I Guess I'm One of Those Women

I hyphenated my name when I got married several years ago.  The decision got an eyebrow raise from my HR director at work.  "Oh, you're one of THOSE women," was his comment.  "Yep, I guess I am," was my response. 

Then yesterday my mother-in-law and I planned to run an errand and go out to eat - something I have not been able to do as frequently as I used to since the birth of Baby G.  I was really looking forward to some time out of the house, and I believe that it is important for G-Man to get use to being out and about as well.

As it turns out our errand lasted much, much longer than anticipated because of a very kind, very talkative woman, and of course, by the time we were ready to go to lunch it was feeding time for the babe.  I had to make a decision.  Should we turn around and abort our lunch plans so I could nurse the little guy at home, or should I bite the bullet and feed him in public?

I decided to live up to the reputation that, apparently, in the eyes of my HR director, a hyphenated name affords.  I feed the little guy in public...in a restaurant (gasp)! 

I felt liberated.  My mother-in-law and I had a very nice lunch, and so did Baby G.  If people were offended by the fact that I fed my baby while managing to show LESS skin than seen plastered over all media outlets...well, I didn't care.  I was just glad to have a break from my house. 

World Fair Trade Day!

May 8 is World Fair Trade Day - yep, there's a day for everything.  So, I'd like to take a moment and shamelessly push my favorite fair trade store.  Ten Thousand Villages not only practices fair trade but offers fabulous products.  My personal favorite is the jewelry.  Haven't picked out a mother's day present yet?  I'd suggest taking a look.   

Dear flowers

Dear flowers,

Do I need to remind you all that we live in the Midwest? I know the weather has been absolutely BEAUTIFUL, but, again - we live in the Midwest. There are probably at least 1/2 dozen mornings ahead of us where the temperature will be below 32 degrees, and we know you all despise this. So although you are absolutely fabulous to look at, I am begging you to stop blooming for about 2-3 more weeks so you don't meet an early demise.

Thanks!
Management

Baby G is Two Months!

Some pics

  

G loves the swing he borrowed from his friend, KA!

Enjoying a spring day with daddy

Getting some exercise on his exercise mat. 

Here he is checking out the new shades.  They didn't last long. 

Take a look at his Daddy's jersey, circa 1980s. 

The smiles quickly turned to screams when he realized lunch was 30 seconds late.

Some skills Baby G has been working on during the past month

1) Vocalization in the form of both cooing and screaming.  T and I prefer the first to the second. 

2) Smiling. I love this. I swear it's not just gas. Starting about three weeks ago he really smiles back when you smile at him. 

3) Focusing his eyes on an object like a face, rattle, etc... It is especially great when he combines #3 with #2. 

4) Controlling his head for brief periods of time. 

Some points from Baby G's two month appointment

1) He's 12lb 10oz, 23.5 inches long. 

2) He's 75th percentile in both height and weight, and his head is in the 30th percentile.  Huh?  Interestingly, his head started out in the 90th percentile when he was born. Again...huh?

3) The blocked tear duct in his left eye is still an issue. We're hoping it will work itself out soon. 

4) He took his two month shots like a champ. 

Lessons I've learned from my short time of being a parent

1) Stay humble and alert when changing diapers.  Everytime I get a little too cocky about my diaper changing skills, Baby G pees on me. 

2) Our daily rountine and life is not about T and me any more, but it can't be ALL about Baby G either.  There has to be balance.  Note: I'm still working on finding the balance. 

3) I feel most empowered when I view parenting as a problem solving task that demands creativity and flexibility. 

4) Burp cloths and bibs are no longer optional. 

5) I've learned to expect change when we feel that we are getting into a routine or rthym. 

I'll say it...

I was disappointed with Glee. 

I really, really, really wanted to like it, but it didn't live up to my expectations. 

Perhaps next week will be better. 

Diapers.com

I'm in love with this website. 

It captured my heart when Baby G was a wee one and one night we found our diaper supply seriously depleted.  G was new enough that trips out of the house were a BIG deal.  So, I used the $10 off coupon from Parenting Magazine and almost cried with relief when the diapers arrived on my porch less than 48 hours later. 

Six weeks later, a trip to Babies R Us by myself with the little guy to get a 200-something count box of diapers still does not sound appealing, so I continue to utilize the website.

My favorite part - free shipping if you spend $50.  This minimum is NOT hard to meet for anyone with a child in diapers.  My second favorite part - they have one of my favorite brands, Aden and Anais.  The burpy bibs are wonderful and Baby G lived in the muslin swaddles for the few weeks of his life.  The swaddling days are over, but we still use these blankets everyday.  I highly recommend. 

Tricks of the Trade

For years I have been watching my mother in awe as she cuts fruit with a pairing knife and no cutting board.  Rather than using the cutting board she sticks out her thumb to stop the blade.  It always looks dangerous but after using all four of my cutting boards in one day, I decided to give it a go.  (Apparently cleaning one was just not an option for me.)
So, for the last three mornings I have been cutting my strawberries sans board - putting my thumb in the line of fire.  It's been a slow process, but I'm determined to learn this trick.  I have decided, though, that as soon as I slice my thumb, it's over - I'll be back to my cutting boards. 

Baby Bean is One Month

First the pictures...

G's favorite way to pass the day

There is no doubt...G loves his daddy and his daddy loves him

I love this picture.  I tried to use it for his birth announcement but no matter how I cropped it, it looked weird.  It was unfortunate.

Lastly, we have been teaching G how to attract the lady babies with a wink and a smile.

Some things I've learned from the first weeks of motherhood...

1)  Finger nails are dangerous.  His are sharp, mine are too long and it has been detrimental to us both. 

2)  One can NEVER have enough changing pad covers, especially when learning how to change diapers.   

3)  Going out in the afternoon takes a whole morning of strategic planning.  I've yet to leave my house in the morning, so I am still trying to figure out what must happen if I want to get myself and baby out the door before 11am.  Start getting ready at 3am?

4)  My days are not busy or productive, and, for the moment, I am OK with that fact. 

5)  The nurses at our pediatrician's office are saints. 

6)  T and I are funny people (at least to each other) when sleep deprived. 

7)  I will drop everything to see my son making cute or funny faces.

Read Across America Day

I'm a day late.  Read Across America Day was yesterday, March 2; however, I thought this list of teachers' top 100 books from NEA (National Education Association) was still worth posting.  Click here to view the complete list. 

Yes, I know these are children's books, but some of my all time favorites are listed here.  For instance, I LOVE The Giver by Lois Lowry. 

Did any of your favorites make the list? 

Please don't go Bob Costas

I heard the dreaded news around 3am when I awoke to Baby Bean lying on my chest snoring lightly.  Bob Costas was on the TV telling me that the closing ceremonies for the Olympics happen TONIGHT. 

AGH!!!! What, oh what, will I watch on TV from 1-5 in the morning during my turn on "baby duty"? 

This is a serious question.  I would be happy to take your suggestions. 

Did you watch curling?

If you didn't catch it yesterday, I strongly suggest you try to get a glimpse before the Olympics is over. 

The sport is fascinating.  First of all, who wants to sweep for fun and sport? Second, it kinda of reminds me of billards on ice with bigger equipment. 

When is it time to say goodbye?

My relationship with my hair stylist began about 6 years ago.  She's good, her salon is close to my house, and I will forever thank her for talking me into short hair.  It was a big step for me, and for about 5 years I have enjoyed many variations of my short bob. 

But here's the problem:  I'm growing tired of it.  I want something new.  But alas, beloved hair stylist apparently wants nothing to do with putting me in shoulder/mid-length hair.  Despite expressing my desire that I would like to grow my hair out, our session ended yesterday with her taking a razor to the back of my neck and telling me that I'm a "short-hair gal".  Perhaps I am. But I'm itching for a change, and after 9 months of almost getting through the ugly transition period only to have her chop the whole thing off (this has happened at least twice), I'm beginning to doubt that I will ever get my shoulder length hair back. 

So my dilemma:  Do I throw caution to the wind, say a pleasant goodbye, and find someone else who may or may not be as good?  Or do I put my faith in my trusty hairstylist to know what looks best for my face and hair type and possibly live with the short bob for another 10 years?  Comments?

Getting my Cook On

I only get excited about cooking when life feels stress free.  Otherwise, it's a drag.  When there is a mile long to-do list, planning, shopping, chopping, cleaning up, etc...feels like an enormous chore.  But yesterday, after a somewhat unexpected snow day and time to relax, I was ready to cook. 

The menu: Pear and Spinach salad, Mini Meatball Soup, and roasted brussels sprouts (thanks, Two Pretzels, for recently pointing out the correct spelling).  Yum, I can't wait for lunch so I can help myself to leftovers. 

It was the first time I had ever cooked brussels sprouts.  The verdict: I liked them roasted, drizzled with a little bit of olive oil, and sprinkled with salt.  But here's the kicker - I didn't have to clean them. A woman from work gave me homegrown brussels sprout already washed and trimmed.  I feel like I can't really judge these mini-cabbages until I experience the whole process, so I'm currently withholding my final thoughts.  If you have some hints on the cleaning process of these little green gems, please share. 

If it were up to me...

my child would be born today.  As a fan of numbers, I think 2/10/2010 would be a cool birthday.  But alas, I think the little bugger is quite comfortable and has no plans for moving from under my ribs anytime soon. 

The Prego Report

It was another 3-appointment week. 

The word from our nurse practitioner, OB/GYN, and perinatalogist...he's a plump baby (Thursday he was estimated to be 7lb 8oz, Friday's estimation was 8lb 3oz-obviously it's not an exact science) who seems quite content to hang out in his little cocoon. 

The calls from the medical experts that he might make an early appearance (based on some contractions I had) have faded.  Now we are having conversations that go something like this:  "Everything looks fine - he'll let you know when he's ready - we won't start thinking about induction until a week after his due date." 

So, am I nervous about labor and delivery? Yep, especially if the predictions of his size hold true. However, here is some advice from some wise women (or at least my interpretation of their advice) that has helped keep me in the right frame of mind. 

• Many, many women across many continents and many generations have gone through this process.  My own mother gave birth in an underprivileged nation 3 1/2 decades ago.  My grandma gave birth to six children ranging from 8 1/2 - 10 1/2 pounds over a 22 year period.  They both survived, and I will too.   
• There are so many things one can worry about while pregnant, so why worry until you have to?  I'm trying to take this approach with labor and delivery. 
• Everyone has their own ways of coping, so be free to utilize whatever is needed to get through the process. Screaming, silence, hanging on to my husband's hand for dear life?  All fine. 

So, to our plump little baby, take your time.  We're excited to meet you, but in reality, there's no rush.  In fact, if you would like pictures on your walls to look at or perhaps some curtains on your nursery window, one more week before you make your grand entrance in this world would be fabulous.   

They Got Me

T and I recently dined with my brother and his family at Red Robin.  This meal occurred a few weeks after our doctor suggested I become more conscious of my diet in the hopes of keeping Baby Bean's weight down.  I should have ordered a salad, but they just didn't seem interesting that night.  Instead, I ordered the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Wrap.  I thought the Spinach tortilla sounded healthier than a bun and when isn't chicken good for you if it's grilled? 

I was horrified tonight to read an article on Yahoo! that listed this sandwich as one of the 10 unhealthiest around.  As quoted from the article, "Chicken sandwiches have an undeserved healthy reputation—that's because, while they're built with the leanest meat, they're often stuffed and flavored with enough high-calorie sauces and fillings to sink a ship."  Full article here. 

Um, yep, I was definitely fooled.  As it turns out, eating this sandwich had about as many fat grams as a Big Mac.  Guess I still have a few things to learn about nutrition. 

Calling All Cooks

I need some help.  Recently I made some OK-tasting enchiladas.  I think they have the possibility of being great, but they are lacking some flavor.  The meat filling called for garlic, onion, cummin, chilli powder, and a little bit of all-spice.  But it was still a little bland.  What would you add to the mix?

I was nominated...

YAY!! Thanks to Two Pretzels for the nomination! You are fantastic, funny, and insightful, as is your blog.   Here we go...it's like a big circle game and I LOVE it! 


The Rules:
1. Thank the person who nominated me for this award: Again, thank you, Two Pretzels. 
2. Copy the award & place it on my blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated me for this award.
4. Share 7 interesting things about myself. (See below).
5. Nominate 7 bloggers. (See below).

My 7 things:
1. I have an extra bone/knob in the inside of my ankle. Thanks, Dad!
2. I would, at some point in my life, like to become scuba certified.  Fishes, watch out!
3. Lucerne, Switzerland and Brugge, Belgium are two of my favorite cities outside the United States.
4. I will NEVER cook without a recipe, and really admire the people who can just "throw" things together.
5. Currently my husband and I are watching Twin Peaks - from the early 1990s.  It weirds me out and yet fascinates me at the same time.
6. I HATE flying with a passion, although I will do it when necessary.
7. I love assembling pieces of furniture. 

Nominations:  Almost all of the blogs listed below have been nominated already, but I wanted them to know that I love their blogs and love hearing their updates. In alphabetical order...
1.  Aimless Oasis
2. Chewlies
3. Musings on Motherhood
4. Snappy Tulip
5. Trophy Life
6. Two Pretzels
7. Written Permission

As a breakfast food fan...

I have found a new love: The Bagel BELT from Tim Horton's.  They describe it as a scrumptious layering of bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato, and processed cheese (by far my favorite part of the description) on a delicious bagel of your fancy.  I have honestly talked myself into thinking this thing is healthy - I mean, look at the veggies involved, you don't get that at McD's - and I can't be convinced otherwise. 

I AM SO SMART, S-M-R-T

I think this is a Homer Simpson quote, but really, it reminds me of my cousins, Megan and B-Rent. 

And because I was giddy with glee, it's what I repeated to myself today after I finished my four hour graduation exam for my master's.  I have a few loose ends to tie up, but essential in my mind, I'm done.  Pressure's off.  I have to tell you, despite this extra large baby I am carrying around, I feel 20 pounds lighter this afternoon than I did this morning.  It's a fabulous feeling. 

I really did enjoy my experience as a grad student.  I have absolutely no regrets about the path I took to get this degree; however, I am definitely ready for a break from reading research articles and writing papers.