Vacation Time

We were on vacation last week...

Not the typical kind including luggage, traveling, staying at a resort, or relaxing on a beach.

It was something even more special than that.

Mike took some time off work and joined Cayman and I on our usual week's activities.

He came along with us to PlayGroup...

He helped Cayman paint a wintry scene.

They played in the sand box for awhile.

"Thanks Miss Colleen for letting me borrow your camera."
I had forgotten mine.

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On another day, Daddy came along to Cayman's therapy appointment.

He got to watch her be such a good girl while Miss Sheron (the OT) taped Cayman's thumb.

Daddy also got to see the amazing crawling stance Cayman performs only for Miss Jodi (the PT).

At home we only get this (above) kind of cooperation from Cayman.

Cayman signing "more" while doing some swinging, balancing work.

Our week together was not just made up of appointments though. We got out, did some holiday shopping, and Christmas decorating. Movies were watched and popcorn was eaten. We joined my family at their Thanksgiving feast and spent the next few days recovering.

And as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Until next year that is, when Mike receives more vacation days and then we get to do it all again.

Black Friday Deals

Cayman's Daddy, Mike.

Cayman's Uncle Dan.

Cayman's 2nd cousin, Angela.

Cayman, herself.

Were you found smitten by the Black Friday Deals?

We stayed home but I am grateful for a good deal.

Gobble, Gobble

I am grateful to spend the day with relatives I don't get to see very often!

Madison Feeding Cayman

My little sister, soon to be 5 years old in January, is really growing up.

On a day last week, when I was at my parents' house, Cayman was crying and signing to "eat". Madison watched carefully as I unloaded Cayman's food, spoon, and bib from the diaper bag.

"Can I feed Cayman, Krissy? Pleeeease! I know how to do it." Madison said to me with her hands folded out in front of her as she gave me her best begging performance.

I was so touched by Madison's excitement. "Yes you can." I said with a smile on my face. Madison burst out in a celebration of cheers as she anxiously took her seat before Cayman exclaiming to her, "I get to feed you!"

I felt so delighted watching the two of them together like this. It feels like it was not too long ago Madison was a baby herself and now she's feeding my baby. Two very precious girls to me.

I am grateful that almost 5 years ago when Madison was born into this world needing a family to raise her, mine was called on!

Thumb Brace, Part 4

Remember Cayman's most current thumb brace?

Well, she's gotten smart and has learned to take it off.

So we got smarter. We began putting it on her very carefully and quietly after she had fallen asleep for a nap and at night.

But she got even smarter and started to take it off during her sleep.

So her occupational therapist moved onto another plan of action, called Kinesio Taping.




The tape is working handsomely. Well, maybe not handsomely. It certainly is not the most attractive looking brace and we're asked about 5,000 times a day what happened to the poor baby's hand.

(We don't mind being asked by the way. On the contrary, it's become an enjoyable challenge for me, thinking up new ways of explaining it so I don't sound like a broken record to myself.)

So the Kinesio Taping is a great social ice breaker, it is serving its supportive thumb purposes, and Cayman is leaving it on...

for now.

I am grateful for Cayman's ability to learn.

thumb brace, Part I
thumb brace, Part II
thumb brace, Part III

It's still her...

Favorite Toy.

For...

Playing...

Listening...

Watching...

and...

Chewing.

The caterpillar now has fuzzy ears from all that chewing.

I am grateful that Cayman feels attachment.

In the Christmas Spirit

I am grateful that the magic of Christmas has already arrived in our home.

Go Buckeyes

Every year, on the third Saturday in November, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines meet for a football game. It is twelve months of fevered anticipation for this one day that is played out on a frosted green field, on which strokes of scarlet and gray clash with maize and blue. It is a rivalry rich in emotion and history, ingrained in Midwestern culture for over one hundred years.

It is a Big day for all Ohio Sate and Michigan fans. And for the players that are geared up and ready to go, carrying the weight of tradition upon their shoulders pads, the results of this game forever define their legacy.

As a fan, you feel apart of a devotion that stretches from before your existence and will be here long after you are gone. It has been that way for Mike's parents; It is that way for us; And that is the way it will be for our children and their children.

If you don't think this game is a big deal around this area, just ask the guy that loses. It's a stain he carries for 364 days before he gets a chance to remove it and get that blemish off his spirit. This day sets the whole tune for winter, as the victor or being humiliated by losing to your biggest rival.

It is a remarkable annual festival; today is. Whether held at the Horseshoe or The Big House, it is a mighty feeling when our great band hikes the team across the field showing that Ohio is here to win today!

It is a day that Mike thinks about all year long, but as this day draws closer he cannot think about anything else.

For example...

On this past week, Mike and I sat around our dining table, eating a scrumptious meal I cooked up on his lunch break. As I talked, Mike nodded his head respectively and even had an intrigued smile on his face. He appeared like he was listening but his eyes seemed to be looking right through me. That is when I knew his thoughts were a million miles away.

I stopped in mid sentence as I noticed my words were flying right on by.

"You're thinking about the game on Saturday, aren't you?" I said to Mike in a stern tone but completely blowing my cover with a big grin on my face. The gleam in his eyes and the dimples on his cheeks were just too cute to be angry at. He looked like a little kid dreaming of Disneyland.

Mike sheepishly laughed at himself as he realized the horrible crime he had committed; not listening to his wife.

"Oh man, I guess I was thinking about the game. Sorry about that. How did you know?" Mike said to me, seeming surprised that I know him so well.

"Because all week you've not been paying attention. Plus, I can practically see your thoughts of the game floating above your head, it's so obvious!" I said, teasingly to Mike.

We laughed and then carried on the rest of our blissful lunch hour together.

Mike will be attending today's Big Game with his friend Ryan. I am excited for them but nervous too. You see, the game will be on Michigan's turf. I have been told the fans at The Big House can be quite brutal. And Mike, while he means it all in a fun loving way, does not hold back on his Buckeye spirit. I'm just not sure if the Michigan fans are ready for Mike.

I am grateful Ohio State has a high record of wins.

It keeps things happier around here on game days.

Go Buckeyes!!

I've Been Tagged

My fellow blogging friend, Tiffany tagged me as a Theta Mom, which is defined as a True Authentic Mom.

My assignment now is to write about 5 experiences that have shaped me as a true, genuine Mom. The rules are to keep it real and then tag 5 other mom's with this honorable recognition.

So, what makes me an Authentic Mom? Gosh, I just don't know. I still feel so new to this world of motherhood. I sat down this morning to write. And I sat. And I stared. So I got up and carried on with the day's usual activities while still thinking about what makes me a creditable Mom.

After almost a day's worth of racking my brain, here is my response:

#1. Authentic Moms love being Moms.
I have noticed that I smile, a lot, every single day. Mike does too. I asked him, "What did we ever smile about before Cayman was born?" I try to think back to our life before she was here and it's hard to believe there are memories without her existence. It throws my mind through a whirlwind trying to comprehend that. Cayman's life has sweetened our days and it feels so natural to have her with us. I am grateful for Cayman's life.

#2. Authentic Moms want the best for their children.
For Cayman, there are times, I have googled and researched til my fingers and mind were raw. Daily, I am on my knees praying for my little girl. Even long before Cayman's conception, I prayed for my future children that I dreampt of being blessed with. I have found myself at the throne of God more regularly though, since Cayman's diagnosis. I am grateful for the experiences in life that open my eyes to the need for my Heavenly Father. I want the best for Cayman. I will never give up fighting for her quality of life. When she was a month old we drove nearly 700 miles to Duke University for her to receive a Cord Blood, Stem Cell therapy. Quarterly a year, since Cayman was 1 1/2 months old, we have taken her to the Naturopathic Doctor where he monitors her cell deficiencies and recommends several remedies to get her body working at its top best. Biweekly I take her to therapists that focus on strengthening Cayman's gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and speech. Much of what is apart of Cayman's care is not covered by insurance. Careful budgeting and financial sacrifices are made so that Cayman can continue to receive the very modalities that I credit to her development. Seeing her healthy and thriving is the best reward, more than what I could get from an updated wardrobe or a renovated kitchen.

#3. Authentic Moms feel tired.
Cayman is typically, an easy going, happy girl. I have written in the past about how rarely she cries and we celebrated it as a milestone when she finally found her "voice". While I will never stop being grateful for that little mind full of thoughts and opinions, I do grow weary on the days when the only thing keeping her happy is when I'm holding her and constantly giving her undivided attention. Those are my 'almost' days.

The kitchen is almost cleaned.

Supper is almost a complete meal.

My book I'm reading is almost finished.

By the end of the day I am feeling tired and overwhelmed. I know I could and should let Cayman crab for a little while before I jump at her every demand...but the truth is I soak it up that my baby wants me, even though I realize she is on the verge of becoming very, very spoiled. I am getting better at finding that right balance though. But after a whole day of uncompleted to-do lists and very fried Mommy-nerves, I have to remember to speak kindly to Mike and not snap at his every question. Then my forgiving and darling husband, takes Cayman into her room where they sit and play for awhile, and give me some quiet, down time.

#4. Authentic Moms have gray hair.
I'm not even 30 years old yet and I have gray hairs popping out. Gray or white hair is suppose to represent age and wisdom, right? So does this mean I'm aging young, or does it mean I'm wise for my young age? Hmmm...I'll have to ponder that one for awhile. I am grateful for my hairdresser, Jessie.

#5. Authentic Moms wear macaroni necklaces with their Sunday best.
I haven't personally experienced this one, yet. But I throw it in there because it is high in my book of a loving, humble way a mother can show her child they are important.

Somewhere around the age of 7, I made a macaroni necklace in Sunday School for a Mother's Day gift. I proudly presented it to my Mom after the church service was over. She oohed and ahhed at my gift as she slipped it over her head, and the dried pasta clanked together, settling around her neck. But it was when she took the macaroni necklace out of her jewelry box and put it on to wear the next following Sunday, was the moment my heart truly soared. I am grateful for my own Authentic Mom.

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So now I am suppose to pass this along to 5 other blogging moms. Normally, I do not like this part. I never want anyone to feel left out if I don't pick them, or if I do pick someone I never want them to feel obligated and pressured to complete it if they don't want to. But I'm going to run that risk because being forced to sit down and think about the acts that make an Authentic Mom and how I compare to that, while at first it seems like bragging about myself, actually turns out, it brought me to a greater understanding of what it takes to be an Authentic Mom.

So here's the 5 Moms I tag for this assignment:

• Lisa.
  I feel like you're always on my "tagged to pick" list, and I hope you don't mind. I just love your thoughts and writings. I always grow from the things you have to say.
• Jill.
  You are a true Authentic Mom. Your strength inspires me daily. I know you're still at the hospital with Matthew, and perhaps being tagged will give you something new to do, but if it doesn't seem enjoyable, then don't worry about it. I know how difficult it can be trying to find words when you're in the middle of an exhausting situation. We're still praying for Matthew everyday!
  
• Amy J.
  Your stories and pictures of your children could win awards.
• Sara.
  You certainly know the depth of struggles of fighting for Kadyn's life and health. Yet you are full of joy being his mother. I would love to hear your thoughts on how Kadyn has helped shape you as an Authentic Mom.
• Ann.
  I am always so touched by the way you adore your two little boys. I think it's a true gift when mom's like you cherish each moment and don't take it for granted.
  
  
  Cayman quietly playing in her room.
  
  
  

A Slumbering Angel

I am grateful to be a stay-at-home Mom.

Rolly Ball

It's a game we played with our nieces when they were little. Sitting only a few feet apart from each other, we rolled the ball back and forth.

It's a simple game. Fun. Safe. Harmless. Well most of the time it was harmless. A few times the game went awry, and the ball was flung towards Grandpa's TV and then there was some yelling. :)

Pregnant with Cayman, I sat on the floor and played rolly ball with my niece CeCe. In that moment, I thought, "I wonder if I will get the chance to teach Cayman this game?"

I proudly share with you the pictures of Cayman playing Rolly Ball...

I am grateful for dreams that come true.

Dear Great Aunt Linda and Uncle Martin...

Thanks again, for my mirror. I still play with it everyday!

Love,

Cayman







I am grateful for toys that bring Cayman so much enjoyment.

Mission Organization

Yesterday, I briefly mentioned our home's undefined spaces cause a bit of a problem for me to stay organized. Here is what I mean by that (one example):

In our house there is this closet...

It was originally designed to be a coat closet. Later, an addition was build onto the front of the house creating a new entry way along with a another coat closet.

I have no need for two coat closets.

So, when we moved in, I decided the old closet would make a great place to store all my cleaning supplies and other household items like light bulbs and things of the sort. There was a bit of a problem though. Being designed to store coats, there was only two, small shelves in the whole space which resulted in one very messy, unorganized, piled on top of each other, broom closet.

So, we gave the closet a makeover, repurposing its space, so that it is now clearly defined as a well organized broom closet.



I am grateful for my willing and newly DIY husband that helped put my cleaning frustrations to an end by bringing my organized plans to a reality.

Gratitude Attitude

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I have been enjoying the "Gratitude Attitude" that people have been spreading on their blogs or Facebook.

The assignment is to write a daily note, during the month of November, of something, big or small, you are thankful for.

I am jumping on the wagon a little late, half way into the month, but none the less, I am bursting with gratitude and am dieing to share what I am grateful for.

I am grateful for my camera.

It has a special story behind it. Allow me to share...

When I was pregnant with Cayman, I did not know if we should be planning for a funeral or a nursery.

But when she lived...

And we got to bring her home...

To be a family together...

That put within me the desire to retain every beautiful piece of our lives with her and never forget the amazing gift Cayman's life is to us. Photography has been that avenue to keep those precious memories sharp in my mind and heart. The pictures and videos I take, enable me to forever capture a special moment and freeze it while the rest of life continues on.

Mike began to recognize this passion within me awhile ago. That's when he did something completely untypical...

He bought something very expensive without talking to me first! (uh-oh) *insert the scary doom music here*

It was Christmas time (of last year). Mike ordered my gift but had it secretly shipped to his parents' house so I would not find it.

Now, I am not a snoopy person, but I am so organized and aware of every crack and corner of our home, it makes hiding anything from me very difficult.

That is true of me except for our house where we live now though. This place has a decent amount of space, but it's so undefined that it's taking some time to bring it up to the state of organization that I like. Mike just might get away with hiding my Christmas gift at our house this year. :)

When Christmas day came, he brought out the neatly wrapped gift, that I could only assume he had someone else wrap for him. (Mike's wrapping jobs have a presentation all of their own.)

I ripped away the red and green Santa Claus paper and stared blankly at the Nikon camera box in my hands. I shot a look at Mike that said, "I can't believe you bought this without talking to me first!"

Knowing what I was thinking, Mike said, "Kris, we can afford this, I will make sure of it. Besides, the gift is not from me. Read the card."

There was a little piece of torn wrapping paper, folded over, and taped to the outside of the box. I turned it over and read the familiar scribbles of Mike's handwriting:

Because you are the best Mommy in the world!

Love,

Cayman

Mike had bought the camera under a full refund policy so if I decided I did not like it or could not relax about the money that was spent, it could be returned.

For the first three days Mike snapped pictures, played with all the fancy settings, and showed me some tricks. After that third day, when I began to relax, I picked up the camera, snapped a picture of Cayman, and the rest is history.

Nose Itchies

Question:
What do you do, when your nose itches and politely scratching it just is not getting the job done?

Answer:

Dig a little deeper and hope nobody is watching.