Oh, Georgia. Are We Ready For This?
10 Mar 2009 2 Comments
in Just life!, rAnDoMnEsS
This is a picture I found on Google Image search when I typed in “Georgia Pollen”. It gives me a headache just looking at it, literally, because indeed it has begun!
The cherry trees are in blossom and the oaks are budding more each day. Daffodils are springing up and the grass is moving out of it’s dormant winter slumber.
Remember my post from last year about Allery S(n)eason? Grab a Kleenex, your nasal spray, and eye drops…here we go!
Atlanta, Georgia Pollen: The Yellow Blanket Befalls!
Yep, Same Baby! From Ultrasound to Sound Asleep
31 Oct 2008 6 Comments
in rAnDoMnEsS, Vivi Cakes! Tags: Baby, Ultrasound
Not that we questioned it at all, but this video will clearly show you that this is the same little person we peeked in on in utero. Thanks M for sharing in that awesome moment! Thanks also to my personal video editor, Eric. He works for food. :o)
DST Challenge: How to Shift in Our Schedule
28 Oct 2008 2 Comments
in Baby Business, Just life!, rAnDoMnEsS
Well, Daylight Savings Time is coming this weekend. Sunday, November 2nd will mark the end of 2008′s DST and I’m freaking out…sort of. Thanks to a friend’s Facebook comment, I realized that the time difference is approaching and while I’m happy for Eric (who will get an extra hour’s sleep, which is needed due to early KidStuf call times on Sunday), I’m thrown for a loop because my life, and Viv’s too, is so. incredibly. scheduled!
I think I’ll try one of a few approaches:
a) just let that extra 25th hour sneak in there and not adjust for it prior to that day and see if Viv will sleep an extra hour, or
b) spend the few days ahead of time adjusting the start of feeding times, or
c) just wake up earlier on Sunday (our usual 6:30 a.m. feeding time would now be 5:30 a.m.) and then compensate by stretching the feedings out throughout the day(s) following the end of DST.
I’m leaning towards B. It seems like the preparational route is more controlled (yet flexible) and it’s gearing up for the change not reacting/responding to the change after the fact. Perhaps a little more structured and intentional.
Wow! Has motherhood changed me or what?!
Yes, I know this isn’t a true dilemma, but I’m so thankful for the perfect little sleeper and eater that God’s blessed us with. I just want to do it right for ALL our sakes! (And, I have so many friends with newborns that this is probably a good reminder for all of us to have a stategy in mind for DST!)
Here’s a link that I just found that backs up my option B.
Here’s to an extra helping of time and to all the smoke alarm batteries that need changing. Oh, and winterizing your outside water lines…and gutter cleaning…and all the other bi-yearly things we have to do!
Taking You to the Polls. The Halloween Polls, That Is.
27 Oct 2008 Leave a Comment
in rAnDoMnEsS Tags: Halloween
My brother and I grew up in a Christian home, Southern Baptist at that, and my parents were definitely okay with us celebrating Halloween. Mind you, the Halloween I speak of is more of a Hallmark take on October 31st with trick-or-treating, costumes, carving pumpkins, mom’s homemade cupcakes at school, dad’s pranks, etc. It was not a celebration of anything othern than gimicky, culturally developed traditions. It held nor added no value to our home other than memories.
I recognize that for some, this is a major debate in evangelical homes as to where we draw the lines of communally celebrating with others that do take October 31st as something else: a Pagan holiday, conjuring up a nod towards evil practices and idolatry.
Aside from that argument and for the sake of satisfying my curiosity, I’d like to find out via polling what fun memories you would like to revisit from Halloween’s past now as an adult.
It’s All Just Training
07 Aug 2008 3 Comments
in Adoption, Just life!, rAnDoMnEsS Tags: Adoption, baby on the way, trusting God
Some of the emotions and thoughts we’ve been having in all of this process has turned out to be not so isolated to just adoption. After talking candidly about some of my anxieties and concerns regarding the specifics of adoption with other top-notch parents, turns out that nearly all of them have been tit-for-tat with those of natural and biological parents’ concerns.
In all his wisdom, my co-worker Jamie (and might I say with superb influence from his lovely wife, Jen) gave me some true insight into how parent’s of every given form feel the same things I am feeling.
I’m not with this growing baby every day, you know, attached. I feel so disconnected! Jamie told me this is how most dad’s feel. They watch their wives grow and the dad’s take every opportunity to rub that baby bump and talk to it, but really, there is a disconnect of some sorts for them. And, I can only thank God for my authentic and truthful relationships here, but other mothers have also said that it isn’t even the day of their baby’s birth that they really get that “wow, this is my child…the one I carried!”
I have no control over things. I can’t say what’s going to happen at the hospital, after the birth, or if something goes wrong. Those things are not our decisions until we leave with baby. Jamie reminded me that we’re never really in control to begin with. Even when we are home with baby and can make decisions as the authority, ultimately it’s God’s authority we are called to submit to; a parent’s prayer should always be that our choices are guided by His will.
If there were something to be worried over regarding the way EM is currently caring for the baby while pregnant, and let it be known there’s not, I still have to TRUST that for each moment, baby is doing well and EM is the absolute best home for baby for the time being. Trust…always more easily said than actually done. Then that silent voice said, “hold on, she’s trusting you for FOREVER!” Okay Lord, 10-4. I heard you and I’m so glad you know how to get a hold of me.
I could expound on my thoughts more, but let me just say that I’ve been given such comfort in the words of the godly men and women God has intentionally encircled us with. We are so thankful for the richness in these relationships (and I don’t mean monetarily, something deeper still) and the authenticity you each provide. And as Jamie so wisely stated, in regards to how we’ve been arriving to each decision and whether we feel it’s been ours to make or not, “it’s all just training.“
90 Second Update!
01 Aug 2008 4 Comments
in Adoption, Family, Just life!, rAnDoMnEsS Tags: Adoption, baby on the way, nursery
I have had some serious blogger’s guilt about not posting recently. I think with all the showers, thank you notes to write, family in town, sewing baby bedding, catching up at work, seemingly endless amounts of laundering teeny-weeny clothes and blankets…oh, I’ll stop the list could go on and on! Get used to it, right?!
Here’s a highlight list and answers to questions we’ve been getting:
1. Is the baby here? I mean, you’ve not posted in like, FOREVER!
No, baby has not yet arrived! But it’s got to be soon, right?
2. Do you know if it’s a boy or girl?
Ha! Ha! NOOOOOOOO! Fun, isn’t it?!
3. Are you ready? Are you excited?
Fo’ sheezie, Louisie!
4. Jules, do you get maternity leave?
Yup, 6 glorious poopie-diaper filled, bottle fillin’, 3-hour incremented weeks! My dream of so, so long!
5. Jules, what are you doing for Eric’s 30th birthday on August 5?
Why do you ask? Did he give you any hints? Did he? Tell me! I need help!!!
6. How’s EM (expectant mom) doing?
She’s doing wonderfully! She brings much joy to us in this process! We had her over for dinner last Monday and I fed her the SPICIEST enchiladas, guacamole, and salsa I possibly could…to no avail! But, hey, it was awesome to reach over and feel our Little One tossing and moving about!
7. Do you have an update on a due date?
Sure! August! Sometime… :o)
8. Do you have the nursery finished?
Sort of. I’ll post pics and commentary later on this weekend!
9. What’s the post-placement agreement going to look like with EM?
Dunno, really. We are open to a lot and cautious about a lot. Please PRAY as God leads and guides in this area. We know he’s been writing a beautiful story to knit together four lives and we don’t want to mess it up!
10. Do you get to be in the hospital when baby is born?
Praise the Lord — Yes!!! We have been generously invited to be a part of the hospital scene. I get to be in the room and we’re not sure where Eric’s going to be just yet, but he’ll be near we hope!
Okay, well, that’s about all I can post right now. We’re headed to the Dr.’s office with EM to meet the full staff so we’re all familiar with whomever might be on call that day!
Thanks for all your prayers, posts, and for your love! We’re eternally grateful and thankful!
What’s With the Random Posts?
15 Jun 2008 1 Comment
in Adoption, Just life!, rAnDoMnEsS Tags: Adoption
For those of you that know me personally, you’ve probably wondered to yourself, “why, with all the excitement and fast-moving details within the past 5 days, would she be blogging about gardening and KitchenAid mixers?” Ha, ha! Please allow me to enjoy a brief chuckle at how planned and organized I thought I was being by taking some of my sick days and recovery time from the toothache episode to SCHEDULE FUTURE POSTS!
That’s right, organizationally speaking (hardy-har-har!), I’ve written several blog posts at one sitting that will go live each day at 7:00am. And, with all the commotion after this last Tuesday’s earth-moving phone call, I’ve just let the scheduled posts run as planned!
I always feel as though I write too much and cram it all in one post. I was encouraged to try this when I read on flowerdust’s blog that she keeps her blog rolling with new posts nearly every day, she just doesn’t always do it “live”. Wonderful suggestion! (I don’t know her personally, but she is one fascinating blogger!)
So with that, I’ll close this post and start writing the next one. The one you’ve all been waiting to see be made publicly declared. Oh yes, that one! :o)
Giving Gardening a Go-at-it, Part 1
14 Jun 2008 Leave a Comment
in Just life!, rAnDoMnEsS Tags: gardening
On Memorial Day weekend, we did some work around the house and enjoyed the mild temperatures. I finally marked off one of my “wish list” items since we’ve moved into our new home: a vegetable garden!
Here are the pictures of Day 1, Monday 5/26/08: In the Ground.
Pic 1: We planted 80% of these starter plants for good, strong roots.
Pic 2: We planted 3 cucumber and 6 different tomato plants
Pic 3: E’s creativity and build-it-himself handiness displayed with a pulley system bird feeder mounted high in a tree in the woods behind our house.
“Unboxing” Spoof: What’s tangerine in color, sleek in design, and thrilling to use?
13 Jun 2008 1 Comment
in Creations in the Kitchen, rAnDoMnEsS Tags: Baking, Cooking, Stand Mixer, Unboxing
Why, my new KitchenAid 5 Qt. Artisan Series Stand Mixer in Tangerine, of course! Wudjathink I was talking about?!
I want to unveil the newest appliance addition to hit my kitchen countertop! The first product of my new toy was a Pig Pickin’ Cake. Our neighbors helped devour the first one, then our friends from church let us bring dessert for a dinner we were invited to (and I needed to try that recipe once more) and the second cake was donezo!
I’ve since made my Fake Mashed Taters (whipped cooked cauliflower, y’all) and fresh, homemade whipped topping (I hope to never purchase cool whip or reddi-wip ever again!); it was admittedly a lot of fun. Yummo!
So, enjoy the show folks!
PS – I am SO going to be a baby-food-making-maniac in the future!
Honey, got any eyeliner? I can’t find mine…
21 May 2008 6 Comments
in rAnDoMnEsS
These are words I’m thankful I’ll never ever hear Eric say!
So after just making it home to catch the last 15 minutes of the American Idol finale (and being ever so thankful that I stopped watching this season months ago), I couldn’t help but think how different David Cook looked from the last time I had watched the show.
What could it be? His hair was rocker-fresh and sculpted as usual. A little gruffness in the beard didn’t seem unusual. His eyes seem so defined…wait, is that…is that…oh wow! He’s wearing eyeliner!
And yes, after they made the announcement that he had won, I did throw out a girly word of caution and said to the TV, “David dear…no don’t wipe at ‘em…it’s going to smear!”
So, what’s with this look and trend? Is it doing anything for these guys? I mean, should all the Frankensteins and Count Draculas be the only ones having fun at Halloween?
Comment and tell me who in your opinion is rockin’ it the best?
(I couldn’t find a good pic of David Cook, so I’ll be easy on him since he’s so green on the scene.)
1. Pete Wentz
2. Jared Leto
3. David Bowie
4. Johnny Depp (He puts the ‘R r r r r r’ in Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner!)
This is actually my pick for the winning heavy-eye-makeup guy! Yep, my husband!
