Yes, Michigan...

the feeling foreevvver... Does anyone else remember that cheesy slogan from back in the day? They should bring it back, as it might help to increase Michigan tourism. Isn't that what all the hype is about these days? It would totally work on nostalgia-fanatics like myself.

Due to an increase in loneliness, and a decrease in gas prices, we packed up last minute and headed back to the good old hand for a visit. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see ALL of our family and friends. My blood pressure wouldn't have allowed for that anyways. We did, however get to introduce Noah to his Grandpa, Aunt, and Uncle.

It was so wonderful to be back around those who know and love us. I can't believe it had almost been a year since we moved to Illinois (which has some VERY friendly people (like Donna), and much colder weather). Among the highlights were: getting to see and talk to our Pastor, staying with my mother-in-law, my sister mom and travis driving down for a quick visit, my dad and Carol coming by, too, Noah staying healthy, and driving home with my amazing husband:)

Oh, yeah, and our old Bible Study pals stopped by with some diapers and laughs-it was so so great to see everybody! Hopefully the spring will come soon so Noah can be past his first cold and flu season! Then our lease will be over and maybe we will move back...

More pictures coming soon (er or later!)

Look at that Big Ole Noggin!


Hey, can I borrow your eyelashes? What's with this goofy face? I guess he takes after me. Soooooooo many people ask if he's a boy or a girl. It seems to increase when he's wearing blue overalls, or boy colored jumpers. Oh, well, he is pretty!!


Aunt Karla- the reason we didn't get home till Sunday night:)

Day 3

So, the excitement of the daycare left me on the verge of a stroke! If you do not know about the daycare excitement, scroll down 2 blogs, and read that first...

I rushed out of the infant room at racecar speed. Son in one hand, keys in the other. It's a shame, really; minus the boogers, those kids were cute!

Six weeks have passed and I still find myself eyeing little nostrils wherever I go. Yesterday, I was in the hospital for hours. (Waiting for busy doctors has become a part of our weekly life.) Noah and I were the only ones in one of the waiting rooms, so we stayed (as opposed to moving to the hall).

After about 5 minutes of solitude, a woman walked her stroller and 7 yr. old in to join us. She and I chit-chatted it up for a few minutes, and the little girl sat down to color. We were having a funny conversation about how kids are SO big these days, when I noticed enormous hacking noises coming from the 7 yr. old. I looked at her and she started rubbing her nose with the back of one hand, while continuing to color with the other.

She began turning toward her mom and I, trying to contribute to the conversation. Suddenly, I kid you not, I saw a slow motion SPRAY of germ-infested spit fly from her un-covered mouth ALL over the community crayon bucket. I subtly whisked my son into the hallway-pretending to show him the lights, the wall, and other "fascinating" fixtures.

Immediately after they were called out of the waiting room, another woman entered. This time, there were three children in tow. The boy went for the fish tank and the girls beelined for the crayons. I watched in horror as they smiled, laughed, passed crayons, and spread the whooping cough all over themselves. Then the mom called the little one over to brush her hair, and she became infected as well.

Just watching the scene, I felt the need to wash my hands repeatedly. The mother kept giving me and Noah this “I would love to talk to you about your baby” smile. I hope mine didn’t say “You are INSANE for letting your children touch those crayons, lady!” Seriously, I’m going to need to work on this germaphobe thing, or Noah is going to be a recluse!!

Time-Out

I am reminded today to take a time-out to praise God!! For any of you who are non-believers, I encourage you to read on anyways. Fight any urge you may have to turn the other cheek at the mention of the name of Jesus. He is AMAZING!!!

I know that Christianity has acquired a bad rep, especially in my own generation. Lots of people feel like the church is, and Christians are judgemental, hypocritical and the like. But I am here to tell you (judgemental church, or not) that Jesus Christ is Lord!! He is loving and gracious and I would not be where I am today without Him. I am BLESSED!!!

It's not that I'm a millionaire, or blessed in a material sense. No, no! I have not won the lottery, or bought a new car, or found a hundred dollar bill on the sidewalk (darn!). It actually seems to be quite the opposite. We have been through a crazy and horrible experience. We are far far away from our families, lost jobs and a home, haven't been to our church in almost a year, receive about 10 calls a day from bill collectors, and yet I am at peace. For the first time in my entire life, I am at peace.

Not the "Zen" or "Buddhist" or "Hippie" peace I used to proclaim, but a truely deep sense of peace. I KNOW that everything is okay. I know that I will continue to be taken care of, that my needs will be met if I just focus on the Lord. That He will continue to provide for my family. That my marriage is a blessing and He will help our love to flourish. I am learning that the deepest needs, and the best blessings are spiritual. And I just want to take time to Praise God for this. Now if only I COULD find that hundred dollar bill on the sidewalk (just kidding-though it would be nice!!!).

If you are a believer, I pray that God continue to show you His truths. I pray that you are strengthened by the fact that He loves you so much!! I pray that Jesus continues to change and shine in your heart! If you are not a believer, than I hope and pray that you do not allow the rep of the church to give Jesus a bad rep as well. Listen to the deepest part of your heart, and you will know that He is there. My pastor reminded me; "Church is not a showcase for saints, but a hospital for sinners." I just want you all to know that Jesus is AMAZING! (I think I already said that...) Have a blessed day no matter who you are!

Oh yes, and remember to search the scriptures. This is the one I found yesterday "...for I am with you and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken." -Jeremiah 1:19 Probably helps to explain the peace!!

Job Hunt

“Bye-Bye SAHM, Hello Daycare”


Day 1

“Bye-bye SAHM, Hello Daycare!”

So, being a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM for the idiom lovers) totally has its perks. My little guy gets the best care possible. He maintains his own schedule, receives the “perfect” amount of stimulation and his parents remain satisfied with his progress. On the flipside, his parents are broke.

Bye-bye SAHM, Hello Daycare. Colors, toys, curriculum, teacher to child ratios, loud noises and snotty noses; here we come!! As the mother of a premature baby, I have to repeat “snotty noses” and add germs. Make that GERMS.

I’m sure the daycare transition is difficult for many mothers, for a variety of reasons. Some may not like the “unhealthy” snacks included with tuition. For others, the concern may stem from lax or harsh discipline, personnel, cost, or appearance of the childcare facility, or even their own separation anxiety. Of course, you can guess mine. GERMS. EVERYWHERE.

Germs on the doorknob, germs on the windows, germs on the children, light-switches, tables, chairs, toys, books, the sign-in book and pencil, germs in the director’s handshake. No, folks, I AM NOT KIDDING YOU! Thanks to “Scrubbing Bubbles” commercials, I can almost envision enormous green and blue germs, sticking to every surface, reaching out gangly gelatin appendages toward my every step. OOOOO, and I shiver.

No, I am not a full-blown germaphobe (the scientific term is verminaphobia). I am just highly uncomfortable around viral infections. Particularly during cold and flu season. Especially now that I have an “at-risk” infant.

So, back to being “broke.” Something’s gotta pay the bills, and SAHM isn’t cutting it!! I’ve decided to try the next best thing… becoming a teacher AT my son’s daycare. This way I can beat down the oversized visible germs myself. And use my pocket sized hand sanitizer to combat the less detectable ones.


Day 2

“Do you have any more questions?”

Daycare with infant room……check
Daycare in close proximity to home…….check
Daycare hiring “Full-Time Kindergarten Teacher”…….check
Resume and References…….check
Pen………check
Car keys……….check
Son in car seat……….check
Extra hand sanitizer………check and check

The drive only took 20 minutes. Not bad, considering I can see the Sear’s Tower and it’s 10 am. In my opinion, Chicago suburb traffic lasts sunup to sundown. I note the outdoor play area; small, but colorful. The nearby houses boast a working class population. The gas prices are 15 cents cheaper here. Note to self: fill up on the way home!!

I enter the center, and squirt some hand sanitizer out of my back pocket. The place feels comfortable and kid-friendly. Plus it’s corporate, so I know there are lots of accreditation standards. The Assistant Director greets me with a genuine smile and handshake. I discreetly squirt more sanitizer and head toward the infant room. The plan is to drop my son off with the other babies while I observe my future classroom and sell myself in an interview. Total germ exposure: 2 hours.

I open the infant room door, but wait to squirt because there is a gate to separate the mobile babies from the fixed ones. I settle onto the floor with my guy, spread a blanket and lay him on his belly. There is a cutie pie to my right, so I turn and say “HIIIIIIIII BAAABBBYYYY!!” Oh, she is so cute. There’s another little guy in the boppy. I lean forward to his line of vision. “HIIIIIIIII BAAAA…” -oh no! I scoop my son back up off the floor. I look quickly back to the first infant. I snatch his blanket up as well.

The infant teacher is contently rocking a third child and observes my flourishing movements with a serene smile. “Um, does he have a cold?” I nod in the direction of baby # 2. She shakes her head yes, still smiling peacefully. “Um, does she have a cold?” I point at the cutie pie. The teacher speaks in this sweet, nonchalant tone that makes me feel like an idiot. “Yeah, there’s something going around.” (Like, duh, lady, you just walked into a childcare facility in the middle of October.)

I eye the tiny nostrils filled with slimy green boogers. They are so abundant that I hold my son closer. I also reach toward my back pocket. “Are they the only two in here that have it?!” SQUIRT. The teacher’s eyes begin to gleam with amusement. “No, I think most of them have it by now.” SQUIRT. SQUIRT. SQUIRT. I clutch my son to my chest, fumble for his diaper bag and stutter; “Ummmm, I’ll be right back.”

Day 3…coming some other day…

half seal/ half crow

My son has learned the weirdest noise I have ever heard. Seriously, I expect to see him clapping flippers together... Imagine (if you can) the repetitive, high-pitched caw of a crow, mixed with the throaty bass of a seal. There you have it folks, his newest milestone.

In addition, the child absolutely CANNOT sit still. I used to be able to lay him down so I could take a nap (or browse the web, thinking I should be napping). Ah, the good old days! He was laying next to me and his cheeks were flushed because he was moving so much. Add the barkkaw, and I am 2 millimeters from the deep end!

bags,bags,and more bags

If I had a digital camera, you would be astounded to see the bags that have recently appeared under my eyes. I have also begun to take Ibuprofen 3-4 times a week for headaches that never existed before. For some reason I believed that I would escape the sleep deprivation that comes with being a mommy. HAHA! Joke's on me!!

It is amazing that people can function on such a lack of sleep. I don't know how well I actually "function" sometimes. My sentences come out backwards or fade without completion and I wear this half smile that probably says "I have no idea what's going on right now!" (Don't tell anyone, but I ususally DO NOT have any idea what's going on!)

I recently read that REM sleep is the most crucial for those who are lacking. It is also the sleep that new parents tend to slip into the quickest. That's how a ten minute nap can produce such vivid and strange dreams...

A few weeks ago I had one where I was staring in the mirror and I looked like my son. His big eyes and chubby cheeks were staring back at me. It was so strange to see the oversized babyface, and I was just standing there for what seemed like an eternity.

Last night I was also standing at the mirror, this time in my half awake state of reality. That's when I noticed the bags. I must've been staring for what seemed like an actual eternity, because my husband finally said "Honey, what are you doing in there?" "Dreaming about shopping."

Big Boy Shoes

I must admit that "Big Boy Shoes" is one of my favorite things to say. Of course, it's probably because Noah's are super cute and actually fit him now (aka he no longer kicks them off instantaneously). "Hey Noah, these are your Big Boy Shoes! Do you like your Big Boy Shoes? Your FEET are in your Big Boy Shoes!" (Get the picture?)

It's funny how being a mom can mess up your grammar. The other day I was gazing into my munchkin's big brown eyes and found myself repeating "Love a big boy, a big, big boy! love him, love him, talk, talk, talk..." Good thing I still sound like the adults on Charlie Brown, or my kid's speech would be entirely fragmented. Actually, by now he probably can pick out the words "big" and "boy," so I'm only half Charlie Brown...