Most of you are aware that my husband loves politics! I think I can officially say that he lives, breathes, and eats politics. Johnny by nature is a pretty dedicated individual. He is the kind of man that works really hard and puts his heart and soul into everything that he does. Sometimes I refer to him as my little perfectionist.
John has been spending a lot of time working on the Sandy Treadwell campaign and he is doing a great job of working really hard to make it a success. So while he has been doing that Noah and I have been up to a few things of our own. Let me fill you in... (and say thanks to all of the people that made life a little easier while John has been working)
1. John's brother Mike and his wife Andree have been keeping us company. Thanks Andree for letting me borrow your husband for a few things. Mike relieves me of doggy duty. You all know how much fun Finn can be and I totally love it when Mike takes Finn and Toby for the entire day on Friday. All I can say is what a relief!
2. Have I ever told you about my Bible study girls? Well if I haven't let me just tell you that I love them. We meet every Wednesday night and it is something I totally look forward to. One of the things that I love is the atmosphere in the house. It is the kind of house that is warm and smells yummy. I have a favorite spot on the couch and Noah I settle into an evening of funness(I know that isn't word but it describes our Wednesday nights perfectly). We laugh and talk and eat and laugh and talk some more. It is exactly what I need mid week. Noah loves it too because there are three ladies waiting to give him lots of love. Thanks girls for making our Wednesdays awesome.
3. Then there is the occasional drop in from Tom and Nancy aka dad and mom (and of course gramp). We usually catch up on our favorite game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
4. Of course this blog wouldn't be complete without mentioning my best girl Amy. She calls Noah and I everyday at 2:20 pm for the daily school update, and I love it. We usually talk for about 45 minutes discussing everything that I did during the day and everything that happened at school. Noah and I look forward to that phone call.
5. A week just wouldn't be a week without some sort of shopping taking place; even if it is something as simple as cute little pj's for Noah or for that matter cute little pj's for me.
6. Lunch dates - one of my favorite things. Sometimes Noah and I meet up with our pals Suki and Ruby.
In our household Noah and I have started the countdown until election day. We can't wait to resume life the way it used to be. Johnny you have been missed and we can't wait to have you at home. Tuesday can't come quick enough for us. So blog friends if you happen to stop by our house on Wednesday (I don't recommend that you do) there will be duct tape covering the front door. Nobodies gettin in and nobodies gettin out!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Bring it On!
If you know me well then you know that I don't have a really good relationship with winter. I am not a big fan of the snow. It is too cold and wet for me. Don't get me wrong I love to sip hot cocoa on cold nights with the fireplace burning snuggled up to my sweetie. But who I am I kidding I don't even own a fireplace. If I did have a fireplace that is what I would do though. When I saw the snow today it started to hit me that winter is around the corner so I have decided to just go with it (not that I have the power to stop it).
I will prepare Noah for this winter by buying him a cute hat with mittens to match and of course no winter would be complete without a pair of Ugg boots. That's right, Daddy your son will eventually have a pair of Ugg boots. So bring it on winter. Bring on your 6 inch snow storms and sub-zero weather. We can handle it!
I will prepare Noah for this winter by buying him a cute hat with mittens to match and of course no winter would be complete without a pair of Ugg boots. That's right, Daddy your son will eventually have a pair of Ugg boots. So bring it on winter. Bring on your 6 inch snow storms and sub-zero weather. We can handle it!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Five Fabulous Reasons to Have a Kid!
While I was shopping the other day with my favorite shopping buddy I came to the conclusion that it is pretty cool to have a child. It is great for obvious reasons like he is this precious little person and we have been given this awesome responsibility to love him and raise him to be a responsible caring adult (and of course a few other adjectives). Then there are those selfish reasons that make having a child great so I have created a list of them.
1. As I was strolling through the store I thought, "This bulky mode of transportation could really do some damage if somebody got in our way." I must admit that my impatience isn't appropriate, but some people are so annoying to shop around. How many times do I have to give my "get out of the way look" for them to simply just get out of the way? A few taps from the stroller at the back of the heals will light a fire under them. Now you be don't have to ram them, just a few bumps will do.
The stroller is great for storage too. When I didn't have a child I didn't carry around anything while I was shopping, but now I have a cup holder on this stroller. It makes my shopping experience much more delightful with a diet pepsi. Perfect for those thirsty moments while we are racing through the mall between feedings. I can also hang clothes on the stroller so that means I can get more in the dressing room. Having this stroller also means that I get a bigger dressing room at the Gap. Perfect!
2. Shopping with Noah is great for various reasons. First he always loves everything I try on. He doesn't look at me weird when the clothes don't fit exactly the way they should. He just grins. I wonder what he is really thinking. Second he is always up for anyplace I want to shop. He just goes with the flow.
3. I think people smile more when you have a baby with you. Babies are cute in general, but with Noah we get a lot of buzz because he has so much hair. It's nice to have people smile and grin when they see him coming.
4. People are generally more helpful when they see that you have a baby. They get the door for you and sometimes will even trade spots with you in a long shopping line.
5. You always have someone to talk to when you have a baby. True they can't use words to express themselves, but Noah finds his ways to communicate just fine when he needs something.
This list could go on and on so if you would like to give your reasons please feel free.
1. As I was strolling through the store I thought, "This bulky mode of transportation could really do some damage if somebody got in our way." I must admit that my impatience isn't appropriate, but some people are so annoying to shop around. How many times do I have to give my "get out of the way look" for them to simply just get out of the way? A few taps from the stroller at the back of the heals will light a fire under them. Now you be don't have to ram them, just a few bumps will do.
The stroller is great for storage too. When I didn't have a child I didn't carry around anything while I was shopping, but now I have a cup holder on this stroller. It makes my shopping experience much more delightful with a diet pepsi. Perfect for those thirsty moments while we are racing through the mall between feedings. I can also hang clothes on the stroller so that means I can get more in the dressing room. Having this stroller also means that I get a bigger dressing room at the Gap. Perfect!
2. Shopping with Noah is great for various reasons. First he always loves everything I try on. He doesn't look at me weird when the clothes don't fit exactly the way they should. He just grins. I wonder what he is really thinking. Second he is always up for anyplace I want to shop. He just goes with the flow.
3. I think people smile more when you have a baby with you. Babies are cute in general, but with Noah we get a lot of buzz because he has so much hair. It's nice to have people smile and grin when they see him coming.
4. People are generally more helpful when they see that you have a baby. They get the door for you and sometimes will even trade spots with you in a long shopping line.
5. You always have someone to talk to when you have a baby. True they can't use words to express themselves, but Noah finds his ways to communicate just fine when he needs something.
This list could go on and on so if you would like to give your reasons please feel free.
Friday, October 24, 2008
It's Official...Again!
Here are few things that remind me that it is official...being a mom
1. Finding dried boogers on my shirt. I never really thought he would have boogers. I don't know why, everyone has them.
2. Spit up-He doesn't seem to care whether I have a new shirt on or where we are when he spits up.
3. Pooping in public. Noah doesn't seem to have the same dilemma I have. He will poop anywhere.
4. Crying spells! They are rare but when they hit it reminds me oh yes, that would be my son.
5. More laundry-Although his clothes are small those cute little dirty outfits fill up the hamper quickly. I wonder when I can start teaching him how to operate the washing machine? Hmm, I am not quit sure John has learned how to use it, but you didn't hear that from me.
1. Finding dried boogers on my shirt. I never really thought he would have boogers. I don't know why, everyone has them.
2. Spit up-He doesn't seem to care whether I have a new shirt on or where we are when he spits up.
3. Pooping in public. Noah doesn't seem to have the same dilemma I have. He will poop anywhere.
4. Crying spells! They are rare but when they hit it reminds me oh yes, that would be my son.
5. More laundry-Although his clothes are small those cute little dirty outfits fill up the hamper quickly. I wonder when I can start teaching him how to operate the washing machine? Hmm, I am not quit sure John has learned how to use it, but you didn't hear that from me.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Wish List
I would lying if I said that I don't dream about Noah's future. I am a mom and I do dream for my child like most mothers do. However recent events in my life have led me to think about Noah's future differently. So here are a few things that I dream about for the new man in my life. Kinda personal, but it has been on my heart and I thought I would share it.
Number 1 and what I would consider to be the most important: I pray that he will have a relationship with God and his son Jesus. I think about my own upbringing and I wonder where my life would be without my relationship with Jesus. It's not about "religion"; it's more than that. It is about a relationship with Jesus and I pray that Noah is strong in his faith and desires to have a relationshop with Christ.
Number 2 on my wish list for Noah is that he has a strong desire to put his family first. I want him to realize the importance of family and value the relationships in his family. I am not only speaking of his relationship with me but rather his relationship with every member of his family as he grows.
Number 3 is one that I consider really important and that is to be kind. As a teacher this is one that I am constantly encouraging my students to do. Sometimes being kind is so difficult, even for myself but it is a necessity and one that I hope he embraces.
Number 4 for Noah would be that I hope he surrounds himself with good friends. I hope that he chooses loyal people, ones that he can count on when times are difficult.
For number 5 I would hope that Noah would take care of himself. What I mean by that is I hope he makes time to participate in his favorite hobby and relaxes when he needs to. Hey, even God rested on the seventh day. All work and no play makes Noah a not so fun person.
Number 6 is all about time. So much is said about time and I hope that Noah realizes that time is precious. Make the most of it is what they say. I have been learning that these past two months.
So I do dream for my son and these are just a few that I dream about. I guess what parent doesn't share these same dreams.
Number 1 and what I would consider to be the most important: I pray that he will have a relationship with God and his son Jesus. I think about my own upbringing and I wonder where my life would be without my relationship with Jesus. It's not about "religion"; it's more than that. It is about a relationship with Jesus and I pray that Noah is strong in his faith and desires to have a relationshop with Christ.
Number 2 on my wish list for Noah is that he has a strong desire to put his family first. I want him to realize the importance of family and value the relationships in his family. I am not only speaking of his relationship with me but rather his relationship with every member of his family as he grows.
Number 3 is one that I consider really important and that is to be kind. As a teacher this is one that I am constantly encouraging my students to do. Sometimes being kind is so difficult, even for myself but it is a necessity and one that I hope he embraces.
Number 4 for Noah would be that I hope he surrounds himself with good friends. I hope that he chooses loyal people, ones that he can count on when times are difficult.
For number 5 I would hope that Noah would take care of himself. What I mean by that is I hope he makes time to participate in his favorite hobby and relaxes when he needs to. Hey, even God rested on the seventh day. All work and no play makes Noah a not so fun person.
Number 6 is all about time. So much is said about time and I hope that Noah realizes that time is precious. Make the most of it is what they say. I have been learning that these past two months.
So I do dream for my son and these are just a few that I dream about. I guess what parent doesn't share these same dreams.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Splish, Splash or Not!
After spending the evening with a friend I decided the best way to relax before Noah and I head off to bed would be for me to have a nice hot bath. Hot it was, relaxing it was not. For the most part it was my fault. I know how my youngest dog is going to behave when I take a bath so why did I torture myself by letting him hang around while I was taking a bath? Maybe it is because I felt bad for him because he spent the entire evening in his cage while I strolled around Saratoga. I was so excited to take this bath. It was the first bath I have had in months. So I put Noah in his favorite seat in arms reach from the tub and sank down in the warm soapy water.
Well who do think joined the tub party? Of course it was Finnegan. Finn harassed me the entire 25 minutes that I was in the tub. He started off by licking my arm and then made his way to my knee and then topped it off with a big discusting lick on my back. I am sure this is way too much information to share, but I had to share it with someone. Of course I shouted at Finn to stop and beat it, but he wasn't listening. I think he enjoyed torturing me because some how he knew there wasn't much I could do about it.
I was much smarter for the "after the bath lotion time." Finn was locked in his cage and then released afterwards. Maybe I will get that hot relaxing bath in 20 days. That is when the election is over, and I get my husband back. Hmm, we shall see!
Well who do think joined the tub party? Of course it was Finnegan. Finn harassed me the entire 25 minutes that I was in the tub. He started off by licking my arm and then made his way to my knee and then topped it off with a big discusting lick on my back. I am sure this is way too much information to share, but I had to share it with someone. Of course I shouted at Finn to stop and beat it, but he wasn't listening. I think he enjoyed torturing me because some how he knew there wasn't much I could do about it.
I was much smarter for the "after the bath lotion time." Finn was locked in his cage and then released afterwards. Maybe I will get that hot relaxing bath in 20 days. That is when the election is over, and I get my husband back. Hmm, we shall see!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Brrr!!
I am not quite sure why I feel compelled to ask John if we can flick that little switch on the thermostat to create some tropical weather in the house but I do. Every time we approach cold weather I start asking when we can turn the heat on. As most of you know I am not a fan of the cold weather. I have begged and pleaded with my husband numerous times to move south, but I don't see that happening until I am 65. So I have managed to deal with it as best as I can. However, now that we have a baby I think Johnny needs to break the "no heat will be turned on to November 1st rule" What do you think? I think the picture below speaks for itself.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Back to Reality!
On Friday afternoon John and I set out on a little road trip with the newest member of our family. I was a little nervous about our adventure because I wasn't sure how the little man would do strapped in his car seat for four and a half hours. However I am pleased to report that the trip went very well shortly after we stopped at Walmart for duct tape. Just kidding! Noah was great on the way out to Niagara Falls and even better on the way back. We traveled to Niagara falls for two occasions-cousin's wedding and a baby shower for me.
My aunts gave me a great shower this past Sunday at a yummy Italian restaurant. We enjoyed delicious pizza bread, salad, and chicken parm which is one of my favorites. We topped it off with a cake which my aunt made. I felt really special this weekend. I guess you could say that I felt pampered.
This weekend was nice for various reasons.
1. No Finnegan-I love you buddy, but it was so nice to not be licked every waking minute.
2. Baby shower-The food was great and it was so nice to sit down with the girls in the family and just chat without having to wait on our husbands.
3. Noah-This was the first time that the family got to meet Noah and I loved introducing him to them. He received lots of hugs and kisses this past weekend.
4. Hot Tub-Need I say more?
5. Wedding-My cousin got married this past weekend. It was a beautiful day and it was so much fun to fellowship with family that I only get to see a few times a year.
6. Aunt Linda-If you have never met my Aunt Linda well then you are missing out. She is a great aunt and just makes me laugh. Actually all of my mom's sisters are pretty awesome. Seeing them makes me happy and sad. Happy because I love chatting with them and sad because I wish we lived closer.
7. Food-I always eat so much when I visit out there.
8. Four and a half hour drive-Normally I dread this part of the trip, but not this time. I had my husband all to myself and that made the four and a half hour drive totally worth it. No politics and no work. However he did manage to sneak in some phone calls and read a few emails on his phone. He did that until I threatened to cancel the phone plan. He laughed. It was better than the alternative which was throwing the phone out the car window as he was driving 75 mph.
So the Hickok's are back to reality this week. John is off trying to make a difference in the political world, Finn has licked me about 25 times since he has been home, Toby is staring out the window waiting for John to arrive home (I keep reminding her not to get her hopes up.), I am staring at the pile of luggage, gifts, and laundry wondering if they will take care of themselves and Noah, well the reality for him hasn't changed at all.
My aunts gave me a great shower this past Sunday at a yummy Italian restaurant. We enjoyed delicious pizza bread, salad, and chicken parm which is one of my favorites. We topped it off with a cake which my aunt made. I felt really special this weekend. I guess you could say that I felt pampered.
This weekend was nice for various reasons.
1. No Finnegan-I love you buddy, but it was so nice to not be licked every waking minute.
2. Baby shower-The food was great and it was so nice to sit down with the girls in the family and just chat without having to wait on our husbands.
3. Noah-This was the first time that the family got to meet Noah and I loved introducing him to them. He received lots of hugs and kisses this past weekend.
4. Hot Tub-Need I say more?
5. Wedding-My cousin got married this past weekend. It was a beautiful day and it was so much fun to fellowship with family that I only get to see a few times a year.
6. Aunt Linda-If you have never met my Aunt Linda well then you are missing out. She is a great aunt and just makes me laugh. Actually all of my mom's sisters are pretty awesome. Seeing them makes me happy and sad. Happy because I love chatting with them and sad because I wish we lived closer.
7. Food-I always eat so much when I visit out there.
8. Four and a half hour drive-Normally I dread this part of the trip, but not this time. I had my husband all to myself and that made the four and a half hour drive totally worth it. No politics and no work. However he did manage to sneak in some phone calls and read a few emails on his phone. He did that until I threatened to cancel the phone plan. He laughed. It was better than the alternative which was throwing the phone out the car window as he was driving 75 mph.
So the Hickok's are back to reality this week. John is off trying to make a difference in the political world, Finn has licked me about 25 times since he has been home, Toby is staring out the window waiting for John to arrive home (I keep reminding her not to get her hopes up.), I am staring at the pile of luggage, gifts, and laundry wondering if they will take care of themselves and Noah, well the reality for him hasn't changed at all.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Finnegan!
Lately I have been thinking about Noah's first words and what they are going be. I recognize that Noah won't be talking for some time, but I can't help wonder what his goos and gahs will become. I am thinking his first words will relate to Finnegan. I say that because I am constantly scolding Finn for his wrong doings. In the course of a day Finnegan gets scolded between 15 and 20 times (no joke). Now as a teacher I know the powerful relationship between positive reinforcement and good behavior; however I just can't seem to transfer that practice when it comes to my dog. Here are some of the scolding remarks Noah is exposed to. I hope he doesn't think his name is Finn!
Knock if off Finn!
Stop licking his face Finn!
Leave Toby alone Finnegan!
Stop eating Toby's food Finn!
Beat it Finn!
Go to bed Finn!
Stop barking!
Stop licking me!
These are not your toys! (He is obsessed with Noah's duck slippers)
Finnegan, get out of the dishwasher!
Poor guy can't get a break. As I was shutting off the lights in the house last night and checking doors to make sure they were locked there stood Finn at front of the hallway waiting. He was waiting for me as I completed my nightly routine. In the midst of all the craziness and regardless of how many times I scold him Finn always remains loyal. I can't always say that about human beings, but it can be said about Finnegan. So I love him just the same despite his wild nature and his annoying habit of sneaking a lick every time he passes by. I consider him our work in progress. We have high hopes that one day he will settle down, but for now we will just keep working with him, and I will probably continue to scold him.
Gotta run, Finnegan just got into my makeup brushes. "Finnegan!"
Knock if off Finn!
Stop licking his face Finn!
Leave Toby alone Finnegan!
Stop eating Toby's food Finn!
Beat it Finn!
Go to bed Finn!
Stop barking!
Stop licking me!
These are not your toys! (He is obsessed with Noah's duck slippers)
Finnegan, get out of the dishwasher!
Poor guy can't get a break. As I was shutting off the lights in the house last night and checking doors to make sure they were locked there stood Finn at front of the hallway waiting. He was waiting for me as I completed my nightly routine. In the midst of all the craziness and regardless of how many times I scold him Finn always remains loyal. I can't always say that about human beings, but it can be said about Finnegan. So I love him just the same despite his wild nature and his annoying habit of sneaking a lick every time he passes by. I consider him our work in progress. We have high hopes that one day he will settle down, but for now we will just keep working with him, and I will probably continue to scold him.
Gotta run, Finnegan just got into my makeup brushes. "Finnegan!"
Monday, October 6, 2008
What's New?
I haven't blogged in awhile and I must admit that I miss it. To tell you the truth I really don't know what to blog about. So I have compiled a list of "things" that have been going on in the Hickok house. Here they are.
First, Johnny is working tirelessly on the Sandy Treadwell campaign. Noah and I miss him so much, mostly me though.
Noah is smiling so much now. He has such a cute face, and when he smiles he sticks out his little tongue. I'll try to get a picture of it.
We, meaning Noah and I, visited school last week. The office staff are always thrilled to see us. Well they are probably more excited to see Noah than me. On the way to any place that we go I always talk to Noah about making good impressions. He didn't exactly listen to me because when my principal held Noah he spit up all over his nicely ironed white shirt. Sorry Greg.
I was almost on the Today Show last week. They were asking mothers to call in with questions about their child. I actually got through after calling for an hour. They loved my question and called me back when the doctor was on the air, however they ran out of time. My claim to fame was short lived, but I will get there one day.
I had my 6 week doctor appointment. All is well with me. In case your wondering I had the opportunity to be examined by the Sugar Nazi. She informed me that I need to be tested for diabetes. I guess you can never be too cautious.
Shopping, shopping, shopping!!
We joined John's family for The Capital Region Buddy Walk. You can check out that story at http://nathandanielterry.blogspot.com/
If you are wondering about Finn, well he is still living with us at the moment. Many families were interested in Finn, but after spending some time with him they soon realized he wasn't the dog for them. Just kidding! We haven't tried to get rid of him lately.
First, Johnny is working tirelessly on the Sandy Treadwell campaign. Noah and I miss him so much, mostly me though.
Noah is smiling so much now. He has such a cute face, and when he smiles he sticks out his little tongue. I'll try to get a picture of it.
We, meaning Noah and I, visited school last week. The office staff are always thrilled to see us. Well they are probably more excited to see Noah than me. On the way to any place that we go I always talk to Noah about making good impressions. He didn't exactly listen to me because when my principal held Noah he spit up all over his nicely ironed white shirt. Sorry Greg.
I was almost on the Today Show last week. They were asking mothers to call in with questions about their child. I actually got through after calling for an hour. They loved my question and called me back when the doctor was on the air, however they ran out of time. My claim to fame was short lived, but I will get there one day.
I had my 6 week doctor appointment. All is well with me. In case your wondering I had the opportunity to be examined by the Sugar Nazi. She informed me that I need to be tested for diabetes. I guess you can never be too cautious.
Shopping, shopping, shopping!!
We joined John's family for The Capital Region Buddy Walk. You can check out that story at http://nathandanielterry.blogspot.com/
If you are wondering about Finn, well he is still living with us at the moment. Many families were interested in Finn, but after spending some time with him they soon realized he wasn't the dog for them. Just kidding! We haven't tried to get rid of him lately.
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