Fichtner Family Blog

2001 Family Photos

2011-11-24T06:57:00.005-05:00

Originally I wanted the take the photos when the leaves were colorful, but we went from summer to winter around here and didn't have a very colorful fall. The leaves still make a nice back drop, even if they are brown!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-23T21:41:00.006-05:00

My post goes backward, but you'll get the idea...

Here are the kids on Halloween night with their friend Ethan... Who was going to be a cheese ball but decided he wanted to be a pumpkin at the last minute which cause a sewing furry for his mom.

We went around our street before we joined Ethan

I know these are all basically the same picture, but I couldn't help find the progression funny. Ty is just such a funny guy

Jacks says, hey I want that pumpkin!
Ty says, what this pumpkin?
Ok here, have my pumkin
Great can I eat it??
Trick-or-treating at the old folks home
Halloween at the library

Natalie L. read me!!

2011-10-11T22:13:00.002-04:00

Natalie - I have been thinking about you and wanting to talk to you. I don't have an email for you and for some reason I can't leave comments on your blog. email me if you have a moment some time: racha_rae06@yahoo.com.

Last of my uploaded photos for now

2011-09-29T22:16:00.005-04:00

It is amazing how much Jackson has changed even from not so long ago when I took these pictures.

Shots by Noel (most of them were not very flattering or of things like my flour bucket so I'll just post these two)
Self portrait.

Golf Tournament in Port Kent and Walk Down Memory Lane

2011-09-29T21:52:00.006-04:00

**warning - do not adjust your screen** most of the following pictures have the finger print of a wonderful little girl right in the center of the photo. I have since removed the smug. It's not your eye sight - it's the picture.

Our kids smile in a family photo? Nawwwwww

At least they are looking at the camera this time

Ricky (my cousin), Aunt Martha, Russell (my cousin, Ricky's older brother), Eric, Rachael -Ty and Noel

The course is really amazing. They views are incredible! I think Grandpa Harmon would be pleased

Oh the Port Kent beach. I have many memories from this beach...

24 years ago there was another 4 year old little girl standing in that same place contemplating the vastness of Lake Champlain; taking in the goodness of childhood...

I always wondered why my grandma, mom, and aunts never wanted to go in the water. Now I unerstand ;o)<

Our 22 lbs 6 month old Jackson

2011-09-29T20:10:00.004-04:00

How can you resist those thighs? I feel the photos don't even do him justice. He is such a chunk! At his 6 month appointment he was 21 lbs 7 oz (95%) 27 1/2 inches (80%)!

Late Agust and Early September 2011

2011-09-29T20:00:00.004-04:00

The center of her universe

2011-09-29T19:30:00.002-04:00

Noel took this first picture of her picture. She started with "Humpty Dumpty" people and has since moved on to snowman looking people with lots of eye lashes

I love this picture. This is why - it was Noel's first family portrait (done while Eric was at work). Noel is on the left side (looking at it), Ty is on top right, Jackson is bottom right... And me? I am the giant red blob in the middle. This injured my self confidence at first but then my sister-in-law reminded me that the largest object in a preschooler's picture is the most important. So at least for these last fleeting moments in time, I am the center of her universe.

Tripple Stroller to the OR hopefully not RIP

2011-08-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

OK so this was just a cute pic of Ty
Here is my triple jogger craigslist/yard sale find. I had a Joovy Big Caboose but it was sooo hard to push let alone TURN! AND it didn't fit in my VAN. AND the seats were for bigger kids so to put Jackson in it, he had to be in his car seat which attached to it, which he hated. I was feeling very down because it was so much effort to go out to the park or for a walk in the Joovy. Long, long ago Sarah had sent me a link to this listed on Craigslist. I thought she was nuts at first. It was rather expensive for a used stroller - this was BEFORE my issues with the Joovy. I thought it might be worth looking at so I decided to call the lady and she was selling it the next day at a yard sale. She too had three kids close together in age. I am pretty sure she bought it used as it has definitely seen better days. But I got it home, we went out, and I fell in love! It was so easy to push - even with 80 some odd pounds in it. The children also enjoyed riding in it - they were next to each other instead of in a row. It fit nicely tucked out of the way in the front hall (and fit in my van!) so it was easy to take out and put away (as opposed to having to store it in the packed shed in our back yard). But alas on 8/17/2011 the day I decided to take the below picture, while half way to the park (the park we go to is 1 mile away even though there are closer parks, the point is for me to get a workout!) the back wheel fell off the axle. I had to kick it back into place every other step all the way home. Upon inspection that night, I realized what I feared - the mechanism that holds the wheel in place (poorly designed if you ask me) had broken off. I am going to try and take it to a bike shop and see what they can do - if not I will see if Eric can sodder the wheel to the axle... if not.... I will cry because it will be RIP triple stroller and there is no way on this planet I can afford a new one and they are hard to come by second hand. <>

Crosby Family Visit July 2011

2011-08-05T22:12:00.003-04:00

Just Plain Cute.

2011-08-05T22:08:00.002-04:00

July Trip to Aunt Sheila and Uncle Pat's

2011-08-05T21:38:00.006-04:00

4th of July and out door fun

2011-08-05T21:35:00.007-04:00

Playing in the crib with jacks

2011-08-05T21:18:00.004-04:00

Truly a boy

2011-08-05T21:07:00.004-04:00

Ty has been having a hard time settling down to bed lately, despite my different attempts to get him down as to not keep Noel awake. This evening his pillow fell and I had to laugh. Under it were the following items: two rocks, one big one small. two flashlights, one led one hand crank (in case of an emergency of course), a picture of Christ, a matchbox car, an old cell phone, a water bottle, and a crayon. I think he'll make a great Boy Scout.

Just some darn cute pics and Eric's 30th Birthday

2011-07-23T21:35:00.004-04:00

Call the fire department! On June 15th Eric turned 30! We had a surprise party

Look closely. This is a medical allert bracelet....

It says, "Beware of chicken nuggests." In case you missed it, look back to posts in March.

Jackson's 4 month checkup

2011-07-08T11:31:00.003-04:00

Jackson is healthy and happy. He is 27 inches long and 18 LBS 12oz. That is 90% weight, 94% height. I forgot head circumference. The doctor asked if we have tall people in our family. I wanted to laugh, not really! Eric's brothers are only slightly taller than Eric. Brent being the tallest of all 4 at 6ft. Heaven knows I'm not tall, and Ham is average. So are both of our parents. I think when Jacks is 2 and Ty is 4 people are going to be asking me if they're twins! And Noel, sorry honey, despite being 4 1/2, you're still looking at least another year - probably more - until you can legally be in a booster seat in NYS where the requirements are 40LBS.

Taking Down the Barn and Moving Dirt in Argyle

2011-07-02T10:20:00.008-04:00

Glenn Fichtner built this barn 36 years ago, he says. It was made from the trees on the property, and dug into the side of the hill. But over time it has become dangerous as the roof was failing, so the boys decided to take it down.

They may be men but really they are still goofy boys

Dave has a friend who let them borrow this.... Eric was in heaven. The bigger they are, the more expensive the toys!! They were also to fix the driveway.

A Little Game of "What Doesn't Belong?"

2011-07-02T10:14:00.003-04:00

Here is a little fun for you! In each picture there is something that doesn't belong......

Bubbles Bubbles Everywhere!

2011-05-28T13:52:00.002-04:00

I was giving Jackson a bath in his little bathtub the other day. Ty was helping. I was so wrapped up in gazing at my baby that I didn't notice Ty unscrewing the top to the baby shampoo. I turned (my torso only mind you) around to grab another washcloth and Ty dumped the shampoo in Jackson's tub and into the toilet. Jackson was soon covered in bubbles up to his armpits and the toilet made bubbles every time it was flushed for a whole day!

Noel my cleaning lady

2011-04-16T15:46:00.006-04:00

So Blogger isn't letting me put this in the format I want and it is driving me crazy!! But here goes anyway... I'm putting Jackson down for a nap. Noel: MOM!! Me: What Noel? Noel: My eye hurts. Me: OK. Go look in the mirror and see if you see anything. Get up from putting Jackson down to sleep. Noel: Mom come look at the mirror! (radiant, beaming face) Walk into the bathroom. There is water all over the mirror. Me: What happened??! Noel: I cleaned the mirror. Me: (quick correction in tone) Oh, how nice of you honey. Noel: Yea, I came in and noticed that it just needed a little tidying up. So I washed it for you. Thanks Noel. You are too cute. Noel: Oh and mom, Ty spilt popcorn all over the living room. Sigh.

Made it through March

2011-04-16T14:03:00.003-04:00

We bought a new bed but the box spring was really expensive! So Eric made a platform bed frame (shown without the middle). He did a great job and I love it!

Jackson getting a bath

Ty is very good with his little brother

Baby Jackson

April begins

2011-04-16T13:39:00.008-04:00

Easter/spring clothes from Grandma Ju-Ju were perfect for our first week back in church.

I am glad I got pictures before I got ready because when I came out of the shower Ty was covered from head to toe with raspberry jelly. Awesome.

Jackson is getting more expressive and aware.

This sooo captures it, doesn't it?

They are always so cute when they sleep

Our new bed

Ty trying to breastfeed Jackson as I hurry to get Noel's room vacuumed

We made "dinosaur eggs" as seen on ourbestbites.com

Cool!

Jackson in the hospital

2011-03-11T16:16:00.005-05:00

Jackson comes to our family March 7, 2011 Birth Story

2011-03-07T20:51:00.015-05:00

Sunday my crampy Braxton Hicks returned. They had begun the previous Sunday but stopped completely by Tuesday. Jacks had gone from engaged in my pelvis to floating. At the time I was annoyed; but after Friday, I was praising the Lord's wisdom and timing! How amazing it is that he is so aware of us; even the position of a child in the womb. I got home from visiting Eric Sunday March 6th at about 8pm. While in the hospital, the warm March rain had begun to turn to ice and hail. I made it home safely but was amazed at how quickly everything was being covered in glistening, freezing drops. "This is not good," was my thought. My mom was on her way up from Virginia and was going right through the worst part of the storm - going via Binghamton. My brother and sister-in-laws left with their kids - how amazing they've been during this time!! Chrissy was nervous about leaving me alone, but we were all hopeful my mom would make it safely - and soon. The hail and freezing rain continued through the night. I could hear it beating against the windows. Mom called at 12 midnight - she was stranded (slid off the road - thank goodness for AAA!) and wouldn't be able to proceed until morning. The signs started at 4:30am. I woke up and knew I was having a baby that day. It was a mix of emotional feeling. I was hoping he'd hang in until Wednesday when we were hoping Eric would be released from the hospital. Yet there is an excitement in knowing the baby is coming soon. But I was alone with my kids and the roads were terrible - what if no one could get to me or the storm got worse? But the irony is that the ice storm made it so Chrissy (my sister-in-law) didn't have to work and her kids didn't have school so she left as soon as she could - making amazing time on angel's wings. Then there was the fact that I hadn't decided if I was going to switch hospitals at the last minute to be with Eric or not. I know many would see this as a no-brainer but when you are planning a non-medicated birth, it MATTERS big time. After Chrissy arrived, I felt better just knowing I wasn't by myself. It was still very early in my birth time. Things were coming on gradually and spaced apart nicely. Chrissy believed me but - the only sign I was going through a birth wave was that I swayed my hips. Like I said, it was still early. I was supposed to have my 40 wk check up that morning. So I called and said I wasn't coming in for two reasons. A) nasty weather B) I was having the baby that day anyway. I spoke with my midwife about the situation with the hospital dilemma. She said I would just have to go in to Albany Med strong and knowing my rights. Oh so not what I want to deal with in such a state. Besides the obvious, the last couple of days had been so exhausting. I hadn't slept and had been a bag of extreme emotions. I asked her who was on the floor at St. Mary's and she said it was her. Ultimately that was what swayed me. Margaret is my favorite. She attended Ty's birth and I really like her style. I felt like the worst wife on the planet, but felt reassured that at least we have Skype. I just really didn't want to walk into a hospital and staff to whom I was unfamiliar with and who are not natural childbirth friendly. Not to mention it is a HUGE teaching hospital while St.Mary's in small and intimate (however if you ever had a problem, Albany Med is where you would want to be). I have heard there are a couple OBs who practice there who are excellent with allowing choices during birth, but not only did I not know them, but it was more of the other staff I was worried about. At St. Mary's everyone is on board and excited when a mother wants natural childbirth. It seems to excite everyone. Plus midwives attend the whole birth while OBs are often called in at the very end. My mom arrived around 11am; safe thank Heavens! I felt so bad that she had been through such an ordeal, but I was incredibly grateful to have her arrive! I took a short rest and listened to my Hypnobabies Birthing Day Affirmations track. During that 45 minutes I had 4 birth waves that seemed a little more intense then they had been. I was in a debate about when to leave. Chrissy was a little nervous :) she kept asking me if I was sure I wasn't ready. Love her. I didn't want to arrive at a 10 like with Ty, but I also didn't want to hang around the hospital all day either. But by the time I got Ty "rocked" and put down for a nap, they were strong and frequent enough (about 5 minutes and beyond bad period cramps) that I felt like it was a good time to go over to the hospital. I was still skeptical, but hopefully I was at least a 6. Chrissy kept saying she thought I was further. We arrived some time after 2pm. The staff looked skeptically at me - could I really be in labor? I don't think they thought I was. Every couple of minutes I just got quite. I don't think anyone but Chrissy even noticed (she'd caught on by now). They put me in a room, but covered the bed with a linen until my progress was assessed. I had a heart rate strip done. Then the midwife came in - it was Debbie, not Margaret. This made me a little sad since I hadn't yet met Debbie. She checked me - she took forever. She had a look of confusion and slight disbelief. She looked up at me and said, "Well, you're an 8 with a stretchy cervix and intact (water hadn't broken)." The change was so funny - everyone became much more excited. I was given a saline lock as a precaution since I had hemorrhaged last time. They were able to get it in my forearm instead of my hand which I appreciated. I was given a lovely plastic ID bracelet and then got into the jacuzzi sometime after 3pm. I had been wanting to get into the water all morning but was afraid it would speed things up too quickly. Chrissy hooked up Eric on Skype so the wheelie table with the laptop followed me around. It was like the bionic husband. Anyway, Caroline and Chad had taken their and our kids to see Eric so I got to watch them with him while I relaxed in the tub (I had a tank top on). The birth waves kept coming and were intensifying. I'm not sure how long I was in the water; it was awhile though. It was nice. I did start to get hot so Chrissy, bless her heart, was draping cold wash clothes over me. I part way drained the tub to help cool off, but I knew what the hot meant (hormonal shift) and I knew what was coming so I was a little nervous about getting out. I also noticed my breathing change - although up to this point I still hadn't made any noise which actually surprised me. They were strong enough where it felt hard to breath and I had to focus on getting enough air and not hyperventilating. Finally I had two waves that felt a little pushy. Before things picked up too much, I figured I better get out and dried off. Chrissy helped me since I couldn't dry my legs very well and she got me my other tank top. Then it begun. My least favorite part with this birth - transition. With Ty I had gone through transition at home and it wasn't too bad. I finally thought real labor was starting. Ha! With him it was pushing that almost did me in. With Jackson, it was transition. Holy Moly. I hope I didn't scar Chrissy too much with this experience :) My Ahhhhhs and Ohhhhhhs came uncontrollably and something I'd never felt before. My uterus doubling up at the end - it would feel like the birth wave was going to be over and then - SQUEEZE - my uterus would contract - hard. Oh man! It would push all the air out it was so strong and hard to breath; I could see it pull up on its own. Crazy feeling - so powerful! I also couldn't get comfortable. I was so exhausted from the weekend that standing, which was most comfortable, was not safe. My body was too weak from lack of sleep and too much stress. So I knelt on the bed with the back raised so I could rest but still be up-right. Almost every natural birth reaches a - what the h*** am I doing? Where are my pain meds? And I swear I will NEVER do this again! - moment. This was it for me. The nurses, Chrissy, and Eric lovingly reassured me it would be over very soon and that I was strong and doing great. I was so very tired I couldn't kneel any more. Debbie suggested we break the water so transition would end soon. I consented. I flopped over on my back and just sat in the bed, totally zoned while she broke my water. Then I heard a familiar voice - it was Margaret! She had switched shifts with Deb but when she saw that I had come in, she made her husband bring her over and wait in the car while she went to - as she put it - "catch a baby." I felt re-newed strength from her presence and loved the way she took over. Plus this allowed Debbie to hold the computer so my bionic husband could watch from an angle Chrissy didn't want to see :) I started pushing shortly after. That dang stretchy cervix had a lip hanging on to Jackson's head so Margaret had me lay on my side while she pushed it out of the way. It took a little bit, but he got around it. From this point on, it felt good - I mean not like chocolate cake good - but working with pushing feels so much better than waiting to get the baby down to position. Margaret knew I was tired. She looked up at me and showed me about an inch with her finger. "His head is this far, hun. You can do this no problem. You are almost done." YES! At that point she also told me that some people and equipment from the respiratory department were going to come in and just set up just in case because there was meconium in the water when they broke it (I think my not breathing well had made him go into distress). I pushed and it felt so great to feel the progress, but I was still having a hard time getting a deep breath. Although the nurse was monitoring the heart beat which was hard because my whole hips and uterus were sooo sensitive! They had also but a pulse oximeter on my finger due to my shallow breathing. Can I tell you, that little rubber pulse ox was so annoying for some reason. I ripped it off my finger and threw it - "I can't stand this thing!" is all I remember saying. I was at the last push before he crowned so I don't think they minded too much. No one made me put it back on, thankfully. Then the ring of fire which really isn't as bad as it sounds. Plus then you know the baby is coming NOW! Of course it seemed to last forever. Chrissy said he had a really big cone head that just kept coming and coming. I could tell that something was not right because as I pushed the head out (I didn't wait for a contraction - I was too impatient and powered him out on my own), I noticed his body didn't slide out like it usually does and there seemed to be a lot of people suddenly around him. The nurse started pushing on top of my pelvic area - his shoulder was stuck and his face was purple. They got him out and usually the cord isn't clamped right away and baby is put skin to skin, but he was clamped and rushed over to the corner to the respiratory team. They didn't let me or Eric see him; on purpose I think. Chrissy said he looked... Well, not good. Gratefully he started to breath on his own shortly after. He quickly recovered and started to cry - thank Heavens. I started to shake uncontrollably from the hormone rush, so I didn't mind not being able to hold him at first. They stabilized him and then I told them to go ahead and take his weight and measurements. He was big and you could tell! Jackson Robert was born on March 7, 2011 at 5:37pm and was 8Lbs 10.5oz and 21 inches. That is 1 LBS, 2 inches bigger than Ty and almost 3 LBS, 3 inches bigger than Noel at birth. No wonder my body was working so dang hard to get him out! He is beautiful and I am so grateful for modern technology allowing Eric and I to share the moment even though we couldn't be together. What a crazy last couple of days!! ******PS- I can't believe I forgot this. So what Eric choked on was a piece of chicken nugget. After Jacks was born they had food trays brought to Chrissy and I.... Chicken Tenders. Talk about full circle!!

Sunday Up-date

2011-03-06T12:48:00.002-05:00

We're not out of the woods but we can see the light. Eric and I were both ready to tell the doctor to go ahead with the surgery this morning. But when he and another doctor looked over his most recent chest xray, they said it looked great. His fever is gone. He said he was very encouraged and said he feels that we are on the right track. Yesterday was the scary day because he could have gone either way. It was risky to wait and not do surgery, but the doctor said the longer he did well, the greater the chances he will continue to do well. It something we were stressing over all day and night (at least I was!! Eric was confident in his body's ability to heal - what faith). It seems he was correct. We are still in the Cardiac Pulmonary Surgery Unit and will be for the rest of the day (we are here so he can be monitored constantly as it is very intensive care and any changes will be reported immediately to the doc as opposed to a couple hours if he were on the regular floor). But tomorrow if nothing has changed, he can go upstairs to the "regular" recovery floor. And if things remain good, he can possibly have liquids by mouth by Tuesday! Yea! So we ALL (doctor included) feel very relieved, although we are still being diligent and prayerful since like I said we aren't totally out of the woods YET.

I know there was more but I can't remember what it was... My brain is fuzzy. Jackson is moving around a lot more today. I'm just hoping he hangs in there a couple more days. But gratefully my mom is on her way up, which is SUCH a relief.

Thank you everyone for your prayers, fasts, and well wishes. We can't thank you enough!

Proceed with caution

2011-03-05T18:30:00.002-05:00

This afternoon his blood work was done at 2pm and everything looked great. However, at 4:30 his temperature elevated. It went down but is up again (6:30pm) and now his blood pressure is low - but not scary low 98/50. They are going to send him for another chest xray and the doctor is going to stop by and talk to us again. Will post again when we know more....

Eric Up-date

2011-03-05T13:23:00.002-05:00

Oh my. So we just had a chat with the doc. The CT scan this morning showed air is leaking into his chest cavity. Strictly looking at that, the doc would do surgery right away. However, looking at Eric, he has improved since yesterday. He looks so much better - vitals are good. The doc was telling us that Eric's case is difficult. Usually either the patient is doing well and the scan comes out showing no problems, OR the patient is sick and the CT looks bad. With either case the option of what to do is clear. Eric is somewhere in the middle which makes it hard to know what to do. Now mind you, the surgery is very serious but if the hole doesn't heal he will die. A patient's chance of, well, a positive outcome (aka not dying) is better if the surgery is done within 24-48 hours. However, you will also know within that time if surgery is necessary. As for now he will remain in critical care so that his vitals can be constantly monitored and he basically has a personal nurse keeping an eye on him. IF a problem arises - temp increases, urine output decreases, heart rate drops - the doc can be informed immediately and he can be sent to the OR right away. If by Monday he is still doing well, they will repeat the barium swallow test that would show how well the hole is healing. If it is healing well, he can have liquids and sent to regular care for two more days. That is pretty much what we're hoping for. End of it, he will for surely be in the hospital until Wednesday. From there, it just depends.

I can't say talking to the doctor made me feel better. Actually, I'm pretty sure it made it worse for me. On the one hand, he's looking so good you'd like to think he's doing well and will continue to heal. However, the possibility of a fatal outcome increases with time. Talk about stress. On the one hand, if he heals he could be home by the end of the week with no further problems. If we do surgery, he will be in the hospital for 7 days and will be then have recovery time of ??? at home.

AND at some point Jackson is going to come. We have pretty much come to the conclusion that there is a high chance he will watch the birth via Skype. Unless he heals and comes home and Jackson holds out until the end of the week.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

Esophageal Perforation

2011-03-05T07:54:00.002-05:00

http://nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus//ency/article/000231.htm

Why Eric is in the ICU

2011-03-04T20:11:00.002-05:00

First of all Eric has a condition that has a technical term but basically means he has a small esophagus that get inflamed easily. We discovered this 5 years ago when I graduated college with a big incidence at dinner with my dad and step mom where he got something lodged for the first time.

Well it happened again today. Ironically we were going to go out to lunch and had our amazing friend Jen already over to watch the kids. He knew it was really stuck so we set off to the emergency room at St.Mary's. Since it happened before we went over to ER and were sent over to the GI department where they set him up for an endoscopy - like last time. WELL unlike last time where everything went smoothly and he was out with a "healing purple pill" regiment for a couple days and no solid foods... THIS time he convulsed during the procedure and the instrument pierced his esophagus. So they did a CAT to confirm and sent him over to Albany Med where they have more advanced technology.

There is good and bad news. The tear is contained and is not leaking as of right now so that is good - the bad is that if it leaks it is a huge deal and he will be rushed to surgery to repair it. PRAY we don't have to have surgery because that has a 5 day in hospital stay attached and yes I am "due" Sunday. He is stable and doing much better now. He was really out of it for a while.

So that's that and I am sorry to my dad, Judy, and Glenn and Martha who have been calling. I have to leave to answer the phone and it is a pain to get in and out because of the security.

Eager for his brother to arrive

2011-02-26T07:29:00.002-05:00

Mr. Ty is eager for his brother to arrive. For the last couple of nights, when he is supposed to be tucked into bed, he has been putting the cloth diapers into his bed. When discovered, he repeats over and over, "Baby come home. Baby come home." This morning he was in our bed (he woke up at 5 and the only way to get him back to sleep was with us), the first thing he said when he woke up was, "Baby?" I said, "No baby yet Ty. Soon." To which he said, "Why?" Too cute. We just had a birthday party for his yesterday which I will post pictures for today hopefully. He got lots of dinosaurs and is simply in heaven. As a note to dad and Judy, lately he always wears his Greenbrier Classic hat. He never wants to take it off. Of course it makes his ears flop out which he won't let me fix. I hope his ears don't stay that way! :o)

Ceiling coming in and finally pics of bathroom remodel

2011-02-17T19:56:00.003-05:00

Mom - sorry it has taken me so long to post these pics. They are not the best. I didn't stage the bathroom - as you can tell! But in a nesting urge wanted it done :) There is now a closet behind the door although I thought you really didn't need a pic of all my bathroom stuff.

And here is when our ceiling started leaking from all the ice build up. Eric went to cut through the sheetrock and it all fell - then they had to try to get the kitty litter consistency-old fashion insulation and water down before the rest of it fell on their heads. Totally gross. AND there will be a hole there until spring when the outside of the house is dry enough to seal. Good thing my friends love me and forgive my ghetto money pit!

Lots of Snow

2011-02-17T19:48:00.004-05:00

These are from about a month ago, but I am trying to get the photos off the camera faster! We had SOOO much snow (more from the last snow pics). Every couple of days we'd have another snow storm. Of course, the crazy weather ended in an ice storm which made everything into solid ice - YUCK. We are just now being able to chip the 5 inch thick ice from the driveway! I have been so worried about falling. Even with Ice Melt, it has been so cold up until recently and it was so thick, it just didn't want to melt!

I can't believe my belly is this large

2011-01-26T10:24:00.001-05:00

34 weeks pregnant

Baby Jacks Up-date

2011-01-20T20:01:00.003-05:00

I had a midwife appointment on the 17th with a 33 week "check-up" ultrasound. Fluid levels are good. He is head down, rear facing, legs crossed (criss-cross apple sauce its called now) ready to go. We didn't get any pictures because all you could see is the back of his head and a slight profile. I wouldn't mind if he came just a smidgen early because they guess (and really they can be way off. I am not particularly impressed with this ultrasound tech anyway) he is 5LBS already. Um I am NOT having a 9 LBS baby. I don't think my hips would be too happy about that. But like I said, this is the same tech who was convinced (we even talked about it this time) that I had an amniotic band. Of course when I had the level 2 at a different location, neither the tech nor the OB could find anything that could even be mistaken for a band. Anyway, I digress. The midwife said his heart rate is very strong and increases when he moves as it should. He was moving like crazy while she was holding the Doppler which was really funny to watch. My whole belly was moving like something was trying to escape. He moves so differently than my other babies. Noel and Ty by this point mostly rolled. You would feel the roll to one side and the other. Sometimes a kick to the rib or a punch to the hip. But Jackson.... He likes to stretch and does it frequently. It feels so odd as his feet hit just above where my ribs start on the left, and his arms will push on my lower right hip. It doesn't hurt... Yet. We'll see how it feels when he gets a little longer!!

Photo blitz

2011-01-20T12:39:00.012-05:00

Early November

Noel's Birthday Cake - as requested by Noel. I was so grateful to my father-in-law for putting the finishing touches on for me - I plain ran out of time! He did the roses and the white ruffles around the base. It is hard to make a cake too early (although I did start two days in advanced) when the threat of little poking fingers is constant.

Kids playing in Noel's room. Who needs anything but toys to make it a party?

I embroidered this apron for her. I was pretty proud.

On her actual birthday we had a small dinner - her request was spinach quiche with a carrot cake. Happy 4th Birthday baby girl!

I just thought this was a cute pic of Ty

He wanted to show me a trick..... "Look mom!"

Hehehehehe

Noel and Ty play well together most of the time

Christmas was busy as usual. This was from the Fichtner Family Christmas Party

We went to my Aunt's for Christmas Eve dinner. It was a very nice evening.

Do we have pictures from Christmas? Of course not (!!!!). I didn't realize we video taped everything, but didn't take any pictures. But we had a nice morning of gift followed by a brunch with Chad, Caroline and their boys, and Eric's dad. That evening we went with Chrissy to her sister-in-laws and had MORE yummy food and another wonderful evening.

We ventured south after Christmas. We spent and few days and up to New Years Eve in Richmond with our friends the Crosby's, then traveled on New Years Day to my dad & step-mom's house.

This is my Grandmother Harris, the kid's Great-grandmother.

This is Grandma Ju-Ju

Although Ty didn't want to sit still, I was grateful to get this picture. They say I look like a Harris - ya think?

Dad and Judy treated us to a wonderful dinner at the Lewisburg Airport. What you say? The airport? Secret is, there is a little restaurant at the airport that makes THE most amazing steaks. Oh my, Eric and I drool just thinking of them.

Lots of driving.... Some handled it better than others....

We only got a couple of days at Grandma Aimee's. The kids were so over tired, they actually wouldn't stop crying for hardly anything, so we ended up cutting our vacation short. I was really disappointed. But when we got home and Noel still hadn't normalised after a week, I took her to the doctor - sinus AND ear infections. Ahhh, that explains a lot.

Sorry mom the other picture is better but it was fuzzy (thank you camera).

Playing in our most recent snow storm from last week. It just keeps snowing and snowing and snowing....

Cute snow outfits from Grandma Ju-Ju

5 Little Snow Flakes

2011-01-20T10:56:00.003-05:00

I have this website I really love, dltk-kids. We printed off 5 snow flakes and a sun to color. Then cut them out and put straws on the back to make it so the kids could hold them up. We then sang the song on the craft page about 5 little snowflakes. The kids loved it! I tried to take pictures but my camera won't focus. Is anything electronic meant to last these days???!! Anywho, I will TRY TRY TRY to do a catch up photo post very soon... maybe even nap time if I can persuade Noel to give me a little space.

Here is the link to that page if anyone wants an easy and fun preschool winter activity:

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/winter/m5snowflakes.htm

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T15:51:00.004-04:00

What a weekend! Between the Eddie on Friday, Trunk-or-Treat at the church Saturday night, and dinner and trick-or-treating Sunday - we not only have way more candy than we need (athough the kids only get a sandwich size bag. Gratefully they don't know the difference), but we are beat! It sure was a fun celebration though.

We did some fun crafts. Here are our CD pumpkins (yes finally something to do with all those CD-R that recorded wrong and are useless!)

Noel made the face on the ghost... In case you couldn't guess. I cut out eyes and a mouth for her, but it was far too plain with just that!

The crew. I am taking the pic. Caroline and I opted out of the photo. We went as Moms.

Trick-or-treat at the senior center

2010-10-29T19:19:00.003-04:00

Baby News

2010-10-27T12:00:00.003-04:00

At my appointment on Monday everything looked good from the ultrasound except the tech (or dr who wrote the report - not sure which) said their was a small amniotic band. This news wasn't particularly disturbing, but I am eager to get my level 2 (3D) ultrasound to check things out more clearly. An amniotic band is a big deal, but is often misdiagnosed when a band is "found" before problems are present (as they are extremely hard to see). In other words, usually the ultrasound shows growth restriction or missing or odd sized body parts that are later linked to amniotic band when the level 2 is done. Basically what the band is, is like a string floating around in the amniotic sac (sometime attached to the side, sometimes not). They can entangle themselves on digits, limbs, etc. This can cause major deformities as the child keeps growing but the string does not. My level 2 is scheduled for the 4th and we are very hopeful that all will be well.

After much contemplation, we THINK we've found his name - Jackson Rian.

Noel wanted her picture too.

Late October Fun

2010-10-27T11:43:00.005-04:00

When arriving at Chrissy's house, Jake - the kid's cousin who is just older than Ty, had passed out on the couch. Ty, who loves Jake, decided to join him until he woke up to play.

Last Saturday we went to the Great Escape for Fright Fest. They had trick-or-treating for the children. Here is our favorite Cinderella. She is by far the best and NEVER gets out of character. We think she's great.

Ty's Halloween costume is actually a skunk, but not wanting to carry a skunk and pooh bear costume around, he went in his doggie sweatsuit.

The Big Rigs are Noel and Ty's favorite ride. It is so funny because there are all sorts of amazing kids rides, but the tride and true classic truck ride is their favorite (I mean, don't you all remember going on this ride as a kid?)

We made bats today for craft time. I am trying to have at least two days a week where Noel and I work on her pencil skills and then we do a craft. Today we did a family of bats using our hands as their wings! Noel did great and Ty was a terror as usual (craft time is very challenging with him). Over all it was really fun.

October Madness

2010-10-15T18:08:00.009-04:00

I love October. We had General Conference, Stake Conference, the Crosby family come to visit, AND we found out we're having a boy!!! We weren't going to find out, but I was suddenly hit with the feeling like - I HAVE TO KNOW. Plus I noticed he was a he when they were measuring the femur bones anyway. We struggle with names so we're trying to come up with ones we like (at least there are some we like this time!) and pray about it as we go. We like Ryan, Dawson, and Ashton so far. We're open for suggestions. I'll do my best with the ultrasound pics - for Ty's ultra sound they put on a CD which was so nice for blogging. But this time we just have pictures. He is very active - the most active baby so far. I feel him moving all the time. He was doing flips while she was doing the ultrasound. It was so fun to watch him stretch out his legs and arms, and arch his back - like doing a back hand spring.

The head is on the right side. You can see where the eyes sockets are, he is looking at the "camera".

We also had our dear friends visit from Richmond. We had such a good time. When they left, it was like that feeling after Christmas when all the fun is over. We just love having them visit!

We took them apple picking on the only day it wasn't raining. NY had an early frost so most of the apple crop was ruined. But we managed to find some. We had to climb on ladders to do so!

Kase found a HUGE apple!

The kids were so good.

There was one afternoon that it didn't rain. We went to the play ground for all of 5 minutes before Eric started ushering us home (pilots don't predict weather, they read it as it comes!)- and it started to pour so we had to r-u-n!

We also went to the State Museum. I love this picture!

A little R&R after the company left. We re-arranged our living room. I'll have to get pics of that.

The following weekend we had apple picking with a group from church. We tried to get a good family picture... The kids were less than cooperative but you get the idea.

Two Temples

2010-09-07T20:02:00.000-04:00

Two Temples

A builder builded a temple,
He wrought it with grace and skill,
Pillars and groins and arches
All fashioned to work his will,
And men said as they saw its beauty,
“It never shall know decay,
Great is thy skill, O builder!
Thy fame shall endure for age.”

A mother builded a temple
With infinite loving care,
Planning each arch with patience,
Laying each stone with prayer.
None praised her unceasing efforts,
None knew of her wondrous plan,
For the temple the mother builded
Was unseen by the eye of man.

Gone is the builder’s temple
Crumbled into the dust:
Low lies each stately pillar
Food for consuming rust.
But the temple the mother builded
Will last while the ages roll,
For that beautiful unseen temple
Was a child’s immortal soul.
--Hattie Vose Hall

Fichtner Baby 3 is on its way

2010-08-17T10:04:00.001-04:00

We are expecting our third little love. I am due early March - I am 11 weeks. Yea!

Random Updates

2010-08-11T19:53:00.009-04:00

Start from June....

Having a game of "tip over Ty" They thought it was the greatest thing ever.

Eric's Birthday (we surprised him)

And gave him food...

Cheese Balls and Star Crunch, who needs anything else?

We went to The Crossings and there was a huge farmer's market so we played and then ate yummy berries!

Our friends Ethan and Sarah

Ty's First summer fresh corn on the cobb - picked, sold, and eaten in 1 day

On rainy days we build forts and watch Wishbone (old pbs show)

Their cousin Jake turned 2 and had a really fun birthday party with face painting!!

Ty, Uncle Chad, Jake, Alex, Kris (Eric was working)

Our garden is doing really well this year!!

We even have sugar pumpkins

Last Sunday before church. Cuties pies. Ty is in nursery now. He looks so big! Thanks for the clothes Heidi. Noel likes having her hair in a French braid now. Its fancy :)

Cloth Diapering - Bum Genius 3.0

2010-05-07T20:16:00.019-04:00

Adventures in Cloth Diapering!
So as some of you may know I have been cloth diapering Ty since August 2009. My journey began when my friend Sarah was getting new diaper wraps (she loves Thirsties). Her hubby was giving her grief about needing a bigger size and how much they were going to cost (bla bla bla ;^). Well I did the math and with her using covers with gerber liners, she would pay them off in less than 2 months (that is in compared with disposables). That is when I became curious.

When you start to research cloth diapering, it is like a whole world you never knew about. There are SOOO many different kinds of diapers and fabrics and cute little names... It is totally over-whelming. I started with G Diapers using cloth inserts I made instead of the flushable liners. They were cost friendly and I got a really great discount on them. BUT I just didn't love them. The had too many steps - the cute outer layer had to (with difficulty) be snapped away from the water proof inner layer and then their was the insert which slipped down when it got wet and he often pooped on the water proof layer and I'd have to change the whole thing anyway... AND Ty seemed bothered by the fit and thus I went back to the drawling board. (However I do keep them in my emergency kit since you could stuff nearly anything in there in an emergency)

On some website I saw someone talking about pocket and all in one diapers (all in one means the absorbent part is stitched together with the water proof part. Problem is the take forever to dry and most PUL water proof fabric is NOT dryer friendly), comparing them to disposables as far as their use. That is when I found the Bum Genius 3.0 pocket diaper. There were other similar diapers, but that is what I ended up going with. I LOVE THEM. They do take some special care and so I will go over that in this post. But here is a picture of one (remember this diaper is 10 months old and it still looks new... well except the Velcro is slightly frayed but hey). I have 21 because it was a buy 6 get one free, so I bought 18 and got 3 free. It is enough for me. 24 would be better probably, but this way I have 3 of every color (minus girly colors) and well.... :)

I love blue but also have light blue, light yellow, light green, white, dark green, and dark yellow.

They go on just like a disposable. The Velcro tabs come around and meet the front to fit to your child. When not in use, they should be attached to the laundry tabs so they don't get stuck to each other and cause unnecessary wear. Some diapers have snaps. This appeals to me because like I said, mine would look new except the Velcro. But honestly, kids are so wiggly - Velcro is just fast. Doesn't it look so soft? It is :)
The back has a flap or pocket. This is where the absorbing liners are inserted.

Right now Ty is in size large meaning I have all the snaps un-snapped. I use both the regular liner and the newborn insert since he is going through a phase where he HATES having his diaper changed. The longer I can go the better. And we go at least 4 hours without a problem. Sometimes a bit longer. You could add more and go over night. I cheat and use disposables over night.

The Bucket

First thing is first after you buy diapers. You need somewhere to keep the soiled ones! I use a plastic 5 gallon bucket I had been wanting to use for food storage for 3 years but never had gotten around to using it. I bought it at Macy's grocery store when I lived in Utah (got the lid there too) I think you can get these buckets at Home Depot or Lowes too. I even had a special lid for it called the Gamma Seal lid.(http://www.gamma2.net/new/GSL.html) As it is advertised on their site, it turns your bucket into an air tight container! Handy for food, but also for things that stink like diapers (and oh my you have no idea - pew!) They even come in a rainbow of colors. Mine just happened to be white.

Storage

Cloth diapers take up more space then disposables (but they are so much cuter!). I store mine in a dresser. It happen to come with the house and I actually hate it - I think it is so ugly - but I have two drawers for diapers, a drawer for wipes, and other drawers for other stuff that I don't have closet space for :)

Care
You may at this point be asking yourself, "OK so I see that when baby pees you just take out the liners and throw the whole thing in the bucket. But what about #2..." First of all let's be honest. Poo is gross and it stinks but it is a part of life for anyone who eats. These diapers are made of a fabric called micro fleece (different then the stuff you get at Joann's). For regular poop, it will actually just fall off into the toilet (some times helped along a little by some toilet paper or I've heard of people using a spatula, but I figure I can throw the toilet paper in with it -easy). For the times when there is what I affectionately refer to as "goo-poo" more extreme measures may be necessary. Get a spray hose for ypur toilet. You won't regret it! My hubby made ours.

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you DO NOT store Bum Genius in a bucket filled with water. It is OK if the diapers are wet from a spray hose or being rinsed or whatever, but think about it. If you fill your bucket with water, now all your diapers are soaking in poopy water. Nasty. Not to mention you have to deal with that water. I have heard this creates smells in the diapers too. Just pile the diapers in. No need for anything else.

Bucket is full time for washing...

Washing

NOTE: Remember the need for a sealed lid? Don't breath through your nose while transferring your diapers to the washer. It is just a bad idea. Ammonia is a very powerful smell and I don't want to feel responsible for anyone passing out. Also, rinse your bucket in hot water with a little soap in the tub. Then dry with a cloth.

First soak you diapers in cold water. I am lucky, my machine has a setting for this. You can add 1 tsp diaper friendly detergent. Other detergents can void your warranty and even "earth friendly" detergents can have oils and perfumes in them (or like ALL free and clear - whiteners - you don't want those they will ruin your PUL and cause leaking). So I know I have the 1/2 tsp in the picture - my 1 tsp fell behind the washer. If you don't have a soak setting, start your machine for a cold wash, stop it after it is full of water, and let it sit for about 1 to 2 hours. The let it finish the cycle.

HOT wash. Next you will run a hot wash. This is soooo important because it is the hot water that KILLS the germs and bacteria that create smell. Don't forget to add 1 tsp detergent (or a little less). Also about once every 3 weeks, throw in some NON-chlorine bleach. This will help whiten and help with any lingering smell. If you can add a rise cycle, do it. You want all the soap to be rinsed out (that is also why it is important not to add too much soap and use the right kind of soap). NEVER use fabric softener.

Drying

Once the diapers are washed, you have to air dry the covers - no dryer for them. I hang mine very "chic-ly" on the posts of my dining room chairs (we are so fancy). This is of course because mine come out almost dry anyway. If yours come out very wet, I don't suggest this. Hang them some where like the bathroom or some ladies like to hang them out on the clothes line to dry. Whatever works for you. I throw my liners in the dryer and dry on high heat until they are entirely dry. NO fabric softener sheets. Fabric softener, FYI, reduces a fabric's ability to wick moisture. Anywho, if the inserts are damp when you stuff them, you may have issues with smell - bacteria grows in moisture.

Stuffing

Put the kids to bed. Turn on your favorite TV show or movie. Stuff diapers.

There is cloth diapering in a nut shell (ok, a really big nut shell). If you have any other questions, let me know.

Cloth diaper bum!

By the way, you get into cloth diapering and you will find yourself wondering where else you can save money. I recently made myself cloth pads. They are great - so breathable and very comfy. I will have a post about that another time. I have diapers to stuff.

EASTER - Finally!!!

2010-05-07T13:33:00.009-04:00

Our first Easter egg hunt was with some friends the Tuesday before. Here is Ty with his buddies.

On Saturday we had the big family brunch and egg hunt. We all had a blast. Even Ty hunted for eggs. The weather could not have been more perfect! Which of course in NY you never know what you're going to get. Last year was freezing. The year before that it was raining, so we were super blessed to have temps in the 80's!

EASTER MORNING!!! I realized we only got this one picture because we did a video with the camera... BUT I am not posting that because, well, I realized I am in my PJs which wouldn't be a big deal really (I do take out the trash in my lounge clothes) but I get up from the table and I realize I am not wearing shorts (it was hot remember?). Trust me, y'all don't need to see that!

Pretty Easter/spring time dress. So cute. Of course Ty was cute too in a light blue button-up shirt and tan pants. Do I have a picture of him? Of course not. *sigh* Sorry Ty, sister stole the show.

Ode to the Lady, the Princess

2010-05-07T13:10:00.006-04:00

Noel's Idols:

Facncy Nancy

Cinderella

and Maria from The Sound of Music

This little girl loves to be girly and is very sure that she is a princess. I love watching her wear all sorts of fun costumes. I can't wait to uncover my dress-up box out in the shed. It will make lugging it around for 6+ year totally worth it!!

Tomorrow

2010-05-06T22:40:00.001-04:00

I have stayed up too late as it is. Easter will be posted tomorrow as well as a tribute to my little lady and her Fancy Nancy style.

Ty's First Hair Cut

2010-05-06T21:51:00.005-04:00

Before: One of 3 very long "Who Hairs" - the only surviving hairs since his birth.

I love the disgruntled look on his face in the pic above. It is funny to me. "What is this?? And why do I have to hold still??"

After: All even... At least mostly :)

A few Random things...

2010-05-06T21:36:00.004-04:00

We now own a van instead of a SUV. We LOVE it. We got a good deal too. We had to go to NJ to get it, but hey it was worth saving - oh 4K. We sold our Suzuki on Craigslist. The guy picked it up the same day we brought this home. It worked out perfectly. It even seats 8. That may seem like over kill to some but believe me I have already used all 8 seats several times. Keep in mind we have family near by and we often have each other's children. It has higher miles, but hey it's a Honda. It is even *blue* :^) Well, technically they call it grey-blue, but hey it is my favorite color just the same.

Eric also put up some cabinets to make up for the lost space when we put in the dishwasher. They go so well with the kitchen. It is nice to have a little more cabinet space. Ty helped. That is his toy hammer in the picture below.

*the white book case is gone now so it isn't as cramped.

Catching up... Ty's Birthday

2010-05-06T21:26:00.003-04:00

Oh what it is to be 3...

2010-03-26T17:43:00.003-04:00

So I know I have gobs of pictures to download off of my camera, but for now I have to share the following. Noel's current goal in life is to be a ballerina princess. She wears this outfit at every opportunity including grocery shopping. Why do I let her? Why not. You're only 3 once.

New addition to the house...

2010-02-22T07:42:00.004-05:00

The other day I got to a point I didn't think I'd ever get to living in this house. I got SO SICK of washing and putting away dishes A-L-L D-A-Y L-O-N-G that I was willing to sacrifice my largest cabinet for.... You got it babe - A DISHWASHER!

I'm very grateful to have a handy husband... Good-bye space for pots, pans, baking dishes, silverware drawer, and plastic storage containers. We'll figure out what to do with you later!

It also helps that my father-in-law was/is an electrician... Eric did a good job matching the new little cabinet with the rest, don't you think?

Voila! We even in typical Fichtner fashion got a GREAT deal on in. In fact, that is what pushed me to it. We were walking around Sears and they had all their last year's models for 50% off. Deals like that make me giddy. Especially with tax returns making it all possible... Ahhhh..... I LOVE it and feel so grateful for the extra time it gives me in my day to do what I love -

play with my babies!

My Little Ty Russell

2010-02-19T19:54:00.011-05:00

Is 1 year old today! Happy Birthday!!

1 day old... mommy loves to kiss the softest skin lips have ever felt

1 month everything is so new, not sure what to think yet

2 months bald little man discovers he has hands!

3 months learns his fingers make him feel calm when mommy's not there

4 months learns to sit up and grab things to play with

5 months discovers toes

6 months discovers his inner Happy

7 months realizes that he's a pretty cool dude

8 months old and can manuver around all on my own - wooohoo!

9 months wants to feel the wind outside

10 months discovers he can squirm away from sister's grasp... And further discovers Happy self

11 months loves to walk with the help of the play house and anyone who will hold my hand!

... And try to convince mommy with my cute smile that I'm not trying to eat her slipper...

.... And further discover Happy self

... And that he is still - A Cool Dude.

I love you sweet baby Ty! You are my happy and sweet baby. You are so good. You are a joy and pleasure in my life. I knew I loved you forever from the moment I felt your little body on my chest and you looked up at me and I at you... Love in an instant. Happy Birthday.

Getting back on track

2010-02-04T12:28:00.002-05:00

This week has been a little crazy. We are in transition time and it just throws off my day. Ty is sooo tired in the morning, but will only take one nap now. I try to keep him up, but it only results in a whinny crying baby. Which then Noel tries to compete with. No fun. So he naps in the morning and then not in the afternoon - and Noel is phasing out a nap all together. I was just so used to our routine - and now I don't know what to think! I feel all mixed up and without a plan. The kids are good kids, I just don't know what to expect in the day. I feel like I'm floating as far as, what are we accomplishing today? At least before it was up around 6:30/7, Ty nap by 9, mom showers while Noel watches tv, go out or play at home, lunch between 11:30 and noon, nap for Ty 12:30, nap/rest for Noel 1, exercise time for mom, kids up around 2/3, play at the house, dinner at 5/5:30, PJs, and bed by 6:30/7. There were things to count on - now I feel like, who knows what's next? Anyway, I know it seems silly. I guess I like predictability. We started attending some fun activities at the library on Tuesday mornings. I should see what else they have going on during the week. I want to start pre-school with Noel (www.letteroftheweek.com) I just have to get organized. Which involves times without interruptions. *sigh*
What are some of the things you do with your kids to keep your days organized?

New phones today! But a bone to pick with Verizon

2010-01-28T16:01:00.005-05:00

So when we decided to get new phones since our 2 year contract is up, I really got my heart set on this....

It is purple and oh so sleek! But unfortunately in order to have it, you have to pay an extra $40/mo for a data package. Since I am by far not that cool, I ended up with this....

Now, it is still in Flamingo Red and is very comfy to the ear. Plus it slides out to text. Best of all they (Eric's too) were free and do not require any extra cash to use. I must say, I was steamin' mad when I found out about all this from Verizon. We have Verizon because they have the best coverage and with Eric's job, that is a must. Plus almost everyone we know is on Verizon - which means free in calling. But come on!! Like their plans don't already cost A FORTUNE. Their 3G phones require a data package, no more pay as you use. Stupid Verizon. But over all I am happy... Even if my phone isn't purple. Or blue. Or green. Red is nice still.

Thoughts about weight in winter

2010-01-27T17:12:00.006-05:00

"Scarlett, you dun had a baby. You ain' never goin' be no 19 inches ev'r again." sigh...

Why does my belly still look 5 months pregnant? I think maybe because it was a year ago stretched beyond reason, again. Maybe because I enjoy Shelly's oatmeal fudge cookies too much... Maybe because running in place in my living room (yes laugh it up) on the Wii for 30 minutes isn't the same as real running... Maybe it doesn't matter because I have two beautiful children, even if my former perky little belly button now resembles Lost World Caverns. Maybe I am too content with where I am to do much about it. Just a thought... :)

A long week, but a good week

2010-01-14T13:58:00.005-05:00

Natalie, you are right I should blog more often. So here is a post for this week.
So this week was long. It started with a sweet and sour weekend, followed by a Monday I'd like to forget. Eric went to work Monday morning and just got home late last night - Thursday. But it was a good week for growth, mostly for me. I have two good recipes I'll post for you, too. Anyway, so we posted a poster that says, "Our home is a happy home" and has the following rules: 1) Be nice (smiling sun) 2) share (toy truck) 3) Listen to mom and dad (cartoon person with a large ear) 4) Mom and dad listen to the children (dad walking with a daughter) 5) Help each other (table place setting) 6) Love one another as Jesus loves you (heart in hands, picture of Jesus). Taking the wonderful advice and reminders from www.askingjane.blogspot.com, I strove to be ALWAYS kind and patient with Noel, no matter how snudy or stubborn . It has worked. I am so glad to have Eric home this morning. I love what I do, but I am hoping to have some time to myself this weekend. Just a little :^)
OK so the recipes - one is a crock pot which was so easy. It is a red beans and rice recipe from my friend's blog with a corn pudding from Paula Dean (modified) which is so creamy and yummy. Saturday night I made the corn pudding and assembled everything but the water in the crock pot and put it in the fridge. Sunday morning, I poured in the water to the crock pot and set it on high for 5 hours so it was almost done when we got home from church (the house smelt AMAZING!). An hour before we ate, I threw in the corn pudding ans started the rice. Yum Yum. The other recipe came when on Monday night I wanted something fast like pancakes, but wanted to incorporate some vegetable. Thus, pumpkin pancakes.

http://cookyourheartout.blogspot.com/2010/01/easy-and-cheap-whats-not-to-love.html

http://cookyourheartout.blogspot.com/2010/01/hard-day-turn-simple-treat-into-serving.html

Prayers for a little man

2010-01-10T15:33:00.003-05:00

I am asking anyone who happens to read this to say a prayer this week for Alex Clayton. If you are unfamiliar with an infant's head, the top of the skull is supposed to have "floating" plates that fuse as the child becomes older. This allows for birth and the rapid growth of the brain during the first 1-2 years of life. Little Alex (7 months) had his plates fuse prematurely. He will be going in for surgery this week. The doctors will have to remove parts of his skull to allow for his brain to grow properly. As you might imagine, this will be a painful recovery. This family also lost their previous child shortly after birth, so I'm sure it is a very tense and anxious time for them. Prayers on their behalf would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, and God bless.

OK the rest of those holiday photos...

2010-01-08T21:17:00.006-05:00

My dad and Judy's house has the most beautiful view. One morning the fog was rolling through and it was just breath taking... Of course my camera skills are not. Oh well.

Dad (Papa Harris) and Noel

Judy (Grandma Ju ju) and Ty

Me and Ty

Myself and the kids at the Greenbrier. We had a great day. We went for a sleight ride, walked around the shops, ate cookies at tea time (actually Noel at too many and threw up that night... alas..). Oh and no she didn't blink. This is the "I don't want to smile at the camera" face. She's been making that face since, oh birth.

I bribed her with candy to smile. It worked!!

Ty got a ball for Christmas. He likes to kick it around.

Christmas tree at my mom's. These are not in the right order, but you'll get the over all feel of Christmas :)

Santa brough Noel her own sunglasses
Ty's a cool dude.... In his sister's sunglasses....

Hamilton is also a cool dude...

Christmas at dad and Judy's with Hammer and Katie

(My) Dad and the kids. There is Noel's un-smile again. Silly girl.

Christmas with the Harris Family

2009-12-28T20:20:00.004-05:00

The kids and I spent the week of Christmas with my dad and step-mom. We really enjoyed ourselves. I'll up-load more photos later, this is all for now. Katie, my step-sister, just got back from her first semester at college. Ham graduated Virginia Military Institute (with distinction) in May and is now active military. He will be stationed in Germany for 3 years. We are hoping to go visit.

On vacation and snow in the south!

2009-12-19T08:42:00.005-05:00

We left NY on the 10th for our very long Christmas vacation. We stopped for the night at Chad and Caroline's. It was so nice to see them. Then we ventured on our way - stopping at Chick-Fillet since we don't have them in NY and we love their chicken - to let the kids eat and play at their play place. We arrived at the Crosby's not too late in the day. We had a nice dinner with them and the missionaries. Eric had to leave the following day, and it was that day that the kids started to come down with a wicked cold. We loved playing with the Crosby's. It was so warm, we went on a walk with only sweatshirts!! We stayed with them until the 15th when I made the night time 3 hour drive to my mom's. Noel's eye was so nasty, I wasn't sure if I should take her to the doctor... When we went into a store, people looked at me like I beat my child as her eye looked like she had a big shiner. Anyway, but with some cold medicine that of course she isn't supposed to have but I gave to her anyway, it cleared up. I think she had a plugged tear duct and her eye was really irritated from rubbing it and the goob getting in it. So anyway, Ty was just mostly the runny nose man. Poor kid couldn't sleep - his nose would just dry over with boogers and he'd cry and cry, and cough on congestion. Poor little guy (and mom who had to hold him to comfort him every hour all through the night for 5 nights). SOOO then Eric came back from work on Thursday night. Boy was I glad to see him! Friday they were calling for a storm. We had to go out anyway. Kroger, the local grocery store, was a MAD HOUSE as you might imagine. The snow didn't start until after noon. But when it started - oh my - it fell fast! It was so beautiful! I was feeling very blue after a week of no sleep due to the kids being sick and everything was so.... brown... To see the snow was just so wonderful! By the time we got the kids to bed we had a good foot of snow. Eric and I were supposed to get out on a date. Undeterred we went anyway. We had a blast! VA isn't very efficient at snow removal. It was the first time we actually had to drive continuously in 4x4. I told Eric, children sled, adults 4x4. The people at Target looked at us like we were crazy. Well, maybe we were, but we didn't have any problems. Eric is an expert at snow driving - if you've ever been to his childhood home you'd totally understand. This morning however - holy cow! It us up to 18 inches! They haven't even bothered to plow my mom's road. Everyone is literally snowed in! It is so exciting because this never happens in NY. NY is very efficient at snow removal. Even if we have a huge blizzard, you can bet the roads will be clear by noon. Ice is the only thing that brings NY to a halt. Anyway, enough from me. Enjoy the pictures!!! We love you all our friends and family and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!

Noel wanted a picture with Santa when we went to Walmart (free Santa pics! Thanks Walmart!) But then she decided she was afraid of him.
Noel and Ty getting ready for our trip

Jake and Noel at Chad and Caroline's

Nicholas

Noel and Marika at the Crosby's. They never both smile at the same time and the pic where they were almost both looking happily at the camera, Noel had her foot up in front of the camera.. Go figure!

Ty and Corbin. They are just so cute together.

At the Crosby's writing letters to Santa. Noel wants a Princess toothbrush like Marika.

Snow at Roanoke VA Friday evening....

Noel didn't want to nap (erg) but fell asleep on Eric at 4pm.
Roanoke VA Saturday morning!

Mom's back yard table

"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. So since we've no play to go, let it snow,let it snow, let it snow..."

November 2009

2009-12-04T22:07:00.011-05:00

We raked leaves and had fun doing it!

Noel liked to drag Ty, who at the begining of November couldn't crawl very quickly, accross the wood floor. He would squeel and laugh like it was the greatest time. Until she'd let go and he'd flop on his face. Then she'd pick him up again and he'd sqeel with laughter, then cry - over and over.

We borrowed a bouncy house for Noel's party and set it up in the gym at our church. We had kettle popcorn and fried bread, "fishing", bowling, and a bean bag toss. Plus coloring on the bean bag toss board but that wasn't planned :) Not to mention, RAINBOW cupcakes which made me so happy!

Thanksgiving at the Jones' House - YUMMY!

Me and Noel having a great day.

Ty is getting more stable on his feet. He holds on with only one hand! Time goes so fast...

October 2009

2009-11-03T19:38:00.008-05:00

We has such a wonderful October. The colors this year were awesome, and they stuck around all month. It was colder than normal, but hey you can't have it all right? Here are some random pics from this month.

These are some sugar cookies I made to celebrate the season.

Ty just learning to move and scoot.

Carving pumpkins with the cousins before Marie and Brian's joint birthday party.

Noel's pumpkin is the little one with the baby face... I helped. Ok so I did most of it. She didn't seems to have much interest. I had a blast.

Ty likes to sit with me while I cook. We had some little potatoes that grew out of our compost that he was playing with. He threw one and I couldn't figure out where in the world it went! Well, when I was switching over the laundry, I found a mighty clean baby potato in the washing machine.

Our tenants came into some money and decided they wanted Eric to take them up in a general aviation plane. So we flew out of Glens Falls, went to Burlington, had lunch, and few home. It was wonderful! It was the first whole day for both of us without either of our children (well since Ty was born). We missed them, but it was a nice break!

Marie, Noel and Ty on Halloween before dinner. We got our ideas from www.ourbestbites.com which our friend Kate and her friend Sarah started. It is totally awesome. We had Candy Corn Pizza (use mozzarella and cheddar to make it look like candy corn), and Mummy Dogs which were hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls with mustard eyes. Anyway, Noel just looks so big to me in this picture.

Ty is so silly.

Noel went as Raggedy Ann. She was SOOO cute! I wish she'd smile at the camera for once. In this picture I had forgotten to draw on her triangle nose. I actually wore this costume (from a life size doll) when I was her age too.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Funny ha-has

2009-10-07T15:58:00.002-04:00

So many of you wonderful ladies are good about posting funny things your kids say. I am not good at this but I want to be better.

So we have been trying the potty training thing without any success. I started cold turkey and ended up (Wendy you witnessed) MAJOR temper tantrums that stopped when I stopped with the pressure to pee-pee in the potty. Typical with Noel, she must decide she wants to and no one on this planet is going to force her otherwise.

Since then I rememind Noel almost daily that she can (she is able since she'll do it if she feel like she wants a treat) to pee-pee in the potty and wear big girl undies. Well this morning Eric said, "You know Noel, you really need to poo-poo and pee in the potty" to which she replied, "Me know dad! Mommy tells me that too." Like DUGH DAD where were you?! with typical Noel look that she's given since birth to people she finds to be reduiculas. Well, at least I know she knows.... :^)

Last September photos and into October

2009-10-06T21:24:00.003-04:00

Ty is almost crawling. Any day now. My how the times goes by...

Mom and Ty

Out for a walk

Noel is a wonderful big sister.

Last of the Crosby Pictures

2009-10-06T21:21:00.003-04:00

All snuggled up on the couch
The girls...

So fun. Noel asked the other day if Kase and Marika could come over to play... I told her we'd take a trip to see them soon!

At the Falls

2009-10-06T21:18:00.002-04:00

We had so much fun. It was such a treat to have our friends visit.

Our for a walk to the falls

2009-10-06T20:55:00.005-04:00

On the way, the kids found a hill to roll down. Well, the girls kind of rolled...
Kind of twirl-scooted.

Heidi and Josh Visit!!

2009-10-06T20:49:00.004-04:00

We went to a farm and picked raspberries - yum yum!!

Where to start?

2009-10-06T20:33:00.006-04:00

I downloaded the pictures from our camera and realized it has been a long time since I last did that! So there will be LOSTS of pictures coming your way!! September was a great month. Our friends from Utah who now live in Virginia came up and we had a BLAST! All in all, it was a great month. October has started out great too. Sorry about not having a family photo in our main post. I apparently have to re-learn how to be in a picture without looking terrible. I've been out of touch for too long!!

So we'll start with a random picture post.

Ty has started solids and I made a project of making bibs (thanks for the idea Heidi!). I love them!

Noel likes to help.... Ty doesn't always like her help...

Noel made a doggie for Ty at Build-A-Bear. She named him Woof.

Just hanging out

August Post

2009-08-24T20:21:00.003-04:00

We have really enjoyed the back yard this year. Eric put a TON of work into getting grass to grow and building a nice shed. He did a wonderful job! Our garden didn't do well. It was lush and beautiful....BUT it has been raining so much that the tomatoes got pretty rotten and the squirrels ate most of our zucchini. Of well. The butternut squash seems at this point to be doing well, although I did find a baby butternut half eaten in the yard today.... DARN THE SQUIRRELS!!! They better watch it - I will be out with my cayenne pepper!

Books before bed

2009-07-15T19:54:00.003-04:00

Noel has to be careful not to get too close to Ty or else he grabs her hair - ouch!

Or other extremidies... Like one's chin

But over all she loves him

She wanted Bun Bun to be in the picutre too

Did someone say "milk?"

"Yup, that's all there is folks."

July so far...

2009-07-15T18:31:00.004-04:00

We love the bike trail. We go for walks almost every day. Lately we've been feasting on wild blackberries... Ummm

The Cohoes Falls are a short walk from our house. We like to take the kids. When my mom came to visit the week of the 4th, we took her there too.

So far a great month. Eric has the new shed built and it looks great. Our neighbors keep saying how much they like it. I can't wait to get our extra stuff in there to de-clutter our house!!

Yes we are still here... Somewhere!

2009-07-15T18:26:00.004-04:00

June was nice... It did rain a lot but when it was nice, it was really nice. Yes I know what you are thinking from this picture and no there is NOT fertilizer in that... We're not that cruel!

Our garden... Now it is huge, pics to come

Baby Ty

More Ty - wow he is growing so fast

Little Angel and Tucker the dog from upstairs

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2009-04-29T13:48:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the photo drought. I have taken pictures, it is just the time to up-load them that escapes me. Easter was fun and we are now all totally addicted to sugar - STILL. Ty and Noel are growing at rapid rates! Wow, where does the time go? Oh and it looks like after MUCH effort we might actually have grass! I will get some shots of the exterior up-grades soon.

5 weeks and our love still grows every minute

2009-04-02T14:23:00.003-04:00

Noel is a wonderful sister. She is a very loving and nurturing spirit. She has had fun this week with her cousins Nicholas and Jake. Ty is cute as always. He is working on his social smile and gaining control of his limbs. Ahh the life of an infant...

"You, doin' that thing you do..."

2009-03-22T11:24:00.004-04:00

So I didn't have time to type any text last post. But this morning Eric is at church with Noel and Ty is sleeping. Hurray ME time! I wanted to post some funny things that Noel has begun to say. First of all naps have been difficult. Getting her energy out these days has been a challenge so she often doesn't sleep for her nap. She is also now tall enough to reach the door handle. Yesterday she had been in her room for about 40 minutes. She had been singing to herself and what-not. Well I then heard her door open, she came running into the office where I was, threw her arms up in the air and with a big grin said, "Me done sleeping mommy!" I think you can only be done if you started in the first place.... humm... Also when mischief has occurred - i.e. wipes taken out of the box, items of mommy's disappearing, coloring on the TV, etc. - the culprit is, "Baby Ty did it." Of course. Who else? I love my kids. Oh and Ty was having a case of cradle cap (dry skin patches for those of you who might not know) on top, front part of his head. So Noel and I gave him a bath and I gently worked on his head to exfoliate the skin. When I was done his skin was glowing and beautiful... But his hair was gone! I guess we're in for another bald baby. At least I won't have to stick bows to his head like I did with Noel. You can dress a girl all in pink but if she is bald, people automatically say, "Oh isn't HE cute?"

1 Month Old!

2009-03-20T15:34:00.002-04:00

First Sleep Over and First Water Bath

2009-03-12T14:40:00.004-04:00

Baby Ty got his first water bath. He really liked it. Gratefully we were able to get him all clean before he went the bathroom in the water.

The girls spent the weekend. Noel LOVED it, of course.

First Week Home

2009-03-03T12:11:00.003-05:00

They call the first week the honeymoon and it was. Ty was wonderful. Fatigue has started to set in this week, but he is still wonderful - as is Noel. Having Eric home is priceless. I'm learning to do all the things I didn't do with Noel - sleep, use a pacifier and swing to get a break, etc. - but with Noel it creates more of a challenge. Gratefully for now I am able to do those things since Eric entertains Noel. Once he goes back to work I am sure life will become more of a balancing act!

Thank you to all our friends and family who have helped by feeding us! What a blessing you are in our lives.

Baby Ty Russell

2009-02-23T13:23:00.005-05:00

Adventure and Joy of Our Boy

2009-02-20T17:23:00.007-05:00

So you might have heard that Ty Russell has decided to make his way into this world. I know Eric sent around a great email, but of course I have been discoursing in my head our birth story since he was born. So here it goes...

Around 12am Thursday February 19, 2009 I woke up from sleeping with a startling sharp cramp. By 3am dozing was not an option - they were uncomfortable enough where I felt the need to move around. So I went into the living room to allow Eric to get some rest while I was switching between sleeping on the couch and standing swaying my hips. This lasted until 9am but they never seemed to be close enough to be worth timing. We did time a few but they were so sporadic - 8 minutes here, 18 minutes there - we went on with life. Although I knew it would be soon so Eric did call into emergency medical leave for work. By 9am they were sharper but very far apart. Being a little upset I went for a walk around our block, complaining to Chrissy on the phone that Ty was never planning on coming. I had two birth waves after I got off the phone which were intense enough to make me stop and not be able to walk through them. OK good.

When I got home I decided that - hey!- eating might be a good thing. So I ate lunch and laid down in bed to listen to my Hypnobabies CD. I did that for an hour and on the latter half of that time I got a few very strong birth waves that caused me to be very vocal - birthing opera if you will. I then got up to help Eric finish putting Noel down for her nap. In the short time of singing songs to her I got two more which I had to AHHHH and wiggle through. After she was down I suggested that we might want to start timing them. They finally seemed close enough to make it worth it.

After timing them for the next hour and a half, they went from 4 minutes apart to 2-3 minutes apart. We called the midwife and she said - come on in. So we called Sarah Gagnon who came as another support, packed the car, and gave the baby monitor to the girls upstairs. Of course once we got into the car I didn't have another birth wave for 8 minutes and when I did have one - holy moly!! It felt different but of course it did come while we were rounding a very sharp off ramp - of course. We arrived at St. Mary's Hospital around 2:45pm. I only had mild discomfort walking in. I signed some paper work and got into the room. Then another one came while I was trying to change into my gown. Of course not being shy in this situation I was doing my birthing - AHHHHH. Apparently that got the midwife coming ASAP. By this point I thought nothing of it - just my way of handling the sensations. I was still laughing and feeling great in between.

I finished getting changed, had another wave, and got hooked up to the fetal monitor for an initial 20 minutes assessment. I told the midwife I'd really like the pool and was hoping for a water birth. She said OK and then checked my progression. A funny look came over her face and she said, "I thought so. Honey you're not getting the pool today because you are completely dilated and effaced. It takes over an hour to set up the pool. You are ready to push whenever you feel the urge." I was shocked. I had in so many ways been so apprehensive about transition (the time right before the pushing waves comes. It is the most dynamic part of dilating and the point where many women feel the most discomfort - ya know, just when you think it can't get any worse it is over) I hadn't prepared myself to be ready to push after only being in the hospital an hour. My water hadn't even broken. I got in the shower, thought my water broke, so had to get out again.

It turns out it didn't break but I was on to pushing by that point. I felt most comfortable squatting on the floor to be honest. So the midwife made her "station" down below. She said, pop that water and this baby is going to slide right on out. That sounded good to me! So I pushed and pushed... Hummm, something was up.

So she checked me and I had two minor problems going on. I had a minimal piece of cervix that kept getting in the way but was only there when I pushed, and he was stuck on the front of my pelvis. He had plenty of room behind his head to move so she had me get into the bed so that gravity would help get him around the bone. I pushed and pushed but that water just didn't want to break. So my midwife broke it, hoping it would help get him around that bone! I had also been trying to breath him down which just means I wasn't holding my breath when I pushed and I was pushing as long and hard as I wanted/felt like I could. She looked me in the eye and said, "I know it isn't comfortable, but you are going to have to bare down and push this kid around that bone. Push into where it hurts." Joy. Talk about exhausting. But he did eventually move around my pelvis and from there it went very quickly. The last part was the most challenging though I must say. I felt so tired and the pressure was soooo intense! I didn't want to stop pushing! But I was starting to hyperventilate so I had to take time to breath a little bit. He came out nice and slow. I did tear a little tiny bit along the scar tissue from my episiotomy I had with Noel, but very minimal.

Once his shoulders were out, I got to reach down and pull him up to my chest where he was covered with blankets. The cord was short and didn't feel that comfortable against all those parts that had just been stretched beyond reason. Sarah was taping by this point and I look very disgruntled - but that is why. But the placenta soon followed, Eric cut the cord, and little baby Ty was here at last. His presence helped comfort me as I got a stitch and dealt with the pain in the lower half of my worn out body. What a joy he is to us. A little while later he was weighed and measured right in our room - 7lbs 11oz, 20 inches long and perfect as a peach.

A few hours later after phone calls had been made and Ty was off for his circumcision (poor guy). Eric and I were vegging in the room. He was talking with Chad and I was in bed when all of a sudden I felt tunnel vision coming on. "Eric, I am going to pass out." And I did. I hemorrhaged. It was not a pleasant sight. So I got the joy of pitocin and some clotting drug shot into my thigh, a saline drip, and 3 nurses and my midwife in the bathroom at once trying to hold me up, clean me up including removing blood clots, and massaging my uterus. Joy, again. So we thought all was fine until this morning when I almost passed out in the shower. Back to saline and bed rest. However I have been feeling better. I avoided a transfusion by a slim margin but have to take iron supplements.

All in all an exciting experience to say the least. Ty is a great nurser; it also helps that I know what I'm doing this time around. Eric is doing well. He is also very tired but really alot of help. Noel is with Dave and Chrissy until tomorrow so I am hoping Eric will be able to get some good sleep so that once we're back home I can rest. Ta ta for now.

Renovations, 40 weeks pregnant, and Noel is a Ballerina

2009-02-17T19:26:00.003-05:00

Of course as always we forgot to get a picture of the old bar we ripped out. It only extended to one side and was an arts 'n crafts project by someone. The image was of the oak tree in our back yard. Sounds nice but the tiles were all uneven and the grout lines were deep. Cleaning it was impossible. Not to mention the tile edges were sharp. So out with the old and in with what we want.

Eric put up lights since our house can feel pretty dark sometimes.

Noel got a ballerina costume from Grandma Aimee for Valentines. She love it, of course.

And last but not least, me at 40 weeks. The baby is l-o-w. He has dropped way down into my hips and boy o boy is it uncomfortable at times. I must say, compared to being pregnant with Noel, I feel like I'm looking good. No swelling or signs of pre-eclampsia AT ALL. Fabulous!

February 11 and waiting

2009-02-11T15:08:00.003-05:00

So we are still waiting the arrival of baby Ty. Noel is doing well. Eric is remodeling our bar. I'll have pictures of that when it is all done. Noel likes my birth ball but of course is too little to play with it. So she sits on her ball. How cute.

Snug as a Bug in a Rug

2009-01-26T16:51:00.002-05:00

January has been mostly uneventful except getting all the "stuff" ready for Baby Ty. Noel has been very good. It has been really cold out so we handle our cabin fever by going to the playground at the mall often. Baby - It's cold outside!!

Check out my brother Ham

2009-01-21T20:03:00.001-05:00

Check out my brother Hamilton march! Go VMI! They looked better than the other military companies!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoXlNUPvKS8&feature=related

Christmas Day 2008

2008-12-29T19:03:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas Morning!

Noel couldn't wait to take her new wheels for a spin around the house. Being that our house is long and skinny and slopes towards the front, we just lined her up and sent her through the dinning room and into the living room. It's fun. Who knew the sinking basement issue would prove to be the perfect glide slope.

Grandma and Grandpa Fichtner came over later for brunch and brought Pooh Bear with them!

"Beep beep here I come!" Noel loaded up all her babies (including a new talking baby from Grandma and Grandad Harris) and favorite stuffed animals for a ride in her car. I guess I should have looked for the Little Tykes van instead! There was barely room for her!

December 2008

2008-12-21T13:39:00.009-05:00

We finally decided to set up her "big girl" toddler bed. She loves it.

I can dress myself! I don't even have to take my PJs off first!

Uhhuh, yea yea, 6 dozen cookies coming your way!

Getting ready to go out one day, she burst into hysterical laughter. I had to get the camera.

Decorating for Christmas.

Our first "Nor' Easter' " hit this weekend (20th). Noel wasn't sure what to think of such deep snow... Oh and it is Sunday and it is STILL snowing...

This is our camp out last weekend during the ice storm. Hot chocolate, scrambled eggs, lots of layers, blankets, and the propane heater.

Noel got a belated Birthday package from Granma Judy and Granpa Robert. Oh boy!

Surviving the Ice Storm

2008-12-15T07:51:00.002-05:00

As many of you know, upstate NY and New England had a bad ice storm Thursday and into Friday. For an area that could dig us out of 20" of snow with ease, dealing with ice is an entirely different matter. We went up to Dave and Chrissy's house on Thursday to make cookies and hang out. We knew the weather wasn't great because it was noon when we left and our car was already covered with ice. But further north the ice became snow and we enjoyed our day with our fam. Driving home was slightly touch and go, but not too bad. Although our car was almost hit by a falling branch - Eric was it out of the corner of his eye as it fell from our tree behind our car. What a blessing! We went to bed not too worried about anything (obviously we hadn't listened to the news).
I didn't sleep well that night because I kept hearing "errrk - BANG!" which I now realize were tree limbs in the park behind our house breaking and falling off. Then around 3am the power went out. Friday morning came and I was up before Noel and Eric. The power was still out and it was a chilly 53 in the house. I searched our emergency kit and OF COURSE could not find a radio - I mean, I could probably skin a deer, but a radio, noooo. So I went out to clear off the car to get to a radio. I knew it wasn't Ice Storm '98 bad because people were driving. The roads themselves were clear for the most part. But as I scrapped the ice off listening to the l-o-n-g list of closings, I felt very prompted to go the store NOW and get a heater. So I sent Eric off to Latham. We were able to purchase a propane heater, propane, D batteries, a radio, and an extra flash light (for Noel so she doesn't play with the Mags). Apparently an hour later those items were hard to find.
Eric had to go to work because Express Jet was in an employee crunch. They were assigning captains to be first officers it was so crazy. So Noel and I bundled up and played with her toys. We still had hot water and a working stove top (my oven has an electrical start go figure) so I felt hopeful. During Noel's nap I put quilts over the larger windows, shoveled the slush off the drive way and in front of the house as best as I could (it got up to 36 that afternoon), and made other preparations that would be harder to do by flashlight - batteries in the CO2 detector, propane in the heater, etc (it gets dark here around 4:15). Once Noel was up, we went to the mall, walked around, ate dinner, and played at the play ground (which was a mad house) until about 5:30. Then we left for our cold dark house.
I can't tell you the mixed feelings I had about going back to the house. It is amazing how your thoughts change when you are responsible for a little person. But I was hopeful power would be restored soon - as MOST of Cohoes had power. We got home, got into PJs, I put Noel's mattress in my room (she won't sleep in my bed - she likes to play with the hats on our bed posts), and wrapped her in my down comforter. The house was still holding at 52. I dug out another large comforter and followed her shortly to bed - what else do you do in the dark? We kept the heater on low, the door open, and the CO2 detector close by as we prepared for a night with temps in the lower teens.
The heater did well to keep our room, I would guess, at about 60-63. But then around 2:30am we ran out of propane. I knew this would happen, but I didn't want to put in the new tanks until morning. So I turned the heater off and closed our door. It probably dropped to 50 in there - more quickly than I would have liked. Darn drafty house. That is when Noel kept waking up as she would squiggle out of her blankets. So I would tuck her back in and attempt to sleep for another hour until she squiggled out again. What a long night!
That morning I thought - it's not too bad in here, thankfully. Then I opened the bedroom door - ahhh. COLD! It had gotten to 42 in the house. I was still torn with what to do. We had reports that our power would be back on that night, but the estimated high temp for the day was 26! We had hot coco and scrambled eggs for breakfast and I tried to figure out how to turn on a gas heater we had in the kitchen (I totally looked over that it was there - dumbie). But the pilot would not stay lit. I imagine it had not been run in a very, very long time from the dust build up. So with Noel up my behind crying, scared and cold, we left for Dave and Chrissy's house. Sarah Gagnon called me; she too was abandoning ship. It was just too cold to stay any longer.
It is funny, I was thinking about the strong urge to stay and weather it out. It has got to be a psychological phenomenon. I always thought people who stayed to weather storms or what have you were idiots, but really the desire to stay where you are is very powerful. Hummm, maybe if I ever get around to my getting my MA I'll have a thesis topic :^)
But all is well now. Heat, thank Heavens for it!!!! And we are a little wiser, and a little more prepared (Eric was able to get the heater in the kitchen running when he got home Saturday night -the gas was a little too far from the thing that holds the pilot flame - but our power was on by then. But now we know)

2nd Birthday Party

2008-12-01T13:42:00.003-05:00

We celebrated Noel's 2nd birthday on Tuesday November 25th. We had a pasta bar and lots of cake!

Making Brownies with Mommy

2008-11-11T07:02:00.002-05:00

We make squash soup (which I will post on my cooking blog today) for dinner and brownies for dessert for Eric since he was coming home in time to join us! Yippie!

That's good

"More?"

ahahaha - yummm