Magic of Amy's Photography

I have been so excited to share some of our shots from our photo session with our good friend Amy Hughes. If you live in the DC area and want a great photographer who is a gem with kids, you can't go wrong with asking her to capture moments of your family.

We are in the middle of deciding what to order, but here are some of our faves:

Chills and Thrills

Erik: One of my Thrills came along at the shoe store. "We" (read "Sheila") were pretty discouraged with the selection and service of the non-outlet mall Stride Rite stores. She even had to call out an "employee" at the swanky store for being rude to her. But, when we arrived at an outlet mall Stride Rite and were treated so well and we were so complimentary on their service and thoughtful attention, we got a DISCOUNT! Another thrill was I got to spend the whole day with Everett on Friday and Saturday . . . and, YES, we went to the pool a couple of times.

Sheila: I can eat and even cook somethings. Erik has been stupendous in helping out with lifting things and taking care of Everett. I even got to go out to Girl's Night and learn how to play some train game, which was fun.

Everett: Holy Toledo--two whole days with Dada was awesome! My hair is bleach blond from all the pool sunshine. I am also learning how to climb, like up shelves.

People Need People

Sometimes Erik and I know the reason our Heavenly Father has placed our family in a certain situation at a certain place in time. Sometimes.

For example: I know that one of the reasons why Erik went to the University of Chicago versus other MBA programs was that he would touch a life during his time there. I don't know who, but I do know for a surety that our struggles during our time in Chicago were not for naught. I know he affected someone in a positive manner.

As much as it is important to us to be on the giving side, we do receive so much from those around us. We have always been blessed by the support, love, and prayers of others. Even through the medium of this thing called the blog, we have received so much in friendship from friends and strangers. There are many people who have helped us who weren't privy to our struggles, and at the time of their offering, they had no idea how much it meant to us to have that additional help. Through others' service to us, I see how powerful even the smallest acts can be.

Although I struggle with timing and a desire to move on, which I know is from a prompting from Heavenly Father, I was struck today with the feeling that there is someone that needs our support here. (someone specific, not just the "be good to all mankind" kind of service) Who and for what is my responsibility to figure out, but the reason I am sharing this is it was a good reminder to me that though this next move is coming at some point, Heavenly Father has work that needs to be done before we can move on our journey.

As Erik said,"Today was a good reminder that it isn't always about you." Gotta love a guy that can tell you straight up. (Well, maybe it is kind of hard to swallow if you are hungry and tired, but after you've had a chance to eat and nap, it does make sense.)

My First Dog

It's official. Everett has adopted Clifford. Pick out a book or video with Clifford working alongside a firetruck, and he is in heaven.

ShoEureka!

We did it! We did it!

I waited until I had Erik's help and we conquered the shoes. It took 3 hours total of driving time to find the right shoes, but we DID it. 7 1/2 XW (that's extra-wide) (found an outlet that had the right size and was even able to afford church shoes)

Evy is so excited about his shoes. His dad showed him how exciting it was to try on really cool shoes, no matter how much bigger they were. Evy ran through the store picking out shoes to try on, and his last act of fashion experimentation was trying to get some really pink flipflops to fit just right. I guess he felt successful because he tried to walk out the door with them adorning his feet.

I'm Dun Fer Sure

Everett has figured out doorknobs starting with the basement door. He also is adept at climbing onto any chair no matter how high. Today he generalized both of those skills to break into the office.

High-tech Security Measures for Office Evaded

While I was taking a bath, I heard the office door close. I thought,"Nah! How could he have gotten in?" But, I didn't hear him anywhere (first sign of trouble) and he didn't come when I called his name (second sign that he was up to no good).

I quickly discovered that he climbed up onto the rocker, open the door . . . pushed the door open. Then he climbed down, squeezed through the opening, and then proceeded to shut the door to the office so that I couldn't see him plundering the tech devices.

I almost couldn't believe it. When I told Erik about it he said,"You should be proud. He is really smart."

"Yeah, he is smarter than me."

Late Night Thoughts

http://starrynightlights.com/blog/category/astronomy/

Rather late right now in DC. It is only Tuesday, and it has been pretty stressful in the Sjolseth house on several fronts. I'd rather not go into particulars or sound wildly dramatic--you don't need the particulars, life happens. I just feel compelled to write as my jumbled and tired mind is wrestling around while it tries to make sense and compel order.

I know that I can write this and not share it. But, I feel equally compelled to share it. Maybe sharing it will help me undertake the process of thinking through it more seriously.

• I remember when we were poor, dirt poor. We were living paycheck to paycheck . . . or rather student loan to student loan. I was amazed at Erik's miracle bike rides to and from Westlake Grocery in the Texas heat so I could take the car to school. I was amazed at how many meals I made out of ham and rice.
• I remember the time when we were a week from living in two different cities separated by thousands of miles and a job came through for Erik so we didn't have to split and I could finish at UT with Erik at my side.
• I remember when a "miracle" cashier's check came in the mail so that we could afford to move after graduate school, one of those times when we were really poor.
• I remember the time when I was really, really sick--and felt gratitude that I wasn't a generation or two older because if I had been that sick back then, I wouldn't have made it.
• I remember being angry and scared about being infertile and then grateful for the miracle of my doctor and IVF.
• I remember being horribly frightened I would lose my baby and then reaped the benefit of bedrest.
• I remember being so pushed at work I felt like I couldn't make through the rest of the day much less the next day--only to discover that the previous day I said something that changed someone for the better.
• I remember walking into job interviews, nervous, and thinking to myself,"WHAT was I thinking--the interview will be horrible." And, it wasn't too terrible. (Well, except that one time, but there are always outliers, right?)
• I remember throwing up on the metro when I was pregnant with Everett and wondering if I was going to make it through the day as I had a huge presentation. I made it.
• I remember trying to get home while in grad school and walking to the bus stop knowing that the last bus had already come and gone. It was after midnight, snowing and frigidly cold--it was too far to walk home. Everything was closed. I was exhausted, too poor for a taxi ride. And just as I walked up to the bus stop, a "rogue" off-schedule bus pulled into the station.

I don't believe in the adage,"It is never as bad as it seems." All of us have lived, do live, or will live through some pretty crappy, hard, heart-wrenching stuff. I think it is important to acknowledge it and not be a blind Pollyanna. (I do believe that no matter how hard it is, it can always get harder.) From the small to the not so small, a situation can be as bad as it seems to be, but it will be okay. Sounding a bit trite: The day will end and a new one will come along. The problem will either be solved or you will figure out how to manage it.

Tonight, I just needed to be reminded by my own experiences as little or big as you might view them and as much as they may or may not make sense. My perspective, understandings, limits of patience, and preconceived notions of what is fair and appropriate are being tested, and I am tired of it. Perseverance is an ugly and beautiful word.

And then there is also the notion that once a situation is resolved, another one will come along to further "refine." I at least think I have the skills and knowledge to weather this current situation. So, I'll sit back and let it roll, keeping hope that my miracle bus will come along, eventually.

2 Cool Things to Share

First: A recipe (Thanks, Lala!)

Gulf Coast Shrimp Dip

Ingredients:

1 pound boiled and peeled shrimp
1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chili sauce
1 cup minced green onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

Directions:
Finely chop shrimp and set aside. Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise and chili sauce in a medium bowl, add green onions and next five ingredients. Stir in shrimp. Chill several hours.

Second: A great blog, especially if you are a mom or love to share ideas

Rocks In My Dryer

Seizure at Stride Rite

No, it wasn't because of the prices.

Everett and I went to the Stride Rite outlet today. His physical therapist was able to deliver his orthodics this morning, and we need new shoes to fit them.

All day long was a tantrum centered on access to Dada. I felt like the substitute sitter's substitute. Nothing I did was right . . . and he was royally mad at me at the shoe store. REFUSED to try on the shoes I found even though I think they were the correct size 7 1/2 wide with a large toe box . . . and they looked great . . . and they were more than half off the regular price (only $25.00--that's a bargain for Everett's shoes).

I decided to take a chance and buy the shoes. He could try them on when he felt more inclined. We got in line and waited and waited. I soon discovered that their computers were down, and the employees were having trouble calculating tax and total by hand.

After about 15 minutes of waiting, Everett had a seizure. After the active seizing, I left the shoes behind and got Everett into the car as quickly as possible. (The seizing only lasted about 2 minutes and then the comatose part was about 10 minutes.)

When Everett came out of it as we were coming home, one of his first responses to how he was doing was, "UH-OH!"

I said,"What's wrong?"

He then said,"Shoes?" He recognized that he wasn't where he was when he went out. I let him know that we didn't buy any new shoes.

Thankfully, Erik was working at home and was able to help me with Everett until we put him to bed this evening. The poor kid had a terribly high fever and was just achy. Couldn't get comfortable. Erik was the human couch for several hours until the double-decker meds we give him were able to kick in and give him some comfort. (The baby bump on me is too uncomfortable for Everett to tolerate.)

So, after months of nothing, we are on seizure watch. I thought he had grown out of it, but evidently not (at least not yet). Only one neural tick this afternoon after the more substantive seizure at the shoe store. They say most kids grow out of febrile seizures by the age of three. Only 16 and 1/2 months to go.

We are used to seizure watch. Everett is, overall, just fine. My question right now is, do I eat the cost of driving to the Stride Rite outlet again risking the chance that those shoes are gone . . . or do I eat the entire price of the shoes at a regular Stride Rite where they will most likely have that size in any shoe I want?

Chills and Thrills

Erik: Just a standard busy week as usual. I loved that the work week was short!

Sheila: I was able to eat food all weekend!

Everett: Attachment to Dada has reached an all time high. This morning I tantrumed for an hour because I couldn't be in the shower with Dada while he got ready to go to work. I was less than enthusiastic about going to nursery yesterday (read "I screamed like an banshee whenever I wasn't with Dada"). Right now as Mom is writing this post, I am chanting "dadadada" and then telling her how we took him to the bus.

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.