For the Love of the Groundhog

I love Groundhog's day. Always have, always will. I love animals. I love any official holiday dedicated to what an animal will do. So far, I think the Groundhog has the corner on this market. I love that Hallmark hasn't even been able to make Dog's Day stick. I'm also glad it's not a more readily lovable animal, too -- like Dolphin's Day or Unicorn's Day. Anyone can love them, but this is the rodent groundhog. We've been celebrating him for what seems like forever. Some of my fondest childhood mems revolve around groundhogs day.

So get off your high horse and bring on your love for the groundhog, man.

(Thanks to wikipedia for providing the photo.)

What's Playing on my iPod

Seriously a list of songs I couldn't live without (played on shuffle of course).

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing - Sara Groves
This little light of mine - Elizabeth Williams
Golden Days - The Damnwells
Fill Me Up - Shawn Colvin
Turn my Camera On - Spoon
There's Hope - India.Arie
There Ain't No Reason - Brett Dennan
Darlin' Do Not Fear - Brett Dennan
All I Want Is You - U2
Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2
Lonesome Road - Madeleine Peyroux
Lil Bit - Madeleine Peyroux
Come Thou Fount - Jars of Clay
Smile - Madeleine Peyroux
Girl from Ipanema - (I forget who it's by but it's great!)
If you Want to Sing Out - Cat Stevens
Break Down - Jack Johnson
Drop It Like It's Hot - Snoop Dogg (inspired by Zdogg and RJ loves it!)
Yeah! - Usher
(It's great to hear RJ sing along with the Yeah, Yeah!even if some of the lyrics are R rated and i'm confident she can't say those words yet and hasn't heard them enough in context to know what they mean!)
Plus:
Garden State soundtrack entirety
What's not to love about every single song except that really, really sad song (of course).

RJ's favorites? Catch the Moon CD by Elizabeth Mitchell and Lisa Loeb
She also favors Car, Car by Elizabeth Mitchell and the It's gonna be alright song from the Land of Nod CD.
This is my all time fav children's cd, too. It's fun yet quiet. Who doesn't love quiet unless it's your all time favorite songs playing loudly!!

So, now it's your turn... what are you listening to?

A Brand Spankin New New Day

I feel like today is the first day of the rest of my life. I begin it with this thought for the day. It's by emerson:

finish each day and be done with it. you have done what you could. some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. tomorrow is a new day. you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

Sutton and RJ

Missa invited us to watch her son play basketball on Saturday. RJ was sleeping hard during the start time so I went ahead and had Don and RJ meet up with us later. They showed up right as the final buzzer went off.

Over the weekend school officials announced two possible plans for the new elementary school. In either plan we're smack in the middle for the new school which we're excited about because we're .5 miles from it. We'll feed into the middle school that is a lot further away, but that's okay. The weird thing is that many of our playgroup friends will be going to different schools based on where they live. Even though physically it's only about 3 miles to their house from ours.

Last night as we were both gettting RJ ready for bed, RJ hopped up and ran to the other end of her new bed, tripped and hit her mouth on the iron frame. Yikes! She screamed and there was lots of blood. Today she sports a nice fat lip and a buised gumline. We're both thankful she didn't lose a tooth in the fall. She's had a lot of close calls lately and my guess is they'll keep on a coming. We'll just have to take them one fall at a time.

Go Fetch, Hank!

Watch as Hank rockets to catch the frisbee, circle the tree and back again...



Hank and the Ever-Lovin' Frisbee on Vimeo

Friends

We've been going to this story time since October and while there are always new faces it has become such a treat to see familiar faces over and over again. Next to Rosa Jane sits Betti Grace who is a day older than our gal.

We've lived in this town for eight months now and really love the place but also her people.

ADDENDUM: Last night at Chili's we ran into our neighbor's from Steiner Ranch. It totally blew us away to see what was once their newborn-when-we-moved now grown into a chubby happy 9month old. It really puts into perspective how quickly they grow! We were musing this morning about how our neighbors never even saw RJ walking... which now seems like so very, very, very long ago.

The Sun Came out Tomorrow

After all this too cold/no sunshine kept us smothered inside, we jumped at the sunshine and spent most of the day in the great outdoors. 60 degrees and sunshiny. HMMM, delicious! We weren't the only ones going crazy -- so were our dogs... so when we met our friends Amy and Kate at the dog park it was pure mayhem. Hank was just as frisbee crazed as always but the crowd ooh'd and ahh'd over his lightning fast speed.

It looks like today will be beautiful, too. Three cheers for the Sun!

At 17 months, Kate likes to give hugs to RJ and she also likes to tickle tickle tickle under RJ's chin. It's really cute but you can see RJ tries to get away sometimes.

Kate looks you in the eye and speaks, but it's impossible to know what she's saying. Communication is an amazing tool, isn't it?

3/4 of THE OFFICE in Austin

Just twenty-two days until my doggs (the Z and the K) get into town from lands far, far away back east. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Did I already mention how excited I am? I am FIRED UP!!!

It reminds me a lot of that guy in the Hands On a Hardbody contest who said he wasn't going to be able to sleep the night before the contest because all he would be thinkin' about was "dat truck, dat truck. Yup that's gonna be my biggest problem right der. I will not be able to get to sleep dat night before. My mind's gonna be a-racing. Cuz trucks make money."

I still don't have a truck, but I gotz friends and they are coming to see us!
Better get your rest now while you can.

Happy 16 months, Little Boot Scooter Pie!

Welp, we did it. We really did it. We survived the first sixteen months of life with the peanut. I must say it hasn't been all that hard, really, when you weigh all the juicy good stuff we receive from this little bundle.

We recently added a big girl bed to RJ's room. Not because she'll be using it all alone anytime soon, it's more for us... and those early wake up calls with the rooster when RJ just wants someone with which to snuggle. I've been trying to ignore her cries starting at 5, but she gets more persistent and as soon as one of us goes to check on her and pick her up, she instantly goes back to sleep. And who doesn't love spending time with a sleeping baby so close? I know this isn't good for the long term, but it isn't every morning and no matter how tired I am, I really do treasure those moments being so close with her so small.

Plus the bed has huge sentimental value. It's the bed that I believe Nelson and Rosa purchased for baby Sara. It's the bed that was passed down to baby Kristen until about the sixth grade when I thought I was ready for a daybed. (Daybeds stink for kids -- what a chore they are to make up! Boo! ) Anyway, I'm thrilled that our little Rosa Jane will also be using this bed even if it is missing a wheel and has to be propped up on blocks.

Check out the pictures to see more of her room with this new addition. We're contemplating paint colors for the wall and leaning towards the bright green in pottery barn kids, only a slightly mellower color. This house feels so grown up that I'm less inclined to want to experiment with colors. I want to get it right the first time. Who doesn't?

Ultimately, I Wish I Could Be This Cool:

Robyn stole my idea for a bad sweater party and really took it up a notch. Check out her latest update for the bash to be held in D.C. this weekend. Oh, if only I could be there!!!

"Greetings Bad Sweater Fans!
-The keg has been reserved...
-80's casseroles are in the oven...
-Rice Krispy Sweater Sculptures will be formed...
-'Cosby Show' Season One [575 minutes of Bill Bliss] will be playing (and you must drink, meet someone new, and compliment someone on his/her sweater when a new episode begins--every 22 minutes)...
-Prizes for top sweaters in dumb categories are being discovered...
-And of course, KAZOOS for everyone!

Prestigious Bad Sweater Awards will be voted on throughout the evening, and the award ceremony will take place around 11:30pm, depending on the sobriety level of the vote tally team. However, it might be a close race, so a catwalk-off might be in order later in the evening...



Love Your Sweater!
rh"

A Musical Pair

Addison came over this morning for a playdate. We've been over to Addison's a few times for playtime and Addison is so great about sharing with bossy, pushy Rosa Jane. Today's experience was quite different for RJ. It's a tough lesson to learn when there are somebody else's paws all over your most prized possessions, but thankfully Kristy and Addison are resolved to help us get through this phase together.

They had a great time playing on the electric piano side by side.

At the Chillen's Museum

Our friends Amy and Kate called us yesterday morning to join them at the museum for the singalong and play time. The weather has been crazy cold so it really is no wonder that the museum was packed with babies. It is funny how they seem oblivious to each other. Unless a baby has what Rosa Jane wants, then she'll grab and pinch and push the baby down. It's a frustrating scene and we didn't get to stay as long as we would have liked for the $8 down. Still it was fun to get out of the house and RJ liked the slide.

The City Digs It

Over the last couple of weeks we couldn't help but notice that our neighbors had sewage issues. This morning upon my return from the Children's Museum, a bunch of fellows were on our property contemplating a driveway dig. Apparently six feet under, the sewage pipes are clogged with roots and other stuff which cause backups all along the houses on our road. Thankfully, we hadn't experienced that problem. Later in the afternoon the city decided they were not going to dig up our driveway and I'm real glad about that. Getting it to match would have been impossible. Still, I hope they get the problem fixed in a jiffy for our neighbor's sake.

Baby Sloan

Baby Sloan is already one month plus four days! Who can believe how quickly time passes?

Rosa Jane and I went to Georgetown while Don was kept busy with his company's leadership retreat. All the pictures you see in this set were taken with my newest lens called a LensBaby. As you can see it has very selective focus for all around fun images. I love it already.

Jake's 5th Birthday Party

On Sunday we went to our friend Jake's house to help him celebrate his fifth birthday. What a party it was! Here you can see the gianormous sandbox that was brought into the house for dino excavating. Party favors included papermache'd dino eggs with fun treats inside. Fun times were had by all.

Sunday at Sam and Sloan's

Rosa Jane is fascinated with babies these days. She says "baby" over and over and loves to come into Mom's computer room where there is a constant slideshow of RJ's baby photos on parade.

Here, Rosa Jane, Sloan and Sam were caught enjoying the moment.

ice princess

One two three four
Can I have a little more
five six seven eight nine ten
I love you

A B C D
Can I bring my friend to tea
E F G H I J
I love you. All Together Now.

Honey Reads RJ's Favorite Book

While I was in San Antonio, Honey came to Austin to help out with the peanut. I think it's fair to say RJ is obsessed with the book "Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type."

A Moment Truly Frozen in Time

Sunday morning I left Austin to attend Imaging Expo conference in San Antonio. The event has been so inspiring and I've met a lot of wonderful people. But now it's Wednesday and I really want to get back to Austin, but ice has blanketed the south and roads are closed. Stay tuned for more...

A Document of Our Morning

Yesterday afternoon wasn't much fun for us. Rosa Jane ran a fever a little over 100 and she was very clingy. She slept through the night and it might have helped that I played the Celtic Lullaby cd on repeat. This morning I thought she was feeling much better because she seemed so sweet and smiley. I got out my camera.

She has yellow drainage coming from her nose so although I had cancelled her 15month checkup that was supposed to be this morning, it looks like we'll be seeing the good doctor this afternoon instead. Never mind she seems just as cheerful as ever. It sure is fun to watch her put away her breakfast in the cabinet and then go after them when she decides she's hungry again. You can see how proud she is of herself in the photos.

Note the real diaper on her baby doll. It seems to be the only way to get her fired up about having her own diaper changed.

Whatever it takes!

Friday Night Lights

I think it's official that you could call the Roedner household the biggest fans of NBC's Friday Night Lights. Every week we patiently wait for the new episode and when it's not on, we're frequently found watching the back episodes on nbc.com at the computer. We quote Coach Taylor often and we ponder aloud about what will happen next week.

Earlier this week I learned about the passing of one of my all time favorite teachers, Coach Nicky Vaught. He taught us about geography in the sixth grade and took a bunch of us kids on the trip of lasting impressions to Washington D.C. He died of cancer at the age of 54. I was reading his obituary here and was overwhelmed by the similarities between all the traits I like about Coach Erik Taylor on TV and the bigger than life Coach Vault. The real life version is much better but there's an aching hole with what he has left behind. Coach inspired so many and will be missed by all. Here's to you and the example you set, Coach.

You can read his obituary here: http://i-dineout.com follow the obituary link.

The Way I See It

Since Rosa Jane came on the scene and the move out to Lakeway, we no longer dine out like in the old days of KB and Donr. And that's how we've justified our Saturday mornings with the good folks down at the local Starbucks. We sit in a corner in the back or at the front if we're in the greetin' mood.

Either way it's a nice latte-cut-the-syrup-pumps-in-half for me and a cup of java-with-no-room for Donnie Joe. Rosa Jane likes to tote my purse around the store while Dad follows her close behind. That leaves me at the table all alone. RJ mimics a lot of what she hears, especially when the Specialty Drink Maker shouts out the next order up. It comes out sounding like "Na NA naaaa NAH!!"

No one escapes the cute sunshine spell she casts upon entering a room.

And that's a look into how our Saturday kicks off into a rolling ball of ever-lovin' fun.

Escalating the game of Keep Away from Hank Bob

Rosa Jane smiles like this because she knows a secret. She has hidden Hank's ball in the secret compartment of her fire truck. Then she sits upon it. It's hilarious!

We went to Audrey's house for a playdate this afternoon. Audrey is a very sweet girl and we're looking forward to many playdates in the future.

Rosa Jane's latest developements? She sticks out her tongue like pictured and she walks around the house constantly saying "Hi!" like she hasn't seen you all day. It's the sweetest thing, really. She gets very excited when she sees a dog in real life or on tv. She says Hi! Hi! Hi and waves frantically. If only dogs could talk . . .

Guess Who We're Rootin' For?

Go BLUE! You will hear us shout it from the hill tops all the way to the Rose Bowl. Go Blue! Beat the pulp outta the Trojans. We hate them. ;-)

My new year's resolution? No more gray hairs on me!

Happy New Year!!

Don says he wants more of the good stuff we had last year. I want less surgeries and Don adds more boots for the family which really just means new boots for him since Rosa Jane and I each got new boots for Christmas and Sara got'em last July. Don wants to add he hopes to get a duck, too. I don't know why he's made this his want list blog entry. That's not how I intended this one. So I'll take over now:

Sign us all up for the world peace band wagon and bringing back our troops safely, especially Anna's new husband, Sgt David White.

We rung in the new year down at the neighbor's house. It was fun to be out, meeting new people of the lake. Funny stuff, only Robyn -- had she been here -- could do justice in the re-telling. On the way home, before the clock stroke 12, We spied some illegal fireworks.

This morning I'm still trying to figure out why Carson looks so different from how I remember him. What is it, people? Please tell me.

The World's Sweetest Girl Speaks

Click on the video link to see and hear the WSG talk to ya. It's almost as sweet as pie!



rosa jane speaks on Vimeo

A Very Merry Christmas

The Brown family flocked to our house for the first holiday gathering time ever. Everyone had a great time, but especially the kids -- Brett and Rosa Jane. Bree, the teenager, slept a lot, but that's no surprise, really. :-)

Click on the picture to see more from our fun time together.

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, too. Here's looking at 2007: May it be filled with good health, peace, prosperity and laughter heard from miles and miles around . . .

Santa Pinches

Here's Rosa Jane at Don's company Christmas party. I guess you could say she didn't have the best time with Santa, but we sure did have fun meeting new folks tied to the baby leash.

The Pip Squeaker Sneaker

Laurie gives Rosa Jane special new shoes for her birthday. Rosa Jane LOVES them and wears them well. Check out the video:


RJ Eats and Squeaks on Vimeo

What a tribe!

Here we are at Aunt Page and Uncle Ken's house for the afternoon. It was wonderful to be together but way too short a time to visit with everyone. It's funny how kids change everything! We used to sit around the table and tell stories but now it's hurry up and eat so we can open the presents! The biggest hit were Caren's presents to the boys -- water ball shooting guns. Rosa Jane's new fascination is her new doll with zippers and buttons and velcro. Now Mama's purse is no longer safe zipped up. Thanks, Honey! ;-)

Good news! New Baby and Baby on the Way (Neither are ours!)

Congratulations to one of my all time best friends growing up, Laurie and her family, on the newest addition of Sloan Elise who was born today at 1:20 pm. They are the proud parents of Sam who so graciously is sharing his car with RJ. I can't wait to go meet the little sugar later this week. Not to mention to take pictures! I LOVE newborns!



And here's a happy couple, James and Kelly. They were my first wedding clients and are expecting their first baby in 8 weeks. I'm so happy for them and wish them all the best.

Leopard Best

First Craft

For those of you who know me well, I've been hankering for some good-n-messy art project for over a year now. Every day I ask myself, "is RJ old enough to enjoy some paper mache today?" I know the answer is always "NO! not today", but I just want to be ready for when the time has come.

Santa was visiting the Bee Cave Civic Hall yesterday so I dressed RJ up in her fanciest leopard print skirt. I didn't count on having to be in the picture with her. Following the brief photo session we went to the library and made our first craft. The girl scouts painted RJ's hand and we pressed it on a burlap sack hanging thingamabob. It was messy -- real messy -- but it all came out in the wash.

Nevertheless, I won't be trying any more crafts for a couple of months, or perhaps if she's stripped down to her diaper and there is another adult close by it would be okay.

Never mind that while I'm typing all of this, she digs through my pen jar on my desk and BINGO! She finds the one leaky pink pen. The spilled ink covers her hands, belly and feet. Pen caps on the markers no longer stand in her way.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are in the dawn of the new era -- that of the terrifying toddler with marker in hand! Yikes! My, my this day has come earlier than expected.

Top of the agenda today: Find all markers and put them in a safety deposit box down at the bank. Only then will our walls and furniture truly be safe, I hope!

Lake Austin Rosa Jane

We went to Lake Austin yesterday afternoon to capture Amy and her family on film. The proofs would make a great flipbook. Amy and Peter frozen while the dogs keep watch for squirrels.

Afterwards the girls headed to First Thursday -- finally! It was so fun! Just wait 'til you see my new boots... They'll make you weep for sure.

Rules to Live By:

1. Never volunteer for a hair show even when it is your sister-in-law sweetly asking you to participate.

2. Never host a playgroup of 14 kids (12m - 5yrs) and 7 moms. It was all fine and dandy until the moms thought the 60 degree weather was too chilly to be outside.

Survival of the Fittest

There are many skills and traits for which parents like to assume credit. The fact that I've taught Rosa Jane to mimic my behavior is pretty cool -- like the rollers in her hair, for instance. When she started toting around one of my smaller purses I thought I needed to be more careful of my behavior around her, because while some is specifically taught, others are picked up just by observing. Rosa Jane does a lot of things of which I'm very proud.

But every morning the one behavior that blows me away is her natural instinct to survive. She instinctfully walks quickly to the edge of the stairs, then goes down to a crawl to slide on her belly all the way down. In my heart, it gives me great pride knowing she's innately a survivor.

Nevermind the tumble she took from the metal chairs to the concrete floor last week while dining with Robyn and me at Amy's Ice Cream.

Home Sweet Christmas Home

My good brother came over today to hang our festive lights. I do believe this is the first time I've ever had Christmas lights decorate my residence. I really like it. Thanks, Kev-O! You get the gold star today.

Although, I do have to mention that Rosa Jane was looking at a book of my photographs today and making "oooh" and "ahhhh" sounds at every page turn. I think she's quickly approaching sweet donr as my number one fan. ;-)

Auntie Robyn is the Coolest!

Yesterday Robyn and I had a couple of errands with the State. I knew it would be a long day of waiting and patience for the peanut. Towards the end, I tried to reward her good behavior with some play time at the playscape. Although it is no real surprise, I learned she just isn't old enough to be able to appreciate all the fun to be had there. Instead it was a frustrating experience of fall upon fall as she tried desperately to be a big kid.

On the way home, she cried and cried and was just so deliriously tired. I felt guilty for making such an unfun day for her that when we got home I put her in her new car for a little stroll around the driveway. It was ridiculous. I am a foolish mother. Of course she liked it, but she was too tired and it was just enough stimulation to keep her up even longer when what I really should have done was put her to bed to rest. Sometimes taking care of your youngster means being unfun and tears are shed and my heart breaks, but someone has to be brave enough to do what's right.

RJ gets a NEW CAR!!!

well, it's really on loan from the sweet boy running as fast as he can with RJ's baby stroller. We had a great visit with ol' Liberty folks Amy and Laurie as the kids played in the driveway. This was two days ago before the crazy 50 degree drop in temperatures. It's a chilly 30 degrees today, but the car sits outside the front window and RJ wimpers to go play with it.

More Snaps from Thanksgiving

Click on the picture to see more of my beautiful and thankful family.

cute girls, dead plant

kate came over for impromptu photo session. SO FUN!!! i really need to do more of this.

Thanksgiving Miracles

I saw this title over at Seebug's site and thought it was appropriate for our family photo, too seeing how Sare Bear flew in from MI, bro Kev-O made it and so did Uncle Bobby who had had a stroke just the week prior.

Happy Thanksgiving from us.

We had a lot for which to be thankful and lots of time to be with family. Poor Rosa Jane didn't get the "sleep in" memo and was up every morning with the 4am train. We thought about leaving her, or better yet, shipping her back to Michigan with her big sister, but she gave us that million dollar grin this morning and the rest is history.
Click on the picture to see more.

Meeting our new neighbor

Less than a month ago we got new neighbors. I was thrilled to find out they have a little one who is just right for RJ. Addison at 12mos and her nanny dropped by yesterday for an impromptu playdate. I loved having the company, but meeting a new adult friend and trying to referee grabby hands and a baby who doesn't know the concept of sharing is rough. It made me wonder if playing together will no longer be easy going, but rather making amends for embarassing behavior. Should we bar the door and keep to ourselves? Sally assures me it's just a phase, but still I'm wondering do we have a good egg or a bad one? Where's my little girl that gives kisses to everyone? ;-)

Sally, can you guess where we are?

Check out the new pictures of my little purse carrier and see what happens when Hank and RJ trade spaces.

The Revised Slideshow with Bonus Track

So, I'm having a little trouble getting the slideshow over to the right column. Instead it's just going to hover there over the title bar. Go on, click on it. But make sure you have a good 6 1/2 minutes. You're guaranteed a laugh or a smile, but sorry, we offer no refunds. Enjoy!

Today's Weather Forecast

I just checked Weather.com for our weather update. Here's what it said and I'm not kidding:

Plentiful Sunshine.

It's also a chilly willy 44 degrees at the moment but the mercury will rise to a high of 75. I hope you can scoop up some plentiful sunshine for yourself today, too.

Big Day for Sara! Orderup: CONGRATULATIONS!!

Late last night we received a very exciting call from the Pixie in Ann Arbor. She was offered a job at Boston Consulting Group in Chicago. YEE HAW, Sara Cat! We are so so proud of you and so excited for your next chapter which will start next fall. Words really can't express how your family feels right now, Sara. We love you, sweet girl. Way to be the absolute star. Bright and shiny. Congratulations!

Lola Cat Star Shine!

Click on the "Our Movies on Vimeo" to see the video of sweet Lola saying "Bless You" after a sneeze. Of course there is a brief cameo appearance of RJ at the end. I am her mother afterall.

Playdate in Town

Between all this toddlin' going on there's no time to blog. Click on the picture to see more from yesterday's playdate with the Petillos at the Children's Discovery Zone.

No need for a fancy 'do...

It's real windy here. Click on the picture to see more from yesterday's sunset.

Lola and Rosa Jane and the Art of Sharing

Last night the Petillos flew in from Nashville and paid us a visit at the Ranch. We loved their company and we're looking forward to seeing them again on Wednesday. The girls are two months apart. I love Lola and could just squeeze and squeeze her, but unfortunately she wouldn't let me touch her. She's the queen of eyelashes and flexibility and she can already say many words. Click on the baby squabble picture to see more from our evening...

Click on the "Our movies on Vimeo" link to the right to see a baby girl fight. It was too graphic to post directly on our blog.

You can't resist it

When it happens to you. I saw these cute people getting out of the car at Starbucks and I just had to get their picture. I love these people so much.

Watch Me, Little Girl, I Have the Know-How

A tribute to all those helpful Teen Magazine Beauty articles I read as a girl...

We have a big day today -- first we're headed to the middle school to do a little mentoring and then we're going to Kindermusik. All before naptime. This could be the challenge of our lives...

Two little Monkeys

Perhaps it is a clip only a mother will love ...



Two little Monkeys on Vimeo

Storytime at Starbucks

IMG_6289
Originally uploaded by The Roedner Fam.

New friends, delicious coffee and stories told by our friend, Ms. Andy. What's not to like?

ROCK THE VOTE!!!

Get out and vote, it's the coolest thing you can do today! I'm hoping for a new governor and if more people vote maybe things will change. I got my fingers criss-crossed.

Let it be noted that today RJ is the model baby. She slept from 8pm - 6am. This is a record for some many weeks she's been waking at various times throughout the night teething and just crying. Then she went down for a morning nap at about 9:30 am, so I baked in the AM. SO FUN!!! It's a new found pleasure. At 11, I woke her up and took her to the retirement community for bingo hour. We came home for lunch -- Sally's delicious chicken salad. We voted at 2ish. Came home and now she's napping again. I love when this girl naps! It's not so much what I do or get to do, it's just *INSIDE* I know it's going to be a less frustrating play time and therefore less stressful. Babies that nap are happy babies. Moms that have babies that nap are happy moms. Everybody wins.

Storytime at MOM's Club

We went to our first meeting of the local Mom's club. Deborah Foster sampled Kindermusik for the group. It was fun to see her again and we're looking forward to starting her class later this week. Since we last met, she told me she's been telling everyone how sweet Rosa Jane is and how she was kissing all the babies in the class. Now that she is a month older, it seems RJ has no time for kisses. Only stealing toys. My how fast she changes!

Save Our Rack!

After a mostly sleepless night with RJ, I got up at 6 and headed out the door by 6:15 to meet Sarah and her Burnet friends. We were headed downtown to participate in the Race for the Cure. Just minutes from the start they drop the bomb that we're running. Sarah ran most of the whole thing. I'd say I ran half. I hate to run. But it was for a good cause and it was lots of fun to see 21,000 other people doing it, too.

While we were in college, Sarah lost her mother to breast cancer and I'll never forget my friend in Nashville, Elizabeth Powitzky who lost her battle when she was just 30 years old.

Let's find the CURE!!!

Hank Ate It

Yesterday afternoon was F-U-N. I delivered great photos, I got to see Don at work and then did a little browsing of all the crazy new baby contraptions at BabiesRUs. On the way home in my great mood, I drove by my friend's school where she works. Found her car, parked by it and proceeded to call her over and over and over again until she picked up so we could go play. I thought we'd do ice cream at Sonic or something of the like. She reminded me it was 1st Thursday - this really cool thing they do on South Congress once a month. We've never been cool enough to go, but it seemed the stars were aligned on this day. We headed to the house to grab food for the peanut. The manic hyper dog was played by Hank. I noticed the empty bowl on the living room floor. The bowl previously held delicious Hersey kisses and peanutbutter hugs (or whatever they call them now), all of it leftover by the lack of trick-or-treaters we had been expecting.

Sarah tells me this has happened to her and her dog before and boy did he upchuck! So I think, I'll put Hank in the garage where he can't mess up anything and will call Don to let him know what our plans are, etc. It's 5 pm now and I call the vet. They want me to give Hank a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to drink to induce vomiting. Doesn't that sound horrible? I coat the spoon with peanut butter to get it down him. It doesn't phase him a bit and we wait an hour. Nothing doing. So a trip to the emergency vet with a cranky tired sick baby and all my hopes and dreams of getting to 1st Thursday smashed in a matter of seconds. Top it off with $300 for a pumped stomach and a night spent in a small crate and I don't think any of us were happy in the end. But we still have Hank. And we still have each other. So the Roedner score is still One Dog Down (Purdy) and One Baby Up.

Amy Maxwell Chase and RJ

Amy and I were the best of childhood friends in Travis Park. We would pick wildflowers and go door to door trying to sell them to our neighbors along with some nasty sweaty American cheese slices. Weird. I don't know where we got the idea from, but it seemed to be a regular occurrance with us. Anyway, it was a huge delight to later find out that she lives in Lakeway, too. In the last two weeks, we have become walking buddies -- she definitely keeps the pace -- and we both hold each other accountable for just getting out there and doing it. It's good to get reconnected with such an old friend.