A Wife's Tale

christmasgpamike.wmv

2009-12-25T23:02:00.001-07:00

christmasgpamike.wmv

2009-12-25T23:00:00.001-07:00

NEW BLOG

2009-07-20T22:29:00.002-06:00

I've made the switch to my new blog, Life Between Naptime. Here's the link, if you're interested:

http://lifebetweennaptime.blogspot.com/

I will no longer be posting to this blog.

Thanks for reading!

reprimand

2009-07-14T22:09:00.005-06:00

I received this Tweet from my dad on Twitter tonight:
memikeyounot: Ok, its time for a blog update...new pics etc.

Last week I received an email from my mom asking if she had to join Facebook to be informed on my life because I haven't blogged much lately.

I may be 27 years old, but reprimands from my parents still get to me, so, alas, mom & dad, here's a long overdue post for you, my two most loyal readers!!

Mostly, life has been busy. A few things I've been up to whilst not posting here:

1. My friend, Sadie, and I are 'training' for the Days of '47 5K, which takes place next Friday in SLC. I say 'training' because we really only walk together two days a week and have only been doing that for two weeks. I've tried to get out every day, even when I go it alone. We push our kids in the strollers (which, incidentally, we have the exact same stroller/car seat system). Yesterday we walked for a LONG time on a local trail so I went back today to our path and walked/jogged it again with Ben's GPS so I could see the mileage. It was 4.80 miles. I'm feeling like if I can do the 5K next week in under 40 minutes, I'll feel proud.

2. We took a quick trip to Levan last week for the Ute Stampede celebration...rodeo & parade. Ben's grandma was Ute Stampede royalty when she was a teenager and they celebrated 75 years of the Ute Stampede this year, so they had all former royalty members in the parade & rodeo. It was neat. Saturday we spent the day at Yuba Lake and enjoyed boating and playing in the water...until a HUGE storm hit and we were forced to leave. I'll admit I was in a crabby mood most of Saturday so I failed to take any pictures, but here are a few from the day before @ the parade/rodeo:
3. I've made a priority to get some personal reading time in. I can't remember the last time I read something for just pure enjoyment and not for school or for researching purposes. It's been nice to pick up a good book, read during downtime, and finish a few books.

4. Little Man. Need I say more? He takes up the majority of my time, which is totally OK! We've been working on improving naptime, tummy time, and neck stretches. We also introduced his Bumbo chair as well as the Johnny Jump-Up. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves here:The first attempt at the Johnny Jump-Up...well, he had a meltdown and lasted mere seconds. He took a nap, ate, and then we tried again....

Much better!

Look! He's turning his head to the left on his OWN!!! I couldn't be prouder because those stretches are hard!

Tummy time with his head/neck at midline position, a very, very, very good thing!

He's quite the reverent boy, folding his hands to say a prayer...except he keeps his eyes open! HA! Really, this is his curious face (his hands are always doing something like this) as he sits in his Bumbo chair. Each day he gets a little better and even the dog gets in on the fun...
...by licking Erich's feet!

Another new trick: putting his binky in his mouth all by himself, with help from mom, of course. He's done it a few times and gets SO close other times. If he can't get his binky in, he's happy to have a finger or two (or three, or four) in his mouth, too.

And, as always, we end our day in the tubby. You can see that he loves his tubby. It joins two of his favorite things: 1- being a naked baby, and 2. splashing so hard he gives mom a shower. And aren't toothless smiles just the best?

5. Lastly, I have been working on creating another blog. I decided I needed a little change and upgrade from "A Wife's Tale," as I have been blogging here for 5 years!!! I have yet to officially launch my new blog with posts and such, but for your information, my new blog is called "Life Between Naptime. I'll post a link here soon for you to check out.

grad school+baby=distractions

2009-07-08T15:37:00.004-06:00

I just finished the first week in my second to last class for my master's degree (did you get all that?). It shouldn't have been such an overwhelming week as the assignment was to create a simple PowerPoint, something I'm quite familiar with. There were parts of the week that made it difficult, though:
1) The 4th of July holiday/weekend was spent with family and I think I logged into my computer a total of 2 times.
2) This go-around, they've switched the weeks from Monday-Sunday (which is quite normal, right?) to Thursday-Wednesday (seriously, who comes up with these ideas?!?!). This kind of threw me off!
3) Little man. Oh, man, my little man--what to do with him?!?! He's been really slacking in the ol' nap department (probably a direct relation from too much playing over the weekend & not enough structure), then there's those darn torticollis stretches (which, by the way, we got more of at the appointment on Monday), then there's just the fact that he seems to prefer crying and/or hollering rather than the cute talking and giggles.

Let's just say that I'd had quite enough of it so yesterday when it was technically time for a nap, I swaddled him up, stuck the binky in his mouth (though I knew this was a moot point because one of his ways of showing rebellion to sleep is spitting the binky out), and shut the door ALL THE WAY and just let him cry. And cry. And freakin' cry! And then I cried, too, because I felt like the worst mom. I think he cried for a full 2 hours until it was time to eat, at which point I fed him, repeated the whole naptime routine and he crashed on his own after about 2 minutes of fake-fussing. The frustrating thing, though, is that he only crashes for 20-30 minutes at a time.

I've put all the sleep books to rest because I realized that only I am the expert on my little man. Though I have taken quite a few suggestions from the books, I think it's time for me to just rely on my instincts and take lead from little man. I'm slowly seeing improvment, though: Erich slept 8 hours last night before waking up at 4:30am to eat.

I must admit, though, that when he's in a good mood, we have lots of fun:

He's getting better at holding toys in his hands, bringing toys up to his mouth, and then...

...pretending he's an alien from another planet.

He's getting better at tummy-time, but when he gets tired he...

...goes down to rest and suck on his hand, which apparently is quite tasty.

red, white, and blue!

2009-07-06T20:21:00.004-06:00

We had a lovely 4th of July with family!

sushi picnic

2009-07-03T22:26:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Ben was able to have a random day off from work. He probably would prefer to sleep in or get stuff done around the house, but since I prefer to get OUT of the house after being here so much, I drug him out of bed (I let him sleep in until 11!!!!) and demanded that he take me and little man on a picnic to Liberty Park.

I've decided to *attempt* to cut out all fast-food stops in an effort to be more healthy and save money. So, instead of picking up KFC, which would be totally appropriate for a picnic at the park, we stopped at a new drive-through sushi (yes, there is such a thing) joint and picked up a few rolls and some edamame. Then we drove to Liberty Park in hopes that we'd beat the rain/thunder storm that was abrewing.

Erich's nose was chop-sticked by daddy, though he didn't seem to mind.

After being chop-sticked, Erich was content to suck on his fingers, a new favorite.

Little man with the parental units: After we ate, we walked around the water feature at the center of the park called Seven Canyon Fountain. This replicates all of Utah's mountains and the bodies of water the flow from them, as well as the Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake. Ben decided to dip Erich's feet in the water...

...and he didn't care for it too much.
So we packed up and headed home. Little Erich totally crashed in the car!!

on meeting patty duke

2009-07-01T19:15:00.002-06:00

Last Saturday I was at my mom's house for a few hours. While I was there I, of course, fed the baby. Usually at home I try to read while I feed him, but I decided to turn on the TV at her house. Now, before I explain any more of this story, let me give a brief background on my mom and technology.

Bless her heart, she has an iPod, digital camera, and a cell phone. All of these devices require my assistance at times to operate. She frequently requests that I come help her do something with one of these devices, such as downloading a podcast, uploading pictures, and adding a new contact. I've been so proud of her and her recent advances in the use of these devices. For one thing, I don't know what I'd do if she didn't have a phone. And for another thing, it's nice that she no longer has to worry about film in a camera.

Despite these latest advances in her technological prowess, however, she's still way far behind in one crucial arena: Television. She's probably one of the last people in her neighborhood to upgrade her old analog TV. But not only that, she still just has the basic channels, ie 5 channels. Seriously.

Ok, so maybe there are more than 5.

Anyway, when the whole DTV conversion was set to happen, we all thought she'd join the rest of the 21st century by not only upgrading her TV (I'm not saying she needs a huge-o flat screen or plasma, just a simple upgrade) but also considering a cable option where she would have more than 5 channels (of ALL sorts of shows she'd love) and the use of amazing DVR technology (another side note: she still RECORDS programs on a VHS tape; I tell her DVR is LOADS easier but she frets she wouldn't be able to figure it out).

And now, back to my real point/story:

While I was watching TV at her house on Saturday, I ran through all the channels in a matter of nanoseconds. I had the option of watching an infomercials about a fancy hair straigtner or a new fangled cleaning product. OR I could watch "The Patty Duke Show."

I didn't know who Patty Duke was nor did I have any clue about the characters. This episode featured Patty (though I think I finally caught on that her name in the show was Cathy?) trying to befriend a homely classmate, Marsha, and helping her become more confident. Along the way, a young boy (Richard, I believe) was caoxed into being Marsha's practice and helping her learn how to act around boys. Somewhere in the show, there was another young female character--could her name also have been Cathy? Cindy? I do not know. And I also met Cathy's squeeky-clean parents.

I don't think I watched the whole show because we ended up leaving before it was over, but I've been thinking about it all week. I was surprised by two things: 1) I found myself very interested in the storyline and actually left wanting more (do you think they have this on DVD from the library?) and 2) A show like that would never survive in today's TV lineup. Not enough sex or violence (though I do remember Marsha saying the word "sexy!!!") and it was all just too perfect.

it's a boy shower

2009-07-01T15:59:00.002-06:00

Alas! I've been reuinted with my camera!! I'm more attached to it than I am to my phone and I probably could have handled being separated from the phone longer than the camera!!!!!

Anyway....

Me & Sadie with our mommas!!

Last Saturday, my friend Sadie and her mom gave me and Erich a little shower. We had a fun little luncheon and Erich recieved some very nice gifts. This was especially fun because for all the other showers I had for Erich, no one knew if it was a boy or girl, so this shower was all boy and it was great. Another reason why it was fun, is that a good childhood friend, Tara, was in town from Hong Kong and she came to the shower!!! How fun to have seen her and catch up in real-time, rather than blogs!!!Tara, me & Erich, Sadie

little man update

2009-07-01T15:29:00.005-06:00

A little man update for those who care:

I've been doing his neck stretches for a week and a half now and there is clearly some improvement. He's not only screaming less during the ordeal, but he's starting to turn his head both ways. This is a huge accomplishment because now he's doing it on his own, not by me forcing him. While this is great for Erich, it makes feeding him almost like watching a tennis match; one minute he's looking left, the next he's looking right, and his bottle bobs in motion, and thus we're constantly moving with him.
Another big thing is that now he often sleeps on the left side of his head, instead of the right, and there is almost equal amounts of bald spots on his hair on both the left and right side (and, speaking of hair, he's shedding!! I found a ton of little baby Erich hairs on his hat that wore yesterday, so sad....). I'm feeling quite confident that the therapist will be pleased with his improvements and that it will just get better from here.

I've made a concerted effort to limit his "device" time (ie, swing, car seat, floor, etc.) and have more often than not had him on his tummy propped up a little by his Boppy pillow. He still mostly despises this, but since we introduced "Naked Tummy Time, " things have gotten progressively better. We had to introduce naked tummy time because of his awful diaper rash/sores. (Have I mentioned that I caved and took him to the pediatrician on Monday for his 2+ week bout of diarrhea & ouchy diaper rash/sores? This visit led to a switch to rice ceral laden formula, a new butt cream, and a HAPPY baby and mom!!) My little man has the skinniest little bum ever, it's just about the cutest thing ever, but I stopped myself from taking a picture of it in fear that my husband would have a total freak out and my son might one day be embarassed because of it.

We also have been practicing sitting in the "Bebe Pod," a "Bumbo"-like infant seat. He's none too sure about this adventure, either. But doesn't he look so cute sitting up like a big man!!!

We've been working on a bedtime and naptime routine. He's doing SO much better with his sleeping...except for when he takes super short naps, as in, not long enough for me to get even one load of laundry folded!! However, just this afternoon, we had some napping success. I picked him up from my grandma's because she watched him while I went to the temple and lunch with some teacher friends. He had just eaten, was a little drowsy, but didn't fall asleep in the car. When we got home, I swaddled him up, gave him a few loves, popped his binky in, and put him in his crib. He fussed for a few minutes, so I went back to sooth him. He fussed again for a few minutes, but then it was quiet. He fell asleep ON HIS OWN in the crib without being in my arms. It may not go as smoothly next time, but it's the small successes like this that help me realize, "I CAN do this!"

Here he is last week taking a mini-nap on the couch while I read. I couldn't bear to put him in his crib once he fell asleep here, so just sat next to him and stared at him. Don't you just love his hand up by his face?!?

how i spent my summer vacation

2009-06-29T22:06:00.002-06:00

Some people may have had an assignment like this one when they were in school:

Teacher: Ok, class. Because I can't think of anything else to do to fill up the time of the first week of school, I'd like you to write an essay about how you spent your summer vacation.

Some essays perhaps sounded something like this:

"This summer was so fun. I played with my friends every day. We went to the park, went swimming, and walked to the gas station for ice cold drinks. I went camping with my family and got a few sunburns. Etc..."

I admit that I've never personally had my students write such an essay because, well, it's kind of cliche and lame (just FYI, 'lame' is my new favorite word'). However, if I were given the chance now as a student of mommyhood, this is what my essay would say:

How I spent my Summer Vacation

This summer has been unlike any others I've ever experienced. No sitting outside for hours in my swimming suit, reading my latest treasure. No sleeping in until 9 or 10, basking in the cool breeze flowing through the bedroom from a too-loud fan. No midnight runs to 7-11 for Slurpee's, Snickers, and Watermelon Laffy Taffy. And no visits to the drive-in movie theater for a double feature, making-out under the stars, and greasy drive-in cuisine. Nope, this summer is way different.
This summer, I spent a good percent of my time worrying/stressing/confused about a certain newborn little boy. Said little boy keeps me up at night, not with crying or late night feedings, but with my mind racing on how to halt a nasty case of diaper rash and 2 week lasting bouts of diarrhea. Said little boy requires naps every other hour, on the dot, or all hell breaks loose. Said little boy loves cuddling and rocking and swaying and bouncing and not anything out of mommy's arms. Said little boy is a stickler when it comes to taking day-time naps.
On the other hand, though, I spent this summer falling head-over-heels in love with a certain newborn little boy whose smile melts my heart and often brings a lump in my throat. Said little boy laughs and crunches up his nose when he's happy and consequentally makes me not worry about laundry, dishes, vacuuming, or cooking. Said little boy is my right-hand man and goes pretty much every where with me. Said little boy has shown me that there's more to life than suntanning, swimming, Slurpee's, Snickers, and drive-in movies.
So, while this summer vacation has been so vastly different than those in the past, it has also been so amazingly better because of a certain newborn little boy. I can hardly remember what life was like without him (though I know it involved way fewer diapers and way less midnight wake-up calls...) and I'm more than pleased that his special arrival has significanly changed all aspects of my life.

And, unlike some students who bluff their way through assignments like this, this essay comes from the deepest part of my heart. And I'd for sure get an A+. Because if I didn't, it'd be lame.

(pictures are on hiatus because I left my camera at the parent's Hubert's. Hopefully I'll be picking it up tomorrow...)

just to complicate things a little more...

2009-06-23T20:05:00.002-06:00

Erich and I went to the physical therapist yesterday to start therapy for his torticollis. Of course, I should have scheduled the appointment for earlier in the morning and not at 4:30 because somewhere around 5pm, little man gets FUSSY!!! Needless to say, he did a lot of screaming into the poor therapist's ear and not a lot of stretching.

Basically, a run-down of what we're doing to help his torticollis:
1. The right side of his neck (muscles) are tight and need to be stretched. This is because when I was in the womb, he had no room to stretch his neck and has a literal kink in his neck because of it. There is nothing we could have done to prevent this from happening, rather it already happened before he was born. That made feel a little better, knowing that I hadn't purposefully messed him up.
2. He favors looking over his right shoulder because to look over his left shoulder is hard since the right muscles are so tight. To help compensate for this, he is supposed to always be put in a position where the fun and exciting things (mom, dad, toys, sound, color, etc.) are over his left shoulder so he's more likely to look. For example, he now has to lay in the crib with his right side facing the wall and left side facing the room. Also, I have to switch him from lying with his right side to me when I'm changing him on the changing table; now it's hard for me to change him quickly because it's backwards for me when his left side is facing me.
3. Ideally, he's to spend no more than 1 hour in any sort of 'device' during the day wherein his head is on a hard surface, ie. swing, carseat, vibrating seat, floor. Instead, I'm to increase his "tummy time," so that he gets both practice lifting his head and strengthening his muscles AND to get his head off the hard surface so it won't continue to go flat on one side. The whole car seat part his hard because somedays when I run errands he's in the seat for a few hours. The therapist suggested I carry him or put him in a sling or other carrying device.
4. There are 3 stretches I must do with him every day, 3 sessions each day, 3 to 5 times for 30 seconds. Add a painful (or, rather annoying) stretch in the mix of an already fussy and upset boy and you guessed it, total chaos. The therapist showed me the stretches and then gave me some papers with them outlined in detail, along with really awful pictures with babies who look terribly deformed (as in, the artist should rethink his renduring of a torticollis baby). Today was day 1 of said stretches....Erich screamed and bawled through the first session (and I did a little too), fussed through the second session, and only made it through one stretch in the third session before I became upset and frustrated at his wailing. So, we cuddled instead (but I did face his head over his left shoulder, which gave him a little stretch).
5. I'll take him back in 2 weeks to reevaluate his progress. The pressure of this is almost worse than not practicing piano for an entire week before lessons and then practicing for one hour before lessons. (I admit to doing this); it's totally obvious when you don't practice. Not that I won't do the stretches, but what if I'm doing them wrong? What if, since he screams so much during them and tenses his body, the stretching is inadequate? I've made little notes of encouragement to myself (along with a note that says "L" for left and "R" for right, that I tape on his respective shoulders...I may be 27, but sometimes I get the two confused, especially when it's backwards to me) and have kind of figured out the best times to do the stretches...right after he eats but before I put him down for a nap.

I knew being a mom was going to be hard. I knew there'd be challenges. I love being a mom and I love Erich to death but I gotta say, it's way harder than I ever thought (and way harder than anyone ever told me it would be, but I don't think you really know what'll be like until your living it). It breaks my heart when he cries and cries, when I have to bend his head in a position I know is uncomfortable. I know it will all be worth it in the long run and I'm so grateful I have good insurance that allows me to take of things like this (and a job where I can be home with him). It's hard to see your kids upset or suffering, especially when you don't know exactly how to comfort them or make it all better. I've been overwhelmed with this the last few days and keep reflecting on my expereiences as a mom so far. The smiles, half-laughs, and coos totally make up for the screams, wails, and poopy diapers.

Today I traveled to the Sandy Target because the ride to our Target isn't long enough for little man to fall asleep (yeah, he fell asleep in the carseat and was in the carseat for at least an hour...oops). I had some coupons for some baby items and needed to find an alternative diaper rash cream because Erich's bottom is all sorts of rash-y (I bought Buttpaste, per a recommendation from one of my sister-in-law's friends..love it so far!). As we walked out to the car, I figured I would stop by my grandma's house since I was in the neighborhood and I knew that Cassidy and Cash were there. We got there and Hilary was just picking up the kids because Cash had his 4 month appointment. I think grandma sensed my stress and offered to watch Erich so I could go do something. I left him there for about an hour and headed to the library to read and enjoy some quiet. It was beyond lovely. I know she doesn't read this, but THANKS GRANDMA!!! It was a big help today!!!

timpanogos cave

2009-06-21T22:31:00.004-06:00

My brother, Zach and his family invited me to hike Mt. Timpanogos Cave with them on Saturday. Even though the weather was kind of crummy, it was still a fun time.

Baby Erich had a pretty sweet ride for the hike. He lounged, ate, and slept in a front carrier. In addition to his 12 lb frame, I also carried a backpack with other stuff in it. Needless to say, I was weighed down and was out of breath a few times.
Baby Cash and Baby Erich are hidden by hats and blankets. Hilary and I did pretty good, considering we both recently had babies!!
My and Zach. He had is high-tech hiking equipment, along with a HUGE umbrella that we ended up needing for a bit right after this picture was taken.
Baby Cash on one of our many pit stops, just enjoying the adventure!
Cute Cassidy hanging out on the trail. She's a pretty good little hiker!

THE CAVE PICTURES: I could explain them all, but I'll spare you the details. Most of the pictures just don't do it justice because inside is just super spectacular.
One thing I will say, however, is that am a relative of Wayne Hansen (Hanson? Dad??) who was one of the two men who discovered part of Timpanogos Cave, which currently bears the name "Hansen/on Cave." Zach and I felt pretty special to brag about this fact to the tour guide (ok, so we didn't really brag and we really don't know the whole story, but this guy Wayne really did discover the cave and really is related..I think he was my dad's uncle).
All these hangy-down things (stalagtites/mites??) were pretty sweet. These in the above picture are what they affectionaly have called 'soda straws,' and a pretty cool. My taller traveling companions (Hilary, Zach) each hit their heads on the hangy-down things, to which I laughed and had myself a good inside chuckle.It took about an hour to walk through the whole thing. It was pretty fascinating, much more so than I remember it being as a kid. I'm glad that little man slept the whole time inside and did a pretty good job the whole hiking trip.
Thanks Zach and Hilary for inviting me and taking me along for the ride!!

happy father's day! & it's a good thing you get better with age...

2009-06-21T21:38:00.006-06:00

{1996 Take Your Daughter to Work Day @ ATT&T with my dad, Mike. Notice the super cool and trendy dusty pink polo shirt, the total 90's glasses (which I think were also dusty pink around the frames), and my oily, homely, scraggly hair. Yup. I'm a hottie. I think I was in 8th grade. And dad looks spiffy, too, with that awesome hair-do!!! (jk, love it, dad!!)}**

Now that I have your attention with that awful old school photo (that I should be TOO embarrassed to post for the blogging world to see!), lemme give a father's day shout out to my daddy-O, who is an avid reader (one of the few) of my blog. Because I'm lame and kept forgetting to put his card in the mail, he'll get this today and a card...sometime this week... if I stop being lame and remember to drop it off at the post office.

I love my dad. I think he's pretty awesome. I think (though he may correct me if I'm wrong) that I was a daddy's girl when I was little and I kinda think I still am, even though I'm older, have a baby, and he lives in Las Vegas so I don't see him much. He takes interest in my life and I appreciate that. I also appreciate all the stuff he did with me when I was little (he did my hair a few times in elementary school and boy, was it good!) and all the stuff he did with me when I was a little older (he took me to see my favorite band, Barenaked Ladies, at the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas AND to Dave Matthew's Band AND to San Fransico for my 16th birthday) and all the stuff he does for me now (can you say "shoes?" anyone, anyone??).

He's hip, likes good music, has good taste in books (he, too, enjoyed one of my favorites, "In Cold Blood," written by my literary boyfriend, Truman Capote), and again, he buys me shoes! Cute ones! Often! He was there for me when I had that awful "Cadilac" spacer in my mouth pre-braces and he often turned the key on that spacer, which in return gave me a sweet gap between my two front teeth reminiscent of David Letterman. He let me drive his purple Sebring convertible around for the weekend once when I was in highschool (and later found out how I killed the battery and had to get a jump start after a school dance).

Yeah, my dad's pretty cool.

Here's another Take Your Daughter to Work Day picture, circa 1997. Here I'm donning a fashionable dress from K-Mart (which I thought was super cute!), a wierd growing-my-hair-out hair-do, complete with the same oily, homely, scragly bangs, braces (ugh!), and to top it all off...dangly earings.
Happy Father's day, daddy-o!!!

______

Happy Father's day, also, to my husband!!! He, unlike my dad, never reads the blog, but what kind of wife would I be if I didn't post a shout-out to the man who is the father of my little man?? Baby Erich got daddy a fancy framed version of this picture for Father's Day:My husband is a trooper--putting up with me! (And I'm a trooper, too, you know, for putting up with him ;)). All jokes aside, I'm really grateful for Ben. I think I'd be completely lost without him taking care of all the manly things around the house, like squishing bugs and taking out the diaper pail bags and setting mouse traps and mowing the lawn and bringing me a glass of cold water in bed and (sometimes) feeding the baby at night so I can sleep and hooking up all things electric and letting me have the car even though it's raining and he has to drive the bike and tickling my back (not quite like my college roommate, Sheena, used to do, but pretty darn close, after practice) and squishing bugs and COOKING and leaving a light on for me and not getting mad when I accidentally leave the back door WIDE FREAKING OPEN ALL DAY LONG for any random stranger to come and steal the contents of our house (it's happened twice now) and holding me when I'm upset/crying/frustrated/tired/fedup and squishing bugs.

Erich is lucky to have a daddy who loves him so very much and who can't wait to see him after work and who (sometimes) changes his diaper so mommy gets a break and who makes him smile like no one else and who holds him and holds him and holds him until he falls asleep and who watches the fish take with him and who really does love him more than he loves his dumb dog (did I say "dumb" outloud?)

Daddy's little buddy!!!

AND, lastly...another Father's Day shout-out to my other dad!!! Thank you SO MUCH for all you do for me and my family. We love you and are so glad to have you in our lives!!!

converse

2009-06-19T23:08:00.002-06:00

Our friend, Angel, made Erich some Converse hightops, just like the ones Ben wears. I think they are super cute!

the zoo

2009-06-19T23:04:00.003-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa Hubert bought a grandparents pass to the Hoggle Zoo this year. Erich and I tagged along for a trip with grandma, aunt Linda & her kids, and Erich's cousins Chloe and Caydi. We had a good time, especially because it was perfect weather!!!
Erich did pretty good and it was especially good for me to get out of the house!! We'll probably go again soon!!

rubber ducky

2009-06-14T22:43:00.003-06:00

The media specialist (or librarian) at my school gave me this cute rubber ducky outfit at the school shower. I totally forgot about it, but found it again when I went through Erich's clothes last week and fell in love all over again.
It's a personal favorite thing of mine to get in comfy clothes (ie, pajamas) on Sunday's after church, but instead of putting little man back in pj's I put him in the cute pants and onesie. The three of us enjoyed a LOOOONNNGGG nap (seriously, almost 3 hours) and then I put him in his swing before bathtime to get a picture in his cute duds.
He's been full of smiles the last few days and talks a ton, it's too cute. I can't believe he's 10 weeks old today!!!

ye old scottish festival

2009-06-14T22:31:00.005-06:00

Yesterday we braved the strange June weather to go to the Scottish Festival at Thanksgiving Point. We went last year for the first time and LOVED it so much, we decided to make it a tradition.
This year, my mom went with us and we stayed for just a few hours and took in all things Scottish. I ate a traditional shepherd's pie, Ben dined on haggis (yuck! times twelve!!). We bought little man a wee little kilt and had about a million people comment on how cute he looked. Ben really wanted him to wear it to church today, but since I'm the one who dressed him (& Ben didn't go to church), I didn't comply with this wish. The kilt will actually fit Erich for a few years because it has Velcro...that is the only reason why I consented to actually spending money on it.
We watched the closing ceremony wherein the bag pipe bands all played. It was too cool.
Luckily, we got there right when the rain storm was passing and we enjoyed decent weather the rest of the time.
It was nice to have Ben off of work for a Saturday and to be able to actually go out and do something.

wherein i feel loads better

2009-06-13T23:27:00.001-06:00

Had a really swell day OUT of the house. Attended the Scottish festival with B, E, mom. Bought little E a skirt...well, a kilt, if I'm being honest. He looks so darn cute. Will post pics tomorrow. Currently typing with one hand whilst holding my baby and am too tired to write much more.

Thanks to my commenters for the kind words of encouragement!

wherein i'm totally honest

2009-06-13T10:07:00.002-06:00

I've been in a bit of a funk lately. Normally not one to air my dirty laundry (per se) on my blog, it's just gotta come out and about now is a good time.

I feel guilty because:

1. Breastfeeding didn't work for me because my milk never really came in AND it's hard reading SO MUCH about breastfeeding being the best. I get it, I know. I feel bad enough that apparently my son is going to get sicker and loose out on nutrients, etc., etc., etc., but cut a new, tired momma some slack--I'M DOING THE BEST I CAN, OK??

2. Sometimes I smile when I see Erich crying because his lips curl together to make the "w" sound as in "WAHHHHH." It's sometimes the cutest thing and sometimes I just hold him and watch him wail because I love seeing that little "w" forming.

3. All the sleeping books I've been perusing on getting my baby to sleep say it's a no-no to let them sleep in the swing for naps. But, you know what, he sleeps in there much longer for naps than in his crib!! And about sleeping....I'm feeling guilty because Erich wakes up one time in the night to eat--around 3am--and I complain but some babies at this age STILL wake up several times a night. He does sleep in his crib at night, though. And another thing about sleeping, I'm feeling guilty because I tried to get him to fall to sleep on his own last night (rather than rocking him or swaying him or holding him till he dozed) and I let him cry for 10 minutes without success. I know, I'm a horrible mom. I know it'll eventually have to happen that he falls asleep on his own, but the WAHHHHH at that point isn't so cute!

4. Again, BREASTFEEDING!!! AHHHH!!!! I see women doing it now ALL over and I see those cute nursing covers and I see it over and over it the books I read, "Breast is best....you bottle feeders are GOING TO BABY HELL because you don't breastfeed," (not really) and OHMYGOSH, why couldn't I have gotten it to work for me?!?!?!?!

I'm frustrated because:

1. I love my husband dearly but sometimes I wish Ben could/would do MORE to help out. Sometimes I'll let the baby cry a little longer than normal just to see if Ben will do anything...pick him up, ANYTHING. But nope. He's content to keep watching TV. Or go water the plants. Or eat. True, he works full time AND has school.....

2. BREASTFEEDING!!!! Even though I took heart in Ben's aunt Linda's advice ("A happy mom is better than a frustrated or stressed mom, " which she told me after about two weeks of unsuccessful and frustrating breastfeeding) I am having a hard time LETTING THIS ONE GO!!!

3. I need to get out of the house more. I'm feeling cooped up and lazy!! I need actual face-to-face contact with some girlfriends. This is one thing Ben doesn't understand I don't think because again, he's content to come home from work and WATCH TV ALL NIGHT!!! I'm SO SICK OF tv!!!! I worked up courage to take Erich on a walk yesterday but the whole time kept looking behind me in case, in some fluke accident, another dog came up and bit my leg!!!

Ok...enough said. I feel a little better.

2 months

2009-06-08T22:02:00.002-06:00

This is Erich today at the pediatrician's office. He was all smiles and full of stories while we waited to see Dr. N. The smiles didn't last forever, though, since shortly after this picture was taken, he got 3 shots! Boy, did he SCREAM!!!

His 2 month stats:
--Weight: 11lbs, 2 oz. (33%)
--Height: 23.23 inches (58%)
--Head: 15.6 in (35%)

I had a concern about his head because he usually will only lay on his left side and it's getting a little flat spot. So I asked her, she checked it out, and said it looked like torticollis, which basically means his neck muscle is tight so it's hard to turn his head any other way. She showed me a stretch I can do with him and then wants me to take him to a physical therapist for a couple of visits. She says that his head is still ok and will probably be fine with a few physical therapy visits, but that if he did end up needing a helmet to correct the problem, insurance usually only pays for it if the patient had already seen the physical therapist. I'm going to call tomorrow to get him set up.

Otherwise, Dr. N said he looks perfect. She was happy to hear how well he sleeps at night (only gets up one time around 2 or 3), and that he's already rolling over. He was so sweet (before shots!) and showed off his new smile and was full of coos for the doctor.

He slept most of the afternoon after we got home, but when we went to the grocery store when dad got home, he was smily and talking.

new shoes

2009-06-08T21:56:00.003-06:00

My dad works for Zappos.com, the HUGE online shoe store (and more!). I'm lucky enough to benefit from his job and received a fun pair of Sanuk shoes from him for my birthday. The picture shows my WHITE legs wearing the cute kicks. I wore them today on my travels about town and oh, my, they are SO comfy!! I almost feel like I'm walking barefoot.

Thanks, daddy-o!!!

tony's

2009-06-08T21:50:00.004-06:00

I was born on Sunday, June 6th 1982. My dad tells the story (or maybe my mom tells the story) (or maybe I made up the story in my head) that he was anxious/excited to watch the Tony's even though I had just been born.

The Tony's have always fallen on or around my birthday, and I watch every year, so when my dad Tweeted me yesterday to remind me that they were on, I sat on the bed with Erich to watch. He was surprisingly entertained (though these days he's entertained by anything that is moving with bright colors).
Mommy and Erich watchin' the Tony's!!

See how he's totally engaged in...something.......it was the AMAZING Shrek number!!!

red, much??

2009-06-08T21:43:00.003-06:00

I like the color red, apparently:

My RED Zune, my RED cell phone, my RED digital reader

june 6th, 2009

2009-06-07T14:25:00.005-06:00

This was an important day for two reasons. It was little Erich's blessing day and my 27th birthday.

We decided to keep the blessing small with just our parents and grandparents. Ben did a lovely job, even though he was really nervous and anxious. He commented to me after that he almost passed out during the blessing. I'm proud of him, though, and am happy with how it turned out.

My awesome mother-in-law made Erich's blessing outfit. I LOVE how it turned out. Grandma Susan bought his booties and socks. I think he looked absolutely precious!!Grandpa Erich & Little Erich

Daddy, Erich, and Grandpa Erich

Four Generations: Opa Hubert, Ben, little Erich, & Grandpa Erich (do you se how they all look alike??)
Opa Hubert, Ben, little Erich, Grandpa Erich, & Grandpa Witt

Grandma Witt, Grandma Hubert, little Erich, me, Grandma Susan, Grandma Ella, and Oma Hubert
My little man. He was so calm the whole time. Grandpa Witt told me that during the blessing he was staring up at everyone's faces and when everyone said "Amen," Erich cooed a little "Amen" himself.
Opa Hubert always plays "Happy Birthday" on the harmonica on everyone's birthday. He brought it out and played for me and then after the blessing, he played for Erich. Erich loved it!

Then it was off to my mom's house for a BBQ. She went all out--as usual--and even made my favorite pasta salad. We had yummy "Nothing Bundt Cake" chocolate cake and I received lots of wonderful gifts!! Thanks, everyone!

erich's smiles

2009-06-06T10:22:00.003-06:00

Erich's getting better at smiling. I took all of these pictures this morning when he was in a fun mood. I managed to capture his many smiles. I'm in love!!

pre-birthday celebration

2009-06-06T10:12:00.003-06:00

I received a coupon for a free meal with purchase at one of our favorite restaurants--Tucano's, a Brazilian meat place (I know there's a better name for it, but I can't think of it). We decided to drop little man off at grandma Susan's and head to dinner to celebrate both my 27th birthday AND the last day of school. Little man wasn't too excited that he couldn't go with us...
Of course, when we got there, Ben asked the lady if I would get a free dessert for my birthday. She explained that I would get an ice cream sundae. When she left I said, "Now they're going to come out here and sing to me! You shouldn't have said anything!" And I was right. Next thing I know, a whole Brazilian band comes out and sings Happy Birthday in Portuguese...and I had to accompany them with a tambourine!
But I did get a free ice cream sundae out of the deal and it was sure tasty!
Today is a big double celebration day: We are blessing Erich at our house with just our parents and grandparents at 5 and then having a big BBQ at my mom's house with the rest of the family. Truly the best birthday present ever, though, is being done with my 3rd year of teaching!!!

so long, farewell (or, in other words, the last day of school)

2009-06-06T10:05:00.004-06:00

Hooray! Though it really has felt like the first two weeks of school instead of the last for me, yesterday was indeed the blessed last day of school for the 08-09 year. What a crazy year, on many levels!

The faculty celebrated this event by having a fun luau bash as soon as all the darlings had exited the building. My friends and I are on the committee that helped plan the event (though I was absent for most of that process) and we had a great time kicking back for a little while, enjoying GREAT food, and laughing at other weird teachers who we work with.
Here's what I'd look like with perfect black hair and a teeny-tiny waist if I lived in Hawaii.
By far the best part of the last day of school, though, was knowing that when I got home to my little guy (and the big one, too), I wouldn't have to leave him again for nearly three months! We had a good cuddle/nap on the couch until the evening's plans unfolded!!

yearbook 09

2009-06-03T18:14:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was yearbook day, a big day for me and my staff. The books turned out pretty good. Of course, I always see flaws, but it's not likely that many students notice these flaws (a missing comma here, a misspelled word there...it's not like they are perfect when it comes to grammar and spelling!). And to be honest, I didn't really LOVE the cover this year. And, again with sincere honesty, this was my least favorite yearbook I've done...and I attribute that to being pregnant during the whole creation of the book and not really having my heart in it as in years past. My students seemed pleased, though, which is the more important thing. If you couldn't tell by the cover, this year's theme was "Pieces of the Puzzle," again, not my favorite choice, but it's the kids book, right? Not mine. The picture is of our mascot, a mustang, in puzzle pieces and we carried puzzles all throughout the book.

I had my students sign my book, as always, and had some interesting signatures. This one, though, was by far my favorite. As runners up:
1. All signatures that spelled "taught" incorrectly-- tawt, toughth, taut, tought, teached.
2. One student said I was "sick."
3. "I hope giving birth to Erich didn't hurt."

long over due

2009-05-30T21:36:00.009-06:00

My mom mentioned to me that I hadn't posted in a few days. I told her I'd been a little overwhelmed, balancing the mommy and working thing for the first time this week. Well, after a fun day, Baby Erich has been bathed, fed, and is now sleeping deeply and I figured it was a good time to get caught up with my blog.

My dad came for a quick visit last weekend. It was his first time meeting all the new grand babies. Dad brought the little boys matching yellow OshkoshBigosh onesies and Cassidy a cute yellow t-shirt. My fun sisters-in-law thought we should get the kids' pictures taken in the outfits, so Saturday morning we got them all ready and took them to Kiddie Kandids for a fun photo shoot:

Cash, Cassidy holding Erich, and Dawson

I don't think my son really enjoyed this picture, but I think Cash and Dawson enjoyed it even less being squished by their cousins!!

The Three Amigos!!!

It was a real challenge to get all the babies to pose for a photo with grandpa Mike!
And then you throw in a sassy 6 year old and it causes even more fun!
Unfortunately, Erich was super fussy most of the weekend. He cried a lot and I tried really hard not to be annoyed, but I was frustrated...and probably my whole family could tell. Luckily, the night before my dad left, Erich was calm enough to take a few pictures with his grandpa.
To prove his fussiness and to preserve this face:
This is what we've been up to this week:
Tuesday-Erich spent the day with grandma Hubert. When he came home, Ben played with him for a little bit and tried to get him and the dog to play, too:
Wednesday-I rode my bike to work. Ben stayed home with Erich and bought me a new car sine the Subi was having MAJOR issues. I'll write a separate post about that when I get some pictures of my new ride.

Thursday-Erich spent the day with grandma Susan. When we got home, we sat on the couch for a little nap but ended up sleeping until 7:30!! I woke up and thought it was 7:30 in the morning, so for a few minutes I was rushing around trying to get ready for work!!! DUH!
(This is a picture of Erich after we woke up. I put him on the Boppy pillow while I was running around in a frantic dash to "get ready" for work, he wasn't happy about how abruptly his nap ended!)

Friday-I'm already teaching Erich how to read! If there's one thing I've learned in my Master's program (in reading) it is that you should start reading to babies right away! I've tried to read to him every night and have only missed a few.

He started reading on his tummy, one of my personal favorite positions to read...

...but then he fell on his side...

...so I propped him on the Boppy and he finished the whole book!!!

Saturday-Today we went to Mommy & Me tea with my sister-in-law, Hillary, Cassidy, my mom and grandma and Hilary's mom and friends. It was at Gardner Village and SO fun. Erich did such a good job and behaved like a little gentleman while we sipped tea and ate teeny tiny sandwhiches, chocolate covered strawberries, and other petite little snacks. Near the end, though, he seemed to be totally done with the tea party and frillys, so he fell asleep with his hand over his eyes as if to say, "I'm a manly man, get me out of the tea parlor!!"

1st day back

2009-05-26T21:25:00.002-06:00

I returned to work today. I cried. Erich spent the day with Grandma Hubert while I was pretending to be excited to be back. Throughout the day, I gazed at the picture of Erich that I stuffed in my purse this morning at 5:50am when I left. Also throughout the day, while explaining the day's assignment to students, I found myself wondering, "What's Erich doing right now? Is he crying & driving grandma crazy? Is he sleeping soundly? Is he playing on his tummy? Is he cooing and smiling?" I literally counted the hours until I could see him again!!!

Several of my students commented, "You got skinnier, Mrs. Hubert," as if this was a HUGE surprise after giving birth to a 7lb baby. Most seemed excited to see me, some acting as if I were never gone. Lots told me how crazy the sub was and questioned why I came back with just 2 weeks left of school. I wondered the same thing, but then realized it had something to do with not getting paid and the need for money in order to live.

All in all, it was a pretty good day. Only 8 more days until I'm off again for summer vacation. I can so do 8 days. I think.

dr trip and pics

2009-05-21T10:32:00.003-06:00

We made a quick trip to the pediatrician's office. Call it a first time mom's paranoia about the sudden appearance of a rash on his face & an unusually fussy baby. My curious mind (I had all but diagnosed my baby with a milk allergy...) was put to ease in 2 minutes and that was totally worth the $15 copay a tear-filled 10 minute car drive there.

Dr. confirmed what I think I already knew: Erich has eczema. Wouldn't you know that of all of his traits, that really seems to be the only one he got from me-skin issues. I was given the go ahead to apply my best friend, hydrocortizone cream to the nasty outbreak on his face. For the fussiness, which I attributed to a tummy ache, Dr. told me to give him 1 oz of pear/prune juice every day. If that doesn't seem to help, the doctor suggested I try soy formula. So far today, Erich's been mostly pleasent. Granted, he's been sleeping for most of the morning off and on, but he did sit in his swing for about 20 minutes without crying!

And now for today's pictures. I took these yesterday after the doctor trip. He was 'talking' and looking all around while playing on a little mat.

He's getting better at lifting and holding his up, but seems to roll over so quickly that tummy time almost always results in back time. I end up putting him back on his tummy and he whines, but then remembers that he likes to be on his back, so he'll switch. It's a cycle we repeat numerous times throughout the day.
This is one of my favorite pictures of him because he makes this face all the time. He looks curious and yet a little annoyed. It looks very similar to a face his dad makes when I might happen to say something that is stupid or irrational.

We'll be seeing uncle Eric and aunt Heather and cousin Dawson later today and are looking forward to their visit. Tomorrow, grandpa Mike comes into town for the weekend. I stayed up way late last night to finish my homework so I could spend the whole weekend with family. I'm super excited!!!

a few gems

2009-05-20T09:40:00.005-06:00

Poor little Erich has had a tummy ache for a couple days and is cranky as all get out. Hey, mom-readers--any ways to combat a tummy ache/constipation???

I took a few pictures this morning after we woke up. I think there are a few gems here for grandpa Mike:

He already loves TV. I even put it on Reading Rainbow, so it was educational.

Just cute!

Enthralled with Levar Burton reading a book...

"Enough pictures, mom!"

Just a few more days. We have had our little "You must be a smiley, happy boy for grandpa Mike this weekend or else..." talk a few times already & I hope to have the cranky days behind us by Friday!!

5 more days

2009-05-18T21:34:00.002-06:00

Today was a grumpy day for everyone in the Hubert household. When I say everyone, I mean everyone. I think even the fishes and scorpions were grumpy. Never the less, I managed to get a few pictures of little man during one of the few un-grumpy moments of the day.

"Perhaps when grandpa Mike is here, I'll really smile instead of these fake ones!"

"Well, I change my mind. I'll smile when mom's not looking! We're both excited to see you, grandpa Mike!"

countdown to grandpa mike!

2009-05-17T22:58:00.001-06:00

Baby Erich gets to meet his grandpa Mike this Friday for the first time. Though you can't really tell from this picture, he really is excited!!!
We'll post a new picture each day this week to get grandpa Mike VERY excited to meet baby Erich AND to visit with all of the other grand babies for the weekend.

hands

2009-05-13T14:44:00.004-06:00

Today, Erich wouldn't fall asleep in his crib for an afternoon nap. So I resorted to swaddling him up and putting him in the swing, which sometimes lulls him to sleep. When I went to check on him a few minutes later, this is what I saw:

Somehow, he manages to un-baby-straight-jacket his hand and it was peeking out below the top flap. The funny thing with his hands is that when they aren't clenched tight in a fist (which is rare), he has them in the most delicate little positions. I sometimes think he has ballerina hands because they move so delicately and fluid.

Too cute!

the many faces of my little man

2009-05-13T14:33:00.008-06:00

I had fun taking random pictures of Erich yesterday. I managed to capture a few of his funny faces.

First, we have the "I'm not in the mood for tummy time now, mom" face (look closely)!
Next is the "Dang! The flash is too bright, so I'm not gonna open my eyes for yet another picture, mom!" face:
Followed by the, "Ok, fine. I'll open my eyes, but I'm not gonna be one bit happy about it!" face:
Then it's the "I'm sleeping, mom! Do not disturb!" face:
And then a little bit latter, the "Wow! That noise surprised me!" face:
And finally, the "I'm trying really hard to smile at your stupid jokes, mom!" face:

my very own flower bed

2009-05-13T14:15:00.003-06:00

My husband is majoring in horticulture & landscape design. He is completely and utterly obsessed with all things plants/trees/shrubs/flowers. You'd think that our yard would be in impeccable shape considering that he works for a nursery (& gets a pretty sweet discount) but 'twas not so until this week.

If you've followed this blog, you might recall that last year, I returned from a little trip to find that sweet hubby had (with lots of help) laid down sod . This was the first improvement to the exterior of our little fixer-upper.

We didn't do much with the yard after that. Between winter and snow and Ben's insanely busy school & work schedule and oh, yeah, a pregnancy and now, a new baby...there just wasn't time. But now, we're kind of figuring out our new lives, Ben's schooling has gone from 5 classes to just 2 and we had some rare "spare" time on Monday, while Erich 1)slept and 2)sat happily in the swing.

I was totally shocked when Ben asked if I wanted to pick out some flowers to plant in a little dirt strip in front of our patio. Completely shocked. He's a little OCD when it comes to thinks like this....as in, he'd spend TONS of time measuring with a ruler or string to get the flowers exactly equal distances apart from each other. I enjoy seeing the fruits of my labor with things like this, so I obliged and we headed to his work to pick out flowers.

The above picture is of me and my finished project. Now, the lawn is mowed, we have a little color, and Ben also planted some roses in the bed next to mine. It's fun to pull into the driveway and see that our yard is looking halfway decent....now I just wish the neighbors would get with it!!!

1st mother's day

2009-05-11T10:47:00.003-06:00

I grew up with a mom who never really enjoyed being in the spotlight, especially on mother's day. We'd ask, "What do you want for mother's day?" and she'd always say "Nothing." Of course, we always gave her something and wished her a happy mother's day. I honestly think I was blessed with the BEST mom ever and would give her the world if I could. She deserves to be honored every single day!

Now, as a first time mom with less than 2 months experience under my spit-up stained belt, I can see why she never loved this holiday. Of course, I was honored to celebrate the day with my little man and it was nice to receive so many "Happy 1st mother's day" wishes...thank you!

Me and Erich before church. He looks thrilled, eh? He slept the entire Sacrament meeting and woke up to say hi to a few people before we left for our Sunday activities.

We were able to spend a little time with both of our families and moms.

While at grandma and grandpa Hubert's house, Erich got his first piano lesson from daddy. Again, thrilled.

At grandma Susan's house, Erich got to play with his cousin, Cash, who is 6 weeks older than him. They had a fun time rolling around on the floor and completing some stationary exercising.
"All we need now is our other cousin, Dawson, and our shenanigans can begin!"
Aren't they the cutest?!?!

And of course, cute cousin, Cassidy--queen of the boys--came in to play, too.

nap time

2009-05-09T22:45:00.003-06:00

We've had a few somewhat sleepless nights. Mostly it's been me who has gone without sleep. Normally it wouldn't be a problem because I usually take a nap with Erich at one point during the day. But this week's been different because I've been working on a somewhat time consuming homework assignment so my naps have gone by the wayside.

But Zeus and Erich are well rested!!!
For Mother's day, I'd love to take a nap. Good night!

today...

2009-05-06T21:55:00.002-06:00

We went for a walk to the post office and the grocery store, so Erich got to wear his hat (which is probably too big for him still).

Then, after the walk, Erich fell asleep on the floor...

And then he stretched a little bit before waking up...And then after a nap, we went outside to plant some flowers, again in the too-big hat...

go vote

2009-05-06T09:55:00.003-06:00

To any and all who read this blog:

One of my friends from high school has a blog. It's called Trapped Between a Scream and a Hug. She's a terrific writer and has fun posts every single day. She was recently nominated for Mormon Mommy Blog's May Blog Spotlight. You should go here to vote for her (upper right hand corner...HURRY!!) AND check out her blog.

(Rachel...hope you don't mind this little advertisement...I totally want you to win!!!)

one month..almost

2009-05-03T22:32:00.007-06:00

Four weeks ago early in the morning, Erich was born. Technically, he'll really be 1 month old on Tuesday, but, let's face it: chances of me having a spare moment to post anything on Tuesday are slim, so instead of going to bed now like I should, I'm posting a couple days early.

Here's a little bit of what Erich (and I) have been up to during his first month:

I can hardly believe that Erich's been with us for a month! It's gone by super fast yet super slow at the same time. By fast I mean: I only have three more weeks until I return to work (yikes! on so many levels). By slow I mean: I live three-four hours at a time; that's the time in between feedings in a 24 hour period and that gets very monotonous.
His hair is still there, though it looks like it's falling out because his head is getting bigger. He has a long little tail going on in the back. I don't know that I have the heart to cut it any time soon. That is usually what people comment about when they first see him.

We spend a little bit of time each day on our tummy's, working on head/neck/back strength. Erich is starting to like it more and more and can lift his head up for a few seconds at a time.

He spends a fair amount of time chillin' in my lap while I do homework. Either there or in his swing or bouncer or on the floor. I like to think of it as his way of helping me get my homework done. Though, now that I think about it, he's kind of like that cute kid I used to see all the time at the library in college that distracted me from getting anything done....

His dad will kill me for posting this picture: We went to a baby shower for Ben's cousin who is having a baby girl sometime this month. Someone suggested I throw this darling yellow dress over Erich while he slept in his car seat before we left. I think he's cute no matter what, but doesn't he make a cute girl?!?!?

And now for our BIG exciting event of the weekend! I'll set this up only by saying that the movie clip is a tad long..I'm not one for trying to edit...but it's especially worth it at 00:57 seconds (you'll hear a cute little coo coming from my little man) and at the very end (where he does a little trick for the third time today), so stick with it. And don't mind our casual banter in the background; we were at a visit at Erich's grandma and grandpa Hubert's house.

He ROLLED OVER!! I put him on his tummy when we got there and right away, he rolled over. I thought, again, this was kind of an accident, but put him back on his tummy and, what do you know? He rolled over again! So I finally grabbed my camera to try to capture the moment on film. It took a little longer than the other two times, but he did it! I couldn't be prouder :) (Seriuosly, I think I've watched that clip about 5 times in the last 20 minutes).

bite update

2009-04-28T11:58:00.002-06:00

No pictures of my leg this time...it mostly just looks like the picture below but the bruising is going down a little bit. Still hurts when anything brushes against it, ie my PANTS, but I'm doing OK.

I got a phone call this morning from an officer who has taken this case. Here's what we discussed:
1. The female dog who did NOT bite me will most likely be released to the owner today or tomorrow, providing the owner pays a HUGE criminal citation fee.
2. Said owner is being cooperative and the officer said he's being very strict and firm in hopes the owner will realize the seriousness of the incident. He said that the owner was upset at her roommate, who was supposed to be watching the dogs that day, and has since kicked him out.
3. The officer asked me to describe my wounds, pain level, and overall feelings of the attack. Also, he asked about my concerns. I told him that I'm nervous to walk passed the house now because I don't know if the dogs will be leashed when they are out. He said that they take that kind of thing into consideration when determining what to do with the dogs.
4. Boozer, my attacker, is in quarantine until May 2. The officer was still investigating any other incidences where Boozer was involved but that he would very likely be put down.
5. Owner still does not know which neighbor reported the incident, but officer said she did not seem vindictive or out to get whoever did report it.

I think we can call back with the case # in a few more days to get the final word on what's going to happen. We did get a restitution form to get any medical expenses reimbursed, but I think I calculated it added up to about $30, including my $7 prescription. Ben and I are still debating on whether or not to take any further legal action.

(Keep reading for a couple more new posts...I was on a roll for a while when Erich was happily playing in his bouncer!!!)

opps

2009-04-28T11:54:00.002-06:00

I was so excited this morning when Erich went down for a little nap after I fed him. I've been trying to get laundry started since yesterday morning and keep getting sidetracked. So, when he finally fell asleep in his crib, I decided to take a picture because he's so YUMMY!

But then the flash on the camera went off and guess who woke up? My YUMMY little man!

He was a little upset & we've been battling with tears-and hiccups-ever since!!

flat...again

2009-04-28T11:04:00.002-06:00

I have perpetual bad luck when it comes to getting flat tires. It seems like an almost monthly occurrence for me when, upon finding that one of my tires is flat-again-I call/text Ben to break the news. If it's not the front passenger tire, it's the back driver seat tire. And if not one of those tires, it's the rubber tires on our super cool running stroller (they were flat when I went on last week's infamous dog-bite walk-though I did pump them up before we left)

Lately, though, the monthly occurrence has become a weekly deal and I'm here to announce my frustration.

Because it's happened so many times, I honestly don't remember the intial time that the driver side back tire became flat. It may have been the time two years ago that I drove over a BOLT on my way to a school conference. Or it could have been the time last summer I was driving through the construction zone near my mom's house and got a punctured tire. It's probably-though-from the time a few months ago when I was driving in the Wal*Mart parking lot. I had my window down, enjoying some fresh air, when I heard a little pop and then a click-click-click. When I got out of my car, I noticed that there was a big NAIL sticking out of the tire. Lovely.

Anywho, Ben's a pretty good tire repair-er. Meaning, he's gotten pretty good at patching up the holes or punctures in my tires. When it was too much for him to repair, he took it to an actual mechanic (something he almost never does!) for them to put a heavy duty patch on it.

Come to find out, because I demanded to get my dream car--a Subaru Outback--when we were first married, we're kind of screwed in the tire department because: it's an all-wheel drive vehicle and apparently if you have to replace one tire, you have to replace all of them; there's no replacing one tire at a time...er, something like that.

So, for a while this last time, the patch held up nicely. I went a whole TWO WEEKS without having to put air in my tire every time I got in it. It was nice not to have to plan my errands around the gas stations where you could fill your tire for free!! (See this previous post about "paying for air")

Then, about two weeks ago, it. was. completely. flat. I think it was the day I had to take Erich to the pediatrician for another bilirubin test. Ben drove the car to the nearest free air gas station as slowly as possible and filled it with air. When I got out of the pediatrician's office, it was flat again, so I drove 3mph to the nearest free air gas station. Then I made a stop at my friend, Sadie's, house. When I got back out, you guessed it, flat again. When I got home I told Ben: ENOUGH! Fix this tire! And, yet again, he put his tire plugging skills to work and plugged it with, I think, about 7 plugs.

And then it was flat again yesterday.

So now we have to spend $400 on 4 new tires.

bite update

2009-04-24T13:16:00.003-06:00

I went back to Instacare this morning to get one last check on my leg, as per doctor's instructions on Wednesday. I waited for about 40 minutes for a 2 minute visit, but it was reassuring to know that my leg isn't getting infected and is healing nicely. I took the above picture when I got home. It's still pretty sore, though the actual puncture wounds don't hurt as much as the surrounding, bruised area.

The last we heard from Animal Cotrol is that both dogs are in quarintine until May 2nd. On that date, the owner can pay $1200 plus the citaiton fee to get his dogs back. However, if the dog who bit me has any other previous bites in his history, he will be put down. I'm desperately hoping the later happens because I would hate to have another accidental incounter with "Boozer."

Yesterday we kept a low profile in the house because I was nervous that the owner would have figured out it was us who reported the dogs. I kept the blindes shut all day (I know, maybe a little too dramatic, but I'm kind of a "worst case scenario" kind of girl). Erich played on his little mat (shown above) for a little bit while I cleaned his room and (finally) put laundry away. Then, when I was done with that, I put him on his tummy for "tummy time." He was slightly upset about this. He's already been lifting his head quite a bit when he's been on his tummy, but as I was sitting next to him watching to see what he'd do, he lifted his head and began screaming. Then, kind of by default, he rolled over onto his back. I say "default" because his screaming and wiggling just happened to cause him to roll over...I don't think he did this on his own. It was still pretty cute.

no walk in the park...

2009-04-22T22:01:00.004-06:00

I had today all planned out.
1) Eat breakfast after feeding Erich. Brush teeth and get dressed.
2) Get Erich ready and dressed.
3) Get the new fancy stroller ready for a walk. Pump the tires with a little air, put Erich in the car seat which fits on the stroller. (I took the above picture of him in the stroller right before we left home)
4) Go on our first real walk in the great outdoors. Walk to Walgreens to get a few random things. 5) Walk home and eat lunch.

Steps 1-4 went as planned. We had a lovely time, really. Erich was quickly lulled to sleep on the walk and slept the whole entire time we were gone.

But, step 5 didn't go off quite as well.

Because 3 doors down from my house, the neighbor's gnarly, nasty pit bull decided my left leg looked like a good afternoon snack.

As I was walking on the sidewalk, minding my own business, I saw two pit bulls walking around in the front yard, unleashed. At first the smaller of the two came out and walked around me. Then the bigger one followed suit and as I continued to walk passed, minding my own business and not saying ONE thing to the dogs, he came up behind me and bit the back of my left thigh, right below my butt cheek.

My first thought was to scream bloody murder in hopes that someone would hear and come to help me-I wasn't entirely sure what was going to happen next. As soon as I screamed, the dog let go and both dogs walked casualy-as if nothing had just happened-back to their spots on the porch. I panicked, not knowing if I should walk or run home, as I was literally three doors away from home. Of course, I started bawling and my leg hurt but I didn't want to stop to assess the damage until I was safely in my house. I looked around and no one was out, no one heard me. I looked back and saw the dogs sitting on the porch, again as if one of them just hadn't bit a human's leg!

When I got home I was shaky and freaking out, but I managed to text Ben, who immediately called me. After telling him the story, he said for me to call animal control and that he'd be home ASAP. I called animal control, who told me to go to the hospital first and then call them back. When Ben got home, we drove to the Instacare near our home. The lady at the front desk took the information and then said that there was about an hour wait. She didn't want us waiting there with Erich and so many sick people, so she said to come back in half an hour. We drove home and Ben called animal control. I fed Erich and then drove myself back to Instacare.

The doctor said it wasn't deep enough for stitches and had the nurse scrub/clean out the wounds. They put me on an antibiotic and told me to come back on Friday to make sure it wasn't getting infected.

A little after I got home, an animal control officer came to get the report. Long story short, mine wasn't the first issue with these dogs; apparently they've bitten a few other people. The officer went to remove the dogs and the owner was mean, nasty, and wouldn't comply, so she had to call for backup to help. At this point, Ben left for school so I was home alone watching all this happen from my office window. When backup officers arrived, they walked down to the house and a few minutes later I saw them with both dogs. They were able to put the little one in the truck quickly, but the big one--Boozer--(the one that bit me) was putting up a fight. He just about bit the officer's hand off, was biting the leash, and it took about 6 minutes to get him in the truck. He was barking and going nuts the whole time. The officer called Ben and said that the owner was very upset and wouldn't take the citation so they have to come back tomorrow to give it to him. Officer also said that, though she didn't think the neighbor knew which of their neighbors called animal control, I shouldn't go outside tonight and to be aware of any suspicious behavior. Great.

The best thing is that Erich wasn't hurt. And, after reliving the whole scenario in my head all evening, I realize it could have been much worse on my end, too. I think I was extremely lucky, though it hurt something awful. I had my mom take a picture of my leg tonight, partly to post on my blog and partly to keep record of what it looks like every day in case it does get infected. And, drum roll please, here it is:
But, I like to end on a positive note. Here's a few random pictures of my little man:

He loves his swing....
...and his mommy...

...and his fancy delux baby spa...
...and he looks just like a mini vesion of daddy!

week 2

2009-04-19T18:41:00.007-06:00

I really don't intend on writing once a week and only about my son, but for now that's what you're gonna get. Hopefully in a few weeks when I have this mommy thing semi-figured out, my posts will be about things other than poopy diapers and 3am feedings :) Until then, however, I know of at least one or two of my readers who'll be interested in such posts...Erich's grandma and grandpa!

This week, Erich hung out with his two cousins, Dawson and Cash (and Cassidy, too!) at Grandma Susan's house. It was the first time all three of them have been together and of course, when we decide to take some photos of the event, my son decides it's time to cry and fuss. Needless to say, most all of the pictures we have, Erich is a little upset! It was fun, though, to have everyone together at my mom's and to enjoy a yummy dinner & cute, cute babies!!

Here are some other events from the week:

Mommy and Erich napped together on the couch and daddy took a picture! Erich's doing a pretty good job at sleeping at night and a little during the day. He's getting up just about every three hours to eat during the night and sleeps on and off during the day, in between feedings, while I try to get stuff done. He's sleeping in his crib wrapped up in his little baby straight jacket, kinda like a burrito, but it's the only way he'll sleep without waking himself up with his flailing arms and wiggling legs.

Erich has been helping me get my homework done. Ok, so not really, but he sits with me as I try to concentrate. We worked out a system...he likes sitting on my lap and I think he likes the sound of typing as I type up my assignments.

Yesterday, we made a big voyage down to Hinckley, Utah (near Delta) for cousin Dawson's baby blessing and to attend my sister-in-law's sister's wedding reception. Erich slept the entire way down (about 2 1/2 hours) and did great with all the action going on around him once we got there. Here he is chillin' on the floor, trying to cool off, in between the blessing and reception.

We are excited that the weather is finally warming up. I'm hoping to take Erich for a walk sometime this week in the cool stroller we got. We go to the pediatrician tomorrow for his 2 week visit and are hoping that all is well!! He's changing every single day!!

one week

2009-04-12T17:02:00.004-06:00

Happy Easter AND Happy One Week birthday to my little man!!!

Here's a few pictures of the week:

Baby Erich with Grandpa Erich.

One of my most favorite pictures of him. Looks like he's thinking about something very serious!

Sleepy little guy!

Baby Erich dyed Easter eggs at Grandma and Grandpa Hubert's house Saturday night. This is his plaid egg, which has his name on it if you look closely.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then today...I was finally feeling like a had a semi-control on what is becoming our daily routine of feeding every 3 hours and getting stuff done while Erich sleeps so I took a few pictures. I wanted them to be Easter-y so there are a few in an Easter basket and with a bunny. He was so patient to let me take these pictures and pretty much slept through the whole thing.

We are totally in love with this little guy. It's been a week of total adjustment and change and has been harder than I think either of us expected, but TOTALLY worth it. Each day gets a little easier as we both learn what Erich needs and what we need in order to stay sane!!!

how sweet it is...

2009-04-08T10:58:00.006-06:00

Up all night long trying to breastfeed. Check.
Tears from both mommy and baby. Check.
Baby Whisperer Daddy to calm us both down. Check.

I've been anxious to have a few minutes to post some pictures of my sweet baby boy. Luckily, I have an awesome mother in law who came over for a few hours today to simply hold the baby so I could get some homework done (but, of course, I have to do the important stuff first, you know...blogging).

So we'll start at the beginning. If you don't want the long version, skip down a little bit to see a few pictures.

Saturday night my mom and I were at her friend Leslie's house for dinner and our traditional General Conference Priesthood report from her husband. I had been a little uncomfortable all afternoon, feeling a dull pain in my lower back and small contractions. We ate dinner and were waiting for Jim to come home to give us the Priesthood session report and I was laying on one of their leather chairs, covered in a blanket, and trying to work through the discomfort.

Jim got home and began telling us about Priesthood session. He was in the middle of telling a really neat story (though now I couldn't tell you what it was about!) when I felt a little snap/twinge/pop (I haven't quite been able to label what it really was) in my uterus. I thought at first, no way, can't be my water breaking. Then I felt a bunch of movement and sat up. I looked at my mom with a weird expression and she asked if I was OK. I said, "I think my water just broke." Then I stood up and confirmed that yes, my water had definitely broken. I got cleaned up and called Ben, who was just on his way to dinner with his brothers and dad. I asked him what he was doing and then said, "Well, my water just broke." Then we went into panic mode--though not real panic, but an excited panic as we both tried to remember what our doctor had told us at every appointment about if my water broke. He drove home to get my bag and my mom drove me to the hospital where Ben and his brothers and dad met me. Ben and dad gave me a blessing and we got all hooked up by 10pm.

My contractions started getting really intense (though, not really that intense but I have a low threshold for pain) at around 10:30. The doctor came in (my doc wasn't on call but her partner ended up being my doc all night and she was GREAT) and said I was still just a 3, but encouraged me to go ahead to get the epidural so that I might be able to get some sleep before I had a "few hours of pushing" ahead of me (her exact words). I kind of felt bummed that I couldn't go a little longer without it, but looking back, it was a great choice because we were able to sleep for a few hours at least. The epidural wasn't so bad; the shot that they gave me to numb my back before the epidural hurt worse. It instantly kicked in on my left side, but took a long while to fully kick in on my right side. I could feel the contractions on my right side and they were ouchy! When the epidural finally kicked in on my right side, I was amazed at the total lack of feeling of my legs, pretty cool! I slept for about two hours and Ben and my mom got some sleep too. Somewhere in there, the nurse gave me something that now I don't remember the name of but it has something to do with glucose...the idea being that it would speed up labor.

At 3am, the nurse came in to see how I was doing and checked for dilation. She was very quiet and didn't say anything like they normally do, so my mom asked how far I was. The nurse responded "She's totally complete," all the while running around the room to get things set up. She called the doctor in and while she was checking me said, "I was going to go next door and finish filling in paper work, but I don't think I'll have time. This baby is on it's way!" The nurse told me to start pushing at about 3:05. I pushed through 5 contractions (about 7 minutes total, I think), and at 3:12, baby Erich Benjamin Hubert had arrived! Ben was able to tell me it was a boy before they put him on my chest. The first thing I noticed was his hair...super cute. Next, I noticed he was a complete clone of Ben! Everyone was amazed at how fast things went considering this was my first. The doctor said that next time, they'll tell me I can't laugh or cough or the baby will just fall out.

We came home Monday afternoon. It's definitely been an adjustment, but a good one at that. I've been so lucky to have my mom here during the day to help and cook. She's been wonderful at helping me figure out the art of breastfeeding (which is super hard, but getting easier each time) and also helping me through a few episodes of emotional teariness. I couldn't have survived the last few days without her help!!!

Here are a few fun pictures of Erich's birthday and fun at home!! Foir those who don't know, Erich's name is a family one passed down from Ben's great grandpa Erich AND Ben's dad Erich. It is the German spelling of the name, but pronounced just like "Eric" or "Erick." We now have three "Erich's" in the family: Grandpa Erich (Ben's dad), Uncle Eric (my oldest brother), and little Erich.

Grandma Mary Ellen, master of all things sewing and embrodery, made this little bib that says "Happy Brithday, Erich Benjamin April 5, 2009" It's the cutest! Yesterday mom and I gave him a little sponge bath. He didn't love it, but we had a fun time playing with his hair after. I call this his "old man" look...parted on the side. I did have a fauhawk but forgot to take a picture of it. His hair is super long in the back...kind of like an 80's mullet. He also has two cowlicks on the back of his head (just like everything else about him, he inherited these from daddy).

39 weeks and READY

2009-04-03T21:02:00.004-06:00

Well, here we are at 39 1/2 weeks and still very much with child. At my appointment on Monday, I was still dilated to a 3, but effaced 75%. Doc said things are definitely in progress. I go back on Monday and will hopefully have progressed more.

A few quick things:
-- I decided today after school & talking with Ben...I'm done with working. I put in my sub job to start on Monday way back when I still had a while left. Teaching my little punks this week has been a big challenge and I've lost patience, so even if baby hasn't come by Monday, I'll officially be on my "maternity leave." I figure it will give me a few days to relax and sleep and get a few last minute things finished.
-- Baby still continues to move a ton, with the most active time still at night, right before bedtime. I wonder if this is a sign of what's to come. I feel bad saying this, but it's kind of past the point of being cute anymore. Sure, I still look at my wiggling belly in amazement that there is actually a human inside of me, but the pain is sometimes just really not cute! Of course, in a week or so after the baby arrives, I'll probably miss those painful movements.
-- The room is COMPLETE!!! Ben totally dedicated every spare moment over the last week to getting it done...with the help from Uncle Dan and Dad Hubert. I even helped a little with the carpet installation. We were both so excited that it was ready on Wednesday, we stayed up late setting things up and organizing stuff. We still need to buy a dresser, but the essentials are ready and I'm so pleased!
Zeus is utterly confused with the change because this used to be his room. Now, he can't go in unless one of us is with him and we've put up a little gate in front of the door so he doesn't get into anything in the room while we're not looking. Oh, and I look utterly piggish sitting in the rocking chair. I love, love, love the crib bedding. It was so fun to put it together. As you can see, it's really bright and happy...we've got red, blue, green, and yellow. Our changing table matches the crib, but it's covered in random stuff, so I didn't take a picture of it.

Ben put a really nifty light in the room that has 4 different light settings that go from really bright to very dim. He chose out the carpet without me and did a great job. The paint is a light, light green. We both love the final product so much--I woke last night to find Ben sitting on the rocking chair doing his homework! I have caught him just standing in the doorway a few times amazed that it's done and that he actually did it himself. I'm lucky that he's so handy and we didn't have to pay money to get it finished (though that probably wouldn't have taken so long!)

My best friend, Sadie, is taking some maternity pictures of me tomorrow. It will be fun to have some pictures to document this special first pregnancy. Hopefully the next time I post, I will have met our little one!!!

i heart mom

2009-03-29T19:31:00.004-06:00

I have the worlds best mom. Seriously. Hands down, no arguing here, folks. She's the best.

She's really been there for me this week, from when she came to my house to take me to Instacare because Ben had the car to when she spent her entire Saturday at my house scrubbing walls and vacuuming. She was here from 11 to 7 cleaning every nook and cranny of my embarrassingly filthy house while I laid on the couch and cat-napped for hours on end. She did laundry and even washed the shower curtain!

Also on Saturday, she made an appointment and paid for me to get my hair cut and colored (she was afraid I'd give birth with pink hair, heaven forbid!). She also paid for me to get a manicure/pedicure because I can't bend over to paint my own toes. She also took our quilt to the laundry mat to be cleaned.

Today, my nephew Cash was the guest of honor at an open house-meet and greet. My niece, Cassidy got really sick last night--high fever--and spent the early morning in the ER (she probably has the same thing I have and I probably gave it to her on Friday when we hung out...don't I feel like #1 aunt of the year!!). My mom went to stay with Cassidy at her house while the party happened at my grandma's clubhouse. Mom also had prepared a roast and potatoes for dinner after the party, but instead just had me bring it home for Ben and I when the after-party dinner never happened.

I've been thinking about the fact that I'm thisclose to becoming a mom for the first time. I've been so blessed and lucky to have my mom-I don't think anyone is as caring, sensitive, supportive, selfless, patient, or helpful as my own mom. I remember my mom (and dad) telling me that they were both so excited when their 3rd baby was finally a girl and I know I have always been priority one for my mom, even now as a married, soon-to-be mommy adult. As I embark on my own mommy adventure, I truly hope I can be the wonderful mommy to my children as my mom has been to me and my brothers.

Thanks, mom.

moan

2009-03-27T17:02:00.004-06:00

What a week!! Unfortunately, most of my week has revolved around being sick and, thus, my post is likely to be a tad dramatic. Sorry if you're sick of hearing about my ailments and pregnancy. It's really all my life is lately. I won't be offended if you don't continue to read.

Last time I posted, I briefly mentioned that I was sick with something...sore throat, ears, runny nose, etc. All of that got worse and then some.

Tuesday after school I forced myself to stay until I had prepared all of my long-term sub plans (which I hadn't technically started until Monday). I knew this was going to be a chore. As I sat at my desk and typed away, I noticed my left eye was blurry and itchy. I grabbed some eye drops that I keep in my desk for when my contacts feel dry. It helped with the blurry, but not so much the itchy.

A little while later, I got up to go to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. I noticed then that my left eye was full of yucky yellow goop. Great. My first thought was pink eye. I quickly wrapped up my lesson planning (and decided I was as done as I was going to get at this point) and drove home so I could take out my contacts.

My left eye was watery, goopy, red, and tender all evening and I did my best to get stuff done while holding a warm washcloth over it. Ben ingeniously refused to touch me so as not to get the pink eye we both assumed I had. He researched some remedies online and I went to bed preparing myself to wake up the next day with my left eye stuck shut. I was up and down all night, mostly because of my current minuscule bladder and also because I kept having the urge to wash my eye out. Wednesday I awoke and my eye was still red, but no longer goopy. I wore my glasses and only did makeup on my right eye.

During lunch, my right eye started to itch. I decided not to touch my eye (or anywhere else on my face, for that matter) until I had washed my hands and was in the bathroom with a mirror. I walked to the bathroom and looked in the mirror and-what do you know? My right eye was now filled with the same yucky yellow goop as the other eye was the day before. I admit, I swore. A few times. (Mind you, I was also still dealing with a sore throat, plugged ears, and an increasingly nasty cough). Students in 6th period wondered if I had gotten high because my eyes were both so red.

I had Ben pick me up right after school got out (remember, we're a one car family now...unless the weather's good and he can drive his motorcycle). I cried the whole way home, miserable and snotty and goopy.

My sweet mom, Nurse Adams, demanded that I get to the Instacare that night and was kind enough to come take me while Ben was at school. After a little wait and a wierd experience with the male nurse, the doctor came in, checked a few things out, and decided to treat me for an upper respiratory infection. Of course, what do you give a 8 1/2 month pregnant woman medicine wise that is safe for the baby, too? Not much...just a little antibiotic and a caution to drink lots and rest. Sure, easy to say when you don't have a baby bouncing on your bladdar all day!!!

Anyway, two days later, I can say that I am feeling better but still not 100%. I taught two days with literally no voice and had to write lots of instructions on the board. Luckily, today was a student non-attendance day, and so I had a little reprieve of using my voice.

And also today, the faculty threw me a little baby shower after some morning training meetings. The picture at the top of this post is the only one I got of the event but I'm kind of glad because, really, look at me?!?! I'm a little bit of a mess, yes? We received lots of lovely gifts--one of which is one that Ben went crazy with the registration gun, the baby shower & spa, complete with a whirlpool! He'll be excited about that gift when he sees it!

I really hope that my next post brings something else besides pregnancy updates and yucky yellow goop. Happy weekend, everybody!

3

2009-03-23T19:22:00.003-06:00

(Ok, so...my sis-in-law, Meaghan, requested a belly picture. Here you go, Meg. Here I am last Saturday at my niece's birthday party. I'm feeling ginormous. My students tell me I'm humongous. I'm definitely just about ready to pop, as they say.)

Today I had another doctor's appointment. I am 37 weeks, 5 days. I knew my doctor was going to check me again today and wondered if there was going to be any progress (because as of two weeks ago, there wasn't much). She did her thing and confirmed that I am dilated to a 3. She felt the baby's head and said, "He or she likes to have their head rubbed because every time I touch the head, it kicks!" Doctor H said she doesn't think I will "go" this week, but to definitely have my bag packed and the carseat installed because at this point I could really "go" at anytime. My next appointment is next Monday, at which point, she'll obviously check me again and possibly stip my membranes. Sounds fun, eh?!?! As she said might happen because of her "checking," I've been having Braxton Hix contractions all evening.

Baby's heart beat was in the 130-140's today, which is higher than it has been the last two times. Still the best sound evah! The baby's movements are, as I think I've mentioned previously, sometimes a little painful...As in, kicks so hard it takes my breath away...As in, we literally saw a big lump on my side, which we deduced was a hand...As in, the movements are big enough for a student who sits in the back of the room to see AND comment about ("Holy cow, Mrs. H! Your belly is sure moving!")...As in, last night Ben's hand was literally punched off my belly.

Baby's room is totally not even close to being done and I. Am. Freaking. OUT!!! The walls need to be prepped for paint (well, this is partialy done) and painted. Also, carpet still needs to be installed. And then there's the wholel thing about setting up a crib and such. So it looks like we'll possibly be having Baby sleep in one of our dresser drawers if he or she comes any sooner than the due date.

In other non-pregnancy related news, I'm sick with...something. I started getting a sore throat on Friday night. It progressivly got worse and on Saturday I could barely swallow. Now it's my throat and my ears and my nose, a little bit. I was up for a few hours last night trying to alleviate the ear pain. My method was to put a hot wash cloth on my ear. I finally remembered I had some ear numbing drops from last year when I had all those ear aches. Ben woke up to put the drops in and then stayed up with me rubbing my back and making me laugh until I fell asleep. I would have called in sick today except for the fact that I have to save those precious days for maternity leave since the school district doesn't have set maternity leave. I'm feeling a tiny bit better tonight, but my ears a little plugged and my throat still burns.

37 weeks

2009-03-18T21:04:00.001-06:00

Today was my 37 week appointment. Despite waiting for nearly an hour to see Dr. H, the appointment went well.

She'll do another cervix check next week, but my belly is measuring perfectly, baby's heartbeat is lovely, and really that's about it.

Boring, huh?

frustrations

2009-03-16T18:50:00.002-06:00

Today's frustrating teaching moments (I couldn't pick just one!):

1. While reviewing our 8th grade commonly confused words, one student claimed to have never, ever heard about a state capital, as in "What's the capital of Utah?" I explained that each state has a capital city. Still the student was stumped. An 8th grader. Seriously.

2. One of the science or math teachers has students working on some project that involves teeny-tiny colored plastic cubes (thing sugar cubes miniaturized). Of course junior high students can't be trusted to only use the cubes for the project--they bring them to my class and throw them when they think I'm not looking (and most of the time I catch them anyway). And I can hear when they drop on the floor so by the end of school today, I had about 15 of these cubes in my pocket (that I will add to my collection of 12 cubes I took away last week). I'm trying to think of a creative project of my own to utilize the cubes. Perhaps a baby mobile of some sort?

3. Three students in 6th period took turns hijacking my big, comfortable, blue desk chair and wheeling around my room. What's a pregnant teacher to do but waddle as fast as she can to catch them, kick them out of my chair, and demand they return to their seat. I've not had a problem with students sitting in my chair ALL year but apparently today was the day.

4. Probably as a consequence of the previously mentioned chair-hijacking students being around my desk when they weren't supposed to be, my room key got stolen off my key chain. I usually hide my key chain, which has four very important keys, under a book on my desk so that they aren't seen. Sometime between the beginning of 6th period and the end of 7th period, some punk student took the time to take off one of the keys. Which key, you ask? Oh, only the most important one: my room key!!!

5. We're in the last two weeks of 3rd quarter, which means I started announcing LAST WEEK that the deadline for turning in any missing work will be next Monday so I have time to update grades and post final grades before next Friday. My rule has always been that students have to come see me before or after school with a list of their missing assignments--to help them practice some responsibility instead of having me look it up for them. So, I give my little announcement and, as expected, a few students approach me during class demanding ALL their missing work. (Mind you: the majority of students who have lots of missing work are the students who are here every day but are too lazy to actually do the work, complaining that the assignments are either "gay" or "boring."). Even still, I will certainly have students who come see me about making up missing work next Thursday, days after the deadline, and who will complain that they never heard the announcement.

6. In other teaching related news, I'm really not sure how I'll get through the next 4 weeks as a pregnant teacher. This is tough work! No, I'm not complaining and yes, I know I got myself into this situation (and really, I couldn't be happier), but pregnancy and teaching just really do not mix.

I think that's all I'll post for tonight. Why dwell on the negative, right?

cousins

2009-03-14T21:00:00.005-06:00

We were lucky to get a fun, unexpected visit from my brother Eric and his wife, Heather AND baby Dawson this week! My mom was previously the only one to have met baby Dawson in Wyoming, but we had a fun family gathering on Thursday night. Cassidy got to meet and hold her first cousin and Dawson and Cash met in person for the first time (I'm sure they've been little buddies in heaven for a while...). Now the only one missing is Baby Hubert, who has about 25 days left in the oven before meeting the family. Me and Dawson. He was wide awake and very curious as to all the new voices he was hearing.

Cassidy was an expert baby holder. She loved that Dawson kept looking up at her.

Cash was a little confused as to what we had planned when we tried propping him up on mom's bed for a photo shoot. I guess you could say he wasn't too happy about it...
But then Dawson calmed him down and we got this gem....I think they are both the very cutest little boys ever (and I reserve the right to say that about my baby if it, too, turns out to be a boy).

I had a chance to hold both of these darlings atop of my baby bump. They each had the opportunity to get kicked (or punched) from their little cousin in utero. I decided that it's kinda hard to hold a newborn baby comfortably when you're also dealing with a big belly, but it was totally worth it.

Even though mom's house is still upturned due to her construction project, we all had a nice (late!!) evening together, something that doesn't happen too often. It's an exciting time in the Adams family! Everyone will be together again next weekend, too, for Cassidy's big birthday celebration.

I can't ever say this enough: I love, love, love my family!!!!

roommate reunion

2009-03-12T17:24:00.004-06:00

Nine years ago, I embarked on a frightening journey: I moved away from home, leaving behind my comfort-blanket mother, my friends, and my surroundings. I moved to a teeny, tiny town in Idaho to go to college and in the process, met some of the most amazing girls ever. My freshman year at BYU-I was part scary and part wonderful. All of my roommates from then on had a great impact on me and my college experience.

Here's a silly picture of us on country dancing night at The Retrix (Rexburg's idea of a dance club). We all dressed up for the evening in obviously matching outfits. From left to right: Stephanie, Danielle, Amy, Lindsey, me, Sheena.
Don't we look HOT?!?! Here we are showing our Wrangler butts. (I would like to point out my very curly permed hair. I went through a phase and I'm glad I got out of it!) After several years without any real contact with these girls, we all--yes, all--connected again on that little gem, Facebook. We're all grown up, with big-girl responsibilties and families. I know for a fact that we have all "aged" well, so to speak...and though I thought we were all cute then, I think we're all much, much cuter now.

Again, thanks to Facebook, four of us were able to make a reconnection this week in American Fork. Too bad it wasn't everyone. Sheena, who lives in Ohio, made a visit to Utah/Idaho and both Stephanie and Amy live in Utah. So, the four of us met up at Stephanie's house on Tuesday for fajita night (something we did often in college) and had a great time talking and laughing about the crazy things we did (though I think I must have been a big looser because I wasn't much of a participant in the crazy activities, though I do remember them happening) and talking about our lives now. It was neat to see how we've all changed (and grown up), but also we are all still very much the same.

Here are the four of us, left to right: Sheena, Stephanie, Amy, me.

I'm glad I made that frightening journey nine years ago because, as I thought about on the way to Setphanie's house, if I hadn't, I would never have met these girls. Thanks, Stephanie, for a fun night and yummy food! Hopefully sometime soon all 6 of us will be able to get together.

love/hate

2009-03-12T17:11:00.002-06:00

I feel like the worst, non-dedicated blogger ever. There have been several things I've wanted to write about for the last week, but I haven't been able to face logging in and writing. My creative energy (and all energy in general) is totally gone by the time I get home from work. I find myself having a love/hate relationship with blogging these days.

I read various blogs whenever they are updated. Most of the blogs I read are those of friends or old roommates. It's wonderful to see pictures and learn more about what they're up to. I get angry when they go more than a day without posting. And then I realize that I, myself, haven't updated in a week. And then I realize that there are just a handful of people who read my blog and probably don't wait around for me to update mine like I wait around for them to update theirs. And then sometimes I want to give it all up, kind of like I've given up TV.

But then I also remember that I mostly write on my blog for my own record because, I'll be honest, my regular journal hasn't been touched for nearly 2 years. If anything, I can record my daily events here to re-read at a later date to remember how great my life is. I have already done this on several occasions and it has been a treat to revisit some of my most special memories.

So, I'll keep trucking along with updated my own blog while I wait anxiously for you to update yours.

36 weeks

2009-03-12T16:47:00.002-06:00

A quick pregnancy update (again, mostly for my own records...). My belly is officially too big to fit into a picture taken by my cell phone.

We had a doctor's appointment on Monday. As per usual, everything is looking good. Baby's heartbeat sounds good. My blood pressure is fine. Weight gain to date-17lbs. No dilation yet, but cervix is softening. From here on out, we'll be going to the doctor's once a week until the baby comes.

I'm getting VERY anxious and VERY nervous about the whole labor/birth thing. I know the baby has to come out eventually (I'm very happy about that), but it's the whole "unknown" of how things will actually goes down that scares me.

This past weekend, Ben and I made a couple big purchases for baby Hubert: a travel system stroller and car seat (which is installed in my car ready to go...mostly because we have NO room in our house to keep it) and a swing. I told Ben that of all the baby stuff we registered for (or that you can buy) I really only had 3 items that I for-sure wanted/needed before the baby comes, the car seat and a swing. (My other item is a Boppy pillow).

The baby's room is also coming along. Much progress has been made and as of last night, the new sheet rock walls just need to be mudded and prepped for paint and after a good sweeping, the floor will be ready for carpet. I will feel SO much better when the room is done. This weekend our goal is to buy a dresser.

Baby continues to be very active. Very, very active, if I'm to be totally honest. Almost to the point where the movements, especially the ones up by my ribs, are somewhat painful. Maybe painful isn't the real term...just uncomfortable. I'm feeling hiccups nearly every day and I'm pretty sure baby is still head down with it's feet just under my ribs.

My pubic bone pain has all but gone away. Except for at night, after I've been laying down, it's very painful to move around. I can finally get in and out of the car without cringing in pain and even putting pants and socks on has become much less painful. My doctor said the pain is probably less from my fall and more from being pregnant and that it will not inhibit delivery at all.

My students are growing more and more curious about the baby and continue to ask many questions, such as:
"Do you eat more now because of the baby?"
"Is it fun being pregnant?"
"Do you worry about the baby's name?"
"Will you name your baby after me?" (I usually can't say "no" fast enough!)

I'm really trying to enjoy these last few weeks as much as possible, despite being quite uncomfortable. I have tried really hard not to complain too much out loud (but you bet I'm a big fat whiner in my head!) because I'm only pregnant with my first baby once. I think it's all starting to become real for Ben, too...especially after putting the car seat in the car. He's getting very excited.

one month

2009-03-07T09:30:00.002-07:00

We're almost at the one-month mark of my April 8 due date. There has been lots of debate between family, friends, and even my students as to what gender Baby H is. (I even asked my nephew, Cash, if he knew but his only reply was a little squeak, which I couldn't interpret as either boy or girl.)

So, if you want to be in on the unofficial tally, take a look at the poll on the left side of my blog. Votes close in one week!

For the record:
-From day one I thought I was carrying a boy. Ben has just assumed it's a boy, too, because he can't picture himself being a daddy to a little girl.
-Other family have said they also thought baby is a boy all along, but have moments where they also think girl.
-My mother-in-law was so bold in her thoughts as to give us two darling baby girl dresses at the shower last week--we know her vote!
-A weird teacher at school says "You're carrying it like a girl."
-My great aunt Janice claims because my face isn't fat and I haven't gained weight in my hips baby's a girl."
-Recently, both Ben and I have had dreams of a baby girl...though Ben had a baby boy dream a few nights ago.
-At this point, I'm completely stumped. It's going to be a true surprise for me either way. I'm excited about that!

progress

2009-03-07T08:48:00.006-07:00

Three weeks ago, Ben finally had a day off. I lit a fire under his behind to get working on the baby room. He set out to demolish the walls, which were previously that lovely 70's-ish wood paneling covered by layers and layers of colored paint. We originally thought he'd have to replace all four walls, but there is only one wall (north) that he discovered he had to re-do.

From the outside of our ancient house, you can clearly see that there used to be a door that leads to this bedroom. We knew it was covered from the inside. However, when Ben began to demolish the north wall, he found not only the door, but also a random window that had been covered up AND the house's original wall.

Two weeks ago: The last owners not only covered the door (incorrectly, I might add) and the window, but they covered what seems to be a perfectly good sheet rock wall with insulation and the gaggy wood paneling. The wall around the door was covered in mold and you could clearly see a wide gap between the door and wall where water and other weather elements had made their way inside.

Ben spent several hours that first day ripping stuff down off the walls, chipping up the original tile flooring that he discovered under the carpet, and coughing dust of all sorts. Later that week, my oh-so-handy father-in-law came over to help haul all the wood, carpet, and junk out of the room.

Together, Ben and his dad have been working on the room a bit at a time for a few nights each week. Here are some things they discovered:
- The floor around the door was rotted. The step on the outside of the door was rotted. Obviously, the wall was rotted.
- After lifting up the rotted floor board, they found the crawl space...which was filled with all sorts of junk, ie old car parts, old furnace bits, tin cans, and more.
- The geniuses who re-did the room before us put all of the electrical on the outside of the original wall; there are electrical wires everywhere.

Thursday, they basically ripped out the whole north wall, including the door and old window. They quit working around 9:30, telling me that they kept finding more and more problems so they were going to call it quits for the night.

Yesterday the floor was replaced and fixed, kind of as a surprise to Ben, who disovered his dad and brother came over at 1:30 to begin work while both of us were gone. They 'broke in' by opening the crawl space door and popped into the room by lifting up the temporary flooring. By the time Ben and I got home around 6:30, the floor and all the rotten parts of it were done:

After working all night last night, the north wall looks like this:
They completely took out the door, replaced the wall, and framed a whole new window (that window, by the way, was just chillin' in our backyard when we moved in...it was an almost perfect fit to the pre existing window).

The next step to getting the room finished will be to fill in this wall with insulation & sheet rock. Ben's brother began smoothing out the original wall on the east; the south wall will just need to be painted; the west wall has a hole to patch and then also just needs paint. I picked out the paint last week...a really, really pale green, which matches perfectly the crib bedding my mom bought for us. We now have the crib & changing table at our house, along with an ever-growing accumulation of baby gifts (though most from my shower last week are at my mom's since we literally have no room for them). I somewhat see a light at the end of a tunnel. I don't know when it will be complete, but when a Hubert boy begins a project like this, it will get done very quickly because they are all so handy.

hallelujah

2009-03-05T20:56:00.002-07:00

All I can say is that I'm glad this week is over:HALLELUJAH. It might not be over for everyone who reads this, but for me it is and I'm so relieved. To express my excitement for this week being over, I'm writing it a letter.

Dear This Week:

I am so glad you are over. I am so glad that I don't have to go to work tomorrow--that is the silver lining in the chaos that was this week. Here are a few reasons why I'm glad you are over.

1. I'm glad you are over because that means, for one more year, stupid spring picture day is over. Who decided to have spring picture day on a Monday, anyway? Just because I'm in charge of all things pictures at the school, doesn't mean I was happy with that decision because a) (like always) the students complain that they have to get their picture taken and b)it's a big fat freakin' pain to coordinate a schedule (that several teachers don't follow anyway) and usher 30+ crazy teenagers back and forth between the auditorium 6 times a day (which I don't recommend doing nearly 8 months pregnant!) I'm glad that Monday is over because it was pretty much a wasted instructional day because of stupid spring pictures.
2. I'm glad you are over because on Tuesday, the crazy counselor took up all of class time to help my 8th graders register for 9th grade. Tuesday I had just enough time to read a lengthy poem with my students at the end of class because crazy counselor took too long telling my students all about how she'll bend rules for them if, when they come to the counseling center, they tell the secretaries that they need to see her because of a "personal problem." Tuesday was also the first night of parent teacher conference, which went well despite having one parent come see me (I suspect) high as a freakin' kite! Didn't get home until almost 8pm!!!
3. I'm glad you are over because Wednesday was probably the craziest days all year. First, all 7th and 8th grade students were released at the beginning of 1st period to "run around" (direct words from crazy counselor) to get their registration card signed. Next, crazy counselor was back in my room to collect the registration cards, which pretty much equaled yet another wasted instructional day. Oh, and don't forget the awesome fire drill during 4th period where we had to walk outside in the crazy wind (and where this pregnant teacher had to waddle from one end of the building to the other carrying a big bucket and wand and attendance binder) and wait for about 10 minutes to get the go-ahead to go back to class. And wouldn't you know, 4th period students were absolutely CRAZY after the drill? Oh, and also, don't forget that during lunch, while I was working on yearbook pages that my once-praised yearbook staff failed to complete for deadline, the power went off, resulting in loosing any work on yearbook pages I had done on the computer. The power came back on right before 6th period, but my students were all abuzz because of the food fight in the cafeteria when the power went off (some covered in pizza sauce). Oh, and also on Wednesday was the second day of parent teacher conference. And then I had to come home and stay up 'till midnight working on the previously mentioned unfinished yearbook pages.
4. I'm glad you are over because today I had to chew out my yearbook staff for not doing their jobs--which felt really good after a near sleepless night. Also, because of their failures, I had to submit several pages with question marks in the place of students names because I couldn't figure out the student by looking over the portrait pages a billion times. During lunch I was asked to help monitor the lunchroom for 2nd lunch to help prevent further food fights and oversee the assigned seating. I had every intention of going down, really, but I put my head down for what I thought was 2 seconds and then woke up to the bell ringing for students to come to class.

One good (no, GREAT) thing about this week was that I had a little break from my own school work. My next master's class doesn't start until Monday and the break could not have come at a better time! When I got home today, I slept on the couch in a near-coma state for several hours. I still feel like I could sleep for days, and I just might.

adios, February

2009-03-02T19:10:00.003-07:00

Raise your hand if you are getting sick of seeing my bursting belly picture from my previous post? (I'm totally raising my hand, btw). I have lacked the creative drive, basic energy, and overall time to update for a few days.

I cannot believe that February is over. I cannot believe that in the month of February (a mere 28 days):
- I became an aunt TWICE to baby Dawson and baby Cash.
- I made the first yearbook deadline of 09 only one day late!
- I completed one more 8-week long course for my Master's degree successfully.
- I was released as Primary President...and had some family function every Sunday in February that has prevented me from going to my own ward.
- I watched American Idol only two times, out of complete desperation, not interest.
- I, along with some of my 9th graders, completed a Media Free Day (a total elimination of media for one day...no TV, no computer, no phone, no radio, etc.).
- I finished 3 non-school related/required books...for entertainment.
- I had one wonderful baby shower and received lovely things for baby H, including a crib, lots of diapers, and cuddly blankets, which makes me feel a little more prepared.
- I attended, along with B, a 3rd Trimester class at the hospital where we learned more about labor and deliver.

Obviously more than this happened, but these are some highlights. Hard to believe that one month from this upcoming Saturday is my due date. I'm anxious, nervous, excited, and overwhelmed at this thought.

34 week hiccup

2009-02-25T16:45:00.004-07:00

(No, that isn't a tail growing off my belly, just the strings to tie my pants up)

I had a little hiccup in my thus-far normal pregnancy. Today marks 34 weeks. I wasn't planning on doing a pregnancy update this week, but because of the little hiccup, I thought I'd document it.

Over the weekend my back and hips started hurting non-stop. All of a sudden I felt like I was almost bending all the way backwards, which put strain on my lower back. My waddle became almost impossible to hide.

Monday, after a long day on my feet at school, I found some stretches to help with lower back pain on a pregnancy website and tried them. Ben got home and we were going to watch a tv show together before I went to bed, so I came into my office to turn off my computer. As I went to sit down, my chair rolled out from underneath me and I went boom on my butt...only it didn't hurt my butt. Instead, I felt like I had broken my pelvis or pubic bone. I screamed for Ben to come help me up. I didn't fall very far and it couldn't have been too hard.

Mostly I was just in a lot of pain and sitting on the couch hurt. As we watched the tv show, I felt the baby moving a ton and when it was time for bed, it took way longer than normal for me to walk to our bedroom. I could barely lift my legs, let alone 'hop' into bed. Ben had to literally pick me up and place me on top of the bed and then position my legs around my body pillow. I still continued to feel the baby move like normal.

After a few minutes in bed, I decided I hurt too much to just lay there, so I went and filled up the tub and soaked in warm water for a bit--which really did nothing for the pain. I took a Tylenol, sat on the couch painfully, and slept for a couple of hours until the baby kicked my ribs and woke me up. I hobbled back to my bedroom, took about 5 minutes to actually get in bed in a semi-comfortable position, and slept on and off until my alarm went off.

Tuesday at school I could barely walk without the pain on my pubic bone. Sitting wasn't comfortable, walking was impossible. The pain would go away only if I stood in one position, which was really difficult with the added pressure of a baby breaking my back.

Finally during lunch, I called my doctor's office to see what they thought about the pain and possible harm to baby. After a few back-and-forth phone calls between me and the nurse, I finally got a call right before 7th period that my doctor wanted me to go to the hospital to get a non-stress test (NST) just be check out the baby. She also prescribed me loratab for my pain.

I found someone to cover my class and made my way to the hospital. Obviously this wasn't a scheduled visit, but they maternal fetal medicine unit got me right in. They hooked me up to the fetal monitors and started an ultrasound. Right away I saw the baby moving and wiggling. Mostly I saw the cute little feet which are right under my ribs; baby H is head down. The ultrasound concluded that the amniotic fluid was at a perfect level. I was hooked up to the fetal monitor for about 30 minutes and was able to listen to the heartbeat go up and down with the movements baby made. The specialist determined that all was well with baby H and I came home.

The loratab has helped take some of the pain away, but it's still painful to walk, get in & out of the car or bed, and going from sitting to standing. I was actually able to sleep the whole night last night without getting up thanks to loratab. I am in pain, but am more thankful that the baby is OK.

Other than the constant back pain and now pubic bone pain, I'm feeling pretty good. I will go see my doctor again on the 9th, then every week after that until the baby is ready to come.

We went to our first birthing class on Saturday and have one more this Saturday. I learned a lot and even though it freaked me out a bit, I'm more excited just to meet the baby! Ben spent several hours on the baby's room on Saturday after our class--he tore down walls and took out carpet. Behind one of the walls he found the original (in mostly perfect condition) and a random window and door. Now he just needs to move to the next step, which is refinishing and painting the walls & laying the new carpet.

We're getting SO close!!!

new posts

2009-02-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

A few new posts today. Keep reading!

students

2009-02-23T17:11:00.003-07:00

Current class standings are as follows:

1st period--Mostly they are great kids. Except for the group of girls who have MAJOR ego and attitude towards any sort of work related activities. The class in general has been a dream this year, working, making deadlines, and trying hard.

2nd period--Love them. Generally the sweetest, most inquisitive students I have. They are patient with my numerous mistake...this is the first time I teach my lesson each day and I usually foul it up a few times. They laugh at my really dumb jokes, are kind, and generally keep their mouths shut when instructed to do so.

3rd period--Used to be my least favorite period. Until two of the behavior problem/influences were transferred out of the class. Now, I love them, too. Granted, there are few more crazies and annoying students in here, but other students totally make up for them by offering to help me in various ways & asking really good, valid questions about topics and assignments.

4th period--Really could do without most of them. They're whiners, smart-alec's, and generally very rude. It's too bad that this class has consistently had the highest class average all year--they're super smart, just super annoying. I have lots of pencil-tapping, sound-effect making, and an overall lack of listening in this class.

5th period--Technically this is my prep period, but at semester change I obtained a very helpful student aide who does those menial parts of my job that I usually put off...wiping the desks with Clorox wipes, chopping paper to use for quizes, creating file folders, organizing supplies, and making coppies. She's a gem.

6th period--Oi vey. Let's just say that currently I dred this class every single day. Most of them come to me right after lunch and are hyped up on sugar. They are LOUD x's 1000. They are RUDE x's 2000. This period seriously seems like it lasts about 2 weeks each day. It was so bad today I finally threw papers in the air, said, "You guys figure it out," and walked out of the room (by the way, this is generally a very bad teacher practice that I DO NOT do often!). When I gained composure enough to come back inside, I asked them to tell me why I would dred this class. They came up with lots of answers (mostly all right) and we had a discussion about their behavior. I think this class is the class that gave me my gray hairs.

7th period--Love them. It's a small class, they are super sweet, and we have a good repor with each other where we can kind of joke and be silly, but they'll shut their mouths long enough to listen and learn. They--OH MY GOSH--follow instructions. They--OH MY GOSH--don't complain. They--OH MY GOSH--treat me like gold.

Sometimes I have to review this stuff to really help myself stay sane. I like to keep record of it to reflect on later, see what I can do to improve. For example, tomorrow 2nd, 3rd, and 7th periods have a semi-fun activity which includes a game and perhaps candy (if I remember to pick some up on the way tomorrow morning). On the other hand, 4th and 6th periods will be writing letters to me explaining (and apologizing for) their poor behavior choices, ideas on what they can do to improve, and doing a silent brainstorm on what it means to be respectful. I will then attach my new poor behavior consequences.

And sometimes--especially today--I literally feel like making a career change and pull my hair out.

And perhaps it's because I'm generally really uncomfortable these days & am kinda cranky or perhaps it is just that time of the year when students get squirly. Or perhaps it's just because some teenagers are just little poop heads..

release

2009-02-23T17:01:00.002-07:00

Though I wasn't in my home ward yesterday, I was released as Primary president. I asked to be released a while ago with the knowledge my life was going to undergo a dramatic change come April & I was so utterly stressed with everything else going on in my life.

I loved my experiences, the wonderful women who served with me, and especially the sweet children I got to know. I learned a lot about leadership because I had never been in a leadership role before. It was definitely challenging to go out of my comfort zone to lead, especially when my counselors were generally older & more experienced than I. I suppose I was to learn something from that. I think I did. I hope I did.

I served in that calling for just about 2 years. It's safe to say that I never really felt like I was doing a stellar job...partly because sometimes--I'm being brutally honest here--other stuff in my life was more of a priority to me than devoting loads of time to coming up with super creative, complicated, and detailed sharing times or quarterly activites. I always felt bad that I couldn't dedicate all my spare moments to the calling and ended up settling with the idea that 'less is more,' and kept everything pretty simple.

I know I learned some important lessons and it was such a joy to be around the children, who are so strong and unwavering. My testimony was strengthened in many ways and I was able to learn a few more fun Primary songs.

My feelings about being released definitely aren't bitter-sweet---I was anxiously waiting this release (& that kinda makes me feel guilty, too), but I'm sincerely grateful for the chance I had to serve in this calling and look forward to being able to work in Primary again somewhere down the road.

me and Cash

2009-02-23T16:55:00.004-07:00

I gained one more new nephew over the weekend. Older brother and his wife welcomed baby Cash on Saturday night. Cute little guy weighed just over 8lbs, has a fair amount of dark hair, cute, skinny fingers and toes, and is definitely a keeper!

I went to visit last night and got to hold the precious tiny one for a few while he tried to eat. I asked him if he had any knowledge of the gender of the baby inside of me, but he didn't give me much in the way of a response.

I'm anxious to meet my other nephew, Dawson, who lives in Wyoming. And of course, very anxious to meet my own offspring who currently resides in my expanding belly & who continues to grow, making my ability to walk/sit/stand/sleep almost impossible.

Oh well, I love him/her anyway.

explore no more

2009-02-19T16:46:00.002-07:00

This picture should not look normal to you. If it does, you might need to drink your V8 or simply sit up straight.

Yesterday our beloved white '90-something Ford Explorer bit the dust...literally.

I got a phone call from Ben after school yesterday saying that I would have to come pick up him to go to the doctors appointment instead of meeting him there. I asked why and he explained that the Explorer broke but added that it was kind of funny how it ended up dying.

Turns out, as he was driving near our home, the tire literally broke off. All the fancy car parts, lug nuts, calipers (or whatever they are called) finally busted under the pressure caused by an accident that occurred last year.

As B was driving around yesterday, he noticed a wierd noise along with a strange vibration on his left front tire. He was prompted not to drive on the freeway to get home from SLC and instead, took the longer route on side streets. Not even a mile from home, the sound got worse, he pulled into the emergency lane, and drove slowly to try to make it home. Before he got home, though, the tire snapped with enough force to bump into a passing car, and rolled into the middle of traffic.
This is where a tire should be but is not. Ben seems to think that it wouldn't be worth it to actually take time and money to fix the car, which we've known was on it's last leg for a while. Luckily, Ben's grandpa was available to come down to help him get a AAA tow-truck for free to get the Explorer back to our house, where it will probably sit for a while longer.

I'm just glad that he wasn't on the freeway when the tire broke; we are both almost certain that the Explorer would have flipped and the outcome would have been much worse.

a sweat affair to remember

2009-02-18T18:43:00.004-07:00

I'm 100% in love with sweat pants these days. I won't say that I've stooped so low as to wear them to work (except for Pajama Day a few weeks ago during Spirit Week), but I have considered purchasing this t-shirt for Ben. Poor guy rarely sees me in anything but sweats. And pretty soon, my students may be seeing me sporting the frumpy sweat pant look.

Right after Christmas, I made a purchase that no one could have warned me would change my life. At least my pregnant life. I bought a pair of simple, navy blue, non-maternity sweat pants from Old Navy. I've been wearing them nearly every night from the time I get home from work to when I get ready the next morning. I seriously dread having to take these heavenly pants off and daydream about putting them on.

I foresee these sweatpants & I having a long and glorious relationship, though I will probably retire them as the weather gets warmer...and replace them with the shorts version!!

As a side note (which actually, if you think about it, goes hand in hand with my sweat pant affair)...
Had another doctor appointment today. I'm 33 weeks. Feeling great except for the whole feeling HUGE part. Gained a few more pounds, listened to a super cute heart beat (cutest one ever, as far as I'm concerned), discussed an "ideal" birthing plan, and realized yet again that I love my doctor.

My students are growing ever more intrigued by my expanding belly. Some recent endearing comments:
--"I am only helping you lift the folder crate because your pregnant and your belly might pop if you lift it."
--"It's so freaky to think that every time I see your belly there's a little alien type person inside."
--"How ya doing, Mrs. H? How's the little Mrs. or Mr. H doing?"
--"Do you think your stomach can get much bigger, Mrs. H?"
--"Is your belly wiggling on it's own just now or is the baby moving?"

Leave it to teenagers to be so perfectly honest.

(((I have a funny (kinda) story to post about soon, but am waiting for pictures. I promise it'll be worth your revisiting!!!!)))

stairs

2009-02-16T18:57:00.002-07:00

When I grow up and have a cool, designer house, I want stairs like these:
No need to have one room dedicated as a library when you can save space and use your stairway as your book shelf!

my day off

2009-02-16T14:10:00.003-07:00

As a middle school teacher, I'm out of my house every day by 7 (or so), at work from 7:15 to anywhere between 3:30 or 5pm (depending on how much energy I have to get stuff prepped for the next day). When I get home, I spend a few minutes with Zeus-man throwing a ball in the backyard or just watching him run around in the snow. Then, I usually fix a quick snack, turn on my computer, catch up on e-mails/blogs, and then begin work on homework, which I try to do a little piece of each night. Some days, I also clean the kitchen, do laundry, or run necessary errands that can't wait until Saturday. At least once a week I'm updating grades on the computer or creating worksheets for class. I make mental lists in my head during the day (while I'm teaching relative pronouns, imagery, and the like) of things I have to do in those few hours I am home and rarely, I mean very rarely, do I get everything done.

Saturday mornings I attempt to finish up those cleaning chores and laundry and run those last few errands before I really feel like my weekend starts. I usually spend a few hours with mom, either going shopping or going to movies or helping her around her house. Then I get home just before Ben gets home from work. We spend Saturday night catching up on our week since, literally, we see each other for a total of three hours during the week. Sometimes we go grocery shopping, catch a movie, or go visit family. Sunday we're up early for church meetings (though, no more since we're both being released) and at church from 9-12. Our Sunday afternoon tradition is to take long, snuggly naps in our completely dark room after eating lunch (one of the two or three meals we actually eat with each other in any given week). 3 out of 4 Sunday's a month, we have dinner plans or family get togethers to go to and our goal is to be home from said events at a decent time of 8 or 9 so I can prepare for a new week and so that Ben can figure out his homework.

And then on Mondays, the week starts all over again.

Unless it's today, President's Day, and I have a day off.

With all the busyness in life, you'd think when I have a day off I'd try to go do something fun or different for a change. You'd think I would forget about things like cleaning or laundry and treat myself to a true day off.

But, you're wrong.

Today I slept in--and amazing feat in and of itself--until 9 (granted, I was up at 6:30 going to the bathroom, again, and eating something, again, and moving into my office to sleep on my twin bed and watching the Today show until I fell asleep, again, but still...). I worked on dishes and laundry and dusting and vacuuming. I had intentions of going out to spend a day shopping or getting a hair cut or something different. I even wrote a list of stuff I usually wish I could do during the week but don't get to because a) I'm so freaking tired by 3pm or b) oh yeah, I am working all day.

But today I have been so exhausted and lazy. I caught up on some DVR shows from last week, took a warm bath, snuggled with Zeus while I read, and have looked up really random stuff on the Internet. I did get out of my pajama's, which is a step up from some day's off in the past, and I have managed to eat decently even with the Valentine's candy taunting me from the cookie jar. I think I may now go take a nap and then read some more until Ben gets home from work.

I suppose it may not be anything exciting, fun, or different, but it has felt nice and well deserved. But I know that tomorrow, somewhere around 3rd period, I'm going to be working on that mental list, kicking myself for not being any more productive today...

I hope those of you who, too, had a day off today have had a good one! Happy President's Day!

32 weeks

2009-02-11T17:34:00.003-07:00

What you won't see me wearing in my current state:
We're definitely on the down-hill slope of this pregnancy. Today I hit 32 weeks and my baby ticker on my desktop reminded me that I have *roughly* 56 days until Baby H comes.

Mostly for my own record keeping, here's a few highlights (or low lights) of the last 2 weeks.

* We had a doctor's appointment last week. I lost one pound. Total weight gain is 10 pounds. My blood pressure was "high" for me so they took it twice but Dr. H wasn't too concerned & has me checking my bp every few days with instructions to call if it gets too high. So far so good. Baby H's heartbeat was precious as ever and sounding good. We now see the doctor every two weeks (next Wednesday is another appointment) and then in March, we'll start going every week until D-Day. Crazy.

* I got a prescription for Pepcid. It. Has. Changed. My. Life. No more sleepless nights with acid bubbling in my throat or having to constantly know where the Berry Flavored Tums were.

* Speaking of sleeping--I hate it. Really, my body and mind gets sleepy by 6th period & I feel like I could take a nap on my desk. But when it comes time to actually do the whole pj thing and hop into bed, it's just not as comfortable as it used to be. I've even spent a few nights sleeping in my old twin bed from high school/college that has strangely enough been more comfortable that the queen size bed. My hips fall asleep, I get those nasty leg cramps, and I swear I'm peeing more than should be necessary. All worth it, though, I keep telling myself.

* I've started waddling. And walking extremely slow. A student yelled at me from the down the hall today: "You walk like a penguin, Mrs. H!" Sweet.

* Baby H has the hiccups! Well, not really right now, but I've been feeling them a lot lately. Kind of cute. Kind of annoying...as hiccups are out of the womb.

* Baby H's favorite time to move around is in the evening and right before I try to sleep at night. For example, as I type this I can literally see my belly wiggle and dance. It's a little crooked, too. I'm not sure the exact position of the baby, but I mostly feel movement on my right side and sometimes the movements not only catch me by surprise, but they hurt a little, too! Ben's favorite game is to poke my belly where the baby is. Nine times out of ten, the baby plays along and pokes Ben back. Now, instead of paying careful attention during Sacrament meeting, we're both preoccupied watching my belly and playing "Guess that Body Part." I love that Ben is able to feel it and I think he gets a kick (literally) out of it, too.

* By far the weirdest craving I've had is cleaning products. Don't worry, I haven't eaten Comet or bleach or laundry soap. I just savor their smell when I use them. I don't sit and inhale the fumes, either. If I could somehow eat something that tastes like how Comet smells, I believe I would be insanely happy. But I won't. I'll keep acting on my edible cravings: big, fat bean and cheese burritos from Gual Berto's, apple sauce, and chocolate.

* I've got that wicked dark line down my belly, apparently called linea negra. It's actually kind of funny because it is crooked. I am not sure if my belly button can stretch any more, but it continues to do so and it itches.

* I've had strong feelings for the last 7 months that this baby is a boy. On Saturday, all of a suddent, I got the impression that baby is actually a girl. Ben had a dream about the baby last night and it was a girl. My students want to place bets on the sex of the baby and unofficially the votes indicate that Mrs. H's baby is a boy. I suppose we won't know for sure (much to the shagrin of my mom and grandma!) until he or she makes their appearance.

dawson

2009-02-09T17:24:00.003-07:00

This is my new nephew, Dawson (this just happens to by my most favorite picture of him with that cute, unsure little face). He's a little peanut & so cute. He was born last week and we are SO excited that he is here & healthy! I'm waiting anxiously to meet him soon. Our other new nephew, Cash, will be here soon, too.

gray

2009-02-09T17:08:00.002-07:00

I now have one more way to relate to Anderson Cooper. As of Saturday, Anderson and I both have gray hair. (The other way I relate to Anderson Cooper is that he got his start on Channel One news and I watch Channel One news...well, that relation is a stretch...)

I was looking in the mirror on Saturday, attempting to do something with my hair besides straight. I had just finished cleaning my house and felt excited that it was done and that I could see those heavenly vacuum lines on the carpet.

And then...dum, dum, dum...there it was: an honest-to-goodness short, coarse, gray hair coming right out of my side part. I tried unsuccessfully to pull the hair out with my fingers, but had to resort to plucking it out with tweezers. I almost shed a tear. I literally stood in the bathroom studying the travesty and instantly updated my Twitter with my find. My dad convinced me that it was probably my time to have a few gray hairs. My mom said agreed. My brother Zach laughed. Ben said, "now you have to stop laughing at my gray hair in my beard."

I've told my students since my first year of teaching that they were going to make my hair turn gray. I think this first gray was a combination of stress rlated to work (namely, students), school (namely, weekly reading and assignments, and an extreme upcoming change to my lifestyle (namely, a baby).

Now I've becomed obsessed with looking for the pesky little buggars. Thus far there have been no repeat offenders, but I kind of feel like it's just a matter of time.

And so I bought some more hair dye today, just to be on the safe side.

2009-02-02T20:14:00.002-07:00

A 7th period student was clearly overwhelmed with today's assignment. He took his frustration out with a black dry-erase marker and my white board. I found it very intriguing and had to snap a picture before I erased it.

my new boyfriend

2009-02-01T20:46:00.001-07:00

I've always loved this song, but after watching this on SNL, I think he is replacing Johnny Depp as my boyfriend.

anniversary recap

2009-02-01T20:23:00.004-07:00

It's been one of those weekends that make me really dread Mondays!

We had a fabulous anniversary. Instead of spending lots of money going to a fancy hotel or anything like we had originally planned on, we stayed home so that I could be uncomfortable in bed...for free! (And, boy, was I ever?!?! Ben sadly commented this morning, "You were moving a lot last night! Uncomfortable, were we?")

We went to Tucano's Brazilian BBQ at the Gateway last night. It was entirely too yummy for words. I loved the raspberry Brazilian lemonade...the warm brown sugar pineapple...the melt-in-your-mouth top sirloin...the salad bar festival with all the fresh veggies one pregnant woman could crave...and the Brazilian cream for dessert. We both left with super full tummies and I think the baby enjoyed it, too, because I felt it moving ALL night!!
I made Ben set up the camera on the tripod before we left to get a shot of us on our 5th anniversary. (Note: I promise we did not plan on wearing matching colors. Really, I swear. I got dressed in one of my only remaining comfortably fitting maternity shirts and Ben put on his for-special-ocassions-only golfing polo shirt and when we met up in the family room ready to go, we both said, "We match!" We decided not to change because, hey, no one would notice, right? (Wrong! The waitress at dinner asked if we had just come from getting our pictures taken!!! Oh well!))

While he had the camera out, I had him take a full-length picture of my belly...just for posterity sakes. I kind of think I look like I'm tipping backwards.

Though we both said "no gifts" this year, Ben came home with the Willow Tree "Cherish" figurine of a pregnant woman. I cried.

I stuck to the "no gifts" but couldn't resist making a cute heart-shaped cake that I decorated in our wedding colors with "5 Years" written in frosting on the top. We were both too full to eat any when we got home, but I've since taken a nice slice or two out of the creation. Yum!
Since we both had made arrangements for church today because we had planned on not being there, we decided to sleep in and hang out in our jammies all day...quite reminiscent of the day after our wedding 5 years ago. We made breakfast/lunch/dinner of crepes and fresh fruit at 5pm and lounged on the couch watching everything from "The Bee Movie" to our DVR Saturday Night Live. I just realized I had a bunch of grading to conquer before tomorrow so, sadly, my carefree, relaxing weekend is now over.

I've got a BIG week this week with our first yearbook deadline (YIKES!) tomorrow. I shall probably be at the school until 9pm tomorrow. Joy.

5 years

2009-01-31T17:41:00.003-07:00

5 years ago today, Ben and I got married. 5 years ago tomorrow, we watched Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" at the Super Bowl while we were on the first part of our honeymoon at a darling B&B in SLC. Not sure why the former milestone is one I seem to always remember every year on my anniversary, but I do.

I can't believe it's been 5 years. That kind of makes me feel ancient. I remember on our 1st anniversary, I couldn't picture what 5 years would be like. As with most people, the first few years of marriage was hard! There were times I think both B and I wanted to give up, but just this morning we both commented that we are so glad we didn't. Ben's taught me a lot, mostly about myself, in the last 5 years and I'm glad he has continued to love me and be patient with me.

After we left our reception at The Old Meeting House on Saturday, January 31, 2004, we were driven via stretch Explorer limousine to a little B&B. It was obvious we were both exhausted from a long and exciting day. As if to set a sensitive and caring tone to our marriage that has existed since day one, Ben spent about 30 minutes (no exaggeration here) taking out what seemed to be literally thousands of bobby pins out of my hair. We sat by the fireplace simply discussing our day as he pulled one bobby pin out at a time and handed them to me. He continues to do so much for me--small, simple, yet significant things.

I love you, B!

8

2009-01-30T15:30:00.002-07:00

8 Things I'm Passionate About:

family
the Gospel
writing
teaching/education
good food
good books
dancing
preparing to be a mommy

8 Words/Phrases I Use Often

Your mouth's should be quiet & your eye's should be on me!
Nice!
Let's get started!
No, you cannot use the hall pass.
Honey?/ Babe?/ Ben?
Your 'da best hubband evah!
I'm a wimp!
I'm gonna go read.

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die

Travel to England, China, and Australia
Write a book & publish it
Learn to sew like my mother-in-law
Learn to cook like my mom
Be a stay home mom
Have one BIG room in my house for books only
Own/Run a Bed & Breakfast (this is why I need to learn to cook!)
Become more confident!

8 Things I Want/Need

to sleep on my stomach
a new couch
new kitchen flooring
a house in Seattle
friendly and respectful students
red Converse
energy
a zit-free face!

8 Things I Have Learned From the Past

Mom knows best
When in doubt, kneel
The dentist isn't that bad...if you brush and floss
A tinfoil label on the honey jar will go -BOOM- in the microwave!
Other people's opinions really don't matter
A new pair of shoes solves all the world's problem
Teenagers are not to be trusted
Love and let others love you back

8 Restaurants I Love

Happy Sumo
Kneaders
Gual Berto's (not sure on the spelling...)
Rodizio Grill
Iggy's
Chili's
Olive Garden
Wendy's

8 Shows I Love to Watch

Ellen
House
ER (though, it's clearly time for that show to be done....)
CSI: (the Las Vegas one)
Real World
Big Love
Jon and Kate Plus 8
What Not to Wear

8 People I Tag
I honestly don't think 8 people read my blog, so if you read and wanna play along with the tag, go for it!

30 weeks

2009-01-27T17:08:00.002-07:00

Well, here's a 30 week belly shot and pregnancy update. I haven't done one for a while and realized today--at 30 weeks--how quickly time has flown!

I did pass my glucose test, but my iron was low so the doc put me on a iron supplement. I've only been taking that for about a week now and I'm not sure that I'm supposed to notice a difference I haven't), but I do know I hate the way that pill tastes. I haven't checked my weight gain since the last doctor's appointment (total 9lbs), but I'm feeling good & still have yet to see a stretch mark (knock on wood!).

The people in the front office at work today told me that I'm starting to look "uncomfortable pregnant." They are right. When I sit, I feel like I'm squishing baby and then he/she lets me know that, yes, they are squished by jabbing a foot or something just under my ribs (or stretching out as much as the can, putting pressure and tightness on my belly). Such a pleasant feeling. Really no position is very comfortable...sitting, standing, lying down...etc. (You probably noticed from my last post that I really wish I could sleep on my stomach).

Right after I eat lunch, right before 6th period starts, I really wish I could lay down for a quick nap. Thus, I usually sit in my big comfy chair for 6th and 7th period and do my best to 'manage' a classroom of 30 teenagers. I feel bad about that, but I literally have zero energy to walk around and be a good, with-it teacher.

Baby continues to move a bunch and has even kicked Zeus' head a few times while he was resting his chin on my belly. Ben loves to feel the baby and jumps with excitement whenever he feels movement, big or little. It's fun for me too, of course, but baby sure picks the perfect times to be really active (when I'm trying to fall asleep, or when I'm teaching and the kids point out my wiggling belly). We go for another appointment next Wednesday and then will start going every two weeks.

I have arranged my long-term sub for when baby decides to come. He is an English major and actually has already worked at WL as a long-term sub earlier this year. I feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders as I was able to cross this off my "to do" list. Now I just need to fill out the rest of the paperwork with the district and I'll be set on that end. Now...child care for when school starts up again in the fall is a whole other worry....

The first new Adams family baby is set to arrive on the 5th of February and I am SO excited! My sis-in-law Heather and brother Eric will be down here NEXT week to welcome baby Dawson to the family. Baby season is upon us!!!!

please

2009-01-24T09:42:00.001-07:00

All I want to do is sleep on my stomach!

That's all.

scratch that

2009-01-22T16:54:00.003-07:00

Wouldn't you know the day after I write a fuzzy-warm post about how I mostly like my dog, he turns around and behaves like the real devil?

Yup. True. I have now had two days of him behaving like a little $&%^ (sorry, but it's true!) and I can't help but think that he somehow knows what nice things I said about him in my post. Perhaps these nice things embarassed him. You know, he wants to be the big, tough dog on the street, so he decided he needed to act out so I would take those nice things back, just to show his friends that he really isn't such a softy. Hmmph.

Let's examine yesterday's issue. I let him out of his kennel when I got home from work, like normal. Also, like normal, I let him outside so he could run around and relieve himself. I was feeling friendly and decided to throw a toy out in the back with Zeus, to give him a little exercise. He was doing really great at first, listening to my "drop it" command. After a bit, I got him to come back inside and then I came to sit down at my computer.

Out of nowhere, he starts making loop-de-loops around the house, running in crazy, eratic circles from my office (making a quick bouncing stop on the bed) through the hallway, around the corner, in the kitchen, on the couch and then back to my office bed. While he is running around like a madman, he's also barking. I do my best to calm him down, to no avail. I look into his face and am seriously frightened that if I get too close, he'll chew my face off. So, what do I do? Well, I do the only rational thing: get out my cell phone and start taking video of his behavior to show B when he gets home (he never believes me when I tell him how awful Zeus can be). And then Zeus starts bitting my feet--something he never does--and again, the look in his eye made me think he was posessed. And then he got a hold of my pants (one of my few pairs that I still fit into comfortably) and ripped a hole at the bottom. Out of nowhere, Zeus just stopped, shook, and then laid down on the floor as calm as nothing ever happened. Here's the video. Don't mind my screaming in the background!

And now today. I get home and let him out the back door. Instead of going where he usually goes to pee--in a back corner--he makes a beeline for the front yard (also something he never does). I walk around the cornner and see him in the front yard staring at me as if to say, "Haha, you think you're gonna catch me?" And then he takes off down the street, stopping only to sniff the ground. Of course, I can't run and it is hard to even walk quickly, so I'm yelling and screaming down the street after him, but does he choose to listen to me then? No. Finally, he enters the yard of a family who owns several big, mean dogs. Zeus sees these dogs, who are barking at him, in the window and decides he'd like to play with them. So, he starts jumping up and down in front of the window. I see this as an opportunity to sneak up behind him, which I do and yank him awkwardly up the street back home...where he escapes again once we're inside. I couldn't get a hold on him after that. And again, as if nothing had just transpired, he stops, shakes, and then lays on the floor in front of the heater.

I put a phone call in to my sweet husband who is obsessed with this dog-who-can-do-no-wrong.

I was fuming.

Something has got to be done. Next time, I will just let him continue running. Seriously.

dogs

2009-01-20T20:20:00.003-07:00

Ben and I went to see "Marley and Me" last night. I finished reading the book a few weeks ago--it was one of the first ones I downloaded to my digital reader and, though I don't really consider myself a true dog lover, I rather enjoyed John Grogan's story. I thought Ben would like it, as well.

The basic idea of the book and movie is Grogan's account of having "the world's worst dog." Marley, a yellow Labrador, comes to the Grogan family as a puppy and is known to have a neurosis with thunder storms. He chews literally everything in sight, including a gold chain, sheet rock, and feather pillows. No matter what they do, i.e. training, getting him "fixed," they cannot get him under control. Grogan and his wife, Jenny, eventually have 3 kids and continue to love Marley--despite his crazy behavior--until he gets old and sick and dies.

Ben cried when they finally made the decision to put Marley down. It brought back memories of his dog, Peaches, who died, and forced him to look into the future to when our dog, Zeus, dies. I cried, too, mostly because it's super hard not to fall in love with Marley even though he is bad.

If you know me...or really, if you know my dog Zeus, you know that I sometimes think he is "the worlds worst dog," or the "devil dog." Some days I want to secretly let him run away (though I don't think he'd go very far). Some days I wish I never asked for a dog for Christmas. Some days he drives me so crazy, I threaten Ben that I'm going to get rid of him.
Other days, though (usually when Ben's home) I love little Zeus-man. Some days he'll cuddle with me on the couch or in bed and keep me warm. Some days he's a really good listener and obedient to my "sit, stay" and "drop it" commands. Some days, I think he senses I don't feel well or have had a bad day and he'll listen to me discuss my problems to myself and doesn't judge.

I may complain about him a lot, and don't get me wrong, there's a lot to complain about (he only chews on stuff when Ben's not home, he doesn't always "come" when I tell him, he eats food off my plate or counter--tonight he enjoyed a pancake from my stack--he licks my feet, the carpet, and pretty much anything he can get his tongue on, he jumps up on everone who comes to the door...you get the idea), but if you catch me on one of those good days, I sure do love my devil dog. I suppose we have a love/hate relationship (lately mostly hate), but he's a little pal & grows a little bit on me each day.

m.i.a.

2009-01-19T16:45:00.003-07:00

Not that anyone really reads my blog as religiously as I read theirs, but in case you hadn't noticed, I have been m.i.a. for a while (ok, a week may not be a while...). I have had a nice day off, got loads done, and realized I would love to spill some creative juices here on my blog while I have a rare spare minute before B gets home from work. Bear with me, as this will probably be a jumbled mess of random thoughts.

First off, here's a Happy Birthday shout-out to my dad who celebrates his 60th birthday today (sorry for spilling the age beans, daddy-o!) Mostly for him, here's a picture of my dad and I when he took me to San Fransico for my 16th birthday. Don't laugh too hard, please...

A few things about this picture:
1. I realize my hair looks rediculous. Blame the wind, I don't know.
2. A high school boyfriend said of this picture: "Is that your dad and your grandma?"
3. I LOVED those green linen pants. Looking back now, I sure don't know why.

Hope you had a good birthday, dad!!

I'd also like to write a little about my latest internet obsession: Twitter. For those of you know don't know about Twitter, let me enlighten you.

Have you ever wondered what your friends, family, or complete strangers are doing at any given moment? If so, check their Twitter and it will tell you. Basically, you sign up for a Twitter account, which if you are cool enough, people will "follow." You have 140 characters to simply answer the question "What are you doing?" My dad introduced me to Twitter and I've been "Tweeting" since Christmas break. I'm not really cool though, because I have only 7 followers (people who can see my answers to the question whenever I update it) but I do follow some pretty cool people, including Dave Matthews of Dave Matthews Band fame, Coldplay, and a local DJ who is pretty cool. You can also send "tweets" from your cell phone. So, if you're looking for one more thing to take up you time, become a Tweeter and sign up. And then follow me so I can look cooler!

Baby Hubert continues to grow and make himself/herself known. It's been pretty amusing to feel its movements throughout the day--and night, no doubt--and it's almost like baby and me play a little game together all day. The game is that I poke it just to see if it'll poke back, and it usually does. I sometimes feel like it is literally rolling around or making 360 degree turns inside of me, which is a pretty rad feeling. At last week's dr. appointment, we heard the 147 bmp heartbeat, always so cute, and learned that all is measuring well. After the next appointment in three weeks, I'll start going ever two weeks. It's getting close and I'm getting nervous (but incredibly excited!)

This weekend has been, as always, pretty busy. Friday night Ben and I were actually home at the same time with no real plans. We made a few trips to family members houses and were able to enjoy a little Arby's on the couch. Saturday I had a Primary activity, which was pretty easy because we took the kids to the temple grounds and just walked around. After the activity I had an afternoon of homework planned. It took much longer than I anticipated, but I finally got it done. Then I had to figure out my sharing time for Sunday. Ben and I chilled at home but since we rarely get to chill together at night, it was awesome. Sunday I had sharing time--I think my last--and then we went to dinner at my mom's because Eric and Heather were in town. Today we went to breakfast with Eric and Heather and then I've been cleaning and getting stuff done around the house.

I love long weekends.

hard days

2009-01-12T16:29:00.003-07:00

Some days I have a hard time really loving my job. Like, last Friday when the principal literally yelled at us in faculty meeting for some "unprofessional" behavior (seriously? Is yelling so loud and hard the spit comes out of your mouth AND swearing at your faculty professional?). I didn't love my job that day.

I don't love my job when students give me major attitude (with a head-snap and eye-rolls included) and complain about doing a group activity. Or when I have to discipline a normally great kid for doing something totally stupid...and then she starts crying.

Some days I love my job. Like when students 'get' a concept I teach them and I can almost see the lightbulb go off in their head. Or when I see tremendous progress in students who previously struggled.

Another thing that made Friday a sad day at the "office," was being told that two former students (neither of which I had in class but whom I knew) were involved in a tragic event that left one dead..at 17. A male student "reportedly" took his girlfriend hostage on Friday morning, drove to a local mall and decided to take his own life by shooting himself in the head because, "apparently," she was pregnant and was going to break up with him. He was life-flighted to the children's hospital and was pronounced dead later that evening.

This event has had me thinking about two things.

The first: As teachers, we get to know our students quite closely each year and often create bonds with some of them. You do your job, teach them exciting things like commas and literature, and then in June they leave your room & you hope you made some sort of difference. You see so much potential in many of them, even though they can be goofs sometimes, that you really hope they turn out to be truly successful at something in their life (because, lets face it, they never 'got' commas!). Then, something like this event takes place and this student who had so much potential (really, he was all around amazing) is no longer living. You wonder, could there have been signs that this was going to be his outcome? could we, as teachers, could have done something to prevent it?

The second: The male student who died has a little brother who is currently a 9th grader at WL. Again, he's not one of my own students, but I know of him because I hear other teachers talk & because of my work with yearbook pictures. He's polar opposite of his successful brother...lover of all things drugs, if you catch my drift. He, and his brother, obviously have friends at WL who heard about the events of Friday. All students are indirectly or directly affected by the events. Though many students are quite often rude, disrespectful, and insensitive to others, today some showed care, heart, and compassion. After school I had several former students (who are now at the highschool) and current students come in to my room looking for any monetary donations to be given to the family of the male student who died. They came in solmenly with great reverance and sincerity with the loss of their friend and classmate. They rose to the occasion with often unseen maturity that made me truly proud. I realized that this is another part of my job I love.

No one really knows the real story about what happened to the students on Friday. All that is for sure is that it's a tragedy. I heard some awesome stories about the student today in the faculty lounge, all with nothing but positive things to say about his character, his desires, and potential.

panic

2009-01-11T15:04:00.002-07:00

Ben and I usually take Sunday naps every Sunday. Since our church schedule didn't change for the new year & we still meet at 9, we have been continuing our napping tradition in 2009. We get home from church at about 12:30, eat lunch, and then lay down. Usually, I'm able to fall asleep quickly and sleep for at least one hour. Ben sleeps until I get too bored and wake him up.

Today I actually fell asleep on the couch after eating soup while Ben ate and watched TV. This is totally typical. When he woke me up to tell me to come take a nap with him in bed, I seriously felt like I had been asleep for at least one hour already. He said it'd only actually been about 15 minutes. We both got in our bed, snuggled, and--poof--he's asleep. It always takes me longer, but today I laid there for 20 minutes without falling asleep.

My mind was racing. I couldn't get comfortable (what's new, though, really), and the dog--who was also on the bed--was snoring and hiccuping at the same time. I got to thinking about a bunch of stuff, namely a certain baby who is going to be at our house in about 4 months and for whom we've only got a box of diapers, one onesie, a changing table, a teething ring, one blanket, one bib, and a teddy bear. And then I couldn't stop thinking about our lack of preparation for said baby. And I started to seriously have a full on panic attack. I could hear the blood pumping through my body. I got sweaty and clammy. I started coughing because I wasn't breathing right. And then I decided a nap just wasn't going to happen today.

So instead of taking my nap today, I'm going through the Baby's-R-Us registry checklist to find the best, most affordable baby products online. Since I'm a pretty simple person, I'd like to keep our baby purchases simple and not go overboard. I suppose I just got a huge whiff of what I've heard as being called the "nesting" hormone.

rent

2009-01-07T20:21:00.003-07:00

If anyone is looking for an anniversary gift to give Ben and I at the end of this month (5 years on the 31st!), here's an idea.

In case you didn't click on the link above...one of my most favorite Broadway musicals (that I've actually never seen on Broadway, only on DVD)--RENT--is going on national tour. The closest they will get to Utah is Seattle. I love Seattle, too, so if I went it'd be totally sweet.

Of course, this anniversary gift would be more for me than Ben, but here's something he might like, too...you know, in case you were looking to make our presents equal.

27 weeks

2009-01-07T20:12:00.003-07:00

Instead of looking at my ever-expanding belly, here's a "picture," albeit a super weird one, of what the baby looks like now at 27 weeks. It weighs just over 2 lbs...or about the size of a Sunday roast.

I'm feeling fine, except having an increasingly difficult time bending over and doing simple things, such as putting on my socks. Afternoon naps are becoming more and more frequent. I continue to feel baby H move around inside, though some days I feel it more than others (and more often than not, baby decides to move just as I'm about to fall asleep at night). We have a doctor's appointment next week where I will be taking my glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. I sure hope that turns out OK.

Today's funny comment that I overheard in my classroom: "Do you remember when Mrs. Hubert told us she was pregnant?" "Yeah, she was so skinny none of us believed her." "Yeah, but now she's really big with that bump." "Yeah, I know."

HAHAHAHAHA!

resolve this

2009-01-03T19:21:00.003-07:00

I'm borrowing (again) from my friend, Katie, who celebrates a New Year's birthday and who did a similar post last week. She revisited her 2008 resolutions and updated her 2009 resolutions. I figure I might as well admit to my utter failure of the past year and fess up to my 2009 resolutions publicly for the world to know.

Here's what I wrote last year in gray and my success or lack there of in red:
1. Stop DVR-recording reality tv shows (American Idol, America's Next Top Model, Big Brother, etc.). Scratch that: Stop watching reality tv shows all together. They consume me when I do and usually I should be doing something besides viewing such trash. Well, I did stop DVRing them...but I know I did watch the majority of American Idol. I didn't watch America's Next Top Model AT ALL, and only watched the summer series of Big Brother, not the mid-year couples version, which I thought was lame.
2. Hang up my clothes instead of acquiring a nice pile in the corner of my room. This drives Ben nutso, and I suppose it's a carry-over from childhood. I'm a big girl now with a tiny teeny closet full of empty hangers just waiting for companions. It should also cut down my ironing, which I hate and thus resolve to do less of this year. I'm going to say this was a success; I tried to hang everything up within one or two days of wearing. My closet is still small--and getting smaller with each new clothes purchase--but I think hanging up has become a habit.
3. Swear less while playing Guitar Hero. Pretty much that's it. Yup. Well. I definitely swore less while playing Guitar Hero because pretty much after my Winter Break last year I rarely played Guitar Hero. I do remember that when I played Guitar Hero in the assembly at school I didn't swear once!
4. Play less Guitar Hero because it's turning out to be reality TV's replacement. Definitely a success. My life during Winter Break was consumed by this game, but after returning to reality, it became an infrequent occurrence.
5. Eat less bread. Or no bread. Whichever becomes easier. Ha. Nope. I'll just admit, I love love love bread. I've eaten less since being pregnant, though...not sure why.
6. Acquire all of my old roommates current addresses for next year's Christmas card, which I actually will take time to put together next year. (if you're an old roommate, or you know an old roommate's address, e-mail me!) Not only did I not get one old roommate's address but I also didn't even send out ANY Christmas cards (except for the e-mail version I sent on Smilebox, which only made it to one or two old roommates).
7. Sew. My sweet mom Hubert got me a sewing machine last year for Christmas and I've neglected it. I resolve to make....something cute. I think I looked at the sewing machine a few times. I feel really bad about this one. I may re-resolve this one again this year...
8. Stop being a pack-rat. Seriously, I don't need to save the greasy napkin from the restaurant I ate at on my birthday last year. Who cares? I threw away SO much stuff during the summer to make some space in my office. I say this one was a success and it feels GREAT not to have all that extra stuff to find homes for.
9. Call Zeus "devil dog" fewer times. I most definitely did this. He's mellowed (a teensy-tinsy bit, anyway), and when he's 'cute' I kind of like him.
10. Live in the moment and be happy about what my current life is. Can't say either way on this one. I think this is a life-long challenge of mine...

For 2009, my resolutions are (I'm keeping the list way small this year, folks):
1. Learn something new: I am going to learn to sew. I'm currently making plans to sew the baby nursery bedding, and by plans I mean--I've purchased material and have the pattern, much closer to starting than ever before. I unburied the sewing machine and am going to make a permanent home for it in my office. I also want to learn to crochet.
2. Read two non-master's degree related book each month. I think this will be easy with my new obsession: the Sony Digital Reader.
3. Go to the temple once a month. This may become difficult after the baby comes, but I still have a few child-free months to waddle my way to one of many near-by temples.
4. Check Facebook less. Blog-stalk less. I'm talking way less, people. Like, way, way, way less.
5. Become more self-confident & get out of my comfort zone. This is hard, but I'm determined.

And that's it. I won't be offended if any of you check up on me and my 2009 resolutions; my goal is to still be on top of the 5 by the end of the month.

Happy 2009.

vegas baby

2009-01-03T18:52:00.004-07:00

I feel so behind. Behind on blogging, that is.

Here it is, nearly 4 days after the new year and I'm just now getting to writing a witty and winning post about my least favorite holiday. We did something a little different this year for New Years, and while I did have an enjoyable time, I still think the holiday is kind of lame...unless of course, you drink or go to a big fancy masked ball!

Ben and I spent the last few days in Las Vegas with our friends Jake and Angel. We've known them for years (literally, we went to school with Jake from elementary on & with Angel since high school). They were kind enough to take us to their family condo and spend the New Year's holiday in Sin City. Let me tell you, no sinning was involved and I have nothing that happened in Vegas that should stay in Vegas.

After a semi-gaggy buffet dinner on New Year's Eve, we ended up just chillin' at the condo. I was basically asleep with my eyes open by 10:30, but managed to ring in the New Year (kind of lamely, I might add) with a glass of sparkling cider. The whole group at The Bellagio flower conservatory

We also went to see "Phantom Las Vegas," a spruced up, special effected, and shortened version of The Phantom of the Opera with my dad on New Year's Day. It was awesome. I've been listening to the soundtrack all day. It's always fun to hang out with my dad. Baby Hubert, I might add, was a BIG fan of the Phantom organ music: I've never felt that baby dance quite like it did during the performance.

As always, it was great to get away (and enjoy some warmer weather!) to do something different, but it's always nice to return home again. I'm almost embarassed to admit, but I'm looking forward to returning to reality: work, school, homework, busyness!

warm waterless

2008-12-29T14:52:00.002-07:00

Right now I'm really grateful for the simple blessings in my life that I often overlook.

We've been without a working water heater since Friday afternoon. Ben figured it would be an easy fix and quickly figured (or, initially figured) it was something with the thermal coupler because the pilot light wasn't staying lit.

He replaced said thermal coupler. Two times. And realized that wasn't the problem. This was on Saturday after work. I was cranky to be without hot water (I love my hot showers!) and antsy for Ben to find a solution to the problem.

Saturday night we had plans to hang out with our friends Jake and Angel--whom we are going to Las Vegas with this week--and to have Angel give me a hair trim. I didn't really want to go because I wanted Ben to get the water heater fixed. When we realized that nothing could be done--Ben had talked to several plumbers who gave him a few more ideas--bad thermostat or valve--until Sunday or Monday (ie, get a different part), we went ahead with our plans. Luckily our friends are kind enough to let me take a hot shower at their house that night & we had a fun time chatting and playing the Wii. We left their house a little before 11 on Saturday night with clean hair, clean bodies, and tired eyes.

Sunday morning at 3:30am I woke up with really bad acid reflux & my throat was burning. I sat up in bed and decided I would go get a drink of milk & eat some yogurt to see if some calcium would do me good. I poured the glass, got out yougurt, and then had the sudden urge that I had to throw up. And so it started, an early morning rendevous with the toilet. After the third time, I finally felt like I could sleep a little bit. I knew I had sharing time in Primary so my plan was to sleep through early morning meetings and sacrament and see if I could keep down a dry piece of toast.

Ben and I got ready for church and made it up just after sacrament meeting. My presidency was relieved when they saw me walk in and I told them why I was running late. I didn't feel great and as Primary went on, the burning sensation in my throat & weakness from not having food in my system was catching up. I made it through my lame sharing time (I rushed through putting it together and it was painfully obvious!), then made a b-line for Ben so we could get home. Of course leaving church never happens quickly for us because we stop to talk to people. I kept making faces at Ben like, 'dude, we need to go!' Finally we left and started walking home.

Ben stopped on the way home to talk to one neighbor and as soon as he started talking, I felt the burn in my throat and that awful pre-throw up feeling in my tummy. I couldn't hold it in any longer. I threw up all over the street a few times before I made it inside. I was embrassed!!

After that lovely experience, Ben put me in bed and ran to the store to get some Sprite & crackers. I slept from 12:30 to 3. When I woke up I could tell I was weak and dehydrated. All I wanted to do after eating a little bit and drinking some Sprite was get in the tub, something that almost always helps me feel better.

But, wait, no tub could be had because there was no warm water to fill it up with! Ben asked if I wanted him to boil water for me to take a tub. I thought that would take too long. I contemplated driving to my mom's to take a bath, but just didn't feel up to going out in the cold. Instead, I got the heating pad out, turned it on it's lowest setting & wrapped it in a towel and then snuggled up to it in bed and slept for 2 more hours.

When I woke up my throat was no longer burning with acid and I felt like I could eat something more substantial that crackers. Ben, such a SWEET husband, drove back to the store to get me chicken noodle soup. I drank two waterbottles full of some punch and ate my soup. We were both in bed by 10.

I woke up this morning feeling much better, but still desired a bath (or at least warm water to wash my face)!!! Ben got up early to call around to find the needed part & went to pick it up before work. He came back home on his lunch break to attempt a third time to fix the water heater. I anxiously watched as my handy husband worked his magic to replace the thermostat. Within 25 minutes he had it replaced, the pilot light lit, and the water heater was working away to warm up some water!!

I've never been so grateful for 1) warm water and 2) being healthy!!! I'm just waiting a little bit longer for the water to be warm enough and then I'm taking a warm shower!!!

white christmas

2008-12-26T12:01:00.006-07:00

We had an excellent Christmas this year. It's the day after and I'm still trying to get over how wonderful my life is...especially after Christmas. I am lucky to have such a great and loving family, including a mom who made a killer fondue-themed Christmas Eve dinner, a dad who (like always) totally spoiled me with great Christmas gifts, a niece who is almost too cute for words, a husband who never ceases to totally surprise me each Christmas, and an extended family who I absolutely love and adore. Here's the Hubert Christmas 2008 through pictures!
We spent Christmas Eve-as we always do-with my family @ my mom's house. We missed Eric and Heather & it was the first Christmas I can remember that my dad wasn't up from Las Vegas. Like usual, mom went all out!
Grandma Ella and Cassidy are best buds. Cassidy got a cute Cabbage Patch Kid baby doll that I fell in love with!
Baby Hubert got a few gifts, too. One was a cute Build-a-Bear Spiderman bear. Zach and Hilary's baby Cash got a Chicago Bears Bear. Too cute!Part of our dinner festivities was the use of fondue pots with cheese and chocolate desert. Cassidy and I totally devoured the chocolate fondue! My favorite, by far, was the bannanas and C liked the marshmallows. As my mom commented as I went crazy for the fondue, it was seriouslly the only thing that has tasted really good for weeks!! This was a fun change to the normal Christmas Eve dinner, a new tradition, I think! Ben got a little gardner man ornament this year because he's really become quite the green thumb, changed his major to horticulture, and has worked this year at Western Gardens.
My ornament was the cute pregnant snowgirl with an icecream cone w/ pickles in her hand. I will hang this with pride on my tree every year to remember that I was pregnant with my first child on Christmas!Christmas morning at our house was simple and low key. We snuggled up and opened a few presents before heading over to the parent's Hubert for our third and final Christmas celebration. Ben was in desperate need of some new t-shirts. I got him a few as well as a alarm/docking station for his Zune--his current obsession. It was a fun surprise for him! Ben got me a new flat screen computer monitor. He uses the one that came with the computer my dad gave me a little while back and with my new computer desk, I needed a smaller monitor so I'd have some more space. I love it!I got another FUN surprise at the Hubert's with a Sony Digital Reader (very similar to the Kindle that I obsessed about a little bit ago). It was a joint present from B, his parents, and my mom. When I opened it I said, "Shut up! No way!" I was SO excited. It is my new obsession and I spent the evening last night uploading 11 new books...and it only cost me $18!!!! What's better? It's RED!!!
We got baby Liam a cute red snow suit. He's the cutest little guy ever!!!
Here's Brandon on the phone with Elder Hubert in Australia! We all got to talk to him for a bit and I think the entire phone call was about 2 hours. He's doing awesome and has even picked up the tiniest hint of an Aussie accent...he says "mate" at the end of everything! I'm super proud of him, but we definitely missed him being around for the holiday. Just one more Christmas without him!!!

We drove home last night in a snow storm. We got home to several inches of snow in the driveway. We woke up to this....

I hope everyone else had a great holiday with family!! I'm thrilled to know that I have one more week off of work. We're gearing up for a fun trip to Las Vegas with some friends for New Years & a visit with my dad.

hairdye

2008-12-24T13:33:00.003-07:00

I got the hair-dying itch yesterday. My mom's gonna think it's too dark, Ben absolutely loves it, and I'm still undecided. (Don't you hate how my nose looks ginormous in this picture? I do!)

**Read on for a few more posts!**

annual christmas cold

2008-12-24T13:23:00.002-07:00

Dear Annual Christmas Cold:

Hi friend. This letter is just an inquiry as to why you always like to show up on Christmas break. No kidding, you've made a visit every Christmas break for at least the last 3 years, consecutively, and at least every Christmas break while I was in college. What's the deal?

Why must you wait for what should be a happy and relaxing winter vacation to arrive? I mean, don't get me wrong, it is nice that I am already off work so I don't have to worry about sub plans, but come on...Christmas break?

Why must you, Annual Christmas Cold, insist on sticking around longer than any other cold and making my sleep miserable? If I have to blow my nose one more time in the middle of the night, I will seriously shoot myself. I make myself gag with all the snot and my nose is raw due to the blowing (though the Puff's tissue with lotion has done wonders!).

I thought this year I'd be lucky to not have a visit from you, what with being pregnant and all, but 'tis not so. I really appreciate you making my last week a miserable, snotty, sneezy, gaggy week. I suppose you may as well make like tradition dictates and stick around next week, too, when I'm in Las Vegas because, as you know, traveling with a cold is super.

Yeah. Just wanted to express my gratitude to you, Annual Christmas Cold. Have a Merry Snotty Christmas.

love,
l

25 weeks

2008-12-24T13:13:00.003-07:00

Here I am in my 25 week glory. I'm being totally brave to post this bare-belly shot, but hopefully no one is totally repulsed.

This week has brought with it a myriad of fun things. I still have the pain when I lift my right leg. I still have ligament pulling when I stand or move too quickly. I still have an awful time getting comfortable to sleep each night and have been really struggling to sleep on my left side, even with the use of a body pillow. This week, though, I experienced heart-burn like I've never experienced it. Yikes.

The funnest addition this week is major movement from the lil' babe. I'm talking see-my-belly-move movement where if I lift my shirt I see my belly do a little dance similar to the wave. I took a bath the other night and had my hands on my belly and kept feeling a little wriggling movement and then repeated nudges from a knee/foot/elbow on my hand. It was the weirdest feeling!

Sure do love this little baby!!!

christmas card

2008-12-23T08:34:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

spirit of christmas

2008-12-21T17:01:00.002-07:00

So I'm sitting here on a Sunday evening, wearing my pajamas--which have been on since I walked through the door from church--watching really corny tv, eating chocolate and making the awesome realization that I don't have to get up to go to work tomorrow. Or for the next two weeks. It's the best feeling ever.

Or course, I'm still suffering from my cold, which has turned extremely snotty over the last two days. I thought my head was only full of snot and junk (cute, eh?) today during Sacrament meeting...Ben was making fun of my sniffles and random noises coming from my noise while I had my head on his shoulder. No ammount of blowing seemed to release the snot & I'm a little hesitant to take too much cold medicine in one day, so I'm using some natural methods to help it along.

I think I'm more excited for Christmas this year than I have been since I was super little. I don't know why, for sure, but there is a fun feeling I get everytime I think about Christmas this year. Ben and I had a conversation a few nights ago about how this is our last Christmas "just the two of us" and that next Christmas we'll have a little babe to have our first "Kid Christmas" with.

Last night I went with my mom and friend to see the lights at Temple Square. It was certainly chilly, but worth it! They always look the same, but it helps bring the spirit of Christmas. After the lights we went to eat at the Training Table (a Utah Original, you know...). It wasn't as tasty as I remember it being when I was younger, though....cheese fries didn't have enough cheese!!!

I read a really sweet story this morning in the Deseret News that I wanted to share. Of course, I cried. Here's the link. Enjoy!