I forgot my Monday post (not that I've EVER done that before...) because I've been preoccupied with the iPhone 4 launch this week. Yeah, some of you got it last week b/c you pre-ordered...well, we didn't have that option. Our Verizon contract was up on Sunday so we had to wait until today to get the phones in-store and set up AT&T accounts.
The husband got up very early this morning and was in line by 5am at our local AT&T store waiting for our turn to get the iPhone. Well, he was like, the 15th person in line. AT 5 AM!! Goodness. I was at home, getting ready for the day and just about to wake up the baby bear when he called and told me I had to get down to the store ASAP if I wanted a phone. Even though we share an account, it was only one iPhone per person. Drat! So I woke up my awesome sister-nanny, kissed the kiddo, handed her over and bailed out the door. I made it to the AT&T store in 10 minutes. No lie.
After a 40 minute wait, we finally got inside and got our new phones. I'm officially in love with this thing. The screen is amazingly crisp and clear and I love the touch interface. We haven't tried the FaceTime video chat, but I suspect we will at some point. I've already downloaded the Facebook app (and FarmVille, don't judge me!) and I'll need to sync it with my iTunes account here soon.
So far I haven't had any issues, but I've only been able to dink around with it for 3 hours. Stay tuned for any iPhone rants and/or diatribes in coming days and weeks.
June 29, 2010
June 21, 2010
Monday Musings, No. 2, Vol. 14
First of all, big weekend here at the homestead. Our wedding anniversary (six years!) was on Saturday, then Father's Day on Sunday and today is the husband's 29th birthday. Sheesh...I'm referring to this phenomenon as Trifecta 2010 and it has been something else. Our next kid will have to a spring arrival to counteract our summer and winter holiday/birthday extravaganzas. Holidayed-out musings below:
First, a big congrats to my friend KKB and her husband on the birth of their new baby boy, Sam, this morning! Yeah, he shares a b-day with the husband :)
Also, Sam is becoming quite a popular babeh name lately.
We're grilling up some brats for dinner tonight and serving them on Hefeweizen buns. These buns are fabulous. If you live in the Portland area, go to New Seasons and get them.
My French cube-neighbor was really pissed about France losing in the World Cup last week. It was hilarious to listen to him...the angrier he gets, the thicker and more obnoxious his accent gets. I love it.
We have our family photos on Friday. I still haven't gotten my hair cut for them. Ugh. I need to - and maybe throw some highlights up in this...my hair is so much darker than it was before Ellie was born. Wacky hormones.
In related Ellie news: WE HAVE A TOOTH!!! Yep, it cut through last week and I was so excited. Until today, when I foolishly stuck my finger in her mouth and she chomped down on it with that sharp little tooth. Ouch.
Teething continues, as does related fussiness and napping issues. Oh well. This too shall pass.
I was told to get Baby Mum-Mums for teething but hadn't found them until I was grocery shopping at Fred Meyer yesterday. Ellie loves them! So does my sister, who wants to dip them in Nutella for a snack.
I'm getting very excited for 4th of July. We go to St. Paul every year and hang out at my BFF's sister and brother-in-law's place and wander the rodeo/carnival grounds and eat gross fatty food and people watch and drink beer and it's a good time. I think Ellie will like it, too. She's got her 4th of July gear (thank you, Carters and Fred Meyer!) all ready to go.
Still getting sucked into Farmville. Stupid, stupid, stupid me. Wanna be my neighbor on F-ville? Send me a request on FB. LOL, OMG.
The kiddo is still working on her crawling skillz. She's getting so close to full mobility. Eek.
We get our iPhones this week. I am so excited. The husband is going to our nearest AT&T store at 6am to stand in line with a bunch of other nerds. Ah, the things we do for technology.
First, a big congrats to my friend KKB and her husband on the birth of their new baby boy, Sam, this morning! Yeah, he shares a b-day with the husband :)
Also, Sam is becoming quite a popular babeh name lately.
We're grilling up some brats for dinner tonight and serving them on Hefeweizen buns. These buns are fabulous. If you live in the Portland area, go to New Seasons and get them.
My French cube-neighbor was really pissed about France losing in the World Cup last week. It was hilarious to listen to him...the angrier he gets, the thicker and more obnoxious his accent gets. I love it.
We have our family photos on Friday. I still haven't gotten my hair cut for them. Ugh. I need to - and maybe throw some highlights up in this...my hair is so much darker than it was before Ellie was born. Wacky hormones.
In related Ellie news: WE HAVE A TOOTH!!! Yep, it cut through last week and I was so excited. Until today, when I foolishly stuck my finger in her mouth and she chomped down on it with that sharp little tooth. Ouch.
Teething continues, as does related fussiness and napping issues. Oh well. This too shall pass.
I was told to get Baby Mum-Mums for teething but hadn't found them until I was grocery shopping at Fred Meyer yesterday. Ellie loves them! So does my sister, who wants to dip them in Nutella for a snack.
I'm getting very excited for 4th of July. We go to St. Paul every year and hang out at my BFF's sister and brother-in-law's place and wander the rodeo/carnival grounds and eat gross fatty food and people watch and drink beer and it's a good time. I think Ellie will like it, too. She's got her 4th of July gear (thank you, Carters and Fred Meyer!) all ready to go.
Still getting sucked into Farmville. Stupid, stupid, stupid me. Wanna be my neighbor on F-ville? Send me a request on FB. LOL, OMG.
The kiddo is still working on her crawling skillz. She's getting so close to full mobility. Eek.
We get our iPhones this week. I am so excited. The husband is going to our nearest AT&T store at 6am to stand in line with a bunch of other nerds. Ah, the things we do for technology.
June 14, 2010
Monday Musings, No. 2, Vol. 13
It was an awesome weekend here, finally. Temps in the 80s, sunny...it was summer. Today, however, is sucky and cloudy and not warm. At least we got the good stuff for the weekend. Ellie and I enjoyed it, but the husband had to work in the yard, so I don't think he got as much enjoyment from the sun and heat as we girls did. Sucks to be him. Musings are happening:
We reached a decision to re-home Maddie. Ideally, she will stay with the lady who runs the rescue we sent her to, but we don't know yet. Not an easy choice, but we feel it's the right one. I hate being a grownup sometimes.
Pureed some mangoes for the kiddo this weekend. If she doesn't like them, I will eat them. Or maybe use them in a recipe. They are that good.
Teething sucks. Especially when the kiddo's teeth are still not showing. The symptoms are mounting but no teeth. Gah.
I get a big-ass fountain cup of Sprite Zero every day from the work cafe after lunch. I love it.
This season of Friday Night Lights is so good. Best show on TV, now that Lost is no more.
I'm ashamed to admit this, but I got stuck on Farmville this weekend. I hate myself for this.
Chunk La Funk is killing me lately. She likes to be held a lot (see: teething) but dang if her fatness isn't killing my arms. And she hates her sling, so maybe I'll just plop her in the Baby Bjorn more often. I can't keep carrying her around all the time. I get arm cramps.
T-minus two weeks until we get iPhones. Oh yeah.
There is a French dude who sits over the wall from me at work now. His accent KILLS me. I love it.
I don't know if I gave a stat update on Ellie after her 6mo check last week, but she's up to 15lbs (25th percentile)! That's why she kills my arms lately. Her head is still rather small, but the doc isn't worried.
We reached a decision to re-home Maddie. Ideally, she will stay with the lady who runs the rescue we sent her to, but we don't know yet. Not an easy choice, but we feel it's the right one. I hate being a grownup sometimes.
Pureed some mangoes for the kiddo this weekend. If she doesn't like them, I will eat them. Or maybe use them in a recipe. They are that good.
Teething sucks. Especially when the kiddo's teeth are still not showing. The symptoms are mounting but no teeth. Gah.
I get a big-ass fountain cup of Sprite Zero every day from the work cafe after lunch. I love it.
This season of Friday Night Lights is so good. Best show on TV, now that Lost is no more.
I'm ashamed to admit this, but I got stuck on Farmville this weekend. I hate myself for this.
Chunk La Funk is killing me lately. She likes to be held a lot (see: teething) but dang if her fatness isn't killing my arms. And she hates her sling, so maybe I'll just plop her in the Baby Bjorn more often. I can't keep carrying her around all the time. I get arm cramps.
T-minus two weeks until we get iPhones. Oh yeah.
There is a French dude who sits over the wall from me at work now. His accent KILLS me. I love it.
I don't know if I gave a stat update on Ellie after her 6mo check last week, but she's up to 15lbs (25th percentile)! That's why she kills my arms lately. Her head is still rather small, but the doc isn't worried.
June 9, 2010
Six Month Reflections
Dear Ellie,
Wow...six months old already? What happened to the time? I can hardly believe that in another short six months you will be celebrating your first birthday. Your daddy and I love you so much and we can't imagine our lives now without you! You learn new things every day and along the way you have taught us so much too.
1. Patience is key. Babies, especially you, do their own thing and have their own ideas. As parents, we've learned to let you lead the way as much as possible and roll with the punches - both figuratively and literally.
2. Nothing is sweeter than your baby's smile. Or her hair. Or her chubby legs and belly. Or her sparkling eyes and soft skin. You're pretty much the ideal baby specimen and your daddy and I marvel at you all the time.
3. You're smarter than we are. Okay, maybe not yet - I mean, I was on Jeopardy and your daddy's a smart fella too - but you pick up new concepts and master new skills so fast. Another thing we marvel at about you. Of course, every parent thinks their kid's a genius, but you are really bright. Pretty impressive.
4. Your laugh is the sweetest song in the world. It's better than any sound I've ever heard. Now, your screams and squeals of delight, while cute, can be a bit much. I won't lie...my eardrums ring after a good play session with you. But I'm so happy that you are so happy. And you already have quite the sense of humor. Fart noises really get you going.
5. Our special bond is the best. I promise to always be there for you, even if I'm far in the background. I've got your back and I'll be there to dry your tears, tell you like it is, and keep you safe as long as you'll have me. And when it's time for you to make your own life without me...I'll be okay. I just want you to know that I love you forever and ever.
Ellie, you have changed my life and healed my heart. I'm a more complete and better person because I have you. Your daddy and I love you more everyday and we can't wait to grow and change with you. You're our precious baby Bear.
Wow...six months old already? What happened to the time? I can hardly believe that in another short six months you will be celebrating your first birthday. Your daddy and I love you so much and we can't imagine our lives now without you! You learn new things every day and along the way you have taught us so much too.
1. Patience is key. Babies, especially you, do their own thing and have their own ideas. As parents, we've learned to let you lead the way as much as possible and roll with the punches - both figuratively and literally.
2. Nothing is sweeter than your baby's smile. Or her hair. Or her chubby legs and belly. Or her sparkling eyes and soft skin. You're pretty much the ideal baby specimen and your daddy and I marvel at you all the time.
3. You're smarter than we are. Okay, maybe not yet - I mean, I was on Jeopardy and your daddy's a smart fella too - but you pick up new concepts and master new skills so fast. Another thing we marvel at about you. Of course, every parent thinks their kid's a genius, but you are really bright. Pretty impressive.
4. Your laugh is the sweetest song in the world. It's better than any sound I've ever heard. Now, your screams and squeals of delight, while cute, can be a bit much. I won't lie...my eardrums ring after a good play session with you. But I'm so happy that you are so happy. And you already have quite the sense of humor. Fart noises really get you going.
5. Our special bond is the best. I promise to always be there for you, even if I'm far in the background. I've got your back and I'll be there to dry your tears, tell you like it is, and keep you safe as long as you'll have me. And when it's time for you to make your own life without me...I'll be okay. I just want you to know that I love you forever and ever.
Ellie, you have changed my life and healed my heart. I'm a more complete and better person because I have you. Your daddy and I love you more everyday and we can't wait to grow and change with you. You're our precious baby Bear.
June 7, 2010
Monday Musings, No. 2, Vol. 12
I didn't write a blog post last week. Why? Well, a 3-day holiday usually messes up my schedule and frankly, it was crazy on the work and homefronts, so I didn't have time to really get my blog on. But I'm back. Broken-streak musings are a go:
I just realized I broke my year-plus long streak of weekly posts! Fack.
Maddie update: still with the rescue lady, and likely to be rehomed at some point in the near future. I have not seen her since she left over a week ago...which is sad, but I wonder if it's not better this way. We'll see.
Boris has adjusted well to being the only dog around. I think he likes not being bossed around by the alpha dog for a change. And he gets the big doggie bed all to him(small)self.
We moved into a temporary space at work while they remodel our old space. I call our new digs the Refugee Camp, for obvious reasons.
Ellie celebrates her half-birthday on Wednesday in classic baby style: 6mo checkup and shots. Break out the bubbly :)
I will likely post on Wednesday and it'll be sappy. Have a tissue handy.
I love salt and vinegar chips.
Good coupons from Costco this go-round. We're making a trip on Thursday, when they go into effect. I love Costco coupons.
Getting a sick bug like I had yesterday is made way easier when the sister-nanny is around to keep the baby away from me and my germs. I didn't want to risk getting Ellie sick. A sick baby is no good.
Went to the Nike employee store on Saturday to get some AWESOME new AF1s...they are silver with neon pink swoosh and trim. I'm becoming a sneakerhead.
Next pick for the Netflix queue: "Hot Tub Time Machine". Yeah, that's happening.
Also happening: a switch to AT&T so we can get the new iPhone 4s! Yes!
The 90s station on Sirius/XM is amazing. It's like a time machine in and of itself.
And a serious musing topic. Please post this link http://www.childseeknetwork.com/horman.htm to your blogs and Facebook pages, tweet it...whatever. Help bring Kyron home!
I just realized I broke my year-plus long streak of weekly posts! Fack.
Maddie update: still with the rescue lady, and likely to be rehomed at some point in the near future. I have not seen her since she left over a week ago...which is sad, but I wonder if it's not better this way. We'll see.
Boris has adjusted well to being the only dog around. I think he likes not being bossed around by the alpha dog for a change. And he gets the big doggie bed all to him(small)self.
We moved into a temporary space at work while they remodel our old space. I call our new digs the Refugee Camp, for obvious reasons.
Ellie celebrates her half-birthday on Wednesday in classic baby style: 6mo checkup and shots. Break out the bubbly :)
I will likely post on Wednesday and it'll be sappy. Have a tissue handy.
I love salt and vinegar chips.
Good coupons from Costco this go-round. We're making a trip on Thursday, when they go into effect. I love Costco coupons.
Getting a sick bug like I had yesterday is made way easier when the sister-nanny is around to keep the baby away from me and my germs. I didn't want to risk getting Ellie sick. A sick baby is no good.
Went to the Nike employee store on Saturday to get some AWESOME new AF1s...they are silver with neon pink swoosh and trim. I'm becoming a sneakerhead.
Next pick for the Netflix queue: "Hot Tub Time Machine". Yeah, that's happening.
Also happening: a switch to AT&T so we can get the new iPhone 4s! Yes!
The 90s station on Sirius/XM is amazing. It's like a time machine in and of itself.
And a serious musing topic. Please post this link http://www.childseeknetwork.com/horman.htm to your blogs and Facebook pages, tweet it...whatever. Help bring Kyron home!
May 25, 2010
Continuation of yesterday's post
Alright, here's the deal:
We are surrendering Maddie to a rescue for the week, and perhaps longer. This is obviously a very difficult decision for us, and we have come to this as a last resort. I hope that a week away will be good for all of us and we can get her back and happy again, but we just don't know right now.
She is leaving tonight and the husband will go to check up on her Thursday evening. I don't want to say goodbye, but I do know that we will at least see her next week before we make a final decision about whether or not we need to re-home her. Ultimately, we need to ensure that Maddie is happy...we've finally come to the point where we know she's not adjusting to having a baby around and is acting out because of it. We have tried everything we know to balance her needs with that of ours and Ellie's but it's not working and no one's happy with the current situation.
So we will know more next week about how to proceed. I just ask that those of you who read faithfully, as my friends, be as supportive as you can. If you pray, please say a prayer for us and for Maddie that we can make her as happy as possible. If that means she needs a different home where she can be the sole focus, then I have to make peace with that. But it's tough...she's been with us since she was nine weeks old. She was my first 'baby'. I just want to be the best momma I can to her, and still be a good momma to Ellie too.
We are surrendering Maddie to a rescue for the week, and perhaps longer. This is obviously a very difficult decision for us, and we have come to this as a last resort. I hope that a week away will be good for all of us and we can get her back and happy again, but we just don't know right now.
She is leaving tonight and the husband will go to check up on her Thursday evening. I don't want to say goodbye, but I do know that we will at least see her next week before we make a final decision about whether or not we need to re-home her. Ultimately, we need to ensure that Maddie is happy...we've finally come to the point where we know she's not adjusting to having a baby around and is acting out because of it. We have tried everything we know to balance her needs with that of ours and Ellie's but it's not working and no one's happy with the current situation.
So we will know more next week about how to proceed. I just ask that those of you who read faithfully, as my friends, be as supportive as you can. If you pray, please say a prayer for us and for Maddie that we can make her as happy as possible. If that means she needs a different home where she can be the sole focus, then I have to make peace with that. But it's tough...she's been with us since she was nine weeks old. She was my first 'baby'. I just want to be the best momma I can to her, and still be a good momma to Ellie too.
May 24, 2010
Monday Musings, No. 2, Vol. 11
Just a quick post to let you all know I have some things to muse about, but I need to wait until tomorrow. Our family is changing tonight and it will take me some time to process. No, we aren't having another baby. :)
Be back tomorrow with the deets.
Be back tomorrow with the deets.
May 18, 2010
Monday Musings, No. 2, Vol. 10 - Tuesday version
I didn't write a blog post yesterday. I was working from home and going through the Ellie's routine with my sister, who is now living with us for the summer as the Nanny-Auntie. This is very awesome for many reasons. Mornings are a lot less stressful for one and plus, I like my sister so it's good having her around. I think Ellie likes her too. Musings are a go:
I'm packing up my office because we're getting an Extreme Makeover: Workplace Edition this summer. In the meantime, those of us who already live - er, work - on this floor are being relocated to another part of campus for the duration. I hate packing and moving, so I'm mighty cranky about all this.
I love when I find old stuff when packing, though. Like old CDs that I'd forgotten about that I really liked. In 2001.
Lost finale in less than a week. Oh God.
Baby update: according to last night's naked weigh-in, Ellie's up to FOURTEEN POUNDS! Okay, she was 11lb 3oz at her 4 month appointment five weeks ago. She's chubbed up soooo much since then. It's awesome.
Also, she's sitting up on her own for several minutes at a time and scooting (mostly in circles) nicely. Mobility is imminent.
I'm wearing a green polo and green fleece jacket today b/c I forgot that I left my black fleece in the husband's car. I look like a moron.
Getting that spring 'hair change' fever lately. I need to do something about that.
I also need to make a trek to Trader Joe's for some groceries. I haven't been there in about two months and I miss it.
I really wish spring would stick around. The rain is getting really old. REALLY old.
The husband and I are going to a nearby casino for a fun friends weekend on Saturday. We did this last year too but I was pregnant so I didn't have as much fun as I could have. This year...look out. Fun overload, you betcha.
I'm packing up my office because we're getting an Extreme Makeover: Workplace Edition this summer. In the meantime, those of us who already live - er, work - on this floor are being relocated to another part of campus for the duration. I hate packing and moving, so I'm mighty cranky about all this.
I love when I find old stuff when packing, though. Like old CDs that I'd forgotten about that I really liked. In 2001.
Lost finale in less than a week. Oh God.
Baby update: according to last night's naked weigh-in, Ellie's up to FOURTEEN POUNDS! Okay, she was 11lb 3oz at her 4 month appointment five weeks ago. She's chubbed up soooo much since then. It's awesome.
Also, she's sitting up on her own for several minutes at a time and scooting (mostly in circles) nicely. Mobility is imminent.
I'm wearing a green polo and green fleece jacket today b/c I forgot that I left my black fleece in the husband's car. I look like a moron.
Getting that spring 'hair change' fever lately. I need to do something about that.
I also need to make a trek to Trader Joe's for some groceries. I haven't been there in about two months and I miss it.
I really wish spring would stick around. The rain is getting really old. REALLY old.
The husband and I are going to a nearby casino for a fun friends weekend on Saturday. We did this last year too but I was pregnant so I didn't have as much fun as I could have. This year...look out. Fun overload, you betcha.
May 10, 2010
Monday Musings, Post-Mothers Day Edition
So yesterday was my first real Mother's Day (I got some celebratoriness last year, but I was like, 2 months pregnant, so it didn't really count). It was a nice day, and my grandparents (Mom's folks) and uncle/aunt/cousins (Mom's bro and wife and boys) came to our house to see Ellie and hang out. All in all, a pretty chill day...and the husband said my gift is a spa day at Dosha in Portland to get pampered on a day of my choosing. Not bad, eh?
But more importantly, Ellie turned five months old yesterday. FIVE months??? Wait...we're almost halfway through her first year of life? How did that happen? Just typing it out makes me all giddy and stuff. She's just growing up so fast - she's doubled her birthweight (now at a whopping 13lb 4ish oz) and is sitting up with minimal support. Attempts at crawling have commenced, and usually take place at 4:30am in her crib, which wakes up the parental units of the house, but honestly...it's not bad. She's happy and cooing and squealing when she does it, and as long as we let her play for a bit, then go get her from her crib and bring her into bed with us for an hour or so long 'nap', it's all good. Ellie is really a remarkable little girl...I marvel at her everyday. She's bright and funny and sweet and charming and loving - of course, she's also stubborn and demanding and (too) independent at times, but I even love those more challenging attributes of her personality. She's gonna be no one's doormat, I tell you that much.
Anyway, I have learned so much about myself since becoming a mom, and it's strange to think that I'm not the same person I was before Ellie was born. I think I'm a better person. I love more easily, I protect more fiercely, and I laugh more heartily now. Motherhood really is a transformative thing and I'm blessed to have my husband and daughter along for the ride.
But more importantly, Ellie turned five months old yesterday. FIVE months??? Wait...we're almost halfway through her first year of life? How did that happen? Just typing it out makes me all giddy and stuff. She's just growing up so fast - she's doubled her birthweight (now at a whopping 13lb 4ish oz) and is sitting up with minimal support. Attempts at crawling have commenced, and usually take place at 4:30am in her crib, which wakes up the parental units of the house, but honestly...it's not bad. She's happy and cooing and squealing when she does it, and as long as we let her play for a bit, then go get her from her crib and bring her into bed with us for an hour or so long 'nap', it's all good. Ellie is really a remarkable little girl...I marvel at her everyday. She's bright and funny and sweet and charming and loving - of course, she's also stubborn and demanding and (too) independent at times, but I even love those more challenging attributes of her personality. She's gonna be no one's doormat, I tell you that much.
Anyway, I have learned so much about myself since becoming a mom, and it's strange to think that I'm not the same person I was before Ellie was born. I think I'm a better person. I love more easily, I protect more fiercely, and I laugh more heartily now. Motherhood really is a transformative thing and I'm blessed to have my husband and daughter along for the ride.
May 3, 2010
Monday Musings, No. 2, Vol. 9
I really don't have much to muse about today. The last week was fairly uneventful - the usual stuff with the baby getting all big and stuff, me working and trying to keep my house from falling apart, typical of a week in the life. The husband did start his new job on Friday and is in training with his group this week.
I will say that I've been battling with a very sore neck/right shoulder since last Saturday and finally went to urgent care this Saturday to get it looked at. I got quite the cocktail of drugs to help relieve the pain, but I try to just take the super-strength naproxen and leave the Vicodin and muscle relaxers to those times when the pain gets really bad. Like last night...thank goodness Ellie slept all night b/c I was OUT. The really crap thing about this muscle strain is that the nerves in the muscles are spazzing out and causing nasty pains that shoot down my arm and into my right hand. I'm supposed to refrain from lifting anything heavier than a milk jug, especially with my right side but um, no. I have a baby who just had a massive growth spurt and who happens to like being held and carried around by Momma. :)
Anywho, I'm trying to take it easy on my neck and shoulder...hopefully the muscles will heal soon.
I will say that I've been battling with a very sore neck/right shoulder since last Saturday and finally went to urgent care this Saturday to get it looked at. I got quite the cocktail of drugs to help relieve the pain, but I try to just take the super-strength naproxen and leave the Vicodin and muscle relaxers to those times when the pain gets really bad. Like last night...thank goodness Ellie slept all night b/c I was OUT. The really crap thing about this muscle strain is that the nerves in the muscles are spazzing out and causing nasty pains that shoot down my arm and into my right hand. I'm supposed to refrain from lifting anything heavier than a milk jug, especially with my right side but um, no. I have a baby who just had a massive growth spurt and who happens to like being held and carried around by Momma. :)
Anywho, I'm trying to take it easy on my neck and shoulder...hopefully the muscles will heal soon.
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