I am a little (ok a lot) sad…there is a rumor out there that Steven Tyler has left Aerosmith. I don’t know if it’s true and the band has made no official statement, however it is posted on a legit news site and the posts on the fan club site lead me to believe it is true. I have been an Aerosmith fan for 20 years. I have all their albums, a lot of bootleg stuff, every movie soundtrack they have been a part of and have been to every concert they have done in WA for the last 15 years.
Aerosmith is not Aerosmith without Steven, and Steven is not much without Aerosmith. I hope it’s not true! I will do my own Aerosmith rain dance with my scarves and play every CD I own of theirs back to back in the hopes the band will be ok.
I don’t want the last time I saw them to be the last time. Oh Steven why are you breaking my Aerosmith heart?
Today – Despite my sadness over Aerosmith I am looking forward to the Steelers game tonight. If Ben and the Steelers D have a good game I will win in my work Fantasy Football league. I already have my other league wrapped up, so this could be the first week I win in both leagues!
Adoption – It feels odd to be making “parent” decisions with no idea of when we will have a baby. As we have been working on the house and re-painting/carpeting/decorating we have had to think about things like cordless blinds, lead free paint, flooring that will reduce allergy and dust issues. The latest discussion was about what kind of freezer to get. Now that Mark has taken up hunting we need a freezer to store the meat in. He wanted a small chest freezer so it would take up less space. But, I want a stand-up one because I don’t want Sky playing around the chest freezer and opening it and potentially falling in and getting stuck in there. After I told Mark how I felt he completely understands my point of view. It stuck me how we are already acting like parents for a little girl that does not even exist yet. I don’t know who Sky is yet or when she will make her way into our lives, but I already love her and want to make good decisions for her.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Morning After
Happy Birthday to Mark! He turns 35 today. To celebrate we had friends over to play Band Hero and it was a lot of fun. Band Hero is perfect for parties because no matter how bad you play the song keeps going, you can switch players mid song and change the difficulty level mid song as well. Plus, it has a great selection of music. Thank you to everyone who showed up and had fun with us! Just a few of the many, many photos taken.
Mark, Amy, Shannon (singing), Brian.
Left to Right: Jay and Kendra, Mark, Michelle, Shannon, Bob, Brian, Josh, Me and Simone.
Mark and Bob being silly.
Mark getting ready to open Bob and Michelle's gift which Grace was kind enough to decorate.
Mark, Amy, Shannon (singing), Brian. 
Left to Right: Jay and Kendra, Mark, Michelle, Shannon, Bob, Brian, Josh, Me and Simone. 
Mark and Bob being silly.
Mark getting ready to open Bob and Michelle's gift which Grace was kind enough to decorate. Today: I am thankful that I have such a wonderful husband and was able to celebrate 35 years with him. I am also thankful that we have such a wonderful group of friends! I may be the most thankful for my new really comfy bathrobe. We were up until 3:30am and my bathrobe is just what I need to snuggle in today.
Adoption: Mark's wish was that this birthday is the last childless one we have. That means a baby before my birthday in April! Let's hope!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Mark's Birthday Party
Today requires perfect timing on my part in order to get everything ready for Mark's 35th Birthday Party tonight!
I started early with Zumba at 8:30 this morning. I needed to get up and get moving so I would have some energy.
Now I am home after getting all the food needed and it's time to start making stuff. I have a few things the people request over and over: guacamole and bacon wrapped weenies. So those are on the menu along with chips and salsa, peppermint patties, several flavors of vodka, and Cheetos. Topped off by a special order gluten free German chocolate cake. (Which reminds me I need to make sure we have b-day candles!) Everything being served is gluten free, so Mark can eat as much as he wants and not worry about getting sick.
I still need to shower, primp, figure out what to wear and de-clutter the guest bathroom. Mark is out getting the new Band Hero, so I'm sure we will want to break that in a bit before people show up.
Today - I am thankful for good friends that have called to ask what they can help with. Thank you...you know who you are!
Adoption - Since we are thinking positive and are assuming this is the last B-day party sans baby, we plan to enjoy it!
I started early with Zumba at 8:30 this morning. I needed to get up and get moving so I would have some energy.
Now I am home after getting all the food needed and it's time to start making stuff. I have a few things the people request over and over: guacamole and bacon wrapped weenies. So those are on the menu along with chips and salsa, peppermint patties, several flavors of vodka, and Cheetos. Topped off by a special order gluten free German chocolate cake. (Which reminds me I need to make sure we have b-day candles!) Everything being served is gluten free, so Mark can eat as much as he wants and not worry about getting sick.
I still need to shower, primp, figure out what to wear and de-clutter the guest bathroom. Mark is out getting the new Band Hero, so I'm sure we will want to break that in a bit before people show up.
Today - I am thankful for good friends that have called to ask what they can help with. Thank you...you know who you are!
Adoption - Since we are thinking positive and are assuming this is the last B-day party sans baby, we plan to enjoy it!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Lost Battle
I seem to be losing the battle to keep Bishop from hanging out behind the couch. When we first got Bishop he refused to put himself in a confined space, but 8’ish years later and all he wants to do is hang out behind the couch. He can barely fit between the couch and the wall, and in fact this morning got stuck. I actually considered leaving him there, but then decided getting back there to clean up after him would not be fun.
My latest tactic was to pile up the two blankets that Mark and I snuggle with behind the couch. I thought the wall of blankets would stop him, but no it didn’t. Instead he made a nice little bed for himself back there.
I think I’m waving the white flag on this one. The only solution would be to push the couch all the way against the wall, but it is a reclining couch and I do love popping my feet up and relaxing while watching a movie. So for now, Bishop you win. I give up and will therefore give up the frustration I feel every time you wiggle your way back there.
Dodgeball was fun last night. My arm is a bit sore today, but not too bad. I found out that “for a girl” I have a good throwing technique and keep the ball low so it’s harder to catch. I’m excited to practice with the actual dodgeballs in the next few weeks to see how that goes.
Today – I’m really glad it’s Friday. I’m leaving work early because it is slow. That will give me time to run some errands and get ready for Mark’s party tomorrow! I also get to start a new book today. I hope to find an hour or so this afternoon to settle into it. I am most thankful that it is a Friday that the housecleaner comes. Mark was thoughtful enough to arrange for a cleaner when I was Co-Chairing Relay last year as I was so busy the house was showing signs of my neglect! So, Mark to the rescue. Janet she does such a great job we have kept the service even though I have much more time now. I think this makes me a little spoiled, but I’m going with it because once the baby is here no one is going to care about spoiling me…it will all be about the baby...as it should be.
Adoption – Mark and I are learning about how difficult it can be to add Sky to our insurance once she is born. Some plans won’t cover her until the adoption is final which could be 6 to 9 months. Other plans won’t cover her until the birth mother signs away her rights, which can be 2 to 4 days depending on the state. Bottom line is we won’t know how much we are looking at in out of pocket medical expenses until we know what state she is coming from. Mark’s plan through the city may allow us to backdate the coverage, but chances are we are still looking at some out of pocket hospital expense related to the delivery and hospital stay.
My latest tactic was to pile up the two blankets that Mark and I snuggle with behind the couch. I thought the wall of blankets would stop him, but no it didn’t. Instead he made a nice little bed for himself back there.
I think I’m waving the white flag on this one. The only solution would be to push the couch all the way against the wall, but it is a reclining couch and I do love popping my feet up and relaxing while watching a movie. So for now, Bishop you win. I give up and will therefore give up the frustration I feel every time you wiggle your way back there.
Dodgeball was fun last night. My arm is a bit sore today, but not too bad. I found out that “for a girl” I have a good throwing technique and keep the ball low so it’s harder to catch. I’m excited to practice with the actual dodgeballs in the next few weeks to see how that goes.
Today – I’m really glad it’s Friday. I’m leaving work early because it is slow. That will give me time to run some errands and get ready for Mark’s party tomorrow! I also get to start a new book today. I hope to find an hour or so this afternoon to settle into it. I am most thankful that it is a Friday that the housecleaner comes. Mark was thoughtful enough to arrange for a cleaner when I was Co-Chairing Relay last year as I was so busy the house was showing signs of my neglect! So, Mark to the rescue. Janet she does such a great job we have kept the service even though I have much more time now. I think this makes me a little spoiled, but I’m going with it because once the baby is here no one is going to care about spoiling me…it will all be about the baby...as it should be.
Adoption – Mark and I are learning about how difficult it can be to add Sky to our insurance once she is born. Some plans won’t cover her until the adoption is final which could be 6 to 9 months. Other plans won’t cover her until the birth mother signs away her rights, which can be 2 to 4 days depending on the state. Bottom line is we won’t know how much we are looking at in out of pocket medical expenses until we know what state she is coming from. Mark’s plan through the city may allow us to backdate the coverage, but chances are we are still looking at some out of pocket hospital expense related to the delivery and hospital stay.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Dodge Ball
Mark and I have our 2nd dodge ball practice tonight. I know…really we need to practice dodge ball, how hard can it be?!. Someone throws a ball at you and you move out of the way so you don’t get hit. Well I assure you it was much easier in grade school (which was the last time I played) when the balls are coming at you much slower and you are not as afraid of getting hurt.
Somehow as adults the balls seem harder, they come at you faster, and my body does not jump out of the way as easily as it did when I was a kid. Plus I am really sore the next day. I don’t remember being sore back in grade school!
Despite the injury potential we decided to join a dodge ball league with some of our friends. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with friends sans kids, and well act like kids ourselves. Tonight we are working on strategy and throwing and dodging drills. Can you believe there is an actual dodge ball association and 10 pages of rules! We have a lot to brush up on tonight!
Today – I am thankful that Mark fixed the toilet in my bathroom. Since it is also the guest bathroom, and we are having his Birthday Party Saturday night, I am thankful that our friends will not have to reach into the tank to flush it!
I am also thankful that I have much more personal time than I have had the last 4 years. I finished another book this morning, and it reminded me that when I was on the Leadership Team for Relay and Chairing the event that it would take a month or longer to read a book. Now I’m back to two or three books a month. It’s not just the reading either. It is being home with Mark in the evenings, and cooking dinner almost every night, going to the gym regularly, getting enough sleep, not missing out on plans with friends and family because of meetings. While I would never trade my Relay experience, and my intent was not to completely walk away from being part of the Leadership Team, I am thankful that it has worked out that way.
Adoption – I read an article that talked about the importance of keeping some aspects of the adoption private. The adoption and the circumstances surrounding why someone makes the decision not to parent are part of Sky’s personal history and as she gets older she may not be comfortable with everyone knowing why her birthparents chose adoption. This article was a good reminder that even if Mark and I are the perfect parents (we know we won’t be), and everything is easy and smooth, Sky may (ok will) have some issues to work through regarding being adopted, and it won’t help her if everyone around her knows every little detail of her personal history.
There are things in my life that I choose not to share and Sky has that same right.
So, please don’t be offended if Mark and I choose not to share every detail about her birth parents and the situation surrounding why they chose adoption. Some things will have to be left up to her to tell those she is close to when and if she is ready to do so.
Side note on Sky – it is just a nickname. Her name will be Shannon (Mark’s middle name) Kailey (a name Mark really likes) Yeatman. Her initials are going to be SKY, so we have been calling her Sky ever since we started the adoption process.
Somehow as adults the balls seem harder, they come at you faster, and my body does not jump out of the way as easily as it did when I was a kid. Plus I am really sore the next day. I don’t remember being sore back in grade school!
Despite the injury potential we decided to join a dodge ball league with some of our friends. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with friends sans kids, and well act like kids ourselves. Tonight we are working on strategy and throwing and dodging drills. Can you believe there is an actual dodge ball association and 10 pages of rules! We have a lot to brush up on tonight!
Today – I am thankful that Mark fixed the toilet in my bathroom. Since it is also the guest bathroom, and we are having his Birthday Party Saturday night, I am thankful that our friends will not have to reach into the tank to flush it!
I am also thankful that I have much more personal time than I have had the last 4 years. I finished another book this morning, and it reminded me that when I was on the Leadership Team for Relay and Chairing the event that it would take a month or longer to read a book. Now I’m back to two or three books a month. It’s not just the reading either. It is being home with Mark in the evenings, and cooking dinner almost every night, going to the gym regularly, getting enough sleep, not missing out on plans with friends and family because of meetings. While I would never trade my Relay experience, and my intent was not to completely walk away from being part of the Leadership Team, I am thankful that it has worked out that way.
Adoption – I read an article that talked about the importance of keeping some aspects of the adoption private. The adoption and the circumstances surrounding why someone makes the decision not to parent are part of Sky’s personal history and as she gets older she may not be comfortable with everyone knowing why her birthparents chose adoption. This article was a good reminder that even if Mark and I are the perfect parents (we know we won’t be), and everything is easy and smooth, Sky may (ok will) have some issues to work through regarding being adopted, and it won’t help her if everyone around her knows every little detail of her personal history.
There are things in my life that I choose not to share and Sky has that same right.
So, please don’t be offended if Mark and I choose not to share every detail about her birth parents and the situation surrounding why they chose adoption. Some things will have to be left up to her to tell those she is close to when and if she is ready to do so.
Side note on Sky – it is just a nickname. Her name will be Shannon (Mark’s middle name) Kailey (a name Mark really likes) Yeatman. Her initials are going to be SKY, so we have been calling her Sky ever since we started the adoption process.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NaBloPoMo
I learned from someone else’s blog (thank you Shelley) that this is National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) and as such the goal is to post a blog every day. Perfect timing because I want to be better about regular posts.
I’m not sure that Mark and I are exciting enough to need to post every day, but I am going to give it a try. I’m already 4 days late as I just learned about this today. Nothing exciting has happened the last 4 days, so it starts today.
I’m sure my family will appreciate new posts rather than seeing the same old post for months at a time. I’m making a list of things to post about to try and keep it interesting. Each post will include two features: 1. Today = Something I am excited about or thankful for that day and 2. Adoption = an update and/or useful information and tips for families going through adoption or who have an adopted child. It’s not just Mark and I that have to make this work. Everyone in the family can do things to help make this a smooth transition and welcome our new little one into the family.
Today:
I am looking forward to wine and dinner with a good friend tonight. Tiffany is visiting from NY for almost the whole month, and we can’t wait to relax in the Proctor District with good food and even better wine. A girls evening is just what I need.
Adoption:
Not much to update. We are in wait mode. Waiting for the agency to call and say there is a Birth Mother for us. We did settle on carpet for the nursery, now we just need to order and install. Photos will follow once the carpet is in.
I’m not sure that Mark and I are exciting enough to need to post every day, but I am going to give it a try. I’m already 4 days late as I just learned about this today. Nothing exciting has happened the last 4 days, so it starts today.
I’m sure my family will appreciate new posts rather than seeing the same old post for months at a time. I’m making a list of things to post about to try and keep it interesting. Each post will include two features: 1. Today = Something I am excited about or thankful for that day and 2. Adoption = an update and/or useful information and tips for families going through adoption or who have an adopted child. It’s not just Mark and I that have to make this work. Everyone in the family can do things to help make this a smooth transition and welcome our new little one into the family.
Today:
I am looking forward to wine and dinner with a good friend tonight. Tiffany is visiting from NY for almost the whole month, and we can’t wait to relax in the Proctor District with good food and even better wine. A girls evening is just what I need.
Adoption:
Not much to update. We are in wait mode. Waiting for the agency to call and say there is a Birth Mother for us. We did settle on carpet for the nursery, now we just need to order and install. Photos will follow once the carpet is in.
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