Merry Christmas to all

I wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas this year. Its been a long bittersweet year for a lot of people. Lots of highs and many more lows! I know we've all been there. But please, at tihs time of year - remember your loved ones, remember my mom. just know they are in heaven looking down at us and are with us in spirit. Celebrating all the while with us. Its hard to feel it many days - but please try. My mom would want us to be happy and remember her joy and smiles and laugh. She would not want us to sit and be sad all the time or remembering that bad times at the end. So - go out and smile and laugh for my mom. have the Friday at 4's that she started at Citizens. If there were anyone in my office or cube land - I'd start that too. unfortunately - very few people are left.

Be thankful for the ones you have with you now. If you are fighting or for some strange reason, can't remember why you don't talk to someone - mend that fence now. You don't know when you will have that chance again! This is the time. Make 2005 a year of change and loving the life and people you do have. Its hard - but do it. I know I cherish as much time as I can get with my family. I want us to be happy and we will be. Heck - we have a cute little boy that will live through mom's spirit and love. He'll start talking about her someday like he was there - so just do that.

sorry for the craziness - not sure what that's about - I just need to have mom remembered - so remember your loved ones. I know many people are struggling with many other issues - so take care of yourselves and live every day like its your last. Don't go to bed mad or angry - always kiss your family good night.

I hope the snow doesn't hit everyone too hard this week - drive careful and ring in the new year!
love,
Gail (and gang)

Dedication, Rolling and sitting

Well we have had a big week! Last Sunday, Nate was dedicated at grandpa Doug's church! It was very special. That is the same place Uncle Marcus and I were dedciated at years ago! We had lots of the family from Michigan there to share in the day (with a few friends added in too). Nate even had his Aunt Jen and Ann from NY here for the special day. He LOVED being with both of them. His aunt Jen and him got along great! He loves her tons and tons.

Today we celebrated the Wilcox Christmas with aunt Darlene and gang. We had a good time. Nate started to roll over from back to front. He still needed a tad assitance, but almost has it. He also was able to sit up with out any assistance holding him up. Well both tasks need a LOT of practice. The sitting up MUST be monitored because he likes to tumble over still. It only lasts a few minutes. But today was the longest. It was just a fun day.

Nate also helped us do some Christmas shopping yesterday. He had fun flirting with anyone and everyone that would take a look at him. He impressed one man so much that he actually gave Nate $1! That was really sweet. WEll this week is a 4 day week for the holiday. We'll be spending lots of time with the family for Christmas eve and day. We'll miss Grandma, aunt Jen and Tj though. Next year!

Better get going - big week at work this week. The Big three are totally pulling all their work out of our plants. So we'll be shutting down much sooner than they ever anticipated. What fun that will be. HOpefully we'll make it through this week! But I"m allowed to look for jobs at work now - so that is good.

Time to get going - both of us are exhausted today. Long and busy weekend.

Big update

Well this will have to be a big update - I didn't realize its been so long since the last post - ops.

Life just has been really busy with the holidays and all that. Nate's doing great - he's enjoying his cereal a lot. He's also adjusted to the soy formula - it seems to be helping! WE haven't given him cold medicine for about a week now! So that is a huge plus! He's happy as can be. He's making new noises of "glee" now. Its cute. I guess he had a belly bustin laugh yesterday at daycare. They had him laying on the floor with another little boy and then suddenly just heard someone laughing! It was Nate! They said it was the cutest thing! WE can't wait to hear it ourselves! But he's just as happy as can be, so that is good.

Last night, we attended a candlelight service to remember mom and grandpa and everyone else. It was really nice. Nate wanted to talk through the whole thing. Craig did take him out to another room - a large empty room. So he realized how his voice can echo Craig said! He was enjoying that new excitement as well! Craig said he was really talking up a storm - very loudly and making all sorts of noises to hear them echo! Too cute.

He's also 5 months old yesterday! Yeah - getting big and out growing clothes left and right. This weekend we are having him dedicated in dad's church! So that will be nice - we are very excited. Craig's sister and "aunt" Ann are coming in for it as well. So this will be a very special event for our family.

Us - doing great. Craig's finally got some interviews going to find a replacement for his job so he can focus on the promotion to manager! That will really help - he's enjoying his job a lot too! My job - well Oxford Automotive finally declared bankruptcy this past week! So life has been interesting and finally coming to an end. They did start laying people off this week -b ut I was told I should be ok - probably till March 31st. That is the deadline -either there will be nothing, or they will sell the operating plants by then. WE hope for the sale. One company is very interested, but slow in making things final. And with this weeks move - the plants are now on the auction block for the highest bidder. So we'll see. IF the interested party gets moving - its possible I can stay there. One good thing, they are looking at office space in Plymouth! Yeah - closer to home and Nate's daycare!!!! Bad thing - 15-20% pay cut fromt he start! Now that will be a huge hit to anyone. But things can change with the wind - so until its done and over I'm there. I don't know if I totally trust some people that say I"m safe till the end of March -

Other than that - I've been enjoying 8 days of vacation - I haven't had a full week since before thanksgiving and won't until next year! I took another 2 days this week and 2 more next! Yeah. Then I"m getting the week between the holidays off as well - can't wait! I'm so spoiled at this point.

Well I should go - the house is a mess and needs some major attention.
Love,
Gail - and family

Eating Cereal

Well Nate had his first taste of spoon fed cereal this evening! He wasn't sure exactly what to think at first, but then started to really like it. He was opening his mouth for the spoon and all! It was fun to take picutres of having all the cereal - ALL over his face and bib - images of orange, green and other colors come to mind. Baby food colors will be tested in a few months! We took video so Nate's grandparents can enjoy it all.

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

Short Hello

Just a little HELLO to you all out there.
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

Nate's 4 month check up

Well today was his 4 month check up with shots too! Lucky little guy - NOT. He was such a good boy in the waiting area, laughing and smiling and just talking up a storm. Then he got tired with the wait. So he was just fussy for the long visit - they were very behind today. But he survived and is now home and trying to fight taking a nap. He's so tired.

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

Santa

Nate met Santa today! We met my friend Sarah and her little boy Tommy at the mall - and Santa just happened to be there - this early! So we took picture of the boys each with Santa and then together. I'll have to try and post them in the next week or so. Nate didn't know what to think of that guy in red with the white hair. It was cute.

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)

Sleeping Good

Well some happy news from me! the last two nights - Nate has "slept' through the night! He woke up briefly a few times, but a pacifier and some music put him right back to sleep! the first night - I had actually went to make a bottle a few times and came back to feed him and he was back to a sound sleep! So that is good! I'm excited. Now we just need to get it so he's not waking up at all! But I'll take what we can get.

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.

Checking in

I think we are all feeling much better now. Nate is still fighting his cold, but seems to be doing better. Now dad has the flu - poor guy. AT least it hit after the trip to Texas he took with Marcus last weekend. We have pictures of Nate available at Smiles by Wire through JC Penny - you can take a look at them by going to the following link.

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!

Backus - House 'o' Flu

HI all - yes - we have it the flu bug! Its NOT fun. We have concluded that Nate had it last week and was sick on WEdnesday. Then Craig had the bug on Friday - we thought it was food poisoning. But when I became sick early Sunday morning - we quickly decided we were wrong. It is definately not a fun thing, I think its hit me the hardest. The boys kicked it in uner 24 hours pretty much. I'm home again today - feeling tons better than yesterday -but still not great. So I figured -take a sick day! Fun -

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!

Exciting (sick) week

Well its been exciting. We had our first ER visit on Sunday - all is well. Nate's finger was cut a little while cutting his long finger nails. It wouldn't stop bleeding and his doctor told us to take him in. WEll the hospital probably laughed at us. But he's fine - he was a jolly little baby in the little room. And the bleeding stopped. WE decided he didn't need a stitch either.

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

First night away

WEll I survived my first night away from Nate this week - so that was good. The next month I'll have a few more over night trips unfortunately. My boss is being cool and trying to limit it as much as possible. So that is good. And yes - still working. We'll see how long it lasts - it changes every day with the rumors.

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

Pictures are Updated!

You can find two more files of Nate pictures over to
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

Survived 1st week back

Hi All - yup - its Saturday morning! Nate and I survived our first week into the groove! He caught a nice cold at daycare too! But seems to be doing well - just a cough and stuffy/runny nose. And the thrush may finally be going away! Yeah!!

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!

1st Day

Well Nate and I both survived the 1st day yesterday. he seemed to do really well at day care. i called and they told me he was doing great and wished all new kids adjusted as well. We knew he'd be a trooper. I made it through too - couldn't wait to leave early to go get my hands on the little guy. It took me over an hour to get there from my office. not a fun drive. But loved seeing him when I got my hands on him. He was definately a happy little guy.

work is just work - nothing has changed unfortunately. So we'll see how long I have a job here - keep your fingers crossed.

Gail