Bathing Beauty

Katie posted some pics of her kids in the tub, so I thought I'd take her lead. She's so much fun, and seriously the best thing I've ever done. I have so much to be thankful for this year.

Cosmic Kick-Me

We're all moved, and if I have to do that again anytime soon, it will be waaaaay too soon. Gomer and Homer packed our stuff, and they did a totally crappy job. I know my things aren't worth a ton of money, but they're mine, and they have history. Respect it, yo. We did not get anything done in the house, so we've got friends helping to get it ready to rent. I rented a 'mid-size' sedan and got a Saturn Ion. Hated it, and had a tire blow out in PA, ankles deep in snow, to boot. Then I had the Road Side service from hell. I could go on, really, but I shall seeth in silence. I made it to Rhode Island with an hour to spare before the movers showed. Then, just to mock me, we all got sick. Yazamataz hadn't been sick since she's been home, poor thing. She turned into Velcro baby. It's a lot easier to get up at 1 or 3 or 5 in the morning when you don't feel like death as well. She's doing better now, thank goodness, and even sleeping in her own room!

We still feel like crap, but I had to start back to work anyway. I knew it would be hard to leave my comfort zone and do something completely new, but it's really bothered me to make so many mistakes, and not be an expert in my work. One thing that's really different is that there isn't immediate feedback on technique. If I mess up plating my cells Monday, I won't see the results until I run the assay Friday. By the time I analyze the data, it's early the next week. That's a lot of time to pass before I find out that I fucked up majorly. No pressure or anything to do it right the first time.

Ber: Quasi-Rhode Islander

I've moved into our apartment in Rhode Island. I use the term 'moved' loosely, as I have an air mattress, two camping chairs, an end table with small TV (no reception, though), a PS2, and some clothes. I also have a ton of IKEA crap to put together. I've done a dresser and a bookshelf, and the sore hands and head (VOCs are bad, yo) to prove it. I'm watching DVDs of Moonlighting since I can't watch football. Moonlighting was my first fandom, and it holds up really well.

Also important to note: I live 7 minutes from the ocean. Granted it is off season, and there's no traffic, but 7 minutes! I went and sat on the beach for 15-20 minutes, watched the sky get dark, and the waves crash. Totally awesome. I also walked downtown to Tim's for coffee and a bagel this morning for breakfast. This isn't where I thought I'd be or what I thought we'd be doing when we started this year, but there are some things that I'll like.

My little girl is a true toddler now: she's learned the word "no", and says it with delight. On the phone I hear, "No, no, no, no, no mama!" It's so cute to hear her talking voice. She likes to draw out her vowels.

Movin' Right Along

I drove my car, Bob, out on Monday. My work husband drove with me, so that was very helpful. It took ~13.5 hours including stop time. Not too bad, but we're definately going to have to break it up with the baby. Even though we left during morning rush hour, there wasn't much traffic in Michigan or Ohio. Guess there's no one there or they all lost their jobs too. We learned a lot about this great country of ours along the way, first being a convience store named Pump and Munch is really, really funny. Because I'm twelve, duh. Second, as a scientist who understands how important a basic understanding of math and science is to the future of our country (and planet), I was shocked to see the lack of basic skills at a BK in Ohio. Our order was $3.21. Mateo gave the girl a 5, and she rang it in just as I said "I've got a penny!" Most people at this point would think, 'ohh hey! Now I can give $1.80 in change and not $1.79. That's easier!' Not this girl, however. She scowled, walked over to her calculator, checked twice. All the while I muttered the answers she was seeking. She then (slowly and carefully) gave the 80 cents, like it still didn't make sense to her. Mateo had to remind her of the dollar.

I also learned not to taunt the sea God with "Come and get me, biatch", because he will do it.

Lastly, if you are originally from Michigan, or you are curious why we talk with few t's and slurred prepositions, please go to this awesome site: The Michigan Accent

Watts is a mouser after all!

Watts had a surprise for us the other day: a saliva soaked mouse at the foot of the stairs. Her mother was an amazing mouser, but no mice had been caught in the two years since she died, I just assumed that without claws, Watts couldn't do it. Wrong. She was so proud of herself too.

The baby has been under the weather with an intestinal issue, joy. It's not been too bad, and her mood is just a bit clingier than usual. She's getting better with bed as well, I can leave the room to get something while she's still awake and she doesn't scream her head off. This is a very welcome development.

The baby boy we were going to adopt has a new mommy and daddy! They are there now, but it's official. I am so happy for them. A very small part is sad it couldn't be me, but I really do believe that there's a "meant to be" piece here, and I was just meant to be a bridge momma to him until his mom and dad could find him. A protector, if you will. I am happy that they are interested in letting the kids know each other. How often do kids adopted half way around the world get to stay in touch with someone that they grew up with in the baby home? They've been together since Y was four months old and J one month old. They even were jealous of each other when I was there, just like cousins or siblings. Y will point to his picture when she sees it, and sometimes kisses it. Like I said, they're still there, so wish them all a safe, and speedy return!

Commuting is hell

I'm now commuting out of state for work. While I'm thankful that my boss is so understanding and allowing me to do this for a while, it's so hard to be away from my family. It was so amazing to notice the changes in the baby from just a few days. She's started to pat your back when she hugs you. How hysterical is that? It's like, "There, there, momma! It's OK!" I know it was harder on me than her, but it was my first time away since I got her.

The other thing I learned: parents know what you're doing not because they grow eyes on the backs of their heads, but because kids instinctively try to be quiet when they're up to something, and parents instinctively know the equation: silence=trouble. Here, I thought my dad was just psychic.

What I've learned in three months

I've learned so much in my first three months as a mom. I "get" my own mother so much better now. I feel less selfish. I want so much less for myself now, I'd be happy giving up my own home for a small apartment in someone else's house...oh wait...

Anyhoo, these are some random observations:

1. Sleep is good. Really, really good (actually, I already knew this, but where my previous knowledge only rested in the sebaceous gland, it is now fully stored in subcutanious fat. Don't ask. It's been one of those days).

2. You really do have to walk before you can run. Or get strained peas all over the floor and wall before you can get them into your mouth.

3. Everyday is new and exciting, even when it was almost exactly the same as yesterday.

4. Humans may be born as clean slates, but they sure do learn how to manipulate very quickly.

5. Even billy goats need to be kissed. Don't let the smell keep you from doing this very important job.

6. Electronic equipment is really baby magnets. Seriously. Is there an invisible force that attracts them? Is it like the high pitch frequencies that kids can hear that adults can't? I open a book in the next room and nothing. Open my laptop, and she's there in an instant, trying to reach around to bang on the keys.

7. Telephones are magic. It's like talking to God.

8. My 17 month old daughter can blow her nose better than her 40 year old aunt. TMI, sorry.

9. I don't really second guess myself about my parenting choices, and that makes me really happy, and pleasantly surprised. It just feels right.

10. The Itsy-bitsy spider never gets old. Ok, maybe it does, but it shouldn't ;)

We're baaaaaaaaack!

For many reasons, my blog has layed dormant for some time. I no longer have my own computer, so I am limited that way, but I didn't want my blogging to potentially impact the adoption. Nothing is really private anymore, and since I'm one of the first to adopt from Uz..., and the first single mother to boot, it would be easy to figure out who I was, and a simple read by the wrong eyes could have ended the adoption. As it was, we did get another referral, for a baby boy, that was denied at the 11th hour because I am unmarried. I also lost my job due to a site closure, but gained another, with the same company, but it involves moving. The last 9 months have been so surreal, so bizarre, I feel like I've been living in an alternate universe.

But, on the upside: she's home. And she's perfect (and that's a big Fuck You to Dr. Jenista, the wacked up international adoption doctor who told us we'd be crazy to accept her). I'm still on family leave, so we get to spend each day as a family. I love it. I'm excited about my new job (not the move, nor location, mind you), it's more bio-physics than chemistry, but I'll still be doing some analytical work too. I'll also be near Key, and my work husband is also relocating. Secretly, though, I would kind of love to stay home with her. At least for a little bit longer.

It's bedtime...so off to give bottle and hugs.