211 weeks

Zucchini bread boy...

Port Ludlow Wedding

Last weekend was my friend Signe's wedding. It was held in Port Ludlow, WA. It's basically a small resort town, on a peninsula. It is absolutely beautiful there, a place I would love to retire to someday.

Eric and I were child-free for the entire weekend. First time since Tyler has been born. Thanks to my parents, who took Tyler for 3 days.

The wedding was awesome and I felt so honored to be a bridesmaid in Signe's wedding. Many of my friends I had grown up with (since first grade) were there. It was wonderful to reconnect with them. I almost felt like a kid again.

Eric and I had a great hotel room at the Resort. It was luxurious. I slept in one morning and Eric was able to go golfing - a real treat for him. Awe yes, it was a weekend we both did not want to end.

Of course we missed Tyler, and were very happy to see him on Sunday night. It was really nice to be able to spend some alone time with my hubby - to eat a meal w/out interruptions - to get up when I woke up - you know, those kinds of little things. I think I was feeling a little guilty about leaving Tyler, but one my good friends Mom's reminded me that having a weekend away from your children is sometimes the best thing you can do. It refreshes you and ultimately makes you a better parent. I think she was right :)

As for pictures from the wedding - well, we flaked out. We left our camera in the hotel room for the wedding. However, I have heard via the brides Mom that she is sending me a CD with pictures on it. I will post some as soon as I have them, because all the pictures are awesome (I saw them the day after the wedding).

On Sunday morning Eric and I were able to take a little walk along a rocky beach. We found a totem pole not too far from the resort where we stayed and took a few pictures. It was windy beyond belief, but we did manage to get a couple pictures from adventure. They are posted below.

On a totally separate note, we came home to tons of pouring down rain. When I checked the mail, the Pottery Barn Kids catalog had Halloween things in it. E-gads! Is it Fall already? I guess I'd better start making my Christmas lists!!!!

210 weeks

The goofiest smile possible...

Awe crap, the weekend is over!

I fooled you by the title!

My weekend started out with Tyler being sick. Friday morning Eric told me Tyler had a stomach ache and wasn't feeling well. At first I just figured Tyler had the flu - then mid-morning Eric said he was going to take Tyler to the Dr. Still I was thinking the flu. Eric called me at work around 1pm and said that Tyler was headed in for a full body cat scan. Only then did I realize that something must have really been wrong. Eric is so always so calm, and mellow - he never freaks out (like I do). His ability to remain completely calm in situations is something I both admire, and yet, do not comprehend.

In any event, you should have seen me fly out of work when I knew Tyler was going in for a cat scan. I had no clue what was wrong with him at that point. My brain was coming up with all sorts of illnesses - they were all flipping through my mind like an old news real projector that had run out of movie film.

I called my Mom on the way to the Radiology clinic. Without hesitation, she said she'd be right there - she'd meet me at the clinic. Then I felt a sudden calm - ahhhhhhh, my Mom would be there. No matter how old you are, you still need your Mom. Isn't it funny how at age 35, my Mom can still make me feel like everything is going to be fine.

I met Eric and Tyler at the Radiology clinic. Tyler didn't feel well, and I could tell it had been a long day for Eric. Eric went into the cat scan room with Tyler (since only 1 of us could go in). I heard Tyler cry a few times - it brought tears to my eyes to listen to him. Luckily, my Mom was there to talk to me about new pillows from Pottery Barn. At least I think that's what she was talking to me about - I can't fully remember. But she was getting my mind of what was going on at the time.

Then Tyler and Eric came out of the cat scan room. Now it was waiting time. I'm convinced when you are waiting for test results, time literally stands still. And what is there to do in a Radiology clinic? Luckly, there were some children's books, so it was time to sit down and read with Mr. T.

About a 1/2 hour later, a big female voice came over the speaker in the waiting room. They said, "The parents of Tyler Gallingers, Dr. holding on line 2." I looked at Eric and told him to take the call (he was right by the phone). My husband must have realized that I was about to hit the floor, and shook his head, and then put his fingers up and gave me the a.o.k. sign. Whew - I knew Tyler was going to be ok. Every muscle in my body relaxed and I just fell into a chair.

The Dr. told us it looked like Tyler was basically full of poop. No other polite way to say it. They were concerned he might have an obstruction in his bowels - so we had to give him some medicine at home and wait for Mother Nature. Long story short - I think there's probably enough drama in this post already- things greatly improved the next day.

Tyler is now back to his normal, energetic self.

I'm sure I was suppose to learn something grand from this ordeal. I haven't quite figured out what it is yet, other than I continue to believe that kids will always get sick on a Friday afternoon, or a holiday. I do know that I have a great husband - one who is able to remain calm in rough situations, and one who takes care of his family. He has strengths that I do not, and when it comes to the his family, he does not hesitate in their care.

On a much lighter note, Eric and I were still able to squeeze some fun time in over the weekend - but all in all, I'm glad it's back to a normal week for us!!!! I think I'm done with the crappy times for now.

209 weeks

All natural playtime....

4

Happy 4th Birthday to Tyler!

Tyler turned 4 years old on August 10th. We had a fun day celebrating his birthday with him. We had had family and friends over for a small party in the evening. Tyler had a fantastic day and enjoyed every moment. Thanks to everyone who came to his party to celebrate with us!

Tyler on his new birthday bike
Tyler & his birthday cake

Tyler's birthday breakfast - a #4 pancake

208 weeks

The great garden helper....

The Kitchen Table

Tonight I was sitting at the kitchen table playing tic-tac-toe with Tyler, it was the first time he had played tic-tac-toe. I started to look at our kitchen table, and realized it has been a huge object in our lives.

My mind started to drift off thinking of our kitchen table, about all the events that have taken place at it. Not only has it served as a place that we eat our meals at and talk about our days events, it's served as a centerpiece of our lives.

When Eric proposed to me, I remember coming home and setting my ring box on the table. I remember addressing my wedding invitations & writing thank you notes on that table. I remember setting many car seats on that table, putting together baby books, wrapping birthday and Christmas presents, having birthday party dinners at that table, Christmas and Thanksgiving meals. I remember falling asleep at that table as I held my baby in my arms. I remember laying my arms down on the table and burying my head in that table-tears streaming down my face, after hearing news that someone I loved had just passed away. I can remember piling blankets on that kitchen table on Saturday morning to make a fort...the smell of French Toast still lingering in the air. I remember teaching Tyler how to write his name at that table. I remember Chloe reading me books from the table while I would make dinner.

Yes, our kitchen table has most definitely served as a corner-stone in our lives. Funny how little things like a kitchen table can hold so many memories. I look at it tonight and I can remember Chloe sitting at that table in a booster seat, because she was not yet big enough to sit in a chair and reach her food. Where does the time go? Thank goodness the memories stick around to remind me of just how great a piece of furniture can turn out to be, when you share it with the people you love.