Bowman West

Not-so-settling in...

Yesterday I threw my back out jumping up to answer the phone. Seriously, who does that? If that wasn't bad enough, it was a telemarketer wanting me to donate to the Virginia State Troopers fund or something. I've had this phone number for all of two seconds and they're already hounding me. Good grief! Anyway, I've taken ibuprofen, naproxen & hydrocodone (not all at the same time) and nothing even takes the edge off. This stupid spasm won't go away. It happens about twice a year and when it does it's horrible and I just have to lay on the couch and do nothing for a few days. Since our new place isn't set up yet this is driving me crazy.

Also driving me crazy is Charlie's screwed-up sleep schedule. You wouldn't think that an hour time change would make a big difference but we're all having a hard time adjusting. Today he was in his room for two hours before he finally fell asleep for his nap. When he woke up around 5:00 he threw a HUGE fit. He rarely throws fits so it's really disturbing when he does. Andy just packed up Charlie's things and decided that they would either drive around or go swim at the UVA rec center. I just talked to Andy and they eventually went swimming. Apparently Charlie screamed like he's never screamed before for a long time until they stopped at a red light. Charlie got quiet, pointed outside and said, "Look, a flag." Then he was fine. Huh. A flag. That's all it took, Charlie? That's annoying.

Other than the occasional meltdown, Charlie's been precious and funny. He's talking all the time now and cracks us up with the things he says. For instance, when I'm getting dressed he always says, "Mama put bib on? Mama go swimming?". I don't know whether to correct him by telling him it's a bra or just let him call it a bib. I think I'd rather him go around talking about my bib than my bra. He's also started to call me Amy. "What's Amy eating? Amy drinking Diet Coke?" It's sad that he's noticed my addiction to Diet Coke.

Speaking of Diet Coke, it seems that most restaurants in Texas figured out how to carry Dr. Pepper even though they had Coke products. Here it's mainly Pepsi products. While it's good that I can still get my DP, I'd rather have the Coke/DP option. Why is DP a Pepsi product anyway? I've always thought that it should naturally be paired with Coke. Whatever.

Yesterday I took Charlie to play at the mall playground. The one in Lubbock is safari themed with gorillas, elephants, hippos, etc. The one here totally cracks me up! Any guesses as to what the mall playground in the home of Thomas Jefferson looks like? It's Thomas Jefferson themed. Duh. Seriously, the slide steps are made out of giant books written by Jefferson and the slide part is the Declaration of Independence. There was also a balance beam made to look like a giant peacock feather pen and ink jar. Awesome. If there was ever a playground where Andy's child was meant to play it's this one. I didn't get pictures because I was too busy supervising the ten kids dropped off by some mom who went to shop and get her nails done. Who are these parents? Next time I'm calling CPS.

If my back feels better tomorrow we're heading out to a scenic lake in the mountains for some sandcastle action and a picnic. Happy 4th of July!!

P.S. I won't be posting for around 10-15 days since Charlie and I are heading to Atlanta for some sister time. All four Forest girls with kids in tow are converging on my sister April's house for ten days. Should be crazy and exhausting. I've rented a minivan for the week. I wonder if that comes with soccer gear or if that's an extra feature that I have to pay for? :)