Oh, to be 5 again: Week 2

Scene: On the playground, a boy in my sister’s class hits another boy.

Boy2: Mrs. S, Boy1 hit me!
Erc: Boy1, we do not hit. Why did you hit Boy2?
Boy1: Because I like carrots.

And that was the only explanation he ever gave.

It's the little things

I sat down at my desk, started sorting through the many papers spilling out of my purse and had a sudden realization.

It wasn’t there.

The W-2 I had JUST gotten in the mail and stuffed into my purse wasn’t there.

I had walked 100 yards from the car to my office in 20 mile an hour winds and the form didn’t make it.

With a gigantic sigh, I grabbed my coat and keys and trudged back out into the 17 degree weather (feels like zero with that wind), praying that I had either left it on the seat of my car (which I was POSITIVE I didn’t do) or that by some miracle it had stayed in the parking lot (very slim chance—remember that wind?)

I scanned the ground, even pausing to look in the trash cans on the off chance that someone had picked it up and tossed it.

After getting to the car and checking the entire inside thoroughly, I dejectedly started to make my way back inside.

Suddenly something caught my eye.

There it was! My precious W-2 hanging out on the top of a snow drift.

And then I remembered.

Little prayers are answered too.

A Beloved Man, A Beloved Prophet

While I know that almost every blog I read has already posted something about the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley, I wanted to share my favorite memory.

I was a sophomore at BYU. It was the spring of 2003 and I was studying in the grass outside of the Talmage building awaiting the start of my Statistics class. Suddenly, three black SUVs pulled up on the sidewalk next to me and several dark suits got out. I glanced up and didn't really think anything of it.

Then, out of the corner of my eye--I saw him. President Hinckley. I happened to catch his eye and smile. He smiled back, waved and said "hello." All of the sudden, he was a real person, and that person was saying hello to me (strangely, on a campus of 30K, I was the only person in sight). I quickly said "hello" back and then watched as he proceeded through a normally-locked door of the Talmage building.

Most people that hear my story wonder why I did not rush over to shake his hand, but I didn't feel it appropriate at the time. We acknowledged each other and that was all that needed to be done.

My testimony of the power of the prophet was never stronger. I knew that Gordon B. Hinckley was a man, just as I am a woman, but his *calling* was to be the prophet and that truly came from Heavenly Father.

He will be missed.

A dependency

So.

I think we have established that I *tend* to like things a certain way.

Okay, okay. I am a psycho about it.

I was reminded of this as I returned to work.

You see, while working in Provo, I was given a computer screen calendar. What is that, you ask? Here’s a picture so you can get an idea.

It is pretty amazing how often you need to reference the date. Whether it is today’s date, the day of an upcoming meeting, or a holiday. All I had to do was direct my eyes upward and January through December were proudly displayed.

But I returned to work in 2008 and my calendar was of 2007.

The first morning back, I attempted to locate an upcoming date no less than 8 times and it was only 9:30am. I frantically emailed my previous co-worker and good friend to see if there were any extra 2008 calendars lying around her office than she could mail to me (the calendars were sent out as promotional items from an affiliate of the company). She informed me that there were not any extras, and then, being the good friend that she is, she gave me links to printable calendars that would do the same job.

Because I have realized that this calendar is of the utmost importance in my life I want to share it with you.

You can find a letter sized printable calendar here or a legal sized one here. (If you have access to legal paper, I would recommend that one—it’s just a little easier to read).

Now please, hold the applause.

Oh, to be 5 again

As I have stated before, my sister is a Kindergarten teacher. If you are like Ronnie, you may pronounce that kind-EE-garten.

As you may imagine, she has some pretty good stories. So every Wednesday (unless she doesn’t have any blog worthy ones) I will post a little gem from her classroom.

This week’s gem happened before Christmas.

Student: Mrs. S, I have to go to the store to get your Christmas present.

Erc (Mrs. S): Oh, you don’t have to get me anything.

Student: I’m going to buy you a new car.

Erc: Those are pretty expensive, are you sure you can afford it?

Student: Yep. I just lost my first tooth and the tooth fairy left me a LOT of money.

Erc (under breath as she just smiles at the student): I’ll lose a tooth if it means a new car.

You may be surprised to learn that her gift fit into the backpack of the student and did not have to be parked outside.

Edited to add: Guess who just realized it is Thursday? So lets pretend that I am not a *complete* idiot and just change this little weekly to Thursdays instead.

Cleaning

My house has not been up to my standards of clean since the arrival of Easton, and as such my mind has been directed toward cleaning. (This does not, however, mean that it has been cleaned yet).

I'm kind of stealing this idea from my wonderful friend Jen who has posted similar ideas here and here, but I have one specific product that I would like to recommend--and it's not cheap.

De-Solv-It

Say it with me now: De-Solv-It.

Go buy some. RIGHT NOW!

This stuff can do wonders. It has removed gum from my hair (I know that you aren't supposed to get gum in your hair after the age of 6, but sometimes I struggle), stickers from windows, oil stains from laundry and the list goes on and on.

Not only is it magical, but it smells delicious--like you could drink it (although I'm pretty sure you shouldn't). Orangey goodness will radiate from your house. Yum.

Photo Shoot

Easton had a quick little photo shoot with Grandpa Cali the morning that we flew back to Utah. Below are a few of the shots.
Easton with his Christmas "loot"

Looking snazzy.

On a side note: I'm officially back at work and doing ok. Easton has done well so far, so hopefully we can keep that up. He is such a good baby!

I'm a little afraid to type this, for fear that it will curse me somehow, but I believe we have a doable night time routine. He sleeps for 5 hours straight, then I feed him and he sleeps for another 3. I can do that!

Numbers

39: days I have been a mom

2: days I have showered before noon

3: days my hair has actually been blown dry

7: blog posts since that time (Pathetic, I know)

113: times I have wanted to post, but just couldn't make it happen

327: diapers changed

46: family and friends introduced to Easton

32: pounds shed (I'll admit that birthing a little someone definitely helped this number!)

4: days left 'til I return to work (boohoo!)

1: item on my to-do list that actually gets checked off every day

23: items remaining on said to-do list that I want to have done before I go back to work

0: Nintendo Wii purchased (not for lack of trying--I call three stores 2-3 times a day trying to time it when they have one in stock)

One month already?

Easton meeting his Grammy. She definitely is a pro with babies. She knew just how to put Easton to sleep.
Easton and his daddy taking an afternoon snooze in Cali.
The beginning of a smile. I take what I can get.
The official one month picture! I can't believe it. It has really flown by!
Easton and mom trying out the Baby Bjorn. He loved it and really worked to hold his head up high.

California

Easton has had lots of fun meeting lots of people. If we can put him down when we get home it will be a miracle.

Easton with Aunt Toni. He is sporting his family picture outfit. It is seriously to die for.

The little one with Grandpa, Kara and Brooke.
Brooke cuddling the baby. She told me yesterday that "His head is very heavy for his little body."
Kara and Easton. He is obviously trying to figure out what this is all about (at least that is what his expression says).

Easton and Aunt Sandy.

Smelly?

We are currently in sunny California, so please excuse my lack of posts recently.

Now, on to what I really want to discuss.

Deodorant.

I know it is a little personal, but we're close friends--really close friends, remember?

In high school I was always a little sweaty. In college I thought I had solved the problem, but then time went on and my sweaty problems returned.

I expressed my annoyance to Ronnie and he proceeded to tell me that he has always had good luck with deodorant. Just deodorant. None of that anti-perspirant stuff.

So, I went to Wally World and purchased a stick of just deodorant.

It worked wonders! No more sweaty problems, no more yellowing shirts. It seemed to be a miracle.

When I find a product I like, I stock up on it. So I purchased 3 more sticks and life was good.

Until this week.

I'm on the last of the three sticks. It's been three years, so they have been good to me. I put deodorant on my shopping list and went on my weekly shopping trip.

Wally World doesn't carry just deodorant for women. Believe me, I have read EVERY SINGLE STICK on the shelf.

If I care to smell like a man, I am set. Apparently, women need anti-perspirant protection, but men can deal with just deodorant.

I have now checked three other stores with the same result.

I'm stretching this last stick to the max--with the hope that I can find my precious deodorant so that I don't have to have sweaty problems again.

If anyone knows where I can find this essential item please let me know. Otherwise, you may not want to be around me for a while.

And may all your Christmases be white

I've talked about a few of my family's Christmas traditions before. We were happy to be present for all of them again this year.

The past few years, we have been able to talk the younger kids out of actually acting out the Nativity Story when we read it, but with the perfect little "baby Jesus" available, we couldn't resist.

Ronnie's recent decision to grow a beard really added to the authenticity of Joseph.And here we see the Shepherds. Their flocks were totally obedient (and absent).This was the angel in prophetic position.And the wise men bearing their gifts. Here is the snazzy narrator. He gladly volunteers for this position (notice how he is the only one without any stitch of a costume).
Obviously, Grandpa has his job down pat. Cuddle the sleeping baby while catching a little sleep himself after an early Christmas morning talking to Adam in Guatemala.

We hope you had a great Christmas!

Christmas!

We had a fantastic Christmas! We even had a little Santa's helper in the house.
And Easton got his first "real" bath. He did not love it.
Then we had Rudolph pay a visit.
And finally, the future hunter tried to stay warm in the snow storm that dumped 4 inches on Laramie all day. It made for a beautifully white Christmas.

Hats--Lots of them

We recently had a hat-trying-on-party. Here is one that Ronnie's sister Aubrey made that just won't quite fit his head.
Another from Aunt Aubrey. Yes he loves the Binky and YES we love that he does!
And another hat by Aubrey--too cute!
Great-Grandma N made this one--super soft and super cute!
The second one by Grandma N. I think Easton was a little tired of the flash at this point.

Sunday, Sunday

I love Sundays.

Well, actually I have a love/hate relationship with them. I love the edification that I can receive at church and the laid-back atmosphere of the day, but HATE that it means the beginning of another week.

But guess who's not working for another 4 weeks?

That's right--me! I'm loving every minute I can spend with my little one.

Now on to the stuff that I really wanted to say.

Seeing as how it is December, the peak of RSV season, Ronnie and I have decided that Easton will not be attending church until his blessing (roughly). My dad came over this morning and watched him while Ronnie and I attended Sacrament Meeting. (You should have seen the strange looks we were getting since I am obviously not pregnant and we didn't have a child with us.)

The hard part of this decision is that I am in primary and teach my little CTR 6 class in the last hour and Ronnie is in Young Mens and also has obligations during the last hour. The mom of one little boy in my class is an absolute sweetheart and has substituted for me for the last two weeks, but I feel bad continuing to ask the parents to sub.

The Bishop got up to the pulpit today and made an announcement that significantly relieved my stress.

Our ward is only having Sacrament Meeting next week.

You may wonder why?---and you would be among most of the ward, but when church is changed from three hours to one hour, you don't ask questions--you just roll with it.

P.S. When asked by the Bishop where Easton was today, Ronnie responded, "He was sleeping, so we left him at home. Are we not supposed to do that?" It got quite the laugh.
Note: We are not actually delinquent parents. Easton was enjoying a nice nap with his Grandpa right next to him.

The many faces

I know every baby makes weird faces, but Easton has made me laugh out loud several times lately with the expressions he gives me--especially the classic, "You are such a dork, Mom!"

No one tells the truth about pushing...

So this will be the labor story. I realize that there are a few out there who would rather not read this...and to be honest, I don't blame you one bit!

After three delays for the induction, we called at 7am on Sunday the 9th and were told that we could come up to the hospital. We got ready and were admitted at about 8:30am. Once were were in the Family Care Unit (the new and fancy name for Labor & Delivery), they hooked me up to all of the monitors and it was discovered I was having contractions!


Now a short back track--Saturday night after dinner I had what I thought to be one contraction (my stomach tightened--really hard, and then relaxed) and then I just had a crampy feeling for the remainder of the evening and through the night. I even made Ronnie rub my lower back due to the ache that I was feeling there, but I didn't for one moment think that I was in labor.

The doctor came in, I was dilated to a 2, but the contractions were coming too fast to truly be effective, so they wanted to slow them down before they did anything else. I got an IV and they pumped 2 full bags into me to slow down the contractions (apparently dehydration can cause the contractions to not be as effective).


The IV worked, my contractions slowed down--too much. They gave me a pill to soften my cervix and I continued to wait. Ronnie and I walked around the halls a lot and I *loved* pushing my IV cart wherever I went.

At 2pm, the doctor decided to break my water to get things moving. It worked, but not incredibly fast. The contractions became more intense, but I did not get to a 4 until 7pm. All of my labor was back labor--which was NOT my favorite thing. When the doctor came in and I was at a 4, he asked what my birth plan was and I responded--Epidural please! I assume they called the nurse anesthetist at that time, although I did not see her until 9pm.


After the epidural was in, my pain was less, but my back pain was relatively the same. After an hour, I asked for more relief--since I was really feeling the back labor again, but was told that the epidural doesn't do much for back labor pain (What!!! Doesn't it numb me from the stomach down? How can my lower back not be part of that equation?)

At 11pm, the nurse checked me and I was at a 9 1/2. The entire nursing staff was amazed at my quick progress (little did they know that I am my mother's daughter, and once we get to a 4, we move VERY quickly).


A little after midnight, I began pushing. How I wish I was one of *those* people who push twice and then get to hold their little one. Alas, it was not to be so. I pushed for 2 hours and 15 minutes to receive my little bundle of joy. (He really was worth it though!) Easton arrived at 2:40am and I proceeded to cry with happiness and then try to control the shakes I was having so I could hold him!


Looking back, I am so grateful for Ronnie and his support through the entire thing--I'm also happy to report that I did not turn into a psycho lady during labor and was only mad at Ronnie once the entire night (and that was at the very end when I was too tired to say anything out loud and I wanted him to read my mind so that I wouldn't have to use ANY more energy talking).


I'll be happy to report if you really do forget it in a while--but not for a long while. I was talking to my all-knowing 80 year old Grammy on the phone last weekend and she said, "They tell you that you will forget--but you DON'T! If I can remember 55 years later, you can be sure you will too!"


And I'll leave you with that.

A New Location

We have decided to start a blog dedicated to Easton. That way, I can post photos for all of those relatives that are craving a little more without taking over this blog. You can find the blog here, or link to it on the right sidebar.

Welcome!

This is a place for photos of little Easton. Don't expect explanations, in fact, you should feel good if there are dates.

a few more...

Here are a few more pics to last you until I can get a bit of a handle on life and resume a few of my cherished "normal" activities (such as blogging).Easton with Grandma Cali

Easton with Grandpa Cali

The proud new grandparents who haven't quite decided what they want to be called.

Easton in all of his precious-ness.

Part of the reason that this week has been a little rough. Easton had jaundice and had to have Phototherapy in this "clam" bed. He had to be in it at least 12 hours a day for two and a half days. It was torture for poor Mom and Dad--not to mention him.

I wasn't thinking that he was looking very yellow until I saw this pic of Easton and his daddy snuggling. There is definitely a yellow tint about him. (well there was, it is gone now).

And a pic with mommy. I won't be posting any pics of me in the hospital--just believe me when I say that you will thank me for that decision. And if you have already seen a few. I'm eternally sorry!