...sensible of shoe: January 2009

Our newfound relatives drove in from Duluth today for our winter visit. Despite how I worry beforehand, we had a wonderful day! They are fun, kind people who have blessed us beyond compare. We spent the day with Tasha & her daughter Alice, Tasha's mom Cindy, Tasha's sister Tanya & finance/horse jockey Jacob and their little girls Abby & Audrina. Got that? We had a big breakfast, opened more birthday gifts for Nor and just caught up. In the afternoon they went to explore the Science Museum while we Seltzes wisely stayed home to relax. When they came back, we baked Valentine's Day cookies and then went out for dinner at TGI Friday's. We have such a natural, open relationship and we feel very comfortable and enjoy spending time with them! It is amazing to see and feel God's hand in all of our lives.

Abby, Baby Audrina, Norbo and Alice

I had a cherry bomb. And then a sake bomb. In my blue shirt.

In case you are wondering...yes, I got my laundry basket from my husbo! And flowers, a BPA-free water bottle and gift card for a massage. What more is there?

Thanks for all the cards, phone calls, and Facebook birthday wishes! I survived another year without having to wear a dumb party hat so that is success in my book. Nori & I had very chill day together enjoying story time at the library and a nap in the sunshine. Later we met up with some favorite family members & best friends for dinner downtown Saint Paul at Sakura. It was a special day!

She liked the ginger!

Equal number of sippy cups and beer mugs. We must be 31.

Casey sports his blue shirt - nature or nurture?

Missy made me a delish pink cookie cake!

Ellen tries sushi for the first time...and lives

31 short years ago my mother, bless her privates, pushed me forth into the cold, cruel world. No, I take that back! The world is misunderstood and is truly a warm fuzzy just waiting to be squeezed. I shall spend today with my soulmate, Nori, whilst being showered with flowers and vibes of birthday love from my fans. Tonight it's dinner at the Ivy with my family and our good friends the Jolie-Pitts and Stefani-Rossdales. Paparazzo beware.

Can you believe this lil bugger has grown so much in just 365 days?

Update:
Go immune system! Seems like her last high temp (102) was last night before bed because she woke up this morning cool (96) and content. As Jake said "she is making happy noises again". So the ped did not want to see her day after all and I am comfortable with that because she seems to be getting back to her old, adorable self. Like mother, like daughter.

True story. While watching a commercial for The Bachelor (um, during The Bachelor) the announcer says "Do you have what it takes to be the next bachelor?" and Jake looks into the TV and replies "Why, yes, I do". Ladies, here is what you are missing. 6'2, lanky and loves dogs.

A real man rolls his sweatpants to avoid dog hair and show off his black socks/slippers

Sexy squat to Furminate beloved pooch

Jake & I DVR this show weekly so I guess you could say we are fans (although Kate's anal retentive, rigid personality drives us nuts). Anyway, I came across this blog called Gosslins Without Pity. The authors feel that the kids are being exploited by working on a reality television show, not having a normal childhood and being pimped out for free trips, new clothes, and other fun stuff. Where the family was once struggling financially (using food shelves, heating assistance and other government aid), they are now wealthy because of the show, recently buying a $1.3 million dollar home. The authors don't think there is anything wrong with them being successful but rather have an issue that the free stuff continues to roll in as some people are not aware of how lucrative your own show & books can be (or maybe they are and just want the free publicity?). Some of the posters are pretty mean but it is an interesting in perspective.

BTB, I don't really care about how much money they do or don't have but get irked by the attitudes. Did you see the ep with the new house when Kate went bonkers telling the kids they may never set foot in her new bedroom ever again without "severe punishment"? Sad.

Have you noticed all the free tampons around? At the U, the are now free in the dispensers and also at Target. When did this glorious miracle happen? I have a feeling Oprah was behind it.

Happy Belated Birthday to my Aunt Wendy!

Update: Still sick. We rocked and sang about 300 verses of baby reggae's favorite tune...

Everything gonna be alright
Everything gonna be alright, child
Everything gonna be alright
No baba, no cry
No baba, no cry

Take a look at the sneak peek of our photo session and enter password Seltz under client proofing at: http://www.graceparkphotography.com/index2.php

***
Somehow we got through an entire year with no fevers or major illnesses, other than a few colds and one rash of messy diapers. Nori is running a temp of 102 for 24 hours now so I called her pediatrician but they think it's viral (due to her cold) and don't want to see her unless it's been 72 hours or she seems a lot worse, higher temp, etc. In the meantime, I am home with her for the second day in a row. Obvi she can't go to daycare until she fever-free for 24 hours. It's kinda hard to be a professional and a mom what with all the missing work but hey, duty calls.

Awhile back I tried to see if one meager person could change the world by trying to start a new trend of saying "by the by" (BTB) instead of "by the way" (BTW). So far it still just me saying that.

What is this picture, you ask? Oh nothing, just thawing our dishwasher. Poor thing is frozen solid and needs a nice, warm hug.

Nori recovered from her shot induced crabbiness though not in time for pictures... she cried and clung to my neck most of the time but the photographer was really cool and is happy to do some more shots if needed. We had a fun family weekend reading books, playing rock band (not on the Wii, with real fake instruments) eating Thai food, napping, cooking, cleaning our rooms and organizing closets & dressers, learning to play catch (Nori & I both need to learn) and watching Jake freak out after getting spray foam insulation on his hands.

There are a couple of adoption message boards that I follow and just recently a horrible tragedy occurred. A family was set to adopt a baby boy but at the last minute the birth family changed their minds and did not place him for adoption. Here is the post:

unimaginable tragedy

I cannot believe this happened so I wanted to tell you, my friends here on a.com. The baby we were going to adopt was murdered at 5 weeks old by his stepfather! here's the link Man Charged With Murder In Infant's Death - Jacksonville- msnbc.com . I wish I had done something, anything, to protect him when she said she was going to parent. Say a little prayer for all of us please.

This is not to imply that any mother who chooses to parent is unfit or has an unsafe home, NOT true! But it is a reminder that there are many children who need safe homes and partially why we choose adoption in the first place.

You know how I am aways raving about how great and fun being a mom is? And it is! But not today. Ever since our fun doctor visit on Wednesday, Norelle has been extremely crabby, crying and and not sleeping well. Even with the Motrin, she is not herself today. She is supposed to be taking a nap right now but is crying and yelling "mamamama!". However even when she is up she is still not happy. We have her one year pictures at noon today so a little nap would do her good but I don't think that is going to happen. Only six more hours until Jake gets home.

Yesterday was Nori's 12 month well-baby visit. I guess I have been slacking off on reading the books because I was shocked to learn that she is ready to transition off of formula and bottles onto whole milk in a sippy cup. Already?! No more bottles for my baby? Not like I have to do it over night but still. I swear Suri Cruise still drinks a bottle. Nori got a couple shots and had blood drawn...let's just say it was traumatic. She screamed the entire time the nutty blood lady was squeezing her finger and was up FIVE times last night. No fever, just unhappy. Let's hope today goes better. Anyway, here are her stats for those of you taking bets on her future in the WNBA. Looks like she got the Hengel short genes from my Papa's side.

Weight 20 lbs 12 oz - 45%
Length 28.5 inches - 30%
Head 46 (what unit?) - 75%

I am sure we all watched the news coverage of yesterday's historic inauguration. It was a great day and it feels like progress. I would have to say my favorite moment of the day was not the actual television coverage but rather Jake's commentary on it. While watching the first dance at the Neighborhood Ball, he piped up in his best Michelle Obama voice, saying "Did you just twirl me, Barack Hussein Obama?" while batting his eyelashes. It was one for the history books.

I had to wait until I was 20 to have a poem written about me and then I had to write it myself. Young Liam Mc already has a few words to say about our little Nori...

Norelle is one! We had a wonderful birthday party today complete with family & friends, balloons, cake, presents and a photo DVD of the last year set to music. It was a very special day! Thank you everyone for joining us to celebrate! We love you!

Twins? Liam & Nori with big sister Lo on the side

Jake resisting blowing out the candle himself...

It's not a party without a photo collage

Baked by Papa Bill himself. Yeah right.

"These toys are great but I would prefer you donate the money charity instead... "
Cake is very scary. As are party hats. Keep away.

Guess who came over to visit us yesterday? Baby Nova and parents! Aren't they cute?

Nova got the hair gene from Shawn!

Does this look a woman who just gave birth? No!

Since it is so rare for us to go out, downtown no less, I have to share. We met up with Justin and his new GF Sandi, JD & Steph, Andy & Miss, Don & Dottie and K. Mer at the M & S Grill. Justin technically lives here but really is in Australia for work most of the time so we miss him. He brought Nori a real live kangaroo, isn't that sweet? After a Twin Cities Colada and a Mint Mojito, I was ready for bed. See how cool I still am! Still?

Justin + Sandi = love

And today,(Sabro's birthday) we had swimming lessons, see photo by Gramsie...

We are singing the motorboat song...

I just got home from fun time at Ann & Chris's Inaugural Gala.The cheese and friends were most delightful. A big congrats to Katie& Jeff who are expecting a little Harrington in June. And Hotel Seltz is back for business after nearly a week off. Tourists are back just in time for a special birthday party tomorrow. Off to go hang streamers...

I would like to thank God, The Academy and of course, my fans who support me through good times and bad. Soley because my parents boned in April of 1977 (probably on my Dad's birthday which is April 24) I was born in January and thus received this award from Sabrina, not for my talents but just because of the month I was born. That means so much and I will display it proudly!

my baby is one. I am dying. Such a cliche but time has never, ever raced by so fast as it has this year. Our first year with Nori has been wonderful and we are going to celebrate with a little (er, big-ish) bash this weekend. Lots of party prep to do but I am a smart mom so the food with will be catered by Boca Chica so I won't have to try to cook with a kid climbing up my leg.

Lots going on this week! On Friday we will see our long lost pal Justin in from Australia, our families will be in town again (in fact we now have 4 vehicles lined up in our driveway as Jake's fam is in Mexico and we are on car scraping patrol), we hope to stop by The Shaw's Inauguration party at Saturday, and then it's off to balloon and cakeland on Sunday. I feel very lucky and blessed to have a birthday party to plan for the funniest girl on the planet!

1. WHAT TIME DID YOU GET UP THIS MORNING? 7:20 a.m
2. DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? plastic beads
3. WHAT WAS THE LAST FILM YOU SAW AT A THEATER? Juno. Yes, last year.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE T. V. SHOW? The Office
5. WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST? Chocolate Mint Zone bar and coffee
6. WHAT IS YOUR MIDDLE NAME? MelRo
7. FAVORITE CUISINE? Sushi
8. WHAT FOOD DO YOU DISLIKE? Peanut Butter
9. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR? Green
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CD AT THE MOMENT? 8 Switch
11. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE? Honda Accord 2001
12. FAVORITE LUNCH? anything other than my spinach salad
13. WHAT CHARACTERISTICS IN PEOPLE DO YOU DISLIKE? Bad smells
14. MY FAVORITE PAST-TIME IS: naps
15. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD ON VACATION, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Slovenia
16. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SINGER(S)? IDK... me?
17. FAVORITE BRAND OF CLOTHING? Must be Lauren Conrads's new line.
18. TO WHERE WOULD YOU RETIRE? Hana, Hawaii
19. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY? The one that is happening in 18 days
20. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? none
21. FAVORITE BOOK? Roots by Alex Haley
22. FAVORITE PERFUME\COLOGNE? yuck, none
23. FAVORITE MOVIE TRILOGY? Aren't all trilogies boy movies?
24. GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF? Don't injure anything
25. WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? January 30
25a. ANY FAMOUS PEOPLE SHARE YOUR BIRTHDAY? Pres. FDR
26. HOW MANY WEDDINGS HAVE YOU BEEN IN, INCLUDING YOUR OWN? 6
27. ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT PERSON? Neither
28. WHAT IS YOUR SHOE SIZE? 39 in MBT
29. PETS: Dorthopotomus
30. ANY NEW AND EXCITING NEWS YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US? I flossed.
31. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE? Artist
32. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? Light and fluffy
33. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CANDY? dark chocolate chocolate
34. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLANT OR FLOWER? hibiscus
35. WHAT DAY ON THE CALENDAR ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? Feb 13
36. WHERE IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE EVER BEEN FROM HOME? Doolin, Ireland
37. A SMALL THING YOU REALLY ENJOY? my house
38. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? The Hurricane
39. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Enduring natural childbirth with Norelle & breastfeeding
40. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ALBUM? IDK
41. WHAT MAKES YOU CRINGE? Chalky chalk. Ick!
42. IF YOU COULD DO ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Travel
43. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN THAT YOU WILL VISIT AGAIN? Grand Shanghai
44. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN THAT YOU WILL NEVER VISIT AGAIN? Pittsburgh airport
44. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICECREAM? Chocolate Oreo at Izzy's
45. WHICH CAME FIRST, THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG? I refuse to tell.
46. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU MADE SMILE TODAY? Just one, me.
47. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE WORLD, WHAT DO YOU SEE? trees of green
48. CATS OR DOGS? Puppies
49 GOOD OR BAD? Great
50. SOMETHING PEOPLE PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I get perms.

And Norelle's, too. We started Aqua Tots today at the Great River Water Park at the Oxford Community Center. She did really well but felt a little sad when she saw others babies crying. They incorporate lots of songs and splashing into the lesson. She clung on for dear life most of the time but it was so cute I enjoyed her grip. She must have got a mouthful of water because when got out the pool she let out the biggest burp I have ever heard her make. Like father, like daughter.

So, I just registered for a Spanish class! One of the perks of working at a university is free tuition so I thought why not brush up before Peru? I took Spanish all throughout high school and I was able to earn 10 college credits worth via the CLEP test (hence my semester early graduation) then continued on through Conversation & Composition (our prof was always drunk in class, right Sus?) but I dropped out at that point because I was too scared to go abroad. Now I am so rusty. I was reading through the course syllabi to determine where I should start up again. Sad to say it's only in the second semester, Span 1002. My conjugation is muy malo. Anyway, I think it will be fun!

Jim's memorial service was nice and very well attended! The line to greet the family wrapped around the church. It was evident that people cared for Jim. Thanks for all the kinds words, I am sure his family and brothers appreciate all the support.

James W. Palbicki, 63, of Winona died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis., after suffering a stroke on Jan. 1, 2009.

He was born March 7, 1945, in Winona to Walter and Sylvia (Sikorski) Palbicki. On April 4, 1970, he was united in marriage with Doris Dulas at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona.

Jim honorably served with the United States Navy from 1963 until 1967. He was employed by Northwestern Bell and Qwest from 1968 until his retirement on July 31, 2006. Jim also owned and operated the Zesto Drive-in from 1976 until 1998.

He was a member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, the Athletic Club, the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and past Grand Sachem of the Redmen’s Club. Jim also participated in many activities at the VFW.

In Jim’s younger years, he enjoyed bowling, shooting pool, ice skating and teaching ice skating to his children. He loved going to the casino, trips to Las Vegas and boating on the river. He was a fan of the Rat Pack and Elvis. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Jim will be sadly missed by all who knew him!

Jim is survived by his wife, Doris of Winona; children, Brad Palbicki of Winona, Melanie (Chaz) Timm of Winona, and Jeremy (Katie) Palbicki of Rochester, Minn.; grandchildren, Madelaine Dombeck, Adria Timm, Christopher Palbicki, Brandon Palbicki, Alyssa Palbicki, and Grace Palbicki; mother, Sylvia Palbicki of Winona; brothers, William (Linda) Palbicki of Plymouth, Minn., and Richard (Dana) Palbicki of Cottage Grove, Minn.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bryan (Ann) Dulas, Ron (Cindy) Dulas, Darwin (Nancy) Dulas, Bill Dulas and Linda Wiste; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents, Jack and Jenny (Lubinski) Sikorski and Dominic and Stella (Rolbiecki) Palbicki; parents-in-law, Ray and Evelyn Dulas; and brother-in-law, Harold Dulas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 6 p.m. today, Jan. 6, 2009, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. Monsignor Roy E. Literski will officiate. Spring burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church today, Jan. 6, 2009, from 4 p.m. until the time of the Mass.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Jim’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com

Entrusted to our care — Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home.

Ever heard of her? Wow, this is the second best day of my life. See Kelly's brush with fame here..

More sad news. My Uncle Jim passed away on Saturday due to his stroke. My dad was able to go see him when he was recovering but was called back later that night with news he would not make it. The funeral is tomorrow in Winona. My prayers go out to Doris, her kids and grand kids.

Since I am already on a bummer note, I will share some news about my foot. It is hurting. Not the bad one, the good one! After five years of having my own version of plantar fasciitis, I actually finally have the typical heel pain in the morning. No more carrying my daughter around the house barefoot. Bad me! Well, now I have a great excuse to sit on the couch and watch Planet Earth in HD. Send food.

My 12 day vacation is almost over. And by vacation I mean a few days spent with relatives, noisy toys that overstimulate the senses, road trips, getting up at 6:30 a.m., fixing three meals a day, cleaning, laundry, and chasing T Mc.B around the house. Not exactly a vacation at home like the days of yore but rather quality time together. I love it. My mom, who now has a Facebook page, has been here all week too so she enjoys my complaints and loves to say "I did it with two". Helpful.

Last night Tracy & Jill made my Great Grandma Dorothy's signature spaghetti (she was Irish, BTB) and talked about our plans for family diet over carbs. We are all supposed to lose 5% of our body weight by the end of Jan. Screw lifestyle changes, we want quick results and then it to all end. So, I did three workouts on the Exercise on Demand channel today. I think I am winning.

Today we went to the Como Zoo & Conservatory. The Conservatory plant part was a bit dull but the primates were worth the trip. Norelle has been a great girl and her top tooth seems to have receded for the moment and so has the pain. She is getting really smart: she "reads" herself books, makes soup but putting the ingredients in a pot and stirring (I taught her this one) and copied us by grabbing a tortilla chip, dipping it in the guacamole and eating it. Hello!

Now some sad news. My Uncle Jim Palbicki (husband of Doris of the waffle cookies, my former boss at the Zesto) had very serious stroke yesterday and appears to have paralysis on his entire left side.Please keep him in your prayers as he recovers. Also, my friend Angie (Lofthus) Chapman's sister Lisa passed away from a brain tumor. She was kind, gorgeous and only 29. Very tragic.

My New Year's Baby

It's only 10:30 a.m. but yours truly has already played with the baby, worked out and cleaned. 2009 is off with a bang! I'll be honest, I am sad to let 2008, the BEST year of my life, go but I am optimistic that 2009 will be just as good, maybe even better. 2008 was the year of my wonderful baby and parenthood, turning 30, travel, better feet and many blessings!!

Liam shows Nori how to pose

I won't too say much about last night because I don't want anything to be used as evidence in the pending trial but we had fun. Our pals the McIntyre's joined us for a Mexican Fiesta and the babies were all about it. We feel strongly it's important they know how to party early on. Who am I kidding, the party was over by 9:30, Jake & I watched one ep of Dexter and we were half-asleep in bed when the fireworks went off at midnight. Perfection.

Notice Jake's Chile Rellenos? He was proud of them...

Just a typical night at our house. Yes, I am wearing my husbo's panties.

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