Our Little Golf Pro

I don't want to be one of those pushy parents who put pressure on their kid to "be" something specific. You know, like, a doctor, lawyer, banker, football player etc. W can do what he wants. What he loves. If he loves what he does, he will be successful. Isn't that what they say?

Have I told you how much he loves golf? Really. He has a set of plastic golf clubs that Mimo and Papa got him. He probably plays with it 75% of the day. I mean, he's not always hitting balls. Sometimes he's putting the balls in the golf bag. Sometimes he's throwing them. Sometimes he's just swinging the clubs around. But he does have a knack for hitting the balls like a pro. And he's got the personality to be a professional. Really, I'm not making it up. He's patient and easy going like his dad. He likes to get things just right and he is definitely showing an interest in the game. He could be the next Tiger, without the attitude. But, really, W, no pressure from Mom. Just do what you love.

Attack of the Ducks

I knew the ducks at Audubon Park were not scared of people. It's apparent as you walk by. They kind of leer at you, but I don't think I've fed them since I was a kid. The LB and I needed something to do to pass the time yesterday so we brought a bag of old buns and headed over there. We parked on Prytania and walked into the park. Before we could get to the main track I noticed a few of the ducks walking toward us, which was odd, because like I said, they don't really give people the time of day. And all OF A SUDDEN THEY WERE INCHES FROM US. I picked up the LB while realizing they saw the bag of buns and they started to go ballistic. Quacking like you've never heard them quack before. I started tossing out pieces of the bread. The smaller ducks took off running but the Mama ducks kept at us, closer and closer. I was absolutely panicked. W was hysterically laughing while clutching onto me. and I ran. Moral of the story: Don't feed the ducks.

I'm going to cry

W STILL has a snotty green runny nose. His cough isn't near as bad. But it's all still enough that we have to miss playgroup. Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh! I'm seriously thinking about bringing him to the Parenting Center just so he can infect all those mom's kids who bring their kids there sick on a daily basis. But I'm not that selfish. So here we sit another day. Alone and Bored. Atleast today it's not pouring down rain and we can take a trip to the playground.

Maybe we'll run some errands. Get some of the supplies we need to buy for school in the fall. It's rather unbelievable. We have to buy Kleenex, wipes, paper plates just to name a few things. I find it to be quite a racket. I won't complain much more because it's a good program and we're excited he's going and I know he'll have a great time.

We are going stir crazy! what with all of this rain on top of being quarantined with the croup. It came on so quickly. By looking at this picture you would never know that he got the croup the very next day.
He is much, much better. All he had today was a runny nose and a little cough but by the end of the day he was even better than this morning. Hopefully, there will be no trace of anything tomorrow because we are running out of fun things to do around here. Puddling playing was the highlight of our day today.

Here's a closer look.

Still Coughing

The LB still has a bad cough (although not crouping) and a horrible runny nose. We gave him Robitussin last night in addition to the humidifier but he still coughed his way through the night. A friend mentioned that Benadryl would dry him up but will that stop the coughing? I forgot to ask her. I'm kind of nervous giving him both before he goes to bed.

and I also want to apologize to all of those people whom I know I brushed aside when they acted neurotic about their toddlers being around other sick kids. This, of course, was before I had one of my own. You can never know how truly miserable it is to have a sick baby until you have one. It's not only miserable for the parents but it's miserable for the baby. It's the saddest thing to watch. and now I am one of those neurotic mothers who gets so angry when someone knowingly brings their sick kid around us. I'm just living and learning, I guess.

Flank Steak

and of course I didn't mean to overlook the fact that the flank steak that J grilled was absolutely delicious. The marinade was tangy and he grilled them to the perfect temperature.

Was yesterday just so gross? It rained ALL day and when I mean all day, I mean ALL DAY! I think it let up just a tiny bit in time for J to grill the meat medley. I'm working on my meat management skills. We bought chicken breasts and flank steak. J grilled it all and I will manage my meals with that so hopefully I won't have to go to the store 18 times in a week. We had the flank steak last night with a warm potato salad that I heard about from Kate F.

She has a great photo on her website of it. I mixed it up a little bit due to pregnancy restrictions. I'm so over these limitations, I don't know why I bother. But anyway, basically you saute onions, garlic and shallots and then mix it in with the warm potatoes, add some salt, olive oil and cider vinegar at the last minute with a sprinkling of parsley. I sauteed the ham in with the garlic and onion mixture so that my deli meat was hot (pregnancy rule-hot deli meat). It actually was really good. But don't forget the vinegar! that's what makes it. Uncle RaRa even had second helpings which he rarely does with carbs. We're having the leftovers tonight with our chicken breasts.

Tomorrow we are having a fajita combo platter of grilled chicken and flank steak. So I have at least Monday and Tuesday's dinner planned. It's all very exciting.

I also whipped up the Barefoot Contessa's avocado and red grapefruit salad. It was alright. I think that the grapefruit overpowered the avocado although it was a beautiful plating. I really wish I would have taken a picture of that. Maybe you'll like it better. I could tell everyone else wasn't that thrilled either. We had a lot of grapefruit leftover-no avocado.

Hard Body

I'm fat. I haven't gained that much weight and my belly isn't super big but I'm definitely fatter than I was when I was pregnant with W. I can not only see cellulite in my milky white fat thighs (isn't that a pretty visual?) but I can feel my arms wiggling all the time. It's my own fault. I haven't been as neurotic about lifting weights or excercising this time. I excercised pretty much until my 7th month with W, all the while continuing to weight train. But not so this time-because I never got back into it, really, after I had W. My workouts are sporadic at best and if I lift it's only once per weekend. Anyway, as you can see I'm obssessed with the fatness. I was talking to a friend on the phone the other day. She's pregnant too and her husband works with J. So we see each other at work functions too. We were talking about being fit and skinny for next summer and CLICK , I remembered this dream that I had. We were at one of J's firm's work parties and this is what I was wearing. A tight orange ribbed tank top with white trim. It was a half shirt and super low rise pants. I was tan-ha! for anyone who knows me I'm the farthest you can get from Coppertone-and my stomach was ripped-I mean ripped to China and back. Yeah, it was such a cheesy outfit but what made it a dream instead of a nightmare was that I looked so damn hot. People, you just wait. I may have to get a cut off tight orange tank top. I'll buy it and save it just to make my dream of being hot and ripped come true-then I'll take a picture and post it proudly. It will probably look like this!

The Croup

The Croup. That's what the Little Buddy has. His nose was running but he seemed in pretty good spirits until he woke up early from his nap coughing like a seal, wheezing and crying. Luckily between my mom instincts and what I had heard about it from a friend I called the doctor. All I could think about was having to go to the ER at Children's Friday night. I was sure the doctor would think I was crazy. But they didn't. It was the Croup. The doctor was surprised that it showed up during the day because it usually gets worse at night. So we got his medicine and came home only to him getting worse. He started violently shaking and wheezing again. I wrapped him in a blanket on my lap where he sat perfectly still for a half hour but when his eyes started to close but he was still shaking I got scared. So we went and sat in the bathroom with a hot shower running for 20 minutes and it helped dramatically. It was an awful hour or so but then he seemed to feel better. I guess the medicine finally kicked in. We put him in the car for a ride to pick up our dinner at Byblos with the windows down (supposedly fresh air and humidity makes it better, which it did). By the way, Byblos once again disappointed. My order was wrong. I'm over it for a long while. Anyway, the night was uneventful, W even slept in a bit and today he seems much better. Still coughing with a runny nose like a faucet but J took him to the park for more fresh air and he had a blast.

I feel like I've been through so many scary sicknesses with him. High fevers, throw ups, 2 ear infections and now this and to think this is just the beginning. I always get really anxious at night anyway, worrying about things, anything really, but when the LB is sick my anxiety increases tenfold. I can't even imagine worrying about two kids.

Yaaay! Today the slipcover was ready for one chair in the pecky cyprus room. I was a bit nervous about the color. I was worried it would be too dark but it turned out to be beautiful. I tried to take a photo for you but the color didn't really show it so I'll try to explain. It's a deep caramel color in a luxurious linen fabric. I love it. I haven't sat on it yet. I won't. For some reason I feel like if I sit on it...I don't know what my fear is but it looks so pretty just being a virgin slipcover. At the rate I'm going by the year 3000 I will finally have my house the way I want it! Yaaay! The couch is going to be taken away next week to be reupholstered. I can barely contain my excitement and by then maybe the rug will be here and it will hopefully begin to feel like a new room. I almost bought a new couch but this one is the best. It's a hand me down from my parents but it's good and sturdy and some really good brand of old couch my mom swears by and J can even lay on it all spread out, if he wanted, because it's so long.

The LB has been sleeping since it came. I'm not sure what he will think about his chair being recovered and in a totally different color. I wonder if he'll be wary of sitting on it, too? I'll keep you posted.

Ode to J

I feel like a bad wife, lately. My patience is wearing thin, although I feel relatively good, I'm tired and hot and I find myself taking it out on J. He's the best, really and I need to keep myself in check or he'll soon go running for the hills. He works all day, hard and works at night too and he even finds the energy to wake up with the LB, feed him breakfast, let him roam around our room while I sneak out and go downstairs to eat breakfast and read the paper before my day with the LB begins and then when he comes home he takes the LB upstairs while he changes out of his suit, then he gets the LB ready for bed and puts him to bed too. Whew. I'm even more tired just thinking about his life.

and I get all giddy when he comes home early and I know that he thinks its because he can play with W so I can relax but it's not that really. I get giddy when he comes home early so that we get a chance to hang out and talk before the nightly tv marathon begins. Tivo has changed the way we watch tv and I always thought for the better but it just allows the room for more and more and more shows to come into our lives until finally we aren't doing anything else but watching tv. It must stop. I'm getting couch potato-ish.

But the point of all of this is to thank J for everything he does and to tell him I love him. Because I forget to do that as I am fast forwarding through the next commercial.

Pulled Pork

Some of you have inquired about the outcome of the pulled pork. Let's just say, it wasn't what I expected and rather than pulled pork it was cut off pork. All of the recipes that I consulted said to cook it for like 6 hours. But when I stuck my thermometer in, it had reached the specified temp. after 3 hours. My mistake, I am guessing, was taking it out then. I probably should have left it in but I was worried I would over cook it. I thought the flavor was good-the dry rub was-it's just that it was kind of tough and chewy. BUT I'm not giving up that easily. Like they say, try, try again.

Quick Note on Big Brother 8

Did you watch? If you did, how about the clip with Jen ugly crying over her picture on the Big Brother Wall. It was hilarious. What a vain idiot.

The Diaper Nightmare

Okay. I am fed up. I ran out of diapers so I took the LB to Walmart the other day. I HATE going to stores other than Whole Foods or Langenstein's with the LB for some reason. Probably because I'm pregnant and lazy and don't want to walk farther than I have to with him. But we were out of diapers. So we get there, park, walk on the hot, hot black asphalt to get the cart, with him whining because the sun was in his eyes (I don't blame him). I get to the diaper section and they only have like a 24 pack of the diapers we use. AAAAHHHHHHH! I wanted to scream. So I had to truck it out to Target this weekend, when I could have been working in the garden, working out or just sitting on my fat ass, to get more diapers.

But while I was browsing Amazon.com for a book I happened to get a lightbulb idea and looked up diapers. They sell them, like everything else. I have been saved. The LB will be in this size for awhile so I am just going to buy them online and have them delivered. I am a genius. So if you want to jump on the genius bandwagon and your kid wears Pampers Cruisers, you can now buy them from my blog! Click Away!

I am already a neurotic mother but because the Little Buddy is relatively calm and sweet and mild mannered I have found that I am a lot more relaxed about some things than I should be. I have discovered this in the past few days dealing with some incidents that nearly threw me over the edge. The last straw was this morning when we were hanging out in bed watching J get ready for work. The LB was lounging up against the pillows with his vintage nursery cards that he so loves, taking them out of the box, putting them back in, pointing out the animals, when he looked like he was scooching off the bed to follow J into the closet. He can do it so I wasn't concerned. But instead of schooching off he landed with a loud THUD on his back. He cried, hard, but he was okay. I checked his limbs for breaks and he slid off of me and went about his business with a smile on his face. But it really scared me. Accidents happen so fast. and I need to get ready for the new baby because I have a feeling that he/she won't be as good or as easy as W. With W I didn't have to worry about random little things hanging around anywhere because he NEVER put anything in his mouth. Things like that. I need to gear up for a child that does the usual baby things that W never did and it's kind of overwhelming me. There is so much to do. I also want this baby to have a nursery that W never did. His room was an office/guest/nursery with a closet that was mostly mine besides the fact that he didn't get to live in for the first 4 months of his life because of Katrina. So there's painting and organizing and rearranging and decorating to be done. and we all know how I am about making a decision. It takes me forever. I hope 3 months is enough time!

Big Brother 8

I wasn't very inspired by the cast of BB8 this season. I am sure that some of them will grow on me but can anyone ever match Will's personality. I don't think so. I didn't much like the twist of them sending in rivals/enemies. It's kind of old. They already did that-Alison's and Jason's season, although I am intrigued about Danielle's hatred for her freak of a father. From what I gather she is embarrassed not only by his looks but by his attitude and lack of morals. I am just guessing. Even though I wasn't smitten with any of the cast, the show was still good and it was over before I could say Expect the Unexpected.

For more the premier episode see Reality TV News Blog

Geez, another tantrum, go figure

The tantrums are killing me. It's so not W. He was always the easiest baby. I never had problems with putting on his shoes, changing his diaper, getting him to go upstairs or downstairs, with him walking when I wanted him to or letting me carrying him if we were in a rush, putting on his clothes. Nothing. I'm not exaggerating. Now I am having problems with all of the above and I am tired. Today he was pissed off I put the colors away so we could go upstairs to wind down for his nap. I had to basically drag him up the stairs, dead weight and all. Not an easy task period, much less when you are carrying an extra ten pounds or more of baby weight. I'm still trying to catch my breath. I will say thought that all the crying stopped when I had him turn on his music for naptime-at this stage, the sweetest part of the day.

What to do with these few hours. So much! I don't even know where to begin. So I move from the anxiety that tantrums produce to the anxiety of not enough time to nap, blog, prep for dinner (I'm making a new dish from Giada di Laurentis' Everyday Italina, inspired by my friend who is making something from her cookbook too), call the AC man, the doctor, make my haircut appointment, organize the office that's still in shambles since we moved in, and eat lunch.

Gotta go! Times a wastin'!

Kobayashi defends Hot Dog Eating Crown

I just watched the Nathan's Frankfurter Eating Competition. There was a 'reversal' at the end. A reversal is when you regurgitate and depending on how much vomit there is, the competitor is either dq'd (disqualified) or docked a few hot dogs. Now, I still don't quite get how the judges figure just how many hot dogs you threw up, but I don't get a lot about this competition. One of the competitors is the grilled cheese champion. That I get. But I don't want to give anything away in case you tevoed it and still haven't watched it. For more info see Nola Blogger.

Cherries

I bought some cherries the other day. I deseeded one and gave it to W. He thought it was a grape so he willingly ate it. Didn't like it. Today, Jessie said he loved it. Swallowed it whole. She forgot to take out the seed. Fortunately he didn't choke. Am I supposed to keep a lookout in his poo for the pit? I feel like I hear of people doing this when their kid swallows a rock.

Okay. I hate barbecue. Maybe that's a strong word. I hate beef barbecue so any other barbecue is not my favorite. Let me explain why.

When I was a kid, my parents loved Luther's Barbecue. Is it still around? I don't know. We ate there a lot. Not only did we eat there but whenever we went with friends to Pass Christian or Florida for the weekend my mom would send a big ole tin vat of Luther's Beef Barbecue. Makes me want to vomit just thinking about it.

But pregnancy does strange things to a person. I am craving a pulled pork barbecue sandwhich. So I got my fat pregnancy butt over to Langenstein's and bought a Boston Butt and am going to slow roast it for 6 hours, basting it every so often with a wet mop-that's what the recipe called it. I'll let you know how it turns out. If it turns out finger lickin' good I'll have to take a photo and email to Kate F. who is one of my favorite food bloggers. She may not be interested. She lives in the north. Do they eat barbecue in the north or is that an ignorant question?

Grumblings

There have been grumblings in the city and beyond about my lack of posting. I've been napping when the LB is napping so that limits my blogging and at night I'm tired and all I want to do is sit. Oh and he was sick last week, or was it the week before?, which leads me to a few grumblings of my own.

The Parenting Center at Children's Hospital is not clean. When the LB was smaller I was more germ conscious so I stopped taking him there b/c he got sick every time we went. Now that he's older I am a little less neurotic about it. Even though I still don't want him to get sick I know there is only so much I can do about it and it will if anything build up his immunity. But let me just get this off of my chest. I feel the need to say this again since the staff at the Parenting Center obviously isn't going to say it. It probably won't do any good either because I doubt the guilty parties are reading.

The Parenting Center is not a daycare. It's a place where parents can go and obtain resources about parentin and can hang out with other moms while there children play in a child proof environment. Yes there are times when your child may be sick or have a virus but does not yet show symptoms of these infections. But when you knowingly bring your child to this place that is supposed to be a fun and healthy environment, you are acting irresponsibly and selfishly.

W caught an awful stomach bug a few weeks back. I am pretty sure he got it there, I can't be 100 percent positive but I overhead a mom saying how her toddler was barely over the stomach bug as she turned him over and checked his diaper for diarrhea. Gross. Low and behold a few days later W threw up all over the car and me and himself on the way home from the Parenting Center. It was a fun few days.

There's a group of mom's who go every Tuesday. Today they brought not only the younger kids but older ones who were out of school for the fourth. I'm sorry that you're bored and don't want to stay home but the maximum age is 4. The Center is for toddlers. I don't want to have to watch out for your older kid railroading my toddler. and on top of it, one of them had a hacking cough. We brought it to the attention of the staff on the way out who got defensive and said that it was probably just allergies. Sorry, when you're congested and basically coughing up loogies, it's not an allergy.

So please, if you or your child is
a. over 4
b. sick with a cold or stomach flu, has lice or is sick with anything else that is contagious

STAY AT HOME! We do.

Nothing wrong with a helping hand

I'd never eaten Hamburger Helper until I married John. I had no idea what I had been missing! Seriously! My mom was a sort of health freak growing up. Really a cafeteria health freak. She read every label to us, didn't really want to buy bread, never ever served us boxed mac and cheese (the first time I had that I borrowed a box from the lady across the street my senior year so I could taste it) and was also one of those moms that made a hamburger for you on sliced wheat bread (when we had it) when we asked for MacDonald's. BUT she ate sweets like they were going out of style and is known for her love of cheescake.

So my first experience with HH was served to me by my husband at our dining room table. I was hooked. I actually cooked it myself for the first time a few months ago. I was shocked at the pitiful size of the serving but luckily J shared his secret and that secret is what I am going to share with you. You must supplement. Meaning, add a little extra noodles to the pot. Find the kind that most closely resemble the ones in the flavor you are using and you are good to go.

I cooked it again tonight, remembering the secret. But as J stood over my shoulder and laughed at my lack of confidence while cooking the HH, I realized that cooking a meal from scratch is easier for me than following the instructions on the box. I can't explain it. But J is a whiz at it and I may just leave the HH cooking to him. and I don't mind in the least. I'd eat it every night.

Hot, Hot, Hot

I hate to keep complaining about the heat but it's really putting a crimp into our summer days. It seems like we have to go to the park earlier and earlier to get any playground time. This morning we went to Daneel Park because it's one of the shadier playgrounds but after about 35 minutes the Little Buddy took off for the car. This is the 2nd time this week he's done it. I didn't realize until we got to Whole Foods that his hair was sopping wet from the sweat. No wonder he ate the pineapple they had out. He was so hot and thirsty/hungry that he would have eaten anything. Well, atleast he knows he likes pineapple now. He basically ate his lunch at Whole Foods. I bought a thing of pineapple and watermelon, of which he ate half and then he shoveled down a cheese stick.

There was this kid at the park with whom W was very excited to play and he seemed kind of hesitant to get on the bus and drive it with him. (there are 2 steering wheels, so plenty of room for 2). I encouraged him to climb on up and play, which he finally did. Well, it pissed the kid off, he started whining and whining to his grandma who got all flustered and pulled him away. I felt sort of bad for the LB but he got over it after 2 seconds, luckily. Then his real friend arrived and he was all giddy but by then he was hot and that's when we left. Bad timing.

The cast of The Hills

My cousin, E, just shared this very exciting news with me. The cast of "The Hills" will be on the Tyra Banks show on Friday. Tyra totally bugs. Her network was the only channel we could get while evacuated in Baton Rouge after Katrina. I got to the point where I would rather not watch anything than watch her but Friday will be an exception. If you too are a fan of "The Hills" check it out. I think that it comes on WUPL my54 at 2pm. It lists 9am also but I think that's a rerun. Her website was confusing so I'm not 100% that the channel or time is correct.

100 days

okay, really it's more like 105 (I first counted while I was waiting for my grilled cheese and french fries to go and came out with 100 days. I think I was more focused on the food at the time) days until I have this baby. 105 more days until a lot of things. 105 until I can

• really whoop' it up and have all the wine I want
• sleep on my stomach
• eat super soft, stinky cheeses
• eat deli meat with no nagging worries in the back of my mind
• take a hot, hot, hot bath
• hold W comfortably on my lap again
• go for a run around the park (I'm actually looking forward to this, strange) and do heavy squats at the gym
• travel without the fear of blowing up
• have all the wine I want
• go through one day without having to take a nap
• have a big ole fat full caffeine iced coffee without the guilt
• sleep well without wearing Nasal Air Strips
• kiss my new little baby

and the list goes on....

Old McDonald

I hate to admit it but the Little Buddy got his first taste of McDonald's today. He woke up from his nap around 3:45 terribly cranky. He would not stop crying. So I told him we were going to Mimo and Papa's and he perked up immediately. I was dying for a carbonated beverage so we went to McDonald's drive through to get a Sprite and spontaneously I got him a small fry. His appetite isn't back from his bout with the stomach flu and I thought maybe he would enjoy a serving of hot, salty fries. Wouldn't eat them. On the way back from Mimo and Papa's house I reached a fry back to him and he took it, then ate it. He was hooked. He couldn't shove them in fast enough. Truly, I've never seen him so in love with a food. He wouldn't get out of the car all because I put the fries away so that I could get us out of the car and into the house. It was crazy. So I've got my son hooked on lard fried french fries. I feel horribly guilty about it. He stuffed the rest down in his highchair while I cooked dinner. None of the usual fussing to get down and I swear he had the tiniest of smiles on his face the whole time he was eating. Luckily we don't eat fast food enough that he will know to ask for it so tomorrow it's back to cheese sticks and grapes.

Many pictures to take

I've made some progress this past week, for me anyway. I bought my first piece of furniture. Everything I have believe it or not is hand me downs from my parents. I'm not complaining or saying it's horrible because it's not. I'm very lucky to have anything at all but the sideboard that I bought was my very own purchase. and I love it! and it looks great in the kitchen.

and to make me feel like I am really on a roll of accomplishment...the slipcover lady came over today to take the measurements for one chair. Wahoooo! I love the fabric. The den will be in colors that I thought I would never use but the pecky cyprus wood walls threw a kink in my all light neutral taste. So basically, I'm living on the edge. Going a little bit kooky. I can't wait until it all comes together. Once the fabric comes in for my couch it will take 2 weeks to have it upholstered. I'll definitely have to take a picture of W, J and me all stuffed into our oversized chair watching Top Chef or Sunset Tan (it's really pathetic but I love it) for 2 weeks.

The living room furniture won't be in until after my baby is born and even then it's only a couch and 2 chairs. No coffee table, lamps (which could be a problem since there aren't any overhead lights in that room), knickknacks, nothing. oh and a rug. It's slow moving but one day in 15 years, when my kids will be ready to put me in a nursing home, the house will be decorated. I'll definitely take a picture and hang it on my wall in the home.

Oh my gosh. The LB is sick. It's always so sad and pitiful and my heart breaks for him. and it's draining for me, what with all the worry. I never sleep well when he's sick like this. and I can't help but thinking how people do it with 2 kids. One gets sick, the other catches it and before you know it everyone is vomiting all over. but I don't have to worry about that until later. I just hope W is on the mend so he can enjoy his weekend.

Our car seat will never be the same. We washed the cover but I don't know what to do with the straps. The worst part of it is that all the jumbo olives and cherry tomatoes he ate the night before got caked in the grooves. That was a bitch getting that out and no matter how much I wash everything there is still that lingering stench. His love for olives has probably been squashed. I know mine has.

J was a relatively low maintenance father on Father's Day. He had a schedule all planned out. The day was to start with him getting up with the LB. He insisted. He wanted to get up and prepare breakfast and then we were going to go to church. or that's what was on the schedule. So W wakes up as usual around 6:30 and J doesn't budge. Okay, he budged, enough to reach over and put on his sleep mask, turn over and go back to sleep. So much for the schedule. My breakfast was a bowl of Heart Smart (first time having it and really enjoyed it). I can't fault him for not following the schedule. It was his prerogative. and I'm glad in a way because he always gets on me for popping things on him at the last minute. so I think he realized the power of flying by the seat of your pants. He did follow the rest of the day's schedule. Lunch followed by nap time followed by J cooking a delicious dinner. He worked hard on it all afternoon. We ate a lot. Cheese and crackers, marinated shrimp on the grill, grilled corn, tomato and Vidalia onion salad with a balsamic vinaigrette and mustard-horseradish hamburgers. Needless to say we went to bed with completely satisfied bellies.

It's a minor miracle for the nose

I'd like to share a story with you. Well, I should probably say, I'd like to share a story with you if you are pregnant or will be pregnant. I hope I don't offend anyone with TMI (too much information) but it's for your own sake. When I was pregnant with the LB I had a lot of nosebleeds. It's not unheard of for pregnant women, something about the swelling of veins etc. So now here I am pregnant again and yes, I am having the nosebleeds but in addition to that my nose is constantly stuffy. It doesn't bother me so much during the day. It's when I lay down to go to sleep at night that it becomes a problem. I have to lay in such a way that one hand is propped up against my nostril so that it widens it a bit and allows air to flow more freely. Blowing it doesn't work. So at bedtime every night I encountered this inconvenience until I found a solution. a miracle really. Breath Right Nasal Strips! It is unbelievable. The little tab you put over your nose is just firm enough that it doesn't lay totally flat. It kind of pops up on the sides while still being stuck to your nose which in turn pulls up your nostrils enough for you to be able to breathe. The first night I was in awe, truly. I even offered one to J. He declined but I felt like a new person. So if you are in the same boat I am and have not found a solution. Try it. and if you are not yet pregnant, remember this tip when you are.

The Terrible Twos?

It wasn't that long ago that I was writing about how the Little Buddy laughs at everything. His mood has changed and now he gets cross at almost everything. It changed on a dime and I am not sure why. I am betting that it's a phase and hope it ends soon. If something doesn't please him in the least bit he throws his bottle down, or starts to cry, or waves his hands in frustration (another mom thought that we taught him to sign when he responded to her question in this way) which basically means either go away or you're making me mad. I am having a tough time handling this new mood. I am not sure whether to ignore him or acknowledge his frustration. Neither response seems to work. I know sometimes it is frustration out of not using words, especially when he wants something from the kitchen, but frankly I am tired of guessing if he wants goldfish, raisins, grapes or bananas. I probably should just buck up for a few days and not respond until he talks, let the tantrums run full throttle and maybe, just maybe by the end of it he'll be talking and back to the sweet, laughing, laid back W that we all know and love. (although I will always love him no matter what).

Diddle Diddle Dumpling

The Little Buddy wanted to get on our bed. So we had to take off his shoes. Then he wanted to get down. So he climbed down. Then I heard him whining. He wanted to put his shoes back on. So I put one on and was going to put the other on but he decided he wanted to walk around with one shoe off and one shoe on (hence the title for this post). He loved it. I guess it was a new sensation. Walking around with one foot on tiptoe, the other flat. He's a funny boy.

The Little Buddy is getting funnier by the day and he believes it's so too. He laughs a lot, at me, at J, at himself, at other kids at the playground. Everything is just sooo funny. and I am laughing just as hard. His latest trick is sticking his fingers in his ears. I guess he thinks the difference between hearing with his fingers in his ears and when they are not is fascinating so I play along.
"Can you hear me?!", I ask.
"Yeah", he replies.
It is so funny. and he has a new laugh, the "I can't wait, I'm giddy" laugh. He laughs like this when he knows he's about to get a cookie or when he knows we're on our way to the park. Just so you get an idea it sounds a bit like Woody Wood Pecker. I love it.
The list is endless and I could go on forever but I excercised this morning so I have to get in bed. It's sad how tired I am now at night when I excercise, pitiful really, but I promised myself I would keep at it until atleast my 7 month or until my sciatic nerve is irritated. Whichever comes first. I am very proud of my weight progression. It's not as good as it was with William but it's right on par with where I should be so I don't feel as guilty about stuffing my face or about the extra pad on my derrier. It's just part of it and I will lose it, right?

I know everyone is dying to know when the new season of The Hills is airing this summer so I've been doing some research. I still haven't found out an exact date but I have learned a few new things besides that Heidi and Spencer are engaged.

• Heidi had new boobs put in.
• Spencer succeeded in breaking up LC's and Heidi's freindship.
  
• The Hills was consistently the most watched program from 12-24 year olds (I am not sure if this is just on MTV or what) I'm 36 and love it, so this statistic kind of makes me feel like a loser but not a big enough one to stop watching it.
• Heidi's mom says that Heidi is recording an album and has a "pretty little voice" and that Spencer is not the d--- that he is portrayed to be.

I found all this here.

By the way, I cannot find anything about Season 3 on MTV. I hope that it's not just a rumor that Season 3 is on it's way.

A Baby in the Belly
I got an email from babycenter telling me that we should let the Little Buddy know that a new baby is on the way. This would prepare him for the shock that is to come in his life. So I told him. Yesterday. I was sitting on the couch (nothing new) and he was playing, climbing up and down on me and I patted my belly and told him there was a baby in there. He looked at me like I was crazy. I'm not really sure if he's prepared. I know that me knowing hasn't prepared me in the least. I think we are all in for quite a shock and not all the warning in the world can prepare us for what awaits us in October.

May I ask who's calling?
On our way home from Uncle RaRa's house yesterday W was babbling up a storm. I was kind of in a zone because I was so tired but finally I tuned into all of his talking and wondered what he was doing. I looked in the back and he had his phone up to his ear. Whoever he was talking to was getting an earful. I think I talk on the phone too much. He's got the imitation down pat.

Whoopin' it up
We went to a party last night. It flew by. I wasn't ready to leave but I knew the babysitter was waiting and that I'd had my share of nonalcoholic Beck's so we left while the party was in full force. Everyone was whoopin' it up big time and I knew that while my night was ending their's was just beginning and boy, was I jealous. and still am. I really think that's the hardest part of being pregnant. I miss the late nights of whooping it up and I miss my wine. So to everyone out there who's not pregnant, I ask you a favor, please when you whoop it up during the next 5 months, whoop it up BIG in honor of me.

Back to the Daily Grind

We're back from vacation. We went to the mountains to visit Mimo and Papa for Memorial Day weekend and we had a ball. It's so easy to forget about your life when you are up there, very relaxing. We did a lot of swinging
and rocking on the porch
and one day we took the Little Buddy to Sliding Rock


He's still too little to slide down but he dug around in the mud with his new friend, Frank and he never knew what he was missing. Mimo and Papa live the life up there. They just fiddle around the yard, eat, excercise, go for long walks, drink tea in the afternoon at the inn and do much partying at night. It made me think that we should be retired when we are young with kids so we can do all that fun stuff and then when you're old you can go to work but then I guess we wouldn't have anything to look forward to.

The LB had a blast up there but he was giddy to be back at his house with his toys. He ran around like a chicken with his head cut off the first afternoon we got home-laughing the whole time. I'd rather be lolling the days away in the mountains than getting back to the daily grind but it is nice to get our routine back.

Lauren Conrad on The Hills is back for the summer

I know I'm supposed to be on a mental vacation but I just found out some news that is too good not to share. The Hills will be returning for the summer. We won't have to wait until the fall! Wahooooo!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

I'm very excited about this Memorial Day Weekend. J is finally taking time off so I will be back in touch at the end of the holidays. Hope you enjoy it too!

Tessa beats Bevin out for Lt. Andy Baldwin

I loooove Tessa. She's much prettier than Bevin. It always solidifies my opinion when they get kicked out. The 'poor me, it always happens to me' ranting. Blah. But I was totally shocked that Andy picked her and I was happy for her but at the same time sad for her. I can't explain why. Maybe a little bit of me thinks that she can do better than Andy Baldwin. I don't know. I did enjoy his family especially Grandpa. He's kind of spunky, that one. I somehow knew the Bahai (sp?) faith wouldn't go over well with the conservative family from Pennsylvania. But I thought she had finally won them over.

I'm atleast glad that Tessa didn't get her "heart broken" and maybe she can move on her own time. I don't see it working out but I've been wrong before. We will see on "After the Final Rose".

As I get farther into my pregnancy, I worry a bit more about the change in our family. It's perfect right now and the Little Buddy is our life. He is growing up so fast and everyday I hang onto him more. When he sits in my lap I think about how there won't be a lap there much longer and how I have to hold him tight so he won't get up and I can treasure those small moments. When I pick him out of his crib in the morning or after naptime and he hugs me tight and puts his head on his shoulder I think about how my stomach will soon get in the way. and then I get sad. because by the time I have a lap again or no stomach to get in the way he will be too old and too independent to want to sit on my lap. It's kind of bittersweet. I want him to be my baby forever (he will be my baby forever I guess, but you know what I mean) but then that would make me pregnant forever too!

Tomatoe, Basil and Fresh Mozzarella pasta

I made the pasta that Kate F. wrote about in her blog. I tried to make something similar once when I was younger and it never came out as I tasted it in my mind so it was helpful to have her directions. It was perfect and great for leftovers. I did add one ingredient to marinate with the tomatoes, salt and olive oil. Garlic. I minced it, super fine, sprinkled it with a bit of sea salt and olive oil and then mushed it up with the blade of my knife. We had it with a filet on Friday night (I cook a mean steak in my cast iron skillet (and then over roasted).) Today we had it for lunch ( I asked J to take it out of the ice box while I was working out so that it would come back to room temp) with fried eggs on top. If you like eggs, it's a great combo. So thanks Kate F. The dish came out as I had tasted it in my mind.

I know I've gained weight these first 18 weeks solely because I can't have my wine so my sweet tooth is not satisfied after supper. So I have to substitute it with ice cream.

We went to Stella! last night with Aunt Liz and Uncle Bob. Uncle RaRa had been there a few weeks ago and said it was stellar compared to the time we went a few years ago for my dad's birthday. I decided to give it another try. It was phenomenal. Now let me preface this by saying that Gautreau's is still hands down the best meal I have had in years but the experience at Stella! was a different one. There aren't many restaurants in New Orleans that have menus like this. It was eyecatching and mouth watering. The use of fresh ingredients and the different combinations of those ingredients were very interesting. We wanted to order all the appetizers. We probably should have gotten the 7 course tasting menu but I hate to do that when I cannot enjoy the wine pairings that go with each course so we'll save that for after the baby is here. But that's not why I'm blogging about last night. When we were finished, all sufficiently stuffed we decided to check out Sucre on Magazine.

It was so cool! We walked off of the Magazine Street grit (not saying grit is a bad thing) into this clean, crisp, cool place. You felt like you were in New York or even Paris. I can't even describe it. You'll have to go see for yourself. The desserts were fancy (not the kind of desserts I like to eat) but it was the ice cream display that got me. It was delicious. I will definitely go back for one of my nightly ice cream fixes.

I met him when I was 3 and he is still my friend. He has stuck with me through thick and thin. Through sickness and health, through joy and tears. I can't really explain how much he means to me. He is not as healthy as he once was. He's older and his hygiene has something to be desired, but I love him him like no other.



It's Snoopy. My great aunt gave him to me. He's not the mass marketed snoopy dolls that everyone had that you could dress. I had one of those. My Snoopy is a bean bag. I slept with him every night, probably until I was into my late 20's. He doesn't have ears, has one eye and not even many beans left. He once was white, now he's a dirty grey. I stopped bringing him on trips because he slowly leaks beans. My other friends used to hide him from me and one time hung him by the ceiling fan and turned it on. It was just jealousy. Now he sits on my mantel in the bedroom watching over us. I feel guilty though. When people ask that question, "What would you take in case of a fire?" my answer was undoubtedly Snoopy (this was before the LB's time, obviously) But when the time came (there was a fire in one of the townhouses where we used to live and we had to get out quickly in the middle of the night) I didn't take him. I took W, of course. I know he would understand. He's groomed me for this job. Showed me how to love and care for someone unconditionally. I often think about sharing him with the LB but Snoopy is in such a state of disrepair that I think it's best to keep him where he is. But he makes me wonder if W will have something that he loves as much. He wasn't interested in stuffed animals until recently but lately he's become attached to Mr. Teddy Bear. My mom bought Mr. Teddy Bear for him before he was born. He hugs and kisses him and offers him to me to kiss. If he's anything like Snoopy he's got a good friend for life.

I don't know if the weather surprised all of us today or just W and me but we were pleasantly so. We both had an extra spring in our step. Just look how excited W was to be playing outside in it. The park is so predictable that I think even the LB is getting bored so we mixed it up today and instead of going to the park after coffee we came home and played in the yard.

I had 3 hours to do "stuff" today and it always amazes me how quickly it goes by. Never enough time. Half of it was spent at Walmart. The good part about it was that I got W a new swimming pool. We had a big, fancy 20 dollar one. Have I mentionned it before? It took 2 hours (no exaggeration) for the electric pump to blow it up and another hour to fill it. Then to drain it took an hour. Too much maintenance fore me.
Fancy Pool
But with the dog days of summer coming I wanted an easy, convenient cheap way for the Little Buddy to cool off. Walmart to the rescue. It's so easy to get suckered into all the backyard gear. I almost got sucked it again and bought a blow up water playland complete with a slide a wading pool, a sitting pool and circus animals, again $20, but I came to my senses and ended up with the $7.99 pop up pool. No assembly required. It's not perfect. The walls were kind of wavy and the bottom was a bit wrinkled but it did the trick

So hopefully the weather will hold out through the weekend so that J can enjoy that extra bounce in the LB's step in between hours working.

Me and my shadow

Today was a good day. The Little Buddy and I had a great time-of course we had our ups and downs but mostly ups. He slept in so J, who has been getting up with him in the morning since he is the world's greatest husband, didn't get a chance to give him breakfast. So instead of his usual cookie snack at the coffee house he ate a big, fat, 25 grams of fat, blueberry muffin. He thoroughly enjoyed it, as would've I. He was awfully patient. He sat in a highchair and waited for me, almost 10 minutes, for me to get my coffee and his muffin. He people watched and didn't make a peep-smiled occasionally and high-fived the odd, but nice lady we see there most mornings.

Then we had to go to his 21 month check up. Luckily, we were the only ones in the office. I'm neurotic about catching something from there. We sanitized our hands atleast 3 times while we were there. He had no tolerance for the doctor's shenanigans. Screamed bloody murder and he didn't even get a shot. It really was very sad and I felt so helpless.

BUT, he was glad to leave and we made a stop at the park for 20 minutes on the way home. A quick one because prego mama had to once again go to the bathroom for the 20th time. Then we made our way to the library. That was really fun and we didn't let the fact that there was no AC, a rude librarian and dead roaches in the stacks take away from it. I'm glad we went because he had a field day rummaging through the children's books, coloring at the pint sized table and running through FICTION pushing the books through to the other side. The rude librarian would not have been pleased. Don't worry, I picked them up.

When we got home I was starvin' marvin. I was super excited to eat a meatloaf sandwhich (we had meatloaf the night before) and gave the LB a snack. Then we both took a nap.

At 3 he woke up and we played around. I wanted to go get ice cream-never got around to it-but we laughed and laughed and laughed-it all started when I swatted a fly on the wall....

We went for a walk in the late afternoon. When we got home W sat on the stoop. It must run in the family. We love a good stoop sittin' in the afternoon. Preferably with a bottle of wine but that will have to wait until October. It's one complaint I have about our new house-there is not much of a stoop, but we make do.

So our day was full. Me and my shadow laughed for what seemed like all day. I can't wait for tomorrow.

I noticed the other day while trying to shave my legs in the shower that it was a strain to put my leg up on the little bench to shave. I'm really inflexible. I don't know if it's because I'm pregnant and not as limber or it's from lifting weights and I've never been that flexible. The point is, is that I decided that it was time to start stretching. A few minutes I got down on the floor to do my daily pushups and then I tried to touch my toes. Like I always do since W was born, I was talking out loud and said "Touch my toes". I couldn't touch them, pitiful, I know but luckily W was right there. He bent down and touched my toes for me.

Happy Mother's Day!

So far my 2nd Mother's Day has been fantastic. I slept until 8:30 and J got up with the LB. Then I walked around the park alone. Not that I didn't want J and W to come with me it's just that the more pregnant I get the more of a hassle it is to not only get the jog stroller in the car (if my lazy butt decides to drive rather than walk to the park) but pushing it around seems a lot harder when I'm walking around alone. So I had a nice brisk walk with my own thoughts. We went to a Mother's Day brunch before W went down for a nap.

My two boys got me a PJ's gift card! YAAAAAYYYYYYYYY! That really made my day. My coffee costs $2.46 per day. and I feel chintzy not leaving the rest in the tip jar but now with my gift card it won't even be an issue. I penny saved....Oh, speaking of....One morning when we were leaving the coffee shop I saw shiny quarter. I bent down to pick it up. Someone had glued it to the sidewalk. I felt stupid but since, it has brought endless entertainment to W when we sit outside in the morning. Not to mention that it has brought endless entertainment to me watching all the idiots like me bend down and try to pick it up. I swear someone somewhere is watching us all on a hidden video camera.

When I got back from the park there were more presents waiting for me. A gift certificate to Belladonna Day Spa and a load of flowers. A good day so far.

The Red Sandal Saga

I bought the LB the cutest red sandals a few months ago for summer. I tried to put them on him way back then but he wanted no part of it. Now it's so hot and his feet get sweaty in socks and tennis shoes that I thought it was time to break out the red sandals. I put them on him yesterday. He cried and screamed and cried and stuck out his lower lip. It was the saddest display I have ever seen. It was time for his milk so I thought that would distract him. Well, I was able to get him to walk to the kitchen holding my finger. He took his milk but continued to wail in between slugs. It really was sad but at the same time I couldn't help myself from taking a picture for everyone to see. Pitifully cute.

The Aquarium-Done it.

I've Done it. I've taken the LB to the Aquarium. My parents swore up and down how much he loved it. He doesn't have me so convinced. Maybe it was too close to his naptime but he was not all that interested. He was more into eating his goldfish than he was to watching the ones there. and I have to admit, I was none to impressed. I've never really liked it-it always made me dizzy, it still does and well, it's just fish (the sharks were cool and the itty bitty jellyfish were interesting). I also cannot stand the field trips. The zoo is the same way. It's stuffed full of so many school field trips that you feel like you are getting lost in the shuffle and you have to rudely shove your way past to get anywhere. I think they need to have a day set aside when they don't allow field trips. The whole thing is just not my thing. That can be Mimo and Papa's special outing with the LB. I'll still go to the zoo because it's close, you don't have to pay 8 bucks to park and you don't feel guilty leaving after 45 minutes if you're over it.

Bachelor-can''t decide if he shocked me or not

First of all-I've called Danielle and Tessa as the last two standing. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. But I think I am a bit shocked that Bevin is one of the final three. I think her past threw him for a loop and if that didn't do it, her crying father wouldn't have made me want to throw her out the window as far as I could throw her. Not to mention the wierd mom's painting that she gave to both of them.

But then when I think about the scene with Amber and the roomate at the dinner table-guffawing over the dog peeing on the floor acting like, well, like what they are, just out of college girls-I'm not so shocked that he kept Bevin. But I really do like Amber and I was even more surprised at her hyperventilating in the limo. I guess it shows that she's not as mature as she thinks she is.

and even though I called Tessa as making it through, she made me a little nervous during their last conversation. But he seemed to think that it went awesome so that is all that matters. I love her. She's normal and nice and pretty (in a different sort of way).

Danielle's family was probably the most normal although I couldn't stop looking at her mom's teeth and I would like to put some meat on her dad's bones. He looked like Jack Spratt but the marathon running explained a lot.

I cannot wait until next week. Again, I am calling Danielle and Tessa as the final two but a little part of me is secretly worried that Bevin will pull something out of her hat, like sex, to stick around until the end.

Home grown herbs

Awhile back we planted some basil and rosemary. W loves sniffing them and he loves sitting on the stoop next to the basil.


Last week when I went to the grocery I paid attention to the price of bell peppers. Usually I just buy them. I like the red ones the best and they are so good for you. We eat them in everything, sandwhices, salads etc. But for some reason happened to notice that they were $5.00 per pound. and one pepper is almost 3/4 of a pound. Ridiculous. I settled for a green one. But saturday we went to Lowes to get a thousand lightbulbs since almost every single on in the house is out and another one blows out each day and we bought yellow pepper plants (they didn't have red). So now I can eat them to my hearts content and not have to pay an arm and leg for it. Atleast I can in about 75 days.

The Bachelor-Tessa and Danielle

I am calling it already. Yes, even before seeing the home town dates. Tessa and Danielle will be the last two standing. Bevin is waaaaay too desperate. Although I don't find what's his name to be the best looking bachelor, and although a bit dorky, I do like him and I find that he sees through all the crap. I don't think he will care when Bevin tells him she's divorced. Let me rephrase. If it weren't for all the melodrama she is creating over her divorce, I don't think he would think twice about it. I really do like Amber but I am worried about her hometown date. Now this is strictly judging from the previews that show her crying over the fact that her family won't meet the bachelor (what is his name!? I'm drawing a blank) but I have a feeling that it will be too much for the bachelor.

We'll see how accurate my predictions are tomorrow.

Oh and this just in from Reality TV News Blog. Amber's principal at the school where she teaches got demoted for letting her go on The Bachelor.

St. Louis and the Mexican Fiesta

I feel like I've been out of pocket for years. We went to J's Dad's Surprise Birthday party last week in St. Louis. W had a great time meeting his aunt and uncles and cousins. There are so many of them that it's hard to get them all in one place at once. Being in St. Louis makes you realize how different New Orleans is. Good and bad. The lawns are huge and pristine and it's cleaner than you knew any city could be. But I do have to say that New Orleans has a grit that you just have to love.

W is a great flyer. Knock on wood. He'll have one more flying trip this summer and I don't want to jinx myself. He sat on J's lap and ate goldfish and colored there and back. I think he had a good time.

So we're back. We've been going to the park and stuff. Mimo and Papa took him to the Aquarium last week. They said he giggled at the fish and touched a big ole snake-twice. I know, I should take him there but it's such a hassle.

Last night we had a Mexican Fiesta. J made his famous Green Chile Enchilada's. I made margaritas and a strawberry and candied almond salad. Uncle Bob made the best seven layer dip-believe me when I say that this isn't your mother's seven layer dip. It was so fresh and deep and spicy and sassy. Aunt Liz made chocolate souffles with caramel sauce. It was a first try and they turned out beautifully. I tried to download a photo but for some reason I can't. Anyway, the story goes like this:

It was her first try. She didn't know that you couldn't make souffles ahead of time. Who does? They rose perfectly and then she read on the recipe: Serve immediately. Oops. So by the time she got them here they were flat. But still they were the best souffles I've ever had-better than Commanders-just without the poof.

The Little Buddy enjoyed the beginning of the fiesta. He dug into the chips and choked. Aah! IT FREAKED ME OUT. I never used to let him have chips for that very fear but the past few weeks I have noticed other moms letting their toddler eat them so I have gotten kind of lax. He never finished one-he took a bite and gave the rest to me only to grab another from the bowl. And then he choked. Luckily he threw up-everywhere. I hugged him to me for dear life and when I knew he was okay rushed upstairs to put him in the bath before he could lick the remainder of it off of his hands and face. Blah. No more chips for W.

Our plan was to invite others for the big fiesta but J's Green Chile Enchilada recipe only serves four and he wasn't totally confident yet to double the recipe. If you ask me he had no reason not to be. They truly are authentic, masterful enchiladas. Although now we know that one enchilada per person is enough and we would have had plenty to go around.

Ole!

The Heehawer and the Class Clown

We went to the park again this morning. It was muddy and gross but the equipment was relatively dry and W was in another good, laughy mood. Two friends came too and they seemed to all be having a ball. C was pretty much rolling around in the mud, at the sheer panic of his mom. But he didn't seem to mind. and ME was just happy to be outside, toddling around, squealing in delight at the nature. C was being really funny, almost like the class clown and W was heehawing at everything he did which certainly egged C on. He'd throw a stick in the air and W howled. He did it again and he howled louder. and if C didn't pick up the stick fast enough, W would get it and hand it back to C for another round. It was so fun to watch. At this age they usually don't play together that much but today they were definitely a team.

Wet Nursing making a comeback

I ran across this article about wet nursing in J's Time Magazine. If I've run out of reading material I'll pick up his Time or if something on the cover catches my eye. Well, this issue was about the massacre at VTech so I started reading and finally landed on Milk Maid. It seems wet nursing is making a minor comeback. And not only that, some mothers are sharing milk. For instance, if my friend and I have babies at the same time we can share our nursing responsibilites between us. Blah. I think it all sounds more than a little bit freaky.

The Little Buddy and I go to this great program. It's really his first time in a classroom setting. We sing and play and he generally likes it. But I am soooooo boooooooooooooooored. Oh my gosh. The first few times were super fun. I loved seeing his reaction to what the teacher did and his reaction to the other kids, especially since he's one of the youngest. The novelty has worn off. I so did not want to go this week. and to tell you the truth I don't think he did either. He didn't seem that into it the last time. But J scolded me and told me it was good for him. So I reluctantly and every so slowly got us dressed. We ended up being late. Oops. Totally unintentional. When we arrived we rang the buzzer but no one answered. You can imagine my dissapointment when we had to pile back into the car and go home.

Bugaboo strollers

If you're thinking of buying a bugaboo stroller you better read this.

I cried for them

For us locals, the reopening of Camellia Grill was a long time coming. I've imagined almost everyday stuffing down a chili cheese omelet with french fries, oozing with hot cheese and covered with the perfect of amount of chili. and when I'm imagining it, I am eating the whole thing. Deeeelicious. I'm worried about how long it will take me to get over there. We can't bring the Little Buddy because you sit at a counter on a stool and I don't think W would sit for very long. I think we're going to have to go on a night when we have a babysitter. That's okay though. as long as I get my omelet. or should I have a Camellia Grill special, or just a cheeseburger, or all three?

Uncle RaRa and Aunt JoJo went today. They waited in line for 30 minutes. Not too bad. Probably the same amount of time you would have waited pre-Katrina. They finally sat down and ordered. They waited patiently, while they gazed around at everyone biting into their juicy burgers and licking the last bites of chili off of their plates and slurping down their milkshakes. and then it happened.......................

The transformer blew across the street. The lights went out and they kicked everyone out who hadn't received their order.

They ended up at O'Henry's. I find it one of the dirtiest, most pitiful, incompetent places in town. I shed a tear for them.

Crawfish on the Patio

We just finished eating crawfish, the first time for me this season. Golly, I forget how good they are. We didn't boil them ourselves, we let the Little Fisherman Big Fisherman (he grew up, I guess) do the dirty work. The LB wouldn't eat any but he ate gingersnaps 3 at a time. We only got 5 pounds, it was enough but definitely not too much. I had to eat slowly because J, not being a local and all, isn't as fast as me. Every time we eat crawfish, I offer to give him a few helpful hints. He never takes me up on them. He's a proud man. When we were still dating my parents had a crawfish boil birthday party/Bacchus party for me. It was the first time I'd seen him eat crawfish. I was embarrassed for him. It took him forever to peel five. Maybe I should have been embarrassed for myself considering the gluttonous pile of shells I had in front of me. To his credit, he's gotten a lot faster since. He said tonight that he would be the one to teach W how to peel crawfish. Little Buddy, I'll show you when he's not around. We'll just let him think that he taught you how to be the expert peeler that you will be.

Quite the Little Helper

The Little Buddy is making everyday chores not so boring. He's caught on to many of them and loves to help out every now and then. I actually have found myself laughing while doing things that I find so tedious. He thinks unloading the dishwasher is the greatest thing under the sun. If only I could let him do it all on his own. I don't think I hate anything more. The other day J went to empty the trash and as soon as he took the trashcans out of the cabinet, W opened the other cabinet where we keep the trashbags and pulled one out. Of course, being the ham that he is, he took the time to pose for the camera.

He also likes pushing the laundry cart to the washer, cleaning up his toys (although it's always short lived) and he likes making our bed. Playing on our big bed is a favorite pasttime but only if it's made up. and J thinks I am taking advantage of the LB when I ask him to go get my socks and tennis shoes so I don't have to walk any farther than necessary but he giggles the whole way there and back. So I don't feel so guilty. I do look forward to the day when he is able to rub my back.

Greyer and Greyer

I’m going grey. Really grey. My eyelashes, eyebrows and hair. and I feel like the more pregnant I become the grayer I get. I don’t really know what to do about it. I love my dad’s grey (white) hair , But his is very soft and shiny it’s very distinguished looking. I have a feeling that’s the way I’m going since I have his hair. But it doesn’t look near as good on me. It’s not soft and shiny like his. It’s just plain wiry. I’m only 36 for goodness sake. So I’ve given in. Yes, I’m an advanced maternal age and I’m grey. I’ve dyed my hair twice in my life. One time I got very subtle blond highlights, not even enough for anyone else to know the difference but expensive enough to make me want to throw up and just recently I tried to cover up the grey and the hair dresser used a sort of auburnish red, since I have that tendency. Again, not enough that anyone would notice the difference unless a. I told you about it b.you were me or my mom and this time it was so expensive I surprised myself I didn’t throw up. And I didn’t even like it. So what’s a girl to do?

I'm not sure what is going on with the Little Buddy. He's still the same sweet baby, leaning in for kisses and coming to me for hugs in between playtime but he fusses more often, especially if he doesn't get his way. I can't decide if it's because his molars are coming in or if he is coming into the terrible twos, or if it's a combination of the two. I'm leaning toward the latter. He is teething, I know that. He always has his finger stuck way back in his mouth and he's drooling like a dog. and he is definitely testing his limits. For example, he has been opening the kitchen cabinets just to bang them shut again. When I ask him not to do it, he looks at me with a mischevious grin and does it again, something he would never have done a few months ago. Then I use my "mom is serious voice" and he looks at me and then starts to yell. I remove him from the situation and it's over. It's really, really hard not to laugh. A few times I have, I can't help it, he's so darn cute, and that makes him belly laugh too.

The Little Buddy is really loving the park lately. We went to have coffee this morning. We used to do this every Sunday before the LB was born. It was such a relaxing time for us and we got to socialize a bit too. We've been told by a few people that we are missed, one of whom has a FABULOUS Christmas party every year. This year we weren't invited and we attribute it to the fact that we weren't on the top of his mind since he hadn't seen us at the coffee shop in awhile. We need to get back into that routine before Christmas. Anyway, we went to the park and W started laughing and running full throttle for the play equiment-he's getting fast-and whizzed down the slide a hundred times all by himself. It gives me such satisfaction to see the LB becoming so independent.

The power of music

I don't listen to music much anymore unless it's a kid cd. W has his favorite playing in the car and I find myself singing along happily. It's pretty good and he smiles the minute I put it on. Every now and then I can hear him singing the Hippopotomus song. Anyway, I came across a mixed tape that my friend, Katherine made me in 1990. She always made really cool mixed tapes. Maybe she still does, I don't know but the ones she made when we were in highschool and college were. I found one in all of the crap that we have piled up in our dining room from the move. It was like finding a treasure. I literally remember opening the package in my dorm room and being so excited to have something to drown out the country all around me (I'm a huge country fan now, though) I won't bore you with the playlist but just so you can get an idea:
Stones, Dire STraits, STeely Dan, Dan Fogelberg, CS & N, John Cougar, Joni Mitchell, Doobie Bros. and the list goes on.
I put it in this afternoon on my way to work out and golly, I felt like I was driving around the fraternity/sorority circle, in my hand me down Park Avenue Buick at TCU again. It's funny to think of what kind of music reminds of you of certain people.

Katherine listened to such good, different music than other people. A little bit of everything
Country definitely reminds me of Rowanne and "I can't sleep at all last night" from Animal House. I won't tell you why, because it's silly, albeit funny
and The Doors remind me of Jean just because the summer of our freshman year in highschool we were counselors at Valencia Day Camp and we rode around listening to them-Riders on the Storm specifically stands out.
Jennifer-she'll kill me but, Air Supply
Mathilde-the girl groups-she harmonized particularly well with them
Merriman-Grateful Dead and alternative
Ashley-Frank Sinatra
Melissa and Lessley-Crash Test Dummies-from the year that the party never ended
My dad-Kenny Rogers and Strolling Through the Park One Day
My brother-Kiss and Grateful Dead and Deep Purple (that was the first song that I remember him learning on his guitar and there's that one chord that will stick in my mind FOREVER)
My husband- each and every song on our honeymoon disc will always remind me of him-we took it with us and played it when we were getting ready to go cocktailing every night. It's all good, loud-singing music. I will ALWAYS love that disc.
and now the Little Buddy-Ticklish Toes, in addition to the made up songs I sing, all to the same tune of course with his "ha ha's" that he gives me for the chorus-always at just the right time.

It's crazy fun how much music can bring back memories. I've had the best time writing this remembering all of the songs that let us sing.

Makin' a List

W doesn't say many words yet although he babbles quite a bit. But I would put him up against any toddler in a writing contest. He holds a pen or crayon unbelievably well and enjoys making lists...and checking them twice. Har dee har har.

New Found Blog Alert

For all of those foodies out there I have found an awesome blog. The Breakfast Blog. I haven't delved too deep but from what I've read so far it's all about eggs. Give me 2 poached eggs, some corned beef hash (out of a can, you think it's gross, it's delicious) and some hashbrowns with cheese and I'll be the happiest person you'll meet for a very long time.

When the parents are away...

I read about this on Parent Dish. I would freak. A British couple leaves there child at home alone and she has a party that results in $54,000 worth of damage to the house. I guess it could have been alot worse. See article.

We had a very busy morning. We walked to the park and met some friends at the big boy playground. He is enjoying it much more as he learns to maneuver the steps up and down. The slide has become a huge source of fun, until he tumbled down the first part sideways. It has a dip in the middle so it stopped his fall halfway and we were able to right him for the second half. But after that each time he went down he whined all the way down the first part until he got to the second half. You never know how they're going to react.

It was a beautiful day. Breezy and sunny enough that I thought to put sunscreen on his face. My freind slathered it all over A and even on her head. I never even thought of doing that to my fair baby but I have noticed a few freckles on his scalp so maybe I should start since his mom is basically one big freckle. and me I was living on the edge, free and easy with no sunscreen. Mistake. When I woke up from a short nap (I'm pregnant, I have an excuse) I saw the new farmers tan. I mean, I'm not going to win any Coppertone contests but I didn't think on a cool spring day I needed to put it on.

Even after his slip down the slide, he now likes to go down by himself. He's more reticent than most kids. I am sure your 20 month old has been going down alone forever but W wanted to know all possibilites of danger before he did this. And you know? Good for him. So it was a bittersweet moment for me as he showed his independence.

I finally sat down on the bench to rest and he wandered around playing with random things. There was an older mom next to me with older kids, I don't know, like 8 to 10 years old. There were 3 of them and they were hovering around her. She yells, "Get off of me! Can you stop hanging on me. I just want 5 minutes to myself with no one all over me." I thought they grew out of that stage. I guess it never ends. On the way back from the park a friend called to invite us to lunch and I said, no way, it's naptime but we got home and he was wide awake and babbling so I took a chance and rushed to meet them. Anyway, I was telling them this story and she said she still hands her mom trash when they are somewhere together and M said that if they are at a party and she eats something she doesn't like she gives it to her mom. I do both of those things. Like I said, I guess the job of Mom never ends.

Pretty Dern Happy

I'm a bit late on writing this post. We've been very busy, going to the park, hosting playgroup and seeing friends new babies but 2 days ago I tevoed Oprah. And while lately, actually since her horrible Katrina series way back when, I have been deleting her. In college I truly believed that Oprah could hang with us, be our best friend, if you will. I looooved her. She could do no wrong. Now I don't put her up on such a high pedestal but I do enjoy a show every now and again. Anyway, she seems to be on this "pursuit of happiness" kick and this show was about how to be happy. It didn't tell you anything new but for me it just made me think. I took a 5 question quiz along with a million other people which you can find at Oprah.com. and what it told me was I'm pretty darn happy. I just don't consciously think about whether I'm happy or not on a daily basis. So what this show did for me was to kick my consciousness into gear so that I can be thankful everyday for not just what I have, because for that I am always thankful, but for being this happy. I am a true cynic. I complain a lot. It's in my nature. But since watching the show I realized that that's not even fun anymore because there's no reason for it. So if you feel like being happy, or feel like knowing that you're happy check it out.

These are a few of W's favorite things

When he finds a stoop on our daily walk that is just his height so that he can easily pop a squat and take a break.

When he climbs up in our big comfy chair all by himself and lounges.

When he walks down big stairs like a big boy (he claps for himself)

When Daddy comes home. (one of my favorite things too!)

When I blow raspberries on his belly.

When I start undressing him in the bathroom because he knows a bath is inevitable.

When he sees me getting his bottle. (I know, he shouldn' t be drinking out of bottles)

When I go in to get him up from his nap.

When Papa gives him a smidgeon of chocolate Easter bunny.

When he does "a little dance" and everyone laughs and claps.

Sweet and sad.

The Little Buddy is a sweet baby. Truly, he is. But sharing is tearing him apart lately. He does not like it at all..if it's not his idea, that is. In the past, when another baby took something away from him or encroached on his territory he would just walk away, move onto something else. The past week or so he's been getting very upset. I'm not sure I would call it a tantrum because it doesn't come across as anger. He pokes out his lip and cries so hard. It just kills me. If it were anger I wouldn't feel so bad. He's just unbelievably upset and it's pitiful. I'm not quite sure how to handle it. I guess all kids go through this but if anyone has a suggestion it would be greatly appreciated.

Other Blogs

I've added a new link. Yvestown. It's kind of retro and cool. From what I gathered it's a decorating blog but I loved her photos.

Oh, and check Reality TV News Blog. He has some good scoop.

And I wish I had checked out Delicious Days before Easter. He makes some egg shaped muffins right in the egg shell. So neat.

Follow your nose.

Okay-so we dyed eggs, had an easter egg hunt, ate a few of them and put the rest in the icebox. This morning W was playing in the kitchen banging around with pots and pans. I looked up and he was eating an egg-or trying to. It was the yellow one and it was room temp. Not sure where he got it. The icebox is too heavy for him to open and even if for some reason it wasn't all the way shut and he got in the eggs aree up on a high shelf. So I threw the egg away and figured we were lucky to have found the forgotten egg. Then we were in the den and here he comes bringing me a blue egg. Where is he getting these eggs? We thought for sure they were all put away. I guess our noses will tell us how many more are missing...in a few days.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! It's freezing here-like in the 40's. Yesterday it was sleeting over here. Very strange. We couldn't have our Easter Egg Hunt as planned this morning before church because it was raining. So we got dressed, W in his new big boy shoes and went to church. He fell flat on his face and skidding across the floor. His lip was all swollen and his eye had a bump. Needless to say church wasn't a pleasant experience for him. I should have had him practice in the shoes a few days before. or just let him wear his Keds. No one would have cared. He had a grand time at lunch. Wandering between the tables, getting all of the attention. He didn't eat anything but he made it all the way until 1:15 to see the Easter Bunny.

We finally had our Hunt this afternoon. The eggs were beautiful-courtesy of Mimo and Me. and delicous too-courtesy of J and me. J swears his taste better. They may peel easier but they tasted just the same.

Happy Birthday, Lucy!!!

This is a shout out to my cousin, Lucy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

I hope you have a wonderful day full of fun surprises.

Love,
A, J and Baby W

p.s. It's not until tomorrow but I wanted to make sure to get in my birthday wish.

The worrying

It's been an exhausting day. I'm pregnant if you didn't know and went for my 12 week checkup. I'm what they called an advanced maternal aged mother so I was supposed to let my doctor know if I was going to have the full battery of tests that ACOG recommends. I had made my decision (it's been a hard one with lots of worry and second guessing) but then he told me I had a few more days! AAAAHHHHH! I was a basket case. I cried. He thinks I'm a loon, I'm sure. Because I was a bitch the time before since I had to wait 3 hours (not kidding) and this time I waited for an hour. It's Ochsner. It's a nightmare. If I didn't love and respect my doctor so much I would be out of there. I had W at Memorial Baptist and it was such a pleasant experience, from the time I got pregnant to the time I delivered (luckily I delivered a few days before the storm, otherwise I may have another opinion). Sorry, I could go on for days about Ochsner so I won't bore you.

Back to my point. I finally talked to my good and wise friend, A. I should have called her to begin with. It was a relevation when I thought about calling her. So after 5 minutes I had made my decision and she was right. I just needed to make the decision, move on and not look back. I only wish that it were 40 years ago. Then I wouldn't have to worry about any of this. I could drink and eat tuna fish and deli meat and ceasar salads made with raw eggs. I could eat the stinkiest, most unpasteurized cheese I could find. I could take a steaming hot bath and soak for hours. I wouldn't have to think about which tests I were going to take. and since women had babies earlier in life, I wouldn't be a mother of advanced maternal age. I know. There are a ton of advantages to child bearing now. The advances in medicine are phenomenal and I certainly don't discount that. But it's the worrying that just may kill me.

I'm finally getting excited about the new house. We've gotten everything out of Upperline and we are almost finished distributing the junk in the dining room to it's respective rooms. Once we get our 8 foot ladder and our big screen tv we will be really on fire. I should probably take a picture of the curtains that hang in the den and the hallways. Blah. that way I can show you a before and after. I think I will. But anyway, they are coming down. I'm in the process of getting a bound carpet for the den that will be baby proof. We'll take down the curtains, put a dimmer on the "lodge like" chandelier, hang the big screen, get 2 new swivel club chairs and be good to go.

The Sunporch or the PortCachere-I call it one thing, J calls it the other is looking good too and I am super excited about my fabrics for the Living Room. Things are coming together.

The Bachelor

Can we talk about this? A few things.
1. The Bachelor is cute but too plastic for my taste.
2. He's a total dork but he grew on me the more he drank.
3. The girls, as my friend A said, were "buttass ugly". Now, there were a few cute ones and again after getting to know some of them I likes them much more. but their first impressions were nothing fabulous.
4. How about the trashy girl? They should have kept her if only for ratings. But I guess it would have been too farfetched.
5. The girl who got the first impression rose-again, at first I didn't think she was all that, but she grew on me.
6. Birthday cake made with Tequila. Sounds good to me.

I think it should be a good season. I am fired up!

I haven't watched the season finale of The Hills yet. I want to savor every minute of it. I cannot wait. But I'm sad that it's over.

It's The Little Buddy, here.

I thought I would fill in for Mom right now. She hasn't been blogging much. I think she's tired. That's what I can gather from the past few weeks. Dad has been waking up with me in the morning and we've been tearing the house UP! Boy, it's been fun. Then we go back upstairs and Mom is still in bed. Dad takes a shower and I play around until I hear the water turn off and then bust on in for the rest of our playtime.

I'm not really sure what's going on but some things I know that make me think something's goin' on around here:

1. Mom doesn't wake up until later.
2. Mom isn't drinking her 5 o'clock glass of wine. I kind of miss that. She was always really fun when she had her glass of wine.
3. And Dad's the only one getting a top shelf frozen margarita at Superior these days.
3. She's not really cooking dinner for Dad either. What's up with that? She always loved to cook. Now we go to the grocery and pick something up ready to eat and she just eats a baked potato and cottage cheese. Blah.
4. She's kind of let herself go. Don't get me wrong, Mom, I love you and think you're beautiful no matter how fat you get.
5. I overheard her talking about getting another crib. I already have a crib. Don't need another one. It does the job. Hear that?!
6. She wears the same clothes over and over and over again. Dad, you gotta tell her to go shopping.
7. She cries at silly things.
8. When they go out at night. They come home really early. I don't think they go out for that after dinner drink anymore.
9. They keep referring to someone called the Littler Buddy. Whatever that is. I'm the Little Buddy. I'm not getting any smaller. It's throwing me for a loop.

I'll keep you posted on anymore clues.