May 2009

May 01

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACIE!!!!

One year ago today we held you for the first time and were overwhelmed with how lucky we were to have such a perfect baby girl!  On year later you:

• are trying to walk
• are learning new words
• are playing with Elijah
• will play independently
• love to dance
• can climb
• are sneaky
• smile easily
• love to cuddle
• still have eczema
• are night weaned
• love broccoli
• love chicken
• refused to every eat baby food
• can drink from a straw
• have a few signs down pat
• is very tolerant of Elijah's games where you are the dog...

Grace and I have had our first argument.  It went like this:

me: Look Grace, it's a plane.

Grace: bird?

me: Well, it flies like a bird, but it's a plane.

Grace: bird.

me: It's a plane sweetie.

Grace: Bird!

me: It's a plane.

Grace: BIRD!

I'm pretty sure that I lost.  Of course, she was riding in the car with Jerry and said, "plane."  (punk!)

Anyway, Happy Birthday Baby Girl!  I hope that you are as happy with us!  We sure love you!!!
 

May 02

First Birthday Party -- Gracie Style

We had cake!

and more cake...

and more cake

and played

and ate

All surrounded by friends!  It was really windy, but warm.  Overall a pretty darn good birthday!!

May 18

Grace's Well Child Check and VACATION!!!

I wrote a huge entry about Grace's Well Child Check Up, but stupid Windows Live Writer froze and it got lost in cyber world... sooo the gist:

Grace weighs in at 20 pounds (25-50%), is 29.5 inches tall (75%), and I can never remember her head size, but it's in the 50%.  She is all around well.  She does have low iron so we are on a Multi-vitamin with iron for her.  Her eczema is really bad, so we (after lots of talking!) broke down and got her a steroid creme.  I now feel like a total jerk for not getting it for her six months ago.  Overnight her eczema is gone.  We can only use it 5-7 days at a time and then have to take her off it for 4-5 days, but keep her lathered in the thickest lotion one has ever seen.  So far, GREAT!  So, I've made peace with it.  Two days after her appointment Grace took many independent steps, while on the ferry on vacation, she took off!  She is officially a walker now!

Okay VACATION!!!! WAHOO!!  (This is a REALLY long entry...but it's our whole vacation...so sorry in advance!)

We went to the Outer Banks hanging out in Kitty Hawk, to be more specific.  Here's how our week went (I will add an album of our week shortly!):

Saturday:  Got up bright and early to be on the road by 7:00 a.m.  We had to be at the ferry gate by 10:00 and made it there by 9:52.  Luckily we had pre-ordered our ticket as the ferry was full and if you didn't have a ticket, you were out of luck... or at least stuck waiting for the next ferry 3 hours away!  Elijah thought the ferry was the cat's meow and we spent the 2.5 hours wandering around talking about how the waves were generated, what a life buoy was, and why channel markers are VERY important!  We also saw a bunch of HUGE jelly fish (to which he informed me that it was okay, because the turtles will eat them...thanks Diego!) and some dolphins.  Grace found her sea legs and loved wandering around in the air conditioned part of the boat.  Afterward walking so much, Jerry and Grace took a nap in the car while Elijah and I explored the ferry yet some more!  Once we got off the first ferry, we raced to the next one.  This one was only 30 minutes.  So we hung out in the car.  Then it was a 1.5 hour drive to Kitty Hawk.  After unloading the car, Elijah, Grace, and I went to the pool and the playground on the grounds while Jerry went grocery shopping.

Sunday: We lazed around and explored the grounds a little more.  We went to the main rec area and checked e-mail and played around.  After lunch and a nap, we went to the beach for some afternoon playing.  Elijah got to stay up a little later and watch Finding Nemo (thanks for the movies Kristie!!!)

Monday: It was rainy and chilly.  So we decided to hit the aquarium.  Elijah was excited to see the "diving boys" in the tank and when we arrived we rushed to the big tank.  The question/answer time with the divers was over, which actually worked in our favor.  All the big groups were gone, but the divers were still in the tank cleaning.  So we got a front row seat to see the divers and the HUGE sharks.  I'm not sure you could pay me enough to be in there with those sharks.  Obviously the sharks knew what it was all about, they seemingly would swim by where all the people were standing and SMILE, showing off all 8703245 teeth they have!  My kids were FACINATED!  They loved it.  So after the divers finished cleaning, we went back to see all we had missed.  It was a good day.  Elijah and Grace were awesome!  So we stopped by the gift shop and Elijah got a souvenir of a truck with sharks on it!  cost: $23

Tuesday: The rain was gone, the sun was out and the temp was perfect at 67.  We hit the Roanoke Island Festival Park.  This is by far the best day we had!  This park has a replica of the Elizabeth II ship.  Complete with actors in New World garb and speaking in Old English-ish style.  This is all well and good, but I always don't know how to react...  Anyway, we had a nice visit with the boat, but that wasn't the end of it!  We walked a little way down a forest path and into an English settlement with tents and a blacksmith.  We were given a tour of the tents and then got penny nails made for us from the apprentice black smith.  (Fun fact: 100 nails cost a penny then...sounds cheap... not so much... one penny then is worth 100 DOLLARS today.  So nails were only used to hang doors.)  So THEN we walk up the trail a little more and there is a GREAT hands on museum.  We were greeted here by a museum worker who was thought that Elijah pretending to be a puppy was cute and totally played along.  She guided us through the whole museum, personally.  This museum ROCKED!  There were dress up clothes, boats to climb on, tents to walk through, a pirate that told funny stories from his ship, a general store, and a house.  There were interesting things for the parents to read and no one was saying, "NO DON'T TOUCH THAT!!!"  In fact, there were little hand prints and foot prints that led through the museum for kids to follow and to know that it was indeed ENCOURAGED to put their little grubby paws on things!  THEN we went out to a fossil digging area where you are encouraged to dig and sort through dirt to find sharks teeth and other various things.  Apparently there was even more to see, but we had to get the kiddos fed and napped.  The pass is good for two days and next time we will go back the second day for sure!  It was worth every penny!  cost: $16 (kids under 5 are FREE!!!)

Wednesday: Again, the weather was sunny and warm.  So we packed the kids up and headed up the coast to Corolla to the Currituck Lighthouse.  After a brief screw up in directions from yours truly we arrived at the lighthouse.  Elijah and I decided to climb to the top.  All well and good in thought... not so much in reality.  First, I forget how much I really don't like places that are high up.  Secondly, I had a 3 year old to worry about in addition, which was rather nerve wracking.  Walking up the stairs you can see through to below.  There is a space in between each stair and I was left wondering if it was indeed big enough for Elijah to slip through and down many stories... It didn't help that it goes around and around, making me not only wary of the height, but also rather dizzy.  But it was fine.  Elijah was GREAT going up.  He climbed all on his own (mostly with me holding onto his hand.)  We stopped at each landing that had a window and looked out.  When we got to the top we waved to Jerry and Grace.  Then we walked around the top.  Elijah was excited and wanted to stand on the bottom railing.  This left me wondering why the hell there was no plexiglass covering the whole top of the lighthouse.  So, of course, when I tried to pull him back, he had a massive breakdown.  I explained that it was very dangerous to be that close to the edge and it made mommy VERY nervous.  He then decided it was time to go back down and I was more than willing to oblige.  Of course, we had to wait for 5 of the slowest people in the world to finish climbing (there is really no room to pass at the top.)  Then it was down the lighthouse for us.  This started out okay and then Elijah realized that he could see all the way to the bottom and FREAKED out!  He got scared.  He wanted me to carry him.  My legs were already sore from climbing the 8 million stairs to the top, no way was I going to carry him all the way down.  So we stopped on a landing and I hugged him and reassured him that it was fine and I would hold his hand.  What tickled me was what got him to agree to walk down.  I told him we could count the stairs in between each landing.  This seemed like a great idea to him and he made it all the way to the next to the last landing, where he suddenly declared (very loudly) that he had to pee!  Screw the tired legs, I scooped him up, waited for some dazed looking children to hurry the hell up the stairs and ran him down the stairs, stopping only to pick up a sticker that said we climbed to the top, and ran him to the bathroom, where he peed in the toilet without incident!  We then walked back to Jerry and Grace and I went in to the gift shop and got a little snow globe for Elijah.  I was very proud of him!  We took a stroll out to the sound and then headed for some food and back to the condo for some naps.  cost: $12 (including admission to the lighthouse and souvenir)

Thursday: Warm, sunny, and WINDY!  We headed to the Wright Brother Memorial.  I have to say, that this is not a great place to take kids.  Well, I shouldn't say that...it's not a great museum to take kids.  Elijah wanted to see the big plane.  They were giving a lecture where the big plane was... we had to leave the area, Elijah broke down.  BUT I got him excited by (foolishly) coercing him into a race to the top of the monument.  So, once he agreed, I had to actually do it!  SO, Elijah and I raced to the top of the monument.  I am still feeling the soreness in my thighs from the lighthouse climb and the shin splints from running up a big-ass hill...sigh... Anyway, it was fun.  Even more windy at the top.  But great view.  After hanging out up there for a bit (read, catching my breath) we RAN down the hill to meet Jerry and Grace at the airplane sculpture.  This is where you should go if you bring children here.  The kids can climb on the plane and hang on the figure and all around get all the sillies out.  In fact, had I known it was back there, we may have forgone the museum all together.  Though there are some interesting things in there and SOME hands on stuff, but not a lot.  So the day redeemed itself at the end.  cost: $14 (including a 7 day pass to the park (wish we had known this beforehand as well.  We would have gotten it at the beginning of the week and gone a couple more times for the kids to play) and a souvenir.)

Friday: This was our last day on the islands.  What better way to spend the day than climbing up Jockey's Ridge.  The climb is tedious and there is no easy way to get up on top.  Don't be fooled.  But I think it's worth it.  You climb up these huge dunes and really see how thin these islands are.  From the top you can see the sound and the beach.  And regardless that there were three school groups there, you can completely feel very isolated.   We took some sand toys up.  This is where people hang glide as well.  We happened to be there on the first day of a hang gliding festival.  Unfortunately, Elijah got antsy so we only got to see some practice flights as they tested where the best take off place would be.  Some of the high schoolers that were there were sliding down the dunes.  Elijah wanted to slide down SO much.  So I thought, what the heck.  I walked down in front of him and since he didn't have anything to slide down on except for his tush, he scootched down the whole way.  But he thought he was something else!  He smiled the whole time and laughed!  So it was good.  At the bottom, he wanted to go back and do it again, but with bribes of going to the beach, he left willingly enough.  cost: free!

Saturday: Our trip home was uneventful (thankfully!)  We drove all the way back and for this I'm thankful.  1) it is really hard to schedule the long ferry ride.  If you don't make it you are stuck for 3 hours and that's saying the next ferry isn't booked.  You can only get on and off of Okracoke Island by boat.  2) it was raining and rough water...not so much for Erin.  So we drove.  It's only about 5 hours, but that's a bit of a trip with kids and only a few rest stops.  Nevertheless, it was fine.  Elijah entertained us the last leg of the trip with made up songs about: bedtime, bears, a twinkle twinkle little star remix, good and bad dinosaurs, mama and dadu raccoons, peeing and pooping.  He also made up some stories that he "read" from some construction paper that he had in his little pack (can I just say this was a handy little investment and I filled it with things for him to do including: coloring books, chalk, crayons, dry erase markers, books, lacing cards, and toys!  Got one for Grace too!)

Overall VERY good vacation.  Busy, but you have to be with kids or they get bored and then you go crazy.  We also utilized the resort's indoor pool a few times, as well as their video rentals.  The costs I included did not included the MANY times we ate out, but I thought that we did A LOT of stuff for not a lot of money!  Best kind of vacation!!

May 24

Another good week

my folks left yesterday morning.  They arrived last Sunday for a visit.  It was a quick adjustment to come home from vacation then to dive into hostess, but my folks stayed at a hotel this visit and this allowed for a little more downtime in the evening and waking up time in the morning.  Unfortunately, the weather wasn't as nice as it could have been, but it's all good.  We hung around the house on Monday.  Tuesday we had soccer, so mom and dad played with Elijah and Grace for the morning.  Right before we left for soccer mom and I went to get the right sized bolts for the baby bike seat.  Wednesday was a HUGE day.  Elijah had his first dentist appointment.  I was very nervous since he would NOT open his mouth for the doctor at his 3 year old well child check.  I also thought that they would simply look at his teeth and count them and make sure everything was okay.  HE DID GREAT!   I was SO proud!!  I seriously almost cried! not only did he let them look at his teeth, he let them polish them, and floss them!  We decided to just bring him to our dentist instead of a pediatric dentist because of insurance and convenience.  They said that if there were any problems then they would refer us to a pediatric dentist, but his teeth were perfect!  He got to choose two toys from the treasure chest and got a new toothbrush.  My folks then took him down to a local cafe while I had my teeth cleaned.  Turns out that I had a cavity.  But the scheduled me in for 8 the next morning.  So Thursday I went in and had the filling, then I went to the cafe until about 9:15.  At 9:30 I had an appointment to tour the preschool where we may send Elijah.  We are looking for a year from August.  But I want to start looking now so we can start putting money in Jerry's flex spending account at work.  This one is in a church about 10 minutes from our house.  It's 9-12 (or 1 if we pay an extra fee per month) 5 days a week.  Our biggest thing is to get him comfy around teachers and other peers.  They do a lot of learning through play which is a big deal for us.  I'm excited for him, and a little sad since it means my little guy is growing up. Thursday was also our 9th anniversary! Friday morning was spent at the beach.  Mostly because it was the first day that it wasn't freezing cold or raining.  My daughter has no fear!  This child LOVES the water.  We had to bring her out after about 10 minutes because it wasn't THAT warm yet, but she was fascinated.   And her confidence wore off on Elijah a little bit.  He came into the water as well.  I decided, though, that it would be really hard to take them together on my own.  So it will be a rare day that we go by ourselves.  Not that the beach is that fun without at least another adult.  So we got back, ate lunch, and I sent the kiddos off to nap while I got ready for an actual DATE!  Jerry and I went to see Angels and Demons while mom and dad took the kiddos to a local free family concert.  We met up afterward for dinner and ice cream.  Elijah did not fall asleep until 10:00!!!  And then woke up at 6:45 on Saturday...WTF?  SO anyway, with grouchy toddler in tow we met mom and dad for breakfast before they hit the road.  I got my lawn mowed.  Dad weed whacked my back yard.  I ALMOST have the pool rid of algae.  Overall life is good.  We have ordered a new mower, an electric one with a cord.  I love our reel mower, but it's already getting SO hot...so this is another option.  I really wanted a battery powered one, but the one I want is REALLY expensive, so this is something that we know how to use and it will be easier than the reel mower and still low emissions.  So hopefully it will all be good!  Our garden is looking better.  It rained so much that all the nutrients in the soil washed out, so we fertilized and sprayed the worm poop on there a few times and it's looking much better.  I'll get pics soon!  okay... I'm going to go enjoy the fact that Jerry has an extra day off this weekend and watch a totally brain candy movie!!!

May 31

Curiosity Killed the Cat...

but satisfaction brought him back right?  I hope the same is true for little boys.  Elijah has entered the question stage.  This is all well and good, I really try to encourage questions asked and finding answers... but there really should be a limited on questions asked before 9 in the morning!

It's actually all good.  Here is a sampling of the questions we have been getting lately:

• What's that?  (pointing to random things... most frustrating is while in the car and I can't see what he's pointing to... the question increases in volume and intensity until I, thinking my head is going to explode risk the lives of myself and our children to see what the hell he is pointing to only to find that whatever he was pointing to is gone since he started pointing to it 5 minutes ago.)
• What's that train/plane/truck/car/bird/bug/tree (you get the idea) does? (Yes, the grammar is bad, I try to restate the question correctly, but he doesn't get it...yet... sigh, this question seems to be easy right?  Not so much.  I have tried saying the following, "What do you think it does?" (response: I don't know mommy, what it does?) "It takes people places." (response: WHERE?) and finally, "I don't know!" (response: why you not know mommy...) sigh... also, Air Force One does touch and go practice once a month here.  I made the mistake of telling Elijah that it was Barack Obama's plane, so through in the mix of this, "Mommy is that Orock Omama's plane?" "Yes it is." "Where he going?"  lather, rinse, repeat....)
• Why? (I ask myself this question often... At least, thus far (KNOCK ON WOOD) it is usually just one why, I try really hard to come up with good answers as to nip the 9835769 whys in the bud, but we'll see...)
• Where does steam/smoke/rain/thunder/lightening come from? (again, try to answer as best I can... have had the Why question follow these...)
• Will you/Gracie/Dadoo play with me?  (I love this question, because he really just wants you to sit on the floor with him.  But he comes up with the best stories during his playing.  You will get dressed up as a fire boy or ride in a plane or build a dumping trash garage, but it's totally worth it!  Grace ends up getting distracted within a few minutes.  He will also ask me if others can play with him.  I tell him it's not up to me.  He needs to ask that person.  This is probably my favorite question.)

This stage is definitely keeping me on my toes, but I love that he gets it and remembers things we tell him/he sees.  At the same time, it makes me a little sad.  He's growing up (literally and figuratively) SO quick.  He really has only been speaking understandable sentences for a year.  It's CRAZY!  Sigh... My little guy...

May 2008

May 01

WELCOME GRACIE!!!!!!!!

Grace Hannah Jones was born this morning at 10:02 a.m.!

I started having contractions at 3:30 this morning and we arrived at the hospital at 5:30.  We were 6-7 cm.  After not much progress we had the water broken at 8-ish and then progressed quickly.  Around 9:50 my midwife got me to turn over on my hands and knees and Grace thought that was the cat's meow.  She actually started to come out on her own much to everyone's surprise.  I rolled to my side and gave two big (and rather painful) pushes and Grace was born at 10:02 (Jerry called 10 give or take...)

We are all doing well.  I'm a bit sore as I had a small tear and well, she wasn't small.

So her stats:

8 pounds 9 ounces

21 3/4 inches long

13 inch head circ.

She was exactly one week early!!!

We'll add pics tomorrow after we get home!

May 05

2 day check (really four, but who's counting?)

So we went in for a check up this morning.  Grace is almost back up to her birth weight.  She is, however, having a little jaundice.  Jerry and I don't think as bad as Elijah, but it's hard to tell.  We've had her in the sun and what not and hopefully, the levels won't be too high.  She is a breastfeeding champ and, while I am rather sore (forgot about all this!) her eating habits are only going to help.

It's funny about your second kid.  You're not as concerned.  I've actually slept.  She wakes up and I roll onto my side and feed her (didn't get that down with Elijah until he was MUCH older!) and go back to sleep.  Granted she's only 4 days old, and things will definitely change, she's very good.  She likes to be cuddled, but is also content hanging on her own.

Elijah loves to hold her, though gets over it a little faster (unless it's bed time...) but he tells us "all done holding baby Grace."  At least he doesn't just stand up with her still on his lap.  not that we are ever far away, but still.  He is still adjusting to not being the center of attention, but this too shall pass.  Or not... (he just threw a straw at me... punk!)

Anyway, we are doing well.  I'll update about the jaundice after we hear from the doc!  At least it's nice out!!!!

May 06

yeah, so....

Her bilrubin levels were fairly high.  Normal would have been around 12... her's were around 21.9.  So we went to the hospital yesterday and into photo therapy we went.  I stayed the night at the hospital with Grace while Jerry was home with Elijah.  I have to say that both our kids were troopers.  Elijah was dragged around the whole day to the doc's and then to the boring hospital... though we did discover the really cool playroom on the peds unit and Elijah had fun playing in there.  So over the night her levels went down and this morning they took her completely off the lights.  She did so well.  She would come out to nurse and then back into the little case with her little shades on...really sad, but she did well.  It was great to be able to take her out permanently this morning.  We tried to keep her in the natural light of the windows as much as possible today.  her levels still dropped!  So we are home.  Tomorrow we have to go back to get her levels checked and meet with the ped.  I hoping, beyond hope, that this is over.  I'm ready to be home and work on adjusting to being a four person family.

Our playgroup has rocked and they are providing us with lots of yummy food!  So, that's that for now.  I'm beat and will probably turn in after American Idol (though I haven't been that impressed yet and I may end up passing out in the recliner... that would be okay too!

May 08

up and down and up and down

Grace's bilirubin levels went back up with yesterday's check.  SO this morning it was BACK to the doc's for the orders to have more blood drawn and then BACK to the medical mall (with all the sick people hacking up lungs and wanting to look at my baby...are you KIDDING me with this?) to have Grace's heel pricked AGAIN.  This afternoon the results are good.  The levels went back down.  They should have considering I was nursing her constantly yesterday and we had her in sun for the majority of the day.  So we are done until next Thursday when Grace will have her 2 week appointment.  I was so freakin' tired this morning.  I was having to talk to myself in the car to stay alert.

At the medical mall the lady who took Grace's blood told me her life story, or rather the story of her brother's life and how she is a great great aunt at 40-something because everyone starting with her brother is having babies at like 14 or something stupid.  I just wanted to tell her that I really didn't care and just wanted to go home and maybe someone should talk to these kids about condoms... I mean seriously... I'm 32 and both of our pregnancies were planned (though Jerry says he was tricked with Grace...WHATEVER!) and we feel like the timing was right.  Why on God's earth, would I want to hear about this woman's family?

ANYWAY, that's a quick update on the first week of Grace's life (Happy one week baby girl!!!)  I'll post pics soon.  I promise...

May 11

HAPPY MOMMY's DAY!!!!

Since my birthday, Elijah has been going around singing Happy Mommy (to the tune-ish of Happy Birthday) and today was no exception.  Jerry (and the kids) got me the complete Gilmore Girls series!!!  Wahoo!!!  I love Gilmore Girls!  We were going to go our for breakfast, but it is pouring rain, so Jerry went and got me cinnamon raisin biscuits from Hardess (Love 'em!!)  Which was nice, since I really didn't want to get dressed either....hehehehe...

Now we are just chilling.  Jerry's folks got Elijah this matchbox cars car wash toy thingy a while back, and we thought that he was too young at the time.  But he's proved he's a big boy, so he got to have it today (sans the bubbles...bubbles are for outside!)  And he is quite enthralled by it.  GREAT!

Grace is doing well.  She sleeps, eats, and poops, with a few hours of awake time thrown in.  Overall, so far (all 9 days of her little life) she's pretty mellow.  Her hiccups that she seemed to have constantly in utero have followed her into her little out of the womb life.  poor thing.  Though it doesn't seem to bother her really.  She's all wrapped up like a burrito right now and making little mouse-y noises... very cute!

so Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there!!

May 13

I'm the mother of a toddler and an infant...

How did this happen?  sigh...

Let me explain, that I was eating breakfast in the small window of Grace's morning nap.  Elijah had already eaten.  When he has markers and says he's "playing choo choo"  it usually means that he is putting them together end to end and moving them as one big unit.... not this...

sigh... what am I going to do when Jerry goes back to work?  I still haven't figured out nap time yet... I'm trying not to stress, but I NEED Elijah to take a nap, so that I can get some rest too... we'll see...

For now, I just have to laugh and be thankful that I spent the extra dollar to get the washable makers... At least he cleaned it up without a problem... why didn't we get a picture of that?

May 15

2 week check up

So the girl child had her 2 week check this morning.  She is weighing in at 9.2 pounds.  She has Mongolian spots, Stork bites, and Baby Acne.  All these are fine just baby things.  Her jaundice is better.  She's still a little yellow, but her eyes are almost completely clear which is really good!!!  She is healthy.  Elijah was more of a hassle during the appointment than Grace.  He's just got so much energy.

So we went to the park to meet up with the playgroup after the appointment.  Jerry came too so that was REALLY helpful.  I don't think I'll be up to going by myself anytime, but we'll see.  I'm really not supposed to be lifting Elijah, but as of tomorrow Jerry is back at work (though he is at home) and his schedule is changing for reasons that will be a whole different post at a later date, so he is now working four 10 hour days (Friday- Monday) and I'll need to lift Elijah for various reasons.  (That was a total run on!)  ANYWAY, it was fun seeing our friends.  Rachel and Erin also came with MR and the twins, so that was good (Erin and Jerry got to hang out and not be bored by the ladies.)  It was really nice.

That's about it.   Elijah's naps are not going well... but again another post.  I will leave with this picture.  It's in the album, but I just love it.   Elijah's baby holding time was cut short due to Grace wanting to eat and whatnot, so he got to snuggle her in bed while he had stories and songs.  It's just too freakin' cute!!!!

May 21

8 years and counting

Today is our 8 year anniversary!  Wahoo!  How are we celebrating one might ask... Well, Jerry is sick, as is Elijah and I fear that Grace may have gotten this cold-ish thing too...sigh...  Jerry is working today (long story about his schedule continuing to change... once it's all settled I'll post about it all...)Elijah is playing with Play-Doh and Grace is chilling on her play mat.  So that is how the day is going thus far.  Not really a big deal.  Since Jerry worked this past weekend, he is taking tomorrow and Friday off.  Maybe we'll do something fun.  We are going to a cookout on Saturday (pending the wellness of everyone in the fam) so that'll be fun.

That's it really.

I'm working on some gifts for Mother's Day (I know we're late), Father's Day, and my folks Anniversary (38 years!!!) And there's a little girl crying for some mama's milk...so I'm off!

May 23

Friday Friday!

So, Jerry is off today.  We went to Fit For Fun this morning.  It was nice.  We ran into some friends of ours.  It was a nice day outside, but I really needed to get out of the house and I had a ton of yarn to donate to them.  I went through all my yarn the other day and cut it down by half.  I needed the storage container for clothes that Grace can't fit into yet.  Also, I think it would take me years upon years to actually use all that yarn.  Anyway, they were thrilled to get it and gave us a free pass for the day.  Really nice!  The place was not crowded and Elijah had fun playing and I didn't feel like everyone was staring at me when I (discreetly) nursed Grace.

So some cute things that have been happening around the house lately:

--Elijah comes into my room at 1 in the morning (may not sound so cute, but wait for it) crawls in bed next to me and Grace and says, "mommy, hold baby," lies down and goes back to sleep.

--Elijah was watching the end of Reading Rainbow, in which there was a video of an older sibling reading to a younger one, Elijah jumps out of the chair runs to the library book bag, grabs a book, and says, " 'ijah 'ead baby 'racie."  Almost cried at that one.

--Grace makes little pterodactyl noises and if Elijah is holding her, he makes the noises right back to her.

--While lying in bed Elijah had his arm under Grace's head.  She started to stir and he reaches over and gently pats her tummy to soothe her.

--While putting Elijah to bed, we sing songs (Twinkle Twinkle and Row Row Row Your Boat) and sign them.  Elijah has been allowed to have Grace in bed during this time.  Last night, he picked up sleeping Grace's hand and tried to help her do the signs to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star... little teary eyed at that too.

--Elijah was in the room the other day while I was changing clothes.  He walked up to me and pointed to my chest and said, "Mommy!  Two mommy's milks!"  I about passed out from laughing to hard...he was soooo serious about it.

--Every time we pass a truck/train track/school bus/airport... Elijah says, "Oneday, 'iljah ride [insert mode of transportation]?"  I seriously doubt that by the time he actually rides the school bus, he will be as excited about it.

--Grace's acne is starting to clear up, she throws her arms and legs around and is overall, a peaceful baby.  She can hold her head up and look around while we are holding her in the upright position.  She is definitely gaining weight and is just a cute little kiddo.

--Elijah and Grace and I all take a nap in the big bed.  I love being in there with my two sleeping kiddos.  I've been watching Gilmore Girls while they sleep...but it's hard to concentrate on the TV, when I am surrounded by such cuteness!

--Elijah will come and tell us before he going to poop, whilst he is pooping, and after the fact, BUT still not on the potty...though I guess it's progress.

--Wanting to play in the pool is " 'iljah p'ay in the poos!"  Which is hilarious...and a little disturbing to an outsider... but seriously, he just wants to play in the pool.

I have to remember these moments when I'm about to loose it with Elijah.  I know that most of my annoyances with Elijah are due to being tired and having a newborn here as well.  Of course, it is also in part that Elijah is two and acting every bit of it.  His little memory is so good and he is really starting to push buttons.  I know that he really wants attention, regardless of if it's negative or positive attention.  There are things that I ignore, but if he is doing something that will hurt him or something expensive (like the computer) he does get 3 warnings/chances to make good choices and then it's off to time out.  We both try to give him undivided attention during the day, but that's difficult for me with an infant attached to the boob.  This too shall pass.  He is really good with Grace and wants to hold her and rock her and everything else.  I don't want that to pass.

May 28

there now...

new pics added...

the weekend was fun.  we went to a cookout on saturday and that was about it.  elijah and grace are doing well.  we're all tired i think.  but that comes with the territory.  that' it for now.  just wanted to appease some people that have been asking for them...ahem...

May 31

i survived!

I made it two whole days on my own!  We even went to playgroup on Thursday...with brownies I made that morning!  HA!  Friday my friend Amy came over for a quick lunch and to meet Gracie.  She brought Elijah sand pails with shovels and goldfish.  It's all he talked about the rest of the day!  Thanks Amy!

Today we went to see Erin and Rachel and their kiddos.  Man the twins got big!  I miss hanging out with them!  But as I feel more confident with both Elijah and Grace by myself, I can go over and hang.  Jerry helped with a computer problem and we had lunch.  Elijah and MR hadn't seen each other in sooo long, so that was good for them.  Grace was totally chill the whole time, which was good too!

My folks get here on Tuesday.  I am sure we will hit the beach a couple of times (if I can possibly function in the morning at all...) and hang out here during the heat of the day.

(Going backwards here!) Kate and Kristie came over on Wednesday with their kiddos to play and see Grace.  Kristie and her sister have an online store with the cutest freaking kid's clothes!  Check them out!  She brought me a tie dye, a long sleeved onesie with leaves on it, and another onesie with her name on it.  I'm sure I' will take pics of them sometime...  Anyway, it was a good day and the kids all played well.  Elijah talked about them the rest of the day....though he clung to me the first half hour they were here.

Jerry will be back soon with dinner.  We have been really bad lately, so this weekend is the end of it all.  Starting Monday we are back to only eating out once a week (he says on free kid day!) and eating more salads and stuff here.  I mean I'm losing the weight from the breastfeeding, but I need to eat better.  We were really doing well while I was preggo....then we just stopped.  Maybe my folks and I can go to the farmers market while they are here and I can get some yummy fresh veggies.  That would be good!

Okay... that's all...well, it's not, but for now.  I added pics...before anyone could say anything (anyone that will be here in a few days!!! WAHOO!)

March 2008

March 04

super fast

just thought i'd blog really quick.  we are under all sorts of watches and warnings.  it's been super warm today (75) and windy and now it is storming and windy as well...hence the tornado watch and severe storm warning.  i just wish this had come through during the day.  elijah is totally freaked out.  of course all this thunder started right as he was going to bed.  poor little guy is scared.  jerry is snuggling him in the big bed for now.

very exciting news, though, our swing set arrived today!  i can't believe it got here so fast.  i just ordered it last wednesday... we were expecting it at the end of the month. SWEET!  i got a picnic table for the munchkin off of craig's list this past weekend.

today, elijah and i went to costco and picked up some things for rachel and erin since he's in school and working and she's got the twin belly going on... i mean why not?  we were going anyway.  anything to help out.  but anyway, we got to their house and MR came out and started running around in circles of happiness to see Elijah and he just stood there for a minute.  i looked at him and said, "well, are you going to say hi?"  elijah looked at me and proceeded to pull his pants down.  it was freakin' hilarious.  we were all laughing our butts off... what the heck kid?  finally we moved on into the house and the kids spent most of the time running up and down the hall and then coming a crashing in to their parent.  it was quite amusing.

my folks arrive on thursday!!  we have a play date tomorrow and then playgroup on thursday.  jerry is taking thursday through monday off!!!  i'm really excited about this weekend.  the weather is supposed to be sunny, but chilly.  i don't even care.  it could snow and i would be alright with it... well maybe not snow... but ya know.

it seems like there was something else i was going to blog about, but i can't remember what it is...ahhh, pregnancy brain.  okay, i'd better go disconnect the computer before this storm gets too close...

just gotta explain these pics...  the first one:  elijah has figured out how to turn on his lamp on top of his toy chest/bookcase... this is how we found out how he does it...sigh...

the second pic:  this is how i found elijah when i went in to check on him before going to bed.  what a sweet little kiddo... anyway... that's that...  i added other pics to his 2 year album.

March 12

Surprises and the Babymoon

So my folks got here on Thursday.  We went to a local amusement park on Friday morning that has an indoor toddler playroom since it was POURING rain.  Friday evening I was supposed to go out with the ladies from our playgroup for one last MNO before Rachel has the twins... but it turns out that the MNO was a SUPRISE baby shower for me!  Everyone was in on it... I couldn't believe it!  We went out to dinner and then Carmen opened her store and we had a little party in there.  It was sooooo much fun!  I love being surrounded by such a positive mom force.  I know we don't always agree on everything and we all have different parenting styles, but regardless, all the women in our group are so accepting and supportive.  I feel very blessed.  I was given many fabulous gifts!  A very nice way to start off a great weekend.

So Saturrday morning, Jerry and I went to Cracker Barrell for breakfast.  It was very nice to not have to sit there and entertain a toddler while waiting for the food to arrive.  After that we hit the road to Myrtle Beach.  When we got to our condo, we were WAY early, but they let us check in anyway.  Very nice.  We were on the 17th floor across from the ocean.

  It was very nice!  The weather was rather cold and windy though... I didn't care!  We went to Broadway on the Beach for lunch and then saw 10,000 BC...not a good movie, but once again...didn't care!  We got some food and went back to the condo and did NOTHING!!!!  It was so nice!  Jerry slept until 10 on Sunday (I was up at 7 due to a starving belly, but after I ate, I sat around and watched movies...)  After Jerry got up we went to the outlet mall and walked around and had lunch.  My folks arrived around 2 with Elijah, so we went back into parent mode.

We met the parents for dinner and then came back to the condo.  Elijah had pretty much skipped his nap, so it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to put him down.  On Monday, we dropped Elijah off with my folks for a couple of hours and just sat around Atlanta Bread Company and talked to each other.  It was very nice indeed.  Now we are home and back to the daily grind...sigh...

My folks had a very easy time with Elijah and I think that everyone feels even more prepared for Grace's arrival.  Elijah only woke up at 5:30 and mom  crawled into our bed with him and he went back to sleep.  WAHOO!!!

Oh, I forgot!  The swing set arrived and has been assembled thanks to my dad and Jerry (incidentally Tom and Jerry...hehehehehe) We haven't anchored it yet, because we need to mow under it and adjust a few things, but it's all good!  Yesterday I went and picked up a basketball hoop (the little outdoor kind) from a guy selling it for 5 bucks on Craigslist.  When I got there, he said I could just have it!!  How nice!  So I think we are all good for entertainment for Elijah for a while.  I will pick up a wading pool as the weather gets warmer, but that's it for the back yard.

Okay, we have some friends coming over for a play date this morning.  I guess I should try to look alive by the time they get here!  I'll upload pics of the view and the swing set later.

March 16

How does this work?

So on Friday we go for our midwife appointment.  I actually only gained .2 pounds in two weeks.  So, I'm feeling pretty good about things.  Thinking grace just had a growth spurt a while back and that's where the weight gain came from.  Two weeks ago I was 30 weeks pregnant and measuring 31 weeks.  This week I am 32 (ish) weeks pregnant and I am measuring 35 weeks!!!  How is it possible to grow tummy-wise and not gain but .2 pounds!?!?!?!  Whatever!  Anyway, now we are almost 33 weeks and here is a pic of me now and a pic of me with Elijah at 33 weeks and 4 days...

I guess I'm not that much bigger.  I can't believe how much lower he was already.  Mary (the midwife) thinks that Grace will come early and my labor will be shorter.  We'll see.  I think she is nervous about not making it to the hospital on time (she lives a little farther away.)  We went over our birthing plan and Elijah's birth story.  She wants us to call her immediately if we feel like we are going into labor.  Told her not to worry... I don't want Jo Shmoe the doc delivering our kiddo.  So we are seeing her again in 2 weeks and we'll start pelvics then.  Grace is head down and I fell like she's trying to jam her way down into my cervix, but as the picture shows she is still higher.  It's all good!  She'll come out when she's good and ready (just hopefully not 234897071238947980754 pounds!)

Okay, dinner is ready.  There are other things to blog about, but I wanted to post these since I had requests for them!

March 18

How to say goodnight....

I know the video is long, but I think it's rather funny.  I walked back into Elijah's room the other day to find this...please note that we do NOT cover our child with toys at night... We have no clue where he picked this up, but he does the same thing for his dolls.  One can only hope that he won't do this to Grace...sigh....

March 27

Easter and play dates and babies, oh my!

So I got a call during breakfast Easter morning that Rachel had her twins!  Baby girl was 5 pounds 13 ounces and baby boy was 7 pounds 6 ounces!!!!  that's a lot of baby!!!  They came home on Monday night and all are doing well.  They are super cute and so little!!!

We went up to see Jerry's folks for Easter and his sister and her kids were there.  I totally forgot my camera...sigh... but they all had fun!

We have been so busy with play dates this week.  But it's been soooo nice out that I'm glad we were able to get out and play with friends!  I went over and helped out with MR this morning while Rachel and Erin took the twins in for a check up.  Rachel's brother was there, so that was nice.  We took the kiddos to a local park.  I don't understand people that think that it's okay to bring their really big dogs to a park and let them run loose.  I don't care how nice your dog is, if a kid is scared of a dog, the last thing they want is one running straight at them.  Sigh... we ended up leaving sooner than anticipated because of these people.  Sigh... oh well.  The kids still had fun playing and it was nice to visit with Rachel's bro.... (very nice of her to have the twins while he was on Spring Break...hehehehe!)

Elijah is sacked out.  But I have a feeling it won't be for much longer.  So I'll add some pics and relax a bit myself!  Hope you are having the same great weather we are!! (74 degrees baby!!!!!)

March 31

So yeah...

I'm definitely bigger.  Megan is right... I just wanted to live in a delusional world.  My skin on my belly actually hurts.  It feels bruised... oh poor me...  I am supposed to be taking it easy in the words of our midwife.  Not so easy when your toddler thinks it is funny to run away from you and then stop to see that you are coming after him and then take off again...sigh.  This week may be the last playgroup we go to for a bit.   There is a birthday celebration on that day... and it's actually supposed to not be raining.  I know we need the rain, but I'm going a little insane with the kiddo in the house.  I sent him out to play in boots and a raincoat this morning (I mean it's 60-something degrees...)  This afternoon we jumped in puddles and got some swinging in between showers.

I had this grand plan to make a bunch of all in one diapers to sell in the store, but I realized I needed fleece and not flannel and so I have all this super cute snuggle flannel that's just been sitting around.  What's more is that the snuggle flannel is on sale again for 2 bucks a yard and man I just want to buy it.  It really is the cutest stuff ever.  So, since I don't want Jerry to divorce me, I had to come up with something to do with all this flannel.  I came up with Snuggle Buddies.  I have made bunnies and bears.  They are really cute if I do say so myself.  I have a big and little one of each.  They are pretty much just stuffed and then I stitch on detail.  I'll get pics soon and post them here.  I think that I can sell them fro fairly cheap.  I mean I'm using less than a yard of fabric for two (one small and one big) and then the embroidery thread is a whooping 20 cents.  The fill is 4 bucks a bag and I use about half a bag per 2... so ya know.  They would be cute shower gifts or a gift for a sibling...maybe the sibling could give the smaller one to the new addition...  Jerry thought about making many different sizes akin to those stickers you see on the back of cars showing the family members.  All good thoughts....

Going back to being huge... What gives the general public the right to comment on a pregnant woman's size?  I was standing in line at JoAnne's and the cashier asked when I was due.  I've just started saying soon... you say May and they look at you like your an alien.  This woman a couple people behind me said, "well you must be having twins."  "Nope...just the one..."

I don't mind my friends talking about my size, but random people on the street... "Wow, you are HUGE!"  I mean you honestly wouldn't go up to someone and say, "Wow!  Your butt is HUGE!"  I mean you honestly can't hear it enough.  I know Rachel had it hard... though she had some good comments.  After telling someone her twins were a boy and a girl and STILL they asked,  "Are they identical?"  (this honestly happened more than once.)  Rachel would say, "Not from the waist down."  I mean people honestly just don't think before speaking.  I mean I know that I'm big.  I am carrying this little girl all up front.  Her feet are actually on top of my ribs.  Elijah liked to stuff his feet under my ribs.  She is head down though and her head is nestled down into my pelvis.  My mom is coming down next Thursday and staying until after the baby is born.  We have an appointment next Friday.  Mary the midwife will do a pelvic and do the Strep B test.  So we'll see if anything is happening.  We walked around Target this weekend and man I had to sit down through some contractions.  Braxton Hicks I rarely feel.  I have to actually have my hand on my tummy to feel the tightening.  But nothing consistent.  I'll be 36 weeks when we go in... so we'll see.  I practice squats in the shower, and I honestly feel like her head is just going to come right on out.  (Sorry hope that's not TMI!)  I guess it would be nice for her to come out nice and quickly, but I would prefer to make it to the hospital!

On the toddler front.  Last week I sucked it up and started making Elijah go to sleep for nap in his own bed.  I had been rocking him and I really like that time with him.  It's our cuddle time and most of the time I just fall asleep for a bit with him and then put him into his bed.  So it wasn't going great.  I was putting him in our bed and cuddling him.  This weekend, my super smart husband just made his nap time routine match his bedtime routine... duh!!  So it works great!  We have a little relaxing time in the big chair (usually watching 15 minutes of Curious George) and then he picks out 2 books, I read them, sing him a song, cover him up and leave.  We were sitting in the room a couple of days.  I asked him today if he wanted me to stay in there and he said, "No, bye-bye mommy."  I gave him a kiss and left the room... 10 minutes later...  I probably shouldn't write this...he'll probably not do this anymore!  But it's nice.  I will miss our little snuggles, but I'm glad that this wasn't a struggle we had to deal with after Grace arrives.  Not that there won't be regression on every front, but alas alack...

Okay... that's all for now.

September 2006

September 01

Drum roll please....

Elijah is crawling!  Well, kind of!  He crawls toward things he isn't supposed to touch.  He also crawls a few crawls realizes he's within lunging distance and lunges. I think this is the funniest.  But it works for him.  He can push up from his tummy into sitting guess he figures he doesn't need to crawl all the way to whatever it is.   For the past two days he's been trying the crawling thing out, and today was the most he has done yet.  I am sure it is just a matter of days before he is off and running.  We still are completely childproofed.  I can't find a cord keeper kind of thing for the abundance of cords around the TV area.  And we need a baby gate.  But I think that's it.  So that's the news for today!
Now for a bit of soap boxing.  Not much really...I read this article in the NY Times about corporations and breast feeding.  SIGH....  I am just disgusted at the way corporations treat there less educated, lower salaried employees.  Okay, that's really it...I just can't write about it now.  The article is well written and makes very good points....  I'm going to go watch my kid try to crawl some more...
September 04

Big Yawn

Yes, the crawling is GREAT!  He's so funny!  We are going to be getting our exercise casing him soon.  Right now he really seems very content to stay on his mat in the living room (we expanded from number to letters...) He really likes to crawl to the entertainment center, which has a glass front, so I tried making barricades...yeah, that didn't work...we'll think of something.  I guess we could take the glass door off, but then all the components are exposed...it's not the end of the world....
I have read and heard that once a baby learns a new skill they want to stay up and practice and all I could think of was not my perfect angel....YEAH RIGHT!!!  Friday night, Elijah didn't go to sleep until 3 a.m.!!!!  It was like college, but not really...The next morning, he was up at 7:30!  sigh...  Saturday was better and then yesterday we hit the beach in the evening.  Elijah had really only had two short (car) naps.  So I thought he's be really cranky at the beach.  We got there at 5 and played in the water for a bit, then I left Elijah with Jerry and really went to get in the water.  When I came back, Elijah discovered the wonder that is sand.  He promptly started digging a hole (such a little boy!)  he would dig his little hands into the sand and then throw it over his shoulder.  He was covered from head to tow in sand!  It was soooo cute!  He only put a little into his mouth (I guess this anti-solids thing extends to sand ...thank goodness!)  I tried to wash him off, but you know how the sand is... So we got home around 7:30 and he was sooo tired, but too dirty.  SO I jumped in the shower and Jerry brought him to me and I got him all clean.  He fell asleep at 8:30 and Jerry said he only woke up twice before he handed the monitor off to me at 2:30 and that it only took a few minutes to resettle him.  I totally expected to be up with him at 3:30...but he slept until 5:30 AND THEN went back to sleep until 7:30 AND THEN I cuddled with him in bed until 8:30!!!!!  That means I got 7 hours (count 'em BABY!!! SEVEN) of sleep.  I am sure this was a fluke, but MAN it was nice!!!!  He has already taken a 1 1/2 hour nap today, so I am sure we'll be back on this three hour schedule tonight...
I'm going to go to a Le Leche meeting on Wednesday and see if I can get some advice about this non-eating thing.  I know that he's fine, but it is bugging me a bit.
Okay, Elijah seems to be giving Jerry a hard time...I'm off....Oh Happy Labor Day!
September 09

Shopping on Saturday

It's been a bit since I've had a chance to write...having a crawling baby is exhausting, but really exciting!  He's learned to open cabinets...more childproofing to do.  We went to the high society lunch  and almost all the babies are crawling.  it's crazy!  Elijah was so gentle and sweet to the other babies.  It was really sweet.  Friday I spent the morning baking for some mom's to come over this morning for breakfast after the Mother of Twins Sale.   I kept Elijah all night last night and he woke up almost every hour and nothing would do unless he got to breast feed.  It made for a long night...especially since I got up at 6 to get ready for the sale.  But alas alack.  I handed EJ off to Jerry at 6:45 and then Rachel called and I went by her house and rode with her and MR to the sale.  We got there at 7:15 and 4th in line (the sale started at 8.)  My main thing was finding a backpack hiking carrier (found it for 15 bucks!), winter clothes (found lots for ~30 dollars) and a safety gate...didn't find one of those...but two out of three isn't too bad.  I was really good and only bought 3 toys for EJ.  I bought him a wooden pull toy in the shape of a caterpillar, a push/ride/pull toy, and a stacking toy.  Overall I think I did really well.  Bonnie (from Jerry's work), Bonnie (from next door) and Rachel all came over for breakfast and brought their babies.  MR was the odd girl out, but she handled it very nicely (very aloof to the boys....)
Earlier this week we got EJ some Robeez shoes and some overalls from a consignment shop.  We got him the shoes since he'll be pulling up soon and these are supposed to be really good to learn walking in.  Bare feet are the best, but these are the next best thing.  They are soft leather and enable the baby to use his toes to learn walking basics.  As it will be winter when he's really starting to do the cruising thing and we have hardwood floors, socks are not conducive, so he needed something to keep him warm and allow him to walk.
My folks left on Thursday for England and Ireland.  I'm so jealous, but excited for them.  I hope they are having a good time.  They are on a canal boat for the first week and then spending two weeks in Ireland.  A friend of theirs is staying in their house until they return...though if a hurricane decides to hit us, she may have some company!  We were talking about what a pain it would be if a hurricane came and knocked out the power.  As we are out of town, we are the last priority to get power restored, so it would suck a little bit.  So I think we will leave if a Cat3 or stronger comes our way.
Okay, that's it for now... hope you are having a GRAND weekend.
September 14

My Eighth month old and other stuff!

So Elijah turned 8 months yesterday!  I can't believe that in 4 more months he's going to be 1!  What's that all about?  He's crawling everywhere now and follows us around.  It's really cool!  In fact, the other night we put him down in his crib on his back to sleep with his head toward the closet.  We heard something on the monitor so we went in to check: he had flipped over onto his tummy, pushed up into crawling, and turned around to the other end of the crib and then collapsed on his tummy, all the while totally asleep.  It was really funny.  I have no idea how he isn't exhausted by morning all the moving around he's doing....not that he's sleeping through the night.  Anyway, he's just so amazing.  He can play independently for a bit without me in the room (though I'm always within eyesight...me of him that is...) He's starting to associate mama and dada with the right people (not always correctly, but Jerry and I try to respond when he says them and reinforce the correct words with images....)  We think he is signing drink, and again we reinforce the sign with the actual act when he makes it, we give him drink (water).  He could just be fascinated with his hand...  when he cries we pick him up, but he's started fake crying to get picked up...so we say "Elijah use your signals," and as long as he's not really tired, he'll stop and raise his arms to be picked up.  It's really amazing that he's learning this stuff.  I love every minute of it!!!  I wouldn't trade it for anything!  Yes, it's exhausting sometimes and there are nights when I am wondering why on earth he's awake when he refused to nap the day before....but I would rather be awake with him than have no baby at all!  He's such a good baby and so cuddly!  I just love him so much!!!!!
Okay...moving on....
First off let me say that I am in NO WAY supporting Wal Mart in this little rant...but....
WalMart is beginning to carry more organic foods.  Here's an article (blog) that goes into the whole thing...
okay, I am not a huge organic buyer.  There are many reasons, but that's another blog for another day.  This is about WalMart and smaller Natural Food stores.  Okay, so I try to support local businesses, however, when local businesses change you four bucks a pound for "organic"peaches, I really can't support it.  I simply don't have the money.  So the local natural food coop is a little upset that Walmart is selling organic.  Many think the laws on Organic foods are too lax and this will make them more so.  Some are upset that the organic foods are coming from places that under-pay under age workers.  Some are concerned that the small businesses will be driven out of town.  While these are all good points, I must say that I become a little annoyed.  While I do not shop at WalMart, there are many whose only choice is to shop there for many reasons, but usually it's related to money (or lack thereof.) So are these people saying that unless you make lots of money you don't deserve to eat organic if you so choose?  Jerry brought up the issue that WalMart can guarantee sales to a mass instead of to a few limited people, so of course, organic farmers could make a much better profit selling their goods to Walmart as opposed to the small coop.  As for the laws (or lack thereof) for organics...I really doubt that Walmart coming in is really going to make the lawmakers move slower or faster.  It takes a lot of time to go to every farm and make sure they are using only organic fertilizers and no pesticides and whatnot...personally, I wash my food and really don't think that I am any less healthier than anyone else....If the pesticides were that bad, I believe the majority of America would be keeling over...and they aren't.  The argument that underage underpaid people are going to be growing the food...well look at the label of your clothes and unless it says made in the USA (and sometimes even if it says that...) you can bet some small child got paid 10 cents to make your GAP shirt...not that this is okay, but that 10 cents probably put food on that child's table that may otherwise be bare...again not okay, but then you are tacking many 3rd world countries and then you are asking to pay 150 dollars for a t-shirt...again...another rant for another day... As for putting small businesses out of business...I think that's horrible, but when you are asking people to pay a lot of money (plus membership fees) for something, you have to look at the big picture.  If you charge 25 dollars for a bag of rice and one can go to Walmart and pay 10 dollars for the same bag.... well, you do the math.  However, I don't think you are going to loose the majority of customers.  You just aren't going to gain any new ones.  I know that's horrible to say, and while I won't be going to Walmart to buy anything organic or not...I'm not going to be going to our local coop either...but then I never went there to begin with.
Okay, that' it for now.  I hope I haven't ticked off any avid WalMart shoppers or coop-ers...this is simply my opinion....If you choose to shop at WalMart, go for it.  If you support your local coop. good for you (glad to know you're making more money than I)  As for me, I'll continue shopping at the local Lowe's food, buying my regular food (insecticides and all), and vent my frustrations right here...
thanks for reading!
September 19

Not much happening

We've had a pretty laid back few days.  Elijah now has six teeth with tow more getting ready to cut through.  He is crawling like crazy and doing much in his crib.  It's really funny, if I bring him to bed with me, he doesn't move that much, but in his crib....it's like he's racing in Daytona or something.  Very cute!  Last night he was up at 1:30 and Jerry handed him off to me for a mid-night feeding and change over.  Elijah was just up from then until about 3.  He wasn't fussy or active, he was just awake.  I would rock him and put hi in his crib and rub his back and sing to him and walk around with him and nothing.  I suppose I could have brought him to bed with me and he probably would have fallen asleep and I could have slept a little as well...but you think of these things a little too late.  So he finally fell asleep and then I was awake.  I kept waiting for him to wake up (which he didn't do until 6:30....) I think I finally fell asleep at 3:45...sigh... oh well... at 6:30 I did bring him to bed with me and we slept until almost 9.  We went over to Rachel's this morning for cookies and a play date with MR and some of Rachel's neighbors.  It was lots of fun and we had very yummy cookies!
Ooooooo...last night we watched Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.  It was soooooo good.  I LOVED West Wing and was so sad when it went off.  I also LOVE Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford, and they ROCKED!!!  I thought it was well written and very cheeky!  I just wish it came on a little earlier...oh well.  Sunday night was the premiere of Amazing Race.  The couple I liked the most got booted...sigh...but it still looks like a good season.
Yesterday I gave Elijah some cooked and cooled spaghetti to play with...it was freaking hilarious.  He got it EVERYWHERE.  I have pics, but they're in the other room and Jerry's trying to get Elijah to sleep...if he sees or hears me, Jerry will have to start all over...
I think we are going to go to the doctor tomorrow.  Elijah seems to have a yeast infection on his neck and it's just not clearing up.  Part of that reason is we put the ointment on him and he immediately starts scratching and off it comes.  We have tried putting it on him once he's asleep...nope, doesn't work.  We are putting socks on his little hands at night so he doesn't rip his skin up from the scratching.  Poor guy.  It's not getting worse, but it's not getting better.  It seems to follow his teeth cutting.  He'll cut a tooth and it clears up and then another one starts coming in and well, yo get the point....
okay...I guess that' it for now.  I'm off to sneak into our room for a shower...
September 20

poor parents

My folks are in Ireland and I just heard from them that Florence hit over there, so they are seeing Ireland in flood stage.  That sorta sucks!  Mom said that dad is enjoying the beer there though....so that's good!  I mean when in Ireland...right?  We're good here. Elijah has discovered he wonder that are doors.  He likes to sit at doors and open them and close them...It's pretty cute...not that I'm biased.  We went to the doc today.  I thought EJ had an yeast infection on his chest and neck, but turns out that it's eczema.  So I guess that's good...well at least to know what it is and how to treat it.
That's it right now....  Oh yeah...Elijah is weighing in at 23.6 pounds!  What a hunka hunka...
September 24

A Successful Weekend!

We had our friends over for the weekend.  It was lots of fun!  We went to some local gardens on Saturday to walk and have a picnic.  The weather was perfect.  This morning we had a leisurely breakfast and just hung out.  Jerry and I got back from Costco a bit ago and had some pita pizzas...yummy!!!!  And now he's watching football and hanging out with Elijah.  I must say as weekends go, this one was very good!
We are heading up to the mountains in a couple of weeks for homecoming at WWC and vacation.  We are taking Rachel and Erin and MR with us.  We decided to rent a van so that we could all ride together and save the wear and tear on our car.  I think it will be great! I hope the weather is good.
My parents wrote that they finally saw the sun in Ireland.  Apparently they were there when Florence hit them and then Gavin (I think...) hit while they were driving to their next location.
Jerry has a yearly review tomorrow....send good thoughts his way...while we are fine with his income, a nice raise would always be welcome!
Elijah has officially cut eight teeth now.  I'm hoping this slows down a bit.  He doesn't really seem upset by it, but I think they wake him up at night...  oh well, such is life.  My little 12 hour sleeper (not all at one time grant you) has become a less than 10 hours and no naps...We finally got him down for one today and I just snuggled up beside him and snoozed as well.  I hope that he's doing a little better while we're on vacation.
I guess that's it for now... not a very exciting blog entry, sorry...
September 26

So where's your baby from?

Have I mentioned that random people ask me this?  What do you mean where is my baby from?  My uterus....HELLO?!  It's just really funny to me.  A friend of mine from college just commented that Elijah looks Asian.  He does a bit and I don't mind people commenting on his looks, nor do I mind discussing his ethnicity.  But to ask where I got him from...like I got him a WalMart on sale or something.   Jerry made the point that if I'm not with him, then Elijah does look a little out of place with me, white Irish-y girl, but still.  When did people become so rude, to presume that I would be married to a white guy and therefore Elijah could not have been born of me?  It's just odd I guess.  I would never look at a child and think...oh, well, obviously that child is adopted or from some other place.  What business is it of mine whether or not the child was born of someone or adopted.  It's their child right?  sigh... people...
Anyway, just thought I'd write about that...okay, I'm trying to keep Elijah from pushing the off switch on the computer...Later... (BTW...my folks get home today!!!! YEAH!!!!)
September 29

Public vs. private TVs vs. bathtubs

So, we have been discussing what we really want to do about Elijah's education.  We go back and forth between home schooling, private school, and public school.  Recent studies have shown that children in private schools really don't get any better education than those in public schools.  All in all I think it has the most to do with parental involvement.  My whole issue with the public schools in this county is the overcrowding.  I just don't want EJ going to class in a bathroom.  However, that's five years down the line and who knows what will be going on then.  I obsess about these things and then I hear about the shootings in Colorado and it makes me nervous to put him anywhere...sigh...  anyway there is a small debate going on in my head and I will write more about it at a later date.
Tomorrow we are going to a friend of mine's house to tell our birth story.  My friend Carmen teaches a birthing class (ALACE...not sure what the acronym stands for off the top of my head...but it's natural childbirth classes) and is having a Saturday session in for her classes and has invited some friends to tell their stories.  I talked Jerry into going because I think it's really important for the men in the class to hear what it's like to be the man in the birthing room.  I hope that it won't be too painful for him...(he's so shy...sorta...)
ANYWAY, we are getting a new women and children's wing at our local hospital.  And apparently the higher ups have decided to cut the funding of having bathtubs on the labor and delivery ward so they can have wide screen TVs.  I'm not even talking about birthing tubs.  I'm just talking about a shower with a bathtub.  The showers on the current L&D floor are insanely small.  We were able to fit a small shower chair in the shower for me to sit on, but Jerry stood outside of the shower and rubbed my back from there.  Not that Jerry wanted to be in there with me, but had he wanted, there would have been NO way.  Anyway. at our lunch the other day, many of the women were very upset with this decision.  I guess I can understand.  I personally wouldn't have wanted to be immersed in water.  I did LOVE the shower and it felt great during hard contractions.  But that doesn't mean that other women might not want to be in the tub.  I fear though, that this society is not all about the natural birth.  So many women are all about getting an immediate epidural...this can elongate the labor...and since you can't walk or feel anything, why not pass the time away with the TV?  I guess I see the reasoning behind this, however, do they really need wide screen TVs?  It's not like there is another hospital they are in real competition with.  I don't know.  I wish there was a birthing center...independently run, that allowed moms who wanted a natural birth to do so without the stress of so many medical procedures and constant hospital paranoia of malpractice looming.  I've seen such centers that are very close to the hospital, in case something goes wrong.  I personally was very happy with our birth, but my doctor was very understanding and knew exactly what we wanted.  Now my doctor is no longer doing OB, so we are thinking mid-wife for the next baby (a few years away people...)  I have heard of people driving up to 2 hours a way to give birth in a birthing center.  The closest hospital that even offers bathtubs is 1 1/2 hours away.  Some women may not make it that far in time... I don't know... I think there should be a happy medium, where everyone gets an option... but I guess that would be asking to live in a perfect world...
Alright, the little man has been extraordinarily grumpy today and now is fighting Jerry (who's attempting to put bedclothes on the little one...) I'm off to help....

June 2006

June 02

Friday

Some weeks seem to go by so slow...this was not one of them.   Yesterday we had playgroup and then Jerry and I had Bonnie, Dean, and William over for dinner.  Wednesday night was a LOOOONNNNNGGGGG night.  Elijah woke up at 3:30 and didn't go back to bed until 5.  So getting up yesterday and then not having time for a nap...I surprised I didn't fall asleep in my dinner last night.  Last night was better.  It was Jerry's night.  He brought Elijah in to eat at 2 and then wen to lie back down.  At 2:30 I woke up (often I fall asleep when feeding Elijah while on my side...very convenient way to feed in the middle of the night....) and heard Jerry snoring.  I went into his room and asked if he wanted me to take over for the night.  He said, "sure."  I took off his glasses and couldn't find the baby monitor to turn it off so I asked him where it was and he reached over and turned it off for me.  I left, put Elijah back in his crib and went back to bed.  Elijah slept until 6:30 and I just brought him back in bed with me and we cat napped.  At 7:45  Jerry walks into the room, points at me, and say, "j'accuse"... Turns out he has no memory of talking to me last night or turning off the monitor...hehehe ... ahhh  sweet sleep deprivation!  Anyway, it was no big deal.  I may have been a little less jovial if Elijah had kept me up, but not too bad.
This morning Rachel called and we went to the library to see everyone (we both used to work there.)  And I checked out some board books for the boy.  Then we came home and had "naked baby dance time!"  That is a fun time for sure!  I just put on some music, lay a water resistant blanket on the floor and let him be naked.  It's really very cute and in the afternoon I  let the sun it to help with any diaper rash he may have.  It also wears him out!  He's sleeping right now...
I really want to clean my house this weekend.  It's driving me crazy!  I need to vacuum and really dust and all that good stuff.  The problem is that Elijah does NOT like the vacuum, but with Jerry home, I think we can manage it.
Oh, did I mention that we got a telescope?  This woman listed a telescope on the yard sale page for 20 bucks.  So I went and got it.  Jerry (being the physics major) has wanted one, but we never bought one because they were too expensive.   But we got a 250 dollar telescope for 20 bucks!  It does need an eyepiece, but other than that it's in great working condition!  so maybe we'll get the eyepiece this weekend.  I know it's against the pact with the money, but Jerry deserves this...
I have a new list of shopping categories.  I think my new favorite site is Clever Cuties!  They have the cutest things!  The site itself is very clever....anyway, check it out!
Okay, I'm about to upload some more pics of the cutie that's my son!   Have a GRAND day!

a very nice morning June 6

I had a very nice get together with my friend Amy.  We hadn't seen each other for almost five months.  Which in normal people time it doesn't sound like a long time, but in baby time it really is.  Anyway, it was nice to sit down and catch up on each other's lives. (Though she is an avid reader of this blog, so really everything was old news to her....)  I totally let the day slip away from me.  I didn't realize it was almost 1 until I got in the car to come home.
When we got home, Elijah took a small nap and then Jerry stopped in to get the stuff to go to the court house to get out of jury duty....(wow that was a run on sentence if I've ever seen one....) He got out of duty (well got it postponed) and came home!  It was so nice to have him home!  This past weekend I got nothing done that I wanted, but I did get to spend time with Jerry.  We went to Maya's baptism on Sunday and I really forgot what we did on Saturday.  Jerry had to work both days at some point, so I feel like it really wasn't a weekend.  We did get our shelving dilemma solved, but the store didn't have all the parts we needed, so we didn't buy anything yet.  Hopefully they will get the parts this week and we can install them this weekend.
Today we realized that our gym membership will expire 6 months sooner than we thought!  That's exciting seeing as neither of us have gone in quite sometime...it's rather far away and with traffic, it's really a hassle.  we have the exercise ball, weights and a stationary bike here, so that's really all we need.
I'm so excited to go on vacation in a week and a half!  We are going to Edisto Island...I used to make fun of people who lived at the beach and then went on vacation to another beach...but I guess I am one of those people!  Anyway, we will be there with my folks and some extended family will be just down the road.  It should be interesting and fun to say the least!
My goodness, I suddenly have a cranky baby...so I am off to feed and then maybe put him to bed....(he's still a cutie....)

finally asleep...i think

little man has been doing this weird thing lately.  he'll fall fast asleep, and goes into his crib without any trouble...then half an hour later he's crying (but not awake) and is all squirmy and stuff.  so we hold him and comfort him and rock him and he goes back to sleep and then cries again in half an hour and the process repeats itself until about 10 or 11. (going to bed between 8 and 9) and then he's fine.  he is waking up every three-ish hours these days which is a change from the 6 hour stretch, but i feel like he's going through a growth spurt.  nevertheless, the every three hour thing is not that bad because he wakes up, we change the diaper, he eats and goes back to bed all within about 15 to 20 minutes...so much nicer than when he was a newborn waking up every two hours to eat for an hour and then not want to go back to bed (don't worry megan this didn't last long.)
so yesterday and today have been cooler than normal.  by cooler i mean 77 degrees.  it rained yesterday and this afternoon we had rain and hail!  our sunflowers love it!  i swear hey grew a foot in the last two days.  but apparently this rain has brought out all the frog and toads in the world into our yard.  they are sooooo loud!!!  i mean we've had tree frogs all season and they are not the quietest creatures...but mixed with the bull frogs it's quite a chorus outside.  don't get me wrong...i love anything that eats bugs!  speaking of which...the stupid bug sprayer person came through the other day.  now i don't mind this since i hate bugs, but a little warning would be nice.  we had our windows open and everything.  i just don't want my kid breathing in the fumes.  i guess he gets them second hand anyway, but really i don't need this insecticide flowing directly into my house.  sigh....
okay, so i really hate the dentist... i mean really hate it...but i think i have a cavity so i am going to the dentist on thursday afternoon.  since i am a new patient (that's right i haven't been to a dentist since we moved down here....judge judge judge....) thursday is just going to be x-rays and an examination of my mouth.  then i have to schedule another appointment for the cleaning and then another one if i have cavities...sigh....it's just inconvenient with jerry working and whatnot.  also i looked at our dental plan and realized we have to pay 20% of having cavities filled...sigh...  i guess there are many more things in the world than having to do this, but i just have an aversion to anything being done to my teeth...i blame my grandmother...not because of all the candy she feed me (that was just good) but because she pulled my loose baby teeth with old tooth pliers....eeekkk!  i can still taste the metal...to this day i can not look at a loose tooth in a child.  i've already talked jerry, he's going to be in charge of the tooth pulling...
i was very lucky to not have any cavities until i was 18.  but i did have all my wisdom teeth pulled. and i had my last baby tooth pulled and the new tooth had to be pulled down because it was growing sideways...so that needed braces...but only for a year.  anyway, think of me on thursday...hope i just have a tooth ache and no cavities....gotta go brush and floss now....
June 07

FYI

Elijah found his feet...check out the new pics of him...
Also he is rolling from his tummy to his back consistently now, and sitting fairly well as well....
That's all...just wanted to brag....
not all...
I just read Megan's comment about the shelves and I realized no one knows what I'm talking about....
We have a ton of DVDs and CDs.  Right now they are on those shelves that are make just for holding entertainment stuff.  They are not very sturdy and we want them off the ground for when some little boy starts pulling himself up.  We of course don't want anything to fall on him, and we want more floor space.  SO we are getting shelving that can go on the wall and what not.  We found some shelving we like.  It's on tracks sort of and then you can buy as many or as few shelves as you need.  It's hard to explain, but once we get the stuff, I'll post pics.  There are other shelving issues around he house, but this was my biggest concern since the living area is where we are lots....
Okay, now that's all...I think....
June 08

stupid dentist...

sigh....Okay, so it's my own fault....I haven't been to the dentist in five years and I LOVE sweets....sigh...so I broke down and went to the dentist.  Rachel recommended me to Dr. Smaltz.  She's a nice dentist, but really I have to cut out ALL SWEETS AND yes that's right AND get a prescription tooth paste? sigh....i am lucky in that I only have a little decay on an already filled tooth, so the filling happens in July.  But  really a prescription?!?!  sigh....well, at least I got my Ben and Jerry's fix this week (Carmel Sutra...to DIE for!!!!) This wonder tooth paste is supposed to help restore my enamel and prevent more decay.  Get this...step 1) floss step 2)brush with special tooth paste BUT no spitting.... step 3) swish with toothpaste for 2MINUTES... are you kidding me?!?!?!?!  My dad said I could just carry the tooth paste around with me and swish with it after every sweet I ate...I'm very tempted.
Anyway, it could have been WAY worse.  I really thought I would have 5 or 6 cavities.  I must admit I was pleasantly surprised.
However, what is with dental hygienists?  I swear every one I have ever had starts up a conversation that is in no way one sided while they have the cleaning thing in my mouth.  This one started talking to me about my OB (who happens to be hers) and asking me all this questions about her and I'm sitting there with goop coming out my mouth looking at her thinking really you want to talk about our OB/GYN while you are cleaning my teeth?  Personally I'd rather be there....I mean it's not like they talk to me about the dentist and the visit is a whole lot faster....super sigh...
We had our little group this morning.  I really love meeting with them.  I know I say that often, but I really do.  It's so nice to have a group of women I can bounce ideas off and talk to about issues I may be having.  Elijah did great all day.  poor guy.  I take him to group and then rush home so I can brush my teeth and then back in the car to get Jerry and then two+ hours in the dentist office.  He's sleeping right now.  It's against my 6:00 rule (no naps after six because then it seems he never sleeps) but I am making an exception since he didn't get a nap at all today, and last night was a little frazzled.  Jerry had him last night and said that Elijah was up from 3:30 to 4:45...apparently Elijah just needed to poop and then went straight to sleep...poor guy....
Did I mention that I have become a beer drinker?  I have NEVER liked beer.  But I have decided to acquire a taste for it.  My favorite (which means I can finish most of it) is Sam Adam's Summer Ale.  It's yummy.  Jerry says it's a girlie beer, but hey I'm a girl!
Also, I know I need to start a new album, but Elijah doesn't turn 5 months (not 6 months Megan...lol) until next Tuesday...I know it's nit picky, but I back pictures up on his birthday and I have them in folders labeled by months....soooooo....I'll start a new folder next week.  Until then just click the back button to see the newest ones.  I didn't put up any today, so there.
Okay, I think that's it.  One day I'm going to get on here and totally go off about politics (there are some interesting things happening...SUPER DUPER SIGH!!!) but not today....
And if you haven't already check out Clever Cuties....
oh there's my boy.....

June 12

the weekend...

I had a very nice day Friday.  rachel and I went to Target to get some things for her sisters-in-laws birthday.  While we were there I found non-disposable swim diapers!!!!  I was sooooo excited!!!  I had found some on-line, but we are leaving on vacation on Friday and I knew they wouldn't get here by then.  Also I found baby sunglasses...That's where I stopped though they had matching swim trunks and t- shirts and hats  and cover ups....wholly moly I could have spent lots of dough!  But I only got the swim diaper and the sunglasses.  The two things I was going to get on-line anyway (and they were cheaper at Target!)  My friend Laura got Elijah some swim trunks that are super cute.  I'm so excited to go in the ocean with him and also into the pool.  I can't dunk him yet because of his ears, but I hope to get him used to water (other than in the bath!)  So that was Friday.  On Saturday, Jerry's friend (and mine too) Eric came in for a visit.  It was nice that Jerry didn't have to work this weekend (the first time in about a month and a half!) So he spend Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday with his friend.  Yesterday I went to Cora and Dora's b-day party.  That was lots of fun. There were three kids (including Elijah) and I know these three are going to be thick as thieves when they get older.  Alexis is the oldest.  She's about 16 months.  And then there's Elijah at almost 5 months and Maya Rose at just over 2 months!  They are all very cute kids and as Maya Rose and Alexis are cousins, just throw in my boy and there you have it!  Bill cooked out so much yummy food! And Cora made this potato salad that was to die for!
So all in all it was a good weekend.  I did get the front lawn mowed and the front ditch whacked.  So that was the productive thing I did.
Elijah is sitting on the floor playing with a stuffed parrot that Amy gave him.  It's too cute!
I realized I haven't taken any pictures lately, but I go through these spells where I just don't take pics.  Tomorrow Elijah will be 5 months old! so I'll start another folder then!  I'm so excited about vacation!  I just can't wait to not have to worry about the house for a week!  Okay, my boy's getting cranky!  Off to play with him for a bit...what a hard life I lead!
June 13

the feeding debate continues...

I just read this interesting article in the NY Times.  I am a strong advocate for breast feeding.  I strongly believe that it increases the mother/child bond.  I believe it is healthier.  I believe that it's WAY cheaper.  But I have never bought into the "cure all" philosophy.  When someone says that breast fed babies are less likely to have childhood obesity...I can't help but think.  Well, if a mother has the time to breast feed her child, doesn't it stand to reason that she will also take the time to prepare healthy meals for her child instead of something pre-packaged and processed?  I wonder if these studies take into consideration the efforts of those who are able to breast feed?  Many women can't because they have to work(sometimes many jobs) very soon after giving birth.
There are, according to the article, people who want a warning put on formula.  Saying that breast milk is better... well, fine, then give women a mandatory PAID year off work.  Make sure EVERYONE has health insurance...better yet, get rid of insurance and make sure all healthcare is free!  Provide all women with GOOD lactation consultants in the hospitals.  Have a ratio of them 1:1 so that women who need constant help receive it.  Educate women that breast feeding HURTS and is not easy and does not come naturally, but with time and practice it might get easier.  Force employers to provide a quiet, private, NON-stressful environment for mothers who need to pump.  Make GOOD QULAITY childcare available on the grounds of the place of work where a mother can go and feed her child.  Encourage father's to be supportive participants in the process.  Educate women that there are ways to help your milk be more abundant.
However, since none of this is happening in the US (well, maybe in small communities such as The Farm...and NM...but for the most part...)don't make mother's feel guilty about what they chose to do.  For most it's a choice between breastfeeding or paying rent/mortgage.  It's not fair to state how important something is for the well being of our children and then not provide a way to feasibly provide an ideal situation for them.  I mean statistically formula fed babies sleep through the night faster because there bodies metabolize the formula slower than breast milk...so of course, there are mothers who have to get up at the crack of dawn who are going to go for whatever helps their baby sleep through the night faster... COME ON!
that's enough of my rant tonight...speaking of ranting I believe my little one is putting up a pretty big fight right now...thank God for Jerry....
Thanks for reading!

new album june 14

i must say that i love the new albums!  i put new pics of elijah up.  he's now 5 months old!  i can't believe it!  the sleeper he is in was too small and too hot, so i cut out the feet and the arms and now it fits and it appropriate for summer... and how cute is he in his swim diaper and sunglasses?
speaking of the ejj...gotta run!
June 14

reassurance is always good

You know, sometimes I feel like I'm not doing what I'm "supposed" to be doing with my child.  This article made me feel better.  We don't sleep with Elijah in our bed (well not that often) for many reasons, but none of them were because we thought he had to be in his crib.  I totally feed on demand and am actually a little sad about introducing food next month.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that it felt good to know that there are others out there who feel the same...
June 15

the boys are sleeping

it's so sweet...i'd take a pic, but it would wake them up.  they are curled up together on the bed...  we leave for vacation tomorrow!!!  jerry is in much need of some r&r.  it'll be good to be lazy and not have to worry about the house being clean (which it soooo is not!)  we are taking cloth diapers, but that means the only thing we have to do is laundry.  i am picking up a pack of disposable today though.
anyway, i just wanted to write down how very sweet my boys are....
June 23

we're back....

We had a very nice, though not long enough, vacation.  The ride went better than I thought it would with a little one.  It just seemed too short.  Jerry took four books and by Monday he was through with almost three and realized he needed to pace himself or he's run out of stuff to read.  Our condo had a very nice view. We were right on the inlet and we watched boats go by most of the day.  There were a herd (?) of about 15 dolphins that provided us with daily entertainment.  And the sunset was absolutely perfect.  It was a bit hot, but that's why air condition was invented.
some highlights with possible stories to come.... I ended up walking three miles pushing Elijah (in his new stroller...) by pure accident...and was rescued by my mom...Jerry started drinking most days by 11...but some days he started a bit later...we did nothing we didn't want to do...my parents ended up upgrading their time share which gives them more weeks....watched world cup soccer in our down time...I  took a couple of three hour naps with my boy....Elijah's first time in the ocean was good...my parents bought him the matching shirt and hat and it is JUST ADORABLE!!!!
i will post pics soon, but right now, I beat.  I'm glad that we still have the weekend to recover (that and mow the jungle that is our back yard....I wonder if I can get a neighbor hood kid to do it for 5 bucks....probably not...sigh....)
I missed everyone's blog while I was gone....gald to be back!

updates

i added pics form our vacation.  i also added a couple pics to elijah's five month old album and also updated our garden pics.
we have veggies now and that's exciting.  there are several things we'll do differently next year, but i am happy with this crop of food.
tomorrow i hope to write more about our vacation, but we are in the process of installing shelves and trying to do a massive clean up of the house, so it may be later this week.
elijah's finally down for some sleep, so i think we'll be able to get most of the installation done tonight.  when we're done, i'll post before and after pics....

June 24

c'est fini

we just finished hanging the shelves... i wanted to post the before and after because with any luck i will sleep as long as possible and then get up and clean....
so before and after....let me know what you think....

cleaning and sunflowers and food...oh my june 26

So I cleaned our floors yesterday.  I've been wanting to do that for sometime now.  They look much better.  I love that we have hardwood floors, but every time the baby spits up or milk gets on the floor, even if you clean it up there is still a little stain.  sigh... so Stephanie (from our little group...JErry calls us the high society ladies...lol) told me about the wonder that is vinegar.  So I cleaned the floors with a water and vinegar solution and while it smelled briefly of salad dressing, the solution really cleaned the floors well.
Yesterday morning we woke up and looked out at the garden and our first sunflower had burst open!  I love sunflowers!  Another one opened this morning.  I think if we actually had some stupid sun then more would open.  It's been raining for a few days now and it's supposed to continue.  It was so yucky yesterday that at 3 in the afternoon it felt more like 7 at night...yuck!  However, we at least aren't having to water our garden and our yard...so that's good.
Elijah is growning out of his clothes faster than we can get them.  So on Saturday we went to Goodwill to find him some clothes.  They had lots of girl stuff, but not a lot of boy things.  Sowe got about 12 dollars of stuff there and then headed to the Bargin Box.  This is the coolest little thrift shop ever.  It's so much bigger than it looks from the outside and the chuirch that owns it has doen a fabuolous job of organizing everything.  Anyway, they had a room of kids clothes.  So Jerry went to town.  I think we bought most of their oneseis and a bunch of outfits.  Total spent at Goodwill and Bargin Box: 25 dollars.  Total items bought: ~30.  Not too bad!  I think (as long as he doesn't grow out of the 18 month outfits we got him!!!) we have him covered at least through the fall.  Hopefully through winter as well!  I was really excited!
Okay, so the biggest news (best is always last right?)...Elijah had his first real food yesterday.  We gave him mushed up banana and he loved it!!!!  I was a little concerned about constipation...but so far so good.  So last night I made a batch of rice and put it through the food mill, mixed it with some breast milk and then froze it in ice cube trays (the only ice cube tray we have way given to us by Laura and is int he shape of little hearts....very cute!) So tonight we will try a bit of homemade rice cereal.  Very exciting indeed!  When we were on vacation we gave him water from a spoon and he didnt spit it out.  We have known that he's been very interested in food, but I didn't want to try it on vacation in case it made him sick or backed him up...who wants that on vacation?  So we went ahead yesterday.  Yea!!!
Well, that's about it.  I still haven't written about our vacation, but there is a pile of laundry staring at me right now...sigh...


June 26

just to clarify

I mentioned that Jerry started drinking at 11 o'clock some of the days we were on vacation.  Let me clarify that he was not drinking to get drunk.  He simply had a nice cool beer as he read his books and hung out with the fam.  I must say that we are the least drink-i-ness people I know.  I have started drinking the occasional beer in between feedings.  We drink beer and wine with friends and family at dinner, but really that's about it.  We are by no means alcoholics.  Heck, I haven't been drunk since college.  I am not sure I have ever seen Jerry drunk.  I just don't want anyone to get the wrong idea.  Jerry didn't drink from 11 until he went to bed...he had a couple of beers maybe three times while we were on vacation.  Please don't get the wrong idea...
June 29

food update

constipation? HA!  i feel like i am constantly changing diapers...but i would rather do that than deal with a grouch who can't poop!  today we will introduce pears!  exciting! he really does not like rice.  i think it may be that i mixed it with breast milk and that confused him?  or maybe he just doesn't like the texture.  so we'll lay off that and come back to it at a later date.
the pic of him feeding himself cracks me up.  he looks so unhappy...but he shoves the spoon  so far back in his mouth that he gags himself a bit and that was when i happened to snap the camera....silly boy...
okay, i'm hosting the high society ladies at 11...so i need to go finish cleaning the house...or at least finish closing the doors to the messy rooms....hehehe..
June 30

Victoria's Secret....REALLY?!?!?!

Recently a woman in Victoria's Secret was directed to the nearest public bathroom to breast feed her baby.  The clerk explained to the mother that the sight of her breast might offend other customers....really?!?!  Did Victoria's Secret suddenly atart catering to the Amish and I didn't know about it?  I mean the last VS catalogue I received showed more everything than the Breastfeeding issue of Mothering Magazine....COME ON PEOPLE!!!!!
For those who do not breast feed or think that the restroom of a mall is a place to feed a child...the next time you want someone to go into a public restroom to nurse, think about if you would want to eat your next meal ina stall in a public restroom...GROSS!!!!
So tomorrow nationwide their will be a "nurse-in" at Victoria's Secret.  My town apparently is not participating, but Asheville is.  Here is the link to the article in their news paper.  Just to be clear....no one is protesting Victoria's Secret, just the right to breast feed in public.  In fact, as this article states, VS has a policy to let mothers breast feed in their stores.  Apparently they are re-enforcing this among their employees....but it really shouldn't be an issue....sigh...
Here's another article I found on Mothering.com.  double sigh...