Counting Down

So much for the journey...we're all about the destination right now. We're counting down the days until:

The end of my role as project manager. I've had more than a taste of project management, and I'm certain that, while I may be organized enough to handle the role, it's too much stress! And, I don't have unlimited text and phone minutes to deal with all the calls and messages. I'm still biting my nails - the fireplace *should* be done today and so should the carpet installation. The painter has been shuffled to tomorrow, and the cleaners are going to work around him to get the layers of paint and construction dust off of every surface in the house. Anna's big bed will arrive late in the afternoon tomorrow. There are some things waiting until after the move, but if this stuff gets done, it's going to feel so good. This is the plan. We'll see if it actually materializes.

Anna's third birthday! Three! The present are wrapped, the letter I write to her every year on her birthday is crafted, the plans are set, and Anna is sufficiently excited for it all. Saturday we'll open gifts at home then be on our way to celebrate with family at the river. And, after the move, we'll celebrate with friends at Jump City. I'll have a lot of fun birthday pictures and posts to catch up on after next week.

The river. The annual Fourth of July tubing trip is this weekend. After Anna's birthday celebration on Saturday, we'll continue the party on the river. Sun, water, beers and good conversation with family and friends, and hopefully NOT thinking about this move for a little while.

The move. It's just one week away. So much is happening between now and then, the packing will just have to happen somewhere in between. I am so ready to be in the new house house, with the workers, the dust, and the noise gone. I'm so ready to start relaxing for the summer and enjoying the things on our summer list. I'm so ready (and still pretty choked up when I think about saying good-bye to our first home).

Moved

There are so many things I could write about our last weekend in our very first ever house, but what I'm compelled to reflect on today is the U2 concert from last night. In a way, it was the perfect end to our last weekend here: nostalgic, moving, high-inducing, even spiritual in a strange kind of way. Call me overly sentimental or too ready to find meaning in the most minute events, but I do believe this concert came at the perfect time for us.

I'm grateful to have made it to the show in the first place. Unbelievably, I forget the tickets, so after 40 minutes of drive time, we had to turn around and ask Blair to bring them and meet us in Ann Arbor. We were stuck in traffic then, rushed and stressed, literally guzzling a margarita pre-show and racing to make the opening act. I was in a rather grumpy mood, even as we stood anxiously waiting in the stands, and then...they appeared. The instant U2 was visible out of the tiny hole at the bottom of the stadium, I forgot about everything else. I screamed and held my hands high and could not contain my smile and my singing.

After all, this IS U2! For me, this was one of many concerts I've seen in my life, but it was one of THE groups I've long dreamt of seeing. Picture a stereo, circa 1987, with a double tape deck and a record player on top. I sat listening to Casey Kasem's Top 40, ready and waiting to record the songs that made me cry, made me dance, made me feel. With or Without You was at the top of my eleven-year-old list, and it played over and over and over again until I wore the tape out. I clearly remember my friend and I making up an entire interpretive dance routine to the song, singing along, and performing for my mom in the basement upon completion. These are my earliest U2 memories.

Also, I just love music, especially live music. At eleven and through my teen years, I turned to music for fun, for catharsis, for stress-relief. It seems like so many of my childhood and teenage memories are tied to a particular song. Blake often jokes about my knowledge of song lyrics and artists. Music moves me, but I don't engage it as often as I used to - somewhere along the way, I've forgotten about how powerful it can be, how it can uplift and energize, how it can heal - especially when it's music by artists like U2, who are not only great musicians, but also influential people doing inspiring things in the world.

As we sat waiting for the band, Blake commented about the diversity at this concert. "It's not often you go to a show and see so many different demographics," he said. Truthfully, there were kids as young as 9 or 10 and folks in their 60's, I'm sure. There were all races and genders and probably all spiritual backgrounds. It's profoundly moving and comforting for me to see music bringing people peacefully together. I'm always uplifted by this aspect of concerts. Of course, Bono brings people together AND inspires them to make a difference in the world. Without a doubt, it fed our post-concert conversations, leaving me wondering how I can do more, how I can make a bigger difference, and feeling moved to do so. I'm guessing that's just what he intended.

Goings On

This is a brief list of what's been going on around here:

• "Quiet time." Who ever came up with this term did not have Anna for a child. We are on day three of no nap, day three of instituting quiet time. It's not yet quiet, although it's much less traumatic than day one, so hopefully it will be quiet soon. We're trying numerous things to make it more tolerable, like a makeshift bed on the floor, more or less light, and plenty of books and stuffed animals and quiet toys. Although we've tried to drop her nap a few times in the past, it's never lasted, mostly because she was waking way too early and would miss Blake at night. The last two days she's slept longer and at least a bit later, AND last night was the quickest she's fallen asleep since April. These are all good things. I just hope we can hang in there with quiet time...I NEED it!
• Adjustments. Our move in date changed again. This is our first time working with contractors, and apparently, it's to be expected, but the work on our house is taking way longer than planned, not to mention that we keep running into various issues with products and availability. We're scheduled to move on the last possible day before we close on our current home, July 6. The good news is that we have more time to pack, because I've been doing just about everything but that.
• Ella. Anna is SO into her, and lately she's been carrying her everywhere in her child-sized Ergo baby carrier, just like the one I used to carry her in. Everywhere includes: on the potty, to the store, and while brushing teeth. Anna repeatedly tells me that Ella is in her belly and that she is nursing her down for a nap (a phrase I never used, so I don't know where she got it). I love watching her with Ella - how she sways when she's holding her just like a mom with her newborn, how she pats her on the back steadily as she sways. She is so gentle and caring, it makes me wonder how she'll care for a new little around our house (after the jealousy subsides, of course).
• Packing. This isn't happening as much as it should be. We're chipping away at it, and it's really (insert four-letter word) tedious and tough to pack up your entire house in the time we've given ourselves, thanks to procrastination. I keep telling myself I can't pack this or that, because we need it. I also keep trying to organize a bit as I go, so I don't end up searching high and low for things after the move, because I know we'll be unpacking about as quickly as we packed, so we'll be living out of boxes for a while.
• Balance? I'm trying, in the midst of the mental chaos and moving preparations, to create balance for Anna and me during the week, especially because I know next week will be all kinds of crazy. This week, though, we have days with plans (play date, zoo, necessary errands) and days with no place we have to go, so we stay in our PJ's till 10, wander to the park in the afternoon, or find ourselves at a friend's house for an impromptu visit (thank you for the serendipitous phone call from Kara just as the thunderstorm hit on our way to the pool).

Creatopia

A few weeks ago, Anna and I went with Emily, Harper and Crosby to the paint-your-own pottery studio in Plymouth, Creatopia. Our mission was to paint mugs for the dad's for Father's Day. The girls loved it. I loved it, too...I'd really like to go back sometime and paint something myself. This time, though, Emily and I had plenty to do helping the girls with their creations.

Father's Day, 2011

Anna at the golf course with Daddy, Uncle Blair, Papa J, and Papa Mox

We celebrated Father's Day all day today. Actually we celebrated yesterday, too, because Anna couldn't wait to give Blake the very special coffee mug she hand-painted at a paint-your-own pottery studio (I've been waiting for weeks to post the pictures I took that day - I have a number of shots of Anna and Harper at the studio that I'll post separately tomorrow). This morning, Anna and Daddy opened new golf clothes while I cooked up Blake's favorite breakfast, Huevos Rancheros. They played blocks together and washed the car while I cleaned up and attempted this Strawberry Jam recipe. I have yet to determine if it turned out; I was doing too many things and didn't add the correct amount of lemon juice or sugar until it was too late. Blake left at lunch time to meet Papa J, Papa Mox, and Uncle Blair at the golf course while we ate and Anna napped. Then it was off to the pool and dinner at the club with the guys.

It was wonderful to spend some time with our dads on their special day. I know Anna had a great time with all the guys, and I think the guys all had a pretty great time, too.

Huevos Rancheros

A proud little car washer.

Strawberry Time

It's strawberry time! We received strawberries from our CSA this week, and we ventured to Ida, Michigan this morning with our good friends Emily, Harper, and Crosby as well as Emily's mom and aunt to pick pounds and pounds of strawberries. On the menu (if I can find the time between packing boxes): Kale, banana, and strawberry popsicles; strawberry sorbet; strawberry jam; just plain fresh and frozen strawberries.

It took Anna a while to warm up to the idea of picking and eating the fruit. Before long, though, she was devouring the super sweet berries.

Harper jumped right in!

Emily picking. It's rather back-breaking work!

One of too many strawberry-eating photos.

And another.

Searching for just the right one.

A crazy berry Emily's mom found and shared with Anna.

Anna and I already made the popsicles yesterday with strawberries and kale we needed to use from the CSA and a couple of ripe bananas. The results were delicious.

Kale, Banana, and Strawberry Popsicles

1 bunch of Lacinato Kale, stems removed and roughly chopped

2 ripe bananas

12 large strawberries

2 Tbsp orange juice

1/4-1/2 cup ice

Puree kale, bananas, strawberries, and orange juice in blender (or in our case the food processor, because Anna loathes the loud blender). Add ice and blend to to desired consistency. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze.

They are surprisingly delicious!

If anyone has a favorite, super easy and quick jam recipe to share, I'm looking for one!

Moving Update: Sneak Peak

Work has FINALLY begun on our new house. The painters started this week. After way too much deliberation and confusion, another contractor will begin working tomorrow (I hope) to install our new fireplace and the bar addition to the island in the kitchen. If we can coordinate the numerous parties, we should be able to be in just before the holiday weekend, but the move date is still in question. We have bitten off a bit more than we can chew, but in a few weeks, it will all be complete.

In the meantime, Anna and I have been preparing for the move by taking pictures of our current home. She insists on holding the camera and taking photos all by herself now, and I'm amazed at how well her photos turn out! We're making a scrapbook with photos of each room so she can turn to it if she's missing the old house. It's been a fun project. Here are some of Anna's unedited photos. Our house from Anna's perspective:

This little guy snuck into a picture...we have LOTS of babies flying around our yard. I don't know where the nest is this year, though.

And, Ella, with her homemade pacifier, had to be in a photo, too. I had to get creative, because Anna REALLY wanted a pacifier for Ella, but her mouth barely opens. A straw with a cardboard circle around it worked perfectly!

Anna and I went to the house on Monday to do a few things, and we both took some "Before" photos. I can't wait to get the "After" photos and post the makeover pictures. For now, though, I couldn't resist giving a little sneak peak, even if it dulls the before-after effect. I ran over there yesterday while the painters were working on the upstairs. They'd just finished a first coat. I can't believe how different it looks already. So far...

The upstairs hallway looking into Anna's turquoise blue bedroom.

The master bedroom...accent wall yet to be painted.

Guest room and bath.

Katie's Last Day

Katie and Anna snuggling after dinner.

Today we celebrated Katie's new job. It was her last day with us, at least as a regular babysitter. It was one of those happy-sad times. I think it was sinking in for Anna toward the end of today's visit - she was very affectionate with Katie. Later, when we were getting ready for bed, she gently reassured Ella, her baby, that we'll see Katie again soon and not to worry. It's been sinking in with me for weeks. It wasn't easy to hold it together when she left tonight.

I never imagined finding someone so irreplaceable when I began searching for a babysitter for Anna. Katie will be a forever friend, and we are so thankful that she came into our lives!

Pony Ride

It seems like it was about the same time last year that we went to visit Domino's Petting Farm. This year, though, we went on the weekend, and on the weekend, they offer pony rides! Anna was so excited about her first pony ride. This girl's love for animals has not waned. Here are a few pics from the farm...

I think the pigs were the cutest.

You'd think these animals were never fed.

The friendly goat who couldn't get enough of Anna's carrots...

Carrot.

Doc, the pony.

She was a very happy rider.

Coloring

While Anna may not play with her balls as much as she used to, and it might appear that her obsession with colorful balls has subsided, it has not. It's merely transformed.

Our early summer days, those not spent on house-related endeavors, have been filled with visits to the pool and with friends, and when we are at home, with coloring. Anna can color for hours, especially if someone is there to color with her. She and Katie literally spent three hours last week coloring. Anna draws circles (or balls) and she instructs anyone who is willing to color them in (because she doesn't want the color to go outside the lines).

As a side note, this really makes me think about the nature versus nurture question. I have invested so much energy in Anna's first three years trying to teach her that "practice makes improvement," that there is no such thing as perfect, and that there is no failure, only learning. It's one of the hardest things for me to learn (or unlearn). It often feels like it's hard wired in my brain (and hers), and maybe it is. Of course, despite my attempts at teaching these ideas, she still sees her Mommy's perfectionism come out. It's a bit like the "do as I say, not as I do" I suppose. I'm not always setting the best example with my actions, so she gets it from both her genes and her environment, I'm sure.

So, this is what Anna's artwork looks like of late. It might actually look great in her new colorful, circle-filled bedroom (pictures to come later, of course).

There are many, many more of these in her notebook.

Oh, and when asked what she wants for her birthday, she still insists that she wants more balls.

Today

A wonderfully rainy summer run today.

I've been looking and thinking ahead, as I tend to do, and I already see the summer racing by, especially the next three weeks with our move approaching. Since Blake and I have been together, our summers have been full and fun. Maybe it's our age that lends itself to regular summer weddings and baby or bridal showers. Along with family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays, the weekends have rarely been boring. While I love having fun things to do, I also like boring. I crave the time to just be and do nothing, particularly in the summer months, and I'm missing that already, just a couple of weeks into June.

Yesterday was our last day of play school. Each week the teacher prints an article for the parents, most often about childhood or parenting toddlers, and sets it out for us to pick up on our way out of class. The article this week shall be posted in our kitchen for me to see all summer long. I loved its message and the memories it brought back of my lazy summers as a kid. The author spoke of embracing the boredom that can come with summer flexibility, how being bored gives birth to creativity in children, and how kids need equal parts busy time, creative time, and down time. It brought forth visions of our new home, Anna playing outside for hours and coming in with dirty knees and red popsicle-stained lips, homemade lemonade on the back deck with the fireflies darting around us, and lazy summer days. Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I am hopeful.

With play school over, today was our first "official" day of summer. Today, for the first time in days, we had no place to go and nothing we had to do.

Today, we sat in our pajamas for an hour after breakfast working on new, challenging puzzles together.

Today we went for a run in the rain, me in my rain gear, Anna in the stroller covered by the weather shield. It poured on us, and neither of us complained. When we arrived home, Anna and I played in the rain.

Today we made muffins for the first time in weeks.

Today I walked away, took a lot of deep breaths, and kept my cool just a little bit more when Anna tested my patience over and over and over again.

Today Anna was happy to play by herself while I made a few phone calls, did dishes, and cooked dinner, maybe because she had my undivided attention for a while and we were home All Day Long.

Today we enjoyed a candle light pasta dinner made with fresh-from-the-farm asparagus, garlic scapes, and green onions.

Today, I'm thinking about our Summer List and filling it with simple things like catching fireflies, making homemade lemonade, and watching the sunset.