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!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
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. :)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, June 18, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
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!).
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.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
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.
Friday, May 14, 2010
High anxiety
Whew! I am feeling some serious self-imposed pressure about this move! For some reason, I have in my mind that we MUST be living there by next weekend. It's fine with Grandma if we stay on a bit longer, and I suppose I should feel nothing but gratitude that we have this house as a base while we work on the other. HOWEVER, I am feeling really overwrought and ready to get out of here, probably because I know it's coming. It's too hot here, and Henry is told "no" at every turn, and I just can't take it much longer. I am tired of making supper and eating at 5pm, and I am tired of cooking up things to take us out of the house every day. The animals are anxious, Grandma is grumpy, and I am just feeling such an urge for my own stuff, my own food, my own space, music, good smells and no carpets.
Carpet is gross, people, especially when it's decades old!
This clerk at the UM birth center, Maria, is quite a character. She is quirky, and always makes a rather off-beat comment in most conversations. She came to my going-away party, and told me that I was really in for some trouble with this move. When I asked her why, she responded "You are going to be taking care of a baby, living with an old lady and dealing with a man! It's like three times as hard as anything else." I just thought it was funny, like, "oh, Maria!" and forgot about it until a week or two ago, when I realized she was right.
I really hope that my stress/anxiety levels decrease with our move, because it has been hard walking on eggshells for Grandma, keeping Henry corralled (when that's the last thing he needs or wants) and trying to communicate with Paul about what we need to plan, do, check or call on. And adjust to missing all my downstate people, get to know a new town and be out of my element housekeeping-wise. Okay, poor me. End rant!
We decided that it would make the most sense to refinish the hardwood floors before we even think about doing anything else. The kicker is that we haven't even been able to get in the house yet, and I have no idea what we're going to encounter underneath those carpets. We've never done this before, so I'm anxious about it turning out well, and not taking a whole week to do. Paul is at risk of having to stay overtime on any given work day, and I'm feeling some anxiety related to how everything is going to get done. I'm also a little worried about how it's all going to go with Henry involved...being a nursling who has somewhat weird sleep patterns, he's a challenge for someone to take care of for more than a couple of hours. And, I haven't really left him with others much to speak of. I'm sure he'll be fine overall, but I feel pulled in the direction of trying to knock this house work out with Paul and still do what Henry needs. As well as make sure we have groceries, and that Grandma's needs are taken care of until we're officially "gone."
I asked her today what she was feeling about us leaving, and she just said "Weellll..." and then got up from the table and started cleaning up her dishes. Oh man, she is getting harder to understand, rather than easier. I busted ass twice this week to get supper made and on the table by her eating time. Both times, when I went into the living room to tell her it was time to eat, she refused because she didn't feel like eating. Another time, I woke myself up from a much needed nap to get supper made and found her eating a sandwich and cheese puffs because she felt hungry. That's fine! Really, it is, but it's a little frustrating too. I offer her lunch every day when Henry and I are eating, and she says she doesn't want anything. Then, an hour later, she's eating cookies and drinking that horrible Ensure that she favors so much. Here's what she buys when she stops in the grocery store after her weekly hair-do:
Sorry, ranting again. At any rate, I'm determined to stay polite and respectful, and keep telling her of our plans and how they can change. What else can I do?
Carpet is gross, people, especially when it's decades old!
This clerk at the UM birth center, Maria, is quite a character. She is quirky, and always makes a rather off-beat comment in most conversations. She came to my going-away party, and told me that I was really in for some trouble with this move. When I asked her why, she responded "You are going to be taking care of a baby, living with an old lady and dealing with a man! It's like three times as hard as anything else." I just thought it was funny, like, "oh, Maria!" and forgot about it until a week or two ago, when I realized she was right.
I really hope that my stress/anxiety levels decrease with our move, because it has been hard walking on eggshells for Grandma, keeping Henry corralled (when that's the last thing he needs or wants) and trying to communicate with Paul about what we need to plan, do, check or call on. And adjust to missing all my downstate people, get to know a new town and be out of my element housekeeping-wise. Okay, poor me. End rant!
We decided that it would make the most sense to refinish the hardwood floors before we even think about doing anything else. The kicker is that we haven't even been able to get in the house yet, and I have no idea what we're going to encounter underneath those carpets. We've never done this before, so I'm anxious about it turning out well, and not taking a whole week to do. Paul is at risk of having to stay overtime on any given work day, and I'm feeling some anxiety related to how everything is going to get done. I'm also a little worried about how it's all going to go with Henry involved...being a nursling who has somewhat weird sleep patterns, he's a challenge for someone to take care of for more than a couple of hours. And, I haven't really left him with others much to speak of. I'm sure he'll be fine overall, but I feel pulled in the direction of trying to knock this house work out with Paul and still do what Henry needs. As well as make sure we have groceries, and that Grandma's needs are taken care of until we're officially "gone."
I asked her today what she was feeling about us leaving, and she just said "Weellll..." and then got up from the table and started cleaning up her dishes. Oh man, she is getting harder to understand, rather than easier. I busted ass twice this week to get supper made and on the table by her eating time. Both times, when I went into the living room to tell her it was time to eat, she refused because she didn't feel like eating. Another time, I woke myself up from a much needed nap to get supper made and found her eating a sandwich and cheese puffs because she felt hungry. That's fine! Really, it is, but it's a little frustrating too. I offer her lunch every day when Henry and I are eating, and she says she doesn't want anything. Then, an hour later, she's eating cookies and drinking that horrible Ensure that she favors so much. Here's what she buys when she stops in the grocery store after her weekly hair-do:
- Some sort of chips or cheese puffs, or cheese popcorn
- Cookies from the bakery department
- Candy of some sort to put in a dish
- Lunch meat that is the most processed of the processed...like olive loaf or liverwurst (which, she has yet to eat any of)
- Canned or frozen meals
- Soft white bread
- Processed cheese slices
Sorry, ranting again. At any rate, I'm determined to stay polite and respectful, and keep telling her of our plans and how they can change. What else can I do?
Monday, May 10, 2010
Crazy good weekend
We closed on our house on Friday!! Of course, it took forever, and things were not there that should have been, but they made it at the last minute (papers from the title company). We own 215 E. Case Street! The old owners negotiated to stay for 7 days past closing, which is now, of course, driving me bananas; mostly because all I can think about it pulling out that nasty carpet and getting the house cleaned, blessed and filled up with us! I am dying to sleep in my own bed, and just let it hang out as a family in our own house. Whew.
We splurged and went out to dinner after our closing...it was nice, although kind of rushed. It's really hard to go out to eat and really savor the experience when there's a toddler involved. We went to the Vierling in Marquette, which has amazing beer and whitefish pulled out of Superior (just across the road). It was so yummy. It's been so long since I've had alcohol that I think I was tipsy from one pint of beer!
It started snowing Friday evening, and when we woke up there were about 4 inches on the roof and the cars. Whoa! I was not expecting that. Thankfully, it was just in Negaunee, and didn't interfere with our rummage sale plans in Marquette. We totally scored on some furniture for our new place: an armchair for the living room, big enough to read with a kiddo in: $5. It needs a cleaning, but is a beautiful robin's egg blue tweed. A smaller armchair for our bedroom in a silky goldy/green 1960's fabric in almost perfect condition: $10. We also found a pair of simple 1960's wood lamps, a rickety cabinet (that needs paint) for cat food to sit on in the kitchen with storage below, some new rag rugs, a couple of plants and a coat tree, as well as some kitchen crap (bench scraper, shot glasses and tiny wooden bowls for measured herbs, etc). Yay! I didn't take photos of stuff, but I'll try. My mother in law found us a beautiful cedar chest downstate, and they'll be bringing it up on their next visit. I plan to put it at the foot of our bed and use it for our linens and treasures. My aunt and uncle are giving us a twin bed that their daughter has used for some years. So, we don't have to find one of those for the kiddo room.
All this thrift/rummage/yard sale stuff provokes much excitement for us. We want a comfortable, clean and welcoming home, not a showplace. I fantasize about how it will look all together, funky and warm. Some folks might be weird about buying used furniture...I enjoy the thrill of finding something cool that is still useful, and rescuing it from a landfill (or, up here, just getting dumped out in an old caving ground or something). Plus, some of the old stuff is just better-made and more interesting to look at than new, mass-produced furniture. Don't misunderstand me; I do like Ikea, and if I had unlimited money, I'd probably just go out and get what we want/need all at once. But, because our budget is small, and because we care, we're taking our time to find what's right, or what will work.
I also had a lovely Mother's Day.
Last year, Paul didn't even make me a card. He joked on that day that my Mother's Day gift was the blowout diaper I woke up to (literally, blown out on me and the sheets). While I don't buy into the "get something flashy for your mom at the last minute" Hallmark holiday aspect of Mother's Day, it would have been nice to have a special family day, and be celebrated for the hard work of mama-hood. I was sad!
This year was a total 180. Paul took Henry out when he woke, allowing me to sleep until after 9 (unheard of!). We had brunch together, then took a ride for my surprise that Paul had been hinting that they'd been working on...now, I don't know if this is legal, and I feel maybe a little weird about this: he chose a birch sapling on some public land, tied a ribbon on it, and drove me to it (over some rocky, crazy two-track). He presented it as my gift, and plans to dig up and wrap the root ball when we're moved in and ready to plant it at our new house, along with Henry's placenta. I absolutely adore paper birch trees...they're so beautiful in a grove, and tall, goldy and slender. My grandma's house has two old birches in the front that Holly and I played with a lot a kids. I feel connected to birch, and missed them a lot living in the lower peninsula. But, it does seem weird to take one from the woods to put at our house. I actually had a thought that maybe it would be sad if we moved it. But, I'd love to have a special tree at our new house, too. Maybe I'll do some research on buying a sapling if they're not too expensive. Paul knows I'm a sensitive weirdo, and I don't want to hurt his feelings. His intention was nothing but good, and very sweet. I really love my husband.
We went to the beach, too. We drove up 550 near Little Presque Isle, and hiked on the Songbird Trail to the beach. It was absolutely, eye-poppingly, clean-smelling, heart-poundingly gorgeous Lake Superior beach, with a little river feeding into the lake through white sand with driftwood here and there. It was windy and wavy yesterday, so we couldn't stay long (especially once Henry decided to take a swim), but it was perfect and really fed my soul.
Here are some photos:
We went to dinner at Red Lobster with Grandma, Aunt Cindy and Uncle John, and Aunt Mary and her mom, Marilyn. It was packed, we had to wait forever, and this was disappointing, because we really don't like chain restaurants, and Red Lobster in particular. It's Grandma's favorite, so she usually chooses to go there above anything else. Oh well, we won't have to do it again anytime soon, but it was a bite to spend money on a restaurant meal again, especially one we didn't like much. Ah well!
My kid is waking, so this is it for now. Hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day!
We splurged and went out to dinner after our closing...it was nice, although kind of rushed. It's really hard to go out to eat and really savor the experience when there's a toddler involved. We went to the Vierling in Marquette, which has amazing beer and whitefish pulled out of Superior (just across the road). It was so yummy. It's been so long since I've had alcohol that I think I was tipsy from one pint of beer!
It started snowing Friday evening, and when we woke up there were about 4 inches on the roof and the cars. Whoa! I was not expecting that. Thankfully, it was just in Negaunee, and didn't interfere with our rummage sale plans in Marquette. We totally scored on some furniture for our new place: an armchair for the living room, big enough to read with a kiddo in: $5. It needs a cleaning, but is a beautiful robin's egg blue tweed. A smaller armchair for our bedroom in a silky goldy/green 1960's fabric in almost perfect condition: $10. We also found a pair of simple 1960's wood lamps, a rickety cabinet (that needs paint) for cat food to sit on in the kitchen with storage below, some new rag rugs, a couple of plants and a coat tree, as well as some kitchen crap (bench scraper, shot glasses and tiny wooden bowls for measured herbs, etc). Yay! I didn't take photos of stuff, but I'll try. My mother in law found us a beautiful cedar chest downstate, and they'll be bringing it up on their next visit. I plan to put it at the foot of our bed and use it for our linens and treasures. My aunt and uncle are giving us a twin bed that their daughter has used for some years. So, we don't have to find one of those for the kiddo room.
All this thrift/rummage/yard sale stuff provokes much excitement for us. We want a comfortable, clean and welcoming home, not a showplace. I fantasize about how it will look all together, funky and warm. Some folks might be weird about buying used furniture...I enjoy the thrill of finding something cool that is still useful, and rescuing it from a landfill (or, up here, just getting dumped out in an old caving ground or something). Plus, some of the old stuff is just better-made and more interesting to look at than new, mass-produced furniture. Don't misunderstand me; I do like Ikea, and if I had unlimited money, I'd probably just go out and get what we want/need all at once. But, because our budget is small, and because we care, we're taking our time to find what's right, or what will work.
I also had a lovely Mother's Day.
Last year, Paul didn't even make me a card. He joked on that day that my Mother's Day gift was the blowout diaper I woke up to (literally, blown out on me and the sheets). While I don't buy into the "get something flashy for your mom at the last minute" Hallmark holiday aspect of Mother's Day, it would have been nice to have a special family day, and be celebrated for the hard work of mama-hood. I was sad!
This year was a total 180. Paul took Henry out when he woke, allowing me to sleep until after 9 (unheard of!). We had brunch together, then took a ride for my surprise that Paul had been hinting that they'd been working on...now, I don't know if this is legal, and I feel maybe a little weird about this: he chose a birch sapling on some public land, tied a ribbon on it, and drove me to it (over some rocky, crazy two-track). He presented it as my gift, and plans to dig up and wrap the root ball when we're moved in and ready to plant it at our new house, along with Henry's placenta. I absolutely adore paper birch trees...they're so beautiful in a grove, and tall, goldy and slender. My grandma's house has two old birches in the front that Holly and I played with a lot a kids. I feel connected to birch, and missed them a lot living in the lower peninsula. But, it does seem weird to take one from the woods to put at our house. I actually had a thought that maybe it would be sad if we moved it. But, I'd love to have a special tree at our new house, too. Maybe I'll do some research on buying a sapling if they're not too expensive. Paul knows I'm a sensitive weirdo, and I don't want to hurt his feelings. His intention was nothing but good, and very sweet. I really love my husband.
We went to the beach, too. We drove up 550 near Little Presque Isle, and hiked on the Songbird Trail to the beach. It was absolutely, eye-poppingly, clean-smelling, heart-poundingly gorgeous Lake Superior beach, with a little river feeding into the lake through white sand with driftwood here and there. It was windy and wavy yesterday, so we couldn't stay long (especially once Henry decided to take a swim), but it was perfect and really fed my soul.
Here are some photos:
We went to dinner at Red Lobster with Grandma, Aunt Cindy and Uncle John, and Aunt Mary and her mom, Marilyn. It was packed, we had to wait forever, and this was disappointing, because we really don't like chain restaurants, and Red Lobster in particular. It's Grandma's favorite, so she usually chooses to go there above anything else. Oh well, we won't have to do it again anytime soon, but it was a bite to spend money on a restaurant meal again, especially one we didn't like much. Ah well!
My kid is waking, so this is it for now. Hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The weekend, this week, and thoughts on other stuff
My dad was the commencement speaker at NMU's graduation last weekend. He was also given an honorary PhD. For those reading who don't know, my dad has been a politician in the UP for the last 12 or so years, so he's had a lot of involvement in the community, and is quite well known here.
The ceremony was held at the Superior Dome (or "Yooper Dome" as people here call it). It's a huge wood dome that NMU has for sporting and other big events, right near the lake (you can see it as you approach Marquette from miles away). With minor snafus, Paul, Henry and I got there right in the nick of time for the ceremony to start. We were given seats right up front next to my Grandma Prusi.
Henry was mostly cranky, nursed for a while as the graduates filed in, then Paul took him out to play, but he ended up sleeping in Paul's arms for the entire ceremony.
There was a reception afterward, and then we went over to Dad and Sandi's to hang out while they made a bunch of lasagna for the big family dinner. Henry, as ever, was more interested in the kitchen goings-on than he was in the toys that they had out for him, so my dad showed him how to make lasagna...it was cute.
The big family dinner was good! My aunt was here from Minneapolis, and I don't get to see her much, so it was great to visit. We made some mojitos, the weather was fabulous, and the patio was so relaxing. We pigged out on lasagna, bowties with alfredo, salad and garlic bread with big pieces of delicious garlic. It was really nice to let Henry roam around and be entertained by my aunts and uncles, and cousin. He's a pretty sociable little cuss, and getting warmed up to folks much faster now. It felt good to relax the constant vigilance I hold here at Grandma's house (that is still going on, by the way).
We're slated to close on our house on Friday!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that no last-minute snags arise. The down payment will pretty much leave us flat broke until the following week, but since we don't have a mortgage payment until July, most all of the money coming in between now and then can go back into savings. I hope. It feels scary, but we had to get a house and this is a great one for us. I know it goes without saying (again) but I reeeaaallly cannot wait much longer to be in our own place. On one hand, I'm really grateful for being able to stay at Grandma's. And there are lots of people who'd kill to have shelter, warmth, running water, etc. On the other hand, one can only walk on eggshells for so long. We can't really listen to music here, or let Henry roam or make a mess, or really truly relax and let it all hang out. I'm worried that Henry is going to pick up on all of the negative things that Grandma says (not about him, but in general). Like "no," "mine" "stop that" and (to the dog) "get out of here" "go away" etc. I think she says "no" to Henry about 7000 times daily, no matter how much I've tried to gently coach her in our way of handling him doing things we don't want him to do. Most of it is stuff that doesn't even matter; like, is it really a problem if he opens the TV cabinet to put a toy in and take it out ad nauseum? Not in my book, but in Grandma's it's a no-no.
There's a million other things I'm salty about, but I don't mean to complain. I just want to continue being respectful and polite for what little time here remains. But damn! I am so looking forward to my own home again (and getting our own bed back). No matter how much work we'll have to do, it's going to feel like paradise.
Meanwhile, we're still going outside every day, and just marveling at all the opportunity just within walking distance of our house. Sunday, we hiked around Teal Lake and found a great spot for spending the afternoon one of these days as it gets warmer and less windy...the perfect little peninsula for a picnic, swimming and chilling.
Ignore the crazy head scarf...it was sooooo windy out there and my hair was driving me bonkers.
The ceremony was held at the Superior Dome (or "Yooper Dome" as people here call it). It's a huge wood dome that NMU has for sporting and other big events, right near the lake (you can see it as you approach Marquette from miles away). With minor snafus, Paul, Henry and I got there right in the nick of time for the ceremony to start. We were given seats right up front next to my Grandma Prusi.
Henry was mostly cranky, nursed for a while as the graduates filed in, then Paul took him out to play, but he ended up sleeping in Paul's arms for the entire ceremony.
There was a reception afterward, and then we went over to Dad and Sandi's to hang out while they made a bunch of lasagna for the big family dinner. Henry, as ever, was more interested in the kitchen goings-on than he was in the toys that they had out for him, so my dad showed him how to make lasagna...it was cute.
The big family dinner was good! My aunt was here from Minneapolis, and I don't get to see her much, so it was great to visit. We made some mojitos, the weather was fabulous, and the patio was so relaxing. We pigged out on lasagna, bowties with alfredo, salad and garlic bread with big pieces of delicious garlic. It was really nice to let Henry roam around and be entertained by my aunts and uncles, and cousin. He's a pretty sociable little cuss, and getting warmed up to folks much faster now. It felt good to relax the constant vigilance I hold here at Grandma's house (that is still going on, by the way).
We're slated to close on our house on Friday!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that no last-minute snags arise. The down payment will pretty much leave us flat broke until the following week, but since we don't have a mortgage payment until July, most all of the money coming in between now and then can go back into savings. I hope. It feels scary, but we had to get a house and this is a great one for us. I know it goes without saying (again) but I reeeaaallly cannot wait much longer to be in our own place. On one hand, I'm really grateful for being able to stay at Grandma's. And there are lots of people who'd kill to have shelter, warmth, running water, etc. On the other hand, one can only walk on eggshells for so long. We can't really listen to music here, or let Henry roam or make a mess, or really truly relax and let it all hang out. I'm worried that Henry is going to pick up on all of the negative things that Grandma says (not about him, but in general). Like "no," "mine" "stop that" and (to the dog) "get out of here" "go away" etc. I think she says "no" to Henry about 7000 times daily, no matter how much I've tried to gently coach her in our way of handling him doing things we don't want him to do. Most of it is stuff that doesn't even matter; like, is it really a problem if he opens the TV cabinet to put a toy in and take it out ad nauseum? Not in my book, but in Grandma's it's a no-no.
There's a million other things I'm salty about, but I don't mean to complain. I just want to continue being respectful and polite for what little time here remains. But damn! I am so looking forward to my own home again (and getting our own bed back). No matter how much work we'll have to do, it's going to feel like paradise.
Meanwhile, we're still going outside every day, and just marveling at all the opportunity just within walking distance of our house. Sunday, we hiked around Teal Lake and found a great spot for spending the afternoon one of these days as it gets warmer and less windy...the perfect little peninsula for a picnic, swimming and chilling.
Ignore the crazy head scarf...it was sooooo windy out there and my hair was driving me bonkers.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
On thrift/frugality/tightwaddery
Paul and I used to make a lot of money. In fact, there were two years that we pushed the $100K annual income as a couple.
We lived extravagantly; we bought groceries at Whole Foods, ate out several times weekly, went to the movies, smoked expensive cigarettes, bought lots of expensive wine and beer and other intoxicants, bought fancy gifts, and in general, bought whatever we wanted. That was fun! And easy. Although, no debts were being actively paid down during that time. We only had a loose budget system, to make sure there was enough money in the checking account to pay bills. There was no control over spending, really. We made ourselves a little more accountable when we were expecting our baby and we knew that I wouldn't return to full-time work after the birth...we quit smoking and cut out intoxicants, and ate healthy foods at home, mostly. But still, lots of money flying out the window!
Looking back at this time, I want to smack myself in the forehead! Since then, Paul has been laid off, I went to part-time work after Henry was born, and now, with just Paul working (by our choice), our income is less than half what it used to be. We're actively trying to pay down debts, with a goal of being debt-free (aside from mortgage) in about 3-4 years. We've transitioned to living in this new town, and are buying another "starter" home while we rent out "starter" home in Ypsi out to another young family. Sadly, we bought a car just before Paul was laid off last year...at least it was used, but still was financed, so we have a monthly car payment. With most other things, we buy used. Clothes, household goods, etc are all purchased used or repaired to re-use as much as we can. We walk and bike (even more now that we live in a small town) and try to group our travel to save on gas. We conserve water and energy to keep the bills down, although that's hard at Grandma's for various reasons...mostly because she keeps the thermostat set around 78 and we keep a fan and window open in our bedroom so we don't suffocate at night. Also, there's no clothesline, so we're using a dryer a lot more than we would at home. Electric dryers are SUPER expensive. Yikes.
To top it off, with the move and Paul not being paid until he'd worked for a month, as well as expenses related to renting out Lamay house, we ran through our savings. All. Of. It. So, now, the debt repayment has to slow down in order for us to start saving for our emergency fund again. Argh.
The main thing that we are not being super frugal with is food. I've been reading the Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczn, and she states that her food budget for a family of 5 is around $200 a month!! They eat a lot of crappy food, in my opinion. Seems like a lot of factory farmed meat and eggs, dried milk (??) and packaged foods bought in bulk, like cereal.
We spend around $500...she'd probably choke!
Don't get me wrong, we are being frugal with food while still eating clean, nutritious, healthy food that is as local as possible. Options for local food are limited here in the UP, especially as far as beans, grains, etc. We buy bulk grains, flour, legumes, honey, peanut butter, maple syrup, oil and raisins at the coop. I cook a lot of dried beans, and pantry meals. However, we bought grass-fed beef in bulk last fall; this wasn't cheap, per se, but in our view, buying cheap meat wasn't the best use of our food dollar. Same with dairy. We also eat a lot of fresh produce, organic when possible, and hopefully, as the season changes, local. We do buy some luxury foods, like nice coffee and chocolate, but that's minor in the grand scheme of things.
We're going to invest in a CSA this year for vegetables, beef, pork and eggs. Next year, we hope to make a "for real" garden at our house and ditch the veggie CSA share, preserving our own vegetable to enjoy over the winter, rather than buying at the store. I'm planning to buy canning tomatoes and storage vegetables at the end of summer this year, and make a cold storage area in our basement. There's a lot to learn about storage, and canning, but I'm eager to do it and to make our food budget smaller overall, as well as make our food intake healthier and more self-sustaining. We're definitely buying bulk beef, and perhaps pork. I haven't identified a local source of pastured poultry yet, but that's on the docket. I don't know how we'll get away from feeling the need for fresh fruit in the house. Paul is a maniac for apples and grapefruit, especially in the winter. We'll see...
Speaking of canning, here's a Grandma nugget. She has a great canning book, hardly even opened, from the 1970s. I was reading it today and asked her if I could borrow it for my kitchen when we move out. She looked over her glasses at me and asked "Where did you get that book anyway?" I replied that I'd spied it on her kitchen shelf, with her cookbooks. She sort of tsk-ed and told me "I supposeyou can borrow it." Okay, if you know me, you know I am kind of sharp. My initial reaction was going to be "Oh, are you going to be canning this summer?" knowing full well she hasn't canned in at least 25 years. Thankfully, I have been developing the ability to hold my tongue and evaluate my thoughts before I let them fly (I think this is called "a filter"). So, I just said thanks, and kept reading it, uttering a heavy sigh mentally.
We lived extravagantly; we bought groceries at Whole Foods, ate out several times weekly, went to the movies, smoked expensive cigarettes, bought lots of expensive wine and beer and other intoxicants, bought fancy gifts, and in general, bought whatever we wanted. That was fun! And easy. Although, no debts were being actively paid down during that time. We only had a loose budget system, to make sure there was enough money in the checking account to pay bills. There was no control over spending, really. We made ourselves a little more accountable when we were expecting our baby and we knew that I wouldn't return to full-time work after the birth...we quit smoking and cut out intoxicants, and ate healthy foods at home, mostly. But still, lots of money flying out the window!
Looking back at this time, I want to smack myself in the forehead! Since then, Paul has been laid off, I went to part-time work after Henry was born, and now, with just Paul working (by our choice), our income is less than half what it used to be. We're actively trying to pay down debts, with a goal of being debt-free (aside from mortgage) in about 3-4 years. We've transitioned to living in this new town, and are buying another "starter" home while we rent out "starter" home in Ypsi out to another young family. Sadly, we bought a car just before Paul was laid off last year...at least it was used, but still was financed, so we have a monthly car payment. With most other things, we buy used. Clothes, household goods, etc are all purchased used or repaired to re-use as much as we can. We walk and bike (even more now that we live in a small town) and try to group our travel to save on gas. We conserve water and energy to keep the bills down, although that's hard at Grandma's for various reasons...mostly because she keeps the thermostat set around 78 and we keep a fan and window open in our bedroom so we don't suffocate at night. Also, there's no clothesline, so we're using a dryer a lot more than we would at home. Electric dryers are SUPER expensive. Yikes.
To top it off, with the move and Paul not being paid until he'd worked for a month, as well as expenses related to renting out Lamay house, we ran through our savings. All. Of. It. So, now, the debt repayment has to slow down in order for us to start saving for our emergency fund again. Argh.
The main thing that we are not being super frugal with is food. I've been reading the Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczn, and she states that her food budget for a family of 5 is around $200 a month!! They eat a lot of crappy food, in my opinion. Seems like a lot of factory farmed meat and eggs, dried milk (??) and packaged foods bought in bulk, like cereal.
We spend around $500...she'd probably choke!
Don't get me wrong, we are being frugal with food while still eating clean, nutritious, healthy food that is as local as possible. Options for local food are limited here in the UP, especially as far as beans, grains, etc. We buy bulk grains, flour, legumes, honey, peanut butter, maple syrup, oil and raisins at the coop. I cook a lot of dried beans, and pantry meals. However, we bought grass-fed beef in bulk last fall; this wasn't cheap, per se, but in our view, buying cheap meat wasn't the best use of our food dollar. Same with dairy. We also eat a lot of fresh produce, organic when possible, and hopefully, as the season changes, local. We do buy some luxury foods, like nice coffee and chocolate, but that's minor in the grand scheme of things.
We're going to invest in a CSA this year for vegetables, beef, pork and eggs. Next year, we hope to make a "for real" garden at our house and ditch the veggie CSA share, preserving our own vegetable to enjoy over the winter, rather than buying at the store. I'm planning to buy canning tomatoes and storage vegetables at the end of summer this year, and make a cold storage area in our basement. There's a lot to learn about storage, and canning, but I'm eager to do it and to make our food budget smaller overall, as well as make our food intake healthier and more self-sustaining. We're definitely buying bulk beef, and perhaps pork. I haven't identified a local source of pastured poultry yet, but that's on the docket. I don't know how we'll get away from feeling the need for fresh fruit in the house. Paul is a maniac for apples and grapefruit, especially in the winter. We'll see...
Speaking of canning, here's a Grandma nugget. She has a great canning book, hardly even opened, from the 1970s. I was reading it today and asked her if I could borrow it for my kitchen when we move out. She looked over her glasses at me and asked "Where did you get that book anyway?" I replied that I'd spied it on her kitchen shelf, with her cookbooks. She sort of tsk-ed and told me "I supposeyou can borrow it." Okay, if you know me, you know I am kind of sharp. My initial reaction was going to be "Oh, are you going to be canning this summer?" knowing full well she hasn't canned in at least 25 years. Thankfully, I have been developing the ability to hold my tongue and evaluate my thoughts before I let them fly (I think this is called "a filter"). So, I just said thanks, and kept reading it, uttering a heavy sigh mentally.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, 12:25 pm.
Spring is here, I think! Despite one snowy day last week, we're seeing more buds and green. And, last week, I went digging wild leeks (ramps) with my new friends Beth and Erin, and their kiddos. It was cool. About 30 minutes from home, on state land...they were carpeting a wide-open maple forest. I, stupidly, had left my camera at home, because I wasn't sure how much walking/packing/digging we were going to have to do. Turns out we just parked on the side of the dirt road, crossed the ditch, and started digging. The minute I got out of the car, I smelled the ramps...a combo of onion and garlic. It was like a forager's fantasy; green leek tops as far as you could see in every direction. Here and there were granite boulders perfect for perching on to rest or nurse, or to put your leek basket out of reach of Henry's grabby hands.
Here's some of the bounty:
Henry's really been enjoying playing outside. I am so looking forward to our new, fenced back yard...he likes to just wander around looking at stuff and playing with whatever strikes his fancy. I've been letting him play with water a bit, on warm days. He has this birch branch that he loves...he just carries it around like a javelin and uses it to pound and poke things. Sadly, he's also interested in dog poop, so we're being hyper-vigilant about picking it up daily. He actually picked up a turd the other day; thankfully, Paul was right there to knock it back to the ground. GROSS!
Henry's also getting more attached to Grandma, and she to him, which is nice to see. He loves to bring stuff to her while she sits in her chair. He also unties or unfastens her shoes and takes them off...like for 30 minutes at a time this will keep him busy! She is doing well with him, and seems more patient and happy. We were listening to some of Grandpa's music on the stereo on Saturday after supper, and she sang along to Henry. It was really sweet. She doesn't spontaneously listen to music, ever. So, I'll try to do that more often, because she seemed to enjoy it.
I've been thinking a lot about what it will be like for Grandma once we move out. She'll probably enjoy getting back to peace and quiet. But, I'm wondering if she'll be sad. She doesn't get much company...a phone call here and there, and occasional visits from my aunts and uncles. She goes to see her sister in law in the nursing home once in a while, but Dorothy is usually asleep. Yesterday, she went, and Dorothy didn't wake up the whole time. So, Grandma went to the cemetery to check on Grandpa's grave (they will share a plot, and their son, John, is there too). It made me feel lonely when she told me about that...visiting a sleeping woman in a nursing home, then visiting your husband's grave. Sigh...I think I'm just overly sensitive sometimes, but stuff like that just feels sad to me. I hope that she'll want to visit with us at our new house and come over for supper sometimes. I invited her to go out to lunch and yarn shopping on Friday; she seemed happy and looking forward to it but her back started bothering her and she didn't want to go when it was time to go. We'll try again this week, I suppose. I know she likes to go out for lunch, but we just don't have money for meals out too much, and so I don't want to invite her unless I can pay. Maybe as the weather warms, she'll be up for picnic lunches from home. She seems to feel cold most always, so a 60 degree day that seems warm and lovely to me seems chilly to her. It's been a lot longer for all of us to get used to each other than we thought it would.
Here's some of the bounty:
Henry's really been enjoying playing outside. I am so looking forward to our new, fenced back yard...he likes to just wander around looking at stuff and playing with whatever strikes his fancy. I've been letting him play with water a bit, on warm days. He has this birch branch that he loves...he just carries it around like a javelin and uses it to pound and poke things. Sadly, he's also interested in dog poop, so we're being hyper-vigilant about picking it up daily. He actually picked up a turd the other day; thankfully, Paul was right there to knock it back to the ground. GROSS!
Henry's also getting more attached to Grandma, and she to him, which is nice to see. He loves to bring stuff to her while she sits in her chair. He also unties or unfastens her shoes and takes them off...like for 30 minutes at a time this will keep him busy! She is doing well with him, and seems more patient and happy. We were listening to some of Grandpa's music on the stereo on Saturday after supper, and she sang along to Henry. It was really sweet. She doesn't spontaneously listen to music, ever. So, I'll try to do that more often, because she seemed to enjoy it.
I've been thinking a lot about what it will be like for Grandma once we move out. She'll probably enjoy getting back to peace and quiet. But, I'm wondering if she'll be sad. She doesn't get much company...a phone call here and there, and occasional visits from my aunts and uncles. She goes to see her sister in law in the nursing home once in a while, but Dorothy is usually asleep. Yesterday, she went, and Dorothy didn't wake up the whole time. So, Grandma went to the cemetery to check on Grandpa's grave (they will share a plot, and their son, John, is there too). It made me feel lonely when she told me about that...visiting a sleeping woman in a nursing home, then visiting your husband's grave. Sigh...I think I'm just overly sensitive sometimes, but stuff like that just feels sad to me. I hope that she'll want to visit with us at our new house and come over for supper sometimes. I invited her to go out to lunch and yarn shopping on Friday; she seemed happy and looking forward to it but her back started bothering her and she didn't want to go when it was time to go. We'll try again this week, I suppose. I know she likes to go out for lunch, but we just don't have money for meals out too much, and so I don't want to invite her unless I can pay. Maybe as the weather warms, she'll be up for picnic lunches from home. She seems to feel cold most always, so a 60 degree day that seems warm and lovely to me seems chilly to her. It's been a lot longer for all of us to get used to each other than we thought it would.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Am I the worst blogger ever?
I have determined that I am not really a natural blogger...
As I've said, I think of a lot of things to write about, but when it comes down to it, I just have difficulty making the time to do it. For example, one might think that naptime would be the best time for me to sit at the computer and dink around. But, really, it's the time that I get to shower, read, do 15 minutes of yoga; whatever. Or, admittedly, I sometimes just zone out on the internet, because I can bring that to a halt quickly if Henry wakes up.
So anyway, excuses aside, things have been good here lately, although we're still waiting for a closing date on 215 Case Street. This is frustrating! It's been several weeks since our accepted offer, and we just want to know when we can move in already! Things are fine with Grandma, although we're still feeling moderate stress related to the lack of babyproofing.
Henry has started teething on some new molars, and is grouchy, uncomfortable and only wants me. This is rough for him, and for me, although I'm trying to stay super patient with the whining and frequent night-waking. Sometimes I fantasize about just being alone in a quiet place for an entire day...but then, I'd miss Henry too much! We've been having fun taking family bike rides, and playing at the park. He loves the little play set, and has started going down the slide like Superman...a little cringe-inducing for a mama but fun for him. Here's a few pictures of Henry playing at the park the other day...
Quick shoes!
Love the cloth diaper poking out of the pants.
How big is Henry?
My beautiful boy...it sometimes seems like he's surrounded by fireworks or sparkles or something...he just exudes happiness.
We went to a meeting of the "Yooper Nursers" last night. A bunch of nursing mamas and kids, it was really chaotic and noisy, and not much of a meeting. But, I met some nice ladies, and saw Beth and Erin, the two moms I met a couple of weeks ago. I'd like to be involved in the breastfeeding community here...there's no La Leche League group, and no peer support for nursing moms other than this group that I've been able to identify. I'd love to help new mamas with nursing, a la LLL. I didn't get a chance to talk specifically about this with the group's organizers, but would love to help them if they move in this direction. I've been thinking about getting started on working toward being a lactation consultant too. I have lots of ideas, and we'll see where they all end up. I imagine getting settled in our new home, doing a garden, wrangling Henry and thinking about being pregnant again will pretty much take up the next 6 months or so! But, I'd love to put my skills, knowledge and passion to good use here, just not in a hospital!
As I've said, I think of a lot of things to write about, but when it comes down to it, I just have difficulty making the time to do it. For example, one might think that naptime would be the best time for me to sit at the computer and dink around. But, really, it's the time that I get to shower, read, do 15 minutes of yoga; whatever. Or, admittedly, I sometimes just zone out on the internet, because I can bring that to a halt quickly if Henry wakes up.
So anyway, excuses aside, things have been good here lately, although we're still waiting for a closing date on 215 Case Street. This is frustrating! It's been several weeks since our accepted offer, and we just want to know when we can move in already! Things are fine with Grandma, although we're still feeling moderate stress related to the lack of babyproofing.
Henry has started teething on some new molars, and is grouchy, uncomfortable and only wants me. This is rough for him, and for me, although I'm trying to stay super patient with the whining and frequent night-waking. Sometimes I fantasize about just being alone in a quiet place for an entire day...but then, I'd miss Henry too much! We've been having fun taking family bike rides, and playing at the park. He loves the little play set, and has started going down the slide like Superman...a little cringe-inducing for a mama but fun for him. Here's a few pictures of Henry playing at the park the other day...
Quick shoes!
Love the cloth diaper poking out of the pants.
How big is Henry?
My beautiful boy...it sometimes seems like he's surrounded by fireworks or sparkles or something...he just exudes happiness.
We went to a meeting of the "Yooper Nursers" last night. A bunch of nursing mamas and kids, it was really chaotic and noisy, and not much of a meeting. But, I met some nice ladies, and saw Beth and Erin, the two moms I met a couple of weeks ago. I'd like to be involved in the breastfeeding community here...there's no La Leche League group, and no peer support for nursing moms other than this group that I've been able to identify. I'd love to help new mamas with nursing, a la LLL. I didn't get a chance to talk specifically about this with the group's organizers, but would love to help them if they move in this direction. I've been thinking about getting started on working toward being a lactation consultant too. I have lots of ideas, and we'll see where they all end up. I imagine getting settled in our new home, doing a garden, wrangling Henry and thinking about being pregnant again will pretty much take up the next 6 months or so! But, I'd love to put my skills, knowledge and passion to good use here, just not in a hospital!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Has spring sprung?
Oh, I feel like such a disorganized mess! The camera batteries died, and I couldn't remember where the other rechargeable batteries were, so we couldn't get pictures for days and days!
Paul's folks visited us last weekend, and stayed Saturday through Tuesday. We had Easter dinner at Aunt Cindy's, and just spent the rest of the time visiting and hanging around. I made a small Easter basket for Henry, with some eggs, bubbles, and a stuffed lamb he already had (but has been packed away). I also threw in a UP T shirt that I bought at the Yooper's store. All Henry wanted were the colored eggs...he carried them around, smashing them together and so we had hard boiled eggs for breakfast!
Paul's parents brought Henry a life-sized stuffed cat, as he is in love with kitties and ours don't really tolerate his squeezes!
Paul decided to call the kitty Ralph, so we'll see how long he stays in rotation. Henry likes to take him into the grocery, and in the car, and he went on Henry's first trailer/bike ride yesterday (for which I didn't have a camera...bad mom!).
I spent a fair amount of time on Monday driving around with Paul's folks, looking around Negaunee, Ishpeming and Marquette. They were so happy to see Henry, and as usual, showered him with affection. They also brought him a toy kitchen and some dishes to play with. With the way things are here at Grandma's, I've set it up in the basement for now, so he can play with it and make a mess sort of "out of the way."
Paul's parents with Henry:
We got some snow last week, a couple of inches in fact! I had made plans to meet a local mom and her little boy who is 11 months old, at the park around the corner at 11am. When I woke up, I heard wet traffic sounds, and thought "rats, it rained!" and then looked out the window to see snow, and more falling! So, we ended up meeting up at her house, with another mama and her 11 month old. It was really nice to meet some women who are of like mind with their lifestyles and parenting. They are part of a bigger group of parents that gets together regularly during the warmer months, it seems, to do stuff outside, or at folks' homes. I am really excited to become a part of this community, especially as I have been mourning the loss of the community I was just starting to become a part of back in Ypsi.
We have been moving forward with the house, and we're just soooo eager to get into it. It sounds as though we may be able to close within 4 weeks or so...more on that as it develops. We're just so full of plans and are really looking forward to making the house our home, and one that we can really get comfortable in and stay for a long while.
I'm anxious to get my own kitchen going again, and for my days to settle into their new flow. We're hoping to get a few veggies in the dirt when we get there, but there may not be enough growing time...we'll see. Maybe some potatoes at least, and/or some lettuces? I don't know much about gardening yet, but I am on a mission to learn. And to decrease our food budget (and our budget overall). Any suggestions?
Paul, Henry and I went for a bike ride on the Marquette bike path yesterday...it was so fun! We were feeling really grateful that we get to live here, and it still seems quite unreal, like maybe we'll have to drive back to Lamay Ave sometime soon. The lake is always a source of magic to me, and I can't wait to experience it through the seasons, and through Henry's eyes. He cried so hard when we wouldn't let him walk into the lake yesterday...I just know he's going to be a water baby. I've been thinking about getting him into the Negaunee community swim classes, because I don't know how to swim well, and can't teach him. Starting soon would be a good thing. They're super cheap, like $20 for 5 weeks of class! Same with yoga for me...this community, though small, has a lot to offer.
I don't know if anyone really reads this blog, but I enjoy thinking about it and writing it. I think of stuff to write all the time, but just don't sit down and do it. Mostly, I make a lot of mental lists and have scraps of paper floating around in odd places!
The snow has mostly all melted again, and it's a beautiful sunny Sunday here. We walked for an hour this morning, and are heading down to Marquette as soon as Henry wakes up to hang out with Heather and Eric and Paul (well, the guys are fishing today, but when they're through, we'll all have supper together).
Paul's folks visited us last weekend, and stayed Saturday through Tuesday. We had Easter dinner at Aunt Cindy's, and just spent the rest of the time visiting and hanging around. I made a small Easter basket for Henry, with some eggs, bubbles, and a stuffed lamb he already had (but has been packed away). I also threw in a UP T shirt that I bought at the Yooper's store. All Henry wanted were the colored eggs...he carried them around, smashing them together and so we had hard boiled eggs for breakfast!
Paul's parents brought Henry a life-sized stuffed cat, as he is in love with kitties and ours don't really tolerate his squeezes!
Paul decided to call the kitty Ralph, so we'll see how long he stays in rotation. Henry likes to take him into the grocery, and in the car, and he went on Henry's first trailer/bike ride yesterday (for which I didn't have a camera...bad mom!).
I spent a fair amount of time on Monday driving around with Paul's folks, looking around Negaunee, Ishpeming and Marquette. They were so happy to see Henry, and as usual, showered him with affection. They also brought him a toy kitchen and some dishes to play with. With the way things are here at Grandma's, I've set it up in the basement for now, so he can play with it and make a mess sort of "out of the way."
Paul's parents with Henry:
We got some snow last week, a couple of inches in fact! I had made plans to meet a local mom and her little boy who is 11 months old, at the park around the corner at 11am. When I woke up, I heard wet traffic sounds, and thought "rats, it rained!" and then looked out the window to see snow, and more falling! So, we ended up meeting up at her house, with another mama and her 11 month old. It was really nice to meet some women who are of like mind with their lifestyles and parenting. They are part of a bigger group of parents that gets together regularly during the warmer months, it seems, to do stuff outside, or at folks' homes. I am really excited to become a part of this community, especially as I have been mourning the loss of the community I was just starting to become a part of back in Ypsi.
We have been moving forward with the house, and we're just soooo eager to get into it. It sounds as though we may be able to close within 4 weeks or so...more on that as it develops. We're just so full of plans and are really looking forward to making the house our home, and one that we can really get comfortable in and stay for a long while.
I'm anxious to get my own kitchen going again, and for my days to settle into their new flow. We're hoping to get a few veggies in the dirt when we get there, but there may not be enough growing time...we'll see. Maybe some potatoes at least, and/or some lettuces? I don't know much about gardening yet, but I am on a mission to learn. And to decrease our food budget (and our budget overall). Any suggestions?
Paul, Henry and I went for a bike ride on the Marquette bike path yesterday...it was so fun! We were feeling really grateful that we get to live here, and it still seems quite unreal, like maybe we'll have to drive back to Lamay Ave sometime soon. The lake is always a source of magic to me, and I can't wait to experience it through the seasons, and through Henry's eyes. He cried so hard when we wouldn't let him walk into the lake yesterday...I just know he's going to be a water baby. I've been thinking about getting him into the Negaunee community swim classes, because I don't know how to swim well, and can't teach him. Starting soon would be a good thing. They're super cheap, like $20 for 5 weeks of class! Same with yoga for me...this community, though small, has a lot to offer.
I don't know if anyone really reads this blog, but I enjoy thinking about it and writing it. I think of stuff to write all the time, but just don't sit down and do it. Mostly, I make a lot of mental lists and have scraps of paper floating around in odd places!
The snow has mostly all melted again, and it's a beautiful sunny Sunday here. We walked for an hour this morning, and are heading down to Marquette as soon as Henry wakes up to hang out with Heather and Eric and Paul (well, the guys are fishing today, but when they're through, we'll all have supper together).
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Into week four
There's been a lot going on, and every day I think of something that I want to write about, but then just don't get time to sit down and do it. Henry has been sick, so has needed a lot of my attention. Poor guy, with a cough that woke him up, neither of us were getting much sleep for a few days. Last night was MUCH better and he's napping comfortably now. Lots of mama love and milk, vitamin C and D, and some eucalyptus salve to the chest must have helped while his immune system took care of the problem. He was back to being a rascal last night...such a silly boy.
We looked at more houses this weekend, and have decided to put an offer on the Case Street house. Whoop! We actually started yesterday, and offered 98K. They came back this morning with 112K, so Paul asked Fran to counter that with 105K. Hopefully, they'll take this offer. We really are excited about this house. Here are a few pictures:
Front view (ignore the snowmachine):
Front door:
Fireplace:
Kitchen:
Rear of the house, and garage:
Of course, we're fantasizing about everything we'd want to do there, and mentally arranging our stuff in the house! We'd love to make a modest garden in the back yard, and keep the side with the patio as a play area. Paint colors are springing to mind, and I absolutely cannot wait to start thrifting and rummage-sale-ing this spring once we have a house to outfit. Oooh, so excited, and I really hope this works out for us. Kind of crazy to be buying another "starter" home, but we've really come to terms with the fact that we'll have work to do, and are really excited for this to be manageable on one income so we can live the lifestyle we've been wanting for SOOO long. Thinking so much about this philosophy has really made me, in particular, kick myself around for being so irresponsible with our relatively huge previous income. But, that ship has sailed, and we have to start fresh from where we are NOW. I'm eager to learn more about living frugally, and doing things for ourselves. I'm also really excited to get our own place so I can have my kitchen back! Grandma's comfort level is something I'm trying really hard to respect, so I'm not doing a lot that I'd normally do. I'm looking forward to making kombucha again, and all my other fermenting projects like carrots, ketchup, sourdough etc. Henry seems to love fermented foods, and begs for kombucha whenever he sees me having it. So cute! I let him have small amounts, and I think it's good for him.
Things have been okay here with Grandma. She's seeming more relaxed, and we are all feeling more comfortable. We're still anxious to get into our own place, though. When her mood seems strange, or she's irritated with us, I just try to remember the Grandma of my childhood, and our relationship's foundation.
Certain things are still hard here: not recycling gives me physical pain! However, I'm going to try to take some of my new habits with me: cleaning up immediately after making a mess, getting more stuff done while Henry naps (like prepping dinner or doing laundry), making my bed every day, keeping up with the cat boxes daily, and taking a daily long walk with kid and dog.
Negaunee is a cool little town! The high school has solar power on the roof, most everything is walkable, several thrift/antique stores, a summer farmer's market, a lake to swim in, an awesome "enrichment" program of classes through the schools, friendly, quiet, and very close to Marquette's attractions. I am SO GLAD that we moved here; we really feel "at home." Being in our own home will really seal the deal for me!
We have our tenants in our old house, and are hoping that it goes smoothly. Their rent will cover the mortgage, taxes and insurance for the house, and so, we'll be able to hang onto it as long as they keep paying. They signed an 18 month lease, so we're hopeful that they're committed and responsible.
We looked at more houses this weekend, and have decided to put an offer on the Case Street house. Whoop! We actually started yesterday, and offered 98K. They came back this morning with 112K, so Paul asked Fran to counter that with 105K. Hopefully, they'll take this offer. We really are excited about this house. Here are a few pictures:
Front view (ignore the snowmachine):
Front door:
Fireplace:
Kitchen:
Rear of the house, and garage:
Of course, we're fantasizing about everything we'd want to do there, and mentally arranging our stuff in the house! We'd love to make a modest garden in the back yard, and keep the side with the patio as a play area. Paint colors are springing to mind, and I absolutely cannot wait to start thrifting and rummage-sale-ing this spring once we have a house to outfit. Oooh, so excited, and I really hope this works out for us. Kind of crazy to be buying another "starter" home, but we've really come to terms with the fact that we'll have work to do, and are really excited for this to be manageable on one income so we can live the lifestyle we've been wanting for SOOO long. Thinking so much about this philosophy has really made me, in particular, kick myself around for being so irresponsible with our relatively huge previous income. But, that ship has sailed, and we have to start fresh from where we are NOW. I'm eager to learn more about living frugally, and doing things for ourselves. I'm also really excited to get our own place so I can have my kitchen back! Grandma's comfort level is something I'm trying really hard to respect, so I'm not doing a lot that I'd normally do. I'm looking forward to making kombucha again, and all my other fermenting projects like carrots, ketchup, sourdough etc. Henry seems to love fermented foods, and begs for kombucha whenever he sees me having it. So cute! I let him have small amounts, and I think it's good for him.
Things have been okay here with Grandma. She's seeming more relaxed, and we are all feeling more comfortable. We're still anxious to get into our own place, though. When her mood seems strange, or she's irritated with us, I just try to remember the Grandma of my childhood, and our relationship's foundation.
Certain things are still hard here: not recycling gives me physical pain! However, I'm going to try to take some of my new habits with me: cleaning up immediately after making a mess, getting more stuff done while Henry naps (like prepping dinner or doing laundry), making my bed every day, keeping up with the cat boxes daily, and taking a daily long walk with kid and dog.
Negaunee is a cool little town! The high school has solar power on the roof, most everything is walkable, several thrift/antique stores, a summer farmer's market, a lake to swim in, an awesome "enrichment" program of classes through the schools, friendly, quiet, and very close to Marquette's attractions. I am SO GLAD that we moved here; we really feel "at home." Being in our own home will really seal the deal for me!
We have our tenants in our old house, and are hoping that it goes smoothly. Their rent will cover the mortgage, taxes and insurance for the house, and so, we'll be able to hang onto it as long as they keep paying. They signed an 18 month lease, so we're hopeful that they're committed and responsible.
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