Dallas White Christmas

We woke up Christmas morning to a White Christmas... the first in Dallas in more than 80 years. Dad took Cadence outside in just her jammies! She didn't quite know what to think of it. We then came inside and did stockings and presents. Cadence got a little people dump truck and a table and chairs that Mom redid herself (Dad helped with quality control).

After our family Christmas we went to the Walsh's for brunch and gifts and then hopped on a plane at around 3pm to head to Kansas City for Christmas with my family.

Gullickson Christmas

Grant, Cadence, and I flew to Kansas City on Christmas Day to spend time with my family. We barely made it safely with wintery weather in Dallas and KC. It took an hour and a half just to get our luggage in KC because of all the snow. We are sad that my brother Eric isn't here, but it is still a very full house!

I love my baby doll from Grandma Nicki!

Can you give cousin Samuel a kiss?

Grandma Jack (my mom's mom), Grandma Nicki (my mom), sister Bethany and her son Samuel, and Cadence and I.

We got around 8 inches of snow in Kansas City!

DD/Dawna's mother, Dorisnel, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday. Dorisnel, who we fondly called Mama D, was one of the most kind, gentle, and loving souls I have ever been blessed to meet. She was a true southern lady who was always beautiful and always had a kind word. She was beyond thoughtful and gracious and was a true example of Christ's love. I was priviledged to know her and be a part of her family.

MiMi's Christmas Party

We had a wonderful Walsh Family Christmas party at Mimi's last night. It was great to see family that we don't get to see much, there was delicious food, a fun secret Santa gift exchange, and of course, the best part of all - the box of Christmas wrapping trash!

"If I am really good this year, do you think Santa will bring me a box of trash? That would be the best gift ever!"

Parent Peaves

Does every parent have a few things they just can't help but feel judgemental about? Maybe judgemental is too harsh, maybe just things that we see other parents doing that cause us to internally say "I would never do that!" I am sure there are a few things I do that are like nails on a chalkboard for some of my parenting friends. A few potentials pop to mind:

1 - Sugar - should I really be letting my 14 month old eat sugar cookies and other treats? (see previous "Christmas Cookies" post in which Cadence can be seen eating M&Ms and also with icing smeared all over her face). Maybe it should bother me, but it really doesn't. She generally eats very healthy foods and a little sugar sweetens life!
2 - Clothing optional - Cadie runs around naked all the time- hanging out in her birthday suit during the evening, swimming with her nudie bootie, etc. I am frankly jealous, but maybe someday I will feel differently when I pick her up from a birthday party and the parent pulls me aside to explain that I should probably talk to my daughter about keeping her clothes on as it seems she decided that "pin the tail on the donkey" would be more fun in just her panties. But for now I am 100% on-board with a little clothes-free time.
3 - Germs - is it really safe for Cadence to eat the fallen Cheerios off the floor? Now that I am thinking about it, that is probably the best case scenario in our house. I once saw Cadence swallow an acorn in our front yard that she dug up from the dirt, and I think she once found a snack in the backpocket of an airplane seat. The actually is kinda gross, but the bottom line is that she is incredible healthy and I try not to get too crazy about watching her every second so that she doesn't put something germy in her mouth.

I can think of at least 3 more things that I am positive have caused my super-mom friends to cringe, but anyway, you get the picture. Right or wrong, there are just some things that trigger my "What are you thinking?" reflect. I realize that every family, parent, and child is unique and I have no right to judge, and I try to quickly correct myself. But I can't pretend it doesn't happen. A few things on my personal list include toddlers with pacifiers in public, infants and newborns watching TV, taking babies to movies, and over-the-top babyproofing. I guess we all just have to remember to be gracious to each other and realize that no parent is perfect and neither are we!

First Haircut

I took Cadence yesterday to get her first haircut at Snip-Its for Kids. Miss Nancy was great and Cadence was perfectly happy with a graham cracker and sippy cup. I have gotten mixed reviews on the haircut as I think a few folks were sad to see her little curls go. But I am very happy to see her in a cute bob vs. a mullet with a few baby curls.

Cadence tends to be rather serious so I just adore this pic of her big smile.

Christmas Cookies

Who had the most fun decorating cookies last night? Cadence, Uncle Austin or Big John?

Cousins

While we were in DC Cadence did great, but she really didn't want me to be too far out of her sight. I think being in the unfamiliar environment made her just a tab more nervous and she felt better when I was close. This was her looking at me through the glass of the front door with her "Don't leave me" face.

Cadence really seemed to love her cousin while visiting him in DC. Every night she would give him a hug and a kiss. She took him lots of toys and liked to try to hold his hand. Samuel seemed to be fascinated with her as well. It is pretty much impossible to get to kiddos to pose for the camera, so here are a few action shots.

Cadie and I are in Washington DC visiting my sister Bethany, her husband Nathan, and their adorable son Samuel Thomas. We are having a great time and decided to brave the chilly air and go see Mt. Vernon today. We made it out of the house with babies in Christmas outfits and high hopes of some cute cousin pictures. Cadence couldn't sit still enough to get one of the kids together but I think we got some great shots of the 4 of us. We forgot to take 2 strollers, but we improvised and made quite a functional contraption out of our scarves that allowed me to carry Cadie really easily.

We have only had two small bits of drama which is awesome considering that we have two babies in a three story row house in the middle of winter. On the first night we had trouble getting the sleeping arrangements quite right so we did a bit of musical beds before we got the setup figured out. Cadence ended up in a pack and play in their laundry room/bathroom which has ended up suiting her just fine. Then, last night she fell and busted her lip. There was a lot of blood, but in the end she was fine.

I have LOVED spending time with my sister and her family and seeing the babies start to become friends. Samuel loves to grab Cadence and Cadence is sweet to give him hugs and bring him toys. I sure wished we lived closer.

In Love

I checked my phone log and I talked with my mom yesterday for 18 minutes and 41 seconds and I gushed the entire time about Cadence. I am so thankful for a Mom who is willing to listen to me talk non-stop about my child.

Here is a bit of Cadence gushing via the blog format...
- Yes and No: Cadence has learned how to shake her head yes and no and it has opened up a whole new world of communication! It makes things so much easier. She isn't talking a ton, but she understands so much and if I ask her any question she will let me know her answer.
- She is getting to be so helpful! She can walk into the house by herself from the car and will even shut the back door after I walk in. This sounds small, but I am usually carrying a briefcase, diaper bag, purse, lunch pail, and often groceries. So having her shut the door while I lug everything into the house is great - plus I don't have to carry her. It has kind of become her "job" to shut the door and I think it keeps her focused on getting into the house and not getting distracted with fun things like leaves, acorns, or whatever.
- She knows her body parts and will point to nose, eye, mouth, toes, etc.
- She has recently started to "sing" - I know it is singing, but the casual observer might not be able to tell. Anyway, she will sing a few notes which sound like "la" but with a "w" so "wa." She will sing a few notes and then she wants me to sing a few notes. This came can go on for quite a while. Hopefully someone with a better singing voice will start to play this with her soon because she doesn't have a chance if she learns to sing from me.
- She has started to try to get dressed by herself. She gets frustrated because she can't quite figure out getting the socks on her feet. She holds the top of the sock open, puts it down toward her foot, but can't quite make the foot to sock-hole connection.
- She has been growing literally inches over the last few weeks. She has been eating a ton and sleeping a ton (which is great). She has been sleeping 13 hours at night and 3 hours during the day. She is growing so fast that she will wake up and her clothes will be too small. She has outgrown her favorite pair of shoes and Grant put a shirt on her this weekend that fit last week, but was a midriff baring shirt on Sunday.
- She continues to LOVE animals. This is clearly "nature" because neither Grant or I have "nurtured" a love of animals. She will stand at the front door and yell "woof" just hoping a dog will walk by. I took her to Petsmart on Monday evening and she went nuts looking at the mice, fish, cats, and dogs. I ended up buying her a small stuffed dog that petsmart was selling to raise money for a shelter, and she has been carrying it around all week.

I could go on and on and on about Cadence. Basically, I am totally in love with her.

Cadence likes me to give her a kiss and her frog a kiss when I go get her in the mornings. She is SOOO good in the mornings. She plays with all her toys in her bed until we come get her.

New Job

I joined Accenture on Jan. 18, 2001 and I thought that Jan. 31, 2010 might be my last day. My current role is ending and I needed to find a new role by Jan. 31, 2010 or I would be laid-off. I have been so thankful for my career at Accenture. It has provided security, growth opportunities, friends, and adventure. I worked for a year on the backlot of Universal Studios, have traveled across the US, have visited the Philippines multiple times, have been to the Taj Mahal, etc...

I decided to go back to work after my maternity leave, but was expecting the worst. I wanted to give it my best shot because I have invested so much in my career, network, etc. that I didn't want to assume I couldn't achieve a healthy balance, but I was skeptical because I know the system. Accenture has high rewards and even higher expectations. While I have had amazing opportunities, I have also slept on a cot at the office because I didn't have time to sleep at home, I have worked all night many many times, and I have gotten on a plane to fly around the world with only 48 hours notice. That doesn't really work with a baby at home. God is good and I was able to come back to work in a role that didn't require me to travel and I also had a pretty flexible work schedule. With that role ending, I was again hopeful, but not super optimistic that I would be able to find a role that allows me to put my family first.

God had a plan though and I start a new job within Accenture on Jan. 4 that will allow me to work almost 100% from home with minimal travel. I am very excited and thankful. Cadence will continue to go great-grandma Mitzi's just like normal, but I won't have to drive 45 each way to my office in Las Colinas. I am looking forward to learning a new part of our business and still being able to be the Mom I want to be.

Buying pearls during my first trip to Manila in the Philippines.

In the Philippines and 4 months pregnant! This is a dinner and baby shower that my great team hosted for me.

The Taj Mahal is even more beautiful that I expected.Attending an Indian wedding in Bangalore.

Santa Claus

Meeting Santa Claus for the first time can be quite scary. Cadence didn't cry, but she wasn't too excited about being dumped in the old man's lap. He tried to sway her with a candy cane, but she stood strong in her distress.

Tell me again, who is this Santa guy? And why did I have to dress up to meet him?

My acceptance of this Candy Cane does not change anything! You are STILL a scary old man.

Seriously, mom, it is time to jet.

Cadie was especially wiggly the other day with her cute pigtails so I only got a good shot from behind. Hopefully a pretty front shot coming soon.

Cadie is done with her bottle! She had her last bottle last week and she has been doing pretty well. I think she does miss it, but we have been transitioning since the middle of October so it was pretty gradual.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving which included Grant and I making delicious homemade pumpkin bars which included real cream cheese icing, dinner at Charlotte and Ken's, watching the BU vs. Tech game at the new cowboys stadium while cousin Lauren babysat for the first time, visit from Lindsey Coffman, getting some good deals on Friday, and Grant decorating for Christmas. Much to be thankful for this year.

Calm

I have felt such joy and peace lately. Why?
- Entering the celebration season of the birth of our Savior
- Seeing my husband truly come into his own at work and with life in general
- Experiencing Cadence becoming a little girl with a loving, playful, and flexible demeanor
- Healthy family members and being heavily integrated into both sides of our families
- Restful sleep at night

I love coming home in the evenings, playing with Cadie, debriefing with Grant, reading and resting in our room, watching the leaves turn colors, and trying to be present in these moments.

It isn't that our lives are not without complications (e.g., very long hours for Grant at work, likelihood that I will loose my job, vacant rental properties, etc.), but I just have a feeling that Grant and I are in a phase of our lives that is especially sweet and especially fleeting. I hope that I can tuck away into my heart the feeling of small arms around my neck, the warmth of Grant reaching over to hold my hand in the night, the laughs on the phone with my mom and sister, the happiness of drinking a cup of coffee and watching Cadie play in the sandbox, and so many other moments that are gifts from the giver of all good things...

"...the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." - Numbers 6:26

Cracker in the Sandbox

What kind of Mom let's her kiddo eat crackers in the sandbox? Hey, don't judge! At least she has on a coat and shoes. Eating a little sand adds flavor.

Chicken Pox Blessing

Cadence has the chicken pox! And what's worse, is that she got them from the doctor. I thought it was so strange on Monday night when she was all bumpy. I called the pediatrician first thing Tuesday morning and found out that she received her Chicken Pox vaccine during her Oct. 8 one-year doctor visit. They said it is not all that uncommon for kids to get a mild case of the Chicken Pox about one month after the vaccine. Wish they would have told me that! When I asked them why it wasn't mentioned during the vaccinations, they said it what on their website - whatever. Anyway, they are still real chicken pox, although not a very bad case. They said she should be all better within 4-7 days. However, during that time Grant and I are juggling schedules since she can't be at Mimi's. While I am sorry that she doesn't feel 100%, it has been an incredible blessing to have a few quiet days at home with Cadence. I just love being around her, hugging her sweet little body, rocking her to sleep, eating lunch with her... I think she is going to wish she had Chicken Pox more because she has had a good time too. We have been very busy with oatmeal baths, watching the men across the street trim the trees, listening to 94.9 and singing praise and worship songs, having tea parties with her dolly and monkey, doing the laundry, and snuggling. Who wouldn't love this sweet face?

It Takes a Village

I have the most complex child care system ever. I have plans A through F. This past week, Plan A (Mitzi and Brenda) was not in effect since Mitzi was in San Miguel Mexico visiting her daughter Montana Walsh. So plans B and C were initiated. Thankfully Cadence is so flexible when it comes to spending time with different people.

My friend Laura Dickinson watched Cadie (along with her own 3 kids!) on Tuesday and Wednesday. Laura is super-mom and Cadie loves playing with her sons Miles and Max. Laura reported that Cadence, Miles, and Max played nicely in the playroom together for more than an hour. I think Cadie gets her love of toy cars from Miles and Max. Don't tell her, but I already got Cadence a dump truck for Christmas.

On Wednesday my Mom drove into town and then she took care of Cadie on Thursday and Friday. My Mom did so many fun activities with Cadence! They went to the arboretum, baked a cake, played in the sand box, swam in the pool, and had lots of fun Grandma/Cadie time. Cadie and my Mom were both tired after all their fun! Cadence took 5 hours of nap yesterday, and I bet my mom wished she had 5 hours of nap too!

Hanging out at the Arboretum.

Baking a cake. Cadence was a huge help. Thankfully my mom had it all cleaned up by the time I arrived on the scene.

Princess Party

Today we went to friend Ella Bray's 3rd birthday for a princess themed bash. Cadie had the best time and Ella Bray was a great hostess! Ella Bray is a faithful blog reader and we just love you! Happy Birthday cutie!

Anyway, there was a ball pit and Cadie would just fling her whole body into the ball pit and roll all around. She got filthy and we came home with a film of grime, sprite spilled down the front, grass stains on the tights, and cake in the hair. Definitely the results of a great birthday party. As I was scooping Cadie up to go home I said, "You are such a dirty, dirty princess..." This resulted in some looks from other party goers, but I did not mean it that way at all!

Time Out

The defiance has begun. Cadie has been throwing, not accidentally dropping, food off of her high chair. Telling her "no" has not been effective. Swatting her hand, also not effective. This week past week I tried something new - Time out - it really works. When Cadie threw her food I said "No throw food. Time out." I then took her to our half bath (of course removed the trash can, toilet paper, etc.) and shut the door. She screamed like she was being left for good. It was HORRIBLE. I only left her in there a few second and then hugged her, told her how much I loved her and calmed her down. We had two full evenings of so many time outs in a row that Cadie got so upset that I didn't even end up being able to feed her dinner. She is just so defiant! After the first time out, after I calmed her down, I put her back in the high chair to resume dinner and she put her little hand under the plate and flipped the whole thing at me just because she was still mad which, of course, resulted in another time out. I hate doing it to her. But after two nights of the time outs (Tues. and Wed.) I think she is over it! She tried once at DD and Big John's, I think just to test me, and I put her in time out at their house. That is the only time since Wednesday and she used to throw half her food on the floor. I think she is really scared of time out. She accidentally dropped some food on the floor at breakfast on Saturday and she looked at me with such a scared face. I told her that I knew it was an accident and it was ok. I am sure this is the beginning of a long discipline journey...

Just a pic of Cadie hanging out with Dad and Aunt Whitney today before lunch; during which you will be happy to know there was no food thrown on the ground.

Cruise (photos below)

I am finally writing about our cruise. It far exceeded my expectations. Our ports included Barcelona, Naples, Rome, Florence, and Cannes. My favorite memories are Mario our crazy driver in Naples, Pompeii, sites in Rome like the Pantheon, the night on the boat with strong winds and waves, and hanging with my family.

The cruise was actually a little last minute. My parents booked first and once they told us they were going, we decided to join in the fun. Never extend Grant and I a "courtesy" invite because we are very likely to take you up on the offer. We had some friends (I think Derek and Avery) invite us to go to Mexico with them and we said "YES!!" and then they had to call us back and say, "We thought you wouldn't really come since it is so last minute, but we really wanted this to just be a family trip..." Whatever :)

Anyway, I loved our ports, we slept GREAT in our room, Grant and I were able to reconnect and discuss lots of things that you just don't have time to address in normal busy everyday life, and we had a blast with my parents. They were great sports and we even got them to play a version of the Newlywed game that included some racey questions. And it got even better because they were video-taping the game and it was played throughout the cruise on one of the cruise channels so they got recognized a ton. So fun!

I did miss Cadence, but she did great with DD and Big John for the majority of the trip, and my sister Courtney and her husband Ryan drove down from Wichita KS and watched her for 3 days. I couldn't believe CJ painted Cadie's toenails hot pink. Her first pedicure!

October 2009 Cruise

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