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NOT getting her way
Originally uploaded by jegoffin.

So, this is the "most viewed" photos on my flickr photostream. I find this interesting. But, I thought I would update everyone on Nora's evolution from this photo to the present in terms of behavior when someone uses the N word. In this picture, clearly, she is in the mode of "pity party". Shortly after this stage she moved onto the "inflicting pain on the user of the word" stage. This included (but was not limited to) biting, pinching, hitting, and headbutting. After a particularly stinging pinch I told her very sternly no and then proceed to tell her how much that had hurt. She appeared sympathetic and even made the frowny, crying face with tears. For the most part she has curbed her outburst againt others. It gave way to the "self hurting" stage. Which I have to admit, as a parent, is more disturbing that her hitting me. When she hears No she either hits herself in the face or pulls her hair. Though the pediatrician says it is good for her to hit herself, I can't help but think of Rainman. I mean, HELLO doesn't that hurt! I know it hurts actually because you've done it to me. Recently, she has started to transition away from the self-inflicted variety of frustration and into inatimate objects, like what ever it is she is told no about. ie my computer. or her doll. I'm not sure this is progress.

Work continues a pace

DSCN0490
Originally uploaded by jegoffin.

is apace one word or two. Anyway, as you can see there is more than just a whole in the ground. In fact this is our downstairs. We hope to see some upstairs this week!
In other news, I am coming/going to Boston (depending on who you are). And can't wait to see all my friends. Here's the itinerary:

Wednesday July 27th, arrive in BOS at 9:30pm
Thursday July 28th, Institute from 5pm on...
Friday July 29th, Institute all day and possibly the evening too.
Saturday July 30th, Institute all day and possible the evening too.
Sunday July 31st, Institute brunch in the morning and free in the afternoon and evening.
Monday August 1st, Free all morning and afternoon, flight leaves BOS at 5:41pm
Yeah!

Family photo

Family photo
Originally uploaded by jegoffin.

We miss travelling. It was so nice to spend time together as a family. This is one of the few photos we have of the whole family. It was taken on the roof of the Galleries Layfayette (one of MY favorite places in Paris).
Now that we are home the routine of life has firmly settled in. Work, cleaning, eating, errands, and all the rest of the stuff. Of course, the construction of our new house keeps things interesting. Speaking of which, I am going to upload some pics of the progress.

Post sickness

New/Old stroller
Originally uploaded by jegoffin.

I've been really ever so not well.
Sinus infection, days in bed watching Law and Order, NYPD Blue, and Buffy. But, now I am feeling much, much better.
I went to the doctor on Tuesday morning and although it was a severely shitty experience, I got some antibiotics and am now feeling less not well.
Except for that pesky little "secondary infection" you know the one I mean, the one that is reserved for the ladies...
So I am three weeks into the new job and it is going well. I like the work, location, and in a month or so I will like the paycheck. It is funny not seeing Miss Nora as much. But, I think I will get used to it. Also it helps me to appreciate the time we do have together.
I leave for Boston on Wednesday! Can't wait to see everyone and have a loverly time on my own!!!!!

On my own at the UCEN

With the Mom
Originally uploaded by jegoffin.

Well, nostalgia strikes again. I am currently sitting in the UCen or University Center at UCSB using on of the crusty old terminals. I am waiting until 6:15 when the students in the Children's Lit class finish their midterm and I can gather them up and tote them home to grade with haste. (I will be doing the same thing with their papers at the end of July when I go to Boston for the Institute). Being on campus now though feels so different. I think it is because I am now a career employee, in other words I belong here. Some how I always seemed to know that I would end up working for a University. I guess I thought it would be as a professor rather than as a administrative assistant. C'est la vie. It suits me fine right now. Especially the benefits. Here is the problems with the benefits, though the problem is not specific to UC benefits. I want to have my next baby (NOT in the oven, by the way) as close to possible as I did in Cambridge. The short version: NOT a prayer. The hospitals (2) do not perform VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Ceserean) which doesn't directly affects me, but lets me know the general tone of the doctors and hospitals here: Consevrative. There was apparently one or two doctors that worked with midwives up until a short time ago when something happened during a home birth. Apparently the midwife involved was run out of town and the rest are a bit gun shy. I know that there isn't a Birth Center like in Cambridge, but I would ideally like as little to do with a doctor as possible. Still, I don't want to have the baby at home either. Basically what I am saying is that it suck that there are so little options for birthing in a supposedly liberal state like California. And, since my labor was so short last time round (and sencond babies typically arrive in half the time) travelling doesn't really seem to be a viable option. What to do? Oh, and any doctors that still use a midwife don't seem to take any insurance plans.

In other news, my job is going very well. I like my co-worker, I'm learning the ropes quickly, and I enjoy being away from home on a regular basis. I can't wait to get a paycheck, woo-hoo!

The house is still behind schedule, no surprise there. But, everyday that there is no one working makes me very, very crabby.

Nora with Lake

Nora with Lake
Originally uploaded by jegoffin.

This photo is from the balcony of Edith's house in Lugano. If it wasn't for the heat, it would have been perfect. Although with the heat the only possible thing to do was to visit the Lido. It is kind of like a beach club on the lake. There are also pools, kiddie pools, diving pools, swimming pools, and the best fries we've ever had. It was so relaxing to be here, especially with Edith. I can't wait to return some day.

Fun at the fountains

Fun at the fountains
Originally uploaded by jegoffin.

We're back.
And yes, that last post was the worst possible day. I'm all better now.

Tomorrow is 4th of July and we plan to go to the beach for the fireworks, if Nora can stay awake that long. I love the fireworks here they are unlike anywhere else.

I've some new photos on flickr, but I am still too jet-lagged to come up with anything interesting to say.
Sorry.