The People's Republic of Hilbry

New Blog

2011-06-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

I am following the trend and moving my blog to tumblr. If you are interested in keeping up with the Pohls, find my new blog at hapohl.tumblr.com.
Hope to see you there!

Choo Choo Choo, Augie is two.

2011-03-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

Augie turned two years old with a Choo Choo train party. We had a great time with friends and family. Augie has tons of new big boy toys, and is having a great time trying them all out. Here he is in his choo choo outfit. He looks like a hipster or a Dickens character, I can't decide which. Don't worry, I didn't make him wear it the whole time.

I love my Valentine!

2011-02-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

In honor of our third Valentine's day, I made Bryan a slide show of some of our best times together. FYI- It is posted here for Bryan's mom, Linda, to see, and it is a little long, but feel free to watch it if you want:)

I hope you are all surrounded by the people you love this Valentine's weekend!

My American Dream

2011-02-04T14:35:00.001-08:00

I like to look at MIBOR’s website. Okay, that is a major understatement. I love to look at MIBOR’s website, in fact I may be addicted. I love to compare interiors, prices and neighborhoods. I am not moving anytime soon, but I like to dream about the perfect house for us, and I like to question the interior design choices of the sellers.

Recently, I have noticed something. I love the city houses. This is no surprise to any of you, as you all know I live in the city, in a less than desirable neighborhood. But I have started to notice something that makes me feel good about my choice. City houses are in demand. The difference in price per square foot is amazing. I know why, but I’m glad to see that others do too.

This seems to run counter to the American Dream of big yards, “safety,” and good schools. But the more I think about our life, the more I understand the worth of a city home.

Our yard is small, but it has no need to be bigger. We have access to the world without stepping foot in a car. We are within biking or walking distance of zebras, dolphins, butterflies, and elephants at the zoo, hundreds of works of art, 500 acres of sculpture and an amazing garden at the IMA, every kind of ethnic food, 2 different canals, hundreds of art galleries, countless parks, the amazingly huge and beautiful central public library, tons of bike trails and bike lanes that offer a perspective of the city that cars can’t see, the new Kurt Vonnegut reading room, a food co-op, amazing shopping at locally owned boutiques…. And the list goes on.

All of this makes it clear to me that living in a less than desirable neighborhood in the city is more desirable for my family than living in a very desirable suburban neighborhood. I guess the “American Dream” is different for everyone, and the more I think about it the more I realize that in many ways my particular American Dream is very close to my reality.

Don’t get me wrong, I will not stop looking at MIBOR’s website, and we will probably move out of our hood, but I have a feeling that our move won’t be too far down the road and we will require a bike, not an interstate highway, to visit our favorite places.

Snow Day

2011-02-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of Iceawesomeness 2011 is coming to an end. We have had an amazing time in the last couple days. Here are the highlights.

1. Sidewalk hockey- with skates. See photos.
2. Mass Ave Toys all to ourselves. Have you ever dreamed of being the only customers in a toy store? It happened to us today. We ran the place! Augie played with every train, truck, ball, and mini-shopping cart. We ended up buying Lincoln Logs after the clerk told Bryan that Frank Lloyd Wright credited them for inspiring him to become an architect. Bryan is such an easy target.
3. Bosphorus to ourselves. No other diners. Lamb wrap and zucchini pancakes were amazing. Augie kept telling our waiter and the owner of the restaurant "I like your french fries."
4. Cleanest house ever.
5. Amazing time with Bryan and Augie. No work, stress or plans. Just fun!

Luckily, it's not over yet. School is canceled again tomorrow!!!

Augie the Gnome

2010-10-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

Nana made Augie an amazing gnome costume for Halloween. He was a little apprehensive at first, but he ended up loving it...even the fuzzy boots and tall hat. Augie went to his first trick or treat here in Fountain Square, and he did a great job. He said "trick or treat" a few times, but mostly just said "please." The best part is that he did not eat much candy, so we can "regift" it tonight when the trick or treaters come to our house. I never thought I would say it, but I don't think I can eat another Snickers. I love my little gnome.

I hate grading papers!

2010-10-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

Things I have done tonight to put off grading essays:

1. We took Augie to the park. He went on the slide over and over again.He fell a few times and practiced the new "clap it off" technique. When he falls, he claps his hands together to get them clean and to distract him from the fall. He even said "lap it off."
2. Went grocery shopping.
3. Gave Augie a bath, watched Yo Gabba Gabba, and read as many stories as I could in the big boy bed.
3. I watched Gossip girl. Don't judge.
4. Downloaded pictures. Love the new camera!
5. Blogged. Woops, It's 9:30. I guess I can't grade those pesky essays today. Sorry kids.

Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? Especially when you can hang with Augie, the boy who yells "Obama" to answer the questions "who is the president?" and "what is your favorite food?" (there is some confusion between Obama and Lasagna).

New Camera

2010-09-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

We got a new camera today. I don't really know how to use it, but I will be reading the manual soon:) Here are my first pictures of the cutest subject in the world, Augie Pohl.

Big Boy Bed

2010-09-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight is Augie's first night in his toddler bed. He climbed out of his crib at least ten times last week, and this morning we awoke to a thud and screaming. (He is not injured).

We tried to put it off, but after the near disaster, we went shopping for new sheets and blankie for his big boy bed. He pointed to the one he wanted and screamed "SPACE! SPACE!" Which is the same thing he screamed a few minutes ago when he realized the the planets, rockets,and stars on the sheets glow in the dark.

Brian teared up a little when he converted the crib into a big boy bed this afternoon. He even mentioned something about having another baby. (I have been waiting for him to say this for months).

Once it was put together, new sheets and all, Augie climbed up on it, and began to jump up and down yelling "Bi boy bed!" (Photo attached)

At 7:00 we began our nightly routine: bath, "teeth", and stories. But, tonight it was different. We usually read stories on the couch and then lay him down in his crib. Tonight, I tucked him into his space bed, and sat on the edge to read him his stories. In the middle of Llama Llama Red Pajama, I started to cry.

When did this happen? I know that everyone says that time flies, so I wont say it again, but I already miss Baby Augie. Don't get me wrong, 18 month old Augie is the best. He answers questions, and gives hugs, he jumps, and laughs, and understands, but I know that soon I will be missing 18 month old Augie, and two year old Augie, and 10 year old Augie. Sometime he will not just be sleeping in a big boy bed, but he will be sleeping in his own house. Someday, we will put his own child in the toddler bed.

But, for today, he is my little guy in a big boy bed. Since I started writing this, he has already gotten out of bed and walked into the living room twice. As we speak, I am typing from the floor of his room, by the light of the computer screen and the glowing planets. His eyes stay closed until he hears my try to get up, then he opens them, says "mommy," and smiles. I will just sit a while and watch him fall asleep. He may have big boy bed, but he still needs his mama.

The Anti-Blogger

2010-09-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

All two followers of my blog know that I am not the queen of blogging. I last posted six months ago. I think there are a couple reasons for this.

1. What can I post to our family blog that I can't post to facebook?
2.There are finite number of hours in any given day. I spend these hours being a mom, being a wife, teaching, thinking about teaching when I'm at home, thinking about my family when I'm at school, grading papers, changing diapers, playing outside, going on bikerides, doing housework, grocery shopping, re-cleaning things, making food, eating food, thinking about food...I think you get it.

Wow, it stresses me out a little to think about #2. I need a way to get rid of the stress associated with my long list of daily activities. I am not going to eliminate stress by making this list shorter. Most of the things on it are things I love to do. The way to eliminate the stress is by changing my thinking.

This summer, I went to a writing workshop for teachers, where we did our own writing. It was amazing! We shared our work with our colleagues, and got to know each other in a way that we never would have during the school day. It felt so good to know how other teachers were feeling about the same stresses both at school and in their personal lives. Aha! That is why people spend their time blogging.

In light of my recent revelations, I am working on a plan for reducing stress in my life. Here is the edited version:

1. Write more. I'm always telling my students to do it. Why shouldn't I?
2. Buy a real camera, and take a photography class. Because of my awesome husband, it will be shipped in 7-10 business days.
3. Keeping riding my bike, and start yoga. Half of this plan is in effect.
4.Share my life with the people I care about, not just in the form of cute pictures of Augie (I will still include those), but also the stories and feelings that actually form my days, both good and bad.

As for you 0-5 readers, thanks for listening, and I'll post again soon. No, really, I will.

Augie Ice Skates for the First Time

2010-03-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

We went ice skating to celebrate Augie's first birthday. Bryan ordered Augie's skates well in advance so he would be prepared for the occasion. All went well..no falls or tears. However, Augie was unsure about walking for a little while afterward. We had a great time with friends and family. Almost everyone skated... and believe me, Augie was not the only one who looked a little uncomfortable on the ice! (Full video of Augie skating http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRKGSNhIbA0

In addition to his skates, Mommy and Daddy gave him a bongo drum. I'm not sure who loves it more, Augie or Daddy, but they both look cute playing it. They love it so much that they took it with us on our walk today. Augie played his drum as we pulled him in his wagon. Next time, I am going to put a tin cup or a hat in the wagon so he can make a few bucks:)

Our Little Frankenstein

2010-02-01T15:52:00.001-08:00

Augie Walks...And looks a lot like Frankenstein while he's doing it. One day he was taking a few steps. Now, he is walking everywhere!

Carpet is awesome!

2009-10-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

So, we finally broke down and covered the hardwoods in the living room with carpet. We are so happy we did it. Play time is so much more fun. Here are some photos...

Augie's First Tailgate

2009-10-12T16:59:00.001-07:00

August- 6 month photos

2009-09-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jessica Curless for taking such beautiful photos of August. There are so many good ones. Here a a few.

Daddy and Arrrgie

2009-08-30T04:33:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me to understand the rejection of food.

2009-07-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I never turn down a meal, and I find it hard to imagine that anyone of any age would not like to eat. It figures that one of these crazy human beings that turns down food is my own son.

We had an appointment with the doctor today, and she said that he could start eating cereal. I was overjoyed! This would be so much fun! He is going to love food!

He did not love it. He hated it! I mean really really hated it. He spit out every bite, and screamed and cried like a maniac.

I guess we will try again tomorrow...

I know...I never post anything.

2009-07-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Augie is becoming a really fun guy! He makes funny noises, laughs, rolls over and sits up with a little bit of help. He has been traveling all over the country, making stops in Florida and Chicago. Everyone says he looks like me, but I sometimes think he looks like Bryan and sometimes he looks like Grandpa Alan.He loves to listen to music and dance in the living room with mommy. We are having a great time spending all day together...gotta love summer break!

Augie Loves hiking!

2009-06-18T08:15:00.001-07:00

Bryan thinks he's so funny!

2009-04-08T17:07:00.001-07:00

Bryan has a new habit of putting weird things on Augie's head to see how long they will stay. Pacifiers, diapers, socks etc. See picture. Also...we are very proud of Augie's taco shirt.

Augie Hates Baths!

2009-03-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

Augie and Daddy

2009-03-15T18:01:00.001-07:00

Bryan and Augie love to take naps together. Augie fits well on Daddy's chest, and they both make the same face. Mouth open, drooling.

This is only one of the reasons it is so sad that Bryan is going back to work tomorrow. Because he just started his new job a few months ago, he could not take more than one week off. It is hard to see him go back to work because we have had such an amazing first week with Augie.

Augie and I will be really sad without Daddy tomorrow, and I'm sure Bryan will miss his daily nap with Augie.

Cuter picture

2009-03-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

After the last post, I didn't want everyone to think that Augie was mad all the time. Here is a cuter picture of him. Can you believe any baby of mine has skin this dark? Thanks daddy.

Baby Augie Born March 7, 2009

2009-03-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry, we are a little behind on posts. August William Pohl was born on March 7, 2009 at 6:38 am. He weighed 7lbs 13oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long. Some of you know the story, but for those of you who don't I will tell it again.

When I went to my doctors appointment early last week, my doctor decided that because I had the early stages of preeclampsia, it would be best to induce labor. So, we went to the hospital at 10:00 am on Friday (the 6th) morning. I was only about 1-2 cm dilated at the time, so we knew it was going to be a very long day.

Many friends and family hung out for the whole day, and since I wasn't having any painful contractions yet, it was kind of fun. See hair braiding photo above. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Linda, Kristen, Andrea, Jenny, and Tatum for being there through the day and night.

At about 9:30 PM, we decided that this was going to be a long haul, and sent everyone home to get some sleep. Of course, at about 10 PM things started to happen. Bryan and I were laying down listening to his heart monitor, and we heard a loud popping noise...my water broke!

At this point I started having more painful contractions and was dilated to about 5 cm. This went on for a few hours, but we had a problem. Augie was not responding well to the contractions. Every time I had a contraction, his heart rate would go down. The nurse called our doctor, who came in and met with us, and we decided it was best to do a c- section, because she did not think Augie could handle another several hours of labor.

Bryan and I were scared, and at this point everyone had come back to the hospital (about 3 or 4 am.) I went in for the c-section and my body wouldn't stop shaking. I later learned this happens all the time. It was such a weird feeling, I was in and out of consciousness. Bryan was so afraid to see anything bloody, that he only looked at my eyes.

Then we heard him cry, and one of the doctors say "he's still in there and he's already crying. At this point we both completely lost it and were bawling. Bryan was able to go stand beside the table where they were cleaning him up. I could see Bryan shaking and crying and trying to take pictures. Our nurse took the camera out of his had and started taking the pictures for us. She got several good ones.

Even though I was a little out of it, I was so amazed by the feeling I had when they first handed Augie to me. I think I almost had a heart attack, but in such a good way.

Here's one of Augie's first photos. It's his red, swollen, and angry look:)

New Developments

2009-03-04T12:20:00.001-08:00

I went to my doctors appointment on Monday, and they found protein in my urine, so my doctor decided we should collect more urine (24 hours worth, to be collected at home in a big orange jug, luckily we don't drink orange juice so there were no mix ups.)

The urine and blood sample which I had to give yesterday were both tested to see if I have preeclampsia. Today, I got a call from my doctors office. They told me that the protein levels in my urine are high, and I need to come in tomorrow to discuss what we are going to do next.

I am not sure what is going to happen tomorrow, but some of the possibilities include inducing labor, c-section, or just waiting until he comes on his own. Luckily, I am far enough along in the pregnancy that this is not as much of a danger to me or Augie as it could have been earlier on.

Please don't worry about us too much, I just wanted to keep everyone posted. I am a little worried, but the bright side is that we could baby Augie in the next couple days, and chances are great that everyone will be healthy.

Augie's Room

2009-02-18T03:33:00.001-08:00

Augie will be here shorty, and his room is finally ready for him. (Only a rocking chair is missing) We did not go with a traditional theme type nursery. We just put some stuff we liked in his room, and some stuff that is meaningful to us. Many of you will recognize the origami mobile from our wedding. I like the map over his changing table, he can learn his states and capitals while getting his diaper changed.

We had a doctors appointment Monday. Augie's head is down and I am 1 cm dilated!!! This basically means I could have him either tomorrow or in a few weeks... but at least there is progress.

Just a few more weeks...

2009-02-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

So, I have been prego for 37 weeks now. Over 9 months. A lot of you have been giving me a hard time because I don't post very often. You have my promise that as soon as Augie gets here I will post so much it will make you sick. I don't really like to write about myself, but I have a feeling I will love to write about him.

This Valentines Day was so wonderful because we are so happy in love with each other and our baby! I keep thinking that it was the last holiday with only the two of us. There will be three from now on! I can't wait to meet him, and I hope he looks just like Bryan:)

As If our house needed to be cleaned less often

2008-12-28T12:46:00.000-08:00

Bryan and I recived the Christmas gift coveted by 5th graders, their grandmas and everyone in between... The Wii. As you all know it is awesome. What you may not know is that it is also dangerous and addictive.

For example, Bryan already rolled a 300 game in bowling. Immediately following the game, he took a picture of the TV screen, and posted the score as his profile picture on Facebook. He is so humble.

Aside from Bryan's growing ego, the biggest problem I see with our new entertainment source is that it distracts us from the things we need to be doing. Including, but not limited to the dishes, going to work, taking a shower, and doing the laundry. Anyone who knows either of us knows that housework is neither of our favorites anyway. The Wii just adds a whole new dimension. I find myself saying things like "one more game of Super Mario Brothers and I swear I will start a load of towels" or "Should I play Smooth Moves or make dinner?" finally answering myself a few hours later with "I'm on level 8, let's just order pizza."

I think I have a new understanding for those people who never leave the house because they are addicted to video games. It is really really hard to stop playing. The only reason I am blogging right now is because it is Bryan's turn.

Poetic Knights

2008-11-22T04:59:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. Check out this newspaper article about my class.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008811200466

I am so proud of them. They did such a great job!

Bryan's Birthday Fiesta

2008-11-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

For Bryans 29th Birthday we had a fiesta complete with one very dangerous pinata. Special thanks to a drunken Zach for volunteering to hold it while Bryan hit it with a baseball bat. No one was injured and I pray that when our little guy comes his parties are much more tame.

I made some of Bryan's favorite Mexican foods and a carrot cake from scratch, and learned a tough lesson about what happens to the ankles of pregnant ladies who stand up from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Aside from the swelling of my ankles and Zach's face (just kidding) it was a great time! Heres the proof:

Brianna's hat also works as Santa beard!

Phil, Bryan, and Ian.

Zach's dangerous job.

After the beating, Fran decided to have a drink.

Kristen and Brianna
Shannon is always so serious.
Bryan and the future Morgans.

Dave and Deb and that guy.

Our Baby Boy- Look at those froggy legs!

2008-10-30T18:06:00.001-07:00