'Tag team'

Back again

Check and direct and let's begin..

As a follow-up to the previous post, I have to say I could absolutely not manage without the support of an involved 'tag team' partner. The nights Garrett is on-call are so much more challenging! I truly give serious props to all the single parents out there.

Last night, with Garrett back in the game, night-time routine is just so much better. We are starting to get the hang of it all.

One plays with Caris, the other unloads the car/bags. One gets Caris' food ready, other gets Caris ready for food. One feeds Caris, other starts dinner and gets Caris' bath ready. One bathes Caris, other finishes dinner. One gets Caris ready for bed while the other eats their dinner. Other eats their dinner while Caris gets her meal from mom. Alternate turns putting Caris back down if first try isn't successful. Then bottle cleaning, prep, diapers, etc plus normal household duties ensue.

Of course, we each have our 'specialty tasks' and joint family time typically occurs at some junctions in our duties. But, our team evenings definately run so much smoother than solo attemps where I'm lucky to get myself fed before 9 and in bed before 12.....

Oh, and mornings? Ya, I'm all by myself on that one which makes evening prep so much more crucial....

Can you dig it? We can dig it.

(does anyone else love 90's rap throw-backs? No-one? oh well. )

whoomp there it is. I thought you knew.

Just a few things...

- Whoever coined the phrase 'No crying over spilt milk' was obviously not a working, nursing mother. Tears are warranted when this occurs.



- Everyone around me is sick. Including the kiddos at Caris' school. I HATED dropping her off there this morning. Even though they send all fevers home, I know there are germs lurking around. At this point, I feel like it's a matter of when, not if, Caris gets sick. Her teachers did comment that she seems to have pretty strong immunities :) I hope that keeps up!I am in a internal debate about when/if to get the flu shot for myself.






- Working full time + Garrett working 60-80 hours and on-call + being full time parents + an active 5 month old = a very busy household. I am doubtful that my house will ever be clean again. I seriously don't know how people do this all!






- We took Caris swimming this weekend and she LOVED it! We have 'swam' with Caris many times over the summer, but that basically entailed someone carrying Caris around in the water (which she really enjoyed). But, this weekend we progressed to our first swim lessons and Caris was a natural! She liked going under water and kept trying to put her face in. While on her belly, she was kicking her legs like a natural swimmer and even got some arm movements in! It was really cute :)






- We got some great pictures of Caris recently, and with any luck, I'll get them uploaded and posted :) Until then, Iphone quality photos are all I've got....

Transportation & Alter Egos

Yes, those two things are related.



I have become increasingly aware in patterns amongst modes of parent/child transportation during drop-off/pick-ups at Caris school.



The most popular model of 'family' style vehicle seems to be, by a longshot, this:

I covet this car, just a little bit.

But alter ego number 1 really wishes she had that car. This alter ego has a high-powered job downtown, is dressed in the most fashionable suiting attire, aformentioned job pays so well she only has to work part-time, has fancy lunch dates on days off, dresses her baby in all the cutest duds, and keeps her house in perfect order.There have been times in my life where I hoped for this life created by one of my alter-egos.

But one of the moms transports her kiddos in a mode which I REALLY covet. Take a look at this:

Now this alter-ego I could give into. She bikes her kids to school then herself to work (which I envision to be some sort of writing job, again part-time), jogs to farmer's markets with the kiddos on days off and weekends, knows all the hip free spots in town, dresses kiddos and self in organic duds, freely goes on nature walks, exposes her children to all various cultures, and spends her summers in foriegn missions and daily life in local charities.

Yes, I think I would quite like that.

In my reality, I drive a Hybrid SUV, work in a helping profession full-time, have good intention of buying all my produce at a farmer's market but never quite get around to it, talk about all the places we want to hike and travel but can never find a free time to do so, and am always one step behind on an organized household.

I think that's an alright blend for me :)

And hey, I noticed biking mom had to take a taxi to drop off kiddos at school today because it was pouring down rain. said rain also increased my commute time to almost an hour, causing me to run late, which let's face it, at that high-powered job where I drove my volvo? they might have just fired me.

So instead, I will do my best to live 'green' within the limits of our reality, borrow 'style' from my sister, and spend all the extra time I can teaching Caris and integrating as much culture as possible into our lives.

Was it really 5 months ago?

That we met our little girl for the first time? In some ways, it is hard to believe that it has been that long. In others, it feels like she is such an integral part of our lives that this is how it has always been. What a wonderful 5 months.

- Caris welcomed month 5 by having a daddy/daughter work day. Our version of coveralls ->

A few highlights on month 5:

- Caris is sitting up! quasi-independently. She has been attempting to do so for quite awhile and constantly looks like she is doing 'ab-crunches' to get into seated position. She does pretty good except she throws herself back; so as long as there are some pillows close behind, we count it as a victory.

- We began slowly introducing some solid foods this week. I really wanted to wait until 6 months to introduce foods, but developmentally it appears she is ready; she is sitting up, showing interest in foods, and her weight/height is way ahead of the curve. So I gave in.

- Speaking of, at least check-up Caris weighed in at 16 lbs 11 oz (90%) and 26.5 inches (95%). Big girl and a HUGE growth from where we started with stats in the 25 % ! I feel the need to give into my compulsion for justification to add that our doctor says her weight is right on target for her height, especially since it is likely that she will always be tall given her genetics ;) Also, she does not take very many ounces a day (really, I worry about getting enough in to meet minimum recommendations). She is also ahead in other developmental milestones, not just weight, so we are all good. Justification fulfilled.

- Caris is currently reaching and grabbing for everything in sight and is constantly trying to put said objects in her mouth. Really cute, but adds a whole new dimension of parenting.

- She is laughing a lot now and is is just adorable. I am loving it and try to make her laugh all the time.

- In the past month, we have encountered our first little illness and accident. Caris is a tough little one and fought them off brilliantly. She seems to take on every new situation in stride and is very adaptable. for example, spending the night in an airport. No problem for the little one.

- We also traveled to New Hampshire, Marble falls, and Gonzales. Caris took her first boat ride, train ride, played in the ocean, and hiked in the mountains.

Well, we've made it 5 months!

I am attaching a link to a lengthy-er video; if you have a few minutes and/or want to waste some time. It pretty much sums up all that Caris is about these days. Attempting to sit up, sucking her thumb, a little bit of crying, some babbling, and lots of drool. Love it.

School Days, Dear Old Golden Rule Days

Lil' C and I are having a mommy-daughter skip day today. Little one woke up at 4:00 a.m. with a terrible cough and seems to be battling what is hopefully just a beginning of school cold that seems to be everywhere these days. Hopefully with a few days of rest and fresh air, we can soon just call this an addition to her building immunities :)

Aside from the unavoidable germ sharing, Caris and I are starting to really get into the school-day rhythm. Caris has started recognizing where we are when we arrive and greets her teachers with familiarity and a smile. We are enjoying getting to know the other families there; Caris really likes the other babies.

We've had a few other memorable school-day moments this week. One afternoon, I arrived in the afternoon to find a 'Notification of Accident' in our box. Sweet Caris came home with a little bruise on her forehead. The description of the accident read as follows:

"Caris was working on the floor when a mover (older baby) threw plastic work and accidently hit Caris on the forehead. Ice applied and LOTS of hugs and kisses given :)"

Caris was pretty upset and had a large read area on her head for awhile, per her teacher reports, but recovered quickly. Her teachers also said the poor little one who threw the toy was very upset too.

Picture of her bruise - in the healing stages

Caris was just fine, but definitely needed some extra mommy hugs that evening and was none too happy when they weren't given constantly. But I was more than happy to give them freely.

I have missed our casual days together and am selfishly enjoying our time home today, despite our shared colds. I did hate it that someone else had to comfort her. But with remnants of her bruise, a runny nose, and constant cough, I have plenty to comfort today and and am earnestly making up for my missed time.

We may have to have more skip days in our future :)

Grammy Jane

Caris is so proud of her Grammy Jane!

(and so are we :)

Love this picture of Caris and Grammy....All photos in this post courtesy of Aunt Alli, who is the ultimate photographer, who always provides great memory documentation ;) Thanks Alli!!!

Garrett's mom recently completed her Master's degree, and did so while working full time and being super Grammy (and Mom) :) No small task to say the least!

Jane has a love of learning and is an wonderful teacher to her students and role model to all. It is quite obvious where Garrett gets his penchant for remaining not only a life-long student, but also his zeal for reading and learning on all subjects.

Reading with Grammy! A favorite for both :)

These two have been able to spend many hours reading together already and I predict this will be a favorite past time for the pair for years to come :)

Grammy Jane has already begun to impart her love of learning and love of books on her eldest grand-daughter. Miss Caris has an ever-expanding book collection, in no small part to her Grammy ;) I'm thrilled to have the knowledge of a veteran kindergarten teach at my disposal over the next few years; we will have plenty of access to education games!!

Play time! (please ignore my bald-ing spots...)

Jane graciously offered to keep Caris the first few weeks when I was back at work and Caris was not yet able to start school. (she made the 45 minute drive to and from everyday!) This was a HUGE lifesaver to us and I was so grateful to have her to help transition Caris from her full-time mommy; it definitely made it easier on all of us. And I know Caris loved her one-on-one time with Grammy B :) She has transitioned to her role as Grammy with no hesitation and showers Caris with affection and surprises on every visit.

Sleeping :) so sweet

We were able to plan a surprise celebration dinner in honor of her recent accomplishment this past weekend. It was a great dinner and time to celebrate a woman who has been such a positive impact on all our lives.

The whole crew at dinner

Thank you for being and inspirational learner and teacher to us all!! Congratulations!!

This Weekend

Last year...

Hurricane Ike was here.

Just 6 days earlier, we discovered that Caris would be making her debut in 9 short months.
With the storm on it's way, we decided that with a new little life to protect, we should evacuate.
We returned home a few days later unsure of what we would find there.

front yard - one tree casualty

Overall, we were very lucky. Several days of hard labor clean-up of trees and debris was needed.

our backyard post-Ike

We would be without electricity for 18 days. While I was 8 weeks pregnant (but no one else knew) and VERY nauseous. We would have no air conditioning in a Houston summer, no refrigerated food, and relied on candlelight to get ready for work.

It was an interesting time.

One year later, we are sitting together as a family of three. Much has changed. And we are acutely aware of the conveniences of life that we are given.

After the first round of clean-up

Intent, Sound Shaping, and Colorful Faces

Howdy, it's Garrett on the mic again..... :)

The following post largely stems from some writing that I did on our recent New Hampshire trip. It is meant as an update on Caris progress but also meant to serve as fatherly observations for Caris to look back on in future times.


The post's title best describes my interpretation of recent Caris developmental progress that, although seemingly subtle, is hugely exciting in my mind. These observations began around the 4 month mark.

(Caris turned completely sideways in bed while laughing and waving

her arms on Camille's entry to get her up in the morning. We think

that she got stuck here on a journey to try to be under her art cards.

Who knows with this little one?

This picture and story has given me much enjoyment - it brought me

to chuckles and almost full on laughter while standing at the scrub

tank prior to an operation last week. The psychotic appearance of

laughing out loud to oneself at the scrub tank is probably not

favorably looked upon but it was well worth any concerned

glances.)

Caris has always had hilarious and colorful facial expressions. Her earliest and most frequent facial expression is one of 'eyebrow-wrinkling seriousness'....it's like she's thinking...."do I know you, who do you think you are, and what are you doing here?" She comes by both the seriousness and the colorful facial expressions honestly. I still have vivid images and memories floating around in my head from my first meeting and early times hanging out with Camille in regards to her rich and enamoring facial expressionism.

Some of Caris's recently observed progress relates to these facial expressions and her eyes. I have begun seeing what I interpret as palpable intent in her eyes and facial expressions. It is this intent found in her little face and big "blueberry" eyes that is so thrilling. Her big, blue eyes have always held wonderful beauty but this intent reveals an entirely deeper beauty - her eyes have begun to speak. They now wordlessly talk of and reveal what is happening below Caris's surface. This communication translates into an unexplainable and previously unexperienced type of intense visceral joy and bliss in her adoring father. Her eyes speak and I cannot help to listen in a state of mesmerized love. I can feel her eyes search mine for meaning and response. I can see a new depth to her gaze that houses interest, curiosity, communication, and personality.

(Caris in the trees)

This personality and spirit was so undeniable and real recently. I got off early one day a couple weeks ago and I was able to meet the girls at the door when they returned home from work and school. As is usual under such circumstances, I retrieved Caris from her car seat and sat down on the couch with her to play. This is usually met with a huge gleeful eruption of Caris smiles and sounds of happiness. This day would be different! Caris was either tired, groggy from a car-ride-home nap, or just plain not in the mood for dad-time. I interpret it to have been some combination of the above three explanations. Whatever it was, I was given a non-verbal glimpse into her spirit and her true, raw emotion and feelings. She communicated quite efficiently and clearly for someone unable to speak a single word. Her eyes were far more dull and lacked their usual curiosity. They briefly and blankly glanced my direction while in passing transit. Their purposeful drift took them to the left towards Camille while her eyebrows gently but clearly rolled as if to say, "Dad,...not right now, please. I am in no mood for your antics and your beckoning smiles and sounds. Mom can you please save me?" Understood and cherished, Caris!

Caris has also begun to try to shape her sounds and this is very exciting to witness as well. There are still times when she just makes unshaped, monotone sounds. However, she will occasionally put a little more effort into the activity and her lips and tongue obviously attempt to form some more complex movements as she tries to bend and playfully shape the sounds coming up from her vocal cords. It is fun and amazing to watch her in the progress of building these new skills. It is so awesome to see her try to mimic what she sees our lips and tongues do when we talk to her and shape our own sounds into words. She also has a fun habit (or accident) of making a sound while unhappy (usually while getting hungry and being held by dad, nonetheless) that bears a very close resemblance to a gentle begging and pleading form of "mommie, mommie, mommie." And sure enough, a transfer to the beckoned one, plus some food, leads to a content Caris.

Caris is growing so fast - physically, mentally, socially, and in her ability to communicate. Her spirit and disposition are beginning to introduce themselves more and more. It is a fun time of rapid changes and progressive bonding and interaction. Their is nothing better in life than walking into a room and being greeted by the beautiful and rich eyes, smiles, and expressions of my two ladies.....

Cheers,

G

Worlds Colliding and Answered Prayers

Back at work following a fabulously fun and full Labor Day weekend.


We soaked up some lakeside breezes and country air and enjoyed three very full days together as a family. Caris took a boat ride, got in some swimming, saw some fishies, and was spoiled by all her aunties. She also experienced her first crush. Looks like we may be in for it as she already has little boys vying for her affections....(check out the recap there, seriously, smiles from the little man from the second he saw Caris, ladies man already!)

We were able to see both our families, some friends, and a teeny baby which makes me very happy :) We had some spa time, took the kayak out, and got to spend plenty of time in the sun. Also things that make me very happy :)

Last week/end was overwhelmingly characterized by the above title. I think it is easy at times to get short-sighted and feel isolated, especially in the midst of a busy season of life. However, last week I was reminded in many ways just how small our world really can be and how powerfully God can work in seemingly small ways.


For some reason, I had been feeling a bit alone in my hectic daily journey. My prayers typically take on the form of thanksgiving for all of our blessings, constant prayers for protection for our little one, and prayers for comfort for others. But this week, I found myself asking very specific requests in my prayers that were, I felt, somewhat silly. (I will spare the specifics, becuase they are, in fact, a little silly)


Having worlds collide served as a reminder that our needs, no matter how small, are important to God and that He is faithful to provide for the desire of our hearts. And, I might add, very creative in doing so.


To exemplify, currently Garrett is on a surgery service here at MDACC where I work. I did not have high expectations to get to see him due to the nature of his service, but our worlds indeed collided and I caught glimpses of him wandering the halls, was able to provide him with free food, and we were able to have a quick lunch together.


Another instance occurred upon running into a mom of one of Caris' 'classmates' in the nursing mothers room here at work. Then again there, then on one of the hospital floors, then again at the school. We shared some good mommy tips :) I am glad to have a connection there.


At dinner at Horseshoe Bay this weekend, during desert I see a familiar face enter the restaraunt. One of my best college friends, Martha, was there celebrating her first anniversary. What a sweet surprise. I have missed our conversations on solving the worlds problems.


The location of our 'Spa-Athalon' with my family also allowed us to expand our trip with a visit to Garrett's family and also to visit with some of our good friends Matt & Kelley and meet their new baby Brooks. I felt thankful that we were able to 'collide' so many elements. Spending quality time with family is always a direct encouragement. We both came home happy and rejuvinated.

So, a quick re-cap and a little spiritual musing, sans photos for now :)

Farm Living & Beach Bum

Beautiful blue sky and our beautiful blue eyed girl.

Back porch life. At Grandma's favorite spot.

We took a day trip up to Kennebunkport. It was so beautiful there. We definately have to go back and experience the town! We had lunch on the pier, spent some time on Goose Rocks Beach, took a scenic drive, and watch the sunset over the ocean.

Our little sailor. She LOVED the beach too, her little feet loved feeling the sand.

This grass was awesome. I wished my yard felt like this!!

Playing in the waves with Dad.

I love trips back East in the summer. I feel so alive there and we get to experience so many elements of nature; farm, mountains, beach. I felt very grateful that a few things feel into place last minute and we were able to take Caris up to a very special family place; I wasn't sure when we would be able to get her up there and it meant alot to me to have her there to begin to form memories in the same places I formed many of my childhood memories.

These pictures reminded me that I have a few more summer experiences I haven't shared about. As I am using this as a memory log for our family, I really need to get on that! We had a wonderfully full summer and this trip kind of marks the end of it all. I will have to re-live summer soon via the blog. If only I could literally relive it....