The Fur Factor

Favorite Things

2012-02-29T21:19:00.004-08:00

So my friend Melanie had a great idea to focus on a few of her favorite things, to 'bring a smile to her heart & remind her of what she's thankful for, and whenever she's in a funk, to think of these things'. Sounds like something we could all use! So here are a few of mine:

- Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies
- Sleeping in (that moment when you wake up and realize you don't have to get out of bed, so turn over and snuggle in for some more sleep!)
- The huge, sleepy grin on Sam's face when I get him out of his crib in the morning
- Morning snuggle time with my boy
- Foot massages
- A nice glass of wine
- Bubble baths
- The smell of summer (fresh cut grass, BBQs, suntan lotion)
- Warm sand between my toes (I don't even remember the last time I felt that)
- My cute pets
- Annual summer trip w/ my parents & brother's family each summer
- Shopping :)
- A new haircut
- Dinner w/ Bill
- Traveling - in general- I really miss it
- A clean, organized house. Ah, how I miss that!
- A good book, one that you can't put down

What are some of yours? Tag, you're it. :)

Would love to hear some of your favorite things too.

Change is in the air

2012-02-25T11:19:00.003-08:00

So... the reference to having a tight budget in my last post is related to some big changes!

First, we finally decided to look into moving and getting out from under the huge debt we're in with this town house. The first step was to meet with a real estate attorney who specializes in loan modifications, short sales and foreclosures. What we discovered talking with her and crunching, re-crunching, then crunching some more numbers, was that unless we plan to stay put for the long-term (5-10 more years), we should consider a short sale. (With no back yard, a pretty bad school district, and plans to grow our family, we definitely don't want to stay here). It came as a bit of a shock, since I always thought of short-sales and foreclosures as solutions for either people in a lot of trouble financially, or the irresponsible. The reality is that with the way the market's going and the banks' unwillingness to work with the average person paying their mortgage, we don't have a whole lot of options. The even more surprising advice we were given was to plan to purchase a new home before we stop paying on this house, and before our credit takes a hit. Yikes. Sounds crazy! With the low prices and really low interest rates, it makes more sense to pay a new mortgage then to pay someone else rent when we do move. That's the long and short of it. So we are now officially house hunting! It's been an emotional roller coaster so far. The first week we looked, we found two houses we really liked, both of which sold before we could even consider making an offer. Since then, it's been kind of slim pickins' for our price range. (Oh yeah, that was yet another surprise, that we pre-qualified for a loan on a secondary residence...). As of today, the search continues. We're struggling with whether to buy an older, larger house that needs lots of work (for which we have no cash) or a newer, smaller place with less character.

Add to all of this some big changes at work. My department has been re-structured and my whole team was notified last week that our positions had been eliminated. We've known of the reorganization for months but weren't sure how it would all go down. Basically I will have to re-apply for a job on the new team (with my job share partner). It's exciting and unnerving at the same time. I think the end result will be good for our organization and I'm hopeful that it will mean a new, more interesting and challenging job for Sarah and I. So obviously we won't be signing on any dotted lines for a new house until all this work business is straightened out. Needless to say, I could use your prayers!

Napa

2012-02-13T11:54:00.001-08:00

Bill and I got to escape to Napa Valley for 3 nights last weekend with 2 other couples. I had so much anxiety about leaving Sam for the first time, I don't think I was really even excited about it until we actually landed in Sacramento. My mom came up to my house and stayed with Sam all weekend, and he did just fine. I finally did relax and start to enjoy myself after talking with her just after we got to our hotel.

The weather was great, not quite warm, but sunny and clear. The landscape was beautiful - rolling hills, huge old oak and walnut trees, vineyards as far as the eye can see. Ah...now I am really missing it! The weekend was pretty much all about wine and food. We had a great hotel with a yummy breakfast buffet; after breakfast we would go sit by the open air fire pit and sip our coffee, then hop in the car and start visiting wineries. I really don't know much about wine (just what I like and what I don't like) but I think we tasted some pretty darn good wines. We had some great meals too. We tried to get into Bottega but it was a busy Fri night and we didn't have reservations. We did catch a glimpse of Mike Chiarello though. That was as close to a 'celebrity' siting as we got - our friends went last year and saw Robin Williams at this place. We had dessert there but again no celebrity sitings. :)

These pictures really don't do the trip any justice. I wish I a) had a nice camera and b) knew how to use it. Alas, the iPhone pics will have to do. All in all, a great trip. And I'm glad it was because it may be the last one we can afford for a while. That will be the topic of my next post....

A quick stop for IN-N-OUT burgers on the way to Napa.

Tour of Stag's Leap - there is a cool story behind this winery, one of the first in Napa. The movie "Bottle Shock" was indirectly about Stag's Leap.

Table-side S'mores!

Coffee by the pool.

10.5 months and crawling!

2012-02-13T11:38:00.001-08:00

I wasn't sure if Sam would crawl, but he finally has! We finally kissed the sleeping wedge goodbye about a month ago so now he has room to wiggle and move around in his crib. I think he might have crawled much sooner were it not for that, who knows. He still doesn't really like to crawl because he can't get where he wants to go fast enough. We'll keep practicing.

Try to ignore my high pitched voice. (Every time I record Sam I insert my own soundtrack - sorry I know it's annoying). :)

Staycation

2012-01-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

It's about to end. Well, I guess it ended yesterday when Bill went back to work, but I don't have to work until tomorrow! It's been wonderful, lazy mornings at home with the whole family around. Not that I sleep in anymore, but I can still be somewhat lazy! You would think that with Bill's every-other-week work schedule, we'd feel like we're on vacation all the time, but it just doesn't work out that way. By the end of a 7 day run as single mom I'm exhausted and have put off a lot of 'to dos' for the week that Bill's home. He babysits three of those days while I'm at work, and then we both try to squeeze in some personal time, so somehow we still don't feel like we get a lot of quality time together those weeks.

We did manage to get some projects done around the house last week which was nice, but I still have some in mind. We got a new bed/headboard for Christmas (it's been on my list since we got married almost 10 years ago!) so I'll post a picture of that once the bedroom is all tidied up. I want to makeover our office a bit too. Some day.

I've been seeing a lot of this face lately. I don't know... is it skeptical? Thoughtful? Observant/cautious? My brother nicknamed him 'Skeptical Sammy' or Serious Sammy. I love this face to death!

I'm not worthy

2011-12-31T10:14:00.001-08:00

Of having a blog... I am so terrible about updates, I know. Honestly, getting on the computer at the end of they day (or during Sam's nap(s)) is often the last thing I want to do. I guess I would rather be lazy and read my book, watch my shows, or I have too much housework to catch up on to justify sitting down. I think it's a true sign of being an introvert - when I have time to myself I just want to tune out and turn off the phone, computer, etc. I love to read all my friends' blogs, I guess I'm just not a blogger. It feels like a chore sometimes.

Anyway, I did want to capture some memories of Sam's first Christmas. I can't believe it's already over! Makes me so sad. We spent Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas day with the Finnertys, as we usually do. Sam soaked up all the attention, it was so fun to watch him interact with his aunts, uncle, cousins, and grandparents. He actually seemed to have fun opening presents too (with our help of course). He pretty much has a new wardrobe for the 12-18 month period (they make some pretty stinkin' cute boys clothes these days) and he got a few new toys, which was a relief because the toy pile is already too big at our house.

This Christmas, for some reason, has been rough for a lot of good friends and acquaintances. Along with that, sharing the experience with Sam made me appreciate it that much more. The best part was just being with family and enjoying our precious time together.

Tonight we are staying in - Bill has to work all weekend and Sam goes to bed pretty early anyway so we'll snuggle in for some family time. Our lives have truly changed, but Sam is such a blessing. Happy 2012!

Having fun with Dad

Sam with Aunt Kate

With his new teddy bear and giraffe slippers.

Sam, Sammy, Sammer pants

2011-11-23T19:10:00.001-08:00

is 8 months old! (And there are at least 3-4 other nicknames for him, in true Finnerty tradition) I haven't really taken time to reflect on or record all the changes since my last post, oh... about 2 months ago.

Let's see...what can I say about my beautiful boy? I love him more than I can express. Observant, cautious, curious, sensitive, sweet Sam. In the last few months, he has started eating 'solids' and is definitely enjoying food these days. His favorite thing so far is mashed banana. He also eats a boatload of puffs each day, which is so great because I can set him up in his highchair in the kitchen and dole out the puffs while I go about cooking, doing dishes, etc. Ah... little bits of freedom are so nice! I'm still nursing him, but he's a pretty quick eater, actually more of a 'snacker' now except for first thing in the morning and right before bed. I'm supplementing with formula now though, just so I know he's getting enough. I feel like I'm not able to keep up with his appetite anymore. He doesn't have any teeth yet but I can feel the bottom two, just slightly, and think they might emerge soon.

He loves his routine - gets up around the same time each day and goes to bed fairly early because he's not a great napper in the afternoon. He loves his bath and is ready for bed after that each night, like clockwork. He's turned into a pretty good sleeper, only waking once to eat after about 9-10 hours, then he'll go back to sleep for a few more hours. I never thought we would get here!

The days I'm home with him we usually play in the morning, go out for a long walk with the dog, and then try to get out somewhere in the afternoon, either play dates or errands. He loves to ride in the front of the Bjorn and take in all the sights, or try to get strangers' attention. He squawks just to hear his own voice - it's pretty funny, but ear-piercing sometimes. He's getting to the point now where he doesn't want to sit, just stand (while I hold him up) or lean against something. He can't crawl but is getting better about being on his tummy & pushing up. I make him 'work out' each day. :)

He is pure joy, and making him giggle is the best feeling in the world. I wish I could bottle it (that, and snuggling). I'm so excited for him to experience his first Thanksgiving and Christmas this year! I'm hosting my family tomorrow (Bill has to work from 2-midnight... boo!) so am a little stressed about pulling everything together, but I hope I can still enjoy the whole experience. Hopefully I'll be a little better about blogging through the holiday season, documenting all the firsts! For now I need to go get my kitchen ready for the madness tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

He keeps growing

2011-09-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

Sam is already half way through his first year. I don't want him to grow up and yet I can't wait to see the little boy he will become. He loves each new experience. He's really enjoying 'solid' food so far, is almost sitting up, rolling over half way, and experimenting with new sounds every day. Poor baby has his first cold this week so keeps making this dry cough/scratchy throat sound. He's had a rough couple of days with the cold + 6 month shots.

6 month stats - he weighs 15 lb, 8 oz and is 27 inches long. Lean and mean! I need to fatten this boy up. It really does bother me that he doesn't weigh more; I wish he was one of those chubby babies. But he is perfectly healthy and the dr. doesn't seem concerned, so I guess I should get over it. Here he is on the swing at a new playground by our house. He didn't even fill up half the seat!

Just doing some window shopping

2011-09-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Think I'll take one of these

I would make some style changes, but still. What would your dream house look like?

P.S. I know this is an odd transition from yesterday's post, but we all like to day dream. :)

Guest Post: Sarah from Ask 5 for 5

2011-09-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

Guest Blogger: Sarah Lenssen from #Ask5for5

Family photos by Mike Fiechtner Photography

Thank you Fur Factor and nearly 150 other bloggers from around the world for allowing me to share a story with you today, during Social Media Week.

A hungry child in East Africa can't wait. Her hunger consumes her while we decide if we'll respond and save her life. In Somalia, children are stumbling along for days, even weeks, on dangerous roads and with empty stomachs in search of food and water. Their crops failed for the third year in a row. All their animals died. They lost everything. Thousands are dying along the road before they find help in refugee camps.

At my house, when my three children are hungry, they wait minutes for food, maybe an hour if dinner is approaching. Children affected by the food crisis in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia aren't so lucky. Did you know that the worst drought in 60 years is ravaging whole countries right now, as you read this? Famine, a term not used lightly, has been declared in Somalia. This is the world's first famine in 20 years.12.4 million people are in need of emergency assistance and over 29,000 children have died in the last three months alone. A child is dying every 5 minutes. It it estimated that 750,000 people could die before this famine is over. Take a moment and let that settle in.

The media plays a major role in disasters. They have the power to draw the attention of society to respond--or not. Unfortunately, this horrific disaster has become merely a footnote in most national media outlets. News of the U.S. national debt squabble and the latest celebrity's baby bump dominate headlines. That is why I am thrilled that nearly 150 bloggers from all over the world are joining together today to use the power of social media to make their own headlines; to share the urgent need of the almost forgotten with their blog readers. Humans have the capacity to care deeply for those who are suffering, but in a situation like this when the numbers are too huge to grasp and the people so far away, we often feel like the little we can do will be a drop in the ocean, and don't do anything at all.

When news of the famine first hit the news in late July, I selfishly avoided it. I didn't want to read about it or hear about it because I knew I would feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable. I wanted to protect myself. I knew I would need to do something if I knew what was really happening. You see, this food crisis is personal. I have a 4-year-old son and a 1 yr-old daughter who were adopted from Ethiopia and born in regions now affected by the drought. If my children still lived in their home villages, they would be two of the 12.4 million. My children: extremely hungry and malnourished? Gulp. I think any one of us would do anything we could for our hungry child. But would you do something for another mother's hungry child?

My friend and World Vision staffer, Jon Warren, was recently in Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya--the largest refugee camp in the world with over 400,000 people. He told me the story of Isnino Siyat, 22, a mother who walked for 10 days and nights with her husband, 1 yr-old-baby, Suleiman, and 4 yr.-old son Adan Hussein, fleeing the drought in Somalia. When she arrived at Dadaab, she built the family a shelter with borrowed materials while carrying her baby on her back. Even her dress is borrowed. As she sat in the shelter on her second night in camp she told Jon, "I left because of hunger. It is a very horrible drought which finished both our livestock and our farm." The family lost their 5 cows and 10 goats one by one over 3 months, as grazing lands dried up. "We don't have enough food now...our food is finished. I am really worried about the future of my children and myself if the situation continues."

Will you help a child like Baby Suleiman? Ask5for5 is a dream built upon the belief that you will.

That something I knew I would need to do became a campaign called #Ask5for5 to raise awareness and funds for famine and drought victims. The concept is simple, give $5 and ask five of your friends to give $5, and then they each ask five of their friends to give $5 and so on--in nine generations of 5x5x5...we could raise $2.4 Million! In one month, over 750 people have donated over $25,000! I set up a fundraiser at See Your Impact and 100% of the funds will go to World Vision, an organization that has been fighting hunger in the Horn of Africa for decades and will continue long after this famine has ended. Donations can multiply up to 5 times in impact by government grants to
help provide emergency food, clean water, agricultural support,
healthcare, and other vital assistance to children and families suffering in the Horn.

I need you to help me save lives. It's so so simple; here's what you need to do:

Donate $5 or more on this page (http://seeyourimpact.org/members/ask5for5)

Send an email to your friends and ask them to join us.

Share #Ask5for5 on Facebook and Twitter!

I'm looking for another 100 bloggers to share this post on their blogs throughout Social Media Week. Email me at ask5for5@gmail.com if you're interested in participating this week.

A hungry child doesn't wait. She doesn't wait for us to finish the other things on our to-do list, or get to it next month when we might have a little more money to give. She doesn't wait for us to decide if she's important enough to deserve a response. She will only wait as long as her weakened little body will hold on...please respond now and help save her life. Ask 5 for 5.

Thank you on behalf of all of those who will be helped--you are saving lives and changing history.

p.s. Please don't move on to the next website before you donate and email your friends right now. It only takes 5 minutes and just $5, and if you're life is busy like mine, you probably won't get back to it later. Let's not be a generation that ignores hundreds of thousands of starving people, instead let's leave a legacy of compassion. You have the opportunity to save a life today!

Sam @ 5 months

2011-08-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

My boy is no longer an infant! I feel like I can already see glimpses of the little boy he will become. This month more than ever he seems to be learning/growing so quickly (I'm sure I'll say that every month).

I don't have his stats since he doesn't have a doctor appt this month, but I'm guessing he's around 16+ lbs and at least 26 inches long (that's what he measured at 4 months). I know you can't really predict future height until around 2 years, but this kid has big feet and big hands so I'm guessing he'll be tall like his Dad and Grandpa (Bill's Dad).

He is so curious about the world and very aware of his surroundings, dare I say too aware? We were at my parents' house yesterday and Sam screamed each time my Dad would talk to him or try to hold him. Same thing with my brother. When my mom held him he was perfectly fine, but he knows her since she's at my house on a regular basis. He hasn't seen my Dad or brother for a few weeks. Still, I was a bit shocked. I don't know why they scared him so much, but it seems like maybe he has 'stranger' anxiety already? Even though they're not strangers! He is just a very shy, sensitive little guy and very dependent on familiar surroundings and routine. He is not a fan of going to my mother-in-law's house every other week when I'm at work either, so I chalk it up to his need for predictability/routine. Is it too early to worry about that or do we need to help him learn that new places/people are ok and develop some flexibility?

On the other hand, Sam's 'shy' nature is part of what makes him so sweet. He will flash you a smile but then turn away quickly or bury his head in my shoulder. His favorite thing right now is to just lay down, kick his legs, talk to Mom and Dad (well, gurgle), and practice rolling over. He can't quite do it on purpose yet but has accidentally rolled over quite a bit, and seems to enjoy it! Just like most other 5 month olds, he wants to put everything in his mouth, including my face. He also seems to be very interested in what I'm eating and drinking, so I went ahead and bought him a high chair so he can sit at the table with Bill and I, and practice drinking from (an empty) sippy cup. I think he loves it...sitting with the big kids! Will probably start solids soon, though the pediatrician said we could wait until 6 months. He's a little on the conservative side anyway.

We also started putting him in a jogging stroller facing forward, rather than in his carseat facing us. He loves the new view!

Finally, his favorite new buddy is definitely Addie. He seems to have just noticed her the last few weeks, and thinks she's the funniest thing in the world. She's not a big fan of him pulling her fur or tugging her ears, but she puts up with it. I'm sure they'll be inseparable in the future.

Family pics are here!

2011-08-26T08:51:00.001-07:00

Pics are up, over here. Thank you Molly!!!!!!!!!!

Ask 5 for 5

2011-08-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

If you already received an email from me, I hope that you've taken the time to donate and find 5 friends to help raise funds for the East Africa Famine. If not, I beg you to do it! I have to admit that, even though I work for a humanitarian organization, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless to do anything, and therefore to overlook crises as they come up. But this famine is on such a large scale and the suffering, especially of children, so horrible that I can't ignore it. Of course being a mother now I empathize even more with the parents who are having to watch their children starve to death.

It also helps that I have a brilliant co-worker (in fact my job share partner!) who came up with a simple but effective way to help. Check out Sarah's blog to hear her story and to learn more about the Ask 5 for 5 campaign.

What's New Around Here

2011-08-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

Just getting back into the swing of things at work, adjusting to our new routine and enjoying watching Sam grow and change. It's cliche I know, but he's growing right before my eyes! He'll be 5 months next week and I haven't been the best at documenting all the little discoveries and changes, but I'm going to try to do better because I know I'll forget so much (besides just being a rather forgetful person sometimes, it's funny how all my friends seem to have a selective memory of their child's first year)!

Lately Sam has been fascinated with his feet and working really hard to get them in his mouth. I snapped away with the iphone the other day as he was working on project foot in mouth. He has the most expressive eyes and has already mastered the scowl at a young age. He is such a joy and just cracks me up. He's on the verge of rolling over, but hasn't had as much practice as he probably should since we don't give him much tummy or back time. The reflux seems to be slowly improving (fingers crossed) so we should be able to put him down on his back/tummy more often.

We should have some new family photos up soon. Molly was in town last weekend and we were so lucky to have her take our pics. I can't wait to see how they turned out!!

Grandpa Durbin

2011-08-09T14:44:00.001-07:00

My grandfather passed away suddenly last night, though he had been sick with prostate cancer for quite some time. He was a tough man. You actually believed him when he would say "I used to walk 5 miles, uphill in the snow to get to school." My relationship with him was uneasy. Alcoholism unfortunately got the best of him more often than not, and created some chaos and damaged relationships in my family. Still, he was trying to make amends in later years and my Dad especially had grown closer to him recently and urged my brother and I to spend more time with him. He knew how much I wanted to start a family and was so happy for me when Sam arrived. That's my Dad, the only son & oldest child, in the picture below.

My Dad wrote all of us a note today with some interesting history about Grandpa Durbin:
Born 4/29/1927 in Devils Lake ND
Served as Radio man in the US Air force from 1945 - 1947. Stationed in Hiroshima shortly after the fall of the atomic bomb.

Married to Clara Belle Winchester on April 29, 1950 in Eugene Oregon. First born Gregory Ross Durbin born in Eugene on 3/8/1951. A sister Debbie followed born in Eugene. Three daughters followed after the family had moved to Great Falls Montana: Rebecca Ann (died 11/5/1987), Diane, and Janet.

Jerry worked some years in the HVAC industry in Great falls, before starting his own shop. He also owned a sea food restaurant, The Seven Seas, in Great Falls which in retrospect, was not a good idea in beef loving Montana.The family moved to Tacoma Washington in 1966, where Jerry worked for National Blower, before he again struck out on his own, and started his own shop.

Jerry grew up on a small farm in North Dakota during the dust bowl and depression years. The family struggled at times to keep food on the table. His farther was forced to kill a cow that he had leased from a local banker. When the banker demanded to know why the cow had been killed and butchered, Jerry's father told him that the family had to eat, lease be damned. The family were devout Catholics, and during the winter months, hitched a horse to a covered sled with a wood stove inside for warmth, and drove to church.

Until the late thirties, they did without mechanized farm equipment and electricity. Jerry's grandfather was a well of farmer who installed the first electric lighting in the county. Powered by large lead/acid batteries in the barn, they were the wonder of the neighborhood. A trip to a restaurant was a treat. Once a year after they sold some of the produce that they grew on the farm in town , they enjoyed a hot beef sandwich in a local cafe. Barn dances were a relief from the hard work and tedium. Jerry and his brother Bob, loved to go together. They danced until midnight, when the dancing stopped for coffee, and not infrequently fist fights between rivals for a lady's attentions. After the coffee and the scuffles, the dancing continued until almost dawn. Jerry and Bob would arrive home to find their father waiting for them in the barn with their work coveralls. They got out of their finery, put on the coveralls and put in a full days work.

The family traveled to Washington following the apple harvest. They earned scarce hard cash picking the apple crop. Jerry learned the habit of hard work on the farm. He worked hard his entire life to provide for his family. His reach sometimes exceeded his grasp, but when he failed, as several business he started did, he dusted himself off, and started again. He and his wife Clara could be generous to a fault. A book keeper who kept the books for him in Montana asked for a loan so he could visit his mother in Arizona. Jerry and Clara loaned him the money, and never heard from him again.

In his latter years, he could be a delightful companion. He was a favorite at the nursing home where he spent his last years. Joking with the staff, admonishing the ladies who complained too much about the food, and making new friends. He wanted to take one of the nurses out to dinner, and protested when he found out that the nursing home rules did not allow it.

A famous movie quote is apropos to his last days: "get busy living, or get busy dying." Jerry got busy living.

Radio Silence

2011-07-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, I looked at the date on my last post - was it really June 2? I guess I've been gone quite a while. There's too much to fill in but suffice to say, it's been a rough couple of months, with some wonderful moments too, but mostly, ugh. Hard.

I love my boy like I've never loved anyone, but he's been a bit of a high maintainence baby. It's not his fault, he has reflux which makes him uncomfortable 75% of the time (it seems), doesn't like to be put on his back or his tummy, can't be put down for 30 minutes after eating and really just wants to be carried around everywhere. I know I had bad heartburn during pregnancy and was very uncomfortable most of the time, so I can only imagine what it's like for a little kiddo who doesn't know what's going on, just that sometimes it hurts to even eat. :( Sleeping? Fah-get about it. He would be up 4-5 times a night, sometimes screaming until he threw up milk that had been in his tummy from the last feed (sorry, gross I know).

So for a while there, I was just to exhausted to do much or go anywhere. I was afraid to go anywhere because Sam would be so fussy & tired during the day. I didn't really clean my house, didn't take showers often enough and just felt like a huge loser. I know this could be considered whining...after all I only have one child and he's not even really 'sick' so how hard can it be? I guess for me, hard! It probably doesn't look that way, since I do happen to get lots of pictures when Sammy is smiling. His smile is the best thing in the world.

The past week really has not been so bad though. Here's what I'm thankful for:
- A sleeping wedge that we got last week, that makes sure Sam's in a comfortable/upright position at night. He (and I) are sleeping MUCH better now (so far... the last 5 nights anyhow).
- The fact that my baby is still gaining weight, smiling and is healthy.
- The fact that most babies outgrow reflux between 6-9 months. Hallelujah!
- The help and support from my family and friends, mostly my mom. She is an angel.
- The fact that I'm going back to work next week. Ok, not really excited about that, but thankful that I have a job and that I only have to work part-time. I think it will be a good break and nice to get out of the house more.

Will update more later, but now I want to go catch up on all my friends' blogs! Sorry I've been MIA. It's not because I don't care. I know there will be ups and downs but I finally feel like I'm coming 'back to life'.

I am loving this book!

2011-06-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

I've been spending some quality time with my Kindle this week, reading "How to Have Your Second Child First." It's been somewhat of a trying week and I feel like this book has validated everything I'm experiencing and feeling lately but might not necessarily say out loud; it's encouraging. This is probably just in my head, but I get the feeling sometimes that after the first few months (dare I say weeks?) people expect things to smooth out and get easier (and they DO, in some ways) but I am still figuring all this out and it is still tough! I don't know why but I feel like I should say things are going well when asked "how's it going?" so others don't feel obligated to offer advice and I don't sound like a complainer. Anyway, I digress.

The book is made up not so much of chapters, but 100 different observations and reflections from 2nd (and 3rd and 4th) time parents who did things a little differently after their first child, although I'm guessing any parent who's made it through the first year would say many of the same things. Here are a few that are particularly relevant to me right now:

# 61 - "It's ok for you and baby to "do nothing" all day. You are no longer judged on how much you cross off the to-do list--you are accomplishing a major feat each day that you parent this new person. Hey, if you and your baby have been fed and are reasonably clean, you've done quite enough, thank you."
# 63 - "Parenthood can be extremely boring" (Gasp!) Sometimes it really does feel like Groundhogs day, when you're doing the same things over and over in 3 hour cycles and have little adult conversation. Some days are worse, some days are better.
# 65 - "You and your [husband] don't have to do everything the same way." Yeah, sometimes I just need to shut up and let Bill take the baby for a while. Nuf' said.
# 79 - "Don't Get Ahead of Yourself. It's easy to get wrapped up in what's lying ahead--and how that place might be better, easier or more interesting. That's normal. We all skip ahead in parenting books to learn what our baby will be doing next week, and we imagine how exciting that will be. With all that forward-thinking, it can be hard to remember to relish the moment you're in. Try. [Second-time] parents realize that even though there are times that seem painfully slow, the first year really does go quickly. And as soon as [he] stands up on his own, that new baby will disappear before your eyes." Okay, so I'm working on this one.

Yes I'm exhausted but just when I feel like I'm going to blow a fuse he does this:

Sam @ 8 weeks

2011-05-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

A couple pics of my baby at 8 weeks. His smiles KILL me!

What do you do with a baby all day?

2011-05-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ummm... I'm kind of embarassed to ask, but seriously. These weeks with Bill working 7 days in a row are going to be looong. Sam's not much for napping in his bassinet or crib. He will sleep if I have him in the carrier or if I'm out running errands, in his carseat/stroller. But I can only run so many errands! I've been driving all over the place since I have no friends/family in my neighborhood and the gas bill is adding up. The chores are also stacking up because there's only so much I can do with Sam in the Baby Bjorn. I'm sure he'll grow out of this soon and hopefully nap lying down but in the meantime, the house is a mess (oh and I kind of am too). At least the weather is gorgeous this week so we can get in some good long walks with the dog.

Oh, and Sam is 8 weeks old today! (Will snap a pic later)

Slowly Coming Back to Life

2011-05-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it's almost 8 weeks since Sam was born, and even longer since I have blogged. I wish I had been better about documenting the birth experience and the first few months, but blogging's been pretty low on the totem pole! No time like the present, right?

I don't even know where to begin. I love my baby boy like I have never loved anyone. I could stare at his sweet face all day (well, maybe except when he's screaming or crying which is often at this age). Most of the time despite being exhausted, I feel so much joy and am amazed when I think about how blessed we are and all the support & love we've received from family and friends. Admittedly though there have been a few times, more in the first few weeks, that I wanted to run away. The change is so immediate and so intense that I didn't know how to deal with it. I'm still trying to figure out what this new life will look like. Sometimes I find myself thinking that I can keep doing the things I've always done, the same way. I can fit in walking the dog, cooking, keeping the house clean, seeing friends, doing my hair & make up (well, let's be honest - taking a daily shower!), getting pedicures, maybe working out from time to time AND be this wonder mom, right? (Oh, and add to that list blogging and reading) Ha! It sounds ridiculous but I really do have those delusional moments and have to come to my senses and realize that life IS different, priorities have changed and it's GOOD. It's so hard but so wonderful.

It is still early days, I know that. I'm anticipating that regular 5 hour stretch of sleep, the predictable routine, less fussing at night. It will come, right? I'm torn. I know he won't be this small for long and he'll grow up too fast. I try to remember that when I'm holding him and memorize him just as he is.

Here are a few iPhone shots from the last 7+ weeks:

Post-epidural. Chillin'

Brand New Baby (No that's not my natural color, that would be a fever!)

Proud Papa

Ecstatic Grandmas

Ready to head home. We have no idea what we're in for!

First Bath

First Walk at Green Lake

Story time with Dad

Nowhere to go from here

2011-03-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

but OUT! Look at this belly -there is no.more. room.

I had a feeling I (or I should say Sam) would be late, but I'm starting to go a little crazy. (Almost) every inch of the house is clean, carseat's installed, I've watched more Netflix than I care to admit, and am starting to become a hazard to our bank account since I seem to find a reason to run to Target or Old Navy or Fred Meyer just about every day. (Couldn't resist this little number... I think it might be his going home onesie).

The weather's been beautiful the last few days so I've gotten out on some long walks with the dog. I feel like a slacker for not working until the last minute, but luckily I had a ton a sick time built up so this really won't shorten my actual maternity leave at all. Induction is scheduled for Monday night. Please pray with me that baby boy will come earlier, on his own. Stay tuned...

The bebe's room

2011-03-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

The baby room is complete! It's so pristine right now... I like to sit in the chair and think about holding my baby boy, actually using the changing table, dressing him... I can't believe I will meet him SOON.

I'm actually trying to soak up the quiet, if that's possible. I know there won't be many quiet nights for a long time. I know that my life is about to completely change but I have no frame of reference for what it will be like...it's bizzare!

I'm praying that he's safe and healthy, and that he will stay that way. I don't think about it too much but every now & then I worry that something could go wrong. Mostly I'm just excited to see him and hold him. And I must add, excited to not be pregnant any more! I think a bottle of champagne is going in that hospital bag.

Couldn't find the cable for uploading from my camera so these crummy iPhone pics will have to do.

My Valentine - Belated

2011-02-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

Hope our baby looks just like my William. We're so excited, but it will be strange to have another person in our relationship after 14 years together, just us. We had a nice leisurely breakfast Sunday morning and I made this awesome french toast. It didn't look quite as pretty as Annie's but it was so good.

Hope you all felt loved and appreciated on V-day.

Overwhelming

2011-02-07T13:32:00.001-08:00

in a good way. I'm a few weeks behind, but had a wonderful baby shower the weekend before last. I was truly overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends and family. This baby and I will want for nothing, materially anyway. We have just about everything we need at this point based on lots of hand-me-downs and gifts. It pays to have babies later than most of your friends, I have to say! On top of all the stuff, it's so great to have everyone share in the enthusiasm and joy of having a baby.

Babylegs for boys!

Yummy cupcakes

Thanks Johanna for taking pictures!

The day before the shower Bill and I went to our 8 hr birthing prep crash course. That was overwhelming in an entirely different way. I loved our instructor. She's a mother of two grown girls and also happens to be a doula. I hadn't considered hiring a doula (and I probably won't) but she was awesome. I could've done without the videos - I think I prefer to cross that bridge when I come to it! Until then I will be in denial that this baby has to actually get out somehow.

With 40 days to go on the official timeline, I am checking things off the to do list left and right. If baby comes early and I don't get it all done I know we'll somehow survive... I would just like to have everything in order (maybe for the last time?) before surrendering to the great adventure of parenthood.

Collective Wisdom

2011-01-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

Aside from the heartburn, difficulty getting comfortable and getting up to pee every hour or two, the to do list is keeping me up at night. Lots of decisions to make... I could use your wisdom and advice dear friends!

First, Bill and I looked at our soon-to-be budget the other night (with my income reduced to part-time) and it wasn't pretty. It really didn't add up. We are probably going to have to put baby boy in day care 2 days a week (or every other week but they would still charge us each week), and as reasonable as it is, it's still adding a strain to the budget. Without getting into too much detail, we are looking for ways to trim. Our grocery budget is the first on the cut list. We do spend a lot right now just because I'm not necessarily paying attention to prices on everything. I'm not a big coupon clipper b/c often it seems like the items on sale are processed foods or stuff I don't usually buy. I do like to buy organic when I can but am not religious about it. So... who out there has some tips for how to cut back on the grocery bill? (This will now also include diapers, and includes toiletries, cosmetics, etc).

I'm also starting the search for a pediatrician. Where to even begin? I don't know anyone who lives in my neighborhood or city. Probably because I spend all my time in Tacoma or Seattle and I pretty much disdain the city I live in. My doc is in Seattle but I've decided for the little one it would really be more convenient to have his doctor close by. How do you go about choosing a pediatrician? What questions should I ask/what should I be looking for? What do you love or dislike about your kids' doctors? Any websites that would be helpful for reference?

I know these posts without pictures are getting kind of boring. I am working on the baby's room and will take some pics when it all comes together. I just ordered the crib bedding and I hope I like it as much in person as I did online. Oh yeah, and have a baby shower coming up! Other than that not a lot of photo worthy activities lately.

Anyway, bring on the advice!

Belly Shots!

2011-01-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

Check them out here. I was very lucky to have Molly take my belly shots - I keep telling her she had to draw blood from a turnip considering the weather was awful that day, it was dark, and we had to work around the Mr.'s schedule. I will treasure these... thank you Mol!!!

Back from a winter wonderland

2011-01-10T11:24:00.000-08:00

Had a lovely, relaxing weekend here with Bill and the dog. It was beautiful, the food was amazing and it was a good time to reflect on the changes headed our way. It was probably the last quiet vacation, just the two of us, for a long time. Bill starts his new job next week, and I am staring at a long list of things to do in the next two or so months. Let the craziness begin!

Scenes from Christmas

2010-12-30T20:53:00.000-08:00

I just realized Bill's not in any of these. Poor guy missed out on Christmas Eve but we were able to spend Christmas Day with his family and see his middle sister, who hasn't been home for Christmas in three years. I can't believe the holidays are almost over and we're on to a new year!

Down in the Dumps?

2010-12-23T14:19:00.001-08:00

You have to listen to this clip - it's short, I promise. It will make you smile!

I know this is an odd blog post for the day before Christmas Eve, hopefully no one is feeling down, I'm just in a mood. It's pouring down rain, I feel trapped inside the house and my husband has been nearly immobile for a week now and there's nothing I can do to help him. Suffice to say he has major back issues/nerve pain and can really only stand up or lay down, no sitting going on. He is frustrated and in a lot of pain but just has to wait it out. I did talk him into acupuncture starting next week, so hopefully that will make a difference. Some people swear by it. Selfishly, I feel like there's so much we could be doing around the house - rearranging, prepping baby's room, etc - but we're both a little incapacitated at the moment. Please say a prayer for his healing if you can.

But most importantly - have a wonderful, restful, joy-filled, delicious Christmas!

26 weeks

2010-12-12T21:05:00.000-08:00

An Ode to Bassets

2010-12-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

As a result of the closet cleaning, I dug up a ton of old photos and had a good time sorting through them. I found this one of my good old friend Barney. He was a great dog. Man he stunk, but he had so much personality you couldn't help but love him. My parents made my brother and I wash him in a steel tub, outside, with cold water (as opposed to the indoor 'Doggy Wash' where I take Addie today, with warm water and a huge array of shampoos) . It was torture for all of us! He could howl like none other.

This description of Bassets pretty much sums them up. One of the many reasons I love Pioneer Woman - she has a huge heart for animals.

This being the Fur Factor and all, I thought it only appropriate to dedicate a post to Barney.

Progress!

2010-12-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

See that? That is a (nearly) empty closet - a beautiful thing! This was one of those closets that spilled out and fell on top of you when you opened the door. With the baby gear pile growing I could no longer put off project closet. Bill also cleaned and organized the garage, a project that's been on hold over the 3 years he was busy with school, so we could relocate stuff out of baby boy's room. It feels so good to get organized.

Look at these gems I found... going through a box of stuff I collected at my gran's house a few years ago.

The bump - 20 weeks

2010-11-06T09:32:00.001-07:00

There he is... my boy!

2010-11-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

I'm still on cloud nine from being able to watch my baby boy for half hour on the ultrasound screen. He was moving so much and yet I can barely feel a thing! It's definitely surreal. The best part (aside from being able to call baby 'he' now) was the reassurance that he's healthy and growing on track. Seeing his little heart beating was truly amazing. From what I could see on the ultrasound pictures, he already looks like his Daddy too! Sorry for the awful quality of these pictures - they're pictures of pictures - but they're all I have and I have to brag. :) He's so cute, I already love him so much.

Sucking his thumb

Little feet

Profile

I think I'll go check out some cute boy stuff @ the baby stores today.

What I have to look forward to

2010-10-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sure all you moms can relate!

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7148143/

Keeping the Faith?

2010-10-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

Several recent blog posts by friends and strangers have got me thinking more about religion, denomination and church attendance. Not to mention the fact that I want my child(ren) to know who Jesus is and how much He loves them, except that I really have no clue what type of church environment we will choose... seeing as how we haven't gone to church in years, really (Heidi posed a question about this the other day). Bill and I have some soul searching to do.

It's been easy to put off, with Bill's random work schedule and our location - the church I've felt closest to calling 'home' is in North Seattle which isn't too far of a drive, but to get involved would require more frequent trips and I'm pretty burnt out on driving to be honest. Plus, I sometimes feel like I'm in a Christian bubble at work--which has positives and negatives--and that, along with Bible study has provided a certain level of spiritual nourishment. All really lame excuses, right? I think the time is ripe to put some more serious thought and prayer into this. I want our baby to baptized (or maybe, dedicated - that's a whole other conversation), which adds a bit more urgency to coming to some sort of decision. I think I'm dealing with a bit of what this guy expresses, which is decision based on what a church is not, or rather indecision being easy to prolong for the same reasons.

Bill is definitely leaning towards returning to the Catholic church. There are many things I appreciate and respect about Catholicism - it provided the foundation for my beliefs and understanding of Christ, I'm just not sure it's 'me' anymore. Then again I've always said that as long as the doctrine teaches the basics about Jesus, the rest is non-essential and therefore not worth fighting over. If that holds true, I could be happy in most Christian churches. What I could really do without is the judgement every denomination seems to have (or at least some of the people within them) about what makes someone a 'real Christian'.

I know this is rambling on... just had to pour out some initial thoughts on this. Would appreciate your thoughts too.

Doc appt. #3

2010-10-08T15:56:00.001-07:00

Had my monthly doctor appt. today. Got to hear baby's heart beat and got my flu shot, so that's covered. I also learned that I've gained 12 lbs. In a little over 3 months. Sweet. I think you're only supposed to gain 5 or so in the first trimester so, woah, I was a little shocked. I feel pretty good though, I mean I'm walking a lot and am trying to eat healthy (despite the week or so where I went to the fair twice, indulged in cheeseburgers and KFC, etc. I think my hormones were raging. That was also before I watched Food Inc! Yikes. But I digress...) Doc said not to get too caught up in that, every woman's body is different and some gain a lot of weight early on, then plateau, others don't gain much for a long time then they gain a lot in a short period. It's all part of the journey.

We will learn the sex of baby Finnerty on Nov. 4. I wish this next month would fly by, I can't wait!

Learning to love the tunic

2010-09-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

And leggings. This is the not-so-fun in between period. Regular pants don't fit. Maternity stuff is a bit too big. Not feelin' so sexy these days. I've bought a couple tunic style tops and I think they'll be my new best friend. Trying not to buy too much stuff just yet but isn't this one cute? (H&M worn by Kendi)

Bump Watch - not much to see!

2010-09-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry - yeah, I'm a little excited.

Fair Day

2010-09-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Went to the fair with my mom yesterday and we had fun despite the rain (boo)! So much for an Indian Summer (is that even politically correct to say anymore? I don't know). Anyway, I literally ate my way through the day. Starting with a philly cheesesteak, then bacon wrapped jalapeno popper, fried pickles (well just a taste, not so sure about those), chocolate covered strawberries and fair scone. Oh, and half crusty pup on the way out! Awesome.

We ended with going to a Natalie Cole/Chris Botti show. I was honestly not to thrilled to go but promised my mom I would go with her and I ended up really enjoying it. I was on the young end of the demographic which I expected, it was pretty funny because Bill & I are always making fun of my parents for going to these 'smooth jazz' shows. But can I just say, Natalie Cole blew me away. I think she's well into in her 50's but woman is hot! She was wearing this sequined top/pants and she could've passed for Halle Berry's twin, seriously. She has a voice like honey to boot. The rain just added to the ambiance - all that was missing was a glass of wine. :) Oh well.

Meet my little jelly bean!

2010-09-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

After 12 + weeks, I'm out of the closet. All three of you who read this blog already know that I'm preggers but hey, I have to show off my first picture of the babe (sorry for the lack of quality, iphone upload). We got to see the little one kicking his/her arms & legs yesterday. It was amazing! It's still very surreal, knowing that the little bean has formed so much yet I can't feel a thing in there and am still squeezing into my jeans, albeit with a button undone. This may be the week to pull out those bella bands.

I'm thrilled. I've wanted this for so long and am still absorbing the fact that it's really happening. But my mind is also reeling with the fact life as I know it will never be the same. I'm going to miss my freedom, my body (imperfect as it is), my alone time. I know what I will gain will be worth it 10,000 times over. I'm so grateful. But it's just so hard to imagine right now. Blogging will be a good outlet for this. I'll try to keep it updated and keep it real.

Bye for now!

Catching Up

2010-06-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

A few snapshots of what we've been up to the last few months:

Lots of good friends (nurses!) getting married. Here's a shot with Teddy & Jesi, both work in the ICU w/ Bill.

In April, we got to spend a weekend in SF celebrating with some friends from our Baltimore days, Sean and Sonia, two of my favorite nurses.

Getting outside despite the miserable April/May weather

Serene Lake, North Cascades

Family visits - cute little Kate and her new love, Matt:

Last but not least, the hubby has finished school. Hallelujah! Never thought I'd see the day. He has to pass a state board exam this summer and then can start applying for Nurse Practitioner jobs and kiss the hospital life goodbye. Being the procrastinator I am, we will probably be celebrating in July. Trying to figure that out... for now, life just rolls on.

Here Comes the Sun.... Yikes

2010-06-14T11:50:00.001-07:00

I was sitting at my desk Friday in a practically empty office, so excited for a sun-filled weekend when I got a phone call from my dermatologist. I had gone in for a quick screening a few weeks ago and she ended up doing a biopsy on the tiniest, darkest spot on my back. You know the news is bad when the doctor says, "do you have a minute?" It turns out the innocent little dot is a melanoma, the nastiest type of skin cancer. It is however perfectly curable with a simple procedure if you catch it early enough, which we did. I am thankful for that and so glad I went in for that screening, but am just cursing myself for the visits to the tanning salon as a teenager and all the long days in the sun not really bothering to use much sunscreen.

I think I am more bummed than anything, and it sounds ridiculous, but I don't want to be afraid of the sun the rest of my life. Nor be that person who's wearing the hat, long shirt and pants at the beach. Please! I love being outside, particularly in the summer. Sunscreen alone is not enough though. I will just have to go out before or after peak hours, and stay in the shade for the most part.

Melanoma is the most rare form of skin cancer and also the most deadly. It's the second most common cancer diagnosis (2nd to breast cancer) for women ages 30-34. To all of my fair-skinned friends, or anyone with lots of freckles and moles, please get checked! And wear your sunscreen people!

Vay-cay time

2010-03-31T15:21:00.000-07:00

March is the longest month of the year, for me. No three day weekends, no holidays, very little sunshine.. it's technically spring but one look outside says it's definitely the dregs of winter. So yeah, not a big fan of March. But that's ok, because it is officially OVER as of tomorrow, and I have vacation plans!!! Now I feel a little pathetic saying I need a vacation, because it's not like I have a real rough life, no little ones keeping me up all night, but man I am burnt out and I can't wait to sit on this man-made beach, in this city of lights, gambling, and just about every form of debauchery on earth (that's not the part I'm looking forward to). That's right... I'm going to VEGAS baby!

I have somehow managed not to go there in my 32 years but figured, what with the planning to start a family and all, plus the ridiculously cheap deal I found online, hey, why not? It might be a while until I will have the time or freedom to get away for a little girl time (my lovely sis-in-law will be my travel companion). Between hanging out at the 'beach', going to the Lion King, seeing the elaborate hotels and maybe a roller coaster ride, I think we will have a grand old time.

My friend Jen introduced me to a new blog the other day, you moms will appreciate it - if you're not hindered by her, shall we say, colorful language (don't say I didn't warn you!) - she is hilarious. Check out her pre-Vegas 'to do' list. Cracks me up.

(Random, unrelated picture... but don't you relax just looking at it?)

Weekend in PDX

2010-03-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

I got to spend the weekend in Portland with one of my oldest/bestest (yes I know that's not a word) friends from HS. The weather was beautiful and we had a blast shopping & eating to our hearts' content. Of the many culinary delights, two of my favorite were:

1) Sonic Cherry Limeade - I am now hooked and even though the nearest Sonic is 18 miles away in Puyallup I anticipate driving completely out of my way to get one if the craving arises

2) Bacon Maple Bar from Voodoo Doughnuts. Don't knock it 'til you try it (Molly's doughnut is topped with Fruit Loops)

I didn't take this photo but I did see the billboard and wanted to take a picture

Molly also got me in front of her camera so I could be the guinea pig for her - she is an amazing photographer whose business is growing rapidly. Whether or not you're in the market, check her (and my glamour shots) out!

Girl time with old friends is truly the best. Can't wait to do it again.

To my beautiful blogging friends

2010-02-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

One of my oldest, dearest friends Molly nominated me for the Beautiful Blogger Award. Don't we all love to win awards? I'm not sure that I'm deserving, being that I'm a huge slacker in the blogging department, but it feels good to be loved and share the love. Thanks Mol!

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for the award
2. copy the award and paste it on your blog
3. link to the person who nomiated you for the award
4. share 7 interesting things about yourself
5. nominate 7 other beautiful bloggers

7 Interesting Things:
1. I'm a salt fiend. I even like salty drinks (aka V8). Some people have a sweet tooth, I guess I have a salt tooth. That sounds gross....some day it may kill me but for now I still have the blood pressure of a reptile (LOW).
2. If I had the $$ I would hire a) the dog whisperer and b) a closet analysis with this cute little lady. Oh, and a housekeeper!
3. In my fantasy world I would either be a dancer or a CIA Agent.
4. I want to see more of the world. Maybe live and work somewhere in the developing world some day.
5. I am deathly afraid of being pounded by waves; I love the ocean but am a little scared of it. Fear of flying is second on the list after a terrible turbulence incident.
6. I am now on a $30/month coffee budget b/c I used to go to Starbucks every day
7. I can't wait to have kiddos!

7 Other Beautiful Bloggers

1. Johanna 'Ubuntu' Trainer. Always very insightful, honest and funny.
2. Heidi. My favorite girl in the OC!
3. Cassie, who needs to update her blog more! (I know I shouldn't talk)
4. Melissa, an old friend with some of the cutest babies in the world
5. Sarah, an old colleague with a big heart and also some of the cutest babies in the world (ok, I realize I can only say that so much but it's true!)
6. Stacy, friend from DC and a new mama who may soon relocate to the great PNW! Yay!
7. Sonia, world traveler extraordinaire, just returned from Haiti. She too has a huge heart.

Things that make you go hmmm

2010-01-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

This was the verse of the day that popped up in my inbox:

He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
Proverbs 26:17

?....

Speaking of dogs, I neglected to wish my fur baby a happy 3rd birthday on Jan. 13.
Happy Birthday dear Adelaide!

In other news, I am having a great time in DC, seeing old friends and colleagues and enjoying all the good restaurants. Pics to come...

Happy New Year

2010-01-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010! I'm feeling especially contemplative this time around. I'm not only thinking about the year in review, but really the past decade. I feel so old saying this but 10 years just flew by. I graduated college in 2000 and it definitely doesn't feel like it was 10 years ago! It was a totally different world then. I was fresh out of college, the economy was booming thanks to all the new dot coms, and 'terrorism' wasn't really a part of our vocabulary. It was definitely the decade of growing up. My world really changed in 2001 when, after a 6 week trip to Europe I got engaged, then 9-11 came a few short months later and the world really did feel like a different place, yet I was busy planning a wedding and dreaming of my new life as a married woman. I lost both my grandmothers, welcomed a niece and nephew into the world (along with many other babies of dear friends), bought my first house and of course, my beloved dog. I've been able to travel the world with my job and begin to understand, just the tiniest bit, the harsh realities people face and yet the perseverance, deep joy and appreciation that some of those same people have for the smallest things, and envied the sense of community that we seem to be lacking in this country.

I wonder what the tens will bring? It's kind of scary to think about. I'm sure there will be some hard things, but many wonderful things too. All part of the great adventure. I don't know about this blog... it might go on hiatus until I have kids! I continually feel that I don't have too much to share, or at least I'm no good at documenting it. I will leave you with one of the few photos I took at Christmas, of my charming husband. You can see why he cracks me up. Every day, pretty much.

Happy Moment #2

2009-11-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

Front row seats for Jack & Jane's band... they don't have a name yet. Their current favorite song is 1234 by Feist.

Fall, Happy Moment #1

2009-10-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

Fall is already half over, and I realize I never got around to posting much about our trip (after the 1.5 hours of uploading pics to Facebook I was kind of worn out), but the time is right to get back on the blogging wagon since it's getting to be the inside season! Life is kind of blah right now. Not necessarily in a bad way, but the days and weeks go by without a whole lot of news to report; it's the daily routine of life. But there are small, happy moments scattered throughout. I plan to focus on those to get through the blah days. Like yesterday when the rain stopped and the sun came out, the leaves were still on the trees in beautiful vibrant colors and I had a nice long refreshing walk with my daught... er, my dog.

Too busy catching up on everyone else's blogs....

2009-09-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

to update my own! I'm recovering from a two week internet fast while in Europe, though not by choice... I don't know why I didn't bring my laptop. It would've been worth it despite the weight. Is it sad that I missed it? We had a great time in Europe but were pretty exhausted by the end. I think the whole train pass/hop from city to city thing is for the 25 & under crowd! I don't know where to begin with pictures. Here are a few of my faves:

Picture Tag

2009-09-04T12:48:00.001-07:00

Ok, well this turned out to be rather boring. But it was the tenth pic! This was in Wailea, Maui for Bill's sister's wedding, May 2006.

Molly, Melissa and... Tim? - tag you're it. Open your first picture folder and select the 10th picture. Post it and tell us about it.

Celebrating Baby Benjamin Byrd

2009-09-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Do you see a theme here? "B"s perhaps?... I hosted a baby shower for a dear old friend last weekend and it turned out pretty well despite having a small crowd, I think she felt loved. I wish I could do this for all my friends but some of you know hosting is not a natural gift for me, I tend to get really stressed out. I got some great ideas from a friend who is a PRO at hosting great showers and parties (thanks Mol):)

Long Beach

2009-08-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

We picked Long Beach this year for our annual family trip, rented a great big house and had our own little slice of the beach to ourselves. We had so much fun going to the beach and the kite festival, playing monopoly and sitting by the fire pit at night. Oh and somewhere in there I managed to sprain my ankle chasing Jack down the stairs. My brother was also wearing a cast on his foot so we were quite the bunch of clutzes. I do love to be with my family though by the end of the trip I'm usually ready for a break. I'm always so sad to leave though because it usually means the end of summer is near and I guess in a morbid way, it just reminds me how fast time flies and how short life is. All the more reason to enjoy each day!

Back from a weekend at the beach...

2009-08-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Pics to follow soon! Never did get any photos of the triathlon weekend... maybe my friends are withholding them for a reason? It's probably better that way. :) Should be more activity on this blog in the weeks to come as we gear up for our European adventure in a little over two weeks. Woo hoo!

31 and still kickin'!

2009-07-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

I've proven to myself I'm not completely out of shape, yet. Did a sprint triathlon in Lake Chelan w/ two girlfriends from college and I'm glad I did it but also so glad it's over! I don't think I need to do another one. There was a moment when I thought that I might drown so I don't plan on reliving that if I can help it. Now it may be time to think about a half marathon! Pictures to come (forgot my camera, so am waiting on a friend to send copies...they promise to be pretty scary).

Camping on Orcas Island

2009-06-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

We packed up our stuff Thursday night and headed to Orcas Friday right after I got off work, to catch the ferry. We had a great site right on the lake in Moran State Park and enjoyed relaxing by the campfire, toasting marshmallows, hiking, and checking out the island.

View from Mt. Constitution

Three day respite in Tucson

2009-06-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

Got to spend a lovely three days with the sisters Finnerty, Kate & Mary, in Tucson last week. I had a free ticket down there and really enjoyed having time with the girls, laying by the pool soaking up the sun and reading my book. Mentally preparing myself for the last 9 month push of Bill's crazy work/school/clinical schedule, which will be stressful. We can do this!

More Memorial Day Wknd

2009-05-27T09:52:00.001-07:00

Sunday brought a visit from some old friends that Bill went to school w/ in Baltimore. Sonia & Sean are a blast to hang out with, always cracking us up. We had a nice picnic w/ a view of the space needle and dinner @ the Five Spot. Next time we see them I hope it's for their wedding in San Francisco!....

Romance was in the air...

2009-05-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

Had a busy Memorial Day weekend... though didn't get very many good pics! Bill & I celebrated seven years of wedded bliss :) though we've really been together almost 12 years. Crazy. Especially when I think how old we were when we started dating .... had only gotten driver's licenses three years earlier, voted in our first election one year earlier and weren't legally allowed in a bar. Basically, we were young! We had a great day of hiking up at Cougar Mtn. with Addie (no pics), then he surprised me with a great dinner/night out in Seattle. I'm ready for an even better seven years to come.

Sat. we got to celebrate with some friends who had just gotten engaged. Teddy, one of Bill's good buddies at work, proposed to his girlfriend Jesi at El Gaucho at the table where they had their first date, while friends & family waited in a private room to suprise her. He really did a great job pulling it all together. Congratulations Teddy & Jesi!

Boring Update & Thoughts on Calvanism!

2009-04-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, has it really been almost a month since my last post? Sheesh I guess my life has been pretty boring as of late. I honestly can't think of anything exciting to report... the weeks have gone by quickly just keeping up with the daily routine of life.

My church blog recently posted an article on Calvanism ("so hot right now") which was really interesting. Just as the post describes, it's attractive and appealing to me because I like to have the easy, black & white answers sometimes but disturbing, because on the other hand, there are some grey areas where there has to be room for discussion and the realization that there are mysteries of faith we may never understand in this life. I have a lot of thinking, studying and room for spiritual growth left in this life, and while I try to be open to learning and listening to other people's experiences and world views, I do think there has to be a line in the sand at some point, where you determine what truth is or whether you even believe in absolute truth. I do believe there is absolute truth in some matters, such as the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. I don't believe that all religions lead to salvation or absolute truth. To me, that makes Jesus out to be a liar, and even if you're not a Christian, believing that all religions are inherently good, lead to God, are all the same, etc. just waters down the integrity of the beliefs or tenants of each religion, so why would anyone want to follow them anyway?

Ok, off the soapbox for now. Here's a fun little theology quiz. I am apparently a 50/50 split between Roman Catholic and Evangelical/Weslyean theological worldviews. About as random as it gets!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

2009-03-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

I'm probably only about 1/8 Irish but I like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in some way, shape or form every year. This year we were celebrating our friend Jarod's birthday so it was a good excuse to drink Guiness, listen to some bagpipes and enjoy this awesome Guiness cake!

Birthday Soiree

2009-03-01T16:08:00.001-08:00

After three years in this house we finally decided to clean it up and have some friends over. I didn't do a big 3-0 party so made up for it with the 3-1. We had a great time and were blessed with seeing lots of good friends and having some good food. The chocolate peanutbutter cake was the hit of the night. It's a good thing there were so many people to eat it because you only need about an eighth of an inch size slice, it's so rich.

The Green Georgette Blouse Gets its Night Out

2009-02-20T22:49:00.000-08:00

Had a lovely evening, belated Valentines/early bday dinner at El Gaucho. I think I died & went to heaven with the Chateaubriand. They mix a sauce of worcesterchire (sp?), au ju, butter and dry mustard at the table then pour it over your steak. Then top that off with cheddar sauce on your baked potato, parmesan crust on the baked tomato and asparagus. Ridiculous. The picture of us is really awkward for some reason, but it was really a great date, we needed it. Need to burn some massive calories this weekend...

Spring is Coming

2009-02-16T22:11:00.000-08:00

The very beginnings of blossoms are just starting to show themselves and I can't wait for spring. This has felt like a really long winter for some reason, and I'm feeling 'stuck' in a lot of ways. I've asked God to provide some clear answers and He has, just not the ones I'd hoped. I think He wants me to be still, be content and wait on Him. I like change, movement, foward motion. I just feel at a standstill. I have been blessed with so much and have so much to be thankful for, but can't seem to stop focusing on what I don't have. Argh. For now winter is dragging a bit long.

Red Velvet

2009-02-11T23:12:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about making these cupcakes and decided tonight I needed to try them but could bring the rest to my deserving co-workers, all of whom need some TLC with the brutal re-org we're going through (won't bore anyone with the details). They don't look anything like the picture but they are soooo yummy. There are 3 sticks of butter in the frosting alone! This was my first time making buttercream frosting and it was tough to get the consistency thick enough. Oh well. Yum.

Fashion Advice?

2009-01-25T23:50:00.000-08:00

I got this cute new blouse because it was deeply discounted (a lot less than the price on this website) and I'm obsessed with green, but I'm not quite sure what to do with it. Wear w/ jeans? Or black pants to dress it up? Not that I'll be bearing my arms any time soon with this weather! I might have to find some cute dangly earings though and wear this for my birthday dinner or something.

Herbfarm

2009-01-25T23:13:00.000-08:00

I've been cooking a lot lately (mainly from the new Barefoot Contessa cookbook), watching a lot of Top Chef reruns and generally thinking about food, too much! But one thing I have on the 'to do before I die' list is to eat at the Herbfarm someday. On the one hand, working at World Vision and knowing how many mouths could be fed with the amount of money I would spend on one meal at this place, it's definitely ridiculous. On the other hand, loving food and wine like I do and seeing the creativity and art that goes into each one of the menus (check out some of the themes!) I wish I could experience it! Maybe if we get another economic stimulus check....

Posting!

2009-01-20T16:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts folks! Despite my promise to update frequently I've realized that most days, there really is nothing too exciting to share. So I may have to revise my original promise and just say that rather than boring you each day just for the sake of meeting my quota, I'll try to make the posts count when I actually get around to doing them!

More later...

Obama my bama

2009-01-20T16:10:00.000-08:00

It has been so great to watch the inauguration and parade today, to be a part of history even though I'm not physically there. I have been a fan of President Obama since I read The Audacity of Hope a few years ago and am so thrilled and proud of this country for electing him. I understand he's not perfect, will inherit and face many challenges and will never be able to please everyone and solve all the problems we face as a country, but he believes in the principles on which this country was founded, that we are made stronger by our diversity, and looks for the common ground issues that all Americans care about. Ok, I'll get off my platform now. Today is a day of celebration but tomorrow the real work begins. Let us pray that God will protect Barack and his family, and that he will look to God for guidance first, in all things.

Funny

2009-01-14T12:21:00.000-08:00

Spiritual Wisdom from Atheists

2009-01-13T00:03:00.000-08:00

I heard/read both of these last week, both from atheists sharing their perspective on Christians. Very interesting. Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JHS8adO3hM

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/matthew_parris/article5400568.ece

Inaugural Post

2009-01-12T23:14:00.001-08:00

Welcome to my blog! I thought it was appropriate to do the 'inaugural' post just before our new president is inaugurated. I have been thinking about starting a blog for a while, mostly for selfish reasons as an outlet for random thoughts, opinions & ideas of the political, spiritual or mundane variety (probably mostly the latter). It will also help fulfill my New Year's resolution of doing something other than watching t.v. after 8ish each night. I usually get home, walk my crazy dog, make dinner, clean up (lots of fur to vacuum in my house, hence the blog title) and collapse in front of the tv. Finally, a friend encouraged me to create the blog so here I go (thanks M)!

So, hopefully this isn't too boring but if it is, oh well, it's still my personal outlet so will fulfill its purpose. And I'll try to update regularly since as an avid blog reader I understand checking someone's blog for weeks without an update is so sad!

The photo was taken when we first got Addie as a puppy and she was quarantined downstairs, hence the baby gate with a cat-sized hole cut out for Maggie the cat's escape route. She wasn't too pleased with the new addition to the family. If looks could kill.

Until next time, over & out.