MATLjourney

Congratulations to Dr. Froyd!

2009-11-14T20:58:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Sean in becoming the first Dr. Froyd of the family. He did a great job and I am proud of him. Disertation defended, announced as a Dr. and I believe a bottle of Mead was opened in his honor.

Now...about 20+ years from now I may have to give him a run for his money and become the second Dr. Froyd...

Pictures

2009-11-08T17:40:00.000-05:00

Early Presents for Miller and Me

2009-11-07T14:05:00.000-05:00

Last night, Miller got not one, but two new play sets for outside! He has a house and a tower with a slide. We played outside for over half an hour last night and today I think he's put in close to two hours already. I will post picutes later tonight.

As for me, I got a new laptop! Ryan surprised me with a new HP for my birthday. He couldn't wait to give it to me (a month early for my birthday). What a great surprise. It's sweet but a lot of new settings for me to figure out and customize. It has Windows 7 on it. I hope W7 is much more successful than Vista. :)

With all the new things to play with in the house, who has time for chores?

Runners and Drivers Use Caution

2009-11-03T08:28:00.000-05:00

I witnessed out of the corner of my eye a car take out a runner this morning on my way to work. I did stop and before I hit send on my 911 call, an unmarked car arrived. I think the runner was ok because s/he was laying on the road rolling around and there wasn't any blood. The driver was clearly shaken including me! I felt sick to my stomach.

So here's the dealio: Drivers, please remember to look when making a right hand turn. Runners, please pay attention to your surroundings before crossing major intersections. I am not sure who was at fault on this one because I think neither the runner nor the driver stopped for the red light.

Halloween Pictures 2009-Part 2

2009-11-01T14:32:00.000-05:00

Here are the pictures of Miller from last night.

The Pirate-Arrrrggghhh!!!!

The Pirate showing off his stellar belly after too much dinner.

At Pete and Amy's - trick or treat!

Rylee in her fairy costume.

Miller and Rylee trying to take a picture together. You can see how that went. One point of the sword and she took off running.

Has Been Rock Star and the Pirate.

Jailhouse Flousy and the Pirate.

The family (past Miller's bedtime).

Halloween Pictures 2009-Part 1

2009-11-01T14:23:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures from last night of us adults.

The Wicked Witch and Dorothy

Jailhouse Flousy and a Has Been Rock Star

Cleopatra and her Sheik

The Ladies

The Boys

Eventful Morning

2009-11-01T11:41:00.002-05:00

Pictures of Halloween to follow. Ryan's truck was spray painted last night so he has spent the morning cleaning it up. What a fantastic way to start the morning.

Problems with Blogger

2009-10-30T18:28:00.000-05:00

For some odd reason, my blog status isn't updating. Does anyone know why? I haven't changed anything in my settings (until tonight when I decided to change my template). Other than that, it's all the same...

Cool Dude

2009-10-30T06:04:00.001-05:00

Cool Dude woke up with half spiked hair so we went with it. He has his halloween shirt on, spike hair, and shades.

Digitally Dependent

2009-10-27T05:57:00.003-05:00

Homework assignment for Miller: Bring in a picture of fruit.

Ryan's thought process: Search internet, print picture.
Problem with this thought process: printer is out of colored ink.
Resolution: Try 4 times and yell at wife for not helping with homework.

Erin's thought process: Take one of the cooking magazines and clip some pictures of fruit.
Problem with this thought process: None other than Ryan didn't think of it first.
Resolution: Mom found 2 pictures in one magazine, clipped and didn't say one swear word.

Sometimes it pays to be less digitally dependent.

Busy Weekend

2009-10-25T15:38:00.002-05:00

I have been a busy beaver. It all started with packing my shiz up at work this week. We moved to another building (I will have to go in early Monday to start unpacking so I can at least find my docking station). Friday was dentist day. I have been a very bad human and missed all my appointments since Miller was born. I didn't fair too bad (a little more scraping than normal) but all checked out cavity free. They did want me to come back and have some glue removed but I think I am going to cancel that appt and see what they say 6 months from now.

Saturday I trimmed all the plants/bushes out front. They were out of control again. Then I headed to the eye doctor for my annual appt. I don't know how to describe this one but the doctor said I was over prescribed and cut my prescription in half. I am on a trial pair of contacts and have already ordered new lenses for my glasses. I am pleased to know that she identified this problem but also wonder if I am really seeing as well as I had been. I really hate to think that for the last 8 years my regular eye doctor has been wrong. I wonder what damage she has caused...

I met Jess for a very late lunch. We had great Greek snacks at a local restaurant. Caught up on all the things we girls chat about and then headed home for some time with my boys. Then we went to Amy and Pete's for dinner. They made a good roast but I was still full from my late lunch. Miller tested my stair climbing abilities. Up and down, up and down, up and down...you get the picture.

Today I was up and bleached my bathroom floor (later on I did the entry way), cleaned out the fridge, put groceries away, cleaned up the kitchen, worked on my resume (thanks for the tips Emily), cleaned the house, returned a bad Halloween costume to Target, made a trip to the liquor store, and then finally found a Halloween costume.

There was a new store that opened near us (a division of Spencer Gifts). It was great to browse but since I was last minute, I couldn't purchase a ton and then return the ones I didn't want. I had to try them on in the store. It was a makeshift dressing room with a small plexiglass mirror. I had to lift it up to see myself and had a hard time seeing what was really going on. In true Erin fashion, of the 6 outfits I tried on, I picked the one that was the most expensive plus it required a few accessories. This killed me as I would have rather spent the money on shoes, a purse, or new clothes for work or play. Why do my friends all have to dress up and celebrate Halloween with a bang? Maybe next year we can make a pack to all wear jeans and a Halloween themed t-shirt. I shouldn't complain because I always have a great time.

Miller tried his outfit on today and looked adorable. Now we just have to wait a few more days to dress up and trick or treat. I didn't get him a basket this year because I don't think he needs any candy. The one I really wanted to get, Ryan made me feel like a lame "girly" mom about so I didn't get it. Maybe next year. We aren't dressing up in a theme that matches. It would be fun and probably one of our last chances before he figures out he has a say in the matter but we just didn't coordinate (I know, we live together and see each other every day...).

Anyhow, that's all for now. I have 200+ emails in my inbox for work and need to start taking a stab at some of them. It's going to be a hectic week. Time to start drinking wine.

Another Cute Picture

2009-10-21T18:46:00.003-05:00

I thought this one was a cute picture. We went to a cute little Italian restaurant near my parent's house. I was hoping Miller would behave and I didn't have to box up my dinner and take him outside. He was very well behaved and ate like a champ. The picture is a pre-dinner shot while he was playing with his truck waiting for his supper.

Here is us post dinner. Not too messy :)

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-19T06:09:00.003-05:00

Picking out the perfect pumpkin is hard work. There were so many to choose from. Miller ended up with a small one (larger than a grapefruit) he could carry. Mom ended up with two normal size ones. It was a good weekend with Grandpa and Grandma.

Bed Time

2009-10-12T17:52:00.002-05:00

Miller felt better today and got his flu shot (normal, not swine). I on the other hand, feel like ass. My cold got worse as the day went on. I put him to bed a half hour early and by 7:30, I hope to be in bed also. Just a few last minute things I need to do. Sorry work, no love from me tonight.

Ahhh!

2009-10-11T17:58:00.003-05:00

I survived the weekend. Thank you to Jess and Jerry for dinner last night and swimming this morning. It helped break up the day and gave me a sanity check. Miller was pretty darn good and he's almost over his illness. Tomorrow we go to the pediatrician for his second round of flu shots.

I know I should answer some emails and do some work but I am pooped. I have one load of laundry in the wash and then that is done. The house is picked up but the floors are hairy. I will try to tackle that tomorrow night.

Ryan left us a ton of leftovers so I haven't had to really "cook." I think we can get through tomorrow night before I have to actually make something. I need to make a meal plan and a grocery list for my dad.

I made a long list of chores (more for Ryan and I than my dad) but I am hoping he can help knock a few items off the list. I got the linen closet cleaned out today and have a full bag of towels for goodwill. The fish tank is clean and all balanced. Bills are paid and I even got a few old magazines flipped through and tossed.

Time for a couple glasses of wine and I think I am going to bed early. It's been a long weekend of Miller. He is at the stage where everything is "up" and "down" and lots of tackling in the middle. My arms and back are sore. I am not used to tossing around a 30lb sack of giggles. A week from today Ryan will be home. I think the longest stretch is over. Amen!

Almost Back to Normal

2009-10-10T18:10:00.002-05:00

Other than the horrendous night last night, Miller made it all morning without a nap. We ran to Babies R Us (in search of another bib) and then to Target. While at Target, we ran into Jess, Jerry, and Norah and received a dinner invite.

Miller fell asleep in the car on the way back home from Target and then slept for 2+ hours. He woke up feeling pretty darn close to his old self. Other than a little coughing here and there, I think he's almost healed.

Me, on the other hand, have a full blown head cold. I finally broke down and took some dayquil around 4pm. Something tells me a) I should have took that sucker earlier in the day because it worked and b) I should have took that sucker earlier in the day because now I will be awake all night!

Our plans to meet Beth and her girls and go to Butterfly world were foiled because Beth's daughter is also sick. Instead we headed over to J & J's for dinner. Miller was pretty good and had fun hugging Scooter. Norah was a good little girl too. I didn't hold her because I was sick but man, I wanted to eat her little cheeks! Next time...

Miller crashed out on the way home and although I am optimistic we won't have a repeat of last night, I am partially expecting it. I think I am going to have a beer, watch some trash tv, and hit the hay earlier again. My body is tired from tossing a 30 lb baby around all day. Not sure what we will do tomorrow but I need to find some activities.

Oh, we did "make" something for Dad today. He will have to wait until he get's home to see it. (it's from Miller and not that exciting but it killed 15 minutes of time today)

Single Mom

2009-10-09T19:18:00.003-05:00

Today was the beginning of my "single mom" stretch. So far, so good. Miller appears to be feeling better. I, on the other hand, am feeling quite constricted in the chest and have a sore throat. I am hoping a good nights sleep will make a difference. Miller better take it easy on me tomorrow.

Better Baby

2009-10-08T19:11:00.002-05:00

Today Miller was fever free and went to DC. Hopefully his appetite will return.

Yep, that's about all I know because I didn't get home until after he was in bed. Stupid accident on Commercial and Hiatus. So close but yet not quite home! 3 tow trucks had to load up cars before I could get through. Ish!

Another Sick Day

2009-10-07T16:34:00.002-05:00

Miller's fever disappeared yesterday afternoon and last evening. When he woke up, it had returned. Since it was day 5 of a fever and icky cough, we decided to take him to the doctor. After the 1.5 hour wait (we had an appt), we left with a presciption for what could be bronchitis. The doctor said he could have had a mild case of the flu earlier or it's just a bad cold but either way, he was a little congested and raspy in the lungs. It could also be related to his teething cycle.

We dropped off his prescription and went for lunch. After lunch was over, Ryan took him home so I could go pick it up. I should have known it would be a cluster when the poor tech had so much trouble finding us in the computer. When I got there, the only prescription tied to our phone number was for Erik Miller. Hmmm....

40 minutes later, I left with a prescription filled. I am so glad Ryan had taken him home. I couldn't imagine having to wait at Walgreen's with a sick toddler for that long. While we were out, we must have had our normal afternoon power outages. The AC quit working and it was 86 or 87 degrees in the house when we got home. Ryan fiddled to get it working and it's finally a normal temp in the house.

Today was not a good day to miss work and I will be up late trying to catch up to where I should have started my day today. Ick!

PS-Ryan's sporting a fever too. Hopefully he won't be sick while hunting. I am feeling icky but so far, no runny nose, no cough, and no fever. Wish me luck. If I catch something this weekend, I may ask my mommy to come take care of us!

Playing Hookie

2009-10-06T05:46:00.001-05:00

Miller and Ryan are playing hookie today. Not by choice of course. Miller's fever topped 101 at school yesterday and he was sent home. The poor guy slept a full 12 hours but still has a temp of 100. Hopefully he will kick it today. A sick baby wears parents out. Especially dad's who were kind enough to stay home with said sick baby. Thanks honey. Next time it's my turn.

Sick Baby-Big Boy Attitude

2009-10-04T13:56:00.002-05:00

Miller has a fever today and a bad cough. He's been acting like a little baby. Happy one moment, fussy the next. We decided to take him out for lunch today to add some excitement to his crabbiness.

We discovered although he is sick, he's now too old to have his grilled cheese sandwich cut up into bitesize pieces. He grabbed his other half and ate almost the whole thing by himself. His fun treat was having a "go-gurt" squirted into his mouth.

After lunch we stopped and got Miller a halloween costume. Not sure if it will fit or if he will wear it but he's going to be a pirate. The main reason; so he can carry a sword of course. I wanted to make him be a train conductor but they didn't have a costume small enough (and I don't sew). The backup plan is the clown suit in the closet that both my sister and I wore as kids. Ryan doesn't realize our days of making him something cute and adorable are limited. Soon he will be independent and want to be the same super hero year after year.

He's taking a nap now so I have to get some work done. It will lessen the blow of Monday.

Sunny Saturday

2009-10-03T18:03:00.003-05:00

The "cold front" didn't quite make it this far south so it was a nice, sunny Saturday in Sunrise. I cleaned house (love my new Shark Steam Cleaner), did Miller's laundry, and got some exercise in. We played throughout the day and then headed to Monkey Joe's this afternoon. Rylee and her cousin Nick came but we were slightly off on our schedules. Maybe next time they will both be in the same bouncehouse having fun at the same time.

This afternoon had a rough patch with full blown temper tantrum (I think it was a nightmare during nap time that started it). After that, we moved outside for lots of swing time while Mom cleaned off the fence. Ever since we had all the rain up over our sea wall/dock, there has been a silly line of sludge at the bottom that needed cleaning. Dad grilled up some burgers and then we headed inside for dinner. After that we went outside and played in the truck bed (don't ask). Before bed we went over to Aisha's to say goodnight. They were outside looking at her dad's motorcycle.

Now it's time for mom to rematch dad in a game of rummy. Hopefully she has better skills than last night.

Dear Blog

2009-10-01T19:12:00.002-05:00

Dear Blog,

It's been almost a week since I blogged and guess what, I really don't have much to say. I am actually contemplating ending this relationship. Hear me out while I mull this over.

I am not a good blogger and honestly, don't have time for us. I like posting thoughts and pictures but recently decided that I need a hobby that is more fullfilling than blogging.

I know, you probably think FaceBook is replacing you but its not. It is easier and more interesting to use FB but I am also debating giving up that relationship too.

I would like to spend more time reading a real book. Something that has a binding and takes more than a few minutes to review.

One of my child's first words was Google. That makes me think I spend a little too much time on the computer. Most people would be sitting down with a glass of wine and reading a book, watching tv, exercising, socializing with friends, or participating in a hobby after work. I am sitting on the couch with my laptop and thinking "I should clean the fish tank" but also muttering to myself "It can wait until after I am done blogging." Hmmm....

Please remind me of the reasons I should continue this dull relationship.

Sincerely,
Me

Saturday and Sunday

2009-09-27T14:01:00.002-05:00

Miller and I survived each other's company on Saturday. He was very needy and not a happy camper because he is teething and had a low grade fever (and the snots). He felt better in the afternoon so we went out side and fished, swang, played ball, etc. Ryan came home last night in time to feed him dinner and get in a quick bath.

Today while he took a short nap I ran to Target and bought him a ton of things. My days of shopping for myself are long gone. He made a haul, 2 pairs of pjs, new bibs, forks/spoons, new plate, glass, and matching fork/spoon, socks, and board books. I can't help it. I wanted to buy a ton more but told myself it could wait. I think it's easier to buy for him than myself because there is no trying on and I can make cute outfits.

We went for lunch at Buffalo's and watched a little bit of the game. Now we are home and it's snack time. Hopefully the rest of the afternoon goes well. Ryan kept him entertained this morning while I cleaned the floors.

Time to go be mommy again.

Update

2009-09-25T19:12:00.002-05:00

Here are a few updates from this past week.

Work-still hellish

Single Parenting-Ryan's been in Miami since Wednesday. I made the fatal mistake of staying up way too late Wednesday night. Then to make matters worse, Miller woke up at 4:30am! He did not go back to sleep. Last night was good. Tonight he was tired and feeling kinda warm. He went down for a little bit but woke up in a crying after 20 minutes. He has a fever so I gave him some Tylenol and we snuggled on the couch for a bit. The last 20 minutes have been plagued with sudden cries (he dropped Blue, his music shut off, he is mad, he is overly tired, he feels like poo). I hope the Tylenol kicks in and he sleeps through the night. I am exhausted after a long week at work and need the sleep. Plus tomorrow is going to be extra long without Ryan's help.

Exercise-missed Thursday and Friday. Not a good sign.

Animal Support-I killed a parrot last night. A flock took off in one direction and another bird came at them so they flew into my car. 3 hit the windshield and only 2 survived. I was mortified. The poor thing stuck between my windshield and the hood of my car. It wasn't dead when I got home. I checked back a couple hours later after it stiffened up and removed it. Poor thing.