I'm blogging but I'm really tired. It happens every weekend. J gets up with the LB on Sat. mornings and I get to sleep in and then we swap. and every weekend W sleeps in on Saturdays and gets up way to early on Sundays. You'd think I would learn. I was up at 1am last night to go to the bathroom for the 80th time and never got back to sleep, until about 4am. W woke up at 5:30. I tried to reason with him to no avail. So we got up, made it down the stairs in the dark (it's really dark now at that time) and ate breakfast in the dark. J got up around 8:45 and I went back to sleep until 11am. Crazy, I know. But I'm just so tired. Not all the time. I have my moments. But when those moments come, they are big ones. Anyway, they went swimming-the last day the pool was open-I woke up at 11 and met them for lunch but by that time the LB was exhausted and cranky. I just knew he would nap forever. J was doing handyman stuff outside and W woke up after 45 min. raging hot. So I held him and rocked him for another hour (As sad as I was for him that he didn't feel well, I loved holding him, my little baby) and then he was fine. It was strange. I am praying that he will be better tomorrow. He has been fighting this cold for atleast a week now. He got better, then he got worse.

So bless the LB with a good night's sleep and a fun day tomorrow.

When I look out the window it looks like fall. It doesn't feel like fall but the sky is blue and everything looks so crisp. I know it's just wishful thinking. With fall comes the germs and colds. Of course, the LB hasn't been in school a week and he already has a cold. Luckily, the doctor told me it was okay to send him to school (which is where he got it anyway) so I didn't have to interrupt his new routine, one that we are trying to so hard to make him enjoy. I know, I've become one of those parents that I hate. The kind that sends their kid to school with a runny nose only to infect everyone else but my intentions are truly very unselfish. It's not because I have something else to do since I pick him up almost as soon as I drop him off. It's all because I want him to adjust to school. It's the worst feeling in the world to get him out in the carpool line and have him hang on to me like there's no tomorrow. I guess that does make me selfish, but...

I showed him the slideshow that the program emailed to me last week of their first 2 weeks of school. He enjoyed seeing all his new friends and he didn't even reach for the keyboard once. He was so enthralled with the show. So hopefully that helped him ease into the day today.

I was so upset after dropping him off last week that I was hyperventilating. and J is right. He has to work through it. My baby is growing up and it's our jobs to help him do that in the most productive way. Only 16 more years to go.

In the News: It's always somethin'

"Doctor Links a Man's Illness to a Microwave Popcorn Habit"

This man supposedly likes buttered flavor microwave popcorn so much that he developed a serious lung condition usually only linked to workers in popcorn plants. I mean, what's next? First baby bottles are toxic, now buttered flavor microwave popcorn.

What's going on.

I've started painting again and it's been so much fun. I always have visions in my mind of things I want to paint, lately for the new baby's room and W's but I put if off because I think about the hassle involved-buying more acrylics, canvases, getting the water and brushes ready and the mess of it all-but it's like anything else I do. Once I jump into it and get rolling I have the best time. I had to take a lot of studio classes in college for my major and really do miss it. I will say that it is kind of difficult to paint anything larger than a small canvas if you don't have an easel and your belly is a month away from popping out a person.

The Hobby Shop on Magazine is having a sale on a certain brand of canvases (only smallish ones so I didn't get a deal on my 30x40). I wanted to paint a big ole giraffe for the nursery so I painted a 'dry run' which I will hang in W's room before I move on to the super big one. Today is the day. I've painted the background and am waiting for it to dry. I'm still not sure how I'm going to keep W away from it until I can paint my giraffe.

The LB and J are off swimming. I think this may be one of the last weekends before the pool closes. I feel bad for not taking him more often myself, but I haven't been brave enough to stuff myself into a bathing suit and it's too hot to sit out there without getting in. I want him to be ready for pool time next summer because I WILL be skinny and hot and ready to spend long days at the pool. So I'm encouraging father and son to take lessons this fall at Love Swimming.

Wish I would have invented Jibbitz

I watched a DVR of Oprah on Thursday evening and oh my gosh. It was a show on Big Ideas and it blew my mind away. This lady and her kids came up with the idea of Jibbitz, which are little doodads that you decorate your Crocs with. Amazing. Eventually the Croc company bought them out for $20 million.

I know I'm destined for something big. I feel it. It's going to happen after I have this baby and I have time to do something big, but it's coming. I promise. If it's anything as big as this Jibbitz idea-we've got it made. Now, the couple that started the Jibbitz, like I said, sold out to Crocs but they are still running the company. When something "big" comes my way and if I decide to sell out, I'm not hanging around to run the thing. I'm running with my money like there's no tomorrow.

If you need a little inspiration in your life, read their story.

I don't think you ever forget the misery of the last trimester of pregnancy but I think you forget what the misery feels like. I am now reminded. Nothing fits. I'm uncomfortable standing up. I'm uncomfortable sitting down. I'm uncomfortable sleeping. and now I have such apathy towards everything. I'm kind of depressed. I cried this morning. For no reason at all. Well, I cried because nothing fits, I'm uncomfortable standing up....you get the picture.

But then as I think about this afternoon when the Little Buddy and J were chasing each other around the house I realized that I didn't have the laughter the first time around. Today, I was sitting in the kitchen doing the crossword puzzle and my background music was a stream of deep belly laughing from W as J would catch him in a game of chase or startle him as he ran into the sunporch and the whole game would start over again. It's a nice, sweet, joyful break from the monotony of pregnancy.

In the News: Stress and Anxiety

I came across this article in the New York Times online about Anxiety Disorders. I shouldn't have read it. You think I'm anxious now....

It mentions how mother's who have just given birth are particularly at risk for OCD. Can I get any worse? I promised myself that I wouldn't do any of my OCD habits while I was pregnant. I broke that promise and now I'm super worried wondering can it get any worse?

It's an interesting article, though. Especially as it relates to children. I hope W doesn't have any of these issues but "One study reported a higher rate of crying and an impaired ability to adapt to new situations in infants of mothers who had been stressed and anxious during pregnancy." if my worry during this pregnancy is any indication like the article says, the new baby doesn't stand a chance.

In the News: Are Plastic Bottles Toxic?

One more thing to worry about. The use of plastic bottles and the toxic chemicals in them. I got an email through the email grapevine a few weeks ago but shrugged it off because I had already brought this issue to the attention of my pediatrician who said it was news to him.

and you never know about those forwarded emails. They're a dime a dozen, a friend of a friend story.

Then I read about the harmful effects of plastic bottles in Parenting Magazine. It's linked with Cancer, hyperactivity, impaired immune function to name a few problems. I'm not sure what to do. The LB still drinks a bottle of milk when he wakes up and after dinner. I know I'm not supposed to let him have a bottle but I do. Too many kids I know stopped drinking milk once the precious bottle was banned and since I'm dealing with a picky eater, I'm just glad he's getting his milk. So what do I do? Take away the bottles? Right before the new baby arrives who will eventually be drinking from a bottle, which will inevitably make him mad? or buy him new bottles for these last few months that he's drinking from them? Like I said, One more thing to worry about.

Oh hello. It's W. Yeah. Whas up? Not much is going on around here. Just riding my tricycle.






Hold on. Mom wants to tell me something.







Okay. Sorry about that. I'm back.

Okay. My countdown has started. Really, it started months ago. I remember when I had 100 days left of pregnancy so now there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. Until I went to the doctor yesterday and he told me he may have to reschedule my c-section date to a day later. To those who aren't pregnant, a day may seem like nothing. And if you are one of those people I dare you to tell me, "Oh, that's nothing" I can't promise that I won't hurt you. and I know it's something to do with fishing. I just know it. He didn't come out and say it but I heard it in his voice. But it's probably better that he kept that to himself because if he dared to tell me, "I'll still be fishing" I can't promise that I wouldn't have done something drastic. I'm in complete misery at night. I don't know if it's contractions or what but I have stomach cramps from about 2 on every night which doesn't make for a very good nights sleep.

The LB is still adjusting to school. It's funny how you get a grasp for a toddler's true personality once they start going to school. I always knew he was cautious and sensitive and very sweet. But I guess now that he's in a new environment these aspects of his personality are highlighted and I realize how they affect him in the real world. I know he will adjust sooner or later. and I know it's good for him and it makes me feel so much better to hear that other kids are going through the same thing but still in the back of my mind I am praying that I am not doing permanent psychological damage to my LB. I heard through the grapevine that they will be playing with play dough tomorrow. This should keep him in good spirits.

I don't know where the time is going. These past few weeks have flown by! and for that I am very thankful. I thought for sure the end of this pregnancy would be a slow, miserable one but it actually hasn't been as bad as I predicted. My back hurts, badly, very badly and sleeping really isn't much of an option but I know the latter is prep for the many weeks/months of not sleeping once the baby is here. The Little Buddy being in school a few mornings a week seems to help. It's such a little thing but I feel the difference in my back and my state of mind. I'm not quite as tired and I don't start to waddle around in pain too much until later in the day. I do miss him though. I am curious to see how he fairs after the long holiday weekend. I've learned that he doesn't eat snacks at school which explains his intense hunger for lunch. The teachers are great and said he did better the second day but he still had some rough spots. I wish his friend, C, who he has known since he was a bitty baby, was at the same school to help him laugh his way through his morning.

I can't blame the LB, though. It's in his genes. I hated spending the night out. always. Wanted to be close to home. and I still remember the feeling of angst I had when I didn't have a choice. Going to a friend's house during the day was okay after I got over the initial fear of going. But it was something that I had to push my way through. So, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I guess. I know it's a matter of opinion, but I turned out okay, and so will W.

So much to tell. So little time. I'll be back...soon.

Wierd Wednesday

Today I woke up and I knew it was going to be different. Mom was already in the shower when Dad came to get me out of my bed. He brought me in to say hi and then we went downstairs to eat breakfast. So there we were all eating breakfast together. Wierd. I barely had any time to play upstairs and when Mom came to change-it was awfully early to be getting dressed-I noticed that my outfit wasn't as wrinkly as usual. She must have ironed it-even more strange.

We all left the house together and they took a picture of me in front of our gate. Again, odd for so early in the morning. Dad got in one car. Mom and me in the other and Mom was trying to be all perky and happy although I knew it was an act. She kept talking about something called "school" as if I knew what she was talking about. But that all changed when we walked into that place. I've been there before. Before I could say "jackrabbit" (not that I really talk but) they were out the door while I played with the water table that the new lady showed me. I had a pretty good time. I played some basketball out on the playground and got to color with these pens they had when I was at READ class. They made Mom neurotic because they were messy but she wasn't around to stop me this time so I went to town and showed her for leaving me like that. Every so often I would wonder if she was coming back and got sad. They tried to make me eat fruit and crackers. I wasn't having any of it. Mom obviously forgot to send a snack. Then before I knew it I was being whisked outside with my new bookbag, and a picture of me. Not really sure what that morning was all about but I sure was happy when I saw my mom. I was so relieved she had come back for me that I got a little bit weepy. But I think I was probably happier to see the goldfish she brought for me than anything else. All I can say is, "Done that". I know Mom won't do it again because I heard her talking on the phone, saying how she sobbed all the way home and felt like throwing up. That's good for her. Teach her a lesson.

I am so tired. I really wanted to take a nap but who's to say that she wasn't just going to up and leave again. No way, Jose. No sleeping around here. I'll just stay awake as long as I can. Watch me.

Growing pains

I can breathe easier now. We haven't had internet or cable service since last Thursday and we finally were able to get the cable people to fix it today. I wasn't really aware how dependent I was on those services until they went out. It's been a frustrating few days. I'm lucky that the Little Buddy doesn't live and die for Sesame Street or any other show for that matter although he does enjoy a bit of Elmo's World every now and again.

A lot has been going on in our world in between now and then and the first day of W's school starts tomorrow. I have a low grade anxiousness that is living beneath my skin. I know it won't go away until after I pick him up tomorrow. I passed another kid in his class on our way into orientation. He was really old looking and was on the floor throwing a tantrum because he didn't want to leave. I am worried. My baby is not only my baby but he will be the baby of the class. I can't stand the thought of older or younger kids, for that matter, pushing him around. I can't stand the thought of him falling off the playground equipment or of him dying of thirst because they only offer juice at snack time, which he doesn't drink. I can't stand the thought of someone else comforting him if and when he cries or of me not being around when something tickles him so much that he belly laughs until he can't breathe.

I can't stand the thought of him growing up...my baby...because that's what he's doing.

Catastrophe avoided

I am still sweating. I haven't really been home much today and when we finally got back from the store and went in the den to hang out, play and catch glimpses of Sesame Street I came upon the this small devastation.

Cable was out. I couldn't get Sesame Street or the Food Channel or Oprah, which means I would't be able to get Big Brother. I started to sweat. I called Cox and tried to refresh and then waited to talk to a person. She wasn't any help. Said that I had to have a technician come out and they didn't have an opening until Monday!I scheduled the appointment and then unplugged the box which made it worse. I had channel 7 before and now I had nothing. I called J again in a panic. Like he has nothing better to do than to worry about the tv. The lady told me she understood my pain because "everyone wants to watch the game" The game!? What game? I told her I was worried about my reality tv. I refreshed again and called Cox again and got a guy. A young guy who seemed to be a bit more empathetic and lo and behold while I was explaining my dependence on nighttime television (I don't watch it much during the day) it came back on. Hallelujah!!!!!

Will he still be my Little Buddy?

I've only been away from W a few times since he was born. Mimo and Papa kept him overnight when he was little and when Aunt Liz and Uncle Bob got married in Chicago we took off for a long weekend and Partied All Night Long for 3 nights. That's it really. For some reason the thought of leaving him now that he's older makes me even sadder. I was thinking about my c-section the other day and found myself in tears. I wasn't crying because of the love for the new baby or the scary anticipation of the spinal tap or anything like that. What made me start crying was thinking about seeing the LB for the first time when J brings him to visit me in the hospital. I miss him so much just thinking about it. What if he's so pissed at me that he won't look at me? What if he doesn't recognize me because I'm swollen from all the drugs that will be pumped into me or because I won't have a big belly anymore? He's my Little Buddy and I'll always think of him that way but will he still want to be my Little Buddy? That is the real question.

We all woke up this morning at the same time, 6:15. It was unusual. J has been waking up with W since I've been pregnant and tired allowing me to sleep in another heavenly 45 minutes or so and it makes all the difference. Now that I'm nearing the finish line I'm not sleeping so well anyway so I figured I may as well get up and go. I've been feeling guilty about not excercising so I told the LB we could go for a stroll. With his typical, "ado ado ado" when he gets excited about something he quickly let me put on his shoes and took off for the stroller. I can't remember the last time we went for a real walk. It was a guilty reminder of how much he loved going for walks. He talked and pointed and laughted and took in the sights. Yelled above the drill of the streetcar line workers and urged me in his own way to detour at the playground.

We didn't take the detour. I had to go home. It wasn't the heat really, it was the back cramps. and turns out I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions and never knew it. But atleast I know now why my stomach feels rock hard and heavy every so often accompanied by excruciating back pain. My doctor wouldn't tell me what I wanted to hear. To stop excercising. He did tell me that I was fine with my weight gain so I headed off to Haydel's to get the Petit Fours I told you about. OMG! If you want to experience a good ole fashioned bakery smell, the kind like when Mackenzies was around or if you're pregnant and want to experience your ultimate dream, go to Haydel's. I bought 10 Petit Fours and 5 Turtles (real ones, the sandy cookies with pecans and a blob of chocolate on top). and I'm definitely going back for more.

The Hills August 20, 2007

O.M.G.! Heidi! Your fiance is a total loser who highlights his hair, buys your engagement ring from an accessory shop, and has your apartment painted with a "beautiful" mural of graffiti. (The centipede video game, on the other hand is awesome! What I wouldn't kill for a Miss Pacman at my house.) Good for Heidi for painting over it and giving him a "surprise". Spencer was pissed and mark my words, one day he is going to SNAP. He seems awfully unstable to me. It's ashame too, because I do like Heidi. She's got balls.

As for LC. Last week I was worried that she was just an insecure girl who doesn't like it when her friends have boyfriends when she's single but after meeting Justin-Bobby for drinks, I get it. He's a total loser too. Too cool for school. Take a bath, dude.

I think instead of worrying about her friends' boyfriends, LC just needs to get new friends who aren't attracted to freaks. She needs to stick with Whitney. Audrina is way too alternative for her, anyway.

Game Night

Jennifer and Frank had us over for Game Night complete with deliciously cheesy food like pigs in a blanket, potato chips, pizza, hashbrown casserole and "dice" petit fours (I can't remember the last time I had a petit four but these were the most scrumptiously moist that I have ever had. They came from Haydel's). The Game was Trivial Pursuit 1980's Edition. When I learned it was Trivial Pursuit, before I knew it was the 1980's edition I definitely knew J would be my partner. No ifs ands or buts. Not only is he smart but he knows a lot of "stuff". Then...I was told it was 1980's edition. Uh Oh. J is a bit older than me. I started to get a little panicky. I like to win. Then....Liz told me that Bob was her partner and I wasn't as worried. I'll tell you why. Not only because Bob is a bit older than Liz but when we went to pick our pieces for the board, I jumped at the Trapper Keeper. How long has it been since you thought about a Trapper Keeper? Brought back memories. and then Bob says, "What's a Trapper Keeper?"

Well, I was proud of my man. We were first to go and ran away with it. We were on the verge of winning. and then we had to leave because the babysitter's time was expiring. Liz and Bob took advantage of that unsettling time in the game and pulled ahead. They probably cheated. I mean, Charlotte was talking Jennifer through answers and they weren't even on the same team. But all that matters is that we know we would have won, fair and square.

But Game Night was a blast and we're hosting after the baby's born and I can fully whoop it up. We're thinking Beer Pong or Quarters.

Library Etiquette

W and I went to the library this afternoon to get a book for me. I have just finished reading the best book I've read in awhile, My Sister's Keeper and wanted to get a book by the same author. W was beside himself when I pulled out the stroller. It's been forever since we've gone for a stroll. I try not to go outside much as this 100 degree heat induces swelling in my hands and I can't get my rings off. Anyway, so we strolled on over and headed up the stairs. I found my book quickly and we started back down the stairs. I stopped on the landing to check out the free magazines when W put his head between the banister railings and started screaming at everyone on the first floor. I guess he had something to say. I'm not sure what the 2 year old etiquette is for the library. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! I always try to get him to whisper but then I feel bad because he looks at me like he's done something wrong and I know all he's trying to do is to get a point across.

It's still dirty in there. I don't think they ever clean, the floor, the carpet the stacks. But is anything ever cleaned in this city?

It's Raining!

I'm not sure this rain is going to bring us any relief but we desperately needed it for yard and grass purposes. The Little buddy didn't know what to do because he hadn't seen any rain in so long. He was torn between watching Sesame Street and watching the rain but the rain won out.

Happy Birthday to my sweet W

My sweet baby is almost two. He's still our Little Buddy but he's not so little anymore. I look at his legs and think how long. I look at his hands and think how big and when he looks at me with those big ole eyes and smiles or leans in for a kiss on his forehead I feel an unbelievable kind of love and I think how overwhelming. I still check on him twice every night (I am OCD) and STILL my breath is taken away both times. Before we know it he'll be going off to college. When he comes home for holidays will I still feel that shortness of breath and that intense need to keep him safe? I have no doubt in my mind that I will.

Happy Birthday my sweet Little Buddy. I love you.
Mom

Hurricanes

I hate to pray about the weather because there are much bigger things that need God's full atttention than that. But is it okay to pray for a summer and fall without the awful stress associated with evacuating and uprooting our lives and damaging or destroying our homes? I think so and I'll just throw in a quick, please allow me to have this baby in New Orleans with my own doctor and let me love and care for this baby in my own house atleast for the first few months of its life.

We went to Galatoire's yesterday afternoon for my mom's birthday. I won't tell you how uncomfortable I was. I know it's getting old for everyone including me. But I will tell you that it was there that I decided that Galatoire's will be the site of the first big whoopin' it up time for me once I have this baby. I can't remember how you really Whoop it up while nursing. Maybe you don't but a girl can dream, can't she.

We walked in and it was cold. Freezing cold. It felt so good and while everyone else was wrapped in sweaters I basked in the icy coldness of it all. A few hours of relief where I didn't have to keep getting up to adjust the thermostat.

R and J had secured the table and were drinking wine. Ohhhhhh-I know this is getting old too but-to drink a bottle of cold white wine. I slurped a big ole gulp from RaRa's glass and savored it. and then I sat and watched as they drank bottle after bottle of the most delicious wine. He's a sommelier and a wine importer so we really indulge when he's ordering and all I could do was watch in slo mo as each bottle was emptied.

They ordered all the usual-the Grand Goutee with oyster en brochette, shrimp remoulade, another shrimp something, crabmeat maison. Fried eggplant, souffle potatoes (which have disappointed the past few times). I ate some fried eggplant and a taste of crabmeat. ordered a green salad with hearts of palm and a baked potatoe. I knew I couldn't eat much more. I feel like I'm going to pop all the time. Did you know that G's doesn't serve baked potatoes? Nope. So I ended up with crabmeat Clemenceau instead mainly for the potatoes. For those of you who don't know Clemenceau is a saute of peas, potatoes, mushrooms with lemon and butter, traditionally Chicken Clemenceau but I always do the Seafood Clemenceau when at Galatoire's. It was good. I had a few bites but Uncle RaRa ate most of it.

Everyone else went to The Bourbon House for a Frozen bourbon milk punch afterwards and I went home with J (who had already had his fair share of drinks).

So now I know, my first big night out will be at Galatoire's. Really it's going to start in the late afternoon with liesurely cocktails and I can't wait!

The Hills Season Premier

Don't forget. Tonight. 9pm. MTV

Time to take a breath

Whew. W's birthday party is over. It really stressed me out and although I'm sad my little baby is older I'm glad that the celebration day has come and gone. It was a casual party but no matter what, whenever I have that many people over to my house I get overwhelmed and anxious. The LB had a fabulous time and he LOVES all of his presents. He was definitely over the old ones. and I have to brag about my party favors-the alligator cookies-because a lot of love went into them and I am proud. I also just discovered the lamination machine at Kinko's. J told me I was a total geek since I've been laminating everything in sight including the tags for the party favors. I swear a little lamination makes everything look that much more professional. I need to tweakthe cookie recipe. It was from Martha Stewart but the icing seemed to overpower the cookie. Once I get that down I think I may just become the new Cookie Lady around town. The old one is booked until October. Ridiculous.

Our babysitter told me yesterday that she didn't know that W had finally started talking. I told her I didn't know that either. She said that he said "Thank you" to her twice, very clearly and that he repeats everything she says. News to me. I am so relieved. I was ready to go into his next check up and get hysterical over his lack of talking. But she was right. He told me thank you this morning. They were the sweetest words I've heard in awhile.

M-I-S-E-R-Y

I saw my doctor today and I told him about my back pain.
"I know", he said. "Well, I don't actually know, but I know. You're in your third trimester." He told me that I would forget it all like I did last time.

I will never forget. I haven't forgotten the misery of last time either. I've had several first timers tell me as they were going through their third trimester that people have told them to just be happy that the baby is still inside them because once it's out that's when the misery starts, the sleepless nights etc. I disagree. I truly don't think that you can ever feel more miserable than you do in your last trimester. Once W was here I may have been tired, and emotional and having night sweats. I may have had to evacuate and learned to nurse all on my own. I may have been fat and yes, still tired. But my love for W kept me going. I can't explain it but I stand by my opinion. Nothing says misery like sciatica, back pain, baby kicking your bladder in 95 degree heat while carrying your toddler.

Excuse me, I'm in labor.

I went to the grocery store yesterday in the late afternoon. I hadn't planned on it but had to go at the last minute. My back had been bothering me a little bit as I had been on my feet making cookies in the morning and then I took the LB for a stroll. Lately, the minute I start doing any cardio excercise I get a cramp in my stomach and it only got worse on the way home. So we got home and I took off for store. and then it was excruciating, the pain. My mind started racing. I've heard of stories of back labor and I started to panic. I can't have this baby in Sav A Center! Yuk! Then I remembered seeing a lady I knew, just an acquaintance, on the way in and was wondering if she would think I were crazy if I asked her for help. I left my cell phone in the jog stroller and I didn't know what else to do. I leaned on the cart and kept going. All in the name of Meringue Powder which I never found. I should have known. Everyone on the internet said you could find it in the bakery section of any market. Hello! Of course, not in New Orleans. That's always the way. Anyway, I made it home and collapsed in a kitchen chair and started crying with J standing over me as if I had lost my mind. and I still have 2 more months of this.

Night out at Clancy's with L and B

Just got back from Clancy's. I had a craving after a friend said how delicious her meal was last week. Mine was just as good. I mean, I couldn't eat half of what I wanted. For some reason I've been more of a stickler about what I'm eating this time around. Where last time I would eat brie, no hesitation, this time I won't etc. So I couldn't have my oysters with brie. I couldn't have the veal with crabmeat and bearnaise because of the raw egg or the Filet with Stilton or the fried green tomatoes with Hollandaise so I ended up getting what I didn't 100% want. It was perfect.

I opted for the Clancy's crabmeat salad. It was bigger than I remember and the crabmeat was the biggest lump I have ever seen. The tomatoes were perfectly red and firm. The dressing (I don't remember what it was) was light and tangy). The stuffed egg as always was to die for with the right amount of bacon and pepper. The hearts of palm slices were huge. I couldn't have asked for a better salad. I had to leave some of it because I was so full.

For my entree I had the Veal Annunciation. I was underexcited about it since I don't really like panneed veal but for some reason the Fettucine Alfredo that came with it caught my attention. When was the last time you've eaten that? I think from Stouffers when my parents would go out and needed something easy for us. The veal was crispy, not chewy at all. Seasoned just right and the fettucine!!!! This isn't your dad's or Stouffers for that matter Alfredo. It too was light, erring more on the cheesy side than creamy side with garlic and diced red peppers. My mouth is watering all over again thinking about it AND I'm still full. Now, that's saying something.

Of course Clancy's was Clancy's sans the smoke. A beautiful thing. It's the first time I've been back since the no smoking ban has been in effect and it was really nice. Every single time I went to Clancy's, I would arrive and ask to sit downstairs. And every single time the host would say, "Fine, if you want to sit in the smoking section" as a way to discourage you from sitting in the highest demanded spot. The new speil (sp?) is "Fine, if you want to sit in the noisy section". Bring it on!

Bachelor and Tessa still together!

I have been getting a lot of search inquiries about the Bachelor and Tessa, even after all of these months. I had forgotten about them. But, what with all the interest I decided to do a little research of my own and here's what I found according to Give me my remote.com

In this fabulous photo, they had just completed a triathalon. She seems embarrassed to be with him. Wouldn't you?

Polly, Put the * * * * * * * Kettle On

I have 2 questions.
1. How many times do we to have to tell Polly to put the kettle on?
2. What kind of nursery rhyme is this?

The worst part is, is that this seems to be a semi-favorite of W's. Hopefully, just because there are more pictures on this page of his book than others. I can write a better rhyme than this. Seriously.

and I want to cry each and every time I have to read it. I try to jazz it up a bit but there are only so many ways you can change the expression in your voice as your reading. You try it.

Polly, put the kettle on
Polly, put the kettle on
Polly, put the kettle on
We'll all have tea.

There's always tomorrow

W has such a great time at the end of the day, now. He used to eagerly go to bed. He'd giggle and wave night night and off he and J would go up the stairs for their bedtime ritual. But now he cries in frustration as if he can't believe we would take him away right when he is having such a fabulous time. and it's bitter sweet for me too. Last night when he and J were running around the house chasing after each other I had a rush of memories from when I was little. It was pure joy when my dad came home and we'd laugh and play hide and go seek or sing songs from the Family Songbook or just run around the house like J and W were doing. I remember it like it was yesterday. and now all of a sudden I feel bad for W that the fun has to end.

What's the deal?

W is crying right now because he didn't want to take a nap. My mom said he may be dropping his nap but once he is asleep he sleeps for awhile. I know he's tired, I just can't figure out why he gets so upset when he never had a problem before.

What a day

Had my marathon of appointments at the hospital for today. All pointless, maybe except for the gestational diabetes test. Did that first, then had to go to an appt to discuss my anesthesia options and watch a 12 minute video on vaginal birth and anesthesia-again pointless because I am scheduled for a c-section and even if they did address the c-section stuff, still pointless since I 've already been through it. Went back to the lab to have the blood drawn. The girl was a bitch and it hurt so frickin' bad. I cried. Really. I'm not sure what she did. I don't like needles but usually it's the anticipation that is much worse than the prick. Then I had to go to pre-registration where she informed me that my baby had to stay in my room once I delivered. I wanted to cry all over again. I don't want to sound cold and heartless but it will be the only time that I can relax and recover. Oh! and she told me to bring a lot of Vaseline in case I had a boy and circumcised him because he would need that for his tallywag. WHAT!?! Don't the nurses take care of all that? They did for the Little Buddy. I don't think I even got a good look at it until he was like 3 weeks. I am truly concerned about the state of our healthcare in this city.

So, I leave and it's storming. I decide to take a different route than usual and I get stuck at a standstill because the roads are flooding. No, nothing has changed since the storm. I finally make my way close to home and all I want to do is go drink a big, fat, glass of wine in a really dark bar, okay, if I'm being honest, all I want to do is drink a bottle of wine. That's obviously out of the question so I opted for Wendy's instead. I really wanted Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun but it had already taken me so long to get down the avenue going 5 miles an hour and knew that it would take much longer to get to McD's all the while risking flooding my own car so I did the smart thing and headed towards the river (high ground, there's a natural ridge there) to the Wendy's. I didn't dine in, but I ate it in my car. I enjoyed it, thoroughly and it took my mind off of the bottle of wine.

The Hills Season 3-Save the Date

Yeah you right!!! The Hills is set to premiere season 3 on August 13.

LC has a new roomate and "wingman" in Audrina.
Heidi has an engagement ring around her finger.
Whitney has a new job at Teen Vogue.
and Audrina has a new boyfriend! LC may not like this. Seems like he may be "the one" and she'll have another roomie leaving her high and dry.

I cannot wait!

Picture this..

a fat pregnant lady on her knees, leaning onto an ottoman with her butt on the edge of the chair and her belly hanging watching tv. That's me in my most comfortable position. Probably too much information. It's getting to that uncomfortable point where it doesn't feel good to stand, sit or lay down. There just is not a good option but I think I feel sorriest for the Little Buddy. He has got to be soooo bored. I don't have any motivation for anything. Cooking is getting to be miserable because after 15 minutes on my feet, my back feels like breaking. I think Hamburger Helper is even too long of a process. Tonight I cooked meat stuffed pasta shells (I think I am going to stick to A's famous lasagna) and a Panzanella salad which actually was delicious. I may even make it again tomorrow night. I used leftover garlic bread from Whole Foods and a bit of La Boulangerie's ciabatta bread. I kind of winged the recipe-read up on Emeril, Ina (Barefoot Contessa) and Giada's recipes and kind of put them all together.

This is what I did. Made the salad dressing with garlic, let the grape tomatoes marinate a bit in the dressing with salt and pepper. Tossed in the bread cubes then decided they needed to be harder so I fished them out and toasted them. Right before we were ready to eat I shaved in the parmesan, tore up the fresh basil, added back the bread and tossed it with the remaining dressing. Dee-licious. Really. If you want a more accurate recipe, just let me know.

Motivated Haircut

W's hair was getting long. It was starting to grow over his ears and J said it was looking kind of 'girly' the way that it fell in the back and he insisted it was time to take him to the barbershop. I've trimmed a bit here and there over the past few months but only on one side when he is distracted in the bathtub.

Today was the big day. J took him to the barber. Now, J is a marine so he tends towards a motivated haircut, himself. Although lately he's gotten a wild hair (no pun intended) and has let the time in between cuts get longer and longer as does his hair and you can even see a few curls here and there. But this is about the Little Buddy. A motivated do is okay for a Marine so I told him he could take him only if they didn't touch his bangs. I was scared they would cut them straight across. So off they went.

J said he was the good Little Buddy that he always is and the barber was even bragging to his co-barber about how well behaved W was for a first timer. I asked if he cried. J said, "Not so much." He looks kind of distressed to me. Judge for yourself.


The finished product...well, I'll just say that he looks like a little marine and you can easily see the resemblance between me, my dad and W with the ears now sticking out. but atleast they didn't touch his bangs.

I guess this is just another milestone to remind me yet again that my baby is growing up. It makes me teary-eyed.

I do!

The Little Buddy babbles alot and says something that sounds like "I loo, I loo, I loo" and the faster he says it and he says it pretty fast, it starts to sound like "I doI doI doI do". So when he starts saying it I pipe in, "Who loves Mommy?!" and he stops, listens and responds with his
"IdoIdoIdodo I do!!!". It's too cute.

Daneel Park has finally been mowed. I have reason to believe that it was a neighbor who had it mowed since I know that she sends her handyman over to empty out the trashcans and also because these days that doesn't seem like a top priority for the city (well, alot of things don't seem like a priority but that's a subject for someone more well spoken/well written). Whatever the case we are very appreciative because Audubon playground is just too sunny in the heat of the summer and the LB was getting frustrated wading through the belly high grass.

73 days left! of pregnancy. I'm takin' it day by day. Tonight I realized, as we were watching tv, that my belly button has disappeared. It totally grosses me out and I'm ready for my bb to resurface.

Just when I think that I would be okay if for some reason we had to move out of New Orleans (I don't know what that reason would be but my dad emailed today about the state of New Orleans and how depressed hew was about it, especially after reading an article on the front page of the New York Times about the state of our healthcare, blah, blah and how we should consider moving) I read something like this and it makes me think and remember the good things about N.O.

The tantrums...

are getting better. I feel bad labeling him as a terrible two-er a few weeks back. I think it was because he was getting sick.

Aching, tired, horrible mom

I don't know what to do. The Little Buddy is having sleep troubles. I am so not used to having to deal with sleep issues because he is such a good sleeper. But now I am, just when I am slowly becoming down for the count and really tired with this pregnancy. My back is aching and I'm just plain tired. ACHING AND TIRED, I TELL YOU! Twice now it's been hard putting him to bed. Well, he goes to bed pretty easily but about 20 minutes later he starts crying. We would have no problem letting him cry it out but it's out of the ordinary and he seems scared. I am thinking it's separation anxiety. So we check on him a few times and then he goes to sleep after about an hour. Today was the first day it happened at naptime. I put him down at 1pm and immediately he started crying. I went in there and reassured him and then let him cry for a few minutes and he went to sleep. So did too, for about 45 minutes. The minute I got downstairs to eat my snack in peace and watch Bringing Home Baby he started wailing and nothing worked. I went up, kissed him and left. I went up 20 minutes later patted him, wiped his nose, told him it was time for naptime and left. and STILL he was crying. I went up, sat in his rocking chair, told him I was there, pretended to sleep myself and he just stared at me like I was an idiot. I finally bregrudgingly took him out of his crib. I feel cheated of my own rest time and I feel like a horrible, horrible mom for feeling that way. I told him he had to play by himself while I sit here getting out my frustrations on the computer. It's going to be a long afternoon. I can't wait until the fall when it's not too hot to go outside for extended periods and I'm not pregnant anymore. And I can't wait until he grows out of this (what I claim to be) separation anxiety stage.

Our anniversary at Restaurant August

J and I went to August for our anniversary tonight. We got there and of course they sat us at a table which I hated. I swear I get anxious every time I walk into a restaurant because I always expect the worst. I can't stand to have a spot light shining on the table when I got out to eat and it seems as if every single restaurant thinks this is a necessary component of dining. Our table was in one of the back rooms. It was 6:30 and full light outside and they sat us in the darkest room possible at a table with spot light shining on the seat where I would prefer to sit, looking out towards the dining room. So I had to take the seat facing the wall which makes me totally claustrophobic. Luckily the food was enough to distract me from this. But if you do go to August ask to sit in the front room. I felt like my dad who has to bring a flashlight with him when he dines out so he can see the menu. Unfortunately, I wasn't prepared so I moved the candle to my menu so I could read it.

We decided to do the 5 course tasting menu. I was so excited! This was our menu. My menu descriptions are probably not totally accurate but here goes:

1. Grilled watermelon with grilled baby heirloom tomatoes drizzled with a balsamic reduction sauce.
I thought I would really enjoy this course. It sucked. The flavors were totally off, the tomatoes were bitter and the balsamic reduction tasted , this will sound crazy, fishy. When the waiter came to clear the course he got flustered and made a comment about me leaving so much on my plate. He said the chef would be upset. From working in the industry, I understood his worry, and told him to tell the chef that I was pregnant and that I can't eat that much. This would backfire on me later.

2. Olive crusted sheepshead on a bed of basil risotto and garnished with fried baby heirloom tomatoes stuffed with an aioli.
This was my hands down favorite course. Unbelievable. I basically licked the plate clean. Which is why I then had to explain to the waiter that that was going to put me over the edge of fullness so the chef wouldn't catch on that I didn't really like the first course and he wouldn't take it out on the waiter.

3. Rabbit sausage with white beans and tomatoes
Really, really delicious.

4. Kobe beef short ribs resting on an artichoke puree, garnished with steamed asparagus.
I'm not sure I have ever had Kobe beef before. It was tender and good. I enjoyed it. But there was something missing. The lack of this something didn't make this dish bad though. It was really good.

5. Creole Tomatoe pie and tomatoe sorbet
This was the only reason I hesitated in suggesting to J that we get the Tasting Menu. I'm pregnant for goodness sakes and I want something rich and delicious for dessert. The only time in my life that I crave sweets instead of another glass of wine. Not just because I can't have the wine, I have a big sweet tooth also. Anyway, talk about expecting the worst.....AND GETTING THE BEST! It was so unexpectedly decadent. It was like a tiny Hubig's Pie (and I love me a Hubig's Pie) with tomatoes instead of apples. I could have done without the sorbet.

My only other complaint was that they rushed us in and out of there. I think we had the whole 5 course menu in 65 minutes. Poor J had atleast 2 glasses of wine in front of him at all times. So the experience per se wasn't the best but it was a fun, delicious night and a very good substitute for our upcoming anniversary.

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.