Parental insanity

There are crazy things that happen to a person when they become a parent. I'm seeing this in myself and as I see it in myself, I am understanding what I've seen all those years in my parents, (and shook my head at in their craziness)... unadulterated pride. I mean you would have thought he had taken humanities' first step on the moon the way we were acting, cheering, celebrating, full of pride. Ivan, I'm sure, thinks he accomplished some monumental feat, and for us it was. But to the rest of humanity, this is so minute, so ordinary, so basic, they would surely look upon our ecstatic cheering as lunacy.

So, what did he do, you ask? Well... he got a potty chair for christmas and he peed in it the second time we put him on it! Ok, I know you're saying "AND... That made you go off your rocker with pride?" Yep, it sure did. We honestly felt like Ivan had to be a genuis or something. I told you it was crazy. Even as I write it, I feel silly. But I'm telling you the honest, raw emotional truth. We were dancing, giving the boy an m'n'm, cheering, clapping and making Ivan feel like a master of something spectacular. Speaking of which, did I mention that he has now peed in the potty a total of 4 times? (Twice today). See, I told you parents are crazy. I mean why would they brag about such things? Please hear me though. I'm not saying we are extraordinary parents, or that Ivan is some kind of Einstein. I'm just telling you the crazy things that happen in a parent's brain and emotions as they see their child accomplish new tasks. I mean really, blogging about his first non-diapered peeing? How menial, trivial, silly, insane... it was totally AMAZING! 4 times already! Can you believe it? The doctor said to start him at 18 months! Well, he could be doing #2 in the potty by then... I'm sure you are on the edge of your seat, anxious to hear about that one! Insane really. (4 times!)

Kids have more than adults

I've noticed a phenomenon that I've wanted to blog about for some time now. It is another of those spiritual experiences, I've called heavenly shudders, only what is remarkable about this one is that I can see it happening in Ivan and Myka. Every once in a while, one of them will stop in the middle of playing or walking/crawling/babbling and become mesmerized with the other. For example, Ivan will stop and just gaze at Myka, then gently touch her hair or face like he is seeing that she is this amazing little being, like him, but different. Someone to be enthralled with, wowed by, known and loved. I've seen her do the same thing with Ivan. They both eagerly give hugs (and kisses) to the dog. They will both scamper over to me from time to time for cuddling or hugs (Ivan also gives me extremely sloppety kisses), but they seem to know that it's different with peers. They play with each other, take toys from each other, yesterday they had a lengthy conversation together, each taking turns while sitting over breakfast, but they rarely gaze at each other or look into each other's eyes as they do with me. It's only on those special stolen moments when I catch one of them awed by the other. Of course, the moment is broken when the other looks up or turns to look back. Then it goes back to regular playing and discovery times. I know I've seen Ivan have these moments other times. You can tell that children have these heavenly moments by the way they smile more, laugh constantly, ooooh and ahhhhhhh at the most simple and beautiful things. They really appreciate, really notice, really live in the moment. But there is something priceless, even holy, in the way they will stop and ponder each other. It's like they are seeing the divine in each other, the supernatural, the otherwordly, the totally enthralling beauty of innocent humanity- the Divine. It's beautiful.

I, on the other hand, catch these moments few and far between, but I've had more since watching Myka in the mornings, partly due to the early hour. Here is this morning's sun rise. It was breathtaking and definitely a moment to pause and be transported by the moment. I've seen lots of sunsets in my years and love to gaze at the stars, but I'm afraid I love sleep more than catching a sunrise on purpose. Therefore, I haven't seen many apart from those early morning drives to school in Canada when the sun is making her late rise. There is something even more beautiful about sunrises than sunsets. The day is still untouched, unmarred, perfect and full of promise, then comes this amazing sky of color, rejoicing in another day, declaring that life is beautiful no matter what our circumstances. I'm so glad God made the sky. No matter where you go, no matter how poor or dirty or gloomy a place can be, the sky is there in all its majesty. I've tried painting skies. And I've seen a lot of pretty painted skies, but nothing compares to the real expanse, luminescent, constantly changing and displaying new, intricate, formidable tapestries of beauty.

~Where he proposed~

First off----HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!!!!!--- We are being a totally boring old couple and staying home. We had a neighbor invite us to their bbq and party, but since we just got in from Houston, we are a little tired and anti-social. We saw Mr. Griffin for a bit and watched so called "live" entertainment from Time's Square. I say so called because they were all videos. We all agreed that it was more fun watching all those people from our comfy chairs. Ivan and I may have enjoyed the energy and crowds in person for a little while, but definitely not all day. They were asking people's New Year's resolutions and a bunch wanted to lose weight. Well I'm going to put some on- about 30 lbs or so!! I'm not showing yet, to the uneducated eye, but some of the jeans are already getting uncomfortable. It's exciting. We are looking forward to being able to feel and see the baby's movements and find out if the little one's a little brother or sister!

Here are more pics of Houston. Of course, people were proposing marriage in Time's Square tonight. Here's a blast from our past. This is where Brian proposed to me. It was a beautiful evening at the Transco tower in 1998. If you've been to niagara falls, you could pretend with some imagination that this was a man-made recreation. Of course, that is not what they are attempting with the falls (now renamed Williams Tower). It is a pretty amazing thing to see in the middle of the city though. We also walked through the mall where all the fancy stores are that sell $200 tore up and stained jeans (gave me an idea for a resale shop. I've got tore up old looking jeans and they're authentic! Do I have a buyer???) Stores like Abercombie and Fich, Channel, The original Levi's store and other hoity toity stores we really had no interest in.

Here's a full view of the falls.



Ivan was trying to figure out why we were getting wet and cold in the mist of a giant shower.

Here we are on the actual bench where he popped the question. He gave me a necklace, but it was dark by then and I couldn't see it, I said, "I'm sure it's beautiful" or something like that. Of course, I also said "yes" to marriage with him and have known ever since someone WAY smarter than me picked us out for each other and just gave me the courage to go for it.

Now, 7 years later, Ivan is on our bench and for the new year, another on the way ;) Hey, we may need a bigger bench eventually!!!

our little getaway

Ivan in Nana's backyard, enjoying the warm weather.

Nana helps Ivan navigate the tricky rocky path.

Ivan discusses world issues with Nana, all grown up!

He also does his "I'm cute and a little shy" pose.

Nana has these dolls about Ivan's size in the corner. I'm not sure if they are in trouble or if they couldn't pick who would count for hide-and-seek. Ivan didn't take too much interest in them, except for the one with hair who he repeatedly tackled and generally tried to beat up. Don't ask me what she did to him, I have no idea!

Thanks to all!!!

Thanks to everyone for the cards, gifts and Christmas well wishes. I just love this time of year. We received gifts from neighbors, family, friends, even a homeless friend. We have learned a lot from "the poor". More often than not, they are the most generous people, even though they have the least. You really do know that people care, and not by the whats and the how much, but by the thought, the gesture, the thoughtfulness. We received so many thoughtful gifts, even handmade gifts and memory lane gifts and it's been fun to give too. We had a houseful today for our last Christmas party, hosted by us. Last night we went to our hispanic neighbors, which was totally different from the night before. Last night was high class and richly flavored in hispanic culture and love. The night before was also filled with generosity, but to it's own tune. It's fun being who we are because I can't see either of these families inviting each other over and hanging out, but both of them found it in their hearts to include us as their non-relative invites for intimate Christmas moments.

We had our own intimate Christmas moments this morning. Ivan had German chocolate for breakfast, talked on his new phone with who knows who, thoroughly enjoyed his first lollipop (which I can't find, but Ivan has brought out a couple of times--- gross), rocked on his new, totally beautiful, handmade rocking chair from Grandpa Ian, read French Canadian books and woke up from his nap to a houseful of African friends speaking French. Unfortunately our favorite Big Buddy, Mr Griffin didn't make it since he is not feeling well, but we're going to go see him in a bit. We also found some homeless friends of ours and they oooed and awed over Ivan and gave some of the most profound advice about family being one of the most important things and to cherish mine. I do! Both our immediate and extended. We love you and thank you for making this season so special by sending us your love.

We just got to talk to Grandma Ruth who is with family in Jamaica. Our love to all the Williamsons and Simpsons!!! We wish you were there. Drink some ginger beer for me. I love that stuff. By the way, I drank some sorrel yesterday. I had some frozen from last year and new it was time to bring some out. It looks like they sell what they call "hibiscus flowers" here, so maybe I can make some more next year! Also eat some hot patties and hard dough bread for me, play some dominoes (please beat uncle Nevil, we couldn't), and of course give hugs all around from me. I wish I was seeing you, but from afar, we send our love.


Jennifer remembered that my favorite chocolate bar is mint choc. aero, only made in Canada. Jen, you rock! She also added plenty of nostalgia in her gifts. Hey Jen, that indian doll was yours, someone brought me mine already, but I'll take care of her for you, now mine has a friend! Also, I was wondering if mom can possibly have anything else from our childhood in that mansion! OK, the bunkbeds, but those would be pretty hard to mail!! ha, ha.

Ivan's new French books are cool too.

This chair is the most beautiful child furniture I have ever seen. PLUS, it's handmade by my dad- and uncle (I about cried when I read that in the note). AND Ivan already totally loves it! He immediate got on it and tried many sitting positions, he babbled on about it endlessly (don't ask me what he said, I have no idea), and rocked of course! Talking about handmade, Andrea made a beautiful cross-stitch we will surely treasure. And I know that took you a long time, 'cause I saw you making the one you gave Jen! Thanks! Oh, and by the way, we shared, gave and ate and ate and we still have chocolate the day of Christmas! You are wonderful!

Another big hit of course was Ivan's phone and remote car key thingamagig. He also loved playing on his xylophone/piano and so did all the other kids who showed up, but it hasn't broken yet, so I guess it withstood the drop it, fight over it, hit it tests!

And you can't have Christmas without some humor. Jennifer remembered how funny Brian thought it was that SK has places with names such as "Moose Jaw". And the funniest gift prize goes to... The biggest wrapped gift ever. Brian asked me if I wanted my gift wrapped some time ago and I said, "of course", not knowing he had gotten me a body pillow. He hid the wrapped gift, since just seeing it would give it away- even wrapped! This was one of those must haves for the next pregnancy- yeah!!! The runner up in grift wrapping goes to dad who must have used half a roll of duct tape on the cardboard creation he made. Mom said he would have made the Red and Green proud (a canadian hick show) indeed he would have!

Merry Christmas y'all!

We are feasting on the fat of the land-- or more specifically, on the chocolate, baked goodies, brisket, ham and genuine goodness of friends, neighbors and family! We attended our first of 3 or 4 xmas parties tonight. I'm not sure if it's because xmas fell on Sunday, but it seems everyone we know is picking a different time for a meal. So we get to attend them all. We went next door tonight, where Ivan learned how to use a straw in his new sippy mug. We have either one or two parties tomorow, depending on if they don't coincide with each other and we are hosting Sunday. Lots of fun and food to go around.

Last year we got a dart board, so now we are quite familiar with the dart section at the store as we get replacement pieces and perfect our game. Ivan has gotten in the grove too, as you can see. He can't hit the board yet, but he loves the sounds it makes (it's electronic), the action and thrill and of course the chewiness of the darts!

Of course, the cat believes that she is God's gift to humanity. I'm not sure what she will do without the gifts and trees as this is her favorite hide out for the last month. If we add a gift to the pile, she picks a new spot to claim and you can find her there 90% of the time.

The Ivan funnies vol.8

Ivan made up his first joke. It's pretty amazing, since he can't actually make sentences yet or use more than about 3 words- mamma, dadda, and nana (which means everything else, he uses it from morning to night, more than mamma or dadda). So this is how his joke goes. He's made up a new voice. It's kind of gravelly and deep, making him sound a bit like a muppet. He uses the voice with long strings of syllables, like he's monologuing in his very own language. The first time he did this, I laughed and he realized it was funny. So now he does it just to make me laugh. Only sometimes as he is about to start, he gets himself so tickled about it that he can't go on and bursts out in laughter himself. You can tell he is trying to get the voice out and instead he looks and laughs, like when you have a really good joke you can barely tell because you are laughing so hard yourself!


Ivan decided he doesn't like vegetables as much as other foods, so mommy was trying to trick him by putting carrots in one of his favorites (refried beans in a tortilla). He wasn't fooled. He just spit out the carrots. So then, I chopped them up in tiny pieces and tried again, but then he just refused to eat it. He won that round, but he gobbles up his oatmeal every morning, even if it has pumpkin in it (momma won that round!) He does eat veggies if they are mixed in a stir fry or soup, but mommy and daddy don't want to eat that every meal.

Ivan thinks he's a big boy here, and he's getting there with each new skill. Ivan is learning to drink out of small glasses. If he grabs a glass of water, he just pours it towards his mouth, dumping it all over himself, then he pulls on his shirt (like- hey, this is all wet!) If I help him get it started, he can drink and tilt it the glass pretty well without spilling, but then he doesn't know to tilt the glass back up when he's done. He just keeps it at the same angle and pulls it away from his mouth, effectively spilling it all over himself again!

Peckasso

Ivan fascinates me. You can tell he is his own person with his own ideas. I have his daddy's juggling balls in a tube. He loves to take them out and check the tube to make sure it is empty. He also enjoys carrying the balls in his mouth, but that's another matter. The other day, I watched him meticulously transport all three balls to a window ledge. He placed two balls on the ledge, then squeezed the third in between them. He seemed happy with this accomplishment, then in a burst of energy, he threw them all down to the floor. I have no idea what this little ritual was, but it was obviously thought out and gave him delight.

Ivan is learning about spoons, forks, pens and pencils. He uses all of them in much the same way. He will let me scoop food up for him, but left alone, he wants to tap the utensil in his food, over and over and over. The same with writing tools. He will let me help him scribble, but he bores with this quite easily, then taps, making little dots and dot squiggles.
This is Ivan Peckasso Baggett's first all by himself creation. (It was done in marker and erase-a-board, which is why I had to scan it for posterity). I was excited because I'll place the writing utensil in his hand and he will invariably flip it to the cap end to color (which of course does not work!) So I'll place it the way he flipped it and he'll switch on me again. You don't realize how complicated something as easy as a pen is, until you try to teach a 14 month old to draw! "Ivan, I don't know why the pens and pencils only have one end, but you have to learn which end will write." Maybe the other end is for chewing!!! (Ivan still thinks the whole thing is for chewing.) In any case, he did this drawing without any help (apart from me putting the marker in his hand the "right way", which was a big accomplishment for mommy!)

Auntie Jen, before you get too excited, I really think Ivan is right-handed, although the picture shows him with the pencil in his left. Of course, only time will tell.

Christmas at the Baggetts

Ivan enjoys the calendar Andrea sent from Germany, but maybe not quite as much as his parents do. In Germany the windows do not only hide a cute picture, but chocolate shaped like the picture! Since Ivan is still too small to have much chocolate, his parents help with the daily allotment (before all the grandparents get in a tizzy, we do let him have some, but never before bedtime!!!)

Ivan "rides" Saba, his christmas reindeer. True confession. I didn't know reindeer were a real animal until I read about them in a National Geographic a couple of years ago, and even then, I asked Brian if it was a joke. I also found out that roadrunners are real (I've seen them and they do run across roads, but they don't beep and aren't chased by the same famished wolf constantly. Oh, yeah, and reindeer don't fly either). Also, there is such a thing as the tazmanian devil, but not unicorns. I think I've got most of it figured out now, but growing up where these exotic creatures are not and the power of television to create skepticism about did me in!

Baggett Christmas pick a pic

Here it is, hot off the press... the first ever (that we know of) interactive Christmas letter.

Instead of mailing pics, we are posting these 4. Now you can imagine your letter with your favorite pose. Sorry, the three scanned snapshots are fuzzy, if you don't get the clear digital one in an e-mail it's because I don't have your address. E-mail me if you want a printable copy (waterfall@safe-mail.net)

The way this works is that you choose the answers you like best! Don't write them in the comments, just put them in your head or if you really, REALLY want something on paper, copy, paste and print off your very own letter! If you care about accuracy, I've put the "real" answers in the comments.

Our pretty stamp on your letter would be:
a) an american flag
b) an american flag billowing in the wind
c) a picture of some old guy, I have no clue who it is (for US only)
(aparently for all international mail, the US wants you to know before you open it that it is from the US)

We had lots of visitors this year including
a) three sets of grandparents (each for multiple visits)
b) two uncles
c) an ecstatic aunt
d) a female peacock in our backyard tree
e) all of the above

Our parents love us, but their most popular question is now...
a) when are you going to send new pictures of Ivan?
b) what is Ivan doing now?
c) you should post that about Ivan
d) so, what else is new?

Our Christmas tree has decorations from...
a) Canada
b) my BBBS "little sister"
c) homeless guys and some not so homeless friends
d) Germany
e) a beach in Galveston, Texas
f) all of the above
g) none of the above
h) a, b and sometimes c
OK, I'm making a point here... didn't you hate those?

Rate the following statement. We will still have a few pieces of uneaten German chocolate the day after Christmas (Andrea sent us a huge box full)
a) very likely
b) maybe
c) probably not
d) no way

Ivan is no longer allowed chocolate after:
a) 10am
b) 3pm
c) 5pm

Ivan has taken ___________ number of ornaments off the tree.
a) 7 or so
b) about 25
c) approx. 136

Our selections for Christmas music include:
a) a charlie brown christmas
b) 3 reject cds that nobody had taken out yet from the christmas cd section at the library including a mandolin Christmas
c) good children's african music and bad children's jazz (because it really should not have been produced for kids)- neither of which have anything to do with christmas, but we have them over the christmas holiday
d) all of the above

We have ________ stockings hanging above the tree.
a) 3
b) 5
c) 10
d) none, who would hang stockings above a tree?

What we REALLY want for Christmas
a) an accordion (they're real popular here)
b) snow
c) peace on earth
d) what we already have: the love of friends and family

We hope you all have a _________________ (wonderful, hillarious, surprising, eccentric, unifying, explosive) year.
We are _________________ (excited, hopeful, amazed, totally cool and collected) about our coming year.

______________________ (love, kisses, hugs) Brian, Angela, Ivan and little embryo