One on one

Today Jerry and I decided to have a one on one day with the kids.  Jerry took Elijah and I stayed home with Grace.  It was really nice just having one kiddo to deal with.  Jerry took Elijah to Power of Play, then to get his hair trimmed, and out to lunch.  I think it was good for everyone.  Elijah has needed some one on one time lately and this was a good time for him to receive it.  He came home and had a GREAT afternoon.  I had more patience with him as well.  Grace and I hung around the house.  I think she was just happy to be able to play without someone "showing" her how to play or taking things away from her.  We worked on the playroom and their bedroom organizing and cleaning.  For lunch Grace had left over s'ghetti and decided that she did not need my help at all to feed her.  I think that children self feeding is pretty funny in and of itself, but spaghetti is just SO messy that it makes it cuter!  She had it all over her.

After Jerry and Elijah came home, nap was pretty much a lost cause.  No problem.  We hit the park.  I won some kids roller skates on freecycle and we took them so that Elijah could take them for a spin there.  After a lap, we decided to go on out to eat.  Now we are home and Elijah is watching Nemo and Grace is on her way to dream land. 

Jerry has recently been named Temporary Head of the Mass Spec Lab.  While this is awesome and has great potential, it has made for some long week and days lately.  Today was the first full day off he's had in a few weeks.  It's hard, but in the long run it will be a good thing.  Also there was a problem with contamination in the lab and so they have had some issues.  So this isn't the norm, it's been a hard week with me trying to recover.  Thankfully Kristie&Co. have helped a ton!  She watched the kids while I got my impression done and brought me soup and get well gifts!  I feel very lucky to have had such help.

Elijah wants me to come cuddle with him, so I will go do that!  He is OBSESSED with the diving boy (that catches Nemo and makes an appearance for a whole 10 seconds in the movie) in this movie and will now talk about it for the REST of the movie... ahhhh, childhood!

January 2009

January 03

Happy New Year

So I amazingly made it until midnight on New Years Eve.  We watched the last Harry Potter and then counted down.  It was nice.  Jerry had Thursday off so we went out for breakfast and then hung out at the house.  Yesterday I realized that I needed to do two things:

1) get organized for Elijah's party and

2) make a costume for him to wear to a birthday party we had today.

So I decided to make a piñata with pull tabs for Elijah's party.  I had never heard of these until we went to a Halloween party.  It was cool.  The kids take turns pulling streamers until someone pulls one that opens the trap door.  It's nice for kids that don't really have the strength to whack the crap out of a traditional piñata and eliminated the possibility of getting whacked in the head with a crazy toddler swinging a stick!  So I blew up a picture of Curious George in a fire helmet and painted a cardboard box.  Today I pasted the picture onto the box and painted George.  I also cut the trap door.  It needs some more work, but I'm pretty happy with how it's turning out.

Now, the costume.  Elijah has a little friend who had a princess/prince birthday.  I gotta say that a princess outfit is WAY easier to come by.  I guess I could have spent a lot of money on a costume, but I didn't want to do that.  We talked about dressing him as a Prince of Egypt.  I guess if I had worked on it before yesterday then that could have worked out, but ya know... I found a site that had some ideas and I took those and ran with it... this is what I ended up with:

I am pleased with how it turned out.  Elijah really liked it and I think he had fun at the party.  I was an amazing party to say the least.  They played games and won prizes, had lunch, had cake, and got a very nice parting present.  I think that Elijah's was the only homemade outfit, but he was one of three boys and one of the boys is super little.  The little girls were all cute in their princess outfits.

Tomorrow, instead of taking my movie day, I'm going to go party supply shopping.  I looked at the room we will be using at the fire station today.  I think it will be fun.  Once everyone gets there, we'll get a little presentation from a fire fighter, then we'll do a little craft, read Curious George Goes to the Fire Station, eat cake and pull the strings on the piñata... that's a lot to fit into 2 hours...  I am making most of the stuff to go into the goodie bags.  My folks are getting here Thursday afternoon, so I think I'll do most of the goodie bag stuff then.  I'm super excited about the whole thing!

Okay... I guess that's it!  Happy New Year!  Here's hoping that 2009 will be GRAND!

January 04

Starring Grace...

Look what she did tonight:

GRACE CRAWLING!!!

January 07

Cause it's just annoying me...

What is this, "Boys will be boys" shit!  I get really annoyed when people use this as an excuse.  "Oh, my son is climbing up the slide backwards even though there are children waiting to come down... but boys will be boys."  "Oh, my son drove really fast into a tree but I bought him a new car...but boys will be boys."  "Oh, my son beat the crap out of his girl friend, but that's okay, because boys will be boys."  WTF?!?!  When does this cycle that boys somehow get special treatment because they have a penis end?  It really aggravates me.  Especially when moms justify this.  How are you allowing your child to think he is better than a girl?  Better than his mom?  WTF?!?!?  Seriously?

Honestly, this hasn't happened to me personally, but I have read about parents getting mad at someone for requesting their sons act responsibly and it hurts me to hear them getting defensive of their children.  Then turn around and wonder what to do about their kid the preschool bully.  PLEASE!  Do they not see the cycle they are perpetuating?  Sigh.  I have had to deal with the gender issue.  Elijah likes to pick flowers and put them in his hair (which is now almost constantly in a pony tail... and I know he is a pretty child...) which leads people to think that he is a girl.  And when I tell them his name is Elijah, they come up with things, like, "Oh the flower threw me off, but I see the airplane in his hand now, that even things out."  Seriously?  I was asked in the grocery store the other day if I was sure Grace was a girl.  I had her in a blue and green sleep and play, "That's a girl?  Are you sure?"  SERIOUSLY?  Um, yeah... last time I changed her diaper... but ya know... What is wrong with people?

There is a whole other blog entry that is stewing in my head about gender roles and how we as a society tend to deal with them.  Trucks=boys Dolls=girls kinda thing.  And while I don't believe in that, I don't push dolls on Elijah, yet he plays with them.  I don't push trucks on Grace, but she tries to steal Elijah's when he's not looking (though I think she just likes things that roll...she thinks they're funny.)  Anyway... another entry...

Okay... I'm done with my soapbox...for now... ;)

January 11

The Boy Child's Third B-day

I must say that the party was quite successful!   My mom and I got to the fire station a little after 9 and I gotta say that if we had gotten there any later, the morning would have started in a much different way.  Apparently, there was a communication breakdown between the station coordinator and the chief/firefighters.  They were on their way to a training across the street and didn't know we were coming.  Not too much of a big deal, except I had planned for time for a tour of the station (and we would've been locked out as well.)  But ANYWAY, not a big deal.  We got in and set up.  The chief got us hats and offered to come back over and do show us a fire engine or two and gave us his cell number.  He was REALLY nice!  So after setting up, my friend, Jenn, showed up with the cake.  Last year she did the train cake and that was amazing... but this one was even more so!!  She made a fire engine cake!  It was INCREDIBLE!!!  She did an amazing job!

As the kids came in we had a table set up with goodie bags that had crayons (among other things) in it and a Curious George mask out for them to color and play with.  We also had some snack out for them to munch on.  Our play group doesn't do presents, but we gave Elijah a Curious George Doll and the book Curious George and the Firefighters.  So he got to open that and I read the book to the kids.  (Dad said that was the best part....hehehehe!)  After story time, we had cake.  I gotta say I almost cried when I cut it.  I mean it was just that pretty...but it's cake and it was meant to be eaten.  It was very very yummy!  After they finished the cake, I brought over the pull tab piñata I made.  I was impressed with it.  I found a bunch of fun little toys in to fill it with.  I think the kids liked that.  One of the prizes in the piñata was Curious George balloons, so some of the parents blew a bunch up and the kids played balloon while I put in a call to the fire chief.  He had some of the firefighters come over and show us the one of the engines.  The kids got to climb all over it and play.  It was really cool.  They also ran the lights for us.

Overall, it was an incredible party.  Elijah had a great time, and that was the most important thing!  Grace did great with very little nap and horrid sleep the night before.  Elijah was hyped up and didn't take a nap that afternoon, but he did rest in his room.  After nap we went out to the condo my folks are staying in for the week out at the beach.  It's about a half hour drive out there, but it's not too bad.

My folks brought a ton of stuff down with them.  I found an easel at the Goodwill in Black Mountain while we were up there, but it didn't fit in our car, so they brought that.  They brought the bike they found for Elijah as well.  They brought Christmas presents from Laura (really cool stacking trucks for Elijah and Grace and a very nice necklace pendant for me!)

I will start a new album with the pics...

Three Years Ago Today...

I was still in the hospital getting to know my little man.  Who knew that in three years he would be such an amazing little man!Happy Birthday little guy!

my kiddo at birth: 8 pounds 6 ounces

one year old!

two years old

three years old!!

January 13

So there is news...

I hadn't really realized I hadn't blogged about this yet, until Megan commented on my Facebook Status.   I sometimes get so involved in Facebook and I forget that not everyone is on there...or is my friend on there.... ANYWAY...

The week before Christmas Jerry was asked in for an interview for a company here in Wilmington.  The next week he went in for a lunch interview and was offered a job.  He negotiated a higher salary and handed in his resignation the following day.  Last Wednesday he was promptly (yet amicably) fired.  He started his new job this Monday.  The great thing about the firing is that since he handed in his two week notice, they had to pay him through those two weeks.  So he's pretty much getting a week with two paychecks... sweet!  It's too bad that his former company didn't realize his importance until after he left.  He and another worker left for this new company the same week!  The new company is a direct competitor to his old company.  Apparently, last Friday after Jerry and his coworker left, the company promptly gave everyone a raise (some more than others!)  Still, if he hadn't left and they had given the raises, he 1)still wouldn't be making as much as he is now and 2)they would expect him to work even more than he was and no overtime pay.  Here he gets overtime pay, stock options, and there is actually a HR department.... what a concept!

Anyway, we are REALLY excited about it!!  He started Monday and thus far is enjoying it.  I personally am not thrilled to be staying here, but I am thrilled that Jerry is in a better situation.  I was really getting worried about the amount of stress he was under.  Also, this is an international company, so there is the possibility of travel overseas.  They also tend to promote from within, so he's not going to be stuck in the same situation with no hope of actually going anywhere.

So that's it!  Wahoo!

January 18

The folks have gone, but it's Jerry's birthday!!

So my parents left on Saturday morning.  (boooooooooo!)

But before they left, I was able to clean the WHOLE garage!!  It was a huge relief to be able to do this.  We've been trying to since we moved in!  And it's done and it's looks soooo good!  Our biggest issue is the recycling.  For some reason we just take forever to take it to the place.  And every time we do it, I'm always amazed at how little time it really takes.  So I moved our recycling to beside the garage door into the house.  My reasoning is if it's right there (instead of across the garage) then maybe we'll take it more often...we'll see.  I should have taken a before and after pic.  Someone came and picked up the front loader too, so that made a huge dent.

We also had a picnic at a local park and played outside before it became bone chilling cold.  Elijah has mastered his bike and I bought him a bell and fashioned a basket on the front.  I think I'm in for a faster walk in the mornings and afternoons.  He can go a lot faster than he could on his tricycle.  But he's (so far) good about listening and pulling off the road when a car comes by.  Grace has taken off with the crawling and is in to everything.  She is very stealth.  Half the time you don't even realized she's moved, until you look for her in the last place you saw her and realize she's gone!  It's pretty cool and I think that she's quite proud of herself!

On Friday we went to the serpentarium.   It was neat, but a little creepy.  There were a lot of snakes in there and I gotta say that they were just in these glass cages with hinges and one dinky little lock.   There were some big honking snakes there as well as a man eating crocodile.   There was a cobra that was all riled up behind the glass and trying to strike at us as we went by... eek!   I'll post some pics in a bit.  Friday evening we met Kristie&co. at Brixx Pizza to celebrate Jerry's birthday and his new job.  We had invited some other friends, but due to weddings and the sickies, were unable to come.  I gotta say, we had to wait for a LONG time to get a seat, so I think it worked out for the best.  We'll have to go another time with all the friends and plan to get there at like 4 to be able to eat by 7!  Anyway, the food and company made up for it!  Today is Jerry's actual birthday and he went into put in a little overtime this morning.  So Elijah, Grace, and I went out and got balloons and a cake for him.

We have a busy rest of the month ahead of us, including birthday parties, an inauguration viewing, preschool, wednesday friendsday, and play group.  In February Elijah will start a soccer class.  He's really taken an interest in soccer, so we signed him up.  It's a parent participation class, so Jerry will take his lunch early to watch Grace and I'll go with Elijah.  If he likes it, we'll continue with other classes and eventually a team.  It's wild to see him grow up and really like and dislike things.  I will try to keep on top of things and post as often as I can!

January 20

Snow on Inauguration Day!!!

It very rarely snows here.  And when it does it very rarely lasts more than 10 minutes.  Today it started snowing around 10 and it's still flurry-ing now.  Since it is also inauguration day, I had the TV on all day.  But I totally didn't think to take pictures of Elijah and Grace with the TV watching our new president get sworn in.  Sigh...  Ah well.  Elijah and I talked about how great it was that we have a new president and that it was historic.  Here's our conversation this morning:

Me: Elijah who is that?

Elijah: Obak Mama

Me: Barack Obama?  Who is he?

Elijah: yes.  Obak Mama is the presidennn.

Me: Oh okay.  He's the new president?

Elijah: yes. Mommy, it's 'nowing?  Go p'ay?

So, out we went. Into the snow and this is what I did get pictures of:

It was a good day!

January 26

The days are lost on me...

I don't know why I even try to keep track on my days anymore.  I went through most of today thinking it was Friday... sigh...

Anyway, after the snow on Tuesday our week went by fairly quick.

Wednesday the kids and I drove our to an acquaintance's to pick up a climber/slide and delivered it to kate&co.  That was an adventure in and of itself, but the kind where you had to be there and know the people involved, so I won't bore you.

Thursday we went to the park for playgroup.  Not many showed up.  It was still chilly and the snow/ice was melting, but in the sun it was nice and the boy child needed to be outside.  Kristie&co met us there too and we ended up going to the mall and purchasing the last two Mario Kart games for the Wii!!

Friday we met Kate&co at the park for more play time.  I got to exert my badass-ness toward some jerk-y high schoolers.  They were trying to break the kid's equipment and were cussing and scaring the kids.  I went over and yelled at them and then hunted down their teachers (across the park relaxing under a picnic shelter!) and (nicely) told them to get their kids off the playground equipment that was meant for 5 year olds.  I couldn't believe they let the kids out there unsupervised.  Jerry said I should have asked what school they were from and called the principal...hindsight and all.  My adrenaline was pumping after all that.  I was REALLY mad.  Elijah wasn't even playing on the equipment, but there were lots of little kids and they were getting trampled.  I can't believe that more parents didn't stand up to them.  I mean what are they going to do?  Call you a name?  Whatever.  Anyway, we were all okay and the high schoolers were made to leave the playground area.

Saturday, Jerry had to work.  So I packed up the kiddos and went across town to the model train expo.  Elijah loved it.  He stared at one exhibit for two hours straight!  Insane!!  We left and met Jerry for lunch.

Sunday, Jerry worked again.  The biggest thing to happen was Elijah learned to pee standing up!  Not sure this is a good thing, but so far he has really good aim.

We are relaxing today.  I booked us a mini vacation in Myrtle Beach for mid February.  This place has got a huge indoor water park.  I'm sure the weather won't be great, but I'm just excited to get away.  We have something going on every weekend (except Valentine's) so I'm sure we'll be ready for a break.  I also confirmed with my folks our Outer Banks vacation.  We are going in early May.  Again, probably not the warmest weather, but I think it will be nice enough for the kiddos to enough the sand dunes and the light houses.  We are also going to see about going to see the wild horses in Corolla.

May 2007

May 01

A beach day with no documentation

HUGE SIGH.... we had a blast at the beach this morning.  I took a ton of pics and when I came home to download them...the card corrupted... and now it won't format (which would have erased all the pics anyway...  I'm so bummed.  So we have to get another card.  You may have noticed I haven't updated any video or pics lately...well our computers haven't been talking to each other properly, so Jerry fixed that last night.  I was waiting to download a bunch of pics until that was fixed and now... SIGH... I should've gone on and downloaded them.  How frustrating!
ANYWAY, we had so much fun this morning.  Elijah and some of his friends played in the sand and in the water.  I actually went all the way in.  The water temp is 67 but the air was so warm!  On our way home Elijah fell asleep and then slept for about an hour once we got home.  Then woke up to eat and hasn't gone back to sleep.  Sigh... I made him sit quietly with me for about an hour so he at least got some rest...
Okay, I just wanted to vent about the stupid camera...
May 07

Work Work Work

YAWN!!!!  What a busy weekend!  On Saturday I hosted play date from 10 til 12, then I worked all afternoon...  On Sunday we went out for breakfast and then Jerry and Elijah went to see Jerry's folks and I worked until 4 and then went out with the ladies!  That was very fun.  The working was fun too, but it was a lot...  Have I mentioned that I have this new project?  I was commissioned to tie-dye a huge amount of kids clothing to be sold in Carmen's store (FYI by the end of the month her store will be on-line as well....she is also going to have virtual birthing classes...I think it's pretty cool....) So I spent Saturday evening rubber banding everything and Sunday dying.  This afternoon (and probably evening) I will spend rinsing everything.  So I am tired and dyed a bit...  but my test projects turned out pretty well I must say.  I'll put some pics at the bottom of this post.
The rest of last week was pretty uneventful.  Jerry watched the republican candidates debate and was disgusted at many things they did or didn't say.  He got really fired up when three people raised their hands and said they didn't believe in evolution.  Anyway, he blogged about it...  he's so funny about his politics.
Oh yeah, so on Saturday Jerry took Elijah out to the store with him.  he was going to go to just the grocery store and maybe the library, but I got a call from him while he was in Target.  This is the conversation:
"Umm, hi we're in Target."
"Okay."
"Ummm, so Elijah found something he wants..."
"Oh he did did he?"
"So....is it okay if he gets it?"
"What is it?"
"It's a surprise."
"Is it for mother's day?"
"no."
"Is it for the whole family?"
"no."
"It's just for Elijah?"
"yes."
"Is it expensive?"
"I don't think so...."
"okay."
So they get home and Jerry brings this thing in behind his back and says this is Elijah's.  It's a ride on scooter thing from Radio Flyer.  Super cute.  But get this... the reason he bought it was because there  is a picture on the side of the box that looks JUST like elijah (if he had a hair cut...)  Anyway, Elijah loves it.  He still hasn't figured out how to make it go forward, but he's really good at going backward...it really funny!
So that's that....
Oh and Elijah's word for the week is uh-oh....Everything gets an uh-oh...

May 11

one more week!

We leave on vacation in one week BABY!!!!  I'm excited to have my hubby for a week...  We leave for Edisto Island in one week.  I'm excited to just get away.  My folks will be there on Sunday, but they are staying in a different area of the resort.  It'll be nice to have a babysitter if we should need one!  My mom's so funny...she doesn't want to intrude on our vacation and promises not to bother us...we don't mind mom!!!  I'm just looking forward to doing nothing!  I do think we are going to try to go up to Charleston for a day...but if it's too hot, we may revisit that idea.
So last night, we hear Elijah cry out...when this happens we wait for a minute to see if he's really awake and then just check on him to make sure he's not up doing stuff he's not supposed to...ANYWAY, jerry goes in and comes back and asks for the camera.  I go in and there's Elijah with his head on the floor and his body on his bed totally asleep (see the photo album for the pic...) we of course fixed him so he was back on his bed...  but what a cutie and funny little boy!
Rachel just called so we are going to the library and the store with her and MR...  HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!
PS check out the sweet potato production page for the tie dyes...i turned them into Carmen Wednesday...Actually I think that I might add an album here....
May 15

Is it vacation time yet?

sigh...this week seems to be dragging!  Yesterday we walked the loop and then had lunch with Rachel and MR.  Today I went and dropped off some reversible sunhats and a few slings at Carmen's.  Her site should be up by the end of the month!!!  I also did some yard work this morning.  Have I mentioned that our dryer is about to kick the bucket?  It's been squeaky for a while, but it has gotten unbearable lately.  We don't run the dryer unless we are home...so it's really annoying and REALLY loud.  So we are now hanging all our clothes out to dry.  We really want a good energy star dryer....but they are REALLY expensive.  So for now, this will work.  I think the dryer just needs a new belt, but I have no idea how to fix a dryer...sigh... the biggest thing is the diapers.  Not usually a big deal, but since we are going on vacation it's kinda hard.  So we are using disposables now and getting all the diapers (and the pail which is how we will transport the diapers in)clean to be able to pack in the car...sigh...I would have preferred to use disposables on the trip, but we'll have a washer and dryer in the condo, so why not?
So we took care of MR on Saturday while Rachel and Erin went kayaking (with kayaks I found for them, thank you very much...)   We took the kids strawberry picking.  It was really fun.  Elijah would take the bucket and move it out of MR's reach and then she would crawl after it and right as she got there, he would pick it up and move it again.  We came back here and I pumped up the pool.  While I was doing that I had MR sitting on the ground and she was just talking away and Elijah was just running around.  later when I was getting them our of the pool, I look at MR's legs and she had fire ant bites all over them!!!  She never cried, but they looked horrible and I felt SOOOO bad!!!  Poor kid.  But she never got upset and they look soooo much better...but this is the first time we took care of her and that happens...sigh... Of course, Rachel and Erin weren't even a little upset, I wouldn't be either as those stupid little ants are everywhere...but still....  Needless to say I treated the whole yard Saturday afternoon.
We picked the first blueberry off of the bush this weekend and I pulled the last three carrots and picked some peas.  I'm excited!  I think that our garden is going to be better than last year!  Everything looks really good.  I need to get out and hoe in between the rows before we leave.
That's it I guess...
May 16

yeah...

So I was just reading Claire's blog and she was talking about things she loves.  She mentioned that Planet Earth Series...I really keep meaning to watch it, but forget until it's over and then I'm all annoyed...sigh... ANYWAY, she was talking about the cool underwater creatures that were shown on one.  That made me remember the pics someone sent me after the tsunami hit a couple years back.  They are of all these really cool (and sometimes creepy) creatures that washed up on shore.  I'm going to post them in just a minute, because they really are interesting.
Is anyone else watching Notes From The Underbelly?  I'm totally addicted to the show.  It's just funny to see how some people view pregnancy.  I guess it's different for each person.  I know a whole bunch of pregnant women right now and each one of them is handling their pregnancies differently.  It's really cool.
Hmmm....I'm watching a show called My Kid's A... And there are a bunch of kids that have all these different lives...One is joining the Cirque Du Soleil, One is a 12 year old preacher, and one is a transgender kid...  It' quite interesting.  The transgender (I think...I came in in the middle) was a girl and wants to be (or rather is) a boy.  The mom is trying to find a doctor who will remove his breasts...hmmmm... very interesting... random thought....
So today I finished washing the clothes and drying them outside.  I also hoed the veggie garden and the side garden, so they are weed free-ish..I'm pretty beat now, but it's good.  It's supposed to rain tomorrow so I will pack everything and get the house cleaned up.  we aren't leaving until after lunch on Friday since we can't check in until 4.  We were going to go through Myrtle Beach, but it's bike week there...so not so much for us...
Okay, this has been a really random blog....I'm going to post pics.
May 17

okay...so maybe I was wrong...

Maybe we just don't have bunnies around here...though I find that hard to believe... ANYWAY, I just did some research on the marigold theory...Apparently it doesn't work for many, in fact some of the bunnies were actually eating the marigolds!  So many suggested blood meal which you can buy at the garden center.  Since we haven't had any trouble with the rabbits, I'm not doing anything else.  I've also heard that if you pee or spread hair around it will keep them and deer away.  I lost so much hair after EJ was born that I spread it around last year, no problems with the deer or bunnies... who knows...
I'm packed, Elijah is packed, his toys are packed....now all that's left is Jerry and the food and then we'll be ready to go!!!  I am a little nervous about the insane price of gas, but as this is probably the only place we're going this summer, I'm not that concerned.  We plan on renting bikes once we get down there, so that takes care of the gas issue once we're there.  We may go up to Charleston for one day...we'll see...
Okay, I'm going to post a video and some more pics of the kid.  Also I'm posting pics on the Sweet Potato Productions page...so check out the new stuff!
This is probably it until we get back so have a nice week!!!!
May 25

home again home again...

So we're back...got back around 4 actually.  It's depressing to come home and realize you live in an ugly place...Edisto is covered with live oaks and palm trees... it's just so pretty...oh well... we could sell our house and live in a  tent...
So our vacation... well, we got there last Friday and jerry woke up sick on Saturday and was sick for the majority of the vacation, so that sucked.  My parents got there on Sunday afternoon, that was nice.  If Jerry had felt better, I think they would have been asked to babysit.  Elijah's long term memory is becoming more apparent.  He gets excited to see my folks instead of looking at them like strangers.  He is willing to go off with them and be okay with the whole thing.  Quite nice...  I rented a bike with a baby seat while we were there and on the arm days it was fab-o.  Elijah and I went to the pool and played and walked to the beach to play in the sand.  If we had such nice bike lanes here, I would consider getting a bike, but as it is you really risk your life getting on a bike.  Jerry didn't rent a bike, so once he was feeling better, it was sorta silly to ride a bike and drive a car.  There's a great park on the island and Elijah really liked that.  He slept well at naps and at night, as did I!!!  However, he got Jerry's sickies and now has a cough that is not pretty.  If he's not feeling better by Tuesday, we'll go to the doc.  We went out to the ACE basin and walked around the plantation there on Thursday.  I got eaten by bugs there, but it was really nice.  The last half of the week it was a bit cooler so we didn't go to the beach as much.  I just felt so bad for Jerry.  He's worked so hard and he was sick on his vacation, which in turn meant I wasn't really on vacation since I was on mommy duty 24 hours a day...but we were in a beautiful place and we didn't have to worry about work and hours and stuff like that...soooo...
Anyway, we are back and our house is still standing and our garden looks good...so life is good.   Now to catch up with everyone else...
May 28

back to the grindstone

Well, not really...but yesterday I did work my little tail off.  In the morning I broke out the weedwacker and cleared out around the house, then jumped into the ditch...I got about 3/4 of the way down the side ditch and the weedwacker just stopped working.  It's electric so I thought maybe I had tripped a switch or maybe over heated the motor...but apparently not. It just doesn't work.  Since his was a gift and we have no proof of purchase, we are out of luck... Oh well, we realized we needed something that can have attachments and maybe a bit more power.  This one definitely did it's job and worked great...so, once that broke, it was lunch time and after Elijah (and I) had a nap, I hung a rack in the pantry...makes it look so much better!!! and then fertilized the garden with liquid worm poop!!!  Thought that was funny, but we found it for the lawn a bit ago and now we have it for the garden.  It's really cool stuff and they have a program for recycling used soda bottles...The company seems really environmental and we like to support companies like TerraCycle.  It's awesome...check 'em out!!
Anyway, it was a good day.  Today Elijah and I went over to Rachel's grandmother's pool and played for a bit then picked up some lunch.  It was good to see her again.  Jerry's friend, Eric, came down to visit for the day, so that was good for them to catch up.  Tomorrow we'll go to story time at the library and then I want to check out this bookstore in town.  I also want to try my hand at a Memory Quilt so I need to find some fabric crayons at AC Moore... I hope these work out.  I am hoping to have a website up before homecoming in October, though I think/hope that it will happen sooner.  I just purchased another bolt of fabric from JoAnne's, so we'll see...
I'm waiting for a video to process to add to the site and then I am going to just chill with my hubby for the evening.  I'm sad that he has to go back to work, though he worked on Saturday... but at least it's a four day week.
Hope you had a good long weekend where you are!
May 31

little known facts

or maybe they are widely known...who knows...
1. i don't make friends easily.  i tend to not always be myself and then the whole thing blows up in my face when my true colors come through.
2. i often feel that i don't belong and that i am somehow in a temporary state.... i constantly hope that this feeling will eventually end.
3. i worry that my children will have some of my same issues.
4. i do worry about what people think of me and secretly get my feelings hurt quite often...but i don't let it show...
5. i think that the whole "organic" movement is overrated and that you are really just paying a higher price for the same food...wash your food people!  i know that there are those that judge me for not eating organic and for once, i really don't care...
6. i do believe in buying in local and think that it's great that there are farmer's markets in which this is possible.
7. i think the best way to go is to have your own garden...but i know that's not always possible either.
8. my husband is my absolute best friend...he kicks butt!!!!
9. i secretly think that the country is doomed if we don't find someone who can actually make a difference...
10. i miss my college friends (and my two high school friends i still talk too) so bad that it hurts.  i wish we all lived really close...
11. i sometimes feel i lead a rather lonely existence...i am scared that my children will feel this way too...
12. i get annoyed with people who claim to be open-minded, but refuse to look at the other side of things... (another reason why i love my hubby!!!!  he keeps me in check...)
13. i don't feel like a martyr because i went through natural childbirth...my labors were only 5 and 6 hours...who knows what i would have done had it gone on longer.
14. i sometimes don't think my heart can hold all the love i have for jerry and elijah and grace... i honestly don't know what i would do if anything ever happened to them...
15. i realized today that i don't want to live in this town much longer... i would be only a little sad to leave, but i think i would be happier elsewhere...
16. i haven't attended church in quite a while... i have tried a couple down here and none of them have felt like it could be home.  i miss having the feeling of acceptance i once had... it makes me lonely and a little sad.
17. i miss acting...a lot...but i love my kids...but i still miss the stage...
18. i haven't felt like i was a part of something great for a long time (besides my marriage and being a mom...)
19. i call my folks just to hear their voices sometimes... i miss living close to them...
20. i often feel guilty about things i have no control over...i don't know why and i don't know where this comes from...
21. i often over react to small things and think they are much worse than they really are...
22. when i over react to these things, i tend to realize that i need to change direction in life.
23. i believe that life is too short to not be silly...
24. i love to skip.
25. chocolate is the one thing i can not seem to give up.... why can't brussel sprout be bad for you...those i would have no problem giving up...
26. i have missed three weddings of college friends and i regret missing each and every one...
27. i wish i would win the lottery...but i don't play it...
28. i wish i had the means to travel all over the world...
29. i wish i had joined the peace corp directly after UNCW...
i have had a crappy morning... i don't want to get into it...but it has sucked!  i've been rather tearful writing this and my adorable little boy has been coming over giving me hugs...what a sweetie...
i just needed to write...

March 2007

March 05

ever had one of those weekends?

so last thursday we get back from playgroup and elijah takes an half hour nap...yep that's it.  later that afternoon he's sniffling and coughing...oh well, a cold, no biggie, right?  that night he's up every 15 minutes coughing.  sigh... friday it's all about the runny nose and coughing, but he's happy and playing... but we decide to give him something for the cough at night.  so he sleeps fairly well friday.  we were supposed to have a swim lesson on saturday, but he has a fever of 102 now...double sigh.... so into the car, to the doc on call, find out he has an ear infection in BOTH ears....sigh.... he sleeps pretty much all day cuddled up next to me.  jerry worked the rest of the day.  we bought paint for the bathrooms, but at this rate....
so, i know i need to work on sunday to bulk up my stock for the store.  so after breakfast, i get cracking.  i made 2 hats and 8 slings.  on the next to last sling my needle breaks.  this shouldn't be a big deal, EXCEPT, my machine is a 1947 singer....sigh...i scrounge and find another needle, BUT it's dull, so what should have taken 10 minutes to finish up, takes an hour....sigh... i had planned on making 3 more hats, but that's out until i borrow a friends sewing machine.  i don't know what i'm going to do now.  i really haven't made enough money to buy a new machine.  i'm really just putting money back into supplies to make more products....we'll see.
so needless to say, we didn't paint this weekend.  elijah just crawled up in my lap as i was getting ready to blog (hence the lower case-ness) and has since sacked out.
we did have fun at the park last thursday though.  elijah really likes the slide...hence the new video....
okay,i'm going to see if i can lay this sniffly boy down without waking him....
March 12

Monday Monday

It is SOOOOO nice out!!!  This weekend was really nice too.  So, let's see...this weekend I painted the Master bath.  I added the pics, but it's hard to tell the color.  I did one with a flash and one without...  It's Provence blue.  I really like it.  We used a sateen enamel that repels water and mold and mildew and gross stuff like that.   Jerry thinks it's too dark, but I think it's growing on him.  After I did that we met Rachel, Erin, and MR for ice cream and then Qdoba...yes that's right ice cream BEFORE dinner!!!!  We wen to the park Sunday morning.  Everything was fine until this group showed up.  There were much older kids in the group and the leaders of said group did nothing to keep them off the toddler equipment... I should say that this is specifically a toddler play ground.  There is an older kid play ground across the street.  This group had 4 leaders.  Some of them could have taken the older kids across the street.  It really bothered me.  I mean these older kids were not paying attention to the fact that there were smaller kids on the playground.  And the leaders were just laughing and sort of egging them on.  So we left...sigh...
But other than that...the weekend was good.  The weather was GREAT!!!  It's supposed to be 75 degrees tomorrow!!!!  I'm super psyched about that!  Elijah is down for nap right now, but we are going to go over and baby-sit for a neighbor for a few minutes.  They have the cutest little boy.  He's 9-ish months I think.  It'll be fun!  Though I may have to put Elijah in his stroller and just let him sleep in it.
Getting Elijah to stay in his room all night is NOT going well.  He's fine until about 1, then we go in and get him resettled, breathing deeply, etc, and then we leave and he's up again 5 minutes later... after and hour or so we're so exhausted we bring him to bed with us and then he sleeps straight through until 8 or 8:30... It's frustrating, but whatever...I think I'll start sleeping in the room with him again.  That seemed to work.  At least he's sleeping.  It's never hard to get him back to sleep...sigh... this too shall pass.  I really don't mind being up, it's the up and down that wears on me.
Oh yeah, a little commentary on the video...There is this bucket-y thing that we use to keep some of Elijah's toys in.  He loves to dump all the toys out and bring the bucket to us and have us put it on his head (he tries, but doesn't quite get it yet...) and then he runs around with it on his head (sometimes covering his eyes...though that doesn't stop him...)
Okay, I have some things that I have to do before we walk over to babysit...
Hope you are having a great week!!!
March 16

Friday...

I guess the nice weather was too good to last.  It is raining now and supposed to get rather cold for the weekend...boooooo.... Oh well, at least we had a good week.  Yesterday it was close to 80.  We went to the park for playgroup and then came home, Elijah napped and I knitted, then we took Jerry to get his eyes checked.  He got new lenses and some sunglasses.  We'll pick up the sunglasses today.
Elijah's sleeping (and I almost hesitate to write this...I don't want to jinx it...but...) is getting SOOO much better.  I moved out of his room on Wednesday and Jerry took a turn at night.  He was only up twice.  Then last night it was back to me.  Elijah woke up at 3:00 and was really wet, so I changed his diaper (which usually wakes him WAY up) but then I put him back in his bed and laid down beside him and left his room at 3:15, he slept until 6:30 at which point I brought him to bed and he slept until 8!!!!!!  I am so freaking excited, though trying not to get my hopes too high.  I hope this is a turning point for him.
This morning I'm trying to keep him active since we can't go outside and run around.  He stacked his stacking rings all by his self this morning (I'm uploading the video as I type... it's really freaking cute!)
Other than the weather being so awesome and us playing outside all week, nothing is really new.  I dropped a bunch of stuff off at Carmen's yesterday to sell.   Check out the Sweet Potato Site to see the super cute things I've added!!! Azalea Festival is the weekend after Easter and that really marks the beginning of tourist season here.  Since Carmen's shop is right where the festival is I am hoping she'll sell a bunch of stuff.  I am thinking about starting to do some tie dyed baby stuff to sell in her store, but a store next door to hers is called A Little Bit Hippie and that would really not be nice (though the store owner there said I could sell them to her...)  Carmen's going too start and on-line store this summer and she said I could sell them there... we'll see.  I'm also thinking about having a booth at WWC homecoming this year to sell hats and slings and I think that the tie-dyed baby stuff would do well there too...we'll see.  That's a lot to think about.
Okay, well it's almost lunch time.  Let me add this video and get some lunch started for the boy!  Have a good weekend!
March 25

WAHOO!!!

Spring is here!!!!!  So exciting!!!!  It has been so warm the past few days...over 80 both days.  The water temp is still in the 50s, so no swimming in the ocean just yet.
So since this week was so warm we were outside for most of the day.  I really don't like DLST but I must admit it has been a little nice to be out later.  I also blew up Elijah's pool (not the one her had last year...) and yesterday we brought out the water playground thing-y he has.  Next Saturday we start swim lessons for the little guy.  I am interested to see how he does.
We went to see Jerry's family today.  Our nieces are in town.  It took Elijah a bit to warm up, but he really likes the girls.  We played outside for a couple hours this morning.  But no matter how tired Elijah was he wouldn't take a nap while we were there.  Of course, at Jerry's folks house there are always people coming and going, so it's really not that surprising.  He did really well the rest of the afternoon considering.  He fell asleep in the car on the way home.  I made him wake up though, when we got home.  So I made him dinner and threw him in the shower (with spring comes pollen and he was COVERED in it) fed him and then put him to sleep.  Jerry had to go into work (and still isn't home...sigh...)  But such is life.
Speaking of jerry's work... They are sending him to Boston for a training on the new machine in his office!  It's really exciting!  There is so much he can learn at this training, not to mention the opportunity to network.  I will miss him terribly (as will Elijah) but I wanted him to go (as did he) so that he can better himself.  A week here, could, one day, mean a bigger, better opportunity.  It's worth it.  Heck, I would go away for a week if it meant better opportunities for us and the ability to provide more for our kids and family.  So we're going up to my folks house on Good Friday, my parent's are having the family Easter party on Saturday, and then jerry flies out on Sunday.  Elijah and I will stay at my folks (we could've gone, but Jerry's snoring....) and then come back the following weekend.  So it'll be fun to be at my folks for a week.  I've been practicing with Elijah in the back pack carrier so we can hike (even though we have no real hills here.)  We'll just miss Jerry.
SO, here's a total tangent...
I got a free copy of E: Environmental Magazine and I was reading an article in it called "Local is the New Organic".  At first I thought, this article had some good points, but then I read that one of the contributors said (and I am paraphrasing) that since Walmart has started carrying Organic, it's not so special anymore...  WHAT?!?!?!  I was considering subscribing to this magazine, but I am so sick of FREAKING ELITIST people thinking that just because they shop "organic" or whatever, means that no one else can?  I agree that local is better environmentally (for the most part) but there is no way that every person in NYC could buy locally.  Right now there isn't enough local farmers to sustain every person in America.  So while in theory this is a great concept, apparently you have to be wealthy and elite to buy locally (since organic, is now for the underclass...)  It just frustrated me.  There is neither the space, nor the knowledge, nor the continuing warm weather for local eating only to happen.  Of course, eating organic, is not all it's cracked up to be.  I mean once you ship in "organic", let's say, bananas...okay, so you live in the NC mountains (bananas don't grow there, especially in December), so the bananas come from somewhere far away, where they are shipped on truck, plane, boat, all three...who knows...and that's the point, you don't know.  Anyway, regardless, even if it was hiked to your local organic market it's still subjected to the mercury and lead and all the other heavy metals in the air from cars, volcanoes, and whatever else...so really by the time it arrives to your store, it's not rally any better as the "conventional" (what they label non-organic food at the Fresh market hehehehe) bananas it's right next too.
Okay, that's my little soap box for today.  If you feel you need to eat organic...By all means, do so.  But don't do it because you think you are better than those who buy Organic at Walmart... do it because you really believe you are eating better...
March 30

Another week

It's been a good week I guess.  It was really warm at the beginning and got chilly yesterday.  We went to play group yesterday at Rachel's to celebrate MR's 1st b-day.  I can't believe she's almost one!  We had fun, but my boy is quite the crab lately.  I really think it's his teeth.  Poor guy.  We've been fairly lucky with the teeth thing.  But these i-teeth seem to really hurt him.  Maybe this will be it for a bit.  I mean he'll have all his teeth except his 2 year molars...maybe they'll wait until he's at least 18 months...sigh
Tomorrow we go to our first swim lesson.  That should be fun.  Then we go to party number 2 for MR.  We've got to get our oil changed and I have to sew sometime this weekend as well.
I'm so excited to be with the fam over Easter.  I'm sad that Jerry's going to be gone the week after, but hopefully the time will fly and we can play in the woods some.  I wish I was magic and knew what the weather was going to be up there.  Of course, if I were magic then I could make the weather whatever I wanted it to be...hmmm.... I'll have to work on that.
Okay, well it seems like there was more, but I guess not...  Have a good weekend...
March 31

Big Yawn!!!

What a busy fun day.  The weather is perfect!!!  Elijah had his swim lesson this morning.  It was more successful than I thought it would be.  He learned to kick, float on his back, and acclimate to the water.  The water was REALLY cold.  It was 82 degrees...which is cold for pool water.  Elijah wasn't the happiest, but the teacher had us singing to the kids and that seemed to keep him calmer.  We did have to get out a little early.  It was so cold the little guy was shivering.  So we got out and took a warm shower and got dressed.  The we got home and I jumped in the shower while Jerry gave Elijah snack and then back in the car for MR's b-day party.  The weather was so great so we were outside a bit, which was good.  MR racked up on the presents!  We had lots of fun.  Back in the car and home for a nap.  While Elijah napped, Jerry and I watched Happy Feet.  This movie was cute, but odd.  There was lots of underlying grown up things...and the ending was...hmmm...it just seemed that the writers got somewhere and couldn't figure out how to end it, so they just sorta made something up...I don't know, it was abrupt  I guess.  But baby penguins tap dancing...so FREAKING cute!!!  Elijah woke up right as the movie ended, so back in the car to the mall for oil change and tire rotation.  Walked around, found a cute pair of shoes for Elijah for 4 bucks...Sears was having a sale!  and as my child is growing out of shoes faster than, well, whatever grows fast, it's good to find shoes that are cheap.  Then back home and then Jerry had to run off to run a test on his machine at work as to get a jump start on the week.  Sometimes I'm annoyed, but tonight is my night with the boy, and I understand that this helps him understand the machine and can advance his career (never know who's paying attention...) I understand.   So I watched Rumor Has It (Jennifer Anniston...cute movie...) and am chilling out waiting for Jerry to come home.  He just called and was 20 minutes from his run to end...so that should be soon.
Tomorrow I get to sew at some point... But we found this garden center that has some trails around it and we may go out there with a picnic and then let Elijah sleep on the way home.  Then we're going out for ice cream tomorrow afternoon!!!
This coming week is not going to be that much calmer.  I think Monday we'll take it easy.  Tuesday is story time at the library, dropping some stuff off at Carmen's and picking a few things up, then off to drop some things off at a Thrift store (which means I HAVE to walk through).  Wednesday I need to go to Kohl's to pick up some b-day presents for some kids.  And Thursday we have a b-day party to go to.  Then Friday we hit the road...That's exhausting just thinking about it...
I can't believe that my b-day is coming up in 20 days.  This year has flown by.  I have no big plans for my b-day.  I think that I might have a drink or two...On Saturday we'll have our friends over or go out or something.  I really want a Mexicali cake from this bakery...it's sooooo yummy....mmmmm.... we'll see.
Our garden is doing okay.  I'm going to post some pics after this... We have some spinach that's ready to pick.  Most things are looking okay.  I planted some more things in Elijah's garden, we'll see if they come up.
Have you ever gotten a song stuck in your head and it will not get out?  I have this song from one of Elijah's CDs stuck in my head.  It kept me up one night this week and it's still there....GET OUT GET OUT...it is driving me crazy!!!  I wonder why things do that?  I think I may sleep with a CD on tonight or something...I tries everything the other night...it was making me almost sick to my stomach.  This has happened before, but not to this extent...sigh...
Okay, again it seems like I have something else to say... but I can't remember...  This started out all organized and just went in all different directions...
Two of my fellow bloggers haven't been home for a bit and I miss them... At least Tracey has been posting...Thanks TJ!  okay, off to get ready for bed...

July 2006

July 02

semi-productive

So we have been annoyed with our bedroom closet.  Let me explain why.  The rental house we were in before had a walk-in closet big enough (and I am not kidding here) to be another room.  It had a ton of shelves and was big enough to fit not one, but two chest of drawers in.  So when we moved we had all this stuff and no where to really put it (well, neatly anyway...)  So yesterday we were in Lowe's and we were looking at closet organizers.  We found one we liked and brought it home.  Now, mind you, we didn't really measure the closet before we left...we weren't really in Lowe's to buy a closet organizer, but the lights we went to buy were not up to our standards....ANYWAY, we get home and get Elijah down to sleep and realize that our closet is the wrong size, BUT we make it work none the less.  We hang these tracks and then from there these shelving tracks are supposed to hang and then you can cut the shelves to fit where ever you want.  We got the first tracks hung and then called it a night.  Today we two shelve hung.  We put our clothes back in with just these two shelves and everything already fits.  We can't really figure it out.  I mean we did some purging while we were doing all this, but not THAT much.  So anyway, it was a happy surprise.  I think that now we will add some other shelves, but only for storage of linens (we don't have a linen closet either...sigh...)
So that's what we've done this weekend.  For some reason I am beat.  I have been tired all weekend long.  I know I have a kid and everything, but I am sleepier than usual.  It has gotten really hot lately, so that may be a factor.
Oh!!! Our next door neighbors had their baby.  He was a month early, but she was having signs of preecampsia so they induced.   The baby was 7 pounds 3ounces ( a month early!!!) and 19 1/2 inches long.  They came home today.  I went over to look at him as they took him out of the car, he's soooo tiny!  I mean Elijah was little, but he was over a pound heavier than this little guy.  They have to take him into the doc tomorrow because of possible jaundice(though he looks fine to me...but I'm not a doc... and I also compare all jaundice babies to mine and Elijah WAS JAUNDICE!)
Elijah wouldn't for the life of me take a good nap today and was very crabby (though I didn't put on his crabby t-shirt...) I finally gave up.  Jerry took over so I could take a nap but I could hear the little guy being a crank, so I didn't really sleep.  I got up and came into feed him at 7 and he was so sleepy that after nursing for 5-ish minutes he feel asleep and feel off the boob.  Normally he falls asleep and 20 minutes later I'm trying to pry him off without waking him up...poor guy.  Our rule is no naps after 6, but I think we'll just call this bedtime tonight.  I hope this isn't starting a trend.  He usually takes an hour nap in the morning and then at least a 2 hour nap in the afternoon.  I need the down time to rest myself and usually lie down with him or at least use that time to chill for a bit.
Last Thursday after our High Society Ladies gathering, Laura's sister's family stopped by on their way up the outer banks.  Kristen and Robert and their 2 year old Garrett.  Garrett is such a cutie!!!  And sooooo smart!!!  They are really cool parents and so laid back.  Garrett was sleepy, but a real sweet heart.  Kristen held Elijah, who promptly feel asleep!  It was good to see them and chat with them even though it was a very brief visit.
On Friday, I realized I hadn't been out of the house except to do grocery shopping on Tuesday, and I was getting a little stir crazy, so Jerry came and picked me up for a lunch date.  It was so nice to get out of the house.  I just hadn't realized it I guess.  I mean we go on walks in the morning, but just around the neighborhood.  I should try to get out and walk else where, but by the time I got the car loaded it would be way too hot!
My friend Tracey is getting married tomorrow!  I hope that her wedding is everything she has dreamed.  I'm sure it will be.  I really like the guy she is marrying and I am sure they will be very happy!
Okay, I must eat something soon...my blood sugar feels low...sigh....
July 06

Finished books and what not

So my goal is to cut down on the amount of TV I am watching.  I mean there is nothing on anyway.  I must say that I refuse to give up "So You Think You Can Dance."  I love that show!  But that's really it.  We only have 20 channels so there is no temptation to watch other crap on extended cable.
That being said, I just finished re-reading Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife.  This book ranks as one of my favorites, if not my favorite.  Her writing is almost poetic.  The love story is so happy, sad, hilarious, miserable, so many things that makes up true love.  It's the kind of book that you really don't want to end.  I must say that there were a few chapters I skipped because I knew I would cry my eyes out and there was a strong possibility I wouldn't be able to stop.  I think some people didn't like it because of the improbability of the whole thing and some tried too hard to understand the dates and what not.  It is about a time traveler, but Niffenegger does a great job of providing the reader with dates and the ages of the characters to help keep track of everything.  Even if she hadn't done this, I believe the story would still be an incredible one.
Elijah is eating away.  He has had rice (didn't like this one, we'll try again later), bananas (a favorite), pears, and peaches.  It's interesting, if I mix anything with breast milk, he spits it out.  If I mix it with water he's fine.  (we're making our own baby food by the way....) He drinks about an ounce of water from a sippy cup at our little meal time.  He's about to cut a tooth.  I can feel it when he nurses and I can see it under his gums.  He is a drooling fiend!!!!!  And right now he's being a grouch because he needs a nap....so I'm off to take care of that....
July 09

ahhhh, the weekend

Soooo, I was supposed to go to an interview on Friday for tutoring position.  On Thursday night I freaked out about it and Jerry told me to cancel.  It was very obvious I am not ready to go back to work.  Jerry told me we didn't need the money, he thought I just wanted to get out of the house.  So I called and canceled.  I felt sort of good about this, so I think it was the right thing to do.  So Saturday morning I got up mowed the back lawn.  The weather here was unseasonably cool (only 83!) so it went fast and wasn't too hard.  Then we went into town to the library and to lunch.  Jerry got a bunch of books to read and I got Babyville because Clare said it was funny, so I am excited to read it.  We got Elijah some books too.  I don't know if I have mentioned it, but we are teaching Elijah basic sign language.  Things like: food, more, drink, milk...Studies have shown that babies can communicate in sign before they can talk.  Cora let us borrow a book on it and my parents lent me their workbook from when they took a sign language course and I checked out some books at the library as well.  All very exciting.  It's pretty cool I think.  After the library, we went to Roly Poly for lunch...yummy!  Then home for a nap and then to Rachel and Erin's for a super yummy dinner!  Cora and Bill were there too with their little one.  She is soooo active!  Elijah just sat there and watched her run around, like he was taking mental notes on how to walk and run!  It was really cool! We sacked out pretty much by the time we got home.
Today I plan on getting out into our drainage ditches with the weed wacker and then cooling it...oh yeah and maybe some grocery shopping as my folks are coming this Tuesday and maybe they'd like something to eat?  We have some more cleaning to do, but not too much.  We are selling our brass bed and moving stuff around, so the garage is packed with tuff to get rid of.  I have got to get busy and list this stuff on the yard sale web site.  I hope that it sells.  I haven't had too much luck there...sigh...
Okay, I hear my boy becoming restless...I swear we have more recent pics of him, I just haven't downloaded them from the camera yet....sigh....
July 11

What is this? Am I 5?

So I woke up this morning with the back side of my neck swollen and my ear hurting like all get out (what a weird saying...) I woke up Jerry and told him I was going to the doctor's office.  Sure enough I have an ear infection. What's that about?  I haven't had an ear infection since I was a kid.  Even growing up I never even got swimmers ear and now at 30 I get an ear infection. So now I'm all freaked out because Elijah has been pulling on his ear, which I just thought was teething because he has no fever and isn't "acting" sick...sigh...Stupid ears....  At least the put me on an antibiotic and gave me some ear drops.  I will be the first to say that I hate antibiotics.  I think they are over prescribed but the medical profession...but right now I will gladly take ANYTHING that will stop this pain!!!!  (well, and won't hurt my baby.)  SO that was the excitement for the morning.
Yesterday, my friend Rachel called us and we went and walked the loop at the beach. It was so nice.  Afterwards we found some shade at the park to feed and change the wee ones and then went for pizza!!!!  After pizza we walked around this store called Once Upon a Child.  It's a consignment shop that I find to be over priced, but every once and a while you find a really good deal.  Yesterday was one of those days.  We found a little music thingy that was perfectly in tune for 2.50.  I wouldn't have bought it if I hadn't found cash in my wallet ( I almost never carry cash...)  But Elijah really likes it and since it's in tune it doesn't grate on my nerves when he bangs on it.  It only plays for notes, but it is a perfect scale and when he hits two or more at the same time the notes are harmonic, so it sounds nice.  There was another one there, but the notes weren't in tune or something.  So I really like this one!  After we left there we hung out a Rachel's for the afternoon and then came home.  The rest of the day was pretty uneventful.
This morning, before we went to the doc's I checked my e-mail and three of my items I listed on the yard sale thing had sold!  So that's nice. It'll be nice to have a little play money (or whatever...)  One lady is picking up two items today and then tomorrow we'll get rid of another one.  No one has made an offer on the bed yet, but I hope they do soon.  I really want it out of my house!
Tomorrow we are going to get our pics made.  My parents will be here in this afternoon so they are going with us and then Rachel and Erin are meeting us over at the studio to get some pics as well.  I hope the kids are chill with the whole thing.  Hopefully, we'll get to go out to eat afterward.  That would be nice.
In October Rachel, Erin, Jerry and I are all going to stay at my parents house for a week for vacation.  I think it will be lots of fun!  It's also going to be homecoming at Warren Wilson, so we'll play a little over there.  I want to get a backpack carrier before then so that we can hike in the woods with our little ones.  I think it would be lots of fun!  I hope the leaves will be changing by then.
I guess I better get busy cleaning up before mom and dad get here!  It is HOT HOT HOT here today!!!!!
July 13

SIX MONTHS!!!

I can't believe it!  Our boy is six months today!  Somedays it goes so slow, but for the most part, it is flying by.  Elijah's new thing is scooting on his butt.  It's so funny.  We'll put something out of reach and he'll scoot his little self right over to it.
Yesterday we went to have pics made.  We took my parents and met Rachel and Erin over at the studio.  It was lots of fun.  Jerry's co-worker gave us a gift certificate and this place makes you use the whole thing at once, so we got lots of pics.  Afterwards we went for dinner and ice cream.  The kids did GREAT!  And I was really impressed with the photographer and the pictures turned out really well.  We like this place because you get your pictures within 20 minutes.
My ear infection is still really bothersome.  It hurts!  But I think it is getting better.  I went to my gyno today for a six month post natal/annual.  She's dropping OB to have more time with her kid and husband.  I totally understand, but I'm really bummed.  She is the only all female practice in town.  So she recommended a mid-wife for our next pregnancy...though she did say that she might start doing OB again in a couple of years...we'll see.  Anyway, I'm 3 pounds under my pre-pregnancy weight!  That's exciting!  And I got a clean bill of health...always good to hear.  (Also not pregnant...small blessing!  I mean we'd be okay, but I really am not ready to be pregnant again...didn't really think we were, but you know it's always nice to be sure!)
Okay, the little 6 month old (or big) is really sleepy and fighting the sleep (hence grouchy!) so I'm off to help Jerry! ( a note about the pics... They are all digital images, in the studio they could zoom in and crop and everything.  it was really cool.  the photographer used a handheld SLR digital camera so he could move around us.  Then you get to look at them on the screen and he edited them right there.  We got to bring home a CD with all the pics, but not edited. Really a neat place!)
July 16

stupid ear....

I spent yesterday and most of today in bed.  My ear is killing me!!!!  How do kids deal with this?  Today it's just gross.  All kinds of stuff coming out of it.... I hope that means it's getting better.  I tried to sleep last night.  Jerry took Elijah all night (except to eat of course) but my ear was killing me.  The numbing drops are doing nothing!  I did manage to take a long nap yesterday.  But today I just cuddled with Elijah on the bed and read.  I have q-tips with me all the time to get the grossness before it leaks out (sorry TMI.)
The good news is our riding lawn mower got fixed.  I can't remember if I wrote that or not, but since I mowed our lawn last weekend, it doesn't need mowing yet.  I'm just happy that it'll take less time to mow it now.
I had planned on doing some shopping this weekend (I did get a new pair of sneakers...Reeboks on sale for 27 dollars!!!  They're purple and gray!) but that's been put on hold for a bit.
Tomorrow I'm canceling my dentist appointment because I can barely open my mouth wide enough to get a spoon in with food, much less a drill.  I'll have to reschedule!
Jerry just asked if I wanted to get out of the house and I think that would be fabulous....anything to get my mind of my !@#$%$%^ ear!!!!!!!!
July 18

on the mend

Sunday night was a turning point for the ear crisis.  Something popped and I was able to sleep and what not...i also realized the wonder that is the cotton ball.  I stuffed some of that in my ear to catch the drips and it was much better (and probably more cost effective) than q-tips.  I finished my anti biotic yesterday and have been taking low doses of ibuprofen to help with the swelling.  This morning I realized I didn't have to let my raisin bran sit and become mushy before eating it, so that's a big plus too.  My dentist was very kind and let me reschedule for next Monday.
This morning, after a walk, I filled up Elijah's itty-bitty swimming pool and let him play in the water for a bit.  This was a first and he really wasn't so sure about it, but as the air got hotter, he seemed to enjoy it.  He figured out how to get his hat off and that was probably more fun for him.  I kept misting him with the mister on the hose, but he was not all about that at all!  It felt good to me...IT'S HOT!!!  I talked with my folks this morning and Elijah feel asleep while I was on the phone with them.  True to form though it's only a 30-45 minute morning nap.  That's okay, though.  It makes him happier and he slept well last night.   He's sitting in the pompazan right now blowing raspberries at me, but is getting impatient, so I am off to care for him!

Houston...we have a tooth (kinda)

So Elijah has been rather cranky the past few days.  He's been boycotting naps and only sleeping an hour at a time in his crib (yeah he has ended up in bed with us the past two nights, because I do not do the running to the other end of the house hourly thing...) And today we could actually see the top of a tooth!  Jerry and I both agree that if having to spend a few nights in bed with mom and dad is the worst of the teething, then that's all right with us.
Tomorrow we go for our six month check up.  We have questions to ask the doc and are excited to see who wins the pool on his weight.  I say 24, Jerry says 19.5, my dad said 25, my mom said 30...we'll see.  I hate that he's getting shots, but I'm sure he'll be fine.
Megan comments on the size of the baby pool...it's pretty funny I agree, but for now I think it's the perfect size!  Plus it was one dollar at The Dollar Tree, so ya know, you get what you  pay for and stuff.
Claire recommended the book Babyville on her blog, so I went and borrowed it from the library.  I must say that it was a good light read, but there was a point in there where the character Sam stressed me out a bit.  She went a little haywire and I was going to throw the book, but the problem resolved itself in a way that I found acceptable.  So I was okay with it. It is always interesting to me to read books written by Brits.  They seem to do things SOOO differently and while I understand this was a work of fiction, I have to wonder how much of the baby care in there is non-fiction.  For example, they seemed just fine putting their babies on formula and feeding them at 3 months!  I would have never thought that about the British at all, but maybe I am wrong.  Anyway, a good light read.  Thanks for the referral Claire!
Speaking of things that are different in other countries...  I was reading in Mothering Magazine about the lack of mother's breast feeding upon leaving the hospital in the US.  Many blame the hospitals selling out to formula companies.  And while I agree that it is rather annoying to be sent home with sample formula even though you have marked that you exclusively breast feeding...I simply don't believe that this is the only reason that women don't breast feed.  Anyway, there was a letter to the editor from a Canadian stating that maybe it wasn't the hospitals so much as it was the country.  In Canada all women are given one year PAID maternity leave.  98% of women leave the hospital there breast feeding.  At six months 59% are still breastfeeding exclusively.  The rate in America (though I am not sure of the exact numbers at hand) are much lower.  However, many women here must re-enter the work place sometimes within a month of giving birth.  I mean there are, of course, so many other reasons, but I do believe that it would help if no one had to worry about money and job stability...(the men in Canada are given 6 months paid paternity leave!)
Anyway, there is my rant on breastfeeding for the week...
I hope that everyone is having a fab-o week.  Think of us tomorrow at 9 (EST) as we take the little guy to get his shots!
July 20

I stand corrected

My mom just informed me that she said that Elijah would weigh 25 pounds...who knows what dad said...so you know....pregnancy brain I guess.  Mom also wanted a pic of the tooth....well....that would be rather difficult since it's on the bottom and Elijah likes to keep his tongue over his bottom gum (thank goodness!!!!) It took Jerry all evening to just get a glimpse...but soon enough it will be visible in his smile...Sorry mom...but soon!
Okay, off to bed for me...
July 21

drum roll please

Elijah is a healthy 21.2 pounds, 26 1/2 inches tall (though i think the nurse mis-measured) and has a head circ of 44 cm.  For weight he is in the 95%, height , he's in the 50%, and head circ, he's in the 75%...not that that really means anything.  Our doc said that he looked like a one year old.  The doc was also impressed that Elijah was sitting on his own, could drink out of a sippy cup without much help and was a good eater.  He addressed our concerns of Elijah still eating every three hours at night and the doc mentioned to "cry it out method" and I looked at him and said that I couldn't do it, but we would try some other ways to get him to sleep a little longer (as opposed to comfort nursing.)  It's really not bothersome to me, but I don't want to make weaning in  six months-ish traumatic (Claire any insight here?)  He also addressed our concerns about Elijah seemingly trying to rip his private areas off.  I have been caught between a rock and a hard place with this one.  I want to promote self exploration and feeling free with himself, but I was worried he might hurt himself.  Our doc assured us that he wasn't hurting himself, that he couldn't pull it off, and that this is completely normal.  There were some other issues also addressed and I felt that everything was covered well.  I really like this doctor.  Even though I simply cannot do the "Cry it out" thing, he seemed understanding.  Jerry and I are working on some alternatives for this problem and I am sure we will figure it out.  (Thank goodness for supportive husbands!)
Anyway Elijah is perfectly healthy.  He's growing well (obviously) and though he was getting tired and hungry, did really well with his shots (only two this time!)  He doesn't have to go back until he's a year old!  It seems so long, but today I realized that this time next year, he'll be 1 1/2 years old!!!!!!  I can't believe it...wow!  So far Elijah has had no fever from the shots (we don't dose with Tylenol unless he has a fever.  I feel that sometimes kids may have a reaction to the Tylenol as opposed to the shots. )   He's been a bit grouchy, but he slept for a bit this afternoon on my chest while we watched FRIENDS season 9 (Jerry ordered Season 9 and 10 as a surprise!!!!!!  Now our set is complete!!!!  I LOVE FRIENDS!!!!!!!!!!)   So now I'm doing diaper laundry and Jerry is trying to get a grumpy Elijah to sleep.
That's the update for now!
July 24

tooth fixed -- check

While I really really really dislike the dentist, I must say that this visit was okay....for the dentist.  I had to have a section of tooth number 30 drilled off and the decay removed and then the tooth rebuilt.  Sound difficult huh?  The whole process from numbing gel to leaving the building took about an hour.  Now I have had my share of filling.  I must say that my dentist did not hurt me at all.  I didn't even feel the pinch of the needle.  The most pain I have is my jaw hurting from being pulled and what not...
So my tooth is fixed.  With any luck I won't have to have another one fixed ever...or at least for a really long time.  Though I think this is only my third filling and actually it was on an already filled tooth.(my opinion... they didn't get all the decay last time...but who knows...)  I have had a root canal on a front tooth, but that was from getting hit in the head with a soccer ball in high school and really has nothing to do with dental hygiene or lack thereof.
We went to Rachel and Erin's for a cook out yesterday.  Man they know lots of people...of course, most of the people there were family.  Still....ANYWAY, Bill did the grilling and it was very yummy!  Cora made yummy tater salad and I fried some okra  (very southern style.)  All this was for a friend of Rachel's brother who is visiting from Germany and really wanted to experience the South.  I think he'll get a good taste for sure.  It was really fun.  Elijah boycotted naps again yesterday and I was really worried that he would not be a happy boy last night, but he was great!  This teething thing is really bothering him.  He has a hard time sleeping and poop guy has a horrible drool rash around his mouth.
I must take a moment to thank my mother for ordering us diaper liners!  As a cloth diaper user, they are now my favorite things!  Since Elijah has started solid food, other things have become more solid...EWWWWW!  The diaper liners are great.  I just put them on top of his diaper and when he poops, the liner just gets flushed down the toilet and while the diaper itself is still soiled, it is not as bad as it very well could be.  So if you are a cloth diaper user out there, I strongly recommend these for when the solids start!
Okay, Jerry is trying to put Elijah down and it sounds like he's not going down without a fight...I'm off to help and then to bed (or maybe a few episodes of Friends first...we'll see....I'm pretty beat....)
July 27

napping

Napping
(a poem for Elijah)
we lie tummy to tummy
with your head snuggled between my breasts
you ear pressed close to listen to the secrets my heart
might divulge
your arms and legs fall to the sides like a
…big cat, koala bear, tree frog…
like a little boy
you are so little
your lips start to suckle
and I wonder what you dream
is it milk
a thumb
that you are looking for
i trace the shape of your toes
your fingers
your feet
your nose
your back
you smile that sweet smile that stops my heart
you are such a perfect being
i want to protect you forever
but I know one day you’ll
…fall, get sick, get mad, hate me, leave…
but no matter what
i’ll be there for you
kissing the booboos
hugging you through fevers
trying not to shout back when you are mad
trying not to cry when you yell you hate me
waiting for your return
always supporting you
always loving you
but for now
i am content to lie here with you on my tummy
and
nap…

December 2005

December 01

staying home

I really thought that I would be bored staying home.  But so far, I feel like I have been busier than when I was working.  I have been cooking for Jerry...which is huge, because I don't cook, I bake...not cook.  But so far, no disasters.  I have been working on the house.  Not that I can move big things, but I can organize and hang stuff.  I went grocery shopping by myself.  This was weird as it is something we usually do together.  I felt almost like I was eating out by myself.  I got the plates, cups, and napkins for our cookie social on the 10th.  That will be next weeks project.  I will be making lots-o-cookies and a cola cake!  mmmmmm....
ANYWAY, my point is that I have remained rather busy.  I need to get to the gym to swim or walk, but I haven't done that this week.  I am more concerned with the house getting unpacked and situated.  I will go at least once next week!  My parents are coming in three weeks!!!  WAHOO!!!  It's amazing that they will be here and then a month later they will be back.  I can't believe we will have a little one so soon!  Speaking of which, I went with my friend Rachel to a childcare center I used to read to when I worked for a different department in the library (she works there now) and the center is going out of business.  The owner (who is the sweetest woman ever) let Rachel and me come over and pick through all the stuff she is selling.  Rachel got lots of stuff.  She is planning on keeping a couple kids after her baby is born.  I got a few toys and a crib and brand new mattress!  The crib has been only a few times and the mattress has never been used.  We got both for 75 bucks!  The crib turns into a toddler bed as well!  It's not exactly what we wanted, but it is something.
My cousin brought my crib up over Thanksgiving but lots of hardware was missing, so we needed to get something.  We are now set.  I need a breast pump and a couple bottles.  But baby stuff is taken care of!
Okay, well the washing machine repair guy is here repairing our washer.  Boy is he a grouch!  He came in and looked at the detergent we use and immediately said that was the wrong kind.  I turned the detergent over and there was the HE symbol.  He was like "well it usually says it one th front."  I told him my parents have a front loader and I was aware of the type of detergent we could use...thanks.  I must look like an idiot.  I know that it's early and all, but customer service has a place in my book and people should look into it!  I was awfully nice at 7:15 this morning when he called for directions...he could try to be nice considering this is his JOB to fix stuff!!!!!  Okay, enough. (By the way it was the drain pipe that wasn't hooked up properly... go figure... at least it's under warranty and I don't have to pay for this guys attitude...)
Okay, I'm almost done with the painting in the nursery....back to work!
December 05

what do you mean I'm having a baby?

So our birthing class went on a tour of the hospital yesterday.  Talk about a wake up call.  I got home and totally freaked out.  It made it all so real.  I mean I have been to the hospital before and visited new moms, but wow!  Side note: We learned that December is a busy month because people want to be induced to have their baby as a tax write off.  How cynical.  ANYWAY, the rooms are nice enough.  I mean really am I going to care about room decor whilst trying to get a wiggle worm out of me?  Today I had a doctor's appointment.  I really like our doctors.  The practice has four women in it.  All of them are all about supporting what ever decisions we make and giving us all the information we need.  Of course my health and the baby's health come first.  We will take our birth plan the next time we go.
I must say, though, during our tour a nurse came and spoke with us.  She went through the whole shpill about staying in the hospital for 24 hours after the baby is out and told us we couldn't check out AMA when we wanted to go.  I personally am all about staying 24 hours and making sure the baby is healthy and I am ready to go.  But there are some people in the class who are adamant about leaving as soon as possible.  They were getting really upset.  My point of view is that the nurse is required to say things like that.  It keeps them from getting sued from yuppy rich people that check their baby out AMA.  I mean really come on.  To each their own, but if they felt like what the nurse said was a scare tactic, what do they call the first class we had?  I mean according to the first class I am going to give birth to a child with no brain cells.  Jerry brought up the point that it's only a scare tactic is you believe it is.  I guess if you all about "organic" everything, then I can understand how being in the hospital could make you nervous.  However, I am all about gaining knowledge to make sure I am going to be a good mom and know what the heck I'm doing.  I, of course, want my baby with me to room in, I want to breast feed, I want to know that my baby is healthy.  I will not give my baby the hep B vaccine.  I think that's going a bit overboard.  But pricking his little foot to have tests run is fine.  I mean the teacher kept saying we could go to the ped. after the baby, but then in the next breath she says we shouldn't be doing much moving for the first two weeks.  They will still have to prick his little foot in 10 days and it will still hurt...
Sometimes I feel like this class is so anti-medical profession.  I personally trust that my doctors have our best interests in mind.  We go in for another ultra sound on Wednesday...sure hope I don't hurt the baby's ears (yeah they told us that...whatever!  In fact a chiropractor came in and told us that ultrasounds were radioactive...sigh)  anyway, I am excited to see our little guy.  He has got to be huge!  his legs are sure powerful!  He is jamming away right now....Maybe I am giving birth to the first male rockette?
Okay, I am off to make the dough for our cookie social this Saturday!

December 07

ultra sound

we had an ultrasound today.  everything is fine.  the kidney problem has resolved itself.  we found out that our baby is about 5 pounds.  they said they couldn't tell how long he was, though i thought they could if they knew the femur length.  anyway, we are glad that he is okay.  the ultrasound tech said that the profile looked just like jerry... she is the third person to say this...hmmm....
i'll leave it up to you to decide!  of course finding a picture of jerry is a bit hard, but maybe this one will do....
December 10

sweet success

We had our first annual Christmas cookie social today.  All the baking realy paid off.  People from Jerry's work and  some of our friends stopped by.  It was lots of fun.  I ate way too many cookies and ended up eating eggs and bacon for dinner to balance out all the sweets with some protein.  This morning Jerry and I busted our butts to clean the house and hide the boxes and junk that still doesn't have a place.  No one was allowed to open the closets or look in the garage.  There are cookies that were very popilar and ones that will not get made next year, but that's how you learn right?  I think that everyone had fun.  It was the perfect amount of time (2 hours) and everyone cleared out by 4.  Very nice.  Maybe in the summer we'll have a BBQ that can go longer, but I wouldn't want everyone inside for much longer.  Outside has so much more room.
We both talked with our folks tonight and everyone seems well.  Good luck to Mama Jones on a potential job with a school!!!  WAHOO!!!  My folks will be here in a mere 11 days.  I can't beleive that Christmas is just 2 weeks away!  I have one more gift to get and then I'll be done.  I did most of our shopping on-line this year, so I didn't have to deal with the crowds.  This last one though I will have to go out.  I just have to remember to be patient and not rush.
Next Friday is my last day at the library.  I told them they could call if they needed a sub through the end of the year, but I'm just not sure I could do it.  I admire the women who work until their water breaks, but I was beat this past Friday.  Everyone at the library looks after me and makes sure I am not on my feet all day, but I think emotionally it is harder.  You deal with lots of people who are annoyed or angry at something they don't think is fair and they yell at you and hang up on you and I feel like the whole time I am fighting not to cry.  I refuse to be mean to people, but that doesn't seem to matter.  For example, this one woman called me to renew 4 children's books she has out.  I went to renew them and the renewal limit had been reached.  (You can only renew things 3 times.)  She proceeded to get angrier when I wouldn't check the books in (this is on the phone you see) and then check them back out to her card.  She didn't understand why she needed to be present and shy she needed to have the books.  She also claims that she didn't know that there was a renewal limit and that she never received any literature about the library's policies.  I mean did she really think that we would just let her continue to keep the books indefinitely?  She ended up hanging up on me after yelling a bit.  I remained calm and apologized for and inconvenience that I really wasn't sorry for.  I mean it's not like she was reading four 3000 page books.  She had had these books since October 9th.  None of them is longer than 20 pages.  If your kid likes them that much maybe you should look into purchasing these books!
ANYWAY, it's getting harder to deal with these people and it's getting sadder to see how many homeless people come into the library for shelter as the weather gets colder.  Also, I'm ready to be at home and finish the stuff that needs finishing before the baby comes.  I swear I am going to go to the gym at least once this week and swim...hopefully....
Wow I've rambled for a long time ...it is way past bed time....night night
December 13

big belly

well in case you thought there is no way that i could get any bigger...HA!!  i just added a new belly pic.  we are 33 weeks and 4 days today.  i can't believe we have less than 7 weeks to go.  all i dreamt about last night was being in labor...never had the baby in the dream...just really long labor.  needless to say that i woke up exhausted.
my friend rachel called this afternoon and we went out and ran some errands.  it was really fun.  i am glad we are preggers together.  she is really reassuring to my franticness about becoming a mom.  i'm glad we met!
okay, that's really it for now.  jerry made yummy pork chops and stuffing and veggies for dindin...yummmmmy!
oh yeah the only picture i took of the cookie party was just of the little snow people i made...anyway they were cute.  and i love our christmas tree.  i think it's very pretty!
okay food.....

almost chirstmas

Jerry is off shopping at the mall.  Our car needed inspecting amd he wanted to make sure we got it in before the new year when the inspection prices will go up.  We are really hoping the car will make it for another year or so.  There are definite set backs to having only one car, but we work it out.  It helps that Jerry only works six miles from home and he can leave when ever he needs too.  Anyway, he decided that he was doing all his shopping in person and not over the web, so while the car is getting inspected he is going to shop.  He said he wouldn't be long...HA!  So I am still in my jammies and I think I will make some cookies to have around the house when my folks get here.
Yesterday was my last official day at the library.  I almost called in.  Thursday night the baby got the hiccups at 4:30 in the morning.  This is usually not a problem except that his head is right against my pelvic bone (this one is really ready, he hasn't changed positions in weeks except to kick and tickle and flop from left to right...very alien like) SO whenever he hiccups my whole pelvic bone shakes...  Not a pleasant feeling really.  So then I couldn't go back to sleep.  I got up and peed and swayed and lay in bed forcing my eyes shut for two hours.  I finally got up and ate at 6:30 and then took a long shower.  Jerry (whom I did not disturb...what a nice wife I am...) got up and told me to call in pregnant.  I immediately started crying (ahhh pregnancy hormones) and told him I couldn't since it was my last day.  So I went in and stayed the whole day.  Though I think that the staff was relieved that it was my last day.  I really think they thought I might go into labor at any minute.
One of the women in our birth class was due yesterday.  Our teacher said she would e-mail us as we each had our babies.  I feel quasi-prepared for this birth.  I think the biggest thing I have to remember is to relax and breathe.  Jerry is so good at staying calm and that in itself is calming.  I checked out 3 books from the library.  They are by Dr. Sears and his wife (a nurse) and they are really good at explaining everything and giving the pros and cons to ALL situations.  I refuse to feel guilty if I end up getting the drugs, but I have faith that I make it through. Anyway, what I was going to say about the books is if anyone out there that's reading this and is pregnant, they are the best books I have read so far.
My goal this weekend is to write our birth plan.  My next doc appt. is on the 28th and I would like to be able to talk to the doctor about it then.  It sorta hit me yesterday that really I could have this baby anytime and he would be healthy.  I would (of course) prefer he stay nice and warm for at least another month.
So, this has not been about Christmas at all.  My parents are coming in on Wednesday!!! They will be here for at least a week.  It will be good to see them and for them to be here.  The weather is supposed to be nice.  Warm for them.  They had bad ice earlier this week and are supposed to get ice and snow tonight and tomorrow.  Our weather is so weird.  Today 55 tomorrow rain and 44.  Then by Wednesday back to the mid to upper 50s.  Ahh December at the beach.
Okay, I need to make cookies or I won't do it....
December 17

holiday controversy

I know that I have already written once today, but I am a little annoyed by this whole "holiday" bull.  First of all if you are that insecure in your beliefs that someone saying "Happy Holiday's" is offensive, then you need to re-examine what you believe in.  Secondly, maybe I missed it but is there somewhere in the Bible that states that the meaning of Christmas is found in shopping at Walmart?  I mean really is that what Christmas is all about?  Consumerism?  I mean really, get a grip.  Is it such a slow news day that we have to hear about how we should boycott stores that have "Holiday Sales" instead of "Christmas Sales".  I really wonder if how Christ feels about "putting the Christ back into Christmas" by shopping.  This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.  I try to never presume that everyone I see on  a daily basis is a christian.  I mean I guess some people can tell by looking at you if you celebrate Christmas or not.  We have friends who celebrate AGG day (Annual Gift Giving Day).  I seriously doubt they are offended when people say Merry Christmas to them though they choose not to celebrate "traditional" Christmas.  I mean are we going to change Santa Claus back to Saint Nicholas?  This is getting as frustrating as Halloween and all the horrible things that apparently happen to little kids who go trick or treating.  Get a life.  You don't want to go shopping because they say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"?  Go for it!  I am sure that Target and Walmart will be crushed.  But in the mean time maybe we should think about what Christmas really means and what it has become.  I enjoy giving presents at Christmas just as much as the next person and I am sure that I will not stop shopping anytime soon.  But really before you go off on something take a look at what you are really bothered by.  To really "put the Christ back in Christmas" shouldn't we all stay home and get rid of all our symbols of Christ and go out and help the needy?  Or attend a birth in a stable?  While we're at it, why don't we look up the edimology of the word "holiday".  It comes from the Old English word haligdaeg meaning "Holy Day". hmmmm...  In case you were wondering Chirstmas comes from Old English as well: Cristes maesse meaning Mass of Christ.  So those of you non-Catholics out there need to run out and join so you can go to Mass next Sunday and literally put the "Chirst back in Christmas."
December 21

wiggle worm

if the movement of our little one is any indication of how mobile he will be after birth, boy are we going to have our hands full.  i know it's just because he's getting bigger and there is less room in my tummy, but man he can move!  i've been playing a little game with him and his foot.  it's really bizarre to be able to actually see his foot through my skin.  anyway, i tap his foot and he'll tap back.  it's rather entertaining.
yesterday i went with my friend amy to this mothering meditation at her church.  it was just four other women and myself.  i was the youngest and the only one without children.  the woman who led the group is getting ready to be ordained.  she had some great prayers ad poems and readings.  it was really peaceful and nice.  i felt very welcome.  i also felt that much of the stories were related to me and our little one.  it was very nice.  i think it is so important to not only read books and what not about bringing a child into the world, but to also hear other people's stories about birth and raising children.  it's really neat.  it also helps me to realize that i can indeed do this and with any luck i won't screw up too much.  i feel that with jerry by my side we will be fine and will raise a wonderful child.
my parents are coming today!!!!  i need to go clean, though it shouldn't be too much.
jerry's getting ready to leave for work, so i must be off to give him kisses...
December 25

Merry Christmas

What a great day!  It has been raining since about 4:30 this morning, but it is super warm outside.  Yesterday we sat outside and I even got a bit of sun on my chest and shoulders.  What odd temperatures for Christmas.  Oh well I can't really complain.  Last night we went to the 9:00 Christmas Eve service and it was very nice.  We came home and went to bed.  The rain and a thunder storm woke me up this morning but I stayed in bed until 6:40 and then got up and put the french toast mom pre-made last night into the oven to bake.  So after everyone had breakfast (taking WAY TOO much time) we  went in to open presents.  My parents got me a boppy!!!  Very exciting.  Jerry got me two new board games, a statue I have been lusting over at World Market, and (the sly boy) a MP3 player.  All very nice indeed.  Jerry had already guessed his presents except for socks.  He got slippers from mom and dad and I gave him the socks and a flat screen monitor for the computer.  It was a very nice Christmas and I feel extremely lucky to have gotten such nice gifts.  We have come a long way from our first Christmas together, wondering if we could pay off the credit cards, to not ever using credit cards.  Sure we have debt, but it's mostly college loans.  I also feel very fortunate that my parents came down to visit.  They are so excited to be grandparents.  Next weekend we will go up to visit Jerry's folks.  I understand they had a very nice Christmas as well.  We are very very lucky to have family that love us very much!  Mom was just saying we should make a list of all the things that will be different next year.  We probably won't be able to sit through a whole meal without a little fussing.  There will probably be toys (did you know they actually sell just boxes for kids to play with because that's thing most kids go for first?) all over the floor.  The tree will probably be tied to the wall and no ornaments will be on the lower branches, because if he's not walking he'll be pulling up for sure.  But even through this listing and laughing, I can't wait!  I think it'll be great!  And I think Jerry and mom and dad are just as excited!
I am trying to finish knitting a hat that mom wants before they leave.  I think that if i put my mind to it, I can finish it by tomorrow sometime.
It is really hard for me to believe that really any day I could possibly go into labor.  It's just wild!  It's even odder to think that within a month we could have a baby in our house....WOW!
Okay, so I can't think about that too much, it freaks me out a little.
So Merry Christmas to everyone out there.  I hope that yours was as Merry and special as ours!
December 29

it's about that time

We went to the doctor's yesterday.  We gave them our birth plan and they thought it was great!  Always a good thing.  We love our doctors.  They are really kind and totally involved.  They will work with us to make our birth what we want.  She told us yesterday that we could feasibly have a baby within the next two weeks.  EEKKK!!!  She also said that more than likely we would not be able to go past our due date.  Our baby is rather large.  I am measuring just right, but the baby's head is farther down than where they measure from and he is taking up pretty much all the room in my tummy.  If we go past our due date I could feasibly have a ten pound baby!  This is not a bad thing, but I would rather not go through that at all.  He has a strong heart beat and is healthy.  I have been sleeping lots more than I normally do.  I think my body is getting ready for this whole ordeal.  We got a bassinet last night to solve the whole where is the baby going to sleep for the first few months dilemma.  So now he can sleep with me or Jerry.  We sleep separately because of Jerry's snoring.
We also choose a pediatrician.  We went to this new parents meeting and we really liked this guy.  He is very knowledgeable and seems to be very open to new ideas and whatnot.  He made a lot of really good points and took time to answer any questions.  He is the only full time doctor in the practice and he will only hire one more full time doctor.  So it's nice to have that checked off our list.
The only thing we still have to purchase is a diaper pail.  We'll do that today or tomorrow and then Jerry just needs to finish the changing table.  The nursery is done!
So I am off to walk and do some laundry and then maybe take a nap.  We'll keep you posted!