tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291378462024-03-19T05:51:11.388-07:00Our Little FamilyGene, Kirsten, & Amelia -
An Average Urban FamilyGene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-8101235759083040512015-05-18T12:16:00.000-07:002015-05-18T12:16:06.718-07:00Volcanos, Road Trips, and the Burbs<div class="MsoNormal">
Volcanos, Road Trips, and the Burbs<o:p></o:p></div>
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25 Years in Seattle!
Yep, it was 25 years today that I arrived fresh off the ferry from
Alaska. The sun was brightly shining
then as it is right now. I checked out
of my dorm in Fairbanks, drove to Sitka, caught the ferry to Bellingham, and
then used my Thomas Guide to navigate to my rental home in the University
District. All this on my own with $800
in my pocket and a pet beta fish on the front seat. I had a brand spanking new Bachelor’s degree
in hand and was ready for any and everything.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There have been so many adventures – too many to count. Here’s a silly list of some of the major
components of my life. What time of my
life do you most remember? </div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Home</li>
<ul>
<li>University District, Ballard, Crown
Hill, Edmonds, Lake City, Bothell</li>
</ul>
<li>Churches</li>
<ul>
<li>University
Presbyterian, Meadowbrook, Canyon Hills, Inglewood Presbyterian</li>
</ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -1in;">Jobs</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -1in;">Hyatt Regency Bellevue,
Schwartz Brothers Catering, Security Pacific Bank, Consumer Credit Counseling
Service of Seattle, Nintendo, John L Scott</span></li>
</ul>
<li>Cars</li>
<ul>
<li>Renault
Alliance, Nissan Sentra, VW Camper Bus, Toyota Camry</li>
</ul>
<li>Home-Based Businesses</li>
<ul>
<li>Tupperware,
Creative Memories, Usborne Books</li>
</ul>
<li>Parenting</li>
<ul>
<li>Evergreen
Hospital, Elite Kids of Kirkland, Mack Elementary </li>
</ul>
</ul>
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Through this amazing journey I have experienced lots of life
lessons, met cherished friends, and created a family with my love Gene. My mind is flooded with all the
memories. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Spring for me has always been such a special time – fresh new
beginnings, the garden opening up, the days getting longer. But 10 years ago, in May 2005, our joy was
stripped away. I’ll never forget it, as my
heart broke and I was changed forever. Noah
Michael Lowry is your name and you’ll always be our son.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So 25 years after that spring day when I drove into town, I
find myself a wife, mom, and real estate broker living in the Seattle suburbs
raising a beautiful little girl. It’s a
busy and yet simple life. We need to buy
a new washing machine, but will likely buy a small travel camper instead. Simple, just simple.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As for the volcano – Mount St. Helens erupted 35 years ago
today. I was an 8<sup>th</sup> grader
living in Missoula, Montana. The town
was shut down for four full days while ash cleanup ensued. I’ve got bags of the stuff somewhere in
storage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our Seattle family of friends is huge and we so appreciate
your friendship. My Seattle journey has
been remarkable. Cheers to the next 25!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-14391228176467525652012-01-01T22:05:00.000-08:002012-01-01T22:14:37.432-08:002012<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I posted twice on my blog in 2010 and twice in 2011. How about I start out 2012 with a blog post?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Not much to say at the moment, as I’ve been sick for three
weeks. I just coughed through the second
half of December. Doc says it’s likely
pneumonia. The cough is just horrible,
and each day I think I’m finally getting better, another coughing fit and back
to what feels like square one. I’ve been
in this darn house for four days now.
The steroids for my lungs keep me awake.
Ugh. Happy New Year! I guess it can only get better from here,
right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There’s so much I want to do in 2012 and so much I NEED to
do. I’ve got to stay focused and ensure
that I go after what I want. I feel like
the past few years have just “happened” and I’ve sat on the sidelines watching
in disgust. There have been way too many
disappointments and it’s time to turn this ship around and get back to the
Kirsten that got lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’ve got a new website – thought of the name all on my own! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.readinginseattle.com/">www.readinginseattle.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you want to get technical, the site is really
<a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/main.asp?sid=P3490&gid=131368612">http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/main.asp?sid=P3490&gid=131368612</a> , but that’s a dumb
url so I took care of that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love Usborne books and Amelia is now hooked – she’s
reading! I don’t know what she’s going
to do in the fall when she gets to Kindergarten. I hope their ready for my genius child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The books are really fantastic – check ‘em out for yourself
and order a few. If you need more
details or have any questions, just drop me a line. I’m on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/readinginseattle">www.facebook.com/readinginseattle</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, let’s see where 2012 takes us, but rather, I’d like to
see where I take it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Love to all,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">K.</span><o:p></o:p></div>Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-4794223726845062572011-05-22T22:43:00.000-07:002011-05-22T22:49:29.715-07:00It's Been Six Years<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> 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0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;">It’s been six years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In some respects it does feel like six years have passed, yet some days the pain feels raw enough to be from yesterday. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A song, a random thought, or even driving by a specific place or on a specific road can release a flood of tears.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;">Oddly enough, one of the clearest memories I have of that time is of sitting in the funeral home just staring out the window.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Gene and the man were making arrangements and I sat quietly, fixated on the beautiful rhododendron just outside the window.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There were bumblebees swarming around each bud.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The man said or asked something and before Gene answered I turned and replied, “Look at all those bees.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s all I had.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was probably still in shock since just days prior I had been blissfully pregnant and now I was sitting in a funeral home making decisions for our baby boy.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;">Six years ago I was completely naïve about the miracle of pregnancy and birth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We decided we wanted to start a family and didn’t give it another thought.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It never occurred to us that the journey to parenthood would be so full of heartbreak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To this day I cringe when someone proclaims their excitement to me with “I’m having a baby!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think inside to myself, “No, you’re not.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You are pregnant.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There is most definitely a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Having been pregnant three times, I got used to not having a baby.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was just always pregnant. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’m certainly happy for my friends who get pregnant and have babies.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I just know from painful personal experience to not make any assumptions. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You could say I’ve been hardened.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;">My life is certainly different now than it was in May 2005.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The biggest change is that we have a healthy almost five-year-old running around our house singing, dancing, and playing teacher. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I realize how much of a blessing Amelia is to our lives.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;">Where am I at now?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I mourn for what could have been.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I mourn for what I was teased with.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I will never know the joy of birthing another baby.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After Amelia was born I was never able to get pregnant again, not even with the help of modern medicine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She truly is a gift from God and we do treasure her each day. <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Noah Michael Lowry, Mommy and Daddy miss you so much.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We’ll see you in Heaven someday dear son.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"> </p>Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-79925028186017400562011-05-05T16:38:00.000-07:002011-05-05T16:39:56.511-07:00"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kiffkk</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kiffkk</span>."<br /><br />Slow and methodically, Amelia said "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kiffkk</span>" a few times as we were pulling into school this morning.<br /><br />I asked her "What is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kiffkk</span>?"<br /><br />As we drove past the fast food restaurant on the corner to park the car, she spelled out "K F C."<br /><br />Smart girl sounding out those letters!!! Maybe she's also hungry for chicken. Acronyms will come later.Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-47254657069884260682010-05-30T11:45:00.000-07:002010-05-30T11:47:09.826-07:00Memorial Day WeekendIt's Memorial Day Weekend and it's raining... and I have two more words that apply to our home at the moment...<br /><br />CHICKEN POX!!!Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-82689209748824006872010-01-28T07:52:00.001-08:002010-01-28T07:55:26.071-08:0030It took 3 years, 5 months, and 13 days. <br /><br />That's 1262 days. And that's how old Amelia is today.<br /><br />Amelia hit 30 pounds even on the scale.<br /><br />She's still one of the smallest kids in her class and barely on the pediatrician's chart, but really - who cares!?Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-60502503442699790942009-11-05T20:11:00.001-08:002009-11-05T20:12:25.225-08:00Pledge of AllegianceAmelia has learned the pledge of allegiance at school!<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wR1K0zE3JI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wR1K0zE3JI</a>Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-41704774890148187312009-11-04T19:27:00.000-08:002009-11-04T20:31:29.919-08:00PneumoniaOne word has ruled our world the past week - pneumonia. Poor little Amelia has been sick since Friday, October 23 when the school called to say she had a fever and please come pick her up. <br /><br />She was just not herself for several days and then she spiked a fever of 102 and became completely lethargic. We rushed her to the doctor where we found out she had pneumonia. That night her fever topped out at 104.7. We were so frightened and certainly never want to go through that again.<br /><br />Gradually the fever has subsided. <br />The cough has kept her up several nights in a row.<br />Her nose is running constantly.<br />Nobody is getting any real sleep.<br /><br />She's definitely on the mend, but still home getting rest to build back up her strength.<br /><br />'til next time.Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-36241763834051815882009-09-28T11:02:00.001-07:002009-09-28T11:03:08.896-07:00Potty TrainingDONE!<br /><br />Amelia is sleeping through the night WITHOUT a pull-up. <br /><br />We are TOTALLY done!<br /><br />Nice work little gal!Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-45307704014114653482009-09-28T10:54:00.000-07:002009-09-28T11:13:42.801-07:00Third BirthdayIn looking back, I realize that I didn't mention Amelia's third birthday festivities. Gosh, it was a weekend <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">extravaganza</span>!<br /><br />We started with a celebration at school on Friday. This mom brought cupcakes and juice for the kids and the teacher took some pictures. Amelia was so excited for her party at school.<br /><br />On Saturday, August 15 we had our family celebration. We spent the day downtown at the Seattle Aquarium and had lunch at Ivar's. She got a fancy dessert with a candle in it from the waiter and we sang happy birthday to her. At home we opened presents and she fell into bed so tired she didn't play with any of them.<br /><br />Sunday was the big ELMO birthday party. We invited her playgroup and a few other friends. The kids played with bubbles, the soccer net, and the parachute. We also played a game of pin the nose on ELMO. Everyone had a blast and the weather was perfect.<br /><br />Amelia had quite a birthday weekend and now has all kinds of new toys to play with. Thanks everyone!Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-58994244024823984052009-09-28T10:47:00.000-07:002009-09-28T10:53:31.471-07:00Two New Amelia QuotesOne morning last week this was said to her shoes while putting them on.<br /><br />"You're freaking me out."<br /><br />Then the next morning while the morning news was playing, she pointed to the TV and said "That's a murder show."<br /><br />Where does this stuff come from? Hilarious.<br /><br />On an academic note, Amelia is now attending phonics classes two days a week. She's writing her capital letters and loves the one-on-one time with her teacher. This growing-up things is happening way too fast.<br /><br />Next weekend we're off to the pumpkin patch with her playgroup friends.Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-91416415734637095562009-08-18T07:04:00.000-07:002009-08-18T07:08:17.829-07:0012:30 amLast night Amelia wandered into our room/bed around 12:30 midnight - for the FIRST TIME!!! Yep, since the big girl bed arrived, she's slept straight through each night. NICE that it took several weeks for her to begin getting up at odd hours. We anticipated much worse! <br />And last night was no big deal. We just let her relax with us for a moment, and then put her back in her bed. She then slept in until almost 7am, which is much later than her usual 5:30 am rise and shine.Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-59449225138799200242009-08-17T07:20:00.000-07:002009-08-17T21:43:32.168-07:00MJAt the ripe age of three years, one day, Amelia just pointed to a picture on my computer and said with confidence "That's Michael Jackson."<br /><br />She was right.<br /><br />When I asked her how she knew who that was, she clearly stated "He's the man on the TV."<br /><br />Clearly we have the TV on too much.Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-49317145452408506272009-08-11T07:11:00.001-07:002009-08-11T07:15:45.067-07:00ForeverThis morning after Amelia woke up a bit startled and grumpy, we crawled into my bed and snuggled for a while. She must be tired because she was actually snuggling; calm with big long hugs.<br /><br />Then, as we're cheek to cheek, she said "Mommy, Let's stay here forever."<br /><br />My heart melted.Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-88615685266145523322009-08-08T14:07:00.000-07:002009-08-09T17:57:14.154-07:00Big Girl Stuff<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;">On July 3 Amelia started wearing her new Dora and Princess panties each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Or, shall I say, three or four different pair per day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The first day there were three accidents in less than one hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I immediately threw in the towel (or rather, wet panties & shorts into the washer) and had her return to wearing pull-ups for the next few days because we had several parties to attend.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;">We then picked it back up again on Monday, July 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She only had two accidents the entire week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nice job!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The success continues with random accidents here and there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She asks to use the toilet when she needs and it’s soooo much easier than diapers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I didn’t realize making the leap would be so easy for her.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Now on to the next big milestone – she’s sleeping in her new BED!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We haven’t found the perfect wood bed frame, but that’s ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She’s got a brand new mattress, sheets, and pillow set up in the corner of her room on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If she falls out, she doesn’t have far to fall!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;">We’re at 100% success for the first two nights; no falling out and no wandering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We hope the success continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She’s sleeping about nine hours straight, which is much better than her recent sleep in the crib.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In hindsight, she probably wasn’t comfortable in the crib anymore and it showed in her crazy lack of restful sleep.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;">Our baby will be three next Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’ll spend the day together and take her to the aquarium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On Sunday we’ll have her friends over for an official birthday party. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>It truly is amazing to look back at the pictures of three years ago and realize that in a blink they’re not little babes in our arms.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;">The journey continues.</span></p>Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-18409854213299061552009-07-26T22:54:00.000-07:002009-07-26T23:02:02.414-07:00Silly or Embarrassing??Friday after work I picked up Amelia and we headed to the grocery store for a few items. While standing in the check-out line, she looked at me, reached out, squeezed my boob, and asked quite loudly "Mommy, is this your booby?"<br /><br />I proudly replied "Yes, it is."<br /><br />I'm glad my daughter was able to give the two teenage <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">baggers</span> a great story to share later with their friends.Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-65642502573065930132009-06-17T21:09:00.000-07:002009-06-17T21:13:36.028-07:00Who Hops?Amelia read her first book tonight!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.harcourtbooks.com/bookcatalogs/bookpages/9780152018399.asp">"Who Hops?" by Katie Davis<br /></a><br />Gene read it to her a few nights ago and tonight I read it to her. She then took the book and read it to us.<br /><br />"Slither" was "sliver," so the snake slivered.<br /><br />Fantastic!!!Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-79987626939551142622009-06-05T08:41:00.000-07:002009-06-05T08:42:14.104-07:00The L SoundWhile driving to work & school this morning, Amelia was happy and clapping in the back seat. <br /><br />She happily announced “Mommy, I crap!”<br /><br />She went on to ask me “Mommy, you crap.”<br /><br />She then saw a small spider on the outside of her window and asked him “Spider, you crap.”<br /><br />She still can’t say the “L” sound. Good thing we didn’t name her Ella Lowry. Too many “L”s.<br /><br />On this sunny Friday morning, we clapped as we drove in.Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-24681406088022995022009-05-31T09:37:00.000-07:002009-05-31T09:39:58.800-07:00Manipulation Skills and FunniesI’ve been keeping all kinds of notes on the funny things that Amelia’s been doing. Before the list gets any longer, I’m finally posting them for you all to enjoy. <br /><br />April 13<br />Last month Amelia began practicing her manipulation skills. She’s been potty training for a few months now and she’s slowing getting the hang of it. I got her set up on the toilet and returned in a few minutes to check on her progress. To my surprise, I found that she was off the toilet and quickly flushing it as I walked in.<br /><br />She proudly told me that she pooped AND peed. This would be big news if it really did happen, but now the evidence was gone. Upon inspection in the clean up department (wiping the ole bottom), there was nothing.<br /><br />She LIED to me! I’m sure it won’t be the first time.<br /><br />---<br /><br />April 14<br />The next day Amelia told me that she didn’t want to go to school. When we were about a block from school (she knows the way and knows when we’re near), she closed her eyes and pretended to be sleeping. When I parked the car she was faking the sounds of snoring. I was cracking up. She played limp when I picked her up out of the car seat. Too funny.<br /><br />---<br /><br />April 15<br />As I walked into her bedroom, I asked her how she slept. <br /><br />With a happy pitch, she exclaimed “PERFECT!”<br /><br />She's not always this happy first thing in the morning.<br /><br />---<br /><br />April 30<br />While sitting on the couch, I told Amelia she was growing and getting so big.<br /><br />She looked outside at her dad mowing the front lawn and said, “I’m not growing. The grass is growing.”<br /><br />I cracked up and said “You’re funny.”<br /><br />Amelia replied, “Yeah.”<br /><br />---<br /><br />May 6<br />Now this a funny story that happened at school, told to me by Amelia’s teacher.<br /><br />The kids were all in a circle and they were practicing counting. There are at least four different languages being spoken in the homes of her classmates (English, Spanish, Japanese, & Portuguese) and as a class, they all learn from each other.<br /><br />The teacher looked at Mila and asked her to count to ten in her first language of Japanese. Mila politely declined and didn’t want to count this day.<br /><br />That’s when Amelia piped up and said she had Japanese. She was patting her knees and stating “I have JapaKNEES.” <br /><br />Both teachers cracked up.<br /><br />She’s just so funny!<br /><br />---<br /><br />May 15<br />I brought home my work laptop and had it on the table instead of my personal laptop.<br /><br />Amelia noticed the difference and asked “Mommy, your new compooter?”<br /><br />I said yes and told her it was from work.<br /><br />She then pointed to the front cover where the round Dell logo is and asked “Does it have an apple on it?”<br /><br />She then corrected herself and said “No, it has a round circle on it.”<br /><br />I was shocked. Where in the world did she get that? We don’t (yet) have Apple laptops. We don’t let her watch much television at all. How in the world does she know that some laptops have apple logos on the covers? Crazy world full of marketing! She got it somewhere?Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-57862914765445642542009-04-11T07:49:00.000-07:002009-04-11T07:50:27.708-07:00Now this is funnyWhen I was dropping Amelia off at her school last week, one of the dad’s was asking which child was named Amelia.<br /><br />I politely told him that was my daughter.<br /><br />He said his son had been talking about her all night long.<br /><br />The teacher piped in and said “Oh yes, Amelia is the alpha female in the class!”<br /><br />Gene and I have been laughing for days. She’s definitely like her mom!<br /><br />We continue to get feedback that she “runs” the class and directs the other kids on what to do and where to do it. At home she does the same thing with her babies, stuffed animals, and invisible friends from class.<br /><br />-----------<br /><br />Another fun new word:<br /><br />Little toy Zebra = “pizza”<br /><br />That kinda sounds alike.Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-89783004077176803232009-03-25T21:07:00.000-07:002009-03-25T21:10:16.718-07:00MiscNaxbar = Snack Bar<br /><br />Gamespa = Football<br /><br />“Scooz me” = “Excuse me” when she sneezes.<br /><br />“MMMmmmmm, that smells Gooood.” She’s said this several times as we changed her very poopy diaper. Weird. <br /><br />----<br /><br />While with Grandma in California, we stopped by a drive-through for lunch to allow Amelia a longer nap. She had been sound asleep for an hour when we placed our order. Before we made it to the next window to pay, she says from her seat “How aboooout ice cream?” <br /><br />She’s not one to be left out of anything.<br /><br />We’re still laughing.<br /><br />----<br /><br />On our flight back from California last month, while getting settled in our airline seats, Amelia stated “Fasten your seatbelt Mommy."<br /><br />----<br /><br />I was in Phoenix all last week at a training event for work and apparently Amelia missed me bad. Our twin teenage babysitters Sammi and Sarah weren’t available on one of the nights that we needed their help. Instead of one of them coming over to our house, I arranged for Amelia to go to their house and play with their mom for a while.<br /><br />When the night arrived, Gene told Amelia that she was going to Sammi and Sarah’s house to see their mommy. She politely stated “No, I want to see my mommy!”<br /><br />----<br /><br />Today Amelia told Gene “Mommy has an ouwee on her leg. She has to go see someone.”<br /><br />My leg is just fine. I have no idea what she’s talking about.<br /><br />----<br /><br />I’ll keep writing them down as she says ‘em!Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-88303904241542464542009-02-07T08:39:00.000-08:002009-02-07T08:42:05.222-08:00Vocab & ConversationCraysons = Crayons<br /><br />Amea = Amelia<br /><br />Spaceball = Baseball<br /><br />Last week while we were driving, Amelia heard an ambulance coming toward us. She was excited and pointed to it yelling “Fire truck! Fire truck!” She was so happy about the lights and sounds.<br /><br />I matter-of-factly told her that it wasn’t a fire truck. I said it was an ambulance and that someone was sick. <br /><br />She lowered her voice and very concerned and softly said “Oooooh No. That’s bad.”Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-47858484988479490552009-01-14T18:15:00.000-08:002009-01-14T20:14:46.494-08:00Christmas 2008The three of us had a terrific December. There was so much snow in Seattle that for a few weeks it really did feel like winter. It was a much needed break from the rain and overcast weather we usually have.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291361902656113858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBxly8Mts28NPIjTViDLFWCNwv917fSffPxI2r-8mqPGy1XrxnfCCREORAJGCL2XRNppI1owUQalitesmm_0feLQAr67LUZv-T-w4_CN_BdR2ImHBfyi6ByHQNCB9MqbXu3OQKw/s400/Christmas+2008+-+Page+001.jpg" border="0" /><br />We started the month by taking a ride on the <a href="http://www.mrsr.com/index.html">Christmas train </a>to see Santa. The day was clear and warm and we were joined by Gene’s sisters Christy & Brooke and their four children. The old steam engine was pretty nifty (and loud). I’ll have to take my Dad next time. He’d love it.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291365258145407234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhem2HwMQRz539EMHpnf80to-nOLIskRc3-avobg_Wr2KULnx6DEqKtDP8DMdrxVl_BU8IK_PjVxq1KT8S5N0NSc5SuJd3p6XtjsG0a4SKrc-9e90N8yeGNCbVYJM3HIesHZmB0IA/s400/IMG_2287+small.JPG" border="0" /><br />The following weekend we trekked up to the woods to fetch our own Christmas tree. This task was much easier with our new used (huge) Chevy Silverado 4x4 full size four-door truck. The thing really is huge and the gas mileage reflects it – oh well. It snowed all weekend except for the few hours we were up on the mountain, which was perfect. We set up camp with about eight other families, made a bonfire, and fired up the camp stoves. We enjoyed lots of chili, hot cocoa, and hot apple cider. There was also a bit of liquid available for the adults to add to their hot beverages. The kids enjoyed sledding and the guys cut down trees for us to take home. Unfortunately Amelia just wasn’t herself the entire day. She didn’t have much fun doing anything and after we got back to town we realized she had a slight fever. Poor kid.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291365259096521746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LaOFHmTd1AyrMA7dnaaVFGufv1vvtjUIcvVHTEdbX8dAc6XthbQEOAfLAjUn_xEt169mjAJh4bx1P3Fbyoq1VKEoIhzSvVn_9QKk_8GFE7fQ2HWYkLsiP0I3cl1yAjHOgj3hKQ/s400/1224081119_0004.jpg" border="0" /><br />And then the snow hit. Seattle just shut down and there wasn’t a whole lot we could do about it. Nintendo closed its doors for a few days and I worked from home for almost a week. We played outside a bunch and just chilled out.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291365259961857986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-lfEfi943tO1rKcvzy1lfmbBzfpSrhi_O08DFz60WgTwXmxIjxbXIP_B5Pm3FGvJlbuZ9M67Nb-Xnmgo4s-Y7rBBUpKRnP1pcfMmPqvlYyUROjUCQbkyB4m35sQjLkLsun4E-Q/s400/IMG_2331+small.JPG" border="0" /><br />My sister arrived on Christmas day and it was still snowing. After spending a great day with Glen and Paula and their families, we picked up Heather at the airport. She was able to stay ten days and we had a nice visit. Amelia completely enjoyed playing with her Auntie Heather.<br /><br />The day after a mellow New Year’s Eve celebration at home, the four of us headed up to <a href="http://www.leavenworth.org/modules/pages/index.php?pageid=1">Washington’s own Bavarian town</a>. We all enjoyed the sledding in downtown Leavenworth, along with lots of great food and shopping.<br /><br />A few days later Heather headed back to <a href="http://www.cityoffargo.com/">Fargo</a> and the Lowry’s prepared to return to our pre-Christmas routine. What a busy and memorable December.<br /><br />Cheers to a new year. Hope it’s a great one for all of you!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291365258251628050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwPT3WKSwMO0UdAUD8m3goMblaM71Z74l5m9Ktu8p9BDmqT1tZGzF3MJT28Pj-1eCrDFJ_9o97H8w7S792VblbhZMi884p1aluSt0r9LN95wRKHSC17P4Zppz4QvhMMmiGe1IeA/s400/IMG_2265+small.JPG" border="0" />Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-85548614933462651132009-01-14T18:13:00.000-08:002009-01-14T18:14:39.415-08:00Funny AmeliaLast week one morning while getting ready, Amelia asked me what I was doing. She was sitting on our bed reading books while I was just around the corner in the bathroom brushing my teeth. <br /><br />I poked my head around the corner with toothbrush in mouth to inform her of my current doings.<br /><br />She then proudly stated “Good Job Mommy!”<br /><br />--------------<br /><br />A few days ago at breakfast I asked her if her oatmeal tasted good.<br /><br />She replied solidly without questioning “I think so!”<br /><br />-------------<br /><br />Today Amelia was in the car with me while I filled the car with gas. I try to fill up when I’m by myself because I don’t like her being strapped into her carseat while I’m pumping the flammable liquid. Just one of my quirks.<br /><br />With that said, she hasn’t been to a gas station very many times.<br /><br />When we arrived, I announced that we were going to get some gasoline.<br /><br />She questioned “For my yips?”<br /><br />I said “No, not Vasoline for your lips. We’re getting gasoline for the car.”<br /><br />Amelia matter-of-factly said “Oooooh, OK.”Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29137846.post-32890720248300550462008-11-24T20:20:00.001-08:002008-11-24T20:20:53.774-08:00More FunniesDuring dinner last night:<br /><br />“Daddy? Big girl spoon please. No baby spoon.”<br /><br />Who told her the toddler utensils she’s been using were for babies. How funny.<br /><br /><br />This morning as we’re walking by our new truck to get into our car:<br /><br />“Daddy truck. Mommy car.”<br /><br />Then she turns to the truck, looks right into the bumper, which is at her eye level, and says “Hi truck.”<br /><br />If you’re not laughing, I guess you just had to be there.Gene and Kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15308408875863161833noreply@blogger.com0