We have arrived!

So far... so good. We're home in Washington state now! I've already made my first trip to Target and hitting up Costco this afternoon. Guess what else... I went out to pick up pizza and drinks the night we got here... it was a 3 minute drive!!! Woo-hoo! We've gotten a lot done, but there is still A LOT to do. Braden is loving it, his new playroom is on the main floor so he's just playing and playing some more! He's been a champ through this whole process. Chad leaves again for work travel tomorrow so hopefully when he gets back I'll have most everything put together. We were both SO tired last night, we turned in when Braden went to bed, only to stay up for another two hours because we rented the first season of How I Met Your Mother. Cable comes tomorrow... yay for getting Comcast back!

Ok... not much time to write and certainly no pictures yet since things are not camera ready, but sometime this week I'll get to it. We're really happy with this layout, and the house is really nice.

When we were leaving our place in Canada the sun started shining and as it was empty we got a great final look at the amazing view and house. Perfect way to leave.

37 hours...

We're picking up the moving truck bright and early Saturday morning. I'm taking a few moments from packing and cleaning to relax on the couch with a prime seat to the gorgeous views of the Coastal Mountains. It's just 7pm and Braden has already been asleep for 30 minutes. This morning I got a call from one of the other mothers in Furry Creek, she offered to take Braden to the park with her kids for a few hours so I could get things done... and I'm so grateful, I accomplished a lot. Big B had such a great time (he talked about it throughout the afternoon) and was completely tuckered out. But for some reason a super tired kid doesn't always nap, which is why he completely passed out on his own early tonight. Chad has been traveling this week for work (and again next week). Poor guy is coming back to chaos and won't have a chance to rest before he's on the road again. He's done a great job over the past three weekends putting things into order for this move. Especially considering I'm pregnant and really trying to take it easy and not move or lift anything heavy.

I can finally say that while there are still some odds and ends to pack, beds to take down, linens to wash and cleaning to do... I can see the finish line, we're almost there. I should be a pro at moving by now. I've moved AT LEAST once a year since I was 18 (and through college I moved three times a year!). The only time I was anywhere since I started college for two years in a row was our condo in Chicago. I moved around a lot as a kid (my dad was in the Navy) until we settled in Homewood when I was 10 and stayed for the next 8 years. I am very anxious when I finally make a move somewhere and think, I won't have to pack a box for years! Wow... am I getting sidetracked or what?

I just am taking a bit of time to think about the last year, where we've been and where we're going. We're about to end our official "Canadian" adventure, and it's been nice. We've met some really nice people in the area, and it is really a beautiful place in the world, we've been lucky to have this front row seat. With that said... we'll still get to enjoy what Vancouver has to offer, as well as exploring Washington.

We won't have Internet hooked up until Tuesday morning (unless a neighbor has an open wireless connection), so I think this will be the last blog until then, not to mention... I think we'll be a little busy :)

So long Canada, don't take it personally, it's been a good year... it's just time to move on.

Spinning...

WARNING: THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY A WHINY, HORMONAL PREGNANT WOMAN (who is fighting the craving of chocolate).
Chad and I both are suffering from a bit of whiplash from our heads spinning at top speed with everything that has to be done this week. We're packing, moving, crossing the border (which means that EVERY box, every little everything has to be labeled and inventoried to present at the border where we hope things go smooth), unpacking once we get there - but that alone is ok. It's all the little things, CANADA HOUSE: packing, scheduling cleaners, transferring utilities, and preparing for our CHICACO CONDO tenants that are moving out, scheduling those cleaners, trying to get that place re-rented, making sure those utilities are transferred, then onto the WASHINGTON HOUSE, where all the utilities have been transferred already, deposits made, keys exchanged so hopefully we've got that covered. Maybe it doesn't sound like much, but we're checking off lists, constantly talking to each other about "did money transfer in time from the Canadian account to the US account, what do we need where by what day?" Not to mention the sweet toddler running around, my pregnancy which has been draining all my energy this week (along with providing some really nice afternoon headaches)... and to top it off, Chad's traveling this week for work... fun, huh???
Ok - so enough of my complaining.
Oh wait - I lied. I am going to complain about Canada Post. When we did an address change from our Chicago address to here in Canada, we spent $1.99 a piece, and our mail was forwarded to Canada, that was it - simple. To transfer from Canada to Washington - $110 for 6 months (shortest time they have). Thankfully all bills will be paid and closed out for transfer by Friday and we didn't use this as our "permanent" address for anything but Canadian utilities so we're leaving it be.
And just to not make this post entirely sour - I do know we'll get it all done. We've made great progress packing, Chad is off Friday after his morning conference calls. By Friday night I'll feel good when all the things in Canada are squared away and we're ready for to load the truck. I'm going to focus on looking ahead to one week from today when cable/Internet is installed in the new house and we have made some progress unpacking and settling in. I mean - one week, that will be here in no time!

Updates

So we're 8 days from moving and while Chad did an AWESOME job getting a lot of things packed last weekend... but there is still a lot to do. Hopefully by the end of this weekend we're packed up and just living out of a suitcase and only have our beds/TVs and such to get ready next Friday.

Yesterday Braden and I went to see the new house, do a walk through, sign the lease and get the keys. It was nice to be there again and actually the backyard was bigger than I remembered, as well as Braden's play area. It has a good layout for us and I'm looking forward to that (once the moving chaos is over).

Braden's potty training - the "Big Boy Underwear Boot Camp" worked and aside from a few minor accidents here and there he's got it down pat! Now - we still haven't gotten to handling it once we leave the house, but we'll get there. I anticipate we'll have a bit of a set back for a few days with the move, but I'm confident we'll be ok. So - we're not 100% but we're getting closer each week and so far, so good.

Lastly - I thought I'd share some pics and a video of Big B.

While I'm cooking dinner each night I've looked for creative ways to keep Braden "occupied" but playing and having fun. Here's a look...

What happens when you give Braden markers... well this. He was strapped into his chair and given some markers, paper and stickers to play with. Thank goodness they were non-toxic and washable! :)

Another day I gave Braden the step stool (his new favorite thing) and filled up the sink with bubbles, water and some cups and Tupperware. He has also learned how to say "CHEESE" to smile for pictures and that's what the video is. He keeps saying it over and over waiting for the flash! :) (It's a 9 second video).

Lastly, I'll admit there are a few days here and there lately that Braden has been not too keen on taking a nap... unless I hook him up in Mom and Dad's bed with Mickey and the Musketeers. Maybe it's not my finest parenting example, but some days you just do what you gotta do.

Back to the good ol' US of A

This is a bit wordy, but bare with me...
We have another big announcement... the title of this blog will change from "The Ramsey's Adventure in Canada" to "The Ramsey's Great Northwest Adventure". WHY??? We're moving! Back to the United States! Let me explain...

Chad works in downtown Vancouver (when he's not traveling at least two, but usually three weeks out of the month). We now live in beautiful Furry Creek. It's a 45 minute commute for Chad and it's north of the city. Where we live now is like living at a vacation house... all the time. Things are gorgeous here, people are friendly, the house is wonderful and golf or skiing is right at Chad's disposal. Doesn't sound like we want to move anywhere does it? Well...

The major motivating factor in our decision to move is purely financial. By moving across the US border (near Bellingham) Reasons include:
- Chad will get paid in US dollars, and get his 401K contributions back.
- Rents are a lot less expensive for a house
- I won't even shock you with how expensive it's been to heat this house because it's gas heated by an individual propane tank.
- The conversion rate - We still have financial responsibilities in the US, (difference from the rent we get and our mortgage, association dues, my retirement fund, car insurance and on and on). So, for while we had to convert money each month - and wound up spending A LOT lost in the conversion rate, it made us sick to our stomach (the conversion rate today is 77 cents to the dollar, and that's a better day).
- Simple cost of living - the little things add up - groceries - you've all heard me complain of $42 for a box of 12 chicken breasts, or $18 for a pound of turkey, almost $9 for a bag of shredded cheese, $18 to dry clean one suit, gas is less expensive - I could go on - but I won't because I'm not trying to bash things here, it's been a wonderful experience. And I'm sure as our time here winds down I'll continue to be more reflective of that.
- Bummers - we won't be in the middle of the Olympics action, our next baby won't be a dual citizen, Chad (and Paul too) loved, loved the Furry Creek golf course, out neighbors have been really nice, I'll miss Wednesday morning play dates, and of course.... it's so beautiful here.

So, we were given the opportunity to move back and considering our future long term it's best that we leave.

So... now that you understand WHY? Let me give you the WHERE?

We'll be moving to Ferndale - 6 miles north of a larger town, Bellingham. This commute adds about 10-15 minutes to Chad's total commute time. They have a pass he'll get for crossing the border).
- Ferndale is a pretty small town, about 9,000 people. But it does have a grocery store and I only have to drive 5 minutes from milk or diapers, not like now where it's 20 minutes... each way.
- Bellingham is a larger town, about 75,000 (the size and things they have available kind of reminds me of Bloomington-Normal, but I'll have to actually live there and see if my comparison is way off). It's 6 miles down the highway (10 minutes) and I'll have access to Target (which isn't in Canada - on second thought... uh oh!) and other places I just can't get to from here without driving almost an hour.
- The new house has a nice backyard! Big B is going to LOVE it. And I'm going to love it too.
- The new house is literally brand new, we'll be the first to live there. It's also just the right size for us and we'll use all the space. More all that later once we get there.
- Instead of a 20 minute drive to a playground... there is one in the subdivision (yay!)
- Delivery/Take out - another one that is a pro... but also a con. Here I've been forced to do the cooking since nothing delivers. So it's nice to have that option back, but it's going to take a lot of discipline on my part to stick to limits.
- Paul and Stephanie are only 90 minutes away, that close... hope they don't get sick of us :)

I think you all get the point now... so are you wondering WHEN???

2 weeks, that's right... crazy. March 28th to be exact. The thought of moving makes me ill. But with such a short time, I can only be insane for 2 or 3 weeks and then it's over. It's not like it will hang over my head for another month or longer. I'm trying to look for the positive, but I am absolutely dreading it.

So WHAT does that mean for people that were planning to come and visit???
- Actually I think it may wind up being better. You see, Seattle is only 90 minutes away and flights from Chicago to Seattle you can catch for $200 or so. And it's a very easy drive. And we're still only an hour from Vancouver - so if you come to visit it's the same time if we stayed where we are now. The downside is Whistler is now not an easy day trip, but if that is where you want to go... we'll work it out (and I'm sure Chad would be happy to make a pit stop at Furry Creek for a round of golf!). SO - come to see Seattle, Vancouver and a place to stay in between! Plus, I've been reading about things to do in Bellingham and the San Juan Islands is easy to get to, Mt. Baker is there for skiing (and I'm still looking into Victoria). :) Don't you worry, if you still want to come - invitation is open and we can still do all the same things (maybe more!)

I'm sure I've over explained... that's what I do! I'll try not to be a crazy person the next few weeks as we pack up, unpack and get settled - that's for you Chad... I'll try not to be a crazy, emotional, pregnant wacko while we get through this transition. :)

The view from here...

Ahh.... taken about 6:30 the other night, breathtaking. However since I can't stare out the window all day I have a different view these days. This one of the potty training toddler that is 100% potty trained... naked (no bottoms on). But as soon as I put on the thin cotton layer known as "Big Boy Underwear" (BBU for future reference) all his fabulous potty know how is gone. Why? Why does does this tiny layer cause such confusion??? Well I wasn't stocked up with enough pairs of the BBU and had to revert back to naked. I mean, seeing a kid's bare bottom is cute and all, for a hot minute, then you just want your child to have clothes on again. But we're working on almost two weeks of this naked time (just at our house... and we've been spending a lot of time just at our house) - and I've seen enough! I've got 9 pairs of BBU ready and waiting, so when he wakes up it's BBU potty boot camp!

Without further ado, this has been "the view from here" these days...

And I realize his socks pulled up that way look a little silly, but it's winter and cold... the boy has no pants on!

It makes my heart so happy

As I type this, I turned the TV off to listen to Braden doing my all time favorite thing (aside from snuggles). And he does a lot of cute things. It makes my heart happy and seriously... tears spring to my eyes because it's just so precious.

He has started to read to himself, he's been doing it for awhile, and it's all memorization because we've sat and read all these books ten zillion times already together. But as he's getting a little older and his speech is getting so clear and he's picking up on the small things in the books... it's so... sigh... it just makes me a little speechless.

So... I hear him in his bedroom, trying to fall asleep and "reading", He says "Good Night Moon", "Good Night Kittens", Good Night Mittens" and on and on (and clear as a bell).

Thanks Braden - for giving me something really worth listening in on.

Five and Zero

Five and Zero put side by side = 50! The Barbie Doll is celebrating her 50th birthday today (3/9)... do you know who Barbie shares her birthday with??? My mother... my mom turned 50 years young today and celebrated with dinner at Aurelio's with friends and family (umm... how jealous was I they were eating that? Let me tell you in case you didn't pick up on my sarcasm... I was very jealous).

Happy 50th Mom!

Workin' on a Full House

That's right folks, we're having a baby! I cannot wait for Braden to be a big brother! 12 weeks along (for you that hate the whole "pregnancy weeks" - that's 3 months. Aside from a few weeks of being sleepy, I feel fine. I'm growing quickly (reference picture below) but I swear there is only one in there (reference bottom picture).

A few things to note:

- Yes, I knew when I was in the states in January, we tested and found out the morning I left. I hope everyone understands that after the miscarriage last fall we decided to sit tight and make sure things were progressing well and get past "the 12 week mark"

- The only good thing about that nasty sinus infection I had when I was visiting is it was a great cover when declining adult beverages, it didn't seem like people were onto me (and if you were, than thank you for just letting it be)

- What made the sinus infection worse was that I was pregnant... no medicine relief for me until (after a miserable week) I called my old OB/GYN in Chicago and begged for something safe I could take.

- I totally cheated today - I had an ultrasound a week and half ago and things looked good. However, because of last time - I just wanted some confirmation once I hit 12 weeks - but my appointment wasn't until next week. So - I took advantage of Canada's super health care system, waited at a walk-in clinic for 30 minutes and got a Doppler check for the heartbeat, much to my relief and also because I've been bursting to share the news!

- I got clearance to travel into July - so I will be present at my sister's wedding (thank you to my sister that moved her date up three weeks for that to be possible!) and also Amy and Andy's wedding, where Chad is a best man and Braden will be the ring bearer!

- When you see the picture below... it seems insane right? At three months??? I don't understand. But I've only gained 3-4 pounds while pregnant, so as my body is changing and shifting... it's just sticking straight out front.

- The gender - yes - we will be finding out, we should know by late April/early May

- It's super fun that so many of my friends are PG right around the same time... when I'm back in July it will be Baby Belly Photo Madness

We are relieved and now that we've gotten to this point - very excited!

Risk

Sorry if you're reading this and really could give two hoots about Braden's bathroom habits, I'll try and be brief.
At the risk of speaking too soon... Braden has taken a turn in the potty training process and is doing an awesome job. Now... it's really because he's without bottoms around the house and it's easy for him to take care of things on his own and not be lazy about it like he was wearing the training pants. (Although I think the training pants were useful because it allowed us to get used to the idea of what what going on and he learned all about it how to successfully use the bathroom, without having to be 100% responsible for it at the same time, does that make sense?)
So, it's not like we're ready to leave the house and take a potty break at the mall or anything - but it's moving along in the right direction, very few accidents and lots and lots of success! :) Yay Big B!

That Special Time...

What "special time"? NAKED TIME! We've taken this next step in potty training (it's going really well but I don't want to get too into it for fear I will jinx our progress!). He LOVES to be naked... loves it, loves it, loves it.

At a Loss.

For almost a year now from time to time I've found myself thinking about what I would write on my blog on this day. Usually I'm in the car driving past our golf course, or through the Coastal Mountains and the Howe Sound with "PaPa's song" playing, and sometimes I've thought about it just in my own quiet time. I've thought of sharing a story... sharing "PaPa's song" with you... or just sharing what he's meant to me as he's had a huge impact on the kind of father Chad is to his son Braden.

But now that the day is here... I'm at a loss.

Today is the first anniversary of Jimmy "PaPa" Ramsey's passing. I want to tell you all what a great husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and friend he was... he was all of those things and more. Writing about it here and trying to make you feel all those things won't do justice to the loss that the Ramsey family and all his friends felt on this day a year ago. Honestly, today isn't that different than any other day when you think of those close to Jimmy... they remember him every day, but today I'm saying it out loud.

Today was also the due date of the baby we lost in late August... so I've thought a lot this week what things would be like if things had turned out different. But what's meant to be is meant to be and I'm completely at peace with that. But it's just something that's been on my mind.

Winterruption...

Winterruption 2009 - this isn't something clever I came up (Although if I did I would use it to describe surprisingly warm and pleasant temps that show up for a few days in the middle of winter...get it? I'm sorry, terribly lame... moving on).

So... this is the name of a festival held on Vancouver's Granville Island, and best of all - the things were FREE! Short circus show, bands, face painting, lots of kids and people all around. The weather was still quite cool, but very sunny and clear. It was a nice little family outing.

Do you see that pout? Here are fancy face painters and I couldn't convince Braden to do more than get a quick smiley face on one cheek (and only after I got it on my hand to show him). He was not interested... at all. Oh well, I tried.

Chad and his "not-so" baby boy watching the circus. This was not anything fancy, it was a small organization - and only 30 minutes, but it was entertaining enough for Braden and he was so excited to be at "Circus... Yay!"

Granville Island is where I've taken Braden to get his hair cut a few times, they have a nice place just for kids. Braden's hair was growing over his ears and annoying Chad so we stopped in. They got a new Thomas the Train chair and Big B was a big fan.

Nothing like getting treated to an Ice Cream Cone on the big family day out!

Smiles in a basket

In case any of you need a pick-me-up, and a smiling toddler is your sort of medicine, here are a few shots of Big B playing in a basket... the little things that bring them happiness. Don't we all wish it was that simple when you grow up? (And the scrape under his nose.... yeah, Braden totally wiped out in the driveway on Sunday)

Affection...

I wish I had some amazing picture to go along with this post, but since it's just me and Big B here most of the time there isn't anyone to get behind the camera and capture the special moments. I just have to brag on the kid... he's so affectionate. And I notice that his little bits of affection are increasing and just so, so precious. Hugs and kisses... that's a given. But he'll grab my face with both his hands, look me straight in the eye and say something funny and crack himself up. He'll cuddle up with me on the couch and snuggle in real tight for no reason and without warning. He initiates butterfly and nose kisses...and when he's getting ready to sleep at night... some part of him has to be touching some part of me until he's just about to fall into his nightly slumber.
I keep anticipating that he'll stop someday soon so I'm soaking it in now... and I love it. It erases all the moments of "being a two year old" that surface throughout the day. These kids I tell ya... they have it all figured out!

Reader on the Pot

I thought I'd share a glimpse into the potty training (no worries, not X-rated). Braden enjoys stripping down and settling in with a good book (Dr. Seuss books preferred) to take care of his "business" and often he'll sit down and go right away... but still want to stay there and read!!!

We've been doing...

A whole lot of nothing! That's why there really haven't been any blog posts. Braden is potty training and it's going. It's not terrible and it's not perfect. He totally get the concept, he'll take initiative on his own sometimes, but it's mostly my prompting (or nagging... I'm annoying myself with it sometimes). I have nothing else to compare it to, but I'll say that it appears it's the right time and it's beginning to work and we're sticking with it. And while it's a bit controversial (what part of parenting isn't) we are using M&Ms as treats and for our boy... it's been a big hit. We're using training pants for now so no huge, messy accidents - but I know I need to move to the big boy underpants soon enough to really push it to the next level... maybe next week.
On Valentines Day we went as a family to a nice restaurant in Squamish for lunch. We were the only ones at the place (I think it's more of a dinner place and they would be really busy that evening). But the food was great and we made it home in time for Braden's nap and spent the evening watching rented movies we picked up in town.
Chad's on a longer work trip this week and I'm doing much of the same day in and day out. We are both really anxious for nice weather. After staying pretty inactive on weekends through the winter I'm ready to head out for some excursions to enjoy this beautiful part of the world so I'm on the lookout for some fun family things to do.
That's all for now - things are a bit boring - but the weeks continue to pass quickly and I can't believe we've been here almost a year already.

Hey Mister...

To the man that was following me last night on my way home so closely (with his brights on) that I couldn't see the front of your car - You are a JERK! It was dark... on a winding two lane mountain road that is under construction... and it was raining! There were no street lights and the roads not only wind all over... the hills so up and down (did I mention this jerk had his bright on and I couldn't see because it was glaring into the back of my car). It was probably the most intense 5 to 7 minutes I've ever had behind the wheel. I had my son in the car... I was going the speed limit and it's not the easiest road to drive in the dark.... and in the rain. I never get road rage... but boy did I have some "adult only" words for him as he zoomed past me after the construction area.

What we've been up to

I am certain that our life here could be what many would be consider boring (and on some days... I would consider it boring too). But we do get out and about several times a week (in addition to the M, W, F playdate/classes). Here's a peek some of what we've been up to. We made it out to the mall with a large bookstore and children's area. Braden played about an hour while I caught up on come celebrity magazines.

Ok... proof that they will give anyone a book deal. Seriously... it's disturbing. I thought Paris "I'm a heiress, princess and only pretend to be a ditz" book was enough. Clearly, I'm dead wrong. And worse - this book wasn't in the "bargain" section. It was on the "Buzz Books" area. Maybe it doesn't bother anyone else... but it bothers me.

We live 45 minutes from the largest ski resort in all of North America - home to the Olympics next winter - Chad skis, he enjoys it and is good at it. So, while I L-O-V-E the time he's home on the weekend (he 100% is such a great help when he's here), I also encouraged him to take advantage of how close we are to Whistler - so this past Sunday he went. I told him he had to take the camera and here's what I got! :)

We hit up "Kids Zone" this week as out last big adventure out before potty training lock down. It was a good hour away, there are tons of these kind of places that direction, but that's not where we live so it makes for a whole day adventure. Above: Braden jumped onto the arcade car and thought he was pretty cool. Below: One of those jumping rooms - this one was a castle. I thought Braden would love it - he liked it alright, but he wasn't begging for more. In fact he was a bit more timid on a lot of things there. I know he's old enough, the place was full of kids his age. So either he's just not ready or I am not good and convincing him - maybe Chad would have better luck. Actually - I'm pretty sure it's me... when he was jumping around in here all I could think about was "how long until him and another kid collide heads at full speed in this jumping contraption?". It's just the way my mind works. I genuinely try to not let my silly fears rub off (do you remember how jumpy I am at the petting zoos?). The picture below is a teaser... I'm waiting until we're at least to day 3 or 4 of potty training before I really comment. I'll just say this... I've been impressed with Braden... so far. But I'm realistic and realize I could feel different a few days out which is why I'm waiting to give a report. But I couldn't wait to show off Braden in his Big Boy Underpants... little boys in their little briefs is just so so cute!!!

Buyer's Remorse

I'm a sucker... what can I say? Today at Walmart as I was cruising to the check out lane something caught my eye, it says 2 for $4... Little Debbie Treats. I don't think I've actually purchased anything like this since high school... seriously. So what made me stop... and fall for the 2 for $4 ploy (I mean... is that even a good deal? For all I know they are $2.50 a box not on sale). So now I have these TWO (it's even worse I was "tricked into getting two instead of just one) boxes at the house. I don't need them... I don't need to give them to Braden (the kid needs NO sugar). This is not one of my finest moments. Oh well... I guess the best thing I can do now is AVOID looking at the nutritional (or non-nutritional) information on the box to pretend it's not as bad. Oh... and when did Oatmeal Cream Pies get to be two-bite sized? When I was a kid I thought they were much bigger!!!

Here. We. Go.

It's go time... Braden is starting some "hard core - no turning back" potty training. I was going to start tomorrow, but when he woke up from his nap he seems ready to go. I'm sure I'll be posting more about this milestone as we work together through this process. I think he's ready... but am I???

Sit back and relax...

This will be a long post. It's a total recap of our trip back to Illinois, and a trip to New Orleans. We'll see how this goes...

Monday, January 5th, 2009

I wake up in the morning and I can't get up. My head is pounding, my nose is beyond stuffed up, my eyes are watering, I'm coughing and my body just will. not. move. It's official, I'm sick and it couldn't have come at a worse time. Our New Years Eve visitors left the day before and the house is a semi-disaster, I'm on a deadline for my work project, I have to pack and do laundry because on Wednesday we're leaving for Illinois and all I can think about is that I hope to get better quick because I'm supposed to meet Baby Jack Hager on Thursday and cannot be sick. Feeling this bad also makes me really, really sad that stay-at-home moms don't get sick days, I really needed one. Chad did what he could and was home an hour early, which was nice - but it really just gave me an extra hour to finish that work project. (It's possible that my body being so UNBELIEVABLY sore was also because I had played Wii boxing against Chad and I took it far too seriously... how sad an interactive video game could do that to me - note to self - I really need to working out).

Tuesday, January 6th

Wow... I can't believe I felt so bad yesterday. Now, I'm not feeling tip top - but a major improvement. I'm optimistic that I'll be ok to see Baby Jack and finish up all the laundry and pack everything Braden and I need for two weeks... in ONE suitcase, I'm impressed. (Turns out this wasn't such a great idea... but I'll elaborate on a later post).

Wednesday, January 7th

Time to go... still feeling just "so-so". It looks like I won't be visiting Katie and Baby Jack on Thursday, but I tell myself that maybe by Friday it will be ok. (Fast-forward - it won't). We have a layover in Seattle, it's a long day of travel - but Braden is a rock star. I wish I could say the same for myself. In the middle of the second flight I feel the pressure building again, hit with a pounding headache and stuffed up nose - uh oh - SINUS INFECTION. By the end of the flight I can't even move my head without tears coming to my eyes. To pick up things on the floor of the airplane I have to sit in the aisle and lean in - turning my head upside down is NOT an option. Thankfully we were the last row so we didn't hold anyone up. Staci and Jason greet us at the airport and bring us back to their house (aka - our "home base" for the duration of our trip). Eventually we go to bed.

Thursday, January 8th

This day was supposed to be spent at Katie's, but with my sickness it's clear that isn't happening, so we hang out at Staci's and try to rest and relax.

Friday, January 9th

Take Braden to Homewood, he's going to stay with my mom and my uncle while I am off to New Orleans for Layne and Mitzi's wedding. I wake up sicker than the day before, I'm hanging by a thread! Another afternoon I could have seen Baby Hager... but can't since this sinus infection is ruling my life. I have a late flight to New Orleans, supposed to land at 10:15, but due to some de-icing issues at O'Hare we take off late. I get to the Big Easy at nearly midnight. My hilarious husband that is meeting me there from Vancouver thinks I'm going out to mingle. But after another 2 hours in the air my sinus infection is at an entirely new level. I didn't think it was possible. I finally get to the hotel and to sleep around 1:30, wake up at 4:30 thinking I have pink eye... but no... it's just the sinus infection - coming out of my eyes!

Saturday, January 10th

The reason we're here for the big celebration!!! (I'm feeling a tad... just tiny bit better). The wedding is not until the evening so Chad, Keith (Chad's brother) and I take a nice walk over to the French Quarter where we get some lunch. While we're eating... down Bourbon St in the middle of Saturday afternoon is a marching band!

Keith, me and Chad enjoying the afternoon at Pat O'Brien's outdoor garden. It was 84 and sunny... why don't I live in the south? (yet).Chad and Keith on a major road, lots of people were out. Warm weather has such power, people are out and about... and happy.

On to The Main Event... congratulations to Layne and Mitzi Court! You looked fabulous and could see how happy you both were. Thanks for inviting us to New Orleans, it was great to see some of this historic city (with lots of traditions and pride). Layne and Mitzi live in Dallas and recently moved into their new house, I know they will have lots of great memories from this weekend as well as creating many more! :)

Layne and his best man Ben. Ben and Chad went to high school together and when I moved to Dallas Chad introduced me to his cousin, Layne and friend, Ben (who had not met before). We had a great time together and now more than 6 years later look at them! :)

You may now kiss the bride!

The adorable flower girls, sisters Reece and Addison with their dad, Chad

The Ramsey Boys with their mom, Paula

Sunday, January 11th

Chad and I both have early, early flights back to Chicago and Vancouver. (So early that when we're leaving the hotel at 4:30 we are seeing friends from the wedding just ending their night). After a long plane ride, then a train to Homewood I'm finally back to my little guy and borrow my uncle's car for the rest of the week so we can continue our journey.

Monday, January 12th

We leave for Bloomington to visit Keith and the three kids! We have not since Kylie (2 1/2) and the twins, Logan and Jackson (11 months) since August. Braden had SO much fun playing with his cousins. It makes me sad that they don't get to spend more time together.

Keith with his boys laying on the couch!

After bath time, Kylie and Braden brush their teeth

Braden and Kylie share her Dora couch for some unwinding and video time

So many things about this picture... first of all, I just think it's so precious. Second - these two cousins could pass for siblings!

Tuesday, January 13th
Happy Birthday to Grandma Ramsey! We left Bloomington in the morning and got back to Chicago, where Braden successfully avoided taking his afternoon nap (Oh joy!). I'm still sick as a dog and it occurs to me that maybe my old doctor in Chicago would be willing to call in a prescription of antibiotics for me... score! That evening we went over to Lisa's place in the city so Braden and her could visit.

Wednesday, January 14th

Off to DeKalb to visit friends Jen and Kyle Guymon (and our wedding album is ready to be picked up.. fun!). Still sick, but hanging in there (and sad because I am supposed to see Baby Jack on Thursday - one week later than originally planned - and while on the road to recovery, not enough that I feel ok to be around a newborn... damn this sinus infection!) Jen made a fabulous Lasagna and The Faivre's came over with their daughter Ansley. Braden played around a bit, but got a bit fussy and was asleep before everyone left. The Guymons had just had their holiday party the week before and the tree was still up. Jen got some pics of Braden... man, I wish I was a photographer like she is. Also photos of Landon "horsing" around with the kids. To check these photos, click here, Jen's Album.

Thursday, January 15th

Back to the city again, this time we arrive just in time to meet Staci and Jason as they finish their doctor's appointment (for Baby Butscher due in August)!!! We meet for lunch at one of my all time favorites, Chili's. After lunch, Staci, Braden and I head to Woodfield Mall... and guess who else is there? Katie... does that mean that FINALLY there may be a Baby Jack sighting??? YES! We arrange to meet at the mall, Katie and her mom are running errands and I tell them I'll just admire the baby from afar but would love, love to meet up! Just because I need to wear my scarf and keep a distance doesn't mean Braden will! :) Aren't those just too cute!!!

Braden and his godmother Katie pounding on the "drums"

Friday, January 16th

Wake up and it's time to get back to Homewood! Braden will be staying with my family another night while I attend the annual PJ holiday party with my friends (who so very, very kindly held it later so I could be there!). My mom has plans, so Uncle Jim is flying solo with Big B for the night and he does an awesome job, Braden is a big fan of Uncle Jim. You know who else we got to see while we were there???

That's right, my beautiful niece Raina! Braden and and Raina ran around and had a lot of fun chasing each other all over the house.

After I leave I head to Katie, with the medical mask as my aide I am coming to spend the afternoon (finally) with her and Jack. It's so precious to finally be holding this little man (and he really is little, he was still in the 5 lb range when I was there!). He's perfect and he must kind of like me too, we took a nap together on the couch while his mommy got showered... it was wonderful! Medical mask down for a second to get a glance at my huge smile while holding the little bundle. (And yes - repeat on the one piece PJs, you buy those to wear to PJ parties, so out they came again!)

About 6:30 and guests start to arrive - everyone brings some food... and man is there a lot of food!!! We do a pretty good job of putting a lot of it away though, we don't mess around. We had so much fun catching up, playing games (left, right, center - I dominated, and took home $60 profit for my effort (which was really just luck). I miss these girls terribly... and writing about here won't even do it justice.

Saturday, January 17th

I wake up to get Braden from Homewood and we head back to Staci to try and catch that afternoon nap... which eludes us again. That is until it's time for us to head out. Sure enough at 4:30 when we're leaving to go to Amy and Andy's (Big B's godfather) Braden is fast asleep. He sleeps the whole way there, and the first 30 minutes we get there. Finally he wakes up to get his birthday and Xmas gifts which includes...

Not just the Bear Helmet - a whole uniform... with shoulder pads! And Thomas the Train videos... you guys rock!

While we were there we were so lucky that 6 other friends made their way over to visit (although it was way too short)! Thanks to everyone for coming by... it was really good to see you!

From L to R (well more like a circle going clockwise, starting with Jack on the left!) - Jack, Ami, Robyn, Joel, Amy, Jeremy, Becki, Braden and Andy

From there we left to meet Staci and Jason for a yummy Italian dinner near their house. Only sleepy "I don't need my afternoon nap" Braden fell asleep on me during dinner! I was able to eat and we enjoyed the meal.

Sunday, January 18thHmmm... breakfast! We went out with our extremely kind, generous and patient host and hostess for a Sunday morning meal. Jason and Staci - Thank you both so much for being so wonderful during this trip... we borrowed your car, we took over the house for nearly two weeks and you were amazing! I am so so stoked for Baby Butscher!

That evening we made another visit to The Hagers. Braden was a bit jealous of my loving on Baby Jack! But all went well and after missing out on so much planned time since I was sick I was so glad to squeeze in another visit. Baby Jack and I had a good talk and even though he won't remember me yet... I let him know I think of him everyday!

Monday, January 19th

We are headed home. It's been a good trip (minus the sinus infection that plagued me the entire first week). I only wish we had more time since there were still so many people to see. Although it was nice to get home and rest in our own beds.

So... are you tired of reading? I'm pretty tired of typing and now that I'm done I'm pretty sure I would not take this approach to a vacation blog again, but live and learn.