Brushing up

Many years ago (perhaps 10? 11?), I enrolled in a National Weather Service training class for severe storm spotting. It’s served me well, but it’s been far too long. So, Tom and I attended a shorter class here in town on Tuesday night. The official training has moved online, and Tom’s already successfully completed the module. I hope to retake the test this weekend.

Also on my task list: becoming more familiar with Kansas geography. Though we’ve lived her for almost eight years, I don’t even think I can name all of the surrounding counties.

Hoping for an interesting but safe storm season–there’s a lot of open prairie out here!

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Happy ninth birthday, Ava Kate!

Born on a cold and snowy morning in Wisconsin, our firstborn spent five days in the NICU as she recovered from a hole in her lung. She hasn’t let us rest since, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Our determined, smart little girl has made sure the past nine years have been filled with sleepless nights, challenging days and endless amounts of laughter.

Thanks, sweet Ava Kate, for teaching us how to be parents. We love you so much.

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Overheard

Rebecca: “Is this a hoarfrost? What exactly IS a hoarfrost?”

Tom: “It’s a frost with loose morals.”

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Overheard: “Outside,” always and forever

Owen, every two minutes: “Outschide? Outschide? Outschide? Outschide!”

Ava’s Ninth Birthday Party

We celebrated Ava’s ninth birthday a bit early this year—friends and family joined us in Kansas for a sweet little luau last weekend. Many thanks to those who joined us in person and those who sent kind greetings from afar! My photos are below; you can see Doug’s here.

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The day included near-tropical temperatures, limbo, Hawaiian snacks and a piñata (held by one very brave dad after the ribbon broke).

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Happy ninth, Ava Kate!

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Throwback Thursday

All the way to October 2005…

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Overheard…sort of.

Owen: “I know it’s already 8 am, but I really need to put on my socks ALL BY MYSELF. Surely you understand, Mom.”

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Olivia fix

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Owen update

Owen hits the 20-month mark next week, though it would appear he’s already firmly entrenched in the terrible twos. (“He’s advanced,” his father notes.) He regularly reminds us why cuteness is a biological imperative for toddlers, especially as he scurries from room to room, leaving destruction in his path.

He climbs then purposefully falls from furniture, makes his way up the ladder to Livie’s bunk bed (“the ONE PLACE that was safe!”), then heads to the bathroom to run hot water into a tub that can’t be baby-proofed. He’d happily spend the day pretending to drive our cars, honking the horn until the neighbors go crazy. When he’s mad, he’ll grab and throw anything he can reach, then gingerly lower himself to the floor for a quick tantrum.

This is a boy that needs spring  to arrive—his tricycle is wearing a path in the house, and he’s desperate to be outside. Despite having a house filled with traditionally feminine toys, he seeks out the balls, trucks and anything that will make loud noises and/or damage furniture. Don’t think, though, that he isn’t influenced by his sisters—he regularly asks them to clip a barrette into his hair, and he’d give anything to spend a hour playing in the basement with them.

And, oh my goodness, he is so incredibly adorable. He gives the best hugs and the sweetest kisses. He snuggles up and says “Mama” with the tiniest voice. His dimpled hands make me want to cry. He’s funny and charming, and he’ll have an entire conversation with just  “yeah!” and “no!”

He asks for help, says “good job!” when you finally figure out what he wants, and offers a little “meow” to your question about what a cat says (and a lot of other animals, too.) He says “cheese” before you take his photo and “hi, guys!” when he sees you at the end of the day.

He looks so much like his dad.

I love him beyond comprehension.

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Besties

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