Reviews, recipes, anecdotes, and the first years of marriage and motherhood all rolled into a pretty little package!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Sunday, December 5, 2010
My Little Magpie
First it was my wallet. Not just any wallet, but a really cool silver card case with scrolls etched into it. I found it at White House|Black Market a few years ago and it's been my favorite ever since. Missing for almost an entire week, my husband found it buried inside a bag of birdseed in our laundry room.
Then there's the chest of drawers. When last I checked, the very bottom drawer was empty, with no trace of its former neatly folded sheets. The drawer right above it held a toy tow truck, a banana-shaped baby toothbrush, and a can of chicken noodle soup (with egg noodles).
Dinobaby is getting into evvvvvverything.
Phone chargers and the battery charger for his baby monitors disappear the most often. He thinks that they're phones for some reason and runs around the house in his little diaper, socks, and t-shirt with the charging unit against his ear and the wire tail trailing along behind him. "HI?" "HI!"
He also likes getting 'toys' out of the kitchen cabinets. Lids are great for sliding against the floor tiles to make a funny noise. The sieve can double as a hat or face mask (perhaps fencing and/or beekeeping are in his future?). Measuring cups are fun to beat on with baby spoons.
I went to change out the clothes in the dryer last night after both of the guys fell asleep. Not that I ever just leave clothes in the dryer and fish out whatever I need instead of folding things and putting them away. Ahem. I opened the dryer and started to transfer things into a hamper when I saw something shiny in between the socks and undies. It was a spatula. Thankfully, I'm pretty sure it got in there after the clothes were dry.
My husband caught Dinobaby washing his hands in the toilet last week, too.
I'm sure you're thinking, "Why don't those idiots just babyproof their house?" Well, we have. Obviously, not as well as we thought we did. We have cabinet locks and a brand new toilet lock. A lock for the stove is on the grocery list as he's figured out that if you put both hands on the oven door's handle and pretend that you're on the monkey bars, it opens just like magic! The kid's getting infinitely closer to being able to turn door knobs as well, so I keep praying that I'm fast enough to catch him before he locks himself in a room by mistake.
It's pretty funny 99.9% of the time, even if it's equally frustrating 99.8% of the time. He's curious and persistent, inquisitive and adventurous. The only thing he's afraid of is a stethoscope.
We hadn't actually experienced the not-at-all funny 0.1% until earlier tonight. I wanted to use up the entire bunch of overripe frozen bananas that were crowding my freezer, so I found this lovely recipe for banana bread over at Tasty Kitchen (check out meeshiesmom's related blog post).
I opened up the pantry to find some Pam for Baking which, by the way, I could sit and spray into the air and smell all day long. It's like a mix of funnel cake smell and canned vanilla frosting. Mmmm. Anyway, in the couple minutes it took for me to get the Pam, find my loaf pan and a muffin tin, spray the things, and inhale the lingering frostingfunnelcake particles, Dinobaby had defeated the gauntlet blocking his entrance to the kitchen and fished out a bottle of Izze from the pantry floor.
I looked down at him and realized that he was holding a glass bottle and he smiled up at me with his big brown eyes twinkling. Immediately, I moved to take it away from him, knowing full well what could happen.
Then, of course, it did happen.
He dropped the bottle onto the tile floor and it absolutely shattered.
Thankfully he was still for the two seconds it took for me to step close enough to pick him up. He was un-phased. My husband swept him out of the kitchen to clean up his feet and legs just in case. Did I mention that I was barefoot?
My pinkie toe was only slightly injured -- "It's just a flesh wound!" -- and Dinobaby was safe and sound with no shards of glass whatsoever. The floor still needs vacuuming to pick up the tinier pieces that I wasn't able to see, but it was under control relatively fast. It was kind of frightening, but things turned out alright.
Though it is kind of interesting to have proof that I'd happily walk across broken glass for my child.
Then there's the chest of drawers. When last I checked, the very bottom drawer was empty, with no trace of its former neatly folded sheets. The drawer right above it held a toy tow truck, a banana-shaped baby toothbrush, and a can of chicken noodle soup (with egg noodles).
Dinobaby is getting into evvvvvverything.
Phone chargers and the battery charger for his baby monitors disappear the most often. He thinks that they're phones for some reason and runs around the house in his little diaper, socks, and t-shirt with the charging unit against his ear and the wire tail trailing along behind him. "HI?" "HI!"
He also likes getting 'toys' out of the kitchen cabinets. Lids are great for sliding against the floor tiles to make a funny noise. The sieve can double as a hat or face mask (perhaps fencing and/or beekeeping are in his future?). Measuring cups are fun to beat on with baby spoons.
I went to change out the clothes in the dryer last night after both of the guys fell asleep. Not that I ever just leave clothes in the dryer and fish out whatever I need instead of folding things and putting them away. Ahem. I opened the dryer and started to transfer things into a hamper when I saw something shiny in between the socks and undies. It was a spatula. Thankfully, I'm pretty sure it got in there after the clothes were dry.
My husband caught Dinobaby washing his hands in the toilet last week, too.
I'm sure you're thinking, "Why don't those idiots just babyproof their house?" Well, we have. Obviously, not as well as we thought we did. We have cabinet locks and a brand new toilet lock. A lock for the stove is on the grocery list as he's figured out that if you put both hands on the oven door's handle and pretend that you're on the monkey bars, it opens just like magic! The kid's getting infinitely closer to being able to turn door knobs as well, so I keep praying that I'm fast enough to catch him before he locks himself in a room by mistake.
It's pretty funny 99.9% of the time, even if it's equally frustrating 99.8% of the time. He's curious and persistent, inquisitive and adventurous. The only thing he's afraid of is a stethoscope.
We hadn't actually experienced the not-at-all funny 0.1% until earlier tonight. I wanted to use up the entire bunch of overripe frozen bananas that were crowding my freezer, so I found this lovely recipe for banana bread over at Tasty Kitchen (check out meeshiesmom's related blog post).
I looked down at him and realized that he was holding a glass bottle and he smiled up at me with his big brown eyes twinkling. Immediately, I moved to take it away from him, knowing full well what could happen.
Then, of course, it did happen.
He dropped the bottle onto the tile floor and it absolutely shattered.
Thankfully he was still for the two seconds it took for me to step close enough to pick him up. He was un-phased. My husband swept him out of the kitchen to clean up his feet and legs just in case. Did I mention that I was barefoot?
My pinkie toe was only slightly injured -- "It's just a flesh wound!" -- and Dinobaby was safe and sound with no shards of glass whatsoever. The floor still needs vacuuming to pick up the tinier pieces that I wasn't able to see, but it was under control relatively fast. It was kind of frightening, but things turned out alright.
Though it is kind of interesting to have proof that I'd happily walk across broken glass for my child.
Friday, November 5, 2010
A Candymaking Tip
When making candies, be mindful not only of the bowl or pot of hot sugar you're pouring out, but also of the spatula covered in molten lava. Sure, when you're finished you'll be able to eat something delicious like this cashew-almond-pecan brittle,
but you might also end up with a burned hand.
One week post accident:
Yup, still awful.
P.S. When did my thumb start looking like the leg of a Cornish game hen? I'm a little weirded out . . .
but you might also end up with a burned hand.
One week post accident:
Yup, still awful.
P.S. When did my thumb start looking like the leg of a Cornish game hen? I'm a little weirded out . . .
LLL . . . L?
It seems that since I first started blogging I've been meaning to write about La Leche League. At the outset, I wasn't sure how much of my nursing relationship I wanted to write about but, although breastfeeding is extremely personal and intimate, it's also something natural and beautiful and it's a topic that I believe needs to be discussed.
For those who might not be familiar, La Leche League International is an organization founded in 1956 by seven breastfeeding mothers who wished to share information and support as they nursed their children. Today, LLL is helping mothers, babies, and families in sixty-eight countries around the world.
La Leche League's mission is "to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother."
When I was eight months pregnant with Dinobaby, I attended my first meeting with the local LLL chapter, determined to learn everything I could about breastfeeding, which I'd heard was both a natural instinct and a learned skill. While nursing my older brother and me, my mother had attended La Leche League meetings to find support and advice from caring, like-minded mothers. Twenty-five or so years later, I found exactly the same environment and it's been a blessing for our family for these past 14 months.
Meetings now are quite different than the early ones I attended. Then, I was still wondering who my little baby would favor and if he would arrive on his due date. (He looks like my husband as a baby, but with my eyes, and he was a week late, in true family fashion.) During those rough first months postpartum, attending a monthly LLL was so motivating. At that point, outings were more about survival than having a good time -- just getting myself and the baby into the car, out of the car, and home safely was an enormous task. I knew that if I could just make it to the meeting I'd be with other people who understood the sheer exhaustion and overwhelming sense of responsibility, as well as the surprising, ever-growing love. Now my little man one of the older babies running around the room, curious about the blinds and carpet and the artificial plants, and about the mysterious sleeping bundles tucked inside their car seats.
My LLL Leader approached me at last month's meeting and asked if I'd considered becoming a leader myself. I actually had thought of the possibility, but only in the far-off "maybe someday it'd be nice/fun" sense. It occurred to me that, even though I occasionally still feel like a twelve year old, I am, at least technically, a grown up. "Maybe somedays" can now become tomorrows.
Fostering an environment in which nursing mothers and babies are encouraged and supported is something in which I wholeheartedly believe. I've also realized that nursing my son, who is such a healthy and happy boy, has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life! So, after thought, prayer, reading, and talking, I've decided to start the pre-application process for La Leche League Leader accreditation!
For those who might not be familiar, La Leche League International is an organization founded in 1956 by seven breastfeeding mothers who wished to share information and support as they nursed their children. Today, LLL is helping mothers, babies, and families in sixty-eight countries around the world.
La Leche League's mission is "to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother."
When I was eight months pregnant with Dinobaby, I attended my first meeting with the local LLL chapter, determined to learn everything I could about breastfeeding, which I'd heard was both a natural instinct and a learned skill. While nursing my older brother and me, my mother had attended La Leche League meetings to find support and advice from caring, like-minded mothers. Twenty-five or so years later, I found exactly the same environment and it's been a blessing for our family for these past 14 months.
Meetings now are quite different than the early ones I attended. Then, I was still wondering who my little baby would favor and if he would arrive on his due date. (He looks like my husband as a baby, but with my eyes, and he was a week late, in true family fashion.) During those rough first months postpartum, attending a monthly LLL was so motivating. At that point, outings were more about survival than having a good time -- just getting myself and the baby into the car, out of the car, and home safely was an enormous task. I knew that if I could just make it to the meeting I'd be with other people who understood the sheer exhaustion and overwhelming sense of responsibility, as well as the surprising, ever-growing love. Now my little man one of the older babies running around the room, curious about the blinds and carpet and the artificial plants, and about the mysterious sleeping bundles tucked inside their car seats.
My LLL Leader approached me at last month's meeting and asked if I'd considered becoming a leader myself. I actually had thought of the possibility, but only in the far-off "maybe someday it'd be nice/fun" sense. It occurred to me that, even though I occasionally still feel like a twelve year old, I am, at least technically, a grown up. "Maybe somedays" can now become tomorrows.
Fostering an environment in which nursing mothers and babies are encouraged and supported is something in which I wholeheartedly believe. I've also realized that nursing my son, who is such a healthy and happy boy, has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life! So, after thought, prayer, reading, and talking, I've decided to start the pre-application process for La Leche League Leader accreditation!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Last week, during my latest pumpkin kick, I found a recipe from the Whole Foods website Turkey Pumpkin Chili. Skeptical of that flavor combination, I made sure to read all of the recipe's mixed reviews and cooked accordingly by adding quite a bit more spice. The results of my spice experiment were a definite hit and I've made it again already. This time, however, I paid a little more attention to measurements!
Keep in mind that this chili has beans in it, so it's not a true Texas chili. That being said, I think it's definitely worth it for anyone to forgo their Texas elitism and try this out! You won't be disappointed. :)
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients:
In a dutch oven over medium low heat, brown the ground turkey and drain off any of the watery juices. Move browned meat to one side of the pot and add the onion, cooking until translucent. Add a little olive or canola oil if necessary. Once the onions have softened, add bell peppers and seasonings -- salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Stir well and add in the pumpkin puree, chilies, tomatoes, water, tomato paste, and sugar. Mix to combine, taste to make sure the seasonings are correct, and adjust accordingly.
Simmer, covered, on low for an hour (or at least 30 minutes). Serve with cheese and sour cream over rice or with tortilla chips.
~~~~~
My husband and I found out that the leftovers make for awesome nacho toppings as well. Just lay out some chips on a foil-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with cheese and top with chili and salsa. Broil for about two minutes until the cheese is melted and the chips are warmed through. These babies made our Friday night date with Smallville was extra special.
Annnnd yes, we are nerds. Don't judge, you know that you like the theme song. Somebody saaaaaaaaaave me . . .
Keep in mind that this chili has beans in it, so it's not a true Texas chili. That being said, I think it's definitely worth it for anyone to forgo their Texas elitism and try this out! You won't be disappointed. :)
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 1/2 red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, diced
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbs. chili powder
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 1-1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 up to 1 whole can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
- 1 can diced green chilies (4 oz), with their liquid
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), with their liquid
- 1 can-full of water (using tomato can)
- 2 Tbs. tomato paste
- 1 Tbs. sugar
- 1 can pinto or dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
In a dutch oven over medium low heat, brown the ground turkey and drain off any of the watery juices. Move browned meat to one side of the pot and add the onion, cooking until translucent. Add a little olive or canola oil if necessary. Once the onions have softened, add bell peppers and seasonings -- salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Stir well and add in the pumpkin puree, chilies, tomatoes, water, tomato paste, and sugar. Mix to combine, taste to make sure the seasonings are correct, and adjust accordingly.
Simmer, covered, on low for an hour (or at least 30 minutes). Serve with cheese and sour cream over rice or with tortilla chips.
~~~~~
My husband and I found out that the leftovers make for awesome nacho toppings as well. Just lay out some chips on a foil-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with cheese and top with chili and salsa. Broil for about two minutes until the cheese is melted and the chips are warmed through. These babies made our Friday night date with Smallville was extra special.
Annnnd yes, we are nerds. Don't judge, you know that you like the theme song. Somebody saaaaaaaaaave me . . .
Monday, October 11, 2010
A List of Names I Call My Son
He's a man of many names. It occurred to me the other night that my son has a growing list of nicknames and, as he's approaching his first birthday (how did that happen?), we should probably edit the list eventually. None of them seem too potentially scarring though, right?
- Pumpkin
- Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Seed
- Sweet Pea
- Sweetie Pea
- Honey
- Honey Pie
- Honey Bee
- Honey Biscuit
- Biscuit
- Cutie
- Cutie Pie
- Cutie Bean
- Apey
- Baby Ape
- Sugar Pie
- Sugar Foot
- Chuby (pronounced "chew-bee," not to be confused with 'chubby')
- Chubeanie Baby
- Chubasco Sauce
- Chubikin Pampwalker
- Chubinho (for when he plays for the Brazilian national team)
- Dinobaby
- Baby Hulk
- Little Man
Friday, October 8, 2010
Xs and Os
Does anyone remember having 'reindeer antlers' as a kid? You might have had 'bird's nests' around Easter time. Either way, they were delicious and simply mounds of chocolate covered chow mein noodles. They've been on my mind lately and the bag of noodles in the pantry was just begging to be drenched in chocolate.
Pair my need for chocolate covered anything with our economy sized double-box of Cheerios and my XOXO Mix was born...er, made...mixed into existence!
It's simple and prrretty darn delicious.
Chocolate Covered Xs and Os -- XOXO Mix
Ingredients:
In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter, making sure to stir every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and shiny (about 1-1.5 minutes).
Drizzle the melted chocolate onto the cereal mixture and toss to coat. Pour the mix onto a parchment lined sheet pan and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with a little salt and let sit until the chocolate has set. Break into pieces and store in ziplock bags or airtight containers.
Pair my need for chocolate covered anything with our economy sized double-box of Cheerios and my XOXO Mix was born...er, made...mixed into existence!
It's simple and prrretty darn delicious.
Chocolate Covered Xs and Os -- XOXO Mix
Ingredients:
- 1 cup toasted oat cereal (Cheerios)
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 3 Tbs. unsalted butter
- Kosher salt
In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter, making sure to stir every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and shiny (about 1-1.5 minutes).
Drizzle the melted chocolate onto the cereal mixture and toss to coat. Pour the mix onto a parchment lined sheet pan and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with a little salt and let sit until the chocolate has set. Break into pieces and store in ziplock bags or airtight containers.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Two Recipes, One Can of Pumpkin
For some reason, the arrival of fall triggers something in my brain that tells me I HAVE to eat pumpkin. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pie. This afternoon was gorgeous. Balmy temperatures in the low 80s aren't really the beacons of fall for most people, but in Houston, they are! Dinobaby and I spent the afternoon together (as if we don't spend every afternoon together) and enjoyed the breeze and sunshine. On the drive home, I picked up my first pumpkin spice latte of the season and, once Dinobaby was sweetly napping, I savored every bit of that thing!
While baby was sleeping, I set out to think of ways to use up the canned pumpkin that I'd just stocked in the pantry. Of course I could have baked, but I wanted something less time consuming and maybe a bit healthier, so here we have a snack time recipe and something for dinner. Two (three?) recipes, one can of pureed pumpkin.
Spiced Pumpkin Dessert Pizzas
You'll need:
Toast English muffins to your desired crunchiness. Lately I've been toasting them whole, then again after separating the two sides, but make them as toasty as you like.
Spread each half with Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread then top with any combination of your favorite toppings. Apple and cinnamon. Brown sugar and pumpkin seeds with the sugar melted under the broiler. Walnuts and raisins.
I thought it would be cute and more fun for kiddos to grate the apple since I'm calling these dessert pizzas -- you've got your pumpkin 'sauce' and apples stand in for the mozzarella. Top it off with any combination of goodies and enjoy!
Serves 4, with leftover pumpkin spread for later in the week.
Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread Enjoy as a dip for apples, pretzels, etc. too!
~~~~~
For dinner, I used up the remaining pumpkin puree with this tasty, yet heavily modified recipe from the Whole Foods website. It worked well as a base recipe for experimentation and the results garnered a 10/10 from my husband ("As in, I'd eat this everyday.")!
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
The reviews complained that the chili lacked enough spice, so I nearly tripled the amount of chili powder (I didn't have jalapeños on hand), doubled the cumin, and added some garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, and a dash of cinnamon. Serve with cheese, sour cream, simple guacamole, or chips. If you test this one out, I'd encourage you to spice and taste until you find the most pleasing mix of flavors. I was happy that I did.
While baby was sleeping, I set out to think of ways to use up the canned pumpkin that I'd just stocked in the pantry. Of course I could have baked, but I wanted something less time consuming and maybe a bit healthier, so here we have a snack time recipe and something for dinner. Two (three?) recipes, one can of pureed pumpkin.
Spiced Pumpkin Dessert Pizzas
You'll need:
- Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread (recipe below)
- 2 Whole wheat English muffins
- Apple, grated or thinly sliced
- Golden raisins
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Pumpkin seeds
- Walnuts, toasted and chopped
Toast English muffins to your desired crunchiness. Lately I've been toasting them whole, then again after separating the two sides, but make them as toasty as you like.
Spread each half with Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread then top with any combination of your favorite toppings. Apple and cinnamon. Brown sugar and pumpkin seeds with the sugar melted under the broiler. Walnuts and raisins.
I thought it would be cute and more fun for kiddos to grate the apple since I'm calling these dessert pizzas -- you've got your pumpkin 'sauce' and apples stand in for the mozzarella. Top it off with any combination of goodies and enjoy!
Serves 4, with leftover pumpkin spread for later in the week.
Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread Enjoy as a dip for apples, pretzels, etc. too!
- 5 oz. reduced fat (Neufchatel) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 3 Tbs. pureed pumpkin, fresh or canned
- 2 Tbs. pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
~~~~~
For dinner, I used up the remaining pumpkin puree with this tasty, yet heavily modified recipe from the Whole Foods website. It worked well as a base recipe for experimentation and the results garnered a 10/10 from my husband ("As in, I'd eat this everyday.")!
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
The reviews complained that the chili lacked enough spice, so I nearly tripled the amount of chili powder (I didn't have jalapeños on hand), doubled the cumin, and added some garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, and a dash of cinnamon. Serve with cheese, sour cream, simple guacamole, or chips. If you test this one out, I'd encourage you to spice and taste until you find the most pleasing mix of flavors. I was happy that I did.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Dinner Salad
For a dinner-worthy salad, all on its own, combine:
- Organic baby greens
- Yellow & orange mini bell peppers, sliced into 1/4" rings (Use as many as you like, especially if you have a ginormous bag of them from Sam's like I do.)
- Fresh raspberries
- One half of an avocado, cut into chunks
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sliced almonds
- A sprinkling of fried chow mein noodles (It offsets the health factor a little, but the crunch is nice!)
- Feta cheese, optional
Monday, September 13, 2010
Enjoying Where You Are
With Dinobaby's first birthday fast approaching, I've been thinking a lot lately about our family as it is and about our plans for more children. My once jaundiced and orange little October pumpkin is now a hulk of a toddler who can walk and say hi to strangers. He's becoming less and less like my little baby (sorry kid, but he's always going to be my little baby regardless of how old or big he gets) and more and more like a child. While it's beyond exciting, it's also a little sad. It's tugging at my heart and making think about other little ones who might be in our future.
That same tugging is also reminding me of how I felt after Dinobaby was born. Amidst the joy (and extreme exhaustion), there was also a slight feeling of, "Uhh...so now what?"
Growing up, I always looked forward to the day when I would meet the right person. In 2007 I did, and after a few months, my inner monologue was like a combination of "I Can Hear the Bells" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice." I couldn't wait to be engaged. And then we were engaged. Then, I couldn't wait until we got married. And then we did get married.
I'd been waiting for what seemed to be my whole life to have a baby and start a family, too. Miraculously (and I don't say that lightly -- I'm so, so grateful), Dinobaby was born a mere 10 months after our wedding.
The first time we visited my parents, who live a four hour drive away, with the baby in tow, I realized that I'd gotten everything that I'd wished for. I was married to the most kind-hearted man I've ever met and we had a gorgeous son. With that, however, I realized an entire set of consequences that hadn't really struck me before that point.
Getting what I wanted also meant that I could no longer sleep in at my parents' house, wake up to eat just-baked blueberry muffins, and then read a book for an entire afternoon. I couldn't walk to the gate and take my own sweet time, stopping to sit in the road (it's a long way to the gate, and the road is private, by the way) and watch ants scurry over pebbles and into their mounds. No more alone time watching the clouds as they moved lazily over the bright green pastures with no regard for how much time had passed. No more alone time to even go to the bathroom, for that matter.
In short, I realized that I wasn't the baby anymore and I cried. It was dumb, but I cried because everything was different.
Why didn't I just enjoy being single? I could go into a store by myself whenever I wanted! It was so much easier when I was pregnant, even if I was hot and miserable. Why didn't I enjoy it?, etc., etc.
I believe that things happen in their own time and at the right time. That afternoon at my parents house, I had to ask myself, "When else am I supposed to be happy and just live, if not now?" True, we could have waited to have children and used that time to travel or just be married. We would have enjoyed it, I have no doubt, and sometimes I miss that possibility. But I wouldn't change the way that things actually happened.
My point is that I need to enjoy where I am. This is the only time that my family will be exactly as it is. It's the only time that we'll be living in this apartment with just one child who loves my company, cuddles up to me to nurse, doesn't go to school, and hasn't yet learned the word, "No!" While it's fun to dream about how our family might grow, or what tomorrow might bring, I'm reminded to enjoy what we have today!
That same tugging is also reminding me of how I felt after Dinobaby was born. Amidst the joy (and extreme exhaustion), there was also a slight feeling of, "Uhh...so now what?"
Growing up, I always looked forward to the day when I would meet the right person. In 2007 I did, and after a few months, my inner monologue was like a combination of "I Can Hear the Bells" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice." I couldn't wait to be engaged. And then we were engaged. Then, I couldn't wait until we got married. And then we did get married.
I'd been waiting for what seemed to be my whole life to have a baby and start a family, too. Miraculously (and I don't say that lightly -- I'm so, so grateful), Dinobaby was born a mere 10 months after our wedding.
The first time we visited my parents, who live a four hour drive away, with the baby in tow, I realized that I'd gotten everything that I'd wished for. I was married to the most kind-hearted man I've ever met and we had a gorgeous son. With that, however, I realized an entire set of consequences that hadn't really struck me before that point.
Getting what I wanted also meant that I could no longer sleep in at my parents' house, wake up to eat just-baked blueberry muffins, and then read a book for an entire afternoon. I couldn't walk to the gate and take my own sweet time, stopping to sit in the road (it's a long way to the gate, and the road is private, by the way) and watch ants scurry over pebbles and into their mounds. No more alone time watching the clouds as they moved lazily over the bright green pastures with no regard for how much time had passed. No more alone time to even go to the bathroom, for that matter.
In short, I realized that I wasn't the baby anymore and I cried. It was dumb, but I cried because everything was different.
Why didn't I just enjoy being single? I could go into a store by myself whenever I wanted! It was so much easier when I was pregnant, even if I was hot and miserable. Why didn't I enjoy it?, etc., etc.
I believe that things happen in their own time and at the right time. That afternoon at my parents house, I had to ask myself, "When else am I supposed to be happy and just live, if not now?" True, we could have waited to have children and used that time to travel or just be married. We would have enjoyed it, I have no doubt, and sometimes I miss that possibility. But I wouldn't change the way that things actually happened.
My point is that I need to enjoy where I am. This is the only time that my family will be exactly as it is. It's the only time that we'll be living in this apartment with just one child who loves my company, cuddles up to me to nurse, doesn't go to school, and hasn't yet learned the word, "No!" While it's fun to dream about how our family might grow, or what tomorrow might bring, I'm reminded to enjoy what we have today!
Just a Reminder
Have no fear for what tomorrow may bring. The same loving God who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. God will either shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
-St. Francis De Sales
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Let's Face It...
I've been hit with a few "let's face it" moments this week (and I'm sure they'll keep comin'). Hopefully I can look at them as points to improve upon, or else say that they aren't really my fault!
Here are some of my favorites so far:
1. My Hair
Let's face it, my hair will never be wavy or hold any sort of curl. I have straight hair that will likely continue to be straight forever. My hair does not scrunch, so please, self, stop buying hair products that promise you "beachy waves". What you end up with is "a rat just made a nest in my hair." No kind of mega-ultra hold mousse will fix this for me, so I need to just enjoy the fact that I can sleep on wet hair and wake up with it looking nice!
2. My Cooking
Let's face it, my cooking will never hold a candle to anything that my husband's mom or grandmothers ever made. Arroz con leche, enfrijoladas, juevos a la mexicana... I suppose I had delusions of grandeur when I thought that maybe I could make something that would be different (but better) than my husband's homecooking. Umm, yeah. . . no. While some would say that I need to just give up while I'm ahead, I think I'll keep trying knowing that whatever recipe I find will likely yield good (hopefully really good) but different results. At least then I can ruin the chances for Dinobaby's future wife if he doesn't enter the priesthood! Just kidding.
3. My Clothing
Let's face it, it's been almost a year since Dinobaby was born and I still don't have clothes that actually fit me well. At ten months postpartum, people probably expect me to start looking like a normal person again and not a new mom in that awkward in between stage of maternity and non-baby-related clothing. At this point, I've safety pinned the waistbands of all but one pair of pants and most of my old tops are so tight now that it'd be a tad scandalous to wear them. Strangely, it's the inverse problem of my pre-pregnancy days when all of my shirts were XS and I needed pants large enough for my big 'ol hips. Well, okay, I still have big 'ol hips (and thank God for that during labor), but at least things are a bit more symmetrical now.
Anyone else have a good "let's face it . . ." moment this week?
Here are some of my favorites so far:
1. My Hair
Let's face it, my hair will never be wavy or hold any sort of curl. I have straight hair that will likely continue to be straight forever. My hair does not scrunch, so please, self, stop buying hair products that promise you "beachy waves". What you end up with is "a rat just made a nest in my hair." No kind of mega-ultra hold mousse will fix this for me, so I need to just enjoy the fact that I can sleep on wet hair and wake up with it looking nice!
2. My Cooking
Let's face it, my cooking will never hold a candle to anything that my husband's mom or grandmothers ever made. Arroz con leche, enfrijoladas, juevos a la mexicana... I suppose I had delusions of grandeur when I thought that maybe I could make something that would be different (but better) than my husband's homecooking. Umm, yeah. . . no. While some would say that I need to just give up while I'm ahead, I think I'll keep trying knowing that whatever recipe I find will likely yield good (hopefully really good) but different results. At least then I can ruin the chances for Dinobaby's future wife if he doesn't enter the priesthood! Just kidding.
3. My Clothing
Let's face it, it's been almost a year since Dinobaby was born and I still don't have clothes that actually fit me well. At ten months postpartum, people probably expect me to start looking like a normal person again and not a new mom in that awkward in between stage of maternity and non-baby-related clothing. At this point, I've safety pinned the waistbands of all but one pair of pants and most of my old tops are so tight now that it'd be a tad scandalous to wear them. Strangely, it's the inverse problem of my pre-pregnancy days when all of my shirts were XS and I needed pants large enough for my big 'ol hips. Well, okay, I still have big 'ol hips (and thank God for that during labor), but at least things are a bit more symmetrical now.
Anyone else have a good "let's face it . . ." moment this week?
Friday, September 3, 2010
Simple Gingered Pineapple Cake
Since we've started getting half-shares from our local organic co-op every week or two, we often have a whole pineapple sitting around waiting to be eaten. My husband isn't a big fan and Dinobaby can't really have it yet because of the high acidity, so it leaves all of our pineapple consumption up to me!
We have a fresh new pineapple ripening on the counter, so I needed to use up some of last week's and this is what I came up with: Gingered Pineapple Cake! Thanks to a lovely clearance end cap at Target, I had a box of yellow cake mix in the pantry (that only cost $0.90! And I promise it wasn't expired.), so I figured some sort of pineapple upside down something was in order.
I realize that the cake part probably negates about 89.99% of the fruit's natural organic goodness, but c'mon. Everybody needs some cake every once in a while! Well, at least I do.
The results of my experiment? Somewhat close to heavenly. I've had to stop myself several times from standing over the cake pan with a fork saying, "Mommy's watching you from the kitchen! No, baby. Get down from there! *Om nom nom*." It's funny what a cake can do.
Simple Gingered Pineapple Cake
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Spray a 13×9 glass baking dish with non-stick spray for baking or grease and lightly flour.
In a skillet over medium low heat, combine pineapple, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and butter. It’s best if the pineapple was able to sit in a bowl a little after it was chopped to release some of its juices — the juice will help dissolve the brown sugar. If not, add a couple teaspoons of water to help things along. Let the pineapple come to a low boil.
While the skillet is bubbling, prepare the cake mix according to the package directions with the eggs, softened butter, and water. Make sure to beat until the batter is light and fluffy.
Once the batter is ready, pour the pineapple mixture into the bottom of the cake pan and spread evenly. Top with the cake batter and smooth the batter so that all of the pineapple chunks are hidden.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool for 15 minutes in the pan over a wire rack, then serve with milk, fresh whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
We have a fresh new pineapple ripening on the counter, so I needed to use up some of last week's and this is what I came up with: Gingered Pineapple Cake! Thanks to a lovely clearance end cap at Target, I had a box of yellow cake mix in the pantry (that only cost $0.90! And I promise it wasn't expired.), so I figured some sort of pineapple upside down something was in order. I realize that the cake part probably negates about 89.99% of the fruit's natural organic goodness, but c'mon. Everybody needs some cake every once in a while! Well, at least I do.
The results of my experiment? Somewhat close to heavenly. I've had to stop myself several times from standing over the cake pan with a fork saying, "Mommy's watching you from the kitchen! No, baby. Get down from there! *Om nom nom*." It's funny what a cake can do.
Simple Gingered Pineapple Cake
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Fresh Chopped Pineapple
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar, Packed
- 1-½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 (generous) pinch Ground Ginger
- 1 Tablespoon Butter, For The Pineapple Mixture
- 1 box Butter Recipe Yellow Cake Mix, 18.25oz (I Used Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Butter Recipe Golden)
- 3 whole Eggs (according To Package Directions)
- ½ cups Butter, Softened (according To Package Directions)
- ⅔ cups Water (according To Package Directions)
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Spray a 13×9 glass baking dish with non-stick spray for baking or grease and lightly flour.
In a skillet over medium low heat, combine pineapple, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and butter. It’s best if the pineapple was able to sit in a bowl a little after it was chopped to release some of its juices — the juice will help dissolve the brown sugar. If not, add a couple teaspoons of water to help things along. Let the pineapple come to a low boil.
While the skillet is bubbling, prepare the cake mix according to the package directions with the eggs, softened butter, and water. Make sure to beat until the batter is light and fluffy.
Once the batter is ready, pour the pineapple mixture into the bottom of the cake pan and spread evenly. Top with the cake batter and smooth the batter so that all of the pineapple chunks are hidden.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool for 15 minutes in the pan over a wire rack, then serve with milk, fresh whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Roasted Eggplant & Squash Macaroni (Plus a Recipe for the Leftovers)
I had the presence of mind to make sure we ordered a half-share from the organic co-op just before my surgery so we'd have plenty of fresh fruits and veggies around to help me recover. There was an abundance of black plums which I inhaled as fast as I could and we discovered that, like his mom, Dinobaby is a fan (not so much of nectarines though). We also had our pick of some extra veggies and I was so excited to pick out a shiny, plump eggplant.
Post-op, I realized that my beautiful eggplant was languishing in our vegetable drawer and I was determined to use it and some yellow summer squash before they started to get spotty. I was lucky that it fell in between the period of me feeling like a zombie from the general anesthesia and therefore wanting to get up and move and the subsequent soreness from the actual surgery. There was a small window of feeling great, and I was perky enough to make some dinner!
Roasted Eggplant & Squash Macaroni
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Wash and dry eggplant and cut into 1/2″ rounds. Place slices onto a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt. Let sit for at least five minutes (but up to overnight) so that the eggplant will sweat and lose its bitter flavor.
While the eggplant is sitting, cut yellow squash into 1/2″ – 1 inch cubes.
When the eggplant has released its juices, rinse the slices with a little cold water and pat dry, then cut into 1 inch cubes.
Pour the chopped veggies onto a foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season well with salt and pepper. Crush the rosemary leaves a little with your fingers and add to the veggies. Stir to make sure the squash and eggplant are well coated and place the baking sheet in the oven for 30 minutes, stirring once after 15 minutes.
While the vegetables are roasting, heat the entire jar of marinara sauce in a small pot. In another pot, prepare pasta according to the package directions, cooking for about 7 minutes.
To the pot of marinara sauce, add the fresh chopped parsley and half and half, and the drained and rinsed artichoke hearts.
When the roasted veggies are tender and caramelized and the pasta is cooked, combine the vegetables, pasta, and sauce together with the grated parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!
Serves 8.
***
If you have leftovers, make this easy pasta bake for lunch to change things up a bit!
Roasted Eggplant & Squash Pasta Bake
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Pour leftover pasta into an un-greased casserole dish and spread into an even layer. Pour the half and half over the pasta to prevent it from drying out in the oven.
Cut provolone slices into halves and layer on top of the pasta with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes and serve.
Serves 4, or 3 hungry adults and a 10 month old!
Post-op, I realized that my beautiful eggplant was languishing in our vegetable drawer and I was determined to use it and some yellow summer squash before they started to get spotty. I was lucky that it fell in between the period of me feeling like a zombie from the general anesthesia and therefore wanting to get up and move and the subsequent soreness from the actual surgery. There was a small window of feeling great, and I was perky enough to make some dinner!
Roasted Eggplant & Squash Macaroni
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 whole Eggplant
- 2 whole Medium To Large Yellow Squash AND/OR Zucchini
- 1-½ Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt And Pepper, to taste
- 1-½ teaspoon Dried Rosemary
- 1 jar Marinara Sauce (24oz -- I Used Paul Newman's Organic Marinara)
- 1 box Whole Grain Elbow Pasta (14.5 Oz Box)
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley
- ¼ cups Half-and-half
- 1 can Quartered Artichoke Hearts (14 Oz), Drained And Rinsed
- ¼ cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Wash and dry eggplant and cut into 1/2″ rounds. Place slices onto a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt. Let sit for at least five minutes (but up to overnight) so that the eggplant will sweat and lose its bitter flavor.
While the eggplant is sitting, cut yellow squash into 1/2″ – 1 inch cubes.
When the eggplant has released its juices, rinse the slices with a little cold water and pat dry, then cut into 1 inch cubes.
Pour the chopped veggies onto a foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season well with salt and pepper. Crush the rosemary leaves a little with your fingers and add to the veggies. Stir to make sure the squash and eggplant are well coated and place the baking sheet in the oven for 30 minutes, stirring once after 15 minutes.
While the vegetables are roasting, heat the entire jar of marinara sauce in a small pot. In another pot, prepare pasta according to the package directions, cooking for about 7 minutes.
To the pot of marinara sauce, add the fresh chopped parsley and half and half, and the drained and rinsed artichoke hearts.
When the roasted veggies are tender and caramelized and the pasta is cooked, combine the vegetables, pasta, and sauce together with the grated parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!
Serves 8.
***
If you have leftovers, make this easy pasta bake for lunch to change things up a bit!
Roasted Eggplant & Squash Pasta Bake
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- ½ Recipe For Roasted Eggplant & Squash Macaroni (see above)
- 1 Tablespoon Half-and-half
- ¼ cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 4 slices Provolone Cheese
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Pour leftover pasta into an un-greased casserole dish and spread into an even layer. Pour the half and half over the pasta to prevent it from drying out in the oven.
Cut provolone slices into halves and layer on top of the pasta with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes and serve.
Serves 4, or 3 hungry adults and a 10 month old!
Surgery Results
What a week we had. I'm officially one week post-surgery and I'm recovering nicely. Last Monday turned out to be a little more hellish than I'd planned, but all things considered, the day was a success.
Day of Surgery
I knew that the morning was going to be fun when the nurse setting up the IV in my arm said "Oh shoot, it's blown. Sorry, darlin'. I'm gonna have to do this again." Take two left me with an IV in what had to be the smallest vein in my hand, so this week I'm sporting not two but three puce-colored bruises (the third still lingering from getting my blood drawn for all of the pre-op tests). Matched with the ever present dark circles under my eyes, I'm sure I look like I've been experimenting with those "recreational drugs" that they asked me about while recording my medical history. (Do you suppose anybody ever says, "Actually, yes, I do use recreational drugs"?)
Next, due to other surgeries that morning, Dr. D ended up being two hours late, so my procedure which should have started at noon didn't get going until after 2:30pm.
At least I was getting a pair of cute non-skid fuzzy socks out of this deal...
The Results
Although I'm waiting to get more detailed information about it -- things were lost in my Demerol haze and my family's translation of the report -- the surgery went very well. My doctor was able to visually diagnose endometriosis as well as remove some scarring and adhesions, endometrial deposits, and an ovarian cyst via laser. My husband said that he saw pictures of all of this, so I'm morbidly excited about seeing exactly what my doctor found. Dr. D assured everyone that my case wasn't scary or out of the ordinary and that my endometriosis is moderate rather than severe, so I'm hoping that I won't be in quite so much pain every month once I've fully recovered.
The Night of the Surgery
Being prohibited to nurse Dinobaby for 24 hours and being unable to make said Dinobaby understand why his mommy couldn't hold or nurse him was MISERABLE for everyone involved. Thank God for my wonderful husband who was up most of the night with him!
The Week Just Gets Better
We were also supposed to close on our first house last week. Our mortgage company however gave us the total for closing costs a whopping four hours before we were set to close and the amount was astronomical. We had no idea that the amount would be that high at all (we were off by three or four thousand dollars!), but it would have literally wiped out every penny of our savings. So, embarrassingly, we surrendered our earnest money and said, "No thanks."
While it would have been so nice to have a house, we're surprisingly relieved that we aren't buying one. The extra time at the apartment will give us a chance to make it more homey, to save some money, and to appreciate what space we do have.
At the same time, Dinobaby is now WALKING! He's showing me more and more each day that what I thought was sufficient for babyproofing is just an exercise that takes him a couple minutes to figure out before he's able to open/climb/pull/push/flip it. I love my baby Hulk, but he's starting to give me a run for my money!
Day of Surgery
I knew that the morning was going to be fun when the nurse setting up the IV in my arm said "Oh shoot, it's blown. Sorry, darlin'. I'm gonna have to do this again." Take two left me with an IV in what had to be the smallest vein in my hand, so this week I'm sporting not two but three puce-colored bruises (the third still lingering from getting my blood drawn for all of the pre-op tests). Matched with the ever present dark circles under my eyes, I'm sure I look like I've been experimenting with those "recreational drugs" that they asked me about while recording my medical history. (Do you suppose anybody ever says, "Actually, yes, I do use recreational drugs"?)
Next, due to other surgeries that morning, Dr. D ended up being two hours late, so my procedure which should have started at noon didn't get going until after 2:30pm.
At least I was getting a pair of cute non-skid fuzzy socks out of this deal...
The Results
Although I'm waiting to get more detailed information about it -- things were lost in my Demerol haze and my family's translation of the report -- the surgery went very well. My doctor was able to visually diagnose endometriosis as well as remove some scarring and adhesions, endometrial deposits, and an ovarian cyst via laser. My husband said that he saw pictures of all of this, so I'm morbidly excited about seeing exactly what my doctor found. Dr. D assured everyone that my case wasn't scary or out of the ordinary and that my endometriosis is moderate rather than severe, so I'm hoping that I won't be in quite so much pain every month once I've fully recovered.
The Night of the Surgery
Being prohibited to nurse Dinobaby for 24 hours and being unable to make said Dinobaby understand why his mommy couldn't hold or nurse him was MISERABLE for everyone involved. Thank God for my wonderful husband who was up most of the night with him!
The Week Just Gets Better
We were also supposed to close on our first house last week. Our mortgage company however gave us the total for closing costs a whopping four hours before we were set to close and the amount was astronomical. We had no idea that the amount would be that high at all (we were off by three or four thousand dollars!), but it would have literally wiped out every penny of our savings. So, embarrassingly, we surrendered our earnest money and said, "No thanks."
While it would have been so nice to have a house, we're surprisingly relieved that we aren't buying one. The extra time at the apartment will give us a chance to make it more homey, to save some money, and to appreciate what space we do have.
At the same time, Dinobaby is now WALKING! He's showing me more and more each day that what I thought was sufficient for babyproofing is just an exercise that takes him a couple minutes to figure out before he's able to open/climb/pull/push/flip it. I love my baby Hulk, but he's starting to give me a run for my money!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Social Skills
Lately, I've realized that I need to make a more concerted effort to get out of the house. My family attended the wedding of two friends over the weekend -- the ceremony and reception were both beautiful -- and in talking to all of our other friends in attendance, I noticed that, I suppose as it should be, all I have to talk about is the baby.
"What's been going on with you lately?"
"Oh, just taking care of the baby."
"Oh."
"Yep. He's so ready to walk, but right now he's still working on standing on his own."
"Cool."
". . . He's a good eater."
"That's good."
AWKWARD PAUSE
SMILING
CRICKETS CHIRPING
LOOKING AROUND AS IF THAT WILL HELP CONVERSATION
I suppose I should take up some hobbies. Right now, my free time is spent showering, pumping milk, and watching Netflix. Not really hobbies. Must work on this.
Of course it makes perfect sense that all of my thoughts and conversation somehow lead back to the baby in some form or another. I spend almost twenty-four hours a day with him. He's my near-constant companion and, as I tell my husband, "he's my baby best friend." (My husband is still my adult best friend and, naturally, takes precedence.)
The issue is that most people don't have baby best friends.
Other moms definitely do, but they too are so caught up in their own children's lives that it's difficult to talk to one another when we get a chance. It seems like mom conversations are typically about how tired we are or what milestone has recently been checked off the list. Thankfully, the YaYa Motherhood-Sisterhood of the Traveling Pampers imparts something else into those conversations -- an ability to just talk or NOT talk and have someone who completely understands why you have absolutely nothing else going on apart from your kids.
I've been trying to reconnect with some of my single or baby-free friends whom, it seems like, I haven't spent any time with since before the Dinobabe was born. The combination of my personality, my love of home, and my aversion to hassles makes it so a little too easy for me to become isolated, just holed up here in our apartment.
Am I the only one who's had a difficult time finding and keeping really good, trustworthy, honest and true girlfriends? Up until recently I'd forgotten how important girl talk is. It's always been easier for me to make friends who are male. Women seem to be difficult to gauge and, too often, just plain catty. Ladies, have you had the same problem?
Thankfully, though, I'm getting to know my friends here better. Weekly coffee dates away from the apartment with another real live person (imagine that!) can really do wonders. It's reminded me that I need to remember that friends are important, that I need an occasional break even if I'm still taking care of Dinobaby while I'm taking it, and that I really enjoy iced decaf lattes with one Splenda.
"What's been going on with you lately?"
"Oh, just taking care of the baby."
"Oh."
"Yep. He's so ready to walk, but right now he's still working on standing on his own."
"Cool."
". . . He's a good eater."
"That's good."
AWKWARD PAUSE
SMILING
CRICKETS CHIRPING
LOOKING AROUND AS IF THAT WILL HELP CONVERSATION
I suppose I should take up some hobbies. Right now, my free time is spent showering, pumping milk, and watching Netflix. Not really hobbies. Must work on this.
Of course it makes perfect sense that all of my thoughts and conversation somehow lead back to the baby in some form or another. I spend almost twenty-four hours a day with him. He's my near-constant companion and, as I tell my husband, "he's my baby best friend." (My husband is still my adult best friend and, naturally, takes precedence.)
The issue is that most people don't have baby best friends.
Other moms definitely do, but they too are so caught up in their own children's lives that it's difficult to talk to one another when we get a chance. It seems like mom conversations are typically about how tired we are or what milestone has recently been checked off the list. Thankfully, the YaYa Motherhood-Sisterhood of the Traveling Pampers imparts something else into those conversations -- an ability to just talk or NOT talk and have someone who completely understands why you have absolutely nothing else going on apart from your kids.
I've been trying to reconnect with some of my single or baby-free friends whom, it seems like, I haven't spent any time with since before the Dinobabe was born. The combination of my personality, my love of home, and my aversion to hassles makes it so a little too easy for me to become isolated, just holed up here in our apartment.
Am I the only one who's had a difficult time finding and keeping really good, trustworthy, honest and true girlfriends? Up until recently I'd forgotten how important girl talk is. It's always been easier for me to make friends who are male. Women seem to be difficult to gauge and, too often, just plain catty. Ladies, have you had the same problem?
Thankfully, though, I'm getting to know my friends here better. Weekly coffee dates away from the apartment with another real live person (imagine that!) can really do wonders. It's reminded me that I need to remember that friends are important, that I need an occasional break even if I'm still taking care of Dinobaby while I'm taking it, and that I really enjoy iced decaf lattes with one Splenda.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
A Breath of Fresh Air
Last night I woke up around 1am for the second time this week to take out my contacts after falling asleep early. My husband and I have started conking out at the same time as Dinobaby, but it's impossible for me to just stay asleep with contacts in, unbrushed teeth, and the knowledge that I still haven't taken my daily vitamins. As a result, I've been getting up, getting ready for bed, and wasting/enjoying time on the internet before crawling back into bed.
A friend had shared this video on their facebook page last night, and it absolutely must be shared again.
The description on the video reads, "An elderly couple walked into the lobby of the Mayo Clinic for a checkup and spotted a piano. They've been married for 62 years and he'll be 90 this year. Check out this impromptu performance. We are only as old as we feel, it's all attitude. Enjoy! They certainly do."
If that doesn't make you smile, your heart may be a few sizes too small. In a world where the elderly are ridiculed, forgotten, and deemed unimportant (or even a waste of resources!), this video was a welcome breath of fresh air. I feel like the sweet couple's performance itself is a fantastic analogy for what we can learn from our elders, or as most people seem to say, "old people".
Their piece began slowly, quietly. They didn't announce their performance but simply played a few keys. It was enough to spark the attention of a few listeners and when they had their small but captive audience, they surprised everyone with playfulness, fervor, and talent. I wish I could hug both of them! "Old people" have so much to share, if only we are willing to listen.
My grandparents were married for nearly 70 years when they passed away, one less than a year after the other. My Nana used to tell me of their great, enduring love for one another and how it all began. "She remembers everything," my Grandy would say. "I can't even remember what I ate for breakfast!"
She was born in a little Texas town in 1915. He was five years her senior and from an equally small town several miles away. By the time they met, he was the manager at the local five-and-dime general store. He was tall, with an open face and green eyes. She was absolutely beautiful with dark hair and eyes and a quick wit to match.
My Nana swore that it was love at first sight. She told me that the first time she saw my grandfather, she prayed, "Lord, I will do anything you want, I'll go through anything you put in front of me, if you just let me have him." What a prayer! It was answered and they were married in 1933.
If only loving, life-long relationships like theirs were the norm instead of the exception. I can only hope that I will remember to bring such good humor and childlike spontaneity my marriage and to love with the same deep, enduring love as they did. Everyone loves a good love story, but they're so much better when they're in real life!
A friend had shared this video on their facebook page last night, and it absolutely must be shared again.
The description on the video reads, "An elderly couple walked into the lobby of the Mayo Clinic for a checkup and spotted a piano. They've been married for 62 years and he'll be 90 this year. Check out this impromptu performance. We are only as old as we feel, it's all attitude. Enjoy! They certainly do."
If that doesn't make you smile, your heart may be a few sizes too small. In a world where the elderly are ridiculed, forgotten, and deemed unimportant (or even a waste of resources!), this video was a welcome breath of fresh air. I feel like the sweet couple's performance itself is a fantastic analogy for what we can learn from our elders, or as most people seem to say, "old people".
Their piece began slowly, quietly. They didn't announce their performance but simply played a few keys. It was enough to spark the attention of a few listeners and when they had their small but captive audience, they surprised everyone with playfulness, fervor, and talent. I wish I could hug both of them! "Old people" have so much to share, if only we are willing to listen.
My grandparents were married for nearly 70 years when they passed away, one less than a year after the other. My Nana used to tell me of their great, enduring love for one another and how it all began. "She remembers everything," my Grandy would say. "I can't even remember what I ate for breakfast!"
She was born in a little Texas town in 1915. He was five years her senior and from an equally small town several miles away. By the time they met, he was the manager at the local five-and-dime general store. He was tall, with an open face and green eyes. She was absolutely beautiful with dark hair and eyes and a quick wit to match.
My Nana swore that it was love at first sight. She told me that the first time she saw my grandfather, she prayed, "Lord, I will do anything you want, I'll go through anything you put in front of me, if you just let me have him." What a prayer! It was answered and they were married in 1933.
If only loving, life-long relationships like theirs were the norm instead of the exception. I can only hope that I will remember to bring such good humor and childlike spontaneity my marriage and to love with the same deep, enduring love as they did. Everyone loves a good love story, but they're so much better when they're in real life!
Monday, August 2, 2010
An Aesthetic Theory
I was talking with my husband the other night as we were getting Dinobaby ready for bed and I remembered a random theory that I came up with once. At the time, I thought it was pretty brilliant. My husband wasn't so sure.
"Women are considered 'ugly' they look more masculine. When men are considered to be ugly, they tend to look more like animals. You know, like monkeys or horses. More feminine men aren't considered ugly, but just pretty guys. It doesn't work the same way for women."
"How old were you when you thought of this?" asked my husband.
"In middle school," I said.
"Hmm."
I'm not sure if he asked because he thought my theory on aesthetics was intriguing or silly. Personally, I think it holds true, at least in what the world considers to be beautiful.
In a similar vein, I had a philosophy professor whose girlfriend felt that every person could be categorized as either a bird or a rabbit. I'd argue that horses should be throw into the mix, but she may be on to something. I would likely be a rabbit. How about you?
"Women are considered 'ugly' they look more masculine. When men are considered to be ugly, they tend to look more like animals. You know, like monkeys or horses. More feminine men aren't considered ugly, but just pretty guys. It doesn't work the same way for women."
"How old were you when you thought of this?" asked my husband.
"In middle school," I said.
"Hmm."
I'm not sure if he asked because he thought my theory on aesthetics was intriguing or silly. Personally, I think it holds true, at least in what the world considers to be beautiful.
In a similar vein, I had a philosophy professor whose girlfriend felt that every person could be categorized as either a bird or a rabbit. I'd argue that horses should be throw into the mix, but she may be on to something. I would likely be a rabbit. How about you?
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