Letter Month 21

Dear Sena,

This past month has been a whirlwind of activity from making, buying and wrapping gifts to eating and unwrapping them. I am looking forward to the day when you want to unwrap your own gifts; it just somehow feels a little strange to unwrap the very gifts I wrapped for you myself.

Your favorite holiday gifts this year (not in any order): your table from Grandma & Grandpa Williams, your kitchen from Santa, and your purse from Grandma & Grandpa Montana. (I told you it would stick.) When you first opened the purse I figured you'd know what to do with the phone and keys, but you grabbed the lipstick and immediately started putting it on your lips. (Thank goodness there wasn't really anything in there.) I don't wear lipstick, and really no other women you know do. So, how did you know how to put it on so well???

You love sorting your groceries and making mama and papa coffee and tea. You also like to load our plates up with fruits and vegetables, serving us, until you find some other toy that takes your attention away.

But your biggest accomplishments this month are not your affinity for cleaning your kitchen or you natural talent at lipstick application; again, like the last few months, it is your vocabulary. You quickly remind me of the fact that you're much closer to two than you are two one with the amount of words—and the comprehension—you have. And, you're spelling to boot. You can spell your name as well as papa, mama, Elmo, and babu (your pink bear). And you're trying to spell grandma everyday. Sentences are common place, and you can easily repeat nearly everything we say, so our guards are officially up on our language usage as well. You've also started using the filler of "um," which means either your papa or me uses it on a frequent enough basis that you've not only learned the word but also the usage.

Me: Sena, what would you like for snack?

You: "Ummm." Pause. "Cheese! Bunny Crackers! No eggs."

Me: Okay. So, cheese and crackers?

You: Eggs and milk. Please.

Me: ???

Sena, your papa and I are so amazed at everything that you do and how you comprehend the world around you. We love seeing what you gravitate toward, and what you're not so interested in learning... and are so excited to see what the New Year has to offer. Aside from our fear of the terrible twos.. but you'll skip that stage, right?

You: Umm..

Love,

mama

Letter Month 20

Dear Sena,

As I'm writing this, you're moving all of your toys, animals, puzzle pieces, a fishing pole, and more to the stairs and having everything "sit". I'm waiting for you to start moving furniture. And, while I'm totally amazed at your focus and desire to rearrange things, I'm also not all that surprised. I am your mother afterall.

This month I am constantly surprised at your developments. You can now string five words together in relatively coherent sentences, often repeating whatever it is we just said. (I.E. yesterday, you said, "thank you mama". I followed with "your welcome Sena." To which you replied:

"Thank you mama, welcome Sena"

When we were in Phoenix a few weeks ago, you were playing with some toys and lost your attention. Papa said to you, "did you lose your attention?" And, you started looking under the tables and couch, saying "tension? tension?" I wish I had been there to see it, but ahh, I was getting a massage that left me with hot oil in my eye...

This picture is in Arizona.

You started art classes this month and seem to really enjoy the painting. I have to laugh at the classes, however, because I feel like most of it is Mommy Craft hour, and I almost should come home and say to Steven, "look what I made today!"

Grandma & Grandpa came to visit, and prior to their visit Grandma Sheree told you they were coming from Montana.. somehow that really stuck, and now they are referred to as Grandma Montana & Grandpa Montana. My mother, loving Montana as much as she loves us I'm pretty sure, is thrilled with her new name and is probably hoping it will stick. I guess you'll get to decide.

Ahh, and your second Thanksgiving. Last year we had 11 adults and four kiddos under the age of 1. This year, you were the only child- and we had 8 adults- and somehow it was more stressful for me. Maybe it was because I forgot that I only had one oven to bake 2 pies, rolls, and a casserole in?? And, then on top of it- you didn't like anything on the menu. I think you had Mexican for dinner that night, which has become your new go-to staple.

We've had a pretty warm winter thus far, and although you're not a fan of standing in the white stuff, you do enjoy the Snowmen that result from a good snow. You loved peeking through grandpa & grandma's window, staring at the neighbor's snowman. But, I also think you like to peek through because you have a crush on the two boys across the street. On the days where you get to see them you spend the rest of the afternoon pretending you're saying hi to them-- waving your arms, smiling all coy-like, and saying "Hi, Josh.. Hi Oah" (Oah is for Noah. Not sure why you don't say Noah since we're very certain you know how to say NO.)

Last note... for my little actress.. you were giving out your thank-you's the other morning. Thank you mama, thank you papa, thank you Elmo, thank you Baboo, thank you blankie... Papa finally asked, "Are you an actress?" And you smiled and said, "uh-huh. Actress."

So, congrats on your Oscar Sena.. I love you so much.

love,

mama

I love this photo!

Beach Dreams

So, this was not technically your first visit to the beach. You went when you were about 4 months old with Jen, Bob & Danny. (Before Gavin was born.) But, last time you spent the entire time napping on mama, so this time was the first time you actually saw the ocean.. You liked watching the water from a distance, but not so much up close. But, you LOVED the sand...

Letter Month Nineteen

Dear Sena,
You're officially closer to two than you are to one, and you're making it abundantly clear to everyone, too.

This month you've continued to learn new words each day, although "no" is still quite a favorite. And, you're stringing together more words as well. Today is October 28th and we officially are having a snow day. As in, it has been snowing since 7 p.m. last night and we have over 7 inches outside already. At first you seemed like you liked the snow. "Snow, outside?" And, then I bundled you up and took you to swimming and after swimming, when we stepped back outside into the snow- and it blew into your face- you said, "All done, snow. All done, snow." Sorry, honey, but this is one that I just don't have any control over.

This was just before she decided she didn't like the snow.

This month we went and visited mama's family in California. You got to see great grandpa Sam, Great Aunt Bonnie & Uncle Allan (and cousins Rachel, Todd, and Ilana), and Great Aunt Linda. I think you were overwhelmed, but you seemed to really take to Ilana who had the job of reading you Elmo on the way back from the airport. (Afterward, Ilana said to me, "I'm pretty sure I read that book like 11 times" to which I responded, "welcome to my world."

After our visit with the family, we drove up the coast to Ventura to see Mackenzie, Erin & Brent. You met them in January in New York, when Mac was a hundred paces ahead of you-- but now you're on the same level.. and apparently love each other. I nearly fell to pieces many times watching you two interact. You'd be best friends, holding hands and kissing, and then you'd be taking toys while Brent & papa tried to figure out how to teach you the big life lesson of sharing. Good luck daddies! We had so much fun with them though. I really wish we lived closer so we could share in a lot more of these moments, including watching papa, Brent, you and Mac sing "Ring Around the Rosey" dozens of time to your utter amusement, or when you and Mac created a chorus of singing to the moon one evening as Erin and I drove home from dinner. I thought Erin and I were going to die of laughter listening to you two in the backseat... "moon".. "moon"... "moon". Mac's "moon" was a bit more high pitched and soft, whereas yours was a bit more emphatic. Like "moon," where the ^*& is it?? It was hard leaving after watching you and Mackenzie bond so quickly, but we're hoping to lure the Kraus's out to Colorado this winter.

Don't they just look like they're going to be trouble someday?

Just resting. Really.

You also got to meet Mike & Brooks and their son Jack- who really is a spitting image of his papa. And, Brooks has another one on the way. (We think they might be crazy, but who's telling?)

Mike & Jack

The three proud papas.

You saw Sesame Street for the first time while we were visiting the Kraus's as well. I say "saw" because you didn't really watch. You saw Elmo on the screen and got really excited, but your face quickly fell when Elmo "left". You kept demanding that he come back, but when he didn't, you lost your interest.

You LOVE reading. Most of the day you spend handing me books, saying "reap" and "lap", and we read, and read, and read. We read for about 10 minutes each time you go on the potty, before all of your naps, before you eat.. you name it. You're my little bookworm (and I'm not so secretly quite proud!)

And, this month we bought you a membership to the Children's Museum. I'm not sure what part you love the most- the ball that floats, the play kitchen, or the "ticket" counter..

Tickets please.

Honey everyday you amaze me. I really can't believe how quickly you're learning everything, how much you take in each day, and how much your personality is developing. I love what makes you light up. I love making you laugh. You honestly bring so much joy to your papa and me.

love you,
mama

a few more pictures from september...

Some time with papa.. I just love these.



And, drumroll... her first "real" haircut.

Letter Month Eighteen

Dear Sena,
I'm trying to gather my thoughts, and you, my little actress, are saying your "good nights" in your room (into the monitor). "Night night, papa". "Night night, mama". "And, next I'd like to thank everyone who helped me achieve this Oscar.. especially my mama."

No, seriously. You've become quite the actress. Whenever you think you've done something stellar, you clap your hands, and look around. Why isn't everyone clapping? And, until everyone is- you continue to look with amazement. "Aren't you in awe with me?" Love, we are. Don't worry.




You've picked up some new dance moves, too. I'm hoping to post a video here shortly so everyone can see, but this past weekend at Marissa's wedding in Santa Fe, you stepped out onto the empty dance floor, bent your knees and shook your bootie. Yep, you do the bootie dance. And unlike the "shoulder dance", I have no idea where you got this one. (The shoulder dance is COMPLETELY your father.)


Last weekend we took you to Santa Fe. Yes, we forced you into 12 hours in the car, spread over three days, during which you took a total of 2 20-minute naps. You don't like sleeping in the car, which is mostly my fault, since I never want you to sleep in the car and instead sing annoying songs and poke your feet to keep you awake. No wonder you were looking at me crazy when I tried to sing you to sleep half-way to New Mexico. (And the time you did fall asleep you were eating a snack... while sleeping you went back to eating, which eventually woke you up. Hmm.. eating.. sleeping.. Eating wins every time.)

I though you had enough avocado in New Mexico to last you a lifetime, but over the last two days every time I ask you what you want (for lunch, dinner, your 10th snack of the day), your answer is always the same- ava. Papa pointed out that it is probably good that I didn't name you Ava. (The name was on my list- but not your father's.)

Your vocabulary is amazing. You try to repeat everything (even trying "Mexico"). You said pinecone yesterday at the park. This should be a BIG SIGN TO YOUR PARENTS that they need to watch their language, but we're a bit slow. So, sorry Grandma & Grandpa if your precious grandaughter says a cuss word. We will take the blame for that. (Although Grandpa Thomas did teach you DUMP. Seems like a really necessary word to know!)

You've started swim lessons again and love the pool. You get incredibly still when floating on your back, as if you're in a dream. I want to catch it on camera, because it is the most serene, and peaceful moment—I do wonder what you're thinking. Is it "if I lie really still mama will let me up?" Or, "if I lie really still everyone stops talking?"!

One last anecdote for the month. Mama took you to a playgroup this week: there were 4 boys, and 2 girls (Thanks Natalie!) And love, you are such a girl. Next to these guys you look so dainty, so precious, so "don't push her over or I'll punch you" that I just want to eat you up.

I can't believe you're 1 1/2 honey. I can't believe how quickly the time passes, but I must say, you bring so much joy to your father and me. So, now it's time for my thank you's.. "thank you Sena..."


love,
mama

Viva la Healing Lifestyles!

So, Healing Lifestyles & Spas is officially back! And, in honor of this re-birth, we have TONS of great giveaways on the site, including a spa trip to Ojai, $100 skincare package for Kimberly Parry Organics, and more. Please check it out, pass it along, share, drool. You get the idea.

Sena & Papa

Letter Month Seventeen

Dear Sena,
I'm exhausted. In a matter of two weeks, you've gone from moving around to jetting around at a speed even an espresso-infused mama can't keep up with. At the same time, it is hilarious to see what you do—it gives me a little glimpse into your mind and your thoughts. "Hmm.. Coloring time. [sit down, empty crayons], Oh wait, the front door is open...[run to front door] Outside, Outside! Wait, maybe I'm hungry.. [jet back to highchair', 'num-num'"

And, the "num-num" is the one thing you're up for doing all the time. Apparently, Grandma Debbie says I was the same way. (Hence the Buddha belly at age 2.) The problem is you don't give me much of a heads up. You just decide you're hungry and head to your highchair and I have a matter of seconds to concoct what your fifth snack of the day is going to be, and how I'm going to make it healthy, when you've just about eaten everything I had planned for the entire day by 2 p.m. I guess I shouldn't complain. A good eater is better than a no-eater!

We've had an incredibly busy month. Aunt Tanya and cousins Ella and Shiloh came to visit us in Colorado. Although they stayed with Grandma Sheree, you were entranced with Ella, saying "Ella" nearly every time you woke up or remembered that you had a beautiful cousin to follow around. I can only imagine what it will be like next time we see them; hopefully, Ella will enjoy the constant sidekick.




Gi-Gi also came to visit, which was really nice. It has been much too long since we've seen her, and I think she got a kick out of your words, especially since you can now say Gi-Gi. (Of course, Ella came first..)

Afterward, mama's parents came to visit, too. I was so proud of you- you warmed up to Grandma & Grandpa so quickly- and even gave them kisses! You loved the Gymboree class they signed you up for, and quickly absorbed the first class lesson: Up/Down. (In fact, we went shopping with Grandma Debbie and you told her to "up/down" for nearly five minutes! And she did it!) You loved having Grandpa Ron in the car with you, reading you stories, making funny sounds and teaching you "Zoom-Zoom". Grandpa Ron also taught you "Moo" and Grandma Debbie taught you your first color— "lellow". Which you picked up with ease. Your vocabulary is amazing, child.





Other visitors this month: Great Aunt Janet, Cousin Ashlee and her new husband Janos. I think you found Janos's accent interesting, and were a bit uncertain why he sounded different, but weren't so uncertain afterall—you gave him a "bump" [fist pump] that seemed to make his day.

Last but not least, we took you to Folks Fest with Aunt Tanya, Cousins Shiloh & Ella, and Juli, Chad, and Will. I was a bit skeptical how you'd do at an all-day concert, but you all had so much fun. Dancing, hula-hooping (Ella), and letting mama and papa and friends really enjoy the beautiful Colorado setting as well as amazing music. This is going to definitely be a new annual family outing. (Thanks to the Pearsons!)




Okay, that's it for today. Mama needs some rest.
love,
mama

5 Year Countdown

Today is our anniversary! We've been married five years, but together since about 1998. (Long story...)
So, as a tribute:
Year one: Married- moved to Portland, Oregon. Buy a dog. Decide Oregon was too rainy, or hot. Can't decide. Need to move again. Bought a house just before year 2.
Year two: Pack up car for second time in 9 months and move to Colorado. Steven gets a new job. We buy another dog. Time to dismantle new house. Install new kitchen, new bathroom and new bedroom. Need a hobby. Buy two cruiser bikes.
Year three: Steven quits his job to go back to school, just before we find out we're preggers with Sena. Time to renovate again. Move office for third time since living in house.
Year four: Sena is born. Can't remember much of the rest of the year.
Year five: Happy family.. Steven graduates.. Gets new job... We celebrate our fifth anniversary by buying our first new car. A bright, shiny silver one. Just checked and silver isn't until our 25th anniversary. Year five is wood.
Happy Anniversary Honey!

A few more pictures of Sena..and the Moose.

A few more pictures of this weekend at Devil's Thumb Ranch. And, a special thank you to Shanon for arranging it!

Juli also posted a few more pictures of the trip here.

I Love My Husband.

So, this past weekend I turned 30. A big milestone, but one that I somehow was putting to the back of my mind. I knew Steven had planned something to celebrate, but I had no idea what he had up his sleeve.. as it turned out, it was a lot!

On Friday he sent me an email saying he was going to take the afternoon off and treat me to a massage. Hooray! He also told me to "get ready," but how and why would one get ready for a massage... I didn't think anything of it. He showed up at the house, relatively stressed (we were late), and drove me into Boulder. We found the spa, and as he was driving by, I told him to let me out. (We were late- right??) He said, "no" quite emphatically. So, I stayed put. We parked the car and walked into the salon. As he was checking me in, I turned around and saw my sister, getting a pedicure. That's crazy! How funny that Carrie would get a pedicure today of all days? (Am I the slowest person around? I blame it on age.) And, then to my BIGGER surprise, sitting next to Carrie was Lori. My lovely Lori. My best friend from Pittsburgh!!!!!!! I started to cry of course.. Steven had planned for us to have manis/pedis and wine... which was followed by dinner with a few good friends. Did I say I love my husband?

Well, the following morning, he wakes me at 7 and says. "You need to pack." I replied, "For the day, or overnight?" He says overnight and that we're leaving at 10... The birthday surprise culminated with a trip to Devil's Thumb Ranch with the Pearsons and Lori, full of hiking, wine, dinners, wine, playing with the kiddos, fishing, wine. Did I say wine? I love my husband. I love my daughter. I love my friends. Thank you!