragic story, but yet has an amazing message of hope in it. As a kid I remember being very upset by this book and had a hard time understanding it. I actually kinda want to read it again now. The one thing I found out watching the special features on the dvd was that the author wrote this book in response to her young son who had lost his best friend, she was on vacation and had been struck by lightening. She was about 7 at the time. It was interesting to learn the history of how the book happened, and the real story behind it. For Ken, who hadn't read it as a kid, it stuck a chord with him. He was sad when I talked to him a lunch time today. He was thinking about the connections in the movie since he planned on writing a review for Hollywood Jesus. Either way, its a sad movie...but well done.

Ariel and I headed to the mall today to pick out our items for the big sale tomorrow. We got a call the other day saying we could put our items on hold and then when everything is crazy tomorrow, all we have to do is pay. Nice. It worked out well as it was dumping rain and we got our walk inside the mall. Sweet. I found some great things for next summer. Kinda weird to be thinking a year from now, but its the way to go.

Ariel stuck her hand in the shape box and tried to pull out a block. That was pretty funny. She was starting to get that the certain shapes fit the different holes on the toy. She is really learning these days, its so cool to watch and learn with her.

Tonight I saw a great show about babies communication. It made me want to try some of the little tests they were doing with the babies. I was amazed at what Ariel was doing. I showed her the toy bunny and was pointing to the nose, saying nose, there is bunny's nose. Then asked her, where is bunny's nose. She actually pointed to the nose. Wow. We tried it with eyes and mouth, and used different toys and when she was interested, she would do it. She was getting distracted with her books and then daddy got home from his meeting and then I was nothing. Funny how daddy is the king. Works for me, I get to blog. Haha.

Tomorrow going out and about with Stella. Gonna pick up my tickets to Dancing with the Stars. Woot. I love free stuff. Then its another water class tomorrow evening. I can't believe how much it wears you out, I am ready for bed. Ugh.

First Blood

No, its no Rambo, its Ariel. She got herself a dandy of a cut on her nose today, and it bled. A lot, which was surprising since its so tiny, but I guess when its on the face and its moving more, it bleeds more. Gross. I had to put her in her high chair and feed her lunch to distract her enough so I could clean it. Believe it or not, that was the work of a finger nail. Crazy. I rather not have that again, as she looks rather silly with a scab on her nose. I guess this is just the beginning right? Sigh.

Not much to report today. Went out for our regular morning walk and shopping. Got some corn on the cob for dinner, and dropped off the last invites to the post office. Came home, had lunch and napped. Well, someone napped, I cleaned. Whee.

Ken came home, we had dinner and went for a walk. Decided to rent some movies since monday is cheap rental night. Its kinda crazy how much they charge for new rehearsals, even at the local video place, not the big mega chain. So we saved a few bucks and have them for 2 nights. Finally gonna see the Bridge to Terabitha one. I have heard they DID in fact keep to the original story, even though the trailer TOTALLY made it look like a different plot altogether. I shall report back.

Ran into Walt, Wendy and Abby out for dinner at the Boot. Geneva is off at camp, so younger sister Abby is quite happy with all the attention. Hehe. Had a quick visit, then home so that princess could bath and be in bed by 9pm. Mission accomplished.

Tomorrow is her first water babies class. I am so excited. Heheh.

Other big news, at least to me. Its Gymbucks day this week! I got my call and I have my collection of bucks to spend and get me some bargains. They also mentioned to check the website to see the new line. Well, I nearly died! ITS A TOMATO LINE!!!! This is as close as I can get to having Killer Tomato clothes for Ariel. Hahah. Yes, I am crazy. I love tomatoes, and can't wait to get the uber cute dress with little tomatoes all over it. Heheh. Soooooooo many pictures once this is purchased. Brew ha ha.

Ok, its monday music moment time again. I am feeling rather in the mood for 80's. I am loving Crave 95's new mix, which includes lots of great stuff I haven't heard in ages. Even Ken is hooked, so yay. Lets take it back to the days when I had a poster of Bon Jovi on my wall. Hahahah. Ariel was dancing to this song tonight... I guess it was bound to happen.

11 Months.... the countdown begins

Come on mommy, don't you have enough pictures of me yet? Nope! The way my little girl is changing these days, I am glad I take as many pictures that I do. Its amazing to look back at the changes of not only her size but her looks as well. Her hair is continuing to lighten up. Its looks a lot like mine did at that age. I was born with black hair and was fair by a year. She is following that it seems. Nice to know she got some of my genes, as she is pretty much a clone of her daddy most of the time. Hee.

She is really starting to stand on her own a lot. I catch her pushing herself up in the middle of the room, then standing there with a toy, looking around. This girl so wants to walk, but she hasn't quite figured it out. Ariel cruises along the furniture at lightening speed, but no independent step without something to hold on to. She is trying to copy words more these days too. Every so often we kinda get a 'hi da' and after kisses or she gives something to us we say thank you, and she replys 'ah dat' which I think is her version of thanks. She definitely knows the word no, and isn't liking it one bit. She will stand there and whine if I say no, rather funny and yet she won't back down. I apparently passed along my stubbornness. Great.

This morning we went to help Nana fridge shop. Ariel decided she was going to drive. Kidding. Anyhoo, Nana had to buy a new fridge as the outdoor one kicked the bucket, and so they are moving the inside one out, and a new one in. Its really nice, the kind with the bottom freezer that pulls out. Sweet. However, the sales person was less than sweet. In fact, she was down right rude. I was floored with her attitude, even after she was getting the sale. She wasn't impressed with Ariel, who was getting tired of looking at appliances. She said, that girl is quite demanding isn't she... and this comment wasn't in the nice, cute voice. If that wasn't enough, she called us out for price checking at Home Depot across the street. Get over it lady. Good grief. What I told Nana afterwards, is for being so snotty, she sure didn't live up to her last name that was on her business card... Patience. Hahah. Yes, a far cry indeed.

Last night we got Ariel a bubble machine for the deck. She loves bubbles, and this thing makes bubbles in a HUGE way. Its amazing! She was covered and loving it. She stuck her face practically into it just so they blow at her. So sweet. She was crying when I turned it off for lunch. Poor girl.

Tonight was FAN (Fun Away Night) with the ladies at church. We were doing a garden tour of 3 peoples yards from church. There are some amazing yards in town, thats all I will say. Simply stunning. One of the them we saw up the tree, a mommy raccoon and 3 babies. They are sure cute, but they are naughty neighbours, and chicken killers (cough, yes, all 3 of my chickens met an early end thanks to them, and apparently so did Brenda's this past week, ugh). We came back, had some juice and goodies, yum. I got home around 10ish, in time to nurse Ariel and put her to bed.

Looks like she and daddy had a good time tonight. They went for a walk, had a fun bath and were both sitting by the window looking for me as I drove up. Hee. She is still just sleeping in her diaper, and if things continue to heat up, we will be downstairs soon for bed.

Not much planned for tomorrow. Church and relaxing I think. Maybe some birthday prep crafts. The last of the invites were finished today, and I was working on the homemade gift we are giving Ariel. Sure we got her some toys, but we wanted to make something too. Its looking so good, can't wait to see it finished. I would say more, but its a surprise for the party. Eek! Only a month to go! Yikes!

Lucky

Looking at this picture it is suddenly becoming very clear my baby is turning into a little girl. Wow. I knew she would officially be a toddler in a month, but just looking at her face is amazing. She is so full of life, and ready to take over the world... once she figures out the walking thing.

See that uber cute clip in her hair! Its made by No Slippy Hair Clippy. (click on the name, to see website). They are so awesome, and they actually stay in her hair!!! I highly suggest these if your little gal has thin hair.

I have never been one that people call lucky. Haha. In fact, I don't really believe in luck, but the past little while, lets say things have been pretty cool. So I got an email today saying I won tickets to the Dancing with the Stars live tour that is coming to town in a week or so! I entered via my radio stations facebook page. So, since its not on Ken's top priority, and frankly I have been stuck at home with a baby several times when he was out doing 'guy stuff', I am taking Kara out for a 'girls night'. Woot. Should be fun! Plus, that means Ken will get to play 'mom' and go to one of Ariel's swim classes. Hehe.

Other surprising tidbit. Remember how I wanted to have the invites out by the 14th, then I decided to order the special stamps and most likely had to wait till they arrived around the 20th to send them off... well guess what arrived today! Woot! I am happy to say, the invites are back on schedule! Look at all the little Ariel heads. Hehe.

Found out that Ken's mom broken her wrist in a classroom incident and on top of that found out the pain she had in her leg for the past little while is also in fact a broken bone! My heart goes out to her. Maybe we can get Ariel to play doctor during their visit next month. We had Ariel talk to her Grammy on the phone tonight, here's hoping that helps.

Looks like we are getting a break from the heat tonight. Its still warm, but anything is an improvement over last night. Ugh.

Can't believe its Friday tomorrow... when did that happen?