Finishing.

I've never been good at finishing things. I have several goals. Some new and fresh; some that have been dusted off a few times; some covered in cobwebs; and some I have forgotten about or given up on because I made too many excuses too many times.

It's sad really, because I believe these ideas I have, that at times suddenly pop into my head, do so for a reason. I believe objects come into my life because they are supposed to... like books or art supplies, etc. Books specifically have been on my mind a lot lately.

I have MANY books in my posession. Some referred to me by friends. Some given to me or referred by my inspiring, knowledge flowing momma. Some I just saw somewhere and thought, "hmm, that looks like a good book."

To be completely honest with myself and the universe, I don't think I have ever really read any of them (okay, maybe a couple, I don't remember) all the way through! Not even my Bible - don't judge me - I know that's in there somewhere.

I feel like I have let myself down. I feel like my brain is numb in some areas (That could also be from lack of sleep). I feel like there is a smarter, more interesting, and vivacious me inside that could be doing more with herself. Saying more, using my talents more, sharing more with the world.

So, a goal: Read every book I have all the way through - even my Bible. I'm actually quite excited about this.

My first book is called: The Soul's Pallete - Drawing on arts transformative powers for health and well-being. So far, I am really liking it and it has made me want to start up my art again.

October

Ahhhhhhhh October. I LOVE the fall. This time of year is so crisp and delicious... Mmm!

We are spending a lot of time outside and having a lot of fun. Blogging will happen sooner or later.

Some Things

We've been having problems with our wireless router the past couple weeks and haven't really had the time to fix it or replace the router. This means that the easy and quick access to the internet that we had with the laptop downstairs has been interrupted. If I want to get on the internet for anything I have to come upstairs.

Coming upstairs is a chore. Madeline hates it up here - unless she can play on the stairs, mess with and chew on wires, climb all over the elliptical, push buttons on the printer, or go through the garbage. She is ripping paper as I type this, and... eating it... one sec. Sometimes kitty will give me a break and let Madeline harass her while I do some stuff.

Sometimes, I find myself looking for things that it would be okay for her to destroy because she has no interest in her toys when we are up here.

The only real time I have to get anything done on the computer is when she is napping or after midnight when she is finally asleep. THAT time is when I want to exercise and shower and sleep and do a million other things. Sometimes thinking about it drives me mad. I imagine myself in a vicious whirlwind of "things to do" and I can't get to any of them. Then I stop and I realize... it's okay. What is my problem?

I am living that life I always dreamed of when I was younger. I have my sweet baby girl and she is active and fun and interested in her world. Every second she is getting bigger and changing. She is a challenge and she makes me think. I want her to be happy. I want her to know she matters to me and she is interesting and important.

So, the blog is neglected. So, I don't get to read the 400 other blogs I like to read, or see who has just let the world know they just burped the alphabet (on facebook). So maybe it takes me two weeks to do 4 loads of laundry. Maybe the router broke for a reason. Maybe some things are just more important.

She's Walking!! She's Walking!!!!!!!

Paul began standing Madeline up on his lap when she was just a wee babe. She has always had very strong legs, constantly kicking them.

Madeline has been almost walking for some time now. We bought her a little stroller to push around a little over a month ago that she fearlessly pushes around with no question that she can do it.

The past couple of days she would take A step between two objects... sort of testing the waters. But as far as walking on her own, she hasn't yet dared to take that lone step with several consecutive steps to follow. For the past couple of weeks she would walk if you held just one of her hands... then, it moved on to if she could just hold onto your finger... until now.

As of this evening, 7:27 pm, my Madeline is walking on her own. I give you...

Madeline Walking

The joy I am feeling is immense and exciting and causes me to giggle uncontainably.

What's In A Name?

I recently read an article about a woman who had decided to hire a professional naming expert, also known as a nameologist, to help her decide the right name for her soon-to-be born baby boy. She had become consumed with the naming of her second child and read in a newspaper that someone else had done it. So she forked out $200. Yeah.

At first I thought this was ridiculous - and I still do I would never pay someone to help me decide on a name for my child - but I didn't realize how important a persons name really is.

The nameologist this woman chose to work with was a woman named Maryanna Korwitts who claims to have combined her studies in psychology, numerology, and different naming traditions to develop "an intuitive system of going beyond the sight and sound of a name to feel its vibration and observe the energy it creates every time it is said, spelled, and even thought." Whoa. Pretty neat. The article also claimed that Korwitts said that she had noticed children with the same name tend to have similar personality traits.

On her website, Maryanna has a naming lab called "Name Agories" where you can type in your own name and receive a report on the strengths and weaknesses your name favors. I tried my name and it said that my name, Edith Ann, made me a romantic, an overindulger, and an optimist. Here is what it said on the site about each of those titles:

Romantic:
Bring on the hearts and flowers, send poetry and keep those candle-lit dinners coming. These are folks who believe in love at first sight, and believe that life isn't worth living without abundant supplies of love and caring. They often fall in love quickly and enjoy keeping the drama of romance in all they do. Some with a name in this Category are masters at the art of flirting, and others are experts at turning frowns into smiles in a split second. Needless to say, these are folks who must learn a healthy sense of self-worth and self-protectiveness on the way to making love work. But they will no doubt believe in fairy tales forever and a day.

Optimist:
The sun is always shining for those who wear this name. At least that is what they will want to believe. These are folks who see the best in others and situations, always mustering hope in even the darkest situation. There is a tendency here to look the other way when problems arise, so a conscious effort must be made to face the music no matter what the tune. But if you're looking for a lift, or want a compliment... just show up on one of these name bearer's doorsteps. Deep down, no matter what they say, these are people who want to believe the glass is always half full.

Overindulger:
When wearing this name it's tough to put on the brakes when it comes to any of life's pleasures. These name bearers could have difficulty with spending, overeating, addiction, substance abuse any type of boundary setting. They could also be adept at generating large amounts of fun and joy for themselves and everyone else around them. The adage here is, "if a little is good, more is better." The challenge is, to enjoy and yet stay happy, focused and balanced. This name category is also all about laughter, optimism, conversation and spontaneity although some choose the shy road in the midst of the light-hearted mood. Oh, and don't expect this name category to encourage over-indulgence in such things as organizing, cleaning or studying. These people prefer others to do the tedious paperwork.


I was slightly shocked because all of these descriptions fit me VERY well. Kind of fun! What does your name say about you??

So, next time you find out you are having a child. Put a little thought into the name you select.

By the way, according to this site if you decide to name your child "poop", then they will be a "potential overall winner" which means:

The names in this category provide a positive, complementary blend of qualities and characteristics, all of which can support balance in most areas of life.

Hmph.

And if you go with "butt crack" they will be a "traditionalist" and a "victim".

Party!

Yesterday we had Madeline's birthday party. It was a great party, and I think those who were able to make it had a good time. Thank you to my sweet husband, Paul, and to his Mom and Dad and Sister and Brother-in-law... without you guys I wouldn't have been able to pull it off. I am SO grateful to you!




Created with flickr slideshow.

The day started early for me. I was up at 4:00 am to make frosting and decorate the cake and cupcakes. I had to run to Kroger at 5:30 in the morning in my curlers to get more food coloring (boy there are some weirdo's at the store in the morning). If you are ever planning on making red cupcakes or a red cake of any kind, make sure you have enough food coloring. I ended up using about 2 full bottles to get the color I wanted. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to decorate Madeline's cake so I eventually just made an Elmo on it and slapped on some blue border. She obliterated that thing!

I also had to finish decorating. I quickly strung some streamers around the pillars, blew up some balloons, and it turned out pretty good.

One o'clock came fast and guests started arriving. We had some food and visited for a while and then I had the kids and babies gather to play pin the nose on the Elmo. That was fun since most of the kids were too young for such a game. Mostly moms had to hold their kids or the one's who could do it themselves couldn't help but peak. Maybe not the best game for tiny people, but it was fun.

After the game we had Madeline open her presents. She got so many awesome toys and books and some of the cutest clothes. I can't wait for her to wear them.

After presents it was time to watch the baby eat her cake. At first she was hesitant, but as soon as she tasted that frosting so was all for it. She had a moment of irritation because she doesn't really like to be TOO messy, just a little messy, but then she got right back into destroying the cake. I think she make actually ate 1/20 of it.

After a quick bath, it was back to playing with toys, eating, visiting, and having fun.

We had a great time, and by the end of it all Madeline was so pooped she fell asleep mid-bite of some delicious veggies... what a coincidence. hmm.

Included in the slideshow are some pictures from Madeline's actual birthday (9-10-09) and a couple of her playing in her tutu.

Madeline's Monthly Message: Month 12

Dear Madeline,
Today you are 12 months old, a.k.a. ONE YEAR old.

Happy Birthday!! And congratulations on your first successful journey around the sun!

It's hard to imagine that one year ago today I was in the hospital in labor for 14 hours, 49 minutes, when you finally made an appearance. It wasn't a bad experience. I was so happy that you were finally coming I was in pretty high spirits all day, and when you looked at me... ohh baby the love.

My love for you, my little love bug, angel, snickerdoodle, cannot be contained in my body... I think of you and I can't believe how blessed I am. It often brings a tear to my eye because my soul is bursting... I can't believe it! What could I have possibly done before this life to be the one chosen to be your mother?? It had to be something pretty unbelievably amazing!

New this month... you aren't quite walking on your own, but you will hold one of our hands and take steps sometimes. You still push your stroller with great independence and pride. You stand for long periods of time holding onto nothing... your balance is very good. It's just going to happen when you are ready and we are all for that. You crawl like a maniac all over the place. You also enjoy climbing. You climb the stairs at any chance you get... you are under constant supervision so you haven't been able to do it on your own yet - hopefully this never happens. We are getting another gate for the stairs tomorrow. You also enjoy climbing on the elliptical upstairs, and you have attempted several times, unsuccessfully, to climb out of your playard in the TV room. I'm sure you will soon conquer this obstacle. You have so much energy that if we don't let you walk and crawl and climb most of the day, you are up until very late at night. It is a poor man who has to be in your path after being in the carseat or stroller all day.

You and your Dad have an extremely special bond. You wait for him at the door by the garage every day when I tell you he is on his way home. When he does finally get home you jump and dance and smile and laugh and when he picks you up all you want to do is be with him. He walks with you a lot and reads to you... he's your bud, and I love it. I love that you have that relationship with him. It's what I always wanted for my babies. Yes, you are a Daddy's girl... but you are still your Momma's baby, and I love that.

Changing your diaper is an Olympic event. You immediately flip over onto your belly and try over and over to stand up. If we even try to attempt to stop you and reposition you, you begin throwing everything you can get your hands on. I have become quite skilled at putting diapers on you while you are standing up or if you are not facing me. I'd let you go free with nothing on but I just can't fathom cleaning up the poop and pee on the carpet. I don't want to do it.

You are a good eater most of the time. Your favorites now-a-days are chicken (big time), pears, watermelon, nectarine, peach, grapes, baby goldfish crackers, and yogurt drops. You also enjoy papertowels, wet wipes, books, and dryer lint... though these are not usually on the menu. So you get a pretty wide array of vitamins and minerals. You still throw a lot of stuff on the ground, and try to hide your food in your diaper or in a nearby drawer you can successfully pull open, but you are also doing well with feeding yourself. You know which end is the correct end of the spoon now and can dip it in the bowl properly and then put the food in your mouth. It's quite a mess and the food sometimes flips over your head onto the floor or into your hair. The point is you are getting it and it is very fun to watch you grasp different concepts.

You love to talk and sing. You still talk a lot of baby jibberish but you can say words. Some common ones are dih-dih (kitty), Dah! (Daddy), Momma (Momma), boo (blue), meh-mo (Elmo), and BAH! (the word you use for everything else, and when you get sick of me asking you if you can say words). When you talk to kitty, you talk to her in a high-pitched voice (like I do). You also talk in a high-pitched, gentle voice to all of your stuffed friends and dollies. It is the cutest thing.

You sing to the radio and you sing along with your Elmo movie now. I love that you want to sing. You also dance. You also can't help but shake your hips and head in a very rhythmic, almost violently active manner, when you hear music. You even dance when you hear any sort of rhythm... like if we are reading you a poem or something. I tell people all the time that music is in your soul... I truly believe it. Music will always be a big part of your life.

We are teaching you to love your Mother Earth. Every time we leave a room you point at the light switch and if something is on, you turn it off. You are also very good at putting things in the garbage. You also enjoy eating grass and dirt.

You've been out a lot this month. We went to the Pink Palace museum as a family. You slept through most of that. We went to the zoo with Brooke and her momma, and to the park near our house. We also went to Shelby Farms Park together as a family for the first time. We go on walks more because it is getting cooler. You love being outside so I am trying to incorporate it more into our day.

You are a very affectionate little person. You hug and kiss me and your dad regularly. You also love to hug kitty. You are getting much better at petting her. She still runs when you come toward her, but only sometimes, which is a huge improvement over last month. You love to cuddle with and hug your stuffed animals and dolls.

You are also very friendly. You wave at everyone - especially other little children and babies. When you aren't sure if you should wave or not you do what I like to call a "contained wave." You wave with one hand while holding it with the other hand as if you are holding the waving hand back or something.

Naptime. It's sometimes easy... sometimes you are so tired you just lay down and you are out. Those times are rare. You get really tired... but you don't like to nap. So sometimes it's a struggle. You've mastered the fake cry. You've also learned that if you scream as if someone is ripping your arms off or you have been set on fire, you will get attention.

You understand the sign (in sign language) for "milk" and "bath". All the other signs you haven't seemed to care too much about.

You still love reading. You love to turn pages mostly. If we don't read fast enough you will let us know it's time to turn the page. Of course, like I said before, some books are delicious to you... literally. Specifically a small cardboard book from your Grandma Suzy called "Alligator and Friends A to E". Of course, now the cover reads, "d Friends A to E".

You love to comb and brush my hair. You also like to put blush on my cheeks for me... though at times it ends up on my chin or forehead... it will totally be the style when you are older because you are a trendsetter.

All of my life I have wanted to be a mother. From the time I was very little and enjoyed playing with my dolls and kitties to the time I finally met your father... having a baby has been this constant, almost gnawing, thought in my head. So bad, sometimes I had an actual, physical ache in my chest. When you were born Madeline, I finally knew why. I finally knew that the reason I was aching and thinking about you so much was because I MISSED you! I feel like I have known you forever. I MISSED our friendship, your smile... oh the joy I felt, holding you in my arms for the first time - FINALLY after waiting for what felt like an eternity (30 1/2 years!) I felt an immediate connection with you, and this first year of your life has been the happiest time of my life.

I love you so much!!
Love,

Momma

Mmm paper.

Is it normal for a baby to want to eat paper towels instead of pears for breakfast?

A Positively Wonderful Idea

A very nice man I know and consider a friend, who I have noticed is always happy and kind to others, keeps a wrinkly, folded, worn piece of paper in his wallet. On this piece of paper is 4 or 5 statements that say something about him and his life. Something he has accomplished; an award he has received; a talent he has; or just something he is thankful for. He pulls out this piece of paper whenever he needs to be reminded of who he is and how special and blessed he is.

Yesterday I was called in to work to do a case and he was there to assist the doctor. The doctor and anesthesiologist in the room were begging him to tell them his recipe for his famous and delicious barbeque. He does make a really good barbeque... a lot of people in this area take BBQing extremely serious. He kept telling them no. So they began to tease him and they tried to guess different ingredients but to no avail... John would not spill his secret. He then asked me to get in his wallet and pull out that piece of paper and read it to everyone in the room. So, I did. One of the statements on the paper said something to the tune of,

"John has received an award for his famous "sweet papa John's barbeque"..." but in more elaborate, detailed words. No WAY was he sharing his secret recipe that is loved by many.

What an awesome idea, I thought. Keep a little piece of paper in your wallet or purse that reminds you of who you are and what makes you happy. To often we dwell on the things we don't have. We worry about challenges we may need to face. We stress constantly over little things that, in the end, really aren't going to warrant such attention. We put ourselves down. Critique our mistakes and constantly tell ourselves we can't do something or we don't have the ability to accomplish a certain task... or maybe, we're not good enough.

The truth is we can do anything we set our minds to. We are good enough. We are all given certain talents and abilities that can benefit the lives of others and especially benefit our own lives. Being positive makes all the difference. Focusing on what we already have and being thankful for it makes all the difference.

Write it down. Write down your talents. your blessings, those things in your life that make you truly happy. Read it every day. Remind yourself who you are.

Just A Quick Update.

Things around here have been busy. We're all excited for Madeline's upcoming birthday (This Thursday my baby will be one!) and for Grandma and Grandpa Mevec to come visit.

Paul's been working late a lot this week and Madeline has missed him very much. I told her the other day that her Dada was on his way home and she sat at the door in her walker staring at the door for like 15 minutes until he finally got home. It was adorable.

Madeline has been trying to find new ways to extinguish her vegetables. Anything but actually EAT them. The other day I pulled her into the kitchen to be with me while I put some dishes in the dishwasher. She wasn't quite finished with her dinner... next thing I see is this:

She had pulled the silverware drawer open and started putting her beans in it.

Here's Madeline wearing the tutu I made her. It's a little big on her (as far as the length) but I don't think I will cut it down because I sort of like it how it is. It's hard for her to move around in so I probably won't have her wear it at her birthday party like I originally planned. I will probably get her pictures taken in it though because she is the cutest baby on the planet.

And I'm sure when she is older she can wear it to dance and play in. That material you use to make tutu's is so cheap I may just make her another one that is a bit smaller (if I have some time).

Have a great week!!

It Was Such A Nice Day.

If you live in the Midsouth and you didn't go outside today, you should be shot. The high today was 80 degrees... AY-TEE. It was even better in the afternoon/evening time, which was when we decided to take Madeline to the park near our house and go on a walk.

I have the cutest family in the world

After the walk? Commence Project Free Air. We opened every window in the house and let the breeze enter. It was delectable. I could use a whole heap load more of this... a HEAP load.

More Baby Boogie

I just can't get enough of this. I turn music on whenever I get a chance because I love how Madeline reacts. She is so much fun!

My Mosaic.

A few months ago a friend of mine posted a photo mosaic on her blog that I thought was beautiful, and I decided I would make one of my own, but never did. So tonight I took a few minutes and made one of my own. I think it turned out really nice. I love the colors.

1. Lake Edith, Jasper National Park, 2. Spaghetti 2, 3. Reflection, 4. Palette, 5. Orlando, 6. ~ Refractions of Rain ~, 7. Lady Lula's Bright Eyed Stare, 8. /18-365/ Ah, summer!, 9. .freedom., 10. Young Buddhist monks, 11. Handle With Care, 12. Firework Fantasia

If you want to make one, here's how:

Type your answer to each of the questions below into a flickr search. Using only the first page, choose your favorite image, then copy and paste each of the URLs into the mosaic maker (3 columns, 4 rows). If you decide to do it, leave me a comment so I can come to your blog and see how yours turns out!

The questions:

1. What is your first name? (Edith)

2. What is your favorite food? (spaghetti)

3. What high school did you attend? (west jordan)

4. What is your favorite color? (red)

5. Who is your celebrity crush? (Orlando Bloom)

6. Favorite drink? (Water)

7. Dream vacation? (Europe)

8. Favorite dessert? (Key Lime Pie)

9. What do you want to be when you grow up? (Happy)

10. What do you love most in life? (my family)

11. One word to describe you. (Mother)

12. Your flickr name. (Edith Annith)

Shelby Farms Park

Paul and I used to go to Shelby Farms Park here in Memphis a lot when we first moved into our last apartment. We spent a lot of time walking around the lake. We've had picnics there, fed the ducks, flown kites, tried out roller blading, gone paddle boating... it's really a nice park with lots of area and lots to do. They have an area with horses that kids can ride, a couple of lakes, and a few playgrounds that are pretty fun, and a frisbee golf park.

Unfortunately when we moved into our house, we moved further away from Shelby Farms, and we haven't been there in a really long time. Probably before Madeline was born. At least over a year. So, since the weather was pretty nice yesterday, we decided to take a picnic and spend some time at Shelby Farms.

Here's Madeline and her Dad enjoying a delicious picnic of grapes, nectarines, chicken, carrots, gold fish crackers, gerber yogurt snacks, and of course, chocolate chip cookies.

I had some bread that was a little old, so we were going to feed the ducks, but apparently since we were last here, they decided to put up signs everywhere telling people not to feed the animals. We thought about breaking the rules and doing it anyway, but I just couldn't do it. So, we took some pictures of them instead.

Then we decided to take a walk around the lake (it takes about 45 minutes to do if you walk slow). Madeline didn't have the best time on the walk because she was hot and she hates being in the stroller for a long time, but we kept her hydrated and her and me sang some songs. She did okay.

Shelby Farms is a beautiful place. I hope we can make it back there again sooner than later.

Blue.

Mads says several words. She says Mama, Dada, Eh-mo (for Elmo), and several other mumbly jibberish type sounds that mean something to her... but today, today Madeline said blue. And she didn't just say it. She said it after being asked if she could say it.

She was taking a bath and we were looking at her spongey letters and I held up a number (like I do every day when she takes a bath, or it could be a letter, but in this case it was a number) and I said,

"this number is blue Madeline. Can you say blue?"

and she said,

"boo"

and then I repeated the question (like 5 or 6 times) and every time she responded with,

"boo".

I crapped my pants. I was so excited I crapped my pants (figuratively).

So I scrame for Paul to come and listen to the brilliant perfection that is Madeline, and he came running into the bathroom with shaving cream all over his face and Madeline was excited to see him and she looked at him like,

"What is that stuff on your face?"

And she wouldn't do it again for Paul. But THEN, she did it later in her room when we were playing with her toys, so he heard, and HE crapped his pants (literally) just kidding. Moms are always more excited about this stuff. But he did think it was pretty cool.

She is so smart you guys. Every day it is something new. The speed at which these little people learn and absorb things is frighteningly fascinating.