A New Baby

No, I'm not pregnant again.

Chase's word of the month is "baby." Of all the words in her baby sign book, she liked the word "baby" best. She's been saying, over and over, every day. And so I decided this was a (not so subtle) hint to me that she needed to have a baby doll.

I thought I found one at Costco (I didn't set out to look for baby dolls at Costco, I just stumbled across one that seemed good - she came with a stuffed animal, a blanket, a bottle, a pacifier, a bassinet and diapers - aka hours of self entertainment, I hoped). But when we got her home, we found the baby's eyes didn't close and her arms looked like she had been lifting weights - they didn't hang at her sides - they were completely overstuffed. And so I decided we'd return it and keep looking.

Yesterday I was at TAR-JEHY, and decided to take a look at the baby dolls on offer. I have never seen SO many scary dolls. There was one that was a sick baby - and it came with bandages, a thermometer, and cheeks that turned red - and on the packaging it said, "Mommy will make it better." ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

And, while we were looking at baby dolls, I passed another mother, with kids who must have been about five years old. They were looking at the older dolls saying, "Mom, can you believe how ugly she is?"

At that point I really wanted to turn around and say, "You know life isn't all about looks. That doll probably has a great personality, is super smart and might even go on to be the first female president of the United States."

Taggart

Meet Taggart.
We will pick him up from the breeder in early October.

The Literate Entourage

Left to right: Grr Bear (aka Bear-a-Marinara), Bedtime Bunny, Baa Baa, Molly and Chase.














Pay no attention to the construction taking place behind them.

Is There A Patron Saint Of Furniture Sales?

Hubs and I have spent the last three weekends combing through various furniture stores in Denver. We looked at Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Macy's and the local, specialty furniture shops. We purchased, and then returned multiple beds and couches - before they were delivered - because we kept finding things we liked just a little more... And, as we need to buy so many things for our new house (beds, a dining room set, living room furniture, lawn mower, iron, etc.), we figured we'd have to furnish each room slowly.

But the Patron Saint of Retail was listening...

A little bird told us there was going to be a massive sale at the Ethan Allen in Fort Collins, Colorado. And there was. And it was amazing. Really amazing.

For the money we had originally allotted for the couch, we bought a couch, a gorgeous queen bed (mattress & frame). A dining room table set with seating for eight. Plus a changing table (that turns into a book shelf). And a candelabra. And two leaded crystal vases. And a huge mirror. And a green bowl. And a piece of art. And none of it was made in China.

And the best part? It's all going to be delivered on Friday!

Organic Greens

Today Chase played with her new friend, Linus, a little boy she met in the library last week. He and Chase play very well together, and I like his mom, so that's a plus!

We spent the afternoon soaking up sun in our back yard. We played in the pool ("pooh"). We finger painted. Examined some sea shells. Read some books.

And then Chase decided to feed her horse.













A little later he was still hungry, so I fed him a little more...

Wise Man

So I was walking down the street today and a guy, who looked normal enough, walked past me. He looked right at me and Chase and said, "Blessed is the child."

She's In. She's Out.

I pulled Chase out of the Montessori school today; she was slated to start in two weeks. I couldn't go through with it; something about it just wasn't right.

The thought of handing her over to total strangers every morning was more than I could bear. I don't know how moms turn their kids over to daycares. Even nannies. I've seen so many nannies over the past couple weeks - and while there are good ones, most barely interact with the children. But, I guess that as long as they keep the kids out of the lion's den at the zoo, they are earning their money.

Anyway, there is another Montessori school we are considering. The only drawback: it's like applying to college. They send out application packets in October - you are alerted in March as to if your child has been accepted. The gorgeous thing about the school is they offer morning classes 2, 3 or 5 times per week. So we'll apply next month and cross our fingers that Chase is accepted. She'll be two at that point and we'll be more settled into Denver, which will help ease the transition.

Speaking of which, things here are still very much up in the air - but we're settling in more and more every day. While we own a home, we aren't actually living there now. We don't have any furniture yet. We're still living out of duffel bags and boxes in our apartment. Our mattress arrives in a week. Our couch arrives in October. Things from China will arrive next week or the following week, and then we should get our things from PDX the week of 17 September (thanks to my darling Hubs who is planning to drive the goods here himself).

Slowly, slowly, it is coming together...

The Zoo

We are now proud members of the Denver Zoo. During the weekends, the zoo is packed with families. During the week, however, the zoo appears to be the place to go if you are a nanny.

I met three ladies today. All of them were nannies. There was one gal I really liked; she was young, sporty and taking care of two boys; she also cares for 1-year-old twins - so I asked for her number, just in case Hubs and I ever decide to have "date night" (a little something I've read about in all those parenting books). Anyway...

At this point, I'm not sure Chase understands that the whole reason we go to the zoo is to see animals. Or maybe I'm the one who doesn't understand that there is so much more to do - like pretend to drive the golf carts that the zoo-keepers drive. We sat in one for what felt like a decade, while I asked her to drive me to various exhibits.

Chase will be the first to tell you that the zoo is also a good place for running. And when you're not running (or looking at animals or playing on the golf carts) it's fun to explore the plants and shrubs that line the pathways.

And finally, we have also found the zoo is a great place to have fun with our shadows. Chase was walking behind me, so I turned, put my arms over my head so that the shadows of my fingers just touched Chase's shoes - and then I pretended to tickle her feet. She laughed, so I gave her a hug with my shadow. Then I decided to use my shadow fingers to pat the head of her shadow - and that pretty much freaked her out. The thought of my shadow interacting with her shadow was just too much.

Good thing there were some pink flamingos nearby so I could quickly distract her.

Birdhouse

We spent most of this weekend at our new house.
Even without a single piece of furniture, the house feels like home.

Our private backyard enabled Chase to spend most of the day in her "birthday suit," playing in her new, inflatable pool (thanks Da Da!).

I had no idea the pool would provide HOURS of fun. I mean nothing keeps her attention that long. Maybe I should get one for our living room or kitchen so she can amuse herself while I cook dinner.

But today wasn't all about the pool. Chase also enjoyed eating fresh, local peaches - and the juice streamed down her chin, onto her stomach. She spent most of the day with a huge smile on her face - running around naked, covered in peach juice.

And if that wasn't enough fun, we decided to paint a birdhouse. I was surprised at how she focused on the colors - and was determined to paint the birdhouse on the inside and out.

I must say, it's gorgeous (okay, yes, I'm a little biased).
I'm sure the birds will love it.
They might even fight over it.

Methinks we'll need to paint a couple more.

Daddy's Girl

Up until last month, Chase's favorite word was "Ma Ma." It was the first word she said in the morning, and the last word she said at night.

And while I have enjoyed being the center of Chase's universe, I have also looked forward to the time when she could build and strengthen her relationship with her Dad.

Not too long ago, I came up with a plan. I suggested Hubs get involved in feeding her (and keeping her company) at meal time. And it worked wonders.

In just a few days, Chase's focus shifted. "Da Da," a word she had mastered months ago, and used often enough, became her favorite word.

Now she always needs to know where Da Da is, what he is doing, when she will see and play with him next. If she can't see him, she needs to know where he is.

And I must say, it is fabulous to watch Chase snuggle up close and kiss him on the cheek at every opportunity. And to watch him snuggle and kiss her right back.

And while I kind of miss Chase needing me every minute of every day, I find it refreshing and freeing to have her spend time reading, wrestling and giggling with her father, as my father has always been - and continues to be - one of the most important people in my life.

My father has always encouraged me to dream BIG dreams. And the best part - he continues to support me as I work to accomplish them. He has given me courage to try new things, strength to take risks and the will to persevere when things don't turn out as I thought they would.

Dads are so important (mom, you are so important, too, but this entry is about Dads).

Chase, my darling little, you are so lucky to have a Dad who loves you so completely. He'd do anything for you.

We'd both do anything for you. We love you so.

Bathtime

Blueberry Pancakes

You Go, Girl!

17-Month-Old Going On 17-Year-Old

I'm not sure what is going on with Chase. Maybe it's her teeth. Maybe it's all the moving. Maybe she's tired of her toys. Maybe she doesn't like our temporary housing. Maybe it's the fact there has been a lot of construction outside so she isn't sleeping well.

At any rate, her behavior makes me feel like I have a teenager in the house. Except I guess I'm lucky because teenagers storm out of the room and take off in the car. Chase, on the other hand is still too afraid to be more than a couple steps away. And even if she mustered up the courage, how far could she actually get with Bedtime Bunny, Lola, Grr Bear, Baba the Sheep and her three language books - which must go everywhere with her - in tow?

But seriously, I don't have the faintest clue as to what is causing the fluctuation in Chase's behavior. She is a perfect angel one minute. And then the littlest thing happens - or nothing happens - which causes her to have a breakdown - which includes crying, screaming, arching her back and twisting her way onto the floor, where she flaps her arms and kicks her legs, as if to say "you just don't understand."

After trying multiple times to soothe her, I have found that distracting her with a "look what I'm doing, isn't it fun?" works the best. The problem is, I'm having a hard time finding new, fun, things to distract her with - every 5 minutes - which seems to be how often she has her breakdowns. So sometimes I pretend to ignore her (which I never really do and I am always very close by to ensure she is safe).

She has yet to throw a major tantrum in public. I think when that happens (and at this rate I'm sure it's just a matter of time) I'll just sit down next to her, get comfortable, and let her get it out of her system. Or maybe I'll make a scene, too. See how she likes it.

Denver: Home Sweet Home

So the sellers caved and gave us the money to repair the roof. Hubs thinks they were afraid we'd walk away. I think it's karma.

We close Friday at noon.

Tonight we pick up my car. Yes, it's a Volvo. I'm all about safety these days. Having a car will free us from the four block radius we've been walking every day. Now we can go to the zoo. To playgrounds. To parks.

And maybe even meet people.

I must say, I really dislike having to find new friends every time we relocate to a new city. It feels like dating. Except it's harder. Not only do I have to like the woman and agree, on some level, with her parenting style. But Hubs also has to like, or at least be able tolerate, her husband.

And then, of course, they have to like us.

But that's the easy part, right?

Hi Ho, Hi Ho - Off To Montessori Chase Goes

A hard decision, but (fingers crossed) a good one.
And if it doesn't work out, I can always give 30-days notice.

So, starting late next month (when she turns 18-months-old), Miss Chase, who has been away from me less than 10 times in the past 15 months, will begin Montessori school (M-F) from 8-11 a.m.

My little girl is growing up!

Overheard At Starbucks

"You have to report all dead bodies, even before they are verified." - One lady said to the other.

"I know, I know. The coroner really got on my case about it." - The other lady responded.

Perhaps I should mention at this time that our temporary housing is located close to a hospital.

Montessori or No

I'm torn. Utterly and completely.

I love the concept of sending Chase to a Montessori school in the mornings (to build her independence, provide her with a change of scene, teach her to interact with other children in a respectful and meaningful way and empower her to explore the world on her own), but I hate the idea of sending her to a Montessori school in the mornings (I don't trust anyone with my darling girl). Yes, I have a problem.

It would also give me a much needed break from the constant care, and a much needed child care solution if I needed to go to see a dentist/doctor. And, of course, it would provide me with an opportunity to freelance - get back in the game, so to speak.

So, I filled out the Montessori school forms.
But I find myself on the fence about turning them in.

My biggest worry, beside the constant nagging thought that Chase would be better at home with me, is my career. Up until I had Chase, my career was moving swiftly forward. Now nothing but Chase and Hubs seems to matter. It's the most profound experience I've ever had; my feelings for my little girl are so deep and so strong.

So what do I do? Do I enroll her and try it out? I can give 3o-day notice. Seems like it would make sense to at least give a shot, especially given how long the wait lists are to get into other schools (the only reason why there is space is because it is a brand new location). Or would she be better off with me at home?

Ohhhhh. I don't knowwww. It makes my head hurt.

Update: Radon

We learned today that our house "to be" has, what is considered to be, a very high level of radon (did you know the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today?).

I, of course, obsess about this kind of thing (which drives Hubs crazy). Why is it worth obsessing over? Because it is invisible, tasteless and odorless (just like pesticides).

After talking with the US EPA, the Colorado Department of Health, and a local radon removal specialist, I am happy to report that they all concur - radon is extremely common in Denver. The issue can be resolved by installing a ventilation system that pushes the gases outside.

For fun reading about radon, visit: http://www.epa.gov/radon/

Driving Miss Daisy

"Right turns are easier to make than left turns. It's a fact." - Hubs

Having just moved to a new city, we naturally rely on a map to get us from place to place.
Hubs drives, I navigate.
And it always goes something like this.

We get in the car.
He starts driving.

I start flipping through the map trying to find our destination saying "can you just pull over for one second? I need to figure this out."

He drives faster.
Then he starts asking me, "Do we turn left? Do we turn right?"

I say, "I don't know, give me a minute."

He says, "What do you mean you don't know, you have the map. The person with the map is supposed to know where to go." (Hubs is always so logical. Oh to be so logical.)

We've had this same conversation over and over.
But yesterday was different.
Yesterday we came to an agreement.

Hubs can start driving, but I have five minutes to get oriented before he can ask me any questions. I am SO loving this agreement.

My darling girl is UP ... I've gotta run!