How do parents do it?

Maybe it was the cold Tuesday night air that caused Mike and I to both be sick with colds this weekend. If it was, I can let it go--after all, the Twins won and are onto round 1 of the playoffs. Here we are healthy and elated over the win.

Yet, as he and I have suffered through these colds today I couldn't help but wonder how parents handle having kids when they're sick? I remember my mom being sick but most times she just plowed through it. How? When you become a parent are you instilled with a fierceness you didn't have before?

I hope I get one because the 3 hour nap I had today seemed impossible to give up when my throat is raw, head is pounding, and energy is non-existent. So to parents out there--tell me how you do it...

Our Calendars Are Marked: October 13th

Mystic Warning: I think this blog is truly good luck. After my last post I got an email from Rosie's social worker. Rosie's case worker wants to meet with us. It's set for October 13th.

We are the only couple being interviewed, but they are accepting other home studies so a few other couples could join the fray. Or not. Who knows?

Either way, this is great news.

The kid/change paradox: I had an interesting conversation, a conversation that seems to repeat with all friends who are contemplating having kids. It revolves around losing some personal freedoms once kids enter the picture, and I had a thought: even if you're not the one having kids, your life changes when all your friends' lives do.

It's true, having children does put a bit of a limitation on the Friday night dinners out, the last minute trips, happy hours, and the ability to finish "one more thing" at work and getting home closer to 7 than 6.

At the same time, if you are without kids when all your friends are parents your life has to change, too. Those friends can't join you on Friday dinners or last minute trips any more.  It's the way it should be, yet, you have to adjust, and change, too.

No matter what, at certain stages in life everyone has to experience change. I guess it's really about whether you want to be the one starting the chain of change or if you want to be the one adjusting to it.

Quick Updates - No News About Children

Sorry I've been quiet. We haven't heard anything on Rosie or any other child, and we have to renew our FBI checks in the next week to retain our Foster Care license. I did ask our social worker if there was any news about Rosie, and she basically said no. She ignored my question about other potential children. My attitude is pretty good about it. I had my sulky week. I got over it.

Quick Updates on a Few Things:
I'm still thinking through the race for my sister--the how, what, when, and where. From talking with a few people I hear getting the non profit tax exempt status will be the most time consuming and costly part. So my task to complete by the end of next week is to find a pro bono lawyer who can help me.

Speaking of running, I've got my groove back. I'll be joining a cardio running class (picture a spin class but with treadmills). The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 a.m.--crazy, yes. Yet, it sort of suits me. I like extremes a little. We'll see how long I can take it. I'm hoping to get to January uninjured and ready to run Securian's frozen half marathon.

Amy the North Minneapolis Explorer

When I was a kid, my favorite activity was taking long bike rides through our neighborhood. I loved to explore and feel like I was the first person to turn a corner and discover that little pond or playground.

Today, fueled by a conversation at the local dog park, I decided if I'm going to raise kids in this neighborhood, I should start exploring it. So as soon as Mike left for his fantasy football draft I hopped on my bike and explored.  I wish I'd brought a camera.

First I found what I think has to be the largest beaver dam on the Northside. It's right where the Humboldt Greenway Path comes to an end, just after you cross a footbridge into Brooklyn Center. I think I saw one of the beaver kids scramble up a tree. Initially I thought it was a large, really fuzzy squirrel.

Then, headed toward the North Mississppi Park. On my way there, I learned there is a cricket field where a very large group of Indian men gather to play. The bright green and yellow clothes they wore were stunning.  For a second I thought I might be in Ireland again.

The North Mississippi Regional trails weren't as awesome by comparison. There was a very short part of the path near the river and surrounded by wetlands, which I enjoyed. Then you pass a fantastic splash pool complete with water falls and picnic area, and from there the trail just gets further away from the soothing sounds of the Mississippi and much closer the roar of the freeway. I could have kept going--it might have gotten better, but I was pretty tired.

I was going to end my journey at Victory 44 but was more in the mood for Panera so now I'm home cooling off before eating and meandering out to get a med. veggie sandwich accompanied by black bean soup. Tonight will be less healthy, steak, guacamole, yum!

All-in-all, I think it is a pretty nice neighborhood to explore. Acceptable for any new explorer who joins our family.

This one's dedicated to the ones I love

Today I celebrate two good friend's dreams coming true: a wedding and a baby!

The baby was born yesterday to my college friend, Brooke and her husband Steve. Congrats to you both! I can't wait to meet her and visit you.

The wedding is a friend who I know will look just gorgeous--can't wait to see her shoes--and whose day will be perfect.

So today I hope everyone has a joyful event (or two) to fill their weekend. Even if the joyful event is a trip to the State Fair, a cabin, or puttering around your garden.

Love,
Amy