We continue to choose the road less traveled. Our stories started in New York and Michigan. We took an detour to New Jersey, and had a most excellent adventure to Ethiopia. In July, 2013 we moved our family from Detroit to Texas. People can say a lot about us, but they can't accuse us of being boring....
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Eating Cereal
He also had his first bath in the bath tub today! Usually we sit his tub on the kitchen counter - but he's been outgrowing that. So today we put it in the tub - he liked having the water to kick around. It was enjoyable.
Nate also enjoyed his first thankgiving this year at Aunt Doris and Uncle Jonnies! He had a lot of fun with the family. He did give them a first at his crying - he was really tired. Yes - he is a really baby and cries sometimes.
Enjoy the weekend - its almost over. I had a long 5 day weekend and will have the same next weekend! TAking all my vacation (which I didn't realize I had) before I lose it.
Love,
Gail
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Short Hello
WE are doing well around here. Thanksgiving is coming - so we are all excited! Nate likes to visit his aunts and uncles! So that will be fun this year.
I found out late last week - I have 8 days of vacation left! They messed up and didn't give them to me or pay me for them for maternity leave. So - I'm going to take as much as I can - before I loose them. So I am taking Wednesday off and we are going to go visit Kathy and see the "grandma room" or "Loretta Room"! Can't wait. We gave her the painting of my mom - so that will be nice.
Then I am taking another 3 days off the week after! Talk about nice long weekends!
Better run - talk to you all later.
Love the Backus gang
Monday, November 15, 2004
Nate's 4 month check up
As of today - he weights 17 pounds 14 ounces, 24 3/4 inches long! Not bad! The doctor thinks this long cold is actually allergies to something. We are going to try switching formulas AGAIN. He recommended a soy formula - before that has problems, but we'll try it. WE are just hoping its not allergies to our cat Fudd. We're praying its something else and will just elimiate it out of Nate's little life.
We'll keep you all posted.
Love,
Gail
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Santa
Work - well its still there - but not for much longer. I'm irked at a recruiter - early in the week he told me I had "the job" and clearly I didn't get it. So I'm not too happy. But that's ok. Its possible now the one company may keep me - not sure if I want it or not. And my old company said I can come back - they have work I can do now - so who knows. Nothing sounds great. I have another interview later in the week - wish me well.
Lots of love to all
Gail (Craig, Nate andFudd)
Friday, November 05, 2004
Sleeping Good
He's been very fun lately -he loves sitting up and loves the walker or exersize activity centeres. his Great grandma noted she'd get that for him as a christmas gift. he loves the ones at daycare. He can spin himself all around and loves it so much! He's a cute.
He's starting to flirt and play shy with people when smiling at them. Its adorable. This has been a long week - I was gone a few nights and then came home and Craig was gone - he just landed and is home again!
work - still unknown. they finally announces one plant is selling and another is closing. they still don't have a done deal on things that may allow me to stay on board with a new company! But they are hinting at lay offs in the coming weeks! yeha - I already know I'm on that short list. But I've had some calls the last few days for my resume - so hopefully something will pan out soon.
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Checking in
www.smilesbywire.com and entering in the following as needed.
Customer Name: Gail Backus
Access Code: LTP40102036048JCP
They are only available for another month or so - but they are really cute!
Tomorrow is Halloween - I'll unfortunately be traveling, but figured we weren't planning on taking him out anyhow - maybe to just one neighbors house. But he does have his "Baby's First Halloween" outfit - its just an orange shirt with some stuff on it. But cute. Yes - I'm traveling again next week - hopefully it will be a much better trip than this past week - it was horrible. I have audits at my Indiana plants - not fun. They almost failed last week. HOpefully this next trip will be easier. I'm still looking for a job - but still have this one too - so that is good. Just not much out there at this time - everything is either entry level or way too far away. So we'll see. A few poeple have my resume right now - I just hope to get the interviews. Andwho knows - maybe one of the people buying my company will hire me - so far they haven't aske to interview me oh well.
Better go - today is Craig and my 5th wedding anniversary - its beautiful out - just windy. Dad is coming to babysit while we go to a movie and nice dinner tonight. WE talked him into spending the night so he doesn't have to drive home. Good thing he's feeling much better.
Love you all -
Gail, Craig, Nate and little Fudd too!
Monday, October 18, 2004
Backus - House 'o' Flu
Other than that - we are doing well. Craig and Nate went to dad's house yesterday to see the family. Aunt Doris, Uncle JOnny, Aunt Chris and cousin Paula were all out to HOwell. I feel bad I couldn't visit with them -but knew I didn't want anyone else to get the flu bug. Craig said they had a good time. Nate was a good boy - and was talking up a storm to everyone. He's been talking all weekend! Just a little chatter box - its quite cute.
Well I'm going to venture to eat something for breakfast - wish me well!
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Exciting (sick) week
Today I had to stay home and take him to the doctors. He was acting like he was getting the flu the last few days. But of course as soon as we get to the doctors today - he's acting like the healthy, happy little boy! Basically - now he has an upper respiratory infection - but not bad. WE are still treating it with over the counter drugs. They said his lungs and heart sounded good. He'll go back in NOvember for a his 4 month check up and get more shots. I've made the appoitnment so Craig can go with me - ha - wait till he sees what they do.
All is well - Nate's been happy, smiling, kicking and laughing all day! He finally ate again (he wasn't eating much the last 24 hours either) and now finally taking a nap.
I'm off to Howell with him later to meet dad - we are going to the grief group together tonight. And tomorrow back to the office to hear more rumors. I've already gotten some phone calls at home today to hear what is "happening". So we'll see. The best is to hope one of these companies needs a corporate environmental person to keep things in line - so we'll see. Maybe they'll let me work from home. But if rumors are correct - there will be significant pay cuts unforutnately - at least the unions were given that speech last night.
Better go - need to get the diaper bag ready for tonight.
Gail
Saturday, October 09, 2004
First night away
We all have ANOTHER cold again. Craig and Nate should be at the tail end of thiers - and I'm just beginning. Lucky me. Today we are going to get Nate's 3 month pictures taken. I'm planning on having him wear this adorable sweater my cousin Kim made for him and maybe the hat too! If I can get it on and he'll keep it on. I love hats on him and he hates things on his head -s o we'll see who wins that fight. Craig's going too - so I hope to get one of the two of them together. DAd and my grandma will also be there - we just happened to plan to mee them at the mall today. And then going back to HOwell for a little cook out.
I better get going - still need to give Nate a bath today and get all of us going.
Love,
Gail marie
Monday, October 04, 2004
Pictures are Updated!
the left! Yeah!
You can see Nate with his grandma Liz and grandpa
Doug! Even Uncle Marcus finally had some free time to
pose with Nate! you can also see Natalie in there
too!
Yesterday we had a lot of fun with dad taking Nate to
the pumpkin patch and apple orchard! It was a lot of
fun - we have a lot of cute pictures there. I'm going
to submit some for a picture contest from the apple
orchard.
Other than that - I still have a job! Not sure for
how long - but at least the pay check went through
last week too! So that was good news. Off to bed -
all 3 of us are fighting colds again.
Love Gail
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Survived 1st week back
I did survive the week - it was sure a long one with all the rumors abound at the office. One minute we will not be there in a few weeks, the next we're there till June. So who knows - someone but they sure aren't telling us much at all. I guess its a waiting game. I can handle that for now - its a pay check. And it seems no one did anything really while I was gone - lucky me - at least life is busy at the office while way too quiet (so many people are just gone).
Today - we are all going out to Howell. Nate and I will hang out with Grandpa Doug while daddy takes Grandpa Ron to a rock show. We thought we'd have more fun at the house with Billy Jean and maybe get a glimpse of Uncle Marcus for a few minutes. And yes - we finally have a picture with Uncle Marcus actually HOLDING Nate - one of these days we'll have Craig post everything to the site link.
Nate's getting really big - almost 3 months old! YIkes! And a little chunk - but a cute one. And all the blonde hair is coming in - its still very light - so you can't see it too well in the pictures - but it is there.
Talk to you all later!
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
1st Day
work is just work - nothing has changed unfortunately. So we'll see how long I have a job here - keep your fingers crossed.
Gail
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Back to work
My company sounds like they MAY (yes a big maybe) have an investor - so that will be good. I may get to avoid the unemployment line for now! Yeah - after a month with no pay check that will be good.
Nate was at his Day care - Childtime - last Friday and seemed very happy. We hung out for a few minutes with the care takers and other kids. He was smiling and just had fun looking at all the stuff. So that is exciting.
HOpe you all check out the pictures on the family photos on this site. We are trying to keep it updated. We'll let you know how this week goes.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Nate's Doctor's Appointment
Nate survived his two-month check-up! He's 13 pounds 9 ounces and 23 1/2" long. He can now officially be referred to as "Hoss." He had three shots today which included 5 vaccines, and I've been informed that I get to go to the 4 month checkup to help "hold him down." :-( Overall, the doctor was pleased with his progress. (Which also means we've passed the two-month parenting test, and he won't be calling social services on us!) I posted many new pictures to the website, so feel free to check them out. There's a Nate folder, and Nate 200408 folder, and I'll keep making news ones for each month. Craig
Take care,
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Good Nights sleep!
He's now trying to get his lunch and sleep for the afternoon. He hasn't had much of a nap this morning, so he's due for a good nap this afternoon. Getting into a little pattern, so we'll take it. We are confident we'll get more or a routine once we start day care in a week. Looking forward to that as well.
Gail