Cleaning at DSS

I started my field placement last week and I must say that I think once I can really interact with the clients and get myself involved with everything I am going to have a really great experience. So far I have shadowed on a few client visits and sat in on a team meeting of a very difficult case. (Which, strangely enough was very much like many of the team meeting that I went to when working at the group home and didn't seem that terrible to me.) I have also had the opportunity to meet many people (most of whom I can distinguish on sight but have no idea what their names are) and have been given a desk... Which I can't get to because I don't have an ID badge...or make use of since I don't have a computer log-in yet. but it's to be expected as my site was told that I wasn't going to start until after Ian was born anyway. So I am ahead of the game and they are doing really well to quickly get stuff going for me.

And now more about the desk.
I expect that when you give an intern a desk it will probably be off in a corner and full of unused stuff. So when I was told I was going to be sitting with the processing department, it really didn't phase me. I was also told that I was going to get a desk that was being vacated by a woman who was moving departments. When I finally got to the desk it was filthy. I'm talking several years of built up grime and use that had never been cleaned away. My field adviser took one look at it and said she would get cleaning supplies and she would clean it. (She was clearly embarrassed.) But I am the intern. I am starting a job that will not always be fun or pleasant and so I told her to go back and do the work I know she still had to do and I would clean until she needed me. After three hours of cleaning the desk was no longer a dingy shade of gray, most of the stains had been cleaned enough so you could only see vague outlines, the keyboard no longer had dirt and grime shielding it from the outside world and I had taken a thumb-tack and scraped years of gunk out of crevices on the phone. I discovered several things about the woman who sat at the desk before me. The first being she had sat there for about eight years and never once cleaned it. The second, at some point she had a cherry flavored drink explode all over her desk, computer, phone and walls and she never bothered to clean it up. And the most important part...she picks her nose and wipes the boogers on the bottom of the keyboard tray. That's right boogers. Dried boogers. On the desk. I didn't think people who were over the age of 7 did that, but apparently when you are in your 50s sometimes you have to revert. Did I also mention that while I was cleaning she came back and got all offended that I was cleaning..."I did my best" was her parting words...as she walked away with the trash can and all of the office supplies in the desk.

And here I need to stop and ask...for those of you who have moved jobs in an agency before, did you take your trash can? Seriously?

Anyway when I told my adviser my theory on the origins of the little lumps on the back of the keyboard she was horrified, but not surprised. She also said she would get maintenance to remove the offending keyboard and replace it.

I wonder what will happen this week?

Week in review

This week has gone by crazy fast. I started my field placement, Melly has finally settled into daycare (and no longer cares when I leave) and Chris has been working really hard. I have my next OB appointment on Thursday and tons of homework to get going on this weekend. So this is going to be a quick post...

Yesterday we went to the farmer's market to get some fresh fruit and veggies into our diet. Melly decided she wanted to help me pick out apples and picked out her own special baby sized one. She has never been given a whole apple before, but she did a very good job getting some bites out of it...

She also got to go swimming and is doing much better at the back-float (which is apparently our biggest swimming weakness, still).

Today, once everyone has woken up from their naps and I have finished a little more homework we are going to the mall to find some new sleep attire for Melly (Her little feet are squished in her current footies) and some black flats for me (I discovered that I am woefully lacking in work appropriate clothing).

Have a great weekend everyone!

Three day weekend

What a weekend!

On Saturday we went bed shopping. That's right, we took advantage of the Labor day sales and next week Melly is getting her very own twin sized bed delivered. I had fun getting bedding...and she had a great time jumping from bed to bed. We decided a while back that we were not going to get her anymore bedroom furniture until we move into our house, so it's just the mattresses for now. But very exciting. (And now we have an actual 'guest bed' to use for the next few months...as long as people don't mind sleeping with a baby.)
Then we had a bunch of guests over including a 4 year old. Melly loves playing with older kids...but gets a little jealous of some of her toys. She did have a chance to play with some toy airplanes and loved it. So we are thinking that we need to get her some planes, trains and autos to play with.

On Sunday we had a rough time. I went back to sleep (so tired) for a three hour nap when I thought that Melly would go down but she fought with dad and didn't end up going down until 3p! Which means I had to wake her up at 5 and that messed up our entire day and night schedule.

On Monday we went to the mall to get a certain girl her 2 year old pictures. Now, she still had tons of bug bites...but the one on her face was pretty easy to cover. However since Melly decided that she was getting up at 3am...the photo shoot at 10a was not as much fun or quite as fruitful as previous ones. But that's OK we still got some great shots and soon we will send out pictures and invitations to everyone! Plus we entered Melly in the cutest baby contest. Now, we think we are a shoe-in. But we'll see what really happens. We could get a 2,000 dollar visa. That would be nice.

After the photo shoot Melly fall asleep. For about an hour... but then snuggled with dad on the lazy-boy for another 3! So both dad and Melly had a long nap together (which was great and I got tons of homework done.)

And now I am off to school. Oh, and Ian decided to shift! He is no longer living in my lungs. He is moved down and I can take a breath again!!!!!!!!!!!!! With a month to go I'm ready for two babies...really.

OB in week 32

So there is good news and possibly not so good news.

We'll start with the good news my blood pressure is really low! I'm a little more than a month away from having Ian and I'm still only coming out with 112 over 76. Which is amazing for me! Even more so when you compare that to my blood pressure with Melly which regularly came out to 140 over 90. So good there.

Now the possibly not so good news... Ian has gotten big. Big in the same way that I was told Melly was getting big (and we all know that that was a big fake-out). But I have an ultrasound scheduled for two weeks and well see where he really is. This does, however, give credence to my assertion that he is going to be early. I can only get so big! I'll keep everyone posted when I know anything else.

I am also the proud (and very uncomfortable) wearer of a heart monitor. While I was given a clean bill of health by the cardiologist, he still is doing his due diligence and following up with a week of monitoring. Which is a pain in the you know what for me. It is kinda cool though. I have electrodes attached to me and a little device hanging around my neck. And all of the info goes to a cell phone that has to be within 10 feet of my body. However the electrodes seem to keep falling off and every time I lose contact with the cell phone it makes noise which makes sleeping even more difficult than it already was. But having all of this done means that I won't have to do it again. Thank goodness.

Last weekend we went on a tour of the hospital where Ian is going to be born. The place looks like a spa. All of the rooms are very nice and even the ones that were not remodeled last year are still superior to the hospital in SC. There are even showers (or whorl-pool spas) in all the rooms so I won't have to lay around stinky for two days like last time. (Which reminds me I should probably pack my hospital bag soon...) It's very nice. And with school started and everything going as planned...I can't wait for Ian to show himself.

The fall is starting beautifully.

More Swimming!

It's been a while since I posted pictures of Melly at swimming. Especially since she is now in a big kid class. So here are some up to date pictures of her and her daddy swimming...

Underwater girl. That's right. Here she is swimming all on her own. Her little legs kicking and holding her breath. I am so proud of her!



It took a while for Melly to learn how to jump...but now that she knows how much fun it is she would spend the entire time at swimming jumping into her daddy's arms (if she could).



I love this one because she just looks so happy!

Driving and 'commies'

Today I had an exciting driving adventure...I got stuck behind two cars that had a fender-bender and was forced to pull out from behind them into bumper to bumper traffic. Now, my LA driving make me realize that people like their cars and will not hit you if at all possible, so I waited for a small hole and exploited it. However the older lady in the car in front of me wasn't going anywhere any time soon. So when I pulled into traffic I intentionally blocked the lane to let her go too. (Much tot eh annoyance of a few people behind me in the new lane.) But I figure that gets me some good karma (car-ma...get it?)

And in other news...Melly called me a 'commie'. I'm not sure why she called me one. But it was pretty funny.

Also, today was my first day of classes! It was great. I can't wait for Monday!

Ah Ha!

Just as I suspected...after an hour of EKGs and cardiograms I have been told that they can't find anything wrong with me. I apparently will get to have a heart monitor strapped to me for a week...but there it is. Nothing exciting...just like I said.

Visiting the OB

One thing I have learned about visiting the OB is it's never boring. I always end up with something funny or weird happening. This last week I went while Melly was starting daycare so I got to have the quietest visit in a very long time. However after being assured that Ian is growing nicely and reminded (once again) to take prenatal meds, my doctor asked about my dizzy spells. And, of course, I told the truth... I get very dizzy sometimes. About once a week. And I can't function for a little while until they go away. So as a precaution I am going to see the cardiologist tomorrow. I know that I have had some interesting heart stuff before (palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and a very small murmur when I was little) but all of that has gone away and I have had a clean bill of health for many years. (So says the US Peace Corps and the hospital that Melly was born in.) So I'm not really worried...just amused. But my favorite part was when they were calling to get an appointment for me...the nurse on the other side asked why I was being referred and the nurse on my side said 'pregnancy and palpitations.'. To which I responded 'both are very dangerous and catching diseases.'

I'll let everyone know what the cardiologist says tomorrow night...but I'm sure it will be nothing.

Cheers.

Alright already! I'm oriented!

I am very done with orientation. I have been to three...count them, three orientation events at UNC and I still have all of next week to go. I am over orientation. I am ready to begin classes.

Thanks for listening.

And we're back!

Mr. C and I are back from our weekend vacation. We had a great time in IN. And an even better time at Gen-Con. That's right we got our geek on for four days and it was wonderful. Not only did we get to play in some rockin games, we also got pedicures (yes, Mr. C too) and saw GI Joe. (Which I like as an action movie, but not as an accurate depiction of the cartoon.).
Here we are getting ready for Friday night. So much fun!


Little Miss Melly did great with her grandparents. Apparently she didn't really miss us at all...in fact when we came home she snubbed me and didn't really treat me like before until this morning. Speaking of which we just dropped her off at daycare. She was happily playing with another child when we left. I was, and still am, an emotional wreck. Stupid crying. Rationally I know I am going to be picking her up in four hours. But coming home to a child free house and facing a long morning without her is just causing me to fall apart. Tomorrow will be better...not only will it be the second day, but I will be starting orientation and have a lot to do so I won't be able to sit in my own little pot of self-recrimination and pity. Besides...Melly loves being out and with other kids. This is really the best way for her to get socialized and learn new things.

I wish I could believe that.

Thinking ahead

With all that is happening in the next few months I am concerned that I am not going to have enough time to get ready for my favorite holiday. With that in mind I have already started getting ready for Halloween with the kids... This year I want to make sure my newborn and 2 year old have a great time plus this will be the last year in which I have total control over Ms. Melly.

So first off...here is what I have decided Ian will be wearing on his first Halloween.

To view the whole thing, click here

And Melody will be a Genii. We looked through the pages of the patten books together and when she got excited about a costume we discussed it. Well, I discussed it. And other than all the princess/fairy costumes with the poofy tu-tus this one stood out.



To see the whole pattern click here

I can't wait to start sewing...and picking out the fabrics. *sigh*

So many holidays...so little time.

Christmas Stocking

When Mr. W and I were growing up our mom made us cross-stitch Christmas stockings. Because of that I have always thought that all homes needed handmade stockings. I have been attempting to make Mr. C his own stocking for several years. I always had such a great idea and then time or something would get in my way. But last year, while visiting my mom she gave me my old stocking and Melody's new one. So it was time I made the final effort. And so we ordered a pattern and the race was on. Needless to say, the move, the new state, the baby and everything else got in the way and I didn't manage to make his stocking in time for Christmas. But, with two days until Melly and my one year anniversary in NC I have finally finished his stocking. This afternoon I plan on sewing on the backing and the lining and he will be all set to be proud of his stocking on the wall this year along with mine, Melody's and Ian's (which I have been told is coming along nicely).

I am so glad I finally managed to finish one for him.
I love Christmas.
I love traditions.

Carousel Ride

We took Melly to the mall a little while ago to ride the carousel. So without further ado...here is danger baby...

The age old questions

Like, how did Melly do on the airplane?

Very well. She was insane in the airport...running around and not following direction...but after getting on the plane and taking a bottle, she passed out for the flight.

How was the reunion/anniversary?

Great! I love being around family and I love it even more that Melly got to finally meet lots of her family. Mr. C and I had a good time talking and catching up with everyone and Melly had the best time ever with other kids, family love and tons of puppies to play with.

Thank you so much Grandma, Grandpa and Mr. W for the plane tickets! We appreciate the visit so much!

What did you do when you got home?

Went to Best Buy and spent all my birthday money on a shiny new laptop! That's right I finally decided that I wanted one and there was (and is until the end of the week) a wonderful sale going on. Mr. C and Mr. W both looked at the specks and told me this one would do nicely. So I am currently typing away on my very own computer...which ended up costing me $6 after all of the birthday money was spent. So thank you again everyone for that. I love my present!

And finally... When is Ian's baby shower?

This one is a little harder...We aren't planning one really. Melly is turning 2 in October right about the time Ian is going to be born...and because we moved across the country and I am starting school it just doesn't seem reasonable to have one. However, everyone is invited to Melly's birthday where we will also be celebrating Ian's birth and if you wanted to send him a love token I have put up a baby registry on Amazon.com.

That should cover just about everything right now. I am attempting to learn how to plug my pictures and mino into this computer and will hopefully have pictures up again soon.

Cheers!

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world...

Just a quick note...no, I haven't forgotten about anyone. It's just been really busy this week. We will start on Saturday when, at swimming, Ms. Melly swam for several seconds by herself! She was thrown underwater from the instructor to her daddy and not only did she kick she swam to the surface and was greeted with cheers. My swimming girl!!!

On Monday I finally got her the toy they have at Gymboree which is a microphone with a spring running through it. So when you speak into one end it echos and sounds like a robot. Melly loves them at class so I finally remembered to get her one. Once at home she said her name into it!!!

And that is the baby news.
On to mommy news...
I started my pre-service classes this week and I love it. I feel like I am learning stuff and like I really can do it. I miss using my higher brain functions. And adult conversations...

Tonight we are jet setting off to MN for the weekend. We shall see the fam and get lots of lovin! Very exciting...but now I am becoming late for class so I am outta here.

I'll see some of you soon and talk to all of you later,
cheers!

Picture day

Today we went and took some summer photos. Melly is quite a ham when it comes to the picture place and poses quite nicely. It's a crack up. If you would like to see the pictures...click here

(I love that I can post the proofs and you can all order the ones you want so I don't have to decide! I love them all!!!)

Have a great day!

Fries

As Ms. Melly approaches 2 years old she is beginning to assert her own will and personality. One of the ways she has decided to take control of her life is to be a more picky eater. That is...she will pick what she eats...even if it is off mom and dad's plates. For the most part it's frustrating and I am constantly worried that she is getting enough to eat. (Yes, I know, every child goes through this and she will out grow it sooner or later. It's just frustrating right now.)

Anyway, one of the things she will almost always eat are french fries. So, as dutiful parents we stocked up on fries in the freezer and just wait until she is looking for food and then present them to her. I think she likes them best because she can control everything about them, from when she eats them to how many she eats.

She has also learned that sometimes mommy goes through the drive-through and it is pretty much guaranteed that there will be some fries passed back to a baby. The other morning I had to go in for my glucose test. (For those of you who have not had this test, it means I had to fast...so picture a starving pregnant woman who spies a McDonalds on the way to Gymboree.) It was still early so it was breakfast time. I got my meal without thinking that it would be an issue. But seconds after that bag of food was passed into my window I hear "Fries?" From the backseat. "I don't have fries, baby." I say as I calmly attempt to pull back into traffic and not kill us all before I can bust into my sandwich. "Fries!" This time a little more adamant. "Melly, I don't have fires. Would you like hashbrown?" I attempt to pass a broken off piece of hashbrown into the backseat while stopped at a red light. (Meanwhile all the windows are down and the man in the moving truck next to me is listening to the whole conversation.) "No!! No!! FRIES!!!!!" Now it's getting a lot more serious. There is even crying involved. As you can guess the rest of the twenty minute drive to Gymboree was chock full of "FRIES!!!!" while I attempted to eat and explain to a one year old that I didn't have fries.

It's a lot funnier now.

FRIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dog Days of Summer

Summer is so hot and fun, most of the time it's best to put on your sunglasses and go out to play. (Thank you Target $1 bins!)


Sometimes, however the best cure for what ails you is to take all your clothes off, cuddles with mom, and take a nap.

Sleep

For a few weeks now Melly has decided to not sleep for various reasons. First it was being sick. Then she had nightmares. After that I am pretty certain that she was not sleeping through the night because she was hungry and not eating much during the day. But now...ah, now... she is back into a hungry cycle and that means she is sleeping. Ah, a full 10 hours a night is so beautiful...even if it is from 7pm until 5am. The other reality is she is growing again. All of the 18 month clothing that was practically falling off of her at the beginning of summer is now getting too tight. We are finally moving into 2T!!! Very exciting. Now if she only had something to wear today...

Cheers!

Happy 4th of July

We wish everyone a wonderful day filled with picnics, potato salad, and lots of those really big fireworks!