The Oldest

For anyone from book club who is blog stalking me, this is for you.

I am in a new book club with women from my neighborhood and am by far the oldest in the group. Last book club we read Ender's Game and someone noted that the novelette leading to this book was published in 1977*, before "anyone in the book club except maybe Jenny" was born. Ok, so I was only three. Then one of them asked me with great anticipation if I actually remembered the 70's. The 70's are fuzzy for me, mostly playing outside, learning to tie my shoes, being afraid of the dark, that sort of thing. But I amazed them with my early 80's memories of Michael Jackson and side ponytails, and would have gone on if not for the more interesting topic at hand (the book discussion).

We have a really fun time at book club and I have had a wonderful time getting to know everyone in the group. I am looking forward to sharing more of my past. LOL! (Is it lame for a 33-year-old to use such acronyms?)

*The first edition of the full-length Ender's Game was published in 1985.

Teeth, Etc.

Nora is 8 1/2 months and after endless slobbering, has two little bottom teeth poking through. She doesn't crawl, but does this inch-worm, swimming thing using her feet to propel her on her belly, which gets her where she wants to go. With the help of Adrian, she likes to eat paper, pennies, and play with (i.e. put in mouth) any small object. After spending a few nights away from home, I learned her sleeping through the night is only reserved for her crib and apparently she hates the pack 'n play. 

Her goal in life continues to be to get anyone in her vicinity to look at her and give her attention to which she returns an ear-to-ear smile and laugh. It is a game with her and she becomes very focused as she stares at her target, squealing, waiting for them to notice her. I was beginning to think that she would never have stranger anxiety, but just a few days ago she actually got upset at the sight of a new person and reached for me. This was the first time she has specifically wanted me, unlike Theo and especially Adrian, the mama's boy from birth.

Theo's Day at the Doctor

Yesterday Theo visited the doctor for his Kindergarten exam. And the doc confirmed that he is very tall and skinny. I've tried fattening him up a little, but he already eats quite well. If only I had this problem. I am convinced he takes after my Grandpa Baker's side of the family, those lanky, Dutch people. Theo is also a very healthy eater and does not like chocolate, french fries, most desserts, and usually only drinks water. He definitely has his opinions about his food. The rest of the visit went off fine, but he was outraged when we ended with a round of shots.

Then we were off to the ophthalmologist. On Tuesday, Theo got a piece of a broken plastic spoon in his eye and received a deep scratch on his cornea, luckily no deeper. He has needed to go to the ophthalmologist three days in a row to make sure things are healing as they should. So far so, good, but unluckily with the scratch's central location and the anticipated scar tissue, the doctor predicts some vision damage. We will see.


One of my favorite sections to teach in Anatomy was on the eye (and the inner ear). The eye is an amazing organ with such highly specialized cells. Even more fascinating is the signal processing that occurs from the back of the brain where the signals converge from the retina to the front of the brain, resulting in visual interpretation. The eye repairs injury incredibly quickly, even from serious injury. If you ever scratch your eye badly or have another similar eye injury, gently patch the eye and see a physician immediately to minimize damage. Never try to take something actually stuck in your eye out on your own.

Bigelow Family Reunion

We spent July 11th to July 14th at the inaugural Bigelow Family Reunion for descendants of Richard Charles Bigelow and Elizabeth Ann Ogdahl Bigelow (my mother's parents). A big "thank you!" to my cousin Toby for organizing it. She found a really great place to have it and did a wonderful job with the planning. Many thanks Toby!

Grandma and Grandpa Bigelow on their wedding day, April 29,1949, Mpls, MN

Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Grandma and Grandpa attended. Pictured here are five of the seven Bigelow children: Standing from left to right: Katie, Cheryl (my mom), Jenny, Amy. Jane is seated.

We stayed in yurts at the Heber Valley RV Park, located on the Jordanelle Reservoir and close to many fun things to do. A huge perk to this location was that it had a sand and playground area where the kids played for hours. The yurts were very cozy with all the ammenities even a kitchenette. And located in the center of the yurts was a large pavillion and fire pit where he had our meals and gatherings. My kids loved it and are still talking about what a great time they had and asking when they can go back.

We had great meals, activities, skits, picnics, lots of playing in the sun, a service project, and choices of fun things to do such as going down the Alpine Slides, horseback riding, and the Heber Creeper train ride. My sister, Callie, and I were in charge of skits one night. And everyone brought the house down with their masterpieces. Thanks to everyone for being a good sport and participating. Then Callie and I performed our own musical number, the details of which only those lucky enough to attend know.

Karlie and Uncle Roger relaxing in the sun.

It was so wonderful and memorable to spend time with everyone there and especially to reminisce about Grandma and Grandpa, two people who greatly impacted my life. They can be proud of the legacy they left with their family.

You can see more photos at SmugMug.com.

A "Business" Trip

Tonight Theo & Terry returned from a trip to Seattle and Portland. Terry needed to go to Seattle for business and then to Portland to meet with his brother, George, about product labels. George & Carol have done all of the amazing design work for Frutzzo. George & Carol also have four adorable boys (Anthony, Aaron, Christopher, and Benno). 

So Terry took Theo along. Terry has been traveling a lot lately and Theo was so excited to go on a "business" trip with Dad and not have to wait at home for his return. Theo also got to spend some great times with his cousins. Unfortunately I do not have pictures because Terry usually seems to have a camera with an uncharged battery (much like his phone). But I hear Papu and Carol took some, so maybe I can post some later.

Here are the Xanthos boys (minus Benno) on New Year's Day 2008. From left to right: Christopher, Aaron, Adrian, Theo, and Anthony.