Daddy Time

2 Mo. Check-Up

Madoc's 2 month check-up went very well. She has sky-rocketed to 95th percentile in weight and length (compared to Chase falling from the 27th percentile to the 9th percentile, poor dear!). She can actually wear 4-6 month clothing right now...

And, in an effort to get more than 3 hours of sleep per night, beginning last week, I started giving her 2 oz of formula before bedtime, after nursing. And it has made a difference. Instead of being up every other hour, I am now up every 3 hours. Thank goodness. But for some reason I just can't shake my sleepy head.

And of course, she received many jabs today, poor thing. She is sleeping right now - as is Chase, who was utterly exhausted after watching her little sister endure the shots.

Madoc Update

With her 2-month appointment scheduled for next week, there will be more, formal updates next week. From what I can tell, the nursing is working - she's into 6 month clothing at 2 months.

Updates

I've been laying low since my inlaws left Denver. Mostly trying to figure out how to begin Spring cleaning. And how to get "all those things done." Like getting Madoc's passport photo taken.

Speaking of passports, I was looking at old posts (the other day) from when Chase was two months old. At that point, we had been to 5 countries - no wonder nursing didn't work out so well. Chase was so flexible, so easy to travel with, we just couldn't help ourselves.

Madoc is already showing signs of being a little less flexible. If she isn't in bed by 7:30/8 pm, she gets really fussy and seemingly inconsolable. I can get her to sleep by carrying her in the sling, but she will sleep from 8:30-12 midnight if I do it right. But that means I have to go to sleep at 8:30 too, or I miss prime sleepin' time. She also gets fussy after about 3 a.m., I've noticed, and doesn't sleep well until about 6 a.m. And somewhere between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., Chase usually comes in and takes up what little space is left in the bed. So sleep is, well, not easy to come by.

Speaking of Chase, she continues to love and adore her sister. Every morning she tells her how beautiful she is. She tries to play with her at every opportunity. She is super sweet.

Awesome Web Site

http://www.kidscantravel.com

Yei Yei & Nee Nee Visit

Facebook

It's like a secret society. A place where people go, but don't talk about. It's weird how many people are on it - and how frequently they're on it. Strange how I have only been a member for a week and already have 81 friends. Seriously.

I'm one of those people who like to keep in touch, so this is too much fun!

School Secured!

So it's official ... Chase will be going to our first choice preschool in the Fall. We are SO lucky she got in - there were 89 kids that didn't! It's just two days per week (just a couple hours on Wednesday and Friday afternoons) - but she's in!

Facebook

Well, I finally broke down and joined Facebook. I've been trying not to. And I have to admit, it's pretty cool. It's amazing how many of my friends are on it. From all over the world. It's crazy.

The Girls

Madoc Weight Gain

Still gaining 1.5 oz/day. She's up to 11 lbs! Whoa!

We now know she's not on me all the time for food; she's on me to calm the reflux. Same reason she's still waking every hour and a half at night. I hear it just takes time for that to pass.

At least we've got the feeding part down.

Keen Sense Of Smell

Today Chase told me Madoc smelled like cheese. She was actually referring to the smell of the A&D ointment. Funny how she likened that smell to cheese. I guess that's what happens when one has a mom who loves Stinking Bishop (and other fabulous soft, smelly cheeses).

Salon Here I Come

I'm heading to the salon this weekend.
I asked Chase what color I should dye my hair and she said "blue."

What Goes Up Must Come Down

Went to my 6 week appointment today - I lost 30 lbs. Granted, the baby weighed 7 lbs. But you gotta LOVE IT.

Baby Riddle

So I figured out that if I hold little M in the proper position (on her side with legs outstretched at a 45 degree angle) for about 15 minutes after a feed that she will sleep more soundly (as her tummy has had time to digest a little). I also found out she likes to be outstretched as sitting positions (car seat, swing) trigger her reflux.

I'm pretty sure she doesn't like spicy food and Almonds seem to make her quite irritable.

Break Glass In Case Of Emergency

I broke down and asked Hubs to buy some formula yesterday. Not to use immediately. But to have in the house *just in case* - whatever that means. But I have to say I feel better and calmer with it in the house. I am also more motivated to pump because I don't want to break the seal.

Last night, Hubs fed little M with a bottle (not formula, don't worry mom), and she went to sleep at 10, but this time awoke at 2 a.m., 4 a.m., and 6 a.m. Hmmm. We're going to try it again tonight to see if we can stretch time...

Madoc's Meds

The prescription stuff seems to be helping, when combined with gripe water and infant gas drops. Or is it the fact I cut out dairy and other offending foods? Poor little M! Even with all this, I still can't put her down without her putting up a major fuss. She is a highly sensitive creature. But thinking back, I didn't actually put Chase down for about a year...

Madoc's Sleep Sked (6 weeks old)

Asleep at 10:30. Awake at 12, 2, 4, 6. Chase awakes at 6:30 a.m. A baby should come with a warning label that reads, "do not to operate heavy machinery."

Keen Observation

"Madoc's nose gets bigger every day" - Chase

Sleep - And Lack Thereof

I must admit I had forgotten how wrecked I am with no sleep.

I tell myself (hourly) it will get better. And it is.

I'm not up *every hour* anymore. Now it's just every other hour. And Hubs has been kind enough to walk Chase back to her bedroom and cuddle with her in the wee hours of the morning so that I can attempt to get just a couple more hours of sleep (if I can get little M back to sleep).

A friend suggested putting M in her car seat to sleep (to keep her upright and aid in digestion/reflux), and it sort of works. Although it sort of doesn't. She seems to sleep much longer when she is cuddled up to me. Of course I worry about co-sleeping, and try to keep putting her back in her car seat, but when she wakes for the fourth time I usually give up and say a little prayer before falling asleep cuddling up to her.

Actually - And Other Big Girl Updates

Chase used the word "actually" for the first time today. I don't remember exactly what we were talking about, but she used it like she's been saying it her entire life.

The other thing I noticed is she is now able to use the water colors without mixing the colors together. Amazing. She carefully washes her brush after she's done with each color.

And I don't think I've mentioned how fascinated she is with words. I hear, "What does this say?" all the time. She also *writes* letters and notes all the time.

And finally, she is SO proactive in sharing. I am amazed. She shares everything. She sets aside animal crackers for Hubs. She shares her dinner. Her breakfast. Her snack. Her toys. Maybe that's what kids do that have been uprooted so many times - because they don't have a chance to have ownership over anything.

Good News/Bad News

Good news: no dental work needed (for now).

Bad news: our Mandarin tutor is moving to Ohio in March. It's going to break Chase's heart!

Goings on

Dentist appointment this week. Fingers crossed I don't need another root canal.

Infant Reflux

After a chat with the pediatrician, it appears Madoc has infant reflux, which is basically really bad heartburn and discomfort after eating. As it turns out, many infants have reflux problems in the first couple months and it usually goes away. So we have our fingers crossed it will pass. Until it does, we have a prescription from the pediatrician and I've been told it would be a good idea to try eliminating dairy from my diet (good times) to see if it makes a difference. I also need to avoid tomatoes, citrus and gas producing foods. Hope that works! I've heard cutting out caffeine could be helpful as well, but I would be unable to function (as I'm still not sleeping much at all).

Madoc Update

Just returned from weighing Madoc. She is now close to 10 lbs, which puts her weight gain at 1.5 oz per day (they would be happy with 1 oz per day), so feeding is going well.

However, I'm still unable to put her down during the day, as she gets really unhappy - and she is still squirming around, holding her breath, turning bright red and then gasping for air. So I called the pediatrician, who thinks she may have a reflux problem. So we're going to start her on a little antacid and see if it doesn't get better - as she should be a happy bunny if her tummy is full.

Congrats To Hubs!

For his new job! (Same company, different role, with travel.)
We've managed to keep it together whilst he's in NJ, but we miss him!!!

Inauguration Day

Chase and I watched the inauguration this morning.
Chase, throughout asked "What's he saying? Where's Obama? Who's that?"

And, while I tried my best to explain it, I knew I wouldn't be able to impress upon her the importance of this day. After the inauguration, I asked her if she wanted to be President, to which she said, "yes." You go, girl.




















CNN Coverage...

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama promised to tap the virtues and resiliency of Americans as his administration ushers in an era of accountability and improved dialogue with the world.

Barack and Michelle Obama wave to throngs of supporters en route to the White House on Tuesday.

He thanked those who sacrificed so much so "a man whose father, less than 60 years ago, might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."

An estimated 2 million people crowded the National Mall and surrounding area that encompasses the Capitol, White House and Lincoln Memorial. They sang, danced and waved flags as Obama's swearing-in approached.

"This is America happening," said Evadey Minott of Brooklyn, New York. "It was prophesized by King that we would have a day when everyone would come together. This is that day. I am excited. I am joyful. It brings tears to my eyes."

Many in the crowd seemed moved as Aretha Franklin belted out a rousing version of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" before Joe Biden was sworn in as vice president.

Wearing a navy suit and red tie, Obama repeated the oath of office, his hand on the same Bible used in President Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration.

When Obama took the podium, however, the jubilant crowd grew somber and quiet, hanging on his every word. There was only scattered applause -- punctuated by an occasional "That's right" or "Amen."

Obama acknowledged the challenges facing the country and boldly asserted, "Know this, America -- they will be met." He promised to end petty squabbles on Capitol Hill, bring "old friends and former enemies" into the fold, and invoked the Bible, saying, "The time has come to set aside childish things."

He also vowed to leave Iraq to its people, responsibly, and to finish forging "a hard-earned peace" in Afghanistan. To Muslims, he promised "a new way forward, based on mutual interest," and to terrorists, he leveled a threat: "You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

He vowed to tackle the nation's economic woes forcefully and guaranteed accountability among those who handle taxpayer dollars. But the economy is not all that is reeling, he said, referencing "a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable."

The challenges are daunting, he said, but anyone who underestimates this nation has forgotten about its past perseverance.

"Greatness is never a given. It must be earned," he said.

His words resounded with spectators and revelers who let out deafening cheers after his address. Spectator L.J. Caldwell likened Obama to some of the most heroic figures of the civil rights movement.

"When you think back, Malcolm [X] fought. Then we come a little further, Rosa Parks sat. Then come up a little further and [the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.] spoke. Then today, President Obama ran and we won," said Caldwell, of Somerset, New Jersey.

After the address, hundreds of thousands remained on the National Mall as Obama went inside the Capitol and signed his first documents as the 44th president of the United States. Among those were his Cabinet nominations. The Senate approved most of those nominations later in the day. Watch Obama's grand entrance »

"I was told not to swipe the pen," Obama quipped after signing a proclamation of national renewal and reconciliation.

Obama then lunched with lawmakers at the Capitol's Statuary Hall, telling them, "What's happening today is not about me. It is about the American people.

Americans, he said, "have come together across races and regions and stations. Now we have to do the same. Now it falls to us, the people's representatives, to give our fullest measure of devotion to the cause of freedom and liberty and justice, decency and dignity."

Later, the crowds flocked to barricades along Pennsylvania Avenue as Obama's motorcade crawled by.

Many said before the festivities that they did not have tickets and would be happy to catch a mere glimpse of the nation's first Africa-American president.

At St. John's Episcopal Church, where the Obamas kicked off a packed day of festivities, 9-year-old Laura Bruggerman waited with her mother, Wendy, and father, Jeff, of Bethesda, Maryland. The affable crowd tried to let shorter onlookers and children to the front for better views.

"I want to see Obama. I think that would be really cool. I could tell all of my friends that I got to see him," the youngster said.

Some spectators were more than a mile from the swearing-in ceremony, watching on giant TV screens erected along the National Mall.

Security was tight in Washington. The effort involved the Secret Service, 8,000 police officers from the District of Columbia and other jurisdictions, 10,000 National Guard troops, about 1,000 FBI personnel, and hundreds of others from the Department of Homeland Security, the National Park Service and U.S. Capitol Police.

The ceremony also drew celebrities like Dustin Hoffman, Denzel Washington and Steven Spielberg.

"It's behind the dream. We're just here feeling it with the throngs of people. It's amazing grace personified," Oprah Winfrey said, sitting next actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Obama and congressional leaders formally bade farewell to Bush, and the now-former president took a presidential jet to Midland, Texas, shortly afterward. »

As Obama and his wife, Michelle, made their way to the White House, they stepped out of their limousine amid another round of boisterous hoorahs.

The first couple beamed as they walked down Pennsylvania Avenue, waving to the throngs kept back by police barriers. They walked a few blocks before returning to their vehicle to finish the two-mile parade that took them to the White House.

Obama and his family planned to watch the inauguration parade from a reviewing stand, and they will close the night by attending 10 official inaugural balls.

After a day and night of events celebrating his historic presidency, Obama and his family will officially take up residence at the White House.

And.... interesting coverage from CNET...

January 20, 2009 11:27 AM PST
Inauguration Day, by the numbers
Posted by Caroline McCarthy

Updated at 1:30 p.m. PST to reflect streaming problems at CNN.com and CBSNews.com.

From what early numbers are indicating, the historic swearing-in of President Barack Obama was not the biggest traffic day for the Internet. But for many social networks and digital-media sites, Inauguration Day shattered traffic and usage records regardless.

Here are the ones we've heard from so far. We'll be updating this list as we hear more:

Akamai. The content delivery network has some numbers out that indicate traffic on the Web peaked right before noon Eastern time, with about 5.4 million visitors per minute flocking to online news outlets. While this is 22 percent above normal online news consumption, per Akamai, it's not a record. Obama's victory in November pulled in nearly 8.6 million visitors per minute, and the 7 million mark has been broken by both a hotly contested World Cup soccer game in 2006 and last year's March Madness college basketball playoffs.
CNN.com fail notice

Visitors attempting to access CNN.com's live stream of the inaugural address got this message instead (Click image for larger view). CNN was just one of many Web sites that got overloaded during the speech.
(Credit: Screenshot by CBSNews.com)

CNN. It was a big day for the Time Warner-owned news outlet's Web site. It's been continually updating its statistics, but at press time, CNN.com said it has served more than 18.8 million live video streams, including 1.3 million at the same time right before Obama gave his address, since 6 a.m. EST. That's a record: Election Day served up only 5.3 million live streams. Apparently, it wasn't all smooth sailing, though. CBS News reports that CNN.com had a note posted for potential viewers who came to see the historic moment that said, "You made it! However, so did everyone else." (See screenshot at right.)

Facebook. The social network, which partnered with CNN for a live feed of "status" updates (sort of like Facebook's equivalent of a Twitter post) pertaining to the inauguration, has put out some usage numbers and is still updating them. As of 10:15 a.m. PST, 600,000 status messages had been set using the CNN app, and an average of 4,000 Facebook status updates were set every minute during the inauguration. They peaked the minute Obama began his speech, with 8,500 status messages set in those 60 seconds. "Millions" of members logged into the social network during the live broadcast.

Mogulus. The live-streaming service powered online inauguration video streams for C-Span, USA Today, and other newspapers owned by USA Today publisher Gannett (which has a minority stake in the company). Inauguration coverage broke Mogulus' network record, according to early numbers, with 105,000 concurrent viewers and more than 1 million visitors total.

Hulu. The video hub, a joint venture between NBC Universal and News Corp., declined to provide any viewership statistics for Inauguration Day.

Our colleagues at CBSNews.com report that they, too, ran into trouble with their live stream of the inauguration speech, saying that many people could not load the stream around the time of the address due to overwhelming demand.

Disclosure: CNET News is published by CBS Interactive, which also publishes CBSNews.com.

From Chase's Mandarin Tutor

Chase's Mandarin tutor sent me his today... Chinese proverb says "daughter is mom's little cotton-padded jacket." Now you have two cotton-padded jackets and it means you will always be warm.

Madoc -1 Month!

Has it seriously been a month already?

Following are my favorite quotes from Chase about her new baby sister...

"Madoc is so bee-u-t-i-ful."
"I love her tiny feet."
"When Madoc gets older I will teach her to run, and jump, and dance."
"Madoc is too little for yogurt."

Chase And Cooper

Cooper came by with his motorcycle last night and took Chase for a ride. He even let her drive!

Turning Point?

I hesitate to even write this; I'm a little afraid that I'll jinx it.

But last night Madoc slept in her little co-sleeper next to our bed, instead of in our bed. I still woke up 4 times to change/feed her. Chase still arrived ready for a snuggle around 2 a.m., but Madoc slept. There was no party at 2 p.m. as usual (thank goodness). Hubs and I even had a quick cuddle (after nearly 3 weeks!) because Madoc was asleep and Chase was busy playing Leapster in her room at 6 a.m. (Thank you Jeff & Vickie!)

And this morning I was able to leave the house, on my own, and head to the coffee shop, without Madoc screaming. She slept all_the_way through coffee...and I arrived home just as she was waking. It was amazing.

Sleep, a cuddle and fresh air? What more could a gal want in life?

I'm Welcome

Hubs asked Chase what she should say after someone says, "thank you."
She responded, "I'm welcome."

LOVE IT.

Cinderella

So I was telling Chase the story of Cinderella with a magnet story book. I got to the end, where the prince finds Cinderella and she goes back to the castle to live (and dance) with the prince (happily ever after) and she said, "I don't like it."

I said, "oh no? What don't you like?"

Turns out she wanted Cinderella to stay at home, do some more cleaning and have a tea party with her little mouse friends. Forget the prince.

Chase And Linus

Update

Still up at all hours. Special thanks to my mom who flew out to help us. I thought I could handle two kids (let's hope I can), but it has been great to have the extra help. Lesson learned from last time - it's best to ask for help rather than pretend I don't need it.

The other thing I learned is it is best to have family out after the hormones have had time to mellow out. The first two weeks were tough - and the hormones didn't help.

Now I feel much better, except I could really use a solid 8 hours of sleep.

Madoc's 2 Week Visit

Good news. Madoc's 2 week doctor appointment went really well.

She is 12 oz above her birth weight -she's gained 9 oz this week alone. The doctor said they hope kids are at their birth weight at two weeks, so 12 oz over is a big deal. She grew one inch since birth and her head circ is looking really good. The doctor said, "whatever you're doing, keep it up!"

Oh, you mean the no sleep thing? Will do.

This is actually a huge accomplishment for me, as my attempt to feed Chase did not go as well (perhaps due to so much stress and an international move). I can't believe this time around it is actually working. Knock wood it continues.

A Few Pics

Too bad our good camera is in the shop!
Here are a couple pics from the big day...

A Quick Update

Thank you to all family and friends for your lovely emails and calls. Please don't be surprised if you do not hear back for about a month. Figuring out sleep schedules, feeding routines - not to mention how to get to the grocery store - oh and how to keep the house from looking like a tornado blew through is our primary focus.

A couple things of note from Madoc's birth...

- Nobody offered me a cup of tea (as they did in London).
- The epidural didn't really work (same deal as when I had Chase). I was able to get up and walk about 5 minutes after delivery.
- Madoc came much faster. Labor started around 6:30 a.m. and she was born at 9:30 a.m.
- The recovery room and nurses were delightful. They had a great meal service compared to London, which I remember was decidedly bland. They had room service and midnight snacks.
- The nurses hand out drugs like candy "are you sure you don't want more?" And they were surprised when I said no.
- My body's recovery in some cases was fast, but I sure do feel achy and tired.
- Breast feeding has been going well (Madoc has gained weight and is past her hospital discharge weight). Much different from Chase.

So I'm off to change diapers - oh the stay-at-home life is so glamorous, n'est pas?

Big Sister

It's official! Chase is a big sister.

Madoc Seabrook Allbritton made her grand entry on 22 December, 2008 at 9:20 a.m.
We came home from the hospital today.

Chase is an amazing big sister.
She is so helpful and happy, and she seems to really love the idea of having a little sister.
I'm pretty tired, but that's to be expected.
Hubs has done an amazing job holding down the fort and taking care of an exhausted family.
Madoc loves being held by him; she just tucks in and falls asleep.

Baby Madoc looks almost exactly like Chase did as an infant.
Except she has a full head of hair (which was styled when she arrived) and has lighter eyelashes.
But her mouth and nose and expressions have thus far been the same.

Last Post?

Unless something big happens, this may be my last post for a while, so I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

We aren't really sending out Christmas cards this year, because we are planning on sending around baby announcements. If you'd like a baby announcement, and you are not immediate family, please email me your address and I will include you.

We will be changing the name of our blog, to include our newest addition, so stay tuned.

All the best to you and yours this holiday season,
Lang, Brian & Chase

Dreams

I remember having very vivid dreams with Chase.

The most notable was the one where I dreamed that after I delivered her, I found I was actually holding my cat - and the midwife told me, "don't worry, babies never look like you think they will when they first appear." And I spent the rest of my dream arguing, "no, this is really my cat."

At this point my dreams have mostly been around the stress of delivery. So I'll keep dreaming in loops - like I can't get away from the labor and just when I think it's over, it starts again. Weird. And not very restful.

Latest Game

Chase has spent the last 6 months building zoos and houses with her blocks. Every day. Now she has switched to building a school house and play ground for her Einsteins. This is probably because she overhears me talking about schools, applications and such with friends.

It's Beautiful

I was listening to classical music the other day while I was making breakfast. As I went to change the radio to NPR, Chase said, "No, mama. This music is beautiful."

One Week, Three Days

Not long to go now!

I've washed all of Chase's old clothes (through 18 months). Extreme? Perhaps. But when am I ever going to have time to wash clothes again, I ask.

We have a new sling, which promises to be more comfortable, versatile and last us for quite a while. I also have places to put the baby - a swing, and a bouncer. VERY different from when I had Chase. Chase moved between me and a Moses basket, until she was no longer small enough for the Moses basket. Then she had a small mat to play around on - none of the big plastic things.

And I have to say, now that I have the bouncer and the swing, I feel pretty good - except I hate how they look in the house. Too bad they don't sell ones that go with Chinese antiques.

I also have a baby tent (hurray!) and Karla has been nice enough to rework our travel cot, so that we may be able to get some use out of it, after all. Chase never used it.

Chase has been a dream throughout. Hardly a surprise. She helped pick out the baby kit for her little sister. She helps me put lotion on my big belly every morning - first she "paints" it with her fingers - usually a face.

Christmas Is Coming

We just enjoyed a marvelous weekend with the Donahues, our neighbors from back in the day, when we lived in Boston. Hubs enjoyed a day of snowboarding; while I took Vickie around to see Denver. No new pictures; our old camera is awful and our new camera is still in the shop. A shame as we're missing loads of good Christmas pictures - not to mention new baby pictures (when she comes).

I can't believe Christmas is next week (unbelievable) - and then it's only a matter of time until littlest babe joins us. And while I am feeling better because an end of my seemingly endless pregnancy is finally near, I now find myself realizing that my life is only going to become more difficult - at least for the next year. At least I'll get my body back.

We have been lucky enough to be invited to dinner for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinner, and while I'd love to cook, my taste-buds are totally messed up and I can't seem to cook a darn thing from scratch (poor Hubs). So I'm giving up the dream of cooking our own Christmas dinner this year - someday, someday.

Seasons Greetings To One And All

Chase & Santa

I have to admit that the whole Santa thing sort of freaks me out - come here, little girl, sit on my lap... but we went to a Christmas party and Santa was there, so we had to do it.

Tis The Season

Tis the season for toddler birthday parties. We have four this month, in addition to getting ready for Christmas, and new baby (three weeks to go!) and holiday gatherings.

I really do love toddler birthdays, because parents usually get a little creative. The pictures below are from Reid's birthday, which took place at his local firehouse. Hubs thought it was the best toddler birthday ever - hmmm, I wonder why? (See last picture).

Marcus & Reid













Summer & Joy













Hubs & Chase













And I must admit, this fireman caught my attention.
It was the first time I ever wanted to be rescued :)

Thank You Nana Cris!

A special thanks to Nana Cris, who flew out to spend time with me while Hubs flew down South to attend Grand Daddy Herbert's memorial service.

Nana flew in on Thanksgiving, just in time to wait an additional two hours for our bird to cook -- high altitude makes it a little hard to time meals. For the first time in as long as we've been married, I had a chance to make Thanksgiving dinner and I was really looking forward to it.

We had a brined turkey (which was awesome!), sweet potatoes (with very little in them), stuffing with wild mushrooms (yum!), biscuits, home-made cranberry sauce (double yum), creamed corn (for Hubs), and a home-made apple pie for dessert. Good times. Made lots of notes about what to do better/different next time, too!

Bright and early the next morning, Nana drove Hubs to the airport. From there, she basically spent three days playing with Chase, non-stop. It was totally fabulous. They made play dough at 6:30 a.m., they painted tissue paper, put cloves in clementine oranges, built snowmen, went on walks, and made a gingerbread house (to name just a few activities). When Hubs returned, everyone decorated the tree, hung lights and set up the creche and the advent calendar, so now our house is downright Christmassy! Oooh I love it!

Thank you SOOO much Nana Cris!

Baby Stuff

Today I took care of a friend's little boy (6 mos. old).

I had a bit of a "refresher" course - I have to admit, I didn't remember:
(1) how many diapers you go through in a day
(2) how little/light they are
(3) how I didn't have time to eat

My friend had this entire print out for naps/food/etc. I seem to be schedule-delinquent. Like seriously incapable of following a schedule. I don't know how this happened. Anyone who knows me, knows I - of all people - scheduled myself silly; starting in college (when my day-planner was filled with lists and color-coded).

Anyway, about an hour in to the day, we were about an hour off schedule. This of course, seemed to snowball. The nap at noon became a nap at 3 p.m. And instead of an hour (plus), it was a half hour.

The little boy was great, don't get me wrong, and Chase was AMAZING - helping me the whole day through. But it all made me worry, everso slightly, about the "scheduling" of number 2, and if I should even bother (as we never really did with Chase) and being housebound for naps and such will be really difficult for Chase.

Cars With Ryder

Today Chase played cars with her little pal, Ryder. They are so cute together. Here they are sharing a cupcake after racing cars down the playground slide.

Playing Cars

After Chase told me she "loves cars," I went out and bought her a little, yellow, toy car. Watching her play with it went something like this...

Chase builds a house out of blocks. She lines up her animals and Einsteins. They talk to each other for a little while. Move around in the house. Talk to each other some more. So where's the car? Oh, it's in the garage. An Einstein or an animal might talk to the car briefly, but it mostly stays in the garage.

So today we met Reid for a play date, and I brought along a car for him. And he played with it like boys play with cars - it was the center of his attention - driving through sand, under tunnels, through things, over things and Chase played with him - just like him. After a half hour, she was the dirtiest I have ever seen her - and so happy. I wanted to strip her clothes off before putting her in the car, but I didn't. Her bath water was brown.

And then she fell asleep at the dinner table.

Lady Music

This morning Chase was twirling in the kitchen.

"Music, Mama," she said over and over again and she twirled.

We were, of course, listening to NPR.

"Okay," I eventually gave in - sucker! - (Chase gets to listen to anything she wants in the car. I get to listen to anything I want in the kitchen).

I started flipping through the stations - first stop, classical.

"No, no, no,"' Chase sings out, still twirling. "I want Lady music, Mama."

Can you believe I tried every last station on the radio and there was not one song being sung by a woman? Chase couldn't believe it either. She ended up kicking and screaming on the floor, "Lady music! Lady music!"

Which brings me to the Terrible Twos. Not so bad for the most part, but the drama of tantrums can be so exhausting, especially when you can't see them coming. It's like weathering a tropical storm that rains down hard (as if from nowhere) and clears up just as fast. But when you're in the midst you wonder if and when it will end.

A Few Of Chase's Favorite Things

Chase has started really enjoying bath time. She will spend up to an hour in it, splashing around. This afternoon she started singing, "row, row, row your boat," to her Einsteins, sliding back and forth on her stomach. Then she started calling them "kids."

"C'mon kids, let's sing!" she said. Not sure where she got that...

Another thing Chase loves is mixing colored water. We go outside and I set up three large pitchers of colored water, as well as a clear Pyrex plate and she spends the next half hour creating her own colors.

She's started to really love finger painting - creating animals and such from her hand-prints. Fabulous. We've been doing a lot of color wheel configurations.

And puzzles. She just can't get enough puzzles and mazes. She also enjoys measuring her stuffed animals.

She also has three favorite pairs of PJs. She loves the top/bottom separates and has three - one with Dora, one with a "fairy" painted on the top and another that has castles all over it.

We're still not into fairies or princesses. Tonight she told me she "loves trucks." Even though we don't own any and I've never seen her play with them. She went on to tell me that Ryder and Reid have trucks (two little guys she plays with), so I think trucks may be this year's princess crown.

Chase's "School" Experience

This morning I dropped Chase off at "school." I know one of the other moms, who asked me if I wanted to get coffee. With three hours to myself (one of maybe three times in the last three years), I felt like it would be silly not to. I had this plan of how I wanted to spend the time, but it went so quickly I didn't get much done.

Anyway, my friend said she was going to swing back by and check on her son, who she found in tears. Chase, meanwhile, was trying to comfort him. She was still playing with kids happily when my friend left (she reported back).

I arrived to pick up Chase about 25 minutes early, with a plan to sit in the lobby for her. I went to the bathroom and heard a child crying, so I looked in the room - the lights were out - for some kind of quiet time or something. Chase saw me and ran outside, giving me this look like, "where have you been mom?"

The lady at the front desk tried to lock me in for a month, but I told her I needed to chat with Chase first. So I asked Chase how it went and she said, "okay." I asked her what they did and she said, "I don't know," which is not a normal response for her. The "art" I received when I picked up Chase consisted of three stickers stuck to a piece of green construction paper - and for anyone who knows Chase, they would know that this is highly unusual (she is either drawing faces or putting more stickers on a page then the page can hold). When I asked her to describe the art, she didn't say a word and just pointed (also highly uncharacteristic).

And then tonight she told me, out of the blue, that she didn't want to go back to baby power because they made her sit in the dark, and she didn't like sitting in the dark. (Broke my heart!) Can't say I blame her - sounds pretty scary to me! They didn't mention anything about that in the overview.

So she's not going back. Luckily mom sent me some info about a couple schools I haven't heard of before, so maybe there's still a happy, good place for her to spend a little time this year.

Potty Blooper

Yesterday, Chase fell into the toilet.

She was going "all by herself," but forgot to put the small, Dora potty seat on first. Her knees hit her chin and she was seriously stuck. I saw the whole thing happen, because I was at the door of the bathroom - it was one of the funniest moments of all time.

As an aside, no pics for a while - Taggart, our dog, who fancies himself a photographer, was apparently trying to take pictures of our cat while we were gone and broke our camera lens. Now we're debating if we should "save money" and get the same lens we had, or spend more and get an even better lens.

"School"

So there is this little place called "Baby Power," that offers Mother's Day Out sessions for kiddos from 9-12 a.m.

I just found out one of Chase's friends goes on Fridays, so we're going to test it out this Friday. It will be the first time I have left her in alone in an environment like this -- and while I'm kind of freaking out about it, I think it will be really good for her to have a chance to interact with other kids without me standing over her running interference (controlling? who, me?) And if she likes it, I might be able to accomplish something (like completing a thought) for the first time in almost three years.

The weird part is that I am totally overcome with guilt about wanting the time to myself. I feel like a very_bad_mom (and it's just three hours). It just seems so selfish. I mean, that's time I'll never get back. But then again, when you haven't slept in a very, long, time, space and time take on a different meaning. I've found it to be almost zen-like at times.

Anyway, Baby Power is totally play-based. They change activities every 15 minutes. There is nothing Montessori or language-based about it. It's just playing with other kids (gym, music, dance, snack, etc.) for three hours. We'll see how it goes...

Chase has started saying no to me. And then giving me a little smile, as if to say, "so what are you going to do about it?"

Well today we didn't go to dance class and we didn't go to the library, because she said no to both. In fact, we didn't leave the house because she kept saying no and rolling around on the floor.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Measuring

Chase loves to measure her stuffed animals. We measure them every day. Not just one, but at least 15 of them (how did she get so many stuffed animals anyway?) I line them up against Inchie the Inchworm and she counts the inches. It's a good time.

Naming Her Animals

What we talk about these days...

Me: So who is this? (holding Pink Bear)
Chase: Tea
Me: Who is this? (holding a big fuzzy bunny)
Chase: His name is Huffy
Me: Who is this? (holding another stuffed animal)
Chase: His name is Soap

International Reaction Gathered By CNN

Definitely worth posting...

(CNN) -- Around the world, media reaction to the Democrats' victory has poured in, as newspapers and broadcasters reflect on the Barack Obama campaign and the global impact his win will have.

A woman picks up a copy of a newspaper in Sydney, Australia

The International Herald Tribune said that America had "leaped" across the color line, calling Obama "a 47-year-old black man who made history both because of his race and in spite of it."

The Times of London said Obama had revitalized U.S. politics. "The immense turnout in yesterday's election was testament to the energy, excitement and expectations of a rejuvenated American democracy, as well as the fears of a nation standing at a crossroads of history," the paper said.

It added that Obama's inheritance would be challenging. "The new president faces economic and social convulsions at home, conflict abroad."

Also in London, The Guardian focused on the historic nature of the Democrats' win, saying: "Victory in the end came as easily as the polls had predicted," and comparing Obama's achievement with Roosevelt's of 1932 and Reagan's of 1980.

In Germany, Der Spiegel's Gregor Peter Schmitz, writing from Chicago, called Obama's rise "astonishing," adding that his "curious ability to remain untouched by all the razzmatazz around him is likely to prove a source of strength."

Al Jazeera said Obama had "surfed to power on a wave of voter discontent generated by the failures of President George Bush and the Republican Party" and added that he faces "unique challenges." It continued that he must "act quickly" to restore confidence in the economy and with his country "sick of war" is "unlikely to make any additional major overseas military commitments."

The Jerusalem Post said that the transition in Middle Eastern policy from the Bush administration to Obama's would be "'evolutionary, not revolutionary,' according to diplomatic assessments in Jerusalem."

Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz called the U.S. election an "example of democracy at its best," citing Americans' "plethora of opportunities" to learn about the candidates' policies and stance on key issues. It also paid tribute to Obama's unifying influence, saying, "Whites and blacks, Jews and Muslims, all decided to give their votes to a candidate who is young, black and lacking in governmental experience," and expressed its hope that the President-elect would "rehabilitate the status of a superpower that remains unrivaled in its influence over the peace and welfare of all humanity."

Jordan's English daily, The Jordan Times, wrote an article entitled: "The American leader we need," in which the writer said: "Around the world, America's presidential election campaign has attracted as much attention as domestic political controversies in each of our own countries. The interest the world has taken in America's vote is the best example of America's soft power, and a lesson in democracy from the world's only superpower. If only we could all vote as well as watch and listen, because the outcome is vital for everyone around the world."

UAE Arabic daily, Al Khaleej considered in its editorial that "whoever is the winner, Israel had guaranteed that the White House will be biased to her."

In Tunisia, the Arabic daily Al Chourouk said: "Today America elects "The President of the World."

China Daily wished Obama well, saying that although it was elated at his landslide win, he faced "daunting challenges." It cited the economic crisis and the Iraq war as the driving factors behind the Democrats' victory, adding: "We have every reason to anticipate a more cooperative and talk-savvy new America."

And The Asia Times heralded the "End of a subprime era," calling the Bush administration "classic American salesmen" for whom "selling was their passion."

The Times of India called Obama an "advocate of strong partnership with India," saying the President-elect had "made it clear India poses no threat to Pakistan." But it also expressed concern about Obama's references to discouraging outsourcing, a policy it says would have an adverse effect on India.

The Kenya Times said Kenyans were "exuberant" and called Obama "the foremost blaze-trailing son of this land," adding that "[he] has convincingly shown that the world could be better through diplomacy than intimidation and arm-twisting tactics."

Japanese news agency Kyodo said Obama's task to repair the economy was "daunting," saying the American sub-prime meltdown had "sent global financial markets into a tailspin."

In Russia, Pravda was ecstatic, announcing that "Eight years of hell are over." It proceeded to catalog George W. Bush's perceived failures and slights against Russia and criticized the cost of the "grand American soap opera" during a time of economic crisis.

Over in Australia, the Sydney Morning Herald paid tribute to the Obama campaign, calling it a "stunning grassroots political movement, powered by massive multi-million dollar fundraising." It said his "stunning ascent" to the leadership of a nation "still riven by racial divides" would close an "eight-year era of turbulence under Bush."

HURRAY!

I thought it important to post the results of the historic, 2008 election (CNN's recap below).

It occurred to me last night that this will be the first president Chase remembers. And, while she couldn't possibly understand the complexity of the situation, she will be exposed to a charismatic man who brings people together as he attempts to solve America's problems - a man who is humble enough to admit he can't do it himself - and intelligent enough to listen and weigh advice and direction from others who have more experience. It will be interesting to see where we are four years from now.

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- Barack Obama did more than thump John McCain in the Electoral College tally; he also handily won the popular vote and redrew the great divide between red states and blue states.

Barack Obama addresses a crowd of more than 200,000 at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois.

Riding a Democratic tide that bolstered the party's presence in both houses of Congress, Obama snared about 62.8 million votes to McCain's 55.6 million, according to totals early Wednesday.

According to exit polls, Obama crushed McCain among women voters (56 percent to 43 percent); voters under 30 (66 percent to 32 percent); African-American voters (95 percent to 4 percent); Latino voters (66 percent to 32 percent); first-time voters (68 percent to 31 percent); and voters making less than $100,000 a year (55 percent to 43 percent).

"I think this is the passing of an old order," CNN senior political analyst David Gergen said as the results rolled in Tuesday night and the outcome became increasingly evident.

"I think what we see ... is a new coalition, a new order emerging. It isn't quite there, but with Barack Obama, for the first time, it's won. It is the Latino vote we just heard about. It is the bigger black vote that came out. Very importantly, it's the youth vote, the 18-to-29-year-old," said the Harvard University professor and former presidential adviser.

Early voting totals in the East suggested things would go traditionally, with McCain taking most of the Southeast, Obama most of the Northeast.

But then things quickly changed, as the senator from Illinois struck -- first in Pennsylvania and then in the Midwest state of Ohio, states McCain had to win in his bid for the Oval Office. Obama then delivered an uppercut in Virginia, a state that had not voted for a Democratic president since 1964.

As polls closed from East to West, Obama kept hammering McCain, as he snatched away Iowa, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada -- states that had been in President Bush's column in 2004. (Missouri, Indiana and North Carolina were still counting votes early Wednesday, but it appeared one or two of them could become blue-state converts as well.)

With McCain on the ropes, an Obama victory in Florida sounded the death knell. As the sun rose Wednesday, Obama had an insurmountable 338-163 lead over his rival in electoral votes, with only 37 undecided.

As he claimed victory Tuesday night, Obama told supporters, "change has come to America."

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America -- I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you -- we as a people will get there," Obama said in Chicago before an estimated crowd of up to 240,000 people.

With Obama's win, he becomes the first African-American to win the White House.

McCain pledged Tuesday night to help Obama lead.

"Today, I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much, and tonight, I remain her servant," McCain said.

The senator from Arizona called Obama to congratulate him, and Obama told him that he was eager to sit down and talk about how the two of them can work together.

Obama will also be working with a heavily Democratic Congress. Democrats picked up Senate seats in New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia, among others.

But Obama pledged to work across party lines and listen to the 46 percent of voters who chose McCain.

"While the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress," Obama said.

"To those Americans whose support I have yet to earn -- I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too," he said.

And he recited the words of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican in White House, to call for unity.

"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, 'We are not enemies, but friends ... though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection,'" Obama said.

Supporters in Chicago cheering, "Yes, we can," were met with cries of "Yes, we did."

Bush also called Obama to offer his congratulations.

The president told Obama he was about to begin one of the great journeys of his life, and invited him to the White House as soon as it could be arranged, according to White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

More than 1,000 people gathered outside the White House, chanting "Obama, Obama!"

Sen. Hillary Clinton, Obama's former rival for the Democratic nomination, said in a statement that "we are celebrating an historic victory for the American people."

"This was a long and hard fought campaign, but the result was well worth the wait. Together, under the leadership of President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and a Democratic Congress, we will chart a better course to build a new economy and rebuild our leadership in the world."

Sen. Edward Kennedy said Americans "spoke loud and clear" in electing Obama.

"They understood his vision of a fairer and more just America and embraced it. They heard his call for a new generation of Americans to participate in government and were inspired. They believed that change is possible and voted to be part of America's future," the Massachusetts Democrat said in a statement.

Voters expressed excitement and pride in their country after casting their ballots in the historic election. Poll workers reported high turnout across many parts of the country, and some voters waited hours to cast their ballots.

Tuesday marked the end of the longest presidential campaign season in U.S. history -- 21 months.

Obama, 47, will begin his transition to the White House. He will be sworn in as the 44th president on January 20.

Halloween 2

There was blood. Real blood. Chase got a nose bleed just before we were supposed to be at a Halloween parade. It ruined her Annie costume.

Hubs somehow managed to convince her to be a ballerina. I was about to get in the car and pay Tar-Jay a visit - hoping there might be something left in her size.

Chase and Reid...














And Chase in action...

Happy Halloween!

Leave it to Chase to pick a charecter for which there is no costume.

Chase wanted to be Annie Einstein for Halloween. As there were no actual costumes, we had to come up with something for her to wear. Hubs had the great idea of having her color a picture of Annie and sewing it on - so here it is! She should be wearing a blue shirt under her dress and her hair should be in pig tails with bows, but she would have none of it.

Thanks, Nee Nee!

Many thanks to Nee Nee for sending Chase this fabulous, hand-stitched, Halloween dress!

Uncle Mike & Aunt Janet Visit

Yesterday we received a call from uncle Mike and aunt Janet - they were passing through Denver! We enjoyed a lovely evening (and morning) with them before they hopped back on their bike back to Maryland.














Hmmm, Chase looks a little too happy on this bike.
We could be in for trouble!














From this picture you'd never guess she's had a raging fever for the past three days.

First Face Painting

Here are a couple pictures from Chase's first face painting experience. We went to a kiddie salon grand opening. She also came away with a butterfly balloon. How wonderful!



























Can you tell which book shelf belongs to Chase?