Single Motherhood Day #66

We taught a few lessons today, played with the neighbors, and got ready for Dassow Daddy's homecoming and the wedding I have to play tomorrow.

Single Motherhood Day #65 (State Fair!)

I had the day off and we had planned to meet some friends at the State Fair.  Unfortunately, they woke up with fevers, so they had to stay home.  We decided to go anyway.

 We started out at the horse arena (since Evelynd is too small to go on any of the rides).  Ev called all the horses "Jazz."

 Then we walked around the animal barns.  Evelynd liked the goats and wanted to pat them.  But in the petting zoo, she wouldn't pat anything, she just kept telling Mommy to pat them.

 A rare picture of her sitting.  She ran around in circles the whole day! 

Playing in our "secret tent."

My view most of the day: a toddler running around.



She fell asleep on the car ride home, but it was all too brief.  She likes being awake a lot better than sleeping. 

Single Motherhood Day #64

We met Mary and Bridget at the library for story time today.  It was a short visit, but good to see them.  The rest of the day was lessons and work. 

 Playing in the library's cafe in her cute shirt from Aunt Paige.

 Evelynd loved her time with Nana's horses so much, that her horse pajamas are her favorite and she calls them all "Jazz."



Single Motherhood Day #63

We went to Portland for lessons today and Evelynd slept through the entire visit with GG'ma and GG'pa.  GG'pa said our visit "didn't count."  I agree.  We'll have to go see them again soon.  We ended the day of teaching at the Tuggys and Evelynd was having so much fun with their toys, suckers, and running around in their grass that she didn't want to leave.

When we got home, Evelynd immediately got an apple off our trees -- something she does multiple times per day.

Single Motherhood Day #62

We ran some errands (including to the new cupcake shop to get a thank you for Micaela's family's use of their car), taught some lessons, and played.  Much easier and better day than yesterday.

Single Motherhood Day #61

Today was a nightmare!  I had to play a wedding and everything went wrong. 
First, the music didn't show up in the mail.  So, the coordinator scanned it and emailed it to me.
Second, I went to print the music and my printer broke.  I still don't have my phone, so I couldn't call the flute player who was coordinating the wedding.  Luckily, I was able to email the violinist and she could get an extra copy for me.
Third, the car wouldn't start.  Again.  I called a friend to come jump it and it still wouldn't start.  Great.  I started racking my brain and thought of a few people who had big enough cars to fit a harp and struck out twice.  On my third call, my student Micaela's mom was home and able to switch cars with me in time for me to load it.
Fourth, I forgot my lunch and was starving.
Fifth, I-5 was stop and go the whole way up to Portland.
Thankfully, I had left enough time that I was still able to get Evelynd to Maddy's in time and make it to the wedding with a couple minutes to spare.  I get nervous for every wedding -- I'm always afraid I won't make it or I forgot something and this did not make my stress level very healthy today.  In the end, it went well and we made it home safely.

Single Motherhood Day #60

Evelynd would not nap today!  I kept trying to get her down, but she wouldn't.  Someone would come visit or she would find a new toy.  Finally, after teaching, I drove to the Wallmarks early so she would get some sleep before our dinner.  She got a 45-minute nap, which meant she was not ready to wake up once I took her out of the car to go inside for dinner.  She took a while to wake up, but eventually she was singing, dancing and showing off.  My piano teacher, Linda Wallmark, and her husband had invited us over for dinner.  Evelynd loved their wind chimes and the chicken.  This was a good week for not having to make dinner, so thanks everyone!

Single Motherhood Day #59

Another light teaching day, so I asked Evelynd if she wanted to go to the carousel.  She lit up and nodded her head.  So, we rode and played for a while today.

She took the vase from her Snow White tea set with her -- it was the toy of the day -- not quite sure why.

In the afternoon, we took four of our neighbor girls up to the park and taught them how to play "Swamp Monster."  It was a fun week and not too busy.

Single Motherhood Day #58

Another light day of teaching, so Evelynd and I spent the afternoon shoe shopping at my students' house (she sells Stride Rite on ebay).  Evelynd is now a size 6!  She didn't last very long in her size 5s.  Then, we went to a splash park and Evelynd immediately started shreiking with excitement when she saw where we were.  Once she started shivering, though, we headed home.

Single Motherhood Day #57

Library story time, of course!  Then teaching and then errands.  We ended with a stop by the Jippings to drop something off and they called to say they were only a few minutes away.  So we went to the park by their house to play until they got home.

Evelynd decided to "ride" the bike racks -- she thought she was pretty funny.

Once the Jippings returned, Evelynd and Sylvia got to play and they even had us stay for dinner!  Yay!  They are so nice.

Single Motherhood Day #56

I had a short day of teaching, so Evelynd and I spent most of our time visiting Great Uncle Jon, GG'ma, and GG'pa.  When we got home, we played with the neighbors again.

Single Motherhood Day #55 (2nd OB Appointment)

I admit I was a little nervous this morning.  I felt thinner and didn't think I'd grown at all.  I hadn't been even a little sick in a while.  I hadn't felt much movement.  Thankfully, everything was good.  The heartbeat was strong and the doctor said that my growth was exactly where it should be.  I had lost three pounds, but that wasn't enough to be worried about.  (I guess all that swimming and biking really had had an effect.  Does exercise work on weight loss?  :))  The rest of the day was teaching and playing. 

Single Motherhood Day #54

I took the day of rest quite literally today.  No laundry.  No dishes.  We just relaxed and Evelynd played with some neighbor girls.  We got a sweet surprise, too, when Nathan and Brooke stopped by with spinach and mushroom lasagna.  Very thoughtful! 

Single Motherhood Day #53

We had to head home today -- bummer!  Nana and Grandpa left early, so it was just Jay, Hailey, Evelynd, and me.  We packed up and left just before noon (after having to give my car a jump -- again).  When we got back to my house, I had to get ready for a wedding; no time for a break.  I played the wedding with Bryn and it was SUPER hot!  After the prelude music, we got a slight breeze, so it was much more tolerable and the sweating receded.  Jay and Hailey babysat Evelynd.  They took her to the park where it looked like she was enjoying the swings.

When I got home, we went out to dinner and drove Jay and Hailey up to their airport hotel (their flight was at 6 am).  By some miracle, I made it home in one piece.  I am so tired!  Evelynd did not sleep well on the reunion (she was on the floor and kept bumping her head into the wall).

Single Motherhood Day #52

Chris, Paige, Fox, Jane, Andy, Cami, Drew, Avery, Luke, and Hunter all left early this morning.  So, it was pretty quiet at the house -- although Uncle Jay always makes sure there's not silence.  I got a couple pictures of Evelynd's newest cousins before they left though.

 Hunter playing with Evelynd's dolphin.

Jane doing what she did most of the trip.

In the morning, Hailey took Evelynd for a bike ride so I could get some things done.  We spent the afternoon swimming and playing.  Just enjoying our last day in Black Butte.

Happy 17 Month Birthday, Baby Girl!

The day started with many renditions of "Happy Birthday" since Evelynd kept asking everyone to sing it (she loves that song).  And I didn't even take a single picture of her!  Augh!  You can find some more pictures of the day on Paige's blog, though.

We spent the day biking, swimming, and then on a trip into Sisters, which is always fun although very unfriendly to strollers.  In the evening, Jerry and Kacky Hayes came over to take pictures of the whole crew.

Then, we got a picture of the grandparents with the grandkids.  As you can see, Evelynd was not so happy to have Dassow Mommy leave her.

So, what's new with Ev?  Her speech is really taking off.  She is now able to repeat words when she asks what something is.  She is getting more comfortable with walking and even trying to run a little.  She loves to climb, but is cautious enough that I don't have to worry much.  She's still a great eater -- willing to try everything and loves almost all of it (always asking for "More???").  She's still nursing; this was not my plan, but she is an addict and I need to start figuring out weaning a little more.  She regularly sleeps through the night, but this usually means nine hours at most.   She gets to pick out some of her clothes everyday.  She loves cats, dogs, being outside, dancing, singing, finger plays, books, stamps, stickers, drawing, babies, ABCs, baths, splashing, bubbles, rocks, sticks, checking herself out in the mirror every morning after she gets dressed, and lots of other things.  She's a fun girl to hang out with everyday and the last 17 months have been the best of our lives.

Single Motherhood Day #50

We started today with a trip to Wizard Falls and the Metolius River Fish Hatchery.  Evelynd loved the fish and kept saying, "Wow!"

After lunch, we went swimming and Evelynd LOVED it.  The pool is awesome and she loved to splash.  We also went on bike rides and Evelynd got her first ride in a bike trailer.  How did she like it?  She had a big smile and said, "Wheeeee!"
More pictures?  You know where to go.

Single Motherhood Day #49

Black Butte Ranch!  In honor of my parents' 40th, I planned the reunion this year at the house they built in Black Butte.  As kids, we spent lots of time there with family and friends.  Every summer, Thanksgiving, my 6th grade graduation, my senior trip, on and on.  It was fun to be back at the old house and my parents were shocked at how little had changed -- they would point out that there were still the same soapdishes and placemats.  It was fun to be there and stay in my old room -- although now that I'm old I was shocked at how rock hard the matress was.

Pictures are at http://www.paigeandchris.com/2012/08/the-one-with-annual-evans-family_14.html.

Single Motherhood Day #48

Our first trip to Enchanted Forest!  Again, I hardly got any pictures (I spent most of the time holding Evelynd), but we had a blast. 

 I was in charge of meals today and treated Nana and Grandpa to their first Lunchables!

Evelynd loved the big shoe slide, the Cinderella play, the water show, and Pinocchio's Playhouse.  We ended the night with a game where you had to unroll toilet paper faster than your opponent.  Evelynd loved it and has tried to repeat it often.  (Thanks, Nana.)  I beat 2-year-old Luke!  You can see more pictures on Paige's blog again.

Happy 40th Anniversary, Nana and Grandpa Evans!

We started the day with church and Nana and Grandpa got to see all their old friends.  After lunch, some people went up to visit GG'ma and GG'pa while others napped/relaxed.

We celebrated with pizza and an ice cream sandwich cake. 

I, unfortunately, forgot to take any pictures, but you can check out Paige's blog for some.

P.S. Today marks the beginning of my second trimester!  And I haven't thrown up once!

Single Motherhood Day #46

We had some final things to get done this morning and then we headed to Stayton for the wedding reception for our old neighbor, Megan Axtell.  She looked beautiful, the food was delicious, the location was fun, Evelynd loved the dancing and kid favors, and we wish them every happiness in their marriage (although we're going to miss having Megan around).

  

After the reception, Ev and I headed to Wilsonville for a Morris family dinner.  She was excited to see Nana and Grandpa ("Papa" as she calls him) again as well as Isa and Ally.  Jay's girlfriend Haylie was also there.

We then went to see Great Uncle Terry's cars he has restored and headed home to see Chris, Paige, Jane, and Fox who had arrived while we were at dinner.

Single Motherhood Day #45

Lessons, cleaning, and a wedding at the coast.  Evelynd had Hailey babysit for five hours.  I think that's the longest she's ever had a babysitter and Hailey said it all went well.  Good!  Unfortunately, I misplaced my phone today instead of charging it.  I hope I find it soon because it's the number all my friends and family have.

At the wedding I played for today (beautiful day in Lincoln City by the way), the reading was from "The Velveteen Rabbit," which I had never heard at a wedding before and was actually quite nice.

Family arrives tomorrow!

Single Motherhood Day #44

We had lessons in Portland today and Evelynd had a good time on the trampoline with Talia Tuggy.  It was pretty cute.

Once we got home, it was time for more cleanup and play.

Single Motherhood Day #43

We missed library story time today in order to pick up Daisy.  She was happy to see us and I immediately had my black shirt covered in white hairs.  After teaching, my student Amanda stayed to help me get the house cleaned up for the reunion.  We took a walk, visited the neighbors, and just relaxed the rest of the day.

Single Motherhood Day #42

We flew back home bright and early this morning.  Evelynd was said to say goodbye to Nana and Grandpa Evans (and the horses), but we'll see them again at the end of the week!

When we landed in Portland, I immediately found a Burgerville for a delicious lunch, including fresh blackberry milkshakes.  We stopped at GG'ma and GG'pa's house on the way home and had a good visit.  On the drive home, we got a call from Dassow Daddy and I burst into tears.  It had been a long time since I'd heard from him and although it was only five minutes, it was nice. 

Once we were home, we decided that we were going to the neighborhood block party for National Night Out.  We didn't have anything to bring (our cupboards were bare and the food in the fridge was a little less than fresh), but that was okay.  There was good food, lots of neighbors (only a couple of whom I didn't know), live music, Red Robin (Evelynd was fascinated and scared of that bird), and toys for the kids.

Evelynd finished the night by rolling on one of the kids' chalk drawings.

Single Motherhood Day #41

We got to see Mary and Bridget today and return to Centennial Center park.  There was a lot of screaming from one excited little girl.  They went in the swings together again and Evelynd even said, "Bridget."  We spent the rest of the day with Nana and Grandpa and once Evelynd went to bed, I had to start packing.

Single Motherhood Day #40

What to say?  We mostly just hung out, watched Olympics, patted horses, and walked around the neighborhood.  I can't believe how close we are to going home -- bummer!

Single Motherhood Day #39

We went to the North Pole today.  It's an amusement park near Colorado Springs (and all the fires that happened not too long ago) themed around Santa.  Evelynd, surprisingly to me, remembered "Ho! Ho! Ho!" when I told her we were going to see Santa.  She napped on the way there, so it took her awhile to wake up, but once she did, she enjoyed going on the rides (as long as Dassow Mommy was with her).  We also saw a magic show where the magician made Nana's wedding ring disappear.  I don't think Grandpa was very happy that she volunteered for that.

 Going down the slide that was a little higher and faster than Dassow Mommy likes.

 Riding the carousel.

 Squished in our clown car.

 The ladybugs helped the nausea kick in.

 We both enjoyed the train and this car -- Evelynd loves to drive.

There was lots of traffic on the ride home, so Evelynd was done with her car seat.  We had a fun dinner at a Mexican restaurant where we ate outside and Ev reveled in the wind.  Fun day and cooler weather!

Single Motherhood Day #38

We went to the Littleton Museum today.  They have two farms set up from the 1860's and the 1890's.  What a difference 30 years makes!  Evelynd enjoyed the animals, but she was so clingy to me that I couldn't get any pictures.  It was really hot, too, so I was probably a little grumpy.  Inside, there was a display on illustrations from children's books.  After the museum, I was starving and spotted a Boston Market, which we no longer have near us.  Evelynd loved it since it has chicken.

And then, it was horse time.

P.S. A very happy birthday to Evelynd's Uncle Chris!