I'm going to be back at my Live Journal page from now on...it's just easier to use!

So, here's the link:
http://haurelia.livejournal.com/

Thanks for reading!

Summertime...

And the living is easy, I suppose.
We've had a busy couple of weeks with visitors and family stuff. It's been off and on really hot, really rainy and occasionally, really beautiful! Over the first weekend of July, Paul's brother Andrew and his family (wife Sarah, kids Trevor, Troy and Addison) stayed with us 'til Tuesday morning. It was a full, noisy house, but really nice to see them all. Paul took the boys biking, and fishing in the nearby Carp River...they got leeches, but had a good time catching a few little brook trout (and throwing them back).


Henry was sick that weekend, though, after having his very first fever on Friday morning around 3am. No other symptoms, but he was off and on feverish all weekend. The poor guy was so clingy and uncomfortable. He didn't want much other than holding, reading stories, nursing and popsicles (made by mama with strawberries, banana, ginger tea, echinacea and honey). On the 4th, he seemed normal. We went with our company out to Sandi's (my stepmom) family's camp on Farmer's Lake to join up with their big crew to grill, swim and relax. The kids got to fish, and spent all afternoon in the lake. They enjoyed hanging out with Sandi's niece Francesca and nephew Calvin, who are realllllyyyy nice kids.



Henry wanted to stay near me, but he did manage to scrape up some enthusiasm for playing with my dad before he got really hot again.

He conked out on the futon on the porch. I had to take his picture; he's looking like such a kid to me most of the time, and not like my little baby anymore.


My aunt Nita was in town this week, from Boulder. Also, my aunt Melissa and uncle Steve were here from Minneapolis; it was "Pioneer Days" in Negaunee (the week following the 4th of July). So, there was a lot going on in town...pancake breakfasts, alumni softball tournament and such, capped off with the parade and fireworks on Saturday. We didn't do much of it, just the parade and the fireworks. Nita, Henry and I went to the beach on Friday...it was heavenly!


We had a family dinner party at my Dad's on Friday evening. Saturday, we watched the parade down the street from our house, mainly because a couple of my cousins were in it, on a float and in the high school marching band. It was HOT and just boring. Then, after Henry napped, we went to a different beach (Little Presque Isle) with Nita, Melissa and Steve, and my cousin Emily (oh, and Blaze too!). Another gorgeous day on a gorgeous Lake Superior Beach. That lake-it just feeds my soul! I forgot my camera on Saturday, rats. We had some supper, and played Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit, because that's how we nerds roll.

Our friends Heather and Eric came over on Saturday night, along with Eric's son Noah. We rode bikes to the fireworks and enjoyed the show, although Henry wasn't too sure. He was fine sitting in his bike trailer, but didn't want to be out and/or held. We ran into my friend Christa's husband, Mike. So, we all traipsed back to our house for some front porch therapy and I put Henry to bed. It had been a very busy day!

Sunday, we went blueberry picking with Nita, and got about a gallon of wild berries along the railroad tracks near where Paul reports to work. Deliciousness! We gave a quart to Grandma Prusi to prompt her to make pie, and I'm debating about whether to pie, jam or freeze the rest...if they last! Paul is eating them like crazy, and Henry too. Between all the beets we've been eating from our CSA share, and blueberries, blackberries and such, almost all of Hen's diapers have a big stain from purple or blue poo. That boy just can't get enough fruit and vegetables, I tell you!

Speaking of vegetables, we got a chance on Sunday to visit the farm where our produce comes from, and where we're getting our beef. This farm is called Seeds and Spores Family Farm, and it's really a nice diversified operation. We got to roam all over, see the hoop houses and the fields, and the chickens, pigs and cows. It's really good to be able to meet the farmers who grow our food and see how it's all being done. The fields are like kitchen gardens on steroids-a big mix of rows of greens, carrots, onions, potatoes, beets, broccoli, cabbages, etc. There's also a big field of sweet corn, and berry patches too. They also grow herbs and flowers. The animals are rotationally grazed, and they are all on pasture (the pigs and chickens get some supplemental grains). I'd like to volunteer there, but they ask for a whole weekday twice a week in exchange for a share...I just can't swing that right now without someone reliable to care for Henry (not to mention that he doesn't go 8 hours without a nurse). Ah well...

I am thinking about moving back to Live Journal for blogging. It's easier to add photos and just seems more streamlined to me. Not sure yet, but I'll post and update my link on Facebook when I decide. Also, I changed the name, because we don't live at Grandmother's house anymore. :)

After a long hiatus...

I am back with an update or two or three. Or a ramble? It's late and I'm squeezing this in while the house is asleep (man, baby, parents-in-law).

It's probably rather silly to say "we've been busy" again, but we have. Over the last two weeks, we've been continuing to do projects; moving stuff from garage to house, painting the enclosed back porch a.k.a. "shed", unpacking my desk paraphernalia unpacking our framed photos/art, and a biggie: unpacking and arranging the books (still pending). I've yet to find our photo albums, and there's still a few boxes hither and yon that need to be opened and unpacked. Paul put a kitty door in the kitchen door that leads to the shed so we could put their litter out there. I spent a while re-acquainting them with the concept, using tuna and lots of high pitched kitty talk to coax them in and out. Thankfully, we had one at the old house, and I think they've got it. Henry sure got it quickly and tried to get through that door. Sadly, he's much much too large!






I'm finding it difficult to manage getting this house settled along with the normal household activities that keep the place running smoothly (e.g. laundry, bread making, grocery getting and such). Plus, this house is much bigger than any I've taken care of before, so that's taking some getting used to. Also, without much rug action on the floor, the dog hair is threatening to take us all over without a vacuum or sweep every other day or so. Turns out that painted floors don't sweep well. And vacuuming 2000 square feet is, frankly, a pain in the ass. But, I soldier on, knowing that when we get all our unpacking/placing done, I'll be able to figure out a schedule of sorts that keeps me on track. I've been interested in exploring what other stay at home parents do, or folks in general, I guess. Like, old school type things that are rock solid, like marketing on Monday, washing clothes on Wednesday or whatever.

Turns out that we need some more rummage goodness...I'm asking the universe for some large rugs that are not hideous and in good condition. And some few more small tables, lamps and maybe another comfy chair or two. But, mostly, the rugs for now. We will also need a washer and dryer soon, as those we have are really not working very well. It takes the dryer several cycles to get stuff dry, as I'm finding out. So, thank goodness for clothes line in the back yard...stiff towels and all, because good grief! We are so broke.

On Sunday, Paul, Henry and I went to Ostanek's strawberry farm in Trenary. We picked 24 quarts in record time, just under an hour and a half! I got them all processed when we got home after a trip to the coop for Pomona pectin so I could try freezer jam. Henry had a really good time...he actually helped pick for a pretty solid 15 minutes or so. After that, he just had fun playing with an empty quart box and trotting up and down our row. It was such easy picking at this farm, not to mention that it was only about 65 and cloudy. Last year, we sweated our brains out, swatting flies and dealing with a heavy, hot, cranky, 5-month-old, breastmilk addict on our backs (literally). This year, he's like a real little boy who loves to be outside, getting dirty, exploring everything.
Here are some photos...










Paul's parents are visiting this week, which has been really nice. They're so dear and loving, and so helpful to us. Kathy brought all sorts of perennials from her garden. Not only that, she actually DUG UP all the maple seedlings and overgrown weeds and junk in the south-facing front bed today, put it in the compost and replanted all that I wanted to save along with all she brought. In addition to my existing (barely) rose and peony and lonely lilly, she planted a few beebalms, black eyed susans, a few pink things I can't remember the name of and a lovely flowering shrub called "Little Henry's Sweetspire" which is special to me. Next time they come, she's bringing some echinacea (one of my faves) and some shady perennial flowers and a hosta. I'm waiting a day or two to take pictures, as they're looking sad and transplanted right now (droopy and thirsty).

I was feeling pretty crummy on Monday and Tuesday...pretty severe abdominal pain and cramping, but no GI or bladder symptoms. Seriously, this was almost labor-like in it's intensity. I went to our family doctor on Tuesday afternoon, and she ordered an ultrasound (which I'm having tomorrow) to rule out an ovarian cyst or ectopic pregnancy. She also had me give blood and urine for testing to rule out infections. I'm fairly confident that nothing is wrong with me, as I'm feeling almost 100% better today...almost no pain, just achy dull crampiness in my pelvis. But, I suppose it's better to have a look now, in case it is a cyst and happens again, then there will be a baseline. I've read and been counseled that most cysts are benign, and are nothing to take issue with. Many women take birth control pills to deal with them, as the hormones help keep things "level" in the system (artificially). I'm never taking artificial hormones again, so I'd rather keep my diet in check, and do whatever can be done with herbs, homeopathy and food first! If a cyst is very large, surgical removal is indicated because it can increase the risk that the ovary gets twisted around, causing big problems. Anyway, I'm feeling fine and sure that all is well(ish).

Paul's brother, Andrew and his family are coming for a visit on Saturday through Monday. We're really excited to see them, and can't wait to just chill together. They have 3 kids and Henry loves them. We're just going to eat, rest, watch some fireworks and do some fishing.

Ah yawn! Must go for now, but I will try to update sooner next time. For those who've asked about blog updates, I think that you will be notified of an update if you become a "follower," but I'm not sure about that. Anyway, thanks for reading!

What a week!

We've been very busy! Moving in took up last weekend, and all this week, I've been trying to corral some of the chaos (along with a very busy and happy 1 year old!).

I've gotten a lot done. The kitchen is functional, the laundry is going, all of our clothes are sorted and unpacked (and in boxes for a garage sale). The bathroom is sorted and neat and ready except for a few things like putting up towel bars (the previous owners had none!). The linen/bath closet was the first thing I organized, because there wasn't much stuff; it felt really good to get that small bit accomplished.



I cleaned Grandma's house and we only have a few odds and ends left to retrieve there, like our freezer and some yard tools. She seems really happy now that we're gone. I think my feelings about our relationship will lean back to the more loving and positive realm now that we have a little space of our own.

The floors downstairs turned out really nicely...they look great and it was worth hiring someone to do. Here's a photo of the front foyer; it's really beautiful with oak, red oak and cherry inlays.


I still feel like my brain is a bulletin board covered in notes on scraps of paper, but I'm sure I'll get it all sorted out soon. Paul's parents are coming on the 28th to spend some time, which I'm sure will help a lot! If nothing else, they can keep Henry company while I work uninterrupted.

I've gotten my sourdough starter revitalized (it only took three feedings!). I'm going to give it another day or so of feedings before using it, but I'm excited to make some sourdough pancakes for Paul on Father's day.

We joined a CSA this year, and got our first box on Wednesday. Awesome! Beautiful chard, bok choy, spinach, lettuces, radishes and baby beets, and some oregano. We also got an egg share, and they're gorgeous too. I'll take a photo of next week's to share. We ordered beef from the same farm too...can't wait!

I cooked, like real cooking, for the first time last night. We had some stuff from our CSA...ravioli with sauteed chard and onion and olive oil, plus a big salad with some of the lettuce and radishes with green garlic dressing.
The kitchen is going to take some getting used to, and a few tweaks, but I like it! I have a window overlooking the patio, and a nice big sink (that gets dirty really easily).

We really feel comfortable here and are so happy we took the plunge.

Transition

We are moving into our house this weekend.



Just had to let that sink in for a minute. We've been insanely busy the last couple of weeks, trying to get all the stuff done that needed doing. Most particularly, all the painting in the areas where the flooring was getting refinished or painted, so as to not worry about drips and splatters. Holy moly! Every afternoon, after Paul got home from work, I headed over to the house to paint-solo. Paul and Henry would arrive about 2 hours later with some food for me, and I'd take a break, and keep painting 'til about 9. Home to Grandma's, nurse babe, shower, conk out. Repeated daily until Friday, when I was just so absolutely, completely burned out that I took a break for a day. I didn't want to end up like Paul and burn out totally and end up needing medical treatment (Paul, by the way, is back to normal and doing well).

Holly and Theo visited over Memorial Day weekend, which was lovely even though neither of them were feeling well. I really miss my sister, and I think we're both doing some preemptive mourning that I'll likely not be able to be at her birthing this time around. I wish they could have stayed all month; the weekend was way too short. We had fun at the beach and just hanging at home.

My mom and Mark were here over this past weekend, which helped a lot. Mark painted a couple of closets for me, and my mom helped me to thoroughly clean out all the nooks and crannies of the kitchen and laundry room. They were, in a word, contaminated. With grease, hair, dirt and all the muck of daily living that would collect if one didn't do regular maintenance...I cleaned dog hairballs the size of grapefruits out of the freezer, for goodness' sake! My mom used a nail and a toothbrush to get all the ugh out of the washing machine (which, by the way, is 17 years old...we found the receipts for it and the dryer; let us pray that they continue to work for a few more years). Paul fixed the garage door and changed the knobs/locks on the back of the house, so we can lock those doors now. He cleaned out the shed (more gag-inducing ugh), and pulled the last smidge of remaining old carpet out of the half bath...let's just not go any further than that in describing it. Old carpet in the bath.

Monday, I finished up painting (for now) by doing the back stairs...that was nitpicky business, but it looks much improved. Charlie and Morgan are sanding the downstairs floors and putting some finish on tomorrow (I hope it's tomorrow, since we're teed up for moving in on Saturday). A locksmith is making us some skeleton keys for the very old (perhaps original) lockset on the front door...it seems that it requires a person to have two keys at once, like a safe-deposit box. So, we're trying to figure that out; the locksmith took the lockset out yesterday and will let us know when he's examined it and made a determination. We really didn't want to change it, as it's really cool and very unique. Pictures later, sorry, I have really fallen behind on photography with all the work going on!

I keep catching myself thinking little thoughts; wishing for more money so we could replace this or that, or hire someone to do such and such. But then, I realize, this house is 120 years old! The stairs are going to show wear, and the floors aren't perfect, and the trim has been painted 25 times...and it's really ok! The house just has such a great feeling for us. I know people may come over and notice the flaws or the things that need work, particularly those who may have the "finer things" in their home. But for us, it's beautiful, and we love it despite the flaws. Not only that, we'd rather not take on debt to play that "keeping up with the Joneses" game. And once we get living there, it's just going to fill up with comfort, light, good smells, toddler laughs and cries and music (which I'm desperately missing these last few months...Grandma does not want to listen to anything that I want to listen to, so it's been hard).

The universe keeps coming at us with great things; my aunt Cindy and uncle John have given us a beautiful, old farmhouse dining table that was in their home. They refinished it 10 years ago and put it away in the attic because it has a wobble (most likely an easy fix by Paul). My aunt Mary and uncle Bo are giving us a twin bed for Henry's future room. My aunt Tina and uncle Jeff are giving us some extra dressers for our guest room. My in laws are bringing all kinds of second-hand bounty when they come in July...a cedar chest, coat tree, hall mirror, ottoman, canning jars, perennials and clothes for Henry. My mom is going to get my grandparent's old piano up to us this year, and the previous owners left us another deep freeze (the better to store half a cow and gobs of frozen local produce in, my dear!). My dad and Sandi, aunts and uncles will help us with moving and setting up this weekend, and I am so grateful for all the help we've had and the love we're shown. I'm feeling very lucky to have both my immediate, nuclear family as well as my parents, aunts, uncles, grandmas and in-laws.

Paul, as usual, is a rock. He's so patient, calm and steady, and works so hard for us. He loves being a father, and Henry just pounces on him the moment he gets home. He maintains a good sense of humor and a super high tolerance for the frustrations of working on a house with a sensitive and reactionary wife. He keeps me laughing and smoothed out, and I am so grateful to have this partner in my life's work. His birthday is Friday, and his gift (at his request) was registration for the Ore to Shore mountain bike race in August...48 miles of riding. I feel badly that his birthday is going to get lost in the moving, so we'll likely celebrate the following weekend with Father's Day. I'm planning to let him sleep til he wakes up, banana pancakes, and a day at the beach, followed by a delicious dinner and perhaps cake (if he wants one...last year, he didn't).

Henry is a peach; saying (or trying to say) so much and climbing, running, digging and playing all day long. He's getting another molar, which has been hard for him, but he's such a sweet little dude. Always hugging and kissing us (he really puckers up now, it's so awesome). He takes his stuffed animals around making them kiss whoever is in the room, usually several rounds in a row. He loves to eat fruit, and takes huge bites of apple, letting the juice run out of his mouth as he chews, saying "hmmmm, mmmmm, ummmm!" with big eyes. He tells me when he poops or pees now, and we're starting some low-key toilet sitting...if you tell him to push out his poop, he really bears down and does this crazy grunt and smiles and laughs. Nothing has happened yet, but I'm just trying to communicate with him about it and try to catch his cues before it happens. He's so smart, and silly and loves to listen to folks who sing to him. We are just crazy about that little character!

We're going to the "Book Babies" storytime at the library again tomorrow...and this time we're taking Grandma Helvi and cousin Emily with us. Should be fun! It's been nice to not be allowed to be at the new house right now because of the floors. It really is a little calm before the storm of moving. I feel as though I should be packing, but really, all to pack is our clothes and toiletries, and a few toys and books that we've hauled out. Oh, and the few pots and pans I just HAD to have up in the kitchen (I'm sort of attached to them).

I'll probably not post again for a week or so...just a lot going on. I'm not sure who (if anyone) reads regularly, but thanks to all who do; stay tuned for more.

Some photos, finally.

I finally uploaded some photos that I've taken of the house "in progress." Rather than pick through them and upload one by one to blogger (which, by the way, is really annoying, because I can't figure out how to insert them within the text...they all end up at the top of the page, then I have to cut and paste the html; does anyone know about this?), I will just put a link to the album I made on my FB page. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2050579&id=1602502452&l=cd73896637

Sorry, I know it's lame, but time is short and I am frustrated with the photo aspect of this website!

Anyway, it was a long, hot weekend. We were sort of derailed on Sunday, because Paul wasn't feeling well and couldn't work beyond the morning. I painted with my dad, but he wrapped it up around 4:30, and Paul felt weak and tired, so couldn't manage Henry alone. We all just went back to Grandma's and I made supper. Paul went to bed early, around 8. After that, it got complicated!

At 3am, Henry woke us up and Paul got up to pee. I was nursing Henry, and heard/felt a huge crash. Paul had passed out in the bathroom! So, I ran in there, and he was just staggering to his knees. I tried to make him stay down but he was acting disoriented and ornery, and stood up "to wash his hands" and went down like a ton of bricks (he's pretty tall and heavy). I don't know how I managed to do it, but I had him by the arms and managed to steer him away from the counter so he didn't crack his head (the bathroom here is super narrow, like enough room to stand in front of the sink, but that's it). I put his legs up and he was out for about 30 seconds (felt like a lifetime) and Henry was calling me but staying in bed (thank goodness!). Paul then woke up, and I made him crawl back into bed, and put his legs up again...brought the baby in to Grandma's room (thankfully, she was up with all the commotion). Paul drank about 2 liters, and sort of rested/dozed. I put Henry back to sleep, then cleaned up the wastebasket that Grandma peed in during the drama (long story on that one too!) and took a shower to get ready to head to the hospital at some point, even though I knew Paul was going to try to get up for work at 6 (it was like 4:30 by now and no way I was going back to sleep). You can imagine, I've had about 5 heart attacks at this point and adrenaline is pumping. I got a bag ready for Henry, made sure I had all our insurance info, etc, and made a lunch for Henry (who knows how long we'd be waiting).

So, sure enough, Paul's alarm goes off, and I brought in another liter of water for him to drink, and treated him like a postpartum lady who fainted her first time up. This time, I brought Grandma's BP cuff and sure enough, didn't he go from 120/70 laying to 99/50 sitting and then stood up, fainted again and was 66/40? ARGH! I called his boss to tell him Paul wasn't coming, and argued with Paul about why he should agree to go by ambulance. He bargained with me to let him drink more water and if he got dizzy sitting after another 30 minutes or so, he'd agree to go by ambulance. If he could sit, we'd go in the car.
Well, he managed to get his pressure up enough to tolerate sitting, so we went in the car against my better judgement.

Several hours in the ER, an EKG, CXR, belly film some labs and a liter of 0.9 and he was feeling better, but tired. Diagnosis? Dehydration, vasovagal syncope and perhaps, foodborne viral illness (but Paul and I ate the same things all weekend and I am fine). I'm not 100% in agreement; Paul never had vomiting or diarrhea, and while he probably didn't drink enough, it wasn't like he didn't drink or eat at all. We talked with the doc about all the work Paul's been doing at the house (sanding old paint, etc) but he shrugged that off since Paul wears a respirator. Anyway, we got home around 1 with a cranky toddler, ate lunch and took a nap. Paul is okay today, although very tired and sort of stand-offish. I can't tell if he's nervous, or embarassed, or if he's had some sort of mental status change. He insisted that he go to work, so he did. I am worried!

So, anyway, that's that. I guess it will take me a few days to relax about it. It really hit home how tenuous our position is in so many ways. If Paul is sick and can't work, we're screwed (temporarily anyway). And, of course, the obvious worries about a sick husband. I'm not 100% confident in "dehydration" being all it was. He continues to feel nausea, and the tiredness seems out of proportion in terms of the amount of sleep he's gotten over the last few days. I'm anxious to put my eyes and hands on him this afternoon, and have made an appointment with our primary care doc on Thursday (the soonest they could see us, and I had to fight for that!).

I'm thinking about exposure to something toxic in the house...and that opens up a whole new set of worries, so I'm going to try to just keep taking things as they come.

Overwhelmed!

In some ways, I'm feeling really stumped by all we have to do at our house. It's hard to manage spending time there with caring for a very busy 16 month old guy. But, I know we'll get it all done before moving day (June 12!). We've had lots of help from my family, and are working hard whenever we can. I do, at times, feel guilty that Paul is pulling more of the load. I have to bring Henry back to Grandma's for nap, and early for bedtime while Paul works on. It's hard, not feeling like I'm doing my share of the yuck work.

I've gotten our bedroom walls, ceiling, trim and closet painted...just needs a few touchups. Henry's room has a first coat, and the trim is done. I painted the hall trim, and need to do the walls this weekend. We need to prime and paint the upstairs floors, and then it's just detail work that can happen after we move in. Aunt Cindy deep-cleaned the upstairs bath yesterday, and Paul has all the wall repair done on the plastered dining room. Aunt Lois came over to paint some living room trim this morning, and I cleaned up all the plaster dust (quite a long process, as I had to clean the shop vac filter 3 times before I finished the room). I'm at home while Henry naps now, then I'll bring him up to my Dad's place, where Sandi will look after him for a few hours so I can go back to the house and paint some more.

I absolutely LOVE to paint, and am kind of a nut about doing it "right." I've had to let go of that controlling, perfectionist feeling in order to just relax and let others help with this work. It helps that the house is old and flawed, somehow. Maybe because I know that painting perfectly isn't going to make the trim or walls look perfect? I'm a nut.

I've taken lots of "before" photos, but the camera is in a kitchen cabinet at the new house, so I've yet to upload any.

Really, in the grand scheme of things, all this work is minor, "finish" work to us. Having lived through remodeling our old house from the studs out (plumbing, electrical, drywall, building a kitchen, etc), this really is very little work by comparison. I think most people feel overwhelmed when they walk in, but overall, it feels like a snap! It will be all fresh and ready to live in, soon. Just paint and cleaning, that's what I keep telling myself.

We decided to have the hardwood flooring on the main floor refinished. We'd planned to do it ourselves, but the task seemed to daunting and monumental, and we really strongly want it to look it's best. Paul and I agree; we'd rather suck it up and pay a bit more now than look back and wish we'd done so when our DIY floor job bothered us. That's one thing we learned from Lamay...if you're not sure you can do it well, it's worth it to check into having someone else do it well, otherwise it will bother us indefinitely.

Henry is doing well with all the chaos. He loves to roam and romp in our fenced back yard. There's plenty of room for him to explore, and it's so relaxing to be able to sit in a chair and watch him do it, rather than be on his heels to make sure he stays out of the alley or the street. We're really going to love living in this house! It's just right for our family.