Bro's Grad...

I said I'd tell more about my brother's graduation, so here it goes! 

We headed for the Bizzo mid Friday afternoon (my boss let me out of our professional development a little early).  Friday evening we spent at my grandparents' house.  My aunt and uncle from AZ were there, ready to shower MVJ with a super cute outfit!  JJ was put to work grilling the steaks my Grandpa had bought special just for my brother's graduation/birthday on Saturday.  My parents and brother met us there and everyone ooohed and aaahed at MVJ's newest developments.  (The walking, the picking everything up, the increased social nature, the kissing herself in the full length mirror...)  : )  After a delicious meal, we headed home while pretty much everyone else stayed to play cards.  At my parents' house, we put MVJ to bed, started laundry, watched some TV and went to bed before my parents even got home -- those partiers!  : )  I felt really badly because my Dad stayed up practically all night finishing our laundry!  He said he couldn't sleep he was so excited about the next day's activities, but I still didn't feel right having my Dad do all of our laundry (including folding!). 

Saturday was full of excitement and activities!  MVJ was running around (a little slip sliding around) the laminate floors... with our split level house, she had many chances to practice stairs, one of her new favorite activities.  We tried to help where we could, but really my parents had everything covered.  We found out that my brother's girlfriend, SH, was awarded the prestigious honor of "Student of the Year" at the University of Mary.  Woot!  Woot!  My parents picked up a huge bouquet of balloons and MVJ began extending her vocabulary with REAL words (since the start of "Momma" and "Daddy"): whenever she saw the balloons she would say, "BALL!"  We even got to take one home with us and that is what we frequently heard in the car... 

My parents and I headed to the hooding early so we could save spots -- while my aunt, uncle and grandparents headed to the actual ceremony early so they could hold spots there.  My aunt and uncle eventually headed over to the hooding ceremony so they could take it all in --- and we had a whole photography/videography scheme going --- I took multishots, my mom took still photos and my aunt took video!  Viola!  Together we got everything taken care of! 

My grandparents were left in the Civic Center where some rude mc rudersons tried to take the spots they were saving.  One lady actually just plopped herself down, claiming, "There's no such thing as saving spots."  Thankfully at that time, my aunt and uncle were just heading in so she knew there were actual people sitting there.  Jerk.

Will brought MVJ into the building for his hooding (he was dropped off by JJ because it was SO COLD that day).  I missed his call, so he said he felt way embarrassed with all of his classmates, and all of these guests AND a screaming MVJ!  1.  She does not like crowds.  2.  She does not like new places.  3.  She does NOT like being without her Mommy and Daddy.  We got it all straightened out and MVJ wowed the crowd with her new squeak shoes!  They squeak whenever she walks.

On these shoes (in Fargo the next weekend):  Uncle A said, "I would take a knife and stab it right into that squeaker."  Cousin L (birthday girl) said to one of her 6 year old partygoers: "They get annoying.  Like right now, they are VERY annoying."

I LOVE them - especially out in public.  Maybe the confined space of a house would get annoying... maybe...  : )  Anyways!  My brother and his classmates were hooded.  It was funny, the speakerlady (head of the PT dept.) told them to do some sort of PT move, and one by one as they came up, they did this squat thing.  Like she said, "Come up here and show them you've learned something!"  It was also neat - they said their PT oath together and one of the instructors, my brother's mentor, read a PT prayer.  I thought the hooding ceremony was great because it was more intimate and the head of the department really went into the symbolism of their colors, the tam, the fact that they were the ONLY doctorates that the U of Mary graduates, etc.

Then we had the actual ceremony where we could be a little more silly and laid back.  Except that when his name was called, I forgot to clap and acknowledge him; I was too busy taking pictures of the big screen!  : )  I made up for it clapping for the next two people announced.  : )

Then we headed home to start the partay.  It was great to have friends and family members come for the special occasion.  MVJ wanted to go down for the night about 5:00.  This spelled doom for us, so we let her sleep about 45 minutes, then JJ went in to wake her up.  This spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e.  She screamed at him (and then me, and then everyone else) for quite some time before finally calming down.

Sunday we all kind of lazed around, had my grandparents over for brunch and then headed to the mall for a little light shopping.  I was on a mission for new shoes because mine finally broke on our way to the Bizzo on Friday.  We headed out of town around 2:00ish and MVJ (and I) took very nice naps. 

Phew!  The end! 

SURPRISE!

I LOVE surprising JJ. I don't think I did too much before we were married, but after that the flood gates were opened! The only slight problem is that now I have to find bigger and better ways to get him.

The first big surprise occurred for JJ's 23rd birthday. We were living on campus - I was a hall director. I invited a bunch of people and had projectors set up for video game-playing and pizza ordered for the gamers! With a little help from our friends, we pulled it off beautifully!

The next surprise came when it was JJ's 25th birthday (I think... maybe 26... I'm losing track!). JJ's niece and nephew lived in St. Cloud and Minneapolis, respectively. It may sound weird - but with JJ's family his niece is older than me so these are not like 5 and 6 year-old nieces and nephews! : ) Anyways, his nephew was an assistant manager at a hotel and I contacted him to help me out with a little surprise. I worked it out so that I came home for lunch to surprise him with that. But at the end of my lunch, I got up and said, "You're coming with me! The bags are packed, let's go!" He looked at me strangely until I let him guess when we stopped in Fargo. He figured it out by the thirdish guess and we enjoyed a fabulous weekend with SC, MH and PH. Yay for family and surprises!

Now, for JJ's 28th birthday, I was very shifty. I told him he better not make any plans basically all week because something might happen... or it might not. As the days went by following his birthday, I think he gave up thinking something was going to happen. Then on Friday, we were hanging out at home when all of a sudden there was a knock at the door. I answered it and said, "Our babysitter is here! Let's go!" As JJ adds here when telling the story, "Good thing I had pants on!" JJ also says that at this point I said that I wanted a date night one too many times so he knew something was up. We arrived at Applebees on time for our reservation - but had to wait at least another 45 minutes. Boo! But so many of JJ's friends and family came out! It was so great! He was happy and felt well-loved.

And here's the REST of the story...

alt. title: AZ, part deux

Oops, I think I forgot to mention that on Wednesday night (I think.... may have been Fri...) we headed to the Scottsdale Zoo to check out their Zoo Lights.  It was so cool!  They even did the thing where they set the lights to music.  It was quite an experience!  MVJ got her first ride on a carousel -- NOT her favorite.  She almost instantly climbed back into my arms and dug her head in my shoulder.  Baby CS was a champ, smiling the whole time!  

Thursday, New Year's Eve, my parents headed to meet some friends at a pancake house and we did laundry and hung out until a little after noon.  We did some more shopping - YAY - including Children's Place and Gymboree.  MVJ got some great first birthday presents!  Great Auntie SC bought MVJ a Baby Stella doll and my Mom and I bought her a few accessories.  I was planning on buying her her first cabbage patch, but since she already has this doll now, it just makes sense.  Plus, I am in love with her new "baby".  I love that she's all soft and squishy and her paci (and I'm guessing parts of her other accessories) are magnetic.  Supper was at a fabulous mexican restaurant: Los Olivos.  Yum-o.  Of course I didn't have much of a chance to savor my supper with very busy MVJ.  She loved the mariachi band, though, and was at least kept entertained!  She loved the tortillas and TRIED to eat Daddy and Mommy's meals.  We had a big pinochle tourney for fun with winners and losers tables.  Losers switched partners while the winners stayed with theirs.  My mom and aunt S dominated the evening.  We celebrated New Years on ND time because we were all so tired!  I fell asleep before then even - they had to wake me up for the toast!

On Friday, JJ and I were able to check out the campus of the med. school he would be interviewing at less than two weeks later.  We got there lickity-split, so that was nice and it was even somewhat outside "The City", which was a bonus.  Then JJ and I went to Sherlock Holmes with cousins C and T while the grandparents babysat!  We enjoyed it - JJ always knows the plot lines minutes into the movie and I am always caught up in every fake plot and non-right clues!  I am always thoroughly surprised and JJ is always thoroughly satisfied with himself!  Great for both of us!  We ate outdoors Friday evening and it was just beautiful.  My aunt and uncle have a little outdoor heater that makes it just perfect.  MVJ ate a ton of potatoes and more lefse and oranges/tangerines/whatever!  We had our official pinochle tourney this night where we kept score and had prizes!  My Dad won with the highest score and my uncle lost with the lowest.  It was a fun night either way!  We turned in early to get all packed up - and were slightly nervous at the bulkiness of our bags, sure that they were over 50 pounds!

Saturday was our departure day, but it wasn't until later in the evening.  We headed to a train park in Scottsdale that we knew would be a hit with my Grandpa.  It is run by a club interested in old trains.  They even had a mini train to ride around.  MVJ loved it - until the tunnel - then she just about flung me backwards trying to get as close as she could to me!  We got to try out the C's hiking backpack.  MVJ LOVED IT.  We WILL be buying one for ourselves or using theirs later.  JJ also said it was very comfortable and he felt like she was completely secure -- two definite plusses!  After some In-n-Out burger, we headed back to the airport.  The plane was a little late, but we made it back to the Bizzo in time to pretty much head right to bed.

We basically woke up, got dressed, and headed out.  We just needed to be HOME for a little bit before I had to return to work.  It was a fabulous trip, but we were gone from our house for 10 action-packed days.  Let's just say MVJ slept for 13 hours straight Sunday night!    

AZ... or half of it anyways...

Ok, like I said, we *tried* to head to AZ on the 26th.  I've written, deleted, written, deleted a few times and I can't quite get the wording right.  So here's the very short version of what happened:

We left three hours late, sat on the runway for another three hours and then they said, "We won't be leaving."  We deplaned, slept for a little bit, got up and did it all over again, but this time we left.  YAY!

Madeline was a champ through this whole experience.  I thought she would be screaming, restless, hungry, etc. but she was SO GOOD, along with the many other babies on this flight.  Grandma K helped walk her around and she took a nice nap (both ways).

Because of the whole coming a day later, we missed the AZ Cardinals game my uncle DC got us tickets for.  Boo.  We headed to the C house after landing and organizing vehicles.  We enjoyed delicious chili and cornbread.  MVJ ate a TON of cornbread!  She even got to open some early presents; great auntie SC was just too excited to wait!  : )  MVJ was spoiled a ton and LOVED spending time with Gma and Gpa K, Uncle W, his girlfriend S, and cousins T and C.  It was the first time she met T and C and she just loved them!  I was so happy because MVJ has been known to be quite clingy.

Monday the boys went golfing, some people went to tour Blood Systems, Inc (my Mom and aunt S both used to work for them and DC is the current pres.), and I got to go SHOPPING!  Woohoo!  Great auntie S bought a baby walker toy for her grandson CDS but MVJ took her turns in it too and loved it!  It was so funny to watch C in it because he would shake his shoulders and dance in it to get moving!  Then we had professional pics by a beautiful lake with lots of ducks.  After that we celebrated Christmas with a white elephant gift exchange.  Probably the most "memorable" gift was a bright pink bra signed and kissed by one of the Tempe Twelve that came along with a calendar of the Tempe Twelve, which my uncle DC opened and tried his darnedest to market for someone else to steal!

Tuesday we spent some more time shopping and hanging out.  We ate at this very fun place called Pinnacle Peak.  It has a cowboy-grill type theme and stuffy suits are NOT allowed.  Knowing this, D and S brought a bunch of ties for the boys to put on.  Our waiter came around and cut them all off!  Auntie S also ordered her steak "well done".  They brought out an old pair of cowboy boots for her.  : )  After eating, J went home with MVJ, C went home with C-baby and S went home with my grandparents while the rest of us hit up a AZ Coyotes game (vs. the Vancouver Canucks).  It was a great game to go to because it ended with a shootout where the Coyotes won with the last shooter!  So fun!  We also had fabulous seats - a few rows up at center ice!

Wednesday brought my brother and S's return to the Bizzo.  We were so thankful for the time we could all be together.  My fam (JJ, MVJ and my parents) and DC headed to Sedona.  We were glad we left early because after taking in some breathtaking views, a fog settled in and soon after lunch it began snowing!  We told D he went out of his way to make us feel at home!  It was a miniblizzard and there were tons of people in the ditch.  Again MVJ did such a good job - sleeping almost the whole way there and back!

The whole trip MVJ took great naps - most of them in the C's bedroom - and often winding up in odd positions.  I think she likes the boundaries of her crib or pack 'n play.  We will often find her scrunched along one of the sides or in a corner.  In her attempt to find boundaries, we'd peak in and find her by the dresser or even under the bed!  (I did wake her up to rescue her from that particular position!)  She also was a great eater.  She tried just about anything and everything enjoying fresh fruit (tangerines I think) picked off the neighbor's trees, Great Gma's lefse, cornbread, scrambled eggs, pancakes, etc.  She was not such a fan of her baby food.  Stinkerpants -- but again -- I'm so excited that she's moving from one phase to another.  There are definite plusses and minuses to her moving from baby food to big girl food!

Phew!  Only half the week and already I feel like you (and I) need a break... more to come!

Decisions, decisions

Being a parent is SO FULL of decisions.  As a person who is TERRIBLE at making them, it gets tough sometimes!  I'm so glad I have the other half of the equation to help me out.  With every first in MVJ's life comes a precident as well. 

So her first Halloween is coming up quickly.  We have officially decided we're not doing the whole Halloween thang.  JJ never did Halloween and although we did, there wasn't a huge emphasis on it and definitely not on the darker side of it.  Our church does a "Hope-a-ween" and so maybe we'll do something like that when MVJ gets older, but for now it'll just be handing out candy to the friends that stop by.  BUT, we were given a supercute little costume from a friend, so I'll just have to put it on her even though we're not technically celebrating Halloween!  : )  She's too young to know the difference on that one!

Trip to B-Town

I had a conference in my hometown this week (Wed-Fri) and it worked p-e-r-f-e-c-t-l-y. It was great to spend some extra time with my family and MVJ really warmed up to Gma and Gpa K, which was so great to see! They have a little chair that has tons of little learning things around it, which sing and make noise. MVJ was in heaven and it was just the cutest thing! She'd sit there hitting buttons, moving gears, and turning pages while DANCING to the music. It was the cutest thing seeing her little tush bopping around. The conference was awesome, by the way, and now I have to process all the info. that was thrown at me via presenters, speakers, books, and even the vendors. I did come away with tons of ideas... and even some math tricks! I can tell you which day any date falls on in the past and future. I was amazing my family with which day of the week they were born on. It's all supposed to be done mentally, of course, but I still have to use pen and paper -- BUT I can do it! : )

JJ had a YUCKY cold and Uncle WK had to babysit one morning. MVJ, just being herself, made sure that he did his calestethics that morning. She just worries so much about her family's fitness. JJ, after sleeping extra Thursday evening and Saturday morning (thank you Gma and Gpa, we LOVE YOU! Being able to sleep in is truly a GIFT!), started feeling much better.

MVJ got to meet Great-Great-Aunt HW, my Gpa's sister. She LOVES MVJ and sends nice notes often! We got pictures of her by the quilt she made MVJ (she does her quilting by hand... it's gorgeous work!). She ALSO got a new tooth! Ugh.. no wonder she woke up FIVE times Wed. night, FOUR times Thurs. night, TWO times Fri. night (much better), but then again FOUR times Sat. night. When this Mommy is used to getting a full night's sleep, it makes it that much harder to be thrown into no sleep - especially when listening to a dry speaker here and there at the conference. Thank goodness most sessions were an hour long, so I could get up and walk around in between!

Estrogenfest!

Every year, sometimes several times a year, my SIL LJ hosts a party celebrating good girl friends. It's a night to just socialize as women and share yummy treats. The highlight (for me anyways) is the gift exchange. So after chomping down on delicious appetizer-type food and playing a quick icebreaker involving putting together food puzzles with conversational topics on the back, we headed in to the living room for the gift exchange. I had brought five gifts. I hail E-Fest as my chance to get rid of "junk". LJ puts in the invites that it can be gently used things you don't want, like a lotion you're not a fan of the scent or a purse you barely used and don't need any more. This year I decided to be a little silly and included THREE count 'em THREE sets of these odd colored windchimes that my Grandpa got at an auction sale. Everyone was laughing at the poor gal who opened them.

Oh, I should go over the rules, because they're a little different than other white elephant exchanges I've experienced. So all the gifts go in the middle, and a couple of pairs of dice are sent around the circle. In the first round, you roll the dice and if you get doubles, you get to take a present from the middle. The dice keep going around and around until all the presents are claimed. Then you unwrap the presents you chose and put them in front of you. Next we go around and show off what we unwrapped, and people secretly decide which items they'd like to "steal". Then the dice go back around (with a secret timer this time). If you get doubles this time, you get to steal any item you want (and you don't have to trade with the person, just take the item and add it in front of you). THEN, lastly, when the timer goes off, if anyone is left without a present in front of her, she gets to choose any gift she wants to take.

So, you can see that Estrogenfests are really the place to be. LJ is an excellent host and I've gotten to know many ladies from this event. One thing I learned at this particular Efest is that I'm having trouble finding my identity apart from MVJ. I had trouble having a conversation that didn't revolve around her and when people asked about me, I could only answer with things about MVJ. I'm not complaining, but I just found it interesting. MVJ, by the way, wasn't going to miss out on her first Estrogenfest. She stayed awake THE WHOLE TIME. She would NOT go to sleep. So, several times I grabbed her (she was hanging out with Daddy and Uncle AJ watching a movie) and chatted with her on my hip. Everyone oohing and aahing at her was normal to me... and took away the need for me to struggle with conversations not surrounded by my daughter!

Visiting the J's - Part 1

My SIL LJ called to wrap up some final details about our visit/the party she was throwing (not connected!). After we hung up, I looked at my coworker and said, "I love my SIL!" Seriously, I always look forward to visiting JJ's brother and his family. We are pretty close in age, beliefs, and now even have babies born in the same year! We are niecey LJ's godparents and SIL LJ and BIL AJ are godparents to our MVJ. It's a pretty special relationship and I treasure it. So anyways, we get to their house and after chowing down some pizza, we are just hanging out while LJ runs around the house putting finishing details to her partay (like the cucumber rolls and virgin sangria and such).

Nephew BJ (3) is trying to tell Daddy AJ, JJ, and I something, which we can't quite make out. We offer plenty of guesses and it sort of becomes a charade, poor BJ. He has one finger up from each hand and has them on his head, like horns. Here are some guesses, can you figure out what he was telling us? Big Brain? Cowboys? Beige Aaron? Finally the little guy decides to show us. On his sippy cup there are... duh duh duuuh... SPACE ALIENS! Phew! I thought Beige Aaron was really the closest of all of our guesses!

My... uh.... her... uh....

Quite a few times now I've been referring to JJ in relation to MVJ in a conversation with someone who wouldn't necessarily know him/our family (i.e. the receptionist at the hospital).  Many times I feel totally awkward when I say either "Her Daddy" OR "My husband" because I want to be clear that they are the same person!  I think I only worry/think about this because of the many, many different types of families I work with.  I thought this only happened to me but I recently had a conversation with my friend CJ, and she said she's thought the same thing.  Does anyone else stumble over their words with this?  Maybe you have a good way out of this situation?  Like CJ said, usually the ring speaks for itself and can definitely help in clarifying.  I'm sure the person on the other end of the conversation is NOT thinking this much into it!!  : )

On the Farm!

My Mom grew up on a farm in a very small farming community in the middle part of the state. As a kid I always loved going to visit Farm Grandma and Grandpa, although my Grandpa was in poor health almost from the time I was born, so I really didn't get to know the real him. On the farm, there were usually tons of people around (my Mom being #9 of 13 kids) and lots of outdoor adventures. We loved jumping on the haybales, playing tag. We loved watching the cows -- especially in the spring with all the new babies. We loved playing with the baby kitties and calling the cats for meal time "Here kitty, kitty, kitty!" We loved climbing trees and playing baseball. We enjoyed indoor time too -- playing card games and having slumber parties in the big rooms with tons of kids scattered here and there.

Last weekend I got to share this special place with MVJ. She met a few Great Aunts and Uncles for the first time (it's about time!) and got to see Grandma and Grandpa K again.. We were greeted at the door with a {gasp} "She's even more beautiful than in her pictures!" We found out there's a new little W (born THAT day!) -- my cousin A and his wife (... ahem... both doctors from Harvard Med. School...) had baby #3 - a boy - whom they named C because "it's a unique name". It's funny because I have met quite a few C's -- and JJ's Dad AND next older brother are both named C, but I suppose it is unique to this youngest generation.

Back to the farm... my little 2 1/2 year old cousin was quick to share his toys and MVJ found a new friend! Even though MVJ was a bit cranky about being held by other people, she entertained from her spot on the floor -- sitting up by her boppy or in her bumbo. Then we enjoyed a short walk on a beautiful day -- one of the last sunny ones for a while I fear. I scampered up a haybale and MVJ was hoisted up. I was proud of myself that I could still get up and excited to share this special place with my baby girl. I hope it becomes a favorite retreat for her as well!

Surprise!

A few weekends ago we headed out west for our annual (it seems) Wild West Tour. We hit up JJ's parents and my parents in one fell swoop. This time we decided to not let my parents in on the plans. We figured out a game plan and then called my brother to make sure my parents didn't have anything planned. My brother wasn't going to be around, but he saw that they didn't have anything scheduled. The big day arrived and it was even more perfect than I could've planned: it was my Dad's last day of work at the University! We could help him celebrate! So, as we got nearer to town, I called my Mom's work (our first stop). The ladies there are awesome, and within a matter of moments a secret email was sent out making sure my Mom wouldn't leave her office for the short time it'd take us to get there. I kind of laughed to myself -- the gals worked pretty hard -- does that mean my Mom just randomly takes off all the time? So that surprise was awesome, and my Mom even got to hold MVJ for a while! (We've been working on this whole Stranger-Danger thing for about a month. We think she's finally pulling out of it. Phew!) We asked what the big plans for the night were - we wanted to take my Dad out to eat to celebrate. My Mom said she had to wait for a big phone call for my brother -- something where the company would be calling the house phone and she just needed to give them his cellphone number. We decided we'd order in or pick something up and headed on to surprise my grandparents.

They loved it. It's so exciting to see my grandparents light up at the sight of us (and who am I kidding -- it's all MVJ!). My Grandpa had refurbished a teeny-tiny rocking chair just for MVJ. It's so cute! We can never leave there without some present or food item! (I'm NOT complaining!) Then, while we were about to be on our way home, my Mom called us. The more she thought about the phone call she was waiting for, the more she realized how hokey it was. Then it all clicked! Duh! It was part of the plan to make sure my parents were around Friday evening so we could surprise them! heehee! When we got a hold of my brother, he confirmed that it was all made up -- and he reminded me that he had told me that part of the plan earlier! Oops! Well, problem solved and we got to hit up Johnny Carinos for JJ and my first time -- yum, yum!

Other festivities for that weekend included a ride on the River Boat, a quick shopping excursion to purchase a picture frame for my Dad's new office, and even a golf game with brother AJ (and JJ) on our way home. What a fun weekend -- I LOVE surprises -- especially surprising people -- it makes me positively giddy!!

A few more things... about our trip to MN...

So then, on Wednesday we were able to get our hands on some fresh baby! Little miss LKH was born July 18 to our niece MH and nephew-in-law (?) PH. She was born ALMOST as early as baby girl MVJ and she is the cutest little thing! She has long, dark hair and is so petite and sweet! We loved holding LKH and reminiscing when MVJ was that small (smaller!! No way!). MVJ is now the big kid.

We came back to the F's for some quality craft time and rock and time. Then we hit Sonic- they have a "happy hour" where drinks are half-price! Sweet! We keep getting commercials for Sonic even though we don't have one! We were definitely intrigued. Then we hit up Noodles and Co. -- JJ and my first visit -- delicious!! You're right, TAF, the mac and cheese is the best! Then, we had a bonfire at the perfect bonfire pit the F's have set up in their backyards. S'mores... friends... laughter... MVJ sleeping... it was wonderful! JJ even said it was his favorite part of the trip.

Next day, we did some laundry --- thanks Fs! --- watched some recorded Jeopardy! (TAF is seriously my kind of woman!), ate some more Sonic (!), and packed up. After bidding adieu to the Fs, we headed back to Fargo to pick up JJ's car. MVJ once again slept the whole way -- and only cried for about 20 minutes outside of Fargo, then slept the rest of the way home. What a wonderful trip! Yay for lots of family and friends!

Back to Life

MVJ is totally out of sync. We got home last night after traveling since Tuesday. She was ready to be home. She cried for the last hour of the trip and we KNEW that the only thing she wanted was to be out of her carseat, so the only thing we could do was just truck along as quickly and safely as possible. I did not say as sanely as possible. I get rather tense when my baby's going hoarse from crying and I can't do anything but assure her Daddy's getting us home as quickly and safely as possible!

We enjoyed lots of time with family and friends, but regular naps and bedtimes just didn't happen as easily. Plus there was an hour time change thrown in there just for funsies. She did a lot of sleeping ON others, so today, for example, she felt she needed to be held all day. She nursed like every two hours too. Man! A friend, MO, thought it might have something to do with feeling secure and familiar with it. I'm guessing, that and a possible growth spurt?

Now I've been working on uploading pictures from the big day. For some reason our computer is naughty and I can only upload five pictures at a time on facebook and it takes for-ev-er. Blegh. But, I'm trucking through because I think I got a few good ones. Basically a montage of MVJ sleeping on various family members, some ridulous dancing at the wedding, and lots and lots of Js (with a mix of some Cs, Ss and Bs!). I'm throwing in some pics from the Bizzo zoo as well. We hit up the N Family Picnic -- my Grandma's side of the family -- for good measure. MVJ just hadn't had enough of the game "Pass the Baby"! : )

Random Update

Ugh, it's been a while again! When I post regularly, I feel like I can just post a short little story at a time, but when I am absent for some time I feel like I have to catch you up to my life! : ) Well, quickly, here's what we've been up to:

*I started working with summer kiddos again this summer! But, this summer I was smart and decided I'd only work with 2-3 kids. So, it's been great so far! JJ and MVJ get some M-Daddy time, I get out of the house, I get to get to know some of the kiddos on my caseload next year and we make a little money! win-win-win-win!

*We started up sand volleyball again. It's a bit trickier with a four - almost five - month older. Good thing she has become bffs with the gal who is the site manager. But, we've also arranged it so either JJ or I can be sitting out at all times. Oh, and we're undefeated... yay!

*MVJ continues to be a cranky little thing. Adding to it is the fact that we are travelling. I've finally figured out that we have to slow down a bit more. Right now, for example, I'm chilling at the hotel room while she slowly wakes up from a glorious nap as the rest of the crew is at the wedding rehearsal.

*Our nephew's getting married! Woohoo! JJ was honored that he was asked to be a groomsman! If you think it's a bit odd that we have a nephew getting married, how about this fact: our niece is pregnant! We're going to be a great aunt and uncle in about six weeks (or two if you talk to her sister!). Yay for babies! LKH (she's already got a name that lucky ducky) will make our trips to Minneapolis that much more special!

Ok... I better actually get dressed for the groom's supper (at our SIL/BIL LC/MC's house). Chi-chi's wearing her pink tu-tu! : )

First Hibachi Experience

I'm not quite a food adventurist... I generally order the same thing at familiar restaurants and don't venture out too far from my "norm". I'm sure all of you are sighing a sad sigh. I know. I know. So when we were in Fargo a few weeks ago and my SIL LJ decided we were going to try the new Japanese restaurant I was a tid bit leary. BUT, I'm so glad we went! It's called Kobe and if at least two people are ordering from the hibachi menu, you get to sit at the hibachi. It was so much fun. First of all, we got served some mushroom soup. (which I didn't touch at all... ick!) But, I'm glad my cutie pie nephew BJ doesn't share my taste, because we may have missed this situation: B finished his soup and darted around the table to mommy (LJ) to exclaimed, "The toup is touper touper good!!" : )

Then came the "show"! Of course I did miss some of it due to a certain baby who seems to only get hungry when it's time for mommy and daddy to eat! But, parts I didn't miss were niecey LJ getting scared out of her mind at the fire parts of the show. As SIL LJ put it later, she was not just scared she was pissed at them for having the nerve to have fire there. She started on a chair next to LJ. Then, inched off the chair to behind mommy LJ. Then, the next thing we knew, she was against the wall with her hands over her eyes! (JJ has this picture on his cellphone!)

Another part of the show was when the hibachi griller (?) cut vegetables and attempted to throw them into people's mouths. It took BIL AJ a few tries and then the griller practically drowned him in what he called sake. Next up was nephew BJ. He didn't quite get the concept and the griller did his best to get a veggie in there, throwing three at a time a few times. heehee Next up was yours truly, and, ahem, I hate to gloat, but I caught mine on the first try! I guess I just have a big mouth? We'll say a good throw plus good coordination. heehee... yeah... that's what we'll say.

At one point the griller had a fire going... I think it was the volcano fire at this time (stacks of onion), and he had to put out the fire. He had this little water bottle in the shape of a little boy... and the boy "peed" out the water. He "put out" the fire and then went to fill up nephew BJ's mouth...

So, all in all, the restaurant was very entertaining and I quite enjoyed my hibachied (is that a word?) veggies.

The Bizzo

Bizzo. Oh, dear Bizzo. I enjoy Bismarck. I at least used to know my way around and it just feels so homey and familiar. So, last night I got home and my Mom and I decided to pick up my Grandma together. She was waiting in her usual spot by the window with my Grandpa. She looked. Looked again. Elbowed my Grandpa. They're both looking. I don't think it sunk in until I was in their house with MVJ. They were SO excited! Then at the Church my Grandma had to take MVJ around to every table. Lots of oohing and aahing ensued. She was the only baby there and got quite a bit of attention. My Grandma's prayer group had been praying for MVJ and I when my Grandma found out I delivered early and was having some health issues myself. It was neat to be able to thank them and show off my little bundle. And then MVJ just had to tell people all about how her lungs are working perfectly now. She's so thoughtful. Then she just absolutely tuckered out in Great Grandma's arms (which was perfect because Great Grandma was as proud as a peacock).

I was telling someone how I was so glad she had settled down. The lady said, "Oh, the Mom is always way more nervous and embarrassed by the crying than anyone else. Everyone else doesn't even notice the crying. They just see this beautiful baby." I think that is so true. Crying babies never bothered me before, but now I feel like I need to calm her the second she starts to make a squeak of a cry.

Back at home, it was time for Ace, the family dog to meet MVJ. He just got way too excited. He jumped a little and was barking and basically just working himself up. We aren't sure the best way to help him get over it and be the calm doggie he can be. But, to be absolutely on the safe side, he was taken to the "hotel" today. I'm so glad that I don't have to worry about MVJ.

This morning it was the return of the poopetraitor. I'm so thankful for my parents' washer and dryer -- what a luxury! ; ) Now MVJ is sleeping in our little sling while my parents are exercising. Shopping is on schedule next and then Red Lobster for my brother's birthday! (I made cupcakes and wrote 23 on one... until I realized he's 24! I can't believe my baby brother is 24!!)

Oh man! Time flies!

I was totally encouraged today when my friend (my long term sub to be exact), KE, said that she and another friend at work (LH) kept checking my blog to see if I updated it. SO, KE and LH, this one's for you! : )

What have we done so far in April? Welllllll, here's a quick update:

*The B's called us Tuesday morning... BB was GOING TO THE HOSPITAL! Woohoo! JJ went upstairs to be in their apartment with their two kiddos so they could leave and I slept a bit more after being up oh, just about every two hours with li'l miss MVJ the night before. I called him a little while later to say I was going to shower and then would be up. He said that no, I should come up first. I got there and he was sitting in the living room. He was like the kids are awake, you should go in there and get them up. I was like, what, that's what you wanted me to come do?? But, I went in there and told them their Mommy and Daddy went to the hospital so that Mommy could have her baby. They were more than a little excited. We got them dressed and checked BB's detailed schedule to see what would happen next. I LOVE that she prepared for basically everything. It made our "job" a lot easier! She called about 11:30 ish almost depressed. Not much had happened. The baby wasn't dropping, so they didn't want to break her water. She was feeling bad that I was in for more babysitting than I maybe had bargained for. I told her not to worry - the kids were doing great and we'd be just fine. The kids were doing great. JB was full of her usual spunk and EB was in a great mood. We read LOTS of books, watched a baby einstein DVD, and played with their kitchen toys. Time went quite quickly! Those kiddos are BUSY, let me tell you! JB had a question for everything... and is a nosy little thing! I did need JJ to be there as often as he could ... with MVJ PLUS two busy kiddos... it got a little hectic! At about 7:45ish we got a call from BB. She wanted to talk to JB. I heard her say, "You have a little sister!" YAY!!! JB wanted pretty much nothing to do with taking a phone call and hung up on BB! I quickly called her back to get all the details. Little missy wasn't quite so little, NAB weighed in at 9 lbs, 11 oz! And her birth wasn't without some excitement. Her head came out but she wouldn't turn her shoulders. The doctors feared her head would go back in BB, so a nurse basically jumped on BB to apply pressure while a doctor just pulled her out rather forcefully. She ended up with a broken shoulder, but is doing rather well now. She is a beautiful little girl and we are so happy for the whole B family!

*MVJ turned TWO MONTHS! Wow! Which means.... two month shots! : ( Poor baby! Poor Mommy! She cried so hard that she stopped breathing and the nurse had to blow air in her face to get her started enough to breathe again. She was fine a few minutes later. I didn't get this tip beforehand: give your baby baby tylenol before going to the doctor --- so now you and I all know!

*We went to Bismarck, my hometown, for Easter. My grandparents got to meet their very first great grandchild, and it was the most awesome thing ever! My grandpa became putty in her hands! He is one who tears up easily (our major sporting wins, musical performances, graduations, etc... we could always count on Grandpa's tears), but he could just not contain himself with this little bundle. Everything she did was the most advance and most mature and smartest thing ever! I loved it! We went to Bismarck two days after her shots and after driving for four hours, she was a little out of sorts and by that evening she was crying hard. My grandparents said they didn't sleep that night worrying about her. Awww! My parents and JJ and I slept just fine because MVJ only woke up twice after falling into a deep sleep -- she wore herself out! After much pinochle playing and, oh, just a few pictures, it was time to hit the road back to Grand Forks.

*Back home not much was accomplished during the week after Easter, but then on Saturday my Mom came up to hang out with us before the big event of the weekend: MVJ's Baptism on Sunday! LJ and AJ are MVJ's godparents, so they came up, along with LJ and BJ of course. My Dad drove my brother and grandparents up the morning of the big day and several friends joined us at Church. It was so special! We are so blessed to know so many great people! Here's how the baptism went down: we had it all planned that I would nurse MJV around 10:15ish since Church started at 10:30 so that she'd have some time to have her tummy settled before her big moment. WELL, would you believe that she was JUST TOO TIRED to wake up and be bothered with eating? I tried everything, but to no avail! So, back to our spots I went. What could I do? After a song or two, announcements, and a mission moment, MVJ started to squirm a bit. Uh oh, just what we had feared! She'd be screaming hungry by the time she got to the front. But, Pastor Paul motioned for us to come up and she quieted down and was absolutely awake and absolutely silent the whole time! Her picture was put on the big screen and everyone ooohed and aaahed at how simply beautiful she is (Mommy talking of course!). The holy water in her hair made it spikey and added to the whole effect! We pray that little miss MVJ will gorw up to love the Lord and develop a personal relationship with Jesus. She sure has the tools now - two baby Bibles, a PraiseBaby CD, a beautiful cross that says "God danced the day you were born" (I love that image), and of course lots of love and support from lots of wonderful people!

*So Saturday night I started feeling sick. I was like whatever... I am so unlucky, I get sick all. the. time. I had a fever for sure -- night sweats, chills, achy and headache. I took some tylenol before Church and felt better (and of course was a bit distracted). After MVJ's reception at the golf course (totally recommend that buffet by the way!), JJ, MVJ and I all took about a TWO hour nap! It was wonderful! But afterwards I still didn't feel better. In fact, that night I felt even worse and (boys reading this can look away) my right breast started getting all red and hot and starting Saturday it was ouchy when MVJ nursed on that side. I took some more tylenol and told JJ about it. He told me to make an appointment with my doc. She happened to be out sick for the day and would be back Wednesday... I just felt too miserable to wait it out, so I made an appointment with a different resident doctor. The nurse took my temp. and it was 102.3. Ahhh, that explained a lot of the icky feelings! Yup, turns out I have mastitis. Grrrrreat! Seriously if there is ANYTHING I could possibly get, I do. It's EJ's Law or something. So, some antibiotics to fight my infection (taken four times a day... I feel like I'm popping pills all day!), lots of water, rest, nursing and pumping later... I feel much, much better! Yay! I even went to work today for two meetings... and just some visiting too! I have to say I LOVE LOVE being home, but I think it will be good to get back to work in August too. I'll probably feel great to be back to work and then want to be home after the first week or so!

Slowly back to "real life"

Every single day it seems we have new "firsts". First time meeting friends and family members. First time sleeping five hours straight! First time pooping while being changed because of sneeze. First time going out to eat. The memories are endless! This weekend we had two separate eating out experiences. Friday we hit up Applebees with BILs BJ and CPJ, friends the C's (NC, LC and IC) and friends the E's (JE and RE). Little MVJ did a great job just hangin' out in her carseat. Mommy got to eat her whole meal, and then at the end CRIES, CRIES, CRIES. Oh man. I always kind of panic because I'm so scared to have to breastfeed in public (I do have hooter hiders, and DO look for the nearest bathroom, but still) .

So, we hit up the bathroom. While changing miss MVJ, she AGAIN peed on her outfit (GOSH, you'd think I'd learn the tricks for preventing this!!). I quickly tried to clean up our changing pad and picked her up (bare bottom). She POOPED on me! That little stinker (well... good thing her poo doesn't stink... yet!). So then to the rescue came LC with IC in tow. They helped by holding MVJ (I know, I really had to twist LC's arm ; ) ) so I could clean up the rest of the mess. Then I attempted to breastfeed MVJ. It is just not as easy standing up folks. Let me tell you. Plus by this time I really needed to use the restroom. It is really awkward being in a restroom stall but not being able to use it!!

Sunday we tried again! I know... we are glutons for punishment right? We went to Perkins with BJ, CPJ and the C's after hanging out at the C's house (MVJ even got to meet their ginormous, but sweet doggie VC). MVJ did an awesome job! She slept or just squeaked the whole time. Phew! We can do this!

We miss Grandma!

My parents (EK and WGK) and brother (WJK) were able to come up for MVJ's first hours of life and were with us until Wednesday. It was so great that they could share in that special time! I needed support, too. There's just something about having family around! When my Mom got home, she went right to work, then worked a full day Thursday, went in early Friday, and left early to come back to be with us! She was able to spend a full week with us and it was such a blessing. I can't explain what having her with us meant to us. Without being asked, she just jumped right in to help us with cooking (mmm... crescent roll caserole anyone??!), cleaning, caring for MVJ, etc. She allowed for some much needed rest time as JJ threw himself right back into school and work (and later at the end of the week paid for it with a nasty bug). My Mom helped us give MVJ her first bath at home, babysat while we ran our first errands (lansinoh cream, witch hazel pads, baby powder, oh my!) and went to Church together.

She also helped with some projects I had been meaning to do! For example, I made this rather large wall hanging (first quilting project evah!) and the corners were turning up -- she quickly remedied it with a few new loops to go around the dowel rod. Also, I enlisted JJ and my Mom to put up the wall stickies I had bought to spruce up the baby room since we couldn't exactly put a fresh coat of paint on (oh the joys of living in an on-campus apartment... but that's another whole post!). She blessed us with a ton of groceries, and baby supplies, oh and a superduper gift for MVJ --- a car starter for our van! Yay! I love my family and could never thank them enough for all the great support and love they've given us -- especially with this new little addition to the family tree!

Lots of Firsts!

This weekend marked a lot of firsts for both MVJ and us! Here are some highlights:

*First time to my work! She just ate up the attention and got to meet lots of my wonderful coworkers! DJ, the other 7th grade specialist, helped by supplying the hand sanitizer!! His newborn is right around double MVJ's size, so it was fun for him to hold such a little peanut! MVJ of course had to have a diaper change while there and promptly peed all over herself and me! I'm learning, I'm learning, but in this case the new diaper disappeared! It was so weird! MVJ also became starving so I also got to use one of my "hooter hiders" out in public for the first time! My mom made me two and they are fabulous! MVJ seems to love the "privacy" (I'm thinkin' it's the warm, dark space!).

*First road trip! MVJ slept almost the whole way! AND we didn't forget anything! Woohoo! It was a great first road trip because if we had forgotten anything, BIL AJ and SIL LJ would've most likely had it! MVJ got to meet her cousins, LJ and BJ, who loved her up! LJ had a teeny-tiny bit of jealousy... but all in all did well considering she's used to having Uncle J and Auntie E all to herself... or only sharing with brother B. BJ was so sweet with MVJ. He kept bringing her toys and saying "Hi baby!" "Hi baby!" While BJ would bring her toys, LJ would take them away whining "She wasn't playing with them anyways!"

*First trip to Target! MVJ promptly pooped her pants. SIL LJ said something like, "I know, M, Target is pretty amazing to me too." So along with first trip to Target comes first time chaning in a public restroom! Oh joy! Good thing our diaper bag came with a great changing pad! Mommy just had to practice her juggling moves and speed as MVJ bawled her way through the change.

*First photoshoot! Friend TN (tummy shot at the link is SIL LJ with daugher LJ!) surprised us with a fabulous baby gift -- a newborn photoshoot!! Woohoo!! TN made things so easy and even MADE props/outfits for miss MVJ - even up to the night before! I canNOT wait to go through the photos... TN only took about 225 photos of our sweet baby girl!! : ) We're going to make our announcements through TN, so you'll just have to wait to catch a glimpse of some of our favorites! It melted my heart to see the ones with JJ and MVJ. So sweet!

*First time meeting friends RE and JE! RE made a rocking chair for MVJ! It is so special! I'm so impressed with the craftmanship. RE did a fantastic job! JE and RE's mom (SE) made us a diaper cake with all sorts of fabulous things in the cake! We love the E's!

*First time attending Church! Her first weekend "alive", MVJ stayed home with Grandma EK. Her second weekend, JJ was sick and Mommy was too nervous to take MVJ out by myself! SO, this was the weekend! We changed "spots" in Church to the family section! It was a big deal! MVJ slept through the whole thing! Pastor P and JJ joked that she wasn't the only one snoozing... ; )