Abigail Turns 9

So, last year, when turning 8, Abigail got sort of ripped off because I was one month out from losing Chloe and the grieving, half-conscious mother that I was at that time didn't get it together to plan a real birthday party. This year, it happened again! Because, this time, her 3-week-old sister wasn't letting me get any sleep. So she had a few friends over to decorate emoji cupcakes, watch a movie, and spend the night. It wasn't a lot of effort on my part, but she said it was amazing anyway, because that's just who she is.

I love that Abigail has Darcy on her lap in this one

And, on her actual birthday, the 23rd, she wanted her EARS PIERCED! Man, this one was hard for me but, as usual, Jake over-rode me and consented, because he can't say no to her, ha. She teared up a little at the pain but got over it as soon as she realised that it was done that quickly, and that she looked pretty. My baby is not a baby....

remember I said I was not getting any sleep....

Happy 9th Birthday Abigail - I LOVE YOU!

Bryony - One Month Old

One special thing we did with Abigail was take a monthly photo every month for her first year, next to the same sign and on the same chair every 23rd. It was great to see the growth & change. I printed them all and have them in a small plastic album. While pregnant with Bryony, I made sure to pick up another one to do the same with her. Here's her first entry, December 20th 2010:

And, just as comparison, here's Abigail's first from April 23rd 2007:

Darcy: One Month Old

Look back a few years and you'll see that I took photos of Abigail and Bryony every month of their first year.

Now it's Darcy's turn!

maternity leave family movie time - Darcy IS there, in the rock & play

Girl Scouts

In August, Abigail and I went to an open house meeting about joining the Girl Scouts. I myself was a Brownie, and then a Girl Guide growing up. My mother made it all the way to a Queen's Guide - the highest level of Girl Guides you can get to in England (fit to serve the Queen!)

In the open house meeting, it came out that when you have a Kindergartner or First Grader, there are no Troops to join yet. (Second graders and up can most likely join an established Troop). But because Kindergartners and First Graders are the youngest, and new at the school, there are no Troops yet. U...n...l...e...s...s.... the parents step up and volunteer to start one! So, just like that - with a flash of my signature, and a wide-eyed-big-smile-face from my daughter, I became a Daisy Scout Troop Leader!

Luckily, the other mother that signed up to be my Troop Co-Leader is the Director of a small family-run daycare and comes with twenty years of creative ideas and supplies. AND a classroom at her daycare for us to hold meetings in. She is GREAT and I have quickly learned I couldn't do this without her (thank you Nicole, if you are reading this). Neither her or I knew what we were getting into, and we had no idea that the whole Girl Scout movement only happens because of dedicated volunteers. Other than $25 for an official uniform, there really is no money involved - Girl Scouts is supposed to be open to ALL girls, and dues for a meeting are around $3. Our activities are centered around the Girl Scout Promise and Law, which at the Daisy Level looks like this:

The girls have to collect each petal for their vest by earning them at each meeting or outing. This is the part I'm excited about, and what I remember most about Girl Guides in England. So far, the girls have earned 'Courageous and Strong' and 'Be a Sister to Every to every Girl Scout'. This month they are earning 'Considerate and Caring' by donating some of their old toys to children in need this Christmas.

I am excited to see Abigail grow in the Girl Scouts. Grow in personality, and confidence, and spirit. Last month we took the girls to 'Princess in the Park' - an event for Daisies and Brownies hosted by Juniors and Cadettes (15/16 year olds). Our Troop loved it and the older girls told them that they have been Girls Scouts since THEY were five or six. They confirmed what Nicole and I have hoped for our Troop - that they will make lifelong friends in this. Go Girl Scouts!

P.S. We are looking for two more Kindergarteners and two more First Graders for our Troop, or it may fall apart next year (long story). Please let me know if you know anyone interested!

Make Room in the Garage, Dad

We got home late Sunday night & there was one last present for Abigail to open. It was the one that's been here since Dec 10th when Nanna & Grandad flew home that they had left behind for her. Can you believe she left this box alone all month?!

And it's a .... pink Mini-Cooper! I'm going to buy a little Union Jack flag for her registration plate:
Pictures of her actually driving it out front to come this weekend!

Christmas Morning

Santa Claus (that's Father Christmas while you're in England please) delivered presents to the bottom of Nanna's staircase! Abigail had written to him earlier in the month to explain that she "would not be at my Arizona house" - (a note that I will keep forever because it has her first real, unattended, no-help writing). She was very concerned about the logistics involved for Santa and, accordingly, very relieved that he figured it all out and delivered as promised.

little pile for each sister

most wished-for gift

second most wished-for gift

Nanna bought this one - I think she was hoping for help in the kitchen later that day

California October 2009

I'll break this CA trip up into a few different posts because there are so many pictures I want to share.

But I will start by saying that the ball finally dropped for Abigail & California :) HOORAY. It was wonderful! She was happier, more secure & confident, and, most importantly NOT ATTACHED TO ME THE ENTIRE TIME :) She happily chased Grandma's dogs around, played, bossed Grandma around, all her usual behaviour. It was wonderful! Joking aside, I was so relieved. Every month she grows a little more confident & the trips to California were always a struggle. This one she actually had FUN. It was wonderful - did I say that already?