Friday, November 09, 2007

The longest blog entry EVER

Hello blog, how have you been? I haven't seen you in a while. I hope you don't feel too dejected...

Can’t believe that I got this far behind. Life is very different now that I have Gabe. I am in NO way complaining that Gabe is in my life. I love him SO SO much and I thank God every day for giving me this bundle of joy. That’s just the thing though. I can’t get enough of him. I have not taken any time to update my blog. I can’t get online at work and I don’t have any desire to get on the computer at home in the evenings when I was on one all day and when I can spend time with Gabe. SO that’s where I’ve been and that’s why I haven’t posted in forever!

Sep 28th and 29th
One thing that we Roger’s spent 4 weeks being is SICK! The last weekend in September we got invited to go to Prineville and we stayed overnight at Dan and Deb’s place out there. Deb’s had warned me before that Dan and the kid’s were getting over colds. I thought about it but didn’t think it would be a big deal. WRONG! I ended up getting a sore throat that Tuesday and it hit me head on Thursday night. I ended up taking Friday and Monday off and Gabe started getting it that weekend and Bryan got it that next week. I don’t think that I’ve had a cold this bad in a long time. I mean it’s almost lasted a month…for me and Gabe anyway. Bryan only had it for 4 or 5 day’s JERK. ;o) I think that Gabe's cough has finally gone away. YEA!! His Dr. said that sometimes coughs can linger for 2-3 months with infants. UGH
Our time in prinville was fun though. Their house is MASSIVE!



They told us to pack warm because it was getting cold in the evenings. When we drove over the mountain on the way there, it was snowing a lot and there was snow all over the ground. It was so pretty because the area that we were driving through had snow on all the trees with bright yellows, reds and orange leaves. I wish that I would have gotten a picture now that I’m thinking back on it. We got there around 7 I think? We unloaded the car and it was VERY cold out there. But it was ok because we walked into an oven when we went through the front door. I think that Bryan and I are weirdO’s or something because we have a fan on in our room and sometimes even the window open in the winter and we never really have the heat past 68. Sometimes if we get cold we build a fire which warms up the house but it never seems like it is as hot as it was in their house. I could barely breathe. I opened the window a snatch in our room and even had a fan on. I was still stuffed up. None of us got much sleep that night. Bryan stayed up hanging out with Dan till 2:30am and when he came to bed he woke Gabe up. I think that we got up at around 9. Well we were already up but we went downstairs. Deb’s just had a variety of things for breakfast. Cereal, toast, fruit, yogurt and oj. Then we cleaned up and sat around talking. Deb’s was holding Gabe, patting his bum and he fell asleep. The kids were watching a movie and I’m not sure what Dan and Bryan were doing. Something on the computer I think. When everyone was ready and dressed we went on a walk. It was cold, but it was nice out and the sun was out. Their puppy Nator came with us. He’s 6 months and just a big, beautiful, loving pup. We went in one of their smaller homes that wasn't finished yet and then we looked at one of their bigger homes. We couldn’t go in but we looked through the windows. I would love to live in it. {{{YEA RIGHT}}} It’s SO expensive and in the middle of no where. They were nice though. We walked back and it was lunch time. Deb’s made these amazing Tomato, cheese and pesto Panini’s. They were to die for. After lunch Bryan and Dan went up to play Halo 3, the kids, Gabe and I went up and watched. I put Gabe down for a nap and should have taken one myself with getting no sleep the night before but I couldn’t for some reason. Deb’s cleaned up and joined us a little bit later. Gabe ended up waking up screaming at the top of his lungs. That has never happened before. He usually talks or wines a little first. I don’t think he knew where he was so he freaked out. We watched the guy’s play and then we went out to ride the ATV’s. Deb’s stayed at the house with Gabe. It was fun. Dan took us up the hill to show us how much land they have and the view is amazing up there. He did a jump with Madison and she ended up hitting her mouth on the speed dial thing. It looked worse then it was though. She was a trooper, freaked out a little bit, but not really. We drove back…well Dan flew back with Madison and we went a little slower with Ethan. When we got there she was all cleaned up and a-ok so Bryan and I went on a ride together. That was fun. He told me that he was proud of me because I rode one myself. I thought that was kind of funny because although I am pretty cautious and don’t really do things that could kill me…I do like to do those kind of things. Be somewhat dangerous. The little jumps that don’t really even get me off the ground. Hehe
When we got back dinner was ready. She made Ham, homemade scalloped potatoes and green beans. Mmmmmm We all ate together and chatted, Madison actually didn’t have any at that moment. She was scared that she might hurt her lip. We packed up and left around 7 something I think. I was expecting to sleep the whole way home but I couldn’t fall asleep for some reason??? Overall the time there was fun, but I don’t like being sick and how long this sickness held onto us.







Oct 6th
OUR 6th ANNIVERSARY!
Guess how we spent it. On the couch all day…well Gabe and I did. We were sick sick sick and so Bryan and I decided to postpone our anniversary dinner date for later. We still haven’t gone out yet. LAME anniversary huh?!

We missed Nathan’s birthday party. (His b-day is Oct 7th) So on Tuesday the 9th we dropped off his card and gift and went home.

Oct 12th and 13th
We had planned our annual pumpkin patch trip for the 13th and I had totally forgot that I had paid for Women of Faith tickets and that was on the 12th and 13th. I love going to this conference, but was way bummed that we were missing going to the pumpkin patch with our friends.

Gabe was really sick this weekend. Let me tell ya even though this kid did not feel well at all he slept through the night (with the exception of a few nights) and was just overall a happy baby.
Gabe and I stayed home from church again. WHEN WILL THIS SICKNESS END!?

Bryan got a job on Oct 17th. 2 weeks prior to that he had interviewed for three other positions and had been waiting to hear about those. Bryan picked up an application for a PT job at Multnomah Bible College about a month ago and just held onto it at home for a while. He finally finished it up and turned it in wondering if he should be applying for it since it was only PT. He was called and had an interview and ended up not going to it or calling to cancel it. BAD HUH?! That was right smack during Bryan’s sick days and Gabe was very sick as well. I had called him that afternoon and said “please tell me you called and canceled your interview and rescheduled?” NOPE He called them and explained and Robert (Bryan’s now boss) said that he did like what he saw on the application and in his portfolio so he would make another appointment for an interview. Bryan had that interview on the 17th. He ended up really messing up on a question they asked him…an easy one at that and he got all sweaty and red. He called me after the interview and said there is NO WAY they are going to hire me after not showing up to the interview the first time and totally messing up in the 2nd interview. They weren’t supposed to get back to him until the next week, but they ended up calling him the same night and offering him the job. Bryan and I talked about it and prayed. Bryan really thinks that this is the direction he should go at this time. With everything that was against him and just the fact that he had the application for a month before applying. I didn’t really feel like it wouldn’t be a good idea. I didn’t have any nagging feelings about it. I am scared that we won’t be able to make it with him only working PT. One of the plus sides though is that we don’t have to put Gabe in daycare. My mom watches Gabe Monday’s and Friday’s. Bryan works a 10 hour day on Monday and a 5 hour day on Friday. My sister watches Gabe on Tuesday’s, Bryan does another 10 hour day and then Bryan has Wednesday and Thursday off and watches Gabe. I wish somehow this was all reversed though. That Bryan had the FT job and I had the PT job and could be home with Gabe those 2 day’s.
Guess we’ll see how this works out?! Here's some pics of Daddy and Gabe on their days together.

Gabe looks so tired here


Gabe fell asleep like this on daddy's lap



Where's Gabe?



Gabe says "I'm Coo' Yo!" wearing daddy's new headphones


Oct 22nd
This was probably the worst Monday I have had in a long time. I woke up, took a shower and got ready. I had to be at the dentist by 8 to get 5 fillings {{{gasp}}}. Some of them were replacements of ones that I already had, but good grief. I felt like a pin cushion after it was all said and done AND I ended up getting 6 because one was cracked that he didn’t notice before. UGH
When I left there I drove back home. I was going to meet Bryan at Gabe’s 6 month appt., but when I drove by I noticed he was still home so I picked up Gabe and left for the appt. and Bryan left for his first day at the new job. Mistake #1 I decided to take Gabe on my own to his appt. and let me tell you I am a HUGE wimp when it comes to Gabe getting his shots. I don’t know why I didn’t have Bryan come with me. I need him to be there for support for me. We got there and I took Gabe out of his car seat and we went in. Mistake #2 I left his bink in the car. I didn’t think it would be a big deal because I thought he’d be fine. Nope. He was fussy the whole time and I didn’t have a spare bink in the diaper bag. On a good note Gabe is doing so well.

6 Months
Weight – 18 pounds 9 ounces (60%)
Height – 27 (75%)

She showed me where he was on the chart and said that if he had been born on his due date that he would be in the 95% on everything so I think that he’s growing well and is a healthy little guy.

A few things Gabe has been doing:

-Plays with his hands and feet. He’s found his feet. He loves grabbing them.
-Recognizes own name
-Turns toward new sounds
-Drags objects toward himself
-Rolls over in both directions
-Sits without support
-Turns toward sounds and voices
-Imitates sounds
-He reaches and grab’s objects and transfers them from one hand to the other
-He gives kisses.
-If you put your hands out to see if he wants to come to you he’ll reach for you.

We also talked about starting solids and giving him a sippy cup with water. I’m excited for this, but I’m not at the same time. He is growing up WAY too fast.



I am totally thankful that I have such an amazing job at MulvannyG2, but I so wish that I could have my dream job…a MOM! Gabe got his shots and oh holy cow that is SO hard for me. I held back tears and just held him and then put his pants on. He cried the whole way out to the car and as I was putting him in his seat. He fell right to sleep and I cried the whole way to my moms. I was ticked that I had to rush to my mom’s, drop Gabe off and hurry and get to work by noon. I wanted to just be with Gabe and be the one to comfort him after going through that. It breaks my heart to see him in so much pain. Sniff
I ended up pretty much on the verge of tears the rest of the day.

Oct 26th, 27th and 28th
Bryan had a Jr high retreat to lead this weekend. It was actually a Jr high and Sr high retreat combined. They went to Trout Creek again just like they did last year at this time. Bryan ended up picking me up at work around 4 on Friday and we drove to my moms. Gabe was down for his afternoon nap and so my mom and Bryan left. Mom had to be there to help with all the administrative stuff and get them out of there. I stayed at my moms till Gabe woke up and she got back (she ended up taking my car) and then Gabe and I went home. My plan was to feed and hang out with Gabe till he went to bed and then get caught up on some reading in some blogs and then update my own. That’s not exactly how it turned out. Well first off…Gabe rarely ever stays awake in the car. He ALWAYS falls asleep. He had just woken up from an hour nap at my moms and he had fallen asleep again on the way home. I think that he gets worn out at Grandma’s house. Playing with all of Jaden’s toy’s and playing with Jaden. It’s tiring. Gabe doesn’t want to miss anything. They go down at the same time and wake up at the same time. I decided not to move him. So he was fast asleep in his car seat in the car and I ran around the house picking things up. I kept the door open to the garage and I kept checking on him probably every five minutes. I did some laundry and folded up some of Gabe’s laundry. I made bottles, cleaned and sanitized em. I fed Calie, let her out and just gave her some lovin and then probably around 8:30 Gabe woke up. I changed his diaper and put his PJ’s on and then I fed him and we just rocked in the rocker. He was very snuggly which I love. When he did go down for the night I was going to get on the computer to do my stuff, but thought I would lay down for a minute first. That wasn’t really smart. Next thing I knew it was 6am. So much for sticking to the plan. Must have been tired.
Saturday morning Oct 27th
(JADEN’S FIRST BIRTHDAY!!) I can't believe how fast this year went. I feel like it was just yesterday we were going to Emmanuel to see tiny little Jaden and now he's such a big boy!






I met some girls from our young marrieds class for coffee and prayer time at 7am. Gabe did pretty good and he flirted with them. hehe Mia did good as well. She just kept talking whenever Moo would talk. It was the funniest thing. After I left the coffee place I drove over to my parents house. It was 2 minutes away and I wanted to wish Jaden a Happy Birthday! We ended up going to Coffee's On in Troutdale (Julie, Nathan and my mom went there the morning Julie was admitted and had Jaden) I ended up getting a water since I'd already gotten a coffee and we sat for a while. I almost fell asleep. Gabe was sleeping in his car seat and I was feeling so tired. I shut my eye's and just listened to their conversation and all the sudden I thought what if I fell asleep and they left me here. Why I would think that is beyond me?? HA I sat up and said "Don't leave me here!" and they all laughed at me. Gabe and I went home for a while before Jaden's party. I made some puppychow (yummy chocolate peanut butter treat), got Jaden's gift ready and played with Gabe. I wanted to get a nap in, but it didn't work out. We ended up heading to the party around 4ish. It was so much fun! He had a blast and smiled the whole time. Julie's friend Christina came and we all just had a good time with Jaden.




Bryan ended up calling right before I was going to head home and said that he was coming home from the retreat. They were playing dodge ball and someone threw the ball and he tried to dodge it and it ended up hitting him in the crotch and knocking him off the ground, up in the air and he landed on his arm. We weren't sure if anything had broken and we're hoping that nothing damaging happened because we decided not to go in to the dr's. It seems to be healing ok. Kind of a bummer that he had to leave the retreat too. Overall I think he had a good time despite getting hurt.

OK what is it with Monday’s? GOOD grief. Apparently they are going to be my day’s of H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks because I got maybe 1 hour of sleep on Monday Oct 28th. That made the rest of my day awful. I could barely stay awake at work, I didn't feel good and I think there was just some issues at work as well.

Oct 31st

HALLOWEEN

I worked of course. We had a fun day though. The whole office went bowling and had lunch there. I was on the team who actually won the prize for lowest score. HA I think I maybe go bowling once a year if that. Most of the office dressed up. I didn't put much thought into my costume. I just wore my dad's hockey jersey and was a hockey player. Maybe next year I will put more thought into it? There were some fun costumes.
We ended up going over to my parents that evening. Gabe was a tiger!





Last weekend we were invited to Kambrie's 3rd Birthday Party! We had a ton of fun! Gabe slept almost the whole time.



We don't have much going on this weekend which I'm OK with. Bryan has a JR high video game all-nighter tonight and so he'll probably sleep all day tomorrow. I just plan on hanging out with Gabe and getting some things done around the house. Maybe if Bryan's up to it we could go out Saturday evening for "our anniversary"???

Monday, September 17, 2007

Fun times

Gabe went to my mom's for the first time today. She told me that there is already competition between Jaden and Gabe. They went to Target today to pick up a few things and on the way there Gabe screamed and Jaden thinking to himself I can scream louder screamed. Gabe screamed again and Jaden sighed and screamed again and so on. :o)

Friday, September 14, 2007

Working again

This last week has been very hard! I worked PT my first week back to work. I'm glad that I did that, but it was sort of just a tease, you know. I worked in the morning, was home by 1 and got to spend the rest of the evening with my little guy. I wish that I could just work PT...well, I take that back I wish I didn't have to work at all, but since I do it would be great if I only had to work PT. NO such luck. Yesterday was my first full day of work. Bryan and I both got up at 5:45 and I got ready while he fed Gabe. They took me to work and Gabe talked the whole way there. He was in such a great mood. I just love his little voice and when he spits bubbles. It's so cute! I love him SO MUCH! I am so sad! When we got there I got out and opened the back door to give him a kiss goodbye and I started crying. They left me there to go home and I just watched them go trying to hold back my tears. THIS SUCKS! I tried to get as much quality time in with Gabe before going back, but it just doesn't seem like I got enough. He is growing so much and I don't want to miss it. I don't want someone else watching him. WHY can't I be home with my baby??? I am, however, thankful that I got to be home as long as I did.

I am no longer on the Target team that I was before I went on FMLA...I am now working with the Safeway team which is a lot smaller (a team of about 8 verses a team of 30) They have a lot of work for me so the morning flew by and I also had an admin meeting in the morning. Gabe and Bryan came down to have lunch with me so I got to see my guy for about an hour which helped and the afternoon went fast too, thankfully! I forgot how tiring working is. I am REALLY tired physically and emotionally! Thankfully Gabe is still sleeping through the night and I just love our mommy/Gabe time before he goes to bed at night. He's so sleepy and snuggly. I wouldn't trade that time for anything!!!!! When they picked me up at the park and ride I got in the back and sat with Gabe and he looked at me and gave me the hugest smile. My heart melted. I don't think I have ever loved someone this much! Well, Bryan of course, but it's different. Gabe also gave us another surprise last night...he rolled over for the first time. He HATES being on his tummy and last night he was done so he just rolled over. We all clapped and cheered. He was just looking at us with big eye's like WHAT?! HEE HEE When he went to his appointment on Monday his dr said OH he's going to roll any day now. I was so afraid that he'd do it when I wasn't with him, but nope he saved it for me. It made me so happy!

Today was a little harder for me. I was missing him so much and I just felt so depressed. I was ok busy today so the day went a little slower and when I called Bryan to see how they were doing I could hear Gabe in the background and I just wanted to ball my eye's out. I am glad that he can be with daddy BUT I WANT TO BE WITH HIM DANG IT! Plus, on top of that I was sort of feeling depressed about my job. I really do like my new team and job, but I sort of feel shafted from my other team. Seems childish I know...I don't know why I was feeling like that. Maybe because they made the change while I was gone and I wasn't there and there wasn't an announcement...I don't know?!?! Stupid.

We're still praying about a job for Bryan. It's getting kind of scary and frustrating. It's been 5 months...why won't someone hire him. He's hardworking and is good at what he does. I just don't understand?! I'm just laying it in God's hands and trying to have a peace about it and wait and see what God has for him/us/our family.
SO, right now Bryan is Mr. Mom. HA He's watching Gabe when I'm at work and doing a pretty good job of keeping up the house. No offense to him and I'm in no way saying that he's not doing a good job because he is, but I still feel like the house is a pigsty. It's been really nice to get input from Teresa because she's been here and knows what it's like. She told me that it'll probably take a few months to get into a routine and that we'll find what works for us. Then when Bryan gets a job we'll get into another routine. I hope this gets easier! {{{Praying}}}

Monday, September 10, 2007

Offically weighing in

A year ago yesterday, I found out I was pregnant with Gabe.

What a great memory!

Gabe had his check up today and boy has he grown. He is growing too fast! :o( You would have never guessed that he was a preemie.

16 pounds 8 ounces (50-75%)
26 1/4inches (50-75%)
42.5cm HC (25-50%)

All is well. Gabe did really well at his appointment. He was a happy camper, talking away. He loved the paper on the table. heehee Dr. Mary tried to get him to smile, but he was being a little booger and just kind of smirked at her.
It's been a difficult day for him though. He got his shots and he has a slight fever, his legs definitely hurt (he starts to shake when I hold him SNIFF) and he's been pretty fussy. I hope he sleeps good tonight and feels better tomorrow.

Saturday, September 08, 2007

FIRST REAL LAUGH

Gabe has giggled before, but not as he did today.
We were at my parents for a little while. Gabe was under the playmate and I said "hey Gabe, can you giggle for Aunt Julie?" and I started to tickle him. He is very ticklish, it cracks me up. Well, I wasn't expecting the full on belly laugh that I got. It was SO cute. I just love the little sound of his voice. I wish that I could have gotten it on video camera.
I have tried to get more laughter so I could capture it with the video camera on my phone. I wanted to send it to Bryan and show him, but no such luck. hee hee

Halloween Fun

These are the costumes I am thinking about for Gabe. Which one?

Turtle

Lion

Cow

Tiger

Puppy

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Hope you're having fun on your little get-away!

Friday, September 07, 2007

Cousins



My family has never been very big. On my mom's side my uncle never got married or had any kids. On my dad's side, one uncle also never got married or had kids, the other uncle got married and had two girls and my aunt got married and had a girl. Cousins went like this:
Me (first born)
Naomi
Jessica
Miriam
Julie
Janell

We all pretty much got along, but Naomi and I were the best of friends. Even though we lived in different states you wouldn't know it when we were together. I loved the friendship we had and I miss it/her dearly. Some background...my aunt and uncle got divorced and I haven't seen or talked to her in years.
I can't wait to see Gabe and Jaden play together, fight together, be the best of friends and I hope that they won't ever let anything come between them and brake that family bond. I wish that I still had my cousin in my life.

After work today Bryan and Gabe picked me up and we drove home. I fed Gabe and waited for Julie and Jaden to pick me up in the van. My parents are in Canada for their anniversary and they left the van at home and took Nathan and Julie's Honda. It was nice to be able to go in one car. Anyway, I went with Julie to the mall to pick up Jaden's pictures at JCP. They turned out great especially with Jaden getting scared out of his mind. Poor little guy has been getting scared over a lot of things...must be a phase or something? Julie and I went to the mall together with the kiddo's back in June and it was not such a successful trip. We had a successful trip this time. (((thumbs up)))

Side note:
Bryan left to go to Dan's for the weekend and he took the camera.
SO...
These pictures are from my phone so they're a little blurry. This was Gabe's first time sitting up in the stroller. I think he liked it a lot better then his car seat. We had a good time walking around window shopping. I did end up getting Gabe a book from Barnes and Noble.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Gabe's first camping trip

My little chick magnet

So this was my last little brew ha before going back to work. Let me tell you I am so glad that we were able to go camping (first time this summer when we usually go 3-5 times) and that the Sedey's let us barrow their tent trailer. I don't think I can ever go camping in just a tent again. ;o)
The weekend was perfect! It's the little things that make life so so happy:

-Getting to go camping (which I love).
-Borrowing a trailer from some very generous people.
-Beautiful weather.
-Great big fires.
-Clear skies at night with billions of stars.
-Gabe sleeping through the night all weekend.
-Laughing in front of the fire with friends.
-Eating yummy camping food.

The little things that I was missing:

-A bathroom (toilet and a nice hot shower)
-My bed
-But mostly a bathroom

I ended up staying up pretty late Thursday evening getting everything ready to go camping. All we needed to do Friday before leaving was finish packing up our clothes, get ready, run to the store and get ice and pack up the truck. We left around 1 and got to the campground around 3. Nate called us as were were driving through Sandy and told us the easier way to get to the campground which I am glad because it would not have been fun trying to make the turn that you have to from 26 with a trailer. We arrived just before they did.
We set up and then made some dinner. Bryan couldn't get the trailer leveled and when I came to bed that night I asked him if he was sure it would be ok. He had already been sleeping and told me "to be quiet and go to sleep" ha I totally thought the tailer was going to tip over though...I even had a nightmare that it did. Thankfully the next day Nate and Tim helped him get it leveled.
Gabe did so well. I am so impressed with how well he did. He does have a new nickname from everyone though. Pipes! Because he has some lungs!

We came home Monday and cleaned everything up then went to my parents for a relaxing Labor Day BBQ.

Alexis just loved carrying and holding Gabe all weekend


Crazy hat and slippers



My sleepyhead


The boys helping Bryan level the trailer


Lee's new camping chair