Swine flu cases confirmed in UK
Nicola Sturgeon says the pair are recovering in a hospital in Airdrie
Two people admitted to a Scottish hospital after returning from a holiday in Mexico have been confirmed as the UK's first swine flu cases. Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said both individuals were recovering well in a Lanarkshire hospital from mild cases of the virus. It comes after Health Secretary Alan Johnson told the Commons 25 possible cases had been reported in the UK. Nine of those have proved negative, while 14 are still being investigated. Those 14 individuals were well enough to be managed in the community, Mr Johnson told MPs. The pair receiving treatment in Scotland are from Polmont, Falkirk.
***********to read whole article click above*************
Mexico suspected flu toll soars
Q&A: Swine flu
He added: "If a new pandemic does start as a result of this outbreak in Mexico and the United States, we can't make it go away, but what we can do through our plans, particularly our stockpiles of anti-virals, is mitigate its effect." Foreign Secretary David Miliband said it was "right that we put the issue of swine fever on the foreign ministers' agenda" because there needed to be "maximum European co-ordination" on the issue.
Agency procedures
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has a procedure for confirming whether or not a patient has swine flu. If a patient rings their GP or NHS Direct to report symptoms, they will be told to stay at home, not to visit a surgery or hospital. The HPA has prepared an "algorithm" - in essence, a flow chart - for suspected cases. On the phone, or possibly even face to face depending on the circumstances, the patient's GP or NHS Direct will take the patient through the algorithm. If the answers to the algorithm lead the questioner to believe the patient may have swine flu, a sample will be taken that will then be sent to one of the HPA's network of regional labs for testing. WE WERE NOT ASKED ANY QUESTIONS...ONLY ARE YOU FROM THE US?
If the sample is confirmed as influenza type A, it will then be sent to the HPA's Reference Lab at the Centre for Infections in Colindale, where they will carry out genetic typing on it and establish whether it is a confirmed case of swine flu.
There have also been cases of swine flu reported in Canada and a suspected case in France.
Monday, April 27, 2009
But I Just Wanted To See A Doctor!
Poor Levi has been sick for the past 9 days. It started out as a high fever (which he is very prone to get), but just seemed like a cold. He was eating fine, and the temp went down after 2 days. He seemed great, except for a cough. When we arrived here in England, Isaac started getting a runny nose and cough, but no temp. Again, he was overall acting normal, just a cold. Well 2 days ago, my mom and I came down with it as well. We had a really high temps., very sore throats, and bad coughing. Rachel woke up this morning saying her throat hurt as well. I finally decided to see if we could get in to see a doctor, since we leave Thursday for Uganda. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't turning into a nasty infection. My mom called her doctor, and they asked where we were from and that they would send someone out. Wow! I thought, how nice is that the doctor makes house calls! So much better then getting all three kids in the car to take them to the doctors. The doctor called on his way, and said that he would be wearing a mask, so tell the kids so they are not scared when he comes in.
About an hour later he arrived, comes in not only a mask, but a whole protective outfit. Had a plastic apron type thing, a mask, and of course gloves.
It finally clicks that he thinks we might have the swine flu.
He explained that since we were from America and there has been a breakout of the swine flu that he had to call Britain's form of the CDC, and they wanted to him to get samples from us. So he does a quick examination of us, says that he thinks we all just have a bad cold, but other than that we seem good. Then proceeds to pull out long Q-tips to take cultures, which Rachel sees and proceeds to freak out. I mean throws a HUGE fit. She is crying uncontrollably and hides behind a chair. She really doesn't like getting her throat swabbed. : ) I ask him if this is really necessary. He says if it were up to him, he wouldn't do it, b/c he's pretty sure we don't have it, but that since we are leaving we need to get it done. So we line up and get both our throats and noses swabbed. Never had my nosed swabbed before and I really hope I don't ever have to again.
Not quite the doctor visit I was planning on!
About an hour later he arrived, comes in not only a mask, but a whole protective outfit. Had a plastic apron type thing, a mask, and of course gloves.
It finally clicks that he thinks we might have the swine flu.
He explained that since we were from America and there has been a breakout of the swine flu that he had to call Britain's form of the CDC, and they wanted to him to get samples from us. So he does a quick examination of us, says that he thinks we all just have a bad cold, but other than that we seem good. Then proceeds to pull out long Q-tips to take cultures, which Rachel sees and proceeds to freak out. I mean throws a HUGE fit. She is crying uncontrollably and hides behind a chair. She really doesn't like getting her throat swabbed. : ) I ask him if this is really necessary. He says if it were up to him, he wouldn't do it, b/c he's pretty sure we don't have it, but that since we are leaving we need to get it done. So we line up and get both our throats and noses swabbed. Never had my nosed swabbed before and I really hope I don't ever have to again.
Not quite the doctor visit I was planning on!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sheep Farm
It's Lambing season right now in Northern England. It is quite amazing to see how many lambs there are. My parents had looked into different things to do with the kids while they were here, and my dad found that you can stay overnight at a sheep farm. So we packed our overnight bags and headed south. The drive was beautiful! Green everywhere. We got to our sheep farm bed and breakfast just before dinner, so we dropped our bags off, and then headed to the nearest pub to get some dinner. When we got back, my parents talked with the woman who owns the farm. They found out that their cow had kicked her husband just last week in the leg. (owwww!) He's okay but can't get out of bed, and she was running everything herself. They asked if we would be able to see any sheep real close up or even be able to pet them, she said we would just have to walk along the fences to see if we could see any close up, but she would have to catch one for us in order to pet it. & since it was just her, she really didn't have the time. So although the sheep farm turned out much different then we were anticipating, it was still neat. We were hoping for more of a tour or at least more info, and normally you might get that, but for obvious reasons it just wasn't going to happen.
This is where we stayed. It was built in the 1600's!So we started walking around, and found many, many, many sheep. We even found one that was probably on 1-2 days old. Rachel & Isaac were so excited.
From there we drove closer to the coast, but we had to go over the "mountains". The road was crazy, it was only big enough for one car, and it wound and wound itself up this pass. Again beautiful views.
When we got to the town we got to go on a train ride. It was so fun. It was a small train, that you ride 40 minutes each way up into the fells (hills). Again the kids were beside themselves. After that we headed back home. This time on the main highway, so we didn't have to go on the crazy rode again.
My parents have been wonderful. I have come down with what i think (hoping) is just a cold. So I've just been laid up the last 2 days. My parents have been entertaining the 3 kids, which is exhausting. Levi & Isaac both have a little cold too. Please pray that we can all start feeling better soon. I hate missing out on my time here with my parents.
Jesse is still doing good. He has started house & car shopping. It looks like housing is a little more then we thought. But it looks like there are some options. I can't wait to go and see for myself. Other than that he is just getting to know a lot of different people there. Which he has informed me are awesome. Thanks for your prayers! love you all!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
We Are Here & There
Jesse is in Uganda. Myself and the kids are in Carlisle, England. It's hard to be apart. Got an email from Jesse, i'll post some of it for you....
"So, I'm staring out the window at Kololo Hill, which overlooks the city. It is lush, it is green, and it is not nearly as dirty or loud as I would have expected it to be. Overall, I have to say that Kampala is a cleaner, quieter and more scenic city than Nairobi or Addis, which has been a pleasant surprise.
I just finished my first day of work at the office. I would have written earlier, but my Internet connection was down at the office (and actually the power was out for a good bit of the afternoon), which was not a pleasant surprise. ... The food was good, but it is pretty bland (we probably should have packed some redhot sauce to keep our tastebuds awake).
...I slept on all of the flights between Heathrow and here, and even in some of the airports, but I don't think I slept for any stretch over 90 minutes throughout. I'm dragging tail."
I also got to talk with him on the phone last night. The connection was pretty good! He is tired, and feeling a little sick, but is really excited about working with the people there. We are having a great time here with my parents, but it is weird thinking that he is there experiencing Uganda without us. He even went to a movie last night, and is going bowling tonight.
We've been taking it pretty easy here. Yesterday we went to Hadrian's Wall.
Today we are leaving to go stay overnight at a sheep farm. The kids are so excited. Isaac keeps shouting "baa, baa". Levi is still battling a pretty bad cold. He's not sleeping well and coughing quite a bit, and yet still smiles all day long, what a trooper! Rachel is loving playing school with her Oma, and has entertained us with singing Christmas songs over and over again.
It still hasn't hit me that we have actually moved from Virginia. It just feels like we are on vacation, and will be back soon. I'm waiting for the day when it really does. (poor jesse, when it does)
"So, I'm staring out the window at Kololo Hill, which overlooks the city. It is lush, it is green, and it is not nearly as dirty or loud as I would have expected it to be. Overall, I have to say that Kampala is a cleaner, quieter and more scenic city than Nairobi or Addis, which has been a pleasant surprise.
I just finished my first day of work at the office. I would have written earlier, but my Internet connection was down at the office (and actually the power was out for a good bit of the afternoon), which was not a pleasant surprise. ... The food was good, but it is pretty bland (we probably should have packed some redhot sauce to keep our tastebuds awake).
...I slept on all of the flights between Heathrow and here, and even in some of the airports, but I don't think I slept for any stretch over 90 minutes throughout. I'm dragging tail."
I also got to talk with him on the phone last night. The connection was pretty good! He is tired, and feeling a little sick, but is really excited about working with the people there. We are having a great time here with my parents, but it is weird thinking that he is there experiencing Uganda without us. He even went to a movie last night, and is going bowling tonight.
We've been taking it pretty easy here. Yesterday we went to Hadrian's Wall.
Today we are leaving to go stay overnight at a sheep farm. The kids are so excited. Isaac keeps shouting "baa, baa". Levi is still battling a pretty bad cold. He's not sleeping well and coughing quite a bit, and yet still smiles all day long, what a trooper! Rachel is loving playing school with her Oma, and has entertained us with singing Christmas songs over and over again. It still hasn't hit me that we have actually moved from Virginia. It just feels like we are on vacation, and will be back soon. I'm waiting for the day when it really does. (poor jesse, when it does)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
And We're Off
Our flight leaves tonight! Can you believe it? I know I can't! Where did the time go?
We've been out of our town home since Monday, staying with my sister & brother-in-law. We are almost completely packed.
We've started saying our goodbyes, which is always really surreal for me. But as we get closer to when we are actually leaving the harder it gets! Our flight leaves at 10 tonight...hopefully the kids will sleep the whole flight (i know wishful thinking). We will arrive in London Monday morning, then Jesse has about a 6 hour lay-over, and then he is on to Uganda. The kids and I are getting to stay with my parents up in Carlisle, England for 10 days before we head on down to Uganda.
I'll update more once we are in England, but just wanted to write once more before leaving. Thank you for all your prayers, we really appreciate them!
We've been out of our town home since Monday, staying with my sister & brother-in-law. We are almost completely packed.
We've started saying our goodbyes, which is always really surreal for me. But as we get closer to when we are actually leaving the harder it gets! Our flight leaves at 10 tonight...hopefully the kids will sleep the whole flight (i know wishful thinking). We will arrive in London Monday morning, then Jesse has about a 6 hour lay-over, and then he is on to Uganda. The kids and I are getting to stay with my parents up in Carlisle, England for 10 days before we head on down to Uganda.
I'll update more once we are in England, but just wanted to write once more before leaving. Thank you for all your prayers, we really appreciate them!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Global Prayer Gathering
This weekend is IJM's annual Global Prayer Gathering (GPG). I look forward to this every year. It is truly a time to come together with others who are passionate about justice and call out to our God. This year is a little different for me though. We are going...we are going to be doing this work?! In the past I've been able to go and really pray for others and be amazed at what God is doing all over the world. This year i think it's hit me even harder. I can not tell you how humbled and blessed I felt as i was sitting in the Uganda prayer room, and just listened to people call out to God to do mighty work in Uganda, and know that we are going to be able to have a front row seat to what God is going to do. WOW! amazing. I also felt convicted. Just before I got there I was home, worried & stressed about how was i ever going to get everything done before we have to leave. And then as I was walking out the door, found this...
Yes, Isaac found a permanent black marker and decided to color on our new carpet, our desk, and one of Rachel's shoes. So as you can imagine I was not in a very good mode when I got back to the GPG. But how quickly I was reminded of what others are going through, and how lucky i am to even have a house to even have carpet in. Why is it that I am so easily distracted with my own petty needs?
Yes, Isaac found a permanent black marker and decided to color on our new carpet, our desk, and one of Rachel's shoes. So as you can imagine I was not in a very good mode when I got back to the GPG. But how quickly I was reminded of what others are going through, and how lucky i am to even have a house to even have carpet in. Why is it that I am so easily distracted with my own petty needs?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Bulletin Bloopers
Okay, I got this in an email today...& actually died laughing. It could be b/c I'm completely exhausted, but hope you get a good laugh too.
*********************************************************************************
Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
------------ --------- ----
The Fasting &Prayer Conference includes meals.
------------ --------- ----
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.'
The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
------------ --------- ----
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
------------ --------- -----
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community.
Smile at someone who is hard to love.
Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
------------ --------- ----
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
------------ --------- -----
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
------------ --------- -----
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
------------ --------- -----
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
------------ --------- -----
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church.. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
------------ --------- -----
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
------------ --------- -----
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
------------ --------- -----
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
------------ --------- -----
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
------------ --------- -----
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
------------ --------- -----
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
------------ --------- -----
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM- prayer and medication to follow.
------------ --------- -----
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
------------ --------- -----
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
------------ --------- -----
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.
------------ --------- -----
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
------------ --------- -----
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
------------ --------- -----
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare' s Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
------------ --------- -----
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
------------ --------- -----
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.'
*********************************************************************************
Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
------------ --------- ----
The Fasting &Prayer Conference includes meals.
------------ --------- ----
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.'
The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
------------ --------- ----
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
------------ --------- -----
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community.
Smile at someone who is hard to love.
Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
------------ --------- ----
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
------------ --------- -----
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
------------ --------- -----
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
------------ --------- -----
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
------------ --------- -----
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church.. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
------------ --------- -----
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
------------ --------- -----
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
------------ --------- -----
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
------------ --------- -----
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
------------ --------- -----
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
------------ --------- -----
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
------------ --------- -----
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM- prayer and medication to follow.
------------ --------- -----
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
------------ --------- -----
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
------------ --------- -----
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.
------------ --------- -----
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
------------ --------- -----
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
------------ --------- -----
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare' s Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
------------ --------- -----
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
------------ --------- -----
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.'
Thursday, March 05, 2009
BIG NEWS
Nope we aren't expecting again :) We are MOVING here...
As most of you know we did a short term stint in Sri Lanka with International Justice Mission(IJM) about 2 years ago. I think at that point we knew that at some point we would go back more full time, we just weren't sure when. We've been talking with IJM for a while, and actually thought we would be going somewhere else, and then all of a sudden they called and said we want you in Uganda! I love Africa, so this was an answer to prayer. (although I was hoping Ethiopia...but that would've been hard b/c they don't have an office there-maybe someday)
We are scheduled to leave April 20th! Yes 6 weeks away! So needless to say we've been a little busy. We have to get out of our place, try to rent it out, sell our cars, get rid of a whole lot of stuff, and take care of some medical stuff. But unbelievably I have felt very much at peace throughout all of this. So we'll try to update as we go, but just wanted to let you in our new news!
As most of you know we did a short term stint in Sri Lanka with International Justice Mission(IJM) about 2 years ago. I think at that point we knew that at some point we would go back more full time, we just weren't sure when. We've been talking with IJM for a while, and actually thought we would be going somewhere else, and then all of a sudden they called and said we want you in Uganda! I love Africa, so this was an answer to prayer. (although I was hoping Ethiopia...but that would've been hard b/c they don't have an office there-maybe someday)
We are scheduled to leave April 20th! Yes 6 weeks away! So needless to say we've been a little busy. We have to get out of our place, try to rent it out, sell our cars, get rid of a whole lot of stuff, and take care of some medical stuff. But unbelievably I have felt very much at peace throughout all of this. So we'll try to update as we go, but just wanted to let you in our new news!
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Year
I'm a little late with this post...what's new...but it's been over a year since Isaac has been home with us. Thinking back about this past year brings up so many different emotions. Joy, disappointment, love, hope, fear, confusion, gratefulness, but most of all I've been in awe of God's goodness.
There are times when I can't believe it's already been a year home with Isaac, and yet it feels like he's been with us forever. By God's grace alone I feel like we have completely meshed into a family.
You all know how I got pregnant... for me the worst timing ever. But God has truly shown me that I may have great plans, but that I need to let go. I had such great plans for Isaac & Rachel and I. I figured that this year Rachel would be in kindergarten and that I would have that one on one time with Isaac just like i had with Rachel. I figured we would go to Gymboree classes, have lots of play dates, and just have fun. My pregnancy ruined that expectation. I was sick..really sick for 6 months. I had to leave Isaac in the care of others. I couldn't carry him, and could barely sit up long enough to even give him a bottle. This broke my heart, and I was mad that God "let me" get pregnant! (I hate to even say this out loud, b/c I know there are so many people who would give anything to get pregnant, and i don't at all want to hurt or offend anyone by this-but i want to be honest.) But through this time there are so many things that i learned.
One was that we have a wonderful church family! A good friend sent an email out explaining our situation and within hours we had people signed up to bring us 3 meals a week for 10 weeks, and we had childcare taken care of for 3 weeks (until my mom could get here). People came and loved on Isaac when I couldn't. They fed us, cleaned up after us. And one family lent us a laptop so I could have something to do while I sat in bed for hours. Jesse & I couldn't have gotten through that time without them! It's really great when you can see Christian love in action!
The other big worry was that Isaac wouldn't bond with us. When you adopt you hear things like "don't' let other people hold them for 6 months", "only you should feed them/change them", "Keep visitors at bay". All these things that obviously we could not follow. I worried that Isaac would never bond with us. But it has been amazing to see how well he has. I do see things that I can tell maybe he's not completely secure in this attachment. He has stranger anxiety...& i know this could be just as much temperament, I also realize this could be related to attachment. But he still prefers us over everyone. He loves to give hugs & kisses. He is a goof-loves to make us all laugh, especially his sister. It's been so fun to see his personality emerge. He was so mellow for the longest time when he got home. He is no longer. He runs everywhere. He has actually lost weight (just a pound) in the last 6 months b/c he is running all the time. He is hilarious, and has the best little smile. The changes he has gone through have been amazing. His first doctor visit home with us, he weighed 17 lbs, was 25 1/2 in. At his 18 month visit he weighs 24lbs 15oz., is 31 1/4inches.
Once the birth of Levi got closer, a new worry crept up. I had been pretty indifferent to him. I'm not proud of this fact, but i was still pretty annoyed that this pregnancy messed up my plans. I started worrying that maybe these feelings would continue after Levi was born. But I have to say that as soon as I held Levi into my arms, I fell in love. I new that this was perfect. Our family. Every child that God has blessed us with. I have loved being a mom to three! Yes, my days are filled with diaper changing, spit up, and cleaning up, but they are also filled with kisses, hugs, and best of all laughter.
I am so grateful that I have a loving Father who knows what's best for me, even when I'm sure I've got it all figured out.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Just some photos
Here's Levi & his future girlfriend Lizzie
My grownup daughter (man where do the years go?!)
My adorable little man. (man, i just want to eat him up)
"little mom" Rachel & Levi
***I know these aren't great of Levi, but one of these days I'll download pictures from my camera...he's a cutie, looks just like his dad!***
My grownup daughter (man where do the years go?!)
My adorable little man. (man, i just want to eat him up)
"little mom" Rachel & Levi
***I know these aren't great of Levi, but one of these days I'll download pictures from my camera...he's a cutie, looks just like his dad!***
Saturday, November 15, 2008
BOO!!!
Here's some pictures of Halloween fun. :)
Painting Pumpkins
Carving Pumpkins
The finished product
Rachel with her friends
Trick-or-treating at Aunt T & Uncle Brian's
Isaac had so much fun. He got the "point" right away. Rachel was actually the one who got tired and wanted to go home, Isaac could've gone all night.
I know I don't have pictures of Levi, he wasn't feeling good, so didn't take part in Halloween this year...I guess there's always next year.
Painting Pumpkins
Carving Pumpkins
The finished product
Rachel with her friends
Trick-or-treating at Aunt T & Uncle Brian's
Isaac had so much fun. He got the "point" right away. Rachel was actually the one who got tired and wanted to go home, Isaac could've gone all night.
I know I don't have pictures of Levi, he wasn't feeling good, so didn't take part in Halloween this year...I guess there's always next year.
I don't know how you do it...
For all of you bloggers out there that have more then one child...I have no idea how you do it.
First of all I don't know how you find the time to blog. I feel like I have about 30 minutes of time just for me, and sorry but there is no way I'm using that time to blog. (maybe it gets easier when I'm not feeding a baby every two hours) :)
Secondly, i don't have anything that interesting to write about. Let's see I could write about diapers, snotty noses, diapers, kindergarten drama, diapers, and diapers. Not too entertaining for you readers out there. (if there are any of you left)
But I've gotten some requests to update the blog, so I promise I will try. Most likely I will just post pictures for you all. That's probably what you really want to see anyway. So I'm back, and this time I will really try to stay a little more on top of it.
First of all I don't know how you find the time to blog. I feel like I have about 30 minutes of time just for me, and sorry but there is no way I'm using that time to blog. (maybe it gets easier when I'm not feeding a baby every two hours) :)
Secondly, i don't have anything that interesting to write about. Let's see I could write about diapers, snotty noses, diapers, kindergarten drama, diapers, and diapers. Not too entertaining for you readers out there. (if there are any of you left)
But I've gotten some requests to update the blog, so I promise I will try. Most likely I will just post pictures for you all. That's probably what you really want to see anyway. So I'm back, and this time I will really try to stay a little more on top of it.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A Guest Blogger
Friends, Family and Future Fans,
So, I'm kicking it with my Mom on the couch on Saturday night, listening to the Florida-Miami game, and to Dad ramble on and on about how the Huskers are going to need to put a solid running game together if they are going to compete in the Big 12, how the ACC may be the worst football conference in the history of the world, and how the SEC is overrated. Anyway, I'm kicking along to the ESPN theme music, and someone starts draining the pool. Now, this doesn't bother me - I mean, I was really starting to get a little pruny - but it apparently bothered Mom. All of the sudden she's up and running around - telling dad that she thougth the pool "broke," or something like that; typing on the computer, I guess to figure out if it could be fixed; up the stairs; down the stairs; in the shower; telling Dad what to pack. This can be more than a little disconcerting when you're along for the ride, hanging out upside down in a rapidly draining pool.
We drive over to the hospital at about 11:30 pm. There's a lot of hustle and bustle. Dad seems pretty happy. Mom seems less so. Then Mom and Dad decide to walk a marathon. I don't know why - Mom hasn't walked that far for as long as I've known her, and she knows when she tries that I am just going to make life miserable. She walks for about an hour, and I start noticing that she is squeezing me every 10 to fifteen minutes or so. It's not that bad. They stop for about an hour, and then, out of the blue... up they go again - walking in the same long stupid circle, over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. By now, I'm dizzy, and starting to get annoyed at this squeezing every ten minutes. Finally they give up on their marathon to nowhere and go to bed around 4:00 in the morning.
The next morning there's a whole lot more hustle and bustle. At around 9:00, I hear someone say something about an induction. I am thinking, induction seems a little premature, but hey, they know talent when they see it. Having no clue about the difference between being "inducted" and being "induced", I try to relax, and start preparing my induction speech. Oh, I found out the difference. And trust me friend, this type of induction - you don't want it. Those little ten minute squeezes turned into monster bear hugs (you know the kind uncle Matt gives when he's trying to show how strong he is), and they were coming ever three minutes.
At 12:30 on Sunday afternoon, when I thought that I had had just about enough of this "induction" @#$#, this nice sounding woman named Ericka says "it's time to push." I figure, well at least we're done with "induction." Not so fast my friend. "Time to push" is not cool at all. All that means is that Mom (who I thought was on my side) starts helping whatever it is that has been squeezing me to really squeeze the ever-loving %#$@# out of me. And then I start banging my head... on everything. Bang.... "alright deep breath"... Bang.... "come on Amy, you're doing great... "Bang.. "a little harder..." ("A little harder," seriously Dad, if I was anything over 7 pounds, I would stand up and give you the ....). And on it went for an hour and a half.
Suddenly at 2:04 pm on Sunday afternoon, some (I won't say mean, but I won't say nice either) woman grabbed me by the head and suddenly everything got really cold. I started screaming, Mom started crying, I don't know what Dad was doing (I guess he's laughing, but it was just kind of weird), some lady I'd never met started wiping me down, and barking out numbers... "6 pounds, 7 ounces..." "19 3/4 inches long" "10 fingers," 10 toes," people started commenting on my nice dark hair, and how I looked like Sylvester Stallone at the end of Rocky I (you know, after he loses to Apollo).
Since then, things have been going fine. The bruises on my head and face are starting to fade, I'm eating like there's no tomorrow. Heck, I've even tried sleeping for four hour stretches in the night. I got to meet Rachel and Isaac. Rachel even held me for a while. She's great, but a little clingy. I think Isaac wants to pat me to death, so I'm going to keep my eye on him.
By the way, the name is Levi... Levi Zilen Rudy. Just thought you all should know I'm here.
Peace,
P.S. Here are some pictures to confirm my story. Sorry about the delay. Dad's not so good with computers, and we can't ask Mom to do everything.
So, I'm kicking it with my Mom on the couch on Saturday night, listening to the Florida-Miami game, and to Dad ramble on and on about how the Huskers are going to need to put a solid running game together if they are going to compete in the Big 12, how the ACC may be the worst football conference in the history of the world, and how the SEC is overrated. Anyway, I'm kicking along to the ESPN theme music, and someone starts draining the pool. Now, this doesn't bother me - I mean, I was really starting to get a little pruny - but it apparently bothered Mom. All of the sudden she's up and running around - telling dad that she thougth the pool "broke," or something like that; typing on the computer, I guess to figure out if it could be fixed; up the stairs; down the stairs; in the shower; telling Dad what to pack. This can be more than a little disconcerting when you're along for the ride, hanging out upside down in a rapidly draining pool.
We drive over to the hospital at about 11:30 pm. There's a lot of hustle and bustle. Dad seems pretty happy. Mom seems less so. Then Mom and Dad decide to walk a marathon. I don't know why - Mom hasn't walked that far for as long as I've known her, and she knows when she tries that I am just going to make life miserable. She walks for about an hour, and I start noticing that she is squeezing me every 10 to fifteen minutes or so. It's not that bad. They stop for about an hour, and then, out of the blue... up they go again - walking in the same long stupid circle, over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. By now, I'm dizzy, and starting to get annoyed at this squeezing every ten minutes. Finally they give up on their marathon to nowhere and go to bed around 4:00 in the morning.
The next morning there's a whole lot more hustle and bustle. At around 9:00, I hear someone say something about an induction. I am thinking, induction seems a little premature, but hey, they know talent when they see it. Having no clue about the difference between being "inducted" and being "induced", I try to relax, and start preparing my induction speech. Oh, I found out the difference. And trust me friend, this type of induction - you don't want it. Those little ten minute squeezes turned into monster bear hugs (you know the kind uncle Matt gives when he's trying to show how strong he is), and they were coming ever three minutes.
At 12:30 on Sunday afternoon, when I thought that I had had just about enough of this "induction" @#$#, this nice sounding woman named Ericka says "it's time to push." I figure, well at least we're done with "induction." Not so fast my friend. "Time to push" is not cool at all. All that means is that Mom (who I thought was on my side) starts helping whatever it is that has been squeezing me to really squeeze the ever-loving %#$@# out of me. And then I start banging my head... on everything. Bang.... "alright deep breath"... Bang.... "come on Amy, you're doing great... "Bang.. "a little harder..." ("A little harder," seriously Dad, if I was anything over 7 pounds, I would stand up and give you the ....). And on it went for an hour and a half.
Suddenly at 2:04 pm on Sunday afternoon, some (I won't say mean, but I won't say nice either) woman grabbed me by the head and suddenly everything got really cold. I started screaming, Mom started crying, I don't know what Dad was doing (I guess he's laughing, but it was just kind of weird), some lady I'd never met started wiping me down, and barking out numbers... "6 pounds, 7 ounces..." "19 3/4 inches long" "10 fingers," 10 toes," people started commenting on my nice dark hair, and how I looked like Sylvester Stallone at the end of Rocky I (you know, after he loses to Apollo).
Since then, things have been going fine. The bruises on my head and face are starting to fade, I'm eating like there's no tomorrow. Heck, I've even tried sleeping for four hour stretches in the night. I got to meet Rachel and Isaac. Rachel even held me for a while. She's great, but a little clingy. I think Isaac wants to pat me to death, so I'm going to keep my eye on him.
By the way, the name is Levi... Levi Zilen Rudy. Just thought you all should know I'm here.
Peace,
P.S. Here are some pictures to confirm my story. Sorry about the delay. Dad's not so good with computers, and we can't ask Mom to do everything.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Changes
It seems like a lot of changes have been going on, and not even the "big one" yet. So here you go....
#1 The change of teeth. Yep Rachel has lost not one, but two teeth in the last 3 weeks. We asked her if she was going to put them under her pillow for the tooth fairy...she told us that she wanted to keep her teeth & get the money for them. Jesse explained that the tooth fairy would lose her job if she did that, so Rachel decided that she already has enough money, and that she just wants to keep them. So I guess I don't get to be a tooth fairy anytime soon. :(
#2 The change of hair. So as most of you know Isaac has beautiful hair. It's very soft, and he has the best curls ever. Well, they've been getting really long lately, and we've been debating on what to do. He used to sit real still while we did his hair, but not so much lately. & it was getting to the point of having to brush it out at least twice a day or the knots would be impossible to get out. Jesse wanted to put it in locs...I thought he was too young for this.
So Jesse took him to the barber and brought him home like this.
yes, i cried. I actually really like it now, it was just really weird, he looks so different. He seems to love it though...he seriously has 5 times the energy now. I don't know if it was the weight of the hair or just that it made him so hot before, but whatever it is it's given him lots and lots of energy.
#3 Rachel starts Kindergarten. I can't believe that my daughter is in kindergarten. I have to admit this was a lot harder then I thought. I remember last year when she started preschool, and some of the moms would be freaking out & crying, and I just didn't understand. This year, I'm blaming my hormones, but I've cried. I actually didn't cry the day of, but I did before, and I did last night after hearing about how she had no one to sit with on the bus or at lunch. (so unlike my daughter) She usually has about 5 friends within the first 2 minutes of going into any store. It's just weird to see her going to such a big school (K-6th; 600 kids). I know she'll do great, but it's just weird to not have her with me all day.
#4 New Kitchen. Well not exactly a new kitchen, but at least new counter tops. Since we didn't have enough going on in out lives, we decided to replace the counter tops. Next up the floors! (erik you coming to help?!)
Before:
After:
So there's a quick update for you all about some of the things that have been going on with us. I have about 17 days left! We're still not ready...don't even have a name picked out for the little guy...Jesse wants a biblical name, I want something not too common. (please feel free to leave suggestions.)
And just to throw in a couple of more pics...here you go. :)
#1 The change of teeth. Yep Rachel has lost not one, but two teeth in the last 3 weeks. We asked her if she was going to put them under her pillow for the tooth fairy...she told us that she wanted to keep her teeth & get the money for them. Jesse explained that the tooth fairy would lose her job if she did that, so Rachel decided that she already has enough money, and that she just wants to keep them. So I guess I don't get to be a tooth fairy anytime soon. :(
#2 The change of hair. So as most of you know Isaac has beautiful hair. It's very soft, and he has the best curls ever. Well, they've been getting really long lately, and we've been debating on what to do. He used to sit real still while we did his hair, but not so much lately. & it was getting to the point of having to brush it out at least twice a day or the knots would be impossible to get out. Jesse wanted to put it in locs...I thought he was too young for this.
So Jesse took him to the barber and brought him home like this.
yes, i cried. I actually really like it now, it was just really weird, he looks so different. He seems to love it though...he seriously has 5 times the energy now. I don't know if it was the weight of the hair or just that it made him so hot before, but whatever it is it's given him lots and lots of energy.
#3 Rachel starts Kindergarten. I can't believe that my daughter is in kindergarten. I have to admit this was a lot harder then I thought. I remember last year when she started preschool, and some of the moms would be freaking out & crying, and I just didn't understand. This year, I'm blaming my hormones, but I've cried. I actually didn't cry the day of, but I did before, and I did last night after hearing about how she had no one to sit with on the bus or at lunch. (so unlike my daughter) She usually has about 5 friends within the first 2 minutes of going into any store. It's just weird to see her going to such a big school (K-6th; 600 kids). I know she'll do great, but it's just weird to not have her with me all day.
#4 New Kitchen. Well not exactly a new kitchen, but at least new counter tops. Since we didn't have enough going on in out lives, we decided to replace the counter tops. Next up the floors! (erik you coming to help?!)
Before:
After:
So there's a quick update for you all about some of the things that have been going on with us. I have about 17 days left! We're still not ready...don't even have a name picked out for the little guy...Jesse wants a biblical name, I want something not too common. (please feel free to leave suggestions.)
And just to throw in a couple of more pics...here you go. :)
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