The funniest, most daring person in the world

My friend, Jen, left for a family vacation to Italy yesterday. She has three kids and travels all over with them. She sent an email describing the start of her trip. The entire email is hilarious... here's the introductory paragraph.

"Does anyone think that a baby barfing up her chocolate stars cereal on the way to the airport is an omen? Silly me, I thought it was because she gets car sick on the way to airports. Anyway, no problem! The carseat gets folded up and put in a bag and checked with other luggage, so the smell is someone else's worry. She was wearing a jacket, that can be crumpled up and shoved in a suitcase for later cleaning."

As I think about our upcoming road trip to a very far place I am wondering what trials and tribulations we will go through...

Regrets and resolutions.

Below is a post from my friend, Jess', blog. I really liked it and wanted to put it on my blog with my own responses:

This is the time of year we tend to think about next year, and why not the next part of our lives? Here is a snippet from a palliative care nurse.When questioned about any regrets her patients had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

My thoughts: I began living by my own expectations in college and it was liberating. I had to cut ties with a few people, though, whose expectations I'd never fulfill. I am a happier person for it and have no regrets.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

My thoughts: I admire Joseph for his work ethic and for sticking by his philosophy of having a balanced life. I am grateful he is around to share in family activities and for his personal desire to be present in my life and our children's lives.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

My thoughts: You don't know me if you think I suppress my feelings. I believe this exact statement contributed to my mother's cancer diagnosis and subsequent death and I certainly don't want the same fate for myself. Speak out people.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

My thoughts: I used to be better at this, but it has become difficult with children. I will try harder. My friends are so important to me and provide balance in my life.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

My thoughts:.... happiness is a choice. This really caught me in my tracks. I need to focus on the positive more and must remind myself this every day. I am happy, but could be happier. Thankfully our community is filled with happy people.... I believe happiness spreads.

New Wheels

For months I have been agonizing over what new car to buy. And for months Joseph has made me get past one obstacle after another, obviously delaying the inevitable. I'm totally excited to announce my new car purchase: a Honda Pilot.... let me just list every task completed before the purchase:

1) Study Consumer Reports.... well, memorize consumer reports

2) Test drive, and test drive, and test drive again (my doing)

3) Find this or that object packed away in unlabeled boxes in our attic and garage for Joseph

a) some angel given to us by a medical practice wanting to hire joseph

b) two framed cycling pictures (of pro cyclists)

4) Choose a car, tell joseph...reconsider....choose another car, talk to joseph....reconsider

5) Study consumer reports again

6) test drive again

7) Clean the Subaru

8) Sell the Subaru

9) Debate on which model car to get with Joseph.... "His advice.... "Wether you like it or not I'm getting a camper, so get whatever you want... you'll have the car until it dies"

10) Come to peace with my decision

11) Find out how much I can get the car for... I'm not a car person and I had no idea where to start. Thanks to USAA insurance and USAA's car buying program I found a starting point.

12) Negotiate with dealers.

13) Read thru dealers' BS.

14) Negotiate, read thru the BS

15) Investigate online what others are paying for the same car. I recommend reviewing the forum on Edmunds.com for assistance.

16) Finalize out the door price

17) Purchase vehicle

I should mention this whole experience has been eye opening and very rewarding. Stressful, but educational. So, I am available for hire should anyone need guidance thru the car buying process!!!

Oh, to the people buying the Subaru, we better seal this deal tomorrow.

Thanks Joseph for your support.

J+A=HMT

A few weekends ago we were visited by Jess & Avery Telligman and their new family member, Henry Miles Telligman. Sam got to hang out with her favorite Winston-Salem "auntie", Jess, who Sam confirmed was a girl, while Seth got to make friends with a fellow camper-to-be, Henry. Sam is just now learning the concept of boy vs. girl, and enjoys labeling us. Most of the time she gets it right! It was sooooooo great to hang out with our friends, meet their first born child, and observe them in their new roles as parents. They are doing a great job.

Shut In Ridge Run

Joseph recently ran in the Shut In Ridge Run, in Asheville, NC; an 18-mile trail run that will ruin anyone's quads...or ankles, knees, wrists, or fingers should one fall. Considering Joseph trained minimally for this race, he did great. Sam thoroughly enjoyed cheering on the finishers while I cursed every female finisher for having the dedication, commitment, and hardcore conviction I currently do not possess. I've always felt that the excuse, lack of free time, for not exercising really meant "mismanaged time" and "I'm lazy", but now I find myself saying that. Well, I do have the time. I can get up earlier and work out, but at this point in time sleeping just seems WAY more necessary. So, someday, I hope to re-prioritize my life and be fit again. But, for now, it's just gonna have to be "sleep" over "exercising" in those early morning hours. Congrats to Joseph for a great race and finishing with a very good time.

Halloween Pics

Pre-festivities

Monkey Boy- He filled out the outfit more than sam did two years ago.

Sam riding "Fred"

Samantha was Abby Cadabby for Halloween this year and Seth was a monkey, the same monkey Sam was two years ago. Rather than trick-or-treating we met up with friends at a Fall Festival downtown. We arrived early for the festival in anticipation of riding a pony. After entering the festival we made a b-line for the ponies. Sam, being one of the early-birds, got to ride a pony twice. She LOVED it and insisted we go back after her second ride, but by then, a line of kiddies was in the making. Sam's "BFF", Molly, also road a pony, but asked to get off after her pony sneezed.

Most recent visitors

greg making airplane sounds at the park

Aunt Mary

The site of the festival

Greg and Mary with Seth

If you want family to come visit then have a baby. Both brothers came to visit us this past month. Greg and my sister-in-law wanted to come the weekend after Matt and his family were here, but I told them back to back visits were too much. They gladly came a few weeks later. Greg, who's all about the "country club scene" really liked Asheville, our house, and our property. He didn't get to experience Sam's favorite activity, the "drum circle" like I had hoped, but he got the idea. I think the good drummers were at the LEAF festival, leaving the "want-to-be's" to lead the circle and keep the beat, resulting in a not so great musical improvisation.

Greg gave up his weekend naps to see some of the Asheville sites on foot. We kept quite busy walking, going to the park, eating at 12 Bones, and attending Stingy Jack's Pumpkin Patch Festival. Greg and my sister-in-law, Mary, witnessed Samantha go on her first hay ride. They watched Seth so I could go along for the ride. I played "horrible hostess" again, though. Poor Mary had to cook chili b/c I, a) am the worst cook and had never cooked chili, b) had nothing planned or prepared for dinner Saturday night.... As of last week I am no longer a virgin chili-maker. I made my first batch of chili and didn't even use a spice packet.... Sorry Joseph if the chili wasn't spicy enough for you. At least we were able to eat it :)

When they're not playing tennis....

My brother and his family came to visit a few weeks ago. As most of you know, my brother and his family are tennis-obsessed; so obsessed my brother had a new ball hopper and case of balls shipped to our house. Most of their time is spent on the tennis court, but every now and then the kids take a break. Ryan spent the weekend playing football, and Alexa and Taylor played with Samantha and Seth. Despite being horrible hosts, we had a great time and hope they come back to visit.

Seth completes his first Chessie Rescue Mission

#4 heading north to foster care

Two weeks ago, in a matter of 3 days, I received 3 called about a total of 4 chesapeake bay retrievers needing new homes. Two chessies were litter mates whose owners wanted to surrender them because they had mange & couldn't be bred. One chessie was picked up as a stray and the last chessie's owners moved into an apartment and could not take the dog with them. Ughhhh. After secretly cursing these people out I began to coordinate their transition into dog rescue and foster care. Now, Seth and I can proudly say all 4 chessies are safe and are on their way to finding new forever homes!!... I guess I should be happy that these people contacted a rescue group rather than dumping the dogs on the side of the road.

The doctors of the house

Joseph Jr.

Happy after a long days work

the future Drs. Samantha & Seth McGowin

My friend, Amy, bought Seth personalized baby doctor "scrubs" for his "welcome to the world" present.. The "scrubs" are perfect and quite funny. Too bad he will outgrow them in the near future.... Now I have to decide whether to dress Seth in Sam's old monkey costume or dress him in his "Joseph Jr." outfit for Halloween. Any thoughts?

Pumpkin Pickin'

I like this pic b/c Sam looks so small among the larger pumpkins.

Not sure why I placed Seth in the direct sun.... oops. at least it was only for a few minutes.

Sam, Seth, and I went on a short trip to pick out pumpkins. It's gorgeous here today, and to my understanding it's supposed to be freezing-ass cold by the end of the week. I'm dreading cold temperatures.

New Truck

Here is Joseph's new truck. Samantha often requests to ride in the "big truck" over the car.

Seth turns 3-months

The children are doing great. Seth is still a bit fussy and is quite gassy, but he's a lot of fun. He sleeps well most nights, takes a long nap late-morning, and then is fussy on and off until he goes to bed, usually between 9Pm-10PM. Sam is still a good big sister. She is entering a new phase of temper tantrums and has taken to screeching when she wants our attention. I've started reinforcing good meal times with stickers. She seems to be eating more volume with the introduction of the stickers. I am still having a difficult time dressing her in pants. They're all too big around her waist. Sam looks forward to Kindermusik class every week and I look forward to the days Joseph is at home with the family.

2-month checkup

Seth had his 2-month checkup on the 19th. Pediatrician said he looks great. Seth weighed 11 lbs., 9 oz., three more pounds than Sam did at this age. I don't remember what his length and head circumference were, but he was around the 30%ile for height and 75%ile for head circumference, and somewhere between 25th and 50th%ile for weight. I hated watching Seth get poked for his immunizations. Sam helped me thru the shots and we were all smiles walking out of the office.

Getting ready for Halloween

Sam is going to be Abby Cadabby for Halloween. Abby has been her favorite Sesame Street character for many, many months. I tried to get away with just putting the dress on Sam today, but Sam reminded me to put on "abby ears" before I could walk away....

Bye Bye Super Bitch

A new era begins in the McGowin household. Joseph's red '93 Toyota truck went "bye-bye", and has been replaced by a new Toyota Tacoma. Your departure was bitter sweet for Joseph. He has many fond memories involving the truck, including many excursions into the woods with his Brittany, Taylor, and long trips to Mississippi. Joseph recently reminded me of our nick name for the old truck, "Super Bitch", which derived from a sticker on the hitch, "Super Hitch". I originally thought it said "super bitch" and when we first started dating I often wondered why he would have a sticker that said "super bitch".

Well, Super Bitch, thank you for treating my husband so well for the last 10 years. Thank you for hauling our sh*t up the mountain to our newest home. Thank you for making our Bonnaroo experience perfect. Thank you for allowing Bailey to poop in the back of you on almost every outing. Thank you for allowing Ella to rip your screens time and time again. Thank you for teaching me how to get a car to start by pushing it down a hill and "popping" it into second gear, or something like that. Thank you for allowing us to skip your much needed vacuuming and cleaning sessions, and for allowing our dogs' hairs to pile up in your cab. Thank you for showing me how much fun driving an old truck can be, and last but not least, thank you for being the modest friend you were to me, and for being the real reason I married my husband. I love you and you will always be missed!

Seth is already two months old

I cannot believe Seth is now two-months-old. Time is just flying by, even faster than when Sam was a baby. Seth's two month checkup is not until next week. I am anxious to find out how much he weighs. He seems big to me, but Samantha was always so small and I suppose boys are bigger. From my perspective Seth is doing great. Sleeping for a five to six-hour stretch at night. some how, though, I find myself exhausted by 8Pm every night.

I have been discourage about not working out. With Joseph back at work I wasn't able to get out by myself with two kids. So, to solve the problem, I bought a double stroller. I couldn't be any happier with my purchase. It is still hard to work out like I would prefer, but at least i can get some fresh air and a small amount of exericise.

First Family Photo

We are on a "cliff", overlooking the valley, and looking at our house from afar.

New photos

Sam's idea of "pretty"... her strategic placement of a "hairclip" on her brother.

Uncle Greggy Jr..... Seth reminds me so much of my brother, Greg, in this picture.

Scroll down to a prior posting and compare this pic with the same pose of Sam at this age. Very similar expressions.

No news, just some new pics.

LAAFF: Asheville, NC

Grandpa George, Grandma Karen, and Sam (in July)

People of A'ville....

Sam

"mato", "carrot", and "corn"

G2 and "Not grandma, Aunt Jill"

Hung out down town at the LAAFF festival (this weekend): Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Fest, put on by the people of A'ville, for the people of A'Ville. We spent the holiday weekend with our friends, Jill and "G2", who were visiting from the Boston area. Joseph and I got the weekend off from reading Sam book after book. G2 took over our responsibilities and read to Sam over and over again. Jill's new name became "Not grandma, Aunt Jill". We tried to make Sam understand that Jill was NOT grandma. Grandma IS "hot", and to be called Grandma is a compliment, but still, we wanted Sam to know Jill was a totally different person. Thanks Jill for being such a good sport!

Sam and Seth @ roughly the same age

OMG- I can't believe Sam had all this hair at such a young age. It is weird to see Samantha this small. And it is weird to have a baby with some fat on him. And, it is weird to see the differences in appearance/facial features at roughly the same age.