Hockey Night in Idaho

Last Saturday, I took Jake to his first hockey game. The Idaho Steelheads are our local minor league hockey team - a feeder team for the Dallas Stars system. We had a very good time and Jake really liked his first exposure to the sport. For those that have never been, you are missing out. I am not a big hockey fan, I don't follow the sport, don't watch the game on tv - but given the opportunity to see a game live, I would never turn it down. Strictly based on the on the field product- hockey is my favorite sport to watch live. I love baseball - but it is a whole product (sunny days, hot dogs, sunflower seeds, it 's the sum of it's parts) - but hockey is so fast, so exciting....it's really not to be missed.

The Qwest arena here is a really nice building, and a great place to see a game. I was a little worried as hockey is such a violent sport and the crowd is always a little rough and tumble to begin with....but I had nothing to worry about. There was an announcement made before the game started that anyone using profanity would be ejected from the arena....but I don't think it was necessary, I didn't hear any swearwords that didn't originate from yours truly (I REALLY am a good role model!). There were a couple of good fights and a lot of scoring (Steelheads 3, Phoenix Roadrunners 6), so it was a really fun game to watch.

We had seats right behind the penalty box (literally, we were on the glass). Jake got a big kick out of the hockey guys getting sent to timeout for misbehaving, it was a lot of fun to watch. Jake knows that he can't ever play hockey for real on a team and seems to be okay with it, because of his kidney problem - but he still wants to learn to skate and play with his friends - and that's okay, long as it's not full contact.

Jake did great, he was a trooper and wanted to stay until the end. The game didn't finish until after 10:00, we got home close to 11:00. Jake and I crashed out in the guestroom so as to not wake Tanner and Marisa. We had a really good time, but have had a sleep deprived pre-schooler for the past few days. Parents out there know what that's like, for the rest of you...imagine wishing for death by fire ants....and then you have an idea what they can be like!

Snow Day

We woke to a couple inches of snow this morning so in the afternoon we headed out behind our house for some sledding fun. We weren't sure if Jake would enjoy it or not, but as you can see both he and his father had a blast! The sleds were Christmas gifts from Auntie Sue this year and I am sure they will be used for many years to come.

Roomies!

While I was busy in California, Brian was hard at work painting and redecorating the boys' room. Up until now the boys were in separate bedrooms, but we decided with the impending arrival of their sister, they would be moving in together. We were both a little concerned with how it would work out, but so far it has been GREAT. Jake, who used to call out to us incessantly at bedtime and think of any ploy to make us stay in there longer ( drink, potty, food, headache, monsters, "bad thoughts", etc...) now knows that Gooeys is sleeping right below him and if he yells out he will wake up his brother. He has been a champ.

The first week as roommates could have been horrible, as Tanner is getting 3 molars right now and is not, to put it mildly, sleeping well at night. In fact, he spent several nights screaming bloody murder- all of which Jake slept through (Brian and I weren't quite so lucky!). Poor guy. We are trying everything, but he is just not happy. Anyway... the room used to be neutral in color (boring!) and now is bright red with white trim and navy blue accents. Brian did such a great job on it. Everytime I walk in it makes me smile :) I think being roommates will help make the boys closer- already we have walked in several times in the morning to find Jake smiling down at Tanner from his bunk and Tanner looking up at him from his crib. We're both glad we decided to make this transition before Faith arrives.

Yes, we have decided on a new name. Our daughter will be called: FAITH WILDER (yes, as in "laura ingalls"). Most of the feedback so far has been something along the lines of " Oh, Faith is such a pretty name. ...but what's up with the "Wilder" part?". In answer to that: We just like the sound of it. "Faith" is so pure and sweet, "Wilder" adds a little edginess and that little bit of uniqueness that we are seeking. She'll need to be a little bit of an angel and a little bit devilish to keep up with her two big brothers :)

Our First Trip "Home"

The boys and I spent a full seven days in CA visiting all sorts of family and friends. Auntie Sue was kind enough to host us for the entire trip- and what a wonderful hostess she is! In true A.S. style she had stocked the kitchen with many "kid" treats and "child friendly" dinners, as well as cooking ahead of time several well balanced meals for us. There were new toys and jammies to be had, and by the end of the first hour toys were strewn from wall to wall and Jake was happy as a clam to have his favorite playmate back. A.S never complained about the mess or the chaos- even though I am sure she was exhausted by us. It was wonderful to spend time with her. Tanner, on the other hand, was less than amused. He spent the entire week crying every time I left his eyesight. It became easier just to pick him up and take him with me everywhere then to listen to his plaintive yells as I tried to use the bathroom in peace. Needless to say it was exhausting! I managed to fit in visits with lots of different people, some for multiple visits. It was rejuvenating to be around familiar faces and to fall back into the wonderful comfort zone of old friends. Lisa Perotti arranged for lots of people from Sycamore to come to one house and within minutes it felt as if I had never left. It definitely made me yearn for my old job- the camaraderie that exists there is impossible to replace.

The flight home was uneventful- but definitely made me realize that driving would have been easier. Really- a ten hour drive is nothing compared to : two hours at the airport prior to the flight; trying to check in 3 suitcases, 2 carseats, 1 stroller curbside with two small children in a line that went forever; going through security trying to hold a baby, keep an eye on Jake, remove shoes and fold up stroller all at the same time while people either huff and puff in annoyance or look on in pity; waiting for the flight, entertaining a very mobile 1 year old on two separate flights (one to Reno and one to Boise), all the while trying to keep Jake occupied with plenty of snacks, toys, etc... Really, a drive in my car, with my music, Jake's DVD player, and the ability to stop at anytime for a break really beats air travel in my book.

But, we made it home safely. Both boys were THRILLED to death to see their daddy. I wish I had a video of Jake making a beeline for Brian's arms while trailing his Batman suitcase behind him and of Tanner's face lighting up when he saw him, chanting "DA DA DA DA DA DA!!!" at the top of his lungs.

After a weekend spent resettling at home and recuperating from having family at our house for two weeks and being gone for a week, I returned to work on Monday. I have to say it is nice to be back. Most of you know how I crave routine. Having a three week break was wonderful, but it also reminded me of why I work outside the home :)

I think the nicest thing about coming home was realizing that the title of this post isn't accuarate. I didn't "go home" to California- I came home when I returned to Boise. Of course I miss everyone already and can't wait to have more visitors to our house and to return to CA (possibly this summer) to show off our new baby girl, but it sure is nice to feel at ease here in Idaho.

PS. Baby Girl #1's name has changed. Or will be. We can't agree on a spelling for Kacie, KC, Casey, Kasey, etc.... so we are back to the drawing board. We have a few ideas but are not sure if we will be sharing them ahead of time or not. But don't be surprised when you receive a birth announcement for little Bertha Gertrude :)