Karen Chatters » 12 months

Family time

Karen — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:32:15 +0000

My parents came in town this weekend for a long overdue visit. I mean, I’d seen them about 6 weeks ago but my kids hadn’t seen them since August and in kid-time, that’s a long time. When changes happen by the hour, months can seem like years. I’ve mentioned before that I hate that we live so far from my family so the time we do get to spend with them is hugely important to all of us. Sadly for my parents, they picked a weekend that was fraught with snot and coughs and germs flying everywhere. Total bonus for me though, Paul was out of town for a long overdue boys weekend so instead of single-parenting, I had 4 extra hands to help out.

I can’t say the weekend was a thrill a minute or anything. WIth all the germs and nastiness floating around, we didn’t get to do a lot. There were a lot of walks with Courtney and my folks and TONS and TONS of books. Courtney even treated us to a little ballet recital, which is always something to behold. Patrick wasn’t sure what to make of my folks and every time I left the room, you’d have thought someone chopped a limb off. Hopefully we’ll get to see more of my folks in the future and Patrick won’t be so unsure of his safety.

My newly-21-year-old cousin posted on Facebook how happy she was her folks had gone to visit her at college over the weekend and stocked her fridge. I responded to her that at almost 40, that feeling is still there. And while my folks didn’t stock my fridge (although it wasn’t for lack of trying, dad struck out in the produce department), he did take my car for an oil change and to the tire store for a tire check. Even at this age, it’s great to have your parents take care of you!

I will say the highlight of my weekend was when Courtney gave me a huge hug and said, “You’re my best friend.” I could have cried. These kids really do just get better and better.

He needs to work on his manners

I love couch cuddles, the story time and moments spent together

My little ballerina

And more reading - I love that Courtney is so HUGELY into books

Wordless Wednesday, Pack and ship

Karen — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:37:06 +0000

What can I say, this boy likes small and confined spaces. It kind of worries me…

Tricks on us

Karen — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:00:46 +0000

For days now, weeks really, we’ve been talking about Halloween. Courtney would be Ladybug Girl and Patrick would be Tigger. We’d go to peoples doors, knock, say the “trick or treat” line and a thank you and move along. That was all excellent, in theory. The evening started out with Patrick landing HARD on his face in a stellar baby wipeout complete with goose egg smack dab in the middle of his forehead. That should have been a sign. I attempted to put Patrick in his 12 month Tigger costume. HA, that was a joke. There was no way my 12 month old was fitting into that. The good news was that we had Courtney’s costume from last year which was perfectly appropriate for a boy. Except that Patrick HATED the hood.

The VERY unhappy monster

We headed out onto a beautiful fall night and were home before my roadie was finished. As a matter of fact, the remainder of my roadie ended up being poured down the drain. Courtney was very confident with the houses where we knew the people. As for the rest of the houses, well, that’s where she lost interest. We did make it to 8 or 9 houses before heading home, so that’s something. I am glad that I didn’t spend a ton of time or money or energy on costumes for an hour of wearing them. I do think that Courtney had just as much fun handing out candy as she did getting it, so at least she enjoyed the evening. Next year though, I’ll be more cautious when picking out a drink.

Ladybug Girl

The unhappy monster and his hugely concerned sister

A letter to my boy on his first birthday

Karen — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:16:32 +0000

(Or a couple of days after…)

Dearest Patrick,

I can’t believe it’s been a year since you came barreling into my world. It’s a cliche for sure but it seems like only yesterday that we were at the hospital, waiting to meet you, waiting to see if you were a boy or a girl. Waiting to see what life had in store for us. Waiting for them to pull you out of my stomach and place you into my arms. You were well worth all 40 weeks and 5 days of that wait.

There are no words to describe a mothers love for her children. There is no way for me to explain to people how wonderful you all are and what joy you’ve brought into my life. Apparently, I can’t even explain it to myself. The year we’ve had has brought me a fear unlike any I’ve ever known. Your surgery took me to a place I don’t ever want to go again. My heart was bursting for you, my mind was spiraling for you, my soul was crying for you. I knew that I loved you but I’m not sure that even I knew just how much. You are a miracle and a wonder to me. Your smile and your laughter bring me such joy. Your scooting across the floor and your love of food just make me laugh. Your admiration, and tolerance, of your sister endear you to me even more. And your big blue eyes will probably get you anything you want in life, forever.

Thank you for being you and rounding out our family so perfectly. Thank you for being such a wonderful baby and a huge love. We never expected that you would be so good all the time, we didn’t think we could get that lucky twice. But you are and for that I truly thank you. If the rest of our years are like this first one, minus the surgery and fear, I can only imagine the ride that we’re in for. The joy. The laughter. The love.

I love you little man.

Christmas is over?

Karen — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:36:24 +0000

Courtney has decided to take the decorations off the tree. I didn’t realize Christmas was over already.

And a minute after posting this, Courtney broke two ornaments so this went up.