Christer & Cat

During dinner we were watching the news and a short segment came on regarding the Iranian Election. For those that haven’t been following the news on the issue, things are getting rough out there. The incumbent president has stolen the election and the streets of Tehran are filled with protestors asking “Where is my vote?”. People are being arrested and even killed, yet the protestors are trying very hard to be peaceful. I have heard reports today that they gathered in silence in Tehran. One report said you could hear a pin drop. Our entire lives we have heard about “those that fought for our freedoms”, but the words really come to life when you can watch that very thing happen nearly in real-time via services like Twitter and Facebook.

The reason that I wanted to write about this is that a portion of that news segment talked about “cyber warriors” in the US and around the globe that have been working hard poking holes in the Iranian firewalls. The same firewalls the incumbent president is using to try and limit communication outside the country. According to reports from protesters inside the country he has blocked access to sites like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and similar sites that these people might use to communicate with the outside world. It is only through the work of these outside volunteers that they have been able to share their stories and continue to coordinate and plan their rallies.

I couldn’t help but feel a real sense of pride hearing about this on the national news. Why? For the last few days I have been one of those volunteers. I have been forwarding information via Twitter. I have created two proxy servers (a proxy server is a service that can mask the source of an internet connection, effectively unblocking these blocked services) for these protesters to use. I have even published instructions on how others might do the same thing.

While I am not educated on the issues facing Iran, or the political stances of the candidates I do support the freedom of the citizens to decide who they want to lead them. I am pro-freedom of choice, not pro-candidate.

I felt like I should document this today. I want my children to know someday that their Father was a part of something like this. This entire situation feels very historic and, depending on the outcome, could become even more so. I hope the people of Iran are able to gain increased freedom as a people and I applaud those around the world who are helping to make that happen.

I’m sure you all know that we’re going to have a new addition to our family before the month is out. The Dr has told Catherine to keep the baby in there just two more weeks and then she can come whenever she is ready. This time I think its snuck up on me, and I realize we haven’t decided on a middle name yet. I’m hoping you can give us some feedback..

We have decided that we like the first name “Elizabeth”, and we will likely call her “Liz” or “Lizzy”.

Elizabeth _____ Edwards

What goes with that? I kind of like Ann(e). What do you like? Vote in the poll or leave a comment with suggestions.

This post is going to be long, but hopefully worth it Addison and I went and visited Shaun, Janelle and Preston last week in California. We had a blast and loved all the activities we were able to do. Here are some pictures and videos of the week. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I do!

Monday we left and of course the flight was right during her naptime. She did fine, had a few cranky moments, but I had an extra seat which was really nice. We got there and Preston was too excited to see Addison that he didn’t take a nap either. Both toddlers slept very well that night! We went to several parks while we were out there. I especially loved the last one we went to- it had recycled tire bits as the ground, lots of play areas, a sand pit, swings- the works. It was safe enough that I just let Addison run around. She had a total blast and was talking to any kid that would listen as she ran around in circles. We went to Rubio’s after that because Shaun said that I had to try a fish taco. Yes, that’s right- I had never had a fish taco before in my life. It just sounds (sounded) strange to have fish in a taco- you can have beef, possibly chicken- but fish?! I have to say- *this* particular fish taco was freakin’ amazing! Thank you Shaun for this suggestion.

We went to Stinson Beach on Wednesday. It was warm weather but had an icey breeze that never really let up. The kids had an absolute blast. Addison and I walked up to the water and she was excited/little bit scared of the waves. She loved having the water on her feet. It was really fun to watch. She also dug up some sand, helped me find some sand dollars, and almost had a seagull land on her head. The birds out there were pretty ruthless and kept trying to get at our snacks- even after they took off with our cheese nips and cheese flavored something else… hmmm… coincidence?

We went to some fountains one day too. It was raining, but Addison finally warmed up to it. I think it just startled her at first, it was like a kind of mini Bellagio with music and timed fountain shots. I look VERY prego in this picture! Only a couple months left!

Saturday night we went to Tricks- a children’s gymboree. It was so much fun It was after hours so Shaun and Janelle were cleaning up. We had the whole place to ourselves! Addison LOVED following Uncle Shaun around while he was vacuuming. She would get close to him and then run away thinking he was chasing her- which he caught on pretty quick and actually chased her around. She was able to run and jump and roll on anything she could climb onto- which she’s getting pretty good at!

Congrats to Janelle on running a half marathon! I have to say- I was really impressed

We had a lot of fun just hanging out with Preston, Janelle and Shaun (and Collen and Tim)! Addison had fun in the backyard, feeding herself and the rabbits, chasing and being chased around the kitchen, playing and learning to share toys with Preston- and who can forget bathtime?!

Thanks for the awesome week Shaun and Janelle- We’ll have to get together again soon!

She has yet to do so, but I’m sure Catherine will soon blog about her exciting trip to California this week. Her and Addison left Monday morning to visit Shaun and Janelle (and Preston, of course) for the week, leaving me behind to spend my days at work. One night down and I’m still alive, but after looking through the cupboards this morning I wonder how long I’ll last. Perhaps I got a little bit ahead of myself yesterday by eating all the “good food” during the Heroes and Chuck finales. Perhaps I’m a little bit like a dog in that way—you can’t leave me with a bowl of food because I don’t have the willpower to stop eating it! Ohh well, I’m sure I’ll be fine.. if you don’t see me online (Facebook, etc) on Friday, start to worry.

In any case, I hear Catherine and Addison are having fun in California (despite the overblown “We’re all gonna die” swine-flu reports out there), and I’m sure we’ll see some pictures soon.

My sister had her baby on Easter Sunday and I’m just now getting some pictures so I can sow you all! I think he looks just like his dad! Mom and baby did great with no complications

Welcome Karson!

Addison and I were playing outside with the neighbors the other day. We found a lady bug and I was trying to get Addison interested in it. I put it on my hand and it crawled all over- Addison poked at it and it flew onto her arm, which she didn’t seem to like. So she picked it up and put it back on the ground. I picked it back up and let it crawl on me to show her that it was ok- she poked it again and it went like that for a few more times. The last time she picked it off her arm, Franklin (the boy next door) was talking about eating something- bugs maybe? Faster than I realize what was happening Addison pops that bug into her mouth! We searched for it to make sure it didn’t go down her shirt- that she really did eat it! I saw it in her mouth… At least it wasn’t a spider or a worm. Addison seemed unphased LOL

So the dr appointment went great last week and today. Little baby girl Edwards #2 is right on track! I was able to get an ultrasound- and so I was able to answer Christer’s questions: Yes, still a girl- Yes, only one in there He told me to call him immediately if something had changed. I thought about calling him just to freak him out but I didn’t I feel her kicking (she has a really strong kick) all the time and she’s even has the hiccups almost daily! I’m still having braxton hicks but nothing scary- just uncomfortable.

Sunday was a BEAUTIFUL day! Addison and I went on a couple of walks and played outside. She had a teeny tiny – very faint – sunburn on one arm from Saturday- who da thunk that mid 60’s needed sunscreen. I’m on it now! I’m so excited that we get to go to California next week! I’m going to buy Addison a sun hat and sunglasses before we leave She is so adorable- she’s got the walking down and can even run in little spurts. Her U-Turns have gotten tight so she can just turn right around. She LOVES being chased my the tickle monster and of course we love doing it. She is a little talker now- whether she’s “reading” a book, talking into the phone (or remote, or calculator- really anything with buttons and is portable).

I love my baby

This is a bit of a long post but I thought I might share it. I was browsing the far reaches of “The Internets” today and found this list of kitchen tips. Now that I’m married and domesticated I found some of these to be very interesting.

Kitchen Hints

• To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh~if it rises to the surface, throw it away.
• Keep the linings from cereal boxes~they make great substitutes for waxed paper!
• To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes!
• Use a meat baster to “squeeze” your pancake batter onto the hot griddle~ perfect shaped pancakes every time!
• Use lifesavers candy to hold candles in place on your next birthday cake! Kids love ‘em!
• Poke an egg with a small sewing needle before hard-boiling, and the egg will peel with ease! And hold that needle in place with a magnet refrigerator clip!
• Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips!
• Zap garlic cloves in the microwave for 15 seconds and the skins slip right off!
• To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard-boiling!
• Use a pastry blender to cut ground beef into small pieces after browning!
• Sweeten whipped cream with confectioners’ sugar instead of granulated sugar~it will stay fluffy and hold it’s shape better!
• For easy “meatloaf mixing”, combine the ingredients with a potato masher!
• If you don’t have enough batter to fill all cupcake tins, pour 1 tablespoon of water into the unfilled spots…this helps preserve the life of your pans!
• To easily remove honey from a measuring spoon, first coat the spoon with nonstick cooking spray!
• Run your hands under cold water before pressing Rice Krispies treats in the pan~the marshmallow won’t stick to your fingers!

Read the rest of this entry »

Addison had her first Easter egg hunt today! We showed up a little early and there were hundreds of eggs scattered all over the lawn. At first she didn’t seem to care- she just wanted to play with her friends, or I should say her soon-to-be friends. Once she started watching a girl pick up an egg for pictures (the hunt hadn’t started yet) she became curious. We only picked a handful of eggs (how much candy does a 14 mo need anyway? ) and once she figured out there was something in them she got really excited. At one point she even sat down to eat what she had just discovered. I kept trying to get her to pick up more eggs before they were all gone, slowly but surely we ended up with 6 eggs. She LOVES the Reese’s Easter eggs- peanut butter and chocolate- who doesn’t love that?! I think I got some great pix of the event- Enjoy!

I don’t remember when I started having Braxton Hicks with Addison- is 25 weeks too early? I have a feeling this girlie is going to come quickly when she does decide to come. I really love the feeling of a baby kicking around in me- but I’m even more excited to meet her face to face She is doing great and growing at the perfect rate. I have a dr’s appt next week so I’ll let you know more then- unless of course something exciting happens before then!