Broken, Round Two

So the day after Jack got his cast, he and I were shopping, I turned around to get something off the shelf and when I turned back he had pulled off his cast! Imagine my dismay and complete surprise. Turns out this is pretty common among toddlers, since their arms are larger than their hands (or something like that). So we took another trip back to urgent care where they split the cast in two and now we’re using it along with an ace bandage to hold everything together. Needless to say we’re re-wrapping and putting the cast on quite a few times a day. Turns out he only needs to wear it about another week. I guess three weeks is typical recover time for a toddler (lucky them!).

As you can see from the picture Jack is not the only family member with a cast, today Gus had a little accident. We’re not quite sure what happened, but Gus tore a nail. We took him to the vet hospital and now he’s sporting a charming red bandage. Hopefully that is enough drama for this week.

Enjoying the Outdoors

I know what you're all thinking, "finally, some photos!" The first two pics are from our first trip to the City Beach, they both really like digging in the sand and splashing the water. I love how beautiful it is and how close the mountains are. Also, we're spending a lot of time outside our house, since there's plenty of room to ride bikes, throw balls and run around.

Broken

Yes, Jack has a broken arm. I think we've been in denial that it was really broken, we just thought it may be a sprain. A week ago (yes, a week) Jack fell at the playground. Nothing huge (or so we thought). Just a typical tumble. He was complaining his arm hurt, so I put ice on it. It never really swelled and he was able to move it around so we assumed there was no way it was broken. Well, he’s been saying it still hurts and favoring it a bit, so we decided it would be a good idea to check and make sure it wasn’t broken. So you may imagine how completely guilty and awful I feel for not realizing this was much more serious. Jack was really good for the doctor, x-ray tech and even sat still while they put his high-lighter yellow cast on. I felt so bad this afternoon when he woke up from a nap and asked me to “take it off”. Poor guy! The cast only needs to stay on for 2.5 weeks, but we’ll be leaving for Portland then Hawaii in 10 days so the doctor suggested we have it cut off when we return to Whitefish. Thankfully they put him in a waterproof cast, I’ll just need to get creative when it comes to keeping it free of sand. Will is somewhat interested in the cast and refers to it as the “Band-Aid”. The lesson we’ve learned, if Jack says anything hurts we need to get him in and have it looked at. Hopefully he won’t hold this against me.

I’m writing this blog from my car, parked in downtown Whitefish, as I am pirating unsecured wireless access from one of the local businesses. Phew! We’ve survived our first week in a new state and house. And what a week it has been! We still do not have internet or phone in the house (that will happen a week from Wednesday). I apologize, but I won’t be able to post any pictures until this is set up Also, Doug has been battling with the satellite tv mongrels (aka Best Buy and Direct TV) who sold us our package, promised we’d have local channels (the major networks) plus a plethora of cable channels. Turns out our home is part of the 2% in the country who cannot get local channels. SO the solution was either getting the networks out of NY or LA. No thanks, needless to say it has been a very costly and time consuming problem. But on to more exciting things.

The boys – they are taking in the sights and making a name for themselves. We trained them early to wear sunglasses, so almost everywhere we go, we get comments. My favorite was an older man who told them they were very “Hollywood”, kind of funny. We’re making daily trips to the awesome park they have in town, the City Beach which is located at one end of Whitefish Lake and we recently joined an athletic club where they get to play while I get a breather, oh, and work out. The club is called the “Wave” but Will insists on calling it the “Storm”.

The two biggest mishaps of last week would be when Jack locked himself in the condo Doug was renting, along with my purse, keys and cell phone. I was get putting Will in the car and didn’t realize Jack as tall enough to lock the deadbolt. So, long story short, a kind neighbor suggested I check in the club house on site and see if they had master keys. Of course they did and Jack was freed within 5 minutes. Thankfully he entertained himself by opening a bunch of the cabinets in the kitchen, turning on the stereo and going poop (in his diaper). I on the other hand was frazzled and close to having a serious meltdown. Also, I’ve discovered the town dump – WOW, as Doug says the 80’s called and they want their idea back. So much trash in a big pit, it’s amazing. There’s no curbside recycling in Montana, so you have to make a conscious effort to take recyclables to drop off locations. Biggest surprise, they do not recycle glass anywhere! Anyhow, I went to the dump for the first time and was watching the other dumpers and reading ALL the posted signs, most important “no salvaging”. I pulled up to this row of large dumpsters and proceed to toss the trash in, just like the other people. Only I forgot I had my car keys in my hand and threw them into the dumpster with the trash!! Thankfully I spotted them fairly quickly and the dumpster wasn’t too full, of course I totally looked like I was salvaging AND I was in flip flops (so gross!).

Whitefish highlights – kids, lots of them everywhere. Riding bikes, in stores at the parks, it’s great. This is definitely a family friendly area. Also, the scenery is amazing, you almost forget it’s there, but every time I take a moment to look around I’m thrilled by the beauty. Being outside, a lot. The boys may be little blondies by the end of the summer. They are getting some color on their skin so they don’t look so pale. We’ve met other families who’ve made the same sort of move we’ve made and all say it takes about a year or two to really feel settled, but it’s worth it. Here’s hoping for the very best. Much love to all our family and friends. We miss you so much!!

Whitefish, Montana

We've arrived, safe, sound and ready to get settled. We had a fairly uneventful drive from Lake Oswego to Whitefish. We left around 6a and arrived at 8p (7p pdt). This of course included three long stops. Overall the drive took about 9 1/2 hours, and it was a beautiful drive (I highly recommend it for anyone who's interested). The pink house is looking good, all the bare shrubbery around the house has filled in and the lawn looks great. We met the moving truck this morning and everything was unloaded in about three hours. So far everything looks to be in good shape - we'll begin the unpacking process tomorrow. I find myself feeling a bit postpartum - where I'll start tearing up for no good reason except I miss my family, friends and everything familiar while at the same time I love our new home, location and am excited for what the future holds. I hope to post pictures soon of the boys in their new surroundings. Much love to all those we’ve left in Oregon (and Washington) we miss you dearly!

Busy Boys

I realized recently that whenever anyone asks how the boys are or what's new with them I always say they are crazy. And in a way that is the absolute truth. I feel like I’m surrounded by gleeful chaos and constant movement. I think what I’m FINALLY starting to realize is, that’s how my boys are. They’re constantly moving, I think it’s harder for Will to stand still than it is for him to run in a circle for five minutes. Will has also grown quite a bit the last month and he’s able to turn on/off light switches and lock/unlock the front door. Both boys are very quick and if I give them more than two minutes alone they’ve usually gotten themselves into some sort of mess. Another huge attraction for them is the little pond in the front yard, they LOVE throwing rocks in it, which I feel is an absolute no-no. They however will gladly go to timeout, because stone throwing is just too tempting to pass up.

Little Guy in a Big Bed

Jack has successfully completed two nights (and two naps) in his big boy bed. I wasn't planning to move him out of the crib until we made our move, however a twin mattress came available and I thought we'd make the change now. Jack was obviously finished with the crib, he's been climbing (and launching himself) out and I was starting to worry about his safety. So timing worked out great. He loves the pillow and snuggling in with a book before falling asleep. Sweet dreams little man!

Cheap Labor

Jason, Will, Caleb, Jack & Doug's legs

Doug was in town this weekend so we celebrated Mother’s Day early at Sara and Jason’s house. They are working on a big backyard project and let the boys help out. Now if I could only teach them to wash dishes and do the laundry…

Only 19 more days until our big move. I cannot believe it’s less than three weeks away, I’ve got a lot to do before then!

Golfing Under the Big Sky

Doug with Big Mountain in the background

Doug, Chad Grover & Jason Gillies

Doug had a guest this weekend in Whitefish. His friend and former co-worker Jason Gillies came for a visit. Of course golfing was involved and here are the pictures to show it.

A New Bed for Gus

This posting is mainly for Doug, since I know he's missing Gus as well. I've finally found and purchased a suitable bed for Gus. The most recent bed he'd been sleeping in was actually made for a cat and even though we call Gus our little kitty (because he sleeps all the time) I decided it was time to find something more appropriate. Most important this bed is just the right size, as if it were made specifically for him. Sweet dreams!

Too Cool for School?

Today is the last day of school for the boys. They've been attending Cloud Nine in Portland since February 2006. I'm dreading picking them up from school this afternoon, since I've been told there will be tears (from the staff) and I should be prepared. I feel that we've been so lucky to have found such a great place where the boys can grow and learn and be in such a loving environment. It's so hard to leave the people who have spent so much time with our boys are love them as much as we do. This will be our first wave of good-byes as we prepare to move the end of May.

Where's Daddy?

We miss Doug!! He left for Montana on April 17 and started his new job on April 19. We're in the process of closing on a house in Whitefish, but we don’t take possession until May 25. Doug’s staying in a furnished condo until then. Even though he really likes his new job and being in Whitefish he misses us – what’s not to miss? Thankfully he’ll be headed home for a visit May 4-6. We’re all keeping it together, though I do not recommend this long distance stuff. Thankfully the boys and I talk with Doug daily, sometimes multiple times a day. As you can see I made a sign for the boys to hold, and of course here’s what they did to it afterwards.

The Protégés

For Jack’s birthday the Hovdes gave him a harmonica AND recorder. Both the boys have mastered the harmonica and Will’s been working on the recorder. They are very talented!

Pink House

front

living room

kitchen

back

I just got back yesterday from a house hunting trip in Whitefish. I’m happy to say I found an amazing home that I’m so excited about and cannot wait to move into. I saw it Wednesday afternoon, we wrote up a contract, emailed it to Doug to sign in Portland, he faxed it back to us, we sent it to the listing agent and it was accepted, all within three hours. How’s that for efficient? Some details: it was built around 1930, possibly earlier and apparently has some Whitefish history attached to it (we’re hoping the owners will supply the details). There are many original details throughout the house. Lots of built-ins, beautiful wood floors, period light fixtures, and original moldings. The huge basement is finished with two bedrooms, a den, bath, large laundry room, workshop and another narrow space that would easily be converted into a wine cellar! The main floor has a living room, formal dining room, den with french doors, a small bath and master suite. The entire house is just less than 3000 square feet. We’ll be making some updates and cosmetic changes, of course painting the exterior, but over all it’s an amazing house. The home is located in a smaller neighborhood just outside of the downtown area. We have a view of Whitefish River from the master desk and there’s a creek that runs behind our house. The lot is close to 1/3 of an acre, there’s plenty of space for the boys to play and for us to entertain outside. We’re hoping to build a two story garage with guest space shortly after we move. Overall, I’m thrilled with the purchase and don’t think I could have thought up a better house for us if I had tried. We look forward to having visitors so we can show off our great find!

Easter 2007

We had a great Easter. We celebrated in the morning with the McAuliffes. We opened gifts for Jack’s birthday and the boys enjoyed an indoor Easter egg hunt. Between Marcie and me we put together so many eggs! I think I’ve learned that not every egg (the plastic kind) needs to have something in it. Sometimes the hunt is the best part. Also, I didn’t get a picture of it but Cousin Matthew is a pro! He found so many eggs his basket was filled to the top. Will did well, but Jack kept getting distracted, I’m sure he’ll be more into it next year. Later that day, we had dinner with the Peppmeiers and opened birthday gifts for Jack. One of his favorite gifts was a yellow baseball cap that said Big Fish. Chris thought it would be perfect for Whitefish.

Trip to Prineville

We recently took a weekend trip to Prineville to see Mick and Chris' completed "cabin". The amount of work and craftsmanship that went into this home is absolutely astounding. We had such a nice time relaxing and enjoying each others company. Doug and Mick went for a quick round of golf on Saturday while the boys played with the trucks and pile of gravel. We all had such a nice time, including Gus, as I’m sure you can tell from his photo.

Jack Turns Two!

My baby is two today. As I type my eyes well up and I’m amazed at how fast the time has gone by. Jack is such an active and busy guy he doesn’t even give me a chance to dwell on the past. Most impressive thing he’s doing? Talking in sentences – usually four words and occasionally five. If I correct the way he says something, he’ll usually try and say it correctly. He’s silly, such a clown and such a joy. Usually he’s fearless and interested in new surroundings. Running everywhere as if walking were underrated. He loves Will and wants to be wherever he is, however he’s starting to fight for his toys and doesn’t give things up very easily. He says “do it myself” when it comes to putting on socks, shoes, undressing for bed or brushing his teeth. Loves to be read to and rocked before going to sleep. Sleeps with his fuzzy blue blanket called “Blanket” and his stuffed duck named “Duck” (the lack of original names is totally my fault). He is such a fun child. The other night I was putting him to bed and I asked “are you a baby or a big boy?” He smiled and said, “baby” I asked if he was sure and he said, “baby”. He knows being the baby is a good thing.

Pictures above are from a recent get together with the Hovdes and Knights.

Love of Books

We have two young book lovers on our hands. I have to think that reading to both Will and Jack everyday has helped steer them in this direction. We have tons of books in our house TONS! I have to remember to keep rotating them just for my own sanity. The pictures are of an early book reading session as well as a picture of Will taken WAY past his bed time.

Other news...looks like we've sold the White House, phew! We received a very good offer on Friday which looks great. There will be a house inspection later this week, I cannot imagine anything bad coming up and we'll be closing the end of the month. As for the LO house our neighbor is interested in it for his mom. Since he doesn't have an agent and we'd love to sell it to him, we're letting him have an inspector come by this week (I would never recommend this to a client, not without an offer!). Doug and I are very curious to see exactly how much work needs to be done and if it will be a deal breaker, so we're keeping our fingers crossed!

Doug leaves for Whitefish on April 17 and starts work on the 19th. He thinks he's found the place he wants to stay and has worked out a deal with his new employer to cover some of the costs. If both houses close by the end of the month AND we're able to purchase and close a house in Whitefish I can see myself and the boys moving hopefully by mid May.

St. Patrick's Day - Family Style

Evelyne K., Jack, Will & Luke H. (Gilbert K. not pictured)

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day this year with the Knights and Hovdes. We all met at the Kennedy School for an early dinner and festive Irish music. As a group we're 13 (soon to be 14, baby Hovde will be here any day). How things have changed in just three years! The Kennedy school was crazy! But the perfect place for families, there were kids and parents everywhere. It took a while to get seated, but when we did we were outside in the courtyard which is so great, the kids could run around and not be disruptive. We had such a great time, and the boys were really good. We're getting to that stage where we can enjoy going out to dinner with them.

Before & After

Here are just a couple of before and after pictures from the White House. I wish we had these on display during our house party last week, but I didn't have time to make prints. We've had more interest regarding the house and are hoping for an offer this weekend.

I'm sure everyone has given up on our blog, since it has been over two months since the last entry. We've been busy (just like everyone else). We put the White House (the investment property we've been working on) on the market about 10 days ago. It's almost complete, Doug and I are finishing up all the last minute details. We're hoping for a quick sale.

Also, most of you already know, but we are moving to the big sky country (Montana). Whitefish to be exact. Doug starts his new job April 19th. The boys and I probably won't join him until May. I plan to stay in Oregon until our house in Lake Oswego sells. So with all the changes and projects we've been tying to keep everything together.

The boys are doing great, both talk constantly, and are enjoying school and their friends. They are such great boys and bring us so much joy. I hope to get some updated pictures on the blog soon. Corey is now in Honduras until June, so I'm sure she'd like to see them.

Will Turns 3! (12.12.06)

We celebrated Will's birthday this year with family. The McAuliffes and Uncle Steve were there. Will received so many nice gifts. Here he is with his Spiderman cake and "chips" (that's what he calls sprinkles). Will has grown so much in the last year. His speech is amazing and he continues to have quite a lot to say. He loves talking on there phone. He's been learning to use the toilet, dress himself and thinks showers are the best. He's a total daddy's boy, and wants to do everything Doug does. Will is usually very good with Jack and aside from the regular side tackle they play nicely together. Will weighs 34 pounds and is 38 inches tall.

Here are some pictures from the party (Cousin Matt is in the red shirt):

Holiday Train (12.4.06)

Chris and Mick treated us all to a evening, holiday train ride. Will is very much into trains (does Thomas ring a bell?) so it was very exciting. The outside and inside of the train was decorated for the holidays and Santa even made an apperance. The train left from Oaks Park and traveled along the Willamette River. We had so much fun!