Southern Flurries

Sophie's 1st Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-24T10:15:00.002-05:00

Lydia is 2

2010-08-16T18:40:00.003-05:00

Our sweet baby girl, Lydia Rebecca, turned 2 today. What a very special addition to our family she is! We love you, Lydia!!!

We had a little early birthday party for her a couple of weeks ago in Tennessee with extended family, so today we just did some ice cream for supper and a cupcake.

Hairdo!

2010-08-11T17:12:00.003-05:00

Sophie got her hair cut today in preparation for school starting on August 23rd. The stylist asked if she wanted to go curly or straight. She decided on straight. Had her first hair wash in the big sink at the beauty shop. Next time she said she wants funky colors in her hair like the stylist. Will have to talk to Daddy about that. Ha! She had a good time!

Today we took Sophie into pediatrics for ear pain. The tube on the left ear has dislodged and is sitting in the ear canal next to her eardrum. We have to go to the ear specialist to have it vacuumed out (a quick, painless procedure, I'm told?). The cause of pain is a raging ear infection in that ear, probably from a cold she's had for over a week now. So, here we go for another 10-day round of antibiotics. The doctor showed me the normal ear -- clear like wax paper. The infected one was the color of her hot pink pants. Doctor said both the girls were good today and handed out stickers liberally. Lydia requested Dora (Sorry Papa!). Hee hee.

We got ribs on and fresh, roasted veggies for supper. Come on over!

First Bike for Sophie, Lydia Gets the Tricycle

2010-07-18T22:34:00.002-05:00

Top 5 Reasons Sophie's Parents Are Not Homeschooling

2010-07-04T22:43:00.004-05:00

1. She turned her fan light on, loaded a water gun, and squirted the bulb with water - showering her bedroom with itty-bitty glass pieces. Upon questioning, she did this, "Just to see what it would do."

2. She swiped the wood glue and proceeded to squirt creamy glue on her playset. It was no big deal. It's outside. Until baby sister, Lydia, was found later that day chewing a piece of dried wood glue. Since Lydia's plumbing hasn't been messed up, we are going to assume she didn't swallow any.

3. She placed a sturdy laundry basket upside-down on the family room coffee table, climbed ontop with her handy-dandy toy tool belt and scraped popcorn ceiling off with a plastic saw. Over a week later, little white dust still covers the carpet. Upon questioning, she said, "I just wanted the ceiling to be smooth." We wanted to keep our outdated popcorn ceiling. It matches the rest of the house.

4. She taught her little sis to say, "Butt Paste" -- at the supper table.

5. She experimented with the powder laundry detergent. Carried some around in a backpack, sprinkled the lawn with it, rubbed it into the deck, sprinkled her bedroom carpet with it, and dumped the remainder in a top dresser drawer.

Need I go on.

When does kindergarten start?

On the Lydia front, she has been learning to use the potty throughout the month of June, and today - Independence Day 2010 - she was accident-free all day for the first time! Mom's - er, I mean, Lydia's - free from diapers! And before age 2. That brag will come back to bite me when regression hits on vacation in a couple of weeks.......

Douglas Christmas Card 2009

2009-11-28T22:23:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Feverish Little Girls Feeling Better

2009-11-11T18:38:00.002-06:00

Lydia - The Toddler

2009-10-01T21:15:00.002-05:00

Grandma Brought a Pumpkin

2009-09-22T22:25:00.002-05:00

Lydia is 13 Months Old & Banned From Sophie's Room

2009-09-16T20:35:00.002-05:00

Lydia Turns One & Sophie Heads to Preschool

2009-09-11T20:05:00.001-05:00

Feedin' Time

2009-07-20T23:00:00.004-05:00

I'm enjoying these two girlies so much now. They are sweet to watch together - interacting, responding, and already trading giggles that mom isn't a part of. Almost four years in age difference doesn't seem to squelch this burgeoning sisterly bond.

Lydia - 10 Months Old Today, June 16th

2009-06-16T20:15:00.003-05:00

Laundry - Can't Trust Sophie With It

2009-05-11T20:42:00.001-05:00

Slobber Mohawk

2009-05-08T12:23:00.003-05:00

Noticing that the girls were playing quietly, it was my chance to take a quick bathroom break and brush my teeth. Sophie used that time to crawl into the pack-n-play with her baby sister and proceed to give her a "slobber mohawk." Lydia was at first not too happy about her stylist's creative juices, but as the pictures show, she made peace with it. Under further questioning, the big sister perpetrator did admit that the substance used was indeed "slobber." Due to the extremely high-maintenance nature of such a hairdo, I don't think we'll try to maintain it.

Sophie's Top Ten List

2009-05-03T20:31:00.005-05:00

The pictures are highlights from our recent trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando. Both the travel days were - how shall I say it - *miserable* with some flight delays in Chicago due to lightning and then flights loaded with tired and cranky kids, including my own. However, the trip had some nice moments, and Sophie was absolutely the perfect age to enjoy rides plus the "magic" of the Magic Kingdom. We stayed at the Disney Contemporary Resort where Andrew's conference was and it was so nice. The monorail goes right through the hotel for easy transportation to Magic Kingdom park. Our room faced the Bay where there was a nightly water show. Sophie's bed was right next to the glass doors of the patio. I can see her now pressed up against the glass in her pajamas watching the lights. She definitely got to stay up way past her bedtime, but made up for it with naps in the afternoon with Lydia. Let's see.....Lydia wasn't afraid of the characters, which was good. She got to tug on Mickey's buttons and admire Donald's. Also got a chance to both bite the nose and pull the hair of one of Cinderella's mice. She slept through "It's a Small World" and the "Safari" ride at the Animal Kingdom - both classic rides that the rest of the family really enjoyed.

Okay, now to Sophie's Top Ten List for the week - in no particular order:

1. Wetting little sister's hair with spit doesn't get me on Momma's good side.

2. The airline security conveyor belt doesn't go any faster through the x-ray machine with my favorite blankie even if I scream, cry, and yell the entire time.

3. Pullups cannot be flushed down the toilet. They only stop it up and get the water filled to the top, so Mom can groggily sit in water for her first morning bathroom break.

4. Marshmallows are very HOT and stick to your finger straight out of the campfire.

5. If I wear my bright pink sparkly headband religiously, people in public (especially HyVee grocery store) will quit calling me a boy.

6. Due to my parents' lack of clear communication to me, I still think that the "Noggin" cartoon channel only works on Saturday mornings.

7. Mommy's heart melted today when I asked, "Can we just snug up together?"

8. I showed off my new cute haircut to the boys in Sunday School today saying, "Look guys, my hair looks just like my mom's!"

9. Freaking out in the backyard for all the neighbors to see with my face pressed against the chain link fence does not convince Daddy to get me ANYTHING when the ice cream truck rolls by.

10. Purposefully tooting on Daddy during bedtime reading doesn't earn me more stories read.

-Amy

Resurrection Sunday & Cheerios

2009-04-17T21:14:00.002-05:00

March Madness

2009-03-18T21:34:00.002-05:00

Well, it's crazier than ever at the Douglas Household. We are enjoying some very nice weather for late winter! Sophie is in dire need of this warm weather, so she can burn off extra energy outside instead of doing things like this, inside:

1) Stashing 2 bottles of liquid Dial soap in her bedroom drawer and using it to squirt all over her head and hair, "like hairgel, Mom."

2) Throwing a plastic sack (thank goodness I had tied the top up) of stinky diapers down the laundry chute instead of the big garbage.

3) Planting rocks in the middle of the backyard and using "ice melting crystals" from the workroom to fertilize them.

4) Using a black, permanent marker to write on her bed comforter. It goes nicely with the pink highlighter marks and the scissors experiment.

5) Repeating over and over, "We're not supposed to say 'Dang-it,' 'Crap,' or 'Stupid," are we, Mom? We're supposed to say, "Rats."

6) Her most recent excuse for not wanting to work (unload the dishwasher) was, "I'm too tired from coloring."

7) Played with the inside van lights, left 2 on, and my van almost didn't start for preschool run today.

8) Insists on calling preschool, "kindergarten," just to make me sad, I guess.

On to Lydia's recent doings:

1) I am almost certain she said, "ma-ma" tonight at my coaxing. Of course, I was the only one to hear it.

2) She does the fake cough thing for attention now, or just to hear herself.

3) Two bottom teeth (her first ones) made their appearance last week. And, I certainly felt them.

4) Yes, yes, she is still nursing. 4x a day, but she has baby food for lunch and supper. I'll probably add breakfast this week, as she's waking up really hungry.

5) She can roll all around the kitchen, foyer, and hallway in the walker.

6) She is "playing strange" with folks who she previously let hold her. She even cried tonight when I was out of the room and daddy was holding her. She is definitely a momma's girl. That's okay. I kinda like it.

7) She is starting to self-feed with those little cereal puffs, wagon wheel puffs, and biter biscuits.

8) She is sleeping an awesome 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM most nights. Oh yeah, we getting some sleep around here now.

Well, speaking of sleep I need to get some.

Melting, Muddy Mess

2009-02-11T09:29:00.003-06:00

Alas, warm temperatures this week and almost ALL the snow has melted from our house and lawn - leaving a muddy mess that Sophie is loving playing in. Uncle Dave will be proud of Sophie for "going mudding!"

We had firsts yesterday. Lydia was on her tummy playing in the floor with toys (I had her on a towel, not the bare floor, Meme) while Sophie and I were cuddled on the couch reading Curious George books. I looked up, and Lydia was on her back, gnawing on the same toy. I don't think even she realized she rolled over. Also, Sophie learned to write a lower case "e" for the first time. She's been writing her name with an upper case "E" until now.

Sunday Pictures

2009-02-11T09:24:00.002-06:00

Found My Toes

2009-02-02T10:51:00.001-06:00

Sophie Update

Quotes:

“Mom, I don’t want to have any more friends over. My room gets all messed up.”
(Never mind that her room is usually already messed up before friends come over.)

“Look Mom, Lydia looks like a little person!”
(After seeing Lydia dressed in a top and pants, instead of the usual winter-wear of a sleeper.)

“You guys need to hold it down over there.”
(While she was watching TV on the futon, and Andrew and I were goofing off and laughing at the computer.)

Activities:

Daddy had to go to her call one night after Mommy had tucked her in. Sophie had stuffed 1 blanket, 1 stuffed animal (a panda from Grandma’s house), and 1 long ice pack into her footed pajamas, and got stuck and couldn’t move because both feet were in one leg of the pajamas, and she couldn’t get back in her bed.

(This is for you, DebbieLee, who recently asked me if Sophie is still a creative child.) Sophie’s newest pretend world is to play “library.” She came up with this all on her own after our recent trip to the public library to get more Curious George books and DVDs. She took a big rectangular laundry basket, turned it over for a “checkout desk” and pulled up her purple chair. Then, she wanted strips of paper, and got out all her DVDs. She also needed a plastic bag. She handed me my DVDs at the “checkout,” placed a paper among them (the “receipt” that tells when materials are due back to the library), stuck them in a bag, handed the bag to me and said, “Now, these are due back on Wednesday.”

She now uses her “quiet-time” in her room (the 2:30-4:00ish time when Lydia takes her final nap for the day) to organize her dress up clothes like a yardsale. She hangs the clothes in a row, has a pile for hats, doll clothes, baby items, and books. Then, she turns her big rocking chair over and displays the dress-up jewelry on the spindles. It’s quite interesting, because at first it looks like a huge mess in her room, but upon closer observation, she has meticulously organized things. Ah, this momma couldn’t be prouder. I love to organize!

Sophie is learning to write her letters, and gradually we’re teaching her phonics, sounds to letters. I really should capitalize on her interest in this right now.

She loves gum, and shared a piece from her pack with Ms. Patty, the Parents-As-Teachers lady, who comes every 2 weeks. She shared without any prompting from me, and that was so nice to see.

Lydia Update

We remember Sophie as a baby, crying when we sneezed. Thus a foreshadowing of her daily drama - she’s just wired to feel things deeply and be highly sensitive, which obviously has both its positives and negatives. Lydia is our even-keeled, laid-back baby. She doesn’t get too ruffled with our loud and rambunctious days, but she also will make you earn her big gummy grins. She especially makes you work for her laughs. Lydia lets Mr. Joe from church hold her frequently without a whimper, and he’s got a deep voice, loud laugh, and lots of facial hair. Something Sophie would never have been a part of at Lydia’s age. Lydia is very alert to her surroundings now and will stare holes into people. We did, unfortunately, test her peaceful demeanor with the carwash this weekend. We took the van through the carwash, and the water jets pelted her side of the van, to which she responded in a weird, frightened wail. Safe in Mommy’s arms, she was content the rest of the wash.

Andrew has noted Lydia’s “resurrection clothes” feat. If we don’t wrap her tightly enough in her blankets, she will wiggle out and reach the top of the crib without disturbing her blanket cocoon.

She has just this week found her toes, reaching for them every time I diaper her now – then, rolling from side to side. We haven’t adjusted to her grabbing things, but she is well capable now. Just last night she reached for the miniature tomatoes I had beside my plate, and dumped the whole container into the floor before I had time to react.

Well, it’s time to continue my multi-tasking – load #4 of the laundry, check the baking squash, and prepare to pick Sophie up at preschool. Happy Monday, everyone!

Rice Cereal & The Highchair

2009-01-24T13:07:00.002-06:00

30 Inches and Counting

2009-01-10T09:18:00.001-06:00

Well, we are past 30 inches of snowfall since winter began, with 2.5 more calendar months of winter ahead. In my estimation Iowa winters last about 5 months, and we spend the rest of the year in anticipation of this season. Ha! The good news is that winter can't last forever, especially now that we're right in the midst of it. And, I have to admit that a crisp, snowy morning isn't so bad for this Southern girl anymore. You clean it up and get on with your day or stop and enjoy it a little on a slow Saturday morning like today. If the temperature is above 20, I can safely bundle Sophie enough to enjoy some snow play.

In pictures, Sophie dressed Lydia up a bit and said, "Ladies and Gentleman, it's Shepherd Lydia!" Lydia is enjoying her new jumparoo for Christmas - we just got it up last night, however. Will make this short.....we've had a little glitch with the snow blower - accidentally ran over Sophie's red child-size shovel. Sometimes life seems consumed with fixing things.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-01T21:18:00.002-06:00

Snow, Snow Everywhere!

2008-12-19T11:19:00.001-06:00

4 Months Old Today!

2008-12-16T17:18:00.002-06:00

Lydia - Sophie's Live Baby Doll

2008-12-12T08:27:00.002-06:00

Big Girl Booster Seat and the Baby Nest Sling

2008-12-06T18:55:00.003-06:00

Recent purchases to keep our girls safe and happy.

Winter is Here - 'nuff said

2008-12-05T12:50:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving Chapel at Noah's Ark Preschool

2008-11-25T20:03:00.004-06:00

Andrew, Lydia, and I attended Sophie's Thanksgiving Chapel program with her preschool today. Her class has been practicing for weeks. They sang songs and recited poems, also included their poster drawings of what they are thankful for. Her poster was about flowers. Primarily, Sophie is thankful this week that her momma didn't choke her for doing the following:

1) Dipping her new toothbrush into humidifer medication (from Lydia's room) and painting the humidifer with it. Mom found out when she tried to brush Sophie's teeth and it smelled like menthol, plus Sophie said, "Mom, my toothbrush tastes bad!"

2) Roping Lydia's bouncy seat with a purse strap and dragging it down the hallway to her room -- with Lydia in it.

3) Trying to build a tower with pillows - right on top of Lydia's head.

I will certainly be glad when Lydia can "hold her own." Until then, my laid-back 2nd born has to be protected from her curious, type-A personality big sister.

Chuck E. Cheese's Today

2008-11-22T15:22:00.004-06:00

Sophie's 4th Birthday, Part II

2008-11-20T13:01:00.004-06:00

Every gift - cash register, red glitter shoes, DVDs, and scooter - seemed to be genuinely enjoyed. Thanks everybody! Even Lydia seemed pleased. Remember to double-click on the images to see them bigger. After Lydia's nap we are headed to McDonald's playplace for some fun. It's her day to do the things she wants to do. We just got back from MOPS a little while ago. Her friend, Kathryn, got her a shopping cart and play groceries for a gift. Perfect for cash-register play. We've been playing grocery store today.

Sophie's 4th Birthday

2008-11-20T12:57:00.001-06:00

Preview of Sophie's Cake

2008-11-19T10:49:00.001-06:00

A pink "Dora" cake was requested, and Momma has delivered (hopefully!)

Tuesday - Lydia is 11 lbs, 14 oz Today

2008-11-18T15:56:00.002-06:00

Sophie lined up her toothbrushes and toothpastes today. "One is for daytime brushing, Mommy, and the other is for nighttime brushing." Lydia loves her thumb and fingers for naps.

Off to the Afternoon Symphony with her Daddy

2008-11-16T13:50:00.002-06:00

Picture Day

2008-11-15T19:11:00.003-06:00

Today was an excercize in patience with a preschooler and impecable timing with a newborn (right after a feeding, but right before getting overtired) as we set up in our basement to take our own photographs of the girls for Lydia's 3 month picture, Sophie 4 year picture, and a Christmas photo of them both for cards this year. I realize a family photo would have been nice for the Christmas card, but to get all four of us clean, dressed, fed, happy, rested, and basically not grumpy - at the same exact time - is nigh impossible. I took Sophie this morning to see Madagascar II at the nearby movie theater. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group sort of sponsored the event to be totally kid friendly. Andrew stayed home with Lydia so she could nap, and Sophie and I enjoyed our mom/daughter outing together. It's her first excursion to the movie theater, which we don't do a lot, but was a nice change of pace for a Saturday. She wanted Junior Mints at the concession stand - classic movie watching food, and I kept her movie stub.

Sophie's comments of the week:

“I’m putting my crown on.” (headband in her hair)

“Mom, when I grow up, I want to be just like you.”

“How about I go watch t.v., and you do the work. That's a good idea, isn't it, Mom?”

Well, both girls are actually sleeping now. Time to catch up on some calories. Seems my mealtimes kept getting interrupted today....

First Big Sister Ride for Lydia - Sophie's Idea

2008-11-11T20:15:00.001-06:00

Lazy Saturday

2008-11-08T16:44:00.004-06:00

This week has been pretty hum-drum, except for Sophie stuffing herself into her pillow sham and getting stuck. We had beautiful weather in the first of the week, so Sophie and I tried to take advantage of that. I was proud of my mommy self for leaving a messy inside to go outside and pitch the ball to Sophie. She quickly informed me, however, that I wasn't pitching as well as her dad and said, "Mom, you're too old to play this."

Lydia is cooing and gooing this week. She's found her voice and thumb. She likes to eat, sleep, look around, and smile, so no complaints on the baby front - just enjoying her sweet contribution to our family.

Well, I'll make this post short. Sophie has stripped off her clothes due to mysterious water ending up on the playroom floor with her play dishes.

Lydia's Response to the Election Results

2008-11-05T15:38:00.003-06:00

That's An Answered Prayer, Our Lydia

2008-11-03T20:23:00.006-06:00

Fall Days

2008-11-01T20:00:00.004-05:00

As you can tell, Sophie has been into the leaves and the band-aids. When I asked what was up with the belly bandaids she said, "Gallbladder, Mom, Gallbladder." :) Lydia is consistantly finding her hands now and spends valuable wake time staring intently at her fist. She is such a sweet baby, grinning a lot now and vocalizing more every day.

Monday, Monday

2008-10-27T09:38:00.002-05:00

Sophie wanted pigtails this morning after a bath in preparation for preschool. She spent yesterday afternoon in Sherrill, Iowa with church friends, Randy and Dawn Rick. They have acreage about 10 miles north of Dubuque. We call it the "farm," where the Ricks so graciously let her romp and play in the country with their dog and hours filled with outdoor work and play.

Recent Sophie Quotes:

Sophie’s Bible verse for last week at AWANA was: “And Jesus increased in wisdom.” When I was reviewing with her on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for that night’s AWANA group, she thought a second and said, “And Jesus……is in prison!”

(By the way, Meme, Sophie proudly showed her AWANA teacher where her Meme had sewn her new patch on her cubbies vest.)

I was changing Lydia’s diaper and Sophie instigated this conversation. We have been talking lately about where food is made, for example, vegetables come straight from the ground, but crackers are made in a factory with machines.

Sophie: “Do factories make babies?”
Me: “No, mommies and daddies make babies.”
Sophie: “Do they use glue?”
Me: “Um….not exactly.”

Thankfully, this was enough to satisfy her curiosity for now.

Friday morning she had a baby doll held up to her chest. When Andrew asked what she was doing, she said, “I’m feeding my baby.” Then she “finished” that side and said, “Where’s my breast pads? … I need to feed her the other side now.”

“Daddy, do you like the women?” (Watching college football with her daddy and there was a shot of the cheerleaders.)

The Girls Are Back In Town

2008-10-21T19:25:00.002-05:00

Last night Sophie, Lydia, and I arrived home to Dubuque around 8:30 PM from a 700 mile trip from Collinwood, Tennessee (13 miles from the Alabama border). We spent a week visiting both sides of the family, showing off the new addition - Lydia Rebecca. Sophie had a grand time with cousins and playing outdoors. I got the camera on a wrong setting, so quite a few of my pictures are fuzzy, unfortunately.

Lydia had her 2 month check-up today. Pediatrician says she's growing beautifully. She weighed 11 pounds exactly and was 23.75 inches long. She is cooing and smiling big now; we're loving this new interaction with her.

Burp Cloth

2008-10-08T16:14:00.002-05:00

Ah, the joy of tormenting my little sister with a single burp cloth. One day Lydia will be better able to respond to her predicament.

Gallbladders & Babies - Why Must They Go Together?

2008-10-06T11:21:00.001-05:00

Well, I delivered a healthy baby girl – our Lydia – over seven weeks ago, and then two weeks ago I delivered an unhealthy gallbladder full of gallstones in the same hospital. Meme and Grandma came up from Tennessee to help me with the girls and every imaginable chore and task for a whole week. When they came I was moving pretty slowly from the laparoscopic surgery (essentially 4 punctures to the abdomen), and by the time they left I was pretty much 100% again. Thank you Grandma and Meme!! We had church friends and my mom friends helping out as well, who brought tons of yummy casseroles, fruit, vegetables, and desserts.

We are ready for our new normal around here – life with two little active girls. Sophie continues to crack us up with her ingenuity and challenge us when the rules aren’t quite to her liking. One battle I have given up is about clothes. If she has some on, she is modest and reasonably warm, then I’m happy. So, for church yesterday she wore a pink shirt, blue jumper, cream pantyhose, white shoes, and alas, a heavy red pleated Christmas skirt underneath the jumper bottom. Nice. Oh, she was sporting a big white Easter hat as well, but decided on last minute that “people might laugh at her” if she wore it to church. She’s very into baby dolls now being a new big sister, so Strawberry Shortcake (a doll from my childhood) came to Sunday School with us yesterday, being transported in a pink stroller.

Lydia is giving us grins now. What a joy she is! She weighed 9 pounds, 11 ounces on Wednesday, and is definitely filling out on momma’s milk - eating every 3 hours during the day, but going longer between feedings at night – usually. She decided to mess with my lovely schedule this weekend, but slept better last night, from 10 PM until 2:30AM, then 3:15AM until almost 7AM. Lydia is our “grunt monkey,” grunting around more than she really cries. Speaking of grunting, I hear some now. She’s not been fond of her 1st naptime this morning.

Snow-thrower Saturday

2008-09-20T20:19:00.003-05:00

After enduring 5 winters here in Iowa, we Southerners have finally wised up and bought a snow-thrower. Last winter's 76 inches of snow put us over the edge, especially since I couldn't help Andrew a whole lot while being pregnant. We visited Sears, went home and did some research -- well, actually, Andrew did the research while the girls and I rested. Then, we went back to Sears for the big purchase. While getting the big tour for our new machinery, Sophie managed to try out all the riding lawnmowers. We tried to convince her to only sit on them and play with the steering wheels, but, no, she has to pull and push all the pedals and gears. This same little girl keeps a real screwdriver in her room to unscrew and screw back the knobs on her dresser and who knows what else while I'm not watching. Just today during "quiet-time" in her room, she took the wheels and other parts off her baby stroller in order to create some addition to her baby pack-n-play. She also mentioned making a kite with those extra parts. All Andrew and I know is that neither one of us cares much about such mechanics, so this is definitely some gene she got from her Uncle Dave - my younger brother, known for destroying, and sometimes reassembling, all kinds of machines. :) We plan to send her to his house soon and let her rummage through his garages to her heart's content. But, I digress from the purchase today. While Andrew went over payment details, Lydia decided to wake up and squawk. We were so close to getting home before she needed her next feeding, but by the time the Sears guys got the box loaded, Lydia was already attached to mom for her next meal. So, we spent the next 20 minutes sitting in the van in the parking lot waiting for Lydia to eat. Now, 20 minutes doesn't sound very long in print, but it is long for two tired parents. Sophie spent the time kicking my seat, because we had to scoot it up to make room for the snow-thrower in the back. While kicking the seat she multi-tasked by whining that the setting sun was in her eyes - despite her sunglasses and the sun shield on her window. Her Daddy's response, "So, quit looking at the sun!" We got home; got both girls bathed and lotioned up, and now they're sleeping. Ah, sweet quietness. Oh, before Sophie was completely settled for the night, she decided to take her pajamas off and roll herself up like a burrito in her big blanket. Lovely. I let Dad handle that one. Lydia will need to be awakened for one more feeding for the day, then we can call it a day. Actually, she is waking up now. Happy reading! I didn't include pictures of the snow-thrower as it is still in the box, and I figured cute little kids were better subjects for photos.

One Month Old

2008-09-16T15:49:00.003-05:00

Today Lydia is 1 month old! The month of newborn "fog" is completed, though, it wasn't too foggy. We had an awesome first month, aside from gallbladder attacks. :)

Lydia Exists

2008-09-14T19:37:00.003-05:00

Well, this week we had lots of interesting mail. We received both Lydia's birth certificate and social security card, so the government now says she is officially here. Her daddy also set up her college fund this weekend. :) What can I say? The numbers guy is on top of things. We also received a special box of shoes from Meme. Sophie decided to secretly pack two and half (yes, just one of her new tennis shoes for preschool) pairs of shoes in Papa and Meme's luggage when they were here. They discovered them, of course, AFTER they arrived in Tennessee - 9 hours away. Nice to have the shoes back. We had a nice weekend - rainy outside, but warm on the inside. Andrew lucked up with some box seat tickets to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra's Classical Madness concert. Miss Stacy - our neighborhood babysitter - entertained Sophie a couple of hours, while Andrew and I took Lydia with us. She slept in momma's arms for the whole two hours, snoozing through "Overture to William Tell," "Grand Canyon Suite," "Rhapsody in Blue," and Symphony No. 9 in E Minor." By the end, I was ready to snooze, too. :) I'm not quite the classical music buff that Andrew is. He's a little more cultured than me. I usually prefer my good 'ole "SG" - Southern Gospel. Actually, I was up with Lydia from 2:30-4:00 AM last night, so that was the main reason my eyelids were drooping. Tomorrow starts another big week. Sophie is responsible for snack for her preschool class tomorrow - fruit cups and 2% milk. She also gets to participate in "show-and-tell." She is taking a picture of her and her new baby sister. We didn't figure we should let her pack up Lydia in her backpack. :) Oh, also this week Sophie started AWANA - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awana. It's a Christian children's club where they meet weekly, memorize Bible verses, earn patches and prizes, and just have some good clean fun and fellowship. Well, that's all I got time for now. Lydia has decided that the pacifier is no longer a suitable substitute to hanging out on her momma. Lastly, pictured above, we had two invigorating rounds of "Candyland" with Sophie before bed. Sophie beat mom, then the second round, mom won.

Boppy Baby Holding

2008-09-09T11:08:00.002-05:00

My girls today. I'm finding it rare for all three of us to be clean and fed at the same time, but I found a brief moment like that today. Wait a minute. I think I was still wearing a milk soaked pajama top when I took this picture. :)

Little Sister

2008-09-06T11:00:00.002-05:00

We have introduced Lydia to a bottle with pumped breastmilk. She took it fabulously. Last night Sophie got to help with a feeding.

Sophie's First Day of Preschool

2008-09-04T12:57:00.001-05:00

Papa and Meme

2008-09-02T10:24:00.001-05:00

We are enjoying a Labor Day visit from Papa and Meme from Union City, Tennessee. Sophie also got to visit with her cousin, Zachary, from Minnesota. Lydia had some "firsts" yesterday as her little umbilical cord dried off to reveal a cute little belly button. She also had a complete poopie blow-out while I was changing her in her room and with big sister, Sophie, watching. I lifted her bottom up for clean up and the explosion happened - all over the changing table, the wall, with the closet door getting the brunt of it. I yelled for Andrew to help. He was helpful once he stopped laughing uncontrollably. :) Sophie begins preschool tomorrow, so we are preparing for that -- labeling her backpack and bought a new bicycle helmet yesterday in preparation for "Tricycle Days."

Well, I'm wearing one sleeping child in a Baby Bjorn carrier and helping the preschooler write Grandpa's name on an envelope she is preparing for him. Another busy day at the Douglas home.

Grandpa & Grandma from Collinwood, TN

2008-08-27T06:23:00.003-05:00

My parents are here in Dubuque helping out this week. Mom has been entertaining Sophie, holding Lydia, cooking and preparing food, cleaning (my china cabinet?), grocery shopping and pretty much lending a hand with whatever we need. Dad had a full day yesterday mowing our lawn, weed-eating, edging the grass, washing our van, washing bay windows and deck door windows, as well as being a playmate for Sophie and warm hands to sleep in for Lydia. Sleeping is going well for newborn days here. Lydia eats about every 2 to 2.5 hours during the day; we wake her if she tries to sleep through a feeding. Doing this has meant she gets enough calories during the day to go one nice 4 hour stretch between a feedings at night. No waking her at night to eat! Sophie is adjusting well. She loves to hold Lydia and is helpful with retrieving burb cloths. With grandparents here, I've had some quality one-on-one time with Sophie reading books, digging in the back yard, swinging, and making a batch of macaroni and cheese.

Signing off,

Amy

A Week of Saturdays

2008-08-22T21:01:00.003-05:00

We have enjoyed a "week of Saturdays" this week with Andrew home from work all week to help with the new baby transition. Lydia is doing well and gaining weight. She had no jaundice to be treated for, and is a wonderful eater. She has to belong to this food-lovin' family! Sophie is adjusting well - has a few moments where you can tell she misses all the one-on-one mommy time she was used to. Will make this post short. The girls are sleeping and this tired momma needs some sleep too.

-Amy

Day 2

2008-08-17T13:09:00.003-05:00

Mom and Baby are still at the hospital, but everyone is doing fine. Sophie is enjoying her new sister. Amy and Lydia come home tomorrow. - Andrew

Lydia Rebecca Makes Her Entrance!

2008-08-16T16:43:00.003-05:00

Miss Lydia Rebecca Douglas made her arrival today, Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 10:45 AM. She weighs 7 pounds, 4 ounces (exactly the same as her big sister, Sophie, at birth). She is 19 1/2 inches long with a head circumference of 33 cm. She was waterbirthed naturally at Finley Hospital with midwife Kathe Lehman attending, as well as a doula, two nurses, and, of course, Daddy.

Interesting trivia to remember about this birth, Andrew and Amy arrived at Finley Hospital getting admitted just 24 minutes before Lydia's birth. It was a short, but intense labor. But, all are doing very well.

-Amy

We're in Overtime, Folks!

2008-08-15T13:54:00.002-05:00

Baby Update: 2 days overdue, dilated to 3 cm, 50% effaced, 0 station (check a childbirth website for details on such statistics)

Sophie - Chef & Swimmer

2008-08-08T21:17:00.004-05:00

Photographs include Sophie "cooking" in the kitchen with me. She dirties as many utensils and pans as me, but it keeps her busy. She decided to arrange her pajamas in funny ways for an apron and chef hat. Tonight we went to Flora pool for the library's summer reading program finale. Also, included is Daddy reading a Bible Story before bedtime. Sophie's request was the story about "the man who helped," a.k.a. the good Samaritan parable that Jesus taught. Also today she played with the screwdriver, removing and reattaching (with some help on the latter) the bay window crank handle and two of her dresser knobs. This busy little lady makes my days long and full, but I wouldn't miss it for the world. :)

The Wait Begins

2008-08-04T16:19:00.003-05:00

As we begin the "Big Wait" for our new baby's arrival (due on the 13th), Sophie continues romping, growing, exploring, and impacting our little world. She finished up swim lessons last week with flying colors, and I even spotted her testing her new skills of blowing bubbles and lying in the water on her back in the bathtub. Not too many big exciting things happening this week, but we'll take this "calm before the storm" for a little while longer. We did nurse Sophie's skinned toe this past week; were awakened in the middle of the night by Sophie's helium balloon getting caught in the livingroom ceiling fan (Andrew jumped out of bed and was about ready to protect his family), and Sophie was bitten by a Japanese Beetle - the same ones she's been collecting in little cups all summer and drowning in sunblock lotion. She also discovered her birthmark this week. It's a small dark spot underneath her left armpit. She decided it needed a band-aid and wore one for days before we could convince her that the spot had always been there.

Quotes this week:

“How about you take one bite, and I’ll eat the rest.”
(When Daddy shared HIS candy with her.)

“No, Mom. That’s my nighttime toothbrush.”
(She has two toothbrushes in the bathroom. Apparently I grabbed the wrong one, not realizing they had morning and night designations.)

“We can talk on the phone, Dad. Just call me if you need me.”
(Saying goodbye to her Daddy when we were leaving his workplace. We had joined him there for lunch on Friday. Usually she protests leaving him, so this was a change of pace.)

“I can’t play today, Mom. I’ve got to go to the office.”
(While wearing a red tie of her Daddy’s and his brown dress shoes this morning.)

“Look, Dad. They’re all the same.”
(She leaned over to her Dad and whispered this at the bank’s break room where we were eating lunch. The bank employees were all wearing bright yellow casual shirts that day.)

“Black socks make me nervous.”
(After telling her I needed help matching Dad’s clean socks from the laundry pile.)

Mommy: “Be still, so we can rest. The baby is growing a lot, and it makes Mommy need rest.”
Sophie: “Can I pray for you?”
Mommy: “Sure!”
Sophie: “Father, help Mommy feel better. The baby is coming out soon.”

Smiles!
Amy

Pool Party

2008-07-26T21:43:00.004-05:00

Tonight Sophie attended a Parents As Teachers (PAT) group pool party. She hung out in the kiddie area for a while, donned in her new yellow goggles (or "swim glasses" as she sometimes calls them) - recently purchased from a clearance rack at K-mart. But as the sun set, she and daddy moved to the bigger pool area where it was warmer. She saw the big waterslide and wanted to try it. Twenty-something slides later, she still couldn't get enough.

Quotes the last few days:

"I can't reach it. Whoa, I can!"

Sophie: "Did I get mail?"

Mommy: "No, the mail hasn't come yet."

Sophie: "I'm going to be a mail carrier when I grow up."
Mommy: "Papa is a mail carrier."

Sophie: "No! Papa is a jeep driver!"

"That's okay, Daddy. Just do better next time." (After he apologized for a bad wiffle ball pitch.)

"Mommy, you're the best cooker ever!" (Complimenting my attempt at homemade pizza today.)

"I have a butt crack!"

(Andrew was putting her in her carseat, setting her all the way back and her shorts came down a little in the back. This was her serious thought of the situation. When I burst into laughter, she said, "What's so funny?")

Goodnight!

Amy

Lazy Summer

2008-07-22T20:58:00.004-05:00

Sophie is currently taking swim lessons at Flora Pool every weekday morning this week and next week. She likes it, and is distressed when her lesson is over. She is learning to put her face in the water. I've also noticed her buttering up to her lifeguard teacher - holding her hand to walk into the water and even insisting the lifeguard lady CARRY her sometimes, when all the other kids are walking.

I'm at Week 37 of the pregnancy now, and have an appointment tomorrow afternoon. At this point I go every week until the BIG DAY. Andrew and I met with the doula - a lady to stay with me for emotional guidance and physical support while I'm in "Laborland" - last night. I made calls and sent out e-mails tonight to firm up a list of folks to care for Sophie while Andrew and I are at Finley Hospital. All that's really lacking is to pack my suitcase, which I'm kind of saving as an early labor activity to distract myself.

Photos this time are just some normal activites around our house: reading books, making music, Sophie getting into our clothes (her daddy's pajamas), playing outside, etc. I've been negligent to write down funny Sophie quotes lately, but here are a few:

"Don't say, 'Oh boy,' Mom. Say 'Oh, girl' or 'Oh, child." (I had made an "Oh, boy!" exclamation about something unrelated to her. Don't know where her political correctness is coming from. Ha!)

"When I grow up I'm going to be a mommy and tell children to do everything I say."

-Amy

Vacation Bible School

2008-07-14T20:39:00.005-05:00

Sophie is attending Vacation Bible School this week at Dubuque Bible Church, just a few blocks from our house. She is learning that God made everything, including her. Apparently, she is learning that God made puppy dogs, as she wanted to eat her snack tonight like one. She is also getting more handy with the camera and took a picture of me and Andrew tonight. As the pictures show, I am "great with child," as Andrew likes to say now. That's definitely King James Version there. It's going to be a long month to the August 13th "due" date; however, we'll take it one day at a time. Sophie and I enjoyed last week together doing a picnic in the playset, trip to the pet store, the library, the pool, and doing lots of reading, fiddling around the kitchen, and outside exploring. She is very much into bugs this summer.

Tennessee Invasion for the Fourth

2008-07-07T15:06:00.011-05:00

Grandpa and Grandma Rochell (Amy's parents) as well as Uncle Dave, Aunt Terra, and Levi (Amy's brother, sister-in-law, and new nephew) joined us for the weekend from Collinwood, Tennessee to celebrate the Fourth of July. We had awesome hang-out-in-the-yard weather and just a blessed time with food, fellowship, and three gallons of southern sweet tea.

Playing Waitress & Hosting Friends

2008-06-26T16:25:00.002-05:00

Activities this week:

The family was relaxing on the deck after a long day, and suddenly Sophie wanted to pee in grass in the backyard. We said, “No, go inside like normal.” The standoff took long enough that by the time she ran to the bathroom and locked door, she peed in floor. Didn’t quite make it to the potty. Andrew and I kept our places on the deck while she was doing her bathroom thing. Meanwhile, Sophie was trying to clean up the accident with 2 clean washcloths. She then stuffed the pee soaked washcloths into the toilet. About this time, the “Daddy Intuition” prompted Andrew to check on Sophie. When he finally got her to open the bathroom door, he stepped right in the pee puddle and discovered what was going on.

She’s been recovering from a double ear infection and viral infection, which caused lots of nice green stuff from her nose and eyes.

Sophie got to squirt the special gel on and put the Doppler microphone on Mommy’s tummy to hear Lydia’s heart tones at Mommy’s prenatal checkup.

She rearranged the refrigerator, and I finally found my cinnamon rolls for a breakfast at suppertime in the freezer.

Sophie spent some time cleaning the deck with a sponge and spray bottle after watching Mommy clean in the kitchen.

Quotes this week:

“If you need any help, Dad, I’m right over here. Just let me know”

“I want to be a bird when I grow up. I’ll be the Daddy-Bird. Mommy, you’ll be the Mommy-Bird. And, Daddy – he can be the Grandpa-Bird.”

“Hey, Mom, it’s raining outside – I prefer my rain boots.”

“Stop talking, Dad, I’m trying to think.”

“Oh, there’s a problem. There’s a frog in your throat and a dinosaur.” (Playing doctor with Daddy, looking in his mouth, then got the tweezers and removed the foreign objects.)

Sophie asked the nurse at her checkup if the doctor was going to be a man or a woman. When the pediatrician came in she said, “I heard you wanted to know if I were a girl or a boy.”

“I’m so hungry for t.v.” (After I told her, "No" to a snack just one hour after breakfast.)

-Amy

Water & Babies

2008-06-16T14:37:00.003-05:00

On Monday night, June 9th we attended a "Sibling Class" at Finley Hospital here in Dubuque. Finely Hospital(http://www.finleyhospital.org/) is where our coming baby will be birthed, so the class was for the purpose of preparing children for the arrival of their new siblings. Sophie got to see all the "gear" nurses use for newborn babies, got to bring her own doll to practice changing diapers, and got a tour of the "Family Birthing Suites" for us moms and a chance to see a real newborn (held up by a nurse in the nursery window.) The kids also watched a video for further instruction about babies, had a snack, and made "birthday cards" for their coming siblings. Sophie has been pretty into babies since last Monday and has insisted on carrying her doll and stroller to other places besides the hospital, like restaurants. :) Sophie is also playing in her little pool whenever the rainy weather will cooperate. We fill it halfway up; she plays in it about a week until the pool is nice and slimy, then we re-fill and start again. :) On one outdoor excursion this week Sophie ran to the door to show me her new find: a green, hoppy bug. She spent the next 24 hours facinated with this bug. I allowed Mr. Bug inside on strict orders that he stay inside his shoebox condo. Somehow, he found his way out of his abode several times. By the next morning, the bug was surprisingly still alive, doing what Andrew and I named its "starvation dance." We couldn't convince Sophie to allow Mr. Bug back to the great outdoors, but did suggest she give him some food - green grass. She responded with, "That's a great idea," and ran out for blades of grass. Somehow, later, daddy managed to secure Mr. Bug's freedom, and he and Sophie released the bug under the deck while I was taking a nap. Speaking of water and babies, we are planning a water birth for the coming baby. But, we have decided to forgo use of Sophie's little pool for Finley Hospital's large jet tubs. :)

Flubber & Rhubarb

2008-06-08T15:23:00.005-05:00

This week the hot water heater released its contents onto the basement floor leaving crusty white and brown stains on the carpet, plus the aroma of a junior-high boys locker room. We ran out of propane gas for the grill just as I was putting raw hamburger patties on the grates for supper. The dishwasher quit working for 3.5 days (repaired by the quick flip of a breaker switch by the Aquilla ServiceGuard repair man). Who knew the dishwasher had its VERY OWN breaker switch, which was left completely unlabeled by electricians 3 years ago. Sophie vomited all over herself and me at my prenatal appointment with the midwife. I had neglected to put a t-shirt in her diaper bag, so carried her out to the van from the clinic at 65 degrees. She was wearing only hot pink pants and no shirt. This happened the same day she fell and banged her head on the office desk (bruise on right cheek), and I accidently pulled the door closed on her finger. She threw-up 3 more times during the week. This from a child who has only gotten sick like this 2 other times in her whole lifetime. By Friday, she had it down pat -- running to the potty shouting, "It's coming! It's coming!" We still haven't figured out the cause. Possible culprits are: nectarine, orange Starburst candy overdose, and pineapple.

The latter part of the week has gone better, and on Wednesday Sophie made "flubber" with Ms. Patty from Parents-As-Teachers. It's a mixture of warm water, borax, and glue -- essentially a homemade silly putty. Sophie loved it. We worked on the letter "B" and the number "11" some, and memorized part of a verse in Revelation Chapter 7, "...God will wipe every tear from their eyes." I have a book with finger/hand motions that makes it easy for kids to learn Bible verses.

We have joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) group where we pay so much per week and get locally grown produce for 20 weeks out of the summer. Pickup day is Friday; every week is just a variety of whatever fruits and vegetables came in that week. This week's box had spinach, asparagus, nettles herb, and rhubarb. Thus, Sophie and I made Rhubarb Squares this afternoon. We have yet to taste our new creation.

Great-Grandparents

2008-06-02T22:21:00.001-05:00

Union City, TN - Sophie visiting with her great-grandparents (Andrew's maternal grandparents) at Meme & Papa's house. They brought her animal crackers and quickly won over her affections.

Sophie's 1st ATV Ride

2008-06-02T22:18:00.004-05:00

Collinwood, TN - Sophie at Uncle Dave & Aunt Terra's posing on their 4-wheeler. In the background is part of the land I grew up on. This field is the same one I rode 4-wheelers on as a kid.

Gum with Grandpa

2008-06-02T22:12:00.004-05:00

Lawrenceburg TN - Sophie and her Grandpa (maternal grandfather) hanging out at the annual Rochell Reunion. Grandpa is known for keeping a nice supply of chewing gum.

Sophie & Levi

2008-06-02T22:01:00.000-05:00

Collinwood, TN - Sophie is adamant that her first cousin, Levi (6 weeks old), needs his pacifier.

Chicago

2008-05-19T20:58:00.000-05:00

On Thursday night around 10:30 PM we were very glad to see the "Welcome to Dubuque" sign as we arrived home from a 4 night/5 day trip to the Windy City. And, boy was it windy there. We wore long sleeves and jackets every day. Andrew had two work conferences back-to-back. Since the main conference was held at the Ritz-Carlton, Sophie and I decided to take this opportunity to tag along and check things out. Let me say that little Miss Sophie made her mark at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel. They won't forget her there. She played in the enormous fountain, ran through the lobby racing to get to push the elevator button, declared loudly, "Look, Mom, that man has a big tummy just like you," and threw a glass jelly jar across the table and broke my bread plate at the swanky hotel restaurant. :) Whew! I was excited to have the opportunity to expose her to the American Girl store (thank you, Kate!), the Field Museum, Shedd's Aquarium, the Children's Museum at Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the ESPN Zone (a daddy field trip). What Sophie loved the most from her Chicago excursions were: taxi cab rides, public water fountains and restrooms, pushing elevator buttons, riding the mall escalator, and lastly, chasing the pigeons. The pigeons of downtown Chicago are happy that Sophie is back in Iowa - that I am sure of.

This week we prepare for another trip. We leave on Friday afternoon for Collinwood, Tennessee. We haven't been there in 4 months. It's time to get back to my roots for a few days - sweet tea, southern accents, hot weather, lots of food and family, and a new nephew, Levi David. Can't wait!

Newport Beach, CA

2008-04-29T15:36:00.000-05:00

Well, we've done it already. Almost parents of two little girls instead of one and have played favorites. Lydia has joined Mom (via the Tummy-Mobile) and Dad to Newport Beach, California for a few days of sun, while Sophie is back in the heartland of Iowa. Where I might add, it SNOWED yesterday. Brrr. What's the date again? Let's see, less than 48 hours until the month of May!! Actually, though, Sophie is now in the tender, loving care of her paternal grandparents, Meme and Papa. As I type my red-headed first-born is probably having a snack of Cheetos or some form of chocolate. And no telling what other forbidden goodies have been devoured today in my absence in the guise of meals. :) I am somewhat confident, though, that Sophie's normal afternoon "quiet-time" in her room has been honored, as Meme will need to recharge to finish out the day with her.

The 4-hour flight from Chicago to Orange County was breathtaking as we passed over desert, mountains, and cities. The temperature is in the low 70s - a little cool to actually swim, but perfect for soaking up some rays by the pool with a good book. Hmmm....think I'll go do that now.

-Amy

(Photograph of "Newport Beach Skyline" courtesy of Newport Beach Visitors Bureau)

Garage Sale - Rain or Snow!

2008-04-19T20:30:00.000-05:00

As we splash through a wet spring the “Garage Sale” section of the newspaper has also arrived along with the rain. Only in Dubuque, Iowa would such an ad be placed as I read this week: “Garage behind house, first time garage sale- 30 years of stuff! Rain or snow!” Surely, we are done with snow. How could anyone mention that filthy 4-letter word in mid-April? :)

The last weeks have been a blur as Andrew continues burning the candle at both ends (regular bank job, teaching Thursday nights at Loras College, teaching adult Sunday School weekly, community committees, preparing for baby #2, and his latest endeavor of helping his dad with some jewelry sales). Sophie is more active than ever, as the pretty days have meant playing outside. We were mainly inside this week due to rain and wind, so helping her expend energy has meant dragging out the mini trampoline, jumping off the couch into cushions, and utilizing household items for make-shift tents and slides. Regular hide-and-seek and chase games when Daddy gets home from work helps wear Sophie down for bedtime. Lydia’s activity level has increased as well. She and I have our time together right before I go to sleep when the entire house is quiet and she’s doing summersaults in my abdomen. That Carmel Espresso coffee from Starbucks last night probably kept us both awake last night for too long.

Recent Sophie comments:

“No Daddy, Mommy doesn’t like ‘Darn it!’ Say, ‘Rats!’ instead!”
(After Daddy said “Darn it!”)

“Mr. Joe hurt his foot. I’m going to the hospital to visit him.”
(When I asked where she was going after she packed up her carryon with stuff. We had prayed with her about our pastor/missionary friend, Bro. Joe Mercer, after his life-threatening accident in Peru on the mission field.)

“But, Mommy, I don’t want to obey.”
(This we’ve been suspicious of lately, but she finally expressed it verbally. I told her that sometimes Mommy doesn’t want to obey either, but I ask Jesus to help me and He does.)

“I’m going to have a little sister, and I’m going to be a big sister.”
(Announced triumphantly to her friend, Paige.)

“Where are YOU going with MY daddy?”
(When I began to prepare her Friday afternoon that Miss Stacy, a sitter, was coming that night while Daddy and Mommy went out for dinner.)

“I want my Grandpa!”
(While showing her e-mail pictures of Grandpa and Grandma holding their new grandson, Levi.)

“I don’t know about that.”
(She asked for medicine for a tummy ache. She’s been asking for it every day lately and getting one pink children’s pepto-bismal chewable. We’re suspicious she’s just saying her tummy hurts in order to receive this candy-like medicine. So, today, when she said her tummy hurt, I suggested she lie down for a nap instead. Thus, this response.)

“Look, there’s Jesus!”
(Referring to Guy Penrod, who has long grey hair, when he stepped onto the stage in a Bill Gaither singing video we were watching this morning.)

Other escapades this week: I found laundry detergent powder – piles of it – in the bottom of the dryer when trying to load wet clothes into the dryer. Apparently somebody tried to help with the laundry at some point. Sophie also, unfortunately, bit her little friend’s finger during a playdate this week and left tooth marks. Grandparents can let their imagination run for how Mommy handled that. :) And, today during “quiet time” she had an inkpen in her room and wrote the beginning chapter of a novel onto her yellow-flowered fitted sheet. Actually, her letter Bs were very good, but how do you compliment that – they were written on bedsheets? Did I also mention there were ink marks on the wall?

From tired Sophie parents and Lydia parents-to be. Goodnight!
Andrew & Amy

Melt Day

2008-04-06T19:15:00.000-05:00

Friday, April 4th was official “Melt Day” in Dubuque for the Douglas Family. This is our new tradition to describe the first day we woke up and ALL the snow from every inch of our property – house, lawn, landscaping – is GONE! After “Melt Day” will follow a week of washing up snow suits, putting away our Carhart coveralls, and removing the snow boots and salt covered tray they have rested in for the winter.

Pre-born baby Lydia is making herself more known everyday with kicks and punches all throughout my abdomen. We even took her to the Dubuque Symphony for Beethoven’s Ninth last night for our monthly “date night.” Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Sophie was telling her sitter, Hannah, “No! I need privacy” when Hannah tried to supervise Sophie’s bathroom excursion. Sophie also showed Hannah Lydia’s room where we’ve set up the crib and installed room-darkening shades. Sophie informed Hannah that “babies eat, sleep, and poop a lot.”

Other comments from our Sophie lately:

“This chicken is yucky!”
(She was tasting a grilled catfish fillet.)

“I’m being angry, just like you.”
(After I questioned her funny grimace out of nowhere.)

“Maybe food will make your stomach really happy.”

(When Andrew told her he was tired.)

“Yes, I understand, Amy!”
(When I questioned whether she understood my directions to her.)

“That’s my Easter card that Grandpa sent me a piece of gum in.”
(When her friend, Kathryn, was reaching for her Easter card from grandparents.)

“Mommy, I’m so glad I found you!”
(My favorite comment lately! Said when she ran into my bedroom and woke me up after Daddy had gotten up with her earlier in the morning. They let me sleep in.)

“Here, I’ll wash that spot off your face, Daddy.”
(Speaking of the very permanent mole on his right cheek.)

Sophie is recovering from an ear infection this week, as well as an icky fall on wet concrete. A friend at church today was going to compliment Sophie on having gone a whole month without a head injury until she noticed the nice yellow-purple-green bruise on her forehead. We have been enjoying wonderful spring-like temperatures here. Go Spring!!

Looks Like a Girl !

2008-03-26T10:41:00.000-05:00

Throughout this pregnancy Sophie has insisted that she is having a "baby sister," so today the ultrasound pretty much confirmed that. The ultrasound was extensive, and she's measuring just fine in every way. She weighs about 12 ounces. She kept her hand near her face the whole time, so the pictures don't show her entire face terribly well. The technician "removed" the arm in one picture with a click on her computer terminal, to get a better look at the face. Every part and organ seems to have formed in the right way - she just needs some time to put weight on. I seem to be doing that (putting on weight) at a remarkable rate, so she should too, soon. :) Sophie is a great blessing to us, so we look forward to this opportunity to do the "girl" things again. Sophie is already looking forward to getting a set of bunk beds and sharing her room. We give the Lord thanks for this precious life added to our home and lives!

"...that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace." Psalm 144:12

-Amy

Swimsuit Easter

2008-03-21T16:02:00.000-05:00

As we prepare for our first snowy Resurrection Sunday weekend, Sophie has again discovered her new swimsuit. I am assuming this is her effort to “thumb her nose” at the dreary winter weather today, but my hunch is she just likes running around the house in a swimsuit.

Today she ran into the kitchen for her small scissors, which is no cause for concern. I keep them handy for her to cut acceptable things. However, THIS morning she decided to stand right in front of the breakfast table and hurriedly snip strawberry-blonde locks from her head – before I even had one reflex. So, later, when she went for her scissors, I pursued closely. This time she had discovered her Easter outfit and was attempting to cut tags off to put everything on. I held my ground regarding the new dress, but allowed the hat and shoes. So, thus the picture to capture this moment. She did have herself a little fit for not being allowed into the new dress yet, which was acted out by trying to cut my bedspread. Her little orange-handled scissors are now in another place - known only to Mommy. She has lost her scissor privileges for a while.

Memorable exchanges with Sophie this week:

*As she and I rounded out the produce section for our weekly grocery shopping trip on Tuesday, she sensed the “end was near” for her little public outing and announced, “Mommy, no quiet-time today!” I said, “Oh my, Mommy needs Sophie to have quiet-time this afternoon. What would Mommy do without quiet-time?” Sophie’s one-word response: “Drink!”

*This morning she sat in the bathroom intently watching Andrew’s shaving routine. When his face was all foamed up with shaving cream, Sophie observed: “Daddy, you look silly – like a clown!”

Week in Review

2008-03-14T08:26:00.000-05:00

On Monday, I taught Sophie a silly little jingle I knew as a kid. It goes like this:

“Shake my hand, be my friend.
Don’t go near, the garbage can!”

She sung it to her dad that night at supper, but got one word mixed up:

“Shake my booty, be my friend.
Don’t go near, the garbage can!”

Tuesday was our official "rebel against winter" day. Sophie spent the day in her new Target swimsuit she picked out for this year. We played outside in the backyard for the first time in I don't know when, and I got the snow shovel and dug out the grill. We had grilled pork chops for supper!

On Wednesday we had a playdate with Sophie's friends, Rebecca, Owen, Ella, and Julia. Afterwards, we picked up dad at work and headed to Mario's Italian Restaurant for lunch. As is typical for a potty training child, she announces that she has to go poop right as our hot meal arrives. Sophie loves public restrooms, so part of it is she likes to check them out. So, off we rush. She sits on the potty uneventfully, to which I complain, "Sophie, you told Mommy you needed to go. My food is getting cold!" Her only defense, “The poopie is asleep in my butt.” This she announces AGAIN loudly at the restaurant table to fill dad in. Maybe she's coined a new phrase for a laxative commercial....

Thursday was a long day. She's all mine from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM with no napping - only a "quiet time" in her room that I'm on-call for. The last two days she has had emergencies during "quiet time" where her rocking chair is turned over and her ankle is twisted up in the spindles. She admitted today that she was trying to slide down the back of the chair. So, by 7:00 PM yesterday after using all my creative energy to keep us both entertained all day plus a nice poopie accident in the checkout line of Bed, Bath, and Beyond, I was finished. Finished, finished, finished. I'm done. I'm cooked. But, Sophie can be intuitive for a 3 year-old. Her last words as I tucked her in: “Let’s just hug for a minute.”

I can't comment much on Friday, as it's just barely begun. I can say it begun early at 5 minutes until 6:00 AM, when a red-head in pajamas busted into my bedroom, ran to the side of my bed exclaiming, "Mom, fix my baby doll! Her arm fell off when I was changing the baby's diaper." There goes my plan to put her to changing the new baby's diapers in the fall. :)

Happy Friday! May yours be as adventurous as mine.

-Amy

New Blog

2008-03-09T15:51:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

Just logging the first post in our new Douglas Family blogsite. I'm usually good at keeping grandparents up-to-date with Sophie comments and pictures.......well, I used to be.......anyway, here is a place to put it all. This one-time librarian is VERY excited to begin adding even more information to our information soaked world. :)

As Southerners transplanted to Iowa cornfields we sure like to complain about the winters here - especially this one. Currently, it's the 5th snowiest winter in Dubuque's history - getting close to 70 inches. We might as well get slammed with another foot of the fluffy white stuff this month and clinch the record.

"Flurries" listed on the weather forecast is harmless enough. But, there is something foreboding about just a "flurries" weather prediction. What the weatherperson is saying is, "It could be a quiet, normal cold winter day with gentle little flakes falling on your nose." Harmless. But, "flurries" can quickly turn into inches of snow and all of a sudden the forecast changes to "blizzard" - make a mad dash for milk, shovel, rearrange your whole day for the snow, shovel again, and run inside and hibernate.

I get the same "flurries" weather prediction daily as a stay-at-home mom of 3 year old, Sophie. It's just supposed to be "flurries" for the day. Then, she wakes up -- and you just never know what the day will hold - smiles, coins shoved into the air vents, peanut-butter painted tablecloth, bathroom escapades, spontaneous hugs (and licks), Curious George books, tears, and strange items in the laundry chute. So, it could be a harmless "flurries" day or it could turn into a blizzard. Whichever it is, we're in for the long haul. And, I plan to document such days here. Welcome and happy reading....

Blessings,
Amy