Hawaii

I'm taking this opportunity to compose a blog from our room, which looks out on-- naturally-- gorgeous landscaping and a pool. We can also see the ocean, just as a matter of honesty. This isn't going to be all that exciting, but I'm hoping that it will at least include a few pictures. Here's the only issue: I forgot the camera at my parents' place in Pasadena. This is just about as horrible and annoying as it gets, for me. I mean, really, I discovered the forgotten camera about a week ago, and I'm still reeling. Not cool.

We went out to Target, and I tried to find a cheap camera that would do the trick. I was just going for the disposable, but I realized that-- dang it-- they're not digital, and I may end up paying just as much to get the pictures developed. I'm realizing, right now, that maybe now they put pictures on CDs for you? If they do, I don't want to know. Let me live in blessed ignorance. Here's what I came up with. They had this twenty-something dollar camera that takes digital pictures. I'm not sure how well it works, or if I have upload all the pics in one fell-swoop or if I can do it over and over. Either way, I'm trying it now, with only about 15 pictures on the camera. The reason for this is that the camera is an absolutely horrible design. Although it has no viewer screen, it has a delete button. And it really has no on/off button, so when in a pocket or bag, it can turn itself "on" and delete pictures. It also easily snaps pictures of random blankness. I had 17 pics on the camera at about 2 this afternnon, and when I took the camera out of the stroller after our trip, I had five. The only consolation is that I haven't even viewed the pictures, and I have little clue what was lost.

I'm downloading the software as I type, so we'll see what turns out. Everybody clap your hands and believe really hard. I think that saves pictures... or maybe it's Tinkerbelle.

Hannah Grace

We have a new addition to our extended family!

We happily welcome Hannah Grace Walton! We love her already.

Best. Baby Gift. Ever.

This morning, we got to have a fun breakfast playdate with Ashley, Robbie and Ellie. More specifically, it was a waffle (and Starbucks for moms) playdate. Mmmm-mmmm good! During said playdate, Ashley showered us with gifts, and I couldn't help but post the picture of these onesies (for Baby Girl #2!) at first chance. I mean, seriously, how great are these? Love 'em. Just love 'em.

More Pics!

Here's Riley's dresser for her new room, come December. We've already changed the hardware to a simple brushed silver. And we may give it a little fresh paint.

This was not an intended garage sale purchase, but after Riley was cradling the baby and hugging her, I just couldn't say no. She's going to be a good big sister.

This one was for Granddad... though Riley didn't quite give me the facial expression we were hoping for. I think it's pretty hilarious.

While Daddy was fixing the bathroom sink, Riley found a new fun toy, transplanted from its normal hiding spot, under said sink. If there are any boys who read this blog, don't look too close, fellas. :)

Plus a Pic

Sorry... haven't posted a picture in a few days. I have to upload a few more of Riley, but I thought I'd let everyone see what my halfway-through-pregnancy belly looks like. Fortunately, at least thus far, I haven't blimped up like I did with Riley. You will NOT be seeing pictures from that pregancy... Yikes.

A Professor's Advice

I remember in college, Dr. Wayne Martindale, during my Freshman Experience course, was speaking to us on (of course) C.S. Lewis. I forget exactly what essay we had just read or what, specifically, we were discussing, but I do remember what he said, more or less.

He talked about how we often are so caught up in looking ahead. Be aware, he told us, of how often you say simple things like, "I can't wait for Friday" or "If it were only the weekend. If we constantly have the I-can't-wait attitude, we risk missing out on the gifts God has placed right in front of us, right at that moment.

I've been looking forward to AND dreading our upcoming flights to CA and HI, and on my walk this morning, I realized how unnecessary that is. I've felt overwhelmed by the few hours I'm working this week and the preparations I have to do for our trip, but I've mostly been anticipating the flights. However, as Riley, Kona and I strolled through the neighborhood, I looked around and realized what a lovely day it was. And I was thrilled and tickled when another lab came trotting out to play with Kona, his shirtless owner trailing behind, apologizing profusely. Turns out Heinrich's owner not only works in the athletic department at Wheaton College but also attends Westmont and knows my little brother. Ha! So, Lord, thank you for little reminders of the things that are here, right now, to give us joy.

Oh my gosh... Friday's a-comin'

Today is Monday, and I'm a bit overwhelmed. I have no real reason to be, but I am. Here's my "loaded" schedule for the following week.

Tuesday: Work three hours at the Wheaton Sport Center. I know, it's not a lot, but still, three hours is a long time for little Riley to be in childcare. She can deal, I know, but when I spend pretty much every waking moment with her, three hours seems like a long time.

Wednesday: Work two hours at the WSC. Go to the Glen Ellyn Splash Park with Renae and Brianna Sebby! The latter is going to be a blast. I can't wait. Riley loved it last time, and it'll be even better with a friend. Plus, I haven't seen the Sebbys in forever!

Thursday: I hope, I hope, I hope that someone can sub for me at WSC in the morning because my doctor's appointment that was supposed to be on Wednesday got moved, and I have to get into the doc before Friday (see Friday for more details)! Then in the afternoon, I'm off to the WSC for two more hours. Geez. I'm just a crazy worker (Ha! Seven hours a week. Whew!).

Friday: At 8:35 am, Riley and I depart from Midway to LAX! Ahh! Then, on Sunday, we'll head with my parents to HAWAII!!! Oh, I'm so thrilled, but I'll be even more thrilled when the flight is over. I'm pretty sure the flight from CA to HI is around six hours long. Ugh, it makes me nauseous just thinking about entertaining Riley for that long. Thank goodness my parents will be on the same flight. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure my sanity would be shot for the rest of my life.

Stressful week? Probably not. But I just like being prepared, and I feel very unprepared. So let's intersperse packing into the schedule somewhere, definitely when Riley is sleeping.

Exciting Day

This is sad, that the following description constitutes an exciting day in my life. Still, there it is...

I just dropped my pre-registration for the hospital in the mail! Woohoo! This was after calling BlueCross BlueShield and talking to one of the nicest customer representatives I've ever come in contact with. What a relief to have someone nice and understanding! The whole insurance thing is so confusing and intimidating to me. So thank you, Nice Man! :)

Also, Michael and I just purchased a toddler bed and dresser for Riley's new room. We had to go all the way across the street to get it. What a trek. :) Our neighbors are offloading all their little 5-year-old's things, and I saw the bed and thought, Ah-ha! And it was a bargain, so double-bonus. Now hopefully Riley will sleep in it, come December.

Later today, as we do most Fridays, we're heading up north to Arlington Heights to hang out with Grandma, Aunt Sarah and Cousin Benjamin. Personally, I'm hoping Sarah will go into labor when we're there. How perfect would that be?! Well, perfect for me, anyway. Hehe... I'm terrified that she's not going to have her little girl until after I leave for Hawaii on the 14th; however, she did just tell me that it should be the 13th or earlier. Fingers crossed... So, we're going to Arlington, and-- exciting news #3-- I'm getting my hair cut! I can feel it; all you readers out there are thrilled for me. Or you would be if you were aware what a disaster my hair has been. I don't remember the last time I got it cut, and it's just a sloppy mess. I'm just going to get a trim, so I can keep pulling it back, but we're also going to add some bangs. I think I'm sick of looking at my forehead. :)

Who knows what other exciting stuff awaits us, though I highly doubt life can get much more thrilling.

MAJOR failure and a little success

Yesterday, my worst nap fears were realized. After letting Riley go until 12:22 before her first nap, she woke up not even 45 minutes later. Plus, when she woke up, this was no pleasant, I'm-awake-and-am-excited-to-rejoin-life wake-up. This sounded like more of a someone's-pulling-my-eyelashes-out-one-by-one-and-you-must-get-me-NOW kind of wake-up. Really, I don't know if I've heard her scream quite like this before. Ugh. Therefore, right now, despite a mini-fit as I put her in her crib, she is softly moaning to herself in her room. I'm encouraged by the moaning; it sounds sleepy. Let's hope this works.

There was a bright point yesterday, however. After I got Riley up, and she was still sufficiently cranky, I decided that we couldn't just attempt to do anything in our normal routine. So we threw on our swimmy-suits, grabbed some snacks, and off we went to the Glen Ellyn Splash Park. I didn't know exactly what it was, but it only costs $3, and it was something different. I'm SO glad we went because the little lady was a big fan. Her splash park experience was certainly different than that of the rest of the kiddos there. For one, I was the only adult on the "splash pad," letting Riley hold onto my index finger as we tottered around the place. It's not hard to see why the other moms prefer to simply observe. I may have gotten wetter than Riley did. I was prepared, though, so no biggie. The only somewhat dark spot was that there was a group of three (I'm guessing) 7- to 9-year-olds there, running around, getting a kick out of soaking each other and everyone else around. Now, I get it, it's a splash park. We expected to get wet. However, there were these water cannons that kids could use to douse each other. The water goes off and on at scheduled intervals. Riley and I were walking around at one point, and I look up to see one of these boys aiming the cannon right at Riley. Not at me. At Riley. I mean, seriously, of all the dozens of kids at the place, you feel the need to aim at the smallest one in the joint? And the only one who still walks like a drunken sailor, and at that, only takes a max of about 10 steps at a time? Geez. I just smiled at him, and, fortunately, the water didn't come on, and he moved the cannon when I looked up, but come ON! When I recounted the story to Michael later that night, I told him how ticked off I would have been had that water come on and knocked our little girl on her rear. Only then did I realize that I was ticked, nonetheless. I mean, really, kid?

At this point, I kind of laugh at myself because I realize that the only time I remember showing extreme anger in a public place (and, sadly, to anyone other than those in my family) was when someone was trying to wrong one of my tennis players (my "girls") at Central. All of a sudden, I turned into a mother bear. I guess I was already getting ready for motherhood. Ha!

Anyway, we did find a new fun place to play. Plus, the playground there looks awesome, too. Maybe next time, we'll start there; then we'll move to the water.

Ahhh... sweet silence. Riley is napping. Praise the Lord. And I don't say that lightly. I'm going to go do the same. But here are a couple pictures I was able to snap at the park. Oh, how Riley loves water!

"Ooo! Woah there, water!"


"Oh yeah... now I've gotcha."
(Note the offending orange cannon in the background.)


Loungin', post spalshing

If you think you have bad bedhead...

Nappies?

Riley's been seriously off-schedule since Thursday. A lot of that has to do with Granddad and Nana coming into town, but she may also be switching to one nap? And this, right on the heels of a conversation with Ashley about her possible attempts to move Robbie to one nap. Maybe Robbie is a bad influence... :)

Right now, Riley's hanging out in her room, reading books, while I type and wait for her to show signs of fatigue. I mean, the girl's got serious bags under her eyes, but she doesn't seem to want to go down. She hasn't really had a good nap since last Wednesday! Yikes. Therefore, it's getting close to 11:00, and we're still napless. But, really, she has to go down soon, right?

The one major point in her favor is that she hasn't been even the least bit crabby. Well, she did throw a mini-fit when I took her away from our neighbor, Heidi, the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. But I'd throw a fit, too, if my mom pulled me away from that adorable black, brown and white marshmallow of a dog. We even had a nice little trek to the grocery store, and she let me work on a crossword puzzle while she beat on Kona and played with her little play table. All moms know that I have nothing to complain about. Schedule change is just a little scary. I keep thinking, What if I wait this long, and then she sleeps for only thirty minutes FOR THE WHOLE DAY?! Surely that won't happen, right? Arrghh...

I think I'm going to go join Riley and the books. As I look in her room, she's having too much fun for me NOT to join. :)

Oh... I almost forgot. Here's an absolutely hilarious picture of Riley and Kona. I mean, is this girl ready for her senior pictures or what?

Weekend's End

It is Tuesday, but somehow, it feels like my weekend just ended AND like it's Wednesday. Strange. My parents left bright and early this morning-- so bright and early that I didn't even hear them leave. Either they were in stealth-mode or I was fast asleep. It was a wonderful weekend with the family. We went to Meson Sabika on Friday night for dinner. My goodness, that place is delicious. I'm 100% certain that I could easily put away 50 (or more) of their bacon-wrapped dates. Oh, they're good. Mike, my dad and I went to see UP on Saturday morning. Loved it. My parents and brother had a wedding in Wisconsin that they attended over the weekend, but they returned Sunday night, and Monday was a great day. We went to Einstein's for a little breakfast. Then, after Riley went down for her nap, my mom, brother and I went out to Home Depot to search for some landscaping material for the front of our house. Really, our house has been somewhat of an embarrassment to our street-- bare in front except for the weeds. Thus, as we strolled, looking at the plant-life at Home Depot, I got pretty excited, despite the fact that this was my first gardening adventure, and I know next to nothing about plants. (No, I take that back; I do know that I've successfully killed every indoor plant I've ever had. Not a good track record.) We loaded up on a few shrubs and some perennials, and back to the house we went. At this point, Riley was awake, so we set up a blanket and some toys in the yard, and the whole family started to weed and prune. I bet Brandon didn't know that when he came to visit, he'd be enlisted to do manual labor. :) After the weeding, we set the pots out to see how they looked. They were a little sparse, so Moom (not a typo-- we refer to her as Moom), Riley and I trekked back to the Depot while the boys started to digging. When we returned, they had everything in the ground. What talent! We added a few more plants and-- voila!-- done. I couldn't wait for Mike to come home.

It's amazing how good it feels to be productive. Seriously, this felt like such a great weekend. My list of "accomplishments" probably seems pretty minimal, but I'm pretty proud. :) I mean, Mike got the lawn mowed, I baked some gluten-free, egg-free bread, an allergen-free pie crust, we have flowers, and I got to spend quality time with the family. Imagine what I could get done if I always had this energy and motivation (and the cooperation of Riley)!

Enough of our boring exploits, though. Here are some pictures...

Riley and Granddad, looking pretty stylish

Riley models in front of the new landscaping.

I can't wait till everything fills out and fills in!

Points for Style

Riley is cracking me up these days. Not that she isn't always funny, but she's been on a whole different level, as of late. Thursday afternoon--as we were getting ready to see Riley's new little sister-- we were just hanging out in the living room, listening to music and playing with toys. Naturally, Riley soon found one of her favorite toys, the diaper bag. She then proceeded with one of her favorite activities, emptying the diaper bag. Among other things, she pulled out her spare outfit that I keep, you know, just in case of emergency blowouts or juice explosions or the like. She tossed the onesie aside but brought the dark denim bloomers over to me and frantically started signing, "Please! Please! Please!" She was already wearing a top and leggings, but I asked anyway: "Do you want Mommy to put those on you?" She nodded sincerely, and on they went. Happy as a clam, she went back to playing, looking absolutely hilarious. Add this kind of behavior to the fact that she wants to put on every pair of shoes she comes across, and I think we're going to be in trouble when it comes to back-to-school clothing. :)

My parents also came in Thursday afternoon, and I don't know if Riley has stopped laughing yet. She just LOVES them. It's one of the most adorable things. She has this huge, goofy grin permanently embedded on her face and has been guffawing at every little thing. We went to Oakbrook mall yesterday, and at one point, Mike, Granddad and I were looking at shirts in Brooks Brothers. Whenever Granddad wandered away from the stroller, he was quickly beckoned back with the happy, high-pitched, joyous shriek of a 16-month-old blonde with a ponytail "fountain" high on her head. It's funny; she didn't seem to mind when I wasn't around. Hmmm... :)