Nothing Runs Like a Deere...

Grandpa Stan's idea of a rockin' good time.


Luke concurs.

The Big Day, The Birth Day

On Luke's day of birth I took a cinnamon raisin bagel to the hospital, as well as a Brother Cadfael murder mystery, my teddy bear, and a CD that Vernon Isaac made. I also took bathroom stuff and extra clothes, but those weren't nearly as useful as the first four things I mentioned. I didn't know what to expect with an induction, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience. I had the best nurse in the world, and my doctor stayed with me the entire time I pushed (didn't just come in at the last minute to catch the baby as I was told to expect).

I remember thinking what a beautiful day it was to have a baby when I entered the hospital. There was dew on the grass and the sun was shining in the wheat just outside my hospital window. Before long though, I wasn't noticing the weather. I sang along with Vernon until the contractions got too bad, and then I curled up on my knees at the head of the bed with my face buried in my bear. The next time I noticed the weather was when the contractions got more bearable and I was able to push. I was nearly passed out between pushing, but I noticed the weather outside my window because it was suddenly very dark, and there was lightning and thunder. It was beautiful. And just after Luke was born the sun came out from underneath the storm clouds and lit up the bottoms of the clouds. It was raining and there was a rainbow, and I held my son for the first time.


They're predicting a thunderstorm for tonight. Although it would be too bad if we couldn't sit out on our newly finished deck, I think it would be an appropriate tribute to Luke's entrance to the world.


Stay tuned for more video and pictures of Luke's big day! I'll be posting a few more things later in the afternoon, and then again on Monday. So check back soon.

Induced

Last year about this time I was dealing with swollen ankles, sleepless nights, aching back and Braxton-Hicks contractions. I was ten days overdue and feeling the pain of impatience mixed with the discomfort of twenty-five extra pounds. Although the doctor "induced me", I was "induced" to be induced long before the doctor was ready to induce.

Boys

The boy's side of the clothing department is maybe a third the size of the girl's side. The boy's clothing is simple and brown, blue or green...like a bruise. And the girl's clothes are so colorful and sweet, with little matching sunhats and sandals. The boys get two pairs of sandals to choose from. They better match your bruises.

The boy's toy section extends exactly the length of one aisle, and they include battery operated explosions, motors, and sticky goop to toss at windows and make stick to your ceiling. The girl's toys trail brightly across three aisles and sparkle and glitter and talk.

Even in the health department the girls are catered to, with six different girly toothbrushes to choose from, all covered in Dora the explorer, splashes of color and scratch and sniff handles. The boys are offered a Bob the Builder toothbrush.

It's obvious what I'm attracted to - the bright, colorful, sparkly, clean, girl things. But when I leave the store I remember that I have Luke. Luke, who runs towards the stairs when he sees the gate is down, who sneaks over to the cabinet when he notices the locks are off and ends up sitting in my casserole dishes. Luke, who sits on my closet floor trying to figure out how to put on high heel shoes, and who likes to sit for hours under the deck, putting rocks and dirt in his mouth. Luke, who enjoys his bath so much that he'll run, naked, as fast as his chubby legs will carry him toward the sound of running water.

I don't miss the scratch and sniff or the glitter very much when I remember Luke.

Success!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from my very successful photo shoot yesterday. This little girl just turned three, so this photo shoot was for her. If you haven't taken a look yet, here's my website.

Yesterday evening Derek and Luke and I went to the nursery and bought five hydrangea and seven veronica plants. Then Derek and Luke hung out inside while I planted! I got a little carried away and ended up weeding my vegetable garden, watering all my new plants, transplanting several things that were in the way of my new stuff, and visiting with the neighbor girl who came over and picked weeds out of the dirt while I worked. I will get out there today and take some pictures of my newly planted front flowerbeds!

This evening is my last photography class. Of all the classes so far, today I really don't feel like driving into Winnipeg...especially if I have to leave at 3pm. So I am debating skipping it. Except that it's my last one! Maybe I'll go, but I won't take pictures in to be critiqued, because that would mean leaving early to pick up photos....which I haven't even sent in yet to be printed. The problem is that it's a critique night, and so far I haven't felt like the critiquing is very helpful. It's very vague. It's fun to see everyone's photos, but I don't see the point of putting my own up. Maybe I'm a grumpy old homebody...already? That's not supposed to happen for another sixty years!

Tiny Dancer

Tribute to Luke's Father

In honor of his father, Luke made himself a shirt to wear on Father's Day that proclaims to all the world what should already be obvious. Luke's Dad is the best. Although some paint was consumed in the making of this t-shirt, no animals or babies were harmed.