massachusetts

Tomorrow we begin our trek back to Hot Kansas.  Yes, I've renamed the state.  On our way we will visit; Upstate NY, Niagara Falls, Cleveland & Chicago (IKEA!).  For now, here is a peek at our 16 day stay in Massachusetts.

We saw a lot of friends, hung out with family, logged a number of hours at the beach, played outside, and as much seafood and ice cream as allowed. 

Playing in the frog pond at the
Boston Common

a trip to Old Orchard Beach, ME

time at the beach in Marshfield, MA

  

                                this year vs. last year

lots of trips to the skate park to ride the ramps

"I can do it all by myself"
indeed you can!

playing in puddles, we don't have
such things in Hot Kansas

                         this year vs. last year

goodbye beach
we'll see you next year

 

made it!

Notes on the first part of our journey....

 

St. Louis, Dublin, Bird-in-Hand, Brooklyn

Lots of you commented positive thoughts about our crazy, almost month long, trip that included driving from Kansas to Massachusetts and back again.  However, I know that in the back of your mind you’re thinking “girl, you crazy.”  Jim said it out loud, along with a few family members.  

I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I wondered how it would go. Well, really there are only two possibilities.

                 Oliver is on board and ready for the adventure

                 Oliver has decided that this is the worst thing ever

There is no middle ground.

some entertainment for the road
I kept these items in the front with me and passed them to
him when he dropped everything else

The first, and hardest part of our trip was the 4.5 hour drive to St. Louis.  Oliver dropped all his toys on the floor in the first half hour, and then spent 10 minutes crying about being strapped down in his seat.  Oh dear.  Is this how it’s going to be?  Luckily, no.  He got it all out in those 10 minutes and then was happy happy the rest of the way. A stop at cotton babies for a few new things for baby #2 and a new lunchbox for Oliver.  We spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out at City Museum.  It was hot and crowded, but really fun.  Enjoyed dinner and time with friends in the evening. 

On to Dublin, OH.  7.5 hours and 420 miles.  It’s an insanely mindless drive filled with long, straight, boring roads.  Oliver napped for two hours, then a few more hours in I had to pull over for a 15 minute power nap.  I had high expectations of checking out Jack Hanna’s Zoo.  Not so much, 103 just isn’t zoo weather.  We played at a little splash area instead, met up with our friends, had dinner, had ice cream, checked out an art instillation of giant ears of corn (random), and were treated to the softest bed ever. 

corn field

 Off to Bird-in-Hand, PA.  7 hours and 400 miles.  It’s about the same length as the previous day’s jaunt, but sooo much better.  Hills, mountains, trees, curves, tunnels, just a lot more interesting.  I didn’t need to nap once and we made it to our destination by 1:45, giving us plenty of time to explore.  We checked in to our inn, and were given an upgrade to a larger room, that actually has two rooms and two separate beds, score. 

Rumor has it the beloved whoopie pie hails from this area.  We went to the Bird-in-Hand bakery, picked up and ate our delicious whoopie pies, then a hot soft pretzel, chugged a bottle of water, got a few treats to go, and fed the goats before heading off.  Next stop, buggy ride.  I knew Oliver would love it, I was so right.  I was just nervous about my ability to make it through.  As we trot though the 100 degree countryside our guide points out cows, horses, bunnies, various crops, lack of electricity, and other Amish stuff.  Oliver comments on everything he finds interesting and I just keep praying I don’t have to turn and throw up out the buggy.  We make it, we pay and thank the guy then Oliver says, “that buggy ride be so fun.”

Whoopie Pie

Goat Feeding

Goat slobber

 Brooklyn, NY.  3 hours and 150 miles.  Ahhhh a short jaunt.  Our friends in NYC took us to the children's museum, then out for NY style pizza (amazing), and frozen yogurt at pink berry.  Plus numerous subway rides that thrilled Oliver.  Next morning, we had some nice NYC style bagels and headed off to Massachusetts.
 

 A quick stop at Stew Leonard's in Connecticut.  It's a super fun grocery store.  Here Oliver is watching some singing and dancing dairy products.  I know, awesome, right? 

 We finally made it to Massachusetts.  We get off at the first exit, Sturbridge, MA.  Oliver and I fill the gas tank and empty our own tanks.  Back in for the last hour of the drive.  As soon as we get on the Mass Pike Oliver makes it clear that he is all done, "I don't want to drive on this highway!!!"  I knew there must be a breaking point.  Apparently the start of hour 25 is the end for Oliver.  Good enough.  I switch our satellite radio to the symphony channel and after 5 minutes of being mad about the Mass Pike he falls asleep.   

Right as we were coming into Arlington (outside of Boston), Oliver says "O-L-I-V-E-R, that spells Oliver!"  Aiming for Tylick on the 25 hour drive home.   

Po' Boy

I subscribe to Cooking Light.  It's not strange light cooking, nothing weird to hard to find, no fake sugar (I despise sugar substitutes), and rarely do they use "light" ingredients.  It's just real food, and that's pretty awesome. 

In a recent issue they took on lightening up a Shrimp Po' Boy.  I've never been to New Orleans or Alabama, or Mississippi, so I suppose I've never had a "real" one.  However, I've made this one twice and I think it's amazing!  Really really good. 

It's basically 3 parts
-slaw
-shrimp (will need to marinate for 30 minutes)
-roll

Slaw ingredients

 3 tablespoons mayo
1 tablespoon diced onion
1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon horseradish 

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

1 garlic clove, minced 

2 cups of packages coleslaw

-Throw everything but the slaw into a bowl and mix.  Toss the slaw in at the end.  Refrigerate. 

slaw

ingredients for the shrimp and roll 

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 large egg white
1 pound of medium raw shrimp peeled and deveined

-Toss everything together in a bowl and marinade in the fridge for 30 minutes

marinating shrimp 

Breading for the shrimp
4 slices of your french baguette (2 1/2 ounces)
3 tablespoons of stone ground cornmeal
Some fresh ground pepper

-Turn your bread slices into bread crumbs, I use a food processor, and dump in a bowl
-Add the cornmeal and pepper
-Toss the shrimp to cover






-Heat some oil up in a saute pan
-Drop the breaded shrimp into the oil and cook until golden on each sise


French baguette cut to your desired serving size and toasted (if you like toasty bread)
We used some rolls this time.  Whatever makes ya happy. 

#2

We are getting another under-two-year old.  Yeah, you read that right.  Another under-two-year old.  Sadly, this under-two-year old doesn't require travel to an awesome destination.  This one is a bit more local.

AAhhhhhhhh!!!

 Amazingly enough I've been harboring this secret for what feels like forever!  Below are the tales I would have shared if I was allowed to.  So those of you interested in over sharing can read on.....

April 15th & 16th
I've always been irregular.  Irregular in a number of areas, but let this irregularity focus on my period.  UGH, I love adoption because you don't have to discuss such things.  Am I still 15?  Yeah.  So it had not arrived since maybe the middle of February.  Figured, I'd better take a pregnancy test so I could stop worrying.  I took the test alone after getting home from the grocery store, while the men were still out watching trains. 

I've taken a few pregnancy tests.  We tried for a short time before adopting Oliver.  I remember the last pregnancy test I took.  I'm so classy.  At target, purchase a test, take it in the target bathroom, celebrate its negativity and run to mail our first dossier off to Russia!  It was a little different this go around.  I walk back into the bathroom after putting the groceries away and notice a plus sign, what?  Good thing I bought a two pack, I'll try that again in the morning.

Morning comes, new test, still a plus sign.  Hmmmm.  I put the test in my pocket and go downstairs to see what Jim is doing.  He is on his computer flipping through tornado destruction photos from Iowa.  Do I just leave the test somewhere for him to find?  No, he wouldn't notice that.  Do I have to do something cute and creative?  Should I call someone for backup?

I do a few laps around the kitchen and then say "hey do you want to have a baby?" 
Jim - umm yeah maybe
Me - I think we might be having one (hold up test)

I guess I could have done better, but we are pretty low key.  "Hey want to adopt a kid?"  Sounds great let's go to Kazakhstan Russia.  "Hey want to have a baby?"  Sure, sounds good to me.

Now I'm going to go ahead and admit it, I know NOTHING absolutely nothing about pregnancy.  I kid you not.  Okay I know stuff like not to drink or smoke or do crazy stuff, but I don't do any of that anyway.  Guess I should find a doctor.  I'll put Jim in charge of that.

April 17th
Oliver and I hit the library.  I score a stack of pregnancy education books and Oliver gets a book about excavators and another about cranes.  Then he spends a little while playing with the library train set while I get a jump on my much needed education.  On the way home I break and call a friend.  Someone else needs to know this.  Jim has said I can't tell anyone yet, but if she asks I can't lie....right?  I egg her on to ask the appropriate question, she plays along nicely.

April 20th
Getting a positive pregnancy test and then waiting a week to have it official confirmed by a doctor isn't fun.  My head is spinning.  I saw that the test was positive.  I got a few books.  I joined a group on babycenter.  Seems like everyone in this stage is sick and feeling awful.  I don't feel any different, really no different at all.  No nausea, or increased sense of smell, or whatever crazy stuff should be happening.  I surely am not pregnant.  I'd better take another test.  Maybe a name brand instead of Target brand.

clear blue thinks I'm just as pregnant as target

But I haven't been approved for this child!  We weren't fingerprinted by numerous states or the department of homeland security.  A social worker didn't come over to make sure we have a good home for this baby.  We didn't have to be evaluated by a psychologist.  What if Pollyannas shouldn't have babies?  Nah, it's all good.  Why are our finances not being evaluated?  It's an odd feeling to have a child this was when you've already adopted.  Are we really allowed to just go and have a kid all willy nilly?  Am I old enough?  Young enough?  Married enough?  There better be some paperwork that needs to be notarized, apostilled, and FedEx somewhere or else this isn't legit at all.  

April 23rd
First visit to my obgyn.  We talk, she looks at things, I get sent off to a blood draw, and then off to an ultrasound.  We need to figure out when this kid is coming around.  I, in all my above described infinite wisdom of pregnancy, thought I was about 9 weeks along.  Picked 9 weeks because my period happened sometime in February and that was 9ish weeks away.  Maybe the sperm took some sort of detour on its way to my egg because the ultrasound lady checked things out (let's not discuss how) and she couldn't find a babe.  What we did see was a lovely and inviting sac.  She guesses I may be about 5 weeks along with a kid the size of a seed.  A small seed, like a poppy seed not one of those huge sunflower seeds.

May 7th (most everything below is about throwing up, stop now, or consider yourself warned)

Oh my stars!  Prenatal vitamins suck.  I wake this lovely Monday morning.  It's got great promise.  Jim and I have Mondays off and I take Oliver to the gym and we have a grand old time together.  NOT. TO. DAY!  Rise, eat, few sips of a berry smoothie, vitamin, and off with Oliver to the gym.  Gym parking lot.  Oh no.  I've got to puke.  Open car door and puke bright pink berry smoothie all over. Feeling much better I get out and go to get Oliver out of his seat so we can go to the gym.  He peed his pants, and we don't have an extra pair, awesome, we leave.  We drive up to the library night drop off so I can return some books.  Upon leaving the library I see a McDonalds.  I do not go to McDonalds, no really, never.  Okay, well I don't go there for food, sometimes I do get Oliver a fruit smoothie on the way to Lowe's.  Whatever.  I see the McDonalds and I suddenly neeeeeed a sausage biscuit sandwich.  Those biscuits are so tasty.  Drive up.  Order said sandwich and a cup of water.  Pay, drive off to window two to collect the goods.  As soon as the food bag enters the car I feel like I'm going to DIE.  The smell is insane.  I throw it to the back of the car, put down the windows, turn up the AC.  It doesn't help.  While driving, I dump the water out of my cup and start throwing up like a crazy woman.  I can't get home fast enough.  

May 21st
Went to the doctor to get an ultrasound this morning.  Babe measured 9 weeks 0 days, which gives us a due date of December 24, 2012.  I was also able to hear the baby's heart beat chugging away at 158 bpm.  So far so good.  Next appointment, June 18th.

June 3 & 4
Jim's family is in town for Oliver's birthday.  We decide to tell them the Monday after his party.  I'd say I'm fairly creative, I like something a little bit more than "hey guys we are pregnant."  I go to Pottybarn and get a nice two-slot-photo-frame.  I put a lovely photo of Oliver on one side and an ultrasound photo with the words "expected arrival 12-24-12" on the other side.  In my mind, and Jim's, and my friend Michelle's this is crystal clear, crystal.  After dinner Oliver delivers the gift, they open, they are excited about Oliver's picture, and that's it.  Errr.  Jim says, "hey dad, what's that photo on the right?"  They look more closely at it, they read the words, they have no idea, like really no idea.  His dad finally says, "I don't know, a squirrel in a nest." Fail.  I tell them we are having a kid, and finally get the reaction we thought we would get.  Apparently there is a generational gap between those who have seen an ultrasound photo and those who haven't. 

June 11 - June 26     I eat, then I throw up, that's about it.
Throw up in parking lots
Out a friend's car window, while driving
At work
At home
At stores
At church 
In my hands
I throw up when Oliver tries to mimic my throw up noise

Rumor has it, that means things are going well.  Someone has a great sense of humor!

June 18th
Doctor's apt, 13weeks.  I say I puke a lot, she says eat a popsicle.  She says if it's really bad I can take some medication.  I'm pretty anti medication.  I'll just wait it out.  Baby's heart is chugging away at 156 bpm.  She tries to schedule another apt in 4 weeks and I say I'm skipping town, I'll see you in August.  August 6, 20 weeks, will be our next apt with an ultrasound.  This is a long ultrasound where they check out all the babe's parts and we find out the sex.  Let me rephrase, some people find out the sex, we are not those people.  Holding out for a surprise.  I hear they call that Team Green.  Go Green!  

June 26th
Mailed out our announcements

 -Trisha, Jim, Oliver & baby #2


July 2
Happy to have gone public.  It means I can start pinning!  15 weeks along. 

sewing project

Give me some grace, this is my first sewing project that I've written about.  First know, I don't pretend that I know how to sew.  I find sewing to be really useful, but also pretty challenging.  How do you get the darn thing to go straight?  Anyway, I've made a few things; pillow covers, a couple skirts, hemmed a few dresses, shortened some dress straps, and made a little organizer for Oliver's toys in the car...none of those projects could I explain.  However, today I made something so simple that I do believe anyone could make it.  It's not actually tutorial worthy, really you could just look at the picture and make it...that's what I did.  But I'm wordy, so let me explain....

I made a little carriers for Oliver and I to put our toothpaste, toothbrush, and other daily essentials inside. This little carrier keeps the wet toothbrush away from other items like makeup and such.  Plus it's made from a washcloth so when the trip is over we can wash it and it will be ready for next time and it won't gross up the inside of any bags.  

First off my inspiration can be found here.   $10, girl,  you've got to be joking! 

Also, sorry for the photos, they were taken with my phone.  

Supplies
washcloths
ribbon or something to tie it shut
sewing machine
scissors

Fold the washcloth, inside out
Pin to hold
Then sew up each side
On the second side sneak your ribbon in (or hand sew it in later)
Turn it back the right way

 Upside down, errr sorry
I put my stuff in then placed pins where I wanted the pockets
Took the stuff out and sewed a line from bottom to top
to create the pockets

 

Put the stuff back in and tied it shut

This little project could easily be free, but we purchased new washcloths from Target for 3.99 each so it cost us about $8 for both. 

3 year check up

Oliver likes to think he is shy, or maybe he is shy, or maybe he thinks he is being cute, I don't know.  What I do know is that when someone speaks to him he will usually turn away and smile or squint his eyes shut really tight, or drop his head down.  Sometimes it's a combination of all three, try picturing it, it's hilarious.  

The waiting room at the doctor's office

me- Oliver the doctor is going to say "what's your name?" When she says that you need to say your name loud and proud, not putting your head down.  Can you practice?  What's your name?
him- Oliver!
me- She might say "how old are you?" Can you tell her how old you are.  Say it loud and proud.
him- I three.  (holding up some jumble of fingers)
me- Okay buddy when she asks you a question just answer it, no head down.  You can do it.
him- I do it.
me- great

We continue waiting and he picks up a magazine with a bodybuilder guy on the front
him- This guy naked
me- No, he has his pants on, he just isn't wearing a shirt.  Naked is when you have no clothes.
him- He forgot his shirt?
me- I think so
him- Maybe his shirt in the wash
me- You might be right

In the doctor's office

doctor- Hi Oliver, how are you?  Can I have a high five.
him- head down
doctor- Wow, look at the helicopter on your shirt.  What color is that?
him- squinty eyes

This carries on for a few more questions.  Finally, she asks about some zoo animals and he cracks and speaks to her.

The doctor asks me some questions, that I answer loud and proud, because Oliver is really someone special and I'm proud.

Can he count?  Yes.
Does he recognize any letters?  Most all of them. (Damn lowercase j)
Colors? Yep, finally.
Potty training?  We are getting there.
Does he eat a variety of food?  Um, yes most defiantly. 
Does he like to drink?  Ha! More than anyone I've ever met, ever.

Oliver weighs in at 30.2 pounds, about the same as 6 months ago, the doctor says that's fine and normal and lands him in the 25th percentile.  A year and a half ago he wasn't even on the chart for weight, so it's a win.  

Oliver measures in at 39 inches tall, about 2 inches more than last time, and that lands him in the 75th percentile.  A year and a half ago he was in the 3rd, what a string bean.  

road trip

That's right.  Instead of flying to Massachusetts Oliver and I will be driving, we are awesome like that.  Why drive?  Come on friends, it's way more adventurous.  Would I drive out every year, no but this year we are and we're getting excited. 

Oliver is excited to get trucks to honk at him and I'm excited to see some friends and fun places. Here is the itinerary...

Day 1 - St. Louis.  Do something awesome, and see some good friends.

Day 2 -Columbus, OH.  Check out Jack Hanna's Zoo (granted it's under 100) and stay with a friend I haven't seen in...umm ages.

Day 3 -Lancaster, PA.  Hang with some Amish people, ride in a buggy, eat whoppie pies (they hail from PA) and visit some awesome looking model train place.  I think we will stay at a bed and breakfast.

Day 4 -Brooklyn, NY.  Not sure what we are going to do, but I'm sure our friends will have some great ideas. 

Days 5-8 - BOSTON!  Home of all things wonderful including an eyebrow wax!

Days 9-11 -Vermont.  Camping with college girls.  Oliver is going to love it.  We "practice" camping at home.  "Now I will cook my hot dog on this stick, after I eat it I will cook marshmallows on my stick."  Pretty much.

Days 12-21 -Marshfield, MA.  Beach time!  Family and friends time! 

Day 22 -Upstate NY.  Seeing friends and family

Day 23 -Niagara Falls, Canada.  Exploring the falls and staying at a Marriott that over looks the falls.  Ya for cashing in a free night's stay.  I thank the extremely overpriced Marriott Grand Hotel in Moscow for making this evening possible, and free! 

Day 24 -Cleveland.  Mostly just sleeping as we are going to spend most of the day in Canada.

Day 25 -Chicago.  IKEA!!!!! and maybe some fun Chicago thing, but mostly IKEA!!!

Day 26 -Home

Days 27-unknown -Recovery. 

We are leaving on July 5th.  This upcoming week you can look forward to adventures in getting ready to road trip.  No worries, my car has already been inspected and repaired, and it is as ready as it's going to be. 

My many hours on the road look like this



Instead of this. 

Tomorrow Oliver has his three year well kid check up.  I'm excited to see how much he has grown, we haven't been to the doctor since November (when he jumped out the window).  He is fearless, but he doesn't get sick, I'll take it.