It is always my goal to update the blog at least twice per month. I think there has been only one month in the history of the Rammelsberg Fammelsberg I have made my goal. What can I say? I'm a busy lady. We have been up to a lot in the last month, so I thought it was about time. I will address this Christmas card style because I don't often give updates on the whole family, usually just the new things Elliot is doing. Elliot fans, don't worry, it will be mostly about her.
Jessica & Erik
Erik is still working two jobs, both part-time. He mostly works at Kennewick General Hospital as the Clinical Systems Educator (combining his nursing skills with his nerd computer skills), and then once a week he works at an eye surgery center to keep up his practical skills. He has been having a very busy couple of months because his "part-time" KGH job has become more of a full-time job as they have just implemented a new computer program. I think it will start to settle down soon and he will be back to his normal schedule.
I am still working 3/4 time as a prosecutor and LOVING it! Seriously, if you ever have the opportunity to work 3/4 time take it. Due to some scheduling changes, this weekend I had Friday off AND will have this Monday off as well...4 day weekend! It could not have come at a better time. This week was rough. One of the children on my caseload took his own life, which is, sadly, much more common than it should be among foster children. Obviously, I spent a lot of time going over and over his file, trying to figure out what could have been done differently...sad and unpleasant. On top of that, a defendant, upset at my recommendations, threw a table in the court room (I should probably get some pepper spray or something) and a woman came into my office, angry that the defendant in her case did not show up for trial (as if I have anything to do with that) and told me that I have "an awfully big job for such a little girl." So, yes, I earned this long weekend, and the large glass of wine I had with dinner last night ;). Here's to getting rested and refreshed before next week!
Toast
Interestingly, there is a lot to report about Toast this month! In the space of 30 days he has gone from the world's most high-strung dog to the world's most expensive high-strung dog.
If you are Facebook friends with me, you may have noticed around 3 weeks ago he made a trip to the emergency vet. He has been having seizures since he was a puppy, but they usually last no more than five minutes and then he is fine. Well, on this occasion, he had been seizing for 40 minutes when he finally saw the the vet and was given some drugs to stop them. He had to have tests run and then went to see his regular vet. Turns out he has epilepsy and now he has to take medication every morning and evening. High maintenance. He hasn't had any seizures again, so it must be working.
Elliot
Girlfriend has been busy with her usual tricks. You know, being cute, getting into everything, etc.
She is currently stepping. I say stepping and not walking, because I think there is a distinct difference. She will only take about 3 to 4 steps on her own. Usually from one piece of furniture to another. But she definitely does not walk. She could, she is just scared. I know because when she doesn't realize she is doing it she takes steps, but as soon as she is aware she won't do it, and reverts to crawling to get to her destination. But, it should be anytime now!
She is also starting to get quite vocal. She says a few words with purpose. Her favorites are "Mom!" (occasionally Mama, but usually Mom!), "Dadda" and "Toast". My favorite is Toast because she will look at him, point, and say "Toasssssst." I thought Erik was going to lose it the first time she looked at him and said "Dadda." Adorable.
She is growing like a weed. Ten months old and she is wearing 12-18 months. The problem is, she is so skinny the pants that are long enough for her are way too big in the waist. Erik claims this to be the story of his life. Must be tough. I did discover a well kept secret to keep her in clothes: yard sales. I picked up like 10 new pairs of jammies for her today for $10.
Ok, well that is the update on the fam. I will leave you with some pics :).
Easter
Girls' Day luncheons
Playing (that pointer finger is always out!)
Taking our measurements! Probably not horribly accurate, but gives us an idea.
Reading
Practicing walking
Relaxing
And being generally adorable.
