Cool Stuff . . . a Recipe Book

Long, long ago a friend from an old ward in Alexandria, Virginia told me about a recipe book that was being compiled. Did I want to participate?

Heck, yeah! The Fraconia Ward, or congregation, has some of the most amazing cooks, ever. So, I threw in a recipe (my fave chocolate bread pudding) using typensave software with Morris Press Cookbooks (because they told me to).

Then, long after the cookbooks had arrived, I asked for one and was lucky enough to get the last one. And it is REALLY cool!

I don't know what the ladies in charge thought of using this company. But, using the software to input the recipe was SO easy. The book is one of the most beautiful cookbooks, was inexpensive, and looks totally professional. And, I've got the great recipes from those great cooks. I'm a lucky girl.

Yea, you'll have to look at the pics sideways because my computer is goofy right now and killing all pride that I have about being tech savvy.

Rehabilitation

This is the couch in our corporate housing.

It is rented.

One guess as to which side of the couch I sit on when I fed Merritt and give him his nebulizer treatments. Yeah, it is the side that is sagging.

This is where I answer the phone.

This is where I catch naps.

(I can catch Everett trying to sneak to the backdoor during his "nap" from this spot.)

This is where I hear news about the house.

This is where I read my scriptures.

This is where I pray about 100,000 times a day.

I do leave this spot, but it is sort of like command central for me.

Who would have known a rented couch would support so much?

Chills and Thrills

Last week, Erik worked hard preparing for some big meetings that will occur this week. He also tried very hard to get Merritt to start taking a bottle again. No go just yet but we'll keep trying. He was also very helpful to Sheila in watching the boys on two evenings and helping the family go to Costco. Sheila doesn't know how he fits everything in that he does for the family.

The highlight of the week, a total Thrill, was catching up with old friend Connie. Sheila and Connie hadn't seen in other in almost 20 years. And it is amazing that we are old enough to even say a number that high. We met up with Connie and her kids at Chick-fil-a and enjoyed catching up and yummy lemonade.

Sheila was also able to go to her woman's church group and eat a lovely meal while meeting more ladies in her congregation. She had an excellent time. A bonus for Sheila came with "Shopping with Bena." It is amazing how much better one can feel about the post-pregnancy body when one has clothes that fit! (Did Sheila mention that all of her clothes for warm weather did NOT make it to the apartment? Yeah, sweaters don't go too far in Texas.)

Everett, all on his own, discovered how to make farting noises by blowing on his arm. And, he is practicing, or perfecting that skill, right now.

Merritt started playing the "stick out your tongue" game. He started this one all by himself. It is the same game that Everett used to play when he was little. This is the game where he sticks out his tongue, you stick out your tongue, etc. Merritt is usually the one to start the game and he loves it! He is also grabbing his feet and trying to get going with the rolling from back to front. I guess he is gearing up for chasing his brother.

Merritt Turns Four Months

STATS

Height: 26 inches (90%)

Weight: 15 pounds and 11 ounces (75%)

Head Circum: 16 1/4 (25%)

Merritt is a very happy kid. The past several weeks have been hard on him with the nebulizer treatments, but he is back gaining weight and we are working on getting him off the treatments over the next several weeks.

One of the things I love most about this time is when we smile at each other spontaneously at the same time. It is like we are sharing a secret joke and find it very amusing.

Merritt is ROLLING these days. He is constantly moving from tummy to back and has been successful in getting from his back to his tummy several times. He loves to sit-up and enjoys his bumbo seat.

How Big Is He?

This boy is LONG! When his legs are straight, his toes reach the end of The Catepillar. His feet are just now peeking over the side of his car seat (sigh . . . another one of those big boys) and is already pushing the 6 to 9 month clothes in length. He does NOT have the inherited big head from his mom; so tops are much easier for this guy.

I expect that he would weigh more if he hadn't lost some during this "wheezing" sickness. But, he looks just right by me.

• He loves to be in the middle of the action and talks LOUDLY if he isn't.
• When we put him down for his nap and sing him his nap songs, he gets upset if he knows that we are still up having fun. In fact, he starts crying as soon as I start singing the songs. Poor guy!
• He is refusing to take a bottle. I'm still working on that one.
• He is very even tempered, even for this very amiable age. When he is upset, his lower lip sticks out in a HUGE pout.
• He LOVES television. It cracks us up that he can spot it whenever it is on and know just how to get his head in the best position for viewing.
  

Enjoying a Game of Peek-A-Boo

Bonus Pictures of This Cutie!

Baby Talk



Baby Exercise

Evy's Surprising Commment

Everett turned to me at lunch today and said,"'Cuz me. I tooted."

You know, I don't remember ever teaching him about manners with flatulation. I guess the adults in the house are just such good examples. Go us.

A Thought Or Something Resembling That

I've been kind of lax with the blogging. I just have too much rattling in my brain right now to be super coherent and be of importance to clutter the screen.

I'm slowing putting some things together. But I heard something today that made me laugh (maybe because it hit too close to home).

"Comfortable is not a style."

Peter Perfect

Chills and Thrills

Summarizing last week would best be done with SLEEP DEPRIVATION.

In all, the boys continued to get well last week. We are still a bit puzzled as to why Merritt hasn't kicked his wheezing. We continue to give him his breathing treatments around the clock . . . kills me to have to wake up to an alarm clock in the middle of the night.

We had to make some pretty quick decisions on Thursday night, and we were literally up all night. I mean like all night. (and we discovered that our little town does not have many places that are open 24 hours---just a change from DC). Very cool Sister Debbie came over Friday morning for a couple of hours so that Sheila could rest a bit. That evening we ordered pizza and ate it by the pool. We also held our first family basketball game. Sheila got to show Evy that girls can shoot hoops, too. (Yeah, we look pretty, uh, rough in the pictures. These were the best ones. I guess we just still weren't feeling 100% after the all nighter.)

These are Everett's self-designed and applied family tattoos. As he "drew" them he said, "Mommy, Daddy, me, Merritt, baby."

Everett and I took this while I gave him his first lesson on how to take pictures.

Dear Preston: I Sorry

Dear Preston,

I am so sad that we aren't coming to your party. We were all packed up. Mom had cool snacks for the drive to your house, and I was prepared to keep my socks on the ENTIRE time at your party.


But, Mom says that Baby Merritt is too sick. We went and some doctors took some special pictures of his chest. They had to take his shirt off, but they didn't want me to take my shirt off, too. Mom said that only sick kids take off their shirt to get a special picture taken. Instead, we took a special picture of me with your present.

Your present is SO BIG. Mom says that it doesn't matter that it is big. That all that matters is that we love you and want you to have a great birthday turning 4!

Have fun at your party. Eat yummy cake!

Love-Everett

"Eyes & Mouff"

Who, Me, Sick?

The house is quiet.

sssshshshshshhhhh . . . just appreciate it. the quiet. the peace. the calm air--you get the drift.

My Mommy Vibe is telling me the boys will wake soon, but I wanted to publish this moment of peace.

The bathroom is ready for a cleanup and there is a load of laundry to fold. But, isn't there always laundry . . . that can wait. I am going to just take a moment to breathe.

A Big Announcement at Work

We have a little world that goes on at our home while Dad is at work. It is full of all kinds of things: crackers, walks, toys, crying, laughing, pictures, naps, diapers, potty, laundry, cars, cars, and cars. Erik was working late this evening and called in around dinner time. We shared war stories for the day (him--long meetings, me--crying Merritt).

THEN, I remembered that Everett had something to tell his Dad.

"Dad, Poop, Potty, Doc!"

Since we started potty training, Everett has known that if he goes "poop in the potty" he gets DOC. You know, from the movie Cars. Well, today the stars aligned for the big event.

Erik shared his delight with Everett about this step. When he got off the phone, Erik announced to his coworkers that his son "had his first poop." And, you know what? They all had stories about when their kids had their first poop in the potty.

Doesn't Everett Look So Proud

Yes, this was Everett's first step in becoming a man.

Potty training can be like one step forward, two steps back. But, just as long as we keep making that next step forward, we'll get there. As Erik said,"If he is still in diapers when he is 18, it won't be your fault." And, yes, it is kind of weird to blog about a first poop and won't Everett look askew at me when he runs for president and his opponent uses this entry against him somehow. That's okay; I'll be old, in dentures, and will be so excited that he isn't in diapers--I won't care because I'll be wearing adult diapers by then (yes, I am older than I look).

Chills and Thrills

I think I can lump all of our chills and thrills for the week like this:

Chills--sick, sick people

Thrills--people getting well

Sheila also had a chance to catch lunch with her mom, which was a great time. It was also an unexpected blessing as Grandma was able to watch over Evy while Sheila went to check out Merritt's wheezing. Thanks, Grandma!

Earlier in the week, Debbie came over to visit Cranky Everett. Yes, she is brave. This weekend we also had dinner with Grandma and Grandpa. It is just SO nice to be close to family.

Evy was pretty sick all week. We were supposed to visit Preston, per Everett's insistent request, this past weekend, but since we needed to stay home because of Merritt's wheezing, we went to visit The Family Dog: MAX.

Now, Evy, like all the grandkids, loves Max. Whenever we say we are going to see Grandma and Grandpa, the next question is--MAX?

We also were able to attend our new church congregation and were so pleased with how friendly the ward members were--we even had dinner with a family this evening and Sheila hasn't laughed that hard in ages. The ward isn't super humongous like our old ward in DC, and that pleases Sheila immensely. Everett is making friends and had a great time in nursery.

And, last, but not least, Erik bought Everett new shoes in under an hour and with only one trip to the expensive shoe store. Yes, it might seem ridiculous to share this, but many of you know the struggles with The Shoes and Everett's special orthodics. I think we've got the process down pat.

Bonus Picture From the Week: This is Evy taking a stroll.

Oh, what, what is that you ask? Why, yes, there is an AWESOME TOWNHOUSE for sale. Don't be shy. Take a look!

We Bought a BRAND NEW . . .

. . . nebulizer today. (I know you are SO jealous. Don't deny it.)

"Gosh, darn it, Cuz! That's a beau-ti-ful speciminey of modern machinery! My 1989 Ford Truck don' compare tu it at all!"

That's right folks! Close those dropped jaws and feast your eyes on this 0.25 horse power of an air compressor built to help those afflicted with BRONCHIOLITIS.

"Waz that? Whu has whut? Whut is that for?"

My thoughts exactly.

Baby Merritt has bronchiolitis, a viral infection that causes wheezing. He had a minor cough for a couple of days, like he coughed less than once an hour. No fever. Then, today, minor wheezing started, I mean, really minor wheezing. Still, no fever.

Picture thought bubble above Sheila's head: Do I take him in? He isn't running a fever. Cough isn't that bad. Hhhmmmm.

Her mom, a nurse, said,"you might want to."

Her sister, a nurse, said,"you might want to."

Wanna get in quick to the pediatrician around here? Say,"My baby is wheezing." The phrase is guaranteed automatic movement and opening on the schedule.

I don't think any of us expected that Merritt would need two nebulizer treatments immediately at the doctor's office with prescribed treatments around the clock at least through the weekend. I don't know if it is just his age, but this kiddo might be the kind that doesn't act sick until he is knocking on death's door.

When the nurse came in the room with the nebulizer and capsule of medicine, she said,"Okay, here we are."

I said, "What do you do? I confess, I am a Nebulizer Virgin."

She laughed.

And, yes, since we have some pretty fancy cable stations here in corporate housing, I've been indulging in too much HGTV. You could say I have OD'd on HGTV. No, I won't stop. Each show gives me something to critique and yell at the TV about--"oh, no you aren't using that color"--"you want to do what with your coonskin cap collection,"--wait, this is about Merritt.

And I quote the pediatrician,"Yeah, if I were you, I'd go ahead and buy a nebulizer. I bet you are going to need it on more than one occasion with this little guy."

At least it isn't throw-up.

Yes, Merritt in his young age already knows how to look calm for the camera, but OFF camera his wiggling makes it almost impossible for any of the treatment to get in his mouth or nose. Sure, look demure and perfect for the masses, Baby.

A Slice Of Pi Pie Served a La Friends

Tomorrow is Pi Day. You know, 3/14 . . . or 3.14. Yes, it is terribly clever. (so here is Pi with a few more digits: 3.1415---guess how big this celebration will be on 3/14/15--oh, yeah!)

But, I was newly reminded of tomorrow by the arrival of a delish pie from a pie place in Round Top, Texas. Who would send a pie for Pi day? Who would be that genius? Well, this family.

I love how this family celebrates, and their celebration of Pi Day last year is no exception to how they embrace the fun things in life and teach their children how to have levity. (and, yes, I always misspell the word wierd, uh . . . weird, always--go see the comments to see what I am talking about)

BTW, Robby lived one street from me when we were young (like 5th grade to high school young). We were in several of the same classes, both of us played the french horn in band, etc. I know; I now feel sorry for him, too.

So get your math groove on tomorrow and join the rest of the growing masses that celebrate a little thing that goes on forever, is older than you think, and helps us calculate circular stuff (that's a totally mathematical explanation, can't you tell?).

The Sjolseth's Family Pi

Birdies, Pwease!

Everett and I made some pinecone birdfeeders on Monday. Even though we had TEXAS size rain (forgot how big the raindrops are here) they are sticking around and we are getting all kinds of birds coming by for a snack.

There is a cardinal that is quite crafty. He snacks on the birdfeeders constantly but is attuned to ANY movement from the apartment. So, I haven't been able to get a picture of him. But, you'll see his girlfriend below:

Other Birdies That Came By for a Visit

Everett was watching the birds yesterday and yelled,"BUNNY . . . Mom, RABBIT!" I couldn't get there in time, but chances are we have a furry friend making a stop at our casa.

Sweetness

Someone slept through the night!

Two someones slept through the night!

Both Merritt and Everett avoided waking up after 11:00 pm. YES!

I wasn't so lucky--I am so tuned to being "sleep alert" to go and get Merritt that the slightest things woke me up, like someone above us working out with weights around 5 am.

Sweetness, I *am* going to kick the sleep deprivation. And, it is going to feel great!

My Cup Says "Mom"

I love that this is MY drink.

I love that this is the label I have.

Don't get me wrong, I haven't forgotten my struggle with infertility. And, that struggle isn't over. In fact, Erik and I have to decide very soon to either pay for another year of embryo storage (will be a couple thousand dollars) or reignite our adoption process and place the money in that area.

But, that is all part of life, right? Rarely does the struggle or difficulty completely disappear without consequences, positive or negative, that affect our lives.

That aside, I really enjoy being a mom. Right now I have the opportunity to focus on being a mom to two great boys. I am not juggling a job and a toddler or a pregnancy and a toddler. I am juggling two boys and I am enjoying the difficulties and rewards that that work brings. Don't get me wrong. I have enjoyed being a mom from day one. I have grown so much with each phase of motherhood whether it was being the mother of one while working outside the home, being mother of one while working at home, or being a mother of two.

When I saw how Erik labeled my Sonic drink this weekend, I really gave pause to how much I have been blessed over the past several years. They have been stinkingly hard, very painful, and often disappointing years, but I wouldn't trade where I am now to be anywhere else. In a sense, I almost feel gleeful about all that I have.

MY cup says "Mom."

Positive

"I no wike that!" is the phrase I heard over and over and over today while loud, uncontrollable sobs punctuated the beginning and end of the exclamation. Everett has been insanely sick. Like the last time he was this sick was when he had his first febrile seizure. He is a fighter when it comes to taking his temperature, getting medicine, or any kind of eating/drinking when he is sick.

Power plays with toddlers are so futile.

Things were getting pretty tense between us because 1) I am not Dad. No matter what I do, I'll never be Dad.---2) I had to fight to get him to take his medicine and that meant resorting to suppositories because of the fever and high chance of more febrile seizures. Yeah, no fun for anyone.---and 3) He is sick. Who is happy or easy to comfort when really, really sick?

I was pretty desperate for some positive energy after all the fighting. I had become Enemy #1. I decided to switch gears and go for some art projects. It would either be another fight or fun. Amazingly, he was willing to work with markers, and we really enjoyed working with one another to make pictures.

I was so grateful that we were able to have a couple moments of peace and fun this afternoon. He is still sick, but he was able to show off his picture to Dad in the evening, and tomorrow

will come quickly enough for more opportunities for happier memories.

Chills and Thrills

This week was pretty quiet. Because at least one of us was sick at any given time, we basically laid low and tried to take it easy. Right now, Evy is the one that is severely afflicted with a cold. Poor kid, he really got a good dose of it. And, you know when Acid Reflux Evy gets a cold . . . that's right, we end up cleaning up throw-up after he coughs. Poor guy. He hasn't eaten at all today . . . a plus side of that is less throw-up.


The follow pictures are of the boys playing this week. Merritt caught sight of himself in the mirror. Evy and Dad were making good use of the packing box that now resides in the middle of our house, permanently.

Loved the expression in Merritt's eyes on this one . . . kind of startled at what the pacifier is doing, maybe. And, no, I don't know why the computer keeps throwing it sideways.

Don't forget, there is an AWESOME townhouse in the DC area for sale. The townhouse has golfcourse views (5th hole), three bedrooms, two and a half baths, separate dining room, screened in porch off the dining, balcony off the master bedroom, walkout basement, large deck off the basement, new heating/ac, newer appliances, and close to commuter resources (bus, slug lines) and a soon to-be metro stop. The townhouse is within walking distance to several pools, playgrounds, and shopping centers. Go see it for yourself!

Ride 'Em Cowboys

This is Evy yelling to the cowboys, "Get 'em!"

Last night, in the seventy degree+plus warm weather, we went to a rodeo where my mom stables her horse. I must say, I had the best time. We saw riders herd cows into pens, watched very enthusiastic riders compete against one another, and ended with strolling through the stables to chat with the equine there.

Everett loved watching the herding and meeting each of the horses. Merritt just loved grinning at everyone who would play with him. I loved getting out of the house and seeing my parents. The fellow cowboys and their families were so nice to us as they met us and chatted with us (mostly about babies and what it is like to be a toddler).

That's called traildust, folks.

This is the group getting to know Maverick (the horse). He looks pretty innocent here, right, no horsie hanky panking going on . . . note Everett's face. I think he knew something was up.

Just Watch

You Tell Him, Grandpa!

Thanks for hanging with us, Grandma and Grandpa!