It's been a little while since I really (needed to) sat down and did a budget for our family. The truth is, I like doing it. It's exactly like how I used to sit down with the various degree programs I was interested in and plan things out. I would look at; what classes I would take, when they were available, which were pre-requisites for other courses, etc. Who needs an advisor right? I would plan everything out, and examine the results ( I was reading a horoscope thing recently that said Leos like to be extremely organized. Can you tell??).
I am perfectly happy sitting down and crunching the numbers myself on a piece of paper, especially since we don't really have investments or anything very difficult for me to deal with at this point. This time though, I knew I wanted to do some things like a debt reduction plan (this move was pricey y'all), and I didn't want to do THAT on a piece of paper. Jenna showed me the budget sheets she uses with excel. So I came home and was was all prepared to find some good excel templates when I remembered this little thing called Microsoft Money.
Now I haven't used Microsoft Money since 2005, when I got all good at it while Bill was in Iraq. But I dusted it off (figure of speech, it's already on my computer) and started a new file for the coming year. Starting today. It was great because I plugged in all my numbers and it keeps track of when all the bills are due, when your paychecks are. It has a cash flow graph, a place for savings goals, AND a debt management plan - all of which I took advantage of. Supposedly, even with all those crazy bill's we have we might actually have some MONEY at the end of 2009 - or so my cash flow tells me.
Good, because we have several other goals. Like paying off those pesky student loans. Or a PlayStation 3 (which I consent to based on it's DVD/Blu-Ray capabilities). Or you know my computer was purchased in 2003, don't you?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a good night! Yes, I know, wrong holiday, but I'm feeling pretty good as I turn in, so I wanted to pass on the cheer.
We had a very nice holiday here with the Cronins. Jenna, Miriam and I went for a walk in the morning. We played guitar hero during Miriams nap in the afternoon, enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving Day spread, and then went to see Twilight in the evening (without the baby even!).
(*So I thought Twilight was alright, sometimes made you laugh with the lines and the acurateness of high school. The most fun was being together and discussing the highs and lows of the film. I can say, after some trepidation about the actors picked for some of the characters, they did a good job!)
Tomorrow, we are skipping black friday and opting for relaxing. After all, it is already 12:45 here. Yikes! Back to sleep.
We had a very nice holiday here with the Cronins. Jenna, Miriam and I went for a walk in the morning. We played guitar hero during Miriams nap in the afternoon, enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving Day spread, and then went to see Twilight in the evening (without the baby even!).
(*So I thought Twilight was alright, sometimes made you laugh with the lines and the acurateness of high school. The most fun was being together and discussing the highs and lows of the film. I can say, after some trepidation about the actors picked for some of the characters, they did a good job!)
Tomorrow, we are skipping black friday and opting for relaxing. After all, it is already 12:45 here. Yikes! Back to sleep.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Holiday Traditions
The holidays last year were an interesting experience. We had 2 week old (Thanksgiving) and a 6 week old (Christmas), we were lacking on sleep and family. We spent both holidays with the Kearns - which I must say, I wish I was doing again this year :( I am going to miss seeing Joe and Brenda and their children a LOT.
So I can't say walking around in a sleep deprived haze was my favorite way to spend the holidays - notwithstanding our excellent friends.
This year, having moved across the country, we are still short on family, but I am skipping out on the sleep deprivation and trading it for the 'very active toddler' phase. I don't have to get through the holidays to know which one I prefer.
We will be spending Thanksgiving with my friend Jenna and her husband and in-laws. A new experience to be sure, but I am going to try to make it as good as can be. It will be great to be with Jenna and Kevin.
Christmas, I encouraged anyone to come to Georgia that could, which most people treated as a "haha, very funny" invitation. I wasn't joking, but I wasn't expecting much either. Considering the economy, my dad being in school, my in-laws having a new grandchild in Washington (hard choice eh? Not that anyone bothered to drive the two hours to Cheney for Christmas when we had our daughter but I'm not bitter. REALLY.). Recently we found out my mother-in-law has bone cancer. She is having surgery in December and will be layed up for months to see if the bone graft takes. So we really won't be seeing them. We'll just be hoping for as little pain and as little cancer left as possible.
I'm not sure what exactly happened to our holidays, but it's getting time to make our own traditions take shape I think. Funny how 2300 miles does that to you. We'll really miss seeing all of our friends and family for the holidays . . .in case you were getting the other idea here.
So I can't say walking around in a sleep deprived haze was my favorite way to spend the holidays - notwithstanding our excellent friends.
This year, having moved across the country, we are still short on family, but I am skipping out on the sleep deprivation and trading it for the 'very active toddler' phase. I don't have to get through the holidays to know which one I prefer.
We will be spending Thanksgiving with my friend Jenna and her husband and in-laws. A new experience to be sure, but I am going to try to make it as good as can be. It will be great to be with Jenna and Kevin.
Christmas, I encouraged anyone to come to Georgia that could, which most people treated as a "haha, very funny" invitation. I wasn't joking, but I wasn't expecting much either. Considering the economy, my dad being in school, my in-laws having a new grandchild in Washington (hard choice eh? Not that anyone bothered to drive the two hours to Cheney for Christmas when we had our daughter but I'm not bitter. REALLY.). Recently we found out my mother-in-law has bone cancer. She is having surgery in December and will be layed up for months to see if the bone graft takes. So we really won't be seeing them. We'll just be hoping for as little pain and as little cancer left as possible.
I'm not sure what exactly happened to our holidays, but it's getting time to make our own traditions take shape I think. Funny how 2300 miles does that to you. We'll really miss seeing all of our friends and family for the holidays . . .in case you were getting the other idea here.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sleep Chronicles on hold
Well, I think we are finally getting somewhere with sleep. It's still not perfect and it's still not easy, but we finally are back to taking two naps each day AND have had more nights of real sleep in the last few weeks then in the entire last year since she was born.
Tonight, a little while after I put her down, I decided to sit in the rocker near the crib instead of continuing leaning over the crib patting her back (my back can't take it anymore). I just shushed quietly and rocked in the chair and she didn't seem to mind as long as I was there. I thought she was asleep and tiptoed out - she cried for a very little bit - and went to sleep.
Mmm - sleep
Tonight, a little while after I put her down, I decided to sit in the rocker near the crib instead of continuing leaning over the crib patting her back (my back can't take it anymore). I just shushed quietly and rocked in the chair and she didn't seem to mind as long as I was there. I thought she was asleep and tiptoed out - she cried for a very little bit - and went to sleep.
Mmm - sleep
I love Innovations
Other names I considered for this post:
Apparently 65mph really means 80mph
It even has a Carters!
Driving through the peach state
This last weekend I went to the big annual WW staff meeting, called Innovations, here in Georgia. It's where we learn about the changes for the coming year to the program. I'm sure I shouldn't say much more than - there are big changes this year and - I think they will be great! Weight Watchers - attend your meeting the week of December 7th.
I am very excited.
I had to drive an hour to get to the meeting, which was the longest distance I've traveled in Georgia so far. It is beautiful out - being autumn and all that. Trees rise up on both sides (kind of like driving on the West side of Washington) and burst into different fall colors. I also discovered we live not 20 minutes from an outlet mall. Cool!
I must say that driving in the peach state, has some quirkyness. I did not pass a speed limit sign until 5 miles after I got on the freeway. AFTER I had driven through a work zone (with signs all over saying 'workzone ahead, fines double') and AFTER I had passed the two police officers with a radar. Luckily was only going 5 miles over the speed limit. Everyone drove 15-20 miles per hour over what the speed limit sign said on the freeway. Other interesting tidbits? You have to have your wits about you because not only is there a Mt. Zion Road but also a Mt. Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion Boulevard, and a Mt. Zion Circle. At intersections one way is such and such a road and the other way is an entirely different road.
So there you have it. The roads are crazy, the people in cars make me nervous, and it's beautiful as can be here.
Oh and something I learned in this last week? I had NO IDEA it got THIS COLD in Georgia. No kidding. I actually had to put on a real jacket. Several days in a row.
Apparently 65mph really means 80mph
It even has a Carters!
Driving through the peach state
This last weekend I went to the big annual WW staff meeting, called Innovations, here in Georgia. It's where we learn about the changes for the coming year to the program. I'm sure I shouldn't say much more than - there are big changes this year and - I think they will be great! Weight Watchers - attend your meeting the week of December 7th.
I am very excited.
I had to drive an hour to get to the meeting, which was the longest distance I've traveled in Georgia so far. It is beautiful out - being autumn and all that. Trees rise up on both sides (kind of like driving on the West side of Washington) and burst into different fall colors. I also discovered we live not 20 minutes from an outlet mall. Cool!
I must say that driving in the peach state, has some quirkyness. I did not pass a speed limit sign until 5 miles after I got on the freeway. AFTER I had driven through a work zone (with signs all over saying 'workzone ahead, fines double') and AFTER I had passed the two police officers with a radar. Luckily was only going 5 miles over the speed limit. Everyone drove 15-20 miles per hour over what the speed limit sign said on the freeway. Other interesting tidbits? You have to have your wits about you because not only is there a Mt. Zion Road but also a Mt. Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion Boulevard, and a Mt. Zion Circle. At intersections one way is such and such a road and the other way is an entirely different road.
So there you have it. The roads are crazy, the people in cars make me nervous, and it's beautiful as can be here.
Oh and something I learned in this last week? I had NO IDEA it got THIS COLD in Georgia. No kidding. I actually had to put on a real jacket. Several days in a row.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Sleep Sack
Continuing on the sleep series I had going (with hopefully very few entrys left . . . unless we have another baby). . . . it's gotten cold in Georgia. I didn't know it GOT this cold in the south. Monday night Miriam woke up three times. It seemed chilly in her room (and you all know about keeping a blanket on a kid). So Tuesday, after my workout, I made a run to Babies R' Us (appox. 7 minutes away you know) to see if they had sleep sacks for one year olds. Did you know Halo makes sleep sacks for toddlers now? I mean, up to 5 years of age. I'm trying to picture stuffing my five year old into one and . . . it's not looking very clear.
I took my chances and put the sleep sack on, even though she was all ready in bed, and what do you know . . . she slept 11 hours straight. I never heard her get up and put herself back down or anything! So we'll see if it was just a fluke or if my poor child was really just COLD. (That's not the only thing of course, she's been doing really well sleeping, but that was the most recent adventure.)
I took my chances and put the sleep sack on, even though she was all ready in bed, and what do you know . . . she slept 11 hours straight. I never heard her get up and put herself back down or anything! So we'll see if it was just a fluke or if my poor child was really just COLD. (That's not the only thing of course, she's been doing really well sleeping, but that was the most recent adventure.)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Brisingr
**SPOILER ALERT****SPOILER ALERT***SPOILER ALERT
You can't say I didn't warn you. Again, if you ever plan on reading Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr (and yet unnamed book) you shouldn't read this post.
I'm not really a book review kind of person . . . but the end of this book really sucked me in, and I had to say something about it! I haven't picked up my other book (book 2 in the Dark is Rising) since I finished Brisingr and I'm not exactly sure why that is (except for some WW stuff that will be mentioned in a future post).
Brisingr is my favorite of the 3 books mentioned above. We had less dealing with "whiny lovestruck Eragon" who manifested himself every time he was around Arya in Eldest. One of the best things about Brisingr was dealing with a more mature Eragon.
I have to skip to the end though . . . the part that I keep returning to in my 'waking dreams'
I was glad to see Oromis and Glaedr again. I actually had no idea how attached to them I was until Eragon returned from making 'Brisingr' and they (meaning Oromis and Glaedr) were ready to ride into battle. As the pairs parted ways I had a SAD feeling . . . which as you know turned out to be justified!
Also, I felt very awed by the Eldunari that Glaedr gifted to Saphira and Eragon, just as the characters did. I'm really wondering HOW exactly Galbatorix will be defeated having enslaved so many . . . and I think Glaedr must still be a very important part of the story.
I don't have much more to say. I cried for Oromis and Glaedr and mourned that they couldn't take Murtagh and Thorn with them . . . unless that means there might still be salvation for the two.
Hurry up Paolini!
You can't say I didn't warn you. Again, if you ever plan on reading Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr (and yet unnamed book) you shouldn't read this post.
I'm not really a book review kind of person . . . but the end of this book really sucked me in, and I had to say something about it! I haven't picked up my other book (book 2 in the Dark is Rising) since I finished Brisingr and I'm not exactly sure why that is (except for some WW stuff that will be mentioned in a future post).
Brisingr is my favorite of the 3 books mentioned above. We had less dealing with "whiny lovestruck Eragon" who manifested himself every time he was around Arya in Eldest. One of the best things about Brisingr was dealing with a more mature Eragon.
I have to skip to the end though . . . the part that I keep returning to in my 'waking dreams'
I was glad to see Oromis and Glaedr again. I actually had no idea how attached to them I was until Eragon returned from making 'Brisingr' and they (meaning Oromis and Glaedr) were ready to ride into battle. As the pairs parted ways I had a SAD feeling . . . which as you know turned out to be justified!
Also, I felt very awed by the Eldunari that Glaedr gifted to Saphira and Eragon, just as the characters did. I'm really wondering HOW exactly Galbatorix will be defeated having enslaved so many . . . and I think Glaedr must still be a very important part of the story.
I don't have much more to say. I cried for Oromis and Glaedr and mourned that they couldn't take Murtagh and Thorn with them . . . unless that means there might still be salvation for the two.
Hurry up Paolini!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Miriam Fest
I have to continue with a few more things about My one year old
She likes to dance
She likes to stomp on things
She likes to kick her new beach ball
She likes to play in the bathroom mirror
She likes to blow (taught her that for the candle, but you'll see the result below)
She likes to nod her head yes
She likes asparagus, onions and peppers
In case anyone wasn't sure that Miriam is Bill's child, she is IN LOVE with DAIRY
Miriam's birthday was nice. We got cards from our family and had dinner at a new friends house from our ward. They made yummy steak, we opened presents and had cake. Miriam doesn't think much of cake, but she does like whipped cream and frosting. They had a 20 month old who was very interested in Miriam's new toys but more than willing to share his playroom so . . .
Oh and a dog. Which as we know, is Miriam's favorite animal on the planet.
Here are some pictures from the few days surrounding her birthday. There are a ton, but I thought I might as well document the occasion.
It's story time!
Playing with pretty bow
Playing with new beach ball
Helping mom with the once folded clothes
Uh-oh - these come off
What kind of book is this mom?
Opening our presents
What am I supposed to do with that thing?
Graham and Miriam checking it out
Miri trying out the popper
Swingin and smilin
Blowing out our candle (can you see her trying it?)
Nevermind.. this is easier. Hehe. Freaked everyone out a little
Barely touching that cake
Happy Birthday little one!
She likes to dance
She likes to stomp on things
She likes to kick her new beach ball
She likes to play in the bathroom mirror
She likes to blow (taught her that for the candle, but you'll see the result below)
She likes to nod her head yes
She likes asparagus, onions and peppers
In case anyone wasn't sure that Miriam is Bill's child, she is IN LOVE with DAIRY
Miriam's birthday was nice. We got cards from our family and had dinner at a new friends house from our ward. They made yummy steak, we opened presents and had cake. Miriam doesn't think much of cake, but she does like whipped cream and frosting. They had a 20 month old who was very interested in Miriam's new toys but more than willing to share his playroom so . . .
Oh and a dog. Which as we know, is Miriam's favorite animal on the planet.
Here are some pictures from the few days surrounding her birthday. There are a ton, but I thought I might as well document the occasion.
Getting ready . ..
It's story time!
Playing with pretty bow
Playing with new beach ball
Helping mom with the once folded clothes
Uh-oh - these come off
What kind of book is this mom?
Opening our presents
What am I supposed to do with that thing?
Graham and Miriam checking it out
Miri trying out the popper
Swingin and smilin
Blowing out our candle (can you see her trying it?)
Nevermind.. this is easier. Hehe. Freaked everyone out a little
Barely touching that cake
Happy Birthday little one!My cutie
Mmm-Spaghetti
Couldn't resist this picture of her tolerating a headband for maybe even one whole minute!
Umm . . . mom? I think we should have a talk about this whole 'no candy' policy
Georgia - part 4
Haven't you been dying to know what our apartment looks like? Probably not, but that is just too bad. Because if you see this:
and this:
you will then be aware that we have TWO bathrooms.
And this next picture (yeah yeah the kitchen) shows the tiny area in the back that holds MY washer and dryer, which had been gathering dust in Cheney.
I really can't show you any more pictures inside our apartment yet. It just isn't pretty. However, outside our apartment:
and the view from our front room
Miriam helping me unpack:
Climbing out of the house
And taking a break with daddy
and this:
you will then be aware that we have TWO bathrooms.And this next picture (yeah yeah the kitchen) shows the tiny area in the back that holds MY washer and dryer, which had been gathering dust in Cheney.
I really can't show you any more pictures inside our apartment yet. It just isn't pretty. However, outside our apartment:The visitor
and the view from our front room
Miriam helping me unpack:
Climbing out of the house
And taking a break with daddy
The Sleep Crusade
I hate to say it, but I think I'll be writing about this all week long.
Last night we had an SCA event. We weren't home until 10pm. Miriam could have easily passed out in the car at 9pm but didn't until about 9:40 or so. She then proceeded to wake up at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:45 - the only good thing being she put herself back to sleep at 2:30.
So . . . CRAP!
Today I was a stickler about naps - not that they we're any easier to achieve. In fact today she was worse, playing in the crib with her feet. I think we ARE making progress in that she quit crying in her crib twice today - not because she fell asleep - but just stopped and played. NOW if she'll just stop crying, play for a while, and then GO TO SLEEP, we'd be back where we were.
We did get two naps in. The second one was kinda late which was why she refused to go to sleep until almost 9:30 tonight - at least I think that is why.
Let's hope tonight goes better on the wake up front.
Last night we had an SCA event. We weren't home until 10pm. Miriam could have easily passed out in the car at 9pm but didn't until about 9:40 or so. She then proceeded to wake up at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:45 - the only good thing being she put herself back to sleep at 2:30.
So . . . CRAP!
Today I was a stickler about naps - not that they we're any easier to achieve. In fact today she was worse, playing in the crib with her feet. I think we ARE making progress in that she quit crying in her crib twice today - not because she fell asleep - but just stopped and played. NOW if she'll just stop crying, play for a while, and then GO TO SLEEP, we'd be back where we were.
We did get two naps in. The second one was kinda late which was why she refused to go to sleep until almost 9:30 tonight - at least I think that is why.
Let's hope tonight goes better on the wake up front.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Day 3
Just a quick note:
Last night she slept until 4:50. Then it took me until almost 5:30 to get her back to sleep. We ended up having a small bottle because her tummy was rumbling. So we did pretty well.
Today, even though she got up at 7:45 she was rubbing her eyes by 9am. We were in the middle of a shower, so afterwards, we got cozy and read books and sang songs and ate a little more formula. It took me 30 minutes and 3 tries to get her to go to sleep, even though I knew she was tired. And I'm starting to get frustrated with all of the screeching when I lay her down.
Even worse? The prospect that the screeching is just going to be part of putting her down now. I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around that.
If I can just get a nap time routine that works, that calms her and produces a drowsy baby maybe we can eliminate the screeching.
I'm looking for my sleep books today. Like Good Night Sleep Tight, which Kirsten recommended (and I packed away thinking I would have it again shortly). I started on it, then picked it up from the library while 'in transit'. I'm just hoping it'll have some good suggestions on how to make this a little less heart-wrenching/frustrating for us.
Last night she slept until 4:50. Then it took me until almost 5:30 to get her back to sleep. We ended up having a small bottle because her tummy was rumbling. So we did pretty well.
Today, even though she got up at 7:45 she was rubbing her eyes by 9am. We were in the middle of a shower, so afterwards, we got cozy and read books and sang songs and ate a little more formula. It took me 30 minutes and 3 tries to get her to go to sleep, even though I knew she was tired. And I'm starting to get frustrated with all of the screeching when I lay her down.
Even worse? The prospect that the screeching is just going to be part of putting her down now. I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around that.
If I can just get a nap time routine that works, that calms her and produces a drowsy baby maybe we can eliminate the screeching.
I'm looking for my sleep books today. Like Good Night Sleep Tight, which Kirsten recommended (and I packed away thinking I would have it again shortly). I started on it, then picked it up from the library while 'in transit'. I'm just hoping it'll have some good suggestions on how to make this a little less heart-wrenching/frustrating for us.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sleep!
So yesterday Miriam took TWO NAPS - two hour and one half naps- so we were successful. Then last night she slept from about 8pm to 5:30 without getting up at all. I did wake up around 2:30 and think - she hasn't gotten up yet! - zonk
The last time she slept for any amount of time straight was 2.3 weeks ago, before Bill's first day of work she slept 10 hours straight. 2 weeks - that is the shortest stretch of time EVER between two nights of sleep! Maybe there is HOPE.
Today she only took one nap (we TRIED for nap two). However, she almost slept for 3 hours . . . so I'm hoping that this still equates to good sleep for her tonight.
Back to the battle again tomorrow . . .
I'm just hoping to get consistent sleep. I can't tell you how nice 7.5 hours feels. Let's keep it going.
The last time she slept for any amount of time straight was 2.3 weeks ago, before Bill's first day of work she slept 10 hours straight. 2 weeks - that is the shortest stretch of time EVER between two nights of sleep! Maybe there is HOPE.
Today she only took one nap (we TRIED for nap two). However, she almost slept for 3 hours . . . so I'm hoping that this still equates to good sleep for her tonight.
Back to the battle again tomorrow . . .
I'm just hoping to get consistent sleep. I can't tell you how nice 7.5 hours feels. Let's keep it going.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Reestablishing the routine
I know I've already mentioned how in the last 1 1/2 months things have been rather out of whack for Miriam. Most recently she's been taking only one nap a day and waking up between 11-12 at night (in addition to her 3-5 o'clock time she wakes up). The last few days she's just got these circles under her eyes and we knew that this one nap isn't enough. So I talked to Bill and sat down and wrote out her 'routines' for before bed, before nap, and a general routine through the day.
Our progress:
For the last two nights she hasn't wanted a bottle - which has been an ongoing thing for us. Although my general rule is if it's after 5 am she might actually be hungry . . .
Last night we actually didn't have the 11pm wake up time. She did wake up at 3am but she fussed quietly for a little while and was able to put herself back to sleep.
Miriam fights sleep. She doesn't (not since she was very young) go 'man I'm tired. I think I'll sleep for a little while.' What kid isn't like this eh? She'll just stay up all day no matter how tired she is. So I decided (because it's worse with me then with dad), after I've done our routines I have to lay her down and leave the room. She's put herself to sleep before (not without a few little tears) but sometimes she screams her head off - like today.
She's been refusing to nap until 11am. But this was one of the things we talked about SO at the first yawn this morning I went into action. She'd just eaten, so I changed her diaper and sat down to read a book, then I put her in her crib. She didn't like it. I gave her a few minutes and checked on her (unless the screaming becomes deadly). The first time she was laying down so I put a hand on her back (another thing we've been doing for a while to avoid picking her up). But she didn't shut her eyes and eventually sat up so I sat with her a read a couple more books. We rocked for a little while and then she yawned again so I put her down and . . . left the room (which is really hard for me). She screamed again. After a minute and the screaming didn't get less 'deadly' I went back in and layed a hand on her back. This time she shut her eyes and went to sleep. Time: approximately 9:40am.
I'm thinking we might be on our way to having our two needed naps again and maybe a little bit better sleep. I just have to remember to be consistent. I wouldn't say I'm BAD at being consistent, just that Bill is better at it - and I'm a big sucker pants.
Our progress:
For the last two nights she hasn't wanted a bottle - which has been an ongoing thing for us. Although my general rule is if it's after 5 am she might actually be hungry . . .
Last night we actually didn't have the 11pm wake up time. She did wake up at 3am but she fussed quietly for a little while and was able to put herself back to sleep.
Miriam fights sleep. She doesn't (not since she was very young) go 'man I'm tired. I think I'll sleep for a little while.' What kid isn't like this eh? She'll just stay up all day no matter how tired she is. So I decided (because it's worse with me then with dad), after I've done our routines I have to lay her down and leave the room. She's put herself to sleep before (not without a few little tears) but sometimes she screams her head off - like today.
She's been refusing to nap until 11am. But this was one of the things we talked about SO at the first yawn this morning I went into action. She'd just eaten, so I changed her diaper and sat down to read a book, then I put her in her crib. She didn't like it. I gave her a few minutes and checked on her (unless the screaming becomes deadly). The first time she was laying down so I put a hand on her back (another thing we've been doing for a while to avoid picking her up). But she didn't shut her eyes and eventually sat up so I sat with her a read a couple more books. We rocked for a little while and then she yawned again so I put her down and . . . left the room (which is really hard for me). She screamed again. After a minute and the screaming didn't get less 'deadly' I went back in and layed a hand on her back. This time she shut her eyes and went to sleep. Time: approximately 9:40am.
I'm thinking we might be on our way to having our two needed naps again and maybe a little bit better sleep. I just have to remember to be consistent. I wouldn't say I'm BAD at being consistent, just that Bill is better at it - and I'm a big sucker pants.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Pros and Cons
There are some positive and negative things that happen anywhere right?
Pro: We live near to the slowest Costco in the country. I can go there on Saturday afternoon and it isn't very bad at all. I'm used to being nearly RUN OVER in Spokane on the weekends at Costco. Also, Costco is the ONLY way to go when you are getting new phones/phone service. Discounts on cool phones, they pay activation, and you get 'extras' (car charger, hands-free device, holster).
Con: Some idiot walked into our apartment community the first weekend we were here and tried to break into our PODS container. Idiot.
Pro: My purse was in the car that morning and it was still there.
Pro: We live near to the slowest Costco in the country. I can go there on Saturday afternoon and it isn't very bad at all. I'm used to being nearly RUN OVER in Spokane on the weekends at Costco. Also, Costco is the ONLY way to go when you are getting new phones/phone service. Discounts on cool phones, they pay activation, and you get 'extras' (car charger, hands-free device, holster).
Con: Some idiot walked into our apartment community the first weekend we were here and tried to break into our PODS container. Idiot.
Pro: My purse was in the car that morning and it was still there.
Friday, November 7, 2008
My ONE YEAR OLD
I could have posted SO MANY pictures, but I decided (for now) to keep it simple.Happy Birthday Miriam!
In about an hour and a half, my child is exactly one year old - wow
She's so much fun! She:
Walks! Loves to go on walks outside
Climbs up and down stairs
Loves to clap
Points at planes in the sky (ever since we flew on one, she's always looking)
Loves playing 'chase the baby'
(Usually) naps once a day (bummer for me)
Tries to say 'dog' ("doo") duck ("duu") and ball.
Hates closed doors. Opens everything.
"Na-na" - used to mean 'hungry' now just means "I want!"
We are having dinner at a families house from our new ward. They have a 20 month old so they can 'play' together. I'm making cake and we're planning on a good time. I've been trying to teach Miriam to blow - so she can blow out the candle. She can blow, but whether she'll understand the concept of 'blow out the candle . . .? maybe not.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wastekeep - homesick part II
Are any of you Wastekeep friends out there reading my blog? Because this one is for you.
My second wave of homesickness was when I saw this video (and for those of you not part of Wastekeep, yes, that is Bill dancing with another guy, who was a sergeants candidate but had no partner, and no, I wasn't there for this part of the event which makes me all the sadder)
Video on Heather's profile here
Other things that made me a little homesick: going to Sonic of all things made me think of Joe and Brenda
My second wave of homesickness was when I saw this video (and for those of you not part of Wastekeep, yes, that is Bill dancing with another guy, who was a sergeants candidate but had no partner, and no, I wasn't there for this part of the event which makes me all the sadder)
Video on Heather's profile here
Other things that made me a little homesick: going to Sonic of all things made me think of Joe and Brenda
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Homesickness - part 1
Skipping ahead (or back, however you want to look at it) to Monday, October 27th:
This last few days have been really nice. Bill and I unloaded our PODS container almost entirely by ourselves, with Miriam strapped to my back. (One of the Elders in our new ward came by on Sunday to help take care of a few big ticket items "we" just couldn't get). Even so, I am enjoying our time all together and feel okay about being in Georgia. Bill leaves this morning to go to his first day at work!
Today (being Monday, Oct 27th remember) things are set up for us to get internet and phone service from comcast. I must say I had NO IDEA how much I was depending on this until the tech showed up at 3:30 looked around and said "I can't do it, your phone jack and cable jack are on opposite walls with doorways in between." This is how it is, by the way, in EVERY ROOM. We discuss this and that, I shake my head because they won't run cable across the floor, walls or ceiling because we might sue them if someone trips over it (give me a BREAK you stupid sue happy people), and in the end we reschedule for November 8th (so I can figure out how to "arrange" the rooms to "trick" the next tech - no joke) and he leaves. Never mind that in Cheney we ALWAYS ran our own cable around the rooms and suddenly I am grateful for Cheney Cable who hands you a modem and a nice long cord of cable and sends you on your merry way.
After the tech left is when I started to feel slightly paniky. I'm on the other side of the country from everyone I know and expecting to have fabulous phone service + free long distance and internet access by now. And they just resheduled us for NOVEMBER 8th. Practicing my deep breathing and trying not to hyperventilate because - hello - still mom to an 11 month old we went outside to play.
This my friends was the first day I felt homesickness. All I wanted was to call my dad and Brenda today. Without spending buckets on my pay as you go phone (which I've already added money to several times since I left Washington 2 weeks ago). It hits me how much I miss them. Pretty much I've dealt with this every day since that first crash last Monday.
We now have internet. We decided November 8th was absolutely unacceptable and made them come back on Wednesday. They still wouldn't do it and posed no real suggestions as to what to do instead (meanwhile I dropped the ball and my phone was off/charging all day while Bill was calling telling me just to plug the phone directly into the box - which the technicians NEVER SUGGESTED). I told them to please set up the internet and cancel the phone order. So there we go. I am really NOT impressed.
Besides all this Bill enjoyed his first day and first week at work. I am working on unpacking (still) and trying to keep Miriam entertained. Life is a little different with only one car! One day I will really have a clean organized apartment (yes I know this will last about 10.2 seconds).
This last few days have been really nice. Bill and I unloaded our PODS container almost entirely by ourselves, with Miriam strapped to my back. (One of the Elders in our new ward came by on Sunday to help take care of a few big ticket items "we" just couldn't get). Even so, I am enjoying our time all together and feel okay about being in Georgia. Bill leaves this morning to go to his first day at work!
Today (being Monday, Oct 27th remember) things are set up for us to get internet and phone service from comcast. I must say I had NO IDEA how much I was depending on this until the tech showed up at 3:30 looked around and said "I can't do it, your phone jack and cable jack are on opposite walls with doorways in between." This is how it is, by the way, in EVERY ROOM. We discuss this and that, I shake my head because they won't run cable across the floor, walls or ceiling because we might sue them if someone trips over it (give me a BREAK you stupid sue happy people), and in the end we reschedule for November 8th (so I can figure out how to "arrange" the rooms to "trick" the next tech - no joke) and he leaves. Never mind that in Cheney we ALWAYS ran our own cable around the rooms and suddenly I am grateful for Cheney Cable who hands you a modem and a nice long cord of cable and sends you on your merry way.
After the tech left is when I started to feel slightly paniky. I'm on the other side of the country from everyone I know and expecting to have fabulous phone service + free long distance and internet access by now. And they just resheduled us for NOVEMBER 8th. Practicing my deep breathing and trying not to hyperventilate because - hello - still mom to an 11 month old we went outside to play.
This my friends was the first day I felt homesickness. All I wanted was to call my dad and Brenda today. Without spending buckets on my pay as you go phone (which I've already added money to several times since I left Washington 2 weeks ago). It hits me how much I miss them. Pretty much I've dealt with this every day since that first crash last Monday.
We now have internet. We decided November 8th was absolutely unacceptable and made them come back on Wednesday. They still wouldn't do it and posed no real suggestions as to what to do instead (meanwhile I dropped the ball and my phone was off/charging all day while Bill was calling telling me just to plug the phone directly into the box - which the technicians NEVER SUGGESTED). I told them to please set up the internet and cancel the phone order. So there we go. I am really NOT impressed.
Besides all this Bill enjoyed his first day and first week at work. I am working on unpacking (still) and trying to keep Miriam entertained. Life is a little different with only one car! One day I will really have a clean organized apartment (yes I know this will last about 10.2 seconds).
Saturday, November 1, 2008
It's Halloween baby!
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Pretty fun stuff this Halloween. Miriam liked the frosting on her cupcake and her little pumpkin from Great Grandpa Florian. She did not like her hat.
We only had two trick or treaters, so I will be sending Bill to work with some candy . . .
Georiga part 3 - time change
Night #1 in our apartment could have been better. We failed to get Miriam to bed on Georgia time. Instead she napped from 7-9:30pm Georgia time. In the end we decided she'd better sleep in our room, seeing as she's been in 'our room' for nearly 2 months (since we moved out of our apartment and were staying with friends/family that is).
I am feeling especially frustrated that all our work when she was younger is for naught. We used to be able to put her down for nap/bed and she would roll around, play and go to sleep on her own. Now I am pretty sure, she'll stand and scream. This is most definitely partly my fault as I was slightly lax on how I put her to bed for most of those 2 months, what with all the transition, I felt like she deserved some extra . . . something. And I got pretty tired for a few weeks. So it was back to sleep 'by any means necessary.' *
After being off for 6 hours the alarm begins beeping again and we can't get it off. Somehow, Miriam and I still go back to sleep.
*Just as a note we are still working on getting her to go down for bed and naps two weeks later. It's been hard and I hate that it is hard but I think we are making progress with our new "schedule."
I am feeling especially frustrated that all our work when she was younger is for naught. We used to be able to put her down for nap/bed and she would roll around, play and go to sleep on her own. Now I am pretty sure, she'll stand and scream. This is most definitely partly my fault as I was slightly lax on how I put her to bed for most of those 2 months, what with all the transition, I felt like she deserved some extra . . . something. And I got pretty tired for a few weeks. So it was back to sleep 'by any means necessary.' *
After being off for 6 hours the alarm begins beeping again and we can't get it off. Somehow, Miriam and I still go back to sleep.
*Just as a note we are still working on getting her to go down for bed and naps two weeks later. It's been hard and I hate that it is hard but I think we are making progress with our new "schedule."
Georgia part II - arrival
My first view of Georgia is this: fairly flat, slightly hazy and actually quite green. Trees everywhere.
Off the plane we walk a small distance before we are confronted by a scene I don't recognize (keeping in mind this small city gal just arrived in one of the largest airports in the country). Next thing I know I find myself taking an underground train towards baggage claim. I wonder if I'll feel panicky hurtling down a big dark hole, but it is okay.
After waiting a while for our luggage and letting Miriam run around laughing and clapping her hands ("Finally! I'm free! Weeee!") my husband and I trek our way to the hotel shuttles (another 1st for me, unless you count my cruise shuttle). We wait maybe 20 minutes (one review of this hotel said 1 hour, but it was inexpensive, so I feel lucky). I know I am really truly in the south when I see an exit for Birmingham/Chattangooga.
At our hotel we order Chinese, the leftovers of which we wistfully leave on the table as the was no fridge (how did I not notice that on the website?) and look up the Auto Shippers phone number. I also took a moment to determine - yes, Arby's is all over down here. Miriam goes to bed and we settle down watching Crusoe.
___________
We wake up around 8:30am (Georgia time) because Bill needs to take a cab to pick up our car. The auto shipper is 5.3 miles away and we pay $20 to get him there. Yikes - and you think gas is pricey. He comes back with our lovely Toyota which we promptly load up and head off to find our new apartment - we hope.
11:30am - Miriam toddles around the apartment happily, laughing, squealing and clapping her hands. We pay the deposit and rent for October and get our keys. It's got 3 bedrooms, we're by a man made lake - that you can fish at, has a pool, fitness center, alarm, free cable (not that we currently OWN a TV) and is gated. We're getting a $135/month discount. So dad and I feel like running around laughing and clapping too. Suddenly I like this place.
2:30 - Since our check-in is complete it is time to go get a few 'essentials.' from the store. We don't have hardly ANYTHING with us, besides diapers, formula and clothes. So a few hundred dollars, 5 hours, and some very sore feet later (I'm wearing flip-flops) we drive our loaded car back to our apartment. I'm pretty sure I can get from my apartment to the hub of civilization (read: Target, Costco, etc.) and in 5-10 minutes to boot. Map quest is about to become my best friend and it is hard to believe that in two years time I'll know these roads without hardly thinking, but it's true.
Off the plane we walk a small distance before we are confronted by a scene I don't recognize (keeping in mind this small city gal just arrived in one of the largest airports in the country). Next thing I know I find myself taking an underground train towards baggage claim. I wonder if I'll feel panicky hurtling down a big dark hole, but it is okay.
After waiting a while for our luggage and letting Miriam run around laughing and clapping her hands ("Finally! I'm free! Weeee!") my husband and I trek our way to the hotel shuttles (another 1st for me, unless you count my cruise shuttle). We wait maybe 20 minutes (one review of this hotel said 1 hour, but it was inexpensive, so I feel lucky). I know I am really truly in the south when I see an exit for Birmingham/Chattangooga.
At our hotel we order Chinese, the leftovers of which we wistfully leave on the table as the was no fridge (how did I not notice that on the website?) and look up the Auto Shippers phone number. I also took a moment to determine - yes, Arby's is all over down here. Miriam goes to bed and we settle down watching Crusoe.
___________
We wake up around 8:30am (Georgia time) because Bill needs to take a cab to pick up our car. The auto shipper is 5.3 miles away and we pay $20 to get him there. Yikes - and you think gas is pricey. He comes back with our lovely Toyota which we promptly load up and head off to find our new apartment - we hope.
11:30am - Miriam toddles around the apartment happily, laughing, squealing and clapping her hands. We pay the deposit and rent for October and get our keys. It's got 3 bedrooms, we're by a man made lake - that you can fish at, has a pool, fitness center, alarm, free cable (not that we currently OWN a TV) and is gated. We're getting a $135/month discount. So dad and I feel like running around laughing and clapping too. Suddenly I like this place.
2:30 - Since our check-in is complete it is time to go get a few 'essentials.' from the store. We don't have hardly ANYTHING with us, besides diapers, formula and clothes. So a few hundred dollars, 5 hours, and some very sore feet later (I'm wearing flip-flops) we drive our loaded car back to our apartment. I'm pretty sure I can get from my apartment to the hub of civilization (read: Target, Costco, etc.) and in 5-10 minutes to boot. Map quest is about to become my best friend and it is hard to believe that in two years time I'll know these roads without hardly thinking, but it's true.
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