tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46402519285307846652024-03-14T01:01:59.431-07:00ramblings of a sleepy mindrachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-34056079214861768052012-09-25T12:42:00.002-07:002012-09-25T12:42:32.608-07:00I used to want it all. I was going to stay home with the kids, I was going to homeschool. Every night I was going to have a hot, nutritious dinner on the table every night while taking online classes. I was going to get my degree in elementary education and be a kindergarten teacher after my youngest child went to first grade. In the mean time I was going to use my education to make sure my kids were the most well-rounded, most prepared, most independent kids in the school. <br />
<br />
yeah, that hasn't exactly happened. But, even though my life isn't exactly what I planned (after all, Devon was supposed to be in it) it's still pretty good. I'm not going to lie, there are hours, and even days when I wish I could trade places or trade lives. Like yesterday when Nate was supposed to be putting the water beads away, but instead he dumped them. And instead of picking them up, he ground them into the carpet. But, even as I'm seething and fantasizing about a house that's clean, kids that listen and dinner that cooks itself, I don't <i>really</i> think I'd trade it for anything. Especially when Nate sees how frustrated I am, and he knows he's in trouble so he does something sweet. Yesterday, after the water beads incident, he came upstairs waving a photo he had stashed in his room. At first I was angry because I've done several sweeps of his room to get all the photos safely stored in albums and with my scrapbooking stuff. Then I saw the picture. I was wearing a hospital gown. I was exhausted, drugged and my eyes were glazed. Dan was standing next to me, smiling and excited. That picture was from the day Nate was born (after only 20 hours of labor, the stinker)rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-85246934067769899442011-02-04T23:03:00.005-07:002011-02-04T23:47:06.977-07:00Courtney is here!<span class="Apple-style-span" >I have a ton of catching up to do on the blog, but for now I'm just going to focus on one important person. Courtney Diane Anderson is here. She was born at 9:51pm on Thursday, February 3rd, 2011. She was 8lbs, 12oz (at 38 weeks!) and 21.5 inches long. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Whew, where to start? We knew that she was going to be a big girl. Nate was a chunky monkey too, and at her 26 week ultrasound, she was already measuring over 6lbs. Doing the mental math, and accounting for machine error, I was looking at a 9.5-10lb baby! So, we had a couple more ultrasounds than usual to track her weight gain. Not that I minded, I LOVED seeing pictures of my sweet baby! Dan and Nate came to each ultrasound, and Nate seemed to really enjoy seeing pictures of Baby Sister. At 37 weeks, she was still looking pretty big, so we scheduled an amnio to see if her lungs were developed enough to induce. She was, so yay! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >We were scheduled to come in on Thursday at 3pm, but at 9am I got a call from the hospital. They were running ahead of schedule and said I could come in early....as soon as I was ready! So I made few phone calls to find a sitter for Nate-he ended up hanging out with Ashley Coon and her girls, then spent the night with Suzanne over at Dad's house-took a shower, and headed over here. By 10:30 I was checking in. The labor itself was pretty uneventful. I got the pictocin, they broke my water, and I got the epidural. On the plus side, I didn't have an annoying extra guest in the room talking about World of Warcraft this time. It was just me and Dan all day. I did get loopy goofy from the epi, as usual. But I don't think I was too bad. Mostly I just looked at Dan and said "we're having a baby" in a really sappy voice. Oh, and I apologized for forgetting to start a pot roast in the slow cooker. Dan looked at me like I was nuts and actually may have told me I was nuts to be thinking about that right then. The nurse (Lois) smiled and told him to let me worry about the roast, that way I wasn't worrying about the labor. She was awesome! Bob the student nurse was cool, but less awesome. It took way too long and way too many sticks to get my IV in. I was not a fan of that particular process. But he did good, and he had a great patient rapport. I think he'll do well. He wants to be an ER nurse. But back to baby. She was sunny side up, just like Nate. But she turned really easily. I only had to push for 25min with her, and most of that was getting her turned around. Dan watched her crown, and he claims that he was exaggerating his reaction/facial expression for my benefit. But I saw what I saw. He got such a sweet look of awe on his face. I even saw him a couple of times when I was pushing and he thought my eyes were closed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >She was beautiful. Even though she was covered in that waxy vermix stuff. They put her right on my chest and let me hold her while Dan cut the cord. Then they left her there for a couple min. and just let me hold her and be weepy for a while. The boys both had lung issues, so I didn't get that chance with them. Devon had the meconium in his fluid, so they had to whisk him away and suction him; and Nate had the cord wrapped around his neck and needed a couple of min. of oxygen right away. She was perfect. She scored an 8, then a 9 on her APGARs, my highest scoring baby! :) And the only reason she scored an 8 at first is she didn't want to cry. She kept giving this tiny, mewing little whimper. Even when she got her first shot, and later, her first bath, she never cried. Such a mellow, happy little girl. Right off the bat she was alert and attentive too. Her little eyes were open, taking everything in. I feel so blessed to have her in our family. During the pregnancy, I got a blessing and was told that Heavenly Father chose her specifically to be a part of our family and that she is one of his choicest daughters. I was also blessed to know that Courtney is going to be with us for years and years, and that Heavenly Father knows what we've been through, and is watching out for us, and mindful of the trials we have been through. It is such a comfort, and really helps me to think of Heavenly Father as a solicitous parent. He knows what we've been though. He let us find our way through, gave us space to grow and learn; but at the same time, he wanted to help us and make it better. Now that it's past, He is watching over us closely and doing what He can for us. I can totally see my Dad doing the same thing. It's what a good parent does. Children can't be isolated or protected from hurts or trouble. But, you give what support you can and watch extra close and remove what pain you can. I don't know if that makes sense, but it does in my sleep deprived brain.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >As I type this out, Courtney is almost 26 hours old. She has had her hearing screen and passed with flying colors. She is about to be weighed again, and have her PKU stick :(. She is a champion nurser, but a reluctant burper. She spits up because she holds her burps in, just like Nate did. Actually, I just had to take a break from typing because she was fussing again, and needed to burp. That was pretty much the only reason she cried today. But let me tell you, she has a set of lungs on her when she wants to be heard. Other times, she just whimpers and whines. Dan started calling her "Kitty" because he was holding her and she kept making these mewling little whimpers. He said she sounded like a kitten :) He is so smitten with his daughter. You can see it in his face whenever he holds her. I can't say that I blame him. I'm pretty taken with her as well.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >But that's nothing compared to Nate's reaction to Baby Sister. He is so stinkin cute. But I'll save that for another post. It's late and I'm sleepy </span></div>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-77578648754326191002010-06-23T12:37:00.002-07:002010-06-23T13:07:33.451-07:00What we've been up to<span style="color:#6633ff;">I have not been very good about keeping this blog up to date. Truth be told though, there isn't really a lot to report. We are still trying to buy a house. Hopefully things start to turn around on that front. Dan is still in school, enjoying his summer school professor much more than the professor who taught his programming class during the regular school year. He is doing so much better and is much less stressed than the first time he took the class. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">Nate is getting so big! For Father's Day we made a build a bear monkey named Mikey. I recorded Nate saying "I love you" and put it inside. Dan LOVED it! He almost cried when we gave it to him. So I'm counting that as a win :) Nate is getting to be a little chatterbox. He says Mom, Daddy, Elara, please, thank you, up, down, cookie, chickee (chicken), hi, bye, Jesus, amen, NO, yes, treat, fishie, doggie, go; he roars like a lion, growls like a dragon, and says more stuff that I can't think of right now. He is getting very talkative and is really good at expressing himself and his desires. Oh, and he also says soda. That's not one of my favorites. I actually wish that he didn't know that one.</span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">He is loving nursery and church. He doesn't put toys in his mouth as much as he used to :) and he will now sit still and fold his arms during prayers. He is so darn cute. When we have family prayers, I pause, saying "in the name of....." and he looks up and exclaims "Jesus" then I pick back up again, and he says amen. He also loves to look through his books and find pictures of Jesus and fishies. He is a young man of varied interests. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">I love watching Nate grow. He is such a goof. And he is determined and smart. He finds ways to achieve his goals. Some goals that I object to are climbing onto the pool table, climbing onto the counter to get cookies, climbing out of his high chair, climbing into or out of his crib and catching Princess. You may have noticed a theme there. Climbing is one of Nate's favorite ways to pass the time. He and Elara play very well together. They also scheme together very well. One day they had been climbing onto the pool table and throwing the balls. I kept getting after them, and eventually took the picnic table -their means of climbing onto the table- putting it in the kitchen and closing the door. The kids worked together. They each took one end of the table and walked it through the dining room, down the hall, and back to the pool table. They're smart and they're organized. Watching them together makes me kind of glad I didn't have twins. I don't know how well I would do in that particular situation. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">We are currently preparing for the Anderson Family Reunion. This weekend will be nuts. Friday I am headed up to Show Low for Uncle Chet's funeral. Saturday we are cleaning the church building and going to Ricky's (Nate's friend from swim class last year) birthday party. Then Sunday, after church we leave for the reunion! Yay! I am looking forward to seeing Tim, Diane, Kami, Sara, Jack, Madi and P.J. Nate is getting excited too. I don't know that he really knows what's happening, but I keep showing him pictures of family members and he likes that. Plus, whenever I talk about the reunion or camping I put on my best excited face and that gets him pretty jazzed too.</span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-70858574675355480102010-05-27T09:31:00.003-07:002010-05-27T12:01:49.505-07:00living scripturesthere's a cool giveaway. For posting a link to their facebook page<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:100%;" > <a href="http://www.facebook.com/livingscriptures" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/<wbr>livingscriptures</a><br /> <br /></span>I love Living Scriptures. Dev had 2 DVDs and really enjoyed them. Now that Nate is getting a little bigger, I'll be getting some more. Way better than Elmo, or Curious George. After all, these are good, solid gospel lessons. :-)rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-87636278575642730542010-05-10T14:45:00.002-07:002010-05-10T14:52:03.620-07:00remembering Grandpa Adams<span style="color:#6633ff;">Hey everyone. I started up a new blog for Grandpa Adams. It's:<br />rememberwhen-orsonglen.blogspot.com<br />My intention here is that we can all share our stories and memories of Grandpa Adams, and his family members. Because I love to reminisce and to share stories, and I would LOVE for Nate to know how important his great-grandpa was to me, even though he won't be able to meet him in this life. And, I like to hear stories that other people have about him. It's interesting, to me, to know the "other sides of Grandpa". </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">A few years ago at the family reunion, I won the dollar raffle prize. It was a geneology cd. Well, I was looking at it last night and came across a funny story from Grandpa's childhood. I'll put that on his blog later tonight. But it got me thinking, and it was the inspiration for my new blogging endeavor. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">I want everyone to be able to be a contributor, so if you send me your email address, I'll "give permission" and hopefully we'll all be able to share.</span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-11109117786063251782010-04-19T02:10:00.002-07:002010-04-19T02:45:28.595-07:00and now I can talk about it<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Well, it is now Monday. Yesterday was not as terrible as I feared it would be. It got off to a rocky start and I did NOT want to get my butt up and go to church. I did though, mainly because I hadn't set up a sub to teach our class. Dan and Nate stayed home and I headed off to Primary. I didn't even go to Sacrament meeting, just Primary.<br />Today is one of those days that makes me so grateful for my calling. The primary kids are great, and I love their sweet Spirit. For me, it's easy to feel the Spirit so very strongly when I'm around the kiddos. And today that was my saving grace. I did fall apart a little and had to dash off to the bathroom during singing time. "How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death? He sent His Son to die for us, and rise with living breath." The sound of a room full of sweet children's voices singing those words really got to me. And when I had composed myself and walked back into the Primary room, Anna took me back into the hall and gave me a hug. And that simple gesture of friendship was enough to help me get through the rest of sharing time. By the time church was over I was feeling so much better and so much stronger. Then Brita sought me out to make sure that I knew that I was in her thoughts today. It was great to feel so loved and so supported today. And it was what I needed.<br />As I was about to head out, I remembered that I needed to write down a phone number to schedule an appointment to renew my Temple <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Recommend</span>, and luckily was able to catch brother Haws as he was headed out. He did my interview right then and there. And when he asked me if I have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I cried. And said yes. Today the Atonement touches me in a very special way. It's not focused on as much, but Christ suffered not only to atone for the sins of mankind, but more importantly, to feel every pain and hurt so that He can empathize and comfort us in our sorrows.<br />After church Dan and I took Nate out for a fun filled day. We kept really busy and he had a great time. All of a sudden I was struck with the thought that we should take some flowers to the cemetery for Emma. The thought just popped into my head, so I made the suggestion to Dan. We had the hardest time with that. Not just emotionally, though that was rough too. But logistically as well. I had never been there, and Dan hasn't been back since the funeral 3 years ago. So we called mom & dad to get a general idea, but still couldn't find the plot. So we called Justin & Sara. Turns out the marker hasn't been placed yet, but Dan found the general vicinity. There were 2 unmarked plots next to each other. So I pretended that one was for Dev. I didn't realize at the time how difficult it would be for me, not knowing where he was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">buried</span>. I am glad that we went, and I am glad that things worked out the way they did.<br />Afterward we took Nate to the park and let him run around for a while. It was an emotionally draining day, but much better than it could have been. Then, this evening while I was sitting at the computer I heard voices outside the door. At first I thought it was Suzanne, but no one came in, and then there was a knock at the door. Imagine my surprise when I opened it to let the Gregg family in. Anna and the kids had walked over with cards and hand drawn pictures for Dan and me. Pictures of our family with 2 little boys playing together. I have pictures and drawings of my family with Dan Nate and I, and I have a beautiful picture that Sidney gave us after the accident of Dan, Devon and I standing outside the Temple. But tonight was the first time I saw a picture with my two boys together. And even now, just thinking about it is bringing tears to my eyes. I can't begin to say how special that was to me. The love and support that has been extended to me today has helped me so much.<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-61051061056694954902010-04-05T23:55:00.002-07:002010-04-06T00:04:36.675-07:00today is the day<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">ok, so it's almost tomorrow. Which means that tomorrow is almost today. And when tomorrow is today it will be the day. And the day is a Tuesday, just like it used to be. And I don't want today to be tomorrow. I don't want it to be the Tuesday day. It still hurts. And it still sucks. And it's year 3. And it's year 6. And it hurts. And it sucks. And I don't like it. And I just want it to be the day after tomorrow. And then the day after the next Day. And then the day after the next Day. But I don't want it to be the day after the next Day because that's the last Day and then it's more days than Days. And it doesn't seem right. This year has been full of Days. The day that the tide turned and someone else officially had more Days. And now the Day that there are more days than Days. When does this stop sucking? Why does it have to suck? Why do these stupid Days keep coming? I wish I could just skip them all<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-58205106143079824792010-03-25T20:04:00.000-07:002010-03-25T20:04:00.859-07:00Tucson<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">The past few days have been a BLAST!!! Originally Dan and I had planned to head out to Illinois for Spring Break, but as it got closer, we realized that we couldn't quite swing it financially. So we went on a 3 day trip to Tucson with the Maltbys. I have never vacationed in Tucson, the last time I was there was probably for a chess tournament back in grade school. We ended up doing a lot, and there's actually fun stuff to do down there.<br />Monday morning we left. I had gotten a grand total of about 3 hours of sleep because, as usual, I procrastinated packing and whatnot until the very last possible minute. We met up with the Maltbys, who had left the night before, at Sabino national park for a nice hike. The weather was beautiful, and the hike was a lot of fun. Well, it was a baby pseudo-hike. We only went about 2 miles round trip on a paved path but still, it was nice. We ended up leaving the paved trail to sit near a stream that ran about a hundred or so yards from the path, and the kids loved it. Nate and Elara both ended up muddy, though not too wet, and I did my best to get some fun pics. Meanwhile, Dan was smoothing a huge stick. It was allegedly a "walking stick" for Nate, but I'm not buying it. Especially since it was about a foot taller than Nate. The more likely explanation, in my opinion, is that Dan wanted to play with a stick, and his knife, and that was the easiest way to do both.<br />After that, we headed to the Titan Missile Museum. It's an actual bomb missile launch place that has been preserved as an historical museum. It's actually pretty cool, the only downside being the need to chase small children around. Basically I missed most of the tour, running after Nate. But what I saw was pretty neat. And I got some cute photos of Nate at the control panel of the missile launch pad.<br />The next day was just as much fun. We went to Reid Park Zoo (got in free with our Phoenix zoo membership) and got to see the cool animals. The tiger was marking his territory, so he walked up so close to where we were. Made for some great pictures :) And I loved seeing the polar bear. But then again, I'm kind of a sucker for zoos. While Kathleen, Elara, Nate and I were visiting the animals Dan and Ed were at the telescope store getting a new filter or something. Poor Dan said that it was really cool for the first hour or so, then he fell asleep in a chair! Ha ha, that made me fun. But he said that was still better than the zoo. We did meet up with the guys for a picnic lunch at Reid Park, then the guys headed back to the hotel again while we fed the ducks. They were so bold. One duck came right up to us and stayed there. Nate was going out of his mind. He kept pointing in every direction saying "duck". Well, that one really bold one came right up to him and tried to eat the goldfish cracker right out of his hand! Nate was doing alright until I freaked out (I mean, come on, a duck bit my baby!!!) then he started crying. But goldfish and time heal all wounds. And so we moved on to the children's museum. That was rocktastic. Nate and Elara had a really great time! I thought it was awesome. I have to say, the next time we find ourselves in Tucson I am definitely taking Nate back! Tuesday evening we went to a really yummy Mexican food restaurant. It was different from anything I've ever had. Kathleen said that it's gourmet Mexican food, and I believe it. Yum! But I don't know if we would necessarily make it back there. It was a really nice place. They don't get a lot of children, so there aren't any booster seats or high chairs. And, it's a little pricey. But it was really good! :)<br />Wednesday was our last day. So we checked out of the hotel and headed off to the Sonora desert museum. It was like one part zoo, one part botanical garden and one part museum. Kathleen got a membership, so I think that she and I will probably end up taking the kids there for a day trip.<br />All in all we had a really great trip. Tucson was lots of fun and there was more to do than I thought there would be at first.<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-13269700079109505942010-03-10T00:40:00.002-07:002010-03-10T01:36:55.344-07:00realizations<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">ok, so out of nowhere this thought just hit me. Devon was 2 when we left Joel. Nate is almost a year and a half old. That means that he is getting close to the same age/size Devon was when we left. The reason that's significant is because Joel wouldn't give me any of Devon's old baby things. So I don't have his first blankie or tiny onesies and things like that. The things of Devon's that I have start at age 2 for him. So I haven't had to go through the Devon boxes that have spent the last 3 years in storage. All of a sudden this realization hit me like a train...like a train filled with a ton of bricks. And as I type this, I made another realization. On May 1 there will be a whole new suck-tastick landmark. As of May 1 Devon will have been dead for longer than he was alive. He lived for 3 years and 12 days....and May 1 is 3 years and 13 days from the accident. Oh my gosh. Wow. My chest hurts. My chest literally hurts as I sit here thinking about this. I miss my little man. I miss him and my heart hurts, and it reaches down to the bottom of my soul and tries to rip it out of me. Why? Why is my heart beating-albeit painfully;but beating nonetheless-when my sweet little boy's heart stopped almost 3 years ago? I haven't hit this hard in a long, long time. Wow, I thought I was better. That it was still going to hurt, but that I was past the: chest hurting, paralyzing, bawl my eyes out, curl up in the fetal position in the shower and sob til the scalding water turns to ice and eventually numbs me-type pain. I am the mother of two boys. Two very sweet, very active, very accident-prone, bumped and bruised boys who love me and their Daddy and Princess the dog. So why do I have one sleeping child and one fading memory? Why do I have one child I can hold and kiss and a picture on the wall? This sucks and it hurts, and I can't do this. This is one of the nights that I haven't had in such a long time. One that in my vanity I thought I was past. It's times like this, when I'm bawling my eyes out--and trying not to let the stream of snot running down my face touch my lips--times like this when I almost begin to listen to the dark little voice. The one that asks why? Why this? Why me? The one that plants doubts. Is it all real? Do I really get to have him again? Is there really a loving Heavenly Father? And if so, why did He decide this had to happen? Why? Is he really doing work on the other side? Is that just a fantasy I tell myself to get through the day? The dark little voice asks what's the point? And is any of it Truth? Sometimes, when I'm feeling a little strength, I think of prayer. But the dark little voice asks why? why pray? The dark little voice says there's no point. There's no God. And even if there is, He doesn't care. Besides, what good will it do? Devon will still be gone, it will still suck, it will still hurt. And if I do feel better, isn't is just me deluding myself? as the shrink said, just bargaining...making myself believe that I can be a good enough person and then have Devon with me again?<br />Then I take a step back. I go and blow my nose, and wash my face. And think about how empty my life would be if the dark little voice is right. And I think about how I felt in the Temple when Dan and I were being sealed. I was pregnant with Nate, and he was going nuts. He was moving around so much the whole day. Before he was even born, he was a spirit, a sweet little spirit who was excited and happy that his parents were going to the Temple. We were Sealed as man and wife, for time and all eternity. Then, we were Sealed as a family with Devon. And I know that at that time, my sweet boy was there. Both my boys were in that Sealing room, and both of their Spirits were so happy. I had an experience that day. As I was in the Bride's suite, waiting, for the first time I understood. Without his death, Devon would not have been Sealed to Dan and me. There is NO way Joel would have given his permission. There was a purpose. The day that I went into court for the custody part of our divorce, I received a Priesthood Blessing. I was told that "Heavenly Father knows the righteous desires of your heart and wants Devon to be a part of your new family" The purpose of his death was to bring him into my forever family. It's the only way it was going to be possible. On that day I had a conversation with my Father in Heaven. I remember telling Him that I understood, but I still didn't like it. Like a bratty child, I told Him that I was glad that Devon could be mine forever, but that I still was mad at Him for taking him. And do you know what He did? He gave me a big hug and a feeling of peace-it didn't take away the pain, but did lessen the sting-and he gave me one of the most powerful spiritual experiences I have ever had. Kneeling in the Sealing Room I looked up at Dan and I didn't just see the representation of infinity, eternity. I saw my family. I have given birth to 2 sons, but I saw my daughter's face.<br />And as I look back and reflect on the brightness and light, the dark little voice goes away. Doubt cannot stand up to the light of knowledge or the bright shinning light of faith. Yes, there is a reason. Yes, there is a purpose. No, it doesn't automatically make everything all better. It does still suck. I still miss Devon, and he is still gone. And sometimes I'm still that bratty girl telling her Father that she understands it's all for the best, but she isn't going to say thanks b/c it sucks, and it's not fair. Luckily, although I am that bratty girl, I can get away with it because I have a Heavenly Father who loves me no matter what. And the pressure and chest pain is gone now. I can breathe. Ok, the pressure may not be totally gone, but the snot trail is. And the sobbing is done, and I'm not currently curled up, shivering in the shower. So I think I'm in a much better place than I was an hour ago. And that's the power of faith. I truly pity anyone who tries to go through this life without it!<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-6300820488375747622010-03-06T00:00:00.002-07:002010-03-06T00:31:12.386-07:00plagues and pestilence<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Well, this stinks. Last week Spencer was sick, and now so am I. It all started Thursday afternoon. It was a day, much like any other day. I felt the soreness and stiffness in the muscles of my back and legs. But I attributed that to the fact that Anna and I had been walking each night for the past 2 weeks. And I am far from peak physical condition. The afternoon wore on and the children's babbling wore down my patience instead of filling me with the warm, fuzzy glow that it usually does. You see, on Tuesdays and Thursdays I watch Elara and Ed drives Dan home from school. It's a system that works out...usually. By 5pm my energy was gone. By 6 I was counting the minutes till Dan and Ed got home. Needless to say, I denied Suzanne's request to babysit Lilly for the evening. My dear, sweet man brought home jello, pudding, and chicken noodle soup for me. Huzzah! And, forgetting my disdain for the fruit, mango sorbet. Though I must say it was quite tasty in the smoothie he made for me, choosing ingredients that would diminish the mango flavor. As the evening wore on, my fever rose and spiked at the impressive 102.7 degrees. Through the discomfort and the pain, I wept. And whined. This did not endear me to my sweet husband, but in spite of his annoyance, he made me lie down so he could rub my sore back and legs. And he got me a cool washcloth to dab at my fevered skin.<br />Brutish taskmistress that she is, Anna answered her phone with the phrase "you're not cancelling on me <span style="font-style: italic;">again!?</span>" Ha, ha. Anna is far from harsh. But the phrase is a direct quote. One that stemmed from the fact that I had called on Tuesday and Wednesday to cancel. Once for dinner plans, and once for scrapbooking class. But I digress. Anna had to be called because I was, in fact, canceling our plans to go walking that evening. Though she was quite understanding when she found out I wasn't feeling well. She's classy like that.<br />Today I thought I was feeling much better, but the simple act of driving Dan to school and waiting the 2 hours for him to get out proved to be more than I was capable of. By the end of the afternoon my energy waned. And once we got home, I took to my bed again. Leaving my sainted husband to care for the overly energetic toddler who had been cooped up all day. As the sun set and the moon rose, so too did my fever. Apparently it is somewhat vampiric in nature. It seems to be strongest during the night hours. So, here I sit, chronicling the details of my illness into the wee hours of the morning. My one hope is that I will be well by Sunday. Much as I enjoy lazing about, fighting off the infection wracking my body, it would break my hear to miss church-especially Primary. I love those kids, and I would be so sad to miss even a single lesson; to miss a single opportunity to teach those sweet spirits. Each of the kiddos has had interesting spiritual insights, and to feel the Spirit in Primary is so strong. Each of these children is so recently sent from the presence of our Heavenly Father, and the Spirit I feel in Primary dwarfs the feeling I have in any other place, save the Temple itself. Then again, they are 5 year olds. And their conversations are hilarious. One boy in particular stands out. He is smart, and amiable, and precocious. He's also the one who asked if I was having a baby. Apparently I'm "just so fat. And when ladies have babies they get pretty fat." I can't help but laugh thinking about it.<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-44170936233211026282010-02-18T22:42:00.002-07:002010-02-18T22:58:28.761-07:00the single food diet<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Lately Nate has been on a one food at a time diet. It has been great fun. His first love was meat. Meat of every flavor, cut, cooking technique, as long as it was meat. So imagine my surprise when I put a plate of pulled pork in front of my carnivorous son just to see him chuck it over the side of the high chair. Over the next few days, subsequent meals met the same fate......^let's have a moment of silence for those brave chicken tenders, pieces of roast, ham, pulled pork and hamburger.....Nate had moved on to the all fruit diet. For about a week he lived on bananas and grapes. His average was 3 bananas/day. His record was 12. It was probably good for his potassium levels, but I worried about the balance of his diet. So, each meal I spent 10-15 minutes trying to coax him into eating something else before giving in. In a moment of desperation, running errands with a hungry boy and nary a banana in sight, I pulled into the drivethru. I ordered the 10 piece chicken nugget meal, and it changed my life. Not only did I get the sweet, refreshing Dr. Pepper (a balm to my frazzled nerves), but Nate ate and LOVED the nuggets. He ate one and asked for another!--actually he yelled "MoM" and pointed toward the bag, demanding "that". With minimal effort on my part, the 10 golden, peace-bringing, ambrosial nuggets were gone. Nathan had left his beloved bananas for the new intrigue of McDonalds. And now, the peace-bringing ambrosia nuggets have turned on me. No longer are they a beacon of hope. They have simply filled the honored spot bananas once held. And, instead of making a trip to the grocery store twice a week for a couple bunches of bananas, filled with nutrients and potassium, I find myself in the accursed drivethru once, twice, sometimes 3 times a day.<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-5123687331781752402010-01-21T17:17:00.002-07:002010-01-21T17:31:39.218-07:00Doctors are ok<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Today Nate had his rescheduled well check. After the craziness of last week I wasn't sure how well today was going to go over. He did see Dr. Garret for a second in the hallway. She was surprised to see that Nate did not require her services to remove his suture, but said that it looks ok. The entire office was shocked when I told them that he had ripped it out on his own, and that it fazed him so little that I'm still not entirely sure when exactly it happened. Poor Stephanie (the MA) was being super careful with him today, and we just reused the measurements from last week. As Dr. Lichstinn said, it's unlikely that he's grown all that much in a week.<br />Nate was so funny during his exam. He refused to even look at Dr. Lichstinn, and whenever she spoke to him, he turned his head and put his arm out. Do you remember the whole "talk to the hand" thing from the 90's? That's what it reminded me of. She did end up referring us to an eye doctor to lance the stye on his eyelid-which is another appointment I'm not looking forward to. Then she left us to wait for Stephanie to do his shots. After the exam, Nate was starting to regain some of the trust in the whole doctor experience. He was playing in the room, running around, racing his truck and reading his book. When Stephanie came in again he even gave her a smile. Until he went back up on the exam table and saw band-aids. He was freaking out and after the shots were done, he reached down and pulled one of his band-aids off. He gave Stephanie a horrible death glare and threw the band-aid on the ground. Then he grabbed my purse, walked to the door and started chanting "go, go, go ma-ma go"<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-50091005149271927042010-01-14T20:51:00.002-07:002010-01-14T21:14:46.330-07:00Doctor Drama<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">I've got to start out by saying that I have the most active, most daring, most accident prone little boy. Today Nathan had his 15 month old well child check up scheduled. We got there about 11 minutes late and almost weren't seen. Oh how I wish we hadn't been seen.<br />The medical assistant got as far as weighing him (22.5 lbs) and marking his head and feet to get his height. When she tried to get the measurement of his head he reached up to bat the tape away. And my dear son--my one-of-a-kind baby, my mischief maker, my trouble magnet--managed to cut himself on the metal tip of the measuring tape. He got the underside of his middle finger, in the crease where it bends. Dr. Lichstinn said that it was a superficial cut, but it would not clot. It kept bleeding and bleeding so Dan held Nate in his lap and kept pressure on Nate's finger. No matter what it kept opening again and again, every time Nate opened his hand, or bent his finger. Dr. Lichstinn finally uttered the phrase that made my blood run cold. "It looks like he's going to need a stitch. It's not bad, so we probably won't need more than one. Let me check with my partner, Dr Garrett." I had to repeat the whole thing because the first time my mind kind of shut off after the word "stitch." My poor baby got his first stitch at 15 months old!<br />As those who know him can guess, Nate was not a fan of the restraint that was necessary for the procedure. He screamed the entire time, and afterward he refused to even look at the staff. Usually he's flirting with the medical assistants, the scheduler, the girl at the front desk and anyone else he may see. Today he wouldn't even accept an otter pop from the MA who put his band-aid and gauze on after he got sewn up. He did finally take it from Daddy after giving her the stink eye and eying the otter pop suspiciously. Speaking of gauze and band-aids, that has been a whole other battle. Before we even got home from the Dr. office he had removed both. The gauze was wrapped around 4 fingers and his wrist, like a glove. He tore at it with his teeth and ripped it off his hand. Then he slipped the band-aid off his finger and started poking at his stitch. And though I did eventually get him to quit bothering his finger, I have been unsuccessful in every attempt to get him to leave a band-aid on his finger.<br />Oh, and the other plus of today's insanity: Nate was unable to go through with his exam, so we had to reschedule. After all that fun, we didn't even get to do what we came there for. And now I know that he is going to freak out and wail the minute we go back. He was already associating the Dr. office with pain b/c he's had shots with his last few check ups and a few visits just for shots. So when Dan took him in last month to look at his feet and walking, Nate freaked out and started sobbing when his pants were taken off. Luckily he didn't get any shots, he just got to walk around and play. So this time, when we got to the office, he was cool with being there. Next time, he will get his stitch removed, have a check up, and get shots. There's no way he's ever going back without screaming and freaking out.<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-84209369884772064932010-01-07T23:44:00.002-07:002010-01-08T00:01:03.553-07:00Bah humbug<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">This week Dan and I got "the Bishopric Call" for the second time. We get to give a talk on Sunday. Yay. Can you read the sarcasm in my typing? Our topic is "the scriptures" and I have no idea what I'm going to say. On Monday Dan missed the call, and when he checked his voicemail he let me know what was going on. My first instinct was to very emphatically say NO, NO, NO WAY! But the nagging voice in my head kept repeating the main line from Sunday's Primary lesson. "Choose the right James, always choose the right" And I thought that if I'm going to be teaching a bunch of 5 and 6 year olds to always choose the right, I should start doing it myself. After all, if I'm going to be a teacher, I should lead by example, right? So my emphatic NO turned into a grudging ok. Then, as the days went by I thought of Lamen and Lemuel. They, like Nephi, started out doing what Lehi and the Lord told them to. But they did so grudgingly and they ended up being cursed, not blessed for it. And I realized that I need to have a much better attitude than I actually do. So, I am trying to think of what on earth I'm going to say, and have a better attitude as I work it out. As you may or may not have noticed, I'm still struggling with that part. Actually, I'm on the computer instead of preparing my talk right now.<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-41126829481530014732009-12-28T02:51:00.002-07:002009-12-28T03:14:23.566-07:00Dan's Birthday fun<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">I'm trying to be better about posting on the blog, but I'm still kind of behind. Dan's 25th Birthday was on Saturday. He did have to work, but we managed to have lots of fun before hand. He had his free grand slam at Dennys, got a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and then we went mini golfing. I haven't been mini golfing in years, I had forgotten how much fun it is. The best part is that we had Nate with us, and he LOVED it. The lady at the golf counter gave Nate his own putter that he carried around and tripped over, and we found an extra ball in one of the water pond thingys. So Nate got to putt around with his own putter and ball. Dan worked with him so much and Nate actually putted a hole, with a considerable amount of help :D<br />It was so much more fun than the first time we went to golfland together. In the positive addition column, Nate was discovering the joys of mini golf. Another considerable plus was that it was just the three of us, and there was no one hitting us with her golf club. Nate managed to make it all 18 holes without clubbing either of us once. A much better track record than his aunt who managed to hit her date, and Dan with clubs and balls, and then smacked me intentionally just so I didn't feel left out, I guess.<br />When we got home we found out that Cristi had dropped off a birthday cake for Danny. He was excited b/c his birthday usually gets overlooked what with all the festivities of the Christmas season. I was a little bummed b/c it interfered with my plans to surprise my husband with either a home made layer cake or an ice cream cake (I hadn't completely made up my mind yet) when he got home from work. Needless to say, that didn't end up happening. After all, what's the point of making a cake when a 9x13 cake is dropped off for 2 people? Luckily everyone has been home today, so we've put a small dent in it. But I'm probably still going to end up throwing half of it out. So, if I had made or bought a cake, it would have been that much more waste. Oh well, c'est la vie. After all, I'll have another chance next year for a meaningful gesture for my husband on his birthday. But the important part is that Dan appreciated it.<br />As I said, Dan did end up having to work. So that sucked, but on the plus side, they let him go early. Yay! All in all, Dan says that he had a good birthday. I got him a board game that he's been wanting. It's called small world, I think. We haven't played it yet, but I'm sure we'll pull it out soon. Dan says it got good reviews and what not, so he's really looking forward to that.<br />And that's about it for birthday festivities. At least that's it for my "family-friendly" blog ;)<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-3664204374758782672009-12-27T00:51:00.002-07:002009-12-27T01:20:12.323-07:00Christmas fun<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">This year Christmas was so much fun. Nate and Lilly were actually old enough to appreciate the decorations, unwrapping presents and the fun that we had. Last year Nate was only about 10 weeks old, so he slept through the festivities. This year he was intrigues by the Christmas tree, and while he wasn't mesmerized by the lights, he did enjoy all the walks we went on to go see them.<br />It was so funny to see Lilly and Nate on Christmas morning. Nate got a cool riding toy shaped like a car with working horn, key and driver side door. And he and Lilly both saw it at the same time. And they both thought it was AWESOME. That led to some tears, some possessiveness, and some heartbreak, but it was funny too. Lilly edged Nate out of the way and climbed in. Then Nate tried to climb over the hood to get in. And later when Nate was riding, Lilly threw herself across his lap and tried to push him out. It sounds violent, but it was cute and funny at the time. By then end of the day, they had gotten over it, and the fact that it was declared an outdoor toy (at which point it was removed from the living room) helped a lot. Nate loved that Grandpa Adams took him to the house at the end of Plata to see the lights, and let him ride his new car the whole way.<br />Dan and I got a "night on the town" from Dad and Jane. So on Monday we're going to Charleston's for dinner and AMC for a movie while Nate stays at "Grandpa's babysitting service" Dan and I haven't had a date night since....hmmm......wow. I know it was before Nate's birthday, I think it was even before I saw Julie & Julia back in September. I have a hard time leaving Nate for any period of time. Actually, for our first date after Nate was born Mom pretty much kicked us out and said she was watching Nate. He was 4 months old. Oh, and speaking of Mom, I remembered, Dan and I had a date night when she was in town. Just before Halloween. We went to Olive Garden and Mom and Sara took Nate to the Lines's ward's trunk or treat. He had a sleepover that night, and I was freaking out. It was the first and last time he's been away overnight.<br />Anyway, Christmas was fun. Grandpa and Aunt Sharon stopped by and gave us a Christmas card, and Dan's birthday card. That was nice because Dan had to work, so he missed seeing them on Christmas Eve. Ryan came over too and joined us for dinner. Cristi and Matt even dropped in. They came right as I was making a blueberry pie for dessert. That was pretty comical. I was visiting with the Dixons and my pie crust sat too long and became unmanageable. So I ended up improvising a crumb topping that ended up working out pretty well. But it didn't keep in the juices as well as a top crust would have. So the pan that my pie was on in the oven was so dirty and baked on that I had to soak it almost a full 24 hours. And now I get to clean the oven too b/c the juices overflowed and splattered. But it was pretty good. And, bonus, since the Dixons's visit threw me off schedule the pie got put in late, so it wasn't ready for dessert, so I got it all to myself later. Trying to be positive and focus on the whole more pie for me angle vs the no dessert for Christmas dinner angle.<br />All in all, it went pretty well. As usual for holidays, I was in the kitchen most of the day. But I was super stoked that I had enough nice bowls and serving spoons, so there was no plastic on the table. And I got to use my china! Dad even pulled out some placemats and cloth napkins that I didn't know he had. I loved it. I'm such a dork, but I LOVE pretty presentation. It makes the food taste better. And it brings joy to my soul!<br />I think that's my new favorite saying. Pretty much everything brings joy to my soul lately. Sweet potatoes, pretty food presentation, sleeping in, nap time, a clean house, spending time with family, etc....<br />OH, and I almost forgot. Dan decided that he wanted to carry on his dad's tradition of reading <span style="font-style: italic;">How The Grinch Stole Christmas </span>for Nathan. So, on Christmas Eve Nate stayed up way too late, and Dan read it for him before bed. It was so sweet. I really enjoyed it. Nate ran around and tried to steal the book and beat us with it, but I think he liked it too. He's not much of a story reading kid. He just doesn't like anything that makes him sit still for any length of time.<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-89531995426822293012009-12-16T02:41:00.002-07:002009-12-16T03:10:02.173-07:00How lucky I am<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">I just feel so lucky and so blessed right now. I have a sweet baby---wait, scratch that. I have a sweet little man child. As much as I wish it wasn't so, there is no way I can still refer to my wild child as a baby. Except in the sense that he will always be my baby, even when he's 70 and a grandpa. Anyway, semantics aside, Nate is so sweet, and I am lucky to get to be his mommy.<br />I have a wonderful husband who loves me more than I deserve. How many people get to pretty much grow up with their best friend and soul mate? Dan and I met when we were 14 years old. Now, 10 years later, we're still good friends, and he still makes my stomach flutter. I can't believe that next month it will be 10 years since we met that afternoon in 5th period Spanish.<br />The end of the month marks the 3 year anniversary of my joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. One of the most significant days of my life. Some days I can't believe how lucky I am. Even after all the mistakes I've made, after all the deliberate bad choices I have made in my life, a way has been made for me to return to live with my Father in Heaven and with my family. I remember sitting in the Temple, and thinking "wow, I get all this, and all I have to do is be good?" It seems too unbalanced. I almost feel like I'm taking advantage of Heavenly Father. The blessings that I have received and that I have been promised seem like too much in return for the few, small things I've been asked for in return.<br />I have so much going for me right now. And seemingly small things make me happy. Like my Primary President sent me an email today. Sunday I got an email from her saying that the Primary had the responsibility for cleaning the ward building and asking for help, and apologizing for the short notice. Today's email said "Thank you! I know I can always count on the Andersons!" That made my day. I love that I am becoming the type of person who others find dependable. I know that hasn't always been the case. I don't know why, but it just gives me the warm fuzzies. I love it!<br />I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!!<br /><br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-45272994734848274502009-12-11T02:15:00.002-07:002009-12-11T02:36:57.938-07:00they joys of raising a boy<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Sometimes you've got to just take a deep breath and remind yourself that you do, in fact, love your child very very much. Today was one of those days. Nate has been going nuts because he's been cooped up all week. Normally I would take him to the park, or to the library or even a quick trip to the store. But we usually get out of the house every day. This week I've been sick. Today I was happy that I actually got out of bed before 3. Luckily for me, the semester is winding down, so Dan has been home a lot more than usual. So, that was a big help for me. But Dan's idea of fun time with Nate is playing peek-a-boo or getting out toys and playing on the floor. Fun, but not exactly the type of activities that will burn off a 1 year old's excessive energy. Well, Nate took advantage of his inside time and perfected his climbing skills. He can now climb onto and off of the bed. I became aware of that fact when he climbed across my head and sat down on me with his soggy, stinky diaper. Let's just say that's not my favorite way to wake up.<br />Later in the day I was feeling much better, so Nate and I dropped Dan off to take his calculus final (which he thinks he rocked!!) and we went to Target and Ross. Apparently I was not quite up to a trip of this magnitude. So, I am standing in Ross, looking at blouses when I notice that my dear son is not only standing up in the cart (a regular occurrence for him), but he has also thrown one leg over the side of the cart and is trying to climb out. On the bright side, he was going down "safe" (on his tummy, using his feet to search for a ledge to stand on) like he does on the bed. Needless to say, that particular activity was strongly discouraged. Not that it did any good. He tried again, and again, and again. Nathan is nothing if not persistent.<br />On a more positive note, Nate's various bumps and bruises are all currently healed. I almost don't recognize him. But then again, it is more difficult to bonk and bruise when you're playing on carpet, a bed and pillows. I love my little wild child. I never know what to expect. He gives me little warning as to what crazy thing he is going to try next :)<br />Nathan is still nursing once or twice a day, and he's getting much less subtle about letting me know when he's ready. The best part is when we're out in public and all of a sudden he starts attacking my shirt, trying to rip it off so he can nurse. He's getting to an age where it's more creepy than cute when he tries to get into my shirt. I pity his future girlfriends. If he's that fresh with any of them, I foresee more scratches and marks across his handsome little face. But if he acts like that, I wouldn't blame any girl for slapping him :) Heaven knows I slapped his daddy when we were dating. . . though that didn't happen too often, Dan's a good guy. Most of the time. The downside to Nate still nursing is that he is still waking up in the middle of the night, though I've found that if I stuff his tummy right before bed he wakes up later. Usually I would just let him cry it out and put himself back to bed, but he shares a wall with Spencer's room and I don't want my little bro to have to deal with a shrieking baby at 2am when he's got to be up for school the next day.<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-30932677851286550982009-12-01T00:07:00.004-07:002009-12-01T00:26:52.499-07:00Jane and Christmas decorating<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">I met a new person today. Her name is Jane, and she's dating my dad. She is really nice, and pretty, and she likes the Tinkerbell store, and she has a cute purse, and she's a twin, and she's bad at playing pool. But the best thing about her is that I can't remember the last time I saw my dad so happy. Honestly, for that alone, she could be a serial killer and I would like her.<br /><br />In other news, we decorated the Christmas tree today. Nate and Lilly were so much fun to watch. Lilly went out of her mind when she saw the tree all lit up. And they both got to put a couple of unbreakable ornaments on the tree. It was bittersweet. On the one had, it's nice to share these experiences with Nate. But on the other hand, I miss Devon so much. He would be 5, almost 6 years old now. I hung his racecar ornament from 06. And his snowglobe ornament from 08. And it hurts me that I have nothing for him from 07.<br /><br />When Jane got to the house, Dad was showing her around, and pointing out the pictures on the wall. It was all smiles and jokes until we got the the Devon pics. No one said a lot about those pictures. I just said, "that's my boy" and got a huge lump in my throat and walked away.<br /><br />This Christmas I have so much to be grateful for, and I know that I have been blessed in my life in so many different ways. But I also feel like I've been cheated. All these memories are incomplete. Someone is missing.<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-68267944173175695852009-10-16T10:21:00.002-07:002009-10-16T10:49:19.197-07:00Nathan is 1!!!<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">I cannot believe that my baby boy is already a year old. On Wednesday we woke up early and headed to the zoo. It was so much fun, especially getting to hang out with everyone. Kathleen and Elara, Marilynne, Jenna, Bethany, Michael, Bryan, Kamarah and Maelee, Trevor and Janelle all met up with us. We got to see the monkeys (still our favorite!), the lions, tigers, rhinos and so many other animals. It was awesome! And, on Monday we got to hang out with Ricky and Elara at the park. Nathan had such a fun week!<br />After the zoo on Wednesday we took Nate to Joe's BBQ in Gilbert. He ate his entire sandwich. From JOES!!!! that's huge. And that night Dan and I took him to the park to play. I think that Nate had an awesome birthday. He was all smiles and grins throughout the day. And, on the plus side he wore himself out and went to bed at 7:15<br />I just can't believe how much my little man has changed over the past 12 months. He went from a tiny baby, completely dependent on me for everything to an independent, walking, talking little man. He's walking several steps at a time, though he still prefers to crawl. He has mastered the art of climbing, and enjoys jumping off the things he climbs on. He's a talkative, babbling little boy, who imitates me and the things I say/do. Like in the car, when we get stuck at a light, he yells "go" from his carseat. Or, if he gets upset with something I do he points his finger at me and makes an angry scowling face. He furrows his brows (like I do when I scold him) and shakes his finger at me. It is so cute!<br />I love watching Nathan get into things. Even though it makes me nuts, it's fun to see him make discoveries. He knows that if he opens the cabinet door he can pull out a stack of bowls. And if he turns them over, he can bang on them like drums. Or, if he twists his body after I unbuckle his carseat straps, he can free his arms and climb out. He is also starting to be able to figure out where his toys are kept and how to get into them. I love seeing his mind work, and seeing his looks of concentration until the light bulb goes off and the connection is made.<br />I LOVE my little boy!<br /></span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-79776647121313092712009-09-18T19:01:00.002-07:002009-09-18T19:17:31.773-07:00frusteration<span style="color:#6633ff;">Ugh, today has been........<em>interesting</em>. Something that should have been so good and so happy turned into a big source of frusterations and hurt and negative emotion. I know that the negatives will fade and the awesomeness of the situation will shine through, but right now I'm just so irritated! I don't know why I'm surprised when people act in a manner consistant with their personality. I guess what really annoys me is the glaring hypocrisy. If I had done what this person did today They would have trash talked me to everyone we know and been pissed and refused to talk to me for a week or two, and would have brought it up every now and again, especially whenever a similar circumstance arose. I handled a similar situation with as much tact and compassion and consideration for their feelings as I could, and still got a negative reaction. Again, news that should have been a source of extreme happiness and joy turned into me standing there for 10 min. hearing about how it was crap and how everyone else did the same thing, and how this person was constantly wronged. I got a "oh, well I'm happy for you, but can you see where I'm coming from? It just sucks. And at least you actually came out and told me, persons x, y and z never even told me, I'm always the last one to know and I have to hear it from someone else." blah, blah, blah. I'm sorry that what you want didn't happen on your timetable. But for goodness sake, that was my day. Why does everything have to be about you? Fast forward to today: this same person has found the most impersonal, uncaring way to spread the word to the masses. Would it really have killed them to wait a day and share the news in person? Then go ahead and slap it up all over internet land. Whatever</span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">As I said, I really am happy for this person. I know that this is big news for them, and that it's something they've dreamed of for years now. I'm irritated at how I heard, not what. Grrr</span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-52517705001423559622009-09-17T12:28:00.002-07:002009-09-17T13:11:20.504-07:00fun itmes in the ER<span style="color:#6633ff;">Well, last night was a fun-filled ER adventure. After 2 days of Nate not being himself, Dan and I took him into the ER. Poor little guy, he was really warm and listless. We went to the park and he didn't even want to go down the slide or crawl in the grass! I tried 3 different times to get him into the pediatricain (and was stuck on hold for at least 15 min each time). Darn swine flu!</span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">But when he started throwing up as well, I took him in. We got there and he had a fever of 104! (and, to prove that he was serious, he threw up on his dad twice before they even got his temp taken) I was so freaked out. We were never even in the waiting room, they took him back immediatly. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">I can't help but feel guilty. I knew that he hadn't been feeling well, but I just told Suzanne to give him plenty of fluids and a cool bath before bed, and I went out for a GNO to see Julie and Julia. I left him for a night and come home to a sick baby with a ridiculously high fever. And as we were at the hospital and they told me his temp and his weight (almost a pound less than normal) I felt like a terrible mom. For the second time I left my son for the night and ended up in an ER room. At least this time I got to bring him home with me. As if I didn't already have enough neurosis and paranoias. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">I will admit that I got slightly hysterical. (Sorry Sara, hope it wasn't anyone you know in triage). My voice went up about 4 octives as I shrieked "that's really high!" (in response to the temp), and "he's lost over a pound?!?!" (when they weighed him). Luckily Dan was able to calmly talk to the hospital staff while I cried in the corner. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">We were whisked off to the back, and Nate was given a bed immediatly. He got a suppository that dropped his temp like a rock off the Empire State building. Then, just as he was starting to feel a little better, and have a tiny bit of energy and not just lie there like a lump, not caring what happened to him....he got a catheder, and they took a urine sample. Let me just say that he was NOT enthused with that process. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">It seemed like forever, and I was really freaked out, but we finally got the results. Turns out it wasn't a UTI. And he was only slightly dehydrated, so he didn't need an IV either. It's just a virus, and he needs fluids, rest and tylennol. Thank goodness!</span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-28977698540918535612009-08-18T18:52:00.002-07:002009-08-18T19:14:59.635-07:00pitter patter of little feet<span style="color:#6633ff;">well, the day I've been dreading came last week. I can't believe I've been suck a slacker that I didn't post about Nate's first step for a week! Last Monday (4 days before he turned 10 months old) Nate took his first step when Kathleen came over to drop Elara off. I couldn't believe it. I mean, yeah he's been standing on his own pretty well lately, but I didn't think that he would be taking steps so soon. I mean, he wasn't even 10 months old yet!</span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">He hasn't done it much since then, but he is standing and looking like he wants to walk. He gets all excited and tenses up like he's going to take a step, then he bends his knees so he's in a crouch, then he stands back up again. And he keeps that up until he finally falls back to his knees and crawls around again. It is so cute. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">I just can't believe how big Nate is getting all of a sudden. I mean, my baby is growing into a little man. </span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-16791961832010788552009-08-04T21:08:00.002-07:002009-08-04T21:22:38.092-07:00<span style="color:#6633ff;">This Sunday we gave Nate his FIRST HAIRCUT!!!!! Dan was getting tired of the mohawk that Nate sported everytime his hair got wet. And the crazy bedhead he was waking up with. So, I finally gave in. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BAdUlM92MhA/SnkGm0iVf9I/AAAAAAAAApQ/vqBZ6CNu3ak/s1600-h/Picture+246.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366327694996111314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BAdUlM92MhA/SnkGm0iVf9I/AAAAAAAAApQ/vqBZ6CNu3ak/s200/Picture+246.jpg" /></a>"<span style="color:#6633ff;">What is this strange buzzing sound near my head?"</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BAdUlM92MhA/SnkGmSxegRI/AAAAAAAAApI/ywisyw2xqcA/s1600-h/Picture+250.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366327685932810514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BAdUlM92MhA/SnkGmSxegRI/AAAAAAAAApI/ywisyw2xqcA/s200/Picture+250.jpg" /></a> <span style="color:#6633ff;">"Why is my hairs on the floor?"</span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BAdUlM92MhA/SnkGmKZm8yI/AAAAAAAAApA/VuhpIUz-ZRY/s1600-h/Picture+254.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366327683685217058" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BAdUlM92MhA/SnkGmKZm8yI/AAAAAAAAApA/VuhpIUz-ZRY/s200/Picture+254.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#6633ff;">He's a handsome little man boy now. He looks more like a little boy than a baby boy and it's breaking my heart! I love seeing him so big and seeing all the things he can do now that he couldn't do a few months ago. But at the same time, I kind of miss the baby phase. He's just growing waaaay to fast.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /></div>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640251928530784665.post-37488936136826884972009-07-30T22:15:00.003-07:002009-07-30T22:35:48.346-07:00Finally updating<span style="color:#6633ff;">Wow, I can't believe I haven't updated since April! Well, since last time I posted a lot has happened. Nate and I have been going over to Jennifer's or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marilynne's</span> house to scrapbook almost every week. I love seeing my pages come together, and imagining looking back at all the memories I've been <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chronicling</span>. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">In June Nate and I went to visit northern California for Grandpa Anderson's 80<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> birthday celebration. It was a lot of fun. We got to meet some family members that I hadn't seen since Dan and I got married, and who Nate hadn't met yet. We also got to spend a lot of time with Dan's aunts and uncles. And I really feel like I got to know them a lot better. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">Afterwards, Uncle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">PJ</span> came to visit us for a week and a half. Nate loved it, and Dan was super stoked to spend time with his little brother. We got Spencer, Dan, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">PJ</span>, Brian, Tyler and a couple of Spencer's friends together and they had a halo party. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">Lilly had her first birthday party and it was fun. Even though it could have been planned better. We were at the splash pad from 2-4. Turns out the water is shut off between noon and 4pm. So, that was great fun.</span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">Nate has been in swim lessons for the past 4 weeks, and he LOVES to swim. He is like a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">fishie</span> once he hits the water. He can do big arms, big kicks, blow bubbles, hold onto the wall, and do monkey arms. He's not the biggest fan of floating on his back, but he loves splashing and singing songs. </span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">Last time I updated Nate was crawling. Well, he's still doing that very well. But he's now standing, cruising, climbing stairs and getting into mischief every chance he gets. He recently cut his fourth bottom tooth, and his 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> and 6<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> top teeth. Which brings him up to a whopping 10 teeth!!! So, once they grow in, he'll have more teeth than Lilly! It probably won't help. After all, she's still biting him. But now he pushes her down too, so I guess that's progress. My baby doesn't get pushed around, now he can be the bully too. :)</span><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, I think this is long enough. I will try to be better about updating the blog. Lately I've been sucked into the world of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span>. And, as I've mentioned before, I can only support one online addiction at a time. </span>rachandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17593308390504334327noreply@blogger.com1