Olivia apparently decided this afternoon that she should show us she knows how to walk. She has taken a few (maybe three?) steps occasionally before today. Most of those were to cover the two feet between the coffee table and the couch.
Today, she walked about 7 steps from the kitchen island to the middle of the floor, then sat down. A few minutes later, Zach (who had alerted us to her first traverse) shouted again, "She's walking!" There she was, another few feet of open floor covered before she sat. We cheered and cheered.
At that point, we stood about 15 feet apart and stood her up to walk across the room, and she did! So cute, with the little lunge for Mommy or Daddy in the last couple of steps, but mostly on her own.
Big girl!
(Of course the video camera did not cooperate when we wanted to capture this milestone, but I did get some footage on the point-and-shoot's video. I'll see if we can get 'er up here.)
April 26, 2008
April 21, 2008
On Writing
From an interview of Katherine Paterson, author of 1977's Bridge to Terabithia:
What would be your "words of wisdom" to a person who wants to write, but is paralyzed by failure? What advice would you give people starting out?
When a teacher (still a dear friend) of mine in graduate school suggested I ought to be a writer, I was appalled. "I don't want to add another mediocre writer to the world," I said. She helped me (it took years of nudging) to understand that if I wasn't willing to risk mediocrity, I would never accomplish anything. There are simply no guarantees. It takes courage to lay your insides out for people to examine and sneer over. But that's the only way to give what is your unique gift to the world. I have often noted that it takes the thinnest skin in the world to be a writer, it takes the thickest to seek out publication. But both are needed—the extreme sensitivity and the hippo hide against criticism. Send your inner critic off on vacation and just write the way little children play. You can't be judge and creator at the same time.
http://www.terabithia.com/questions.html
What would be your "words of wisdom" to a person who wants to write, but is paralyzed by failure? What advice would you give people starting out?
When a teacher (still a dear friend) of mine in graduate school suggested I ought to be a writer, I was appalled. "I don't want to add another mediocre writer to the world," I said. She helped me (it took years of nudging) to understand that if I wasn't willing to risk mediocrity, I would never accomplish anything. There are simply no guarantees. It takes courage to lay your insides out for people to examine and sneer over. But that's the only way to give what is your unique gift to the world. I have often noted that it takes the thinnest skin in the world to be a writer, it takes the thickest to seek out publication. But both are needed—the extreme sensitivity and the hippo hide against criticism. Send your inner critic off on vacation and just write the way little children play. You can't be judge and creator at the same time.
http://www.terabithia.com/questions.html
April 20, 2008
Follow Up
Looking back at old e-mail drafts (where I file my notes and thoughts), I found the plans for moving Zach into his new room, and for decorating Olivia-to-Be's room. The original notes were posted in Feb 2007. Here's the follow-up: Notes from a year later:
* I ended up getting two dark brown window valences from Target. I glued on pink flowers, and one valence went above the window; the other became a bedskirt for the crib, since only one side shows.
* The light-blocking beige curtains don't really block light, but they look okay.
* I painted a canvas of pink flowers on a heart-shaped tree branch.
* In theory, the floral night light on the dresser is a cute addition. Since it only cost $10 at Hobby Lobby, I got nervous that it wasn't safe enough to be left on all night. So, mostly it looks cute.
* We switched out the framed nursery rhymes for more "girly" rhymes: Little Bo Peep replaced Little Boy Blue, but Jack and Jill remain over the changing table.
* We did get the Shabby Chic rug for the floor.
* Cute butterfly mobile from Pottery Barn Kids hangs above the crib.
* Big flowers from Pottery Barn Kids hang above the changing table.
* Pink and brown "things" sit on the shelves above the rocking chair: a vase, a cute card, a bird from Theresa.
* Now, in the book rack, the Olivia books dominate the shelves. We have the first book, Forms a Band, and Helps with Christmas. If you haven't seen them, you must check them out!
All was inspired by the colors on the Boppy cover. So much for the thought that Zach's neutral stars and gingham could be reused!
* I ended up getting two dark brown window valences from Target. I glued on pink flowers, and one valence went above the window; the other became a bedskirt for the crib, since only one side shows.
* The light-blocking beige curtains don't really block light, but they look okay.
* I painted a canvas of pink flowers on a heart-shaped tree branch.
* In theory, the floral night light on the dresser is a cute addition. Since it only cost $10 at Hobby Lobby, I got nervous that it wasn't safe enough to be left on all night. So, mostly it looks cute.
* We switched out the framed nursery rhymes for more "girly" rhymes: Little Bo Peep replaced Little Boy Blue, but Jack and Jill remain over the changing table.
* We did get the Shabby Chic rug for the floor.
* Cute butterfly mobile from Pottery Barn Kids hangs above the crib.
* Big flowers from Pottery Barn Kids hang above the changing table.
* Pink and brown "things" sit on the shelves above the rocking chair: a vase, a cute card, a bird from Theresa.
* Now, in the book rack, the Olivia books dominate the shelves. We have the first book, Forms a Band, and Helps with Christmas. If you haven't seen them, you must check them out!
All was inspired by the colors on the Boppy cover. So much for the thought that Zach's neutral stars and gingham could be reused!
April 10, 2008
No More Than a Potato
"Human nature will not flourish, any more than a potato, if it be planted and replanted, for too long a series of generations, in the same worn-out soil. My children … shall strike their roots in unaccustomed earth."
The passage above was quoted from Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter in a story about Jhumpa Lahiri 's new collection of stories, Unaccustomed Earth.
That passage spoke to me, given my family's repeated "transplantations." While it was always difficult to leave old friends and familiar settings, we did get to experience some amazing new opportunities. The Silver Lining, right?
Some day, I'd like to check out Lahiri's new work.
The passage above was quoted from Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter in a story about Jhumpa Lahiri 's new collection of stories, Unaccustomed Earth.
That passage spoke to me, given my family's repeated "transplantations." While it was always difficult to leave old friends and familiar settings, we did get to experience some amazing new opportunities. The Silver Lining, right?
Some day, I'd like to check out Lahiri's new work.
March 25, 2008
Camelback Mountain Trail Guide
Summit Trail (Echo Canyon)Length: .1.2 miles one way
Elevation gain: 1,264 feet (summit is 2,704 feet)
Difficulty: Strenuous and difficult
Enter at Echo Canyon Parkway just east of Tatum Boulevard off of McDonald Drive. Parking is extremely limited at this trailhead and waits for a spot on weekends can be substantial.
This is a very strenuous trail recommended only for experienced hikers. The trail ascends through some spectacular sandstone rock formations and offers unparalleled views from the summit of the greater Phoenix area. The Echo Canyon area is open sunrise to sunset.
Cholla Trail
Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous and difficult
Parking is available on Invergordon/64th Street near Cholla Lane. There is no trailhead parking and street parking is very limited. Hikers must park on Invergordon and walk up the south side of Cholla Lane. Dropping off hikers on Cholla Lane is prohibited.
This trail is recommended only for experienced hikers. There are steep, rocky sections with drop-offs on both sides. From Oct. 1 to April 30, the Cholla Trailhead is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From May 1 to Sept. 30, the hours are 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
March 24, 2008
Easter Honeys
Well, the Wallaces didn't make it to Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks this year, but Nana and Pop (put on layers and layers and packed sit-upons and blankets and set the alarm for oh-dark-thirty and brushed snow off their car and) went. Hopefully we'll see pictures from them soon.
We did make it to the 8am service and even managed to look presentable and arrive on time. Here are a few shots of the egg hunt and stuff.
We did make it to the 8am service and even managed to look presentable and arrive on time. Here are a few shots of the egg hunt and stuff.
They really do like each other!
March 20, 2008
Wish Us Luck - and Caffeine
Well, we're hoping some of our clan wake way before dawn to make it to what should be an amazing Easter experience - Easter Sunrise Service at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Gates open at 4:30am, and the service begins at 6:30am. That's still way beyond when I like to be out of PJs, let alone bundled up for chilly mountain mornings. But, I also think it'd be one of those things you'd never regret doing, once you got there.
We'll see. I bet at least Nana and Pop will go. Bring on the coffee!
Natural Food Dyes
If you're contemplating the ingredients of dye, and have some time to get creative, here's info on using natural materials to create colorful Easter eggs. (I wish I could promise that we'll be doing this...not sure yet.)
February 29, 2008
February 16, 2008
Happy 1st LaLavia!
We celebrated our "diminutive diva"'s big day in a big way with friends and cake. The weather cooperated, giving us sun and a snow-free yard on which to play for a bit. (Today it's blanketed in white again, so we planned right!) Olivia did well with all the action and people, and scarfed down quite a bit of her vanilla cake with pink whipping cream frosting. Thanks to all who came to help party!
February 09, 2008
On the Mend
Thankfully, we are on the mend! Still coughing in 3 of 4 corners, but no more fevers.
And we're well enough to Ride and Mug and Play and Love:
1. Zach enjoyed a morning on his first real bike - see him riding off into the Wild Blue Yonder. It was a beautiful CO day, 50 degrees and sunny, though a bit windy.
2. Olivia mugged for the camera at breakfast. Yep, that's her camera-ready grin.
3. I helped a friend organize a blog to display and sell her jewelry (LuQuDesignsJewelry.blogspot.com) and got to attend her trunk show happy hour last night - yummy cranberry champagne cocktails!
4. Poor Scott is getting ready for a work trip to Phoenix and spent ALL day on the computer. No fun. We'll have to get him outside for at least a walk tomorrow.
And we're well enough to Ride and Mug and Play and Love:
1. Zach enjoyed a morning on his first real bike - see him riding off into the Wild Blue Yonder. It was a beautiful CO day, 50 degrees and sunny, though a bit windy.
2. Olivia mugged for the camera at breakfast. Yep, that's her camera-ready grin.
3. I helped a friend organize a blog to display and sell her jewelry (LuQuDesignsJewelry.blogspot.com) and got to attend her trunk show happy hour last night - yummy cranberry champagne cocktails!
4. Poor Scott is getting ready for a work trip to Phoenix and spent ALL day on the computer. No fun. We'll have to get him outside for at least a walk tomorrow.
I think Scott and I are both ready to crash for the night, so I'll sign off with a few ideas for future posts:
* Yes,...But...
* My son, and Scott's son
* Olivia's nicknames
* OMg, Olivia is almost ONE!
* (Hopefully some day I can post some catch-ups, including: Monthly summaries for the fam and for the kids)
January 30, 2008
Pop Quiz!
Which of the following is most likely not in the Wallace house tonight?
a. Bronchitis
b. Pneumonia
c. Ear infection
d. Pink eye
e. The croup
f. Snap Pea crisps ground into the carpet
g. Bath drain clogged by toilet paper
h. Empty pizza box
i. Cats who didn’t get dinner until 10pm
Take a guess, and then scroll down for the answer.
Yep, trick question. ALL are present. Anyone up for a visit???
January 28, 2008
Diagnosis: Pneumonia
(Blue lips are from a popsicle, thankfully.)Awwww....
It all started at midnight on Thursday night/Friday morning. Zach woke crying and wheezing as he breathed in. I steamed him and gave him some Motrin, and he went back to sleep.
Friday was Scott's (Happy!) birthday, and we decided to head out to Japanese food at Kobe An. They have great little tea rooms that allow us to enjoy a meal without being quite as concerned about kids making too much noise. We just don't look too closely under the table.
The kiddoes were a bit more unruly than the last time we were all there, but it was still a nice night out. By the time we got home and played around a bit, we noticed Zach was fairly burning up. His temp was 104.7 degrees! Poor little guy wasn't acting up, but obviously was not well. We bathed him and gave him some Motrin and called it a night.
Saturday was a sit-on-the-couch and force-down-(and-refuse)-fluids day for Zach. Poor kiddo went through spells of being partially chatty, but for the most part was a sick little guy. To make matters worse, Mom and Dad kept their dinner date and left him. (To defend us, Zach actually did wake up from his nap feeling pretty good and seemed excited to see the babysitter. We decided to make it a quick night out.) Of course, by the time we got home, his fever was up to 103.9 again and he had sweated out his clothes.
By Sunday, Scott also felt ill and ended up with a fever of almost 101 degrees. So far (knock, knock, knock), I've felt okay. Olivia is probably the initiator of all of this, but she seems better now too. Zach's temp again got up in the 104 range, and he was just a sad-eyed kiddo. We decided Monday was the day to go the doc, since Motrin just seemed to knock down the fever for a bit.
This morning, Monday, we went in to see Doctor Bob. ("But Mama, I feel better," the little Poppit said, as his temp rose to 102.7 and he coughed at me. "I don't need to go to da doctor.") We're thankful we went because the doc heard crackling in his chest and diagnosed our little one with pneumonia! What a scary word. We filled the Rx for whatever, picked up a milkshake, had lunch and a dose of medicine and hit the sack.
Hallelujah! Praise the drugs (sometimes)! Zach is up and bee-boppin' around again! Such a different person from the one we've had all weekend and through lunch today.
We wish you health!
It all started at midnight on Thursday night/Friday morning. Zach woke crying and wheezing as he breathed in. I steamed him and gave him some Motrin, and he went back to sleep.
Friday was Scott's (Happy!) birthday, and we decided to head out to Japanese food at Kobe An. They have great little tea rooms that allow us to enjoy a meal without being quite as concerned about kids making too much noise. We just don't look too closely under the table.
The kiddoes were a bit more unruly than the last time we were all there, but it was still a nice night out. By the time we got home and played around a bit, we noticed Zach was fairly burning up. His temp was 104.7 degrees! Poor little guy wasn't acting up, but obviously was not well. We bathed him and gave him some Motrin and called it a night.
Saturday was a sit-on-the-couch and force-down-(and-refuse)-fluids day for Zach. Poor kiddo went through spells of being partially chatty, but for the most part was a sick little guy. To make matters worse, Mom and Dad kept their dinner date and left him. (To defend us, Zach actually did wake up from his nap feeling pretty good and seemed excited to see the babysitter. We decided to make it a quick night out.) Of course, by the time we got home, his fever was up to 103.9 again and he had sweated out his clothes.
By Sunday, Scott also felt ill and ended up with a fever of almost 101 degrees. So far (knock, knock, knock), I've felt okay. Olivia is probably the initiator of all of this, but she seems better now too. Zach's temp again got up in the 104 range, and he was just a sad-eyed kiddo. We decided Monday was the day to go the doc, since Motrin just seemed to knock down the fever for a bit.
This morning, Monday, we went in to see Doctor Bob. ("But Mama, I feel better," the little Poppit said, as his temp rose to 102.7 and he coughed at me. "I don't need to go to da doctor.") We're thankful we went because the doc heard crackling in his chest and diagnosed our little one with pneumonia! What a scary word. We filled the Rx for whatever, picked up a milkshake, had lunch and a dose of medicine and hit the sack.
Hallelujah! Praise the drugs (sometimes)! Zach is up and bee-boppin' around again! Such a different person from the one we've had all weekend and through lunch today.
We wish you health!
January 18, 2008
And...Rockin' Dolly!
Rockin' on the Giraffe, that is!
A race - and she's ahead by a head!
(Yes, occasionally, the little Doll does wear cute clothes, and not just PJs.)
Giddy Up, Giraffe!
A race - and she's ahead by a head!
(Yes, occasionally, the little Doll does wear cute clothes, and not just PJs.)
January 12, 2008
4 Things About Me
I got this via e-mail, but thought I'd post it here, in hopes that you might post your 4 Things in the comments section. Wouldn't that be fun? I hope to hear from you!
Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Morton Girls Little League softball umpire
2. Things Remembered Sales Associate/Engraver
3. Wedding Coordinator - thanks for the "job", Jill! If only that were a full-time gig!
4. Children's Book editor/writer - Does it count if it was only one book?!
Four Places I have lived:
1. Singapore
2. Iowa City, IA
3. Moscow, when it was the USSR
4. Dubai, UAE
Four places I have been:
1. Kuwait City, Kuwait
2. Cairo, Egypt
3. Tokyo, Japan
4. Austrailia
Four of my favorite foods:
1. Mom's stuffing
2. Nana's spaghetti sauce - we're having it tomorrow night!
3. Sushi, too bad I didn't try it while in Japan. :(
4. Yum, Cheese Fondue!
Four Places I'd Rather Be:
1. On the beach with a bottomless (well, maybe not "bottomless") margarita
2. Getting a massage
3. Skiing the back bowls
4. Dinner & Movie w/ Scott
Four Additional Random Facts About Me:
1. I once ate 6 Krispy Kreme donuts in a sitting - I was pregnant, but still...
2. I'm an "ENFP" - any MBTI peeps reading this?
3. I got John Denver and Jim Henson's autographs when I was in 2nd grade.
4. My left foot is half a size bigger than my right - anyone have the opposite situation? We can shop together!
If you feel so moved, please share your 4 things!
Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Morton Girls Little League softball umpire
2. Things Remembered Sales Associate/Engraver
3. Wedding Coordinator - thanks for the "job", Jill! If only that were a full-time gig!
4. Children's Book editor/writer - Does it count if it was only one book?!
Four Places I have lived:
1. Singapore
2. Iowa City, IA
3. Moscow, when it was the USSR
4. Dubai, UAE
Four places I have been:
1. Kuwait City, Kuwait
2. Cairo, Egypt
3. Tokyo, Japan
4. Austrailia
Four of my favorite foods:
1. Mom's stuffing
2. Nana's spaghetti sauce - we're having it tomorrow night!
3. Sushi, too bad I didn't try it while in Japan. :(
4. Yum, Cheese Fondue!
Four Places I'd Rather Be:
1. On the beach with a bottomless (well, maybe not "bottomless") margarita
2. Getting a massage
3. Skiing the back bowls
4. Dinner & Movie w/ Scott
Four Additional Random Facts About Me:
1. I once ate 6 Krispy Kreme donuts in a sitting - I was pregnant, but still...
2. I'm an "ENFP" - any MBTI peeps reading this?
3. I got John Denver and Jim Henson's autographs when I was in 2nd grade.
4. My left foot is half a size bigger than my right - anyone have the opposite situation? We can shop together!
If you feel so moved, please share your 4 things!
January 11, 2008
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