Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!

Garden pictures coming soon!  The tomatoes are going off!  I don't know if we'll actually get fruit, but the garden sure looks good!!!
A collage of our fun in the garden last night!  Big thanks to Aunt Darcy, Uncle Eric and Jessalyn for the fun "play sink" for Abby's birthday!  An instant hit!

Popsicles

We've been trying for weeks, no months, no YEARS to get rid of crap/stuff around the house.  It is a full time job.  And that full time job is kicking my butt.  I have managed to put baby clothes and baby stuff in black bags and it is all downstairs.  I am donating our clothes/gear to the Crisis Nursery in Sacramento.  It is a good organization and helps mother's get on their feet and helps babies in need.  I hope to get it all in the back of my car today (one step closer to being donated).
But in our efforts to get items OUT of the house we made a big purchase yesterday.  A FREEZER!  We have a basement in our 100 year old house.  It isn't fancy, and it isn't big.  But it is cool, and somewhat clean and it is empty (except for some wine).  I had this great idea that we could buy a freezer and store the staples that freeze well.  The refrigerator/freezer combo in our kitchen is small, especially the freezer portion.  Lately all I ever do is go to the grocery store (you really do eat more food when you have another mouth to feed)!  So my thinking was if we could stock up on the items we eat most days, and only needed to do weekly shopping for produce and milk we could not only save money (hello, costco!) but we would eat at home and eat healthier food simply because it was here in our house.
So yesterday the Wagner Four cruised the aisles of costco stocking up on food to freeze.  It was fun, and funny at the same time.  We bought popsicles (we have a big of a family obsession with them... when all looks wrong in the world, have a popsicle!)  You should try this.  It truly works. 
We bought meat, cheese, fresh ravioli and other items.  Many of the items we stocked up on do not get frozen but we decided we will store them in our basement, too. 
And a personal best for us... after stocking the house full of food, we did NOT go out to eat last night!  We ate at home... in our backyard!  It was the second night in a row.
As much as I hate the heat and the looming 100+ degree days (I need the beach, baby) I can get used to eating outdoors with my family!
And for dessert?  We had popsicles, of course!

Happy Birthday Abigail Rose, You're 1

Abby turned one on Sunday.  I wanted to have a special party for her... and weeks prior to the party I was lacking any and all inspiration and motivation.  At the last minute some ideas came together, and I did a little shopping and some online ordering (paying extra shipping to get things here on time... the joys of procrastination).
It all came together nicely.  A garden/flower theme for our little one who loves the outdoors.  Family and only our closest friends with the hopes of keeping it intimate and fun and simple.  I think it came off as "simple and fun" though I must say I was exhausted (the pictures show it).  I caught a cold a few days before the party, Abby had her first ear infection, Bob's been crazy busy at work, and Charlotte... well she's 3 going on 13 what more can I say?
The birthday girl truly had a great time and our great friend Raymond took amazing photos.  He's really turning into quite the photographer. We are humbled to have such a loving supportive group of family and friends to share our lives with.

The 4 o'clock crazies

Abigail's nap schedule is not particularly "regular:"  It is and it isn't.  It is in the sense that she takes two naps a day, most days.  Her naps are usually about 1.5 hours each.  But depending when she wakes up in the morning (also not regular), the afternoons can be long.  Very very long.
Today we're trying to think of something to do and we're also trying to keep from destroying the house even more.  Have I ever mentioned she does NOT stop moving the minute she's up?  It is exhausting (for me).  To be honest, I think it is exhausting for Charlotte too. In a STOP MESSING WITH MY STUFF kind of way.
We need to think of something to do, and fast. 
The garden is coming along nicely.  I need to find some neat decor for the area to cozy it up.

Spring is here

Spring is here and things are feeling crazily hectic.  It didn't help that all of us (except for Bob) were hit with this awful stomach bug that went around Charlotte's school.  I got it about 48 hours after Abigail and was unable to eat or do much of anything for a good four days.  Not the way I like to lose weight but now I just hope I can keep it off and lose a few more.
While we try to enjoy the little things I feel consumed with accomplishing things.  Notably a garden... not every kind of vegetable under the sun but the basics... zucchini, tomatoes, peppers and Charlotte requested strawberries.  I hope they grow (for her sake).  She said she looks forward to picking them and putting them in baskets.  We've also been re-vamping the "thoughtful spot" and this year it is hopefully going to be better than ever.
We got most of the plants in the ground and the thoughtful spot somewhat cleaned up today.  We've been working on this all week.  I'm psyched.
Have I ever mentioned Charlotte's Brooklyn accent?  It is strange.  Strange as in we have no idea where it comes from.  She had a fun sleep over at Nana and Grandpa's this past weekend.  They were working in the garden.  Nana says, "Charlotte put it here in the dirt."  And Charlotte replies, "in the doit?"  So Nana says, "No Charlotte, dirt."  So Charlotte says, "Doit!"
Nana:"Charlotte can you say dirt?" 
Charlotte: "Doit."
Nana:"Charlotte can you say dirt?" 
Charlotte: "Doit."Nana:"Charlotte can you say dirt?" 
Charlotte: "Doit."Nana:"Charlotte can you say dirt?" 
Charlotte: "Nana, I think I'll just call it soil."

I'm telling you we have quite the smarty pants on our hands.
Pictures of the backyard coming soon...In the meantime, look who is almost ready to party!

Stuffy Stuff

I think we survived the stomach flu epidemic.  Charlotte was the only person who fell prey in this house.  It went around her school (is still going around) and she was down and out for a good 48 hours.  She's eating and back to her normal feisty self and our house is very very sanitized and clean.
But... cluttered.  Not cluttered to someone who would walk in and take a look.  It looks neat and tidy and somewhat spartan in decor.  BUT... we have piles and piles and piles of CRAP!  None of us are good at throwing things away, but more importantly how on earth does it find its way into our house in the first place???
It doesn't help that we have kids and with kids comes crap but still!!!
Charlotte is a collector.  She loves little piles of stuff in little boxes and bags everywhere.  But it isn't only her.  We all have piles of stuff.  And we aren't organized... at all.
I have a dream of having an organized stuffy-stuff free house!!!  I wish some magic fairy would fly into our house (we have two chimneys if they prefer) and organize... and then vanish.  I promise magic fairy if someone did all the initial organizing I would stay up on it!!!

Easter baskets are basically full of "stuff" that eventually ends up in piles around our house!!!  A perfect example.
And the letter that comes between i and k in the alphabet, I'd love to type it but the key is missing from our keyboard.  Which means if I need that letter, then I have to think of a synonym for the word because I can't type the word and leave out the letter (you know the letter that comes between i and k)... how annoying is that?  We need a new keyboard!

Templates and Stuff

I am experimenting with making the window wider... and improving my space so my pictures can be bigger... I don't think I got it right but I'm going to try uploading a picture and see what happens...
Wendy of Bluelily took our pictures in December.  It was right after Christmas.  She had taken our pictures in March of 2009 when I was pregnant with Abigail and we got some great shots.  We wanted her to take some of the new addition and try for a family shot.  Charlotte was a mess.  Would not even talk to or stop for a second and smile for the camera... this face captures the day perfectly.  Wendy is awesome and we can't wait to try again next time she comes to Sacramento!  And even though there were no real "framers" out of this photoshoot, we got a great collection of photos that captured our family and home.

Finally!

Check one more item off the list.

Next up:
Empty dishwasher, load dishwasher, fold laundry, put away laundry.  Why is washing and drying so easy yet folding and putting away so daunting???

Grumpy

I've got a bad case of the grumps today.  I can think of lots of reasons why... but focusing on that makes me more grumpy!  I am trying to turn my frown upside down and often times I find that when I am productive, I feel better.
After dropping Charlotte off at school this morning Abigail and I came home so she could nap (she too was grumpy).  I have been productive since walking through the door:

1. Started a load of laundry so Bob would stop asking me if his jeans were clean.  He will probably still ask, but now I will be able to say yes.  They have been in the back of his car for over a week which makes it hard to wash them.  Especially because his car is at work every day!
2. I organized some tennis-team stuff including emailing the captain of the team we're playing tonight and calling the away club to find out which courts we are playing on.  I then emailed my team to let them know where we would be playing.
3. I prepared an invoice for the work I completed in March.  This is $atisfying because it means I will get paid (hopefully).
4. I am about to go complete a craft project I have been working on for over a month.  It was a birthday present for one of Charlotte's friends who turned 4 the first week in March.  The present will be a month late... or even later if I don't stop blogging and get on it.  Picture of completed project to be posted...

I feel better already.

Looking at these pictures makes me smile and warms my heart..

Abigail Rose 10 Months

Wow, 10 months old, already???  Time is flying by so fast I don't even know what hit me.  I am much more nostalgic now than I was as Charlotte approached her first birthday.  Lately, I find myself reminiscing about this point in my pregnancy a year ago and about the months leading up to Abby's birth.  One of these days I will get around to writing her birth story.  It was amazing.  I never felt so empowered in my whole life.  Split seconds after she was born I wanted to do it all over again, and again.  To say it was easy is not fair.  The actual point of when my body was in active labor was easy.  Pushing her out of my body, easy.  I was completely overcome with endorphins and my body and mind were in sync and knew exactly what needed to be done.  But... the 9 months (plus an extra week) plus the 12 hours where I was induced to get me there were not easy.  Wait, this isn't Abby's birth story.  Another time. Another time.

Abigail Rose is 10 months old today.  I do not remember the first six months.  I am sorry to say this.  We have pictures, thankfully, that remind us of things we did and what she looked like but I have a hard time remembering what it felt like to hold her when she was so tiny.  I have a hard time remembering what our days were like during those first few months.  Truly, it is all a blur.  But at the same time, that was almost a YEAR ago???  Where the hell did the time go???
Abigail Rose is outgoing, she smiles at just about everyone and if someone is in her sights, but hasn't acknowledged her, she makes sounds and flirty eyes until they look at her.  And then they smile.  How can you not smile?  She's chubby.  Not the chubbiest baby ever.  But chubby.   Rolls on the thighs, arms and cheeks chubby.  She loves to eat.  Loves just about any kind of food as long as she can feed herself.  She prefers spicy to bland.  Abby is active.  In fact, she NEVER stops moving.  She refuses to lie on her back for a diaper change.  This worries me that something could be " wrong" with her.  But Bob points out that something must be WRONG with me because that is silly to get all worked up about her not wanting to lie on her back.  I'm going to talk to the pediatrician about it anyway at her next checkup. 

Abby loves me but she loves her Daddy and she loves her big sister more than life itself.  All she wants to do is touch Charlotte.  Pulling her hair is just about the greatest thing ever.  Luckily for Abby, Charlotte sometimes lets her pull her hair.  Abby loves her babysitter, Felicia and Felicia's sisters.  They are a wonderful addition to our entourage and they make me feel more human.  Those "breaks" during the week help me be a better person.
Abby is starting to enjoy daycare at the gym.  This brings us one step closer to having normal lives.  By normal I mean Friday nights where Bob and I play tennis and the girls go to the gym.  This is looking to be a mighty fine summer, indeed!  I could go on and on about this little baby of mine but mostly, she just makes me happy.  She makes Charlotte happy.  She makes Bob happy.  Our little family of four is happy (most of the time). 

Notes from the Desert

We had a great vacation.  Everyone needed a break from our routine and I think we got one! Some take away tips/facts/thoughts:

1. To ride on a plane as a lap child, you now need proof of age.  That would be in the form of a birth certificate or passport.  Did not know this.  We almost always purchased a plane ticket for Charlotte when she was of lap-child age (under 3).  And in the few instances when we didn't, we were never asked for any form of identification for her.  This was a lesson we would have preferred to learn BEFORE we left for the airport.
2. Palm Desert is a neat place.  The air is clean, the weather is nice, and the environment is laid back and slow.  This is in large part due to the overwhelming number of "old" people in Palm Desert.  Old wealthy people if you judge by the shops, and other surroundings.  Despite the old folks, we found fun things to do with our kids.
3. All you need is a hotel with a swimming pool when you're in the desert in March with kids.  Best. Thing. Ever.
4. Dragging a 10 month old and 3 year old to two days of professional tennis is not fun for kids.  There was no bouncy house, face painting, or anything else remotely kid fun.  We enjoyed collecting desert rocks (or landscape rocks if you want to be specific).  Number of times a 3 1/2 year old said, "But I dooooonnnn'ttt liiiiiikke tennis."?  I lost count at 50.
5. Roger Federer is more awe inspiring up close than he is on TV.  He carries himself like a Greek God.  I was in awe (almost like a teenager) when he walked right past Charlotte and I after an inpromptu photo-shoot and then hit the practice courts.  Charlotte was taken by Roger, too.  Mommy... I like his red headband!
6. Abby appears to be a tennis fan.  She was pretty content to watch tennis and loved the people and activity.  She did grow tired of it after about 20 minutes, though.  I attribute her love of tennis to the countless hours she played in utero. 

5. We splurged on tickets for Saturday and our awesome nieces Kristin and Kami drove to Palm Desert for the day to play with Charlotte and Abby.  They were our saviors!  Celebrities to Charlotte and allowed for us to spend a whole day watching tennis without hearing any whining or fussing.  We were treated to a lot of great tennis and a truly relaxing day.
6.  Four nights isn't long enough away... though it was long enough at the Embassy Suites Palm Desert.  Sort of a dingy hotel to be honest.  Luckily we used points so it didn't cost us anything.  But how on earth can a hotel in the desert smell like MILDEW?  That is just wrong.
7. Vacation is a great place to experiecne day-light savings with kids.  Their schedules are so off that coming home and making all the adjustments seems pretty easy really.

8. Finally... traveling with two kids is TEN times harder than traveling with one!  But worth it, oh so worth it.

Desert Bound

Ohhhhh a vacation!  We're heading to Indian Wells for four whole nights!  Going to spend two days watching tennis!!!  I am pretty darn excited.  So excited I deleted the facebook app on my iPhone.  How liberating it felt!  Can't wait to snap photos in the desert and enjoy some warm weather with my three favorite people. 

Pork Products

Pork products... you either love em or hate em, right? I mean come on... bacon, sausage, ham, salami, prosciutto, ribs, tenderloin, chops, whatever. I'm making it clear I am in the "love" category. In fact, I often make it known that it was bacon that brought me back from vegetarianism. Yep, bacon.
So why is it that people get so weird about the basic food group of pork products? Like you mention you are having hot dogs and they go ewwww gross? As if it is socially "not cool" to enjoy hot dogs and sausages. I understand if it is for health reasons. But people... there are organic, lower calorie, nitrate free options. They taste just as great. And a hamburger with all the fixins is "okay" but sausage or hotdog not okay? Sorry but calorie wise... a hot dog is a better choice. Kind of like the donut versus bagel with cream cheese argument. But we won't go there.
So anyway... we really do enjoy our fair share of pork products in this household. And even baby Abby loves her some sausage (the all-natural nitrate free kind of course)!!!
Think it is a coincidence that Charlotte's favorite animal is a pig???

Back at it!

I was exchanging emails with a friend a while back and was told I should write more. It is therapeutic and fun and a great outlet. Here goes nothing. Another attempt to blog regularly. Hopefully this will not be a failed attempt.
It was a heavy past couple weeks here. Eileen, my sister-in-law, passed away. She struggled with her health for many of her adult years. She had epilepsy, and lupus, and brain surgeries and I think she was tired. Her body and mind and spirit were all tired of fighting each other for survival. Her passing was a surprise to everyone, but at least it was peaceful. She is missed. Charlotte had a blast playing "tag" with Aunt Eileen on Halloween. Her and Mark wanted to trick-or-treat with us and showed up, much to our surprise, in costumes ready to go. Eileen was a fun person. Mark was such a loving and supportive husband to her. They were two peas in a pod. As much as I know he will miss her, there will be some solace for him knowing she is no longer suffering. My life is changed having known her and am lucky to call her my family.
Baby Abby is nine months old... sheesh, almost ten months old. Where did the past ten months go??? I have no idea. Most days we are trying to just stay afloat. I've lowered my expectations in myself and my surroundings. I struggle to wash, fold, and put away the laundry. Exercising regularly requires a lot of coordination and sometimes a little luck but it is worth it. My tennis game is picking up, and my forehand is better than ever. But my Friday nights with Bob playing tennis and drinking beer feels like a distant memory. I am crossing my fingers that when the weather improves we can get back out there.
Charlotte... our beautiful independent red-head who made it through her twos without ever having one tantrum turned three with a fierce vengeance. It might have something to do with that baby sister who showed up right around the same time. Consistency is key, but we're learning to adapt as she turns out to be our best teacher.
Abby smiles at everyone, makes us laugh and loves her big sister more than anything in the world. She never stops moving unless it is for a meal. She eats just about anything but seems to prefer cheese.

Sisterly Love

Numbers and Crafts

My brother and I are a year and ten days apart. When I turned 5 and him 6 (or perhaps it was 4 and 5) my parents made these tee shirts for us at a store in our mall. They were silk screened a big number "5" for me and a "6" for him and on the back in all capitals was each of our names. It was a baseball type tee with the 3/4 sleeves. They were cute. The following year, when I turned 6, my parents took the shirt into the mall, had my brother's name crossed off and my name silk screened on below. I remember this clearly. I think my parents thought it was "cute". Not that it wasn't cute, but I don't remember wearing that shirt too much.

When Charlotte was turning "1" I made her a cute little onesie. I cut out a stencil using the computer of a "1" and spray-painted it with fabric paint. It didn't turn out great, but looking back at the pictures the onesie (and our little 12 month old Charlotte) it was pretty darn cute.

I made a photo book documenting Charlotte's first birthday and having just turned 3, she's really been enjoying this book about turning "1". Two weeks ago she was making quite the raucous in her room and I went upstairs to find out why she wasn't napping. She told me, "I'm trying to find my ONE shirt!!!" It took me a little while to figure out exactly what she was looking for. She said, "I want to wear it!"

A couple days later I dug the onesie out of her special keepsakes box and showed it to her. She was excited but realized that it definitely wouldn't fit. I told her we would make a special shirt that had a "3" on it!

A childhood friend of mine, Mike, has an awesome blog. In addition to being a great writer, he's quite crafty. He documented on his blog (and on a local television show) how to use cute fabric and make fun shirts. This would work perfectly for Charlotte's "3" shirt! And if they really truly are that easy... let's make one for cousin Jessalyn's birthday! She's having her 4th Birthday party next weekend.

They turned out really, really cute! We didn't go to the greatest fabric store and were limited in cute patterns. I will find a store around Sacramento that has some more unique stuff. And I truly wish I could sew and put a more finished look to the shirts.
It really is as easy as he says (possibly easier). Charlotte had a blast helping me, too! I think we are going to have a lot of fun with this new crafty idea. Baby sister need something made by mommy next. Perhaps we will be asking Santa for a sewing machine?

Doing it!

We are totally doing it! Family of four that is... In the past couple weeks things have gotten much, much "better" around here. By better I mean my anxiety has gone WAY down. I realized I can do this! And... it is rewarding.

A few of the contributing factors to the success we've had around here lately:

1. Sleep...

Abigail is sleeping much, much better. I attributed this to so-called "gripe" water but I also recognize that the decrease in her gassiness also coincided with about the 6 week mark, which is when babies are at their so-called gassiest phase, hmmmmmm. She's sleeping in good long stretches throughout the day and at night which makes mommy much more relaxed.

2. Smiles

Abigail smiles all the time. There is nothing better than a sleeping baby, who wakes up and is a smiling baby. Enough said.

3. Exercise

I've been getting some regular exercise. It is tough some days because I'm exhausted (she's sleeping... but I'm still not getting good, long nights of sleep). After a workout I feel like a new person. A better mom & wife.

4. Nana

None of this would be possible without the help of my mom. She's amazing. She not only helps (she treated Charlotte to two nights at her house last week which is amazing for us but also for Charlotte... she thinks going to Nana and Grandpa's house is the greatest thing in the world) but she gives moral support, and always a healthy dose of perspective when I need one.

5. Parties

We actually had a "party" at our house on the 4th of July. It was a last-minute spontaneous thing. As in Bob was at Trader Joes buying some BBQ items because we knew my parents would be here and I got a call from a friend saying they'd come over before the parade and thought BBQ'ing at our house after sounded like a great idea. Awesome! I got a hold of Bob (he was in line at TJs) and he got out of line and stocked up with enough food for everyone. At one point there were 8 children 4 and under, and 9 adults here on a beautiful July 4. We did it! And everyone had fun! And the house was clean, the meal was good and organized... and the dishes were done post-party (huge shout out to my mom and dad for that one).

I didn't take one picture at the party, and only a few on 4th of July at the parade, but that is a lot to ask.

My next goal is to get better at taking pictures. I want to get some of Abigail awake, smiling and just some general pictures documenting our days. We've been getting out a lot and having adventures to the park, the gym to build sand castles in the volleyball pit, etc.

I also want to get better at blogging. It is nice to write and clear my head. But most days I have no time at the computer so this is a pretty big goal... we'll see.

Adventures in Parenting

So long as we're still counting her age in days...
Abigail Rose Wagner is 19 days old and I've compiled a short list of her likes/dislikes.
I will give her an opportunity to re-visit her list, as the days wear on. We certainly hoping some of the "dislikes" make it to the "likes" (e.g. her swing) but we're keeping an open mind.
Likes
· being rocked to sleep by mamma
· being rocked to sleep by nana
· being held by just about anyone (but right now mamma is her favorite)
· nursing (not round the clock, but about every three hours or so during the day)
· to sleep (so long as there is someone to either rock her or hold her)
· daddy
· big sister Charlotte
· baths
· clean diapers
· bouncy seat
· car seat
Dislikes
· dirty diapers
· having gas in her tummy
· her swing
· being set down
· 5:30-8:30 pm
· her swing (we're hoping to move this one up to the list of likes)
Well that is all the dislikes I can think of. Not bad really. She's a great baby so far. Really cute and cuddly. We're getting about 5 1/2 hours at night before she wakes up needing to nurse. She typically goes back to sleep after a little "snack" and sleeps another two or three. I'm starting to feel a lot less groggy which is a good thing. I'm not someone who does well without sleep.
And in toddler news... Charlotte is wearing UNDERWEAR! She told me she wanted to wear underwear so they would sing the song at school... I don't know the lyrics but something about the kids name and underwear. It is a big deal, you know! Yesterday post-nap she stripped down to her favorite attire (nothing) and came running in the house telling me she had to pee-pee. Sure enough she sat on the potty and when she was done she dumped the contents into the toilet and flushed... without ANY help or anything. Gotta love that school of hers! Today she wore underwear proudly to school and when I picked her up she announced, "Mommy I peed on the potty!!!" Her teachers were happy to report no accidents! Yay Charlotte! She's really into this big girl status!
It is bittersweet seeing that your "baby" is no longer a baby but a big girl. It becomes that more apparent when you have a newborn around the house. We miss that little baby Charlotte but we are loving getting to know the opinionated, independent fun and silly Charlotte, too!

Look whos here!

Abigail Rose Wagner

May 16, 2009

8 pounds 9 ounces; 20 inches

She's already 13 days old! Amazing! To be completey honest, life has changed dramatically since Abigail came into our lives. I have NO TIME FOR ME anymore! I'm not complaining... I'm simply stating the facts. She's a great baby. She nurses well, sleeps well and cries when gassy or often when her diaper is changed. She reminds us of Charlotte... but I'd say Charlotte was a little more mellow.

Charlotte loves being a big sister and is as sweet as can be to her baby sister. We've been having lots of fun... but we don't leave the house much!
More soon!

A-Bee-Gail

We all went to the Dixon May Fair today! It brought back some fun memories of high school and my high school boyfriend. He was in FFA and used to show cows or pigs or sheep or something... I don't remember which. The Dixon May Fair is super mellow, compared to the CA State Fair. We got there when it opened, 10 am, and stayed until about 12 when the crowds started lining up outside the gates and the heat started to set in.

Charlotte had a blast! She knows what a "carnival" is but hasn't really seen or been to one. Lucky for us there was nobody around so we had the run of the place. A full carnival experience. And we visited the livestock, too. Old MacDonald and anything "farm" related is a huge hit at our house so that scored equally high points at the fair!

After running around we enjoyed a cold lemonade and headed to lunch. We opted NOT to eat the fair food. Something about enjoying 40 weeks of pregnancy without swollen ankles has been very eye-opening to me this time around!

While enjoying that lemonade we snapped a picture of Charlotte saying "A-Bee-Gail". Too cute.

She can't wait to meet her baby sister and neither can we!!!