Monday, June 25, 2012

Baseball and Ice Cream


Friday night, was Where's Waldo night at Dutchess Stadium. Evan was excited to bring Linus to his first baseball game.  All day he held his crumpled dollar bills in his fist. He wanted to buy a foam finger for him and Linus.  Even more exciting than a foam finger was a foam racoon paw (the Renegades mascot is a racoon.)












Saturday, we celebrated the High School Graduation of a very special young lady whose father happens to be our favorite ice cream man.  During the party, Josie was given the opportunity to take orders and hand out ice cream.  Now, we have a favorite ice cream girl too.




Thursday, June 21, 2012

Moving on to Junior High

This has been a big week for Katie.  Tuesday was the 5th Grade Social.  The dress code was casual and neat.  I taught Katie that the little black dress can be dressy or casual.  It just depends on the accessories.


Yesterday was the 5th Grade Moving Up ceremony.  Katie received the President's Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence and an award for Excellence in Art.  Today is her last day of Elementary school and the 5th Grade Breakfast.  Junior High, here she comes!







Congratulations and good luck to all the graduates and those moving up and on to new schools.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Strawberries


June means it is time for strawberry picking.  Around here, strawberry picking means it is time to visit Secor's Strawberries.  June is the time for strawberries and peas.  In July, we go for the blueberries.  October brings pumpkins and hayrides.








 Next year, there will be eight baskets, once Linus is up and running.






After we finished in the strawberry patch, we decided to pick a selection of sugar snap peas and shelling peas for dinner.



With a fridge filled with strawberries, the kids will be treated to jam, pie, or maybe smoothies.  Strawberry recipes were available at the register.

I think I will try this one later.

Strawberry Pie

1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. corn starch
2 cups water
1 small package of strawberry Jello

Boil mixture until thick.  Add one small package of strawberry Jello.  When it begins to set, pour it over sliced berries that have been arranged in a pre-baked pie shell.  Top with whipped cream.


Thursday, June 14, 2012

Ten years


Ten years ago today I was sent over to the birth center straight from my obstetricians appointment.  I was eight centimeters dilated, yet not in labor.  My body works in strange ways.  Since then, I have proved that I can sit at seven or eight centimeters dilated and not be in active labor.

I arranged for childcare and made my way over to the hospital, which was right across the street.  My packed bag was already in the car.   Once I was settled in, Pierre took Katie to the cafeteria and bought her a tray full of sugary distractions.  I made my phone calls and told everyone I would have a Flag Day baby.  My mother-in-law arrived with Emilie and Abigail and I waddled to the lounge to play with my girls before they went back home with her.

As I waited for my doctor to come, I heard a bit of a commotion in the hallway outside my door.  I began to think that the doctor forgot all about me.  The commotion outside continued.  I thought I heard crying.  It was not the cry of a newborn baby, but an adult wailing with grief.

The nurses came in and told me that they had decided to let me rest that night and not break my water.  My doctor would come to see me in the morning.  The woman in the room next to mine was delivering a baby who had passed away.  We were the only two patients at the birthing center, and since I was not in active labor they were going to devote themselves to her and her family.

My impatience turned to gratitude.

I did not dare open my door.  I wouldn't let the grieving family see me pregnant and joyful.

It became quiet in the room next door.  I heard the squeal of her bed's wheels as she was brought down the hallway to the other wing, to the room reserved for grieving parents.

The nurses didn't really think I would make it through the night, but I did.

Early the next morning, I opened my door just as the other set of parents were walking out the door, empty handed.

I was a little more than eight centimeters dilated.  My water was broken, but after a few hours nothing had happened.  My doctor ordered Pitocin and left for lunch.  In about ten minutes, I was ringing my nurse asking for an epidural.  She checked me.  I was ten centimeters and ready to push.  I don't even think my doctor had made it out of the parking lot.

After quite some time pushing, my first son was born at 6 pounds 12 ounces.  He was only 34 weeks and 5 days (I still wonder if we should have just let me sit at eight centimeters for a few days.)  He was grunting a little so they called the NICU at another hospital to transport him over.

I was allowed to leave the hospital after six hours, and I went right to the NICU to be with my son.  My husband and I walked out the birthing center's doors empty handed as well, but I was not sorrowful.  I was on my way to see my boy.  For the first three days, I only left Evan's side to sleep in a nearby room.  Ten days later he came home on an apnea monitor.

Evan is a special kid.  He is sweet and kind and funny.  Evan is extremely prepared for everything.  He keeps me on my toes.  He makes sure that everything is in order, everyone has a snack packed for school, and that I have signed every paper in his schoolbag ...twice.  Until Evan, I had never met a kid who acts like an old man.  If he had his way, he would eat waffles at every meal.  He plays hard and is extremely loyal and dedicated.  This boy is going to do great things.

Evan is excited to be turning "double digits" tomorrow.  His day is busy with Field Day, the Hamlet cast party, and Katie's end of year gymnastics party.  There will be lots of cupcakes and celebration.

Every June 14th, I remember the baby born in the room next to mine.  As I am getting ready to celebrate my son, I think of the parents and wonder how they are.  I will never forget the little soul who touched my life that day.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Graduation Day x 2


Lucie graduated Kindergarten and Abigail had her Moving Up from 8th Grade ceremony yesterday.







Congratulations Graduates!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Cupcakes, ice cream, and a day at the lake


My birthday cupcakes were quite yummy.  


Our favorite ice cream man came.  It was an extra treat on my birthday.  I love sno cones.



Even Mattie ran out when she heard the ice cream man's tune.

Today, we spent the afternoon at the lake with friends.




Evan taught Josie how to build a sandcastle.

He was very proud of his moat.

Linus was able to splash his feet in the water.  Time to go buy a bathing suit for the little man.



Tomorrow starts off a very busy week filled with graduations, Regents, last day of Junior High, parties, and more.