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February 28, 2009
Jeff has patiently waited for 99% of the snow to melt to break out his lawnmower. He mows the lawn religiously every week (Thursdays to be exact) once the sun is out and the grass is green. Today was a prep day for the upcoming months of real mowing but I think Jeff was more excited than he let on. I know Pearl was because as soon as I opened the front door she ran outside following Jeff up and down the yard. She could hardly wait to try out her sandbox, slide, and yes, even the swimming pool (she sat in it and cried for water even though it was only 45 degrees outside). We can't wait until we can spend every minute of sunshine outside in a few months!
February 27, 2009
Pearl and I visited my Aunt Julie and Uncle Bob at their photography studio today and well, Pearl went straight to work - literally! It reminded me of our daily walks around my building after her nap. Everyday we wander up and down the stairs and then wind up in my office. Probably because the girl across from me has a candy dish. Pearl loves to call Jeff on the phone, type, color, and eat her snack all at the same time. Looks like she is well on her way to a solid career path!
February 26, 2009
I cheated today on my picture because if you want to see what I've been thinking about all day, you're going to have to download a booklet called "Zero Fatalities: Sixteen reasons why zero is the only acceptable number." It's a memorial booklet I helped create for the teens killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2007. It's a long story about how this whole thing came about but basically my program at the Utah Department of Health (Violence and Injury Prevention Program), contacted each family who lost a teenager in a car related crash and asked them to tell their stories. Sixteen of the families agreed to share the stories of their children, which are in this booklet. We met the families, listened to their stories, cried together, and now I'm forever changed. We had a meeting today to talk about developing a DVD for teens to help them understand the dangers of driving stupid, that's why I thought of Keifer again. Keifer was killed going to school, his little brother pulled his dead body out of his car and walked away without a scratch. I met his mom and will never forget his face. Every time I catch myself doing something stupid while I'm driving, speeding, or getting distracted trying to drive home and deal with Pearl, his picture - all the teens' pictures - flash in my mind. I just wanted these families to know that their children will not be forgotten.
February 25, 2009
We found a definite winner at the library last week. Every time we've read this book to Pearl she giggles and giggles. I'm not sure what's so funny about learning about playground safety like not pushing your friends, remembering to pick up your toys, taking turns, and not kicking sand in other people's faces but for a nearly 2 year old, it's apparently hilarious. I'm just glad she loves to read, we had a few quiet moments tonight, and hopefully some of these safety tips will sink in.
February 24, 2009
My accomplishment of the day was dusting the living room, Pearl's room, my bedroom, and the dining room. Promptly after dinner, my nice shiny dining table was covered in sticky Mac & Cheese fingerprints mixed with some pink Kool-aid and smashed Stove Top stuffing. Oh well, there's always tomorrow.
February 23, 2009
Pearl got sent home today from daycare because she supposedly had diarrhea. I didn't really believe it but know not to put up a fight because I don't want her sick and miserable or to get anyone else sick. So we went home, folders and my "to-do" list in toe. I didn't get much of my work done with class and a test (and the missing study guide I lost somewhere between my office and home) that same night but I did stop and think about how blessed I am to even have a job. My brother just lost his job at USU and has a family to worry about and here I am complaining about having to leave work early. I'm so blessed to work where I do with people who really care about helping others. I have awesome benefits and for now am not on any cut lists at work.
February 22, 2009
The last two days have been beautiful and we're all hoping that the weather keeps this up for awhile! Pearl and I took the stroller out for it's first walk of the 2009 season, Jeff went on nice bike ride, and as you can see we've got tulips and crocus poking their heads out of the ground. Come on spring!!!
February 21, 2009
Our pediatrician told us to not waste our money on fancy toys, baby Einstein videos, and the like until Pearl turned 18 months old. Then he said she needed three types of toys to help her cognitive development - push/pull toys, stackable toys, and puzzles. Well we had the first two but no puzzles. Honestly it didn't even cross my mind to start getting stuff like this...apparently I don't read all the "how-to" parenting books out there. So Pearl and I ventured to Magical Moon Toys while we were in Logan to get some cute wooden Melissa & Doug puzzles. I was excited to find a great deal on some really cute puzzles but Pearl didn't find them nearly as exciting. Apparently her idea of "brainy toys" come with the label "NOT INTENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 3" as she found a Calico Critters house (some of you girls might remember them from your own childhood) complete with tiny, chockable accessories. We seriously spent 45 minutes playing with the bunny, bear, and dog families and all their furniture. Apparently Pearl's ready for the next stage of toys...tiny, missing pieces that can be found in furnace vents or up her nose.
February 28, 2009
