The Lindgren's

My piano

2010-11-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

Sigh.

I was just reunited with an old friend. My piano... It had probably been several years since I dusted off the keys, stretched my fingers, and broke out some sheet music. Tonight Norah Jones came up in a conversation and I was longingly reminded of how much I love her music. Mmmm... So I started playing and I was quickly brought back to my high school and college years when I would play for hours a day.

Looking back, in high school, I think I played mostly because I was working out intense emotional situations. Playing put me at ease. I would play songs that fit my mood. It was like I could finally think clearly when placed in front of a piano. In college, I bought a Clavinova that made a dozen moves with me as I traveled throughout the country. Chris and I used to have visions of playing together, making music together. This happened occasionally, but I'm sad to say our lives have been so completely full that it happened only a few times before we had kids. I used to be able to play "Claire de Lune" for Chris, and it would make him melt. :) It now sits in my bedroom next to the "family bed." Usually covered in dust...

I can't tell you how many times I have looked at my piano like it was taunting me, telling me that I am a betrayer, begging me to play it for just a few minutes. But other voices were louder. Sleep. Housework. Babies. Little girl's fingers competing for a taste of the beautiful sounds. Thoughts that I probably am not good anymore.

Tonight, as I turned on the lamp next to my bed, my fingers turned on the digital piano instead of picking up my latest read. I don't know why I did this, it was like my fingers were possessed. I remember thinking, you're crazy, you're going to wake Gavin who is laying asleep only two feet away from you! As soon as I sat to play "Come Away with Me" (a song Chris and I deemed as "our song"), I realized that not all is lost. My piano still does what it used to, and my fingers still do what I tell them to. Well, not as beautifully as they used to, if I'm honest. :) I remembered our wedding day, dancing to this song.

As I transitioned to "One Flight Down," I became tearful. It's a song I always tried to imagine the story behind the music and words. I still don't know the exact meaning, but tonight the words told me a story of my relationship with Chris. Chris has a love for his guitar. And he's really really good. As our lives have changed from singles to a partnership with two kids, he still hasn't given up on his music. I love that about him, but if I'm honest, I've also been resentful about it. I've had times where I'd wake up at 2am and be angry that he was playing quietly in another room. I didn't know why until tonight. I was jealous! REALLY. I wanted that alone time, that peaceful energy, that insight that comes with each note played. I'm so glad that he keeps playing and he is a wiser person than I, because he knows that he really needs to create to feel at peace with his world. And tonight, I realized that this is something I need too. It's not just a musical instrument sitting in my home, waiting for another generation to learn its magic. I have too much history with my piano to just let it fall to the wayside. And maybe Chris and I can work a miracle and make that dream to play together become more of a reality. I have to say, life amazes me sometimes. Little pieces of insight are everywhere, even in your ancient past. And... Gavin remains sleeping. :)

One Flight Down

One flight down

there's a song on low,

and your mind just picked up on the sound

Now you know that you're wrong,

because it drifts like smoke

and it's been there playing all along.

Now you know, Now you know.

The reeds and brass have been weaving,

leading into a single note.

In this place

where your arms unfold,

here at last you see your ancient face.

Now you know, Now you know.

The cadence rolls in, broken,

plays it over and then goes.

One flight down

there's a song on low,

and it's been there playing all along.

Now you know. Now you know.

Quick (Approaching Fall) Update

2010-09-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

It's busy around here. Nothing completely new. But here's the run down:

| LAURA |

She's taken on the budget and I think she's doing awesomely. Go Laura!

She's working hard at her job and whether she admits it or not, she is a mighty good role model and a helluva darn great therapist.

She rocks the kasbah with the kids, supporting Ava while catering to Gavin's needs. Again, she's amazing.

Oh, and she supports me, deals with me and my schedule, and did I mention that she rocks the kasbah? :)

| CHRIS |

I'm back in school: teaching two courses and taking two courses (Int'l Tech Writing, Language Bias). The two classes should prove to be interesting taken at the same time.

Finding out moreandmore that I enjoy teaching/academia/research -- damn red pill.

Got a flux of writing contracts during my first week back to school.

Drinking way too much coffee, but I really like coffee.

Started putting together my academic portfolio on a wiki: http://lingeringacademic.wikispaces.com/

Hoptober ale is reminding me how much I enjoy ales.

I really enjoy my mornings with the kids. They rock!

Ava is becoming quite the funny, articulate kid. Yet, I also found out she's a sore loser. I won a game of chutes&ladders yesterday morning and she got upset with me and began to lecture about how I need to "care about others". Sorry, Ava(?).

My grey hat stinks; like literally stinks. Gotta wash that sucka.

_____________________

Okay, more to come. I want to sleep now.

Love you all!

Happy Soon-to-be-Fall!

Girls Like Dragons, Too

2010-07-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

This last week I (Chris) was at Target with the kids. (For anyone that doesn't know, I am staying at home with the kids this summer.) While at Target, we were shopping around the kid toy aisles, when I overheard a little boy (about 4-5) say to his sister (about 2 and sitting in the cart), "Here, Ellie!" as he attempted to hand his sister a dragon toy.

The mother promptly replied to her son, "Girls don't like dragons," as she then directed him to put the toy dragon back on the shelf.

As for me, watching and listening, I was frankly pissed. In that short exchange between parent and children (because the daughter was watching and listening intently, too), the parent made a very broad generalization about gender. Apparently, if one 2 year old girl doesn't like toy dragons (I should add here that the girl was reaching for the toy dragon, when being denied it), all girls everywhere don't like dragons.

Well, I couldn't keep my thoughts to myself. It seemed fitting that my own daughter (who is three) was sitting in our cart playing with a toy dragon, so I said to the mom, "My daughter likes dragons just fine," motioning over to my daughter.

She just kinda looked at me, and then Ava, and then proceeded to walk away with her kids. And just like that the "exchange" or clash of ideas about gender was over. I left feeling a little better, because I saw her 2 yr old look at Ava playing with the Air Bender dragon toy. Baby steps, right?

Well, this begged the question for me: Why do we need to constantly tell our children (this being parents, grandparents, teachers, adults, etc.) what they need to like or not like? I was given a great article by Karin Martin called "Becoming a Gendered Body: Practices of Preschools," where her research suggests that the way in which our bodies are gendered, (i.e. the way a boy is brought up to be more physical and take up more space vs. a girl who is brought up to be quiet and literally take up less space, even feeling uncomfortable with one's body), is constructed through our social institutions at a very young age -- in this case, she examined it at a pre-school.

The big take-away for me was how these gendered differences take place at such an early age so it seems as though it is just the way it is -- boys are one way and girls another, even though both boys and girls play around with the same kind of toys, same level of 'loudness', and same level of physicallity, learning what they like and don't like, until their culture says what's "appropriate" for them -- gender-wise. In other words, these gendered differences come across as something "natural", when they're really something adults/institutions encroach upon children.

There is one area in which I think I disagree with Martin's analysis. It's a small one, but I think relevant. In her conclusion, she chose the word "resistance" to indicate how children act differently then how culture seems to be gendering them. I disagree with this word choice. I don't think children are cognizant of this institutionalization. They don't outright rebel against these gender "differences"; it's more of a play-thing. Children cope through play. Define their world through play. Play is how the process the world, and I think it's more of them testing their environment, adapting, trying to learn and fit in the best they can. That's my two cents there.

I digress. Back to the topic at hand.

If you don't believe me. I got a few more examples from just this like week alone. Ava came to the dentist with me last week. The hygienist asked her if she wanted a new toothbrush. Of course, she did. Ava went over to the draw full of toothbrushes and the hygienist asked, "Which one would you like?"

Ava was looking around for a second, then chose a Cars toothbrush. The hygienist immediately responded, "Are you sure?" And then moved the Cars toothbrush to the side and picked out three Disney Princess toothbrushes and asked her to then choose from those three. WTF?

I got more, but I hope the point is made. And the point I really want to take home and apply to my own parenting is how I can help my daughter choose her own self. I don't want to enforce these limits upon her. I want to nurture her and bring out her self-confidence to be strong in those situations where others are saying she has to be one way when in fact she's not akin to their one-world mold.

Anyways, all this to say, I'm processing this...

Here's the article info below. If you want a copy, I have it and can send it to you. Peace.

Martin, Karin A. "Becoming a Gendered Body: Practices of Preschools." The Politics of Women's Bodies. Ed. Weitz, Rose. New York: Oxford Univ. Press, 2003. 219-39.

Keeping those summer caption blogs going

2010-07-16T17:46:00.000-07:00

The sleeper swing. It's all he does in it.

It's fun to see these two grow into each other.

Cuties!

Rotund: Part I.

Rotund: Part II.

"See. I ate it all."

Sleepy Giant.

I finally had the chance to take a foot pic. ;-)

I should note that no baby guruness was involved in getting him to sleep. I just put him there and ... out.

Ava Grace: Bringing back the 80's one outfit at a time.

He's already has my concentration face, which looks like duck lips, which ironically is the toy he's playing with here. (That was deep. I'm making my duck face right now, contemplating that one.)

Gavin, why so serious, buddy?

Watching Little Einsteins.

"Pardon, do you have any grey poupon?"

"Really? None."

"It's okay; I have wishy-washy."

"Yes! Let's keep this photo shoot tasteful, please."

Dignified pudge.

Duck face: Part II.

I love the hair.

Quack.

Checking for webbed feet.

Who do you think he looks like here?

Albeit she was excited to see him...

no hugs or high fives for George.

Some cool puppets.

Street Marketeer!

More puppets.

(Check out Ava's Show here -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cYfALHkmR4 -- if you can't see the embedded video.)

The Fourth | Two-Thousand Ten

2010-07-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a big trip out to the Iron Range for the Fourth of July weekend and I should be sleeping, but I'm writing a blog. So it goes.

Rather than write out a story of sorts, here's a list of what was done:

6 hour car drive w/ kids (ugh!)
Fishing
Eat
Laura's 10 year reunion
Eat and drink
Gilbert(?) street dance
Breakfast w/ our friends: Nate & Emily Goltz
Gilbert parade and fireworks (no fingers were blown up)
Aunt elsie's lake cabin (swimming, cousins, lots of meat and chips, tubing, sandbag-thingy game, etc.)
Sunburn
Exhaustion
Split Rock Lighthouse and Beach trip
Eat
Sweat and frigid lake superior water
Great Grandma Doty comes
Eat
Sleep
Eat
Fishing (we saw a baby loon on the lake, as well as a bald eagle almost swoop down and take part in the circle of life.)
See ashton, renae, scotty when they visit, too.
Eat
Say our goodbyes
Drive 6.5 hours back home (ugh!)

LAURA'S CAKES

ava and i made a cake for laura.

carol, laura's mom, also made a yummy cake.

we like cake.

ava *really* likes cake.

the cake shot.

GILBERT PARADE | FIREWORKS

auntie renae and gavin @ the parade.

ava enjoying a sucker that pelted my shoulder from a float tosser. parenting hurts sometimes and the kids enjoy the fruits from our toils sometimes, too.

watermelon and fireworks.

throwing those snappers on the ground.

grandpa. grandma. scotty. renae. ava.

renae spelling 'ava' w/ a sparkler.

uncle scotty going in circles.

ava w/ a sparkler. her pattern represents her aberrant nature.

my sparkler air guitar.

everyone enjoying the evening.

RANDOM TRIP PICS

house plant.

backseat ava.

backseat daddy. (appeasing gavin so we can make it to splitrock.)

vaulted ceiling.

as per ava, she "caught" a spider in her pink "trap" in her wading pool.

SOME GARDEN @ SOME ROADSIDE EATERY

enjoying the view.

resting. not ava, hehehehe.

ava. tiny chair. and flower.

flower, yellow.

laura and gavin. heart-melting.

SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE

the fam (-chris).

lake superior view.

laura gavining.

let us in!

they didn't let us in.

view from top.

still looking.

pretty.

inside the lighthouse.

more inside the lighthouse. (unfortunately, i did not get to learn much about this very cool lighthouse due to extreme humidity and a tour guide who wouldn't wait for us to come back down before talking about it.)

gavs and i sweating & smiling.

not posing, i swear. i wanted to sit.

still not posing, i swear it.

okay, now we're posing.

yep, posing.

yep, that reconditioned lighthouse for tourism is posing.

nope, not posing anymore.

i'm not posing, but gaving is.

sweet sweet moses. that kid's cute.

whoa. cute baby and a daddy who seems to be sucking in the gut.

posing altogether.

another shot. thanks to a friendly random stranger!

@ the beach.

throwing rocks.

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

@ first glance, she seems to be relaxing, but she's just shaking some stuff off of her foot, folks.

crunches?

phlewkwehlkareafnsdkjf.

look, it's quartz!

THE DOTY'S

gav and momma.

ava. she loves sand.

and making mud.

checking out grandpa and grandma's garden.

whoa. little ashton's "the flash"!

somehow, great grandma caught up to him!

playing!

ashton and gavin meet.

cute. wait, that's very very cute.

omg, that's a great picture.

THE END.

Family, Work, & a Wonderful Weekend (by Linger)

2010-06-27T17:54:00.001-07:00

The Lindgren's have been busy and I'll use this Sunday evening to sneak in another blog before the new month becomes us.

So, June. This month was a blend of the family and professional life. Laura's working hard at her counseling job and, for myself, I was hit with a much-needed barrage of writing contracts. I was awarded a contract to rebrand a credit union, involving writing brochures, web content for their new site, radio scripts, and possibly some TV spots soon. I've also written some radio ads for a cell phone co., and while I've always been leery about writing marketing materials, I'm finding joy in it.

I've also been doing some work for my very good friend, Jen Hofmann, who founded Inspired Home Office (blog). She's developing some very cool audio products, recordings from her organizational classes, and I am the lucky dude who gets to edit the audio and scrub up the transcripts. Very very good stuff. I've already started applying some of the principles. Thanks, Jen! ;-)

The only hiccup in all of this is the hours I have to work (and how Laura has to be home alone during the evening) to complete these contracts. So it goes. I am confident these times will pass, and I am willed to enjoy every moment I have with my gorgeous, lively family. I'm also very thankful for the contracts, experience, and opportunities.

Onto the weekend.

Friday. This was our anniversary. Six years of marriage and we took the opportunity to celebrate as a family, since we didn't have anyone to watch the kids until Saturday.

We decided to go to a beach at Buffalo State Park just outside of the F-M area. We enjoyed an albeit humid, but warm day to play in the sand a water. Before we hit the beach pics, we'll start this picture montage with our newest Lindgren, Mr. Gavin Paxton 'cause he's stinkin' cute:

BSP BEACH:

Saturday. Our date day. Thanks to Nana and Grandpa Lindgren, Laura and I were able to take a day to ourselves (our last date being in early April). We went out to lunch together, and then played tennis together (we wanted to do something active). After tennis, we decided to do some browsing downtown before we went to buy some food for a picnic at Lindenwood.

We bought some sushi, a french baguette, cheese, grapes, a piece of cake, and some Pinot Noir (but we soon later found out that I forgot the damn corkscrew!!!). Even though the wine remained corked the conversation made our date all the better. We traced back our history together and discussed how we can make each other even happier for the future.

No pictures of this event -- sorry.

Onto Sunday.

Ava has had the opportunity to take care of her neighbor friend's butterflies, since he's been gone for awhile. Here she is having fun outside with the one remaining butterfly (of the four total). She even mustered up the courage to touch it. ;-)

BUTTERFLIES:

We also all decided to brave the ND winds and go swimming at the Fargo South pool. I'm glad we did.

I've been taking Ava and Gavin during the Laura's work week, and today's the first time we got to go as a family. I really enjoyed watching Laura and Ava play together in the pool, as Gavin and I set off into deeper waters than usual. The wind got the better of Ava, so she eventually decided to lay down on a towel and soak in the sun (a suggestion as per mommy).

Here are a few pictures of the pool experience:

Here, simply, is a picture of me and Gavin chillin on his play gym. Laura thought she should capture this moment.

Below is a video of Gavin "giggling". I use quotations to indicate what you will hear when watching the video. The kid's a future kung fu enthusiast, methinks. ;-)

In the dead of night is when I return.

2010-06-08T01:25:00.000-07:00

In the dead of night is when I return.
Where the streets ignore me,
holding out for tomorrow,
brushing
away my day undone.

In the dead of night is when I return.
When our bed keeps your warmth,
but what you feel is the cold space
I’ve left,
Waiting for my return.

In the dead of night is when I return.
When my eyes finally meet yours,
Morning’s light tries to break
the hold
I’ve lost in yesterday.

In the dead of night.

--Linger

My (im)Perfect Family

2010-05-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

Both the kids are sleeping and Chris is at his office doing homework, so I'm left here wondering what to do with myself! A little catching up and processing to do...

The past few weeks have been a flurry of roller coaster emotions for me, and with most of my family too! I started work again last week and I was wary because Gavin was not taking the bottle too well yet. (And just for the record, we started "practicing" with the bottle back at 2 weeks--so it's not like we started too late.) And... he vetoed the bottle. So last week I left him with my mom and he cried. A lot. Which totally breaks a mommy's heart! Work went okay, but experienced the same drama that I forgot existed while I was on maternity leave. I came home for lunch and nursed Gavin, which I'm glad I did, as it soothed mine and Gavin's soul, at least for an hour of the day. Most days though, I returned back to work with tears running down my face. It was hard to leave him knowing he wanted me so badly. Ava did well last week, which I was very happy about since Gavin was a little bit time consuming for those taking care of him.

This past week went a little better. Chris' dad watched the kids and invited Auntie Mandi along as well. Gavin learned how to not scream at the sight of the bottle--a small but miraculous victory, thanks to Chris and Larry. I seriously did something that resembled an end zone celebration when I heard he drank a mere 1/2 ounce of milk. What? I was excited!! Anyways, Gavin's gradually getting better at the bottle. Thank the LORD! It was like torture when he wouldn't eat! Even though Gavin was doing better, it was Ava's turn for meltdowns. Instead of being tormented by a non-bottle drinking son, I was met with a velcro-to-the-leg 3 year old every time I would leave the house. In fact, the screaming words, "I NEED you mommy! I WANT you mommy" are enough to make a mom cry as well. *sigh* I got through the week, but holy... It was hard! I actually got to the point where I was so emotionally spent that I couldn't cry. Me. Usually this is NOT an issue for me. Crying is like my venting place; my healing tears. I think I was numb to all the commotion of life. Ok, maybe I'm a little dramatic, but it sure felt painful at times!

Then, yesterday I went out for a couple drinks with two of my friends. It was like I found a piece of myself I've been looking for, for a long time, in the midst of all this "transitional" crap. We talked about family, marriage, chaos, stress, kids, and funny stories. I laughed so hard I cried. I don't remember the last time I cried as a result of humor instead of stress. We talked about how marriages all around us are crumbling. Really, it's depressing. We talked about moms who swear they never fight with their husband or get mad at their kids. Really? Do they think for one second anyone actually believes them? After 2 drinks, some tears of sorrow, and a lot of laughter, I went home and thanked God I have this family that I would die for. And a family that causes me such heartache. Really, how lucky am I that I get deal with the stress when my son wants to cuddle and nurse instead of suck on a plastic nipple. Or cry in frustration when my little girl doesn't want me to leave because she loves me so much. And feel guilty because I have a husband who has a million things to do for school, but puts it all on hold because he knows I need to get out.

The last two weeks were sooo not fun, but I'd do it all over again. And I usually do in some form, and will again and again throughout my life. I am blessed to have these amazing people in my life to stress over. And I hope I have a lot more tears of laughter in the future. It felt amazing. :)

Facts about me and my thoughts

2010-04-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

First of all, my thoughts are somewhat jumbled, so bear with me
I wish I were more articulate. In general.
Gavin is now 2 months old (as of 4/4/10)--where has the time gone?? He weighs 14.4 lbs and is 25 inches long. He's big in other words.
Ava has taken a keen interest in the alphabet. Everytime she sees something with an "A" in the word, she says excitedly, "That's my NAME mom!!"
I love coffee in the morning, but I feel guilty about drinking it, because I know I feel better when I'm NOT addicted to caffeine.
My son can shoot poo further than your kids.
I go back to work in 18 days.
I am about 15% ready to go back to work.
My husband is busy with schoolwork and talks about dissertation topics a lot. BUT, he wants to make time for a date night tomorrow so that makes me happy.
I want to learn how to be a better listener to my husband, even when I'm tired.
I hate uploading pictures, which I am doing now.
I hate laundry, which is a first in my life.
I get seething mad when I hear about child molestation (heard of an incident today, so its on my mind...)
I would like to meet more friends in the Fargo area, but scratch my head with how to make time to do this
I like to knit, but was recently told by someone (who doesn't know I knit), "knitting is for 90 year olds." Obviously she is not the hip I-lived-in-Portland-and-am-a-hippee person that I am. Really.
My daughter says "actually" a lot. And "I sure do!" I think she gets it from me.
My son is so stinking cute that I actually cried this morning. I opened my eyes, he was already awake, and was smiling at me while I was sleeping--I know this because his coos woke me. :)
I have the urge to travel somewhere exotic, but my little breastfeeder shoots me back to reality.
I could ramble on and on, but I am probably boring the few people that still read this blog. :) Hugs to you if you do.

Gavin's Here!

2010-02-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

[If you're viewing this on FB, click on the "View Original Post" link to see our blog]

Gavin's here, all 9 lbs. and 12.4 oz. of'em! Laura and him are quite the team. Yesterday, we went to Laura's 40 week appointment in semi-low spirits about going over the due date, but Dr. Radke noted that Gavin was lower and Laura was at 4cm infusing some hope in us for the afternoon. Dr. Radke said we could go into the hospital if Laura experienced contractions that were 5 minutes for at least an hour.

After Ava's nap, Laura wanted to go to Sam's Club, saying she wanted to "walk up and down every single aisle" to get the boy down'n'out. At about 4:15pm, Laura started to experience some pretty good contractions at a regular 5 minutes apart. We started to time them, and after we got home from SC (about 5pm), we decided to pack up and head in.

My parents were already on their way to our apt., so as soon as they got there, we went to Meritcare.

Laura notified her parents and her sister, and we're happy to report that Carol, Renae and Ashton made the trip! While they were traveling across MN, we were in the triage at about 6:20pm.

They monitored Laura for about 45 minutes, and admitted us at about 7pm. The nurse checked Laura, and she was at about 5cm at this time. For the next hour and 45 minutes, the contractions grew rather rapidly into the transition period. Before anyone realized it, Laura was told to push.

Laura's pushing was amazing, as the bag of waters came out most of the way without bursting. The Dr. punctured it just before Gavin crowned, and at 9:13pm, just short of a 5 hour labor (!!), Gavin was born.

I'm going to leave some space for Laura to fill-in for the birthing story, but in short, she was amazing and the Meritcare staff were amazed by her.

Hmmm, I suppose this new addition means I may have to do a blog makeover. ;-)

More to come.

Sledding with the neighbors!

2010-01-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

For all you parents of two (or +) out there...

2010-01-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

This left me sobbing at work.

I walk along holding your 2-year-old hand, basking in the glow of our magical relationship. Suddenly I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me that our time alone is limited. And I wonder: how could I ever love another child as I love you?

Then he is born, and I watch you. I watch the pain you feel at having to share me as you've never shared me before.I hear you telling me in your own way, "Please love only me". And I hear myself telling you in mine, "I can't", knowing, in fact, that I never can again.You cry. I cry with you. I almost see our new baby as an intruder on the precious relationship we once shared. A relationship we can never quite have again.

But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to that new being, and feeling almost guilty. I'm afraid to let you see me enjoying him—as though I am betraying you.But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity, then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.

More days pass, and we are settling into a new routine. The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.But something else is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just we two. There are new times – only now, we are three.

I watch the love between you grow, the way you look at each other, touch each other.I watch how he adores you — as I have for so long. I see how excited you are by each of his new accomplishments. And I begin to realize that I haven't taken something from you, I've given something to you. I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you.

I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong. And my question is finally answered, to my amazement. Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you—only differently.

And although I realize that you may have to share my time, I now know you'll never share my love. There's enough of that for both of you – you each have your own supply. I love you—-both. And I thank you both for blessing my life.

—Author Unknown

35 weeks, 4 days

2010-01-04T10:02:00.001-08:00

I'm so excited, I just got back from my 36 week Dr. appointment.

Things are going well. Blood pressure is good, weight is good, baby is measuring well, he is head down, and very very high. That makes sense, since I haven't had much of an appetite lately and I can just imagine that my upper organs, including my stomach, is squished to the size of a pancake.

So here's what I'm excited about, I'm starting to dialate! I'm at 1 cm. This doesn't really mean I'll go into labor anytime soon, as I witnessed with my pregnancy with Ava. I started dialating at 33 weeks with her, and gave birth to her a day before her due date. BUT, I did dialate to 5 cm before I felt anything! And that folks, is why I'm so excited. I'm hoping for a smooth birth again, and would be lucky to have an experience similar to that of Ava's delivery.

Sorry if this post is TMI for some, but I just had to share my excitement or I'll explode! :) Gotta love the crazy shifts of moods that pregnancy offers!

P.S. I really need to get some family/pregnancy pics done before this little guy is born!

New Year!

2010-01-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

So it's 2010: Twenty-ten; Two thousand and ten; however you say it. :)

I'm excited for this year! I have a lot I want to accomplish, but I also know that another large responsibility will be added to my plate shortly, so I kind of assume that this year I won't really accomplish most of the things I want to accomplish. Make sense?

For example, I'd really like to:

Start working towards a MN Marriage and Family license

Network with area counselors

Look into starting a private practice

Meet and get to know more people in Fargo

Find a church

Start saving for a family vacation

Start saving for a house

Start making Christmas gifts early

Continue experimenting with painting

Start playing the piano again

So I guess we'll see how the year goes, and how crazy I'm going to be feeling once another Lindgren joins our family. :) I know the first year of babyhood is difficult, and I'm sure it will be a huge transition for us all. I'm not a big fan of setting myself up for failure, because then the guilt and self-loathing begins. Not so fun. I know myself, and know that I try to do more than I can to begin with, so I'm going to start with simple and see how many life blessings come with this way of thinking.

I guess the biggest priority is embracing the inevitable transition a new baby will bring, nurture my family in many ways that I can, and continue to allow myself life-giving activities/things to nourish myself in the process.

So here's to 2010: May you bring me contentment in all of the simple things in life, and give me enough patience and endurance to enjoy it all! *Cheers!*

A Christmas Post

2009-12-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

A lot to write, but no time to write it. Yet, here are some pictures from our recent visit to Santa's Village in Fargo.

Merry Christmas!

Big Girl Ava Weekend

2009-11-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

In just this week and weekend, Laura and I have experienced a little "big" girl. We signed her up for some dance lessons starting in January, and this weekend, she's done well with her potty training, staying dry all day yesterday (Saturday), and she is accident free so far today, too. She also got her new big girl bed with a bookshelf. She's diggin it. As I type she is in her room on her bed reading away. What really hit us in the kisser was when we went over to great-grandma's house for her 90th birthday celebration.

**Update**She has also had two awesome days wearing panties at daycare (only one little accident). Plus, Ava's teacher asked us if we would like her to transition into the next class/age group. My head's spinning!

When we arrived, the house was full of relatives, some of which we haven't seen for years. Ava was a bit overwhelmed right away, but then she started to play with Anna, a cousin of hers who is (I believe) six years old. The two played together as though they've been friends for years. They danced, colored, played games together, and we just could not believe how well she was talking and playing with Anna. And more so, how much the two enjoyed each other.

At one point, they were dancing together and I went over and asked Ava if I could dance with her and she replied saying, "No. I dance with Anna."

Whoa! She has never turned me down for a dance before, and as happy as I was to continue watching her dance and enjoy the company of her new friend -- a friend of which she told us she "loved" -- I was a little heart broken. So here comes the growing up area of our life together as a family.

Ava, I am very excited to meet your friends, support you in your interests, and watch you begin this journey into a life of your own.

Happy Halloween II

2009-10-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we pillaged! We plundered! We pirated and raided the neighborhoods of the Far-gone!

Ava had a blast. And we had a blast as soon as we hit the neighborhoods. But first, we went to the mall, and ugh, it was ... ... ugh.

As soon as we walked in the doors, I immediately thought of Ford's assembly line, and apparently Laura thought the same. All the "trick-or-treating" consisted of was kids and adults in one long ugly snake line moving from one storefront to the next. Each stor was dishing out the same crappy candy, and none of the stores were decorated, save JCPenny's, which was ready for Christmas. Oye!

As soon as we met up with Mandi and Shad, we hit the streets. Here are some pictures from our evening:

Here Ava did not want to wake up after her nap to go and trick-or-treat. Get up, Ava!

There we go! Introducing, Cinderella!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T14:33:00.000-07:00

This October has thrown some punches, but we Lindgren's are still on top. Despite the rush we've been able to come together and enjoy a few activities.

HALLOWEEN COOKIES

Here are a few pictures of a night when Laura and Ava made Halloween sugar cookies with sprinkles galore (see the pic below with Ava "smiling").

CARVING PUMPKINS

Here Laura (not pictured, due to my lazy self) and I are carving pumpkins, while Ava paints away on her large pumpkin.

AVA AND DADDY FOOLING AROUND

LAURA: WEEK 26 (and 2 days)

Gavin's gettin' big. And I decided it was time for Laura to take a picture of my belly, since I did it at least once during Ava, in utero. (Oh, and don't worry folks. I saw the pic and how wrinkly my jeans were, so they were immediately pressed, forthwith.)

The Name of Baby Lindgren #2 is Revealed

2009-10-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well, after muchmuchmuch deliberation, after muchmuchmuch frustration, and after the plethora of brainstorming sessions, think tanks, and peer-reviewed lists of lists, our baby boy's name is the following:

Meet Gavin Paxton Lindgren.

It'll be fun to say in a scolding fashion. Try it out, you'll see. :-)

Seriously though, Laura and I are relieved and excited to meet this guy. Ava's been singing to Gavin by putting her head to Laura's stomach. She'll sing an impromptu or dish out a princess song or two. I've been able to do the same (different songs... sometimes). ;-)

Hi Gavin! See you soon!

Introducing Gavin Paxton!

2009-10-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

We finally decided on a name and got a chance to scan the ultrasound pics from 22 weeks.

Gavin means "white hawk" and Paxton means "peace."

It was quite the process to name this little guy...it took a lot longer than with Ava. I think we just didn't have the luxury of going to Barnes and Noble, grabbing a host of baby name books, and sitting quietly sipping a latte while debating the pros and cons of Aidan and Atticus or Ava and Addison. So much for those days! We were met with periods of 15 minutes here and there to discuss these matters, while Chris simultaneously plans a lesson for his class, and I bask almost unconsciously in the comfiness of the couch after Ava falls asleep. Life just continues to evolve and change for us, but we are both loving it! Just the ins and outs of being a parent and trying to make it in this crazy world. :) Anyways, on to more interesting things... :)

This pic is so cool. We actually saw Gavin moving his tongue and swallowing fluid during the ultrasound. That's what he's doing in this pic.

And just a cutie profile. We think he looks like Ava. But then again, how can you even tell in these pics?! We are just so excited to meet him! Just 15 weeks to go!

Lindgren Word Cloud

2009-10-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why I didn't do this sooner, but here it is:

I like how my name is by "diaper." Oye vay!

22 weeks and 2 days; Ava's first catch!

2009-10-03T16:39:00.000-07:00

Catching up on some photo blogging.

I am now 22 weeks and 2 days. This pregnancy is going by super fast! We go in for another ultrasound on thursday to have better pics of the heart and diaphram done (didn't get a good one last time), so we are excited to see our little baby again. We also want to get another chance to ask what the gender is, since they were ONLY 90% sure that we are having a boy last time. :)

I'm already having braxton hicks contractions, which is something that was annoyingly common with my pregnancy with Ava. Oh well... I try to remind myself that when I went into the hospital with her, I was already 6 cm dialated, and didn't start having painful cx's until 8 cm. Maybe I'll be lucky again. :)

I am also really anxious to start making room for our little addition. In order to do that though, we need to buy some pieces of furniture and consolidate some rooms. Can't wait!

Ava also talks up a storm about the "new baby." She already has plans to sing, hold, change diapers, and play with the baby. Everyday she touches my belly and says "You have a new baby, mom?" "I'm a big sister!" and "Baby is growing and growing and growing!" Love it!

Ok, here's some cutie pics of Ava catching her first fish when we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Doty a few weekends ago. Gpa got a new boat, and Ava and her cousin Ashton had fun riding the waves. :)

Gma and her grandchildren. :)

Gpa and Baby Ashton

Yes, we let her drive. *wink wink*

Ava had her second cousin Gracie come over to play. She is 3 1/2. That's Gracie's auntie in the background, my cousin Sara.

Possible Baby #2 Names

2009-09-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

Okay folks here are some possible baby names, thanks to me and Ash.

Chris Lindgren

Xanthium Phaser Lindgren
Phranklin Cattle
Sallymander Syndi
Toodles Dig
Rupee Whiskers
Validate
Timely Gymboree
Quester Chester
Belle Air
Flava Geezus
Canopee N'More Lindgren

Ashby Rauch

Notebook Potato.
Butter Lily.
Chrysanthemum Tomato
Vase Plate Spoon
Gold Silver Platinum Lindgren.
Dora
Kettle
Lucid Aluminium
Sparrowhawk

Laura Lindgren

Holy Bejezus!

(Man, c'mon Laura. Step it up.) ;-)

What is in my inbox today...

2009-09-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Becoming Friends with Your Feelings

I often hear people ask, "How are you feeling today?" The common answer is, "Fine." It was a good question, but not a good answer. Why do we ignore our feelings or camouflage them with such words as "fine" or "not so well"? Feelings are a part of who we are. We have emotions because we are made in the image of God.

How dull life would be if we had no feelings. Imagine watching a sunset, a ball game, or the ocean and feeling no emotion. Feelings are a gift of God to help us enjoy life and process pain. Certainly sometimes we feel lonely, disappointed, and frustrated, but these emotions push us to take constructive action. Pause and thank God for whatever emotion you are presently feeling. Ask Him to guide your actions.

Some Christians are critical of their emotions. They will say, "Don't trust your emotions. Faith, not feelings, is the road to spiritual growth." Why are we so critical of our emotions? In Mark chapter three, Jesus felt anger and sorrow. Is that bad? I don't think any of us would condemn Jesus for having emotions. Then why do we condemn ourselves?

God gave us emotions for growth, maturity, fulfillment, and enjoyment. Feelings were made to be our friends. If it is a negative emotion, it means something needs attention. It is like the red light that appears on the dash when your car needs oil. We don't curse the light; we give attention to the problem. Why not do the same with your emotions? If you take constructive actions, emotions have served their purpose.

**Email sent to me by Gary Chapman, author of Five Love Languages**

And so it goesandgoesandgoes... you get the point.

2009-09-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Too much going on, so list format will have to do.

Chris
_______________

* teaching two sections of ENG 120 -- it's stretching
* taking two courses this semester -- not of a huge concern, relatively easy, but still learning and stretching
* currently working every other weekend @ CCRI site, 34 hour shifts -- ffff'in ugh!
* have three résumé/CV contracts due this week, and one manuscript assessment due next week
* just got in touch w/ a mother about tutoring her son in writing/organizational strategies
* miss my ladies, both of which are sick (and I think I'm getting there)
* meeting tons of cool new folks at NDSU, both faculty and colleagues

Laura
_______________

* she's sick :(
* she's gotta work while being sick :( (trying to save them hours for when the new one comes)
* she seems to be gathering materials for baby scrapbooking (hmmm)
* she's everpatient w/ our little Ava (Ava is protesting nighnigh) -- how does she do it?!?!?
* she's been uber-supportive so far in my academic ventures
* I know there's more, but maybe she can divulge a bit

Ava
_______________

* she's sick, too :(
* major diaper rash today due to the runs -- TMI? ... probably
* she's diggin school -- hooray!
* she gave me the BIGGEST hug today, when I picked her up from school
* she has said some very cute things lately. i can recall one where Laura called Ava a "stinker" and she immediately replied with the utmost confidence, "No. I'm not stinker." -- Well, that's that folks!

As a family, we are craving each other's company. We're hoping there are some pockets of space where we can recuperate together. Oh, and we'd like to NOT be sick. That'd be cool, too.

There, Ashby. There.

Ava Reading to Ashton

2009-08-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell Laura that I uploaded this cute vid of Ava reading to little cousin Ashton, while he was showing off some impressive rolling skills.

Catching up

2009-08-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Ava and I ventured to the Iron Range to celebrate my mom's birthday, and the first annual "mother-daughter-kids" weekend. Ava had a blast with her cousin, Ashton, who is 6 months old, and a total cutie. :) We also went to Duluth and Gooseberry Park (which happens to be the location of Chris and my engagement). It was Ava's first time there, and she had a fantastic time stepping in the puddles, and she would have slid right down the waterfall "slide" if I didn't stop her. :) Fun fun. We are so thankful to be back near family to be able to enjoy spending time together.

Last weekend Patty stayed with Ava and I, as I was on call and Chris was working. Thanks Patty! We had a fun time, and here are a few of Ava's highlights of their playtime. :)

And if you made it this far along in the post, I'm amazed. :) I had my 14 week appointment this afternoon and we heard the baby's heartbeat @ 155 bpm. I am definitely feeling better (almost literally at the start of the 2nd trimester), but still have to fight to find the energy for everything that happens during the day. The joys of pregnancy. :) Ava thinks the baby is a boy, and think I think it's a boy too (obviously not too confident), and Chris thinks we're destined for girls. :) Everything is healthy so far, and in 4 weeks we will hopefully find out for sure what we're having! Can't wait!

"Wash Your Face"

2009-08-06T18:19:00.000-07:00

So Ava was taking her nightly bath, when Laura went in to check up on her to finalize the deal by prompting Ava to wash her face. "Wash your face," said Laura.

Ava replied, "Wash my eyes?!"

And before Laura knew it, Ava started scrubbing her eyeballs with shampoo, saying "Ow! I need a band-aid."

Soap lesson learned.

Lindgren, Brennan, Schultz Summer Meetup

2009-07-28T18:39:00.001-07:00

Last night we went over to Ava's great grandparents' house, and got to see the Brennan's, visiting from AZ.

Ava met little Ethan (son of Mike and Anne), who is 3 years old, so he's not too far from Ava's age. Ava learned a bit more about dinosaurs from the cool little dude, and the two hit it off. They ranandranandran circles around everyone at the get together.

Here are some pictures and a little video too:

ScRAbBLe!

2009-07-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

Laura and played Scrabble on Friday evening, and it was fantastic!

We joked around a bit about playing a board game on a Friday night, but man I don't think there was anything much more fun to do, that hit the spot for us.

Oh yes, I should mention how Ava came out while she was still 'going down' and saw us in the living room. Laura said to Ava that we were "playing a game" and instantly I thought to myself, "You're mad woman!"

Sure enough, Ava gasped in delight and let out her patented, "Oooooooooo!" No worries though, Laura had some very good redirection skills up her sleeves, allowing Ava to refocus on actually sleeping.

Here's the end game below, as well as our end game faces. The highest scoring word was "wiper" with a triple word score of 33. And for the record, I pulled out a victory over the very very good opponent, Laura "Preggo brain ain't got nothin' on me" Lindgren.

Family Picnic @ Lindenwood Park

2009-07-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Haven't had the opp to post our family outing on Friday morning. We got up early (as per usual, thanks to Ava 'No sleep, No sleeping-in' Lindgren), and prepared ourselves for a beautiful morning at the park.

I made cheese sandwiches for the ladies, and made myself some roast beef sandwiches. We packed apples, chips, cookies, and some Dora yogurt. (A quick aside: the kids nuts for these things! If she spots them in the fridge, even if she's 15-20 ft down the hallway, when we're casually grabbing some water, milk, whatever; she'll bolt in a straight angle for the fridge. Sometimes yelling out "Dora!" or "O-Dir't!")

I digress.

Here's a couple pics we took before we put the camera down to enjoy the rare gorgeous day in Fargo.

wAteR BallOOns!

2009-07-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I got to throw a couple. ;-)

Baby Appointment from a 2 year old's perspective

2009-07-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, I had a baby appointment today at 8 am.

Chris was going to drop Ava off at the drop in daycare this morning, but alas, the place didn't open until 8:30 am. Shoot. So she came with.

As we were walking in the door to the clinic, Ava was convinced that we were bringing the baby home TODAY, as before I had explained that mommy will go see a doctor to have the baby, and then the baby will get to come home. Ok, more explanation needed apparently. We told Ava the baby needs to grow a lot more, and the baby will come after Christmas time. (I know...already I'm setting myself up for her to think she's going to unwrap a baby for Christmas.) :)

So we are sitting in the doctor's office where everything looks like a baby. Paintings on the wall, a mobile of stars and moons. Yes, Ava has the baby brain.

We meet the doctor and he is very charming with Ava. I think she may have gotten more attention than mommy! :) Chris is doing his best to occupy Ava while I got a pelvic exam, and oh yes, she really wanted to see what that is all about. (I will spare you the details of this, but she said some funny things after the appointment.) haha

Then we listened to the baby's 160 bpm heartbeat. Amazing. Music to apprehensive mommy ears. Everything is going well, and developing as it should. Thank God! In the moment I heard the heartbeat, I felt a first glimpse of what being a mom of two will be like. I was thinking about if Ava could hear the heartbeat, and how she was feeling, and at the very same time I was thinking about what my new little darling is doing floating around inside me. Pulled in two directions, but I felt joy and excitement thinking about each little one. While talking with Chris later, he stated he felt a similar sensation, it was amazing to both of us.

Not sure if Ava got the jist of the whole heartbeat thing, but at least she understood that the baby cannot come home TODAY! Oh, and we did not hear 2 heartbeats, for which Chris was thankful for.

I imagined an appointment where Chris and I would privately bask in the glory of creating another little baby, hearing the heartbeat and all, and I got much more...a glimpse of what my life will look like 6 months from now.

Plan, improvise, new plan, accommodate, enjoy, another new plan, celebrate!

Congratulations to Licensed Laura!

2009-07-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Licensure!

You are the most hard-working, caring person who is doing some great things in your line of work! Love you!

Long Lost Laura

2009-07-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

While Ava's taking a nap, I thought I'd write a little about how I'm doing.

So, I'm sure most of you know I'm pregnant again, just 9 weeks along. We have our first prenatal appt. in about a week, so I'm hoping all goes well. So far, I feel pretty crappy (nausea+tired+headaches), but I'm managing somehow. I know people have had it worse then me, so I can't complain too much. I definitely feel sicker with this little baby then with Ava. She was a breeze! :) It's kind of amazing how fast time is going with this one too. I know I'm "newly-preggo" but the last month just flew by! It seemed like time stopped when I was pregnant with Ava, at least in hind-sight anyways. I'm totally excited about having a new little one in the house, and Ava says things like:
"Mommy has a NEW baby!"
and
"I'm a big sister" (looking all proud)
then
She'll do something cute like kiss my slightly protruding stomach. BTW I already broke out my preggo clothes. *Oye!*

I'm a little worried that Ava will go through a rough transition, but I guess if it happens, we just have to live through it and give her as much attention as possible. Any moms have any advice here?

In other areas of my life:
I am surviving my job (the politics absolutely suck!), excited to be licensed in ND (well associate's license-LAPC--but it's a step), and wishing I was licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in MN. That's a long term goal, and hopefully I'll take steps to reach it in a few years when I have money for supervision (a small fortune!). I hope I can find a better fitting job in the next few years, but at least I have one and for that I'm thankful.

I am wishing to have more friends around here. My weekends are pretty lonely, with Chris working Sat 9am straight to Sun 7pm. I made friends very quickly when we moved to Portland, and this time around I am not as fortunate. It's not as easy to just pick up and go somewhere you know you might find a friend when you have a small child to care for. I'm sure as time moves forward, I'll make friends, but with that said, it's something Im craving. :)

I'm excited for Chris to move forward with his studies! He starts school in the fall, and our lives will change again I'm sure. :) He deserves to work at something he loves, after years of supporting me and taking care of Ava Grace. I know he'll do well, and I hope he likes teaching freshmen! :)

Ava takes the spot for the most invested timeslot. :) She is now sleeping well, and putting herself to bed. For those of you who remember, she was not such a great sleeper. It only took 2 1/2 years to train her to sleep. Blah! I hope the next one is not similar in this way! (And if you're listening to my thoughts, little one, that does not mean take MORE years! ) haha
Anyways, she is also potty training, although it is not going very smoothly. Maybe she's not totally ready, but she just does not find the joy of sitting on the pot. She'd much rather hide, go in her diaper, then lay on the floor and be changed. Trying to be patient here... So those are the challenges we've faced recently. That and the occasional push/hit on the playground--that's subsided some. Any more advice moms?? I love hearing what other people do.
She is a joy in our lives. Always busy, always exploring, always saying "what's that?" :) Trying to keep up with her, and staying ahead of meltdowns is a challenge, but one that I know I'll miss when she's older.
Lately, Ava loves My Little Ponies--she got some hand me downs from ME when I played with them when I was young. She also enjoys the park, playing outside, and books.
Ava will be attending daycare in the fall, as daddy is going back to school. So I'm hoping that transition goes smoothly as well.

Well I've wrote quite the novel, but I don't post here much anymore, so hopefully it makes up for it. :) (does it work like that?)
Ta TA!

Time Was of Our Own Essence

2009-07-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

To follow are some pictures from our 5th year wedding anniversary getaway. Laura and I headed up to the north shore of MN, dropping Ava off at Grandma & Grandpa Doty's house while we shoved off and sang sweet sweet bon voyage songs while we checked into our own suite at Caribou Highlands near Lutsen, MN.

We had a blast, and Laura summed up the trip nicely when she said we got to use our time as we wished. Man, that's a good getaway!

Thanks again G&G Doty! To note, Ava had more than a blast with the g-folks.

[Gooseberry Falls :: This is where I proposed to me-lady.]

[The room.]

[Check out this bugs shadow! Well, I thought it was cool.]

[The journey back home after 3 days and 2 nights away from our wee one.]

[We had fun; how 'bout you?]

Lindgren Videos!

2009-06-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Haven't taken too many, but here they are:

Ava as Flower Girl

Ava Dancing @ the Wedding

Ava on the Choo-Choo Train @ Rheault Farm

Thunder&Lightning

2009-06-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

This evening we got a small thunderstorm rolling onthrough the area, and Ava was a bit taken aback. @first, Ava thought the thunder was coming from somebody/thing just outside the patio door/ontheroad. Laura and I explained that the noise she heard was called "thunder" and that "It came from the sky."

Ava had the processing look on her face, and then bolted up towards the door saying, "I gotta go ... I gotta go check it out. I wanna see the thunder outside."

She, then, paused and looked back at us saying, "I'll be right back."

Oh, Avagraces!

On the Patio

2009-06-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Today, Ava and chilled out on the patio after running some errands. We got two tomato plants from the Doty's, so we got some tom cages to (I guess) help them grow upupupup.

We also played around with some more chalk. Check it out!

A Wedding Weekend

2009-06-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

We all had a blast @ Jacob and Amanda Towers' wedding this last weekend. I was a groomsman, and Ava was the little flower girl.

Ava did great! She even took some pics with the wedding party. She went half-way down the aisle until the littler ring bearer decided to dash. (Ava wasn't sure what to do then, but the parents were then instructed to help them finish the job. aka Laura had to walk down the aisle.)

I had a blast with the wedding party and Laura and Ava. I drank a little more than ever, and so I danced a little more than ever. Laura was gorgeous, and Ava was a little princess (naturally). Without further adieu, the pics:

It Takes 2 To Tango!

2009-06-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the word on the street is is that Laura's still Fertile Myrtle and I'm still Billy the Kid (Maker).

That's right, Ava's gonna be a big sister!

Wow!

The Flower Girl

2009-05-29T15:00:00.001-07:00

Here we captured Ava's vibrant, joyous reaction to the initial trying on of her flower girl dress for Jake Towers' & Amanda Wagner's wedding.

I warned them about this girl!

Top Crust, Bottom Crust

2009-05-26T18:29:00.001-07:00

Ava and I made some banana bread today. Just before Ava's bedtime, we decided to have a little BB snack.

While enjoying the bread, Laura tells us that she "doesn't like the bottom crust [on the banana bread], but likes to eat the top crust." She elaborates further by saying that "It's the same for me with regular bread, but I eat the bottom crust anyways. ... 'Cause I'm an adult."

Oh man! I love this woman!

Lindgren Occupational History

2009-05-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

According to Ancestry.com, this is my family's history of occupations, as recorded in the US since 1880.

Sheesh, looks like I'm breaking the mold, eh?!

Ava "Radar" Lindgren

2009-05-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

Fun @ The Park

2009-05-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

With a flurry of warm, sunny days in Fargo, we've been onthemove with a plethora of walks, stroller rides, and park extravaganzas. Unfortunately, in the midst of all of this fun, our camera's battery charger is currently MIA, but Laura charged it up while over @ her parents' place, who have the same camera.

So without further verbage, here are some pics from this morning's venture to a little city park a few blocks, due south.

"I draw picture!"

2009-05-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

While trying to get Ava down for bed tonight, she surprised us with some acts and themes of expulsion.

Firstly, while sitting on her bed, Ava hands Laura a book to read then farts unexpectedly (to us that is) and immediately announces that "I toot on bed!"

What a gas!

Then, a few minutes later, Ava says she needs to go "Pee-pee." Laura brings her to the potty chair, and as Ava waits for nature to run its course, she usually reads or draws on her mini magnadoodle--she choose to pass the time with the magnadoodle.

Well, some more time passes and I was still waiting back in Ava's room for the party to be over, when all of sudden I hear Ava say, "I draw picture! I draw Dadda's poo poo!"

Saywhat!?! Seriously!?! No! Really??

Laura bursts out in laughter, then quickly comes into Ava's room, informing me that Ava has drawn what appears to be my own, this Dadda's poo-poo. (Tastefully done, of course.) Laura noted that the drawing consisted of some circles with dots. How clever.

Some time later, as I am now writing this blog and Ava is finally asleep, I cannot remember what she decided to draw next, immediately following the papa fecal matter. Methinks, it was something along the lines of a duck or some other animal.

Sheesh! I think the Lindgren genes are kickin' in.

And now I wait....

2009-05-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

I just put Ava down for a nap after getting home from taking the National Counselor's Exam (NCE). **thank you Larry and Patty for watching Ava so early on a Saturday!**

The test sucked. I hope that it sucked only enough to let me pass so I don't ever have to take it again! I'll find out in 6 (yes, as in six) weeks if I passed.

I got "New Moon" from the library, so I'm off to read some mind candy and drink some more coffee. Just because I deserve it. :)

(P.S. Do you ever have the urge to run around frantically, waving your arms and screaming fantastically for joy at the top of you lungs?! No? Well me neither...) ;)

Someone put a plug in it

2009-05-05T14:10:00.001-07:00

Laura sent me an article about Ava and her current development; particularily the subject of rigidity: Your 2-year-old timeline.

Anyways, check out one of the comments below. This person doesn't have a thing to say about the article, and apparently her 2.5 child is perfect. Call me curmudgeon, but sheesh!

Our 2 1/2 year old daughter just loves to help with everything. She is a very active little girl but so adorable and lovable to yet VERY INDEPENDANT. She's just been potty trained and it took just three days. Now no one is able to take her to the toilet she is a big girl and does it all on her own and washes her hands after as well. She is so good at taking care of her little sister who is 7 months and what fun they both have together. She makes up her own games and just loves outside in the garden playing in pot plants...mind you they just have soil in them at the moment but she's a real wee tom boy in one hand and on the other a real wee mini mum and so girlie! Wonderful to watch. She doesn't ask or moan for things as she knows she doesn't get them so when we're out she is never asking for sweets or toys....she's just happy talking about all that is going on around her as we're walking along...she loves the outdoors and we live in Spain so she's learning two languages too.

This almost seems like a joke, but I can't feel out the sarcasm. Oye!

Sidewalk Chalk

2009-05-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

Since my husband is so humble...

2009-04-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

He didn't want to brag...

He won a writing contest! (And a runners up entry too!) Check it out!

http://theartspartnership.net/

Yay Chris!

The Fischer Co. Comes to Visit

2009-04-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we got to play host to some great friends, the Fischers: Dominic, Heather, and Loudon (the cute baby seen below).

Laura made a fantastic pasta dish, Chicken Pesto with roasted red peppers, asparagus, and pine nuts on top of farfalle pasta. She also roasted some garlic cloaves and then we spread it out on a french bread loaf. Delicious!

Ava enjoyed little Loudon; had a few... how you say toddler-to-baby issue moments, but the two hit it off very well. Below you'll see a clip of little Loudon doing a little jig for us all, and Ava also gets her baby names mixed up, as she call Loudon, her cousin's name Ashton.

Now, here is a sweet deal! Home-canned peaches from the Fischer's! Yes! Thanks guys! We had fun tonight.

Oh wait! I must add this. This is a picture of a little gift Ava got from the farm petting zoo ordeal at NDSU that we went to on Thursday morning. Gotta love it! Right?

Easter & Tumbling Gymnastics

2009-04-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a multimedia presentation of Easter doings and gymnastic tumblings.

Top Ten Happenings of the Lindgrens

2009-04-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

10. We are still dry, afloat, and awaiting a second crest in the land of Fargo

9. Ava has taken a turnaround with the potty training biz. She has reverted to diaperland.

8. Laura is studying to take her National Counseling Exam on May 9th. If she passes, she'll have her associates license! Wish lots of luck!

7. Chris' mom found an iMac at NDSU (only 2 years old) for $35! We now own a computer again!

6. We miss our friends in Portland! :(

5. Ava went to sunday school on sunday, and mom and dad attending the church they got married in. Megachurch style. **did I just swear, or is it just me?**

4. We love our apartment. It fits us well, although we do need a place to put our dishes instead of the counterspace.

3. Ava starts a tumbling class tomorrow evening at the YMCA!

2. Chris and I got a membership at the Y also and vow to work out and lose weight!

1. Chris got a job! He's working as a Direct Support Professional at a place called CCRI. (More details to come I'm sure)

Some Ava Videos.

2009-03-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

For some reason, youtube wasn't uploading our videos from our new camera for awhile. It now seems to be working, so here are some videos of our little one:

Our Little American Idol

Ava Scaring Daddy

Ava Performing for the Family

What the hey!?!

2009-03-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

Okay, one of the main beefs I have with our new place is that we don't have any onsite recycling. What the hey!?!?!

That's really the only thing that really chaps my chaps. I just don't get it. Uggh!

And this brush!

2009-03-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

I just experienced a fantastic Lauraism. Here's how it went:

As you may or may not know, we just moved into our new home in Fargo last Tuesday, the 24th. This morning while unpacking, Laura requested my presence in the bathroom. "Chris, do you want to see my system?" she asked.

I, naturally, answered emphatically, "Yes, Dear! Spit-spot!"

Well, I walked in and was amazed and bewildered at Laura's super organizational ability. I waited patiently for her to begin her presentation of the newly developed bathroom system.

She began with the top-righthand drawer by listing out what is to be stored in it, and I quote, "Here is where the toothpaste, floss, these nail... uh, thingys..."

"Nail clippers," I added.

"Yeah," she went on, "scissors, and... and this brush!"

"Brilliant!" I added once more.

It feels good to know where our abundant supply of toothpaste and that brush is. Great job, babe!

[Warning! This blog has an extreme amount of sarcasm, and is not to be taken heavily. Please apply lightly with an aire of grace for the soon-to-be-dead husband. Also, Laura had some of Chris' extra strong Sunday brew of coffee this morning, which may or may not explain the fantastic Laurism produced.]

The Lindgren Latest

2009-02-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

The Lindgren's are busy as of late. Laura's been working. I've been working. And Ava's been working at the ol' potty training.

Ava got some new princess panties, so she's really excited to wear them and go in the potty (sometimes). She's pretty good about going 'pee-pee' in the patty chair, but there's a small mental barrier about what to do with that 'poo-poo.'

Ava seems to think she first needs to go poo-poo in the panties, then we put the poo-poo in the potty chair together. Hmmmm. What to do? What to do? We'll get there, but it can be frustrating for the parental units.

Ava and I have been able to enjoy some milder weather, playing outside more often. Here are a few pics from some adventures:

I heart Dolly Parton!

2009-02-20T06:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I never did before now, but this program makes me second-guess my appreciativeness.

My mom told me about this program, and I want to share it with you too! The program sends a book each month to children under the age of five--for Free! And they're nice hardcover books too, like "The Little Engine that Could." I just signed Ava up, and I know she'll be excited. She's a book crazy kid!

http://www.dollysimaginationlibrary.com

Speaking of, the little lady awakes. Signing off... I'll be sure to write more later. I haven't been much of a contributor to this blog yet.

A Good Day = Apartment Found + Friggin' Huge Snowman!

2009-02-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

Well, Ava's pooped from apartment searching today. We went to a few different locations, and we finally put in an app for an apartment. (Hallelujah!)

It's a 3bd/1bth with wood laminate flooring in the dining and kitchen areas, the one bathroom is nice and big (good for potty training), and the rent is just right for our tightspot(s)/budget. It's also a central location in the area, just a skip-jump off the interstate. We have a grocery store across the block, plus Ava's doctor's office is just down the road. Plus, Laura will have a quick commute to work and I am not too far from NDSU. Bottom line, we're excited!

In pursuit of a good place to call home, we also came across Frosty 3000, supersized and ready to take on a Transformer or Marshmallow Stay-Puff Man! Check him out! I had to round the block in the car, wait for a light, then speed up to the house on a busier road, stop, and get a pic of this masterpiece!

That's it for now.

Ava's The Best Dressed

2009-02-12T17:48:00.001-08:00

Okay, today marked the day where I made the potty a BIG deal for Ava, so she got to wear little toddler panties. We broke out her little potty chair and made sure to let her know that that is her's or as she says, "That's mine."

She wore the panties for 3 hours this morning, going potty three times before her first accident. Not too shabby little Ava!

Well, we got a little treat tonight when she got to try the panties again. She picked out a new shirt to wear, then Laura put on her stockings, and then Ava put on a freshly knit hat (by nana).

Enjoy.

Right Black (Pirate) Toenail Begonneth

2009-02-10T23:53:00.000-08:00

Ashby. [stop]

I am pleased to report that my right big toenail has officially outgrown your black sharpie escapade at Brian Bonham's 40th Birthday Pirate Party [stop]

From last year I might add. [stop]

Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, it looks classy again. [stop]

Savvy!? [stop]

{This message will self-destruct as soon as Google takes over the world and subsequently relinquishes any alienable right(s) to post on subject(s) regarding feet, toes, toenails, or anything below the ankles (while standing on one or two feet) really...}

Picture Ketchup

2009-02-10T05:52:00.001-08:00

As you may or may not have known, we had forgotten our new camera at the Doty's after our visit prior to little Ashton's birth, so we have a bunch of pictures that haven't been logged until now.

Below, you'll find an ecclectic mix of familial and otherwise environment-based pictures. Lately, I've been captivated by the types of foods available to the Midwesterner and of course snow is always fun.

Impromptu Iron Range Visit: Baby Ashton is here!

2009-02-09T14:06:00.000-08:00

Well, Laura got THE text message that's she has been waiting for at around 3am on Friday, February 6th, 2009. Her sister, Renae, had gone into labor and was going to the hospital. Little Ashton was due on the 20th, but the little guy decided to surprise his parents (Renae and Scotty)! Ashton came out 20.5 inches long and (I believe) he weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz.

Congratulations Renae and Scotty!

Here are some pics from the weekend:

Baby Ashton's Coming!

2009-02-06T05:40:00.000-08:00

We're off to come and see you, Ashton! Can't wait!

Busy Busy Busy

2009-02-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry (ashby) for the nil blogging.

We're in the midst of mucho transition, so blogging gets put on the virtual shelf. Some things as of late in list form:

>Ava's word for milk sounds like oo-unt. Her norwegian-side emerges...
>I built a website for my business, Final Revision
>I'm still searching for a job (help!)
>Ava wakes up around 6:30am, when Laura has to get up, so consequently my day begins as well
>Ava and I enjoy going outside, when possible. We hike over to the Snowy Mountains (i.e. a bunch of snow drifts across the treeline).
>More to come later...

Ava's First Haircut!

2009-01-24T19:48:00.000-08:00

Well, almost two days ago, our little wipper snapper got her first haircut at Little Wipper Snipper's in Fargo. She did marvelous! The stylists were awesome with kids and made Ava's experience very enjoyable. She got sucker to hold a sucker (notsomuch eat, as is Ava's preference with suckers); she watched Elmo and Mr. Noodle a bit; she pointed to the stylists nose during the cut; and occasionally let out a big Ava grin throughout the process.

We got a package deal that included a picture of Ava (we forgot the camera!) and a T-shirt that celebrates her first cut at Little Wipper Snippers. We'll definitely go back.

Some Ava Photos

2009-01-24T19:42:00.000-08:00

Sorry Ash,

I left our camera at the Doty's by mistake. Once we see them in February (When Ava's cousin arrives!) we'll get more pics up in a flash.

Git-R-Done Steak Outting

2009-01-24T19:28:00.001-08:00

Laura and I got a breakfromitall--a retreat of sorts--by going to Hillsboro, ND for a few hours. We had to choose from a wide variety of local establishments of which to grab a drink and a little dish to share. We finally choose The Country Hearth: Family Restaurant.

We had a great conversation and choose to eat light, passing on the Git-R-Done Steak, settling for a plate of deep-fried mozzarella cheese sticks with marinara dipping sauce. We passed the time sipping on Dr. Pepper and hot chocolate, telling stories, talking of recent transitions and turmoil, and just enjoyed each other.

In retrospect, maybe we should have split a big ole bonafied USDA choice steak fit for nobles. But maybe not.

What to do when it is -20 degrees outside

2009-01-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

Well, we can make muffins and then eat them. Play with blocks. Read. Play with her kitchen set. Play with blocks again. Play with choo-choos. Then wash some dishes. Run around, chasing each other. Read some more. Watch some TV. Jump on the beds. Then make lunch. Then the sky's... ahem, er... the door outside is the limit.

(I threw in a picture of some snowflakes on my coat for the heck of it. The pic was taken on a much too distant warmer day.)

The Many Faces of Ava Grace

2009-01-13T06:33:00.000-08:00

Kids Say the Darndest Things

2009-01-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

Well, Ava's getting to that point of awfully cute sputterings. This weekend we traversed the great state of MN to visit the Dotys. We left on Thursday evening, and Ava and I picked up Laura from her work around 5pm. While sitting in the car, Laura and I were talking about how hungry we were and where we might possibly eat. Ava suddenly said from the backseat, "Mama is hungry. Dada is hungry. You is hungry!" (You being Ava herself.)

Later that weekend, at the Doty Grandparents, we were all playing Yahtzee. After the game was finished, we tallied up our scores and asked what each other's scores were, e.g. "What did you get Chris?" or "What did you get Laura?" We then asked Ava in good fun, "Ava what did you get?"

She replied emphatically, "I got JUICE!" as she held her juice cup up in the air.

Hindsight

2009-01-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

Today, while I was washing the dishes, doing laundry, making dinner, and trying to keep Ava occupied by having her help with certain duties, she decided she wanted a cup of water. We pulled a chair up to the sink and we filled her purple water bottle with nice cold water. She wanted to close the pop-top shut, but it was giving her some trouble, so I tried to help her close it... she didn't like this (so it goes...) I decided it was kosher to let her go back to playing in her play kitchen with an open top.

About 2 minutes pass...

As I was preparing some Thai Peanut, I heard the tip-tap-tapping of a plastic water bottle. It was then that I realized Ava had been awfully quit. I walked out into the living room and found Ava Grace sitting--butt-down--in her self-made puddle of water. When she saw that I had discovered her soaking experiment, she looked up and gave a generous grin--eartoear.

Holy waterloo, Batman! Or maybe, holy hindsight. No more unsupervised open water bottle experiments.

Fun in the Snow, Snow, Snow!

2009-01-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

Finally, Some Good Coffee! Etc.

2008-12-31T11:03:00.000-08:00

It's called Dead Man's Reach and I like it a lot!

Here's a fun shot of Ava out in the tundra by a little snow hill Grandpa made with the snow blower.

And here's Miko, since we haven't spoken of or shown her in a long while.

We Got A New Camera!!!

2008-12-29T16:57:00.000-08:00

Can you see it?! It's amazing!

Thanks, Carol!!

Lindgren Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T10:58:00.000-08:00

We had a blast hanging out with family on Christmas for the first time in five years! Although, we did miss all of our friends in Portland; plus, I missed playing guitar on Christmas Eve service. I even went so far as to call my old band teacher, Mr. V, and see if he wanted a guitar player for the CE service at my old church in my home town of Halstad. As is typical Mr. V fashion, it was a direct no. (He has something against us guitarists.)

We spent Christmas Eve with my side, the Lindgren's, at my Grandma and Grandpa's in Fargo. Then, we drove over to the Iron Range to see the Doty's for the holiday weekend. Okay, here comes the photo montage(!):

Christmas Eve Day

Christmas Cookies!

Ava's gift--assembly required.

Christmas Eve at Great Grandpa and Grandma's!!

Christmas Day: To The Iron Range!

Look closely and you might be able to tell that we're back in the MidWest. ;-)

Laura-ism

2008-12-20T09:59:00.000-08:00

This morning, before the coffee was made, Laura made the following remark about the syrup bottle's ebbandflow, "This syrup-thingy has a fast pourer-outer."

Us Recently

2008-12-19T21:25:00.000-08:00

So this is our new blog for our new adventure as a family. Laura and I figured that since we both predominantly blog on Ava's blog, and since Ava is now two (sheesh!), it is now time to consolidate our efforts onto one family blog.

Here are some recent photos:

Ava Loves Grandma and Grandpa's Bed

And More...

Seriously, I really need to buy Laura a new coat.

Monkey O.D.

The new blog...

2008-12-19T21:22:00.001-08:00

Is it time yet?