Weekend Hike

Before having Charla, Tim and I used to go hiking almost every weekend. We would pack some food, water and our dog and hit the trails. We didn’t just stick to Wisconsin trails either. We would drive down to Illinois or over to Minnesota for a day. Tim doesn’t mind the more natural trails. I, however, enjoy the state trails. The trail is clearly mapped out and usually covered with wood chips or gravel. It’s perfect for walking along and enjoying the scenery.

After Charla was born, we stopped hiking. For the first 9 months Charla hated anything to do with the carseat or stroller, so it was nearly impossible to even walk around the block unless one of us was carrying her. I had a Bjorn backpack for her, but she didn’t like that much either. So we just didn’t go.

Looking back on it, we should have tried going. There would probably have been enough to look at that she would have been fine and then fallen asleep. If/When we have another child, I’m going to try those experiences. What’s the worst that could happen? We have to leave early? We carry a screaming child for 15 minutes back to the car? Back when Charla was a baby, those scenarios would have been the end of the world. Now though, I think I would have a hard time keeping a straight face. That’s probably why studies show first-borns are more anal — their parents are.

Anyway, last fall we started hiking again. We took Charla on a handful of small trails and she really liked them. On Saturday we went to an amazing trail that is actually only about 15 minutes from our house. We’ve known about it for a few years, but never gone. We should have though because it’s beautiful. Charla really enjoyed it too. She got to eat a picnic dinner overlooking Lake Michigan and thought that was the coolest thing ever.

I got some nice pictures that I plan to blow up and hang in the bedroom. I have a few pictures from last year hanging in the kitchen. Charla looks at those pictures and still remembers taking that hike. Building memories….that’s what childhood is all about.

Add a comment June 13, 2011

Balancing Busy

There is nothing better than a busy but fun weekend. Weekends are meant to be busy. They are meant for getting together with people, going to new places and playing with children. Of course, there needs to be a balance between being busy and allowing yourself to relax. This past weekend supplied both opportunities simultaneously.

My brother and his wife rent a townhouse that supplies a pool. The pool is in great shape, is fairly large and it’s heated. We all love it and, now that the weather is improving, we’re taking advantage of it. By the end of last summer, Charla was able to swim with her life vest on. We’ve gotten into the pool twice so far this year and, while Charla is a bit more timid in the water, she is still loving it. I bought her a floating tube which she loves. She hangs onto its sides all by herself and spins herself in circles. We stayed in the pool for close to 2 hours. Then we sat on the porch and dried off. It was fun, relaxing and the weather was super.

Sunday was our relaxing day at home. I spent some time straightening up the master bedroom. We have lived in our condo for almost 7 years and I still have not given the master bedroom a personal touch. It is a room I go into to sleep and not much else. Over the years it has built up some storage items, even though we have a storage area in our basement. Yesterday, I focused on getting the storage stuff out of the bedroom. This took me about an hour and made a huge difference in the room’s appearance. Then, I bought some sheer, white curtains and hung them. They give the room a very cozy feel. I need to hang a few pictures on the walls, but it’s starting to feel more homey.

Over the next few weeks I’m going to focus on decluttering. The closets and cabinets desperately need this. It’s amazing how much junk gets accumulated. It is slightly life-threatening when opening some closets. Most things have places to go and I try to keep them there. The kitchen is a constantly losing battle because of dishes. I always feel like I’m one load of dishes behind what I should be.

We have 3 more weeks before our long holiday weekend. With the long weekend last weekend and the short week that followed, I’m out of synch and not ready to get back to work this morning. Life goes on though and the weekend is only 5 days away. Can you tell I live for my weekends?!

Add a comment June 6, 2011

Memories

There is something about watching Charla run barefoot through the grass that screams “childhood”. Back when times were simpler and the only care in the world was if your friends were going to come over to play with you.

We kicked off the weekend Friday night with a bonfire. Charla had taken a nap so she was able to stay up a little later. I gave her a bath before going outside so she was running around in her pajamas. I set up her little camping chair and she would sit down for about 30 seconds before taking off to do something else.

Charla’s confidence in large motor activities has taken a steep climb ever since we built her playset. Now she is going up the slide, trying to flip upside down on her rings and laying on her swing to pretend she can fly. Even taking some minor tumbles hasn’t stopped her. It is so relieving to see her start to take an interest in trying new things. I feel like I can put some of my worries aside.

Yesterday was a summer-like day. We were outside almost the entire day. I love days like that and having a little girl just makes it all the better. I can dress her up in pretty sundresses and do her hair but at the end of the day she’s sweaty, greasy from sunscreen and covered with grass stains. And this is what being a kid is all about. I remember crawling into bed at the end of a busy day and falling asleep within seconds. These are the types of memories I want Charla to have. Barefoot in the grass, the sun shining on her face and popsicle juice running down her arm.

Add a comment May 23, 2011

The Day After

Yesterday we didn’t want to stop celebrating. Saturday was so wonderful, it felt a bit anti-climatic to just let Sunday drift by. It was too cold and windy to spend a lot of time outside. But, we decided it would be the perfect day to drive over to Lake Michigan and watch waves roll in for a bit.

Charla had a great time throwing stones into the water. Although the water was way too choppy to watch them make a splash. A few times a wave would come right up to our feet and I would pick her up and we would run backwards so our shoes wouldn’t get wet. She would laugh and laugh.

Afterwards Charla got to play at the park for a little bit. It was a great end to a wonderful weekend.

Add a comment May 16, 2011

In Process

Lately it seems like I am all about self exploration. I’m not an emotionally deep person. Meaning, I don’t sit and ponder the meaning of life or why I am a certain way. I took a psychology class in high school, but that is the extent of my knowledge of the brain’s inner workings. However, like I’ve repeatedly said, becoming a parent opened my eyes to a few things.

Yet another one of those things is my family and extended family. Growing up, I always thought we were a close family. We got together for every major holiday and even some of the minor ones. There would be laughing, talking, and playing games. Don’t get me wrong, family gatherings were fun. But…..

Now that I’ve grown up and had a child, I can see family gatherings a little more clearly. I’ve become familiar to the family politics. My family isn’t exactly open with one another. Emotions get hid, people get mad without voicing their concerns and passive-aggressive comments are made. I guess this is pretty unavoidable whenever there is a group of people getting together on a regular basis.

I have a good relationship with my parents. However, there are certain parenting techniques I’m doing differently and things I want to do differently as Charla gets older. It can be hard to step out of the mold. When I’ve had a bad day I feel myself slipping back to the yelling and frustration that my parents often used to discipline.

I also find myself as a glass half empty person. I’m not sure if this is something that can be genetically inherited, but I’m sure if you live around that for the early part of your life you tend to pick it up. I’m trying to have a more optimistic outlook on life and not let the little things bother me.

So, those are the two big things I’m trying to work on within myself. I know that anger, frustration and negativity are always going to be a part of life. They are necessary emotions since life cannot always be sunshine and rainbows. But I think aiming for more fun, happy times is a good goal.

Add a comment May 11, 2011

Egg Hunt

We had a busy weekend! I love weekends that start out slow but then pick up and, before you know it, you hardly have a free moment. That was our weekend.

It started out with Charla having a minor fever/stomach bug. She wasn’t that sick, just sick enough to want to lay on the couch until 10AM watching Sunny Patch. I laid down, she laid on top of me and we cuddled for an hour. Then her Ibuprofen kicked in and she was ready to go! It was rainy on Saturday so we played downstairs, read books, painted and played some Kinect bowling.

Sunday was our busy day. Tim was going to have my dad and brother over to help him build Charla’s playset. We bought this for her birthday, along with my parents. It’s got swings and a slide. She’s so excited. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. It was sunny but it was only in the upper 30’s/lower 40’s with 30 mph winds, not great playset building weather. So, we’ll have to wait until the weekend after Easter.

So, Tim and I took Charla to an Easter egg hunt. The hunt was at the church my mom works at. Charla had a lot of fun. The kids are split up in 2 groups according to age: 1 to 5 and 6 to 12. This is so nice because those older kids had their eggs cleaned up about 5 minutes after the hunt started! Charla filled up her Easter basket and then said she was done. We went inside and emptied out all her treats. She got mostly chocolate, which was disappointing for her because she doesn’t like chocolate, but I don’t mind! She’ll get plenty of treats she likes from the Easter bunny, so I don’t feel bad stealing her chocolate!

After the hunt we went out for lunch with my parents then headed over to their house. We stayed and chatted the afternoon away, getting home right before dinner.

The rest of the week is supposed to be cold and rainy. Spring simply refuses to start this year. We’re facing a 3 day weekend coming up. Tim and I are talking about taking Charla to her first movie on Friday…..we’ll see. I think she’ll sit for at least most of it. I guess if we have to leave a little early it won’t be the end of the world.

Add a comment April 19, 2011

House Hunting

Over the last 6 months my parents have been looking for condos. They aren’t in a super hurry to leave their home, but neither want to do the yard work anymore and my mom would like to do laundry on the main floor. I’ve gone with them on a few viewings but nothing has jumped out to any of us.

Last night we went to another viewing. They’re looking for a 2 bedroom condo with an open concept and a quiet neighborhood. You wouldn’t think that would be so difficult to find with all the homes on the market today, but every condo we’ve gone to look at has something wrong with it. The one last night didn’t have central air, yard work and snow removal weren’t included and the laundry was in the garage (?!?!?!?!). There was also a window installed in the hallway with this fake flickering lamp thing. Apparently the little old lady who lived there had it installed because it reminded her of home. Sounds sweet, right? NO, that light was creepy! My dad liked it, but he was the only one!

On the plus side it had a private backyard, open concept, fireplace in the living room and lake access. It’s all check and balances but I’m pretty sure the yard work is going to put an end to that condo. Something keeps drawing my parents to it though because this was the second tour they took of it and they had the real estate agent come price their home.

I wonder if they want to downsize as much as they just want a change. Perhaps their home right now just feels too big with me and my brother gone. Maybe the last year has put a sour look over that home, with my dad’s heart attack and my mom suffering through severe back pain all summer long. Or, maybe they want to start off their retirement years in a quiet place of their own since there are quite a few young families around where they live now.

It will be hard to say goodbye to that house. My parents built it when I was just 1 year old. There are so many childhood memories there as well as adult memories. I wanted Charla to grow up with memories of that home. But I can’t be selfish about it either. I understand their need to move on. They are at a different time in their life and are looking for a home to reflect that. In the end, home will be wherever mom and dad are.

Add a comment April 15, 2011

Trip to the Park

Spring finally feels like it’s creeping in. It’s been a long winter. March is one of those months that can either be really nice or still snowy and cold. This year, it was snowy and cold. Today’s high is going to be low 40’s. Today’s high last year was near 80. That’s nuts!

Charla has been asking to go to a park for a few weeks now. I kept telling her when the snow melted. We did end up losing most of our snow but then we got highs in the upper 20’s. Not exactly park weather. Finally, a few days ago, we made it to a park for the first time this year.

Last year Charla was still pretty timid around the equipment and I hovered. I was worried she was going to fall through the bars and go crashing to the ground. I was getting better near the end of summer. This year though, she is all over the equipment. She’s climbing the rock wall, going down slides, running over bridges and crawling through tunnels. She is also swinging on the big girl swings and demanding that I push her higher, while I keep reminding her to keep holding on and tell me when she’s done instead of just jump off. I guess I’m “one of those” parents.

We were supposed to go to a water park last weekend, but with Charla being sick and having a seizure we decided against it. Now though, I can’t wait to take her. Last year she was already going down the water slides in the kid’s area so I can just imagine what she can do this year!

It’s so much fun watching her grow up and learn new things. I thought I would be sad when the baby stage was over, but I’m not. I look back on those days with fondness, but these days are so much more fun. This summer is going to be amazing!

Add a comment March 31, 2011

A Merry Christmas

Christmas was amazing!

Charla woke up on Christmas morning and, as soon as I went into her room, she asked if Santa had come. We went out to the living room to see and sure enough, there was a mountain of presents! Her eyes were huge. She immediately noticed the scooter since it wasn’t wrapped and wanted to try it out right away. I convinced her to unwrap her other gifts first. After unwrapping each gift she would declare that she wanted to play with it after breakfast. I don’t think there was a single gift she was not excited to receive.

After breakfast she had a little bit of time to play with some of her new toys and then we needed to drive over to my parent’s house. It was a little rocky there at first. All the excitement was a bit too much and she got overwhelmed. I think she also had a bit of a headache because her sinuses were super stuffy with the recent cold she had. Tim went to get her some Tylenol and about 30 minutes after getting a dose of that, she was fine.

She got all her presents from Papa and Papa Jack last weekend. But she did get a few books, a My Little Pony, a My Little Pony puzzle, a Dora hat and a sled, from other family members. She was thrilled. She got to try out my brother’s old air hockey table and she loved it! The hockey puck was flying back and forth between her and her aunt, it was funny to watch. Charla had to stand on a chair to reach the table and her legs would kick up behind her as she hit the puck. She must have played that game for almost a hour.

I’m so pleased with the way our Christmas turned out this year. I really couldn’t ask for anything more. However, today something more did happen, Tim got hired for a job. A real, permanent job! One we will actually be able to count on for awhile and make a budget. Things have been so up and down for the last 3 years the way this economy has been. This job is very needed and we are truly blessed.

Add a comment December 29, 2010

Get Together

I absolutely love Christmas now that I have a child. When I was a kid, it had all the magic that Christmas should. But as I got older, it lost a lot of its charm. When it was just Tim and myself, we didn’t really do anything special. We put a tree up and decorated a bit, but we never bought each other gifts to unwrap. Having Charla has brought back all the beauty.

Yesterday my parents, brother and sister-in-law came over to celebrate. We started this small get together the year Charla was born. It has been a very enjoyable time for everyone. We give gifts, talk and eat. We will still get together on Christmas day, but then extended family members will be there so it will be more busy, less relaxing.

Tim and I haven’t given Charla her gifts from us yet. I think we will do that tomorrow. She’s supposed to go to school tomorrow, but I’m going to keep her home because the poor thing is sick again. I took her to the doctor this morning and he said she keeps getting different viruses. I know this is a normal part of childhood, her immune system needs to mature. But I think it’s been an entire month now since she hasn’t had either a runny nose, cough or fever. Starting January, she’s going to be in school Monday through Friday mornings. I’m both looking forward to this and dreading it.

More on that later.

For now, I’m going to enjoy the holiday. I’m going to cuddle with my poor, sick baby on the couch and watch some VeggieTales. And I’m going to savor all the snuggles I get.

Add a comment December 21, 2010