Moving Up

I've been meaning to post this for a while... better late than never. (It's the motto of my blog.)

Jane became old enough to go to nursery in November - but we had stake conference, and so she only went once. Then we were so sick in December she only went once too. She LOVED it. Never even gave me a backwards glance as I walked out. So cute to see her in there with Jacob., for their little overlap.

She liked looking at all the books,
and playing with the toys.

She needs to keep her eyes on her snack!

Then, in January Jacob became a Sunbeam. I can't believe he's such a big boy! Here I am dropping him off (Sacrament mtg is during Jane's nap time, so she's sacked out on my shoulder.) I hate this picture of me - but it's the only one Rick took of us together, so we're stuck with it if we want to remember I was there!

His BFF Colin, is in his class along with several other good buddies of his. Such a cute little group.

The boys & their teacher.

Skiing

I haven't skied for about 10 years (maybe more.) I love skiing, but got to the point in my life where I was so busy being a single parent and finishing school, that I never had time - though I did take Rebekah a few times and teach her when she was little.

Then I married Rick, and moved to Brooklyn. We didn't have a car, and the opportunity never presented itself .... it seemed each time we went to Utah in the winter I was pregnant, or had a nursing baby ... my knees got bad. There has just never seemed to be a good time.

Well, this year I decided it was about time my kids learned to ski. I took a bunch of Ibuprofen, ace wrapped my knees and headed off with Emily.

I got her a lesson to begin with. She had a shaky start ....

and a few falls!

But the teacher was sweet with her, and Emily always has a positive "can do" attitude.

Before long she was doing a great job!

She had a great day. I took my little camera - and didn't notice the smudge on the lens until later - ignore the blur in the middle of the picture!
After a positive experience with Emily, we bought her her own gear, and have been a couple more times. We hope to get a few family days in this season, and get better.

As luck would have it, Rebekah's old gear fit Jacob, so he has had a few lessons too. He's not old enough for ski school, but can get private lessons, so we've been doing that. I take him up mid-week, when it's not so busy. Of course, this day (when I took the camera) we forgot his coat! His goggles also got stolen, we forgot Emily's gloves and Jane spent most of the time crying and banging on the door of the day care - to get in - because she was in the lodge with Rick and wanted me. We chalked that day up to experience, and bought a big "team bag" to keep all our gear together, and have planned to put Jane in the day care if we're there all together.

I don't have huge expectations for Jacob for this year, I'm just hoping he'll get some exposure, work out his balance, and have fun. Then next year, he should be a little ahead of the game when he starts.

Fortunately he thinks falling is great fun.

Man, I love this kid!

I have really been enjoying Jacob a lot lately. Make no mistake, he is still a HANDFUL, and I am always exhausted - but I also just get such a kick out of him. His speech has really improved and it's fun to be able to have more discussions with him, and get a glimpse of what goes on in his head.

Here are a few recent favorite moments with Jacob;

* Having some loose stools he told me "Mom, I have melting poop."

* He carried a barbie doll in a very fancy get-up everywhere for 3 straight days and called her "my princess."

* Making dinner in the kitchen while he sat coloring at the dining table. I hear "Sorry Mom, I never ever do it again!" He had taken one of Jane's hair clips, and scratched many gouge marks into the wood.

* Having multiple discussions where I tell him that rays ARE NOT sharks, they are their cousins. He is still not convinced - he pointed out they have no blow hole and do have gills. Why wouldn't they be sharks? I love his self confidence!

* Walking into the basement in time to catch him standing on the train table dancing, and belting out some Hannah Montana (while watching himself in the patio doors.)

* That he cannot, for the life of him, remember how to say "skiing" - so he calls it "ice skating" every time!

* All the cuddles, and kisses and "I love you"s. He is such an affectionate boy.

* Watching him play with his sisters. He and Jane are such buddies, and he adores and copies the big girls.

* He has tried everyday for a week to convince me that it is OK to go to the beach in the wintertime.

* Seeing him get better at setting the table and making his bed and having pride in being able to do his own jobs.

I love you Jake!

Fish

I am always concerned when Jacob does anything that Emily has previously done. He has a very different personality, and I worry that his teachers will expect him to be like her, and not appreciate him for his own strengths. So far, my fears have been unfounded. He LOVES swimming and responds well to the teachers and the children's librarian thinks he is a delight (story-time was also an Emy activity.)

Last week he earned his "fish" badge. He already got his starfish, which is for safety (being able to jump in, then get yourself back to the edge & out, floating, etc.) The fish badge is a biggie - you have to be able to swim across the pool unassisted. For me, this is the marker for when my kids go from being "non-swimmers" to "swimmers". He won't even be 3 1/2 until April, so I'm really proud of him for earning it. Of course, I'll still keep an eagle eye on him in the water, but it's great to see him swim and enjoy it and do well. It's a great outlet for all that energy!

He is excited to have it sewn on his towel (like I do with all Emy's badges) and we all made a huge fuss of him congratulating him that evening. He pretended not to like all the attention (he was less than co-operative in taking pictures with the badge), but I know he really liked it.
What a super kid.

Fashionista!

Jane is an "all-or-nothing" kinda girl.

When it comes to her wardrobe, she has very strong opinions. She can dress and undress herself with ease, even though Jacob still has issues with some items.

Though she really enjoys the many layered look,her birthday suit is, by far, her preferred "outfit."

She has waged all-out war on any kind of outerwear, which might be OK if we lived in Southern California - but we do not. We live in NY, where my wet hair actually FROZE in clumps coming home from seminary early one recent morning. To get her coat on requires a huge struggle, and lots of crying. The second we enter any building (even if it's just the dry cleaners for 2 minutes) she strips it off, only to have to go through the struggle again. I'm not kidding, we have the coat fight 8 - 10 times a day, at least.

She has also decided she hates socks. She pulls them off faster than you can say "your feet will get cold" and has yet to keep a pair on overnight. That one I don't fight (picking my battles.) I do insist on particularly cold days, but think I just need to buy her some baby Uggs, so she can go sock-less AND be warm.

Shoes however, she is IN LOVE with. We do not wear shoes in our house - Jane doesn't particularly agree with this rule. We have compromised by letting her often wear her favorite black patent leather shoes, since they haven't been worn too many gross places, like in playground mud or goose poop at the duck pond. She also REALLY loves her pink camo rain boots. They are very cute and helpful in the rain, but not practical for everyday wear. Try telling Jane that! She has hard time keeping them on when she walks, and they fall off instantly when her feet are dangling from her car seat - creating wailing and lots of frantic
"UH-OH's" on our journey. She especially loves red shoes, and was devastated when she grew out of the sweet little one's I bought on our trip to Australia. I just ordered some new red one's for her - good for running and climbing, but still cute too.

The kid cracks me up. She is so strong willed (I know - we don't know where she gets it either.) I'm not sure if I should try and nip it in the bud, or just start saving for some Jimmy Choo's for her 1st day of kindergarten!

All Is Well

Everything went very well today.

EVERYONE at the hospital was completely lovely to us. I don't think Jane was worried a bit. They gave her a new little stuffed animal in admitting (it's a cat, but she's calling it "puppy.") They never separated us at all, through the whole admission & prep procedure. It reminded me a lot of when I worked at Primary's - completely child focused.

We were there at 6:30am for admitting. I got in all my gear (Jane thought the hair cap was funny) and went back with her to the OR around 7:30. That was the hardest part. I wasn't really worried about the dental work, I was worried about the general anesthesia - she's so little, she's never had it, what if there was a bad reaction, what if she had trouble coming out of it .... The room and equipment was so big, the table was so big, her body so small. She seemed so vulnerable. Still, they never took her from me. I held her on my lap, and the anesthesiologist told her to "blow up the balloon" (a trick I've heard before.) She fought the mask a little, so I held it on her and felt her body go limp, and saw her eyes droop. I put her on the table - they had a cute air filled teddy bear covered warmer for under her .... I gave her a huge kiss, and walked out (sobbing.) I really don't know how parents with serious issues do this - so different to be on the receiving end!

I went to the parents waiting area, where they gave me a pager, and said I could go and eat, and they'd page me if they needed me. I got a bowl of oatmeal and some OJ and went back. I took a cross stitch with me, and the book club book to read, and snacks, and a water bottle. I was planning on a long wait, but it was faster than we thought. They only took about 2 1/2 hours, and didn't need to do any root canals, nerve work or caps. She said a few were under her gum, and she had to dig a little, and her gums would be tender - but really a great outcome.

I went back to recovery, to be with her as she woke up. She was crying, agitated & disoriented, but I held her and she started to calm down. She was retching, so they gave her some Zofran. They also gave her Fentanyl to slow her waking up a little, and help with any pain she may be having. I held her and rocked in the rocking chair for about another hour and a half, and then she started to wake up happy. She was thirsty, and hungry. She sipped water, and ate some crackers, then some apple cake. She was smiling and talking, and other than wanting her IV out, was happy.

At noon, they said we could come home. They gave her a teddy bear (and one for Jacob) in recovery. They warned me that she might get nauseated in the car - she did, but I told her to close her eyes, and she fell asleep. She was a little shaky on her legs the rest of the day, and took another brief nap in the afternoon - but otherwise seemed her happy little self.

THANK-YOU to everyone who said prayers on our behalf, who worried with us, and called to see how she was doing, and to Kathryn for bringing dinner. We love you, and feel grateful and blessed to have such great family & friends and access to great medical care, and really (despite December) healthy and vibrant children!

I am one happy, and relieved, Mama!

Anxious (me, not Jane.)

Jane and I are heading to the hospital tomorrow morning (we need to be there by 6:30am) for her dental work. She's scheduled to go under at 7:30 - they said it will take 3-4 hours, then recovery.

Every time I've thought about it today, I've cried; at the image of her tiny little body on a table (or whatever they'll use), wondering if her jaw will hurt from being held open that long, thinking about the IV being placed, wondering if she'd be scared, wondering if I could stay happy enough so she didn't pick up fear from me, etc, etc. I had to make myself stop thinking about it.

I know this is really not a big deal, in the scheme of things - it's a trip to the dentist, with complications. Yet, it is a big deal, when it's your baby. I don't know how people with kids with real illness or chronic illness do it .....

I'll post later about how it goes. I'd love it if you could remember our sweet little Janie in your prayers.

New pics!

I just finally posted pictures from Christmas morning (and now we can all move on.) I wanted to keep the posts in chronological order, so scroll down past the girls birthday posts if you'd like to see them!

Beef & Bok Choy Hot Pot

In our house, you get to choose what you'd like to eat for dinner on your birthday. Rebekah chose beef & bok choy hot pot, which is one of our favorite winter meals.

This is so easy, I thought I'd post the recipe. Of all things in my cooking arsenal, I am am worst at red meat. I don't like to eat meat much, so have never been that motivated to learn how to do it well. I do lamb well (because I like lamb), but not really anything else. This is easy, because no real skill is required. The long simmering time makes the beef tender. The flavors blend well together, and the touch of cinnamon makes it so fragrant when it's cooking. So yummy on cold winter nights.

This is not the best photo (it tastes better than it looks here) but we ate it all, so I can't take another picture ....

Beef and Bok Choy Hot Pot

2 1/4 cups water
3/4 cup low-salt beef broth
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 1/4 cups chopped green onions
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 cups thinly sliced bok choy
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced carrot
2 cups hot cooked wide rice noodles

Combine first 6 ingredients, stirring with a whisk; set aside.

Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add beef, browning on all sides. Add broth mixture, green onions, garlic, and ginger; bring to a boil.

Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until beef is tender. Stir in bok choy and carrot, and cook 5 minutes or until tender.

Serve beef mixture over rice noodles.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups beef mixture and 1/2 cup noodles)

Here are my variations. I use all beef broth instead of mixing broth & water. I don't add oil to the skillet, I just use a little spray of pam. I don't use stew meat, I buy a good lean cut, and cut it into small thin strips, which I think gives it more of an Asian feel.

This recipe lends itself well to make ahead. I usually slice and brown the meat, and store in in the fridge for the day. I chop the carrots, bok choy and onions all in the morning. Then in the afternoon I can just combine everything. I add the carrots for about 5 mins, but usually toss in the bok choy only a minute or 2 before serving, so it stays bright green. I double it for our family of 6, we usually have some leftover for me for lunch the next day.
Not bad re-heated as leftovers either.

Happy Birthday Rebekah!

Rebekah turned 15 years old yesterday!

Happy Birthday Rebekah!

I can't believe you're 15. I can't believe you are taller than me. I can't believe you're my tech support. I can't believe that in a year you'll be driving, and in 3 (less than Jacob has been in our family) you'll be off to college and making your way bravely and capably in the world on your own. I know this is cliche, but I feel like you were just my little (screaming) baby last week. You are growing into a great young woman.

You are awesome, and we love you!

Happy Birthday Emily!

My sweet angel baby has turned seven. SEVEN! Really, time races by.

I try really hard to make sure her birthday is recognized, and separate from Christmas. We open birthday gifts after dinner. They are never wrapped in Christmas paper, etc. The part I think I always get a little lame on is the cake. She has always been happy with it, but I thought about it this year, and vowed to make a special effort next year. Even if I don't make it, I'll go to a good bakery and order one, rather than grabbing one at Stew's when I'm getting our other groceries.

She was delighted with her gifts. Favorites were the playmobile camper and clothes for her Bitty Baby to match Jane's and -

Webkin from Rick's Dad.

Tomie dePaola book from my parents. This is the same one we donated to the school library, in her name - so it's fun to have our own copy too.

Hannah Montana CD from Rebekah. Rick got a new iPod for Christmas, so we're giving Emily his old mini. Rebekah had promised to wipe it and start loading on her songs this weekend. 1st to go on??? Both Hannah Montana CD's, and the soundtrack to "Enchanted".
Also, mixes I have made for her over the past few years.

Emily, you are pure joy to be around. I am so excited that you like baking, and watching the food network and reading. I am happy you love crafts and sewing, and want to learn to knit. I think you like all those things independently, and not just because I do (though I hope I have influenced you.) I am so looking forward to spending time bonding over these interests as you get bigger. I appreciate how patient you are, and how gentle with your younger siblings (even when Jacob is pounding on you.) Your sunny attitude and willingness to please can make any day bright.

You are an amazing kid, and we are so blessed to have you in our family. What would we ever do without you?

Christmas Morning

Here are the last of the Christmas pictures -

Not sure how I got this weird angle, but it's the only one I took of them coming down the stairs!

Excited.

The x-box was a "family" gift - and most of the family have played it - but getting guitar hero, was Rebekah's dream come true.

Stocking loot.

Notice Jacob's right hand? That is his beloved leopard shark. He loves it and carries it everywhere. He opened most of his gifts without ever putting it down.

Handy Dandy notebook. (Mindy, you are awesome for finding these!)

Mack, and "little blue cars."

For a few years now, Rebekah has been old enough to enjoy helping the little kids open their gifts before moving on to hers. I love to see her share their excitement.

Jane, opening her Bitty Baby.

She was SO excited, and loved her instantly. EXACTLY what I was hoping for.

Though, she got a little distressed when she couldn't get her out of the new stroller.

A purse!

The best way to see what's inside, is to dump it all out.

Isn't this cute - she's trying to put one of her new hair clips in her hair. She's finally started leaving them in. I'm hoping that we can keep Jacob & tangling train wheels away from her head, and she'll actually be able to grow back those sweet curls this year.
A puppy! We added extensively to our already massive plastic animal collection. My kids play with those things every single day! One of the best toys we ever invested in.

Jane has never taken a bottle in her life. I don't know that she's ever even seen a baby with one - yet she seemed to know just what to do with this toy one!

Unwrapping!

"Yes, it is!!! It's my bulletin board."

Opening a shared gift (matching Bitty Baby outfits) with Jane. They are so cute together.

Em's favorite - nutella!

An unexpected benefit of having our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, was that I didn't spend all day cooking. We always have a big brunch - which Rick mostly made while I went back to bed! So nice to be able to spend the day relaxing and playing with the kids. All in all, a wonderful day.