Bummer

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

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...

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....

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

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...

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...

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!

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...

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...

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!

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

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

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!

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...

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!

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?

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

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!