Warm milk

Since switching Nick to whole milk, I worried that his last bottle of the night would be too cold when poured fresh from the fridge. His formula bottles were always made with just regular tap water - never warm, but not ice cold either. So I started warming his whole milk on the stove for a few seconds (30-60) before bedtime. Not hot like I drink my coffee, but definitely warmed up. And since starting this, combined with starting bedtime earlier (between 6:30-6:45pm) he is now passed out cold by 7:15pm at latest...and doesn't make a peep for the next twelve hours. Seems warm milk really agrees with him. Case in point:

Is it January?

Window down, no jacket, Keith Urban's "Long Hot Summer" on the radio, and this on the thermometer:

Cauliflower? Never again.

The other night I was scratching my head about what to make Nick for dinner.  We were planning to have leftover chili, and I was hesitant to give Nick chili, as I was fearful it would give him gas or a stomach ache.  So instead I opted to make him a grilled cheese sandwich (one of his faves) with a side of steamed broccoli & cauliflower.  Color me naive. 

Little dude gobbled it all up like a champ, making sure to spread the melted cheese, and mushy vegetable bits all over his high chair, while occasionally running his fingers through his hair or rubbing his face.  At one point he even had a piece of broccoli on his eyelid -- which of course made me panic unnecessarily, seeing as I was sure he would get it in his eye and go blind.  Mommy problems.

Anyway, in true Nick fashion, the minute he was full, he loudly announced that he was finished by refusing to chew the last mouthful of food (which, mind you, he had shoved in there himself) and cried until I fished the food out of his mouth with my finger, removed the high chair tray, unstrapped him, and set him on the floor.  Of course, I wiped him down from head to toe first.  And he had a bath later.  But I digress. 

The real reason for this post, is to remind myself that serving steamed broccoli & cauliflower before bed was a horrendous idea.  Case in point: Nick was up with TERRIBLE gas (I'm talking rip-roaring farts) for nearly two hours after I laid him in his crib for bed.  He cried and cried, and was inconsolable.  At 10:00pm, after we had gone in to his room about 15 times already, rubbing his back, and each time thinking we'd just gotten him to sleep, only to leave the room and hear him stand up and wail again, Todd finally said "ok, if he doesn't stop crying in 20 minutes, I'm admitting defeat and letting him sleep in our bed all night."  And wouldn't you know it, he passed out before the 20 minutes was up.

The next morning at daycare, I asked the babysitter "have you ever given Nick cauliflower before?" To which she looked a bit horrified, and said "no, not yet...I didn't know you'd given it to him before??" Well, that's because until that night, I hadn't.  Too bad he seemed to love it, because I'll be damned if he has it for dinner again anytime soon.   Lesson -- totally learned.

Dear Mrs. Gillett,

How has it been 12 years? I can still recall the day you passed away, as though it were yesterday. Can still feel the flannel on the blue cloud pajamas that Stephanie was wearing as she threw her arms around my neck.  Still shiver from the cold air in that Lake Braddock hallway. Can still smell her herbal essences shampoo as she buried her face in my shoulder. Can still feel the emptiness in my stomach, and the hurt in my heart, from watching my friend's world crumble.

They say time heals all wounds. For the most part, I believe that to be true. But scars never fade. And, oh how they miss you.

I know you can see your girls -- you must be bursting with pride! How beautiful they have turned out. How successful and driven and loving.

Melissa is so talented. Building her own business and thriving with success. She is such a wonderful mommy to Miles. You must feel such a sense of pride knowing what an influence your own mothering had on her's. She and Hayden are such incredible parents. And sweet Miles...Oh how you would've loved to squeeze him. I bet you spend hours every day just staring at him. Listening as he finds his voice in the world. Taking in his sweet innocence and breathing in those toddler smells.

Stephanie is so strong -- loyal to friends and family; completely true to herself. You must be so proud of her independence. Taking care of herself - keeping her future in focus. Traits I'm sure she picked up from you...learning how to keep that beautiful smile on her face, even when it hurts inside. But oh how focused she is! Taking in each day and making the most of it. Living without regrets. She is such a perfect Aunt to Miles...and it easily reflects what a wonderful mommy she will be to her own children one day.

Your cup must runneth over as you watch the relationship that continues to build between your girls every day. A love between sisters that is rare, deep, pure, and envied by all. They keep your heritage alive. They honor you every day. But oh how they miss you. A longing to see you again that only they can truly understand. Only they can truly feel. But all of us that love them -- that love you -- know how much they miss you.

As I was driving home from work last week, I witnessed the most beautiful pink sunset I have ever seen. And as I pulled to a stoplight, the airplane paths through the clouds displayed the shape of a ribbon. Against the pink sunset, it was a perfect breast cancer ribbon.  An instant feeling of peace and calm settled around me as I confidently stated out loud - with nobody else around to hear but you - "Hi Mrs. Gillett!"

The picture doesn't do it justice - but it was so beautiful.

Thank you for making your presence known.  For continuing to remind all of us to take time to enjoy God's simple gifts.  We remember your legacy, today and every day, and we thank you for the two beautiful gifts you gave this world: your daughters. Thank you for keeping your presence in their lives. When they're least expecting it, you're there. They will continue to need you for as long as they both are living...and even beyond that, when they see you again in Heaven. Please continue to watch over them as you already do so well. You are missed. You are loved. You are never forgotten.  

Those cabinets look delicious

Further evidence that if I tell him not to do something, he only wants to do it more.



Also, we don't live in a filth hole, but considering I don't remember the last time I lysoled the kitchen cabinet handles, I didn't want him putting his mouth all over them -- you know, since we use our sometimes unwashed hands to open them (don't judge, you know you don't wash your hands prior to every cabinet opening in your own house).

Private

Due to some unfortunate circumstances (which out of respect for all of those involved, I will not go into), as well as some personal reasons, I've decided to make my blog private.

So if you're currently reading this, it should only be because you've received an invite to do so! Congrats! You're one of the chosen ones! ;)

I had no idea so many people actually read my blog. And I'm honored that many of you are interested in the mundane happenings of my life.

That, and I'm thrilled to see so many people love sticking their noses in my business the same way I love sticking mine into theirs.

That being said, now the pressure is really on to keep up with posting. Phew...I'm overwhelmed already!

New Chair

Great for sitting, lounging, snacking, and football watching. Love my new chair! Thanks Gramma and Boss!