Happy New Year!

While 2008 has brought us many blessings, we are excited to ring in the new year tonight. May 2009 bring us as much love, friendship, good health, and happiness as we saw in 2008. Cheers!

digging myself a hole (no pun intended)

Today while we were in the car Cody asked me a question that I wasn't prepared for and didn't quite know how to answer. Our conversation went like this...

Cody: "Mommy, after we grow up and get big do we turn into babies again?"
Me: "No, we never turn into babies again. We only get to be babies one time. After you are finished being a little boy you will be a man, then you will be a daddy, and then a grandpa."

I thought I was doing pretty well up until this point. And then...

Cody: "What happens after we are grandpas?"
Me: "Uh, um, uh...well, we go up to heaven and we get to be with all the people we love again."
Cody: "Why are they there?"
Me: "Well, after we get very old, our bodies get tired and we (gulp) die."
Cody: "Am I gonna die Mommy?"
Me: (thinking - "OH CRAP!!") "No honey, not until you a very, very old."
Cody: (sobbing now) "You mean very old like Papa? Is Papa gonna die? Why do we have to die?"
Me: (thinking - HELP!!!) "Well, our bodies get tired after a long life, so they need to rest."
Cody: "I think I need to take more naps. Then my body won't get tired and I won't die."
Me: (in a last ditch effort to stop this downhill slide) "Oh look, Daddy's home! Let's go see if he wants to play a game."

HELP! Anyone have any great ideas on how to explain the cycle of life next time it comes up?

My little snow bunny!

Isn't she cute?

Watch Me Grow - 7 months

Our Emma is now 7 months old. At 7 months she has mastered rolling, can sit up unassisted, is beginning to "crawl", and continues to capture our hearts. We love you "stinker dink"!

On the move - Part 2

Emma has mastered the roll, and now can pretty much maneuver herself around the house this way. But, in the last few days she has also begun to start using her arms and legs to pull herself along. It's not quite a crawl - she's not up on all fours - but it is pretty darn close.

I would imagine that she will be a full-fledged crawler in the next couple of weeks. Heaven help us!

Christmas

We got our wake up call from Cody this morning at 6:30. It went something like this...

"Get up! Get up! Get up! Santa was here! Santa was here! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!"

What followed was a frenzy of stocking and present opening, sprinkled with a few minutes for playing with each new thing in between. Both kids enjoyed opening their gifts and loved each and every one. (Good work Santa!)

After all gifts were opened and all garbage cleaned up (I can't help my garbage removal compulsions) we had a fabulous breakfast of Christmas Eggs (a tradition, and recipe, that I grew to love while living at the Williams' house after high school). And now, it is with both joy and exhaustion that they, and we, are getting ready to settle down for a "long winter's nap."

Christmas Eve

Well, it's the night before Christmas...
Cookies for Santa? Check!
Milk? Check!
Reindeer food? Check!
Children nestled all snug in their beds? Check and double check!
Now the real work begins for us little elves. It may be a late night followed by a very early morning, but the looks on those little faces tomorrow will make it all worthwhile.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

We took the kids up to play in the snow today. It was so much fun!

We went sledding,

built a snowman,

threw some snowballs, and caught some snowflakes on our tongues.

Cody was really brave and kept going higher and higher up the hill with his sled. At one point I thought the day would come abruptly to halt as Cody was walking up the hill and got plowed over by another kid coming down the hill. He literally flew up in the air and landed with a loud smack, on his back, in the snow. But, after the initial shock wore off, he was ready to go again. What a trooper. All the way home he kept asking - "When can we go sledding again?"

Overall, the day was a huge success!

Christmas Letter 2008

'The Week Before Christmas
(at Casa Rowan)

'Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a child was stressed out, nor for that matter, a spouse;
The stockings were hung on their hooks on the wall,
Except for poor Emma's - it's still at the mall;
Cody's so thrilled that he's jumping on beds,
While visions of traffic jams dance in my head;
And Jay with his football and me with my lists,
I check and I double check so that nothing is missed;
When from out on the yard there arose such a clatter,
We all sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.
Away to the front door we flew like "The Flash,"
Unlocking the bolt and hoping for cash (?).
The garbage was spread out on the newly raked grass,
Man our new dog can be a pain in the $#%!
When what to the boys' surprised eyes should appear,
but a whimpering pup, and from me - well, a tear.
With the house all a wreck and Christmas not far,
I looked up at the sky and I wished on a star.
I wished to be finished with all my pre-holiday chores,
So that I could stop fretting and being a bore.
I wished for a maid, or at least a clean house,
I hoped for some help from my kids, and my spouse.
And then in a twinkling I remembered with glee,
that I am so lucky to be "we," not just "me."
For a husband who's kind and still gives me the wink,
and who knows that to me everything's better in pink.
For a son who greets me each day with a squeeze and a kiss,
and who's quick with a smile for his mom, dad, and sis.
For a daughter that sleeps, and rarely cries,
And looks at me lovingly with those big, big, blue eyes.
For all of these things, I give thanks every day,
For laughter, and love, and sleep, and play.
To be here with the ones that I hold so dear,
I truly am grateful at this time of year.
So here's hoping you're happy and that your loved ones are well,
we are missing you madly as we near the Noel.
I'll end with a wish for 2009...
May you have happiness, health, and lots of good wine!

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
We love you all!
Teresa, Jay, Cody & Emma Rowan

Polar Express

We took the kids to Old Sacramento tonight to ride on the Polar Express. It was fantastic. Cody loves Polar Express, and is totally in to Christmas this year, so he had a blast. On our ride to the "North Pole," we sang carols, drank hot chocolate and ate cookies, and saw Santa. At the end of the trip Santa gave each of the kids a bell from his sleigh - their "first gift of Christmas." It was truly a magical night for all!

At School With Mom

Cody spent the day with me at school today. He had a great time at morning sing, recess, and watching Polar Express with my first graders. At one point when my students were lined up for lunch- I had to do a double take, as he blended in seamlessly with those big kids. I kind of made me sad to see, but I guess he's a big kid now too!

First Tooth

Emma got her very first tooth today. It's really more of a 1/2 tooth right now, but she sure is using it to bite everything in sight. I'll take some pics when it's actually visible. Right now I only know it's there because - you guessed it - she bit me!

Kindergarten?

Our little Cody is due to begin kindergarten next fall. I can hardly believe that my baby is really ready for school, but he is. So, as we gear up for this major transition, Jay and I have been spending numerous hours talking about our hopes and dreams for the children's educations. Today we spent the morning touring and observing in a kindergarten classroom, in order to get a better feel for our options. Though I don't think the school that we visited is the school for us, it helped both of us to more clearly see what features of an educational program are most important to us. Jay wants a school with quality extra-curricular activities and high test scores. I really need a program with structure that will challenge Cody, while at the same time let him be a kid. Though I am confident that there is a school out there that can accommodate both of our needs, I do have a back-up plan if necessary. My back-up - bring him to my school for kindergarten. It is not ideal, but at least I know the teachers and the curriculum, and (selfishly) I would get to see him every day.

Family

This afternoon was a rough one here at Casa Rowan. The weather was awful which meant that no one really got outside to run off their accumulated energy (namely Cody). After yet another time out, I went in to retrieve Cody and to talk about why he needed to take a break. After our talk, I gave him a hug and began walking back to what I was doing, when he fiercely grabbed my hand and began speaking. Here's what he said...

Cody - "Mommy, I'm so glad that even when you're angry, you still love me. And, don't worry, even when I'm in time out, I still love you. Do you think that's what makes a family?"
Me (with tears in my eyes obviously) - "Yes buddy, I'm pretty sure that, that is exactly what makes a family."

I love that kid - he's wise beyond his years, not to mention adorable, and hilarious too!

I wish...

Cody - "Mom, I wish I could live with my cousin Jake."
Me - "Oh, really?"
Cody - "Don't worry Mommy, you and Daddy and Emma can come too."
Me - "Thanks Cody, but don't you think Auntie Meems' house will be too crowded for all of us?'
Cody - "No, not when my girl cousins go to their new house."
Me - "Oh, Sammy and Scarlett are going to a new house?"
Cody - "Yeah, mom. It would be too crowded if they didn't!"
Me - "Oh, duh!"

son of a fisherman

Cody is beginning to show signs and symptoms of becoming his father - a dedicated, slightly obsessed and fanatic fisherman. This morning upon waking Cody and I had a slightly surreal conversation.
Cody - " Mommy, did Daddy already go to his fishing tournament?"
Me - "Yep, really early this morning. "
Cody - "Well, you have to go early Mommy. That's when you get the big fish. Did he go to Clear Lake, or Folsom?"
Me - "Huh?"
Cody - "Clear Lake or Folsom Lake?"
Me - "I think Lake Berryessa."
Cody - "Oh, that's a good lake too. He'll probably catch lots of fish there. What time is the weigh-in?"
Me - "Huh?"
Cody - "You know, when they measure the fish, to see who is the winner."
Me - "How do you know all this stuff?"
Cody - "Daddy teaches me stuff about it when you're doing girl stuff with Emma and your friends."
Me (thinking to myself)- "Well, that's pretty sneaky."

When I Grow Up...

I was sitting next to Cody tonight when he sadly looks at me and says, "I wish I could sing on the radio." To which I very encouragingly replied, "Maybe you can someday Cody. You never know, you might be a rock star when you grow up." Then, my 4 year old looked at me as though I was crazy, and said, " No mom, I want to be on the radio now. When I get big I'm gonna be a police man so I can put bad guys in cages."

Oh! Well that sounds like fun too.

Seeing Santa

We took the kids to see Santa today. Emma has just recently reached the "stranger anxiety" phase of life, so I did not have high hopes for this trip, but we just had to do it. Both kids were great while we waited - Emma smiled away, and Cody talked about what he would ask Santa for. When we finally reached the Big Guy, I was surprised by how well things went. Both little monkeys sat on his lap; Cody told him his heart's desire; and Emma even smiled for the picture. Ahhh, I love Christmas miracles.

Unfortunately, they charge an arm and a leg for picture CD's, so here's one we took in line. The cute one is in a frame on my tree!

Watch Me Grow! - 6 months old

Look how big our little girl is getting! She now rolls everywhere, eats everything (if it looks like mush), and babbles all the time. Emma, you are such a joy. We love you!

cousins

The cousins, Jacob (6), Samantha (3), and Scarlett (3), joined us for Thanksgiving this year (along with Auntie Meems and Uncle Ryan of course). Jake and Cody were practically inseparable, playing cars and Star Wars and running around like wild animals.

Jacob & Cody

Sammy and Scarlett oohed and aahed over Emma, much to her delight. They wanted to hold her, play with her, and of course "check on her" while she slept. When they weren't with Emma, they could be found either trying desperately to annoy the boys, or putting on "litspick and sparkles" in my bathroom.

Scarlett & Emma

Sam & Emma

the girls

post script - My collection of pictures is extremely sad, because my sister Mary (aka Meems) is a photographer, so I left it all up to her. I'll post some good ones when she sends them to me.

Happy Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for this year...

I am thankful for my husband, Jay. I love that he still makes me laugh, and lets me cry. I love that we still enjoy each others company and have things to talk about. I love that after almost 10 years together, through pregnancy, childbirth, and even morning breath, he still looks at me with "that look" and means it. I am reminded each day of why I chose him, and I have yet to regret that choice.

I am thankful for my son, Cody. I love that I am the first person he wants to see when he wakes up in the morning, and the last one he wants to see before bed at night. I love that he randomly calls out, " I love you Mommy" when the mood strikes him. I love that he makes me mud pies at school, and colors me endless pictures at home. I love that he thinks I'm a good Mommy, even when I doubt myself. I love that he gives his love so freely and openly. But mostly, I love that I am a recipient of that love.

I am thankful for my daughter, Emma. I love that she can light up the room with just a smile. I love the way she holds my face in both hands when I rock her to sleep at night. I love that she has brought out the gentle and sensitive sides in both Jay and Cody. I love the look of wonder and amazement that she often wears while looking at seemingly ordinary things. I love experiencing life's small miracles all over again through her eyes. I love that she is at once a blank canvas and a timeless masterpiece. I love that I get to be her mommy.

My grandmother is always saying to me, "Teresa, you've got it all," and on this Thanksgiving I can honestly say that she's absolutely right.

upside-down baby

We've discovered that when Emma is grumpy that she likes to held so that she is slightly downward facing. This seemingly awkward and uncomfortable position not only makes her cease being angry, but it brings about fits of giggles (for which we are suckers). So, if you should come over and see us dangling our tiny daughter precariously, please don't judge us - she likes it!

Hmmm, I wonder where she learns these things?

Mommy and Daddy go to Preschool

Jay and I got a chance to go hang out with Cody at school today for their annual Thanksgiving feast. When we arrived the kids were doing the "Freeze Dance" in the classroom while they waited for things to be ready.

Once things were set up, all of the kids and parents went outside to sit down and eat. I'm pretty sure that the idea was for our children to sit with us, but alas, they all wanted to sit with their friends instead. (Is this the beginning of the end?)

Overall it was a great day. I love being able to watch Cody interact in different environments and to see how he behaves at school and with his friends - he always makes me so proud.

Love You Forever

One of my favorite stories to read to Cody when he was really little was "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch. It's been a while since he's pulled it off the shelf, but last night, it was his choice for a bedtime story. When we finished reading, my sweet little boy looked at me with much adoration and ...

Cody: " Mommy, when you are really old, you'll still be my mommy right?"
Me: "Yes, Cody, I'll always be your mommy - even when I'm really old."
Cody: "That's good Mommy, because I will still want you to be my mommy when you are very old, because I really love you a lot. You are a good mommy."
Me: (with tears in my eyes) " I really love you a lot too buddy. You are my best guy."

I live for moments like this!!!

Compliment?

Yesterday Cody and I were down on the floor playing trains, when he says, " Mommy, remember when you had Emma in your tummy and you were way too fat to play on the floor with me? I'm glad you're not way too fat any more." I just giggled and thought, um, thanks?

I love carrots!

As you can tell, Emma is thoroughly enjoying her introduction to real food.

Caught!

Today was a rough day, behaviorally, for Cody. I'm not sure if it was because of the change of schedule, being that it is Veteran's Day and school was out, or if it is just a function of him being a 4 year old boy. At one point, after having been sent to his room for yet another time out, he began crying hysterically. When I returned several minutes later to see if he was ready to come out and act appropriately, he looked at me with eyes brimming with tears and said, " I'm sad Mommy."' "Why are you sad Cody?" I asked. His response..."Because I got caught." Not exactly the monumental confession I was hoping for!

On the move - Part 1

Emma rolled over this evening for the first time all by herself. She has been very close for some time but her arm always seemed to get in her way. Of course we have gently "nudged" her into a roll several times, but this was all her!

As you can tell, she was quite pleased with herself.

Mmmm, peas!

Emma tried her first real food today - peas! Unlike her brother at this age, she seemed to really love them.

Emma 2008

Cody 2004

baby signs

I learned about baby signing when Cody was about 5 months old. I had heard about it from a friend and thought it was an interesting idea, certainly worth trying. My hope was that it would provide us with a means to communicate about his needs and would result in less frustration and random acts of crying on both our parts. So, I bought a book and a video, and began teaching Cody some of the more useful signs. He signed his first word at about 8 months - "more." When Emma came along I resolved to begin her baby signing education earlier, in order to hopefully give her the means to express herself before all of the crying and frustration set in. So, I once again got out the book and the video, and began to teach her some signs, Today, while I was feeding her, she signed her first word - "milk." It took me a while to figure out what she was doing, so I kept pulling the bottle out of her mouth, which made her sign frantically until I put it back in. I thought she was sooo clever, so I called Jay and Cody over and proceeded to continue to pull the bottle out of her mouth so that they could see her sign. (Not my best parenting move - but I was just so excited!)

splish splash I was takin' a bath...

My son makes me laugh. Tonight as he was in the bathtub playing, I saw him put the hair washing cup up to his mouth as if he were going to take a drink. So, of course, I yelled, "Cody stop!" He looked at me and said, " Mom, did you think I was going to drink the butt water?" "The bath water, you mean," I replied. "No mom, the butt water. It's touching my butt, and my butt is very dirty. We don't drink butt water. That's disgusting!" I can't argue with that - butt water is definitely disgusting! What a funny kid.

Creature from the Black Lagoon?

No, this is not another Halloween post, and yes, that is my husband. Jay is getting his scuba certification for work, and just got all of his gear. His class starts on Tuesday, so he spent some time in the pool this weekend making sure everything fit and worked correctly. Cody and I thought he looked too ridiculous not to document, so we followed him around giggling and taking pictures.

Emma's 1st Halloween

It's official - Emma is the cutest chili pepper ever!

Trick or Treat

We have been celebrating Halloween for over a week here at Casa Rowan. Last Saturday we went to a pumpkin carving party at a friend's house. The kiddos got all decked out in their costumes, Jay and Cody carved a pumpkin, we ate, laughed, and played. It was great!

Then, throughout the week Jay and Cody continued adding to our Halloween decor resulting in quite an impressive display of eerie spookiness in our yard for trick or treaters to enjoy. On Thursday, the kiddos took their costumes to school, where I joined them for the Fall Festival. By the time Friday rolled around both kids had worn their costumes several times and Cody already had a bag full of treats. On Halloween night Cody and Jay went out trick or treating while Emma and I stayed home to greet all of the little ghosts and goblins that knocked on our door. It was a very busy and exciting week, and we are all now quite exhausted!

My BIGGEST fan...

First graders are hilarious! Lately my kids have been bringing me little tokens of their affection - pictures they've drawn, stories they've written about me, etc. Today, my little Emily took things one step farther when she brought me an ipod, and her mom's wedding ring - because she loves me! Suffice to say I was touched, but shocked by her generosity. And, after a phone call home, so was her mom!

Nana & Papa

Jay's parents came to visit this weekend. These are the first shots of them with Emma where she is smiling, so I thought I'd share.