Violet is only 2 and I already have to tell her some hard truths of life. Violet wishes she can fly. She flaps her arms wildly and exclaims with great sadness that "it's not working" when her feet remain firmly planted on the ground.
She is growing up fast and there are little things that suddenly grab our attention and force us to see how much she has grown. Yesterday, Violet randomly walked up to me, shook my hand and told me "nice to meet you." This morning she saw a spider and was more scared than we've ever seen her. She is always singing, sometimes making new words for old song and sometimes singing a song we don't expect, like "One More" by Jimmy Cliff.
Now that Violet has got counting to 13 perfected, and naming animals and colors are old hat, she has moved onto her shapes and ABCs. She will point out triangles wherever we go, makes diamond shapes with her hands and calls her Dad's face an octagon. Violet can also point out more than half the alphabet and loves the letter 'B'.
What will we teach these kids next? Soon she'll get her first Legos so we can begin our architectural engineering curriculum.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
All about Lydia
Lydia has been busy growing up and hitting milestones and it's happening so fast.
She is rolling now, like a rolling stone, back to front and front to back. She uses it mostly to keep her eye on her big sister, who she absolutely adores. Lydia can also sit up for a short period and inch her way across the floor with an army crawl.
Lydia loves solid foods. This is something she started very recently. She started with sweet potatoes and moved to bananas then green beans. She's got a loooong way to go before she is served her first surf & turf meal, but she's on her way.
This Wednesday she will be 6 months old. Time goes by THAT fast. Soon afterward she will have her 6 month wellness visit and we will see just how big she's grown. It's honestly almost time to upgrade her car seat to match Violet's big girl car seat.
It all goes by so fast. <4
She is rolling now, like a rolling stone, back to front and front to back. She uses it mostly to keep her eye on her big sister, who she absolutely adores. Lydia can also sit up for a short period and inch her way across the floor with an army crawl.
Lydia loves solid foods. This is something she started very recently. She started with sweet potatoes and moved to bananas then green beans. She's got a loooong way to go before she is served her first surf & turf meal, but she's on her way.
This Wednesday she will be 6 months old. Time goes by THAT fast. Soon afterward she will have her 6 month wellness visit and we will see just how big she's grown. It's honestly almost time to upgrade her car seat to match Violet's big girl car seat.
It all goes by so fast. <4
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Totally Turkey
Well the Hurst family had an awesome Thanksgiving. Everyone is happy, stuffed and napping... except me. But then I get a moment to post an update to this blog. We started in the morning with this "Macy's Christmas" parade thing. This was a first for both Violet and myself. She was excited to see Spider-Man, pirate Mickey and Chica, while I was visibly excited to see the ninja turtles. We spent the afternoon cooking and playing outside. Then we all sat around the table for a delicious feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, hot sausage and apple stuffing, and green beans with apple dumplings for dessert.
These days Violet loves dancing and singing. She'll belt out 'wheels on the bus', 'old McDonald', or her ABCs without a moment's notice. She has also been counting a lot and is getting very good at it. She can go 1-10 easily without missing a beat. And sometimes when she's feel crazy she'll count up to 13! Her favorite letter is B and that's no surprise since her favorite number is 8. She sees no discernible difference and uses them interchangeably.
Lydia is growing up fast and becoming more aware of the world around her. At her 3 month appointment she was 23.5" and 14 lb 12 oz! She is noticing many things around her and grasping at toys. She is now sitting in the Step 'n Play Piano and her feet reach the floor. She will spin in her chair while Violet shows her what each instrument can do. Tummy time is going great. Lydia is so strong, strong enough to sit up from a reclined position on her own and almost strong enough to roll over (she's trying real hard).
Violet and Lydia are such happy sisters. Lydia's face lights up every time Violet comes prancing around. Violet can be very helpful and caring, tucking in Lydia's blanket, helping with diaper changes, and sometimes even sharing a toy.
Now that Santa's made his way down the streets of Manhattan and into Macy's, and the turkey feast has been gobbled, it's time for Christmas decorations. This year Violet may warm up to the jolly old man. The reindeer already hold a special spot in her heart.
<4
These days Violet loves dancing and singing. She'll belt out 'wheels on the bus', 'old McDonald', or her ABCs without a moment's notice. She has also been counting a lot and is getting very good at it. She can go 1-10 easily without missing a beat. And sometimes when she's feel crazy she'll count up to 13! Her favorite letter is B and that's no surprise since her favorite number is 8. She sees no discernible difference and uses them interchangeably.
Lydia is growing up fast and becoming more aware of the world around her. At her 3 month appointment she was 23.5" and 14 lb 12 oz! She is noticing many things around her and grasping at toys. She is now sitting in the Step 'n Play Piano and her feet reach the floor. She will spin in her chair while Violet shows her what each instrument can do. Tummy time is going great. Lydia is so strong, strong enough to sit up from a reclined position on her own and almost strong enough to roll over (she's trying real hard).
Violet and Lydia are such happy sisters. Lydia's face lights up every time Violet comes prancing around. Violet can be very helpful and caring, tucking in Lydia's blanket, helping with diaper changes, and sometimes even sharing a toy.
Now that Santa's made his way down the streets of Manhattan and into Macy's, and the turkey feast has been gobbled, it's time for Christmas decorations. This year Violet may warm up to the jolly old man. The reindeer already hold a special spot in her heart.
<4
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Violet's second birthday was so much fun, as we mentioned in our last post. We were able to spend the day with close friends and family, while watching our sweet little girl have a blast. Unfortunately, my grandmother was not able to make it to the party. The day after, we visited and brought her a slice of birthday cake. We sat, talked, laughed, sang. Violet danced around, entertaining her as always. Gram held Lydia for the first time and I took a few pictures to capture the moment. It breaks my heart to say this, but it was the last photo that would be taken of my sweet grandmother. And the last time we would see her. She passed peacefully on October 5th. My mother said that my gram wanted to call Violet on her birthday to sing to her, but it wasn't possible that day. I have been crying off and on since, but I am happy that our last memory was a cheerful one. She was truly an amazing woman and if I could be half the mother, friend, sister, daughter - person - she was, I will be content. I miss her so, so much. I am so glad that she was able to have two years with Violet and meet Lydia and hold her. She lived a long, successful and happy life. I have never seen that woman cry and I never heard her complain or speak ill of anyone.She was always so sweet and funny. One of the last things she told me was that I have a beautiful family and that I am a wonderful mother. Coming from her, it meant everything. <3
I don't want this to be a sad, depressing post, so here are some pictures from Violet's birthday, too.
I don't want this to be a sad, depressing post, so here are some pictures from Violet's birthday, too.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Catching up!
We've been a busy bunch, but a very happy one. I'll try to squeeze in an update in between snuggles, giggles, smiles and diapers. Always diapers! :P
Miss Lydia is doing quite well. She's a sleepy, hungry, sweet girl. Miss Violet is as spry as ever, keeping us on our toes, as usual. She was a tad jealous of the baby at first and would fake injuries and fake cry. And who could blame her? Poor cutie. She has certainly been moving past this. Thankfully, she is affectionate and sweet with her little sis since day one. A helper and an entertainer, she happily assists with changings, feedings, playtime - you name it. She likes to "tee-koo" Lydia and make silly noises and faces at her. She points out and names her body parts and sings to her.
At Lydia's six week appointment, she weighed in at a whopping 12lbs. and 12oz.! She is 22.25in. long. She fared well despite her two vaccinations. (One was given orally, so no pain there at least!) Violet's stats are as follows: 30lbs. and 7oz. and 34.5in. tall. She had three shots and was not a happy camper. Thankfully, she calmed down quickly.
Violet's second birthday party was the following day and we had an awesome time. Some friends and family came to our small gathering to celebrate our sweet girl. Violet had a blast and so did we.
We are going to try to update the blog header to include Lydia soon. We have more pics, videos and updates to come, but are preoccupied. (Read: snuggling up on these cute little girlies!)
Miss Lydia is doing quite well. She's a sleepy, hungry, sweet girl. Miss Violet is as spry as ever, keeping us on our toes, as usual. She was a tad jealous of the baby at first and would fake injuries and fake cry. And who could blame her? Poor cutie. She has certainly been moving past this. Thankfully, she is affectionate and sweet with her little sis since day one. A helper and an entertainer, she happily assists with changings, feedings, playtime - you name it. She likes to "tee-koo" Lydia and make silly noises and faces at her. She points out and names her body parts and sings to her.
At Lydia's six week appointment, she weighed in at a whopping 12lbs. and 12oz.! She is 22.25in. long. She fared well despite her two vaccinations. (One was given orally, so no pain there at least!) Violet's stats are as follows: 30lbs. and 7oz. and 34.5in. tall. She had three shots and was not a happy camper. Thankfully, she calmed down quickly.
Violet's second birthday party was the following day and we had an awesome time. Some friends and family came to our small gathering to celebrate our sweet girl. Violet had a blast and so did we.
We are going to try to update the blog header to include Lydia soon. We have more pics, videos and updates to come, but are preoccupied. (Read: snuggling up on these cute little girlies!)
Monday, August 27, 2012
Lydia's Two Week Checkup
Lydia had her two week checkup today. I can't believe she's already two weeks old. Strangely, I also cannot believe she's only two weeks old.
The checkup went fantastic. We first got her measurements, 9lb 3oz and 21.75" tall. In just 10 days she has gained one whole pound and grown over an inch! This is awesome news and we are so proud and happy. But this was not Lydia's only accomplishment of the day. Shortly after, when the doctor momentarily left the room, her cord fell off! I'm glad it happened at the office because there was a bit of blood.
The doctor said it looks perfectly normal and it we can finally give her her first big girl bath. Milestones!
Violet is such a great big sister. When she first met Lydia, she was distracted bc the hospital was a new place for her, she was super exhausted and she was also distracted by her new toy(s) - a new baby doll and stroller from her new little sis. The next evening when we were all home, she ignored Lydia and mom at first but warmed up soon enough!
She has her moments. She has been faking injuries and asking for ice packs for the affected areas. "Ow! Toe! "Ow! Nose!" but once she dabs them with a cool pack, everything is better!
Sometimes when Lydia cries, Violet puts her hands over her ears and yells. (Think Pee Wee yelling, "I'm TRYING to use the PHONE!") We can't help but laugh bc it's hilarious, which then makes Violet laugh so it's all good.
Mostly, she is affectionate and sweet with Lydia. She likes to rub her cheek on hers and coo. She points out her body parts and calls her Baby and Lee Dee Ahh. She tries to scare her with her 'roaring' and make her laugh with her 'teekle-ing.' It melts our hearts and even though we don't want to wish away these priceless early days and first moments, we also can't wait to watch our girls grow up together.
The checkup went fantastic. We first got her measurements, 9lb 3oz and 21.75" tall. In just 10 days she has gained one whole pound and grown over an inch! This is awesome news and we are so proud and happy. But this was not Lydia's only accomplishment of the day. Shortly after, when the doctor momentarily left the room, her cord fell off! I'm glad it happened at the office because there was a bit of blood.
The doctor said it looks perfectly normal and it we can finally give her her first big girl bath. Milestones!
Violet: What is she doing to my little sister?
...
Ew!
Violet is such a great big sister. When she first met Lydia, she was distracted bc the hospital was a new place for her, she was super exhausted and she was also distracted by her new toy(s) - a new baby doll and stroller from her new little sis. The next evening when we were all home, she ignored Lydia and mom at first but warmed up soon enough!
She has her moments. She has been faking injuries and asking for ice packs for the affected areas. "Ow! Toe! "Ow! Nose!" but once she dabs them with a cool pack, everything is better!
Sometimes when Lydia cries, Violet puts her hands over her ears and yells. (Think Pee Wee yelling, "I'm TRYING to use the PHONE!") We can't help but laugh bc it's hilarious, which then makes Violet laugh so it's all good.
Mostly, she is affectionate and sweet with Lydia. She likes to rub her cheek on hers and coo. She points out her body parts and calls her Baby and Lee Dee Ahh. She tries to scare her with her 'roaring' and make her laugh with her 'teekle-ing.' It melts our hearts and even though we don't want to wish away these priceless early days and first moments, we also can't wait to watch our girls grow up together.
Patiently waiting her "turn"
Cloned!
Little girls can be are superheroes, too!
And here's a little something I put together when Lydia was 5 days old...
<3
Monday, August 13, 2012
Hurst++ (Carry the Zero)
This is the story of my daughter Lydia's arrival. She was overdue, but she made an amazingly beautiful grand entrance once she decided it was time.
August 13, a fine Monday morning
@ 1:40a, wake up // Lea's water breaks
This is the moment we've been waiting for, a perfect day to finally meet Lydia. Past her due date, the last week felt like a year. It was starting to feel like she would never arrive. Then, a gush of water in the middle of the night and we're off to the hospital.
@ 2:18a, Violet leaves for Grandpa's house // Mom and Dad leave for the hospital
After a flurry of gathering and packing we were all ready to leave; Violet to Gigi and Grandpa's house; Mom and Dad to the hospital. Lea is starting to count contractions now. At one point on the drive I think of the moment I first found out Lydia was on her way.
I was driving back to work from lunch when Lea sends a picture to my phone. I glanced at the thumbnail and read "I'm going to be a big sister." My next thoughts were, "that's good news, one of her friends is pregnant... wait... ... was that Violet in the picture?"
@ 2:41a, express train directly to labor and delivery
We arrive at the hospital. Lea has counted 8 contractions on the trip, about 2.5 minutes apart. The staff wastes no time in triage. Lea's nurse Suzie escorts us to suite 516. The sensors to measure contractions and the baby's heart rate are setup.
@ 3:20a, IV started
Lea gets her IV started, providing the hydration needed for the epidural. Lea's cracks some jokes about being deathly afraid of needles despite her tattoos. She's currently between 3 - 4 cm. We sit back as the contractions ebb and flow.
@4:00a, Socks!
A pair of warm socks (the only thing Lea forgot to pack) is the first delivery of the day and they are awesome, warm and yellow.
@ 4:30a, Dr. Green arrives
Dr. Green arrives to crack some jokes and help Lea relax. He does a cervical check and finds that Lea has made it to 5 cm. He explains that Lea's bag of water did break and the fluid is discolored from the baby's meconium. There is an elevated concern to check her lungs after birth, but other than that we'd do nothing else different. Last, Dr. Green removes a piece of the forebag in a quick procedure very similar to breaking her water. He does so without injuring his fingers (a joke he had during Violet's birth).
@ 5:05a, Epidural
Dr. Mike Kline arrives to insert Lea's epidural. He was on-call for Violet's birth, where he went 0-2 on inserting the catheter. Still, we were happy to see him as he is one of the doctors who would let me stay in the room for the procedure. Lea is nervous and anxious, but she stays steady as a rock. Unfortunately the epidural doesn't work. 0-3.
Across the hall we can hear the excitement of a baby just born. It is something for Lea to focus on to endure the discomfort of the epidural, a reminder of the final joyous payoff. The baby's cries remind me of Violet's birth and add even more anticipation to hear Lydia's own.
@ 5:15a, Epidural #2
Equally strong and perhaps steadier than a rock, Lea is ready for the final attempt. This time it works beautifully. Now Lea can relax and enjoy the relative comfort that medicine can provide while the contractions do the work.
@ 5:55a, Dr Green checkup
Dr. Green comes in to do a checkup. Lea is still at 5 cm, so a dose of pitocin is added to her IV. An internal heart monitor is also placed on the baby for a clearer reading.
@ 6:47a, Dr Green checkup
Dr. Green comes back to check on mom... or so I'm told... I was sawing logs / snoring up a storm at the time. Lea didn't want to wake me. She was happily playing "With Friends" games and playing with Instagram on her trusty iPhone.
@ 7:00a, Suzie's shift is over :(
@ 7:25a, Dr Green checkup
I decided to get a coffee from the shop downstairs. I had to wait around for 5 minutes for the place to open. While waiting I get a text from Lea. "9 cm" Nine centimeters! Do I start my Ferris Bueller run back to the fifth floor now?
@ 7:35a, meet new nurse Caroline :D
@ 7:57a, Time to push
The time has come to start pushing. Lea is ready. She has worked hard these last 41 weeks for this exact moment. She begins pushing and she is strong. She means business. Twenty-seven minutes later (such a short time) I can see Lydia's head. Things are progressing so much faster this birth.
@ 8:30a, Lydia is born
Built to Spill's Carry the Zero is playing in the background. The driving guitars blend perfectly with newborn screams. Lydia is beautiful, Lea's face is filled with joy, and some might claim to see a tear in my eye. There are no complications, so I am allowed to cut the cord. I pull my eyes away from Lydia long enough to do so then dive right back into newborn baby bliss.
After the birth, Lea is so excited. Her joy fills the room. Lydia is on her way to meet Mom and I am capturing the moment. Mom's first words to Lydia,
"Hi sweetie" // "You smell so nice" // "Look at those nails".
Soon after, Lydia is nursing for the first time. Lea knows exactly what to do and teaches Lydia to nurse so quickly. They have a long and beautiful bonding moment, a perfect way to start out life.
<4
August 13, a fine Monday morning
@ 1:40a, wake up // Lea's water breaks
This is the moment we've been waiting for, a perfect day to finally meet Lydia. Past her due date, the last week felt like a year. It was starting to feel like she would never arrive. Then, a gush of water in the middle of the night and we're off to the hospital.
@ 2:18a, Violet leaves for Grandpa's house // Mom and Dad leave for the hospital
After a flurry of gathering and packing we were all ready to leave; Violet to Gigi and Grandpa's house; Mom and Dad to the hospital. Lea is starting to count contractions now. At one point on the drive I think of the moment I first found out Lydia was on her way.
I was driving back to work from lunch when Lea sends a picture to my phone. I glanced at the thumbnail and read "I'm going to be a big sister." My next thoughts were, "that's good news, one of her friends is pregnant... wait... ... was that Violet in the picture?"
@ 2:41a, express train directly to labor and delivery
We arrive at the hospital. Lea has counted 8 contractions on the trip, about 2.5 minutes apart. The staff wastes no time in triage. Lea's nurse Suzie escorts us to suite 516. The sensors to measure contractions and the baby's heart rate are setup.
@ 3:20a, IV started
Lea gets her IV started, providing the hydration needed for the epidural. Lea's cracks some jokes about being deathly afraid of needles despite her tattoos. She's currently between 3 - 4 cm. We sit back as the contractions ebb and flow.
@4:00a, Socks!
A pair of warm socks (the only thing Lea forgot to pack) is the first delivery of the day and they are awesome, warm and yellow.
@ 4:30a, Dr. Green arrives
Dr. Green arrives to crack some jokes and help Lea relax. He does a cervical check and finds that Lea has made it to 5 cm. He explains that Lea's bag of water did break and the fluid is discolored from the baby's meconium. There is an elevated concern to check her lungs after birth, but other than that we'd do nothing else different. Last, Dr. Green removes a piece of the forebag in a quick procedure very similar to breaking her water. He does so without injuring his fingers (a joke he had during Violet's birth).
@ 5:05a, Epidural
Dr. Mike Kline arrives to insert Lea's epidural. He was on-call for Violet's birth, where he went 0-2 on inserting the catheter. Still, we were happy to see him as he is one of the doctors who would let me stay in the room for the procedure. Lea is nervous and anxious, but she stays steady as a rock. Unfortunately the epidural doesn't work. 0-3.
Across the hall we can hear the excitement of a baby just born. It is something for Lea to focus on to endure the discomfort of the epidural, a reminder of the final joyous payoff. The baby's cries remind me of Violet's birth and add even more anticipation to hear Lydia's own.
@ 5:15a, Epidural #2
Equally strong and perhaps steadier than a rock, Lea is ready for the final attempt. This time it works beautifully. Now Lea can relax and enjoy the relative comfort that medicine can provide while the contractions do the work.
@ 5:55a, Dr Green checkup
Dr. Green comes in to do a checkup. Lea is still at 5 cm, so a dose of pitocin is added to her IV. An internal heart monitor is also placed on the baby for a clearer reading.
@ 6:47a, Dr Green checkup
Dr. Green comes back to check on mom... or so I'm told... I was sawing logs / snoring up a storm at the time. Lea didn't want to wake me. She was happily playing "With Friends" games and playing with Instagram on her trusty iPhone.
@ 7:00a, Suzie's shift is over :(
@ 7:25a, Dr Green checkup
I decided to get a coffee from the shop downstairs. I had to wait around for 5 minutes for the place to open. While waiting I get a text from Lea. "9 cm" Nine centimeters! Do I start my Ferris Bueller run back to the fifth floor now?
@ 7:35a, meet new nurse Caroline :D
@ 7:57a, Time to push
The time has come to start pushing. Lea is ready. She has worked hard these last 41 weeks for this exact moment. She begins pushing and she is strong. She means business. Twenty-seven minutes later (such a short time) I can see Lydia's head. Things are progressing so much faster this birth.
@ 8:30a, Lydia is born
Built to Spill's Carry the Zero is playing in the background. The driving guitars blend perfectly with newborn screams. Lydia is beautiful, Lea's face is filled with joy, and some might claim to see a tear in my eye. There are no complications, so I am allowed to cut the cord. I pull my eyes away from Lydia long enough to do so then dive right back into newborn baby bliss.
After the birth, Lea is so excited. Her joy fills the room. Lydia is on her way to meet Mom and I am capturing the moment. Mom's first words to Lydia,
"Hi sweetie" // "You smell so nice" // "Look at those nails".
Soon after, Lydia is nursing for the first time. Lea knows exactly what to do and teaches Lydia to nurse so quickly. They have a long and beautiful bonding moment, a perfect way to start out life.
<4
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