Welcome Ajax!

Chase and Madoc welcome their cousin, Ajax, to the family.
He was born on February 1, 2010.

Enough Is Enough

I have to post. I have to. I haven't done it for so long, I'm sure no one reads my blog anymore. So here's the scoop.

We are still waiting to hear news about our future. Should know this week (or so we hope). While I wish I could write more, I don't want to jinx it, and goodness knows it's better to keep it under wraps until we know for sure. We are both stressed.

Madsie is walking. Really walking. Grocery store trips are near impossible, so I am ordering food online. I miss my Dalian helper, Flora, who did all my food shopping for me in China.

Madsie has become her own little person. Aside from fighting various ailments since Christmas (pink eye, colds, fevers, teething and most recently an ear infection that just won't quit), she is in pretty good spirits. I have become a homeopathic devotee, as a friend recently recommended Pulsatilla to treat her ear infection and everything is clearing right up. I think we are now left with teething pains instead of a blistering ear infection (although it's hard to tell, really). Madsie has watched Chase cook with me so many times that she insists on helping, too. Her favorite thing is putting lids on things (she thinks she's pretty good at it). She also loves making the food processor hum. She also loves to talk. Loves to open things. Loves to unload cabinets. Dump toy boxes. Play with her little pink kitchen. Loves her little pink kitchen.

Chase continues to bloom. More beautiful every day. Sharp as a tack, too. She writes her name and little words. Numbers are on hold at the moment. We are currently doing math and reading comprehension problems out of second grade books (and she isn't even 4 years-old yet. I also became tired of "waiting to hear" so I enrolled her in gymnastics. She is doing a brilliant job and LOVES it. I think we will continue next month. She loves cooking. Always adds extra love (by blowing kisses) into the cake.

So now I must run...

Rudolph The Pink Eye Reindeer

Just when I think we are in the clear, that all we have to do is coast until the New Year (and we can put this very difficult year behind us), both kids come down with Pink Eye. Seriously. I have been washing sheets, clothes, washcloths, doorknobs and all surfaces in our house like it's nobody's business. We have been sterilizing our hands 100 times/day. The good news? Pink eye only stays contagious on a surface for 12 hours. Bad news? We have so many surfaces.

Oh, and everyone is sick, too.

This brings to an end a year that began with a dnc that led to a HepA scare (thanks to a druggie nurse who was injecting herself with pain meds and then filling the empty needles with saline and putting it back on the shelf, when she knew she had HepA). She was working during the time I had my surgery. Luckily, I did not get it. Hubs also faced major medical issues this year, which included a broken wrist and a diabetes scare (it was just a bad computer, it turns out). Both kids, luckily, have been quite healthy, all things considered. But now we're getting hit with a double-whammy. Fabulous.

Bring on the New Year. We are ready to put this year behind us.

About Blogging

So I haven't written in a while. Mostly because I can't find the time. And because I can't actually blog about what we've been going through. So here's a shot at catching-up, without disclosing too much. Mostly what it comes down to is that Hub's work has been very stressful. Very, very stressful.

And he has been trying to make things better. But the road to making things better has been riddled with U-turns, speedbumps, and finding out that the road he thought he was on, was actually a different road entirely. And this has been going on for months. Like 6 months. And it's taken us on a number of different roads - each one holding it's own surprise. So needless to say, we are super-stressed here. Both of us have eye-twitches now. My skin is breaking out (and it never, ever breaks out).

And on another note, my body is still recovering from having Mads and being on that crazy diet. Which could be another reason why my skin is breaking out. Let's just say things are far from normal, and that I've been told by my doctor that it could take up to 9 months to recover fully. I've had blood tests done and everything comes out normal. I've lost a ton of hair (which is linked to nursing for almost 9 months, and probably my crazy diet), but I also have a ton of new hair coming in, so that's good news.

With Colorado being as dry as it is, we have to keep the radiator on. Chase is getting bloody noses again. And everything is drying out. Everything.

So that's it in a nutshell. That's what's going on behind the scenes.

We are looking forward to our upcoming trip to Portland, to catch up with friends and family over Christmas. And we are looking forward to a new year, which we hope will bring us to the right road, the straight road, the road we can travel on for the next couple years (and we hope this new road will have fewer twists and turns, and maybe even have some downhill so we can coast a little).

Mads Took Her First Step!

Mads turns 1 on 22 Dec. And she not only took one step tonight - she took two! Amazing!

Thanksgiving 2009

Here is Madoc at her Baptism (in Mobile, AL)...







































And my beautiful Chase...


























At the Bragg-Mitchell...








































The lovely Lockett (Back at Great Granny Annie's house)...



















Great-Grand-Daddy Claude...


























NeeNee and Mads at the pig pull...













Auntie Lockett & Uncle Courtney...




















And the big hill that Chase must have gone down a thousand times, on her little toy car...


























































NeeNee & Great-Granny-Annie...














The feast...














Brian, a 7-month pregnant Lockett and an exhausted Chase ...













Saying good-byes...

Long Time, No Post

I will post pictures soon.

We just returned from a trip down South. It was really lovely. I just have to quickly note, before I forget, that last night Mads was the cutest, ever. At 11-months, she was up last night after Chase went to bed and she was playing with some pots and pans in the hotel room. She was stirring with a plastic spatula. And then would pause for a moment to pretend-taste her food. It was seriously hilarious. I so wish I had a video of it. If she does it again, the video camera comes out.

Proud Parents

We went to our first parent/teacher conference today. At Chase's pre-school. And we basked in the glory of our daughter. The teacher told us Chase is a leader, that she does really well with co-operative play, that she has lots of friends, great fine motor skills and that she is extremely attuned to how others feel - the teacher emphasized how empathetic Chase is and how much she cares about others. She also recommended Chase be evaluated by a speech therapist for her stuttering. And finally, she said to continue to empower her because it will help her when she faces bullies. Oh no, not bullies!

The New Madsy And Cars, Cars, Cars

Madsy used the toilet today. Unbelievable. She also stood, unaided, for a couple minutes, like it was no big thing. Next thing you know she's going to be walking and talking.

Also today, we went to a kiddy consignment shop, to pick up a few toys for our upcoming trip South. One of the things I picked-up was a bag of cars. Chase has now been playing with them for over an hour. She has named them. Rainbowsill (a red race car with a red, blue and white stripe down the front), Fireworld (an orange car), Woopin (a green car), Taxi of the Rainbow, Woopin-Patoofin, Waxi-Potaxi and AnnieLove (a red car).

The Art Museum

So we went to the Denver Museum of Art today - they have a craft day once per month. I was especially struck by how taken with the art Chase was... I never thought to take her to an art museum. Sounds strange, I know, but it just didn't seem like a place to take a three year old. But Chase loved it, and I was really sorry that we had to go without seeing the art.

On our way out, Chase ran over to a large work of art, and on her way there, she tripped and caught herself by putting her entire hand, open palm, snack-covered, fingers wide - on the painting - gasp! I pulled her off. Luckily her hand did not stick to the painting. No alarm sounded. But there was another family that witnessed the event. So I looked right at them and smiled. And sang a little tune, like "you saw nothing, right?" And one of them gave me a smile back, as if to say, "saw what?"

Chase Story

Chase got really close to me. Really close to me. Noses touching. "Mommy," she whispered. "Yes?" I whispered back. "Mommy, why do you have pictures of me in your eyes?" "Because I love you," I whispered back.

Happy Halloween!

Hubs flew to Hong Kong first thing. Chase put on her costume when she awoke; she picked out the Ling Ling the Chinese Panda. Super cute!















We then went to the airport and picked-up Nana Cris, who flew out for Halloween(and to keep me company - Hubs has been gone a lot lately). From the airport we made a quick trip to Whole Foods and then on to Boo at the Zoo (the Denver Zoo is mobbed every year by kids and parents in full costume - they give out candy, have crafts, etc.) The best part is seeing everyone in costume.



























We met up with some friends, Chloe & Cooper...



























Picked-up some candy, did some crafts ...













































And then it was home for a quick dinner...













And then off to trick-or-treat!



















Oh and all the candy, too!



















And then Chase and Madoc stayed-up, waiting for the bigger, older kids to come to the door. All in all, it was a wonderful day. But we missed DADDY!

My Little Food Critic & More

I made Chili Con Carne with cheddar biscuits for dinner tonight. Chase tasted the buscuits and told me "Mom, you put too much cheese in these. They taste like Play Dough. Next time, don't put so much cheese in them."

Yesterday, I wrote the name of one of Chase's friends on a piece of paper. Chase took a pen and wrote "Linus" right next to it. I said, "Chase, I never knew you knew how to write."

"Oh Mom," she said. "I've known how to do this for a long time in my head."

Tie A Ribbon

Chase was getting really upset with me, because she wanted me to wake her up and snuggle with her at night. Truth is, I do sneak into her room after I put Madoc to sleep and give her a little cuddle, but she is never awake, in fact she is so asleep she doesn't even realize I am there.

So I told her I would tie a ribbon to her bed after I came to check on her. So far, it's working like a charm. She wakes up, sees the ribbon and is a happy girl. Now I just have to remember to tie it...

Madoc At 10 Months

Wow. I seriously can't believe Mads is 10 months. Things are getting easier, and harder. Still battling various things that cause sleep deprivation - she's had a cough for the past two weeks - this following the appearance of her four top teeth. But even though night is rough, she is such a little angel, and such a pleasure to be around. She gives me strength when Chase is having a tantrum, just as Chase gives me strength when Mads starts shrieking.

Mads and Chase are really enjoying their time together now. Just this week, they took a bath together for the first time and both LOVED it. Lots of happy shrieking, smiles, splashes. And Mads already has a voice - she really lets you know if she wants something, or is unhappy about something. For example, this morning I was taking a shower and she started crying and didn't stop until I made a bath and put her in. She has also taken to eating at the same table as Chase. She stands right next to her and I put a plate down that has what Chase has and they happily nibble together. Tonight, they raced each other up the stairs. Madoc laughed the entire time. And then cried when she got to the top because the fun was over. It's brilliant. So beautiful.

And I love how cuddly Mads has become. She just curls right up and puts her head on my chest, or in my arms. Speaking of which, I've started telling Chase the Cuddle Chronicles, which I should turn into a book someday - each night I tell her a short story about when we used to snuggle together, and I tell her a story about the country we were in at the time, and what we used to do, and always end with her cuddling right next to us. I think she understands why we need to cuddle Madoc so much but it doesn't make it any easier.

The girls are my life. I spend every waking moment with them. Terrified I will miss something and that I will never be able to get this time back. But I'm realizing more and more that I need time for me. Time to regenerate; I'm pretty warn out. When Mads finally starts sleeping through the night (oh please, oh please let it be soon), I will make a point of getting a little time to myself every day, even if I have to wake up before the girls do (so as not to miss anything). I need it to be a better mom and a better wife.

And to my dear husband who has been so supportive throughout - thank you, thank you, thank you.

Chase And Madoc

Chase said to me, "Madoc wants to know why I can do so many things she can't do." Cute.

She also told me, "Mommy, you're the best. You're the best, Mommy." I usually dislike it when she repeats herself over and over again, but I really loved it that time.

Am I Bad

Wow. I have really slowed down on the blogging. Maybe it's because I'm FRIGGIN exhausted these days. Yes, that's it. Will I ever sleep again?

Poor Hubby!

Here is the picture of Hubs' arm. Poor guy!

Long Time, No Post

No time. That's why. Madoc has been teething nonstop for the past month - she just had her four front teeth poke through her little gums a couple days ago. She hasn't been sleeping. Neither have I.

Madoc can now say "Mama" and "Dada." She can also say something close to doggy. She dances to music. Shakes her head to everything. It's hilarious. She chases Chase around the house. The girls are really beginning to enjoy each other. It is wonderful to see.

Hubs broke his wrist. Had surgery. Six pins. Doctor says it will take about 10 weeks to heal. We've gotten through one week, and it's pretty hard for both of us. He has to keep it elevated. And I can't count on him like I used to to help around the house and with the kids. Makes me tired just thinking about it.

Chase is using new words, phrases. She is beginning to speak more like an adult, less like a child. She loves school. She loves her friends. She played at school from 11:30 - 4:30 (I picked her up at 3:15 and we stayed on in the playground with a couple friends until almost 5 pm). And she didn't want to leave. Not even then. She is such a social little lady.

Other than that, there are a couple things in the hopper that could really change our lives - again - but until any of it becomes a reality, it's best for the moment to enjoy the present. I have a feeling we are in for big change.

Halloween

Chase told me she wants to be a "spooky carrot" for Halloween. I asked her what Madoc should be - she said, "a spooky watermelon."