Busy Week

This past week has been another busy one. Lucy's last day of daycare was last Friday so this will be the first full week she will be home with me. I was afraid it would be a big adjustment to have her back home with me all day but everything is just falling right back into place.

We started the week off at Emily's house for babysitting on Monday. Tuesday was spent priming and painting my stupid closets during the day, helping watch my neighbor's kids in the afternoon, and trying to fit too much in during the evening. There was a church activity I wanted to go to but there was also a "Meet the Congressional candidates" at the library at the same time. I was trying to make it to both by going to half of the library one and then going late to the church activity. But since Brandon was at Draw Night for the evening, I had Lucy and I didn't have time to go food shopping like I planned to since I was helping my neighbor, we ended up at McDonald's for dinner - only because I had a coupon to get a free Happy Meal. I do not go to McDonald's very regularly (or really, at all) so I had no idea what to get. I just ended up with a salad (okay) while I got Lucy chicken nuggets, milk (thank goodness you can substitute this now for soda), fries, and apple slices. So not a terrible meal I have to feel guilty about. But the problem was that this McDonald's had a play place and Lucy did not want to leave. So instead of leaving at making it to the library at 7pm and church at 7:30 pm, we got to the library at 7:30 pm where it was packed with no room and not really a good place for me to bring Lucy. So we immediately went to the church where the activity was very poorly attended. So the lesson - if I want to meet the candidates at the library, get a babysitter. And don't go to church activities (just kidding).

Wednesday was a much better day. My friend, Candace invited me to go with her and her son, North, to Tracy Aviary which is free every Wednesday in March (with a $1 donation). I had never been and they have actually been doing construction on it forever so it's practically brand new. And I just got my camera back earlier this week so I could take pictures!

 The kids stayed in their strollers most of the time but there was lots to look at.

 I have never seen a peacock so close.

I was so stocked when it showed its tail feathers. The workers there said he was just really vain and wanted to look at his own reflection in the doors.

 Lucy was entranced as well (but definitely a little scared too). Maybe because we just watched Kung Fu Panda 2 and the bad guy in it is a peacock.

 I think North liked the peacock...

Lucy was absolutely in love with the flamingos. And why wouldn't she be - they are her favorite color. And she is familiar with them after reading the Eric Carle books.

She needed to get a closer look at those flamingos. 

 These birds were very friendly. They came right up to the fence. No idea what they are, though.

And they had a bald eagle! I don't know why I was so excited about it. I guess it's the patriotism in me. I was amazed at how huge it was.

The golden eagle was pretty cool too and also quite large.

 Lucy sharing her snacks with North. I love that little bento box!

I don't remember what these guys were but I loved the little tufts of feathers on top of their heads.

The aviary was pretty small but manageable and we were able to get really good looks at all the birds. We ended up at the sand box to sit and chat and let the kids play. Lucy is really into sand these days.

 North is about a year and half younger than Lucy but who knows - maybe she will be into younger guys when she is older?

 My friend, Candace (who I used to work with at Salt Lake County Aging Services) is expecting another baby.

Lucy also hates shoes these days. Not just in the sand, but always.

 What a cutie!

After Tracy Aviary, we had a bunch of errands to run - trip to Target, trip to Japan Sage Market (for some treats for another church activity - International Night), and then grocery shopping at Sunflower Farmers Market.

Lucy was hungry for lunch so we ordered ramen at the Japanese store because she loves it so much.

It was a busy day but a good one. Started out a little chilly but turned into beautiful weather. Lucy fell asleep on the way home and ended up with a late nap which meant a late night but she is at such a fun age and has such a great sense of humor. She is always making us laugh.

Thanks, Candace & North, for inviting us! I think I may try to make it for one more free Wednesday next week at the Aviary.

Olive's Apples

I know this is weird but I get such a kick out of this. When I babysit Olive over at Emily house, I often give the girls sliced apples for snacks. And this is the way Olive eats them:

She won't eat the skins! But judging from her bowel movements, I think she is getting plenty of fiber from somewhere else...

Busy March

It's been a busy March since we moved back in our house. I can't believe how fast this month has flown by and now March is almost over. It feels like when I don't take pictures of what we've been up to, it's like it hasn't even happened. I still want to take pictures of all the improvements we have made to the house but my camera was out of commission and the house is actually a giant disaster because I still haven't finished painting my closets so all of our clothes are in giant heaps on the floor and stuff is pretty much everywhere. And even though I still had Lucy in daycare for the first three weeks that we moved back in so I could clean and organize and get stuff done, I feel like I barely got anything done (like my stupid closets!). And of course, Brandon was working and could only work on the house on the weekends. So in order for him to be productive (he was installing my dishwasher!!!), Lucy and I got out of the house.

The first Saturday we were back (March 3rd), I actually made it to the gym for my yoga class. I'm just aching to start working out regularly again (once I finish painting these stupid closets!!). Sunday was family dinner at Damian's where we picked up the last of our stuff there. I have no idea what we did that second week of March but on the tenth, Lucy and I skipped the gym so we could attend the Puppetry Festival at the Salt Lake City Main Library. I think I was starting to feel guilty about Lucy being in daycare so long and she is at an age where she can appreciate things a little more so when free things come along that are age appropriate for her, I jump on them.

There were several puppet shows throughout the whole day but we missed the first one. We did catch the second two though. The first one was adorable and we had front rows seats and Lucy loved it. The second one we saw was the headliner: Igor Stravinsky's "Petrouchka" by the Maritime Marionettes from Nova Scotia. It was pretty amazing because it was just this older married couple with all these marionettes. Lucy was pretty entranced (although a little frightened as well). She was most excited about the Ballerina but wary of the Moor. I've never seen a marionette performance so it was pretty interesting for me too. But my "free" activity ended up not being so free after I paid $10 for stupid parking in the library garage. I should have taken Trax in but I had all these errands to run after the library. Oh well - at least we got cultured for the day.

We went to Emily's house on her birthday for a yummy birthday dinner and cake on Sunday, the 11th but since I didn't have my camera, I couldn't take any pictures. Fortunately, Jared took some pictures so I am sure that Emily will post those pictures on her blog soon.

I went to my Republican caucus meeting on Thursday, April 15th. It was the second time I have attended (because I didn't even know what it was prior to my first attendance) and I wish we just had a primary system to vote for candidates instead of a caucus where we have to vote for delegates who vote for the candidates. At least the caucus meeting was better attended than the last one I went to but I am pretty sure I was the youngest one there and almost everyone else was much older. However, I think I am going to register as independent and go to the Democratic caucus for the next one. The Republicans in Utah are a little too intense for me.

This last Saturday, Lucy and I skipped the gym again so we could go to the St. Patrick's Day parade at the Gateway. I'm not sure I have ever attended a parade in my life. At least not in Utah. But this was close and I think it is the second largest parade of the year in Utah so I thought I should at least expose Lucy to see if she liked it. Unfortunately, it was a last minute decision so we weren't really well prepared. Parking was a bit of a pain. It was a lot colder than I realized when we got there and we weren't dressed very warmly and the blanket that I usually keep in my trunk wasn't there. I also didn't bring any snacks at all and nothing to sit on. Luckily, Lucy had her stroller but she was still pretty cold. I ended up forking over $3.50 for stupid Girl Scout cookies that some genius was selling at the parade (which is a lot for me to pay for junk food and they didn't even have Thin Mints!) because Lucy was hungry. Very nutritious snack. I think we made it through most of the parade but left before it was done.

I was pretty underwhelmed by the parade and Lucy didn't seem all that interested either, but when I asked her if she liked it, she said she did. So who knows, maybe we will make a new tradition out of it and actually be a little more festive next time (I did wear green leggings but that was about it).

The Emotions Game

Lucy plays this game. Mostly with her dad and Uncle Damian, but sometimes with me. It is really cute. She will sit in your lap and say, "You be angry, I be sad." And then she will make the coordinating face and expect you to do the same. And next she'll say, "You be sad and I'll be happy!" And it goes on. The funniest way is how she says it. I tried to take pictures of it (although I really should have gotten video of it) but it was right after she dropped the camera so the pictures are a bit blurry. But you get the idea.

You be sad, I be happy!

I be happy, you be angry!

You just have to see it in person (or play it with her yourself!). But we're mostly happy she can recognize her emotions (and our own as well). Hopefully, it's mostly happy's in our family with a healthy does of surprise!

Lucy's View

Lucy got a hold of my camera (or maybe I gave it to her to occupy her while I was on the computer...blogging). Anyway, I thought it was funny and interesting to see the world through her eyes:

Damian's girlfriend, Tamra.

No idea what this is - picture from a magazine or a photo or the iPad?

Uncle Damian!

I thought this was a really good picture of Brandon.

Her mess of a room. This is when we were still living with Damian, hence the clothes all over the floor...

Door. Very interesting. I love her little shadow though.

Wall. Even more interesting.

Guest bathroom toilet (the one she always uses).

Cabinets.

Door? I'm not sure on this one.

Definitely wall.

Outside through the front picture window. This was February 25th I think and we had some snow.

I think this is Damian's couch, but very close. I can't think what else is red.

Lucy's gingerbread house from daycare (from Christmas that she still occasionally snacked on)

Fireplace. We had some good fires but never roasted marshmallows.

My Halloween pumpkin that I never carved that turned into the Christmas pumpkin, and then the New Year's pumpkin, and then the Valentine's pumpkin. Not sure if it made it to St. Patty's pumpkin but it was still in good shape when we left.

Basket of toys and knick-knacks.

Chair.

Some of Damian's puppets which Lucy was simultaneously terrified of but entranced by.

 And this is where I think Lucy dropped the camera on the floor. After she dropped it, the lens would not retract or move at all really, so the camera couldn't focus. But we are in the kitchen now.

When she dropped it?

I don't even know how she took this picture.

Kitchen drawers.

Blue wall...but again, love the shadow.

Not sure.

Door trim.

Floor?

Dishwasher.

I would say Lucy was a pretty good photographer...or I have a pretty good camera with auto focus. That is until she dropped it. That is the last time I give her my camera for entertainment purposes. And she is getting old enough to reason with that I can remind her how she broke it. I was kinda waiting for the camera to fix itself (because the lens actually had problems when I first opened the box but I think Lucy dropping it exacerbated the problem) but I eventually called up customer support and it was still under warranty (they didn't ask me if how the problem occurred with the lens so I didn't offer up the information - dishonest?). So I sent it in and only had to pay for the shipping and I finally got it back this past Monday all fixed and perfect. Hooray!!

The Things She Says

I just need to record these things before I forget them because they are too funny.

The other day, I was cuddling with Lucy on the couch and she said, "Once, when I was a baby, I dreamed of your boobies." With the amount that you nursed, honey, I'm sure you did.

Now, she is playing with her cousin, Olive's Leapfrog Laptop which is interactive. It asked Lucy, "What has tentacles?" And Lucy replied, "My mommy does!" Apparently, I'm octo-mom now.

And since you personalize the laptop, it refers to you by the name of the owner, which is Olive. But Lucy has totally monopolized it since Emily took it out and every time it says, "Hi Olive," she screams at it, "I'm Lucy!" At least she isn't screaming at Olive.

Daycare Shamrock Party

Lucy's last day of daycare was today. I'm really happy but a little sad too. I still have some projects that need to be finished around the house but I miss my little girl. I'm hoping that I can still get a few things done each day with Lucy home. I suppose if I'm really unproductive, I can stick her in a few days more. And I guess if I ever need a day off here or there, I can always check to see if they have some room open.

Our daycare provider, Miss Mary e-mails me pictures of Lucy sometimes too. Here is her latest:

I love the little green ribbon crown. And I love that the weather has been so gorgeous outside. We'll have to do our own little St. Patrick's Day festivities tomorrow.

Movin' Monday

This all seems so long ago but it was really just a few days ago. When we woke up on Monday morning, we were all feeling a little crappy. I can't remember why - maybe Lucy had a rough night or we got to sleep a little too late? But we were lamenting that we weren't back in our house yet because we were originally planning on moving all our stuff that had accumulated at Damian's house (which is a lot of stuff) back to our house this past weekend, but then Brandon went to St. George with Adrian. On a whim, I suggested that Brandon take the day off of work and that we move all our stuff back to the house that day. Brandon totally got on board with me - it was a little slow at his work so the timing worked out perfectly. And Lucy had daycare so we could work uninterrupted with getting things organized. We actually didn't have many boxes to move back - it was really just our clothes and Brandon's computer and other odds and ends that we had brought over little by little. So we packed our car and the Blaster (Brandon's parents' Ford Expedition) with laundry baskets of clothes and shopping bags of Lucy's books and DVDs and got on our way.

Brandon mostly took care of setting up the office so that he could get right to work (it's a little depressing how dependent we are on computers these days but it's hard not to be connected!). Thank goodness we had moved the majority of our big furnitire (couches, beds, desks) the previous Monday. But there was still a lot of cleaning and organizing to do, especially in the bathroom and the kitchen which were the only rooms that we did not renovate (even though they are in sore need of some major TLC and I'm already itching to start ripping apart and putting back together again) and became the catch-all for random tools and stuff. And we are still living out of our suitcases and have clothes piled on the floor because I haven't finished paining the closets. But I figure, we might as well live out of suitcases in our own home instead of Damian's house where we have a shorter commute and longer work day (it's so nice to be able to do little projects in the evening!).

This week, Lucy has still been attending daycare while I am cleaning and organizing. I couldn't believe how filthy my kitchen and bathroom got but I guess it is to be expected after 7 months of construction and neglect. The amount of dust that accumulated was unbelievable. And I had to clean out my fridge and freezer because I am pretty sure that at some point, the power got turned off when we were doing electrical and I'm not sure for how long so better to be safe than sorry and get rid of all the food in there. And then, I had to go shopping to restock a lot of food in my kitchen. I think I took for granted how long all this stuff takes!

But we are officially moved in and the house is starting to feel like home! I missed my bed so much and after everything we have done to the house, I just LOVE it!! There is still much to be done in terms of purging a lot of our stuff and organizing and making sure that everything has a place. But after seven months, it is good to be home!!!

Thank you, Mr. President...

For giving us President's Day! We didn't even know that Brandon had the day off from work. And fortunately, Lucy's daycare was still being held so we were able to drop her off and move a lot of our furniture in from our garage and basement back into the renovated portion of our house (although we still have plenty of other work and touch-ups to do, we are itching to get back in and can work around our furniture now). Before we did all that though, we did stop by Ikea so Brandon could pick up a new office desk and I could pick up the $10 duvet set that was on sale that day.

What do you think? It can adjust to be a standing desk which is what he wanted...more pictures to come.

Can't beat $10 for a duvet set.

 We also tried to take advantage of the free breakfast promotion that they were offering that day but the line was outrageous! As much as I like free stuff, we were not willing to wait in line for an hour just to get free breakfast worth $1.99 (well, I might have but Brandon would not). But I did manage to score a free frozen yogurt for Lucy for signing up for Ikea Family (which I have been wanting to do anyway). Then we dropped Lucy off at daycare (4 hours late) and she played and we worked on the house. We did have some fun with Lucy in the evening though. We went to the movies to see The Secret World of Arrietty with Damian, his girlfriend, and her son.

We are big Studio Ghibli fans and I hadn't heard much about the film at all but it was really lovely. Very gentle and hopeful with a strong female protagonist, of course. I would highly recommend it. Here is a great review from Huffington Post. And Lucy was a gem at the theaters. I'm excited to start bringing her more often to other children's movies because she loves it (and I do to - I mean, is anyone else totally excited about seeing Brave?).

The rest of the week was a bit of a whirlwind. Lucy and I went to babysit at Emily's house on Wednesday but that evening, Brandon and I had a date night to get sushi at the Flying Sumo in Park City with his friend, Thu and his girlfriend, who were visiting from San Francisco.

Then Brandon's brother came into town the next afternoon for the weekend so he and Brandon could do a hike in St. George. So Lucy and I had a girls' night on Friday and were going to sleep over at Emily's house on Saturday night but the boys ended up returning a day early. When I heard about their little trip, I kinda wished Lucy and I had tagged along to enjoy the nice weather but it was all a little short notice and I have to teach my little 5 year olds at church and didn't think we would return in time. But at least Lucy got to spend a little quality time with her Uncle Adrian Saturday and Sunday. We got dinner at Corner Bakery Cafe Saturday night (mostly because I had coupons there but I also love their food) and had a family steak dinner on Sunday after church (which Adrian and Damian were completely in charge of - I love it when I don't have to cook!). Of course, I didn't take any pictures of my own of all the activities but my camera is still a little broken and I'm not sure what to do with it :(