Monday, December 25, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
A Melancholy Day
The Dash Poem
by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end
He noted that first came her date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
The cars,the house,the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?
©1996 Linda Ellis
Not a very Christmas minded poem, but very thought provoking and poignant for me today.
I am feeling very melancholy today. That is a very unusual feeling for me during this time of year. I love Christmas. And, it's not because of the gifts. I love getting together with family. I love all the decorations and good will from and toward strangers. I love trying to find the perfect gifts. I love the cold and hope for snow every year. I love the Christmas smells. I love giving gifts. I love the fun of the kids opening their gifts. I just love it all!!
I think I feel meloncholy for several reasons and yet, I feel that I shouldn't feel that way at all. There is no good reason for me to feel sad today. The sun is finally out after days of yucky rain. That alone should bring my spirits up. I have virtually all of my Christmas shopping completed. I have most of the food ready for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. All I really have left to do is a little wrapping and house cleaning.
Instead, I am sitting here thinking about the things I should have done. I am thinking about the people I miss and wondering what they are missing. I wonder what my Grandma Bertram would have thought about having not 1 but 2 Great Grandsons this year. I wonder what Grandma Monica would have thought about that too. I wonder what Mark's Mom would have said about Mark having a son. I think they would have been so overjoyed that they wouldn't know what to do with themselves. But, I will never know and I miss them.
Every time I pull out an Orange cookie to give to someone, I think about Mark's Mom. Every time I cut a piece of peanut butter fudge, I think about Andy's Grandmother, Lydia. While shopping yesterday, I walked away from the oranges because I won't need them this year for Lanny's rum and cokes.
As stated in a previous post, I learned a valuable lesson this year. Tell people what you think and feel. If you wait, they may not be there when you are ready to tell them. In addition to that lesson, I have learned that I need to live in the moment and not worry so much about the future. Further, I need to not procrastinate about things and just get them done. Big order, but I am trying to do it all better and with simplicity.
On top of that, I just found out that a wonderful practical joke that I was playing was ruined. I had a confession all prepared for Christmas day as a conclusion of the joke. Sam and I have had a great time with Operation S.W.A.M. I guess this means, I will have to do something better for next year. Maybe those individuals who blew the joke, will be the target. (If I were you two, I would be worried, very worried.) You both just messed with Sam and I, the queens of the practical jokes in this family. You are amatuers who betrayed my confidences and will be dealt with at a later time. If you wanted to be included in the fun, there were much better ways to go about that than ratting me out.
(FYI: Operation S.W.A.M is an acronym for Screw With Andy's Mind. Sam's husband, Andy, has those huge Chritmas lights from the 70's that Sam hates and he just loves. Each year, he strings them out along their driveway and each year Sam complains about how ugly are. So, this year I decided to mess with lights. Every couple of days I have loosened random bulbs with Sam as my lookout. One day I loosened all the red bulbs. A couple days later I loosened all the blue blubs, etc., etc. The first night, Sam tried to tell Andy, but he just didn't get it. So, we decided the game was 'on' and really started to mess with him. He thought it was a neighborhood kid playing a practical joke. He accused Cullen, who knew nothing. He accused both Sam and I and we, of course, claimed our innocence. Andy has been greatly amused by this joke as have Sam and I. The ruined finish to the joke was a confession with a gift wrapped package of spare bulbs after one last loosening of the bulbs. I was planning on grouping each of the colors together! Well, it was fun while it lasted. But, given my mood today, I am very upset that I was ratted out.)
by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end
He noted that first came her date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
The cars,the house,the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?
©1996 Linda Ellis
Not a very Christmas minded poem, but very thought provoking and poignant for me today.
I am feeling very melancholy today. That is a very unusual feeling for me during this time of year. I love Christmas. And, it's not because of the gifts. I love getting together with family. I love all the decorations and good will from and toward strangers. I love trying to find the perfect gifts. I love the cold and hope for snow every year. I love the Christmas smells. I love giving gifts. I love the fun of the kids opening their gifts. I just love it all!!
I think I feel meloncholy for several reasons and yet, I feel that I shouldn't feel that way at all. There is no good reason for me to feel sad today. The sun is finally out after days of yucky rain. That alone should bring my spirits up. I have virtually all of my Christmas shopping completed. I have most of the food ready for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. All I really have left to do is a little wrapping and house cleaning.
Instead, I am sitting here thinking about the things I should have done. I am thinking about the people I miss and wondering what they are missing. I wonder what my Grandma Bertram would have thought about having not 1 but 2 Great Grandsons this year. I wonder what Grandma Monica would have thought about that too. I wonder what Mark's Mom would have said about Mark having a son. I think they would have been so overjoyed that they wouldn't know what to do with themselves. But, I will never know and I miss them.
Every time I pull out an Orange cookie to give to someone, I think about Mark's Mom. Every time I cut a piece of peanut butter fudge, I think about Andy's Grandmother, Lydia. While shopping yesterday, I walked away from the oranges because I won't need them this year for Lanny's rum and cokes.
As stated in a previous post, I learned a valuable lesson this year. Tell people what you think and feel. If you wait, they may not be there when you are ready to tell them. In addition to that lesson, I have learned that I need to live in the moment and not worry so much about the future. Further, I need to not procrastinate about things and just get them done. Big order, but I am trying to do it all better and with simplicity.
On top of that, I just found out that a wonderful practical joke that I was playing was ruined. I had a confession all prepared for Christmas day as a conclusion of the joke. Sam and I have had a great time with Operation S.W.A.M. I guess this means, I will have to do something better for next year. Maybe those individuals who blew the joke, will be the target. (If I were you two, I would be worried, very worried.) You both just messed with Sam and I, the queens of the practical jokes in this family. You are amatuers who betrayed my confidences and will be dealt with at a later time. If you wanted to be included in the fun, there were much better ways to go about that than ratting me out.
(FYI: Operation S.W.A.M is an acronym for Screw With Andy's Mind. Sam's husband, Andy, has those huge Chritmas lights from the 70's that Sam hates and he just loves. Each year, he strings them out along their driveway and each year Sam complains about how ugly are. So, this year I decided to mess with lights. Every couple of days I have loosened random bulbs with Sam as my lookout. One day I loosened all the red bulbs. A couple days later I loosened all the blue blubs, etc., etc. The first night, Sam tried to tell Andy, but he just didn't get it. So, we decided the game was 'on' and really started to mess with him. He thought it was a neighborhood kid playing a practical joke. He accused Cullen, who knew nothing. He accused both Sam and I and we, of course, claimed our innocence. Andy has been greatly amused by this joke as have Sam and I. The ruined finish to the joke was a confession with a gift wrapped package of spare bulbs after one last loosening of the bulbs. I was planning on grouping each of the colors together! Well, it was fun while it lasted. But, given my mood today, I am very upset that I was ratted out.)
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Pictures
Ian's newest toy. As you can tell, he loves his Zebra! 
Alex and Ian napping. Not!
Kieren: "Cool Zebra!"Ian: "I know, my Mom's the best."
Kieren: "Can I get a ride?"
Ian: "Sure, little lady."
I had to include this picture. It cracks me up! 
Some Pictures
The long awaited picture of Ian's teeth!!! 
Whiskey and Ian under the Christmas tree.
Getting dressed to go see Santa.Ian says toes are the best toys ever!!
This is how Ian sleeps. He pulls his blankie over his faceafter you lay him in his crib. It makes me crazy,
but what can I do.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
The Many Faces of Ian
Ian is 6 months old today! Above is a collage of pictures that I took this morning in honor of Ian's 6 months on this earth. His personality really shows through in these pictures. He is always, always happy. He has become such a ham for the camera. He has the funniest little giggle and is very ticklish. He has a quirky little smile. He is a big flirt. (He wiggles his eyebrow at you! It's hilarious.) He loves to blow raspberries at anyone that gets his attention. (He particularly likes to do this in restaurants to pretty blond girls. Which, of course, makes Mark very proud.) As you can see, he has mastered the art of sitting up on his own. He is curious about everything. You have to keep things out of his reach, which is amazingly long for such a little person! He still likes to torture me by trapping me in the car when he poops. He is rotten. (Can't imagine where he gets that?!?!) He rolls over as soon you put him down. So, you have to really have to watch him. He talks to me all the time. (Probably because I talk to him all the time.) He likes to try to do whatever Kieren is doing. He is learning some sign language. (He pats your hand or the bottle which I finally figured out means "nice".) And, to the joy of my friend the photographer and to the detriment of my wallet, he never seems to take a bad picture!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Alex and Ian
Alex and Ian
Video sent by camus422
This is a a video my Dad took the other day of Alex trying to get Ian to poop. Ian has been a little backed up since we started solid foods. This time carrots really stopped him up and gave him a lot of gas. Just prior to this video, Ian tooted and Alex had his nose right down on Ian's rear end smelling it!! We tried to get Alex to do it again so we could video tape it, but he wouldn't do it. Instead this is what we got...
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Birthday Wishes
Mark's birthday is December 11th. He unfortunately will be somewhere in Europe or Asia on that day. Mark' always gets the shaft when it comes to his birthday it seems. Last year, I was in China for his big day. (He turned 40 last year. I called him from China and woke him up because I had jet lag and couldn't figure out the time difference/International Date Line. Expensive call, but completely worth it.) All the other years I have known him, he has been on the road somewhere. I think he has been home for maybe 1 birthday in the 16 years that I have known him! This year, he will at least get to have dinner in Amsterdam with his friend Brian for their birthdays. (Brian's is December 12th.) Why am I telling you this???
I asked Mark what he would like for his birthday when I talked to him on Monday. He had only one request or wish for his birthday this year. He wished that our new nephew, Anson, would come home from the hospital. Anson was born in October but wasn't due until December. So, he has been in the NICU at Ohio State Med. Center for what seems like forever.
Well, Mark's wish came true! Anson came home yesterday evening!!! He was released after almost doubling his birth weight and getting some apnea issues mostly under control. He didn't even have to come home with the monitor that we all thought he might have. So, his very happy and now very tired parents are able to hold and love in him whenever they like. I can hardly wait to go see him and love on him too!!
Mark, I guess dinner for your birthday when you get home is small potatoes compared to that wish come true...
I asked Mark what he would like for his birthday when I talked to him on Monday. He had only one request or wish for his birthday this year. He wished that our new nephew, Anson, would come home from the hospital. Anson was born in October but wasn't due until December. So, he has been in the NICU at Ohio State Med. Center for what seems like forever.
Well, Mark's wish came true! Anson came home yesterday evening!!! He was released after almost doubling his birth weight and getting some apnea issues mostly under control. He didn't even have to come home with the monitor that we all thought he might have. So, his very happy and now very tired parents are able to hold and love in him whenever they like. I can hardly wait to go see him and love on him too!!
Mark, I guess dinner for your birthday when you get home is small potatoes compared to that wish come true...
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Why the address of this blog is auntexlax.blogspot.com
I am relieved today to know that my mojo is still working. I was getting worried. It seemed to be failing me. But after the events of Thursday, I know that all is in order.
Why is the address of this blog: auntexlax.blogspot.com, you ask? 1) it's because every baby I touch poops their diaper. I mean every one!!! Sam has called me before to come over to hold Cullen so that he would poop. I have held my nephew Alex several times to get things moving. What a talent!! But, it has never failed to work.
Until Ian came along. (I told you all that pregnancy really messed me up!!!) Anyway, when I started feeding Ian solid foods, we started to have problems. Nothing major, just a day or two here or there that things didn't move along or out, if you prefer. Then, I tried giving him carrots. That stopped things altogether for about 3 days. I tried glycerin suppositories with little success. So, Thursday evening I was holding Ian and he started pushing and straining. I just kePT holding him and playing with him until the smell was more than I could take. So, I took him in his room to see about the results of our adventure.
Why is the address of this blog: auntexlax.blogspot.com, you ask? 2) Everytime I change a poopy diaper, there is more poop. You heard me right. I start the clean up and more poop rolls out!! Again, what a talent!!! Kieren did it to me in China with the STANK. Cullen did the exploding baby on me several times. Alex did it. It just happens to me!!
Understand that I am a veteran of changing diapers, but it still took me 12 wipes to get all the poop off Ian! He had poop in his belly button, up his back to his neck and in his socks!! I can't believe that he could be full of that much poop. I hollered for Mark to come help me. He came in with his sweatshirt over his nose and only to the door of the room. Wimp!! I sent him for a bag to dispose of the diaper and wipes because there was no way to wrap up this mess without it oozing out everywhere. He returned holding the bag out at arms length with his nose in his sweatshirt. Wimp!! I deposited the offensive items and turned back to Ian to put on a clean diaper. But, he had other ideas. Instead of the nice clean baby I left, I turned around to find a pile of poop on the changing table being smashed into the changing pad cover by his bottom and legs! Again, I call for Mark who comes in with his nose in his sweatshirt (Wimp!!) to help me clean up this mess. I picked up the kid, he pulled the changing pad cover off (while gagging) and I started all over with the clean up process.
About 20 wipes, a diaper, a changing pad cover and new clothes for Ian later, I had it all cleaned up! Can you tell that Mark doesn't do poop any better than he does vomit!?!?
Now you know why the address of this blog is appropriate. And, I am happy to report that my poop mojo is in full working order!! Don't call me if you need help. After Thursday's mess, I have cleaned up my share for awhile and therefore, you are on your own!
BTW, it's official!! I have fallen into the abyss known as parenthood. I just wrote an entire blog posting about poop! Aren't you glad I didn't discuss color and texture!?! It's amazing how parenthood changes your perspective on things and makes you willing to discuss your child's bowel habits in a public forum.
Why is the address of this blog: auntexlax.blogspot.com, you ask? 1) it's because every baby I touch poops their diaper. I mean every one!!! Sam has called me before to come over to hold Cullen so that he would poop. I have held my nephew Alex several times to get things moving. What a talent!! But, it has never failed to work.
Until Ian came along. (I told you all that pregnancy really messed me up!!!) Anyway, when I started feeding Ian solid foods, we started to have problems. Nothing major, just a day or two here or there that things didn't move along or out, if you prefer. Then, I tried giving him carrots. That stopped things altogether for about 3 days. I tried glycerin suppositories with little success. So, Thursday evening I was holding Ian and he started pushing and straining. I just kePT holding him and playing with him until the smell was more than I could take. So, I took him in his room to see about the results of our adventure.
Why is the address of this blog: auntexlax.blogspot.com, you ask? 2) Everytime I change a poopy diaper, there is more poop. You heard me right. I start the clean up and more poop rolls out!! Again, what a talent!!! Kieren did it to me in China with the STANK. Cullen did the exploding baby on me several times. Alex did it. It just happens to me!!
Understand that I am a veteran of changing diapers, but it still took me 12 wipes to get all the poop off Ian! He had poop in his belly button, up his back to his neck and in his socks!! I can't believe that he could be full of that much poop. I hollered for Mark to come help me. He came in with his sweatshirt over his nose and only to the door of the room. Wimp!! I sent him for a bag to dispose of the diaper and wipes because there was no way to wrap up this mess without it oozing out everywhere. He returned holding the bag out at arms length with his nose in his sweatshirt. Wimp!! I deposited the offensive items and turned back to Ian to put on a clean diaper. But, he had other ideas. Instead of the nice clean baby I left, I turned around to find a pile of poop on the changing table being smashed into the changing pad cover by his bottom and legs! Again, I call for Mark who comes in with his nose in his sweatshirt (Wimp!!) to help me clean up this mess. I picked up the kid, he pulled the changing pad cover off (while gagging) and I started all over with the clean up process.
About 20 wipes, a diaper, a changing pad cover and new clothes for Ian later, I had it all cleaned up! Can you tell that Mark doesn't do poop any better than he does vomit!?!?
Now you know why the address of this blog is appropriate. And, I am happy to report that my poop mojo is in full working order!! Don't call me if you need help. After Thursday's mess, I have cleaned up my share for awhile and therefore, you are on your own!
BTW, it's official!! I have fallen into the abyss known as parenthood. I just wrote an entire blog posting about poop! Aren't you glad I didn't discuss color and texture!?! It's amazing how parenthood changes your perspective on things and makes you willing to discuss your child's bowel habits in a public forum.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Some Updates...
First of all, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I had a great time this year and can only think that next year will be even better.
As you can imagine, I have been really busy getting dinner ready, etc. So, blogging has been on the bottom of the priority list. Sorry.
So, the updates are as follows:
Ian continues to grow like a weed. I still want to know how to stop that!! He is so close to sitting up unassisted. He can roll over from his stomach to his back with no problem. And, he is seriously working on rolling over from his back to his stomach! His 2 bottom teeth continue to rise and he is close to the 2 top ones breaking through. He loves pears and is not thrilled with carrots. (Neither am I as they cause techno colored poop and constipated the little guy horribly!) He loves to blow raspberry kisses. Which is no fun when there is food involved as Mark found out the hard way the other day! Everything he touches goes into his mouth. Watch your fingers, hair, glasses, etc.!!! I tried to get him hooked on the pacifier so that he wouldn't suck his fingers or thumb. It was useless and the pacifier is now used as a teething toy too! It is amazing how much he changes and learns everyday.
My stove is fixed and working beautifully. Darn it!!! I managed to get off with the less expensive bill of $300 instead of the complete re-build.
I ended up paying a local landscape guy $175 to fix the yard. And, we already have grass growing under the straw he put down.
Anson continues to gain weight, but also still has the apnea problems. They have been working with a physical therapist on how to feed him to help reduce the apnea. It seems that it will just take time and he will grow out of it. So, we all just need to be patient and he will come home when he is ready. (That patient thing is nearly impossible for me. I can hardly imagine what Dave and Chrissy are feeling.) Meanwhile, he is exactly where he needs to be continue thriving and growing. And, God is taking care of it, just not in our time frame!
Well, I am off to bed. Tomorrow is another fun filled day to be experienced at mach speed!
As you can imagine, I have been really busy getting dinner ready, etc. So, blogging has been on the bottom of the priority list. Sorry.
So, the updates are as follows:
Ian continues to grow like a weed. I still want to know how to stop that!! He is so close to sitting up unassisted. He can roll over from his stomach to his back with no problem. And, he is seriously working on rolling over from his back to his stomach! His 2 bottom teeth continue to rise and he is close to the 2 top ones breaking through. He loves pears and is not thrilled with carrots. (Neither am I as they cause techno colored poop and constipated the little guy horribly!) He loves to blow raspberry kisses. Which is no fun when there is food involved as Mark found out the hard way the other day! Everything he touches goes into his mouth. Watch your fingers, hair, glasses, etc.!!! I tried to get him hooked on the pacifier so that he wouldn't suck his fingers or thumb. It was useless and the pacifier is now used as a teething toy too! It is amazing how much he changes and learns everyday.
My stove is fixed and working beautifully. Darn it!!! I managed to get off with the less expensive bill of $300 instead of the complete re-build.
I ended up paying a local landscape guy $175 to fix the yard. And, we already have grass growing under the straw he put down.
Anson continues to gain weight, but also still has the apnea problems. They have been working with a physical therapist on how to feed him to help reduce the apnea. It seems that it will just take time and he will grow out of it. So, we all just need to be patient and he will come home when he is ready. (That patient thing is nearly impossible for me. I can hardly imagine what Dave and Chrissy are feeling.) Meanwhile, he is exactly where he needs to be continue thriving and growing. And, God is taking care of it, just not in our time frame!
Well, I am off to bed. Tomorrow is another fun filled day to be experienced at mach speed!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Ohio State beat Michigan!!!!
It's official!!!! The above smile is no longer toothless!Friday morning, I noticed that Ian's nose had stopped running,
the drool had decreased dramatically and he was a lot happier.
Shortly after that, I noticed his 2 bottom teeth had broken thru!!
He won't let you see them, but you can feel them if you dare!!!
Ian and I went to an Ohio State vs. Michigan party Saturday.Britt handed me her beer to hold, but Ian had other plans for it!!
I love the look of total concentration he has in this pic!
Apparently, he got some of my Irish blood after all.
I'm going to have to keep my eyes on him!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
New Baby Tricks
Ian is 5 months old and has a new baby trick he is working on. It's called... sitting up on his own!! As you tell from the above pictures, he hasn't quite perfected it yet. But, it won't be long before he has it. I think I will call these pictures the "Leaning Tower of Ian".
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Sam, the *?#?^, tagged me
Sam decided that I had nothing better to do with my time then to answer these questions:
1) What side of the heart do you draw first? Can't remember the last time I had time to draw a heart, so I did one just now. Answer: the right
2) Can you dive without plugging your nose? Last time I checked.
3) What color is your razor? What is a razor? I can't remember when I used it last. I have a 5 month old child in this house. I'm lucky if I get a shower everyday!
4) What is your blood-type? O negative
5) Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours? Sam, who the heck is Magnus Scheving? My answer would be, no one. I couldn't stand one person up that close for that long.
6) What is a rumor someone has spread about you? Can't think of one, maybe I will have to start one just to see how it comes back to me. I love that game!
7) How do you feel about carrots? Are you supposed to feel your veggies?!? I was never taught that important part of grocery shopping. Mom, how did you let me get this old without teaching me that!?!
8) How many chairs at the dining room table? I don't own a dining room table.
9) Which is the best spice girl? I'm pretty spicy. Does that count?
10) Do you know what time it is? No idea, I quit wearing a watch years ago.
11) Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince song? I'm not talking.
12) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator? The last time that happened, I called maintenance and reviewed the text messages on my phone until I was released.
13) What's your favorite kind of gum? Ooooh! Watermelon is the best. It's been years since I blew a great bubble with watermelon gum. I remember now why it's been that long. I got the gum stuck in my hair.
14)T or F: All's fair in love and war. F because nothing in life is fair and no one every promised you that it was going to be fair. Get over it!!
15) Do you have a crush on anyone? Mark and Ian, but I try not to hurt them with my crushing power.
16) Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning? Of course, who doesn't.
17) Do you like to sleep? Hmmmm... What is sleep? I seem to recall laying in a bed and closing my eyes a year or so ago, but it's a foggy memory. I think I liked it, but it's been so long ago. Remember, there's a 5 month old in the house. In the immortal word of Sam:"You can sleep when you're dead!)
18) Do you know which US states don't use Daylight Savings? I think IN and AZ, but who really cares!!! I hate Daylight Savings Time. And this year, was particularly bad because it really messed Ian up.
19) Do you know the song Total Eclipse of the Heart? Absolutely. Is there anyone near my age that doesn't?
20) Do you want a bright yellow '06 mustang? Which one, the new design or the original design? I absolutely have to pick the original. I don't like the new style at all. But, can I have it in red instead?
21) What's something you've always wanted? World peace, but I don't see that one happening anytime soon.
22) Do you have hairy legs? See the answer to number 3 above. What do you think?
23) How much is that puppy in the window? Expensive. Whiskey has 2 bionic knees after all. (He tore the ACL in each knee and had them repaired at the cost of about $1200 each!!)
24) Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake? Neither. Have you seen the stuff that is in the ocean or your local lake!!!! Garbage and creatures of all sorts, etc. I don't think so!!!
25) Do you wear a lot of black? Only when I have to.
26) Describe your hair. Short and highlighted to hide as much gray as possible by my fabulous friend, Clarice.
27) Do you have Entomophobia? I hope not because I don't even know what that is. And, I don't have time to look it up right now.
28) Are you an adult? I don't want to be. That whole growing up and paying bills thing sucks.
29) Where is/are your best friends? About 3 blocks away at her house.
30) Do you have a tan? I live in Ohio and it's November. You figure it out.
31) Are you a television addict? I'm not even sure how to use the television and other stereo stuff in our family room.
32) Do you enjoy spending time with your mother? Tough question, because it could get me in trouble. The answer is, sometimes.
33) Are you a sugar freak? If there is chocolate involved.
34) Do you like orange juice? Love it. I drink a glass every day and have for at least 25 years except while I was pregnant. Remember: morning sickness forever!!!
35) What sign are you? The bull, as is stubborn as one and full of bulls*&^!
36) What color is your Cell Phone? Silver with a black cover to keep me from scratching the phone to death.
37) Where do you wish you were right now? My 'happy place' as long as it's warm. They know me there and I can run a bar tab which I never have to pay! You just gotta love that!
Now, I think I will tag Bridget, Darby and Chrissy. Ladies, it's up to you to tell us all about yourself. Have fun!
1) What side of the heart do you draw first? Can't remember the last time I had time to draw a heart, so I did one just now. Answer: the right
2) Can you dive without plugging your nose? Last time I checked.
3) What color is your razor? What is a razor? I can't remember when I used it last. I have a 5 month old child in this house. I'm lucky if I get a shower everyday!
4) What is your blood-type? O negative
5) Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours? Sam, who the heck is Magnus Scheving? My answer would be, no one. I couldn't stand one person up that close for that long.
6) What is a rumor someone has spread about you? Can't think of one, maybe I will have to start one just to see how it comes back to me. I love that game!
7) How do you feel about carrots? Are you supposed to feel your veggies?!? I was never taught that important part of grocery shopping. Mom, how did you let me get this old without teaching me that!?!
8) How many chairs at the dining room table? I don't own a dining room table.
9) Which is the best spice girl? I'm pretty spicy. Does that count?
10) Do you know what time it is? No idea, I quit wearing a watch years ago.
11) Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince song? I'm not talking.
12) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator? The last time that happened, I called maintenance and reviewed the text messages on my phone until I was released.
13) What's your favorite kind of gum? Ooooh! Watermelon is the best. It's been years since I blew a great bubble with watermelon gum. I remember now why it's been that long. I got the gum stuck in my hair.
14)T or F: All's fair in love and war. F because nothing in life is fair and no one every promised you that it was going to be fair. Get over it!!
15) Do you have a crush on anyone? Mark and Ian, but I try not to hurt them with my crushing power.
16) Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning? Of course, who doesn't.
17) Do you like to sleep? Hmmmm... What is sleep? I seem to recall laying in a bed and closing my eyes a year or so ago, but it's a foggy memory. I think I liked it, but it's been so long ago. Remember, there's a 5 month old in the house. In the immortal word of Sam:"You can sleep when you're dead!)
18) Do you know which US states don't use Daylight Savings? I think IN and AZ, but who really cares!!! I hate Daylight Savings Time. And this year, was particularly bad because it really messed Ian up.
19) Do you know the song Total Eclipse of the Heart? Absolutely. Is there anyone near my age that doesn't?
20) Do you want a bright yellow '06 mustang? Which one, the new design or the original design? I absolutely have to pick the original. I don't like the new style at all. But, can I have it in red instead?
21) What's something you've always wanted? World peace, but I don't see that one happening anytime soon.
22) Do you have hairy legs? See the answer to number 3 above. What do you think?
23) How much is that puppy in the window? Expensive. Whiskey has 2 bionic knees after all. (He tore the ACL in each knee and had them repaired at the cost of about $1200 each!!)
24) Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake? Neither. Have you seen the stuff that is in the ocean or your local lake!!!! Garbage and creatures of all sorts, etc. I don't think so!!!
25) Do you wear a lot of black? Only when I have to.
26) Describe your hair. Short and highlighted to hide as much gray as possible by my fabulous friend, Clarice.
27) Do you have Entomophobia? I hope not because I don't even know what that is. And, I don't have time to look it up right now.
28) Are you an adult? I don't want to be. That whole growing up and paying bills thing sucks.
29) Where is/are your best friends? About 3 blocks away at her house.
30) Do you have a tan? I live in Ohio and it's November. You figure it out.
31) Are you a television addict? I'm not even sure how to use the television and other stereo stuff in our family room.
32) Do you enjoy spending time with your mother? Tough question, because it could get me in trouble. The answer is, sometimes.
33) Are you a sugar freak? If there is chocolate involved.
34) Do you like orange juice? Love it. I drink a glass every day and have for at least 25 years except while I was pregnant. Remember: morning sickness forever!!!
35) What sign are you? The bull, as is stubborn as one and full of bulls*&^!
36) What color is your Cell Phone? Silver with a black cover to keep me from scratching the phone to death.
37) Where do you wish you were right now? My 'happy place' as long as it's warm. They know me there and I can run a bar tab which I never have to pay! You just gotta love that!
Now, I think I will tag Bridget, Darby and Chrissy. Ladies, it's up to you to tell us all about yourself. Have fun!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Pictures
Please visit Sam's blog for some great pictures of Ian!!
You can either click on this link or the link on the side of my blog.
http://samcampbell.blogspot.com
Enjoy!
You can either click on this link or the link on the side of my blog.
http://samcampbell.blogspot.com
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Head Colds and Other Pleasantries
Beware: If you have a weak stomach, this is not the post for you to read!!!
My poor baby has a head cold. I thought it was just snot due to cutting teeth, but now I am sure that it is a cold. Go ahead, ask me how I know it's a cold...
It can't possibly be because of the vomit, could it!! That's right, I have been officially welcomed into motherhood by my son. I have been spit up on, I have been slimed by drool and I have changed many stinky diapers. But, today was the first time I have been puked on!!
Poor baby, you can tell he feels really miserable. He sneezes and coughs. His nose runs and gets all crusty when he sleeps. He sounds so congested. His eyes are all red and he keeps rubbing them. (Yes, I called the Dr. to make sure that there wasn't anything else I could do for him that I wasn't already doing.)
So this morning, he was sitting on my lap while I talked to Uncle Keith. He started coughing until he gagged himself and vomitted. To my credit, I caught it in my hand and did not gag! I simply let him get it all out, then I cleaned it all up! Can you beleive it!?!?! I did that!!! Let me explain...
I DON'T DO VOMIT. I didn't used to be able to handle any bodily functions. Over the years, I have been getting used to the STANK in China and general poop from my nephews. So, I have become pretty much immune to that smell. I have even learned to deal with Ian's spit up due to GERD. But, actual vomit is still a problem. I'm the person who gags when someone else vomits. I gag the entire time I clean up after the dog gets sick. Further, I will do anything not to vomit. And, I do mean anything. (You know the drill, stand over the toilet and let the spit drip to get it out of your system before it makes you puke. I talk to myself. I pace. I try anything!!) So, that's is why morning sickness through my ENTIRE pregnancy was such a problem and so very ironic. God has a sick sense of humor if you ask me. When people ask me about having another child, all I have to do is think about throwing up for 37 weeks. Let me tell you, I got really good a throwing up during those 37 weeks, but that doesn't mean I ever want to again. And, yes I know every pregnancy is different. But the chance that I could go through that again is enough to stop me in my tracks.
So, the fact that Ian not only puked, but did it in my hand and I cleaned it up is truly amazing. I guess I forgot to mention that the planets must have become aligned last night and the conditions were just right apparently for me to handle this event! I am so proud of myself!!! But, what a milestone to celebrate. Ian's first true vomit occured on Election Day 2006. (Maybe he is commenting on the candidates. Hmmm, I will have to think about that one...) It wasn't the undigested projectile stuff or spit up, but actual vomit. I think, parents begin to live in an alternate reality. We can freely talk about poop and vomit. We worry about the consistancy and volume of our child's poop. We analyze what makes them vomit. Weird, very weird...
FYI: Amazingly enough, the only other person in my world that has a worse time with vomit is... my husband!! All he has to do is think about it and he vomits. He can't handle even hearing someone gag. The only difference between us is: He's a sympathy puker. If anyone else vomits, he is right there doing it too. On the other hand, I will do anything not to. Aren't we a great pair?!?! Poor Ian doesn't stand a chance.
Remind me to tell you about my brother's dog some day. It is the best story about Mark and his sympathy puking that you will ever hear!
My poor baby has a head cold. I thought it was just snot due to cutting teeth, but now I am sure that it is a cold. Go ahead, ask me how I know it's a cold...
It can't possibly be because of the vomit, could it!! That's right, I have been officially welcomed into motherhood by my son. I have been spit up on, I have been slimed by drool and I have changed many stinky diapers. But, today was the first time I have been puked on!!
Poor baby, you can tell he feels really miserable. He sneezes and coughs. His nose runs and gets all crusty when he sleeps. He sounds so congested. His eyes are all red and he keeps rubbing them. (Yes, I called the Dr. to make sure that there wasn't anything else I could do for him that I wasn't already doing.)
So this morning, he was sitting on my lap while I talked to Uncle Keith. He started coughing until he gagged himself and vomitted. To my credit, I caught it in my hand and did not gag! I simply let him get it all out, then I cleaned it all up! Can you beleive it!?!?! I did that!!! Let me explain...
I DON'T DO VOMIT. I didn't used to be able to handle any bodily functions. Over the years, I have been getting used to the STANK in China and general poop from my nephews. So, I have become pretty much immune to that smell. I have even learned to deal with Ian's spit up due to GERD. But, actual vomit is still a problem. I'm the person who gags when someone else vomits. I gag the entire time I clean up after the dog gets sick. Further, I will do anything not to vomit. And, I do mean anything. (You know the drill, stand over the toilet and let the spit drip to get it out of your system before it makes you puke. I talk to myself. I pace. I try anything!!) So, that's is why morning sickness through my ENTIRE pregnancy was such a problem and so very ironic. God has a sick sense of humor if you ask me. When people ask me about having another child, all I have to do is think about throwing up for 37 weeks. Let me tell you, I got really good a throwing up during those 37 weeks, but that doesn't mean I ever want to again. And, yes I know every pregnancy is different. But the chance that I could go through that again is enough to stop me in my tracks.
So, the fact that Ian not only puked, but did it in my hand and I cleaned it up is truly amazing. I guess I forgot to mention that the planets must have become aligned last night and the conditions were just right apparently for me to handle this event! I am so proud of myself!!! But, what a milestone to celebrate. Ian's first true vomit occured on Election Day 2006. (Maybe he is commenting on the candidates. Hmmm, I will have to think about that one...) It wasn't the undigested projectile stuff or spit up, but actual vomit. I think, parents begin to live in an alternate reality. We can freely talk about poop and vomit. We worry about the consistancy and volume of our child's poop. We analyze what makes them vomit. Weird, very weird...
FYI: Amazingly enough, the only other person in my world that has a worse time with vomit is... my husband!! All he has to do is think about it and he vomits. He can't handle even hearing someone gag. The only difference between us is: He's a sympathy puker. If anyone else vomits, he is right there doing it too. On the other hand, I will do anything not to. Aren't we a great pair?!?! Poor Ian doesn't stand a chance.
Remind me to tell you about my brother's dog some day. It is the best story about Mark and his sympathy puking that you will ever hear!
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Ahhh, Sweet Potatoes...
Working on building those neck and upper body muscles.Looking so innocent, then came the sweet potatoes...
The look. I didn't quite get the entire "Mom, you're killing me"
look on film, but this is pretty close. It only got worse from here.
I don't know what's worse: the spit up down the front of me that is speckled with orange bits of sweet potato or the look of "Mom, you're killing me!" Sometimes, it's just better to laugh than cry. This is apparently one of those times. Crying wouldn't do any good because I am still going to end up with sweet potatoes on me no matter what. So, a good laugh was definitely the way to go as bits of sweet potato drip from my shoulder. I am glad I didn't take a shower before Ian's breakfast this morning.
If you haven't already figured it out, Ian tried sweet potatoes for the first time today. And needless to say, it did not go well. The first bite was a look of "Hmm, I don't know what I think about this." The second bite was the "Mom, you're killing me!" look. After that, it was pry the lips open to get the offensive stuff in until we could get to the bottle. Which was followed by the first burp when he spit up formula and sweet potatoes all down the front of me!!
This evening, I tied to fool him a bit by mixing the sweet potatoes with a little rice cereal. That seemed to go a bit better. So, I am guessing that it was a texture thing and not really the taste that he didn't like. At least, I hope that is the case otherwise learning to eat our veggies is going to be a real challenge! Unless someone has a better idea, I will keep giving him a little rice cereal in with the sweet potatoes. Then, I will gradually remove the cereal until we are eating straight sweet potato.
Oh yeah, I should add that the last bite of sweet potato this morning was punctuated by him blowing a raspberry full of sweet potato at me! Great fun!!! About 3 days ago, he decided he could blow really wet raspberries and he has not stopped since. He apparently loves this new sound he can make. I am not so sure that this is a good thing. On second thought, I am positive that this is not a good thing.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
More Pictures
Tuesday night, the town my parents live in had Beggar's Night.So of course, Ian had to go for trick or treat. He not only went to
the Grandparents but to Aunt Bonnie's house, Uncle Eldon's house and
Aunt Marion's house too.
Just a great smile!!
Ian and Uncle Keith. I think they were entertaining each other!
Hanging out on the couch watching toons....
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Beggar's Night
Miss Kieren aka Tinkerbell. Her loot bag is so heavy shehad to drag it on the ground. I guess getting candy is easy
when you're that cute!!
Mark took Ian to the neighbors to show off his Monkey costume.
The cutest Monkey ever!!!
When they got back, Ian discovered this plastic pumpkin.
He loved it! He played for the longest time and got really
upset when my Mom tried to take it away from him.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
The Pumpkin Patch
Check out the pumpkin we found in the pumpkin patch! 
I love this picture. Both Alex and Cullen have suchindulgent looks on their faces as Kieren tells them her story.
This picture is what happens when you photograph a toddler,
an infant and 2 active boys. (I took 14 photos to get this one!!!)
Gotta love those pigtails and the pumpkin that lookslike it is sitting on her head!!
Ian was more interested in watching where Dad was thanhaving his picture taken. (Mark came home on Thursday night.
He and Ian have been attached to each other ever since.)
Ian and Kieren took their very first trip to the pumpkin farm this past Saturday. I think they both had a pretty good time. They were the center of attention for not only our entire group, but the rest of the people at the farm. After the pumpkin farm, Mark and I took Alex, Cullen and Ian to Young's for ice cream. (Sam and Andy took Kieren home so she could get a nap. Lucky me, Ian naps wherever he is right now!) After Youngs, we headed home so Alex and Cullen could play video games like a couple of teenagers holed up in their room. (In this case, they took over my dining room and declared it a "no Aunt Heather zone". Fine with me, I took a nap while they played and Ian slept.)
Saturday, October 21, 2006
And the rice cereal saga continues....
I think this one should be titled: Anticipation
Don't ya just love a good mess?!?!
All finished, bring on the bottle!
Well, this morning's attempt to feed Ian rice cereal went a little better. Yesterday, I followed the advice of the experts. Today, I did my own thing and it worked a little better. Instead of giving him 1/2 of his bottle, I gave him the rice cereal first then the bottle. I also made the cereal a little bit thicker. And what will we do tomorrow... I'm not sure, I will have to think about further changes. Maybe we will try dinner time instead of breakfast. This is obviously a work in progress and a learning curve for all three of us. Who knew that I would be gathering all this new knowledge as this point in my life?
Friday, October 20, 2006
Rice Cereal and Other Musings
Well, Ian had his first bit of rice cereal today. Let me just say, Mark and I laughed until we practically cried. I can hardly wait until tomorrow to give him some more to see what he does. Sorry no pictures of the event, the camera battery died before I could get them uploaded.
The adventure started with Mark giving him about 1/2 of his bottle. If there is one thing that will make Ian cry, it is taking his bottle out of his mouth. He hates it when he has to burp. I think he is making himself learn to hold his bottle so that we can't take it away from him. So, the minute the bottle came out, Ian let out a wail. We then put him in his bouncy chair to try the cereal. I spooned in the first bit, he stopped crying and pouted his bottom lip out when I pulled out the spoon. I thought: Great, he really likes this eating stuff!! Well, silly me I should have waited 2 more seconds before having that thought. By pushing his lip out, it caused almost all of the cereal to come out too! So, I tried again and again and again and again. Each time more cereal ended up on his chin, bib and my hand then in his mouth. The harder Mark and I laughed, the more came out! This is going to be a real challenge. At least we didn't end up wearing the stuff!! God help us when he learns to spit it back at us!
My stove is fixed according to the repairman for a mere $250. I have not used it yet, so I am not completely convinced that it is working properly. I will be making a pan of cookies later as a test run. I will keep you posted. Keep your fingers crossed.
The landscape guy is supposed to be here this Saturday to fix the yard. He agreed that we should add dirt, level it off, seed it and call it a day. His quote was a lot better than the $2000 French drain the other guy suggested!! Next I get to nurse new grass to life as we are going into winter in Ohio with a new baby in the house. That should be real fun!!
And finally, Anson is still holding his own. He has lost a bit of weight, but that is to be expected. (Ian lost more than 1/2 of a pound before he came home from the hospital.) Anson did take in 12oz of breastmilk today so that is even better than yesterday. They increased the caffiene they are giving him to keep him stimulated in the hopes of stopping the sleep apnea problem. But, overall he is doing very well for being so small and so early. He really is a cutie!! Like his anxious parents, I can hardly wait until we can hold and love on him.
I'm off to make some cookies. I think it won't really matter if the stove is working or not. The cookies will still disappear in this house. Some days I wonder why I even think about baking them!
The adventure started with Mark giving him about 1/2 of his bottle. If there is one thing that will make Ian cry, it is taking his bottle out of his mouth. He hates it when he has to burp. I think he is making himself learn to hold his bottle so that we can't take it away from him. So, the minute the bottle came out, Ian let out a wail. We then put him in his bouncy chair to try the cereal. I spooned in the first bit, he stopped crying and pouted his bottom lip out when I pulled out the spoon. I thought: Great, he really likes this eating stuff!! Well, silly me I should have waited 2 more seconds before having that thought. By pushing his lip out, it caused almost all of the cereal to come out too! So, I tried again and again and again and again. Each time more cereal ended up on his chin, bib and my hand then in his mouth. The harder Mark and I laughed, the more came out! This is going to be a real challenge. At least we didn't end up wearing the stuff!! God help us when he learns to spit it back at us!
My stove is fixed according to the repairman for a mere $250. I have not used it yet, so I am not completely convinced that it is working properly. I will be making a pan of cookies later as a test run. I will keep you posted. Keep your fingers crossed.
The landscape guy is supposed to be here this Saturday to fix the yard. He agreed that we should add dirt, level it off, seed it and call it a day. His quote was a lot better than the $2000 French drain the other guy suggested!! Next I get to nurse new grass to life as we are going into winter in Ohio with a new baby in the house. That should be real fun!!
And finally, Anson is still holding his own. He has lost a bit of weight, but that is to be expected. (Ian lost more than 1/2 of a pound before he came home from the hospital.) Anson did take in 12oz of breastmilk today so that is even better than yesterday. They increased the caffiene they are giving him to keep him stimulated in the hopes of stopping the sleep apnea problem. But, overall he is doing very well for being so small and so early. He really is a cutie!! Like his anxious parents, I can hardly wait until we can hold and love on him.
I'm off to make some cookies. I think it won't really matter if the stove is working or not. The cookies will still disappear in this house. Some days I wonder why I even think about baking them!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Some more photos
Anson on his C-Pap machine. For perspective, that's Dave's hand on the left and Chrissy's fingers on the right.
A lovely shot of his adorable face!!!Updates
Update #1
Ian had his 4 month shots yesterday. I did a lot better this time. I only shed 2 tears instead of crying as hard as he did. The nurse gave him the first of 3 shots and he let out a scream of epic proportions at the end of the first one. The screaming continued for about 5 minutes and then he slept for 2 hours!!! When he woke up, you could tell he just didn't feel good. He did the little wimpering, wrestling around routine. He couldn't get comfortable and just couldn't figure it out. It was so pitiful! I hate shots!!!
The doctor declared him a long skinny bean. He weighs 13lbs. 10oz. and is 24 1/2 inches long! The doctor asked me if we were having trouble fitting clothes on him. I said absolutely! Anything that fits lengthwise, is huge in the middle because he is skinny. The doctor laughed and said just keep doing what your doing because, he's perfect. (BTW, those measurements put him in the 75% for height, but only the 25% for weight!)
The doctor also suggested starting him on some rice cereal later this week. That should be an adventure all it's own. Maybe I can get Mark to be the first guinea pig to get the stuff spit back at him. Hmmmm...... I'll keep you posted.
Update #2
Anson is doing fine. He is still on the breathing machine but David says he is growing already. Mark and I are on our way to see him this afternoon. So hopefully, I will have some new pictures to share when I get back. (BTW Ian weighs exactly 10lbs. more than his new cousin!)
Update #3
Mark finally made it home at about 1:00 this morning. The plane was delayed and then had a mechanical issue. So, they had to get another plane and he finally made it here at 1:00. He is exhausted and being a pain the butt to deal with today. Just what I needed after spending the evening and night dealing with grumpy boy!
Update #4
They are coming tomorrow to fix my stove. I can hardly wait!! But, after it's done I probably won't want to cook anymore. It's one of those things where you want to use it when you can't and when you can, you don't want to.
Update#5
Another landscape guy is coming tomorrow to give us a quote to fix the yard. We'll see what he says...
More later when we get back from the hospital.
Ian had his 4 month shots yesterday. I did a lot better this time. I only shed 2 tears instead of crying as hard as he did. The nurse gave him the first of 3 shots and he let out a scream of epic proportions at the end of the first one. The screaming continued for about 5 minutes and then he slept for 2 hours!!! When he woke up, you could tell he just didn't feel good. He did the little wimpering, wrestling around routine. He couldn't get comfortable and just couldn't figure it out. It was so pitiful! I hate shots!!!
The doctor declared him a long skinny bean. He weighs 13lbs. 10oz. and is 24 1/2 inches long! The doctor asked me if we were having trouble fitting clothes on him. I said absolutely! Anything that fits lengthwise, is huge in the middle because he is skinny. The doctor laughed and said just keep doing what your doing because, he's perfect. (BTW, those measurements put him in the 75% for height, but only the 25% for weight!)
The doctor also suggested starting him on some rice cereal later this week. That should be an adventure all it's own. Maybe I can get Mark to be the first guinea pig to get the stuff spit back at him. Hmmmm...... I'll keep you posted.
Update #2
Anson is doing fine. He is still on the breathing machine but David says he is growing already. Mark and I are on our way to see him this afternoon. So hopefully, I will have some new pictures to share when I get back. (BTW Ian weighs exactly 10lbs. more than his new cousin!)
Update #3
Mark finally made it home at about 1:00 this morning. The plane was delayed and then had a mechanical issue. So, they had to get another plane and he finally made it here at 1:00. He is exhausted and being a pain the butt to deal with today. Just what I needed after spending the evening and night dealing with grumpy boy!
Update #4
They are coming tomorrow to fix my stove. I can hardly wait!! But, after it's done I probably won't want to cook anymore. It's one of those things where you want to use it when you can't and when you can, you don't want to.
Update#5
Another landscape guy is coming tomorrow to give us a quote to fix the yard. We'll see what he says...
More later when we get back from the hospital.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
My New Nephew
I have a new nephew this evening. I am so excited!!!
Here are the stats:
Anson Walter Bertram
Born at 4:28 PM on October 17, 2006
Weight: 3lbs. 10oz.
Length: 16.5 inches long
He is about 8 weeks premature. But, is doing very well. We got to see him in the incubator bed as they took him to the NICU. He is absolutely beautiful!!!
He was pink and breathing on his own right after birth. He even treated his parents to a good cry when he was born. As of this evening, he is on a C-Pap machine to help with his breathing. The drs. do this so that he doesn't get too worn out just trying to breath. But, otherwise he is doing great.
His proud parents are also doing well this evening. They got to see him just a little bit ago in the NICU. (They only got to see him for a minute or two in the operating room before they whisked him away to the NICU.) Chrissy is in a bit of pain which is to be expected. David is floating about 2 feet off the floor.
Congrats to Aunt Chrissy and Uncle Dave!! Welcome to the world, Anson!!! We love you all!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Ian is 4 months old!!!
I wanted to get this posted yesterday which was the official 4 month mark, but the forces of nature were working against me. I am trying to get ready for the local Apple Butter Festival this coming weekend. I am the President of the Lioness Club which has a booth in the festival and I am a member of the women of the church which also has a booth. Each year, Beth, Sam and I make a huge amount of fudge to sell at the Lioness booth. And, Beth and I make about 16-20 pies and cookies to sell at the church booth. Well, this year the fudge is finished, the cookies are finished, but the pies are a complete "no go". Why you ask??? My oven died on Monday! The repairman was out yesterday at the cost of $75 to tell me that he could fix it in about 2 weeks for about $500!!! So, much for pies this year. Darn, that also means my ability to make dinner is seriously compromised too! The church gets matching funds from Thrivent for their fundraisers, so I am going to contribute some money to help them get there and call it a day.
Meanwhile, the tree trimmer got his truck stuck in my very wet back yard last week. That has led me on a mission to figure out why the yard is so wet. I have talked to landscapers, contractors who install septic tanks and the head of the village water department. Finally conclusion: Fill the holes and move on with life. That's a lot better than $2000 for a French Drain which one of the landscapers suggested!
On top of it all, Ian continues to grow up! How do I slow that down? I love the age he is right now. Every day is a new adventure. He discovers he can make a new sound or can move his little finger which he never knew he had until that day. It is so much fun to see the achievements each day, I don't want him to grow up!!
Ian riding Whiskey as a horse yesterday!
He usually sleeps with his hands above his head. But, this time I caught
Meanwhile, the tree trimmer got his truck stuck in my very wet back yard last week. That has led me on a mission to figure out why the yard is so wet. I have talked to landscapers, contractors who install septic tanks and the head of the village water department. Finally conclusion: Fill the holes and move on with life. That's a lot better than $2000 for a French Drain which one of the landscapers suggested!
On top of it all, Ian continues to grow up! How do I slow that down? I love the age he is right now. Every day is a new adventure. He discovers he can make a new sound or can move his little finger which he never knew he had until that day. It is so much fun to see the achievements each day, I don't want him to grow up!!
Ian riding Whiskey as a horse yesterday!Whiskey was very patient, but not thrilled.
Mark was wondering when Ian's teeth would come in.
What do you think?!?!
Mark found this pacifier at the Halloween shop earlier this month.
I hate Halloween, but this picture is hysterical!
Don't you wish you could sleep so peacefully in the middle of chaos?
Ian is sleeping in his bouncy chair in the kitchen while I make fudge.
A new skill he is working on. He really wants to hold his own bottle.
I think it's because he thinks he can keep you from taking it away from him!
He usually sleeps with his hands above his head. But, this time I caughthim lounging with them behind his head. Life is so good!!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
An Unsolicited Piece of Advice
I have the following completely unsolicited piece of advice to offer to everyone:
If you need to say something to someone, do it. Don't wait, thinking you will have plenty of time. Life is short and time is not on your side.
I have had a very emotionally taxing day. Can you tell? My family is in conflict about an issue that has evolved into a huge mess over the past three weeks. So, I spent today talking to my parents in the attempt to resolve at least my feelings about the problem. We didn't get it resolved and we didn't even discuss some of it. And, in the middle of all that turmoil, I found out that my biological father died.
This is a strange situation. I had no relationship with him. My earliest memories include him. But, I didn't know him and didn't necessarily want to know him. Having said that, I am very angry. There were things that I would have liked to have said to him if I ever saw him again, that I can't say now. Not necesarily angry things, but stuff that I didn't realize was even important. And, now I am angry that I am angry. I thought I had dealt with being angry. But, clearly I did not. And, so that makes me angry too. What a vicious cycle....
So, that's why the advice above is the topic of this post. Don't wait to tell someone what you think. You may not have the chance later.
If you need to say something to someone, do it. Don't wait, thinking you will have plenty of time. Life is short and time is not on your side.
I have had a very emotionally taxing day. Can you tell? My family is in conflict about an issue that has evolved into a huge mess over the past three weeks. So, I spent today talking to my parents in the attempt to resolve at least my feelings about the problem. We didn't get it resolved and we didn't even discuss some of it. And, in the middle of all that turmoil, I found out that my biological father died.
This is a strange situation. I had no relationship with him. My earliest memories include him. But, I didn't know him and didn't necessarily want to know him. Having said that, I am very angry. There were things that I would have liked to have said to him if I ever saw him again, that I can't say now. Not necesarily angry things, but stuff that I didn't realize was even important. And, now I am angry that I am angry. I thought I had dealt with being angry. But, clearly I did not. And, so that makes me angry too. What a vicious cycle....
So, that's why the advice above is the topic of this post. Don't wait to tell someone what you think. You may not have the chance later.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Busy Weekend
We left D.C. on Friday at about 2:30 PM. We finally arrived at home at about 11:30PM. Ian slept the entire way home!!! I was very worried that once we got home he would be awake for the rest of the night. But, he took a bottle, told Alex a few stories and went back to sleep. Apparently traveling through the mountains tired him out. (I'll have to remember that.)
Saturday morning, Aunt Jenn and Grandma Radloff came over to make the party favors for Aunt Katie's baby shower. After finishing them up and having some doughnuts, we headed to lunch at Pickety Place. Katie's shower was wonderful. As always, the food at Pickety Place was incredible. She got a lot of really cute pink clothes for Sarah.
I came home and collapsed for the rest of the day. Well not totally, I had to do a bunch of laundry so that Mark could go to work on Sunday. Sunday morning, I continued doing laundry until Uncle Brittney came over to mix up her Buckeyes. After that, Ian, Alex and I took Mark to the airport.
It seems like I had no weekend at all. It's a good thing I rested during my vacation last week. Just in time to start a new hectic week. Great!!!
Saturday morning, Aunt Jenn and Grandma Radloff came over to make the party favors for Aunt Katie's baby shower. After finishing them up and having some doughnuts, we headed to lunch at Pickety Place. Katie's shower was wonderful. As always, the food at Pickety Place was incredible. She got a lot of really cute pink clothes for Sarah.
I came home and collapsed for the rest of the day. Well not totally, I had to do a bunch of laundry so that Mark could go to work on Sunday. Sunday morning, I continued doing laundry until Uncle Brittney came over to mix up her Buckeyes. After that, Ian, Alex and I took Mark to the airport.
It seems like I had no weekend at all. It's a good thing I rested during my vacation last week. Just in time to start a new hectic week. Great!!!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Mark, Mark, Mark....
No, that is not a hairlip dog barking, ha, ha, ha!! There are times that my husband just cracks me up. He is usually very quiet and unassuming. Then, there are other days....
By virtue of the fact that Mark is male he can be a little full of himself at times. When you couple that with being a pilot, he can be very cocky at times. Most people never see that side of him, but I get it every once in a while.
I grew up in an Air Force town full of pilots. I know a lot of pilots because I am married to one. I have yet to meet one that doesn't have a bit of bravado under their calm exterior. I am not saying that is a bad thing by any means. It is just the nature of the beast. I think the job requires a bit of it. They are a select bunch and it has taken a lot of hard work and fortitude to get to the position that they have achieved.
Those of you that know Mark, know that he keeps to himself in crowds. He is not really shy, he just likes to study people and get to know them before he engages himself in the situation. So, when I send him off to a group of unknowns, I always say: "Please, play nicely with the other children today." (Meaning, try talking to people that you don't know.)
Mark is in Washington D.C. attending an Airline Accident Investigation class. He volunteered to be his company and union's Lead Accident Investigator. That means he receives training from the union, the FAA and the NTSB on investigating any incidents or accidents his company is involved in that may involve the Boeing 747. He can even be called in when another company has and accident which involves the 747 because there are so few investigators qualified on that equipment. This is the second class in the series and there are about 30 other pilots from other companies in the class with him.
So, our conversation the first night after his class:
H: How was class today? Are you playing nicely with the others?
M: Yes and fine. They are taking the first course and expanding on the topics. It is much more in depth and pretty interesting.
H: That's good. Who else is in the class?
M: About 30 guys. (All pilots get grouped in this category by Mark even if they are female. He generally does not see the gender difference and therefore, they are all just pilots to him.)
H: What other companies are there?
M: Several. Delta, ComAir, CalmAir, American Eagle.
H: Does anyone else fly the 747?
M: No. We all introduced ourselves and what equipment we fly this morning. Since then, everyone has pretty much stuck in their own groups.
H: I told you to play nicely.
(Here it is....)
M: Well, when you have the biggest d!*k in the room, people tend to avoid you.
At which point, I just cracked up. Like I said, a bit cocky.
I later found out that most of the others mostly fly regional jets and small prop planes. So, given Mark's position, they are just intimidated by the size of his plane....
By virtue of the fact that Mark is male he can be a little full of himself at times. When you couple that with being a pilot, he can be very cocky at times. Most people never see that side of him, but I get it every once in a while.
I grew up in an Air Force town full of pilots. I know a lot of pilots because I am married to one. I have yet to meet one that doesn't have a bit of bravado under their calm exterior. I am not saying that is a bad thing by any means. It is just the nature of the beast. I think the job requires a bit of it. They are a select bunch and it has taken a lot of hard work and fortitude to get to the position that they have achieved.
Those of you that know Mark, know that he keeps to himself in crowds. He is not really shy, he just likes to study people and get to know them before he engages himself in the situation. So, when I send him off to a group of unknowns, I always say: "Please, play nicely with the other children today." (Meaning, try talking to people that you don't know.)
Mark is in Washington D.C. attending an Airline Accident Investigation class. He volunteered to be his company and union's Lead Accident Investigator. That means he receives training from the union, the FAA and the NTSB on investigating any incidents or accidents his company is involved in that may involve the Boeing 747. He can even be called in when another company has and accident which involves the 747 because there are so few investigators qualified on that equipment. This is the second class in the series and there are about 30 other pilots from other companies in the class with him.
So, our conversation the first night after his class:
H: How was class today? Are you playing nicely with the others?
M: Yes and fine. They are taking the first course and expanding on the topics. It is much more in depth and pretty interesting.
H: That's good. Who else is in the class?
M: About 30 guys. (All pilots get grouped in this category by Mark even if they are female. He generally does not see the gender difference and therefore, they are all just pilots to him.)
H: What other companies are there?
M: Several. Delta, ComAir, CalmAir, American Eagle.
H: Does anyone else fly the 747?
M: No. We all introduced ourselves and what equipment we fly this morning. Since then, everyone has pretty much stuck in their own groups.
H: I told you to play nicely.
(Here it is....)
M: Well, when you have the biggest d!*k in the room, people tend to avoid you.
At which point, I just cracked up. Like I said, a bit cocky.
I later found out that most of the others mostly fly regional jets and small prop planes. So, given Mark's position, they are just intimidated by the size of his plane....
Thursday, September 28, 2006
The National American Indian Museum
Like I said, the side of the building undulates. I tried to capture is, but you have to see it to really appreciate it.
The lobby of the American Indian Museum from the 4th floor.
The copper wall is woven like a handmade basket.
The view of the Capital from the entrance to the museum.As I expected the museum was amazing! It is 4 levels of artifacts and stories. You can take guided tours or guide yourself. You are taken on a journey through time. The costumes, tools, guns, money, ceremonial items are fascinating and they vary greatly from region to region. It was a truly wonderful way to spend the afternoon.
Ian and I drove to East Falls Church to catch the Metro into D.C. We finally found a parking place in the lot after much searching. Then, headed for the station to figure out the ticketing system. Once we purchased our ticket, we headed to the platform. Ian's eyes about bulged out of his head with the train came into the station. It was hilarious!!! We got on the train and he was very unsure at first. He fussed just a little but settled right down when I held him facing the way the train was travelling. (Like mother like son. I can't ride a train facing the rear. I get sick.)
We got off the train at the Federal Station SW stop and proceeded to the museum. Ian stayed away through the entire ride and our walk through the museum. He was particularly attentive when we heard music or ceremonial drums in the museum. After our tour, we headed back to the Metro station and he fell asleep. The little guy was worn out. He slept all the way back to the hotel. He woke up at the hotel, had a bottle and went back to sleep.
I was amazed that he was awake through the entire museum. He was looking at everything and everyone. And of course, he was an attaction too. You just have to wonder what he is thinking when he saw some of the ceremonial masks and costumes. Some of them were pretty fierce looking but he didn't seem to mind. I think they were so colorful and different, that they kept his attention. I can't wait to bring him here in a few years, when he can actually understand what he is seeing.
I value the education that I received by my parents taking me to these museums. At the time, I didn't understand how much I would value that info but today, I wish I had absorbed more of it. I look forward to giving Ian the same opportunities and more. It's an amazing country that we live in and I want him to understand our history so that he can appreciate his role in our future. (Wow, that was rather philosophical wasn't it?!?)
Outlet Mall Shopping
The loot from the outlet mall trip.Ian was a very good shopper but a bad boy yesterday! He got ahold of Mommy's credit cards and went a little crazy at the outlet mall. He bought Alex and Cullen each a shirt. He got Kieren the cutest pink sweatsuit from Osh Kosh. He bought his new cousin a few things. And, he even got Mommy a pair of shoes! I just can't imagine how he was able to sign all those credit card receipts. He must be growing faster than I realized!
The Leesburg outlet mall was huge! We only made it through 1/2 of the mall. And, we really only went in the Children's stores in that half. (Okay, I did go in one shoe store. How else could Ian have bought me a pair of shoes?!?!) This place had a outlet for every well known designer on the planet and it had all the regular outlet stores. Old Navy, Cole Haan, Nike, Hilfiger, Gap, Reebok, Carter's, Stride Rite, Williams Sonoma, etc., etc., etc. (Sorry, I had a King and I moment there.)
After shopping, Ian and I rested until Mark got back from his class. Then we headed to Reston Town Center to find something to eat. I wanted to go to a seafood place, but they only took reservations. (This real irritated me because that location's number is not even listed on their own website!! So, how can you make reservations if you are from out of town?) Anyway, we ended up eating at a sushi place. Sorry, Sam. It was wonderful. We had the spicy roll combo and obi shrimp. I love spicy tuna rolls and these were it. I didn't even add wasabi!!
After dinner, we went to ALPA headquarters to see the new memorial that they just opened in honor of September 11th victims. They acutally have parts of the World Trade Center Building in the middle of this memorial. All the other stones are from Pennsylvania where the other plane crashed. They did a beautiful job on this memorial. Sorry, no pictures. It was late and getting dark.
On the way back to the hotel, we discovered a Coldstone Creamery right across the street from the hotel!!! Well, you just can't pass that up, can you!?!
Today, is another big adventure. Ian and I are headed to the heart of D.C. on the MetroRail. Yes, Oma, the MetroRail. I could drive down there, but there is no place to park. So, everyone has suggested the metro. The hotel is about 2 miles from a station and the museum is about 2 blocks from the station on the other end. The metro could be the biggest adventure of the day or week. I'll let you know.
Thanks to my parents, I have been in just about every building of the Smithsonian. Since,
I was last here touring buildings, they have opened an American Indian Museum. (I was here several times last year with Honor Flight but never went anywhere other than the WWII Memorial.) The outside of the building is wonderful, I can't wait to see the inside. (The building looks like the rolling plains out west. The the sandstone wales appear to undulate like the grasses with wind blowing through them. Don't ya just love the word undulate?) I am excited to see the exhibits and I have a mission. Cullen is doing a report on Shawnee Indians for his class. So, I have been assigned to see if I can find anything that he can use for his report.
I was last here touring buildings, they have opened an American Indian Museum. (I was here several times last year with Honor Flight but never went anywhere other than the WWII Memorial.) The outside of the building is wonderful, I can't wait to see the inside. (The building looks like the rolling plains out west. The the sandstone wales appear to undulate like the grasses with wind blowing through them. Don't ya just love the word undulate?) I am excited to see the exhibits and I have a mission. Cullen is doing a report on Shawnee Indians for his class. So, I have been assigned to see if I can find anything that he can use for his report.