Five Already

After little Louisa died I worried that I couldn't gamble another pregnancy. I wondered, if I did have another healthy child --would I be disloyal to the baby I didn't get to keep...

I saw one day, a curly blond toddler with bright eyes. She stood behind me and looked at the newborn I cradled in my arms. It was a day dream, a prompting, --a flooding relief. Somehow the tiny body I'd carried with me to Loa and back was perfect enough, despite it's incapacity to live and breathe outside me. Her death hadn't been my fault.
And I was not through mothering.

July 2004
Milllie was born almost 2 years later. She has been a pleasant bundle of blessings: happy, healthy, content to draw and pretend, a busy composer of catchy songs. This year she turned 5.

A sleepy but excited Millie ready for her German pancake birthday breakfast!

A new birthday shirt

Ahh -- a whole package of Kelly dolls

At the Cherie Call concert in the park that evening. Pretty magical.
It's strange how a birth date can mark the time so dramatically for me. I have known, of course, that she'd be heading to kindergarten this fall etc., but now that her fifth birthday has passed -- she seems to be leaving "toddler-hood" altogether.

Sunrise, Sunset...

The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything

As lit-savvy people will know from "The Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy," THE answer to everything is : 42!

We celebrated that special number in relation to Star this year, and had a pretty super day. We took balloons and treats to his office at lunch, wolfed down a lasagna dinner, dropped off Max and Millie at the house on Elm, and headed for a night out.

I pulled an Anita-like-planning-stint and reserved tickets for Hale Center Theatre's production of "Singing In The Rain." I didn't purchase them the week before --I looked at the calendar, reviewed the best seats online, and made arrangements back in March! Ha! I was so pleased with the results. Matt's family met us there (a surprise for everyone except me) and we had a bit damp, but fantastic time.

"It's great to stay up late..."

Fame and fortune may be in their future
The children were captivated, Star made some of his famous wheezing laughs, and then Anita served decadent chocolate cake on the lawn afterwards ( just like we'd done after Mom's 60th at the Hale in SLC).

The Hale lawn hosting the Hall party

When we reached Jed's, he'd prepared an outdoor living room for us on his covered patio. The children laughed and sang, we ate more cake (thoughtfully prepared by Jed), and I created a mental collage of the evening: the breeze, laughter, cousins, and contentment.

Pars, Haze, and their Dad

Cake on the patio

I'm so relieved to have finally found the ultimate answer to the ultimate question...
42 is looking to be our best yet.

Independence Day

Freedom and Family
Every year I wonder why we think getting up at the break of dawn, gathering sleepy children, and racing to Provo for the Balloon Festival is fun? But every year, once I'm there, and surrounded by the color and community, I'm always glad I made the effort. We had a date with Miek, Jed, and their families. Jed's group was too sleepy and didn't show. Were you aware that those people's children will sleep until 9AM or later if you let them? (I've never had such luck with mine).
The Hiatts and Halls
We arrived in time to see most of the balloons fill and drift up to the sky. It's somehow cozy to be hemmed in all sides with enormous balloon-fences as dividers.

Millie and Aggie --fast friends
As they begin to rise, I feel un-sheltered, too close to strangers, and ready to leave.

Who is that "big galooky?"

Proof that Dr. Clegg knows what he's doing as a surgeon
After a scrumptious Kneaders breakfast, and mid-morning naps, we met Russ, Susie, and Gracee for a swim at the Scera. All of Utah county met us there.

Doesn't that baby look thrilled? He's not a swimming fan yet.

Still having doubts --
We had a nice time, but Schuyler's favorite part was playing on the picnic blanket in the shade.

Ahhh --now crackers, crawling, and shade is more like it.
Also -- I would like to make the profound observation that most of Utah county look better fully clothed. There. I said it (it has needed to be said).

Sam the Fish
Shaved ice followed and a date with just the Hannig adults to dinner and the Provo Arts Festival downtown. Lovely, and scent-filled.

The next morning we headed to the parade. It was not our most successful parade venture.

How much longer will this go on?
In trying to become more like Jed's family, we slept in and tried to catch the end of the parade route. Instead, we pretty much caught the END period.

Starting to show our true colors
That much trying to park, that much walking, and that much sweating was not worth it.

Finally! --all Mills wanted to do was play with her toys (no interest in the parade at all)

S&S

Gracee the enthusiast, and her Dad
Matt and Anita's group joined us for a lazy afternoon in Lindon, and then we set off for the neighborhood potluck/firework celebration.
Our last fitful stop was to the Hannig homestead for homemade root beer and firework finale.

Nails by McKenzie (the world's best sitter)
What a weekend!

Gymnists In The House!

The couches and walls around the Hall house are experiencing a little more wear and tear lately. After all, Sam and Millie have to practice their newly mastered head stands, cartwheels, and "donkey kicks."

After attending two different parties with our Sandy cousins at their Little Gym, we felt we should give it a try in our part of the country. We have not been disappointed.
There isn't anything Sam loves more than permission to run, jump, and swing from things.

Poor Zach wanted to give it a try at the final performance...but lacked in know-how.

It's all going to be fine since Karate and BYU Soccer camp are on the horizon for him.

Another Milestone

My "Silly Millie" attended pre-school with Miss Cathie this year.

There are some things that I am just plain passionate about --and pre-school is one of them. Working with Miss Cathie was wonderful. She is a retired teacher, a devoted grandma, and I have been so pleased to have her as a role model for my Millie.

Her little graduation ceremony was held at a piano recital hall where the children performed some songs (accompanied by Miss Cathie's voice and guitar) and showed us some themes they'd tackled.

If only life could stay as simple --songs about moose, time to color, only one letter to learn each day...

So if I can help provide a place and person where my people feel loved and valued, I feel like I'm successful in at least one aspect of this parenting.


Miss Millie and Miss Cathie Upstill after the program

Our new paper-bowl-preschool graduate!