Free Stuff If You Live in DC

Looking to enrich your mind, get a free spare bed for a guest, or gussy-up that drab looking window--READ ON! (I'm not selling this stuff because I am too lazy and tired after all that purging. We may have more free stuff to offer as we finish all of this up.)

Erik and I have a couple things that we need to get rid of--so, if you need it, let me know, and come on over and get it. Our goal is to have it out by Oct 18th:

Double/full mattress and box springs (we have the metal frame but no headboard)--we'll give you the egg crate that is in the picture if you want it.

Curtain rod--wood, unfinished color (approximately 77 inches from end of knob to end of knob):

Teacher books--see the pics for the titles: (Invitations book is gone)

Kinder-Krunchies is gone--But, that book on Bulletin Boards is still up for grabs!

Artsy/Craftsy books:

Chills and Thrills

WHAT a weekend! Erik and I went on a DATE thanks to the generosity of one of our home teachers who watched Everett. We were able to talk for hours which is something that doesn't happen very often these days.

Saturday morning, our Thrilling home teachers came over to jump start us on painting Everett's new room. We were able to finish it later in the day and move in Everett's toys, clothes, and new toddler bed. He loves it. He was Thrilled to see such a great room when he woke up on Sunday morning. We have a couple more items to take care of . . . getting a 1X4 for the valence I made and finish putting up the hooks for his jackets.

With the creation of Everett's new room, Purge 2008 is almost over and we are THRILLED! This project has taken more time and has been more involved than any of our 17 moves, including the ones cross country. Erik pulled out all of the stops this weekend and fought a couple thousand files to help us reclaim our bedroom from the filing cabinet that exploded.

Family friends came over Sunday night, and we had a great time. They were super entertainment for Everett who showed off his new room, of course, and introduced them to all of the puppets. ALL of the puppets . . . and those who have seen our crowded puppet tree know how nice these people must be to be introduced to all of them.

It was a great end to an overly busy week. Overall, we are doing well. I am working hard to keep the contractions at bay, and the boys are super supportive. The craving of the week was milk. I drank 4 gallons all by my lonesome. I know you are jealous.

Stay Tuned for Voting

. . . and not of the political variety related to the presidential election (though Tina Fey is hysterical as Sarah Palin) . . . but instead--

It is for our annual "Ugliest UT Sweater Competition"--We'll start the voting later this week with updated pictures . . . that is one of the rules. Voting will close Sunday night.

Sheila is looking forward to continuing her two year victory streak--Erik talking smack (besides complaining that it might be too hot to wear a sweater--he would like to live forever in his swimming trunks) saying it is time for a new ruler! Everett is just excited that he might get to watch some more FOOTBALL!

Stay tuned!

At Play with Acorns

Today we did nothing but play. No chores, no cooking in the kitchen, no trying to push through a contraction to clean a floor, no getting upset that something was upended all over the newly cleaned floors, and no glimpses into the toilet. IT WAS SO FUN!

We went for a walk this afternoon, and I was able to "teach" Everett about acorns and their "hats." Gotta love hats.

After the walk, we took the ones he collected and made a picture (AKA in toddler world that means glued them to paper) and added glitter. "WOW! COOL!" he exclaimed. Gotta love a kid that appreciates glitter.

Oh, and what is that swankily great looking table, you ask? Oh, that! That was the $3.99 buy from my favorite thrift store that I sanded and painted to repurpose into a table for Evy. I think it looks fabulous, too!

Everett: My Morning as a Toddler

6 random times

Camera

Homebound

The Result

Waited for Dad to get out of the shower at 6 something this morning.

Helped to set up the roads and then played on them at 9:33

Tickle Monster at 10:12

Snack at 11:02 (honeycrisp apple and crackers)

I am pretty sure he ate one of the Leaf Window stickers thinking it was red jello.

Hoodie Shot at 11:21

He "clipped" his nails at 11:46

What we didn't take pictures of: puzzle time, running around with crazy stomping, more tickling, throwing balls in the basket, pretending to be airplanes complete with sound effects, chasing the cat, making faces at Mom from the window when Mom went to the mailbox, cooking in the "microwave" during Mom's shower, and using the walls as roads and speedbumps for all his cars.

Pretty soon I won't have the freedom or time to document things like this. I am enjoying it while I can.

1/2 way

Do *you* ever have days where you only shave one armpit or leg (because you forgot about the other side)?

My Jello Turkey

Today we were at the expensive grocery store buying those items that I couldn't find at my cheap grocery store, and I saw it . . . the strawberry jello. I don't know why but since about 1/2 way through the pregnancy, the premade strawberry jello mixed with fruit cocktail found in the deli section (and about 10 times expensive as making myself) has looked so cool and delicious. I was able to withstand the temptation until today--I know, I know.

That's how Everett and I came to eat jello at lunch. He had never experienced the stuff and was delighted to taste, squeeze handfuls, and smell the chilled gelatin. While I was cleaning up the table and he was finishing his exploration of the stuff, he pointed at me and said, "curcle?" (his word for circle).

I came closer and he repeated while pointing at my face, "curcle?"

Did I have something on my face?

I came even closer and he, again, repeated while pointing at my face, "curcle?"

When I finally arrived in within the parameter of what his arms could reach, he slathered the jello he had on his hands all over my mouth and laughed at how clever he thought he was.

My Jello Turkey.

Purge 2008

So, we are still purging. The end is in sight, but it has taken awhile to get where we are. I wanted to share some pics and links. I have been scouring sites and books trying to find the best org system for our triple purpose space in the basement.

http://www.candcorganizing.blogspot.com/
http://theinspiredroom.net/
http://orgjunkie.com/
http://www.lazyorganizer.com/blog/
http://www.theperfectpantry.com/

I am also trying to not have to buy new stuff to org our stuff. I have met with extreme success in the basement and moderate success in Evy's new bedroom. Instead of buying a dresser, I bought canvas storage cubes . . . easier to repurpose than a dresser.

I have only purchased one item for the basement . . . the clear shoe organizer. It now houses all of our office supplies. For two former graduate students, one who is now a consultant that houses his stuff at home and one who used to work from home exclusively---we have tons of office supplies.

Reorganized my zipper canvas totes from IKEA.

The play area . . . also purged a ton from our video and book collection.

It would be much more impressive to give you before pictures . . . but I didn't think about it at the time and it would have been too embarrassing anyway.

Toddler Curiousity

I would gauge Everett as "average" for making toddler messes. He is usually curious with a healthy dose of reserve. Today has been an exception. The day isn't over . . . so why blog now? Because he is quietly playing with his cars and maybe if I capture this now there won't be anything else. (yeah, right)

He has been fascinated with bugs recently, and one allowed him the full experience. I am pretty sure Everett ate it. It didn't agree with his stomach. So, a mommy's job is to clean up the vomit. (I tried to find the bug in the vomit without success.) But, what I didn't count on was his new tendency to reenact situations that occur throughout the day. That means that I have been the lucky recipient of horking/throwingup/upchucking noises since the mess was made.

And, Everett has been increasingly curious about potty things, like pee and poop. Today while I was using the bathroom, he took the opportunity to see what it was like to smear newly deposited poop from his diaper all over his belly. Luckily, the reserve part of his temperament kicked in until I came back into the room and he showed me the mess he had made by announcing very quickly, "POOPP!" Seems he didn't enjoy being slathered in the stuff.

My limited imagination right now cannot fathom what will be next (he's already conquered the cat food). We'll see what happens.

Chills and Thrills

The Sjolseth Family stayed very busy this week.

Chills:

• Having Dada away.
• Sheila and Evy getting sick.

Thrills:

• Having Lovely Elise watch Everett for a whole morning while Sheila took a much needed nap. THANK YOU! (Everett thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with his friend, Elise's son, and told Dad all about it when he got home.)
• Erik took a red-eye flight home to arrive sooner. [insert sigh of relief]
• The Guys had a great time on Saturday night doing guy stuff.
• Sheila really enjoyed dinner with the girlfriends and watching the RS broadcast.

I just wanted to capture a couple of Evy moments from church this morning.

• He thought he was pretty cool when he figured out how to put his arm through his shirt and out (between buttons) . . . until he got stuck and couldn't get it out. This was during Sacrament, and, according to him it was a major calamity.
• He still does not like nursery; though, he will allow a couple feet of distance between him and the accompanying parent. Things grew immensely more complicated today because now he is being pursued by a GIRL! She loves to persistently follow him, try to kiss him, chase him, and wants to play with him constantly, but all he says is, "NoNoNoNoNoNoNo!"
• He has been a bit attached to his blanket and any stuffed animal within reach since being sick this week. At church, a very cool lady let him look at her stuffed bear . . . and then he didn't want to give it back. That took some maneuvering.
• In an attempt to entertain Everett and keep the row quiet during church, we often offer books for him to read. Today, he was very vocal: WASSAT?! . . . BABY! . . . GGRROOWWLLL!! . . .TWO!! At least he provides entertainment to those around us.

Sharing Sunday Treat

Guys' Night Out

Mission 1: Ride the city bus for the first time

Everett, obsessed by buses--particularly because Dada goes on a bus all the time, was able to go on his first bus ride.

Erik and Everett hopped on a city bus at Erik's regular bus stop. Took Bus #505 Westbound on a ride through bustling Reston. Everett, sans carseat, was amazed at the turns--the G force of the turns, other passengers, the cool seats, the chance to drag his blankie around the aisles and seats, and the fact that Dada let him eat Teddy Grahams on the bus.

The Bus

The Guys

Everett offered his blankie to a passenger sitting beside him.

She declined as she was already warm enough.

Mission 2: Joyride to Dinner

The Guys grooved with the tunes with the windows down as they cruised to dinner.

Mission 3: Dinner and the UT Football Game at Champps

After the vehicular excitement. The Guys continued the revelry with dinner at the sports bar Champps and the chance to see part of the UT game.

Erik says that,"UT spanked Arkansas!"

Dinner service was a little *slow* and in the usual gotta be doing something toddler fashion, Everett went for the sugar packets (this is a learned behavior taught by his father). Erik complied with opening the packet for him, and much to the delight and amazement of fellow football watchers, Everett sat patiently waiting for food while dipping his fingers in the packets of sugary goodness (in all, Erik says to quell Sheila's concern, Everett spilled more sugar than he consumed). (Though witnesses say that Erik, in an attempt to keep him occupied, did instruct Everett to eat the sugar that had fallen onto his lap.)

Everett charmed the fellow football fans, the waitstaff, and all four of the hostesses. (Even bonding with a fellow dining toddler around the famed "Kachow"--that's Light'ning McQueen, people). After all that adventure and charming, the Guys were good to go, get a bath, play some piano, read some books, and fall quickly asleep.

CherryPicking

This weekend is the General Relief Society Broadcast for my church. It is when the women of my faith get together and draw strength from one another and from words shared by our church leadership.

In preparation, I pulled out an article on sisterhood to read and mull over. And I'd like to share some of the pieces I found most meaningful considering the meeting on Saturday:

Instrument in the Hands of God by President James E. Faust

Relief Society is a sisterhood and a place where women are instructed to build their faith and to accomplish good works. As President Hinckley has often said, we all need friends. Friendship fills us with warmth and love. It is not confined to the young or the old, the rich or the poor, the little known or the public figure. Whatever our circumstances, we all need someone who will listen to us with understanding, pat us on the back when we need encouragement, and nurture in us the desire to do better and to be better. Relief Society is designed to be such a circle of friendship, brimful with understanding hearts that generate love and accomplishment because, above all, it is a sisterhood.

President Hinckley’s beloved wife, Marjorie Pay Hinckley, put it so well when she said: “We are all in this together. We need each other. Oh, how we need each other. Those of us who are old need you who are young. And, hopefully, you who are young need some of us who are old. It is a sociological fact that women need women. We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other. These friendships are a necessary source of sustenance. We need to renew our faith every day. We need to lock arms and help build the kingdom so that it will roll forth and fill the whole earth.”

And now, lastly, I should like to say a few words to you younger sisters. You have an important place in this great sisterhood. Most of you have been endowed with a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. With that testimony and with your youthful strength, influence, and intelligence, you can receive the blessings that come in fulfilling the responsibility to be “instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.”

One of the most powerful experiences I've had in being in Relief Society was working alongside a sister who was able to create commonalities between women where many had nothing in common. Nothing like service was more powerful in breaking down barriers and allowing us to do what we need to do--help one another. She, more than not, did that in the simplest of measures. She helped us facilitate joy and peace where there had only been anguish and worry. So, no matter my opinion or feeling on a particular issue or comment, I try to keep this in mind and exemplify her actions.

Erik: Read Me

You are doing so much and doing so well. You *can* do it! Good luck with all your meetings and interactions and the balancing act today!

We believe in you.

Love, Sheila & Everett

http://wordle.net/

This Afternoon

Cooking carrots
Owies
Hugs
Cooking chicken
Rain
Mail
Red baseball hats
Tickles

Wawa

Sitting on silver sunshades
Mail

Chasing doggy & kitty

Baby, Baby!

When you struggle with infertility, there are just some lines of thought that you don't allow yourself to go down. You enjoy others' babies . . . sometimes to a point. For me, when the struggle was especially poignant, I often wanted to just be detached to stay safe from pain and disappointment. The following reflection was one I never allowed myself to hope to have.

We are so excited for the next little one to join our family. I am excited that Everett will have a brother or sister grow up alongside.

I've been going through boxes and boxes picking things out that the baby can wear the first couple of weeks, especially if we end up having a girl. Not knowing beforehand if we are having a boy or a girl is something that is important to us. For those of you just tuning in to read the blog, we want some part of this pregnancy to be a surprise, a mystery. Every step of the way with the FET process, and then the high-risk pregnancy monitoring, has left little room for mystery and wonder.

The girl name is set. The boy name continues to transform. We have some strong contenders going, and Erik is ever diligent in getting community involvement so that the name is "just right." Not to be too obtuse, but I just don't feel right putting the names in writing just yet. So, you'll have to stay tuned.

I don't often wax nostalgic, but it was so peacefully fun to go through Everett's baby clothes this evening. Folding the newly washed clothing, I would remember incredulously that he really *was* that small, I would remember who gave us what outfit and think back to see if they've had a chance to see him recently, I would remember being amazed at how quickly he grew.

We have been immeasurably blessed to have Everett in our lives. Being a parent has been one of the most joyous and humbling experiences I have had the opportunity to experience. I have known more growth in the past two years than I thought was humanly possible.

This will probably be my last pregnancy. I am not, for lack of a better word, happy with that, but I am infinitely grateful for the blessings that I have. My heart is filled with gratitude for the blessings of two pregnancies, a crazy cute 2 year old, and the image of what will come with the addition of our second child.

BTW, Baby S is hiccuping rhythmically right now.

On the Mend

Everett finally went to sleep for the evening. Can't really complain because he actually took a NAP today.

This kid is a total crack-up. He now has enough basic signs and words to recount things that happen to him, and boy it is important to listen up! Bugs fascinate him, and he spent an hour and a half chasing the cat around on the deck this afternoon--but he was such a good boy because he didn't mess with the dead mouse she left for us after I asked him not to go near it. He was also patient enough to come stand by me so that I could see if an item of clothing still fit him.

We found some hand-me down spiderman slippers in some boxes of clothes that I was going through trying to seasonalize for fall/winter. We put them on him; he pointed to one of the shoes and he asked, "Wassat?"

I explained that it was Spiderman and he showed me the sign to sing "Itsy, Bitsy Spider" and then he said the word "man." Yessiree, you've got it.

We've been spending a lot of time singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" . . . he gets the biggest kick out of it and loves it when I put it in hyper drive and sing with silly voices. I love to see him laugh.

The following was from yesterday. All he wanted to eat was popcorn and french fries. Now that he is feeling better, the menu has expanded back to include "growing boy" food. BTW, he wasn't satisfied with the first picture; he wanted me to take the second picture, which he found satisfactory.

Instead of Napping--Dulcet Tones of Meow

Everett, instead of napping, gives a concert. The most recent additions to the repertoire have been "meowing" songs. He'll intersperse that with screaming out "Momma!" and "tractor!"

I was able to get a very quick soundbite of what it sounds like . . . of course in the 10 minutes that I sat there staring at the baby monitor ready to catch him in action, he somehow knew I was taping it, and was extremely quiet. So, this is/was sort of a let down. Don't worry, he never fell asleep. (Gotta do something to entertain myself because if he doesn't sleep I don't either and I really don't want to do laundry or vaccuum or the wash dishes or clean bathrooms right now.)

For the posterity's viewing pleasure, I start out with a shot of Twiggy's offering for the hour. Since Erik left, there have been multiple gifts laid with honor on our front and back door--only element missing: daisies in the hands of the deceased. I guess she misses him, too. And since he is gone, I guess I get to bury the carcases. (Have to think of a pregnancy rule against doing that and then ask my neighbor to bury them.)

If you care enough to watch the video of the monitor picking up the sounds (sounds thrilling right?), you'll have to turn up your volume because I didn't have enough forethought to turn up the monitor's volume myself. And, the last 8 seconds or so he says nothing--couldn't get the computer to cut that section out. Today has been a "go me" all around day.

Chills and Thrills

I currently can't think or process right now. Everett is sick and I haven't slept in the last 24 hours. He finally fell asleep 30 minutes ago sitting upright on the couch . . . which is awesome because his stuffy nose is what kept him up all night. "Nose, nose, Dada, Dada!" Poor kid, just as he gets sick, his comfort guy, Dada, goes out of town. I'd love to join him on the couch for a nap, but he is taking up most of it. Maybe I'll just curl up on the floor next to him.

Chills:

• Evy getting sick
• (That is a pretty short list.)

Thrills:

• Not on bedrest (this time last pregnancy I was)
• Evy has now added "Wassit?" (What's that?) to his growing vocabulary. He is also experimenting with pronouns, "you" being the most recent.
• Procardia is working well for me.
• Cooler weather
• Found an end table that will work great for a table for Everett once I sand and paint it.

Dada, Kook'em!

Erik is miles away, and we miss him.

Tonight, Everett is having a rough night. He isn't feeling very well. Hasn't felt well all day. In fact he is crying right now as he is trying to go to sleep.

I am wearing one of my UT shirts, and it has the "hook'em" hand sign on the front. During one of the times this evening when I went to fetch him from the bedtime dragons so he would calm down, we were eating yogurt. In the middle of eating, he caught sight of the "hook'em," brightened up, and said,"Dada, Kook'em!" He then splayed his fingers trying to get the fingers right and ended up showing me his two pointer fingers.

Yep, I am sure that Erik has showed him "kook'em."

Field Trip to Visit Dada

We've been missing a lot of time with Dada over the past couple of weeks (change in client resulted in longer commute and an increased workload besides all the other things he does to be a good provider, husband, dad, and church member).

Erik has been feeling it, too. He suggested coming to visit him at work. He even found fountain parks for Everett and I to frequent with the inevitable wait that comes from client meetings that run long. And THEN he mentioned that an artist's market would be there today. That totally sealed the deal. I love artist's markets . . . seeing what others create, talking to them about their process, envisioning which I would buy if cost were not an option, and maybe buying something small and handmade.

Off Everett and I went this morning to Crystal City. We did a dry run through the artist's market and talked to several artists--a lady who sells prints from Zimbabwe, another who paints with mixed medium, someone who can make paper look like glass, and more. Then, time for parks.

At one we found 1) fountains, 2) airplanes, 3) cargo trains, 4) and men cutting down TREES!

Erik caught up with us and we dined at Neramitra Thai. We all behaved well and enjoyed the treat.

We hit the artist's market with Erik and goggled jewelry made of precious stones, glass, and metal. Our fave stall today was Jules Jewelry.

It was hard to say goodbye to Erik. Both Everett and I just wanted him to get in the car with us and come home to continue the fun. Everett was so tuckered out that he actually took a nap in the car on the way home. (Nap refusal is going on one week--I think he is giving up the nap prematurely.)

I took a shot of the nappy Evy because I don't see him sleeping very often. Once he is down in his room, you don't go back in . . . he is just as angelic asleep as he is awake.

Week 29

I MADE IT!!!

Overall, this week has been easier on the contraction front. They are still coming. The Doc and I conferred today with today's sonogram results and decided to put me on Procardia to help decrease the number of contractions. I am happy with that.

I had so much help today with Everett. Lovely Bonnie watched him during my several hour sonogram trip and Lovely Lizbeth kept him occupied while I went to the doc in the afternoon. Without them, today would have been very, very hard. I am grateful to have friends that are able to help.

In all, the cervix looks longer than it ever has . . . mostly due to the position of the baby at the time of the sonogram. And, no your cervix can't grow or "go back"--but at least it isn't short and responding to the contractions. Don't worry, the baby's position hasn't veered--still head down deep in the pelvic region. At least some things in life are consistent.

Because the baby is carrying so low and because my torso is so long, I look really funny most days . . . the belly is pouring out of my shirts, even when I layer with a tank top underneath. They haven't started making TALL sized maternity clothes, yet. I've tried several different things. The most successful is to go up 2 sizes to XXL--which leaves enough material to cover the belly so I don't go waddling about like my pants are about to fall off and showing my gut to the world.

Most of you won't be surprised to know that in two weeks the baby's weight went from 50th percentile to 85th percentile. I knew that this little one would grow to be just as robust as Everett; I was just hoping that it would happen a little bit later in the pregnancy. In all, it is nothing to complain about--just an observation. The baby is measuring 2-3 weeks further in development, depending on the body part, than 29 weeks. In all, I'll be a huge pregnant lady.

(You'll have to stay tuned to see how I figured out to do a Halloween costume with my growing size. I think the idea is ingenious. Erik doesn't think it is a genius product, but he remains supportive, as always.)

Though things are hard, they could be harder. I am grateful for the opportunity to be pregnant and to experience the development of life. I am grateful for excellent health care and doctors who listen (despite one of the high-risk doctors telling me today that if contractions bother me I should drink 1/2 a glass of wine and go lay down---I think he must have just had a glass himself).