A good weekend.

Just sitting here, watching The Count of Monte Cristo while I finish off the slice of apple pie I took home from the yummy dinner mom made last night.  Jeff is still at curling league...he should be home soon, I hope.  Spent a couple of hours with Jon and Wendy this evening.  Got to see the very nice outdoor fireplace they have for the deck; Jon even fired up the fireplace, which was quite lovely.  Olivia had a fabulous time climbing their stairs, playing with the gravel and testing out the swing for baby Peyton!!

As you can see by her face (I know the photo is blurry, but the swing was in motion), she loved it.  It makes me wish I had one for her.  But we had no room for a swing at the condo, and now I think she is getting to the age where she doesn't need one.  But that doesn't mean she can't use baby Peyton's for a while!! :)

I knew as soon as I woke up...

Olivia woke up at 0600, and Jeff being the sweet husband that he is, got up and let me sleep in.  I usually can't go back to sleep at this point, knowing everyone is awake, but I cuddled back up in my warm bed, and I apparently I went right back to sleep.  I woke up again at 0800 and thought "that can't be the right time".  That thought was followed by "oh, I think I have a sore throat".  And then my nose has continued to run like a faucet all day long, with a nice sinus headache to boot.  *sigh*.  I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg.

On the plus side, (I am ashamed to say it has taken me this long) I went in for my birthday massage from my sisters.  An hour and a half of bliss and torture.  It is no secret I am a musculoskeletal nightmare when it comes to massages.  I never not have knots and I pretty much hurt where ever you rub.  And even muscles I don't think about (i.e. my calf) are painful with knots when the rubbing starts.  Eventually everything settles down, but I am guessing that a massage every year and a half is probably not the way to go (the last time was on the beach in Kona).  So, I chose 6 months after my birthday to enjoy the glorious massage...and vow to not wait that long in the future.  So thanks Jaime and Teri.  It was just what I needed today.

Unfortunately, the cold has taken hold, and I had to cancel a date tomorrow to meet and friend and her just 3 week old baby girl.  Not to mention I can't go see Grandma either.  Frustrating.  So, I hope the get better before the weekend, or I won't be going to the shower either.  :(

Football

One good thing about Fall is football.  Jeff and I went to his dad and stepmom's today to watch the Alabama vs Arkansas game.  Alabama did not look like the #1 team in the nation for most of the game, but managed to pull it out in the end.  Concurrently, my Cougs were playing USC.  The Cougs actually did quite well in the first half, but USC pulled away to beat them handily.  The next game we paid attention to was OSU vs Boise State.  I really want BS to lose...I keep hoping it will happen, but they are so scrappy and good, they manage to avoid losing.  So, the Beavs go down. Oregon in the lead at this moment with still a bit of game to go.  A pretty good day in the Pac-10 with UCLA and Stanford winning as well (not that I really care, but UCLA did beat #7 Texas, which ROCKS).  So, even on this glorious 80 degree day, the feel of Fall is present because of Football.  And I will concede that I look forward to this part of Fall, even if it does mean I have to deal with the rain.

Olivia enjoyed football day as well, playing outside and climbing up the stairs about 4 times, as well as feeding Jenna all her snacks when she got tired of eating them herself.  Olivia tried salmon today for the first time and seemed to like it.  She also munched happily on a tomato.  It is fun finding foods that we eat that she likes or is able to eat.  Every day it seems like it is something new with her.  I love it. 

Justice for all...not

I received another subpoena yesterday...or actually Jeff received it for me.  I had my suspicions when Jeff said there was a non-descript car in our driveway last evening.  But, I was hoping for the best.  That damn criminal who stole my diaperbag out of my cart at Target is still going to trial.  And, although I never saw him do it, I get to testify anyway.  Yea for me (insert sarcasm here). The process server told Jeff he had to serve another lady a subpoena for the same case in our neck of the woods.  That jerk stole a lot of purses that day.  So it seems, those of us who abide by the laws as best we can, who don't generally have criminal tendancies get to be severely inconvienced to have to the chance to try and get the guy who wronged us put in jail.  Sad thing, he will probably be out quick, even if he goes to jail.  It almost seems pointless...almost.  So, I bide my time until October 18th...stress out about finding a babysitter, and hope that this time is the last time.  *sigh*

Fall

Everyone seems to get so excited for Fall....  I just seem to mourn the loss of Summer.  I enjoy the sun and warm days.  I don't like the days and days on end of rain and the cold.  I enjoy Fall when it is not raining, but let's face it...how often does that really happen?  The weather man says it is supposed to be warm coming up this weekend.  I will be ready for that.

So that new treatment on my hair is pretty cool...at least so far.  It takes far less time to flat iron and I wake up almost exactly as I went to bed, so I don't have to redo it really in the morning on the days I don't wash it.  Sweet.  Anything that makes getting dressed faster is a good thing for me.  I am relatively lazy about some things, and getting ready is one of them.  I admire my sister Teri for always looking like a million bucks, even when she is staying home and cleaning house.  You are my role model.  So, if I could get Teri's motivation and Jaime's energy, that would be fabulous.  I would never stop!!! :)

Olivia is still asleep.  She went to bed later than usual last night (2100), but was still up at 0630.  Sigh.  Thankfully, even though I slept all day yesterday in anticpation of work (and then got called off), I did sleep most of the night, so I feel good today.  Just waiting for O to wake up.  Might go to the CM to meet some friends, but Jeff works only half day today, so may stay home just to hang with him.  Since it is RAINING outside, I don't really feel like going anywhere.  But, I am ready if I do.  I even put makeup on today. 

Oh, I hear Olivia now...time to jet!

Ahhh....

Well, I had a glorious 3 hours at the hair dresser...took a bit longer than normal, because I had missed my last appointment and had a good inch of grow-out and my color was a bit monochromatic.  I had a new treatment added to my hair (the express version, which is only 50$...the full meal deal costs about $300) which is supposed to keep me from as much flat iron time as I usually put in, and add shine and help the color stay longer.  Most of Becky's clients really love it.  The 300$ dollor version of course lasts longer and is a bit stronger, but I reckon this will do me for now.  My hair felt weird, but it is better today.  You can't wash it for 24 hours.  No problem, as I so don't want to do my hair on a work day anyway.  We darkened the color just a bit, and added a hint of red, which I don't think you can really see in the photo. Just the perfect color change as we role into fall.

The stray little hairs on top were a little static-y...those are always annoying.

Olivia is down for her nap...I should probably nap also.  Or maybe I will watch Hawaii 5-0 that I recorded last night.  Hmmmm...decisions, decisions.

On a completely unrelated note:  I have hummingbirds!!!!  I put a feeder out a month or so ago, and I have seen a bird or two coming to the feeder.  So excited.  It is probably time for me to clean the feeder out again.  I want to keep those hummingbirds happy!!!

Overdue

Wow...I haven't written about anything in a long while.  I am guessing I just haven't made the time; probably too busy with other things that seem more important.  Olivia is still napping, and I will be heading to Jaime's soon, as she graciously agreed to watch O for a while so I could have HAIR DAY!!!!  Much looked forward to and way over due.  Had to cancel my appt in August due to babysitting issues, so I am so ready to see my best hair gal Becky for a new look.  Perhaps you will see a photo here later.

"Free time"

Olivia is sleeping.  The neighbors are doing their yard work...and I am on the computer. 

Cleo has gone missing.  We haven't seen her since Saturday morning.  The kitties roam the back yard now, playing with the birds and the squirrels.  They never go far...but Cleo has not come back.  I miss her so much.  Nothing on Craig's list.  Need to check with the Humane Society.  Maybe she is just hanging out with another nice family...hopefully. 

I got most of my stuff back from Kelso PD.  Apparently, they caught the guy and his truck was full of stolen items.  I guess he stole a lot of purses that day.  I am glad he got caught.  He really ruined my day.  But, I got my diaper bag back, and my daughter and I weren't harmed, so all in all, a very good ending. 

Didn't have to work last night.  Hopeing I get out of working tonight as well.  Party this weekend.  Looking forward to it!

Looks like summer is actually here, now!

Feeling a bit violated today...

Well, it has finally happened to me.  My diaper bag was taken from my shopping cart today, while I was browsing for some new linens for the guest room.  I felt so sick to my stomach when I realized it was gone, and then somewhat panicky on top of that.  They took Olivia's bottle, and all her diapers as well as my wallet/house and car keys, my good sunglasses, and my iphone headphones.  Thank goodness for dad, who came and picked us up and took us to Jeff's work so I could get his house key.  The front door lock has been changed.  I will have to get my driver's license and a new key for the Jeep tomorrow.  Canceled my debit card and ordered another, and have a watch on my credit record in case anything funny happens.  And, I miss my bag, which was made by Queen Bee, and was a gift from Jeff after Olivia was born.  But, mostly I am just pissed off, because the one time I am not wearing my bag across my chest is the day that they nab it.  Ugh!

Now just waiting for Jeff to get home from the airport with his sister and brother-in-law (hence, why I was shopping for linens).  Olivia is already sound asleep, so I have a little peace and quiet for a bit.  A couple beers have helped as well.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better...I hope.

Here is to some occasional wine-ing

Hmm.  I have not done a very good job of keeping up to date with my blog.  I always want to write stuff, but finding the time is something I have not managed very well.  I will continue to try and improve on that. 

Last weekend was fun.  We headed to Kennewick for a quick trip.  Aunt Mary watched Olivia for a bit so Jeff and I could go to Walla Walla to the Doubleback Winery opening.  I met Drew Bledsoe, who owns said winery.  He even poured my wine.  That was pretty sweet.  And the wine is pretty good stuff for a first year wine.  A pretty decent cab.  Looking forward to future bottles.

Mary and Olivia seemed to have a grand time.  I got several pictures from her throughout the day, so I know they were doing ok.  In fact, I don't think Olivia missed me very much!! :)

Glee season finale is tonight...although I will probably be watching it tomorrow.  I know it is going to be good.  Just love listening to the soundtrack.  The songs are so good!

Zombies do live!

I know this to be true, because I am one right now.  Or, I think I feel like one might feel.  Still awake and functioning somewhat on about 2 hours of sleep, I am feeling somewhat in a zombie-like state.  Walking around with no real sense of direction or purpose.  It was all I could do today to stay awake while Olivia was awake.  She absolutely would NOT nap for longer than 20 minutes (so frustrating).  This makes for a more tired mommy and a very crabby baby....Sheesh.  She usually goes to bed around 6:30pm, but I was already putting her in the crib at 10 minutes to 6.  I think the screaming and rubbing of the eyes were big clues.  Aside from the screaming, I have those same clues (I want to scream, does that count?).  Now, however, I am passed the point of sleep for a bit and have to wait for the urge to come back...besides, if I went to bed now, I would be up at 0300....No thank you.  I have been very neglectful to my blog writing...I will try to remember to be more diligent.  Heading to Seattle this weekend so Jeff and watch the curling league up there.  Maybe a little shopping before we come home.  It will be Olivia's first trip.  Should be interesting!

Celebrating family

The whole fam came to our house today.  Initially, I think it was a just because kind of event.  Then, it sort of turned into an impromptu early birthday party for my nephew, Jacob. I can't believe he is going to be 4 years old.  Wow.  It wasn't complete, though, as I was missing my sister Teri and her family.  But we managed to have a good time anyway.  We had yummy Thai food and tasty birthday cake (of which I have the left overs to snack on tomorrow).  All in all, a very good day!

Just because....

I am too tired or sleep deprived to think of anything witty....

Back to being a creature of the night....

Today is my last day of normalcy.  Tomorrow, I start night shift again.  I love to work night shift.  Less stress, less management, less visitors, more just me and my patient and the occasional doctor or resident.  But, I also like to sleep.  Preferably in the day time.  And although I have worked night shift off and on for many years, I wonder if I still have it in me now.  I choose nights because it was part time and the night differential will more than make up for losing a day a week.  So, keep your fingers crossed that all goes well.  It is going to be a long weekend.  I am in for a 3 day stretch.  I am still on orientation.  I have to do 8 orientation shifts...maybe less if I can talk them into it.  I just want to get in there and do my job and ask questions when I need to.  But (*sigh*), I have to play by the rules.  So if any of you wake up in the middle of the night, think of me! :)  At least Olivia will be sleeping while I am at work.  That helps make this even better.  I won't miss that much while I am gone!!!

Who is that looking back at me in the mirror...?

Well, it has happened.  I turned 40.  I really don't feel much different than I did at 18, other than I can't run 5 miles just for the hell of it, and my joints creak a lot more.  And maybe I see a few lines on my face that weren't there when I was 18, but who can be sure, right?  I can say one thing, my daughter keeps me on my toes, and hence I tend not to think about how old I am...much.  But, when she is 20...I will be 60.  Arrrgh!!  That right there would be enough to drive someone crazy.  So, I will just continue to dive into figuring out my new job, continue to wait yet another week for the cable to be installed, and love my daughter as much as possible and try not to think about the age factor.  For now...  :)

It was definitely as hard as I thought it would be....

Today, I went back to work and left my daughter all day long for the first time in 4 months.  I was a wreck running around the house, trying to get everything together and not forget anything.  Moving has been chaotic and the house is full of boxes and things not in their rightful place.  Olivia was smiling this morning, so cheerful and pleasant after yesterday's complete meltdown basically all day long.  I promised myself I wouldn't cry, yet, as I ran down the stairs to get to the car, I have tears streaming down my face.  I know it will get easier, but it seems awful right now.  But, I lived.  And she lived.  And she and Jeff had a great day.  Tomorrow she goes to Grandma Alana Hill's house.  I think I might be more stressed tomorrow, since she is not at home with her dad or I.  But I suspect hospital orientation, day 2, will bore me enough that I will be lulled into complacency.

A change of view...

I picked up my new glasses today.  I haven't had new frames since 2001.  They weren't cheap, though.  These are Kate Spade frames. I am still getting used to them...I think I will have to get them readjusted, as I have a huge dent above my right ear (a bit too tight). I wanted something new since I am going back to night shift and I won't be wearing my contacts while I work. I think they will be okay.

Jeff got the day off from work due to it not being very busy.  Jeff's mom came over to the house and helped us pack up the rest of the kitchen.  It seems we still have a lot to do, but hopefully we will be ready to go by Saturday.  We bought a freezer today as well, as I have so much milk for Olivia stored up, we are running out of room to store food in our conventional freezer.  Hopefully that will help.

We also ordered Sophie the Giraffe for Olivia.  Don't ask me why, but babies love this little Giraffe for teething/chewing, and I have been meaning to get to Segal's (local baby items store) to buy one, but I am always forgetting.  So, Jeff just ordered it for me.  Olivia should get it on Saturday.  Then she can be cool like all the other babies in Mommy and Me group!! (:-) (Just Kidding).

A numbing experience

I am still numb from the dentist.  Hard to talk correctly, and I feel like I am drooling as well.  Jeff has been laughing at me.  Glad that is over with, though.  The shots for numbing were the worst part, really.

Olivia rolled over from her stomach to her back today!!! She is really growing fast.

I am glad she doesn't have to go to the dentist for a little while...but we don't have fluoridated water (at the "new" house), so she will have to take fluoride supplements when she is old enough.

A sensitive subject...

Well, I had my 6 month check up today at the dentist.  My teeth are mostly perfect, a little pregnancy gingivitis still present, but I can't help that.  The sensitivity has really gotten bad, though.  My hygienist accidently hit one of my teeth with her mirror, and I about came out of the chair.  I guess I need to step up my fluoride rinse.  I already use sensitive teeth toothpaste, so I guess there isn't much more I can do.  One trip to the dentist this week is not enough...I get to go back tomorrow to have a filling replaced (the only filling I have, I am proud to say, although it is one filling too many).

I forgot to get my TB test read last Friday (it was done Wednesday).  I can NOT seem to remember anything anymore, and I have to write myself multiple reminders and set my phone to alarm.  It is crazy.  So, I had to get another test today, to be read on Wednesday.  I will be in the 'Couv every day this week, except Thursday.  At least it will be permanently on Saturday.

BTW, what an amazing game between team USA and Canada in men's hockey yesterday.  Fantastic.  Looks like it will be Team USA and Canada women's hockey in the gold medal round Thursday. Should be another great game...

And yes, the Girl Scout cookies have been breached.  Much to the chagrin of my dentist, I am sure.

Making progress

Well, most of the upstairs is packed and ready to go.  I still managed to watch the US Men's curling team lose to Great Britain...might be over for the US Men.  I don't think they have enough wins to advance, but we will see.  Now, I am watching the US vs Canada hockey game.  Good game so far.  US up 2-1.  Thinking about what to make for dinner.  Hopefully will get a bit more done, but I could just curl up with a glass of wine and call it a day.  There are also those Girl Scout cookies calling my name...so far, I have avoided the temptation.

Okay, today I really will pack...

I go into my daughter's room this morning, and she looks up at me from her crib with a big smile on her face, and all seems right with the world.  At least one of us wakes up happy!!! :)  The sun is still shining, so I am SURE that I will manage to get lots of packing done today, right....?? Um, right.  Guess we will know later today....  Wish me luck!

What a beautiful day...

Could today get any better? 60 degrees and sunshine, a sleepy, smiley baby, no set agenda, Cadbury mini eggs and Girl Scout cookies. Although I could have an upset stomach later from the sweets, this day is by far the best of the year so far. And, the US Men's curling team won again (yea!).  Now, if only the packing would miraculously happen by itself...*sigh*

The adventure begins...

Well, to keep up with the Joneses, I will try to add pictures and witty captions about our family here. Not sure I have the photographic ability or the witty dialog of some in my family, but hopefully this will be an easy way to keep everyone update on Olivia's progress and any major life events we choose to share! Thanks for following! More to come soon!