Lynn Wilson burritos
Monkey Bars
Steinfeld's kosher baby dill pickles
Ranch dressing
Saltine crackers
Golden Oreos
Stephen's vanilla hot chocolate
Jalapeno poppers
IBC root beer
Sugar cookies
Blueberry muffin mix
Bagels (from the in-store bakery)
In my fondest dreams I would be able to run to the grocery store and pick up all of this stuff. Oh, I am getting hungry now!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Drama...
So, as most of you know, nearly two years ago my mother-in-law found the "perfect" job for Martin--managing the Place. She convinced him to quit his 9-5 with medical benefits to manage a locally owned restaurant. Because he made the move, he didn't get paternity leave or pay. He also started working unsociable hours and working 6 days a week. But it was ok, since he didn't have to drive to work and I could go see him, but I've never liked him working there.
Well, today Martin came home and announced that the Place will be closing in two weeks. Nadine, the owner, has offered him a job at the Habrough Hotel. Unfortunately, she also has plans to sell that. But he will still have a job. He's in the process of looking for a new one anyway. Nadine might let Martin and Karen (the chef) take over the lease, but it will be scary financially. We've got some serious thinking to do.
Oh, the drama! We'll be OK no matter what happens--I'm confident of that. But I hate having things change just when we are getting comfortable and we've got big changes coming up anyway. ARGH!!!
Well, today Martin came home and announced that the Place will be closing in two weeks. Nadine, the owner, has offered him a job at the Habrough Hotel. Unfortunately, she also has plans to sell that. But he will still have a job. He's in the process of looking for a new one anyway. Nadine might let Martin and Karen (the chef) take over the lease, but it will be scary financially. We've got some serious thinking to do.
Oh, the drama! We'll be OK no matter what happens--I'm confident of that. But I hate having things change just when we are getting comfortable and we've got big changes coming up anyway. ARGH!!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The weekend...
We've had a wonderful weekend! Saturday was spent at Normanby Hall. Martin and John had a good time golfing, I got to go on the bike with my father-in-law, and we had a great time playing on the grounds at the Hall. Then we got a kitten. We've named it Solomon, and he is absolutely adorable (if not a little bit whiney). Church was good today, and we enjoyed our video call with mom and dad. Then we went over to the Mundays' house and got to hang out with them. Oh, how beautiful! The only wayit could have been any better is if Dylan had been sleeping well. We've had two nights of interrupted sleep--Dylan's been waking up at about 4 am.
I wish every weekend could be like this one!
I wish every weekend could be like this one!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Russell Brand...
Martin is at work tonight and won't get home until at least 11:30 pm. So I am sitting in my front room watching telly. I should go to bed--take advantage of the chance to get an early night. But Russell Brand Live is on, and I couldn't resist!
Russell Brand--oh, you American girlies need to google him. He is tall and skinny with crazy hair. He wears eyeliner. He looks totally gay. But he's not, and I am totally attracted to him. Of course, it's not the first time I've been strangely attracted to a man who wears make-up. I think it stems from watching David Bowie in "Labrynth"(sp?)when I was about 10.
In other news, I have started feeling the new baby (who shall henceforth be known as "newbie") move. I love this bit of pregnancy. I am starting to get my energy back and my hair, skin, and nails are looking great! I am starting to get that glowing look, and I am feeling movement. In just a few more weeks people will be able to tell I'm pregnant rather than just speculating as to how much weight I've gained. I think it would be great to be about 5 or 6 months pregnant forever!
Dylan is doing well. Still not walking, but he's getting really close. We went and saw the ducks tonight--it had been ages! He gets so excited about the ducks down at Waters Edge. He sat on the railing of the boardwalk and kicked his legs like crazy, shrieking and shouting "ducks." Of course, in Dylan speak it sounds more like "gucks," but he is working on it. His "k" sound is phenomenal!
Martin is doing well, too. He is looking forward to tomorrow--day off! He is going golfing with John (Cathy's boyfriend) while Cathy and Christine and I wander around the grounds at Normanby Hall. I've never been, and apparently it's very good. The gardens are nice and there are animals there. Dylan will be happy as long as there are gucks!
Russell Brand--oh, you American girlies need to google him. He is tall and skinny with crazy hair. He wears eyeliner. He looks totally gay. But he's not, and I am totally attracted to him. Of course, it's not the first time I've been strangely attracted to a man who wears make-up. I think it stems from watching David Bowie in "Labrynth"(sp?)when I was about 10.
In other news, I have started feeling the new baby (who shall henceforth be known as "newbie") move. I love this bit of pregnancy. I am starting to get my energy back and my hair, skin, and nails are looking great! I am starting to get that glowing look, and I am feeling movement. In just a few more weeks people will be able to tell I'm pregnant rather than just speculating as to how much weight I've gained. I think it would be great to be about 5 or 6 months pregnant forever!
Dylan is doing well. Still not walking, but he's getting really close. We went and saw the ducks tonight--it had been ages! He gets so excited about the ducks down at Waters Edge. He sat on the railing of the boardwalk and kicked his legs like crazy, shrieking and shouting "ducks." Of course, in Dylan speak it sounds more like "gucks," but he is working on it. His "k" sound is phenomenal!
Martin is doing well, too. He is looking forward to tomorrow--day off! He is going golfing with John (Cathy's boyfriend) while Cathy and Christine and I wander around the grounds at Normanby Hall. I've never been, and apparently it's very good. The gardens are nice and there are animals there. Dylan will be happy as long as there are gucks!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Just general ramblings...
I had my appointment with the midwives today. It was ok--nothing special. It was a very long appointment though, and I had Dylan with me. That made things interesting, to say the least. I pretty much had blood drawn and she made sure that I had filled out the medical records completely. I was weighed and measured (my height, not my baby belly), given a rather large information packet, and sent on my merry way. I feel much better about midwife care now that I have already had a baby and kind of know what's up.
Interesting tidbit--did you know that HIV can have a ten year incubation period? I didn't know that before today, and I think it's really scary!!! So even if you only have one partner, if they have had multiple partners in the past ten years you should still have a regular HIV test. They offer you one every time you have a baby, just to make sure.
It still seems to me that the midwives over here are more interested in whether or not the mother has an STD than than they are in the health of the unborn child. But hey-ho, the care is free so I can't complain too much!
I've been having really crazy pregnancy dreams. I know that most pregnant women have them, so I know I'm not unique in this. But for the last few nights I've dreamt that I've gotten in really huge fights with my parents, the likes of which I haven't seen since I was 17 or 18. The one last night was a fight with my dad, and it was pretty bad. But Saturday night was the worst. I dreamed that mom and I got into a huge argument. I was trying to choke her. She was blaming my bad example for the behavior of a younger sister, and told me that I was "evil." She kicked me out of her house, along with said younger sister, and told us never to come back. I said that was fine with me, and that she would never see me or my children ever again. I woke up just as I was putting Dylan in his sling and getting ready to walk out the door. I couldn't get back to sleep after that. I was too upset, and remained upset for the rest of the day. It just seemed so real!
I had a strange one while I was preggers with Dylan. In my dream I kept killing baby animals because they were cramping my style. I killed some kittens and a few baby birds for sure. I might have killed more animals, but I don't remember because it was such a long time ago. And I dreamed that Martin was related to the Queen. I liked that one a lot!
We had to go in to Scunthorpe this evening to get new phones. We had Martin's parents' old phones, and they have been on the verge of going for quite some time. But today they finally gave up the ghost, so to speak, so our new ones are charging and will be ready for use tomorrow evening. Did you ever notice how things always break at the same time? We had to get a new microwave and a new toaster within a few weeks of each other. Then we needed new phones, and our vacuum cleaner is broken. It's kind of like how you run out of toiletries all at once and have to buy mascara, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste all at the same time. Weird!
While we were in Scunny we stopped at Burger King for a quick bite. While we were there we saw the poster child of how to be a bad parent. There was this guy who came in with his son (maybe 3 years old) and what seemed to be his mother and little sister. The girlies were fine--didn't say much the entire time they were there. Dad, on the other hand, was a nightmare. I'm not sure, but I think he may have been high. He was alternating between shouting at his son and being his "buddy." He was swearing like a sailor and using racial slurs whilst singing along to Christina Aguilera's "Genie In A Bottle" (substitute "genie" with "paki" or "blackie" or even, to my horror, the forbiden "n" word). He did this in front of all the patrons, one of whom was of Asian descent and had his two young sons with him. He shouted at his son for not eating his dinner, and then shouted at him for crying because he was being shouted at. He called him several obscenities, and then dashed him off to the boys room to use the toilet whilst holding his hand and singing to him. That poor child must be so confused, and his future seems pretty bleak with a father like that.
I looked at the way Martin is with our son, and I felt so incredibly blessed to be married to him. He has his faults--don't we all--but he is a wonderful father and a fantastic husband.
Interesting tidbit--did you know that HIV can have a ten year incubation period? I didn't know that before today, and I think it's really scary!!! So even if you only have one partner, if they have had multiple partners in the past ten years you should still have a regular HIV test. They offer you one every time you have a baby, just to make sure.
It still seems to me that the midwives over here are more interested in whether or not the mother has an STD than than they are in the health of the unborn child. But hey-ho, the care is free so I can't complain too much!
I've been having really crazy pregnancy dreams. I know that most pregnant women have them, so I know I'm not unique in this. But for the last few nights I've dreamt that I've gotten in really huge fights with my parents, the likes of which I haven't seen since I was 17 or 18. The one last night was a fight with my dad, and it was pretty bad. But Saturday night was the worst. I dreamed that mom and I got into a huge argument. I was trying to choke her. She was blaming my bad example for the behavior of a younger sister, and told me that I was "evil." She kicked me out of her house, along with said younger sister, and told us never to come back. I said that was fine with me, and that she would never see me or my children ever again. I woke up just as I was putting Dylan in his sling and getting ready to walk out the door. I couldn't get back to sleep after that. I was too upset, and remained upset for the rest of the day. It just seemed so real!
I had a strange one while I was preggers with Dylan. In my dream I kept killing baby animals because they were cramping my style. I killed some kittens and a few baby birds for sure. I might have killed more animals, but I don't remember because it was such a long time ago. And I dreamed that Martin was related to the Queen. I liked that one a lot!
We had to go in to Scunthorpe this evening to get new phones. We had Martin's parents' old phones, and they have been on the verge of going for quite some time. But today they finally gave up the ghost, so to speak, so our new ones are charging and will be ready for use tomorrow evening. Did you ever notice how things always break at the same time? We had to get a new microwave and a new toaster within a few weeks of each other. Then we needed new phones, and our vacuum cleaner is broken. It's kind of like how you run out of toiletries all at once and have to buy mascara, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste all at the same time. Weird!
While we were in Scunny we stopped at Burger King for a quick bite. While we were there we saw the poster child of how to be a bad parent. There was this guy who came in with his son (maybe 3 years old) and what seemed to be his mother and little sister. The girlies were fine--didn't say much the entire time they were there. Dad, on the other hand, was a nightmare. I'm not sure, but I think he may have been high. He was alternating between shouting at his son and being his "buddy." He was swearing like a sailor and using racial slurs whilst singing along to Christina Aguilera's "Genie In A Bottle" (substitute "genie" with "paki" or "blackie" or even, to my horror, the forbiden "n" word). He did this in front of all the patrons, one of whom was of Asian descent and had his two young sons with him. He shouted at his son for not eating his dinner, and then shouted at him for crying because he was being shouted at. He called him several obscenities, and then dashed him off to the boys room to use the toilet whilst holding his hand and singing to him. That poor child must be so confused, and his future seems pretty bleak with a father like that.
I looked at the way Martin is with our son, and I felt so incredibly blessed to be married to him. He has his faults--don't we all--but he is a wonderful father and a fantastic husband.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The 7 year itch...
Martin and I have been married for 7 years today!
Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday that he was proposing to me in Lincoln cathedral. Just yesterday that we were struggling to get his green card. Just yesterday that we were married in the orchard at my parents' house. So much has happened since then, and I love my Martin even more than I did 7 years ago. This has been an amazing ride so far, and I am looking forward to the next 50!
Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday that he was proposing to me in Lincoln cathedral. Just yesterday that we were struggling to get his green card. Just yesterday that we were married in the orchard at my parents' house. So much has happened since then, and I love my Martin even more than I did 7 years ago. This has been an amazing ride so far, and I am looking forward to the next 50!
Dylan's latest party trick...
We have been working on animal sounds with Dylan, and so far this is the only one he's mastered. But this one is so cute that it makes up for all the ones he can't do yet!
Friday, September 19, 2008
What a difference!
Last night I went to my first ever Enrichment Night at the new ward. I was amazed--we've been in that ward for two weeks and I already feel more welcomed and at home than I've ever felt in Relief Society in Grimsby! The ladies are all so down to earth and friendly, and they really seem to be making an effort to make us feel welcome. They are succeeding!
It was a pampering evening. I had a mini-pedi and a facial, and learned a bit about aromatherapy. But mostly I just visited with different people. There's a girl/woman named Noelle who is just a year older than me and from Canada. We had a good time chatting. There's another woman who is probably in her mid to late 30's who is lovely. I didn't catch her name, but she's an Aussie. We all talked about how we miss home, what we love about England, how hard it is to move your whole life, etc. And there was this little old lady there who was absolutely HILARIOUS! She is getting a little senile (I think) and kept saying wildly inappropriate things. I nearly wet myself laughing at one point. It was just nice!
I've said it before and I'll say it again--the people in Grimsby weren't unfriendly. They were just completely caught up in their own lives and already had friends and family there. They didn't go out of their way to make you feel at home (for the most part--there are definitely a few exceptions). But coming to Scunthorpe has made me realize just how incredibly lonely I've felt-especially since I've had Dylan.
Don't hate me for this Emma, but the ladies at Enrichment Night last night were almost American in their attitudes toward us newbies!
Speaking of Emma, I promised her a few weeks ago that I would make a list of all the things I like about England and the English. If I do this, she has promised to do the same about Americans and the USA (not entirely fair, as she's never been there and hasn't met many Americans, but at least she's willing to try to find positive things about people she doesn't like!). So here we go--my top 10 things I love about England (in no particular order):
1) The incredible history here! There are historic buildings all over the place, like castles and cathedrals and abbeys and even my own house. You get a real sense of belonging to the past--a connection to bygone eras. It's fantastic!
2) The scenery is amazing--especially here in Lincolnshire! I grew up in the desert and am still amazed by the rolling green hills and the rivers and the way the little villages nestle into the countryside.
3) The weather! I know I complain about it a lot, but that's only because I'm going native and that's what the people here DO! But I love the wet winters (easier on the lungs) and the cool summer days. A little more sunshine might be nice, but I like the temperate climate. There aren't many extremes in the weather, and you can get a lot of wear out of cute, lightweight jackets!
4) The NHS. I know it has it's flaws, but everyone in the whole country has access to medical care. I can go to the doctor whenever I feel sick instead of trying to decide if I can afford it. My c-section didn't cost me a penny. That's amazing!
5) Proximity to Europe and all the goodies that entails. Culturally, it's so diverse here. And you can get really good cheeses and chocolates and various other luxury items that cost a fortune in Utah for next to nothing. Mmmm!
6) Pubs. I don't drink, true, but the pub isn't just somewhere to get totally leathered. It's also the place to meet your friends and play snooker, have a meal, play darts, watch the footie match, catch up on local gossip, etc. The village pubs are especially good! Plus, they make great landmarks. Observe: To get to my house, you drive in to Barton and follow the signs for the train station. You drive past the White Swan and park next to Charlie's. We are across the street.
7) It has to go in eventually--the people are very polite and friendly--once you get to know them. Social niceties are still observed. When you go into someone's home you are immediately asked if you'd like a drink. You give cups of tea or coffee to people coming to do work--the roofer, the plasterers, the electrician, etc. These people would never ask for a cuppa, but you always offer it if you can!
8) The BBC. You have to pay a licensing fee, but the radio is commercial free, and so are the BBC television programs. Plus, CBeebies is BRILLIANT!
9) My husband and his family!
10)All of the friends I've made here.
Your turn, Emma!
It was a pampering evening. I had a mini-pedi and a facial, and learned a bit about aromatherapy. But mostly I just visited with different people. There's a girl/woman named Noelle who is just a year older than me and from Canada. We had a good time chatting. There's another woman who is probably in her mid to late 30's who is lovely. I didn't catch her name, but she's an Aussie. We all talked about how we miss home, what we love about England, how hard it is to move your whole life, etc. And there was this little old lady there who was absolutely HILARIOUS! She is getting a little senile (I think) and kept saying wildly inappropriate things. I nearly wet myself laughing at one point. It was just nice!
I've said it before and I'll say it again--the people in Grimsby weren't unfriendly. They were just completely caught up in their own lives and already had friends and family there. They didn't go out of their way to make you feel at home (for the most part--there are definitely a few exceptions). But coming to Scunthorpe has made me realize just how incredibly lonely I've felt-especially since I've had Dylan.
Don't hate me for this Emma, but the ladies at Enrichment Night last night were almost American in their attitudes toward us newbies!
Speaking of Emma, I promised her a few weeks ago that I would make a list of all the things I like about England and the English. If I do this, she has promised to do the same about Americans and the USA (not entirely fair, as she's never been there and hasn't met many Americans, but at least she's willing to try to find positive things about people she doesn't like!). So here we go--my top 10 things I love about England (in no particular order):
1) The incredible history here! There are historic buildings all over the place, like castles and cathedrals and abbeys and even my own house. You get a real sense of belonging to the past--a connection to bygone eras. It's fantastic!
2) The scenery is amazing--especially here in Lincolnshire! I grew up in the desert and am still amazed by the rolling green hills and the rivers and the way the little villages nestle into the countryside.
3) The weather! I know I complain about it a lot, but that's only because I'm going native and that's what the people here DO! But I love the wet winters (easier on the lungs) and the cool summer days. A little more sunshine might be nice, but I like the temperate climate. There aren't many extremes in the weather, and you can get a lot of wear out of cute, lightweight jackets!
4) The NHS. I know it has it's flaws, but everyone in the whole country has access to medical care. I can go to the doctor whenever I feel sick instead of trying to decide if I can afford it. My c-section didn't cost me a penny. That's amazing!
5) Proximity to Europe and all the goodies that entails. Culturally, it's so diverse here. And you can get really good cheeses and chocolates and various other luxury items that cost a fortune in Utah for next to nothing. Mmmm!
6) Pubs. I don't drink, true, but the pub isn't just somewhere to get totally leathered. It's also the place to meet your friends and play snooker, have a meal, play darts, watch the footie match, catch up on local gossip, etc. The village pubs are especially good! Plus, they make great landmarks. Observe: To get to my house, you drive in to Barton and follow the signs for the train station. You drive past the White Swan and park next to Charlie's. We are across the street.
7) It has to go in eventually--the people are very polite and friendly--once you get to know them. Social niceties are still observed. When you go into someone's home you are immediately asked if you'd like a drink. You give cups of tea or coffee to people coming to do work--the roofer, the plasterers, the electrician, etc. These people would never ask for a cuppa, but you always offer it if you can!
8) The BBC. You have to pay a licensing fee, but the radio is commercial free, and so are the BBC television programs. Plus, CBeebies is BRILLIANT!
9) My husband and his family!
10)All of the friends I've made here.
Your turn, Emma!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Major baby steps...
Today Dylan started walking while I was holding only one of his hands. Before today if you let go of one of his hands he would just sit down. But we went to Baysgarth Park this afternoon and there was an adorable little 2 year old named Tim there. He had big brown eyes and the curliest blond hair you've ever seen. Dylan thought he was pretty cool and tried to imitate him walking. Tim thought Dylan was pretty cool and started crawling by the time he and his mum left.
My little baby is growing up so fast! He's going to be walking before I know it. Next thing I know, he'll be starting college!
Today I started going through Dylan's old baby clothes. I'm seperating them according to age so if we have another boy it will be easy to get clothes out and if we have a girl it will be easier to either try to sell the clothes or give them away to friends who (might) have a boy. I was looking at some of his old sleep suits and was amazed that he used to fit in to them. Was he ever that tiny?
I'm actually starting to look forward to having another tiny baby. I was so depressed and lonely after Dylan was born, and I never said anything to anyone about it. I just suffered silently and felt guilty, and so I don't think I enjoyed him as a tiny baby as much as I could have. I'm not going to let that happen this time. I am going to treasure every moment--especially since this will be our last baby if I have to have another c-section.
My little baby is growing up so fast! He's going to be walking before I know it. Next thing I know, he'll be starting college!
Today I started going through Dylan's old baby clothes. I'm seperating them according to age so if we have another boy it will be easy to get clothes out and if we have a girl it will be easier to either try to sell the clothes or give them away to friends who (might) have a boy. I was looking at some of his old sleep suits and was amazed that he used to fit in to them. Was he ever that tiny?
I'm actually starting to look forward to having another tiny baby. I was so depressed and lonely after Dylan was born, and I never said anything to anyone about it. I just suffered silently and felt guilty, and so I don't think I enjoyed him as a tiny baby as much as I could have. I'm not going to let that happen this time. I am going to treasure every moment--especially since this will be our last baby if I have to have another c-section.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Calling all American parents...
I'm beginning to wonder if I am picking up weird British ways of raising Dylan.
As has been observed in the past, I am not exactly what you'd call a "natural mother." I was never that interested in babies as a child, and even LESS interested as a teenager and young adult. I only got interested when I decided to have children of my own, and even then...well, I'm not the most maternal person in the world. But what I lack in natural interest and ability, I make up for in effort.
I'm just worried that I am doing weird things now though, because I never really noticed the way things were done back home. All you American parent readers, could you please answer the following questions:
1) What age were your children when you stopped taking them places in a stroller and let them walk instead?
2) When did you try to wean them completely from either breastfeeding or a bottle? How old is too old to still be having a bedtime bottle?
3) Do you take your children to church in their stroller (people do it here, and I don't remember it being done back in the old home ward)?
4) What is your take on childrens' shoes? They cost around £30 over here and you take your kid to have them specially fitted. You are also advised to get them in shoes within a month or so of them starting to walk. What do the "experts" say over there?
5) At one year old, how much was your child eating? I worry that Dylan is over-fed. Also, when did you stop feeding them and let them exclusively feed themselves?
6) Do your kids watch a lot of television or movies? How much is too much?
Thanks everybody. I don't want to move back to Utah and be looked at like a parenting freak!
As has been observed in the past, I am not exactly what you'd call a "natural mother." I was never that interested in babies as a child, and even LESS interested as a teenager and young adult. I only got interested when I decided to have children of my own, and even then...well, I'm not the most maternal person in the world. But what I lack in natural interest and ability, I make up for in effort.
I'm just worried that I am doing weird things now though, because I never really noticed the way things were done back home. All you American parent readers, could you please answer the following questions:
1) What age were your children when you stopped taking them places in a stroller and let them walk instead?
2) When did you try to wean them completely from either breastfeeding or a bottle? How old is too old to still be having a bedtime bottle?
3) Do you take your children to church in their stroller (people do it here, and I don't remember it being done back in the old home ward)?
4) What is your take on childrens' shoes? They cost around £30 over here and you take your kid to have them specially fitted. You are also advised to get them in shoes within a month or so of them starting to walk. What do the "experts" say over there?
5) At one year old, how much was your child eating? I worry that Dylan is over-fed. Also, when did you stop feeding them and let them exclusively feed themselves?
6) Do your kids watch a lot of television or movies? How much is too much?
Thanks everybody. I don't want to move back to Utah and be looked at like a parenting freak!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Coming out...
It's nice to come out of the pregnancy closet! I've jsut spent about 8 weeks totally miserable and sick, but not wanting to let anybody know about it. Now that I'm into my second trimester I don't feel like I have to hide the pregnancy from everybody any more. I can be tired. I can neglect my housework. I can take naps with Dylan every day. I can do all these things and NOT have people think I am just lazy and slovenly. People are even understanding when I haven't showered and look horrible. How lovely, to not have to pretend that everything is fine and normal!
Dylan is being way too adorable lately. Yesterday he didn't take a nap at all, and that was hard. He also spilled my lunch, an entire bowl of minestrone soup, on the carpet in the dining room. It's cream coloured carpet, and now has a big red stain. But he played so adorably that I couldn't be angry. He has just started breathing heavily through his nose and growling (two new sounds for him) because he likes the noise it makes. He's also been really affectionate lately--giving kisses to just about everybody. This is especially nice as he wasn't very affectionate for a long time.
I keep meaning to post some pictures of him--I just never seem to get aorund to it. Everyone is starting to say how much he looks like Martin. But when he smiles he still looks just like me. I've even been told he laughs the same as me.
I love looking at Dylan and seeing the things about him that are just like me or Martin. He gets this little twinkle in his eye that is pure Martin. If the telly is on he can't take his eyes off it, just like Martin. He opens his mouth when he smiles, just like me. It's amazing to see!
Part of me seriously wonders if I will be able to love another baby as much as I do Dylan. And I worry that when the new baby comes along I will be so busy taking care of a newborn that my relationship with Dylan will suffer. I'm sure things will be OK, but it is a worry all the same.
Martin and I were talking about what we would do if I have to have another c-section. Mom, you'll be pleased to hear that he is planning on taking a full 2 weeks off work this time. Dylan and daddy will stay home together while I recover at the hospital, and then he'll be home for another week when I get out. Of course, if I don't have a section he won't need that much time off. But I'd be ok if he took it all the same!
March is going to come really fast! We've got loads to do on the house before the new baby arrives and we put the house on the market. It makes me tired just to think about it, and I won't be much help. Martin will have to do the bulk of the work himself as I will be busy taking care of Dylan and being pregnant and miserable. I have the best husband in the whole world!
Speaking of the best husband, he is working late tonight. There is a private function at the Place tonight (someone's 70th birthday party). He has also applied for a few different jobs. They aren't in restaurant management, but they do pay nearly twice as much as he makes now. What could we do with twice as much money? Oh, heaven! He's been doing loads of work on the house, and has really been helping a lot more on the house since his guilty weekend in London when he deserted his pregnant wife and baby to play baseball.
Anyway, I need to get dinner prepped so it is finished if Martin gets to come home before the function tonight. Ugh--I don't know if I am using my pregnancy as an excuse to do stuff or if I genuinely don't feel well. All I know is, I can't stand the smell of cooking food at the minute.
Dylan is being way too adorable lately. Yesterday he didn't take a nap at all, and that was hard. He also spilled my lunch, an entire bowl of minestrone soup, on the carpet in the dining room. It's cream coloured carpet, and now has a big red stain. But he played so adorably that I couldn't be angry. He has just started breathing heavily through his nose and growling (two new sounds for him) because he likes the noise it makes. He's also been really affectionate lately--giving kisses to just about everybody. This is especially nice as he wasn't very affectionate for a long time.
I keep meaning to post some pictures of him--I just never seem to get aorund to it. Everyone is starting to say how much he looks like Martin. But when he smiles he still looks just like me. I've even been told he laughs the same as me.
I love looking at Dylan and seeing the things about him that are just like me or Martin. He gets this little twinkle in his eye that is pure Martin. If the telly is on he can't take his eyes off it, just like Martin. He opens his mouth when he smiles, just like me. It's amazing to see!
Part of me seriously wonders if I will be able to love another baby as much as I do Dylan. And I worry that when the new baby comes along I will be so busy taking care of a newborn that my relationship with Dylan will suffer. I'm sure things will be OK, but it is a worry all the same.
Martin and I were talking about what we would do if I have to have another c-section. Mom, you'll be pleased to hear that he is planning on taking a full 2 weeks off work this time. Dylan and daddy will stay home together while I recover at the hospital, and then he'll be home for another week when I get out. Of course, if I don't have a section he won't need that much time off. But I'd be ok if he took it all the same!
March is going to come really fast! We've got loads to do on the house before the new baby arrives and we put the house on the market. It makes me tired just to think about it, and I won't be much help. Martin will have to do the bulk of the work himself as I will be busy taking care of Dylan and being pregnant and miserable. I have the best husband in the whole world!
Speaking of the best husband, he is working late tonight. There is a private function at the Place tonight (someone's 70th birthday party). He has also applied for a few different jobs. They aren't in restaurant management, but they do pay nearly twice as much as he makes now. What could we do with twice as much money? Oh, heaven! He's been doing loads of work on the house, and has really been helping a lot more on the house since his guilty weekend in London when he deserted his pregnant wife and baby to play baseball.
Anyway, I need to get dinner prepped so it is finished if Martin gets to come home before the function tonight. Ugh--I don't know if I am using my pregnancy as an excuse to do stuff or if I genuinely don't feel well. All I know is, I can't stand the smell of cooking food at the minute.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Scunthorpe problem...
We've had some major changes at church recently, and even though our family is directly affected, it wasn't significant enough (in my opinion) to run right home and post about it. But it's become a bit of a problem for a lot of people.
Barton is situated conveniently between three cities--Scunthorpe, Hull, and Grimsby. We are closest to Hull, but because of the Humber Bridge and the extortionate toll they charge to cross it (£2.70 each way) we very rarely go there. We are about 17 miles from Scunthorpe and about 25 miles from Grimsby.
Martin and I were quite surprised to learn that the ward boundary for church was the A15, the road just to the south of us, and that we were assigned to the Grimsby ward (you may recall that I had Dylan in Scunthorpe because it is quite a bit closer to us than Grimsby). But we have been dilligently driving the 27 miles one way to the Grimsby 1st Ward building twice a week since we moved here--once for church on Sunday and again for choir on Thursdays. The location of the chapel meant a drive of approximately 40 minutes each way as we had to drive through town and traffic to get there. To be perfectly honest, with the cost of petrol soaring it was getting a little bit cost prohibitive to drive there so often. But we endured.
So imagine our surprise and delight when we had a visit from the Stake President last week. He informed us that the boundaries were changing and from now on the residents of Barton and a few of the surrounding villages would be attending the Scunthorpe ward! Church starts a half an hour later, the building is quite a bit closer, and it takes us less time to get there. Plus, the church there is absolutely gorgeous. We were thrilled!
Obviously we will miss some of our friends that live in Grimsby, but this is such a good move for our family. Martin and I are both really pleased about it, and are looking forward to making new friends and receiving new callings. It's a challenge and an adventure.
Unfortunately, some people don't see it that way.
The Munday family live in Wootton and will be moving to Scunthorpe ward with us (hooray!) and Emma posted to her blog that she was thrilled about it. She made a comment about how their family had never felt very welcome in Grimsby and since Scunthorpe is where she was baptized and married she couldn't wait to go back (I know exactly how she feels. The people in Grimsby aren't unwelcoming, but they are all very much involved in their own lives and already have their own groups of friends. They are nice enough, but for the most part not overly friendly with newcomers. I felt the same way when we first came. Over the last three years I have made a few close friends, but it has been due to a tremendous effort on my part).
Well, a few people have thrown fits about that comment. I spoke to her a few moments ago, and she said that she has been "censored." I won't go into too many details, but basically, the new bishop has asked her to refrain from commenting, on her blog and on Facebook, about the move. He has apparently had a few complaints about her comments.
I was shocked and appalled to hear this. Emma uses her blog and her facebook account to express her opinion, and NOBODY has the right to censor that--not even, and maybe especially not, a religious leader! And I can't believe that there are people who are petty and vindictive and immature enough to ask their religious leader to do so. They've infringed on Emma's rights and put the poor bishop in an awkward position.
There are people who don't want to move--I understand that. But they are blowing this way out of proportion! We are attending worship services at a different location, not cutting all ties and never speaking to old friends again! Although they are certainly entitled to be sad about the move, they are not entitled to try to make other people miserable over it. And they are certainly not entitled to try to keep anyone else's feelings about it from being expressed!
If they have such a problem with the move, perhaps they should examine the reason they are attending church in the first place? It's obviously not to worship God, but to hang out with all their friends!
OK, pregnant rant is finished now. I love having raging hormones!
Barton is situated conveniently between three cities--Scunthorpe, Hull, and Grimsby. We are closest to Hull, but because of the Humber Bridge and the extortionate toll they charge to cross it (£2.70 each way) we very rarely go there. We are about 17 miles from Scunthorpe and about 25 miles from Grimsby.
Martin and I were quite surprised to learn that the ward boundary for church was the A15, the road just to the south of us, and that we were assigned to the Grimsby ward (you may recall that I had Dylan in Scunthorpe because it is quite a bit closer to us than Grimsby). But we have been dilligently driving the 27 miles one way to the Grimsby 1st Ward building twice a week since we moved here--once for church on Sunday and again for choir on Thursdays. The location of the chapel meant a drive of approximately 40 minutes each way as we had to drive through town and traffic to get there. To be perfectly honest, with the cost of petrol soaring it was getting a little bit cost prohibitive to drive there so often. But we endured.
So imagine our surprise and delight when we had a visit from the Stake President last week. He informed us that the boundaries were changing and from now on the residents of Barton and a few of the surrounding villages would be attending the Scunthorpe ward! Church starts a half an hour later, the building is quite a bit closer, and it takes us less time to get there. Plus, the church there is absolutely gorgeous. We were thrilled!
Obviously we will miss some of our friends that live in Grimsby, but this is such a good move for our family. Martin and I are both really pleased about it, and are looking forward to making new friends and receiving new callings. It's a challenge and an adventure.
Unfortunately, some people don't see it that way.
The Munday family live in Wootton and will be moving to Scunthorpe ward with us (hooray!) and Emma posted to her blog that she was thrilled about it. She made a comment about how their family had never felt very welcome in Grimsby and since Scunthorpe is where she was baptized and married she couldn't wait to go back (I know exactly how she feels. The people in Grimsby aren't unwelcoming, but they are all very much involved in their own lives and already have their own groups of friends. They are nice enough, but for the most part not overly friendly with newcomers. I felt the same way when we first came. Over the last three years I have made a few close friends, but it has been due to a tremendous effort on my part).
Well, a few people have thrown fits about that comment. I spoke to her a few moments ago, and she said that she has been "censored." I won't go into too many details, but basically, the new bishop has asked her to refrain from commenting, on her blog and on Facebook, about the move. He has apparently had a few complaints about her comments.
I was shocked and appalled to hear this. Emma uses her blog and her facebook account to express her opinion, and NOBODY has the right to censor that--not even, and maybe especially not, a religious leader! And I can't believe that there are people who are petty and vindictive and immature enough to ask their religious leader to do so. They've infringed on Emma's rights and put the poor bishop in an awkward position.
There are people who don't want to move--I understand that. But they are blowing this way out of proportion! We are attending worship services at a different location, not cutting all ties and never speaking to old friends again! Although they are certainly entitled to be sad about the move, they are not entitled to try to make other people miserable over it. And they are certainly not entitled to try to keep anyone else's feelings about it from being expressed!
If they have such a problem with the move, perhaps they should examine the reason they are attending church in the first place? It's obviously not to worship God, but to hang out with all their friends!
OK, pregnant rant is finished now. I love having raging hormones!
My dating scan...
I had my dating ultrasound at Scunthorpe Hospital yesterday, and it was fun. We got there right on time, and hardly had to wait at all (very strange for the NHS, but it was 9:15 am and one of their first appointments).
First and foremost, everything looks perfectly normal. The baby is beautifully shaped, with a nice round head and the hemispheres of the brain clearly distinguished. We saw the heart fluttering away and saw arms and legs just where they need to be. This one is also a jiffler---was moving around a LOT. It looks like it might have the Priestly nose (Martin's mom's side of the family--oh no)! It also looks slightly bigger than Dylan did in his dating scan. But, I am nearly two weeks further along this time and that makes a big difference at this stage.
I don't want another 9+ pound baby! Can't we make it aorund 8 pounds or so?
I've been given an official due date of March 18. I thought the 17th, so I guessed it pretty good. I am EXACTLY as far along as I thought I was according to the scan. 13 weeks today, and officially done with the first trimester. It's been a rough couple of months, but I think I'm through the worst of it now. I'm not quite so sick all the time and I'm just starting to get my energy back. I'm looking forward to feeling the baby move!
I'll try to put a picture from the ultrasound on the blog--either tonight or tomorrow, depending on how Dylan is today.
First and foremost, everything looks perfectly normal. The baby is beautifully shaped, with a nice round head and the hemispheres of the brain clearly distinguished. We saw the heart fluttering away and saw arms and legs just where they need to be. This one is also a jiffler---was moving around a LOT. It looks like it might have the Priestly nose (Martin's mom's side of the family--oh no)! It also looks slightly bigger than Dylan did in his dating scan. But, I am nearly two weeks further along this time and that makes a big difference at this stage.
I don't want another 9+ pound baby! Can't we make it aorund 8 pounds or so?
I've been given an official due date of March 18. I thought the 17th, so I guessed it pretty good. I am EXACTLY as far along as I thought I was according to the scan. 13 weeks today, and officially done with the first trimester. It's been a rough couple of months, but I think I'm through the worst of it now. I'm not quite so sick all the time and I'm just starting to get my energy back. I'm looking forward to feeling the baby move!
I'll try to put a picture from the ultrasound on the blog--either tonight or tomorrow, depending on how Dylan is today.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
And then there were four (soon)....
Ok, this is something some of you may already know, or guessed, but it is about time to make something public. We just want to let you know that Dylan is going to be a BIG BROTHER!!! Yes that's right, Jamie is pregnant and we are going to have another baby! Yes, that soon (in March!) We were planning on having another one, we just hadn't anticipated my swimmers, having achieved success, to excel so soon in this olympic year!
We are very excited, although it took us a little by surprise, but overcame our intitial shock and now are eagerly anticipating the new arrival. We know that some of you already had this news and we are glad of your congrtulatory messages, and look forward to hear from anyone else.
We are very excited, although it took us a little by surprise, but overcame our intitial shock and now are eagerly anticipating the new arrival. We know that some of you already had this news and we are glad of your congrtulatory messages, and look forward to hear from anyone else.
And the mud slinging begins...
Here's one for you, Emma Munday. I'm not having a go at England for once!
I just got a forward from someone I don't know with a link to a video on youtube. It claims that it is Senator Obama "making fun of the Bible." I checked it out, even though I don't live in the US right now, am not registered to vote, and don't particularly care who the next president is because the real power is with the legislative branch of the US government anyway--the president is just someone to blame when things go wrong.
I must say, I was disgusted by the video clip.
I am a registered republican, and am shocked and appalled that they paid for trash like that. It is an underhanded attempt to put "good Christian folk" off voting for the man by taking something he said out of context and twisting things around to make the man sound anti-Christian. Obama talks about using the Bible to create public policy. He points out that the antiquated laws of ancient Jerusalem and the way they are completely inappropriate in today's world. He's right. It's not OK to own slaves. It's not acceptable to stone your children if they stray from the faith. You can NOT do away with your country's defence department on the basis of the Sermon on the Mount.
The creators of this video make it seem like Obama is the anti-Christ because he doesn't think a modern government can create laws based on the Bible. Is the Senator evil because he isn't a right wing rabid Christian? I don't think so. He's not saying the Bible isn't true or inspired--just that you can't use it to govern the masses.
I HATE the way the media and lobbyists get all rabid around general election time. Every candidate has groups that create smear campaigns to drag the opponent through the mud, besmirch their characters, and dig up any dirt they can. Every word these poor people ever said comes back to haunt them. It's dirty and underhanded and horrible.
The thing that especially irritates me about this particular video clip is that it hits people where their feelings run deep. The way people feel about their faith isn't rational. That's the nature of religion--it's all about the way you feel, not necessarily about logical thought. So I hate this particular piece of work because it will be effective. I've already had it sent to me twice, by people who are smarter than that. So if you get it, don't send it to me!
Honestly, if I were registered to vote I would probably tick the democrat box. Not that single votes matter-it all comes down to the electoral college anyway. But seriously people, take a step back and look at things logically. You should never let your emotions get in the way when choosing a political leader--that's one of the times you should go into things with both eyes wide open and all brain cells fully functioning.
I just got a forward from someone I don't know with a link to a video on youtube. It claims that it is Senator Obama "making fun of the Bible." I checked it out, even though I don't live in the US right now, am not registered to vote, and don't particularly care who the next president is because the real power is with the legislative branch of the US government anyway--the president is just someone to blame when things go wrong.
I must say, I was disgusted by the video clip.
I am a registered republican, and am shocked and appalled that they paid for trash like that. It is an underhanded attempt to put "good Christian folk" off voting for the man by taking something he said out of context and twisting things around to make the man sound anti-Christian. Obama talks about using the Bible to create public policy. He points out that the antiquated laws of ancient Jerusalem and the way they are completely inappropriate in today's world. He's right. It's not OK to own slaves. It's not acceptable to stone your children if they stray from the faith. You can NOT do away with your country's defence department on the basis of the Sermon on the Mount.
The creators of this video make it seem like Obama is the anti-Christ because he doesn't think a modern government can create laws based on the Bible. Is the Senator evil because he isn't a right wing rabid Christian? I don't think so. He's not saying the Bible isn't true or inspired--just that you can't use it to govern the masses.
I HATE the way the media and lobbyists get all rabid around general election time. Every candidate has groups that create smear campaigns to drag the opponent through the mud, besmirch their characters, and dig up any dirt they can. Every word these poor people ever said comes back to haunt them. It's dirty and underhanded and horrible.
The thing that especially irritates me about this particular video clip is that it hits people where their feelings run deep. The way people feel about their faith isn't rational. That's the nature of religion--it's all about the way you feel, not necessarily about logical thought. So I hate this particular piece of work because it will be effective. I've already had it sent to me twice, by people who are smarter than that. So if you get it, don't send it to me!
Honestly, if I were registered to vote I would probably tick the democrat box. Not that single votes matter-it all comes down to the electoral college anyway. But seriously people, take a step back and look at things logically. You should never let your emotions get in the way when choosing a political leader--that's one of the times you should go into things with both eyes wide open and all brain cells fully functioning.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Learning new skills...
Dylan has learned something new. He is now able to smack his lips together. I know it's going to be annoying in a few days' time, but right now it's just adorable!
The little munchkin gets smarter every day. He loves to crawl around the house and get in to everything! He's also just learned how to put the toilet lid up--not cool! He's a little chatterbox, especially first thing in the morning, and his verbal skills are really improving. He's not talking yet, but he is really keen on copying sounds. He will click his tongue, cough, smack his lips, or make monkey noises if you do it first. And he loves it when we copy him!
I love just watching Dylan play. He is so intelligent and I could watch him figure stuff out all day long. Unfortunately, it's also exhausting to follow him around and make sure he doesn't get into things he shouldn't. And he is terminally curious.
I love my son!
The little munchkin gets smarter every day. He loves to crawl around the house and get in to everything! He's also just learned how to put the toilet lid up--not cool! He's a little chatterbox, especially first thing in the morning, and his verbal skills are really improving. He's not talking yet, but he is really keen on copying sounds. He will click his tongue, cough, smack his lips, or make monkey noises if you do it first. And he loves it when we copy him!
I love just watching Dylan play. He is so intelligent and I could watch him figure stuff out all day long. Unfortunately, it's also exhausting to follow him around and make sure he doesn't get into things he shouldn't. And he is terminally curious.
I love my son!
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