I haven't really felt like I have had anything blog worthy to say. Just a few random thoughts that I am not sure that anyone is really interested in, so why bother, when I can go lay down when Ethan is taking a nap? I shall give you a few updates if you care.
1. I have learned that sign language just isn't going to work with my boy. He learns many things rapidly. Not sign language. I wonder if it is like him speaking. He can say words. I have heard him say several words very clearly. He chooses not say them usually. He says them occasionally. At random. NEVER EVER if I try to illicit a word. If I try to continue him saying a word he has just spoken he immediately stops speaking. I wonder if he can sign and secretly does so when I am not looking.
2. I got the ultrasound report in the mail. Due Nov.19th not the 20th. There goes my guess on it being a girl. Now I have no idea, and it doesn't really matter to me either way, as long as it IS one or the other, you know?
3. Walked out of the stupid crappy dr. office because they were being unspeakably rude and never went back. This is a prime example of how I have learned Boundaries since my counseling days. Mary Beth would be so proud. I have not informed her of this feat.
4. Tried out a mom's group (with people there). I liked them. I am thinking of going back. They are all "not trying but not not trying" to have babies for a second time. Makes me feel like I am not so crazy. I laugh on the inside because we were not not trying for less than 24hrs before I got preggers according to the ultrasound.
5. I am watching Juno again. Still my new favorite.
6. Ethan and I have developed a system of communication to the point that I am wondering if he is ever going to learn to really talk. I interpret all his grunts as full statements and questions.
7. Flew with Ethan by myself to Ohio to see my little cousin (sniff, sniff, all grown up) graduate from highschool. When he sees me and Ethan, he says "Whats his name again?" Yeah, he was so looking forward to our coming. Money and time and stress well spent. We also left two minutes after the graduation started because Ethan was fussy because it was too loud in the gym for him. He is a very sensitive boy. Just don't tell my cousin. I am sure he would be really disappointed. Especially considering he didn't know my child's name prior to my arrival. No seriously, my grandparents REALLY enjoyed seeing Ethan. My grandpa is really going downhill healthwise and they can't travel. They saw Ethan once before when he was 4 months old and they really had a great time watching him walk around and make a mess of their super clean home. He is the only great-grandson and they found enjoyment in his every babble. It was also good to talk with my other cousin for awhile. I hadn't had a conversation with her in years. She was like my sister growing up and I LOOOOVE her.
8. Learned I will never travel without Nathan again.
9. Going to try to stay pregnant for the rest of my life because my body is totally weird and LOSES weight while pregnant. The fat in my arms and legs goes to my stomach but the number either drops slightly or stays the same. Yes, flat stomachs are so overrated.
10. Started baking cakes to get the numbers up. Who wants to come over for cake?
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Its in there
My ultrasound took a while to get going because the wonderful dr. office I blogged about before didn't give me the paperwork I needed so Jenn, Ethan, and I sat in a holding tank segregated from the rest of the clientele until my dr. office people got back from lunch and could fax over what I needed. We were told to go into our own special waiting area where Ethan could play with toys. I think it was so he wouldn't bother people. As if my adorable child could bother people. They also turned on Cirque Du Soleil on a tv which Jenn and I thought was a strange choice for a 13 month old.
Anyway, my ultrasound technician was GREAT! Loved her. She nicely labeled my baby's body parts on the pictures, believed my every word about how I was pregnant and I knew when. Her machine also verified that YES. I have a baby in there. YES, the baby was pretty much the age I said it was. YES, every thing looks good. Yay.
Ok, Almost the age I said it was. My last blog I mentioned that I was SURE the conception occurred March 2nd. Well, what really happened was I THOUGHT it happened Feb. 26th but when I took a pregnancy test two weeks later (the soonest possible time to get an accurate test) it was negative. It didn't turn positive for a couple of more days so I assumed March 2nd. Anyway, looks like Feb 26th was the big day so I am slightly more pregnant than I thought. I am three days closer to the end of the first trimester. Thank Jesus.
I am also pretty sure its a girl.
I took Ethan to Target today. He reached in the back of the cart from the front baby holder and got a gravy packet. He poured it all over himself and the cart while I was price comparing some things. He was COVERED in it. Lap, chest, face, hair. He laughed hysterically the rest of the time we were at the store and all the way home. Little stinker.
Moral of the story: Do not buy gravy packets or price compare. Ever.
Anyway, my ultrasound technician was GREAT! Loved her. She nicely labeled my baby's body parts on the pictures, believed my every word about how I was pregnant and I knew when. Her machine also verified that YES. I have a baby in there. YES, the baby was pretty much the age I said it was. YES, every thing looks good. Yay.
Ok, Almost the age I said it was. My last blog I mentioned that I was SURE the conception occurred March 2nd. Well, what really happened was I THOUGHT it happened Feb. 26th but when I took a pregnancy test two weeks later (the soonest possible time to get an accurate test) it was negative. It didn't turn positive for a couple of more days so I assumed March 2nd. Anyway, looks like Feb 26th was the big day so I am slightly more pregnant than I thought. I am three days closer to the end of the first trimester. Thank Jesus.
I am also pretty sure its a girl.
I took Ethan to Target today. He reached in the back of the cart from the front baby holder and got a gravy packet. He poured it all over himself and the cart while I was price comparing some things. He was COVERED in it. Lap, chest, face, hair. He laughed hysterically the rest of the time we were at the store and all the way home. Little stinker.
Moral of the story: Do not buy gravy packets or price compare. Ever.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Ode to Ethan
My boy has been really fantastic to me lately. He has shown his first real act of service towards me of late. Up til now, I must say the giving and rendering of services has been primarily on my end. I am ok with this, as he has just entered the world and doesn't really know what is up yet. I am proud to say, he is learning. He has given me the gift of allowing me to work out at Gold's Gym on weekday mornings. Ethan is given to meltdowns when I leave him, particularly if I am leaving him with someone he doesn't know really well. Sometimes he gets upset if I leave him with his own father. Although, he does seem to get over it when he is with his father. Anyway, to my great surprise and delight, he likes the Kiddie Gym!!! He doesn't cry. He is interested in the toys and the other kids. I get to work out, and come home and take a shower while he naps because he is worn out from the Kiddie Gym. It has really improved the quality of my day. I feel relaxed. I get a break. My mornings don't drag on forever and ever. After he wakes up from his morning nap we go on an adventure, come home and play, and then it is time for our next nap. This time I take one myself. Then we only have a couple of hours until Nathan gets home. It really is a good life.
He has also been doing some really cute things. For one, he has developed a sincere love for Elmo. He has been teething hard core (three teeth at once) and to distract him from crying I turn on Elmo for a couple of minutes. He immediately smiles and goes over to the tv. He laughs, and dances with the music. He is GLEEFUL with Elmo. If I say, "Elmo" He toddles over to the tv and tries to turn it on.
Second, he has started communicating "yes" and "no." For no he shakes his head, for yes he does a little jump and says, "yeh." Yeh, he does want to go bye-bye, No, he does NOT want baby food. I try to respect these boundaries.
Third, he says, "hiiiiiiii." The i sound goes way up and then way down.
On a completely different note, today is my first ultrasound for the new baby. I went to this horrible dr. office where I spoke to a nurse who basically told me I had no way of knowing that I am pregnant because it had not been verified by a dr. I also had no way of knowing how pregnant because I didn't have "last period."
I tried to tell her, that yes, I did know that I was pregnant because I:
1. Took 4 pregnancy urine tests that are supposedly 99% accurate.
2. Had every pregnancy symptom in the book for the last 6 weeks.
3. Have a bump coming out of my stomach that is growing at an alarming rate for someone who doesn't drink beer.
Also, Yes, I DO know that my baby was conceived March 2nd cuz I was there, and I know how things work. And, hey, I happen to have the proof of experience sitting on my lap. Pooping.
Anyway, I conceded to have my blood drawn to prove my pregnant state and go for an ultrasound today to prove how old my child is. I plan to go back to this dr. office thursday, show the results and vindicate myself, and never return.
Jenn is coming with me to the ultrasound because Nathan is working and I need someone to hold Ethan and keep him from damaging expensive medical equipment. We plan to pose as partners, or I am going to be a surrogate for her. Haven't figured out which will be more fun.
He has also been doing some really cute things. For one, he has developed a sincere love for Elmo. He has been teething hard core (three teeth at once) and to distract him from crying I turn on Elmo for a couple of minutes. He immediately smiles and goes over to the tv. He laughs, and dances with the music. He is GLEEFUL with Elmo. If I say, "Elmo" He toddles over to the tv and tries to turn it on.
Second, he has started communicating "yes" and "no." For no he shakes his head, for yes he does a little jump and says, "yeh." Yeh, he does want to go bye-bye, No, he does NOT want baby food. I try to respect these boundaries.
Third, he says, "hiiiiiiii." The i sound goes way up and then way down.
On a completely different note, today is my first ultrasound for the new baby. I went to this horrible dr. office where I spoke to a nurse who basically told me I had no way of knowing that I am pregnant because it had not been verified by a dr. I also had no way of knowing how pregnant because I didn't have "last period."
I tried to tell her, that yes, I did know that I was pregnant because I:
1. Took 4 pregnancy urine tests that are supposedly 99% accurate.
2. Had every pregnancy symptom in the book for the last 6 weeks.
3. Have a bump coming out of my stomach that is growing at an alarming rate for someone who doesn't drink beer.
Also, Yes, I DO know that my baby was conceived March 2nd cuz I was there, and I know how things work. And, hey, I happen to have the proof of experience sitting on my lap. Pooping.
Anyway, I conceded to have my blood drawn to prove my pregnant state and go for an ultrasound today to prove how old my child is. I plan to go back to this dr. office thursday, show the results and vindicate myself, and never return.
Jenn is coming with me to the ultrasound because Nathan is working and I need someone to hold Ethan and keep him from damaging expensive medical equipment. We plan to pose as partners, or I am going to be a surrogate for her. Haven't figured out which will be more fun.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
New House Pictures
Please do not judge my bad pictures. I was trying to keep Ethan out of people's stuff. Also, I didn't get one of the front of the house. Silly. I will take one and post it later.
What you see when you first walk in. The formal living room is going to be the library. I am not a formal girl, and have no need for a formal living room. Books, however, should be displayed front and center.
Where we will watch The Office.
For those cozy nights when it gets down to 70 degrees.
Where I will cook. I am going to start again someday. You'll see. I am just recovering from the trauma of the fire I started. A month ago.
Ethan's room.
Ethan's bathroom.
Kate's room.
Summer Kitchen. To be renamed Winter Kitchen.
That little black box contains a flat screen. That will be left by the owners. Holla!
So going to buy a hot tub of my own.
Part of the backyard.
Where we will shovel our food into our face.
Where the magic happens.
The bathroom I am thinking of sharing with Nathan.
My closet. If we end up getting an accidental third baby we can just put it in this here closet.
Ethan's new leash. He loves it. Really.
 |
| From New House |
What you see when you first walk in. The formal living room is going to be the library. I am not a formal girl, and have no need for a formal living room. Books, however, should be displayed front and center.
 |
| From New House |
Where we will watch The Office.
 |
| From New House |
For those cozy nights when it gets down to 70 degrees.
 |
| From New House |
Where I will cook. I am going to start again someday. You'll see. I am just recovering from the trauma of the fire I started. A month ago.
 |
| From New House |
Ethan's room.
 |
| From New House |
Ethan's bathroom.
 |
| From New House |
Kate's room.
 |
| From New House |
Summer Kitchen. To be renamed Winter Kitchen.
 |
| From New House |
That little black box contains a flat screen. That will be left by the owners. Holla!
 |
| From New House |
So going to buy a hot tub of my own.
 |
| From New House |
Part of the backyard.
 |
| From New House |
Where we will shovel our food into our face.
 |
| From New House |
Where the magic happens.
 |
| From New House |
The bathroom I am thinking of sharing with Nathan.
 |
| From New House |
My closet. If we end up getting an accidental third baby we can just put it in this here closet.
 |
| From New House |
Ethan's new leash. He loves it. Really.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Buying a House through the lense of Meyers-Briggs
I love the meyers-briggs as a personality sorter. I really think it is the most detailed, and accurate of all the personality tests. That is, if it is taken correctly, by a certified meyers-briggs test person who can thoroughly explain the questions, and the "real" tests (not the ones online) have better questions than the generic ones you can get for free. Ok, that being said, here is a look into our marriage and making a big decision with the meyers-briggs in mind.
I am an ISFP. An introverted, sensing, feeling, perceiver. "Quiet, serious, sensitive and kind. Do not like conflict, and not likely to do things which may generate conflict. Loyal and faithful. Extremely well-developed senses, and aesthetic appreciation for beauty. Not interested in leading or controlling others. Flexible and open-minded. Likely to be original and creative. Enjoy the present moment."
Nathan is an ENFJ. An extroverted, iNtuitive, feeling, judger."Popular and sensitive, with outstanding people skills. Externally focused, with real concern for how others think and feel. Usually dislike being alone. They see everything from the human angle, and dislike impersonal analysis. Very effective at managing people issues, and leading group discussions. Interested in serving others, and probably place the needs of others over their own needs."
The meyers-briggs says, "Although two well-developed individuals of any type can enjoy a healthy relationship, ENFJ's natural partner is the INFP, or the ISFP. ENFJ's dominant function of Extraverted Feeling is best matched with a partner whose dominant function is Introverted Feeling. An ENFJ and INFP are ideally matched, because they share the Intuitive way of looking at the world, but the ENFJ and ISFP are also a very good match."
I would agree wholeheartedly with this analysis. We are a very good match and what gets in the way of harmony often is the S/N difference. Often we will say something and the other person interprets it different than the original intention.
In the decision making function, we are both Fs. This means that we both make decisions based on values. Ex. We value time together so Nathan decided not to offer to do contract work for the job he had (advantor) while simultaneously doing the new job he just started (liberty mutual). Logically, it would have made sense. We could have had more money. He could have left his job on a note where they didn't feel abandoned after having him quit after a month. Ultimately, our time together matters more.
On occasion one of us becomes more objective and logical in making decisions (the role of a "t"). In deciding on housing, I became the "t". My father gave this advice (and my father is an ISTJ)
I think new construction should be one of your options as you do your market research. There is something to be said for knowing all the major housing components were recently completed under the newer building codes implemented a few years after Andrew. That does not mean an older home is not well built or worth considering, you just want to gather all the information and research all options before making a major decision. Newer construction can sometimes be cheaper because you will not be replacing AC units, hot water tanks, etc. for several years. Newer construction can hold a higher resale value.
As far as commutes, you have to figure how many times a week you drive to work and how many times a week you visit your downtown friends. Weigh that against the community, the schools, resale, etc. and make your decision. You have a 1 year old and one on the way. Your friends will end up being people who are at the same life stage as you are. Especially when you are a family of 4 with two toddlers. No one else will be able to relate to you. Just the other people in the same boat. All three communities look acceptable to me, Lake Mary, Altamonte or Longwood. Look for some other young families. A more upscale "professional type" area will probably have people you can relate to. The other property owners will be school teachers, nurses, law enforcement, sales people, small business owners, etc.
Most likely, as you continue to research the market, one option will stand out from the others and that's usually the one that is meant to be your home. Things will tend to "fall in place" like they did to allow you to return to Florida. Don't rush the process and do your homework. You will find something that fits.
Dad
Such good advice. So logical. I actually agreed with every thing he said. Nathan thought it was good advice too, but in the end, he made the decision by being true to his "f" self. He liked the house that made him feel at home. The one with an amazing back yard that made him happy. I liked the house too. Don't get me wrong. It isn't every thing I wanted, but it really is a great house. I am sure we will be very happy there.
Even though I vowed that I would be the one to pick the house because it is my domain, my office, if you will, I ended up doing what an ISFP does.
"They are very private people, who keep their true feelings and opinions reserved or hidden from others. This may cause them to constantly defer to their mates in their intimate relationships, which may cause problems if their mates are not extremely aware of the ISFP's feelings."
Good thing he knows my feelings.
Oh, and I am pretty sure that the owner of the house is not going to heaven. We gave them the full asking price, and requested that they leave the refrigerator, and hot tub, and to pay $7K of the closing cost. They counter-offered to pay $5k of closing costs and no, we could not have the fridge and hot-tub. You know that verse in the bible about if someone asks you for bread, give him your coat too? They so didn't do that. Going to hell for sure.
Kidding! But seriously, I am sad because I had big plans for that hot-tub involving my husband. Godly desires and plans of course.
I am an ISFP. An introverted, sensing, feeling, perceiver. "Quiet, serious, sensitive and kind. Do not like conflict, and not likely to do things which may generate conflict. Loyal and faithful. Extremely well-developed senses, and aesthetic appreciation for beauty. Not interested in leading or controlling others. Flexible and open-minded. Likely to be original and creative. Enjoy the present moment."
Nathan is an ENFJ. An extroverted, iNtuitive, feeling, judger."Popular and sensitive, with outstanding people skills. Externally focused, with real concern for how others think and feel. Usually dislike being alone. They see everything from the human angle, and dislike impersonal analysis. Very effective at managing people issues, and leading group discussions. Interested in serving others, and probably place the needs of others over their own needs."
The meyers-briggs says, "Although two well-developed individuals of any type can enjoy a healthy relationship, ENFJ's natural partner is the INFP, or the ISFP. ENFJ's dominant function of Extraverted Feeling is best matched with a partner whose dominant function is Introverted Feeling. An ENFJ and INFP are ideally matched, because they share the Intuitive way of looking at the world, but the ENFJ and ISFP are also a very good match."
I would agree wholeheartedly with this analysis. We are a very good match and what gets in the way of harmony often is the S/N difference. Often we will say something and the other person interprets it different than the original intention.
In the decision making function, we are both Fs. This means that we both make decisions based on values. Ex. We value time together so Nathan decided not to offer to do contract work for the job he had (advantor) while simultaneously doing the new job he just started (liberty mutual). Logically, it would have made sense. We could have had more money. He could have left his job on a note where they didn't feel abandoned after having him quit after a month. Ultimately, our time together matters more.
On occasion one of us becomes more objective and logical in making decisions (the role of a "t"). In deciding on housing, I became the "t". My father gave this advice (and my father is an ISTJ)
I think new construction should be one of your options as you do your market research. There is something to be said for knowing all the major housing components were recently completed under the newer building codes implemented a few years after Andrew. That does not mean an older home is not well built or worth considering, you just want to gather all the information and research all options before making a major decision. Newer construction can sometimes be cheaper because you will not be replacing AC units, hot water tanks, etc. for several years. Newer construction can hold a higher resale value.
As far as commutes, you have to figure how many times a week you drive to work and how many times a week you visit your downtown friends. Weigh that against the community, the schools, resale, etc. and make your decision. You have a 1 year old and one on the way. Your friends will end up being people who are at the same life stage as you are. Especially when you are a family of 4 with two toddlers. No one else will be able to relate to you. Just the other people in the same boat. All three communities look acceptable to me, Lake Mary, Altamonte or Longwood. Look for some other young families. A more upscale "professional type" area will probably have people you can relate to. The other property owners will be school teachers, nurses, law enforcement, sales people, small business owners, etc.
Most likely, as you continue to research the market, one option will stand out from the others and that's usually the one that is meant to be your home. Things will tend to "fall in place" like they did to allow you to return to Florida. Don't rush the process and do your homework. You will find something that fits.
Dad
Such good advice. So logical. I actually agreed with every thing he said. Nathan thought it was good advice too, but in the end, he made the decision by being true to his "f" self. He liked the house that made him feel at home. The one with an amazing back yard that made him happy. I liked the house too. Don't get me wrong. It isn't every thing I wanted, but it really is a great house. I am sure we will be very happy there.
Even though I vowed that I would be the one to pick the house because it is my domain, my office, if you will, I ended up doing what an ISFP does.
"They are very private people, who keep their true feelings and opinions reserved or hidden from others. This may cause them to constantly defer to their mates in their intimate relationships, which may cause problems if their mates are not extremely aware of the ISFP's feelings."
Good thing he knows my feelings.
Oh, and I am pretty sure that the owner of the house is not going to heaven. We gave them the full asking price, and requested that they leave the refrigerator, and hot tub, and to pay $7K of the closing cost. They counter-offered to pay $5k of closing costs and no, we could not have the fridge and hot-tub. You know that verse in the bible about if someone asks you for bread, give him your coat too? They so didn't do that. Going to hell for sure.
Kidding! But seriously, I am sad because I had big plans for that hot-tub involving my husband. Godly desires and plans of course.
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