Happy Father’s Day

 

Kurt, being the computer aficionado that he is, stumbled upon a website http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com.  For the next two days, he literally couldn’t stop laughing over a story about Happy Falker Satherhood.  If you haven’t seen the video, you really should check it out to see what is so amusing. 

So, naturally, Erin and I decided to get this shirt for his Father’s Day gift.  Kurt wore it rather proudly all day – including to brunch with our friends, the Sebbens.    Then again, when you’re such an awesome Daddy, why wouldn’t you?

First Birthday

Happy

First

Birthday!

On June 6, 2009, Erin Anneliese Schneider, along with twenty-odd friends and family (some odder than others) celebrated her first birthday. Her birthday was actually on the 5th, but Saturday was a much better day for the celebration. Food, cake, and fun were had by all, and everyone had a great time, including Erin.

We’d like to thank everyone in attendance, especially those who came from out of town: some of Christine’s family from the Dallas area, some of my family from Louisiana, and my mother from Santa Fe, NM. We really appreciate your being there for Erin’s first birthday.

Special thanks go to Brent for the smoked wild pork ribs. There were very few ribs left, and those didn’t last very long at all.

We took Erin to the photographer a few days early to get some pictures in her birthday clothes, and in her birthday cake. Literally, in her cake...

Erin was a bit cautious at first, but once she tasted the frosting, she found her confidence. There are more pictures at Erin’s photobucket site here; use her last name for the password (with a capital). The latest photos are at the end, but feel free to check out all 20-plus pages of Erin’s first year of life.

Finally, thanks to everyone for your support, advice, and love during this first year. We’re very proud of our little girl, and how far she’s come.

Bubba bear, clutter, and our life

For Christmas, Kurt's mother bought Erin a teddy bear. We aren't just talking any cute little teddy bear either. Nope, we're talking a HUGE bear so big that GG strapped it in the passenger seat of the SUV and drove it around town! Needless to say, when GG arrived at our home for the holidays, Kurt could tell that I was less than thrilled to see this giant monstrosity being lugged up our stairs. While Kurt reminded me that I was the one who chose a bear theme for Erin's room, GG was kind enough to reassure me that this would be the only "large" purchase she would make for Erin. She said that she bought the bear for Erin to enjoy crawling on when she got older. At the time, it seemed so far away and unlikely. However, in GG's defense, she was right. When Erin can't find Mt. Daddy or Mt. Mommy to climb over, Bubba Bear makes a fitting substitute. He is also a wonderful wrestling partner and apparently also makes a great Kleenex!

So, why was I resistant to such a large stuffed animal being in our home when I love all things teddy bear? Well, as a self-proclaimed "neat freak" whose favorite hobby is apparently throwing things out, Bubba was a symbol. His mere presence and size were a threat to the order I liked to believe our lives still had. He served as a herald of the materialism that I did not want our child to get caught up in, and as a warning of all the clutter and chaos that could potentially overtake our home and lives.

However, what I failed to realize at the time was that I AM a mother. Regardless of what toys Erin does or does not have, she is happy to leave a trail of them behind her. Yes, there are times when we deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Erin. Regardless of how often we try to clean, she will still find the last thing that Shadow brought in or find something to throw on the floor. Regardless of how often I try to stick to the plan for the day, Erin doesn't even realize there is a plan. As much as I might want to pay attention to detail, there's a cute little girl who would much rather that I pay attention to her, and I am more than happy to oblige.

So, this is our life. For better or worse, clutter and chaos are just part of where we are and being parents. I don't have to embrace the mess, but I embrace being the Mommy of the one who helps create it. Sure, there will be plenty of "hurricanes" in our house, but hopefully, the joyful moments and happy memories will far out-weigh even the biggest of Bubba Bears.

Be blessed,

Christine

P.S. I wouldn't trade Bubba bear and all the happiness he gives Erin for anything in the world. (But I still hope GG's promise is one I never have to remind her of!)

Mother's Day

Because May 10th was my first Mother’s Day, I thought I should write some form of post to commemorate the day. Sure, I could write about the events of the day, the highlights, the disappointments, or even the thoughtful gifts. Perhaps I could let everyone know Erin gave me chocolate covered strawberries to make up for the ones I couldn’t have when I was pregnant. In many ways, May 10th was a day not unlike so many of the ones in the eleven months preceding it.

However, none of that is what really mattered. On my first Mother’s Day, I just wanted to know that it mattered to someone that I am Erin’s mother. However, in the end I didn’t need a special present to tell me that or even someone else. All I really had to do was look into my little girl’s sweet face and listen to my heart to know.

You see, no other title that I hold will ever be as important, amazing, or life-changing as this one. I helped to create an amazing little human being. I continue to love, nurture, and care for her every day. There is no other job in this world that will ever be as difficult or as rewarding. Regardless of whether it matters to anyone else, it matters to Erin and it matters to me. I AM Erin’s mommy, and I am SO lucky.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommies out there – every day.

Love,

Christine

Neurologist follow-up

Wow, it's hard to believe that just six months ago we were taking Erin to the neurologist, Dr. Ghodsi, for the first time to make sure there was not some hidden cause for her torticolis.

Was it really just before Christmas that we worried about anesthesia, MRIs, abnormal findings, and referrals to neurosurgeons? It seems so strange to think that just a few short months ago that was our reality. However, a lot can change in six months. Since then, Erin was cleared by the neurosurgeon, met all of her age-appropriate developmental milestones, and her torticolis continues to improve with weekly physical therapy.

So, it came as a little bit of a shock to flip the calendar to May and see a six month follow-up appointment with Dr. Ghodsi on the page in front of me. With everything seemingly going so well for Erin, I really debated whether or not we even needed to keep the appointment. However, in the end, I knew that I could never live with myself if something is actually wrong with Erin and we didn't find out.

So, this morning we got in the car and headed to the neurologist's office. Of course they did the standard checks for height, weight, head circumference (Erin is still in the 95th percentile), lung sounds, heart sounds, and pulse, as well as more specific neurological tests. And, I must say, it was really nice to have Dr. Ghodsi confirm what every mother thinks of her child (at least until the terrible twos hit!) - he said she's perfect. I can't tell you how relieved I am to know that Erin does not have any neurological problems. I feel so blessed for us and for Erin.

The last thing Dr. Ghodsi said was that we could follow-up "as needed". That's one follow-up we won't ever plan on needing!

A mouthful

Erin is now getting her 9th tooth - a molar! It started to break through the surface of her gum line earlier this week - with the accompanying pain, fussiness, and crying in the middle of the night. Luckily, all of it is short-term (I've been told the temper tantrums resolve when they go to college!). However, I think my favorite part of Erin's teething is the excessive drool. Just in time for Erin to learn how to "kiss" us - which entails opening her mouth wide, sticking out her tongue, and then leaning in to our faces. I think she learned this technique from Shadow!

Dress Up

When Kurt and I talked about having children, and even after Erin was born, I prided myself in knowing that I was going to treat my child as a person, not as a doll or an accessory. So many parents I know buy matching parent and child outfits or really fancy clothes so their children look more like mini adults. I just KNEW that would not be me.

Sure, I like Erin to look cute - what mother wouldn't want that for her daughter? However, I'm rather practical. I believe in buying clothes that are cute, but comfortable and functional. Sure, for special occasions we'll go with the fancy stuff and if someone buys her an adorable outfit, we'll definitely put her in it and be very appreciative. But, no, I don't buy matching mommy/daughter outfits or clothes that make her look like an adult. We're trying not to raise another Jon Benet Ramsey.

So, it came as a shock to me when I was looking at my daughter's photos that I am just like those "other" moms. The only difference is that Kurt and I play "dress up" with Erin by making her wear (or not wear) really embarrassing clothes. All you have to do is look through her websites to see what I mean.

Sure there are minor things like socks that look like shoes, shamrock bibs, hooded bear towels, mouse hats, jester hats, bike helmets, and funny hooded jackets. Sure she's had chips and salsa on her lap, and even the traditional naked bath tub, or bear skin rug photos. And yes, we did get a bit into the holidays with her sweat pea Halloween costume and her snowman outfit for Christmas. However, all of that was pretty understandable.

I think it may have started to go a little awry with the photo of Erin in her oxygen mask that I refer to as "Luke I am Your Father". However, it really didn't dawn on me until I saw the picture of Erin wearing my lunch bag on her head like a robot, and then realized that earlier today her Daddy put a box on her head to show me how Erin could look like Frankenstein.

So, I confess, I didn't have a child so I could play "dress up" with her, but I guess that is just one of those parenting skills you develop over time. For some reason, I get the feeling the fun has just started. Be on the look out for more embarrassing photos. Sorry Erin!