Business or Pleasure?

Apparently both.

My dearest husband left yesterday morning to catch a week of Florida sunshine with his BFF Richard. This was the cause of much excitement, and anticipation, as Jared needed a vacation reeeally bad. He deserves a week of carefree relaxation.

They are staying with Rich's dad. When we talked on the phone last night, and he was recounting his first day of glorious vacation, I almost puked when he told me that he and Rich spent most of the afternoon fixing some one's boat engine. Today, they went back to do more work on the boat. They were also asked to fix some one's car.

I'm sorry but, WHAT THE HELL?? Give Jared and Rich a freaking break for just 5 days!! They have been fixing things for people non-stop for weeks, which is the whole reason Jared needed a vacation in the first place.

Much Needed Girl Time

Game on!

Playing silly games

Janna won!

Lioness and her cub

I love all these girlies!

Friends for almost 13 years!?

Best friends since 1910(jab, why are you like a foot taller than me!?)

Mother's Day

I woke up at 4am this morning to Sophia whimpering in her crib. When I went back to check on her I found a beautiful orchid with a big banner that said

"Happy Mama's Day! I was trying to get your attention so you'd come back to my room! I picked this out for you, Dada helped a little. Thank you for taking such good care of me. You are the best mama ever! Love, Sophia"

Isn't she sweet? My first Mother's Day was wonderful!

A Day to Remember

I woke up this morning feeling happy and refreshed after an amazing date day yesterday with my dearest hub. We started the day by meeting our newest miracle, Poppy, along with both of our parents, my sister, and the proud big sister, Sophia, who was the only one allowed to look when the sonographer viewed Poppy's nether-regions. But I'm sorry, she's not telling. She is very good at keeping secrets.

After the ultrasound, Anna babysat Sophia while we enjoyed an amazing breakfast at IHOP (one of our favorites)!! With bellies full, we made a quick stop at McD's for our favorite caramel iced coffee drink to share, then to Victoria's Secret to pick out a new strapless bra to replace the one I've worn since I was 18. Jared was quite the man walking around in VS by himself with my purse slung over his shoulder, while I was in the dressing room. I like him;)

We returned home to Sophia, and the three of us spent the afternoon playing outside. For dinner, we had grilled steaks, corn-on-the-cob, and coleslaw. (YUMMYYYY.) After dinner, we went on a nice long walk in the warm evening. We closed the day by watching Top Chef together (one of my favorites).

It was an amazing day that was much needed. We have been so busy lately that we hardly have time to say hello to each other. I love my husband so much, and love spending as much time with him as I can!

Five Minutes

My mom read a story to us when we were little called "Five Minutes Peace" about a mama elephant and her quest to find five minutes of peace from her three rambunctious children. She seeks out a quiet place to sit by herself for a few moments, but every room she enters, she is awaited by a new interruption. Finally she escapes to the bathroom with her cup of now-cold tea, and enjoys a few moments before re-entering the chaos that is her life.

This book has recently taken on new meaning for me.

Not that I have the craziness of a 3-child household, but sometimes I do feel like I can't escape from the constant demands of a stay-at-home-mom's life. Every room I enter holds another chore I have neglected. There are always dishes in the sink, laundry waiting to be folded, clothes strewn on the floor, toys scattered everywhere, and let's not even get started on the dust covering every surface. Of course, Sophia demands most of my attention (which is the best part of my day, don't get me wrong). I just feel like when Sophia is in the care of another, I should be working on the lists of neglected household tasks.

That's when I think about this book. Mama elephant's house was a disaster, but she knew the importance of taking five minutes to herself.

So when Gary comes down and wants to rock Sophia to sleep upstairs, I'm going to kick my feet up and enjoy the quiet pitter patter of the rain on the window and relax for a minute.

Ahhhh.

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.