Babies and food

The Little Buddy is really not eating now. I know you are getting soooo bored with this, as am I. Now it's only goldfish, goldfish and bananas. I've tried sliding things in from the side, like my friend recommended. He's too smart for that. and he's taken to feeding us lately. Just what my fat butt needs, more goldfish. They're not really all that low in fat for those of you who thought they were, not when you're eating whole bags. I was fooled.

I thought we were being so suave, never heating up his baby food. We figured that way he didn't get used to hot food and was okay eating it cold. It backfired. Now he won't eat anything the least bit warm.

Oprah, Julia Roberts and Kids

I only watched a little bit of Julia Roberts on Oprah. But what she said hit home. In so many words she said that she actually liked her kids. She always knew she would love them but she didn't think about if she liked them or not. I feel the same way. I love the Little Buddy, of course but I genuinely like him too. I like being around him. He's funny, and smart, of course, genius actually, and cute and likeable.

The other thing she said was that she was so glad that there was finally another person on this planet who felt the same excitement she felt when Danny Motors, her husband, came home at night. I feel the same way once again. W gets so excited. He screams Da Da and bangs on the window with a smile that can't get any bigger. He feels the same way I do.

The Bachelor-Shoooocked!

See Reality TV News Blog

Beautiful Culinary Display

Dinner time. 6pm. W woke up from a late nap. My new goal is to put something health in front of him atleast once a day-besides yogurt or baby oatmeal. Whole Foods was OUT OF Guacamole last night. It seemed that everyone was stocking up their ice boxes after the Thanksgiving weekend and Guacamole was on their list. I was peeoed considering it's the only vegetable (it might be a fruit so let's just say green thing) that he will eat. So tonight I cut up avocado pieces-they were beautiful, really, perfectly green and ripe, took out some green beans (canned but atleast they were green beans) and a satsuma. I lined them up in a row, alternating the colors. The green and oranges perfectly complemented each other. He promptly moved the satsumas to the side of his tray and began eating them. AAAAHHHHH! I was able to slip in an avocado piece twice. After the 2nd piece he caught on and was done eating. DARN!

Reality TV News Blog

We've started a new blog. Reality TV News Blog. I haven't posted much but there will be a lot coming up. Tonight is the Season Finale of The Bachelor. I wasn't going to have any wine tonight but then John reminded we had a big night ahead of us. The Bachelor just isn't the same without a cup of vino.

The Little Buddy is becoming the Big Buddy. He looked like a little boy today. His legs are long, they are thinning out, he's getting more hair (it's all relative) and his face looks older. He's a hoot to have around and he loves snuggling with me more than ever. In between playing he comes over and puts his head on the couch for me to rub. Too cute. He knows it too.

I don't know what to do about a Christmas tree. If we get one, I am worried he will pull it over. I will definitely have to scale back, not get such a huge one if we get it. But if there's a tree in the den he really won't have any other place to run around unrestrained except in our bedrooms. Just can't decide. Is it really bad to get a table top tree, or a rosemary tree?

Nola Mom, Dad and Baby's Thanksgiving

It all started on Tuesday afternoon when we found out William had a 102.5 degree fever. On Wednesday, we thought it had gone down so I left the doctor's office without seeing the doctor. I knew it was chaotic in there and didn't want him to catch the croup or something else that he didn't have. That afternoon his temp was back up so we thought we would decide we-well to make a long story short we left for our family reunion early Thursday morning. His temp was down and he still seemed like his chipper self so over the hills and through the woods.....It's a 3 and half hour drive to Vicksburg and he slept for ohhhh, 15 minutes and then was peeoed he was couped up in the car and pretty much cried for the last hour. I was anxious and exhaused and going stir crazy by the time we arrived and was dreading the first 30 minutes of the party while he adapted to all the hoo-rah (my dad is one of 8 kids, one of which has 7 kids and then you have grandchildren and greatgrandchildren).

He was a TROOPER! and the life of the party. Could really have cared less if we were there or not. He toddled around, let the little dog lick his head, watched the big kids slide down the hill, and pretty much reigned over the entire house.

Around 2 we took him back to the hotel to take a nap-we were all exhausted-he was not having any of it. I don't blame him really. The crib was cheap and the mattress, well, wasn't a mattress and there we were sitting on the bed and he just didn't get why he couldn't play. So he stood up and screamed and cried and screamed some more. We took him out of the crib. He cried. We put him in our bed, he screamed. No nap. Now it was time for our favorite party of the day. Mimo was nervous. She should have been. If he were a pill, she knew it was her fault because she interrupted us in the midst of the screaming and wanted to take him. Thought we were being mean. She lucked out. Once again, he was an angel.

Then we headed back to the last party of the weekend. My cousin's daughter, I guess my second cousin, is a junior in college. She's gorgeous and hip and smart and loves babies. she was our savior. She played with him the whole time, except for the few minutes that her mom and Mimo had him. They taught him to scribble with a marks a lot on a dry erase board, decided he was left handed (which I think he is) and let him draw on his head with the brown marker, which would have been okay if he had brown hair, or any hair at all for that matter. But he doesn't. Then they wiped his head down with a Shout Wipe-that's good- and chalked it up to fun.

Anyway, I felt very mawmaw looking, have been for awhile. I have no hip clothes and still am not as skinny as a I want to be so when my young, hip and smart second cousin told me she liked my shoes (the same ones I almost returned for fear of them looking like I had on my mom's shoes (I bought them for comfort and my mom buys all shoes for comfort)) I was happy. John told me I was pathetic in the way I responded. It was just that I finally had a moment, a moment where I felt that I still had some style.

Finally at 8pm we brought W upstairs for bed. He was out as soon as he hit the cheap mattress but up again screaming when we went back in an hour later. He cried for 30 minutes and finally I did what I said I never, NEVER would do. (Never say never, cuz you always will) I put him in bed with us. He cried for another 45 minutes then finally went to sleep, until 3:30am when he saw us and was ready for fun and games. and that's how our day began. :)

We learned some lessons this holiday but had a great time overall. Papa got to show him off to his brothers and sisters. We got to enjoy 2 parties without having to worry about W but we didn't have to worry that he wasn't with us. and we learned what we always knew, that the Little Buddy sleeps better in his own bed.

The Contract Dance

It all started in North Carolina when Papa and William began the family tradition of dancing. Dancing when you're happy, dancing in front of the fire, dancing to show everyone just how cute you can be. And he would only do it with Papa. I tried to get it on video camera but I could never catch him in the act. He only did it a few times when we got back (John says he does it while he's brusing his teeth in the morning). But now Papa's back. So W is back to shaking his boody. The best moment came, though, when we bid on our new house. YES! Our new house. We put in the offer. They accepted and we went to Mimo and Papa's for a celebratory glass of wine and of course the New House Dance. When we got there, Papa promptly asked William if he would do a New House Dance. He honored the request. We cracked up laughing and there were Papa and William dancing across the floor in honor of the new house until John reminded us it wasn't really official yet. We had signed nothing. So the dancing stopped.

When we got home our agents came over, we signed the contract and it became official. But W was already asleep. First thing in the morning I asked him to do a Contract Dance and he shook and bopped up and down with more joy than you've ever seen. I swear. He was relieved. After 9 months in my belly dealing with the stupid house we bought, to the hurricane evacuation, to the selling of the stupid house into which we never moved, and being dragged from house to house on every Wednesday, some Sundays and various other appointments, he was done. Like M said, "Enough already".

"Just give me a room" I am sure he said. "I already have a room, but a room without clutter, a room without the Walmart evacuation chest of drawers, a room that doesn't have all of mom's stationery piled high enough to reach China and back."

So that's why he put his knees and his behind and his shoulders and his belly and his soul into the Contract Dance. I will never forget it.

Of course, we still have to go through inspections so although we have a contract, it's not truly official but don't tell William, until he learns a new dance, the Moving Day Dance.

Bachelor-The Women Tell All

I'm making this short. But I feel it's my obligation to atleast say something.

1. Were you as shocked as we were that Lorenzo made a surprise appearance?
2. Lisa-I know people think she's crazy but how many of you southern women who went to a southern college can actually say they never met a girl who didn't have a timeline? Of course, they were always really desperate but they exist and Lisa isn't the only one.
   
3. The drunk-can't remember her name-I wish Chris would have talked to her more. I would have loved to hear what she had to say about her drunken stupor. I loved her. She was attractive, dressed well, she just drank a few too many and stayed in the hot sun a bit too long. I am sure she regrets her actions (all she did was get a tad bit loopy, okay, a lot loopy but probably is super glad that it got her kicked off so she didn't end up with "The Prince"
4. Erica-you gotta luf her.
5. Wanna bet he's going pick Sadie?
   

The waiting is killing me

My poor little buddy is sick. I never would have known it-he was all over the place and super energetic and dancing like there was no tomorrow. It wasn't until I picked him up that I could feel the heat all the way through his shirt. It was crazy. So I took his temperature and it was 102.5. It was kind of scary. He's never had fever that high. The doctor couldn't really say much. She asked if he was eating. What does that matter. He doesn't eat anyway, but he was eating the usual guacamole for lunch. She said that it would either turn into a cold or he would break out into a rash, indicating a virus. He took a 3 hour nap this afternoon but was right back to bouncing around in between then and bedtime. So now all we can do is wait. He's a trooper, the Little Buddy.

Q tips

He's gotten into them. They are everywhere. I guess it could be worse. I have heard of toddlers smearing Desitin all over - and that doesn't come off easily. He's having a good time. That's all that matters.

Christmas Cards

Whew! I have finally decided on a photo and a design for our Christmas cards. I have decided I am one of those people that retailers do not like. It takes me forever to make a decision like that. I like to have everyone's opinion. So most of the people I am sending a card to have most likely seen it already. But I am happy with it. I ended up designing it myself. The photo was the easy part. We took so many photos of the Little Buddy in North Carolina, so we have the perfect one. It's going to take some time on my part but I am ordering the envelopes today from
Paper Source-great source for inexpensive papers, envelopes and card stocks in many colors, hence the name. I am not lining the envelopes-I've decided, while I love lined envelopes most people don't care, especially if it's the man opening the envelope. They just slit the top and never see the lining and that's another 30 minutes to add to my time.

Originally I was going to get them from either Tiny Prints or Basically Cards but I am feeling creative and I want a real picture, not a printed one. Don't get me wrong. It's nothing fancy by any means but it makes me happy.

So get crackin' people. The holidays are upon us and if it takes you as long to make a decision as me-you'll need the time-and that's already if you have your photo!

Big News Around Town

I'm not one to talk politics. J usually talks it, I listen. But this news is too good to pass up! It was in the paper today. Two of our councilwomen were dunked in a dunking booth at a neighborhood party last weekend. Now that's news! Ha.

Sweet sounds

By the end of the day W and I are both hungry and tired and W is definitely ready for a change of scenery, ready to see a face other than mine. and every night we wait, and when I see the headlights coming through the drawn blind, I get up, and head to the window and the Little Buddy knows that he's here, because he starts yelling, "Da Da Da Da Da". I pull up the blind and he hand plants up to the window and we see J getting out of the car. J can't hear him, "Da Da Da Da Da!!!". and then he knocks on the window and W knocks back until J disappears in between the driveway and the front door. Then we wait in anticipation until Da Da Da Da walks in. All whining stops, we forget how tired we are for a few minutes and we sing, "Daddy's home, Daddy's home...DADDY'S home doo doodleleedoo doodee doo doodee doo. It's probably the sweetest moment of the day. Then J and the Little Buddy head upstairs to change, J out of work clothes, W into pj's while I cook dinner. They come back down for a goodnight kiss and then J puts W to bed. I can hear them laughing-whoopin' it up almost. Sometimes (don't tell J) I turn on the monitor so I can hear the laughter from my boys more clearly, although it's loud enough to hear down the street without it. Imagine the pressure, when J had a work dinner last night and I had to put the Little Buddy to bed. He giggled... a bit. I tried my best to whoop it up. I've been known to be a big whoopin'itupper but I couldn't compare. Tonight, when I heard the belly laughing coming from upstairs, I realized how much I missed it, even after just one night.

Middle Age Jackasses

Okay, so L called to see if we wanted to have coffee the other morning but the Little Buddy was sleeping so we couldn't go. She was having her house cleaned and didn't want to be around so she went to get her morning Joe anyway. She arrived at the coffee house and it was packed.

It's been super packed lately. It's aggravating, especially when you are carrying around a 22 pound lug. It's my coffee house and why aren't all of these people at work?

She gets in line with C and puts him down because he wants to get down.

He can walk now, I don't really want to be carried everywhere either.

He's playing and playing, happily, then he starts sauntering up to people who are leisurely drinking their morning coffee.

People who usually aren't in too goods of moods and obviously don't want to be bugged by a 22 pound lug

So trying to be the considerate person she is, she picks C up and continues to wait in line. This ticks him off.

He can walk and I wouldn't want to be carried around everywhere either, especially if I am having a good time.

He starts to fuss so she pulls out her makeup bag for him to play with.

If you have a baby you know they don't want a toy, they only want your stuff.

He gladly takes it, opens it, finds her lipstick, opens that and starts to eat it. She pulls it away from him. That ticks him off even more and at this point she's at the front of the line. He starts screaming crying, throwing a tantrum.

Remember, he's a baby, 14 months.

The coffee barista rolls her eyes and asks what she wants as the 2 middle age jackasses behind her..

as they roll their eyes and start talking about how annoying that is. L finally puts C down because she can't hold on to him in this state. He throws himself on the floor and continues with the behavior. she's totally embarrassed and trying to order her coffee but the Barista, who obviously doesn't have kids is making her feel like SHE'S the jackass. L asks if she can give her a minute while she deals with C and the Barista yells, "NEXT!" So she picks up C and tells her she's leaving because it's obviously his nap time.

Any mom knows what she's feeling like right at that moment. Like a total idiot, like people think she can't control her kid, and absolutely mortified. None of which is true and she shouldn't have to feel mortified because her baby is being just that, a baby, a normal 14 month old. And all she was trying to do was to get a cup of coffee and to be as considerate as possible.

So she goes to leave and one MAJ turns to the other MAJ (after L says, it's his nap time)and says, "Isn't that always the excuse for bad behavior".

That's the punchline and that's why I told the story.

Beauty Sleep

We didn't do much today. The Little Buddy took a nap from 8am - 10am. We went to Haase's for turtlenecks. Then he took a nap from 1pm until 4:45 pm. I guess he needed his Beauty Sleep. He must get tired from being so cute!:)

Sweet and Scrappy

The Little Buddy is the sweetest guy I know. I worry sometimes that he will be a mama's boy-because I love on him so much and he loves me too. I mean, if I'm laying on the floor watching tv or doing crunches he sidles on over to me every so often for a kiss or a hug. When we go to playgroup or are playing with another friend, it takes him awhile to get used to things and other times another kid will grab something from him and he'll just walk away instead of fighting for it. It drives me CRAZY! But I'll tell you one thing, he's a sweet boy. He has definitely decided early on what matters to him. If it doesn't, he walks away, if it does, he fights until the bitter end. So he's sweet most of the time and scrappy when he needs to be. It's the implication of course with most mother's of boys that they are glad if their son is "bad". No one wants a wimp for a son. And I made the mistake of describing it as a a mama's boy one time and our friend , Ucnle Bob said, I'm a mama's boy. and you know what-he's thegreatest guy under the sun. Now that I think about it, J is just like W, really it's vice versa, W is just like J. He's sweet, and funny and dry witted and he walks away from a fight, unless there's a lot at stake in which case he stands up for himself and in what he believes and that's why I married him. He's not "bad" for the sake of being "bad". He's "bad" when it counts and sweet the rest of the time. That's why I love him and why I'm happy that the Little Buddy takes after his dad. Sweet and Scrappy. and if he's a mama's boy...I'm glad I'm his mama!

Laguna Beach

I thought for sure that I could surf blogs and find one that had a recap about the finale. I mean, it's already 15 minutes past and I have yet to find anything about the last episode-not even on realitysteve. I guess everyone is like me, they have to process it. It was none too exciting but this season never really is, although I love the daily drama of it all. Keep checking back. I know I'll have more to say!

Laguna Beach Season Finale

I watched it. I have to process it before I comment. J watched the whole show all the way through for the first time tonight with me and he has opinions. I'll be back. I promise.

The older generation

Mimo and Papa were the oldest parents out of my friends in high school. They're not ancient or anything but as you can imagine their understanding of computers is minimal. Now, Papa is an emailing wiz. He is an expert joke sender, believe me and he is way more advanced than Mimo. She doesn't even try. So he was amazed last night as I was explaining my blog to him. I mentionned it to him once before but I don't think he really "got it". Nothing wrong with that. It took me awhile before I understood blogs. I told him how to get to this blog but prefaced it by, "you will be hooked, once you venture into the world of blogs" I haven't yet talked to him today. He's probably blogging himself by now.

The Little Buddy is growing so quickly. I don't mention my blog much to people unless they ask but I thought it was such a good way for them to hear about their grandson. I am wary of posting too many pictures of him on the blog but atleast they can hear about what he does everyday.

Today, we went to have coffee. We have changed up our time a bit what with his new schedule and all and that's the only thing I don't like about it. the coffee house is PACKED. and he is getting to be such a lug that it's hard to hold him for 10 minutes while we are waiting in line. It's storming today and I have a feeling we will be going stir crazy all cooped up in house. Maybe we'll go outside and splash in the puddles.

Baby has a new schedule

I love W's new schedule. He's been taking naps at 9:30 and 2:30. It's great. I can finally take him out to lunch and he actually enjoys it. and I feel like our days are more efficient. I have the morning to clean up and then I have more energy to play with him in the late afternoon. He has become a tornado around the house though. Don't get me wrong. I am not a neat person. I am clean, just messy and I have a hard time organizing and finding a place for everything so I have little piles everywhere. I feel like the minute I pick up (the best I can) he wakes up and before you know it there is stuff everywhere. We are totally growing out this place so I feel bad the poor little guy doesn't really have his own space. I think that's why I let him have more free reign than other babies might.

Here comes Santa Claus

I know, it's not even Thanksgiving but L and her husband went to Toys R Us last Saturday and said it was a mob scene which made me think of Christmas and what I could get the Little Buddy and buy it online. Her baby, C, loves Tickle Me Elmo . So that's what we're going to get him. He really doesn't need much else. He is perfectly happy running around with his wooden spoon and tupperware. Although in the afternoon (only in the afternoon, when I am tired and a little on edge) he makes a bee line for the pot and pan cabinet. He likes the pots too, but mainly the tops and begins banging away like he's the drummer for Kiss (his dad only wishes). I am going to a have to get a lock for that particular cabinet-it drives me nuts. Oh, and I also finally got gates for my stairs. We've had one too many close calls and it was getting harder and harder to have walkers over to my house because they like to climb the stairs.

But anyway, back to Christmas. Let me help get you in the spirit and tell you about W's favorite toys. If I can help someone become less overwhelmed than me when shopping for toys and save a bit of money... I will.

His favorites:

• I bought this at Walmart the other day because C had it and he loved it. The Leapfrog Interactive Learn and Groove Musical Table. It sings songs, plays music, in English and Spanish. I took French from Pre-K to 12th and majored in it in college so I find it fascinating. I've learned my abc's in Spanish (I knew my numbers from my Electric company watching days)
• Mimo and Papa bought this for his first bday. The Radio Flyer Classic Walker and he loves it. and he likes their Classic Trike too! which Uncle Bob and Aunt Liz gave him. Both of them are great but I do suggest it only for 12 months and up. He can't yet ride the trike but pulls it around the house and loves riding around the block in the walker.
• My friend, Anne, buys the Musical Activity Walker for most baby showers. It is great. W started playing with it once he sat up and still loves it and a 3 year old came over and played with nothing else. It starts out flat and then pops up once they stand. We travel with it too because it folds down and is easy to take on a plane or car. So those are his favorites right now and have been for awhile. I'll keep you posted if something changes but they are well worth the investment.
  

Citrus fruit

Awhile ago I posted about how I read that you shouldn't give your toddler citrus fruit because the strings from the fruit could lodge in their lungs which would create a cough and you would think it was just a cold when really it was something more serious. My doctor had never heard of the ridiculousness and said I could give him citrus fruit. Whew! Because he loves Satsumas and I still gave them to him. Satsumas are similar to tangerines-I don't really know the different but they are in season here from about November to January, I think.

New Question from Ask Pud

Ask Pud is awesome. Sometimes shocking and sometimes so right. I liked his answer to the "How do you know when your happy" question.

New Orleans, It's beautiful

New Orleans is still kind of depressing, in certain areas but the Little Buddy took us for an unexpected walk around the block yesterday and through his eyes we saw just how beautiful and unique it is. The flowers were falling over neighborhood fences and the brick sidewalks, as frustrating and stroller-unfriendly as they are, are still unique and provided quite the exciting challenge he was looking for (for which he was looking).

And we were even able to see that the overgrown sidewalks held fascinating treasures like berries, shells and dirt that he could really sink his hands into (tilt your head sideways to see the overgrown sidewalk.)

Reality Steve's take on The Bachelor

REALITYSTEVE.com: "THE BACHELOR" RECAP - 11/13/06
Couldn't said it better myself, and didn't.

The Bachelor

I am willing to bet that Prince Lorenzo picks Sadie.

J and I were at odds over wether he would keep Lisa or the Florida blonde. I was right.

I liked Lisa so much at the beginning and she slowly went down hill. I do believe she was in it for the right reasons, she just came across as a little more desperate than the others. So she had a timeline. I can name atleast 3 girls with whom I went to college who had a "timeline". They came across as desperate, too.

Lorenzo is kind of a buffoon. But I like him.

I don't know the Florida girl well enough to say anything about her except that I think she was the least cute of the 3. Our DVR was acting up so was frozen during her date. Needless to say I was not happy. Not that she wasn't cute but her 80's style dress at the Rose Ceremony wasn't too flattering.

The Bachelor

Gotta Go! It's coming on-now-and it's been 2 weeks. I'm having withdrawals. I'm sure I'll be back to chat about it. Don't forget about What About Brian!

15 months and counting

We had our 15 months check up today. He insisted on walking from the waiting room to the doctor's office. Awfully cute. He's growing-good sign-he had a good growth spurt in the past month or so and seems like it hasn't stopped. He's on an eating binge. I love it! AND he's a man after my own heart-he loves Fig Newtons!

Have you heard of Pud?

Pud was the random blog on blogger the other day. If you haven't heard of him, check it out. Some people may be offended by it, if you're not thick-skinned. I'm not saying he's PC in any way. I just thought he was funny. He's this random blogger, seemingly ordinary guy, who answers random questions from anyone.

Change of seasons

Is that beautiful? or what? We really don't know what we're missing. The changing of the leaves is unbelievable and this is nothing compared to the red and orange trees we saw.

Roar!

No one got to see W on Halloween since we were in North Carolina. So I feel I must share my cute baby and how cute he looked thanks to a loaner costume from one of my dearest friends. Roar!

Back at last

We went back to Superior after a long hiatus. It was good and W had a fabulous time. He ate his usual, tomatoes sprinkled with cilantro, accompanied by several Nilla Wafers. We had to wait 30 minutes, unusual, but worth it. The place was packed as always.

So now we're back home. I 'm blogging and J is singing to W while putting him to bed and it's the sweetest sound I'ver heard in awhile.

Get it straight, I'm not pushing Emeril's

Uncle RaRa,
Let's get this straight. I am not "pushing" Emeril's by any means. I very much dislike the person. When I was just a kid, 24, and into the food channel at its beginnings, I would watch Emeril every night in bed. I loved him, thought he was awesome, until that fateful night. I was at Clancy's with 2 friends and so was Emeril. It was empty and it was my birthday and I looooved Emeril. So at the urging of my friends I sent him a glass of Champagne. It was Veuve Cliquot or something. Not cheap, esp. for a 24 year old. He promptly sniffed the glass and snubbed his nose at it. No fyou, thank you, or anything. Not even a glance in our direction. I was done and have been ever since. I still go to his restaurant because I like the atmosphere but when I see people tripping over themselves to shake his hand or hear people talking as if he is this hero or culinary genius, I am none too impressed and never will be. I enjoy food, know a lot about food, worked in the industry but certainly none too impressed by his product so I am not pushing his restaurant except to say that it is kid friendly. And it makes me so happy to know that if he knew someone was promoting his place as that(kid friendly) he would probably become totally naseous. I'll say it again, that makes me happy.

Belly laughter

Belly Laughter is the most precious sound I can hear coming from W. It never ceases to make my laugh just as hard the frustrating part is that I never know when it is going to come out. Something that made him laugh one day, makes him glaze over the next. One night I tripped over one of his toys on the way to the couch and there it was. All the way from his toes, the laughter. So I proceeded to fall down. Whatever which way I did it, he laughed and the game went on for 30 minutes. My parents had never heard him laugh like that and were beside themselves. It was such a fun night. So the next day my parents made me do it in front of their friends, who have no grandchildren. I tried to back out of it. I was adamant but they wouldn't take no for an answer. I knew what was going to happen but I had no way out. I felt like everyone was chanting for me to fall down. So I did. Nothing. Total silence. W just looked at me like I was an idiot. But the worse part was, the couple gave a half-assed laugh just because they had to. anyway, I guess you had to be there.

But yesterday! I found a new thing he thought was belly laughing worthy. We laughed for 10 minutes straight ( a long time in his world) and my day was made.

NOLA Kid Activities

I haven't been so good about keeping up with events and activities for kids. Please, if you know of anything fun going on around town for kids, or even just kid friendly events. I'm going to post a request each day for info. If you know of anything please comment and I will post them up on the sidebar for the week.

Oh, this just in....to add to the list of kid friendly restaurants my friend, S, told me today that they bring their 7 month old to this restaurant a lot because they are living in the neighborhood while their flooded house is being renovated. She said it was loud, they have highchairs and they don't mind at all. You won't believe it. I was surprised. I really was. Because I have my issues with the place but J and I do like going there. The food is hit or miss but I love the atmosphere and the bar. I feel hip, key word, feel, when we go there. I try to sass up (that's not too possible these days because I don't fit in anything and getting bigger by the day) and I really always do enjoy myself, even when the waiters are snotty. Oh, the restaurant....Emeril's. It's true.

Remember to be nice to new moms

I'm not preaching or anything but I remember all too well what it was like to be a new mom. It was very tiring and lonely. I saw a mom in the park today with a 7 week old and she was very happy to smile and say hello as I was walking past her. I said hello, asked her about her baby, how old, yada yada, introduced myself and then went on my way. I now feel really bad that I didn't slow down to walk with her. I was on a mission. I gained atleast 5 pounds on vacation and needed to keep movin'. But I should have stopped because that's all I wanted when W was that age-a 5 minute chat with another mom.

Laguna Beach Double Feature!

How awesome-it was totally unexpected-the double feature.

Every time I watch it I am so tense because it really brings you back to highschool. But I get so angry at the tv. Here's what I'm thinking

Tess: I like her but she needs to cut the hair and stop acting so whiny. She's too needy and she says things to Rocky that you would say to a boyfriend, wierd. I wish she and Chase would just hook up.

Chase: Love him even after his philosophical ramblings. He's cute.

Kyndra: EEEEWWWWWW! She's not attractive. She's a bitch and a bit skanky and will basically take any guy that comes along. and what does she find so cool about Cami.

Cami: All Boobs-what was that? Did you see them in the car? Cover up, girl. Every show I am amazed by how much she bugs me. and who invited her to the prom?

Lexi: So pretty but I can't figure her out. At first I thought she may be shy but now I am thinking that she knows she's pretty and knows she is the prettiest of her friends and thinks she deserves more. I don't know.

Breanna: Nothing like L.C. So highschool. She looked like a total idiot trying to get Derek to "finish their talk" while he basically had his tongue down Tess' throat.

Rocky: Is she skinny? Is she fat? Is she just hippy? Wierd body. Cut the hair. She doesn't really have any friends besides Tess so that's why she likes to create drama wherever she goes. It gives her something to do. And cut the baby talk with Alex.

Cameron: LOOOSER. How funny was that? when Kyndra ditched him for the Bigger Loser, Tyler?

Kelan: I like him but he needs to grow some balls. Isn't that what Derek told him?

The Band: Is that music? Can't be. Maybe I'm just old. It sounds like noise, really. I sound like my parents. But I like the guys, more power to them. If you're reading this, Congrats on the record deal. But stay in school.

J thought is was queer the way the guys asked the girls to prom.

Laguna Beach Chicks' eating habits

Is it just me or does anyone else find the way those girls eat disgusting? Always chewing their cud, swishing their tongues around in their mouths, eating with their mouths open.

oh-and I get it-Cami is supposed to be the unnattractive sidekick, right? but the sidekick's "queen bee" (Kyndra) is not too hot herself. Not to mention, Tyler is such a total loser. But then again, like J said, she's not much of a catch herself.

Five Happy Day!

Five Happiness has returned to its original building and is open again on Sundays! For the past year, J and I have not been able to eat good Chinese food Ive written about it before:Nola Mom: Advice for my son

How Many of Me?

I took this link from Rookie Mom but it was so cool and I haven't figured out how to link to their page. How many of Me? tells you how many people in the U.S. have your name. There are 5 people in the U.S. with my new name. 1 person with my first and maiden name. I traded down for a more common name but I do like it. All you do is put in your first and last name and voila it pops up how many people have your first name, how many people have your last name and how many people have both your first and last name.

Daddy's Home!

or rather he's on vacation. He finally joined us up here in the mountains. I wish I could download a photo for you to see W's face when he saw his daddy after a week. Priceless.

J usually puts the Little Buddy to bed every night. But for the past week I've had to do it. It usually makes me quite anxious due to my OCD complex. Once I start something and it kind of becomes a ritual I have to do the same thing over and over. Kooky, I know but it still makes me anxious. I already have to check on him twice at night before I go to bed. and I have to tell someone before I go check on him. Not just tell them but say, "I'm going to check on the Little Buddy" So imagine the anxiety of adding a few new wierd habits to the mix. Not good.

I must admit, though that I was a bit sad when bedtime came because I have been enjoying it.

Papa tried to beg off a little bit too. He didn't want to get in the way of father and son. THat wasn't going to work. As much as he loved having Daddy to play with he still followed Papa wherever he went. To the kitchen, to the garage for wood, to the bathroom, in the bathroom. He's the Little Buddy's Buddy, for life. No getting out of it.

There are 2 sides to every story.

I woke up this morning freezin' my but off with a big ass towel on me. I guess those idiots thought that would keep me warm in this 20 degree weather. It was time to get up and those lazy people wouldn't come get me. I know they could hear me. They made me talk to myself and play with the stupid towel and my pacifiers for another 30 minutes.

Whew. Mama finally showed up, all smiles and got me out of bed, changed my diaper (it was about time) and wiped my nose for the 100th time. We went into the kitchen and I ate 2 little bite muffins. I have manipulated her into only feeding me blueberry muffins in the morning. You want to know how I did it? One day I just stopped eating the oatmeal. I wasn't going to take it anymore. Just simply gave her the hand. The next morning she showed up with blueberry muffins. Yeah you right!

She's been on the computer a lot lately in the morning after I drink some of my bottle. I think she is blogging, telling the world about our private lives, about our BM's, and our silly antics. Whatever. Mimo came in and took me to their room. I was wondering where Papa was all this time. So I hung out with them and could have cared less where Mama was. Oh-she was making breakfast for everyone, I found out when we went back to the kitchen. They tried to feed me those damn eggs again. Up goes the hand.

While Papa was washing the dishes I played with a new toy. It was more toys than I knew what to do with-all stuffed into one little box. They were clear and slippery and had a zipper at the top. Papa seemed to think it was cute. Every now and again he would say, "Ingersol, what are you doing? Come see me." He's called me this a few times since we've been here-usually when he wants me to come over to him. I thought my name was either William or Winky. I was confused for a bit. But I finally deduced that Ingersol was their old dog. Made me feel real good, let me tell ya. So anyway, Papa and I had a grand old time in the kitchen, just me and him until the trash man came around and he left to take out the trash. The trash man seemed awfully nice. He even came to the door to tell Papa he was here. In New Orleans if you forget to put out your trash, tough sh--!

Oh, here they come, gotta go!

Kicking us while we're down.

Nola Blogger: GQ Rips New Orleans Restaurants
Yay! Brett Anderson. I don't always agree with his reviews but am very proud of his dogging of GQ restaurant critic. You would think after all we have been through in NOLA, if he didn't want to support our biggest industry he would have just refrained from writing.

It's cold as a

witches tit, as my dad says. I froze my butt off last night. This nola mom is not used to this cold, cold weather. It went down to mid 20's last night and for some crazy reason my parents don't believe in sleeping with the heat on. I thought the same way, that it was bad for you to sleep with the heat running- dries out your sinuses and breeds bacteria, until we got here on Sunday. It's freeking ridiculous. Last night I slept with running pants, a long sleeve t-shirt and my fleece and then had a sheet, blanket, and a down duvet. I feel like a fool. We've been having a great time here and the only reason I am ready to get back is for the humid heat of New Orleans even if it means having to smell the south wind coming off the river.

Feeling inadequate

I have come across a lot of cool new blogs lately and feel totally inadequate. I thought I was really funny, I'm not. I have been finding myself laughing out loud reading these blogs and have decided there are a few topics that I need to write about because I totally identified. So be on the look out for such topics here:

• BM's-The Little Buddy, mine but not J's, he would die of mortification
• My OCD complex and Uncle RaRa's
• Snoopy
• Reality TV (I've been lax about this one and feel very passionate about it)

New SIDS study

SIDS is still so scary but the results of a new study make me less frantic.

I TOLD YOU SOOOOOOOOOO

After 4 nights with my parents saying,

"He sleeps too much"
"He's not tired, let him stay up"
"The later he goes to bed, the later he'll sleep"

my point was finally made. He slept until after 7 this morning and that's North Carolina time. The issue at hand yesterday was that his naps were too long and wasn't going to be tired. Bullcrap-the better he sleeps during the day, the better he sleeps at night. I read a post somewhere yesterday that Babywise (see sidebar for link still can't figure out how to incorporate into text) was a book that should never have been written. AAAAAHHHHHHHH! I should have commented and put a back link to my list of books, but didn't want to tick anyone off. But time after time, I have proven it to myself the only book that new moms should read. Now I get it, not every mom is as anal as me and doesn't want to follow a strict schedule or let their baby cry for too long. Fine, but some of their guiding principles I believe are true. But I understand, you are either a proBabywiser or antiBabywiser and for its critics just mentionning the name throws them into a frickin' tailspin. As my experienced Mom friend M (the schedule guru) says, "For the rest of my life you will be defending your schedule to everyone under the sun" So far she's right. But I believe. It's kind of like being a Saints fan. You'll have setbacks but if you believe, it can happen. Maybe it's not like being a Who Dat because for the Saints it ain't going to happen, but you get my point.

I let him stay up last night 15 minutes past his bedtime because Mimo and Papa were not going to let it go. "He's not tired. He's so happy. You're so mean, You're being ridiculous." Those 15 minutes killed me for several reasons:

1. Early to bed, early to rise. Not true for a baby. If he stayed up past his bedtime he would wake up early and it was me getting up when the rooster crowed, not them.
2. After he goes to bed is our time to hang out, relax and do whatever we want. Usually the cork on the wine is already popped and I am on my way to getting my 2nd glass but I don't truly enjoy it until the Little Buddy goes to bed. Don't get me wrong, I love my baby more than anything in this world. It's just that time after 7:30 is adult time. and I love that too.
3. I knew even though he was toddling around like he was having the best time, and he was, that he was tired. You know how I knew it? It was his bedtime and when I finally put him down, he was out like a light. I like knowing when he is going to bed.

I hope I haven't offended anyone and I am not trying to say that I know everything because I don't. But I do know that save for the few setbacks, like daylights savings time or time changes or when he's sick or teething that the Little Buddy has it all figured out and I don't think it's because I know everything or that I'm a super mom. I just believe that his schedule is our saving grace. So look for my book, coming to stores near you. Don't Mess with Mom

Wednesday Wine Down

I have consistently been forgetting about it. I think because I have been wining down way before Wednesdays. Try Monday at 5pm.

Anyway, in honor of my vacation the Margarita is on stage for the Wine Down. Frozen, top shelf, no salt. Please have one for me at Superior Grill if possible. If you can tell me there is a better one in New Orleans, well, just tell me and I will check it out and get back to you.

I'm Somebody's Mother?: Will you accept this rose?

I'm Somebody's Mother?: Will you accept this rose?
For the Bachelor groupies, I couldn't have said it better myself.

Rookie Moms

I have found a great new blog. This is really what I intended my blog to be but I am not that organized and this is what you get. I need to add this to my links.
Rookie Moms
It's basically 2 mom's guide to the first year of your baby's life. I like it.

and I also came across a blog that makes me feel like I am in college again-or wish I were in college again. I haven't delved too deep into her posts so I am not sure if she is still in college or just graduated but it doesn't matter. If you are a Southern Mom and want to reminisce about those crazy college days check out Nell's Belles.

I have to act like a duck

The Little Buddy slept through the loudest part of the party. People were pouring past his room, hoopin' and hollerin' (as much as 65 year olds can) and having a grand time. Not a peep. He did wake up around 12 am crying but went back to sleep after a few seconds of soothing from me and had a pretty good night. I think he is finally getting used to the new environs and the time change. I am sure we will go through it all again once we get home.

He LOVES Mimo and Papa. He toddles around the house talking and messing everything up. My dad said had it been me and my brother he would have been following us around scolding us. I guess that's the good part of being a grandchild. You have free reign over EVERYTHING. And what Mom says (me) is almost always vetoed by Mimo and Papa. After the 3rd day here, I've relaxed and let it roll like water off of a duck's back. (I like that analogy!-pretty clever hunh?) Nothing I can do about it.

I can't take enough photos of W sitting high up in my dad's arms. It makes me kind of teary eyed seeing them together. They are like 2 little kids who can't get enough of each other. They seem to have a mutual understanding that they both share the head of the household position and it works pretty well.

Today I am going to get a pedicure. I cannot wait! It has been eons that I have enjoyed a really good one. Mimo and Papa will take care of the little buddy. He will have probably eaten 55 Nilla Wafers, 10 more bottles, and have a big smile on his face when I get back.