tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312821732024-03-13T08:00:15.684-05:00Onward and Upwardashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10982050095869237882noreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-54221484957233478582010-02-11T11:57:00.003-06:002010-02-11T12:02:28.993-06:00Launching "The Nurturing Mama"Check out my new blog! Entitled <a href="http://nurturingmama.wordpress.com/">The Nurturing Mama</a>, I'll be talking about family, faith, food, and more. Of course, there will be plenty of Maddie updates. Please update your links and RSS feeds and head on over there! <br /><br />This will be the last post on Onward and Upward, although I may go through and add more links from here to there. It's been fun, and thanks for reading!<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-89884286522412955602010-02-09T12:53:00.003-06:002010-02-09T13:11:38.376-06:00A Fresh StartI've been daydreaming for weeks about where to go and what to do with this blog. It was originally begun by my friend Ashley and I as a way to encourage other working wives who had yet to pass through the gates of motherhood. Eventually, Ashley bowed out because of other commitments, which left me with the reigns. I decided to keep posting here, mainly because of a lack of desire to create a new blog. The focus eventually shifted to being a blog with nothing more than updates.<br /><br />Now the time has come. I'm so excited about shifting gears and finding another voice. My new blog is now in the works, and I'm hoping to launch it within the coming weeks. Instead of the original, other-focused purpose of Onward and Upward, it will be personal; a reflection on motherhood and my personal journey in that realm. I plan on discussing what I'm passionate about: faith, family, good food, and playing in the dirt. And how they all connect.<br /><br />Stay tuned and check back for the new site soon!<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-25678243647234197062009-10-31T20:38:00.002-05:002009-10-31T20:43:44.273-05:00New Maddie VideoThis has been up for a couple of weeks, but for anyone who doesn't know Stu's Youtube account might be interested in this. It's a compilation video of Maddie's first year. We celebrated our little munchkin's first birthday on the 6th. I can't believe she's a year old!<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KNybTiFbRYE&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KNybTiFbRYE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-48523648991434187412009-09-26T15:33:00.002-05:002009-09-26T15:41:07.853-05:00WinterizingThere's not even a nip in the air yet, but I'm all ready for the upcoming cold now that we're no longer in Houston. I went to the most amazing consignment sale the other day to pick up a bunch of basics for the baby in preparation of the upcoming chill. Here's Maddie all geared up and ready to go:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/Sr58AXTg4vI/AAAAAAAAAUs/v1S6jq3qCLw/s1600-h/3941159559_7848c00b11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/Sr58AXTg4vI/AAAAAAAAAUs/v1S6jq3qCLw/s320/3941159559_7848c00b11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385878550079398642" /></a><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-6629610134353537682009-09-07T09:02:00.003-05:002009-09-07T09:29:24.147-05:00Major (Bum)merI'm a huge cloth diaper fanatic. They're adorable, hold leaks better than disposables, and are a much cheaper option in the long term. When Maddie was born, I eagerly checked out all my options, purchased the cute little diapers, and happily went on my merry cloth-diapering way. We did switch to disposables when she was in day care, out of courtesy to the workers there.<br /><br />Once we moved and I stayed at home with Maddie, I used them full time. We've saved so much on our grocery and toiletries budget by not having to buy diapers. <br /><br />I originally purchased 18 <a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Baby-Kangas-One-Size-Pouch-Diapers-FINAL-SALE_p_3276.html">Baby Kangas</a>, a pocket cloth diaper, which I figured suited me the best. It is a style of diaper with a soft absorbent layer next to baby's skin, and an outer waterproof layer to prevent leaks. In the middle of these two layers goes an insert, which holds all the wetness. As well as the diapers, I purchased 18 inserts, wipes, 1 wetbag for the diaperbag, and 2 big wetbags for holding the diapers while they were waiting for the wash. I must say, that I love them. I had planned on ordering 12 more of the ever so cute Baby Kangas once we had another child. I was going to get some in Robin's Egg and Daisy, 2 colors I have not added to my collection.<br /><br />I received a coupon this morning from <a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/">Kelly's Closet</a>, the website in which I purchased my lovely diapers. They were running an end-of-summer clearance, so I thought I'd check it out, just for fun.<br /><br />They are discontinuing the Baby Kangas at their store.<br /><br />I know I can probably find them elsewhere, but I never found any comparable price in any other online retailer. Baby Kangas are a bit pricey, and they don't even come with inserts when purchased alone. Once we're expecting the next baby, I'll have to decide whether to try to find a decent price on them, or (banish the thought) switch to something else.<br /><br />I did see another pocket diaper that closely resembled the Baby Kanga, but it had no zipper. It's called the <a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Smartipants-One-Size-Diaper-with-Smart-Sleeve-Insert_p_3669.html">Smartipants</a>, and it's really pretty cute as well--and they're cheaper than the Baby Kangas are. They even come with an insert! So yeah, major deciding to do someday.<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-9442086929112375522009-09-04T14:17:00.002-05:002009-09-04T14:31:30.786-05:00Maddie NewsFor those of you who haven't seen our <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsebooth/">Flickr</a> account, here are some more recent pictures of Maddie. These were snapped at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a great, free place in which to take pictures. Maddie is definitely small for her ages, but she's developmentally right on target.<br /><br />She crawls like an old pro now. She pulls up on furniture all the time, but is not yet brave enough to try standing on her own.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/SqFotR5b5HI/AAAAAAAAAUc/vMWJYae6BAs/s1600-h/3837618747_7930e1cc8b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/SqFotR5b5HI/AAAAAAAAAUc/vMWJYae6BAs/s320/3837618747_7930e1cc8b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377694557164790898" /></a><br />She loves to point. She's starting to wave bye-bye more frequently, and she's good at giving high fives. We're working on "Touchdown" for football season. :-)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/SqFotF181NI/AAAAAAAAAUU/R73ZzhO-GIo/s1600-h/3837592437_190636d344.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/SqFotF181NI/AAAAAAAAAUU/R73ZzhO-GIo/s320/3837592437_190636d344.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377694553928946898" /></a><br /><br />She has even started saying Da! when Stu gets home from work. It's the most adorable thing ever. Her first tooth came in a few days ago, and I can't wait to see what it looks like once it's done sprouting!<br /><br />One last shot, just because I love the lighting:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/SqFot6ZVEZI/AAAAAAAAAUk/WkU8oie_5cA/s1600-h/3837598033_a6c1af2c9d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/SqFot6ZVEZI/AAAAAAAAAUk/WkU8oie_5cA/s320/3837598033_a6c1af2c9d.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377694568035979666" /></a><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-73637441927472639862009-08-30T13:08:00.002-05:002009-08-30T13:15:43.344-05:00Lazy SundayI love days like today. The baby and skinny cat are asleep in the living room, and the fat cat is curled up on my bedroom pillow. Stu is also napping--he's resting after a 24 hour call.<br /><br />It's pouring down rain outside, and I've got nothing more pressing than a cup of coffee and an old issue of Southern Living, just waiting to be read. It's a November issue from a few years back--I've been excited about fall for a few weeks now, and I can't wait for the chilly air and seasonal food.<br /><br />We've been doing well here; I feel like I've got a very established routine going now. It's hard having Stu be gone so much during the day, but I was expecting it. I'm so glad that I'm introverted enough to thrive with alone time, so I don't really feel alone. Plus, we've made some great friends already here in Birmingham, so I get out and see them when I am feeling lonely. Tonight we're going to a tapas party hosted by some of our friends.<br /><br />I'm hoping that just maybe I'll start blogging more. I have a lot of recipes, gardening stuff, and cute Maddie pictures that I'm hoping to share. During the next few months, we're hoping to do a lot to upgrade our existing landscape, and I'm hoping to catch it all on film. My cooking has significantly improved since moving (so says Stu), and I'm enjoying my time in the kitchen with fresh seasonal produce from the farmers market. I've missed blogging, so I'm hoping to pick it up again.<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-44192776515563784252009-08-01T17:40:00.003-05:002009-08-01T17:55:09.873-05:00Quiet SatudayI normally reserve my computer time to blog reading or shopping, but it's been a particularly slow Saturday today. There is still nothing in my Google reader. Argh. Stu is at work right now for his first call as a medical resident. Maddie and I are just relaxing at home after spending the morning grocery shopping.<br /><br />We first went to the Valleydale Farmers Market, which is only slightly farther than the main Pepper Place Market. It was fun to try a different one this time. The market up at Pepper Place is close to downtown, so it's big and crowded and parking is hard to come by. Valleydale is smaller, with only 10 vendors or so, but it was worth the drive if only to satisfy my curiosity. <br /><br />Our next stop was a flea market run by one of the big churches here in town. I was originally going for baby stuff, but that sort of thing is always the first to go, and I was pretty late in getting there. I did find these really pretty framed botanical prints for only $10; I think they will look good in our master bath. I've been looking for something like this for awhile--there was a really cute shop in Michigan that sold nothing but botanical prints (many of them hand-painted originals from the 1850s), but they were well out of my price range (and unframed). I had to buy them on a whim, so Stu hasn't seen them yet. I hope he likes them!<br /><br />Oh! Garden update! I've got an impressive patch of weeds growing in my new raised bed. Stu and I put it in about a week and a half ago, and I promptly planted some lettuce. They have yet to spring up. Weeds, however, are quickly taking over. Once this string of thundershowers finishes up, I'm going to try again. I did order some seeds for the coming year, and I hope to get them soon so I can begin my broccoli, Chinese cabbage, and rutabagas. <br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-59459132674543394982009-07-19T19:32:00.004-05:002009-07-19T20:15:32.247-05:00Crazy Baby and Other Odds and EndsMaddie and I just returned from a week and a half in Indiana and Northern Michigan. It was a beautiful trip, and it was so much fun to get away. The weather was in the mid-60s to lower-70s most of the week, so we actually needed to get Maddie and sweatshirt and pants for the time. One day during the week we went to a strawberry patch to pick some sweet berries for pie. I just carried Maddie with me, since she wasn't to enthused about the stroller. I set her down in the middle of the row of berries, and she snatched a huge one from the box I was filling. It was at least the size of her little fist. She began sucking on the thing (she can't yet chew) and dribbling strawberry juice down her new light pink onesie and white pants. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen, so I just let her continue even though she was a mess. I really wish now that we got a picture, but at least both my parents got to see the cuteness.<br /><br />Maddie is having one of those days where she is getting into everything, and I'm having one of those days where I need her <span style="font-style:italic;">not</span> to be. Her favorite place is the cat food, which we keep on the floor by the back door. At first she would simply tip over the water and food and let them spill all over the floor, but now she finds it fascinating to pick out individual pieces and try to put them in her mouth. At least it's less messy that way. She makes a bee-line for the bowls whenever I set her down. If she's not by the cat food, she's in the fireplace or in the cat box. Her real toys are just not that enthralling, I guess.<br /><br />I never realized how messy she can be as well. She loves to crawl with her toys in her hand, so her toy animals from the living room will end up in the kitchen, spoons will end up in the living room, and my shoes somehow end up on a low bedroom table. Today she decided to knock over my full glass and watch it shatter all over the floor. At least we were outside on the back patio, so I didn't have to worry about cleaning all the liquid. Right now she's eating the springy door stop that she pulled off of the wall.<br /><br />I've been working on my garden plan for next season the past few days. Although it feels weird to be thinking of starting now instead of next spring, when one usually begins. I figured I would ease into the process by planning one raised bed of fall veggies. I'm thinking of starting some lettuce, swiss chard, and maybe some rutabagas. This summer and fall I plan on doing a lot of work in the back to get the beds all ready to plant in the spring. I have a whole host of things I'm hoping to try then--hopefully I don't get to overwhelmed!<br /><br />I'm also hoping to go peach and blueberry picking sometime in the next few weeks. I really miss my picking buddy (Hi Leslie!), so I'll either go by myself or ask one of my new friends here. I'm hoping to freeze a lot of the peaches and make freezer jam, and with the blueberries I'm not really sure yet what I'd like to do. Maybe I'll just freeze them all for smoothies and such. We had a blast picking strawberries over vacation, and I really wanted to bring some back with me. The only way I could think to do that was to get some dry ice to keep them frozen, but that wasn't going to happen. Next spring I'll have to find a place here in Alabama that grows them. There are U-pick cherry farms in Michigan, and I think next year we'll pick a whole bunch and I can take them home in a cooler, then make some jam or something at home. Hmmm, sounds like that might be a plan.<br /><br />I've also been experimenting with pizza crust lately. I've never been able to find a recipe that I really love. The ones I've tried have been to think and doughy with not enough crisp to the bottom. I'm trying another recipe I found and have already prepped the dough, so I'm hoping to make the pizzas later this week. We'll see how that goes.<br /><br />And that is all for now.<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-22591374402826513662009-06-04T17:35:00.002-05:002009-06-04T17:46:45.717-05:00Settling InI've got iced tea brewing on the stove, and a tall glass of iced coffee next to me while I type on our kitchen table, which is an old desk converted for the purpose. It is simply wonderful to have a kitchen table again! The baby is sitting next to me, relatively content in her brand new high chair.<br /><br />We're still getting settled, but this place is beginning to feel more and more like home. We've had to purchase an amazing amount of stuff we never thought of (Shower curtain rings! Lawn mower! Shelves to create more closet space!), but we were sort of expecting it. We've been running from one thing to the next, trying to get everything up and running. We've only just gotten the internet an hour ago.<br /><br />The cats are settling in surprisingly well. We're were afraid they would miss the back balcony, but they absolutely love the big space and bird watching out the back door. We went ahead and purchased a bird feeder for them, and I can see two birds checking it out right now. Lily especially loves watching the birds outside.<br /><br />Stu is going to set up a folder in our Flickr account so that I can post tons of pictures of my gardening progress. I took a whole bunch of the weeds overtaking our yard, and they should be up soon. I'll also post some shots here once I find the time.<br /><br />I'm loving the SAHM thing and can't wait to blog more. Baby is getting fussy, so that's it for now.<br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-53356324755002893202009-05-26T20:14:00.002-05:002009-05-26T22:33:46.746-05:00It's Official!I had my last day of work this past Friday, which means that I've now begun my dream job. I'm a stay-at-home mommy! It still hasn't sunk in just yet. When I awoke this morning, it was surprisingly hard to convince myself that I really wasn't going back to work. Not ever. It almost feels like summer vacation has begun.<br /><br />So anyway, we're moving to B'ham in a matter of days. Ever since my last day of work we've been busy packing, cleaning, and keeping the cats and baby in line. It's amazing how moving everything around can make you realize what a poor housekeeper you are. I have a baby and worked full time, but <span style="font-style:italic;">still</span>. How did we live like this?<br /><br />Updates will still be scarce until we get our internet up and running after the move. I can't wait to begin blogging more regularly! <br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-69370026006119416952009-04-22T18:10:00.000-05:002009-04-22T18:10:01.079-05:00One Month, One WeekOne month. That's how much longer until I get to start my dream job, and begin a brand new chapter. I can't believe just how quickly the years here in Houston have flown. We left Chattanooga as newlyweds and fresh college grads to really begin our lives in a brand new city. Stu continued in school, while I launched my career. We found a great church and wonderful friends.<br /><br />We're leaving 4 years older, hopefully a little wiser, with 2 cats and a baby. We're going to start afresh, with new friends and a new church. We'll have to establish a new routine. I cannot wait to stay at home with Maddie and run our household full-time.<br /><br />One week. That's how much longer until Maddie is no longer in daycare. We love the people there, but we are ready to have her be taken care of by one of us. (We also can't wait to not have this as an expense!) Stu has the month of May off, so while I'll still be working, he'll get to play stay at home daddy.<br /><br />It's hard to believe just how close we are to such big changes! It's almost like we have senioritis in high school--we can't wait to be done!<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-39589578692565880162009-04-22T06:22:00.001-05:002009-04-26T22:06:23.207-05:00Indian Chicken CurryI was reviewing my archives to see if I had ever posted this recipe, and I hadn't! This is one of our favorites--we have it probably once every week or two. Don't be scared off by the long ingredient list, as it comes together quickly. This is also a mild curry, but very flavorful. Add more paprika or cayenne if you want more kick.<br /><br />I especially craved this when I was pregnant with Maddie, so I made it often. For some reason, it just hit the spot, as well as any other Indian or Greek dish.<br /><br />Indian Chicken Curry<br /><br />1 Tbsp coconut or olive oil<br />1 med onion, diced<br />1 clove garlic, minced<br />3 Tbsp curry powder (I like the one from Whole Foods, but it's cheaper to make your own!)<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 tsp ginger powder or minced fresh ginger<br />1/2 tsp paprika, or to taste<br />1-2 bay leaves<br />2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes<br />2 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes<br />1 c. plain yogurt<br />1 c. coconut milk (about 1/2 can)<br />1 Tbsp tomato paste<br /><br />Heat oil over med-high heat, add onion and cook 5 min. or until soft. Add garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, and bay leaves and roast 1 min, stirring constantly. Add remaining ingredients, and reduce heat to simmer for 20 min. Serve over rice. Makes 3-4 servings.<br /><br />Edited to add: Agh! I forgot about salt! You'll need to add about a teaspoon of salt to this, or it will taste really bland. <br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-5068943397820429332009-04-10T06:42:00.003-05:002009-04-10T07:10:29.734-05:00Alabama, here we come! (and other various randomness in list form)I have to take off of work today, since our daycare was closed for the holiday. I thought I'd take a moment and update with all news from around here.<br /><br />--We're going to Birmingham! Stu was accepted into the residency program at the University of Alabama. We are so excited about this, since we'll be only 2 1/2 hours from friends and family in Atlanta! Match Day itself was quite an exciting day--lots of good food and a wonderful time with friends.<br /><br />--Speaking of Match Day, they have a "jackpot" tradition at the school. Everyone that matched is called up one at a time to receive an envelope with their residency location recorded inside. As they come up to the stage, they drop a dollar in a basket. At the end, the very last name called gets to keep all of the money in the basket. Guess who won? I think Stu was so flustered by the end that he wasn't as excited as I was, but we won $180! He stays he felt panicked that there had been a mistake and he hadn't matched at all. Poor guy! <br /><br />--Two weekends ago we flew to Alabama to find a house! We felt that with the market the way it is now, and the fact that we need more space, it was time to buy. House-hunting was so much fun! We spent 2 days searching. I wish I could say we found the perfect house, but it didn't quite work out that way. Hubby found one he loved (a new house that needed no work), and I got my heart set on another (an older home where the laundry was separate from the house, meaning a walk in the rain to wash clothes) We had to compromise on this one, and went with the new house. I guess that's part of being married! The house will be cute with some work, though, and the garden is a complete blank slate. All that's out there is sod! I'm going to have so much fun back there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/Sd80-7MpreI/AAAAAAAAAUM/JbitZH0fMYg/s1600-h/3405202109_ce2f5b308b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/Sd80-7MpreI/AAAAAAAAAUM/JbitZH0fMYg/s320/3405202109_ce2f5b308b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323031540222504418" /></a><br />--Maddie is starting solids now. She seemed eager to eat our foods, plus she's been Miss Fussypants and I think it's because she's teething. I fed her some rice cereal, and she loved it! She kept opening her mouth for more. My little girl is growing up so fast!<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UUqopdJBj4Y&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UUqopdJBj4Y&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />--Work has been terribly frustrating the past month or so. I don't want to get into details, but I just really needed to vent a bit. I'll post more details after my last day (May 22nd!), but if you're curious you can e-mail me.<br /><br />--I probably won't post much, if at all, until after we move. We'll be so busy wrapping things up, packing, etc, that I just don't think I'll have much time for blogging. Hopefully, once I'm staying home with Maddie, I'll find the time to post more regularly.<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-12093386377329814822009-03-18T17:52:00.001-05:002009-03-18T18:02:18.200-05:00The Suspense is Killing MeTomorrow is the day.<br /><br />We will find out where we will spend the next 3 years of our lives. I'm excited, but a bit nervous, too. The time has moved so slowly, but it's finally almost over!<br /><br />I've got another headache (bleh!), so this will be short. I'll let you guys know where we're going tomorrow!<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-87406631742518273612009-03-12T21:38:00.003-05:002009-03-12T21:50:51.894-05:00It comes with a REMOTEOh. My. Goodness.<br /><br />I had completely forgotten just how wonderful it is to possess a remote control. We've been flipping stations manually for about a year now. The TV we have is one Hubby's dad no longer used, and he had lost the remote long before. (And I know about universal remotes, but this TV brand is so special that it doesn't work with them.)<br /><br />At least we don't have cable, so we only flipped between 2 stations.<br /><br />We got the coupon for our converter box in the mail the other day, and we were so excited that Stu went out today and bought one. Being the handy-dandy man that he is, he hooked it up no problem and got the digital TV working. And it is awesome--the stations come in clearly, and we even have more than we started with! All for the $20 after using the coupon.<br /><br />When Stu opened the box to the converter, both of us did a giddy dance to celebrate the new remote that was an unexpected surprise. Now I can nurse the baby and change the channel all at the same time!<br /><br />Oh, and for those who want to see what the baby looks like now, here's a random picture:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/SbnJ6AqJ_4I/AAAAAAAAAUE/XB40dQGQ3CU/s1600-h/3339153652_c8f10b98f2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/SbnJ6AqJ_4I/AAAAAAAAAUE/XB40dQGQ3CU/s320/3339153652_c8f10b98f2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312499233906622338" /></a><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-51998077168916547422009-02-14T10:50:00.003-06:002009-02-14T11:02:50.048-06:00What We DecidedI mentioned awhile back that we were deliberating over our <a href="http://onward-n-upward.blogspot.com/2008/12/residency-programs.html">residency program choices</a>, and last weekend we finally hashed it all out and submitted our ranking! <br /><br />So here it goes:<br /><br />Nashville<br />Columbia, SC<br />Birmingham<br />Chattanooga<br />St. Louis<br />Charlottesville, VA<br />Augusta, GA<br />Dallas<br />Houston<br /><br />You'll notice that this list is way different from the one before. The Chattanooga and Augusta programs were just not really good enough, so they went lower on the rankings. St. Louis and Charlottesville were much better programs than I gave them credit for, so up higher they went.<br /><br />Stu feels that the Nashville program (at Vanderbilt) is very competitive and so he probably won't get in there, but we went ahead and ranked it first anyway. So, we may end up with our 2nd or 3rd choice, and we feel that both would be awesome.<br /><br />Match Day is a little later than I realized--it's on March 19th this year. So it's still one month away before we find out where we'll be! Be praying that it all works out for the best! :-)<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-85742586212295190502009-02-13T18:52:00.002-06:002009-02-13T19:02:01.688-06:00Life is way more difficult than I thought it would be, but it is goodI honestly don't see how women can work full-time and take care of a baby. This is hard work. Maybe many working moms have a stronger desire to work and can organize a schedule way better than I can. I'm just not cut out for this. I can barely find the time to make dinner more than twice a week, let alone blog. (And my nights to cook are currently Saturday and Sunday.)<br /><br />At least I'm having the time of my life being a mother. Remind me to post pictures sometime of my now 4-month-old and 12-and-a-half pound child. She's growing too fast. Blogging is still going to be light until I retire from the working world in May, but I will post our final residency programs decisions and such sometime in the next few days.<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-75140193134500082452008-12-18T06:55:00.001-06:002008-12-18T13:52:02.276-06:00Residency ProgramsStu is on his final interview in Chattanooga. Yay! He's been gone most of this month criss-crossing the country with interviews for his residency program. It's so hard to believe we're this close to a new phase in his career! He had 9 interviews total, and once he finishes all of them he will rank the programs and then, we wait. March 1st (maybe 2nd this year, since March 1st is a Sunday; we're not sure) is Match Day, where every med student is (ideally) placed in a residency program based on their preferences and the programs' desire to accept them. (It's some really complicated computer-type matching system that I'm completely ignorant about.)<br /><br />Anyway, here's my list of programs, based mainly on location, size, and proximity to Atlanta. Stu's ranking may be slightly different. Unforunately, Atlanta did not ask Stu for an interview :-(, but as you can see we have other great options:<br /><br />Chattanooga: This would be the MOST IDEAL PLACE EVER. Stu and I both love the city, after having lived there for 4 years during college. It has a small-town feel, but enough stuff to do that you won't get bored. Plus, it's only 2 hours from Atlanta. Stu hasn't finished his interview yet, so I don't have much to say about the program. UPDATED TO ADD: Well, Stu just finished the interview, and said that the program in Chattanooga is a bit sketchy, since it's brand new. That means that it may be lower on the list. Don't know yet.<br /><br />Nashville: While Nashville is 4 hours from Atlanta, it has one of Stu's favorite programs, and it's also only 4 hours from my grandparents in Indy. I would love to live here with its cold(er) winters and changing of seasons. Of course, any location we've looked at has a winter that is colder than Houston's!<br /><br />Columbia, SC: Another city where Stu loved the program, so it's very close in rank to Nashville. It's also 4 hours from Atlanta, but I rank it lower than Nashville since it's further south and farther from my grandparents. It seems like a beautiful city, though, and a great place to live.<br /><br />Augusta, GA: Only 2 1/2 hours from Atlanta, but the program isn't quite as good as the ones listed above. It's almost in a dead tie with Birmingham, in my opinion.<br /><br />Birmingham: Pretty much the same as Augusta. See above.<br /><br />Dallas: Stu felt the program was solid, and it would be great to be close to his family. So this is a great fall-back city. I think it's a bit too big of a city for me, though, and we both would prefer to be in the Southeast.<br /><br />Houston: I only rank it above the others below because we're familiar with this place. The program is only so-so, and the salary is one of the lowest out there.<br /><br />St. Louis: Stu interviewed here only because his best friend currently lives here. While we'd be happy where ever we go, this is a bit too far from all family and friends.<br /><br />Charlottesville, VA: Stu only interviewed here because they asked and we thought <em>Virginia, it's in the South, right? It can't be that far from Atlanta.</em> Well, we were wrong. It's at least 12 hours from anyone we know. But the program is great and the city is beautiful, so if we end up here it's not the end of the world.<br /><br />Once Stu finishes all the interviews, we'll talk and pray about our final ranking decisions. <br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-71109597357592066742008-12-11T20:25:00.002-06:002008-12-11T20:53:12.448-06:00What I've Been Up ToI miss blogging. It feels like forever since I've had a substantial post. Now that I've returned back to work the time seems to vanish before I even realize it.<br /><br />I started back on December 2nd, and that was probably one of the hardest days of my life. Stu was away on another residency interview (a topic in which I hope to discuss sometime soon) that morning, so it was just me and Maddie curled up in bed and that was the hardest thing to get up with her sweet sleeping self next to me knowing that I had to leave her with a relative stranger for 9-plus hours.<br /><br />Plus, my darling little one was still refusing to take a bottle. It makes me happy to know that she prefers nursing that much, but it was still rather stressful to be called in the middle of the day to go over to the daycare to nurse her. Especially when I had to walk home, then drive over there. As I mentioned, Hubby Dear was having a residency interview (in Birmingham, I think), so he wasn't quite able to come and pick me up.<br /><br />The day went well enough, and it was wonderful to see everyone I've missed for the past 8 weeks. But I still can't wait for the day 5 and a half months from now when I can stay home and just be Maddie's mom full time.<br /><br />Things are getting better on the bottle front now, since Maddie found a nipple she likes and she was able to drink four ounces yesterday. Yay! That was pretty comforting to me.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm hoping to soon create a routine in which I'll be able to blog more frequently. We'll see. :-)<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-42240861823684365252008-11-07T14:09:00.002-06:002008-11-07T14:11:48.819-06:00Isn't This Cute?Now I just need to decide which baby picture of Maddie to put in here!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/SRSgzEKssOI/AAAAAAAAAOM/MC6VTRlQiZc/s1600-h/IMG_1379.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XZgbJgUqQrk/SRSgzEKssOI/AAAAAAAAAOM/MC6VTRlQiZc/s320/IMG_1379.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266010663455338722" /></a><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-26591883575888002052008-11-03T18:15:00.004-06:002008-11-03T20:22:16.083-06:00First Stroller RideI can't believe Maddie is already 4 weeks old! Since the weather was beautiful, we took her out in the stroller for the first time, and she seemed to really enjoy it. We've been using the sling to carry her around for the most part, since it's easier and she loves that too, but the stroller will be great for small excursions to McDonald's and what not. Plus it has handy-dandy cup holders.<br /><br />Also, the kitties had a mild protestation at the removal of <span style="font-style:italic;">their</span> stroller. Lily climbed into it as we were getting ready to leave, and then nipped at Stu when he tried to shoo her out of it. After we left, Stu ran back to grab the camera, and found Lucy sitting in the vacant spot. Ah, kitties.<br /><br />Stu has edited the shots from today and set it to music. I think it's really cute! :-)<br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2147090&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2147090&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/2147090">Maddie's First Stroll</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/jsebooth">James Booth</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-78336347655577658362008-10-25T10:19:00.003-05:002008-10-26T12:13:10.088-05:00It's Definitely the MilkMaddie was up screaming her head off til about 12:30 last night, which was the worst night we've had with her so far. I caved yesterday and had a nice tall glass of frosty milk, and I just know that's what set her off.<br /><br />I think I drank several glasses of milk a day during the last 2 months of pregnancy, partially because I needed to gain the weight, and partially because it just tasted so amazingly good. So it's been really, really hard to go cold turkey, especially since I have a whole half gallon still in my fridge, just tempting me to drink it.<br /><br />So far I think other dairy products are okay, since Maddie hasn't had any trouble with the yogurt I tend to consume every morning. I also haven't noticed any trouble with the cheese in my turkey sandwiches. Anyway, I must move on and find another satisfying beverage to consume when I'm thirsty.<br /><br />On a completely unrelated note, Maddie seems to be having issues keeping herself clean. Every single poopy diaper this little one has seems to explode all over the place. I'm still using disposables, since I have some left and I think she's still too small for the cloth ones I have. Anyway, is this normal? I think I might go ahead and try sticking her in the cloth diapers and see if they hold stuff in better.<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-79926190043532830772008-10-21T12:47:00.002-05:002008-10-21T12:52:30.613-05:00Maddie at 2 WeeksOur internet is back! Yay! Here is a video Stu made of Maddie a few days ago, which I'm just now getting around to posting. I can't believe she's already over 2 weeks old!<br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2010008&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /> <embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2010008&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/2010008?pg=embed&sec=2010008">Maddie is 2 Weeks Old</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/jsebooth?pg=embed&sec=2010008">James Booth</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com?pg=embed&sec=2010008">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31282173.post-83782630109398193252008-10-15T13:40:00.000-05:002008-10-15T13:40:50.630-05:00The StoryOur Internet is <span style="font-style:italic;">still</span> not working! It crashed last week as I was typing up this post. I'm at Chick-fil-A right now so I can finally put it up. Hopefully our internet will be up and running soon!<br /><br />***********<br /><br />Thank you all for your comments! We're doing very well here and are easing in to our new schedule. Maddie is nursing like a pro and sleeping for 2-3 hour stretches at a time so I can catnap, which I'm so grateful for! My mom is here, and both she and Stu have been so helpful.<br /><br />So anyway, for those interested to know, here is the birth story. Let me preface this by saying please don't hate me! :-)<br /><br />I went to work on Monday morning, just like any other day. At about 10 I started having mild contractions that were only slightly more intense than the ones I had been having frequently over the past few weeks. At this point I thought nothing of it and finished packing up the samples I was shipping to another lab. The contractions continued regularly, but didn't increase in intensity until around 1, when I began to finally believe that I might be in labor. At this point, I decide to wait for my midwife's appointment at 2:15, and then walked over to the other side of the hospital, since my coworker needed me to bring over some supplies. I hung out over there for a while, and we talked about whether I should come back to work after the appointment. She figured I really was in labor and told me to go home afterwards. <br /><br />So I walked to my midwife's appointment (I live and work in the Texas Medical Center, so my midwife is close by.) and waited for a long while in the waiting room while the contractions came on stronger. They were painful, but not anything I couldn't handle. When the nurse called me back, I mentioned that I might be in labor, so when the midwife came in around 4, she went ahead and checked me and found that I was already 4 cm. dilated. Since I lived down the street, she let me go home for an hour or two to grab a bite to eat and take a nice bath. She would notify the hospital that I was on my way.<br /><br />Stu picked me up from my appointment, and we drove over to Smoothie King. I called my mom to let her know what was going on, and then we headed back home. My contractions at this point were about 5 minutes apart, and still coming on stronger, but I really wanted to rest at home before going to the hospital.<br /><br />At home, I drew a bath and hopped in, sipping my smoothie. The midwife on call called me to see how I was doing (There are 4 midwives in this practice, and I've met and really like all of them), and to get an idea as to when I would arrive. I told her I was planning on coming in within the hour, and that I just wanted to relax a bit. This was fine with her, so I hung up the phone and tried to get more comfortable.<br /><br />With the next contraction my water broke, and suddenly I had the very surprising and painful urge to push. Stu was finishing up grabbing all my things and helped me my dry off. I told him I thought I might want an epidural after all, but he being a med student and all figured I was a little past that point. We rushed to the car, pausing to let me get over each contraction. We drove the 3 blocks to the hospital and decided to valet park, and Stu yelled for a wheelchair.<br /><br />Stu was really so great through the whole thing--he practically ran me upstairs to the labor and delivery floor. At the check-in station, where the guy was asking for my information, another contraction hit, and one of the nurses grabbed me and took me into a room. She checked me and yelled that I was complete, and that I was ready to push. A doctor rushed in and guided me through the pushing, and Maddie was born at 5:46. The nurse commented that she had never delivered anyone without having time to at least start an IV. My midwife didn't even make it in time.<br /><br />They let me hold Maddie for an hour or so while they stitched me up (I tore a bit) before they took her to be weighed and measured. It was such a wonderful feeling to be able to finally hold her and see what she looked like and just get to love on her.<br /><br />So anyway, that's my story! I think I'm going to get back to my newborn now. :-)<br /><br /><br><img class = "sig" src = "http://www.ashleydesign.org/blog/beth.jpg" alt = "beth's signature" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00447389159507751849noreply@blogger.com4