4th of July Weekend

From family to food and friends, we did SO much this weekend! On Thursday morning, we had a lovely visit with grad school friend Justin Lawyer. We were able to make some time to go feed the ducks, too.

The Big boys were at it again in the basement bathroom. Super Phillip was a shining star sneaking off to work on the bathroom and even putting in a toilet all by his lonesome. The bathroom floor and new sitting accommodations look great! Now we just have to really decide if we are replacing the sink and the shower door. Thanks, Phillip!

Thursday evening we went to dinner at TurCuisine in Herndon. It was excellently tasty. The kids behaved well. Even though Erik wasn't impressed with the salty yogurt drink, everything else provided a feast. Afterward, treats at Cold Stone and then the moms were off to get pedicures!

The boys were not done with adventuring for the evening. They discovered when they arrived home that they were locked out. No worries, with some ingenuity they were able to get in and put the kids to bed.

Happy 4th of July

This is Evy waiting for the parade to start.

We got an early jump on the 4th of July with an early pancake breakfast at church. The blueberry pancakes proved to be the favorite and all us of got out before it rained very much.

Afterward, we went to the Air and Space Museum at Dulles and the boys (old and young) really enjoyed seeing the planes, especially visiting the space area and learning about the astronaut suits.

We went up into the observation tower and were able to spot downtown Reston.

That evening we all went over to Lizbeth's house for the most delicious food and were able to watch some fireworks that the kids enjoyed. Everett had a sparkling experience with a sparkler as it burned him a bit on his neck. But, he recovered quickly, and it is healing well.

Later that night when the kids were asleep, the boys were able to watch the fireworks that were on the golf course and near our cluster. I am talking the big kind of fireworks that they all love to shoot off. It was a fun and relaxing day!

On Saturday, Erik and Phillip took the kids to Dulles Town Center to go on the carousel, ride the train, and play on the play area to let Sheila and Mandy get some time in at the outlet mall. The girls had a great time, and the boys proved to entertain the kids quite well. All of us arrived home ready for naps.

That evening, good friend Andrea from Erik's mission came over for dinner. We grilled outside enjoying the nice weather, and Everett and Preston decorated cupcakes for dessert (Everett more like ate a plate full of icing and Preston was very interested in the sprinkles).

The Moores are now back in Maryland, and Everett keeps looking for Preston in the house. Since he can't find him, he pacifies himself with sitting in Preston's chair like a big boy.

Something I Forgot to Mention

Did you know that nose hair growth patterns are hereditary, even in women?

Now you know, and I am living proof. No I won't post a picture and no I won't let you use my nose hair trimmer.

Gotta love aging. And, no, I haven't found any ear hair yet. Maybe that IS gender specific.

BTW, does this gross you out? I didn't know if it would as nose hair is not a common conversation topic. (Obviously, I am more curious than concerned--as I have posted more personal issues through this blog, the answer wouldn't have filtered this topic at all. )

Pregnancy GRRrrr!

Word of Warning--This has complaining in it. I am very grateful to be pregnant and to have the resources to get great prenatal care. But, I am angry right now.

Okay, I am also cranky--Admittedly sometimes smaller issues may set me off.

Having eating and vomiting issues are not glamorous. It is a pain in the butt to walk around cranky and hungry (and I am sure that Erik and Everett can attest to that). Slowly it is getting better, but it still means that I stand in front of the fridge, HUNGRY, and unable to stomach a thing . . . except maybe peaches. They say that no matter how much you vomit in the beginning, you end up gaining around the same amount of weight as your other pregnancies. That would be 25 pounds with Everett. If this doesn't end soon, those are going to be some wicked stretch marks.

Pregnancy induced ramble: Is there any such thing as "medically necessary" tattoos? Tattoos can cover ugly stretch marks.

Back to the post: I am a bit torqued right now. I just came back from my cervix sonogram. They were very LATE, which is always hardest for Everett, especially when the room is overcrowded. I had to give my history, again, the third time to a different doctor. (Repetition can annoy me; unnecessary repetition really irritates me.--Especially if the doctors are not taking any steps to communicate with each other or at least take notes that they can all read.)

The following all take place after waiting over an hour and a half. ----------------

The nurse practitioner got my ire up first after taking my history,"I am really upset to see you picking up your son and carrying things."

My response: First, I don't care what upsets you right now. This is the first time I have ever met you, and secondly, picking up toddlers is part of the mommy's job. And the reason I am carrying him is because your office is too small to wheel my stroller through this part of the corridor.

Her response: Oh.

I got attitude from the perinatologist today, too. Sort of,"why are you here?" Because, evidently, the history I gave to the nurse practitioner wasn't complete or grave enough. The concern of my OB wasn't strong enough.

He says, "I just don't think you had an incompetent cervix in your last pregnancy based on what you told me."

My inward response: I am not here to debate what happened last time. What is happening now?

I was grilled about the date I got my last period, my ovulation date, my transfer date , etc. (BTW, once you get your due date, those details tend to blur because WHO CARES, you are having a baby!) He then asked if my due date was given to me by my endocrinologist or by sonogram. Who actually was my endocrinologist? Am I really sure that it was 6 day blastocysts that were transferred? Really? (Said incredulously.)

WHO CARES? Is my cervix okay or not? WHY are you asking all these questions that none of the other perinatologists asked? IS my baby too small/too big? WHY are you so focused on this?

(Everett and I then sat for a good five minutes as he did the math on his little organizer to make sure that the due date I gave him was approximate enough. Five minutes with a wiggly toddler who is tired of sitting and wants to run. He didn't respond at all to Everett until I would say things like, "He is saying HI to you." or "He is trying to show you his truck." JERK--you take care of women pregnant with babies all day and yet you can't spare a little boy a smile.)

I was told by him to stop picking up and carrying Everett. Oh, and then, as a side note, my cervix looks fine. I am not a candidate for a cerclage. Did he not read the file at all? Did he not read that the others said the same thing, that the reason I am here is to be on the safe side? What DO they write in there?

He did say that as preterm labor was a concern with Everett, that he is pretty sure it will be a concern with this pregnancy. So, no lifting, no grocery shopping, etc, etc. Good thing he didn't see how many stairs I have in my home.

And, BTW, I am feeling okay today, thanks for not asking.

Things that I want right now:

• To eat without feeling like I will throw it up.
• To have a negotiated job offer.
• To sell the house in 2 weeks.

The sooner I get in my new home, the better it will be because we all know how much lifting isn't done when you move.

The bright side to the visit was Amanda my sonographer. (I don't know if that is a real word, but I use it.) She isn't one of those stuffy technicians that says with a frown,"I can't answer that. The doctor will have to answer that." Like you've just asked a top secret question about YOUR OWN body. Darn it, if you have the answer to my question, give it to me and if you must add that litigious phrase then say,"but the doctor is the best one to answer it." OR give the rote answer just leave off the frown. Frowns make me worry.

Amanda calls my cervix,"Super Cervix!" That makes me feel better.

Dada!

It is hard to describe the depth of Everett's affinity for Dada. Everett follows Erik around constantly and gets very upset if he can't go where Dada is going.

Today, I took some laundry out of the dryer. One of the many items was a grey "Texas" t-shirt (no surprise, I'm sure). Everett saw a glimpse of the balled-up t-shirt amidst all the other clothes and started yelling, "Dada, Dada, Dada!" It was only 4:30, but Everett started insisting that we go get our shoes and pick Erik up from the bus station. (Everett's word for bus is a sound that is a cross between "va-room" and "poof" . . .)

He pointed at all the pictures that include Erik that we have in the basement yelling, "Dada, Dada, Dada!" the whole time.

He walked up the lower level stairs, grabbed his shoes, and made a stance by the front door. He was very determined to get Erik right then and there. (So, the only way I got him off the bus focus was to go get the mail.)

Chills and Thrills

Everett: I had pretty much only Thrills this week. I am becoming more articulate with several of my words . . . bath instead of baf, water instead of wa-wa. I had a lot of fun going to Frying Pan Park, the library, and REALLY like watching Clifford the Big Red Dog. I had a great time with my cousins and can't wait to see them again.--I pretty much tell Mom these days what the schedule is. I know when we are going to drop Dad off at the bus stop and about the time when we need to pick him up. I get Mom going by getting my shoes and reminding her that we need to go in the car.

Sheila: Other than the Chill of trouble sleeping, the week went by fast and furiously chock full of Thrills. Work was pretty intense this week. (yes, I am still working from home.) But, I just finished and met the deadline this morning. Everett and I had several outings despite the intense workload. Erik and I were also able to go out on a DATE! (Thanks for watching Everett, Lizbeth.) It was great to have a toddler free meal!

Erik: I met and exceeded expectations for a work deadline and project. The past several weeks have been hard and nose grinding, but it went really well. I am still pushing hard to meet my next deadline which is coming up fast but that should go well, also. We are eagerly waiting to hear back from a company in Dallas. Any positive vibes or prayers you can send our way would be appreciated.

Weekend Away

This weekend we were able to visit Maryland again. It was so fun to see the Moores. Riley has grown so much in the two weeks that we had last visited with her.

All of us went to Hannah's birthday party and the kids had a blast! It was also great to be able to visit Rosie and see her family again.



When Everett saw Hannah's gift. He screamed "CAR!" and ran for it. He got in the car before Hannah even had a chance to get behind the wheels.

That night most of the Moore/Sjolseth clan went to the beach. Evidently, there are lots of jellyfish along the Maryland coast and the jellyfish season is getting started. How do we know? Well, Erik was stung by one. No worries, it was a minor sting.

A major plus of visiting the Maryland coast is the fresh seafood. We enjoyed a meal of the local fare and loved the rockfish. Highly recommend it!

The highlight of the visit is visiting with our family. The boys get along well. Everett is still trying to be just like Preston. Everett loves to say HI to Baby Riley and give her kisses.

First False Alarm

You may or may not know how difficult my pregnancy with Everett was. I don't think I did even when I was going through it. In short, I had cervical problems and pre-term labor. Ended up serving time with strict bedrest and Everett was born at 35 weeks.

My OB has been super responsive with my care given my history. My insurance company (gotta love Erik's work benefits) even has a Mother-Baby program. I have a nurse case manager who calls every month to check-in on me. (She even listens when I whine!) I guess once a high-risk pregnancy, then the rest are also. I also get to go to the perinatologist every two weeks to have the cervix check. Lots of people are looking out for my health and the health of the baby.

So, I had some pretty severe cramping today. The kind where if you aren't pregnant, you call in sick, take some Midol, grab a heating pad, and hibernate until it is all over. I knew they weren't contractions (after having contractions on a daily basis for 3 months you kind of don't forget how to tell if it is a real one or not). But, I had immediate flashbacks of my pregnancy with Everett.

In fact, as I was waiting for the nurse at the OB's office to call me back, I had one of those superhormonal cry moments and the box of tissues I reached for ended up being one that I came home with after a stay at the hospital . . . in my moment of crisis, I thought: OMYGOSH these are tissues I got when I went into preterm labor. Is this a sign?

Give me a break, right? No, they were tissues I came home with after I had Everett, um, 20 months ago. No, don't know how I still have them. Yes, they are as scratchy as they were when the box was first opened.

In the end, Erik hauled booty to meet us at the doctor's office to watch Everett. I wanted Erik on hand in case we had to go to the hospital. I was monitored for contractions (none--just like I thought), the doc checked my cervix (closed, closed, closed), and everything looked good except I just felt crappy. (urine--clear, blood pressure--excellent, weight gain--none to speak of). Doc gave me a pat on the back, waved some words like a magic wand to calm my fears cause this is one of those times in pregnancy where you'll just feel crappy, and I was on my merry way back home.

Instead of Midol I am taking that o-so ineffective Tylenol and using a heating pad. Oh, and Clifford the Red Dog is playing on the tele for Evy.

Peanut Butter Face Says . . .

Have a Great Day!

Happy Birthday, Sistas!

Both Erik and Sheila have a sister born on this day. (not the same sister, people)

Happy Birthday, Lana!

Happy Birthday, Mandy!

Erik's Airport Discovery

This really belongs on Erik's story blog, but he has been too busy taking care of business to get to it. Right now I am being moral support by physically sitting next to him in the office as he sharpens up another resume. So, I'll take care of this one cause I know you want to see it.

My Airport Discovery

film by erik

Chills and Thrills

Erik: I worked this week. And then I worked some more. Pinched a nerve in my neck but it is getting better. Enjoyed this afternoon at the pool playing with Everett.

Sheila: I am hungry but don't want to eat--can't stand eating. Nothing sounds appetizing. Nothing. The act of eating makes my stomach turn. The most bizarre food issues with this pregnancy. At least I'm not vomiting anymore. Got my Shark for my birthday and it is working like a dream on my toddler messes.

Everett: TRASH TRUCK! TRASH TRUCK! TRASH TRUCK! TRASH TRUCK! TRASH TRUCK! Bath! Bath! Bath! Bath! Bath! Bath! TRASH TRUCK! TRASH TRUCK! TRASH TRUCK!

We witnessed a garbage truck flipping over the steel box of trash that reside in apartment complexes and behind grocery stores this morning. Everett was AMAZED and could only say, "more, more, more, more, more!"

We never eat bar-b-que here because it usually sucks. This evening Sheila thought she could tolerate some for dinner (actually it was the only thing she thought she could choke down). We headed to Famous Dave's and enjoyed a meal. Sheila got at least several bites of protein down. Everett flirted with 20 month old Megan sitting at the next table. He also showed off his forking skills by eating all of his food with a fork. Don't worry, he did make sure to put "dipping sauce" (ketchup) on every bite.

The Aquabulb

For Father's Day, Erik became the grateful owner of an Aquabulb. I know you've seen them advertised on TV. Erik has one plant that just does not do well without daily TLC.


So, here's our experiment with Aquabulb.

This Morning

I wasn't exaggerating about the plant needing some help.

This Evening

Eggorama Fun

Erik accomplished many things this week, but I bet he considers this the highlight.

Happy Longest Day of the Year!!

More on the summer equinox.

If I Was A Betting Woman

I would bet that Everett will serve his mission where they serve beans and rice as a staple for every meal. This kid loves beans (lima beans, pinto beans, black beans) and rice.

"ICE!" he excitedly exclaims when he sees what is on the table. In fact, this morning a door closed on some of his fingers (insert parental horror) and when I offered "ice" while he was screaming bloody murder and he said "yes" I thought he really wanted ice . . . no, he wanted rice. In fact, the ice terrified him.

Sheila's Birthday: The Recap

I had a marvelous birthday weekend with my family and my sister's family. I had a great time hanging out with my sister and the kids while the dads slaved away on this duo birthday-Father's Day holiday weekend.

Erik and Phillip pulled up the linoleum in the basement bathroom, removed the toilet, found a tank to fix the toilet, and TILED the bathroom floor. We are getting ready to grout and replace the shower door and the sink. This was a major project that we couldn't have attempted on our own without them. Thanks, you guys!

The dads had a smashingly great breakfast on Sunday . . . and we enjoyed ourselves so much that we finished eating way too late to make it to church on time. We also had a great Father's Day Dinner out on the back. (Erik grilled steaks for all of us.)

Preston, Everett's cousin, and Everett get along famously. It is funny to watch Everett try and mimic Preston after he has gone home. It is like he is building up his skills to show his cousin the next time he sees him.

MMmmm, Tasty!

Everett was eating his hotdog and lima beans for dinner (he LOVES lima beans) and after every bite he would say, "MMMmmm, TASTY!" with the biggest grin on his face.

He lives to see the "trash truck" from our living room windows. In fact, he begs me several times a day to see the "trash truck."

Today, he had everyone at the doctor's office cooing because he was stuck in a stroller for over an hour (sonogram time again) and didn't fuss a bit. And, I was dully warned that the second child would be much different especially since my first child was so well-behaved. (It cracks me up what people tell pregnant ladies!)

He is now requesting to call "Dada" several times a day. It doesn't really matter that he only waves at the phone rather than using his very clear "hello" to say hi to his dad.

Happy Birthday, Sheila!

Yes, it is my BIRTHDAY! So, avoid those yucky Friday the 13th shows and horror-like viewing and take a moment to celebrate . . . ME!

15 Weeks

Tomorrow marks the 15th week of this pregnancy. Our current due date is December 4th.

I haven't gained much weight to speak of . . . and have actually lost a couple of pounds in the past month. Go nausea.

But boy has my figure changed and quickly! Just as with Everett, any pressure on my abdomen is agonizing. So, I've been in maternity pants for several weeks now.

At my check-up last week, the doctor had a difficult time getting the heartbeat. This totally cracks me up because the baby is just always positioning to be at the most awkward spot for pictures/sounds. Everett was just like that. I've already felt some fluttering which is more reassuring to me than any sonogram or heartbeat.

I go in next week for another sonogram to check the cervix.

Marvels of Maryland

My sister Mandy and her family are living in Maryland for the summer. That constitutes Marvels #1-4!

We had an excellent time visiting them this past weekend. (I know, I know, it is almost the weekend again; cut me some slack here!)

We ate some delicious chicken lasagna and went to a great PARK: Marvel #5

This is Everett climbing up a small slide. Yes, my little boy who took forever to get moving is now on the move!

Super Hero Preston is climbing the most fabulous web of ropes. I was so impressed to see him get to the top.

The next day we just played all day long ending it with a trip to the pool--Marvel #6. This was no ordinary pool. The kiddy pool was gigantic with a tent over a good portion of it (genius idea). The "regular pool" had at least two slides with several waterworks. It was hot and yucky and the water was perfectly refreshing. Everett, much to his father's delight, developed a taste for going down the slide.

Marvel #7--The Balloon Rocket I brought for the boys to play with together. Yeah, when you let go of the balloon, it makes a horrendously high pitched scream. My goal is to get a toy for the next visit that scares both the kids *and* the parents. Go me.

Sunday we hung out as well and went home early in the afternoon. We had an excellent time and can't wait to see them again.

By request, I took these pictures of Everett . . . it was his request. Enjoy!

Emergency Preparedness

So last week we got some humdingers of storms. Knocked out power, cable, internet. Downed wires, trees, and flooded areas.

We were pretty lucky. No structural damage to our home. Just some blastedly inconvenient internet and phone outage for 48 hours with a long commute home for Erik.

As I watched the news, I realized that there were a couple ideas of Emergency Preparedness that would have come in handy for others and myself--

1. Keep at least a 1/2 tank of gas. Well, I always thought,"Why a half tank when you probably need a full tank and to keep a full tank I'll have to stop at every gas station along my driving path."

What I saw: People didn't have any gas and needed to get to work but were unable to because all the gas stations were without power. People didn't have any gas and were planning to refuel to make it back home. If only they'd kept their car 1/2 full.

2. Keep a list of important phone numbers handy. Well, duh on this one right. But, my realm of important has expanded after not having internet access for several days. Important is basically my entire address book, which I store on my computer and and in my email. And, I will stop hounding Erik to throw out all the old phone books he keeps, like we have 10 phone books.

When You Need It Fast

So, I know that it is a lame picture . . . and don't bother trying to click the "play" button, but this was the best I could do in getting a shot of Erik's brother, Steve, acting in a Western Union commercial that we've seen on our own little TV right in our playroom.

Keep an eye out for it!

When Hoover Isn't Enough

So, one of the things I have learned about raising a toddler is the number of times a day I find a mess, create a mess, lazily watch Everett make a mess. And then think,"I should really clean that up. Wait, that means I need to get the vacuum." The messes range from styrofoam bits, crackers (goldfish are the worst), cheerios, feathers from a boa, to unidentified CRUMBS.

I found this the other day--

I figure that if it can handle crap from the garage floor, it can handle my toddlerstyle basement/kitchen/livingroom/diningroom catastrophes. But, it isn't really portable and it is almost $200.

Don't get me wrong, we have a vacuum and a hand vac. But, the vacuum is hard to haul up and down all our stairs and too big to really use in the bathroom. The hand vac goes dead after 2 minutes of use . . . and sometimes I am too lazy to pick up the whole pretzels which are not good for the hand vac to eat.

In my "sickroom" activity of watching TV, I saw the SHARK.

It says that it lasts for 90 MINUTES of continuous vacuuming. Think of all the messes I could clean before I needed to recharge it. Since it is only 4 lbs, I could strap it to my back, ready for use at less than a moment's notice. And since my favorite jewelry store up and left town, I may ask for it for my birthday, which is on Friday, the 13th. And, yes, I was born on Friday, the 13th.

Grooving with Evy Part II

If you made it through the previous post, you might want to skip this one. It is more of Evy's dancing with Dada along for the groove. This post is mostly for the g'mas who want more--

Enjoy!

Grooving with Evy

Everett is talking more and more and understanding most things these days. He is overall a happy, cheerful little boy. He is a maniac in the water and loves to take baths (requesting several a day). He does have his "age appropriate" moments where he tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants in his time frame. The center of his world is his dad, and he loves to chase the cat around the house.


First thing in the morning is "EAT" followed up by "SHOES, GO, CAR!" When he has his shoes on and I don't, he is very quick to tell me to put on my shoes. Ever on the move!


He wants to "wok" when we are outside and tells us about every car and truck that he sees. Right now he is working on saying the words "bus/van."


This morning was a treat when we got to see the garbage truck and then the recycle truck TWICE! Very exciting moments around our house and the smallest thing is appreciated.


There is something magical about "Ball" because he lights up at the mere suggestion, loves to play ball, and has a pretty good arm for throwing.


He can find trash quicker than any of us and is as quick to throw it away. At Dairy Queen today, he picked up the napkin he used and threw it in the "Thank You" trashbin without any prompting as the adults were chatting away at the table.


He looks forward to being in charge of "paying" for purchases or checking out library books because he can hand over the plastique. He also knows that holding onto the receipt is a special job.


He loves to wave "hi" and "bye"--isn't shy about giving kisses, but really prefers to give you the ROCK!

When we ask him to smile, he does this:

Eventually, we get to this:

Yes, he loves to sit in containers:

But, he is super funny when he wants to blow out a candle:

One of the best parts nowadays is the dancing!

Chills and Thrills

2 Week Update

We have been really busy the past couple of weeks. We had an excellent Memorial Day weekend which included a friend from grad school-Raegen, lots of pool time, great food--Indian--breakfast burritos--watermelon--fajitas, and a crepe breakfast with our good friends the Hughes. (We also got to see the proofs from our photoshoot with Amy. I can't wait to show you some of the shots she took! If you are looking for a talented photographer who is a gem with kids--I highly recommend her.)

Everett: I am all about CARS and TRUCKS! I recently saw a car in a garage and thought it was so cool that a car was in the house! (poor kid doesn't know that this is the norm in many areas of the US) Mom says that I am totally acting age appropriate and keeping her and Dad on their toes. All I know is that I am having a GOOD time!

Sheila: Forget the Zofran, what a bust! I did have a bit more energy this week and was even able to go get ice cream with a friend this afternoon. I am scheduled to have sonograms to watch my cervix because of the complications with Everett's pregnancy. So far, so good. But, given that I am going every two weeks to the sonographer, we'll see how long it takes before they let it "slip" what the sex of the baby is. Yes, we are waiting until the birth.

Erik: Doing well! Enjoying the fact that pools are open. Had another good conversation with a firm in Dallas.

This weekend we are going to finally wash our car (!), help with a baby shower, put some extra effort into our yards, and maybe finish the basement ceiling. We are especially excited that Sheila's sister, Mandy, and her family will be in driving distance for the summer. Sheila is really excited about this as she'll have some of her family with her for her birthday!

Mommy's Crankerpanks Day

Today was especially hard. Lots to balance--work, Everett, being sick, Everett being sick, and that overriding issue of having a clean, let's say "picked-up," house.

I am cranky. And, I mean royally cranky. I went to Target to get a few necessities and took it personally whenever someone was in my way. I try so hard to be patient because I know that I am being ridiculous, but I just am still irritated when someone saunters across my path blithely unaware that a pregnant (I don't look pregnant so how would they know) lady with a toddler are struggling to get the shopping done. In fact, one lady acted like *I* was in the way. I can't imagine.

My saving grace was when we picked up Erik at the bus stop this evening. Bag in hand, smile on face, ipod buds in ears, I was so relieved to let him know that Everett was "all his." And, he happily accepted it.

Right now, he is trying to convince Everett to keep *some* of the water in the tub.

Set limit, reinforce, set limit, reinforce. repeat.

I Think I Fed Everett Cookies for Dinner

I sat down to check email this evening and realized that Everett and I didn't have a sit down dinner. I've been eating in small quantities for obvious reasons, and Everett has just followed along. In fact, the last item he ate was from a crinkly cellophane wrapper . . . fig newtons . . . and not the homemade kind, either.

After thinking about it for a couple of seconds, I realize that figs have lots of positives--high in fiber, no fat, no cholesterol, and I heard that one fig newton has more fruit than a nutrigrain bar.

Everett, who will never let us put him to bed hungry, didn't fuss at all when I laid him down. So, I guess he is okay with it.

And so, going along with the idea of breakfast for dinner, we had cookies for dinner--not after dinner, just for dinner.

"David, I need a date for Prom!"

A friend of mine, El Grego, introduced me to American Idol (AI for those who know) years ago. I didn't really pay much attention until then as I found the best show for talent search was, well, Star Search. Watched hours and hours of Star Search growing up.

I just spent an hour of my life watching the AI finals: Duo of the Davids. And, it was pretty enjoyable. I don't watch AI every week or every other week. I may watch one or two episodes during the season and keep track of it through the recaps the next day.

It is so funny to watch the audience, read the posters (this post's heading), and spend more time picking apart the judges' comments rather than the performances. But, this evening I was reminded of defining moments. Moments where you discover a part of you, moments you never forget, and moments that will define you far into the future. One of which I wanted to capture~

I was the only teacher in a locked-down child psychiatric unit that was a short-term facility in the inner-city of Chicago. Our work was to assess and stabilize the children as soon as possible and then transition them to situations where they could flourish. Latrice, a 13 year old with a broken front tooth, was one of the most challenging students I had ever had the pleasure of working alongside. Every moment was a battle. Every minute you were on your toes hoping that the next thing you said or did would spark something for her.

She was ready to pick a fight with everyone about anything. Most days she scared me with how intensely her hate struck each of us. That was her armor.

Latrice, the youngest of 10 children, seemed to have a hardened criminal mentality, but she was really a caring person. Her mother had very limited cognitive abilities. Latrice would hoard food from her own meals and then give it to her mom when she visited.

After a couple of weeks, I built enough trust with her to allow me close enough to ascertain her reading level. Latrice could not read; her literacy prowess was that of a preschooler. Any interaction before that established trust was a fruitless power struggle--a physical, emotional, and verbal struggle.

It was on a Tuesday afternoon. I had managed to work her schedule so that she was with me when I had fewer students in the classroom. It was her last day before transferring to a residential facility. She wasn't happy about it. She struggled with transitions and experienced a rough morning on the unit. Thankfully, during school she finally agreed to listen to a book on tape. (The only literacy activity I could engage her in without a fight.)

She chose Madeline and listened intently to the story, really enjoying herself. Somehow she had crossed a bridge between her inner-city, homeless upbringing to the adventures of a child in France.

As the tape ended, there was a song in French recorded at the end. As the last minutes of her time with me ticked away, she began to sing softly along to this song. Surprisingly, her voice was devoid of hate, devoid of pain, devoid of anger, devoid of posturing. Her voice falteringly pronouncing the foreign words was that of a child. Her affect was so peaceful.

That was my defining moment. To have the patience and unfailing desire to provide the space and opportunity for a child to be a child.

Chills and Thrills

Everett: My week was super. I am saying more and more words. I now have a word for my blanket, and I am getting pretty good at "cookie." I LOVE popcorn. I ate an entire bag all by myself this week. Mom says that I am showing more of my sense of humor, too.

Erik took Everett to the kitchen for breakfast. He let Everett pick out spoon for his yogurt by saying, "One spoon." To which, Everett said, "No, two!" And he very deliberately took a spoon for each hand. Who knew he had number sense?

Erik: One of my thrills is that I had a really positive interview with a firm in Dallas this week. Everett and I opened "Sjolseth Pool Season" this Saturday. He is such a charmer and tried really hard to swim like everyone else.

Sheila: We all had an amazing time getting family pictures taken by our good friend Amy. Other than that, the week was full of errands, work, playing with Everett, and laying on the floor. This coming week we have a sonogram, a friend visiting on the weekend, and will be trying to get to the pool.

My Letter to Nature

Dear Nature,

I've been meaning to write you all week. I've had some concerns I wanted to share with you. First, you must realize that I have a very nervous constitution and tummy right now. After that realization, the following will make sense.

• Please refrain from allowing animals to vomit obscenely, and repeatedly, on my front steps. Even more grateful I will be if the vomiting did not include raw and recognizable animal parts. (To my readers, the offending animal was not Twiggy. She prefers live animal gifts and after this week, I much appreciate her version.)
• Please refrain from publicizing any spider fights in my presence. I don't care how long I need to drape my slovenly being over the porcelain god of latrines, ANYTIME I see spiders fighting, especially if one of them is a menacing looking creature that looks like it preys on toddlers, I will shriek and kill all creatures with exoskeletons in my path. I must note though that my illogical fear will keep me from disposing of said carcases, and I will just avoid THAT bathroom until Erik can dispose of the remains.
• Please refrain from allowing any flying insects into my son's room. I am especially wary of stinging insects after one roosted in his room this week, escaping many attempts on his life. Erik finally killed it.
• Please refrain from, well, smelling bad. That would help immensely. It doesn't have to be forever . . . let's just say you can start smelling bad in about a month.

I do appreciate the rain, the sunny days, the flowers, and insects when they are outside. I appreciate the rocks, especially as Everett builds his own appreciation and rock collection. I even don't mind the squirrels very much these days.

I appreciate your sympathy and attention in this manner.

A Mom

Dressing Up

Everett is having more fun these days as he has figured out that hats and glasses are not torture devices.

The awesome glasses are from Eva's birthday party (thanks, Eva!).

The outfit is from Aunt Megan (thanks, Aunt Megan!). When Everett saw the outfit, he practically squealed with joy. Once we got the outfit on him, he knew it was special and kept running to the mirror to pose and take a look at himself wearing the very cool outfit, stroking the dragon on the front. In fact, when I changed him into his regular day outfit, he was quite unhappy with me.

The Heat Is On . . .

. . . in our house. Can you believe it? I want me some warm weather. Though, today was bright and sunny.

The heated pools near our house opened this past weekend, and it was only overwhelmingly important homework that kept Erik away. I'm pretty sure we'll be dipping our toes into the chlorinated H2O this weekend.

So, if it is warm where you are, please send it our way.

Chills and Thrills

Sheila: My Thrill and Chill is related to needing Zofran. I got some. I have my fingers crossed. We celebrated Mother's Day last Sunday as Erik will be out of town this weekend. We had a lot of fun and it was the best breakfast in bed, ever!

Everett: My Chill this week was taking a nose dive off of the back patio. It looks like I was in a motorbike accident and that I have road rash all over my forehead and nose. It was a great Thrill, though, to be able to play outside in the nice weather.

Erik: My Chills and Thrills are just mainly related to keeping everything balanced and running together. We are doing well, overall, and are thrilled to be able to watch Everett grow!

Cleaning Out the Water Fountain

A Dirty Car

We know that our car is dirty . . . nay, filthy. Stuff falling off of blooming trees, birds that roost in those trees, the commute, etc, etc. We know our car is overdue for a TLC wash and wax job.


But, we can't figure out this:

Bird Poop Inside the Door Frame

I'm thinking it happened while we left it at the repair shop when we were out of town. But, who knows?

Age-Time

The other day I realized that I graduated from high school 15 years ago. (and since I married an older man, it has been even longer for Erik) hehehe

And, then I caught wind that it has been 25 years since Tom Cruise and Risky Business entered our world.

And, HELLO, Indiana Jones . . . can you believe that snake adverse hero has been around since 1981? 2008-1981=27 years (all you sleep deprived people out there, yes, I had to actually write out the problem . . . mental math only works when I've slept well) And, you must plan to see the new movie, of course.

What happened? Where did the time go? I feel only slightly older than I did in 1993. There was no magical poof at any point where a cloud of smoke enveloped my being and I emerged an adult. Physically, I am a bit different. (Let's say I'm more "mature.") Mentally, that's a toss-up. Financially, I have much more in school debt than I did at 18. Spiritually, I think that this is where the largest area of growth occurred. (That wouldn't be what I would have guessed 15 years ago.)

But, what causes me to really think is what will the next 15 years or 25 years or 30 years bring? I don't know that I want to watch entertainers age as much as I have aged. Nothing against them . . . it just causes me to think about how much I must have changed over the same time period and I don't have the advantages of plastic surgery, make-up artists for the stars, or someone to touch up my pictures.

That's not to say I want freeze time or that I want to go back to being 18 years old again. No way. I am enjoying my life's progression, and I am very prideful of my post-graduate school matching furniture.

I think one of the more exciting elements of change over time is watching the children around us grow up. I know which of my students will be a Pulitzer prize author. One little girl I know has the potential to organize the world. Chances are one of my nephews will be a cowboy and/or a professional stunt man--sound effects guy, and I am convinced that my nieces will grow up to be taller than me. All that sounds a bit shallow in depth, but you get my drift.

So, I'll slather on the sunscreen, drink lots of water, refrain from smoking clove cigarettes, and maybe succumb to flossing on a regular basis; so perhaps the physical aging won't be so dramatic. (Does using satin pillowcases work?)

My idea of a fountain of youth . . . this is the world's largest working chocolate fountain . . .

the Bellagio, Las Vegas

Out On a Walk

We've been trying to push Everett's endurance in walking and helping him develop ease in walking on uneven surfaces for his physical therapy exercises.

Here are a few moments from our walk this afternoon. (What I didn't get was any pictures of the process he goes through to select his walking stick. He has to have a stick to walk [of course] and not just ANY stick will do.)

Chills and Thrills

Erik: Thrills--The past week was so fun and extremely full. I especially enjoyed seeing my brother, Marc. It was also really fun to catch up with my brother Brent and his family. My dad and his wife were good enough to house us and Sheila's family while we were in Austin. In other thrills-- a couple of job opportunities have opened up. Please keep us in your prayers as we have some really viable options that have opened up to help us move closer to family. Chills--Though Everett is a stellar traveler, I will strive to ALWAYS take a direct flight when flying with him.

Sheila: My Thrill was basically seeing family and visiting Austin. I really didn't have any nausea while we were gone other than what I experienced on the travel days (surprisingly, the toilets in the Atlanta airport are extremely clean) and when I did feel sick there were plenty of family members to chase after Everett. I loved seeing how well Everett and his cousins played with each other and hope to be closer to them very soon. Any Chill right now is really related to the yuckies of early pregnancy . . . oh, and obsessing over all the little things that I would like to fix in the house before we sell. No, the house is not the on the market.

Everett: My Thrill was in getting to know my grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles better. They are so much fun. I also learned how to swing all by myself. I got to feed cows. On Monday, I completed my 19th plane ride. My Chill is, well, I don't feel very good when I miss my naps, especially when I am caged in an airplane.