I Want Candy

Much like a scene from “The Breakfast Club” or any other John Hughes film of the 1980s, Carman High School held its smatterings of jocks, nerds, rejects, and social elite. We were a school in the ‘burbs of a big city, looked upon by most as the privelged of public school existence. The majority of students came from professional fathers & stay-at-home mothers. Some parents were “celebrities” of the city…well known doctors, lawyers, reporters or car salesmen. It was a comfortable existence in a school that really had all the amenities the ‘80s could afford. In high school, the cafeteria was a mix of the usual, and occasionally, unusual pairing of kids.

Today’s schools are focused on “healthy fare” with fine nutritional offerings. In the late ‘80s pizza was rectangular with a healthy layer of orange grease floating on the top. French fries (only 50cents ala carte’) were obviously the generic frozen variety, and the salad bar consisted of little more than iceberg lettuce, cucumbers and Ranch dressing. That’s why most students opted for lunch from the vending machines.

The vending machines were more than just dropping in your coins for a bag of chips and a pop (in a cup…schools didn’t get big bucks from Coca-cola or Pepsi then). The vending machines were where you were noticed. From any spot in the cafeteria you could observe the object of your pubescent lust, without the embarrassment of being noticed.

My friends and I had a code to tell one another that one of our crushes was at the machines. “I want candy”. Reminescent of the song by BowWowWow where the singer laments “…he’s got everything my heart desires…” it was the perfect way to share the information without others knowing. We could be talking, quite honestly, about wanting candy from said vending machine…and I guess we were.

The vending machines were often a beehive of activity, and the bustle around them also provided the ideal opportunity of the truly daring to “accidentally” bump into the object of their affection. I’ll admit to actually squeezing a tush or two on the rare occasion in passing…timing it so once they turned to see who the offender was, I was already past them & gone. Usually singing “I want candy…” under my breath.

Check out School Menu and its parental counterpart Family Everday, two sites that work together with School Food Services Directors to provide and promote healthy eating and physical fitness for kids and their parents. Both are great websites to offer recipes and ideas for encouraging you & your kids to get up and get moving. School Menu is colourful enough for the kids to want to click around the site to play, and learn something at the same time. Family Everyday offers some fun, easy recipes worth sharing with the whole family, not just in the kids school lunches!

Nightmares

Last night I had a dream my mother was murdered. Then I dreamt my husband was having an affair. With some ugly, blonde, fat chick. I drove to Chicago, then to his parents house.

I woke up from each in a cold sweat.

What does this say about how my week is going to be? *sigh*

You Know You Need a Date with Your Husband when the Closest You've Come to Being Intimate is Folding His Underwear

Don't get me wrong, it isn't that I don't mind folding laundry. I'd rather do that than several other household chores, but honestly I have barely had time alone with my husband (despite our recent getaway).

Our relationship has always been an "interesting" one. We were friends with no intention of anything more. One day we kissed. We were still friends. One day we made out. We were still JUST friends. One day we...well...we were still JUST friends. No matter how much we tried to deny it, no matter how much we (or perhaps HE) said we weren't dating, we were falling in love. And even after love had been declared, we still were never boyfriend & girlfriend...or dating. But the bubble was there. That crazy bubble that would engulf us whenever we were together, making the rest of the world fall away and only the two of us, together, existed.

But 3 months ago a little bundle we named Sebastian entered our world. Where Kaitlyn could open the door of our bubble to come & go, this little guy has just made it go away. I don't hold it against him, but the reality of it is that the hubby & I haven't been able to get inside that bubble and have that oh-so-important "us" time & space. I need some time for a little romance. A little intimacy. Hell, some weak in the knees kissing & perhaps a little make your head spin sex wouldn't be bad either. So, I wait, rather impatiently for the day when there is no laundry to do, no bottles to clean or diapers to change, and we can find that "bubble" again.

It may take another 10 years.

This post is part of a Blog Blast sponsored by E-Harmony Marriage, a new online alternative to marriage counseling (cool, right?) and Parent Bloggers Network. If you'd like a chance to win a $100 Amex Gift Card for a date out with your spouse/partner plus $100 cash for a babysitter, then write your own post "You Know You Need a Date With Your Partner When...." anytime today, send the link to parentbloggers@gmail.com, andthey will pick a winner at random. Click here for more info!

Enter at Platform 9 3/4

I'm so planning a trip to Orlando for winter of 2009! It was announced today that Universal's Islands of Adventure is building a Harry Potter theme park! It actually seems really great, with the actual film set builders, J.K. Rowling, the producers and others working on its creation. They promise no character look-a-likes, but recreations of Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and of course, Hogwarts Castle. Yes, there will be rides...but who knows what that will be? Flying brooms? That'd be cool. The official press release can be found here.

Summer Getaway #1

Last weekend the kidlet was off playing in the 18th century, so hubby, baby & I went up to Oshkosh (B'gosh!) to visit the Paine estate. It was gorgeous and made you truly feel transported to England rather than Wisconsin. The gardens were lush and lovely, with several different types of landscaping. And the exhibit of costumes was divine! (They didn't allow photos to be taken inside the building or of the costumes, but not one to be detered, I did sneak this photo through a window. Yes, that is Mr. Darcy's evening suit.) There were costumes from Elizabeth, Sense & Sensibility, Onegin, Ever After, Out of Africa, Dangerous Liasons, etc. I was mostly impressed by the fact that most were incorporated with vintage or antique fabrics. Well, I did get some shopping & swimming (and hottub lounging) time in the evening too. Sebastian had his first experience with swimming in a pool (or a "big bath" as I referred to it) and he LOVED it! Monday was off to Fond du Lac (yes, I find that a particular humourous name for a Wisconsin town...I always imagine it as Fondue Loch...Lake of Cheese!) where we visited the Galloway House & village. It was a cute little historical village and a pleasant enough way to pass the afternoon. We drove over to Lake Winnebago, which turns out to be the 2nd largest inland lake in the nation. They have an amazingly awesome park there with everything from bumperboats to a carousel to a petting zoo.

Now, this week is rather slow. I did win a Wisconsin Dells package from one of the radio stations, so we're considering going there for another getaway before the kidlet heads to her father's for the summer. Yeah, it definately seems like summer is here.

Because it really is all about Meme...

Consider yourself tagged it you're actually reading this. I'm bored (would you believe I accidentally came to work 1 1/2 hours earlier on a Saturday morning than I needed to? If only that meant leaving early...alas, no).

What were you doing 10 years ago?
How sad is it that 10 years ago I was being mom to the kidlet, then 3. Married to the now Ex. In Michigan. And working at the renaissance faire. Things, apparently, don't evolve drastically for me.
What were you doing 1 year ago?
It is actually the one year anniversary of starting my job at the Wustum Museum.
Five snacks you enjoy
1.Ice cream
2. Tortilla chips & salsa
3. brownies
4. Slurpies (mmm...)
5. Funyuns
Five songs that you know all the lyrics to
1. Save a Prayer (Duran Duran) 2. 99 Red Balloons (Nena...english & german versions) 3. We Didn't Start the Fire (Billy Joel) 4. Defying Gravity (Wicked) 5. What do you do with a Drunken Sailor?
Five things you would do if you were a millionaire
1. Pay off ALL of our debt, including the mortgage
2. Buy myself a car
3. Take a cool trip with the family to Europe (and probably bring my best friend's family along)
4. Put money away for the children's educations
5. Buy some gas for the car!
Five bad habits
1. Talking on the cell while driving
2. Not exercising enough
3. Incessant need to check emails & favourite blogs daily
4. Drinking soda
5. Spending money rather than saving
Five things you like doing
1. Being with my family
2. Sex
3. Being with my friends
4. Travelling
5. Acting
Five things you would never wear again
1. bubble skirts
2. neon clothing
3. knickers
4. sequin bustier
5. torn off-the-shoulder sweatshirt
Five favorite toys
1. Fashion Designer
2. Legos
3. Water/pool toys
4. Board games, esp. Clue or Balderdash
5. crayons & colouring books

Memories...like the corners of my mind

Here's hoping everyone enjoys their Memorial Day weekend (or Rememberance Day as it was known until sometime in the 1960s).

The kidlet is off to Vincennes in Indiana for Revolutionary War reenactment fun with our friends Jodi & Ray. Tonight hubby & I are going to see Johnny Depp in all his Capt. Jack gloriousness in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. Happy Piratey goodness!

On Sunday hubby, baby & I are going to Oshkosh (B'Gosh!) to visit the Paine Art Center, which is a historical estate & gardens who are having a wonderful exhibit on historical costuming in films. Oh darn! I just HATE seeing fabulous mansions, beautiful gardens in full bloom, and lovely historical costumes! (yes, that would be sarcasm...the photo here is one of the costumes on display from "Emma"). Then we'll spend the night so I'll be able to luxuriate in a hottub & indoor pool, before going to see more historical mansions & village on Monday!

Enjoy your weekend, however you choose to spend it!

Sassy Again

WARNING! *These photos were both taken very early on consecutive mornings, so I look bed in both.* I cut my hairs! Ok, these are really bad photos, but I feel sooo good to be back to my sassy self rather than grown out, can't do anything with it, and damn those baby hormones as I have been pulling clumps of hairs from my head daily. But now...my hairs are short & cute (cuter when they've been brushed, but this is the best you get right now).

BEFORE

AFTER

Photos from the weekend

Pieter, Emily, Hannah & Sebastian VanRyen...our 1860s personas.

and some of the other members of the Great Lakes Reenactors Guilde.

And a few of the Civil War generals (Lee, Grant & Custard) with my guys.

Into the Past

This weekend the family, some friend & I will once again be stepping into the past as we head to Naperville Settlement down in Illinois for the civil war reenactment there. It's a fun time living as someone else for the day, while wearing pretty clothes. Of course, after having a baby & trying to squeeze into my 1860s dress was a trial by force last night. Thank God for corsets...and who really needs to breathe? (I can honestly say I prefer Elizabethan corsets over Victorian ones.) Next weekend the kidlet is going with our friends, The Steeles, to step even further into the past...she'll be reenacting the Revolutionary War at Vincennes,IN. There is something to be said for a 13-year-old who wants to "dedicate her life to historical reenactment". Maybe its a little crazy, but she loves learning the history & really its all about the clothing. (She is her mother's daughter, after all!) If anyone is around these fabulous events, perhaps you'll consider stopping in, visiting us, and learning a little?

Into the Wild

Spread literacy, free a book into the wild. I've tried to tell people about my favourite way of passing along the gift of reading, but I don't think many have joined in. So, I'm posting about it again today. It's fun, its relatively free, and its that random act of kindness that you put out into the world that, in my opinion, can only reap good karmic rewards.

The way Bookcrossing works is basically this: you go to their website, sign up, and then enter the books you are going to release and then where you're going to leave it. (Very simple.) Then you can purchase their waterproof bags or bookplates (or I think they have some you can just download for free), write the info on the bookplate, stick it inside the book, then leave the book somewhere. Anywhere...a Starbucks, the shopping carts at the grocer, your doctor's office, a park bench...literally anywhere it could potentially be found. (I found my first book stuck on a giant lion statue in a park.) Hopefully someone finds the book goes to the website (as instructed on the bookplate), enters the info and the intent is that they will then read the book, and then do the same thing...releasing it again back "into the wild" for someone else to find, read, & share.

The weather is getting nice, people will be outside more, give someone a book they may never have picked up before...today! It's cool. You should be so cool.

What Makes You a Mom?

**You too can be a part of the celebration of motherhood over at ParentBloggers today. Check out the fun, and then pop over to Light Iris who has some fabulousness you'll definately want to see.**
I am a mom because I have spent hours holding a baby so he’ll sleep while I go without. I am mom because I have spit up in my hair and on my shirt and I don’t mind. I am mom because I have spent hours holding back my daughter’s long hair while she puked. I am mom because my son has marked his territory…repeatedly…by peeing on me while changing countless diapers. I am mom because I have defended my child to teachers and bullies. I am mom because I hug my children when they’re good and reprimand then when they’re not. I am mom because I’ve survived insufferable heartburn through pregnancy and have the C-section scars & stretch marks to prove it. I am mom because I my clothes are from last season’s clearance rack while my kids’ are brand-spankin’ new. I am mom because my teenager can show me how to use any electronic device moments after purchase. I am mom because I could recite all of the words to countless children’s storybooks by heart. I am mom because I’ve been wounded by the words “You’re the meanest mom in the world” and have sometimes worn that title as a badge of honour. I am mom because I proudly film my child’s school shows with the video camera. I am mom because I play them back with pride. I am mom because I take my children to museums, historical villages and the theatre, as well as to Chuck E. Cheese and the waterparks. I am mom because I’ve served my children Mac ‘n Cheese with Kool-Aid for lunch, but Filet Mignon & asparagus for dinner. I am mom because I’ve ran along side a bike without training wheels. I am mom because my son will know how to cook & clean a toilet. I am mom because my daughter will know how to change a tire on a car and use a drill. I am mom because I’ve gone without food so my child would have something to eat. I am mom because when I hear of a child being shot or molested, I hold my children tight and then teach them how to be aware of the evils of the world. I am mom because I encourage my children to succeed, but let them know that sometimes we all fail. I am mom because I’ve taught my children to love.

Farewell my friends...talk hard, talk fast

Today is a sad day for me. My favourite TV show is ending & I just found out this morning thanks to Christine. For several years now my family knows that Tuesday nights are mine to share with Lorelai & Rory...the Gilmore Girls. These witty women with their endless pop culture references are like old friends I've witnessed change & grow. They could easily fit in with my real-life group of friends. I've wondered what it would be like to stay at the Dragonfly Inn in Stars Hallow. My daughter had watched the show and views Rory as a bit of a role model and has often said how glad she is that she & I have as close of a relationship as the characters do. And now there are only 2 episodes left before those "friends" are gone forever...with no advance warning of their departure. I'd have a farewell party if only I knew anyone else who watched the show as faithfully as I have. In true Gilmore style I'll wear a black veiled hat on May 15th.

Mama Lost

Today I'm feeling lost, and anything but a superhero. Stuck somewhere between the me I once was & the me I'd like to be. I can't help but feel that I messed up somewhere along the way & in making the choices I made, totally have made life more difficult for not only myself, but my kids, specifically my daughter. I can't help but feel "if only" and "what if" right now. I haven't a career in the respectable sense, but I'm not wealthy enough to not work. I know what I want, but I don't have the resources to do make it happen the way I want it to happen. People know what I can do, yet no one hires me. Worse, no one recommends me to others to hire. I once identified myself as "writer" and now I'm lucky if I can get a blog written that isn't complete fluff. I once was seen as "creative" now I have an occasional moment of crafty brilliance, but otherwise nada. I once was "philosophical & loved to debate", now my conversations amount to little more than the latest episode of "Oprah". I WANT to be the superhero. I want to make the world great for my kids. I want to take them to see the world, and experience it first hand. I want my daughter to be an exchange student, to learn languages, to see great art, to stand inside the beautiful architecture of Europe, to have a crush on an English boy, to write about the canals & rivers, to smell the French lavender, and taste the strudel. Instead I'm feeling like I can do no more than let her check a book out of the library and hope we return it on time.

Time is not my friend

I've been meaning to write. I keep thinking "oh, I should blog about that". But then time slips away from me, and another day has past with no update...and truthfully little else to show for it either.

It was my birthday not so long ago. It was a day. Not remarkable. We went to see "Body Worlds 2", which was awesome & disturbing. We had dinner with friends which was enjoyable. But, in the end, it was just a day.

This week was the same day repeated, except for Friday when we saw a fun performance of the play "Comedy murder Mystery of 1940s", and a Dutch dinner with friends on Saturday was fun & yummy. But my hubby annoyed me all weekend, & I got only 4 hours of sleep all weekend, so it was a bit crappy in the end.

Maybe I'm just stressed because I'm supposed to return to work this week.

Interview ME

Ordinary Girl has chosen to Interview Me. If you'd also like to be interviewed, leave me a post & check out the "rules" below!

What is your favorite song and why?

Either "Save a Prayer" by Duran Duran (because it's my favourite band & I always feel inspired by the song), "The Love of My Life" (because it was my hubby & my wedding song) or "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart (because it an anthem of sorts to my children).
Name three things you'd do with more free time.

1. Sleep

2. Read

3. Travel
What did you want to be when you were growing up and why?

First I wanted to be an actress/dancer, then a teacher, then a veterinarian, then a writer/music journalist...which is what I went to college for. I'm a damn good writer when I want to be. I still love to act & teach...and I love animals.
Do you consider yourself lucky or unlucky, fortunate or having ill-fortune? I don't consider myself lucky really because anything I've gotten I've worked to get. However I do consider myself fortunate for MANY things.
Name one thing you want to do in the next month that you don't think you'll get a chance to do. Visit my friends out of state.


If you want to continue, here are the rules:

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."

2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick thequestions.

3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

You Say It's Your Birthday

...Well it's my birthday too!

Happy Birthday to me! And to my husband (his was yesterday...mine is tomorrow)!

We're heading down to Chicago for the day, with the kidlet, to see the plasticine body exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry before joining friends for a birthday dinner at my new favourite British pub. Yeah!

Here's a slice of birthday cake from us!

Giving Thanks

I know everyone is talking about the murders at Virginia Tech, and I don't want to dwell on that, but rather only to remind everyone to recognize how precious life is. Tell the people you love that you love them every day, because you never know when you may no longer get the chance. Hug your children. Kiss your spouse. Hug your friend. Call your parents. Write a letter to that person you haven't spoken to but have been meaning to. Wave hello to your neighbour. 33 families are without their children today so be grateful for yours.

Everyone is appalled by this lone gunman, but what about the "murder" that is sending more 20 year olds to their death in Iraq? Hundreds more families are without their children now because of it. It needs to end. We need to find some peace.

Kimba

For everyone who has ever wondered where my nickname came from...click the YouTube box to the left.

Wish List

Ok...so here is my current wish list:

Books: Petite Connisseur: Fashion,

Urban Babies Wear Black,

Baby Mix Me a Drink,

and This Little Piggy Went to Prada

And these...PeePee TeePees....hahahahahahaha!!!

Snow, snow go away

If April showers bring May flowers,

what do April snow storms bring?? These pictures are of the flowers around my house that had started to bloom, and looking out the window next to my computer. Clearly this isn't what Spring typically looks like...even in Wisconsin.

Corrupt?

I've been accused of corrupting my friends by dragging them along to everything from theatre to drag shows. I've been accused of corrupting my child by raising her in the theatre & renaissance faire. But now my new iPod is corrupt...or so iTunes informed me when I plugged it in today. I have no idea what happened. Perhaps some sort of conspiracy against my music? *sigh* So now it says its restoring it & all of my songs will be lost & I'll have to start over. Technology hates me.

Unrelated...I think...we spent Saturday in Chicago while the baby visited his grandparents. It was a lovely if cold day walking down the Miracle Mile (mostly window shopping), lunched at a FAB British pub (Black snakebite to drink, curry chips, bangers & mash...yum!!!), and then we had been given tickets to "Who's afraid of Virginia Wolfe?" It was a wonderful production with the Broadway cast (Kathleen Turner & Bill Irwin) and it reminded me just how much I like Edward Albee's writing. You might not like the story line, but you have to appreciate the language. In college Nif & I starred in Albee's "A Zoo Story". It was an acting experience unto no other. I miss that sort of experience. It corrupted me, in some ways, forever. Just like my iPod.

For the Girly Girls

Ok, aren't these cute? Fun little button pony-os that make me wish I was a little girl again. But I know some of you have girly girls, so you can get them yourself. Visit my new friend here...and check 'em out!

Hippity Hoppity

I don't know if I'll get the opportunity to post again before the weekend, so allow me to wish all of you a very happy holiday! Whether you celebrate Passover or Easter, I hope the weekend is filled with all the goodness & beauty of Spring, Ressurection, and hope. Not to mention a few chocolatey goodies!!

Where I'm At

I realize by putting this post out on the internet I'm opening myself up for a world of opinion, criticism and attack but I've never been one to lot others opinions affect me too much, and this is my blog, my honest life. So when I write that breast feeding didn't work for my son & I, it is what it is. We tried for a couple of weeks, with less than adequate results. He was angry, I was frustrated, and the bottom line is that I couldn't produce what he needed. My milk, quite simply, doesn't come in well. Even with the top of the line Medela electric pump from the hospital the most I got was a few drops. I had the same problem with my daughter when she was a baby. I thought things would be different this time, but I was mistaken. Do I feel upset about it? No. My son is growing & content. My daughter, who was formula fed has never had more than a simple cold & is highly intelligent. My friend's one-year-old was formula fed and, like my daughter, has done everything early & his very smart. Heck, I was adopted as an infant, and therefore was formula fed, and I like to believe I'm rather on the clever side of things! So, no my son isn't being breastfed, but our bonding is far from lacking. He's happy, healthy & growing...that's all that matters really.

It's 6 weeks tomorrow. Time flies. Me? My body is feeling back to normal, if rather stretched out & in need of exercise. Mentally I'm in need of stimulation. Emotionally I don't feel postpartum too much, though I do admit to feeling a significant detachment from my husband. Time & energy don't really allow us much "us" time...and I'll admit I'm desperate for it. A little romance would do wonders. Perhaps for our birthdays?

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.