The Dolata Chronicles

MAY 26, 2009: Time Flies When You're Busy Renovating! So, the remodel continues....slowly but surely we are getting things done, and yes, by 'We' I am mostly referring to Kevin, but I help when and where I can. (Today, for example, I took a vacuum cleaner to an abandoned hornet's nest we found that was easily 2x3 foot long that we found between floors of the house...cool. Gross, but cool.) I still love to do the destruct--o work, then Kev goes in, makes it all better then I finish with a nice coat (or two) of primer and paint. Right now we have completed the guest bathroom, most of the guest bedroom, the hallway and the laundry room. Whew. Only 2 1/2 floors left to do! :)

Currently we are working on the master bath (Hello, Steam Shower!!) and my closet. We literally ripped all of it down and started new. As Kev says, piece by piece we are ripping the old house down and building a new one. It's slow work, but Kev does what he can when he can...it just gets tough sometimes juggling work, remodeling, and being a fantastic dad, but he is able to do it all....its amazing. I crab sometimes about working 2 shifts in a row....I really shouldn't complain...I just can't help myself sometimes. ;)

The house seems to be coming along though...actually, we reached a huge milestone last week with it. We are now...drum roll...using our own well water! Yahoo! They finally cleared the bentonite out of the well, and installed a new filtration system to filter out whatever particulate is still there. We got the results from the State Lab and from our local pure water guys who say that it is just fine and healthy! This is honestly the first time in a year when I have taken a shower or have done dishes without wondering how much water I was using. Yes, this whole ordeal has made me more aware of water conservation, but I have had enough of 3 minute showers. A girl can only take so much...

The weather has been helpful, as well. We finally broke the 70 degree mark last week and now my Love for Alaska is slowly starting to dethaw. The trees turned green overnight and we are to a point now where the sun kind of goes down at midnight only to be up again by 4am. It's a wonderful time to be here, and I really am glad we are back. Next winter I may deny I ever said that, but for now, it's magnificient.

Anyway, Jainy is out of school now, so today was our first day that we could just putter without any deadlines or appointments...it was nice. Since I am on the verge of turning 23 (Okay, okay...FORTY) I decided to get my eyes checked and get prescription sunglasses since we are living in the land of the Midnight Sun. It seems my body is sensing the fact that I am, indeed, turning 40 and it has started to act the part. Eye doc told me that I have the beginnings of...are you kidding me...a cataract in my left eye. Huh? What? So, I suppose those grey hairs of mine aren't exactly premature, eh? I've heard people say that 40 is the new 30...if so, could somebody tell the gravity that seems to be weighing my boobs down more and more each day to ease up a little? :)

So, with all of this, I am trying to celebrate the knowledge that comes along with being a bit older, and perhaps, a bit wiser....although, I think I am walking a thin line between genius and dementia. The other day I was running late for work and, in my haste, grabbed a thin maxipad (just in case) and put it in my scrub pocket. This was the wisdom talking...be prepared for the worst, especially going into a holiday weekend where I was sure I'd be running most of the shift. Didn't want to be caught off-guard...no, not this wise girl. Young Jen would have been absent-minded. Older Jen was alllllllll set.

...not so much...

As the night went on, my need for such an accessory diminished and I totally forgot all about it. (I hear that happens with age.) One of the docs came in and went to see my patient with me. For some reason he needed an alcohol swab and he didn't have one. In my haste I confidently reached in to my scrub pocket to wip one out for him. Instead of the alcohol pad I pulled out...wait for it.....my thin maxi-pad.

Luckily he didn't seem to catch on to what I confidentally tried to hand him and quickly stuck it back into my pocket and reached in the OTHER pocket for my supplies.

Young Jen would have been mortified.

Older and Wiser Jen was too.

It was at that moment that I realized stupidity transcends all age groups.

Wait! Did that little bit of knowledge gain me just a little more wisdom????

...take THAT, younger jen...

Thanks for checkin' in!

love-

-jen

APRIL 17, 2009: Goooooood News! Just got an email from our agency...our Dossier for Kaidyn is out of Review. That means that we have basically been approved. Now we get in the 'Pending Referral' line....we aren't that much closer to her, but every little step we make towards her is very exciting...even if she still is years away from joining us.

QUICK, And I Mean QUICK Update: April 7, 2009: Okay, so, a lot has happened in the two (GASP!) months since I've updated...here's the latest: Went to Ohio, had a great time, celebrated not only Jainy's 5th, but my Gram's 80th. Also got to see almost everybody...even some of my Riverside family in Gordonsville,Virginia. A big THANKS goes out to everybody for fitting us into your schedules...I know it's quick and hectic, but we sure do appreciate every minute of time spent with us!

Once we got back we started remodeling again. Having a lot of fun with it though...Jainy's bathroom, the hall, the laundry room and guest bedroom are mostly done. WHEW! Pictures soon to come.

I'm working almost every weekend. (Yeah, I know...what happened to my 3-4 shifts a month, right? I kinda dig it, so it's hard not to work -- but that will change once it warms up. (which I am told it will eventually do...that may have been a fib to get us to move back here though...not sure.)

Still struggling with the well water issues...still having water deliveries weekly, but again, progress, I'm told, is happening. Patience may not be my strong point, though....who knew?

Kev is doing well, although the biggie-wow inspection (not sure that is the technical name for it) is coming up soon so he has been pulling loooooong hours at the base. I'm hoping we can all get away for some much needed R&R late June after it is all over. (Maybe, around, Oh, I don't know, June 29th?? I hear someone may be turning 40...) On another note: Kev pinned on Lt. Colonel last month...nice work, Kevin, we are very proud of you! 40 and Lt.Col?? How is this happening??

Overall, life is good...I got to see my newest nephew, Sawyer, come in to the world, so that was an amazing gift. Thanks, Cara and Dyl, for allowing me to be a part of your special day...but in all honesty, you couldn't have kept me away even if you wanted too! He is a beautiful, healthy little thing and I am ecstatic I get to watch him grow up.

Speaking of eruptions (ha!), Mt. Redoubt finally decided to blow her top...pretty cool. Anchorage has been spared for the most part, which has been nice. Two weeks ago we got a little taste -- literally-- of the ash as the winds were just right and blew a bit over the city. Luckily the snow is still on the ground and the ash bound with it so there has been little complications resulting from it...as long as you weren't trying to get in or out of the city, that is. Unfortunately, Marian and Bill were trying to do just that, and got delayed a few days in Seattle trying to get back to Alaska. I have a feeling that is just karma getting them back for leaving us for a month while they galavanted around the Panama Canal....that will teach you guys, eh? ha! Now that we are all safe and sound in the city any further eruptions will most likely be a nuisance, but nothing further. Where are the eruption pictures, you ask? Well, believe me, I have been trying, but visibility has been lousy. I did get a picture of the steam plume last night and will download that shortly. Not really spectacular, but any time you can see a volcanic eruption from your deck it's pretty cool. Like I said, Life is good.

Okay, I think that hits the highlights...I have downloaded oh, about 50 pictures, so, if you have a minute (or 60) check them out. Sorry I haven't been updating as often as I'd like too...I hope to get better at it once life settles a little.

February 25, 2009: Birthday Girl: Well, our Little One has reached yet another milestone. Today she turns 5 and I'd like to take a moment to write an open letter to the love of our life...

I write this letter on the eve of your fifth birthday....right now you are fast asleep, blissfully exhausted from spending a day playing with your cousins.

This has definitely been a fantastic Birthday Tour, eh? I know it's incredibly confusing to have celebrated your birthday about 8 times already, yet not technically be five...but the day is finally here. Five!! It's official!!

What an amazing time we have had thus far in Ohio...and what a trooper you have been to endure all that accompanies going home: the time change, the 14-hour plane trip, the sprint through the airport to make our connection, the late nights, the lack of sleep. You roll with it all -- with a smile. I know I always tell you this, but really, you are the best travel partner anyone could ever ask for, and I look forward to our adventures together.

Speaking of adventure, what do you think Five will be like? I am not sure what life has in store for us, but I have absolutely adored Four. Let me tell you a little about the past year, okay?

Well, I guess I'd label 4 as the 'Year of Change.' Everything that you had come to know --and be comfortable with-- changed. Before you knew it, you said goodbye to your life in Virginia, and hello to a new beginning in Alaska.

Although we miss Corey, Abby, Raiva and all your friends in Virginia, you quickly adapted and met new friends.You have generously given your friendship to Anna, Navaeh, and Alyssa. You have also trusted that my Alaskan Family was okay to love. You have given your love to Auntee Cara, Uncle Dylan, baby Sawyer, Gramma and Grampa L., Auntee Steph, Uncle John and Lauren.

Saying goodbye is incredibly difficult, and it would have been so easy for you to give into your sadness, but you didn't. Your heart remained open and just as full of love as the day I met you.

The number of times we are able to come home has also changed. Gone are the days of jumping in the car to zip home every few months...and although that breaks my heart, it is our reality now.

I cannot tell you how much I love to sit back and watch you with your family. The love and friendship you all share is palpable. (Don't worry, Darling, I will explain these big words to you a bit later! :) It could be so easy to give in to the distance that physically and emotionally separates us from the family you only see a few times a year, but you haven't. You accept your life for what it is, and seem to enjoy each and every minute you get to see everyone.

The house that you knew changed, as well. Gone was the comfort of our Suffolk home. Overnight we asked you to move into a 30-foot RV and live in flux for a few months.You could have easily given in to your frustration, but you didn't. You handled the journey with patience and with an understanding that was well beyond your 4 years. Even now, nine months after the move, we are still living in a different way than we have been used to. The remodel and the water problems have strained us all, but you deal with it, again, with a smile. At times you remind your father and I what is truly important by calling us over for a 'Group Hug' right when we seem to need it the most.

With the new move came a new school. New teachers, new students, new rules. You could have easily given in to your shyness, but you didn't -- you've blossomed into an amazing student. You are now able to read, write, and figure out simple math problems. According to your teacher, you have become a class leader as well, capable of helping children and your teacher complete their tasks. Unbelievable.

I will never be able to make you understand how proud of you I am...all I can say is that at times I feel that I could burst at the seams. You truly make me proud to be a mom --something I never thought possible before we met .

You have also changed into a very independent girl. You have your own distinct style and definitely have specific 'likes' and 'dislikes.' You now question the world around you, question the 'What' and 'Why' of everything, and are able to articulate those questions in such a way that stuns us constantly. I look forward to our discussions and can't wait to figure out life with you.

So, I gratefully say goodbye to four and HELLO to five. I can't wait to see what the year holds for us.

January 29, 2009: VOLCANO ABOUT TO BLOW? I have been answering a few questions from my Lower-48 pals regarding the impending eruption of Mt. Redoubt, the volcano 100 miles south of Anchorage. (See picture to the left.)

Please know that we will be just fine, even though we are directly across from it. From what the Red Cross is saying, we may get covered with a little ash and soot, but as long as we are prepared (which we are) we'll be okay. Basically, this could just be a big ol' pain in the ash. (C'mon, I couldn't resist it.) The good thing is that if it does blow, we will have front-row seats and hopefully be able to get great pictures...that's all that matters, right? :)

Oh, by the way, a very good friend of mine, Rachel W., is about to embark on a 4-month trip to Namibia (in the southern part of Africa) to work as a volunteer with the Cheetah Conservation Project. We love you dearly and can't wait to hear all about your trip....I sure hope all your dreams come true out there, my friend. Have fun and be safe. --j.

January 22, 2008: UPDATE: Wow, really has it been two months since I have updated this site?? That is soooooo unacceptable but I've been a bit busy....but to be honest, that isn't really the reason for delay. You see, we have three floors in this house, or, as I call them: Cold, Colder, and Freeze Box. The computer room, unfortunately, is on the bottom floor. Since I have never been one to endure any sort of chill, the website has been on hold....until now. I was attempting to wait until it warmed up a little, but I don't see that happening any time soon...so, I will wrap myself in my Toasty Warm Blankie and fill you in on what has been going on here in the Great White North.

So, I suppose I should start off by talking about the weather...I mean, really?? I'm confused. -40 degree weather one week gave way to 50 degrees the next. Huh? That is a 90 degree swing in a week. We also dealt with 100 mile an hour wind gusts up on the hill....huh? Okay, I'd understand if we were in Virginia....but hurricane force winds up here?? Really?? I don't get it.

Anyway, the Holidays were great, although I have realized that it is no longer acceptable to glaze right over them, as the kiddo has been going to school and now knows what to expect -- imagine that! :) Take Thanksgiving for instance....since I worked that night, we kept it simple. I did kind of cook, but really, no real mention of the day was made, and we went about it like it was a normal day. Same thing with New Year's Eve. I worked again, plus she was asleep by 9, so again, we glossed over it, not giving it too much thought.....well, last week Jain and I were chatting and she says: ' So, Ma, when is Thanksgiving?? What about New Years?? They are soon, right? Mommy?? '

You see, Kev and I have never really been huuuge holiday people...as a matter-of-fact, we never even put up a Christmas tree until Jain joined us, so we have actually come a long way, but she definitely reminded me we have a loooong way to go. Geeze, I think next year I am actually going to have to make a turkey on Thanksgiving........

Christmas was done right, though. To begin with, Marian and Bill included us in their family gathering on Christmas Eve, and it was fantastic. We even had a baby moose visit us for a while. How cool is that?? Afterwards, we came home, sprinkled Reindeer Dust, set out brownies for Santa (He realllly likes himself some brownies) and got Jainy to bed...this year she actually understands what Christmas morning holds for her, so sleep was really a struggle....why? Well, her Grampa Bill told her she needed to get up by 4am so she didn't miss anything. (Not cool, Bill. Not Cool. Funny though.) She finally succumbed at 11. I thought she would get up early (She mentioned something about setting an alarm clock so she wouldn't sleep too late and miss Christmas....) but, true to herself, she slept until 9:30. Whew. That's my girl.

In the morning, she was truly stunned that Santa knew exactly what she wanted....so darn cute. Ya know, a few years ago, I didn't think I was going to let her believe in Santa...I always want to be honest with her and felt that letting her believe in such things were dishonest....but I realize now that there are things about being a kid that are truly magical, and this is one of them. (You were right, Ma....you were right.)

Other than that, we are settling in, and continuing with the remodel -- although this house is not without it problems. The main issue right now is a little thing called fresh drinking water. Long story short -- when they decommissioned an old well on the property, they used a substance called bentonite grout. Since our current well is close to the old well, the grout seeped into our well and contaminated it. Youch. Out of the tap came a sludge so thick we couldn't see through it. Not exactly refreshing. So, we have been getting fresh water from the city delivered in until we can get this cleared up....right now it's on the verge of becoming a legal issue. Since this was something that was in the contract at closing, we are not responsible to fix it, thankfully. I do think progress is being made because the company that poured the grout currently has a drill rig on our property ready to dig all of it out. We'll see....our fingers are definitely crossed.

So, what else? Well, like I mentioned before, I did take that ICU job and so far I am really digging it. The biggest thing is the increase in patient acuity. Although I worked in an ICU setting in Virginia, it was Oncology related, so I didn't get to see the traumas and such. Some days I feel like I am barely treading water, but I keep trying to swim anyway. I do really like it, though.

Kev is still plugging away on base. Since both Raptor squadrons are gone on TDY he hasn't been flying as much as he'd like, but at least he is home, albeit coordinating base exercises. Although I can't really go in to everything in detail -- mainly because I don't understand it -- I can say that I am proud of who he is, what he does and, most importantly, how he does it.

Okay, well, I think that I have rambled on enough. Please check out the pictures I posted...oh, by the way, I was getting a bit nervous as I was approaching the picture limit, but I have since found out they have an upgrade option to add 5500 more pictures. Niiiiiiiiice.

NOVEMBER 4, 2008: IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE: Every so often we get the chance to make a difference...to decide for ourselves what is the best way to proceed. We take every option into consideration, pondering the pros and cons of each. The decisions are tough, but they must be made, as they pave the course for the future.

Yes, it is that time again....of course, I am talking about ushering in a new look and theme to our home page. (What else could I have been possibly talking about?? What decision that needs to be made today could be more important to our nation? ) :)

This year it was a tough choice...would it be the Flowers? How about the Castle?? There was even a Dark Horse candidate that actually featured horses. After weighing all of our options, Jainy and I thought the Castle Theme would be best. We hope we are making the right decision...only time will tell....

Ha! Of course, I jest. It is that time of the year again, though, so we said goodbye to the dance theme and we now welcome the castles. Once Jain saw that she was hooked, so I really had no choice in the matter....I think it somehow fits perfectly. Jainy is really in to all the fairy tales and princess stories. She gets carried away by her imagination and transported to another world at times that include fairies, princes, princesses, castles, dragons and magic. Kev and I usually go along for the ride and really enjoy watching her imagination grow.

I have a tendency to get lost in my own world, as well. A little over 3 years ago I would imagine what it would be like to be a mom, to have a little creature that we were completely responsible for.....I would most times imagine what that would be like while I was driving in my car, alone with my thoughts. I would imagine what it would be like to look in my rear view mirror and see her back there. I'd even imagine her kick-kick-kicking the back of the seat. I think once or twice I'd actually had a conversation with her....or I'd sing along to our favorite songs with the child that hadn't yet joined our family. It made the wait a little less brutal.

There were also a few times when I would break down and cry, sure that the wait would never end, and I'd need to pull the car over and get ahold of myself.

But the wait did end, and now three years have passed. The child I once imagined in my back seat is actually there...kick-kick-kicking at the seat in front of her. We have conversations, we laugh, we dance, we sing...well, actually, she sings...whenever I try to join in she BEGS me not to sing....especially to her favorite songs. (I try not to be offended.) ;)

I used to reach behind me and imagine taking her foot in my hand, but now I actually grab a foot and each time I do so it brings a smile to my face and it warms my heart.

Yesterday we were driving and I reached behind me and grabbed her foot and just held it...seeming to understand what I was saying, she whispered: 'I love you too, Mommy.'

So, Jainy is in dance class. Has been for two years now, and she seems to like it. Last year was a bit better though as it was a combo class of ballet, tap, acrobatics, but mostly ballet. This year I found a class that has the same, but it really is light on the ballet and heavy on the tap and acro. Not really good when you have a little ballerina in your midst.

With a new class comes new requirements of different shoes and outfits, which I thought wouldn't be a big deal.

The first class was in late August. I had to get Jainy a new type of tap shoes, a pair of acro shoes (Huh? Wha?) and a leotard that doesn't have a skirt...much to the chagrin of my 4-year old.

During the first class I kind of got scolded because Jain's tap shoes weren't exactly right. Since this class relies heavily on the tap, it is imperative the shoes fit correctly. This requires an elastic strap that I had to make.

I was told to go to a certain fabric store and get a certain type of elastic with a certain type of clasp and sew it on a certain way so the tap shoes fit more snug when she dances.

I hardly paid attention to her...literally she lost me at 'fabric store.' And before I knew it, I nodded in agreement and quickly left the class --I was positive she sensed my fear....or incompetence.

I figured I had about 6 days until I had to figure out what it was that she was talking about....

By the next week; however, Jain was exempt from class because she broke her hand. This luckily meant I got a 'Get Out Of Sewing Free' Card. Whew. Who knew there was a silver lining to her broken hand?

I figured this time I had a good 4 weeks -- 28 whole days-- before I had to worry about the straps again...

The cast came off and Jainy was suddenly free to dance again. Since I had pushed the whole 'shoe thing' out of my mind, it surprised me when her instructor came up to me once again asking that I fix her tap shoes by the next class so they fit better.

I felt like a deer in the headlights. She once again showed me the hook and elastic and yammered about sewing them on, blah, blah, blah. My mind was spinning.

This time I had to slow her down. "Where is this 'F-A-B-R-I-C' store you speak of?" "What kind of clasps?" "How big is the elastic supposed to be?" "How was it supposed to fit?" I was confused. I was worried. I was sick to my stomach.

In a last-ditch effort to shirk out of my sewing responsibilities, I asked if anyone sold them. Anyone? Anywhere? 'No...of course not.' was the slightly aggravated response. 'They need to fit your child exactly...and to do that you also have to measure the bridge of her foot.' (OH NO! Now I have to measure?? It just kept getting worse.) I acted cool though...'Ohhhhhhh.....of course' I said, nodding once again in agreement.

Then it hit me. I guess most people expect that an innate amount of knowledge comes with being a mom...I am sorry to say, I don't think I possess it. Examples of this instinct --or lack thereof-- include putting on diapers correctly, making formula, fixing hair, matching clothes, traffic circles, and finally, sewing little things together.

I have plenty of friends that possess this quality, and it is magical watching them work, but in my case, it means I am in trouble....

So, I put off the sewing yet again until this afternoon. (She has dance right after school on Mondays.) After I dropped her off at school I raced over to the fabric store. Luckily one of my crafty BFF's, Cara, met me there....I tricked her into thinking it was for lunch. (Hey, drastic times calls for drastic measures.)

Anyway, she helped me find the right snaps (Large Coat Hooks) the right elastic (1/2 inch Black) and the right needle and thread. Whew.

After lunch I zipped home and tried to figure out what to do. Luckily I bought more elastic than I needed, as the first attempt was wasted because I attached the hooks but forgot to first loop them through the eyes of the shoes.

There was no way, in retrospect, that the hooks would ever fit through the eyelets in the shoes....again, maybe the instructor thought everyone should be able to figure that little tidbit of information out on their own.

So, as time was running out (I had to leave to pick Jain up from school) I figured it out and got them sewed on -- after I poked (and swore at) myself several times.

I left at the last minute but brought the elastic and sewing items just in case something fell apart. I was proud of myself and virtually skipped into Jain's school to pick her up, successful in my latest effort at something very 'mom-like.'

After school, we stopped at a cafe so Jain could get a bite to eat and change her clothes before dance class....I picked her shoes out of her backpack and held them up triumphantly. I even think I heard angels singing. (It may have just been the Muzak, though...not sure.)

"Mommy, my shoes look great. But where is my leotard? My tights?...Mom?...Mom? Where are they?"

Since there wasn't enough time to get home and pick up the rest of her stuff she had to miss class....yet again.

It was then I realized that although I have a pretty good amount of Common Sense, I am desperately lacking in one area:

OCTOBER 10, 2008: Making Progress: Well, once again, a lot has transpired between now and my last post....What? you ask. Well let me tell you:

First off, we started remodeling the house. The obvious starting point was in Jain's room since it was stuck not only in the 80's (and not the good 80's either...the whole 'Dark Stained Plywood and Denim' 80's) but also the family that used to live here were avid -- and by avid, I mean psychotic -- hunters. So Jain's bedroom had a border that had pictures of Moose, Bear, Deer, Eagles...really anything that they could shoot down. The little boy even had a stuffed animal bear head mounted to his wall....hey, every boy needs to have goals in life, eh?

Since that was unacceptable on every single level, we decided to attack that room first....I took the wallpaper and border down and then literally waged a war on the plywood built-in shelving that was there. Kevin has a crow bar he has named "The Persuader" and it has become my favorite tool. (Sorry, Sledgehammer.) I went after those shelves, baseboards, trim and the panelled wall with gusto (or, as Dora would say: 'Con Mucho Gusto!' Yes, even adults can learn from her!) Believe me, it wasn't a pretty site but it was so much fun I could barely contain myself. Talk about cathartic!

So, after Kevin repaired the holes I put in the wall, :) he started the rebuilding process. He transformed the garage once again to his workshop. He would then disappear for a few hours and wah-lah! He'd emerge with new ideas and hardware for the bedroom. It's impressive to watch the boy work. The new shelves and trim all came together perfectly.

Once he was done rebuilding it was my turn to paint again, so, with Jainy's blessing, we went with a dark/light pink design with glossy white trim. (Yes, everyone at Riverside: You told me so. No more Sage and Buttercream. Nope! Those days are o-v-e-r!) She also helped pick out the wall-hangings, the drapes and bedding....as it turns out the three of us collaborate pretty well together and I have posted pictures of the final product. Ahhhhhhhh.....it turns out, potential is a wonderful thing. Next up? Our bedroom!

We have also added on to our family. Our little family of 6 is now a family of 8! On Jain's Gotcha Day we decided it would be cool if she got to adopt a little critter of her own. She is so darn gentle and loving we figured she earned the right to have her own pet(s) in the house. So, we got her a cage and then let her pick out 2 little Fancy Mice. She was ecstatic and picked out a black and white spotted one and named her Flower Love, and picked out a cute little gray one and named her Sunshine Heart. I know, I know, we have cats...what were we thinking? Well, yes, we do have cats, but we are careful so that their paths never cross. So far, so good.

Mice were not her first choice however....really, the girl b-e-g-g-e-d for a turtle, and I almost gave in...until I looked at the CDC website and discovered that there are like thousands of turtle-transmitted salmonella cases each year....Since that is NOT the type of Salmon that we Alaskans like to catch, we decided to pursue other options. Once she saw the mice she was hooked...and so was I.

They really are cute little buggers and Jain and I have really fallen for them. Yeah, they poop, yeah, they scurry, but man, they are fun! I have posted pictures of them. After looking at Jain's smile we definitely made the right decision.

So, most of our boxes are now unpacked and our life is starting to settle into some sort of routine...OH, I almost forgot....Jain is finally sleeping in her own room at night! What a wonderful milestone we have reached. Yes, I know, this may surprise many of you, but for the last 6 months we have been on the road, moving from place to place and it hasn't been fair to ask her to adjust to a new room by herself all the time, so I would usually curl up with her and we'd fall asleep together...it was less traumatic that way...but now since she helped with this bedroom and she feels comfortable in it now that her stuff is back, she has been more than happy to sleep in there. Whew. Far easier than I anticipated. Charlie has abandoned Kev and I and has taken up residence with Jainy so she is not alone and has realized we are only down the hall. Independence is a beautiful thing.

She has also settled in to her new school. Her schoolday begins with a group hug with her and all her little girlfriends -- such a little love bug. I absolutley love to watch her blossom. Then she comes home singing songs about the continents of the world, the days of the week, and even the months of the year. She is reading and writing fluently and loves solving math problems or working puzzles. I swear, when I was 4, I was fat and happy and I believe my folks were ecstatic if I just answered to my own name. Boy times have changed.....unless, for some reason, they had to set my bar reallllllllly low.....hmmmmmm....I'll have to check on that! ha!

As far as I'm concerned: well, we are still looking for answers about my geriatric hip. We've found out that the spinal (Tarlov) cysts that I have had for years have grown and are wrapped around a nerve bundle causing a lot of the grief. (Odds are they developed after a skiing injury I had in the 80's) The goal now is to find a neurosurgeon that has experience and is willing to take my case on so I can once again run and keep up with Kev and Jain.

I have decided to return to work in the meantime and have applied to a local ICU to work part-time with them. I should hear in a week or so. Hospice is on the back-burner for now as we are pretty busy and, to be honest, I want to work in what I know right now...maybe someday though...it's definitely still a goal of mine.

So, with all of this, I have been asked if I am happy and content here...The answer is YES, ABSOLUTELY. I miss Virginia, but I miss everywhere else I have lived, also. I have settled in to keeping in touch over the phone, and that is working out great. I have always said that I have the best friends and family in the world, and they prove that to me time and time again with their love and support. (Unfortunately though, I am contemplating breaking up with a few of them for bragging about their warmer climate. Not cool, guys, not cool at all.) ;)

MILESTONES: Since this will be a baby book, I am listing all the major events that happen within our little family...I think it's important for Jainy (and Kaidyn) to know that we notice not only the big things, but the little things, as well....

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