House of Eck

The 5th decade

2010-01-27T12:37:00.001-06:00

How on earth did I get to be this old? 40 was ancient when I was a kid. Darn near middle-aged! I remember my parents turning 40, so this is surreal.I'm relieved about excited about my 40s in all honesty. My 30s were a mixed bag. A recap of a decade. At 30, Joe & I got married. At 31, I graduated from library graduate school, moved to Ashland, Wi & later that year to Green Bay. I had 2

5 weeks!!!

2010-01-23T06:36:00.001-06:00

Such a difference 5 weeks makes! Zoe is starting to show personality & rewards our attention with a huge grin. Truly makes any cranky behavior wotrth riding out. She finds her hands every once in a while. They still startle her, esp. when she accidently whaps herself in the face. My 2nd favorite development she's reached is cooing. Zoe'll look at you intently for a few minutes, and start

Milestones

2010-01-19T12:03:00.001-06:00

Zoe found her fist & I'm celebrating my 40th birthday on Sunday.

A brand new day

2010-01-18T16:41:00.001-06:00

I've recently spent a lot of time on my butt, trying to make sense of my life. Nothing quite like awaiting the arrival of a baby to take stock of one's life. Now, Zoe is a month old. We've established a sort of routine, in that I'm on call for her 24/7. Maddie is slowly figuring how to be a big sis. Thankfully I don't have to go back to work til mid-February. I was a bit freaked the first

From my iPod

2010-01-04T17:18:00.001-06:00

I'm currently rocking my dear baby daughter to sleep, thinking it'd be nice to get back to contributing to my blog. Guess what - there truly is an app for nearly anything!

Evil Maddie

2009-11-01T10:05:00.001-06:00

Evil MaddieOriginally uploaded by Karen54301Yup, the toothless vampiress...

So serious...

2009-09-04T10:31:00.001-05:00

DSCF1073Originally uploaded by Karen54301

Maddie on her first day of Kindergarten

2009-09-04T10:30:00.003-05:00

DSCF1074Originally uploaded by Karen54301

Maddie's locker

2009-09-04T10:30:00.001-05:00

Maddie's lockerOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

And she's off....

2009-09-01T09:53:00.004-05:00

...to Kindergarten, that is! Maddie's already met her teacher - Miss Melisa - and knows some of the kids in her classroom, but today was different. It's funny how parents compare our kids to everyone else's. I know Maddie's a fantastic kid. She has a great sense of humor, a growing sense of what's right and what's wrong. She's been reading for a year, and the other day stunned me by telling

21 weeks

2009-08-19T13:34:00.002-05:00

Baby is size of a CARROT, can you believe it? She's doing just fine. I'm not doing as great. Part of this is I'll be 40 in January, not a young chick. Part of it is that I have fibromyalgia and this pregnancy is kicking my behind. Wondering it's time to look at my schedule and ask to cut down my time at work. It's scary to think about. I don't want to be on bed-rest. I don't want to not

bunnies galore

2009-08-10T12:42:00.001-05:00

DSCF0949Originally uploaded by Karen54301Unfortunately, the bunnies like the garden too....

Coneflower

2009-08-10T12:41:00.001-05:00

ConeflowerOriginally uploaded by Karen54301close up

Coneflower & Monarch

2009-08-10T12:40:00.001-05:00

Coneflower & MonarchOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Rattlesnake Master

2009-08-10T12:39:00.005-05:00

Rattlesnake MasterOriginally uploaded by Karen54301closeup....I think it's like looking at planets in orbit...

Bees love the Rattlesnake Master

2009-08-10T12:39:00.003-05:00

Bees love the Rattlesnake MasterOriginally uploaded by Karen54301My favorite plant has to be the Rattlesnake Master.

Red Milkweed & Monarch

2009-08-10T12:39:00.001-05:00

Red Milkweed & MonarchOriginally uploaded by Karen54301I'm thrilled that my backyard has attracted butterflies, bees and birds.

Barn and house in springtime

2009-08-10T12:37:00.001-05:00

Barn and house in springtimeOriginally uploaded by Karen54301One of my first watercolors....

My watercolor adventure part 2

2009-08-08T12:29:00.001-05:00

DSCF1010Originally uploaded by Karen54301

My watercolor adventure

2009-08-08T12:28:00.001-05:00

DSCF1016Originally uploaded by Karen54301

going home

2009-07-29T10:45:00.004-05:00

I love the home we've made in Green Bay. I didn't think I'd like this town. I grew up in Madison - a long way from this conservative and industrial place. But after a few years, after I figured out the area, I grew to really like this town. When Maddy was born, I didn't have a network. I had a few friends, but I didn't have a job until after Maddy was 4 months old. I haven't stopped working

Flickr

2009-07-21T15:53:00.001-05:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

16 weeks & 5 days

2009-07-20T10:03:00.002-05:00

It's been a month since I've blogged. I'm feeling quite lazy lately. My poor vegetable garden is more weed than vegetables. Perhaps my mood is cuz we haven't had decent rain in a long while - perhaps it's cuz I'm still puking every morning. That takes a lot of out of me. I'm doing well - 16 weeks & 5 days. My belly is rounding out. I'm looking less lumpy and more pregnant. I've been able

Squeaker #2 - week 9

2009-06-17T13:21:00.003-05:00

non-pregnancy stuff

2009-06-04T12:50:00.003-05:00

Well, not really. I mean, I am a huge sack of hormones, attempting to suppress the necessity to cry at the slightest provocation. No, I won't mention that I'm now 10-weeks along and have my OB appointment tomorrow. If everything goes well, I'll be the furthest along in the last 3 pregnancies. No, I won't mention that I'm eating approximately every 1 1/2 hours - anything - but I need to eat,

week #9

2009-05-27T18:21:00.002-05:00

I feel gun shy when it comes to announcing my week's progress - but it is a big deal to me. It's funny that I don't mind doing it here, in this venue, or on Facebook, but I won't make a whole-world email announcement until we reach week #12. There aren't any guarantees, but it'll be that much more further.I'm feeling the same sort of effects of pregnancy as I did with Madeline, which I think is

Week 7

2009-05-13T09:53:00.002-05:00

I made it to Week #7. 33 more to go. Feeling nauseous still, but I'm quite glad about that. It means everything is working as it should. Since my first miscarriage last April, I've contemplated keeping subsequent pregnancies secret until a certain time. We didn't keep anything secret in November & we had miscarriage #2. I've tried to figure out why I haven't kept this one a secret. I think

no guarantees

2009-05-12T12:58:00.003-05:00

I know that no matter what, there aren't any guarantees. I know that even if we reach the magical week 12 with no complications that there won't be.I know that last year's miscarriages didn't help with my risk-factor. I know all these things. However, I also know that I can't be in control of everything, despite wanting to. I had the surgery to remove the 5 fibroids for a reason - so that in the

Long time ... no see

2009-05-11T16:23:00.002-05:00

I've been in hibernation. I'm ready to blossom. I'm ready for spring. I'm ready to attempt pregnancy yet one-more-time.More after this brief announcement...We are pregnant! I'm high risk due to 2 miscarriages last year and being so blessed old, so I get weekly ultrasounds for the time-being. Saw the little peanut this morning. So small yet - only 7 weeks along on Wednesday) but its heart is

What now?

2009-03-12T09:22:00.005-05:00

If you are reading this, undoubtedly you've noticed I haven't spent a lot of time blogging. Looking back this past year, it's been a vehicle to vent my frustrations and anguish about the miscarriages. So now what the heck should I use it for?I could talk about the weather in Green Bay, Wisconsin: (it's 9°F, feels like: 5°F today).I could talk about Madeline: (she's 5 going on 13; still loves

My baby's growing up

2009-02-16T09:33:00.002-06:00

She's lost now 2 teeth! How the heck can that be? It was just yesterday when she was a tiny kid ... (March 2005)January 2009 (she's the one on the right)

Cheers & Jeers

2009-02-12T08:54:00.002-06:00

CHEERS: Salma Hayek It takes a village! It's nutrition. There is nothing wrong with feeding a starving child. Get over it, people! JEERS:Nadya SulemanBecause, though it takes a village (which she's obviously hoping 'cuz she needs the money), you need to do what is right. Bringing 8 more children into a world when you a) don't a way to support them, b) don't acknowledge that you may not be

Picture 538

2009-02-04T16:43:00.001-06:00

Picture 538Originally uploaded by Karen54301

Looking the fountain

2009-02-04T16:42:00.003-06:00

Looking the fountainOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Picture 364

2009-02-04T16:42:00.001-06:00

Picture 364Originally uploaded by Karen54301

Maddy meets Princess Aurora

2009-02-04T16:41:00.005-06:00

Maddy meets Princess AuroraOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Maddy meets Cinderella

2009-02-04T16:41:00.003-06:00

Maddy meets CinderellaOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Maddy meets Belle

2009-02-04T16:41:00.001-06:00

Maddy meets BelleOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Belle, any librarian's favorite princess

2009-02-02T10:59:00.001-06:00

Belle, any librarian's favorite princessOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

2009

2009-01-19T14:57:00.002-06:00

2009=Year of renewal.I really am glad we went through everything we went through in 2008. I appreciate my health, my family and my sanity so much more. (ok, well, as much sanity as I might have anyway).I'm looking forward to spending 6 days with Joe and Maddy at Walt Disney World from January 22 through the 27th. I'm looking forward to just meandering around the resort, watching the delight in

oh my poor womb

2008-12-11T18:54:00.004-06:00

My poor womb. I have had 3 D&C's in the past 8 months, two in the past fortnight. I had another one on Monday to remove more tissue and look at the uterine fibroids. Bless it, this sucks. I'm feeling marginally better, but I'm so sick and tired of being sick and tired. When I went in on Monday complaining of not feeling good - not sleeping - hadn't stopped bleeding, my doc suggested another D

i'm ok

2008-11-25T11:00:00.003-06:00

I'll be ok. Right now, I'm in a haze. I'm at work, having been off since Wednesday afternoon. My co-workers have been so supportive.Joe's been working too much, and has been sleeping poorly. I don't know whether he's told his work. I hope so.Maddy's been talking about Uncle Steven dying again - her way of dealing with death. This morning, as we were getting ready for our day, I said I was

answers

2008-11-20T15:00:00.002-06:00

The ultrasound ... same room as in April ... same result ... no heartbeat. The baby died within the last day or two. Going in tomorrow morning (7:45am) to get a test done on the baby's chromosomes (a chrorionic villus sampling or CVS) and I'm scheduled for a D&C at noon.I totally fell apart walking into the ultrasound room initially, and again when we searched for the heartbeat. I am more calm

me me me, and us :)

2008-11-07T09:51:00.002-06:00

Well, after my moaning session, we found out that we are indeed expecting. :) Very cautious - still so very early - but we are pregnant. Due July 2, 2009, at the height of summer. Wow.Feeling ok and only nauseous once a day so far. Hormone levels are good. On extra progesterone to help little bean out. Maddy is excited. Joe is excited. We're all cautiously optimistic. :) 32 more weeks

Change has come

2008-11-05T07:41:00.000-06:00

DSCF0098

2008-10-28T14:38:00.001-05:00

DSCF0098Originally uploaded by Karen54301

everyone had disco fever

2008-10-28T14:37:00.001-05:00

DSCF0085Originally uploaded by Karen54301

DSCF0103

2008-10-28T14:36:00.005-05:00

DSCF0103Originally uploaded by Karen54301

DSCF0083

2008-10-28T14:36:00.003-05:00

DSCF0083Originally uploaded by Karen54301

DSCF0072

2008-10-28T14:36:00.001-05:00

DSCF0072Originally uploaded by Karen54301

Peace, dude

2008-10-28T14:35:00.001-05:00

DSCF0073Originally uploaded by Karen54301

me me me me me me me

2008-09-23T15:42:00.002-05:00

It's been about 6 months since the miscarriage. In many ways, it's been the longest 6 months. I've been trying to grieve without dwelling. I've had colleagues and friends tiptoe around me as they experience their pregnancies and relatively happy births. I know it's not been easy to be around me. My cycle had been pretty predictable and I had been able to pinpoint pretty accurately ovulation

Right Now ...

2008-09-22T10:27:00.003-05:00

Instructions: Take a picture of yourself right now.Don’t change your clothes, don’t fix your hair…just take a picture.Post that picture with NO editing.Post these instructions with your picture.Ok Jenica ... you started it ... see picture of me (with pink hair) looking at your page. :) next?

I love this coffee cup! AND the glasses have the same pink ribbon logo too!

2008-09-15T11:59:00.001-05:00

I love this coffee cup! AND the glasses have the same pink ribbon logo too! Originally uploaded by Karen54301oh boy ... i'm such a geek....oh well... it's for a great cause . :) Care to donate?

About Sarah Palin

2008-09-07T08:38:00.002-05:00

It's too important NOT to link to this letter from Anne Kilkenny about Sarah Palin. Librarians Against Palin!

New kitty...

2008-09-03T10:57:00.001-05:00

Introducing Smokey the cat. 8 years old. 13 pounds. A sweet, even-tempered cat who loves to sleep with anyone. Adopted / saved from the Humane Society. A sweet boy.

First day of 4K!

2008-09-03T09:45:00.001-05:00

Our little girl ain't so little anymore! Here she is, on her first day at 4K at the YWCA!

life

2008-08-25T12:21:00.001-05:00

Frankly, I'm surprised I'm not a bit more insane. Life has been hectic. Our summer is nearly over. Maddy will be going to 4-year kindergarten starting next TUESDAY, and we're tired. However, we ARE alive and fairly sane.

awwww ... Kayla & Joshua

2008-07-16T12:26:00.003-05:00

awwww ... Kayla & JoshuaOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Jeremiah & Alex

2008-07-16T12:26:00.001-05:00

Jeremiah & AlexOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Cowgirl Madeline

2008-07-16T12:25:00.003-05:00

Cowgirl MadelineOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

DSCF1990

2008-07-16T12:25:00.001-05:00

DSCF1990Originally uploaded by Karen54301

brother of the bride

2008-07-16T12:24:00.005-05:00

brother of the brideOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Marshmallow time

2008-07-16T12:24:00.003-05:00

Marshmallow timeOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

DSCF2018

2008-07-16T12:24:00.001-05:00

DSCF2018Originally uploaded by Karen54301

Pati being escorted by her sons

2008-07-16T12:23:00.007-05:00

Pati being escorted by her sonsOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

....asleep

2008-07-16T12:23:00.005-05:00

....asleepOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

awake....

2008-07-16T12:23:00.003-05:00

awake....Originally uploaded by Karen54301

The kiss :)

2008-07-16T12:23:00.001-05:00

The kiss :)Originally uploaded by Karen54301

The new couple.

2008-07-16T12:22:00.005-05:00

The new couple.Originally uploaded by Karen54301

DSCF2050

2008-07-16T12:22:00.003-05:00

DSCF2050Originally uploaded by Karen54301

What Maddy did all night long

2008-07-16T12:22:00.001-05:00

DSCF2054Originally uploaded by Karen54301

DSCF2061

2008-07-16T12:21:00.003-05:00

DSCF2061Originally uploaded by Karen54301

Stephanie, Stuart, and Joe

2008-07-16T12:21:00.001-05:00

DSCF2081Originally uploaded by Karen54301

Nana, Jason, Kayla, Polly and Rebecca

2008-07-16T12:20:00.003-05:00

DSCF2083Originally uploaded by Karen54301

William, busy

2008-07-16T12:20:00.001-05:00

DSCF2124Originally uploaded by Karen54301

Gabe & Scarlett

2008-07-16T12:19:00.005-05:00

Gabe & ScarlettOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Catching tadpoles

2008-07-16T12:19:00.003-05:00

Catching tadpolesOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Nattering the tadpoles

2008-07-16T12:19:00.001-05:00

DSCF2133Originally uploaded by Karen54301

DSCF2136

2008-07-16T12:18:00.003-05:00

DSCF2136Originally uploaded by Karen54301

Alison, playing with rocks

2008-07-16T12:18:00.001-05:00

Alison, playing with rocksOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

The Learned Owl bookstore in Hudson, Ohio

2008-07-16T12:17:00.005-05:00

The Learned Owl bookstore in Hudson, OhioOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

watching

2008-07-16T12:17:00.003-05:00

DSCF2144Originally uploaded by Karen54301

gabbing

2008-07-16T12:17:00.001-05:00

DSCF2150Originally uploaded by Karen54301

delightful Amy :)

2008-07-16T12:16:00.005-05:00

DSCF2157Originally uploaded by Karen54301

blowing bubbles

2008-07-16T12:16:00.003-05:00

DSCF2158Originally uploaded by Karen54301

upside down Maddy

2008-07-16T12:16:00.001-05:00

DSCF2163Originally uploaded by Karen54301

William and Gretchen

2008-07-16T12:15:00.003-05:00

DSCF2164Originally uploaded by Karen54301

the belfry

2008-07-16T12:15:00.001-05:00

the belfryOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Aunt Gretchen & Maddy

2008-07-16T12:14:00.003-05:00

Aunt Gretchen & MaddyOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

Maddy and Gordon

2008-07-16T12:14:00.001-05:00

Maddy and GordonOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

sick

2008-07-16T12:11:00.001-05:00

I'm sick. It sucks. I'm trying to get over whatever crud I've developed, but it's wearing me out! grrrr...

Mid June already?

2008-06-27T12:54:00.002-05:00

We've been crazy busy ... looking forward to no plans ... heh...like that's ever going to happen.But today, I'm pampering myself to a massage and treating Joe and Maddy by attending the opening night of Wall-E! We're in the middle of break right now, but there is so much to do. I'm not complaining TOO loudly .... I love my job. Just a lot to do before July 7th. We have got the flower beds all

nothing like a half-assed apology

2008-06-09T12:39:00.003-05:00

It was a horrible end of a wonderful place. There were a lot of hard feelings. More than a few accusations. And still after 2 years, it hurts like hell. And the one man who (some have argued) could have helped the Weidner Center from drowning is finally leaving town. Many are celebrating. In Sunday's (June 8, 2008) Green Bay Press Gazette, he might have finally apologized; he may have

"Now, silly face!"

2008-06-03T09:58:00.005-05:00

"Now, silly face!"Originally uploaded by Karen54301

the 6

2008-06-03T09:58:00.003-05:00

the 6Originally uploaded by Karen54301

beautiful sign of spring

2008-06-03T09:58:00.001-05:00

beautiful sign of springOriginally uploaded by Karen54301

What a goof

2008-06-03T09:57:00.001-05:00

What a goofOriginally uploaded by Karen54301My silly silly girl.

phone log

2008-05-28T16:10:00.002-05:00

Dad: "Hello?"Me: "Hiya, Pop! Wanna feel older than you might already be feeling?"Dad: "Uh oh, now what?"Me: "I'm getting bifocals."pauseDad: "How old are you?"snortYeah...it's like that. I'm 38 1/2, thank-you-very-much, and I'm getting bifocals. Yippeee.

Busy busy

2008-05-27T11:51:00.003-05:00

We had a busy Memorial Day weekend.Got the house cleaned-ish on Saturday morning. Did some laundry. Left for the cottage for one night. Maddy got to spend time with her cousins Hannah and Nate. The three of them are 6 months apart in age. Quite fun to see the three of them play so nicely together. The men-folk got the dock in and did some errands and chores around the house. I was a lazy