We didn't have Richard at the second hunt, so I didn't get any pictures of her there. She was a blur during the entire time - running around like a crazy girl. We officially need to play a zone defense. Man to man coverage no longer works!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Early Easter Pics
We went totwo Easter Egg hunts yesterday, which made for a cranky little girl toward the end of hunt #2. These pictures are from our neighborhood hunt. Ella Kate picked up the find eggs/put eggs in the basket/open eggs concept quickly! She loved opening the eggs and finding the goodies, even though she didn't get to eat any.
We didn't have Richard at the second hunt, so I didn't get any pictures of her there. She was a blur during the entire time - running around like a crazy girl. We officially need to play a zone defense. Man to man coverage no longer works!
We didn't have Richard at the second hunt, so I didn't get any pictures of her there. She was a blur during the entire time - running around like a crazy girl. We officially need to play a zone defense. Man to man coverage no longer works!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Things I've learned in the last 15 months...
1. All moms get frustrated, irritated and feel isolated at times. It comes with the territory. And while it sucks at the time, you have to try to remember to enjoy the moments when they're small and dependent on you. Lately, when I'm at my wit's end, I take EK's shoes off and admire her chubby feet. I adore her feet and that puts things back into perspective. And Xanax helps, too.
2. Handmade, homemade gifts are extra, extra special. It's much easier to run to the store and pick up a toy than to create something yourself. (I'm speaking for people who have steady paychecks, which I currently do not.) I've learned that time is a much more precious commodity than money when you're a mommy. If a fellow mommy puts time and effort into making a gift, it's extraordinary in my eyes.
3. There will be times that you look back fondly on life before kids. Sleep, shopping, being able to leave the house without three extra bags. That's normal.
4. Even if you have a fantastic child, she can't be perfect all the time. That would go against nature. EK proved that for me at our second egg hunt of the day.
5. A zone defense is the best defense against a toddler. Unless you are an all-star, skip the man-to-man coverage until you can reason with your kids. Ella Kate is a smart offensive player and knows my weaknesses. She makes her moves when I'm distracted and am then two steps behind her while she's heading to the goal. I need Richard around to protect the basket and level the playing field.
6. A strong support system is critical. Parents without a 24-hour family hotline must feel lost. I don't know what we'd do without our family on stand by.
7. The requirements as to what qualifies a "clean" house change after your kids arrive. I was a neat freak before EK joined us. Now, by the time I get her in bed, I have time to do the dishes, smock a dress, pick up her whirlwind from the day and take a shower before I crash into bed. Anything other special cleaning requires planning and someone else to keep her entertained.
8. Good intentions don't equal what will actually happen. I said that EK wasn't going to watch TV, drink juice, or have a pacifier. 0 for 3.
9. Planning is the single most important part of leaving the house. I have an extra bag, always in the closet by the garage, that I can put extra diapers, bibs, spoons, shoes and clothes in. Decide not to take that bag, and we're almost guaranteed to have a catastrophe that will require finding the forgotten items or turning around and going home.
10. No matter how angry, down in the dumps, upset, lonely or aggitated I feel, one sweet smile and "Hey Mama" can melt my heart in an instant. EK knows exactly how to push my buttons, but she also knows how to make it all better. We are so much alike in so many ways and, truthfully, I'm secretly glad to have this time to spend with her.
2. Handmade, homemade gifts are extra, extra special. It's much easier to run to the store and pick up a toy than to create something yourself. (I'm speaking for people who have steady paychecks, which I currently do not.) I've learned that time is a much more precious commodity than money when you're a mommy. If a fellow mommy puts time and effort into making a gift, it's extraordinary in my eyes.
3. There will be times that you look back fondly on life before kids. Sleep, shopping, being able to leave the house without three extra bags. That's normal.
4. Even if you have a fantastic child, she can't be perfect all the time. That would go against nature. EK proved that for me at our second egg hunt of the day.
5. A zone defense is the best defense against a toddler. Unless you are an all-star, skip the man-to-man coverage until you can reason with your kids. Ella Kate is a smart offensive player and knows my weaknesses. She makes her moves when I'm distracted and am then two steps behind her while she's heading to the goal. I need Richard around to protect the basket and level the playing field.
6. A strong support system is critical. Parents without a 24-hour family hotline must feel lost. I don't know what we'd do without our family on stand by.
7. The requirements as to what qualifies a "clean" house change after your kids arrive. I was a neat freak before EK joined us. Now, by the time I get her in bed, I have time to do the dishes, smock a dress, pick up her whirlwind from the day and take a shower before I crash into bed. Anything other special cleaning requires planning and someone else to keep her entertained.
8. Good intentions don't equal what will actually happen. I said that EK wasn't going to watch TV, drink juice, or have a pacifier. 0 for 3.
9. Planning is the single most important part of leaving the house. I have an extra bag, always in the closet by the garage, that I can put extra diapers, bibs, spoons, shoes and clothes in. Decide not to take that bag, and we're almost guaranteed to have a catastrophe that will require finding the forgotten items or turning around and going home.
10. No matter how angry, down in the dumps, upset, lonely or aggitated I feel, one sweet smile and "Hey Mama" can melt my heart in an instant. EK knows exactly how to push my buttons, but she also knows how to make it all better. We are so much alike in so many ways and, truthfully, I'm secretly glad to have this time to spend with her.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Recent Pictures
Life around the Pullen household has been hectic and downright depressing these days. But, with Miss Sassafrass around, who can resist taking time out to play? If you notice the backgrounds in the photos, it appears we are always in a state of playing.
Snuggling with Daddy. You can't see it, but be sure that if she's still, there's a book in her hand.
One of the happiest days ever. She decided that hairbows are great. Probably due to the attention she received. She prissed around Caleb's birthday party pointing at her head saying, "in hair."
Later that night, she needed a hairbow with her pjs, of course! Titi Ica helped her.
Like a duck to water! We are just now learning about the potty, but she thinks it a great place to catch up on her reading.
There is no doubt: Ella Kate inherited curly hair!
And huge blue eyes! Obviously from her grandmothers.
Taking a break from Barney and Friends.
Our perPETual babysitter, Penelope, just hanging out in case EK needs her help. Sometimes it's difficult to tell if she's just another stuffed animal.
Snuggling with Daddy. You can't see it, but be sure that if she's still, there's a book in her hand.
One of the happiest days ever. She decided that hairbows are great. Probably due to the attention she received. She prissed around Caleb's birthday party pointing at her head saying, "in hair."
Later that night, she needed a hairbow with her pjs, of course! Titi Ica helped her.
Like a duck to water! We are just now learning about the potty, but she thinks it a great place to catch up on her reading.
There is no doubt: Ella Kate inherited curly hair!
And huge blue eyes! Obviously from her grandmothers.
Taking a break from Barney and Friends.
Our perPETual babysitter, Penelope, just hanging out in case EK needs her help. Sometimes it's difficult to tell if she's just another stuffed animal.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
NYC Without Ella Kate
Richard and I took a "Spring Break" trip to New York City and froze our collective booties off. I use the term "spring" loosely. We walked around the city in -5 degree wind chills. It was a very good thing we left Ella Kate with Poppi and Gigi in Alabama. Hard-core New Yorkers had infants out in the weather, but there's no way we would have had OUR little girl out in that!
Anyway, we called to check on her at least three times a day. We were those parents who just can't let go.
Here are few pictures of our trip. So much fun!
Richard in Times Square with at least seven inches of snow - after much of it had melted!
We happened by the Museum of Sex, which was apparently featuring an animal husbandry exhibition. Oh, the things we learned about female elephants...
If you squint, you can see Richard pointing at one of the very sites where trillions of dollars went down the drain on Wall Street. See the steam rising from underground? I think that's where they are burning our cash.
When it was WAY too cold to be outside anymore, we retreated to a movie! We never get to go to movies together, so we had a date to see Benjamin Button.
We take a smooching shot on every trip.
While walking from Wall Street (at the very south of Manhattan) up to our hotel at Grand Central Station on 42nd, (at the north end of Manhattan --- it was a long walk) we passed the most beautiful park behind City Hall. Gas lights on street posts. We saw lots of neat things on our very cold walk.
At the museum of Natural History. Central Park is behind us and was beautiful covered in snow.
Richard loved the walrus. CuCuCachoo!
The only time Richard slowed down to look at the "pots and pans" as he called the ancient artifacts. He thought the pots and pans from his homeland were much more interesting. At least for five seconds.
What happens when the Pullens get stir crazy in a huge museum. Inappropriate artifact touching begins.
Waiting outside (freezing our tails off) waiting to go in to the Ed Sullivan theater to see 1. David Letterman, 2. Jason Segel, and 3. U2!!! The staff chose us to sit in the front row and be audience leaders. Really, that just means that I was literally 3 feet away from Bono. :) If you happened to watch Letterman the Friday U2 was on there, you could see us in the audience a few times. :)
Anyway, we called to check on her at least three times a day. We were those parents who just can't let go.
Here are few pictures of our trip. So much fun!
Richard in Times Square with at least seven inches of snow - after much of it had melted!
We happened by the Museum of Sex, which was apparently featuring an animal husbandry exhibition. Oh, the things we learned about female elephants...
If you squint, you can see Richard pointing at one of the very sites where trillions of dollars went down the drain on Wall Street. See the steam rising from underground? I think that's where they are burning our cash.
When it was WAY too cold to be outside anymore, we retreated to a movie! We never get to go to movies together, so we had a date to see Benjamin Button.
We take a smooching shot on every trip.
While walking from Wall Street (at the very south of Manhattan) up to our hotel at Grand Central Station on 42nd, (at the north end of Manhattan --- it was a long walk) we passed the most beautiful park behind City Hall. Gas lights on street posts. We saw lots of neat things on our very cold walk.
At the museum of Natural History. Central Park is behind us and was beautiful covered in snow.
Richard loved the walrus. CuCuCachoo!
The only time Richard slowed down to look at the "pots and pans" as he called the ancient artifacts. He thought the pots and pans from his homeland were much more interesting. At least for five seconds.
What happens when the Pullens get stir crazy in a huge museum. Inappropriate artifact touching begins.
Waiting outside (freezing our tails off) waiting to go in to the Ed Sullivan theater to see 1. David Letterman, 2. Jason Segel, and 3. U2!!! The staff chose us to sit in the front row and be audience leaders. Really, that just means that I was literally 3 feet away from Bono. :) If you happened to watch Letterman the Friday U2 was on there, you could see us in the audience a few times. :)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Camera's Operational!
Finally!
This past week was both fun-filled and adventurous. We visited Poppi and Gigi in Decatur and Ella Kate was into EVERYTHING. I've never met a busier toddler. Here's a quick look at our action-packed days:
Loving on Nina. Doesn't Nina's hair look fantastic!?!?!
Posing with her new cow friend, Daisy. Poppi keeps Ella Kate in very large farm animals.
Ella Kate is completely a Poppi's girl. She'd wake up from naps asking for Poppi and run through the house calling for him. They were taking a break from reading books.
Can't find Ella Kate? Check Poppi's lap!
We went to visit Ms. Jess, Ella Kate's hilarious godbrother, Moseley, and the Garrison's newest addition, Mr. Chambers! Ella Kate sharing her newest "cheese" face and funny Mose.
Chambers' debut on the Lowery-Pullen blog. He's such a happy baby! And really, could those cheeks be any cuter?
The absolute sweetest picture of the week. Poppi's nurses and office staff wore head scarves in preparation of his hair falling out from chemo treatments. (Only the brown fell out - the gray hair is hanging in there!) They also wear camouflage scrubs every Thursday since that's the day Poppi works in that office. I love these ladies!
One of her favorite pastimes: taking bottles out of the refrigerator door and lining them up on the floor. At least she likes putting them back on the shelves. Proof that obsessive-compulsive personalities run in families.
Our budding Mozart. I'm teaching her how to play the Sesame Street theme song.
This past week was both fun-filled and adventurous. We visited Poppi and Gigi in Decatur and Ella Kate was into EVERYTHING. I've never met a busier toddler. Here's a quick look at our action-packed days:
Loving on Nina. Doesn't Nina's hair look fantastic!?!?!
Posing with her new cow friend, Daisy. Poppi keeps Ella Kate in very large farm animals.
Ella Kate is completely a Poppi's girl. She'd wake up from naps asking for Poppi and run through the house calling for him. They were taking a break from reading books.
Can't find Ella Kate? Check Poppi's lap!
We went to visit Ms. Jess, Ella Kate's hilarious godbrother, Moseley, and the Garrison's newest addition, Mr. Chambers! Ella Kate sharing her newest "cheese" face and funny Mose.
Chambers' debut on the Lowery-Pullen blog. He's such a happy baby! And really, could those cheeks be any cuter?
The absolute sweetest picture of the week. Poppi's nurses and office staff wore head scarves in preparation of his hair falling out from chemo treatments. (Only the brown fell out - the gray hair is hanging in there!) They also wear camouflage scrubs every Thursday since that's the day Poppi works in that office. I love these ladies!
One of her favorite pastimes: taking bottles out of the refrigerator door and lining them up on the floor. At least she likes putting them back on the shelves. Proof that obsessive-compulsive personalities run in families.
Our budding Mozart. I'm teaching her how to play the Sesame Street theme song.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Camera Is Still Broken
So I present this, one of the funniest - and saddest - media clips of the election.
I'm officially one of the 585,000 Disenfranchised Americans who lost their jobs in January (well kinda). I'm waiting on President Obama to knock on my door to save me.
I'll happily report back after I've invited him inside for a cup of coffee and to play with Ella Kate. I'm sure you're all interested to know what plans he has to save the Pullen family.
I'm officially one of the 585,000 Disenfranchised Americans who lost their jobs in January (well kinda). I'm waiting on President Obama to knock on my door to save me.
I'll happily report back after I've invited him inside for a cup of coffee and to play with Ella Kate. I'm sure you're all interested to know what plans he has to save the Pullen family.
Monday, February 2, 2009
I know, I know. I haven't updated the blog in quite a while. I'll blame my lame-o camera for dying and demanding that I send it back to Canon for service. And, I've been on the road quite a bit lately, which doesn't lend itself to toddler photography.
Here are a few photos in commemoration of this, Pullen All Nighters' 100th post:
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Here are a few photos in commemoration of this, Pullen All Nighters' 100th post:
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