Ugh. Tom and I have an ALL DAY (well, 8:30 - 2) class at our church today so we can become members. Turns out, to have your child christened, you have to be a member... Who knew? ;) Details, details. :P Apparently, just attending for a year or two doesn't count.
Ah well. I am gearing up for 5-1/2 hours of awkward icebreaker games, making small talk with strangers and boring discussion about the church government. Seriously, NOT how I want to spend my Saturday. But, at least it'll be over with...
(of course, THEN, Tom and I have to find something to be involved in at the church, which for antisocial people such as ourselves, will be WAY harder than having to sit through the really long class)
Ciao!
p.s. Points to whoever can tell me what movie my post title is from! ;)
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Because I Just Have So Much Free Time...
By some divine mirace, both boys have decided to nap simultaneously... so instead of cleaning my gross bathroom or the even grosser kitchen, I'm sitting here converting some of Benjamin's first videos to digital.
I got the bug to do this yesterday evening when Simon was wearing some little pajamas that reminded me of one of the first little snippets of video I took of Ben.
Found it. And sure 'nuff... and turns out Ben was almost the exact same age (to the day) in the video I was thinking of. Brothers, for sure... it was WEIRD watching this because the litte movements and expressions are ALL ones I've seen Simon make. Sometimes (just sometimes), it's like looking at the same baby all over again.
p.s. As I'm working on this, new videos will magically appear on that sidebar... really, they are mostly for my own archiving purposes, but if you are at all interested, check back, because I hope to add lots of new ones in the next few days. :) I'm so excited, because I just found the one of Ben's VERY first steps. He was such a short little thing!
I got the bug to do this yesterday evening when Simon was wearing some little pajamas that reminded me of one of the first little snippets of video I took of Ben.
Found it. And sure 'nuff... and turns out Ben was almost the exact same age (to the day) in the video I was thinking of. Brothers, for sure... it was WEIRD watching this because the litte movements and expressions are ALL ones I've seen Simon make. Sometimes (just sometimes), it's like looking at the same baby all over again.
p.s. As I'm working on this, new videos will magically appear on that sidebar... really, they are mostly for my own archiving purposes, but if you are at all interested, check back, because I hope to add lots of new ones in the next few days. :) I'm so excited, because I just found the one of Ben's VERY first steps. He was such a short little thing!
Five Hours Straight...
Simon slept for five hours straight last night... from about 9:30 - 2:30. Then he ate four ounces in about 20 minutes and I was back in snoozeville by 3:15.
Now I feel sort of bad for telling Val I hated her yesterday. ;) Okay, not really... she's getting six hours at a time. :P
Anyway, so I hope this is the beginning of the sleep through the night progress. Though, now that I've blogged about it, I'm sure it won't happen again for a year.
Btw, during my feeding stint, I watched Hey, Paula on Bravo. Wow. She's more of a train wreck than Whitney Houston! She hardly ever says anything coherent... it's very very strange.
Now I feel sort of bad for telling Val I hated her yesterday. ;) Okay, not really... she's getting six hours at a time. :P
Anyway, so I hope this is the beginning of the sleep through the night progress. Though, now that I've blogged about it, I'm sure it won't happen again for a year.
Btw, during my feeding stint, I watched Hey, Paula on Bravo. Wow. She's more of a train wreck than Whitney Houston! She hardly ever says anything coherent... it's very very strange.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
New Pics...
THIS just makes me laugh...
THIS is for Becky...
THIS was adorable...
And THIS is just deja vu...
Here's the deja vu... ;)
THIS is for Becky...
THIS was adorable...
And THIS is just deja vu...
Here's the deja vu... ;)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Newsflash...
Benjamin just let me cut his hair!
Granted, he was bribed with a Star Wars figure, but even that hasn't worked in the past!
It's not particularly pretty, but it's off his ears and he looks a little less like a neglected orphan. So it'll have to do. I'll try to remember to post a picture later. ;)
Granted, he was bribed with a Star Wars figure, but even that hasn't worked in the past!
It's not particularly pretty, but it's off his ears and he looks a little less like a neglected orphan. So it'll have to do. I'll try to remember to post a picture later. ;)
Baby Watch...
Myself and pretty much every woman of childbearing age I know have done/are doing their part to add to the population this year: Let's tally the ones we're still waiting on...
- 2 friends who are due any minute (first week of July) (one girl, one boy)
- 1 friend of a friend/blog friend due mid-July (verdict still out on gender)
- 1 sister-in-law due first week of September... gender also still a mystery (link is invite only, but if you ask nicely, you might be allowed in) ;)
- 1 blog friend due the second week of September (or earlier? I can't remember)
- 2 friends, One who blogs due in October (two girls)
I hope I'm not forgetting anyone, but I'm sure I am. I also have several other acquaintances (friends of friends of friends or distant family) who are pregnant and due closer to the end of the year...
Seriously, people... NO one will be pregnant in 2008 because we'll all be recovering from 2007. ;)
- 2 friends who are due any minute (first week of July) (one girl, one boy)
- 1 friend of a friend/blog friend due mid-July (verdict still out on gender)
- 1 sister-in-law due first week of September... gender also still a mystery (link is invite only, but if you ask nicely, you might be allowed in) ;)
- 1 blog friend due the second week of September (or earlier? I can't remember)
- 2 friends, One who blogs due in October (two girls)
I hope I'm not forgetting anyone, but I'm sure I am. I also have several other acquaintances (friends of friends of friends or distant family) who are pregnant and due closer to the end of the year...
Seriously, people... NO one will be pregnant in 2008 because we'll all be recovering from 2007. ;)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Three and a Quarter...
Benjamin June 2007 and one year ago in June 2006
Benjamin is three months into his fourth year. Here's what's going on these days:
Likes:
Star Wars
Riding his bike down hills very fast
Running
His little brother being awake (which can sometimes present a problem)
Chocolate soy milk
Quaker Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Disneyworld (he keeps asking when we can go back)
Swimming
Coloring and using tape
Playing outside with his friends
Dislikes:
Eating pretty much anything besides Quaker Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Short sleeves
Shorts
Sandals
Getting dressed
Getting his hair washed
Getting his hair brushed
Wet hair
Anyone with wet hair (does my kid have hair issues, or what?)
Having dirty hands
Fears:
Getting his hair cut (hence the shaggy mop on his head he currently sports)
Pulling the plug in the bathtub
Bees
Big dogs (though as long as he doesn't think they can get to him, he's usually okay)
Sometimes staying places without mommy and/or daddy... but this changes weekly
New Skills:
Galloping (NO idea where he learned how to do this)
Using scissors (he LOVES to cut things with his safety scissors... we have to be careful about this)
Using the pedals on his bike
Putting on his shoes and socks (when he feels like it)
Going potty mostly by himself (and making a huge mess in the process)
We seem to have *mostly* gotten past the icky tantrumy phase he was going through about a month ago. Overall, he is a very obedient, cooperative and sweet little boy. He has a TON of energy and we often have to take him outside before bed just so he can run some of it off. He's also very social (NO clue where he gets this, seriously) and loves to introduce himself to anyone who is his size with a friendly, "Hi! I'm Ben!"
He loves his little brother and is actually VERY helpful with him given that he is only three. He will get me diapers, blankets or binkies when I ask him to. I've also found that if I have to run into the next room to do something, I can ask Ben to talk to Simon if he's fussy and Simon will calm down. :) He's SO SO SO sweet to his baby brother!
So that's three and a quarter... I can't wait to see what three and a half brings!
Benjamin is three months into his fourth year. Here's what's going on these days:
Likes:
Star Wars
Riding his bike down hills very fast
Running
His little brother being awake (which can sometimes present a problem)
Chocolate soy milk
Quaker Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Disneyworld (he keeps asking when we can go back)
Swimming
Coloring and using tape
Playing outside with his friends
Dislikes:
Eating pretty much anything besides Quaker Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Short sleeves
Shorts
Sandals
Getting dressed
Getting his hair washed
Getting his hair brushed
Wet hair
Anyone with wet hair (does my kid have hair issues, or what?)
Having dirty hands
Fears:
Getting his hair cut (hence the shaggy mop on his head he currently sports)
Pulling the plug in the bathtub
Bees
Big dogs (though as long as he doesn't think they can get to him, he's usually okay)
Sometimes staying places without mommy and/or daddy... but this changes weekly
New Skills:
Galloping (NO idea where he learned how to do this)
Using scissors (he LOVES to cut things with his safety scissors... we have to be careful about this)
Using the pedals on his bike
Putting on his shoes and socks (when he feels like it)
Going potty mostly by himself (and making a huge mess in the process)
We seem to have *mostly* gotten past the icky tantrumy phase he was going through about a month ago. Overall, he is a very obedient, cooperative and sweet little boy. He has a TON of energy and we often have to take him outside before bed just so he can run some of it off. He's also very social (NO clue where he gets this, seriously) and loves to introduce himself to anyone who is his size with a friendly, "Hi! I'm Ben!"
He loves his little brother and is actually VERY helpful with him given that he is only three. He will get me diapers, blankets or binkies when I ask him to. I've also found that if I have to run into the next room to do something, I can ask Ben to talk to Simon if he's fussy and Simon will calm down. :) He's SO SO SO sweet to his baby brother!
So that's three and a quarter... I can't wait to see what three and a half brings!
In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning...
We were up all night last night... the kids tag teamed us. I swear they conspire when I'm not looking.
It seems the older one has developed a sun allergy called PMLE. We first noticed a slight rash a couple weeks ago and it got worse and worse while we were away. No amount of sunblock seems to help and it appeared from head to toe on any skin that was exposed to the sun.. At any rate, the initial rash is starting to dry up and the child, he is ITCHY. We were up on and off until 3a.m. with him applying cool rags and hydrocortizone cream to his skin. He also has the secondary problem of a runny nose that seemed to bother him whenever we got the itching under control.
Meanwhile, the little one was up at his usual eating times... but then, he was also up an extra hour from 4-5a.m. because he wanted to poop but couldn't.
There were no "shifts" last night. Tom and I were pretty much both just UP.
So today will be long... suffice to say, in the words of Ralph:
M-O-M-M-Y needs C-O-F-F-E-E...
It seems the older one has developed a sun allergy called PMLE. We first noticed a slight rash a couple weeks ago and it got worse and worse while we were away. No amount of sunblock seems to help and it appeared from head to toe on any skin that was exposed to the sun.. At any rate, the initial rash is starting to dry up and the child, he is ITCHY. We were up on and off until 3a.m. with him applying cool rags and hydrocortizone cream to his skin. He also has the secondary problem of a runny nose that seemed to bother him whenever we got the itching under control.
Meanwhile, the little one was up at his usual eating times... but then, he was also up an extra hour from 4-5a.m. because he wanted to poop but couldn't.
There were no "shifts" last night. Tom and I were pretty much both just UP.
So today will be long... suffice to say, in the words of Ralph:
M-O-M-M-Y needs C-O-F-F-E-E...
Monday, June 25, 2007
Six Weeks...
Today was my six-week postpartum doctor visit. (Hrm...I feel like I have written this before...)I can't believe how quickly six weeks has gone by! At any rate, it was an entirely uneventful appointment... I was there about 15 minutes, 10 of which were spent in the waiting room.
The verdict? Everything is back where it should be. I had to laugh when my doctor said, "Everything down here looks great if I do say so myself!" I mean, what do you say to that kind of "compliment?" Seems a little strange to say, "Thanks!" I guess I could thank HER, but that seems strange too. So I just let it go with kind of a sarcastic, "Good to know!" ;)
I had Simon with me because, for some reason, I thought THAT'D be a good idea. I wanted her to see him and the receptionists and nurse always like when you bring the baby in.
He's a really amazingly mellow, quiet baby, but even mellow, quiet babies get hungry, which is of course, what happened the MINUTE I put him down on the waiting room floor in his carrier. He was still eating when I got brought back to the exam room. The nurse had to hold him while I derobed and then I was stuck feeding him on the exam table wearing my sheet from the waist down. The doctor popped her head in and said she'd come back when I was finished... when he finally stopped eating, I had to maneuver myself, the baby and my sheet off the table to put him in his carseat... and of course he started fussing again as soon as the doctor came in. When she listened to my heartbeat, she commented I was extremely hyper... I pointed to Mr. Fussypants as the reason. It so stresses me out to be in that kind of situation, even though he is not my first baby! So yeah, that was all fun.
Anyway, came away with a prescription for the dreadful pill, (I HATE HATE HATE the pill) which I will only stay on for a year or so (when it'd be absolutely INSANE to get pregnant again) and then we'll play the odds for awhile before we try for number three. :) I'm a gambling woman... don't EVER take me to a casino.
So that's that. Another pregnancy signed, sealed and delivered. It went so quickly!
The verdict? Everything is back where it should be. I had to laugh when my doctor said, "Everything down here looks great if I do say so myself!" I mean, what do you say to that kind of "compliment?" Seems a little strange to say, "Thanks!" I guess I could thank HER, but that seems strange too. So I just let it go with kind of a sarcastic, "Good to know!" ;)
I had Simon with me because, for some reason, I thought THAT'D be a good idea. I wanted her to see him and the receptionists and nurse always like when you bring the baby in.
He's a really amazingly mellow, quiet baby, but even mellow, quiet babies get hungry, which is of course, what happened the MINUTE I put him down on the waiting room floor in his carrier. He was still eating when I got brought back to the exam room. The nurse had to hold him while I derobed and then I was stuck feeding him on the exam table wearing my sheet from the waist down. The doctor popped her head in and said she'd come back when I was finished... when he finally stopped eating, I had to maneuver myself, the baby and my sheet off the table to put him in his carseat... and of course he started fussing again as soon as the doctor came in. When she listened to my heartbeat, she commented I was extremely hyper... I pointed to Mr. Fussypants as the reason. It so stresses me out to be in that kind of situation, even though he is not my first baby! So yeah, that was all fun.
Anyway, came away with a prescription for the dreadful pill, (I HATE HATE HATE the pill) which I will only stay on for a year or so (when it'd be absolutely INSANE to get pregnant again) and then we'll play the odds for awhile before we try for number three. :) I'm a gambling woman... don't EVER take me to a casino.
So that's that. Another pregnancy signed, sealed and delivered. It went so quickly!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Attemps at a Nice Family Picture...
These were the best of the bunch...
The boys...
All four of us...
(Years past:2006,2005,2004,2003)
Our annual "footprints" picture... this year, with a new one!
(Years past: (2004, 2006... okay, semi-annual)
The outtakes are somewhat humorous when viewed one after the other... my GOSH, this was painful. Benjamin did NOT want to play. The sun was in the baby's eyes (and Tom's) and by the end we were all in a bad mood. ;) But really, what fun would it be if it went smoothly?
The boys...
All four of us...
(Years past:2006,2005,2004,2003)
Our annual "footprints" picture... this year, with a new one!
(Years past: (2004, 2006... okay, semi-annual)
The outtakes are somewhat humorous when viewed one after the other... my GOSH, this was painful. Benjamin did NOT want to play. The sun was in the baby's eyes (and Tom's) and by the end we were all in a bad mood. ;) But really, what fun would it be if it went smoothly?
Gratuitous Pics of Our First Born...
Tom and I took Benjamin to the Ocean City boardwalk this morning... he had a blast playing on the pirate ship and in the castle! We took some silly photobooth pictures got him his first Fisher's caramel popcorn and pink lemonade too. :)
MY gosh, what a ham...
Oh, and on the way back down the boardwalk to our car, he heard a volleyball player shout, "Damn!" when he dropped the ball. Then he repeated it... three times, much to the amusement of the older couple walking behind us. Took me a minute to realize what he was saying and then I was horrified. I think we made it pretty clear that he is not to say it again... but SHEESH.
And for fun size comparison, here's Ben's Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum tire picture from this year AND last year. ;) (and no, it's not the same outfit as this year, though both that shirt and pair of shorts still fit him.. how weird)
2007
2006
MY gosh, what a ham...
Oh, and on the way back down the boardwalk to our car, he heard a volleyball player shout, "Damn!" when he dropped the ball. Then he repeated it... three times, much to the amusement of the older couple walking behind us. Took me a minute to realize what he was saying and then I was horrified. I think we made it pretty clear that he is not to say it again... but SHEESH.
And for fun size comparison, here's Ben's Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum tire picture from this year AND last year. ;) (and no, it's not the same outfit as this year, though both that shirt and pair of shorts still fit him.. how weird)
2007
2006
Friday, June 22, 2007
Gratuitous Baby Pictures...
He has less and less hair every single day. We rub his head for good luck.
Nothing much happening in beach land. Walked on the Bethany Beach boardwalk today. Ben went to a playground. Tom and I had a lovely dinner out and a really cool, kooky place.
Tomorrow is our last full day and we have to cram a lot in... some nice pictures on the beach with both boys... a visit to the OCMD boardwalk... and of course, a little beach time, which surprisingly we haven't done a whole lot of. (I feel bad keeping Simon out on the beach for very long, even in the shade...)
Nothing much happening in beach land. Walked on the Bethany Beach boardwalk today. Ben went to a playground. Tom and I had a lovely dinner out and a really cool, kooky place.
Tomorrow is our last full day and we have to cram a lot in... some nice pictures on the beach with both boys... a visit to the OCMD boardwalk... and of course, a little beach time, which surprisingly we haven't done a whole lot of. (I feel bad keeping Simon out on the beach for very long, even in the shade...)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Just More Pics...
Hi!
It's a smile!
BIG smile!
Beach bum
Gazing out into the wide world...
Chillin'...
One and only picture of Benjamin, who did NOT want to be photographed...
It's a smile!
BIG smile!
Beach bum
Gazing out into the wide world...
Chillin'...
One and only picture of Benjamin, who did NOT want to be photographed...
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Greetings from Vacation...
Last night was fondue night... yummy! :D I walked 3-1/2 miles today to pay for it, too.
We haven't been doing much of anything. It rained a lot of today so Tom and I hit the outlets for awhile and the rest of the day we just hung around. Ben watched another episode of Star Wars. Simon ate, slept and laid on the floor kicking his legs and flailing his arms. :)
During our long walk this evening, Tom and I spotted a whole herd? pod? family? of porpoises SO close into the shore that you could see that some of them were babies. So amazing! One even jumped out and did a little flip in the air. I tried in vain to get a picture, but my camera wasn't quick enough. So I have twelve pictures that look a lot like this:
Just try to imagine eight little fins out there to complete the picture. ;)
Hopefully tomorrow will yield some more interesting photo opportunities. We're thinking about taking Benjamin in to the Ocean City boardwalk to ride a few rides... or maybe we'll just play on the beach. Either way, there should be more pictures!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Some Pics...
The whole newly expanded family... (though Simon is obscured by the Bjorn)
Benjamin, hard at work...
Benjamin, hard at work...
Arrived...
...and it really wasn't as painful as that last picture made it look. Turned out he was just hungry. The rest of the trip, we hardly heard a peep from him. (whew!)
So anyway, we are at the beach and have officially started our much needed vacation. There are lots of baby holders and Ben entertainers, so Tom and I are looking forward to having some actual dates. (because after a month of newborn/three-year-old chaos and lifestyle adjustments, we've started to forget what those are like) We've forgotten what full nights of sleep are like too, but none of those are forthcoming any time soon, so we'll take what we can get.
Btw, attention would-be stalkers, we aren't home, but our attack cat is. He's declawed, but you should see what he can do to a housefly.
Oh, and my neighbors on all sides are watching for anyone who might want to put a bomb under Tom's car. (long, amusing story) So if you are planning to plant a bomb in Tom's car and/or break into our house, you just better watch yourself because my neighbor Beth will TAKE YOU DOWN. (even at 36 weeks pregnant) ;)
Camera and and laptop have, of course, accompanied me on this trip, so pictures and movies will be in ample supply over the next few days, I'm sure. :)
So anyway, we are at the beach and have officially started our much needed vacation. There are lots of baby holders and Ben entertainers, so Tom and I are looking forward to having some actual dates. (because after a month of newborn/three-year-old chaos and lifestyle adjustments, we've started to forget what those are like) We've forgotten what full nights of sleep are like too, but none of those are forthcoming any time soon, so we'll take what we can get.
Btw, attention would-be stalkers, we aren't home, but our attack cat is. He's declawed, but you should see what he can do to a housefly.
Oh, and my neighbors on all sides are watching for anyone who might want to put a bomb under Tom's car. (long, amusing story) So if you are planning to plant a bomb in Tom's car and/or break into our house, you just better watch yourself because my neighbor Beth will TAKE YOU DOWN. (even at 36 weeks pregnant) ;)
Camera and and laptop have, of course, accompanied me on this trip, so pictures and movies will be in ample supply over the next few days, I'm sure. :)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day! :)
This is Tom's first Father's Day with two kiddos. So far, I'm helping him celebrate by putting in overtime with them while he golfs with his father and brothers. I have come to dread Father's Day for this very reason... but that's so very selfish of me, so I try to just smile and get through it, since it's only once a year. After he gets back, we're heading over to his parents' house to say hello and drop off the kids to spend time with their grandfather while we go have a nice dinner out. Eventually, I'm sure there will come a time where Father's Day includes Tom and the boys doing something together... but for now, this arrangement works. ;)
Speaking of which, the following is an amusing conversation I had with Tom yesterday: (I had some Discovery Channel show about multiples on in the living room)
Tom: I'll be very worried when you get pregnant again that we'll end up with twins.
Me: Aside from the obvious reasons... and the fact that we could potentially have FOUR BOYS ... umm why?
Tom: Because that'll be more than a foursome for golf! What would I do?!
Sheesh.
In other news, those who are wondering how the "big reveal" went yesterday... it went okay, I suppose. Ben definitely "got it" (the Vader/father thing), but he didn't really care all that much, despite Tom REALLY playing it up. In fact, he was more concerned with an earlier part in the movie where R2D2 falls in the mud and gets dirty. ;) That's my little ocd boy!
I caught the "big moment" on video, and I'll put it up eventually... I just have track down the wires to my video camera.
Speaking of which, the following is an amusing conversation I had with Tom yesterday: (I had some Discovery Channel show about multiples on in the living room)
Tom: I'll be very worried when you get pregnant again that we'll end up with twins.
Me: Aside from the obvious reasons... and the fact that we could potentially have FOUR BOYS ... umm why?
Tom: Because that'll be more than a foursome for golf! What would I do?!
Sheesh.
In other news, those who are wondering how the "big reveal" went yesterday... it went okay, I suppose. Ben definitely "got it" (the Vader/father thing), but he didn't really care all that much, despite Tom REALLY playing it up. In fact, he was more concerned with an earlier part in the movie where R2D2 falls in the mud and gets dirty. ;) That's my little ocd boy!
I caught the "big moment" on video, and I'll put it up eventually... I just have track down the wires to my video camera.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
"Luke, I Am Your __________"
Today is the day! Benjamin has been waiting for this for almost an entire year.
Right now. At this VERY minute, he and Tom are watching Empire Strikes Back together (Star Wars Episode 5). At the end, it will be revealed that Darth Vader is Luke's father. I sure hope Tom gets the reaction out of this that he has built up in his head. I just may have to pull out the video camera for the big moment... or the big letdown. We'll see. ;)
Right now. At this VERY minute, he and Tom are watching Empire Strikes Back together (Star Wars Episode 5). At the end, it will be revealed that Darth Vader is Luke's father. I sure hope Tom gets the reaction out of this that he has built up in his head. I just may have to pull out the video camera for the big moment... or the big letdown. We'll see. ;)
Friday, June 15, 2007
What's The Matter, Baby Brother?
Benjamin was trying to read his Pigeon book yesterday morning, but Simon wasn't happy with the selection... apparently, I wasn't acting quickly enough to quiet him down...
...so Ben took matters into his own hands.
...so Ben took matters into his own hands.
Dear...
Dear Target,
I'm very VERY sorry for the pee pee on the wall of the first stall in the women's bathroom. You see, the boy child, he had two cups of your wonderful lemonade while sitting in the cafe as he was patiently waiting for his little brother to finish a bottle. And the pee pee, well, it was just a little hard to control...who knew it could come out at a 90 degree angle?
I would have cleaned it up myself except the baby was in the Bjorn and I had my hands full.
Very embarassingly yours,
Erin
---
Dear Woman at the Target with the Three Little Boys Who Looked to Be About Six, Three and One-Year-Old,
I'm sorry if I was staring at you and your brood. They were all very cute and you looked so put together! I was fascinated. As the two older ones giggled and hid from you around the corner while you ordered your coffee and tended to the baby, I saw a glimpse of my future. And I have to know: HOW ON EARTH DO YOU GET OUT OF YOUR HOUSE EVERY DAY?!
Very curiously yours,
The Rude Staring Girl with the Three-Year-Old and the Baby
---
Dear Woman with the Three-Year-Old Girl, the Very Pregnant Belly and the Unnecessary T-Shirt that Said "Baby" on it,
I'm sorry if I was staring at you. I think I was looking for that mom-to-mom "I know how you feel" connection... but then I realized, you are still pregnant. You have NO idea how amusingly difficult it is to have to take the three-year-old to the potty THREE times while the little one is all loud and ticked off because you have to keep taking the bottle away so you can help the big one pull his pants up. I was secretly hoping you'd come sit in the cafe so I could regale you with stories of the last five weeks, but sadly, you had shopping to do. Enjoy it while you can!
The Weird Girl Who Kept Making Eye Contact and Smiling
---
(we spent a LOT of time in the Target cafe today people watching because Simon was extraordinarily slow finishing his bottle)
I'm very VERY sorry for the pee pee on the wall of the first stall in the women's bathroom. You see, the boy child, he had two cups of your wonderful lemonade while sitting in the cafe as he was patiently waiting for his little brother to finish a bottle. And the pee pee, well, it was just a little hard to control...who knew it could come out at a 90 degree angle?
I would have cleaned it up myself except the baby was in the Bjorn and I had my hands full.
Very embarassingly yours,
Erin
---
Dear Woman at the Target with the Three Little Boys Who Looked to Be About Six, Three and One-Year-Old,
I'm sorry if I was staring at you and your brood. They were all very cute and you looked so put together! I was fascinated. As the two older ones giggled and hid from you around the corner while you ordered your coffee and tended to the baby, I saw a glimpse of my future. And I have to know: HOW ON EARTH DO YOU GET OUT OF YOUR HOUSE EVERY DAY?!
Very curiously yours,
The Rude Staring Girl with the Three-Year-Old and the Baby
---
Dear Woman with the Three-Year-Old Girl, the Very Pregnant Belly and the Unnecessary T-Shirt that Said "Baby" on it,
I'm sorry if I was staring at you. I think I was looking for that mom-to-mom "I know how you feel" connection... but then I realized, you are still pregnant. You have NO idea how amusingly difficult it is to have to take the three-year-old to the potty THREE times while the little one is all loud and ticked off because you have to keep taking the bottle away so you can help the big one pull his pants up. I was secretly hoping you'd come sit in the cafe so I could regale you with stories of the last five weeks, but sadly, you had shopping to do. Enjoy it while you can!
The Weird Girl Who Kept Making Eye Contact and Smiling
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(we spent a LOT of time in the Target cafe today people watching because Simon was extraordinarily slow finishing his bottle)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Losing the Baby Fat...
I've been so disgusted lately because, though I am down 22 pounds and at a healthy weight (actually, a weight at which I spent most of my college and pre-first-pregnancy years quite content), I'm still ten pounds or so away from my pre-pregnancy weight.
I've been eating insanely healthy (my two dessert days are over, at least until I get pregnant again) and walking every single day... (with my 9-pound weight attached to me) Still, the weight is coming off entirely too slowly. It comes off a half pound here and there, but it's taking for-freakin-ever. It also doesn't help that my hips are still working on going back together after being spread out for 9 months to accomodate Baby Too.
I thought for sure it came off much more quickly last time... so I did some digging through my archives. Thank goodness for blogging all the mundane details of my life, because I found this post that made me feel 100% better. Apparently, it took me 13 weeks last time to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I'm only at 5. :) So I'm hoping just a little patience is all I need... though I'm sure the walking and the dessert deprivation will help too. ;)
I want a brownie. :( Waaaaaaaaa!
p.s. Somewhat unrelated. But, Mrs. Flinger recently posted her "39-week belly pic" (she had Baby O at 36 weeks). Apparently, great minds think alike, because I did this too, since I had Simon before I got to take my official 39-week pic. Here it is... my 39-week belly pic which was actually three days postpartum. I'm hoping it serves to remind me next time NOT to pack my smallest size maternity clothes to wear home because yeah, they totally didn't fit. I can't believe I did that twice!
I've been eating insanely healthy (my two dessert days are over, at least until I get pregnant again) and walking every single day... (with my 9-pound weight attached to me) Still, the weight is coming off entirely too slowly. It comes off a half pound here and there, but it's taking for-freakin-ever. It also doesn't help that my hips are still working on going back together after being spread out for 9 months to accomodate Baby Too.
I thought for sure it came off much more quickly last time... so I did some digging through my archives. Thank goodness for blogging all the mundane details of my life, because I found this post that made me feel 100% better. Apparently, it took me 13 weeks last time to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I'm only at 5. :) So I'm hoping just a little patience is all I need... though I'm sure the walking and the dessert deprivation will help too. ;)
I want a brownie. :( Waaaaaaaaa!
p.s. Somewhat unrelated. But, Mrs. Flinger recently posted her "39-week belly pic" (she had Baby O at 36 weeks). Apparently, great minds think alike, because I did this too, since I had Simon before I got to take my official 39-week pic. Here it is... my 39-week belly pic which was actually three days postpartum. I'm hoping it serves to remind me next time NOT to pack my smallest size maternity clothes to wear home because yeah, they totally didn't fit. I can't believe I did that twice!
All the Best TV is on Between 2-4 a.m.
I'm up a lot lately between 2 and 4a.m. for some strange reason. ;) Now I am here to tell you that there is some MESSED UP programming on during those hours. I would be watching some lovely TiVO'ed episodes of Little People, Big World and whatnot, except that I stupidly moved our Tivo to the basement awhile ago, and it's too cold down there to sit with the baby in the middle of the night. Yeah, duh. So I'm stuck in the living room.
My most recent discovery is Being Bobby Brown on Bravo.
Y'all, this show is just AWFUL... and Whitney Houston? What HAPPENED to her? She's disgusting and crass and looks like she's drunk half the time. It's actually painful to watch. But there's nothing else on except infomercials... althugh last night, I caught a really good episode of Top Chef, Miami that I hadn't seen. Almost made being up at 2:30a.m. tolerable... but not quite.
My most recent discovery is Being Bobby Brown on Bravo.
Y'all, this show is just AWFUL... and Whitney Houston? What HAPPENED to her? She's disgusting and crass and looks like she's drunk half the time. It's actually painful to watch. But there's nothing else on except infomercials... althugh last night, I caught a really good episode of Top Chef, Miami that I hadn't seen. Almost made being up at 2:30a.m. tolerable... but not quite.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
He Smiled Today! :)
I'm counting today as Simon's first official smile. We've seen some here and there that were questionable, but I'm counting this one because he looked right at me, I smiled at him, he focused on my face and smiled a BIG smile back. :)
Yay!
Trying to get a picture of it? Yeah, that's a different story.
Yay!
Trying to get a picture of it? Yeah, that's a different story.
How's Ben Doing with Simon?
I get this question a lot, so I thought I'd post an update...
So far, so good! We haven't had any obvious jealousy issues and he hasn't done anything sneaky or passive aggressive (or overtly aggressive) toward the baby, which I have heard from others is sometimes something you deal with. He is very gentle with Simon... rubbing his head, and trying to help burp him. He also likes to stick his finger in Simon's hand and let him grab it and to shove his nose into Simon's hand to see if he'll grab that too.
One of his favorite things lately is to have Simon lay in his bed next to him while we read bedtime stories at night. He LOVES it and usually protests when it's time for bed and Simon has to leave. "But.. he can sleep in my bed!!!" Someday buddy, someday...
He also loves to "share" his Star wars figures and will often place them on on Simon's belly. I laughed the other day when I turned around and he had balanced a tiny storm trooper helmet right on top of the baby's head. I wish my camera had been close at the time!
On the weekends, he gets upset if Tom or I take him somewhere and don't bring Simon... "Is Simon coming?" Already, I can see him becoming very protective of his little brother, which is just the sweetest thing ever. At Simon's doctor's appointments, Ben likes to rub his toes or his head when he cries and says, "It's okay.... it's okay....you're okay..." :)
The biggest problem we've had is getting Ben to remember to watch out for the baby when he is on the floor. We've had one head sitting incident (I have a feeling it might not be the first time I yell, "You're sitting on your brother's head!!! Get UP!!!"), and he has nearly stepped on Simon's fingers a few times.
He did tell me yesterday to please put Simon down and come upstairs to help him find something. Overall though, he has been amazingly tolerant and patient with me saying, "I can't right now until Simon's finished eating... " or "Wait until after I get Simon to sleep." I keep expecting him to go postal on me for that... crossing my fingers.
Soooo, so far, so good. :) I can't wait until later this year when Simon's a little older and perhaps mobile. They are going to start having so much fun playing together!
So far, so good! We haven't had any obvious jealousy issues and he hasn't done anything sneaky or passive aggressive (or overtly aggressive) toward the baby, which I have heard from others is sometimes something you deal with. He is very gentle with Simon... rubbing his head, and trying to help burp him. He also likes to stick his finger in Simon's hand and let him grab it and to shove his nose into Simon's hand to see if he'll grab that too.
One of his favorite things lately is to have Simon lay in his bed next to him while we read bedtime stories at night. He LOVES it and usually protests when it's time for bed and Simon has to leave. "But.. he can sleep in my bed!!!" Someday buddy, someday...
He also loves to "share" his Star wars figures and will often place them on on Simon's belly. I laughed the other day when I turned around and he had balanced a tiny storm trooper helmet right on top of the baby's head. I wish my camera had been close at the time!
On the weekends, he gets upset if Tom or I take him somewhere and don't bring Simon... "Is Simon coming?" Already, I can see him becoming very protective of his little brother, which is just the sweetest thing ever. At Simon's doctor's appointments, Ben likes to rub his toes or his head when he cries and says, "It's okay.... it's okay....you're okay..." :)
The biggest problem we've had is getting Ben to remember to watch out for the baby when he is on the floor. We've had one head sitting incident (I have a feeling it might not be the first time I yell, "You're sitting on your brother's head!!! Get UP!!!"), and he has nearly stepped on Simon's fingers a few times.
He did tell me yesterday to please put Simon down and come upstairs to help him find something. Overall though, he has been amazingly tolerant and patient with me saying, "I can't right now until Simon's finished eating... " or "Wait until after I get Simon to sleep." I keep expecting him to go postal on me for that... crossing my fingers.
Soooo, so far, so good. :) I can't wait until later this year when Simon's a little older and perhaps mobile. They are going to start having so much fun playing together!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Da Bears...
I meant to take a picture of Simon yesterday with his Bear, since it's a good way to keep track of how big he's getting month to month.
Today, I got Bear Too out and started snapping.
This was the best one:
Followed closely by this one:
And this one just makes me laugh:
Shortly into the photoshoot, big brother went and got his Bear. And really, I think this is even MORE sweet than the pics of the baby. Don't you just want to pinch his cheeks and then give him anything he wants?
Today, I got Bear Too out and started snapping.
This was the best one:
Followed closely by this one:
And this one just makes me laugh:
Shortly into the photoshoot, big brother went and got his Bear. And really, I think this is even MORE sweet than the pics of the baby. Don't you just want to pinch his cheeks and then give him anything he wants?
The Post Where, Once Again, I Realize How Stupid it Was to Post About Anything GOOD My Kids Are Doing....
Yesterday, I wrote in Simon's monthday post about how he's great at night and blah blah yada yada gag gag.
Last night, Tom was up from 11 - 1:30 with him. Then I was up from 2:20 - 3:30 and then 4:30 - 5a.m. Tom took over at 5, and the child still awake. There, do you think I have appeased the blog gods now? They seem to enjoy smiting me.
I guess it would be a mistake then to write about how Ben got up last night because he had to pee pee? Yeah, I'll probably pay for that too.
p.s. My frind got sent home again yesterday, but she is still having contractions... so we'll see what the day brings!
Last night, Tom was up from 11 - 1:30 with him. Then I was up from 2:20 - 3:30 and then 4:30 - 5a.m. Tom took over at 5, and the child still awake. There, do you think I have appeased the blog gods now? They seem to enjoy smiting me.
I guess it would be a mistake then to write about how Ben got up last night because he had to pee pee? Yeah, I'll probably pay for that too.
p.s. My frind got sent home again yesterday, but she is still having contractions... so we'll see what the day brings!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Impatient Babies...
What's with these second babies being so impatient? My friend Jenn spent the night at the hospital on Saturday with contractions... they gave her terbutaline to try and stop them (which it did), and sent her home. I just got a call that she is on her way BACK to the hospital with contractions three minutes apart. She is only 36 weeks along, so if you know her, please say a little prayer that baby Faith will stay put a little while longer. (though it's not sounding like that's going to happen! So I'm also praying for strong, healthy lungs and hoping that Jenn's dates were just off a little, so as to make her NOT actually four weeks early)
Simon is One Month Old!
And thus begins 36 months of the official "green chair" pictures...
He was a challenging subject, what with the lack of neck control and all. ;)
So what's happening at one month? Well, he is way more alert than when he was first born, obviously. He is also staying awake for VERY long periods during the day. As we speak, I am sitting here rocking the bouncy seat with my right elbow trying to get him to take a nap because he has been up since 5a.m. and it's time for some sleeping, already!
He is still my mellow kiddo. No colic (knocking on everything made of wood I can find!), no crazy screaming jags (except when he's stuck in his carseat, hungry and facing backwards and I can't turn around to stick the bottle in his mouth... hello, minivan designers? Let's work on that... k?)
He's waking up about twice a night most nights... midnight and around 3a.m. (and then 5:30 or so) Yeah, we're tired, but I can't really complain much because he doesn't CRY in the middle of the night. He just eats, hangs out for awhile and goes back to sleep. You can't beat that!
His eyes are still blue, but oddly, this morning, they seem brownish to me. If they stay blue, I might have some 'splainin' to do. ;)
Not much else going on at a month... just lots of eating, pooping and gaining weight. Everything he's supposed to be doing!
I have a side-by-side monthday pic coming up shortly, but it's hard to use photoshop when I only have one hand. (the other one is now holding a binky in Simon's mouth... yeah, he hasn't mastered binky control yet either)
Here'tis:
Yes, they are wearing the same outfit, because I am a nerd like that...
He was a challenging subject, what with the lack of neck control and all. ;)
So what's happening at one month? Well, he is way more alert than when he was first born, obviously. He is also staying awake for VERY long periods during the day. As we speak, I am sitting here rocking the bouncy seat with my right elbow trying to get him to take a nap because he has been up since 5a.m. and it's time for some sleeping, already!
He is still my mellow kiddo. No colic (knocking on everything made of wood I can find!), no crazy screaming jags (except when he's stuck in his carseat, hungry and facing backwards and I can't turn around to stick the bottle in his mouth... hello, minivan designers? Let's work on that... k?)
He's waking up about twice a night most nights... midnight and around 3a.m. (and then 5:30 or so) Yeah, we're tired, but I can't really complain much because he doesn't CRY in the middle of the night. He just eats, hangs out for awhile and goes back to sleep. You can't beat that!
His eyes are still blue, but oddly, this morning, they seem brownish to me. If they stay blue, I might have some 'splainin' to do. ;)
Not much else going on at a month... just lots of eating, pooping and gaining weight. Everything he's supposed to be doing!
I have a side-by-side monthday pic coming up shortly, but it's hard to use photoshop when I only have one hand. (the other one is now holding a binky in Simon's mouth... yeah, he hasn't mastered binky control yet either)
Here'tis:
Yes, they are wearing the same outfit, because I am a nerd like that...
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Simon's First Movie...
Yeah, I totally bawled through this while I made it. I won't lie.
It's about 4 minutes and 30 seconds... just so you know. ;)
Welcome to the World, Simon!
It's about 4 minutes and 30 seconds... just so you know. ;)
Welcome to the World, Simon!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
One Down...
I finished Too's er... Simon's pregnancy scrapbook a little while ago. I even got to go out on my own (on my OWN!!!) to JoAnn and get some cute stickers to go back and dress up the otherwise very plain pages I had already made. Yay! Next monumental family archiving task is to start his first year scrapbook and HEY! I'm only a month behind. Argh. ;)
If you sent us a card for Simon, please know that I appreciated and saved every single one of them, just like I did with Benjamin, and they all go in his book to be preserved for posterity. ;) Yeah, I'm insane. ;)
If you sent us a card for Simon, please know that I appreciated and saved every single one of them, just like I did with Benjamin, and they all go in his book to be preserved for posterity. ;) Yeah, I'm insane. ;)
Friday, June 08, 2007
Happy. :)
Both boys are snoozing and I just spent the last half hour on Old Navy's website buying myself a whole cartload of push presents. (you know, since my husband never really got that memo) ;) In all seriousness though, I was in dire need of some new summer clothes and so I just took care of it all in one fell swoop of an online shopping spree. That's why it pays to have simple taste in clothing. I'll take one in blue, green, white and grey. Here's my credit card. Thank you and drive through. ;)
In Good Company...
The following is an excerpt from a recent post on Dooce in her Month 40 letter to her little girl. I swear, I could have written it.
--------------------------------
"For the past week or so both you and I have been very sick with a cold, a fever, and an endless hacking cough. I am so tired of this, and it seems like the past six months have been nothing but a string of illnesses, sinus infections, and stomach bugs. The worst part of it is what it does to your personality, and all of your cute and affectionate mannerisms get lost in a wave of mean and abusive outbursts, in a lot of wanting things, but not wanting things, and then wanting things again. THE THINGS, THEY ARE WANTED. BUT DO NOT GIVE THEM TO ME BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT THEM. A lot of this is just because you are three, and three-year-olds are not known for Handling Things Well. You know what three-year-olds are good at? Violently hammering away at their parent’s ability to remain civilized. I owe you my ability to swear without actually moving my lips."
--------------------------------
"For the past week or so both you and I have been very sick with a cold, a fever, and an endless hacking cough. I am so tired of this, and it seems like the past six months have been nothing but a string of illnesses, sinus infections, and stomach bugs. The worst part of it is what it does to your personality, and all of your cute and affectionate mannerisms get lost in a wave of mean and abusive outbursts, in a lot of wanting things, but not wanting things, and then wanting things again. THE THINGS, THEY ARE WANTED. BUT DO NOT GIVE THEM TO ME BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT THEM. A lot of this is just because you are three, and three-year-olds are not known for Handling Things Well. You know what three-year-olds are good at? Violently hammering away at their parent’s ability to remain civilized. I owe you my ability to swear without actually moving my lips."
So Far, So Good...
So far, today is going well. Then again, I've only been awake for 40 minutes. But in that time, I've had a cup of coffee, Simon has eaten half a bottle and is now laying on the floor talking to one of Benjamin's shoes. Benjamin is still sleeping and the cat isn't dragging his water bowl all over the kitchen. All of these are good things.
Also on the "good things" list: I think Simon may be on the verge of sleeping through the night. (by on the verge, I mean, maybe in a month or two) He is still waking up around midnight and 4a.m., but he doesn't seem to actually want to EAT at those times. He has also started upping how much he wants to eat at one sitting during the day. It ranges from 4 - 6 ounces... BOY it'd be nice to have him sleeping through the night sometime before oh, I dunno, 14 months. (yes, that's how long it took last time)
Oops. Gotta run. Apparently the shoe on the floor has lost its appeal. Be back later!
Also on the "good things" list: I think Simon may be on the verge of sleeping through the night. (by on the verge, I mean, maybe in a month or two) He is still waking up around midnight and 4a.m., but he doesn't seem to actually want to EAT at those times. He has also started upping how much he wants to eat at one sitting during the day. It ranges from 4 - 6 ounces... BOY it'd be nice to have him sleeping through the night sometime before oh, I dunno, 14 months. (yes, that's how long it took last time)
Oops. Gotta run. Apparently the shoe on the floor has lost its appeal. Be back later!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Question for the Moms...
About how often would you say you just really dislike your child?
(notice I didn't ask "Do you ever dislike your child?" because I KNOW I am not alone... I can't possibly be.)
ETA: Background: Not one, but TWO public tantrums today. The second one AFTER he took a two-hour nap and BEFORE we even got *through* the front door of the grocery store.
(notice I didn't ask "Do you ever dislike your child?" because I KNOW I am not alone... I can't possibly be.)
ETA: Background: Not one, but TWO public tantrums today. The second one AFTER he took a two-hour nap and BEFORE we even got *through* the front door of the grocery store.
Meeting Great-Nana...
Simon met great-Nana yesterday! She was very excited to see him and even got to feed him. (pretty much everyone who comes to visit gets a chance to feed Simon if they want to because the kid eats ALL THE TIME) He is great-grandchild number three! :D
My cousin and I seem to alternate our baby-having on a semi-yearly schedule, so Nana and I decided we expect another one from them this time next year. ;)
My cousin and I seem to alternate our baby-having on a semi-yearly schedule, so Nana and I decided we expect another one from them this time next year. ;)
Greetings...
... from middle-of-the-night feeding land. That is all. (yawn)
This too shall pass...This too shall pass...This too shall pass...
This too shall pass...This too shall pass...This too shall pass...
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Benjamin, My Benjamin...
Ben took a tumble off of a kid-size porch swing at my parents' house yesterday afternoon. He scraped up his shin pretty good... screamed a lot, but later on, was outside running around with his friends. Then came bedtime. And the screaming. More. Lots. Loud. All night long. And he wouldn't straighten his leg out, even in his sleep. And did I mention, the screaming?
Though I could not fathom how he could have possibly done anything other than scrape his leg (especially since he ran around on it all evening), I was a breath away from taking him to the ER this morning because the screaming and leg holding continued.
After some TLC on the couch and lots of watching of Shrek, he seems better, though still very disturbed by his injury. I've moved his leg all around, pushed on it, pulled it, no screaming... so me thinks it was a combination of he was/is really tired and he is extreeeeeeeeemely dramatic and intense.
It was a long night... and it has been a long morning. And did I mention we have a baby too? ;) Right yeah, speaking of that, he needs to eat. Time to start Shrek over. Send happy vibes please... and chocolate.
Though I could not fathom how he could have possibly done anything other than scrape his leg (especially since he ran around on it all evening), I was a breath away from taking him to the ER this morning because the screaming and leg holding continued.
After some TLC on the couch and lots of watching of Shrek, he seems better, though still very disturbed by his injury. I've moved his leg all around, pushed on it, pulled it, no screaming... so me thinks it was a combination of he was/is really tired and he is extreeeeeeeeemely dramatic and intense.
It was a long night... and it has been a long morning. And did I mention we have a baby too? ;) Right yeah, speaking of that, he needs to eat. Time to start Shrek over. Send happy vibes please... and chocolate.
Random Pictures...
This is from a few days ago... it's a secret every mother should be in on. Babies sleep REALLY REALLY well in their carseats. Took us a month longer to figure out this trick with Benjamin.
More practice for the monthday shot. He was in such a good mood early this morning, I couldn't resist.
More practice for the monthday shot. He was in such a good mood early this morning, I couldn't resist.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
One Month Doctor Visit...
Simon had his one-month doctor's appointment this afternoon! I can't get over how the kid just lays there and lets the doctor look in his eyes, ears and nose, gag him with the popsicle stick and listen to his heart. The only time he cried was when she gave him his hepatitis shot.
He weighs 8 pounds, 9 ounces and is 20-1/2 inches long, both 25th percentile. Go, baby, go! :) So far, he's tracking about the same as big brother size-wise. Ben was 8 pounds, 12 ounces at his one month appointment and the same length. Simon seems bigger to me than Ben did, but maybe I'm just remembering wrong. Who knows... anyway, he is healthy as can be... still has some residual sniffling, but it's getting better. :) Yay!
He weighs 8 pounds, 9 ounces and is 20-1/2 inches long, both 25th percentile. Go, baby, go! :) So far, he's tracking about the same as big brother size-wise. Ben was 8 pounds, 12 ounces at his one month appointment and the same length. Simon seems bigger to me than Ben did, but maybe I'm just remembering wrong. Who knows... anyway, he is healthy as can be... still has some residual sniffling, but it's getting better. :) Yay!
Post Partum Exercise Plan...
How to lose pregnancy weight:
7 a.m.: Wake up. Pick up 9-pound weight and carry it down the stairs. Realize you've left all the accessories that go with the 9-pound weight UPSTAIRS. Run back up the stairs and back down again. Quick! The 9-pound weight doesn't like to be left alone for long and will sound an alarm!
8-10a.m.: Run up and down the stairs with baskets of laundry, your 9-pound weight and the 9-pound weight's accessories. (not all at the same time... you want the maximum trips up and down the stairs!)
11a.m. - 1p.m.: Put the 9-pound weight into its equally heavy, if not heavier, carrying case and carry it, along with its accessory bag, out to the car. Lift it into the car. Drive. When you get to your destination, decide whether you want to lug the weight in its carrying case (for a nice upper arm workout) or strap it to your front. (for more of a back/abs workout) Do this entire routine 2-3 times before going home.
1p.m. - Run 9-pound weight up the stairs to your house. Run back down the stairs and out to the car and carry in everything you bought. If you planned your workout well, this should be 3-4 trips up and down the stairs.
1-4p.m. - Carry the 9-pound weight up and down the stairs some more.
4p.m.-6p.m. - Take the 9-pound weight outside for a brisk walk. Rest on the lawn while holding the weight, but never really putting it down. If you have an older, heavier weight, take that outside with you too. Chase it and carry its (heavier) accessories across the street and back a few times.**
6.p.m. -7p.m. - Strap the 9-pound weight to you while you cook dinner. Do lots of squatting to get things out of bottom cabinets.
7p.m. - 3a.m. - Turn the 9-pound weight over to your husband. He needs a workout too. Sleep now, because you'll be up at 3a.m. to lug the weight around again.
** Older, heavier weights are generally more suited for outdoor use and may not react well to being brought indoors. Be prepared to carry the older weight AND the newer weight simultanously when you come inside, as the older weight may protest.
7 a.m.: Wake up. Pick up 9-pound weight and carry it down the stairs. Realize you've left all the accessories that go with the 9-pound weight UPSTAIRS. Run back up the stairs and back down again. Quick! The 9-pound weight doesn't like to be left alone for long and will sound an alarm!
8-10a.m.: Run up and down the stairs with baskets of laundry, your 9-pound weight and the 9-pound weight's accessories. (not all at the same time... you want the maximum trips up and down the stairs!)
11a.m. - 1p.m.: Put the 9-pound weight into its equally heavy, if not heavier, carrying case and carry it, along with its accessory bag, out to the car. Lift it into the car. Drive. When you get to your destination, decide whether you want to lug the weight in its carrying case (for a nice upper arm workout) or strap it to your front. (for more of a back/abs workout) Do this entire routine 2-3 times before going home.
1p.m. - Run 9-pound weight up the stairs to your house. Run back down the stairs and out to the car and carry in everything you bought. If you planned your workout well, this should be 3-4 trips up and down the stairs.
1-4p.m. - Carry the 9-pound weight up and down the stairs some more.
4p.m.-6p.m. - Take the 9-pound weight outside for a brisk walk. Rest on the lawn while holding the weight, but never really putting it down. If you have an older, heavier weight, take that outside with you too. Chase it and carry its (heavier) accessories across the street and back a few times.**
6.p.m. -7p.m. - Strap the 9-pound weight to you while you cook dinner. Do lots of squatting to get things out of bottom cabinets.
7p.m. - 3a.m. - Turn the 9-pound weight over to your husband. He needs a workout too. Sleep now, because you'll be up at 3a.m. to lug the weight around again.
** Older, heavier weights are generally more suited for outdoor use and may not react well to being brought indoors. Be prepared to carry the older weight AND the newer weight simultanously when you come inside, as the older weight may protest.
Monday, June 04, 2007
I Now Own Four Strollers... That's Three Too Many...
1) The big, bulky Graco one that matches my infant seat. I dug it out the other day and used it for a walk around the block. Problem is that a) it's huge and very hard (read: impossible) for me to get in and out of the house by myself WITH the baby. b) It doesn't have anywhere for Benjamin to sit and he often gets tired halfway through walks (or during store trips where he insists on walking), which leaves me to carry him. NOT gonna work with the baby in tow as well. I'll be selling it in the near future since I see no real use for it at all anymore.
2) The umbrella stroller that I've been using for Ben once in awhile that BRU gives away for free with a $100 purchase. Also not particularly useful to me at the moment because it only accomodates Ben. I'll hold onto it though, because Simon can use at when he's 2 and 3 and by that time, Ben will both be in school during the day AND be old enough to walk without pooping out on me.
3) The backpack stroller that we use exclusively for our Disney trips. Ben is now too big for it, but it should accomodate Simon perfectly by the next time we go. I LOVE the backpack stroller... it's just not practical for everyday use.
4) The newest addition: I picked up the The Baby Trend Sit and Stand at Target this morning. (which was an interesting feat considering I had Ben with me and the baby strapped to my front. God forbid the Target employees actually be, I dunno.. HELPFUL or anything) Anyway, this should be just perfect for walks around the block and trips to the mall... Ben will love standing (or sitting) in the back and the front accomodates an infant seat and then converts to a regular stroller seat. Hooray! Once I get it put together and take it for a test drive, I'll let you all know how we like it! :)
2) The umbrella stroller that I've been using for Ben once in awhile that BRU gives away for free with a $100 purchase. Also not particularly useful to me at the moment because it only accomodates Ben. I'll hold onto it though, because Simon can use at when he's 2 and 3 and by that time, Ben will both be in school during the day AND be old enough to walk without pooping out on me.
3) The backpack stroller that we use exclusively for our Disney trips. Ben is now too big for it, but it should accomodate Simon perfectly by the next time we go. I LOVE the backpack stroller... it's just not practical for everyday use.
4) The newest addition: I picked up the The Baby Trend Sit and Stand at Target this morning. (which was an interesting feat considering I had Ben with me and the baby strapped to my front. God forbid the Target employees actually be, I dunno.. HELPFUL or anything) Anyway, this should be just perfect for walks around the block and trips to the mall... Ben will love standing (or sitting) in the back and the front accomodates an infant seat and then converts to a regular stroller seat. Hooray! Once I get it put together and take it for a test drive, I'll let you all know how we like it! :)
Lost in Translation...
Me: Ben, what do you want for breakfast?
Ben: I want toast, please.
Me: Okay, let's go make some toast...
Ben: Okay, but I don't want it wrinkly.
????
Also, I enjoyed this little monologue while making the "non wrinkly" toast:
"I don't like ANY pizza, or ANY chicken, or ANY eggy... no, I don't like those. Pizza, chicken or eggy... I don't want THOSE, okay? I want toast. I like toast."
Ben: I want toast, please.
Me: Okay, let's go make some toast...
Ben: Okay, but I don't want it wrinkly.
????
Also, I enjoyed this little monologue while making the "non wrinkly" toast:
"I don't like ANY pizza, or ANY chicken, or ANY eggy... no, I don't like those. Pizza, chicken or eggy... I don't want THOSE, okay? I want toast. I like toast."
Loving the Rain....
It rained ALL day yesterday, for which I was so grateful.
a) It meant my flowers and grass got watered, which I have been sadly very negligent in doing myself lately. In case you didn't know, brown geraniums aren't very attractive.
b) It meant I didn't feel like I had to be out in the world DOING something, whether that be running errands or making sure Ben got some time to play outside. When it's pretty out, even if it's hot, I always feel pressured to leave the house. Yesterday? Not so much.
We did get kind of bored though (Tom, more so than me). So I told him to call his brothers and see if they wanted to come over and play poker. It evolved into game day and my SIL and my probable future SIL (hi Sarah) ;) came too. We had a lot of fun playing Loaded Questions and eating junk food.
Of course, in order for Tom and I to be able to play, Benjamin had to be occupied, so we pretty much let him eat whatever he wanted, and have run of the house. I'm pretty sure he had pretzels, tostitos and three sippy cups of chocolate soy milk for dinner. Plus, he watched two back-to-back movies, drew all over the pad of paper that comes with the game, and taped a Chinese food menu to my living room wall... oh well, it was a happy rainy day for him too. ;)
Simon slept in his swing, ate, slept some more and then ate again... and again. He was the life of the party, I tell you!
Today, it's back to being me vs. the two kids... so I'm sure there will be more to post about later. :) I'm hoping for more rain!
a) It meant my flowers and grass got watered, which I have been sadly very negligent in doing myself lately. In case you didn't know, brown geraniums aren't very attractive.
b) It meant I didn't feel like I had to be out in the world DOING something, whether that be running errands or making sure Ben got some time to play outside. When it's pretty out, even if it's hot, I always feel pressured to leave the house. Yesterday? Not so much.
We did get kind of bored though (Tom, more so than me). So I told him to call his brothers and see if they wanted to come over and play poker. It evolved into game day and my SIL and my probable future SIL (hi Sarah) ;) came too. We had a lot of fun playing Loaded Questions and eating junk food.
Of course, in order for Tom and I to be able to play, Benjamin had to be occupied, so we pretty much let him eat whatever he wanted, and have run of the house. I'm pretty sure he had pretzels, tostitos and three sippy cups of chocolate soy milk for dinner. Plus, he watched two back-to-back movies, drew all over the pad of paper that comes with the game, and taped a Chinese food menu to my living room wall... oh well, it was a happy rainy day for him too. ;)
Simon slept in his swing, ate, slept some more and then ate again... and again. He was the life of the party, I tell you!
Today, it's back to being me vs. the two kids... so I'm sure there will be more to post about later. :) I'm hoping for more rain!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Three Years Too Late, Buddy...
We just got the baby swing down from the attic. It's virtually brand spanking new because Benjamin HATED it. We used it maybe twice with him and for a total of about 3.5 minutes.
As I was wiping it off and putting batteries in it, Benjamin was all atwitter...
"What's THAT!?"
"I want to try it!"
"Wow!!"
"Let's turn it on!"
Then, once he realized it was for Simon, he wanted to PUSH it. Umm.. yeah, we had to nip that in the bud, lest little Simon go flying out across the living room.
The good news is that the baby seems to LOVE the swing and is contentedly sleeping in it as we speak. :) Hooray! We're finally getting our hundred bucks worth out of
it!
Edited to add: I was just looking at the link I posted above and reading some of the reviews of this swing... this particular one made me laugh: (read through #2) ;)
"My wife and I just retired our Ocean Wonders swing now that our son has outgrown it and I think that we all felt that it was tough to see it go back into the box. We found that a swing is invaluable for a baby for several reasons:
1. The swing really soothed our son and helped him fall asleep and establish a daily nap schedule.
2. Sometimes you need to restrain your little one while you do something frivolous for yourself like, oh I don't know - eat. But if he or she isn't strong enough to sit in a pack n play, then a swing fits the bill well.
3. If the swing has a mobile or some other point of interest attached, then your baby can begin learning to focus on, follow and reach for objects while playing in the swing.
"
As I was wiping it off and putting batteries in it, Benjamin was all atwitter...
"What's THAT!?"
"I want to try it!"
"Wow!!"
"Let's turn it on!"
Then, once he realized it was for Simon, he wanted to PUSH it. Umm.. yeah, we had to nip that in the bud, lest little Simon go flying out across the living room.
The good news is that the baby seems to LOVE the swing and is contentedly sleeping in it as we speak. :) Hooray! We're finally getting our hundred bucks worth out of
it!
Edited to add: I was just looking at the link I posted above and reading some of the reviews of this swing... this particular one made me laugh: (read through #2) ;)
"My wife and I just retired our Ocean Wonders swing now that our son has outgrown it and I think that we all felt that it was tough to see it go back into the box. We found that a swing is invaluable for a baby for several reasons:
1. The swing really soothed our son and helped him fall asleep and establish a daily nap schedule.
2. Sometimes you need to restrain your little one while you do something frivolous for yourself like, oh I don't know - eat. But if he or she isn't strong enough to sit in a pack n play, then a swing fits the bill well.
3. If the swing has a mobile or some other point of interest attached, then your baby can begin learning to focus on, follow and reach for objects while playing in the swing.
"
Sunday Morning Pictures...(most of which were actually taken Saturday night)
Seeing as I have nothign interesting to write about since it's only 7:30a.m. and both kids are sleeping, I present you with some more pictures...
"Watchoo talkin' about Willis?"
"Come to the dark side, baby brother..." (or, by popular demand: "Simon, I am your brother.")
Can't you just feel the 'laid backedness' oozing from this kid? I had just changed his diaper and changed him into his pajamas and he's just laying there like, "Hey, whatever!" ;) Btw, thanks to Aunt Krystyna for the pj's, which are part of his preemie collection and currently one of a small number of things in his wardrobe that actually fit. Funny story behind these jammies, they started out as a pink outfit... because my baby-gender-foolin' skills are just that good. ;)
"Watchoo talkin' about Willis?"
"Come to the dark side, baby brother..." (or, by popular demand: "Simon, I am your brother.")
Can't you just feel the 'laid backedness' oozing from this kid? I had just changed his diaper and changed him into his pajamas and he's just laying there like, "Hey, whatever!" ;) Btw, thanks to Aunt Krystyna for the pj's, which are part of his preemie collection and currently one of a small number of things in his wardrobe that actually fit. Funny story behind these jammies, they started out as a pink outfit... because my baby-gender-foolin' skills are just that good. ;)
Saturday, June 02, 2007
What's Old is New Again...
Simon rocking out under the singing Baby Einstein star... the song it plays is BURNED INTO MY BRAIN. I had blocked it out for a couple years, but now it's back...
Hey, up there, mommy!
Of course, big brother had to get in on the action...
But he doesn't remember this used to be HIS toy...
After all that fun, we stlll had the energy to do a few practice shots for the official monthday chair picture... obviously, Simon needs some practice with his "cheese" face...
Hey, up there, mommy!
Of course, big brother had to get in on the action...
But he doesn't remember this used to be HIS toy...
After all that fun, we stlll had the energy to do a few practice shots for the official monthday chair picture... obviously, Simon needs some practice with his "cheese" face...