tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61524940717697466892024-03-12T19:27:20.253-08:00The View From the NorthThe adventures of a teaching couple in Shishmaref and Brevig Mission, Inupiaq Eskimo villages on the Seward Peninsula.Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-18770842151502375722016-09-05T22:19:00.000-08:002016-09-05T22:19:29.368-08:00New Online Home!!!The View From the North has relocated to:<br />
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<a href="http://thealaskateacher.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">thealaskateacher.com</span></a><br />
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Check it out to find old favorites and NEW content! Wahoo!!!Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-9573119802664113572014-02-24T17:52:00.001-09:002014-02-24T17:54:15.972-09:00The Beauty of the Cake SmashI have a problem.<br />
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I'm addicted to cake smash photos.<br />
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You can be too. Just follow these easy steps:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/12760863105/" title="img-028 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-028" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/12760863105_be29c9c5e4.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/12760590393/" title="Levi Birthday Outfit by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Levi Birthday Outfit" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/12760590393_09a2dec6aa.jpg" height="500" width="400" /></a><br />
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Buy an adorable outfit. Bonus points if said outfit is bigger than your child (see Kaitlyn's tutu above).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/12760207815/" title="img-030 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-030" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/12760207815_873f3d0882.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/12759968783/" title="img-33 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-33" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/12759968783_f60f9be6dd.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a> <br />
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Make a cake.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/12760353873/" title="img-035 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-035" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/12760353873_47d4c2a945.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/12760552485/" title="img-37 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-37" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/12760552485_75bd7a6718.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a> <br />
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Document your child destroying it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/12760657634/" title="img-039 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-039" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/12760657634_0f76de93ac.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/12760030235/" title="img-46 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-46" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/12760030235_c18c47cc94.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/12760663614/" title="img-036 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-036" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/12760663614_382ef499c7.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/12760480034/" title="img-47 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-47" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/12760480034_7f8cd7b0bf.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a> <br />
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Enjoy all the little details.<br />
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Keep track of all possible cake smash ideas via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/quwiasuk/cake-smash/" target="_blank">pinterest</a>.<br />
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Be disappointed that you ran out of babies before you ran out of ideas... <br />
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<br />Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-86134747901293615362014-01-13T21:22:00.000-09:002014-01-13T21:22:19.972-09:002013 In a FlashThe editorial board at VFN has just been informed that it is now 2014. In order to make up for the lack of posts in 2013, we humbly present a year in review of the VFN family.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939105515/" title="DSC_0680 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0680" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/11939105515_1ab9be1b18.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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First and biggest news event of the year was Levi's discharge from the NICU exactly two months after his birth.<br />
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Note to readers: This photo preceded an agonizing night of me obsessively checking to make sure Levi was still breathing. It's probably a good thing we don't have a picture of the day after discharge...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939379263/" title="DSC_0698 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0698" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/11939379263_b77aa50930.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Daddy was waiting when we got home, wearing the same shirt he was wearing <a href="http://steveandangiealston.blogspot.com/2011_04_01_archive.html" target="_blank">when he welcomed Kaitlyn home</a> (if that doesn't qualify Steve for husband and dad of the year, I don't know what will).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939096855/" title="DSC_0700 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0700" height="334" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/11939096855_20e615959b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Another member of the VFN household was also excited to welcome Levi home. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939426303/" title="Aunt Sarah with Kaitlyn and Levi in Kuspuks by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Aunt Sarah with Kaitlyn and Levi in Kuspuks" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/11939426303_0fb2d5c501.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sarahalstonphotography.com/" target="_blank">Aunt Sarah</a><strike>'s camera</strike> came to visit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939270403/" title="IMG-7 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG-7" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/11939270403_7442d4f63b.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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She captured precious moments like this.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939859216/" title="IMG-1-3 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG-1-3" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/11939859216_d9ae28dbac.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And this.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939224713/" title="img-25 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-25" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/11939224713_b5fd86df4d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And this. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939810576/" title="IMG-12 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG-12" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/11939810576_182728a2fc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I got to participate in my all-time favorite hobby: dressing my children up in ridiculous things that will one day cause them much embarrassment.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939295753/" title="IMG-1 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG-1" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/11939295753_29db15b529.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Is this too much? Be honest.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939842716/" title="img-4 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-4" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/11939842716_d4c7922dc5.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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This was a shout-out to Grandpa Alston. Rainbow suspenders wearers unite!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939424984/" title="img-11-1 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-11-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/11939424984_08b29260db.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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This was a shout-out to Levi's Eskimo heritage. The shirt is called a kuspuk. The booties are made out of seal and beaver.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939838666/" title="IMG-5 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG-5" height="334" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/11939838666_12ffc2df2e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Any VFN readers concerned that Kaitlyn was neglected in the photographic department can rest easy. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939848876/" title="IMG-2 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG-2" height="334" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/11939848876_46de9170a0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We got some shots of her too.<br />
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<br />Note to readers: VFN regrets to inform you that we are not done oversharing pictures of ourselves. Anyone tired of viewing these gorgeous images produced by the <a href="http://www.sarahalstonphotography.com/" target="_blank">lovely and talented woman married to Steve's brother</a> should probably scroll down a bit. Thank you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939292353/" title="img-2-2 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-2-2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/11939292353_ced1b8febf.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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Traditional parka and not-so-traditional hot pink snow pants.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939275283/" title="img-6-2 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-6-2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/11939275283_5f78bcf2ed.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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The photo that proves I am a bad mother. Okay, so it's not the photo so much as it is the fact that I laugh every time I see it. Is something wrong with me? Be honest.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939432383/" title="a (10) by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="a (10)" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/11939432383_30b12a6a01.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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One of the few photos where Kaitlyn is not gagging Levi with the pacifier.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939801766/" title="img-16-2 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-16-2" height="333" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/11939801766_0560c61d62.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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More sibling love.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939234983/" title="img-23-2 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-23-2" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/11939234983_ed5eb27d29.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This cheesy moment brought to you by, I don't know, Hallmark? Lifetime television for women?<br />
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Note to readers: this blog is not sponsored by either Hallmark or Lifetime television for women.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939395064/" title="img-25-2 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-25-2" height="333" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/11939395064_5010854f46.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Forgive me. I have to say that this picture is perfect. Absolutely perfect.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939529494/" title="DSC_0773 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0773" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/11939529494_e4dd20bfb3.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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We celebrated Kaitlyn's second birthday with family (like her cousin Peter, pictured above).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939369623/" title="DSC_0764 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0764" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/11939369623_3d8186ba7b.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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And the world's largest pink cake.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939357243/" title="DSC_0821 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0821" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/11939357243_6a4ee3e1f9.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Any hopes of hilarious cake-smash-type photos were dashed when Kaitlyn insisted on eating her cake with a fork.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939484784/" title="DSC_0926 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0926" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/11939484784_df5a9050b3.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Easter found Kaitlyn sporting an eskifro.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939489874/" title="DSC_0902 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0902" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/11939489874_9916ffd280.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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And poor defenseless Levi was once again subject to my ridiculous outfit obsession.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939317133/" title="DSC_0974 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0974" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/11939317133_da334e0ffb.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Levi's glasses arrived. He was thrilled.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939312803/" title="DSC_0978 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0978" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/11939312803_83a0d065bd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Just kidding. He wasn't very happy about it...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939309183/" title="DSC_0986 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0986" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/11939309183_cf798bd122.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Until he realized how much faster he could read the Bible with them on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939578304/" title="DSC_0092 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0092" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/11939578304_e4030ac616.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Kaitlyn started taking her turn in the dinner-making rotation.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939133425/" title="DSC_0099 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0099" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/11939133425_c375bd9116.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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And Levi and Kaitlyn proved, yet again, that they love each other. And that clothes are overrated.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939969726/" title="DSC_0111 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0111" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/11939969726_10fe9cec23.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Kaitlyn's first Prom was a smashing success.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939160085/" title="970450_10201193953586881_625023179_n by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="970450_10201193953586881_625023179_n" height="348" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/11939160085_d4f17e6764.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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My youngest sister got married in the summer, giving us a chance to dress in color-coordinated outfits.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939835886/" title="img-006(4) by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-006(4)" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/11939835886_b26f73f791.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The same day my sister got married, Levi was <a href="http://www.lds.org/church/temples/why-we-build-temples/what-happens-in-temples?lang=eng" target="_blank">sealed</a> to us in a temple ceremony.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939398873/" title="DSC_0226 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0226" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/11939398873_54bab07d5e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Kaitlyn started her Jedi training early. Now we are just waiting for her letter from Hogwarts.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939429253/" title="View More: http://mrbphotogallery.pass.us/alston-family by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="View More: http://mrbphotogallery.pass.us/alston-family" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/11939429253_f6986d076d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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More family pictures in color-coordinated outfits.<br />
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Note to readers: I am not sure why Levi looks terrified and Kaitlyn looks melancholy. Neither were in any danger at any time during the photo shoot. Promise.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939466804/" title="Image 3 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Image 3" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/11939466804_10d0f21822.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Levi's blessing in Yachats, Oregon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939862026/" title="Image 10 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Image 10" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/11939862026_9440b3a648.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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And a family picture to commemorate the occasion. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939856266/" title="img-001(3) by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-001(3)" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/11939856266_9329a0842c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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What is summer without a little Carhartt-themed photography?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939284273/" title="img-003(4) by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-003(4)" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/11939284273_b614f00f62.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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Especially when the Carhartts are this little and cute.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939428774/" title="img-007(3) by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-007(3)" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/11939428774_800a6e5d45.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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Attitude!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11938965395/" title="img-015(1) by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-015(1)" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/11938965395_d2fe35880c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Levi continued to be a good model for Aunt Sarah, even when fifteen pounds heavier.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939419554/" title="img-012 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="img-012" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/11939419554_18be46d3af.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The pinnacle of my penchant for staged and costumed photos.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939560114/" title="DSC_0432 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0432" height="334" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/11939560114_c0508af0e7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We celebrated my 30th birthday (did I just write that?) on Maui with a sunset cruise.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939950076/" title="DSC_0505 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0505" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/11939950076_7f60b1a9de.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And lots of snorkeling. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939600684/" title="999990_10151759030866815_706485597_n by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="999990_10151759030866815_706485597_n" height="335" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/11939600684_e74a4de399.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Kaitlyn's birthmother came to visit us in Seattle. We visited Mt. Rainier.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939601924/" title="969189_10151759031346815_1604452902_n by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="969189_10151759031346815_1604452902_n" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/11939601924_fe10cae066.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />
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Rode horses.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939107795/" title="DSC_0679 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0679" height="334" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/11939107795_c38d8dd40b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Went to the top of the Space Needle during the day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939924606/" title="DSC_0795 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0795" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/11939924606_6aeb81b4ba.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
<br />
And at night.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939517254/" title="DSC_0835 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0835" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/11939517254_afae0bfd6e.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
<br />
And disco bowled. It was like the best ten days ever (and I didn't even mention the WNBA game, movies, sushi, water park, and roller coasters).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939070375/" title="DSC_0852 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0852" height="334" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/11939070375_c3ceb38a2e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Back in Alaska, Levi tried solid food.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939906196/" title="DSC_0857 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0857" height="334" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/11939906196_8afcd6d3eb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
He preferred holding the spoon himself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939503204/" title="DSC_0878 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0878" height="334" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/11939503204_c02b3b1119.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Steve heard gagging noises and turned around to find this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939499024/" title="DSC_0889 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0889" height="334" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/11939499024_0b5bdd4d83.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Levi decided to introduce himself to beans and rice ahead of schedule.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939891776/" title="DSC_0892 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0892" height="334" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/11939891776_e1dc3a3be8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Steve proved he was the best stay-at-home dad ever (and most definitely cooler than me) by constructing a cardboard house and letting Kaitlyn decorate it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939588434/" title="DSC_0003 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0003" height="334" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/11939588434_c663b1f6f2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Another thing that makes Daddy more fun than Mommy. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939583704/" title="DSC_0029 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0029" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/11939583704_523904697b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Shout-out to their superhero heritage for Halloween.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939600074/" title="1459945_10152008209901815_897637363_n by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="1459945_10152008209901815_897637363_n" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/11939600074_43564ef771.jpg" width="324" /></a><br />
<br />
Kaitlyn licking the mini cake I made for Levi's first birthday.<br />
<br />
Note to readers: this cake, and the larger version made for non-baby consumption, are perhaps the ugliest things I have ever created in my kitchen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939158545/" title="1457705_10152008211041815_616519420_n by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="1457705_10152008211041815_616519420_n" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3730/11939158545_4519459c5c.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />
<br />
Ugly or not, I think Levi enjoyed it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/11939598374/" title="1474586_10152008209936815_94867688_n by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="1474586_10152008209936815_94867688_n" height="335" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/11939598374_61202c9249.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
What Levi did not get to enjoy was his birthday presents. His big sister, big brother, and cousin took off with the toys as soon as they were unwrapped.<br />
<br />
There you have it, proof that we existed in 2013. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-28267611284397869492012-12-27T14:24:00.001-09:002012-12-27T14:24:45.102-09:00More Than Just a Fashion ShowAs my loyal readers can imagine, Christmas included some time in the NICU.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8315202839/" title="DSC_0577 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0577" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8315202839_c0285c0005.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
First order of business was getting Levi in some Christmas duds. VFN's Editor-in-Chief selected the above Christmas monkey shirt, but it was kind of unexciting because Levi had already worn it before.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8316252808/" title="DSC_0593 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0593" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8316252808_3ae731f925.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
<br />
Levi's favorite nurse found some donated Christmas clothes and snagged a couple of other outfits for Levi. This was the under layer.<br />
<br />
Note to readers: We're not sure if the hat in the above picture was meant to be a beret or a chef's hat, but it matched the outfit, so we felt like we had to use it. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8315199997/" title="DSC_0596 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0596" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8076/8315199997_eb456c0c04.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
A fleece Christmas sleeper went on top. It was big enough that Levi will probably be able to wear it next Christmas... <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8315203179/" title="DSC_0571 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0571" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8315203179_8e3d435049.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
But, the clothes were hardly the most exciting part about Christmas in the NICU. <br />
<br />
It was also the first day Levi got to eat out of a bottle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8315200863/" title="DSC_0581 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0581" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8315200863_c24a06acbe.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Preterm babies start bottle feeding on their sides so that the milk can pool in their cheeks instead of choking them if they forget to suck, swallow, and breathe at the same time.<br />
<br />
Levi drank two whole milliters. Which was about one twenty-fifth of his feeding. So, not really a whole lot, but we'll take it. He took the rest of his feeding through the tube in his nose.<br />
<br />
We'll start feeding Levi with a bottle about every six hours. In between he will still have his gavage feeds through his tube. <br />
<br />
But, eating from a bottle wasn't even the most exciting thing that happened on Christmas...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8315207505/" title="DSC_0602 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0602" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8315207505_86708fe133.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Kaitlyn got to see her baby brother.<br />
<br />
It was through a window, but she definitely recognized Mommy and that Mommy was holding a baby. We're pretty sure she has no idea that Levi is coming home with us someday, but at least she knows he exists.<br />
<br />
Life will never be the same, Kaitlyn. Life will never be the same.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-48564406960288975002012-12-20T20:24:00.001-09:002012-12-20T20:24:19.967-09:00Notice Anything Different?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8289711290/" title="Notice Anything Different? by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Notice Anything Different?" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8289711290_fcfbea1d48.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
<br />
The high flow nasal cannula (aka the tube that goes into his nose) is gone.<br />
<br />
Levi is breathing on his own.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8289710982/" title="No More Machine! by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="No More Machine!" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8289710982_bd8b16ee84.jpg" width="371" /></a><br />
<br />
Here is the high flow breathing machine. Sitting. Powered off. Because he doesn't need it any more.<br />
<br />
Wahoo!!!Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-80341469504267084272012-12-15T23:30:00.000-09:002012-12-15T23:30:56.938-09:00Fashion Show<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8276146945/" title="First Outfit by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="First Outfit" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8276146945_b393e76ff4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a picture of Levi’s first outfit. As in, the first time he wore anything
other than a diaper. The outfit is
among the many that belong to the NICU and was chosen for Levi by his nurse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Note to readers: Do not be alarmed by the disturbing bag under Levi's left eye. The <a href="http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MSWC/Skin-Wound-Care/BrandsDirectory/Tegaderm/" target="_blank">Tegaderm</a> was pulling on the skin a little bit, but it did no permanent damage. Thank you.)</div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8277204988/" title="Tiny Fist by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Tiny Fist" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8277204988_3a780da84c.jpg" width="500" /></a></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is a close-up of Levi’s tiny fist while wearing his
first outfit.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Note to readers: Please forgive the quality of the
picture. I did not have my macro
lens. Thank you.)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8276146067/" title="Levi and Santa by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Levi and Santa" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8276146067_e1b47b49ca.jpg" width="334" /></a></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is Levi’s first outfit purchased by VFN’s
editor-in-chief aka Mommy. It also
happens to be Levi’s first special occasion outfit (what’s more special than a
visit from Santa?).</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8277204522/" title="Levi's Fancy Shoes by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Levi's Fancy Shoes" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8277204522_0fa042af20.jpg" width="500" /></a></o:p></div>
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It even had little shoes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8276145625/" title="Daddy Loves Me by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Daddy Loves Me" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8276145625_86373af725.jpg" width="500" /></a> </o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is Levi’s first outfit purchased by Mommy that wasn’t a
special occasion outfit.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It says, “Daddy loves me.” And guess what?
He does.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8276145389/" title="Bananas Over Mommy by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Bananas Over Mommy" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8276145389_4c27e9fc91.jpg" width="500" /></a></o:p></div>
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This is the first pair of jammies purchased by Mommy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It says, “Bananas over Mommy.” Guess what? He
is.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8277203180/" title="All Swaddled Up by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="All Swaddled Up" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8277203180_d74e9d8d02.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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Mommy took great pleasure in dressing Levi up. Even though most of the clothes are not visible under the swaddle...</div>
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<o:p> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8277205468/" title="Isolette by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Isolette" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8277205468_9c459ace9c.jpg" width="500" /></a></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This fashion show is brought to you by the fact that Levi is
no longer in an isolette.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8276146495/" title="Open Crib by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Open Crib" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8276146495_38189dd0da.jpg" width="500" /></a></o:p></div>
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He is in an open crib. One step closer to home.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Final note to readers: Anyone who thinks the amount of picture-taking
is ridiculous might want to think back to <a href="http://steveandangiealston.blogspot.com/2011/04/introducing-kaitlyn-emily.html" target="_blank">Kaitlyn’s early day</a>s. It’s only going to get more ridiculous.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-82759945016974020212012-12-14T23:33:00.000-09:002012-12-14T23:33:33.660-09:00Chromosomes
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<br />
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When Levi was born, he had some markers that suggested a
genetic disorder. A blood sample
was sent to Seattle for testing to indicate if Levi had any missing or extra
chromosomes.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We waited a week for the results. A week is a long time when it’s between you and knowing what
life holds in store for your baby.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The results came back normal.</div>
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Another blood sample was sent even farther away for a
Micro-array-based comparative genomic hybridization. This test zoomed in on Levi’s chromosomes and look for the
duplications or deletion of pieces.</div>
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The wait for the CGH array was supposed to be six to eight
weeks, but we didn’t have to wait that long.</div>
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The results came back normal.</div>
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And although we would have welcomed Levi into our family
regardless of the results, we breathed a sigh of relief.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-43198912722780325132012-12-10T21:56:00.000-09:002012-12-10T21:56:06.466-09:00 A Day in the Life of This NICU MomWake up.<br />
<br />
Open my laptop to check the Interwebs.<br />
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Get mad that the Internet is not working.<br />
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Get mad at myself for getting mad about the Internet not working.<br />
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Vow to go on an Internet fast. Someday.<br />
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Eat the breakfast that I bought the night before in the hospital cafeteria.<br />
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Get crumbs in bed.<br />
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Laugh at how annoyed Steve would get if I was getting crumbs in bed at home.<br />
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Miss Steve.<br />
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Get dressed. Remember to put on my all-access NICU parent pass.<br />
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Walk to the hospital.<br />
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Wash my hands.<br />
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Talk to Levi's nurse.<br />
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Hold Levi for a couple of hours.<br />
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Change Levi's diaper.<br />
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Wash my hands<br />
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Buy lunch in the hospital cafeteria.<br />
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Walk back from the hospital.<br />
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Eat lunch in bed.<br />
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Get crumbs in bed.<br />
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Miss Steve.<br />
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Play on the Interwebs/read for my graduate classes/take a nap/sometimes do more than one of those things at the same time.<br />
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Walk to the hospital.<br />
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Wash my hands.<br />
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Change Levi's diaper.<br />
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Wash my hands.<br />
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Hold Levi for a few hours.<br />
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Wash my hands.<br />
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Buy dinner in the hospital cafeteria.<br />
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Walk back from the hospital.<br />
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Eat dinner in bed.<br />
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Get crumbs in bed.<br />
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Miss Steve.<br />
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Call Grandma and Grandpa Busch and Grandma and Grandpa Alston and give them the Levi Report.<br />
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Walk to the hospital.<br />
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Wash my hands.<br />
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Change Levi's diaper.<br />
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Wash my hands.<br />
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Hold Levi for a couple of hours.<br />
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Wash my hands.<br />
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Walk back from the hospital.<br />
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Call Steve and get the Kaitlyn Report. <br />
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Say prayer with Steve before saying goodnight.<br />
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Miss Steve.<br />
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Try to practice good sleep hygiene by not getting on the Internet so close to bedtime.<br />
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Fail.<br />
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Play on the Internet.<br />
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Go to sleep and do it all again.Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-52024438838846246372012-12-09T17:02:00.000-09:002012-12-09T17:02:14.684-09:00Daddy Meets LeviSteve wasn't able to be in Anchorage when Levi was born (s<i>omebody</i> has to have a job to support the VFN household...), but he made it to Anchorage a few weeks later.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8256374094/" title="Karin's Sign by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Karin's Sign" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8256374094_be79f705c0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Levi and one of his favorite nurses were particularly excited about it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8258937947/" title="Daddy Looking Down by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Daddy Looking Down" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8258937947_bf215c4f6b.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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The first thing Steve said was, "That's a small baby."<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8255301151/" title="Levi Meets Daddy by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Levi Meets Daddy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8255301151_3c109fef87.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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There was holding.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8256373662/" title="DSC_0383 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0383" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8361/8256373662_b674b034a9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Snuggling. (I love how Steve's thumb is as big as Levi's arm.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8256374566/" title="Almost a Complete Family Picture by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Almost a Complete Family Picture" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8256374566_5c5d82324d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Family picturing. (Little kiddos aren't allowed in the NICU, so Kaitlyn has yet to meet her brother.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8255303211/" title="Levi Holding Daddy's Finger by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Levi Holding Daddy's Finger" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8255303211_eb48f82463.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Finger-holding.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8255302883/" title="Holding Mommy and Daddy's Fingers by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Holding Mommy and Daddy's Fingers" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8255302883_594cfc8230.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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And this precious moment where Levi got to hold on to both of his parents at the same time.Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-16224805351177020042012-12-08T14:57:00.000-09:002012-12-08T14:57:56.283-09:00Introducing Levi BenjaminAnother <a href="http://steveandangiealston.blogspot.com/2011/04/introducing-kaitlyn-emily.html" target="_blank">life-changing opportunity</a> has come our way. This one is in the form of a tiny little boy born November 18th.<br />
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Steve and I are adopting another baby. His name is Levi Benjamin Alston.<br />
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Levi wasn't supposed to arrive until February 4th, but the doctors said he might come early. His birthmother flew down to Anchorage to be close to the hospital just in case.<br />
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On November 12th it looked like Levi was on his way, so I impulsively bought the next ticket out of Brevig Mission. Longtime readers may remember that <a href="http://steveandangiealston.blogspot.com/2011/04/introducing-kaitlyn-emily.html" target="_blank">I missed Kaitlyn's birth</a> by five hours. That was not going to happen again.<br />
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After six days of waiting Levi was born.<br />
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Because he was eleven weeks early, he was whisked directly into the NICU. I got to see him long enough to verify that he was, in fact, male before he disappeared through a window.<br />
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It was three hours before I got to see him again. Three hours of frantic prayer. Three hours of being told that he wasn't yet stable enough for us to see him. Three hours of wondering what that meant and if it was normal.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8256369938/" title="Levi Benjamin Alston by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Levi Benjamin Alston" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8256369938_bfe125c53c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Finally, the charge nurse brought us into the NICU. He was tiny. He was fragile. He was beautiful.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8256378036/" title="DSC_0282 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0282" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8256378036_fcf3dd60b7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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By the next day, he was off of the respirator and on a bubble C-PAP. Basically, that means he was breathing better.</div>
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It also means I got to hold him.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8255305141/" title="DSC_0290 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0290" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8255305141_369fa79e91.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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He only cried a little bit. :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8256376514/" title="Tiny Baby by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Tiny Baby" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8256376514_a8ede62de2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Most of the time he was calm.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8255304239/" title="DSC_0320 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0320" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8255304239_6900a1df81.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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We even got to see him with his eyes open!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8255306613/" title="DSC_0271 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0271" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8255306613_041d6f010b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I am in love again.</div>
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More about Levi coming soon.</div>
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Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-81771041942763132352012-10-13T18:10:00.001-08:002012-10-13T18:10:08.485-08:00Adventures in First Grade ReadingI teach a reading class every morning from 9:00-10:30. When I first accepted my position, my father-in-law asked me how I was going to know how to teach how to read. I said, "They'll already read when they come to me. I'll just work on inferencing and comprehension and stuff like that. I don't know how to teach kids how to read!"<br />
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Then I got the assignment: first grade. I am, in fact, teaching kids how to read. <br />
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Thanks to a scripted reading program and some helpful colleagues, we're doing all right. I thought I'd offer readers a little glimpse into my mornings...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063891468/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Angie Board by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063891468/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Angie Board by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063891468/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Angie Board by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Angie Board" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/8063891468_146ed6f166.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />
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The Angie Board. This is the only thing that bears resemblance to my <a href="http://steveandangiealston.blogspot.com/2008/09/field-trip-angies-classroom.html">previous classroom</a>. There are a lot more baby pictures now than they're were before...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063887664/" title="Story Star by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Story Star" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/8063887664_93c85cb7c6.jpg" width="335" /></a><br /><br />
We focus a lot on parts of a story. We also have very simple goals that we work on for a couple weeks at a time. It turns out that "Active Listening" was too complex of a concept. Now we are working on "Sitting Still."<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063886641/" title="Superstars by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Superstars" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/8063886641_341ac6be2c.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />
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We have little name stars (I blurred the names out). And black paper that blocks any action happening outside the classroom. (Our classroom is a little conference room in the office that used to host the video conferencing equipment.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063891468/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Angie Board by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063887491/" title="Alphabet by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Alphabet" height="335" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/8063887491_05190a6c0a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This is the first time I've ever had an alphabet up in my classroom...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063892338/" title="Writing Strategies Bank by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Writing Strategies Bank" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/8063892338_88e35c1664.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />
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We work on alternatives to raising our hands and asking the teacher how to spell something.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063890401/" title="Wow Writing by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Wow Writing" height="291" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8063890401_a3c7d880ba.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Some of the writing makes it to the Wow Writing Wall. (I'll have to scan some of the writing some time. It's adorable.) My first grade teacher saved all of my writing in a three ring binder and gave it to me at the end of the year. My parents still have it. I'm doing the same thing for my students. Each one has a file folder full of writing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063893061/" title="Reading Class 1 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Reading Class 1" height="490" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/8063893061_26778b639d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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But, this is the best part about teaching first grade reading.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063896744/" title="Reading Class 2 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Reading Class 2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8063896744_dfe439aafd.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />
<br />These adorable little faces and smiles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063896685/" title="Reading Class 4 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Reading Class 4" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/8063896685_d30b7e8b4b.jpg" width="369" /></a><br />
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They also hug me every day. They even hug me when they see me outside of school.<br />
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I love it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063891835/" title="Reading Class 5 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Reading Class 5" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/8063891835_b6a1e2e37a.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />
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They're young enough to be silly, yet old enough to hold a good conversation.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8063898242/" title="Reading Class 3 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Reading Class 3" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/8063898242_ea60909d6f.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />
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And they are teaching me lots. For example:<br />
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-Letting first graders pick which stickers they want is not a good idea. It will take FOREVER.<br />
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-If you let one first grader have a turn at something, you have to let all the first graders have a turn at something.<br />
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-It is very important how long your pencil is.<br />
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-First graders will remember exactly what you said when you don't want them to remember it at all. <br />
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-It didn't really happen if you didn't share it with the class.<br />
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-Sometimes you just need some time to cry.<br />
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-Being uninvited from someone's birthday party is serious business.<br />
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-Being forbidden from trick-or-treating at someone's house is even more serious business.<br />
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I think I still have a lot to learn. I'll keep all VFN readers posted.<br />
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Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-74235439454130571502012-10-07T00:39:00.000-08:002012-10-07T00:39:55.819-08:00Mommy Blog: Successfully Making It Through the First YearFactors that have contributed to my not blogging include:<br />
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-excruciatingly slow internet<br />
-a camera that is misbehaving and the inability to fund a new one (for some reason, Steve doesn't thing that "camera" needs to be one of our major budget categories...)<br />
-the cosmically unfair fact that our version of photoshop is incompatible with my new laptop<br />
-my <strike>laziness</strike> preoccupation with other things<br />
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But, I'm back. You're welcome.<br />
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Countless things have happened in the last year, but one is particularly noteworthy: my baby turned one. Lucky for me/Kaitlyn/all of my readers, my <a href="http://www.sarahalstonphotography.com/">amazing sister-in-law</a> was able to document Kaitlyn as a newly minted one year-old.<br />
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Note to readers: These pictures were not taken in Brevig Mission. They were taken during a visit to the Lower 48 that Kaitlyn and I made in March. If they had been taken in Brevig Mission, they would have consisted of Kaitlyn in a snowsuit, coat, boots, gloves, and beaver hat with only her little eyes poking out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8061943528/" title="Kaitlyn Walking in the "Woods" by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Kaitlyn Walking in the "Woods"" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/8061943528_d0a93cfd8d.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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She walks now. Both a blessing and a curse.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8061940881/" title="Kaitlyn Swing by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Kaitlyn Swing" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/8061940881_71e63ab469.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Kaitlyn got to enjoy a swing for the first time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8061941877/" title="Kaitlyn Laughing Swing by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Kaitlyn Laughing Swing" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8061941877_8bda23299c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Something tells me she liked it.<br />
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Note to readers: My mom loves this picture. It's on the fridge at my parents' house.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8061941227/" title="Kaitlyn Swing Portrait by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Kaitlyn Swing Portrait" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/8061941227_02e03ce919.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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For those of you artsy types, I'm including this portrait. Isn't it beautiful?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8061943263/" title="Kaitlyn reaching for the cake by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Kaitlyn reaching for the cake" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8061943263_73390bb608.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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My favorite pictures were the ones of the Cake Smash.<br />
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I spent days on etsy looking for the perfect tutu. Please try not to judge me.<br />
I spent days on pinterest looking for the perfect cake. Again, please try not to judge me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/8061942811/" title="Ultimate Cake Smash Kaitlyn by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Ultimate Cake Smash Kaitlyn" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/8061942811_1f136586c4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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It was all worth it.<br />
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<br />Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-80920606950769666202011-11-06T21:15:00.001-09:002011-11-06T21:18:07.120-09:00Mommy Blog: Obligatory Halloween PostNow that I have a child, I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to do a blog post about Halloween. I mean, what's the point of dressing up said child if you can't share it with the whole wide Internet? By the way, if the Halloween post doesn't go up until a week after Halloween, does it still count? So many things I'm still trying to learn...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6321497886/" title="327044_10150903178300648_574195647_21569899_1769460390_o(1) by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="327044_10150903178300648_574195647_21569899_1769460390_o(1)" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6321497886_6330421e2e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Kaitlyn's first Halloween was a smashing success. As soon as we got to the school she was whisked away by school employees (Kaitlyn has quite a fan club). The <a href="http://rudstrom.blogspot.com/">kindergarten teacher</a> took this picture of her.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6320974329/" title="DSC_0010 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0010" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6320974329_82e20b80b5.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Do I get Mommy Bonus Points for dressing in a coordinating costume?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6320975677/" title="DSC_0009 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0009" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6320975677_4ece1a7439.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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In case you were wondering exactly how cute we were... we both had tails.<br />
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Note to readers: My mostly sincere apologies to anyone who is offended by the above tailage.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6321500000/" title="DSC_0005 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0005" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6321500000_7dfa9d247a.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Despite our best efforts, Daddy was not willing to go along with the farm theme ("But <i>Steve</i>, you'll <i>ruin</i> Kaitlyn's first Halloween").<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6321498510/" title="DSC_0092 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0092" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6321498510_ba1903af15.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Kaitlyn also had a Halloween outfit to wear while we handed out candy to trick-or-treaters.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6320975211/" title="DSC_0086 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0086" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6320975211_cea43ee104.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I had a second Halloween outfit too. :) Daddy was once again a party-pooper. Kaitlyn, however, was a real trooper. She came with me to answer the door almost every time. She only tried eating candy out of the bowl seven times.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6321500622/" title="DSC_0175 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0175" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6041/6321500622_cb0589d898.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Is it embarrassing to admit that my daughter had more than one Halloween costume?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6321498108/" title="DSC_0157 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0157" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6321498108_7651af86b2.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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We were a bit indecisive this Halloween.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6321019625/" title="DSC_0896 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0896" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6321019625_fd870da3d0.jpg" width="352" /></a><br />
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We briefly considered combining the two costumes. I think it's best that we didn't. Cows and tutus don't belong together.<br />
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Note to readers: No actual candy was consumed during the taking of the above photograph. One fun size Butterfinger was only harmed temporarily by baby drool.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6320977729/" title="DSC_0187 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0187" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6228/6320977729_1b66b16270.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Happy Halloween. <br />
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*This post sponsored by grandmothers who can't help but buy festive things for their grandchildren...Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-10856942084937988782011-10-23T17:39:00.000-08:002011-10-23T17:39:36.648-08:00Mommy Blog: Dangerous Pursuits and Other Cuteness<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6274456885/" title="DSC_0998 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0998" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6274456885_87ecd3d77a.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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This is how I found Kaitlyn when I went to get her after a nap a few days ago. It's only a matter of time before she's trying to crawl out of the crib...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6274456565/" title="DSC_1001 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1001" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/6274456565_bdd9d6a4e9.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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This is Kaitlyn standing up on the swing. Someday this will not end well.<br />
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On a more positive note, you can see her teeth! Enjoy them because she doesn't show them off very often.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6274456313/" title="DSC_0875 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0875" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/6274456313_b90957087f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Kaitlyn holding her own bottle. A triumphant parenting moment.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6274983512/" title="DSC_0009 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0009" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6274983512_30b1890696.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Kaitlyn's BFF helping her with a little meal.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6274457939/" title="DSC_0918 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0918" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6274457939_2c28951c8f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The face I get to see while I'm cooking dinner. Lucky me.Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-23667307893367778662011-10-13T16:59:00.000-08:002011-10-13T16:59:07.007-08:00Mommy Blog: Progress We're Not Exactly Excited AboutKaityn's been learning how to do new things. We're not exactly excited about them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6222227932/" title="DSC_0881 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0881" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6222227932_45e692051b.jpg" width="353" /></a><br />
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That's right ladies and gentlemen...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6242258752/" title="DSC_0935 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0935" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6242258752_dfdf338d66.jpg" width="319" /></a><br />
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Kaitlyn can now pull herself up on things.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6241742789/" title="DSC_0932 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0932" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6241742789_396b8b7f04.jpg" width="344" /></a><br />
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And while she looks adorable, it means our lives will never be the same.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6222228844/" title="DSC_0904 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0904" height="327" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6222228844_1a3848a4e2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Here's another one of her favorite tricks.<br />
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What? You can't tell what's going on in this picture?<br />
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Note to readers: for maximum enjoyment of this and the next picture, please notice that Kaitlyn is only wearing one sock. That happens a lot around here... <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6221706949/" title="DSC_0906 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0906" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6221706949_90f8eaf0f5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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How about now? A baby on top of the stereo receiver and DVD player. What could possibly go wrong with that?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6241743145/" title="DSC_0946 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0946" height="496" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6241743145_9cec2614bb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The final piece of bad news is that Kaitlyn's hair is now long enough to "be fixed." 500 small black rubber bands came in the mail yesterday, so now there is no excuse to not fix Kaitlyn's hair.<br />
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This may not seem like such a travesty, but it is. Readers who knew me growing up will understand why this is so scary to me.<br />
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Note to readers regarding the above photo: This was the best I could do. I am aware that her hands are cut off. And she's not looking. And there's a funky shadow. Please do not let it get in the way of enjoying this blog post. Thank you.<br />
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Additional note to readers: I am formally sorry for any baby blog pictures that I have judged in the past. Taking pictures of babies is hard. My respect goes out to anyone who even tries.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/1503486330/" title="Busch Girls in Matching Dresses by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Busch Girls in Matching Dresses" height="376" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/1503486330_f4694b56c0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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(I am the one on the left.) Not too bad, huh? That's because my mom did my hair.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/1503569216/" title="Matching Green Dresses for Christmas by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Matching Green Dresses for Christmas" height="351" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/1503569216_9aa6460a41.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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(I am, again, on the left.) My mom was still doing my hair at this point, but it was starting to get out of control (Hey Mom! Thanks for the poofy bangs!) (Hey 1980s! Thanks for the crimping fad!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/1503508600/" title="Eating Watermelon at Grandma and Grandpa's House by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Eating Watermelon at Grandma and Grandpa's House" height="337" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2041/1503508600_e6f08268ae.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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(I'm on the far right.) But this. This I have to take full responsibility for. Not only did I dress myself, but I did my own hair.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/1502719307/" title="Ready for Church by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Ready for Church" height="349" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2354/1502719307_a2cfa1a2ec.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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(I'm the one standing on the far right.) I was way old enough to do my own hair at this point...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/1502636075/" title="Thanksgiving 1996-ish by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Thanksgiving 1996-ish" height="302" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2246/1502636075_670f71c0f5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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(I'm standing in the back left corner.) And the results were not pretty. Could my bangs be any thicker?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/1503503560/" title="Mandy by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="Mandy" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2172/1503503560_35723c3651.jpg" width="354" /></a><br />
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My sister Mandy's hair always looked nice. And she's fixed her own hair since about second grade. Sigh. (Hey Universe! Why are you so unfair?) Anytime in my life my hair has looked nice (Prom, my wedding, occasional church meetings when I begged her to help me out), it's because Mandy did it. Unfortunately, Mandy is far away from Alaska, or I would outsource the duty of fixing Kaitlyn's hair in a heartbeat. <br />
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So, Kaitlyn, I apologize for the years you are about to endure. It won't be easy. And you'll probably look back and cringe. There will be times you will wonder, "Why me?" Just remember, the alternative is Daddy fixing your hair...Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-60350456240621683442011-09-21T23:16:00.001-08:002011-09-22T22:52:44.182-08:00Mommy Blog: Adventures in Baby Feeding- Part TwoToday was the day we started Kaitlyn on food other than cereal. After obsessively reading all information I could find about what food to try first, I settled on avocados. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6171145815/" title="DSC_0753 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0753" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6171145815_9b40a97e1f.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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This is what Kaitlyn thought of my choice. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6171677288/" title="DSC_0757 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0757" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6171677288_534042f73f.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Even after some of the familiar rice cereal, she was still dazed...Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-63932849612298894492011-09-18T17:16:00.000-08:002011-09-18T17:16:28.777-08:00Field Trip: Berry Picking<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6157512997/" title="DSC_0643 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0643" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6157512997_55c850b949.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I got to go berry picking with this little guy yesterday.<br />
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Astute VFN readers will notice that the little cutie is wearing a life jacket. And in front of a background of water. That's because we were on a boat. The good berries are always a little ways outside of town.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6157515395/" title="DSC_0676 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0676" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6157515395_574aa2ef8e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We stopped by the white truck. Apparently, it's a local landmark.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6157514835/" title="DSC_0665 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0665" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6157514835_df667f8696.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We were surrounded by beautiful fall colors.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6157514339/" title="DSC_0660 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0660" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6157514339_9603068e67.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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At our feet were berries. They grow really close to the ground.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6158057904/" title="DSC_0656 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0656" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6158057904_d7d7e859b5.jpg" width="338" /></a><br />
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These are the berries from <a href="http://steveandangiealston.blogspot.com/2011/09/fun-fact-my-favorite-way-to-eat-berries.html">this post</a>. They are called blackberries by people around here, but another name for them is crowberries. They are less desirable than blueberries or cranberries, but they were the most plentiful, so I decided to pick them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6158059450/" title="DSC_0674 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0674" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6158059450_ceef6d0e37.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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My little boating buddy picked shotgun shells.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6157515703/" title="DSC_0681 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0681" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6157515703_d91bcdf040.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I was quite pleased with how many berries I got in a few hours. The women from Brevig and Shishmaref would probably laugh if they saw how few berries I got. They typically pick up to twenty-five gallons a season.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6158059882/" title="DSC_0706 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0706" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6158059882_acf619985e.jpg" width="461" /></a> <br />
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The berries are beautiful. I look forward to enjoying them this winter.Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-90758127490788299302011-09-12T18:11:00.000-08:002011-09-12T18:11:34.037-08:00Mommy Blog: Kaitlyn LatelyTaking the advice of my esteemed readers, I'm going to embrace the concept of the mommy blog. I'm not ready to give up all of VFN to mommy land, but I am willing to create a new category: Mommy Blog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6142601258/" title="DSC_0983 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0983" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6142601258_80db8a4e52.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This is Kaitlyn's pose of choice. She seriously does it all the time, complete with her arm stuck out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6142599402/" title="DSC_0043 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0043" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6142599402_708830cde4.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Bathtime is fun time. Now that Mommy has mastered the art of the getting the temperature right, Kaitlyn really enjoys her baths.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6142046881/" title="DSC_0053 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0053" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6142046881_c378630347.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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The drying off part is not so much fun...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6142049811/" title="DSC_0076 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0076" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6142049811_9791c7527f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Kaitlyn loves to stick out her tongue. Daddy insists it is a sign of intelligence.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6142047331/" title="DSC_0085 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0085" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6142047331_879b971e05.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We've officially entered the teething stage. Two coming in on the bottom, and two ready to pop out on top. That means a lot of drool, a little bit of fussiness, and a daily struggle to apply Anbesol.Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-91389471610442947712011-09-04T09:06:00.002-08:002011-09-04T09:06:00.688-08:00Pro: Late SunrisesAnyone who knows me well knows that I don't do mornings. I <strike>am super crabby</strike> need some time to wake up and adjust to a new day before I talk to anybody or do anything. As such, the number of sunrises I've witnessed in my lifetime is very small.<br />
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Until I moved to Alaska. Daylight is coming later and later everyday, putting a sunrise within the realm of possibility.<br />
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I popped out of bed at 7:15am on Saturday (that doesn't sound impressive, but it's a good four hours earlier than normal on a Saturday) for no apparent reason. When I looked out the window, the sky was lit up in pink and purple. It was so gorgeous that I woke Steve up to share it with me (<strike>Irritatingly</strike>, Steve is a morning person. That is why waking him up was a good idea. If the situation were reversed, waking me up would be hazardous to Steve's well-being).<br />
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Steve watched the baby while I went outside to pursue the sunrise with my camera. That's when I got this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6110343564/" title="DSC_0013 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6110343564_af92e47190.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0013"></a><br />
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No photoshop. No color enhancement. No nothing. Just plain beauty.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6110343566/" title="DSC_0027 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6110343566_9cffbafc66.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0027"></a><br />
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When I turned around, I saw a rainbow. Best. Morning. Ever. <br />
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Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-89307319195254116482011-09-02T22:47:00.001-08:002011-09-02T22:50:34.179-08:00Introducing Cooking In Bush AlaskaYou may have noticed that VFN has been sort of preoccupied with food lately. That's because the editor-in-chief has recently found herself with a lot more time to cook and experiment in the kitchen. <br />
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Lest my faithful readers get overwhelmed by all the deliciousness, I decided to start a food blog. Those of you who are into food, cooking, and eating can enjoy all of my culinary adventures. Those of you that are just here for the witty commentary about life in Alaska can enjoy that commentary without all of this food stuff getting in the way.<br />
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I reposted all of the VFN Creative Cooking posts on the new blog just to flesh it out a little, but there's some new stuff. Expect more.<br />
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<a href="http://cookinginbushalaska.blogspot.com">Cooking in Bush Alaska</a><br />
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Check it out. Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-42477348094671204672011-09-01T10:18:00.004-08:002011-09-01T10:18:00.064-08:00Fun Fact: My Favorite Way to Eat Berries<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/2788182641/" title="Alaska's Bounty by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2788182641_d85fb6f15a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Alaska's Bounty"></a><br />
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I was going to tell you that these berries were Alaskan blueberries, but then I did an internet search to make sure. It turns out I've been misidentifying these berries for almost seven years. According to <a href="http://www.turtlepuddle.org/alaskan/wild/berries.html">this</a> and <a href="http://alaskatrekker.com/berrypicking.htm">this</a> they are blackberries or crowberries. <br />
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At any rate, the above picture is of Alaskan berries. They grow near Shishmaref and Brevig Mission.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6102477126/" title="DSC_0038 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6102477126_d1a05f132b.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0038"></a><br />
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Frozen berries are best served in a little glass bowl...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6101928955/" title="DSC_0040 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6101928955_372ae5cc21.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0040"></a><br />
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sprinkled with sugar...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6101929093/" title="DSC_0041 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6101929093_835e282a37.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0041"></a><br />
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and covered with evaporated milk (my friend Ginger uses half and half, but I don't keep that around the house).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6101929271/" title="DSC_0042 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6101929271_c58e68e99b.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0042"></a><br />
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The milk crystallizes around the frozen berries, and the sugar makes it just sweet enough.<br />
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Mmmmmmmm. The bounty of Alaska.<br />
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Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-43360949700689698902011-08-30T21:40:00.001-08:002011-08-30T22:01:40.058-08:00Creative Cooking: Salmon Yakitori<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6086904911/" title="DSC_0875 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0875" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6086904911_7294bb769d.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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This is what Steve brought home from his initial fishing adventure.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6086906685/" title="DSC_0892 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0892" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6086906685_70a7b448b1.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Isn't it beautiful?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6086906237/" title="DSC_0897 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0897" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6086906237_e0bb4b835e.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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This is the freshest salmon I have ever cooked with. From the ocean to the net to my hands in mere hours.<br />
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I went to my <a href="http://www.delicious.com/abalston">delicious bookmarks</a> and looked up salmon. I rediscovered <a href="http://missyskitchenadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/yakitori.html">yakitori</a>, a recipe I've been meaning to try from one of my favorite food blogs.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6086905243/" title="DSC_0882 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0882" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6086905243_02a83c5b8a.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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I started with a little sugar.<br />
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Note to readers: I attempted to be artistic while taking these photos and placed the salmon in the background of every ingredient picture. Consider appreciating that. Thank you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087450842/" title="DSC_0885 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0885" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6087450842_cd71f0e783.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Some smashed garlic.<br />
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Note to readers: If you use a knife to smash garlic cloves, use the same knife to slice a cucumber, and eat that cucumber slice, it is a bad idea. Trust me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087451010/" title="DSC_0888 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0888" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6087451010_6b9f6a91b1.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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The original recipe called for rice wine. I had no rice wine. The suggested substitute was apple juice. I had no apple juice. I had a packet of caramel apple cider, but I thought that might throw the flavor of the dish off... I ended up using rice vinegar.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087450686/" title="DSC_0887 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0887" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6087450686_743bcf3794.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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Because I'm an idiot, I added oil to the marinade. The oil was supposed to be used when cooking the salmon. Oops. Luckily, I don't think it ruined everything. In fact, because I used sesame oil, the flavor may have even been enhanced.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087451338/" title="DSC_0889 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0889" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6087451338_953d7f02da.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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I had the foresight to mix the marinade in a ziploc bag...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087451682/" title="DSC_0898 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0898" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6087451682_ebde533973.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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which made it really easy to let the salmon chunks soak up the goodness overnight.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6092117762/" title="DSC_0993 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6077/6092117762_84db61e9a5.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0993"></a><br />
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These pictures aren't the greatest, but I wanted to add them to prove I actually did make this dish. The above picture is the marinated salmon in (some more) sesame oil.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6098664585/" title="DSC_0002 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6098664585_8c7762e333.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0002"></a><br />
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This is the salmon when it was done. (Again, the photo is primarily to prove my culinary activity, in fact, took place.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6099212126/" title="DSC_0005 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6099212126_7195cf4f27.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0005"></a><br />
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The finished yakitori. Even my non-fish-eating husband enjoyed it. <br />
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Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-39386285934110700062011-08-27T23:38:00.001-08:002011-08-27T23:53:12.333-08:00Fishing With Teachers or The Post in Which I Use the Word Fillet As Often As PossibleSteve and I have lived in Alaska for going on seven years, and we went fishing for the first time today. This was a massive act of love on Steve's part because he doesn't even like fish. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087689791/" title="DSC_0917 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6087689791_e693478c2c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0917"></a><br />
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Last night a few of the teachers put a net in the water. The net is attached to the white buoys you can see in the pictures above.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6088235860/" title="DSC_0924 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6088235860_1def295dbe.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0924"></a><br />
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We pulled the net to shore looking for fish.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087644125/" title="DSC_0927 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6087644125_f7d0f4de04.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0927"></a><br />
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Okay, so the use of the word "we" was a little generous. Steve was the only Alston that did any of the actual pulling of the net.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6088190594/" title="DSC_0932 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6088190594_33865dc7cc.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0932"></a><br />
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The fish get tangled as they try to swim through the net.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6088193154/" title="DSC_0938 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6088193154_fa200dbd37.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0938"></a><br />
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Steve was a pro at untangling the fish.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087647743/" title="DSC_0952 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6087647743_4e52d4a03e.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0952"></a><br />
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The lineup. Notice the sanitary conditions. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087649871/" title="DSC_0959 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6087649871_8626aab3c1.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0959"></a><br />
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Me with the future fillet.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6088192196/" title="DSC_0951 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6088192196_d18b1f50e3.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0951"></a><br />
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Steve humored me and posed for a fish picture too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6088195414/" title="DSC_0966 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6088195414_61cb0274b1.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0966"></a><br />
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The beginning of the fillet. A nice slice below the head.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087650275/" title="DSC_0967 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6087650275_45a84dae67.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0967"></a><br />
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Hard at work in the filleting process.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087650727/" title="DSC_0970 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6087650727_83109e0cdb.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0970"></a><br />
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The other filleting stations.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087651113/" title="DSC_0971 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6087651113_20001d4f6e.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0971"></a><br />
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This is what was left after I was done filleting. The leftovers were donated to one of the local dogsled teams.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6088189444/" title="DSC_0902 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6088189444_cebc12b88a.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0902"></a><br />
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The fillets were reserved for human consumption. I took a couple and cooked them in a bit of hot vegetable oil. After a couple of minutes, I put them in the oven.<br />
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Note to readers: the pictured fillet was not filleted by me. It was filleted by another teacher earlier in the day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087643669/" title="DSC_0905 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6087643669_fc506a5b04.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0905"></a><br />
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While the fillet baked, I gathered some of this beautiful lemon zest.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087643881/" title="DSC_0909 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6087643881_4bb6e4a799.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0909"></a><br />
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I added the zest to some butter, shallots, and lemon juice, inspired by <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/bronzed-sea-bass-with-lemon-shallot-butter/">this</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6087644247/" title="DSC_0915 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6087644247_e3521a4e8a.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0915"></a><br />
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The finished fillet with the sauce. It was delicious. Even Steve agreed. Maybe there's something to this fishing thing after all...Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-52601160458069552572011-08-24T18:26:00.000-08:002011-09-12T17:37:56.139-08:00Adventures in Feeding a Baby<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6078448476/" title="DSC_0764 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6078448476_b37ed947db.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0764"></a><br />
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It was time for this little lady to eat something besides formula.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6078448690/" title="DSC_0768 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6078448690_78b8452175.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0768"></a><br />
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We started off introducing the spoon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6077907659/" title="DSC_0771 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6077907659_985810a201.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0771"></a><br />
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Immediate success. Spoon to mouth. Check.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6078449112/" title="DSC_0777 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6078449112_95c3bbb27d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0777"></a><br />
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Then we added a little rice cereal.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6077908089/" title="DSC_0787 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6077/6077908089_3d2cdff92e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0787"></a><br />
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Bland, yet satisfying.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6078449984/" title="DSC_0796 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6078449984_98fb0bed8b.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0796"></a><br />
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We ended with a slightly messy but reasonably happy baby.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6077908805/" title="DSC_0809 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6077908805_8fb6ee1c86.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0809"></a><br />
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I got a little excited about the prospect of feeding Kaitlyn, so I started to prepare for the days beyond rice cereal.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6077909133/" title="DSC_0814 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6077909133_e974343056.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0814"></a><br />
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Hello, food processor.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6078450302/" title="DSC_0812 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6078450302_e04ebb20aa.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0812"></a><br />
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Hello, cute baby in a walker while Mommy works in the kitchen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6078451290/" title="DSC_0816 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6078451290_57873e74a6.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0816"></a><br />
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Am I a bad mom if I didn't take the time to smooth the baby food in the ice cube trays?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6078450744/" title="DSC_0815 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6078450744_7297da2e1e.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0815"></a><br />
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Note to Readers: Broccoli does not make good baby food.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6078451108/" title="DSC_0822 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6078451108_73bf509584.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0822"></a><br />
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After a few more days of rice cereal practice we made the above progress. Notice how she is opening her mouth for the spoon. Notice also how her tongue is on the side of the high chair tray. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/6078450914/" title="DSC_0820 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6078450914_7150ee2661.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0820"></a><br />
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This little girl is well on her way to entering the world of solid food.<br />
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***Apologies to readers if this post is suspiciously like a mommy blog. Commentary on life in rural Alaska will resume shortly.<br />
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Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152494071769746689.post-4409670034458044122011-04-30T23:40:00.001-08:002011-08-31T22:53:58.075-08:00Introducing Kaitlyn Emily<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hg7qqQ9EiQw/Tbz_Bv8sqKI/AAAAAAAAAQE/tZRIlB4vE6c/s1600/GwenMarieDesigns-Kaitlyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hg7qqQ9EiQw/Tbz_Bv8sqKI/AAAAAAAAAQE/tZRIlB4vE6c/s400/GwenMarieDesigns-Kaitlyn.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Just a little over a month ago, Steve and I were given the opportunity of a lifetime: adoption.<br />
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We got the call that our baby was being born on Monday, March 21, but bad weather in Brevig Mission kept me in town until the next morning (it was an agonizing night of waiting).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5577742607/" title="P1010894 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5577742607_89460af48a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1010894"></a><br />
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While I was traveling, this little lady was born.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5578323778/" title="DSC_0017 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5578323778_b72bfe2de0.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0017"></a><br />
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I got to the hospital in Anchorage about six hours later, and she looked more like this.<br />
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As the adoptive mother, I got to stay in the hospital with Kaitlyn. We had matching identification bracelets. I slept in a bed next to her bassinet. I got to wake up to feed and change her. I loved it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5577738461/" title="DSC_0019 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5577738461_546f4bd7f1.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0019"></a><br />
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I had to buy a carseat so that I could take her home from the hospital. <br />
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Note to readers: please don't judge me because I let my daughter go home from the hospital wearing hospital-issue clothes. Thank you. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5577733779/" title="DSC_0026 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5577733779_c0b8829557.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0026"></a><br />
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The scariest part of the trip was the flight from Nome to Brevig Mission. I was wearing Kaitlyn in a baby carrier under my jacket. I was terrified that I was going going to smother her. I was also afraid to check on her because I didn't want her to get sick from the cold. I spent most of the flight praying like crazy and straining to hear her breathe.<br />
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Needless to stay, we made it home safely.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5577734425/" title="DSC_0032 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5577734425_0686d8ce87.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0032"></a><br />
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Daddy came home for lunch to meet his little baby.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5578320780/" title="DSC_0035 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5578320780_3251e0c505.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0035"></a><br />
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It was love at first sight.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5577736405/" title="DSC_0039 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5577736405_53ede6d075.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0039"></a><br />
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We aren't the only ones who love Kaitlyn. Her birthmother is from Brevig Mission, so there is a host of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins that adore her. People have been bringing over clothes and gifts (including the hat in the above picture) since we got home. It's amazing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5578321356/" title="DSC_0036 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5578321356_b1e621e3c3.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0036"></a><br />
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To prove we are first-time parents, Steve and I do things like take take pictures of the first time we changed her clothes...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttjpfu7Pac4/Tb0KYD9a2UI/AAAAAAAAAQM/Usa_W9hU2n4/s1600/DSC_0388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="287" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttjpfu7Pac4/Tb0KYD9a2UI/AAAAAAAAAQM/Usa_W9hU2n4/s400/DSC_0388.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OysjPimk9js/Tb0KYfQzlQI/AAAAAAAAAQU/WNc8MKaVczw/s1600/DSC_0390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OysjPimk9js/Tb0KYfQzlQI/AAAAAAAAAQU/WNc8MKaVczw/s400/DSC_0390.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bhv_qr0GrN8/Tb0KY-GU9xI/AAAAAAAAAQc/NDOM3zy5Epo/s1600/DSC_0392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bhv_qr0GrN8/Tb0KY-GU9xI/AAAAAAAAAQc/NDOM3zy5Epo/s400/DSC_0392.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And taking nearly identical photos of Kaitlyn sleeping and sending them to the grandparents. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5577740853/" title="DSC_0271 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5577740853_c014307ffc.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0271"></a><br />
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We also think that every little thing she does is cute enough to warrant preserving for posterity.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5577739177/" title="DSC_0064 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5577739177_1ae1dd27b7.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0064"></a><br />
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Even her crying is cute...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5577739577/" title="DSC_0072 by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5577739577_ac78a840a8.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0072"></a><br />
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But we certainly prefer moments like these.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstonfamily/5577741377/" title="Mommy and Kaitlyn by AlaskaTeacher, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5577741377_67773a9378.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Mommy and Kaitlyn"></a><br />
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We are tired. We are thrilled. We are grateful. We are happy.<br />
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Look for more Kaitlyn posts in the near future.Super Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700486768591480949noreply@blogger.com21