(I have a feeling this will be an ongoing blog post.)
The radio comes on as we start the car. A commercial announcer says, Do you have a herniated disc?
Anna says, NooOo, with an inflection I cannot quite capture through typing.
The announcer continues, Do you need surgery or need regular shots?
Anna replies again, No.
She looks at me with her eyebrows raised and an expression that says, Nope, I don't need any of that.
In other news, the neighbor's cat, who is a recluse of an old man, suddenly is around all the time because he wants Anna to pet him. Did you read that? The cat miraculously wants to be touched by my daughter. I am, of course, a nervous wreck about the whole thing because the cat has ran from me on numerous occasions. Tonight I come home to find Bryan and Anna in the garden with Anna sticking her hand through the fence patting the cat. Unbelievable. The cat loves her.
When Anna finishes a book, she most always says, Amen. Very religious this one.
Stay tuned. More to come, no doubt.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Lori's Visit
One of my very best friends came for a fun visit to start off the month. So refreshing. So what I needed. It's great to hang out with an "old" friend who's been there with ya through the yuck and the ups and downs of your twenties. And it doesn't hurt that she possesses a degree in interior design. :-) A few boxes were unpacked, several pictures hung, furniture rearranged, and some marriage mediation. Let's just say the furniture arranging brought out the best in me. Ahem.
Lori captured some great photos during the weekend. Enjoy.
We are so happy Lori is here!
The fake smile. Notice its appearance in multiple pics.
Swinging with Mama.
Her first birthday gift of the month. She loved the book and fun Melissa & Doug toy from Aunt Lori.
Cutest toes I've ever seen...
At the midway at the Stock Show. Holy moly. Those rides are incredibly fast. Note to self: Don't take Anna back until she's 13.
The fake smile in all its glory.
The guhrls.
I call this the tv stare.
Mastering the park this little one. She no longer wants anyone to catch her at the bottom of the slide. Sniff. Sniff.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
What's for Lunch? Learning to Feed My Toddler
Today, Anna ate a leftover slice of cheese pizza and lima beans. Not your usual combo? Well, she loved it.
A few weeks back a fellow toddler mom and I were discussing what to feed these little ones. Face it, we run out of ideas weekly and enter the food ruts constantly. Add in toddler "assertiveness" and table time is turning tricky.
My sweet girl, who once downed cooked carrots and brown sugar butternut squash and steamed green beans, now will not touch the stuff. Essentially her veggie intake now consists of anything sweet potato and most beans (except green beans). She loves limas, pintos, peas, black beans, kidney beans, and so forth. I do not have any great ideas about luring her to love broccoli and brussel sprouts and carrots and even mashed potatoes. My take is that I keep making it with our meals and I keep putting it on her plate and maybe one day, she will eat it. Maybe.
So for you other mothers, here is what Anna is eating this week. Oh, and no judging.
Tuesday: banana and milk for breakfast / leftover cheese pizza and lima beans for lunch / pasta and chicken in parmesan and spinach sauce with corn and cauliflower in the sauce, which she picked out
Wednesday: yogurt and blueberries for breakfast / avocado, cheese, and pretzels for lunch / crock pot chicken and green beans (we made a "deal" for her to eat 10 beans)
Thursday: banana for breakfast / leftover chicken and green beans (which I am happy to report she ate with less fuss) for lunch / half an avocado and sweet potato tater tots for dinner
Friday: yogurt and blueberries / avocado, pretzels, applesauce, and gingersnaps (packed lunch for school) / fish and chips for dinner
Saturday: bacon, eggs, and whole wheat toast for breakfast / leftover limas and sweet potato tots / cheese pizza and berries (strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries mix)
As you might guess, blueberries and avocados were on sale at the grocery store. :-) Also, Anna has a snack between lunch and dinner since we don't eat dinner until 6 or 6:30. So it's usually a piece of fruit (apple or berries or orange) or a grain, like Annie's Bunnies or pretzels. So far, Anna doesn't like sweets, except for gingersnaps. Thus, I'm not fighting the sweet treat battle as of yet.
I'd be DELIGHTED to learn what your little one eats. New ideas are always welcome. And if you have ideas about incorporating veggies into Anna's diet, I'm ALL EARS. Or eyes because you'll likely type it, not say it. :-)
A few weeks back a fellow toddler mom and I were discussing what to feed these little ones. Face it, we run out of ideas weekly and enter the food ruts constantly. Add in toddler "assertiveness" and table time is turning tricky.
My sweet girl, who once downed cooked carrots and brown sugar butternut squash and steamed green beans, now will not touch the stuff. Essentially her veggie intake now consists of anything sweet potato and most beans (except green beans). She loves limas, pintos, peas, black beans, kidney beans, and so forth. I do not have any great ideas about luring her to love broccoli and brussel sprouts and carrots and even mashed potatoes. My take is that I keep making it with our meals and I keep putting it on her plate and maybe one day, she will eat it. Maybe.
So for you other mothers, here is what Anna is eating this week. Oh, and no judging.
Tuesday: banana and milk for breakfast / leftover cheese pizza and lima beans for lunch / pasta and chicken in parmesan and spinach sauce with corn and cauliflower in the sauce, which she picked out
Wednesday: yogurt and blueberries for breakfast / avocado, cheese, and pretzels for lunch / crock pot chicken and green beans (we made a "deal" for her to eat 10 beans)
Thursday: banana for breakfast / leftover chicken and green beans (which I am happy to report she ate with less fuss) for lunch / half an avocado and sweet potato tater tots for dinner
Friday: yogurt and blueberries / avocado, pretzels, applesauce, and gingersnaps (packed lunch for school) / fish and chips for dinner
Saturday: bacon, eggs, and whole wheat toast for breakfast / leftover limas and sweet potato tots / cheese pizza and berries (strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries mix)
As you might guess, blueberries and avocados were on sale at the grocery store. :-) Also, Anna has a snack between lunch and dinner since we don't eat dinner until 6 or 6:30. So it's usually a piece of fruit (apple or berries or orange) or a grain, like Annie's Bunnies or pretzels. So far, Anna doesn't like sweets, except for gingersnaps. Thus, I'm not fighting the sweet treat battle as of yet.
I'd be DELIGHTED to learn what your little one eats. New ideas are always welcome. And if you have ideas about incorporating veggies into Anna's diet, I'm ALL EARS. Or eyes because you'll likely type it, not say it. :-)
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Anna and the Restaurant
While driving home from Bible study this afternoon, Anna told me she wanted to eat. I replied, "Okay, honey, we're on our way home. Mom will make you some lunch."
"No. Lunch at restaurant," Anna said in her whiniest voice.
At first, I couldn't understand her completely, probably because "restaurant" was the last possible thing I thought she would say. As much as I tried to convince her of the fabulous lunch awaiting her at home, she persisted with "restaurant."
I called Bryan on the way home because I was half horrified and half cracking up at this restaurant declaration. What in the world? Of course, she heard me talking to Bryan about this and became even more adamant that she wanted to go to a restaurant for lunch.
And then we pulled into the driveway at home. What's that saying? All ^@#* breaking loose? Mhmm.
The more I tried to undo her car seat straps, the more she buckled them back--full out fit. She was crying incredibly hard, screaming "no" and "restaurant." I was making the situation worse because I was nearly doubled over in hysterics . . . laughing so hard. Clearly, she did not find the situation funny.
I get her out of the car . . . dragging her up the porch stairs to the door. As I unlock the front door, she makes a bee line for the car. Dragged again. Inside, I call Bryan so he can hear this. She was brokenhearted and mad, crying big tears. I told her to tell Dad what was a matter. All she would say is "Mama" while she clutched the phone.
Here's how I resolved the situation:
The mailman divinely showed up to drop off the mail. So we went outside to get the mail and the newspaper. She recovered. We played outside for nearly 30 minutes until I dared to bring up lunch again. Strategically, I also mentioned she could watch the "Beats" (Fresh Beat Band, her first true love) while she ate lunch. And maybe, just maybe, I provided her with some of her favorites: avocado, cheese, and pretzels. Whew.
Let's just hope she takes it okay when she finds out we're having crock pot chicken at home for dinner.
"No. Lunch at restaurant," Anna said in her whiniest voice.
At first, I couldn't understand her completely, probably because "restaurant" was the last possible thing I thought she would say. As much as I tried to convince her of the fabulous lunch awaiting her at home, she persisted with "restaurant."
I called Bryan on the way home because I was half horrified and half cracking up at this restaurant declaration. What in the world? Of course, she heard me talking to Bryan about this and became even more adamant that she wanted to go to a restaurant for lunch.
And then we pulled into the driveway at home. What's that saying? All ^@#* breaking loose? Mhmm.
The more I tried to undo her car seat straps, the more she buckled them back--full out fit. She was crying incredibly hard, screaming "no" and "restaurant." I was making the situation worse because I was nearly doubled over in hysterics . . . laughing so hard. Clearly, she did not find the situation funny.
I get her out of the car . . . dragging her up the porch stairs to the door. As I unlock the front door, she makes a bee line for the car. Dragged again. Inside, I call Bryan so he can hear this. She was brokenhearted and mad, crying big tears. I told her to tell Dad what was a matter. All she would say is "Mama" while she clutched the phone.
Here's how I resolved the situation:
The mailman divinely showed up to drop off the mail. So we went outside to get the mail and the newspaper. She recovered. We played outside for nearly 30 minutes until I dared to bring up lunch again. Strategically, I also mentioned she could watch the "Beats" (Fresh Beat Band, her first true love) while she ate lunch. And maybe, just maybe, I provided her with some of her favorites: avocado, cheese, and pretzels. Whew.
Let's just hope she takes it okay when she finds out we're having crock pot chicken at home for dinner.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Grief Is a Beast
This morning one of my absolute best friends called with horrible news. Her mother-in-law died this morning. All of a sudden. All unexpected. All too familiar.
Immediately, I thought of "that" phone call from October: "Emily, the house caught on fire in Van Buren. Mom died." With the next thought, my stomach dropped; I wish the sadness and weirdness of the next days, weeks, months were not a burden for my friend to bear. Friends, grief is not fun.
The only way I've been able to encapsulate the journey of grief is this: Grief is a beast you cannot tame. No matter how you try to avoid it, force it, manipulate it, or beat it, grief will not yield. It will take its course in its intended way. There's no getting out of it.
When my father died in 2009 (from brain cancer), grief caught me by surprise. Never had I been so mentally consumed with something. I thought about my dad all.the.time. If you drank a glass of water, I recalled every memory I had of my father that involved drinking water. If I saw a ball game, a shirt, anything, I somehow thought of some relation to my dad. Exhausting doesn't even begin to explain it. Yet, with my mother, the grieving has been completely different. I'm grumpy on the inside. I feel a bit . . . lost. Wandering through grief, really.
One similarity, though, does exist between mourning my father and my mother: Month three is the worst. Perhaps the shock of it wanes by the third month. Perhaps the realities are settling by then. Perhaps I don't know. And that makes me angry because I want to have "one up" on grief. I want to cheat it somehow, avoid some of it. But alas, that is not possible.
And believe it or not, I'm thankful for that.
While so, so weird and so full of numerous emotion, grief is good. It brings to light the realities of mortality, forcing my mind to consider the eternal, the bigger picture. Grief highlights my hurts and areas where the cobwebs need cleaned. Grief reminds me we were not intended to die and that sin's price is steep--death. Grief reveals my weakness and need for redemption. And as with all--whether the grandeurs of grace or the repercussions of depravity--God uses grief for my good and His glory.
Immediately, I thought of "that" phone call from October: "Emily, the house caught on fire in Van Buren. Mom died." With the next thought, my stomach dropped; I wish the sadness and weirdness of the next days, weeks, months were not a burden for my friend to bear. Friends, grief is not fun.
The only way I've been able to encapsulate the journey of grief is this: Grief is a beast you cannot tame. No matter how you try to avoid it, force it, manipulate it, or beat it, grief will not yield. It will take its course in its intended way. There's no getting out of it.
When my father died in 2009 (from brain cancer), grief caught me by surprise. Never had I been so mentally consumed with something. I thought about my dad all.the.time. If you drank a glass of water, I recalled every memory I had of my father that involved drinking water. If I saw a ball game, a shirt, anything, I somehow thought of some relation to my dad. Exhausting doesn't even begin to explain it. Yet, with my mother, the grieving has been completely different. I'm grumpy on the inside. I feel a bit . . . lost. Wandering through grief, really.
One similarity, though, does exist between mourning my father and my mother: Month three is the worst. Perhaps the shock of it wanes by the third month. Perhaps the realities are settling by then. Perhaps I don't know. And that makes me angry because I want to have "one up" on grief. I want to cheat it somehow, avoid some of it. But alas, that is not possible.
And believe it or not, I'm thankful for that.
While so, so weird and so full of numerous emotion, grief is good. It brings to light the realities of mortality, forcing my mind to consider the eternal, the bigger picture. Grief highlights my hurts and areas where the cobwebs need cleaned. Grief reminds me we were not intended to die and that sin's price is steep--death. Grief reveals my weakness and need for redemption. And as with all--whether the grandeurs of grace or the repercussions of depravity--God uses grief for my good and His glory.
So, I pray tonight for my friend who's just commenced his grieving days--and for you who've been there too--that we grieve well, full and deep, confessing the wounds of our hearts and the wonders of a Savior.
Monday, January 21, 2013
The Second Birthday Query
As you can see, Anna the baby is no more. Meet Anna the toddler, going on big girl. This reality smacks me in the face every day as she whips out a new sentence or masters a new skill. We're less than a month from the 2nd birthday. What.in.the.world?
I'm receiving those probing questions from family and friends who are also thinking about the upcoming birthday. "What should I get Anna?" I recommend Emily Post's guide to . . . . Hey, a mom can hope, right?
First, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please know that this sweet, cute, silly girl needs nothing. But I know when it comes to grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins, it's impossible to resist. So, this post's for you. The following list is a catalog of ideas/suggestions. Heavens, you are not obligated to buy any of this! Nor, will anyone cry tears if she receives nary an item. In fact, I might just rejoice. Again, a mother can dream. :-)
- Lego Duplo blocks (1.5-5 years age range). She received a box for Christmas; and they're a big hit. The pack we bought had a lot of square and small rectangle pieces--not great for variety. Anna would love another box to add to the collection. She's into building her own creations now, if you can even believe it!
- Baby doll clothes that are easy to take on and off.
- Books about the potty. Ahem.
- Giftcard to Stride Rite. We've struggled finding shoes to fit her; alas, Stride Rite and Nordstrom tend to be the only places we can score "wides" that are actually wide enough.
- 2T summer clothes and 3T winter clothes are always embraced at the Youree house.
- If it's got the Fresh Beat Band or Elmo on it, she likes it.
- Outside toys. We're back home now with our very own yard. Bubbles would be a big win.
- Any donation to a charity in Anna Zane's honor. The best gift.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
The Negotiator (and Some Christmas Pictures)
Anna Zane is not yet two years old and already she's mastered negotiating at bed time. Tonight, after the story and while we rocked (and I sing my best rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle"), she asked for:
Water
Milk
Juice
When that didn't work, she decided being more vague was a better approach: A drink
No liquid for her since she just had water before story.
So, she decides to pull for the heartstrings.
Daddy hug. Daddy kiss.
She asked five times.
Then she hugged and kissed me twice.
Finally, she asked for "lipstick," a.k.a. chap stick.
However, she laid down without a hitch. Ah, she's the joy of my heart.
And to make this the most random blog posting ever . . . enjoy some pictures from Christmas. :-)
Christmas morning, waiting in our bedroom while Daddy went to check to see if Santa had left and to set up the camera.
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