Photos of the Home...finally

People have been asking to see pictures of the new home and I have been trying to delay putting them up until the house was done and decorated, but as the days go on and now that I'm back to work, if I wait until the house is "done", no one will ever see pictures. So, here it is. Remember, it's a work in progress. We still have a many boxes to unpack and we haven't put up pictures yet so the walls are pretty bare.
Front entry way:

View from the kitchen area- master bedroom entrance is directly across (and so is one of the walk in closets)
Livingroom: we have a wooden bar and stools on order for the livingroom, to turn the room into more of an entertaining area since it is directly across from the dining room. It should be delivered soon (we hope)
Diningroom: We have a china cabinet and new China thanks to my mother-in-law (I feel so grown up now)
Kitchen: Matt just installed the backspash this week- love it!

Hallway off of Kitchen: the pantry, half bath, and laundry room are located in this hallway and the last door leads into the garage.
Again, I haven't touched the bathrooms yet.The plan for the laundry room is to get a big chalkboard or message board for the family calendar and some kind of organization area for the different bags (schoolbags, beachbags, etc)
Yep- still have plenty of boxes, but originally this area was floor to ceiling with boxes (our movers were terrible and just packed everything into the garage with no sense of order. We are still looking for Makaela' s bike's pedals)Familyroom that is attached to Kitchen:

Master Bed: The room is pretty big- this picture makes the room look narrow, but we realized that we may need a few more pieces of furniture to make the room look more lived in.

Master Bath: Sad, I haven't used my tub yet, but the girls have had a blast in it.


Playroom: Guest Room: This room as a full bath and walk in closet that currently being used as a book room/library. Girls Bath: I will eventually get around to decorating this room with some hot pink, turquoise and lime green stripes and polka dots. Mia's Room:


Makaela's Room:

Backyard:

Super Housedaddy!!

Mia couldn't go to daycare, but my first day of work was this Monday, so Matt took a week of leave to address Mia's needs and to do some home decorating/improvements. On the first day, he had already installed a backsplash, cared for Mia and had dinner cooked. On day 2, he grouted the backsplash, delivered lunch to me at school, and had installed some window treatments. I have been dealing with crazy hours- school lets out at 3:45 so I don't get home until 5pm (since it's my first week, I have been busy with meetings, but once this dies down, I will still have to pick up the kids at daycare, which will get me home at approximately the same time). He has been amazing with having dinner ready or prepped everyday, helping with the daycare drop offs and pick ups, doing laundry, dishes, vacuuming, unpacking and well, lots of stuff. I really like the idea of a househubby, but I may need a different job. Can't have a house hubby on my teacher salary...shucks. (unfortunately, I think he is ready to head back to work...he's going a bit stir crazy) Guess I need to start writing my multimillion dollar novel or win the lottery.

Update on Mia

We had to do a follow up with a pediatrician after our ER visit. Now that we are in a larger geographic area, the military allows us to have civilian doctors (the military clinic is too many miles away). I was lucky that I got online, found a participating doctor and got an appt that day. When we got to the appt mid day, Mia's fever was back up to 101 in spite of alternating doses of motrin and tylenol every 3 hours. The doctor also informed us that the ER wants a follow up CT scan (a step up from the Chest xray). In addition to the pneumonia, there was a shadow on lungs, an enlarged lymph node. The dr said it might be a lymph node that shrinks as children grow older (there is a common one in young children), but they need to do a CT for a more complete scan to rule out anything more serious. Her bloodwork came back bad too: low white blood cell count but this could be due to the infection, ear ache and pneumonia, so we have to go back to do a follow up CBC as well- again to rule out anything more serious. If the white blood cell count goes up after a week of antibiotics, chances are it was just due to the infections (which is what we are praying for). Anyway, the dr's visit ended up with another shot of antibiotics. Now Mia has matching boo boos but she is loving all the chocolate milk she is getting (to sneak in all the medicine) and the pedialyte.
And always, she still smiling. What a love!!

Scariest Day of My Life...to Date (This is a long one)

Last Thursday, I was scheduled to go into Ponte Vedra HS to observe the teacher I was taking over. I noticed Mia was a bit warm, so I gave her a dose of Motrin before heading off the the babysitters. I chalked it up to teething and I knew Makaela had a runny nose. When I picked her up, the babysitter said she was fussy and clingly and she took Mia's temp in front of me and it was only 99 degrees. Yes, a bit of a fever, but nothing "freak out" worthy.

I drove home and pulled up into the driveway and when I went to get Mia out of her carseat, I found her slumped over in her carseat. Her eyes were open, but fixed and dilated on nothing in particular and her color was a blue-grey palor. I freaked and started panicking. I grabbed her out of her seat, held her and started jumping up and down trying to wake her up. At this point, I was crying, repeating, "oh no" over and over again and trying to dial whomever I could. I called matt and he didn't answer. Then I accidentally called makaela's preschool and struggled with my phone to acutally end that call. Meanwhile, Mia is still comatose. I then call 911 but hung up when I noticed that Matt was trying to call back. At this point, Mia came too slightly. She started drooling so I took this as a sign her breathing was back. It was at this point, I remembered my friend Kristie's kids and how they had seizures when they had fevers. I finally got through to Matt and tried to tell him what was going on, but I realized I had been screeching and crying when he couldn't understand what I was saying over the phone. He instructed me to take her to the emergency room (which is luckily only two exits away), but as I was hanging up the phone, I realized Makaela was watching this entire episode. Oddly, I was glad to have her there, because I asked as I drove to the hospital in a the crazed state I was in, Makaela kept an eye on her sister, giving me second my second reports on what she was doing. As I was driving, I thought, "What is wrong with me? I know rescue breathing, I know there is a fire house around the corner with an ambulance, why did I just stand there and cry when I thought my baby was dying" (and that's literally what I thought for a few moments there). It's amazing how I couldn't function when I was most needed. I was ashamed and mad at myself.

Matt met us at the ER drivethru and took Mia in while I parked. When I got in, Mia was doing a moaning type of sob. I picked her up and walked her outside (it was cooler and she was burning up) and we just walked up and down the sidewalk. Now that she was better, I didn't want to let her go. She seemed to calm down but then she threw up all over me. Yes, panic set in again, when I headed back into the ER, her name was being called.

In triage, Mia's temp was 103. It's crazy because I had just watched the babysitter take her temp not 30 mins ago and it was 99. The nurse said that when the fever jumps that high, that quickly many infants have seizures. I also found out that that I had been hospitalized as an infant for febrile seizures so Mia was predispositioned to them.
For the next five hours we sat with Mia waiting for her temp to drop. She got blood drawn, had a Chest Xray, a catheter inserted for a urine sample and then a monster shot of antibiotics. What a trooper Mia was. The nurses fell in love with her and even though their presence sparked terror in Mia, they felt terrible putting her through all that. I have to say we were seen quickly, and even though there was a bit of a wait between triage, the dr visit and the labs, in terms of ERs, it was quick and everyone was nice, explained everything and tried to make us as comfortable as possible. They came in just to "chat" with us while tests were being run to see how we were holding up. Turns out Mia had a pretty bad ear ache and pneumonia. Makaela was also awesome. She got a bit antsy around 8:30 because they was whining about being hungry and needing dinner (actually she was just stating what I was whining about in my mind), but overall, she was well behaved considering what was going on. When she got in the bed with Mia, my heart just melted. I hope they stay this close and loving

When we got home, we were reluctant to let Mia out of our sights (or grips in Matt's case). What a scary moment to make you realize how important our loved ones are and how our lives now, are defined by our children. The thought of losing Mia (and yes, that is extreme, but I can't even convey the emotions and fear I felt), is unfathomable.

Next soccer practice

For Makaela's second soccer practice, I had to take both girls by myself- that was a bit interesting considering Makaela likes us to translate what the coach is saying (he has a bit of an accent- not much, but I guess she takes better orders from us since we have the power to restrict the ice cream supply if she doesn't listen). So trying to order Makaela on what to do and watch a 15 month old requires some juggling skills and some very quick running. She did a bit better with the ball today, but mid way through practice, she looked over and saw me feeding Mia some snacks and went bolting off the field towards us claiming she was starving. The other parents were cracking up. Lesson learned: feed the child BEFORE practice.

Turning 33

We had to postpone my birthday celebration because I was under so much stress with the UNF interview, but Saturday after my birthday, Matt arranged for a babysitter (the community center has a list of available babysitters in the neighorhood who have already been interviewed-did I mention I really like my community center- they are earning their ridiculous dues). Anyway, the babysitter came over in a Nease Wrestling Sweatshirt- turns out she is the wrestling team's manager for the local high school- got a bit nostalgic for Hawaii wrestling stories from Brian and Mark, but I digress. Matt took me out to a local winery. We got there a bit too late for wine tasting, but they have a great rooftop jazz bar, so we munched on cheese and bread, sipped mulled wine (it was bit chilly at first) and then had our own sampling. The winery looked out over the marsh flats of St. Augustine, so it was a pretty cool view.

When the sun set, we got to dance on the rooftop to a 60s rock band and then headed down to historic St. Augustine. It is a cute town in the daytime, but breathtaking at night. The square is decorated with thousands of lights (the picture doesn't do it justice) and the backdrop of all the churches and old architecture was really impressive. We enjoyed strolling, stopping into odd shops (they love their hot sauce here), other little local wine shops, local jewelry shops, etc.

We ended up at a fun Cajun restaurant by the water and headed up to the bar to wait for our table. We ended up meeting a some local St Augustine residents who had suggested crab napoleon appetizer. With all the chatting, time had gotten away from us and the bartender finally realized that we hadn't had been called for our table. Turned out the battery had died in our pager. They apologized profusely and was about to usher us to a table, but we realized we needed to get home for our babysitter (we told her we would be home by 11). When we got the bill, we found out that two of the people we had been talking to, paid for our appetizer.

I am beginning to realize how nice people are here. Not only did random people pay for us, but two other crazy things happened: I lost my phone (my back pocket is not a great place to leave my large phone...it tends to fall out). I store owner called Matt and told him he found the phone. Then on the way home, the supermarket manager, reopened the store to let Matt break a larger bill so we would have the correct amount for the babysitter...Southern hospitality is alive and kicking in St. Augustine and I will officially stop mocking it.

Makaela joins Soccer!

I signed Makaela up for soccer...no, not so I can be the typical suburban soccermom, but because I want her to meet more kids in the area. It's for ages 3-6 and it was hysterical. At this age, hardly any kids pay attention so they are all running in different directions. The coach tried to play some "following direction" games, which were fairly successful, but didn't last once the soccer balls came out.

StretchingA game to practice following directions

As you can see their interest is waning by mid practice.

Florida Weather

We are definitely at a loss when it comes to the weather here. It's freezing in the morning, unpredictable during the day and then cold again at night. Some days it's in the high 60s and kids are running around in shorts and T shirts. Other days it's in the low 50s and we are in jeans and sweaters. I have been told to appreciate this weather though because come May, Jacksonville is supposed to be nothing but hot and humid. Oh joy.

One morning as I was getting Makaela ready for school we looked outside to find this:

Makaela asked, "What is all this gray stuff? and how are you going to drive me to school when we can't see?" I forget that her experiences with weather are limited. I then told her it was fog and why it occurred. I loved her answer: "Oh, it's like precipertation?" Yes dear, exactly :-)

My baby is growing up

The second day of dropping Makaela off at school, I noticed that there was an attendant that helps take the kids out of the car so the parents can just drive through. I am used to walking her to class and giving her a kiss goodbye but on this day, Makaela said, "No mom, don't walk me. Let me walk to my class by myself. I'm a big girl." Sure enough, the attendant helped her out of her car seat and Makaela took her backpack and walked herself into the school. As I drove away, I shed a few tears.

Makaela's new school

Makaela was home with me for all of one week before she was itching to go back to school. (I guess mommy's company isn't as fun as other little ones). Makaela's friend Carlie goes to Turning Point Christian School and at the Ladies Night, it was highly recommended. I took Makaela for a visit and she told the director that she would be coming in tomorrow because "staying home is such tough work". Unfortunately, because Makaela's bday is after Sept 1, she won't be able to get into Kindergarten until ten days before her sixth bday. In Hawaii, the school year is for kids born from Jan 1st to Dec 31st of that year, but FL does it differently. When the director mentioned that Makaela would be in the 3 year old class, she defiantly said, "I'm 4, not 3". I'm bummed about this but I guess there is nothing I can do. Anyway, the director said she could take Makaela tomorrow and gave us a loaner uniform. Matt brought her the next morning and took some pictures and video. I love the little girl who decides to flash Matt's camera.

Makaela's new teacher is Ms. Kim

Our new neighborhood

I think I am going to like my neighborhood- it's no Hawaii, but I think it will be good. The first night we were here, a neighbor came by and asked if we needed anything and before we knew it, we had a ladder, another neighbor gave us sheets and an air mattress to sleep on and another neighbor shared some pots so I could cook. THere are kids all over the place as well. Around 4pm, all the kids congregate and the parents hang out and socialize while the kids run up and down the block.
The second night we were here, a neighbor Tish, invited me out for A Murabella Ladies Night. I was skeptical, but went anyway. I found that I was oddly underdressed (our household goods still hadn't arrived, so my wardrobe was severely limited), that the neighbors already knew who I was (in some respect- I guess word really does travel fast in the suburbs) and these women can drink. I got some great advice about preschools, community events and had typical lady talk. It was an interesting night.
The following night, I guess the guys felt they needed a night out so a neighbor projected a football game onto his garage door and all the guys pulled out their lawn chairs and coolers and watched the game. I'm not sure how much watching occurred though because I heard them all laughing until after midnight. When we woke the next morning, I found they had a small fire pit going in the middle and the driveway looked like a scene from a college frat party.
We also found out that the community does monthly date nights were they arrange babysitters at the community center so parents can drop off their little ones and go out for a few hours. There is already a polar plunge scheduled to help a family with cancer- seems like a close knit community.

New Job Opportunities

While we were in Orlando, I received a phone call for a job interview. It was for a 12th grade AP position for English at Ponte Vedra High School. I didn't have any interview worthy clothing with me, so Makaela and I went out shopping and I must say, she was a very good fashion critic. At the interview the principal admitted that another English position recently opened, one for a 10th and 11th grade line and I said I was interested in that position more. I just like the idea that I can see the kids again the following year and 12th grade is a bit intimidating because I haven't taught that grade yet. I went in to meet with the teacher I was replacing and she shared the reading list with me. I am so excited. I can teach A Long Way Gone, The Hunger Games, Great Gatsby and Lord of the FLies. I already taught Lord of the Flies in La Jolla, so I was excited. The campus is amazing (newly built) and the faculty has been great. The principal called me everyday for a week to give me updates on the status of the hiring. I'm not used to having such an involved and personable principal.
In the midst of my interview with Ponte Vedra, I had completed my phone interview with University of Northern Florida. I felt I rambled a bit, but left them with some questions that would have kept them thinking. I was shocked when I received an email asking me to fly to FL for a face to face interview. They were willing to pay for my travel too. When I received my itinerary though, I got very nervous. I had a dinner the night before the interview with two professors, then I had a series of interviews beginning at 8:15am the next day lasting until 5:45pm. Overall, I felt the interviews went well. I had research the professors on my search committees, so I knew their research backgrounds and interests and I spoke of potential studies I could collaborate with them on, but the one portion I did not feel comfortable on was the teaching component. I had to teach a class which normally wouldn't be a problem, but I didn't have the textbook and I was trying to follow the instructor's lead. Her powerpoint was horridly boring, so while I tried to infuse some humor, that material was dry and my presentation ended quickly. In hindsight, I thought of some ideas I could have done and wish I could get a re-do, but oh well. It was definitely a learning experience. I should hear back by Feb 14th or so. The campus is breathtaking and the school is trying to expand which is great because they are willing to try new things to get their name out there. They are also very supportive with tenure and publishing. Sitting around with the faculty was great. They joke with each other, hang out outside the university and look like very fun people to work with.
While I am grateful I have the high school position, I would love to get the professor position. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed.
UNF quad

T-Rex

On the day we decided to take off from "park hopping", we decided to head out to Disney village at night. Makaela was not a happy camper and most of the restaurants had a big wait list. Originally we were heading to Rainforest Cafe (my fav), but we stopped at T Rex and decided to eat there. The wait was over 30 minutes, but Makaela didn't mind, because they had an excavation pit outside, so the little ones dug for bones and brushed off artifacts while we waited for our table. Makaela got very into it...maybe I have an archeologist on my hands. Uncle Joe joining in on the fun.

When we actually got inside, it was amazing. There were meteor showers every 15 minutes, dinosaurs roaring, wolly mammoths, and an ice age section. So cool- can't wait to go back again.

Look at the awesome octopus replica and jellyfish!