The first two weeks of Josiah's life didn't really allow for any sense of reality. Being in a foreign area, sleeping in a different bed, eating foods we weren't used to, with everything being different and high stress, it was hard to see the future beyond the walls of the apartment we were living in. From the moment he was born we felt he was our son and we loved him as such, but there was this sense of the temporary-- partially to protect our hearts in case his birth mother changed her mind-- that made our first week back home feel like the first "real" week with our little boy.
His first two weeks were, as I've said before, the most wonderful and most difficult two weeks of my life. We did our absolute best to commit every detail of him to memory and remember all of his firsts and enjoy every moment while we also juggled the very real idea that he could be taken at any moment. I would like to say that if she had changed her mind, I would have forgiven her through my tears for the pain and wished her well, but I had an instant, fierce protectiveness over him and I'm so glad I didn't have to find out what my response would have been.
Now that we are back, like every other beginning family, we are settling into a new normal and it finally feels real and definite. We have been blessed with a wonderfully healthy child, so there haven't been any frightening surprises for me so far, Jim has surprised me more than Josiah has so far, and I surprise myself more than they have.
Our new routine is doable, though a few months ago I wouldn't have thought so. I take most of the night feedings, including the one at 4 AM. Jim gets up and takes a shower at that time and when he's done I hand over little man to finish his breakfast and I go for my run. So far, I've gotten my run, workout and a shower in every day before his 7 AM feeding. I don't hold a delusion that this will happen every day, but I'm hopeful that this is a good foundation for that. I take care of him all day and when Jim comes home I am almost not allowed to touch him again until the late night feeding because Jim is all about dad duty from the minute he walks in. He feeds his son and carries him around the rest of the evening.
I always knew Jim would be a good dad but he is fitting the role better than I could have imagined. He has yet to complain about diaper duty or any other baby task or any other thing that might need done. His only complaint is his wife, who goes to bed early because of the sleep interruptions and early runs so by the time he comes to bed she (I) am out so hard he couldn't wake me if he wanted to. Poor guy.
When I imagined myself as a mother, I pictured someone a lot different. For one, dream Kristin is pretty perfect, I think like we all hope to be when we look into our future. But I also imagined a woman who loved to stay home all the time with her baby By 9 AM on Monday, still coming down from a stress high, I couldn't just sit around the house anymore so I packed him up and went downtown for a bit. I used the excuse that I didn't want to keep getting him in and out to wait until the next day to do a couple more errands. Wednesday, I strapped him on and went to work for a couple of hours. Yesterday he had a doctors appointment and then I walked, with him strapped to me again, all the way to Safeway and back. Turns out, I am more social than I thought.
I also learned that I don't have any nursery songs committed to memory. The first line of half a dozen, maybe, but when I sing to him, it's usually hymns, pop songs from my youth or made up lyrics and melodies off the top of my head. We listen to a lot of classical music so I don't have to think of nursery rhymes.
I have been reading to him every day. Due to his lack of comprehension at this stage, I'm just reading whatever I'm reading out loud. So he has heard a few Bible passages, some online articles -- so he knows more about Gilmore Girls and vegan cheese than any other little 3 week old baby boy does -- and some Lord of the Rings, because I can.
I discovered the dangers of the suction bulb and have had to wipe baby boogers off of the wall ten feet away and had to change a shirt once when I suddenly got suspiciously warm (and wet), but otherwise we haven't had anything too particularly disgusting happen. He needs a lot more cuddling than I anticipated, so I am mastering the one handed lifestyle, though typing is still a no go one handed.
So our new normal is working out so far. I won't pretend that it can't change, or that he won't wake up with colic one day (my biggest fear at the moment, actually) or that I won't get annoyed that I have to hold this little one all the time at some point. But for now, we're all doing very well. The transition into less sleep isn't nearly as traumatic as I thought it might be and I'm still keeping a clean house and getting things done (eventually).
If you see a girl walking around holding a bundle tied against her chest, that's probably me, feel free to stop me and say "hi". Or give us a call and drop by to see the kiddo. We love the company!
Friday, January 29, 2016
Friday, January 22, 2016
Welcome Home, Little Josiah!
We, Family of THREE (well, six, including the three dogs), are home! We got the call that we were released to go home and within two hours were at the airport to go home yesterday. We got into Denver late last night and went straight to Jim's sister's house. The next morning we bought new tires (because of the bold incident on the way to the airport two weeks ago) and took off towards home to arrive this afternoon. Our dogs were over the moon to see us and have all already loved on the baby. We are unpacked for the most part and even had dinner from one of my favorite restaurants with two of my favorite people. My parents are here for the next couple of days as well, which is great. We are so ready to settle into our small town routine with our small baby Josiah.
I know there are tons of questions left unanswered and so many people who are anxious to meet our little one. And trust me, we want to show him off to all of you, too. I may not have any claim in his adorableness as I had nothing to do with his genetic makeup, but I can sure proudly agree with you that we have one cute little kid.
However, I have realized after receiving dozens of messages of encouragement, that I may need to ask a few more favors of our dear friends.
1. Pictures. This is a big one, because we have gotten so many requests. Because our adoption isn't officially final for 6 months after his birth, we are not allowed to post pictures identifying our son on social media. There are tons of pictures, don't get me wrong, and if you aren't in our direct area and would like to see him, please feel free to request a little something. But you won't be seeing a selfie of Josiah for a long while. We would also really, really appreciate it if those who do spend time with our son would avoid posting pictures of him as well, as we aren't entirely sure what the laws regarding others posting pictures of him is. In these first few months, you may see a hand or a back of the head on social media, but until his birth certificate is finalized, he won't have an online presence beyond that.
2. We love you all and we know so many who want to hold the baby but we will probably refrain from a round of pass around the baby or let someone walk off with him for a while. This isn't because we are afraid of germs or don't trust anyone with our baby... something we got over quickly with having to travel with him at two weeks old and introducing him to strangers to us but his biological family and having him passed around.
In adoption situations, it is important to establish a strong bond with your baby. He didn't hear my voice until he was born. As far as he's concerned, he was handed over to a stranger (a stranger that spoils him and loves him like crazy, but still a stranger) and the pros recommend as little baby passing as possible, so that trust is developed between mom, dad, and baby.
This isn't to say that you won't have baby holding time. Please just don't be offended if we ask that your holds are brief, or if we don't let others hold him in a large group of people. For the most part, Jim and I will be doing most of the feedings, diaper changes and what not. Of course, I have yet to turn anyone down who has offered a diaper change (though now that I think about it, no one other than Jim has offered a diaper change...).
3. Visiting is great, but I have to be real with you here. I never drop by someone's house unannounced, it's just something I was raised not to do. And we have dogs who will bark and scare the baby and a chain reaction will occur that you want to be a part of. So please, feel free to drop by, but a call or text guarantees the dogs are outside and I'm fully dressed before you arrive, which will make all of us a little happier.
4. There may be more details to his history now that he is ours, but there will still be things that we won't answer. So please don't be offended if we don't answer specific questions. Out of respect for our son we will let him share these things.
Thank you, again, for all of the prayers, encouragement and for being a part of the biggest story in our lives. We never thought that at the end of this we would not only have gained a son, but that we would see an entire community of people rally behind us. We never expected such an amazing amount of love. We are humbled beyond words and Josiah is so fortunate to be raised with you as a part of his life.
With that said I'm beat. If you are dying for that picture or that drop by to see the baby, you won't be hearing from me until tomorrow because this new mama is going to bed. Night!
I know there are tons of questions left unanswered and so many people who are anxious to meet our little one. And trust me, we want to show him off to all of you, too. I may not have any claim in his adorableness as I had nothing to do with his genetic makeup, but I can sure proudly agree with you that we have one cute little kid.
However, I have realized after receiving dozens of messages of encouragement, that I may need to ask a few more favors of our dear friends.
1. Pictures. This is a big one, because we have gotten so many requests. Because our adoption isn't officially final for 6 months after his birth, we are not allowed to post pictures identifying our son on social media. There are tons of pictures, don't get me wrong, and if you aren't in our direct area and would like to see him, please feel free to request a little something. But you won't be seeing a selfie of Josiah for a long while. We would also really, really appreciate it if those who do spend time with our son would avoid posting pictures of him as well, as we aren't entirely sure what the laws regarding others posting pictures of him is. In these first few months, you may see a hand or a back of the head on social media, but until his birth certificate is finalized, he won't have an online presence beyond that.
2. We love you all and we know so many who want to hold the baby but we will probably refrain from a round of pass around the baby or let someone walk off with him for a while. This isn't because we are afraid of germs or don't trust anyone with our baby... something we got over quickly with having to travel with him at two weeks old and introducing him to strangers to us but his biological family and having him passed around.
In adoption situations, it is important to establish a strong bond with your baby. He didn't hear my voice until he was born. As far as he's concerned, he was handed over to a stranger (a stranger that spoils him and loves him like crazy, but still a stranger) and the pros recommend as little baby passing as possible, so that trust is developed between mom, dad, and baby.
This isn't to say that you won't have baby holding time. Please just don't be offended if we ask that your holds are brief, or if we don't let others hold him in a large group of people. For the most part, Jim and I will be doing most of the feedings, diaper changes and what not. Of course, I have yet to turn anyone down who has offered a diaper change (though now that I think about it, no one other than Jim has offered a diaper change...).
3. Visiting is great, but I have to be real with you here. I never drop by someone's house unannounced, it's just something I was raised not to do. And we have dogs who will bark and scare the baby and a chain reaction will occur that you want to be a part of. So please, feel free to drop by, but a call or text guarantees the dogs are outside and I'm fully dressed before you arrive, which will make all of us a little happier.
4. There may be more details to his history now that he is ours, but there will still be things that we won't answer. So please don't be offended if we don't answer specific questions. Out of respect for our son we will let him share these things.
Thank you, again, for all of the prayers, encouragement and for being a part of the biggest story in our lives. We never thought that at the end of this we would not only have gained a son, but that we would see an entire community of people rally behind us. We never expected such an amazing amount of love. We are humbled beyond words and Josiah is so fortunate to be raised with you as a part of his life.
With that said I'm beat. If you are dying for that picture or that drop by to see the baby, you won't be hearing from me until tomorrow because this new mama is going to bed. Night!
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
He Will Be Called....
This is a much anticipated blog post. I know because I received more text messages, emails, private messages and phone calls in the past week and a half than all the other contact I've had combined. My phone has been on the brink of death twice a day since we arrived, simply by the sheer number of messages I've received. It is all appreciated, but I apologize to those who have not heard a response from me and I hope you will accept this post as my answer to requests for updates and as my official announcement that Jim and I are now a family of three.
We are able to announce this because the state required revocation period of the birth mother signature just expired-- meaning the biggest scare of the process (that she might change her mind), has drastically decreased! Tons of praise right there!
I know that stories tend to be in the details so this might not be as riveting as some might be hoping for, but I won't be telling you every detail of our story, simply because it is no longer mine to tell-- it's his. I can share the basic overview and some of my feelings on it (because my feelings are still my story), but we feel it's important that our son have the opportunity to tell his story to others instead of hearing it from someone else, even if that person is well meaning.
We received a late night phone call and left the house by 1 AM on Thursday morning after contacting our travel agent on her cell phone. Though we would have gladly exceeded the speed limit the entire drive to the Denver Airport, a dense fog kept us below the 75 MPH for a part of the way, and an unfortunate run in with a bolt in the road further hindered our progress (though, this experience confirmed that Jim could qualify to be a member of a professional pit crew, his tire changing skills are that fast).
We made it to our flight, however, and made it to the hospital with plenty of time. S was sitting on an exercise ball when we arrived. We met her sister and spent the rest of the day nervously hanging around her room. Progress was slow and watching her in labor was painful. I have never knowingly asked someone to do something for me that would cause them personal pain-- I struggle with asking people for things that might inconvenience them, even slightly-- so sitting in that room I would have given anything to be in her position and while her decision was her own and wasn't for me but for the child she was having, I wrestled with that throughout the day.
When the time came it came quickly and our son arrived with just a few moments notice. S had Jim cut the cord (an awesome privilage he does not take lightly) and after I stood in stunned silence in the corner for a few moments, she looked at me and said "Kristin, go see your son". I'm not entirely sure when I broke down, but I know that when I reached her bed I was a mess, something I'm sure she didn't appreciate when I kissed her forehead and mumbled something like "thank you" and "I love you".
Looking over the tiny, flailing baby on the medical bassinet, I admitted to the nurse cleaning him, "I'm scared". She smiled, and the first person to officially call me by my new title said, "Mama, he is not as breakable as you think". And with that, she popped the little man under my shirt for some skin to skin contact, right there in the room with S and the other nurses.
The next 40 hours are a blur. The hospital gave us a room so we could stay with our son. S held him a few times while we were in the hospital. Jim couldn't stop staring at him and I couldn't stop holding him. With the exception of being forgotten for 8 hours at one point and just a couple of nurses who were a little less understanding of the adoption situation, our hospital stay was as pleasant as a hospital stay can be.
When we were released with our little man we drove up to Monica's apartment, our home away from home for the next two weeks. The apartment is decorated brightly and we were relieved to walk into a place that didn't smell sterile. She had provided some basic groceries to get us started for our stay and gave us a quick tour before she left us, at the time virtually strangers, in her home.
Over the next week and a half we spent most of our time in the apartment, though we did go visit S and her family a few times, little guy had a follow up appointment and S' sister took his newborn photos (something I never expected to have done, but I am so, so glad we did and what a special memory that his biological aunt took them for us). At his check up appointment, Jim got to write "Father" for the first time in reference to himself and the gravity of that moment wasn't lost on us.
For those concerned (so, basically no one), I got my first run in three days after his birth and ran every day after that while we were in Michigan, with the exception of the day Jim had the flu (which was my first glimpse into single parenthood). I even got a couple of longer runs in (because my husband is awesome and our baby, as far as we can tell, is pretty easy tempered).
Emotionally, this week has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Parenting has been everything we thought it would be and more. Jim and I often feel closer than ever, giving and taking to accommodate our new baby-centered schedules. Our little man has been nothing but a joy to us from the moment we first laid eyes on him, even when we discovered his hatred of diaper changes.
But the overwhelming fear that comes with holding the newest love of your life and realizing that he isn't yours to claim and that at any moment he might not remain yours is hard to explain. While we respect S so much and we accept her as part of our family and our future by her selfless decision to give our (collective) son a life with us, she lives in a different world than us and sometimes surprises us with her actions. There were times during our stay where my stress level was so high my core temperature would drop and I would be shivering almost uncontrollably, crying and clinging to my son.
If I needed to explain it in one word it would be overwhelming. Overwhelming gratitude, fear, love, everything.
In any case, on Friday, January 8, our little boy was born at 4 pounds, 14 ounces and 18 inches long. He was 5 weeks early, but very healthy. We have loved every moment with him and look forward to bringing him home later this week (the minute the paperwork is delivered to our attorney from the Nebraska ICPC office, we are free to return home and we'll take a flight out the next morning).
We have so appreciated all of the encouragement and prayers we have received during this intense time. We know that it could have gone a lot differently and we are convinced the volume of prayer on our behalf did wonders and we know God had his hand in everything.
We very much look forward to introducing many of you in person to our son,
We are able to announce this because the state required revocation period of the birth mother signature just expired-- meaning the biggest scare of the process (that she might change her mind), has drastically decreased! Tons of praise right there!
I know that stories tend to be in the details so this might not be as riveting as some might be hoping for, but I won't be telling you every detail of our story, simply because it is no longer mine to tell-- it's his. I can share the basic overview and some of my feelings on it (because my feelings are still my story), but we feel it's important that our son have the opportunity to tell his story to others instead of hearing it from someone else, even if that person is well meaning.
We received a late night phone call and left the house by 1 AM on Thursday morning after contacting our travel agent on her cell phone. Though we would have gladly exceeded the speed limit the entire drive to the Denver Airport, a dense fog kept us below the 75 MPH for a part of the way, and an unfortunate run in with a bolt in the road further hindered our progress (though, this experience confirmed that Jim could qualify to be a member of a professional pit crew, his tire changing skills are that fast).
We made it to our flight, however, and made it to the hospital with plenty of time. S was sitting on an exercise ball when we arrived. We met her sister and spent the rest of the day nervously hanging around her room. Progress was slow and watching her in labor was painful. I have never knowingly asked someone to do something for me that would cause them personal pain-- I struggle with asking people for things that might inconvenience them, even slightly-- so sitting in that room I would have given anything to be in her position and while her decision was her own and wasn't for me but for the child she was having, I wrestled with that throughout the day.
When the time came it came quickly and our son arrived with just a few moments notice. S had Jim cut the cord (an awesome privilage he does not take lightly) and after I stood in stunned silence in the corner for a few moments, she looked at me and said "Kristin, go see your son". I'm not entirely sure when I broke down, but I know that when I reached her bed I was a mess, something I'm sure she didn't appreciate when I kissed her forehead and mumbled something like "thank you" and "I love you".
Looking over the tiny, flailing baby on the medical bassinet, I admitted to the nurse cleaning him, "I'm scared". She smiled, and the first person to officially call me by my new title said, "Mama, he is not as breakable as you think". And with that, she popped the little man under my shirt for some skin to skin contact, right there in the room with S and the other nurses.
The next 40 hours are a blur. The hospital gave us a room so we could stay with our son. S held him a few times while we were in the hospital. Jim couldn't stop staring at him and I couldn't stop holding him. With the exception of being forgotten for 8 hours at one point and just a couple of nurses who were a little less understanding of the adoption situation, our hospital stay was as pleasant as a hospital stay can be.
When we were released with our little man we drove up to Monica's apartment, our home away from home for the next two weeks. The apartment is decorated brightly and we were relieved to walk into a place that didn't smell sterile. She had provided some basic groceries to get us started for our stay and gave us a quick tour before she left us, at the time virtually strangers, in her home.
Over the next week and a half we spent most of our time in the apartment, though we did go visit S and her family a few times, little guy had a follow up appointment and S' sister took his newborn photos (something I never expected to have done, but I am so, so glad we did and what a special memory that his biological aunt took them for us). At his check up appointment, Jim got to write "Father" for the first time in reference to himself and the gravity of that moment wasn't lost on us.
For those concerned (so, basically no one), I got my first run in three days after his birth and ran every day after that while we were in Michigan, with the exception of the day Jim had the flu (which was my first glimpse into single parenthood). I even got a couple of longer runs in (because my husband is awesome and our baby, as far as we can tell, is pretty easy tempered).
Emotionally, this week has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Parenting has been everything we thought it would be and more. Jim and I often feel closer than ever, giving and taking to accommodate our new baby-centered schedules. Our little man has been nothing but a joy to us from the moment we first laid eyes on him, even when we discovered his hatred of diaper changes.
But the overwhelming fear that comes with holding the newest love of your life and realizing that he isn't yours to claim and that at any moment he might not remain yours is hard to explain. While we respect S so much and we accept her as part of our family and our future by her selfless decision to give our (collective) son a life with us, she lives in a different world than us and sometimes surprises us with her actions. There were times during our stay where my stress level was so high my core temperature would drop and I would be shivering almost uncontrollably, crying and clinging to my son.
If I needed to explain it in one word it would be overwhelming. Overwhelming gratitude, fear, love, everything.
In any case, on Friday, January 8, our little boy was born at 4 pounds, 14 ounces and 18 inches long. He was 5 weeks early, but very healthy. We have loved every moment with him and look forward to bringing him home later this week (the minute the paperwork is delivered to our attorney from the Nebraska ICPC office, we are free to return home and we'll take a flight out the next morning).
We have so appreciated all of the encouragement and prayers we have received during this intense time. We know that it could have gone a lot differently and we are convinced the volume of prayer on our behalf did wonders and we know God had his hand in everything.
We very much look forward to introducing many of you in person to our son,
Josiah Samuel Parrish.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Almost 9 Months, Not Showing At All.
This post is one part admitting to a fault, one part bearing my soul and two parts saying thank you, so I ask that you be patient with me if I suddenly switch gears and stop making sense.
I have been telling everyone I can that I might be a mom in February. It's almost an unstoppable force beyond my control that has me blurting it out everywhere. In the grocery store line, at the hair dressers, getting gas in my car, customers at the store... I can't stop bringing it up. And while I can say in all honesty that it is mostly because I'm the most excited I've ever been and just can't contain my excitement around other people, there is a bit of a poor reason for my exuberant sharing, too.
I'm ashamed to admit that I kind of like to experience, for just a second, what it feels like to be a pregnant woman.
I love to see someone's face light up when I tell them about my potential baby boy. I love to have people ask me sweet questions or share in my excitement. I like the companionship that sharing a life event with someone brings and how I suddenly feel ten times closer to my hair dresser when I tell her my news.
Since I don't get the privilege of carrying my son in my womb, it's not like the average person on the street would have any idea that I'm expecting to fill my home with a bundle of joy very soon. For some reason, I really want everyone to know. Since my belly can't tell people for me, I tell them.
With that in mind, though, I can't help but feel extreme gratitude towards those who have allowed me to obnoxiously share my excitement. I am so thankful for those who have shared in my joy, who have let their faces light up, who have hugged me tight (or, in Bob's case, told me my news was as exciting as ... what was it again? Something wrapped in bacon dipped in awesome sauce, I think). I am so thankful for those who have encouraged me along the way and for those who have brought the sweetest things to us, from notes with sweet well wishes to handmade baby blankets. And I am so grateful every time someone shares with me that they appreciate this blog and have been reading our journey. My heart is so full to know that there are people in the world that truly care about us and are cheering for us as we expand our family.
So while I admit to sharing my news with basically strangers in order to get that awesome almost-pregnancy reaction, I also want to say thank you, so much, to those of you who have been with us this whole time and all of your genuinely amazing reactions. I have told S how awesome our support system is here and I meant every word.
Thanks, all.
I have been telling everyone I can that I might be a mom in February. It's almost an unstoppable force beyond my control that has me blurting it out everywhere. In the grocery store line, at the hair dressers, getting gas in my car, customers at the store... I can't stop bringing it up. And while I can say in all honesty that it is mostly because I'm the most excited I've ever been and just can't contain my excitement around other people, there is a bit of a poor reason for my exuberant sharing, too.
I'm ashamed to admit that I kind of like to experience, for just a second, what it feels like to be a pregnant woman.
I love to see someone's face light up when I tell them about my potential baby boy. I love to have people ask me sweet questions or share in my excitement. I like the companionship that sharing a life event with someone brings and how I suddenly feel ten times closer to my hair dresser when I tell her my news.
Since I don't get the privilege of carrying my son in my womb, it's not like the average person on the street would have any idea that I'm expecting to fill my home with a bundle of joy very soon. For some reason, I really want everyone to know. Since my belly can't tell people for me, I tell them.
With that in mind, though, I can't help but feel extreme gratitude towards those who have allowed me to obnoxiously share my excitement. I am so thankful for those who have shared in my joy, who have let their faces light up, who have hugged me tight (or, in Bob's case, told me my news was as exciting as ... what was it again? Something wrapped in bacon dipped in awesome sauce, I think). I am so thankful for those who have encouraged me along the way and for those who have brought the sweetest things to us, from notes with sweet well wishes to handmade baby blankets. And I am so grateful every time someone shares with me that they appreciate this blog and have been reading our journey. My heart is so full to know that there are people in the world that truly care about us and are cheering for us as we expand our family.
So while I admit to sharing my news with basically strangers in order to get that awesome almost-pregnancy reaction, I also want to say thank you, so much, to those of you who have been with us this whole time and all of your genuinely amazing reactions. I have told S how awesome our support system is here and I meant every word.
Thanks, all.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Star Wars Commentary From The Wife Of A Fan
I am not a Star Wars fanatic. I enjoy movies and have enjoyed these particular movies but am not a part of the cult like following this particular series seems to have. My husband, however, is definitely a fan.
Because of my love for Jim and his love of the movies, I have watched the first 6 films at least once a year since the age of 14. My movie collection houses the originals in both blu ray and VHS (because only the VHS version has the "true" ending) and we have Star Wars related books alongside our C.S. Lewis on the shelf. I have played, and won, Star Wars Trivial Pursuit multiple times (and I have lost more often than I have won, to give you an idea of the quantity of time spent collecting Star Wars related pie pieces). A few times my husband has disappeared to the basement for a couple of days to watch the series alone.
We stop short of having a full sized storm trooper as decor and I draw the line at naming our children after Star Wars characters, but it's kind of a big deal in our home.
I have now seen the new movie three times since it's release a couple of weeks ago. That's right-- three times. My husband, who had been invited to a special viewing, has broken his personal record of in theater viewings by seeing it four times.
What can I say? I can appreciate a good movie, enjoy the musical score and can't pass up a date night at our local theater where I get cheesy popcorn and my favorite fancy drink (a Belgian chocolate, for locals who might be interested in trying it).
Now, if you haven't seen the movie and are considering it, there are some basics you need to know about the whole world you are about to enter or you will be confused along the way. So I recommend a bit of a brush up on Star Wars History if the names Luke, Han Solo or Darth Vader mean nothing to you or if you don't know what "the force" is.
Assuming you have been in public at all since this story came about back in the 70s, I'm just going to share some thoughts I had while watching this newest installment all three times. I'll give you a warning that there may be some sort of spoiler in this, though I'll try to avoid it.
As someone who has basic knowledge of the Star Wars universe and can enjoy the movies without being over the top about them (and someone who will respectfully NOT mention the last trilogy in front of a true fan), here are a few thoughts on the most recent Star Wars movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Thoughts.
1. The new main female character is Ray (Rae). Her outfit will be infinitely more comfortable to pull off than the metal bikini costumes that came out in response to Leia's risque scene in the original movies. Her hairstyle will also be easier to accomplish than the famous princess buns. And speaking of costumes, my families Halloween is all set for next year.
2. The new bad guy is an emotional teenager in a poor man's Darth Vader mask. And I love it. There were some missing elements to developing his character that would have made him a little more interesting, but that's forgivable since I'm sure they'll develop him more in the future movies. Because if I learned anything from this movie, it's that there will be future movies.
3. I love this movies comedic breaks. Movies that take themselves too seriously, especially in the science fiction realm, are just plain annoying. If you paid attention, this movie was borderline a comedy with some action scenes in it. Except there were a lot of action scenes.
4. The score of this movie is, as the cool kids say, "on point". I love big movie scores. In another attempt at my life, I would have loved to be in a film orchestra. This music was awesome.
5. So many unanswered questions and so many reasons for my husband to talk about this movie until the next one comes out! Oh the joys of obvious future plot development and all of the theorizing that accompanies it.
6. Robots are the dogs of Star Wars. Almost every good movie has man's best friend. In Star Wars, the robots are the fun characters that everyone cheers for, make fun noises and we all think are cute.
7. A little too much action. I love action films. I mean, throw me in a theater with anything Marvel playing and I'll enjoy it. But does everything always have to blow up... every time?
8. You notice something new every time you watch a movie. Every time. A weird background character, a small facial expression. Kind of cool.
I think I avoided spoilers for the most part. In conclusion, if you have the basic knowledge required and enjoy movies, it's worth a watch. Maybe not three watches. Unless your husband is a fan, then it's worth it to make him happy.
Because of my love for Jim and his love of the movies, I have watched the first 6 films at least once a year since the age of 14. My movie collection houses the originals in both blu ray and VHS (because only the VHS version has the "true" ending) and we have Star Wars related books alongside our C.S. Lewis on the shelf. I have played, and won, Star Wars Trivial Pursuit multiple times (and I have lost more often than I have won, to give you an idea of the quantity of time spent collecting Star Wars related pie pieces). A few times my husband has disappeared to the basement for a couple of days to watch the series alone.
We stop short of having a full sized storm trooper as decor and I draw the line at naming our children after Star Wars characters, but it's kind of a big deal in our home.
I have now seen the new movie three times since it's release a couple of weeks ago. That's right-- three times. My husband, who had been invited to a special viewing, has broken his personal record of in theater viewings by seeing it four times.
What can I say? I can appreciate a good movie, enjoy the musical score and can't pass up a date night at our local theater where I get cheesy popcorn and my favorite fancy drink (a Belgian chocolate, for locals who might be interested in trying it).
Now, if you haven't seen the movie and are considering it, there are some basics you need to know about the whole world you are about to enter or you will be confused along the way. So I recommend a bit of a brush up on Star Wars History if the names Luke, Han Solo or Darth Vader mean nothing to you or if you don't know what "the force" is.
Assuming you have been in public at all since this story came about back in the 70s, I'm just going to share some thoughts I had while watching this newest installment all three times. I'll give you a warning that there may be some sort of spoiler in this, though I'll try to avoid it.
As someone who has basic knowledge of the Star Wars universe and can enjoy the movies without being over the top about them (and someone who will respectfully NOT mention the last trilogy in front of a true fan), here are a few thoughts on the most recent Star Wars movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Thoughts.
1. The new main female character is Ray (Rae). Her outfit will be infinitely more comfortable to pull off than the metal bikini costumes that came out in response to Leia's risque scene in the original movies. Her hairstyle will also be easier to accomplish than the famous princess buns. And speaking of costumes, my families Halloween is all set for next year.
2. The new bad guy is an emotional teenager in a poor man's Darth Vader mask. And I love it. There were some missing elements to developing his character that would have made him a little more interesting, but that's forgivable since I'm sure they'll develop him more in the future movies. Because if I learned anything from this movie, it's that there will be future movies.
3. I love this movies comedic breaks. Movies that take themselves too seriously, especially in the science fiction realm, are just plain annoying. If you paid attention, this movie was borderline a comedy with some action scenes in it. Except there were a lot of action scenes.
4. The score of this movie is, as the cool kids say, "on point". I love big movie scores. In another attempt at my life, I would have loved to be in a film orchestra. This music was awesome.
5. So many unanswered questions and so many reasons for my husband to talk about this movie until the next one comes out! Oh the joys of obvious future plot development and all of the theorizing that accompanies it.
6. Robots are the dogs of Star Wars. Almost every good movie has man's best friend. In Star Wars, the robots are the fun characters that everyone cheers for, make fun noises and we all think are cute.
7. A little too much action. I love action films. I mean, throw me in a theater with anything Marvel playing and I'll enjoy it. But does everything always have to blow up... every time?
8. You notice something new every time you watch a movie. Every time. A weird background character, a small facial expression. Kind of cool.
I think I avoided spoilers for the most part. In conclusion, if you have the basic knowledge required and enjoy movies, it's worth a watch. Maybe not three watches. Unless your husband is a fan, then it's worth it to make him happy.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Nesting in the New Year
S called us as we walked in from visiting family over Christmas to let us know that she was having some contractions and we might have to head her way very soon.
While my initial reaction was, of course, extreme excitement and nervousness (he would be very early yet, 6 weeks to be exact), when we got off the phone and I looked around at my post-trip-mess of a house, the only thought I had was "I'M NOT READY!"
While our house has been pretty much baby friendly and ready to bring in a child at any second for the past year, therefore none of my to-do list items were mandatory, I panicked. I had dirty laundry on the counter from the trip. We just bought new dishes to replace the ones that I keep breaking and they needed washed and put away. The house was covered in four days worth of dog hair (which is a lot in our house).
I had so many things I wanted to get done before baby arrived. My hair needs a trim, my car needs an oil change.
And even though I spent a lot of time and energy trying to prove I was ready to parent, and even though I desperately want the chance, there was a part of me that just thought I would have my life together before baby arrived. And standing in my kitchen surrounded by the wrappers of our trip food and dog hair, I did not feel together at all.
So, I did what any crazy person would do and set out to get my whole "to do before baby arrives" list done in two days. I made my hair appointment, I deep cleaned the house, I organized every room (including the storage under the stairs, because obviously that needed to be done), I prepared my students solos for contests in the spring, I started writing the grant application for the arts council.
It is now New Years day and I am sitting in potentially the cleanest house I have ever been in. I mean, even my freezer is sparkling. My hair appointment is early next week and the directions on how to use our TV are printed for our house sitter.
It's not a bad way to start the year, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm not ready. We've been told a few precious times that we will make good parents and we are determined to do our absolute best, but the thought still freaks me out a little. I may have read a few parenting books and I may be able to swaddle my little dog, but I don't know what parenting is going to be like. And it might be coming sooner than thought.
Happy New Year, friends. I hope this year brings you excitement, joy and lots of love. Thank you for your love and support during a difficult year and we hope that 2016 will be a year we can share our joy with you.
While my initial reaction was, of course, extreme excitement and nervousness (he would be very early yet, 6 weeks to be exact), when we got off the phone and I looked around at my post-trip-mess of a house, the only thought I had was "I'M NOT READY!"
While our house has been pretty much baby friendly and ready to bring in a child at any second for the past year, therefore none of my to-do list items were mandatory, I panicked. I had dirty laundry on the counter from the trip. We just bought new dishes to replace the ones that I keep breaking and they needed washed and put away. The house was covered in four days worth of dog hair (which is a lot in our house).
I had so many things I wanted to get done before baby arrived. My hair needs a trim, my car needs an oil change.
And even though I spent a lot of time and energy trying to prove I was ready to parent, and even though I desperately want the chance, there was a part of me that just thought I would have my life together before baby arrived. And standing in my kitchen surrounded by the wrappers of our trip food and dog hair, I did not feel together at all.
So, I did what any crazy person would do and set out to get my whole "to do before baby arrives" list done in two days. I made my hair appointment, I deep cleaned the house, I organized every room (including the storage under the stairs, because obviously that needed to be done), I prepared my students solos for contests in the spring, I started writing the grant application for the arts council.
It is now New Years day and I am sitting in potentially the cleanest house I have ever been in. I mean, even my freezer is sparkling. My hair appointment is early next week and the directions on how to use our TV are printed for our house sitter.
It's not a bad way to start the year, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm not ready. We've been told a few precious times that we will make good parents and we are determined to do our absolute best, but the thought still freaks me out a little. I may have read a few parenting books and I may be able to swaddle my little dog, but I don't know what parenting is going to be like. And it might be coming sooner than thought.
Happy New Year, friends. I hope this year brings you excitement, joy and lots of love. Thank you for your love and support during a difficult year and we hope that 2016 will be a year we can share our joy with you.
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