Upstairs Bathtime

Boat Bed Constructed

We kept a close watch on a much loved boat bed that Pottery Barn kids has had for several years now. It was our thought that eventually either John would make it himself in the shop or we'd break down and make the purchase. Lucky for us, Costco came out with a much cheaper yet just as nice version, and although we missed the first shipment, we called every day awaiting the next shipment. The work paid off, and the morning I raced to Costco found us buying the 4th of 6 beds....all before noon. I was so thankful, to say the least. They flew out of the store. Tonight John spent time constructing it, and it was the first time that Thomas even hinted that he might actually let the baby sleep in his crib while he slept in the bed. Of course, at bedtime, he was all about the crib, but it was fun to have the bed in the room and fits really well. It was also nice knowing we saved about $1500.00 on this purchase as well.

Boy Band-Johnny, Sam and Tommy

The Next Generation of Cousins Gather

Lots of us Whipples, Pohlmans and Hutchesons gathered for Grandma's Memorial Weekend. Before the house passes into new hands, the game of Dark Hall was passed down, a boy band was created and time was spent enjoying each other's company and catching up.

Growing the Moose-6 months!

Today I went into the doctor's for the monthly checkup and he checked to see if my placenta has move up and away. Time has worked well in my favor and I don't have placenta previa, which would have been an automatic c-section. Although I fear the impending labor and delivery trauma, I wasn't relishing the idea of a six week abdominal recovery time, considering the level of activity there is with a 3 year old in the house. My insatiable hunger has resulted in a 22 pound weight gain at this point, though, so that's a bummer. He told me that I could gain 8-12 more pounds and still be at a reasonable weight gain. Good idea, doc, but then I reminded him that I gained 50 plus pounds with Thomas and told him that I hoped to just stay below that. So far I have about 30 more pounds to play with. My goal is to stay 10 pounds under that and I'll be proud of myself. Very proud. Bring on the moose!

Grandma Bernice Joins her Family in Heaven

Even at 96 years of age, it still comes as a shock when a loved one dies, and although there were small changes in the daily lives of Grandma, Bruce and Lil, indicating her time might be limited, it was still shocking to hear Lil's voice calling for me down the stairs, calling out that they thought Grandma might be dead. Of course I fell apart heading up the stairs, wanting to help out, trying to figure out what I needed to do but somewhat stifled by my tears and attempts to hide my sobs. Having to do nothing really, except somehow pull myself together as I imagined what was going on in the house next door, I tried to entertain Thomas, who said to me as I tried to hold back my sobs, "You ok, Mommy? You got something in your eyes?". No resuscitation was authorized, although there was concern that it would be forced, and in that was finality. Her body was still warm, but Bruce was certain it was over and nothing more should be done. With her feet still in her kitchen, heading towards her chair to watch the Christian programming for the evening, Grandma went to join her husband, son and daughter with the Lord. My last memory of her was on Wednesday as Thomas and I visited briefly outside her sliding glass door and marveled at the snowstorm blowing across the lake. It was a beautiful morning, the snow falling so hard visibility was very limited, and she was sitting at her table in her pink housecoat with Polly. She waved to Thomas, who smiled big and waved back, and remarked about how pretty it was. Polly thought it would be nice to make a snowman outside for her to see. We said our goodbyes and plowed through the deep snow, not realizing it was our last time with her. When John asked me if I wanted to go over that night, I most definitely did not. I did not want my last memory of her to be in death, on the floor. I would prefer to remember her smiling at us in the doorway, in her pretty pink housecoat, so warm and loving till the very end. Thomas loved her very much, and although a lot of his time spent over there was with Bruce and Lil on their trips over to visit her while I was at work, I remember Thomas asking to go visit Grandma Bee-niece. I was amazed the first time at their exchange, as they appeared to have their own communication worked out and their own routine established. Thomas would take a tour of the house, looking here and there, pulling things open, peering inside, then moving on, all the while Grandma would be fishing around for something. I was quite the stranger in this little dance, but I sat back and watched them, fascinated. Thomas ended up at the little table by the couch, pulling open the drawer and rummaging around inside. I feared Grandma would chastise him for touching any breakables inside, but she simply shuffled her way towards him, smiling, a box in her hand. The dance continued as he pulled out the bell and she set out the little figurines that she'd found. He would shake the bell, she would talk to him, then he would pull out the coasters, and she would line up the figures just the way it was supposed to be. "He likes to float them around," she explained to me, and I realized the coasters were the boats and the figurines animals in the boats. They then played together, words very brief, just time together. She didn't seem concerned about her stuff, didn't worry about his little hands on her treasures. It just seemed like they were enjoying what must have been their little ritual. My heart was touched at the gentle way she had with him, the love she showed towards this little boy. In all his life, there was nothing but love from her, even when he was rubbing her nylons up and down her legs, swinging around her cane, running naked across her lawn or launching himself full speed through her house. I'm so thankful for the time he had to know her and pray that the time he had with her, however short, will be as meaningful in the foundation of his life as it has been in ours.

Dierks Adventure #3-Vancouver, BC

After much thought, deliberation and a bit of prayer, John's enthusiasm won out and we headed for Canada. Bruce and Lil once again corraled Thomas for the afternoon and evening, giving us a welcome night out together, which was such a blessing.

The night belongs to John, though. After braving the cold outside Pacific Coliseum, John raced through security checkpoint #1 (the body search) and was roadblocked at the stairwell leading down to the floor. By the time I caught up, he was racing down the stairwell and jumping the divider to security checkpoint #2 (ticket check #2) where he was FIRST to get a floor General Admission bracelet allowing access to the floor. I briefly saw him, but was trying to avoid falling after multiple pushes from the teenybopper white teeshirt brigade squealing and pushing their way to the front of the line. By the time I had my own bracelet, he had passed through security checkpoint #3 (bracelet check) and was FIRST to the stage, amazingly securing not only front row but CENTER STAGE, exactly where we were hoping to be. I'll tell you, this whole thing has been a blast to experience. After all the concerts we've been to, to be blessed with three front row shows has been unbelievable. To have John enjoying the whole thing made the night so much more great, and without his excitement, I would have baled and pushed Andrea to take the tickets. Being in the front row is crazy. It's the absolute best. It's great to be able to see all the action, to be that close to the artist, to see all that goes on up there. Unfortunately, it's also very strange. Although John and Dierks bonded over a shared Bud Light in Everett and a tossed drumstick in Vancouver, plus numerous high fives (some stolen from my outstretched hand), I really have no interest in actually touching the man, caressing his leg, petting his boots, collecting his sweat drips, or climbing the back of someone in front of me just to get a brief touch. Numerous times, as Dierks leaned over me to touch hands of those behind me, I was inches from his body, and could not dare look up for fear of looking directly at inappropriate areas of his body. John and I had to laugh as we hugged the stage to allow others behind us to reach up to the stage, letting those behind us get a chance that we were obviously passing up. I kinda felt guilty in a way for not participating in this love fest, as if it is somehow expected that I'd be swooning at his feet, which were inches from my face a lot of the night. John was busy snapping shots of his thumb next to his boot, turning around to get a shot of his body inches from Dierks, and the like. It was so much fun, and I have a hard time believing we will ever again have such a great concert experience. I enjoyed spending time with John without worrying about Thomas, enjoyed our time having fun at this show, and truly appreciated all the work he went to in making this a very memorable night with Dierks!

Funny Quirk #1 Developing

As Thomas nears three years of age, he is showing signs of little quirks developing. One of these came about while on the farm at Christmas. It is no secret that the Whipple kids don't like animals, particularly dogs. Big breaking news came through when Stephen and Barb convinced the kids that Gunny wouldn't hurt them. It appears Thomas may also carry on the family name in this way, as he's not too eager to get close to anything that isn't human and lacks much interest too.

He did show some interest in meeting the puppies, but as he neared them, he quickly started to back away, gagging as he went. "Too stinky!" he cried, trying to overcome the dog smell, inching forward, but gagging all the way. We erupted in laughter, not quite believing what we were seeing. Little Thomas, not used to the farm smells, was actually dry heaving at the smell of the puppies.

Since coming home, it appears his gag reflex remains super sensitive, and I've found him gagging from a dirty diaper in the car, gagging on a tomato that he didn't exactly like (he loves tomatoes!) and gagging when he goes into the bathroom to flush the toilet (one of the things he loves to do!)

Quirk #2-Noises

The second quirk that Thomas is displaying involves sound. Now, I write this trying to convey a sense of humor through it all. We find these little things about our boy pretty amusing at this point, and can only laugh at his antics. Now, if he's 12 and doing this, it won't be so funny.

Thomas refuses to let someone flush the toilet around him, and he only wants to flush the main toilet downstairs. Apparently the other toilets are too loud for his sensitive ears to handle. When we forget and go to flush one of the other ones, he's quick to cry, grab a hold of us, shoo us out and say, "That too loud, mommy, that too loud," at the top of his lungs, with huge tears threatening to spill from his eyes. He's very serious about this. A recent trip to the restroom at Macy's resulted in a meltdown in the stall, only ending when I covered his ears tightly with my hands and flushed it with my foot, praying that the loud sobbing wasn't prompting a call to Child Protective Services.

As demonstrated by the picture I posted above, when cooking, Thomas asks for his helmet (thanks Lily!) to put on because the mixer is too loud, and he was also photographed upstairs cooking with Stephen-helmet securely strapped on.

Just a funny little boy developing a very interesting personality.

And Runty Stays!

Although there have been numerous farm deaths lately due to the cougar/bobcat/wild dog pack attacks there and throughout the White Swan valley, somehow the animals continue to multiply. And it appears that Jake's little rescue, "Runty", will be allowed to stay too, despite the fact that instead of the full bred boxer he is, he looks like a cross between a chihuahua (sp?) and a large rat. Good luck to "Runty".

Christmas Sledding 2006

Squeezed between a Christmas lunch and the frenzy of four children opening presents, our sledding adventures behind the bronco hit it big with us all. Thomas was first to hop on, choosing Andrea over me to be his partner. Jake opped out of sledding this time, content to ride in the open back window, cheering everyone on. The men hung onto the back bumper keeping close watch on the kids, and although I dressed up to go, it was a wasted effort, as I decided it wasn't worth the risk to the baby to join in this time out. With dad driving to each skill level, we had a blast laughing at the hoots and howls from behind, enjoying the fun we were all sharing. John took a direct bum hit, Drew fell off on some trickier patches, and Billy and Drew broke the rope after loading the sled full of snow on their trip. It was a very memorable snow day for us all!

Drew and John's Christmas Snowman 2006

Waking up to find 7 inches of new snow covering the ground, Drew and John wasted no time before bundling up and heading out to build this snowman together.

Hugging Cousins enjoying the View

Okay, one-two-three HUG!

Playing and Shopping with Lauren before Christmas '06

We made a mad dash down to Seattle to try and finish up our shopping-as if we've really even started! After meeting up with Jodi and Lauren, we headed down to the U-Village to play and shop. While John ran into the stores, we played at the playground and with the various animals and fountains scattered around. It was freezing cold, though. Freezing! Our trip booty? One present for Robin and one present for Andrea! We're hurting, here!

Christmas Tree Cutting 2006!

We headed up to our favorite tree farm on Mt. Baker to cut our Christmas tree after much delay with the rain and wind. In recent years it was Carey and Jared and Carrie and Kevin that joined us on our outing. This time it was just the three of us out and we managed to avoid much more than a few drops of rain, adding to the fun of it all. Thomas had a chance to sit and visit with Santa out in the shop, but he was having none of it this year. He'll happily write a letter to Santa and add toys to his "Santa List" but ask him to get near a Santa and he's all about NO Way!

Mommy's sick so we go sailing!

We were supposed to leave early this morning for Yakima in order for Andrea and I to head to Kennewick for the 2nd of my 3 Dierks concerts. But Baby had other ideas, and I shed a lot of tears in between runs to the can. Deeply disappointed by the possibility of having to let Andrea down for the concert, I headed to bed, praying against the odds that the violent vomiting would pass. While I was unconscious, John appeased Thomas, who was upset that he couldn't get to Jakey's house, with a trip down to the docks, and it wasn't until much later that I found out they went sailing while I slept. I was so happy that he didn't get to miss out on some fun because I was too sick to head out.

We did get to go, however, as whatever it was passed by afternoon. Whether it was Baby or some stomach bug, our car was still packed and we headed out, bucket secured tightly in the front seat just in case.

Thomas skiing adventure

Today, John went into town and rented Thomas his first pair of skis and boots. While the snow fell, Thomas and John made repeated trips up the driveway, then down as Thomas took his first ski lesson, riding between daddy's legs and then on his own. He was brave enough at the end to go down without assistance, even though John followed closely behind to stop his quick descent.

Emergency Snow Declaration November 2006!!!

Today, when Thomas came in to wake me up, I asked him if the snow was still outside. He replied, "Ofcourse!" He clearly has not been around enough to realize the crazy weather that Whatcom County brings on at times. But yes, the piles of snow stuck around through the night, the mayor declared a Snow Emergency, and most business and places of work in town were closed due to the incredible storm. Listening to the radio to see what was happening outside, we found that John was also on a snow day, and we eagerly looked forward to the day.

We were also able to find out that traffic had stalled from Snohomish County all the way up to the Canadian border, with traffic sitting outside Lake Samish for up to 5 hours just to make it to Bellingham. That is normally at 15 minute drive? Maybe?!! Downed trees across the highway and a jackknifed semi truck were to blame. I'm so thankful John pulled a little 4 wheel drive and got us off when he did. We were stranded for about two hours in it, but it would have been so much worse.

We enjoyed the day of sledding at the school and over at Grandma Bernice's house.

Getting Home from Marathon-road marathon I-5

It took us 5 HOURS (normally 2) to get home from Seattle, and we only got home that "quickly" by creative 4 wheel driving on John's part. As I-5 turned in to a parking lot just out of Mt. Vernon (the reason we would only learn the next morning) we sat watching the snow pile up, people get in and out of their cars, munched on our cold Taco Bell from our lunch in Seattle, entertained ourselves with Thomas' movies, singing and books, and continued to pray that somehow the wall of cars would start to move. As darkness fell, we wondered when we would actually get home, as the highway traffic was not moving. Finally, John decided to chance a scary detour off the side of the highway and we carefully made our way by backroads. Grandma called Brad, who called us and let us know that her power was out, so we were very thankful to arrived back home to find the lights on. We were able to enjoy the 7 inches of snow that we had on the ground, introducing Thomas to the joys of that kind of snowfall!

Seattle Marathon 2006

Seattle Marathon 2006 Stadium Pictures

Okay, so the Seattle Marathon, right? Instead of Portland or Vegas. Minus Matt Pohlman, who was probably kissing his running feet with glee when he woke up in the morning. I'm sorry, but whoever continues to organize this event year after year, in November, needs to be shot! Going to bed chuckling about the potential for ugly weather the next morning broke to lots of head shaking and pitiful glances out the window as morning brought a driving wet blizzard, complete with gusting winds and heavy snow! We were just in so much shock that it was actually happening that we could only laugh and pray they didn't have to abandon the race with hypothermia! As hostess Erica, girls and Thomas loaded up the Pilot and headed for the stadium, the rain continued coming in sheets, furthering our disappointment and worry about the guys out on the road. Amazingly, as we parked downtown, the sky cleared, the wind died down and it was actually pleasant. However, as we huddled in the stadium, the clouds would periodically open up, drenching us with slushy rain. Thankfully, Matt called, bless his heart, and informed us that both John and Brad were doing well. It was the news we were hoping for as the kids played, joined by Mark, Robin and the kids, and Bruce and Lil who had joined us from the Arctic Whatcom County.

John's best time was the Portland Marathon at 3:26. Here, in the freezing rain and wind, he timed in at 3:44. Thomas didn't last to see his daddy finish the race, though, as his frozen hands were causing us to get very creative with hand warming techniques out on the field. I barely managed a glimpse and a yell as he rolled on by, as I alternated heating hands down my shirt and blowing like a heater.

Daddy's Fairhaven 15K Race in September 06

Daddy ran another race in preparation for the Vegas marathon that turned into preparation for the Seattle marathon. While waiting for him to show up at the finish, Thomas crossed his legs Whipple-style and enjoyed his Kids Cocoa from Starbucks.

Last days on the beach 2006

Viking Outing

On one of the last days of summer, we took a drive up to Western with our lunch of Quiznos and had a picnic. Of course, Thomas spied the new fountain up by the new rec center, and off we went. While my back was turned, Thomas decided to fully experience the new fountain, and happily splashed through the new structure, complete with waving sword. I'm sure Western officials wouldn't be pleased with the romp, but Thomas thoroughly enjoyed himself.

Thomas Sayings for November 2006

"Mommy, I put minty in my nose. Really burns." After putting Starbucks mint in his nose while riding with Daddy. Apparently he cried once it started to dissolve and he was quite surprised.

"Mommy, me sure lucky boy" after taking him to Taco Bell.

"I make big mess." Following a potty break in the corner of his room.

"Mommy, is toy store lost?" After an unsuccessful trip driving around Mt Vernon looking for the Toys R Us that doesn't exist.

"Of course, Mommy." When asked to help put in dirty laundry.

"Move it." When trying to get me off the stool.

"Mommy, come cuddle with me."

"Me no like it." For anything he doesn't like or thinks he doesn't like, including his favorite things if he's trying to avoid it in any way.

"Twinkle, Twinkle litte star, how I wonder what you ate for breakfast!" sung at the top of his lungs, including his booth at Red Robin.

"Whoa, look at those. Those so cool."

"Me no like my underwear, me no want them!" while crying and throwing a fit at the tiniest suggestion.

"Daddy, come wrestle me. Come do some wrestle-ling!"

"Come chase me!"

Thomas Days!

Thomas is having a blast with his fall and doesn't seem to miss the beach and the sunny weather at all, which is a blessing to me. Although we are tied up inside a lot more than I'd like, he has taken to other activities with just as much gusto as he did with dock jumping. We're constantly hearing, "Daddy, come wrestle with me, do some wrestle-li-ling with me!" at the top of his lungs. "Come see me, come see me in mommy's room!" "Chase me, chase me, chaaaaaase me!" he'll call, unrelenting until you turn and give him your best I'm coming to get you look, and then he's off at a dead run, screaming through the house at top speed. He wants you to set up a play tent over and over, just so he can break it down, plays with any cream he can get his hands on and smears it in as many hidden places as he can think of, enjoys looking at and playing with the Christmas houses we've already pulled out, enjoys watching "Manny Manny" Handy Manny, Big Machines and Dora when I just need a break, and is now getting into Geo Trax, but refuses to let us play with them. We're just there as an audience for him. He cannot stand to be alone, from the time he wakes up until he finally gives it up at night. Most mornings I now find him in is crib hiding under his pillow, waiting for us to "wake up" and come get him. He'll then play for a few minutes with his trains, until I have to move out of his room to get breakfast or whatever. The chase is then on, as he'll follow us wherever we go, creating big master disasters wherever we may be. He's still refusing to wear the underwear we bought him, despite the numerous treats and bribes we've thrown his way, but when naked he'll go to the big potty without fail. He's very sweet and generous with his smooches and cuddles, and we enjoy a lot of cuddle sessions throughout the day.

Thomas has a great sense of direction and can find his way around town quite nicely, considering he is still a backseat driver. When going places he'll point out places of interest, talk about where we are going, despite me having not disclosed our plan, and let me know where he wants to go as we near it. Yesterday we were leaving our Chinese take out place, when he says from the back, "Mommy, that Taco Bell." (How he spied the joint as I flew through the intersection baffles me.) As I continued on through the intersection towards home, he said, "Mommy, me want Taco Bell. Me want taco with cheese." I told him I could make him a taco at home, and he told me, "Me want Taco Bell, Mommy. Turn around." So, like any good indulging mother, I quickly made a u-turn and returned to Taco Bell, wishing to the heavens that my cravings during this pregnancy weren't creating a monster of my son. Last week we made two trips to the mall, and each time instead of asking for McDonalds he begged to have lunch with me at Red Robin. We enjoyed a "leisurely" lunch together, coloring, dumping the salt and pepper, rolling trucks on the table, trying to climb the divider between tables, playing with the fake plants, rolling under the table, singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" at the top of his lungs, and the general chaos of "lunching" with a toddler. He must have loved it, because he continues to ask for Red Robin's chicken and fries each time we head down the Guide. Like I told me mother, I'm creating a monster with my cravings.