September 2006 Archives

I performed a software upgrade this morning. So far, it looks like it went smoothly but let me know if you see something wonky or if you have any trouble doing anything that you didn't before.

There's a huge election in Harahan this weekend and Peter Dale, Chief of Police, enlisted the help of his celebrity friends to help him campaign. A float came down our street, complete with a jazz band and Dan Akroyd! He came right up to us, shook our hands, took pictures with us. It was so much fun. In the middle of it, I yelled to Jackson "he's a Ghostbuster!". I was a little disappointed when I came inside to find the flash hadn't gone off on my camera, so the pictures came out dark. I'm hoping my neighbor's pictures are better. Those are her kids in the picture with Jackson & Jacob.

I have to go now and finish the cupcakes I very stupidly offered to bake for Jacob's birthday tomorrow. It's his snack day and I was just going to buy store bought cute cupcakes but my sister (Angela) shamed me into baking them myself. I should have bought them. Those kids would not know the difference and I'm up late baking & icing. I had to make two batches because one batch was shy 2 cupcakes. I get the Mother of the Year Award, don't you think?

Omar and his uncle spent a week in the mountains of India. He took a six hour train ride and then it took another one hour by car to reach their destination. There was no running water or electricity but Omar said it was amazing. He said he could see Mount Everest from his mountain top.

That's not fog in the background, he's in the clouds.

Today is Ashley's 18th birthday. We spent the night in the hospital because my water had broken about 6pm and they wanted me in the hospital. Things stalled out so in the early morning, they induced me. I hate Pitossin(sp?)! Things moved along but then seemed to stall again (she's still a bit stubborn at times ), so one thing lead to another and because of the time lapse since my water broke they felt they had no other choice but to do a "C" section. When they delivered Ashley she had some muconium(sp?) on her so they sucked out her lungs, but all Dan saw was a bluish/purple baby and he thought his baby was going to die. He still remembers the horror of that sight. Needless to say it was all standard procedure and she was very healthy at 10lbs, 3 oz. 22 1/2 inches tall. She continues to be healthy and tall (5'9"). Now 18 years later, I am still in amazement at the wonderful affect she has had on us. Happy Birthday Ashley! Carol

Things are going pretty good so far. Joey, Samuel, and I are adjusting to life with Luke very well. Samuel isn't that interested in Luke and really hasn't shown any jealousy, yet. Luke has started giving me a 4 and 5 hour stretch at night from nursing so I've been getting some sleep. All of the nurses kept saying how calm he is. He really is a good baby! Unlike Samuel, he's a champ when it comes to nursing. He has those beautiful highlights in his hair like his brother, but his are a little different. I really can't say who he looks like, but I don't think he looks like Samuel at all. His eyes are blue, but they're dark so they may turn brown or hazel/green like Joey's. I'm so thankful that he does not have sleep apnea. Things are so much easier this time around. Samuel was 7 days old when we brought him home, while Luke was only 2 days old. I'm getting up and around much easier this time too. Luke was born at exactly 38 weeks, Samuel was 35 weeks and 6 days. Those two extra weeks sure added on the pounds! My doctor couldn't believe the size of him. Joey doesn't know baby sizes so wasn't impressed with his weight until about the 5th or 6th nurse commented on how big he was. We saw the pediatrician today and Luke is still a little jaundiced. The doctor isn't alarmed yet, but we'll go back on Wednesday to check out his coloring once more. In the meantime he is sunbathing by the window regularly.

Jackson started football practice a couple of weeks ago and this week he started practicing with the pads. He is so excited. Phil is even more excited. He had a two and a half hour practice Wednesday night, much to my dismay. Phil assured me, that was a one time thing. He is also on his way to practice this morning. His coaches called an extra practice so they could get ready for their first game on Monday. I haven't seen them practice at all so I'm not sure what to expect on Monday. I hope I don't embarass Jackson or Phil with my maternal behavior.

I'm on my way to my sister's house this morning to help with Luke & Samuel. I haven't gotten to see Samuel with his baby brother so I can't wait! Luke is just so scrumptious. I imagine I'll be playing all day with Samuel. He has a tendency to slap you on the leg to get you to follow him to do what he wants. He's not talking much but he sure does communicate beautifully!

Omar visiting the ocean in Dubai

Omar went on a safari to the Dubai desert

Omar is trying to get settled in India. He's bought a guitar and learned how to ride a motorcycle to pass the time until his classes start. He doesn't like the giant cockroaches, mice and rats that roam the streets, but he's trying to adjust. He says the sunsets and warm weather are great.

Angela, Joey, and Samuel have a new bouncing baby boy to add to their family. His name is Luke William and he was born this morning at 11:14am weighing a whopping 8lbs, 14oz! He was 20 and 1/4 inches long and is completely healthy. I didn't talk to her for very long, but as far as I know, everything went well and all are doing fine. Mrs. Peggy (Joey's mother) is at home with Samuel. I'm going to visit tonight & I'll definitely have my camera with me. I'll add the pictures later.

This is by a fallen tree in our windbreak. John thinks it may be a puffball and not a mushroom. He says some eat puffballs(and wild mushrooms for that matter) but I think we will leave this one alone.

Stephen thought this might strike a chord with some of our family.

Here is a picture of the sea caves on Lake Superior. Carol took me on a tour during our recent "boat vacation" in August. This is my first attempt at posting pictures too.

Carol on hiking path to lighthouse on Sand Island(Lake Superior)-August 2006. We had perfect weather, 75-80 degrees every day, light winds and lots of sun.

I spent two days, off and on, on the Internet, looking for a flight and a rental car. Today I told myself to stick with it until it was done, and so I did. I'm joining my high-school friends in Brainerd for a long weekend in October. I missed the last one because it was the same year as the reunion. The group is alternating one year in Brainerd and one year in a city. I choose not to go on the city visits since that requires a lot of walking, but afterwards I'm always sorry I didn't go because they have such good times.

So here's my plan. I arrive 10-05, Thursday. Drive to Brainerd 10-06, Friday. Leave Brainerd, 10-08, Sunday. Now this is where I'm undecided. I may drive from Brainerd to Remer on Sunday and stay with my sister for two days. I would return to Edina on Wednesday. Or, I may skip driving to Remer and Catherine would come to the City for a visit. I have some fear of driving long distances nowadays and I'm not sure I can do it. The rest of the week I have no plans. I'll leave 10-15, Sunday.

Katie and Amy will look after Liezel and Gretel at their house. I thought it would be too long for them to be cooped up at the kennel, plus pretty expensive, so I'm glad Katie said it would be okay with her. Lois (Christina's mother-in-law) will look after Noel. Planning a vacation is the only time I feel stressed about owning pets.

I'm glad everything is in place. I waited this long to make travel reservations because I felt the airlines would reduce their prices after Labor Day. They're still higher than I've ever paid, but not nearly as high as they were when I checked last spring.

I hope to see you soon. Let's make some plans.

Julia is selling #`1 Fundraiser boxes of candy. They look like world's Finest, but they're not. We have chocolate covered almonds, chocolate covered pecans, and chocolate covered raisins. They are going for $2 a box, or two for $4. Any takers?

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth

Have a day...