The Downlow

We are home. Miss A is out of town visiting with her Auntie, Uncle and Cousins. I miss her and yet I am relieved to be able to ease into this whole 'new thing'.

So I'm going to attempt to tell the birth story. The tiny one is stirring now so I may rush a bit. It's a relatively short story so it shouldn't take me long to get it out.

I guess I could lengthen it a bit by saying that on Wednesday I did have the second 'sweep' done. My midwife said by cervix was 4-5 and stretchy to 7-8 centimeters (ouch!) I was also given a recipe for a castor oil smoothie to be taken on Thursday morning if I still wasn't in labor. (Thank god I didn't have to go that route...) My midwife was teaching the Aqua Natal class that evening so I went early to swim some laps before hand. She was disappointed to hear that I wasn't having any contractions yet. The class was very enjoyable and I actually felt really great and energetic the whole way through. I went home, did the bedtime routine with Miss A and watched 'So You Think You Can Dance'.

I wasn't really expecting anything to happen. I was dreading yet another 'sweep' planned for the following morning as well as the icky smoothie chaser. My mom was coming over to help out that next morning so I could go for my appointment and to be around when the nasty effects of the smoothie started to kick in. I woke at 3:30 am, groggy and thinking "Ow" then I lay in bed half awake until another "Ow" sensation hit. After another I began checking my watch for duration of the contractions and length of time between. Approximately 10 minutes and pretty strong already. I contemplated waking Peter up but decided against it. I thought as my breathing intensified he may wake up anyway... nope. I just continued to labor this way and 'rest' in between contractions. By 5:00 am I could tell things were getting stronger and closer pretty quickly. I started to consider when I needed to start taking some serious action.


(Taken around 6:00 am)


I woke Peter at around 5:20 and filled him in. While he had a shower I called my mom and asked her to please come over a little earlier than she'd planned to. At 5:50 I paged my midwife, she called back, I filled her in and she told me she'd be at the house in a half hour to assess me. She also gave me her cell phone number in case I needed to meet her at the hospital instead.

Peter had breakfast and loaded everything into the car. My contractions were getting pretty crazy and while I was having one I tried to make sure I was in an 'easy to clean' area in case my water broke. I was kind of preoccupied with the idea that Miss A might wake up with all the commotion. Miraculously she didn't. I think everything would have honestly freaked her out and I would have felt really badly about that.

I was seriously thinking that I might have to call my midwife and ask her to meet us at the hospital but that was right when she arrived.(6:35) She assessed me during a contraction and said you are fully dilated and we need to get to the hospital now. She instructed Peter to 'step on it'. (He loved this by the way, driving fast and being annoyed with the slow drivers and all the traffic.)

We arrived at the hospital.(6:50) I was amazed my water still hadn't broken. We had a bit of a long walk from the parking lot to the hospital, rode the elevator and headed to our room. While I was walking past the nurses desk my midwife filled them in on where I was at. When she explained that I was fully dilated I head a resounding "Holy Crap!" from several of them.

I was so relieved to have arrived in the room - that I wouldn't have the baby at home or in the car or in the elevator. My back was feeling sore so my midwife started to run me a bath. I asked if I could sit on the toilet (what is it with me and the toilet when I'm in labor?) and she told me to go ahead. Then I realized I really wanted to push. She told me to go ahead. I did and my water broke. The next contraction I was thinking "Oh man, I'm going to deliver my baby into the toilet!" I told her I thought I'd better move. She agreed and shared that she'd had someone deliver into a toilet before and it wasn't the greatest thing. I knelt on the bed and leaned against the head of it which was raised. I couldn't control the urge to push and the baby started crowning. My midwife told me to wait until she had her gloves on! I think everyone was shocked about how quickly everything was happening.

Next thing we knew her head was delivered. I heard Peter and my midwife saying how amazing it was. She told me I could just relax and wait until I was ready to push again. I did. She told me to take it easy and Peter kept making sure that I was hearing what she was telling me. I think he was a bit freaked out for me since he had a very good view of what exactly was going on and didn't want me to tear. Her shoulders were the worst bit but they were quick and then she was here! Peter told me she was a girl. I admit I was surprised. I think I was convinced she was a boy.

(My Wonderful Midwife)




And the rest of the details are probably not as interesting. Her cord was very short so passing her through my legs to the front and having me turn around seemed like an acrobatic feat. I cannot describe the joy and utter amazement I felt when I first tried to nurse her and she actually opened her mouth and sucked and did what she was supposed to do! I wish we had a picture of my face it would have been classic.

I don't want to jinx anything by saying much but I can honestly say that she has been absolutely amazing so far. Just a totally different temperament to her sister. I am so incredibly relieved and thankful. I love my A so much but I honestly didn't know if I could do that again. My only complaint is that this girl loves to suck so much that she would stay on all day! This is hilarious in itself since her sister wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with breastfeeding! So strange.





It has been tiring since she is a bit hard to settle down at night, in the sense that when she appears to be all settled in and relaxed and I try to put her to bed she won't go for it because "Hey, I want a nipple in my mouth." But given the choice to have that or a kid who cries all night, refuses to eat and nothing makes her happy, I'll take this. It is comforting to me at least to know that I have the means to soothe her. It was awful to feel so helpless with A. I could just do nothing at all for her and it was a sickening feeling.

Anyway, I guess I had a lot to say after all. (What a surprise!) I have no idea when I'll get to post again. Miss A is coming home tomorrow and I imagine there will be a lot of adjustments going on around here in the next while and not nearly as much free time. Thank you all for your kindness and well wishes. You seriously have no idea how special that is to me.

Now Presenting... Baby B!

Hello all, this is a special update from Papa D. The new baby is finally here, born this morning at 7:28 am after 4 hours of labour! She weighs 8 lbs 15oz and is 20.5 inches long. We shall call her Baby B, and no, we are not going to have one child for every letter of the alphabet, although it sounds like a good idea to me, I believe I would be vetoed on that.

Baby and Mama D are doing just fine. Baby B is taking to breast feeding like she has been doing it all her life (actually, she has). They should be home soon but here are some pics to entertain in the meantime...

Strange

I really thought this baby would be here by now. Today is my official ultrasound due date. Not to say that things are happening, they are. At my appointment yesterday I was informed that I was 3-4 centimeters dilated, 50% effaced and some other stuff that is good. I've been crampy for about two weeks. My midwife had also told me that she would do a sweep if I hadn't had the baby by yesterday. So after she determined all the aforementioned stuff in her examination she then proceeded to do 'the sweep'. It was uncomfortable but since I seem to be able to tolerate things like turning my ankle around completely backwards it really wasn't so bad. Unfortunately, it's looking like I'll be going back for another 'sweep' today. She really wants to get this party started. Which is okay with me I guess.

To be honest I am starting to get a bit restless and paranoid. I was up this morning at 4:30 sitting in the bathroom, poking at my belly trying to get the baby to move. It must have been sleeping or something because it just refused to do anything. So I went back to bed and waited to feel it move. Which it eventually did. I don't know what my problem was. Delirious maybe?

So I continue to wait. And Miss A is sitting at the table doing a craft. Want to know what it is? She is making a 'puppet' out of a disposable breastpad that she found. I guess the way it folded in half made her think of a puppet. Humorous if nothing else.

Just in Case

I don't want that last grumpy post to be the one you are all stuck with in case I do actually have this baby in the next few days. I'll admit though, while I was sitting in A's room last night at 2am and she was telling me that she just wanted to stay "wif you" and I was all bitter and tired and painy I was imagining the kind of post I could write about that today.

Instead I'll post a couple of pictures. Perhaps the last of the belly that compels total strangers to say all manner of dumb things to me. Such as yesterday. Gas Station. Kindly older gentleman who is pumping my gas...

"When are you due?"

"Next week."

"Oh! You're gettin' pretty big!"

Grit teeth. Smile. Nod.



My hair looks shorter in that picture but it is actually just pulled back. I had it done on Monday. This is what it looked like when it was actually done nicely, I was less grumpy and actually felt kind of attractive.

Holy Grumpiness Batman!

If there was a super hero who was nine months pregnant and protected the world from criminals by taking them out with her incredible grumpiness I would be her. Thinking of myself as a super hero feels better than realizing that I am just a plain cranky Mama who is inflicting her horrible mood on everyone around her.

You know what really sucks? Knowing that you could give birth any day while your nearly 3 year old daughter is simultaneously getting her 2 year old molars. She is a mess. She is even moodier than I am if that is at all possible. So we are both being just awful to one another. And why don't we just throw in some potty training into the mix. For extra good times.

Oh yeah. It's fun around here. My mood is pretty bleak. But my midwife told me at my appointment tonight that the head is officially down. I suppose that might be a good reason. That and hauling around this gargantuan child. And having to tolerate the stupid comments of strangers every where I freakin' go. Seriously people. Shut up!

Any Day Now

So last night I was saying to Peter "In a week or so we could have another baby." He nodded at me silently. We both sat there looking at each other letting that knowledge sink in. We are going to have two kids soon. One of whom is going to be a tiny (or maybe not so tiny) baby who won't be able to tell us what's the matter. Wow. Deep breaths.

Fly Girl

HAPPY JULY 4TH!!!

Canada Day Celebrations

The church we go to has never had a building of it's own. We have always rented spaces. We have recently built a building that is nearly finished. It has been an exciting thing. I think it is so cool that we will be able to tell our kids that our financial contribution actually helped to build our church building. Anyway, it is located at the top of a hill which is a perfect location to watch the fireworks from.



So last night they had a big celebration with lots to do and it was open to anyone who wanted to come. There was quite a good turn out despite the fact that the mosquitoes far out numbered the people.

Here are some of the photos.

Balloon Animals



Face Painting

(It's serious business.)




Bouncy Castle

(Patriotically)



Peek a Boo

Happiness Is...

Eating watermelon on the couch.



Corn on the cob.



Sleeping in.



Swimming with your cousin in the backyard.



Being done work.



Watching a movie and eating popcorn.

Not to Worry

I just wanted to make sure that none of you were worrying about me or wondering where I am. Just busy. This is my final work week and I am going in every. single. day. because of graduation. I made two lovely young ladies even more beautiful yesterday and then I was pampered. I had a facial and a pedicure. Hurray. It was so nice.

I am still trying to get things ready. Wow. It's so much harder to do with a 2 1/2 year old running around. If it's at all possible she is getting even MORE entertaining. The other day when her dad was attempting to put some shoes on she didn't want to because "Her toes didn't remember these shoes." Uh huh. Okay. Next it will be "My body doesn't remember this bed." To which I'd say "Let's get them reacquainted."

I have been feeling strange. Feeling some things I don't remember feeling with A. Little pains and stuff. And I'm feeling more nauseous again and sometimes I get sick. (Still! When will it end?) It's freaking me out a bit to be honest and it's making me get my butt in gear and really get everything ready. This baby? It is STRONG! When it moves sometimes, I wince. Like, ow! That's different too.

So I'm sure I'll write again once I'm finished work and get everything else ready. Until then... I'm pretty sure I won't be around. Until then...

It's Here!

No! Not the baby! Then I would have written 'She's Here!' or 'He's Here!'. No, the chair. The chair is here. See.




*I'd just like to say right now that my husband is the best because in that shot of me in the chair, he took it from above while he was on a chair because he thought it would be 'a more flattering angle'. And upon viewing the other shots taken from the floor... ugh. I totally agree. Thank you sweet husband!

And doesn't it look so comfortable? It is. I am so happy that it has arrived. One more thing ready. Next would be actually getting some baby clothes washed and put away. Yeah, that would be a good one.

Yesterday I had house cleaners come in. This is the first time I have ever experienced this. My coworkers had pitched in when I broke my ankle and bought me a gift certificate for five hours of cleaning. Since my mom was doing such a fabulous job of keeping the house in line I didn't bother using it until now.

Let me just say that it is very weird having people coming into your house to clean it. And weird to watch them clean things. The one girl polished my tea pot cover...

In preparation for their arrival I ran around like a nutcase getting things ready. What's the point, you ask? Well, I was mostly organizing and de-cluttering. And I HIGHLY recommend doing this for optimum satisfaction when having cleaners come in. I only used up 2 1/2 hours of the certificate and they'll be coming back soon for the remainder of the time. They did a great job but they didn't get to some of the things that I thought they would. Perhaps too much time spent polishing tea pot lids...

Also. I could NOT do this job. I am FAR to obsessive and would take WAY longer than I should to do my tasks. What I would do, I would do most excellently but I would still be fired for not knowing how to say on schedule.

So my house is mighty clean right now. And organized. And I'm trying not to be a total drill sergeant to Miss A and her dad. "Hey, pick that watermelon up off the carpet!" "Does this paper go in the recycling now?" It's just... I know how quickly things can get out of hand. Again. And I just want to try really hard to keep it this way at least until the baby arrives. Because after that... I know that nothing will stay this way.

Happy Father's Day and YouTubesday

I meant to write this amazing Father's Day post. I did. But as you can see it didn't really happen. A lot of my energy is going into 'nesting' these days. Or thinking about all the things I want to get done before this baby comes. But I think he still feels appreciated. Miss A and I made him a homemade card, I made Bacon and Eggs for brunch and he received a new guitar case and a 'Weed Eater' as gifts. I also took Miss A out on a shopping excursion so that he was free to nap, play, work, or whatever. What did he do? Mowed the lawn and played with the new 'Weed Eater'. I was pleased that he had fun and enjoyed his gift so much. He is such a great dad and he deserved a great day!

And now... I have been so obsessed with 'Twilight' lately that any youtubes I've put up always seem to be related to that. Not today. Yet another thing that I am so excited about and I don't have to wait as long for...



Chills anyone? (I mean Fans of course.)

And because I enjoyed THAT so much I enjoyed this also. Because it's silly. And wonderful. And hilarious.

A Lesson in Knowing When to Shut Your Mouth

So you are at the mall minding your own business when someone you know walks by. You turn excitedly to say "Hello" and realize that you don't actually know this girl. She smiles at you and asks you if you thought you knew her. You sheepishly tell her yes and instead of going on minding your own business you begin to walk alongside this girl and her young toddler who she's pushing in a shopping cart. You talk to the toddler in a goofy voice and she stares at you while sipping on her smoothie. You notice the girl is rather pregnant. You make some dumb remark about your observation. Then you start to ramble on about how your own daughter was married on the weekend and how you are so tired and happy that you took Monday off. The girl nods politely and you notice she looks tired too. Of course she does. She's pregnant and she has a small child as well. You decide to carry on your own way and continue going straight as they begin to turn the corner towards the grocery store.

THIS IS THE POINT WHERE YOU SHOULD WAVE GOODBYE AND NOT SAY ANOTHER WORD. THE WHOLE CONVERSATION HAS ALREADY BEEN REALLY STRANGE AND AWKWARD. THE GIRL HAS REALLY BEEN RATHER POLITE AND UNDERSTANDING CONSIDERING YOU DON'T ACTUALLY KNOW HER AT ALL. YOU DEFINITELY SHOULDN'T SAY WHAT YOU ARE THINKING FOR MANY REASONS BUT MAINLY BECAUSE YOU ARE A MAN AND HAVE NEVER CARRIED A CHILD. SO DON'T SAY IT, OKAY? DON'T. REALLY. DON'T.

"Are you having twins?"

YOU SAID IT.

"No."

And the girl's back is turned to you so you can't see her expression. You hope she isn't too offended. It was an honest mistake wasn't it? I mean, Wow! What a belly! Oh well.

*Peter took this picture on Sunday night. Does it look like I'm having twins to you? (If your answer is yes, I don't want to know.)

What a Weekend

What is more crazy than taking your toddler to a fair when you are nine months pregnant? Please tell me because I can't think of anything... Actually, we brought my wonderful niece along for help and without her I'm sure we would have had a miserable time. One extra person to reason with the crazy one. We had a lot of conversations with her while she was screaming at the top of her lungs "Why are you crying? Do you not want to go on this ride? You do? Okay, then relax. We just have to wait our turn." Here is a photo example. She was calmer by this point but can you see the crazed look in her eyes. An easy way to tell that this was later on is by noting the caramel blobs on her jacket.



I took a million pictures while we were there and I didn't catch one decent expression on her face. She was truly thrilled and smiling almost constantly but she was almost never looking at the camera and when I tried to get her to she was thoroughly uninterested. How frustrating. When we ask her what her favorite ride was she says "Horsies" which is surprising to me because it's the slowest, shortest and least interesting. She seemed to love the 'scarier' rides the most, smiling and laughing the whole time.






Once she got the hang of having to wait in line she really seemed to enjoy herself. On this ride I tried to put her in just any jeep and she requested 'the purple one'. Wow.



And in unrelated news. Yesterday, she was coloring her hand black with a marker. When I asked her to stop and explained that we don't color on ourselves she cried and explained that she wanted to be a kitty. What a lot of coloring she would have had to do! This was our solution which seemed to satisfy her.

YouTubesday

Yet another Twilight obsessed YouTube. It was shown at the MTV movie awards. 58 seconds is FAR too short. The video may be taken down within the day though.

Come on

I think of myself as a nice person. A person who doesn't have unrealistic expectations. I'm reasonable. I don't just go around freaking out on people when things don't go my way. But sometimes I think if I was more inclined to be that way, dumb things wouldn't keep happening to me.

When I was expecting Miss A we ordered her bedroom furniture in what I thought was plenty of time. Apparently, I should have allowed more time. I was told to expect it would be a much longer wait than I'd originally thought. So, I was stressed until the furniture finally came. I mean, of course we would have been okay if it didn't but being the planner - anal retentive person that I am, I just wanted to have her room all set up.

As I mentioned in my last post, we really don't have anything much to do this time. Except... I ordered a chair. A glorious chair. The kind of chair that is going to make many sleepless nights much more bearable. I expect to be spending A LOT of time in this chair. I ordered it in the middle of April. That should have allowed an ample amount of time for it to arrive before July, don't you think? But no.



I received a phone call yesterday telling me that they are estimating it will be here at the END of July. Much later than I'd originally been told. I was so disappointed and frustrated that it came across rather clearly to this nice woman I'd been dealing with. It totally isn't her fault. It is a problem with the manufacturers of the chair. Still, that doesn't make it any less annoying. So it's likely not going to arrive before the baby comes. I know it will get here eventually but it just makes me sad. It's the ONE THING I wanted to have before the baby arrives.

Who knows, maybe a miracle with happen and it will still get here on time. We'll have to wait and see.

In the meantime, here is a new profile picture. The other one was terribly old...

Countdown

Well, it's a little more than a month until this baby is due. Wow. I really can't believe it. I keep trying to imagine what it will be like having two. Of course, that's all I can do. Imagine. That's what I did before we had A. And what I imagined? It wasn't even close. It was so much harder than I'd thought it would be. I think I have adjusted my thinking this time and I may be closer to knowing what it will be like... but still I'm sure it will be so much more challenging than I'm imagining this time as well.



Daily things are getting progressively more difficult. I keep looking at my flower beds wishing I could spend time in them to make them look pretty. I keep reminding myself that this is only for a short while longer (and the last time). Miss A is going through a really frustrating stage right now where she totally flakes out sometimes and refuses to walk, insisting that I carry her. For anyone who might say "Just make her walk!" I say to you "Ha! YOU make her walk." If I waited for her to decide to walk I would seriously be there ALL DAY. And the whole walk away saying "See you later." doesn't work either. She's very likely to bolt and with the combination of this belly and stiff ankle - I would NEVER catch her. She'd be gone. So what do I do? I carry her. I keep picturing my water breaking as I'm lifting her up. Wouldn't that be lovely.

There are a lot of things I still want to do before the baby arrives. Yet, it seems so much more low key than the last time. There was no getting a room ready. No buying furniture. (Well, we're getting a fancy rocking chair but no baby furniture.) Mostly what I need to do is find the baby stuff and get it washed as well. And empty out a dresser from downstairs so we can bring it up and fill it up with baby clothes. That's it.

Still, I'm procrastinating. I'm sure I'd be more motivated if I was finished work. But I'm not. I'll be working until the end of the month. And working hard. Because all of my lovely clients (and I do mean that) are desperate to get in for that final appointment before I go. And I want to see them too. I'll also be doing some graduation hair.

So. I'm tired. I'm stressed. I'm nervous. But you know, I'm here.

Weekend

Well, our weekend is over. I hate looking so forward to something because the disappointment when it's all over is nearly crushing...

We had a really, really nice time. We didn't take many pictures because we stayed in the same cabin as last year and I posted the photos here.

So I guess I captured some key moments, like this one when we first arrived. (We don't look a bit thrilled to be kid free for the weekend do we?)


And of course, we had to document the major difference in my appearance from last year...


And then I took a photo from our last day. This is the lovely bath I prepared for myself with tea and a book to enjoy.


Our first night we had beautiful weather. I was even able to get in the pool and swim some laps which felt great. Much different than swimming at the YMCA. There was blue sky and trees and nature to look at instead of concrete walls. We had a BBQ and then watched a couple of movies. I just have to say "I am Legend" So. Good. Wow. I was super tense through most of it though and had to take several breathers to calm down. I also cried an awful lot. Also, Will Smith is a highly underrated actor. There were moments in this film when he simply blew me away.

The following day it rained. And rained. And rained some more. When we were going to bed I'm pretty sure it was sleeting actually. It didn't matter though. We slept in... for the first time in... such a long time. And since we didn't have to get up with a child in the night it wasn't the kind of sleeping in that is the result of being overtired. It was pure, sweet, extra sleep. We read books. We watched crappy television. (Rock the Cradle) We went out for a nice meal. We watched more movies. We went to bed early.

And then today we had to come home.

It was amazing just to have a break from putting Miss A to bed. It was nice to have a holiday from the responsibility. To just be the two of us.

Yet, at the same time we missed her and kept quoting her the entire time we were away. We looked so forward to seeing her. When we arrived at my sister's to pick her up I couldn't stop staring at her. I was amazed by every word she said. I highly recommend spending some time away from your kids sometimes. It really does make you appreciate them in the most incredible way.

It was also nice to hear that she was an absolute ANGEL for my sister and her family. She slept, she ate, she even napped one day! She had everyone wrapped around her finger. Of course this means that from now on my sister will NEVER believe me when I complain about her being a crazy child and the fact that she makes me think I'm losing my mind sometimes... Then again, she does have kids too so maybe she'll believe me after all.

Anyway, it was a nice break. And now we buckle down for the hard stuff that is on it's way. Like... soon...

Random Tales

Miss A had her first wood tick yesterday. It was in her hair right by her temple. Ick! I discovered it while putting her in her car seat. I was very brave, removed it and inciner

I think this will be my only post for the week. I'm too busy getting ready for and being excited about the coming weekend. We are going here again. Normally, we wouldn't be going away this way two years in a row but with the new baby coming who knows when we'll have our next opportunity. Miss A is terribly excited about going to stay with her cousins so it's also a guilt free trip!

This is A's favorite new playground to visit. She refers to it as "the red park".



According to this sign she is too young to play there.



She doesn't seem to think so.





Also, I'm growing.



And this is my new favorite song.

The Many Faces of A

Miss A's new favorite game is to make faces. She tells us to "Be MAD!!!" "Be SAD!!" "Be HAPPY!!" And she does the same. Here are her faces...

SAD



HAPPY



MAD (My personal favorite, but only when she's playing around)

Different

Yesterday we went to have some pictures taken. Maternity photos. You know the ones I mean. They are sweet, artsy photos of the belly and it's family. We did them when I was pregnant with Miss A and they are quite lovely. The end result a three picture collage hangs in her bedroom.

This time it was decidedly more... difficult. I had visions of how wonderful it would be to have photos of the three of us and the belly. I was kicking myself afterwards for not preparing myself for what actually did happen. Because, after all, I know my child. It wasn't that long ago that we had this experience.

So yeah, Miss A was SO not interested in getting her picture taken despite every persuasion we could think of including putting stickers on the 'baby'. We managed to get two (TWO!) shots with her in them. And who knows if they'll be any good. We also took some with just Peter and I because, well, at least we were cooperating.

I'm sure they will be fine but I couldn't help being a bit disappointed. I hate it when situations arise and I find myself wishing that A could just be - different. (Like maybe, not climbing all over the photography props instead of posing with us for a few photos for pete's sake!!!) If only I could have just had Lynanne come over to take a few shots. I'm sure she would have been able to work miracles!

And then later when we were curled up on the couch together I felt guilty for ever wishing she was different. She wouldn't be her if she just posed nicely for the pictures. She'd be a totally different kid. And I love her, spunk and all.

Growing Girl and a Growing Mama

Hmmm. Not much to say really. Just some photos.

YouTubesday

EEEEK!!!


Twilight

Frequently Requested Beverages

A Smoofie or a Milkshape.

Neighborly

Remember our noisy neighbors? Well, I finally chatted with them. Well, the woman anyway. We simply got acquainted at first and then when I felt the time was right I explained that our bedroom windows were right by their driveway and the door that they use the most. The door that their inebriated guests stand outside to smoke and curse and be generally obnoxious. Okay, I didn't say THAT. I did say that when they sometimes had company we could hear them quite clearly speaking loudly late at night. She apologized and said she did try to remind their friends to keep it down.

All in all it was a pleasant and productive conversation. Since then there has only been one incident and it was totally tame and tolerable.

Today they have landscapers ripping apart their driveway and yard. I am excited that the space between our two homes will likely be much more attractive and even have my hopes up that they may also put up a nice fence. The existing one is small and rickety and also has nails poking out of it along our side of the yard.

I am thinking that we may be able to peacefully coexist after all. How nice.

YouTubesday

I should just start calling this 'Twilight Day' instead. Sigh. Enjoy!

Precious

Tonight I am attending the memorial of one of my clients. Cancer stole her life from her too early. Her daughter, also a client of mine, is my age. Her daughter is not yet married and has no children. I can't help but think that her mother will never see her get married and never see the children she may one day have. And she will never be able to call her mother to ask her those questions we all have for our mothers about our kids.

I can only begin to fathom how difficult this must be. Thinking about not having my mother in my life makes me feel like I'm suffocating. And yet, I know that one day she will be gone. It makes me appreciate every single thing she does for me and my family and every precious moment we spend together.

The Best and the Worst

The best things Miss A is doing right now.

-Saying "Bless you!" when people sneeze. (I personally am doing a lot of this right now due to allergy season.) This evening she called "Bless you!" all the way from the living room while I was doing dishes in the kitchen and sneezed. My heart went all warm and fuzzy.

-Pretending. Especially pretend picnics and tea parties.

-Saying "Thank you" without being reminded.

The worst things. (This list might be longer than the first...)

-Not sleeping well.

-Sometimes refusing to do even the simplest things. Example: Putting on her jacket and shoes even when she WANTS to go where we are going.

-Screaming "Don't say DAT!"

-In general, being difficult about almost everything.

I'll stop there because I don't want to dwell on the negative. There's always good and bad in everything right?