Tonight was Abby's 15 month check-up. It went well, except for the three shots! She did great, though, and was rewarded with a couple of bites of a chocolate frosty! Maybe she shouldn't have any more frosties, though, she gained over a pound (now at 24lb 8oz ~ 80%) and grew an inch (now at 30.5in ~ 50%)!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Our week/weekend in pictures
Don't let the title of this post decieve you ~ there aren't that many pictures. I always take my camera with me places and forget to pull it out and actually use it. We had a great week, but an even better weekend.
Tuesday (or was it Wednesday? MLK day threw me off) we went to my friend Stacy's house for pizza. We have attempted to get together at least every-other week since Jordan left. With the holidays, we didn't do so hot, but we're trying to get back on track! Here's Abigail being innovative...
The cup holder on her car seat was blocked by the tray of her hi-chair, so she improvised!
(she's so smart!)Then the pictures jump to the weekend - apparently nothing picture-worthy took place the rest of the week!
Here's Abigail eating her first PB&J... she really didn't like it, until I let her have a bite of mine. Then, she was sold!
Eating apple sauce with a spoon!
A majority of my weekend was spent sewing. I will have a couple posts coming up on what I was making - hint: two dresses, both for the "Lil Blue Boo & Dharma Trading Design Challenge". I need help getting my model to cooperate, and I will hopefully have it this coming week and weekend. But, here's a sneak peak at one:
Lastly, I took this picture a while back, but I forgot to share, so I wanted to now. It's our family getting ready for bed...
Ashley, Abby and daddy doll
I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and is ready for the week!! Wednesday we have Abigail's 15 month well baby check up, so I'm sure I'll have something to report then!! Not to mention all of the other posts I'm working on (and need to be working on!).
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Jordan Update
I had every intention of making this not only a blog about Abigail, but also using it as a way to keep everyone updated about Jordan. I received an email from him yesterday and had to share parts of it...
You know, it really scares me how much I am beginning to believe in what we are doing here. Beside the obvious things we are here to avenge and prevent, there are all the small details. Imagine living in a world were books and radios are illegal. Where illustrations are banned from all publications and classrooms. Where girls aren't allowed in schools and where uncovering your face is a capital offense. The more I learn about the Taliban, the more I see what evil people they really are, and not just hated by us but all other Muslims as well.
Then you have everyone else here, decent people trying to make a living in a country so tattered with war that basic survival is all they can comprehend. What we are trying to do is introduce them to some basic practices and methods we take for granted every day. Even the veterinarians here are book vets only. The most basic skills like tying a halter, or working cattle are new experiences to most. They are by no means stupid, quite the opposite really, the are quick learners and hungry for knowledge. What is lacking here is the availability of practical hands-on experience.
I was able to work the other day and build a little fence and work some cows. We preg checked, gave oral dewormer, and did physical exams on about 300 sheep and goats. Of course we would find out later that where we were driving post is a former mine field but, so is all of Afghanistan. You think its tough to drive post back home! Some of the best cattle we worked would body score about a 6 back in the states. As for the sheep, well, I don't really know anything about sheep. Additionally after doing some kilo per hectre conversion it turns out that a lot of the winter wheat fields are producing 50-100 bushel an acre, not bad for the desert.
Today was Jordan's birthday and we were not able to talk for more than a few seconds. We were going to Skype, but he was having internet connectivity issues there (go figure?!), so he heard Abigail's voice for a few minutes. We're both looking forward to March. I can't begin to explain how much I ache to just have his arms around me again. It's probably going to make it that much harder for us to be separated again, but we'll get back into our routine and before we know it he'll be home, right?
You know, it really scares me how much I am beginning to believe in what we are doing here. Beside the obvious things we are here to avenge and prevent, there are all the small details. Imagine living in a world were books and radios are illegal. Where illustrations are banned from all publications and classrooms. Where girls aren't allowed in schools and where uncovering your face is a capital offense. The more I learn about the Taliban, the more I see what evil people they really are, and not just hated by us but all other Muslims as well.
Then you have everyone else here, decent people trying to make a living in a country so tattered with war that basic survival is all they can comprehend. What we are trying to do is introduce them to some basic practices and methods we take for granted every day. Even the veterinarians here are book vets only. The most basic skills like tying a halter, or working cattle are new experiences to most. They are by no means stupid, quite the opposite really, the are quick learners and hungry for knowledge. What is lacking here is the availability of practical hands-on experience.
I was able to work the other day and build a little fence and work some cows. We preg checked, gave oral dewormer, and did physical exams on about 300 sheep and goats. Of course we would find out later that where we were driving post is a former mine field but, so is all of Afghanistan. You think its tough to drive post back home! Some of the best cattle we worked would body score about a 6 back in the states. As for the sheep, well, I don't really know anything about sheep. Additionally after doing some kilo per hectre conversion it turns out that a lot of the winter wheat fields are producing 50-100 bushel an acre, not bad for the desert.
(this isn't the norm for him, but I think he was happy to be in this seat)
Saturday, January 9, 2010
New Things...
Since I haven't been good at keeping the "What's Abigail Up To" list up-to-date, I decided to make a post about things she's saying and doing...
LOVES:
* Her dadie! She has a book that he's recorded for her (I'll do a whole post about it soon), and her daddy doll, plus she gives his picture kisses a lot, and she blows him kisses on Skype
* Babies. She has two that she especially loves (their small and she can easily carry them), but she has many
* Her cozy coupe. She would ride in that thing all night long, if I would let her.
* Her rocking chair. "rock rock" is something I hear a lot.
* Fridge phonics. She loves to push the button that sings the ABC's and is really good at getting the letters in.
* Busy Ball Popper. She'll push the button and watch the balls. She'll put things down the spout that don't belong (mostly other, heavier, balls, that get stuck). I hate to say it (because I really wanted her to have it), but it drives me crazy (mostly b/c the balls roll all over the floor and under the couches).
* Dancing. Dance parties are a regular occurance at our house.
* Mirrors. She loves to kiss herself in the mirror.
* The DVD player in the Tahoe & Baby Einstein movies.
* Climbing our stairs. If you ask her if she's ready for bed, wants her diaper changed, or wants to take a bath, she heads right up!
* Food.
* Sleep. Lucky me!!
* Dogs. She'll point them out in books and in real life.
* Pointing at things. She sometimes uses her thumb to point, it's really cute.
DISLIKES:
* Being told "no".
* My help. She wants to do everything herself.
* Having her diaper changed. She'll bring you a diaper, but she won't lay still for the changing part.
* Teething. She's getting her bottom left molar and isn't happy about it (the right one came in with no problems, though)
SAYS: (mostly repeats)
* "Dadie!"
* "Mama"
* "More" ~ she signs this, not says
* "Dog"
* Various animal noises
* "Apple"
* "Up"
* When you ask her if she's all done (eating) she'll say "all done" or sign more
* "Uh Oh!"
* "On"
* "Socks"
* "Shoes"
* "Juice"
* "Milk"
* There are so many more, but I can't think of them right now...
LOVES:
* Her dadie! She has a book that he's recorded for her (I'll do a whole post about it soon), and her daddy doll, plus she gives his picture kisses a lot, and she blows him kisses on Skype
* Babies. She has two that she especially loves (their small and she can easily carry them), but she has many
* Her cozy coupe. She would ride in that thing all night long, if I would let her.
* Her rocking chair. "rock rock" is something I hear a lot.
* Fridge phonics. She loves to push the button that sings the ABC's and is really good at getting the letters in.
* Busy Ball Popper. She'll push the button and watch the balls. She'll put things down the spout that don't belong (mostly other, heavier, balls, that get stuck). I hate to say it (because I really wanted her to have it), but it drives me crazy (mostly b/c the balls roll all over the floor and under the couches).
* Dancing. Dance parties are a regular occurance at our house.
* Mirrors. She loves to kiss herself in the mirror.
* The DVD player in the Tahoe & Baby Einstein movies.
* Climbing our stairs. If you ask her if she's ready for bed, wants her diaper changed, or wants to take a bath, she heads right up!
* Food.
* Sleep. Lucky me!!
* Dogs. She'll point them out in books and in real life.
* Pointing at things. She sometimes uses her thumb to point, it's really cute.
DISLIKES:
* Being told "no".
* My help. She wants to do everything herself.
* Having her diaper changed. She'll bring you a diaper, but she won't lay still for the changing part.
* Teething. She's getting her bottom left molar and isn't happy about it (the right one came in with no problems, though)
SAYS: (mostly repeats)
* "Dadie!"
* "Mama"
* "More" ~ she signs this, not says
* "Dog"
* Various animal noises
* "Apple"
* "Up"
* When you ask her if she's all done (eating) she'll say "all done" or sign more
* "Uh Oh!"
* "On"
* "Socks"
* "Shoes"
* "Juice"
* "Milk"
* There are so many more, but I can't think of them right now...
Monday, January 4, 2010
To leash, or not to leash...
Right now I'm feeling a little stressed out, and I need your help...
In March Abigail and I are going to meet Jordan in Germany, and spend his R&R there, at the beautiful Edelwisse Lodge. We might travel into Italy, too, but that debate is for a whole other post : )
Right now all I can think of is the 9+ hour flight and time spent in crowded airports. Not only that, but hauling our luggage (because I have to pack for Jordan, too!) and getting to the resort. If it wasn't stressful enough to imagine doing those things alone, throw in an energetic (but beautiful) 18-month-old.
So, the question... do I put her "on a leash" or not?? I think, honestly, the answer has to be yes. I've always been very against this, but I don't see any other way. She's going to need to burn off some of her energy, so staying in a stroller isn't going to work. She's going to need to run around.
There are some really "stylish" leashes out there for kids. Here's one I really like. But, really? almost $50?! I don't plan on using the thing too much, at all really, after we get home, so I can't see spending that much money (plus, if I had the time, and a little more sewing skills, I could probably make it myself). Here's another, that seems more practical maybe? I can't tell how long the leash is, but at least it can double as a backpack.
Okay, I need your opinions. Honestly, do I put her on a leash?? and, if I do (which I kind of think I do) which one do I choose?? Have any of you seen any that you would consider putting on your children?
In March Abigail and I are going to meet Jordan in Germany, and spend his R&R there, at the beautiful Edelwisse Lodge. We might travel into Italy, too, but that debate is for a whole other post : )
Right now all I can think of is the 9+ hour flight and time spent in crowded airports. Not only that, but hauling our luggage (because I have to pack for Jordan, too!) and getting to the resort. If it wasn't stressful enough to imagine doing those things alone, throw in an energetic (but beautiful) 18-month-old.
So, the question... do I put her "on a leash" or not?? I think, honestly, the answer has to be yes. I've always been very against this, but I don't see any other way. She's going to need to burn off some of her energy, so staying in a stroller isn't going to work. She's going to need to run around.
There are some really "stylish" leashes out there for kids. Here's one I really like. But, really? almost $50?! I don't plan on using the thing too much, at all really, after we get home, so I can't see spending that much money (plus, if I had the time, and a little more sewing skills, I could probably make it myself). Here's another, that seems more practical maybe? I can't tell how long the leash is, but at least it can double as a backpack.
Okay, I need your opinions. Honestly, do I put her on a leash?? and, if I do (which I kind of think I do) which one do I choose?? Have any of you seen any that you would consider putting on your children?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Christmas #2 and a snow storm
I'm going to let this second Christmas be told by pictures. I didn't get as many of the snow as I would have liked, but there was at least a foot in Nebraska, and Kansas (and that's a lot of snow for KC!!).
Looking out the window on Christmas morning
(LOTS of snow!!)
Talking on her chatter phone
Opening more presents!
(as if this kiddo needs more toys!)
Sitting with Tim, petting Copper
"rock rock" ~ that was her favorite phrase
I really wish this picture wouldn't be sideways, it's so cute!!
Sad little girl...
(I don't know why she was crying, but I thought it was cute)
Playing with grandpa!
Ick!
Whatever she was eating, it wasn't good (I guess?)
There will be more pictures and videos at some point... I forgot my camera here in KC, so I was using my mom and dad's all weekend and can't get the videos off of their camera for some reason.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Graduation and Christmas #1
On December 18 Rhiannon graduated from Mizzou's school of Nursing!! Congrats Renie! Abigail and I made the two hour drive to Columbia for the ceremony. It snowed on our way, and I was a bit nervous, but we made it and other than a couple of Mizzou/Nebraska games, I had never been on campus. It is beautiful!! The ceremony was held in Jesse Hall, which was a beautiful old building (one of the oldest on campus, I was told). Abgiail, of course, looke adorable with her Mizzou barettes.
During the ceremony
Afterwards we ate at Murry's it was a really neat restaurant with great food.
Abigail walking with Grandma Dee
Such a big girl!
After we ate we headed to Renie's apartment and then onto Mercer for Christmas with Jordan's family. She got the job she wanted at Truman (yea!) and is moving to Kansas City (double YEA!!) and we couldn't be more happy to have her here!!
Abby and I had a great time in Mercer, and were spoiled. By all of the fantastic food and the gifts. Abigail got a power weels four wheeler and a little people house. Not to mention Mommy's favorite, her daddy doll. I knew Jordan was going to do something to make me cry, and I was right. Megan conspired with him to make the daddy doll talk. I, unfortunately, couldn't find my camera during gift time, but Meg got a couple of pictures and a video (I think) of Abigail hugging and kissing her daddy doll. When you squeeze it, it says "Merry Christmas, Abigail, I love you". Jordan also called, and I'm very thankful he did, but I couldn't keep the tears from coming after I talked to him. Here are a few pictures from our weekend in Mercer:
My cute girl with crazy hair (after piggies) she kept wanting to go out the door, though I'm not sure why ~ it was very cold!!
Playing with Kennison, Renie's fiance (wedding Sept. 25, 2010!!)
Trying on Aunt Renie's Uggs
Playing with Papa's Blackberry
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