The Negotiator

Eva's developing language is beginning to take on new functions. Lately, she has become quite the "negotiator." Here are some examples of her little mind at work:

Her newest phrase is "right now," which follows most requests. She is getting more and more demanding so I've been reminding her to say please. Tonight, at supper, she loudly announced "more milk right now, please." (We'll keep working on those manners.)

If she'd like another treat (cookie, candy, cake....anything with sugar), she'll say: "one more," then "just one more," and finally "a little bit more, please." Grandpa Ron often falls the victim to these requests.

Yesterday she wanted to stay at the park longer. While holding up her pointer finger, she announced "more park....one more minute."

I find her 2-year-old qualities more endearing than anything. Of course we cope with the occasional temper tantrums, but I am continually fascinated by her growing development. We see new evidence of it every day.

Back to School

The start of the school year has been a happy time for all of us. I think we're adjusted to new schedules. My college recently kicked off its academic year with Convocation. Faculty, students, and staff participate in the program and tree-planting ceremony. Here is a picture of my fabulous department all decked out in academic attire for the ceremony. The colorful robes indicate the doctor's (and there are four new ones this year!!) I should have stood in the back with the other ones wearing master's robes. Maybe in a few years....

Dairy Days Fun

Our local fair is in town this weekend. Les, Eva, and I made a pass through the midway last night before Les headed up to Army duty for the weekend. The parade was this morning. Eva and I walked with "Family Connections," a local agency that puts on a lot of great programming for the community. I sit on their board of directors and enjoy supporting such a great cause. We were in the front of the parade so we were able to run back and catch a good seat to see the rest. She loved the bands with the flag girls and drum lines. Anyone who threw candy was also a favorite. Then, tonight we ate dinner there, caught a few more rides, and socialized with the people in our town.

Hobbies

With the new space and land we acquired, I was excited to plant a garden this year. Despite all of the rain, our plants did remarkably well. Between my parents' garden and ours, we had an abundance of vegetables. So, my dad and I decided to do some canning. And then some more....and some more....we now have a surplus of canned goods stored downstairs in our basement. Making our second batch of salsa...

One night we canned 25 pints of pickled cauliflower and bread and butter pickles.

Our third and final day of canning salsa produced big results.

And, the fun isn't over yet. Three jars will be entered and judged at the Belmont fair next weekend. We're hoping for some big prizes!

Snapshots of Summer

Some fun pics.... These "corn eaters" enjoy a first cook out on our new deck.

Mom and Eva pose in front of a "Ted Weier Wagon." One of many welded by my grandfather. Grandpa Ron got inspired and bought one of his own shortly after this picture was taken.

All smiles at her birthday celebration with Grandma, Papa, and Uncle Ryan.

Eva and I made a weekend trip up to visit Dad at Fort McCoy.

Our little swimmer enjoys a lake on post.

Back Blogging

Hello family and friends!

It has been awhile since I have made a post to the blog. We had a wonderful summer, but I'll admit, I got a bit behind. I began teaching an online course which had me working at the computer more than I cared too. Also, our camera was temporarily out of comission so many of our summer memories weren't captured on film. But alas, I committed to doing some posts tonight.

Our summer was very enjoyable even with Les's 6-week army duty. He enjoyed his training and courses for the most part. Eva and I did the small town summer scene with lots of visits to parks, the swimming pool, and some local events. We also spent a lot of time with family and friends.

As always, the months passed quickly and we find ourselves back at work and "school." Les is enjoying his job and the new course he is teaching this fall. I am also happy to be back and am enjoying the second year with much less anxiety than I did one year ago. Eva has adapted well to the Children's Center she attends and comes home with more new words and stories every day. The baby is growing quickly. Les and I got to take a peek during last week's ultrasound. I'm feeling healthy, happy, and hungry....life is good!

A Great Day

Our day was full of fun events and good news!

First off, Eva and I met her physical therapist at a local park for our bi-weekly session. Eva did great and Stacey commented on her developing strength and coordination. She said she has seen so much growth in the past month. In our next session she will formally assess Eva to see how she is doing. The last couple of times there has been a 4-5 month delay in her abilities. We're hoping to see that gap close.

Then, Eva, Grandma and I headed out for lunch and over to our favorite boutique which was having a sale. We found lots of cute things for our homes and had a nice time.

I returned home to find 2 dozen of the most beautiful long stemmed roses waiting for me!! They were an anniversary gift from Les - 1 day early. The were quickly followed by a phone call from him checking to make sure the package was delivered.

After a hot afternoon, I filled up Eva's swimming pool and she swam like a little fish while I watched. Days like this make me think that the stay-at-home life could be a good one!

Happy Birthday Eva!

Eva turned 2 years old today! We started the morning by visiting a park in Lancaster with Angie and Shane. The park was amazing and the kids loved exploring all of the areas. Then, it was lunch at A&W. I gave Eva the option of having Root Beer or milk. She choose Root Beer and downed it! She hardly ate anything else....but that's what birthdays are for.

She spent most of the afternoon napping after yesterday's trip to the river and today's excitement. When she woke up, Grandma and I took her to the pool for a swim. Tonight, she and I watched her favorite "froggy" movie and ate popcorn. She talked on the phone to Grandma H, Dad, and Uncle Ryan before going to bed.

We had a mini-celebration with Dad before he left for training. We'll have a party with my family on Saturday and the Hollingsworth's the following Saturday.

Eva and Shane try out the tire swing, one of many novelties at the park

The kids at A&W. Both were too full to eat the ice cream that came with their kid's meals. Lucky for them, their pregnant moms were happy to indulge!

"On the Move"

Eva has been getting an education about "things that go" this summer. We have had many opportunities to take some fun rides. Check out these pics! Eva and Mom enjoy a train ride at a local museum on the 4th of July

Cousin Nathan gives Eva a lift on a 4-wheeler. (She wasn't excited about stopping for a photo op - which explains the face.)

And, yesterday we enjoyed taking a spin on the Mississippi in the Kieler family's beautiful boat. Here she is pictured with Maddie.

Ladies of the House

Eva is sound asleep and I am enjoying the quiet of the house. Les left tonight for his first of two summer army commitments. In total, he will be gone just over six weeks - two weeks now, a return home for a week, and another month away.

Thinking back, it is amazing how things have changed. In the past, I can remember feelings of emptiness and lonliness while he was gone. While we were dating, I was the one to leave for Spain or a semester in Minnesota. I was not used to being the one left behind. The time was usually filled with work, hobbies, and nights with the girls and it always passed quicker than I anticipated.

This time, my feelings are completely different. Left with a house to keep up, a busy toddler, and two part time jobs, I feel more anxiety about keeping my head afloat than I do sadness. Thankfully my pregnancy is progressing and I am much less tired than I was in the first trimester. I do feel a little sad though, more for Eva than anything. While Les and I understand the idea of duty and obligation, she only knows that Daddy is not home. On the sunny side, he is only away for a brief time and is a short drive from home. He could be across the world for an extended time in a dangerous scenario. It's all about perspective...

Dells Get-away

We recently made a little escape up to the Dells. We tried out a time share deal where we were given some vacation perks in exchange for hearing their sales pitch. Unfortunately, the weather was not that great and we weren't huge fans of our lodging. But, we made the most of it. Beautiful weather greeted us on our last day and we took in some of the tourist attractions. Here are some pictures from our visit to Timbavi Wildlife Park and Mount Olympus. Les ride the camel to Eva's pure delight!

Eva imitates the "arms-up" motion she saw some girls do on an amusement park ride.

We had a lot of fun with the mother and baby giraffe. They loved the food we had and stretched their long tongues for a lick.

Eva plays Goldilocks and has porridge with the three bears. This set-up has been around for years and we have some old pictures of me doing the same thing as a little girl.

After a hot, fun-filled day at the parks, Eva and mom cuddle on a lawn chair.

5 Experiences You Can Only Get in the Country

Only in the country can you....

#5 - enjoy views of wildlife...in our case it's all the stray cats roaming around

#4 - revel in the natural scenery out the back windows...recently they have included our neighbors' underwear out on the clothes line

#3 - get a call from the sheriff's department complaining that your horse is tearing up neighbors' yards (okay - this was actually my dad's experience and the horse wasn't his).

#2 - be stranded over the weekend because the snow plows don't make your road a priority

And #1 - my motivation for creating this blog entry...

#1 - lay awake all night listening to the sounds of a distressed cow in labor. (It's no wonder why I'm so tired today).

You, Part Deux

Two more funny stories about Eva's use of the word you. If you didn't catch it earlier, she calls herself you. So, if she wants a juice, she'll say either "you juice" or "juice you."

#1 So, last night we were grilling out with Ryan. We were having Eva's favorite food: corn on the cob. She watched me butter her corn and then proceeded to stick her fork in the butter and copy my motions. All the while, she was happily saying "fork you" over and over.... only her r's aren't quite right... so you can imagine what this sounded like.... Ryan and Les were dying over this one.

#2 Then later, the three of us were playing cards and this conversation ensued:

Les: For the baby, I like the names _____, _____, and ______.

Lindsay: I'm open to your suggestions, but I just don't like those names.

Les (to Ryan): I've come to terms with the fact that she'll pick the names again.

Lindsay: Well, I am the one who is home with the kids the most. So, I say their names alot more than you do.

Ryan: And yet, Eva still thinks her name is you.

(Les high fives Ryan after that one and I can't help but laugh.) We've still got plenty of time to agree on names we like...

Wednesday Surprise

I surprised Eva today with a trip to Henry Vilas Zoo and a visit with Sue and Steve. We left in the morning and Eva enjoyed watching Shrek on the new DVD player in the car. We ate a picnic lunch with Sue and Steve and visited the zoo's animals, park, and carousel. After a busy afternoon of keeping up with a 4-year-old, Eva conked out for the whole car ride home and continued her nap at home (along with mom). Sue and Eva smile for the camera

Eva and Steve are "joeys" in a giant kangaroo's pouch

Eva the archaeologist

We enjoyed two carousel rides - a clear favorite at the zoo

Next Wednesday's Surprise: a day with Beth at the park and pool

Happy Father's Day!

This past Father's Day I was reminded of holidays in Arizona. Les has been saying for a while "we need to find some friends in Platteville." And, just as he ordered, our family spent Father's day in the company of friends. First stop, a walk and a trip to the park. After lunch we headed to the pool. Both places we ran into other young families in town. Then, the Bjork's stopped over with Ali for awhile. We enjoyed a gourmet Pizza Hut supper before Les and I headed out for the night to a party of one my coworkers. All in all, it was a great day. Les and Eva dine together

After many weeks and much patience...a finished deck to enjoy! Along with this, Les got a new workbench and backyard game of Ladder Ball.

Eva and Les spent some time together today while I worked out. I arrived home to find them out driving around the yard on the lawn mower. Both were all smiles!

A bike helmet for Eva

We're hoping to take advantage of the space we enjoy in the country. We've begun taking bike rides in the country. The many hills make a great workout for mom and dad. And, with Eva in a trailer behind dad, we're almost a match in abilities. I bought a bike helmet for Eva's safety. She loved wearing it for the first time last night. It was only after taking these shots that dad informed me I put it on backwards. Look! No hands!

All ready for a ride in the trailer.

Time for back blogging!

I mentioned earlier that our family took a "divide and conquer" approach to early summer vacations. My mom and I headed down to Peoria to spend Jenny's final weekend in Peoria with her. We stayed at the luxurious Embassy Suites and enjoyed shopping, swimming, movies, and eating. Here we are pictured in the hotel lobby

Grandma H gratefully took Eva for the weekend. It sounds like their weekend involved parks, swimming, a birthday party, and lots of time with aunts and cousins. The Quad Cities worked out as the perfect meeting spot. Laura, Abby, and Camryn joined Grandma on her drive up from Wapello.

Baby Camryn - still getting in lots of beauty rest

"Grandma's Girls"

And, Les headed up with many men to do those things that "men" do. I've heard lots of talk about boats, bass, and beer. At this time I don't have any pictures from that trip. I believe Les posted some on his Facebook account.

Changes

Les and I have been thinking for some time about enrolling Eva in a childcare center next year. We have been fortunate to have had her in loving, safe home environments for the past couple of years. She's getting to be such a busy body these days that we thought it might be time for a change. We added our name to the local University's center and were thrilled to get a call last Friday about an open spot for her. Today we visited the center on a tour: A glimpse of the exterior building along with the outdoor play area and "track"

This is the "Blue Room" where Eva will be next year along with other 2-year-olds. We met her teacher, Mr. Aaron and liked him immediately. In addition to him, two other college students staff the room so there is always lots of adult and child interaction.

Our family was all smiles walking out. (Although I think Eva would have preferred to stay and play with all of the toys). We feel so fortunate to have the access to such a place. There are so many opportunities to support young children's growth and development.

Play on Words

This coming weekend will be a big one for our family. We're heading in lots of different directions! Les will be heading to Balsam Lake for a fishing trip. I will be heading to Peoria for a girl's weekend. And, Eva will go to Grandma H's for the weekend. Grandpa H will be stopping in to pick up Les on the way. In preparation, Les was prepping Eva on names tonight in the car.

Les: Eva, can you say Grandma Deb?

Eva: "Ramma Dub-Dub."

(Laughter. She loves to sing lots of "dub-dubs" in the tub.)

Les: Eva, can you say Grandpa Don?

Eva: "Pa Pa Dum Dum."

(At this point Les is peeled over, laughing hysterically. Thank God I was driving.)

We still have a little work to go.... or, maybe they'll like their new names.

Hey, guess what!

I'm going to be a.... New arrival due January, 2009!!