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We're slowly figuring out the new routine in ...
May 31, 2003 by Adam in Family
 We're slowly figuring out the new routine in the Miller-Mellor household. I had minimal Emma duty this morning, who was again pretty good last night. That girl just wants to eat and sleep and that's about it.
We went to see the pediatrician this morning. Other than a touch of jaundice, she's doing great. Judy left this afternoon as well, so we're on our own again. I have another week off of work, so Jamie won't have to deal with both kids for awhile.
In general, though, we tried to keep today fairly quiet. Sadie and Anna came by to visit, which was nice. We kept trying to get Emma to open her eyes, but she was content to sleep away. Tonight is Jenny's belated birthday, which I'm heading over to shortly.
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Emma showed up so quickly after I got back fr...
May 30, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Emma showed up so quickly after I got back from Chicago that I didn't have time to say what a nice panahida service there was. However, the trip started out with really bad news. Baba has been living in a efficient, very pleasant apartment complex which has a section specifically for seniors; not assisted living, but with a lot of amenities useful to seniors. However, she fell on Friday and broke her hip. They couldn't do surgery on Saturday because of her heart problems, but did on Sunday, very sucessfully.
What this means, though, is that she can't live by herself any more. She was moved to a Rehab home late last week.
Anna and Sadie picked me up at O'Hare, and with nary a hitch got me to the motel. Betsy and the boys got in Friday night and Meg, Dick and Dad flew in early Saturday morning. St. Michael's really looked lovely; their iconastasis is particularly nice, and Anita had got flowers which brought out the background colors of the icons. She and John had a buffet at the house after the service, and it was so good to see family members and their friends.
The girls left on Sunday morning, and Betsy, the boys, and I went to the Field Museum on Sunday. I stayed on until Monday. The whole weekend was cheering, and I really appreciated the effort Anita and John made.
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Sadie and Anna rolled in at about 7, having s...
May 30, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Sadie and Anna rolled in at about 7, having started in Montana yesterday. The plan is for a belated birthday soiree for Jenny tonight. We'll get Jenny to make her World Famous Tossed Salad and the girls will make lasagna. I always feel better when I know that all my kids are safe and sound.
We want more baby pictures.
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Hey Betsy! Tell Will he really does have a f...
May 30, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
Hey Betsy! Tell Will he really does have a find in that pick! Matchbox20 is a great band, and I know Robbie will be drooling with envy!
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Congratulations on the new baby!! Life is wo...
May 30, 2003 by Betsy in Betsy
Congratulations on the new baby!! Life is wonderful. We got back from Chicago safe and sound around 3 a.m. on Monday. The kids and I just took it easy and napped and cleaned up on Monday.
A funny thing happened on the way home. We were about 50 miles shy of the farm and although I had enough gas, Will had awakened and wanted to get some cocoa. We stopped at a Travel America and filled up and went in for coffee and cocoa. We were standing in line at 2 a.m. and a fella taps Will on the shoulder and asks if he likes music. Will enthusiastically responded that he loved rock and roll and the guy said, "Well heres my guitar pick, I played a gig in Columbus tonight, I'm with the group Matchbox 20." Will thought that was great and later I told him he had met a real live rock star! Ships in the night.
Warm blankets of hugs to all. Bets and the boys
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Fish is the answer
May 29, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Fish is the answer. Adam, didn't you see the article in the RG saying that in studies new moms who ate fish had fewer problems with depression?
Expecting Sadie and Anna tonight, I think.
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Emma's crashed out in her front carrier, happ...
May 29, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Emma's crashed out in her front carrier, happy to be squished and held close. For most of the day she's been eating and sleeping, which is pretty typical of babies so young. This morning, though, Sam and I played with Emma for a good while, amused by her antics.
Of course, last night she was up quite a bit. Judy took most of the brunt of it, getting Emma to sleep again. Other than that, we couldn't have wished for a more content kid.
Sam went off to the farm as part of a preschool field trip. Jamie's been missing him in a funny way, mourning the loss of Sam's "baby in the family" status. He's still doing pretty well with Emma, reasonably gentle and trying to find out the new lay of the land.
Jamie's doing well, physically and emotionally. She's much more mobile this time around, one of the advantages of a quick birth. She also seems amazingly happy, probably because the birth went so well. She also likes having helpful people around, such as her mom and I. It almost makes this a pleasant vacation for her.
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We've brought Emma home, who is happily sleep...
May 28, 2003 by Adam in Family
 We've brought Emma home, who is happily sleeping away. Jamie and I are starting to think that she might be one of those mythical "good babies" that we've heard about but never seen. She does cry, but only when there's a reason for it. She's been eating really well, sleeps nicely, and seems to have a good demeanor.
Jamie's doing quite well, happy with her newfound mobility. Though she's a bit sore, it's not nearly as bad as with Sam. The plan is to take it easy and start figuring out the new routine for our household. I'll probably take Sam hiking this afternoon and give Judy a rest break.
Sam is surprisingly excited to have Emma around. He's been sitting and playing with her since she arrived. It's a good sign of things to come.
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I had the great joy of watching Emma be born ...
May 28, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
I had the great joy of watching Emma be born yesterday! Jamie and Adam looked like old pros, and Sam was the perfect big brother.
I had a call from Sadie this morning. She and Anna were about 2 hours east of Billings, MT. They expect to be home Thursday night.
Thinking about trying to put together a late birthday party for Jenny this weekend. Let me know what everyone's up to.
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Emma was born today
May 28, 2003 by Adam in Emma
 Emma was born today. It was a surprisingly easy labor, just a few pushes and she was out into the wide world. Jamie was pleasantly surprised at how easy it seemed. Emma has been fairly calm throughout the experience, crying a bit, but settling down quickly. She seems bigger and stronger than I expected, with a good grasp on my fingers. She's also seemed very aware of the world around her.
Sam was mesmerized by Emma as soon as he saw her. I was holding her and he zipped over to take a look. "She wasn't what I expected," he told me. He spent a long while just touching her skin and really liked holding her. All good signs. On the way back home, he told Judy, "I really like that baby."
Jamie's spending the night in the hospital, taking it easy with Emma. I went home to get some sleep and give Judy a Sam watching break. Sam was wound up, but settled down fairly quickly. We'll head over in the morning once everyone gets up. I have a suspicion that Jamie will want to go home tomorrow as she seems to be doing so well.
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Oooo, this baby is cute! Seraph and I went to...
May 27, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Oooo, this baby is cute! Seraph and I went to the hospital about 11 am with our waiting around reading material. Emma had a far different time schedule in mind. At about 11:45 the doc arrived, poked at Jamie a time or two, and announced that it was time for Jamie to have the baby. About three or four hearty pushes later, and Emma emerged into the world. She is definitely a mellow kid. Judy and Sam arrived about a half an hour later, and Sam sat around
holding Emma, totally entranced. Lohring and Yayoe came in
a little later, and general cheer reigned. Sweet baby!
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Emma was born this morning at 11:55 am, 8 pou...
May 27, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Emma was born this morning at 11:55 am, 8 pounds, 1 ounce. It was over very fast and mom and daughter are doing great.
Last night was a little rough, as Sam has a cold and eye infection. We were both up early, getting our things together and heading in around 6:30 this morning. Pitosin was started and we settled down for a couple boring hours of occasional contractions. Towards the end they started being very painful, so we got the anesthesiologist in for some pain relief. That hit the spot and very quickly after that Jamie began to push.
It took only three major pushes and Emma emerged into the world. It was so short compared to Sam's birth that I think we were all amazed. Jamie is much less exhausted and Emma seems to be doing really well. She's been quite hungry, happily sucking away.
I'm probably going to take it easy for the rest of the day, keeping an eye on her. Sam is still with grandma Judy. I think that everyone will soon arrive to see the new addition to the family. We're all so happy.
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The word from the hospital is an ETA of noon
May 27, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
The word from the hospital is an ETA of noon. Adam just called from the hospital. I stopped at the hospital for a few minutes on my way to work and they were looking cheerful. Sadie just checked in from Bismark, North Dakota -
all's well with them. Breathe, everyone.
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We are about to enter a new phase of our family
May 27, 2003 by Jamie in Jamie
We are about to enter a new phase of our family. I am mourning the loss of the old and am anxious to experience the new. Sleep was difficult last night, not only because Sam was up again with pain in his eyes, but also Emma kicking and contractions as usual. Ironically enough, I'm considering this morning at the hospital with no kids as an actual "date" with my husband. We'll have plenty of time to talk that's for sure! Thanks to my mom for coming down to take care of Sam and cook our "final meal" last night. Hope for a quick and easy delivery.
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Today is our last day pre-baby
May 26, 2003 by Adam in Family
Today is our last day pre-baby. Jamie's mom is coming down this afternoon and I'm hoping to see the new Matrix movie with my dad. Poor Sam has a pretty bad cold and eye infection, so he was up quite a bit last night. Jamie was too, though in part because of Emma getting painfully active until early in the morning. I'm hoping we don't all end up with colds right as the baby is born, but we'll take it as it comes.
We tried hard to not be too exciting yesterday since Sam was feeling lousy. Jamie went to Victoria's birthday party while Sam and I went to the park. I think it was good to get out of the house, as Sam seemed much energized after climbing around on the "Cheese" structure for awhile. Jamie too had a good time talking to other adults, though admittedly they mostly wanted to talk about babies.
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Sam's spelling and reading has been improving...
May 25, 2003 by Adam in Sam
Sam's spelling and reading has been improving over the last month or so. The other day he asked me what H-I-S-A-M spells. I said "HIS-AM". He looked at me funny and said, "No, it spells HI SAM". Silly me.
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It's been an amazingly long time since I wrot...
May 25, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Projects
 It's been an amazingly long time since I wrote anything on this area of the site. Taking care of a four-year-old and pregnant wife seems to take over most of my time. These days, my projects are done by other people, which feels a bit sad.
I have been doing a little gardening now that spring has arrived. There's nothing quite like digging in dirt and ripping out weeds. Our roses in particular have gone crazy, blooming all over the place. It makes the front area very fragrant.
Our next major house project is putting in a rec room in the basement. Having a big play area for Sam and Emma for the dreary winter months sounds like an excellent idea. Typically Sam and I play in the laundry area, which is basically a wide hallway. Having something a bit bigger sounds like a good plan.
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It's been a pretty quiet Saturday, with no ba...
May 24, 2003 by Adam in Family
 It's been a pretty quiet Saturday, with no baby in sight. I woke up early as usual, puttered around in the basement, and waited for Jamie and Sam to wake up. After a hearty breakfast, I mowed the lawns, did some weeding, and played with Sam all morning.
Around lunch we headed off to Turtles, a local restaraunt, to visit with Brant and Wendy. I hadn't seen her since Christmas, so it was nice to visit again. It's cool to see her finally reach her dream of becoming a vet.
We're mostly just waiting for time to pass until that baby arrives. Sam's mom is coming down Monday afternoon, so Sam care is covered when Jamie is induced on Tuesday. All is good.
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Looks like we will see everyone in Chicago th...
May 23, 2003 by Betsy in Betsy
Looks like we will see everyone in Chicago this weekend. After great debate the kids and I decided to drive up on Friday afternoon with the usual crazy loose ends but we'll be there. It dawned on me that this will be the first time we've been together since Mom died. Yikes! no more funerals, lets get together and party! Everyone should choose a long weekend and fly into Columbus and come to the farm. There is really nothing to do there are far as sights and excitement, but it might be nice to sit on the porch and stare at the stars at night!
See you all soon. P.
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Yikes
May 22, 2003 by Yayoe in Yayoe
Yikes...we last posted almost 5 months ago. Where has the time gone? Since my last update WE turned 60!Amazing huh! Despite our identical age, I always say that Lohring is 5 years older. It makes his ears itch when I announce that and I get a lot of cruel mileage from it!! To celebrate our new decade we went wild and ordered the Senior Breakfast special at Friendly's restaurant in Northamptom. It felt wicked and refreshing to know that may have saved 89 cents on the bill. We seniors are grateful for every little discount and courtesy that we can garner! So be nice to us and remind us who is giving senior discounts so we can embarass you when we go out together.
We had a wonderful trip east...We first visited Dorothy and saw the beginnings of her new home at Westbury. She hopes to move into her 3 bedroom house in October. We'll fly back then and help her move. She looks wonderful and is keeping very busy working with the contractors and fitting her her busy social life.. She and her sister Caroline are looking forward to their next trip to Ireland on June 25th. Dorothy had a wonderful catered soiree for us while we were visiting. Her old friends (some she has known for over 60 years) were all there. They are such impressive role models for aging. Amara, Jed and Sachi were also there. Sachi is such a neat kid and he is reading!They looked wonderful too.
We then flew into Northampton and spent the weekend with Sadie, Anna, Sue and Searph, and Sadie's other friends and mentors. We attended several concerts and watched Anna play the violin. She's really good! The graduation was ceremony was impressive with Madeline Albright (former secretary of State) giving the Key note speech. It was the usual (yawn) "you go girl" kind of political speech that got heckled by picketers who were not sure she was the right speaker for Smith. Sadie was radiant and so lovely with her cap and gown. Megan made us a delicious pasta dinner and they also helped celebrate my 60th birthday complete with delicious fruit tarts. It was a wonderful weekend and a grand experience. I can see why Sadie was so happy being at Smith (except for the snow days!)
More good newz: Danica, Andy and Ben are coming here for a visit. They will be here about June 25th. So let's try to find a time where they can visit your homes and see all the new grandchildren! More details to follow.
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Work is winding down, which has been reasonab...
May 22, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Work is winding down, which has been reasonably quiet. Jamie stole me away while Sam was at school, taking me to the library to sip coffee and speak like normal adults. Sam's been a bit blabbery lately, going on about all sorts of things. Evidently he had an elaborate dream last night that involved creatures, big castles, his friend Vanessa, and Dick. I'm not even going to attempt to analyze the whole thing as I heard it in bits and pieces over the day (some when he called this morning and some from Jamie).
The weekend is right around the corner and the plan is to play it again by ear. No signs that labor is imminent, so we'll just continue on until Tuesday morning. If Monday rolls around, we'll start seriously planning for Tuesday, but it's always hard to tell how it goes. Going in at 6:30 AM on Tuesday sounds like good timing sleep-wise. Plus I think everyone will be in town, finished with boat races, and ready to have a baby.
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We've been basking away in the beautiful weather
May 22, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
We've been basking away in the beautiful weather. I'mm now waking up at 5:30 a.m. with no alam clock! I love the summer!
Our first minor remodel project for the summer will be starting soon. We are down-sizing to a European size refrigerator, and will be adding extra shelves and such to our kitchen. If I get really carried away I might even repaint. We'll see.
We're all on the edge of our seats every time the phone rings, waiting for Emma to arrive.
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I picked up Grand Theft Auto: Vice City the o...
May 22, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Games
I picked up Grand Theft Auto: Vice City the other day, which is fairly entertaining. The graphics are a bit dated, but it's fun enough to break out every once in awhile.
My true passion continues to be Neverwinter Nights. My current campaign is wrapping up, with a small army of testers trying to break it. I had hoped to finish it before Emma was born and I may just get my wish. Of course, I'm already planning my next module in my free time. I'm hoping to take my time with it, though.
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Work has quited down immensely, mostly becaus...
May 22, 2003 by Adam in Adam
Work has quited down immensely, mostly because I'm afraid to start anything when I could be called away at the drop of a hat. Poor Jamie is looking immensely pregnant these days, which I feel quite bad for. It makes the trade-off of a reduced lifespan in men not look so bad. I've been in a holding pattern waiting for Emma to arrive. Soon life will get exciting.
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Here's the plan for the weekend
May 22, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Here's the plan for the weekend. I fly to Chicago on Friday, where Sadie and Anna will pick me up. My dad, and Meg and Dick fly from Philly to Chicago early on Saturday, and fly back on Sunday. Sadie and Anna will continue on to the west coast and I'll fly back on Monday. Love, om
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Still no baby yet
May 21, 2003 by Adam in Family
Still no baby yet. We had a moment of excitement yesterday when Jamie announced that she was having somewhat painful contractions. I quickly leaped into "freakout husband mode", asking all sorts of questions and checking the Internet for frequencies and what it all means. By dinner time, however, things had quieted down. So, we're all in a holding pattern again.
Our lives have been kept deliberately low-key lately. Very little of excitement has been happening these last few days. I'll keep everyone posted, I'm sure.
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I pulled in about 1 last night
May 21, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
I pulled in about 1 last night. Talked to Sadie this morning. All's well with her, and to my delight, they are thinking about those mundane things like an oil change for the car. Who are the people reading this website? Seraph and I think there is an underground Baby Arrival Date pool.
Jamie, you can wait until Tuesday, when we are back from the Panahida for Dick. You can - you can. Either that or today or tomorrow.
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writing to you safe and sound from dearborn h...
May 21, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
 writing to you safe and sound from dearborn heights, mi, better known as anna's house. i'm about to have double fudge chocolate ice cream, so this must be short...
thank you. i love you. ah, this weekend was a little like heaven- funny and well worth the wait.
and emma- as the beastie boys would say, let it flow, let yourself go. slow and low, that is the tempo.
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It's Tuesday already, a very special day mark...
May 20, 2003 by Adam in Family
 It's Tuesday already, a very special day marking the series finale of Buffy tonight. I hope Jamie can hold out until at least 9 pm.
In all seriousness, nothing is imminent. We had our OB visit today and things are moving along nicely but it's really up to Emma at this point. We'll establish early if she's a stubborn little girl. Worse case scenario, we have an induction appointment for early Tuesday.
It feels good to have family back in town again. I'm sure you all had a wonderful time dilly-dallying out on the East coast, but now we've got a baby to birth so no more messing around. (BTW - happy graduation Sadie!)
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I made it home last night at midnight with th...
May 20, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
I made it home last night at midnight with the help of Dad and Yayoe who drove me back from the airport (Thank You!!).
We had a wonderful time in Northampton with gobs of people (from deans to houskeepers) lavishing praise on Sadie. We smiled a lot - as we already knew how amazing she is.
Mom summed up all of the events we rased through, but I also want to send huge hugs to Anna L. (we love you!), Anna M., Megan, Jennifer Walters and all of Sadie's other friends who happily entertained us for the weekend.
Isa and Robbie had a good weekend hanging out with Hanni and changing around furniture.
I'm not sure how Isabell learned to talk even better while I was gone, but this morning she clearly stated "I got this at the Barn." (her shirt -- at the Peterson Barn Baby Sale)
The real "Shock and Awe" - children.
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Monday morning, and I'm in the middle of dorm...
May 19, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
 Monday morning, and I'm in the middle of dorm move out chaos
here in Anna's room. There's a 12 noon deadline, and I can tell we aren't going to make it by then. But I digress...
I got in safe and sound on Thursday night, or actually Friday morning after a very uneventful trip. The only eventful part was that I was completely unable to get out of the office on time and I got to the airport at 2 for a 2:30 flight.
Friday was fun - Sadie went off to rehersal early in the morning and I slept until 11. Then she gathered up Megan and a friend and we went for lunch and then food shopping.
Megan rooms in a Co-op with a good kitchen, and she and her friend Erin cooked a wonderful Friday night meal for us- Lohring and Yayoe arrived at about 5:30 and Seraph shortly afterward.
Saturday was chock full of activities - Anna was part of two musical performances, so we got to hear her truly lovely
playing. There was a program in the morning, in sub zero weather, which handed out awards. Sadie got to be named to
an honorary psychology organization. The day ended with the "Illumination" event, with hundreds of lanterns with candles strung along the pathways.
Sunday, Commencement day, dawned warm and sunny. After a tasty brunch, we headed to commencement. Although there were
protests of Madeline Albright's speech, it was a lacklustre
speech and a pretty tame protest, at least by Eugene standards (ie. no dynamited vehicles, tree sitting protestors, etc).
So now it's Monday morning, and we got to go over and see the apartment Sadie will be sharing off campus - really charming, and met her room mate Lindsey, equally charming.
Because of my own stupid fault, I won't be leaving until tomorrow afternoon. See you soon..om
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Sunday afternoon has rolled around and still ...
May 18, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Sunday afternoon has rolled around and still no baby on the horizon. Doing the math, it looks like we have eight days left at the most. We're just all getting anxious for things to start moving along.
Saturday was pretty quiet. Josh came over and the three of us played, watched a long movie, and generally hung out through the rainstorms.
This morning, we piled in a car with Angie to go to Mt. Pisgah. There was a wildflower sale that the womenfolk went to, while Sam and I ran down the path by the river and watched the nutria play in the pond.
Once we got home, Sam and Jamie washed the car, while I mowed the lawn. We'll probably start up a movie soon. Unless that baby decides to arrive, it looks like another uneventful day.
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It's mocha Friday and still no baby yet
May 16, 2003 by Adam in Family
It's mocha Friday and still no baby yet. I think that most of my family has left town for Sadie's graduation. If Jamie goes into labor, it'll make life a little interesting. I suppose we can always give Sam a few Legos to play with and stick him in the corner.
It's strangely quiet here at work. People are trying to make last minute changes to things and I'm warning them that I could disppear at any minute. Always fun.
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E3 is going on at the moment, the biggest com...
May 15, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Games
E3 is going on at the moment, the biggest computer game expo around. They've started to show movies from games that will be released this year and I'm simply blown away. The graphics are slowly approaching realistic, from facial expressions to real-life physics. It's got me all excited, wanted to build a new computer system for this Fall. I already have it planned out, hoping to put the computer in the sauna (which we never use) and route all the cables for video, keyboard, and so on through the wall. That should keep things mighty quiet.
I'm also slowly finishing up the final module in my Neverwinter Nights campaign. It's huge and sprawling, with lots of work put into it over these last few months. Hopefully people get a kick out of it.
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Hi, I leave tomorrow at 2:30 p
May 15, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Hi, I leave tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. for the east coast. Talked to Sadie tonight. She is sounding good, said her grades were in her "target range" of 3.7, but then sniffed and reminded me that grade inflation helped her reach her goal.
Lots of sweet cards from friends. Very helpful...Love, om
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It's been a quiet week so far
May 14, 2003 by Adam in Family
It's been a quiet week so far. Jim and Judy have been down off and on, playing with Sam and watching Josh while Dave's away on a trip. Other than that, there hasn't been much excitement. Sam had a good time at the coast and returned quite bouncy.
Still no baby yet. Jamie's looking cute in her maternity clothes and her belly sticking way out.
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A lovely Mothers Day surrounded by kids and g...
May 13, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
 A lovely Mothers Day surrounded by kids and grandkids. Anita and John got us a "double 15 dominos" (Whoops, cursed by Dan Quale and potatoes) and we all played a version cobbled together from our childhood recollections. They went to Salem for the day to have lunch with a high school friend of Anita's.
Jamie had us over for tea yesterday, and Seraph and Robbie for dinner. Anita and John taught us how to play "Mexican Train", which should be a great game to play with Dez,and I
bet Sam will get it too. Isa just turned the dominoes into skateboard, and skated around the living room.
Think Baby Emma!
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Yet another OB visit for Jamie today, which c...
May 12, 2003 by Adam in Emma
Yet another OB visit for Jamie today, which could be her last. For some reason, I got mixed up and thought that Sam was born two weeks before his due date, but it turns out it was only one. I suppose that puts a revised due date for Emma around the 21st. Of course, who knows how these things really turn it. It could be any day.
Emma is squirming and kicking quite a bit these days. You can feel hands and feet trying to work their way out through Jamie's insides. Poor woman.
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I cringe when I realize how rarily I post the...
May 12, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
 I cringe when I realize how rarily I post these days. Dick's memorial service was nice, although our devil child screamed through most of it. It was nice to see all the friends from years past.
We are now trying to get ready for Sadie's graduation and the arrival of baby Emma. I'm not sure how mid-May got here so fast!
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I turned in my last paper this morning, so am...
May 12, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
 I turned in my last paper this morning, so am actually done with all undergraduate work ever. Ah. I had a wonderful slumber party with Megan the night before last, watched X-2, which she liked so much that we saw the first one in the morning while eating breakfast in Hopkins in our pjs... my fourth viewing this week. Lovely.
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Dick's service yesterday was very nice as the...
May 11, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Dick's service yesterday was very nice as these sort of things go. I liked the small table with items from Dick's life: his glasses and belt, a beat up set of camping cooking pots, and of course his Leatherman. I was amazed at the turnout, saying hello to people I haven't talk to in years. Seraph and I both read small pieces, including one I had said at my grandmother's service nearly a decade ago.
The rest of the evening was wonderfully quiet, just Jamie and I reconnecting before the long baby days ahead. We watched a baudy French farce, ate pizza, and later watched the sun set swinging on the patio. It was a great moment.
Sam returns today, which is for the best, as we miss him terribly. I think we can only handle a certain amount of time in a peaceful household. Too much and we might go mad.
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Just a quiet but heartfelt thank you to the f...
May 11, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Just a quiet but heartfelt thank you to the fam, and to all the friends who came today. I can't tell you how many people told me how wonderful you kids are, and what a great family I have. So Happy Birthday to Yayoe, and Happy Mothers
Day to all. Love, Sue/om
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It was a strangely quiet morning, with Sam aw...
May 10, 2003 by Adam in Family
 It was a strangely quiet morning, with Sam away and only Jamie and I in the house. We had a wonderful evening last night, going out to dinner for Greek food and conversation. I snuck in a bath and some reading, as well as visiting with Jamie for a long while. This is probably our last weekend together before the baby, so we're trying to make the most of it.
This morning we had a burst of energy (mine was coffee induced, Jamie's was due to her "nesting urge"). Jamie power washed the patio while I weeded in the front yard. It's been many months since we did serious gardening, and I had a great time (though I'm now exhausted).
We're also getting ready for Dick's service at 3 pm today. This is Jamie's first funeral service, so I'm not sure she knows what to expect. I assured her that it would be a Miller family affair, so there'd be much chaos, conversation, and food, as seems typical of our gatherings.
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Mocha Friday for me today, trying to wrap up ...
May 09, 2003 by Adam in Family
Mocha Friday for me today, trying to wrap up things at work before the baby comes. It could be this weekend, it could be in a couple weeks. If Emma follows the same two-week-early pattern as Sam, it should be this Sunday.
Jamie's mom is wisking away Sam and Josh to the coast for a few days, leaving Jamie and I alone in the house for the first time in ages. We'll either have a baby, or have a last quiet time together, not sure which. I'd like to rent a few movies and hang out at home, as Jamie's not particularly mobile these days.
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Memorial Service at 3:00 pm tomorrow (Saturda...
May 09, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Memorial Service at 3:00 pm tomorrow (Saturday) at Musgroves, 1152 Olive Street.
No flowers! In these hard times, make a donantion to the charity of your choice.
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Megan has cordially invited the family to Hop...
May 09, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
Megan has cordially invited the family to Hopkins house for dinner next Friday, and I do hope you say yes.
I too saw X2, having not seen the first one, but I liked the second it so much that I rented and watched the first. Three times.
I am almost finished with everything- I have an extension on one paper until monday, but everything else is turned in. Just feeling a bit incapacitated and irrational with everything I used to feel competent and efficient about. One foot in front of the other for now.
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I just found out that Dear Raed is up and pub...
May 08, 2003 by Adam in Family
I just found out that Dear Raed is up and publishing again. He's the guy from Bagdad that went off the air once the invasion started up in full force. It turns out he wrote things down over the last couple months and managed to get it all published in one big block. Very interesting perspective.
Sam and I saw X2 over the weekend. He was so good, having to wait 40 minutes as the first show was sold out. He thought it was pretty cool. Last night during dinner, he decided to put on an "X-Men" play. I got to be Wolverine with forks for claws. Sam was Cyclops, wearing his sunglasses to prevent his laser-eyes from frying our house.
He'd keep peeking out from behind them and I'd pretend that my hair was set on fire. Sam would then get upset at me, but keep doing it anyway. Anything to get his dad to run around the house yelling must be fun.
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Memorial service is set for Saturday at 3:00 pm
May 08, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Memorial service is set for Saturday at 3:00 pm. As you all know, Dick didn't want any fuss, so we'll keep it short and simple. Musgrove's, between 11th and 12th on Olive. There will be coffee, crackers, cheese and fruit at Musgrove's, and Anita and John will have food at the house afterward for anyone who wants to stop by and help drink up all that vodka left over from Easter. Then we are going to stop feeling sad about Dick and start feeling excited about Baby Emma.
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Anita and John arrived safe and sound, and we...
May 07, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Anita and John arrived safe and sound, and we scurried around doing the things people do so they are too busy to feel sad. Lots of kind words from lots of kind people.
Marsha is coming down tomorrow afternoon. Hooray!
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This has nothing to do with the beach house, ...
May 07, 2003 by Judy in Hanes
This has nothing to do with the beach house, although we are excited to take the Eugene boys over this weekend. I hope it does NOT rain, but there's always the aquarium.
This actually is about babies:
Emma Lynn is due any day, and we got word last night that there is a "Jackson Rockow Hanes" due Oct. 22nd. Barbara had an ultrasound yesterday and the pictures showed a boy pretty plainly I guess. What fun this Christmas!
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The week goes on
May 06, 2003 by Adam in Family
The week goes on. Seraph is organizing things at an amazing rate, getting such details such as the printed program taken care of. I've been quite proud of all of my siblings.
Jamie had an OB visit today. Evidently all the things that are supposed to progress are progressing nicely. I'm leaning towards somewhere between a week and two weeks at this point, though no bets will be accepted.
One of the warning signs is that Jamie was doing the "nesting" thing last night, quizzing me on the placement and use of items in the baby room. I swear that woman wants me to be able to field strip the baby blindfolded in 30 seconds or less. Still, it was embarrassing when Sam could answer more questions right than me.
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More things to do during graduation:
Chill i...
May 06, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
More things to do during graduation:
Chill in new artist-created bathrooms in newly opened art gallery
Read virginia Woolfe's writings in rare book room
Poke through Northampton's back alleys
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Jennie swooped down, loaded Seraph and me int...
May 06, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Jennie swooped down, loaded Seraph and me into her wonderful SUV with the heated bottom warmers and drove us to the coast for the afternoon. We went to Mo's (where else) for clam chowder, and then to the South Jetty. We each wrote a message to Dick and put them into one of his
chemical bottles, glued in the stopper with crazy glue, and threw it so far that it would float to the horizon, where, as Jennie pointed out, the ocean turns into heaven. A good way to say good-bye.
We've arranged for a short memorial service at Musgrove's
at three on Saturday. Dick would be really upset if it keeps anyone from watching the NBA playoffs, but the funeral home guy just wasn't up on those things, so I'm hoping for the best.
Thank you all, for calling and thinking of us. om/sue
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Mom- you are such a poet
May 05, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
Mom- you are such a poet. make me (and anna) cry every time.
It is a blessing to have love in the woodwork, coming to my room and emailing me with grace. We are still the luckiest people in this little wobbly world.
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The nice nurses from the floor Dick was on ca...
May 05, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
The nice nurses from the floor Dick was on called just as soon as I logged off last night, telling me he was restless and asking for me, and could I come sit with him. He was failing rapidly from the tumors bleeding, and at about 1:30, died in my arms. The nurses let me stay on with him, and I had a quiet time with him. I think I'm pretty rational, not given to superstition or wishful thinking, but
I believe more strongly than ever in life after death, or perhaps that there is not really a boundry between the two in the way we think of them as different states. He certainly was with me then, and has been throughout this day.
It was a day of being grateful, for family and friends, and for the happy coincedences that meant that Raven and Cheikh
and Marsha and Mollie all happened to be in town and could stop by. I was grateful that I can take Yayoe and Hanni for granted, and that they would come armed with food against
grief. For Jamie, who must be so tired that a day of lumbering after Sam is the supreme sacrifice so Adam could be here. For Robbie, who must once have been the Playboy of the Western World, and now herds Isa deftly so I can load
Seraph with responsibilities. For Jennie, who remembers that
the world sometimes wobbles on its axis, and Sadie, who can say what I feel better than I can. For Anna, who dreamed that Dick came and kissed Sadie on the forehead.
For Reta, who I can cry in front of. For the kids' friends, and especially For Anita and John, who will give time and effort to make sure I'm okay. And a strange thank you - last night as I was posting, I realized that five people-
people I don't know, who sit in rooms I will never see - had
logged on to our page during the time I was typing. Who ever you may be, thank you. I am indeed protected by the silent love around me, and for that, I am most grateful. Love, om/sue
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I just got back from my mom's house
May 05, 2003 by Adam in Family
I just got back from my mom's house. The sun is setting and the walk back over the hill smelled of fresh rain and cherry blossoms. I was the first to get there in the morning and the last to leave this night. I felt like a marine.
The day was filled with food and endless people. My mom was surprised by the calls and visits not just from their friends, but from the friends of my sisters and I. All the kids she fed and housed over the years came by to pay their respects.
 It looks like next weekend will be the memorial service, Saturday I think. Seraph and my mom are going over to the funeral home tomorrow to arrange things. Anita and John are coming Tuesday and staying for a week or so. In a couple weeks, people are heading out for Sadie's graduation. Later she and Anna are driving back to my mom's house. Somewhere in there Emma will be born as well.
It's been a rollercoaster day for me. Many ups and downs. Sam wanted to play a bunch with me, as he usually does on the weekend. Jamie, though tired, put in lots of time watching him. She was very good about giving me time to spend with my mom, or just sit quietly for a time.
I can't stop thinking about how the world keeps moving forward. In a handful of days, I'll be holding my daughter. Life seems to be an endless string of hellos and goodbyes.
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Dick passed away early Sunday morning
May 04, 2003 by Adam in Family
Dick passed away early Sunday morning. My mom called and I headed over the hill to sit by her side. It is a strange thing, knowing that something would happen and then finally being there as it comes to pass. Mostly we sat on the couch drinking coffee, answering phone calls and quietly talking.
I left late morning, after Seraph, Isabell, and Yayoe had arrived. After watching Sam and giving Jamie a break, I'll probably head over again this afternoon. I don't think there's anything more my mom needs or wants. Having family around seems the most reassuring thing at the moment.
Anita and John are arriving in a day or two and staying until Sadie's graduation. Details such as the memorial service and such have yet to be sorted out.
I'll try to write more later. Sam's getting increasingly insistent that I play with him.
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Dirge Without Music
Edna St
May 04, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
Dirge Without Music
Edna St. Vincent Millay
I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind:
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Crowned
With lilies and with laurel they go; but I am not resigned.
Lovers and thinkers, into the earth with you.
Be one with the dull, the indiscriminate dust.
A fragment of what you felt, of what you knew,
A formula, a phrase remains,—but the best is lost.
The answers quick and keen, the honest look, the laughter, the
love,—
They are gone. They are gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled
Is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know. But I do not
approve.
More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the
world.
Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.
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Wild Geese
by Mary Oliver
You do not have...
May 04, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
Wild Geese
by Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles thorough the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
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About eight this evening Dick and I were watc...
May 04, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
About eight this evening Dick and I were watching a movie
when he suddenly became chilled and started to have trouble breathing. We called Seraph and Robbie to meet us at the ER
and Dick was barely able to make it to the truck. Fortunately, the hospital is only about five minutes away. They did some tests and determined that he had blood clots in both lungs. We agreed that they should start him on blood thinners, even though a possible side effect is that
the tumors in his esophagus may begin bleeding. He will stay in the hospital overnight and come home tomorrow.
Fortunately, we met with the Hospice person on Friday afternoon. Seraph, Robbie, and Isa were their usual amazing selves. Isa is a wonderful loving child; they let Seraph bring her in while they were working on Dick, and she waved and blew kisses. Dick sends his love. And I do too.
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I am thinking of everyone and their graduatio...
May 03, 2003 by Betsy in Betsy
I am thinking of everyone and their graduation preparations and hope for the best for the future. I had hoped I could maybe fly out to Meg's for the day but am having some problems at work and really can't get away. I also don't really have anyone who can keep track of the cows and kids.
Patrick goes on a school sponsored environmental education camp next week and I haven't even packed for him yet. They will be gone for 3 days and be camping and hiking. I did pick up a fresh bottle of Deep Woods Off as the ticks are terrible this year.
I had a pain in the butt tenant come in yesterday and inform me that he hadn't been in the basement of his house for several weeks and when he went down there was a cat and kittens living there. (This is the same guy who left his living room window open an inch all winter and complained about his gas bill. He thought it was O.K. because he had closed the registers in the room, guess he didn't think about the thermostat being in that room.) So I went over and retrieved 6 kittens and found that they had disconnected the dryer vent and closed Momma out until I can get a trap in there for her. Property manangement- never a dull moment.
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Ah, sweet weekend
May 03, 2003 by Adam in Family
Ah, sweet weekend. I'm groovin' to Nikka Costa in the remaining minutes before Sam arrives after waking up. It looks to be a drizzly day, but perhaps Sam and I shall check out the opening of X2.
Poor Sam fell out of bed last night. I must be mentally preparing for the baby, as I lept out of bed with my heart pumping. It took me forever to get back to sleep.
Jamie picked up some flowers and vegitable plants at Johnson Brother's yesterday with Sam. I had a good time digging up dirt, pulling weeds, and doing some little gardening projects. Great fun.
It's slowly dawning on me that we're going to have a baby pretty darn' soon. It's like those forest fire warnings. The arrow is slowly moving towards the red "Extreme Baby Warning" zone.
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My final presentations are finally over, and ...
May 02, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
My final presentations are finally over, and my last class at Smith college is in the morning. I'm chillin' in the computer lab, polishing up a sociology of the arts paper and thinking of all of you.
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Sam just called me at work to ask if I secret...
May 01, 2003 by Adam in Sam
Sam just called me at work to ask if I secretly worked at a gum company. After some confusion on my part, he informed me that his gum had the name Adam on it. Ah, the joys of having your children learn how to read.
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Congratulations to Anna, and where in Africa ...
May 01, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Congratulations to Anna, and where in Africa is Benin? And what is the temperature in the summer time?
It's sunny and bright today, and I'll be heading home for the afternoon. I've been trying to see clients in the morning and go home in the afternoons.
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