My company gives all employees a new computer every two years. Nice, huh? Well, I finished setting up my new laptop today and noticed a strange sensor-type doohickey where my right wrist sits while typing.
What is this strange sensor? Yep, it's a finger print reader. I feel so techie! After a quick and easy setup, I don't have to "login" to Windows - that's so 2007, people. I simply swipe an index finger over the sensor and it logs me in automatically.
Okay, so this isn't new technology. But it's new to me. I'm so excited that I actually look forward to logging into the ol' PC to start the day.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
"Do you feel guilty for going back to work?"
I've heard this question several times since Ella Kate started daycare. It's always an innocent question, fueled by real interest in most cases.
My answer?!?!
Not. One. Bit.
I wouldn't be truthful if I said that it didn't break my heart to leave her the first two days. She was so tiny and I was still overly emotional.
Okay, we all know there is a very real mommy feud between stay-at-home and working moms. The bottom line is that you have to do what is best for your family. There are pros and cons to both sides. And, frankly, I'm sick and tired of justifying our family life. I always have to soften my answer, since most inquirers are secretly wanting me to admit I feel horrible about our decision.
Nope, I don't. I love our arrangement. And here's why:
1. I l-o-v-e the fact that I'm showing Ella Kate that women can have it all. It might take work, but anything worth having does. I want to make sure that she knows it is possible to have a great family and a great job. Women all over the world are successful in balancing family and work. She'll know first hand that she can, too, if that's the road she wants to travel.
2. I have a great job with a company that values a work/life balance. If I need to be at home, I can be.
3. My parents sacrificed so that I could have a great education. They paid for all of it, undergrad, sorority, and masters, out of pocket - no loans. I think it would be disrespecful to scrap my earning potential in favor of Sesame Street. Although I do love Big Bird and Snuffy. We TiVo it and we watch it after work.
4. I earn good money. We are a dual income family. We are not that family who would save money by me staying home.
5. Ella Kate's daycare is fantastic and she receives excellent care. Maybe better care than if she were home with me. GASP! Her teachers are great and she loves interacting with the other babies. I went to see her at lunch today and she was more interested in "talking" with fellow cutiepie, Brooke, than acknowledging me. And I was so happy to see it.
6. I would hate staying home all day cleaning and picking up. I would go insane. I work, Richard works, and we share the domestic chores. It's fantastic.
7. We adjust Ella Kate's schedule so that she's awake while she's at home. We bond, snuggle, cuddle and play, probably as much as a stay-at-home families who put their babies to bed early.
You know what? It works. Ella Kate is thriving. She's a sweet, happy, smart little lady who is around loving people all day long. She's learning how to bond with others, play with friends, and adapt to different situations.
So, I hope all will remember that what works for one family might not work for another. I completly admire mommies who stay at home, but it isn't for me.
My answer?!?!
Not. One. Bit.
I wouldn't be truthful if I said that it didn't break my heart to leave her the first two days. She was so tiny and I was still overly emotional.
Okay, we all know there is a very real mommy feud between stay-at-home and working moms. The bottom line is that you have to do what is best for your family. There are pros and cons to both sides. And, frankly, I'm sick and tired of justifying our family life. I always have to soften my answer, since most inquirers are secretly wanting me to admit I feel horrible about our decision.
Nope, I don't. I love our arrangement. And here's why:
1. I l-o-v-e the fact that I'm showing Ella Kate that women can have it all. It might take work, but anything worth having does. I want to make sure that she knows it is possible to have a great family and a great job. Women all over the world are successful in balancing family and work. She'll know first hand that she can, too, if that's the road she wants to travel.
2. I have a great job with a company that values a work/life balance. If I need to be at home, I can be.
3. My parents sacrificed so that I could have a great education. They paid for all of it, undergrad, sorority, and masters, out of pocket - no loans. I think it would be disrespecful to scrap my earning potential in favor of Sesame Street. Although I do love Big Bird and Snuffy. We TiVo it and we watch it after work.
4. I earn good money. We are a dual income family. We are not that family who would save money by me staying home.
5. Ella Kate's daycare is fantastic and she receives excellent care. Maybe better care than if she were home with me. GASP! Her teachers are great and she loves interacting with the other babies. I went to see her at lunch today and she was more interested in "talking" with fellow cutiepie, Brooke, than acknowledging me. And I was so happy to see it.
6. I would hate staying home all day cleaning and picking up. I would go insane. I work, Richard works, and we share the domestic chores. It's fantastic.
7. We adjust Ella Kate's schedule so that she's awake while she's at home. We bond, snuggle, cuddle and play, probably as much as a stay-at-home families who put their babies to bed early.
You know what? It works. Ella Kate is thriving. She's a sweet, happy, smart little lady who is around loving people all day long. She's learning how to bond with others, play with friends, and adapt to different situations.
So, I hope all will remember that what works for one family might not work for another. I completly admire mommies who stay at home, but it isn't for me.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ella Kate Goes Farming
After four months of anticipation, Ella Kate made her debut at the Lowery family farm, Cottonwood. "The farm" is a strange, magical place with goats that faint, whimsical inventions, and seemingly its own time zone in which hours simply disappear. I know this from experience. I built many fences in 100+ weather with a crazy farm man (Dad) losing track of time. As far as I'm concerned, Ella Kate will have the same experiences. Except I won't make her castrate goats like we had to...
We didn't get many pictures of her out and about on the land, but she was particularly interested in the barn, tractor and 4-wheeler. Please notice the baby blue jeans. I really wish I had bought a pair of Liberty overalls for the trip.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Old-Fashioned Is Now Fashionable
I come from a long line of crafty women. They grew up in rural Alabama without immediate proximity to stores. Actually, my Mimmie had S-E-V-E-N children and never had a drivers' license. With those stats, you had better be crafty because opportunities to head into town were few and far between.
Mimmie taught my mom and aunts to sew like masters. Seriously - really quality stuff. Ella Kate wears the dresses my family made for me when I was a baby. Today's name brands don't even touch these outfits, of course, I'm biased. Here are a few of my handmade baby dresses, circa 1979:
Now, my friend Jess, who happens to be my precious Godson, Moseley's mom, has started making the cutest baby clothes. She brought Ella Kate a fantastic A-line dress with two different overlaying collars. Absolutely perfect for monogramming!
I'm also including a picture of a pair of shoes she made for my Decatur baby shower. People, I cannot stress how wonderful these shoes are. First of all - I've never seen anything cuter! Secondly, and most importantly - THEY STAY ON HER FEET! Fantastic, I tell you. Jess, you could make serious money making those shoes.
Jess' creations:
Never one to be left out, I decided that I'm going to learn to sew. I'm big on traditions these days. Mom tried to teach me for years and years, and I hated sitting still for that long. So, this weekend, the Lowery women went to work! We went for a pattern in the "easy" category. Thank goodness. We made three pieces - a cutaway top that is a dress on her now, bloomers for when she wears it as a dress, and capris for when she's taller and it becomes a top.
I'm so proud, but I had LOTS of help on this:
I've bought fabric for more projects, and I have plans to sew a houndstooth A-line Alabama dress embroidered with an elephant that says "Roll Tide" on the top, and "Ella Kate" on the bottom. I cannot wait!
We also spent a good bit of time embroidering onesies and a tote bag that used to have a huge pharmaceutical logo on it. This will be Ella Kate's toy tote.
My favorite onesie is the sailboat design. How cute!!!
Thanks for looking, folks! I hope to have more to share soon. :)
Mimmie taught my mom and aunts to sew like masters. Seriously - really quality stuff. Ella Kate wears the dresses my family made for me when I was a baby. Today's name brands don't even touch these outfits, of course, I'm biased. Here are a few of my handmade baby dresses, circa 1979:
Now, my friend Jess, who happens to be my precious Godson, Moseley's mom, has started making the cutest baby clothes. She brought Ella Kate a fantastic A-line dress with two different overlaying collars. Absolutely perfect for monogramming!
I'm also including a picture of a pair of shoes she made for my Decatur baby shower. People, I cannot stress how wonderful these shoes are. First of all - I've never seen anything cuter! Secondly, and most importantly - THEY STAY ON HER FEET! Fantastic, I tell you. Jess, you could make serious money making those shoes.
Jess' creations:
Never one to be left out, I decided that I'm going to learn to sew. I'm big on traditions these days. Mom tried to teach me for years and years, and I hated sitting still for that long. So, this weekend, the Lowery women went to work! We went for a pattern in the "easy" category. Thank goodness. We made three pieces - a cutaway top that is a dress on her now, bloomers for when she wears it as a dress, and capris for when she's taller and it becomes a top.
I'm so proud, but I had LOTS of help on this:
I've bought fabric for more projects, and I have plans to sew a houndstooth A-line Alabama dress embroidered with an elephant that says "Roll Tide" on the top, and "Ella Kate" on the bottom. I cannot wait!
We also spent a good bit of time embroidering onesies and a tote bag that used to have a huge pharmaceutical logo on it. This will be Ella Kate's toy tote.
My favorite onesie is the sailboat design. How cute!!!
Thanks for looking, folks! I hope to have more to share soon. :)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
CEREAL!!!
April 10 marked a momentous day at the Pullen house - one that Richard has been waiting on for weeks: the day we could give Ella Kate cereal.
We had a full house for her inaugural venture into solid foods. And, wow, did Ella Kate ever put on a show for her guests!!!
Take a photographic look at "a day in the life of Ella Kate: first solid food."
Excuse me? I don't need cereal - I like my bottles.
What is this contraption you are putting me in? Wait! No! And, why is Titi Coco so happy about this?
People, I don't know what you are doing, but stop it! I'm starving and you're sticking a spoon in my mouth?!?!
Okay now, that's more like it.
Now that I've had a sip to calm me down, you can hold me and try again - but I'm not promising anything.... MMmmm, maybe this cereal isn't so bad.
Okay guys. You were right. Cereal is YUMMY! Give me more, please!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
3-month portraits slideshow!
We went to a portrait studio on Main Street in Hartselle a few weeks ago for Ella Kate's 3-month photos. They turned out so well - she's already changed so much that I'm nostalgic looking at pictures from a few weeks ago...
I've put the photos into a slideshow. Enjoy!
If you want to order a particular photo, let me know. We haven't placed our order yet and I'll gladly add yours to our list!
Here are a few to make you smile:
Monday, April 7, 2008
Puerto Rican Invasion
It was an all-out Pullen extravaganza this weekend at our house. Ella Kate played right through many, many naps with all of the attention and excitement.
Titi Ica (Josette) flew in from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a conference and extended her trip to see friends and hang out with Ella Kate. Titi Coco (Edna) and Nina (Richard's mom) came and spent the night, too.
You can see how happy Ella Kate was to have such crazy Puerto Ricans around her.
And apparently, Daddy forgot to shave amid all the excitement!
Nina brought Ella Kate lots of presents, including a silver baby spoon and a precious red gingham dress. I can't wait for the weather to warm up so she can wear it.
No one ever said that life is fair.
And, it's not.
My friend Rachel says that I was born under a lucky star. I think she's right. I'm blessed beyond what anyone deserves. Things have always seemed to "work out" for me, so when faced with bad news, I don't take it so well.
We found out last week that my dad, the healer of all things Lowery, has cancer. We'll find out the severity tomorrow, but cancer in and of itself is severe. It has severely shaken me, my faith, and apparently my mental stability.
But, his cancer isn't about me. It's about him, and his being around to see Ella Kate and his future grandbabies grow up. To be there to watch them play sports, teach them to build fences on the farm, and show them how to be successful while keeping a sense of humor.
If you have a few to spare, Dad and our family could use some prayers. Positive thoughts can't hurt, either. And, while you're at it, throw in some goodwill.
My friend Rachel says that I was born under a lucky star. I think she's right. I'm blessed beyond what anyone deserves. Things have always seemed to "work out" for me, so when faced with bad news, I don't take it so well.
We found out last week that my dad, the healer of all things Lowery, has cancer. We'll find out the severity tomorrow, but cancer in and of itself is severe. It has severely shaken me, my faith, and apparently my mental stability.
But, his cancer isn't about me. It's about him, and his being around to see Ella Kate and his future grandbabies grow up. To be there to watch them play sports, teach them to build fences on the farm, and show them how to be successful while keeping a sense of humor.
If you have a few to spare, Dad and our family could use some prayers. Positive thoughts can't hurt, either. And, while you're at it, throw in some goodwill.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Silence
The blog is observing a period of silence while our family gathers strength to start fighting.
...And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. Matthew 7:25
...And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. Matthew 7:25
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