littlehippie

Scenes From An Italian Restaraunt

July 2, 2008 by littlehippie 2 Comments

Cyrilla and Tanner brought us dinner last night: spinach and mozzarella ravioli with a red sauce, cucumber and tomato salad, garlic french bread, and a Cyrilla specialty: peanut butter pie. They came and hung out for a little while before baseball practice, with Tanner trying to trip me using a jump rope. We chowed on the dinner, then took a walk to Ahna’s yoga studio. She started attending Prenatal Yoga about halfway through her pregnancy and went all of the way up to the session before we went to the hospital. She found it very relaxing and invigorating, and made some great friends at the studio…so we had to bring them a picture of Ezra for the photo board (which was actually the excuse just to stop by and say hi). Ahna is looking forward to returning to yoga at the beginning of August when they start a Postnatal Mom and Baby session.

Here are some pictures of Tanner and Ezra, as well as pictures that Karen sent from her camera at the Rockies game.

[As I finish this post, Ezra is sitting in his swing talking out loud (or at least his version of talking). It’s something new that started in the past day or two and has been interesting to see]

Filed Under: Ezra!, Photos Included

Movie Review: The Business Of Being Born

July 2, 2008 by littlehippie Leave a Comment

It is a little tricky to try to write a review of this movie…it’s such a sensitive subject for so many people…so I am going to do a little cop-out. Let me start by saying that it is something that everyone needs to watch, especially those close to either thinking about having a baby (first, second, third…doesn’t matter), or those on their way already. It talks a lot about the difference between hospital birth and midwife assisted birth; and whether or not you agree with either side, it is worth your time for the educational aspect. Birthing isn’t something that we should go into without knowing our rights and without being educated….and let’s just say that the western medical system isn’t always up front with you. It did inspire some conversation in our house, especially with Ezra’s birth so fresh in our minds. Hopefully it will inspire some conversation for you as well, which is all that the movie aims to accomplish.

Filed Under: Life in General, Movie Review, Photos Included

That Rox!

July 1, 2008 by littlehippie Leave a Comment

Somehow the word “that” made it into consecutive blog entry titles. Hopefully it won’t happen three days in a row. We went to the Colorado Rockies game last night (against the San Diego Padres) to celebrate Tanner Dunn’s birthday – each of the last three years we have teamed up with Jay and Karen to take Tanner to a ballgame as his birthday gift. Also there with us were the Capocelli’s, Cyrilla, and the Allen’s. We got to the stadium right at 7pm, just as planned, to allow for Ezra to nurse while we where in the car…he decided to make it a 30 minute session, so we listened to the game on the radio and made it in during the second inning.

The game was fun and frustrating at the same time…the Rockies stormed to a 8-3 lead at the end of the fifth inning, which was fun…then gave up 5 runs in the sixth, which was frustrating. Right around the time that the Rockies laid a crapper, so did Ezra. He was in a sling (Hotsling that we used for the first time last night, and liked it. Perhaps a review coming in a few weeks) and it leaked out his diaper, through his shorts, onto his onesie, onto his shoes, and through the sling. Oh boy. We headed to a family restroom (if you have any influence over the temperature in a family restroom, please make sure it’s somewhere below 90) and changed everything. At that point we had been there for two hours and it was getting to be time to go…so we took the opportunity to leave while we were already out of our seats.

On the way home, we listened to the last two innings..and based on the final result, we are glad that we left when we did: the Padres scored 7 runs in the top of the ninth to win 15-8. And the other final result? Ezra nursed within 5 minutes of walking in the house. Here are some pictures taken using our camera-phones:

Filed Under: Ezra!, Life in General, Photos Included

And All That Jazz

June 30, 2008 by littlehippie 1 Comment

It turned out that yesterday was surprisingly full of good-byes. We knew that my grandparents were leaving early this morning to drive back to Florida, so when we went over there for brunch yesterday we knew that it would be difficult. We also invited Joel and Jenn down to brunch since we hadn’t seen them yet and they had yet to meet Ezra. As predicted, it was in fact sad to say good-bye to my grandparents, and they had a tough time saying good-bye to Ezra. It was incredibly special to have them here for a month, to share in time before Ezra was born, and to be there at the hospital as soon as he came to us. We sent along a bunch of pictures with them, but the good news is that we are thinking about flying there to visit with them and my Aunt and Uncle in October.

We went up to Denver for our first Family Dinner since Ezra was born. For those that don’t know, there is a group of friends family that get together every week for a dinner (we rotate who has to cook and it’s location). This summer, we have decided to move the dinner time to Sunday evenings to coincide with Jazz in the Park – a summer tradition in City Park with free jazz and a few thousand people. We met up with Jennifer and Tori and enjoyed the very comfortable June evening. Ahna made some dinner (orzo goodness), Tori supplied us with some watermelon and margaritas, and Jennifer brought the most important part of the meal: cookies. We were able to make it up there and back in between feedings and while he was sleeping.

Following dinner, we had to say good-bye once again…this time to the Columbine House. Six years ago, Ahna, Tori, Mary, Jennifer and Erin moved into the house and set up community. Since then, Ahna and Erin have moved out, Sarah has moved in, and Gabe and Charlotte lived there for a while (by the way, this is the Family Dinner group). The house holds a lot of great memories (my favorite was learning to play craps) and lots of stories; but it was time to move on. All of the ladies that lived there are taking up residence in other parts of the city, so we all will still be in town. Returning the key to the house was closing a chapter of life. It’s so hard to think back and imagine that we all would be where we are six years later…

Filed Under: Ezra!, Life in General, Photos Included

Seven Habits Of Highly Effective Communication

June 29, 2008 by littlehippie Leave a Comment

Stephen Covey, or no Stephen Covey…we have figured out the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Communication. Six of them will stay completely secret to the world, but we are going to reveal the most effective of them all: talk through the new baby instead of actually talking directly to your spouse.

We have found that we started something new all together: telling each other things without talking to each other. Confused? Here’s what I am talking about: “Mom, you should put the diaper bag over there.” or “Dad should turn off the lights so I can sleep.” You get the drift. It allows you to say things to each other in a way that you would never say things to each other. “Dad should do this,” or “Mom should do that,” or “Mom please help me with…”

Oddly enough we have recognized this pattern developing pretty quickly once we got home, but have been unsuccessful in completely breaking the habit. It’s all kind of funny, but it hasn’t been a problem to this point. Just wait for the first time it isn’t a positive statement.

Filed Under: Ezra!, Life in General

Our Brother, Jeff Dunn

June 28, 2008 by littlehippie 2 Comments

As summer’s heat has been in full effect this past week with temperatures soaring into the mid-90’s almost everyday; we awoke to a cloudy, cool morning today. It’s a nice break from the oppressive heat, and a nice way to start a day of remembering.

Jeff’s story is probably new or unfamiliar to most of you, and this certainly isn’t the place to dive into it full steam. But two years ago today, we had to say goodbye to Jeff as his heroic and courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease came to a peaceful end. We are going to take time today to think of everything that we loved about Jeff, everything that Jeff taught to us, and everything that we still need to learn. Cyrilla and Tanner continue to dig deep and push on, honoring Jeff in everything that they do. If only Jeff could see Tanner on his 5th birthday; what an amazing young man he has become and a great reflection of his father. Cyrilla inspires all of us in how she handles the path that life has presented to her, and reminds us of the love that we all have within.

I’m not going to lie: today is a very tough day. As I write this, the tears are being suppressed by the keyboard; but smiles will come in a little while. The emotion is deep and still very raw. But the opportunity to be apart of Jeff’s life, and to see what happens when a family of firefighters and community band together to simply ‘do what is needed’; is something that will live with all of us every day.

Here is a letter that Jeff wrote to the members of the fire department. While it was specifically written to firefighters, there are many lessons in it’s words that everyone needs to listen to.

June 29, 2005

Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to thank every single member of the fire department, and impress upon you how much your support has meant to me and my family. Without this support, the last year would have been incredibly difficult. But with everyone’s help, it has been easier than I ever expected. If you aren’t aware, approximately one year ago was my last shift, and last week I received my final paycheck. The ability to go this long between those events shows the incredible sacrifice made by everyone and I thank you for it.

Please keep in mind that it’s not the fire trucks, fire gear, or buildings that matter…it’s the people; and when it counted most, the department and the town stood behind me and my family. I wish that everyone could take care of each other the way that you have taken care of me. Treat each other like family: if someone needs help, offer it. If someone needs criticism, be constructive. If someone wrongs you, tell them. If you make a mistake, admit it. If someone needs knowledge that you posses, teach them. Most issues will take care of themselves if we incorporate this way of thinking.

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” -Samuel Johnson (1709 – 1784)

Remember to pick your battles, choose your words, and when you have doubts or conflicts, keep in mind that you have your health; and despite what you are feeling at the moment, you do have the greatest job in the world.

I will see you around and everyone is welcome in my home. I am still the same person, I just talk a lot less.

Fraternally,
Jeff Dunn

We miss and love you Jeff.

Filed Under: Life in General, Photos Included

Our Most Avid Reader?

June 28, 2008 by littlehippie Leave a Comment

Quite possibly one of the people (MacKenzie) that would be considered at the top of the list of avid readers of the blog stopped by yesterday afternoon. MacKenzie, Maddy, Jodonnah, and Tim popped in for a visit and got the see Ezra in a slightly fussy state, but it was great to see them and to have them meet Ezra for the first time. Thanks for the visit!

Filed Under: Ezra!, Photos Included

The Friday Afternoon Post

June 27, 2008 by littlehippie 1 Comment

It doesn’t sound as good as The Saturday Evening Post, especially after I wrote it…perhaps I will save that title for a future date. Yesterday evening we ventured out for an errand or two after dinner – a first for us (outside of ice cream) – and it went really well. According to Ezra, there isn’t any difference between trips in the morning or in the evening, but it was nice to know that we had the energy/motivation to get out.

Sleeping last night was arguably the best that we have had in a while, he fell asleep at 1030pm, fed at 1am, then basically slept until 630 this morning. We went to Kohl’s for a little shopping for ourselves, a nice respite from shopping for stuff that the cat would be too big for. And then this afternoon we had Tara, a postpartum doula, come to the house for some lactation and breastfeeding tips. It was very helpful, and assured us that we are mostly doing things correctly.

Here are some ‘too cute not to post’ pictures from a bath yesterday, and from a little Mom-n-Me naptime just after lunch.

Filed Under: Ezra!, Photos Included

New Domain Name

June 27, 2008 by littlehippie Leave a Comment

We are pleased to announce that we have an easier domain name to remember: www.ourlittlehippie.com

Don’t worry, all that it does is redirect you to the WordPress site, so the bookmarks that you currently have will still work. For most of you, don’t change a thing. For those that haven’t bookmarked the page, visit it through memory, or are passing it along to someone new; use the new domain name.

Filed Under: Life in General

Smith Picture Dump

June 26, 2008 by littlehippie Leave a Comment

Kjerstin and Company sent us a CD today with a bunch of the pictures that they took while here visiting…including several events that you have already seen, but also a lot of stuff that you haven’t. Included are photos from a trip to the fire station where Johnathan, Isaac, and Nora got to try on my gear and climb through the truck. There are also pictures of the moment that we arrived home with Ezra as well as the cake that they had for him. They are all out of order (since that is how WordPress uploads them…or at least I can’t figure out how to do it differently) so please look around and enjoy. Thanks Kjerstin!