My son rode peacefully in the cart at the grocery store, happily singing one, two buckle my shoe and shouting about big fat hens.
He was patient while I read ingredients lists and cheerfully told me the color of every fruit in the produce section.
A grandmotherly women complimented him and told me he was the best behaved little shopper she had ever seen. He smiled at her angelically.
He was even pleasant and giggly while we checked out.
Less than 10 minutes later....
For no apparent reason, my son started performing his best banshee impression in the middle of the driveway.
I still have no idea what initiated the chain reaction, but the end result was an impressive explosion of emotion.
All negotiations attempts fail.
In order to move the proceedings indoors, I end up carrying a kicking, pissed off toddler under one arm (while carrying a gallon of milk in each hand).
The low point was when my shirt got pulled up, exposing my ridiculous pregnant belly (and there wasn't a darn thing I can do about it at that moment).
Two different neighbors stared at us out their window and a car slowed down while it passes.
Awesome...
Luckily, his mood usually swing back around again just as quickly.
Sep 29, 2009
Doing It Up Random Style
I haven't played this game in awhile and I miss it.
First, I'd like to thank I've Changed My Name to Mommy for the Over The Top blogger award.
(I appreciate the thought, even if I'm breaking the rules by not playing along.)
*****************************
Have you ever seen something called BabyPlus? It looks like a fanny pack and plays rhythm patterns for your unborn baby's entertainment and educational development.
My favorite part is the slogan : Your womb...the perfect classroom
Am I the only one who thinks this is totally weird?
I assume my belly is pretty happy being left alone in relative peace and quiet. I'm sure she is already pretty annoyed by countless repetitions of Wheels on the Bus and The Ants Go Marching On (Or is that just me?).
Also available is the Lullabelly. Slogan:"The first investment in your child's future"
I think I'll just put the money into a college fun.
*****************************
Parents Lie to Kids More Often Than They Realize - This article just reminded me of a mom I saw in action recently at the playground. She threatened to use speed dial to call Santa if her daughter didn't start behaving.
This appeared to be a pretty common tactic in their house.
I'll award some style points for creativity, even if I have my doubts about long term effectiveness.
However, I won't mind Santa's digits if she's has them.
*****************************
I saw the best headline yesterday "Washington Bails Out Detroit". I thought it was a pretty genius reference to the Redskins football team loss to the Detroit Lions (who didn't have a single win last season and were on a 19 game losing streak).
I guess we're just doing our part to improve Detroit moral.
I wasn't actually able to find the article to link to it, but I think this marks the first time in history that I have ever searched for a sports article online. I'm thinking it may also be the last.
Also on the Redskins topic, doesn't it seem like an odd choice for the US capital to have a potentially offense team mascot? It kind of seems like we should be leading the trend away from images and names that potentially piss off Native Americans.
*****************************
And I'm sure that was more than enough randomness for one week.
Visit the Un-Mom for more random fun (or better yet, join in yourself).
Happy Tuesday folks!
First, I'd like to thank I've Changed My Name to Mommy for the Over The Top blogger award.
(I appreciate the thought, even if I'm breaking the rules by not playing along.)
*****************************
Have you ever seen something called BabyPlus? It looks like a fanny pack and plays rhythm patterns for your unborn baby's entertainment and educational development.
My favorite part is the slogan : Your womb...the perfect classroom
Am I the only one who thinks this is totally weird?
I assume my belly is pretty happy being left alone in relative peace and quiet. I'm sure she is already pretty annoyed by countless repetitions of Wheels on the Bus and The Ants Go Marching On (Or is that just me?).
Also available is the Lullabelly. Slogan:"The first investment in your child's future"
I think I'll just put the money into a college fun.
*****************************
Parents Lie to Kids More Often Than They Realize - This article just reminded me of a mom I saw in action recently at the playground. She threatened to use speed dial to call Santa if her daughter didn't start behaving.
This appeared to be a pretty common tactic in their house.
I'll award some style points for creativity, even if I have my doubts about long term effectiveness.
However, I won't mind Santa's digits if she's has them.
*****************************
I saw the best headline yesterday "Washington Bails Out Detroit". I thought it was a pretty genius reference to the Redskins football team loss to the Detroit Lions (who didn't have a single win last season and were on a 19 game losing streak).
I guess we're just doing our part to improve Detroit moral.
I wasn't actually able to find the article to link to it, but I think this marks the first time in history that I have ever searched for a sports article online. I'm thinking it may also be the last.
Also on the Redskins topic, doesn't it seem like an odd choice for the US capital to have a potentially offense team mascot? It kind of seems like we should be leading the trend away from images and names that potentially piss off Native Americans.
*****************************
And I'm sure that was more than enough randomness for one week.
Visit the Un-Mom for more random fun (or better yet, join in yourself).
Happy Tuesday folks!
Sep 22, 2009
The Commuter King
It's an overused plot at this point.
A handsome prince falls madly in love with unknown women, marries her after an indecently short engagement and they live happily ever after. Or a call comes out of nowhere and somebody learns that they are royalty.
But this stuff never actually happens right?
Well, apparently it does. Or at least it did for a DC women named Peggielene Bartels.
(Check it out for yourself- Secretary by Day, Royalty by Night)
Her phone rang at 4 a.m one and night, informing her that the town elders had selected her as the new King of Otuam, a town of about 7,000 in Ghana.
According to the article, her uncle had been King and when he passed away the elder performed a ritual to determine his successor, selecting Peggielene. (The details on the actual ritual are a little vague, but the bottom line is she got the job).
She travels to Otuam as often as she is able and deals with town issues over the phone, but continues to live in DC and work as a secretary. After retiring in 5 or 6 years, she plans to reside there permanently in her 8 bedroom palace.
If I ever become royalty, I hope the job comes with a big castle, a housekeeper, a cook and a fabulous wardrobe.
Or at least enough loot that I can quit my day job.
A handsome prince falls madly in love with unknown women, marries her after an indecently short engagement and they live happily ever after. Or a call comes out of nowhere and somebody learns that they are royalty.
But this stuff never actually happens right?
Well, apparently it does. Or at least it did for a DC women named Peggielene Bartels.
(Check it out for yourself- Secretary by Day, Royalty by Night)
Her phone rang at 4 a.m one and night, informing her that the town elders had selected her as the new King of Otuam, a town of about 7,000 in Ghana.
According to the article, her uncle had been King and when he passed away the elder performed a ritual to determine his successor, selecting Peggielene. (The details on the actual ritual are a little vague, but the bottom line is she got the job).
She travels to Otuam as often as she is able and deals with town issues over the phone, but continues to live in DC and work as a secretary. After retiring in 5 or 6 years, she plans to reside there permanently in her 8 bedroom palace.
If I ever become royalty, I hope the job comes with a big castle, a housekeeper, a cook and a fabulous wardrobe.
Or at least enough loot that I can quit my day job.
Flying Solo
I had totally forgotten.
Honestly, I didn't remember how much you could get done when you were all by yourself.
In the three hours my son was at preschool this morning:
-I got gas and vacuumed out my disgusting car (I think I sucked up an entire school of goldfish off the floor),
-Used a coupon at Michael's to pick up a few art supplies,
-Got my hair cut (and it was a great hairstylist blind date. I will absolutely be going there again),
-Went to Target to pick up some diapers and a few other essentials,
-Went to the library to return some books and pick up a book on hold.
That's about a week's worth of errands in toddler time (minus the grocery shopping trip).
And I wasn't even rushed. I took my time. I compared prices. I actually read the back of books before I checked them out.
It was kinda fantastic.
Not to say I don't like bringing the little guy along. He is actually a pretty well behaved little sidekick and he certainly keeps me entertained. But he definitely s...l...o...w...s down the process.
It was a little of empowering to just rip through the to do list.
So far the great preschool experiment is a resounding successful for everybody!
Honestly, I didn't remember how much you could get done when you were all by yourself.
In the three hours my son was at preschool this morning:
-I got gas and vacuumed out my disgusting car (I think I sucked up an entire school of goldfish off the floor),
-Used a coupon at Michael's to pick up a few art supplies,
-Got my hair cut (and it was a great hairstylist blind date. I will absolutely be going there again),
-Went to Target to pick up some diapers and a few other essentials,
-Went to the library to return some books and pick up a book on hold.
That's about a week's worth of errands in toddler time (minus the grocery shopping trip).
And I wasn't even rushed. I took my time. I compared prices. I actually read the back of books before I checked them out.
It was kinda fantastic.
Not to say I don't like bringing the little guy along. He is actually a pretty well behaved little sidekick and he certainly keeps me entertained. But he definitely s...l...o...w...s down the process.
It was a little of empowering to just rip through the to do list.
So far the great preschool experiment is a resounding successful for everybody!
Sep 17, 2009
The First Day
Today was the little man's first day of preschool.
I've left him with friends before, but other than childcare at the gym, I've never left him with a paid sitter before.
He seemed excited about the whole concept this morning, but I didn't know exactly what to expect when we actually got to preschool.
He took one look in the classroom and yelled "Play play doh" and ran into this classroom (where play doh was cleverly waiting on the table).
He then returned long enough to give me a hug and say "Bye Mama".
And that was it. No drama. No tears (not even from me).
When I picked him up three hours later, the first thing he said was "More preschool. More friends."
Then he started asking about lunch. And that was that.
I'm proud of my big, adventurous, brave boy.
And yet it breaks my heart a little bit.
(Damn, there might be a few tears yet.)
I've left him with friends before, but other than childcare at the gym, I've never left him with a paid sitter before.
He seemed excited about the whole concept this morning, but I didn't know exactly what to expect when we actually got to preschool.
He took one look in the classroom and yelled "Play play doh" and ran into this classroom (where play doh was cleverly waiting on the table).
He then returned long enough to give me a hug and say "Bye Mama".
And that was it. No drama. No tears (not even from me).
When I picked him up three hours later, the first thing he said was "More preschool. More friends."
Then he started asking about lunch. And that was that.
I'm proud of my big, adventurous, brave boy.
And yet it breaks my heart a little bit.
(Damn, there might be a few tears yet.)
Sep 11, 2009
Ladies - I'm So Sorry
To the Ladies of Northern Virginia,
I just wanted to say that I know the public bathroom antics are out of control right now.
I swear I'm doing my best, but my toddler is obsessed with all things potty right now. (Of course, he hasn't actually used the potty for the last two weeks, but that's another post.)
The planets have aligned in just the right way to make using the public bathroom my personal nightmare right now.
First off, there is a small human residing directly on top of my bladder. This ensures that is it nearly impossible to leave the house without using a bathroom at least once.
Second, my son has learned all about pee and poo and really likes to talk about it (preferably to strangers in a loud voice).
Third, my son has suddenly put two and two together and realized that boys and girls "have different pee pee parts". I figured this out when he suddenly tried to pee standing up the other day "like dada".
He is also a little more interested in my parts and what I'm doing on the potty these days. This new interest is a bit awkward at times, especially given the fact he likes to add color commentary. (On a positive note, I have some great material to embarrass the heck out of him as a teenager now.)
Last, but certainly not the least in terms of sheer adventure, is the fact that he has suddenly learned how to open bathroom stall doors of every conceivable design.
And like all new skills, he feels this one needs to be practiced at every opportunity that presents itself. (I'm not sure how many people I've flashed at this point, but I hope nobody had a cell phone camera handy.)
I'd also like to extend an extra special apology to the woman who was quietly trying to do her business in the stall next to us at Target last week. I'm sure being loudly congratulated on pooping in the potty in a very crowded bathroom by the little man in the neighboring stall wasn't the high point of your day.
(I did at least successfully keep him from peeking at you under the stall, which is not always the case.)
I really am doing my best, even if that isn't even remotely obvious.
Please accept my sincere apologies,
Me
P.S. Please no comments on how this only gets more fun with multiple offspring along. I just can't think down that path yet.
I just wanted to say that I know the public bathroom antics are out of control right now.
I swear I'm doing my best, but my toddler is obsessed with all things potty right now. (Of course, he hasn't actually used the potty for the last two weeks, but that's another post.)
The planets have aligned in just the right way to make using the public bathroom my personal nightmare right now.
First off, there is a small human residing directly on top of my bladder. This ensures that is it nearly impossible to leave the house without using a bathroom at least once.
Second, my son has learned all about pee and poo and really likes to talk about it (preferably to strangers in a loud voice).
Third, my son has suddenly put two and two together and realized that boys and girls "have different pee pee parts". I figured this out when he suddenly tried to pee standing up the other day "like dada".
He is also a little more interested in my parts and what I'm doing on the potty these days. This new interest is a bit awkward at times, especially given the fact he likes to add color commentary. (On a positive note, I have some great material to embarrass the heck out of him as a teenager now.)
Last, but certainly not the least in terms of sheer adventure, is the fact that he has suddenly learned how to open bathroom stall doors of every conceivable design.
And like all new skills, he feels this one needs to be practiced at every opportunity that presents itself. (I'm not sure how many people I've flashed at this point, but I hope nobody had a cell phone camera handy.)
I'd also like to extend an extra special apology to the woman who was quietly trying to do her business in the stall next to us at Target last week. I'm sure being loudly congratulated on pooping in the potty in a very crowded bathroom by the little man in the neighboring stall wasn't the high point of your day.
(I did at least successfully keep him from peeking at you under the stall, which is not always the case.)
I really am doing my best, even if that isn't even remotely obvious.
Please accept my sincere apologies,
Me
P.S. Please no comments on how this only gets more fun with multiple offspring along. I just can't think down that path yet.
The Name Game
We're in discussions about what to name the new addition.
With my son, we knew the name as soon as we knew the gender. You see, my husband is a third.
My generally mild mannered husband felt very strongly about carrying on the tradition so I agreed that my first born son was to be James Edward LastName IV.
I put up a little fight because I think we're starting to sound like royalty or at least way classier than we actually are, but I just didn't have the heart to really go to the mat over it.
At least I like the James Edward part, it's just the fourth that doesn't thrill me. I've heard some family names that would only have been used over my dead body.
So this round, I get to actually participate in the process.
I've become addicted to the Baby Name Wizard website and the social security name website. You can track how popular any name has been since the turn of the century. (It's fun, even if you aren't currently choosing a name. Don't you want to know how creative your folks were?)
I like some of the more popular names for girls right now, but I'm hesitate to choose anything too highly ranked.
Getting the rooster for my son's preschool class didn't help. Out of 7 kids, there are two pairs of repeated names (Anderson and Clare, if you're curious).
But I think we might have a winner. It is the top hundred names from last year, but it's not in the top 25 so hopefully she won't be one of four with the same name in elementary school.
We're not really telling anybody yet (I'm not sure it's safe to add a side of unsolicited opinions to my raging hormones).
I promise to share once the name is already a done deal (as long as you promise to tell me it's nice and only talk smack behind my blog back. )
Feel free to comment with girl name suggestions if you are so inclined. I always like hearing ideas and I'll keep my unsolicited opions to myself too.
With my son, we knew the name as soon as we knew the gender. You see, my husband is a third.
My generally mild mannered husband felt very strongly about carrying on the tradition so I agreed that my first born son was to be James Edward LastName IV.
I put up a little fight because I think we're starting to sound like royalty or at least way classier than we actually are, but I just didn't have the heart to really go to the mat over it.
At least I like the James Edward part, it's just the fourth that doesn't thrill me. I've heard some family names that would only have been used over my dead body.
So this round, I get to actually participate in the process.
I've become addicted to the Baby Name Wizard website and the social security name website. You can track how popular any name has been since the turn of the century. (It's fun, even if you aren't currently choosing a name. Don't you want to know how creative your folks were?)
I like some of the more popular names for girls right now, but I'm hesitate to choose anything too highly ranked.
Getting the rooster for my son's preschool class didn't help. Out of 7 kids, there are two pairs of repeated names (Anderson and Clare, if you're curious).
But I think we might have a winner. It is the top hundred names from last year, but it's not in the top 25 so hopefully she won't be one of four with the same name in elementary school.
We're not really telling anybody yet (I'm not sure it's safe to add a side of unsolicited opinions to my raging hormones).
I promise to share once the name is already a done deal (as long as you promise to tell me it's nice and only talk smack behind my blog back. )
Feel free to comment with girl name suggestions if you are so inclined. I always like hearing ideas and I'll keep my unsolicited opions to myself too.
Sep 10, 2009
Titanic Memorial Cruise
Maybe I'm just not a big enough history buff, but this just seems weird to me - Titanic Memorial Cruise
The basic idea is that they are offering a cruise recreating the maiden (and final) voyage of the Titanic. (Because apparently recreating events that ended in one of the best known modern disasters is a good time.)
They are selling the same number of tickets as number of passengers on board the Titanic, the same meals will be served and similar entertainment will be offered.
The plan is follow the same route, arriving at the spot where the ice burg was hit exactly one hundred years later and holding a memorial service at the time the ship sank.
Finally, the trip includes a visit to a cemetery in Nova Scotia where 121 victims are buried and will end in New York, the intended destination for the Titanic.
I'm sure there are some huge Titanic historians out there who are lining up for this, but count me out.
I'd much rather a cruise include a visit to the beach, lots of sunshine and no morbid tale of hundreds of deaths.
Also, the whole idea that they plan to take the same route at the exact same time of year (you know...the time of year when ice burgs are in the vicinity) seems a bit like tempting fate.
I'm sure they are at least better supplied with life boats.
The basic idea is that they are offering a cruise recreating the maiden (and final) voyage of the Titanic. (Because apparently recreating events that ended in one of the best known modern disasters is a good time.)
They are selling the same number of tickets as number of passengers on board the Titanic, the same meals will be served and similar entertainment will be offered.
The plan is follow the same route, arriving at the spot where the ice burg was hit exactly one hundred years later and holding a memorial service at the time the ship sank.
Finally, the trip includes a visit to a cemetery in Nova Scotia where 121 victims are buried and will end in New York, the intended destination for the Titanic.
I'm sure there are some huge Titanic historians out there who are lining up for this, but count me out.
I'd much rather a cruise include a visit to the beach, lots of sunshine and no morbid tale of hundreds of deaths.
Also, the whole idea that they plan to take the same route at the exact same time of year (you know...the time of year when ice burgs are in the vicinity) seems a bit like tempting fate.
I'm sure they are at least better supplied with life boats.
Sep 8, 2009
Update and Fat Thigh
Hello Blogland!
I'm back. I might still be slightly flaky, but I plan to check in as often as I can.
Things are going well here. I had a doctor's appointment this morning and all seems to be going well with the baby. I had a follow up sonogram last week and she is "definitely a girl" and , more importantly, all looks healthy.
The pink clothes buying has officially begun!
My little man starts preschool next week, which is a great and a slightly scary all at the same time. I bought him his first set of paints and brushes last week and he absolutely loves it. He's happily mass producing art work as often as I'll let him.
We just got back from visiting the in laws near Pittsburgh for the long weekend. And we're done traveling now until the Spring, which is very exciting.
I'm ready to start nesting and just relax a bit before we introduce a whole new level chaos.
All in all, life is good.
And if you happen to be like me and pack the pounds on the behind and thigh region -Check this out - Thin thighs - maybe not your heart's desire
Apparently, folks with skinny thighs are more likely to die sooner. Waist size has long been correlated to heart disease risk, but a new study suggests thigh size may also be used to determine risks for some diseases.
The twist is that larger thighs may actually be a good thing while a larger waist is not (from a health stand point).
I'm back. I might still be slightly flaky, but I plan to check in as often as I can.
Things are going well here. I had a doctor's appointment this morning and all seems to be going well with the baby. I had a follow up sonogram last week and she is "definitely a girl" and , more importantly, all looks healthy.
The pink clothes buying has officially begun!
My little man starts preschool next week, which is a great and a slightly scary all at the same time. I bought him his first set of paints and brushes last week and he absolutely loves it. He's happily mass producing art work as often as I'll let him.
We just got back from visiting the in laws near Pittsburgh for the long weekend. And we're done traveling now until the Spring, which is very exciting.
I'm ready to start nesting and just relax a bit before we introduce a whole new level chaos.
All in all, life is good.
And if you happen to be like me and pack the pounds on the behind and thigh region -Check this out - Thin thighs - maybe not your heart's desire
Apparently, folks with skinny thighs are more likely to die sooner. Waist size has long been correlated to heart disease risk, but a new study suggests thigh size may also be used to determine risks for some diseases.
The twist is that larger thighs may actually be a good thing while a larger waist is not (from a health stand point).
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