I decided to try and use the video recording capabilities of my camera today. For some reason I hardly use it, but thought I should start getting used to it. I made a video of Ira this morning hanging out on the couch. Enjoy.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Quinn Update - Sharon
Hi Family,
It's been a pleasant and lazy Saturday Morning. We ate German pancakes and watched Meet the Robinsons, which made me laugh so hard I cried at one point.
Ira is getting cuter every day. His umbilical cord fell off this morning which helps with the cuteness. Ugh. He slept pretty well last night and is eating really well. He's chunking up a little and makes really cute noises. This morning he peed on himself again during a diaper change. Ah, the skills of life.
I'm continuing to recover well, and still trying to improve on the whole nursing thing. i made french bread yesterday which turned out a little flat but tasty. I guess my biggest news is that I've been accepted to the University of Sussex! Yeah, kind of random. Let me explain.
This summer, before I found out I was pregnant and before we had any idea of what Anthony's work situation would be, I started applications to the Universities of Sussex and London for grad school. The London application kind of fell through the cracks, since after completing the online application they told me they were having technical difficulties and that I'd have to start all over again. When I found out that we were pregnant, and then that Ant had a job, I kind of put all efforts on hold. And then two nights before Ira was born I had a dream about the University of Sussex, and woke up to an e-mail from their administration asking for my letters of recommendation. The next day ( the day before going into labor) I made sure one of the letters got sent on it's way. And this week, I got an official offer...although they can't confirm it until the second letter gets sent (which should take 2 weeks according to my kind of slacker professor.) So, the woman I've been corresponding with said I can defer easily for a year, and can defer the second year with special permission from the administration. I'm not stressing over it. Our motto has been that if the stars align for England, we'll go. If not, Heavenly Father has other plans for us. A lot would still have to happen. For instance, Ant would have to find a job there, and we'd have to move and figure childcare for Ira for a year, etc. The program sounds amazing though. MA of Anthropology of Development and Social Transformation.
Meanwhile I'll worry about when to fit in a shower and nap, and feeding our cute little sweet potato. Life is happy.
Anthony's been enjoying volunteering with the United Way and seems to be learning a lot of cool tax..doing skills. People are taking good care of us here, with periodic meals and visits from friends.
Love you guys!
Sharon
It's been a pleasant and lazy Saturday Morning. We ate German pancakes and watched Meet the Robinsons, which made me laugh so hard I cried at one point.Ira is getting cuter every day. His umbilical cord fell off this morning which helps with the cuteness. Ugh. He slept pretty well last night and is eating really well. He's chunking up a little and makes really cute noises. This morning he peed on himself again during a diaper change. Ah, the skills of life.
I'm continuing to recover well, and still trying to improve on the whole nursing thing. i made french bread yesterday which turned out a little flat but tasty. I guess my biggest news is that I've been accepted to the University of Sussex! Yeah, kind of random. Let me explain.
This summer, before I found out I was pregnant and before we had any idea of what Anthony's work situation would be, I started applications to the Universities of Sussex and London for grad school. The London application kind of fell through the cracks, since after completing the online application they told me they were having technical difficulties and that I'd have to start all over again. When I found out that we were pregnant, and then that Ant had a job, I kind of put all efforts on hold. And then two nights before Ira was born I had a dream about the University of Sussex, and woke up to an e-mail from their administration asking for my letters of recommendation. The next day ( the day before going into labor) I made sure one of the letters got sent on it's way. And this week, I got an official offer...although they can't confirm it until the second letter gets sent (which should take 2 weeks according to my kind of slacker professor.) So, the woman I've been corresponding with said I can defer easily for a year, and can defer the second year with special permission from the administration. I'm not stressing over it. Our motto has been that if the stars align for England, we'll go. If not, Heavenly Father has other plans for us. A lot would still have to happen. For instance, Ant would have to find a job there, and we'd have to move and figure childcare for Ira for a year, etc. The program sounds amazing though. MA of Anthropology of Development and Social Transformation.
Meanwhile I'll worry about when to fit in a shower and nap, and feeding our cute little sweet potato. Life is happy.
Anthony's been enjoying volunteering with the United Way and seems to be learning a lot of cool tax..doing skills. People are taking good care of us here, with periodic meals and visits from friends.
Love you guys!
Sharon
Friday, January 29, 2010
Volunteer Income Tax Assistant
*Disclaimer* When Sharon saw me writing this she said it could open a big can of worms. My intent is to merely express some thoughts and insights I have had while working with taxes. I understand and am sympathetic to the various opinions on taxes, government, and public programs.
I decided to volunteer with the United Way here in Pittsburgh during the tax season. I wanted to do this in part to I feel I am doing something productive, in part to make sure I get out of the house, and i
n part to be a little more involved with the Pittsburgh community. Last week I completed my training to be a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VITA). I can only help do 'basic' tax returns, but I've been enjoying understanding more of the tax process and lingo. I'm working at a center for families in East Liberty. It is a part of town with a lot of character and has seen some better days. Two days a week I help prepare taxes for a few hours, and two days a week I help answer questions for people who are getting ready to do their taxes.
The United Way and the Center I'm working at have teamed up with a group that offers a debit card to people who don't have checking accounts or are otherwise 'outside' the banking system, but still want a direct deposit. It helps prevent people from going to payday loan shops to cash their refund. The tax preparation we do is for free, so we are also saving people money there too.
We see a lot of different people, but most have been on the edge of poverty. Case in point. I helped a lady earlier this week that went to a paid tax preperation site, like an H&R Block, and was going to have to pay about $500 just for having them help. Bummer:( On top of that she didn't have any kind of bank account and was planning on going to a payday loan place that would take a hefty % for its services as well as charge outrageous interest. She came to the center and got her taxes done for free, and was set up with a free debit card to receive her refund. In the end she was able to keep more of her refund, which from the looks of it, was sorely needed.
I admit, growing up, I have felt that taxes are a fairly negative thing. You know, the whole, "I have to pay the government, which can be extremely inefficient" thing. Since about the time of my mission I feel that perspective has slowly changed to one of more appreciation. It allows access to schools, libraries, transportation, etc.. All things I enjoy and have taken advantage of and can't really complain about. Volunteering here this year has opened my eyes to a whole other side of the tax system(for lack of a better term). I'm surprised at how much is given out to help families and individuals who are really struggling. Some of the people I've seen, single parents with 2-4 children are, in some cases, able to get thousands of dollars through credits and refunds. It is obvious to me that in some cases it is sourly needed and might even save lives. For me, I think that is wonderful and I'm glad I can be a part of that. I understand some people might take advantage of some of these benefits, but I'm glad they exist for the people I've been getting to know, whose lives I can clearly see need it.
I decided to volunteer with the United Way here in Pittsburgh during the tax season. I wanted to do this in part to I feel I am doing something productive, in part to make sure I get out of the house, and i
n part to be a little more involved with the Pittsburgh community. Last week I completed my training to be a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VITA). I can only help do 'basic' tax returns, but I've been enjoying understanding more of the tax process and lingo. I'm working at a center for families in East Liberty. It is a part of town with a lot of character and has seen some better days. Two days a week I help prepare taxes for a few hours, and two days a week I help answer questions for people who are getting ready to do their taxes.The United Way and the Center I'm working at have teamed up with a group that offers a debit card to people who don't have checking accounts or are otherwise 'outside' the banking system, but still want a direct deposit. It helps prevent people from going to payday loan shops to cash their refund. The tax preparation we do is for free, so we are also saving people money there too.
We see a lot of different people, but most have been on the edge of poverty. Case in point. I helped a lady earlier this week that went to a paid tax preperation site, like an H&R Block, and was going to have to pay about $500 just for having them help. Bummer:( On top of that she didn't have any kind of bank account and was planning on going to a payday loan place that would take a hefty % for its services as well as charge outrageous interest. She came to the center and got her taxes done for free, and was set up with a free debit card to receive her refund. In the end she was able to keep more of her refund, which from the looks of it, was sorely needed.
I admit, growing up, I have felt that taxes are a fairly negative thing. You know, the whole, "I have to pay the government, which can be extremely inefficient" thing. Since about the time of my mission I feel that perspective has slowly changed to one of more appreciation. It allows access to schools, libraries, transportation, etc.. All things I enjoy and have taken advantage of and can't really complain about. Volunteering here this year has opened my eyes to a whole other side of the tax system(for lack of a better term). I'm surprised at how much is given out to help families and individuals who are really struggling. Some of the people I've seen, single parents with 2-4 children are, in some cases, able to get thousands of dollars through credits and refunds. It is obvious to me that in some cases it is sourly needed and might even save lives. For me, I think that is wonderful and I'm glad I can be a part of that. I understand some people might take advantage of some of these benefits, but I'm glad they exist for the people I've been getting to know, whose lives I can clearly see need it.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Week 1
Hi Family!
Tomorrow we'll celebrate Ira's 1st week of life. Maybe with getting out of the house and taking a shower before noon. :) I'm amazed with how blessed we've been.
It all started with labor. I think we've been able to talk to each of you to tell you how this went, but let's just say that looking back on it, I received pretty much everything on my wish list and more. I was able to labor at home the vast majority of the time. My awesome midwife was able to make a couple of house visits, so that we didn't have to go into the hospital to find out that it took me about about 20 hours to get to 1 1/2 cm. By the time we got to the hospital I was 7 cm, and by the time I got to the delivery room I was pushing. Phew! I couldn't have asked for a better midwife. Anthony was a dream boat. :) I can't imagine how exhausted he must have gotten from my neediness through each contractions. As soon as one started he would rush to my side and try to hold, or massage, or cheer me on, as needed. I don't know how I would have done it without him. No drugs, and little tearing. Recovery has gone better than I imagined.
And the best part of it, is that we got a baby out of the whole ordeal. :) Ira is awesome. For those of you who don't know, his whole name is Ira Tanner Quinn. We took him to the pediatrician yesterday, and the lactation consultant thought that maybe we were supplimenting with formula, because he's already back at birth weight. Woohoo! Feeding him is also going much better than I expected. It's still a little painful for the first few seconds, but I've gotten some good advice that I'm trying to apply. I'm just trying to feed him often throughout the day to see if he will sleep more at night. Last night he slept a 4 hour stretch and then a 3 hour stretch. I would click my heals if he did it again tonight! I can't stop kissing him.
Right now Ira's asleep next to me on the couch, and Anthony is volunteering at the United Way. It still looks like there are some temporary job opportunities that may work out still. We'll see. Thanks for all of your prayers that have gotten us to this happy state. Love you all!
Sharon
Tomorrow we'll celebrate Ira's 1st week of life. Maybe with getting out of the house and taking a shower before noon. :) I'm amazed with how blessed we've been.
It all started with labor. I think we've been able to talk to each of you to tell you how this went, but let's just say that looking back on it, I received pretty much everything on my wish list and more. I was able to labor at home the vast majority of the time. My awesome midwife was able to make a couple of house visits, so that we didn't have to go into the hospital to find out that it took me about about 20 hours to get to 1 1/2 cm. By the time we got to the hospital I was 7 cm, and by the time I got to the delivery room I was pushing. Phew! I couldn't have asked for a better midwife. Anthony was a dream boat. :) I can't imagine how exhausted he must have gotten from my neediness through each contractions. As soon as one started he would rush to my side and try to hold, or massage, or cheer me on, as needed. I don't know how I would have done it without him. No drugs, and little tearing. Recovery has gone better than I imagined.
And the best part of it, is that we got a baby out of the whole ordeal. :) Ira is awesome. For those of you who don't know, his whole name is Ira Tanner Quinn. We took him to the pediatrician yesterday, and the lactation consultant thought that maybe we were supplimenting with formula, because he's already back at birth weight. Woohoo! Feeding him is also going much better than I expected. It's still a little painful for the first few seconds, but I've gotten some good advice that I'm trying to apply. I'm just trying to feed him often throughout the day to see if he will sleep more at night. Last night he slept a 4 hour stretch and then a 3 hour stretch. I would click my heals if he did it again tonight! I can't stop kissing him.
Right now Ira's asleep next to me on the couch, and Anthony is volunteering at the United Way. It still looks like there are some temporary job opportunities that may work out still. We'll see. Thanks for all of your prayers that have gotten us to this happy state. Love you all!
Sharon
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Andrew Lloyd
I just discovered that my old roommate and dear friend, Andy (S. Andrew Lloyd) has started a blog/website where he has uploaded sheet music and recordings of the music he has been working on. He was an Organ Performance Major at BYU and has been working on his Masters degree in Oklahoma.I'm really excited about this. He is an amazing musician and great friend. I encourage people to look into his stuff.
His website is here (I've also added a link on the right 'Andrew Lloyd's Music'). You can get sheet music to hymn arrangements and listen to him performing classical pieces as well as pieces he has written.
Listen to him performing "The three Gardens", a piece he wrote. I'm going to see if I can get it to steam from my site, but you might just have to click on the link.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Fathers Perspective
It was so great to have the opportunity to be a part of this with Sharon. It has unexpectedly increased the amount of respect and love I have for her. Below is my reflection on the moment. Tuesday night I went to bed wondering and feeling that possibly the baby could come, would it really? Midnight struck and she felt the knock on the door. Deep breathing and a gentle hand on the back were enough to sooth and comfort the suffering. Inconsistent at first, but steady after fourteen hours the pain was mounting, the anxiety snowballing. The expert midwife was called to evaluate the true progress of a day’s worth of work; just over a tenth of the way, the task seemed too much, the ambition vain.
Four hours and a membrane sweep later the progress seemed grim and resting measures pursued. Warm baths, pain medication, and patience ensued. A half conscious husband groggily arises to the aide of his ever valiant and strong counterpart after the long hours already spent on the endeavor. Almost twenty four hours later she still heeds the call, the door only slightly ajar.
The gushing of water unexpectedly comes to the 
rescue; a hurried gathering of things while holding her tight through the pain. Our dash to the hospital reveals progress to the final stages. The slowly unfolding drama comes to a climax of pain and grit she pushes with more force than ever imaginable, as if transferring part of her soul were required to bring this new life into the world. Excitement builds as the brown hairs of a head emerge. Time has slipped by unnoticed as a being emerges from the bowel of the life giving source of its mother. Bloody, slimy, and slightly deformed from the forces of labor it is still distinguishable as a healthy baby boy. My eyes and heart swell as something beyond mytself touches me and testifies of the importance of this moment.
As I sit in wonder, reflecting on the miracle of life I have 
just witnessed I’m amazed at the thoughts that do and do not run through my mind. I lay with his new warm body resting on my chest in the dark quiet room. I don’t think of the life that might be lived, the choices made, and the paths taken. I do think of how blessed and lucky I am to have witnessed this moment of life. I savor the time and emotions, appreciating it for all its worth, and only hope for a lifetime of these moments to share in the eternities.
Baby Quinn
Sharon started labor Wednesday around 12:00am and delivered Thursday at 3:10am. I thought I would send some initial pictures and stats out.
Gender: Male
Name: Pretty sure it will be Ira Quinn. We are working on the middle name, the two front runners right now are Tanner and Hinckley.
Weight: 7 lbs. 8 oz.
Height: 20.5 inches
I'm working on a written account of the birth that I will probably put up later.
Gender: MaleName: Pretty sure it will be Ira Quinn. We are working on the middle name, the two front runners right now are Tanner and Hinckley.
Weight: 7 lbs. 8 oz.
Height: 20.5 inches
I'm working on a written account of the birth that I will probably put up later.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Last Days - Sharon Update
Hey Family!
Nope. No baby yet. Although last night I had this trippy sci-fi dream that I caught a blue fish, that turned into a baby boy, that had special healing powers. Weird, but it was the first dream I've had where the baby wasn't a girl.
Life has been good to us. I'm pretty much healthy, which suddenly makes pregnancy feel like a relative breeze. The baby is healthy from what we can tell, and our due date is this Saturday. Crazy!
Friday was my last day of work, which was kind of sudden but I think good. I was planning on working part of this week, but my director was too nervous to schedule me. It would put everyone in a bind if baby Quinn decided to suddenly come. So, it was fairy tale week, which went well. But the last day was the best! I only had 7 kids, and about 3 volunteers. Anthony brought in reeaaally delicious cookies and icecream to celebrate my last day with the kids, and stuck around for the rest of the afternoon, which meant work was so easy I almost didn't know what to do with myself. One of my most challenging students decided that he loved Ant and wouldn't leave his side. Cute! I'll miss those kids. It's not the kind of job I was looking for when we moved here, but I've been really blessed with the learning experiences and fun that I've had there.
Saturday was my baby shower which was also really fun. About 13 women showed up which was pretty amazing with how bad the roads have been lately. We now feel slightly more prepared for parenthood with baby clothes and gadgets, not to mention all the great gifts we got in Park City. People are so nice! I'm grateful for the support network the church provides, but it's been sweet to see co-workers and families from work step up to offer meals to freeze and hand-me-down baby furniture.
Last night after church we went to Discussion group. I can't remember if I've mentioned it before, but it's a group of members that pick a topic every month to swap ideas on and eat yummy potluck food. Topics have ranged from neuro-psychology, health care, the effects of virtual reality, etc. About half of them are professors at Pitt or CMU, and many have kids our age. We're going to be really sad to leave this ward. People are so good at reaching out across generations and backgrounds, to engage in thoughtful, intriguing interactions. I definitely feel lucky that people smarter than me are willing to hang out with me.
Alright, I'm off to do laundry and organized the house. We love you all, and hope life is full and beautiful for you this week.
Sharon
Nope. No baby yet. Although last night I had this trippy sci-fi dream that I caught a blue fish, that turned into a baby boy, that had special healing powers. Weird, but it was the first dream I've had where the baby wasn't a girl.
Life has been good to us. I'm pretty much healthy, which suddenly makes pregnancy feel like a relative breeze. The baby is healthy from what we can tell, and our due date is this Saturday. Crazy!
Friday was my last day of work, which was kind of sudden but I think good. I was planning on working part of this week, but my director was too nervous to schedule me. It would put everyone in a bind if baby Quinn decided to suddenly come. So, it was fairy tale week, which went well. But the last day was the best! I only had 7 kids, and about 3 volunteers. Anthony brought in reeaaally delicious cookies and icecream to celebrate my last day with the kids, and stuck around for the rest of the afternoon, which meant work was so easy I almost didn't know what to do with myself. One of my most challenging students decided that he loved Ant and wouldn't leave his side. Cute! I'll miss those kids. It's not the kind of job I was looking for when we moved here, but I've been really blessed with the learning experiences and fun that I've had there.
Saturday was my baby shower which was also really fun. About 13 women showed up which was pretty amazing with how bad the roads have been lately. We now feel slightly more prepared for parenthood with baby clothes and gadgets, not to mention all the great gifts we got in Park City. People are so nice! I'm grateful for the support network the church provides, but it's been sweet to see co-workers and families from work step up to offer meals to freeze and hand-me-down baby furniture.
Last night after church we went to Discussion group. I can't remember if I've mentioned it before, but it's a group of members that pick a topic every month to swap ideas on and eat yummy potluck food. Topics have ranged from neuro-psychology, health care, the effects of virtual reality, etc. About half of them are professors at Pitt or CMU, and many have kids our age. We're going to be really sad to leave this ward. People are so good at reaching out across generations and backgrounds, to engage in thoughtful, intriguing interactions. I definitely feel lucky that people smarter than me are willing to hang out with me.
Alright, I'm off to do laundry and organized the house. We love you all, and hope life is full and beautiful for you this week.
Sharon
Saturday, January 2, 2010
New Year
It's 2010! Happy New Years to everyone.. I'm looking to be more consistent this year on the blog and wanted to start out on the right foot.
New Years eve I went to the Phipps Conservatory with Gabe P., his girlfriend, and another couple. Sharon stayed home because she had already seen the gardens and is still recovering from being sick. I really liked the show they have there right now. The work of Hans Godo Frabel has been integrated with the gardens and plants. He is a glass artists.
The pieces that I liked the most were the Longfellow gravity and fountain pieces, the balancing clowns in the pond, and the sprite and 'viney' abstract pieces. Going in the evening made the experience at Phipps seem much more like an art show because the lighting really accented and brought attention to glass pieces more than the plants. I liked the night lighting on the sculptures though. It made them more mysterious and thoughtful. That being said, I'd like to go back in the day and pay more attention to the plants.
I was surprised at how family friendly they made the exhibit to. For New Years eve it was really busy and there were a lot of families with kids running around. I think if we were staying around I would make taking the kids there a tradition.
The great thing about the Frabel exhibit and being there on New Years eve was the message of hope, fun, and optimism that was intended and present in the art work. To me this is a great attitude to have going into the new year. May you all have a happy, prosperous, and optimistic 2010.
---
Ant
New Years eve I went to the Phipps Conservatory with Gabe P., his girlfriend, and another couple. Sharon stayed home because she had already seen the gardens and is still recovering from being sick. I really liked the show they have there right now. The work of Hans Godo Frabel has been integrated with the gardens and plants. He is a glass artists.The pieces that I liked the most were the Longfellow gravity and fountain pieces, the balancing clowns in the pond, and the sprite and 'viney' abstract pieces. Going in the evening made the experience at Phipps seem much more like an art show because the lighting really accented and brought attention to glass pieces more than the plants. I liked the night lighting on the sculptures though. It made them more mysterious and thoughtful. That being said, I'd like to go back in the day and pay more attention to the plants.
I was surprised at how family friendly they made the exhibit to. For New Years eve it was really busy and there were a lot of families with kids running around. I think if we were staying around I would make taking the kids there a tradition.
The great thing about the Frabel exhibit and being there on New Years eve was the message of hope, fun, and optimism that was intended and present in the art work. To me this is a great attitude to have going into the new year. May you all have a happy, prosperous, and optimistic 2010.
---
Ant
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