So my "newborn" is now 6 months old and I have yet to send out a baby announcement. I've attempted to take a billion pictures, without a single shot of all three looking at the camera. It is just not possible, with any amount of sweet talking, bribing, threatening, or begging (I swore I would never use those tactics for parenting, BTW.) Should I wait until Christmas, send out just a picture of the little guy, or completely surrender on the idea? Ugh.
Well, I'll at least satisfy my mom's request to post updates on milestones so that I can narrowly avoid being named "worst mommy of the year award."
Hudson, in a nutshell:
month 1-shrill like cry, LOVES his pacifier, breaks a smile, pees on us nearly every diaper change, finally loses his nickname "bruiser" when the bruise on his cheekbone fades.
2 months- sleeps 8 hrs, tolerates siblings like a champ, burps like a 13 year old boy, very alert
3 months- hates the bottle (actually swats the thing away), but enjoys blowing bubbles and he's a rock star on car trips (12 hrs to and from Michigan with only one wailing outburst.) Also, first giggle and smiles at everyone
4 months- loves the exersaucer, transfers objects, rolls to his side, giggles from the belly and clasps his little hands together like Dr. Evil, can bend in half and fit nearly his entire foot in his mouth, and he had his first trip to DisneyWorld and first train ride
5 months- sits up, rolls over pretty consistently, enjoys the Bumbo seat (that thing ROCKS- I use it for baths, during dinner prep, and when we're eating dinner), loves to play peek a boo, and refuses to eat rice cereal
6 months- I finally got this stubborn kid to eat food, baby oatmeal with banana. He loves to snuggle, he'll grab your ears and pull you towards him until we're nose to nose...he really loves to grab just about everything. I forget when I'm wearing him on my front in the bjorn or the wrap and then he reminds me by pulling anything and everything toward him (and usually down to the floor.)
Caroline- my "busy" one:
Recently she's been hoarding and hiding food from the pantry. I've discovered boxes of chocolate milk in the closet and under the kitchen table, and last week she found one of Owen's hidden candies in his backpack...she quietly exited the room, closed the bathroom door (with the lights off), and returned with a big smile, enlarged cheeks, and a wrapper hidden behind her back. I cornered her at the trash can and held out my hand...like a sweet angel, she handed me the wrapper and gleamed a wide-chocolate covered smile. How sweet!
Every time I turn off the car and unbuckle she asks eagerly, "Can I come, too???" as if I'm going to leave her in the car.
When she gets excited about things, she jumps and claps (even if it's just "dinner time."_
Owen- who's recently decided he's the expert on everything:
Still my germophobe. He unbuttons his shirt and covers his head with it when he ventures into the back wooded area because we talked about how ticks could fall from the trees. (To his credit we did actually find a nasty, bloated tick on his head when Hudson was born so he's probably trying to avoid that fun "tick recovery" episode.) After he's pottied, he won't touch anything (even his pants to pull them up) until after he's washed his hands. On the flip side of the story, I discovered dried up boogers on his bed rail a few months ago, what's up with that???!
His newest trendsetting attempt is going to school every day with two mismatching shoes. If that's his rebellion, then I'll take it!
He'll soon be 5, and we're currently devising a plan on erecting a volcano for his "dino" themed birthday.
Now that it's 2 am, I'm off to bed.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Where is the summer weather?
Today is June 1st. So why was last night 37 degrees? Weird. It actually warmed up today when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, but the air was pretty chilly. I'm hoping this was some sort of freak thing and we will soon see the warm weather return.
On to bigger and better things. Updates on kids...
Owen, 4 1/2:
On to bigger and better things. Updates on kids...
Owen, 4 1/2:
- He now thinks "Star Wars" is cooler than anything else (BTW, he hasn't actually seen an entire "Star Wars" movie yet)
- Owen has already become bored with just riding a 2 wheeler (after a month and a half of learning how) and has moved on to "tricks." Yea. (Can we say skinned knees and concussions? Where is my nurse mother when I need her??!!!)
- Suddenly, he dislikes strawberries, string cheese, and he extremely picky about macaroni & cheese. However, he's very fond of any kind of soup- especially broccoli cheddar.
- Owen comes home this week telling me where my taste buds are located on my tongue and reciting addition equations. My baby is growing up too fast!
- I'm very sad to report that Owen now suffers from allergies. Ug.
- Owen loves to play soccer at home with us. However, he is NOT a fan of being on a soccer team...at least, that's what we've tome to conclude. During his soccer games, he either plays with his shirt or his hair, watches the other games, or simply stands there and daydreams. His coach suggested he put is hands on his knees and be ready as a defender, so he literally spent the entire game hunched down with his hands on his knees- even when the ball was inches away and waiting to be kicked. The next game, the coach suggested Owen "play the line" so Owen spent the entire game literally standing on the line...walking side to side along it, but never leaving it. Hilarious! Last week, Owen actually did kick the ball - and even scored! Unfortunately, it was for the other team. But he was pretty darn proud of himself.
Caroline, 2:
- In the crazy world of Caroline, marshmallows are the perfect way to start the day. The other morning she had snuck down the stairs, opened the pantry, and found a bag of marshmallow hiding on the back of the shelf. When I entered the kitchen, I was greeted by a very enthusiastic little marshmallow cheeked girl. (I installed childproof knobs exactly two hours after this incident.)
- Caroline cracked the enigma of a locked bedroom door and the bedtime game began...so, I also added a childproof knob to her room.
- The girl was riding her trike out front this week and I was breastfeeding Hudson on the front porch...so she thought it would be a good time to try and jet on down the middle of the busy road. Can you imagine how ridiculous I looked chasing after her with a newborn attached to my front?
- Another fun event: Caroline found a cosmetic bag in my room and took it to her room. When I walked in the room, I discovered she had wiped some sort of lotion all over her body and was then trying to wipe off the excess with a few pairs of her leggings. Unfortunately, instead of lotion, she had in her possession a tube of Mary Kay benzyl peroxide. The leggings were totally bleached out, and so is the carpet in her room. (Why did she have to use the super cute leggings???!!!)
- Today Caroline asked to go swimming. I explained it was too cold outside, she sweetly asked, "PLEEEAAASE???" This is her new thing. I again told her it was just too cold to be in the pool, and she disappeared upstairs, returning with TWO swimsuits on- on top of her pants and top. I guess she figured she'd keep herself warm in the pool with her pants???
Hudson, 7 weeks:
- Hudson is sleeping most of the day. He's awake no longer than an hour and a half after I feed him. He has a wake time around 7 ish every night for about an hour...and he looks around the room wide eyed and looking very cute. At night, he sleeps from about 10:30 to 5 or 6 am, waking once.
- He's using his arms and hands more...he actually knocked over two glasses today, touching them a few times before giving them a good wack. Probably not purposeful, but still worthy of note.
- The little coos he's making are sooooooo adorable.
- If I put him in a sling or use the "Hooter Hider" to feed him, he's out in a matter of minutes. I just can't keep him awake!
- He's smiling now when I do "Patty Cake" with him...and he still smiles all the time while he's sleeping.
Dinner time is still crazy.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Learning to Juggle
So now that there are three little ones in the house I can say that I fully understand the meaning, "chaos." Gone are the days where I was looking for a project, skimming through cookbooks or magazines, surfing the Internet, or lazing in front of "Food Network." I always thought I was a pretty good multi-tasker, but now I definitely have some skills. Breast feeding, making dinner, helping with homework, talking on the phone, and disciplining my two year old can now be done simultaneously (though I might count it as my work out!)
My dad just left after spending a weekend with our brood. It was a great visit...Saturday was lovely, so we ventured to Washington's Headquarters for a tour of the grounds and a picnic lunch on the grass. Other than our one outing, we stayed close to home and did nothing extraordinary...and yet my dad (who is so full of energy he normally works out twice a day) took at least one nap a day! It made me feel a little less guilty for abandoning my piles of laundry and avoiding scouring the bathrooms for a rest while the kids are snoozing (which I've been guilty of nearly every day the last three weeks!)
Every parent must be sleep deprived at some phase...maybe until their children leave home. However, it's my theory that most of these parents are the moms. Let me first say that my husband is wonderful about getting up with the newborn and changing and burping him, even on days that he's working. But if I don't nudge him forcefully, he'd sleep through 10,000 babies screaming in his ear. He falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow. And he heads up to bed without a glance to the unfinished dishes in the sink, the kitchen table that hasn't been wiped, or the pile of folded laundry that needs to be taken upstairs and put into drawers. Hmm. How nice!
After a long night last week with Hudson (who decided to wail between 2:30- 5 am), my husband says to me, "Why don't you get a good night's sleep tonight?" HA! First, he is out of town and I"m juggling the three kiddos plus trying to get the house together for my dad's arrival. Second, WE HAVE A THREE WEEK OLD. Third, our two year old and four year old wake up at 6:30AM regardless of what time they go to bed. (Fun for me, the anti morning person!)
Does he really think I enjoy being sleep deprived? I've read the benefits of sleep, and let me tell you- I'm a fan! 7 Hours of sleep a night can increase your metabolism, reduce your risk of several cancers, preserve your skin...even increase your lifespan. (Who wouldn't want 7 hours of sleep a night??!!!) I suppose I'll just have to day dream about a good night's sleep until this little guy gets on a schedule...or I get a child free vacation.
My dad just left after spending a weekend with our brood. It was a great visit...Saturday was lovely, so we ventured to Washington's Headquarters for a tour of the grounds and a picnic lunch on the grass. Other than our one outing, we stayed close to home and did nothing extraordinary...and yet my dad (who is so full of energy he normally works out twice a day) took at least one nap a day! It made me feel a little less guilty for abandoning my piles of laundry and avoiding scouring the bathrooms for a rest while the kids are snoozing (which I've been guilty of nearly every day the last three weeks!)
Every parent must be sleep deprived at some phase...maybe until their children leave home. However, it's my theory that most of these parents are the moms. Let me first say that my husband is wonderful about getting up with the newborn and changing and burping him, even on days that he's working. But if I don't nudge him forcefully, he'd sleep through 10,000 babies screaming in his ear. He falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow. And he heads up to bed without a glance to the unfinished dishes in the sink, the kitchen table that hasn't been wiped, or the pile of folded laundry that needs to be taken upstairs and put into drawers. Hmm. How nice!
After a long night last week with Hudson (who decided to wail between 2:30- 5 am), my husband says to me, "Why don't you get a good night's sleep tonight?" HA! First, he is out of town and I"m juggling the three kiddos plus trying to get the house together for my dad's arrival. Second, WE HAVE A THREE WEEK OLD. Third, our two year old and four year old wake up at 6:30AM regardless of what time they go to bed. (Fun for me, the anti morning person!)
Does he really think I enjoy being sleep deprived? I've read the benefits of sleep, and let me tell you- I'm a fan! 7 Hours of sleep a night can increase your metabolism, reduce your risk of several cancers, preserve your skin...even increase your lifespan. (Who wouldn't want 7 hours of sleep a night??!!!) I suppose I'll just have to day dream about a good night's sleep until this little guy gets on a schedule...or I get a child free vacation.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Fabulous Hawaii
We spent a glorious week in Oahu visiting family and enjoying a little warmth during this cold season. It's been almost 5 years since PR and I have been to Hawaii, and it's a little different when you have children with you- but still wonderful.
We enjoyed the Paradise Cove Luau- complete with the opportunity to see and hold parrots, take a canoe ride, make leis, and watch the roasted pig be lifted from the underground pit (I could have missed that part.) The food was okay, but actual show was stellar- hula dancers, fire jugglers (Owen's favorite part), the whole nine yards. I highly recommend it to anyone comparing luau shows. We also hiked Manoa falls- not quite 1 mile each way. The kids did pretty well, it was very scenic and the falls were beautiful. We did get rained on and soaking wet with mud...but it was all in the fun of the adventure. My sister in law also let us know about the Hilton Rainbow, which has just recently opened and has African penguins, flamingos, turtles, a big koi pond, and a man made lagoon perfect for families. It's just off the beach, stocked with tiny fish for the kiddos to enjoy, and open to the public. We were staying at the Hale Koa...it has a great kiddie pool which the kids enjoyed almost every day. It's in walking distance to the mall and all the great restaurants...including the newly opened PF Changs (to my delight!) The food wasn't quite on par with most other PF Changs, but really...can you complain? You're in Hawaii! We also dined at California Pizza Kitchen, which offered 20% off your bill if you asked for the discount when being seated. (We ate there for dinner, lunch, and ordered take out once and were given the discount in all cases.) The prices are higher at all restaurants than their other chains just because you're in Hawaii, so I guess the 20% was an incentive...and it worked on us! FYI- the kids .99 cent hot fudge sundae was ENORMOUS!!! Of course, I tried to enjoy as much seafood and fresh pineapple as possible. Yum. I was a bit disapointed, however, when the woman at the Dole Plantation picked out a $6 pineapple for me and I when I cut into it, it was bruised and past its prime. Thanks alot! The train ride was a big hit with the kids, and I could eat a Dole "WHIP" every single day of my life, so I won't hold it against them.
Other helpful travel tidbits...we went to the store and stocked up on breakfast stuff, juice boxes, and snacks to save and then were able to splurge on ice creams, shaved ice (very big in Hawaii), and seafood for dinner.
Now we're back to the cold. 10 Degrees to be exact. TEN! (And that's during the day.) Brrr.
We enjoyed the Paradise Cove Luau- complete with the opportunity to see and hold parrots, take a canoe ride, make leis, and watch the roasted pig be lifted from the underground pit (I could have missed that part.) The food was okay, but actual show was stellar- hula dancers, fire jugglers (Owen's favorite part), the whole nine yards. I highly recommend it to anyone comparing luau shows. We also hiked Manoa falls- not quite 1 mile each way. The kids did pretty well, it was very scenic and the falls were beautiful. We did get rained on and soaking wet with mud...but it was all in the fun of the adventure. My sister in law also let us know about the Hilton Rainbow, which has just recently opened and has African penguins, flamingos, turtles, a big koi pond, and a man made lagoon perfect for families. It's just off the beach, stocked with tiny fish for the kiddos to enjoy, and open to the public. We were staying at the Hale Koa...it has a great kiddie pool which the kids enjoyed almost every day. It's in walking distance to the mall and all the great restaurants...including the newly opened PF Changs (to my delight!) The food wasn't quite on par with most other PF Changs, but really...can you complain? You're in Hawaii! We also dined at California Pizza Kitchen, which offered 20% off your bill if you asked for the discount when being seated. (We ate there for dinner, lunch, and ordered take out once and were given the discount in all cases.) The prices are higher at all restaurants than their other chains just because you're in Hawaii, so I guess the 20% was an incentive...and it worked on us! FYI- the kids .99 cent hot fudge sundae was ENORMOUS!!! Of course, I tried to enjoy as much seafood and fresh pineapple as possible. Yum. I was a bit disapointed, however, when the woman at the Dole Plantation picked out a $6 pineapple for me and I when I cut into it, it was bruised and past its prime. Thanks alot! The train ride was a big hit with the kids, and I could eat a Dole "WHIP" every single day of my life, so I won't hold it against them.
Other helpful travel tidbits...we went to the store and stocked up on breakfast stuff, juice boxes, and snacks to save and then were able to splurge on ice creams, shaved ice (very big in Hawaii), and seafood for dinner.
Now we're back to the cold. 10 Degrees to be exact. TEN! (And that's during the day.) Brrr.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Aloha!!
We leave tomorrow for Hawaii...and the timing couldn't be better! It started snowing this evening and more snow and rain is in the forecast for this week...I am so ready for 70 degrees and sunny!!! Of course, this means I'm up half the night packing things that I've left out until this point. I've had the piles of clothes for each of us sitting, waiting to be suitcased. My new tactic for packing is that I lay the things out for a few days to be sure there's not anything I'm forgetting (like the time I only packed one pair of shoes for Caroline, and she lost it in the airport as we arrived. Lovely!)
Since the new policy on airlines is to pay for every single checked bag, PR has limited me to two bags plus the car seat. We've decided to be a little crazy and attempt to put Caroline down in the bed with us (I can feel an ulcer forming in the pit of my stomach.) The luggage we're using is what I call "body bags," because they are monstrous and long like a golf bag. It is absolutely amazing how much you can cram into these suckers, and since I've been restricted from packing my hairdryer (hello ponytails), there's really nothing breakable. My only worry is that the baby shampoo is going to open and spill from those very trusty airtight Ziploc bags I pack them in and all our clothes will be bubbly. (Speaking from experience, unfortunately.)
Our second hurdle (after packing the bags to be no more than 50 pounds) is the ELEVEN hour flight. Yes, it is fabulous that we will not be bumped or miss our connecting flight by booking a direct flight...but ELEVEN hours???! I'm wondering what to do with Caroline for 10 of those hours, praying that the kid will sleep maybe a total of 1 hour. There's only so many $1 Target bin toys you can stuff in your carry on.
But, it will all be worth it....I can see it now, me- relaxing on the beach sipping a Pina Cola.....dangit! Okay, virgin Pina Colada is the best I'm going to do. Hawaii, here we come!~
Since the new policy on airlines is to pay for every single checked bag, PR has limited me to two bags plus the car seat. We've decided to be a little crazy and attempt to put Caroline down in the bed with us (I can feel an ulcer forming in the pit of my stomach.) The luggage we're using is what I call "body bags," because they are monstrous and long like a golf bag. It is absolutely amazing how much you can cram into these suckers, and since I've been restricted from packing my hairdryer (hello ponytails), there's really nothing breakable. My only worry is that the baby shampoo is going to open and spill from those very trusty airtight Ziploc bags I pack them in and all our clothes will be bubbly. (Speaking from experience, unfortunately.)
Our second hurdle (after packing the bags to be no more than 50 pounds) is the ELEVEN hour flight. Yes, it is fabulous that we will not be bumped or miss our connecting flight by booking a direct flight...but ELEVEN hours???! I'm wondering what to do with Caroline for 10 of those hours, praying that the kid will sleep maybe a total of 1 hour. There's only so many $1 Target bin toys you can stuff in your carry on.
But, it will all be worth it....I can see it now, me- relaxing on the beach sipping a Pina Cola.....dangit! Okay, virgin Pina Colada is the best I'm going to do. Hawaii, here we come!~
Monday, December 22, 2008
Ready for Christmas...sort of
Eeek! Tomorrow we leave for Christmas at the in-laws, and I'm sure I've forgotten some critical item that will cause Christmas to be a total disaster. I have packed for everyone, including gifts (wrapped) and hostess baskets for everyone we'll be visiting. This means that if anything is missing, it's completely my fault. Why pack for my husband, you ask? First, there will be many pictures taken during the holidays, and while I love that he is proud of his Alma mater, I'd like for the pictures to show he wore more than one single shirt the entire holiday season. We've also had a few incidents where someone forgot to pack a belt or dress shoes or um, pants other than jeans.
There has been so much snow here that many of my planned errands have had to be nixed completely. I just cannot believe how it can snow for 7 hours straight! It's actually nice to watch, as long as you don't have anywhere to go. If you have one present left or desperately need milk...well, it's not so fun. But Owen and PR played outside most of today, and it was hilarious to see them construct their "igloo." Last year we didn't get very much snow...in fact, we had to build a "snow caterpillar" instead of a snowman because there was just no way we were getting any height.
My husband and I have devised a Christmas plan that we're trying to follow, as far as gifts go. We've explained that Santa visits and fills our stockings. And we give one gift to each child...boy is it hard not to get carried away! (You wouldn't believe how much I can stuff into those stockings. This is my loophole.) Of course, there are gifts from grandparents and cousins, so it's not like my child has 2 minutes of opening gifts and then Christmas is over...but we are hoping to hone in on the true celebration of Christmas.
I've heard some parents do the "three gifts" thing to mimic the gifts from the Maji...I like that idea, too. My biggest struggle is that December is so hectic with holiday parties and rushing around getting ready for the holiday...shopping, decorating, baking. I had hoped to spend time after dinner each night with the kids talking about Christmas. Owen has a Leggo advent calendar my mom sent- which he loves- and I like the idea of us spending time together as a family working on the little leggo project and then reading the story of Mary & Joseph. But this has only happened two nights this month. Maybe next year?
There has been so much snow here that many of my planned errands have had to be nixed completely. I just cannot believe how it can snow for 7 hours straight! It's actually nice to watch, as long as you don't have anywhere to go. If you have one present left or desperately need milk...well, it's not so fun. But Owen and PR played outside most of today, and it was hilarious to see them construct their "igloo." Last year we didn't get very much snow...in fact, we had to build a "snow caterpillar" instead of a snowman because there was just no way we were getting any height.
My husband and I have devised a Christmas plan that we're trying to follow, as far as gifts go. We've explained that Santa visits and fills our stockings. And we give one gift to each child...boy is it hard not to get carried away! (You wouldn't believe how much I can stuff into those stockings. This is my loophole.) Of course, there are gifts from grandparents and cousins, so it's not like my child has 2 minutes of opening gifts and then Christmas is over...but we are hoping to hone in on the true celebration of Christmas.
I've heard some parents do the "three gifts" thing to mimic the gifts from the Maji...I like that idea, too. My biggest struggle is that December is so hectic with holiday parties and rushing around getting ready for the holiday...shopping, decorating, baking. I had hoped to spend time after dinner each night with the kids talking about Christmas. Owen has a Leggo advent calendar my mom sent- which he loves- and I like the idea of us spending time together as a family working on the little leggo project and then reading the story of Mary & Joseph. But this has only happened two nights this month. Maybe next year?
Friday, December 5, 2008
Disney IS the happiest place on earth!
We've returned home after 10 wonderful days in Orlando. As most families do, we packed in the activities to make the most of our vacation. What a trip!
Our first stop was the Kennedy Space Center. Owen was completely fascinated, "wowing" at everything. He especially enjoyed the 3D movie (it was quite entertaining watching him reach out to grab the 3D objects!)
Next we hit the zoo. Always a winner. It's been more than 6 months since we've visited a zoo, so for Caroline this was a fave. It was a small zoo in Melbourne, and there were staff that walked around with reptiles and other small animals the kids could touch and see up close. Plus, because it was so small, we were able to tackle it and still have time to go out to dinner with my hubby PR's close friends. (Sushi, yum!)
We then traveled to Orlando, where we stayed in a time share (Orange Lake) with my parents. Downtown Disney was our first adventure, and with the Leggos galore Owen was in heaven. The kids rode the carousel, and I had Caroline's shadow/ profile cut out made...Owen had one done at about the same age, so I'm excited to put them next to one another and compare. (Matching the frame is a different and not quite so delightful story.) Then we hosted a chocolate party for all the ladies in the family. It was a blast! The best part was, I didn't feel a bit guilty for eating chocolate for dinner (and dessert.) That's one definite benefit of being pregnant! : ) Thanksgiving was a great reunion of cousins and close relatives, and I loved to see the kids playing with their cousins. We visited Sea World and the Magic Kingdom, and I'm so glad we didn't try and squeeze in another park. The last day everyone went to the pool while I packed. (I was pouting about having to return to the snow and didn't really care to show off the outie belly button that's graced my widening middle.)
I even got a quick trip to the mall- what a glorious mall! I don't know who planned the malls around here, but most are outdoors (hello, did you not realize it is cold and miserable in NY nearly 6 months out of the year???!!)...and NONE have play areas or fun stores like Nordies, Gymboree, and Gap. (I'm not even asking for William Sonoma or Crate & Barrell...just the basics!!!) I really shouldn't complain. Our last hometown didn't even have a Target. But really there's almost no point at all of having a mall if all it offers is Old Navy and Bon Ton, whatever that is. Oh, I almost forgot the one restaurant in it- some icky burger joint that has a menu like Denny's. What's the deal? Where's PF Changs and Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen....or even a dang Cinnabon??!! Obviously, the crazy pregnant lady obsessed with food is on the rage now, so I'll bid you all adieu and wander off to bed...
Our first stop was the Kennedy Space Center. Owen was completely fascinated, "wowing" at everything. He especially enjoyed the 3D movie (it was quite entertaining watching him reach out to grab the 3D objects!)
Next we hit the zoo. Always a winner. It's been more than 6 months since we've visited a zoo, so for Caroline this was a fave. It was a small zoo in Melbourne, and there were staff that walked around with reptiles and other small animals the kids could touch and see up close. Plus, because it was so small, we were able to tackle it and still have time to go out to dinner with my hubby PR's close friends. (Sushi, yum!)
We then traveled to Orlando, where we stayed in a time share (Orange Lake) with my parents. Downtown Disney was our first adventure, and with the Leggos galore Owen was in heaven. The kids rode the carousel, and I had Caroline's shadow/ profile cut out made...Owen had one done at about the same age, so I'm excited to put them next to one another and compare. (Matching the frame is a different and not quite so delightful story.) Then we hosted a chocolate party for all the ladies in the family. It was a blast! The best part was, I didn't feel a bit guilty for eating chocolate for dinner (and dessert.) That's one definite benefit of being pregnant! : ) Thanksgiving was a great reunion of cousins and close relatives, and I loved to see the kids playing with their cousins. We visited Sea World and the Magic Kingdom, and I'm so glad we didn't try and squeeze in another park. The last day everyone went to the pool while I packed. (I was pouting about having to return to the snow and didn't really care to show off the outie belly button that's graced my widening middle.)
I even got a quick trip to the mall- what a glorious mall! I don't know who planned the malls around here, but most are outdoors (hello, did you not realize it is cold and miserable in NY nearly 6 months out of the year???!!)...and NONE have play areas or fun stores like Nordies, Gymboree, and Gap. (I'm not even asking for William Sonoma or Crate & Barrell...just the basics!!!) I really shouldn't complain. Our last hometown didn't even have a Target. But really there's almost no point at all of having a mall if all it offers is Old Navy and Bon Ton, whatever that is. Oh, I almost forgot the one restaurant in it- some icky burger joint that has a menu like Denny's. What's the deal? Where's PF Changs and Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen....or even a dang Cinnabon??!! Obviously, the crazy pregnant lady obsessed with food is on the rage now, so I'll bid you all adieu and wander off to bed...
Friday, November 14, 2008
Free Photobook, compliments of Oprah
My girlfriend told me about a special offer from Oprah. She's recently done a show about decluttering, and to help inspire her listeners to get organized she has a free 8x11 photobook offer on her website. You must sign up for this by today, Friday November 14 and complete the photobook by this Sunday (how's that for motivation?) Follow the link below and scroll down to the "Get your free book" link. Happy Friday!!
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081029_tows_messyhouse/7
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081029_tows_messyhouse/7
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Seriously laggging
It's been at least a week since I've had the energy to post. Why?! The first two times around during this pregnancy thing, life was a breeze! I was totally on top of things! And now, my fridge begs me to give it a thorough cleaning every time I open the door...I've completely neglected dusting the extra bedroom for almost a month...and there are nearly a zillion emails in my yahoo inbox. Ug.
I'll just take this time to spew. First, I had an ultrasound appointment booked for last Friday...THE appointment we were hoping would enlighten us as to the gender of baby #3. However, the medical office called to reschedule, as my midwife was assisting in a C-section. (Okay, I can't blame her...but the suspense was killing me!) Luckily, we were rescheduled for the following Monday. Or so I thought. We arrived Monday, only to be told that there had NOT been an ultrasound appointment scheduled, only the 16-20 week check up. WHAT??!! Hmph. I begged to wait for a window in her schedule, and we were able to get in 45 minutes later. However, I suspect the ultrasound tech was not too happy with her "bonus patient" because she made no attempt to get the little baked potato (I know, weird...but apparently, that's his or her current size at 18 weeks) to move into position. She said simply, "sorry, we won't be able to tell in the baby's position because the legs are crossed." Why I didn't say something, or offer to move around or drink some hot sauce or something is beyond me. I'm usually quite the high maintenance patient (make that high maintenance across the board.) But I was trying to be nice, since she had squeezed us in, and just politely hinted at our hopes....without any luck.
So, tomorrow, I'm driving over an hour away and shelling out the big bucks to find out who's inside.
I'll just take this time to spew. First, I had an ultrasound appointment booked for last Friday...THE appointment we were hoping would enlighten us as to the gender of baby #3. However, the medical office called to reschedule, as my midwife was assisting in a C-section. (Okay, I can't blame her...but the suspense was killing me!) Luckily, we were rescheduled for the following Monday. Or so I thought. We arrived Monday, only to be told that there had NOT been an ultrasound appointment scheduled, only the 16-20 week check up. WHAT??!! Hmph. I begged to wait for a window in her schedule, and we were able to get in 45 minutes later. However, I suspect the ultrasound tech was not too happy with her "bonus patient" because she made no attempt to get the little baked potato (I know, weird...but apparently, that's his or her current size at 18 weeks) to move into position. She said simply, "sorry, we won't be able to tell in the baby's position because the legs are crossed." Why I didn't say something, or offer to move around or drink some hot sauce or something is beyond me. I'm usually quite the high maintenance patient (make that high maintenance across the board.) But I was trying to be nice, since she had squeezed us in, and just politely hinted at our hopes....without any luck.
So, tomorrow, I'm driving over an hour away and shelling out the big bucks to find out who's inside.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Gourmet night
Today was just horrible outside...cold. Windy. Rainy. Cloudy. God was flashing a big neon sign to me, "stay inside today." So, I did. And I actually got through the Mt. Everest pile of laundry, cleaned most of the house, AND tackled a new feat: preparing scallops!!!
I absolutely love scallops in restaurants, but for some reason I've always been intimidated to make them at home. They are just so delicate, and if you overcook them or get ones that have the pieces of sand (or whatever that crunchy stuff is) it ruins the whole experience. But I was quite victorious, they came out wonderfully (maybe a bit salty) and even looked pretty! Here's (basically) the recipe:
Balsamic Scallops and Spinach Pasta
1 lb bay scallops, rinsed and patted dry
2 T flour
1 tsp cajun seasoning
1 T EVOO
1 cup chopped spinach
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 cups pasta, prepared
1/4 cup crumbled bacon
Combine flour and seasoning in large plastic bag. Add scallops and shake to coat. Heat saute pan to medium and add EVOO. Cook scallops 6 minutes, turning halfway through. Remove from heat. Add spinach to the pan and add 2T water. Cover for 2 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, stirring. Return scallops to pan and gently combine. Add bacon.
To serve, top pasta with scallops and spinach.
PS. Tomorrow it's supposed to SNOW. What's the deal with that? It's only October! Cute Halloween costumes doomed.
I absolutely love scallops in restaurants, but for some reason I've always been intimidated to make them at home. They are just so delicate, and if you overcook them or get ones that have the pieces of sand (or whatever that crunchy stuff is) it ruins the whole experience. But I was quite victorious, they came out wonderfully (maybe a bit salty) and even looked pretty! Here's (basically) the recipe:
Balsamic Scallops and Spinach Pasta
1 lb bay scallops, rinsed and patted dry
2 T flour
1 tsp cajun seasoning
1 T EVOO
1 cup chopped spinach
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 cups pasta, prepared
1/4 cup crumbled bacon
Combine flour and seasoning in large plastic bag. Add scallops and shake to coat. Heat saute pan to medium and add EVOO. Cook scallops 6 minutes, turning halfway through. Remove from heat. Add spinach to the pan and add 2T water. Cover for 2 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, stirring. Return scallops to pan and gently combine. Add bacon.
To serve, top pasta with scallops and spinach.
PS. Tomorrow it's supposed to SNOW. What's the deal with that? It's only October! Cute Halloween costumes doomed.
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