The Morning After

Well, Irene was as scary as all get out, but we came through it with no damage to life or property, which is awesome.  Barney may be suffering from PTSD (perhaps I am too), and it was quite an adventure.

We decided against leaving, despite my parents' "invitation" (I think they were using Irene as an excuse to see Elliott).  Around 10pm on Saturday, I deeply regretted that decision.  The lights in our parking lot were out, so we couldn't see what was going on.  Our electricity stayed on (thank God), so at least we had the internet for information.  At about quarter to 2, just as I was drifting off to sleep in the living room, a strange alarm started sounding.  I woke Jason, who grabbed Elliott, and I attempted to wrangle Barney into his carrier, with no success.  Jason and I switched "dependents," and I got Elliott into his car seat.  I put my shoes on, grabbed the car keys and prepared to leave.  But hold on...what is this alarm for?  We had already experienced tornado warnings, so do we go to the basement, or was this flooding, in which case we should probably just chill on the 2nd floor.  Or, perhaps, was it a fire and if so, where do we go in this storm during a fire?  I looked out in the hall.  No one was leaving their apartments.  Hmm.  Jason finally got Barney into the carrier, and we pondered our next move.  Jason ran down to the lobby to see if anyone was down there and had more info.  He returned with the report: there was one guy downstairs just as confused as we were.  We headed back to the lobby, evac bag, baby, cat, and diaper bag in tow.  We were totally prepared to leave at any moment because of the storm.  After about 10 minutes in the lobby, where about 3 more sleepy people joined us, the alarm went off.  The firemen, who responded to the alarm, believed it was tripped by the weather.  Great.  So much for sleep.

We returned to our apartment, frazzled and frightened.  Barney was happy the alarm was no longer sounding and clung to us all night (because that earthquake wasn't enough).  Elliott basically slept through the entire event, which was amazing considering how loud it was.  He heard everything, but was just to sleepy to care.  Jason and I stayed up until about 4, when the storm died down.  I kept waking up, believing I was hearing the storm gear up again, but fortunately it never did.  In the light of day, we saw the one casualty of the storm: Evil Tree.  In April, my parents' car was totaled by a huge branch of a dead tree in our apartment complex during a severe storm.  It was our very first night in the apartment, as they were visiting to help us move.  On Saturday, Irene took care of Evil Tree and he is no more.

Good riddance, Evil Tree.

By Wednesday, we should be getting to our new fall schedule.  La Salle cancelled classes for Monday and Tuesday, so I won't go back to work until Wednesday.  Holy cow, what a week.

- I'm peachy.

Weather!

So, as anyone who knows me knows, I love weather, especially extreme weather, and other natural disasters.  I'm fascinated.  Therefore, this week has been super exciting.  I've been watching MSNBC and CNN online all week (we don't have cable).  I already know how to stay safe in these situations, because I've been learning about these events since I was little.  When I was about 7 or 8, my aunt moved to California, and in 1994, she experienced the Northridge Earthquake.  We were glued to the TV.  The coverage was riveting.  My family is a family that probably watches way too much TV.  It's always on.  The idea of an earthquake was scary to me, so my mom or dad suggested I learn about them.  If I could gain understanding of an earthquake (and that they don't happen often where I live), I would fear them less.  So true!

That brings us to this past Tuesday.  I was in the kitchen cleaning up my lunch dishes when the apartment starting trembling.  "It's just my neighbors," I thought, "they walk around like elephants."  I began walking back to my room, where Elliott was sleeping the afternoon away.  Suddenly, Barney bolted past me, his tail as fluffed out as a raccoon's.  That's when I realized the bookshelves were swaying and everything was moving.  I ran to my room and scooped up Elliott, who had not realized anything was amiss until I picked him up.  Barney was under the bed already.  "Good," I thought, "the cat knows what to do."  I looked for a heavy piece of furniture to stow myself and my child under, but the desk wasn't really an option.  There were wires and other things in the way.  I went for my second best option: the doorframe.  It should never be your first option, but it's better than nothing.  I stood there for a few seconds and the shaking stopped.  I checked the apartment for fallen items or damage, although I was sure there wouldn't be any, and then tended to my poor trembling cat.  He didn't leave my side for the rest of the day, and has been clingy ever since.  My neighbors, who I initially believed to be the source of the shaking, are moving out, so they have been noisier than ever.  I've had a couple of "Oh no, more earthquakes" moments, but watched Barney for an appropriate response.  He knows what's up.

I'm more concerned about this weekend's hurricane, Irene.  It will probably prove to do more damage to the area, and since my apartment is surrounded by GIANT trees, one of which totaled my parents' car in April with just one, albeit large, limb.  I contemplated packing up the kid, the cat, and the husband for a weekend jaunt to safe, only slightly damp Harrisburg, but the storm is weakening and I feel like it's not worth it.  We re-parked to the car to a less tree-infested area, we took other precautions, and are ready to leave should things turn.  I have a feeling it will just be super exciting.

The rain is starting outside...

- I'm peachy.

Top 5 Tuesday: Constellations

Sara and Mary have started "Top 5 Tuesdays" on their blogs, so when I have time and remember, I plan on joining in.  This week's is a little difficult for me, because I don't know that much about constellations aside from the ones from Elliott's Twilight Turtle nightlight.

Here goes:

5. Sagitarrius: My zodiac sign...he shoots stuff with arrows.  Good stuff.
4. Cassiopeia: Named after the queen Cassiopeia, who was super self-absorbed.  It's pretty easy to see, as it's a bright 'W.'  In Youth and Government in high school, my bill was to make this the state constellation of PA.  I don't remember why.
3. Orion: I can spot its belt every time.  The rest of it?  Good luck.
2. Gemini: The story behind Gemini is pretty cool in mythology.  Pollux was immortal, while his twin brother, Castor was not.  When Castor died, Pollux begged to join his brother in the sky, thus the constellation.
1. Ursa Major, or at least the Big Dipper: It's the first one everyone learns to find.  Also, Ursa Major, the the Great Bear, is the name of one of my favorite roller coasters at Hersheypark.  Lame?  Perhaps, but my childhood summers were spent at the park and it has a special place in my heart.


- I'm peachy.

He has arrived!

Finally!

Elliott Zachary Yinger has arrived and he is perfect.

For the full birth story, check out our family blog www.theyingers.blogspot.com

Since we arrived home on Monday, as a family, things have gone really well.  Jason and I have taken to the parenting thing quickly, and we are both loving it.  While I get the hang of breastfeeding, he has taken over diaper duty.  We make sure we each get a few extra hours of sleep and a shower everyday.  He'll change a diaper and play while I shower, then I'll feed while he showers.  While some relationships are strained by a baby, ours has actually gotten stronger.  We're looking out for each other in a whole new way, and its hard not to love someone when the little baby in your arms is a collaboration between the two of you.

After the ICN stay, its also nice to have a really healthy baby.  He has had two great doctor's appointments (pediatrician and home visit nurse).  He is almost back to birth weight, which is a goal for a 2-week old and he's only 6 days old.  He eats like a champ and we even have to supplement with formula because he just can't eat enough.

Barney is adapting well.  He still sleeps with us, and actually sleeps in the crook of Jason's arm at night.  He maintains a respectful distance from the baby, and isn't freaked out (anymore) by the crying.

Here's some adorable pictures for you:

I'm peachy.

Seven-Seven.

This has been the date that I have associated with Elliott's birth since our first doctor's appointment (when they revised our due date based on his size).  Now, it's beginning to look like he'll have another birthday.  I know due dates are just guesses, but it's really strange for the day to be here and the baby not to be.

Lately, most of my blog updates have been on Jason & I's blog (See: "When Jason Met Megan..." on the sidebar).  They have been stories of baby showers, doctor's appointments, and not much else.  Now that work is over, this is basically what I have going.  Friends have been keeping me busy here and there, but it is also summer and everybody is busy with vacations, work, and research.  Our vacation isn't until August (and who knows what that will be like with a little baby), so I can't wait.  School starts at the very end of August, so I have a while to go until I'm back to work.

So, in short, COME ON ELLIOTT!

- I'm peachy.

Well Hello Again

It is not a rare thing for me to be absent from my blog for weeks at a time. This is actually a good thing, frankly, because it means I've had more important things to do.  Life is pretty good, in all sectors:

Work: Oh work.  This has certainly been a challenging year, for a variety of reasons.  I have had some very interesting students, and some wonderful ones, this past school year, and I really need to recharge my batteries.  It has also given me a renewed appreciation for those who teach at the elementary or secondary level.  They are up against a lot more than me.  That being said, I am thankful for my upcoming maternity leave in order to tweak my teaching style and courses, as well as come away a little more refreshed.  On the work end, I'm also looking into jobs outside of teaching.  I don't believe that teaching (at any level) is my calling, so I need to figure out my other options.

Home: J and I are moving soon and we could not be more excited to get into our new space!  We have enjoyed living with "the girls," but I'm ready to nest and prepare for Elliott's arrival, as well as have our own space as a married couple.  The new apartment is lovely and has a little balcony that J and I already got furniture for.  We foresee many summer breakfasts out there.

Barney: B is doing well.  He has figured out that the treats we give him with his pill actually contain the pill, so he's making giving him his allergy meds much more challenging.  When he takes them, he is also a lot more pleasant because he's not upset at being so itchy.  I'm a little concerned with the upcoming stresses of the move and the new baby, but people who know him (J, Doug, Em) think he'll be fine and adapt quickly.  I hope we can settle semi-permanently soon, not just for us, but for him.

Elliott: Elliott is doing well on all fronts.  He is growing and moving constantly.  We have another doctor's appointment tomorrow, and I need to get my glucose tolerance test done soon.  Because of the move and work, there just hasn't been a free couple of hours to get it done.  I'm hoping that time will present itself next week so I can stop thinking about it.  At this point, and this point is the third trimester, I just can't wait to meet him and see his little face.

That's it for the quick update.  I hope my few readers are doing well.  :)

- I'm peachy.

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. The phrase or punctuation I overuse most is "so....". I use it when I don't know how to end a sentence and just can't seem to wrap things up in conversation. My mom brought it to my attention a few years ago. When I would end a story with "so," and usually no conclusive ending, my mom would say "buttons." Get it? "so buttons" sounds like "sew buttons." It's lame, but at least it let me know that I wasn't quite speaking clearly.

2. Today I am thankful for Spring Break! Seriously, my students and I need breaks, and it is beginning to show. Aside from that, and the obvious family and friends, I'm thankful that Barney was cute this morning (and not a turd), for Trader Joe's Honey Greek Yogurt, and for Elliott's little kicking feet. :)

3. My best friend is actually a number of different people. Jason is my best friend and husband. My sister Sarah is probably my best girl friend ever, while Sara and Michele are my best college girls (and not family). Other than that, I have a lot of great trusted friends who I love to pieces.

4. A quirky thing about me is how many pillows I use at night to sleep. I have A LOT of quirks, but this one is pretty good. I use three pillows at night: two under my head (a contour pillow laid flat and another pillow tilted) and another next to me, which is propped up long-ways on the other two. Since I got pregnant, my need for comfortable, restful sleep has escalated. I've always been very particular about my pillows...firm, but fluffy.

5. This weekend I am going to perform in three performances of Guys and Dolls, the show that never ends. I'll probably veg on Saturday morning and Sunday evening. Sunday is also Jason and I's first married anniversary, so we'll probably get take-out from one of our many favorite restaurants (I'm pulling for Tampopo).

6. Something that worries me is everything. Seriously, what don't I worry about right now. My biggest worry is driving. There is a lot more at stake and people in Philly are crazy drivers. I can't wait to move soon to a more suburban area just outside the city. I've already lived there once, and it was so much better than living in the middle of the city (for us).
7. On my night stand you would find whatever book or books I'm currently reading, a lamp, tissues, a water bottle, What to Expect, Simple Abundance, and the newest issues of Vanity Fair and Real Simple, although VF is officially off subscription now.

- I'm peachy!