Some more January happenings -- oops. Never posted this!

Forgot to mention that Mercer had his first sleep over on New Year's.  We went to a friend's house who we met them through Mercer's t-ball team last fall & have been doing some things with their family for over a year now.  We have a lot in common with the parents (they also went to SCAD -- the mom even got a degree in Architecture too). 

We tried to get the boys to go to sleep around 10:00.  They were awake until almost midnight.  We went into their room just before 12 so they could ring in the new year, but they had actually fallen asleep.  We stayed up 'til 3, but then decided not to wake Isabella and Mercer in the middle of the night... we would just crash there and go home the next morning.  

Mercer had a GREAT time and he's looking forward to having his own sleep over at some time soon. 

Isabella has been taking more and more steps.  For a few days, she took 4-5 steps at a time.  Earlier this week, she took 18 or 19 steps in one shot!  But, as of now, she's still a crawler 95% of the time.  (This was written the second week of January)

She is becoming a voracious eater, though!  Isabella has crossed over the threshold of wanting to eat big-people food.  We still have a little stock of baby food, but she turns it away.  I remember keeping Mercer on baby food for a little longer than is probably normal.  (it's so easy and fairly nutritious)  Here are some photos of her devouring a piece of spinach pizza.  In general, her food is pretty much all over her face, the table, her shirt, and the floor.  But - we suppose this is progress??!! 


























Mercer is playing basketball in this last photo.  He's playing in the same league he played in last year at a local church. Todd and I were discussing after this scrimmage that he really does have a lot of natural ability.  He did take a small step backwards regarding dribbling.  (Pretty much all of the kids grab the ball and run.  Mercer does it too this year - although he used to dribble last year.)  But - he really knows how to defend the goal, block, and it seems that instinct just kicked in when he stole a ball from the opposite team and ran down the court.  (My cell phone camera is pretty bad - have to take my word that this is Mercer running by.)

There's another blog post coming soon.  Found that this one was not uploaded when working on the other one.  Stay tuned~

A year of transition....

At the beginning of the year, people reflect... regroup... resolve to complete certain things.

I have mulled over some things, but have not shouted from the roof-top of some great change that will be made.  However on Monday - the 6th (a week ago), I found out that I would be losing my job.  I had 2 days to transition everything over [dump on] one of my few colleagues who remain at the company and that would be it.  Done.  Bam!

I've never been laid off.  I've always left jobs.  I knew it would be coming, but I thought maybe at the end of January upon completing a major deadline.  (that still seemed "far" away)

Nope.  Not enough money in payroll next pay period.  6 more people had to be cut immediately.  It's pretty sad.  I worked for a good company until they were acquired by a computer software company that ran it into the ground.  Almost 80% of the workforce at the 94-year old company I worked for has been let go over the past 18 months.

I have really started reflecting on what it is that I want to do work-wise and family-wise.  Ideally, I would still be working and we'd have the adoption paid off.  That would make this transition a little more comfortable.  I feel like we would have a little more flexibility and freedom.  But, this is not "my" plan.  I have to let go and see where this takes me. 

I resolve to find the "RIGHT" fit for me and for our family in this next chapter, enjoy spending more time with the kids, taking better care of myself physically / spiritually / mentally, AND feel good about what is in store.

~~~ Alternatively ~~~

Todd turned in notice at his current position the same day that I was let go!  He has been planning this for a little while - of course.  A couple of guys he used to work with approached him about joining their new firm.  They are covered up with work and need help.

Clients and some of their consultants have been planting the seed about bringing Todd on board -- and that's just what they did!  He has a couple more weeks to finish up some work at his current job, but do stay tuned, as there will likely be some good stuff to come / good stuff to post.

He is very excited about going to a more progressive place to work.  Work in an environment that is fun.  Where he enjoys going into work because he likes the people and the projects.

I'm excited for him!


Other exciting news:  Just before guests arrived for soup night, Isabella took 4-5 unassisted steps, then fell.  A little later, took a couple more to share with the guests. 

I'm sure the next blog post will report that we have a full-fledged toddler.  (sniff sniff!) 

Here she is with a doll that my friend Cindy's mom gave her.  Isabella knew exactly what to do with the bottle (after trying it out herself, of course)!!

Monday and Tuesday of last week also brought extremely cold weather.  Below freezing for several days in a row.  Schools across the northern part of the state were closed.  Not due to snow (some had ice)... but because buses could not make their routes due to an additive that the school districts did not have to help prevent the diesel fuel from turning into sludge.  This is when I received my news.  This is also the point when Mercer was bouncing off the walls.  Surprisingly, it was not from this large lollipop that he received at a birthday party a couple of days prior.  (had to take a pic for him so he could see his tongue)  The allure of the lollipop did not last long.  After some licks, it ended up in the 'fridge then eventually into the trash.  He's never asked for it again.

 

A fun thing that Mercer and I were able to do together:  go to a science program at his school.  They were discussing air flow / air currents.  The experiments used a hair dryer to blow ping-pong balls in the air... a leaf blower to levitate beach balls... a smoke machine and a popper thingy to shoot the smoke to see where air flows go.  The leaf blower made another appearance to send strands of toilet paper sailing across the auditorium and children running frantically to gather it.  Also, the last "trick" done was using a leaf blower to create a sort of (crudely-built) hover craft that kids - and later even an adult - could ride on!

 

Sounds like we need to get a powerful leaf blower and start doing some tricks.  Mercer had a fantastic time.  (Seen here in the tie-dye shirt - which looks like that lollipop - on the floor right up front.)

Mercer started basketball this weekend.  (1/2 hour of practice + 1/2 hour scrimmage with another team immediately after).  It's pretty low-key, but just our pace!  He scored two goals in this first scrimmage.  Of course he was travelling like crazy.  The coach said "whatever" -- "the kids will get the hang of it later."  Mercer knew how to dribble last year.  He was the only kid who did so.  Now, he gets the ball.  Runs with the ball.  Shoots!

The most important part:  he had fun. 



I'll end with the lyrics of a Nina Simone song that have been going through my head the past week:

Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me...
And I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
Blossom on the tree you know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That's what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me

Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pine you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

I'm feeling good



Songwriters
LESLIE BRICUSSE, ANTHONY NEWLEY

A quick Happy New Year!

What?!  another blog post so quickly after the last one?!

Over the course of last year, I've been writing down things that make me smile.  They're supposed to go into a "smile jar" and read them on New Year's day.  I've only managed to jot them down in a computer file and there was no formal pulling-of-the-paper out of a jar.

But - I've captured a bit of the things that made me smile in 2013

- night of the Atlanta Botanical Garden Lights - Mercer singing to Isabella

-Isabella sleeping through the night

Kids playing steel drums @ M's baseball opening day

"her smile makes my day."  quote from Todd on  3.24

3.26 cooking with Mercer -- pounding dough and smashing ritz

Mercer's excitement at his Kindergarten teddy bear tour

4.9.13 - saw my first inch worm of the season.

Pick head up, drop, smile.  Pick head up, drop, smile (over and over again - 4.10.13)  (Isabella's first "game")

Things that Mercer says backwards:  "wash mouth" and "got for."

4.15 Isabella blowing raspberries in the car.. So hard

Mercer saying about new shoes…. "Look at the bottoms.  They make me run fast."

Mercer saying "you smell like my grandma" (to our friend Shelli)

Asparagus pee

Mercer crouching down on the floor and blowing a kiss under the door to the other side where his sister was sleeping.

"music time" with Mercer

Isabella laughing so hard, she toots

"her smile lights up the room" - Todd said on vacation

"flying" to an address on Google Earth

Mercer:  "hey I have a good idea" followed by some activity such as going for a walk, a hike, bike ride, etc.

Isabella & mommy "giggle-fest" for about 15 minutes - couldn't stop!

Sitting on porch swing w/ Isabella while sweet-smelling gardenias in bloom

Catching fireflies with Mercer

Pinwheels spinning

Isabella twirling her hair while feeding on bottle

Mercer's response to what was your favorite thing about vacation, beach, splash party…. "Everything!"

Isabella stopping mid-course in whatever she is doing to stop, watch her hand move

Mercer putting on a cat-in-the-hat puppet show for me & Isabella

Todd & mercer playing baseball @ the park

Looking at Mercer's frog costume photo and looking at Isabella's ladybug costume photo

Todd being so involved in the kid's lives

Mercer's voice going up an octave when talking to Isabella

Mercer and Todd holding hands during apple picking

Isabella holding up her arm and upturned hand, saying "eh!"

Isabella's baby giggle.  Isabella's baby "snicker."

Watching Isabella fall asleep while rocking her.  Eyelids getting heavier and heavier…

Looking across the hall at the print in the bathroom that we bought in Barcelona while rocking Isabella to sleep

Isabella saying uh-oh THEN dropping an object on the ground

Mercer singing Happy Birthday to Thanksgiving.

Isabella grabbing something soft (doll, blanket, teddy bear) and pressing it against her face.  Snuggler!

Mercer & cousin Katlin baking cookies.  "OK - time to eat more chocolate chips."  He stuck with it!

"Kit Cat" when Isabella sees a puppy dog (stuffed animal or real)

Mercer calling Rose Marie a "Sore Lizard" when playing cards

Isabella slapping Rose Marie in the face (sounds bad, but was pretty funny even to RM)

When Mercer prays and says he is thankful for mommy, daddy, and Isabella.

Mercer singing "Happy Birthday to Jesus" during Christmas.

Isabella taking her doll's bottles and trying to drink out of them. The thought of how lucky we are to have such a beautiful, blessed family!

Isabella's 1 year old stats + December happenings...

Isabella went in early December for her 1 year appointment.  She was almost 13 months old, but here's how she stacked up against the growth chart: 
30" high / 69 % compared to other kids her age
19 lbs, 2 oz / 14 % comparatively
18" in head circumference / 63% comparatively

December was busy... not quite sure how it all got done (well, not everything DID get done, but we squeezed in what all we could)!

I had several girl's nights / get-togethers to celebrate the holiday.  (Here's a pic with my old Bible study group where we drew on our heads - well, on top of plates on our heads).  We also went to one together as a family at our neighbor's across the street, but trying to keep up with both kids did not afford us the opportunity to take any pictures.  Todd had a growler guy's night this month too -- not really a Christmas party per se, but their version of one minus the decorations and white elephant gift exchanges.

There has been sadness and somberness overshadowing this holiday due to an upcoming job loss that I will be experiencing in the new year, in the recent passing of Todd's dad in New Jersey, and to the passing of one of our close neighbors earlier this year who was like a family member.  It was hard to get in the mood, but the parties did help a little to bring about some holiday cheer.  

Mercer was excited about Christmas too and his genuine excitement every morning to find our elf, Fred, was cute.  We received these photos via a north pole email.  (Fred apparently checked in on the kids while they were sleeping while we were in North Carolina just days before Christmas.)  Mercer did say he thought it would be funny if Fred was on his head~

Mercer wrote a sweet letter to God as well as a letter to Santa.  Translations included as well.

Dear God,
I am thankful for

mom
dad
mercer
Isabella
Jesus (with a G)
Soso (a stuffed-animal dog)
sss (??
for you

Mer

Dear Santa
I have been Good.
Please bring
real ship
toy ship
doll ship for Isabella
mom – monkey
dad – monkey

We squeezed in a quick visit to Santa Claus up on the Square before we hit the road for our trip to NC and NJ.  Isabella did NOT like sitting in the old guy's lap.  She's been having a separation anxiety thing going on the past month or two.  Typical of her age.  But, as soon as we picked her up, she smiled at him... batted her eyes... and tucked her head into my shoulder.  She was flirting with him!

Mercer loves to act goofy for the camera as seen in this series of pics of him (and Isabella) in front of the Marietta Square tree.  Love these pictures of him - they totally capture his personality!!

At the beginning and the end of the trip, we visited family in North Carolina.  Here are a couple of photos with my mom.  (Isabella immediately went for her glasses!)








































Some of the family members came over to hang out & catch up one afternoon.  We always try to do something with the group to make memories. Last year, it was the mustaches.  This year -- gnarly teeth!

Almost everyone partook and had a good laugh~

Isabella made her first trip to the zoo.  Pretty much any animal she sees, she calls "kit cat."  (I was holding her up once at our kitchen window and a cat ran by, I pointed it out.  Sometimes she points out of an empty window and says the same thing too!)  Isabella saw Lion (kit cats) and Gorilla (kit cats).  There was a mama gorilla with a baby on it's back that made an appearance at the front of the window which she seemed to engage in and enjoy.












At the zoo, Mercer liked the Chimpanzees the best - as they flipped around, swung from trees, and tumbled on the ground.  He walked around acting like a chimp for awhile.

The NC zoo is a really beautiful zoo with lots of rock out-croppings that are perfect for climbing.  (As well as a lot of sculptures that are great for climbing too.)

We try to go as often as we can when in the area. 

We have taken several photos of Mercer in front of this Rhino sculpture.  Now, Isabella is included in this photo op.
















We visited my grandma and grandpa at their house several times.  Mercer and Isabella entertained their great-grandparents by pulling out the toys in their living room and destroying the room... then cleaning things up.   Here's a shot that Mercer actually took!

Interesting... Isabella took 1 unassisted step at Grandma & Grandpa's house.  The next time she was there, she did it again!  Not sure why she's only ventured out at their house, but I'm really glad that they got to see it - twice!

We visited my aunt Becky and uncle Tony too.  Isabella LOVES dogs... and she was really excited to be there!

Thankfully, we had great weather on our way up to and back from NJ.  Unlike the previous two trips - this trip was without incidence!!  The clear weather and the beautiful scenery through the Shenandoah Valley and in the Amish areas of Pennsylvania made the drive pretty relaxing, actually!  (This is not our photo, but one I pulled from the web.  It is exactly the sort of vista that is experienced along highway 81 for several hours of the drive!)

Isabella got to play with a dog, Wonka, that Jim and Becki brought.  She would hug on him and grab him (instead of gently petting him). He would just sit there & take it.  Good dog!  She enjoyed playing with toy dogs too.  In fact, one of her favorite things was a tiny fluffy dog that barked and panted that Aunt Tonia gave her.  

Isabella - for some reason - would smack Rose Marie when she saw here.  We think that it has something to do with Tonia plotting Isabella against her grandmother.  (Sort of like the movie Steel Magnolias where the one character told the little boy that Wheezer was a bad woman.  The boy would cry and hit her when he saw her!)  Thankfully Rose Marie did not take it personally!  

She did take satisfaction in knowing that Isabella loved her lasagna and Nana's coffee cookie recipe.  Isabella has (you can see here) her 3 teeth now, by the way. 


Rose Marie stole hugs from Isabella when she got a chance and got to make iced sugar cookies with Mercer.  She did get some grandchild love! 

Both kids enjoyed the musical stylings of Uncle Jim.  Mercer grabbed his harmonica and played along. 








We took a walk through the town where Mercer got to see some snow on the ground!  (Granted, it was piled up at the edge of a parking lot, but he enjoyed it none-the-less.)  We made a stop at the train store and stayed for awhile warming up and being entertained by the excited 5 year old and 1 year old!  

Mountain Lakes really is a beautiful town - being designed as a resort town for NYC 100 years ago.  We do enjoy looking at the historic homes and buildings.  

Todd and I went to a candle light Christmas Eve service in an old stone building erected in 1913.  One of the church members and the choir retold the story of the night Jesus was born.  That was followed by Christmas carols and cutting out the lights/ holding candles / singing Silent Night.  It was quite powerful.  Although we had a brisk 20 degree walk there and back - we are glad we went!


Christmas morning, Isabella got into opening gifts and playing with / eating wrapping paper.  She also got in on the action of a little Christmas day wrestling with daddy.  Mercer had a blast racing remote control cars with the older kids as well as playing cards with the whole gang.  Tonia gave Mercer several decks of cards with kids games on them.  Crazy 8s, Old Maid, Go Fish.  Uno made the cut too and proved to be a hit with the whole gang.  Todd and Mercer learned that Rose Marie cheats at cards and Mercer even called her a "Sore Lizard!"  : - ) 

Mercer had purchased gifts this year at his school's holiday festival (with money we sent in).  He bought me a horse necklace in a hat-shaped box, Todd a screwdriver set and some Florida Seminole napkins, grandpa in Florida a pair of sunglasses, a pen for grandma in Florida, an ornament for grandma in New Jersey, a bracelet for grandma in North Carolina, and an Alabama fly swatter for "Uncle Orie" across the street.  He got Isabella a light-up wand, a night light, a headband (seen here), and some colorful hair extensions!  (Don't know if he told the volunteer mom who helped him shop that his sister was just barely 1.)





The hair extensions made an appearance in New Jersey.  Rose Marie wore one.  Isabella was able to wear one put on the back of her hair so she couldn't pull it out.  But the older cousins really got into them -- braiding them and wearing them in their beards!!  

The children definitely spread a lot of holiday cheer; 

there was a lot of laughter in Todd's childhood home.  







We were gone for 10 days.  We rented a mini-van because we have more stuff to travel with now that there are 2 kids + carting back and forth a stack of Christmas presents.  We spent basically 4 of the 10 days in the van and put 1960 miles on it.  We are back at home and glad to have rested our heads on our own pillows!  But, all-in-all we had a nice trip, made a lot of memories, and are glad that we went.

Here are a few random photos to end the Christmas blog.  These were taken at our house before we hit the road.  












Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.