depressed, sad, lonely or any other adjective you can substitute for melancholy.
Sunday night my mom and dad flew out to South Dakota to help my grandma pack up her apartment and move her to Minnesota. My mom's youngest brother and his family live there so it would be nice for her to be near family. They got there and found my grandma hasn't been taking very good care of herself. Actually ended up in the hospital on Tuesday and discovered grandma had several heart attacks. The routine testing of her heart did not go well, she was unresponsive after it was over. Once they got her stabilized and responsive they flew her to Sioux Falls, where they've been the rest of the week. The doctors need to put balloons into several of her arteries but can't because grandma doesn't respond well to even the most basic procedure. She's scared and her mind and body are not handling this well. Things have been up and down all week.
I'm scared too. I don't want to loose her. I'm sad. I haven't been able to see her since our wedding almost 6 years ago. We couldn't go out for her big 80th birthday party last summer since Levi was due to arrive the next week. We were going to visit this summer for vacation but since she was going to be moving, we figured we'd wait. We were hoping maybe my mom could convince her to come and visit us this fall. I wish I could be there for my mom. My dad is coming home this week, but she'll be staying another week. Many of her siblings are there but I just want to hug her. I haven't been sleeping well.
To top it all off, Gabe's going to be gone all weekend for a guys weekend at the coast. So I'm the single parent. A job I don't do very well. He's the patient one.
So, I'm trying to stay positive. I will have a functioning kitchen again some day. Levi and I will have a fun mommy and baby weekend. My grandma will conquer the fear, get the medical help she needs, and recover.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Busy Summer Weekend
So this will probably be my last post of the week. I've managed to put off the billion things on my to-do list for several days already. I've got a tone I need to get done this week and blogging isn't one of them.
But I wanted to share the fun we had this weekend. Friday evening we went down to the Oregon Brewer's Festival. It's always the third weekend in July, but we are often on vacation at that time so it's been a few years since we've gone. Levi went with us so we didn't stay very long but Gabe did get a few good beers sampled.
Saturday we went out to McIver Park for my dad's family reunion. Everyone was camping out there but given the camping we did just a short time ago, we decided a day trip would be more manageable at this point. Levi took a 'dip' in the Clackamas. The water was a bit colder than he was willing to play in. Dad had to stand with him the whole time. Here he is splashing with his great Aunt Teresa.
We enjoyed seeing family and playing some games. Here's Levi helping his grandpa play pinochle. Not sure he was much help.
And I have to share this one of Levi and his great grandma. It's so sweet! Plus it shows off Levi's favorite thing to do now. I think he just started it last week. He points at everything!!! And I mean everything. I'm sure what will come next is the "What's that?" to go along with the pointing.
Not sure what he's pointing at here. Could be all the dogs...or his grandpa...who knows?
Yesterday Gabe did finally get some work done in the kitchen. We were disappointed to see that the remodel elves didn't find their way in while we were gone and finish things up. We should finally have the counter tops ordered this week. Not sure how long they'll take from there. All the appliances are in but we won't have a sink until the counter tops are in, and a kitchen without a sink is pretty useless.
But I wanted to share the fun we had this weekend. Friday evening we went down to the Oregon Brewer's Festival. It's always the third weekend in July, but we are often on vacation at that time so it's been a few years since we've gone. Levi went with us so we didn't stay very long but Gabe did get a few good beers sampled.
Saturday we went out to McIver Park for my dad's family reunion. Everyone was camping out there but given the camping we did just a short time ago, we decided a day trip would be more manageable at this point. Levi took a 'dip' in the Clackamas. The water was a bit colder than he was willing to play in. Dad had to stand with him the whole time. Here he is splashing with his great Aunt Teresa.
We enjoyed seeing family and playing some games. Here's Levi helping his grandpa play pinochle. Not sure he was much help.
And I have to share this one of Levi and his great grandma. It's so sweet! Plus it shows off Levi's favorite thing to do now. I think he just started it last week. He points at everything!!! And I mean everything. I'm sure what will come next is the "What's that?" to go along with the pointing.
Not sure what he's pointing at here. Could be all the dogs...or his grandpa...who knows?
Yesterday Gabe did finally get some work done in the kitchen. We were disappointed to see that the remodel elves didn't find their way in while we were gone and finish things up. We should finally have the counter tops ordered this week. Not sure how long they'll take from there. All the appliances are in but we won't have a sink until the counter tops are in, and a kitchen without a sink is pretty useless.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
San Juan Island
After not really getting a chance to relax for the first part of our vacation, the week on San Juan really made up for it. We rented a great little log house outside Friday Harbor where the deer visited each morning and evening (little fawns too). Plus a little quail family lived in one of the bushes. We were able to take it easy and Levi get lots of play time and nap times in.
Of course we walked around Friday Harbor and the marina. Shopped at the farmer's market. Payed a visit to Popeye, the harbor seal who hangs out next to the fresh seafood shop on the marina. We visited both American camp and British camp. Learned way more history about the fight between the British and US over the San Juan Islands than I ever thought I needed to know. Watched the alpacas eat their breakfast.
Had lunch in Roche Harbor. Wandered around the Westcott Bay sculpture park for a little while. Celebrated the lavender festival at Pelindaba Lavender Farm.
Here's Levi enjoying the music and tasting ice cream for the first time. Just happened to be lavender vanilla and he loved it...of course!
Tried to spot whales from Lime Kiln State park on several occasions, but with no success.
The highlight for me was definitely our whale watching trip.
It was during Levi's afternoon nap and was 4 hours long. We were a little worried we'd just be dealing with a really crabby baby. But Levi did really great. The ocean air must have given him a second wind. And we saw lots of Orcas. It was my first time seeing them and I was thrilled.
I filled one whole memory card with pictures of whales, but this is the closest one we got since we don't have a zoom lens of any kind. Guess that will be on our wish list for Christmas this year!
Of course we walked around Friday Harbor and the marina. Shopped at the farmer's market. Payed a visit to Popeye, the harbor seal who hangs out next to the fresh seafood shop on the marina. We visited both American camp and British camp. Learned way more history about the fight between the British and US over the San Juan Islands than I ever thought I needed to know. Watched the alpacas eat their breakfast.
Had lunch in Roche Harbor. Wandered around the Westcott Bay sculpture park for a little while. Celebrated the lavender festival at Pelindaba Lavender Farm.
Here's Levi enjoying the music and tasting ice cream for the first time. Just happened to be lavender vanilla and he loved it...of course!
Tried to spot whales from Lime Kiln State park on several occasions, but with no success.
The highlight for me was definitely our whale watching trip.
It was during Levi's afternoon nap and was 4 hours long. We were a little worried we'd just be dealing with a really crabby baby. But Levi did really great. The ocean air must have given him a second wind. And we saw lots of Orcas. It was my first time seeing them and I was thrilled.
I filled one whole memory card with pictures of whales, but this is the closest one we got since we don't have a zoom lens of any kind. Guess that will be on our wish list for Christmas this year!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Olympic National Park
Gabe and I are now fully aware that five days of camping with a baby does not make for a relaxing vacation. While planning our vacation it seemed like a great idea. In hindsight, not so brilliant. Since Levi isn't walking independently, he just wants to crawl around, pull up on things, and hold on to things while he walks. That's fine at home, but doesn't work so great at a campsite when everything also goes directly in his mouth. So it was a challenge to keep him entertained and not eating the gravel and dirt of the campsite.
The first night Levi was a champ. He slept great even though he was up early with the birds and the sunrise. But our second day he wouldn't nap in the tent (too many distractions I think). So we decided maybe a drive would settle him down. Problem is...this kid will only sleep when the car is actually moving. Our second night was terrible. Levi ended up hogging our sleeping bag and air mattress instead of sleeping in his pack and play. We were able to see a lot of the park, it was just done in the car trying to get Levi enough napping time in.
Plus, we are so spoiled by nice Oregon state parks with their wonderful facilities...like showers. For just a weekend of camping I've never really felt like I had to have a shower but when you're going on day 4...enough said. I forgot that most national park camp grounds don't have showers. Before we camp in a national park again we'll have to get one of these!
Those things combined with kids riding their bikes around screaming until 10pm (when Levi goes to bed about 7:30) and a hole in our air mattress...we packed up a day early and headed to spend the night Tacoma. We'd had enough camping and figured it would make the trip up to Anacortes to catch the ferry to San Juan island a lot less stressful. You never know how terrible traffic though Seattle will be and cutting the length of that trip could only be a good thing. It was a great decision. We all got our respective showers or bath, and had a good night sleep.
Here are the highlights of our time in Olympic National Park:
We hiked around the Hoh Rain forest in the sunshine. Not much of a rain forest at this time of year.
Played a lot at Kalaloch beach.
Drove up to, and hiked around Hurricane Ridge.
Explored the tide pools at Beach 4.
Enjoyed beers, books, and s'mores by the campfire. Once Levi was in bed for the night, of course.
It's going to take me a little while to get things updated around here. We got back on Thursday but it's been a busy weekend too. I still have to put away all our camping stuff. And our tent needs to be cleaned out badly! So be patient with me this week as we recover from vacation.
The first night Levi was a champ. He slept great even though he was up early with the birds and the sunrise. But our second day he wouldn't nap in the tent (too many distractions I think). So we decided maybe a drive would settle him down. Problem is...this kid will only sleep when the car is actually moving. Our second night was terrible. Levi ended up hogging our sleeping bag and air mattress instead of sleeping in his pack and play. We were able to see a lot of the park, it was just done in the car trying to get Levi enough napping time in.
Plus, we are so spoiled by nice Oregon state parks with their wonderful facilities...like showers. For just a weekend of camping I've never really felt like I had to have a shower but when you're going on day 4...enough said. I forgot that most national park camp grounds don't have showers. Before we camp in a national park again we'll have to get one of these!
Those things combined with kids riding their bikes around screaming until 10pm (when Levi goes to bed about 7:30) and a hole in our air mattress...we packed up a day early and headed to spend the night Tacoma. We'd had enough camping and figured it would make the trip up to Anacortes to catch the ferry to San Juan island a lot less stressful. You never know how terrible traffic though Seattle will be and cutting the length of that trip could only be a good thing. It was a great decision. We all got our respective showers or bath, and had a good night sleep.
Here are the highlights of our time in Olympic National Park:
We hiked around the Hoh Rain forest in the sunshine. Not much of a rain forest at this time of year.
Played a lot at Kalaloch beach.
Drove up to, and hiked around Hurricane Ridge.
Explored the tide pools at Beach 4.
Enjoyed beers, books, and s'mores by the campfire. Once Levi was in bed for the night, of course.
It's going to take me a little while to get things updated around here. We got back on Thursday but it's been a busy weekend too. I still have to put away all our camping stuff. And our tent needs to be cleaned out badly! So be patient with me this week as we recover from vacation.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Heat Wave!
You are definately not going to hear me complaining about the heat. I'm just so thankful summer is finally here!
Levi's already figured out how to stay cool.
First, take a dip in the pool.
Then eat a refreshing and cool popsicle.
He wasn't too sure about the cold popsicle at first. Too cold. But once he figured out how yummy it tasted, he had no problem getting it all over himself.
Staying cool in this heat...that's how it's done!
Levi's already figured out how to stay cool.
First, take a dip in the pool.
Then eat a refreshing and cool popsicle.
He wasn't too sure about the cold popsicle at first. Too cold. But once he figured out how yummy it tasted, he had no problem getting it all over himself.Staying cool in this heat...that's how it's done!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Making some progress...
with a few minor setbacks.
I'll share the progress first.
All our kitchen cabinets are in!
The new bamboo flooring is laid down! Here's Levi giving it a try when it wasn't finished.
The stove is now in the kitchen and will hopefully be hooked up this evening. Our new dishwasher and microwave are also in the dinning room awaiting installation.
Now for the setbacks. After working carefully all day on the floor, Gabe put some major gashes in it when he moved the fridge into place. He was really upset. He mentioned pulling up that section of the floor to replace the scratched boards. Not sure what he'll want to do. But given that the guy is all about quality and can't stand anything he does not being his best...I think he'll be pulling up part of the floor to fix it.
The other setback. The one that has me more worried is the counter tops. We knew we couldn't get counter tops until all the cabinets were in so it wasn't really in the forefront of our minds until Gabe had them finished yesterday morning. We know what kind of counter tops we want and the color. We just need someone to come in, measure and then install them once they've been cut. We figure that's no problem. They can measure this week and then cut them while we're gone on vacation. Install them when we get back and we'll be good to go! Wrong. We didn't figure on one more step, plus the guy at Home Depot said they won't be able to get here to measure until late this week...at the earliest! So if they come and measure this week great, but they'll also need to come back with a template to see if everything is correct, and then they'll cut it and finally install it! So, now it looks like the counter tops will be a few more weeks than I figured. Which totally sucks! A kitchen isn't really use able if you don't have counters.
So, that's where we're at this week. Gabe's thinking he can get appliances in this week...not sure much else will happen until we return from vacation.
I'll share the progress first.
All our kitchen cabinets are in!
The new bamboo flooring is laid down! Here's Levi giving it a try when it wasn't finished.
The stove is now in the kitchen and will hopefully be hooked up this evening. Our new dishwasher and microwave are also in the dinning room awaiting installation.Now for the setbacks. After working carefully all day on the floor, Gabe put some major gashes in it when he moved the fridge into place. He was really upset. He mentioned pulling up that section of the floor to replace the scratched boards. Not sure what he'll want to do. But given that the guy is all about quality and can't stand anything he does not being his best...I think he'll be pulling up part of the floor to fix it.
The other setback. The one that has me more worried is the counter tops. We knew we couldn't get counter tops until all the cabinets were in so it wasn't really in the forefront of our minds until Gabe had them finished yesterday morning. We know what kind of counter tops we want and the color. We just need someone to come in, measure and then install them once they've been cut. We figure that's no problem. They can measure this week and then cut them while we're gone on vacation. Install them when we get back and we'll be good to go! Wrong. We didn't figure on one more step, plus the guy at Home Depot said they won't be able to get here to measure until late this week...at the earliest! So if they come and measure this week great, but they'll also need to come back with a template to see if everything is correct, and then they'll cut it and finally install it! So, now it looks like the counter tops will be a few more weeks than I figured. Which totally sucks! A kitchen isn't really use able if you don't have counters.
So, that's where we're at this week. Gabe's thinking he can get appliances in this week...not sure much else will happen until we return from vacation.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Independence Day
Happy 4th of July!It has been one busy...but fun weekend. Full of BBQs, enjoying time with friends/family, and don't forget work on the kitchen!
You can tell the weekend has Levi completely wiped out. Gabe and I equally so. I think we might call it good, and head to bed as soon as I finish writing this. The only problem is that I feel pretty certain the fireworks will wake us up in about an hour...hopefully they won't do the same for the little guy.
I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday as much as Levi did!
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