As a child, summertime was my FAVORITE time of year (isn't it everybody's?)! The warmth of the air, the smells (one of my favorite smells of summertime is when the rain hits the hot pavement!), the green foliage, the length of daytime...I could go on and on! We are in MI for a few weeks on vacation, and it is definitely summertime! We just got in yesterday evening, and we've already been swimming. Emma likes to jump off of the diving board and swim to the ladder. This is in 12 feet of water! August seems to enjoy relaxing outside, he looks around at all of the new sights and sounds.
The kids did a fabulous job traveling yesterday. Emma really seemed to enjoy the plane ride(s) and while seated, she started at the wording on the back of seat in front of her. It said "Flotation device underneath seat". She looked at the word seat and started to sound it out. David said "let's sound that word out...the first letter is s...what sound does that letter make?". Emma said "sssssssssssseat!" She read the word!
Looking forward to almost 3 weeks of relaxation and awesome weather in MI. Stay tuned for updates and posts!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Emma-isms
Emma is SO cute today. She has said some really adorable things that I have to write down!
She has pretty much given her naps up, but we make her lay down everyday to rest and have some quite time. Sometimes it works, but most times it doesn't. Today she came out of her room after laying down and said:
"Mommy, I don't have anymore yawns."
It is raining this afternoon so I set her up with her new movie, Cars (for making good choices, aka having good behavior). I was doing some work in the office and Emma called for me. I went out to the living room and she said:
"Are the birds eating the rain?"
A few weeks ago, I volunteered in her classroom at preschool. They went around at circle time telling everybody what they had for breakfast. When they got to Emma, she said she had french toast. Her teacher asked if August had french toast too, and she said:
"No, he had breastmilk".
So innocent and honest!
Leaving you w/ some pics of her talking on the phone w/ Mimi and Papa. They went back to MI for the summer and she misses them!
She has pretty much given her naps up, but we make her lay down everyday to rest and have some quite time. Sometimes it works, but most times it doesn't. Today she came out of her room after laying down and said:
"Mommy, I don't have anymore yawns."
It is raining this afternoon so I set her up with her new movie, Cars (for making good choices, aka having good behavior). I was doing some work in the office and Emma called for me. I went out to the living room and she said:
"Are the birds eating the rain?"
A few weeks ago, I volunteered in her classroom at preschool. They went around at circle time telling everybody what they had for breakfast. When they got to Emma, she said she had french toast. Her teacher asked if August had french toast too, and she said:
"No, he had breastmilk".
So innocent and honest!
Leaving you w/ some pics of her talking on the phone w/ Mimi and Papa. They went back to MI for the summer and she misses them!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Welcome August James! (seven weeks later...)
Most of my blog followers already know this but I had to make it official...
Meet our newest addition, August James. He was born Friday, April 3rd at 7:51am. He weighed 8 pounds even and measured 21.5 inches long. We had quite a scare with him at first--he spent the first week of his life in the NIC--but he has recovered 100% and is just perfect!
I have to admit, it's difficult finding time to photograph my OWN child! Here are a few shots from his second week of life. He's such a love!!
Meet our newest addition, August James. He was born Friday, April 3rd at 7:51am. He weighed 8 pounds even and measured 21.5 inches long. We had quite a scare with him at first--he spent the first week of his life in the NIC--but he has recovered 100% and is just perfect!
I have to admit, it's difficult finding time to photograph my OWN child! Here are a few shots from his second week of life. He's such a love!!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
This has to be documented...
Today Emma was finishing lunch and I was putting a load of laundry in the dryer. Here is our conversation:
Emma: Mama! I have something to tell you!
(comes running across the house to me)
Me: What pumpkin?
Emma: I finished my iced animal cookies...were they a snack?
Me: No, they were part of your lunch. (she had a HEALTHY lunch...these were just a bonus)
Emma: Well, then can I have more lunch?
NICE thinking two steps ahead there, Emma! She does this all the time...she thinks two steps ahead to get what she wants. Oh boy.
I realize I've neglected the blog AGAIN...stay tuned for pics of our new addition and new posts!!!
Emma: Mama! I have something to tell you!
(comes running across the house to me)
Me: What pumpkin?
Emma: I finished my iced animal cookies...were they a snack?
Me: No, they were part of your lunch. (she had a HEALTHY lunch...these were just a bonus)
Emma: Well, then can I have more lunch?
NICE thinking two steps ahead there, Emma! She does this all the time...she thinks two steps ahead to get what she wants. Oh boy.
I realize I've neglected the blog AGAIN...stay tuned for pics of our new addition and new posts!!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Final Countdown...
ONE WEEK TO GO until we meet our little Bino! I keep trying to imagine what it will be like when he/she is here. I keep wondering if it's a boy or girl...how Emma will react and adjust...how we will react and adjust...there is so much to consider. But mainly, I just want the baby to be healthy. I feel so blessed to be able to conceive and carry my own child. I know too many people who are unable to do so. These last few weeks have definitely been a labor of love, but I know it's all worth it in the end.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
3 Years Old!!!
3 years old?!??! When did that happen? It seems like just yesterday we were bringing our baby home for the first time! It really is amazing how fast time flies. Emma's birthday party was last week and it was a huge success! She enjoyed herself immensely! She kept asking "is my birthday here yet?". I think she expected to "see" her birthday, rather than experience the day. Too funny.
Here are some pics to recap the day...we had a "cupcake" theme and I baked the kids' cupcakes in ice cream cones so they could hold them and decorate them. Unfortunately, being the hostess that I am (haha), I had no time to take a lot of pics! Therefore, I have none of the kids decorating. :(
SOOO Excited!
Asking: "Is my birthday here yet?" Isn't her tutu adorable? My talented niece, Angela, made it for her! Along w/ the bow and princess wand.
Balloons...I tried to get shots of the rest of the decorations but it was SO bright that the color was washed out...boooo.
Singing!
Mmmmm....my favorite part.
She got some nice gifts..including a camera from mommy! She has been asking for her own and of course, I delivered. ;) She uses it so often that we have to change the batteries quite a bit!
But the real hit of the party was her new bike! She calls it her "two wheeler" and as you can see, she hopped right on it!
Here she is only a few minutes after getting it...she is a pro already and goes pretty fast!
Overall, she had a GREAT day. On her actual birthday, we took her to the fire station, as she is obsessed w/ Fireman Sam and fire trucks and firefighters right now! I'll save that for another post though. ;)
I have to include the latest straight from Emma's mouth:
The other day, we were at Mimi and Papa's for dinner and there was this young guy walking out behind their condo and Emma says:
"Hey, look at that hot man!"
We almost DIED! I guess we've seen him before and commented on him being hot (he runs w/out his shirt and has a NICE body) ... hahahha.
Then today this woman was in the parking lot and backing up and almost hit this truck behind her, so he honked his horn....so Emma says:
"Is she driving like idiots?"
Oops.
Here are some pics to recap the day...we had a "cupcake" theme and I baked the kids' cupcakes in ice cream cones so they could hold them and decorate them. Unfortunately, being the hostess that I am (haha), I had no time to take a lot of pics! Therefore, I have none of the kids decorating. :(
SOOO Excited!
Asking: "Is my birthday here yet?" Isn't her tutu adorable? My talented niece, Angela, made it for her! Along w/ the bow and princess wand.
Balloons...I tried to get shots of the rest of the decorations but it was SO bright that the color was washed out...boooo.
Singing!
Mmmmm....my favorite part.
She got some nice gifts..including a camera from mommy! She has been asking for her own and of course, I delivered. ;) She uses it so often that we have to change the batteries quite a bit!
But the real hit of the party was her new bike! She calls it her "two wheeler" and as you can see, she hopped right on it!
Here she is only a few minutes after getting it...she is a pro already and goes pretty fast!
Overall, she had a GREAT day. On her actual birthday, we took her to the fire station, as she is obsessed w/ Fireman Sam and fire trucks and firefighters right now! I'll save that for another post though. ;)
I have to include the latest straight from Emma's mouth:
The other day, we were at Mimi and Papa's for dinner and there was this young guy walking out behind their condo and Emma says:
"Hey, look at that hot man!"
We almost DIED! I guess we've seen him before and commented on him being hot (he runs w/out his shirt and has a NICE body) ... hahahha.
Then today this woman was in the parking lot and backing up and almost hit this truck behind her, so he honked his horn....so Emma says:
"Is she driving like idiots?"
Oops.
Monday, February 23, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!
Yesterday was David's 34th birthday. Per his request, he went golfing in the morning, and then out to lunch (for BBQ!) with his parents, my parents and Emma of course, and then back here for some homemade brownies and presents. It was a fab day. We also went out the night before for dinner and a movie. All in all...a great birthday weekend spent with family!
Emma was super excited about her Daddy's birthday and helped me make his brownies and wrap his presents! She was so proud. The brownies might have been the highlight of her day though!
Emma was super excited about her Daddy's birthday and helped me make his brownies and wrap his presents! She was so proud. The brownies might have been the highlight of her day though!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Labor of Love
So, the secret is out. I am pregnant! I have never officially announced it on this blog...must have slipped my mind (yeah right, how does that happen?).
Well, I am in the home stretch. Only 6 weeks to go until my c-section. We are all very excited about the arrival of "Bino" (as we so affectionately refer to him/her) and we have started to prepare. I can't believe we have come this far without knowing the gender...it's starting to kill me! I must know. I have a strong feeling it is a BOY, but David insists it is a GIRL. There are really not many differences between this pregnancy and my pregnancy with Emma, but I know that's not really a factor when it comes to gender.
I am obviously starting to get uber uncomfortable...backaches, exhaustion, intestinal problems (that's putting it lightly), insomnia (it's 5am right now...enough said)...but the worst part? I have gestational diabetes... and it's not being controlled by diet so well. When I follow the diet to a T, my post meal levels are ok BUT my fasting levels rot. When I cheat a bit, my post meal levels are borderline and my fasting levels rot. So, I see the Dr. Monday to discuss insulin. It really sucks having to watch your diet while pregnant, but if I want a healthy infant, I need to be selfless. I have to say it's been very hard, and I have been cheating, but honestly it doesn't make much of a difference in my blood sugar levels. I must be REALLY insulin resistant right now.
I really don't want to go on insulin, but after one look at this face, I KNOW I have to take care of myself for HIM. ;)
Just look at that face!
PS: His/her nose was pressed against my placenta which is why it's so pug-like! CUTE!
Well, I am in the home stretch. Only 6 weeks to go until my c-section. We are all very excited about the arrival of "Bino" (as we so affectionately refer to him/her) and we have started to prepare. I can't believe we have come this far without knowing the gender...it's starting to kill me! I must know. I have a strong feeling it is a BOY, but David insists it is a GIRL. There are really not many differences between this pregnancy and my pregnancy with Emma, but I know that's not really a factor when it comes to gender.
I am obviously starting to get uber uncomfortable...backaches, exhaustion, intestinal problems (that's putting it lightly), insomnia (it's 5am right now...enough said)...but the worst part? I have gestational diabetes... and it's not being controlled by diet so well. When I follow the diet to a T, my post meal levels are ok BUT my fasting levels rot. When I cheat a bit, my post meal levels are borderline and my fasting levels rot. So, I see the Dr. Monday to discuss insulin. It really sucks having to watch your diet while pregnant, but if I want a healthy infant, I need to be selfless. I have to say it's been very hard, and I have been cheating, but honestly it doesn't make much of a difference in my blood sugar levels. I must be REALLY insulin resistant right now.
I really don't want to go on insulin, but after one look at this face, I KNOW I have to take care of myself for HIM. ;)
Just look at that face!
PS: His/her nose was pressed against my placenta which is why it's so pug-like! CUTE!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Cause....Like...
I'm not sure from where this language is generating, but Emma has recently picked up some...shall we call it...valley girl talk?? She is starting sentences with "cause" and "like". She actually uses "like" anytime, and tends to use her valley girl talk when she either is a little nervous (upon meeting someone new) or when she doesn't really have anything to say, but still wants to talk. Here are some samples:
"Cause, like my birthday is on March 3rd and I'm going to be 3".
"Like, my baby was crying, so I like, took her and gave her a bottle, cause like she was crying".
WHERE IS she getting this from?!?! It's driving us insane, we don't want it to become a bad habit! I know I occasionally insert "like" into my sentences but, like, it's not like all the time.
While I am here, I am going to share some recent pics of Emma. :)
The first 2 are from a morning I was trying to get some cute pics of her before going to school...as you can see, she wasn't so cooperative. LOL
I had to include this one, she LOVES her baby dolls so much and is so sweet to them. I hope she is the same way with her baby brother or sister!
These last few are from a little photoshoot we did w/ her little friend, Sophia!
"Cause, like my birthday is on March 3rd and I'm going to be 3".
"Like, my baby was crying, so I like, took her and gave her a bottle, cause like she was crying".
WHERE IS she getting this from?!?! It's driving us insane, we don't want it to become a bad habit! I know I occasionally insert "like" into my sentences but, like, it's not like all the time.
While I am here, I am going to share some recent pics of Emma. :)
The first 2 are from a morning I was trying to get some cute pics of her before going to school...as you can see, she wasn't so cooperative. LOL
I had to include this one, she LOVES her baby dolls so much and is so sweet to them. I hope she is the same way with her baby brother or sister!
These last few are from a little photoshoot we did w/ her little friend, Sophia!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Crud
For the first time in her life, Emma is truly SICK. :( Sure, she's had the sniffles before, a low grade temperature here and there...once she even had a stomach virus, BUT that occurred immediately following the rotovirus vaccine. So, draw conclusions as you will.
She has a fever (pretty high at times), complains of headaches, and is congested and lethargic. The poor baby is up most of the night hacking up a lung...of course I hear every cough and whimper so I am up as well. I believe I have had about 16 hours of sleep over the past 4 days...that coupled w/ the 3rd trimester of my pregnancy is NOT a pretty combo. Trust me.
Against my better judgment, we took her to the Dr. to rule out the flu or an ear infection. It's "just" a virus though, so we need to let it run its course. I just wish I could take it away for her...she's so pathetic when she's sick. :(
She has a fever (pretty high at times), complains of headaches, and is congested and lethargic. The poor baby is up most of the night hacking up a lung...of course I hear every cough and whimper so I am up as well. I believe I have had about 16 hours of sleep over the past 4 days...that coupled w/ the 3rd trimester of my pregnancy is NOT a pretty combo. Trust me.
Against my better judgment, we took her to the Dr. to rule out the flu or an ear infection. It's "just" a virus though, so we need to let it run its course. I just wish I could take it away for her...she's so pathetic when she's sick. :(
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Should I stay or should I go?
I am thinking of discontinuing the Dodge Lodge Blog.
All of those opposed, say "nay". If there is enough nay-saying, I will continue with it.
All of you Dodges and family/friends out there, do you read it? Let me know!
All of those opposed, say "nay". If there is enough nay-saying, I will continue with it.
All of you Dodges and family/friends out there, do you read it? Let me know!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Reading, Riting and Rithmetic
Emma amazes us every day. She has grown and changed so much just in the last couple of months! Really, since starting preschool. She is SO much more social now. People can't believe it's the same Emma! She walks up to strangers in the store (not sure if this is a good thing!) and says "hi" and starts telling them things. The other day, she told the check out lady "my eyes are hazel, what color are your eyes?". Another day she told her teacher Papa's "real" name and what Mimi calls him for a nickname. Telling the secrets already! LOL
Other than the social skills, she has picked up lots of other useful things from preschool. She knows all of her letter sounds and is starting to sound out words. We made a welcome home sign for her Daddy a few weeks ago and she helped me spell Daddy! (the dy part was harder) She also seems to be very good at math. Mimi and Papa bought her a new baby doll the other day. Mimi said "Emma, you have lots of babies now. You already have 4 at home..." and Emma said "now I have 5!". HUH? She did it again this morning when I told her she would get a new Diego for pooping on the potty. She said "then I'll have 3!" (she already has 2). WOW.
I do have some new pics to post but I am swamped w/ work so they will have to wait until the next post. :) They are mostly pics of Emma dressed cute for school, so I'll have put on a virtual fashion show...
Other than the social skills, she has picked up lots of other useful things from preschool. She knows all of her letter sounds and is starting to sound out words. We made a welcome home sign for her Daddy a few weeks ago and she helped me spell Daddy! (the dy part was harder) She also seems to be very good at math. Mimi and Papa bought her a new baby doll the other day. Mimi said "Emma, you have lots of babies now. You already have 4 at home..." and Emma said "now I have 5!". HUH? She did it again this morning when I told her she would get a new Diego for pooping on the potty. She said "then I'll have 3!" (she already has 2). WOW.
I do have some new pics to post but I am swamped w/ work so they will have to wait until the next post. :) They are mostly pics of Emma dressed cute for school, so I'll have put on a virtual fashion show...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Seriously?
Emma has REALLY been repeating things she hears us say lately. She is such a monkey see monkey do.
The other day she was at the playground w/ Mimi and Papa. She was "driving" the car there, and started to say some things. One thing that stood out to them was this:
Emma: Grrrrr (growl), seriously buddy?
Mimi: (laughing) What Emma?
Emma: Mommy says it in the car!
I used to curse up a storm in the car while driving, but w/ big ears in the back seat, I have to watch it. So I talk to other drivers and apparently I say "seriously?" when someone does something stupid. She must find this amusing.
The other day she was at the playground w/ Mimi and Papa. She was "driving" the car there, and started to say some things. One thing that stood out to them was this:
Emma: Grrrrr (growl), seriously buddy?
Mimi: (laughing) What Emma?
Emma: Mommy says it in the car!
I used to curse up a storm in the car while driving, but w/ big ears in the back seat, I have to watch it. So I talk to other drivers and apparently I say "seriously?" when someone does something stupid. She must find this amusing.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
MultiLingual?
In addition to speaking LOTS of English (and very clearly may I add), and some Spanish, we also learned the other day that Emma knows some Hebrew! Emma attends Temple Judea preschool, and although we are not Jewish, we decided to send her there simply because it is a WONDERFUL and highly recommend preschool in the area. In addition to learning how to socialize, she is also learning other valuable things, including prayers before mealtime!
We were having pizza the other night when exclaimed "Yay Pizza!". Papa asked, "do you have pizza at preschool Emma?". To which she replied "Yes, and we sing Hamotzi" (pronounced Amo-chee). Naturally, we had no clue what she was talking about, and we asked her to sing it. She sounds absolutely adorable singing it AND she says every single in Hebrew very clearly! (not that I really know what I'm listening for, but after seeing it spelled out, I could tell!)
Turn up your volume and listen carefully, as she is slurring some of it due to embarrassment (typical).
We were having pizza the other night when exclaimed "Yay Pizza!". Papa asked, "do you have pizza at preschool Emma?". To which she replied "Yes, and we sing Hamotzi" (pronounced Amo-chee). Naturally, we had no clue what she was talking about, and we asked her to sing it. She sounds absolutely adorable singing it AND she says every single in Hebrew very clearly! (not that I really know what I'm listening for, but after seeing it spelled out, I could tell!)
Turn up your volume and listen carefully, as she is slurring some of it due to embarrassment (typical).
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
A solution...
Last week I wrote about Emma not wanting to wear her Dora costume. Well, it all came to a head last Wednesday when we had a costume party to attend. She REFUSED to put the Dora costume on, no matter how much we bribed her (yes, we had to resort to bribery!). I am talking full on tantrum city here, not just a simple "no thank you". Finally I asked her if she'd rather go as an angel to which she replied "yes". I bought the costume last year for her to wear--and she REFUSED to wear it then, do you see a pattern here? SO, she went to the party as last year's angel! To tell you the truth, she looked SUPER cute and much cuter than she did as Dora. I'm happy we got her to wear a costume at all...LO HICIMOS, WE DID IT!
I hope she puts it on again for Halloween...I'm sure it will depend on her mood.
I hope she puts it on again for Halloween...I'm sure it will depend on her mood.
Little Xander
He received his new liver Friday and is doing wonderfully! (for those of you following)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Asking for prayers one more time!
Xander may be getting new liver TODAY. Please refer to the Colby's blog for more information.
I am praying that this is it for baby Xander, and that he can be healthy, strong and PINK once and for all. :)
HUGS to the Colbys...
I am praying that this is it for baby Xander, and that he can be healthy, strong and PINK once and for all. :)
HUGS to the Colbys...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Now What?
Halloween is fast approaching, so I started explaining to Emma (w/ the help of Dora books and shows) what Halloween is and asking her what she wanted to be. She repeatedly answered "a ladybug". Hmmmm, now some of you may recall that she was a ladybug for TWO years in a row (the only 2 years of her life). Click here to see pics. So, we talked about it and I convinced her to dress as Dora The Explorer. Now, Emma is OBSESSED w/ Dora AND it's minimal dress up (which I knew she would balk at)...so I thought PERFECT...right? WRONG.
I ordered this costume complete w/ wig. The costume came yesterday, and I convinced her to try it on. Now, it's just like a jumpsuit, no biggie...right? WRONG. She started to flip out when I put it on. So David said "give it a few days". I tried again today. "No mommy, you don't want to wear the Dora costume". Then the wig arrived. I unpacked it, showed her the picture of the little girl wearing it, put it on myself and again, refusal to cooperate. Why does she have to be so difficult sometimes? Don't children LOVE to dress up?!??! Not my child.
So, now what? I guess she'll just go as Emma this Halloween. OR we can always try the ladybug costume again...hahaha.
I ordered this costume complete w/ wig. The costume came yesterday, and I convinced her to try it on. Now, it's just like a jumpsuit, no biggie...right? WRONG. She started to flip out when I put it on. So David said "give it a few days". I tried again today. "No mommy, you don't want to wear the Dora costume". Then the wig arrived. I unpacked it, showed her the picture of the little girl wearing it, put it on myself and again, refusal to cooperate. Why does she have to be so difficult sometimes? Don't children LOVE to dress up?!??! Not my child.
So, now what? I guess she'll just go as Emma this Halloween. OR we can always try the ladybug costume again...hahaha.
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