My Cool New Trick

We live in the dark ages in our house as far as technology goes:  our computer is at least 20 years old (donated, though we have a great new wide screen monitor!), our TV is oldish and was free, our cell phones are both basics while we wait for our free upgrades, I can hardly operate my iPod nano, we don't even have a CD player in the house.  Needless to say, I was thrilled to be taught a new trick by a co-worker...I learned even though I don't pay for web access on my cell phone, I can text the pictures I take to my email account!  Woo-hoo!  Why didn't anyone ever tell me that?!  So here are a few I've taken on my phone recently.

This morning Na'Im decided to be a little ornery and got a hold of a pen while I was otherwise occupied.  We call this "Art on Belly".

Na'Im and I hanging out after work/school, waiting for Daddy to get home.

Fireman Na'Im!  He's at the stage where he likes to add accessories to his outfit on his own and is very into hats.  I didn't realize his eyes were closed when I took this picture.

He loves to wear Daddy's things, his sunglasses, his shoes, his hats.  Too cute.

I love this picture...he's so sweet waiting patiently for Daddy to get home from work each night.  Looking out the window.

There's a snapshot of our last few weeks!

When It Rains, It Pours

I'm aware as I write this of potentially having too many negative-sounding blogs recently.  Or maybe I just feel like everything I say sounds negative recently.  At any rate, you know the old saying, when it rains it pours?  Or bad things happen in three's?  Well, today should complete my third bad happening for the month, at least.  On my way to get Na'Im from daycare I rammed right into a Ford Expedition that I thought had cleared the intersection...apparently he changed his mind while I was looking over my shoulder and merging.  Ugh.  No harm done to his vehicle (note to self, purchase large SUV soon) but our front end of our "good" car (the 2002 Chevy) is not pretty.  Driveable, but no right headlight, a crushed grill, and a hood that is crumpled.  Lucky us.

Let's list them, just for fun:
#3: Car accident
#2:  Lost job
#1:  Lost my baby

That sound like enough for a while, right?  Right?!?!

I really seriously am not holding myself together very well right now. I woke up sobbing in my sleep last night because I dreamed that someone had ripped my baby from my arms and disappeared with her.  It's miserable knowing that we came that close.  It's miserable knowing that my child was literally pulled from my body.  I'm still dealing with the after-affects of the surgery and it's miserable.  I wonder out loud when I'm going to feel normal again, or will I ever?  Will I find a new normal?  I found myself in the middle of Wegman's (our local grocery store) with Michael and Na'Im on Sunday evening just wanting to run, totally overwhelmed.  The thought of taking Na'Im out to a store by myself makes me panic. I'm really glad to not be working right now because I just can't handle being around people.  Unless they're in my house, or I can stay for 10 minutes and leave. My conversation skills have gone down the drain.  I'm just totally overwhelmed right now.  I know depression runs on both sides of my family and I definitely struggle with those tendencies, so I'm trying to do some of the things I know to do to stave it off, but it's not effective.  Note to self:  Make appointment with doctor tomorrow.  Maybe happy pills will do the trick.

I'm also trying to figure out what to do with myself now.  I've wanted to complete a culinary arts program or cosmetology school for years, so I'm looking into those options.  Financially, I'd have to work while attending school.  But I just can't stomach the idea of taking another dumb office job and sitting behind a desk all day again.  I can't do it.  I'd rather bag groceries.

Anyway, that's a little of the news from my world.  Please continue to pray to whomever it is you pray to for peace for me and for a sense of direction and normalcy to resume.  I'm a mess.  Still.

Quick Weekend

Friday found me leaving work early so we could hit the road for a quick trip home to Massachusetts. J was excited to go see the state where Mike and I grew up and especially to meet Mike's family. We stayed at Mom & Dad's place in Spencer where they took excellent care of us...fried eggs and omeletts each morning, laundry service, and lots of hugs and kisses for the kids. They're amazing people. Saturday the famiy had a cookout at Art & Kelly's new house. I think this was the first time in about a year that everyone was together, all the siblings, spouses and kids along with Mom and Dad. It was a great time! My mom joined us as well. Unbenownst to us, they had decided to have a birthday party for F, who shares his birthday with Mike's sister, Kelly. They had gifts for him and Mom made a cake. J held F as we all sang happy birthday to him and helped him blow out his candles. The look on his face as he watched us all singing to him was absolutely priceless. Well, what I could see of it anyway through my tears! I was so touched to see the family love on these kids as if they've always been a part of our family. I am truly blessed by a wonderful group of in-laws!

We kept forgetting to take pictures (and couldn't post ones of the kids here anyway), but all in all, it was a great weekend away. We were happy to see that the leaves in central MA are already starting to change for the fall. I can't wait to be up there again in September and October to see the progression of my favorite season!

Back to work for me this week as Mike enjoys another week home with J. Please keep us in your thoughts as we're still trying to fully kick the sinus infection and colds that are going around between the four of us.

Sick Household

Yup,that's right...we're still sick. Or at least, I am! I'm going on two full weeks of being sick...something is sticking in my system and won't get out. Hopefully the meds I'm starting today will kick it out once and for all. In the meantime, I'm using a lot of Purell and Lysol wipes at home and at work!

On an interesting side note...yesterday we had crap in our kitchen sink. Seriously, feces. Somehow our plumbing backed up and while the washer was running, the other pipes went crazy and deposited a nice little load into our kitchen sink. The landlords got it straightened out (and we discovered J has been throwing papers down the toilet, she writes things in her diary, then flushes the paper) but needless to say, any of the dishes that happened to be sitting in said sink promptly found their way to the trashcan. When you don't have a dishwasher to guarantee sanitization, you take no risks.

The kids also had their 2nd visit with F's dad yesterday afternoon, and we're happy to report that while he showed up 20 minutes late, he did in fact show up. The report we hear from J is mixed and we'll be having a chat with the caseworker, but overall J was thrilled to see him. My gut says if he continues to show up, the court will grant him custody and we'll be saying goodbye to these kids on September 5. Still not the best option but our opinion counts for nothing.

That's the update from here!

Baby World!

Over the weekend, two friends of ours gave birth to baby girls! Check out Kelly's blog to welcome little Madelaine Hope. And a co-worker/friend of mine, Judia, had her first child, little London Noelle. In addition, Mike's boss Andy and his wife welcomed their second girl a few weeks ago. It's baby-season!

Meanwhile, back at the Andrejczyk household, our "baby" will be turning 2 in a few weeks, so we're beginning to plan a little "Spongebob Squarepants" themed party for him. He's also been sick all weekend and is home today with Mike and J still fighting the virus. Anyone have tips on getting rid of diarrhea? F managed to get me sick as well, so he and I spent a lot of time cuddling on the couch and being held by Mike. I must give a shout-out to my hubby who held the household together this weekend, running errands, doing laundry, making meals, entertaining J, caring for a grumpy wife and a snotty 2-year-old...all while running on a low-tank of sleep and energy. What a guy! Seriously.

Back to work for me today, Mike is home with the kids. More later on this week!

Phew!

That was a long time to go without posting! My apologies to all of my faithful blog readers (all 8 of you!). It's been a jam-packed couple of weeks. I hate to do another list of things that we've been doing, and since I've been laying low today with a summer cold, I think I'll keep things short and sweet.

The Andrejczyk family is still alive.

There you go. That's all you need to know, right?! Haha...I'm going crazy from the ice cream man's extremely annoying song that plays over and over and over while he drives slower than molasses down our street and neighboring streets selling ice cream, yes, but also other things, we're quite convinced. After all, who buys ice cream at midnight? Hmm? Welcome to Camden.

Anyway...we're doing fine here. The kids start their supervised visits at the DYFS office with F's dad and their mom on Tuesday of this week. We think. Caseworker still hasn't ironed out the details. (This is not the time or place for me to rant about my extreme disappointment with this caseworker and DYFS as a whole...suffice it to say, I don't think we'll be fostering again, unless the kids are in need of permanent placement. It's a ridiculous hassle and way more involved emotionally and physically than I think either of us expected.) But I digress. The kids are both doing great, though we're very nervous about what these visits will do emotionally to both of them. How do you explain to an almost 2 year old that yes, you can see Mommy for an hour, but then you have to go home to the A's, then do it all again next week? We're not sure what to expect, but are assuming it's not going to be an easy few weeks. Pray we're wrong!

This is the last week of UrbanPromise's summer camps, so J and Mike will have a few weeks off and home together before school snd AfterSchool Programs start back up. Mike is thinking about keeping F home during that time so they can all hang out.

I had a great first 1:1 meeting with my "new" boss, Jackie, on Friday afternoon. Received some very positive feedback from herself and the rest of the team, and was also warned not to try to be "Hercules" and carry them all on my shoulders. Which, knowing my personality, was a very wise thing for Jackie to say! I'm learning to draw boundaries and speak up when I'm overwhelmed. Hopefully with the end of the fiscal year behind us (7/31) and the compensation process over this week, I'll get a sense of normalcy and really discover what this job is all about! So far, so good, though!

And one thing I'm most excited about with this job is...VACATION TIME! It's been a LOOOOONG time since I've had a real job that allowed paid vacation time, and didn't hassle me about trying to take it. Jackie expects us to, and doesn't care when, so I'm planning a trip to Belfast to see my beloved Rosy in December/January. I can't wait! A trip to CA would be wonderful too...I haven't seen Jenny in years!

So that's it for now...9:00 on a Sunday night and Mike and I are about to crawl into bed and watch a movie together. Enjoy the week, everyone!

Fun Weekend

We had a great weekend, though it was busier than I had originally intended! Saturday was a great family-day, we got up and went to the Collingswood Farmer's Market (we LOVE this town, it's super cute and very close to us). J had never heard of one before so I took full advantage of introducing her to a lot of different produce. Yes, we were thrilled to find SIX different varieties of eggplant! Mike and I have decided to make the jump over to grass-fed, organic, locally raised meats and purchased our first whole chicken and ground beef from a Pennsylvanian farmer, in addition to their amazing dill cheese. We cooked up the beef the other night and the difference in taste is tangible!

After the farmer's market, we took a little drive around the town and discovered a great little park on the water. The four of us had an amazingly fun time running around together and laughing. We took a ton of pics which I can't share here, but we're working on putting a small album together for the kids to take with them when they leave. We want them to be able to have pictures of themselves and their life during this time. Afterwards, our friend Dana graciously came over and babysat the kids while we went out alone. Yes, our first time leaving the kids and going out by ourselves. It was lovely.

Sunday we took a drive up to NYC to check out Times Square and meet my sister Debby for lunch. It was a great chance to introduce the kids to one of the greatest cities on earth. And of course for them to get to meet DD! J was so excited and nervous to meet one of my sisters. The trip included a trip to the M&M and Hershey's stores and of course, a ride on the ferris wheel inside the Toys R Us.
We had a wonderful time together, though too short. We figured the car ride was a good chance to practice for this weekend's camping trip in Vermont!

And now it's back at work/daycare/summer camp for all of us. To be honest, I'm barely holding myself together at this point. I'm finding it extremely difficult to always be "on", and to keep up with all the new stuff at work (overwhelming in and of itself), the kids and school. It's a lot. So much so that my husband has scheduled me for a massage at the Yoga Studio in (where else?) Collingswood this week! Deep breaths...deep breaths...

July!

I can't believe we're into July already! Time really has begun to fly by since the kids joined our household. I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted to the blog until I got a "Hey...you guys still alive?" Facebook post from my friend Kelly Sue. So, here I am, trying to get a quick one posted while at work.

Here's an overview:
-Summer camp started yesterday at UrbanPromise! Mike has had a great turnout of kids so far and is happy with the team of interns and streetleaders who have been assigned to him for the summer. J is attending our sister camp and so far LOVES it! She even joined the basketball league and will get to play twice a week.

-F is doing great at daycare, despite his meltdowns every morning when I leave him. If anyone has suggestions on how to make the drop-off transition easier, please chime in! His verbal skills have greatly improved, though it's still a lot of gibberish, he's been learning new words and is more apt to repeat what we say, which is fun. He can now identify his facial features, hands, fingers, toes, knees, tummy etc. It's the cutest thing in the world!

-We are LOVING parenthood. Every little bit of it.

-If you remember, pray on Wednesday, 7/9, as the kids' mom has her court date. We're assuming custody will be determined at this point. We want what is best for the kids and from what we've learned from what J has shared with us, going home to mom isn't it. Pray that the judge will make the right decision for them. A bit of me feels selfish in even saying that because we are in love with these children and want them to stay as long as possible, but mostly we just want them to have the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and drug addiction that runs rampant in their family.

-I'm enjoying my new job. I've been blessed with a wonderful boss, I really can't describe how refreshing the change is. I'm picking up on the work and the new technical systems slowly but surely, and working to build relationships with my team. School is going well, entering week 5.

This weekend is a long one for the holiday, so I think we'll try to get as many fireworks sightings in as we can and just enjoy what could possibly be our last weekend together.

That's it for now!

You Know It's Hot When...

Today's Temps: Tonight, June 9, Clear High of 99° Low of 75°

1. Schools close early due to heat.
2. The ants that have plagued your kitchen and laundry room for weeks come out in full force, making the floor look nearly black. Well, not that bad, but close!
3. It's better to keep your downstairs windows closed and the ceiling fans on than to open the doors or windows.
4. You wake up in your air conditioned bedroom and are still drenched in sweat.
5. You feel the need to change your sheets every day due to Reason #4.
6. You stay home all weekend so you don't have to get into your un-air-conditioned car.
7. Cooking? What cooking?
8. The shower becomes your best friend...long, cool showers. Followed by another long, cool shower.
9. You only clean the house after midnight, when things have cooled by 4 degrees.
10. And finally, most disastrous of all, your beloved fish, Kamau, who has been with your family for about 9 months, dies of suspected heat stroke. Poor Kamau.

Better Changes!

Yesterday afternoon I was offered the job at Campbell's! I'm waiting on the offer letter to be presented to me, but will definately be accepting! Finally...a real, permanent job!

And...tonight I start school! On the road (2-3 years to complete) to getting my bachelor's, finally!

Plus...as an added bonus, it's been a very rainy few months here in south Jersey, which THRILLS me, seriously, because I LOVE rainy days. I really, really do. Hot weather I hate so I'm enjoying this rain while it lasts!

All very good things!

Wedding Fun

I've always heard people say how time starts to move quickly after you get married...and especially after you have children. Last weekend, Michael and I felt the speed of the time that has passed since we were married almost six years ago when we attended the wedding of one of his former students, Ryan Cave. I've known Ryan since he was in elementary or middle school as he attended HCA with my baby sister, and then he went on to be one of my husband's star students and athletes at FACA in Worcester. Ryan (along with fellow classmate Zach) stood up with us when we said our vows six years ago, and this past weekend, Mike and I joined his family and friends as he exchanged vows and became a married man. So strange to see people grow up and become their own persons, isn't it? It's fascinating, and a priveledge, to be able to watch this happen. The wedding was in Lynchburg, Virginia at a lovely estate, and despite the rain, was an absolutely wonderfully intimate time of love and celebration. We were able to reconnect not only with Ryan and Zach, but with other of his former students and parents from FACA.

We're looking forward to spending time with Ryan and his new bride, Samantha. Weddings are an impossibly difficult time to get to know someone new, especially when it's tbe bride!, but Samantha seems like a woman full of integrity, spunk, class and good humour. They'll be settling in Maryland as Ryan is Secret Service and is stationed at the White House right now. (Can anyone say...free inside tour?!) We were absolutely honored to be included in their special day.

Life Update

Thought I'd take a few minutes and try to give an update on what's going on in the Andrejczyk household recently. Some of these points will be rambling thoughts, but you might enjoy them anyway!

-I interviewed yesterday for a permanent position with the Campbell Soup Company. This would allow me to work directly for the company instead of being a contracted employee through Kelly Services. The position is an Executive Admin. job in HR supporting the North American FoodServices Vice President and her team...a big job that would expose me to many different facets of HR and allow career advancement. They're anxious to get someone started and will be making a decision within a few days.

-I've realized and come to grips with the truth that I will need to act as bread-winner/provider for our family for the next many years, so in that vein, I've decided to go full-force into the corporate world. I'll be working towards completing a bachelor's and getting further in Human Resources.

-Mike is keeping busy with things at his afterschool program and still loving every minute of it. I've had the opportunity to participate in some of their special events and was happy to host some of his girls at our house for a sleep over recently. They're winding down for the year, ASP ends next week, then they'll break for a few weeks to prepare for summer, then it's straight in the crazy summer program schedule. This means Mike will work a more "normal" schedule and be home earlier in the evenings, which will be a treat!

-We have a possible opportunity to give back to my youth pastor from high school by hosting his daughter at our house for the summer while she volunteers with UrbanPromise. We're excited not only to get to know her better, but to be a part of what we're sure will be a life-changing summer for her!

-We're still waiting news that we're on the official adoption waiting list. This should happen any time now. Any time. Parenthood is looming very close!

-I'm hoping to host a BBQ over Memorial Day weekend in our backyard before the mosquitos come out in full force for the summer and we're unable to step outside without getting eaten alive. Aaah...the joys of living on the water!

-This weekend we're heading to Lynchburg, Virginia for the wedding of one of Michael's former high school students. We're thrilled to be able to be a part of his special day and to get away together for a weekend. Mike has the end-of-the-year ASP All-Nighter Friday night (where they literally make the kids stay awake ALL NIGHT) so I'm assuming I'll be doing the driving on Saturday!

-In case you haven't heard, I have the most amazing sisters in the world. Melissa just got (pre) accepted to the perfect PhD program at UMass Boston, Ginny was just honored with a huge award this week at Med. School, and DD continues to shine in her new management role at work. They amaze me with their talent and drive!

-Michael joined me yesterday in the midst of my work/interview day at the Bright Horizons daycare center here at Campbell's for a tour. I've been through the facility before, but this was Mike's first time to check it out. It's a lovely place, open to the company's employees and contractors only, and they have us on the infant waiting list! It's crazy to think that we'll be parents soon, even crazier to think that we'll have to use full-time day care. I'm struggling with that, with not being able to stay home which was always a dream of mine, but loving the idea of having our child here at work with me.

-Our friendships with people here continue to deepen. We are so grateful for the supportive and loving friends we've found here.

-Still haven't settled into a church but have checked out Tenth Presbyterian in Philly a few times and like it.

-With the possible summer boarder, we'll have to re-arrange the bedrooms upstairs, again, so if that happens, I'll have new pics to post for your enjoyment!

I think that pretty much covers things for us right now!

Fun Weekend

My girl Amanda whom I've been close with since we were in the fifth grade ventured down to Camden this weekend to visit us! We had a great time just hanging out, getting to know her friend Craig, and showing her the sights!

A Much Needed Long Weekend

I'm taking a breather this weekend...took Friday off from work so I can head home to MA to see family. I need to see my sisters, play with the nephews, joke around with Jason, catch up with Mom...and, as an added bonus...my dear Jenny-friend from Cali will be in town! We haven't seen each other in two Christmases but talk nearly every day online. I can't wait to hug all of these people. My soul is in need of family-love. AND, as another added bonus...I scored us tix to see my all-time fave musician, Jason Harrod, at a house concert in Cambridge Friday night. This is going to be a soul-filling, energizing weekend for me!

I'll be leaving late Thursday night and returning on Sunday, so things on the blog will be quiet until I return.

Spring Changes

Spring has sprung in full bloom in south Jersey...trees are in full, glorious bloom, tulips are everywhere, grass is green, pollen is already coating our cars...the weather is gloriously warm and rainy. Spring is quickly becoming my favorite time of year as everything becomes new and gets a fresh start.

This weekend we made a few changes around our house. Our winter-ized screened-in porch with large coat storage system has been replaced with a new seating area for enjoying a cup of morning joe, and my hair is now sporting what I'm referring to as "80's punk rock chic" (frist pic, before, second is after). Oh well. Can't love all the changes, I guess!

Busy Guy

Michael is taking to the skies today to attend a curriculum-writing conference in Alburquerque with his boss, Andy. They'll return at about 1 am Saturday morning, and yes, I'll be at the airport to pick them up!

So, I have another couple of days of girls activities planned! Tonight, Lisa and Dana are coming over for dinner, wine, pedicures and watching of "Atonement". Finally. Though I've heard it's not a great girls night movie especially when mixed with wine, as we might fall asleep, so I may watch it on my own tomorrow night. Either way, it will get watched, and I'll post my thoughts for you to read.

Michael's next trip: July to Colorado with his kids! Who knew this job required so much travel!?

Walk Against Hunger

Saturday Mike and I joined thousands of people in downtown Philly to walk six miles in the annual "Walk Against Hunger". Campbell's participates every year, and this year my department decided to get involved. We raised $1535.00 in our department alone, and all-together, the company raised $21,000, which will go directly to Cathedral Kitchen, a homeless shelter here in Camden.

Thank you to those of you who sent money and supported this worthy cause! I totally forgot to bring my camera, but we had a great time walking along the Skukyll (sp?) River (Philly's version of the Charles)...beautiful weather in the 70's and great company. Thanks for continuing to love the people of Camden.

PS...can you find us in the group pic? we're to the left!

Saturday Fun

Today Mike and I decided to drive out to Pheonixville, PA to see Valley Forge Christian College, which is where I grew up until we moved to MA in the third grade. Dad was a professor at the school, Mom stayed home and raised us, and I have some pretty great memories of life on a college campus. Of course, when you return as an adult, things have changed, and the huge sledding hill you thought was wild and crazy turns out to be only a small rise, nothing to get excited over, but still, it was great to return to my roots. I read recently that there are two things we should give our children, Roots and Wings. I like that.

Tupac Love

If you don't know what the "W" means or who Tupac is, just move on to the next post! :)

10 Things I Learned At Work Today

Today my work day was spent in an all-day department meeting. Yes, I'm talking 8:30-5:30 straight. No April Fool-ing here! Which, of course, meant that I was in at 7:45 and out at 6:00. Despite the longer hours and the looooong meeting time, it turned out to be a pretty enlightening day. Here are some things I learned:

1. I am an INFJ (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging, with my highest score being the J). We did the Meyers-Briggs Personality Test (spent three hours in exercises learning about how to work together, it was really a very good session) and my personality is described as "Inpiring Leader and Follower". Apparently, I: a. seek meaning and connection in ideas, relationships, and material posessions b. want to understand what motivates people and am insightful about others 3. am concientious and committed to my firm values d. develop a clear vision about how best to serve the common good, and e. am organized and decisive in implementing my vision.

1a. I wholeheartedly agree.

2. Today I learned drinking three cups of coffee during said morning session equals many, many trips to the loo. Almost as many as the pregnant lady in the group. Embarrassing.

3. I love to cook. I mean, this is my passion. I love food, I love the way food brings people together, I love getting in the kitchen and cooking, I love teaching other people how to cook, I love watching others enjoy my food...and I love, love, love leading my team in winning the cooking contest we did today! Yessssss!

4. I look great in an apron. I mean, c;mon. Seriously.

5. Watch what you say to the big boss. For instance, when she asks "So, Rebecca, how's your job?", don't immediately blurt out "What job? This one? Oh, piece of cake!".

6. And when said big boss (who's name also happens to be Rebecca, we're Rebecca A and Rebecca B) asks you how your adoption process is going, don't get teary-eyed and gripe about the process. I'm proud to say I fielded her (and the others who jumped in) questions carefully, kindly, and didn't reveal to much of the angst, as no one at work really wants to hear any of that. Maybe that made up for my other outburst?

7. When you're participating in said cooking contest and the other big boss is taking pictures, remember to STOP cutting the onion while you pose for the pic. Near-disaster.

8. Come up with something really smart to say when asked to share with the entire team what you learned that day. Be prepared.

9. Try to learn something new at these meetings.

10. I learned I stil don't love my job, and my desire to attend culinary school and open a personal chef business grew by leaps and bounds today, but overall, I realized it's a pretty darn good place to be working right now. And you know what? I actually genuinely LIKE the people I work with (well, most of them!), which is good for this INFJ.