Yes, read into all the puns listed above: it was truly WWF at our house last night, in Brooke's crib. (Don't worry, she wasn't in the crib).
Nate has decided it is hilarious and so fun to climb up on the rail. Then, he stands up. And then, he jumps (as in get air, and jumps) off the rail and lands on his bum in the crib.
Hilarious, right?
I'll have all gray hair by 30, I think.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
A mom moment
Today, I had what my sister calls a "mom moment." Normally, I think this would be a moment where I catch a glimpse of my self saying or doing something just like my mom does or would have done.
She says that mom moments are also when you have to do something that you used to not have to do when you were a kid. Like fill the gas tank when it is freezing outside.
Today my mom moment was this: while my little cherubs are sleeping, I was running around cleaning toilets, doing laundry, starting dinner (thank you, Crock Pot), making phone calls - all working towards being able to do 30 minutes of yoga.
And then: I smashed my finger in the laundry room door. Like smashed my finger. As in, it's bleeding.
And for a moment I wanted someone to rush to my side like we do for our kids when they get an a smashed finger or a stubbed toe. But then - I had my mom moment.
I hope your fingers are all intact.
She says that mom moments are also when you have to do something that you used to not have to do when you were a kid. Like fill the gas tank when it is freezing outside.
Today my mom moment was this: while my little cherubs are sleeping, I was running around cleaning toilets, doing laundry, starting dinner (thank you, Crock Pot), making phone calls - all working towards being able to do 30 minutes of yoga.
And then: I smashed my finger in the laundry room door. Like smashed my finger. As in, it's bleeding.
And for a moment I wanted someone to rush to my side like we do for our kids when they get an a smashed finger or a stubbed toe. But then - I had my mom moment.
I hope your fingers are all intact.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
On the 2nd day of Christmas...
Oh, I know - the song really is talking about the 12 days after Christmas - but just go with me on this.
It's December 14, and it's 60 degrees out and sunny. Mind you, this morning, it was 40 and the sky was pitch black and it was raining. Hello, mid-west, I love your temperamental weather! The saving grace? You can actually see the weather rolling in across the plains. Beautiful and cool, it's also just plain great when you're deciding what to wear in the morning and if you need a jacket (light weight) or a coat (pull on the parka!).
Our tree is up and decorated, and Nate loves the lights on it. In fact, every time we turn on the lights, he says "Oh, wow!" I'm thankful that he hasn't pulled it over, tried to climb up it, etc.
Brooke started smiling this week and it's the sweetest smile. (Perhaps, I am a little bit partial. Just perhaps.) Her eyelashes are getting darker and she hasn't lost much of her hair; her eyes are a beautiful blue, and while I know according to the doctor it's too soon to tell if her eyes will stay blue, but I'll tell you this: I'm pretty sure she's going to have the same gorgeous blue eyes that Nate does. Lucky girl.
Yesterday, as we have done most Tuesdays, we went for a walk with my sister in the morning. Have I mentioned lately how much I am loving doing little things with my sister, as well as taking in "family moments" with them too? By family moments, I mean doing photo worth things like going to get a Christmas tree and cut it down. But sometimes, the most spirit-restoring moments are just laughing really hard with her over a cup of tea in the kitchen. I love it.
Last week we went Christmas shopping at 9 o'clock at night. The kids were sleeping, Greg was studying, and we went Christmas shopping. It was wonderful (and not at all crowded!), and so much fun.
Oh - and did you know Christmas is next week?!!? Time to get wrapping. =)
It's December 14, and it's 60 degrees out and sunny. Mind you, this morning, it was 40 and the sky was pitch black and it was raining. Hello, mid-west, I love your temperamental weather! The saving grace? You can actually see the weather rolling in across the plains. Beautiful and cool, it's also just plain great when you're deciding what to wear in the morning and if you need a jacket (light weight) or a coat (pull on the parka!).
Our tree is up and decorated, and Nate loves the lights on it. In fact, every time we turn on the lights, he says "Oh, wow!" I'm thankful that he hasn't pulled it over, tried to climb up it, etc.
Brooke started smiling this week and it's the sweetest smile. (Perhaps, I am a little bit partial. Just perhaps.) Her eyelashes are getting darker and she hasn't lost much of her hair; her eyes are a beautiful blue, and while I know according to the doctor it's too soon to tell if her eyes will stay blue, but I'll tell you this: I'm pretty sure she's going to have the same gorgeous blue eyes that Nate does. Lucky girl.
Yesterday, as we have done most Tuesdays, we went for a walk with my sister in the morning. Have I mentioned lately how much I am loving doing little things with my sister, as well as taking in "family moments" with them too? By family moments, I mean doing photo worth things like going to get a Christmas tree and cut it down. But sometimes, the most spirit-restoring moments are just laughing really hard with her over a cup of tea in the kitchen. I love it.
Last week we went Christmas shopping at 9 o'clock at night. The kids were sleeping, Greg was studying, and we went Christmas shopping. It was wonderful (and not at all crowded!), and so much fun.
Oh - and did you know Christmas is next week?!!? Time to get wrapping. =)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
3 redeeming moments for the crazy ones
Just when you think crazy has won the crown of the day, my crazy toddler has these kind of redeeming moments:
1. He found Brooke's binky in the living room and while I was changing her diaper/folding laundry, he scaled the side of the crib (that's another posting), and offered it to her. Also, when she was crying, he brought her the stuffed turtle that we have. That's love.
2. In a moment where I just needed 10 minutes to myself to do crazy things like take a shower and the dishes (yes, both things needed to be done in ten minutes. I'm telling you: productivity goes up a notch when you're a mom), he brought me a book to read him a story, wanted to snuggle up with a blanket and read, and gave Brooke a kiss.
3. Every time we leave Sarah's house, he gives kisses or cuddles to her kids. It's heart melting to see such care between the kids. Most of the time, Lance and JP settle for a high-five, but every single time, Seth gives Nate a hug. It's a special bond between those two - I know it already and I love it.
1. He found Brooke's binky in the living room and while I was changing her diaper/folding laundry, he scaled the side of the crib (that's another posting), and offered it to her. Also, when she was crying, he brought her the stuffed turtle that we have. That's love.
3. Every time we leave Sarah's house, he gives kisses or cuddles to her kids. It's heart melting to see such care between the kids. Most of the time, Lance and JP settle for a high-five, but every single time, Seth gives Nate a hug. It's a special bond between those two - I know it already and I love it.
5 crazy things you don't anticpate about a day...
But when you have a toddler (or a Nate), you should totally plan for.
1. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, your toddler might get hungry. And so, he'll wake up. What you don't expect is for him to open the door to his bedroom, walk down the hallway, open the fridge and start to open a yogurt. At 3 in the morning.
2. Often, you and your toddler will battle wills over things that are not okay to do (like throwing magnets). What you do not expect is for your toddler to close his eyes, turn his chin up and very clearly pronounce "No!". And then fall into a million little giggles. (It's the giggles that saves him.)
3. When you insist on staying in bed just for five more minutes, but your toddler insists that 6am is the perfect time to stay his play day, you may have an suspicion that he may need some help. What you do not anticipate is for there to be a small "uh-oh" from another room in the house (remember, you're not sure which one, because you're still snuggled under the covers), and when you go looking for him after five more minutes of him calling "uh-oh", you find him standing on the desk unable to get down because in the process of getting up, he inadvertently pushed the chair too far away from the desk.
4. While you're making dinner, you are silently rejoicing at the wonderful quiet, polite playing with his toys that your toddler is currently engaged in. What you cannot anticipate is for that quiet play to actually be in the bathroom (how did he get from one room tot he other so fast?!?!) and you know this is true when he comes toddling down the hallway with a full bottle of soap ... without the cap on. And who knows where the cap went to. (Now the silent rejoicing is that none of the soap spilled. Miraculously.)
5. In the event you are bold enough to take your toddler (inevitably, you will also have other kids, too) to a restaurant, you know that you will encounter food and toys on the floor, some louder-than-you'd-like-it-to-be yelps, and persistence to not eat the dinner you'd ordered for your toddler. What you cannot anticipate is that the car you've given your toddler to amuse himself while you finish stuffing your face (because at this point, that's what "eating" has amounted to) has now become the coolest flying car. And it has flown right into another diner's dinner. Bumper on the car side up. (Thank goodness the other dining is also dining with children. And boys at that.)
True stories, my friends, all true. You can't make these things up! If you're wondering why it's been so long since I've emailed/called/caught up with you, it may be because any of the reasons above. =)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
(Almost) One Month in
Brooke will be four weeks old on Friday, and the pace around here has been non stop! (Seriously, though, were you expecting something else? This house rocks at at least a mach 1 pace - on a slow day.)
We were blessed to have my mom in town for the few days (ok, it was a week - and boy did I need her here for that full week!) before Brooke arrived, and then she was able to stay with us for 12 days after Brooke was born. She was amazing at giving me peace of mind, and a little extra rest. There were a few mornings that Brooke and I slept in until 9am, and Nate and my mom had already been up, eaten breakfast, gone for a walk, played on the playground, built towers with Legos, and were reading stories. Yes, all before 9am. It's remarkable. And I'm so thankful that she was here for our extra energy little monkey. I have to admit, I was wondering as she was getting into the taxi back to the airport if we would eat dinner (ever) in the next couple of weeks - rest assured, we have and will continue to!
Let's just say this: juggling two is so much different.
12 hours didn't go by without family in our house! Greg's parents flew into town for a quick weekend to meet Brooke and see how much Nate has grown (oh, and to visit with us, too, I suppose. Though as most parents will tell you: you certainly play second fiddle to your kiddos - happily! - at least until they are sleeping sweetly.) It was great to show them around our little community and the base, and for them to see all the places that we (often ruefully) refer to... all in all, a great first two weeks of November!
[Secretly, I think we really boosted Enid, America's tourist numbers for the month of November. And the fun hasn't stopped yet. Remember: there are still 6 days left in the month!]
Sarah, Joe, and the Fab 5 arrived back "home" to Enid last week, and in the four days that they have been home, Nate has been thrilled to have the kids back, and I must say that I am loving having my sister back. We were able to see Joe in a whirlwind visit before he left for his deployment; we know, and are so thankful for, the blessing that we all get to be here during this year.
Tonight/tomorrow more family arrives! (We simply cannot get enough.) Mimi and Pater, my grandparents, as well as my aunt and her family decided to spend Thanksgiving with us in Enid, America (see? I told you: Enid will soon be changing it's town motto to note that it is rapidly rising to be one of the most sought after destinations in America. Have you booked your visit here yet?!?!)
We are looking forward to a family-filled weekend and surely, the kids must be too: there will be nine kids from aged 4 weeks to 12 years!
And how are we doing? Well, we are sleep deprived, and limping along most days on a few hours of sleep - thank goodness for naptimes! But, I think we are doing well.
Brooke is growing beautifully: she is 9 pounds and 12 ounces, and sleeps pretty well - though she is also a terrific eater, so the sleep thing is relative. She is already getting some funny expressions and she's talkative, cooing plenty especially right before bedtime. I imagine this is her decompressing the day: "Did you see when my big brother jumped off the couch? And what's with him making forts with the couch cushions?! Also - Mom, please remember a hair bow in my hair in the morning. These locks need a little bling."
Nate continues to defy gravity and redefine what it means to be a monkey. He's mastered a few phrases (notably, and most frequently used: "Snack!" "Peese" (that' s please), "A show..." (for when he would like to watch Curious George), "outsiiiiide" and "shoes", "truck" (which also applies to tractors), and of course, "woah" and "oooooh.") He makes us laugh and also makes us raise an eyebrow. He's really sweet to Brooke, and there is nothing more heart warming.
Greg continues to fly a lot and study even more... we're happy this is a short week so that we can see him a bit more than usual!
Pictures and more after the holiday. We wish you and yours a warm, family filled holiday. Blessings to you!
We were blessed to have my mom in town for the few days (ok, it was a week - and boy did I need her here for that full week!) before Brooke arrived, and then she was able to stay with us for 12 days after Brooke was born. She was amazing at giving me peace of mind, and a little extra rest. There were a few mornings that Brooke and I slept in until 9am, and Nate and my mom had already been up, eaten breakfast, gone for a walk, played on the playground, built towers with Legos, and were reading stories. Yes, all before 9am. It's remarkable. And I'm so thankful that she was here for our extra energy little monkey. I have to admit, I was wondering as she was getting into the taxi back to the airport if we would eat dinner (ever) in the next couple of weeks - rest assured, we have and will continue to!
Let's just say this: juggling two is so much different.
12 hours didn't go by without family in our house! Greg's parents flew into town for a quick weekend to meet Brooke and see how much Nate has grown (oh, and to visit with us, too, I suppose. Though as most parents will tell you: you certainly play second fiddle to your kiddos - happily! - at least until they are sleeping sweetly.) It was great to show them around our little community and the base, and for them to see all the places that we (often ruefully) refer to... all in all, a great first two weeks of November!
[Secretly, I think we really boosted Enid, America's tourist numbers for the month of November. And the fun hasn't stopped yet. Remember: there are still 6 days left in the month!]
Sarah, Joe, and the Fab 5 arrived back "home" to Enid last week, and in the four days that they have been home, Nate has been thrilled to have the kids back, and I must say that I am loving having my sister back. We were able to see Joe in a whirlwind visit before he left for his deployment; we know, and are so thankful for, the blessing that we all get to be here during this year.
Tonight/tomorrow more family arrives! (We simply cannot get enough.) Mimi and Pater, my grandparents, as well as my aunt and her family decided to spend Thanksgiving with us in Enid, America (see? I told you: Enid will soon be changing it's town motto to note that it is rapidly rising to be one of the most sought after destinations in America. Have you booked your visit here yet?!?!)
We are looking forward to a family-filled weekend and surely, the kids must be too: there will be nine kids from aged 4 weeks to 12 years!
And how are we doing? Well, we are sleep deprived, and limping along most days on a few hours of sleep - thank goodness for naptimes! But, I think we are doing well.
Brooke is growing beautifully: she is 9 pounds and 12 ounces, and sleeps pretty well - though she is also a terrific eater, so the sleep thing is relative. She is already getting some funny expressions and she's talkative, cooing plenty especially right before bedtime. I imagine this is her decompressing the day: "Did you see when my big brother jumped off the couch? And what's with him making forts with the couch cushions?! Also - Mom, please remember a hair bow in my hair in the morning. These locks need a little bling."
Nate continues to defy gravity and redefine what it means to be a monkey. He's mastered a few phrases (notably, and most frequently used: "Snack!" "Peese" (that' s please), "A show..." (for when he would like to watch Curious George), "outsiiiiide" and "shoes", "truck" (which also applies to tractors), and of course, "woah" and "oooooh.") He makes us laugh and also makes us raise an eyebrow. He's really sweet to Brooke, and there is nothing more heart warming.
Greg continues to fly a lot and study even more... we're happy this is a short week so that we can see him a bit more than usual!
Pictures and more after the holiday. We wish you and yours a warm, family filled holiday. Blessings to you!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Our mission
In one week, we unknowingly set out to accomplish a mighty mission: tackle as many major life events as possible. That's right, between October 28 and November 4, our family has leaped and bounded into becoming a family of four, with a solo-ed pilot.
What? I know. It's a lot to take in. I get that. Here are the (impressive) details.
We are thrilled to welcome our baby girl to the family. Brooke Caroline Gause was born on October 28.
She is an excellent eater and sleeper, and is winning a special place in her brother's heart every day (today he gave her two kisses!). She is a light of our life, and a beautiful sweet addition to our family.
Greg passed the first major milestone of pilot training and solo-ed on Friday! There was great rejoicing by all, and Nate and I werre thrilled to able to stand on the flightline to watch him take off, land and park. We couldn't be more proud!
What? I know. It's a lot to take in. I get that. Here are the (impressive) details.
We are thrilled to welcome our baby girl to the family. Brooke Caroline Gause was born on October 28.
She is an excellent eater and sleeper, and is winning a special place in her brother's heart every day (today he gave her two kisses!). She is a light of our life, and a beautiful sweet addition to our family.
Greg passed the first major milestone of pilot training and solo-ed on Friday! There was great rejoicing by all, and Nate and I werre thrilled to able to stand on the flightline to watch him take off, land and park. We couldn't be more proud!
Remember that part about that I mentioned about the pilot world being laden in tradition? Here's another one. After your solo, your classmates gather 'round to congratulate you - and make sure you don't escape! The real reason they greet you plane-side after you've solo-ed is to ensure they can congratulate you by throwing you into the dunk tank. What I mean by "dunk tank" is a shallow metal pool that is traditionally painted by the class. It's filled once with water - and then it sits there. So, for Greg, the water was ice cold (thanks to Oklahoma's new-found autumn weather), and algae green. Delightful. The tradition is to throw you in, clothes and all. Also part of the tradition? Trying to escape. If you successfully escape - that is, you make it back to the flight room where you prep for your flights - everyone owes you a six pack. (They still dunk you, but they also owe you a six pack.)
Here's the clip of Greg getting ready to fly and pulling out of his parking spot to get ready for take off and also his trip to the dunk tank.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Pumpkin Patch
We ventured to Enid, America's nearest legitimate pumpkin patch this weekend. It's about 30 minutes from us (as the crow flies, or 6 minutes if you're flying an airplane, Greg tells me), and while you're driving there, you think "Surely, we've passed it. There is nothing out here." And then, lo and behold, there is it: a few haphazard signs dotting the road 15 feet before the drive way and then, bam!, turn left and park.Let me first note though that was our second attempt in going. Last weekend, we wanted to go, but when I called to double check their hours on a Sunday (always a good thing to do here in Enid, America) the gentleman that answered the phone said, "Open? Today? Well, ma'am. It's raining." Which means no, they are in fact not open. (What happened to rain coats? And boots?)
Anyway, I digress. Admittedly, this place advertises that they are a corn maze with a pumpkin patch.
1. They charge $7 to get in (that's before you buy pumpkins. Which start at $2 a pop for the littlest ones!)
2. The gentleman that takes your money tells you all about their farm and the 5 different mazes they have this year. (There really are only 5 - though it sounds like more because he details how each one has more than on exit.)
3. As he is telling you about the farm and pointing out mazes, your eyes scan to the corn maze and you think to yourself, "Really? That's the maze, huh?" And you think this because you realize that it's really only a corn maze for Nate because the corn is much taller than he is. (Quickly, the man taking your money tells you the corn is not actually corn. He calls it "city corn" and he notes that it's not very tall this year because of the drought. Ok, fair enough.)
4. Only as his spiel is winding up does he mention the pumpkin patch. Way at the back of the farm. And then he says, "If you want to get a pumpkin, come let us know and we'll get a knife and cut if off the vine for you. They are still growin', those pumpkins."
My initial reaction was pleasant surprise - I love that the pumpkins aren't already cut, just sitting in the field. I feel like that's a deceptive pumpkin patch. This pumpkin patch is a real pumpkin patch, where the earth has been tilled so that good natural beautiful pumpkins can grow. And my sweet little boy and pick one out from where they grow!And then we got to the pumpkin patch. And I realized how fortunate we are in Washington to have Ed, who so kindly offers for us to come to his house, pick our pumpkins from his fields and taken them home. In his fields, there are pumpkins so big, you can sit on them! And there are tiny little pumpkins, perfect for small little hands to pick out and carry. And there are always so many!
There could not have been more than 100 pumpkins in the patch we went to on Saturday. And most of them were green in some way. Also, it's odd to pick out pumpkins when it is 80 degrees, and the dirt is dry and dusty.
But, we picked out four beauties (well, three pumpkins and a green and white striped gourd - it's gourd-geous!). When we took them to the table to pay for them, they said "Wow! Did you leave any in the field?!!?" Four pumpkins. No, three and a gourd.
Truthfully, though, Nate had a great time running around.
We may have to go to the church "pumpkin patch" (i.e., picked pumpkins that are displayed in front of a church in town, artistically displayed on hay bales) in town to get some good pumpkin patch pictures with Nate, though.
Oh, Enid, America - we love your quirkiness.
37, 38, 39...
Ready or not (actually, we are favouring the "ready"): today I am 39 weeks pregnant with our wee one.
Everywhere I go - truly, everywhere - someone strikes this conversation:
Person: "When are you due?"
Me: "October 24."
Person: "Oh, my! You're so small! I can't believe you're due so soon!"
Here are a few things to remember: a person who is due "so soon" does not, in fact, feel small. I do, rather, feel like an enormous hippopotamus. I think it takes me a full 5 minutes to rise from any seated/laying/non-standing position.
This is also not the time to inform me in detail of the anguish that you experience in having your child. Nor is it the time to regale me with the story of your terrible OB/GYN, hospital, nurse, etc. In a short while, these people will be assisting in bringing this little life into the world, and I'd like to have as much confidence in the profession as possible.
Also, when we (I say "we" because normally Nate is with me) see someone we know, the remark is often, "Wow! You still haven't had that baby yet?!?!"
No, but thanks for the reminder. I was starting to wonder about the large, basketball-sized squirming bundle of joy protruding out of the front of me. Thanks for clearing up that the baby has in fact not yet been born.
Now, I totally understand and appreciate that it's a just a way of starting conversation, and I get that. (In fact, I may even fall into that trap sometimes too because you want to say something, but you don't know what to say.) But when even your maternity pants are snug and the (few) maternity shirts you own are not quite covering the belly... any reminder that you have not had the baby (thus giving the baby more time to grow, and for you to grow out of your maternity clothes even more!) is really not the better road to walk. Instead, find a great glass of sweet tea and pass it my way. Or a Snickers bar. Or anything with peanut butter.
Everywhere I go - truly, everywhere - someone strikes this conversation:
Person: "When are you due?"
Me: "October 24."
Person: "Oh, my! You're so small! I can't believe you're due so soon!"
This is also not the time to inform me in detail of the anguish that you experience in having your child. Nor is it the time to regale me with the story of your terrible OB/GYN, hospital, nurse, etc. In a short while, these people will be assisting in bringing this little life into the world, and I'd like to have as much confidence in the profession as possible.
Also, when we (I say "we" because normally Nate is with me) see someone we know, the remark is often, "Wow! You still haven't had that baby yet?!?!"
No, but thanks for the reminder. I was starting to wonder about the large, basketball-sized squirming bundle of joy protruding out of the front of me. Thanks for clearing up that the baby has in fact not yet been born.
Now, I totally understand and appreciate that it's a just a way of starting conversation, and I get that. (In fact, I may even fall into that trap sometimes too because you want to say something, but you don't know what to say.) But when even your maternity pants are snug and the (few) maternity shirts you own are not quite covering the belly... any reminder that you have not had the baby (thus giving the baby more time to grow, and for you to grow out of your maternity clothes even more!) is really not the better road to walk. Instead, find a great glass of sweet tea and pass it my way. Or a Snickers bar. Or anything with peanut butter.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday
On the weekend, we went to Wichita - which I will probably forevermore call Wild Wichita, because let's face it: who would have thought that in Wichita (no, in Kansas!) that you could feed giraffes, a rhino (Indian Rhino, if you please. They also have an African Rhino, but you can only feed the Indian Rhino), tortoises, lemurs, pet and feed kangaroos, and run up and down the fence line while a cheetah mimics you on the other side of the (all too short) fence? It's try, folks. Put Wichita on your vacation list.
Or, at least if you're in Enid, America visiting us, insist on going to Wichita. It's a pretty cool place.
We also went to the botanical gardens and Nate had a blast exploring the brand new children's garden, complete with a vegetable garden that you pump your own water to water the plants, musical garden, koi pond, and giant tree house.
It was a lovely weekend away, and so needed. It was a treat for us all - four days off for Greg, which meant two of the days we could head up to Wichita, explore and relax, and then he could still get two full days of studying in.
In other news:
12 days until baby day is here. Mind you, that doesn't necessarily mean that the baby will be here in 12 days, (optimistically, it could be before! Ha, not likely, if Nate's arrival is anything for us to go by...), but is does mean that every day (and every swift kick in the ribs!) we are one day closer to meeting this little one.
But I need a few more days. My sweet little boy has another ear infection and this time it's coupled with what looks to be the start of pneumonia. I need some time to cuddle him and get him back on the road to recovery before our little one makes its debut. And I think that God has that noted. At least I hope so...
Greg had flight number 6 today and it went well. A mere 7 or 8 flights to go before he solos!
I had the spouses of Greg's classmates over tonight for a little get together. It was lovely to get to know them a bit more.
And: since today it was only 70 degrees, I made a pot of hot apple cider. Wishful thinking for crisp fall days? I think so. (Though I am loving the no coat weather still!)
Or, at least if you're in Enid, America visiting us, insist on going to Wichita. It's a pretty cool place.
We also went to the botanical gardens and Nate had a blast exploring the brand new children's garden, complete with a vegetable garden that you pump your own water to water the plants, musical garden, koi pond, and giant tree house.
It was a lovely weekend away, and so needed. It was a treat for us all - four days off for Greg, which meant two of the days we could head up to Wichita, explore and relax, and then he could still get two full days of studying in.
In other news:
12 days until baby day is here. Mind you, that doesn't necessarily mean that the baby will be here in 12 days, (optimistically, it could be before! Ha, not likely, if Nate's arrival is anything for us to go by...), but is does mean that every day (and every swift kick in the ribs!) we are one day closer to meeting this little one.
But I need a few more days. My sweet little boy has another ear infection and this time it's coupled with what looks to be the start of pneumonia. I need some time to cuddle him and get him back on the road to recovery before our little one makes its debut. And I think that God has that noted. At least I hope so...
Greg had flight number 6 today and it went well. A mere 7 or 8 flights to go before he solos!
I had the spouses of Greg's classmates over tonight for a little get together. It was lovely to get to know them a bit more.
And: since today it was only 70 degrees, I made a pot of hot apple cider. Wishful thinking for crisp fall days? I think so. (Though I am loving the no coat weather still!)
(untitled)
I have had this scene from The Terminal running through my head the last few days:
Tom Hanks (Viktor) just found out he has to stay in the international terminal, and is given food vouchers for meals. They blow off his table as a hurried passenger rushes by, and the cleaning man, Gupta, sweeps them into the trash. Viktor follows him - doggedly - to retrieve the vouchers, and Gupta swats him away from "his" trash. This is how I am remembering the dialouge:
"Get away from my trash! This is my trash and my job. Do not take that from me. You have to have an appointment to look at things on my cart. Do you have an appointment?"
"Appointment?"
"Yes! An appointment!"
"No. When I can come back?"
"I have an opening next Thursday."
Some days - this is how I feel like things are going around here.
Tom Hanks (Viktor) just found out he has to stay in the international terminal, and is given food vouchers for meals. They blow off his table as a hurried passenger rushes by, and the cleaning man, Gupta, sweeps them into the trash. Viktor follows him - doggedly - to retrieve the vouchers, and Gupta swats him away from "his" trash. This is how I am remembering the dialouge:
"Get away from my trash! This is my trash and my job. Do not take that from me. You have to have an appointment to look at things on my cart. Do you have an appointment?"
"Appointment?"
"Yes! An appointment!"
"No. When I can come back?"
"I have an opening next Thursday."
Some days - this is how I feel like things are going around here.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Mid-week funnies
Here's [just one] thing that I think we'll completely need to rely on during this [mildly chaotic] year of pilot training. True, Greg and I will be put to the test, I'm sure [and in completely different ways. his tests are graded. Mine... well, I think my tests will be a test of the wills between this momma and a certain nearly-two-year old. I digress.] but I think we will both rely on recounting the days with a good measure of laughter.
Here's a wrap up on the latest things that are bringing us levity around our house:
Here's a wrap up on the latest things that are bringing us levity around our house:
- Nate has found that he is a gifted harmonica player. Even at 7am.
- Multiple times people have asked if we are available for a playdate or a pre-Halloween activity, and I say "Yeah, that sounds great. Our calendar is clear!" - completely spacing on the fact that, no, the calendar may not in fact be clear. I very well could be having a baby.
- When cleaning out the car this week [that's on my to-do list for the impending arrival of our expected babe] Nate was happily playing with the wide assortment of toys that scatter the patio. In a flash, I looked up and he was gone. No were to be seen. My heart, pounding a bit in my chest, and my voice progressively getting louder as I call his name. I started walking to our neighbours house where Nate popped his head out of the back door, waved, smiled and said "Hey!" Yes, well, hello to you, too. Next time let me know you're going next door...
- This week, when Nate's diaper is full, he pats his bum and says "Uh Oh" with great clarity. He'll happily run back to his room to have his diaper changed, but when is comes to actually changing the diaper (i.e., he lays down) the world immediately crumbles and he is consumed with breath-gasping sobs.
- Speaking of diapers and things that are in them... tonight, Greg had the privilege [I say it's a privilege because I have already had this opportunity at least a half-dozen times] of discovering that Nate pooped in the tub during a bath. Standing over the tub, perplexed, he turned to me and said "How do you get it out? Wait, actually, I think I have to really get some studying in." The best part? Greg's reaction when Nate proceeded to lay belly down in the tub and "swim." Priceless. [No to worry: everyone, including the tub, got a proper scrubbing.]
Monday, September 26, 2011
Autumn is nigh?
Well, I think I'm in the clear when I say this: gone are the triple digits (until next June). Yes, I think - perhaps - autumn is rounding the corner and coming to a central-plains-state near you. Er, me. What I'm trying to say is: it's almost fall! I can feel it! The weather is so pleasant (not yet fall-crisp, but pleasant) and it's practically refreshing to be outside these days. That makes for one happy little camper in Nate.
Other things that we have been up to lately:
1. I finally hung the last few pictures on the wall. This is how I know that we are done moving. Normally, pictures on the walls are the first thing I do - I helps me feel immediately settled and like the white-walled, white-carpeted house is really our home.
2. Nate is trying really hard to convince us that we might need a dog. Soon. I think we have met every dog (and so, their owners, too) in a three block radius. He's really not afraid of them, and even welcomes the (inevitable) lick on the face. He thinks it's hilarious. And he spots them like a hawk! When we're walking, if he sees a dog or hears one barking, he points and immediately notes that a dog says "woof, woof."
He's getting really good at all his animal noises, too.
3. We toured the hospital where we will welcome our next little bundle of joy. It occured to me that we should do this, and Greg concurred - especially given that the arrival of the baby is due to be just four weeks away. It's a nice spot, and the nurse assured us that we'll get a Stork Dinner before going home. Our choice: steak or chicken kiev. How delightful. (And I was just thinking about how the first thing I wanted to eat after having Nate was a Jamba Juice smoothie. Too bad the closest Jamba Juice is almost 2 hours away... =))
4. This also means that I made a "Get Serious- We're Having a Baby List." So, today, I cleaned out the car. Also on the list, find all the newborn clothes (it's in one of these clear plastic totes...) get a few warmer newborn sized hats (since this babe will arrive just before the winter season in OK), and get another set of sheets for the other crib.
Oh, and get some newobrn sized diapers. Hm.
5. Greg is finishing up his last week of (round one) Academics. Yep - in about a week, he'll have his Dollar Ride: that's the first ride in the plane here at pilot training. The idea is that you give the instructor a dollar for the "ride" since you do none of the actual flying. It's the only free pass you get before being graded on your flying skills. And as with most things in the flying community, it comes with much tradition.
Other things that we have been up to lately:
1. I finally hung the last few pictures on the wall. This is how I know that we are done moving. Normally, pictures on the walls are the first thing I do - I helps me feel immediately settled and like the white-walled, white-carpeted house is really our home.
2. Nate is trying really hard to convince us that we might need a dog. Soon. I think we have met every dog (and so, their owners, too) in a three block radius. He's really not afraid of them, and even welcomes the (inevitable) lick on the face. He thinks it's hilarious. And he spots them like a hawk! When we're walking, if he sees a dog or hears one barking, he points and immediately notes that a dog says "woof, woof."
He's getting really good at all his animal noises, too.
3. We toured the hospital where we will welcome our next little bundle of joy. It occured to me that we should do this, and Greg concurred - especially given that the arrival of the baby is due to be just four weeks away. It's a nice spot, and the nurse assured us that we'll get a Stork Dinner before going home. Our choice: steak or chicken kiev. How delightful. (And I was just thinking about how the first thing I wanted to eat after having Nate was a Jamba Juice smoothie. Too bad the closest Jamba Juice is almost 2 hours away... =))
4. This also means that I made a "Get Serious- We're Having a Baby List." So, today, I cleaned out the car. Also on the list, find all the newborn clothes (it's in one of these clear plastic totes...) get a few warmer newborn sized hats (since this babe will arrive just before the winter season in OK), and get another set of sheets for the other crib.
Oh, and get some newobrn sized diapers. Hm.
5. Greg is finishing up his last week of (round one) Academics. Yep - in about a week, he'll have his Dollar Ride: that's the first ride in the plane here at pilot training. The idea is that you give the instructor a dollar for the "ride" since you do none of the actual flying. It's the only free pass you get before being graded on your flying skills. And as with most things in the flying community, it comes with much tradition.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Some photos...
The dog days of summer are nearing an end (or at least that's what the calendar tells me... these temperatures indicate something entirely different...) so I thought I'd post a few pictures of what we've been up to lately.
We go to the park!
And we painted on the patio! (This is our future Michaelangelo - or maybe Jackson Pollock? - quite proud of his handiwork. 
Sounds of our house
When you're in a new place, you hear all the new sounds - things that, nine times out of ten, are totally meaningless, but for some reason startle you awake in a hurry.
The soundtrack of our house lately has been an interesting one. I'd like to say that we are gently lulled to sleep by the sweet singing of crickets and cicadas. I'd like to say that the breeze that arrived yesterday (a real breeze, by the way, not just more hot air blowing) rustles through the trees and tickles us into dreamland.
Sadly, this is instead what we are hearing tonight:
1. The ridiculous air conditioner that, I'm not kidding you, sounds like a C-17 is actually landing in the living room. If a landing C-17 is an unfamiliar sound to you, think of a 747 or an jetliner. Now, think of it landing in your living room.
2. A very persistent cricket. I thought that by cutting hte grass shorter, it would find another spot to live it or at the very least camp out in. Turns out, he's quite happy here. Greg thinks he actually climbs in through the window at night and parks his little noisy ways on the night stand next to our bed.
3. And the most heartbreaking sound: our little tiger with a wicked terrible cough. He's fighting a double ear infection, and the cough is part of it for him. It's everything I can do to not just sit next to his crib. (Though last night, I did. From 4-6am until he fell back asleep.)
Wish us restful sleep tonight. Please.
The soundtrack of our house lately has been an interesting one. I'd like to say that we are gently lulled to sleep by the sweet singing of crickets and cicadas. I'd like to say that the breeze that arrived yesterday (a real breeze, by the way, not just more hot air blowing) rustles through the trees and tickles us into dreamland.
Sadly, this is instead what we are hearing tonight:
1. The ridiculous air conditioner that, I'm not kidding you, sounds like a C-17 is actually landing in the living room. If a landing C-17 is an unfamiliar sound to you, think of a 747 or an jetliner. Now, think of it landing in your living room.
2. A very persistent cricket. I thought that by cutting hte grass shorter, it would find another spot to live it or at the very least camp out in. Turns out, he's quite happy here. Greg thinks he actually climbs in through the window at night and parks his little noisy ways on the night stand next to our bed.
3. And the most heartbreaking sound: our little tiger with a wicked terrible cough. He's fighting a double ear infection, and the cough is part of it for him. It's everything I can do to not just sit next to his crib. (Though last night, I did. From 4-6am until he fell back asleep.)
Wish us restful sleep tonight. Please.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Kickin' up our boots in the Big City
Today, we went to Oklahoma City. 'Round these parts, we just call it The City. Because, well, even though Enid is Oklahoma's 4th largest city (fifth on game day, when Norman is one of the more populous cities in the state), there are plenty of things that we don't have here.
Like Jamba Juice. It used to be that I would request a 2 hour drive to Portland for really delicious frozen yogurt before Tacoma opened up a small shop of their own. Now, I am completely envisioning my requests to go to The City for the nearest Jamba Juice. Thankfully, Greg's eyes usually light up and he happily obliges.
Also, we walked most of the city. No, really. We parked near the Oklahoma City National Monument, commemorating the OKC bombings in April of 1995, and walked clear to Bricktown and the Botanical Gardens. It was, may I use insert here, a lovely day for a walk - mid 80s!
It seemed fitting for us to walk though the OKC memorial on this weekend. Nice not to be caught up in the hundreds of specials on tv or reports on the radio (though This American Life on NPR today was a good listen, I thought.) but just to walk in a bit of calm through a really well done memorial and to reflect. And it was nice to do this all together as a family.
Then, we found a fountain and Nate promptly began climbing out of the stroller. So, we stripped him of his clothes, left him clad in a diaper, and he ran through the fountain for a solid 30 minutes.
Ah, yes, the joy of being a kid. Not a care in the world...
Like Jamba Juice. It used to be that I would request a 2 hour drive to Portland for really delicious frozen yogurt before Tacoma opened up a small shop of their own. Now, I am completely envisioning my requests to go to The City for the nearest Jamba Juice. Thankfully, Greg's eyes usually light up and he happily obliges.
Also, we walked most of the city. No, really. We parked near the Oklahoma City National Monument, commemorating the OKC bombings in April of 1995, and walked clear to Bricktown and the Botanical Gardens. It was, may I use insert here, a lovely day for a walk - mid 80s!
It seemed fitting for us to walk though the OKC memorial on this weekend. Nice not to be caught up in the hundreds of specials on tv or reports on the radio (though This American Life on NPR today was a good listen, I thought.) but just to walk in a bit of calm through a really well done memorial and to reflect. And it was nice to do this all together as a family.
Then, we found a fountain and Nate promptly began climbing out of the stroller. So, we stripped him of his clothes, left him clad in a diaper, and he ran through the fountain for a solid 30 minutes.
Ah, yes, the joy of being a kid. Not a care in the world...
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
More photos!
More photos from our advenutres in Oklahoma.
Our trip to the Great Salt Plains. Really, it's the most un-Oklahoma place I've seen yet! And we got to dig for crystals. The kids LOVED it.
On the swings at Roman Nose State Park.
First grade, pilot style
As promised, some pictures from our latest adventures in Oklahoma. So, I thought I would start this photos of the reason why we are here.
Wait - first, an aside. On one of my flights home from Portland (did I tell you there were three flights and four airports? Peanuts do no tide a hungry boy over that long. Thank goodness that mom-bag-of-snacks was still fully stocked.) I was asked who my husband, the pilot, flies for. I said "America" and the guy said, "Oh, they've really gone down hill recently. I used to like to fly with them, but I feel like I'm always on a tiny airplane now." I smiled, and said, "No, no, not American. He flies for America. He's in the Air Force."
Ok, on to the photos. As part of the introductory part of training, student pilots spend a bit of time with Aerospace Physiologists (who do lots of cool things.) These photos are from Greg's first "chamber ride." It's a time when they practice going up in altitude - without ever leaving the ground.
Wait - first, an aside. On one of my flights home from Portland (did I tell you there were three flights and four airports? Peanuts do no tide a hungry boy over that long. Thank goodness that mom-bag-of-snacks was still fully stocked.) I was asked who my husband, the pilot, flies for. I said "America" and the guy said, "Oh, they've really gone down hill recently. I used to like to fly with them, but I feel like I'm always on a tiny airplane now." I smiled, and said, "No, no, not American. He flies for America. He's in the Air Force."
Ok, on to the photos. As part of the introductory part of training, student pilots spend a bit of time with Aerospace Physiologists (who do lots of cool things.) These photos are from Greg's first "chamber ride." It's a time when they practice going up in altitude - without ever leaving the ground.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Grounded (for now)
Happily, we made it home from our west coast sojourn. Nate and I flew west for Audrie's wedding (and with it, a family reunion on various levels: my parents came, Greg's parents and brother came, and then, of course, the friend family came. I love seeing family) and took in a good, crisp dose of West Coast for a while.
At 33 weeks pregnant, it'll be a little while before I fly again. That means this (flying) travel bug is grounded. For a little bit. I'll have you know that this gives me every reason to hit the road with wheels and explore The Middle of America. (I capitalized that on purpose - the middle of this country is so spacious I think it might just warrant some capitalization.) Today, we went to a great state park. Perhaps it was made lovelier that it's not 100+ degrees out.
I have plenty of pictures to upload from our Oklahoma adventure thus far, and of course, our amazing weekend in Portland.
But have I told you about our Internet saga? (Imagine me folding, dramatically in half in the style of a certain 17-month old who has learned that no, in fact, mom does not want him climbing on top of the table. Thank-you-very-much. Yes, I am having that kind of a dramatic fit.) It's taken us two weeks to learn that: we don't (or didn't until last week) have a phone line to our house! (and yes, we need a phone line for the Internet in Enid, America), they shipped the hardware - that's the modem, etc. - to the last place we lived in Washington, and they are still working to see if we can actually get service to our house. "Hello, Internet company? 2011 called and it wants Greg and Colleen to be living in this millennium. "
I am thankful for unsecured wireless connections. The neighbours on our block that do not have their wireless blocked make me want to bake them cookies from now until eternity (I just have to figure out which neighbour it is...)
This means that getting photos posted is taking longer than I thought it would. Hang tight. Photos coming. I promise it'll be worth the wait!
At 33 weeks pregnant, it'll be a little while before I fly again. That means this (flying) travel bug is grounded. For a little bit. I'll have you know that this gives me every reason to hit the road with wheels and explore The Middle of America. (I capitalized that on purpose - the middle of this country is so spacious I think it might just warrant some capitalization.) Today, we went to a great state park. Perhaps it was made lovelier that it's not 100+ degrees out.
I have plenty of pictures to upload from our Oklahoma adventure thus far, and of course, our amazing weekend in Portland.
But have I told you about our Internet saga? (Imagine me folding, dramatically in half in the style of a certain 17-month old who has learned that no, in fact, mom does not want him climbing on top of the table. Thank-you-very-much. Yes, I am having that kind of a dramatic fit.) It's taken us two weeks to learn that: we don't (or didn't until last week) have a phone line to our house! (and yes, we need a phone line for the Internet in Enid, America), they shipped the hardware - that's the modem, etc. - to the last place we lived in Washington, and they are still working to see if we can actually get service to our house. "Hello, Internet company? 2011 called and it wants Greg and Colleen to be living in this millennium. "
I am thankful for unsecured wireless connections. The neighbours on our block that do not have their wireless blocked make me want to bake them cookies from now until eternity (I just have to figure out which neighbour it is...)
This means that getting photos posted is taking longer than I thought it would. Hang tight. Photos coming. I promise it'll be worth the wait!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Late(r) night ramblings
Here's what I've realized: after 25, my bedtime drastically (and I do mean drastically) became earlier. Did this happen to you? Late nights used to be, y'know up until midnight or 1am (let's not kid ourselves: I have never been a super great night owl). Currently, my "late night" is 10:30. The other night we had some people over for dinner and they stayed until midnight! I couldn't even tell you what we talked about for the last hour and a half they were here (delightful people, though they were) - my brain had completely shut off and gone into sleep mode. Imagine your computer in sleep mode: physically still on, but totally resting. That was me, at the dinner table (with guests!)
In any case, I'm explaining my new late night situation because, well, at nearly 10pm, that's just what tonight is quickly becoming. And so, as I think most of us do, on later nights, we tend to ramble. Which I shall now commence.
I bought the last set of curtains today for the living room. I'd like to say that I was astonished at how expensive curtains are and that I turned on my heal, with toddler in tow, and marched straight to the craft store, where I bought gorgeous fabric and came home to make the most lovely curtains on the planet - for cheap. But, this is not at all what happened. Instead, for the last week, I have been hmming and huhing over mediocre curtains in the store scrounging for available coupons, discounts, etc. And today, I finally bit the bullet: I found them on closeout (the saleswoman told me that twice. When I asked what that meant she promptly told me that I wouldn't be able to get them again once they were sold out. That makes sense... but I'm not sure why I would need to buy the same curtains again. I digress.) And they look lovely.
Also, I'm getting ready to go to Portland for a certain someone's wedding, so I'm working on getting through things in the fridge that I know Greg won't eat while Nate and I are away. Namely, buttermilk. Which I will confess, is not actually mine. I salvaged it from my sister's fridge before she left for a couple of weeks. So, I've been baking! Today, I made buttermilk chocolate bread and banana bread. Tomorrow, I'm thinking about trying out buttermilk cookies (I'd never heard of such a thing until I Googled. Fingers crossed they'll be tasty).
Today, it was 101 degrees at 8pm. Pure insanity, I tell you.
Also: my foot really hurts. Which I told Greg, at 8 months pregnant, it's just not fair to also have some kind of pulled muscle thing in your foot. Really, it's just unnecessary. (What is necessary treatment is ice cream and a lovely pedicure. I've got the ice cream down - still working on the pedicure).
Nate is also doing some seriously grown up things: he helped unload the dishwasher tonight and put the dirty laundry in the washing machine. He also has mastered a very indignant "no!" when he's not thrilled about something, and he bats his eyelashes. What a ham.
In any case, I'm explaining my new late night situation because, well, at nearly 10pm, that's just what tonight is quickly becoming. And so, as I think most of us do, on later nights, we tend to ramble. Which I shall now commence.
I bought the last set of curtains today for the living room. I'd like to say that I was astonished at how expensive curtains are and that I turned on my heal, with toddler in tow, and marched straight to the craft store, where I bought gorgeous fabric and came home to make the most lovely curtains on the planet - for cheap. But, this is not at all what happened. Instead, for the last week, I have been hmming and huhing over mediocre curtains in the store scrounging for available coupons, discounts, etc. And today, I finally bit the bullet: I found them on closeout (the saleswoman told me that twice. When I asked what that meant she promptly told me that I wouldn't be able to get them again once they were sold out. That makes sense... but I'm not sure why I would need to buy the same curtains again. I digress.) And they look lovely.
Also, I'm getting ready to go to Portland for a certain someone's wedding, so I'm working on getting through things in the fridge that I know Greg won't eat while Nate and I are away. Namely, buttermilk. Which I will confess, is not actually mine. I salvaged it from my sister's fridge before she left for a couple of weeks. So, I've been baking! Today, I made buttermilk chocolate bread and banana bread. Tomorrow, I'm thinking about trying out buttermilk cookies (I'd never heard of such a thing until I Googled. Fingers crossed they'll be tasty).
Today, it was 101 degrees at 8pm. Pure insanity, I tell you.
Also: my foot really hurts. Which I told Greg, at 8 months pregnant, it's just not fair to also have some kind of pulled muscle thing in your foot. Really, it's just unnecessary. (What is necessary treatment is ice cream and a lovely pedicure. I've got the ice cream down - still working on the pedicure).
Nate is also doing some seriously grown up things: he helped unload the dishwasher tonight and put the dirty laundry in the washing machine. He also has mastered a very indignant "no!" when he's not thrilled about something, and he bats his eyelashes. What a ham.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Our house, in the middle of our street
Yeah! We moved in! And the boxes are (mostly) gone! For those perpetual movers out there like me, you know that having boxes just hanging around is... a major gripe. It's something that signals you're still in transition, still "moving." So, yes, we've been in our house for four nights and all but three boxes are out of the dining, kitchen and living room. Nate's room is totally unpacked. And... well, we're working on the office and our bedroom. But, for the most part, it's feeling under control. (Big smile from me).
More than anything, it feel amazing to have more than 400 square feet to live in! (Yes, I am aware that almost every time I reference the temporary apartment that we were living in, it shrinks in size. That is purely a reflection of how we felt living there. Every day, that place got a little smaller, and smaller, and smaller!)
The house is not huge, but it's functional, and it works, and there are perks to it: someone else mows the lawn (hooray!), and when the dish disposal doesn't work, I can just call someone (who might take their fine time to come by and fix it, but the point is that I don't have to fix it, right?!), the neighbors are super friendly, and all with kiddos, and we have a carport and a garage.
Of course, there are things that are not so great: the kitchen is small (and there is no logical place for your trash can!). There is a giant metal support beam in between the dining area and the living room (making it a tight fit for the table), and there is only one bathroom. And it's about the quarter of the size of our bathrooms in our house. (Sigh). But we are all in all more than delighted to be here. And (almost) moved in.
That means we are (almost) ready for visitors.
So... when are you coming?
More than anything, it feel amazing to have more than 400 square feet to live in! (Yes, I am aware that almost every time I reference the temporary apartment that we were living in, it shrinks in size. That is purely a reflection of how we felt living there. Every day, that place got a little smaller, and smaller, and smaller!)
The house is not huge, but it's functional, and it works, and there are perks to it: someone else mows the lawn (hooray!), and when the dish disposal doesn't work, I can just call someone (who might take their fine time to come by and fix it, but the point is that I don't have to fix it, right?!), the neighbors are super friendly, and all with kiddos, and we have a carport and a garage.
Of course, there are things that are not so great: the kitchen is small (and there is no logical place for your trash can!). There is a giant metal support beam in between the dining area and the living room (making it a tight fit for the table), and there is only one bathroom. And it's about the quarter of the size of our bathrooms in our house. (Sigh). But we are all in all more than delighted to be here. And (almost) moved in.
That means we are (almost) ready for visitors.
So... when are you coming?
Oklahoma critters
Here's a heads up: there are critters in the mid-west. Of course, we knew this before we moved here. But being here and seeing them is quite another thing.
In addition to spiders (and while they are big and wicked looking, we get some pretty creepy spiders in Washington, too), we've seen june bugs the size of a half-dollar, armadillos (all dead - may they rest in peace), crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and two of these gems:
That's right: baby scorpions. In our "humble" little apartment. Two. Did I mention that there were multiple ones? Also, did you know, the smaller the critter, generally the more harmful they are to you? Greg went on a crazy bug hunt after the scorpion sighting, and resolved to make sure we had the thickest, strongest, most weather resistant weather stripping in our house.
Not that it won't keep out persistent little critters.
In addition to spiders (and while they are big and wicked looking, we get some pretty creepy spiders in Washington, too), we've seen june bugs the size of a half-dollar, armadillos (all dead - may they rest in peace), crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and two of these gems:
Not that it won't keep out persistent little critters.
Monday, August 15, 2011
One more thing...
In our (ahem) sweet little "apartment", there is internet, but it's not wireless. So, the moments I have to set-up the laptop in the edge (really, I'm not kidding) of the corner of the counter (again, I'm not kidding), are few and far between. Thus, multiple posts today.
Here's the latest (non-photo) update on what's going on:
Today is Greg's first day of school! Okay, not really. It's called Day Zero. The first official day of his class when they get their pictures taken and put together notebooks of the things they will be studying during the academic phase of his pilot training (see? Notebooks and pictures - I told you it was like the first day of school! I even had to make a run to the store for new pencils, tape, and scissors.) He'll be studying "academics" for the next six weeks.
We are delighted (delighted!) to be moving into a house next week! We were offered a place on base - a blessing! - and will be close to Greg's squadron and Sarah's house (though, I'll be honest, if you live on base, you're pretty close to... everything on base.) It'll be a little smaller than what we're coming from, but enough space of all of us and the baby on the way. We are so excited. More details, and pictures, to come once we've actually moved in!
That's the big news from Enid, America. How's your summer wrapping up?
Here's the latest (non-photo) update on what's going on:
Today is Greg's first day of school! Okay, not really. It's called Day Zero. The first official day of his class when they get their pictures taken and put together notebooks of the things they will be studying during the academic phase of his pilot training (see? Notebooks and pictures - I told you it was like the first day of school! I even had to make a run to the store for new pencils, tape, and scissors.) He'll be studying "academics" for the next six weeks.
We are delighted (delighted!) to be moving into a house next week! We were offered a place on base - a blessing! - and will be close to Greg's squadron and Sarah's house (though, I'll be honest, if you live on base, you're pretty close to... everything on base.) It'll be a little smaller than what we're coming from, but enough space of all of us and the baby on the way. We are so excited. More details, and pictures, to come once we've actually moved in!
That's the big news from Enid, America. How's your summer wrapping up?
New state, more family, more pictures
It was so awesome, as I think I've mentioned, to go from visiting with family in Colorado on our drive to OK, to seeing family everyday in Oklahoma. Just as we're all about to climb the walls from space deprivation (truly, I think it's a malady that we all suffer from in this small, (I try to remember) humble abode), we escape for a bit of sanity to Sarah's house. And Nate practically unbuckles himself to weasel out of the car and into the welcome hellos from the kids.
Enid, OK (you remember: that's where we moved. The bustle metropolis of Enid, OK. Or Enid, America as people on the base here are fond of calling it.) is a sweet little town, with just enough to do for Nate. Good parks, a great children's museum, plenty of ice cream and frozen yogurt shops (necessary when you're fighting against 98 degrees on a cool day.)
We went to the train museum (Oklahoma's Railroad museum I'll have you know) and Leonardo's, the children's museum last week. I've got to get better about getting some pictures snapped, but here are a few:
At the Railroad Museum minutes before a great thunderstorm literally rolled into town.
(Side note: one thing that I sort of love about the midwest and southern midwest? Thunderstorms. You can smell them almost - the air gets thick and sticky and there's a sweetness to the air. And then big drops - I'm talking dime-sized rain drops sporadically splat on to the cement. You have to look quickly for those first drops, because the hot pavement soaks them up almost immediately. And then suddenly, the thunder bellows, and the rain drops really start to come down, and before you know it - you'd better have found some place to take cover because you'll be drenched.)
Inside the steam engine at the Railroad Museum.
Here are Lance, JP, Nate, and Trinity at Leonardo's in town. Nate really did have a great time, despite his awesome expression. (I took points for everyone looking at the camera at the same time.)
Enid, OK (you remember: that's where we moved. The bustle metropolis of Enid, OK. Or Enid, America as people on the base here are fond of calling it.) is a sweet little town, with just enough to do for Nate. Good parks, a great children's museum, plenty of ice cream and frozen yogurt shops (necessary when you're fighting against 98 degrees on a cool day.)
We went to the train museum (Oklahoma's Railroad museum I'll have you know) and Leonardo's, the children's museum last week. I've got to get better about getting some pictures snapped, but here are a few:
(Side note: one thing that I sort of love about the midwest and southern midwest? Thunderstorms. You can smell them almost - the air gets thick and sticky and there's a sweetness to the air. And then big drops - I'm talking dime-sized rain drops sporadically splat on to the cement. You have to look quickly for those first drops, because the hot pavement soaks them up almost immediately. And then suddenly, the thunder bellows, and the rain drops really start to come down, and before you know it - you'd better have found some place to take cover because you'll be drenched.)
Here are Lance, JP, Nate, and Trinity at Leonardo's in town. Nate really did have a great time, despite his awesome expression. (I took points for everyone looking at the camera at the same time.)
A picture post
It's been a little while since I've posted some pictures (that's a hazard of moving, a very busy little man around the house, and trying to find that silly little camera cord to download pictures amidst all the boxes, bags, etc.)
A recap: from Phil's 35th birthday party. What's a birthday without a pinata?!?! Phil took this one out in style, complete with a feet-out-from-underneath-him swing (and a miss.)
Nate and Luke on a mission.
Grandpa with Nate, Luke, and Sloan
Nate and Luke at Owen's Beach. Yes, that's our little man in rubber boots, a onesie, and a jacket. What can I say? It was a sunny day in the northwest, and Nate was insistent on going in the water.
Snacks before bedtime!
In Colorado on our drive east to Oklahoma. We're just getting warmed up for what's to come.
A recap: from Phil's 35th birthday party. What's a birthday without a pinata?!?! Phil took this one out in style, complete with a feet-out-from-underneath-him swing (and a miss.)
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Oklahoma is OK!
Our humble residence for now is a luxurious 15x30 "apartment." I put that in quotes because while it has a kitchen (with a dishwasher!) and a bathroom, as well as a living room and a bedroom, let's not kid ourselves here: an apartment would imply a hallway (unless we're talking about a studio, right?) or some distance between the bathroom and the kitchen or the kitchen and the living room or the bathroom and the living room for that matter! Let's just say that we are happy to have some space to ourselves, but oh wow, are we redefining "space!" Thankfully, we have taken refuge at my sister's house most days of the week, for hours at a time. And dinner. She's been an angel for welcoming us to dinner - I can't imagine cooking in our tiny little place in this heat!
Nate's keeping busy with his cousins (and they love to entertain him!) and we are working hard at keepng cool. Today, it's balmy: a mere 85 by 8:30am. It was cool enough for Nate and I to go for a run this morning outside! Earlier this week, the high temperatures around the peak of the day reached 115 degrees. Really. Even the weatherman on the evening news noted that "having temperatures 100 degrees and above from 10 am until 10 pm was just plain ridiculous." Glad we're all on the same page.
On our second day here, I bought pool passes for us. Seems that might be our nightly ritual . It's refreshing for all of us, and Nate sure enjoys being a "water baby."
There are a few things that I forgot, having lived in the northwest for so long:
Cicadas. They are like tree crickets, and they make noise all night long. After a while you don't hear them, but in the early hours of the day, there's quite a symphony!
Hot pavement. I know it's hot outside, but somehow I managed to disconnect the temperature fromt he pavement baking in the heat. Both Nate and I have been caught "just running outside really quickly" to only get three steps down the sidewalk, yelping in pain. Wear shoes, or flip flops, folks. It's hot.
Thunderstorms. We saw them during or drive, but I forgot how quickly they start and how quickly they end. And within 10 minutes, you can barely tell it rained, hailed, and was even windy for a few minutes.
Short(er) summer days. It's dark by 9pm here!
We're still settling in an figureing out which end is up, but we'll be sure to keep you posted as we learn about things like... oh, a house. And an address.
Keep cool out there, we sure are working on it here!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Half way!
It's a Daddy Weekend for Greg and Nate - they are hanging out in Denver with Greg's brother Scot and his family while I am on the Columbia River near Portland at my friend's wedding.
Yes, you read that right: I have just returned all the miles that we drove this week in a short, three hour plane ride. (I must admit, it feels a little defeating, almost like we haven't accomplished anything!)
So, we drove from here - er, Tacoma. I'm not sure where I actually am these days! - to Missoula, MT in the first day, and then on day two we traversed Montana (it's a big state. seriously.) from Missoula to Buffalo, Wyoming. (It is as bustling of a metropolis as you are thinking it is. I promise. Really, though, it is a sweet little town right on the edge of Yellowstone National Park. And by right on the edge, I mean it's a mere two hours from the park.)
And then, we conquered Wyoming. It was so welcoming to see family at the end of the drive on day three, and rest our heads. Luke, Sloan, and Nate are loving having some play time (at least I think they are. There's plenty of giggling going on!)
Yes, you read that right: I have just returned all the miles that we drove this week in a short, three hour plane ride. (I must admit, it feels a little defeating, almost like we haven't accomplished anything!)
So, we drove from here - er, Tacoma. I'm not sure where I actually am these days! - to Missoula, MT in the first day, and then on day two we traversed Montana (it's a big state. seriously.) from Missoula to Buffalo, Wyoming. (It is as bustling of a metropolis as you are thinking it is. I promise. Really, though, it is a sweet little town right on the edge of Yellowstone National Park. And by right on the edge, I mean it's a mere two hours from the park.)
And then, we conquered Wyoming. It was so welcoming to see family at the end of the drive on day three, and rest our heads. Luke, Sloan, and Nate are loving having some play time (at least I think they are. There's plenty of giggling going on!)
Saturday, July 23, 2011
All packed
The house is empty, the truck is full (and so are our cars!). It's offical: our move is underway. We're enjoying our last few days in the northwest - thanks for the sunshine, PNW! - and will start our drive on Monday for the midwest.
We'll be driving through some of America's garden spots: northern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming. Try not to be jealous. We'll think of you as the tumbleweeds literally roll across the freeway. Really, though, there are some perks:
- The speed limit is at least 70 in most of those states.
- We will be able to swing by Yellowstone (I'm excited! Greg keeps telling me just how far off the freeway it is. Eh, I think at that point, it'll be a necessary stop for us all to get some fresh air!)
- We'll visit some new states that we've never been to
- And most importantly, we'll be that much closer to getting settled in Oklahoma
We're stocking up on great road trip snacks, and new, fun (limited pieces) toys for Nate to entertain himself for the drive. I'll do my best to update from the road, but you may hear from us again when we're sporting "Y'all" and tipping our hats to keep the wind and dust out of our eyes.
Drink a cool glass of lemonade for us as we drive through America's heat wave country.
We'll be driving through some of America's garden spots: northern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming. Try not to be jealous. We'll think of you as the tumbleweeds literally roll across the freeway. Really, though, there are some perks:
- The speed limit is at least 70 in most of those states.
- We will be able to swing by Yellowstone (I'm excited! Greg keeps telling me just how far off the freeway it is. Eh, I think at that point, it'll be a necessary stop for us all to get some fresh air!)
- We'll visit some new states that we've never been to
- And most importantly, we'll be that much closer to getting settled in Oklahoma
We're stocking up on great road trip snacks, and new, fun (limited pieces) toys for Nate to entertain himself for the drive. I'll do my best to update from the road, but you may hear from us again when we're sporting "Y'all" and tipping our hats to keep the wind and dust out of our eyes.
Drink a cool glass of lemonade for us as we drive through America's heat wave country.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
A count-down
Moving day is sort of like the last day of school: it's something you anticipate for so, so, so long, you have a countdown and then! It's here.
The good news? We can start a countdown. Movers arrive on July 18. Fingers crossed the sunshine will stick around that long so Nate can play in the yard while the movers take over the house.
Also, fingers crossed that the prescribed timeline (pack in one day, inventory and put it on the truck the next) stays true. I'm really okay with no more delays on this move.
The good news? We can start a countdown. Movers arrive on July 18. Fingers crossed the sunshine will stick around that long so Nate can play in the yard while the movers take over the house.
Also, fingers crossed that the prescribed timeline (pack in one day, inventory and put it on the truck the next) stays true. I'm really okay with no more delays on this move.
4th of July
I have to admit something: I'm never quite sure what to do with the 4th of July. I mean, yes, of course, we bbq, we hang out with family, we watch fireworks, but I have hard time feeling connected to this holiday.
When I've spent the 4th of July elsewhere (read: in another country), I know exactly what to do: I assume all things American, things we don't get to experience all the time. But when I'm here, I feel lost. I'm stunned that my husband knows the names of different kinds of fireworks (whereas I just call them things like "the big white ones that glitter and twinkle in the sky" or "fizzlers, k'now the ones that go up i the sky, but not very high, and then they fizzle.") He talks about setting fireworks off when he was a kid - and by setting off fireworks, I do mean that. Not just lighting sparklers. And I remember going on base and watching the fireworks from the base football field, in the bleachers. It's odd, but on such an American holiday, I've always felt more American when outside this country.
This year, we continued a tradition started a few years ago, bbq-ing at a friends house, indulging in good conversation and playing the backyard. It was just the right speed for Nate. When the time came for the pre-fireworks show (fireworks set off in the back yard), Nate watched a few but then decided fireworks aren't for him, and he made a bee-line for the front door, and so he and I stayed inside and snuggled.
This holiday has always meant being together with family, though. And this year was no different: we spent the day with Greg's parents and family friends, and some friend-family, too. And that part was familiar, and it felt good.
When I've spent the 4th of July elsewhere (read: in another country), I know exactly what to do: I assume all things American, things we don't get to experience all the time. But when I'm here, I feel lost. I'm stunned that my husband knows the names of different kinds of fireworks (whereas I just call them things like "the big white ones that glitter and twinkle in the sky" or "fizzlers, k'now the ones that go up i the sky, but not very high, and then they fizzle.") He talks about setting fireworks off when he was a kid - and by setting off fireworks, I do mean that. Not just lighting sparklers. And I remember going on base and watching the fireworks from the base football field, in the bleachers. It's odd, but on such an American holiday, I've always felt more American when outside this country.
This year, we continued a tradition started a few years ago, bbq-ing at a friends house, indulging in good conversation and playing the backyard. It was just the right speed for Nate. When the time came for the pre-fireworks show (fireworks set off in the back yard), Nate watched a few but then decided fireworks aren't for him, and he made a bee-line for the front door, and so he and I stayed inside and snuggled.
This holiday has always meant being together with family, though. And this year was no different: we spent the day with Greg's parents and family friends, and some friend-family, too. And that part was familiar, and it felt good.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Back from Banff
12 hours (one way) and almost 2,000 miles (round trip), and we're back. Where'd we go? North of the Border: we went to Banff.
It's a place that has been on Greg's Bucket List (much like Australia was on mine), and it did not disappoint. His refrain for the week was "It's like being IN National Geographic!"
Truly, the mountains and the rivers and the lakes were spectacular. It was breath taking, and gorgeous, and hard to take my eyes off of those Rockies.
We took two days to drive there, and the same kind of drive home: a short day (5 hours) and then spent the night in Spokane, and then a beastly 7 hour drive through Idaho, southeastern British Columbia and then into Banff National Park in Alberta (and vice versa for the drive home). The drive, while long, was remarkable, and the different kinds of landscapes we drove through was fascinating.
Greg and I decided that we have arrived at parenthood: for a couple of stretches of the drive, we entertained Nate by singing kids songs. Without a cd or anything in the background. Oh, yes. It was awesome.
And, since we are of Canadian heritage, it was pretty cool that we celebrated Canada Day in Canada. We at maple leaf cookies, and cheered at the parade, and felt a little more Canadian. (Well, Nate and I did, anyway, since we are half and one-quarter - respectively - Canadian. Thanks, Dad!) 
Nate was a trooper, and we consider it a good test trip for our drive (half-way) across the country to Oklahoma in a few weeks. 
It was a perfect family vacation away. And we needed that.
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