Monday after Kaitlynn's doctor appointment, she wanted to go to MawMaw's house. Since she is not contagious and was up for the visit, I took her over there. After dinner, we went to Target. Kaitlynn found some great stuff in the $1 section. It's one of our favorite stores.
Tuesday, Kaitlynn helped make chili. We finally got our Christmas tree and decorations down.
Wednesday, Kaitlynn and daddy attended Motor Masters at the ECC. After class, she kept talking about a crocodile because they sang "Row, Row, Row Your Boat". She loves the part "and if you see a crocodile, don't forget to scream." Later that afternoon, she helped me vacuum. She loves cleaning. Very domesticated girl! She doesn't take that after me!
Kaitlynn is still feeling pretty bad. She is still coughing and wheezing a lot. She isn't running fever. The steam from the bathroom doesn't seem to help, nor does the cold air. We are giving her steroids, tylenol and using the humidifier. I hope she starts feeling better soon.
FYI - she went to class because she was up to it. Even though she is really sick, she is still very active (accept when she is having a coughing attack).
Washington state-bred Brandi Carlile was inspired to pick up the guitar and learned to play after seeing the Indigo Girls in concert at Lilith Fair. Her last album, The Story, debuted on Billboard's Top 200, peaking at #2 on iTunes and was named one of VH1's "You Oughta Know" artists in addition to having many of her songs featured on various episodes of "Grey's Anatomy".
She's toured with Ray Lamontagne, Dave Mathews Band and Sheryl Crow, who raved about her live performances, "She has the most amazing voice I may have ever heard. Soulful. Country. Perfect in every way and propelled by taste."
Paste Magazine calls her the "best voice in indie rock" and her childhood idol, Elton John, duets with her on her new album, Give Up The Ghost, which was released by Columbia Records on October 6th.The recording of this album gave her the opportunity to work with her idol, Elton John. They sang duet on Caroline. “Brandi has an amazing voice,” he says. “She’s a great songwriter and has a tremendous career ahead of her.”
Give Up The Ghost, Brandi's third album, was recorded at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, birthplace of legendary recordings by The Doors and Led Zeppelin. The first single, Dreams, was written with her longtime bandmates, twin brothers Tim and Phil Hanseroth. Click here for a sneak peek of her first single Dreams.
Album's tracklisting:
1. Looking Out
2. Dying Day
3. Pride And Joy
4. Dreams
5. That Year
6. Caroline
7. Before It Breaks
8. I Will
9. If There Was No You
10. Touching The Ground
11. Oh Dear
She reminds me a little of Melissa Etheridge. If you like Indie Rock, such as KT Tunstall and the Indigo Girls, you will enjoy listening to Brandi Carlile. My favorite songs from the album are That Year, If There Was No You and Touching The Ground.
ON TOUR NOW
“Give Up The Ghost Traveling Show” kicked off September 10th in Salt Lake City, UT. Brandi donates $1 from every ticket sale to The Looking Out Foundation, a helping hand foundation she created to help the many causes she's passionate about. Go to BrandiCarlile.com to buy your tickets now!
Sep 28 Ann Arbor, MI Michigan Theater
Sep 29 Toronto, Canada The Mod Club
Oct 01 Northampton, MA Calvin Theatre
Oct 02 Boston, MA House of Blues
Oct 03 New York, NY Beacon Theater
Oct 06 Philadelphia, PA Keswick Theatre
Oct 07 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Oct 08 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
Oct 10 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
Oct 11 Birmingham, AL Workplay Soundstage
Oct 12 Fayetteville, AR George’s Majestic Lounge
Oct 14 Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom
Oct 15 Santa Fe, NM The Lensic Performing Arts Center
Oct 16 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre
Oct 17 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
Oct 20 San Francisco, CA Fillmore
Oct 22 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Oct 24 Seattle, WA The Paramount
To learn more about Brandi, check out these sites:
Five for Fighting's newest release, Slice, was available in stores on October 12. This album is a snapshot or blog of John Ondrasik's life experiences. It is Five for Fighting's fifth album. You may remember him by the Grammy-nominated song Superman — from the Five for Fighting album America Town (2000).
If you're a fan of them, you will like this album, with a tracklist of the following:
1. Slice: "more than a slice of american pie." This song sounds like it should be in a Chevy commercial. 2. Note to the Unknown Soldier: John sings "I never knew you, but I'm told you were the best that we had," "I never knew you but I know your the best man I know," "It's a better world because you came", and "my kids'll know your name." What a great tribute to our military / service men and women. 3. Tuesday: The events of 9/11 are at the core of this, on which John sings: “The thing about memories/They’re sure and bound to fade/Except for the stolen souls/Left upon her blade”. He explains: “That song isn’t ‘Superman Part 2,’ there’s none of that in there. It’s much more of a plea for us to not forget the lessons we learned that day.” 4. Chances: is the first song released from the album. Check below for a video of John performing this song.
5. This Dance
6. Above the Timberline
7. Transfer
8. Hope
9. Story of Your Life: was written for his wife of 12 years
10. Love Can't Change the Weather
11. Augie Nieto
Check out John Ondrasik's TV Appearances:
CBS Saturday Morning 10/10
The View 10/14
The Today Show 10/16
John will be hitting the road in October with An Acoustic Evening with Five for Fighting. To find out about how to get tickets in a location near you, go to his site.
Thursday October 1st Kaitlynn, Olivia and I went to MawMaw's to run a few errands. Then after dinner, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I attended Family Night at the ECC. Jim Gill is a children's musician and author who played at the Family Night. The evening was so fun. He got everyone up and dancing.
I was sent Harry Connick, Jr.'s newest released album Your Songs to review. It is available in stores now. Harry sings the classics by some of the greatest musicians of all time.
Album Tracklisting (Originally performed by): All The Way (Frank Sinatra) Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel) Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley) And I Love Her (The Beatles) (They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters) Besame Mucho The Way You Look Tonight First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack) Your Song (Elton John) Some Enchanted Evening And I Love You So (Don McLean) Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett) Smile (Charlie Chaplin) Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)
Enough said with this great tracklisting, right? His version of these songs are great. I think "the original" versions are almost always better, but Harry Connick, Jr. did a great job with his own flare on these songs with a full jazz big band and string orchestra. My favorite on this album has to be "Just The Way You Are."
You might have seen Harry kicking off the release of Your Songs on Oprah! His TV appearances are listed below. Tune in to hear him talk about Your Songs and perform songs from the album. 9/25 – Oprah “Live Friday” 9/28 – Today Show 9/29 – The View 9/30 – Imus in the Morning 9/30 – Letterman 10/1 – Today Show Week of 10/5 – Rachael Ray
Get a Behind the Scenes look at the 'Making of' the album by clicking here. Check out Harry’s website here. Find him on Facebook by clicking here.
On Friday Kaitlynn, Olivia and I met Emily and Ella at Botanical Garden. It was Henry Shaw's birthday so they were offering free admission to the Garden, including the Children's Garden. We had a nice time, but it was just so flipping hot. Emily looks so cute with her baby bump!
That evening Kaitlynn and I met daddy at the Zoo for Jungle Boogie. We rode the train as soon as daddy arrived. We didn't want to miss it like last week. After the train ride, Kaitlynn rode the carousel a few times. She likes riding the puffin now. We ate dinner by the sea lions and listened to The Mighty Big Band play. They are a Blues / Jam band. They were pretty good. We went to Historic Hill, where Kaitlynn was following these birds around. We think they were young peacocks, but not sure. We had a fun family night at the Zoo.
Saturday, July 18th, we went to the Botanical Garden. They were having a Healthy You, Healthy Planet Festival. At the Kid's Corner, Kaitlynn made some chex mix / trail mix, decorated a sock puppet and started on a bead bracelet. We went through the Climatron and then to the Children's Garden. Before entering the Children's Garden, there was another kid's station set up with crafts. Kaitlynn made a caterpillar and a sail boat. We went to the Children's Garden where Kaitlynn ran around and played until she saw Finn the frog. She does not like costumed characters at all. They totally freak her out. Here is a video of Kaitlynn and daddy playing the xylophone.
She was very excited to feed the koi fish. Here's a video of Kaitlynn and daddy feeding them.
After the Garden, we picked up MawMaw and went to the Mills Mall. Kaitlynn is in the kid's club and they were having a Safe Summer Event. There was a firetruck outside the mall that the kids could climb in. Kaitlynn said she was scared of it. She met a few firemen, got a fire chief hat, stickers, and a sucker. She also got an ice cream bowl and spoon and a rubber duckie. The kids's activity was making a bug jar. Kaitlynn was too interested in eating her sucker, so MawMaw put the stickers on the bug jar. It was a super cute idea. Kaitlynn is interested in lightning bugs now, but is afraid to hold them. So now she can examine them without holding them. After eating lunch and walking around the mall, we went into Cabella's. We love going into that store because of the awesome displays. Kaitlynn loved the Albino Catfish. She kept saying "come here, baby."
This is my blog review of Diane Birch's new album Bible Belt.
Diane's CD came out on Tuesday June 2nd.
Here is Diane's biography: For singer-songwriter Diane Birch, music was a refuge. Although Diane was born in Michigan, her childhood was spent on the move as the daughter of a preacher, living between Zimbabwe, South Africa and Australia, before her parents finally settled in Portland, Oregon. When she was in her early teens, Diane absorbed a unique and cosmopolitan perspective on life that shines through her music and makes a simple categorization of it impossible.
The result? Diane Birch sounds like an old favorite, with all the sparkle and magic of a breakthrough talent. People says she sounds like a combination of early Carole King, Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks, with a little Joss Stone and Cat Power mixed in. Bible Belt is only her first record, but it’s one of the most accomplished albums you’ll hear all year. From the opening track “Fire Escape” to the closing “Magic View,” Diane’s stunning voice is mesmerizing. Written entirely by Diane, Bible Belt was recorded in New York City and New Orleans with an impressive team of Grammy-winning producers: S-Curve Records founder Steve Greenberg, soul legend Betty Wright and Mike Mangini, in their first project together since producing Joss Stone’s first albums.
Now for my review of the CD. I found this CD to be very soulful. I found myself listening to it in the evenings when I had some alone time. It is a great CD to relax and have a glass of wine too. Very smooth and mesmerizing.
I really liked the track "Rewind". I think we can all relate to this song, whether it be that you wish you could push rewind or that it's "too late to push rewind" on a relationship or situation in your life. I think we all have things we wish we could do over or push "Rewind".
I definitely recommend checking this CD out. You won't be disappointed.
Friday morning while we were getting ready, Kaitlynn was singing a song she made up. She was singing "I'll see you when I see ya" over and over. It was really cute and funny. She loves to sing, mostly things she makes up. What a creative little girl!
We met with 2 SAHM from the ECC. I met them at the SAHM+D group I went to back in February at the ECC. We have been emailing since then and finally were able to meet up. Katie just became a SAHM about a month ago. She has an adoptive son named Luke (who will be 2 in July). Amy has 2 girls. Jane turned 2 in January and Abby was born in January. We met at the ECC in the Common Area.
Jane and Kaitlynn had an almost instant connection. They sang / played ring around the rosie, held hands, and kept hugging each other. They were total girls. I have never seen Kaitlynn act like such a girl before. It was so awesome, but also kind of sad. My little baby girl is growing up and turning into a big girl.
Even though Kaitlynn and Jane had fun and played (sometimes they would include Luke - but not often), Kaitlynn was in a mood. She was taking toys and throwing temper tantrums. She was mainly doing this with Luke and a few other kids there. I think she wasn't feeling well. She has a stopped up nose, yet it is really runny. I gave her Tylenol when we left the ECC, because I thought it might help her feel better.
We got home and ate lunch. Well, I ate lunch, Kaitlynn wouldn't eat. She did take a good nap. We waited for Whitney to come over. Whitney was kind of fussy, because she was tired. Once I was able to get her to sleep, she was better. I only watched her for 4 hours before Matt picked her up.
Dave, Kaitlynn and I ate dinner. I gave Kaitlynn a bath and Dave put her to bed.
Thursday morning Kaitlynn and I attended Music Makers class at the Early Childhood Center. There were so many people there. The kids had free play, circle time to sing songs, and made instruments (shaker, tambourine, drum, bean bag, and wind bracelet). They also made ladybug puppets. After making the crafts, they had circle time again to use their instruments to songs and then free play before it was time to leave. Kaitlynn's P.A.T. Educator, Amy was there also. Even though crowded, this class was well worth it. Kaitlynn loves music.
After class, we went to my mom's for a playdate with Elliott. We took them to McDonald's for lunch and to play in the play area. Kaitlynn was climbing up in the play area with the big kids. I have learned to kind of let go and let her play. Even though I am so nervous that she will get hurt. I want her to explore and not be afraid to do things. I just keep my nervousness to myself. Of course, it comes out at times. Like when I hear a kid being mean or a little one crying, I rush to make sure it's not Kaitlynn being picked on or crying. Yes, I know I can't always come to the rescue. But you know what, she is only 2. I kept trying to get her to play in the Toddler Area, but she wanted to play with the big kids. She followed Elliott around like a little puppy dog. That was the only time I could get her to play in the toddler area - if Elliott went over there. She loves to boss him around too. He could be my future son-in-law! Just joking!!
We took Elliott home. My mom, Kaitlynn and I went to Babies R Us where my mom bought her a pair of sandals. We went to Target and Kmart. Then picked Elliott up because my mom had to watch him that evening. Kaitlynn got to see Auggie. I don't know who she has a bigger "crush" on - Elliott or Auggie. Auggie came down to the car to say hi to Kaitlynn and she started acting all shy and wouldn't talk to him. Then as soon as he left, she started calling for him. He came back to the car and she just smiled. Typical girl and she's only 2!! I think I am going to have my hands full. She already knows had to work the boys!
My mom took us to dinner at Casa. Kaitlynn loved hanging out with Elliott and he was really good with her. After dinner, we went back to my mom's, where Kaitlynn and Elliott played together.
Monday Kaitlynn and I just had a relaxing morning at home. After lunch, we went to the library to pick up some books, DVDs and a CD. We got a couple of St. Patrick's Day books: St. Patrick's Day and It's St. Patrick's Day. We also checked out some potty books: Once Upon a Potty: Girl and Everyone Poops. We got a few Dr. Seuss books: I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today and ABC (book and sound recording). We borrowed a few Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss videos, Elmo Loves You, Abby in Wonderland, and Puppy Plays DVDs. We checked out 150 Toddler Tunes CD. Kaitlynn likes going to the library. She fell asleep in the car after we left the library and were driving to my mom's. My mom took us out to dinner and then we went shopping.
We had a playdate planned for the Mommy and Toddler Playgroup on Wednesday but since no one had responded that they were coming by late Tuesday evening, Kaitlynn and I just stayed home. I was so tired and we needed a morning / day at home with nothing to do. We curled up on the couch after breakfast and read some Dr. Seuss books. Then I put on the video we borrowed from the library. Kaitlynn ate snacks and listened to the video while I rested on the couch until lunch time. I played a kids jazz Cd (from the library) during lunch. Kaitlynn liked it so much, she didn't eat lunch and I spilled my lunch all over the kitchen. Kaitlynn took a nap and I relaxed and played on the internet. When she woke up, we got ready to go to my mom's. We went to dinner with my mom and then went grocery shopping. Kaitlynn didn't want to come home from my mom's. I wish I could have left her there. That sounds horrible doesn't it? I just need a break.
This morning Kaitlynn and I went to Seuss on the Loose at Grand Glaize Library. There were a lot of kids there - babies, toddlers and bigger kids. The librarian started with an elephant song (from a CD) that they sang along to and danced to. Then she read " Green Eggs and Ham". After the story they sang and hopped to another song (from a CD). She read "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish". During this book, Kaitlynn was eating snacks and playing with a little girl. After that book, they sang, danced, jumped around to another song (from a CD). Then they made a tree from pipe cleaners. Kaitlynn danced with the librarian before we left story time.
After story time, we looked at books, CDs and DVDs. Kaitlynn found a book that she really liked. She went over and reclined on one of the bean bag chairs in the children's area and read "Eco babies wear green." She wouldn't put this board book down. We got a few other board books: "Awake to nap", "When I'm big" and "Manners are important." We also checked out some Easter books: "Easter bunny's on his way" and "Queen of Easter." We checked out a DVD called "Is your mama a llama?" and a few CDs ("Alphabet Songs", "Go baby go" and "A to Z: the animals and me". I checked out "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" for myself. Kaitlynn really likes the library, but thinks she is supposed to get on the computers every time we go.
We left the library and went to Kangaroo Kids. On Tuesdays, they now have a Pop-in Toddler Playgroup. I met Bhu and Sarina there from the Mommy and Toddler playgroup. Kathy and John Paul were also there. Kangaroo Kids just moved to a different building right down the street from where they used to be located. It is much cleaner and I like the new store. It's just going to take some getting used to. Kaitlynn and Sarina played for a while then we went through the Taco Bell drive thru and picked up lunch. We went over to Bhu and Sarina's to eat lunch and let the girls play for a bit. Kaitlynn and I weren't able to stay long because of Hasnain coming over.
Maryam and I pulled up at the same time. Hasnain cried for 45 minutes after Maryam left. She said he already had a nap, but he was still tired, so I finally got him to go to sleep. Kaitlynn and him napped together. They slept for 2 hours!
While they napped, I had some much needed me time - computer time. Also talked to my friend Jill. She called to see if I could watch her little guy next week. Her babysitter needs a few days off for personal reasons, so I told her I could do it.
Hasnain was still kind of fussy after his nap, but eventually calmed down. When Maryam came to pick him up, we talked for awhile. She told me that her MIL, mom and brother were going to be coming in town and staying with them for awhile (at different times). She had also told me that she wouldn't be returning to school next semester. I asked her when I would stop watching Hasnain. She told me March 19th. So now I am going to need to find another child to watch. Hopefully I can find a toddler for the same days and times, but I'll work with what I can find.
Kaitlynn and I went to my mom's. We visited awhile before I had to leave to meet Dave for an appointment. Kaitlynn stayed with my mom.
I just wanted to brag about Kaitlynn. She just turned 2 and can already count to 10 (with minimal assistance), knows her alphabet up to P (with minimal assistance), knows most colors (with minimal assistance) and knows some shapes (with minimal assistance). She actually started doing these things before she was 2. I just can't believe how smart she is. Of course, when I try to show off her geniusness, she doesn't play into it. She will ignore me or tease me. Dave likes to say that she "dances for no one". Kids are good at that though. They learn something and you are so excited to show others what they've learned and they refuse to play into it. She will count and do these things for my mom and sometimes Dave, so at least they know I am not making it up. She really can do these things. Her new favorite song is the Alphabet Song. She used to love Wheels on the Bus. She continues to love playing with her babies. Her new favorite baby doll is the one my mom bought her the night she got her staple. She says the dolls name is Amy. Although she has renamed her on a few occasions to Nain (Hasnain) and Niece (Denise - my sister). She has also started liking to put puzzles together (just within the last few months). She loves to dance and jump. Before she jumped by lifting one foot of f the ground then the other. Now she jumps by lifting both feet off the ground. She also sings songs. She has sung along to songs for awhile now, but she actually makes songs up now or remembers words from songs sung in class. Her vocabulary has always been strong, but she is saying everything. I don't know if there is a word that she won't or can't say (she may not pronounce it correctly, but she will try). She is such a joy (most days). She is already into the "why" stage. I thought that didn't start until 3, but she has already started asking the questions. She is feisty and completely wears me out. She can play games with the best of them! She is one smart cookie. That's my girl.
A Modern Mother tagged me for this Meme / memo awhile ago and I just didn't know what to write about. So for my meme to myself I am going to reflect on this song It Wont Be Like This For Long by Darius Rucker. I heard it on the radio Wednesday afternoon. It made me cry just thinking about Kaitlynn and how things may seem tough at the moment. A stage she is in my be terrible, but it won't last forever. Someday I will look back and laugh at the stage or yearn to be back at that stage. She is just growing so fast.
Lyrics to It Won't Be Like This For Long :
He didnt have to wake up
He'd been up all nite
Lay'n there in bed listen'n
To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says
It gonna be OK
It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll look back laugh'n
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby just hold on
It wont be like this for long
Four years later bout four thirty
She's crawling in there bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now dont you worry
This will only last a week or two
It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll drop her off
And she wont even know your gone
This phase is gonna fly by
If you can just hold on
It wont be like this for long
One day soon she'll be a teenager
And at times you'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the isle
And he'll raise her vale
But right now she up and cry'n
And the truth is that he dont mind
As he kisses her good night
And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her
Till her eyes are finally closed
And just watch'n her it breaks his heart
Cause he already knows
It wont be like this for long
One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah this phase is gonna fly by
He's try'n to hold on
It wont be like this for long
It wont be like this for long
So basically this is a memo to myself to remember to enjoy Kaitlynn. Live in the moment with her. Don't take her or any of this for granted.
I am not tagging anyone on this meme. I am just asking that you remember to enjoy your children. Don't take them for granted.
I am a SAHM to a beautiful daughter and married to my best friend. I love my family more than anything. They are the most important people in my life and I will do anything for them. I hope you enjoy reading some bits and pieces about our life. Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by. Blog stalkers don't be afraid to leave a comment, I know you are there!
Tuesday, Kaitlynn helped make chili. We finally got our Christmas tree and decorations down.
