Category Archives: adventures

Third Trimester, Purple Potatoes, and the Flower I Didn’t Kill

29 weeks and counting, mates. That’s like, almost 30. Yeesh. Where has the time gone?! Good news is, this ol’ bod clearly remembers what it’s doing so I haven’t been nearly as uncomfortable and symptomatic as last time. I’ll take it!

Forgot to mention the perplexing and slightly frustrating results from my latest sleep study. That was a weird day. After greeting me warmly and inviting me to sit, my doctor took a deep breath and jumped right in with, “Well, you’re a horse of a different color.” Turns out that – yet again – I did not definitively meet the full criteria for narcolepsy; however, my cluster of test results were unlike any she had heard of in over a decade of practice. Certain symptoms were there, others usually found in tandem were impossibly absent. For example, my sleep onset times were normal, but my MSLT REM cycles were completely wonky. The sleep quality I got during the unmedicated overnight studies were considered acceptable, even with PMLD, yet I remained exhausted during the day. In sum, I slept “great” under nighttime laboratory circumstances, but my brain activity was inexplicable during the daytime naps. “Your case would be interesting to take on grand rounds,” my doctor said. Awesome.

Best of all, the meds she would usually prescribe for daytime sleepiness are considered unsafe for pregnancy, so the best she could do was suggest iron supplements to get my serum ferritin levels up and hopefully combat the PMLD. Which … yeah right. Like any pregnant lady wants more digestion issues. I can’t afford to take naps because I always oversleep and they leave me feeling worse than before. So instead I made an appointment for several weeks postpartum to discuss my options.

Basically I’m off Xyrem, still using the CPAP, and getting through the day on ~~lots of~~ caffeine. It’s certainly not ideal, but life has led me to subscribe to a survivalist’s brand of optimism: it could always be worse, and if it gets worse, we’ll stop and reassess.

Anyway, enough boring talk! Milly, Pal, Roxy, and Rocket came to town and we had some adventures, including but not limited to Settler’s Park, shopping (obviously), the Idaho Botanical Gardens, and Boise Fry Company (the burgers are the sides). Lo:

Transfixed by Curious George

We sit on front porches and swing life away…

The Classic is heaven in a hot lil' bun.

The Original w/cheese is heaven in a hot lil’ bun.

Just slidin’

“Mmmm, treat!! COLD!”

Three cheers for Philadelphus lewisii

Also, I purchased a daisy seed kit from Deseret Book for like, a dollar, to see if I could manage keeping it alive. So far it seems to have survived several traumas, including transplantation to a bigger container and one frosty night when I forgot to bring it back inside. This gives you so much confidence in my parenting abilities, no?

And speaking of gardening, check out the world’s cutest yard maintenance crew:

What are your plans for the weekend? (Yes, I’m already counting down the days.) I plan on finishing up some projects for Moose’s nursery and maybe hitting up the Farmer’s Market for fresh berries. My nesting reflex is kicking in hard core, people, and I like it! Ah, would that these lovely days would last all year.

Currently listening to: Boozophilia by Low Cut Connie

Spring Has Sprung (Pictures Galore)

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Hello, beautiful people. How art thou?

Have you been enjoying spring? Has it even arrived for you yet? West Idaho April stomps Utah April (aka Winter Lite); it’s been gorgeous here. Our trees are blossoming, the sky is bright blue, and by mid-afternoon I usually need the A/C on in my car. What’s that you say? You want to come pay me a visit? OKAY!

Here’s a taste of what the Jay Clan’s been up to lately.

1. Milly’s 50th birthday. The grandboys obviously had no patience for photos, but Cleo was an angel.

2. We went to a Steelheads game with friends. Moose kicked along in time to the loud music. I have no idea who won – we left after the first period. Ah, life with kids.

3. We had little Easter celebrations both at home and in Pocatello. Chip had a high fever on the actual weekend and was pretty miserable, but we made do the best we could.

I dress my son in anthropomorphic attire sometimes. It’s a thing.

4. We went swinging, strolling, swimming, shopping, and snuggling.

5. Finally, here’s a picture of Chip’s latest fashion accessory, just in case you were feeling badly about yourself. I all but dumped him out of his umbrella stroller while finagling around a tricky curb, pitching him face first onto the concrete. Worst. Mom. Ever.

Tonight my brother Jargo is coming into town, and we plan on hitting up taco night at Cafe Rio. Because that’s what any responsible person one week from her third trimester would do on a Tuesday.

What’s new in your ‘hood?

Currently listening to: Stay by Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko

I’ll Wear Your Granddad’s Clothes. I Look Incredible.

We Made It!

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Look guys! It’s Sunday! Nobody’s crying and nobody’s dead! It’s a modern day miracle.

I’m now settled comfortably in my little room at the sleep clinic, as least as comfortably as one can be with several zillion wires attached to their person.

We strive to provide you with unfiltered hawtness here at The Capital L.

Fraulein says I’m supposed to update y’all about my talk in church. It was fine. I explored the topic of Christlike charity using this speech from last October as a reference. I wrote the bulk of it early in the week, so I had only minor tweaking to do yesterday and this morning. Good thing, too; I’ve reached the stage in my drug withdrawal where I spend all day oscillating between uncontrollable trembling (but otherwise feeling okay) and uncontrollable sobbing. Neither are conducive to great writing. Thank All Deities Everywhere that the most obvious manifestation of my struggle today was that I talked much quicker than I would have liked. I couldn’t help it. My teeth were chattering, but not from nerves. (Such an odd sensation. Gah. So happy that this nonsense will be over in less than 24 hours.) CK did a wonderful job giving his talk, which he was so unnecessarily worried about. That man is brilliant at everything he puts his mind to.

I also had my first day on the job teaching the eleven-year-old girls. I’ll be teaching them every Sunday and once a month in my home (for Activity Days). It was actually really, really fun. The former teacher stuck around to show me the ropes today, but next week I’m on my own. I think it’s gonna be great. MUCH better than that time CK and I were thrust unawares into our first family ward’s nursery, completely abandoned, left to fend for ourselves approximately two seconds after we got married. (And then that was in the top three reasons why we moved to OP2. Remember that? Ha.)

Well, the nice lady has come and hooked up my O2 and pulse oximeter, so I guess it’s time for lights out. See ya on the flip side.

Currently listening to: You’re Gonna Miss Me (Cup Song) by Anna Kendrick

Reporting Live From the Wasteland of Central Idaho

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We, the Clan of Jay, are currently trekking our way toward Pocatello, where awaits the promise of that time-honored Idaho tradition — shooting animals and eating pumpkin desserts. In other words, it’s huntin’ season, y’all!

CK has not shaved for a week and is under strict instruction to kill the largest elk he sees. Of course, I’m sure he’ll be more concerned with breaking in his newly tricked-out .22 than stocking my freezer with meat, but a girl can dream.

Chip’s excited, too.

I’m also blogging to remind you that Disney is *still* capable of giving me the wrong idea about healthy romantic relationships. I cite ABC’s Once Upon A Time. It’s bad enough that they tried to feed Toddler Me the line that your dreams will magically come true if you do nothing but sit around and whine about your lot in life (incidentally, I hate Cinderella in this new adaptation, too), but now they’ve tricked me into becoming captain of the Good Ship Rumbelle (Belle from Beauty and the Beast + Rumpelstiltskin). It sounds weird because it is. But trust me — Robert Carlyle is so freaky talented, he makes the hygienically challenged baddie seem oddly sexy. Maybe it’s just me. Anyways, it’s a fun show. We like it. You might, too.

Enjoy yourself, Cap Family! For what it’s worth, I’ll try to be back soon.

Currently listening to: Little Star by Jim Brickman

Recent Life in Photos, Part 2

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I spend too much time on Instagram and too little time writing. Here’s me trying to repent a little.

Tot Time at the library is crazy and fun. The gal who runs it always wears these sky high stilettos — it’s a wonder to me that she’s never skewered a child. She’s cute though; as peppy and enthusiastic as you would expect from someone whose job it is to keep toddlers from stealing toys and poking each other in the eyes. Plus, she finally got Chip to bust some dance moves. Mama approves.

We bought a second car forever ago. (She doesn’t have a name yet — I suggested Sexy.) I am so glad to no longer being trapped in the house all day. Here she is in all her sleek, blue, fuel efficient glory.

Uncle Jargo came to visit! We went to the maize maze. (Ha.) Look at his face — we’re so related. I’m happy that his new position at work will bring him up here several times a year.

This next one is from the time we tried to drive across the entire state without refueling. See the range — “1 miles” until an empty tank? Yep, we hovered there for a good fives miles or so. Adventure of the most acute kind, I tell you.

There he goes … there he goes again … racin’ through my brain …

I’m the mean mom who thinks it’s hilarious to take pictures of my baby when he’s simultaneously suffering a cold and incoming molars.

The Boise LDS Temple was recently renovated, and right now it’s hosting a public open house until its rededication next month. We went through on Saturday. I loved it. Chip was gaga over the beautiful chandeliers. We weren’t allowed to photograph the interior, but those curious can see some professional shots here.

Now I need to go upload some video of Chip walking. He’s awfully cute and top heavy. Makes for some funny moments. But I think this post is sufficiently long, don’t you?

Have a great week!

Currently listening to: Made Up Love Song No. 43 by Guillemots

In Which I Show You Balloons and Stuff

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1. Look! And see a perfect morning:

What you don’t see is the caffeine and sugar CK required to get up that early, but they were there, too.

So fun! If you’re in my area this time next year, call me and we’ll go.

2. Wanted to brag about the awesome Goodwill deals I’ve snagged lately. 3-for-a-dollar board books, glassware, and toys that retail at $25 for $6? I’ll take it. I’d also like to thank my very special helpers, Clorox and Magic Eraser, without whom this arrangement would be impossible.

Just one of many fortunate finds.

3. This week Chip developed a pretty gnarly cold, and I suspect his first ear infection. He’s been crying and tugging his ear and fighting nap time all pitiful-like. It’s especially heartbreaking because he sits there and whimpers Mama over and over in the saddest voice while snot runs down his chin. Bah. I hate it when my boy isn’t feeling well. I may take him to the doc later if I can get an appointment.

4. I’m avoiding Facebook for a few days until this whole Gerber Generation photo competition thing blows over. I literally have 23 friends or family members participating, and my news feed has become one big solicitation for votes. As if election year wasn’t bad enough! Your kids are each adorable, y’all. Just make peace with the fact that you probably won’t win – not because Junior isn’t the cutest baby in America, but because you’re definitely not the most Annoying and Child-Whoring Mother on the Internet. I wouldn’t be friends with you if you were. :) Looooove you!

5. Nerd moment. You knew this was coming. Guys, Doctor Who was très magnifique! The only part that bothered me was this (heads up for spoilerish things, if you care about that):

Right?!

Well, it sounds like Chip has finally fallen asleep, which means that I need to go do responsible things like watching Ellen and unloading my dishwasher. Laters!

Currently listening to: Some Nights by fun.

Wicked

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We came. We saw. We hummed show tunes for days afterward.

We were clear back in the boonies, but it was nonetheless fabulous. After all – there’s nothing we Mormons love like a good ol’ fashioned morality crisis set to music!

Wish you could’ve come.

Currently listening to: No One Mourns the Wicked by 2004 Broadway Cast Ensemble

Blogging, Schmogging. Snogging? Summer!

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Chip and I had a lovely holiday at Bear Lake.

As with all Jay family gatherings, there was endless good food and company to be had. We enjoyed a baby shower for one of CK’s childhood friends, as well as The Hanging of El Bandito at the Pickleville Playhouse, an original production that had us all in stitches. (I saw the female lead in Peter Pan at BYU last year; she was charming.) Mostly I just soaked up that water, sun, and sand until I felt utterly renewed. The only thing that would have made it better was if my sweet husband could’ve come along.

Honorary aunts Pixie and Rosalie came to town! We strolled the local rose garden and fed geese in the park. Why do I never think of snapping full group photos until after the fact?! I love them both dearly.

Hmmm… what else? Chip’s birthday is in a week, and I’ve spent the last two days congratulating myself for successfully crafting his party decorations without hot gluing my fingers together. And picking all the plums off my tree, forgetting about them, and finding them later, slumped into ruin. Sad.

I have a story for you about the time I failed my Idaho Driver License Test, but that’s a post for another day.

Ta!

Currently listening to: Somewhere a Clock is Ticking by Snow Patrol

P.S. CK needs suggestions for things to blog about. For some reason he doesn’t think a heartfelt, longwinded post extolling my virtues is as great an idea as *I* think it is. Thus, your ideas! And quickly!

Where the (Not Actually) Wild Things Are