May 2, 2002
I got a bunch of the updates done today. Not everything, but for now it will have to do.
April 30, 2002
I give up. There are way too many things to update, and I just don't have the energy. I've got new pictures. I've got new fun links. I've got books and movies to recommend. I've got all sorts of goodies to share, but can't seem to find the time to get the pages laid out and organized in a viewable fashion. If this disgusts you, then I invite you to come live in my world for a few days and see what it's like... then you'll understand!
We're taking advantage of this week's nice weather and getting some much needed yard work done. Our goal is to make our backyard an enjoyable and peaceful getaway for this summer. Whether that happens really depends on how well we keep up our motivation, and anyone who knows us might as well start placing bets on when we'll chuck it all and hire someone else to do it. (Yes, we're that lazy.)
I did find time to "epinion" our new digital camera--check it out at http://www.epinions.com/user-jmanullang. If you register, you can even give me a Very Helpful rating, or the ever-elusive Most Helpful rating. Ooooh!! I'd love you forever if you'd take the time to read and rate my reviews.
The kids are fine. The dog's fine. Victor's fine. Actually, Victor's tired, and so am I.
I will do my best to get pages created, pictures posted, and news updated. Watch this space for changes, hopefully soon.
We're taking advantage of this week's nice weather and getting some much needed yard work done. Our goal is to make our backyard an enjoyable and peaceful getaway for this summer. Whether that happens really depends on how well we keep up our motivation, and anyone who knows us might as well start placing bets on when we'll chuck it all and hire someone else to do it. (Yes, we're that lazy.)
I did find time to "epinion" our new digital camera--check it out at http://www.epinions.com/user-jmanullang. If you register, you can even give me a Very Helpful rating, or the ever-elusive Most Helpful rating. Ooooh!! I'd love you forever if you'd take the time to read and rate my reviews.
The kids are fine. The dog's fine. Victor's fine. Actually, Victor's tired, and so am I.
I will do my best to get pages created, pictures posted, and news updated. Watch this space for changes, hopefully soon.
February 5, 2002
What a past few weeks this has been. I'm gonna have to go by chronological order so I don't forget everything, although if I wrote in priority order this would read MUCH differently.
Uninterrupted sleep
The weekend of January 19 Victor and I celebrated our fifth anniversary early by spending four days in Seattle BY OURSELVES! We stayed in a luxurious room at the Hotel Vintage Park and broke our diets dining at Krispy Kreme, The Cheesecake Factory, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Tulio, Rock Bottom Brewery, and many, many Starbucks. We went to movies (Beauty & The Beast at IMAX, The Royal Tennenbaums), shopped a little, and most importantly, got three straight nights of quality sleep. It was really wonderful, and even though we missed the kids a lot more than we thought we would, we definitely enjoyed a break on our own.
Wear clean underwear
After our relaxing long weekend, we were frustrated to be re-routed off I-5 on the way home because of an accident. It lengthened our drive by nearly two hours, and because the kids' traveling limit is right around three hours, this made for a hellish remainder of the trip. But that wasn't the worst thing that happened that day. When we got home my mom called to tell us she'd been in a very scary car accident in Milton-Freewater that morning. Here's the article from the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin:
Woman dies in crash Jan 23 2002 12:00AM By Kathy Korengel of the Union-Bulletin
A Walla Walla woman is in serious condition after the 2-vehicle accident on Highway 11 near Milton-Freewater Tuesday.
MILTON-FREEWATER - A Milton-Freewater woman was killed and a Walla Walla woman was in serious condition following a Tuesday collision north of town, officials said this morning.
Elinor Margaret Stewart, 79, Milton-Freewater, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Oregon State Police.
Mildred Mary Laabs, 59, Walla Walla, was transported to St. Mary Medical Center. She was listed in serious condition with multiple fractures and bruises this morning, a nursing supervisor said.
Laabs was driving a 1990 Toyota Camry north on Highway 11 at about 11 a.m. when the car collided into the left side of Stewart's vehicle as Stewart began entering the highway from the Towne Pump gas station, authorities said.
The airbag in Stewart's 1991 Plymouth Acclaim deployed, but it remained unknown whether she was wearing a seat belt.
Laabs reportedly was wearing a lap/shoulder belt, state police said.
An investigation is continuing and no citations have been issued, state police said.
Mom was in the hospital for a few days. She has a bruised or cracked sternum, a broken knee, and her heel is fractured in six places. They're doing surgery on her heel tomorrow, after which she'll have to be completely off it for six weeks. Her spirits are surprisingly good under the circumstances, but she's got a long way to recovery. We are all very thankful she's alive, though. Thanks to all of you who have called or written to me--I appreciate your concern so much. If you'd like to e-mail Mary herself, her address is laabmaDELETETHIS@wwc.edu. Because they're right in the middle of a move, if you want her current mailing address, e-mail me.
Party
Lori Lassen's birthday was celebrated in our home January 23 with a cake, balloons, and many wonderful gifts. Too bad she wasn't here to enjoy it.
Just crack the window
We've found a sitter, so Katie and Jack will not be sitting in the car while I work. Fortunately, Kristine is a neighbor who's a stay-at-home mom with a boy Katie's age, so it's convenient for us and fun for Katie. We've had a couple play dates to try things out, and are thrilled to have found someone we know and trust to care for the kids when I work.
Smile pretty
Katie's 2-year portraits were taken the other day. Hopefully they'll turn out well and you'll be able to see them here soon. Jack will be going in for his 3-month portraits next week.
We finally chose a digital camera! It's a Fuji FinePix 2800, 2.1 megapixels, with a 6x optical zoom. It just arrived yesterday so we're still getting used to it, but this should mean that you can count on seeing new pictures more often here.
Here's what I think
While researching digital cameras, I did not rely solely on advice from Ed, Deanna, and Debi (sorry guys); I also depended on Epinions, a web site offering up critiques of just about anything you can imagine. Although I registered a year ago, I'd never actually written any "epinions" until just this week. Check out the site, register, read my reviews (I'm jmanullang), and be sure to rate me "very helpful," too! I think I earn about half a penny every time each review is read. A few billion more ratings and I can get that pack of gum I've had my eye on.
Bug up my butt
I painted the family room. I'd been wanting to do it for a while, and even had the color selected (dark taupe), but I just hadn't decided exactly which walls to do and there was nothing really motivating me to go buy the paint. I don't know what came over me, but one day last week I decided it needed to be done. NOW. I started my project at 10:30 one night and finished around 2:30. In the morning I did the touch-ups and moved the furniture back and voy-all-ay! New family room! Here's a picture, courtesy of my new digital toy (please ignore the mess, I forgot to straighten up before grabbing the camera):
The color matches the fireplace tile and one of the darkest colors in the berber, and is just a shade or two darker than the living room and half bath color. I know you were wondering.
And yes, that's Katie planted in front of the TV glued to her Baby Dolittle video, and Jack's there in the foreground doing what he does best. I think Scout's buried in the blanket on the couch.
South... to Salem
Sunday we spent a few hours with the Lassen Family. Katie had a wonderful time playing with Trevor and Taylor--together they are three VERY loud kids! The best part was that we finally got to meet each other's new babies! Too bad for Auntie Kathy that SHE hasn't met either of them yet...
Men at work
Vic started back to work yesterday. I know I should be glad for the 12 weeks he was home--and I am!--but I think I was more upset than he was about his leave being over. I'm lucky that Jack is so easy, and actually have felt OK about being at home with both of them lately. Then Katie undressed herself four times (diaper included--this girl doesn't do anything halfway) yesterday every time I left her alone for 40 seconds. Where's that Prozac, anyhow?
Fee fi fo fum
Jack continues to amaze us with his growth. He's right around 16 pounds now, and quickly growing out of clothes and diapers we thought he'd be wearing for another couple months. Maybe he knows that with Katie around, the only way he'll ever get his way is by sitting on her, so he's bulking up. Whatever it is, we're having a hard time keeping up with him. He sure is a sweetie though--really smiley and excited when he gets lots of attention.
Party, part deux
Katie's second birthday is Saturday. Her party this year is a much smaller affair than last year's, mostly involving neighbor kids and some of our close parent-type friends. We're still amazed that two years have passed, that this goofy girl toddler was once our little tiny baby. Wow. Watch for party pics here next week.
No more words.
Uninterrupted sleep
The weekend of January 19 Victor and I celebrated our fifth anniversary early by spending four days in Seattle BY OURSELVES! We stayed in a luxurious room at the Hotel Vintage Park and broke our diets dining at Krispy Kreme, The Cheesecake Factory, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Tulio, Rock Bottom Brewery, and many, many Starbucks. We went to movies (Beauty & The Beast at IMAX, The Royal Tennenbaums), shopped a little, and most importantly, got three straight nights of quality sleep. It was really wonderful, and even though we missed the kids a lot more than we thought we would, we definitely enjoyed a break on our own.
Wear clean underwear
After our relaxing long weekend, we were frustrated to be re-routed off I-5 on the way home because of an accident. It lengthened our drive by nearly two hours, and because the kids' traveling limit is right around three hours, this made for a hellish remainder of the trip. But that wasn't the worst thing that happened that day. When we got home my mom called to tell us she'd been in a very scary car accident in Milton-Freewater that morning. Here's the article from the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin:
Woman dies in crash Jan 23 2002 12:00AM By Kathy Korengel of the Union-Bulletin
A Walla Walla woman is in serious condition after the 2-vehicle accident on Highway 11 near Milton-Freewater Tuesday.
MILTON-FREEWATER - A Milton-Freewater woman was killed and a Walla Walla woman was in serious condition following a Tuesday collision north of town, officials said this morning.
Elinor Margaret Stewart, 79, Milton-Freewater, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Oregon State Police.
Mildred Mary Laabs, 59, Walla Walla, was transported to St. Mary Medical Center. She was listed in serious condition with multiple fractures and bruises this morning, a nursing supervisor said.
Laabs was driving a 1990 Toyota Camry north on Highway 11 at about 11 a.m. when the car collided into the left side of Stewart's vehicle as Stewart began entering the highway from the Towne Pump gas station, authorities said.
The airbag in Stewart's 1991 Plymouth Acclaim deployed, but it remained unknown whether she was wearing a seat belt.
Laabs reportedly was wearing a lap/shoulder belt, state police said.
An investigation is continuing and no citations have been issued, state police said.
Mom was in the hospital for a few days. She has a bruised or cracked sternum, a broken knee, and her heel is fractured in six places. They're doing surgery on her heel tomorrow, after which she'll have to be completely off it for six weeks. Her spirits are surprisingly good under the circumstances, but she's got a long way to recovery. We are all very thankful she's alive, though. Thanks to all of you who have called or written to me--I appreciate your concern so much. If you'd like to e-mail Mary herself, her address is laabmaDELETETHIS@wwc.edu. Because they're right in the middle of a move, if you want her current mailing address, e-mail me.
Party
Lori Lassen's birthday was celebrated in our home January 23 with a cake, balloons, and many wonderful gifts. Too bad she wasn't here to enjoy it.
Just crack the window
We've found a sitter, so Katie and Jack will not be sitting in the car while I work. Fortunately, Kristine is a neighbor who's a stay-at-home mom with a boy Katie's age, so it's convenient for us and fun for Katie. We've had a couple play dates to try things out, and are thrilled to have found someone we know and trust to care for the kids when I work.
Smile pretty
Katie's 2-year portraits were taken the other day. Hopefully they'll turn out well and you'll be able to see them here soon. Jack will be going in for his 3-month portraits next week.
We finally chose a digital camera! It's a Fuji FinePix 2800, 2.1 megapixels, with a 6x optical zoom. It just arrived yesterday so we're still getting used to it, but this should mean that you can count on seeing new pictures more often here.
Here's what I think
While researching digital cameras, I did not rely solely on advice from Ed, Deanna, and Debi (sorry guys); I also depended on Epinions, a web site offering up critiques of just about anything you can imagine. Although I registered a year ago, I'd never actually written any "epinions" until just this week. Check out the site, register, read my reviews (I'm jmanullang), and be sure to rate me "very helpful," too! I think I earn about half a penny every time each review is read. A few billion more ratings and I can get that pack of gum I've had my eye on.
Bug up my butt
I painted the family room. I'd been wanting to do it for a while, and even had the color selected (dark taupe), but I just hadn't decided exactly which walls to do and there was nothing really motivating me to go buy the paint. I don't know what came over me, but one day last week I decided it needed to be done. NOW. I started my project at 10:30 one night and finished around 2:30. In the morning I did the touch-ups and moved the furniture back and voy-all-ay! New family room! Here's a picture, courtesy of my new digital toy (please ignore the mess, I forgot to straighten up before grabbing the camera):
The color matches the fireplace tile and one of the darkest colors in the berber, and is just a shade or two darker than the living room and half bath color. I know you were wondering.
And yes, that's Katie planted in front of the TV glued to her Baby Dolittle video, and Jack's there in the foreground doing what he does best. I think Scout's buried in the blanket on the couch.
South... to Salem
Sunday we spent a few hours with the Lassen Family. Katie had a wonderful time playing with Trevor and Taylor--together they are three VERY loud kids! The best part was that we finally got to meet each other's new babies! Too bad for Auntie Kathy that SHE hasn't met either of them yet...
Men at work
Vic started back to work yesterday. I know I should be glad for the 12 weeks he was home--and I am!--but I think I was more upset than he was about his leave being over. I'm lucky that Jack is so easy, and actually have felt OK about being at home with both of them lately. Then Katie undressed herself four times (diaper included--this girl doesn't do anything halfway) yesterday every time I left her alone for 40 seconds. Where's that Prozac, anyhow?
Fee fi fo fum
Jack continues to amaze us with his growth. He's right around 16 pounds now, and quickly growing out of clothes and diapers we thought he'd be wearing for another couple months. Maybe he knows that with Katie around, the only way he'll ever get his way is by sitting on her, so he's bulking up. Whatever it is, we're having a hard time keeping up with him. He sure is a sweetie though--really smiley and excited when he gets lots of attention.
Party, part deux
Katie's second birthday is Saturday. Her party this year is a much smaller affair than last year's, mostly involving neighbor kids and some of our close parent-type friends. We're still amazed that two years have passed, that this goofy girl toddler was once our little tiny baby. Wow. Watch for party pics here next week.
No more words.
January 14, 2002
We're in the final weeks of Vic's leave, and I'm getting sad. Frightened, to be more precise, of how I'm going to cope alone with two little ones all day. Fortunately Jack is still fairly well-behaved and not too demanding.
Speaking of Jack, he had his 2-month checkup today. He's grown 3 inches since birth, and gained 5 pounds. FIVE POUNDS! He's still on the charts, but in the 90th percentile, so there ain't a lot of wiggle room. He's already starting to wear 3-6 month sizes--good thing, since he got some very cute sweaters for Christmas I wasn't sure he'd get into before it warms up.
Otherwise he's pretty grouchy today... he got four vaccinations. Mind you, "grouchy" for Jack is "occasionally fussy." Yes, life could be much, much more difficult for us.
Katie is learning all sorts of fun animal sounds, and even some non-animal sounds that make us secretly proud (let's just say she watches "The Simpsons" waaaaaay too much). If I ever get sound files recorded you can count on hearing them here. I've updated both Jack's and Katie's pages just a little, and will most certainly have more pictures to add in a couple weeks.
We went to Olivia's first birthday party last weekend. What a treat! I put a couple pictures on Katie's 23-month page.
Kathy was in a very scary car accident last week. Here's her story:
Last night as I crossed an intersection where I had the right of way, a 16-year-old kid in a Ford 1-ton truck ran their light. I tried to stop and couldn't. I smashed my Sentra into the side of the truck (I actually went under part way between the tires and his back truck tires ran over the hood of my car). Well, my airbags both deployed (they smell horrible and they're smoky and I still feel the junk in my throat and lungs). In the process, the hood of my car ripped off and landed in a crumpled rolled up mess behind my drivers side back door. There were many, many cars there. Everyone stopped. I jumped out really fast because I wanted everyone to know I was OK (it's embarrassing, like "Oops, I tripped in front of a hundred people. I'm OK, really, I'm OK").My coat had been laying on the back seat. When I pulled it out a little later, it had been forced underneath the front passenger seat. It goes without saying, the car is a complete wreck. I lost a tire - there were car parts all over the intersection. My windshield was completely busted up, but the inside of the car was totally intact. People were wonderful, stopping to help and check on me. One woman who witnessed it stayed with me until the cops were done, filling out paperwork and stuff. Ron took care of everything.
She's recovering from a concussion, whiplash, and some nasty bruises, but is alive and that's really the important thing--thank goodness for airbags and seat belts. Oh, and if you know Kathy, you know she picked up all those car parts in the intersection so as not to leave a mess!
I've been working here and there, and am enjoying being in the classroom after about three months off. It's nice to stand in front of a group of people who don't have food all over themselves, expect me to change their diapers, scream if they don't get what they want, and actually think I might know something.
Since our wonderful babysitter, Cheri, has taken sabbatical (that's the nice way of saying she quit), I'm not sure what I'm going to do for occasional child care after Vic goes back to work. Any suggestions are welcome.
I felt very productive yesterday: I cleaned the kitchen top to bottom. It was one of those cleanings where you actually take the stove apart to get every little corner spotless and rearrange cupboards. I know, I know... I don't know what came over me, either. Oh, and let me just say that OxyClean is pretty amazing on the commercials, but not nearly so in a real life setting. Anyway, I'm hoping my cleaning energy doesn't disappear because I've got a lot more to do. Anyone who's been at our house recently knows of what I speak.
Children are crying. Must go.
Speaking of Jack, he had his 2-month checkup today. He's grown 3 inches since birth, and gained 5 pounds. FIVE POUNDS! He's still on the charts, but in the 90th percentile, so there ain't a lot of wiggle room. He's already starting to wear 3-6 month sizes--good thing, since he got some very cute sweaters for Christmas I wasn't sure he'd get into before it warms up.
Otherwise he's pretty grouchy today... he got four vaccinations. Mind you, "grouchy" for Jack is "occasionally fussy." Yes, life could be much, much more difficult for us.
Katie is learning all sorts of fun animal sounds, and even some non-animal sounds that make us secretly proud (let's just say she watches "The Simpsons" waaaaaay too much). If I ever get sound files recorded you can count on hearing them here. I've updated both Jack's and Katie's pages just a little, and will most certainly have more pictures to add in a couple weeks.
We went to Olivia's first birthday party last weekend. What a treat! I put a couple pictures on Katie's 23-month page.
Kathy was in a very scary car accident last week. Here's her story:
Last night as I crossed an intersection where I had the right of way, a 16-year-old kid in a Ford 1-ton truck ran their light. I tried to stop and couldn't. I smashed my Sentra into the side of the truck (I actually went under part way between the tires and his back truck tires ran over the hood of my car). Well, my airbags both deployed (they smell horrible and they're smoky and I still feel the junk in my throat and lungs). In the process, the hood of my car ripped off and landed in a crumpled rolled up mess behind my drivers side back door. There were many, many cars there. Everyone stopped. I jumped out really fast because I wanted everyone to know I was OK (it's embarrassing, like "Oops, I tripped in front of a hundred people. I'm OK, really, I'm OK").My coat had been laying on the back seat. When I pulled it out a little later, it had been forced underneath the front passenger seat. It goes without saying, the car is a complete wreck. I lost a tire - there were car parts all over the intersection. My windshield was completely busted up, but the inside of the car was totally intact. People were wonderful, stopping to help and check on me. One woman who witnessed it stayed with me until the cops were done, filling out paperwork and stuff. Ron took care of everything.
She's recovering from a concussion, whiplash, and some nasty bruises, but is alive and that's really the important thing--thank goodness for airbags and seat belts. Oh, and if you know Kathy, you know she picked up all those car parts in the intersection so as not to leave a mess!
I've been working here and there, and am enjoying being in the classroom after about three months off. It's nice to stand in front of a group of people who don't have food all over themselves, expect me to change their diapers, scream if they don't get what they want, and actually think I might know something.
Since our wonderful babysitter, Cheri, has taken sabbatical (that's the nice way of saying she quit), I'm not sure what I'm going to do for occasional child care after Vic goes back to work. Any suggestions are welcome.
I felt very productive yesterday: I cleaned the kitchen top to bottom. It was one of those cleanings where you actually take the stove apart to get every little corner spotless and rearrange cupboards. I know, I know... I don't know what came over me, either. Oh, and let me just say that OxyClean is pretty amazing on the commercials, but not nearly so in a real life setting. Anyway, I'm hoping my cleaning energy doesn't disappear because I've got a lot more to do. Anyone who's been at our house recently knows of what I speak.
Children are crying. Must go.
December 31, 2001
Happy New Year!
Here's hoping everyone had a Christmas full of fun and frolic! We had a great time at Wellington and Darlene's this year, especially because Dennis, Dee, Elissa, and Brianna were up from California to share in our holiday festivities. Jack slept through Christmas morning celebrations, but Katie was very interested in helping everyone open gifts. We had a late Christmas with Curt and Dotti a few days ago, and an even later one with Mary and Len. I think it's sorta fun to stretch out the holidays, and now a little depressing that they're over.
Debi flew out a couple weeks ago. We saw a wonderful movie, Amelie, and spent a lot of time shopping and talking and letting the kids entertain us. If you don't have the good fortune of knowing someone as fabulous as Debi, then I feel very sorry for you.
I hope Deanna will be coming for a visit soon too. I'm beginning to forget how cool she is.
Otherwise things are the same around here. It's great having Vic home for so long, and I don't look forward to him going back to work at all. I, on the other hand, am starting to schedule classes for January and hoping to get a little work in before Vic is due back to work in February and we have to use a babysitter again.
Chris and Sonya got their new assignment: Paris. It must suck to be them, huh?
This is sorta good. Here are two discount codes for use at the Eddie Bauer web site for $15 off a $15 purchase: 6030629 (expires 2/1/02) or 6033199 (expires 1/14/02, for clothing and gear only). Start your shopping at ebates to get an additional 4% rebate. See the Shop with Jen page for more of this stuff!
Not much else to report. No big New Year's Eve plans, nothing exciting to share. I'm not complaining!
Here's hoping everyone had a Christmas full of fun and frolic! We had a great time at Wellington and Darlene's this year, especially because Dennis, Dee, Elissa, and Brianna were up from California to share in our holiday festivities. Jack slept through Christmas morning celebrations, but Katie was very interested in helping everyone open gifts. We had a late Christmas with Curt and Dotti a few days ago, and an even later one with Mary and Len. I think it's sorta fun to stretch out the holidays, and now a little depressing that they're over.
Debi flew out a couple weeks ago. We saw a wonderful movie, Amelie, and spent a lot of time shopping and talking and letting the kids entertain us. If you don't have the good fortune of knowing someone as fabulous as Debi, then I feel very sorry for you.
I hope Deanna will be coming for a visit soon too. I'm beginning to forget how cool she is.
Otherwise things are the same around here. It's great having Vic home for so long, and I don't look forward to him going back to work at all. I, on the other hand, am starting to schedule classes for January and hoping to get a little work in before Vic is due back to work in February and we have to use a babysitter again.
Chris and Sonya got their new assignment: Paris. It must suck to be them, huh?
This is sorta good. Here are two discount codes for use at the Eddie Bauer web site for $15 off a $15 purchase: 6030629 (expires 2/1/02) or 6033199 (expires 1/14/02, for clothing and gear only). Start your shopping at ebates to get an additional 4% rebate. See the Shop with Jen page for more of this stuff!
Not much else to report. No big New Year's Eve plans, nothing exciting to share. I'm not complaining!
December 7, 2001
Happy holidays! To look at our house right now, you'd think we're a bunch of Scrooges. No decorations except for a Christmas banner hanging on the porch. Only some wrapped Christmas gifts in the living room serve as a reminder of the time of year we're approaching. Frankly, decorating is the last thing on our minds right now. I only put the banner out because I found it in the garage this morning.
Kids
We're doing pretty well 'round these parts. Jack is adjusting to life and is quite vocal when he's unhappy with it. He's actually pretty content to eat, sleep, and fill his diapers. We can't complain. At his two-week checkup, he weighed in at a surprisingly large 9 pounds, 13 ounces, though he's all torso and hair (proof). No worries that he's not getting enough to eat!
Katie seems to be enjoying her little brother, although she's reverting back to a few baby-like behaviors. If we fix Jack a bottle, she usually wants one too--a sippy cup just won't do. She's also been more whiny when she's unhappy, although that could just be typical almost-2-year-old stuff.
Word on the street is that Jacob is so thrilled about having a cousin with a name so similar to his that he's taken to calling himself "Jakeson."
Mary
I just have to post this picture of my mom here. It's from this year's WWC MASK, and if you know the MASK, then you know the photos are usually of the DMV variety. I thought this one was so good, it deserved more web space!
Friends
We enjoyed a very welcome visit this past weekend from the Croft Family. Sherrice was wonderful enough to cook a week's worth of delicious meals for us before she left, leaving us teary with joy! Katie was quite fascinated with baby Grace's giggles, and liked playing with River when he came over too.
Debi's coming to meet Jack next weekend--we can't wait!
If you want to see some great pictures of England, and read a very entertaining first-time visitor account, check out Deanna's trip report on her site! It'll make you want to go there too!
Trauma
Did you hear the news about ExciteDELETETHIS@Home going bankrupt? Unfortunately, we were affected by it and were without our normal Internet service for five days. If you know me, then you know how much it was killing me. I lasted just over 24 hours before I found an old AOL sign-up disk and connected through dial-up, which just proves how desperate I'd become. I was able to retrieve e-mail, though I couldn't send it, and finally connected yesterday to get the new configuration for our cable access. Whew! I'm sure there will still be some service outages as AT&T makes the transition to the new network, but we're mostly back on. Our e-mail addresses have not changed.
Kathy and Lori are in San Francisco this weekend, having way too much fun without me. They are planning to see "A Christmas Carol" and "Beach Blanket Babylon," and get tattoos. All I can hope for is that Kathy's tattoo will be someplace that will not necessitate pulling her pants down at another one of my dinner parties.
Mail
Birth announcement/Christmas cards are going out this week. We did our best to include everyone, get current addresses, and correctly calculate postage, so hopefully all of you will receive one. I designed and created the cards myself, so if you have anything nice to say about them, feel free. I'll probably love you for it.
Closure
And since I probably won't be updating the site again before the new year, here we go:
Happy Holidays!
(Lori, you were so fond of these lights last year, I've put them up again, just for you!)
Kids
We're doing pretty well 'round these parts. Jack is adjusting to life and is quite vocal when he's unhappy with it. He's actually pretty content to eat, sleep, and fill his diapers. We can't complain. At his two-week checkup, he weighed in at a surprisingly large 9 pounds, 13 ounces, though he's all torso and hair (proof). No worries that he's not getting enough to eat!
Katie seems to be enjoying her little brother, although she's reverting back to a few baby-like behaviors. If we fix Jack a bottle, she usually wants one too--a sippy cup just won't do. She's also been more whiny when she's unhappy, although that could just be typical almost-2-year-old stuff.
Word on the street is that Jacob is so thrilled about having a cousin with a name so similar to his that he's taken to calling himself "Jakeson."
Mary
I just have to post this picture of my mom here. It's from this year's WWC MASK, and if you know the MASK, then you know the photos are usually of the DMV variety. I thought this one was so good, it deserved more web space!
Friends
We enjoyed a very welcome visit this past weekend from the Croft Family. Sherrice was wonderful enough to cook a week's worth of delicious meals for us before she left, leaving us teary with joy! Katie was quite fascinated with baby Grace's giggles, and liked playing with River when he came over too.
Debi's coming to meet Jack next weekend--we can't wait!
If you want to see some great pictures of England, and read a very entertaining first-time visitor account, check out Deanna's trip report on her site! It'll make you want to go there too!
Trauma
Did you hear the news about ExciteDELETETHIS@Home going bankrupt? Unfortunately, we were affected by it and were without our normal Internet service for five days. If you know me, then you know how much it was killing me. I lasted just over 24 hours before I found an old AOL sign-up disk and connected through dial-up, which just proves how desperate I'd become. I was able to retrieve e-mail, though I couldn't send it, and finally connected yesterday to get the new configuration for our cable access. Whew! I'm sure there will still be some service outages as AT&T makes the transition to the new network, but we're mostly back on. Our e-mail addresses have not changed.
Kathy and Lori are in San Francisco this weekend, having way too much fun without me. They are planning to see "A Christmas Carol" and "Beach Blanket Babylon," and get tattoos. All I can hope for is that Kathy's tattoo will be someplace that will not necessitate pulling her pants down at another one of my dinner parties.
Birth announcement/Christmas cards are going out this week. We did our best to include everyone, get current addresses, and correctly calculate postage, so hopefully all of you will receive one. I designed and created the cards myself, so if you have anything nice to say about them, feel free. I'll probably love you for it.
Closure
And since I probably won't be updating the site again before the new year, here we go:
Happy Holidays!
(Lori, you were so fond of these lights last year, I've put them up again, just for you!)
November 20, 2001
Well, Jackson Curtis Wellington Manullang has arrived. Get to know him!
The surgery last Tuesday went well. I was glad to hear the doctor say, when Jack's head circumference was measured, that I would've had to have a c-section to get that noggin out. So for those of you who thought I was nuts for choosing a c-section, I laugh in your general direction! Ha! I'm glad I didn't have to go through a hard labor to end up with a surgical delivery anyway. Jack was born less than half an hour after I was wheeled into the O.R. It was totally worth it.
We had lots of visitors and phone calls--if you can actually enjoy a hospital stay, we did! There were only a couple nurses that I didn't like (unlike last time) so that made things a little better too. Even so, we were glad to check out on Friday and get home.
In case you were wondering, Jack was named after his two grandfathers. "Jackson," his first name, we just liked. We know better than to pick four-syllable first names to go with a last name like Manullang. It wasn't until we were on the way to the hospital last Tuesday morning that we finally decided what his name would be, though. He's so small right now that it seems like a really big name for a little baby--he's got a lot to live up to, I guess.
Jack is doing great. He wakes up several times during the night, but always goes right back to sleep after eating, which his sister never did. I realize he's only a week old, but he still sleeps so much that it almost seems like we don't have a new baby in the house! He's fairly quiet, even during his longer awake times. The only times he really cries are when he's hungry and when he's having his diaper changed. I know, I know... that'll change.
Katie's getting used to him too, and is very curious about everything he does. She likes to help out by handing him his pacifier ("Here ya go!") and petting him just like she does Scout. His cry is very loud, though, and she doesn't like that a bit. We're trying to give her lots of extra attention--tonight she and Daddy had a date at the play area at the mall, which she enjoyed very much.
The grandmas have been so helpful as we have adjusted to being a larger family. Darlene and Wellington are here this week. My mom was here over the weekend, and will be back again in a couple weeks. Katie and Scout enjoy the extra attention, and Mom and Dad appreciate a little extra peace when they've taken over. My recovery is going to take a while, of course, and that makes me appreciate the extra help a LOT!
Seems like there's not much else to report. I'll try to keep the site updated with pictures as Jack grows. I've found an easy way to do that--when having rolls of film developed, I get a Kodak Picture CD and then I don't have to scan snapshots. Sure saves a lot of time and effort, at least until we choose a digital camera.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The surgery last Tuesday went well. I was glad to hear the doctor say, when Jack's head circumference was measured, that I would've had to have a c-section to get that noggin out. So for those of you who thought I was nuts for choosing a c-section, I laugh in your general direction! Ha! I'm glad I didn't have to go through a hard labor to end up with a surgical delivery anyway. Jack was born less than half an hour after I was wheeled into the O.R. It was totally worth it.
We had lots of visitors and phone calls--if you can actually enjoy a hospital stay, we did! There were only a couple nurses that I didn't like (unlike last time) so that made things a little better too. Even so, we were glad to check out on Friday and get home.
In case you were wondering, Jack was named after his two grandfathers. "Jackson," his first name, we just liked. We know better than to pick four-syllable first names to go with a last name like Manullang. It wasn't until we were on the way to the hospital last Tuesday morning that we finally decided what his name would be, though. He's so small right now that it seems like a really big name for a little baby--he's got a lot to live up to, I guess.
Jack is doing great. He wakes up several times during the night, but always goes right back to sleep after eating, which his sister never did. I realize he's only a week old, but he still sleeps so much that it almost seems like we don't have a new baby in the house! He's fairly quiet, even during his longer awake times. The only times he really cries are when he's hungry and when he's having his diaper changed. I know, I know... that'll change.
Katie's getting used to him too, and is very curious about everything he does. She likes to help out by handing him his pacifier ("Here ya go!") and petting him just like she does Scout. His cry is very loud, though, and she doesn't like that a bit. We're trying to give her lots of extra attention--tonight she and Daddy had a date at the play area at the mall, which she enjoyed very much.
The grandmas have been so helpful as we have adjusted to being a larger family. Darlene and Wellington are here this week. My mom was here over the weekend, and will be back again in a couple weeks. Katie and Scout enjoy the extra attention, and Mom and Dad appreciate a little extra peace when they've taken over. My recovery is going to take a while, of course, and that makes me appreciate the extra help a LOT!
Seems like there's not much else to report. I'll try to keep the site updated with pictures as Jack grows. I've found an easy way to do that--when having rolls of film developed, I get a Kodak Picture CD and then I don't have to scan snapshots. Sure saves a lot of time and effort, at least until we choose a digital camera.
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 2, 2001
Lots has happened since the last update. I'll try to remember it all to fill you in.
Pictures
I still have a bunch of stuff to scan. Someday--and I don't imagine it'll be anytime soon--I'll get in "scanning mode" and publish all the stuff I haven't already. Don't hold your breath. For now, you'll have to be satisfied with the stuff that was already in electronic form.
September 11
It's hard to know what to say, or how to say it. Our friends and acquaintances who were in or near NYC and D.C. that day are safe, and we're glad for that.
Schedule
Our schedule's still pretty firm to go into the hospital Tuesday, November 13 for the c-section. We plan to check out sometime Friday afternoon. Unless I go into labor naturally before then (Sonya's encouraging a good horseback-riding adventure), count on that. Darlene and Wellington are going to be watching Katie and Scout, and my mom will be down over the weekend to help us get adjusted to being at home. No false pretenses of pride this go-round--we know we'll need help!
And one of the best things (for me) is that Vic will be home for 12 weeks! Gotta love the hospital's extended leave policy!
Sorry
I want to apologize in advance to those of you we won't call from the hospital. It's not that I plan on not calling some of you, but I'm sure we're not going to get through our entire list, and that doesn't mean we don't like you. We just remember how hard it was to spread the news when Katie was born.
Name options
Still haven't finalized our name choice, but are leaning toward Luke Danger Manullang. A lot of thought went into this, really! Vic can put on his best Darth Vader voice and say, "Luke, I am your father!" and we want little Luke to someday be able to say (ala Austin Powers), "Danger is my MIDDLE name!"
Of course, Hopalong is still a good choice. We're trying to figure out how to fit that in somehow, because doesn't Hopalong Manullang sound poetic and lovely?
Baby's room
The new nursery is virtually complete. I do plan to publish pictures here, but right now there are piles of clothes all over the floor and I prefer to plan my photo shoots for tidier moments than Laundry Day. So in case you missed them in the last update, here are a few shots of the bedding. We pretty much did the rest of the room in coordinating colors, so just use your imagination.
There is still room on the walls for more dog pictures! Send us a high-resolution digital copy or a 4x6 print of your critter (hear that, Sherrice???)! Currently appearing: Scout, Bailey, Finn, Gus, Hunter, Molly, Patty, Cody, Kona, and Scout as a puppy with her big-boobied mom Lizzie.
Halloween
Katie had a great time on her second Halloween. Proof can be seen here. We're thinking next year will be the one she really understands. That's when we have to start being mean parents and putting limits on the daily consumption of candy.
We didn't have nearly as many trick-or-treaters this year. It was sad, knowing that the reason is probably a lot of parents' safety concerns right now. On the upside, we put all the good candy at the bottom of the bowl, and that's what we have left to gorge ourselves on for a while.
Visitors
We had a houseful last weekend: Chris, Sonya, Julianne, Jacob, Darlene, Wellington, Daryl, Sally, and Bailey joined us for a short but fun visit. Katie was thrilled to see her cousins and another "Scout," and was absolutely worn out by the time they left. Sonya and family hope to come back for a longer stay sometime this summer. We're glad they could make time for a trip to see us though!
Debi was here the weekend before. We spent a lot of the time working on rubber stamp projects. Katie even got to color with Auntie Debi's pencils! It was not one of her typical visits, where we shop shop shop, but we actually got to relax a little and hang out at home. It was really a lot of fun. She'll be back in mid-December to meet our new little guy. We hope to get some last-minute Christmas shopping in then.
Lonnie, Sherrice, and Gracie were in Portland a few weekends ago and joined us for Sunday brunch, along with Scott, Jenny, and River. The kids had lots of fun running around together, and we had fun getting reacquainted with Grace--it had been a long time since we'd seen her!
My mom and Grandma visited in September. They watched Katie one evening while Vic and I went out for my birthday dinner at our new favorite steak restaurant, Morton's. Mmmmmm... It was great having them here for the simple reason that we don't see each other often enough, but also because they entertained Katie while we tackled some big projects like cleaning out the garage, straightening the kids' closets, etc. It was a good weekend all around!
More x-rays
If you've been paying attention, then you know I broke my foot in May, right before our trip to Europe. Well, in September I broke my OTHER foot. Yes, it's true... pregnancy has not been very good to me. My poor little feet are not holding up all my extra weight very well these days. My OB has made me promise this will be my last pregnancy... not a problem!
Jealousy
Deanna and Dave are preparing for the trip to England next week. Hate 'em.
Kathy and Lori are headed to San Francisco for their second annual find-cool-Christmas-gifts-for-Jen trek. That is why you're going without me, isn't it, girls?
Ed is going all sorts of cool places in the next few months. He doesn't seem to think he needs a traveling secretary, but I'm sure I could be invaluable to him in that department. 'Course, he'd probably have me filtering his orange juice and ironing his socks...
Another new baby
Kevin and Lisa Krueger have a new baby girl! Larissa Kae Krueger was born September 27. Check out a sweet photo on their page!
Emma
A couple pictures of Emma, though nothing recent, have been added to her page.
Theo
I've added more to the Lassen Crime Family page.
Kathy
She's looking great these days! The Voss Family page has a new picture, courtesy of Martin and all the time he has on his hands. I'll add more pictures to the page when I get in that scanning mode I referred to above.
Patty & Cody
Ed's dogs are so photogenic, they really needed to have some web space, since he's hardly dedicated ANY of his site to them! (I swear, everyone leaves everything up to ME!)
Summary
I probably won't be updating again in the next couple weeks, although we'll try to get pictures of baby Manullang posted soon after we get home. Please sign our guest book or write in our message board to let us know you're out there!
Pictures
I still have a bunch of stuff to scan. Someday--and I don't imagine it'll be anytime soon--I'll get in "scanning mode" and publish all the stuff I haven't already. Don't hold your breath. For now, you'll have to be satisfied with the stuff that was already in electronic form.
September 11
It's hard to know what to say, or how to say it. Our friends and acquaintances who were in or near NYC and D.C. that day are safe, and we're glad for that.
Schedule
Our schedule's still pretty firm to go into the hospital Tuesday, November 13 for the c-section. We plan to check out sometime Friday afternoon. Unless I go into labor naturally before then (Sonya's encouraging a good horseback-riding adventure), count on that. Darlene and Wellington are going to be watching Katie and Scout, and my mom will be down over the weekend to help us get adjusted to being at home. No false pretenses of pride this go-round--we know we'll need help!
And one of the best things (for me) is that Vic will be home for 12 weeks! Gotta love the hospital's extended leave policy!
Sorry
I want to apologize in advance to those of you we won't call from the hospital. It's not that I plan on not calling some of you, but I'm sure we're not going to get through our entire list, and that doesn't mean we don't like you. We just remember how hard it was to spread the news when Katie was born.
Name options
Still haven't finalized our name choice, but are leaning toward Luke Danger Manullang. A lot of thought went into this, really! Vic can put on his best Darth Vader voice and say, "Luke, I am your father!" and we want little Luke to someday be able to say (ala Austin Powers), "Danger is my MIDDLE name!"
Of course, Hopalong is still a good choice. We're trying to figure out how to fit that in somehow, because doesn't Hopalong Manullang sound poetic and lovely?
Baby's room
The new nursery is virtually complete. I do plan to publish pictures here, but right now there are piles of clothes all over the floor and I prefer to plan my photo shoots for tidier moments than Laundry Day. So in case you missed them in the last update, here are a few shots of the bedding. We pretty much did the rest of the room in coordinating colors, so just use your imagination.
There is still room on the walls for more dog pictures! Send us a high-resolution digital copy or a 4x6 print of your critter (hear that, Sherrice???)! Currently appearing: Scout, Bailey, Finn, Gus, Hunter, Molly, Patty, Cody, Kona, and Scout as a puppy with her big-boobied mom Lizzie.
Halloween
Katie had a great time on her second Halloween. Proof can be seen here. We're thinking next year will be the one she really understands. That's when we have to start being mean parents and putting limits on the daily consumption of candy.
We didn't have nearly as many trick-or-treaters this year. It was sad, knowing that the reason is probably a lot of parents' safety concerns right now. On the upside, we put all the good candy at the bottom of the bowl, and that's what we have left to gorge ourselves on for a while.
Visitors
We had a houseful last weekend: Chris, Sonya, Julianne, Jacob, Darlene, Wellington, Daryl, Sally, and Bailey joined us for a short but fun visit. Katie was thrilled to see her cousins and another "Scout," and was absolutely worn out by the time they left. Sonya and family hope to come back for a longer stay sometime this summer. We're glad they could make time for a trip to see us though!
Debi was here the weekend before. We spent a lot of the time working on rubber stamp projects. Katie even got to color with Auntie Debi's pencils! It was not one of her typical visits, where we shop shop shop, but we actually got to relax a little and hang out at home. It was really a lot of fun. She'll be back in mid-December to meet our new little guy. We hope to get some last-minute Christmas shopping in then.
Lonnie, Sherrice, and Gracie were in Portland a few weekends ago and joined us for Sunday brunch, along with Scott, Jenny, and River. The kids had lots of fun running around together, and we had fun getting reacquainted with Grace--it had been a long time since we'd seen her!
My mom and Grandma visited in September. They watched Katie one evening while Vic and I went out for my birthday dinner at our new favorite steak restaurant, Morton's. Mmmmmm... It was great having them here for the simple reason that we don't see each other often enough, but also because they entertained Katie while we tackled some big projects like cleaning out the garage, straightening the kids' closets, etc. It was a good weekend all around!
More x-rays
If you've been paying attention, then you know I broke my foot in May, right before our trip to Europe. Well, in September I broke my OTHER foot. Yes, it's true... pregnancy has not been very good to me. My poor little feet are not holding up all my extra weight very well these days. My OB has made me promise this will be my last pregnancy... not a problem!
Jealousy
Deanna and Dave are preparing for the trip to England next week. Hate 'em.
Kathy and Lori are headed to San Francisco for their second annual find-cool-Christmas-gifts-for-Jen trek. That is why you're going without me, isn't it, girls?
Ed is going all sorts of cool places in the next few months. He doesn't seem to think he needs a traveling secretary, but I'm sure I could be invaluable to him in that department. 'Course, he'd probably have me filtering his orange juice and ironing his socks...
Another new baby
Kevin and Lisa Krueger have a new baby girl! Larissa Kae Krueger was born September 27. Check out a sweet photo on their page!
Emma
A couple pictures of Emma, though nothing recent, have been added to her page.
Theo
I've added more to the Lassen Crime Family page.
Kathy
She's looking great these days! The Voss Family page has a new picture, courtesy of Martin and all the time he has on his hands. I'll add more pictures to the page when I get in that scanning mode I referred to above.
Patty & Cody
Ed's dogs are so photogenic, they really needed to have some web space, since he's hardly dedicated ANY of his site to them! (I swear, everyone leaves everything up to ME!)
Summary
I probably won't be updating again in the next couple weeks, although we'll try to get pictures of baby Manullang posted soon after we get home. Please sign our guest book or write in our message board to let us know you're out there!
August 21, 2001
Things have been busy but I'm finally getting around to updating the site. No new Katie pictures--I need to scan a bunch--but at least this page is updated. This should make a few complainers happy, or at least it better!
OK, so what's happened since I last wrote? Ah, the ultrasound. We went in on June 28 for the big ultrasound, and found out we're having a boy! I was surprised--I don't know why--and thrilled, as was Vic. Katie couldn't care less.
Baby prep
I guess since then I've been trying to do some organizing of baby clothes and gear to get ready for our new little one. Of course, we've decided to make things difficult on ourselves by re-doing the nursery. In fact, our whole upstairs is changing. For those of you who've been in our house (and shame on you if you haven't), the office has moved to Katie's room--that's the cute one with the funny ceiling. Katie has moved into the corner bedroom, formerly called "the boring room." The new baby will be in the front room, which used to be the office. Clearly, we've lost our guest room, but that will be combined with the office and any visitors will sleep on the futon. For as often as we have company, we can deal with surrendering our office for a weekend here and there.
Anyway, my mom came down a few weeks ago to help out with Katie while I tried to get her room re-done. This involved stripping the wallpaper and painting. Fortunately, Mom was smarter than me and figured out a way to keep Katie busy and was able to help me quite a bit! Thanks to her, we got it done without too much grief. I like working with her on house things because she yells at me less than Dad does. Actually, Mom doesn't yell at me at all. Anyway, the walls are now a pale yellow and look great. We found a color that would match the futon bolster pillows so we wouldn't have to replace them. The room is still in some disarray, but the computer's connected and that's the important thing.
Katie's room is lavender with a floral border. It's been like this for quite a while, actually, but was our guest room until recently. Victor and I painted the furniture and found adorable floral knobs, so now what's in there looks like it belongs there, and her room is actually quite cute! The biggest news, I suppose, is that Katie's now sleeping in a bed! The past few weeks have been hellish at night trying to get her to go to sleep, and we finally decided that maybe it was the crib. Sure enough. She's doing great now being in a big-girl bed. The only problem is that if she wants to get up in the middle of the night and play with her toys, she does.
The front room finally got painted yesterday. It's a light shade of green--appropriately, the color is "margarita," which is just what it looks like. This room will be the new baby's room, and I've gotten bedding from Pottery Barn Kids in the "Good Dog" pattern. Click here for pictures. I've also found "Wallies" (wallpaper cutouts) in pawprint and dog-bone shapes. I want to put up photos of our friends' and family's dogs, so if you'd like your critter to be on the wall of infamy, send a good snapshot!
OK, enough on the house.
Other baby news
Jim and April were thrilled to announce their new arrival last week! Emma Julianne Jordan was born Tuesday, August 14. Count on seeing many pictures here soon, but for now this one will have to tide you over. We met baby Emma last weekend on a quick trip to Seattle, and can honestly say that's she's adorable. Definitely on the short list for a prospective mate for our son!
John and Lori Lassen welcomed their third child on Sunday, August 12: Theo Alexander. Haven't met him yet, or seen pictures, but I hope to soon!
Misc. stuff
We spent a fun weekend with Vic's parents and Daryl & Sally a few weekends ago in Sunriver. Got to see the new house Daryl & Sally are having built--it's beautiful, in a gorgeous area and I love the floor plan. They hope to move in sometime this fall. We had a birthday celebration for Vic, Daryl, and Mom, and otherwise just did our usual hanging-out thing. Vic and I got a special treat when we left Katie with Mom and Dad and had several days at home to get things done without her. They brought her back to us on Thursday evening--we missed her like crazy, but it really was a productive week for us.
My very early birthday gift this year is tickets to see the Broadway stage production of "Disney's Beauty & The Beast." We're going this weekend. We've heard it's great, and are really excited to go!
One event I was really looking forward to was a weekend trip to Boise. Unfortunately, it's not going to happen. I put it off for too long and now my doctor doesn't want me to fly. She made a comment about how I'd probably just break another limb and I have to admit she's probably right. Hopefully next spring I can try again.
Book Reviews
Somehow I found time to read a little in the past couple months. I finished two wonderful books by some of my favorite authors. The first was "Back When We Were Grownups," by the always amazing Anne Tyler. Her characters are typically quirky but likeable, and this story was no exception. Although it was hard to keep track of all the family members and their goofy nicknames, it was a really fun read.
Another book I finished was Alice Hoffman's "Blue Diary." Although I haven't liked all of her latest books (hated "Here on Earth" and didn't really like "Practical Magic" much either), she redeemed herself with this one. Interesting story that made me question how I would deal with a similar situation (you'll have to read it to see what I mean).
Currently on my nightstand: two books by Louise Erdrich. These days I'm not able to keep my eyes open long enough to get past a page or two at a time, but I'm working on them.
Movie Reviews
In our few days without Katie we got a lot of work done around the house but went on a couple dates too. Here are quick reviews of the movies we saw:
Jurassic Park III: Scarier than the others, a little more contrived too. Excellent special effects. I love William H. Macy but it was weird to see him in a blockbuster. Overall a good way to get your heart thumping for an hour and a half.
America's Sweethearts: I loved John Cusack in this. It was very much a Billy Crystal movie though--didn't he write, direct, and produce or something? Anyway, it was cute but I hate Catherine Zeta-Jones more than ever now.
Legally Blonde: I know, I know. Vic gave me a pretty hard time about seeing this. I went by myself. I don't know why I thought the previews looked so cute and funny, but I really wanted to see it. It was as cute and funny as the previews; it reminded me of "Clueless" at law school. Surprisingly fun flick.
The end
I don't know what else to say. The few updates I've made have taken forever, and I'm exhausted. Just a few things before I sign off:
Tumbleweeds are rolling across the message board and guest book--sign them!
In case you missed it, here's the photo of the year
We're still looking for name suggestions for the new baby, and are getting desperate enough to say we're only looking for SERIOUS ones! Add your preferences to the message board or e-mail us!
OK, so what's happened since I last wrote? Ah, the ultrasound. We went in on June 28 for the big ultrasound, and found out we're having a boy! I was surprised--I don't know why--and thrilled, as was Vic. Katie couldn't care less.
Baby prep
I guess since then I've been trying to do some organizing of baby clothes and gear to get ready for our new little one. Of course, we've decided to make things difficult on ourselves by re-doing the nursery. In fact, our whole upstairs is changing. For those of you who've been in our house (and shame on you if you haven't), the office has moved to Katie's room--that's the cute one with the funny ceiling. Katie has moved into the corner bedroom, formerly called "the boring room." The new baby will be in the front room, which used to be the office. Clearly, we've lost our guest room, but that will be combined with the office and any visitors will sleep on the futon. For as often as we have company, we can deal with surrendering our office for a weekend here and there.
Anyway, my mom came down a few weeks ago to help out with Katie while I tried to get her room re-done. This involved stripping the wallpaper and painting. Fortunately, Mom was smarter than me and figured out a way to keep Katie busy and was able to help me quite a bit! Thanks to her, we got it done without too much grief. I like working with her on house things because she yells at me less than Dad does. Actually, Mom doesn't yell at me at all. Anyway, the walls are now a pale yellow and look great. We found a color that would match the futon bolster pillows so we wouldn't have to replace them. The room is still in some disarray, but the computer's connected and that's the important thing.
Katie's room is lavender with a floral border. It's been like this for quite a while, actually, but was our guest room until recently. Victor and I painted the furniture and found adorable floral knobs, so now what's in there looks like it belongs there, and her room is actually quite cute! The biggest news, I suppose, is that Katie's now sleeping in a bed! The past few weeks have been hellish at night trying to get her to go to sleep, and we finally decided that maybe it was the crib. Sure enough. She's doing great now being in a big-girl bed. The only problem is that if she wants to get up in the middle of the night and play with her toys, she does.
The front room finally got painted yesterday. It's a light shade of green--appropriately, the color is "margarita," which is just what it looks like. This room will be the new baby's room, and I've gotten bedding from Pottery Barn Kids in the "Good Dog" pattern. Click here for pictures. I've also found "Wallies" (wallpaper cutouts) in pawprint and dog-bone shapes. I want to put up photos of our friends' and family's dogs, so if you'd like your critter to be on the wall of infamy, send a good snapshot!
OK, enough on the house.
Other baby news
Jim and April were thrilled to announce their new arrival last week! Emma Julianne Jordan was born Tuesday, August 14. Count on seeing many pictures here soon, but for now this one will have to tide you over. We met baby Emma last weekend on a quick trip to Seattle, and can honestly say that's she's adorable. Definitely on the short list for a prospective mate for our son!
John and Lori Lassen welcomed their third child on Sunday, August 12: Theo Alexander. Haven't met him yet, or seen pictures, but I hope to soon!
Misc. stuff
We spent a fun weekend with Vic's parents and Daryl & Sally a few weekends ago in Sunriver. Got to see the new house Daryl & Sally are having built--it's beautiful, in a gorgeous area and I love the floor plan. They hope to move in sometime this fall. We had a birthday celebration for Vic, Daryl, and Mom, and otherwise just did our usual hanging-out thing. Vic and I got a special treat when we left Katie with Mom and Dad and had several days at home to get things done without her. They brought her back to us on Thursday evening--we missed her like crazy, but it really was a productive week for us.
My very early birthday gift this year is tickets to see the Broadway stage production of "Disney's Beauty & The Beast." We're going this weekend. We've heard it's great, and are really excited to go!
One event I was really looking forward to was a weekend trip to Boise. Unfortunately, it's not going to happen. I put it off for too long and now my doctor doesn't want me to fly. She made a comment about how I'd probably just break another limb and I have to admit she's probably right. Hopefully next spring I can try again.
Book Reviews
Somehow I found time to read a little in the past couple months. I finished two wonderful books by some of my favorite authors. The first was "Back When We Were Grownups," by the always amazing Anne Tyler. Her characters are typically quirky but likeable, and this story was no exception. Although it was hard to keep track of all the family members and their goofy nicknames, it was a really fun read.
Another book I finished was Alice Hoffman's "Blue Diary." Although I haven't liked all of her latest books (hated "Here on Earth" and didn't really like "Practical Magic" much either), she redeemed herself with this one. Interesting story that made me question how I would deal with a similar situation (you'll have to read it to see what I mean).
Currently on my nightstand: two books by Louise Erdrich. These days I'm not able to keep my eyes open long enough to get past a page or two at a time, but I'm working on them.
Movie Reviews
In our few days without Katie we got a lot of work done around the house but went on a couple dates too. Here are quick reviews of the movies we saw:
Jurassic Park III: Scarier than the others, a little more contrived too. Excellent special effects. I love William H. Macy but it was weird to see him in a blockbuster. Overall a good way to get your heart thumping for an hour and a half.
America's Sweethearts: I loved John Cusack in this. It was very much a Billy Crystal movie though--didn't he write, direct, and produce or something? Anyway, it was cute but I hate Catherine Zeta-Jones more than ever now.
Legally Blonde: I know, I know. Vic gave me a pretty hard time about seeing this. I went by myself. I don't know why I thought the previews looked so cute and funny, but I really wanted to see it. It was as cute and funny as the previews; it reminded me of "Clueless" at law school. Surprisingly fun flick.
The end
I don't know what else to say. The few updates I've made have taken forever, and I'm exhausted. Just a few things before I sign off:
Tumbleweeds are rolling across the message board and guest book--sign them!
In case you missed it, here's the photo of the year
We're still looking for name suggestions for the new baby, and are getting desperate enough to say we're only looking for SERIOUS ones! Add your preferences to the message board or e-mail us!
June 13, 2001
We're back from Europe, safe and mostly sound. Read all about our trip in the Postcards from Europe section of the site.
Had an OB appointment today and we decided on November 13 for the C-section. If you think that date isn't good for some reason, please tell me so I can reschedule it. In a couple weeks we'll have an ultrasound done and hopefully will be able to determine Junior's gender.
Although I'm still wearing my walking cast, my foot is doing a bit better. The bruise has mostly disappeared and generally, it doesn't hurt as much. This is surprising after all the running around we've been doing in the past few weeks. Lack of sleep and energy has made us all sick with icky colds; our house is germ-filled and we're all grouchy as we try to adjust to life in the U.S. again.
There's not much to say since I wrote everything important in our trip report, and that's all that's really happened lately. I encourage messages in the message board and guest book, as always!
Had an OB appointment today and we decided on November 13 for the C-section. If you think that date isn't good for some reason, please tell me so I can reschedule it. In a couple weeks we'll have an ultrasound done and hopefully will be able to determine Junior's gender.
Although I'm still wearing my walking cast, my foot is doing a bit better. The bruise has mostly disappeared and generally, it doesn't hurt as much. This is surprising after all the running around we've been doing in the past few weeks. Lack of sleep and energy has made us all sick with icky colds; our house is germ-filled and we're all grouchy as we try to adjust to life in the U.S. again.
There's not much to say since I wrote everything important in our trip report, and that's all that's really happened lately. I encourage messages in the message board and guest book, as always!
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