tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-223715232024-03-13T09:52:49.099-07:00To Kate and BackFrom corporate world to life in suburbia with a toddler and newborn (both preemies)Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-21885589283155794662009-11-12T23:04:00.001-08:002009-11-13T00:11:01.691-08:00National Prematurity Awareness Month<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPctlsdDBxKI897gSdn8gfEBzcvGqQVedSNZj9D7YHisipk2APwk9MEqRG-cuKF5LyZ__kHM9q1kGTyrPDNuHaWHiTo7ScCn5Hwi2Ec5VjgJHVwFO3TNGVJI7XgPadC9mFPbgl/s1600-h/DSC00815.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ABHikv_pw7g&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ABHikv_pw7g&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This video hit close to home for me and drew a lot of tears. I am a mother to two preemies - Kate born at 34 weeks and Matt born at 32 weeks. Also I am the sister of a preemie - my sister, Rebecca, was born at 31 weeks back in 1980. I know what this doctor went through and how heart-wrenching it is to watch your baby struggle for life. I also know that without research and medical advances, neither of my children nor my only sister would be here today.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>But we can all help. November is National Prematurity Awareness Month. This month, as we reflect on all that we are grateful for, please say a little prayer for the half a million preemies struggling each year to live. Also be informed and inform your family and friend on how to prevent a premature birth (not all are preventable but some are). Visit the <a href="http://www.marchofdimes.com/">March of Dimes</a> website for more information.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPctlsdDBxKI897gSdn8gfEBzcvGqQVedSNZj9D7YHisipk2APwk9MEqRG-cuKF5LyZ__kHM9q1kGTyrPDNuHaWHiTo7ScCn5Hwi2Ec5VjgJHVwFO3TNGVJI7XgPadC9mFPbgl/s400/DSC00815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403496889307616098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kate 2 days old</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gl1Ks9xyRuZMu1wgrb5ynndAa9Sw_EtXn76T45602GCNorc0qK6VruLLZ6RPwQFN0oQmvkK3VOU4TLXd6BOlIN1u2fHBMy8CvgEmzMB-bDtV_IBQY7i9CPH5izi58OKmmpm8/s400/DSC_0202.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403494002755047362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Matt 1 day old</span></div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-45763624739248999332009-11-02T22:07:00.000-08:002009-11-03T00:57:26.558-08:00Kaitlyn Jane - A Mother Was Made<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">NOTE: I started working on this before Kate's birthday but never finished it in time. Then my friend, Shaina, posted her kids' birth stories and knew what a great idea it was. This is long but I don't want to forget anything.</div></div></div><div><br /><div><div>So hard to believe that my first born is turning 5 already. What a journey we have been on. Kate made me a mom, she fulfilled a long, hard fought dream that was more than 4 years in the making. She definitely didn't make the journey easy or relaxing but every trial was worth it when she entered my life. Before too much time passes and I forget some details, here is her birth story...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>After two miscarriages and 4.5 years of trying to conceive, I found out I was pregnant once again. We had just started looking into the adoption process after 5 rounds of infertility treatments. This was the first month without any infertility help and we in no way thought we would ever get pregnant. Several pregnancy tests plus tons of blood tests, it was confirmed that we were in fact having a baby. However, I didn't hold much hope in the pregnancy and I didn't tell hardly anyone (I think one person at work and two close friends knew; not even our parents knew). My pregnancy was relatively easy - no morning sickness or any other issue. Everything was good at the 7 week (finally a heartbeat) and 11 week ultrasounds. I knew then that I could finally start to enjoy my pregnancy and start telling the world.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>At 18 weeks, we had the big ultrasound. I refused to look at the ultrasound as it was happening for fear of something being wrong. Then the tech asked if we wanted to know the sex. Uh, yeah!!!! When I heard I was having a girl, my heart leaped out of my body. As I watched my little Kaitlyn Jane flipping and kicking and doing all sorts of gymnastics, I feel so deeply in love with her that day. A forever, unconditional love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>As the pregnancy moved forward, I became cautious. I knew that problems could arise starting in the third trimester. During our infertility treatments, I was diagnosed with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bicornuate</span> uterus and knew that my baby could run out of room and therefore, come early. I started seeing a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">perinatologist</span> and all was fine for the time being. I went to Oregon on a girls weekend with college roommates. Was a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding. Then about my 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> week, I went in for a routine weekly OB appointment with my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">perinatologist</span>. I had started to dilate and was sent immediately to Labor & Delivery to have my labor stopped.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildDbyVh9WKNLdACvTZWed_t0hi66mZD8v7B2jhSMLgUmJ9DQO9Ij4Wr2hbPDci2__ANAwnHWYXcElmB94CkiUGclP4GOWdXNPe_47mOQKQW36EUOJuI5pWe7QVkHmD8LPFDv9/s400/DSC00757.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399793523158314018" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Me the week I delivered in the nursery.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The drugs to stop labor were horrific. I remember my veins burning from the inside throughout my body. Feeling the drugs move through my body was bizarre to say the least. A side effect of those lovely drugs was sleepiness. I think I slept for 2 straight days. I also got steroid shots (2 total) for Kate's lungs to develop just in case I delivered. Those were the most heinous shots I have ever had - I couldn't sit or put any weight on my hips where the shots were given. After all the drugs, I spent two more days in the hospital to see if I continued to dilate (I did not). After four days in the hospital, I was sent home at 26 weeks for the rest of my pregnancy on strict bed rest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Bed rest was interesting. I lived downstairs because I could only go up and down the stairs once a day. I was allotted a 5 minute shower every other day and was told to drink 110 ounces of water each day. I also was called daily by a nurse to check on my contractions, water intake, any symptoms of labor, kick count, etc. </div><div><br /></div><div>When all this began, I was still working as a tax accountant and we were in the midst of busy season. Kind of weird to leave your job for short term disability so abruptly (Alan had to go to my office to pack up all my stuff while I laid on the couch). I had planned to work until October 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ish</span> and then take leave (Kate was due on Thanksgiving). The nice thing was that since I was working at the time, I was getting paid my salary for sitting and watching TV and reading. Not a bad gig. </div><div><br /></div><div>There were some hiccups during my bed rest. My grandmother passed away (obviously I wasn't allowed to go to Utah for the funeral) during this time and it so happened to be when Alan was going to Ohio for his cousin's wedding. So for a week, I had no family in town in case I went into labor. Very scary. Other than that, bed rest went as well as bed rest can go. Very lonely but so very worth it to help my baby grow.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF2S8Pp1KpbS3pS1sW8YFnHNEJeQCtRssrmyAm04V2WYBh1gXd3EHkJd_VDuS3LCrkm1pRZFLpVI_nNk4jYWzTuPnV0GrWCLu9ylrrhFdD90MpUNZ1JSrtQsWA3_7-CNmIEWf/s400/DSC00652.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399792769178868658" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Me on bed rest. Doesn't it look fun.</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>On October 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span>, I saw the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">perinatologist</span> and everything looked great. No changes and no more dilating. That was a Monday. Thursday, the 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span> (exactly 34 weeks along)...I had my usual breakfast but as I got up from the couch, my water broke. Disgusting and weird. I frantically called Alan at work in Walnut Creek (about 30 minutes away) without moving from my spot. Alan rushed home so fast that he actually beat my mom to our house (she only lives 10 minutes away) and I was so petrified to move that I was still in the same spot. We drove back to Walnut Creek - a strategic move on our parts. We could have gone to Vallejo which was closer but with a low level <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">NICU</span>. Walnut Creek had a high level <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">NICU</span> and really, who wants their kid born in Vallejo. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were set up in an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">antepartum</span> room to try to stay pregnant as long as possible. One side effect of this is that the doctors don't check your dilation unless they have a need to check. So we settled in for the long haul once again (I was having no contractions). Alan and a friend went to get dinner for us at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">CPK</span>. As they were eating, I started feeling pain, bearable but definitely got my attention and not regular. The nurse came in and said that they couldn't check me unless I asked for drugs. So as curious as I am, I asked for some in the IV (which I never got but really I didn't want anyways). They checked me and low and behold, I was at a 10, ready to push after a good 2 or 3 contractions. If I would have known what I know today, I would have never pushed at this point but oh well. It was 7:30pm and I started pushing and pushing and pushing. Every push, the nurse told me I needed to push one more time and Kate would be born. This went on for 2 long hours. Finally, I gave up and asked for help to deliver her. Soon after and one small push, Kate was born at 10:02 pm. She weighed a huge 6 lbs 3 oz. (remember she was 6 weeks early) and was 18.5 inches long.</div><div><br /></div><div>The labor room was not like most since Kate was 6 weeks early - there was probably 20 doctors and nurses in the room ready to act the second she was born. I only got to hold her for a second before she was whisked away to be worked on and then to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">NICU</span> with Alan. I remember anxiously waiting for her cry and feeling relief when she finally did. And then she and Alan were off. I was left in the labor room to recover. I remember laying there feeling so happy but so alone. Angry that I didn't get to be with my new family as a family and worried that things were going wrong and no one was there for me. Finally, four hours later, I held my baby girl in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">NICU</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3UAx3oDqfPP9Uv_VqM0nYvO__cHHr30oBcG18VvfuE8UI_yzyz18xK78blT74LqrjDnXepOer-_0ZM98Dd9r9NqU_oJSH32I15Q-YAQc6DKM7l7jiptytamJarjtjnLsYPMx/s400/DSC00807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399790891534413650" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The first time holding Kate in the NICU.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you baby girl for picking us as your parents and for finally making me a mom. I will be eternally grateful to you for your precious gift of motherhood. Also, thank you for fighting for your life and for your stubbornness from the get-go. I love you!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Coming up...the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">NICU</span> stay and Kate through the years, a celebration of the last 5 years.</div></div></div></div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-29905604995538890672009-09-18T00:29:00.000-07:002009-09-18T01:04:00.154-07:00Here Comes the Tooth Fairy<div style="text-align: left;">Goodbye to my first baby's first baby tooth (hatched at 5 months and lost at 4 years 11 months) and hello to the tooth fairy!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The last two visits to the dentist, Kate has been told that her bottom two teeth are loose by her hygienist/her aunt!! For the longest time, I couldn't tell if my finger was moving or the tooth but who am I to argue with my SIL over teeth - definitely not my expertise beyond "The Tooth Book" by Dr. Seuss! About a week ago, while checking her teeth-brushing abilities, I noticed some small gapping at the gumline around one of her teeth. And what was it...a tooth on the verge of fall out. Definitely not expected since she still is 4 and I was thinking loosing teeth happened closer to 6!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So Sunday night, said tooth was hanging by a thread. We finally convinced her that Alan could pull it out painlessly. And after some blood and tears, Kate is now down one tooth and has already moved on to the next tooth (which is starting to get more loose every day).</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhO5dnzEtRP8VpDyEMP9-GdKpFhacSLvwc8n7nIOUusIcNkHbNIUl-UUD7UqZz78mS6MwNwGScj6mWeijag9pKb3MbSB1yNUcG0w6PVArMlC46i9F_BknwO21HIftgJm8ZnLdG/s400/DSC_2005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382714106656383298" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The funny thing is she has forgotten that the tooth fairy hasn't come yet. Not that she (the tooth fairy) is lazy but we keep forgetting to write the tooth fairy a letter (loved the idea, Shaina)!!</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. Let's hope Kate never remember the promise I made to her 2 years ago...that we would go to DisneyWorld once she lost her first tooth (again I thought I was buying more time than I actually got). Please keep my little secret.</div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-85121382986971261572009-08-30T22:29:00.000-07:002009-08-30T22:40:54.700-07:00Don't You Want One Because I Do...I have been coveting this bike for the last few months!! What an awesome way to make a quick trip to the grocery store, the park or even to pick up Kate from school. So environmentally friendly and so darn cute! The best of all worlds. That was until Madsen Cycles started a giveaway for one of these awesome bikes. Nothing could be better.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', serif; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.madsencycles.com/?src=lcs09"><img src="http://www.madsencycles.com/images/banners/MADSEN-300x250-mom-2-kids.gif" border="0" alt="Madsen Cycles Cargo Bikes" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And if you aren't into toting your kids around, Madsen Cycle also offers these rockin' version...<br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; "><a href="http://www.madsencycles.com/?src=lcs09"><img src="http://www.madsencycles.com/images/banners/MADSEN-300x250-climber.gif" border="0" alt="Madsen Cycles Cargo Bikes" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; "><a href="http://www.madsencycles.com/?src=lcs09"><img src="http://www.madsencycles.com/images/banners/MADSEN-300x250-surfer.gif" border="0" alt="Madsen Cycles Cargo Bikes" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; "><a href="http://www.madsencycles.com/?src=lcs09"><img src="http://www.madsencycles.com/images/banners/MADSEN-300x250-musician.gif" border="0" alt="Madsen Cycles Cargo Bikes" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-37679258409484537752009-08-11T00:27:00.000-07:002009-08-11T01:09:01.260-07:00Last Week of Summer - The First Time<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtQqAVg4mWaL2726KVidBO-ieA1fKQWsMY9DrHtvow96Mv0sF823vxJUPm2PDysloTVZlvfU8PDSobPoozDe_sACzO4YociwNChQyf7khuCBiZm_Yrlseks7gTAW8sUmM54Z4/s320/DSC_1618.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368613281936399938" /></div>Well, for the first time, this is our last official week of summer before Kate starts kindergarten. It is so hard to believe that she will be in elementary school. Where in the world did the time go. Not 4.5 years ago, she was sitting under billy lights in the NICU and now she is going to school. <div><br /></div><div>She is super excited and I am apprehensive and a little scared. Scared that she won't succeed, that she will talk back to her teacher, that she won't love or even like school like I did, and that her shy self will take over and make it hard for her to make friends. Man, she is a lot like me. Why, oh why, does my child have to be shy? I pray that she grows out of her shyness and that school is a great experience and that my apprehension doesn't affect her.<div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>So for our last week, I am trying to pack it in - 1) because school starts next week and 2) because Alan is traveling all week in Colorado. So, we are going to the pool (went today and probably tomorrow since it is quite hot here), going to the park, having friends over, and taking a trip to the <a href="http://www.baykidsmuseum.org">Discovery Museum</a> in Sausalito with friends. Also on Friday, we finally get Kate's class assignment with a ice cream social to follow at her school and then probably the park by her school to follow.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-ideYbksvUaTBn1HOlPOeLftBlY1LaWC2FGjc55TLZko9NJdwyWURXojU9ePvgVMhbH3E8IfrSKBOp8kHNSOeFt_8YAhHEXT6Mp43ARHdYxzQLefGlYSqVwl9bnwcHU1P9vQ/s320/DSC_1645.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368613678351966050" /></div></div></div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-15368701953637135082009-06-13T23:34:00.000-07:002009-06-14T00:47:43.844-07:00From the Mouth of Babes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcucD-HPm5Su6_TNNBZqt9yJLuACQyQjqNrYN1Gaj4v2MC-RHL05FESrFcrcvd3wV1JFTOwi9KQeOnmC0h-ODjWBwjBiPUCRxtDg_4sZRIVLvGeh_E5lTqL0k2L2ACkf63KTbo/s1600-h/IMG_0083.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcucD-HPm5Su6_TNNBZqt9yJLuACQyQjqNrYN1Gaj4v2MC-RHL05FESrFcrcvd3wV1JFTOwi9KQeOnmC0h-ODjWBwjBiPUCRxtDg_4sZRIVLvGeh_E5lTqL0k2L2ACkf63KTbo/s320/IMG_0083.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347086278223916034" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Pic of Kate's modeling shoot on my phone from last Sunday in an outfit she fashioned and accessorized all by herself. She definitely has a point of view in fashion.</div></span><div><br /></div><div><br />So tonight, Kate and I went to Target to pick up new laundry soap and various birthday gifts for the coming weeks' parties. After checking out and getting all our stuff loaded in the car, Kate asks me the most profound question (and I was laughing and smiling inside). Here is our conversation...<div><div><br /></div><div>K: Mom, what are my responsibilities?</div><div><br /></div><div>M: Huh?</div><div><br /></div><div>K: I know Daddy has a job and you have a job but what are mine and Matt's jobs? How do we get paid?</div><div><br /></div><div>We proceeded to discuss making a chore chart and what would be on it. But what in the world made her think of that. No idea. So next week we are making a chore chart and decorating jars to put marbles in for being good, even mommy has to have a jar, according to Kate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kate has been on one with the profound talking and just plain thinking of the weirdest things. Another conversation we had recently went like this...</div><div><br /></div><div>K: Mom, what is shirt n health?</div><div><br /></div><div>M: What is the world are you talking about?</div><div><br /></div><div>K: Shirt n health. It's a protective layer that covers your skin and protects you from getting sick or hurt. Do we have it?</div><div><br /></div><div>M: (finally figuring out what "shirt n health" was) Oh, Assurant Health. No, honey, we don't have it. We have other insurance through Kaiser.</div><div><br /></div><div>K: Why don't we have shirt n health?</div><div><br /></div><div>M: Daddy's job gives us insurance and Assurant Health is for people that don't have insurance at their jobs.</div><div><br /></div><div>K: Does our insurance protects us?</div><div><br /></div><div>M: Yeah, kind of. </div><div><br /></div><div>She is obsessed about Assurant Health and everything it offers people and why we can't have it. I just love this age. Such funny observations and thoughts. Such great conversations. Just love my little girl.</div></div></div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-48295120364290730612009-04-23T22:38:00.000-07:002009-04-24T00:08:46.558-07:00Earth - The Final Frontier<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://images.fandango.com/r80.8/ImageRenderer/375/375/nox.jpg/116233/images/masterrepository/fandango/116233/earth-ps-1.jpg" id="GalleryControl_BigPhoto" title="Poster Art for "Earth."" alt="Poster Art for "Earth."" /><br /></div><div><br /></div>To celebrate Earth Day (week), the kids and I went to see the new movie, "Earth", by <a href="http://www.disney.go.com/disneynature/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DisneyNature</span></a>. <div><br /></div><div>Wow, what a moving movie. The cinematography was insanely beautiful and so inspiring. Made me what to visit every inch of the world to partake of all the wonderful sights. What a beautiful world that we live in and how blessed we are for everything that we have. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://images.fandango.com/r80.8/ImageRenderer/375/375/nox.jpg/116233/images/masterrepository/fandango/116233/earth---polar-bears.jpg" id="GalleryControl_BigPhoto" title="A scene from "Earth."" alt="A scene from "Earth."" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I never realized the struggle that so many animals go through in search of food and water - a struggle I have never had to deal with. Nor did I fully realize the impact of our misuse of the Earth's resources on the Earth itself until today. The shrinking ice pack in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Artic</span> and its effect on the polar bear or the every enlarging desert in Africa and the struggle for water on elephants and lions. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://images.fandango.com/r80.8/ImageRenderer/375/375/nox.jpg/116233/images/masterrepository/fandango/116233/earth---elephants.jpg" id="GalleryControl_BigPhoto" title="A scene from "Earth."" alt="A scene from "Earth."" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Definitely made me think of how I can better treat the Earth and what God has created. So go see the movie, take your kids and if you go during opening week, Disney will plant a tree in the Amazon for each ticket sold. If you don't go, please rethink how you treat God's gift of this beautiful Earth.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://images.fandango.com/r80.8/ImageRenderer/375/375/nox.jpg/116233/images/masterrepository/fandango/116233/earth-mv-17.jpg" id="GalleryControl_BigPhoto" title="A scene from "Earth."" alt="A scene from "Earth."" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And we will see you next year on Earth Day to see the second part of the series, "Oceans". I can't wait!!!<br /><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-13551230145444773712009-04-22T01:01:00.000-07:002009-04-22T01:01:51.347-07:00Reuse, Reduce, Recycle - Part 1So to celebrate Earth Day this week, I thought I would post some of my favorite eco-friendly things....<div><br /></div><div>First up, reusable bags!!! So easy to use and not too expensive and most are very cute. Plus most grocery stores give you a 5 cent credit for each bag you use, each time you use them. Eventually, that could pay for the bags. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://www.delight.com/images/photos/EnvirosaxMonochromaticSeries-376.jpg" id="img_main" width="376" height="251" alt="Envirosax Ultra-Mod Black & White Reusable Grocery Bags" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But most important is what you save in the environment by not using or reducing your use of the paper and/or plastic bags. Some facts about those lovely paper and plastic bags that may shock you (it did me!):</div><div><br /></div><div> - Almost 400 billion plastic bags are used in the US every year. That is more than 1,200 per resident, per year. WOW!!!</div><div><br /></div><div> - An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make all those bags each year.</div><div><br /></div><div> - Even after the plastic bags degrade, toxic particles are released into the soil and may enter the food chain.</div><div><br /></div><div> - It is estimated that about 45,000 pieces of plastic litter float in every square mile of ocean. This was surprising and sad.</div><div><br /></div><div> - Thousands of marine animals and more than 1 million birds die each year as a result of plastic pollution.</div><div><br /></div><div> - More than 10 billion paper bags are used in the US each year.</div><div><br /></div><div> - About 14 million trees are cut down every year to produce those bags.</div><div><br /></div><div> - Paper production requires hundreds of thousands of gallons of water and toxic chemicals like sulphurous acid. This all leads to acid rain and water pollution.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully that spurs you to go and get some reusable bags. Scary what those plastic and paper bags do to the environment and how it affects everything around us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I have only tried/used one bag (Envirosax) but I love mine. So much so, that I have bought them as gifts for several friends - always good to pass on the "be good to the Earth" vibe.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.envirosax.com/">Envirosax</a> is a company that is committed to being eco-friendly. The founders and their 3 kids live off the grid in Australia, which is totally impressive. Wish I had the guts to try to live off the grid but I am not sure I could do that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the bags are lightweight, waterproof and each bags holds the equivalent of two plastic bags. From my experience the bags hold a ton of food and I can hold them on my shoulder unlike typical grocery bags. The bags come is a ton of colors and you can buy them individually or as a group of 5 (which come in their own little pouch to keep them organized). Love it.</div><div><img id="product_photo" src="http://store.envirosax.com/v/vspfiles/photos/PG.P.D-2.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><div>So save the Earth a little and replace your plastic or paper bags with reusable bags (even those shopping bags could be replaced). Just think of how decluttered your house would be without all those bags floating around.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://www.delight.com/images/photos/ModLinkEnvirosaxM-376.jpg" id="img_main" width="376" height="251" alt="Envirosax Ultra-Mod Black & White Reusable Grocery Bags" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-36455184552673266032008-11-12T15:51:00.000-08:002008-11-12T16:38:58.651-08:00Backtrack- Beginning of Preschool<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So I want to use my blog as some sort of journal. And as you all know, I am terrible at keeping up with the blog thing so I am even more terrible at keeping a journal (as if in never). So for a time there will be "Backtrack" entries to catch up this year's happenings. I am sorry if this is boring or not very current but I need to write this stuff done before it gets too far away. So bear with me....</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Today, I am backtracking to Kate's start of year 2 of prschool. Just a photo and an art project that I did for her for back to school night. I have to say that I am not very creative or artsy. I wish I was but I am sort of proud of my little "Intro to Kate" pendant.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiuRrOckf2EfQgZQANI30HLG-EAg21KEKKkqy2VfyBy6uUnUPf_9ZCi6x7JkxIEVR-SQvMHKZODZj8bs2P9pYFbkLoUzcK9ZoGF_I6WCHL2raOHkWKWrx0i3sDdr3vLnEFtRH/s320/DSC_7901.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267934142160113026" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kate's first day of school. She was so excited for school to start and be in the 4 year old class and also to be able to go 3 days a week. I was very excited about that, too. She loves school but she is a perfectionist who is discouraged when she can't get something just perfect. We have to work on that. I just can't believe how big she has gotten and how much she has grown up in the last year. By the way, the bracelets were always with her (sleeping and awake) for awhile. She would even wake up during the night to make sure she had her bracelets. Now they sit in her Cinderella treasure chest so she doesn't lose them. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WEnl9AvyA4F8njZiEZML2bCnQ3MyFBWVAWh-PWXmI4lP3FNBR3mwK_VfW71SRQSOOBkA-U_Gy3GrMRcswjc5y4XMwT1P-vQKL0daEc3_bCuRycfiLinOxhq33U7ZueUpgkl3/s320/DSC_7965.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267925945493278882" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The pendant I made for Kate's back to school night. I forgot about this until the day off. It was suppose to be all about Kate and things she likes - castles, princesses, butterflies. You can't tell but some of the butterflies are raised off the paper as if they just landed on the paper (a little 3D action). Below is a close up.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkyhFHIlPig5y4n-NLKunW3Q16jZTM5eiXSnGW6Jmir5lgH6LGt6jnhOh9a2jr6CZcPDp0RHAnmZiAxuTj85Tqgob58N87Wv3XiMbm9qG5RteqRTSG79d06KpPWix_c54icQD/s320/DSC_7967.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267931395340376386" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">More on the "backtrack" agenda - Disneyland, LA wedding, Kate's bday party, Halloween, another art project, trip to Ohio, summer highlights, remodeling at its finest, some cooking adventures and so much more (and not in that order). So stay tune and thanks for reading. Love ya all!!!!</span></div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-46385402721189408412008-10-24T23:59:00.000-07:002008-10-25T00:02:04.408-07:00We Are Off...To Disneyland for the second time this year. So excited and so tired and still sick but we are going to have a blast! Kate is super excited and Matt, well, he is still oblivious to all of this. As long as you feed him, he is good with about anything. Will report back in the next week or so (most likely after Halloween)! Have a great week all!!Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-13177787197228054132008-10-14T22:30:00.000-07:002008-10-15T01:34:52.584-07:00To Kate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoB1kBWkLXIkt2j4w_h6j1weh5vgaxjuC7Kq-VTJborV_HSSHhYfQNK2yD7umiVJ7lGERxm1ms27pPCA8DzYPRsv4DZOf_yi2OrrwKJEF2QmwTeTVqpTEwdsPRTZDIR1D1kHE/s1600-h/IMG_0090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoB1kBWkLXIkt2j4w_h6j1weh5vgaxjuC7Kq-VTJborV_HSSHhYfQNK2yD7umiVJ7lGERxm1ms27pPCA8DzYPRsv4DZOf_yi2OrrwKJEF2QmwTeTVqpTEwdsPRTZDIR1D1kHE/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257295656204153026" /></a><br />Happy Birthday, my little bug!! I can't believe that it has been four years. You are growing up so fast and I love every (well, most) minute I am with you!! You are a joy and an awesome answer to my prayers. Thank you for blessing our family and thank you for being you - even with all the drama! I love you forever and always. You are my little baby girl afterall! <div><br /></div><div>Love Mommy</div><div><br /></div><div>PS Sorry about the pic. It is the only one I have right now since our PC is not working and Alan is never home to fix it. So I am left with iPhone pics downloads onto my Mac. One of the many reasons I have put off posting in the first place - that and planning Kate's birthday party.</div><div><br /></div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-25195573493742914862008-09-12T09:19:00.001-07:002008-09-12T09:35:01.086-07:00Quick Update - I AM ALIVE!!!!<div>Life has been crazy busy with going to Ohio for two weeks, Alan changing jobs and then traveling for said new job a bunch, preschool, but especially Young Womens and a wedding.<br /><br />Back in April, I was called to be the 1st counselor in YW and it has been kicking my butt ever since. I loved being the secretary in YW (my old calling) - such a cush calling and no real responsibility plus it is detail and computer oriented (right up my alley). This new calling is so different. Planning activities, dealing with teenage problems (and it is drama all the time), lessons, having my advisor moving, etc. Plus for a while there, Alan was YM 1st counselor so both of us had to be at church on Tuesdays - can we say coordination nightmare. So anyways, for the last few weeks, I have been working on the etiquette dinner with <a href="http://www.hootieshowl.blogspot.com/">Jenni</a>. A fun activity but a lot of info to deal with. Jenni did the invitation (totally cute) and coordinating the participates. I was in charge of the handout and the quiz. Lots of info and unfortunately the dinner is on Tuesday but I am gone this weekend.</div><br /><div>Yes, I am leaving in an hour to go to LA for a friend/co-worker's wedding. 2 ex co-workers and I are going together - no husbands, no kids. Super excited. It is at the Ritz in Marina del Rey. I will have to post pics when I get back. Tonight is a Chinese banquet and then Saturday night is the wedding. So fancy (so for me, a little stressful finding the right outfits and accessories). So after 7 or so dresses bought and 6 returned, this is what I am wearing to the wedding itself (in brown):</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245173893372232962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJzJ4muf3tv-sYJ6fIeeofVWT4ZPtBF1o2FBPTCxpLcZt_1CuvI5nj0iJLBVTQm9I53LZRGS2tWXtlsnRKXK0KxD1rLcG5E5v9kS-v0eM0-PurFHpn5RcZFnjq612do0U94q9/s320/silk+wrap+dress.bmp" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Not sure what I am wearing tonight since dress code is "spiffy sportswear". Not sure what that means or how to dress. What do you think...trouser jeans okay with heels?</div><div></div><br /><div>Have a good weekend all! </div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-30719695094920719322008-07-12T22:15:00.000-07:002008-07-12T22:31:35.923-07:00Recipes for CheesecakeHere are the <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.fc77a0dbc44dd1611e3bf410b5900aa0/?vgnextoid=dedf428e3ea0f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&rsc=rf_result1&autonomy_kw=vanilla+bean+and+cheesecake">vanilla bean cheesecake </a>recipe and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/best-raspberry-coulis?autonomy_kw=raspberry%20coulis&rsc=header_3">raspberry coulis sauce </a>recipe. For the cheesecake crust, I used crushed shortbread cookies and melted butter. Enjoy!!!<br /><br />BTW, it was brought up to me that it was not my brother that requested blueberries so I am not sure why I made it.<br /><br />I will try to find the blueberry cheesecake recipe.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-14845882008979806102008-07-09T15:20:00.000-07:002008-07-09T15:21:44.851-07:00Patty Cake Patty Cake, Baker's Woman...So most of you know that I do not cook. Well, I cook but I am not the fondest of cooking and I would much rather have someone cook for me. But I do love to make dessert every once in a while. I usually have to have a reason though - I mean, come on, I am still trying to lose weight and I am not good at saying no to sweets, especially ice cream.<br /><br />Back on point...for family birthdays/events we usually get together for dinner. Assignments for food are given and inevitably, I am usually told "bring your own meat to BBQ, bring a green salad or veggie, and some ice cream." Seriously, I feel like no one thinks that I can cook. I never said I couldn't cook just that I am not the fondest of it. No matter how many times I feel like I prove myself, I am rarely assigned to cook anything.<br /><br />So finally at Easter, I said something again. My brother, Eric, and his family were in town and I just wanted to cook something. So I got assigned dessert. No dessert in my family is not easy. I'm not a fan of fruit and my dad and some brothers are no chocolate eaters. BTW, who doesn't like a good piece of chocolate? So what to make for dessert under these parameters...<br /><br />Well, instead of one dessert, I decide on two. First, sugar cookies for the kids and no fruit eaters (yes, I made them from scratch and of course, shaped for Easter). Now the adult dessert, I decided to try and make cheesecake from scratch (no mixes), even the crust was from scratch. After searching for quite a while through all my recipe books (now I may not cook a lot but I do like to buy recipe books. Weird, I know.), I decided on a blueberry lemon cheesecake. Eric said that he liked blueberries so since he was visiting that decided it.<br /><br />I have to say, the thought of making cheesecake is a little stressful. But actually, it is not that hard. Just takes forever to cook (like 3 hours). So here is the final product, my first cheesecake...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221141157928737554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtf_KniC2hxwnEs07paSzrUlOPeMnUpIPB7P0xg9iyS8YfIA9qUBPvHWf-NJShVcPt65qEx_-HDVESpDc2ql_2s7nyxPRfcDYXObOVuLerI97_5aarL1QfoPnURuxZEa-aYHCD/s320/DSC_6162.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>It's a shortbread crust with lemon cheesecake and then blueberries are plunged inside the cheesecake and also on top. I know it's not the greatest (or any) styling but you get the picture. I've determined that I need a cake stand also.</p><p>So after that success! I was assigned once again to dessert for my brother, Jeff's 40th birthday dinner. Cheesecake again. Just can't get enough. This time I made vanilla bean cheesecake with a shortbread crust and a homemade raspberry sauce for fruit lovers and chocolate sauce for me.</p><p>My next attempt will be a strawberry and cream cheesecake that looks divine. I will keep you posted.<br /></p>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-58465371473728571332008-06-04T21:35:00.001-07:002008-06-04T22:08:43.625-07:00Shake, Rattle, and Roll...So as some of you have heard, little ole FF had its taste of the Bay Area's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">infamous earth moving</span>. Yes, we had a 3.9 earthquake last night at 7:30 and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">epicenter was</span> in Green Valley (a west end of FF for those of you that don't know). I was at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">YW</span> and it definitely felt like a Mack truck had hit the Stake Center. Just one large jolt and then it was over. No big deal.<br /><br />As a kid growing up here, I was always mad when I would come home from school to find out there was an earthquake and I didn't feel it. What a let down! So when I feel an earthquake, I am sort of in awe - grateful to be safe but also reminded that I am not necessarily in control of everything around me.<br /><br />I remember the 1989 quake. Very scary because I had never felt an earthquake so strong and for so long before (and still haven't). I remember watching at soccer game at FF High (FF vs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Armijo</span>). A mom was yelling at her kid to stop shaking her seat. And then we all realized what was happening. I remember that you could visibly see the earth rolling. It felt like it was never going to stop. I am sure that it didn't last too long but at the time, it felt like an eternity. I remember watching all the destruction on TV, all the commuters trapped on the Nimitz Freeway. I remember watching the old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Embarcadero</span> slowly get torn down (it used to be a raised freeway, not on the water like it is today). I especially remember a month later when the Bay Bridge reopened (a portion of the upper level westbound lanes had fallen on the lower eastbound part). A group of friends and I skipped school to go to the reopening. We walked the bridge to the fallen portion and then turned back. The cool thing was that we each got to sign a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Botts</span> Dot (the white plastic dots in between the lanes). At the time, a very cool experience.<br /><br />Even after the quake, I still yearned to live and/or work in SF. I love the City and so after college, started my job in the City. I never worried (I wondered but never worried) about earthquakes for the 9 years I worked there. Even riding BART, I never worried about what would happen if a major earthquake hit. Why, I am not quite sure. I look back now and think what would I have done. I mean BART is safe in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Transbay</span> Tube (it's in the bedrock of the ocean) but what about all the elevated portions of BART from SF to Walnut Creek. When I started working, I worked on the 36<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span> floor at One Market and not once did I wonder what would happen. Most of the buildings are on rollers so they move with the earth but in '89, parts of SF were destroyed because a lot of SF is built on sand, not so good when the earth moves.<br /><br />One thing I am not so sure of anymore, is what you are suppose to do in an earthquake. I was always taught to get in a solid doorway or under furniture ("duck and cover"). But I got an email last week, saying that was not true anymore. That you should get in the fetal position and get next to to a large bulky object (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">like a</span> sofa or desk). I guess that it will compress slightly but leave a void next to it. The guy called it the "triangle of life". What have you all heard? Did the rules change? Both make sense but not sure which is right.<br /><br />BTW, don't anyone have a heart attack seeing that I have posted twice in less than a week. I am really trying hard.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-69538791664717670892008-06-01T16:34:00.000-07:002008-06-01T16:49:41.332-07:00I AM ALIVE...barely!!!Okay, I am finally going to post something. Nothing great but it is something. Matt is in the bathtub and Kate is watching cartoons before we head over to Jenni's for dinner. So I thought why not post a little something for all you to know that I am alive and I have some plans for posting (and hopefully soon). I keep telling myself that I will be better at this but I would much rather read yours than write on mine. I guess you are all much more interesting than I but I will try to be better.<br /><br />Alan left yesterday for his bike ride for AIDS/Lifecycle. He and a bunch of guys from work are riding their bikes from San Francisco to LA. Alan is only going to Paso Robles because he is taking pictures for a friend's nanny's wedding on Saturday so he is coming home on Tuesday night. Today, they rode from SF to Santa Cruz in less than 8 hours. A little too much time on the bike if you ask me but Alan loves to ride and we are so proud of him. A little 4th grade girl at Barnes & Noble summed it up for me when she said that riding that long would be 1) boring and 2) how she would hate that her butt would hurt so bad each day. Basically, how I feel. Not sure I could ride my bike for 8 hours straight but it would be great to see California from a bike.<br /><br />So since Alan left, I decided to take the kids out to dinner and then to Barnes & Noble - one of Kate's favorite things to do. First we were going to go to Red Brick Pizza by the mall (great place for kids because most of the tables have TV). Well, they were closed for repairs. Now try to explain that to a 3 year old. Didn't go over well at all. We went to Mary's Pizza Shack instead and still had great pizza. Then off to Barnes for books and magazines and a try at getting rice crispie treats. For some reason Starbucks' rice crispie treats have visible marshmellows in them and so Kate won't eat them because that represents sugar (which she refuses to eat). Anyway, we played at the train table and got some books and off to home. So a first day/night alone not so bad. As you can tell, I don't do well being at home by myself. All power to those that have to be alone a lot. Definitely hard.<br /><br />Well Matt is crying so I guess I am alive and I hope to post again soon. I'm out!Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-31822304415258960262008-03-27T16:09:00.000-07:002008-03-27T16:20:51.332-07:0030+ Going on 13 or So....So I had a lapse in judgment last week while at the park. I don't really know what I was thinking except that how hard could a "flip" be to do on the bars. You know that thing we all did in elementary school on the bars. I use to be able to twirl around the bars non-stop for quite a while. I mean when I was 11 or 12. So really how hard could it be to do a couple of times in your 30s. Well the answer to that is...<br /><br />Very easy to do but man do you pay for it afterwards.<br /><br />My brother and his family were visiting last week from AZ. On Thursday, after Kate got out of school, we went to the park so the kids could "geo-cache" (look for hidden candy using GPS). At lunch, my brother, Eric, said that he climbed the tree in the front yard to show his oldest son that he could do it. Okay, I am competitive so I thought I can do something also. So at the park my chance came. I was talking to my niece, who is 11, at the bars. And all the sudden the thought popped in my head, that I should try to do the flip thing I use to do. What a cool aunt that is shameless enough to embarrass herself and prove that she can still do it!! Well there I go. Not easy getting up on the bar but not once, I have to do it twice. (And for some reason I forgot that half the ward was at the park that day - well not half but 2 ladies and some from 3rd ward). Megan, my niece, I hope was impressed.<br /><br />Because, that night and since then, I have felt like I got in a car wreck and have whiplash. My neck is killing me. So note to self for all you daredevils, the flip on the bar is probably not the best way to show your niece or kids that you are cool no matter what shape you are in.<br /><br />My only regret is that I have no proof to show that I did it. Oh well. Maybe next time I feel a sudden lapse of judgement coming on.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-51587696844672069812008-03-07T15:51:00.000-08:002008-03-07T22:22:13.939-08:00Waiting to Exhale! (Long Post...Sorry!!)Sorry ahead of time for the long post but I have told myself I will write this down....<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>For about the last year, our lives and especially Matt's have been in limbo. Waiting for answers, waiting to exhale and enjoy life with no uncertainties, no specialists, no therapists.<br /><br />As some of you know, almost exactly a year ago, I sat in the Kaiser PICU (pediatric ICU) in Oakland watching and waiting as Matt was in the hospital for the third time in his short little life of 6 weeks. Matt had pneu<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzZSRALA2S4xuHsTBpHHhlp6tke-2eQYo9sRvZpGKTbZwNfTKCFte6jQxzwDedRcEjF0NmzdzP0lksuyzVfLujdbqsLhex6-M1Qcq9xHUprrYDLOCgPjXhVrz-_OBov-uoAPT/s1600-h/DSC_0275.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175164742018997506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzZSRALA2S4xuHsTBpHHhlp6tke-2eQYo9sRvZpGKTbZwNfTKCFte6jQxzwDedRcEjF0NmzdzP0lksuyzVfLujdbqsLhex6-M1Qcq9xHUprrYDLOCgPjXhVrz-_OBov-uoAPT/s320/DSC_0275.JPG" border="0" /></a>monia for the 2nd time, a staph infection and was fighting for his life. A myriad of doctors and specialists were trying to figure out why he kept getting sick. Every morning, while at the PICU, I would make sure to arrive before 9am so that I could participate in doctor's rounds at Matt's bedside. For some of you, you know that 1) I am not a great morning person and 2) I am never (and I mean never) on time. But in this case I was always there, anxious to hear what the latest theories were and always ready with my questions. </div><br /><div></div><div>One morning, the theory was cystic fibrosis. I was taken aback when the pulmonologist just flippantly suggested that Matt had cystic fibrosis. I was in tears. Not only is it hard to hear your child has a lifelong disease but being in the circumstances that we were in, plus hearing that kind of news without your spouse is a bit overwhelming. And don't we get tested for CF during pregnancy - I know not all tests are accurate but I swore I was not a carrier. Couldn't the pulmonologist check my records before suggesting such a thing. Anyways, I was traumatized but the next morning, CF was off the list of possibilities. RELIEF!!<br /></div><br /><div>After the specialist had eliminated most genetic disease and suc<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADyk2F_NU8gdVla62MqV5H1rE_xkQ6T8R3B-uLddVAzPjHpxpodJ5_XAfuowrdo482T1bmuKlCuT04vSLuhxkGVjWYIm4l_prLMQudWlESRh3KctZ6L7sEfoklpzjvWOpfHBO/s1600-h/DSC_0326.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175238692765900066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADyk2F_NU8gdVla62MqV5H1rE_xkQ6T8R3B-uLddVAzPjHpxpodJ5_XAfuowrdo482T1bmuKlCuT04vSLuhxkGVjWYIm4l_prLMQudWlESRh3KctZ6L7sEfoklpzjvWOpfHBO/s320/DSC_0326.JPG" border="0" /></a>h, the only focus was anatomy issues. However, no tests could be performed until Matt was basically breathing on his own. So we waited and waited for 2 weeks for Matt to get off the respirator, then the CPAP, then the cannulas, etc. Probably the longest and hardest two weeks of my life thus far. Finally, at the beginning of Feb. 2007, the tests were performed - a swallow study, a barium swallow test, a pH balance study, xrays, ultrasounds, CT scans, neurological studies, etc. A lot of tests and studies for our little guy.</div><br /><div></div><div>One day, during all the tests, Dr. Hayward, Matt's neurologist, came to examine Matt. After a 5-10 minute examination, she gave me her thoughts. "Matt possibly has Cerebral Palsy from not breathing but we won't know for sure for 6 months!" she said. And then just as quickly as she said it, she left his room for a meeting. WHAT! You are going to launch this on me (again, I am alone at the hospital because Alan was at work) and then not stay to discuss it with me or make sure I was okay. I was understandably beyond devastated. How do you deal with this? What is going to happen to our lives and to Matt and to Kate? I just got over the CF diagnosis and now CP. I knew nothing about CP except the picture in my head of a child in a wheelchair that is very tense. Needless to say, Dr. Hayward was not my favorite doctor.</div><br /><div></div><div>Immediately, I called Alan. He did some research and then got to the hospital as quickly as possible. Come to find out, CP is an injury to the brain and the results can differ from mild to severe. And according to Dr. Hayward (a day later), most likely Matt's would either be mild or nothing. So I thought maybe I could handle this! I mean I had no choice at that point - Matt is my baby boy and we will do what is necessary to help him. But first we had to deal with his pneumonia issues.</div><br /><div></div>After a million (it seemed) tests, Mat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2IxF_xeEhjYQJlTbWOXedahPcgJYlbVOhu_RmW1NKBKiBTzhHEOeLQqCGBrGFfbDU6cuR7PeIOp-_JJlFtw7yWB6N8zzv3Ete8gdfS1NdU5K7D612skbNyJr9FyRkZnDQpQH/s1600-h/DSC_0388.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175241931171241266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2IxF_xeEhjYQJlTbWOXedahPcgJYlbVOhu_RmW1NKBKiBTzhHEOeLQqCGBrGFfbDU6cuR7PeIOp-_JJlFtw7yWB6N8zzv3Ete8gdfS1NdU5K7D612skbNyJr9FyRkZnDQpQH/s320/DSC_0388.JPG" border="0" /></a>t was finally diagnosed with severe acid reflux. So severe that his esophagus had stomach acid in it constantly and no medicine was going to help the problem. Our only option was surgery ASAP - like found out late Tuesday night and surgery was scheduled for Thursday. Surgery went well and Matt had a feeding port in his stomach to vent the gas (he can't really burp or throw up now because of the surgery). BTW, the feeding port was taken out in April after being in for 8 weeks. Hurray!!<br /><br /><div></div><div>Back to the CP thing, so off to specialists and therapists and such. At one time, we were seeing 2 speech therapists, an occupational therapist and a physical therapist plus the surgeon, a pulmonologist, a gastroenterologist, and the neurologist. Some in Oakland, one in Fremont, some in Vallejo, and some in Fairfield. We waited and watched to see how Matt would respond. Things we thought were cute, like the ability to hold his head up early, were signs of rigidness and possible CP per the specialists. It was very exhausting, both emotionally and physically. </div><div></div><br /><div>However, the light at the end of the tunnel, in our minds, was 6 months and it was g<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwo597tyhtIuYqsNpWQI5hxk9yzcaho3_Ka21DPgraL_tv90OMGEAwkDydUqDJfpfdWNJC2TxSycM7eLjdE-lORn1dC-lRmujxfe2351sMi3Wf3PhZ-0JVLHJjDOZJGhjQS6k/s1600-h/DSC_1434.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175251319969750386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwo597tyhtIuYqsNpWQI5hxk9yzcaho3_Ka21DPgraL_tv90OMGEAwkDydUqDJfpfdWNJC2TxSycM7eLjdE-lORn1dC-lRmujxfe2351sMi3Wf3PhZ-0JVLHJjDOZJGhjQS6k/s320/DSC_1434.JPG" border="0" /></a>etting closer. At that time, we were actually getting rid of specialists (done with the surgeon, the gastro dr., and 1 speech therapist). So when our June appointment came with Dr. Hayward. I remember being anxious and scared, thinking this could be it, but also hopeful because things were going well. At that appointment, though, we found out that we would have to wait to see if Matt would miss any milestones or not walk in order to do the MRI that would diagnose him. WHAT!!!! More time to wait, more therapists. I couldn't believe it. There was no way I could sit in limbo for another 6 months but again, I had no choice!</div><br /><div></div><div>So after months of therapists and working with Matt to catch up (oh and a 12 month appointment with Dr. Hayward that continually got changed), Matt and I were to meet with her on February 12th at a NICU follow-up appointment. Matt had started walking and his therapists were very pleased with his progress (but no one would rule out CP still). So February 12th was here....<br /><br />And just as swiftly as Dr. Hayward announced that Matt may have CP, she swooped into the exam room and determined he did NOT have CP (in a matter of minutes) and we were released from her care. So that's when I.... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175248399391989074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gVFFkGv_D0CzgMlSIIVCW_0mi-41ws5go1oPn72yJcy5yV07JzFMMTv6Jw7Clk_DTfjUxqBxOfwRZ02wRcFGNfr60bg4eThaD4XoLe3wkyBChPR4UxcCQ2jId6GSgPt37YBp/s320/DSC_5631.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Exhaled...and Breathed a SIGH of relief!!</em></span><br /><br />Now Matt can be a no<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjub0qIsksPSuq4EFP76BsZ6Cu420YX3FboQnqx01Z55Ml3ybvgVqUWID7rOWghVXOF8eXPsO5XVBWL8OUDBA72W4SYc8p2l7pNwXKho6e4TP2yfR3C3fpPSbp2SFqMmcSaXXHQ/s1600-h/DSC_1060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175250035774528866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjub0qIsksPSuq4EFP76BsZ6Cu420YX3FboQnqx01Z55Ml3ybvgVqUWID7rOWghVXOF8eXPsO5XVBWL8OUDBA72W4SYc8p2l7pNwXKho6e4TP2yfR3C3fpPSbp2SFqMmcSaXXHQ/s320/DSC_1060.JPG" border="0" /></a>rmal little toddler but with an extra little belly button. A scar to remind us and him how precious life is and what we have been through in the last year.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-40303388305732970972007-12-11T00:12:00.000-08:002007-12-11T00:16:48.025-08:00Matt - My Baby No MoreJust a quick post to wish Matt a Happy 1st Birthday. I will try to post a longer post about Matt today but just in case (today is pretty jam packed)....<br /><br />Matt - Happy Birthday!! You entered our family quickly and unexpected at 12:31am today. I love you dearly and I already miss you being a baby.<br /><br />Love, MomElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-10772991492036683072007-11-27T21:45:00.000-08:002007-11-27T22:24:32.764-08:00Black Friday - The ExperienceSo, I attempted Black Friday for the first time. Yes, kind of weird since I love shopping but in recent years with having both Kate and Matt, I have turned to internet shopping. Well, I guess I do internet shopping throughout the year and probably 80% of my shopping is off the internet. But that is besides the point. Back to Black Friday....<br /><div><br /></div><div>My friend, Jenni, asked me to come along on her Black Friday excursion. Unfortunately, that meant leaving my house at 4:30am (which meant getting up at 3:50am to get ready). So Jenni, our other friend, Amy, and I set out for our day of shopping at 4:30ish (come on, we're Mormon and we are never on time). First stop, Starbucks for peppermint hot chocolate - thank you Starbucks for opening at 4:30 every morning. Then on to Toys R Us in Concord since it opened at 5am. The lines were crazy but not the frenzy that I had imagined. In my head, I was picturing moms pushing and grabbing for the toys but not so - thank goodness. I have to say, I am not sure why people wake up their little kids to go to the sales - saw this a lot and the kids looked miserable. After Toys R Us and a hefty portion of shopping done and oh, a stop at the car to get rid of our loot, we headed next door to Target. More good shopping and I have to say that I am now almost done with Kate and Matt for Christmas and Matt for his birthday.</div><br /><div>All in all, we went to Toys R Us, Target, Old Navy, REI, Michaels, a scrapbooking store, Right Start and Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. We were shopping literally from about 5:15am until 4pm, with a stop at CPK for lunch. I had a blast and it was great spending time with my girls - too much fun. And when we got home, we had to have Alan take pictures of our day's loot (now I have to say that by the end, we were starting to wonder where all the stuff was going to go and if it would all be in the car after we got it from valet in Walnut Creek - all was good). So here are the pics....</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137767495997154738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAggp05ZpnmM_SV2aS-1QyjqGZlGjs7petwrjwuLbam5ftZt4i3ovpX_LKgfbYVU1mfrjUMY26FR6-p3ng8utsy07ehMqY-QVcPS43h82fy0ycrBzA7Cv2nHdQ8-7FjOKyWN8V/s320/DSC_4155.JPG" border="0" />Here is the back of Jenni's car with all our loot purchased by 3 woman for our collective 7 kids and other odds and ends.</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137768243321464258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgru-EJpU07C7Xy4OHcO8ZWz2pMJcd3WgaX5OxbBl0p_ZVkRJHWxGMFemlSiPmy-bwSJFP6hMBP0y4DYHGjJrRJC3FmSYyLKMuvTxK7yqNT5B_RdebH1O3a4xFGQwh0swI03-sy/s320/DSC_4156.JPG" border="0" />Side view of the car. The back seat had enough room for Amy; the other seat was full of bags.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137772074432292306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-4JGoTM3nL7p5NOQpQXIS5oWcdKNq-pTpiVnYYiwYV55FZmJhsrclvO2q-S3xj3cfATL17O9xJPR3txePYpFS8EqKAiAhR767y0DW5SCJtr0_ZWNifEVXhOr9_gUGfc8BJmE/s320/DSC_4158.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>The three shoppers after a long, hard, productive day. Don't we look tired - especially me.</p><p>Well, as a side note, after all that shopping, my body decided to go crazy and I ended up with a migraine-like headache soon after getting home. So bad that my dad and Alan had to give me a blessing so that I could sleep. And sleep I did for the next 12 hours.</p><p>But all in all, I had a blast and I can't wait to do it again next year. Maybe I won't be such a whiner next time.</p>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-27484748584847510472007-11-05T00:06:00.000-08:002007-11-12T00:05:10.576-08:00I WAS TAGGED (a long time ago)I was tagged quite awhile ago so now the slacker that I am, I am finally go to do these...<br /><br />I was tagged by Jenni (<a href="http://hootieshowl.blogspot.com/">http://hootieshowl.blogspot.com/</a>) ...she is a very talented scrapbooker so check out her great layouts (hey, she is even getting me into the scrapbooking thing). Also I was tagged by Kristin (<a href="http://kristin-partylikearockstar.blogspot.com/">http://kristin-partylikearockstar.blogspot.com/</a>) ...we have been friends for over 15 years now and she is a rocking rock climber so also check her out.<br /><br />Anyway, here are 7 random facts about me....<br /><br />1. I love breakfast food. I could eat breakfast for every meal. But I can't stand eggs and dry heave at the smell of them.<br /><br />2. I live in a perpetually world of organized chaos. Our downstairs always looks organized but our office is a total mess. Yet I could find anything I need in the office.<br /><br />3. I cannot throw away a magazine unless I have read it from cover to cover (I have the same issue with newspapers and catalogs too). I have magazines from 2002 probably in a box waiting for me to read. I did throw away a lot of magazines while I was pumping with Matt since I read about 3 or so magazines a day while I was pumping.<br /><br />4. Now this is something that most people don't know unless you went to college with me...My nickname in college was and still is to this day EZ. I was nicknamed after the rapper Easy E. My old roommate's entire family still calls me EZ.<br /><br />5. I am obsessed with spelling. I love to find spelling errors in newspapers or magazines. I don't know why but it seems so funny to have a misspell in a newspaper...don't they use spell check plus it's a newspaper for crying out loud.<br /><br />6. I can't remember any lines from any movie I have ever seen. Alan is great at remembering that stuff but me, I couldn't hardly tell you about the movie long after I have seen it. I guess I just few movies/TV as forms of entertainment and so my brain is turned off when I am watching.<br /><br />7. Like Kristin (above), I cannot stand to have my fingernails painted. But I love to paint my toe nails and I do feel kind of naked when they are not painted. Unfortunately, since Matt was born, they do not get painted regularly. Something I definitely need to start up again plus Kate loves to have her toes painted.<br /><br /><br />I also got tagged by Shaina so here goes that one (BTW, this was quite difficult because my memory sucks)...<br /><br />5 things I was doing 10 years ago:<br />It was 1997 and I was working in San Francisco (pretty boring life)...<br />1. Moving to the other side of Walnut Creek for cheaper rent<br />2. Working 70-90 hour weeks working for Arthur Andersen as a tax consultant<br />3. Spending more time with my newly relocated brothers and their families, especially the kids<br />4. Taking a trip with Kristin (above) to NYC and DC (so much fun and such great memories)<br />5. Eating lunch everyday with my work friend, Kathy, whom I still keep in touch with<br /><br />5 things on my to-do list today:<br />1. Go to Target<br />2. Take Kate to the park<br />3. Catch up on emails<br />4. Go through bags of clothes to donate to DI<br />5. Go to a Homemade Gourmet party at Amy's<br /><br />5 snacks I enjoy:<br />1. Diet Coke<br />2. Ice Cream<br />3. 100 Grand Bars<br />4. Genisoy Chocolate Mint bars<br />5. Chips and salsa<br /><br />5 songs I know the lyrics to:<br />1. Most primary songs because I sing them every night<br />....Without the song playing....no other song - one of the things that I am really bad about but I can't remember words to songs to save my life. But if the song is on...<br />2. Most Linkin Park songs<br />3. Most boy band songs<br />4. Bibidee Bopadee Boo from one of the Cinderella movies (that is just because I hear it so often but Kate loves to have "dance party" to this song<br />5. Can't think of any more but I am sure there are more<br /><br />5 of my bad habits:<br />1. I pick at my cuticles on my fingernails<br />2. A little OCD but I have to check all the doors every night to be sure that they are locked (even if Alan checked them)<br />3. I obsess about losing weight but I am too lazy to be on a diet<br />4. I am a procrastinator and therefore my office is always a disaster<br />5. I am always late, no matter how hard I try<br /><br />5 things I'd do if I were a millionaire:<br />1. Put away enough for our kids' college<br />2. Build and design my dream house<br />3. Tithing, of course<br />4. Help my family members out with expenses<br />5. Save and invest the rest after a good shopping spree<br /><br />5 things I will never wear again:<br />1. Spandex - as Alan says..it is a privilege not a right<br />2. Pegged pants (never wore reverse fit but did peg pants myself back in the day)<br />3. Not really wearing but I will never perm my hair again<br />4. Denim shirt<br />5. Faded or white washed jeans<br /><br />5 of my favorite toys:<br />1. My iPhone<br />2. TIVO<br />3. My straightener<br />4. Internet<br />5. Jewelry<br /><br />Now I am not going to tag anyone specifically but challenge all those who haven't done one or the other or both to do them on your blog. Great getting to know all you better. Happy Blogging for the day!!!!Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-72936628396314000192007-10-22T12:45:00.000-07:002007-10-22T13:22:04.860-07:00Kate's Birthday Party<div><div><div>Last week was Kate's birthday and hence, also her birthday party. I always waffle between whether to have a party or not. Some friends and family do not do parties for their young kids but then others do so what do you do. I guess this year I felt Kate deserved a party for all the inattention she has had to endure this year with all of Matt's issues. She has been a trooper this year and this party, to me, was her prize or reward for being such a great little girl. Okay, well back to the party....since Kate's birthday is in October, she decided she wanted a Halloween party, not a Princess Party like I expected. You know 3 year olds, always keeping you on your toes.<br /></div><div>As we have never really decorated for Halloween, we had to buy a bunch of decorations and also, me being me, I had to attempt to be crafty, which I am not. You know sometimes I feel the pressure to be crafty and usually it hits will someone's birthday. So here are my crafts:</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124252207894267314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4EpMJ2gkiBWGTdJFCKvdUwvFcnBSajuaaDkbkRdDuToKyY8_tJUn7MNmSLfsjNWXRhcNiiqqBiHt7hDs1eX-iHcewdSmqjsIrQ1g9EG2CfSY09haqN_Uq7j9FSjEZi0q233k/s320/DSC_3483.JPG" border="0" />I made the little haunted house (3 tissue boxes, some tissue paper, black spray paint, gray craft paint, and styrofoam ghosts). I thought it turned out cute!</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124253075477661122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ipbRoiQMb7fR3zc1CCEOH3BKPm5-BlZWxRa99x9RsYXGaKVkhmgLQBC4pAZRRXZG9iCgH-Xv2V7qB3-kIjJ4M2jtBukT0fdMswoJrfyGjBg3jClDvAOqsqEkDEb6cFvkr0KS/s320/DSC_3487.JPG" border="0" /> The other crafty thing I did was glitter a bunch of bones and a skull. This was easy but very time taking. This display was on our island with the food.<br /><br /><p>I had a lot more crafts and food concotions I wanted to try but Alan was out of town that week from Tuesday night until late Friday afternoon so I decided to drop some of the decorations. All in all the decorations were enough and the food was good (we had soup and chili plus cornbread and breadsticks; also had mac n cheese and mummy wraps for the kids).</p></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124254883658892754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQnyDHpsEd2Hhw_2L_lZfMMYjAL-jDB4-EuCEfrXsVNsXiGVchkYWmPFEJV7bAjQcFib9k8Se5HjlIhMe0H_Ybd173UtS7NsT9viBSFIeqIQro10k8npGzfbwfideGguGB10l/s320/DSC_3507.JPG" border="0" />One of the activities for the party was a jumphouse (very worried about the weather all week because it was forecast to possibly rain that day). We have never done this before but it was the best money we have ever spent. The kids had a blast and my house stayed relatively clean. We also decorated pumpkins with foam stickers as the favor - great fun!!</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124255935925880290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2AqHmnak2L8lr6cPWbNK98NCaxW5QIQ-WLeNPQpA_7nsGMIG2b8LeIYjuK6BYPPadOs58WrN4hvPw1nnCETYXB3lSiz4J4ZyH3COTJeQB1wxak_IYGkfviaNQBx233NyNP8Y/s320/DSC_3517.JPG" border="0" />Kate and Alan and her cake before everyone started to sing Happy Birthday!! Look how excited and happy she looks....</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124257872956130802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCnqQyRd33jdmmUxvGTaCVUYDs8R5JtbRNtYN32NEBvg8C09AB5wOp8kGbwL9n-qlbnKl4Kcgm6vdZVxQxKG535pIHz6ZMuJqoaltfBbGp2Qh1wJCZvg0pGAhanikaM_GCvKM/s320/DSC_3520.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>And this is her after the singing began. She actually started crying and freaking out. It's not like we don't sing Happy Birthday at home constantly because believe me we do. Oh well. My shy little girl had a great birthday and great friends and family to spend it with. Thanks all that are part of Kate's life.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-78040914631365201692007-10-14T22:16:00.000-07:002007-10-14T23:54:24.831-07:00My Little Princess.....<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>is <span style="font-size:180%;">3 years old </span>today!!!! I can't believe that it has been three entire years of her love, laughter and the occassional (well, not so occassional) tantrums. We had a Halloween party for her yesterday, which I will post about later. Today, I want to post a little photo memory of her first 3 years....</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121433214699472194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vjq1OUzlan1gjI48bnm4rZw4W4ek5Lb0Lk0J7f6v1EEIVCd5iqzx8GJbVBIx7qtXdM7HnsVZaMIlZbBuTmfj3tRZQw3edSOBsUyOgAc-cMleQ2e_WtV3j3e5G2ttYRemWZ_W/s320/DSC00807.JPG" border="0" /> First time I held Kate - about 5 hours after she was born. All the nurses commented on how she got my red hair, except Kate's was real and mine was just done at the salon the day before!!!<br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121445597090186578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_uvmgsZZvO5EnBbEalFb9_Y8RHzJ8y727DkzrTBOYOm20IZaXJEobHrh9y4fAkT4eNm4Djg-KElth7wj9VmrnaNRABwYvkOIr-Hh64-bZz7gCsE1vRT6lOwUBLi0fk-K6mNx/s320/Mommy+and+me+5-11-05.JPG" border="0" /> Kate at 7 months<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121446327234626914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTpJLuSV55RIAzzxclMuvpC8hhpCLDNsa8rDRbLjcM01k5H84qZQNHw2fKoYbzdMnwzy0xABwJj9j1J6WWOERr_JqA2Nmq3ueIspjDFwEXmC2IEGlNBqEjGsLknglFhDPo6Ms/s320/DSC03165.JPG" border="0" />Kate at her 1st Birthday Party<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121447813293311346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQf6vD5dD9W6OpJdRX_PNMgyoRY6e73q5K-3t1FH4pEEkOSSv9KcXWYIM-P2qdSz6S8z5gF-Lihr8T8bHQr2iud5dNwxM4wd-qxFPiatlIxKewKgMyPwpQGW5UDjnAx6bilwrH/s320/DSC04596.JPG" border="0" /> Kate at 18 months on Easter 2006 </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121448363049125250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRV3DoDllKwgrACjnqgLq4sVI2m5BlTP7ZvUO9iur_hTuHtZE9e9kqWc0Qxd-vHZTQP0rOC8mevpMj07lyI2UiFM-Y2pe8G5VHmmDxFIjnl1VhqB3e5cmowNba8ekC2H84WJp0/s320/DSC05853.JPG" border="0" />Kate at 2 years old - showing her love of bags and not just one .</div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121450574957282706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nBGhN4k4XpwR5Z2krm1ulKun7QojHSqDuBPTkoF0iJkqr_f4wabzvu_n4khDunVIbcB7RUsJxmrkb0b9mTKeEaT9Ylh4JCIRO-_P798Rf56ZQWB261xPHyP4v0o-SKcXYlsX/s320/DSC_0391.JPG" border="0" />Kate at 2.5 years old at the "glass slipper ball". She is wearing my red wedges, which she has deemed her glass slippers.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121452490512696738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMF2V1U1ez005OKl0lVZKa1_92FSEPuYDVnBTXDylPLUDYzo5YhNkwMHzR85q-cImciFjtlmfEZc9QHDGbnH5I0_fyQoZ0aZWDphMOvi0qSshFO-EaAxtDq0lQKPHUmLrpKCR/s320/DSC_3022.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>Kate a month shy of 3 years old on her first day in preschool.</p><p>Kate, Thank you so much for coming into our family and my life. You are such a great little person and so full of life. I love you to pieces, my little princess. Love, Mommy</p>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22371523.post-77188337354901015952007-08-20T17:55:00.000-07:002007-09-08T00:57:56.465-07:00I AM FINALLY GOING TO START POSTING....I have now had this blog for 18 months and have a posted on it yet...NO!!! Everyday, I think about posting but something comes up, mostly getting sucked into reading other blogs. So now I am going to start, I hope...<br /><br />First off, a little about my humble and seemingly normal life. I am a mom to two preemies. Kate is almost 3 and was born 6 weeks early (after a near delivery at 26 weeks, resulting in 8 weeks of lovely bedrest for me). As a side note, I was working at the time and so I did get paid for all 8 weeks of watching TV and reading magazines, not a bad deal. Well we thought Kate was a handful...her brother decided to show her up. Matt is 9 months old now but he decided to show up a little over 8 weeks early. Matt spent 9 weeks in the hospital fighting pneumonia induced by aspirating on milk. He is our little trooper and has kept a smile on his face the entire time. I am also a wife to a great man, Alan, who so lovingly goes to work every day so that I can stay home and spend the money. Thanks babe!!!<br /><br />Prior to mommyhood, I worked in the accounting industry doing taxes and estate planning for high wealth individuals - first at Arthur Andersen and then at HSBC - for 9 years. I loved what I did and also working in San Francisco and do miss working, well really, I miss the social life and the shopping.<br /><br />Currently, I am dealing with potty training (still after 3 months), Kate starting preschool, tons of physical therapy for Matt (possibility of Matt having cerebal palsy from all his complications) and also speech therapy for Matt for supposed oral aversion, and also trying to have a social life myself and lose this freaking baby weight once and for all.<br /><br />So this is my life in a nut shell. Not glamorous by any means but eventful for sure....So enjoy our journey!!Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17389401730288048201noreply@blogger.com6