I am, indeed, still alive. The blog barely is.

Okay, okay….I know it’s been a million years since I’ve posted. I often think about doing it, but then one of several things happens; 1) I don’t feel clever or creative 2) My life doesn’t seem all that exciting to warrant a new post 3) I’m too lazy to spend what little free time I have on a post 3 people will read or 3) I’m too freaking busy to sit down and write even a few words. The excuses keep coming, I know. But here I am damn it.

Lots of little things are going on…we’ve got a vacation planned – hooray!- more on that another day. Hattie is being sweet and smart and funny all the time. I’m still falling more in love every day, if that’s possible. We’ve been doing lots of little activities lately….Worlds of Fun, the pumpkin patch, apple orchard, petting zoo, soccer games. I love being out in the fall…it’s such a crisp time of year. (I also feel like we need to get everything in before it gets too damn cold to do anything outside!) We have a Halloween party coming up this weekend at Mom and Dad’s. My princess will be in full regalia (we hope) and I will post some pics afterwards to get you all in the Halloweenie mood. By the way, I’m talking Hattie the princess, not Brian. Although that conjures up some interesting mental pics. Click! On a side note, my running has been going well lately…putting in what, for me, is a good amount of mileage. But what for most actual runners, would be pathetic. Whatever. I am signed up for my first 10k (6.2 miles) beginning of November. I’m looking forward to it! 10ks are hard to come by around here. Though there is nothing better than a cool autumn run. Except for a mental pic of Brian in a pink sparkly dress and tiara…

Louisburg

I know its been for-ever since I've posted...I'll get something up soon. In the meantime, here are a few pics from our trip to the Louisburg Cider Mill yesterday. Enjoy!

This one's for you Gina!

I have attempted a few haircuts on Hattie. One was a disaster and we had to go get it fixed at a local salon on a busy Saturday before a holiday (oops). The others have been sub-par trims. Now that HP is older and can sit still, I decided to go and invest in a pair of good scissors. I must say my first true attempt came out pretty good! It only took about 5 minutes and is much less crooked than a few we've gotten from the beauty school up the street (and I didn't feel the need to break out the ratting comb, hairspray OR flattening iron like the girls up there). The sunglasses really set it all off, don't they?

Zoo

I took off work yesterday so we could take a trip to the zoo. It was a perfect day…sunny and not too hot (well, at least for KC in July). Hattie enjoyed seeing all the animals, especially the ‘goats’ (kudu). In the morning before we left, I asked what animals she was excited to see…I listed a few to nods and yeses and her question to me was, “They’re not going to lick me, are they Mama?” I told her no, no animals would lick her at the zoo…it didn’t dawn on me until a little later that she’s used to dogs who always give her kisses.

We’re on day 3 of 5 on the potty chart. Each day that she stays dry we mark off a day. On day 5, Hattie is going to get a new bike! Her very first bike. I think I am just as excited as she is. We almost made it to day 4 yesterday, but the long day with a 10 minute nap resulted in a mishap late in the day. When she has an accident, she'll look at me and say, "Aw, I'm sorry Mama. I'm sorry." It breaks my heart a little bit, she wants to do good and she knows she's let down her cheering section. Overall though, she is doing great – just a couple of setbacks.
And you know there are few things cuter in this world than a tiny behind in Elmo underpants.

Better Late Than Never

My Dad has always been very much involved in my life. He’s been there for me in many ways, but mostly he has been a great teacher. He has knowledge of so many subjects and is a patient coach. When I was young he showed me how to develop pictures in our basement darkroom. He showed me how to swing a golf club (which I really wish I did more like him). He taught me to fish. He taught me how to play basketball and coached my team every year in grade school. He also helped my mom coach volleyball. He taught me to be competitive while still enjoying myself and to take wins as well as losses in stride. I always enjoyed learning things during the projects he had going around the house, whether it be painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical or yard work. His work ethic is something to behold. Even though he’s retired, the man does not sit down. He ALWAYS has a project going at home or for someone else (he spent hundreds of hours helping Brian and me get our house updated and remodeled). He plays golf several times a week. He helps my great uncle who does not get around well maintain his lake home. He babysits his 5 grandkids lots. He attends sporting events, recitals and school plays. He spends time with his brothers and sisters.
He has taught me that life was not meant to be spent sitting down. It is about doing, going, experiencing, helping, and enjoying every single second. I love you Dad, for all that you’ve done and all that you continue to do. Happy Father’s Day.

Potty Party

Yesterday we officially began potty training. We have watched movies, read books, bought a potty, talked about the potty, sat on the potty, but Hattie had never actually had any action on the potty. Yesterday she finally did. I whisked her into the bathroom right when she woke from her nap. Her potty chair plays a song when used, and as soon as she let go and heard the song and saw the look on my face she was so proud! It was really cute. We did a dance, called the grandparents, got lots of hugs, smiles, and yes, m&ms. I’m not above bribery, you know.
She went 3 more times successfully before bed. Woo hoo! Honestly, I’ve been kind of dreading starting all this. We live in a fully carpeted house for one. Secondly, I guess I just wasn’t looking forward to trying to keep track of her bladder’s schedule and telling her a million times a day where we have to go. I am expecting many set-backs, but feel our first day was a big success. My big girl.
On another happy note, I am taking all next week off of work. We’re not going away, so if you need me I will at home blissfully doing nothing. Ahh.

Small Things

Working 40 hours a week, chasing a toddler, cooking dinners, giving baths, doing the shopping, running errands and exercising as often as possible can quickly fill a week. There are some days even if I haven’t spent tons of time with Hattie, I still selfishly can’t wait until her bedtime to enjoy some “me” time. But it happens. Time can just slip away so quickly, and I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy what I’m doing. Raising a child takes open eyes, a warm heart, a playful attitude and loads of patience. You can’t let yourself do it half-heartedly. I must remind myself that there is nothing like Hattie’s soft voice when she wakes from her nap or is lying down to sleep. There is nothing like the way she laughs when tickled or when she tries to tickle back. There is nothing like the way she snuggles so closely when watching her tv show. Or how she holds her blanket to her nose when sleepy. Her questions although many can be so sweet and give so much insight into what is rolling through that brain. Yesterday while we watched the rain fall out the window, she asked if we could take her beach towel outside. When I asked the reason, she replied simply, “to dry everything off”.
Lately we’ve been having some bath time issues. She was very resistant and would cry and throw a fit the last week or so before and during her bath. Asking why gave no insights or clues. Brian and my first instinct was to tell her we could just hop in really quick and get out and play some more. That wasn’t working. So, the other day I mentioned going in and playing with some new toys and she said yes with no tears. We took a nice long bath and played in the water. Now when asked if she wants to take a bath, she says” yes, go slow”. Sometimes it really is about slowing down and enjoying the ride.

40!

Here's the announcement we put in the paper for Mom and Dad on Sunday.

Ken and Mary Mantel were married May 24th, 1969 at St. Peter's Cathedral in Kansas City, KS. Most of their 40 years together were spent in Prairie Village raising their kids Jeff and Amy. Both are retired and enjoy spending time with their five grandchildren: Nicholas, Julia, Lily, Luke (Jeff and Kris Mantel) and Hattie (Amy and Brian Brooks). They have also traveled the US extensively, and are hoping to complete their journey to all 50 states next year. Sending praise and admiration to our wonderful parents. Congratulations on your always inspirational 40 year marriage. We love you! JKNJLLABH

And here's a couple of funny Hattie comments from yesterday:
She noticed a plant on one of the pages in a book we were reading and said it looked like the one in our kitchen. Then she sighed and said, “I love the leaves on that plant.”
Then we were on our way to my parent’s house for a visit. I told her where we were going, but as soon as we got in the car, she asked what we were doing. I said, “Well I’m going to Grammy and Papa’s house. What are you doing?” She answered, “Just sitting here in my car seat.”

Now, where's my shoe?

Hattie has been asking a lot of questions lately. A LOT. And all of them begin with, “now”. For instance, if Brian leaves the room, “Now, where’s Dada going?” “Now, where’s my crayon?” “Now, where did Luna girl go? (neighbor dog)”. Darling, yes. Excessive, YES! I have to remind myself to be patient often – she has only been hearing language and using it for a year. It’s amazing what kids learn in such a short period of time. She has also learned the art of negotiation. She’s going to be a fierce broker someday. If you tell her one more, it’s “How about two?” No, Hattie, just one. “How about two little ones?” Seriously, she’s good. Of course the big innocent eyes, smile and held up fingers (usually 4 fingers when she says 2 or 2 fingers if she says 3!) help her case a lot.
I have been benched from running for the next 4 weeks with a stress fracture in my shin – completely sucks – and I had to drop out of the triathlon. I should heal fine and if I take it slow to start back (which I didn’t for the half-marathon training) I shouldn’t have any lingering issues (fingers crossed). So, I decided to join the gym since I can’t get out and run in the beautiful weather right now. I can do Pilates and swimming. Yesterday HP and I went to the gym and I took her to the childcare area for the first time. She ran off to the toys and didn’t look back. So much for me worrying about her ‘warming up’ to the idea and having to sneak out! She had a ball – I am super jazzed about that, as now I can workout without worrying about her! I guess I worry too much, but that’s my job.
Speaking of my job, Mother’s Day was wonderful. We took my Mom to brunch and then Brian cleaned house, did laundry, cooked dinner and gave Hattie a bath. I sat around and read the paper and my book. Wish I had many more of those leisurely days tucked into my busy schedule. We’ll have to work on that…..Now, when’s Mother’s Day coming again?

My new favorite number -- 2:08

Yesterday was d-day. I’ve been waiting a long time for it – here’s a recap of my day and the official Brooks’ Race Report.
Woke up at 5:30 for coffee, a bagel and banana. Gathered all my gear, showered, and taped up the shin I was worried was going to give me trouble. Left about 6:45 for Lawrence in the pouring rain. I brought a trash bag to wear just in case it didn’t let up before the start. Thankfully, about halfway there it stopped for good. Hooray! About that time, “Running with the Devil” comes on the radio – even though there is a nervous knot in my stomach the size of Texas- I feel this is a good sign. My race number is also “73”, my birth year. Things are good.
Arrived in Lawrence in enough time to hit the porta-potty and warm up at the starting line. Feeling excited, nervous and happy. At 7:30 we’re off. One of my most favorite sounds is of the collective breathing and shuffling of a few hundred runners. It really is something to experience – it always makes me a little giddy – all that energy, solitude yet camaraderie, and some friendly competition. I start off a little too far ahead in the pack, I realize, as I am getting passed by several people. Oops. (Note to self – start back further next time. It is much more fun to pass than be passed.) We hit the one mile mark and I look at my watch – 8:40. Oops again. I am going much faster than my anticipated pace (between 9:30-10:00). That happens to me a lot – I get excited and go out too fast. I try to relax and slow down a bit. I miss the 2 mile sign, but at mile 3 I check my watch again and see 24:24. Still way fast – even for a 5K time – and I still have 10 miles to go! But, the 3 mile mark is at the top of a 2 mile hill and I am barely out of breath. I actually feel wonderful and like I could go even faster. I decide to keep my current pace, and if I run out of gas early, so be it. There is a lot to be said for race day adrenaline! I was in such a zone that miles flew by until about mile 8. Big hill, huge, nasty headwind and a slight rumble in the tummy. Uh-oh. Thank goodness that passes by mile 9. I definitely am slowing down some, but feel really great overall. Make it through mile 9 and on 10 there is a big downhill. Both knees start to ‘talk’ to me, and unfortunately I know exactly what is going to transpire shortly. Remember last year when I had to drop out of the half because of IT band issues? Well, here it is again, only this time it is welcoming me in both knees mid-race. For those of you whom have never had the misfortune of a flare-up, picture someone sliding several short thumbtacks on the outside of your knee so that every time you bend it, the tendon rubs over the tacks. It is really painful. So, at mile marker 11, both knees start to go. I stop and walk a bit, grunt/hobble/run a bit and repeat. I knew I was losing my great time I had going, but I had to finish! The a*holes that designed the course made the finish line at the top of a huge 2 mile hill. Nice, huh? Anyway, my grunt & run routine takes me to the top and I cross the finish line at 2:08. 2:08! I am amazed. Tears well up in my eyes at my accomplishment. My knees take a backseat to my feeling of pure elation. I receive my medal, walk around and stretch a bit, take the bus back to my car, make a couple of happy phone calls (Brian and Hattie drove up and missed my finish – they arrived 15 minutes too late!) and head home. Been walking like an 80 year old woman since then, but it was soooooooo worth it. I did it!!!!

Bert & Ernie

So, I don’t want to be one of those moms that claim her kid is a genius and more advanced than every other kid their age. However, I do have to post this drawing that Hattie did of Bert & Ernie - - I am pretty amazed at how good it is for a kid less than 2 and a half years old! I love how all her people wear hats. Brian and I have drawn her thousands of “Oswalds” upon request, and he wears a hat, so now everyone does.
I am also including a recent pic (unfortunately not of her in her cute Easter dress, since both sets of camera batteries were dead that day, damn it) and another one of her ability to pull off accessories, even in jammies.:-)

Easter Fun

Happy belated Easter! We had a great weekend – busy, but fun. Brian played on Friday to a packed house at Kennedy’s while I enjoyed an empty/sleeping house with a big bowl of popcorn. Saturday we ran loads of errands and then I spent the evening (and early morning!) with my closest girlfriends as an early birthday treat for me and Ferk. It was such a blast, and as most all my friends mentioned – a much needed night away! For Easter we went to my M&D’s for brunch (mmmmmm!) and then hit Brian’s family for dinner. It was a long day (especially after the margaritas from Saturday), but definitely a good one. Hattie crashed in about 2 seconds after putting her to bed, and I did about the same. (On a side note - Hattie told me "Happy Easter Bunny, Mama" when I laid her down last night. So sweet.) I had to put the thought of my impending race out of my head so that I could sleep. Six days and counting. My running has been iffy lately - - I took the last 2 weeks off and the week before that I cut way back on miles due to some shin problems. I ran a couple of 3 milers over the weekend and I think I am all healed up, but I am really worried that I am sorely under-trained for this race on Sunday. I just really, really, really hope I can finish alright. I am certainly a bit nervous about it, but am really excited for it at the same time. Please keep your fingers crossed that I do it! This is what’s getting me through: “Finishing is better than not finishing, and not finishing is loads better than not trying.” So true….Lawrence, here I come!

Dog-paddling is legal, right?

I had my first swimming lesson last night. I give it mixed reviews. There are four of us in the class – one fabulous triathlon swimmer, one young man joining the Navy, one teenager who will teach swim classes at a girls’ camp this summer, and me. All of us got one lane in the lap pool. ONE lane. That surprised me, but whatever. We all did nothing but freestyle last night, which is good since that is what I need the most help on. My breathing SUCKS. Or should I say doesn’t suck enough? And I seemed to get worse as the night progressed. But, I hope to get it worked out. There’s nothing that says I can’t side stroke the whole race. The triathlete dude swam about double what the rest of us did (My 20 year-old instructor kept saying…why is he here? I can’t show him anything!). She suggested getting in the pool to practice at least one more day a week, so if any of you have an Olympic-size lap pool in your basement let me know. My bike is in the shop getting a tune-up, so hopefully I will be ready for this race by June 6th! If my swimming doesn’t improve maybe that triathlon dude can tow me through Shawnee Mission Lake…

By the way – 19 more days until the half-marathon! Eek!

Do you know how to slide?

It’s been a beautiful week here. We’ve been to the park everyday. I believe Hattie and I are magnets for weird kids. I don’t know what it is, but always the ‘different’ kid finds us and makes friends. Many we’ve met at the library, and a couple at the park. On Tuesday we met Harry. Here’s an excerpt of how that convo went…
“Do you know my name?”
“Mmmm, no I sure don’t.”
“It’s Harry”
“Hi Harry. I’m Amy and this is Hattie”
“Do you know how to do the slide?”
“Well, I’d like to think I…”
“You just put your feet like this and slide down, see? It’s easy. Watch me. Watch me again.”
“Yep Harry, you sure can slide.”
“Look, I can climb up here. Do you know how to climb?”
“Yes Harry, I’ve done some climbing in my day.”
“Look, you put your feet like this, and be brave and push up here. See? I can do it again, watch. Watch. Are you watching?”
“Yep.”
“Do you know how to do this ladder-thing? You just push like this and (blah blah blah)..”
Obviously, I wasn’t watching close enough (I was trying to play with my own kid here), so I hear a, “Hey, hey, HEY! HEY! Are you watching!?!?”
Um, obviously your dad isn’t. Maybe you should tear him from his romance novel (yes, I typed that right) and get him over here to play.
And no, I didn’t actually say that out loud.
Kids are funny.

Hattie’s been in her ‘big girl bed’ for several days now. She’s very enthusiastic about it. Each night she points us to her room (“this room”), gets in bed and tells us, “don’t get up”. We agree, yes, that’s right, don’t get up. Stay in your bed or we’ll have to get the baby gate. Every night she nods and tells she will stay in bed. And each night it takes all of thirty seconds before she’s downstairs with a super-huge grin on her face. We usually repeat this scenario 2-3 times before we put the baby gate at her door. She’ll get the hang of it eventually. I do LOVE the bedding I picked out for her. LOVE it. We repainted the room, took an armoire out and I am making some curtains and a headboard. The room is a pale turquoise/aqua color with red accents. Not too girly-girly and not too baby-ish. I love it. Did I mention that? Will post some pictures when I get the projects done.
Some new things in HP world….
• She says “That’s much better” whenever you help her with something.
• We’ve just about got the ABC song down. There may be a mumble here or there, but she’s really close. She is also learning what sounds all the letters make. We have maybe 10 down thus far.
• Saying, “So cute!” (sounds like: So toot!) about any baby, baby doll or little item.
• She usually runs to us and gives hugs whenever Brian and I get home (always my highlight).
• We’ve been playing lots of soccer – Hattie has a good kick and dribbles really well!
• She has a wind-up boat in the bathtub that usually gets redirected with a “this way, please”. She sounds like a little tour guide, saying it over and over again. So toot.

Here comes me!

I’ve been told by my reader (a.k.a. Mom) that I need to pick up the pace on my entries. It has been awhile. As I’ve said before, I guess I don’t have as thrilling a life as I initially thought when beginning this blogging experiment.
Things are going well. I spent a month in physical therapy trying to get my knee back in shape. I had to stop running during the therapy, which was long, since I had pretty much slowed to a stop around Christmas anyway. But, I graduated (hooray!) and am back at it, though much slower than before. It’s amazing how quickly you lose your endurance & speed! I have committed to run the Lawrence Half Marathon in April. It should be quite a tough race for me, since my training will only encompass about 10 weeks and the race route is h-i-l-l-y. I have to run from downtown up to the campanile, out to Alvamar, and then back up campus to finish. There are 3 separate steep uphill stretches that are a mile and a half to two miles long. Eek! Needless to say, my time probably won’t be great, but I am looking forward to it nonetheless. I am anxious to get a half under my belt, and then I am going to focus on completing a triathlon in June. Wish me luck!
Hattie is doing great as well. Our quirky girl is still cracking us up all the time. She is growing up so fast. Brian and I are asked several hundred times a day, “What’s this?” or “What’s these?”. I’d say 99% of the time she knows exactly what ‘this’ is, but must really enjoy the question. The other day she was looking out the window and asked me what something was. I couldn’t tell what she was looking at, so I asked as much. She pointed at the tree and said, “What’s this tree?” Hm. How to answer that one? I told Mom it’s a lot like an ongoing Abbott and Costello act at home. Brian says it’s like the beginning of Nightmare Before Christmas (it’s a song Jack sings, for those of you who haven’t seen it). We’re still very much into Max & Ruby (also known as Max, Booby), wearing accessories (she can sport 10 necklaces, 10 bracelets, a cape, hat and purse all day long) and playing with her ‘friends’. She has several stuffed animals and babies who get fed, pushed in the stroller, kissed, and snuggled with all the time. She also likes climbing on Mom and Dad. When she comes near, she says…”Here comes me!” I know there are a million other funny quotes, but can’t pull any from the muck of my brain today. Hopefully this will suffice, Mom!

Caffeinated & Still Drowsy

This has been a really weird week for me. Monday I started a ‘diet’ with Brian (more on that later). I was not allowed to have any dairy, yeast, sugar or caffeine. By far the hardest thing was skipping my morning coffee. I substituted decaf with rice milk and Stevia for the leaded, half & half with sugar I usually have. Not tasty, but I thought it would be doable for the 10 days the diet lasts. I was wrong. By Tuesday at noon, I was miserable with a headache and felt like I was going to fall asleep at any second. I broke down and gulped a Diet Coke in about 2 seconds flat. Aaah. It did help some, but today I am thinking that it may be a flu I am getting that was causing the drowsy feeling and headaches. So, I didn’t even make it 2 days! So much for moral support. “You can do it, Brian! Now give me my coffee with sugar. STAT. Oh, and a chocolate bar”
The diet is under Brian’s new voodoo doctor’s instructions. He is seeing him several times for a month and then (God willing) his terrible allergies and anxiety attacks will be no more. I went to the first visit with him and Dr. Salas determined he was allergic to wheat and several ‘airbornes’ (pollen, grass, dust, cat dander). He also has a Candida (yeast) issue – thus the no yeast diet for 10 days while he gets treated. It’s all really holistic and different, but our hopes are high he can help Brian out. His success rate is very good. Will keep you posted.
Other new items…
Next Saturday I am doing a Polar Bear Plunge for the Special Olympics. It is supposed to be in the teens at night next week--should make for a VERY brisk dip in the lake. Eeek! The day should be fun though - there are a few of us jumping together. I'll be sure to post pics...

I finally got off my duff and saw a doctor about my knee. My self-diagnosis was right – it’s my IT band. I have physical therapy appointments for the next few weeks and after that I hope to have this behind me and try for another half marathon this year. In the meantime, I am looking at doing my first triathlon (or two) this summer. My swimming technique needs some tweaking, so I am enrolling in a swim class in February. The biking portion is what makes me a little nervous. Since adulthood, I’ve never felt very confident on a bike. Almost getting hit by a KU bus in front of my dorm freshman year didn’t help. Quite embarrassing and painful! So, I’ll be out there on my big ol’ heavy mountain bike trying to keep up with the real racers. Should be pretty interesting!

HP is doing great – talking up a storm. Some of my new favorite quotes are:
When asked if she wants to do something her answer is “Oh! taaay”
When I go in to get her up from naps she usually calls me “Mama, blue eyes”
If anyone drops anything, she says “Oops, sorry” even if she was not the one to drop it or no one else is around
Her new favorite show is "Max & Ruby" - called "Max & Booby"(which always generates a giggle from me)
She likes to peek from behind things and say, "See you!"
And my fave: “Dada, Mama, Ha-pearl…..Team Brooks!” (The ‘Team Brooks’ portion is typically accompanied by a fist in the air)

Camera download

So, no really good ones of the new haircut yet(the apron pic is the only one sort of showing it), but here are a few I just downloaded off my camera...