Blog for LVP

what a trying day

2009-03-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

With all of the painting we are giving the new home (full, half full, empty) paint cans are EVERYWHERE. I haven't had you at the new home, or at least to wander because of this (wet walls, wet pans, brushes, etc.) are just too tempting to an expanding mind.

Today, I had you with us and the preschoolers because Nanny didn't have a spot open. So, I had no choice.

After we went to get the mail to open and read (you to tear apart and run with my ads), I literally looked away for a minute to read the Albertsons ad, when you start CRYING, and I mean crying... Great.

Come to find out, you dropped a full quart sized paint can on one of your feet. I was unsure which one as you just kept grabbing them, sobbing. Results are in, your right foot was the one injured, bleeding, and turning colors. Nanny phone call immediately as i'm walking around frantically with your injured foot in hand, your body laying in my arms, like i'm going to die if I touch the blood.

With all the years i've experienced thrown up, skinned knees, stubbed toes, everything you can imagine; it happened to MY OWN. So glad Nanny could keep me focused (run it under water and then inspect).. obviously, come on Kim. Get with it.

Still frantic, I call your dad to bring me a band-aid (when we moved in, this wasn't on the top of my list for a 1 year old's cabinet), and he did. He still thinks i'm crazy but what mom isn't! BRING ME THE BAND-AID haha

Happy Number One, Lily Bug

2009-01-29T00:15:00.001-08:00

Hello [First] birthday girl!
I have thought of this day for a whole year, and cannot express how whirlwinded I feel that it is actually here. I have spent 365 days learning you, playing with you, comforting you, teaching you, feeding you, sleeping with you, and falling in love with you (even more than at first sight- it WAS possible, even if I couldn't be convinced at birth that the love I had for you, would just grow).

In some ways you are still the same- tiny, needy, pretty, and happy
In some ways you are different- verbal, running, eating, entertaining, and full of this BIG personality

Some of your favorites at 1, are:
Favorite Food- Pears (but really, you will try anything we give you)
Favorite Veggie- Green Beans
Favorite Animal- cats & dogs
Favorite Toy- your music boombox
Favorite Friend- Gracie
Favorite Move- Headbang
First Word- Maaa Maaa (thank you, I did earn that I think)
Favorite Game- "wheres.... -enter what we want you to look for" Example: "Wheresssss Biiiiinkyyy!?".. and then, you literally look for it, walking around, looking around, until its found.

Throughout this year, we have become convinced that you will be involved in music at some point in your life. We understand that [most] children love songs, dancing, etc. but you take it a notch further. You will stand in front of a speaker, attached to anything (radio, tv, etc.) and crouch halfway bent over, throwing your head forward and backwards in a headbang motion. Sometimes, you even notice the music before we are even aware there is any. This awareness is brought forth only when we realize what you are doing, and it happens EVERYWHERE (grocery stores, Disneyland, parking lots (when cars pass by with music), movies, anything). You are just very aware when there is any type of music playing, anywhere you are, tired or not, you're down for the rocker moves; and if you are seated and not able to dance, your feet go a mile a minute, while your head bangs anyway. Seatbelts don't hold you back.

We have also learned that you are VERY smart. From the moment anyone met you (family, strangers, etc.), many of their first reactions were "wow, she is so alert". We had no clue what we would be in for.
Here are a few of my favorite examples.
1. We have locks on the drawers in the kitchen, so they only open about about a finger width unless you press down the latch to release the lock. Well, the kitchen bags were on the bottom drawer (with the foil, oven bags, etc.). You found out that if you put your fingers in the small slit and pulled the boxes toward the front, you could pull the bags out of the boxes (thus getting past the locks and latches that held you back). Well, we had to come up with a solution because you'd do it over and over and over and over (get the point, ALWAYS, over and over). So it was time for the ziplocs and other contents to go up a drawer, and the dish towels to come down a drawer to the previous ziploc bag drawer because theres no way you could pull the dishtowels out of the small slit, just mess with them (fine with us, less clean-up). A few days pass and we see you walk into the TV area with a bag (what the heck!?)... so we make you put it back, tell you no, you know all the normal stuff and then observe how you're doing it. Well, you've now found out that if you put all of your weight down on the drawer, the latch goes down with it and WA-LA you now have the ziploc bags that we thought we'd properly re-locked up. Sigh, and they call those "child-proof"

2. Poppy likes to play peek-a-boo with you, but it goes more like this: Poppy hides behind the cabinets in the kitchen around a turn and you so trustingly, but very cautiously go after him into the dark to find him. Well, one time after he kept "getting you", we see you go on the other side of the futon that separates the TV room from the kitchen area, and you crouch down, waiting for Poppy to come get you. Except this time, you're ready. You've not only crouched down, you have figured out that you can see exactly where he is if you watch him underneath the futon (because it doesn't sit on the floor, it sits about 4/5 inches above, allowing sight to the other side). This gave you time to run the opposite way around the futon from Poppy and creating entertainment for all watching your critical thinking at 11 months, insane.

You have learned so much in your first year, and it is truly amazing to watch your brain expand.

Smarts aside, you have this soft, sweet, "I could run to you and hug you everytime I see you" side. You melt my heart with your "maaaaaaaaaa" open mouth, plunge for mommy's lips, kisses; your need to hold hands when you're falling asleep or feel too far away from me (in your stroller, or on a drive); your little "wobble runs" for someone you love when they enter a room, even if they've only been gone 5 minutes and you've seen them all day; your sweet full arm waves at complete strangers; the way your eyes smile more than your lips do; and when your lips do smile, the sillyness of it that you still keep that binky in. Your heart is open wide for the world and you wear your love on the outside; what a strength this truly is Lily. I hope nothing ever changes this about you, that people respect your trust in them, and the love you give them.

Your love for animals is beyond my comprehension, especially for cats and dogs. You love Sydney and Penny as much as people, in my opinion. They will be sleeping on the floor and you will waltz over with your smiling eyes and mouth, binky in tow and flop your body so gently onto theirs, throwing your arms over the other side, with your head sideways on their body, doing your love sounds as I call them. (hmmm mmmm mmmm)

You have taught me more about myself than any book could ever try to. Everything I thought/predicted about motherhood has become so true, but you've really highlighted the things I underestimated: selflessness, energy, trust, compassion, and most importantly, unconditional love.

I look forward to the year you actually made it to a number (for a while, you were zero years old)
Heres to your number 1 and all it will bring for next years entry.

I love you.

2008-12-14T10:06:00.000-08:00

*Christmas Time
-Christmas Tree- Dec 14
-Coloring- Dec 13
*Real Food
-Soy nugget, soy yogurt, REAL cheese & Veggies
-Watermelon
*First Thanksgiving-Nov 26th
*Meaning in the world- Nov
*Halloween-Oct 31
-Pictures w/shannon
-Trick-or-Treating

She's a maaaniaac

2008-10-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

Lily is full fledged walking. She doesn't pull up to something, and then walk. Oh no! that'd be normal.. she just stands up in the middle of the room, wherever she may be and takes off. It is very cute. Since she prefers walking now, I rarely see her crawl anymore.

She is going to be running marathons on her first birthday.

8 Months, 1 week

2008-10-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

As of now, you are 8 months, 1 week and developmentally ready to do EVERYTHING. You have shocked your family. You are not only walking to get something you desire (i.e. toy to toy, couch to toy, etc.) but have now moved on to the "i'm going to walk now, and it's just because" and we see you take off across the room- 11 steps.

Your Aunt Lauren is one of the moms who can vouche how WEIRD and abnormal it looks for something as tiny and young as you and your cousins, Parker and Griffin are to even be standing up on your two feet without assistance. I'm sure I will experience all of the "oh my gosh how old is she!?" "oh my gosh, she is walking!?" just like Aunt Lauren, but at least when we go to her house it's not something that will FREAK her out; its her been there, done that story. Thank goodness someone understands you.

There is no secret that you are VERY interested in food. You have been stealing off lunch trays since you were 6 months. But, it's gotten more intense. During dinner you MUST have a snack or NO ONE gets a bite in without you howling "OOOOo o OOOOOOoo" at them, which is very intimidating, I might add. =P

We have finally given in to your howling and have started you on your first "real food".. Bananas. Yes, mom is going Organic (for you, at least- possibly us too). So, organic banana. You had 1/3 of it and just handled it; not surprisingly.
P.S. I think puffs are your favorite "I can do it myself food".. when you hear that jar a shakin' and those puffs a makin' noise, your little two feet just thump, and go, and thump , and move. You show excitement through your feet which is so cute when they barely stick out of the end of your feeding chair and are moving a mile a minute. That's when I can tell that i'm understanding what you need- that sheer excitement.

You are growing up little girl. Can you believe your first Halloween is almost here?

Happy FOUR!

2008-09-27T14:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Griffin Daniel Wright
a.k.a. Fin, Pippin, "srumpy face", silly

As we all embark on the fourth year of your beautiful life, nothing and no one could ever fill our lives the way you do, in the ways you do it. You are unique and wonderful and we celebrate your life today.

With love bigger than the world for you.

Aunt Mimi

2008-09-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Yeah, i'm pretty behind but as time permits I will catch up.. I swear to myself. ha

But, I just HAD to write about this something.

So, yesterday I had an appointment at 7pm, but with a busy busy schedule lately, I left the house at 5:20, thinking it was at 6, only to get halfway there when I thought it would be "smart" to look at my appointment card and just MAKE SURE. Sure enough, that intuitive feeling was right, and there I was halfway to Laguna Niguel, and with about an hour or so to spare. Then ta-da my little light bulb went off- I was finally going to take myself to the new Fresh & Easy that i've been desperately hoping to find time for. All of these conversations with my sister-in-law Lauren about how wonderful it was inspired my curiosity. With some free time, and much easier shopping because Lily was at home with Jon, I set forth on my new grocery shopping adventure (which to me was a treat in all ways).
As I neared my 4th aisle, wide-eyed picking up items i've never tried before.. I heard a familiar little voice. Flabergasted, I jumped in the air, pushing my cart forward and bounced happily and gayfully to the other end of the aisle, where no other than the advertiser herself was there with my little bundles of Joy, my nephew Griffin, and my beautiful niece Parker. WHAT A SPLENDED SURPRISE!!...

As I left, my heart filled with love- I just was reminded how amazing life's timing can be, and how one thing that seemed like a drag, turned into giving me enough time to do something i've awaited and then the cherry on top: seeing my favorite little people. 1 minute earlier, later, I may have missed them around an aisle turn. I love life's perfect timing even when we don't realize it will be perfect at times.

♥

2008-08-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind, so this is a reminder to myself:

*The Fair
*Parker's Birthday
*The Santa Ana Zoo

shaaaaake & siiiiiiiip

2008-07-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

Your first earthquake
&
your first cup of water

6 Months Today ♥

Busy is fun

2008-07-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

I'm just checking my e-mail as I look over at my 5 month old daughter whom is teeny tiny man-handling a bucket of toys like it's nothing. Once she has dumped it all she decides it's time to eat the bucket which is about her size. She then proceeds to get up on her knees, then her flat feet, leaning all of her weight on top of it, when she tumbles completely backwards with the bucket in tow and doesn't even wince at the the abrupt fall, or the bucket hitting her smack in the head. Instead, there she goes again for the next bucket of toys.

As i'm writing this:

She has gone clear across the room and is destroying it (I thought I had a couple months until I repeatedly pick up the same toys and clean the room; over and over) WRONG.

Jon is upstairs lowering her crib one more notch.
-Now when you go to get her up from naps, she is sitting up with half of her body above the rail and i'm not ready for the "oh my gosh she fell out of the crib" moment, especially since she just proved to me what i've suspected for a couple weeks: that the next step is pulling her body up to stand and hold onto things.

p.s. Today she stole toys from an 7 1/2 month old. Poor guy.

Laughter

2008-07-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

From Sacred Voices: Essential Women's Wisdom Through the Ages, edited by Mary Ford-Grabowsky

"A Time to Laugh"

1. Laugh when people tell a joke. Otherwise you might make them feel bad.

2. Laugh when you look into a mirror. Otherwise you might feel bad.

3. Laugh when you make a mistake. If you don't, you're liable to forget how ultimately unimportant the whole thing really is, whatever it is.

4. Laugh with small children… They laugh at mashed bananas on their faces, mud in their hair, a dog nuzzling their ears, the sight of their bottoms as bare as silk. It renews your perspective. Clearly nothing is as bad as it could be.

5. Laugh at situations that are out of your control. When the best man comes to the altar without the wedding ring, laugh. When the dog jumps through the window screen at the dinner guests on your doorstep, sit down and laugh a while.

6. When you find yourself in public in mismatched shoes, laugh -- as loudly as you can. Why collapse in mortal agony? There's nothing you can do to change things right now. Besides, it is funny. Ask me; I've done it.

7. Laugh at anything pompous. At anything that needs to puff its way through life in robes and titles… Will Rogers laughed at all the public institutions of life. For instance, "You can't say civilization isn't advancing," he wrote. "In every war they kill you in a new way."

8. Finally, laugh when all your carefully laid plans get changed; when the plane is late and the restaurant is closed and the last day's screening of the movie of the year was yesterday. You're free now to do something else, to be spontaneous… to take a piece of life and treat it with outrageous abandon.

.. and i'm proud to be an American...

2008-07-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness- tomorrow is a wonderful holiday and you haven't even hit your peak years for the excitement; although it's quite exciting for me because it is another first for you. This day we will join many others in eating snow cones, face painting, going on rides, eating hamburgers & hot dogs; all waiting for the light show at night which typically is insync with patriotic music that just gives you a burst of good ol' American pride. Plus it will eventually be one of the nights you get to stay up super late and as a kid that's a fun night in itself.

We are heading up to Big Bear Lake with nanny and pop pop around 6 pm today and will stay there until Sunday, 1 pm. It's going to be a full weekend full of water, play, maybe the zoo, laughter, and good family fun. I will update with pictures upon our return.

Have a safe 4th of July everyone :)

Update

2008-07-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

Results are in: 13 1/2 pounds, height- 25 inches

LONG & LEAN babay.

and.. guess who won the bet? Mom

I hold you everyday; I'd hope i've got a handle on this.

You're doing okay- very clingy, tired, and sore. Despite that you are still talkative, crawling, and smiling wide.

Goodnight Lily Bug

Today:

2008-07-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

New Doctor (Dr. Tran)- which i'm happy about because not only do I hope she is better than your last one, but also because of the fact that it is 7 minutes away (compared to 30), we dont' have to pay for parking because it's not at the hospital, and it will be easy to remember as it is my OB's name!
4 Month shots (you're now one month behind because we had to wait for the new insurance to go into effect) we shall catch up. I'm sorry little bug but we all have to get them.
Rice cereal for the second day in a row that completely knocks you out into a 2 hour nap (at least). It will begin to be our routine; you're growing up.
Find out how much you weigh. I love this one. All of us have a bet going to see who will be the closest, just for fun of course; not that it really matters or anything.

Finally, to just love you up because you don't even know what's coming. The only good part is the Tylenol, right?

♥

Zippity Do Da, Zippity Aye!

2008-06-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

We finally embarked on the Disneyland™ journey for your first time (compliments of Papa Buzz & Lita, of course). There is no way we'd be able to afford $70 pp; or more if we wanted to park hop. I had awaited this day since I don't know when (probably since you were in utero) because it is one of my favorite places to go. Our group included: Mom, Dad, You, Papa Buzz, Lita, Auntie Erika, and your 2nd Cousins Katie & Sarah- our big group ready for some fun!

As we strolled down main place, we couldn't help but take the "normal touristy" pictures.

The real adventure began with the ride: Pirates of the Carribbean; all wondering how you would do, but there you were: locked in the baby bjorn, front of the line, in the boat, here we go- no going back. In the beginning, the ride is dark and very peaceful with very soothing sounds of a banjo and people dining rideside- so peaceful, you thought it was time to go to sleep and slowly began to close your eyes in those split seconds and nodded off; laughing we all thought it was amusing that you thought it was time for bed because the lights were out. However, it didn't last long. It took about 1 more minute for your eyes to open up giant wide because your tummy was doing something you'd never felt before- WEEEEEEEEEE! the big drop. You looked all around; wondering where all the voices, noises, and lights were coming from; what kind of dream IS this!?. Sitting, well probably standing, perked you made it through the ride- no crying, no tears, no fussy- nothing; just a mind taking in all that was new; all that you'd never experienced before.

-We continued on to The Winnie The Pooh Ride

-Ate at Pizza Port and Visted Space Mountain

-Took a tour to the tea cups and watched them go around and around

Then, we came to the carousel. This was my favorite ride as a child. There was something that always felt so free about it to me as I would go up and down and around on this beautifully lit, magical ride that played the perfect mood lifting music while atop a horse.

It was your turn to experience it.

It's just like a baby to be able to sleep completely through a 30 minute firework show; and that's just what you did; only waking once it was through, when the stillness woke you.

We ended the night with all three of us trying on hats, being silly, and just completely enjoying each others company at the happiest place on Earth.

I look forward to the days we take you and you remember your favorites, placing those memories in us to cherish with you forever, and falling asleep at the end of the nights so tired because nothing, and I mean nothing is better than wiping out from such a wonderful feeling.

♥

these legs are made for movin' and that's just what she'll do

2008-06-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

It all began at barely 3 months when you were already rolling over. Okay we will give you that one; sort of on time but definitely impressive. So 3 1/2 months comes around and you are pulling your legs all the way up under your chest on your stomach. Okay maybe she's sort of advanced with this movement stuff. But now, at 4 months and 2 weeks, you are attempting crawling; you have mastered army crawling. We put you on one side of the room and in 10 minutes you're clear on the other side. Do we get ANY rest Lillian!? At this rate, you're going to be walking at 6 months; and yes, thats REALLY freaky.

could you please calm down child!

2008-06-17T23:56:00.000-07:00

Every night I go to bed a little freaked out, unsure of how you will end up in the early morning hours. (by the way, you have been sleeping 11 hours every night, waking to feed only once in the middle of it!!) My fear is posted at the right. This is how, most mornings I find you in your crib. Mind you, you are in the center of the crib at the beginning of the night and when I lay you down the second time after nursing; but for some reason you always find your way to this corner where you can't breathe very well and find it either comforting or funny to make me worry ALL NIGHT!

The world is at your finger tips

2008-06-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Auntie Shell graduated from highschool yesterday. We are so proud of her and her choice to go to Long Beach for college. It was the last of your daddy's baby sisters to head off into the adult world. We didn't get to the actual graduation because it was at 1 pm and too HOT outside for your new skin; but we did attend dinner at a restaurant of her choice. P.S. Isn't she so pretty? We think you have her smile. Also check out G diddy in the background! ha

Lita Pictures. Later on in the night,

we all went to starbucks and you ended up falling asleep in her arms; so peacefully.

CONGRATS AUNTIE SHELL!

Palm trees, clear water, snorkeling...

2008-04-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

Dad and I are off to a wonderful vacation in Maui, Hawaii for 7 days! You will be staying with both of your Grandma's while we are gone (i.e. Lita & Nanny- no "grandma" for you!) We are very excited for our paradise trip but know it will be hard to be away for 7 days without you. While you will not notice our absence, except maybe at our return, we will know of yours.

We hope you have a wonderful time being loved and cared for :)

A first, but not a last

2008-04-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

You attended your first Angel's™ baseball game with us tonight. Originally we had bought our seats way in the top, but called Uncle Trevor who was attending the same game with his girlfriend, Emily; whom we eventually migrated to and watched the game with. Of course, as you showed up in your Angel™ attire, they were super excited to see you and help your dad and I through the game (which honestly, was easy).

Above:

Here is you as you neared your very first wave

Notice your Uncle Trevor's anticipation in the background.

It still amazes me how you can take 50,000 people who all come from different backgrounds, styles, opinions, thought processes and yet at this single moment in a baseball stadium they can all collect to do one unitary wave that goes all around the stadium, with most not missing a beat, and hearts in unison to create something all together. At that single moment each person is thinking the same thing, waiting for their turn to jump up and flail their arms in the air without the concern of looking weird or abnormal.

Like most junctions, you ended the night as such

SeaWORLD!!

2008-04-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Friday April 11th we woke up pretty early; had a very busy morning getting all of our things together, making sure everything we needed was in tow, slipped out the door about 30 minutes past schedule, scooped up your cousin Griffin, and headed to SeaWorld for your very first time. Periodically through this day he would amuse us with his "Conversations with a 3 year old" as his mother calls it; which we will document in here for you both.

You began the trip as you do most days, with a long nap after breakfast- which really worked out for us today because it's not a short drive. You began smiling in your sleep, when your cousin chimes in:
*Griffin: "MIMI! She'ss smiiiling in her sleep"
Mimi: "Oh, she is? Do you think she is dreaming?"
Griffin: "I donno"
Mimi: "Do you dream?", I ask him
Griffin: [slightly puzzled] "No, How DO you DO it!?"

I laugh and explain and find his innocence so wonderful; pondering whether he does and if so, maybe he just didn't know what it was, or what to call it.

The drive goes on and we hit NO traffic what so ever (so awesome) and arrive at SeaWorld!!

You're asleep when we visit the Sea Lions, which we do to pass some time before our first show ( So here is one of the other two):

By this time, you're awake and smiling as we head off to the Seamore and Clyde's Risky Rescue Show. You give out some smiles and coos but let us know it's time to eat:

Sorry about the sun!! I moved my head back after the picture, I swear!

We arrive at our next show: Shamu

Again, you're sleeping but here is Daddy and cousin Griffin enjoying the show:

and my awesome photography of the whale if I say so myself!:

However, after the show you decided to wake up for photos with Griff:

We then headed to see the polar bears, baluga whale, walrus, etc.

The loud polar bear noises towards the end made Griffin walk through just like this:

Griffin decided to push his own seat around for a while:

He proclaimed. "MIMI! Look i'm doing it all by myself!" which we assured him how awesome that was; while he hit a curb or two =P

We visited the flamingos, bat rays, eels, star fish:

(sorry babe, you were sleeping, AGAIN)

However, our next stop you were awake. Dad took Griffin to the bathroom to poop because we needed to cool off. It was SOOO hot and with you against me in your bjorn and long sleeve and pants because I didn't want you to burn; Daddy had to take this one for mom.
Later, when Dad came back he shared yet another "CONVERSATION with a 3 year old"
* While sitting on the potty, he looks up and asks "PEEZ! Why is my weiner getting bigger" with a sigh

He is a crack up.
I laughed when they returned with the story, and thought your dad did a pretty good job of explaining it "because you grow, so everything grows" Good Job Dad! I would have laughed.

It was time to feed the fish to the dolphins! We bought 6 fish, and got to interact, touch, and feed one. It was the first time i've ever felt one, and it was your first time for all of it. Cousin Griffin threw one in her mouth too!
Here is our beauty:

All in all, it was a very awesome, HOT day, but full of lasting memories for your father and I, and for Griffin (as he cannot stop talking about the eels since we made such a fuss about how weird they looked).

You both knocked out on the way home, except for when you demanded dinner in the middle of our drive home. =) Gladly, you slept like a baby from there on out.

I love you all so much; thank you for spending the day with me :)

We need a re-match!

2008-04-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

First, HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY TO DAD!

Sunday:

We went to dinner with Lita, Buzz, Darryl, Great Grandma & Grandpa, Mitch, and Michelle at Champs. It was really good and your dad enjoyed it. We made him open his snorkel set for Hawaii in the restaurant; which he was secretly embarassed about =X.

After dinner, Lita let you play at her house with the new bug floor mat & toys she got for you while we went out for a little bit. You seemed to really like it, and now you will get tons of tummy time with her:

Monday:
We all got up real early (which has become usual), and headed out for breakfast, did some boring errands, and then went to the mall after we took your pops to work. I decided to try the baby bjorn™ for the first time. The doctor said 2 months, or 10 lbs; and you finally made it to the weight requirement. At first, you were like "What! the HECK" as your cousin Griffin would explain it; but by the end your arms and legs were all limp and dangled to my pace as you slept away.

Today:
Again, you went and spent time with Lita; it's a good thing she really loves you because it helps mom out; and dad too since he got to skate today!
Tonight, you stayed with Nanny & Poppy while I treated him to Olive Garden & a game of miniature golf. We had a $20 bet and he beat me by 5 strokes. Dad decided he wanted an Angels™ hat, so I will be contributing to that on Friday I believe.

Love You both ♥

No Fair!

2008-04-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

Today was a very hard day for me; it was your first set of shots (2 months) which included 5 shots in your legs and one oral liquid dose for Polio. While I realize that you need all of them, I just can't find my place of 100% "okay-ness" because while i'm still protecting you by vaccinating you against these diseases, I am still the one who has to just sit there and let them poke you with a needle 5 times while you look at me with screaming, tearful eyes that just don't understand.

Shots pulled me in two different directions and feelings; like i'm sure it does most moms. I found absolutely no comfort when I asked the doctor if they could be spread out; and he sadly and shortly gave me the N O conclusion; which I still don't understand.

Well, here is the proof for today =(
It began with a dose of baby Tylenol ™ (grape), which to this day has been the only other flavor you've had besides breastmilk. You made a funky face wondering what this new wonderful taste was, swallowing it with enjoyment.

Before it all:

Little did you know that "mean" nurse who just walked in would be your least favorite friend of the day; which you let her know quite quickly:

Before the shot:

AFTER =(

How can that picture NOT make you sad or feel your pain. I did. I know Dad did. As far as the nurse, I don't know how she does it everyday.

I did however ask her if it would be weird to take your picture; and she said that yesterday someone video recorded theirs; so I didn't feel so bad!

P.S. You're 9 weeks old, 10 lbs, 22 1/2 inches

I love you. I'm sorry. I guess we do this to you because we love you; it's just one of those parenthood things.

Your 1st Easter

2008-03-31T22:49:00.000-07:00

Easter was a very full day for you.

Well, let's back it up to the Saturday evening before Easter; your first could not go without coloring eggs even if you had no idea what was going on; you would still participate.

Look at your cute egg and you!

Theres Dad making his:

You in one of your Easter dresses (Britt got this one):

"ooooo I love this dress"

Then you were mad at me:

Pooped from it all:

Now to actal Easter day, it began with sunrise breakfast at Nanny & Poppy's.
You got a basket full of goodies, but no egg hunt this year there because your cousins were elsewhere; next year :)

After that, Dad went to work and you and I headed out to Corona to visit with Dad's side of the family. Everyone was delighted to see you there. You had pictures taken with cousin Ella & a big huge Easter egg hunt, in which you picked up $11 dollars; plus some chocolate for mom. Woo hoo!
Auntie Eeka feeding you:

Cousin Jess' turn for the sleeping part:

After Corona, we met up with Dad at Great Grandma McCarty's home in Orange where all of dad's other family was including Nanny & Poppy. Lita had goodies for you that the Easter bunny brought. We have no pictures for this stop :(

Overall, it was a very busy, yet fun 1st Easter. Next year you'll be walking and need your first egg hunting basket

Car washes & wholesale

2008-03-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

Today we went for a long, surfacely meaningless, inwardly needed drive with Grandma. One of the things we did however accomplish during this time was a drive-through car wash. You were sleeping, and even as you were experiencing the "category 4" hurricane (as your grandma called it), you slept soundly; every so often giving a slight smirky smile.

P.S. Don't ever go with your Grandma to get her car washed- she shared her very embarassing story of the time she went and the machine actually told her to "BACK UP!!" because she floored it forward, with tires squeeling she floored it backwards. Thank goodness the story ends there. However, I doubt you'll ever pay for a car wash because your dad is obsessed with washing cars; especially his blue beauty.

You also went to Costco for the very first time, and pretty much slept through that experience as well. Until we were about to leave in which you wanted to be out and held; sending ladies in an "awwing" festival if their eyes landed upon you; followed by "she's sooo tiny, but soo alert", "oh myyyy goooosh look at her!" ETC. You get the point, it's hard to not find you so sweet, you're about the size of a play baby doll with eyes wider than the world, and this quirky smile that just works in all the wrong ways. I so love these things about you.

I Love Daddy

2008-03-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this picture of you

"No matter how slow the film, Spirit always stands still long enough for the photographer it has chosen."
-Minor White

Muah

2008-03-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Happy two months little love bug

Your Crib & Bedding

2008-03-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

G Diddy ordered your crib and Daddy picked it up. I loooove it!

Here is a picture of the crib

and, a picture of the crib WITH your bedding

Can't wait for you to have your own room so I can paint the walls and put your decals up.

oh, ouch!

2008-03-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well Lily, Mom literally smashed her pinky finger in the car door this morning; so hard that I had to use the door handle to re-open the door. This served as a lesson for your older friends at daycare to watch their fingers when closing doors. I always thought, "how in the world do you smash your own finger, you just move it out of the way!" But I see now, it happens when you are over excited to spend a warm nice day out with your daughter; in which may only happen thanks to some strong pain medicine; after a looong nap I hope!

RUN!

2008-03-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Last night and today we went and saw Auntie Eeka run for Biola. You did really well both days; I think you find chaos around you comforting- you can sleep through everything (yelling, hooting, cheering, crying, the gun firing).

At the race I couldn’t believe my thoughts when I realized when she is a senior running, you’ll be three years old at the finish line cheering her on! Oh how cute it looked in my mind; but all I could picture was a sweet little girl from behind with no face; probably because I just can’t imagine 3 years old or what you will look like at 3.

Auntie E was nevertheless, so excited to see you there; even if all the cheering you were doing was in your dreams :)

Four Leaf Clovers

2008-03-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 1ST ST.PATTYS DAY!

KISSES

Poop & Tears

2008-03-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

You managed to poop all over your Grandma; and I am speaking literal. It was all over her shirt; she felt something warm and well, you got her; and I mean.. gooood!

Also, today was the first day you cried tears. Before you’d just cry; but now it looks so sad with your watery eyes. I’ve never felt my heart ache so much for someone crying until today.

Mom is tired so that’s all I have for today. Love You

No Wedgies!

2008-03-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I’ve gotten a little behind here, haven’t I?

See how busy being a mom is. I’ve been working on getting the pre-school up and going (which has required a lot of our time) By the way, you really liked Ikea. ha I know it sounds funny but I think it was all of the different colors; it had your senses going wild with amazement.

The other day when we were at Auntie Brittanys, we learned that a new pair of anti-wedgy undies are now available. The commercial was in no means "cute" and theres no way we are buying those. See what you have to look forward to as a girl: The never ending problem of wedgies and societys way of fixing it; among other millions of "problems" to be "fixed" for women.

By the way, your 3 year old cousin Griffin, he is soo silly!
We were sitting on a chair and you were over my shoulder facing outside; I was talking to you as usual, and asked, " Lily bug, you want to see outside, see all the birds, and trees, and the skyyyy?"

which Griffin piped in with "Mimi!... Mimi!.. you know what she’s thinking?"

I said, "Whats that Griffin?"

He replied, "She’s thinking.... WHAT the HECK is in my way!"

There were sheer curtains but he was certain thats what you were thinking. So you know, he’s my favorite little boy in the whole world. You’re going to adore him because he is so fun!

Nothing is as far away as one minute ago

2008-02-29T12:29:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe today, you're one month old. I do believe I will be saying this your whole life; at different points, different ages, and for different reasons.
Its shocking to have something that keeps track of how fast life is right before your very eyes. Theres nothing like your own child growing up that reminds you how time can just slip away; especially because I am enjoying it.

I have found myself talking about "oh, her first birthday party" "her first 4th of July, Halloween, Christmas" "when she can wear dresses", all which excite me to a different degree very much so, but i'm realizing, all of those are going to come so quick. When will you ever just let me hold you in my lap and make meaningless noises at you; and actually LOVE that i'm doing that. When will you ever let me sleep with you whenever I want to; and how I want to. When will you ever let me do exactly that, what I want, for all hours of the day. You wont. Eventually, I will have to take into consideration how you feel, and what you want; and its going to happen before I know it. So while I look forward to all the happiness your life is going to bring, to all of us, I need to constantly remind myself that I will miss all of these days: and I dont want to be saying "oh her first week of life" "oh her first thumb suck" as If I long for them because I didn't remember to enjoy them.

I think thats my biggest fear; that I will begin a day to day routine without stopping to take in all that you are.

I love, all that you are.

you know how it's done

2008-02-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday you picked up your binky all by yourself.. You held onto it, waved it around, and then put it in your mouth; it was amazing that such a small thing to me, would be well, amazing.

I felt proud of you. Definately not the first time (as the first time I felt proud of you was when we were in labor together, i'd talk to you and tell you come on "baby" its just me and you; and we are going to get through this together. When you came out healthy and made it through quite possibly the most traumatic experience I hope you will encounter for many years to come, I felt SO proud of how strong you were.

2008-02-24T22:11:00.000-08:00

Daddy was gone for his first trip away from us this weekend. He had a skate thing in Ohio (he was freezing).

I decided to give you your first REAL bath yesterday. You were screaming before it (all naked and exposed) but once you hit that warm water, it was all heaven to you from there on. You did really well; i'm going to look forward to bath time with you, especially as you get older and we can make it playtime!

You continue to make my heart glow. Your sweet, soft, peaceful face when you sleep captures my heart over, and over.

I love you Lillian<3

Thumbs, Hands, Feet

2008-02-21T22:06:00.000-08:00

Today was a BIG day!

We picked up your announcement pictures; they were completely adorable. I still can't believe I took you out at one week of age and did that, you are just so alert and good for your age.

You sucked your thumb for the very first time. You found it and started sucking on it! It was so cute; time will tell if you will be a thumb sucker.

We got your hand and foot prints done today on clay.. let me tell you; you were NOT happy!!
I had to hold you down; it was so sad =( It's not that she was hurting you, you just didn't want to be manipulated.

Then, we went and had some pictures taken with Shannon (she did my maternity pictures)http://shannonlottphotography.com/, they too are adorable! You weren't happy being naked, but you are so photogenic, theres no way anyone could tell you weren't very happy for portions of it.

Happy Late Love Day!

2008-02-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was ♥ Valentines ♥ Day!

By the way, you had one outfit for the whole entire week! Everyone wanted you dressed up for Valentines!

Daddy and I went out to PF changs: the wait was an hour and a half long, but we enjoyed dinner once we sat down. You hung out with grandma and grandpa and did just fine while we were gone.I didnt' get to eat my spicy food because it might upset your stomach; but you're worth the loss of that! ;-)

We made cookies and dipped pretzels in chocolate for everyone from us; and you gave your only man in your life his first valentines card from you : ) He had the hugest smile on his face.

Today, I'm going to work for the first time since you've been born (only for 4 hours though, and late late tonight). Dad gets to have a go at this whole mommy thing all on his own. Good luck little one (ha)

Swwet dreams are made of you

2008-02-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

We awoke this morning to daddy telling us how much he loves us because of how sweet we looked when we were sleeping; it was very cute; and to wake up to your face IS the sweetest in thing in the world. You sleep so peacefully with no cares in the world.

Tomorrow is Valentines day and yesterday we took your pictures for our cards :) They are very cute! Tomorrow i'll post it in here for my Valentine entry.

This morning you got Grandma Wright good.. she changed your poop diaper, got you all wrapped up like a burrito in your blanket, and you went AGAIN!

Now daddy is changing you AGAIN!

YOU'RE A MACHINE TODAY =P

Stack em' up!

2008-02-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

Today was free pancakes at IHOP for national pancake day, and daddy and I went at 8 30 pm, while you hung out with Grandma and Grandpa Wright. I don't even like pancakes much but we made it dessert and it was nice to spend an hour with him.

Not all rainbows are pretty

2008-02-10T22:44:00.000-08:00

Well, this morning you really threw me for a fast one. As I was changing your diaper, cleaning you up; you made a huuuuge fart noise and out flew projectile poop like a rainbow all over everything; at 3 am!

This was not so pretty Lillian.
We had a laugh about it though.

Daddy is at work until 11 pm tonight; and i'm definately missing him; as i'm sure you would if you knew. I just wish he could have the same amount of time off from work, so that he could enjoy all these minutes with you as I get to.

Love you much, poopy thing!

Time flies and it all ticks away

2008-02-09T23:13:00.000-08:00

Daddy surprised mommy tonight with her favorite ice cream from coldstone (coffee with heath bar). He knows just how to make me feel a little better, even after his long day at work. He's trying so hard; and everytime it gets tough, he says he's doing it all for his girls. He loves you so much already.

You'd laugh if you could sometimes. He's not used to taking care of babies, but he tries so hard for you. Just for example, the other night when we were putting you into a new gown (you pooped through because your diaper wasn't tight enough.. cough your dad cough), I asked him what size it was (remember you're tiny, I need the smallest possible), he replied 0-5 months. There is no such size in baby clothes, but it was probably around 3 am, we were both tired, and I didn't really have the energy to think this one through.. until morning. I looked at your gown and it said O/S... ONE SIZE haha. Granted at that time of the night, in basically the dark, and daddy being tired; we had a small laugh about it once I figured it out.

Tonight after you ate, you laid against my chest, your arms straight up as if you were hugging me; and I became sad for a moment realizing you're already 1 week 4 days old. It feels like yesterday already that you had just come out. I already want this whole 11 days of your life back, to experience this happiness all over again. It brings tears to my eyes to just know that everday for the rest of your life, I will want yesterday back because I enjoy you SO much.

Don't get me wrong, everyday I take full advantage of you being here, but it's not enough. I realize as you get older, everyday is going to bring something new, something you'll learn, something that will make my heart melt over and over again; and although your future holds so much I want to know and see, i'm trying to hold on to these moments of your new life, and this overwhelming love as much as I can.

My heart aches with so much love Lillian, and one day when you're a mother; I hope you feel this overwhelming joy.

Lights, Camera, Flash!

2008-02-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

Today was your first photo shoot at Sears. One week old pictures for your birth announcements and plain ol' just to haves.

You did pretty well except for the fact that you were HUNGRY. So in between prop movements and background changes, you ate. You didn't really like the flash, and sometimes it made you cry; but overall you did really well.

Lita was with us which helped because it can be a handful trying to find that right pose. Your pictures arrive in 2 weeks, so i'll edit this post then, with them.

2008-02-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

WELCOME LITTLE ONE

You're a GIRL !!

Oh my gosh i'm so excited. You should see the pink that's everywhere. You've got your daddy all in a whirlwind with it!

Before I forget, let me jot down some notes about labor with you.We went in at midnight on the 28th to be induced. I was 1 cm and 60% effaced when I showed up at the hospital. After 12 hours of natural laboring, I had them stick me with an epidural :) At hour 17, we were only 4 cm dialated and 90% effaced. You and I were both very tired and you started to become intolerable to the pitocin which made the doctors decide to stop the pitocin; and once they stopped the pitocin, all labor contractions stopped as well- meaning that you just weren't ready to come out, and even medicine wasn't going to make you! So, they decided to get you out by C-section. Overwhelmed from a lack of sleep, no food, and just being ready to meet you and know that you were a girl, sent tears down my face as I readied to meet my whole world.

You were delivered at 8:10 p.m.
6 lbs, 15 oz (which by the way they said you'd be 9 pounds at least since you weren't moving down in natural labor! ha weren't they wrong, you little thing you!)
19 inches (we knew you'd be a long one!)

Mom's blood pressure went crazy after delivery, and I had to be on magnesium for 48 hours (that stuff is harsh but we made it through)After 5 days in the hospital, we finally got to go home.

I wish I could have written all of these past 7 days but it just dawned on me that this would be a great idea; to chronicle the days of your life through my eyes and feelings; and later share it with you. Perhaps when you're pregnant yourself :)

My First Entry:

You lay next to me right now, arms straight up next to your head, fingers tucked into your preemie outfit (told you that you were tiny), hands clenched in which you make me want to yell "hoorah", which I have done on occasion because you look like you're shouting for joy. You squirm and wiggle, trying to find a comfortable spot in your boppy, and find some soothing from your binky.

You lay there, completely trusting that someone is going to take care of you, love you, and provide everything you need. Your full of innocence, trust, loyalty, ease, beauty, purity; all the things that only change through human nature as you get older. But right now, right this second, you have everything that most people have lost throughout their life because its not always an easy place, but it's one you adapt to; its one you will learn to be strong in, to have courage in, to trust in, to befriend in, and most of all to love in.

You already show signs of great strength, trust, and the ability to adapt to other people and different situations. Your middle name is suiting you well, as Victoria means victory and conqueror. As well as your first name Lillian, which means beauty, innocence, and purity. And my gosh, are you beautiful; you really are.

I love you.. It's time for mommy to put away your clean clothes :)

INTRODUCTION

2008-02-04T00:42:00.000-08:00

So, I've decided to write a journal that consists of thoughts, sayings, feelings, & daily "news" for Lily so that when she is older she will be able to read back "into the old days"

Can you believe that, i've resorted to knowing i'll be called "the old days" ha

Parenthood: it comes at you fast!

This is my backup website; in case livejournal goes down before I can share it all with her!

Baby time soon!

2008-01-28T22:01:00.000-08:00

We are leaving at 11 ish to go to the hospital. I'm surprised how calm I am; but what else is there to feel when you're not sure what to expect. Hopefully it will be easier than I can imagine and all of the "techniques" we have come up with will help me through it. A baby boy or a baby girl will be here by this time tomorrow.
I feel somewhat at ease because i've been around babies my whole life; so i'm not worried about that part of it at all.The only part I haven't done, is labor.

Here I come =D

Introduction

2008-01-27T14:41:00.000-08:00

I'm back tracking some of these entries. Anything before February 8, 2008 was written on Feb 8th.

The baby entering my life soon

2007-10-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

The beauty of a child is so deep that it reaches inside of you, to a place thats so pure that it clenches on to your love without words, personality, or knowledge of who they are, and who they will become.

It is the only love we will ever have that arrives before we decide, and never leaves in lieu of disagreements, anger, or mistakes.

It is pure; it is real.

It is the only love at first sight.