Today I was able to care for Zach by myself for the first time since 1/18. We rebuilt his marble track, pet the new black kitten that has been hanging around, ate some yogurt, and took a good nap.
Me: Dozing
Zach: (hollers from his room) Mommy! I'm up! Mooooommy!
Me: Mommy will be right there.
Zach: "OKAAAY!"
After nap we did a 24 piece puzzle Shelley gave Zach for Christmas. That seems like a huge puzzle for a 2-3 year old. Every time he plays with it, I am awed at how his problem solving ability grows.
Sometimes Zach wants both of us to see something so he calls us by one word, MommyDaddy. The other day he figured out how to sit on a soccer ball and it went something like this: MommyDaddy! Look at me. MommyDaddy, MommyDaddy, MommyDaddy.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
1-28-12
Mom left to go home this morning. At one point, Zach said he was going to find Grandma.
Me: Grandma went Grandma's home to take care of Grandpa and Ellie and Grandma Meier. But, we'll see her soon.
Zach: 11 o'clock, get in car, go bye-bye, see Grandma
Tonight we measured him on the wall. He is 3 years 1 month old. His height is 3 feet 1.25 inches. He is as tall as Nick was when he was 3 years 3 months on *** and Kyle when he was 3 years 2 months on 8/5/01.
Me: Grandma went Grandma's home to take care of Grandpa and Ellie and Grandma Meier. But, we'll see her soon.
Zach: 11 o'clock, get in car, go bye-bye, see Grandma
Tonight we measured him on the wall. He is 3 years 1 month old. His height is 3 feet 1.25 inches. He is as tall as Nick was when he was 3 years 3 months on *** and Kyle when he was 3 years 2 months on 8/5/01.
Friday, January 27, 2012
1-27-12
Mom came to help me since foot surgery recovery has been tough. I am SO glad she is here. She has Zach on a schedule and eating well, and me too. It has been nice to hear her voice throughout the house.
We just had grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch. She was able to get Zach to sit at the table and try a bite of grilled cheese. Then Zach said something was "missing." Mom asked him what was missing and he said, "Grandpa." He thought for another moment and added, "Daddy."
We just had grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch. She was able to get Zach to sit at the table and try a bite of grilled cheese. Then Zach said something was "missing." Mom asked him what was missing and he said, "Grandpa." He thought for another moment and added, "Daddy."
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
1-24-12
On Jan 20, 2012, at 7:36 PM, "Rose, John" <john-rose@uiowa.edu> wrote:
Andrea,I thought you might enjoy the humor in these e-mails. The one at the bottom is my original e-mail to Dick and his response is right above it.John
From: raroses@q.com [mailto:raroses@q.com]
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 4:20 PM
To: Rose, John
Subject: Re: SNOW HEROESLooks like a convenient way for teachers and staff to get out of work early. I think schools were closed only once when we were in grade school and that was for 14" of snow. I kind of forgot about paper delivery. That was never called off so snow depth didn't matter and if it hadn't been for people like the Kornogs and a few old ladies along the route, I probably would have frozen to death. That paper route might have been the dumbest thing I ever did. That takes in a lot of territory so I'd better think about it for a while.
----- Original Message -----
From: John Rose <john-rose@uiowa.edu>
To: 'raroses@q.com' <raroses@q.com>
Sent: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:49:10 -0500 (EST)
Subject: SNOW HEROESDick,By the time I came into work about ½ hour ago, we had upwards of ¼ inch of snow on the ground. We are now in a heavier band which looks like it could produce maybe another ½ inch. The Iowa City School District dismissed schools early today. Therefore
I am proposing a new award called Snow Heroes. I can clearly remember walking home through 6 to 8 inches of new snow after a full grade school day at Longfellow on several occasions in the 1950’s, sometimes in temperatures at or below 0F with brisk winds.
It seemed like normal winter weather at the time. So by today’s standards I am proposing retroactive Snow Hero awards for all of us who performed above and beyond the call of duty during those ‘killer’ snow storms of the past. I’m sure you delivered
Press-Citizen newspapers in equally harrowing weather and probably never missed a day or a paper. Of course you had the added incentive of earning upwards of a $1 a week or so in clear profit. So for the Iowa City School District, I’m not sure exactly what
kind of award to recommend for today’s decisive action. All I know is it ‘Sno Hero award.What’s it doing in Des Moines?John
Monday, January 23, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
1-21-12
This conversation occurred a few days ago:
Mike: Daddy doesn’t wear diapers. Daddy wears
underwear. See? Look! Then daddy puts on his shirt. And he puts on another
shirt. Like this! Rawr rawr rawr. Superman, superman!
Zach: No. Superdaddy!
Zach: You got a shirt. Legs?
Mike: I have nothing on my legs, what am I going to
do Zach? Look Zach, look at my pants.
Zach: Look Daddy, a bug! Rawr.
Mike: Bugs don’t go Rawr. They go click click.
Zach: Oh
Friday, January 20, 2012
1-20-12
Foot surgery has been one of the more uncomfortable procedures. The physician called in a new prescription with twice the narc and half the Tylenol. I nearly went over the 4,000 mg maximum dose for Tylenol without even thinking about it the other day. I kind of wonder if pain medicine in combination with Tylenol is the best idea.
Eddie, Ethel and Speedy have finally brokered an unsteady truce for positions on the fleece portions of the bed. Now they nap, but there has been hissing and other peevish cattitudes all day.
This morning Zach cuddled on the bed with me while Mike got ready for work. We watched Micky Mouse Clubhouse 3 times. Mike brought us cinnamon toast breakfast in bed which included a sippy cup of milk for Zach and a Thermos of coffee for me. Zach and I thought that was pretty nice.
Eddie, Ethel and Speedy have finally brokered an unsteady truce for positions on the fleece portions of the bed. Now they nap, but there has been hissing and other peevish cattitudes all day.
This morning Zach cuddled on the bed with me while Mike got ready for work. We watched Micky Mouse Clubhouse 3 times. Mike brought us cinnamon toast breakfast in bed which included a sippy cup of milk for Zach and a Thermos of coffee for me. Zach and I thought that was pretty nice.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
1-19-12
Post-op day 2. Toes above nose. Not advice to disregard, I have discovered. Ethel and Eddie are good company.
Last night I wanted to sleep alone because I was sleeping for about 3 hours, then up for a while. That lasted until 3 a.m. Then I had Mike, Zach and a few cats in bed with me. It was kind of fun and cozy. I wasn't sleeping that great anyway.
Last night I wanted to sleep alone because I was sleeping for about 3 hours, then up for a while. That lasted until 3 a.m. Then I had Mike, Zach and a few cats in bed with me. It was kind of fun and cozy. I wasn't sleeping that great anyway.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
1-17-12
My girlfriends came over on Saturday night. It was a belated Christmas party, postponed because Karen's father passed away in December. I was really glad we waited for her to be able to come. We did a memory exchange instead of gifts. It was hilarious to hear everyone's memories of each other.
Zach and Mike went to Bass Pro for a couple hours to get away from the ruckus. They came home around 8:30 p.m. Mike put Zach's puppy pajamas on with the little dog feet. Zach came out and sat with the girls for a while. They really liked his puppy feet. He had a bowl of Fruit Loops. He took a different Fruit Loop to every person in the room. I love his socialization.
Notably, on 1/16 Mike had his annual review with Paul. Paul offered him the business, although I'm not sure details are outlined yet, and Mike will be named in the succession plan as the next in line to own the business. It has many risks and benefits, but it is a big compliment for Mike and I am ready to support his decision.
Zach and Mike went to Bass Pro for a couple hours to get away from the ruckus. They came home around 8:30 p.m. Mike put Zach's puppy pajamas on with the little dog feet. Zach came out and sat with the girls for a while. They really liked his puppy feet. He had a bowl of Fruit Loops. He took a different Fruit Loop to every person in the room. I love his socialization.
Notably, on 1/16 Mike had his annual review with Paul. Paul offered him the business, although I'm not sure details are outlined yet, and Mike will be named in the succession plan as the next in line to own the business. It has many risks and benefits, but it is a big compliment for Mike and I am ready to support his decision.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
1-14-12 #2
My stats page on this blog says Russians have looked at it 6 times! If you are a Russian, Welcome! Please say hello!
1-14-12
When I went to get Zach out of bed the other morning, I found that he had discovered the snow. Since then, most of the snow has melted, but he still insists on stomping in any patches he can find. He calls it "no."
On Wednesday, trash day, I noticed a suit prowling around next door that looked suspiciously like the toady that has been trailing the neighbor along the guard rail. Well, who wears a suit these days? A lawyer.
My theory being I want to know who I am up against, I decided to take out some more trash. When we made eye contact, I called out, Attorney or Contractor? He said attorney and actually introduced himself! Blue Springs attorney, gymnastics dad and just a friend of the neighbor. He made a comment about what great people the neighbor's are, and I said, 'Well, that depends on how hard they screw us.'
He was a little stunned at this point. So I just went ahead and told him that there had been multiple deaths on the curve (helpfully pointing out the dents in the guard rail), that we had 40 years of access, and we felt that the neighbors needed to collaborate with an easement deal. While he is still being lawyerly, he is smiling like I just turned him down for a date, not knowing what to say next. I said, nice to meet you and walked away.
Then, I went to Jackson County Public Works to discuss the guardrail in light of our neighbor's claim that his is cutting off the joint drive. The county is well aware of our curve due to its toll of multiple injuries and deaths. Randy Diehl was my first target. I asked at the front desk, she called, and out he popped. Nice. No need to explain much, he knew right away. He asked me to wait. He walked down the hall to talk to someone in an office. I eavesdropped on the conversation for a while, then decided I might want to be a part of it as it is my driveway. I walked down the hall, poked my head in the door and asked if I could join them. They were a little surprised but said yes.
The alternative to the situation being a lawsuit, they were quite accommodating. The man in the office was the chief engineer for the county. He and I drew out a map of the curve. He said they would modify the guard rail by removing a section where we would need a new driveway to enter the road. Sadly, they are going to replace a section where the gravel drive enters the road. I hate to lose the access, but honestly it is exactly where people start to go off the road.
Mike is angry about it. He feels that we are being harmed by the county and the neighbors. Technically he is right, but I prefer to think of it as a positive step in a bad situation. Legal pursuits are going to be expensive. I don't want to spend an extra dime on that jackass next door. The county doesn't think there is any way to make him give us an easement. This set-up is generally what the family attorney advised a few months ago - spend your money on the drive not the situation. Now the county is out of the way and we can do that.
Today we have a special meeting with the neighbors, a follow up to our meeting last week. They have "good news about the use of our existing opening on to Milton Thompson." The first thing I am going to do is ask them to move the red trailer, then I am going to ask how they want to handle the pond (because secretly I think they should pay for the whole thing), and then they can say whatever they want on the drive. I'm done. Mike might have a couple things to say to them, which might be kind of entertaining.
While I was in downtown Independence for all this county business, I saw this statue of Andrew Jackson (namesake of Jackson County) which was gifted by Harry Truman. The president remembered for the Indian Removal Act and subsequent Trail of Tears is memorialized by the only guy to ok atomic bombing of whole cities! Maybe Bush is right and history will make him into a hero.
On Wednesday, trash day, I noticed a suit prowling around next door that looked suspiciously like the toady that has been trailing the neighbor along the guard rail. Well, who wears a suit these days? A lawyer.
My theory being I want to know who I am up against, I decided to take out some more trash. When we made eye contact, I called out, Attorney or Contractor? He said attorney and actually introduced himself! Blue Springs attorney, gymnastics dad and just a friend of the neighbor. He made a comment about what great people the neighbor's are, and I said, 'Well, that depends on how hard they screw us.'
He was a little stunned at this point. So I just went ahead and told him that there had been multiple deaths on the curve (helpfully pointing out the dents in the guard rail), that we had 40 years of access, and we felt that the neighbors needed to collaborate with an easement deal. While he is still being lawyerly, he is smiling like I just turned him down for a date, not knowing what to say next. I said, nice to meet you and walked away.
Then, I went to Jackson County Public Works to discuss the guardrail in light of our neighbor's claim that his is cutting off the joint drive. The county is well aware of our curve due to its toll of multiple injuries and deaths. Randy Diehl was my first target. I asked at the front desk, she called, and out he popped. Nice. No need to explain much, he knew right away. He asked me to wait. He walked down the hall to talk to someone in an office. I eavesdropped on the conversation for a while, then decided I might want to be a part of it as it is my driveway. I walked down the hall, poked my head in the door and asked if I could join them. They were a little surprised but said yes.
The alternative to the situation being a lawsuit, they were quite accommodating. The man in the office was the chief engineer for the county. He and I drew out a map of the curve. He said they would modify the guard rail by removing a section where we would need a new driveway to enter the road. Sadly, they are going to replace a section where the gravel drive enters the road. I hate to lose the access, but honestly it is exactly where people start to go off the road.
Mike is angry about it. He feels that we are being harmed by the county and the neighbors. Technically he is right, but I prefer to think of it as a positive step in a bad situation. Legal pursuits are going to be expensive. I don't want to spend an extra dime on that jackass next door. The county doesn't think there is any way to make him give us an easement. This set-up is generally what the family attorney advised a few months ago - spend your money on the drive not the situation. Now the county is out of the way and we can do that.
Today we have a special meeting with the neighbors, a follow up to our meeting last week. They have "good news about the use of our existing opening on to Milton Thompson." The first thing I am going to do is ask them to move the red trailer, then I am going to ask how they want to handle the pond (because secretly I think they should pay for the whole thing), and then they can say whatever they want on the drive. I'm done. Mike might have a couple things to say to them, which might be kind of entertaining.
While I was in downtown Independence for all this county business, I saw this statue of Andrew Jackson (namesake of Jackson County) which was gifted by Harry Truman. The president remembered for the Indian Removal Act and subsequent Trail of Tears is memorialized by the only guy to ok atomic bombing of whole cities! Maybe Bush is right and history will make him into a hero.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
1-9-12
I have my first cold of the season. I am considering it a huge success that I held out until January 9. It doesn't feel too bad, but I sound bad. No time for sick today though!
Zach is still cautious about opening presents, but he did sort of tear into a couple.
Matt tossed Cole into the giant leaf pile, and those leaves are compressed!
I have my job interview at St. Mary's Hospital. I have to renew the tags on my license plate, chase down Bob Hedberg (encyclopedic planner, former Jackson County employee, and residential developer who participated in much of the building in this area). The problem is the man can talk, alot, As a result, he is 1) hard to find probably because he is talking to someone else 2) hard to get away from once you do find him. Then I have to go to the county to find the guy who said that the county would not grant a permit to connect a hardtop driveway to the opening in the guard rail. My hold out hopes at this point are: the county tells our neighbor he has to grant an easement, which he does; or, which he fights and loses.
Zach's 3rd birthday party really highlights the joy of family. He is so loved, and he loves everyone back.
Zach is still cautious about opening presents, but he did sort of tear into a couple.
Matt tossed Cole into the giant leaf pile, and those leaves are compressed!
Here we are sad because Grandma and Grandpa are leaving for Iowa.
Friday, January 6, 2012
1-6-12
Yesterday Zach resisted his nap. Finally around 3:30 he went to sleep. Today he was up and playing in his room at 5:30 a.m. Is he at the age where he may not take a nap? Let's hope not. Waking him up from sleep is awful, but I am going to try to limit his nap time today.
As I write Zach wanted to watch an Elmo video on the computer. I went to the internet, which was not the movie yet, and he says, "Oh, come on." Then when it took a few seconds to get to Elmo he said it again. Think he learned that from Dad or maybe Mom.
I accepted a job offer from John Knox Home Health. I had to turn it down yesterday because they have a new high deductible health insurance plan, effective 1/1/12. It requires families to pay $6,000 for medical care and medication before being able to access cost savings from insurance. That sure would limit my use of medical care, so I can see why that would appeal to a business. I bet more businesses start doing this. As screwing the little guy is the mode of operation for them anyway, the low-deductible health insurance plans we have all had are a bit unusual. I'm surprised they have not figured this out before. For John Knox Village, that crap just lost them a good employee.
On the same day, I received a call back from the recruiter I interviewed with at Carondelet Health, which went really well. Carondelet operates St. Joseph's Medical Center near I-435 and State Line, AND St. Mary's Medical Center in Blue Springs. St. Mary's Medical Center is one of the first community hospitals, meaning not a big hub, to receive Magnet status. It is very hard to receive Magnet designation. It costs a lot of money and means that it is an excellent place for a nurse to work. Still hard to think of leaving KU, but family life is tougher with that commute. Thinking of the future, this health system may have better opportunities for a nurse practitioner. KU has been slow to accept the role because it has so many interns.
As I write Zach wanted to watch an Elmo video on the computer. I went to the internet, which was not the movie yet, and he says, "Oh, come on." Then when it took a few seconds to get to Elmo he said it again. Think he learned that from Dad or maybe Mom.
I accepted a job offer from John Knox Home Health. I had to turn it down yesterday because they have a new high deductible health insurance plan, effective 1/1/12. It requires families to pay $6,000 for medical care and medication before being able to access cost savings from insurance. That sure would limit my use of medical care, so I can see why that would appeal to a business. I bet more businesses start doing this. As screwing the little guy is the mode of operation for them anyway, the low-deductible health insurance plans we have all had are a bit unusual. I'm surprised they have not figured this out before. For John Knox Village, that crap just lost them a good employee.
On the same day, I received a call back from the recruiter I interviewed with at Carondelet Health, which went really well. Carondelet operates St. Joseph's Medical Center near I-435 and State Line, AND St. Mary's Medical Center in Blue Springs. St. Mary's Medical Center is one of the first community hospitals, meaning not a big hub, to receive Magnet status. It is very hard to receive Magnet designation. It costs a lot of money and means that it is an excellent place for a nurse to work. Still hard to think of leaving KU, but family life is tougher with that commute. Thinking of the future, this health system may have better opportunities for a nurse practitioner. KU has been slow to accept the role because it has so many interns.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
1-5-11 #2
Zach awoke with a sore leg today. After a few hours he was still not putting his full weight on it so I took him to the pediatrician. In the waiting room, he sat down on a chair and said "Uno." I said "Owie? I know." He yelled "UNO!" He moved to the second chair and said," Dos!" Then the third chair he sort of bluffed and the fourth chair he said "cuatro." Mike attributes it to Dora the Explorer.
His leg is ok. They think he just pulled a muscle.
His leg is ok. They think he just pulled a muscle.
1-5-11
Today was my due date for Zach. He was actually born around 11:20 on January 4. Pretty close to the predicted day. If he had not been a c-section, he would have been exactly on time.
The night before his 3rd birthday, Zach and Mike made yellow cupcakes with yellowy buttercream frosting. Then he took them to his childcare class. He arrived around 9:30 a.m. I called around 9:45 a.m. from Mike's office to see when they would have the treats and they were already eating them! The class was so excited Miss Megan thought what the heck and they just ate them.
That night Zach opened presents in the library room. He is getting a bit faster but still likes to savor each gift. It is really a polite way to open presents. Something he just does naturally. I don't expect it to last, but it is nice.
For his birthday he received some underwear! I am going to start potty training. He also got a sleeping bag and Sesame Street suitcase for when he goes to Grandma and Grandpa's house; a bunny bike helmet for when he rides his big wheel down the driveway (dear god in heaven); some sunglasses, magnetic frig numbers and letters, and a singing cow.
The singing cow is the runaway favorite. Today I had him nap with me because he would not settle down for nap. He had to bring the cow. When I thought he was asleep, because of his deep, rhythmic breathing and relaxed state, I carefully put the cow on the floor. He sat bolt upright and asked where the cow was.
The night before his 3rd birthday, Zach and Mike made yellow cupcakes with yellowy buttercream frosting. Then he took them to his childcare class. He arrived around 9:30 a.m. I called around 9:45 a.m. from Mike's office to see when they would have the treats and they were already eating them! The class was so excited Miss Megan thought what the heck and they just ate them.
That night Zach opened presents in the library room. He is getting a bit faster but still likes to savor each gift. It is really a polite way to open presents. Something he just does naturally. I don't expect it to last, but it is nice.
For his birthday he received some underwear! I am going to start potty training. He also got a sleeping bag and Sesame Street suitcase for when he goes to Grandma and Grandpa's house; a bunny bike helmet for when he rides his big wheel down the driveway (dear god in heaven); some sunglasses, magnetic frig numbers and letters, and a singing cow.
The singing cow is the runaway favorite. Today I had him nap with me because he would not settle down for nap. He had to bring the cow. When I thought he was asleep, because of his deep, rhythmic breathing and relaxed state, I carefully put the cow on the floor. He sat bolt upright and asked where the cow was.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
1-3-12
Grandma and Grandpa sent Zach a Mickey Mouse birthday card with Mickey stickers inside. Zach was as excited about it as he was about any of his Christmas gifts. He can say Mickey Mouse, but he prefers to call him "Nickey."
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