Autumn Is Awesome

Autumn is my second favorite season, spring being my favorite. Given that autumn officially begins tomorrow, I felt it appropriate to list some of the reasons I love this season:


01) The kids are back in school! This is good on so many levels. First off, it allows me to miss Dallin, Elijah and Amelia. Secondly, it allows me time alone with the little girls. Thirdly, it allows me quiet time and no fighting in the house. Yes, someday Felicity and Aubrielle will fight, but for now they don't and I appreciate it.

02) Warm clothing is the norm. I love to wear jeans and T-shirts and thick socks. When I'm home I enjoy wearing my robe or sweater over my clothes if I get a little chilly, and I love a good pair of fuzzy slippers. When I leave the house, in place of sandals I wear high-heeled boots under my jeans that come up to my knees (these help to keep my feet and legs warm and give me much-needed height).

03) Reading by the fireplace. Oh, yeah. That's what I'm talking about. Is there anything better than reading a great book and feeling the warmth of the fireplace, while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa?

04) Soups, stews and chowders. 'Nuff said.

05) Cuddling to stay warm.

06) The warmth, smell and ambiance of scented candles throughout the house.

07) Anticipation of holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas and the music associated with them.

08) The changing colors outside. Can anyone argue that it's beautiful here in Colorado?

09) Basketball season begins. Go, Lakers!

10) New fall shows premiere! That's a whole post in itself.


For all of these reasons, and many more, I love autumn. God bless this autumn to be good to us (unlike autumn of 2006!)

Love, Cara

Man Date Straight Up

This past Thursday night Richard and his best friend JP went out on a man date.

Our story begins at 5:00p.m. Thursday evening. Our family and the Schneider family were outside at our park enjoying the gorgeous weather, knowing we should all head inside to feed our families and get our children into bed. First my cell phone rang. It was our neighbor Tammy. Since I didn't answer my phone before it went to voicemail, Tammy then called Richard's cell phone. She called to say that her family was under the weather and were in possession of four Colorado Avalanche tickets they were consequently unable to use. She wondered if Richard and JP were interested in using them.

Duh! No-brainer! Of course the guys wanted to use the tickets, are you kidding?!

Tera and I said our goodbyes and shepherded our children into the house for baths and a quick dinner (Top Ramen, watermelon and banana bread, all well received). JP ran to The Olive Garden to pick up dinner for Tera and me, then ran back home to pick up Richard before heading to the game which began at 7:00p.m.

For all those who are wondering, of course Tera and I were jealous of Richard and JP. We would have loved to go. Thank heavens we had good TV to watch while the guys were at the game: the season premiere of "Survivor" was that night!

Anyway, here are the pictures that Richard took from his seat in the 13th row behind the goal. I'll turn the journaling responsibilities over to him now since I wasn't there. So jealous.



Here is the outside of the Pepsi Center as seen from the bridge crossing the railroad tracks from Elitch Gardens, an amusement park. The Pepsi Center is home to many sports teams, concerts and conventions.


Here is the view going up the escalator from the main entrance up to the level where you get to the seats.


For those who have never been to a hockey game, JP and I included, the game is fast-paced and non-stop action.


Here is a face-off in the Dallas zone. This is how the game is restarted after a stoppage of play.



Here are two players getting better acquainted. This means they are fighting. The gloves come off, they grab each other by the neck of the jersey and start swinging. The refs in the striped shirts will allow the players to keep fighting as long as they are both standing and they are still swinging at each other. In this case, after about 30 seconds of fighting, the two players stopped swinging and were allotted 5 minutes each in the penalty box to do some soul searching.



Our seats were in the 13th row from the ice, but I wanted a picture from the ice level. All that separates the players from the fans is the boards on the bottom and the glass on top. The glass protects the fans from getting hit by the puck which is made of solid rubber. Every time an errant shot by a player would hit the glass, the fans in front would duck since it was coming so fast.



This is visual proof of what happens to a fan who jumps out of their seat when we scored a goal sitting in front of JP's nachos. Notice the added cheese and sour cream. We hoped this eager fan would enjoy a lasting momento of the game.



Here is the famous Zamboni. Between each period, there is a 17 minute intermission where the players leave the ice, rest, strategize, sleep, throw a party who knows. During the intermission, there are two Zambonis that drive over the ice and resmooth and recondition it for the next period.









Here are a few pictures of the hockey action. As you can see, the pictures are a little fuzzy because the players are in constant motion.



Now and then there is a stop of play and I am sure the players are very grateful for the chance to catch their breath.



All in all, JP and I had a great evening. We got to experience a professional sporting event that we had never had the opportunity to attend in person. As with all such events, watching it on tv does not even compare with the live action.

When given the opportunity for a man date on ice, we prefer ours to be Straight Up.

To finish this fairy tale, I must not have been a very good date. JP did not hold my hand, he did not walk me to the door, and I have yet to hear from him about a second date. I shall have to perfect my man date skills.

Still waiting for the second date,

Richard

Hangin' Around With Dad

Bree enjoys hangin' around with Dad...



...by the straps of her overalls.




This is Bree's imitation of a duffel bag.



Now Bree is a trophy!



The next time Richard flies on an airplane, Bree will be his carry-on luggage. Here they are practicing.



Steady, now, Daddy's gonna let go...



Ta da! Bree is balancing on her daddy's right hand! (And did so for a record 25 seconds)



Who knew overalls were so multi-functional? Bree's daddy did. Who knew Bree's daddy was crazy fun to hang around with? Dallin, Elijah, Mimi and Felicity knew. They all had their turns being Daddy's favorite little toy.


Love, Cara

The Exersaucer

Once again the Exersaucer has taken up residence in our family room. Where recently the baby swing sat, the Exersaucer now resides. It is a milestone in the life of a new baby--grow tired of swinging back and forth and desire more freedom.

Such has been the case with Aubrielle. Intent upon growing up too fast, and demanding to stretch her legs, Bree graduated from swinging to spinning, reaching and playing.


Happy to be upright, Bree is all smiles.


The first time Richard put Bree in the Exersaucer, he and I were struggling to get dinner on the table, so imagine our delight that Bree took right to it.


This is cool!


Look what I can do!


Warning! I'm about to sing my angry song!


Unfortunately for Richard and me, and the hungry kids waiting on dinner, Bree's contentment in the Exersaucer didn't last long. Oh, well. The five minutes of freedom to use both our hands was put to good use and much appreciated.

Having been down this road with four other children, I know the day will soon come when she'll tire of the Exersaucer, too. But until that day comes, Richard and I are grateful for those occasions when Bree can entertain herself and be contained while doing so!

Love, Cara

For Girls Only

This past Saturday Tera, Shelly, Sarah, Jen and I put on a party for our daughters. What kind of party, you ask? A mani-pedi party for girls only.

Tera made the beautiful invitations (she even wrote a poem), Shelly and I made all the food, Sarah brought the decorations and party favors, and Shelly offered to host at her home. Thanks, Shelly!

The party began with Sarah passing out party favors and jewelry for the girls to wear.


Felicity was very happy to receive a pink crown!


Mimi chose a green crown and necklace to compliment her summer dress.


Clockwise from top: Lauren, Maddy, Gabby, Shea, Katelyn, Anslie, Brynna, Felicity and Mimi.


Mimi enjoyed soaking her feet in rose water in my foot spa.


Cotton between the toes isn't very comfortable, but it is very necessary for keeping the toes separated for painting.


It was fun to pamper my Mimi.


Tera gave both Brynna and Lauren the royal treatment.


Just like in a real spa, Mimi read a book to relax and pass the time while I worked on her feet in Shelly's kitchen.


Pretty legs and feet, Mimi!


Cute toes, Felicity!


Once all the girls had received their pedicures, they were served a nice lunch while their toe nail polish dried.


Felicity was thrilled with the food selection. Who doesn't love peanut butter and honey / jelly sandwiches with fruit and cheeseballs and cookies for dessert? All of us moms on Weight Watchers were jealous!


Mimi had no complaints over the food, either.


Richard used a heart cookie cutter to shape the peanut butter and honey sandwiches I made.


When lunch was over and cleaned up, we moms gave our daughters pedicures.


Love the pout on your purple-glossed lips, Brynna!


Felicity chose "purple potion" for her nail color. Nice choice.


Felicity looks pretty, head to toe.


It was a delightful party and everyone left looking more beautiful than when they came. Lucky girls. I never had a party like that when I was little!

Love, Cara

A Conversation With Felicity

Mommy: "What's your favorite animal?"

Felicity: "The cheetah."

Mommy: "Why the cheetah?"

Felicity: "Because he can run so fast!"

Mommy: "What's your favorite movie?"

Felicity: "Sleeping Beauty."

Mommy: "Why is it your favorite?"

Felicity: "Because Prince Philip marries Sleeping Beauty."

Mommy: "What other names does Sleeping Beauty have?"

Felicity: "Briar Rose and Aurora."

Mommy: "You're pretty smart."

Felicity: "Yep."

Mommy: "What's your favorite store?"

Felicity: "Target."

Mommy: "Why?"

Felicity: "Because Daddy takes me. He always lets me ride in the cart. I just hang out with him and have some time alone."

Mommy: "That sounds like fun."

Felicity: "Yeah."

Mommy: "What do you like to see at Target?"

Felicity: "Polly Pockets, soap, lotion, pictures, phones, and rollercoasters."

Mommy: "They have rollercoasters at Target?"

Felicity: "I don't think they do. No. They don't."

Mommy: "Hmm."

Felicity: "Target has computers. Not rollercoasters."

Mommy: "Okay. If you say so. Does Target have groceries?"

Felicity: "Yes."

Mommy: "What are groceries?"

Felicity: "Wet things that have Target bags."

Mommy: "Like what?"

Felicity: "Mom, we're done talking. Can you make me a bracelet now?"

HUH?

Love, Cara

Mimi No Front Teeth

It's a good thing Richard and I are on a first-name basis with the Tooth Fairy. Yep, once again Mimi has pulled out a tooth during the night, surprising Richard and me with another gap in her smile. Just a little over two months ago Mimi's smile was two gaps wide.


20 June 2009


And now it is three gaps wide.


This is what Mimi looked like when she rolled out of bed yesterday morning.


Mimi was very proud of herself and her new smile. In fact, she even bragged that she takes after her daddy because she enjoys pulling teeth out (Elijah also has the same sickness). Mimi was also proud of the fact that she pulled the tooth out before her daddy could get to it. Ick.


Get a load of that bed head.


That's scary!


And here's the infamous tooth.


Richard and I have warned Mimi not to pull out too many teeth for fear that she will have to start eating from the side of her mouth, or worst case, drinking her meals through a straw. She just laughs.

Could it really be that Mimi truly enjoys pulling out teeth for the fun of it, or is she saving up for her college education? Should the latter be the case, she's going to quickly run out of teeth and Richard and I will have to take out a second mortgage to finance her hobby / habit! I only exaggerate a little...

Love, Cara

A Big Day For Aubrielle

Today my sweet Aubrielle is four months old. I can hardly believe how quickly the time has gone by. As much as I am enjoying this stage of her life, I can't help but feel sad that I can never get those first months back.

At four months old, my sweet Bree is a smiling, giggling, toothless angel who has a special fondness for her daddy, her brother Elijah, her mommy's milk, and sucking fingers, amongst other things. Bree hates riding in her stroller and car seat, but doesn't mind the Baby Bjorn. She loves to be cuddled and kissed and doesn't mind being tickled. Most of the time. She is a joy to have in our family, and tons of fun.

This morning I took Aubrielle to see her pediatrician for her four month check-up. Check-ups are always exciting, yet nerve-racking for me. I am always anxious to hear what the doctor will say, and eager to learn about the growth and development gained since the previous appointment. Because Elijah and Felicity were both tagged "failure to thrive" during their first year of life, I was once again relieved to discover that Bree is thriving. Very well, I might add.

At her two month appointment, Bree weighed 10 pounds, 9 ounces and was (I currently can't remember and will have to look it up) inches long. At four months, Bree weighs 13 pounds, 1 ounce and is 24 1/4 inches long and still in the 50% percentile (she was at two months old, as well). Yeah!

During Bree's appointment, Dr Dickerson asked if Bree was rolling over. I told her that yes, Bree did roll from her tummy to her back, but not the other way around. A few minutes later I laid Bree on the exam table on her back so Dr Dickerson could look in her ears, and TA DA! She rolled to her tummy!

As is the case at a four month check-up, Aubrielle had shots in both legs today. So sad! Even this fifth time around as the mom of a little baby, I still can't stand to watch shots being administered. I hate needles myself, so I feel for my children each time they have to endure the pain that needles inflict.

Not long ago Tera commented on the fact that Aubrielle makes clicking sounds when she nurses. This is true, and I didn't think much of it at the time. However, I thought to mention it to Dr Dickerson this morning, and the correllation between the clicking and excessive spitting up. It makes sense that because of the clicking, Bree was swallowing lots of air and spitting up more than necessary. Dr Dickerson sent us to an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT, or ear, nose and throat specialist). Dr Morissey was able to see Bree right away--we practically walked right in! Dr Morissey determined that Bree was tongue-tied and needed to have her frenulum clipped, allowing for further extension of her tongue.

The procedure was simple: a little Lidocaine to numb the area and snip! snip! All done. There was a little bleeding and a lot of crying, but by the time we got back into the car, Aubrielle was sleeping peacefully. I'm quite sure she's forgotten all about it by now. Having the procedure done should better facilitate nursing, but time will tell!

So far, so good. She has nursed well the rest of the day.

When Bree woke up from her nap, Elijah was home from school and ready to play with her, as he is every school day.


I hope Eli and Bree are always such good friends.


Once dinner was ready, Richard brought Aubrielle to the table with him.

And set her right on top of his dinner plate. He said she looked so delicious that he wanted to eat her for dinner!


But Bree had other ideas. She wanted to eat along with us! It will be a while before she sits and eats at the table, let alone uses utensils.


Bree had her dinner later.


While I worked on this blog!


A kiss from me finished off her meal.


And then we were both happy.


Tonight Bree practiced sitting up.


And had some tummy time.


And tickle time. Richard loves to tickle his baby girl.


Is it any wonder that at the end of Aubrielle's big day, she would be ready to go to bed?

It was a big day. So goodnight, pretty baby. I love you.

Love, Cara