not okay

This is my brother, Luciya's awesome Uncle Adam.



Adam is 26 years old and lives just a few minutes from us. It has been amazing to have the opportunity to reconnect with him on a near-daily basis.

Adam is funny, tall, handsome, funny, and tall. He is smart and funny and tall. I totally admire everything about him.



Adam was honorably discharged from the Army in 2005 after spending almost 2 years as a Military Police officer in South Korea. He is now a deputy with the Ada County Sheriff's Department here in Boise. He is a fabulous cop. He is gentle and forthright. The kind of cop you wish all cops were.



On Thursday, Adam received his papers for deployment to Iraq.

Now, I'm a pretty intuitive person and my heart tells me that Adam will be safe and strong for many, many, many years to come.

But this sucks.

Adam is to deploy on August 26. They gave him 30 days! It's ludicrous. He just received a raise, is finalizing a divorce, and has a new girlfriend, a new home, a new niece, and a new dog.

If you are reading my blog I'm sure we share the same sentiments about the war and Dipdong Bush in general. And I'm sure you'll understand my stance as a big sister and the fact that I have taken it upon myself to urge Idaho's congressmen to cease Adam's deployment. If you know Adam, and even if you don't, I urge you to join me in doing what we can to see that he can stay here, safe.

Here is a copy of a letter similar to what I sent to Governor Butch Otter.


Governor Butch Otter
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720


Dear Governor Otter:

I am writing on behalf of my brother, Ada County Sheriff Deputy Adam Nielsen.

Adam, who was recently recommended by several fellow deputies as a canine handler for the Department, just received his orders for deployment. Adam is not a member of the Idaho National Guard or the Army Reserves. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in 2005. Adam was mobilized as a member of the IRR.

Adam served two years as a highly regarded Military Police officer in South Korea, where he quickly moved up the ranks to be the General’s personal security officer, before returning to his hometown of Boise and fulfilling his dream of becoming a police officer.

Adam loves his job and has proven to be an excellent example of the type of officer we want in our state. He was involved in the November shooting of a dangerous ex-con, and his professional action was commended not only by his supervising sergeants, but by members of the community at large.

Adam’s heart and soul, however, are dedicated to helping families in need. He has worked with juveniles and at-risk teens since he was in high school at Centennial.

His presence in Idaho, not only as a stellar example of a caring and committed county officer, but as a brand new uncle to my baby girl, is needed, and I ask you to do whatever is in your power to cease his deployment and keep him safe in Boise, so he can ensure the safety of so many others.

Sincerely,



Emily Nielsen



You can contact Governor Butch Otter and Senator Larry Craig at the addresses below.

GOVERNOR BUTCH OTTER
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
P.O. BOX 83720
BOISE, ID 83720

US SENATOR LARRY CRAIG
225 N. 9TH STREET, SUITE 530
BOISE, ID 83702

Thanks for keeping Adam in your hearts and prayers.

good afternoon to you!

eLLe - 3 Months

Dear Luciya,

You turned three months old today.




Your little hands are grasping at everything. Not that I ever wear my hear down, but on the occasion I do, I need to be willing to lose a strand or two. You grasp and tug at hair, jewelry, shirts, blankets, and your new favorite toy, the stuffed froggy.



You continue to smile every day. You are a joy in the morning, when you greet me with that illuminating morning grin. And you are beginning to laugh. I think it's probably a laugh only a mommy can decipher, as anyone else would probably only call it a grunt. But you grunt when I kiss your tummy and when we play paddy cakes and I hear nothing but complete delight.



You are sleeping 7 to 10 hours straight at night. That's right. Ten. Okay, it only happened once, and I actually got worried and had to go look into your crib at 5 am to make you sure were still breathing, but you did it! In any case, you are only waking up for one feeding at night, and I tiptoe into your little nursery and rock you as you nurse.

Another freak occurance: you rolled over! From your back to you front! Five times! And then never again since! Oh, well, it was pretty cool. And I'm not ready to babyproof the house yet, anyway.



Your head is completely wobble-free when you hold it up. You actually strain to keep it up when you're lying down or in your car seat (which you have not been a fan of lately... hates the car seat! No car seat!). You do little crunches to try and sit up. You don't want to miss a thing!



You met your namesake (or are you her namesake?), Great Grandma Leona. The four generations of women have gotten together twice now. Great Grandma is delighted with you.



We're trying out a new nap schedule to regulate your day more (you're napping right now!) 10 am , 1 pm, and 4 pm (or within a half hour of each) is the goal. So far, you seem happy with this.




Your big sister Eryn has been here for a week. I love seeing the two of you together, and you love seeing her face! Eryn is a wonderful big sister to you and that makes my heart happy.



I love you, Luciya!
Mama

grrrr...

My computer isn't letting me upload pictures. Stay tuned.

we're baaack!

Here we are!

Our container arrived to our new home today, and with it our computers. Hooray! I went 3 weeks without a computer and I'm JUST FINE!

I haven't got a lot of time right now, but here are a few updates from the past few weeks:

- John and Mila got in on July 5th. Mila was a trooper on the planes and continues to be an amazing spirit. She is buck wild about her giant new backyard. And squirrels! OMG, what are these furry fuzzy fast skippy little things??!!!

- Luciya is an incredible adaptable little person, as well. Tonight will be her first full night in her new crib. She will be 3 months old on Thursday! Wha...??!

- The new house is looking quite phenomenal, if I do say so myself. The interior is painted, and the pool is ready for our evening swims (which feel awesome on these 102 degree days!).

So far, we are thrilled to be here. I haven't uploaded any pictures yet; those will come later.