We've talked about it and talked about it and we finally picked her out. She'll join us July 14 - when she's a few days shy of 8 weeks old.
She's the one with the pink collar. This is all of the brood with Momma.
Finally - my little girl!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Fly-In
Every summer our little airport puts on the West Michigan Fly-In. They have a pancake breakfast, a car show and free airplane rides for kids ages 8-17.
So excited to go to "A party at the airport"!
And of course, the Allegan Fire District was on hand for the event. Jacob is walking with Bruce, the Fire Chief.
Sitting on the New Pumper.
On your left, is our friend George, Jacob in the middle, and Bruce on the right.
Bi-plane owned by the big boss guy of the airport (I don't know what he's called!). On the airport's newly acquired compass rose painted by The Ninety-Nine's of which Amelia Earhart was the first president.
"Let's go see the Blue One!"
Sadly, our fun was cut short at the Fly-In this year. Temps were in the high 70's at 9 AM with 85% humidity with very dark clouds looming to the West. The DJ's kept announcing that the planes would be landing later this afternoon once the weather cleared but, our Daddy-O had to go to work. Maybe next year...
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day 2010
We spent the afternoon on the boat with Jeremy's Dad. I packed us up a picnic lunch and we headed out.
Helping Daddy drive.
His first swim in the lake.
My little boy - in that BIG lake!
Driving the boat back - naked!
We had a really great day on the lake with Grandpa. I think it might rank up there with one of the best Father's Days we have had. Jacob learned to pee off the front of the boat. He learned that it's okay to pee in your pants if you're in the lake and how to drive the boat in a big circle. What a day! What a day! :)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Time for a haircut
I always thought that working part time was kinda wimpy. Not that I think it's that way for you, I thought that for me. I thought that if I went part time, I wasn't contributing my fair share. I wasn't putting in enough effort. I wasn't making it in the dominantly male (where I am) working world. I was less for not carrying my own weight and a million other stupid thoughts.
Why the EFF did that matter?
And if you can find an answer, clue me in, huh?
Did you know that I was eligible for my pension over 3 years ago? At age 33, I had a completely vested pension. Did you know that by the time I turn 40 (which is coming soon), I will have been in my current job for 17 years? Did you know that by the time I am 40, I will have been working in the Electronics Industry for 22 years? Did you know that when I'm 40, I'll still have over 30 years to work before I can officially retire? You know that my husband works some awful hours. Did you know that with Jeremy's job/schedule it's difficult for me to schedule so much as a haircut? That I have to plan my trip to the grocery store for his days off because I have a half an hours drive home and can't pick up Jacob from the sitter in time if I go shopping after work? Do you know what it's like to have to choose between time as a family or as a couple and things such as mowing the lawn because there isn't always time for both?
I'm tired. I'm tired of fighting with all of this in my mind. I'm tired of missing him and wishing my husband was home. I'm tired of trying to figure it all out.
So, I submitted an application yesterday to go 'part-time'. If all goes as planned, I will have Wednesday (company choice and it's okay) off every week. It'll be a little tough. 20% reduction in my pay. 20% reduction in my bonus. 20% reduction in my vacation time. Is it worth 20%? Is my sanity worth 20%?
I think so. By the time I'm 40, I'm sure it will be.
Why the EFF did that matter?
And if you can find an answer, clue me in, huh?
Did you know that I was eligible for my pension over 3 years ago? At age 33, I had a completely vested pension. Did you know that by the time I turn 40 (which is coming soon), I will have been in my current job for 17 years? Did you know that by the time I am 40, I will have been working in the Electronics Industry for 22 years? Did you know that when I'm 40, I'll still have over 30 years to work before I can officially retire? You know that my husband works some awful hours. Did you know that with Jeremy's job/schedule it's difficult for me to schedule so much as a haircut? That I have to plan my trip to the grocery store for his days off because I have a half an hours drive home and can't pick up Jacob from the sitter in time if I go shopping after work? Do you know what it's like to have to choose between time as a family or as a couple and things such as mowing the lawn because there isn't always time for both?
I'm tired. I'm tired of fighting with all of this in my mind. I'm tired of missing him and wishing my husband was home. I'm tired of trying to figure it all out.
So, I submitted an application yesterday to go 'part-time'. If all goes as planned, I will have Wednesday (company choice and it's okay) off every week. It'll be a little tough. 20% reduction in my pay. 20% reduction in my bonus. 20% reduction in my vacation time. Is it worth 20%? Is my sanity worth 20%?
I think so. By the time I'm 40, I'm sure it will be.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Recent Jacobisms
Gail has suggested numerous times that I write these down or blog them. I'll be getting much better at this.
While on a walk today these were said within 3 minutes of each other:
As the fire chief pulls up next to us in his Tahoe "Daddy, it's him. It's really, really him!!"
Saying exhausted sounding, "Daddy, I just need to sit my butt down."
While on a walk today these were said within 3 minutes of each other:
As the fire chief pulls up next to us in his Tahoe "Daddy, it's him. It's really, really him!!"
Saying exhausted sounding, "Daddy, I just need to sit my butt down."
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Bigger Pants
It started a few months ago...I was sitting at my desk and my lips started to tingle, I was having a hard time focusing on my computer screen, and had a strange feeling at the base of my skull. I talked to Jeremy about it and of course, spooked him a little. He called me on my way home that night and noticed that I was having trouble finding words and forming sentences. I promised to pull over if I began to feel worse. A mile or so down the road, it was like nothing had ever happened. I was fine.
Last Thursday, I was sitting at my desk, and the tingling began. I began to notice that my eyes were viewing everything like a kaleidoscope. I felt a bit lightheaded and kinda dizzy. It didn't get worse, nor did it get better.
I drove home, picked up Jacob, and we stopped at the City Police station to visit with the Sergeant on duty and of course, Jacob needed to know where Mel was (at SWAT training). Jacob talked me into a trip to the store and the airport before heading home. I was still feeling a little funky - mostly ready to PUKE my guts out! I thought maybe something to eat or drink might quell this dull ache starting in the right side of my head.
At the airport, after eating/drinking I was beginning to feel better - so I thought. We're watching planes and I suddenly lost about 3/4 of my field of vision. I could see a really bright light up and to my left but, if I looked to it, it would go higher. It looked like a child's drawing of a sun - the circle and all the triangles for the rays - but it was white - bright white! Everything else was dull and grainy. I knew I had to get home. I didn't know if I could get home! I heard Jacob asking "Mommy?", but I couldn't answer him. I could feel my head spinning. I heard Jacob starting to get scared. I watched the bright light burn out while thinking "what am I going to do?". I knew if worse came to worse, I could call central dispatch - I knew Mel would be done with his class soon and he'd come help me get home. If I could just get my head back together - just to see straight. And snap! It was gone. I knew I had to stop dinking around and get us home!
I changed my clothes once we got home, and while sitting on the bed, every fingertip on my left hand (only the left) went numb. I knew I was feeling the sheet, but all I 'felt' was tingling in my fingers. The dull ache on my right brain was back. I took some Ibuprofen and went downstairs. Jacob and I planted our annuals while the dull ache in my head grew and the nausea intensified.
I went to bed about 8:00 - after calling Jeremy (again) and the pain was full blown. I couldn't sleep. The pressure on (not in) my head was too much to get comfortable. I remember seeing midnight on the clock.
I woke the next morning and the throbbing was gone. Yet, I could still feel the stem and all the branches from this headache - especially when I bent from the shower to pick up my towel. Sweet Jesus! I did go to work that day and I left about an hour early. I felt in a fog - hmmm...similar to medicine head. And the nausea! Ugh! The nausea!
On Friday - someone said it sounded like I'd had a migraine. I always thought that a migraine was pain in the worst possible form. Either I have a high pain tolerance or this wasn't a migraine. I did a little research online, talked to a few gals at work that I know suffer from them and I think that's what's happening here. Of course, I do need to follow up my suspicions with my Doctor and I will at my upcoming appointment. Jeremy and I talked about it too, we're going to watch it for awhile, take some notes, etc. I want to build my case, arm myself with the details of my case before I talk to the Dr.
We're almost a week later now and I'm still experiencing after effects. I have a tight tingle at the top of my head, I've cut my diet by about 2/3 due to the nausea/full/gassy/bloated feelings ALL. The. Time. I still feel the stem and branches of the headache and I'm still kinda woozy (we won't talk about the bathroom effects, K?). From what I've read, these are all normal after-effects from a migraine.
But hey, good news my pants are getting bigger! :)
P.S. If any of you have knowledge/experience with migraines - I'd love to hear your story.
Last Thursday, I was sitting at my desk, and the tingling began. I began to notice that my eyes were viewing everything like a kaleidoscope. I felt a bit lightheaded and kinda dizzy. It didn't get worse, nor did it get better.
I drove home, picked up Jacob, and we stopped at the City Police station to visit with the Sergeant on duty and of course, Jacob needed to know where Mel was (at SWAT training). Jacob talked me into a trip to the store and the airport before heading home. I was still feeling a little funky - mostly ready to PUKE my guts out! I thought maybe something to eat or drink might quell this dull ache starting in the right side of my head.
At the airport, after eating/drinking I was beginning to feel better - so I thought. We're watching planes and I suddenly lost about 3/4 of my field of vision. I could see a really bright light up and to my left but, if I looked to it, it would go higher. It looked like a child's drawing of a sun - the circle and all the triangles for the rays - but it was white - bright white! Everything else was dull and grainy. I knew I had to get home. I didn't know if I could get home! I heard Jacob asking "Mommy?", but I couldn't answer him. I could feel my head spinning. I heard Jacob starting to get scared. I watched the bright light burn out while thinking "what am I going to do?". I knew if worse came to worse, I could call central dispatch - I knew Mel would be done with his class soon and he'd come help me get home. If I could just get my head back together - just to see straight. And snap! It was gone. I knew I had to stop dinking around and get us home!
I changed my clothes once we got home, and while sitting on the bed, every fingertip on my left hand (only the left) went numb. I knew I was feeling the sheet, but all I 'felt' was tingling in my fingers. The dull ache on my right brain was back. I took some Ibuprofen and went downstairs. Jacob and I planted our annuals while the dull ache in my head grew and the nausea intensified.
I went to bed about 8:00 - after calling Jeremy (again) and the pain was full blown. I couldn't sleep. The pressure on (not in) my head was too much to get comfortable. I remember seeing midnight on the clock.
I woke the next morning and the throbbing was gone. Yet, I could still feel the stem and all the branches from this headache - especially when I bent from the shower to pick up my towel. Sweet Jesus! I did go to work that day and I left about an hour early. I felt in a fog - hmmm...similar to medicine head. And the nausea! Ugh! The nausea!
On Friday - someone said it sounded like I'd had a migraine. I always thought that a migraine was pain in the worst possible form. Either I have a high pain tolerance or this wasn't a migraine. I did a little research online, talked to a few gals at work that I know suffer from them and I think that's what's happening here. Of course, I do need to follow up my suspicions with my Doctor and I will at my upcoming appointment. Jeremy and I talked about it too, we're going to watch it for awhile, take some notes, etc. I want to build my case, arm myself with the details of my case before I talk to the Dr.
We're almost a week later now and I'm still experiencing after effects. I have a tight tingle at the top of my head, I've cut my diet by about 2/3 due to the nausea/full/gassy/bloated feelings ALL. The. Time. I still feel the stem and branches of the headache and I'm still kinda woozy (we won't talk about the bathroom effects, K?). From what I've read, these are all normal after-effects from a migraine.
But hey, good news my pants are getting bigger! :)
P.S. If any of you have knowledge/experience with migraines - I'd love to hear your story.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Christmas (and more) in July
Yep, I said Christmas.
Ever have one of those times where you post something and later it just nags and nags and nags at you? Keeps you up nights thinking how much better you could have said what you said? Maybe not. I had posted some time ago my aversion to gift bags and I wanted to clarify that post - especially after I gave them last year at Christmas...what I didn't really say so well is that I don't like the bags themselves. I get the convenience - I do. I don't like the impersonal-ness or rushed attitude that they can convey.
And now on to other things. It's officially Christmas shopping season at our house. I've started my collecting/shopping. The first items are on their way via UPS. My spare room will soon be converted to Christmas storage space. I'll be hiding goodies in cupboards, under beds and in drawers. Sadly, I depleted my stash of dishcloths that I made last year (can you believe I gave them all away as gifts!?!) and I've been too busy reading to create more. There are so many good books out there!
We've also begun planning for Jacob's Gotcha Day Party. I think this is going to be the best year. Jacob is really into it. He told me who he wanted to invite (My Grandmas, and my Grandpas and Aunt Karen and Louie and Uncle Mike {with a 'who's all the rest of my family? Who all loves me? Can they come too?"} , and Mommy and Daddy, etc.). He said what he wants to do for his party (I wanna fwim in my pool). He told me what he wants to eat (onies and bean-beans and hot gogs wif ketchup). He even informed me that he wants a cake (Mommy, I want cake from the store, okay? - Yay, I don't have to measure the poke cake!)! Jacob is also beginning to understand what the day is about. He knows that it's his 2nd birthday (yes, he has given us a list of everything he wants) and the day the judge said we would be his mom and dad - forever. He's asking a lot more questions about family lately and we're trying our best to give honest, age appropriate answers. Honest is easy, age appropriate is where we struggle a little. One day at a time.
The puppy is doing well. She's about 2 weeks old now. We'll get her at 8 weeks. (I have a feeling that once the owners see what it's like to feed 9 puppies, kibble for 6 weeks, they'll be calling us early.) We're reading some and making plans for her training. Jacob, of course can't wait for her to get home.
I'm still frustrated with the preschool. After the snafu with registration (oh, sure Mrs. H we have his form...it's not in the computer...oh, here it is. I set it aside because it was missing information...I don't know what information, everything is here...I'll enter Jacob in...you should hear from the teacher in about a month...You're lucky it's the A school you needed and not the F or O school because those are full) and another call into the school (yes, we have Jacob's registration on file this time...his teacher is calling parents and should be done with that by June 18...the school is located at...If you don't hear from her, call us back.). She still didn't answer my questions on cost. Good news, the little girl at day-care will go to the same school and Elaine will take S anyway, so we don't have to work preschool around day-care!
I'm sorry to say, it's going to be a boring summer here. No big trips. A few little ones on the books. Maybe some pictures. No grand plans. Just life at home constantly on watch for the fire trucks and swimming in our pool. :)
Ever have one of those times where you post something and later it just nags and nags and nags at you? Keeps you up nights thinking how much better you could have said what you said? Maybe not. I had posted some time ago my aversion to gift bags and I wanted to clarify that post - especially after I gave them last year at Christmas...what I didn't really say so well is that I don't like the bags themselves. I get the convenience - I do. I don't like the impersonal-ness or rushed attitude that they can convey.
And now on to other things. It's officially Christmas shopping season at our house. I've started my collecting/shopping. The first items are on their way via UPS. My spare room will soon be converted to Christmas storage space. I'll be hiding goodies in cupboards, under beds and in drawers. Sadly, I depleted my stash of dishcloths that I made last year (can you believe I gave them all away as gifts!?!) and I've been too busy reading to create more. There are so many good books out there!
We've also begun planning for Jacob's Gotcha Day Party. I think this is going to be the best year. Jacob is really into it. He told me who he wanted to invite (My Grandmas, and my Grandpas and Aunt Karen and Louie and Uncle Mike {with a 'who's all the rest of my family? Who all loves me? Can they come too?"} , and Mommy and Daddy, etc.). He said what he wants to do for his party (I wanna fwim in my pool). He told me what he wants to eat (onies and bean-beans and hot gogs wif ketchup). He even informed me that he wants a cake (Mommy, I want cake from the store, okay? - Yay, I don't have to measure the poke cake!)! Jacob is also beginning to understand what the day is about. He knows that it's his 2nd birthday (yes, he has given us a list of everything he wants) and the day the judge said we would be his mom and dad - forever. He's asking a lot more questions about family lately and we're trying our best to give honest, age appropriate answers. Honest is easy, age appropriate is where we struggle a little. One day at a time.
The puppy is doing well. She's about 2 weeks old now. We'll get her at 8 weeks. (I have a feeling that once the owners see what it's like to feed 9 puppies, kibble for 6 weeks, they'll be calling us early.) We're reading some and making plans for her training. Jacob, of course can't wait for her to get home.
I'm still frustrated with the preschool. After the snafu with registration (oh, sure Mrs. H we have his form...it's not in the computer...oh, here it is. I set it aside because it was missing information...I don't know what information, everything is here...I'll enter Jacob in...you should hear from the teacher in about a month...You're lucky it's the A school you needed and not the F or O school because those are full) and another call into the school (yes, we have Jacob's registration on file this time...his teacher is calling parents and should be done with that by June 18...the school is located at...If you don't hear from her, call us back.). She still didn't answer my questions on cost. Good news, the little girl at day-care will go to the same school and Elaine will take S anyway, so we don't have to work preschool around day-care!
I'm sorry to say, it's going to be a boring summer here. No big trips. A few little ones on the books. Maybe some pictures. No grand plans. Just life at home constantly on watch for the fire trucks and swimming in our pool. :)
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