Last weekend, we got Jack some shoes. Not cutesy impractical baby shoes; but white, standard- issue, Stride Rite “get-your-walk-on” shoes. So far he’s only worn them for short stretches and they seem to make it difficult for him to stand up. But I’m sure he’ll be walking before we know it, and they will come in handy. He literally climbs the walls now, and no longer needs the safety of a ledge to pull himself up. He also gets confident enough to turn around and just lean against the table or couch, with no hand support. These new skills also allow him to open cabinets and drawers. Safety locks are on the shopping list.
Just a rant: In the hopes of trading in our north-side condo for a south-side house, we had a realtor come over this week and basically tell us our place is a dump. She didn’t use those exact words, but the phrases “fixer upper” and “pig with lipstick” were thrown around. I know, I shouldn’t take it personally, but our condo is not a dump. Sure, it’s an old building, and it needs the same work it did when we bought it a year and a half ago, and we’re competing new construction in our neighborhood, and the market is not so good. But, jeez, there was Jackson…3 months early..in New York…and we STILL managed a new furnace and new deck. “Pig with lipstick?” How could I not take offense? So anyway, we decided to put more lipstick on the pig and get all new windows, which we desperately need. The sticker shock on projects like this can be a bit much for first time home owners like ourselves. So, in the next 4 to 6 weeks, if you visit our little shack by the lake, please tell us how fabulous the new windows look. Thank you.
And yes, as the title says, “greetings from Arkansas.” A tax software emergency at Wal-Mart (and yes, that phrase sounds just as ridiculous to me) has torn me away from my baby for the first two consecutive nights ever. This will hopefully not be a regular occurrence, and it took a few emotional phases before arriving at acceptance and booking the trip. But, he is safely at home with his more than capable dad, who makes him laugh so hard he pukes (this happened yesterday) . He is cozy in bed…and this job thing is necessary to pay for windows and shoes…and maybe a puppy when we eventually get a house. My guilt level at this point could easily result in Jack getting a puppy…or a pony.
6 comments:
Oh, my poor Donna! I am so sorry that you are in Arkansas. And I think your condo and windows look beautiful just as they are. We (the readers) all agree that Jack is in wonderful hands, as we all know what a good Daddy Soren is. God Bless you all. I love you bunches, my little lady!
The one-two punch of the realtor's crass comments and the surprise out-of-town trip can't be fun, but rest assured the week is almost over.
And like Mom, I'm sure Soren and Jack will use the GuyTime wisely. Hang in there.
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I'm SO sorry that your first two-nights away from Jack and Soren are spent in Arkansas and not someplace fun like -- Long Lake for example. The realtor (hopefully) has no idea how hurtful those kinds of comments are. And unfortunately, it takes a long time to get over them. I think your condo is very cozy and comfortable -- a feeling you just can't get from new construction. But you will be surprised at what a difference new windows can make.
Soren, I know that you will take good care of baby Jack, but don't make him laugh so hard he pukes. As much fun as that is, it's just wrong . . .
Hope your week gets better. Love to all . . .
I would like to add that even without seeing this blog post, I'm confident Brooke endorses the puppy idea.
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Hi Jack
I am sure you and dad had a great time in your lovely home. I was quite impressed with it, as it has great charm ---That the realitor doesnt realize. Many people like "old" houses and appreciate the moldings and wood floors and the really beautiful fireplace to warm their bodies and spirits on those cold Chicago nights. The staircases and and a great attic are certainly aplus GET ANOTHER AGENT or two Everyone has their own idea of beautiful and I think you have a great place.
Make sure to give your mom a big hug and kiss when she returns- its hard for moms to be away from their little ones especially when they are so handsome and smart and have so many talents. And dont forget the same for your dad who misses mommy too!
love to all
Sweet dreams
love Grammie
Jack, word of advice, even though Uncle John and Brooke are cheering for the puppy... go for the pony...it's a sure way to get all the girls.
Donna, hang in there, you're an awesome mom, and I'm sure Jack will have a super special hug for you when you get home.
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