Literacy

In an attempt to find random moments (like in the bath) to read despite having a baby, I thought it was fun to get tagged by this. I, in turn, tag all of you who drop by, especcially since one of 1001 resolutions to myself in the next year is to ask my friends for a list of their favourite books and then add them to my reading list. So tag...you're it!

The 100 Books Meme
• bold the ones you’ve read
• italicize the ones you want to read
• cross out the ones you won’t touch with a 10 foot pole
• put a cross (+) in front of the ones on your book shelf
• asterisk (*) the ones you’ve never heard of
1. +The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. + Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. + To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. *Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. *A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11.+ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13.+ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14.* A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. + Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone (J.K. Rowling)
17. *Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. --The Stand-- (Stephen King)
19. + Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (J.K. Rowling)
20. + Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. + The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. + The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. + Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. *Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. +The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. + The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. + Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. + 1984 (Orwell)
35. +The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. *The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. *I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. --The Clan of the Cave Bear-- (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. + Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. +The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. + Bible
46. + Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. + The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. +Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. +She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. *The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. + A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. *Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. + Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. + The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. *The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. + Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. + The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. + Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. * Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. --One Hundred Years Of Solitude-- (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. +The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. + Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. + The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. +Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. +Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez) HATED IT!
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. *The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. *The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. +Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. *Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. + Of Mice And Men (John Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. *Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. + Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. * The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. * Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. * Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. * In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Ludlum)
96. + The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. +A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

The Reign

Life is better with sleep. Just in case you weren't aware of it, it is. I just wish the rainy weather would cease.

That said I'm finally finding some time to write...not that I have great amounts to say.

This week I have been thinking of the value of friendship. I have had some wonderful friends in my life. People who truly are to be cherished. Some have fallen out of my daily existance, sadly, but always there in my mind & heart. Some of those I'm able to keep tabs on via modern technology. Others are always a phone call away. But those friends sustain me when I'm down, or alone, or tired. Even Paul I call friends first, husband second. Easter always makes me think of friends, though I don't think I've ever spent an Easter with them.

I saw a great film last week, "Reign over Me" with Adam Sandler. It reminds us that life can change drastically in a moment, and that we need people. We can't go life alone.

Exhaustion

"Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest" (Psalm 55:6)

I have slept 7 hours cumulative in the past 4 days. I'm exhausted. I feel like someone is playing some cruel trick on me. Every time I lay my "snugglebug" down in his crib or bassinet and then get into bed myself, the moment my head hits the pillow, he's up. Literally, every time. If I hold him, no problem. If I'm out of the house, no problem. If I'm up doing something, no problem. But let me attempt to sleep, forget it. And yes, I am to the point of wanting to smother my husband with the pillow as he sleeps (because he has to go to work at 6am). Instead I spent the night calling him names I'm glad my son is too young to understand.

A New Step

I don't really have alot to say. My days consist mostly of diaper, bottle, sing songs, watch stupid television (Thank God for HGTV & Discovery channel), repeat. Sometimes there's sleep in there. I haven't been able to go do much (hubby has been working crazy overtime & takes the car to work), save the occasional walk around the neighbourhood. (It's almost 80 degrees today!) So my life is rather dull, and hardly worth blogging about. I can't say I like it. I love my son, but the lack of mental stimulation is boring me to death. (Someone please inspire me!)

The only thing new I have to share is that after countless years portraying the same character at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, I'm finally playing someone new this year! (Ok, so we'll only be out a couple of times, but hey its a change!) Hubby & I will be Sir Edward & Lady Elizabeth Darcy. Yes, for anyone who knows us they'll get the joke (as we both love "Pride & Prejudice"). Sir Edward held the monopoly on playing cards during Queen Elizabeth I's reign...so we'll be learning & playing lots of card games with people. I'm not the raging Catholic anymore. I'm not the enemy. I'm not the bad guy. I'm one of the girls now...I don't know how to do that. Not even in real life have I ever considered myself "one of the girls"...so this is going to be a stretch to my acting abilities...and that's sort of exciting.

First of Spring

Today my son is one month old. I can't believe how fast these 4 weeks have flown by. I can't believe how each day blends into the last. I guess interrupted sleep will do that to a person. But I do know that every day I love him more & more. Each day I am more impressed with who he is and who he will become.

My baby boy is growing well and isn't entirely drowning in his newborn clothes anymore. He is keeping his head up more & more each day...and in the early development he's actually rolled himself over from his tummy to his back 4 or 5 times now during "tummy time"! (See the artistic action shot?) Wow, what a strong boy I have! Yeah...if you're dropping into read my blog these days you're just going to have to deal with these little proud mommy moments.

Me...I feel pretty recovered from the C-section at this point. I've noticed my libido returning, so I guess my body is feeling pretty well. Hubby should be pleased. (Yeah, probably too much information, but hey, its honest.)

My annual birthday bash will be celebrated this year with his Baptism (on my b-day) which I think is kinda cool. We'll have everyone back to the house for cocktails, snacks & birthday cake for hubby & I. Any suggestions for gifts for the Godparents??

An Ode to Caleb

In my son's 3 1/2 weeks of life here on the outside I have never had more conversations, discussions, or given more praise for poop, farts or burps. Maybe it's a boy thing? But I find my self (and the hubby) praising the little guys burps ("Yeah, that was a big one"), flatulence ("Oooh, that has to feel better now") and even his excrement ("MegaPoo!") This is to say nothing of the continual fear of the "firehose" that could go off at any given diaper change...all over himself or me. I suppose considering it takes up a third of my day (the other 2/3 consumed by feedings and singing silly madeup songs...not sleep!) My husband suggested that since we do renaissance faire, we should have reconsidered naming him "Henry Tooter"! (haha!)

I suddenly feel my intellectual self slipping slowly away into the diaper pail! Save me!!

Sunshine on my Shoulder makes Me Happy

Anyone remember that song from the 70s? The point is that the current temperature is 70 degrees and gorgeously sunny, so despite being exhausted, its a fabulous day. The Snugglebug & I ventured forth on our first walk together around the neighbourhood (which includes a cute little "downtown" area of shops). The bumps of the sidewalk lulled him into a nap, but I had my iPod of tunes, the warm sun and the glory of no jacket to entertain me on our hour outing. I have a feeling this will become a habit...and who knows maybe I'll lose this baby weight?

Zombie

Saturday we went to one of my best friend's daughter's first birthday party. It was a nice outing, saw lots of people, ate great food, and generally enjoyed socializing. Sebastian was quite the social butterfly. Sunday he, the hubby & I wandered around the Domes in Milwaukee. (The Domes are 3 glass domes each with a different garden...tropical, desert & then the specialty dome, which currently is filled with lush fragrant spring flowers & a special train exhibit running through it all.) It was nice to walk around & gardens, and a chance to try out the new stroller. The kidlet wasn't feeling well, so she stayed home & rested. Unfortunately she got worse & spent the day home from school today sleeping. Today was hubby's first day back to work full time...it is now 9:30pm and I'm getting my first real break since this time yesterday. I'm exhausted. It's amazing how someone who is less than 8lbs. can wear you out. Sleep would be good, I should just go to bed now, but I'd really like to have a little time to myself & maybe even some with my husband...how do you make that happen??

My Lastest Addition

So I've now acquired yet another new addition to the household...my very own iPod Nano! I'm stupidly excited & no longer jealous of my 13-year-old. I've even ordered a orange leather case for it. I've always loved music...was a radio DJ once upon a time...and the thought of putting so many songs onto this tiny little portable device thrills me to no end. And let's just say the baby's lullabys have vastly improved in the past 2 days!

2 weeks

Our son is 2 weeks old today and growing. He's very sweet.

However, I've realized a few things in these past 14 days:

1. You don't realize how much you use your abdominal muscles for everyday things until you've had them cut, restitched & stapled.

2. I always said "Sleep is for the weak"...well I'm feeling pretty weak right now, and could use more sleep!

3. Just because the tag says 0-3 months doesn't mean your baby will actually fill those clothes very well...and will end up looking like a little old man with his pants pulled up to his nipples.

4. When given the choice between eating, blogging, or sleeping...sleep will win out.

5. 2am really is a good time to watch a movie with your husband...and thank God for Netflix.

6. Other friends with babies are wonderful to vent to. They are the only ones who truly understand.

7. If you don't get a break from feedings or get a shower in several days, you will end up hating your husband.

8. Whoever said little boys are easier to diaper than little girls obviously never had a little boy. They are like a trigger just waiting to go off. And poo gets all over their little boy bits.

9. Visitors want to hold the new baby and thinks its adorable when they rock him to sleep. Yeah...could you please keep that in mind when I'm the one up with him all night because you made him sleep all day?

10. You can and will know the deepest, most unconditional love when you have a child...even when they pee on you in the middle of the night.

Welcome to the World!

Our son Sebastian Raymond was born last Wednesday, 21 February 2007 at 11:02am weighing in at 7 lbs. 2 oz. and18 1/2" long. So far he's been a healthy, contented baby who doesn't cry much and loves to snuggle. I've nicknamed him my "Snuggle Bug".

We started the day by dropping the kidlet off at our friends' Jodi & Ray's house (they live 1/2 a block from her school) before heading down to the hospital. That's the thing with a scheduled C-section, there is none of the mad rush to the hospital, the contractions during the drive that seems so long. Once checked in we were ushered to the room, changed into the lovely hospital gown, IV injected and then left to wait. My doctor was already in another surgery, so my C-section would be delayed. I took the time to nap while the hubby read. But soon enough the nurse came to walk me to the OR and the nerves set in. I couldn't help but realizing that in nearly moments they would be cutting me open and I shook with nervous fear all through the insertion of the spinal block. I was grateful it took effect immediately, though let me tell ya its rather disturbing to mentally tell your body "wiggle toes" and for nothing to happen. As the nurses & doctor all arrived I simply kept thinking about my parents (whom I desperately wish could share in this exciting time), my daughter, my husband and the new bundle o' joy we were about to meet.

Paul was brought into the room, held my hand, and I could feel the doctor tugging at my lower half. I am surprised at just how fast it all was, because quickly I heard them say "Here he is!" and could see Paul watching everything over the sterile curtain with baited breath. Then I heard the sweetest, low pitched cry and felt a tear fall down my cheek. I could hear the nurses counting out fingers & toes. I asked "Does he have ten of each? All where they belong?" Paul smiled & nodded and they called him over to see our new son. "He's definately Polish" Paul laughed (refering to the enlarged size of his boy bits!) I lay on the table, sighing in relief when I heard a nurse say his APGAR was 9. Then a nurse said "Want to meet your son?" I looked up into the sweet face and was surprised at how fair he was. My daughter had been born with a very full head of black hairs. Sebastian is fair with wispy light brown hairs. And then I kissed him.

You know that "Love at first sight" thing? Yeah...I don't know about romantic love, but that is oh so true of the love you are hit with when you first see your own child. I was hooked forever.

Recovery was in my room...fairly uneventful except for not even being able to keep ice chips down and uber-swollen feet & legs thanks to the anethesia. I only spent two full days in the hospital and hubby was able to stay both nights. Our friends brought Big Sis to the hospital immediately after school, who presented her new baby brother with an adorable big balloon. She cried while holding her baby brother and kept telling him how cute he is and how much she loves him. I was filled with pride and hope for the future watching her hold him and kiss him. (She likes to call him "kiwi head" since his head and hairs are so soft & fuzzy...you can see her cuddling with him here.)

Hubby's parents, the oh-s0-proud new grandparents arrived, along with Auntie/Godmother Andrea. They are wonderfully excited to have a grandbaby and I can tell the spoiling is about to begin. I'm glad he, like Kaitlyn, will have wonderful doting grandparents. Then Godfather Matt arrived, who seems smitten too.

And now we're home. Successfully finding some semblence of a system, if not a routine. I had my staples removed yesterday & the diagnosis is that I'm healing well. Breastfeeding has been a frustrating, unsuccessful test of wills. But our son is doing well, as are we, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!

The Home Stretch

Well, despite what my baby ticker above says, I only have 5 days until the baby is scheduled to arrive. This will probably be my last post until after that, since my computer at home is on the fritz and away being fixed (hopefully). I want to thank everyone who has given me/us support, wisdom, and friendship over these past months...and for more to come, I'm certain! I will definately let ya'll know the whos, wheres, what, whens & hows of his arrival as soon as I possibly can!

I'm nervous, I must admit. Today is my final day at work before beginning maternity leave and as long as I was still working it meant I still had time. But here it is, and the reality of it all is starting to hit...in a couple of days I'll have a son. Wow! That's hard to imagine. I'm starting over as a parent. And I'm worried I won't know what to do! Wish us luck, keep us in your thoughts & prayers...we'll let you know how the journey begins!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer:
What sound, other than the normal ringing, would you like your telephone to make?
Well, my home phone does nothing remarkable, but my cell phone plays either the Avatar:The Last Airbender theme song or "Reach Up for the Sunrise" by Duran Duran.
Soup
Describe your usual disposition in meteorological terms (partly cloudy, sunny, stormy, etc.).
Mostly sunny with a hint of storm clouds. I'm pretty happy today, but I'm also a little worried about the upcoming delivery!
Salad
What specific subject do you feel you know better than any other subjects?
After waaaay too many years working with renaissance faires, I'd definately have to say I'm nearly an expert on the Elizabethan era, particularly regarding the way of life & clothing. Go ahead, quiz me!
Main Course
Imagine you were given the ability to remember everything you read for one entire day. Which books/magazines/newspapers would you choose to read?
Fortunately I read fairly fast, so I think I'd plow through a few classics so I could quote them at whim, maybe read the Bible, and some history books
Dessert
If a popular candy maker contacted you to create their next confection, what would it be like and what would you name it?
Since the best chocolates in the world to me are either Raisin & Biscuit Yorkie bars from England or Mozart chocolates from Austria, I'd want either of those companies to contact me. I think I'd want something chocolate - raspberry flavoured named after me, of course. Kimba is a good name for a chocolate truffle bar, don'tcha think?

Kindness

I've had some really crappy jobs. Ok, maybe the jobs weren't really crappy, but some of the people I've worked with...or for...have been. So now that I have a job I really enjoy and some amazing people to work for & with, I am grateful. Today they proved even more how sweet they are by giving me a "congratulations on the baby/we'll miss you while you're on maternity leave" luncheon. Yummy Mexican food, adorable presents for baby boy, and a $50 gift card to "use on baby if you must, but really you should use it for yourself". This from 2 great bosses & 1 co-worker whom I can't appreciate enough. Yeah...sometimes you have to see why the people & the job are worth more than the low salary.

Speaking of kindness, I was actually touched by last night's season finale of "Beauty & the Geek". Yes, I admit to being an addicted fan of the reality show, but it reminds me of oh-so-many people I've know...both the beauties AND the geeks. My favourite "geek" won, which made me happy, but it was the second place "geek" that was the real hero of the show. See, his teammate, this bimbo named CeCe, hadn't changed, hadn't been affected by the experiment of the show, hadn't grown as a person. She is the kind of person who believes she deserves to be pampered, taken care of, and have only wealthy men in her life...and will stomp on anyone who tries to prevent her from having it. Her bleached blonde, little girly voice image had to be preserved at any cost...and because of it, her partner Nate, was more than willing to give up the $250,000 prize money in the hopes that maybe, just maybe someday she would learn a lesson from the whole thing. It was about his growth, his self-sacrifice in this day & age when most people really seem out for the cash, the glory, the celebrity of reality TV. He proved that the point of the show really is about people and self-growth. Maybe its goofy to be moved by a TV show created by Ashton Kutcher of all people...but it seems like one of the few shows on primetime these days that really gets into the psyche and emotions and basics of people and stereotypes...and that kindness does win in the end.

Lovey

Happy Valentine's Day my friends!

Whether you have a love to share it with, or simply need to indulge yourself, have a GREAT Valentine's Day! May your day have richness (mmm...chocolate), beauty (flowers or jewelry), and love (particularly for yourself)!

My night will probably consist of having a heart-shaped pizza with the family and, if I'm really lucky, playing a game with them. However, the ex is actually coming to our side of the lake this weekend to pick up the kidlet & spend the weekend in Chicago with her, so hubby & I will probably celebrate Valentine's and our last weekend before baby arrives then.

UPDATE

Ok...so after complaining to Target, this is the response I received via email:

"I'm sorry for any disappointment, but we are unable to assist you with an exchange or store credit.Unless an item is listed on your registry purchase log, our return policy requires a receipt dated within 90 days for any return. As a guest service, you were able to return a few items without a receipt. Our computer system tracks every return using your driver's license or photo ID. Now you've reached your maximum number of returns without a receipt - that's why you now need to have a receipt for any item not listed on your registry purchase log. Great products. Great value. And a great shopping experience - every time you visit our stores. That's what Target is all about. Your feedback is a big help to us, and I'll make sure to share your comments with our executives. Please let us know if we can be of any help in the future.Thanks again for shopping with us. I hope you'll visit us again soon at Target.Sincerely,Tom Target Gift Registrieswww.target.com"

Gee, thanks for the help Target. I'm still stuck with things I don't want. I guess I'll be making a trip to the resale shop sometime soon. *sigh*

Grumble, Grumble

Ok, so I really want everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE to know what a truly crappy return policy Target has. I should begin by saying I love Target. The damned store just sucks you in and before you know it you've spent $100 when you only went in for shampoo. They have good stuff. That's why we did our baby registry there. So you can imagine just how upset I was last night when I went to return a few gifts we'd received at my last shower. They were all items that we either already had or simply wanted to exchange for something else. Nothing remarkable...some onesies with (shudder) footballs all over them, a rough feeling blanket, some bibs, those tiny baby caps (seriously, how many of those things can you really use?), and some bottles (the 5th set of the same ones, I might add). Now, the givers of these gifts didn't give us a gift receipt, but since everything was the Target brand, we knew where they came from...and tags were still attached. It seems Target's return policy is that if you don't have a receipt, you get to return 2 single items in a one year period for store credit. Since I was married last year, and apparently returned something sometime in the past 365 sans receipt, I'm stuck with these things. Just stuck with them. No matter I don't want them, don't need them, and would just like to get something else from their store...I'm stuck with them at least until my 365 days are up. Then I could return ONE of them...not all 5. (They can't actually tell you when that year ends either...go figure.) Am I the only one who finds this utterly ridiculous? If it were most anywhere but Target I'd just ban shopping at the store entirely. Instead I simply want EVERYONE to know...and complain! I feel completely taken advantage of by them. *sigh* Ok...that's my rant for the day.

The Golden Child...er...Piglet

So in my ever present quest to learn something new every day, today I was excited to learn that 2007, in the Chinese calendar, is not just the Year of the Pig, but rather the Year of the Golden Fire Pig. (let's have a collective "oooh, ahhh" here please) Apparently every 600 years or so this combination means that anyone born under this sign will live a life of luck & wealth. (Alright! At least one of my kids might take care of me in my old age?) Apparently this is causing all sorts of havoc at the hospitals in China & Korea as people are racing to have kids born this year. I have never put alot of faith in horoscopes, but I am always impressed when I read the traits of each of the signs on the placemats at Chinese restaurants. I just know that if my son can have luck & financial stability throughout his life, who can argue with that?

On a side note, the 13 year old kidlet made me proud last night. Her CO2 car was on display at the Technology Fair. Her teacher said that though hers wasn't the fastest, it was the most creative. (It looked like a goldfish.) He also said she is the hardest worker in class & the least trouble. Ah, golden words to a mother!

The Other Parents...the Godly Ones

Last Friday we invited the hubby's sister and one of his oldest friends over for dinner & games. It was a lovely evening and we surprised them both by asking them to be the godparents to our forthcoming bambino. It was a decision we didn't take lightly and chose them because 1. they are both Catholic (a requirement of the church), 2. they are both people whom we feel can bring an interesting perspective of life to our son, 3. will be active participants in his life, and 4. who really have a strong sense of faith and are comfortable with expressing their religious and worldly views. It's not an easy task to select those individuals whom are supposed to take on that "Godly" role in a child's life. I realize that most "Godparents" don't really fulfill much of a role beyond the baptism, but I'd really like it to be more than that. I'd like to think that they will have a special place in his life. Of course, I believe that all of our friends bring new perspectives and experiences to us, that's why we choose them as friends, and why we want them in our children's lives. I'm proud to say that I have friends who are bright, intelligent, vibrant souls who can show him that people are all different. That's exciting.

Well, the new godfather brought baby a gift, unknowingly. It's this cool Rainforest bouncey seat that makes waterfall simulation, rainforest sounds & songs. It's sooo cute and colourful! I firmly believe someone needs to make something like this for adults...wouldn't you want a big comfy chair to relax in with soothing sounds & vibrations?

Just a bit o'blah

Well, the weather is still dreadfully cold (oooh...today's expected high? 12 degrees! That's nearly a heatwave around here these days!), last night we did another night at "Dinner by Design" and stocked up the freezer with 7 more yummy meals in preparation for baby's arrival, which I might add is 2 weeks from today! I'm amazingly achey, uncomfortable, akward, and finally have most things packed in a hospital bag. (Any suggestions of things I might be forgetting?) Today's final ultrasound reveals that he's measuring in around 6 lb. 9 oz. and everything looks great! I'm planning to continue working this week & next. What more can I say?

The Big Chill

Holy Crap it's cold! Today is the sort of day for bundling under the biggest, thickest sweater & socks you own, and then wrapping up in a giant fleece blanket with a big mug o'tea and doing nothing but watching some good movies. Why? Because it's freakin' -13 below outside with a windchill of -35 degrees! Yikes! Schools were all closed today (thank goodness) so the kidlet gets to stay in as well. No snow, just bitter bitter cold. Brrrrr.

My luck I'll go into labour.

Let the Countdown Begin...

Well, I've been trying to post this for a few days but had some issues with Blogger. But allow me to share my BIG news...

Baby is scheduled to be born in less than 3 weeks!! February 21st will be his birthday!!! I can hardly believe that in that short of time I'll be holding him in my arms!

I was banking on the 20th so he'd be a Mardi Gras baby, but instead I'm giving up being pregnant for Lent!

Time is Fleeting

I was sitting here today thinking of how fast time flies. How my daughter was a baby only a moment ago, a sweet little girl with piggy tails who loved broccoli & her babies, and always ready for a hug. Now she's 13 with a sassy bob who still loves broccoli & her babies have a loving place on her bed. But she's also smart, sometimes wise, overtly sassy, highly independent (she can cook a mean breakfast), and sometimes wants nothing to do with me. How did the time fly by so very fast? How is it that in only a few years time she'll be going off to college? As I sit and await the arrival of this new baby, I can't help but realize just how quickly he too will be up walking & talking, and before I know it dating & driving. I don't feel any older (and don't look much older than goodness) than when I had my daughter 13 years ago, so how is it possible that much time has actually gone by? And did I spend those years the best way I could? Have I been raising her to be kind & make wise choices? Am I a good mom? Can I be better?

Ah yes, Priorities!

Ok, so I'm sure that most of you have heard by now about this woman who actually had herself induced early so that her husband could go to the Chicago Bears game last Sunday rather than be at the hospital with her while she delivered his son. Are you kidding me? What sort of idiot actually would be put out to miss a stupid football game because of the birth of his child? And what sort of idiot is she for supporting that sort of behaviour?
I realize my husband & I are not sports people and you never find a football or baseball game playing on our TV, so I will never understand someone's obsession over watching someone else play a sport! I mean, even the actual athletes take time off to be at the birth of their child, don't they?! And the woman is so proud of how much she loves her husband to give him "... this one opportunity that he might never have again in his life?" Sure...babies are born every day, but the Bears playing in the NFL Championships, that's the once in a lifetime opportunity!
Ah, the priorites are clearly in place here!

Let me simply state for the record...if my husband even harbored a thought of being anywhere but beside me at the hospital while I deliver his child that I've already carried around for 9 months, he'd learn a whole new meaning to "foot balls"!

No One Mourns the Wicked...

Today is a very special day for my daughter & I as we not only are going to be spending the evening together in Chicago, but we're going to see WICKED again! It was an awesome Christmas gift from her paternal grandparents that I get to benefit from as well! (woo hoo!) Even better is that the tickets are 2nd row dress circle! She is giddy beyond words, and I have to admit I am a little bit too! We'll head down to Chi-town, do some wandering around the shops & dinner before heading to the Oriental Theatre for the show. If you haven't had a chance to see it, do...its a fabulous production! And I have to say I'm looking forward to a "girl's night" with my kidlet before "tad" makes his own debut.

Additionally, I have to thank all of my friends who gave me kind encouragement & advice regarding breastfeeding. Again, if anyone else had words of wisdom, they are definately welcomed! I feel so fortunate to have friends who I know are wise in so many ways!

*UPDATE* Wicked was wickedly wonderful! The kidlet & I had a lovely evening in the city, even had time to wander Macy's (the original fabulous Marshall Fields building) across the street to take in the Tiffany ceilings and other delights. We had a great night out, had amazing seats, and good company! Unfortunately I had to be up bright & early for work this morning. Tomorrow is my first baby shower though, so I'm looking forward to that!!

Au Natural

This week's doctors appointments revealed that I'm fine and haven't gained alot, baby is fine and as of this morning weighs in around 4 lb. 15 oz. In 2 weeks my doctor will tenatively schedule the day & time of my C-section. Two weeks after that he'll reassess & confirm. So basically, we can probably plan on meeting our new son sometime in the next 5-6 weeks. (I'm secretly hoping for Feb. 20th so he'll be a Mardi Gras baby!)

My doctor didn't have me take any of the prenatal classes, but I'd like to try to breastfeed for awhile. I wasn't able to with my daughter, so this too is a whole new experience for me. However, the only class being offered at the hospital is after my due date! So, I'm seeking advice from other readers/bloggers out there. Help! Give me your advice, insight, talents, etc. on entering into the milky way!

Counting down...

So I have about 6 weeks of pregnancy left. I can hardly believe time has gone by so fast, but here we are only weeks away from holding our new son in our arms. Amazing to think about...overwhelming at best. The nursery is all set up & waiting. Walls have been painted (a lovely warm yellow), crib is made & set (with a cute bedding set of safari animals), dresser is put together (and already has several outfits inside), changing table has some diapers & wipes in the drawer (though I still need a changing pad & cover), and the bookshelf has some toys and books gracing the shelves. Whew. Now we wait. My showers are set for the next couple of Sundays, and I'm terribly excited about that! I just hope everything goes smoothly & without worry. (Ha, yeah not worry!)
Otherwise nothing new to tell. Life is rather slow & dull right now...and for once I'm not complaining about that.

Hey Baby, Baby...

The first week of the new year has been stressful, to say the least. Hubby and I have both been working lots of extra hours, despite being short week. Kidlet has been back to school. Crazy random things have happened (like one of the boards of our bed falling off at midnight last night) , people's emotions have been running high and I've been on the receiving end of it. (Let's just say the ex hasn't been the most pleasant person to deal with this week.) And the biggest thing that has been stressing me out? Diapers. I know, I know the baby isn't even here yet, but the lack of diapers, wipes and stupid little necessity items like that have totally been freaking me out! I've also decided to plan ahead and take advantage of "Dinner by Design" and go prepare some meals to have during that first week or two after the little one gets here. But between exhaustion, hormones, and my own stress I think I'm losing my mind. Am I crazy or has the placenta eaten my brain?

Pass The Torch

Please take a brief moment to visit Kelly at Pass the Torch. By taking a moment to leave a comment on her site, you will help support St. Jude Medical Research Hospital, as her corporate sponser will give $1 for every comment left. Please help someone else this holiday season by doing this simple deed.

The Aftermath

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas or Hanukkah or Yule. Mine was nice. Calm, which was good. Christmas Eve was spent w/the in-laws having a lovely dinner & gifts. The Day was spent opening gifts privately at home, then off to church, and then home again for a quiet, relaxing day. (Something we never do...it was great!) In the evening we again spent it with more of hubby's extended family. My gifts weren't what I expected, but still nice. I was able to get several new pieces to add to my Fontanini nativity collection, so that was a pleasant surprise. My biggest gift was definately the calm of the day.

I had my pregnancy check up too...everything is progressing calmly there. He's about 3 lb. 10oz as of yesterday and growing right on schedule. (My home computer crashed, otherwise I'd post the latest ultrasound picture...its a really awesome closeup of his little face!) Only about 9 weeks to go...I can hardly believe it! Hubby painted the nursery last night (a lovely warm yellow called "Denver Omlette"...ha!) so tonight we'll probably build the dresser & do some arranging there. Because we'll be having guests this weekend for New Year's we'll wait to put up the crib, and instead put the spare bed mattresses in there for them to have their own room to sleep in.

Nothing more to share, really. Hope the holidays are good to you!

Essence of the Holiday

Ok, so the epitome of Christmas truly lies with those people who make you feel special and loved, and I have to say that I am so amazingly fortunate to have THE Greatest Friend EVER! My best friend, Kim, totally surprised me yesterday by sending me not one, but two different loaves of Stollen for Christmas. This German frosted fruit bread has been my family's traditional Christmas morning breakfast for my whole life, (specifically from Zehnder's in Frankenmuth, MI) so the fact that she not only remembered this obscure little fact about my life, she (who lives in Ohio) made the effort to have the loaves shipped to me in Wisconsin! It was truly one of the coolest things anyone has ever done. I've been like a little kid, bouncing around all giddy since opening the box. Kim...you Rock!!

Today is my daughter's 13th birthday. I can hardly fathom that fact. As I sit here, 7 months pregnant, I can't help but remember everything about being pregnant with her. It wan't a difficult pregnancy, with the exception of the unbearable heartburn. (I'm convinced I, personally, funded the Tums corporation that year.) She was overdue, the doctor's put me through a week of cervical gels, 3 day of triple doses of pitocin, and still her stubbornness kept me from ever going into labour! At 1:30pm, 13 years ago today, she was delivered by a very easy and uncomplicated C-section. She had a full beautiful head of black hair (I could put it into a little ponytail it was so long) and perfect skin. She was so cute the nurses all wanted to keep her with them (which was a blessing when I needed to get some sleep). That first day she could already raise her head up.

Her stubborness hasn't changed, nor has her ability to learn & charm. She now stands several inches taller than me, has a new cute, sassy haircut, and all the teenage attitude. But she's also still very loving, cuddles up on the couch whenever she can, is an avid reader, loves to perform, and still makes me laugh. She may drive me crazy at times, like any kid her age, but my love for her has only continued to grow. My birthday wish for her is to feel confident in her own skin, to know she is truly loved, and that she'll always work hard for her own successes. I can't believe my little girl is now a teenager. Time truly does fly by faster than we can appreciate it.

Holiday of Faith

This morning I, unexpectedly, found myself getting very worked up mentally (& emotionally) after reading one of my favourite blogs, Motherhood Uncensored. Kristin has been writing about religion and the hypocracies she sees, believes, experiences with it. And I agree, there are alot of hypocrites in the world (our dear President, included, in my opinion) who hide behind their so-called morality. Her debate of the day addresses whether or not religion should be "convenient". Allow me to share the comment I posted at her blog:

"I find it utterly ridiculous to say that religion should be convenient. Of course it shouldn't be convenient! It should be about effort and some personal sacrifice. That's the problem with America these days, everyone wants what's easiest, what's most convenient to them. We're a disposable society with disposable values. No one is willing these days to make the extra efforts, be it in school, work, relationships or religion.
That said, I think most people are also confusing the difference between faith and religion. Religion is man-made, and therefore ANY religion is going to have fault. Faith is your belief in a higher power, whether you want to call that God, Alla, goddess, or banana, its about putting trust and faith into something, someone more knowledgeable and powerful than you.
But people want someone else to blame, so organized religion becomes the target more often than not. The Catholic church especcially, as they are one of the oldest, most widespread and dominant religions on the planet...and yet they have endured. But there has been far more corruption within other religions and religious leaders, as well. But it seems easy to overlook the "crazy televangelists" or "backwoods ministers" because Hey, we apparently expect them to be crazy and do stupid things. Let's not forget that the Reformation started with a crazed king, people taking Luther's words and making them something other than he intended, and Knox who married a child and kept her captive...clearly these were sane men from whom to base religions on!
(Fact of the matter is the Catholic church had, under our previous pope, a very liberal view on women's and gay rights. Most people haven't bothered to know that.)
I am FAR from some Bible-thumpin' religious fanatic, but I do feel that our society chooses the easy way out more times than not. And that usually is without solid knowledge and instead acts with emotion. "

Yes, in a nutshell that sums up my general beliefs. I don't care what religion you choose to practice, recognize the failings within all of them. Nothing about religion is ever going to be "convenient" to everyone, nor should it be. But faith is, and should be, convenient because faith is trust. It's honesty. It's peace.

So no matter what your religion or what holiday celebration you are indulging in this month, find peace. Share it. Spread it. Be it.

Bah Humbug!

So we had travel plans for this weekend. A leisurely 6+ hour drive into Michigan to visit my siblings & their families for our annual Christmas gathering. It varies as to which house it will be at, but we all get together for the day and celebrate in the typical chatty, snacky way. Then the kids open gifts, we eat dinner together, my daughter & nephew blow out birthday candles (as both of their b-days are in December) and then they get their gifts. The evening typically is filled with game playing & digging out old photos. A generally basic, and in most cases, pleasant enough day. We do this the same weekend every year.
So why then are we no longer making the trip? Because, it seems, one of my brothers has to work and apparently, as he's the oldest, that means none of us can get together. WTF? I'm furious, to say the least. It's the one time each year we all get together. It's the same freakin' weekend every year! It's utter chaos, in my opinion. My sister even offered for everyone to come to her place instead...but no, the rest of them can't seem to get it together to do that. I swear, families can be nothing but stress during the holidays. They had the nerve to suggest we all get together in January. Uh, hello...that's one month before this baby is due and I'm not travelling in God-knows-what kind of weather to another state then! And God forbid they should actually come here! (Apparently the roads only travel TO Michigan, not FROM. It's a good thing I have my special passport to get back into Wisconsin, huh?) Yeah...Happy Freakin' Holidays Family. *sigh*

So now I'll probably spend my weekend at the post office mailing gifts. Rah.

'Tis the Season...for stress

Ok, first the good news. I passed the 3 hour glucose/gestational diabetes test, which means I'm all good. (YEAH!) I celebrated with a plate full of christmas cookies & a giant glass of milk.

I don't know that I really have any bad news, but merely to state I'm stressed beyond words right now. Extended family, money, pregnancy, etc. etc. etc...its all just adding up to me not being able to relax (or sleep) and simply causing me to generally freak out. Baby has been unusually quiet (and still) for a few days, which is also freaking me out. (ok, straight up terrifying me) I still have gifts to get. It's just a general feeling of I want to get away...have a relaxing massage or bath (in a tub much bigger than the one we have), and simply be able to destress. The end.

On the upside, we visited a Christkindelmarkt on Sunday. It's a traditional German Christmas market with vendors, artisans, food, etc. It was very enjoyable We definately want to take the baby & kidlet for photos there with Father Christmas next year.

Fa La La La La

Christine inspired me to this Christmas meme, and since I haven't much else to do, maybe you can play along as well?

1. A favorite ’secular’ Christmas song.
Oh so many, but I think my favourites are probably "All I Want for Christmas is You", "Baby its cold outside", and "White Christmas". OH! And "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
2. Christmas song that chokes you up (maybe even in spite of yourself–the cheesier the better).
My all-time favourites are either "Do You Hear What I Hear?", "Riu Riu Chiu" and "Adestes Fideles". Nothing has made me cry yet though.
3. Christmas song that makes you want to stuff your ears with chestnuts roasted on an open fire.
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa claus", "Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer" and that god-awful "I want a hippopotomus for Christmas"...I can't turn them off fast enough!
4. The Twelve Days of Christmas: is there *any* redeeming value to that song? Discuss.
Absolutely...it is the epitome of the marketing of the holiday! and besides, can anyone hate the Muppets version? Unlikely!
5. A favorite Christmas album.
Oh that one that came out in the 80s that has Madonna's version of "Santa Baby" on it! "White Christmas" soundtrack. And even though I don't own either, I really want Clay Aikens new one and Amy Grant's original Christmas one.
Now it’s your turn.

Sugar Sugar

So I received a phone call this morning telling me I failed my glucose screening test and must now suffer the 3-hour gestational diabetes testing on Monday. This sucks. I hate failing any test, but expecially one regarding my health!

On the upside baby seem good (can you see his little face there, smiling at the camera?), growing right on target, and currently weighing in at around 2 pounds 9 ounces. Right in the 50th percentile. Why am I not surprised? This kid has been so "by the book" its hilarious. Where I had none of the "you should be feeing this at this time" with my daughter, and who continues to be a very independent individual, this boy seems to almost take pride in following all the rules. (Just like his father...go figure!) I just hope when he's a teenager he'll continue to be the same way!

Trying to get thing set for the holidays. We have a party for renaissance faire this Saturday to attend, which could be fun. Always good to see people. I wish I had some lovely holiday outfit to wear, but being as pregnant as I am, a pair of stretchy trousers and a maternity blouse is the best it gets. *sigh* I have set plans for New Year's Eve though, which is a nice thought. (a low key, international theme at a nearby friend's place...everyone must bring an ethnic dish to pass)

Hubby & kidlet are planning a massive cookie baking day on Saturday with his sister. Should be fun for them. They are also going ice skating on Friday with a group of friends. I desperately wish I could go. I even bought myself new figure skates last spring. *sigh* I guess I'll stay home and write out Christmas cards.

What are you doing to prepare for the holidays?

Snow Day!

Welcome to Winter! What a way for December to arrive! It's a glorious blanket of snowy goodness outside! We've been pounded with an official blizzard to start off the holiday season...and I, personally, am thrilled!

I love the snow...it's beautiful and untarnished in its stark whiteness. (Ok, I hate ice or slush, but snow...oh yeah!) So far we've gotten over 10 inches in the past 8 hours, and its still coming down, though I think its petering out. It's the kind of snow I remember as a kid...giant mounds of snow, heavy and wet, perfect for playing in. And yes, of course all the school are closed...is there few things better to a kid than a snow day?

The funny thing is that I also get a snow day from work...and the hubby would have too had he not ventured out earlier than his boss who called to tell him the office was closed today...after he was already there for a hour! (Ah the dedicated man...I think he'll come home at lunchtime.)

I know so many people complain about the weather, but I live in the midwest because we do like the snow...so I feel a special giddiness today and if I wasn't 7 months pregnant, I'd be out playing too! Instead, I'll just cuddle under a warm blanket with a mug of cocoa...with lots of marshmallows! Mmmm...

Let the Season Begin

To begin, it is "officially" the holiday season...the turkeys have been picked clean, the cranberries are gone, and there is the hectic buzz of gift shopping in the air. I realized I was torn in my "thankfulness" over the holiday. While I am thankful to have a home, clothes, food, and family, I was also regretful of the fact my mother is thousands of miles away in Florida, my daughter was visiting her father in Michigan, no friends were around, and that because of work I couldn't actually spend much time with my husband. I know, I'm an ungrateful wretch...but its honesty of my feelings, so don't give me too hard a time. Add to it my frustration of driving the kidlet to Michigan & back...twice. On both Wednesday and Sunday I mad it to Michigan with no problems or delays. Driving back is another story. On Wednesday what is normally a 3 - 3 1/2 hour trip took over 7 hours! Sunday wasn't as bad...only 4 1/2. *sigh* 'Tis the season of travelling through Chicago.

So today is time for Christmas to go up in the house. I'm realizing that after 3 hours I'm beyond exhausted. Baby Boy has been kicking up a storm. And I'm taking a much needed rest. Christmas will simply have to come gradually this year. I think I'll start wrapping gifts...less chance for anyone to "stumble" upon something I don't want them to see before Dec. 25th!

One year o'bliss

So Sunday was our one year wedding anniversary, and it was lovely. I know that most people tend to have a special anniversary thost first few years especcially, but after a previous marriage with anniversaries that were sometime less than spectacular, my expectations tend to be rather low now. So, I was more than pleasantly surprised that the hubby took such efforts to make the weekend special.

After work on Saturday he & I had a fabulous dinner at "The Palms" in Milwaukee. It's a trendy sort of upscale place in the Third Ward (read: arts snobby part of town) with prices way more than we can't normally indulge (our meal came to just under $100...by this I mean $98...and I couldn't even have cocktails... but our friend & priest who married us had given us a $100 gift card to dine there...thank you so very much Fr. Bob!) On Sunday I was allowed to sleep in and be woken to a full English breakfast...on china & crystal, no less! It was delicious and he said he just wanted to recapture the many breakfasts we'd had on our honeymoon in the UK last year. We exchanged gifts, and I was given something I've wanted for years...mother of pearl opera glasses (the ones in the picture here)! I just love going to the ballet or theatre and the elegance of opera glasses...and now I have a set to call my own!

After breakfast we took the kidlet with us to go see "Marie Antionette" at the cinema. What a delightful film! I highly recommend it. (I must purchase the soundtrack soon.) We wandered some shops for a few hours, and then had dinner at Red Lobster, where gorged myself on all-you-can-eat shrimp scampi & coconut shrimp with pina colada dipping sauche. Yum! It was a very delicious and laid back anniversary that I'll cherish.

Evil Programming

Ok, so why is it that whenever I attempt to stray from my usual TV viewing (i.e. House Hunters, Ghost Hunters, What Not to Wear, Gilmore Girls and Top Chef) I end up seeing some horrible show about dying babies or mothers? I stopped watching ER because of this very reason...so why in God's name did I tune into an episode this morning? Sure enough...dying pregnant woman. So I flip to some random movie (Jersey Girl, I think) just in time to see Jennifer Lopez dying in childbirth! Last night I flipped it over to Gray's Anatomy (I've never seen a single episode of this show before, mind you) and see a pregnant lady fall & kill her baby. Ok...does Hollywood think this is a good storyline? As a 6 month pregnant, hormonal mess...I declare a protest! I'm going to back to my regularly scheduled shows about ghosts...its much safer.

In Knots

Overall, I’m rather pleased with the election results. I’m not going to dwell on it here, however I must say I’m beyond disgusted with the people of Wisconsin for passing the amendments on Gay marriage/civil rights and the Death Penalty. Apparently a state whose motto is “Forward” actually wants Puritanical laws denying rights to unmarried or gay couples and putting people to death. I’m repulsed. But enough on that.

Does anyone know a good way to eliminate back pain when you’re 24 weeks pregnant? To say I’m in excruciating pain is an understatement. Nightly I have the hubby slather my back in Icy Hot…which works for about 2 hours. The other 22 hours of the are unbearable. Please, if anyone can tell me what I can or can’t take, I’ll be eternally grateful.

Election Day

Remember to vote today!

Ok, that said, I haven't actually been to the polling place yet. I will, I promise. But this morning was my doctor's appointment...everything is great! The doctor is thrilled with the small weight gain I've had, baby is growing well, I'm having no complications...all is well!

Then I was off to attempt to find a decent anniversary gift for the hubby...sooo difficult to buy for! (Our one year anniversary is this coming Sunday.) Any ideas? I bought him a pair of trousers, which is no small feat as he's giant tall and uber-skinny...and a CD. Not the most romantic of gifts, I know. *sigh* Christmas will be even harder, I'm certain.

Speaking of, one of the Chicago radio stations is already playing nothing but Christmas music. I found it ironic since its actually in the 60s here today!

Oh well. NOthing more to say.

Halloween Take 2

So tomorrow is my Halloween party, an event I'm greatly looking forward to. (Though I must admit to some level stress...will I have enough food for everyone? Should I provide alcohol? How much? Will the kids be bored? But then I always stress before parties.) The theme, as I've stated before, if "Come as your favourite Literary Character...Dead!" Hubby & I will be portraying Mr. Darcy & Elizabeth...yeah, as if we haven't had enough Jane Austen in our lives lately! The kidlet will be Elphaba from "Wicked". I like my dress that I made last week...it's a lovely shade of pale yellow with a ivory overlay (similar to the drawing here). I know some of my friends will be going all out for their costumes...we're rather crazy like that. I'm certain to see gowns from the 1700s, 1890s, modern, futuristic, and just plain wacky. I can't wait!

What character would you be?

POLITICS...BE WARNED

Warning!! Political statements abound!! While we still live in a land where we “free speech” is still in the constitution, I’m going to exert my rights and make a few comments here in internet world. I may end up on some terrorist list because I don’t agree with the “powers that be”, but hey, I’ll take that chance. That said, if you don't vote next Tuesday, you don't have the right to complain!

Being a Democracy isn't easy. In fact we aren’t one..let's get over that right away. But we still have certain constitutional rights that need to be addressed. Take free speech. You may not like what I say, and you have the right to disagree. But I still have the right to say it. That includes questioning our leaders without being called "unpatriotic." Questioning our leaders and speaking your mind is the most patriotic thing you can do.

Changing the consitution to take away rights is wrong. The theory this nation was built on was equality. And seperation of church & state. If you don’t believe in equality for all people, gay or straight, you’re forgetting those two rights. Pure & simple. (And in my humble opinion, how can you pass judgement on who someone should love?)

I believe in a woman's right to choose. However, I think it should be controlled medically. Perhaps with certain limitations. It wouldn’t be my choice, and I think adoption in this country seriously needs to be readdressed with it, as well. Giving children back to drug addicts who couldn't take care of them in the first place is wrong in every way! And limiting adoption to only the wealthy is just as bad.

I think it should be an URGENT economic policy to develop an alternative fuel to oil and have it mainstream in the next five years. Take THAT OPEC and Mr. President-Whose-Family-Makes-Their-Money-From-Oil!

I think the “mission” in Iraq is a joke. Either make it a full out war and level the country already, or get out. How many young men & women must continue to die…and for what? (That or rename it “Bushland” and send him there to rule. He probably wouldn’t last a week.)

Our foreign policy should not be to play the bully. This is not the way to win friends and influence people. Other countries are starting to figure out that they can stand up to us. Our schools have “No Bullying” policies, shouldn’t our government?

I think that this healthcare thing has gotten way out of hand. I just find it wrong that politicians can accept money from pharmaceutical (or any other special interest, really). The average person simply cannot afford the high cost of health care, and God forbid if you actually get sick!

ALL public places (restaurants, bars, etc) should be NON SMOKING. "Waaaah! But people won't come to our bars anymore!" Are you kidding? If DUBLIN can do it, anyplace can do it. Ifyou lose anyone, you'll gain the same amount from people who don’t currently frequent your business because they actually want to breathe.

If you're paying $500 for a toilet seat, you should be fired. The government should have to shop at Walmart like the rest of us. How can we operate on a Deficit? If I bounce a check, I have to pay a fee. Somone please call a debt counselor for the government.

English should be the national language in the US. French is the national language in France. Italian is the national language in Italy. I should not be asked IN SPANISH if I want English or Spanish at the ATM if I live in the United States. I also think that each American gradeschooler should have to take a second language, and that everyone should have to study abroad to know that there are other countries that exist and that the US isn't the center of the world.

Politicians should never be asked to vote on a pay raise for themselves. If the people they represent aren’t making enough, why should they get any more? The end.

A step up from Monkeys??

Ok, so I ran across what I believe is the most disturbing children's toy around...Pee and Poo!! (billed as "Two come out of the Loo", as if that makes it any better!!) Swedish designers have created stuffies of excrement...is this something we really want to encourage kids to play with? I'm seeing a lifetime of fetishist that I simply don't want to fathom, thank you very much! Equally disturbing is the line of clothing bearing the images of such scat! (New! Adult clothing! Ewww...) At the website you can even send an e-card ("make someone happy"...clearly this is the new card to send to mom for her birthday!) I see hilarity among college students everywhere, however. And the designer's comment? "People just like them; they seem to have a universal appeal." I guess no matter what you race or religion, it is truly the unifier.

Trick or Treat

Thank you to all who posted yesterday and giving me encouragement to continue with the TT. Strange how I got more comments saying I wasn't going to do it anymore than when I was doing it! Perhaps I'll reconsider in the future.

This morning started with my check up ultrasound. Baby Boy is now one full pound! (Hey, that's double his weight in one month...keep growing little guy!) Doc says everything is perfect, so I'm feeling pretty good about that! I'm feeling his little kicks and punches more and more each day.

This weekend marks the official start of Halloween! As a full-fledged Halloween fan this is so fun to me! Trick or treating on Sunday (I know, it's wierd here in Wisconsin they do it during the weekend, for a limited number of hours, starting in daylight...I don't get it) and the kidlet is going as Elphaba from "Wicked" (aka the Wicked Witch of the West...only dressed per the stage show, not the movie) and I can only hope I have enough candy to hand out this year. (Last year we ran out there were so many kids!) We still need to find time to carve our pumpkins (probably Saturday night), and next weekend is my Halloween Party! I just finished my costume last night, and it's rather pretty actually!

Have a very Happy Halloween!!!

and now some general goofiness:
FRIDAY'S FEAST
Appetizer
Create a new candle scent.
Hmmm...probably something spicy and crisp right now...a combination of fresh linen and cinnamon/clove scent...I love the fall!
Soup
Name one way you show affection to others.
I give little gifts or make them something. I think its important to show the people you love that you really do.
Salad
What is your favorite writing instrument?
An ultrafine tip Sharpie. Serves most any purpose
Main Course
If you were given $25 to spend anywhere online, from which site would you buy?
Amazon.com I'd buy one of the many books or dvds I really want.
Dessert
Are you dressing up for Halloween? If so, what are you going to be?
Elizabeth Bennett-Darcy after she died from a tragic accident (from Pride & Prejudice...my party theme is Come as Your Favourite Literary Character...dead!)

Defeated 13

You will notice there is no Thursday Thirteen posted here today. That's because I feel defeated by the game. You see, I joined in playing because I thought it would be fun to be a part of the "greater blogger community". I've been sadly disappointed. Not only do I feel that little bit of hurt each week when nearly no one comes to visit my blog and read it, when they do stop by on a Thursday, it seems they never come back. Now, I realize my blog is hardly filled with non-stop humour or sex, but it's me, being honest and believing in the people who claim that it helps build friendship...and apparently that honesty counts for little (save among the established "real life" friends who stop by, and thank you for that). I write to express myself, to log my life publicly, to ask questions to gain insight from the world at large, and because it makes me feel good. Having no one read my Thursday Thirteen when there are so many who participate doesn't make me feel good...and so I must stop. I'll continue to read others TT, and comment (per the rules of the game), but I feel that others don't play fairly and so I remain, defeated.

What's in a Name?

Ok, today's silliness is because I don't get what is with the current trend of making up crazy ass names? Don't get me wrong, I don't care of the ordinary or mainstream names...call it the result of growing up with the most common name of the year I was born. I had a college roommate, 2 other girls on my dorm floor, and 3 other friends all with the same name. Hated it. I never would have given my 12 year old her name had I known it was going to become popular. However, I think there is a difference between different classic names and just crazy out there, "don't you think that your kids have to life with this the rest of their lives?" sort of names. Here are some examples:
Model Christy Turlington's new son: Finn (ok, not so bad really. Better as a nickname)
Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter: Apple (this is a fruit, not a child!)
Gillian Anderson's kid: Piper Maru (sounds like a species of bird to me)
David & Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham: Brooklyn (place of conception perhaps?), Romeo (hope he doesn't meet the same demise) and Cruz
Actress Kelly Rutherford's son: Herme`s Gustaf...what?!
Musician Beck's son: Cosimo Henri...sounds like a French astronomer
Actor Damian Lewis' daughter: Manon (she's a man, baby....)
Model Laetita Costa's kids: Orlando and Sahteene (is that sa-teeny or satine?)
Meg Ryan's daughter: Daisy True (is she truly a daisy?)
And of course the ever infamous Pitt-Jolie brood: Maddox, Shiloh and Zahara
I just don't get some of these. Even worse is the common man's trend of simply adding a La or Da before any name, object or city to create a name. My baby's name is going to be non-common, and yet not far fetched. I try to think of my kid's future in any sort of career. And I'm not poking fun at any particular celebrity...after all my beloved Simon leBon (of DuranDuran) allowed his wife (because I refuse to believe he did it...unless he was progressively drunker with each child) to name their daughters: Amber Rose, Saffron Sahara, and Tallulah Pine.

If I had a Million Dollars...

13 Ways I’d Spend $1 Million Today
(I haven’t actually priced this all out, so I’m merely hoping a million is enough!)

1. Pay off all bills/debt (that’s only a couple of thousand but it would be eliminated)
2. Buy a new car. Not sure what kind. I’d like to say a Jaguar convertible, but then the realistic side of me kicks in and lean toward something more practical. It would definitely be a Hybrid though.
3. Send my daughter to private school…specifically The Prairie School.
4. Visit my mom, and then move her someplace private w/her own nurse and cook.
5. Go on a shopping spree. (I don’t want to buy a lot of pricey clothes right now since I’m pregnant, just some cute new ones. Then a new wardrobe for the hubby. And things for the kidlet and baby.)
6. Books. All those books (ok, and a few films) that I want in my collection. I suppose more bookshelves will be necessary too.
7. Tickets to any and all stage shows I’m wanting to see.
8. Maybe a new car for my friend Kim, that way neither of us would have an excuse to not visit each other.
9. Hire my friend Charlotte as my nanny for the new baby…she’s a great nanny.
10. Send some gifts to friends…just because
11. Plane tickets for the family, and the cost of the trips we’d be making to England, Germany and other European destinations.
12. I’d hire a few of my friends to make the historical clothing pieces I’ve always wanted.
13. I’d end with savings, but since I said “spend” I guess I have to. So I’d go on a hunt to find the perfect property we’d want to build our dream house on.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Breaking Through

After far too many complaints, this morning I was brought to tear by emails/posts from some friends I hadn't heard from in awhile. These people have been in my life for a long time...have helped make me who I am. They have all affected my life deeply...for the better. I don't get to see any of them much anymore, but whether they know it or not, they are often in my thoughts each week. So to be given a verbal hug from each of them, some words of wisdom, and kick in the backside, I can feel the clouds lifting and see what I've been too sad to see...that I do have a good life. That I do have a good husband and child...before long, children. And good friends. Life isn't always bright and sunny, but I'm going to focus on the good because they reminded me I can. My friends, thank you.

Hell Week

So the rest of the weekend didn't get any better. My day I thought we'd have together Friday night was shot. Saturday was shot as he was stuck in rehearsal for almost 15 hours! Sunday he had a meeting, then we had to pick up the kidlet (who had been at her best friend's house all weekend...thus making me even more alone), then go his is parents' house, before we finally were able to go pick up pumpkins at dusk. Dinner & then what I was hoping would at least be a night cuddling watching a movie turned into another argument because he has the nerve to "feel unappreciated" and that I clearly knew he's "not a romantic person, why would I ever think he was"? Uh...maybe because you used to do nice things for me before you got into this selfish mode you're going through! Gee, why else? (Basically he tried to pass off what I thought was something sweet from him as his own, but it actually had come from someone else.) I swear, are all men clueless? Then he complains he has no personal time, and that the pitiful 30 minutes or so a day I do get with him should be considered a gift! What?? Are you kidding me?? Clearly His Grace doesn't see that minutes of chatter before falling asleep hardly constitute "quality" time!! I'm just fed up...can you tell?

My highlight of the day (because I'm trying hard to have one) was lunching w/my friend and her funny-as-heck 7 month old, then spending money I didn't have at Target on maternity gauchos for $4 each! I look dreadful in gauchos (I'm just too short) but damn they are the most comfy things to wear around the house!!

His Grace is in the midst of Hell Week (don't I know it) since his play opens on Thursday. Have I mentioned this is my favourite book adapted? Yeah...too bad I'm fed up.

Amends

So today I'm feeling less angry even though my plans for last night with the hubby were shot. And today he's schedule at a Hell Week tech from 8am until midnight tonight. (What the hell they need that much time for is beyond me! I've done theatre my whole freakin' life and have never had that long of a tech day! ugh!) Which means I'll probably have another night alone. But I'm attempting to stay positive and view it as time to go shop for fabric for my Halloween costume and drafting the pattern. Trying to stay positive. Trying....
I feel bad for venting here...people don't want to read about my stress. People want something funny and uplifting like Kassi or Kristen write. So I'll try...for you...and for me.

So my upnote of the day...I lay in the bath last night watching my tummy bounce. It sounds wierd, but then pregnancy IS wierd! It was pretty cool too though he stopped the minute daddy came in...go figure!

Fireballs

Today is a day for me to attempt to maintain a semblence of calm. It isn't that today is anything particularly special, but I've been informed (not so kindly by my husband) that the way I've been saying things lately has been negative. Hmm...well...that's because I FEEL negative. I'm not enjoying life. In fact, I have no significant life to speak of right now. We are struggling with one vehicle, which leaves me stuck in the house 90% of the time (with the exception of work). That I don't have any friends around me to even invite over. HE is the one out acting in a play. HE is the one who gets to go to luncheons and cast dinners. HE gets to be social with people, and even on Sundays, our day together, HE doesn't have to pay for a damn thing. (Because his money goes to bills, mine goes to food & extras.) HE tells me that after the play he's going to get an extra part-time job, which means I'll still never see him. What HE doesn't get is OUR relationship is going to slip away in all this. I've lived through this before...unsuccessfully. I'm terrified because I'm seeing a pattern that ended poorly. HE is unflustered by it all and doesn't see why I could possibly be depressed or fearful. How do you make someone understand that once burned, you try to avoid the fire?

13 Struggles

13 Things I'm Struggling with this Week

1. Pregnancy weight gain (I no longer feel glowing...I feel ugly)

2. Financial stress (its one of those weeks)

3. Baby preparations (sooo much to be done)

4. Loneliness

5. Boredom (I know, you'd think with everything I have to do I wouldn't feel bored...wrong!)

6. Feeling like a good mom (I just am not this week)

7. Work (specifically I can't get programs to do what I want)

8. Friends (or the lack there of ... see #4)

9. Repetition (my life seems to be going in circles with everything from laundry to conversations)

10. Having a boy (...I just feel scared)

11. Having zero time with the hubby (if I get 45 minutes a day, I'm lucky)

12. This blog (should I even bother? Does anyone care?)

13. The fact I'm stuggling with these things does nothing for my self confidence!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants