Halloween

Not much to say. I've just been so tired.
Picked up Relia from daycare. She wore the outfit Heidi sent and Peder put the cut up pumpkin hat on her (so cute). We hiked over to Peder's work and changed into the tiger outfit. Everyone loved her and commented on how much she looks for us when she is being held by others. After that, I called mom to see if I could bring her over and take a nap. I think I slept for about an hour or so. Mom and dad made me Pizza and mom showed me how much Relia loved the motion activated function on their bouncer chair. After dinner, I took Relia over to Ryan and Carrie's for a little bit. Their new house is so nice. Then home to Peder. Once I got home I realize I couldn't find the camera. I called Ry and, sure enough, I'd dropped it outside their house. Thank goodness he found it!

We watched some Jeopardy and I was planning to turn in early, but then there was a thump in the basement. Crap another squirrel. We got on our gear, opened the cellar door, and herded it out. I didn't get to bed until after 11.

Actually had to work today

Apparently over the weekend word got out that my lab is ready to go. Every one and their cousin came and kept me plenty busy. I think I have figured out a workable schedule

But this makes it all better:

My sweet girl in her GIANT car seat. Since I had to switch back to my car for today, I had to take out the big seat so I could fit the infant seat in when I picked her up today. She's never been in it before, but it looks pretty comfy.

Notice a resemblance?

PS: Thanks Aunt Heidi!

Sooooo Pissed

My car, well, my parent's car (that they have been letting me use since I was hugely pregnant in Aug.) was broken into last night. It almost makes me madder that they didn't even take anything. Not even the change. I know in the long run that is better, but c'mon, why smash the thing in the first place if you aren't confident that you'll get something for it?

Back to school

It's actually kind of nice. The only problem is I've been a little bored. I have been just kind of putzing in the computer lab. I need to get classes in there. Apparently some people didn't even know it was up and running. (it's the END of October for Pete's sake!) I have been kind of waiting for classes to show up and they haven't been. I have some opinions about how the lab should be run but they are kinda contrary to the laissez faire way it has been handled in the past. Tonight I'm trying to get my gumption up to just take over and say This is how I want it. Anybody got a problem wit dat? Pumping is going great. Relia is doing well in daycare. It helps me to know that she still gets four days a week where she is the center of attention.

In other news: Yesterday I picked up a practically new car seat and it is really girly. Seriously. It's pink toile. I've been watching Craigslist.com looking for a car seat base for my mom's car. This one was cheaper than two others I'd looked at that were 4 years old.

In other other news: We got the taxes done and we're getting a refund! Woo hoo! (I know, I know, it was really an interest free loan we gave the government, but my brain doesn't work that way so I'm celebrating) Now I just have to do the math to see if we can get a property tax refund.

In other other other news: my parents are back from their trip to Seattle where they got to see lots of mountain peaks, practiced running from tsunamis, slept on a boat and met up with Heidi. They had a blast, and I'm sure my dad will be blogging about it soon (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).

It was an okay day. I enjoyed being at work. I think this will be a good

Two months old

So much more light in those eyes!

PunkinPunkinPunkin

Obviously a very productive day

Yesterday, with a little help from my bro, I finally figured out how to finish the cut off ends of the socks! So now poor Relia has a vast selection of 1980's style leg warmers.

After I picked her up, we had some play time and a little fashion show. Then momma played with photoshop while Relia took a nap. Everyone at daycare said she was SUCH a good baby. She didn't seemed phased by the whole experience. I did get a bit of editing in and went to Target to try on some clothes (a thoroughly discouraging event).

It's her first day of daycare and I'm doing okay. Peder dropper her off and now I just keep thinking I'm missing something. I took a shower and had a moment of panic wait, where's the baby?! I'm not worried about her. I just miss her.

I love the 80s

and I love my leg warmers!

Make hay while the sun shines

Relia's immunizations made her sleepy and not very hungry, and the weather was quite nice, so I decided we needed to work on the yard. Poor Peder. I'll say this, he made a decent effort to help.

I got the raspberry bushes thinned out and the lawn mowed. A breadbox size swath of paint decided to fall off the north side of the house, so I prepped that for painting. Didn't get it painted, but at least it is ready when I get around to it again. All in all a fairly productive day

more shootings

Relia had her 2 month appointment this morning (on a Saturday?! Yeah, I know, I was shocked too.) She is rockin' her percentiles and apparently is a brute achieving 4 month milestones like rolling over and the whole holding her head up thing. But then she had to have he shots. Peder described it well, and it only broke my heart a little. I know deep down it is a good thing for her.

height 23" 50-90%
weight 12.25 lbs. 75-90%
head circ. 15 1/4 in 25-50%

Purchases that changed your life

On a super quick trip to the post office I caught about 3 minute of an MPR show called On The Media. each week they ask a "man on the street" question and play a bunch of people's answers. the question today was What one purchase changed your life? I thought that was a really good question. I'm sure most of us have pretty standard answers, house, car, possibly education. But what unusual things changed your life?

I have a few:
Domino Rally I used birthday money to buy this when I was around 9 years old. It looked really cool on TV and I wanted it. When I opened it up I discovered the "dominoes" were attached to trays. It was dominoes for the lazy child, and the dominoes were really tiny. Think PEZ. this was my lesson. Just because the kids on TV are having fun, doesn't mean you will.

A United States Puzzle -where the pieces are in the shapes of the states. I remember being about 8 years old and sitting in the car (in the front seat!) trying to tell my father how California was on the east coast. As though I had any idea what coast was. Not too long after that I was given the puzzle. I still picture it when I'm trying to remember a capital.

The power of oatmeal

I am a little paranoid about breastfeeding and going back to work. I am afraid that my supply will go down to the point I will have to add formula in. Not that that is so bad, it just isn't as easy, and costs a lot more. (plus I don't get to eat as much ;o). Yesterday I could only express half an ounce and that is waaaay down from my norm. This happened a couple of weeks ago too. I'd read that oatmeal can help. BTW, I hate oatmeal, so I've just been eating spoonfuls of oats right out of the box. Well it turns out I am super receptive to oats. I tried it last week and in one session I hit 12 oz.! I ate half a cup yesterday and was back up to my normal 6 oz. this morning. I'm a milk machine! It could be a coincidence, but from now on, I'll be making sure I get my oats in every day.

Ozzie seems to like my oats too. He keeps stealing them from the bowl.

It's official...almost

I have been officially offered the job. No budging on the pay scale. Different bargaining unit. Nuts.

I go in on Thursday to fill out paperwork and start on the following Wednesday. As soon as I got off the phone with HR, I started to cry. It's really real. I'm going to go to work. Relia is going to go to daycare. It isn't a bad situation, I just wish things were different.

I dropped my mom and dad off at the airport this afternoon. They are off to Seattle for about a week. The weather there shouldn't be to much of a shock, as it will most likely match ours perfectly.

Sunday stuff -posted late

We went out to breakfast to celebrate my momma's birthday. Panekoeken Huis. I hadn't been there in years, even though it is one of mom's favorites. I had the best restaurant Belgian waffle ever. Yum.
After breakfast, we hit Target to get a few things, and then we picked out pumpkins.

I made popcorn on the stove for the first time and it was darn good. That's right, up until last night, I have only ever made microwave popcorn.

and Momma went a little crazy at Savers today:

Such a sea of pink. But I only spent about $40!

I've been shot

I got my flu shot this morning. Since Relia is too young to get one, Peder and I have to. It's a good idea anyway, with me going to work in a school again.

I used to be a non-flu shotter (shooter?). Even when I started teaching, I skipped it. Then one winter I got so feverish that I got lost in my covers. I seriously could not find my way out. I never want to feel that way again.

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Relia is now enrolled in daycare. To celebrate, we bought her some new hats. Well, that's what I told her. Really, she just needed more hats.

Uh mom, I think this one is too big.

Silly Relia

There is no turning back now. Well, we could turn back, but we'd be out the enrollment fee, which isn't that much, so never mind what I just said. I feel pretty good about the place. I know she'll be fine. Me? I'm not so sure about. I'm just glad Peder's gonna be doing the drop off. I can barely let someone else hold her for 20 minutes without feeling antsy. I get the fun of pick up time. The time when their eyes light up because "Momma's back!"

If I'm gonna get into a good college, I'd better start studying!

Mom, can't you see I'm trying to read?

Woo hoo!

I got a call from Principal Jean this afternoon. After talking to my colleagues they all agreed that the best place for me and my skills would be in the CCC Lab. (computer programs designed to give students problem solving practice in areas they most need it)

It isn't a done deal. There is still an HR gauntlet to run. But this is exactly what I was hoping would happen. It fits my skills and interests perfectly, allows me time to be a mom, and provides a modest income! It also lets Peder try out that stay at home dad thing once a week.

I feel cheated...

When I bite into a peanut m&m and there is no peanut.

New Bridge

Apparently they'll be installing a steep drop off beyond the bridge, as well as removing the U of M. (or downtown, it isn't clear which view this is from.)

It kinda looks like a helpful albino lizard has spanned the river.

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update: the drop off may not be in the final design, but the U is definitely going:

Hi Grandma!

We hope you're having as much fun on your trip as we're having here!

Oops

We went grocery shopping last night (Yes, this is what we do on a Saturday night) and apparently we forgot a sack of frozen food in the trunk:Casualties: Four loaves of bread dough (no easy pizzas for me this week.), three cans of juice, and a bag of veggies.

Delusional

My brain keeps thinking that because Relia will only be in daycare 3 days a week, that I will only be working three days a week. Sooo not true. I may be in for a rude awakening.

I've said it before and once again, it proves true, even in the hypothetical, I am a better person when I have a job. Self employment just isn't for me. I need more day to day accountability. Since I have put the Associate Educator position in the "probably" category in my mind I have been more motivated.
I am editing like a maniac. I keep forgetting to eat because I just want to get all of these weddings done done done.
I've also been getting our finances back in order. Quicken used to be my favorite computer game. I'd spend hours tracking and moving my money around predicting where I'd be in the next five moths or the next five years. Since I have been partially employed and the outcomes were never very rosy, I haven't enjoyed the game as much. So now I've started downloading account information from the last 6 months so I can get it sorted and see where we really are.
Last night I finally got what we needed to do our taxes for last year. Yes, I still haven't done them for 2006. I hope the penalty isn't too bad. Our tax guy did file an extension, but I never asked what that meant. I chose to hide my head in the sand and pretend it meant as long as I wanted. I know we aren't getting anything back, but I'm also sure we don't owe more than $200 total. So it can't be that bad, right? :-s

Labor was nothing compared to this

This is the most painful part so far.

As I am seriously considering taking the school job, so we are forced to find someone to care for Relia. It breaks my heart. It is only for 18 hours a week. And I am proud that we can sacrifice and work things out enough that we can keep it down that far. It's just the idea of leaving her with people for whom she is not their TOP/only priority feels a little bit like I'm letting her down. She deserves the best.

So we called around yesterday and visited one place. The staff was friendly. The kids were having fun. I think I could be comfortable leaving her there. We have another visit tomorrow, and I have a couple of home care places to call today.

But nonetheless, I cry every time I think about it and look at her face. Having worked in daycare, I am aware of some of the crap that can go on even at the best centers. Background checks only bring up people who have been caught. 90% of the people in this line of work are wonderful and absolutely adore children, another set, just treat it as a job, and a tiny percent are just not cut out for it for whatever reason.

I really wish, way back in December, I'd put our names on the lists at all of the places I have experience with (Almost all of the centers are the same price). But back then I couldn't imagine it really happening, and I had no idea what I'd be doing work-wise. It just felt like a commitment, even though, if a place has a year long waiting list, they probably won't mind if you bow out.

Of course if I'm wishing for stuff, then I just wish we'd win the Powerball and then we wouldn't have to worry about any of this.

My little tiger cub

Many of you know Peder's favorite animal is the tiger. He told me he'd love it if I'd make
Relia a tiger costume and bring her to his work for Halloween. I didn't think I'd have time. But mom and I happened to find a tiger stripe sleeper at a thrift store. It's waaaay too big, so
I tied up the legs and turned one of them into a tail. The hat was a pumpkin hat from Target's $1 section, turned around backwards and ears sewn on. I am so excited about it, I was going to surprise Peder, but I cannot wait a whole 30 days to share it:

Raarrr!

I was telling Peder how I feel a little ashamed that I keep dressing her up like a doll. But it isn't like that is the only thing I'm interested in. It won't be too long before she'll have opinions of her own about how she dresses. I may as well enjoy it while I can, right?

Interesting

I refuse to make any choices until things get more settled, I mean what do I have to say about it when New Hampsire and Iowa get to decide who I can choose from. (stupid stupid stupid, but I digress) And thanks to my husband, I fall firmly into the independent category now. But I found this site interesting:

Select a candidate 2008

You give your opinions on certain issues and rate their importance. The site then shows you how candidates match up on the issues. I haven't even head of Chris Dodd, but according to this, he matches most closely.

Kucinich, Clinton, and Obama all came out equal. Hmmm.



Apparently that dream boat, Fred Thompson, and I hardly agree at all. But he's soooo, well, presidential.