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our garden on steroids.
getting ready for a weekend away at the beach with friends.
waking up this morning to sunshine instead of gloom.
sleeping girl on inflatable bed.
Trader Joe's summer stickers. I'm might have to save these.
wiping the sleeping gunk off her face.
packing lunch.
what do you want?
morning drop off.
bringing back the old school.
looking forward to a fun-filled weekend, even if work is squeezed in there for two days.
so the sewing adventure that I mentioned yesterday? well, it's all done!
I made Keira a bedroll or naptime mat for her to take to school with her. I had a potential pattern in my head, but knowing that I would probably need something a little more tried and true, I googled "kids sleeping bag sewing pattern" and was lead to this. While this was pretty much what I was looking for, I wanted the pillow to be removable for washing and didn't necessarily want a carrying strap for it. Luckily, I found this variation of the same tutorial, so I used a combination of the two.
I had the owl material from a previous spending spree, and thought I had enough (2 yards) for both the top and bottom of the mat. After studying the directions a bit more, I realized I didn't and was going to buy more. I really wanted this project to be about using up what materials I already had, and remembered that I still had a big piece of a red bedsheet left from a previous project...voila!
The blue fleece blanket is one that we already had, so I cut it (with some extra width) down to size. The bias tape I had made a while ago, when I first learned how to make it and was gung-ho about doing so. I wasn't sure I would have enough to edge the entire mat, so I used some red tape for the pillow portion.
For the pillow part of the mat, I sewed an envelope closure (rather than permanently sewing the pillow in) so that I could remove the pillow insert for washing. I used scraps of the red sheet to make the insert itself and stuffed it with some bamboo stuffing I already had.
the mat itself is 3 layers of batting I had left from my last quilt sandwiched between two pieces of cotton. It's probably not as thick and cushy as it could be, but Keira will be sleeping on a cot, which her mat will be on top of. I'm sure it will be enough for her needs.
I'm pretty happy with how it turned out and am so thankful for the internet as a resource. My mom told me I should buy a pattern for it, but I was determined to figure it out on my own...and without spending any extra moola too.
I think it might be safe to say that my creative mojo is coming back!!
I was folding some laundry this morning while Keira was eating her lunch (chicken nuggets per her request) and had it laying all over the couch. She proceeds to tell me that I need to clean up my mess.
As if her mess was okay?!
I'm hoping to embark on a sewing adventure today, and will be doing so based upon a pattern I thought up in my head (with a little bit of reference from here and maybe here too). Let's see how well it goes over...or if I even get started.
We are having a little block party on July 4th and I thought of doing a photobooth as part of the festivities. I thought using these props would be a cool idea, so hopefully a trip to Joann's for supplies will also happen today.
I'm thinking that I'm being a little over-ambitious, and that a nice nap would be in order instead. But since my stomach is currently empty, maybe I should eat first.
decisions, decisions.
photo taken Wednesday, June 22
one thing we are working on to get Keira ready for preschool is weaning her off her need for milk when she goes to sleep. It's a crutch that I've never felt 100% about, because I always worry about cavities at an early age. And now that she is going to school, where they don't allow bottles or sippy cups at naptime, it's a good time to change things up.
We've started having Keira drink milk before she goes to bed, and while it's still a struggle and she asks for milky as she is trying to settle down, she is able to sleep without it. I was afraid (and still am) that it would be hard for her to nap at school, and didn't want her crying to keep the other kids up. So this bit of progress makes me feel a little better.
Another thing I'm worried about is how she will be at snack and mealtimes. This school provides both for her, and knowing that she isn't the most adventurous of eaters (but she is getting better all the time), I'm afraid she'll be starving by the end of the day. But I've heard that when a kid sees other kids doing something, it pushes them to do it too.
In less than two weeks, my little girl is going off to school and I know I'm going to be a mess. But, as with everything, things take time. I know she, and I, will get used it.
sniff, sniff...
a photo from this morning, as requested by Keira.
It warms my heart when she asks to "take a picture of mama and Keira". I know there will be a day where she won't want much to do with her mama.
a few more:
I had an eye opening event happen at work yesterday. Sometimes I need one of those to wake me up and help me realize that how I think and act doesn't always come across in the best way. This is something that I am constantly trying to work on, and obviously, there are times where I am not so successful at it.
I started the fourth HP book yesterday. I am still determined to read all seven before the last installment of the series of movies comes out on July 15th.
Father's Day was low-key for us. I had to work, so we celebrated in a tiny way on Saturday by having breakfast at the Filling Station. What you see is a breakfast quesadilla (for me), blueberry pancakes with eggs, bacon and wheat toast (for Mike) and mac & cheese with fruit (for Keira). We thought about going somewhere for the day, but ended up just hanging out at home.
We went to Disneyland last Friday night, and caught the All-American College band on our way in. For most people, it's not a huge deal but for me...well it can bring tears to my eyes.
Here it is people...I was a band geek.
And Mike may say I still am.
I was in the band and marching band for three years in high school (I played the flute since I was in elementary school), so seeing something like this really brings me back. I need to find some pictures of my marching band days and the lovely blue and gold uniforms with black patent hats and yellow plumes that we had to wear.
I have a sewing project I am thinking up right now, and it's something that Keira will need when she starts school in 2 weeks. I just hope I have enough time to get it done and that I can execute it without any patterns. I'm thinking it's a bit ambitious, but if I can follow through, I'll be pretty darn proud of myself.
and maybe make a few kids want one too :)
That's what Keira said to me as I tried to strap her into her carseat...after signing her up for "school" this morning.
yes, we are finally taking that next step and sending Keira to "school"...aka daycare...two days a week.
I was about to burst into tears when I made the phone call last week to get more information. I know, for sure, that I will be crying when I drop her off on July 5th.
picture taken November 2010
This morning I told her that we were going to go to school to sign her up and she immediately screamed with joy and said that she needed to go pack her things. Because a girl can't go to school without her pack-pack, right?
I would think most kids would be scared to go somewhere they aren't familiar with, but this one was the exact opposite. She remembered the playground, and wanted to go play. She wasn't too happy when I told her she couldn't go yet. That's a good sign right?
My hopes for this next chapter: that she will learn a few good things (like sharing and being polite), and make some new friends. She'll have to go to school one day, and I'm hoping this will be a good starting point for that. It's still hard for me to believe that she is growing up. But she is.
I think I'm going to cry.
so, again I've fallen victim to a lack of follow through on updating my blog more often. The intention is always there though, if that counts for something.
so in a quick run-through while the girl takes her nap...
she turned 28 months on the 7th. I've been slacking on recording these milestone birthdays on the blog...and in her album too. I lucky if I even manage to get a picture of her. She's quite the girly girl now, wearing her princess heels around the house and asking for nail polish. She's sleeping through the night finally and has gotten more adventurous with her eating. Mike just taught her how to eat Chez-It crackers with peanut butter. In fact, she had it for breakfast this morning.
a little late night training for the girl and her dad.
we attempted this kind of training for all of one morning and gave up. We probably changed her underwear at least 5 or 6 times in a few hours' time. When naptime rolled around, I put her in a pull-up and went back to diapers when she woke up. I don't think the concept of peeing a potty is hitting home yet, so we'll just wait for a better time.
our garden is growing so well right now. in fact, Mike told me the other day that our first zucchini is actually growing!! The yellow blossoms came first and a zucchini is now growing from the end of one. I can't wait!! I can't take credit for any of this work though. Mike has been the one to painstakingly check for snails and caterpillars and look over our veggies. Keira likes to think she helps too :)
I came home this past Sunday night to this lovely dinner. Mike bought a smoker attachment for our charcoal grill and started smoking the meat after I left for work. There's nothing like homemade barbecue chicken and ribs! And the caprese salad? The basil came from our garden!! We are growing beefsteak tomatoes as well, so soon we can just pick them from our own backyard.
I've started reading (or rather rereading) the Harry Potter books a few days ago. Just finished book one this morning and will start book two later today. I can't wait for the final movie to come out on July 15th, but getting to go see it is another matter.
Our one year warranty is coming up on our house and we had a bunch of tradespeople over to fix various things. I can hardly believe we've been here for almost a year!
My brother headed home this morning and it was nice having him around. We will be seeing my family in a few weeks when we fly up for my college roommate's wedding.
I swear I'm forgetting something else, but it'll come to me I'm sure. Have a great week!!
the past two days have been nice. no real agenda, no rush here to go there, just plain simplicity.
Ryan came over Friday morning to hang out.
He helped Keira build a sand (aka dirt) castle, made sidewalk chalk scribbles and went with us to have lunch with Mike. Keira loves her Fu-Fu.
my dad is recovering from his surgery. He had bone marrow taken from his leg and injected into his upper jaw, so that he could have his implants done later on. The last time I talked to him, he was swolen on both sides of his mouth and he had a 1cm by 3cm hole in his leg, which he is supposed to stay off of for 2 weeks. My mom is home with him while he recovers and has been feeding him everything pureed, since he can't chew. Tapioca pudding (yuck) and pureed clam chowder are all on the menu.
a couple pictures from our garden. Cherry tomatoes are on the way, the carrots are sprouting, and the early blossoms of zucchini are showing. It's going to be a great summer!
Mike and I made Keira this A-line tent yesterday afternoon. I saw it here and knew I had to make it. It seemed simple enough that I could even do it, but whether or not Mike had the necessary drill bit was another question. Luckily, he did have one and since he was on his way to Home Depot anyway to complete another home project, he bought the supplies. While he built the frame, I used an old flat sheet cut down to size to make the cover. I wish it was a bit sturdier (which Mike has devised a way to do so) and I may add a few more elastic loops to the fabric so that it doesn't cave in as much. Otherwise, I love it!!
We got new patio furniture a few weeks ago and since then we've been trying to spend more time out in the backyard. We had our first barbecue last weekend too, and it was nice to eat it outside. Keira had her first taste of corn on the cob and she liked it! I'm sure calling it baby popcorn might've helped a little :)
Mike made pizza last night for dinner (he stopped by Trader Joe's on one of his Home Depot runs). As always, it turned out yummy. The chocolate croissants were made later.
and our picture for June:
I'm hoping to get back on track with Project Life, but I need to make more page protectors. I missed the first of the month again, so this one was from yesterday. We had just finished having dim sum and Keira's appetite seems to be coming back. She ate more in one sitting than she has all week. Same thing happened at dinner later that night.
All 3 of us are at different stages of the cold, with Mike being the newest member of the club. Keira has a runny nose and slight cough, I have a productive cough but the sore throat is gone (as of this morning), and Mike now has the sore throat and productive cough. My voice is back now too, although some will say I still sound like a man.
as much as I really want to, I just can't seem to get myself to blog more. I even contemplated letting the blog go the other night because it seems it doesn't carry the umph that it used to. I've been slacking in the memory keeping department and my Project Life as fallen almost a month behind. I have no problem collecting stuff, it's just a matter of putting everything in.
but I decided letting the blog go wasn't such a good idea, it's a way for family and friends to keep up with us and know what we are up to. Provided I actually put something on it :)
so here's a breakdown for today:
this girl has recovered from her 4-day bout with high fevers. It seems the day I decided to take her to to be seen is when it starts coming down, making me look like a worried mother. Her chest sounded fine, her ears looked fine (other than some wax build-up that she wasn't too happy to have removed) and a stint with a catheter to get a urine sample that didn't make this girl too happy. It seems she has a cold now, which I so luckily have now too. My voice was gone for a day and is now back, but I sound like a man. woohoo.
our garden is growing..so far. the little green fluffies in front are our carrots and it makes me giddy with joy to see them grow. I can remember as a kid, picking carrots and beans and snow peas out of the garden that my dad grew, balancing on a two-by-four laid between the plants.
Along with the carrots, we are attempting to grow japanese eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, wintermelon, basil..and I can't remember if there is anything else.
I'm sure some of you are thinking, why are you growing carrots when you don't like them? For the record, I dislike RAW carrots. Almost with a passion. The texture is weird and I can't get passed the taste. But COOKED carrots I can do...most of the time.
I made cream cheese jello this weekend...and I'm surprised there is still so much of it left. I think I'm trying to pace myself and eat just a few pieces a day. Yea, just a few.
Ryan is in town for this week and next. We saw him for a bit yesterday and hope to hang out more this weekend.
My dad is currently in surgery, either having oral implants put in or the bone marrow removed from his leg (I'm not quite sure which). He doesn't have a very good record as far as teeth go, and has been having a lot of work done. My mom is with him today.
Thank goodness this is a short work week. I was off for Memorial Day which was a semi-rare occurence for me. I tend to work holidays because of the bit of extra pay, but it was really nice to be able to spend it with Mike and Keira and extended family. Sometimes the extra money just isn't worth what you lose in family time.
I think I might go join the girl in her naptime festivities. ta ta!!
