List of Thanks

Dear Maizy,

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and this is the time of year we think about all the things we are thankful for and give our thanks.  Here is my list of thanks.

You - for bringing so much love and joy to my life.  When I think about it I can't help but get teary eyed knowing how much God has blessed me. I Love You!

Your Dad - his kindness, love, knowledge, and patience have taught me so much.  I Love Him!

My Mom - she does SOOOOO much for our family.  She gives, gives and gives of herself, time and money without even thinking twice about it.  We would not be where we are without her.  Bless her.

My Grandma - she loves and cares about you so much.  She is always SO willing to watch over you when we work. I know you are in the best care possible when you're with her.  She bathes you, plays interactively with you, cuddles you, feeds you your favorite foods, she makes the most comfortable place for you to nap, washes your clothes when you're there, praises your every move, gloats over your beauty and knowledge.  We love her!


My job - it offers me the stability to provide for my family.  The insurance benefits are exceptional and for that I am thankful.

Our home - it's getting more and more comfortable.  It's warm, nice, affordable and it's full of love! I love watching how comfortable you are in our home and how you still find areas to explore.

Running Water - seriously though.  We are so lucky for warm running water.  I really appreciate it especially at your bath time.  I truly am a thankful mom for this.  You want your children to be happy, healthy and clean and this luxury provides it for us.

Freedom - the freedom to think, want, say whatever we as Americans want.  As a mother of a strong, young daughter I am assured that you may always be as independent as you desire and everything that you  strive for is at your finger tips - this is definitely something to be thankful for.

Internet - to be able to keep in touch with friends and family.  Share your pictures and my thoughts with you and be able to write a "blog", to have the ability right at my finger tips to look up anything I want to know is simply amazing.

Grocery Stores - to be able to walk into a clean facility that contains anything and everything my materialistic heart desires is a blessing. I know that people in other areas of the world don't have the luxury of experiencing.  If you're sick and you need medicine it's readily available, hungry - I can fix that too!! We are really quite lucky.

I believe our lists of things to be thankful for change each year.  I think back even 2 years ago how my list has changed dramatically.

I have so much to be thankful for and I am.  Having a family of my own is so amazing and I am so very thankful and blessed.  I have been humbled in so many ways.  I try to judge less and love more. Not sweat the small stuff and just take and enjoy life for what it is.

I can't wait to help you and read all of your "lists of thanks" each year.

Well tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  It's the first one where I get to stay home and prepare the dinner.  Your dad is in charge of the turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes and I am in charge of the cornucopia salad, pies, appetizers and veggies.  Grandpa Frank is coming over to join us for dinner.  Then we are going up to Grandma Shelly's for dessert.  It's going to be a wonderful day and the best part about it is I get to spend time with my favorite people - you and your dad! 

Here's to many, many more Thanksgivings and memories.

Cheers!!

I love you!

Love,
mom

Can you believe this is you a year ago!?!?  Love you!

Medically Confirmed

Dear Maizy,

Yesterday was your 15 month doctor appointment and it's been confirmed by a medical professional that you are smart, beautiful, witty and awesome!!

I took yesterday off for the event.  We woke up headed to the doctor's and she was running late.  45 minutes to be exact!!  We weighed you and you weigh 19 pounds and 10 ounces!!  WOW!!  You are still quite small for your age, but you're growing fast and catching up!!

The doctor finally made it to our room and had an intern with her this time.  The first thing the doctor said to the intern was "this 15 month old is not your typical 15 month old, she's more like a 20 month old!"  WOW!!  And boy is she right!!

We told the doctor all the things you say and do and you are way ahead of schedule PLUS you are very sociable which is not common among children your age. 

At one point you put your arms up for the doctor to hold you and she said "it's not me she wants, Maizy wants the stethoscope around my neck, she has motives, she is thinking and this is very typical of a 2 year old. See."  The doctor picked you up and your grabbed her stethoscope.  You my dear are very smart and tricky.

They took your measurements and your head circumference is in the 7th percentile while your height and weight is in the 44th percentile. 

After meeting with the doctor it was time to go get your immunizations.  Saddest thing for sure.  You had to get three shots - measles, chicken pox and hepatitis A - 2 in your left leg and one in your right.  Poor thing.  You cried so hard, it made me cry.  This was the worst round of shots so far.  On the way to the car you would think about it and get pissed off that it was still hurting I could just tell.  Then when we were in the car you kept crying and was grabbing at your legs and I don't think it helped that we were all starving!  We didn't anticipate the doctor taking so long.  Grandma to the rescue.  She also had the day off and was all ready to meet us at Mimi's Cafe for lunch.  Dad dropped us off while he went to work for a few, so we had a wonderful, well deserved lunch with Grandma.  Then we went to Target with Grandma for a few things and then she drove us home and dropped us off.  You slept in the car on the way home and that's all you slept. All day.  You had too much to do but I loved it because we spent all day together!! YAY!!

We played, we chased each other, we ate dinner, laughed and cuddled.  Then dad got home and we did all that all over again!!  You are such a delight!!  At one point the doctor said "don't you just enjoy her." And while the answer is "Yes! Yes! Yes!"  It's bigger than that.  We love you with all that we are.  You are a true delight in our lives.  We would do anything for you.  You add and bring so much to not only our lives but the rest of the family too!

You are a true blessing and we love you!

Love,
mommy

While at work I received this pic via text message.  Grandma Annette is watching you today.
Oh you girls!! 

Mother's Know Best

Dear Maizy,

Our weekend has been amazing.  You are SO entertaining!!  Friday we all got home and played, it was a long week for all of us.  You went to Grandma Donker's Wednesday, Thursday and Friday while your dad worked.  We had to wake you up early every morning and it throws you completely off schedule, it makes me feel bad.  You and daddy missed each other.  Friday you were clinging on to him and touching his face while you two talked, it was adorable and heartfelt.

Saturday you and I went up to Grandma Shelly's while we got new tires on the car.  We got lunch at In-N-Out and ate it at Grandma's. Grandma and Grandpa Glen were getting a kick out of you. We hung out there for a few hours, got the car and came home.  You and daddy took naps while I cleaned my room.

My room was a mess with stuff that just needed to be put away.  I allowed it to be cluttery and messy until it finally got to me.  It only took 3 hours to make it spic-and-span.  I started thinking how important it is to clean your room.  Being organized and putting everything in it's place makes your days run smoother and therefore makes life easier, so clean your room!!! Keep it clean!!  My mom never made me clean my room growing up and she did me a HUGE injustice!!!!!  Cleaning and keeping your room clean, your "junk" to a minimum, clothes hung up and put away is one of the best things you can do for yourself.  It only took me 25+ years to figure this out.  Learn from me.  Mom's know best!!

Today your father, me and Grandma Annette dropped off and picked you up at Grandma Shelly's while we went and saw Twilight: Breaking Dawn - your dad likes the vampire movies.  It was a great movie and since your dad loved it I enjoyed it even more.  Well when we got to Grandma's to drop you off I noticed that I forgot to pack diapers!!! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!  I felt so bad and to make matters worse Grandma Shelly was ticked off about it and wouldn't you know it you needed a diaper change 30 minutes after you were there!! I felt so bad, but Grandma made me feel even worse.  I really did feel bad.

Then after the movie we went and picked you up and Grandma rubbed it in again plus we forgot your bottle too, but I doubt you would have slept over there anyway.  It made me think that the reason they say Mother's Know Best is because they forget about all the stupid, forgetful crap they did, they would never admit it to their children and nor would they volunteer such information.  I KNOW for a fact that none of your Grandma's are perfect, but they did what they thought was best and they probably would like to forget the things they didn't do "right", so I decided not to let this one affect me and let it slide.  I mean I felt worse than anyone else could have made me feel. So yes, Mom's may know best, but if you ask them "Mom's Know Best and.................. it all - they just fail to leave this part out of the saying.

I would like to go down on the record for being the first mom to admit that I don't know best or all the answers like some mom's (grandma's claim), I'd like to think I do and the reason being is because I have done lots of stupid things in life and I don't want you to do the same and that my dear is why mom's think they know best. So from trial and error it's that we think we know best. Some mistakes are bigger and stupider than others, but if you listen to me I can help you avoid the negative consequences.  I will just have to tell you  the consequences of doing something stupid.  I will be honest with you and that is what most mom's (grandma's) don't do.  I love you and you deserve that from me.  I am going to break the chain in our family and will be an honest mom. I can go more in depth with this one when your older, but it's the least I can do being your mother.  I love you and want the best for you and have a pretty good idea I know best. ; )

Thank you for an amazing weekend.  I have tomorrow off from work to take you to your 15 month old well check visit - you have to get some shots - OUCH!!!!


I LOVE YOU!!!




Love,
mommy

Maddie, Maizy, Maizy, Maddie

Dear Maizy,

Before you there was Maddie, my cat.  She was such a great companion. I couldn't wait for you and Maddie to meet.  I just knew that you two would like each other.  Well Maddie decided to pack her bags and runaway.  Never to be seen or heard from again. 

On Wednesday March 19, 2003 Grandpa and  I went to the Humane Society to find Grandpa a dog.  Well I decided to go check out the cats.  I was not planning on getting a cat that day - just looking.  Well I saw Maddie - her name at the shelter was Tiger Lily - in a cage and she was stretching out her paw at all the passerbys.  She had these gorgeous green eyes, a beautiful coat - it's what they call tortoise and was just a petite thing.

I asked to take her to a meeting room at the shelter where they take the animal out of their cage and you go in a little room to interact and get a feel for each other.  Once we were in the little room Maddie's personality exploded.  She was full of spunk and I had to have her.

Grandpa didn't find a dog but I found a cat.  YAY!!  I left her at Grandpa's while I ran to the store to get the basic necessities for her.  While I was at the store Grandpa called and asked how much longer I was going to be - Maddie pooped on the floor.  Ha ha ha!!

I took Maddie home to my apartment.  We have a very interesting relationship to say the least.  It was something we definitely had to work on.  Maddie had love/hate feelings towards me, she refused to cuddle and she wanted to go outside and play.  I was not a fan of that at all!! I lived in an apartment complex and didn't think she was safe BUT with her howling and pounding on the blinds with her paws until she got her way - she went outside.  She would be gone for hours at a time and some nights didn't even come home.  I missed her.  I longed for her to reciprocate those feelings towards me. 

One time during the winter months a neighbor brought Maddie to my door and threatened to call Animal Services and report me for animal abuse if she saw Maddie out during a winter evening ever again.  I was DEVASTATED!!!  I am a huge animal lover,  I would never cause any animal, let alone my pet that I love dearly any harm.  Maddie didn't want to come home ever and I felt powerless.

Her and I continued to work on our relationship.  I gave her the benefit of the doubt.  Someone else had raised her and there she was at the shelter, so who knows if she was neglected, physically hurt but obviously she had some trust issues.  Our relationship was built on mutual trust.  I showed her that I loved her unconditionally, I provided her with a home, safety, food and water.  It took a long time but her and I became the best of friends and I love her very, very much.

When I started dating your dad she did not like him at all.  It saddened him I think since Maddie and I loved each other so much.  I am not sure why she didn't like him, but when we started hanging out Maddie would come home less and less and I would have to go searching for her. 

When I found out I was pregnant I was SO excited to have you two meet and have you grow up with this awesome cat!  But I think she may have known I was expecting - they say animals can sense it - and maybe didn't like the unexpected. 

Maddie left the house on Tuesday March 9, 2010 just shy of 7 years of us being together and never returned.  I was devastated.  I searched and searched for Maddie.  I posted signs everywhere.  I would yell for her all hours of the evenings. I was sad.  I am still sad over it.  I miss her.  I am sad that you two have never met. 

I know that you will have great  childhood pets that will forever have a place in your heart.  I also had a dog named Scooter that we had for 14 years!!  Yes, 14 years, but we'll talk about him another day.

 I like to think that Maddie moved somewhere warm and sunny, resides by a swimming pool, chases all the birds she wants to her heart's content and thinks about me at least once in a while.  I am sure her new owner loves her almost as much as I did and continue to.

Check out how adorable, comical and full of life Maddie was.  She rocked. 

Love you Maddie.

Love you Maizy.

Love,

mommy

15 Months Old!

Dear Maizy,

You are 15 months old today (well yesterday)!!  Crazy how time flies, it actually makes me really sad.  I wish I could hit the "pause" button and make life  slow down. just.for.one.minute. 

We had a fabulous weekend together.  Friday I got home from work and we went to Wal-Mart to do some much needed shopping.  You don't like to sit in the cart like most children, you prefer to stand up in the cart, wave to people, reach out for things and grab random things to put in the cart.  Tonz of people would smile and wave at you, comment on how beautiful you are and I know you brightened some sad people's evening for sure.  I mean we were at Wal-mart on a Friday night.

We were at Wal-Mart longer than any other person should be.  We were all starving so we stopped at Atlantis burger for salad and sandwiches on our way home.  Then you and I went and played in your room before bed time. You are so fun to watch and play with.

Saturday we woke up, dad fixed us breakfast and we got busy making a birthday cake for Christian's birthday.  We were pretty pleased with the way it turned out.  Then you decided to take a nap around the time that we should have been leaving for the party.  Yikes!

We finally arrived at the party and you were SO cute!  It had been a year since some of the party guests had seen you and they were getting quite a kick out of how much you've grown and how dang cute you are!?!  You kept wanting Sara's sister-in-law, Afton, to hold you.  You are always attracted to pretty people, she is pretty.  She held and carried you around.  All the kids were playing in the bedroom and you would go in there once in a while to check out the action.  All the kids were so cute and shared their candy with you.  I love watching you interact with other kids. 

There was a baby at the party that you were fascinated by, but you kept patting her little chest and it was freaking me out.  I remember when you were a baby and kids would do that to you and I didn't like it.  You are quite fascinated with babies, it's adorable!  When at the store we walk down the doll aisle.  I LOVE hearing you say "baby" at all the dolls as you point them out.  You also point them out on the diaper boxes too, so freakin' cute!!  I love your sweet little voice.

After the party we headed up to Grandma's house for dinner.  Brittany and Patrick were there too!  It was a lot of fun.  Grandma and Brittany took turns reading you stories.  You were also quite entertaining with your stepping stool - turning it upside down and sitting in it. 

Sunday we slept in until 10:45am!  You're the best.  Got ready for the day.  I dropped you off at Grandma Donker's and I headed to a friends house to work on some Christmas crafts.  I missed you dearly, but you played and played at Grandma's and had a ball!!

Thanks for the awesome weekend!!  15 months already!?!?!  Where did the time go.

Love you!!

Love,
mom

This and that.

Dear Maizy,

I took the day off work yesterday.  We were getting our new furniture delivered and I couldn't bare the thought of being at work while you and your dad got to indulge in the new couches with out me.  Well the furniture arrived all too early - they were delivered, set up and delivery guys out of the door by 8:10am - no sleeping in for me on my day off.

I was bummed that we didn't get to sleep in, but the good thing is we had our whole day to play and do whatever we want without having to wait around to get our day started. 

We moved the old couch into the kitchen temporarily.  You did not like this change.  You took your cell phone and went and sat on the couch in the kitchen.  Not sure who you called or what you were saying, but I don't think you were diggin' the new couches.

We got ready for the day and were out of the door by 11am.  We went to look for new curtains, shoes for your dad and stuff for the house.  We went to Ross, TJ Max, Shopko, Wal-Mart and Target!  You were awesome in all of these stores!!  You did however like to take your shoes and socks off in the car of each store.  Eventually we just put your shoes in my purse and let you wear your socks everywhere!

Then we went to The Pizza Factory for lunch, it was yummy!!  You did pretty good with no nap.  In fact, you did great!!  I just love you and your face.

I just love the time that I get to spend with you and appreciate you so much.  You are this tiny little thing but you are so big at the same time.  You have big beautiful eyes full of curiosity, a smile that brightens the day,  the cutest little/big voice, a strong personality that I love,  I beg for your kisses - you're very choosy about giving them,  I die for your hugs - they are few and far between.  Not that you're not full of love but you are just too busy!!

I want to end with my favorite scripture. 

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. - Psalm 139:14

I love you!!!

Love,
mom

Tent City

Dear Maizy,

Look at what your Grandma Shelly gave you!!

She brought this to our house Tuesday night before us girls left for cousin Liz's going away party.  Can you believe this thing!?!?  Your dad blew it up for you and filled it with 50 pink and purple balls that came with it.  You got the biggest kick out of this thing!

We had to leave for the party then when we came back around 9:30pm you had a burst of energy and played and played in this thing.  Ok we did too!!  It was a blast to watch you play and press your cute face up to the windows on the side.  Cute, cute, cute!!

Then you did the cutest thing ever!!  There are the Disney princesses on each of the corners of the "tent" and they are about your size - you started talking to them!!  It was SOOOOO cute.  I couldn't understand what you were saying, but it was darling.  Tangled is one of the princesses on it along with Belle, Cinderella and Snow White.  Too Cute!!  Thanks Grandma Shelly

Love you!!

Love,

mom