On another note...

I spent the day at the Arizona State Archives attending an Archives 101 workshop.  It was full of good information and networking with other AZ librarians.  I just love the entrance to their fantastic facility.

It is getting cool in the mornings... cutest kid in a sweater ever!

Heart

Warning: I'm a bit of Debbie Downer today.

 

I have kept my heart to myself for many years now.  I have found it easier to keep it protected than to put it out there with the chance that it could be hurt.  It has been through a lot in my life, especially the past number of years with my family.  Every once in a while I yearn for butterflies, first kisses, undivided attention and the excitement that goes along with new relationships.  Today is one of those days.  I am blaming it on the new Mumford and Sons cd, which is wonderful but slow folk songs about relationships will do this to a perpetually single girl.

 

Usually I turn to All the Real Girls staring a young Paul Schneider (I secretly love him) and Zooey Deschanel from 2002.  It is about a quirky couple which makes me fall in love with him every time. 

 

I need to read The Red Tree by Shaun Tan again.  It is a "graphic novel" with beautiful art work to tell the story of a girl in a dark and grey world until one day a beautiful red tree springs to life and fills her life.  It is a great book to remind me that things to get better even when you feel like you are drowning.

 

The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers

"After safeguarding her heart in a bottle hung around her neck, a girl finds the bottle growing heavier and her interest in things around her becoming smaller."

This one is about a girl who puts her heart in a bottle to protect it but then forgets how to use it because she hasn't.  Someday I will put my heart to use again.  I do use it now to love Reese more than I thought I could love but it is different.

Hiatus

Okay I know what happened last time I said something to this effect. I am going to work hard for this not to turn into months of no updates. But yesterday I picked up the new J.K. Rowling book called The Casual Vacancy. I only have three weeks to get through 503 pages. Wish me luck! If last night was any indication of how this is going to go, I will be reading a lot of this book through my eye lids..

Sleep

 

We are trying to catch up on sleep here at our house this week. 

Reese is doing a better job than I am.

WM3

I first learned about the West Memphis Three during a criminal justice class at IU about a decade ago.  We had to watch the documentary Paradise Lost and discuss the case.  Like many who have looked at the case, it was hard for me not to support the men who had been locked away for a crime they did not commit.  I followed everything to do with the case over the years with the second documentary, sending cards and books to Damien at times.  Last year while I was in Indiana taking care of the girls, Damien, Jason and Jessie were released from prison.  It was a relief to hear and then watch other the past year as the men have adjusted to life outside bars. 

Tonight Damien had his second stop on his book tour for Life After Death at Changing Hands.  Amy was amazing and came along for mom's night out.  We got there close to when it was beginning so we were not able to get a seat.  Amy stood there and listened eight and a half months pregnant without even being able to see.  Because I called months ago to order a book for the signing, we were in group A which meant that we were about fifth in line to meet Damien and get my book signed.

Here I am not believing that we are almost about to meet Damien Echols!

 



Yay!  I'm so happy to support Damien and the West Memphis Three!  Thank you to Amy for attending with me and leaning about the case because I care about it.  I know that a decade ago I would have never imagined that I would be able to shake Damien's hand and tonight I did!

Thank you, Teen Mom 2.

I can't believe I am going to say this but thank you, Teen Mom 2, for putting a little baby tooth situation into perspective.  I have been drawn to watching this show on Netflix instant view and didn't really think about why at first but then I realized that it made me feel better about the job I was doing as a parent and all of the opportunities and support that Reese and I have.  It is easy to get swallowed up by the stress and pressure that I put on myself.  It is funny that watching something as mindless as a reality show could help.  I am able to see teen moms who are struggling to be good parents (or not even trying) in the face of many obstacles.

The timing couldn't have been better.  I had been watching this show during the spring and had watched all that Netflix had to offer.  But then on Friday I received an email that the second season of Teen Mom 2 was now available on Netflix.  It is an easy thing to put on post-bedtime or during weekend naps while I am accomplishing other tasks.  Last night, I watched an episode where one set of parents had to have a second MRI done on her daughter to look at her optic nerve and brain and the baby had to be sedated.  Of course, I teared up watching this and realized that I could have it a lot harder.

A while back I had noticed that Reese as not biting with her front teeth but on the side.  Then over the past week, I noticed that her left front tooth as moving in her gums.  Flossing wasn't the same and that tooth looked different.  I chalked that up to the fact that her mouth is getting bigger but kept an eye on it while we brushed teeth twice a day.  On Friday, Reese let me touch it and it wiggled then I started to sweat.  Reese is only three and a half, she should not have wiggly teeth.  I looked online and talked to some family who all said to wait until Monday when the dentist is open and get it looked at.  So I proceeded to worry and sweat all weekend about it.  But is does not bother Reese in the slightest.  She still eats the same amount (other than taking bites of hard things on the side), she talks the same, her gums look normal, she doesn't complain about pain and she plays just the same.  I called first thing this morning - my awesome pediatric dentist opens at 6:30am and got her in to have an x-ray.  Turns out the root has gone away from this tooth, either from a small cavity she had filled that got into the pulp of the tooth or she bumped it 6 months or more ago.  Phew, it was not something I did or missed, hopefully there is no need for DCS to need to investigate.  For mothers of non-foster kids, please feel lucky that this is not the first thing that runs through your head because it was one of the first things I thought about and how it would affect our pending adoption.  The dentist said that as long as it isn't bothering her and her gums maintain their healthy status, it will probably fall out in the next 6 months.  This will not affect her permanent teeth at all and right now it is a good place holder for that permanent tooth.  I could see it on the x-ray and it looks huge but perfect!  So, I will just keep an eye on it and when it comes out, it comes out.  She is going to look adorable missing a front tooth and I better get working on a little tooth fairy pillow I thought I had years to make.

In closing, thank you Phoenix Pediatric Dental for getting me in and having a great dentist who talked with me, answered my questions and relieved my worries.  And thank you, Teen Mom 2, for putting things into perspective.

Under the Sea

Today was a good day for the three year olds.  Amy and I took Reese and Charlotte to the Sea Life Aquarium at the Arizona Mills.  We had a coupon that got the girls in free with our adult ticket.  We beat the crowds by getting there first thing in the morning. 

 

Amy is so close to having Cupcake (her third daughter), it was nice to have a day with our three year olds. 

 

This puffer fish loved Reese.  He kept swimming back and forth in front of her.  It was so cute!

There were cool aquariums that had bubbled glass in them so the girls could look up into the tank.  Here Reese was looking at the fish that swim together to make shapes in Finding Nemo.  The Room was one tank made in a circle so that the fish could swim around and around together.

We touched starfish and saw sting rays and a sea turtle and sharks!

Yikes!

Jellyfish

Then we ate lunch in the food court at the mall and road the carousel!

Lastly, we went to the movie theater to see Finding Nemo in 3D.  Reese didn't wear her glasses much but it was fun to see on the big screen!

Amy's Birthday

Amy's birthday was on Friday.  Reese picked out this card for her because the cake had sprinkles and she even signed her own name.  Okay she asked me to write the S but other than that it was all her.

 

We had a little Hawaiian birthday party for her after dance class on Saturday with umbrellas in our drinks and a great fruit salad.  We invited the Wazny girls down later that evening for a movie night at our house, and by movie night I mean the girls playing in Reese's room and Amy and I talking until the end of the movie. 

I made Amy some slippers for her birthday!

Books and me

Sometimes I need to remember that I am still who I am even though I am now also Reese's mom.  So I posted about my title change and sometimes how I am feeling overwhelmed but I want to include other things that I am doing and that makes me me.

On Monday, they were cleaning the carpets at the Library so I couldn't go into work.  Awww, shucks!  I rescheduled a dentist appointment and inspection/home visit for that day.  I had a couple hours in the afternoon so I took advantage of the quiet time and went thrifting, something I have not done once since I took custody of Reese.  It was wonderful and I found some great treasures.  I came home with a food tray with a map of the States, three dresses (two vintage, one target brand), the two books above, a "Big Dipper" mug just like the one I gave to my dad from the Secret Santa store at school one year, a clip board for Reese to draw in the car (or outside as she has been doing), a milk bottle to hold my crochet hooks and an awesome nesting doll complete with seven dolls.  And I spent $30, that's it!  The Girls Treasury book was printed in 1949 and The Coming of the Mormons is a Landmark book from 1954, for 50 cents each.  I couldn't pass them up!

In my quiet time, I have been reading many cozy mysteries because they are quick and easy to ready with developed, sometimes quirky, characters.  Nothing shocking (other than a murder or two) happens and they make me happy.  Right now I am reading Buttercream Bump Off from the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay, a local author.  I like that the books are set in Scottsdale so I can recognize the landmarks that are referenced.  I know they are not very high literature for a librarian so judge me if you like, but they help me turn my worrying brain off.

I also started listening to Quiet.  If you know me, you know I enjoy listening to audiobooks which has been hard since I have Reese now.  Sometimes I have a task at work that allows me to listen and I also try to after I put Reese to bed and am cleaning up the house and making lunches for the next day.  So far, I am really enjoying Quiet, probably because it makes me feel better about being an introvert and is discussing some of the strengths I have because of my nature.  I also realize how much this is inevitably a part of who I am, no matter how much I put on my armor and pretend to be an extrovert, and that it isn't something to be ashamed of or try to cover up.  I recommend it if you liked Malcolm Gladwell's books.

Public Market

Last night Reese and I headed downtown to the public market to pick up some locally grown fruit and veggies.  We parked by this mural so Reese said "You need a picture of me in front of that." I took some others but this one is my favorite!

We bought sweet potatoes, zucchini, red and yellow peppers, pears, a honeydew melon (per Reese's request), celery and an onion.  We both had some low blood sugar when we were heading home so we had some tears but I cant wait to eat all the fresh local food!

We received a package from Grandpa today with Reese's "Barbie Princess Charm School Slippers" inside, along with other dress-up shoes that had been left at his house.  I would never tell Reese this but there was a reason I did not pack those dress-up shoes: we have wood floors and that hard plastic is deafening as she walks around.  Plus I'm afraid she is going to break an ankle.  But she was adorable with the slippers.  she had to wear them all night and even place them next to her bed so she could wear them in the morning, which she did.  Putting them on was the first thing she did today.  They are soft and quiet on our floors, and don't tell Reese but they are doing a great job of sweeping the floors too!

So cute

Reese made this visor at school this week and then had to wear it every day.  It was just so cute I couldn't stand it!

 

This Friday we headed to Desert Ridge after school to meet a woman from Craigslist who had Reese's potential costume for Halloween.  We will see if she is still in love with it when Halloween rolls around.  I am not going to ruin it for everyone by posting the pictures of it here.  But I will let you know that if she chooses to be something else for Halloween, I will post the pictures of her because she is adorable!

 

Saturday was a lot of Wazny time, which I needed.  We headed to dance class together in the morning then had lunch together at McDonalds afterwards.  Post-nap we headed down to their backyard where we had a picnic!  The evenings are finally getting cooler so we are able to be outside without sweating to death.

Today was doing all of the household chores that were put off all week: laundry, picking up, dishes, sweeping, moping, etc.  At one point, I was digging around in Reese's closet aka a small craft store and found some beads.  Reese loved stringing up a necklace and bracelet while I cleaned in the kitchen and we listened to Prairie Home Companion.  It is these quiet moments with Reese that I love most.

After video-chatting with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Kent, we headed outside for pedaling on Reese's tricycle.  Please note that Reese put her dress on all by herself, over her head, which is a first.  I didn't have the heart to tell her it is on backwards. 

 

We are over a week of no pull-ups and no accidents.  She gets up in the night when she has to go to the bathroom and comes to get me.  This is a lesson that I need to be reminded of: sometimes I just need to let things be and not push them, Reese will grow when she is ready to.  I had an idea of when I thought we could accomplish this but without me even saying a word, Reese was ready. 

Student of the Week

Here are the entries that Reese made (with my help) for Timmy the Turtle's Journal

This is a picture of Timmy the Turtle and that little purple person with the wild blond hair, that is a self portrait of Reese :)

Reese's poster about her.  Sorry the picture orientation.  I have it rotated but I cant get it to upload the right way, weird technology.

 

Tomorrow is the last day of Reese being student of the week.  We are taking in chocolate chip cookies and Reese picked Princess Penelope as her favorite book that she would like to bring in to class.

 

This is the first time Reese has brought home a letters worksheet that she actually worked on writing her letters.  In the past, she had been just coloring in these pages but this time she really worked on writing the letter M.  She told me in the car yesterday that you write them "Up and down, up and down."  I was very proud.

And look at the corner of the page!!!!!!!  Ok it is missing an E but she wrote her name at the top of her worksheet!!! 

First Time

This photo is of the first time we laid eyes on each other.  

My heard exploded.

It is official...

...I am the Librarian at Phoenix Art Museum.  I know, I know, you are wondering what I have been doing for the past two years.  I was the Assistant Librarian, assisting no one, but I started before I completed my MLS degree so I understood why.  Finally, I have received a promotion aka title change and can feel a little more comfortable in my role here.

Here is the email sent out from my boss, which was very nice:

As we move into a new season, I am pleased to announce that Lindsey Powers has been promoted from Assistant Librarian to Librarian of the Lemon Art Research Library. Lindsey has earned this new title through significant work to reorganize and streamline processes, find and integrate new resources, and accommodate new audiences through extended Wednesday evening hours. She has participated deeply in the Education Department’s work with K-12 community, generating pathfinders to in-demand information and participating in programs to introduce students and teachers to this valuable resource. She has also developed strong relationships in her professional community.  Please join me in congratulating Lindsey!

And here is the awesome some-ecard I received from a coworker:

Another day...

It is rainy, humid and actually cool in Arizona the past couple of days!  I hope the weather stays cooler because I am a nicer person when it is.  Reese and I played kick in the driveway and front yard for an hour after dinner last night.  Thank god for the bug repellent that my mom ordered for us from Avon because the mosquitoes are horrible.  We both have a couple of bug bites but nothing like we would have if we didn't have the spray.  It was so nice to have the time outside with Reese!  I am looking forward to our Arizona fall!  I bought a bag of apples over the weekend in hopes of cooking with with: apple sauce, apple crisp, ginger apple cookies... maybe I will even attempt my first apple pie.  Mom's make pies, right?

Reese designed this "tent" after coming home from the Wazny's on Sunday.  I am blaming it on the tent-master Katherine.  Reese has not mastered the skill yet.  Can you find Reese in her tent?

Timmy the Turtle

Have you noticed the little turtle who popped up in the pictures of the previous two posts?  That is Timmy the Turtle!  The class pet who signifies that Reese is student of the week this week.  We were able to take Timmy  home on Friday (Reese kept calling him Jimmy).  He spent the weekend with us and we wrote in his journal on Sunday night then Reese gets to share with her classmates today what she did with Timmy this weekend.  We also made a poster all about Reese which she gets to show off and then we get to bring in treats on Friday.

Reese was an angel on Friday night when we brought home Timmy.  I don't know if she didn't want to be rude in front of our guest or what.  Lots of please and thank yous and lots of helping out.  It was a great night and didn't last :)

Reese was devastated that we had to take Timmy back to school today.  I can't wait to hear how her presentation went.  As student of the week, Reese also gets to pick jobs first all week so I can't wait to hear all about that too!

No more pull-ups weekend! (knock on wood)

Friday night was the first night that Reese went to bed without a pull-up on.  She had gone about two weeks with dry pull-ups every morning so we tried it out to see how the weekend would go.  Guess what? No accidents!!  Last night she came into my room at about 4am and said she had pee in her underwear.  I was ready for a full on wet-the-bed accident so I had a change of sheets ready and everything.  I leaped out of bed and took her nightgown off and her underwear and sat her on the toilet, then went to assess the damage.    I felt everywhere in her bed but didn't feel anything wet.  I went back to check on her in the bathroom and she asked why I had taken off her nightgown.  What happened is that she started to go a little and then stopped herself and got up so there were just a couple drips in her undies and no where else.  I was sooooo excited!  I put on a new pair of underwear and nightgown and back to bed she went.  I know that she will inevitably wet the bed at some point but so far so good!  (knock on wood)

Dance Class

Reese started a new dance class on Saturday morning.  It is at a different activity center because I wasn't too keen on the teacher at the center by our house.  Amy has taken Katherine to Miss Nikki at this other community center before so it was good to know that she would be in good hands.  The other fun thing about this dance class is that Katherine and Charlotte are in class with her!  The class is 45 minutes long and teaches ballet and tap.  Tap is new to Reese so it wasn't her favorite part of the class, but I hope it will grow on her.

Reese Quotes

I picked up Reese from preschool yesterday and found that she had stamps everywhere, on her nose, her hands, her knees, everywhere.  The instant I walked in the girl she was playing stamps with just grabbed my hand and gave me two stamps.  At least, I have evidence that she is having a good time at school!

Reese Quotes:

I received a book in the mail as part of the early reviewer program with Librarything.com that was about the first ladies and children who have lived in the White House.  I was looking though it while Reese finished her dinner last night and there was a diagram of the floor plan with some statistics about the White House.  So I told Reese that they White House had three elevators.  I asked her if we had an elevator where it would take us.  She responded "It would take us to South America."

I proceeded to flip through the book as Reese took her plate and utensils to the sink.  On a trip back from the kitchen, Reese looked what at the book and pointed to the picture of a girl from the 1930s and said "I met her in South America and she was a character!"  Then, went right on her way.  

I have no idea where all of the South America talk has come from.

Reese was coloring a picture of Lady and the Tramp at the coffee table last night and said out of nowhere "You know that my great grandma likes slimy worms because she is old." 

I wonder what they are talking about at preschool?