Disappointment

Well, the house that we had our eye on is as good as sold, but not to us. We were fairly disappointed, but have decided to make the best of it. It wasn't meant to be, I guess. Now that we know exactly what we want in a home, we can build it or buy it. There are wonderful lots for sale, not to mention existing homes. Either way, mum's the word from here on out. You won't hear anything about our future living arrangements until we've signed the papers. Losing the house is exactly why Craig and I were trying to keep our privacy, but we have learned that it's best not to tell anyone anything. We were a little too excited to keep our mouths shut last time.

I do have to say this: Selling your home is very stressful when you have 2 dogs and a cat (and a baby). We have had showings every day this week, and each time we get "the call", we have to scramble. If we're at work, one of us has to leave and go corral the animals and find a place to put them so they aren't home. If we are home, we have to drop whatever we're doing and get out. Last night I was just going to put pork chops in the oven and go out to mow, when we got "the call". Off we went, 2 cars, 2 dogs, one cat, one baby and one diaper bag. Sheesh. Then, when we returned, we realized that we had locked ourselves out of the house and had to call Craig's mom to come over and let us in. Today we have 2 showings and a realtor's open house, so Rudy is at doggy daycare, Nala and Kirby are at Craig's parents. If anyone would like a cat for a few weeks until our house sells (hopefully it will only take a few more weeks), feel free to temporarily adopt ours. Though Craig would tell you that you can have him forever, I still like the big guy.

I love to read, and will read pretty much anything I can get my hands on. I just finished The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. It's a memoir, chronicling her unbelievable childhood and journey to adulthood. You won't believe the craziness and poverty that her family lived in. It's fabulous!

I'm No Lance Armstrong

I may have done a very dumb thing yesterday. Water Carnival is this weekend in Detroit Lakes, and since we are going to be there anyway, I signed Craig and I up for a 15-mile bike ride. Too late now, the check is in the mail. My uncle is doing the 45 mile tour -yes, that's right - FORTY FIVE MILES. I have 4 more days to get ready, and it's doubtful I will make it the whole way, but at least I'm going to try. This biking thing really is an awesome work out. And like my aunt says, at least I have the courage to get out there and try. It drives me bananas when people complain about how they need to lose weight, but refuse to do anything about it. What's the point in complaining then? My philosophy might not be right, but it's just the way I feel. And I am the first one to admit that it's way past time for me to get on the exercise stick.

Speaking of losing weight, I broke down and ate McDonald's last night after softball. I haven't had it since last summer after one of my mom's chemo treatments (it's my favorite fast food). I could eat McD's french fries until I turn into one. I am pleasantly surprised to say that it was terrible, and my stomach is still rolling around this morning (not to mention my conscience). It could have been due to the fact that they were extremely busy, but either way, it wasn't the gourmet treat I was expecting. UGH. I will think twice before doing that again. When a craving strikes, I will try remember this experience (yeah, right).

Do babies at 7 months get night terrors? If not, then I don't know what the heck Murray is going through lately. He cries out in his sleep, sometimes waking himself, sometimes not. It's a cry like no other, and we can't figure out why it's happening. Last night we didn't get any sleep whatsoever due to Murray's waking (and Craig's snoring in between Murray's waking). We both would fly out of bed, go running in, and the only thing that worked to get him back to sleep was to give him his blanket back. We always take it away after he's asleep so he doesn't smother himself, but now I'm wondering if he's old enough to sleep with it all night. Anyone have any parenting feedback?

Back To Reality

The Fourth of July has always been my favorite holiday. This year was no exception. We had fantastic weather and great fun. Some highlights of the weekend:

Saturday was on the windy side, so we loaded up the pontoon and headed across the lake to the sand bar. Murray HATED his life jacket. He was so mad at us, he didn't even have tears, he just screamed. Once we were anchored, we took it off and he was perfectly happy. But as soon as we started moving again and put it back on, the screaming ensued. He'll get used to it soon enough.

On the morning of the Fourth of July, the whole family gathered for a tribute to my mom. To make a long story short, my mom loved cheap beer. No fancy stuff for her! We all cracked open a Keystone at the same time and toasted her. We cried and laughed, and it was an awesome way to start the day. I do believe we'll make it a tradition.

After drinking 2 beers before 10am, we decided to ride our bikes around the lake. Several of my relatives are experienced cyclists and in excellent shape. The trip around is only 9 miles, but extremely hilly. For someone in my very unconditioned body, it probably was not a smart way to begin my exercising regimen. However, I made it, although my legs were comparable to jello afterwards. I didn't realize that there was so much to know about riding, but I am learning a lot. It was the wake up call I needed - my poor out of shape body was begging me to exercise it A LOT more often. By next year, I hope to be able to double the miles without a hitch. It's a bit hard on the ego when my aunt and uncle can lap me twice (they didn't, but could have).

Stay tuned for pictures - I forgot the camera at home this morning. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend, however you celebrated.

Fun In The Sun

I have been so busy relaxing this weekend that I haven't even thought about using a computer. I have taken a ton of pictures and will post the best tomorrow. We have had an absolutely fantastic weekend. I'm completely depressed that we have to go home tomorrow. Besides the fact that Murray HATES his life jacket (more on that next post), it's been a picture perfect few days. I'm off to relax a bit more - such hard work. :)

Happy Fourth of July

Today is Murray's last day in the nursery. When we return on Monday, we will drop him off in the mobile infant room. I am pretty sad about this, but proud too! The care that he has received in the nursery has been stellar, but I'm confident he will receive top-of-the-line care in the mobile infant room as well. We just love our center.

Murray had a rough afternoon and evening yesterday. He was obviously exhausted, but we couldn't get him to go to sleep. We tried everything, to no avail. We finally let him cry it out in his crib. I felt like the worst mother in the entire universe. I lasted 3 minutes (Craig was running errands), which felt like three hours, and then I caved. I picked him up and rocked with him, and once he settled down, he fell asleep in my arms (against my better judgement). We almost always put him down when he is still awake so that he learns to put himself to sleep, but desperate times, desperate measures. He slept until 7:30 this morning so we know he was very tired, just fighting sleep.

Tonight we will pack for the lake so we can hit the road in the morning. I can't wait to get there for a long, hot, relaxing weekend. The amount of gear we pack for a 45 minute trip never ceases to amaze me. We even keep some things there - Murray's life jacket, the pack and play, his pool, etc. but still we manage to fill the truck. Of course, two 100+ pound dogs and their equipment doesn't help our cause, but we wouldn't have it any other way. Here's to hurrying up to relax! Have a safe holiday.

Daddy Rocks

Lately I've been noticing how much of a daddy's boy Murray is becoming. Don't get me wrong, he loves us both, but if Craig is in the room, Momma becomes invisible. Murray and I can be happily playing on the floor, but the minute Craig walks into the room, he lights up and squeals in delight. If Craig walks by without stopping to play, Murray cries and fusses until he drops whatever it is he's doing to join us. It absolutely tickels me. How in the world did I ever get this lucky? These pictures were taken Monday and Sunday, respectively.