Count On Me

There are 2 things I've done for both Violet and Lincoln and now for Hazel.

One is getting them their first Build a Bear. Since Build a Bear has a program for "Pay Your Age" when it's your birthday, I tried convincing the sales person that Hazel should get her bear for free. I even offered to pay $1.00 but I guess the rules say it has to be at least your first birthday.

The other thing is think of a song that reminds me of them when I hear the song. Violet's is Elton John's - "You'll Be Blessed". Lincoln's is "I'll Be There" by Michael Jackson. I chose "Count on Me" by Jefferson Starship for Hazel. These song titles tell the kids how much their Ma will be there if they need me. Maybe not now but when they get older it will mean something to them.

I may bring lots of presents and offer moral support but Trish stepped up and did more than I thought of. Not only did she bring presents for all three kids, but she brought them dinner AND dessert. I would have gladly stopped by Papa Johns for a pizza. I think there's been too much going on the past few days that my brain isn't quite working.

Hazel Goes Home

It's finally time for Melissa and Hazel to break free of the hospital and go home.

I don't know what I'm going to do when Hazel gets big enough to go out with me, Violet and Lincoln. The back seat of my car isn't big enough for 3 car seats and I thinks it's against the law to carry a child in the trunk. I still have several months before I have to worry about that.

Hazel's First 24 Hours

For such a little girl our baby Hazel has had quite a bit of attention in her first 24 hours.

I look a little better than I did last night and I got a good night's sleep. I'm not sure about Melissa but Hazel also slept very well.

Violet and Lincoln were excited about their new toys from Hazel. Jamie had to explain to Violet that Hazel didn't actually go out shopping.

Lincoln didn't care who bought the toys as long as there was something for him. What could be a better choice than Chase from Paw Patrol.

With Jamie concentrating on Daddy duty, I believe this was the first time he got to hold his new daughter.

What's the favorite way for Melissa to celebrate her new family? Why a first family picture. I'm pretty sure professional newborn and family pictures are in the near future.

Nothing beats my favorite picture. Her expression and hand placement remind me so much of my Dad. It's almost like someone told her she has to go home soon and meet Khloe and Lola.

Hazel Grace Taylor

When I agreed to take Violet to school and watch Lincoln while Melissa and Jamie went to Melissa's weekly doctor appointment, I never dreamed my babysitting gig would last over 12 hours.

My day started with dropping Violet off at school.

Lincoln and I went back to the house so he could play until the doctor appointment was over. Around 11:00, I was giving Melissa and Jamie 20 more minutes before Lincoln and I headed out to McDonald's - we were both getting a little hangry!

Plans changed again just as Melissa and Jamie got home. We still got to go to McDonald's but then Jamie took Lincoln to go play at the park and get haircuts while I took Melissa to the hospital to have a baby. She wasn't fully in labor but her doctor thought it might be a good idea for her to be induced. She'd been having slight, hard, irregular contractions for a couple of weeks.

After Melissa got settled in her bed and contraction and heart rate monitors in place, one of the worst experiences of my life happened. The baby's heart rate dropped dangerously low and in a matter of seconds, the room was filled with, I swear, every nurse and aide in the hospital. I was practically hiding in a corner under a table trying hard not to scream yet trying to stay calm so they wouldn't throw me out of the room. Things quickly changed for the better and the heart rate came back up. The only explanation the nurse could give was either the baby was grabbing the cord or between Melissa and the baby, they were both crushing the cord. Or maybe some other explanation that I can't remember. I quickly called Jamie to come back to the hospital just in case it happened again. This just proves I'm extremely useless in an emergency.

As it was close to Violet getting out of school, I took Lincoln and went to get Violet. Violet was so excited to hear she was going to see her baby sister that day. But not that excited that we couldn't stop at Menchies (her favorite frozen yogurt place) for a quick snack.

We headed back to the hospital and after a round of hugs for Melissa, the kids settled down to play while we waited for baby Hazel to arrive.

In the meantime, Melissa started complaining of pains in the booty area so she called in the nurse. It was time for baby Hazel to enter this world. I literally had minutes to gather up the kids and their toys and head to the waiting room. But not before Melissa could get one last shot of their family of four.

Six minutes later, Jamie sent me this picture of Hazel. SIX MINUTES!

This is Jamie cutting the cord. I think he would have preferred his pocket knife but the hospital staff made him use their scissors.

Hazel was born at 5:35 pm, weighed 8 lbs 1.5 oz and was 20.5 inches long. She beat Violet in weight by 2.5 ounces.

It was finally time for Violet and Lincoln to meet their new baby sister. As you can see, they love her.

Even Michael was able to slip away a little early from work to meet baby Hazel.

Melissa may have delivered a baby today but look at her. She looks like it was nothing.

Me, on the other hand, after watching Lincoln (a three year old) all day and Violet (an anxious 6 year old) before and after school, I look like I've been run over by a truck. So which job do you think is harder? I'm so glad Hazel is here. It's one more thing I can check off my list of things to do!

Violet Loses Tooth #4

Violet lost her 4th tooth. She was so excited because this one she pulled out herself.

At this rate she's going to have to go back to eating oatmeal and pudding or cut her food in really small pieces so she can just shove it to the back of her mouth. Also, can you believe the tooth fairy is now bringing $5 a tooth. I think I got a dime, maybe a quarter, who can remember.

Caesars Awards Banquet

I was honored when Michael asked me to come to the Caesars Awards banquet with him. I got to mingle with the executives of Harrah's North Kansas City. It made me a little nostalgic about my working days. And, NO, I don't want to go back to work.

Michael was nominated in the category of Superior Customer Service. There were 5 other people nominated in this category. He didn't win but could someone please explain to me how a custodian who cleans the restrooms at Harrah's is Superior Customer Service? I guess that's one of those "It was an honor to be nominated" thing. Congratulations Michael on your nomination. I was proud to be with you as you were recognized for your hard work and dedication.

Robot from Michele

Michele wasn't able to make it to Kansas City for Violet's birthday. It was probably snowing some where between here and St Louis.

Anyway, she bought Violet her very own robot. Michele showed Violet the basics of what this robot can do but I believe there are many more things that can be done, even things using a computer.

Even Lincoln had a good time working the robot. It's always a robotic experience when Michele comes to visit. I just sit in awe and watch.

Urban Sketchers

Michele and Courtney belong to a group called Urban Sketchers. They're always going to different locations and just sketching whatever's in front of them.

Teresa got Violet a sketch book for her birthday. Looks like she's ready to join Michele's sketch group. Too bad Michele's in St Louis and Courtney's in Chicago. I wish that creative gene was in me. I can barely draw a straight line without the help of a ruler and then I usually mess that up. I could take Violet out and just let her sketch. But whenever I make suggestions, she just rolls her eyes at me. Artists are such finicky people!

Top Golf

Each month my retirement group from KCP&L plans an activity. This month it was Top Golf. Top Golf is like going to the driving range except the balls are micro-chipped and you aim at giant dartboard-like targets. The closer you get your ball to the center or "bullseye" and the further the distance, the more points you earn.

At least that's Top Golf's definition of how the game is played. Robin, Regina and I just like the idea of getting together for a fun brunch and hitting a golf ball. I think next month is a tour of some factory - pass!

Violet Turns 6 Years Old!

What's on your mind when you turn 6 years old?

Unicorns and rainbows! Melissa always makes sure the kids have a big surprise to wake up to on special occasions and Violet's birthday was no exception.

I started my day with Violet at the bowling alley. Six kids and 3 adults makes for a rather unusual style of bowling. Thank goodness the bumper guards were up or Violet might have beat me at bowling.

After a quick lunch at McAlister's, Violet and I headed to Build A Bear so she could get her birthday bear for $6 (pay your age). After accessories it was much higher than that but you can't walk around with a naked bear and we couldn't forget Lincoln!

Then we went to JoAnn's for art supplies. A couple of the projects Violet picked out, I had to tell her no because I wasn't sure I'd be able to figure out how to do them. Besides the flower crowns and furry masks, she got jewelry box crystals, metallic markers and other jewelry making kits.

Then it was off to Ted's Mexican Cafe for Violet's birthday dinner.

Melissa decided after the age of 5 she was going to quit getting the age shirt. But I couldn't resist having one made for her. Violet was kind enough to put the shirt on and let me take a picture. She may not understand how important this was for me now but as she gets older, she will. Happy Birthday Violet! Next year Ma will get a shirt for you and one for me!

John Mellencamp Concert

I saw so many concerts last year but I couldn't resist buying a ticket when I heard John Mellencamp was coming to Kansas City.

He is absolutely my favorite. I didn't think this concert, which was held Arvest Bank Theatre (the old Midland Theater), was as good as the one I saw three years ago. Maybe it was because he started out with more newer music.

But the end was spectacular. All the oldies but goodies! Even though I've seen him twice, I'd still buy another ticket to see him again. Little Pink Houses for You and Me!

And Down He Goes Again

Seems like every time you turn around, Lincoln is stumbling over his feet and hurting himself.

This time it was his nose falling on the concrete outside. I think his feet are faster than his brain. Or maybe it's just a boy thing!

The Flu

Talk about weather shock. I don't know whether it was the extreme change in climate or the depression I've been experiencing since I returned from my cruise but some how I caught the flu.

After 3 days of suffering through a fever, I decided to take myself to Urgent Care and get drugs. The doctor said I've actually gone through the worst part and should be 95% better in a week. Let's hope the weather cooperates and Spring is around the corner. I can't take any more snow.

Violet's Pre-Birthday Party

With Melissa's due date close to Violet's birthday, she wanted to make sure Violet had a birthday party with her classmates that didn't interfere with the birth of the baby.

The theme - well rainbows and unicorns of course.

The invitations were absolutely adorable.

Violet is becoming very picky about the clothes she wears. Sounds like someone else we know (Melissa). Notice this shirt doesn't have a number 6 on it. Don't worry. I went out and got her one she'll wear on her actual birthday.

The party was held at Xtreme Gymnastics. Besides Violet's birthday party, they were also holding open gym so you can imagine the noise level. There were so many activities for the kids to do that I never once heard any child mention they were board. I even tried a few of the things myself causing quite a spectacle as I fell. While I know exactly how old I am, my mind continues to tell me I'm still the spry cheerleader I once was.

After an hour of running around, it was time for pizza and cake. Imagine 15 little kids screaming the Happy Birthday song. Violet didn't seem to mind.

Then it was time to open presents. Jamie commented he was going to have to build another house just to accommodate all the toys.

The party was a success and Violet was so happy to have another day to celebrate one of the best days of the year - her birthday. And she gets to celebrate again on her actual birthday. I told her I'd take her shopping and she could spend $100. She keeps asking me to give her $100. I told her she could go anyplace she wanted to spend the $100. Her first choice - Target! Again, remember who her mother is. Maybe I can think of something better than Target.

I did give Violet her shirt I bought her in Aruba. It wasn't a unicorn but a pretty fancy dolphin. She said she loved it.