So, I'm stuck with a c-section again. Don't want it...mostly. There are a couple of advantages - I know the date and that helps with planning. I won't go overdue by 2 weeks or more again. That's it for the advantages though.
The downsides are much more plentiful. Pain, major surgery, long recovery, pain, risk of infection and complications....it goes on. I don't want to go through it again.
And why am I stuck? Well, stupid *policy*. So many hospitals are refusing to do VBACs now (vaginal birth after c-section...sorry, that's the term!) and there are many doctors who won't do them either. The risk of uterine rupture is too high. Um...it's like 1%, maybe slightly higher because I've had 2 c-sections already. The risk of other complications in birth are higher than rupture. But because I've had 2 c-sections, and one was within 2 calendar years of this baby's birth, I have to have surgery. Blech.
People have suggested that I just refuse the surgery, go into labor on my own and show up at the hospital nearly fully dialated. Not really an option though. Not here. At this hospital, where they can't really handle a fully, emergency c-section. I'm not fully willing to take that risk - it's still my baby we are dealing with, and my life too. Just such a pain that I'm not even given an option, because I'm *high risk*.
Ug, high risk. I'm 30, healthy, with amazingly great pregnancies. Perfect blood pressure, blood sugar levels. I have no real reason to be a high risk pregnancy. Just cranky about this. Very cranky.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Monday, August 29, 2005
10 years ago, I was: not married, but engaged...has it really been that long? Working at Starbucks, convinced that I knew so much
5 years ago I was: contemplating motherhood, but not feeling *ready*. At Kwantlen doing my PR diploma and realising that I was smarter than I had thought, but knowing I didn't actually know much, I could just write good papers.
1 year ago I was: Expectantly waiting Norah's arrival, tired of being pregnant and excited to find out what *brand* of baby we were having. Worried that Rob would be out of work within days and nothing was happening job-wise for him.
Yesterday I was: Enjoying a sermon that my husband was giving at both our churches. Tired of being pregnant, but sad knowing that this baby will actually be on time (they are so much easier while still inside) Amazed that I have a brain that works most days.
5 snacks I enjoy: popcorn, toasted pb& j sandwiches, crackers and cheese, ice cream (especially with caramel in it...just NOT chocolate), fruit
5 songs I know all the words to: ahhh, only 5? Lots of praise songs, all the songs on TMBG's ABC cd, If you're happy and you know it, a couple of hymns, the Backyardigans theme song...a kid theme here for sure!
5 things I would do with 100 million dollars: give the majority away - I have a list of causes, pay off the minivan, take family and friends on a big vacation together, buy a vacation property somewhere, go shopping (somewhere other than here!)
5 places I would run away to: Vancouver, Camp Artaban, England, Fort St. John, even Edmonton is looking good - you can shop there!
5 things I would never wear: underwear that showed above my pants, fur, leather pants, short shorts, or anything with an animal print
5 favorite TV shows: Arrested Development, Backyardigans, Rock Star Inxs, Weather Network, Baby Story...even though it makes me mad!
5 bad habits: procrastination, short temper, not so good at using the leftovers, forgetting laundry, getting agitated while driving
5 biggest joys: my relationship with the Lord, my husband, my kids, unexpected phone calls with good news and time with friends
5 favorite toys: computer, Rob, playing race cars with Isaac, my minivan, Norah and a scarf
5 fictional characters I would date: oh my...should I even answer this one???
5 years ago I was: contemplating motherhood, but not feeling *ready*. At Kwantlen doing my PR diploma and realising that I was smarter than I had thought, but knowing I didn't actually know much, I could just write good papers.
1 year ago I was: Expectantly waiting Norah's arrival, tired of being pregnant and excited to find out what *brand* of baby we were having. Worried that Rob would be out of work within days and nothing was happening job-wise for him.
Yesterday I was: Enjoying a sermon that my husband was giving at both our churches. Tired of being pregnant, but sad knowing that this baby will actually be on time (they are so much easier while still inside) Amazed that I have a brain that works most days.
5 snacks I enjoy: popcorn, toasted pb& j sandwiches, crackers and cheese, ice cream (especially with caramel in it...just NOT chocolate), fruit
5 songs I know all the words to: ahhh, only 5? Lots of praise songs, all the songs on TMBG's ABC cd, If you're happy and you know it, a couple of hymns, the Backyardigans theme song...a kid theme here for sure!
5 things I would do with 100 million dollars: give the majority away - I have a list of causes, pay off the minivan, take family and friends on a big vacation together, buy a vacation property somewhere, go shopping (somewhere other than here!)
5 places I would run away to: Vancouver, Camp Artaban, England, Fort St. John, even Edmonton is looking good - you can shop there!
5 things I would never wear: underwear that showed above my pants, fur, leather pants, short shorts, or anything with an animal print
5 favorite TV shows: Arrested Development, Backyardigans, Rock Star Inxs, Weather Network, Baby Story...even though it makes me mad!
5 bad habits: procrastination, short temper, not so good at using the leftovers, forgetting laundry, getting agitated while driving
5 biggest joys: my relationship with the Lord, my husband, my kids, unexpected phone calls with good news and time with friends
5 favorite toys: computer, Rob, playing race cars with Isaac, my minivan, Norah and a scarf
5 fictional characters I would date: oh my...should I even answer this one???
Longest week...
This last week really stunk. Big time. Flooding in the basement that made me want to start building boats, sick kids, trip to the hospital with one sick kid, and a major poop issue. I just had enough. Yelled at God, he took it well I think. I can handle all of the above quite well usually....it's the piling up of things that does me in. Thank God Sunday was better. Great church services with both kids - at both churches. Normally, Loon Lake isn't a great experience for the family. It's nap time, Isaac isn't wanting to sit and would rather be up preaching at the front. It's especially hard when there is nowhere to take the kids. The downside of a church that is literally one room. Praise God that Sunday was better. Norah is still throwing up at night, but the virus seems to be on it's way out.
Well, except for the fact that I seem to have it now. Oh well. I'll be happy if I can catch up on some laundry...so hard to do when I can't take the kids downstairs with me. I miss our playroom when it's flooded. But we are now the owners of a sump pump...yay? and the church is taking out our carpets downstairs (which are starting to get mouldy - ewww) and putting in weeping tile around the house. May this be the last flood...especially with the rainstorm that is called for tonight...but they are only saying 5 mm at most. Please, oh please be less than that!
Well, except for the fact that I seem to have it now. Oh well. I'll be happy if I can catch up on some laundry...so hard to do when I can't take the kids downstairs with me. I miss our playroom when it's flooded. But we are now the owners of a sump pump...yay? and the church is taking out our carpets downstairs (which are starting to get mouldy - ewww) and putting in weeping tile around the house. May this be the last flood...especially with the rainstorm that is called for tonight...but they are only saying 5 mm at most. Please, oh please be less than that!
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Corie had her baby!
It seems like the word hasn't really got out yet. Corie and Scott had their baby. August 7th, 9:04 pm. Little boy, Tyler Clifton. Apparently, Clifton is for Scott's grandfather...hope I have that right! He was 8lbs 14 oz and 22 inches long. Great size - bigger than both of my kids! He's cute. Corie totally had the birth she wanted, I'm so happy for her (and a touch jealous...since I don't ever get the birth I want...nor will I anytime soon). The new family seems to be settling nicely into life together, but it's not been totally easy. Then again, like I tell Corie, the first little while is never easy. Lots of nursing, not lots of sleep, lots of poop. Fun days....I kind of miss them actually.
Corie has been keeping in touch pretty often with me. I'm feeling a little glad that she feels like she can ask me the "been there, done that" questions. I've also been asked to be a mentor mom in a local parenting program. Apparently, around town, I'm getting the reputation of being a "caring, loving and good mom with creative ideas" Who knew? There are quite a few moms and moms to be who have asked me for my opinion on things lately. Even my in-laws made good comments on my parenting while they were here! I'm finding it strange to be in the place of experienced mom...since I still feel pretty new to all of this mommy stuff. And with all the people around me who are pregnant or new moms, I finding myself increasingly in the role of encourager.
It's funny, in the last year or so I have been saying that my primary ministry is to my family. The more I find myself focused on that *being* my ministry, the more I'm finding that I'm being led into ministry to others who are learning that ministry too. And here I have been, hiding from leadership in most aspects for the last few years, and more things are falling into my lap. It's great too for me to focus on what I do everyday as being ministry....keeps me much more focused on the long term instead of getting frustrated at the minute details...not that I don't get frustrated sometimes, but keeping my focus on ministering to my family makes the harder bits more managable.
Speaking of harder bits, wish my kids would nap better. On the bright side, Isaac is doing a great job in his swimming class. I'm thinking tomorrow we won't even use the lifejacket and see how he does with his floating and bubble blowing.
Corie has been keeping in touch pretty often with me. I'm feeling a little glad that she feels like she can ask me the "been there, done that" questions. I've also been asked to be a mentor mom in a local parenting program. Apparently, around town, I'm getting the reputation of being a "caring, loving and good mom with creative ideas" Who knew? There are quite a few moms and moms to be who have asked me for my opinion on things lately. Even my in-laws made good comments on my parenting while they were here! I'm finding it strange to be in the place of experienced mom...since I still feel pretty new to all of this mommy stuff. And with all the people around me who are pregnant or new moms, I finding myself increasingly in the role of encourager.
It's funny, in the last year or so I have been saying that my primary ministry is to my family. The more I find myself focused on that *being* my ministry, the more I'm finding that I'm being led into ministry to others who are learning that ministry too. And here I have been, hiding from leadership in most aspects for the last few years, and more things are falling into my lap. It's great too for me to focus on what I do everyday as being ministry....keeps me much more focused on the long term instead of getting frustrated at the minute details...not that I don't get frustrated sometimes, but keeping my focus on ministering to my family makes the harder bits more managable.
Speaking of harder bits, wish my kids would nap better. On the bright side, Isaac is doing a great job in his swimming class. I'm thinking tomorrow we won't even use the lifejacket and see how he does with his floating and bubble blowing.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
famous last words...
So, the other night, I say to Rob "hey, do you know that we've made it to almost 3.5 years of parenting without a night up with vomiting kids?" (smacks self on forehead).
Well, you can probably guess what happened next.
1:30 am. I wake up to hear Isaac in his room saying something about "needing a clean up. I need some wipes" Poor little guy, threw up all over his bed. No big deal, I clean him up, Rob deals with rounding up the laundry. Then Norah wakes up, to get in on the action I guess. No throwing up here though, thank goodness! We bring the kids into our bed to settle back down...then I think about it more. What if he is sick again? So, I get Norah's mattress from her room and put Isaac down on it at the side of my bed. We all sleep well.
Morning comes...and he's still not well. Won't elaborate, but let's just say he wasn't well, either end. Big mess. Actually went voluntarily for a nap - that has NEVER happened before. He was sick. Poor little guy. Better today. Last time I hope to say something stupid like that though!
Well, you can probably guess what happened next.
1:30 am. I wake up to hear Isaac in his room saying something about "needing a clean up. I need some wipes" Poor little guy, threw up all over his bed. No big deal, I clean him up, Rob deals with rounding up the laundry. Then Norah wakes up, to get in on the action I guess. No throwing up here though, thank goodness! We bring the kids into our bed to settle back down...then I think about it more. What if he is sick again? So, I get Norah's mattress from her room and put Isaac down on it at the side of my bed. We all sleep well.
Morning comes...and he's still not well. Won't elaborate, but let's just say he wasn't well, either end. Big mess. Actually went voluntarily for a nap - that has NEVER happened before. He was sick. Poor little guy. Better today. Last time I hope to say something stupid like that though!
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
so it's been ages
Wow, haven't been here in ages. Getting bugged by a few people to update...so here goes:
- expecting baby #3 in November, November 1 to be exact.
- bought a minivan...out of necessity. Rob loves to say that "nothing says virility like buying your wife a minivan". It's a gorgeous 2004 Toyota Sienna. Got an amazing deal on it - and it was even here in town! It's white, and I love it, even though I never thought I would want a white vehicle. So now we are a fully Toyota family with our his and hers cars.
- There are babies everywhere! I can think of 6 people in my circle (of sorts, long distance circle that it is) who are expecting, or just had a little one. Must be something in the water....
- Had a visit from Rob's parents, Jenny and the kids...all at once. Went really well, despite our basement FLOODING an hour before they got here...hate our basement.
- My mom and sister were just here for a weekend visit - I had no idea they were coming! I am rarely surprised, so this was fun.
-We're turning into a real crunchy family. We are now cloth diapering. I'm an AP pusher (ask if you don't know what that is). We are really working on being the kind of parents that we feel God would have us be, and modelling Christ's love and sacrifice when dealing with our kids. I could go on about this, but I won't!
- We went to camp for a week. I miss Artaban, this was not Artaban at all. Not bad, but made me homesick.
- It's cold here - we had to turn the heat on last night. Where did summer go??? Apparently, it's supposed to be warm this weekend. Eh, I'll believe it when it shows up.
- I am starting to like living here. Really. Doesn't mean I don't miss Vancouver...because I really do, but there are really great things about living here. Too bad our basement isn't one of them!
- Isaac is talking up a storm these days...makes me almost long for the days before he was talking. He is so funny though, he's really discovering what humour is.
- Norah is so sweet, if only she would learn that she doesn't need to use her teeth when she kisses. Soon she will be walking....and talking too. She's starting to use signs, especially *more*. The kid loves her food! I've never seen a baby get so excited to see a banana or an apple.
- Rob has been pretty busy over the last 2 weeks, we did a VBS at both churches. It's good that most of the summer has been quiet otherwise. I think he's really doing well here, and people seem to like him enough...or they fake it!
- Rob gets priested in October. It will be busy that month, the ordination, an ordination retreat, a clergy retreat and synod. All in 3 weekends. Oh ya, and add in that I'm going to be hugely pregnant by then...this should be fun. Or not.
- Met some of the other clergy wives in our diocese. Too bad they all live so far away. Quite a few of us have lots in common, kid-wise. Quite a bit of breastfeeding, slinging, cloth diapering out there! One couple even is expecting their third 4 days before we are...and their kids are almost the same age (and are the same genders) as ours. Too bad they live, literally, on the other side of the province from us! 6 hours to drive for a visit....not fun.
Anyhow, that's it for tonight. I'm sure I'm forgetting lots....but I'm tired.
- expecting baby #3 in November, November 1 to be exact.
- bought a minivan...out of necessity. Rob loves to say that "nothing says virility like buying your wife a minivan". It's a gorgeous 2004 Toyota Sienna. Got an amazing deal on it - and it was even here in town! It's white, and I love it, even though I never thought I would want a white vehicle. So now we are a fully Toyota family with our his and hers cars.
- There are babies everywhere! I can think of 6 people in my circle (of sorts, long distance circle that it is) who are expecting, or just had a little one. Must be something in the water....
- Had a visit from Rob's parents, Jenny and the kids...all at once. Went really well, despite our basement FLOODING an hour before they got here...hate our basement.
- My mom and sister were just here for a weekend visit - I had no idea they were coming! I am rarely surprised, so this was fun.
-We're turning into a real crunchy family. We are now cloth diapering. I'm an AP pusher (ask if you don't know what that is). We are really working on being the kind of parents that we feel God would have us be, and modelling Christ's love and sacrifice when dealing with our kids. I could go on about this, but I won't!
- We went to camp for a week. I miss Artaban, this was not Artaban at all. Not bad, but made me homesick.
- It's cold here - we had to turn the heat on last night. Where did summer go??? Apparently, it's supposed to be warm this weekend. Eh, I'll believe it when it shows up.
- I am starting to like living here. Really. Doesn't mean I don't miss Vancouver...because I really do, but there are really great things about living here. Too bad our basement isn't one of them!
- Isaac is talking up a storm these days...makes me almost long for the days before he was talking. He is so funny though, he's really discovering what humour is.
- Norah is so sweet, if only she would learn that she doesn't need to use her teeth when she kisses. Soon she will be walking....and talking too. She's starting to use signs, especially *more*. The kid loves her food! I've never seen a baby get so excited to see a banana or an apple.
- Rob has been pretty busy over the last 2 weeks, we did a VBS at both churches. It's good that most of the summer has been quiet otherwise. I think he's really doing well here, and people seem to like him enough...or they fake it!
- Rob gets priested in October. It will be busy that month, the ordination, an ordination retreat, a clergy retreat and synod. All in 3 weekends. Oh ya, and add in that I'm going to be hugely pregnant by then...this should be fun. Or not.
- Met some of the other clergy wives in our diocese. Too bad they all live so far away. Quite a few of us have lots in common, kid-wise. Quite a bit of breastfeeding, slinging, cloth diapering out there! One couple even is expecting their third 4 days before we are...and their kids are almost the same age (and are the same genders) as ours. Too bad they live, literally, on the other side of the province from us! 6 hours to drive for a visit....not fun.
Anyhow, that's it for tonight. I'm sure I'm forgetting lots....but I'm tired.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
made a change
decided to change my background and stuff. I was getting bored. It's supposed to be Spring, but it's been snowing for the last 5 days! And cold. Today at least there is no new snow. I shoveled the front walk on Saturday morning. It was really light and fluffy snow, but still a pain to shovel. I started the driveway and then just gave up. Besides, the car can just drive over the stuff!
I'm so tired.
Norah cut her first tooth somewhere between Sat midnight and Sunday morning. She hasn't been sleeping well lately. Therefore, neither have I. I am tired. Any why can't I get both kids to nap? At the same time? I'm just so bagged right now, and all I need is more sleep. A quick 20 minutes of shut-eye between 4 and 5-ish would totally help me get through the day. Sigh.
Norah is almost sitting up - she will do it for short bursts before falling over. It's really fun, and Isaac is totally encouraging her too. He keeps saying "you can do it" and clapping for her.
We had a bit of a tragedy here last night. Rob's parents sent us a care package last week, and there was a toy Hummer for Isaac. His new favourite toy. It's one of those cars that you push and it keeps going type thing. It even has under the hood sparks! He and Rob were playing with it last night (his new after dinner activity) when the accident happened. Rob revved it right up and it went flying...hit the not quite fully attached heating vent by the bathroom and fell down it. Gone down the vent into the duct work. Rob tried and tried, but couldn't get it back. We're not sure where it is now, but Isaac keeps walking by the vent and stopping while muttering "oh Hummer where are you?". It's pretty funny, but a pain too. Anyone know how to get a vehicle out of duct work?
have to run now, my mom comes to visit tomorrow. Still have 2 loads of laundry to finish (thank goodness I have my helper Isaac, he's great at starting the dryer and transferring clothes) and 2 bathrooms to clean, plus groceries. No wonder I'm tired!
Norah is almost sitting up - she will do it for short bursts before falling over. It's really fun, and Isaac is totally encouraging her too. He keeps saying "you can do it" and clapping for her.
We had a bit of a tragedy here last night. Rob's parents sent us a care package last week, and there was a toy Hummer for Isaac. His new favourite toy. It's one of those cars that you push and it keeps going type thing. It even has under the hood sparks! He and Rob were playing with it last night (his new after dinner activity) when the accident happened. Rob revved it right up and it went flying...hit the not quite fully attached heating vent by the bathroom and fell down it. Gone down the vent into the duct work. Rob tried and tried, but couldn't get it back. We're not sure where it is now, but Isaac keeps walking by the vent and stopping while muttering "oh Hummer where are you?". It's pretty funny, but a pain too. Anyone know how to get a vehicle out of duct work?
have to run now, my mom comes to visit tomorrow. Still have 2 loads of laundry to finish (thank goodness I have my helper Isaac, he's great at starting the dryer and transferring clothes) and 2 bathrooms to clean, plus groceries. No wonder I'm tired!
Sunday, March 13, 2005
about Isaac
This kid is something else. He is so confident and secure - it's hard to believe he's ours! He has such a great sense of humour too. Last Sunday night we were at a dinner at the United Church (went as the guest of a possible-future parishoner). He wasn't that into the food, fine it had been a long day, but there he is - off making friends. He found the table that the youth group was sitting at (in the youth room off the hall), went in, introduced himself and just made himself at home. I went to get him and he said "bye mom" and shut the door. One of the girls said that he was the best entertainment she had had in weeks, especially when he showed off his counting abilities...up to 40 no less.
Tonight, he was in the bathtub singing Eddie Murphy's "Party all the Time". OK, not sure where he heard that one...must be from when Rob sings it with some other lyrics...anyhow, something really funny about the sight of a little boy, playing with his bathtub boat and singing.
I love how great he is as a big brother. He loves to come and see Norah as soon as he wakes up in the morning, when she wakes up from naps, and when she is crying he likes to help her out by giving her toys or asking "you otay Norah?" or "waast a matter?". I really didn't expect the transition to being a big brother to go so well.
And now with the reading...spelling out words with his letter blocks, identifying some words on signs. He's blowing me away!
What can I say, I love my son and I'm so proud of him. What a blessing he is to Rob and I, I couldn't have asked for a better little guy.
But...had to add...he is so accident-prone! (must be Rob's influence). In the space of 3 days, he managed to get a nasty bruise on the left side of his chin and a gash/cut on the right side of his chin! The bruise was from a run-in with his train set (wiped out and landed on one of the bigger pieces), the cut was from rolling off our bed around 4:30 in the morning...and we didn't even know he had come in! Poor little guy...wonder what next week will bring....
Tonight, he was in the bathtub singing Eddie Murphy's "Party all the Time". OK, not sure where he heard that one...must be from when Rob sings it with some other lyrics...anyhow, something really funny about the sight of a little boy, playing with his bathtub boat and singing.
I love how great he is as a big brother. He loves to come and see Norah as soon as he wakes up in the morning, when she wakes up from naps, and when she is crying he likes to help her out by giving her toys or asking "you otay Norah?" or "waast a matter?". I really didn't expect the transition to being a big brother to go so well.
And now with the reading...spelling out words with his letter blocks, identifying some words on signs. He's blowing me away!
What can I say, I love my son and I'm so proud of him. What a blessing he is to Rob and I, I couldn't have asked for a better little guy.
But...had to add...he is so accident-prone! (must be Rob's influence). In the space of 3 days, he managed to get a nasty bruise on the left side of his chin and a gash/cut on the right side of his chin! The bruise was from a run-in with his train set (wiped out and landed on one of the bigger pieces), the cut was from rolling off our bed around 4:30 in the morning...and we didn't even know he had come in! Poor little guy...wonder what next week will bring....
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
stuff I forgot last time...
In my rush to finally get an updated post on here, I forgot some stuff!
We had our first road trip the other weekend. We drove to Cold Lake, AB for a WalMart trip. It was a quick hour and 20 minutes or so to get there. however, the road wasn't that great. Pretty bumpy - but it's our closest WalMart and other big stores! (not to forget, Alberta is the home of no provincial sales tax). Not a bad outing.
We have decided to get water - you know, those free-standing water coolers? Totally needed - the water here is nasty for drinking. So chlorinated, when you shower it sort of smells like a swimming pool. There is a local supply place, and the water is really tasty. It's so funny how much water tastes different from place to place... I think the price of it is worth paying, beats dehydration!
OK, kid waking up from nap...gotta run!
We had our first road trip the other weekend. We drove to Cold Lake, AB for a WalMart trip. It was a quick hour and 20 minutes or so to get there. however, the road wasn't that great. Pretty bumpy - but it's our closest WalMart and other big stores! (not to forget, Alberta is the home of no provincial sales tax). Not a bad outing.
We have decided to get water - you know, those free-standing water coolers? Totally needed - the water here is nasty for drinking. So chlorinated, when you shower it sort of smells like a swimming pool. There is a local supply place, and the water is really tasty. It's so funny how much water tastes different from place to place... I think the price of it is worth paying, beats dehydration!
OK, kid waking up from nap...gotta run!
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
2 weeks? how has it been that long??
Wow - time is passing so quickly...
Lots going on here. Rob has now officially started working. It's hard not to think he's leaving the house *in costume* in his clergy shirts. Strange, but they do look good on him. Tomorrow is his first real *driving day*. He is going to Spiritwood for a deanery day. Apparently it's a 90 minute drive, and he's leaving at 8 am. With any luck, Isaac won't wake up as early as he did this morning (yelling Dad get up no less).
Took Isaac for a hair cut today...um, he's had better ones. We are having photos for the parish directory tomorrow, so I think I will need to take him back out to get it fixed up in the morning. It's not horrible, but we don't like it. The woman at the salon told me she was great with kids...apparently only kids that never move and are not alive. Oh well, it was only $10...
We went to Holy Trinity the last 2 weeks for church. The first week was for Rob's dad's cousin, who is filming the documentary on Rob's great grandfather. Richard was in town over the weekend, and spent some time at our place. A little strange, since we don't even really know the guy and he's not the most...um, friendly guy out there. But who knows, maybe Rob's true calling is documentary star!?!
Am starting to figure out what is going on here in town, kidwise. Not much it seems. I took the kids to a playgroup on Tuesday. Isaac had a blast, even though he really didn't get the craft. Lots of running around and playing. Some really friendly moms there. I'm really hoping to really MEET some other moms. I'm starting to get a little stir-crazy in the house with the kids. On the upside, the weather is getting pretty warm in the daytimes, so we can be outside for a decent stretch of time. AND Isaac is starting to *get* snow now. He is way less stressed about it these days, he used to just freak out walking in it. Too funny. Now he likes to slip on the ice for fun, yelling WOAH!. Problem is, there is SO much ice right now, I'm slipping too. Wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have Norah either on my back or my front. With the nice afternoons, so much is melting...only to freeze again at night. You could almost ice skate through the entire town right now. I'm not kidding, on the side roads, it is totally possible.
I can't believe Norah is already 5 months old. The last six months have gone so fast, with Rob being off work and home with us. And now she's not a newborn anymore, and he's working again. Wow...how much life can change so quickly. As for Miss Norah, she is trying so hard to sit up. She has mastered rolling, but has some trouble with banging her head on the hardwood floors, so she gets pretty ticked off at them. She LOVES Isaac. Her face lights up when he is around and he can make her giggle in no time at all. I love the sound of them laughing together. :) Best part of my day is that sound.
Our computer is doing something funny. I blame Rob. ;) I think (and he actually agrees), that he did something that messed up something...long story short, we can't get into our hotmail or our bank info from our main computer. The laptop, however, is filling in the gaps. But it's a pain.
Anyhow, I need to run to bed. I am so tired, now that I'm fitting in early morning Curves workouts, I need to catch up on the sleep.
Lots going on here. Rob has now officially started working. It's hard not to think he's leaving the house *in costume* in his clergy shirts. Strange, but they do look good on him. Tomorrow is his first real *driving day*. He is going to Spiritwood for a deanery day. Apparently it's a 90 minute drive, and he's leaving at 8 am. With any luck, Isaac won't wake up as early as he did this morning (yelling Dad get up no less).
Took Isaac for a hair cut today...um, he's had better ones. We are having photos for the parish directory tomorrow, so I think I will need to take him back out to get it fixed up in the morning. It's not horrible, but we don't like it. The woman at the salon told me she was great with kids...apparently only kids that never move and are not alive. Oh well, it was only $10...
We went to Holy Trinity the last 2 weeks for church. The first week was for Rob's dad's cousin, who is filming the documentary on Rob's great grandfather. Richard was in town over the weekend, and spent some time at our place. A little strange, since we don't even really know the guy and he's not the most...um, friendly guy out there. But who knows, maybe Rob's true calling is documentary star!?!
Am starting to figure out what is going on here in town, kidwise. Not much it seems. I took the kids to a playgroup on Tuesday. Isaac had a blast, even though he really didn't get the craft. Lots of running around and playing. Some really friendly moms there. I'm really hoping to really MEET some other moms. I'm starting to get a little stir-crazy in the house with the kids. On the upside, the weather is getting pretty warm in the daytimes, so we can be outside for a decent stretch of time. AND Isaac is starting to *get* snow now. He is way less stressed about it these days, he used to just freak out walking in it. Too funny. Now he likes to slip on the ice for fun, yelling WOAH!. Problem is, there is SO much ice right now, I'm slipping too. Wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have Norah either on my back or my front. With the nice afternoons, so much is melting...only to freeze again at night. You could almost ice skate through the entire town right now. I'm not kidding, on the side roads, it is totally possible.
I can't believe Norah is already 5 months old. The last six months have gone so fast, with Rob being off work and home with us. And now she's not a newborn anymore, and he's working again. Wow...how much life can change so quickly. As for Miss Norah, she is trying so hard to sit up. She has mastered rolling, but has some trouble with banging her head on the hardwood floors, so she gets pretty ticked off at them. She LOVES Isaac. Her face lights up when he is around and he can make her giggle in no time at all. I love the sound of them laughing together. :) Best part of my day is that sound.
Our computer is doing something funny. I blame Rob. ;) I think (and he actually agrees), that he did something that messed up something...long story short, we can't get into our hotmail or our bank info from our main computer. The laptop, however, is filling in the gaps. But it's a pain.
Anyhow, I need to run to bed. I am so tired, now that I'm fitting in early morning Curves workouts, I need to catch up on the sleep.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Be my Valentine
Today we went to Loon Lake to visit. We went to the house of a couple from the church and spent a couple of hours at their place and had lunch. Then we were off to visit the church. It is so cute! Such a lovely building. It's too bad that there isn't a hall of any sort (or running water for that matter), which would really make any sort of Sunday school much easier. It will be interesting to see how things work out there. It's really hard to wrap our heads around 2 parishes....
With today being Valentine's day, I made a nice breakfast for my Valentines. Eggs, ham, hash browns and (pink) pancakes. Rob got heart-shaped eggs, done over easy. That was harder than I thought it would be...the cookie cutters I used were still pretty sticky despite all the cooking spray. Oh well. Rob brought me some lovely flowers and got dinner for me. Nice.
Tonight, I was invited to join in at a Women's service in town. Apparently, the United, Anglican, Lutheran and Catholic churches have a little annual gathering. They do a service, then have fellowship and sign up for secret prayer sisters for the year. Neat idea, and I was pleased to be asked to go. Well, I was pretty much the only woman there of child-bearing age but that was ok. Really nice women, and I'm looking forward to praying for my prayer sister over the coming year. At one point, they had us stand up and state our names. It was really funny when I did - there was an audible buzz of "that's the new minister's wife" and other such comments. Small town, and a new person really seems to stick out. Apparently the day we arrived in Meadow (as we now call it), the A&W was buzzing with the news.
We have officially kissed any anonymity we ever had goodbye.
With today being Valentine's day, I made a nice breakfast for my Valentines. Eggs, ham, hash browns and (pink) pancakes. Rob got heart-shaped eggs, done over easy. That was harder than I thought it would be...the cookie cutters I used were still pretty sticky despite all the cooking spray. Oh well. Rob brought me some lovely flowers and got dinner for me. Nice.
Tonight, I was invited to join in at a Women's service in town. Apparently, the United, Anglican, Lutheran and Catholic churches have a little annual gathering. They do a service, then have fellowship and sign up for secret prayer sisters for the year. Neat idea, and I was pleased to be asked to go. Well, I was pretty much the only woman there of child-bearing age but that was ok. Really nice women, and I'm looking forward to praying for my prayer sister over the coming year. At one point, they had us stand up and state our names. It was really funny when I did - there was an audible buzz of "that's the new minister's wife" and other such comments. Small town, and a new person really seems to stick out. Apparently the day we arrived in Meadow (as we now call it), the A&W was buzzing with the news.
We have officially kissed any anonymity we ever had goodbye.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
the first week in Meadow Lake
We have now been in Meadow Lake one week. The night we arrived, our contact from the parish called and invited us out for dinner. Very nice! We got to finally meet her and her husband, and I got to meet one of the women from the search committee as well. At the restaurant, we also met the pastor of the United Church in town, and Flo, the Salvation Army captain for Meadow Lake. The next morning, Rob was at the house really early for our things to arrive. Strange about being in SK, they don't do daylight savings - we dropped Rob at the house by 8:30 am and the sun was just coming up. However, late sunrise makes late sunset!
I got our long distance, high speed internet and all that phone stuff hooked up with Sasktel. I also called the cable company and they came out to hook us up on Wednesday. Still need to get the car insurance thing taken care of - and say goodbye to our BC plates!
People are really friendly here. Really. We have already had a couple people from the church stop by. One man and his 9 year old daughter came by on the Monday night and helped us unpack. Well, he helped us unpack, his daughter kept Isaac occupied! Another member dropped us off some meat and potatoes. The church also had some basic food stuff here for when we moved in. Also, the pastor of the Alliance Church came by to say hi this week too and invite us for dinner.
We went to Holy Trinity's shrove Tuesday dinner and got to meet lots more people. They are really excited about meeting us, and they all seem to love the kids.
We also checked our our local coffee shop. Both of the women working there (one is the new owner) attend the Alliance church. Not bad coffee, and it's a cute place. It's no Starbucks, but they do know all of our names!
For church this week, we went to the Alliance church. Isaac loved the worship music, and he knew most songs. He stood on his chair, held our hands and sang along. It was so cute, I have to say, to hear him sing Hallelujah along with the praise band. Once again, lots of friendly people at the church. We were asked out to lunch by the women from the coffee shop, and they treated us to a nice little lunch there. I mentioned that I worked at Starbucks and they are all over having me come in and make sure they are doing things right. Too funny. Apparently, the owner has only been in charge since Feb. 1, and they are really new to this whole thing. I may just have to take them up on that...especially since my espresso machine seems to be broken again!!! I have to call Saeco in the morning and tell them that I need them to fix it again. So glad there is a 6 month warranty on the repairs! Just have to have that latte fix!
There is lots of work that I would love to do on the rectory. It needs some TLC in the basement for sure. They are talking about renovating the kitchen come summertime...I really hope they ask me for lots of input...ok, I will probably give it anyhow!
Have to run and finish up Rob's Valentine's gift!
I got our long distance, high speed internet and all that phone stuff hooked up with Sasktel. I also called the cable company and they came out to hook us up on Wednesday. Still need to get the car insurance thing taken care of - and say goodbye to our BC plates!
People are really friendly here. Really. We have already had a couple people from the church stop by. One man and his 9 year old daughter came by on the Monday night and helped us unpack. Well, he helped us unpack, his daughter kept Isaac occupied! Another member dropped us off some meat and potatoes. The church also had some basic food stuff here for when we moved in. Also, the pastor of the Alliance Church came by to say hi this week too and invite us for dinner.
We went to Holy Trinity's shrove Tuesday dinner and got to meet lots more people. They are really excited about meeting us, and they all seem to love the kids.
We also checked our our local coffee shop. Both of the women working there (one is the new owner) attend the Alliance church. Not bad coffee, and it's a cute place. It's no Starbucks, but they do know all of our names!
For church this week, we went to the Alliance church. Isaac loved the worship music, and he knew most songs. He stood on his chair, held our hands and sang along. It was so cute, I have to say, to hear him sing Hallelujah along with the praise band. Once again, lots of friendly people at the church. We were asked out to lunch by the women from the coffee shop, and they treated us to a nice little lunch there. I mentioned that I worked at Starbucks and they are all over having me come in and make sure they are doing things right. Too funny. Apparently, the owner has only been in charge since Feb. 1, and they are really new to this whole thing. I may just have to take them up on that...especially since my espresso machine seems to be broken again!!! I have to call Saeco in the morning and tell them that I need them to fix it again. So glad there is a 6 month warranty on the repairs! Just have to have that latte fix!
There is lots of work that I would love to do on the rectory. It needs some TLC in the basement for sure. They are talking about renovating the kitchen come summertime...I really hope they ask me for lots of input...ok, I will probably give it anyhow!
Have to run and finish up Rob's Valentine's gift!
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
long time no post
it's been ages since I've been on here. The last 10 days have been crazy for us. But now we are in our new home, I can't say settled there though. Maybe I'll just give the highlights of our trip here.
Feb 1. Vancouver. Isaac had his evaluation. Apparently he may have a 3 month delay in some areas of his speech development. However, combined with the areas he is ahead, he averages out ahead of his age. He just isn't a talker. Um, I needed an expert to tell me that? Oh well, we know for sure. She recommended a preschool as a good way for him to need to use his verbal skills more, and was totally shocked that he is showing early reading skills at 30 months. Then a goodbye with Mike, and off to Garth and Mary's place. Leg 1 of the trip - 60 kms. It was great to visit with them, and Paul and Tammi came over too. Girl time in the hot tub, all is right with the world.
Feb 2. Omnious sign. Isaac throws up just beyond Hope. He's a mess...why didn't we think to bring the Gravol? Changing a kid by the side of the road in rainy fog by a rushing river really makes one have to pee. somewhere along the way I started to cry when I realised that there wouldn't be a *on the way back* for this trip. Then we saw a rainbow, took it as a sign that things would look up. But then again, after a big vomit session in the back seat, there wasn' anywhere to go but up. Purchased Gravol as soon as we hit Merritt. The drive was perfect weather-wise. It was snow-free and dry pretty much the whole way past the toll booth, better than the last time we were on the Coquihala and it snowed in May. Stopped for the night in Revelstoke.
Feb. 3 Again, amazing road conditions. I really feel that God was watching out for us, the roads could not have been better in June! Revelstoke to Okotoks. A couple of stops once we hit Calgary for crying kids, but it wasn't too bad. Great to see Scott and Corie...oh and a load of laundry too. Isaac loved playing with Jake (their puppy for those not in the know). The work they are doing in their basement is exciting, and the painting and stuff they have done to their house looks great too. They seem so happy in Okotoks - I hope that we can be that way in Meadow Lake.
Feb. 4 Snow on the highway from Calgary to Edmonton. Not great conditions, but not terrible either. I was tired by the time we hit Edmonton too and we were all done with the car. did some grocery shopping and I cooked dinner - nice to have a suite - and it was nice to eat homemade food again. I get tired of restaurant food so quick.
Feb. 5 West Edmonton Mall. Shopping and play day. Thank goodness for the rental strollers shaped like cars. Not only did Isaac love to be in it, it had a great sized storage bag. Totally worth the $5. I finally got winter boots (on sale no less)!
Feb. 6 Drive home. Wow, that sounds strange. The roads were good, except when we were close to a large truck. They caused lots of blowing snow that made visibility really poor. Took a minor detour off the highway to some small town (can't remember the name). Bought breakfast. They had the world's largest pysanka there. What a claim to fame. (pysanka= those Ukrainian Easter eggs)
Feb 1. Vancouver. Isaac had his evaluation. Apparently he may have a 3 month delay in some areas of his speech development. However, combined with the areas he is ahead, he averages out ahead of his age. He just isn't a talker. Um, I needed an expert to tell me that? Oh well, we know for sure. She recommended a preschool as a good way for him to need to use his verbal skills more, and was totally shocked that he is showing early reading skills at 30 months. Then a goodbye with Mike, and off to Garth and Mary's place. Leg 1 of the trip - 60 kms. It was great to visit with them, and Paul and Tammi came over too. Girl time in the hot tub, all is right with the world.
Feb 2. Omnious sign. Isaac throws up just beyond Hope. He's a mess...why didn't we think to bring the Gravol? Changing a kid by the side of the road in rainy fog by a rushing river really makes one have to pee. somewhere along the way I started to cry when I realised that there wouldn't be a *on the way back* for this trip. Then we saw a rainbow, took it as a sign that things would look up. But then again, after a big vomit session in the back seat, there wasn' anywhere to go but up. Purchased Gravol as soon as we hit Merritt. The drive was perfect weather-wise. It was snow-free and dry pretty much the whole way past the toll booth, better than the last time we were on the Coquihala and it snowed in May. Stopped for the night in Revelstoke.
Feb. 3 Again, amazing road conditions. I really feel that God was watching out for us, the roads could not have been better in June! Revelstoke to Okotoks. A couple of stops once we hit Calgary for crying kids, but it wasn't too bad. Great to see Scott and Corie...oh and a load of laundry too. Isaac loved playing with Jake (their puppy for those not in the know). The work they are doing in their basement is exciting, and the painting and stuff they have done to their house looks great too. They seem so happy in Okotoks - I hope that we can be that way in Meadow Lake.
Feb. 4 Snow on the highway from Calgary to Edmonton. Not great conditions, but not terrible either. I was tired by the time we hit Edmonton too and we were all done with the car. did some grocery shopping and I cooked dinner - nice to have a suite - and it was nice to eat homemade food again. I get tired of restaurant food so quick.
Feb. 5 West Edmonton Mall. Shopping and play day. Thank goodness for the rental strollers shaped like cars. Not only did Isaac love to be in it, it had a great sized storage bag. Totally worth the $5. I finally got winter boots (on sale no less)!
Feb. 6 Drive home. Wow, that sounds strange. The roads were good, except when we were close to a large truck. They caused lots of blowing snow that made visibility really poor. Took a minor detour off the highway to some small town (can't remember the name). Bought breakfast. They had the world's largest pysanka there. What a claim to fame. (pysanka= those Ukrainian Easter eggs)
Monday, January 31, 2005
saying goodbye sucks
this goodbye thing is really starting to stink. Yesterday Leslie hosted a little goodbye party at her house. I was doing alright until Lauren hugged me and made a bit of a cry-like noise. Then I lost it. By the time I hugged Les goodbye, I was pretty much a sobbing wreck...who had to drive the car. It's hard to say goodbye, but it's also nice to have relationships that mean enough to make you cry. And it's not like we are leaving forever, never to be seen again (I hope!!).
Kind of got me thinking about way back when people used to leave their families. It would sometimes be forever. They would head off, sometimes never to go back home again....I can't really imagine that at all. We are so blessed to live in an age of instant communication with the internet, cheap long distance and air travel. Goodbye isn't for ever anymore, it's more of a *until we meet again*. However, that doesn't make it any easier to say.
I think the kids are stressed, life isn't that normal right now at all. I would be stressed too if I were them....but I'm not stressed today! I had to use up the gift certificate that Dad gave me for my birthday today (had to, it was tough). I had a wonderful 3 hours at the spa today! A lovely facial and an hour long massage. I was a little worried how Norah would do with me being gone that long, but she was great. Feeling so good right now, aside from saying goodbye to my sister and Dad tonight. It does help that they aren't the most emotional goodbye-ers around.
Lots to do tomorrow though, so I'm sure I'll be stressed again in no time...oh yeah, and dinner with Rob's family. More goodbyes.
Kind of got me thinking about way back when people used to leave their families. It would sometimes be forever. They would head off, sometimes never to go back home again....I can't really imagine that at all. We are so blessed to live in an age of instant communication with the internet, cheap long distance and air travel. Goodbye isn't for ever anymore, it's more of a *until we meet again*. However, that doesn't make it any easier to say.
I think the kids are stressed, life isn't that normal right now at all. I would be stressed too if I were them....but I'm not stressed today! I had to use up the gift certificate that Dad gave me for my birthday today (had to, it was tough). I had a wonderful 3 hours at the spa today! A lovely facial and an hour long massage. I was a little worried how Norah would do with me being gone that long, but she was great. Feeling so good right now, aside from saying goodbye to my sister and Dad tonight. It does help that they aren't the most emotional goodbye-ers around.
Lots to do tomorrow though, so I'm sure I'll be stressed again in no time...oh yeah, and dinner with Rob's family. More goodbyes.
Friday, January 28, 2005
headsplitter of a day
I should have known that yesterday would suck when Norah threw up as soon as I put her in the car.
We are tired and sore. 2 days of frantic last minute packing and organizing and errand-running will do that. Mix in a tiny bit of sleep (for all 4 of us)....not a good recipe. Anyhow, by noon I was calling the BC nurse line to ask how deep a cut needed to be to need stitches. Isaac had fallen at my mom's and split his forhead open on her tv stand. Blood all over. Nice. It wasn't that bad, but I took him and Norah down to the parkade to head out for stitches...and slammed 3 of his fingers in the door of the car. Can you say guilt? Anyhow, fingers were ok. Head was ok after some surgical glue. No naps for anyone though. Long, tiring day. In short, it sucked. And while all this was going on at my mom's, Rob was at the house dealing with the packer.
So strange to see all your stuff boxed up.
It's all getting moved out as I'm typing this. Today is a better day with the kids. I could use a nap, but we did make it out to the grocery store! Can't wait to get the house emptied out and cleaned....then we move on!
We are tired and sore. 2 days of frantic last minute packing and organizing and errand-running will do that. Mix in a tiny bit of sleep (for all 4 of us)....not a good recipe. Anyhow, by noon I was calling the BC nurse line to ask how deep a cut needed to be to need stitches. Isaac had fallen at my mom's and split his forhead open on her tv stand. Blood all over. Nice. It wasn't that bad, but I took him and Norah down to the parkade to head out for stitches...and slammed 3 of his fingers in the door of the car. Can you say guilt? Anyhow, fingers were ok. Head was ok after some surgical glue. No naps for anyone though. Long, tiring day. In short, it sucked. And while all this was going on at my mom's, Rob was at the house dealing with the packer.
So strange to see all your stuff boxed up.
It's all getting moved out as I'm typing this. Today is a better day with the kids. I could use a nap, but we did make it out to the grocery store! Can't wait to get the house emptied out and cleaned....then we move on!
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