Why, hello there!

Sorry for the absence.

I have been busy.

TOP TEN THINGS I'VE BEEN DOING IN DECEMBER!!!!


With that kind of title, this has definite potential to be super interesting.



Without further ado...



1. STARING.
Staring at my adorable baby. And how his adorable big sister treats him kindly. Staring a lot.




2. SLEEPING.
Just joshin' ya. I'm not actually doing much of this. If I were sleeping, I would be dreaming of sleeping.




3. SHOPPING.
Shopping for the remainder of the christmas gifts. I thought I was so together before Clark was born, but was only about 50% together. Typical.




4. WRAPPING.
One of my favorite things to do. Finally used up my GIANT roll of gold Costco wrapping paper (3 years worth, thank you). Then I bought another one :)




5. EATING.
Cookies, ham, green bean casserole, cookies, ice cream, tamales, cookies, and candy.




6. PRAISING.
I am so blessed and so thankful. I am amazed that God humbled himself to arrive as a little baby in a barn. Totally amazed.




7. SINGING.
Christmas music. I LOVE IT! My favorite song of all time is Oh Night Divine! I am pretty sure that is not the title, but it is the most poignant part for me.




8. DRINKING.
Coffee, water, and oh, the sweet taste of alcohol. Oh, don't judge. It is all in moderation. I promise :)




9. TALKING.
Me? talk? A lot. With family, with friends, with both. I love myself some talking, and this time of year is such a blessing to be able to talk and celebrate!




10. SMILING.
Just read 1-9. What could be better?




Top ten-ing,
Stacey

CLARK THOMAS WILSON

Although I was CONVINCED that this kid was coming early, he did not. He arrived at exactly

7:59 am

on

Monday,

November 15th

He weighed a whopping

8 pounds

7 ounces

And was

20 inches

in length

And was

instantly,

irrevocably,

unconditionally

LOVED.

Family of Four.

(So this was the best picture of me, AND the best picture of Blaine.

He flinches at flashes.)

Dad & Son.

Mom & Son.

Going home!

Brother & Sister.

Totally in love,

Stacey

P.S. Do you want to see my stomach before & after (surgery site/staples) pictures? Blaine thinks that is gross. Which is true. But, I ALSO think it's kinda cool...

So, cool or gross??

This is seriously the best picture I got of my kid on Halloween.

Note to self: don't 'practice' with lighting, flash, dark scenarios on manual during holidays.

Love,

Self

Friday

Today is Friday.


You probably already knew that.


The thing about today is that I didn't really think i would be here at work! I keep expecting this kid to arrive! I keep expecting my water to break! I keep expecting the painful contractions to stay around for longer than an hour! I keep expecting something that is not happening.


I'm sure you feel really sorry for me. Especially you moms who had to endure 42 weeks of pregnancy. Especially you moms who had to endure DAYS of laboring at full force. Especially you moms who had to endure pushing a huge kid out your who-ha. Or worse.


I'm sorry for complaining at 38 weeks 6 days. I am weak! I am a wuss! I am poor! Please forgive me.


Whew.


Thank you for listening.


You rule.


Maybe you could rule even more & come visit me at the store today? Bring ice cream? Just talk? Encourage me? Hug me? Buy a bunch of maternity clothes? Tell me I look skinny? Bring french fries? Wash my car? Just a few suggestions.


Or was that really pushing it?


Love ya,
Still Pregnant Stacey

My prayer for today

and really "should" be for everyday.

But, I am starting today.

AND, a new little phrase I learned from my dear friend Kelly this evening:

**stop "should"-ing people.

I will start with me.

On to today's prayer for myself:

***

Lord God,

Please help me to see others with YOUR eyes: their beauty rather than their ashes;

Please help me to hear others they way YOU hear them: calling for help and allies;

Please help me to breathe the fresh scent of YOU in those around me;

Please help my heart to break for what breaks YOURS and to rejoice with what rejoices YOURS;

Please reveal to me a new way to experience this life and the amazing people that YOU have created.

Please reveal to me the complicated, nuanced individuals that I encounter; and recognize our similarities.

Please help me to be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and in purpose.

Please help me to humble myself - being made in your likeness, but NOT in equality with YOU.

That's all.

For today.

I definitely need YOUR help.

Thank you,

YOUR child, Stacey

W-T or Ingenious?

But first, a photo of me at 37 weeks preggers.

And now on to today's topic:

I have a carseat that we used for Jane.

It is pink.

I can't really have my little baby boy riding around in a pink carseat.

That would be mean.

I might as well name him Sue.

So, I looked around for car seat covers.

Everything was too....

camo...

or cutesy....

or ugly...

or frilly...

Simply not my taste.

Enter RIT. Fabric Dye. In Black.

I followed the instructions.

It was supposed to be "BLACK".

Although you can see that it is kinda-grey. Really kinda purple.

So, am I ingenious? Or am I a little white trash? Or a little bit o' both?

Either way, stressing over this thing & going out to get a pedicure kept me from frowning at election results all night.

Much love,

Trailer Park Barbie

10 things I wonder about...

1. I wonder why these jack-o-lanterns rotted so darn fast. At least Blaine got a photo of them before they did!

2. I wonder why the Bible refers to being "chosen by God" and also that we choose him by believing in our hearts and confessing with our mouths... I am very confused by this.

3. I wonder why I have yet to win the lottery. Or buy a lottery ticket.

4. I wonder how Jane has so much energy. She literally runs circles around me every single day.

5. I wonder how I stand up without toppling forward. All those extra pounds strapped to the front of me.

6. I wonder what my kid is going to look like. What will his name be??

7. I wonder why these ants decided to swarm my garbage can. And how my sister Amy walked right in the door and rescued my from totally freaking out.

8. I wonder about the Hereafter. Where exactly is my dad's soul?

9. I wonder how I got so lucky to have a friend like Yvonne.

10. I wonder what you wonder about today?

let me know, yo.

Love,

Your wondering, wandering, Stacey

THIRTY-ONE

Bottles of beer on the wall...

Just joshin'

Wednesday is actually my birthday. My THIRTY-FIRST birthday to be exact. It feels weird to say the least. Weird because I still feel pretty spunky and cool and UN-thirty-one. Weird because that number is the inverse of the date of my birth: the 13th. Weird because I really don't care! Weird because, although I want-want-want all year long, I always have a hard time answering my husband's request for what I want for a gift!

The fact is I am extremely blessed. I have more than enough for me. More than enough for my whole family.

• I worry about overeating the vast amounts of food available to me rather than starving.

• I complain about sweeping these danged floors every day rather than appreciating having floors.

• I worry about wearing the same thing over and over again rather than not having anything to wear at all.

• I b*%$# & moan about being uncomfortable and fat-pregnant rather than being grateful for having a (GIANT) healthy kid growing in there.

What??

What's that you say?

Stop complaining and start celebrating?!

FINE! I WILL!!

WOO-HOO!! I'm gonna be THIRTY-ONE!

Older & Wiser soon,

Stacey

My kid is the one "posing". Nice.

WHAT NOT TO DO, or HOW TO MAKE A PREGNANT LADY ALMOST PASS OUT

Heat wave in Salinas.


Great time to spend all day baking, right?


WRONG.


Regardless, here is what I did yesterday.



1. BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

a. Bake it, scoop it, blend it.

b. Plop it, Stir it.

c. Cream it.

d. Season it.

e. Taste it. LOVE it!

2. TURKEY MEATBALLS

a. Gather it, measure it.

b. Mix it.

c. Scoop it, Brown it.

d. smell it. drool on it.

e. bake it. EAT it!

3. WHITE CHOCOLATE & CRANBERRY SCONES

a. measure it. mix it.

b. pat it. slice it.

c. butter it. sugar it.

d. bake it. DEVOUR it!

In need of exercise,

And a nap,

Love,
Stacey

my greatest fear

I almost don't want to write about it.


It makes me afraid that it might come true.


But it has been on my mind, and in order to get it out - I must get it out of my mind and mouth by discussing it with the masses. Or at least the very small mass of people that will read this blog.



Sunday I spoke with a woman who somehow mentioned to me that her dad died when she was 6 weeks old, her mom remarried a year or so later, and since she never really knew her dad - her step-dad is who she is referring to when she says "dad".


I almost broke down crying right then.


Here are my thoughts in order:


1. My dad. Jane will not remember him. Kid #2 will have zero experiences with him. It made me think of the other day when Jane told me over breakfast that she had "one papa, two grandmas, one doggie, and one Ashley" (her babysitter). I reminded her of Grandpa Jim, and she looked at me like I was nuts. I think she only knows him as this bearded character who flies helicopters in her helicopter movie.


2. This is really my greatest fear: me dying. Me, dead, and my kid(s) being raised with no memory of me. No knowledge of how much I loved them. No recollection of the sound of my voice.

(I am taking a little break to cry a little)


Really, this is silly. Silly to live in fear.


Really, this is selfish. Selfish to think that I am so important.


Really, this is prideful. Pride in my super good job I'm doing as a parent.



But I am truly fearful, I am truly important, and I am truly proud of the job I'm doing as a parent. Mostly though, I would be so sad for my kid(s) to not know me, my love, my desire to see them grow and improve and become excellently contributing citizens.



Aren't we all doing what we think is best? Don't we all want our kids to be raised with our own values and ideals? Do you think someone else would do that for your child(ren)?


All I can think of is Jane calling some other chick "mom" at her college graduation. Some woman who I don't know, and won't do things MY way, and couldn't love my Jane possibly as much as I do.


Why am I making myself cry like this?


Last night I mentioned this to Blaine, and he said "why would I care what happens, I'll be dead" ? Perfectly reasonable question. But reasonable is not what this feeling is. It is torture, and dread, and fearful.


So I cried myself silently to sleep - telling myself that I will just write it all down here to get it off my chest. However, now I feel heavier.

Deep breath.



Sorry for being so depressing. Just trying to help myself!


This is why I scrapbook. To tell the stories that no one can tell for/about me. So that's good.



Sadly,
Stacey

Barefoot, Pregnant, in the Kitchen

Hilariously, I just noted this state of affairs this morning.
So classic.
So classy.


Who knew my life would end up like this?


Let's dissect:


BAREFOOT:
not really surprising. Given my penchant for flip-flips, my history of teaching/coaching/managing around a swimming pool, and always being in trouble as a kid for not wearing my slippers in the house (my mom's steadfast rule), it is not surprising to find me barefoot. I suppose in my dreams my barefoot life would take place on the beach. Said dream life would contain cocktails, tanning oil, and naps. Speaking of cocktails... that's how one gets in the following situation...


PREGNANT:
again, perhaps not a surprise for some. "oh you're having a boy! what a perfect family: one of each!" Puke. I was REALLY not planning on being in this predicament. But then sweet Jane gives me a hug or says something really cute like, "Yeah, I do that" (in response to some type of "good job")... She's pretty confident... Then I remember how amazing creating and mothering a whole person can be.... :) I could use this open space of my blog to complain about the size, uncomfort, or timing of this pregnancy, but you - my dear reader - are likely to be as unsympathetic as my doctor and husband. Really, these last 30 weeks have gone pretty fast and full.


KITCHEN:
my old roommates Katie & Erin will attest to my affinity for baking. It's really the only thing I know how to do: follow directions! I love the consistency of baking. I have never mastered the whole curiosity of cooking meat (how do you know it is done?). Give me pasta, popcorn, and BAKING :) Although I could probably bake a ton of different things, I am pretty boring. In fact, I am thinking of three things I know how to make. I'll bet you could leave a comment and guess which three things those are. Or at the very least, the #1 item I bake.



Good luck guessing. And if you are a member of my family, attended my store's anniversary sale, or ever ate at an event I potlucked (is that a word?) ... there will be no guessing involved.



I have a prize for the first one to guess my top 3 baking dishes.
(so leave your address in comments, too).
iTunes gift card, people.



Feeling citrusy,
Stacey

Tuesday TOP TEN: Summer Came, Summer Went

Today's top ten brought to you by...

the Bi-Polar Weather!

1. We Cheathams are totally unaffected by bi-polar-ness, so I have totally accepted the summer/winter/summer/fall/summer/winter June-August weather as normal.

2. But on this day, the weather was just beautiful. Clear skies. Very slight breeze.

3. Let's run through the sprinklers!

4. So we invited Olivia over after an early nap.

5. Yes, it was warm enough in Salinas, CA to eat a popsicle! Amazing! (actually, those are classic Otter Pops if you must know).

6. Even I got into my bikini to catch the tempermental sun. (**note** absolutely NO more bikini photos nor bikini public appearances post 8/10/10 Dr appt when I had gained 8 pounds in 4 weeks - that's 2#/week, for those of you who can't do math! NOT a great ratio, btw.)

7. Olivia ran around. Burned up some good energy.

8. Jane ran around. Burned up some good energy.

9. The beautiful sun stayed out for the whole of the two hours we were outside. Two hours of summer. Who could ask for more?

10. Well, we could ask. But, who knows where that will get us. During a "summer" full of winter, this true summery afternoon was well taken advantage of.

Sigh,

Stacey

Tuesday TOP TEN: First Day of Preschool

Yes, yes, the first day of preschool was two weeks ago almost. Yes, I am finally posting some photos along with a TOP TEN!!

Basic info:

Date: Thursday, August 19, 2010

School: Lincoln School

Teacher: Miss Crystal (Rubbo)

Classroom: #12

1. Taking the pre-requisite pre-leaving the house pre-school portrait with backback. Where does this kid get her cheesiness? Blaine, probably.

2. Arriving at school kinda later than originally desired. School starts at 8:30. We got there about 8:25. Again, I blame Blaine.

3. Having Miss Crystal as her teacher just puts a whole layer of comfort over everything. Crystal's parents are awesome & totally involved in all things Soledad. Her Dad was my go-to man to help me fix/install/troubleshoot all kinds of things at the Soledad Pool. And they did water aerobics! Super awesome connection.

4. Attending class with Olivia & Austin. (note: Austin's super-fly simultaneous hand-holding of Olivia & kissing of Jane).

5. Finding her name on the table: I THOUGHT my kid was a genius, however she had a difficult time finding her name tag. I blame Blaine.

6. No crying. Blah, blah, Jane's well-adjusted, blah, blah. I wanted a little resistance - you know, just so I know she'll miss me. But? Nuthin'.

7. Going out to breakfast sans kids. Jamie Bellew and I enjoyed a hot meal at First Awakenings with no interruptions, time to actually have a conversation, and glorious half-caf coffee!

8. Being at work on time.

9. Blaine graciously bringing Jane by the store after picking her up so I could find out how her fist day was.

10. Hearing Jane tell me in response to the classic "what did you do in school today?" with an ultra-classic "nothing". Ha!

Love ya Miss Jane,

Mommy

P.S. Just joshin' about blaming Blaine! If I blame him for the bad, then I have to give him credit for the good: like Jane's curly hair, her sunny personality, or her intelligent ability to identify the entire alphabet. Those are CLEARLY traits from me.

Like Daughters, Like Mothers...

Hey, they wear bikinis, so do we.

So there.

Don't scroll down if you don't like seeing pregnant ladies in bikinis.

I'm trying to warn you.

We ARE pretty cute, but some people still don't care for it.

The tan helps.

Are you ready for some big 'ol bellies?

Don't say I didn't warn you!

Because I did!

Marie @ 38 Weeks * Stacey @ 24 weeks

This is the only photo where even ONE of them was looking.

Olivia (almost 3) & Jane (2.5 years)

Olivia, Jane & Nonna

Relaxing in the pool at the Jensen's Arroyo Seco pad

So, what do you think about those pregnant ladies?

(P.S. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all)

Thank you,

Stacey @ 24 weeks

Like mothers like daughters...

Reading the bible in their downtime:

jane & olivia

:)

I'm sure we will see this throughout their high school years on friday & saturday nights.

totally sure.

Tuesday TOP TEN!!!

TOP TEN of this moment...

I havent' done a TOP TEN for a while now, and although I don't really know what the heck to say, I figured I would benefit from a little optimism ahora.

So, here goes.

1. This morning I slept in until 8:00! Nice, right? How many people with a kid get to do that?? Or people in general, for that matter? Probably not many. I am pretty lucky.

2. I am not a cook. Like, AT ALL. However, I am a good baker. I can make killer lemon bars, scones, cake/cupcakes, aebelskivers, and cookies.

3. I have a car that runs well, fits all my crap, and ain't too shabby. I am pretty lucky.

4. I was off doing something a week or two ago when Jane came running up to me to tell me "Mom! C'mon, fouw me! C'mon Mom!" "c'mon". She proceed to lead me, holding hands and glancing over her shoulder to make sure I was following her the whole way, into the living room. She had set two placesettings for a fantastically fat-free (albeit imaginary) meal for the two of us. So stinkin' sweet!

5. Another cute jane story: check out how she was pushing around her baby stroller the other day: while riding on her Hover-Round: the surfer dude-speaking turtle rider.

6. MOPS. Mothers of Preschoolers. I desperately need an outlet like this (time to just hang out with other mamas sans our darling little darlings). I also really thrive in leadership positions (I am a control freak I suppose). I also just love these ladies:

7. I have a "new" house with lots of projects to keep me busy for the next year or twenty.

8. Let's just say it out loud: Jane is adorable. And she is my kid. Lucky me!

9. On thursday we will get a better look at baby #2, and *hopefully* find out if it is a boy baby or a girl baby, and a healthy baby most importantly.

10. I get to eat delicious food nearly every day of the week. Blaine is an excellent cook. If you don't believe me, come over on Thursday night at 6:30. Find out the answer to TOP TEN #9, and eat from a magnificent nacho/taco bar!

Seriously. Quite a charmed life, dont'cha think?

Signed,

Queen Stacey

Addison Louise: my first newborn photo shoot!

Yesterday afternoon Jane and I drove down to King City (on a b-e-a-u-tiful day) to meet Tiffany & Marc Silva's new little baby girl, Addison Louise.

She was one week & one day old, and COMPLETELY irresistable. She follows in her adorable sister Hannah's attractive footsteps, that's for sure.

Oh, don't believe me?

Take a look for yourself.

There are way more than these (like almost 200-yikes!), but these are my top 24!

Yesterday afternoon Jane and I drove down to King City (on a b-e-a-u-tiful day) to meet Tiffany & Marc Silva's new little baby girl, Addison Louise.

She was one week & one day old, and COMPLETELY irresistable. She follows in her adorable sister Hannah's attractive footsteps, that's for sure.

Oh, don't believe me?

Take a look for yourself.

There are way more than these (like almost 200-yikes!), but these are my top 24!