Things change. I could beat around the bush, play coy or try to give everyone some riddle to figure out. But, I’m not feeling that creative at this moment.
So…….the Lane family is expanding!! Yes, it is official. Baby Lane will arrive sometime around Sept 4th, 2010!! The first Miami-born resident for the Dickinson/Lane family.
How does Olivia feel about this, you ask? Hmmm…..confused, excited, nervous, not-excited, happy…I guess it depends on her mood when you ask. For years, Olivia has been asking (and praying) for a baby in the family. Now that reality is setting in or she’s learning that life as the sole attention-receiver is not all that bad, she’s a little uneasy about this change. Of course, I know she will be both thrilled when the baby is born and ready to send him/her back from time to time!
She’s also dying to know if she’s going to get a baby sister. For those that suffered through the ‘not knowing’ period with us the last time, we have decided again to be surprised and not find out what we’re having. I know…believe me. I can hear it already. Julie’s already expressed her dislike with this decision. :) As much as I like to ‘plan’, I like to test my creative/patience skills more by trying to find that one cute unisex nursery bedding that exists out there! Olivia survived just fine with a green room. Hard to believe.
Outside of this life-changing event, all is good. As Kyle reminded me the other day, going through the summer months in Miami 8 months pregnant will be very pleasant! Ha!! I cannot wait. I think we might relocate to Idaho just for the summer. Stay tuned.
One of the funny things in all this is that my new Dr is our realtor’s son. I don’t know why it makes me laugh, but it just does. My mom said it reminds her of a commune of sorts. I remember talking to our realtor (Mari) about a house the day she was at her son’s graduation from medical school. His name is Dr Roca and he was named ‘Dr McDreamy’ from his medical school (for those Grey’s watchers) and he ended up getting into a practice rather close to our house, so I figured I should just put trust in the whole family. After all, Mari stuck by us like glue for a painful 6 months/300 home tours until we found our house! Kyle and I both really like him and he’s put up with my rather frequent visits in the first trimester, which has been very reassuring.
So, we’ll enjoy the next 6 months of calmness before the mayhem breaks out! Come visit while it’s safe.
16 February 2010
10 February 2010
Can't Stop the Faucet....
Now that I talked about all the randomness coming back to my mind, I can't stop. Slight exaggeration, as there is really nothing that exciting going on in our lives. But, if you know me, my mind does not rest easy.
Anyways, I'm here today to talk about the weather. Not an exciting subject, really. I once heard someone say that the weather and children were the lowest common demoninators. Which means, if you are at a lack of words or small talk, you mention one of these. Knowing this, I laugh to myself whenever I'm talking to someone and either subject comes up...thinking 'Hmm, I guess we are out of things to talk about.'
That, however, is not the case here. I just really need to follow up on an earlier discussion, pre-holiday. There were/are many things about Miami that take getting used to - the lack of the English language, the really, really bad driving practiced here, the traffic, the amount of people at the airport (fueled largely by the cruise ships coming in and out on a daily basis), the lack of Mexican restaurants, the fact that there are no good radio stations, etc. However, the one thing no one warned me about was the weather. And, I'm not from up north. I've lived in HOT places. Arizona and Texas to be exact. For a long time.
But, when it was 85f and November here, I was more than a little homesick. In fact, I was ready to move the hell out of here. We had the warmest 'fall' ever. And, it was really humid. Not a good combo. I was quite sad when all my friends in TX got a snow day before the holidays. That never happens in TX. It was absolutely wonderful to be in NYC in early Dec with cold and snow and then to be in TX for Christmas with cold and snow AGAIN. It was beautiful. It made the holiday.
That has all changed. I now LOVE Miami. I think Jan/Feb in Miami is quite possibly one of the best places to be in the world. If I were a snowbird, I wouldn't come a day before Jan 1st, but I sure as heck understand now why they are here.
Look at these two pictures. The one on top is the weather across the nation as of TODAY. The bottom picture was the one I posted before the holidays.
I've learned this about myself in my blogging diary. I need winter/fall/cooler weather, but I'm sure glad I don't live in Minnesota. Three months later, the temperatures are just about the exact same everywhere. Only Miami has dropped 10 degrees. Back in Nov/Dec, everyone kept saying...'just wait until Jan-Mar, it's the most beautiful weather in the world.' I get it.
For all of our friends and family that need some warm weather and a beach....come visit!!! It's quite nice.
Anyways, I'm here today to talk about the weather. Not an exciting subject, really. I once heard someone say that the weather and children were the lowest common demoninators. Which means, if you are at a lack of words or small talk, you mention one of these. Knowing this, I laugh to myself whenever I'm talking to someone and either subject comes up...thinking 'Hmm, I guess we are out of things to talk about.'
That, however, is not the case here. I just really need to follow up on an earlier discussion, pre-holiday. There were/are many things about Miami that take getting used to - the lack of the English language, the really, really bad driving practiced here, the traffic, the amount of people at the airport (fueled largely by the cruise ships coming in and out on a daily basis), the lack of Mexican restaurants, the fact that there are no good radio stations, etc. However, the one thing no one warned me about was the weather. And, I'm not from up north. I've lived in HOT places. Arizona and Texas to be exact. For a long time.
But, when it was 85f and November here, I was more than a little homesick. In fact, I was ready to move the hell out of here. We had the warmest 'fall' ever. And, it was really humid. Not a good combo. I was quite sad when all my friends in TX got a snow day before the holidays. That never happens in TX. It was absolutely wonderful to be in NYC in early Dec with cold and snow and then to be in TX for Christmas with cold and snow AGAIN. It was beautiful. It made the holiday.
That has all changed. I now LOVE Miami. I think Jan/Feb in Miami is quite possibly one of the best places to be in the world. If I were a snowbird, I wouldn't come a day before Jan 1st, but I sure as heck understand now why they are here.
I've learned this about myself in my blogging diary. I need winter/fall/cooler weather, but I'm sure glad I don't live in Minnesota. Three months later, the temperatures are just about the exact same everywhere. Only Miami has dropped 10 degrees. Back in Nov/Dec, everyone kept saying...'just wait until Jan-Mar, it's the most beautiful weather in the world.' I get it.
While everyone else is bundled up, shoveling snow, staying indoors and suffering through blizzards, the Lane family is going to the park, riding our bikes outside, taking walks in the neighborhood at night, having BBQ's, and playing in the water park at the zoo.
Life is not bad afterall. It's in the 70's during the day and in the 50's at night. Amazing. And, the bluest skies imagineable. I'm learning to like this place.
Here was a surprising conversation with my husband on Saturday while we were watching Olivia play at the playground.
Me, "You know, I really miss the Tx hill country."
Kyle, "There is not a thing about Tx that I miss" (now imagine my jaw on the ground)
Me, "What, really, nothing at all?"
Kyle," Look at this place? Are you kidding me? There's nothing more perfect than this right now." (It was 70 and sunny).
Tough to argue with that one.
For all of our friends and family that need some warm weather and a beach....come visit!!! It's quite nice.
-----------------------------------------------
Side note: Blogger made some good updates on the 'underside' of the blog. However, I just noticed that they took away the spell check function. I'm not quite sure what to do. I have mispelled words. If I have any from here on out, please accept my sincere apology!!!
09 February 2010
In the Blink of an Eye
Our little girl is growing up and I'm not quite ready for it.
I know that every other parent who has been here says the same thing. I'm just doing it for the first time. And, no one really prepared me for it. I would imagine it's similar to the first time you come home from the hospital with a newborn...no one really can prepare you. But, a heads up would've been appreciated!! :)
I think I need to move back to Dallas so I can attend Dinner Club on a regular basis (you're still meeting, right??) I seemed to get some good perspective on this subject. Now, I'm just flying blind and it's a little scary. Have I told anyone I miss my girlfriends??
Olivia is not even 4 1/2 yet. Isn't it a little too early for the independence 'bug' to be hitting? If you would've asked me a year ago for this phase, I probably would've screamed with joy. But, now that it's here, I want it to go away. I want the little girl back who cuddles up with me at night or in the morning and is just content with hanging out with her parents. I know, I know, this freedom is great. Sometimes.
See, the thing is we live in a 'real' neighborhood now. Yes, we lived in a full blown neighborhood before, but much to our surprise, it wasn't a close-knit community and there were zero kids Olivia's age. Zilch. Except the kid across the street who happened to be born into a home with crazy parents. He wasn't coming over. Now, we have kids everywhere and are involved in a school where the parents all know and like each other. It's the whole reason we liked the area. Olivia's two favorite friends are Harper and Ann Marie. Ann Marie lives two blocks over and is part of the family we met while house hunting. We love them. Hang out together a lot actually. Harper....well, Harper lives directly behind us. We like Harper's family a lot too, but we live REALLY close to them and the way our yard's back up, they know when we are coming and going. (Read between the lines here....we have little space). So, Harper and Olivia yell between the bushes to see if one or the other can come over the play. And, Harper is a package deal. These people live on an acre lot with a house 3 times the size of ours. But, for some reason, all three kids (ranging in age from 13-5) want to be at our house. Sometimes it's just Olivia and Harper, but often not. And, we're having to kick them out because ours is the youngest and can't always keep up late into the night with 'tweens'. Nor does she sleep til 10am like Spencer and Morgan!!
I digress....this scenario above is part of how/why my daughter is growing up so fast. It's like she suddenly has 3 brothers/sisters and wants to be with them ALL the time. Which is great. Sometimes. Kyle and I took Olivia to the zoo last Saturday so we could have a little family time. I've been traveling a little lately and really need some good quality time with her.
Olivia's remark half way through the day 'When are we going home so I can play with Harper?' Guess I'm chopped liver. Mom is no longer cool.
Here are some other things Olivia is doing that is evidence to me she's not my baby any more. Good part - these are 'bonuses' that come with age!....She gets ready for school on her own (except when we're debating about her definition of 'matching'), she cleans her plate and loads the dishwasher after meals. She sets the table for me. She is totally self-sufficient for snacks and drinks. She loves to help me cook. She entertains herself playing in the morning when she wakes up. She now 'reads' to me at bedtime. (You have to hear it, hilarious!)
I know I sound like a first time parent. I'm a rookie.
------------------------------------------------------------
Side note....still have not found the time to fix my Internet connection on our home laptop. Good thing Kyle and I each have our own. Problem, however, is that all my pictures and the software to upload the new ones on my camera are on the home computer. I swear I'll make the time soon. Guess if I were completely blocked from the outside world I would be in a bigger hurry. My itunes, however, is also only on this computer and I'm in desperate need of some new 'tunes', so I will get it done...soon! What fun is a blog if you can't see everyone, right?
I know that every other parent who has been here says the same thing. I'm just doing it for the first time. And, no one really prepared me for it. I would imagine it's similar to the first time you come home from the hospital with a newborn...no one really can prepare you. But, a heads up would've been appreciated!! :)
I think I need to move back to Dallas so I can attend Dinner Club on a regular basis (you're still meeting, right??) I seemed to get some good perspective on this subject. Now, I'm just flying blind and it's a little scary. Have I told anyone I miss my girlfriends??
Olivia is not even 4 1/2 yet. Isn't it a little too early for the independence 'bug' to be hitting? If you would've asked me a year ago for this phase, I probably would've screamed with joy. But, now that it's here, I want it to go away. I want the little girl back who cuddles up with me at night or in the morning and is just content with hanging out with her parents. I know, I know, this freedom is great. Sometimes.
See, the thing is we live in a 'real' neighborhood now. Yes, we lived in a full blown neighborhood before, but much to our surprise, it wasn't a close-knit community and there were zero kids Olivia's age. Zilch. Except the kid across the street who happened to be born into a home with crazy parents. He wasn't coming over. Now, we have kids everywhere and are involved in a school where the parents all know and like each other. It's the whole reason we liked the area. Olivia's two favorite friends are Harper and Ann Marie. Ann Marie lives two blocks over and is part of the family we met while house hunting. We love them. Hang out together a lot actually. Harper....well, Harper lives directly behind us. We like Harper's family a lot too, but we live REALLY close to them and the way our yard's back up, they know when we are coming and going. (Read between the lines here....we have little space). So, Harper and Olivia yell between the bushes to see if one or the other can come over the play. And, Harper is a package deal. These people live on an acre lot with a house 3 times the size of ours. But, for some reason, all three kids (ranging in age from 13-5) want to be at our house. Sometimes it's just Olivia and Harper, but often not. And, we're having to kick them out because ours is the youngest and can't always keep up late into the night with 'tweens'. Nor does she sleep til 10am like Spencer and Morgan!!
I digress....this scenario above is part of how/why my daughter is growing up so fast. It's like she suddenly has 3 brothers/sisters and wants to be with them ALL the time. Which is great. Sometimes. Kyle and I took Olivia to the zoo last Saturday so we could have a little family time. I've been traveling a little lately and really need some good quality time with her.
Olivia's remark half way through the day 'When are we going home so I can play with Harper?' Guess I'm chopped liver. Mom is no longer cool.
Here are some other things Olivia is doing that is evidence to me she's not my baby any more. Good part - these are 'bonuses' that come with age!....She gets ready for school on her own (except when we're debating about her definition of 'matching'), she cleans her plate and loads the dishwasher after meals. She sets the table for me. She is totally self-sufficient for snacks and drinks. She loves to help me cook. She entertains herself playing in the morning when she wakes up. She now 'reads' to me at bedtime. (You have to hear it, hilarious!)
I know I sound like a first time parent. I'm a rookie.
------------------------------------------------------------
Side note....still have not found the time to fix my Internet connection on our home laptop. Good thing Kyle and I each have our own. Problem, however, is that all my pictures and the software to upload the new ones on my camera are on the home computer. I swear I'll make the time soon. Guess if I were completely blocked from the outside world I would be in a bigger hurry. My itunes, however, is also only on this computer and I'm in desperate need of some new 'tunes', so I will get it done...soon! What fun is a blog if you can't see everyone, right?
07 February 2010
Complete Randomness....
Many times throughout the week, I think of things to blog about. And then, when I find the time to sit down at the computer and write, none of them come to mind.
Since I haven't written in awhile, these will be in no particular order.
----------------------------------
The 'dog' situation has become much more difficult than I expected. As hard as it was to put Sam down (despite not having a choice) I figured it would be a matter of weeks before we got a new puppy. I've always been a dog person. I couldn't even date a guy, much less marry one, who didn't love dogs. I always knew they'd be a part of my life. They always had been. We had a dog, Sam (although she was a girl named after Samantha the Witch), from before I can remember. We put her down I think when I was in Jr High. For the next few years, my sister and I would go to the pound, picking out what was the 'perfect' dog for our family. It took many dogs to get it right. And even then, I ended up getting it from a friend. Their dog had mated through the fence with another dog and one lonely puppy came out of the litter. My mom drove me over to pick him up and 'Scotty', despite how ugly/cute he was, he was the dog that became a part of our family.
I only lasted two years in college and was then given Jackie for my 21st birthday. Thankfully, Kyle acted like he loved Jackie even on our first date. So, given that I'm now 36 (for a few more months!), I've had 1-3 dogs of my own for the last 15 years. I don't know what to do without a dog in the house. Although I'm not the best at keeping up with my fair share of the 'dog care', it just doesn't seem right around here. Kyle, much to my surprise on the other hand, is thoroughly enjoying life without a dog. (See above about how I don't help out on the dog care). A life without scooping poop or worrying where you walk in the backyard is GREAT in his mind right now.
We both really miss Sam and I think that's part of the problem. He started out as kind of a pain-in-the-rear puppy. He was a lot more 'needy' than what melded into our house/lifestyle. But, in the few short months without Jake around, he turned into THE best dog anyone could ask for. The transformation was miraculous. He became everyone's buddy. He helped Kyle with the yard. Ran right next to him while he mowed - even in the front yard. He took turns sleeping in different kids' rooms over at our neighbors when they dog sat for us. He put Olivia to bed every night. I miss that little pain-in-our-rear.
So, in this search of 'to have a dog' or 'to not have a dog', we've been talking about what to do IF we get a dog. We always thought our next dog would come from the pound. I grew up with pound puppies/mutts. They live longer, a great plus seeing as our dogs lived shorter and shorter lives with each one. So, we went to Petsmart the other Saturday where they supposedly have 'adoption day' for shelter dogs. The whole time there, I just kept thinking they sure seemed like puppy mill dogs, not found-on-the-street dogs. Don't ask me why. There wasn't one that just felt right. I realize this might take time, but then it got us to thinking about vizsla's again.
We did some research. The more I researched them again (despite owning two and knowing very well the pro's and con's of a vizsla...), the more I just felt like this was our dog. We didn't need to search anymore, we just needed to find one. For those that knew our dogs, you can surely attest that there are many pain-in-the-rear attributes about a vizsla. As Drew Leakey would quote from a dog show 'this is one high energy bitch'. Referring clearly to the female version. I can't remember what you call a male, but we had that 'high energy' version!! Clearly! They remain puppies much past the medical definition. Vizsla's demand a lot of attention....and won't settle for anything less. They get into mischief. A lot! Especially if your name was Jake. But, on the other hand, they are the most loving dogs I've ever seen. They truly want to be a part of your family. Their temperament is never an issue. They are SMART dogs. Vizsla's want to be a lap dog as much as they want to be running in the biggest field you could ever find them. And, they are just plain adorable.
Have you seen anything cuter than this? I think what I love about the idea is that I know exactly what we're getting in to. I don't have to wait for the big surprise of what this dog is going to turn out to be in life.
And, Kyle is pretty much on board with getting another vizsla. So, what's the problem you ask? For starters, this breed has increased in popularity immensely since we first picked out Jake. 4x more popular!! I'm talking about the price. We got Jake and Sam for less about 1/3 of what it would cost us to get another vizsla (our breeder cut us a deal on Sam...go figure!). And, we now live in Florida, not Texas. This is not Kansas. Or, at least not 'hunting' territory. Despite the increased popularity of vizsla's, breeder's are still quite protective of the breed and they are rather difficult to find. The closest I've been able to find one is Pensacola, which is a 12 hour drive from Miami!! And, we still have to come to terms with the price issue. Which, honestly, just does not fit into our budget. The breeder's try to tell you to amortize it over the length of time you have the dog and then it comes out to nothing....do they realize ours did not make it past 9 and 7?? And, it doesn't include the cost to travel to pick up the dog.
So, I've taken all this dear time out of your day to tell you that we are back to square one. Kyle can't decide when he'll be ready to get another dog. Olivia and I are asking daily, but yet understanding that since I lack in the dog-care category, my vote is not a full vote. I've attempted to claim that I will be better in this area, but since we all now that is not realistic, I'm giving Kyle his time. Do we find some way to justify the expense of another vizsla or do we continue down the 'hunt' for a good pound puppy? How do you know what you're getting in a pound puppy? Are you playing with fire? My family included, I know too many people that have had to take pound puppies back because they were not a good fit for the family for one reason or another. Dear friends....we need advice!! Truly!
----------------------------------------------
Randomness Part II coming tomorrow.......the thoughts have come back, but I clearly took up way too much space with just one topic. I must learn the 'less is more' lesson.
Since I haven't written in awhile, these will be in no particular order.
----------------------------------
The 'dog' situation has become much more difficult than I expected. As hard as it was to put Sam down (despite not having a choice) I figured it would be a matter of weeks before we got a new puppy. I've always been a dog person. I couldn't even date a guy, much less marry one, who didn't love dogs. I always knew they'd be a part of my life. They always had been. We had a dog, Sam (although she was a girl named after Samantha the Witch), from before I can remember. We put her down I think when I was in Jr High. For the next few years, my sister and I would go to the pound, picking out what was the 'perfect' dog for our family. It took many dogs to get it right. And even then, I ended up getting it from a friend. Their dog had mated through the fence with another dog and one lonely puppy came out of the litter. My mom drove me over to pick him up and 'Scotty', despite how ugly/cute he was, he was the dog that became a part of our family.
I only lasted two years in college and was then given Jackie for my 21st birthday. Thankfully, Kyle acted like he loved Jackie even on our first date. So, given that I'm now 36 (for a few more months!), I've had 1-3 dogs of my own for the last 15 years. I don't know what to do without a dog in the house. Although I'm not the best at keeping up with my fair share of the 'dog care', it just doesn't seem right around here. Kyle, much to my surprise on the other hand, is thoroughly enjoying life without a dog. (See above about how I don't help out on the dog care). A life without scooping poop or worrying where you walk in the backyard is GREAT in his mind right now.
We both really miss Sam and I think that's part of the problem. He started out as kind of a pain-in-the-rear puppy. He was a lot more 'needy' than what melded into our house/lifestyle. But, in the few short months without Jake around, he turned into THE best dog anyone could ask for. The transformation was miraculous. He became everyone's buddy. He helped Kyle with the yard. Ran right next to him while he mowed - even in the front yard. He took turns sleeping in different kids' rooms over at our neighbors when they dog sat for us. He put Olivia to bed every night. I miss that little pain-in-our-rear.
So, in this search of 'to have a dog' or 'to not have a dog', we've been talking about what to do IF we get a dog. We always thought our next dog would come from the pound. I grew up with pound puppies/mutts. They live longer, a great plus seeing as our dogs lived shorter and shorter lives with each one. So, we went to Petsmart the other Saturday where they supposedly have 'adoption day' for shelter dogs. The whole time there, I just kept thinking they sure seemed like puppy mill dogs, not found-on-the-street dogs. Don't ask me why. There wasn't one that just felt right. I realize this might take time, but then it got us to thinking about vizsla's again.
We did some research. The more I researched them again (despite owning two and knowing very well the pro's and con's of a vizsla...), the more I just felt like this was our dog. We didn't need to search anymore, we just needed to find one. For those that knew our dogs, you can surely attest that there are many pain-in-the-rear attributes about a vizsla. As Drew Leakey would quote from a dog show 'this is one high energy bitch'. Referring clearly to the female version. I can't remember what you call a male, but we had that 'high energy' version!! Clearly! They remain puppies much past the medical definition. Vizsla's demand a lot of attention....and won't settle for anything less. They get into mischief. A lot! Especially if your name was Jake. But, on the other hand, they are the most loving dogs I've ever seen. They truly want to be a part of your family. Their temperament is never an issue. They are SMART dogs. Vizsla's want to be a lap dog as much as they want to be running in the biggest field you could ever find them. And, they are just plain adorable.
Have you seen anything cuter than this? I think what I love about the idea is that I know exactly what we're getting in to. I don't have to wait for the big surprise of what this dog is going to turn out to be in life.
And, Kyle is pretty much on board with getting another vizsla. So, what's the problem you ask? For starters, this breed has increased in popularity immensely since we first picked out Jake. 4x more popular!! I'm talking about the price. We got Jake and Sam for less about 1/3 of what it would cost us to get another vizsla (our breeder cut us a deal on Sam...go figure!). And, we now live in Florida, not Texas. This is not Kansas. Or, at least not 'hunting' territory. Despite the increased popularity of vizsla's, breeder's are still quite protective of the breed and they are rather difficult to find. The closest I've been able to find one is Pensacola, which is a 12 hour drive from Miami!! And, we still have to come to terms with the price issue. Which, honestly, just does not fit into our budget. The breeder's try to tell you to amortize it over the length of time you have the dog and then it comes out to nothing....do they realize ours did not make it past 9 and 7?? And, it doesn't include the cost to travel to pick up the dog.
So, I've taken all this dear time out of your day to tell you that we are back to square one. Kyle can't decide when he'll be ready to get another dog. Olivia and I are asking daily, but yet understanding that since I lack in the dog-care category, my vote is not a full vote. I've attempted to claim that I will be better in this area, but since we all now that is not realistic, I'm giving Kyle his time. Do we find some way to justify the expense of another vizsla or do we continue down the 'hunt' for a good pound puppy? How do you know what you're getting in a pound puppy? Are you playing with fire? My family included, I know too many people that have had to take pound puppies back because they were not a good fit for the family for one reason or another. Dear friends....we need advice!! Truly!
----------------------------------------------
Randomness Part II coming tomorrow.......the thoughts have come back, but I clearly took up way too much space with just one topic. I must learn the 'less is more' lesson.
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