I know it's been forever since I've posted. I've been toying with the idea of abandoning Sorry Sarah and getting a fresh start somewhere else... but then that seems like a heck of a lot of work when everything is already here, so I don't know. Until I make my final decision on the subject you get at least one more post from Sorry Sarah and here it goes:
I realize there are about 50 million things I need to update you on. I'll start with Christmas. It was fine. I spent it with Mike's parents. We had Arbys on Christmas Eve and instant mashed potatoes on Christmas Day, but whatev. I'm slowly learning that the world will not collapse into tiny pieces around me if I do not have the perfect meal on every important occasion. We went to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which I realized at some point before going is not, in fact, its own theme park but a part of a theme park inside of Universal Studios Island of Adventure. It was kind of cool, but really it was a disappointment. The whole time we were there Mike and his sister were re-designing the park and coming up with the most fabulous ideas to make it better. The butterbeer was absolutely delicious, and it was super cool to walk the streets of Hogsmeade AND I am really glad I went, but it really wasn't everything I hoped it would be... sigh. Those darn expectations got to me again!
Other than that life has been fairly crazy. The rats are back in the garage of our house in San Diego and are sucking more time and money from our lives. It's freaking ridiculous, really. They. Will. Not. DIE. Our rental company's extermination company assessed the situation and recommended that we trim the thousands of palm trees around our house as the dying palms are breeding grounds for the rats apparently. We decided to just chop the 5 main offenders down, because it wasn't that much more expensive and do you know how much I have hated those stupid palm trees? I have been complaining about them for 5 years! They create so much nastiness inside of our pool and backyard, and I can't believe that now that we don't live there anymore we're finally rid of them. In any case, the trees are gone, there are traps throughout the garage, but those stupid vermin will not die and our renters keep calling and complaining that the rats are eating all of their stuff in the garage. I feel for them, I really do. I feel for me, too. Die, rats, die!
And probably the most prevalent thing.. the one that has changed the course of life as we thought we knew it.... Michael got a call a week before Christmas saying that he had been passed over for major. He thought it was a mistake at first because last time he checked he wasn't even up for promotion until December of 2012, but the joke was on us because apparently in an effort to greatly reduce the size of the armed forces(have you heard about those military budget cuts? Yep? They affected real people! us!), they looked at a much larger pool of people than normal and Michael was indeed up for major and indeed was passed over. The big question in our lives was finally answered, and it did not go the way we had hoped. He still has another chance... next year... but chances are slim, so we are forced to quickly reassess our "plan". Sometimes I think it's one of those blessings in disguise, because, holy cow... you mean... when you're not in the military you get to choose where you want to live? What a novel idea! Then, at the same time, we're both pretty scared because we owe an ungodly amount of money on a house in San Diego that we cannot get rid of because we bought at the worst time and it's not worth what we owe anymore. Not by a longshot. I looked into Obama's Making Home Affordable programs, of which there are many, and though we are seemingly prime candidates for these programs there's this little thing where if you are renting out the property it is now considered an investment property and you are no longer qualified for any of those programs. Nowhere in the fine lines is there anything pertaining to a situation like ours: HELLO, we aren't making any money on that house. We are simply renting it out because the military said we had to move and we couldn't afford to sell it. Wa. Wa. WAAAAH.
That's the short version of what's been going on with me lately. Good times, eh?
On the bright side, Sawyer is awesome and the weather here in South Carolina this time of year is to die for. Sawyer and I have even been going over to the park every day (I think we stumbled upon some poison ivy today, though, and I'm totally freaking out about it and praying that we don't erupt into horrific itchy rashes.. maybe it was some other weed with leaves of 3... I can only hope)
Good times, indeed.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
12 Month Check-up
Yesterday was Sawyer's 12 month check-up, and I was pretty nervous about it.
The only thing I was worried about was those dreaded percentiles, but as soon as we got in there we were handed a form to answer with all kinds of questions about what Sawyer is and isn't doing. Many of the questions we had never tried... or even thought of trying with him. I suddenly felt like I was being given a pop quiz and was failing miserably.
That only caused my tension to rise.
When the doc finally made his way into the examination room, he shocked the heck out of me. Sawyer now sits firmly at the 55th percentile for weight and the 48th percentile for height. WAHOO! YIPPEE! HALLELUJAH! I told the doctor how shocked I was, and he offered to re-weigh and measure Sawyer. No thank you, I responded. I will take those stats and run gleefully away with them.
He shocked me again when he asked if Sawyer was identifying Michael and me specifically as "mama" and "dada". He's been saying those syllables (along with many others) for months and months now, but neither of us have ever noticed him using those words to refer to us.
Hmm..
the doctor said.
Then he said if it was ok with us, he was going to refer us to have a free speech evaluation done for Sawyer.
huh?
My little boy who literally babbles all the day long and never stops "talking" needs a speech evaluation? really? for realz?
I accepted the offer, though, because it's free and it isn't going to hurt anything. He said they will probably just give us some suggestions for exercises we can do with him.
It is official now, though, that Sawyer does in fact have the most hyper-vigilant doctor in the world... and I'm just fine with that.
The only thing I was worried about was those dreaded percentiles, but as soon as we got in there we were handed a form to answer with all kinds of questions about what Sawyer is and isn't doing. Many of the questions we had never tried... or even thought of trying with him. I suddenly felt like I was being given a pop quiz and was failing miserably.
That only caused my tension to rise.
When the doc finally made his way into the examination room, he shocked the heck out of me. Sawyer now sits firmly at the 55th percentile for weight and the 48th percentile for height. WAHOO! YIPPEE! HALLELUJAH! I told the doctor how shocked I was, and he offered to re-weigh and measure Sawyer. No thank you, I responded. I will take those stats and run gleefully away with them.
He shocked me again when he asked if Sawyer was identifying Michael and me specifically as "mama" and "dada". He's been saying those syllables (along with many others) for months and months now, but neither of us have ever noticed him using those words to refer to us.
Hmm..
the doctor said.
Then he said if it was ok with us, he was going to refer us to have a free speech evaluation done for Sawyer.
huh?
My little boy who literally babbles all the day long and never stops "talking" needs a speech evaluation? really? for realz?
I accepted the offer, though, because it's free and it isn't going to hurt anything. He said they will probably just give us some suggestions for exercises we can do with him.
It is official now, though, that Sawyer does in fact have the most hyper-vigilant doctor in the world... and I'm just fine with that.
Monday, December 12, 2011
We Have Arrived
 |
How did we get here? |
 |
| When this is where we started... |
I look back on this year, (yes. it has been a whole year!) and I honestly can't answer that question. I should be an expert... or at least have some sage advice to pass along... but that is not the case.
Don't ask me how to get a baby to sleep through the night, because mine just started doing it all on his very own at a very early age. very early.
Don't ask me how to get a baby comfortable sleeping in his crib after sleeping in a bassinet next to your bed for 6 months, because my little guy made that transition without a hiccup.
Don't ask me how to teach a baby to put himself to sleep, because after much trial and error I cannot tell you what finally worked. In fact, I think he just decided to put himself to sleep in his crib when he was ready and that was a random day after trial and error #12,548,227.
Don't ask me how to transition a baby from breast to bottle or from breast milk to formula because he didn't seem to notice. Don't ask me how to get a baby to be content in his stroller, on long car rides, in a high chair at a restaurant... because these are all things that Sawyer just did.
Don't ask me how to teach a baby to roll over, crawl, cruise, or walk... Sawyer did all of these on his own when he felt like it and not a moment before.
Don't even ask me how to teach a baby to wave, bop to music, or mimic sounds... this guy has recently amazed me by just suddenly doing each of these things with little guidance or urging.
I do not know how we got here to this moment in time where my little baby is an entire year old. All I know is that we are here, we have arrived seemingly unscathed, and I am in awe of the wonder of life that is my little boy.
(and this post is almost a week late as Sawyer's 1st birthday was on December 6. I think he will understand, though, as he is no stranger to being late.)
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Flying the Friendly Skies
Sawyer and I ended up going to Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving alone, afterall. After all of my planning, and fretting, and then assurances that Michael would have the time off... in the end, he did not. So we went alone. I was pretty nervous about this. It was mostly the logisitcs of it all that had me lying eyes wide open all night, the night before the flight.
Thankfully, I had flown two other times with Sawyer (with someone else to help me, mind you), so I was able to mentally prepare myself for every aspect of maneuvering through the airport and airplane with a baby and anticipate any hurdles I might come across. I must pat myself on the back because thanks to my magnificent planning, getting through the airport, security, and on and off planes was no sweat at all.
My only real setback was finding an available handicapped stall that would fit both me and my baby-in-a-stroller. It seems, I have found out, that people who are going to spend a lot of time in a public restroom stall (*ahem. I think you know what I'm saying) tend to choose the handicapped stall in which to do so. In my efforts to be timely, I found myself walking into and out of several different mostly empty bathrooms before finding one with a stall that was availalbe for us to fit in. In the past, I always avoided the handicap stall out of courtesy, and now I am proud of myself for having done so. If you are a handicap stall avoider like me, I thank you. It really is important to the person who can only use that specific stall that it not be needlessly occupied.
These days it has become increasingly apparent to me that I have the best baby in the world. His easy going personality and good humor made my life a million times easier while navigating the joys of public transportation alone with him. I was sweating buckets and feeling quite overwhelmed as it was. I can only imagine how I would have felt had I been traveling with a fussy baby. I think I would have had to chug a bottle of wine after landing had that been the case.
On the plane trip going north, I don't think I had a single person offer to lend me a hand. On the plane trip going south I had someone offering his aid at every turn: going through security, gate checking my stroller, I even had a man sitting next to me on the plane who offered to hold Sawyer several times throughout the flight just to give me a break (since I took him as a "lap infant" this time, and even though he was a perfect angel, he was a squirmy perfect angel and it was a challenge wrangling him at times). The flight attendant even stopped by and gave Sawyer a book. When we landed, as we were heading to baggage claim, an airport worker stopped me and asked if I needed help getting my bags. It was quite awesome. Now, let's pause a moment and I would like you to take note that I said "I had someone offering his help at every turn." Yes. Every single offer of help came from a man. What a shock that was to me as I sat contemplating my trip. Go figure!
All in all, I am proud of myself for braving the friendly skies alone with my baby boy. Despite the fact that he is the best little baby ever born, it was still quite a daunting challenge for me, and I am proud to say I lived to tell the tale.
Thankfully, I had flown two other times with Sawyer (with someone else to help me, mind you), so I was able to mentally prepare myself for every aspect of maneuvering through the airport and airplane with a baby and anticipate any hurdles I might come across. I must pat myself on the back because thanks to my magnificent planning, getting through the airport, security, and on and off planes was no sweat at all.
My only real setback was finding an available handicapped stall that would fit both me and my baby-in-a-stroller. It seems, I have found out, that people who are going to spend a lot of time in a public restroom stall (*ahem. I think you know what I'm saying) tend to choose the handicapped stall in which to do so. In my efforts to be timely, I found myself walking into and out of several different mostly empty bathrooms before finding one with a stall that was availalbe for us to fit in. In the past, I always avoided the handicap stall out of courtesy, and now I am proud of myself for having done so. If you are a handicap stall avoider like me, I thank you. It really is important to the person who can only use that specific stall that it not be needlessly occupied.
These days it has become increasingly apparent to me that I have the best baby in the world. His easy going personality and good humor made my life a million times easier while navigating the joys of public transportation alone with him. I was sweating buckets and feeling quite overwhelmed as it was. I can only imagine how I would have felt had I been traveling with a fussy baby. I think I would have had to chug a bottle of wine after landing had that been the case.
On the plane trip going north, I don't think I had a single person offer to lend me a hand. On the plane trip going south I had someone offering his aid at every turn: going through security, gate checking my stroller, I even had a man sitting next to me on the plane who offered to hold Sawyer several times throughout the flight just to give me a break (since I took him as a "lap infant" this time, and even though he was a perfect angel, he was a squirmy perfect angel and it was a challenge wrangling him at times). The flight attendant even stopped by and gave Sawyer a book. When we landed, as we were heading to baggage claim, an airport worker stopped me and asked if I needed help getting my bags. It was quite awesome. Now, let's pause a moment and I would like you to take note that I said "I had someone offering his help at every turn." Yes. Every single offer of help came from a man. What a shock that was to me as I sat contemplating my trip. Go figure!
All in all, I am proud of myself for braving the friendly skies alone with my baby boy. Despite the fact that he is the best little baby ever born, it was still quite a daunting challenge for me, and I am proud to say I lived to tell the tale.
Monday, November 21, 2011
The other night Sawyer woke up crying after only sleeping for approximately 30 minutes. I went in and picked him up. He looked at me and started babbling. He talked for the next 30 minutes. We sat in the chair in his room and he told me whatever it was that was on his mind. After he got it all out, he began to relax and rest comfortably, so I placed him back in his crib, and he went peacefully back to sleep.
I love that little boy so much. While I'm in no hurry for him to grow up too fast, I do look forward to the days when I will have the opportunity to have conversations with him. He has much to say already, and I just can't wait to understand every word.
I love that little boy so much. While I'm in no hurry for him to grow up too fast, I do look forward to the days when I will have the opportunity to have conversations with him. He has much to say already, and I just can't wait to understand every word.
Monday, November 14, 2011
JT Goes to the Ball
A few months ago, a young female marine put out a youtube video asking Justin Timberlake to the Marine Corps Ball. He, being the incredibly awesome person that he is, accepted. Oh how I wish he had gone to the same ball I did, but alas, he did not. In any case, he did write a little something on his website about his experience at the ball, so I thought I would share the link on my blog.
http://www.justintimberlake.com/news/my_night_at_the_marine_corps_ball
If you're interested in viewing the video that he references, you can find it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I79UW6-NAAU
Every year the Commandant of the Marine Corps puts out video that we watch at the ball. It generally provokes tears and is always greeted with absolute silence and reverence. As Justin notes, it is incredible.
I love that he was so in awe of the ceremony, just as I am every single year. I love that he has so much respect for his military community. I love love love him.
I do, however, need to clear up a few mistakes he made in his writing. First of all, he continually refers to the marines at the ball as soldiers. Marines are not soldiers. Marines are marines. Men and women serving in the army are soldiers. Also, while we're on the topic (though JT did not make this particular mistake) the generic term for everyone in the armed forces is MILITARY not ARMY. So many people I encounter refer to my husband as being in the army when they mean military. Believe me, The Army and the Marine Corps are very different.
Also, marines say, "Ooh Rah" with great stress on the second syllable. The army says "Hooah" or however it is spelled. JT makes reference to marines calling out Hooah at the ball when in fact I am absolutely certain they were saying Ooh Rah. It's their raucous form of agreement. Also heard coming from my husband's mouth when speaking with fellow marines is "YUT" - apparently another common form of marine agreement.
Someday I will write a post called Military Speak Translated. However, this concludes our lesson for today.
Despite the fact that he made a few key vocabulary mistakes, I respect Justin Timberlake very much for taking the time to learn about the very honorable Marine Corps Community.
:)
http://www.justintimberlake.com/news/my_night_at_the_marine_corps_ball
If you're interested in viewing the video that he references, you can find it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I79UW6-NAAU
Every year the Commandant of the Marine Corps puts out video that we watch at the ball. It generally provokes tears and is always greeted with absolute silence and reverence. As Justin notes, it is incredible.
I love that he was so in awe of the ceremony, just as I am every single year. I love that he has so much respect for his military community. I love love love him.
I do, however, need to clear up a few mistakes he made in his writing. First of all, he continually refers to the marines at the ball as soldiers. Marines are not soldiers. Marines are marines. Men and women serving in the army are soldiers. Also, while we're on the topic (though JT did not make this particular mistake) the generic term for everyone in the armed forces is MILITARY not ARMY. So many people I encounter refer to my husband as being in the army when they mean military. Believe me, The Army and the Marine Corps are very different.
Also, marines say, "Ooh Rah" with great stress on the second syllable. The army says "Hooah" or however it is spelled. JT makes reference to marines calling out Hooah at the ball when in fact I am absolutely certain they were saying Ooh Rah. It's their raucous form of agreement. Also heard coming from my husband's mouth when speaking with fellow marines is "YUT" - apparently another common form of marine agreement.
Someday I will write a post called Military Speak Translated. However, this concludes our lesson for today.
Despite the fact that he made a few key vocabulary mistakes, I respect Justin Timberlake very much for taking the time to learn about the very honorable Marine Corps Community.
:)
Friday, November 11, 2011
Saying Goodbye to My 20's
In a few hours, I will officially say goodbye to my 20's.
I don't feel like I'm 30. I don't feel like I look like I'm 30 (I choose not to acknowledge that I get carded less and less these days when purchasing alcohol...). I am, however, going to be 30 in almost exactly 2.5 hours.
Today even though it's a national holiday and all, I checked our mailbox and whatdoyouknow it was full of mail for me. I guess that's what happens when you don't check your mail every day. Then this evening as we were watching Sawyer toddle around our living room in his adorable new pj's that say, "I've been good all year. Just ask mom." We got a knock on the door. It was UPS delivering a present from my good friend in San Diego -- a package with two bottles of my favorite red wine from a Temecula winery, luscious lips.
We cracked open one of the bottles immediately, and I remembered how much I love it and immediately got a craving for thai food and suddenly the decision on what restaurant we will go to for my birthday dinner was decidedly made - the only Thai restaurant in our small South Carolina town. (San Diego was overflowing with excellent Thai food, and it was our go-to cuisine while we were there.)
Then I started thinking about all that has occurred in my life just this last year -- and then all that has happened in the last 10 years. Adventurous life-lesson-packed college years that landed me a fiance. A beautiful wedding. A marriage that took me to Texas, Florida, North Carolina, California, and now South Carolina. 4 years of teaching the most incredible students at the most disfunctional school. 3 long and arduous deployments followed by 3 joyous reunions. A baby boy who makes my heart explode with love every time I lay eyes on him. I couldn't ask for a better 10 years.
Here's to 10 more years of adventures and surprises.
Happy 30th birthday to me.
:)
I don't feel like I'm 30. I don't feel like I look like I'm 30 (I choose not to acknowledge that I get carded less and less these days when purchasing alcohol...). I am, however, going to be 30 in almost exactly 2.5 hours.
Today even though it's a national holiday and all, I checked our mailbox and whatdoyouknow it was full of mail for me. I guess that's what happens when you don't check your mail every day. Then this evening as we were watching Sawyer toddle around our living room in his adorable new pj's that say, "I've been good all year. Just ask mom." We got a knock on the door. It was UPS delivering a present from my good friend in San Diego -- a package with two bottles of my favorite red wine from a Temecula winery, luscious lips.
We cracked open one of the bottles immediately, and I remembered how much I love it and immediately got a craving for thai food and suddenly the decision on what restaurant we will go to for my birthday dinner was decidedly made - the only Thai restaurant in our small South Carolina town. (San Diego was overflowing with excellent Thai food, and it was our go-to cuisine while we were there.)
Then I started thinking about all that has occurred in my life just this last year -- and then all that has happened in the last 10 years. Adventurous life-lesson-packed college years that landed me a fiance. A beautiful wedding. A marriage that took me to Texas, Florida, North Carolina, California, and now South Carolina. 4 years of teaching the most incredible students at the most disfunctional school. 3 long and arduous deployments followed by 3 joyous reunions. A baby boy who makes my heart explode with love every time I lay eyes on him. I couldn't ask for a better 10 years.
Here's to 10 more years of adventures and surprises.
Happy 30th birthday to me.
:)
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