For those who don't know...I majored in both Political Science and Gender Studies in college. Lately, it feels like the subject of feminism has come up when I have thought about my life, and when talking to friends about their life choices/experiences. So...here is one of my favorite quotes about parenting from Bell Hooks, an esteemed feminist author.
"Children need to be raised in loving environments. Whenever domination is present love is lacking. Loving parents, be they single or coupled, gay or straight, headed by females or males, are more likely to raise healthy, happy children with sound self esteem. In future feminist movement we need to work harder to show parents the ways ending sexism positively changes family life. Feminist movement is pro-family. Ending patriarchal domination of children, by men or women, is the only way to make the family a place where children can be safe, where they can be free, where the can know love."
Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics, by Bell Hooks
Perhaps I should write a little more on the topic, but I always feel like my blog is a forum for bragging about the kids, being cheesy, etc. BUT, I do feel that becoming a mother has been one of the most empowering decisions I have made, and I hope that I can raise Lyla AND Grey to be self confident, open minded, fair and individuals who are connected to the greater issues in society.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas 2008!
I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas! Nate and I enjoyed playing Santa for the first time this year (last year didn't really count, in my opinion). Lyla had quite a few presents, and we had a blast helping her open them! Unfortunately, Lyla woke up with the croup on Christmas morning, so she wasn't at her best. Still, she loved her doll, bath toys, and new Baby Signing Time DVDs! I feel bad that I didn't get more pictures, but Lyla wasn't feeling well, so I didn't push.
We spent the afternoon at the Sylvia's, and the evening at home. On Christmas Eve, Nate and I went to midnight mass while Lyla slept (thanks Uncle Gregg!). I have always loved midnight mass, and have gone every year since I was old enough to! When we left mass, it had started snowing, so it made Christmas Eve seem all the more special. Nathan gave me a pearl ring for Christmas (among other cute little things), and I am really excited about it. He was sneaky and took the money out of quite a few paychecks over the last few months...and I just adore it. I have wanted one since Lyla was born because I want to be able to pass it down to her. Now I have to start saving for a watch for Nate to pass down to Grey!
We had to take Lyla in to the doctor yesterday morning, and they gave her a steroid for her croup...today it has started to loosen up in her throat, so hopefully we will get through the croup in the next few days. Poor girl! I must admit, however, that she is still pretty pleasant and sleeps a lot, which is nice for Dad and I!
Now that Christmas is over, it has hit me that this baby boy will be here in 7 weeks or LESS! I am rapidly adding to my to-do list, and am so excited for him to get here. I have been really good about my "diet" the last week, and have to admit that I do feel really good with less sugar and more water in my diet. Now if only I could get my butt over to the gym!
We spent the afternoon at the Sylvia's, and the evening at home. On Christmas Eve, Nate and I went to midnight mass while Lyla slept (thanks Uncle Gregg!). I have always loved midnight mass, and have gone every year since I was old enough to! When we left mass, it had started snowing, so it made Christmas Eve seem all the more special. Nathan gave me a pearl ring for Christmas (among other cute little things), and I am really excited about it. He was sneaky and took the money out of quite a few paychecks over the last few months...and I just adore it. I have wanted one since Lyla was born because I want to be able to pass it down to her. Now I have to start saving for a watch for Nate to pass down to Grey!
We had to take Lyla in to the doctor yesterday morning, and they gave her a steroid for her croup...today it has started to loosen up in her throat, so hopefully we will get through the croup in the next few days. Poor girl! I must admit, however, that she is still pretty pleasant and sleeps a lot, which is nice for Dad and I!
Now that Christmas is over, it has hit me that this baby boy will be here in 7 weeks or LESS! I am rapidly adding to my to-do list, and am so excited for him to get here. I have been really good about my "diet" the last week, and have to admit that I do feel really good with less sugar and more water in my diet. Now if only I could get my butt over to the gym!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Lame "doc"
I went for my 31 week check-up yesterday...and I guess I left a little depressed. I had gained another 3 pounds, which I didn't think was a big deal. But when my doctor measured me, I am measuring 33 weeks! I didn't think that seemed too crazy (I am, after all, 6'3"), but he became concerned because at my last appointment I was measuring right on! Basically, this guy will probably be on the larger side...
The result? I need to watch my weight, not because I have gained too much, but because any excess weight may cause the baby to be really big, and thus create complications during labor. So no extra candies, sodas and chips for me! I am also going to be hopping on the treadmill these last few weeks! I have felt like my doctor is over-reacting a little bit, but I will do what he says and know that exercising and eating healthier will be BETTER for me anyway.
The good news is that he agreed to induce me again, if I'd like. He's going to check my cervix at my first appointment in February, and then probably schedule me for February 16th! I like to plan...so hopefully he won't come before that and my family can plan on getting to Utah in time. I can't believe its getting so close!!
We also found out last night that Andy and Ashley are having a baby GIRL! We are very excited for them, because we know how much fun little princesses bring to our lives. I can't wait to have a niece...and I hope she has cute red hair to match Lyla's!
The result? I need to watch my weight, not because I have gained too much, but because any excess weight may cause the baby to be really big, and thus create complications during labor. So no extra candies, sodas and chips for me! I am also going to be hopping on the treadmill these last few weeks! I have felt like my doctor is over-reacting a little bit, but I will do what he says and know that exercising and eating healthier will be BETTER for me anyway.
The good news is that he agreed to induce me again, if I'd like. He's going to check my cervix at my first appointment in February, and then probably schedule me for February 16th! I like to plan...so hopefully he won't come before that and my family can plan on getting to Utah in time. I can't believe its getting so close!!
We also found out last night that Andy and Ashley are having a baby GIRL! We are very excited for them, because we know how much fun little princesses bring to our lives. I can't wait to have a niece...and I hope she has cute red hair to match Lyla's!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Lights!
Last night we took Lyla down to Temple Square to see the lights. I must admit, we noticed a difference from last year, and it was the area between temple square and main street that was decorated the best. We had a great time! Lyla barely made a peep except to point to lights and trees...and play peek a boo with her mittens on!
I'm off to the OB again today...in the nasty storm. Gee, I can't wait to see how much weight I have gained! :)
I'm off to the OB again today...in the nasty storm. Gee, I can't wait to see how much weight I have gained! :)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Lyla's Christmas Pic!
Well, I didn't end up using this picture for our Christmas cards (for some reason, it just wouldn't scan right)--so I thought I would post it. I love this picture because it shows the cute length of Lyla's hair. I ended up just snapping a picture of her this morning so I could get the cards out, and it actually came out quite adorable. I can't believe Christmas is less than a week away!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Grandma's 24 Hour Adventure
My mom and stepdad got into Salt Lake last night...and between the 2 of them they have 16 kids total...so its crazy around the holidays when they are trying to see everyone. I was very excited to see my mom, especially since she hadn't seen me pregnant yet, and hasn't seen Lyla since July. She got here around 8:30 last night and ended up staying about an hour. Lyla, of course, was tired and so today I joined them on a little road trip to Heber to see my sister and step brothers. Here are some cute pictures from our day!
Lyla being cute while waiting in the car...
Lyla being smart at lunch...showing everyone that she is 1
Lyla and her Aunt Lindsay
The 3 of us...we look very "wintry"
Lindsay and I...did I mention how proud I am to be her sis? With any luck I can convince her to be in the delivery room this time. :)
I hate that they could only stay for one day, but I am always glad to see my family. Its hard for me because I want my mom to really see Lyla's personality, and I want Lyla to know her grandma. Luckily, Lyla was in very good spirits today, and my mom got to see her play and laugh. I guess I'll see you in a few weeks mom!
Lyla being cute while waiting in the car...
Lyla being smart at lunch...showing everyone that she is 1
Lyla and her Aunt Lindsay
The 3 of us...we look very "wintry"
Lindsay and I...did I mention how proud I am to be her sis? With any luck I can convince her to be in the delivery room this time. :)I hate that they could only stay for one day, but I am always glad to see my family. Its hard for me because I want my mom to really see Lyla's personality, and I want Lyla to know her grandma. Luckily, Lyla was in very good spirits today, and my mom got to see her play and laugh. I guess I'll see you in a few weeks mom!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Odds n' Ends
Well I managed to wake up before Lyla this morning, and thought I would catch up on some posting. On December 7th, Nate celebrated his 25th birthday! My old man is now rounding the corner toward 30!! I hope he had a good day...the night before I surprised him by having all of our friends meet at Salt City Burger in Sandy. Its a new restaurant, family owned, and very very yummy. Do try the zucchini fries...my lovely friend Jenny made a yummy spice cake, and we enjoyed it with coffee icecream...something you NEVER find in Utah, but is a staple back east.
I just thought I would say how much I love Nathan. He has always made me laugh, keeps everyday light hearted, and is a wonderful father. We have been through so much together at such a young age, and I am so excited for what the future brings with our growing family. Its hard to believe that we have a family now...in many ways it feels like we were just in high school. In any case, I love ya Nate! You're half way to 50!
In other business...I am now over 30 weeks along with this little man, and I can't believe how fast the time is going. I now head to the doctor every 2 weeks, and by Jan. 19, I will be going every week! I feel really good, am gaining weight, and am experiencing all the normal aches and pains of being in my third trimester. I often wonder why I feel more sore this time around, and then I look at Lyla and realize that all the lifting and carrying I do probably has something to do with it.
Lyla has been really developing a funny personality lately. She's full of questions, and is getting a lot more brave...literally, she is a monkey. She gets her bumps and bruises, and I try to manage the pain. She's also a HUGE ham...she brings me the camera and stands there while I take a picture of her cheesy smile. I love love love spending everyday with her...
This week we are awaiting the arrival of Grandma Mary and Grandpa Kevin (my mom and stepdad). Hopefully we will see them Tuesday or Wednesday...I am really excited because I miss my family a lot, especially during the holidays. I grew up very close to my grandparents, who I still talk to several times a week...so I am sad that my parents are so far away :( I am sure to be posting pictures from their short visit, as well as some of my burgeoning belly. Yikes.
I just thought I would say how much I love Nathan. He has always made me laugh, keeps everyday light hearted, and is a wonderful father. We have been through so much together at such a young age, and I am so excited for what the future brings with our growing family. Its hard to believe that we have a family now...in many ways it feels like we were just in high school. In any case, I love ya Nate! You're half way to 50!
In other business...I am now over 30 weeks along with this little man, and I can't believe how fast the time is going. I now head to the doctor every 2 weeks, and by Jan. 19, I will be going every week! I feel really good, am gaining weight, and am experiencing all the normal aches and pains of being in my third trimester. I often wonder why I feel more sore this time around, and then I look at Lyla and realize that all the lifting and carrying I do probably has something to do with it.Lyla has been really developing a funny personality lately. She's full of questions, and is getting a lot more brave...literally, she is a monkey. She gets her bumps and bruises, and I try to manage the pain. She's also a HUGE ham...she brings me the camera and stands there while I take a picture of her cheesy smile. I love love love spending everyday with her...
This week we are awaiting the arrival of Grandma Mary and Grandpa Kevin (my mom and stepdad). Hopefully we will see them Tuesday or Wednesday...I am really excited because I miss my family a lot, especially during the holidays. I grew up very close to my grandparents, who I still talk to several times a week...so I am sad that my parents are so far away :( I am sure to be posting pictures from their short visit, as well as some of my burgeoning belly. Yikes.
Friday, December 12, 2008
If money grew on trees...
This would be my ultimate Christmas wish list!! Maybe, just maybe, I will end up with the double stroller. Hey, a mama can dream, can't she??
Thursday, December 4, 2008
My Smart Moo
Over the last few days, Lyla has been cracking me up with all the new things she is saying/doing. It seems like she has just grown up, and is acting like a little girl (to my dismay!). I thought I'd write down a few things she's done, and hope that I will eventually write them in her baby book!
--After her bath yesterday, I dropped the lotion behind her dresser, and Lyla says: "Maymee, what's that?" This was Lyla's first actual question for me...so cute.
--She knows my name is Lacy, but also mommy, so she has combined them to say "Maymee!"
--While eating my bowl of cereal, Lyla came up to me and said, "Maymee! I want some!" This is also one of the first sentences she's said out loud.
--She managed to get a hold of some nail clippers yesterday, and when I asked her for them, Lyla bent down and pretended to trim her toenails. What??
--After playing with my cell phone for a few, I told her it was time to say good bye, and she said "Bye dada," and then tried to put my phone in the bum of her sleeper. Apparently she's noticed that I always put my phone in my back pocket while we are at home.
I know these stories seem a little silly, but it amazes me how perceptive toddlers are. I can't believe that Lyla knows EXACTLY which button on the remote will turn on the t.v., and we have 2 different remotes! She knows exactly which buttons turn on the Wii and the 360, and is always looking for my hair brushes to comb her hair. She's too funny!
In other news, this weekend is Nate's 25th birthday (old man!), and my mom/stepdad are coming to visit from Dallas. She hasn't seen Lyla since she was 11 months, so we are very excited to hang out. In the meantime, I am busily organizing and cleaning my house. I have a long "nesting" list, and I want to get some of these big projects done before I am too big to feel like doing them!
--After her bath yesterday, I dropped the lotion behind her dresser, and Lyla says: "Maymee, what's that?" This was Lyla's first actual question for me...so cute.
--She knows my name is Lacy, but also mommy, so she has combined them to say "Maymee!"
--While eating my bowl of cereal, Lyla came up to me and said, "Maymee! I want some!" This is also one of the first sentences she's said out loud.
--She managed to get a hold of some nail clippers yesterday, and when I asked her for them, Lyla bent down and pretended to trim her toenails. What??
--After playing with my cell phone for a few, I told her it was time to say good bye, and she said "Bye dada," and then tried to put my phone in the bum of her sleeper. Apparently she's noticed that I always put my phone in my back pocket while we are at home.
I know these stories seem a little silly, but it amazes me how perceptive toddlers are. I can't believe that Lyla knows EXACTLY which button on the remote will turn on the t.v., and we have 2 different remotes! She knows exactly which buttons turn on the Wii and the 360, and is always looking for my hair brushes to comb her hair. She's too funny!
In other news, this weekend is Nate's 25th birthday (old man!), and my mom/stepdad are coming to visit from Dallas. She hasn't seen Lyla since she was 11 months, so we are very excited to hang out. In the meantime, I am busily organizing and cleaning my house. I have a long "nesting" list, and I want to get some of these big projects done before I am too big to feel like doing them!
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