Finding Nemo

Maybe some of you know why Nemo is so special to me. Not only is it one of my favorite movies EVER, but tied to it are very special memories.

I sat with my cousin who is autistic, and shared his first experience seeing the movie. In an extraordinary leap of connection, after watching Dory for a few moments, he said, "Look! It's Juwee fish!" I'll never forget that moment!

I worked with a little girl (that I now consider family, too) with developmental delays, and her favorite movie for some time was Finding Nemo. We...the whole family...watched it countless times. I miss those days.

And, another big moment...my labor with Ian, I watched the movie on a loop. When birthing was near, the nurses turned the T.V. off, and I wanted it BACK ON. Ian was born as Marlin was on his own life-changing adventure.

Ian's first birthday party was a Finding Nemo celebration, too. Of course, was there really a better theme?

I remember sitting and holding baby Ian on my lap watching the movie when Matt was deployed. Matt knew I would watch the movie while he was gone, apparently. There was a sticky note inside the cover (he left several in random places that actually took me the entire 7 months to find) that said simply, "Love you."

Fast forward to Matt's Halloween party at work, Harvest Festival, and decisions for what costumes the kids would wear this year. I've never been really big about holidays, and especially not this one. We just never really celebrated it, and it doesn't hold much excitement for me. (Outside of pumpkins. Oh, I do love the pumpkins!). But, I know it's fun for the kids to have an excuse to dress up...so I started asking Ian what he wanted to be in early September.

The VERY FIRST thing he asked to be was Nemo. Strange, because we don't even watch the movie that much any more! He also requested that Matt be a shark, and I would be Marlin. He had to think about Zoe for a moment, and finally announced that she could be Dory. "Sure!" I told him, "That will be fun! I love that movie, and you were born while I was watching Nemo!" He looked at me skeptically.

"I was born, and you watched Finding Nemo?" and he did that eyebrow "thing."

"Yes, you were! And your first birthday party was a Nemo party." So we went to look at pictures. He loved it, and was so excited to see himself as a baby.

Anyway, more of September went by, and Ian answered with various costume ideas as the month progressed. I think only the first two times he said Nemo, and then came up with an alternate list.

The list included a farmer, robot, noodles, a painter, and a few other things I don't remember. Out of all the things he wanted to be (most of those only once), he must have said about 100 times that he wanted to be a flamingo. Honestly, I thought this was about the coolest thing ever. How unique his thought process was! We even looked at all the store costumes, and he was not interested in one of them. He sighed and looked at them dejectedly, "I just want to be a 'mingo, Mom."

But, I procrastinate. And, the day of Matt's party, I still didn't have their costumes together...and not anything that could be thrown together to be a flamingo (at least not a pink one). So, I pulled out his cammies and asked if he wanted to be a Marine like Daddy. Whew. Saved by the random things in the closet. Zoe was the princess (since she had been wearing that dress up dress all week anyway) with her frog prince.

I figured for the Harvest Festival tonight at church, we would just do the same costumes again. But, when I told Ian the plan...he had other ideas. "Mom, but I already went a Marine. You said I could be Nemo." WHAT!? How on earth does this child remember everything?

"Well, what do you want to be? I also said you could be a robot or a flamingo." I reminded him.

He stared at me for a few long seconds. "Mom. No way. You said I could be Nemo. I want to be Nemo, and Zoe is Dory."

"Well, Ian, here's the deal. We don't have a Nemo costume right now."

He smiled and patted me, "That's ok. We'll buy it at the grocery shop."

Of course, I couldn't help but laugh, but had to be realistic, "Ian, they don't have Nemo costumes at the grocery shop." He glared at me. So I quickly began thinking aloud, "Buuuut, they probably have orange shirts and stuff. If we're quick, I guess we could make one."

Ian was elated! "Yep! You're right!"

We all got dressed and headed to the store. I'm big on doing what I say, all the time...and I didtell him he could be Nemo. My backup plan? Honestly? Printing out a picture of Nemo and taping it to his shirt. Don't judge. You'd do it to make your child happy too.

Of course, every other time we have been to the store, they have had 10 billion different orange shirts and pants. After all, 'tis the season for orange anything. But nooooo, not this time. After walking around the clothing section for the 15th time, I was about to call it. Suddenly, Ian practically leapt out of the cart and grabbed a shirt off the clearance rack. "MOM! It's my Nemo shirt!" And it sure was.

Ian reminded me, "Nemo needs a tail, too." So, I grabbed some foam to make their tails. Sure hope this works. I had no idea what I was doing, I will be the first to admit. And somehow, it did.

Before this post turns into a full on book, I'll leave off with some pictures. But not before saying how much I truly enjoyed the night, hearing Ian tell anyone that would listen, "I'm Nemo. My sister is Dory. My mom is our jellyfish." (He told me I had to be something from Finding Nemo, and I spotted the pink tutu across the room. Sometimes, I can be kind of quick on my feet).

And my fault on the bad pictures. I handed Matt the camera with the auto focus off. Oops. Hopefully, you could still find Nemo. :)

The Right Kind of Salt and Light

So, this doesn't really have to do with any of the family in the usual, direct way. But as I was finishing a project tonight, I heard something so thought-provoking on the radio I had to share. Consider this a mental update? :)

And bear with me. I promise it's not a sermon. It's more of a sharing something that was something like a defibrillator (and yes, I had to look up how to spell that) to my self-image. It was shocking and jump-starting for my whole thought process.

I'm sure you have heard someone repeat the essence of Matthew 5:13-16. Jesus says we're the salt of the earth...the light of the world. Personally, the phrase has gotten a little worn out in my ears because of it's misuse...and overuse.

I know many people that say they are going to be a light to the world. That they are going to salt it and season it with their actions. They're going to (yawn) make the world a better place.

And, the guy on the radio said it so very powerfully. They definitely are light and salt.

Salt on a wound.

Glaring light that makes you cover your eyes and look the other way.

Oh yeah? Ouch.

I'm here to admit, I probably have been that salt and light before. And, if it's been towards you, I'm sorry.

Without bitterness towards what Jesus meant when He said that if we follow Him, we're to be salt and light...I really do want to make the world a better place. But I want to be one of those people that when I say it, it doesn't make you yawn, cringe, or look away. When I say it, I want you to know that I mean it! Not to be cheesy, or cliche. Who doesn't want to improve the world because of their existence exactly? I'm not special because of that.

Bottom line, it made me think about how I might come across at times. I'm just living life one step at a time, trying to be the right kind of salt and light...and being me. And, my faith is the deepest part of me.

I'm not here to rub you the wrong way with my "salt," or be obnoxious about my faith and blind you with the "light" I'm trying to share. Hopefully, you'll help hold me to that. And, the only way I know is if you tell me. Sometimes, I blink and miss the yawning. :)

Before Pumpkin Pie

I had some more fun with iMovie...and we're all having a lot of fun with these pumpkins! Tonight, we're going to start the process for pumpkin pie with Zoe's. We'll leave Ian's around for a few more days. And, I am really looking forward to toasted pumpkin seeds! :)

Knock, Knock!

Who's there? Two best friends that like to run in and out of the little house at the cutest little park! (Ok, I know this is not the best knock, knock joke!).

Running endlessly in and out of that little treehouse was the best game ever. The best thing to me about it was how much Ian was interested in keeping Zoe involved in the game. He would follow after her and say, "Come back, Zoe! Don't you want to play? Come play in the house with me." He even obliged me for a photo op with her. Although he was trying to be cute and put his arm around her, she took it as him trying to hold her down.

If you haven't already noticed, Ian's smirk...oh, there just aren't words. And, that eyebrow thing he gets from Matt. Yes, it's most certainly from Matt. You should see my face when I try to do it!

Zoe tried climbing the cargo netting all by herself. While Ian was still getting to the third (rung? layer?), Zoe had made it almost halfway...with no help. Ian happily ran around making jokes and smiling just for the sake of well, nothing in particular. Zoe studiously inspected her surroundings and occasionally chased Ian out of the way. Oh, and stood at the top shouting, "EEEEEE-NNNN!!! EEEEE-NNNN!!! No! No! No!"

Just another random trip to the park...and more insight into the little people they are growing up to be. Sometimes I wish I could freeze time like a picture. Like nap time, too.

Knock, knock.

...(Who's there?)

Bed.

...(Bed who?)

Bed you're glad I'm only going to share one more knock, knock joke. :)

Boy or Girl?

So, there are only about 300 million different myths about how you can tell if it's a boy or a girl...

Carrying high? Girl. Carrying low? Boy. (Or is it the reverse?! I guess it depends who you ask!).

High and low heart rates, morning sickness or not...they could all provide a clue for the baby's gender! (One with a 50/50 chance of being right!).

And for the record, I have absolutely no idea. I know some moms just "know," and this is so fascinating to me! A few friends that did have a feeling were right! Wow! For a little bit, I thought maybe it was a girl, but that feeling has drifted away. It has left behind pleasant musings of what it would be like to have either another brother or a sister in our family. I wonder what it would be like to have such a powerful feeling of knowing this little person inside. I know they are starting to get more active...and we can easily feel little kicks and bumps on the outside around 9:30 every night! Whether they are feminine or masculine prods, I just couldn't say!

Which brings us to what we want...Matt of course, very set on having another boy. But, he called Zoe by the name Zachary for the first 5 months, and has now learned to just wait and see! I can totally see us having either, and I continue to pray for happy and healthy! I won't even guess, because I really have no idea! Do you?

I'm curious how many different things have been suggested as helpful in predicting gender. Specific cravings? Not being able to spell? A preference for the cool side of the pillow? If you have a moment, share what you've heard or make something up!

Oh, and while you're thinking about it...I posted a poll to the blog. Will the newest Gayler be a boy or a girl? :)

In Search of the Perfect Name (Part One)

Matt and I have agreed at the moment (albeit the former party, reluctantly) to keep the gender of this baby a surprise. After all, we have a boy AND a girl, both born the same season...which means, plenty of clothing and accessories for this little one, no matter the gender. My point is that we have found out mid-pregnancy twice, why not have a surprise at the birth this time? (Among other reasons, anyway). I know this is probably not what you wanted to hear! Just think, it's a surprise anyway...just one you'll have to wait for a bit longer! Oh, and we're waiting too. It's no fair squandering away such precious knowledge!

In the meantime, we still get to have fun with names! Oh, and we get to have the most interesting discussions about names! The history, popularity, meaning, and silliness of all that is wrapped up into a name is quite an elaborate topic! The perceptions of Matt and I are definitely worthy of conversation, and it gets even more provocative when involving other people. There is a lot involved in considering the perfect name.

I've heard this process referred to as "name shopping," and I really do understand why it's gained this label. It really is comparable to how Matt and I shop! While I prefer to compare and ever-expand the possibilities before settling on a final choice, Matt likes to proceed directly to the first item(s) that fit the bill. However, he'll follow me around the store sportingly, and remind me that in the end he will be right, and I'll go back to one of the original options. He is often exactly correct, but sometimes the research turns up something more suitable. If nothing else, I find the hunt entertaining! And there just might be something better out there...even though it might take some time to find it.

Timing...oh yes, that factors into naming too! I very much understand why some cultures wait to name their babies. Besides the obvious factor that not everyone has the ability to know the gender before birth, what if little baby boy just does not look like a Robert, or an Edward? Would it hurt to observe this little person before bestowing such a powerful source of identity?

God has known us from the very beginning...even in my belly, he knows this child (Psalm 139)! He must know their name too! Maybe for every parent, we "stumble" on the right name at a different time because of unseen leading? Or He just knows what our parents will call us?

We'll be ready with a list no doubt, but this time, much less attached to the name. After all, we haven't had 5 months to choose, fall in love with, and repeatedly call the little one inside by one name! We can sound out the possibilities and have fun with nicknames. One day "little bean" might be Sloane. Or maybe "kickypants" might turn out to be Coleman. I don't think he or she will mind what happens in the meantime, will they? Perhaps our prepared list of options will drift out the window when we hold the baby for the first time!

Do you think a child by any other name still becomes the same person? Would Ian still be the same boy if his name was Langley, Mason, or Pierce? Would dear Zoe be as obsessed with shoes if she were indeed Eliana, Gertrude, or Jordan? I wonder...especially because the name could change!

What if later on, they just don't like their name, or want to change it to suit a new identity or purpose? Modern day artists have changed their names. Think about Norma Jean Baker, Leonard Slyle, Annie Mae Bullock, and Caryn Johnson. (Trivia time!) Their parents surely thought they had found the perfect name, and it played out differently...why stress it so much?

I do believe the name in the present does indeed matter, even if it might change. And, I won't worry too much about those potential changes down the road. A name embodies you...at that moment! So yes, we'll mull it over a bit. A name is a meaningful thing in the present tense!

My mind drifts to Biblical examples when thinking about meaning. At a life-altering crossroad, Abram (exalted father) became Abraham (father of a multitude). After wrestling the angel, Jacob (supplanter) became Israel (having power with God). God says he will give a new name on the day of redemption to those that overcome (Rev. 2:17). Clearly a name is a powerful thing, God has taken interest in it!

My own name I believe reflects me rather well by definition. Julie means youthful. I think that is one great way of describing me! It is also cited as "downy-bearded youth"...and since I don't have a beard (and hopefully never will), I have attributed this to my Dad. He was in his youth when he had me, at least spiritually and psychologically. Marie has origins mainly reflecting "sea of sorrow" or "sea of bitterness." Although not a bitter person, I do have inner workings that reflect this trait deeply.

Matthew means "insufferable sarcastic mess." Oh wait, no it doesn't. (We should definitely change his name). Actually, it means "gift of God." And although it certainly could apply to many people, of course it applies to him.

But what if your name really doesn't mean anything at all related to you? The answer to that one is simple. Regardless of a name, the person who owns it defines the meaning as they live. But, I still can't wrap my head around naming a girl Cecily...because it means "blind." I could stretch it to say that she would be "blind to trouble," or just skip it. Yeah, skip. The meaning of the name (even though it will embody something entirely unique with the individual) is a big factor!

Finally, who else has this name? Maybe there are 10,000 other Julies in the world and 1 million Matthews. But only one of each of us. I happen to know only one other Julie personally, and don't run into others very often. Matt? Um, he's been referred to as "Gayler" a lot, and it's not just because of the military. You have to make some distinction between all the Matthews. Did it matter very much how popular our names were?

We're on the same quest as all the other parents out there (at least most I guess?). Our child needs a name that's just popular enough not to sound ridiculous in our family and circle of friends, but still rare and extraordinary. It may not matter how many children have ever had the name, but it matters that it sounds just unique enough to be theirs alone. At least until they happen to run into another little Quinn.

I hope you've enjoyed reading my little ramble, and I'd love to hear your thoughts. What do you think about your own name and how it defines you? Would you change it? If you have children, did any of these things cross your mind? How did you sort out meaning and the power of names?

What makes naming a baby so complicated? There is certainly almost too much to consider at once. And, probably not everyone even thinks about it! There's nothing wrong with scanning down a list for something that sounds pretty or looks "cool" or even flipping a coin! Somehow, your name is you. And it becomes you when you get it. And you become your name! So amazing!

I'll end the night rubbing my tummy and becoming lost in thought of all the possibilities. For me this process is less about us choosing the right name and more about discovering the perfect name he or she already owns. :)

Are you bored and want to learn the meaning of your name or other statistics about it? My favorite site for almost everything there is to wonder about names...Baby Name Wizard. You can even see how popular names are by state. Fascinating!

Excited about Birth!

At the appointment today, the baby was extremely active...moving in every direction to avoid us listening to the heart beat! In the end, we heard a very strong beating at around 150bpm. I am measuring right at 16 weeks...that's 4 months! Wow, suddenly this is going very quickly!

Here's what little baby looks like (approximately anyway). At 4 1/2 inches long, and 3 1/2 ounces, little avocado-sized baby is starting to get more noticeable with the little thumps and bumps in there!

Today was also my last appointment at Naval Hospital Beaufort. After much prayer and research, I'm so excited that paperwork has now been filed, and we have switched care to the Midwife Group and Birth Center in Savannah, Georgia.

For those of you that wondered why, read on and I'll try to summarize my thoughts somewhat cohesively!

God provided us with a wonderful experience both times...and most importantly, two healthy babies! However, there were certain aspects of pregnancy and labor that didn't flow as well as they could have.

When procedures were optional but suggested, I was belittled for choosing the option to not have the procedure. I was given drugs without being informed or giving consent, and the nurse refused to remove them when I was having a strong reaction to them. The staff was in "observational mode" during labor. They were there to offer drugs for pain, check my progress, and then disappeared behind the nurse's desk to watch my vital signs from afar.

After both labors, I was like a "freak show," and nurses and doctors were simply amazed I gave birth without an epidural. I didn't do it for praise or to earn some special "Mommy Labor Medal." (To be perfectly honest with you, I'm more afraid of the needle than pain). My labor was normal, and nothing worthy of praise or admiration. I certainly didn't do it without help (God literally delivered me, but that's another story for another time), just without drugs. It was NORMAL.

Let me reiterate that both of my births were a truly blessed experience. As much as I could have (with a few exceptions), I actually enjoyed my labor. I am incredibly thankful for Matt's help and support...he's irreplaceable in that function! And, God was WITH US both times, provided the right circumstances for His plan, and delivered to us two beautiful babies.

And, let me also say that I have nothing in the world against interventions when they are medically necessary. Pitocin, epidurals, continuous fetal monitoring, c-sections and more...these medical procedures all have their place. My personal preference is to avoid these interventions as part of a routine, and reserve them as a response to a medical condition or emergency that requires their use. In fact, I was a c-section baby, and that procedure saved my life. I'm thankful the technology is present for the cases that require it. Medicine is not something to be avoided, it's a tool to save lives. If this baby or I needs help, I will eagerly allow the life-saving procedure(s).

If medically, different approaches could be used to achieve the same result of a HEALTHY BABY & MOM...wouldn't you choose the environment that provided you with physical, mental, and spiritual support?

That's what the Birth Center represents to us...a place of care and support for this normal process of pregnancy and labor.

This doesn't mean it's the right choice for everyone. There are far too many different personalities, environments, doctors, and situations. Regardless of where the birth takes place (hospital, birth center, home, or car), I know there isn't a woman out there looking for a bad experience! All moms just want a healthy, happy baby! We all want the best, and for different people, this can take different forms based on risk factors, comfort level, and education.

I address all this because I don't want you, the reader, regardless of your own personal experience to think that I look down on anyone (or, the reverse, think more of others) because of their circumstances or choice of doctor! It's none of my business, and it's not about you...it's about my family! :)


The Naval Hospital gave me two nearly ideal normal birth scenarios, so why the change? I long to see a provider that addresses the nature of pregnancy and childbirth as a part of life to be celebrated. We want our choices to be supported, and not be a "special case" because we'd like to operate outside of routine. All of us want this to be a positive experience where the doctor can offer wisdom and medical expertise, and the family can make informed decisions.

I know that many papers and opinion pieces circulate about the "natural birth" movement. Many people suggest that more emphasis is being placed on the "experience" of natural labor over the "result" of a healthy baby. I can't speak for anyone but myself on this matter, and certainly can't engage in a lengthy scientific debate. But I will tell you right now the health of my baby comes first before any "experience" ever could!

We're not trading medical expertise for a desired labor experience. We're headed to a birth center with medical professionals that will help support our wishes for a normal, healthy delivery...and again, most importantly, a healthy baby!

Some of the elements of care at the Midwife Center will begin very soon and continue through birth:

-Expert, certified medical professional care. The midwifes all hold masters in nursing, and work in collaboration with OB/GYN physicians. They have over 60 years of experience combined, and the Birth Center has been open 23 1/2 years.
-A more personal and welcoming approach to our involvement in making informed choices for me and the baby.
-No routine medical interventions, only carefully planned and considered care based on our circumstances.
-Approaching pregnancy and childbirth as normal, and including the whole family.
-The ability to develop and talk about a birth plan, with the respect of the staff in our decisions.
-During labor, the support and assistance of staff in a personalized scenario.
-Rapid access to a hospital for further assistance if necessary.
-Encouraged freedom of movement during labor to aid pain management.
-The ability to stay with our baby after labor the entire time with all medical care taking place with us present.
-Continuous support of experience midwifes working with a physician to provide the best care for me and the baby.
-The attitude of respect for our role as parents and our decision-making for our family.

I'm excited that with the faith in God's amazing provision and care (because ultimately, He is the head physician), this entire birth, no matter what happens, will be a process to bring Him glory, and that we all can enjoy and treasure the new life entrusted in our care.

Just as before, I'm so excited about welcoming this baby into the world! I'm excited about birth! :)

If you want to learn more about the Birth Center's specific goals and approach, you can visit their website to learn more.

Summer 2010 Photo Book

My labor of love...and the best attempt at condensing a summer full of pictures! I hope you enjoy the preview! :)

Click here to view this photo book larger

A Walk near the Water

I admit it, I was actually bored yesterday evening...amidst the cluttered to-do list of the century. So, I loaded the kids up and headed for the waterfront!

We stopped on Bay Street first, and sat on the hill watching the boats. I captured a sweet moment between Zoe and Ian.


Then, we had to move on because...well, it was a hill, and Zoe was in a roaming mood! We ended up walking near the docks for a while, spotting boats out on the water (to Ian, they do not count unless they are not moored at the docks).


I love the swings near the water. We spent a lot of our time sitting, swinging, and talking. Mostly, Ian wanted to know why all the boats were not out. He said all of the people should get on their boats and go. When I explained that some people live on their boats, and might not want to go anywhere at that very moment, he decided to take over the lesson. "Mommy, boats are for GOING on the WATER, not for living in." Reassuring him that some people do indeed live on boats he conceded, "Oh, you're right. But, they should go."


Much of our time was also spent running around the pavilion area. Zoe chasing Ian, Ian chasing Zoe...Mommy chasing both kids! I love how quiet it is on a week night. We had the entire grounds to ourselves practically! (All the other kids were on the playground, where I figured we would eventually go).


Zoe spent most of her time running around crazily, or power walking. The remainder of the time was spent trying to pry the shells from the pavement. She's persistent, I'll give her that one.


I really wanted some good pictures because the lighting was so gorgeous, and the kids were having so much fun. This is mostly what my "roll" consisted of with Zoe. She is a lady on the move.


When I tried to get pictures of Ian, he would stop and talk with me about things. Mostly, about money. He had the extra change from the meter, and he was very concerned we should go back and put more in it. He kept pulling his money out of his pockets to count it, and reminding me if we didn't put money in it, we would get a ticket.


Our afternoon was also filled with sly smiles that were eerily similar.


I love their smiles. All of them.


The highlight of the evening ocurred just as we reached the playground. There was a man shrimping off the sea wall. Both kids instantly decided this was much better entertainment than the aforementioned kid-zone. They both climbed into the swing to watch, very excited.


Patiently, the shrimper cast out his net...


And brought up just a few shrimp every other time or so. I was not expecting them to be so big! Many of them were thrown back, because he said they were still having babies. We all learned that shrimp are quite feisty, which was why he left them on the pavement for a moment before going to throw them in his 5 gallon bucket. Several times, we saw a simple flick of the tail launch one up to a foot in the air. We also learned that these particular shrimp have "horns" on the front of their head, which are to be avoided! (We did not have to learn this the hard way, no shrimp handling today).


Zoe got bored after a while, but was very happy to climb up and down the benches. Ian elicited several smiles from the man as he asked questions and eagerly observed. It was so relaxing and interesting to watch him work. The setting sun was a gorgeous backdrop for a perfect evening.


Although we have lived in Beaufort for over a year, this was my first sunset on the water. None of the photos are retouched (except the last, 2 points of exposure/brightness), it was a magnificent sunset! A beautiful end to a blessed day near the water.




I can't help but stand in awe of God's beautiful creation. Sunset is simply a more powerful time of beauty as the light changes and does its dance of color across the water. In moments like these, I am thankful for my gift of sight to see my beautiful children and experience such beauty as this...day-dreaming of the hints of Heaven's splendor. :)

He spreads out the northern skies over empty space.
He hangs the earth over nothing.
He wraps up water in his clouds.
They are heavy, but they don't burst.
He covers the face of the full moon.
He spreads his clouds over it.
He marks out the place where the sky meets the sea.
He marks out the boundary between light and darkness.
The pillars of the heavens shake.
They are terrified when his anger blazes out.
With his power he stirred up the oceans.
In his wisdom he cut the sea monster Rahab to pieces.
His breath made the skies bright and clear.
His hand wounded the serpent that glides through the sea.
Those are only on the edges of what he does.
They are only the soft whispers that we hear from him.
So who can understand how very powerful he is?
-Job 26:7-14

Obsessive Memories

A little update on the themes lately around here!

Zoe's Obsessions

Zoe continues her obsession with belly buttons. Not only does she fall asleep sucking her thumb and holding her own, but she continually checks to see that ours are still in place. She also inspects baby dolls for their correct parts...and is very upset when they don't have a belly button at times!

Oh, how Zoe loves her stroller (best birthday present to date, Courtney!). She endlessly pushes it around the house with various "babies." This includes matchbox cars, sippy cups, books, blocks, and anything else in her path. Lately, she has asked to bring it with us on trips. I even let her push it around the grocery store with a couple items in it...best trip we ever had! (Usually I'm asking her 7 billion times to sit down, but she enjoyed having a job and stayed right with us the entire time!).

"Bups, bups, bups!" is her chant at various points during the day. Translation, "Book, book, book!" She has definitely developed a few favorites, and right now I think it's a train book. After so many readings, she is now able to read some of the pages..."Choo! Choo!"

The Incredible Memory Machine

We walked to a friend's house around the corner for lunch this afternoon, and Ian kicked along beside me on his tricycle. (He still hasn't mastered pedaling, but is amazingly fast at pushing himself along). This particular tricycle makes about 10 preset noises/voices. In the middle of our walk he said, "Hold on just one minute, I have to do something here," and quickly cycled through 7 sounds. "Ah, here it is," he reported, and leaned back in the seat. A little mechanized voice said, "Let's race! Ready...set...go!" and he took off with little legs going crazy. How on earth does he remember exactly which sound comes next!?

Speaking of his incredible memory, about a month ago we went shopping for some fall clothes. Ian picked out a long-sleeved gorilla shirt, and one with a skeleton printed on it (it glows in the dark!). I washed the clothes when we got home and immediately put them in storage. He hasn't seen them since that day. When I pulled out his gorilla shirt, he said, "Oh yeah, Mom! Now I get my bones shirt too!" I had to stop and think a moment because I didn't realize what he meant! He officially has a better memory than me.

Did I mention if I tell him what we're getting in the store, he will remember the one item I forgot? It's so useful, because he is sure to tell me right as we're going to the check out line. Eggs! Yes! :)