Thanksgiving weekend recap

This will have to be a quick recap because someone {cough Pie cough} is up...

On Thanksgiving Pie tried turkey, mashed potatoes, corn souffle, broccoli casserole, pumpkin bread, carrots, and spinach squares. She ate them all, but the broccoli and carrots were her favorites by far.

My BIL's mum was here and got to enjoy her first Thanksgiving. She was beyond sweet and made this sweater for Pie. It is GORGEOUS. And she made it. Like with her hands. A real person and not a "person" at The Gap. It's a world gone mad.

Just look at the detail. Beautiful. And the color is so great on Pie. Plus it gave us another reason to wear our sparkly, red shoes.

And on top of all that it was my neice E's first birthday on Sunday. So of course there was partying to be done. Pie was fascinated. It gave her a good idea of what's coming for her in January.

After all that excitement, Pie needed a little down time. Sometimes a person just can't handle more than sitting on their mama's desk having a snack.

Hope you all had an awesome weekend!!

*****

The voting continues so vote, vote, vote...you can everyday. Please and thank you all!!!

<

More voting and Pie makes me cry...twice

I made it through the first round...whew!!! Round 2 voting started on Saturday. So vote, vote, vote! And don't forget that you can vote everyday!

*****

And now for the Pie making me cry part. That little stinker....

Last night I was putting her to bed and we were having a lovely snuggle. She burrowed in, got settled, sighed, and whispered, "mama." Cue the waterworks for me. She's made the mama noise for awhile, but has never said it in direct relation to me before. What a perfect first.

Then I finally stop weeping...I was doing it quietly of course it is bedtime after all...and she gets all fidgety. So I lean my head back against the rocker and close my eyes. About 30 seconds later I feel a tiny, little hand on my cheek. It was so gentle that I was already welling up. And then she follows the hand with a kiss. She just leaned up and planted one on me. An unsolicited bedtime kiss for mama. Forget it. I was done.

Hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving. I'll have to do a recap tomorrow.

Red Writing Hood - Thank You

What are you thankful for? Or for what is your protagonist most grateful?

Result:
I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for all of you, thankful for a space to vent and write and be myself. I am thankful for the support I've found here, the laughs and the tears all of your writing has given me.

I am beyond thankful for my family. I can't even find the words.

And above all else, I am thankful for this...

*****

And I'd be SUPER thankful if you took a second and voted for me! You can vote everyday!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Husband, Pie and I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, full of friends, family and lots of mashed potatoes!

Wordless Wednesday {When Animals Attack}

*****

So I would really hate to send this vicious giraffe to your house. The only way to prevent it is by voting...(you can vote everyday!)

A year ago today

Well not the exact date, but last year on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Husband ran into an acquaintance. An old co-worker. Pie's bio dad. I've talked about this before, but here's a little more detail...

Husband ran into Pie's bio dad (PBD). They chatted for a bit and Husband mentioned that PBD looked stressed out. PBD said that he really was, his girlfriend was 8 months pregnant and they had no idea what to do. He finished by jokingly asking Husband, "You want a baby?" Without missing a beat, Husband said yes, that we had actually been in the adoption process for about 3 years. PBD was surprised by that answer since Husband had never really discussed it at work, and said he would talk to his girlfriend.

Husband came home and told me about the random meeting, and said don't get excited, we'll probably never hear from them again. I said of course, and we went about our night. Shortly after midnight Husband got a text. PBD sent a message that he had talked to Pie's bio mom (PBM), that they were in and wanted to come talk to us. To say we were shocked is an understatement.

We decided to keep the possibility to ourselves until we had actually talked to them. So we sat through a brutal Thanksgiving, too excited to eat, too nervous to think straight. Thankfully no one was focused on us. Big Sister was pregnant and her c-section was scheduled for the 28th (the Saturday following Thanksgiving last year). My niece E is her first baby and we were all so antsy to meet her.

We also wanted the focus to be on them, because this whole situation could still turn into nothing, and E was about to make her grand entrance! So on Saturday E was born (she is perfect and completely gorgeous by the way) and then on Sunday PBM and PBD came over. We talked to them for about 4 hours. Each of us nervous, each asking lots of questions...some important, some completely inane. By the time the conversation was over, they had decided to place Pie with us and asked us to move forward and find an attorney.

The following week we met with the attorney and 7 weeks to the day that we found out about Pie she was born. For anyone doing the math, my niece E and Pie are 6 weeks apart. We later found out that PBD had not told anyone about the pregnancy. He simply decided at that instant to tell Husband about it. Can you imagine if he hadn't? Or if they hadn't seen each other? Every star in the sky aligned, every piece fell into its perfect place.

And now Husband and I (and PBM and PBD) have this amazing daughter. How life can change in a year...

*****

Speaking of Pie...I think she'd really like it if you took a second and voted for me. You can vote every day!!

A Proposal

I love Thanksgiving. For so many reasons, and several of them have absolutely nothing to do with mashed potatoes.


Last year my gorgeous niece E was born on Thanksgiving weekend. That same weekend we found out about Pie and sat down to talk to her bio parents for the first time.


I also got engaged on Thanksgiving, many, many moons ago. Husband and I had been together for 3 years and had been talking about marriage pretty much that whole time. We had finally started making actual plans earlier that year. In August we booked our wedding/reception venue, a place called Ivy Hall. It's part of an old cotton mill that has been turned into an events location.


This is the ceremony spot...and then the reception was inside and some tables were also on the deck.Anysidetrack, we had booked the location, but Husband said that it would probably be January before the engagement happened because he was still saving for the ring. Little did I know that he was plotting behind my back with the help of Middle Sister and my mom.

Thanksgiving day rolls around and husband is acting like a weirdo. He's distracted and a little snippy. We head to my parent's house and once there, he refuses any drinks or pre-dinner snacks. I was starting to get really annoyed. Eventually we head for the table to start dinner. During this time, Husband had pulled my dad aside and asked for his blessing. Of course he happily said yes.

We all sat down and started a family tradition. We like to go around the table and say what we're thankful for, one by one. When it was my turn, I was a smartass (what? me?) and said I was thankful to be getting married that year. Then I turned my attention to my niece G, who was 3 at the time, and sitting next to me. We were playing and I saw out of the corner of my eye, Husband standing up (it had been arranged that he would go last). And I thought that was rude, we were getting ready to eat.

Then I vaguely notice him on the floor, and thought, oh maybe he dropped his napkin or something. And I went back to playing with G. I don't know exactly who, but someone got my attention and I turned to look at Husband who was down on one knee. I instantly started crying, as did most of the family, it was such a surprise. And it's no easy task to surprise me.

He said what we're sure were some really sweet and lovely things, but neither of us have any recollection of what exactly. And then asked if I would marry him. I grabbed him and squeezed and kissed and cried. It was a completely perfect moment. He asked if I wanted to see the ring. It had been in his hand during the proposal, but I hadn't even looked at it. It too, was perfect.

Apparently at some point during their plotting, Husband had asked my mom how long he had to stay on his knee. Her answer was until I said yes. So the poor guy was on his knee this whole time. My mom finally said, "Say yes already so he can get up!" I said yes, he got up and then there was lots more crying and congrats and everyone laughing and hugging and looking at the ring.

We had dinner, well everyone else did, Husband and I were too excited to eat. Then we all went into the family room to watch Chicken Run. It had just come out and we had saved it to watch on Thanksgiving. As soon as the credits started, Husband passed out. He was exhausted from all the excitement. So he slept through the movie and I stared at my ring. Neither of us saw a minute of it. Now that movie is like Pavlov's Dogs with Husband. As soon as it comes on, he gets very, very sleepy.

I wonder what exciting things will happen this year...

*****

And if you made it this far, frankly I'm impressed. Impress me a little more by throwing a few clicks my way? Please and thank you!

It begins...

Alright everybody, it's time to start voting!! It's three clicks, once on the button above, once next to the blog, and then the vote button. It shouldn't take more than a few seconds. Thank you guys so much for any support. You're the best!!

Here's the info for voting: {from Blog Guidebook site}

"Round one begins Nov. 20th. The bottom five blogs will be eliminated (depending on votes). Feel free to check out the entire list and find your favorite! Round One of voting begins this Saturday!"

TRDC

Inspiration can come from many, many places as I'm sure you all know. For this week, we're going to turn to music.

Your assignment: write a piece (fiction or non-fiction) inspired by a song. It can be any song of your choosing.

If it is not clear from your story what the song is, throw us a bone and put a note at top or bottom of your post to let us know what you picked.

Rock on! (Or, you know, country up, or reggae, or a lullaby..you get the picture!)

*****

Okay so I'm going crazy...two weeks in a row outside my comfort zone. Last week with the serious fiction, and this week, non-fiction. I know! It's madness!

*****

"Oh, Mexico. It sounds so simple I just got to go. The sun's so hot I forgot to go home. Guess I'll have to go now"

My tiny feet balance on his. My little hands squeeze his strong fingers as hard as they can. They are strengthened by joy that is edged with fear. We spin. We dip. We laugh. I am completely weightless.

"Americano got the sleepy eye. But his body's still shaking like a live wire. Sleepy Senorita with the eyes on fire."

I am getting married. He wants to take dance lessons with me. For three months, once a week, we watch ourselves in the giant mirrors. My not so tiny feet try to avoid stepping on his. My bigger hands still grip his strengthened by joy. And then the wedding. The surprise at an unconventional music choice. The rumble of laughter in the room as we put on a show. We spin. We dip. We laugh. I am completely weightless.

"Oh, Mexico. It sounds so sweet with the sun sinking low. Moon's so bright like to light up the night. Make everything all right."

We are on vacation. He scoops my six month old baby girl into his arms. Her baby feet do not come any where near his, they dangle and swing under his arm. Her chubby hands grip his shirt. They are strengthened by joy that is edged with fear. They spin. They dip. They laugh. I am completely weightless.

*****

I See Her

I stare at her. And, yes, my mother did teach me it was rude. But I cannot help it.

I stare and try to memorize every curve of her face, every line, crease, patch of rosy skin. I stare and I see nothing of myself, nothing of Husband. There is not a trace of my mouth, not a hint of his eyes. There are no discussions about the hair color that was passed down from this grandmother or the funny toenail that came from that uncle. We don't know those things.

I stare and I see nothing of myself, nothing of Husband. I see her bio dad's face and her bio mom's coloring. I see all of her ethnicities shining through. They are not ethnicities that we share with her. They are hers and hers alone.

I stare and I see everything important of mine and everything important of Husband's. I see the crinkle in her nose when Husband makes her laugh. I see her hands and feet fling with joy when I come home from work. I see the trust, the peace, the love in her eyes. I see the reflection of my absolute adoration all over her face.

I stare and I see my daughter.

Could you do me a solid?

I can't believe it...but I'm in the running for the Blog Guidebook 2010 Top Blog. Woo Hoo!!

Here's the info for voting: {from Blog Guidebook site}

"Round one begins Nov. 20th. The bottom five blogs will be eliminated (depending on votes). Feel free to check out the entire list and find your favorite! Round One of voting begins this Saturday!"

So on Saturday vote, vote, then vote a little more, and then if you have some free time, vote! And keep voting all week. I totally don't want to be the first person asked to pack my knives and go/told Auf Wiedersehen/not be given a picture and have to go back to the house, pack my bags and leave immediately.

So vote and we'll be best friends forever and I'll braid your hair. And for the menfolk, I'll email you daily to tell you how manly and handsome you are. Deal? Deal!

Wordless Wednesday {Reflections}

Did you see me in the picture?

Holy Crap...she's 10 months old!

*Well 10 months old as of last Friday...I'm a little behind schedule. Don't judge me!

This has been a BIG month for you my love.

You've bumped your crawling up from regular "I'm going about my business" crawling to speed demon "Get out of my way or I'll road rage your ass" crawling. You frequently arrive at your destination completely out of breath. It really make your Dada and me laugh.

You've also decided this whole crawling business is for the birds. You want to walk. And you are trying so hard sweet girl. You fall down and get frustrated, and sometimes get a little hurt, but you are a toughy and you get back up and try again. I wouldn't be surprised if you were full-fledged walking within the next few weeks. In the meantime you love just standing around.


We're still waiting for your official first word. You say dadada and mamama and bababa (you see a theme here?). You also say things that sound very much like hi, uhoh, and yeah. But none of them seem connected to any thing or anyone. But if we ask you where Mama or Dada is, you will look around and stare at the right one of us.

You are staying in your room all night now. You aren't always asleep, but if you wake in the night you usually just fuss for a minute and then go right back to sleep. We are so proud of you for this. It makes us all so much happier than when you were waking up 3, 4, eleventy jillion times a night.

And food...you are trying all kinds of new foods! You still love your lemon slices, but now you've also tried guacamole, pancakes, biscuits, eggs, sausage, waffles, cheese, Cheerios and graham crackers. You weren't crazy about the pancakes or biscuits, but the rest you loved! You are still primarily on baby food and formula, but you are trying lots of new things.


This month was full of activities. You picked out pumpkins with your cousin E. You also went to music class with her...you guys had lots of fun!

Then we painted the pumpkins and paint got everywhere. EV.ER.Y.WH.ER.E. You had a blast until Dada tried to keep you from eating too much of the paint. (and yes, for anyone who thought this picture looked familiar, it is the one I used for The Paper Mama Christmas Card Challenge)

And you still weren't done! Then you dressed up like a ladybug and helped hand out candy.


I was a little afraid that the scary costumes and masks would freak you out. But that was silly. You thought it was great. You couldn't get to the door fast enough. It was so fun watching you.

I can't wait to see what you do this month. I'm sure whatever it is will be amazing. Dada and I love you like crazy little Pie!!

xoxox,
Mama

...And the Winner is...

* I swear I don't really sound like that...I hope...

Just too much

This week, we'll use inspiration photos from Easy Street Prompts, a site that we mentioned in yesterday's post.

We'll do this just like last time we used photo prompts. if you're a fiction writer, use the photo as your inspiration. If you are in the mood for some non-fiction, write a piece based on a life experience that the photo brings to mind.

Here are your two photos to choose from (click on a title to see the photo):
Promises
Resigned

Your post needn't be a literal translation of the photo; you may find that it simply serves as a jumping off point.

RESULT:

Vivi's eyes wouldn't survive another tear. They were swollen and bruised to the level of absurd. She had been crying for days and it felt like she would never stop. She would have been content to stay in her room endlessly, but Mother had sent her to the store for milk. Vivi knew they didn't really need milk, but Mother was clearly ready for a break from the weeping.

She couldn't believe it had only been 4 days ago when the men knocked on her door. It was every girls worst nightmare, the men in their crisp uniforms and shiny shoes. They simply asked if she was Vivian Temple and then handed her a telegram. It was the heaviest single piece of paper she had ever held. So heavy, in fact, that she could no longer stand under its weight. Vivi crumbled and hit the foyer floor at the same time as the fluttering missive.

It was a full 11 hours later before Vivi could bring herself to open the telegram.

"URGENT REPRT -(STOP)- INFANTRY UNDER ATTACK -(STOP)- LT FRANK PARKER GRAVELY INJURED -(STOP)- WILL SEND UPDATE POST HASTE"

They were getting married. It was all Vivi could think. Married as soon as he returned from this ridiculous fighting. And then they would start their lives together. They would have a lovely, church ceremony with a reception at the Holiday Inn, a honeymoon in the Catskills, and then the good part, a house of their own and a family. It would be perfect. But now...

Vivi kept breathing, kept moving. She had no memory of her activities from one day to the next. She was simply alive, but not living. The hours turned to days, and slowly into weeks. Vivi jumped at every car driving past the house, every knock on the door. She told anyone who asked that she was fine and would hear word of Lt. Parker any day now. But in her quiet moments, late at night, she had begun to doubt.

On the 27th day the men came back. Vivi was just returning home from her daily trip to the store. She was lost in thought about Mother's bones, thinking they must be stronger than ever with all the milk she had been drinking lately, when she saw them. The crisp uniforms, the shiny shoes...she saw them and froze. After a moment they turned to leave, and saw her standing like a statue at the end of the walk.

Again they asked if she was Vivian Temple, and when she nodded, they silently handed her another telegram. This time she tore it open on the spot, certain it contained the news she had been dreading.

"I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN CRYING -(STOP)- I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN WORRYING -(STOP)- I KNOW YOU LOVE ME - DONT -(STOP)- I'LL BE HOME SOON"

Vivi read the telegram again, and again, and again. After reading it for what felt like the 800th time, she ran inside.

"Mother," she called breathlessly, "MOTHER! Frank is fine! He's okay! He'll be home soon!"

Her mother's voice floated out to her from the back of the house, "That's lovely dear. Did you get my milk?"

*****

A serious story? From me? It's a world gone mad. And clearly not a construct I'm particularly comfortable in...so be gentle.

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Food

Wooo...a two post day. It's craziness.

This weeks guest judge: ME! {The Paper Mama - Chelsey}

"Food"

The challenge will be based around your children. Take or find a photo of your baby (or kid... or puppy... or kitty): Eating. Cooking. Playing with food. Near food.

Some of you long time readers may remember this one. Clearly rice cereal was not a hit straight away. This isn't the greatest picture, but it makes me laugh every time I see it!

{Hulk mad. Hulk smash.}

Hooray. Stocking.

We just got Pie her Christmas stocking!! I wanted something handmade and really special. I'm hoping this is a stocking she will have for years and years to come. Wanna see?

The amazing and talented Ashley from Little Miss Momma made it. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!

If you're looking for a stocking, or a gorgeous statement ring...

...or an insanely adorable moustache necklace...

Then go check out Ashley's Etsy store! If you're looking for sheer entertainment and a gorgeous family then check out her blog.

Little Miss Momma rocks my socks off...or stocking off as the case may be!!

** All photos from LIttle Miss Momma's Etsy shop**

Wordless Wednesday {Painting is Fun}