Nacho Intolerant

Hey, I'm over there!

2009-01-25T13:47:00.004-05:00

So who has time to write blog posts these days...well two blog posts? Not me! So, I've been pretty much just updating the family blog...if just to keep the Grandparents at bay. So, if anyone is interested here's the link...i'll probably be hanging out there for a while.

www.blessourmess.blogspot.

Another day...

2008-12-10T09:11:00.003-05:00

Ok then...

Well, yesterday was not a good day. Sam was extremely high maintenance, and Joe, just by the nature of his age, is always high maintenance...and I was feeling a little exasperated. But seriously, Sam is one high energy and active dude. I feel as though he'd be better off with some insanely chipper daycare worker than home with me. I'm such a drag. Always telling him to stop doing stuff. Anyway, today is already loads better. Sam is only kinda hyper and we've had some fun playing with toys. He's really a great kid. A hoot. It also helps that Joe has slept most of the morning.

In other news the weather has done a complete 180. It was 50 degrees this morning! Last night I actually went out for a walk since it was way up in the 30s! Not to worry, the weatherman has provided the requisite buzz kill...temperatures to fall at a rapid rate in a few hours, causing freezing rain and everything that has melted to become an ice skating rink. We would venture out, but I'm afraid to get caught on the slick roads. I'm a wuss. Perhaps we'll just head to the bakery. Worst case scenario, we could walk home. Or hunker down and live amongst the Raspberry and White chocolate muffins. Yum!

or just stay home and chill...

Note: I usually find white chocolate disgusting, but for some reason it is sublime in muffin form.

2008-12-09T16:54:00.002-05:00

I've started about 10 blog posts since Joe has been born, never getting the chance to finish one. I wish I had some pics to share, but I'm afraid if I put one more photo on my hard drive my computer will explode. Therefore, my camera has become more of a digital storage device than an instrument of documentation. Poor Joe. Considering Sam was photographed every second of his life so far, he'll think we didn't love him as much. Not true little Joe! We only love the dog less....

We have been stuck inside the past two days. It's 7 degrees outside. No one goes anywhere in that sort of weather. At least not anyone with two small children. Unless they want to unwrap their perfect little bundles and remove some toes and perhaps a nose in the process. I'm sure there are weathered Vermont moms who don't bat an ice-encrusted eyelash at venturing out in this...I am not one of them.

As a result, Sam is going a little bonkers. I try and try to find something for the kid to do, but he is completely uninterested in anything but jumping on the couch (forbidden since he launched himself face first onto the floor) and banging random objects against other random objects. Ok for a minute, but after that, ANNOYING...and Joe can't nap in the racket. I've tried drawing, puzzles, playing with trucks. Dance Party worked for a while, but can't he want to do something that lets me sit on the couch? I even tried making cookies...what kid doesn't want to make cookies!? He's nuts. He rather bang the Corningware precariously on the tile floor. I feel like I spend the majority of my day telling him NO and snatching stuff out of his little destructive hands. Seriously, this place is like Fort Knox. But he manages to dent, bang, slash, scratch anything and everything within reach. The bottom 3 feet of our house is void of objects. Too bad we can't just hang everything from the ceiling and have a big open empty floor for him to run around in.

Ok...sam just walked over soaked in pee...

to be continued

What's new with you?

2008-10-20T09:22:00.004-04:00

Well, quite a bit is new around here...

please meet Joseph Edward!

Born October 11th, 8:24 pm, 8 lbs. 4 oz., 19.5 inches long.

I know it's been over a week already, but the recovery has been a slow process. Good news is that I successfully had my VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)! One of the bonuses about that was supposed to be a quicker recovery...hmmm, not so sure about that. It's all quite a mess down there. I won't horrify you with the details, but believe me, no fun.

I feel so blessed to have given birth while my mother was visiting. She and Sam had alot of fun while I was busy being pregnant, then giving birth, then recovering. Don't know what we would have done without her. Now we're equally blessed to have Jay's folks here to help out. We are so lucky to have these two healthy little boys and such a wonderful and supportive family.

I'll be following up with some tidbits from the trials and tribulations, but for now we are reveling in the bliss of this new little angel.

And he sleeps! Like alot. Thank God.

The cock says it's time to go get some boobie!

2008-09-12T20:52:00.003-04:00

We're back in our house. THANK GOD. Though construction still continues. Hopefully it will all be over in another couple weeks. Well, at least the contractor part. There is still a fair amount of painting, moving furniture up from the basement and the giving birth stuff left to do before we can truly relax.

Things are pretty stressful. In addition to all that is going on with house and new baby, Sam has fully launched himself into the "terrible twos." Of course he's not two yet. And when you talk to other mothers, there is a pretty clear consensus that this tantrum prone, completely irrational, contradictory desire laden (I want OUTof the crib now, but DON'T you DARE pick me up!) behavior starts around 18 months. Oh, silly me. I thought it might start closer to TWO. Thanks for the warning.

Of course with all the drama coming from his direction, there is a lot of fun new stuff too. His vocabulary is growing. He didn't say much for a while, but it seems like the flood gates have opened. Sure, most of his words require translation, but he's giving it the old college try. Or rather, perhaps more the old frat boy try? Allow me to explain.

Like a lot of toddlers, when they start to talk, Sam mixes up his consonants or just plain ignores them all together. It has lead to a few interesting results. Like whenever Sam sees a clock, he shouts "COCK!" Nice. Or in his excitement of seeing a bag of Veggie Booty at the store, he begins a mantra of "BOOBIE. BOOBIE!.BOOBIE." And just the other day, Sam took off his shirt during his nap. When I walked in to get him, I exclaim "Look who took of his shirt! You have no shirt!" and he replies "No, Shit."

But many other words are coming along without the R rating. 'go' is a favorite. He says it when he wants to go outside, or when he is running in circles around a chair. Or just recently, to tell a bunch of bicyclist to get moving...

Please RSVP

2008-08-19T17:56:00.005-04:00

So if you can't tell, pregnancy hormones are really beginning to get the better of me. The other day I watched an episode of Jon and Kate plus 8 and they went to the Outer Banks...it made me cry. Because I want to go to the Outer Banks. And they were in Coralla! I sat there, again with tears in my eyes, and told Sam "that's were Mommy and Daddy got married" sniff, sob, sniff. "One day, we'll take you and your little brother there." sniff sniff.

I actually looked up the house were we got married to see if it was still renting...and also if it had the same name. When those houses get sold, people usually change the name from "Sandy Paws" to "Life's a Beach"...to personalize the cheesiness. Our house was called "A Joy Forever"...appropriate for a wedding, no? Well, it's still there. AND if you can get it for the week of October 18th for $2500!!! The house sleeps 27 people..not a bad deal. Sure, I'll be in labor that week (hopefully) but I couldn't help but think of pushing that reserve button and send out a mass email titled "Meet me in OBX!"....but life is much more complicated than that now, isn't it.

I still pledge to go on our 10th anniversary. So meet me in the Outer Banks...2011!

I hate you cnn

2008-08-15T11:09:00.006-04:00

I just spent the last hour fighting back tears, rocking back and forth while repeating the mantra "don't think about it, don't think about it, don't think about it"...which of course, just makes me think about it.

Thank you cnn.com (yeah, that's right, NO LINK FOR YOU!...you fear mongers.)

There was a time before Sam was born and then directly after he was born that I shunned cnn.com. Wouldn't go there. If you are a regular you know that there is always at least one "mutilated puppy" or "2 year old killed by escalator" story. No, it's not news of national importance. It's sensational, tug at the heart strings, make you feel crappy kind of news. Its emotional sabotage. On a normal day these images and stories would be upsetting, but add the onslaught of hormones I am currently enjoying, you get a panic attack. But I learned this, so if I do go to cnn.com, I don't click on anything like that. Sure, the headlines are scary, but at least without the details the crippling empathy and horror can be kept at bay.

I won't tell you what the story was about...but the headline did not give enough information for me to know what was waiting for me on the other side of that click. In fact, I completely misinterpreted the headline. I thought I was going to read about a kid playing in a puddle or swimming with ducks or invented some new water toy... Needless to say that was not the case, and in hindsight I should have realized, but I am still trying to recover from the imagery and tragedy that unfolded.

It makes me mad. I'm not talking about censorship, but jesus! give a pregnant mother of a 20 month old a chance to protect what little emotional fortitude she has left. At least use a word like "death" or "tragedy" or for heaven's sake "sad" or something!

Ok, I feel a little better.

So, we'll be without internet for a while during our move back to the construction zone. I'm looking forward to being home, but I'm not exactly sure what it's going to be like with all the activity that is still going on. Just so you know where I am. Not that I'm writing up a storm over here, but it will probably be quiet here for a bit.

Later!

Purge.

2008-08-11T14:28:00.005-04:00

Excuse me while I bat away cobwebs from this blog.

Well, between living in this apartment (blech!) stressing about HVAC contractors and feeling like a whale, blogging has fallen pretty low on my priority list. But things are good. In between things being kinda blah and rainy, that is. Sam and I are having a nice summer together walking around downtown (in between storms..what is up with this weather?!!) But toddlerhood is really starting to kick my ass a bit. Allow me to vent...

Sam has become a very defiant little boy. I am telling myself this is a phase, it's the age, "it's good that he's so independent" ect, ect. But seriously the kid has found my buttons and boy does he like to push em! His new adorable behavior is spitting. He takes a swig of water, walks over under the table, or to the chair...leans over and spits it into a big puddle. He proceeds to smear it everywhere. How precious. Argh. And once I take the drink away, he does the same thing with his actual spit. Gross.

And whenever I try to be stern mommy, he laughs at me. HE LAUGHS AT ME. Which, of course, doesn't make me happy.

And don't even get me started on how he is treating Tubbs. Poor Tubbs.

But in the big scheme of things, he's a pretty great kid. I know every child has his issues...and what seem like flaws or problems can reveal themselves to be assets. And me being gigantic doesn't help. I can't react as quick to misbehavior as I used to, except verbally. And I don't like to yell...oh,I'm not perfect, I yell...but I don't like it. And it doesn't work anyway. Sam ignores most verbal directions...well at least when it's in the order of "Sam, stop doing that." Suddenly, he's deaf.

And the kid bolts. LIke runs. Away. In public. Near traffic. WITH GLEE AND GIGGLES.

So there, end of rant.

One day I will write a blog post counting all the blessings of my adorable, precious little boy. But on those days, I just bask in the perfection and cuteness. I need to express more gratitude for my life. I'll work on that. Because I am grateful. But sometimes you need to purge the ick to appreciate the magic.

Update: After posting this, I was poking around the internet and one of the bloggers I regularly read had posted this. Thanks internet.

Construction Update

2008-07-29T07:35:00.001-04:00

Here are some pics from this past weekend. As you can see, some windows are now in and the porch is starting to take shape.

Here are some pictures of the interior. You kinda need to know the space to appreciate the difference. Basically the stairs are located where there used to be a bedroom.

This is a picture from the top of the stairs looking towards the street. The two kids bedrooms are to the left and straight ahead.

This is master bedroom, which won't be finished for a while. But looks nice, no?

That's all I got. Roofing starts this week, and I think drywall starts next. Then we should really start seeing a change. We are SO READY to move out of this apartment and back into our home. I should use this opportunity to do some bitchin' and complaining, but I'm trying to keep a positive mindset. But we need our space back. Soon, I pray.

A little cute to distract from the smell...

2008-07-09T14:45:00.004-04:00

Doesn't it look much better with the gable...well, hint of the gable?

Today the weatherman calls for some pretty nasty storms as a cold front moves through. Hopefully the guys took some time this morning to close things up a little better. We had a tiny bit of water damage from a shower last week, but it is where the new stairs are going, so that is all coming out anyway. Right now I'm sitting in a freakin hot box of an apartment. I had to turn off the window fan because of the exhaust from the crane that is parked in our driveway. It's been wood chipper and chainsaw all morning. Sam thinks it's pretty cool...at least someone does.

And if it wasn't already uncomfortable, Tubbs is sick. And anyone who has a dog knows what that means. Both ends. And we have no yard. I don't want to get into it, but paper towels are becoming alarmingly scarce around here. And the Febreeze didn't make here in the move.

Now for some happy! I wanted to get some pics up from Amy and Henry's visit. This was the first time the cousins ever really played together. Sam thought Henry was pretty cool, and Henry was awesome with the little man. He was super patient, especially when Sams presence caused the LEGO to be sidelined.

Though the LEGO is still too small for Sam to enjoy, they were able to bond over a mutual appreciation of Super Why!

And Sam was so pleased to have someone join in the craziness with him. It makes me excited for him to have a little bro to go nuts with. I can only hope Sam is as good with the new little guy and Henry was with him.

Now back to the sweating....come on cold front!

Progress...

2008-07-08T13:05:00.004-04:00

We decided to rent this little apartment mostly so Sam and I could have a quiet place to be during the day. Somewhere in which to nap without the ruckus of hammers and table saws. After seeing the shape our house is in, it seems that we made the right decision.

This was our house a couple weeks ago....

Then, this..

Hardly hospitable.

Then yesterday, our landlord informed me that I would have to move my car out of our the drive so that the "tree guys" can come and cut down some trees on Wednesday. Well, they showed up TODAY. So it's going to be two days of chainsaws and woodchippers to contend with. Not as bad as two months, but still irritatingly ironic considering our motivational in being here in the first place.

Another reason I'm glad we're not at the house is that after Jay took a picture yesterday, I'm a little concerned about what the neighbors think. We're following all the codes and zoning stuff, but it's strikingly HUGE looking.

I know it will look better once the the front gable and porch is on, but in the meantime I'm glad I'm not there to feel all the vibes that are probably going around. Our neighborhood can kinda be that way. I'm sure our project is a topic at many an evening dinner table.

New home...

2008-06-27T12:40:00.002-04:00

So the craziness has begun. We are officially out of our house and in a little one bedroom apartment on the other side of town. It's not too bad actually. The location is right near the great food coop that I sadly rarley go to because it's such a pain to park and exit the lot. It's also a stones throw from downtown and it's restaurants and stores...and the college. That's the only sticking point. It's a popular area for students. And we have four of them, boys, living directly above us. They're nice enough guys, but you know, that age, not the most considerate. Nothing major, just alot of loud music and stomping around at 2am. Sam seems no worse for the wear and sleeps right through it. Jay and I are working on it.

The kitchen and bathroom are kinda gross...alot of caulk holding stuff together. The place could use a good steam cleaning. Everyday while Sam naps I try to knock out a corner with my scrub brush. It always looks better when I'm done, but still dirty. The stains on the countertop are not going anywhere and it's driving me nuts. Probably not the best situation while my nesting instinct is gearing up for the new baby, huh.

Well, it's only 2 months. Then were back home. Hopefully construction will be far enough along that it won't be too bad to live there. Who knows, maybe I'll long for our dingy one bedroom rental once I'm thrust into the mess of home renovation.

It's a Girl....Oh, Boy!

2008-06-05T08:12:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to my sister and her husband in welcoming little Kaylee!

Not sure if I'm spelling that right. The only written correspondence I've gotten was before she had a name. But what a cutie. And look at all that hair! Reminds me of a certain little boy I know. Of course, by the time he was 4 months old most of it had fallen out. I hope that doesn't happen to Kaylee. Or at least that it ALL falls out, instead of just the the top so she doesn't end up with a hairline like her Grandpa.

So I'm an Aunt again! Yay! And my first Niece! Oh, all the cute little things to buy and knit for little girls. And I won't have much opportunity otherwise. Because...

Kaylee's little cousin to be? It's a boy! Sam is going to have a little brother!!

I know this is alot of news for one blog post. Maybe I should have broken it up into two?

So I'm going to be completely outnumbered. The only girl. Sure, this creates the whole "Third Child" discussion, but we'll just wait on that. Right now we're just excited to have another little guy to chase around. I'm so excited about the idea of brothers. I can only imagine the trouble they'll get into. Good trouble. I'm talking the silly boy kinda trouble...not the jail kinda trouble.

So much excitement! And in a couple weeks I head to Florida so Sam and I can check this little girl out in person. Oh, I hope she still has that new baby smell. I don't remember how long that lasts. I hope Sam takes at least a little interest in her. There has been a baby explosion in our neighborhood and when presented with a brand new babe, he really couldn't care less. But maybe he'll be different because he's related? hm. We'll see.

I just realized I started every paragraph with the word "so"...

SOOOoooo, heres' a pic from the other day when Sam fell asleep eating his lunch. He's never done that before so of course I took a million pictures. I wonder if the new little guy will be photographed quite as much as his older brother. I would imagine not, but I'll sure try!

Preview

2008-05-27T13:59:00.006-04:00

Not sure if I've mentioned this yet, but we are officially weaned over here. It's been a couple of weeks and though I miss the close and quiet moments with Sam, I must say it's nice to wear a supportive bra for a change. So I'll have my body to myself (well, as much as that's possible with a 18 month old grabbing onto you every 5 seconds...oh, and don't forget that I'm actually incubating a person in my body...so well, not really) for the next 4 months until baby #2 shows up. Then back to the nursing bras, blech! Oh, I enjoy the act of nursing, but really, is it that hard to make a bra that actually holds things up above the equator?

In the next few months, wow, strike that, few weeks we have a lot of stuff going on. This weekend we are headed to a wedding about 6 hours away. A wedding that we just recently found out Sam is not invited to. I must say this put a kink in our plans. Thank God I asked J to call the bride to double check! Soooooo, my poor MIL is now skipping the reception to babysit. I am filled with guilt. I should just stay at the hotel with him and skip it. But a bought a new dress...and I kinda get the impression that she's not too upset about bowing out of the festivities. After all, if Sam isn't welcome, how much fun could it really be right!?

Then J's sis and our nephew are coming to visit! I just pray we have nice weather. It seems whenever we have people come from out of town, it rains. Hopefully not, otherwise we will have some bored kiddos on our hands, and that won't be fun for anyone.

THEN, we start our renovation. Our complete destruction and resurrection. It's going to be a mess. I still haven't really figured out how it's going to work. Worst case scenario, if it turns out to be completely unlivable, then we head south to J's folks condo for a week here and there. But that's 3 hours away. Luckily Sam and I are headed for Florida at the very onset of it, so we'll miss the initial ripping apart phase. But Lord knows what we'll come home to.

So that's my next month in a nutshell...busy, busy! I'm worn out just thinking about it.

(that pic is from a couple weeks ago when Sam had a stomach bug, and then after puking on me approximately a zillion times, I got it. We were pretty miserable...cozy, but miserable. Oh, and do you see his black eye? Dancing to the Pietasters, Sam took a header into the coffee table. Too bad he won't be showing off those moves at the wedding this weekend).

Oh, and we find out if it's baby boy or baby girl this week!! I'll be sure to let you know.

2008-05-09T12:40:00.003-04:00

Lordy, I'm a slacker. How are you!? I'm good. All my vegetables are dead, but other than that, things are grand. I'm not sure I have the patience for vegetable gardening. Flowers and perennials I can do. Veggies are a little more work. I'll let you know how it turns out. I'm sure your on the edge of your seat.

So, what's new?

This week we went to Shelburne Farms, an old estate and model farm built by a branch of the Vanderbilt family. Over the last few decades it has been converted into a non-profit educational center, hotel and working farm. It is breathtaking.

There is so much to see, but we stayed at the barn where the kiddos could run around with animals and check out the tractors.

Things are going well here on the home front. We are still waiting to hear back from the contractor with a final estimate on our renovation project. We're 90% sure we're going to do it, not sure if we really have a choice with little baby on the way. But it would sure be nice to know what it's going to cost us! Not sure how we're going to handle the mess and craziness that comes with ripping your house apart. In Northampton it was just us and the dog...and it was no picnic. This time we have Sam and little baby TBA making mommy uncomfortable and tired. I guess we'll just take it day by day and hope for nice weather so we can escape outside.

So Sam is beginning to talk a little bit. A VERY little bit. So far his word count is about 5...let's see..

Mama
Ball
Dada
Bath
No

and whenever he sees a dog, he says "BOW!" (as in bow-wow, not bowtie). Not really a word, but it's communication nonetheless.

He's begun to show a little imagination and pretends to eat things and makes little vroom noises as he pushes around toys. And as you can see, he has taken after his father with a love of LEGO.

Sam's also one big bruise, it seems. Everyday there's a new one. He enjoys climbing and jumping and pushing over heavy objects. The park is a whole new adventure. It used to be just a swing, really. He was too little to do much else. Now there are steps and slides and platforms in which to dive head first from. I dread his doctor's appointment on Monday. They're gonna think I beat him with a stick.

Oh, and he's also learned how to take off his shirt. So we are now topless approximately 70% of the time.

but we're pretty cute 100% of the time.

Crash

2008-04-07T11:17:00.003-04:00

I have always marveled at the photos and footage of babies crashed out with appendages hanging from the couch or nodding off in a high chair. Sam never seems to be still enough to relax, let alone fall asleep. Even when he's exhausted it takes him a little bit to wind down and get to sleep. Well, there is a change in the air. I don't know if it's his age, or the fact that he is now night weaned (Yay!!) but if the mood so strikes, he will lay his head down and lie there. And sometimes? he will even close his eyes and go to sleep! Ok, well, I can count the number of times that has happened on one hand, or rather, two fingers, but it's happened.

Sorry Leo

2008-04-03T10:49:00.005-04:00

So, last Saturday was my birthday. Nothing major going on, just went out to dinner with the boys, where I ate a huge cheeseburger. Not sure what it is with being pregnant and cheeseburgers, but they go together famously. Part iron deficiency, part permission to eat whatever the hell I feel like. Yay pregnancy!

The next day I woke up and I gained 2 pounds. Yikes. And if I wasn't already feeling guilty, I realized that at 8pm the previous night, while I'm sure all my neighbors where sitting in darkness in observance of Earth Hour, we were lazing on the couch, lights ablaze, watching Big Brother on Tivo. I totally forgot. Now I'm paranoid that the lady across the street has judged me uncaring and apathetic. No, I swear, I care! Blame it on the sleep deprivation or cheeseburger on the brain, but I really was planning on participating in that little act of conscience.

Once again this shows my over concern about what other people think. I'm not worried about the energy I consumed, I'm worried about what people who could see my windows were thinking. Which, I'm sure, no one could really give a rats ass. What's the saying? "You wouldn't care so much about what other people think of you, if you knew how rarely they did." So true. Not that it gets me off the hook for being a slacker.

But yesterday, the Great Global Warming gods let me know they actually ARE thinking of me.

Um, anyone got any plans for Earth Day?

Oh Brother!!

2008-03-24T12:54:00.002-04:00

Man, I feel like crap.

I've been waiting until I feel better to do an update, but that doesn't seem to be happening so I'll muddle through one.

Florida was relaxing...

Sam loved his first trip to the beach, but I was kept busy by his constant desire to run giggling into the ocean to meet his maker...no fear.

We saw horses! (thats that blurry thing in the background)

The time seemed to fly by. Though it's nice to be home, it's always hard to say goodbye. Sam really loves hanging out with the GFolks. And I think we both enjoyed the break from the cold. Sam hadn't been in a stroller in a while. He was enjoying the outdoors...

Not that he doesn't get fresh air here, it's just a different kind of air...

So where back to our normal routine. That is except I am napping more now and feeling queasy constantly. So, if you haven't already guessed it....

That's right! Sam's going to be a big bro! The end of October should mark the arrival of our new family member. Hopefully I will be over this morning sickness by then. I will have much more to say, I'm sure, but until then...hope you are seeing more green than we are.

Good bye snow and ice!

2008-03-06T18:28:00.001-05:00

ah, so much going on. I will update fully after I get back from Florida in a week or so.

Right now I am neck deep in the laundry, organizing and packing nonsense associated with any trip with a 15 month old. This should be a different experience that previous flights. Sam is no longer easy to nurse to sleep in such an environment. He is also, if possible, less apt to sit still or be engaged in any sort of activity for more than 20 seconds. I just pray we continue to have great luck when it comes to airplane neighbors. A practicing doula perhaps? Kindergarten teacher? Grandmother of 15? Yes, please. Um, 57 year old corporate sales dude...ugh, no.

And as much as I hate to admit it, I am a little, (little) worried about nursing. Now that Sam is over a year old, I'm afraid, especially in different parts of the country, that there will be comments or looks. I am fully aware that I should not give a shit, and for the most part I don't, but I would be a liar if I didn't admit to thinking about it. This is a flaw I have. I often worry too much about what other people think. I try not to let it effect my decisions, and I think I do a good job with that, but I wish I didn't even entertain such concerns.

So, if anyone has any magic toddler occupying activity that we can do on and airplane, please share. I toyed with idea of a DVD player, but I think he's still too young. He doesn't even really pay attention to the TV when it's on...even the kiddie shows. And frankly, I'd rather not try to make him into a TV watching kid...I'm sure that will happen soon enough.

So see you in a couple weeks. I will have some things to say then, I'm sure. Very sure.

Exhibitionism at it's best...

2008-02-23T10:27:00.003-05:00

Sam has become obsessed with bellys (bellies?). His, mine, Tubbs's (Tubbs'?)

(Man this post is testing my High School English skills)

A belly on TV is HUGE hit. And if you want to see the baby belly? All you have to do is ask.

He is very proud of it. Can you tell?

The Business of Being Born...my 2 cents

2008-02-22T10:51:00.008-05:00

The buzz surrounding "The Business of Being Born" had been building around the mama circles, so when the University offered a showing and a panel discussion, some fellow mamas and I left the babes with Daddy and headed out.

First, I want to say that I think the movie was very well done. It opened my eyes and gave me some insight into the reasons why women make some of the choices they do. I particularly enjoyed the portions that followed a Certified Nurse Midwife through Manhattan. As the filmmakers interview her clients, discuss their views and decisions, and eventually film the births themselves, it really solidifies home birth as a valid choice. Home birth is a topic that can cause visceral reactions in some people. Most often, those are the people who know next to nothing about it. I think the film could be very useful in educating those groups who are obsessed with the idea of potential tragedy and “unnecessary risk” in association with the term “home birth.”This film does a wonderful job showing why people choose a home birth, what preparations are made and how any complications are addressed.

Being that the vast majority of the movie is filmed in New York City it was kinda hard, as a Vermonter, trying to relate to some of views and culture around birth in New York City. There is some talk of the “Too Posh to Push” phenomenon, which has lead to the increase in elective C-Sections…something we don’t hear much about around here. On the contrary, the area in which I live in is very pro-natural childbirth, pro-breastfeeding (pro-extended breastfeeding for that matter), lots of people co-sleep, cloth diaper, ect. So in our case , the movie was kinda preaching to the choir.

As a result, the issues I had with the movie are primarily the same issues I often have with the birth culture in Vermont, which was evident in the discussion that took place after the film. The panel was comprised of a couple of midwives (including Burlington’s only homebirth midwife), Lactation Consultant from LaLeche, a birth educator and doula, an OB GYN (from the practice that delivered Sam) and someone else I must be forgetting? The discussion that took place was interesting, though there was little diversity in the opinions or reactions to the film. There was a lot of discussion about Vermont culture. The panel often brought up how lucky we are to birth in a culture like Vermont. Though I wholeheartedly agree, there is also the flip side. When women have trouble following the natural path, due to personal choice, medical intervention or complications, or cannot follow post natal recommendations (in particular, breastfeeding), there is judgement. Women often have to justify their actions, or are at least are made to feel as though they have to. There were a few women who expressed this concern, (one of which was one of my Mama friends) and mentioned that this movie may serve to reinforce those feelings of inadequacy or a “less-than-perfect” birth experience. When one way of birthing is held up as an ideal, and you fall short of that, whether by choice or circumstance, it’s difficult not to have a sense of failure. Not that home birth shouldn’t be portrayed as the wonderful experience it is. I must admit, after watching the beautiful, calm (for the most part, these are not superwomen after all), intimate, and private births I wish I was a candidate for a home birth. But since my last birth resulted in an unplanned C-section, it’s best I birth my next one in a hospital.

And I’m ok with that. And I’ve always been Ok with Sam’s birth. Sure, not what I had envisioned, but perfect nonetheless. I had been someone who wanted to try for no drugs. I had the big tub, ready to labor and hopefully give birth in water. Pretty much the opposite happened. I was lucky that I didn’t mourn my ideal birth, like some people do. I was able to own my birth experience and embrace it. While watching this movie I, for the first time, felt bad about Sam’s birth. ‘Felt bad’ isnt’ really a good way to describe the feeling. Sad, maybe? Then angry? Defensive? Let me explain….

The issues that came up for me with the movie revolved around a few things. Minorly, I just felt bad for doctors. They kinda grouped all Obs together. Depicting them all as having the same mindset of trying to keep something bad from happening, as opposed to letting something beautiful take place. And also obsessed with the bottom line. Like people who want to just cut you open, get the baby out so they can hurry up and fill the bed with another laboring mom. Though I have no doubt there aspects of that mindset, especially in metropolitan areas, I wish they had shown some Mds who do things differently. Because I know they exist.

Now, the MAJOR issue I had with the movie was the emphasis they put on attachment following birth. In one portion of the movie they talk about the love cocktail of hormones the mother and baby share after birth. They talk about how this promotes attachment and that C-section mothers are missing out on this. That alone, wasn’t enough to make me feel too bad, after all I knew I missed out on some Oxytocin, but then it went on to say….that when Chimpanzees give birth via C-section they reject the baby and will not nurture or take care of it.

Excuse me? What are you implying? How the hell is that relevant?

They really should be careful. In their effort to empower women to make an informed choice, they are devaluing the experiences of those who, whether by choice or not, have done differently. I believe every woman has the right to give birth how she sees fit, in a way she feels safe, and has the right to feel good about it. It is the moment we meet our children for the first time. The pure love and joy should never be tainted by guilt, shame or regret. In order to insure that, education and knowledge is vital, and I think this movie does a good job at providing important information, shedding light on many misconceptions about midwives and homebirth, and challenging the existing medical establishment. But as a consequence, though most likely unintended, they are diminishing the c-section mothers experience and setting up future mothers for disappointment and feelings of failure. And in particular, to question the capability of a woman to be a good mother, simply due to the manner in which she gives birth. Which I found personally offensive.

In the end, I found The Business of Being Born empowering and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of having a baby. Just take it with a grain of salt. I think they did a really good job shedding light on the expertise of midwives in contrast to Obs. That Certified Nurse Midwives are specialized in the female process of giving birth, while Obs are surgeons. I think many people in this country view midwives as someone who took a correspondence course, or is one step up from a massage therapist. In some states it is even illegal to have a midwife deliver your baby. The movie illuminates midwives as the skillful and knowledgeable professionals they truly are, helping to shatter many myths and misconceptions. Ricky and the other filmmakers hearts are in the right place, they just need to look outside themselves a little. And it’s important to know that more often than not, your birth does not go how you imagined.

And it's still perfect.

hello stranger...

2008-02-21T15:02:00.003-05:00

So, I bought A New Earth. It seems that I don't mind being told what to do by Oprah to the degree as previously stated. I've figure the key is to read the book before there are 3 follow up shows on how it changed the life of throngs of Oprah viewers. Then the book won't be ruined for me by preconceptions and expectations. Or, I suppose I could stop watching Oprah...hmm.

So I'll let you know what I think. If I ever finish it. I'm on page 17, and I've had it for a week. But J left this morning for Montana, so I can read before going to bed. Normally, he moans and whines if I want to do this, because the light bothers him. Maybe I can even finish it before he gets back! And not only will I have finished a non-parenting/pregancy book, I'll be "awakened to my life's purpose"... he'll be so pleased.

I wanted to write about a documentary I just saw, but I'm having trouble collecting my thoughts on it. There was a special screening of "The Business of Being Born" at UVM. There are many, many things to say about it, but it's all swirling around in my head. I will say now, that it was good. I enjoyed it. There is a bias, but that bias does not change the validity of the facts and realities the movie depicts. But some of it offended me. Not deeply, but irked me, you know? I will think on it more and see what I come up with. But if you have a chance, and are interested in such things, definitely see it.

As I sit here, Sam is in his room bouncing and grunting. I'm thinking the afternoon nap is becoming a thing of the past. But he's soooooo grumpy! He's been rolling around in his crib for 15 minutes. He's not crying, but he's clearly not napping. And he seems a little annoyed. I'm not ready for one nap a day. But it's not about me, is it?

Bummer

2008-01-30T13:41:00.000-05:00

When the debates started and the Democratic primary race began, I was a little giddy with excitement. I was excited to hear all the new ideas, the plans, the solutions. Looked forward to learning more about these people hoping to take the Presidency. The first debate I watched (on ABC I think?) was ok. It didn't really get to the heart of many issues, but gave me a small sense of the canidates. Basically I ended up understanding the personal taglines for everyone. Hillary was experienced and can start on "Day One", Barak knows America is ready for "change" (which comes with "hope"), and for John Edwards "it's personal." But basically, they all come down on the same side of most issues. It's in the nuances I hoped to really make my decision, but they didn't get into nuances.

I don't blame this as much on the candidates as the people asking the questions. The second debate (on CNN i think) I watched was so much worse. It was after the crying incident with Hillary. And after the MLK/Johnson comment as well. It was all they wanted to talk about. It was like watching TMZ, but instead of Hollywood, it was Washington. I couldn't watch, it was so silly and pointless. What about health care? What about the grip corporations have on our elected representatives? What about the state of public education?

That's when I really stopped paying attention. There were more debates, but I sat on my jaded butt and watched Project Runway instead. What little political updates I managed to see on TV usually revolved around a snide remark (or rather perceived snide remark) made by one about the other, and their reaction, and blah, blah, blah. The media exaggerates every little possible drama to make it gossip and if they're lucky, scandal. Despite my disgust, I had picked my horse, John Edwards. My frustration only grew as his message continually got lost in all the media induced bickering and sensationalism.

Well, John Edwards just "suspended" his campaign and I'm totally bummed. Not sure what "suspended" means...I guess in case some crazy shit happens with Hillary or Obama. Since he still has delegates going to the convention, technically, he could get a nomination?

So now, I guess I'm an Obama fan. But I'll take Hillary over any of the Republicans. I never thought the GOP would even have a chance. But on the horizon I think I see a McCain/Guilianni ticket...gulp. It's really the onlycombo that might get back some of those jaded Republicans for them. And I thought they couldn't win 4 years ago.

momentary lapse of patience

2008-01-28T11:20:00.000-05:00

Sam and I had a good day yesterday. And it's made me realize that what we really need to do is just get out of the house more. When we hang out here all day, day after day, I get bored. And he gets board. And neither one of us appreciates the things that we do to combat our boredom. For me, that would be reading or tinkering around on the internet, neither which Sam has more than a 30 second tolerance for. And for Sam, playing lets tip over the coffee table over and over and over and over.

Oh, we do plenty of more interactive things. I read to him, we build with blocks, we even tried coloring (FYI, he is not yet ready for that. Unless they have revised the food pyramid to include Crayons). But sitting in the family room putting on the "I'm so excited" face and voice for two or three hours straight, is completely mentally draining. "That's not MY Dinosaur!" I say with saccharine laced enthusiasm. The same demeanor I fine so annoying about children's TV...at the least the shows that include actual adults. It's fake, or at least becomes fake after the first hour or so. I am not that person. At least not indefinitely. I can be that person genuinely for a while, but really, it makes me lose my marbles (and my good humor) eventually.

So I am now resolved to vacate the abode at least once a day.

Wait, I amend that to only the days that the temperature rises above 20 degrees. I'll play tip over the coffee table while declaring that is not my robot, or puppy or whatever gladly over the prospect of the bundling ritual required to go out with an infant in that sort of weather.

So, it's 22 degrees. I guess that means I better get dressed. When Sam wakes up, we're outta here!

Ok toddlerhood, stop it. Now. I mean it...

2008-01-26T19:12:00.001-05:00

So J left this morning for almost a week. It's going to be a rough one. Sure, he's left before, and we've been just fine, but Sam has become a bit of a challenge lately. He is determined to mess with anything I try and keep him from. And he thinks "No" is hilarious. And no matter how many times I physically remove him from whatever it is that I don't want him smashing or dragging or shaking, he goes right back. I try to be stern, you know, with my serious face. Doesn't work. The only thing that works is sitting directly in front of whatever it is, to block his way. Then he crumples into a red faced crying mess. Once we cuddle, or nurse and he's better, he goes right back at it.

Lord help me.

So I turn to Dr. Sears. Basically, what they say is "practice attachment parenting and kid will want to please you." Well, I think what I've been doing can be considered a form of attachment parenting (cosleeping ended pretty early, due to mama constantly being jabbed in the ribs), and my kid seems to think displeasing me is a game. Fun even. I know he's young, so I'm not worried that he's going to be a some delinquent or anything, I am just worried about my sanity.

I am frazzled. And impatient, and I dare say, ANNOYED.

Ok, bad mama, get a grip. See this is why I need this blog. If I posted this on the family blog, Grandma would be flying here tomorrow and I would be bombarded with stories about having 2 toddlers and a husband who was checked out and blah, blah, blah. And everything Sam does is cute and couldn't possibly be annoying and he's precious and special and. OK I already feel guilty and I just imagined my mother lecturing me.

Sam, I love you bud. LOVE YOU. Now, stop dragging furniture across the room. Please. PLEASE. Love you.

Hold on to your sippy....

2008-01-21T09:43:00.000-05:00

I come to you not vomiting. Not even queasy. This is a change. No, I'm not pregnant (though i thought I might be.)

It all began Wednesday afternoon when I started feeling a little icky. No fever or anything, just some nausea. I quickly blamed it on the plate of nachos I had for lunch (will I never learn!?). Though they were of the "Flour Tortilla" variety, those things still have corn meal in them, so other corn wary people beware! I can eat them sometimes, but they still cause me some trouble now and then.

ANYWAY, as the day wore on, I felt worse and worse. After putting Sam to bed I laid on the couch, moaning, and seriously wondering if this might be some early onset morning sickness. I mean, if I was pregnant, I was like 2 weeks pregnant. Even though I know there was no measurable pregnancy hormone swimming around in my pee, I took a pregnancy test. Negative. But since I knew it wouldn't work anyway, I still thought I was pregnant. I know.

Well, to make a long story short, Sam threw up later that night, and so did I...a lot. So we were pretty confident we were both playing host to the same little nasty stomach bug that has been ripping through the daycare scene. Our best guess is that the little girl I watch on Tuesday's brought it with her. And the sippy cup no knows master so...Well, J was a dream and took pukey baby while mama barfed. He even stayed home the next day to watch the fully recovered Sam while mama still blanched at the thought of food.

And as any good deed goes unpunished, J quickly began puking himself.

J is finally back to normal. The worst of it only lasted 24 hours, but the queasiness lingered. It was quite the nasty bug.

And in silver lining news, I was sure this would result in losing those last 2 pesky pounds I gained over the holidays. You know, since i didn't ingest anything for 2 days? You would think that right? Well, you're wrong. Argh.

still here

2008-01-16T10:12:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the comments guys. I think I'll keep this blog around, though I must admit I have neglected it severely. I can't get over the feeling of "if you're going to do something, do it right." Not sure what that translates to in the blog world, I guess it's just a weird form of performance anxiety. I worry too much about the quality of my posts and hesitant to just blah, blah, blah, like I am now. Anyway, I'm here to stay, for now. Well, not even a couple minutes into a post and Sam is calling for me from his nap. That was a short one. I'm afraid morning naps may be weaning a bit. Then I REALLY won't post often.

Some artsy picks from Monday...

2008-01-09T13:10:00.000-05:00

It's almost 60 degrees outside. A week ago it was 3...3 degrees. It so weird. I feel like it's April. I'm waiting for the tulips to pop up. It's hard to believe that something like being able to see our grass again can seem surreal. Unfortunately, the grass is not the only thing that has been revealed by the sudden melt. The snow also released our Halloween pumpkins from frozen animation. Big orange oozy piles of mush. Yuck.

I've been thinking of ending this blog. Or, more accurately, merging it with my "other" blog. I usually cross post anyway. This was my to be my honest blog, my venting blog. Uncensored. Well, who has time to form complete and logical thoughts nowadays? This blog has devolved into what my other blog basically is...Sam Report. Sure I have other things on my mind. I even think about posting some stuff. But by the time I get Sam to sleep, sit down and try to write...well, my brain is not as efficient as it used to be.

So I'm thinking on it. Let me know if you have an opinion either way...you 3 loyal readers.

we're ready to roll...

2007-12-16T21:38:00.001-05:00

Snow is clogging up the driveway, dirty diapers are clogging up the trash and Guitar Hero is clogging up my eardrums. The only thing that isn't backed up is Sam. On the contrary...

We arrived back from our Early Christmas with J's folks with a not so happy little man. Not only did he get a nose full of snot for xmas, but something is going on with his more sensitive orifice. I'm pretty sure it's teething drool related, but if it doesn't solidify soon, we'll have to call the doc on Monday. Poor kid. He's obviously uncomfortable with his mouth, and you add a pretty bad diaper rash as a result of CONSTANT pooping, well, you get the picture. And just as we were contemplating the return to cloth diapers! Um, I don't think I have a supply to handle this situation. Maybe once these molars arrive we can think on it again.

Ok, enough talk of poop! The recent discomfort in now way spoiled our trip to Connecticut. We all had a wonderful visit with Pepere, Memere, J's sis Amy and her son Henry. It was crazy to see our nephew all grown up and big. Sam was of course fascinated by his cousin. And Henry was so patient and gentle with him. I hope they get a chance to hang out more often in the future. We'll just have to plan a trip down to Asheville... Blue Ridge Mountains? Temperate climate? BBQ Ribs? Bluegrass music? Um, can we leave tomorrow?

We are gathering things for our departure to Florida this Thursday. We'll be spending Christmas down there at my folks new place. It should be a nice break from these chilly temperatures. Not sure if I'll get to update from down there.

In the meantime, here are some nice pics from the one-year Birthday/xmas celebrations...

Sam and his Pepere opening a birthday present

which ended up being this beautiful wooden train.

Sam was delighted. Perfect for transporting precious cargo.

It so nice whenever we get to hang with Amy. Henry and I both wish she would be our best friend...(seriously, Henry asked his mother to be his best friend. Sweetest.Thing.Ever)

We scored some Auntie and Uncle brownie points with Henry by getting him "Elefun." Not that he probably remembers who it was from. Since the main point of the game involves an elephant shooting small chokables 4 feet into the air, he had to wait for Sam to sleep before the Elefun could be had.

But Henry was cool and didn't hold it against him...Waddup cuz?

Some people may expect to see Sam covered in cake, as tradition dictates. However, I thought better of it. It's just a photo op really...kinda like Santa Claus. He won't miss it. So no cake. But bring on the spaghetti!

Other highlights? Well, check out Sam in his new Hokie jersey.

And Memere helping him open a new book...

Thanks Memere...

Hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday.

Peace.

Happy Birthday Ding Dong!

2007-12-06T09:36:00.001-05:00

When did you go from that....to this...

Crazy. What a great year it's been watching you go from an adorable blob to an adorable madman on the loose! Looking forward to the coming year and getting to know you even better. How lucky we are.

Maybe if I read it, I wouldn't be so snarky...

2007-12-05T14:45:00.000-05:00

Man, I guess I was in a bad mood yesterday. It just irks me that they talk and talk about a book I was kinda looking forward to reading. Now I know what the whole story is, which makes reading the book that less interesting. And I see all these women who are like, "it changed my life", and it comes across as so...I don't know, like they are some sort of desperate and impressionable women? I'm sure that's not true, but I would feel like just another stay-at-home Oprah drone if I was seen reading this book on the plane in a few weeks.

Oh god, that is just horrible. I shouldn't be so vain. Really, who cares. Bleh.

I've noticed I've had a real hard time forming my thoughts. I used to be better and getting across my point of view, but lately, it isn't so easy. I can only imagine it's from lack of sleep. And the fact that any writing I do is in a very short window while Sam is asleep and I feel ok about neglecting housework, doesn't lend itself to deep introspection and self analysis.

ah, and he's awake. Later.

here's a Ding Dong fix....

My bathroom floor moment...

2007-12-04T16:14:00.000-05:00

I was planning on reading this book, on the recommendation of many people I respect. However, after todays Oprah Eat Pray Love-athon, a "follow up" on the already overly enthusiastic first episode about Eating Praying and Loving, I am not.

Just because. Because I don't like being told what to do. And Oprah is always telling me what to do. And now all these people are like, "I read it BEFORE she was on Oprah." Wow. That makes you...someone with more free time than I do.

And, by the way, I like things less once they become popular. Yes, I said it. I am a snob like that. I try not to be, but I can't help it. I suspect you are too, but won't admit it.

Ok, maybe not when it comes to Justin Timberlake. But it's so not cool to like JT, it's actually cool.

We're #1!

2007-12-03T10:55:00.002-05:00

Sunday we had a group birthday party for all the babes we hang out with. Everyone was born the same week of December, except little Sophie who was born in January. What a cute gang.

Babies got to attack hostess Tess's stash of toys while moms sipped wine and dads talked video games. It was fun, though I always have trouble relaxing with Sam in a new environment. He's pretty grabby. He likes pushing furniture and pulling down things from above. I was a little scattered and left my own items in babes reach while I rushed to keep Sam from doing something like ripping down the curtains. After disaster is averted, I would forget about my camera, or glass of wine I left on the table. At home, as long as Sam is watched I can have something out. But here, there were 5 little grabbers eyeing that glass of wine. Luckily, there were enough mama eyes out so no major messes or injuries.

Kudos to Kelly who hosted the affair. Quite the undertaking on the day before a snowstorm...not to mention she was getting ready to fly out of town that evening! You can always tell when I have a good time, there is usually a sad deficiancy of photos. I wish I had taken more...but here are a few.

nap post

2007-11-29T11:07:00.000-05:00

why is it that, when I decide to nap, Sam only sleeps for 20 minutes. But when I have boring crap to do, like move the carseat back to my car, steam carrots, and laundry...he sleeps for an hour and a half?! ***grumble, grumble....yawn***

Well, at least I have some time to sit down and think about Christmas presents. As usual, I'm at a lost for most of the people on my list. I'm in a bit of a crunch because we are headed down to J's folks next weekend to celebrate early. Luckily, J usually takes the reigns and buys for his family. J's sis, Amy, has taken a pledge to only give Handmade presents and requests that others do the same for her. Super cool idea, but then there is so much "taste" involved...what if what I think is cool, she thinks is hideous. Well, I guess that's the gamble you take. I think I may do the same next year! It sure makes shopping more fun. Etsy hasn't seen so much of me since I was looking for felted baby blocks. Which there weren't any...so hey! don't steal my idea. I'm going to sew them out of old sweaters. Um,well, maybe after I finish screen printing my tshirt ideas and tweaking my children's book plots.

So, basically, never.

It's all a blur

2007-11-21T07:37:00.000-05:00

I've gotten some nice comments on the pictures I take of Sam. While I appreciate the compliments, I must admit that it's not too hard to end up with a few nice ones when you take as many pictures as I do. Whenever he's being especially cute or the light is nice, I whip out the camera and click away. The continuous photo shoot taking place in my family room is not only out of motherly adoration, but neccessity. If it weren't for volume, I wonder if I would ever get a clear photo...especially at the age he is now. Getting a focused picture of this kid is no easy task and seems to be getting harder. He does not enjoy being still. The vast majority of our pictures look something like this.

Actually, if you look closely at the "keepers" you'll see there is always a reason Sam is still, or at least not jetting across the room like usual.

Stuck behind something...

Stuck in something...

Only Sam is more stationary on a swing...

And my favorite, pausing to scream.

Cheers!

2007-11-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

It's been a while (how many posts do I start with some version of that statement?) I've been busy prepping for the onslaught of Winter. Planting the garlic, unpacking the sweaters, raking leaves ect. I'm behind on all these tasks because of my visit down to DC. But, man, it was worth it. Not only did Sam get to hang out with his biggest fan, but I got to see my ladies (and the new little lady too!). Something that doesn't happen often enough...and no one was pregnant! So the wine was flowin and we rocked it old school...in between diaper changes.

Miss you guys...

A little whining...

2007-11-01T14:25:00.000-04:00

Things have been a little crazy in these parts. Let's see if I can pry my eyes open and turn my brain on long enough to get a decent post out before Sam wakes up from nap #2. I've probably started 5 blog posts in the last week or so, only to have it cut short by a darling 10 month old. Or, more likely, I've been too busy trying to keep the house from turning into a disaster...unsuccessfully, i might add. Then there is the furniture stripping project I started. Oh, and loading compost into the new vegetable beds. All while I'm trying to get ready to fly down to DC on Saturday...whew!

Now, I find myself waiting for Jet Blue to get their shit together.

I've called 3 times, and each time I get a recording telling me to "call back at a later time" because THEY are too busy. Whatever. And even worse? They end with "this call ends now." What? You mean I can't even sit on hold for an hour if I choose to? Come on.

Why am I calling Jet Blue? Well, J and I had this trip planned to go to DC and then down to Blacksburg for the Florida State game next weekend. Unfortunately, our baby sitter broke her leg. (Hi Mom! oh, that's right, she doesn't read this). Anyway, so now Sam and I are going down solo and I'm trying to cancel J's reservation and move mine so he doesn't have to be away from his son for 10 days. AND, quite honestly, so I don't have to wait on my mom hand and foot for 10 days.

Oh, it's all such a bummer. It was all planned out. It was going to be my first night away from the Ding Dong...perhaps a full nights sleep? And drinking and tailgating and Hokie-ness....and...boo.

And to those of you who say..."Just bring Sam with you." Let me tell you, for those of you not familar with Hokie Football, Lane Stadium is no place for a 11 month old. And it's not just the drunk frat boys and cannons. I think it's safe to say that if Sam didn't already shit in his pants, this would do the trick...

Enter Sandman...always brings a tear to my eye. sniff.

Sam, the Circus Strong Man!

2007-11-01T08:36:00.001-04:00

Drawing on a 10 month olds face? Um, not so easy. And I was afraid it might be hard to get him to carry his dumbell, but he ended up loving it.

He loved it so much, he tried to eat it.

So mama took it away. This did not go over very well.

Even strong men have feelings.

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

How ya like them apples?

2007-10-30T09:03:00.000-04:00

I could make a Firkin of cider 5 Hands tall...

2007-10-22T11:08:00.000-04:00

I know it's been forever. And there is a lot to talk about. My mom broke her leg. My sister is pregnant! But...

I've been buried in apples upto my armpits.

Saturday we headed out to a local orchard to pick some apples. Seemed like a very "Vermont-y" thing to do, and I had plans for homemade baby food and perhaps some pies. And the orchard is located at a very nice spot. Even the port-a-potty had a pretty view. As we pulled into the parking lot we were greated by a young girl asking how many bags we wanted. We shrugged. "Two?" and she handed two folded paper bags. Seemed appropriate. Well, each bag ended up being a half a bushel. And yes, it said so on the bag, but who knows how much a half a bushel is? Oh, 2 pecks. How silly of me.

Consequently, we ended up with a lot of apples. (I should have taken a picture of all our apples..oh well)

But we had fun. It was a nice day, though a bit cloudy. Sam seemed to enjoy the jaunt around the orchard.

So feel free to leave your favorite apple recipe in the comments. I've already made the babyfood and some muffins. Baking is always a little dangerous. I always gain weight whenever I make a pie. Go figure.

I wish I had more time to blather on about all that is going on.

In the meantime...

Go Sox!

6 Years ago today...

2007-10-12T09:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Anniversary Babe...What a ride it's been.

Love you.

2007-09-24T09:42:00.000-04:00

After much patting and singing and listening to screaming child, the Ding Dong is down for his morning nap. If things continue the way they've been, he should be awake in....oh, about 4 minutes. Yesterday he skipped his afternoon nap all together. And consequently last night was not so good.

Things had gotten better in the sleep department, but we have taken a big step backwards. Usually, naps aren't that much of a problem, but lately Sam's been kinda manic and hyper. Also, a little clingy and anxious. He wants to nurse ALL THE TIME. I wonder what's going on with him?

I've looked at our routine, and not much has changed. The only thing I can think of is that last week, I watched a friends baby for the day. It was a rough day. None of us were too happy. But we survived and there were even moments of giggles and play. Actually, there wasn't all that much turmoil, but when you have 2 babies screaming and doing that pleading with their eyes thing at the same time...a minute is an hour. Pick one up, the other freaks. Put baby down to console other, we now have a full blown tantrum. They seemed to be having a contest on who could make me have a nervous breakdown the fastest. Luckily, they would suddenly be destracted by the dog or my jumping up and down, flapping my arms...hey, it works. It's like Cirque Du Soleil for 9 month olds.

I do it again tomorrow. I expect it to go better.

But it's not all stress and tears around here. Sam has begun to make interesting noises that have us in stitches. His new one is kinda like a yodle. And he loves it when you mimic it back. He is starting to share with us, which is sweet. I'll give him a pile of Cheerios and he'll start munching. Then he grabs a handful and puts his fist in my face. If I open my hand he'll place them inside, but he prefers to shove them directly in my mouth....which can be a little messy. I've actually been trying to get him to share with me for a while, but to no avail until recently. It was a mission because he's been sharing with someone else for weeks...

I don't know whether to declare Sam as "walking." I mean, he walks, sorta. But no more than 4 steps in a row. And the last 2 steps are usually more of a propelled fall. He prefers a crawl for long distances, but succesfully navigates short gaps without holding on to anything. But I can say he has mastered the STAND...

We are looking forward to some friends coming this weekend. I just hope Sam's sleep improves or I'll end up being a zombie. Perhaps this afternoon I'll hunker down in the Baby Corral with Sam and nap while he tries to get through the blanket and eat grass.

More evidence that being an asshole gets you what you want.

2007-09-19T09:27:00.001-04:00

To deviate from my usual subject matter (DING DONG!), I would like to express my utter annoyance and disappointment with the outcome of Big Brother last night.

SPOILER ALERT! for any of you DVR/Tivo people...

I will be the first to admit that TV, Reality TV in general and perhaps Big Brother in particular, is not the most enriching way to spend ones time. But I like me some crap. And it will probably all go by the wayside as Sam gets older. But for now, he is tucked snuggly in bed while the debauchery plays out, so I will endulge my need for manufactured, semi-real, in no way representative of actual life, drama.

Last night Dick won Big Brother. And Dick is...well, a Dick. Now many people may argue that his Dickness was strategy. That it is what let him win the game. Now, I understand that these shows are, in their basest form, just a game. And I am the first one to get annoyed at players who take things personally as people get voted out or alliances shift. However, Dick was not just lying or manipulating game aspects. He was calling people names, making fun of other players religions, backgrounds and physical appearance. And it was obvious, OBVIOUS, this was not always in the realm of "game." He was intimidating because he IS intimidating. That appears to be the way he deals with people. He is the kind of person I don't tolerate. And now, he is judged to be the winner...once again reinforcing that in our selfish, get-what's-yours society, that the end justifies the means...

I am disgusted.

Survivor on Thursday. Yippee!
(I am waiting to pass judgement on "Chicken." I know he is from Virginia. CBS has regularly picked some questionable contestants from my home state (um, Johnny Fairplay...ugh) and if I am to stereotype people with names like "Chicken" this guy might just be another reinforcement of southern stereotypes. I hope I'm wrong...)

Hand towels are handy!

2007-09-04T19:02:00.000-04:00

First, for a little cuteness...

Sam is chillin' under the coffee table. We put a blanket over it so it became a little fort. He thought it was pretty cool. I was relieved to get a break from the vigil, making sure the kid doesn't knock his teeth out as he cruises around. This morning he got the Godfather of all dings. Biggest, scariest to date. It was purple. He was walking around the table like he usually does. And I was watching, I swear. And when he got to the far side, he just let go. Why does he do that?! Anyway, he took a step, went down and smacked his cheek on the leg before I could grab him. It's the second time the table leg has caused some trauma, so now?

I'm sure J is going to be totally psyched about this interior design descision when he comes home.

He only left this morning and it already sucks. We look so forward to him coming home at the end of the day, it seems so strange to just put the Ding Dong to bed. And Sam is at an age that he gets totally stoked when J walks through the door. And not just because he does this "Rocket Blast Off" thingy that makes Sam go bonkers with glee. He's definetly a Papas boy. And Sam watches everything Daddy does. Like the other day, when there was a touch of fall in the air. What do you do when the temperature drops 5 degrees?

You tune up the snowboard!

I don't even want to know what that kid is thinking.

YAAAAAWWWWWWWN

2007-09-04T09:26:00.000-04:00

I just dropped of J at the airport. He's gone to San Diego for a week for a tradeshow. So it's just me and the Ding Dong (oh, and Tubbs) holding down the fort. Should be exhausting.

Not to bore people with more talk of Sam's inability to sleep...but Sam can't seem to sleep. Last night was pretty bad.

7pm Asleep
7:15 Awake and crying
7:30 Back asleep (after a cajillion Old MacDonalds and some back patting)
7:45 Awake and crying
8:15 Back asleep (after a half hour!! of crying while I pat and sing...argh)
11pm Awake and crying
11:06 Back asleep with Daddy magic
2:15 Awake and crying

3:30 Back asleep.That's right, and HOUR AND 15minutes later. This stretch was punctuated with a few psychs. He would be asleep, but wake up screaming just as I am pulling back the covers to get back in bed. There was lots of nursing, lots of singing, lots of back patting.

4:30 Awake, nursed back to sleep pretty quick
5:45 Good Morning!

Yay! I'm a crabby, tired mess! And the Daddy Magic just got on a plane to the west coast. Last night was pretty crappy, even for Sam. He's usually not that hard to get back to sleep...and the little 15 minute naps were weird. I'm pretty sure we have some molars moving around. There was quite a bit of finger sucking. He wasn't completely wailing like he did with the last teeth, but I think it's safe to say he was uncomfortable. At least I hope that's it. It's always nice when there's a "reason."

Good TV

2007-08-31T09:25:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is going to be a big day. I already have butterflies thinking about it. Tomorrow ESPN Gameday broadcasts from Blacksburg and the Hokies take the field for the first time since...

Well, since a lot of things. Since the events in April when a madman took so many dreams, and a nation associated the idea of "Virginia Tech" with "massacre." Since Michael Vick, someone who has done so much for the university and held a special place in so many Hokie hearts, was exposed participating and encouraging the cruelest of endeavors.

Due to these reasons I have mixed feelings about the Gameday coverage. When I first heard about it I was happy. It's always fun when Corso and Herbie are in Blacksburg. But now, I think the chatter is going to drive me crazy. There will be lots of talk of that day in April, of Micheal Vick and lots of references to "healing" and how the university "needs" this. How Hokie Nation can come together over....over what? Football? The truth is we came together long before that. They are portraying it like we have been a community in waiting. Waiting for football.

Hokies know that the healing begun long ago. That we have banded together in love and support, and are ready to move forward. That we have moved forward. Perhaps they will portray this tommorrow, but most likely they will bill the game as baptism. As a day of renewal.

Though I think that is oversimplyfying the matter, I must admit there is some truth. Especially for the Hokies so far removed from Blacksburg. Putting on the maroon and orange, cheering, drinking beer, high fives...it's about time we get to think of our school with laughter and smiles, with unadulterated joy.

But it won't be unadulterated, will it? The media won't allow it to be. It will be like April all over again, seeing a place I love tied to such horror and cruelty, and talking heads theorizing with sympathetic nods and bottled compassion. I'm sure there will be many tear jerking montages and profiles of victims and portraits of Hokie Spirit. But I'm afraid it will seem invasive. A private matter displayed for the nation to gawk at. Hokies will be poked and proded, tears will be induced, and emotional scenes will play out for a hungry public.

And the cameras will be there to capture it all.

(And I will be watching. GO HOKIES!)

Keep it in park...

2007-08-28T11:23:00.001-04:00

The past week Sam has been taking his new mobility for a test drive. Sometimes I wish he would just keep it in the garage. Because with any new vehicle, as you embark into the world...there will be dings. And he's gotten a few.

We've drawn first blood. Tooth and lip have met, and they aren't friends. It wasn't all that traumatic, but I realize it's the first of many. Especially since this kid cannot sit still...even for a second. He is cruising around, pulling up and taking steps he has no business taking.

He just lets go. Oh, he can't walk or anything, but he doesn't seem to know that. He turns, sees something and goes for it...and BAM! Thank god we have a new rug to cushion the repeated tumbles and trips. And he gets himself into the most precarious positions. He doesn't quite have the strength to balance, but I guess it's all a building process.

Sam's will has made an appearance too. He's starting to get touchy when you take something away, or don't let him go where he wants to go. And I know people always say this, but it's the things that he can't have that he wants the most. Like the remote...

No baby, the remote isn't a toy...

Yikes! That really isn't much of an issue anymore since one of our remotes broke. We took out the batteries and now he sits, content, gumming...oh wait, excuse me, biting the buttons. I was hoping that once he got it, he would lose interest, but no. The fancy, colorful soft toys cannot compare. And a close second?

my flip flop.

To the dogs...

2007-08-23T08:39:00.000-04:00

As I've gotten older I've enjoyed watching friends go through many life changes. I've been amazed at how often these changes seem to happen all at once. There was the 2005/2006 wedding extravaganza when it seemed everyone I know was getting married. Then the great baby explosion of 2006/2007. Now, there is a much sadder, more difficult cycle that has begun.

The "college dogs" are dying.

A few days ago I got the news that Forbin was being put to sleep. Forbin was a spirited little dachsund mutt J and his roommate adopted from the pound our Sophmore year at Tech. Though they both took him home, it was quickly established that Forbin's trust and allegiance was to Johnny. And Johnny, in turn, became Forbin's true Dad.

Forbin was a staple in our college lives, and for many years after. Forbin was my roommate and my pal as we all shared the house on Lee street. When Tubbs came into the picture, Forbin, like so many little dogs, showed no fear of the looming big brown spaz. Forbin was happy to show him the ropes and let him know who was boss and thought nonthing of it when Tubbs quickly doubled, tripled, quadrupled his size. Until the day Tubbs bit him that is...sorry about that Forbe. (Bones. There is no sharing amongst friends. Lesson learned.)

Now, after a good 17 years, Colonel Forbin was put to rest.

And today, I got the news that Naya, Tubbs littermate, will be put down today. I knew she had been ill, but it's just so sad. I look at Tubbs and realize it may not be far off for him. And Mrs. T's sweetheart of a dog, Tabby, is now deaf and getting a little rickety. I always knew they wouldn't be around forever, but it takes you by surprise when you see your once energetic and active companion become slow and aged.

As many of us are caring for our first children, we are saying goodbye to our first babies. The ones that showed us what unconditional love and companionship can be. Teaching us that responsiblity and trust are not a burden, but a blessing.

I know it's been said, but the love of a dog makes you a better person. Even as we say goodbye, they teach us about love and loss. It's too bad the final lesson has to be so hard.

Good-bye Forbin.

I wish I could give Johnny a hug.

Guilt tripping at TJ Maxx

2007-08-20T11:40:00.000-04:00

I spent the morning rearranging the furniture and now I am eagerly awaiting J to come for lunch and check it out. He can be very particular about such things. I think I have an ok sense of design and style, however since Sam arrived, I'm a little more function over fashion these days. Moving the table has opened up a large area for Sam to play. I know J is going to say it's crowded and cluttered in the area I moved it to, but that space was just dead space anyway so...I hope he likes it. I'd really like to keep it the way it is now.

Perhaps I am feeling a little over confident that this new arrangement will fly after my victory yesterday? We got a new rug! I've been whining pretty consistantly about how we needed a rug in the family room to cushion Sams noggin when he topples over and takes a header. And like I said, J can be very particular about these kinda things. He doesn't just dislike something, he "HATES" it. He's the king of hyperbole when it comes to getting what he wants. "That is the most henious thing I've ever seen!"...um, no I don't think that blue carpet is the "most henious thing" you've ever seen...you worked at WalMart in High School remember?

But J likes what he likes, and don't we all. It's just that his tastes tend to run extremely specific, and expensive. So yesterday I nearly broke down in tears when we argued about buying a $130 rug. 8x5 for $130 is pretty good. AND it was super cush. And after looking at a bajillion rugs online, J still hadn't found any he liked and the few that were ok were $600...which is just crazy. I knew this was our best chance so I explained how "Sam needs it", you know, so he doesn't knock out those new teeth or before he gets brain damage. So J conceded to get the rug that was lowest on the list of most henious things he's ever seen.

Mama and Sam's teeth are happy!

And my Dad thinks I'm spoiling him by picking him up when he cries...

2007-08-15T06:43:00.000-04:00

Last week Sam and I headed down to DC to visit my parents. It was a nice little break. Sam had an expanse of carpet on which to crawl and a large stash of toys to ignore while chewing on my flip flops. Now that we are home Sam no longer wants anything to do with any sort of containment. He has tasted unincumbered freedom and there is no going back.

And there was also one of these!

oh, and one of these!

Sam is doing his best to adjust to a world without large plastic bouncy things and his own private pool. I guess he's doing as well as one can expect. He doesn't seem to mind lack of plush carpeting as the floor seems to be the only place he wants to be.

I just feel bad that the floor is so hard and hairy. Ugh the dog hair. It's really a problem. I do the best I can with sweeping. I would vacuum more often, but Sam's surprised wide eyes quickly devolve into the scared cry. You know, the high pitch, face squinched, eyebrow furrowed, pleading to make it stop cry. And I don't have the stomach for it.

And our floor space is pretty small. That's really the trouble. At my parents he could crawl and crawl and get pretty far before there was any trouble. Here he has about 3 feet before hitting chairs and tables and TV stands. And I don't know if I've mentioned it before, he is not really a sit on the floor kinda baby. He is not content to plop down in one place and play. So we are spending much of our days hunched over, redirecting Sams exploration and removing dog hair from his pants.

Of course...he's not always wearing pants.

Just call me wallflower...

2007-08-13T11:10:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling a little down lately. My lack of friends around here has me bummed. I know a few girls, but the time it takes to really get to know someone seems daunting. The fact that I look at it that way reinforces the feeling that I haven't really clicked with anyone. And the activities we do tend to be overplanned and contrived. Not that I don't enjoy the excursions, but we are so busying doing stuff that we hardly connect. And I think my need for connection has done a number on my personal filter.

I'm spewing thoughts and feelings without really stopping to think.

I've always been pretty opinionated. However, I'd like to think that over the past few years I've managed to keep the idea that I could quite possibly, even probably, be mistaken about many of my beliefs. Or, at very least, I try to understand why someone may feel differently. I enjoy debating topics such as politics, religion and ethics. I KNOW. Never a good idea. Unless you know people really well. And, like I said, I don't. And like I also said, I lake to debate. Which probably comes across as judgemental. Or even worse, has me saying things for the sake of making a point, not because I honestly think it.

With my close friends, I feel comfortable diving into taboo territory...because I know they really get me. I want people to question me about my beliefs. It helps me to know myself better. And let's me realize when I'm not really thinking things through. I so miss the ability to freely discuss and be wrong. And disagree. And hash out the differences and respect those differences. These are not things you should do with people who don't already know you well. Who won't hold it against you or judge you...or at least, just a little. And I can't expect that from everybody. I suppose that's what makes true friends, friends. They are willing to listen to your bullshit, call you out on it, throw in some of their own and you still end up repsecting and loving each other in spite of all the self righteousness.

Oh, and this is all compounded due to my lame need for people to like me.

It's a problem.

So I'm going to start shutting up a bit.

Sorry Honey, Wii're broke

2007-08-01T11:05:00.000-04:00

I just finished setting up our home finances in a nice freeware program. Things are a little out of control around here. The move and subsequent "Home Improvement" led to a frenzy of purchases. For a couple months we were living as though our income is about 3 times what it is. We've gotten so used to whippin out the debit card and buying crap.

Well, we ain't no millionares and if we don't want the rest of our savings to disappear we need to get back to reality. The line between what we want and what we need has become blurred. Looking at how much we have spent at a certain big box store is making me break out in hives. Of course J doesn't really look at the money and he has been loving his Saturday morning trips to the sprawl. It's going to be a hard recovery having him go cold turkey. I think it's beginning to warp his senses...

Me: Ugh, I should go to Kmart and buy a bathmat. I hate Kmart.

J: You should go buy a Wii!

Me: Yeah. I'm not going anywhere. I think you should go...

No one ended up going, but the next day, J said I agreed to get a Wii. I don't think so.

It's hot.

2007-07-26T09:36:00.001-04:00

I feel like a big wussy complaining about the heat, because relatively, it's not really that hot. Diddy in Vegas has no sympathy for me, I'm sure. But my year in Vermont has allowed me to become accustomed to a certain chill, and when the heat rolls in, my new hardy disposition begins to melt.

Sleep, which I have already stated is shotty at best, is no fun in the hotness. And The Ding Dong, currently fending off attacks from killer incisors, is not tolerating the sweaty stick with much grace. Our nights have gone something like this:

Sam wakes up in pain and begins to cry.

The effort of crying causes him to sweat.

I pick him up and the compounded body heat causes the flood gates of our pores to open.

Sam's cries escalate.

I hug and bounce and pat causing me to sweat even more.

Which, in turn, causes Sam to sweat even more.

I put Sam back down to provide relief from all the hotness.

Sam goes completely ape shit.

The fever he has only compounded the ugh of it all. I have been gathering up the sticky tacky, slimy little one and carrying him into the bedroom where the AC unit is humming and cooling. I feel so selfish having set it up in there instead of Sam's room. Of course when we set it up, our room was Sam's room so I guess I can ease off the mama guilt a little bit. And honestly, it's only needed a total of perhaps 8 days a year. But having it makes those 8 days way more tolerable.

Another side effect of the heat besides all the sweating, or rather, a side effect of all the sweating, is my lack of slinging. Sam enjoys being in the sling. I enjoy having him in it. It has been my "comfort crying baby" weapon since the beginning, and has proven indespensible during teething. Sling and stoller...rarely is there ever a crying baby in either. But when it's hot? Baby pressed snuggly against the torso? Yuck. And add a fever to the mix? It's like having a hot water bottle strapped to your belly. I think he still enjoys the closeness, but after a few minutes, we're both a big slimy mess. And the fact that he cries while in it is a signal that it's not providing the comfort is usually does. So there is a lack of baby wearing going on. A state of affairs I do not like.

So in the meantime, we're laying low, avoiding the sun and taking periodic trips to the bedroom for relief...

and going sans pants.

The saga continues...

2007-07-25T09:43:00.000-04:00

Sam's teeth have begun another onslaught on his gentle and sensitive gums. This time, however, they aren't pulling any punches. Along with an unprecidented amount of discomfort, we are also dealing with a fever. Nothing crazy, but the poor kid is obviously miserable. We have stepped up our defenses, adding ibuprofen to our arsenal of frozen wet baby socks tied in knots and the array of rings and toys. Needless to say, sleep has become even more fleeting. Sam doesn't seem to be able to get through more than an hour or so without waking in pain. What little head way that was made in the sleep department has been thworted. All bets are off when the kids in pain. Pick him up, nurse him to sleep, walk him around the house...whatever it takes. I just wonder what our nighttime routine will be on the other side of this.

Luckily, the worst of it waited until Jay's sister Amy, her husband Kyle and little Henry finished their visit. We had a great weekend. J's folks were here too, through Sunday morning, and it was nice to have everyone around. We lucked out with the weather. Monday morning we headed out for breakfast and then on to ECHO, a small science museum on the waterfront.

Here's Amy and Henry patiently awaiting the feeding of the turtles...

It was more than just giving the creatures some lettuce. Here Henry is raising his hand for a chance to explain why he thinks this particular turtle is called a "Stink Pot!"

I'm glad we finally made it to ECHO. They have a good deal going for a season pass. Something we will definitely take advantage of once Sam is a little older. I'm sure it will prove to be indispensible during long cold winters. Ugh, I hate to even think about it. The amount of time it takes to get out of the house with a little one in sub arctic temperatures is ridiculous. It's enough to make you hunker down and hibernate until Spring. But as Vermonters say, "The key is to get out in it." Luckily, Sam should be sturdy enough to be dragged around on a sled. The stroller isn't really made for chunky, icy sidewalks.

So Sam is enjoying the strolling while he can.

Lord help us all

2007-07-13T09:52:00.000-04:00

The other day when I was hanging out with one of my Mom friends and her little boy, I marveled at how the little guy sat sturdily and played with toys, quiet as a mouse. This little boy is the same age as Sam. I set Sam up and he sat, sorta. Then he toppled over and began to wiggle and squeak. Then he stuck his butt up in the air, flattened back out and looked up with pride because he moved approximately 3 millimeters. Though I'm proud of his hard work and glad to see he is moving forward developmentally, part of me is like WHOA. Let's slow down a bit. See him? He's sitting. Let's try that first. Mama needs to ease into this mobility thing. Let's sit.

Well, that's not really happening. I sit Sam up on his butt, hoping he'll be content to stay in one place and play with toys. Apparently he does not feel this step in the process is worth exploring, becuase he just flops right over. And no more wiggling...crawling. Like fast. This change has occured in the last 3 or 4 days, and he's getting quicker and bolder by the minute.

Usually he makes a bee line for Tubbs. It's as if Tubbs has a tractor beam on the Ding Dong. On the contrary, Tubbs looks very much like he wishes he could raise the shields. But Sam succesfully enters Tubbs' air space and firmly grabs his toes. Then Tubbs will move. And Sam follows. Poor Tubbs.

Anyway, I've taken the last few days to deal with this new development. I realize my life is now changed. There is no going back to blobby baby on the floor. It's ok. It will be a snap. I can handle a crawling baby...

They make cages, right?

(just kidding!)

((kinda))

Then yesterday, when Sam was supposed to be taking a nap, I walk in on this...

What's Shakin?

2007-07-10T10:25:00.000-04:00

Sam has gone to bed, and I should probably follow. Even if I'm tired, we tend to stay up until 11 or so, watching TV. And tonight I reallly should take advantage of Sam's first long stretch of sleep...we had a record of 5 hours the other night! But it's from 7 to midnight, so not so helpful in the mama sleep department. But since J is out I have no one to zone out with in front of the tube. And there's nothing to watch anyway since I'm letting our DVR tape Hell's Kitchen. J and I both like that show and it's best I watch it with my hubby, otherwise I may get swept up in the strange sexiness of Gordon Ramsey's profanity and creased forehead.

Where's J? Well, he found some other boys to dork out with and go see Transformers. J was concerned that his new workplace would not have the high incidence of nerdiness that he enjoyed at his former office, but luckily he found others willing to argue the implications of Optimus Prime being a plane (I think?) instead of a gun.

They aren't super dorky or anything. It's long after opening night. Not like they stood in line waiting so they could be one of the first. Or, God forbid, pay someone to stand in line for them...I don't know anyone who would go that far. Oh wait...um, yeah...

That's my Daddy! And you guessed it, that's an iPhone in his hands. He was third in line...or rather, his employee was third in line. Until Dad came to relieve him that is. With all this dorky blood in the family, Sam is doomed to a life of MacWorld and Star Wars conventions.

So Sam is now 7 months old! Crazy. He's sitting up pretty good now and crawling like a madman. I need to really do a once over with the baby proofing. He makes a beeline for anything with wires. He's not real fast yet, so he's easy to head off, but he's getting more proficient every day.

He's loving food. Cheerios are his new babysitter. I just throw a handful on the highchair and he's occupied for 10 minutes. Well, it used to be 10 minutes, now it seems more like 10 seconds. He's getting more proficient at that too.

Tubbs is also enjoying the transition into solid foods. His new favorite spot is next to Sam's high chair. Sam is not so neat. It's actually nice to have Tubbs there to clean up the mess. But I don't let him clean up all the mess, though I'm sure he'd like Sam clean if I let him.

That is the weirdest picture. Funny, but weird.

Sam and I spent the Fourth at a cute little parade in Bristol, VT with Amy and Sam's buddy Lucas.

They were born 3 days apart. It's funny to hang out with another baby Sam's age and see the differences. Lucas is pretty mellow. Sam was pretty good, until the car ride home when he decided he was hungry. And wanted to eat NOW. Luckily we weren't going far, so a short ride later and a few million renditions of Old MacDonald later he was happily nursing.

Last weekend Sam went on his first boat ride!

A group of mom's and I took the ferry across to New York to a cute little town and had lunch.

We walked around looking at the super expensive boutiques, got caught in a crazy rainstorm, ate ice cream and came home. It was fun, but exhausting. I am so tired lately, I didn't realize paying attention to conversation could be so taxing.

Sam was tired too...

Geeez...it's been a while.

2007-06-28T10:16:00.000-04:00

Still getting into the swing of things at the new pad. And there has been some drama at our old house that we rent out, which has been causing us an unpleasant feeling...and making me send certified letters and consult with a lawyer. FUN! I'll get into it all later, but for now, here is a ridiculous amount of Ding Dong pictures. He's now half a year old, crazy! He has four teeth!! So far he is being kind to the boob, but we're all a little on edge. He went to the doctor and they confirmed that he is huge. Actually without even asking, the doc said "Oh, and don't worry about the chubbiness, he'll lean out eventually." Well, I wasn't worried...until now. In fact, I didn't even think he was that chubby. I mean, I know he's no skinny minny, but he's got definable parts. 97th percentile! In weight, length and head size. At least he's consistant. No wonder I'm beginning to see some definition in my upper arms. Cutest dumbell ever!

Confession...I am 12

2007-06-11T15:52:00.000-04:00

We have two books on rotation before bedtime. Whether Sam gets any of it is doubtful, but he'll sit in my lap and bat at the pictures while I read. One is Green Eggs and Ham, which is usually a little long for his wee attention span. By the time Sam I Am gets the grumpy, um, hairy thing, to try them, My Sam is all figety and arching his back.

The other book is The Runaway Bunny. It's a sweet tale about a little bunny who tells his mother that he's going to run away and then she says how she'll run after him. Then he says he'll be a flower, so she says she'll be a gardner. So then he says if she's a gardner he'll be a fish, so she says she'll be a fisherman... and on and on. You get the picture.

At one point he says he'll be a sailboat, and she says she be the wind and blow him where she wants him to go.

Then the little bunny says."If you become the wind and blow me"...

...and everytime I stifle a giggle.

Because nothing is funnier than the implication of bunny incest.

I slept, therefore I am...no longer bitchy.

2007-06-09T16:54:00.000-04:00

Things are a little better over here. Boy, that was a rough night, and therefore, following day as well. The teething is still happening, but it seems that the little buggers are worn out from the effort and only causing Sam mild discomfort for now. I'm sure it's just a lull in the action until they break through, but just having a lull is reassuring.

So we've moved! I mentioned that before, but haven't been in much mood to get into the details. I've been blogging from my old lap top because we still have yet to set up the "office" with the computer and such. This is also the reason why deluge of Sam photos has seemingly dried up. I have a few good ones in the camera, but can't get them off until the Mac is all plugged in and hummin' along. My mother is beside herself. Not only do I provide regular photo arrays of her only grandchild, but once a week we do a teleconference over iChat. That hasn't happened for two weekends in a row. Grandma ain't happy.

So the new place is awesome. I absolutely love it! It's a little small, but that means less to keep clean. When we first moved in I basked in the glow that is "no dog hair", but that has been dulled by the big brown monster, currently in full molt. Sam is getting use out of his nursery, something I can't say of the old place. It was upstairs! I couldn't be expected to go upstairs! But now, it's 10 feet from...well, pretty much anywhere in the house. Vurtues of a little box.

The best part of the place is the yard. We have a yard! With nice grass that hasn't been burned by dog pee! I'm not sure how we're going to keep that from happening, but in the meantime, it's really green and fresh. Sam and I spent and hour out there on a blanket this afternoon. Bliss.

Pictures to follow...eventually.

Too tired to appreciate the irony

2007-06-07T14:28:00.000-04:00

I am really annoyed by the way this blog looks. If only I had time to fiddle with it. But, this is very low on my list of priorities at the moment.

Number 1? Sleep. It's has not been cards lately. After a week of comfortably sleeping in his crib, Sam has gone on strike. He'll sleep the first 2 to 3 hours there, but once he wakes up, it's the last place he's willing to go. I'll nurse him, he'll be on the verge of sleep, but the moment I lower him towards the mattress, he arches his back and begins to wail. If, by chance, he does go to sleep, it lasts about 20 minutes. And he cries until I lift him out. He'll fall asleep on my shoulder, but I can't put him back down in the crib, or it all starts again. We must of gone through this 20 times last night. At around 4:30 the birds started chirping, so he came to bed with me. I figure I got about 3-4 hours.

Pretty sure it's due to his teeth. At least I hope that's what it is. If not, I better figure it out soon. It's been a month since the bottom ones came in, so we're even a little behind schedule for the upper ones. And these top suckers are really doing a number on us. After last nights freak out, I was sure we would wake up this morning to little slits or some sign that they were on their way...but no. Nothing. Nothing but drooling, crying, finger sucking, lip smacking, and now a refusal to take a nap. Pretty much every sign except any evidence of actual teeth.

What's the worst is that the few mom's I know didn't have this trouble with teething. I know every baby is different, but not having someone reassuringly commiserate with "Oh yeah, teething was the WORST. Thank god that's over." is rough. Instead it seems like no one sympathizes. It's all "Oh, we thought she had a cold! Isn't that funny?! One day she had a runny nose, the next she had teeth!" Yeah, hilarious. No what I want to hear. I don't care if it's true. Note to Moms out there: When a new Mom comes to you complaining about something, needing reassurance that what is happening is normal, give her a horror story, not how you were "lucky" and "didn't have to go through that." Even if you baby never cried, slept though the night since emerging from the womb, and giggled as his teeth came in...I'm in no mood to hear how perfect your sleep cycles are. I'm tired and bitchy, and misery loves...excuse me needs some company.

God I need a nap. Not happening. Baby is too tired to take a nap.

Waiting to Clean...

2007-05-31T21:33:00.000-04:00

I am sitting amongst boxes.. watching the National Spellilng Bee. LIVE. Thrilling. We finally get our cable hooked up and this is what I watch? There is only about 8 kids left. Only one girl. She has a boatload of bracelets on her left arm. Some sort of superstition. Apparently the Gods of Spelling appreciate someone who knows how to accessorize...or she feels lopsided or something. I've noticed she does a funny thing with her mouth whenever she pronounces an 'S'. Like she used to have a lisp, but went to speech therapy to get it fixed. It reminds me of someone...someone famous or on TV. Crap, I can't place it. I'll have to wait until she comes back up and maybe it will hit me.

J is out doing one of the final runs from our old pad to the new house. There is crap EVERYWHERE. It's 9:30 and Sam is sleeping. Once J is done, I'm going to feed Sam and then head over to the old house and do the clean. Fun. That's why I'm sitting here typing and watching the Spelling Bee. There is a pretty good chance I'm going to be up till after midnight smelling of Fantastic and FeBreeze, so I'm not spending the next hour unpacking.

Oh, here she comes!

Scienophician? That's what I heard. It's a "Blue Green Algae"? Hmm, who knew?

oops. Cyanophycean. Not even close.

They show you how it's spelled before they even try, they didn't used to do that...oh, crap...she put a T in it. T? I didn't even put a T in it.

Oh well, looks like a dude will win.

By the way, all these 13 year old boys seem very efeminite (I'm sure that's not spelled right... DING!) to me. It could be because it's that awkward age, some voices have changed, others still talk like their 9 year old sister. Most of them seem like really ugly girls with bad haircuts. Sorry, I'm tired and cranky.

They list hobbies under their names. There is a high incidence of chess enthusiasts among those who can spell....competatively that is. I am painfully aware of how I can't spell...like, at all. I can play chess, but I would never list it as a hobby. I guess I'm not spelling bee material

Wait! There's a Canadian?! What? National Spelling Bee my ass. OK, The Canuck has to spell VITULINE...He's thinking. Man, he's rocking some bangs. Damn he's taking forever. Oh, there's a beep...yeah, hurry the fuck up! here he goes. Got it.

Oh, it's down to two. The Canadian and an American. How exciting! It's like Rocky! Kinda?

Oh, here's the American. PAPPARDELLE...wow, spelled it fast. Some sort of pasta. Way to go!

Bang boy...He's from Alberta. Damn...spelled his word. Fast tooll

This is getting good! USA!USA! Crap...commercial.

Hey, they are pre-empting Gray's Anatomy for this. I bet there are some pissed off people right now.

EVAN...he's the American. Here we go! Some sort of Japanese Soup? YOSENABE. He's thinking...here he goes! Got it. You go Evan.

The Canadian got some sort of desease. To spell, not like...you know. OOOOHHHH, he got it wrong!

Ok, Evan has to get this one right to win...

SERRAFINE. Oh, he's smiling. He must know it. Spelling...He wins!

Take that Canada.

Before I unplug this thing...

2007-05-25T12:38:00.000-04:00

What's up?!

It seems like ages since I've had a chance to sit down and type up a blog post! Lots of packing going on...that is when the Ding Dong isn't crying about his teeth, poor kid. I'll be so happy once they break through, then maybe he'll start sleeping better at night? Let's hope so. I am sooooo sleepy right now. But I have to get to the paint store so we can start priming tonight. I hate painting. But not as much as I hate moving. Yep, it's going to be a wonderful weekend.

I really don't have much right to complain. J has been hard at work removing layers upon layers of wallpaper from our soon-to-be bedroom. I feel bad about not being able to help, but someone has to watch Sam, and it's better that he not inhale bits of 20 year old wallpaper glue and the overwhelming fumes of fabric softner and vinegar. I wonder if that smelll will ever get out of the walls. People will always think we are doing laundry. Which, now that I think of it, we always are.

The big change is the removal of a wall in the front of the house. I only have a few pictures...this is before.

This is after J ripped down the wall...

It left quite the mess

Here's another before and after from another angle...

Since these pictures were taken, the studs have been removed, and the drywall and floor have been patched. All that's left is painting. Did I mention how I hate painting?

Enough of the whining about the move. We've had a few noteworthy happenings around here. Last weekend Sam went to his first concert! Dan Zane and Friends played at the local club on Sunday afternoon. It was packed with little rugrats and their parents.

I was happy to see that Sam wasn't the only wee babe there. But all the little people dancing made me wish he was a little older. But he was strapped to a dancing Daddy, so he still got to boogie...even if he was sleeping at the time.

Sam has become master of the raspberry. Yesterday at the grocery store he was really going to town. I found myself wanting to let other shoppers know not to worry...that it was his face, not his butt, making that noise...but I didn't. Hmm, I wonder if the vibrations provide some pain relief?
Perhaps not, but the hand seems to do the trick when it's not too bad.

Oh, and he's found his feet.

Which I've always suspected were quite yummy.

That's about it. J's folks are coming up to help with the effort, which is awesome. Which means I have to launder the sheets in the guest room, which is not awesome. But I am extremely thankful for the help. The place is quite the disaster. I find it hard to believe that we will actually pull this move off in the alotted time. I think if I can keep J and his Dad from going on a 5 hour boondoggle to Home Depot we might just pull it off...but what are the chances of that?

Chompers and Choppers

2007-05-10T09:09:00.000-04:00

At the 5 month old mark, Sam seems to be enjoying the typical 5 month old type things. He's starting to sit...kinda. He can lean forward onto his hands, but you have to be there to make sure he doesn't topple over sideways. And then there is always the sudden spastic attempt to do what seems to be a back handspring.

Oh, and he has two teeth. They are about 1/8 of an inch in. I am assuming the top ones are to shortly follow with all the crying and hand shoving. Hopefully we'll then get a break from all the fussing and discomfort. I guess this is a little early for them to come in. He's getting to be a big boy, growing so fast. First with the teeth, and now with the Harley...

Time to go make lunch. MMmm, maybe I'll have some toes.

Triangle Man hates correct spelling

2007-05-01T14:39:00.003-04:00

I'm being held hostage by poop.

Sam hasn't had a movement since Monday morning. Therefore, I am terrified to leave the house. Because as soon as I do, it will happen. And whenever he goes this long, it's quite the event. Requiring an IMMEDIATE diaper change, unless I want poo leakage all over everything. Which, I think we can all agree, I don't.

Right now he's sleeping, so I've been putzing around on the internet. I spent a little time going back and reading some of my blog of past. I've realized I've gotten very boring...you know, all this talk of poop. I've decided I'm going to try and keep it to a minimum. Or at least, make it interesting. If that is possible.

Another reason I am in love with my new neighborhood? We have been invited to the neighbors Cinco de Miao party! (I don't know if that is spelled right, and I'm not going to check...a running theme in these parts...so is using the wrong YOUR or YOU'RE...I know the difference, I just type phoenetically...that's not right either...see, I said I don't care). We can't go though, which sucks. But for a fun reason. We're going to go see They Might Be Giants! My inner high school dork needs some attention. So I'll be bopping around Saturday night screaming about Triangle Man beating up Person Man! And if I'm really lucky, singing along to one of my favorite songs ever, She's an Angel. (or Angle? argh..the kind with wings, not the kind that make up Triangles).

I think I'm gonna like it here....

2007-05-01T14:39:00.001-04:00

Once I knew we were moving, I joined the neighborhood message board. It's mostly people posting about free futons, lost pets and searches for a good electrician. It's a great insight to the world we are about to enter and has me looking forward to living in this little corner of Burlington.

Now, even more so....

WANNA JOIN A ROCK N ROLL BAND?
Mon, 30 April 2007

My name is ----. I am 8 years old and a 3rd grader at Champlain. I have been playing the drums for two years (lessons every week) and I am getting quite good. My Dad and Mom have told me that it is "cool with them" if I want to start a rock band. I am looking for a singer, guitar player, keyboard player, and a bass player. I am looking for band mates from the ages of 8 to 12. We can practice at my house on the weekends. I have my own drum set and we have keyboards as well. Please call me if you are interested. Rock on...

Is this the end of a Nacho-free life?

2007-04-27T09:39:00.000-04:00

Yes, I managed to mess the whole thing up. I shouldn't go fiddling with things I don't really understand. Lord knows there isn't time to try and fix it. So I guess this is how it will look for a while. Boring. Aaargh.

Why did I go meddling? Well, there is a chance I may have to change the name of the blog. There are exciting things afoot in the Nacho realm.

I've been saying this for YEARS. They wrap all sorts of yummy things with flour tortillas, why don't they make a chip? Well, now they do. I have a bag of these little goodies in my cabinet. I just need to buy some cheese, and sour cream, and jalapenos, and chili, and onions....

2007-04-23T10:41:00.000-04:00

We are coming off of a great weekend. We had a really good visit with friends. It was so nice to get away from the news and get outside. We had the first really warm weather of the year and spent a big chunk of the day Saturday outside by the water.

Here is little Rosa...oh so cute. She loved Sam, it was so adorable as she reached out to give him gentle pats. I've never seen a kid so jazzed about stuff! So much fun.

Well, she looks a little serious in that picture. The majority of the time she's bouncing with excitement. Hmm, I didn't take nearly enough photos.

Sam had a kinda rough time this weekend. He is getting his first tooth! You can feel it with your finger. He's not enjoying this milestone, and I must admit neither am I. Not only is he in pain, but he's growing too fast. He's wearing 6-9 month old clothes already. I'm trying to cherise all the baby time I can, but it's going by awfully fast.

One bonus is that he is starting to fit into some cool digs we've been waiting to wear.

In sleeping news, we got a positioner which seems to be working great! No more flipping over and having a fit. At first it made him mad, but now he settles right in...and actually falls asleep quicker. Yay! Don't worry, he still gets plenty of tummy time, but no longer at the expense of sleep.

Hokie Hope

2007-04-20T11:14:00.000-04:00

Sam and Mom dressed for Hokie Hope Day in Burlington, Vermont.
April 20, 2007.

Getting some of it out....

2007-04-19T09:16:00.000-04:00

Hopefully there won't be many more posts about this. But being so far from friends, it's an outlet...

It seems the national media is beginning to widen it's tunnel vision on Blacksburg. Thank god. Though I'm happy I have been able to see what is going on, I can't help but notice that in every shot, every image, there seems to be a camera man, photographer, or satellite truck in the background. Instead of looking at the image, I find myself putting myself in the picture and imagining the perspective of those captured....having cameras stuck in your face while you cry. I can't even imagine what it must feel like there to have so many outsiders swooping in, looking for a sad story to tell, to satisfy the bloodlust of a hungry nation. And now with the package he sent to NBC. I wanted to see it, I must admit, and I watched transfixed at the angry ramblings of a mad man. But I think it would have been better from them to keep it under wraps for a while. Just because people will want to see it, doesn't mean you have to show it. And NBC keeps patting themselves on the back saying how they are only showing part of it out of respect for the families...yeah, I'm sure they appreciate that.

I suppose I'm slowly making my way through the stages of grief. It's seems anger is hanging out for a while...not sure where that lays in the order...hopefully not too far from exceptance. I know yesterday I was pretty entrenched in the "this is a nightmare, I'm going to wake up and it won't have happened" stage. Not sure if that one has a name or not. Strangely my anger has not been directed at the shooter as much as the media. Blaming the Messanger I suppose.

I hung our VT flag in the window. I feel like I need some tangible expression, some sort of public mourning...a purging. God I wish we had an alumni association up here. Maybe we will start one. I know there are a few of us around. I put a "any Hokies out there" posting on Craigslist, but haven't gotten any responses.

When I first moved here, whenever I wore Tech stuff I had to explain to people that it had nothing to do with Vermont. Actually, on the way back from Florida last week, the flight attendant commented on Sam's hat saying, "oh, what a cute little Vermont hat." I told her it was actually a Virginia Tech hat. I wonder if she remembers that now.

J spoke with P, one of our friends in Blacksburg. He actually heard the shots. He was in a building nearby (Randolph, I think). Crazy.

Tomorrow has been declared Hokie Hope day...people are supposed to wear Maroon and Orange. I think that will be nice. It's kinda weird that tomorrow is also the anniversary of Columbine. I wish it wasn't. But I will put on the colors. Perhaps walk downtown and see if I can find some other Hokies. That would be nice.

We have some friends coming in from out of town. I'm looking forward to it. Though the house is a disaster...cleaning has seemed a monumental task. They are non-Hokies, so hopefully it will be a nice distraction. It will be good to get away from the TV and think about other things for a while.

2007-04-17T12:41:00.000-04:00

It's hard to explain, but this feels very personal to me. Blacksburg was my home for 8 years. Virginia Tech is my school. To have the entire nation looking in, tranfixed by the violence feels...I don't know, like people are gawking or something. I am surprised how emotional it is making me. I expect to be sad, but I am finding myself brought to tears...then quick to anger. That stupid CNN guy is driving my nuts. They just talk and talk and repeat themselves over and over. Making stupid observations and idiotic theories. I suppose I should turn off the TV and look to my friends for comfort. Perhaps if I was in Virginia I could. But here in Vermont I feel alone. I thank god I have J, so we can talk about it on the same level.

Last night as I walked to get a bottle of wine, I looked at other people and I felt different. Not in some major way, but I found myself thinking "they don't realize." Then I felt very selfish and embarassed at my own self importantance. But I couldn't help thinking that they may feel horror and disbelief at the events, but not like me. I'm a Hokie. They don't know.

Though the sorrow and grief of those personally effected is unimaginable, I find comfort knowing they are surrounded by the Virginia Tech family. I find myself thinking of other Hokies out there, far from home who are watching this and not having anyone around who can understand.

So if anyone who reads this knows a Hokie....

2007-04-16T15:53:00.000-04:00

This is crazy. Words cannot describe the sadness I feel in connection with today's events in Blacksburg. My thoughts are with the entire Virginia Tech community as we struggle to make sense of this act of brutality. I wish strength and comfort to those who have suffered a personal loss. I, as I'm sure all Hokies across the world, mourn with you.

Peace

She's Here!

2007-04-10T09:26:00.000-04:00

Welcome Ava Grace!

Mrs. T gave birth on April 5th to this beautiful little girl. They must be so happy! I've been out of town at my sister's wedding and it's been killing me not to have internet access so I could see a picture of her. She is just gorgeous...just like her mama.

Sam can't wait to meet her...

Sleep is for suckers

2007-04-03T11:05:00.000-04:00

Perhaps I will make some onsies with this tagline. Other contenders are "I'm here for the Mommy show"and "Sing, woman, sing!" or "Don't even THINK about putting me down." I will be a millionare, no?

Oh, am I jaded already? Perhaps it's hanging out with moms whose babies are sleeping "oh, 6 to 7 hours, then she wakes up every 2." Is not good for my mama self-esteem. At least not when your baby wakes up every HOUR AND A HALF! "It's just a phase" some say. "Probably going through a growth spurt." Well, you may remember when I wrote of 4 hour stretches. Considering that only lasted 3 days, that was the phase. And we are out of it...for sure.

The main problem we are having is that Sam can now roll over. You may think this would be a cause for celebration. Which, at first, it was. It was so cute to see him kick that leg over and flop down on his tummy.

But once he gets over, he can't get back to his back. Which pisses him off. Alot.

He does this in the middle of the night. Like, oh, every HOUR AND A HALF.

J is an angel to put up with the current version of me. The version that gets no sleep. I am not as nice as I used to be. He lets me sleep in on the weekends, not only because he loves me, but I think to try and reestablish the sweeter version of me. So far, I don't think it's working.

Sam also was going through a very fussy phase while J was gone. Perhaps he missed his Daddy? Who knows. But I was about ready to cry. Sam could not be happy. Not at all. Maybe for 20 minutes. But that was it. Luckily, that ended. He still gets fussy, afterall he is a baby, but in more managable stretches.

End of the vent. Sam, is, of course the coolest thing ever. He sure is cute. And he really giggles now which is just awesome. He's getting a little grabby, which you would think would be bad, but actually I love having him reach out for me. He's all smiles in the morning and is mesmorized by Tubbs. He likes spitting raspberries and shoving his fist in his mouth. He has begun to appreciate toys and enjoys touching different materials. His favorite of both right now is Fredward.

We closed on our house! So we are now owners of two houses. Donald Trump look out! Scary. Now we are crunching numbers to see if we can afford to turn our new ugly little box into a not-so-ugly little box. Not looking good. But I am super excited about the neighborhood. I met a bunch of the neighbors this weekend and everyone was super cool. Lots of young families. We even have another Hokie in the hood! woo hoo!

Back from Grandmas

2007-03-16T15:19:00.000-04:00

I spent a lot of time fretting over what to do if Sam decided not to be happy on the plane. I had toys, pacifiers and a carefully chosen song repertoire. Luckily, none of it was needed. In his standard form of “showing off for strangers” he slept the entire time. Yes, lady sitting behind me, I do have the most marvelous baby! Of course she didn’t know about the poop explosion 20 minutes before boarding (um, NO CHANGING TABLES in the airport bathroom? Do they want poopy babies on the plane?). And the scream fest on the drive home from the airport (he woke up in the carseat and was starving). My father probably didn’t realize Old McDonald had owls on his farm, but when you run out of barnyard animals you have to improvise.

The trip was great. Grandma and Grandpa had lots of quality time with Sam…especially Grandma. I took complete advantage…eating when I want, going to the bathroom when I want, and even showering on a whim! Heaven.

I even got to go hang out and have lunch with Mrs. T and Pdiddy the day after the shower. And I had a Margarita! Which made me tipsy…. The shower was beautiful, by the way. Mrs. T got loads of stuff. The next day I got the see the nursery and the drawers of already acquired and hand-me-down baby clothes. I don’t think she’ll ever have to do laundry. And if they decide to just have one, she can put the girl through college reselling all the stuff on ebay.

It was so great to see my girls. It always makes me happy, but then it makes me sad. Everyone seems so far away. Luckily Mrs. T lives near my folks, so there is always a trip in the future, but Pdiddy is on the other side of the country. But Sam got some precious time with Auntie P...

and his first photo with his betrothed...she's currrently in utero. Oh, and Aunt Jess (aka Mrs. T...or should I say Mama T).

Yes, I plan to push Sam towards the new little angel to be born this April. Which, of course, will garauntee that they want nothing to do with one another. Sam met another prospect...little Anna. Though by the look on his face, he seems a little weary

So maybe they'll just be friends. Then again, Sam may not like girls at all. We'll have to see how that shakes out. I'm in no hurry. Maybe we'll be one of those creepy mom and son teams that live together and fight over the bath pillow

ok, maybe not.

My boobs are flying!

2007-03-07T22:38:00.000-05:00

I'm busy packing for my trip tomorrow. I'm headed to DC for Mrs. T's baby shower!! I can't wait...I get to see Pdiddy too. I'm guessing that Mrs. T will be too busy to check this blog, so...

I knit the baby girl a hat. And some mittens. But then, I thought, hell, she won't be born until April, what will she need with some mittens? So then I knitted some more, some smaller ones. So they can be "Scratchers mitts." Hopefully will some in usefull to keep the little angle from scratching up her face? And the hat? The pattern says up to six months, so I hope it will still fit come October when a hat may be needed. If not...well, maybe she knows someone else who can use them.

It's funny because as I received many gifts I was always surprised at their timing. I got a xams outfit for a 9 month old? Um, Sam was born in December....so, um, he'll never wear it. I also got alot of short sleeved onsies for 3 month olds. We live in Vermont. They haven't seen the light of day. So then I knit a wool hat for a baby to be born in April. Oh well, me not so smart.

Tomorrow we get on a plane. I'll be that mother that all the other people waiting to board will be looking at wondering "is that baby going to cry the whole time." and "God, I hope they aren't sitting near me." I pray Sam will be in a good mood. He isn't a fan of sitting in one spot, so I'm a little concerned. I have two toys packed in my carry-on that seem to entertain him. And then there is always the secret weapon of "Old McDonald"...man, he loves that shit. I figure people would rather listen to me sing than him scream. Ditto for the boob. Of course we're flying out of Burlington, where this happened. Of course it caused such a hub bub, they'll probably smile and fawn over us. Boobs? We love boobs! We are a boob friendly airline!

So here is to hoping it all goes well. I'll be sure to let you know.

Cranky has never been so cute.

2007-03-05T11:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday J, Sam and I had a little get together with some folks from our birthing class. Only 3 couples showed up, but they are the people I connected with the most, so that was ok. All boys were born from these duos so it was Jack, Lucas, and Sam. I must say, Sam beats the other two in size and, of course, cuteness. Perhaps I'm biased.

Because these social soirees are few and far between there is much fretting over fashion choices. Not for me (I still wear pajamas everywhere I go) but for Sam. I look for the perfect mix of cute, hip and unpretentiousness. (Note: I have found that some of the awesome little man outfits I coveted before he was born, or even still in the stores, make him look like a little snobby yuppy when dressed. I guess babies weren't meant to wear sweater vests.) So this was the perfect opportunity for the Crankypants, lovingly knitted by Aunt Amy, to make their debut! Not only was Sam rockin' the Hokie colors, but the soft wool provides the perfect cozy warmth over his legs that are open to the elements in the Bjorn. They were a hit with the other mama's too. (pay no attention to the horribly sewn up orange booties...those are a mama creation).

LOVE them...I need to order some since Sam is growing like a weed. Too bad Aunt Amy is inundated with orders. Yo Amy, we should talk soon. I'll make it worth your while!

Reconstituted

2007-03-01T11:47:00.000-05:00

I'm doing much better. I've started a list and this seems to calm my nerves a little bit. There is something about seeing all the chaos I'm supposed to tackle neatly organized on a piece of paper. Due to my interuppted sleep patterns, my memory has been shot. I was stressed and would then have to think about why. It was like I knew I was stressed, I could feel my stress, but my brain could not recall all the reasons why, which was stressing me out even more. Stressing about not being able to remember what I'm stressed about... reminds me of a particularly bad mushroom trip I had in college. Anyway, now I just have to look at my list and be reminded of why I feel overwhelmed. Ironically calming.

I think I'm going to kill the dog. Due to the 3 feet of snow, his normal poop and pee area has been inaccessible. Therefore, he has been enjoying little jaunts to a snow free zone. As a result, he wants to go out constantly. It is increasingly difficult to tell whether he actually has to go out, or merely wants to go sniff the public toilet of the neighborhood dogs. We need some snow soon, just to cover all the yellow, ick. Also, Sam has become sensitive to his barks. What used to be a deep coma of sleep is now a light nap which Tubbs can, and does, shatter. Everyday.
And my response? To yell at the dog. Smart.

My first mommy melt down

2007-02-26T17:31:00.000-05:00

Things are absolutely crazy around here. The list of shit I need to do grows longer by the day. I had a little episode this morning after FINALLY getting to the Post Office only to find a letter from the IRS saying we owe them money from 2004. We paid our taxes, but apparently I didn't carry the one or something. Good reason why I need to find someone to do our taxes for this year. And Jay's car needs $800 worth of repairs...oh, and we're buying a house which requires us to empty our bank account, not to mention run around crazy to compile and copy and fax a shitload of personal financial information. Oh! and our tenant in the house in Northampton is not renewing her lease, so we have to find someone else to rent it...from Burlington. And my house still sounds like it's going to explode everytime the furnace fires. AAAAaaaargh.

I can't stand being stuck inside all day. I need warm weather just so I can get away from the disaster that is our house. Every available surface has folded baby clothes, um, unfolded mommy clothes, dog hair, dirty dishes, bags of trash waiting to be taken out, piles of mail, half written thank you cards, scarves, coats, boots on it.

Sam is on nap strike so I can't get to any of it. And honestly, if he did take a nap, I think I would curl up on the couch and sleep until spring.

On a positive note, Sam is finally sleeping in 4 hour stretches at night...sometimes. Still not long enough to fix my short term memory issues, but we're headed in the right direction.

I should just rename this blog "Pictures of Sam"

2007-02-16T11:44:00.000-05:00

Quick hello to let you know that we are alive, though buried under nearly 3 feet of snow. I would provide a picture, but it's too cold outside. Maybe later I'll venture out when Sam takes a nap.

So, no pictures of the blizzard, but of course I have pictures of Sam...the most photographed baby on the planet. Sean Preston look out!

Big news is Sam is starting to raise his head, and keeping it up for a good 5 seconds. Oh, the things I am impressed by. Every day he takes another little baby step out of floppy blob stage into master of flailing appendages.

I am waiting for the plumbers to come by. I don't know if I mentioned it, but when my mom came to visit a while back we actually lost heat. They replaced some sort of circulation thingy and it was all fixed. Only now when the furnace/boiler fires up it goes BOOM! and shakes the whole house. Kinda scary. But plumber man is coming to save the day, and make the dog bark and wake Sam from his nap.

Sam is not too pleased sitting here with me in the sling...Move woman! Move! I do not sit, I am a man of motion! So here are a few of my favorite pics of recent before I go and walk, around the house, in circles...fun.

You BAD Mama!

2007-02-06T14:00:00.000-05:00

This morning I had to hold down my little boys arms while they poked him with needles. The worst part was that he was all smiles and coos, then OOOOWWWWwwww. Sam cried. I cried. No fun at all.

I won't get into the whole vaccine thing, but it was difficult. The shots he got had no themerisol involved, which was my primary concern. But of course, side effects are possible, and there's a whole bunch of scary theories out there. Makes me worry. It's hard to know whether you make the right decisions. I'm not sure I informed myself as much as I could have, so in the end, I deferred to the doctor...who I trust. And after all, you never know when he might decide to take a romp in Amish country. But everyone has their own bias and perspective and I feel I should explore my own a little more. There will be more opportunities for that in the future...unfortunately.

Um, an upside? Well, Sam got his first taste of really sweet. The childrens Tylenol (his legs are really sore) is cherry flavored. I tasted it first. Yum. He seemed to enjoy it too.

Today Sam is 2 months old! At the doctor he weighed 14 lbs 1.5oz and is 24.5 inches long. He's a big boy. 90th percentile. Whoa. How did that happen? Virginia Tech offensive line here we come! Right. As if. I cry when the doctor gives the kid a shot, like I'm going to encourage him to be knocked about the head by large, aggressive boys. So instead of being on the team, perhaps he'll be the guy carrying the keg to the tailgate..though I'm not sure that's a good idea either.

Sunday we had the reunion of our birthing class, which was great. Cool to see all the little ones. Crazy to think we've all been in the same room before, just the babes were on the inside instead of the outside. We hope to do it again. It's good to keep in touch with other mamas, and the dads too. Sam was, of course, huge compared to the rest. I should get one of those T shirts that say "My baby can kick your baby's ass"...just for laughs of course! Sam is a gentle giant.

Our new box

2007-02-05T13:36:00.000-05:00

Last night was the Super Bowl. We "watched" it. Meaning we stood in the kitchen cooking pizza and wings over a glass of wine while it was playing in the other room. What we saw of it was a good game. Too bad Chicago's quarterback Glennon, oops, I mean Grossman couldn't throw to his own players. In the end, I didn't really care who won. Whenever it got boring or there was a stoppage, we switched over to the Puppy Bowl on animal planet. Man, that's entertainment. I did enjoy Prince, though his medley of songs was kinda a head scratcher...was there some underlying theme I didn't put together? Let's Go Crazy, Proud Mary, All Along the Watchtower...and a few other mixed in. But I'm pretty sure he ended with Foo Fighters. Foo Fighters? Someone enlighten me please.

We have some news! Other than Sam entering his "grumpy" phase that is. We're buying a house! It's an ugly little thing, but in a great neighborhood. It should turn out to be a good investment. It's going to be hard moving from this big old victorian into a 900 square foot box, but it will be ourbox. Our ugly box...see:

but the plan is to make it look like this!

Should only take us a few years. :-)

Crap. Well I had planned to do a longer post, but Sam has awoken and is beckoning his servant. So here's some pics of the DingDong...8 weeks old! Wow, time is flying.

Go Hokie...Basketball?!

2007-01-17T11:26:00.000-05:00

I never really followed college basketball. Perhaps occasionally participating in sweet sixteen bracket polls, but without any clue of who is good or bad. Just randomly advancing one team or another based on rankings. I, unlike J (and most men, I think) need an emotional investment to enjoy watching sports. I need to want someone to win. So if a team I love isn't playing, or if they are not directly effected by the outcome (or if I don't have money riding on it) I don't watch. That's why college basketball has never made it onto my TV schedule. I could really give a crap about basketball dynasties the likes of Duke and UNC. That is, unless...

The Hokies are kicking their asses!

Um, wha?

Ok, looks like I'll have to bone up on some hoops knowledge. And tonight they play FSU! And I HATE me some Seminoles! God, with their lame tomahawk chop accompanied by what can only be described as the most annoying chant/song thingy in college sports? Emotional investment? Check! Yay, my winter Hokie drought may just be over. And I need a little Hokie love after...well, you know.

Dreaming of pooping...while probably pooping

2007-01-09T15:07:00.000-05:00

I've seen enough America's Funniest Home Videos to expect a little pee to come my way. After all, while changing a diaper it's like having a gun of urine pointed directly at your forehead. This gun has, of course, gone off. Numerous times. As a result, if I'm remiss in having something to cover the weapon "just in case", I rush through the drill, diaper ointment be damned! You never know whether Sam is holding one in the chamber or not.

I've accepted my new life and the new threat of pee being launched at my face. It's a part of the joy of motherhood. But last night was a new experience. Explosive poo. I'm sure he's had these butt explosions before, but well within the confines of a diaper. This time it was during the high risk diaper change time...at 2AM...on the bed...more specifically, on the sheets where I sleep. Ick.

So today there is some extra laundry to do.

Other than being spattered by liquid poo in the middle of the night, things have been pretty good. I thought Sam was getting on a schedule, but then he decided that 2AM - 6AM was party time on Sunday night...I'm still recovering. Today has been good and I have been endulging in Sam's new trick...smiling! He's so cute! I can't wait for the giggles to come, but for now, the little grin with happy crinkled eyes is a treat. Makes the poop party worth it...

The prince is currently sleeping and thought I'd better write a little here instead of one of the million other things I should be doing ...specifically, writing Thank You cards. J and I were blessed with many cute and thoughtful gifts upon Sams birth. All that the universe asks of us for having such generous friends and family is the simple task of writing Thank You cards. No problem, right? Ugh. One or two...or even five, no biggee. But I think we're up to 14. I'm lucky if I get to eat lunch. When will I write thank you cards? I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I hope everyone understands when they don't get their recognition until spring. Perhaps summer.

Tonight we're going to Trivia! Sam made his debut last week and did great. He slep the entire time. Things are shaping up pretty good for a repeat performance. Right now is his first nap since this morning...so if he wakes up around 4:30 and stays up until 7ish we should be good! If he doesn't stay asleep, we'll just bail early. Wish us luck. Go Fredward!

Glennon, count your lucky stars...

2007-01-02T13:17:00.000-05:00

he can't drive, or walk, or crawl...because "The Claw" has your name on it.
.

Here's to hoping for a Happy Hokie New Year.

I can't walk, but I can still look good...

2006-12-23T23:18:00.000-05:00

Finally, here are some pics of Sam in his new kicks, lovingly provided by his Aunt PDiddy

Here he is, bustin' a move...don't worry, that face is just him being hardcore.

Wee little shoes...so cute.

Worn out from kickin' it.

Thanks Aunt Pam!

We're heading out tomorrow to J's folks for a week of xmas cheer. I'm SO looking forward to it. Hope everyone has a good holiday and great New Year...if I don't post before then...GO HOKIES!!

2006-12-20T13:10:00.000-05:00

I am in line at the post office, Sam pleasantly asleep in his infant carrier at my feet. The lady behind me, very nicely asks how old he is, and we began to chat. And boy, this lady likes to talk. She has this annoying passive-aggressive way of giving me parenting advice, without really giving me advice, you know? It is all very nice and polite, but with all sorts of assumptions that I am an idiot and, man, she won't stop talking. I fidget with my bag of presents and look disparingly at the line of fellow procrastinators in front of me. Sam stirs. I joke how the line better move because he is due to awaken at any moment, explaining how I burned an hour of precious sleeping-baby-time getting my shit together and getting out the door...

"Well, you'll be quicker once you get organized."

"Yep"

"You'll find that once they get older, they can even help themselves"

"Yep"

"You see, you have to set up areas for them to put their things, like shoes, and beach gear, that way, everyone can find their things."

"Yep."

Wait. Hold on. Beach gear? Um, I'm pretty sure this lady is giving me advice she gleened off of last night's episode of Supernanny. I think of calling her out, but I don't. Luckily the line starts to move. I realize that being a new mother has brought out new things in me...like the ability to be irritated by well-meaning but annoying older women. Oh, also, ROAD RAGE. I have no tolerance for idiot drivers when Sam is in the car. Or when he's not, because after all, he could be in the car. Not waiting your turn at a 4-way stop has become a capital offence in my book.

This less than pleasant attitude may have something to do with the season. Xmas is kicking my ass. Shopping, mailing crap, packing up baby stuff, gathering the dogs stuff, paying $28 to ship presents Express because there is no Priority slips anywhere and Sam threatening to awaken in full "Give me the boob!" frenzy...bah hum bug. I can't wait until we arrive in Connecticut at J's folks and can relax.

So, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. I hope all your presents have been shipped and that Santa is kind to you. I am hoping in the new year I may be able to sit down at the computer a little more often and share what is going on...but Sam is in charge now, so I'll have to run it by him.

what a babe

2006-12-13T11:17:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to work on writing out Sam's "birth story", but of course it's a little busy around here. Especially since Grandma and Grandpa left yesterday. We are blessed to have such loving support. Luckily Sam has finally figured out that night time is for sleeping, so the past few nights have been more restful than the previous, which gives me more time to get some things in order. He's sleeping now so I thought I could finish up the story, but boy, a lot happened. It's going to be a novel! But I want to be sure to get it all down while it's still fresh. Hopefully one day soon I'll finish it.

In the meantime, here's something from my first baby photo shoot yesterday. As you can see, I'm not the only one who appreciates the virtues of the Snoogle.

SAM!!!

2006-12-10T15:31:00.000-05:00

I am super excited to announce the birth of Samuel Frederic! Born Wednesday 3:02 AM via c-section he weighed 9 pounds, 10 ounces and is 23 inches long.

Thanks to everyone for the kind wishes and for checking up on us. We just got out of the hopsital yesterday and will be resting up for a few days. I'll be back soon to share all the details and more pictures that you could ever want. Sam is truly a blessing.

The. Cutest. Thing. EVER.

All the cliches are true. I have never loved anything so much.

MY WATER BROKE!!!

2006-12-05T09:03:00.000-05:00

Ok, off to take a shower and we're headed to the hospital!!! They want to check out the baby. If things are slow, they're going to send me home for a while, but hopefully things will go quickly. Baby boy is coming!

Wish us luck!!!

If only I could put my cervix on the window sill...it works with tomatoes

2006-12-04T15:20:00.000-05:00

If you can believe it, no change.

So, new game plan. We are going in for another NST tonight and as long as everything is ok, they are going to "ripen my cervix" with some sort of gel. Then they will do it again tomorrow. If no labor begins between now and Thursday, then I am being induced on Thursday.

I'd be lying if I didn't say I am disappointed with my body. She's not doing what I need her to do. But I am glad to know there is an end in sight. I don't like it that he's held up in there, shut up so tight. I know he's doing ok now, so I would prefer to just get him out of there now. The increased risks of c-section doesn't bother me. After all, it's more about him than me. I can take surgery and a longer recovery if it means he gets out healthy. Not that he's is trouble. It's just I can't help but worry that the reason this isn't progressing quicker is because of me, not him. That he's ready, or rather, has BEEN ready, but my body is just not interested.

So that's the scoop.

Baby by the weekend!

41 weeks! Bah.

2006-12-03T09:04:00.000-05:00

Thought something might have been happening yesterday, but of course it stopped. Even thought my water might have broke, but baby just squeezed my bladder a bit. Sorry if that's a little TMI.

I'm losing my good spirits. Getting grumpy and a little worried. I know I shouldn't be worried, but you can't help it. I just want my healthy little boy in my arms...NOW.

Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment. Hopefully there will be progress.

All systems go. Did you hear me? GO!

2006-12-01T11:23:00.000-05:00

The tests show that everything is just honky dory in there. Getting plenty of oxygen, enough water in the pool to splash around and, most importantly, his right ear is perfect!

During the fluid check ultrasound we asked for a pic, but since it's so crowded and his back is to the front of me this was the only recognizable body part he could capture. Definitely takes after his father, no?

So the next step is...well, what it's been for the last week. Wait. I have an appointment on Monday, but we're hoping in won't be needed. Contractions are still happening, but nothing mind blowing. I'm sure anyone out there who reads this is as anxious as we are, so maybe I'll shut up about it. Contractions that, cramping this, I'm huge, wah wah wah...

So, in other news? Hmmm.

The mice who live in our house will poop in the silverware drawer, where there is NO FOOD, but won't touch the cheese in the traps we set up. Damn if I can't hear them right now in the kitchen scurrying around! Little monsters. I never had a big problem with critters before, but I think since baby is coming I've taken a harder line on vermin pooping near my food. Sorry guys. Well, not yet since you're not smooshed. But I will be sorry...I think we'll both be sorry. Part of me hopes they realize how dangerous the neighborhood just got and move out. The same part of me that thinks that the Secret of Nihm is plausible.

Oh, and it's going to snow. Tonight and some tomorrow too. Perhaps babe just wanted to wait for it to be pretty and white to come into the world? Or he is diabolical, and is waiting until driving and flying conditions are at their most treacherous...

Bustin' at the seams

2006-11-29T10:38:00.000-05:00

Ok, this kid is getting evicted. Not only am I HUGE (I know. I've been saying that for 9 months now, but now it's really, really true) but I got my first stretch marks! Crap. I've been counting my genetic blessings that I've avoided them, and if this kid had a sense of timing I would have escaped them altogether. I'm trying to look at them as badges of honor, and though I'd be happy to have none,mothers have been gladly sacrificing their bodies since the beginning of time, so I should stop my whining. I've got it pretty good. They aren't on my belly (yet) but on my hips, where I already have some from puberty.

Doctor checked me yesterday...no change. Not dialated, not even a smidge. I have a NST on Friday were they check to make sure baby is chillin' ok, that his sense of timing is better than theirs. In the end, he knows best. I might let them do a membrane sweeep on Monday if something doesn't happen over the weekend. That's when they kinda poke at your amniotic sac to stimulate hormones and hopefully get the ball rolling a little...I know you're jealous, sounds like fun, huh?

So, is my November baby destined to be a December baby? We shall see!

J and I both have a weird feeling about Saturday.

First Notice: Past Due

2006-11-27T09:19:00.000-05:00

Well, STILL pregnant. Baby Boy's due date has come and gone. Though the doctor told me 41-42 weeks is not unusual I must admit I was holding on to that day. I figured the little guy would be enjoying his first Hokie football game on the couch with us, but instead he got the usual muffled Daddy screams through my abdomen wall. Perhaps his first words won't be "Tubbs, shut up!" but "GLENNON! You idiot!" Of course it all turned out ok on Saturday. Since we couldn't have Baby, at least we got to retain the Commonwealth Cup! Yay Hokies!

Last night I had some contractions, but at this point I don't put a lot of stock in that. I know I'm getting closer, but to guess how close that may be seems futile. It will happen when it happens. Only it is getting awfully close to xmas! I would like to keep him a November Baby. For some reason that line between months offers some kind of mental buffer. Expenditures on presents is a worry...especially before the winter heating season in Vermont. Baby Bday + Xmas + Gas Bills = poor house.

So I'm just waiting. I'm a little annoyed that the pre-baby house cleaning and grocery store trip has faded in their effectiveness. The dog hair is accumulating and the fridge is becoming bare. Today I have a list of little tasks to complete. Maybe the activity will help move things along.

So until further notice, I am still cookin' the kid. Everyone send me some labor vibes!

Cookin'

2006-11-21T16:58:00.000-05:00

So, no change. Same ol' situation. She told me I should start thinking about it being 41 weeks so I don't drive myself crazy. I don't WANT it to take 41 weeks! **whiny voice and stamping feet**

A 41 week baby MUST be bigger than a 40 week baby. And I don't want that if I can help it, considering where he has to squeeze through. And I know for sure a 41 week pregnant butt will be bigger, and my butt is as about as big as I can stand. Come on kid...get a move on!

However, if you are a superstitious type, perhaps he will come on Saturday. J's dad had a collegue call him from a casino and ask him if he wanted to place a bet. He said put $10 on 25 at the roulette table since it's Fredwards due date...and it hit! Woo hoo! Not exactly scientific, but a girl can hope.

So it's just the waiting game around here. Looks like it will just be the two of us for turkey day. We are not inundated with turkey as I had feared we might. J forgot to sign up for the free turkey at work, so it's just the one bird. Still alot for two people, but lord knows I won't feel like cooking much after the kid shows up so the leftovers will be a blessing. And I made 2 pies! A pumpkin pie (which is already half gone) and a cherry pie that is waiting for Thursday in the fridge, yum! Of course none of this is going to help my butt situation, but let's just hope breastfeeding goes really well and the kid will just suck the fat off of me? It can happen, so I've heard. I've also heard not to count on it.

But then, there's always this

Still here, still pregnant

2006-11-17T10:57:00.000-05:00

I've been hiding out a bit around here. I'm not laying low just on the blog front, but my phone communications have been few and brief. I think it's because there is this big thing that will be happening and everything else just seems boring and not worth mentioning. Also, most of my recent experiences are best described with whining. And I don't want to whine too much. So to all my buds out there, sorry I haven't been in touch very often...soon I will have news. Very soon I hope.

Especially Mrs. T! I don't think I've mentioned it in a blog post, but Mrs. T is pregnant too!! She's going to be having a little girl in April and I am so excited we are going through this major life change at the same time. Though being a bit further ahead makes me feel a little remiss in my friend duties, as she deserves all the care and attention she blessed me with when it all began for me. Oh I can't wait for our kids to meet! I can imagine them great friends. That is until cootie age. Then they'll ignore each other, until about 13 or 14...then we'll HOPE they ignore each other.

Hey, Mrs. T! if you read this...I remember you asking about how to post a picture. What's the the story? Am I going to get to see a pic of this little girl or not?!

I can't let this blog post go without a little bit of a whine. I hurt. Every joint in my body hurts. I feel like I've been hit by a bus. The worst part is, I can do nothing. I just sit. I feel useless.

Ok, now on the upside! My turkey points didn't have to be used to buy a turkey! Figures since such a large portion of the population is vegetarian. It's just $20 off your bill. Yeah! So yesterday I got some pie fixins and stocked up on some other crap. During the process I realized I can no longer go to the store to shop. My pregnant "waddle" has turned into a pregnant "shuffle" since my joints hurt so much. I felt like I was using the shopping cart as a walker. I must have looked pretty pathetic...also REALLY pregnant. 3 people asked me when I was due...usually they don't. I think they were just trying to insure that my grimaces and groans weren't indications of labor. Ooops, I let that go back into the whining realm...sorry.

Oh, HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY! Today is my SIL bday. Yeah! You know what would be a GREAT present? A NEPHEW! I'll see what I can do.

Know any good turkey recipes?

2006-11-10T10:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the big "before baby" shopping trip to the grocery store. It took 3 hours. Not 3 hours just in the store (thank god), but 3 hours to waddle in, waddle around and waddle out. A good portion of that was also unloading the car and putting everything away.

Then I took a 2 hour nap.

It's frustrating that things that used to be simple have become major endeavors. I suppose it's a primer for what is to come...they say to add an hour to every task when you have baby with you. At least then I'll have baby in a little carrier on the front of the cart instead of grinding his head into my cervix as I walk.

One of my goals with the shopping trip was to get a turkey! I've been collecting "Turkey Points" from our grocery receipts, but I didn't have enough for the trip yesterday. I decided I better get a turkey anyway, since I wasn't sure the next time I would be able to get to the store. And because I want to get that sucker cooked, carved and in the freezer before my water breaks. Well, of course my grocery bill was absurdly high with all the frozen and canned foods and low stress meals, and as a result I earned a ton of turkey points. Doing the math in my head I knew I was close, when added with my points at home, to get a free turkey. I toyed with the idea of returning the turkey I got and trying to redeem points another day. But then you have to account for the reduced grocery bill and perhaps the docking of points...and I started to get a head ache. I didn't want to deal, so I bought my Butterball. Well, I got home and we do indeed have enough points for a free turkey. So now we can have two turkeys! The one I already have isn't real big, and if baby comes before Thanksgiving, there's a good chance of alot of people being around, so another turkey isn't really a bad thing...

Then J came home last night and when poking around the fridge I hear "So you got a turkey?"

"Yeah, funny story" I reply.

"Well, I got an email at work...everyone gets a free turkey and a pie...so I guess we'll have a lot of turkey."

Um, you think?

I don't have enough room in our fridge for 3 turkeys. Especially when you take into account the stockpile of Lean Cuisine and Amy's Lasagna. I'm assuming there is a charity somewhere in town that will take one... or perhaps my MIL can use one at xmas?

Otherwise, it's turkey until Valentines Day in our house.

Taking a deep, cleansing bitch

2006-11-03T13:17:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but my landlord is having our house painted. Just the exterior, so it's not as intrusive as it could be. At first, it was bad, as they were scraping all the old paint off at 7AM every morning, but once they started the actual painting it got better. Just a little clattering of ladders now and then.

I don't know if it's my hormones, discomfort or the fact that it is TAKING THEM FOREVER, but lately, they are being HUGE pains in the ass. If I go out, I come back and they are parked in the driveway (we only have one spot). They make the dog bark. Ok, I can't really blame them for that...it's not like they're trying to make him bark, but Tubbs is driving me absolutely bonkers. As a result, baby is getting a steady stream of yelling, which is making me feel bad, and puts me in even a worse mood. Baby's first words will be "Tubbs, shut up!"

Now, the straw the broke the pregnant lady's back...

They are currently at lunch. This lunch is usually 2 hours long...I don't really care about that, they don't work for me. But what I DO care about is that they have left all their uncovered paint cans and brushes in Tubb's area. So he can't go outside. Of course I realize this as I'm walking him out to his chain, hunched over as I have him by the collar...and after he stepped on the newly painted threshold! Why would you paint a piece of wood that marks the entrance and exit of a house without telling the people inside?! Tubbs now has a green foot...and the threshold has a large paw print on it. I don't even want to get into how with my 8 month pregnant body I tried to coax the 90 pound dog away from his outside toilet shangri-la and back inside, without either of us stepping on the threshold again, and put his leash on so we can go to a non-paint can filled area to pee.

I think my neighbors have a new opinion of me, as I let the expletives fly. Wonder how many cute belly comments I'll get now.

And on our way in, I saw they are putting trash in my recycle bin!!! AAAAAArrrrrgghhh!

Tubbs is licking his foot. Great, now he'll be poisoned.

Hokies, Herbie and Hormones

2006-10-27T18:07:00.000-04:00

Last Thursdsay night was either going to be a chance for redemption, or a nail in the coffin of our season. Most weren't too optimistic. I cringed as I heard Herbie declare Clemson as the best One Loss Team in the NCAA. Kirk's comments from the BC game were fresh in my mind. I still felt the sting of his disapproval and disappointment. But now, well, we've kissed and made up...

As the night went on, I cheered along with the VT faithful as Herbie lavished his praise on the Hokie porgram, particularly Bud Foster. I haven't enjoyed a football game that much in a long time. Congrats Hokies! (Smoooooch Herbie)

All I needed for a perfect weekend was for Miami to beat GT. Bah. I didn't get to watch this game because of another discrepancy between what is shown as BLACKOUT on ESPN map and what is actually blacked out. But watching the bottom line, I had hope... and then the 'Canes blew it. Blew it big time. God I hope we crush them on Saturday.

Due to the ESPN problem, I called Adelphia again hoping to at least get my money back for this week of Gameplan. Well, to my surprise they agreed to refund the whole season! What does this mean? It means they are liars. Either they lied when they previously told me it was IMPOSSIBLE to refund the season, or they just lied to me on Saturday, in order to shut me up. I hope it's the former and the not the latter. That way I get a reasonable cable bill for a month. But I must say I will be slightly shocked if it works out that we actually get our money back.

But not as shocked as I am to find out that cervical cancer is caused by a certain type of common virus. A virus! I didn't know that. Luckily this drug company found a treatment which made it fiscally advantageous to make a super annoying commercial to let everyone know, so they can get rich selling pills! Whew! Lucky us. Excuse me while I go tell someone.

Sorry, but that commercial is pervasive on Mommy TV (aka TV from 10am-4pm) and it drives me nuts. Like it's some sort of PSA...we aren't IDIOTS...

So I am annoyed by commercials again. This usually signals a change in hormone levels. Could this be it!? Am I ready? Hell No I'm not ready! Last week I made a list of crap to do. Probably has 20 things on it. This morning I looked at it and I've done 2. 2! And this morning I had a doctor's appointment and was happy to know I could get something crossed off...pre-register for the hospital...but they were out of the forms. Crap.

And I've been having contractions. Not just the tight Braxton Hicks kind, but the painful, ugh, ow, kind. They like to come at 3 in the morning or so. I have 2 or 3 of them about 15 minutes apart, and then they go away. Fun. Each time I'm convinced this is the beginning of something...which of course it is, it's just that the end is still 3 weeks away...I think.

Baby Boy is still without a name. You may have noticed the name Fredward being tossed around. Don't worry, we are not naming our son Fredward. J's sister Amy came up with that as a combination of my Dad's name FRED and J's dad EDWARD...so it's been kind of a place holder. We have a list of 7 names. I think we'll just go to the hospital with it and pick then. And NO I'm not telling you what they are. At least I don't think so. If I do, I may have to come up with ground rules for feedback...like you can't tell me which ones you DON'T like, just the ones you really like. I don't want any negativity, because I like them all. Hmm...I'll think on it.

Off to go get some nursing pads and try and guess how big my boobs will be once my milk comes in and buy a bra or two.

2006-10-23T10:44:00.000-04:00

We are a sorry sight. If my whining and complaining about the discomfort of baby belly weren't enough, J tweeked his back. So we both spent Sunday on the couch wincing and groaning.

This weekend was supposed to be the final nursery furniture building weekend, but due to Js injury it only seemed appropriate to put it off another week. His back was compromised during the moving of the carpet for the nursery, so a little bit is done. Though now the door won't close. Bah. I know "readying the nursery" is supposed to be fun and something a new mama looks forward to, but I'm having trouble getting motivated. Maybe it's because there are so many stairs between the nursery and the couch? I'm counting on a surge of nesting instinct to push me through.

Today I bought my binsi skirt! I've talked to a few mama's who didn't like the hospital gown experience (makes you feel like you're sick and it bunches up, not to mention leaves your butt hanging out) and have heard some nice things about this little outfit. Hopefully it will be comfortable. I'll give a review once I'm done!

So besides building of furniture, what is to be done? Well, I think I finally got all the gear I needed. I found a used Arms Reach at Once Upon a Child for the next to the bed. I have diaper stuff, got the newborn disposables as well. Now besides putting everything away once the furniture is built, I need to figure out how all this stuff works! Breast pump, bouncey seat, car seat, stroller, sling....so much! Right now, my stuffed Hokie Bird has been the stunt double for Fredward. His tail makes him less than ideal for diaper practice. I would take a picture, but my battery is dead.

Tonight is our last birth class. Crazy. That means we're close. It's a potluck, so I need to get cookin'! I'm just going to make cous cous, since I'm not sure if anyone is vegetarian. Most likely, somebody is. I hope we exchange email/phone numbers with some people. It hasn't been a real social group. Mostly just gettin' down to business. But there are a few nice couples that it would be cool to touch base with, since we're all going through the same things. I also wanted to start a mama trivia team...since J and I's trivia DOMINATION (we won 3 rounds last week!) will have to end once the little guy shows up. Figured the ladies can go out and leave the babes at home for an evening. Hmm...I'll have to come up with a good team name.

Daddy's Turn
Pump before the Pints

...help me out!