1.
My drama with the insurance company change in coverage of generic Zofran (here and here) appears to have gone to a new level. The B6 works, but not as good as I was hoping it would – I’ve had some massive throwing up this week and due to too much nausea today almost got dehydrated because of feeling so horrible. My mom did her Mom Guilt Trip enough at me to call up Dr. M’s to figure out what I could do. The nurse at Dr. M’s will be calling the insurance company to (hopefully) get them to approve my full dosage of generic Zofran. She also wasn’t sure if they would get the approval done in the next 6 weeks.

2.
Even though the B6 took the edge off, I just can’t live day by day, wondering “will today be the day that I need to call Greg home from work because I can’t stop throwing up?” Even on the day when I was throwing up, I didn’t take a Zofran because I was afraid I’d really need it later. I can’t live like that. :-/

3.
Moving away from insurance wank/drama/throwing up; we have found Godparents for Little One. YAY! Now all that’s left is to schedule the Baptism. ::insert happy dance here::

4.
My mom has this ability to hear things I can’t – mainly when her wash machine is on the rinse cycle (so she could send me down to put a capful of fabric softener in it). I’m happy to say that I’ve developed that insane sense of hearing – no matter where I am in the house, I can hear the mailman in his mailtruck down the street. It’s very handy as he doesn’t deliver the mail at a set time – he came at 12:30 for example; when he usually delivers about 2 hours later. It must be a mom thing.

5.
I received Lisa Hendey’s new book today. First impressions: it’s surprisingly thick. That’s a good thing, mind you.

6.
The nurse called back (can you tell that I’ve been writing this post all.day.long – gotta love life with a toddler) and while I don’t have an authorization (yet), she does have the ~*~paperwork~*~ for Dr. M to fill out. Basically, they’ll be handling the insurance company for me – YAY! – so I’m hoping that this will expedite the process than if I had to get the paperwork and do the process on my own.

7.
For the “can I see your belly?” enthusiasts, here’s a picture from today at 34 weeks (and 1 day). Pretty soon, I’ll have my own zip code!

—
More Quick Takes can be found at Jen’s.

In the aftermath of a road trip, comes the laundry. Two weeks’ worth, times two adults and one infant. Not to mention the fact that I need to wash the bathroom rugs, the towels, and bed sheets. Luckily I have the clothing part done and folded, and currently the washer is getting a vinegar rinse after taking care of Elise’s diapers.

I’ve been moving in and out of a funky place, spiritually. Kind of like clouds passing by the sun. I’ve found myself relying more and more on little tidbits of conversation with God to get me through my day, and relying on Our Lady’s help moreso than not. During the trip I oscillated between everything being “okay” to “there can’t possibly be a God!”. Tonight, Greg and I are going to go to Confession; so that should help – exposing stuff to the Light makes the roaches crawl away into darkness, after all. It’s a very hard and lonely place to be, as anyone who’s been there can vouch.

Despite my interior struggles, there’s still stuff that needs to be done – cooking and cleaning. Encouraging Elise and covering her in hugs and kisses when she crawls on her hands and knees (so, belly in the air instead of her belly on the ground crawling she’s become so good at). I need to stay faithful to my vocation as Wife and Mama during these times, as well as stay faithful to God; even if things are funky. No where else has the Bread of Life that I so desperately need, moreso now than ever.

Facebookers should have noticed I uploaded all 778MB of road trip pictures. I found this picture in the midst of uploading them and it’s hands down one of my favorite pictures of all time.

Waiting for my brother-in-law’s graduation to start.

P.s. if you have a Facebook and want to add me, drop me a note on the Contact Form.

Killing some time before heading out to Mass. It was snowy today, so we put her in a little snowsuit to keep her warm.

Daddy and his little girl. Almost but not quite six months old.

I totally wonder when she’s going to grow into those cheeks!

FOR TODAY Monday, January 19th, 2009…

Outside my window…
The sun is setting. It was a beautiful day – barely needed a coat. We’re hoping it heats up a little more and melts the sheet of ice outside the house (the same one the UPS Man got stuck on).

I am thinking…
About my mom. January has always been a hard month for her (the 25th of January is when my sister died about 30 years ago), post-Christmas, it’s winter – but this particular January has been harder than usual. She learned she has some degenerating discs in her back that will eventually need back surgery, and some people haven’t been very nice to her.

I am thankful for…
freedom to meet with other pro-lifers at the State Capital to rally for life.

From the kitchen…
We’ll probably have some split pea and ham soup that my mom made. We went up to my parent’s house yesterday and she happily gave us her leftovers. Yum!

I am wearing…
Denim skirt, black shirt, black tichel.

I am creating…
Still nothing. I picked up some flannelette today – a yard in blue with bulldozers and trucks and other construction equipment all over it, and two yards of pink with monkeys and hearts. The blue is for my friend and my cousin for their sons, the pink is for who knows what.

I am going…
to hopefully start sewing up some stuff this week!

I am reading…
Nothing.

I am hoping…
My mom has a better rest of the month. Greg and I brought her a care package while we were visiting her, so hopfully that cheered her up.

I am hearing…
Glorious Sleeping Baby Silence. That, and Greg watching the World’s Strongest Man competition.

Around the house…
Laundry, laundry, and more laundry. Elise got some more clothes this weekend (imagine that!).

One of my favorite things…
Our little girl is a real roley-poley. She’s learning that she can roll to stuff she wants (toys, a mirror, etc) so I know my days of having a stationary child are ending soon!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Not a whole lot. Maybe sleep more? Greg has a four-day week, so that’s a relief. I’m feeling particularly tired today and I’m not sure why.

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

Elise and I talking with a gal at the pro-life rally today. It was very good and we heard from many of our State’s lawmakers who are actively defending life at all stages. Deo gratias!
—-
Check out more Daybooks at Peggy’s blog!

FOR TODAY Monday, January 12th, 2009…

Outside my window…
There is a neighborhood bonanza around the UPS man and his truck. Apparently he has it perfectly stuck on some ice. I could hear him spinning his tires to no avail. Our neighbor appeared on the scene, then called the house (although, all the men are at work, unfortunately). Now everyone is gone and there’s a huge UPS truck blocking some of the driveway. Luckily our driveway is more wide than long, and what’s being blocked isn’t used, but still. I feel bad for the UPS man since this will slow him down considerably.

That being said, I wonder if he was delivering something to our house or the people across the street?

I am thinking…
About Elise. she is just too cute for words and so smart. She is really blossoming each day – her new skills are coming so fast anymore. Every day she shows us something new that she has learned.

I am thankful for…
God’s providence. I’ve come to realize that while we may not be loaded or even “doing good” by any sense of the words, we’ve always had enough. Enough food, enough clothes, enough money to pay our bills … it’s really sobering to see how much God has provided for us, especially when things are so down everywhere.

From the kitchen…
I’m craving some white rice with Iron Chef sauce on it. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

I am wearing…
Denim skirt, yellow shirt, blue kerchief. I swear I’m not breaking into a uniform. :X

I am creating…
Nothing at the moment. Although I am going to have to get going on more creations, as I know two pregnant ladies who are both having little boys in about 4 and 5 months, respectively! Hurrah for babies!

I am going…
to help Greg find ways to decrease his stress. His eczema comes and goes, and it comes when he’s the most stressed out. Much to our delight, we’ve found that for some reason, his eczema is kept in check with Burt’s Bees Hand Salve instead of the steroid creme. Go figure!

I am reading…
The Wonder Weeks by Hetty Vanderijt and Frans Plooij

I am hoping…
That the poor UPS man gets unstuck. And it appears he has, after having him and the neighbor lying under the back of the truck and talking about wheels or something. Hurrah!

I am hearing…
Gregorian Chant. Greg and I switched Elise’s sleep music from classical symphonies to Gregorian Chant (the Life of St. Benedict, if you’re interested). We’re thinking the crescendos of the symphonies would wake her up, and the more mellow chant would help her stay asleep. So far, we’re correct.

Around the house…
Been doing laundry and tidying up – Elise has been asleep for almost 2 hours now. This is the first time in a long time she’s slept this long, and I’m sure it has everything to do with her learning to roll over in both directions.

One of my favorite things…
Elise grabbing at everything. Her curiosity is too cute for words.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
I want to go to the fabric store and get some fabric and patterns while they’re on sale. I think I may be ready to start trying to learn how to sew things like shirts, bodices, and dresses.

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

Elise attacking her mesh crib bumpers. This morning was the official “I can roll from my back to my tummy” bonanza. So proud!
—-
Check out more Daybooks at Peggy’s blog!

FOR TODAY Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008…

Outside my window…
It’s still a winter wonderland. Although the sun is starting to come out, which makes everything blindingly bright. It reminds me of when I was sledding as a kid and we’d come back indoors, and everything white would be pink for a little bit.

I am thinking…
about Christmas. It’s Elise’s first Christmas outside of me, and she is fascinated by the Christmas tree. She likes to touch it and is enthralled with the lights. I can’t help but think that Christmas next year, she’ll be able to knock it down. :X

I am thankful for…
Elise’s Baptism! And that everyone who wanted to come to Elise’s Baptism was able to, and that the weather wasn’t that bad. It was chilly, but not blizzarding or anything like that. We still had to wear about eleven layers of clothes, though.

From the kitchen…
Greg and I made my mom’s German ginger/molasses cookies. SO, so good. We still need to make the frosting, but even unfrosted they taste just like hers! I am feeling pretty accomplished with us, to say the least. Once we get them frosted, they will be that much better.

I am wearing…
Denim skirt, red shirt.

I am creating…
Nothing. I finished up the blanket I was making for Elise (the one with the monkeys), so it’s already under the tree for her. I’m not too thrilled with how it turned out, mainly trying to deal with the blanket binding. But, it’s not that bad.

I am going…
to try and find a way to re-weigh Elise. Yesterday was her four month well-baby check, and I’m entirely convinced that the nurse screwed up Elise’s length and weight by 1.5 inches and 2 pounds! Gah!

I am reading…
Nothing. I want to get some spiritual reading started, either continue on with The World’s First Love by Fulton Sheen or something else.

I am hoping…
That Elise really does weigh two pounds more than what the nurse weighed her at! :X

I am hearing…
The dryer drying stuff. Mainly some of our bed covers that migrated off the bed and on to the floor.

Around the house…
Greg’s parents have reorganized the living room to make room for the Christmas tree and Nativity. Our apartment has a little Nativity, but since we’ll be doing the majority of the celebrating upstairs, it’s all good. Hopefully by this time next year we’ll be in our own house.

One of my favorite things…
Coffee. I probably mentioned this before, but I’m really enjoying decaf coffee right now. Or any hot liquid, for that matter. But mainly coffee.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Greg, Elise, and I are going to the family Christmas Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve. We’re also going to go with the rest of his family to Mass on Christmas Day. I’m really excited because last year we went to Midnight Mass, which was incredible. However, I don’t think Elise would appreciate a Midnight Mass as much as we would. So, I get to experience a non-Midnight Christmas Mass at the Cathedral.

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

Elise being anointed at her Baptism. Hurrah!
—-
Check out more Daybooks at Peggy’s blog!

FOR TODAY Monday, December 15th, 2008…

Outside my window…
It’s -10*F/-23.5*C. The white snow meets the white sky, and visibility is not that great. There’s only a 20% chance of snow today.

I am thinking…
how nice it is to have things cleaned. Greg and I did some major deep cleaning yesterday, and it didn’t take all that long.

I am thankful for…
Getting the wood stove door unjammed. The lever likes to get stuck from time to time, and this morning it was stuck. Greg was already at work, and I didn’t really want the fire to die. Right before it went out, I got it unjammed and could tend to it better. I put in some more wood and it just ignited, and is nice and blazing again. Deo gratias!

Greg calls me his pioneer woman, tending the fire.

From the kitchen…
Split pea and ham soup. Perfect for this freezing weather.

I am wearing…
Denim skirt, grey shirt, blue kerchief.

I am creating…
a warm environment for Elise.

I am going…
nuts. After being in a minor house fire growing up, I hate hate hate working with fire any bigger than a candle. Therefore, you can imagine my paranoia of having to be responsible for a wood stove without Greg or his parents around. :\ IS that normal? Is this? I know I’ll be fine because I can tend a fire, but … yeah, sometimes the fear gets a little much. We do have a fire alarm, extinguisher, and carbon monoxide detector, so we’re prepared for almost anything.

I am reading…
a couple etiquette books. They’re so fascinating!

I am hoping…
Elise stays down for a good nap today. She’s been sleeping in our bed at night because it gets too warm where her crib is. I would think it’s warmer between us, but it’s not. However, she can always benefit from some more sleep (we’re starting to go into the 4 month growth spurt).

I am hearing…
The fire cracking. It’s so warm. Also a show on Shiloh Pepin, the “Mermaid Girl”. It’s very inspirational.

Around the house…
I need to make the bed, do a load of laundry, and some dishes. As well as eat. Can you tell the stuck door of the stove has consumed my morning?

One of my favorite things…
When Elise snuggles up to me at night. It’s very cute, even though her hair is about the most tickliest item the Good Lord has created.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Grocery store on Wednesday, when it warms up to 11*F. I hope it warms up for Elise’s Baptism on Sunday!

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

Frost on the inside of the house. The hole is for an air-conditioner vent in our kitchen. In Normal Winters, we can block it off with a towel without having too many problems. Not this time around though!

—-
Check out more Daybooks at Peggy’s blog!

FOR TODAY Monday, December 8th, 2008 – the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin…

Outside my window…
It’s a “typical” winter day – slightly grey, but with some sunlight. Snow everywhere, but not enough to make driving an issue (that was last week, hee hee).

I am thinking…
that Elise must be in for some sort of developmental milestone or growth spurt. Her days have changed from sleep-eat-play to sleep-eat-sleep-eat. So far she’s slept fRomans 9:30p-3:30a, 4a-6a, 6:30a-9:30a, 10a-11a, 11:10-noon.

I am thankful for…
being able to breastfeed Elise. There isn’t a lot of support that I have, apart from Greg and his mom (who also breastfed Greg and his siblings). Elise has been “nursing down” at night, and I’m grateful to be able to provide her with that comfort. Not to mention she’s growing so beautifully and she’s had nothing but Mama’s milk her entire life.

From the kitchen…
Scalloped chicken drumsticks. It’s from the Crock-pot recipe book, and consists of scalloped potatoes, peas, and drumsticks. Hopefully it turns out well!

I am wearing…
Tan skirt, black tank, blue shirt, blue kerchief in honor of the Immaculate Conception. (Mind you, it was at the Immaculate Conception Mass in 2006 that things “clicked” and I just knew that Greg was The One. ♥)

I am creating…
a home notebook. Well, discussing making one with Greg to see if it would benefit us.

I am going…
Nowhere fast. I was thinking about going to the library but probably won’t go, as it’s only 32*F and I’d rather not have to take Elise out somewhere unless I needed to.

I am reading…
About to finish the same book I was reading last week – A Return to Modesty – Discovering the Lost Virtue by Wendy Shalit. It is really darn good! It’s written in the same style of some of the Anthropology books I read in college. Some people have said that Wendy’s writing gets better as she gets older. I’m hoping our library will carry more of her books.

I am hoping…
Elise gets her rolling down! She is so close – all she needs is that last “oomph!” to get over. She gets really frustrated though, so we usually abandon it quickly and play with toys instead.

I am hearing…
Elise’s sleep sheep. She’s napping, even though she only was up for two hours.

Around the house…
Greg and I put together his crib from when he and his siblings were babies. We checked with the manufacturer and it hasn’t been recalled, and it meets all the current day safety standards. FINALLY Elise doesn’t have to sleep in the pack ‘n’ play anymore! We did have to do some more rearranging – our apartment has a kitchen, bathroom/laundry room, living room, and bedroom. It’s a tight squeeze but it’s nice to have everyone cozy and close at hand. We put up the mobile I had from when I was a baby – my older siblings loved it, as did I, and so does Elise. Once she’s able to pull herself up, the mobile will go. But it’s fun to have heirlooms to pass on to Elise and her siblings.

One of my favorite things…
Elise is really learning the fine art of thumb sucking. She is continuing to reject her sucky (aka dummy, pacifier), and wants either her thumb or to nurse down for naps and bedtime.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Nothing really too much. Greg’s brother (Elise’s Godfather) is coming home from college next Saturday. It’d be nice to do a deep cleaning around here – not like Godfather will spend too much time in our apartment, but you know how it goes. Elise’s Baptism is on the 22nd (if anyone is in the area and wants to come, leave a comment). It’s iffy if my parents will come (::sigh::), but my aunt and uncle will be coming, and my cousin who photographed our wedding will take pictures of the Baptism.

I also need to turn in some paperwork. Blargh, paperwork.

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

Elise test-driving her new sleeping arrangements. Flannel sheets are deliciously warm, she’s decided. Maybe that’s why she’s become super sleeper again.

—-
Check out more Daybooks at Peggy’s blog!

FOR TODAY Monday, November 24th, 2008…

Outside my window…
It’s pitch black out and 36*F. I’m hoping it snows here sooner or later, but am not really counting on it.

I am thinking…
how ridiculously tired I am. The days of Elise’s mega-naps have been replaced by half-hour snoozes. :/

I am thankful for…
Greg’s hand is beginning to feel better. Hurrah! Hopefully it keeps up and he won’t need to go to a dermatologist. But if he does, he does.

From the kitchen…
Chocolate chip cookies with wheat germ in them. So, so good. :-9 I can’t remember why we put the wheat germ in them, but it’s good for us so it works out in the end.

I am wearing…
Tan skirt, black tank, blue shirt, blue kerchief

I am creating…
a mess? Naw, nothing right now.

I am going…
to the store tonight with Greg. I can’t remember why, although I know I’m almost out of tea. But there was a major reason for going, which is escaping my mind right now. I hope Greg remembers. :/

I am reading…
The World’s First Love by Archbishop Fulton Sheen. I finished Mother Angelica’s book (Private and Pithy Lessons from the Scriptures), which is really good, as usual.

I am hoping…
Elise’s happy spitting begins to cease. It’s quite the laundry problem. I’m not anticipating it to go away anytime soon, and it’s kind of cute. Especially since after she’s done, she gets this huge grin on her face and starts cooing. I’m sure when she figures out laughing, she’ll just bust up after spitting up.

I am hearing…
Greg singing in the kitchen, the washer doing a load of Elise’s dipes.

Around the house…
I still need to finish making the bed. And do some dishes.

One of my favorite things…
Elise’s chipmunk cheeks. It’s hard to believe, but they’re actually starting to get bigger as she gets a little more fluff on her. I’m hoping she gets some cute fat rolls, but if not the cheeks will suffice.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Nothing, really. Unless you count the weekly trip to the grocery store on Friday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

From a trip to the Diocesean college this past summer.

—-
Check out more Daybooks at Peggy’s blog!

FOR TODAY Tuesday, November 11th (one day late, oops)…
Outside my window…
The sun is peeking out behind clouds. The flowers in the flower bed hang their heads as they wait for the snow to fly. A house sits in piles of debris across the street – Greg and his Dad have been tearing down the house on that lot for us to build our own home.
I am thinking…
“why do I have a lot of pain in my sternum?” It started hurting when I was helping Greg give Elise a bath. :/
I am thankful for…
A lot of things – servicemen and women (past, present and future) who ensure that we still have our freedoms (especially thankful for Greg’s Dad, my Dad, and my brother in law for their service). That Elise did not get the raging flu death that Greg had come down with over the weekend. That Greg is over the raging flu death, for the most part. The generosity of Greg’s parents. Elise. Greg.
From the kitchen…
Well, I’ve only made tacos recently. Greg being sick resulted in him eating toast, Gatorade, and 7up. Now that he’s feeling better, I can get back to making stuff like chicken tortilla casserole and meatball stew.
I am wearing…
blue skirt, black tank, green button-up shirt, my glasses (the ol’ eyes have finally gone back to their pre-pregnancy state), blue bandana
I am creating…
Some semblance of a prayer routine with Greg. We pray Night Prayer together, as well as a Rosary before we fall asleep. We hope to expand to include Evening Prayer as well.
I am going…
out to eat with Greg and his parents to thank his Dad for his service to our country.
I am reading..
Far too many things, but most recently Wisdom from the Tradition: A Statement of North American Benedictine Women in Response to Our Times, sent to me by Fr. H (the Benedictine Oblate director) at the Monastery. This book is what is being discussed at the Oblate Meetings. As I can’t make them, I can read and discuss from a distance.
I am hoping…
that I do not see a spider the size of a small elephant like last night again! YUCK!
I am hearing…
Jars of Clay – Flood. Greg surprised me by bringing part of my CD collection out of storage for me. He rocks. Greg is also singing a song to Elise.
Around the house…
the laundry is begging to be folded. Big, fluffy towels that are perfect for wrapping up in after showering.
One of my favorite things…
Elise’s hair. It refuses to lay down, and is beginning to curl. :>
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Clean and vacuum the living room. Pay bills. Do some more tummy time with Elise – she’s pretty stubborn with it, though; preferring to lay down and drool or cry. She often gives me a look like “What? What do you want me to do?”
Here is picture thought I am sharing…

The Crucifix that hangs above our home shrine.

~~~
View more Daybooks here!!