Terrible Two’s

5 Jul posted by pattyanne

I haven’t been able to muster any energy to write in quite awhile. My current state of exhaustion has everything to do with the terrible two’s.They are really terrible.

Elisabeth lately insists that she wants to go outside to play at 4:30 in the morning. Sheesh. It’s a good thing she’s cute.

However, there is a new strategy in place as of today. The plan is to first redirect her attention to anything else. If and when that fails, which I know it will, then we ignore the tantrum, in another room.

Perhaps we’ll build grandpa another workbench? Elisabeth thought that was fun!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on surviving the terrible two’s. Please share. Please…

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Filed Under: About Me, Parenting

Magnetized

18 Apr posted by pattyanne

Spring has sprung!

We’ve been in sprucing-up mode around here lately.

This task has inevitably created another list of projects to do. Some of these projects are things that just need to get done, like repaint the deck. Other items are just on the want list. For example, this 1980’s light fixture is very ugly. I have big plans for this light though, I need just a couple of weeks.

To help plan for these projects, we took a trip to a big box hardware store for some ideas. We’re wandering down the main aisle in a sea of gas grills with Elisabeth riding in her giant racecar cart. I’m looking at this or that when all of the sudden I hear CLANK. Chris and I look at each other and ask at the very same time, “What was that?”

I look at Elisabeth and do a quick cochlear implant inventory. Left one, check. Right side, missing. Not good.

Chris and I conducted a search in a seven grill radius. The magnetic disk that sticks to her head flew off and landed on the side of a grill.

I had no idea that was even possible! It’s almost like a magic trick…Well, now that we know our bionic baby needs to watch out for magnetic stuff we can avoid refrigerators, lockers and of course, grills.

Apparently, we also need to be cautious with cookie cutters, as evidenced below.

Yes, that is a molar-shaped cookie cutter.

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Filed Under: About Me, Hearing Loss

Aussie

5 Apr posted by pattyanne

Today my family sadly said good-bye to our beloved dog, Aussie.

My Gramma Cone and Aussie at the cabin in 2002.

I have many great Aussie memories. She was my barn dog while I taught horseback riding lessons. Aussie was a natural herder and kept the horses in line when the kids were out in the pasture catching them. She also took more than a few hooves to the head preventing my students and I from being squashed by stampeding horses. She was always protective. After I sold my horses, Aussie retired from farm work to become what I like to call a “cabin dog.”

She loved to go for walks in the woods, a dip in the lake and fetch her stick. Since I believe in doggie Heaven, I know she’s doing all her favorite things.

Baby Bear, Aussie and Indie going for a dip in Two Inlets Lake, Park Rapids MN, 2005.

Aussie, you will be missed.

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Filed Under: About Me, Dogs

And She’s Off

12 Mar posted by pattyanne

We visited the Mall of America this weekend along with five thousand Girl Scouts. I have to admit, I’ve never seen the mall so packed and it made me a little nervous. Elisabeth has been experimenting with her independence. She’ll hold my hand for a few minutes but then she wants to let go to investigate whatever strikes her fancy.

I love that she’s becoming more independent, BUT if she gets lost she’ll never hear her name being called. I guess if there was a best time to get lost it would be when the mall is overrun with Girl Scouts. I wonder if there’s a lost and found badge?

I try to tell myself not to worry but she’s this fast:

Of the one hundred photos I took, this is the least blurry.

Okay, I did get a few non-blurry ones:

I loved this window display with her name in it. I must have taken 30 pictures here, I caught this one while she was resting.

On our way out, we had to walk by the Lego store. Someone who shall remain nameless (though I call her “Elisabeth”) couldn’t just walk by, she had to stop in and play for a few minutes.

Together, we built a colorful tower. When we were done, she pulled each of the pieces apart and put them back where they belong. What a good girl, I just wish she’d do that at home too!

We made one last stop on the way out of the mall to look at the fancy dresses.

I think Elisabeth may have picked out her high school prom dress already. Now to catch her!

We eventually made it out of the mall. No one got lost, except for the car, but that was my fault.

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Filed Under: About Me, Hearing Loss

Comparison: The Thief of Joy? {A Blog Hop}

3 Mar posted by pattyanne

Welcome to the Blog Hop Comparison: Thief of Joy? where bloggers from all over the world are invited to share their ideas about Theodore Roosevelt’s quote: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Do you agree of disagree with Teddy’s POV? Please share your unique perspective.

Linking in to the Comparison Blog Hop on Dangerous Linda and Everyday Gyaan.

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Is It or Isn’t It?

Once upon a time, before I became a mother, I would have said comparison is never a thief of joy.

We compare apples and oranges, dogs and cats and basically everything that exists. When those comparisons are made one usually isn’t indicating that one fruit or pet is better than the other. They are just indicating their personal preferences.

However, now that I am a mother I’ve experienced a few situations where comparison was a thief of joy. It wasn’t a good feeling, it hurt and I walked away feeling like a failure. However, being a mom for almost two years has given me some time to learn how to deal with these situations.

Some thieves of joy and how I handled them:

Thief #1: Baby Development Books- “Your baby is supposed to be doing this by X age.” I know these are general guidelines but reading these and seeing how far behind my baby was made me feel like I wasn’t doing anything right. After a conversation and some encouragement from my parents I decided to get rid of the books. I have no regrets. Guess what? My baby has done everything she’s supposed to do on her own schedule.

Thief #2: The Shopping Mall Mom- “Oh, our kids look about the same age! Is your baby saying such and such? Because my baby is already saying three word sentences and modeling!” I tell her, Elisabeth isn’t really doing any of the things your kid is awesome at but she has a long attention span for learning, she’s been using her potty chair since 18 months, she signs over 60 words in ASL and she can walk in high heels. I think it’s important to share some things Elisabeth is good at while acknowledging the accomplishments of the S.M.M.’s child too. I feel like that way I’m not walking away feeling bad and the S.M.M. isn’t feeling like I was trying to one up her child.

Thief #3: The Low Talker- I simply won’t repeat some of the mean and insensitive comparisons these people have made after seeing Elisabeth wearing her hearing devices. Guess what, I heard you and after that first guy, I’ve rehearsed some comebacks. Low talkers everywhere, you will walk away wishing you had just kept your comments to yourself.

Life with Elisabeth is amazing and she brings so much joy and energy to my life, even when she’s cranky. When I look at her, nothing else matters. She is her own person and will do things when she’s good and ready.

So, can comparison be a thief of joy? Sure, but I prefer to find a way to quickly deal with those thieves and move on. Focusing on the negative comparisons is also a thief of time and that time is something we can never get back.

Is there any room for comparisons in parenting? Certainly! I am fortunate to have a number of friends and family with kids around Elisabeth’s age. We love comparing what our kids are up to but it’s never a competition. It’s great being able to share in the joys and challenges of being a parent.

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Filed Under: About Me, Hearing Loss, Parenting

Twenty Twelve

1 Jan posted by pattyanne

The start of the new year is always exciting for me. Rather than making resolutions this year I am focusing on my vision board and a list of things I want to try and accomplish. Elisabeth acted out her list, I think she wants to do some farming.

Chris and I rang in the New Year with crab claws and a movie, I wasn’t able to stay awake until midnight. It was a good thing though, Elisabeth was wide awake at 5 a.m. So, after a little nap, we headed to the Como Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul for their Noon Year’s Celebration.

First, we took a quiet stroll though the Conservatory too. Elisabeth pretty much had the run of the place, she held still only a few times for me to snap her picture.

It’s so fun watching her explore, walking all by herself and looking but not touching the plants. Each time we visit a place we’ve been before, she shows interest in different things. There’s never a dull moment!

Elisabeth had so much fun at the party, her favorite part was the beach ball drop. She was kinda miffed that she couldn’t get down to catch her own ball in the huge herd of people. She got over it real quick when I caught a flower covered ball.

That frown turned upside down as soon as she realized that was her ball to keep.

Happy New Year!

Wishing you peace, love and joy in 2012

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Filed Under: About Me, Exploring, Parenting, Photography

Best Friends

2 Dec posted by pattyanne

Our big dog Bear may weigh in close to the 100 pound mark, but he’s a lover not a fighter.

Tonight, we were just taking it easy and Elisabeth thought she’d like to go for a Bear ride. Bear is pretty easy going and doesn’t seem to mind because she’ll pet him too. He’ll do anything for attention.

But first, HUGS!

Check out that form, she just needs a Bear-sized saddle. I think Bear is thinking, “what the heck, there is a perfectly good pony right there.”

They had a great ride, so Elisabeth is going to wind down with a bedtime story.

This must be a great book! Note that Indie is passed out behind on the sofa…

We have some pretty good dogs. Well, except for the sneaking up on the sofa part.

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Filed Under: About Me, Around the House, Dogs, Parenting

So Long Summer

12 Oct posted by pattyanne

We’ve had an unseasonably warm fall, it was 80 degrees last week and in the upper 70s so far this week! I have been making sure we enjoy as much fun in the sun before it snows, it could be right around the corner…

Its been a busy summer and fall around here but I’ve accomplished a lot of things from my to do list. Here’s a little recap:

baby blanket, I just need to add flowers.

jewelry organizer, inspired by the one at Create-Celebrate-Explore

Baby Elisabeth has gotten so big! She took her first steps on my birthday. I couldn’t have imagined a more special gift. She still can only take a few steps before losing her balance. However, in a couple of weeks she’ll have tubes placed in her ears to help drain the fluid that’s been causing lots of ear infections. While I’m nervous about her having another surgery, I am looking forward to her feeling less ear pain, gaining better balance and taking less medication.

I’m so amazed at how far Elisabeth has come with her cochlear implant. It’s been on for three months now and she is more vocal than ever. She still isn’t saying any words besides Uh-oh but every week we hear her making new sounds and that is very exciting. Words will be here before we know it.

4 Comments
Filed Under: About Me, Crafts

The Countdown

14 Jun posted by pattyanne

Elisabeth has her cochlear implant surgery on Friday and I have been gathering some things to keep my hands busy while she’s in the operating room. Her paperwork states the procedure can take from two to four hours so I’ll need to bring a few things to do.

I have a short attention span.

My crochet project will definitely be coming along. I have been working on Elisabeth’s baby blanket since before she was born. The plan is to finish it for Christmas. I’m already thinking about my next project and that should put some pressure on me to get this one done!

I want to bring a book too. I’m currently reading For Hearing People Only. I’m borrowing it from a friend of a friend. My friend put me in touch with a gal she knows who is a sign language interpreter. We met last week and she gave me a huge bag of books and articles to read. Since I am a book nerd, I’m in heaven and I’ll have plenty to choose from.

I will also require some snacks, who wouldn’t? I should probably do a little baking before the big day.

Because I am on the verge of a complete mental breakdown it’s time for me to retreat to my garden. It’s my happy place. Well, actually my happy place is me, a bouquet of peony’s, a vintage seed catalog, having a picnic lunch in a sea of yellow snap dragons. But, my weedy garden will do for today.

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Filed Under: About Me, Parenting

Mother’s Day

8 May posted by pattyanne

Happy Mother’s Day!

I’ve had a wonderful weekend. We went up to the cabin with my parents and then spent some time with Chris’ mom this afternoon.

My mom was so nice this weekend to get up with Baby Elisabeth, who is still not consistently sleeping through the night. That means I got to sleep! I didn’t exactly sleep well because I was having nightmares about wood ticks, my second least favorite bug.

Unfortunately, I found one on my sock earlier in the day and the neighbor pulled one off Indie’s head. My mom and the cabin neighbors are the best!

Here’s a picture of my mom, me and my sister Colleen up at the cabin with all of our sunfish circa 1986.

A special thanks to my mom today and everyday for always being there, for being a great role model, and a teacher. I can’t imagine being a mom without her love, support and guidance.

Thanks Mom! I Love You!

Terrible Two’s

Magnetized

Aussie

And She’s Off

Comparison: The Thief of Joy? {A Blog Hop}

Is It or Isn’t It?

Twenty Twelve

Best Friends

So Long Summer

The Countdown

Mother’s Day

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