I can't believe it is seven thirty.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Stalking the House
We went to see a house in Christiansburg yesterday, and the only problem with it was that it was in Christiansburg. http://www.navicamls.net/prospect/default.asp?k=105&b=296292&a=360&c=3993
Otherwise it was perfect. It had three bedrooms upstairs and a tiled bath with a clawfoot tub. Down stairs there is a living room, dining room, library, and bedroom/playroom/ family room, plus another nice full bath. The kithen and baths were newly renovated--stainless fridge and gas stove, cast iron sink, nice tiles and beautiful cabinetry and fixtures. The fixtures suited the 1915 house, and the floors were beautiful wood. It had a big backyard with a deck, and a front porch with a swing. John could have had the library with it's floor to ceiling bookcases and little passway for coffee from the kitchen. The house actually looked better than these pictures because it is empty now. It would need no work at all---perhaps removal of some wallpaper borders upstairs.
The street itself was nice, but there are no sidewalks and there is nothing to walk to. Zero in the neighborhood amenities department. I think you could walk to Main street in Cburg to buy a gun or get some pork products and Cheerwine soda at Wades. We just couldn't make that kind of call on the spot, but we are excited about the prospect of moving into a new house in the next six months. We can learn to tile and refinish ourselves. Hello Home Depot. We are back to square one--farm in Floyd or in town Blacksburg. Well, call it square two. We added close in areas of Giles County and Craig County down 460 west towards West Virginia. We have to move somewhere because our pipes are playing the alien organ in the middle of the night.
.
Otherwise it was perfect. It had three bedrooms upstairs and a tiled bath with a clawfoot tub. Down stairs there is a living room, dining room, library, and bedroom/playroom/ family room, plus another nice full bath. The kithen and baths were newly renovated--stainless fridge and gas stove, cast iron sink, nice tiles and beautiful cabinetry and fixtures. The fixtures suited the 1915 house, and the floors were beautiful wood. It had a big backyard with a deck, and a front porch with a swing. John could have had the library with it's floor to ceiling bookcases and little passway for coffee from the kitchen. The house actually looked better than these pictures because it is empty now. It would need no work at all---perhaps removal of some wallpaper borders upstairs.
The street itself was nice, but there are no sidewalks and there is nothing to walk to. Zero in the neighborhood amenities department. I think you could walk to Main street in Cburg to buy a gun or get some pork products and Cheerwine soda at Wades. We just couldn't make that kind of call on the spot, but we are excited about the prospect of moving into a new house in the next six months. We can learn to tile and refinish ourselves. Hello Home Depot. We are back to square one--farm in Floyd or in town Blacksburg. Well, call it square two. We added close in areas of Giles County and Craig County down 460 west towards West Virginia. We have to move somewhere because our pipes are playing the alien organ in the middle of the night.
.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Naptime
At 3:30 in the morning mamma gave in and gave me a paci. I love it. She won't drink diet coke at dinner again.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Pediatrician Today
JBP had his first office vist this morning, and apparently he is shrinking on schedule. He is 10 pounds 2 oz and 20 3/4 inches today. Most babies lose 10% of their body weight in the first week and then climb from there. E lost more than a pound in her first week. He was pronounced beautiful by his pediatrician.
He had no jaundice, although they thought he had a mild case on the way out of the hospital. His bruised arms and fingers are almost resolved.The doctor checked his broken clavicle and four ribs and reassured us about them. He doesn't seem to be in any pain from those. His lungs are fine after his 24 hours of oxygen in the hospital. He spent a day under a cake plate in a room by himself when the pediatrician that saw him on his first morning thought that he may have had a collapsed lung because of the trauma of the four broken ribs. The nurses that took care of him there were incredibly sweet and kind. They got me a pump almost instantly so that he could continue his breastfeeding, and he was drinking out of a little cup. Down south is still a bit of a mystery for me. He has a Level 1 hypospadius---his little hole for peeing is about half an inch lower than normal. Just after his birth they couldn't find it at all which was a little distressing, but as you know, he is peeing all over anyone that is brave enough to change a diaper. He didn't get circumsized because this might need surgery around age 1 to correct the hypospadius and the way that his penis curves to one side, so he is going au naturale.
Ella walked (and rode piggyback) all the way downtown for an outing with J. They did their usual library to Bolos circuit and then then went to the elementary school playground. They called for a ride and we went out to the Lebanese place for dinner. E was almost too tired to eat and she has another blister from her flipper floppers. J didn't know they wouldn't work for a long walk.
My children, whoa, I have two, are in bed and I'm having a beer. Thanks Anne and Rich for the Black Jack Porter from Floyd Fest in the fridge. Best beer I've had all year! Cheers!
He had no jaundice, although they thought he had a mild case on the way out of the hospital. His bruised arms and fingers are almost resolved.The doctor checked his broken clavicle and four ribs and reassured us about them. He doesn't seem to be in any pain from those. His lungs are fine after his 24 hours of oxygen in the hospital. He spent a day under a cake plate in a room by himself when the pediatrician that saw him on his first morning thought that he may have had a collapsed lung because of the trauma of the four broken ribs. The nurses that took care of him there were incredibly sweet and kind. They got me a pump almost instantly so that he could continue his breastfeeding, and he was drinking out of a little cup. Down south is still a bit of a mystery for me. He has a Level 1 hypospadius---his little hole for peeing is about half an inch lower than normal. Just after his birth they couldn't find it at all which was a little distressing, but as you know, he is peeing all over anyone that is brave enough to change a diaper. He didn't get circumsized because this might need surgery around age 1 to correct the hypospadius and the way that his penis curves to one side, so he is going au naturale.
Ella walked (and rode piggyback) all the way downtown for an outing with J. They did their usual library to Bolos circuit and then then went to the elementary school playground. They called for a ride and we went out to the Lebanese place for dinner. E was almost too tired to eat and she has another blister from her flipper floppers. J didn't know they wouldn't work for a long walk.
My children, whoa, I have two, are in bed and I'm having a beer. Thanks Anne and Rich for the Black Jack Porter from Floyd Fest in the fridge. Best beer I've had all year! Cheers!
Saturday, August 13, 2005
I'm so happy he peed on my head!
Ella's first real diaper. Mamma doesn't really know about the boys, and the pee arcs into the air and onto Ella's head. She laughs uncontrollably saying, "I'm so glad he did that because he really must have had to go. " She calmly wipes her head with a baby wipe.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Guest blogger J. with news!
John Butler Provo
August 10, 2005
10:58 Pm
10 bs lbs, 11 oz
21.6 inches
A lot of work by young J. and S., but both are doing fine.
Thanks!
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Monday, August 08, 2005
Contractions
I've been having contractions for about four hours. I'm not running around packing anything, but Ella made her move as well the day before her scheduled induction.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Antsy
I think I'm just making everyone antsy at this point. We went grocery shopping today, and John took E on a hike this afternoon on an old farm that is now a park. Hopefully she sleeps tonight. Last night she was up for almost an hour crying but couldn't really communicate what she wanted. Water. Banana. Turn off air. Lullaby. Blow nose. The Planet Sleeps lullaby CD finally did the trick.
I have no ankles, and my toes are sausagey.
I have no ankles, and my toes are sausagey.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Four Days or Less
We went to Stepping Out, our town's summer festival last night. It was hot, but we went late and walked around and looked at the craft vendors. There was some cool pottery. We had some dinner from Gillie's on the lawn and talked to Kathryn and her girls. Some kids were nice enough to give Ella some balloons, and she got together with a small pack to run and play in the grass behind the main stage. I am trying to find humor in the fact that there is no comfortable position. I've been thinking that this is the first time in my life that I would like to have a recliner chair, a portable one.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Am I in the Wrong Line?
I have met some very nice women here in Appalachia. I must insert a quick story I heard from one of these nice women this morning. We were talking about what a small town we live in and she said that she hit a deer on MAIN STREET last year.
Anyway, I'm obviously on some sort of mamma circuit...ballet, kindermusik, playgrounds, Kroger, Swim lessons, etc. I have lived here less than a year, and people, more often than not, say "Do I know you from Bible study?" No, I have not been studying that since the early eighties. Pretty much given it up entirely. Maybe my new glasses are screaming bible study 1958. Aren't there any heathens here? We have the best of intentions to start going to the Unitarian Church, and E's new preschool is at the Unitarian Church; we don't feel like we need to go to Church, but we thought the UU's would be a good source of thoughtful intelligent heathens.
Every doctor's office I go into seems to have a bible in the waiting room, and there was Christian rock playing at the dermatologist's office. That is spooky. I did hear some of the Jesus moms talking about consulting this dermatologist at Bible studay about hypoallergenic sunscreen for kids. Maybe this is part of the Bush health care plan....free medical advice at bible study groups.
Anyway, I'm obviously on some sort of mamma circuit...ballet, kindermusik, playgrounds, Kroger, Swim lessons, etc. I have lived here less than a year, and people, more often than not, say "Do I know you from Bible study?" No, I have not been studying that since the early eighties. Pretty much given it up entirely. Maybe my new glasses are screaming bible study 1958. Aren't there any heathens here? We have the best of intentions to start going to the Unitarian Church, and E's new preschool is at the Unitarian Church; we don't feel like we need to go to Church, but we thought the UU's would be a good source of thoughtful intelligent heathens.
Every doctor's office I go into seems to have a bible in the waiting room, and there was Christian rock playing at the dermatologist's office. That is spooky. I did hear some of the Jesus moms talking about consulting this dermatologist at Bible studay about hypoallergenic sunscreen for kids. Maybe this is part of the Bush health care plan....free medical advice at bible study groups.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Three Year Old Bus Stop
When E wants some attention from John she goes and stands on her bed and calls out that she is waiting at the three year old bus stop. He is to run in there and pick up her, either on his back or "like a sack of potatoes". The sack of potatoes request is usually at bedtime.
I use her like a magic eight ball all the time. I ask her daily if the baby will be born that day. She has had several good answers. Her number one answer is, " No". Sometimes she says, "I know because I'm down with him" Her most mature answer is, " I can't tell you because he'll be born when he is ready." This morning she said he would be here at "6:20 of the longest day." Consider that nine months ago we were driving north on route 15 and Ella said, "Did you know that there is a baby in your belly?". No, I did not know.
I use her like a magic eight ball all the time. I ask her daily if the baby will be born that day. She has had several good answers. Her number one answer is, " No". Sometimes she says, "I know because I'm down with him" Her most mature answer is, " I can't tell you because he'll be born when he is ready." This morning she said he would be here at "6:20 of the longest day." Consider that nine months ago we were driving north on route 15 and Ella said, "Did you know that there is a baby in your belly?". No, I did not know.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Noodle Noodle
E decided that she just wasn't diving in today after great success with the noodle. Maybe tomorrow she'll try with the "Goo Goo Goggles".
Last OB appointment
I am 1.5 centimeters dialated and baby John's head is "engaged". I had a quick ultrasound just to be 100% sure that he was head down, and I got to see his chubby little face. I have an appointment at the hospital at 1 am on tuesday morning if nothing happens before then. I'm so excited. He could still very well wait until next week and be induced, but the doctor said he felt good about the induction working.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Tuesday again
After having contractions for a few days, it seems to have stopped. Next week would probably be better than this week. No one has to rush here to take care of Ella. Grandmarie is coming for the weekend, and Granny is coming on tuesday.
John and Ella just went to EATS to get healthy snacks for the hospital. For those of you who don't know, my husband likes to eat during times of stress. I just hope he doesn't get anything stinky. Anne Giffen "catered" Ella's birth, arriving at the hospital with a large bag from Trader Joes. I think there was even cake. I had the ice chips. Fabulous.
Ella has been very good today. She didn't want to leave the pool after swimming, but she sat on her towel and had snacks until she realized that it was really hot. We read five books after lunch and then took a nap for a few hours (Miracle!). This afternoon she set up the Fisher Price farm and the dollhouse together on the living room rug an played for a long time. I know it will be a long evening though since we aren't even having dinner until seven.
John and Ella just went to EATS to get healthy snacks for the hospital. For those of you who don't know, my husband likes to eat during times of stress. I just hope he doesn't get anything stinky. Anne Giffen "catered" Ella's birth, arriving at the hospital with a large bag from Trader Joes. I think there was even cake. I had the ice chips. Fabulous.
Ella has been very good today. She didn't want to leave the pool after swimming, but she sat on her towel and had snacks until she realized that it was really hot. We read five books after lunch and then took a nap for a few hours (Miracle!). This afternoon she set up the Fisher Price farm and the dollhouse together on the living room rug an played for a long time. I know it will be a long evening though since we aren't even having dinner until seven.
Monday, August 01, 2005
You Know...
You know you live in a small town when the bagger at the grocery store offers to drive you home. You know you are too pregnant when the bagger at the grocery store offers to drive you home. Drive, I can drive. I'm going to go home and mop. I just went to swimming lessons with a three year old.
Ten Days or Less
I realized that at this point in my previous pregnancy that Ella was going to be inside for 31 more days. That just wouldn't work here. Today marks 37 weeks (full term today!) and E was born at 41 weeks, 1 day. She had been served her eviction papers and would have been induced the next day. HHmmm. How much more could she have weighed?
I had contractions all weekend, but nothing that progressed or changed. John was having one of those stress colds....sudden armpit pain when I thought my water broke yesterday morning. He had to take a nap and fret over the uncut grass. The sun came out later and that grass did get cut. He keeps wailing, "but I need another week". He might get the week, he might not.
Every piece of clothes not on our bodies is clean. The fridge is clean. John was asking Ella if she had any questions or worries about baby John coming home. Her question...."What are his television priviledges?"
I had contractions all weekend, but nothing that progressed or changed. John was having one of those stress colds....sudden armpit pain when I thought my water broke yesterday morning. He had to take a nap and fret over the uncut grass. The sun came out later and that grass did get cut. He keeps wailing, "but I need another week". He might get the week, he might not.
Every piece of clothes not on our bodies is clean. The fridge is clean. John was asking Ella if she had any questions or worries about baby John coming home. Her question...."What are his television priviledges?"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)