Our College Days!

First let me just say that most people have fond memories of college... just think if you stayed there for 9 years. You'd be really attached to the place. For us, WSU was our home for 9 years. We were married there, had our first home and our first pets. We had lots of fun memories there. This year was our first trip back since I went into labor (which I also randomly did while visiting the campus a year plus ago). And our first big trip with Kate.

I could probably write at least three blogs about our trip but since I took time off work, and then we just had a big doctor evaluation ... I am exhausted. I can at least put up some cute pictures though. And say that as a family we bleed crimson, GO COUGS!

Metamorphosis in the Target line.

Today was my day off during the work week. My little peanut and I were having a pretty standard day. Morning of cleaning, playing, reading her books. Mid-day nap. Then a trip to run some errands, mostly to break up the long afternoon stretch prior to dinner.

We ran a few errands and then the grand finale was Target. I'd like to make the point that I actually had done my hair, and put on a little make up on today. I also was not in work out clothes. Unfortnately I had given Kate some chocolate cookies, and then I made the mistake of wearing a white shirt. Needless to say I had chocolate handprints up and down my shirt. By four o'clock and at our last stop of the day, and I have a feeling that neither Kate and I were looking too fresh.

We had typically items to get at Target. The most important being Yogurt melts, which Kate can't seem to live without currently. And of course then since we were on the baby aisle, some teething biscuits, hair bows, baby yogurt all made it in to the cart. I had also picked up some funny Halloween plates, and pasta for dinner. We made our way to the check out.

As I placed my items on the conveyor belt, I noticed the stylish girl in her 20's in front of us. She had perfect hair and make-up. Her out-fit was stylish with accessories that were just right. She looked like she had just stepped out of the pages of Lucky or In Style, but wasn't over doing it. She either noticed me staring or Kate's screeching, because she smiled and said hello. I, with my chocolate covered shirt, sheepishly said hi as I placed another package of yogurt melts on the belt.

Then I noticed what she was buying. Three pairs of shoes. They were very cute, two pairs of boots, and a pair of heels. I was impressed with the shoe selection at Target, but as I fished out a bottle from my purse and wrestled my keys away from Kate's mouth. Her purchase and entire presence made me smile. Boy, my life and I have changed!

The first year of having a child is such a blur. I was really in survival mode for so long. Then we spent 11 months in home quarantine. But, it is bigger than that. You can't even put it into words until you go through it. Its a mind shift, it a priority shift. Its a metamorphosis. Now I can't really say that I am done with this metamorphosis, but I am a far cry from whom I was three years ago. Kind of amazing what you can realize in the Target check out line and glad that I've been on both sides.

Just another day...

Today I was having a crazy busy day. Charts were falling off the desk onto the ground, next to a pile of phone calls that needed to be returned, and prescription refills to be signed are on every surface. I had been 30 minutes behind all morning long. And if you think that it doesn't bother your veterinarian to be so behind, well you haven't met me. I literally had sweat pouring out of me as I was trying to catch up. All morning long everybody had a lot to say, and their pet too. Finally I made it to lunch. Now I had a few options: I could work through lunch. Or I could run. I went for a run.

We hit the trail, my favorite running buddy and me. Tahoe, our 9 year old lab mix, is the best running partner ever. She is always happy to go. Doesn't mind if I don't feel like talking and goes whatever speed I do. The trail is a boring, flat cement number (I don't even call it a trail typically) but the view is makes it worth the run. I work in Anacortes, WA and it is a actually a little island thus you have water on all sides. There is the Pacific ocean and then small bays and inlets. On a clear day you can look towards the San Jaun Islands and several other small islands that surround it. There is also a large oil refinery across the bay, and even it makes for an interesting view with its multiple series of large pipes, smoke stacks, and structures.

The sun was out, the leaves were just starting to fall and there was an ocean breeze in the air.
I clipped along, my legs were slow and tight. I had two large coffees and no breakfast, a great performance enhancing meal. Kate had woken up in the night again, and I am feeling like my typical sleep deprived self. Tahoe on the other hand was bouncing along in front of me. When she runs her little ears bob up and down like little pig tails, it always makes me smile. We passed some bikers. Then a grandmother proudly pushing a baby in a stroller. I swear 90% of people you will meet out on a trail are going to be happy, says something about exercise.

After seeing the baby, my mind drifted to my baby. I thought about how she would love to bike this trail later with me. Perfect and safe, but with some beach that we could pick rocks or shells on. My legs were hurting a little less and moving a bit smoother. The tension knot in my neck was starting to ease up. Tahoe's pigtails were bobbing right along. We reached the tressel, which extends across the whole bay (see picture). Time to turn around if I was to get any work done. The return trip goes faster. I see the grandma loading the baby back in the car to go home. I know I have to get my work done so I can see my baby before she goes to bed. I run a little faster.

Back at the clinic. Everything is still there waiting for me to get it done. I am breathless, sweaty and my hair is never going to really look good for the afternoon appointments. I do end up getting everything done, well pretty close. And I got home on time to get a smile as I pulled up and a kiss when I got out of the car. And for today, I am glad that I made the choice to run.

What caption would this have?

I saw this picture on our camera. Dad had taken it, while I was at work. Obviously there are several not so safe parts of this picture. Curious all the captions that could go with it.

Will she be doing this in college?

We have a kid that just doesn't really like food.

You give her purees and she'll give you a splat!, a whack! and a blah!

All other food is munch munch munch and then spit or drooled out on her bib. Recently I was with a friend and we were drinking coffee and eating a snack. Kate was there playing on the floor, and the friend offered her some cookie. Kate proceeded to throw every bite on the floor.

Oh, it makes a mother beam with pride.

When you child doesn't eat well everyone has suggestions for you. Sally Sensitive will recommend that you try peas (or insert any other very standard ingredient). Oh, thank you! I knew that even though I have nearly bought every jar of baby food in North America, and made my own that it was peas (or pears, or apple sauce) that was going to be the missing link in this eating challenge.

Maybe I should take Sally Sensitive with me when I shopping and I analyze every aisle trying to find things that she will finally eat. And when for a rare moment she does seem to like something, I buy cases of it. Only to be disappointed when she decides the next day that no, I don't like that after all.

Well, on those nights when I am just struggling to put the fake smile on my face while picking up the spoon off the floor once more. I ask myself, "Will she be doing this in college?" And with that I am reminded that this will pass, most likely long before she goes to college. And if not maybe she will then fit in with the super skinny Hollywood crowd.