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Today Sam and I took off hiking this morning ...
September 29, 2003 by Adam in Family
Saturday started with a wonderful breakfast prepared by Jamie. I had stayed up late getting my computer semi-working, and continued again early that morning. It was nice to hear the birds outside our kitchen as we had eggs and sausages.
Sam and I headed out for Jake's birthday party, one of his good friends at preschool. It was wacky fun, taking place at an "adventure golf" course. It was essentially minature golf near streams and rocks, but Sam thought it was quite cool. Then it was way too much candy and running around with all his friends.
 Today Sam and I took off hiking this morning and had a great time. I'd been continuing to stress over my new computer, which is having weird problems (I'm running memory tests on it as I type on my "old" computer). It was a beautiful day and Sam and I ran about Hendrick's Park, exploring some new trails that were recently made.
The rest of the day was pretty quiet, with a trip to Circuit City to get more fans (my new computer ran too hot), then I did a solo library trip while Sam watched a movie. Now we're winding down for bed and trying to get the kids settled down. Soon it will be time for my nightly cereal then bed.
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They were handing out doughnut holes, coffee,...
September 25, 2003 by Adam in Family
They were handing out doughnut holes, coffee, tea, and water for the people who rode their bike to work this morning. I looked at the coffee and doughnuts and thought that it was the complete antithesis of the healthy bike-riding attitude. Irony.
Our family seems to keep chugging along. Sam seems to enjoy school more than ever, actually wanting to go and see his friends. It's a very good sign after years of feet-dragging and crying when left. Our boy is growing up.
Emma was a bit cranky last night. We did a Chinese fire drill with beds last night, with Sam ending up in Jamie's bed, me in Sam's, and Jamie in mine. Around 5 am this morning, I spent some time playing with Emma before she got hungry again and it was time for me to get ready for work.
My computer parts are nearly all here, minus the important CPU cooler. I'd like to assemble it this weekend, but I'm not sure what I'm up to yet. We haven't heard from Rainbow Valley as to when the remodel starts and I haven't heard from my dad about the great computer project. We'll see how it goes.
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That pirate eye patch has certainly made the ...
September 23, 2003 by Adam in Family
 That pirate eye patch has certainly made the rounds. Sam turned it into his "Lost Puppy" costume to good effect. He's also started making me wear it when playing cards together, in order to get my character just right.
Sunday was nice, with the kids both being pleasant for breakfast. I continued moving things out of my office and preparing for the remodel. Monday was fairly low-key as well, with Sam still enjoying his school. Emma's got a cold that keeps her up, though it doesn't seem to affect her cheerful demenor all that much. I think I have a touch of the cold as well, taking care of the headache with a mocha run this morning.
Oh, and happy first day of Fall!
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In honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day, we dresse...
September 20, 2003 by Adam in Family
 In honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day, we dressed up Emma for the occasion. Arr, matey!
It's been quite the whirlwind last couple days. Jamie signed the contract yesterday, so we're definately going to do this remodel thing. It felt good to have Victoria's boyfriend, who's a contractor, look at the plans and say that the cost was reasonable. Remodels are just spendy, I suppose.
Last night Jamie had both Victoria and Angie come over, giving gifts and goodwill. I had the kids for as much as I could, so I was a bit tired going to bed. Unfortunately, bedtime didn't go very smoothly. Jamie woke me up after I had slept for an hour, letting me know that Emma was still not sleeping. I rocked her in a daze for a long while, finally getting her to sleep, but having her wake up when I put her in her crib. Jamie dismissed me and I feel back asleep again. Later Sam woke up, but wanted Jamie and not me. I think Jamie ended up sleeping in the tiny twin bed with both kids. Fortunately she got a little nap this afternoon.
In the morning, we had my mom over for breakfast which was nice. Later, Sam and I raced down the hill in the stroller to see the parade and meet up with most of my family. My dad came back to the house afterwards and we discussed great plans for turning the sauna into a computer room, as well as cutting holes in the wall for a control panel. Should be cool.
Since then, we've mostly been taking it easy. Jamie's holding Emma and watching Sam roll down the hill repeatedly. Good times.
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It's Jamie's birthday today, though we've adm...
September 19, 2003 by Adam in Family
 It's Jamie's birthday today, though we've admittedly been slowly celebrating over the last week or two. Last night, Dave and Kirsten came by to get Josh and stayed for dinner, plying Jamie with gifts and lemon chiffon cake. It was all quite tasty.
It's Friday, and there's a mocha waiting for me when I get to work. Hopefully it'll be a little less crazy than yesterday, as things were a bit intense for awhile. I think I've got some reboots and installs waiting for me when I show up.
I think we're slowly getting to the Acceptance stage of the huge remodel estimate. It also turns out that it'll take longer than they originally thought. They person who first did a rough estimate a month ago came in with a price half the final estimate and a timeline that was a third as long. Poor estimating skills.
No exciting plans this weekend, though perhaps we'll get started on ripping things out. I'm not sure how long we'll have to live with things in a demolished state, so it may not be wise to start just yet. There's always the Eugene Celebration, parades, and a visit to my dad to plan my next computer project.
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As suspected, the final estimate for the base...
September 18, 2003 by Adam in Family
As suspected, the final estimate for the basement remodel required a stiff drink before reading. It was indeed a huge amount of money. So big, in fact, that we said we couldn't do it and we started to go down the list and make compromises. We ended up committing to doing some of the work ourselves (the demolition and painting), as well as changing some of the plans (e.g. less cabinets and more shelves). We managed to get it down to something reasonable, and should have a contract to sign today.
Other than that, life's been pretty typical. I had Emma from the time I came home until bedtime. Jamie left for Yoga and Emma woke up a few minutes after she left, basically crying until Jamie came home again. I think she was either hungry or gassy, as almost nothing I did make a difference. Being outside helped some, as well as giving her a bath. It's just strange to have her so grumpy.
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Fall is coming
September 17, 2003 by Adam in Family
Fall is coming.
The morning ride to work was beautiful, the sun peeking over the hills and the faint smell of smoke filling the valley. I had to stop a moment and let the crisp air work its magic on me as I looked down from College hill.
Yesterday evening was Xtreme parent time. I was either rocking a baby or entertaining Sam until nearly bedtime. Then Jamie and I sat on the couch for a half hour watching E! Online thing about MTV's Real World. Such wacky times.
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I have some cute pictures of Emma and the dee...
September 16, 2003 by Adam in Family
 I have some cute pictures of Emma and the deer that decided to camp out in our back yard, but I'm at work and won't be able to post anything.
The weekend came and went. We all went to have a picinic on Sunday at the park and watch the city league baseball game. Nothing too exciting, though Emma seemed to like being outside quite a bit. Sam yet again showed off his Cheese-climbing proficiencies.
Jamie's birthday is sneaking up this Friday. She couldn't wait to open up her present from me, so she ceremoniously opened it up with much ooohing and aaahing. Nothing too exciting - some pyjama bottoms and foot lotion.
Tomorrow Jamie meets with the contractors for a final bid on the great remodel project. I have a funny feeling I should have a stiff drink before we get the numbers.
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Yesterday Sam went to the park a boy and came...
September 14, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Yesterday Sam went to the park a boy and came back a man.
The nearby park is informally called "Cheese Park", due to a large yellow concrete structure that vaguely looks like a big cheese. Since we moved into our current house, Sam's been having me pick him up to sit on the top and slide down the side. Last night, he figured out how to get up to the top, using a series of complex maneuvers and sheer grit. He then proceeded to go up and down over and over, just to prove it wasn't a fluke. Great fun.
Yesterday was relatively low-key. I had hoped to get my mom over for breakfast, but she's really busy with the funerals for Skye and Lucas. The big event for us was a family walk to the library, where Sam picked up some I Spy books. They're his current favorite and have kept him and the whole family entertained for the last week at bedtime.
Jamie's dad and uncle came by yesterday afternoon to watch the Nebraska game. We had to spend $15 to activate all the ESPN channels for the day, but evidently ours was the few places that could actually get it. Jamie picked up fried chicken and cole slaw, giving the whole occasion a very American feel (I stuck to my usual vegitarian fare).
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Finally Friday
September 12, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Finally Friday. My schedule for the last couple weeks has been weird, with last Friday taken off due to illness and yesterday off so that Jamie could get her massage. I'm hoping work isn't too frantic today, but odds are it will be. At least it's a Mocha day.
Jamie and I went to Ring of Fire last night and had some tasty curry. We were so tire that we had a hard time getting the energy to have a conversation. I think the most animated we both got was discussing Apollo 13, for some odd reason.
We're hoping my mom can come to breakfast on Saturday and give us a few moments of quiet, though it looks like the weekend is already filling up for her. It is sad that Irene passed away - I fondly remember endless Thanksgivings with her and her son.
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I've been at home all day today, mostly to gi...
September 11, 2003 by Adam in Family
I've been at home all day today, mostly to give Jamie time to head off for a massage. She said it was wonderful, so I suppose it was all worth it. In the morning, Sam and I got new tires, then headed to the mall to get Jamie a birthday present. I also picked up some rain pants so I should be ready for weather most foul. Emma didn't sleep much, so after our return I was doing a lot of jiggling with the girl.
I suppose I should make some comment about September 11th, but my view on this is most muddled. Mostly I feel bad for all the dead and injured from the events that cascaded from those few hours two years ago.
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Today may be my last bike ride to work
September 09, 2003 by Adam in Family
Today may be my last bike ride to work. I was extremely soggy upon my arrival, looking like a half-drowned dog. I'd need quite a bit of rain gear to make it through the next few months, I think. Sam and I taped a square of plastic to the inside of my "rainpants". There was a dry square shaped spot on my pants, while all the rest was pretty damp.
Sam came in to my bed this morning, wanting me to escort him to Jamie. Jamie ended up sleeping next to Sam while I lay next to Emma. It was a rare switcharoo.
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The news is indeed tragic
September 08, 2003 by Adam in Family
The news is indeed tragic. I feel for Sadie and the family of her friends who died a few days ago. I think I met Skye once or twice, though it was a long time ago. I don't really have any words of wisdom for this one. Life seems so fragile.
Sam went to school today and a quick report from Jamie suggested that he had a good time. She called from Oakway mall not really knowing what to do with herself. It's been three months of having two kids to deal with. Now that it's just Emma, who sleeps a lot in the mornings, she suddenly has a bunch of free time. Jamie might bring Emma to work while she uses the gym for a half hour. I'll watch her in my cubicle or walk her around if she's up. We'll see how it goes.
Work has been busy. Lots of things to catch up with since I was out Friday.
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The weekend comes to a close
September 08, 2003 by Adam in Family
 The weekend comes to a close. I'm feeling mostly better, though I was a little slower than usual today. Still, we managed to do quite a bit. I watched Sam water the slugs in the front yard, despite the fact that it was raining. I managed to put up a new light fixture in the bathroom, much to Jamie's happiness. We ended up going to the grocery store as well. Finally, we had Victoria and her boyfriend over for a lovely dinner that Jamie prepared.
Tomorrow is the first day of school for Sam. He'll be going three mornings a week, which will be hopefully fun for him. School has always been a bit of a challenge, though he's gotten better interacting with other kids over time.
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I should be careful what I wish for
September 06, 2003 by Adam in Family
I should be careful what I wish for. Sure enough, the flu hit me today, though I didn't get it quite as bad as Jamie. Still, I wasn't good for much and generally moped about the house.
Jamie called in reinforcements, with Brant and Josh coming by in the morning, and Margo coming this afternoon (she's the neighbor who occasionally babysits). I held the baby once or twice, but generally lurked about moaning.
I'm feeling a touch better. If I'm still, I don't really notice the nausea. I think I'm really hungry, but I'm having a hard time figuring out what sounds good. Ginger ale and saltine crackers have been my friend today.
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These are the days that try men's souls
September 06, 2003 by Adam in Family
These are the days that try men's souls.
Well, actually it's not men, it's just me. And it's not "days" in general, it's just today. The day began at 6:00 with Jamie coming into my room to announce that she's been throwing up. I scampered downstairs to get Emma, who was fussy, and head to Safeway to get Pepto Bismol and diapers. Everyone is really nice at Safeway at 6:00 in the morning.
I returned to find Sam in Jamie's bed, so we medicated mom and plopped Sam in front of the television. I made scones, believe it or not, while Emma slept. After that, it's a blur of taking care of both kids and periodically checking in on Jamie as she alternately threw up and moaned throughout the day.
Somehow I managed to water the plants, trim the roses, do laundry, check on my sister's computer, and go to the movie rental place over the next eight hours.
It's now pushing 9 pm, both kids are in bed, Jamie's feeling a bit better, and I'm exhausted and a little nauseous. Perhaps tomorrow will be my day to rest. Constantly throwing up seems such a small price to pay.
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Jamie's off at a preschool meeting while I wa...
September 05, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Jamie's off at a preschool meeting while I watch Sam. It was a fairly good day, with my headache mostly gone. Emma seems a bit cranky these days. Perhaps she had a headache too. Jamie and the kids did a store run and that's about it.
Josh is back, much to Sam's happiness. They played and played today.
Tomorrow's Friday, mocha day, with a quiet weekend ahead.
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Having children is like belonging to a 24-hou...
September 04, 2003 by Adam in Family
Having children is like belonging to a 24-hour comedy club that's edgy and funny, though a bit loud.
Last night at dinner, Jamie was relating her "f-ing" day. There was a pause and them Sam asked what "f-ing" meant. I laughed out loud, wondering how she was going to weasel her way out of that one.
Jamie: "It was a slip of the tongue."
Sam: "What does that mean?"
Adam: "It means her tongue is slippery, like it was covered in soap."
Jamie: "Yeah. I suppose I should wash my mouth out with soap now."
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Wednesday already! I had a splitting headach...
September 03, 2003 by Adam in Family
Wednesday already! I had a splitting headache last night and was up for a couple hours. This morning I'm cruising on Advil and a mocha. Painless and bouncy.
There's not a lot of high adventure at our house. Jamie left to return carpet samples and get shrimp last night, leaving me with both children for an hour. Sam was bored out of his mind and Emma was happy in her front pack. I ended up telling an elaborate story where Sam was a prince and I was a lowly sheepherder. Emma was either a sheep or a baby lost in the woods, depending on what the story required.
Jamie fortunately returned home and we eventually got all the kids to sleep before collapsing to bed ourselves.
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Everyone made it back home, safe and sound
September 02, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Everyone made it back home, safe and sound. Emma seems even more wiggly and vocal than before.
Sam and I played with Legos a bit, then went off to Jenny's house to go through Grandma Dorothy's things she shipped over. I returned home with the glasses Jamie requested and a couple knick-knacks. Ironically, Jamie also was given things from her grandmother this weekend. We ended up picking almost identical glasses. Mine were slightly green tinted, but definately in the same style.
Another work week begins today. Fortunately it's only four days long.
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It's the first day of September
September 01, 2003 by Adam in Family
It's the first day of September. My, how time flies. Sam and I had another fun-filled day yesterday. We went to breakfast with my mom, then played with Legos until close to noon. I stopped by the gas station to get air for my tires (which hasn't been driven seriously in 6 months or so), then a quick shopping trip. Finally, we headed off to see Spy Kids 3D in the early afternoon.
It was okay, with cool special effects in some scenes, but not much of a story. Sam seemed to like it even though he reported that the glasses were uncomfortable. Later that night, he seemed to have a lasting mark across the bridge of his nose.
Towards the evening, we went over to Dave and Brant's house to have a Bar-B-Que with them and say hello to Josh, freshly returned from California. They all seem well.
I'm going to try to take it easier today. Jamie's coming back sometime and there's a shindig at Jenny's house. Hopefully I can calm the boy down a bit . . .
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