Bumpadoo

Our dear Bumper died on Tuesday morning. He was Jared's family dog for almost 18 years, and was very loved. Jan picked him out when he was a puppy. There were several other puppies to choose from, but when she held Bumper, he started playing with the button on her coat, and she was smitten. He was such a good dog, and we all miss him so much. When Jared and I got married, he became our family dog, and has lived with us for the past 3 1/2 years. He slept in bed with us until last year, when it was just too hard for him to get on the bed anymore.

He loved playing with our two cats, and they often all snuggled up together to nap.

He was part of the family. He just fits right in.

We buried him on Tuesday afternoon next to our precious Snickers (our kitty who died 2 years ago.)

Sciatica

How can I be 24 years old and suffering from back pain and sciatica?! What happened to the hip, healthy, active young mom I dreamed of being?

Reminds me of a particularly cranky old woman I know, hobbling around clutching her back, grumbling, "Oh, my sciatica."

Difference between the two of us? She is more than three times my age.

Pathetic.

Daddy Magic

Last night, Jared and I went on a much needed date. Sophia had her own date with Papa. Thing is, we forgot to tell him that she does not get a nap after dinner.


When it came time to put her down for the night, she was not cooperating. I rocked her, sang to her, nursing her, rocked and sang some more. Finally, she drifted off. Then, immediately woke up and was wide awake. This happened three times over the course of 45 minutes and 8 nursings (ugh). Finally I came out of the room crying and let her play on the floor for awhile. Then Nathan walked out of his room and saw my frustration. He said, "She's probably not sleepy. Did Dad tell you that she had a nap about an hour-and-a-half ago?"


Ahhhh. That would have been nice to know.


About 1.5 hours later (yes, she was THAT awake), I went in to try the whole routine again. This time it took about 30 minutes to get her to sleep once. After she finally drifted off, I waited a few minutes, then gently eased her into her crib. The eyes flew open. I knew they wouldn't close again. I stormed out of the room with hot tears burning my face again and plopped her in Jared's lap. He told me to go sit down and enjoy a frozen Snickers bar (my favorite treat right now). He sat at his computer, bouncing her on his knee. After about 15 minutes, he whispered, "Honey, she is asleep whenever you want to put her down. She fell asleep sitting on my knee."


WHAT??


Sometimes girls just need their daddies.

Didn't Your Mother Teach You ANY Manners??

This morning I went to the post office to mail two medium size boxes. I got out of the car, and stopped to try to figure out how I should juggle the two boxes, Sophia, and the two letters I had to mail. After assessing the situation, I stuck the letters in my jacket pocket, grabbed the carseat with Sophia is tow (heavy!), and then somehow managed to balance one box on the other and teetered up the sidewalk, while a man of about 65 watched in amusement.

As I approached the door, a new challange arose. How would I open it? Aha! Just my luck! A man of about 45 was just exiting the building, and since it was quite obvious I was struggling, I was sure he would hold the door for me. No such luck. He looked at me as I stumbled by and went on his merry way. I pushed my way into the building, slightly annoyed at the lack of courtesy. I quickly walked to the mail-it-yourself machine since the line was a mile long, set Sophia down, and dropped the packages. As soon as I did so, I reached for my wallet. No wallet. SHOOOOOOOT! It was out in the car still. I scanned my options, or lack thereof: I can't leave Sophia in here while I go grab it. I can't leave the packages either, people will think it's a bomb. Crap.

Somehow I managed my balancing act once again, retreived the wallet and stormed up the sidewalk, agitated. Here, the story repeats itself. This time, a man of about 40 was walking one step in front of me as I struggled and stumbled, and he let the doors close in my face. Sweet.

I stormed full speed ahead at the package machine, and noticed a moment later with a slight bit of satisfaction that the inconsiderate man was standing behind me in line to use the machine.

I took my sweet old time.

Lost it

My mind went on vacation today.

I decided this morning that it was a perfect day for Sophia and me to go visit Jared at work. Sophia's first field trip! We got ready, and headed out the door at 9:30. The plan was to surprise Jared with one of those fancy new gourmet coffees from McDonald's and some sandwhiches. I got about five minutes down the road, when I realized I didn't have the stroller. I was not going to carry Miss Sophie all day! She is getting heavy! I turned around and got the stroller. By 9:55, we were back on the road again. When I looked at the clock I thought, Perfect! McD's stops serving breakfast at 10am. I want a double cheeseburger, not a breakfast sandwhich.

I entered the freeway, and quickly weighed out my options. 494? Or 35E to 7th St? I will go 494, the traffic shouldn't be bad this time of day.

About twenty minutes later, it hit me that McDonald's is on 7th St. I had no clue if or where there is a McD's on 494. Arg. I scanned to my left and right for the remainder of the trip, but did not spot a McDonald's anywhere. Grrr.

As I approached the airport, I tried to remember which exit Jared told me to take. He said to take the Humphrey Terminal exit. Got it. As the green road signs flew overhead, I read them carefully. I came upon one that was right in front of the airport that read "34 Ave Terminals." Well, that can't be it. It says nothing about Humph.... Oh. There is the Humphrey sign, halfway down the exit. So I got off on the next exit, got stuck on a one way street for awhile, finally got turned around and made it safely to the airport at 10:35, without any coffee or sandwhiches.

Whew.

This is What Easter is All About

This is my favorite song. I love the clear cut picture of Christ's death and resurrection it portrays. As we sang this in church yesterday, my heart swelled with sorrow replaced by overflowing joy. I can rely on my Jesus throughout every part of life. His love for me is so great that He died for me, and furthermore, that He rose again for me. Christ is alive. Happy Easter. Thank you Jesus.


In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.


In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.


There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.


No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

An Introvert's Nightmare

1. Talking on the phone (Anything important can be said in an email or text message.)

2. Being rushed into a decision (See #1. When asked a question on the phone, there is no time to stop and think. It is against social norms. Emails and texts allow plenty of time to think things through.)

3. Small talk ("Soooo, how's the weather?")

4. A roomful of strangers (I don't know you. I don't care to get to know you. I have my two friends. That's enough.)

5. Needing to entertain people ("So, what do you want to do?")

6. Dance clubs (See #4. Dancing? In front of strangers? Constantly rejecting offers to dance WITH A STRANGER? Now why would that be a nightmare?)

What are some of your nightmares?

Meals for Erin and Richard

I am scheduling meals for Erin and Richard for their first few weeks at home. If anyone would like to bring them a meal, please email me with your name and phone number. I will call you to put you on the schedule. (nae_norky@hotmail.com)


Please do not feel any pressure to participate. I just wanted to give anyone else an opportunity to bring them a meal. Thanks!!

Welcome Shirley Jean!

Shirley Jean Desvousges
was born to Richard and Erin this morning after 26 long hours of labor!!

March 18th, 2008

10:28 am

8lbs.

21 inches

We went to meet Shirley this morning, when she was only one hour old. She is beautiful!!! She has a good tuft of red hair. Erin called her a little "strawberry." It was the perfect name. She is adorable. Erin is looking amazing, but obviously feeling exhausted. She said Shirley did a great job breastfeeding on her first try! What a little miracle. We are SO happy for you Erin and Richard. We love you Shirley Jean. We can't wait for all the crazy sleepovers and tea parties you and Sophia will share. God bless your new family.

My Husband, My Hero

Let's talk about Jared for a minute. He is amazing. I was having a total pregnancy meltdown this afternoon and texted him to share my distress. Here was the conversation...

N: "I am beside myself. I am so hungry and everything is making me gag. This is so much harder this time."
J: "Ok. We are going shopping and getting you 20 things that sound good. We will walk around the store 'til we find them."
N: "Thank you Jared. You are the best. There are tears running down my face right now."
J: "Cause I love you!"

After he got home from work, he brought me to the grocery store and we spent 45 minutes walking up and down every single aisle, picking out things that sound good to me. When we got home, and put everything away, he asked what I wanted for dinner. I could hardly decide cuz there was so many wonderful choices, and none of them made me want to gag!!
I turned to Jared and said, "Earlier today, I would open the fridge, look at the choices, gag, then cry. Now, I open the fridge, look at the choices, salivate, then cry (in sheer delight!). THANK YOU!"

Diseased

I have bacterial conjunctivitis and I am extremely contageous. Don't come near me or I'll share my disease. Watch out.

Headache

After making it through 19 hours of labor with absolutely no pain medications, it really makes me rethink taking that Tylenol for my headache.

Movin' Day

We rented a U-Haul and emptied the house yesterday. We had lots of help! Thank you so much Kruegers, Jason, Nathan, and Gary!! The extra hands were such a blessing, especially since I was not allowed to move anything heavy. Everyone worked so hard. Sophia got to spend the day with Grandma and Anna.

Aside from a few things left in the garage, everything is moved out. Now we will spend the next few weeks puttying holes, painting walls, and deep cleaning. Then we will be ready for renters!

After a long day of hauling all our junkandstuff, we were all exhausted. Even Sophia.

It's a Girl!

Eva (Ā-va) Rose Borggren

was born at 4:29am, on March 3rd, 2008!

7lbs. 15oz

21" long

Mom and baby are doing great! Cara went in to the hospital yesterday evening to get induced and then go home. By 12:30am, she was on her way back to the hospital. She said she went from 6cm-10cm in 5 minutes and then gave one big push and Eva entered the world! Her doctor didn't even make it in time. Talk about making it look easy Cara! I want to cry because life is just so not fair. We love you so much, and already love little Eva. She is beautiful! Emma will make a great big sister.

Welcome Eva Rose!

The Perfect Date

• 14 mini cream puffs
• 1 giant molasses clove cookie
• 1 Reeses BIG cup
• 2 large McDonald's french fries
• 1 liter of 7-Up for me
• 2 liter of Coke for Jared
• Romantic comedy movie
• AND... baby asleep in crib

Perfect.

Twins of a Different Kind

Have you ever thought about your twin family? Somewhere out there is that other family with exactly the same names. Come on, some where in this wide world there has to be another couple named Jared and Naomi, and they have a daughter named Sophia. This is a big world. I wonder where they live? What they are like? If they truly exist. Are they African? European? Australian? Or do they live two blocks over? I don't have much hope of ever meeting our twin family. Twin famlies are really good at hiding.

Now, of course, I am talking about something completely different than name twins. Name twins are much easier to find. In fact, when we lived in Richfield several years ago, my dad found his name twin. He only lived 4 blocks away, and they kept getting eachothers mail! Small world? Well in the area of name twins, yes.

Have you ever found your name twin? Or even more impressively, your twin family?

I'm Tired

I am tired.

Sophia, Poppy and I are all contributing to my fatigue.

Sophia= Sicky bear. She has been having a rough couple of days (and nights), and has been my Little Miss Crankypuss. She frequently awakens at night. Yesterday, she was fighting off her cold big time and ended up sleeping ALL DAY, and so last night was playtime. :(

Poppy= Need I even explain how Poppy is contributing? I am growing a human. Enough said.

Me= We are moving. In two days. I have been staying up all night with Sophia. Packing. Organizing. Labeling. Cooking. Cleaning. Blogging. It takes a lot out of ya.

I am very excited to move, and be done with it. I look forward to being settled in at Gary's for the year, and not having to think about packing anymore! I hate moving. It is a lot of work. Especially while also caring for a 4 month old, and brewin' another. So, yes, I am tired. Caffeine would be my best friend, but not Poppy's, and my devotion lies with me kids.

Okay. I am done whining.

Thankfully, Cara and Josh are stocking us up on boxes, and Mom and Dad are coming to help us pack this weekend. Yipee! Thank goodness for friends and family!

Our Family Valentines

Daddy knows how to treat his girls on Valentines Day!

He surprised both his girls with beautiful flowers (see Sophia's? She is holding hers so nice!)

Sophia is showing me her pretty flower from daddy.

Sophia is such a big girl and holding her pretty flower so nice. She said is smells really yummy too, but does not taste very good.

Sophia wanted her flower tucked into her long, flowing locks. Then she wanted to help me display my flowers for Daddy! Such a little woman already;)

Poppy

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Lexus Shmexus PART II

When we bought the car, we were getting 21 mpg (according to the digital display in our luxury vehicle). Over the past 9 months, that number has slowly been declining. It is now at 17.6 mpg. Jared has also been noticing a rather disturbing increase in oil consumption. So we brought it in to have it diagnosed. They gave her an oil change, and filled 'er up, then told us to come back in 1,000 miles to see how much oil we had lost. When we came back, the oil wasn't even registering on the dipstick anymore (their oil changes are guaranteed for 5,000 miles)! They dug around in the engine and came back to us with the report that we should replace the short block (the heart of the engine) and that it would only cost us $9,500 (about how much we still owe on it)!!!

Now, hold up. This is a frickin' LEXUS that has 73,000 miles, and an impecable service history? You're serious? There is NO WAY the engine should be bad. We are not paying for that. You should, Lexus. You stand behind your name? Stand behind it now and deal with this. Their only suggestion was to call corporate Lexus and see what they would do for us. That call began the biggest game of pingpong (us being the ball) I have ever played. Jared called one guy and they would tell him he had to call this girl. He would call that girl, and she said it wasn't her decision and he should call this guy. Back and forth, on and on for three weeks now. Finally last week, Jared gathered names and phone numbers of managers and manager's managers. He made at least a dozen phone calls. Nothing. So we stopped by Lexus to confront them face to face. Once again, they told him it was not their decision. He did, however, finally find out whose decision it was, and called her. After three calls, and an email from the Maplewood service manager, this lady finally called Jared back and said they were reviewing the case and she would DEFINATELY call in two days. That was over a week ago. She has promised to call three times now, and has never yet called.

Somehow this blows just about everything Wikipedia said in the description of Lexus.
Reliablilty? What's that?
Dependability? I don't think so!
Customer service? YEAH RIGHT.