Get My Hair Did

Each Wednesday and Friday I pick up Ella from her daycare on Chicago's northwest side. This daycare differs greatly from Concordia University, the one she attends on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Concordia is a lab school where her teachers are masters prepared and the teaching assistants are working on their degrees in early childhood education. Ella gardens, learns about recycling and has access to all of the latest educational supports and theories. In contrast, her Chicago daycare is run out of a family's home. The children and staff are primarily Spanish speaking. She gets tons of TLC, makes paper plate art-work and comes home with the most intricate of hair styles. Stuff that would make Ken Paves and Paul Mitchell go back to beauty school. I'm amazed, because the kid won't sit still for me. Each morning I grab a brush, some pony tail holders and take a deep breath, ready to battle the will of a 2 1/2 year old with a tangled mess of bed-head. At Lucia's, she sits with the patience of Mona Lisa posing for Da Vinci. Hair parted, braided and up-doed to perfection. I'm starting to get the opinion that maybe she is running away from my eager hands as I simply do not have the talent. My simple pony tails are no match for the artistry of Lucia and her assistants. Guess my girl's got standards.

We Resolved...

I'm proud to report that thus far, Jerry and I have been able to hold on to one New Year's Eve promise, a monthly night out. We've compared pasta at Terra Gusto, spent beau coup bucks on burgers at DMK, celebrated March in Mexico and double dated in Boston in April. In May we row-boated at Herrick Lake and tonight we dine in the loop. Next weekend, if all goes according to plan, we will attend a college-friends wedding. Squeezing in one last ounce of July, "adult-centered", New Year's Resolution style fun before our new reality sets in. In August, following the birth of the baby, I foresee our date nights looking quite different. A millisecond of fleeting eye contact followed by a conciliatory head nod will have to suffice. The amnesia of parenting an infant, the kind that keeps the species alive, is starting to wear off. The amnesia that leads well-meaning couples to say to each other, "yeah, we can totally do this again", has abruptly lifted and memories of the "early days" have been flooding my consciousness. Good Lord up in heaven, WHAT HAVE WE DONE? So before the onslaught of sleepless derangement and irritability set in, I wanted to acknowledge to ourselves that Jerry and I love going out, enjoy each other's company, are capable of interuption free, stimulating, even humorous, adult conversation...and date nights will resume once again. This I promise.

Jerry Vs. Garden "Predators" (a continuation)

Anyone else think buying "Fox Urine Granules" is taking it a bit too far?
Guess it's all part of garden warfare...right captain?
Oh, and by the way sunflower...you better deliver.

Other Fathers/Father Figures

On a day dedicated to father recognition, I thought a little "shout-out" was in order. First, to Jerry's Dad...the father that made many sacrifices so that his boys would be taken care of, a sentimental man who can be moved to tears when his family is reunited or kind words are uttered...but a guy who is also tough as nails with a colorful and tangled history with the Philippine government and secret service. As a father, he was the quintessential problem solver. Jerry's childhood bald patch was quickly fixed with a permanent magic marker. Chipped tooth? Ask Jerry about how this was remedied. Eeks. He encouraged his boys never to instigate conflict but to win when the tables are turned. I believe that Jerry is as grounded, loving and respected as he is today because of his father's influence. Way to go Dad! My Mom deserves a little recognition as well. She tried her best to be both parents to Josh and I. She could throw a baseball, wasn't afraid of dirt, and was the one behind the lawn-mower each week. She would pack up the car and drive us cross country and would go toe-to-toe with anyone that messed with her kids. I was reminded of some advice she gave me today in response to my inquiry about being a cheerleader. She told me that I didn't belong on the sidelines cheering for others...others should cheer for me. I love her for saying that. And by the way Ella, same advice goes for you. Be an athlete, not an athletic supporter ; )
So eternal thanks to our father/father figures on Father's Day.

Not bad hops for a lady about to give birth, huh?

Happy Father's Day Jer!

First thing this morning...
"Happy Father's Day Daddy. Happy Father's Day Mommy. Happy Birthday Ella."
At least you got top billing sweetie.
So what makes you tops?
1. You've got the best shoulders on which to perch.
2. You have a wicked impression of a lion.
3. You bring humor to even the grizzliest of tantrums...the quintessential mood lightener.
4. You always share your food, because, as you know, it always tastes better if it comes off of your plate.
5. You continue to defend Ella's sunflower seedling at all costs. It now towers at two feet!
6. In response to my growing anxiety about giving birth you check out the following from the library: The Birth Partner: A complete guide for dads, doulas and other labor companions, The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving birth with confidence, and Husband Coached Childbirth. With you I know anything can be possible...even raising two well adjusted kids.
We love you so very much!
"The Girls"

Went to the midwife today. It must have been bonus addition Monday because both Jerry and Ella were in attendance. As the appointment neared it's close, Ella was invited to help the midwife find the baby's heart beat. She climbed on top of a chair, steadied by her father and held the doplar against my stomach. As the thump, thump, thumps filled the room she beamed with pride and happiness. So did I. Wishing I had the camera but thinking a mental picture will be enough ; )

Hustler-In-Training

Elkhart Lake

It's become an annual tradition. Now for the 4th year in a row, we packed up the car to head to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Our triathlete, Jerry, did us proud. He crossed the finish line with a smile on his face and gas still in the tank.

Loving this Action Shot!

Ryan and Riley after lunch in Milwaukee

West versus South-side

Jerry, Ella and I went to tour West Suburban Medical Center on Monday night in preparation for Vivian's arrival. I couldn't help but make comparisons to the pinnacle of medical knowledge, University of Chicago. My former employer and where Ella was born in 2008. Talk about a complicated relationship! To it's credit, West Sub had parking, safe parking. You could actually be inside the hospital within two minutes at a steady pace. No one was pedaling their wares or trying to bum a cigarette. The hospital staff actually made eye contact with you. Not only that, but there was genuine warmth in their communication. I didn't get the impression that we were the bane of the front desk staff's existence. The "birthing rooms" had a queen size bed, large jacuzzi tub and a full bathroom with shower. If it weren't for the whole contraction thing, I wouldn't mind taking up residence for a few days. Party at my suite! There were soft, carpeted floors and a refrigerator and microwave to accommodate any snack emergencies. Despite all of the loveliness, I'm still a bit nervous to be delivering at any place that isn't the "Forefront of Medicine". Call it Stockholm Syndrome, but I have confidence in the cold steely approach of the attending doctors at UCH...their gaggle of residents falling behind them lapping up their every move. However, I believe I'm ready for a completely different experience with the birth of Vivian. One in which I am calling the shots...eek.

Five Weeks and Counting

So I was hoping this whole "nesting" instinct would kick in by now. My feathers are defnitely in a ruffle but the much-anticipated "focused mania" of the third trimester has not yet arrived. And I was so looking forward to a bout of mania! Really, if I could have a mental illness, mania is really the way to go. To make matters worse, my mind is constantly compiling and prioritizing the ever growing "to do" list but my body if fighting any and all productive activity. So in case there are any willing volunteers...the following is deemed essential before the birth of this baby:
1. Clean the baseboards. Dust is cruel and it mocks me daily.
2. Use up all of the frost-bitten mystery meat that has taken up residence in our freezer. It seems to be multiplying. Hoping to make room for some of those yummy pre-made meals.
3. Make yummy pre-made meals. Scour Foodnetwork.com to find acceptable recipes.
4. Design baby announcement, purchase stamps and compile address list.
5. Find religion.
6. Try to tie up the many loose-ends that seem to accumulate when you are in a private practice. Audit charts, complete evaluations and shake down private insurance carriers that have refused to pay. It's gonna get ugly.
7. Catch up with as many friends as possible as I'm about to enter solitary confinement. If I don't see you now...till we meet again...next spring.
8. Find cute pajamas that will flatter in hospital pictures and hide any unsightly post-baby bumps and lumps.
9. Review Lamaze and Bradley techniques so that I can kick ass in the delivery room.

I know, it's quite a laundry list. It doesn't hurt to ask though, does it?

Boy Crazy

Hey El,
If you play your cards right one of these cuties could be your prom date. We have a direct connect with their parents so no breaking curfew!

Road Rage

It was rush hour on Sierra Court's sidewalk. Ella obviously has no tolerance for the bumper to bumper. Wonder where she got that from? She opted out of the car and began to mow lawns.

Lockdown

Just over one month ago, twenty sunflower seeds were planted with care and great intentions. Eighteen of the little seedlings defied the odds in this household and sprouted. Amazing start for these black thumbs. Naturally, we calculated some attrition to this number. The persistent sun and heat claimed ten before they made it into the garden. Before bed on Saturday night, eight hearty sunflowers were successfully planted. Jerry woke the next morning to tend to our flock only to find one left. It didn't take long to figure out that it was the gang of brazen bunnies that have staked claimed on our backyard. Jerry takes these matters very, very personally. I see this playing out in a similar fashion as Jerry's epic battles with mice in "Operation Garage Storm" and ants "Assault on the Home-front" (2008-2010) and spiders "A Personal Vendetta" (2005-present). In an act of desperation, Jerry has erected two fences. This lone sunflower has more protection then the president. We hope that between the amped up security and a new found motivation to care for this flower (hell if these rabbits are going to win this battle)...our little sunflower will grow and grow. Don't be surprised however, if you must pass a check point before entering our drive way.