So – as everyone knows, I have been a little busy for the past few weeks, and have not been very good at updating the blog. Despite my lack of blogging activity, I have been keeping copious notes as to what has transpired in the Galasso household over the past 19 days and I plan to update you with new and entertaining stories.
Please be patient…and keep on reading!
Monday, November 10, 2008
It’s a Boy!
RJ's first picture...
RJ's first picture with Mom & Dad...
RJ in the nursery, fresh from a bath...
RJ's first picture with Mom & Dad...RJ in the nursery, fresh from a bath...
Richard Albert Galasso, Junior was born at 8:43am on October 22, 2008. He measured 21 inches exactly and weighed in at 9 pounds, 3.4 ounces.
At the time of his birth, and the week that followed, it was up for debate as to whether he would be called "Richie" or "RJ." "RJ" officially won out. Way back in April 2006, when we first found out that we were expecting Baby #1, we had decided that our first boy would be named after his Daddy - who is named after his father and grandfather. However, since he would be the third "Rich," we decided that he would be called RJ for "Rich Junior."
More than 2 years later, we now have a boy - and Rich has been thinking about an "RJ" for over 2 years. However, RJ looked like more of a Richie to me...so for the first week, I called him Richie and Rich called him RJ - and these two different names confused the hell out of Rosie. (Who just called him "Baby Brudda.")
So, for Rosie’s sake, we settled on just one name – RJ – which is what this little man will be called until he is old enough to tell us otherwise.
I am happy to report that Rosie now calls her baby brother “Baby RJ.”
At the time of his birth, and the week that followed, it was up for debate as to whether he would be called "Richie" or "RJ." "RJ" officially won out. Way back in April 2006, when we first found out that we were expecting Baby #1, we had decided that our first boy would be named after his Daddy - who is named after his father and grandfather. However, since he would be the third "Rich," we decided that he would be called RJ for "Rich Junior."
More than 2 years later, we now have a boy - and Rich has been thinking about an "RJ" for over 2 years. However, RJ looked like more of a Richie to me...so for the first week, I called him Richie and Rich called him RJ - and these two different names confused the hell out of Rosie. (Who just called him "Baby Brudda.")
So, for Rosie’s sake, we settled on just one name – RJ – which is what this little man will be called until he is old enough to tell us otherwise.
I am happy to report that Rosie now calls her baby brother “Baby RJ.”
Sunday, November 9, 2008
A Total Shitastrophy
Rosie kisses her "Baby RJ" during the Giants game:
RJ watches football from Daddy's lap:
“Shitastrophy” was the word we used to describe Rosie’s diapers when she was an infant. In her early months, I think from the time she was 2 months old until about 5 ½ months, Rosie was a twice a week pooper. On Mondays and Thursdays, after 2pm, she would need a bigger diaper to accommodate the massive load that would come out of her little body. At least 60% of the time, even the bigger diaper was not enough to hold it all, and we would have a total shitastrophy on our hands.
RJ is a very different kid. From day 1, he has been one of those typical breast-fed babies who poops constantly. Well, he pooped like crazy until I started to supplement him with formula. Formula stopped his little butt right up. So, in an effort to keep my boy as regular as possible, I backed off the formula supplements and went back to nursing as much as possible and supplementing with breast milk whenever he needed a little extra. This resulted in the first major shitastrophy attributed to little RJ.
Shortly after eating, RJ pooped. Rich started to change his diaper. After getting his entire backside clean, Rich reached for the diaper – and that is when it happened. RJ let loose an explosive stream of what Rich described as “lava poop” all over his changing pad. (Fortunately it was his changing pad and not our couch.) At first, Rich didn’t even realize what was happening, so when I pointed out the new mess, he started yelling. The more he yelled, the more RJ pooped. The more RJ pooped, the harder Rosie and I laughed. The whole spectacle was beyond hysterical. The only one not amused by this whole thing was poor little RJ.
RJ was screaming his head off. Mouth wide open, yelling like crazy. Unfortunately, baby boys don’t have a whole lot of control over their penises…and no infants have control over their bladders. So, in the middle of the shitastrophy, while he is screaming his head off, RJ starts to pee…he pees all over the pooped-up changing pad…all over his pants…all over his onesie…but the worst is that the poor kid ends up peeing right in his own mouth.
Rich was still yelping and Rosie was still laughing. I stopped laughing when the poor kid got a mouthful of pee, but the whole event was mighty funny – and Rosie talked about it until she fell asleep several hours later. RJ got even more pissed off when his shitastrophy was followed up by a bath – but after a little snack, he had calmed down and was ready to be social again.
Even though RJ is just over two weeks old, we have learned that there are significant differences between boys and girls – and the ability to pee in ones’ own mouth is only one of them!
RJ watches football from Daddy's lap:
“Shitastrophy” was the word we used to describe Rosie’s diapers when she was an infant. In her early months, I think from the time she was 2 months old until about 5 ½ months, Rosie was a twice a week pooper. On Mondays and Thursdays, after 2pm, she would need a bigger diaper to accommodate the massive load that would come out of her little body. At least 60% of the time, even the bigger diaper was not enough to hold it all, and we would have a total shitastrophy on our hands.
RJ is a very different kid. From day 1, he has been one of those typical breast-fed babies who poops constantly. Well, he pooped like crazy until I started to supplement him with formula. Formula stopped his little butt right up. So, in an effort to keep my boy as regular as possible, I backed off the formula supplements and went back to nursing as much as possible and supplementing with breast milk whenever he needed a little extra. This resulted in the first major shitastrophy attributed to little RJ.
Shortly after eating, RJ pooped. Rich started to change his diaper. After getting his entire backside clean, Rich reached for the diaper – and that is when it happened. RJ let loose an explosive stream of what Rich described as “lava poop” all over his changing pad. (Fortunately it was his changing pad and not our couch.) At first, Rich didn’t even realize what was happening, so when I pointed out the new mess, he started yelling. The more he yelled, the more RJ pooped. The more RJ pooped, the harder Rosie and I laughed. The whole spectacle was beyond hysterical. The only one not amused by this whole thing was poor little RJ.
RJ was screaming his head off. Mouth wide open, yelling like crazy. Unfortunately, baby boys don’t have a whole lot of control over their penises…and no infants have control over their bladders. So, in the middle of the shitastrophy, while he is screaming his head off, RJ starts to pee…he pees all over the pooped-up changing pad…all over his pants…all over his onesie…but the worst is that the poor kid ends up peeing right in his own mouth.
Rich was still yelping and Rosie was still laughing. I stopped laughing when the poor kid got a mouthful of pee, but the whole event was mighty funny – and Rosie talked about it until she fell asleep several hours later. RJ got even more pissed off when his shitastrophy was followed up by a bath – but after a little snack, he had calmed down and was ready to be social again.
Even though RJ is just over two weeks old, we have learned that there are significant differences between boys and girls – and the ability to pee in ones’ own mouth is only one of them!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Two Little Monkeys
Last year, Rosie was Tinkerbell for Halloween, and I made her costume from a pattern. This year, I desperately wanted to make her costume again, but there was no way, since RJ was born just 9 days before Halloween. There just wasn’t enough time this fall to get a good Halloween costume accomplished. So, off to numerous Halloween stores we went. Initially, I went in search of a cat costume for Rosie and a mouse costume for the baby. I could only find the “Ballerina Mouse” costume, and it’s a good thing I didn’t get that, since RJ turned out to be an RJ! So, instead, they went as two little monkeys.
When I first showed her the costume, Rosie wanted nothing to do with it. I think the facelessness of the monkey freaked her out. However – we were easily able to bribe her into the costume – all it took was a little chocolate! (RJ slept through his entire costume experience…)
Rich, myself, Rosie, RJ, Nonna and Papou all piled into two cars and drove up to the Genco house in Sparks for some trick-or-treating fun. Rosie and Patrick handled their court without a problem, and returned to hand out candy. Both kids had fun (RJ continued to sleep) – but at one point, Rosie said “Mommy – get the monkey off of me!”
Compliments to Target for putting together beautiful and affordable Halloween costumes…but I still hope to be able to make them myself next year!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Two Weeks and Counting...
As you might already know, my C-section was pushed back from October 21st to October 22nd. Not a big deal – but that means today was 2 weeks and counting. While at my doctor’s appointment today I had the realization that in less than two weeks, I will know if I have a Josie or a Little Richie. So strange. This has just gone so fast.
Rich and Rosie came with me, as per usual. Rich hardly misses an appointment – just three with this pregnancy, I think…two for work and one for a flat tire in the parking lot (that was fun).
Everything checks out normal. My blood pressure is perfect (according to the nurse). I was upset because I gained 3 pounds in the last 10 days…which pushed me to 20 pounds total. I had really wanted to stay under 20, but with two weeks to go, I guess I am doing OK… I also woke up this morning feeling very puffy and bloated – so I was not entirely surprised. Lots of water for the next week – and we’ll see what happens by next Wednesday.
We also had an ultrasound today to check the baby’s size. Rosie was 9 pounds, 10.4 ounces, 6 days late. On November 30th, the day before my due date, we had an ultrasound done in the High-Risk OB ward at GBMC and her weight was estimated at 9 pounds, 4 ounces. They gain about a half pound a week at this stage – so the doctor and the technician were pretty much dead on.
Today’s ultrasound was in Dr. Quartner’s office. Estimated weight at this point is 7 pounds, 5 ounces – which would give us an 8 pound, 5 ounce baby in two weeks…basically 1.5 pounds smaller than Rosie. I’ve decided the technician is wrong and I base this decision on 2 facts:
1. Mid-way through my pregnancy with Rosie, I started measuring larger than average. Long story short – every time you go in, they measure the height of your uterus while you are lying down…so it really is just baby & fluid, not anything else, that gets measured. Your measurement should correspond to the number of weeks you are pregnant. 30 weeks pregnant and you should measure 30 centimeters. Well, probably at around 26 weeks, I started measuring 2 centimeters larger – which is when Dr. Q started saying “this will be a big baby.” This time around, I started measuring 2 centimeters larger at about 24 weeks. Today – I was just over 39 centimeters and I’m just over 37 weeks pregnant. Same pattern.
2. When I was about 34-35 weeks along with Rosie, we went to labor and delivery to be monitored because I thought the baby wasn’t moving. Afterwards (everything was fine, obviously) Dr. Q ordered an ultrasound to check the baby’s size and amniotic fluid. The same technician who did my ultrasound today estimated Rosie’s weight at that time to be just below average. We now know that to be dead wrong.
So – I guess only the next two weeks will tell. It doesn’t matter – I’m having a C-section regardless. The kid could be 11 pounds…12 pounds…no chance of this one getting stuck! (o:
Meanwhile – last call for bets on the baby pool. Take a guess at gender, length and weight… 50/50 split with “baby zoe.”
Rich and Rosie came with me, as per usual. Rich hardly misses an appointment – just three with this pregnancy, I think…two for work and one for a flat tire in the parking lot (that was fun).
Everything checks out normal. My blood pressure is perfect (according to the nurse). I was upset because I gained 3 pounds in the last 10 days…which pushed me to 20 pounds total. I had really wanted to stay under 20, but with two weeks to go, I guess I am doing OK… I also woke up this morning feeling very puffy and bloated – so I was not entirely surprised. Lots of water for the next week – and we’ll see what happens by next Wednesday.
We also had an ultrasound today to check the baby’s size. Rosie was 9 pounds, 10.4 ounces, 6 days late. On November 30th, the day before my due date, we had an ultrasound done in the High-Risk OB ward at GBMC and her weight was estimated at 9 pounds, 4 ounces. They gain about a half pound a week at this stage – so the doctor and the technician were pretty much dead on.
Today’s ultrasound was in Dr. Quartner’s office. Estimated weight at this point is 7 pounds, 5 ounces – which would give us an 8 pound, 5 ounce baby in two weeks…basically 1.5 pounds smaller than Rosie. I’ve decided the technician is wrong and I base this decision on 2 facts:
1. Mid-way through my pregnancy with Rosie, I started measuring larger than average. Long story short – every time you go in, they measure the height of your uterus while you are lying down…so it really is just baby & fluid, not anything else, that gets measured. Your measurement should correspond to the number of weeks you are pregnant. 30 weeks pregnant and you should measure 30 centimeters. Well, probably at around 26 weeks, I started measuring 2 centimeters larger – which is when Dr. Q started saying “this will be a big baby.” This time around, I started measuring 2 centimeters larger at about 24 weeks. Today – I was just over 39 centimeters and I’m just over 37 weeks pregnant. Same pattern.
2. When I was about 34-35 weeks along with Rosie, we went to labor and delivery to be monitored because I thought the baby wasn’t moving. Afterwards (everything was fine, obviously) Dr. Q ordered an ultrasound to check the baby’s size and amniotic fluid. The same technician who did my ultrasound today estimated Rosie’s weight at that time to be just below average. We now know that to be dead wrong.
So – I guess only the next two weeks will tell. It doesn’t matter – I’m having a C-section regardless. The kid could be 11 pounds…12 pounds…no chance of this one getting stuck! (o:
Meanwhile – last call for bets on the baby pool. Take a guess at gender, length and weight… 50/50 split with “baby zoe.”
Saturday, August 30, 2008
"I Shtuck."
I had been wondering how she was able to get underneath the gate the other day. She has been trying to get under there for a good year now, but had been previously unsuccessful. Well – the pictures below demonstrate how she did it this time. In the past, the gate was low enough to prevent her from crawling under because she had not figured out how to flatten herself on her belly and slither. We seem to have slithering down pat.
She tried again this morning – but she got herself stuck in the process!!
She tried again this morning – but she got herself stuck in the process!!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Fun Pictures
Rosie laughs hysterically at Monsters, Inc...our movie of the week...
Minutes later, she is completely engrossed again...sprawled out amongst her raisins...
"Get out of my way Mom! I'm watching Sully and Mike Wysowski!"
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Rosie and the Pussycat
There was a point in time when everything that Rosie did absolutely amazed me and astounded me. Like when she tried to get out of her crib for the first time…on the same day she started to crawl…at the ripe old age of 7 ½ months… I was shocked and caught completely by surprise. Totally unprepared. These days, with nearly 21 months of experience under my belt – there isn’t much that she comes up with that surprises me.
This morning, however, my little angel had me beyond flabbergasted. I was on the phone with Kim, my boss, discussing a quote that we want to send out today. Rosie had played in my office with me for a little while, but then settled herself on her chair to watch Big Bird’s Dance Party (her new favorite video). Kim and I hammered out the pieces of our proposal and she hung up to get other work done – and I to play with my toddler until lunch time. My warning bells went off immediately upon entering my family room.
I look around the family room – no Rosie. Poke my head in the laundry room – no Rosie. Kitchen…Sunroom – nothing. Now I’m starting to panic. Where could she be? From my office through the kitchen and sunroom is pretty much childproofed, gated in and a safe play space for Rosie. What could she possibly have gotten herself into?
It was then that I heard it…a sound coming from my dining room. Dining room? The dining room is gated! Not gated enough for my little explorer! We leave room between the bottom of the gate and the floor for our cat, Messier, to fit through. Not only is her food in there – but we want her to have an easy escape from Rosie when she just doesn’t feel like dealing with a toddler. Usually, the gate is just high enough for Messier to fit through – but not big enough for Rosie’s head to fit through. The gate had been moved last week during the Fantasy Football Draft party that was held at our house. When it was put back on, it was not low enough to prevent a nearly-two year old from finding her way underneath it.
So – Rosie figured out that she could squirm under the gate to the pot of gold on the other side – the cat food. When I saw her, she looked up at me with a mouth full of Iams and said “Hi Mommy. Cat food yummy!” Blech. After I had finished gagging, I picked her up, put her in the kitchen, put the gate back up – lower this time, and explained to her that no – Cat Food is not Yummy…Cat food is gross.
Once I had her sitting and drinking milk (Iams and Milk…what a faboo combo…), I took a minute to pee. I can see pretty much the entire family room when I leave the door open, so I can keep my eye on her and she can easily find me.
Well – she sat for about 10 seconds then was up and running in the direction of the dining room. Confident that I had lowered the gate enough to prevent her from getting through, I took my time washing, drying and applying lotion to my hands. When I walked into the kitchen, she wasn’t where I expected her to be…she wasn’t in the room at all. I made a beeline for the gate to the dining room.
Somehow – she managed to fit under the gate again. Instead of eating cat food this time, she was on all fours, drinking out of the cat’s bowl. When I said her name, she picked up her head and said “Good wady, Mommy.” At least is was fresh wady, Rosie…
Messier...Rosie's favorite dining companion. Rosie actually took this picture with our camera - which is why Mess is so fuzzy and out of focus.
This morning, however, my little angel had me beyond flabbergasted. I was on the phone with Kim, my boss, discussing a quote that we want to send out today. Rosie had played in my office with me for a little while, but then settled herself on her chair to watch Big Bird’s Dance Party (her new favorite video). Kim and I hammered out the pieces of our proposal and she hung up to get other work done – and I to play with my toddler until lunch time. My warning bells went off immediately upon entering my family room.
I look around the family room – no Rosie. Poke my head in the laundry room – no Rosie. Kitchen…Sunroom – nothing. Now I’m starting to panic. Where could she be? From my office through the kitchen and sunroom is pretty much childproofed, gated in and a safe play space for Rosie. What could she possibly have gotten herself into?
It was then that I heard it…a sound coming from my dining room. Dining room? The dining room is gated! Not gated enough for my little explorer! We leave room between the bottom of the gate and the floor for our cat, Messier, to fit through. Not only is her food in there – but we want her to have an easy escape from Rosie when she just doesn’t feel like dealing with a toddler. Usually, the gate is just high enough for Messier to fit through – but not big enough for Rosie’s head to fit through. The gate had been moved last week during the Fantasy Football Draft party that was held at our house. When it was put back on, it was not low enough to prevent a nearly-two year old from finding her way underneath it.
So – Rosie figured out that she could squirm under the gate to the pot of gold on the other side – the cat food. When I saw her, she looked up at me with a mouth full of Iams and said “Hi Mommy. Cat food yummy!” Blech. After I had finished gagging, I picked her up, put her in the kitchen, put the gate back up – lower this time, and explained to her that no – Cat Food is not Yummy…Cat food is gross.
Once I had her sitting and drinking milk (Iams and Milk…what a faboo combo…), I took a minute to pee. I can see pretty much the entire family room when I leave the door open, so I can keep my eye on her and she can easily find me.
Well – she sat for about 10 seconds then was up and running in the direction of the dining room. Confident that I had lowered the gate enough to prevent her from getting through, I took my time washing, drying and applying lotion to my hands. When I walked into the kitchen, she wasn’t where I expected her to be…she wasn’t in the room at all. I made a beeline for the gate to the dining room.
Somehow – she managed to fit under the gate again. Instead of eating cat food this time, she was on all fours, drinking out of the cat’s bowl. When I said her name, she picked up her head and said “Good wady, Mommy.” At least is was fresh wady, Rosie…
Messier...Rosie's favorite dining companion. Rosie actually took this picture with our camera - which is why Mess is so fuzzy and out of focus.Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Chewing Gum
I’m not entirely sure where Rosie’s fascination with gum chewing got its start. Rich & I are not huge gum chewers – and she isn’t around anyone who chews gum on a regular basis. But – in true-to-toddler form, Rosie has picked up this habit in the best way that she knows how.
A few weeks ago, I noticed her chewing on something intently and not swallowing. Upon sneaking my fingers past her sharp little teeth, I found a wad of paper towel wedged in between her molars and her gums. I removed the wad and tossed it immediately. I did not know that this was the start of an ongoing habit.
Rosie is now on a mission – a mission to find any tissue, paper towel, cotton ball, q-tip or piece of paper accidentally left around the house. She bites off a piece of whatever she can find and starts chewing. When you ask her if she has something in her mouth – she proudly tells you “I chewin’ gum!”
Here’s the best part – she’ll spit out whatever is in her mouth without a problem…only if you hold out your hand and say “can I have your gum, please?” If you try to take it out – you will get bitten – so save your fingers and ask her nicely to spit out her gum!
A few weeks ago, I noticed her chewing on something intently and not swallowing. Upon sneaking my fingers past her sharp little teeth, I found a wad of paper towel wedged in between her molars and her gums. I removed the wad and tossed it immediately. I did not know that this was the start of an ongoing habit.
Rosie is now on a mission – a mission to find any tissue, paper towel, cotton ball, q-tip or piece of paper accidentally left around the house. She bites off a piece of whatever she can find and starts chewing. When you ask her if she has something in her mouth – she proudly tells you “I chewin’ gum!”
Here’s the best part – she’ll spit out whatever is in her mouth without a problem…only if you hold out your hand and say “can I have your gum, please?” If you try to take it out – you will get bitten – so save your fingers and ask her nicely to spit out her gum!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
God Besh You, Mommy
One of my biggest goals with Rosie has been teaching her appropriate responses to the things that happen in every day life. Please…thank you…you’re welcome. Things like that. Daddy taught her how to fake burp…when I realized that for a toddler, fake burping is fun, I taught her to say excuse me (shoo-me) after all fake and real burps. All of these things sound adorable when coming out of a toddler’s mouth – even the burps. My favorite, however, is Rosie’s “God Bless You.”
Whenever she sneezes, I follow it immediately with a “God bless you, Rosie” and then I remind her to say “Thank you,” hoping that it will one day sink in. Tonight – I got some proof that my work is paying off.
I was putting her down to bed, and I’ve had a little bit of a sniffle and a cough for the past day or so. As I’m snuggling up to her, I cough. She takes her binkie out and says “God besh you, Mommy” and pops the binkie right back in. I am surprised to hear this – but respond with “Thank you, Rosie.” Binkie comes out again so that Rosie can say “you welcome, Mommy.”
Experiment successful! She is learning manners! Unfortunately, this went on for about 20 minutes. Every minute or so I would clear my through or cough and Rosie would start our little routine. I had to quiet myself down and stifle any sounds to actually get her to sleep. I wonder if she will keep this up?
Whenever she sneezes, I follow it immediately with a “God bless you, Rosie” and then I remind her to say “Thank you,” hoping that it will one day sink in. Tonight – I got some proof that my work is paying off.
I was putting her down to bed, and I’ve had a little bit of a sniffle and a cough for the past day or so. As I’m snuggling up to her, I cough. She takes her binkie out and says “God besh you, Mommy” and pops the binkie right back in. I am surprised to hear this – but respond with “Thank you, Rosie.” Binkie comes out again so that Rosie can say “you welcome, Mommy.”
Experiment successful! She is learning manners! Unfortunately, this went on for about 20 minutes. Every minute or so I would clear my through or cough and Rosie would start our little routine. I had to quiet myself down and stifle any sounds to actually get her to sleep. I wonder if she will keep this up?
Sunday, August 24, 2008
More Maryland State Fair Pictures
Rosie pets some other animal...lamb...sheep...not sure which. It smelled.
We couldn't get close enough to touch the miniature horses - but they were fun to look at!
The most disturbing part of our trip for me. Wanted - Dead or Alive! This piece of paper was posted above the turkeys in the "poultry" section of the fair. "For your freezer or as a pet!" Seriously? That scares me...
The 11 Best Days of Summer
Cows and Pigs and Chickens, Oh My!
The “11 Best Days of Summer” is the local lingo in reference to the Maryland State Fair. After listening to weeks of radio announcers talking up the “11 Best Days of Summer” – I had the brilliant idea that we should take Rosie. After all – they have animals and she loves animals. Could be a match made in heaven, right? Wrong. Once again, it is confirmed that I am indeed a city girl – and farm livin’ is NOT the life for me.
We drive up to the Fairgrounds and there are tons of people just everywhere. We load Rosie into her umbrella stroller and start walking (er…waddling for some of us) through the crowds and in the heat towards the entrance. Parking cost us $8. Which wasn’t terrible until we realized that admission was going to cost us $8 each as well. Not a big deal – but had I thought this plan up two days earlier, Rich could have gotten free tickets from work. Free is better than $16 any day!
So we walk through the entrance gingerly…trying to avoid the various piles of poo from the cows and horses that have gone before us. I am almost immediately cranky. It is hot. There are a lot of very rude people pushing and shoving. It is stinky…and I am feeling very pregnant and not up for this adventure. But – I want Rosie to see the cows, so we carry on.
We follow our noses to the cow building. Cows, flies and cow poop everywhere. Unfortunately, they are packing many of the cows up for the night and others are heading over to a cow-judging contest – so we wander through trying to find a cow that Rosie can see close-up. We finally find said cow, and not only do we get close to her…but Rosie got to pet her too! Oy – the germ-a-phobe in me is going wild. I resist the urge to hose her off – but I do get her shuttled over to a hand washing station ASAP so I can scrub her down before she puts her hands in her mouth.
All told – we spend just over an hour at the fair. The highlight of my trip is getting up close and personal to the “2008 Lamb and Wool Queen” (pictured below) – a woman who was just BEYOND happy to be pinning ribbons on lambs…We decided that we can pretty much skip the Maryland State Fair for the next decade or so until Rosie is old enough to ride some of the rides.
To top off our experience, I started having some Braxton-Hicks contractions while we were walking around. Now – that just ads some fun to the whole experience. We were all happy to get home, showered and disinfected! I can think of 11 better days from this summer!
Rosie pets the cow...
Rosie sees a lamb...
The “11 Best Days of Summer” is the local lingo in reference to the Maryland State Fair. After listening to weeks of radio announcers talking up the “11 Best Days of Summer” – I had the brilliant idea that we should take Rosie. After all – they have animals and she loves animals. Could be a match made in heaven, right? Wrong. Once again, it is confirmed that I am indeed a city girl – and farm livin’ is NOT the life for me.
We drive up to the Fairgrounds and there are tons of people just everywhere. We load Rosie into her umbrella stroller and start walking (er…waddling for some of us) through the crowds and in the heat towards the entrance. Parking cost us $8. Which wasn’t terrible until we realized that admission was going to cost us $8 each as well. Not a big deal – but had I thought this plan up two days earlier, Rich could have gotten free tickets from work. Free is better than $16 any day!
So we walk through the entrance gingerly…trying to avoid the various piles of poo from the cows and horses that have gone before us. I am almost immediately cranky. It is hot. There are a lot of very rude people pushing and shoving. It is stinky…and I am feeling very pregnant and not up for this adventure. But – I want Rosie to see the cows, so we carry on.
We follow our noses to the cow building. Cows, flies and cow poop everywhere. Unfortunately, they are packing many of the cows up for the night and others are heading over to a cow-judging contest – so we wander through trying to find a cow that Rosie can see close-up. We finally find said cow, and not only do we get close to her…but Rosie got to pet her too! Oy – the germ-a-phobe in me is going wild. I resist the urge to hose her off – but I do get her shuttled over to a hand washing station ASAP so I can scrub her down before she puts her hands in her mouth.
All told – we spend just over an hour at the fair. The highlight of my trip is getting up close and personal to the “2008 Lamb and Wool Queen” (pictured below) – a woman who was just BEYOND happy to be pinning ribbons on lambs…We decided that we can pretty much skip the Maryland State Fair for the next decade or so until Rosie is old enough to ride some of the rides.
To top off our experience, I started having some Braxton-Hicks contractions while we were walking around. Now – that just ads some fun to the whole experience. We were all happy to get home, showered and disinfected! I can think of 11 better days from this summer!
Rosie pets the cow...
Rosie sees a lamb...
The Happiest woman at the fair..."2008 Lamb and Wool Queen."
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Happy Birthday, Kimmie
Although her actual birthday isn’t until tomorrow, we drove up to Stewartstown today to help my good friend and boss, Kim Carl, celebrate her 40th birthday in style.
A good time was had by all, as you can see! Posted pictures are just of Rosie – but let’s just say that I am fairly confident in my job’s security after the pictures I took of Kim! (o:
Rosie, wearing a yellow hula skirt on her head as a wig (my hair, Mommy...), drains every last drop from Daddy's beer...
"Cuttin' a rug" with Daddy!
A good time was had by all, as you can see! Posted pictures are just of Rosie – but let’s just say that I am fairly confident in my job’s security after the pictures I took of Kim! (o:
Rosie, wearing a yellow hula skirt on her head as a wig (my hair, Mommy...), drains every last drop from Daddy's beer...
"Cuttin' a rug" with Daddy!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Fun with “Stee-kas!”
There isn’t much of a story behind these pictures – they are just really cute and I wanted to share. Rich had his fantasy football draft at our house yesterday – and there are a ton of labels leftover from the draft selections. Rosie has been having fun with the labels all day long. After Rich got home, I locked myself in my office to catch up on some work – and when I opened the door, this is what I found:
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Pediatric Ophthalmologist
The Pediatric Ophthalmologist
August 21, 2008
My girl and her gorgeous eyes...
Back in May, a bubble popped on Rosie’s eye. In true Rosie fashion – we have heard the story over and over and over again. This week, however, something strange happened. She was at the park on Monday night with Aunt Renee, Patrick and Elisa. When she came home and I put her in the bath, she put both hands over her one eye and started screaming her little head off. Next day – I call the pediatrician who wants us in right away.
Dr. Terry is awesome – not just with Rosie, but with me as well. She has a way of addressing my concerns without making me feel like a crazy, over-protective Mom. Fortunately, level-headed Rich was also able to go with me – so it was a family trip. Good thing, too – because he got to hold Rosie down while Dr. Terry put drops in her eyes.
Initially, Dr. Terry told me to watch her for a few days and then call back if symptoms persisted. Well – the next day she called and told me to take Rosie to a pediatric ophthalmologist. Dr. Jensen, here we come.
Dr. Jensen’s partner operated on Patrick when he was just 17 months old – and Renee had told me some very nice things about the office. I could see why from the time I walked in the door. They were all wonderful. They were good to me, good to Rosie – just great, all the way around.
Rosie, of course, did phenomenally and we determined that she is indeed just telling and retelling the story of the bubble that popped in her eye. We have a follow up appointment in December, just to be on the safe side – but Dr. Jenson is confident that this story will eventually be outgrown.
As a side note – the nurses thought it was just awesome that I didn’t know the gender of Baby Zoe. They did some sort of hanger test n me and determined that it was a boy. I told them I would let them know when I saw them in December!
August 21, 2008
My girl and her gorgeous eyes...
Back in May, a bubble popped on Rosie’s eye. In true Rosie fashion – we have heard the story over and over and over again. This week, however, something strange happened. She was at the park on Monday night with Aunt Renee, Patrick and Elisa. When she came home and I put her in the bath, she put both hands over her one eye and started screaming her little head off. Next day – I call the pediatrician who wants us in right away.
Dr. Terry is awesome – not just with Rosie, but with me as well. She has a way of addressing my concerns without making me feel like a crazy, over-protective Mom. Fortunately, level-headed Rich was also able to go with me – so it was a family trip. Good thing, too – because he got to hold Rosie down while Dr. Terry put drops in her eyes.
Initially, Dr. Terry told me to watch her for a few days and then call back if symptoms persisted. Well – the next day she called and told me to take Rosie to a pediatric ophthalmologist. Dr. Jensen, here we come.
Dr. Jensen’s partner operated on Patrick when he was just 17 months old – and Renee had told me some very nice things about the office. I could see why from the time I walked in the door. They were all wonderful. They were good to me, good to Rosie – just great, all the way around.
Rosie, of course, did phenomenally and we determined that she is indeed just telling and retelling the story of the bubble that popped in her eye. We have a follow up appointment in December, just to be on the safe side – but Dr. Jenson is confident that this story will eventually be outgrown.
As a side note – the nurses thought it was just awesome that I didn’t know the gender of Baby Zoe. They did some sort of hanger test n me and determined that it was a boy. I told them I would let them know when I saw them in December!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
So – we have to wait for October
Monday, August 18, 2008
It was Easier Last Year…
August 18, 2008
Rosie's picture...unfortunately, I can't get the picture of all three of them to work. Will try again later...
Renee and I started a tradition last year of getting the kids picture taken. Initially, the plan was to do 4th of July pictures – but between all of our schedules, they ended up being “middle of August” pictures. No biggie – the goal is to have all 3 kids together in coordinating outfits for an annual picture. A few weeks ago we made a pilgrimage to the Children’s Place and picked out outfits for the girls. Khaki pants…hot pink shirts. Patrick was to wear neutral colors – Khaki and cream – so that he could coordinate with the girls.
We make our appointment, we show up, we wait for the Picture People to be ready for us. We wait and we wait and we wait. Finally – it is our turn.
For those of you who have never had the displeasure of taking a toddler to have her picture taken, I do not recommend it at all. Toddlers do not sit still. They do not pose. They do not smile. They do not cooperate with photographers. And, most annoyingly, they cannot be distracted by their favorite toys like they used to be. Mr. Monster and a variety of other toys have helped us get many perfect pictures in the past.
At the end of the day – we got the picture. Not as many good ones as we had hoped – but enough. Better yet – we had coupons, so I didn’t have to pay for one of the two prints that I took home. They are adorable kids…and they take a cute picture. It was just a lot easier last year, when Rosie couldn’t walk!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
I Love you, Rosie!
I Love you, Rosie!
August 17, 2008
Picture it – Rosedale, dinner time. A husband and wife stand in the kitchen talking about the latest Mets game. Their toddler plays by herself quietly just feet away from both of them. Suddenly, the toddler jumps up, runs across the room to her mother, wraps her arms around Mommy’s knees and says “I love you, Mommy,” before going back to her toys.
That Mommy/wife was me…that toddler was Rosie…August 17th is one of the best days of my life.
August 17, 2008
Picture it – Rosedale, dinner time. A husband and wife stand in the kitchen talking about the latest Mets game. Their toddler plays by herself quietly just feet away from both of them. Suddenly, the toddler jumps up, runs across the room to her mother, wraps her arms around Mommy’s knees and says “I love you, Mommy,” before going back to her toys.
That Mommy/wife was me…that toddler was Rosie…August 17th is one of the best days of my life.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Everybody Toots, Part II
Everybody Toots, Part II
August 16, 2008
I’m driving today and Rosie was making a ruckus in my back seat. Screaming, yelling, crying…the works. She was just very unhappy about being in the car. So, even though we weren’t that far from home, I ended up driving with one arm in the backseat, holding her hand. Thanks to the physical contortion, I drifted slightly into the right hand shoulder, running over the rumble strip. The crying and whining stops immediately.
Suddenly, I hear her little “maniacal” laugh. “He. He. Road tooted.”
If I wasn’t securely buckled in, I might have fallen out of my chair. For the rest of the trip home, every few minutes I would deliberately hit the rumble strip just to keep her happy and hear Rosie scream “Road tooted!”
I suppose I looked a little like a drunk driver that afternoon – but I fortunately didn’t get pulled over. “Sorry, officer…I was making the road toot…”
August 16, 2008
I’m driving today and Rosie was making a ruckus in my back seat. Screaming, yelling, crying…the works. She was just very unhappy about being in the car. So, even though we weren’t that far from home, I ended up driving with one arm in the backseat, holding her hand. Thanks to the physical contortion, I drifted slightly into the right hand shoulder, running over the rumble strip. The crying and whining stops immediately.
Suddenly, I hear her little “maniacal” laugh. “He. He. Road tooted.”
If I wasn’t securely buckled in, I might have fallen out of my chair. For the rest of the trip home, every few minutes I would deliberately hit the rumble strip just to keep her happy and hear Rosie scream “Road tooted!”
I suppose I looked a little like a drunk driver that afternoon – but I fortunately didn’t get pulled over. “Sorry, officer…I was making the road toot…”
Friday, August 15, 2008
Oh No, What Happen?
Oh No, What Happen?
August 15, 2008
When “The Cousins” come down from Boston, they come with a suitcase full of clothes and three filled with food – and this visit was no exception. When they flew down to Baltimore in February, Nunce had frozen lobster sauce flat in freezer bags and packed them…and a whole ham…in one of her checked pieces of luggage. This time, The Cousins came by car, so there wasn’t a need to freeze everything. In fact – they didn’t even cook everything. They came down with two boxes of living, breathing lobsters.
Well – the Box O’ Crustaceans was a big hit with my toddler! She was on the floor petting the lobster, talking to the lobster…waving to the lobster from across the room. She loved every minute of it. Eventually, the lobster had to go in the pot, so I whisked Rosie off to the bathroom to scrub any residual lobster slim from her hands and arms. Once they were all cooked, every feasted on the little critters who, less than an hour earlier, were Rosie’s new friends.
Rosie thoroughly enjoyed both the lobster and the lobster sauce (Nunce’s lobster sauce is beyond good – it is exquisite). The highlight of the day, however, came after the meal had been served. Rosie looked at the big bowl of empty lobster shells, pointed to it and said “Oh no! What happen? The Yobsta!”
August 15, 2008
When “The Cousins” come down from Boston, they come with a suitcase full of clothes and three filled with food – and this visit was no exception. When they flew down to Baltimore in February, Nunce had frozen lobster sauce flat in freezer bags and packed them…and a whole ham…in one of her checked pieces of luggage. This time, The Cousins came by car, so there wasn’t a need to freeze everything. In fact – they didn’t even cook everything. They came down with two boxes of living, breathing lobsters.
Well – the Box O’ Crustaceans was a big hit with my toddler! She was on the floor petting the lobster, talking to the lobster…waving to the lobster from across the room. She loved every minute of it. Eventually, the lobster had to go in the pot, so I whisked Rosie off to the bathroom to scrub any residual lobster slim from her hands and arms. Once they were all cooked, every feasted on the little critters who, less than an hour earlier, were Rosie’s new friends.
Rosie thoroughly enjoyed both the lobster and the lobster sauce (Nunce’s lobster sauce is beyond good – it is exquisite). The highlight of the day, however, came after the meal had been served. Rosie looked at the big bowl of empty lobster shells, pointed to it and said “Oh no! What happen? The Yobsta!”
Are they Pigtails or Horns?
Are they Pigtails or Horns?
August 15, 2008
So – as you might have noticed in the last blog, Isabella was sporting some pigtails – which I just thought were the cutest things, ever. So – I decided to give it a try with Rosie. First, I tried to comb her hair into the proper position to see if it would work and if we had enough hair to actual pull a set of pigtails off. We did – so off to CVS I went to find some sort of hair apparatus that she wouldn’t be able to pull out on her own. I found such a hair apparatus in Scunci’s mini bands – tiny little colored pieces of plastic that barely fit around my pinky.
With the help of some distraction from Uncle Bill, we got her hair back into the pig tails. It took multiple attempts and several adjustments over the course of the day, but they stayed in from morning until bath time – and as long as you didn’t mention them out loud, she forgot they were there and left them alone.
However – with the pigtails seemed to come an unforeseen side effect – Rosie was suddenly two. Stomping her feet, shouting now, throwing herself into temper tantrums on the floor…So, my question is this – is she really jumping into the “Terrible Twos” a little early, or did she just confuse her pigtails for horns?
August 15, 2008
So – as you might have noticed in the last blog, Isabella was sporting some pigtails – which I just thought were the cutest things, ever. So – I decided to give it a try with Rosie. First, I tried to comb her hair into the proper position to see if it would work and if we had enough hair to actual pull a set of pigtails off. We did – so off to CVS I went to find some sort of hair apparatus that she wouldn’t be able to pull out on her own. I found such a hair apparatus in Scunci’s mini bands – tiny little colored pieces of plastic that barely fit around my pinky.
With the help of some distraction from Uncle Bill, we got her hair back into the pig tails. It took multiple attempts and several adjustments over the course of the day, but they stayed in from morning until bath time – and as long as you didn’t mention them out loud, she forgot they were there and left them alone.
However – with the pigtails seemed to come an unforeseen side effect – Rosie was suddenly two. Stomping her feet, shouting now, throwing herself into temper tantrums on the floor…So, my question is this – is she really jumping into the “Terrible Twos” a little early, or did she just confuse her pigtails for horns?
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Play date for Rosie
Play date for Rosie
August 9, 2008
Rosie & I took a trip up to Elmwood Park yesterday and spent Friday night in Uncle Jared’s room. In addition to playing with family, we also had a special play date with Isabella Panagia.
Rosie & Isabella started out playing in the front yard in the inflatable bounce castle (complete with ball pit and inflatable swords). At first – the two girls pretty much ignored each other. Rosie would make a move for Isabella every now and again – but she was honestly more interested in Isabella’s Mommy’s diaper bag and what was inside that she could take!
However – it wasn’t long before the girls warmed up to each other and started to play…a little. We took turns in the ball-pit-castle and on the slide. We shared some chocolate chip cookies and chocolate covered strawberries…and eventually, we made our way inside to change into our “baby chutes” (bathing suits) for a swim in the pool.
Isabella is just four months older than Rosie – and it was neat to see the two girls together. They got along just fine – although they didn’t “play” a lot, but worked on “co-existing” more. It will just be a matter of time before they have something else in common, aside from their age and just being girls – they will also both be big sisters! (Congratulations to John & Jennifer Panagia!)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Less than 76 Naps Remaining
Less than 76 Naps Remaining
August 5, 2008
Rosie waits for her "froggies" to fall from the ceiling...a new favorite game!
It’s a little after 3 in the afternoon. About an hour ago, I put Rosie down for her nap. Since the introduction of the Big Girl Bed, nap time and bed time routines have adjusted somewhat. She’s not quite ready to lay down in the bed by herself and just go to sleep. She needs a little cuddle time with Mommy or Daddy first. So it’s all Mommy during naps. Although I usually have a million things to do, I am grateful for this change in routine. It gives me a few minutes of precious quiet time just to stare at my beautiful angel and remember just how blessed I am to have her in my life.
Today, as I put her down for a late nap, I realized that I have so very few of these precious moments remaining. There are just 77 days left until my scheduled C-section. With today’s nap in progress, that means only 76 more naps with just me and Rosie…and that is assuming I am with her for her nap every single day between now and D-Day. (Delivery Day) Of course, I came to this realization while I was cuddled up next to her on her big girl bed…and of course, since this is me, I cried. So – I had to not only sneak off of her bed silently (not an easy thing to do when the bed rails are up and you are pregnant) – but I also had to stifle my sniffles until I could get myself out of her room.
I am so very excited about this new baby. I can’t wait to meet him/her. I can’t wait to know this baby. I am, however, going to miss all this time that I have with just Rosie. I am so going to miss our quiet times when there is no one else around. In just 77 days, our dynamic duo is going to turn into a terrific trio. I will always treasure the time that Rosie and I got to have – just the two of us.
August 5, 2008
Rosie waits for her "froggies" to fall from the ceiling...a new favorite game!
It’s a little after 3 in the afternoon. About an hour ago, I put Rosie down for her nap. Since the introduction of the Big Girl Bed, nap time and bed time routines have adjusted somewhat. She’s not quite ready to lay down in the bed by herself and just go to sleep. She needs a little cuddle time with Mommy or Daddy first. So it’s all Mommy during naps. Although I usually have a million things to do, I am grateful for this change in routine. It gives me a few minutes of precious quiet time just to stare at my beautiful angel and remember just how blessed I am to have her in my life.
Today, as I put her down for a late nap, I realized that I have so very few of these precious moments remaining. There are just 77 days left until my scheduled C-section. With today’s nap in progress, that means only 76 more naps with just me and Rosie…and that is assuming I am with her for her nap every single day between now and D-Day. (Delivery Day) Of course, I came to this realization while I was cuddled up next to her on her big girl bed…and of course, since this is me, I cried. So – I had to not only sneak off of her bed silently (not an easy thing to do when the bed rails are up and you are pregnant) – but I also had to stifle my sniffles until I could get myself out of her room.
I am so very excited about this new baby. I can’t wait to meet him/her. I can’t wait to know this baby. I am, however, going to miss all this time that I have with just Rosie. I am so going to miss our quiet times when there is no one else around. In just 77 days, our dynamic duo is going to turn into a terrific trio. I will always treasure the time that Rosie and I got to have – just the two of us.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
The Seventh Annual Triple B
The Seventh Annual Triple B
August 2, 2008
We held our 7th Annual Birthday Beer Pong Bonanza today. Although it’s no longer my birthday party – it is still a good time filled with the best of friends, beer, fun times and the inevitable smack talk.
Congratulations to this year’s championship team – Shane & Erik Ball. The Ball Brothers drove in from Ohio to participate in the tomfoolery and shenanigans, and we are glad they did!
As always, this event remains one of my favorite days of the year…even when I can’t participate in the festivities myself! Next year – JUICE PONG for our guests under 10… (o:
Erik & Shane Ball with their much-deserved trophy.
August 2, 2008
We held our 7th Annual Birthday Beer Pong Bonanza today. Although it’s no longer my birthday party – it is still a good time filled with the best of friends, beer, fun times and the inevitable smack talk.
Congratulations to this year’s championship team – Shane & Erik Ball. The Ball Brothers drove in from Ohio to participate in the tomfoolery and shenanigans, and we are glad they did!
As always, this event remains one of my favorite days of the year…even when I can’t participate in the festivities myself! Next year – JUICE PONG for our guests under 10… (o:
Erik & Shane Ball with their much-deserved trophy.
Shane Ball - 2008 MVP
Friday, August 1, 2008
Some Pictures
My last few posts have been picture-less...so here are a few of my favorites to finish out the month...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
No Pictures, Please!
No Pictures, Please!
July 30, 2008
We attempted to do a 3D ultrasound today. Didn’t happen. Our little baby, who now weighs in at 2 pounds, 9 ounces, wanted nothing to do with having her/his picture taken. She/he was so adamant, that in addition to tucking that little chin to her/his chest – there was also a hand and arm planted firmly in front of the face! So – we will try again in about 2 weeks. Baby Zoe is breech, which makes the ultrasound process a little more complicated. The only thing we were able to see what the top of her/his head!
I really can’t be surprised – stubborn runs in both sides of the family!
July 30, 2008
We attempted to do a 3D ultrasound today. Didn’t happen. Our little baby, who now weighs in at 2 pounds, 9 ounces, wanted nothing to do with having her/his picture taken. She/he was so adamant, that in addition to tucking that little chin to her/his chest – there was also a hand and arm planted firmly in front of the face! So – we will try again in about 2 weeks. Baby Zoe is breech, which makes the ultrasound process a little more complicated. The only thing we were able to see what the top of her/his head!
I really can’t be surprised – stubborn runs in both sides of the family!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
I Want To Believe
I Want To Believe
July 25, 2008
Some of my favorite college moments did not happen at a bar…or a party. Instead, many of those moments happened in the dark living room of our dorms at Loyola College on Sunday nights. Sunday nights, you see, were X-Files nights.
I only missed a handful of episodes in the entire run of the X-files, and all but one of those was in the first season when the show aired on Friday nights while I was at work. Once the show moved to Sundays – there was no stopping me. I would call my brother (also an X-Files junkie) from college and we would sit completely silent during the show. House rules – you were only allowed to speak during commercials when the X-Files were on.
Yup – it is probably one of the more dorky facts about me – but little by little I converted my roommates into dorky X-files fans as well. Except for one – who brought to the table a love of the X-files as great as my own. Jen, a girl who lived in the room across the hall, and I hit it off pretty much right away. The beginning of our friendship was hanging on the wall of my dorm room – a big X-Files “There’s Something Out There” poster sparked a conversation that turned us into fast friends and roommates for the last two years of college.
After 6 years of waiting, tonight was the premiere of the 2nd X-Files movie. Jen, my fellow X-Files guru, flew from San Francisco to Baltimore on the red-eye to watch the movie in theaters on opening night with me. As excited as I was to see the movie – I was more excited to see Jen.
Once again – I get to marvel at my good fortunes. Not only did Jen fly in from San Francisco, but Teresa came down from Harrisburg. Jen, Teresa, Rich and I made our way over to the Avenue in Whitemarsh to catch the 8:00 show. Admittedly, the movie was not as good as we wanted it to be – but that didn’t bother me at all. It was money well spent because it generated a memory that will always make me smile.
July 25, 2008
Some of my favorite college moments did not happen at a bar…or a party. Instead, many of those moments happened in the dark living room of our dorms at Loyola College on Sunday nights. Sunday nights, you see, were X-Files nights.
I only missed a handful of episodes in the entire run of the X-files, and all but one of those was in the first season when the show aired on Friday nights while I was at work. Once the show moved to Sundays – there was no stopping me. I would call my brother (also an X-Files junkie) from college and we would sit completely silent during the show. House rules – you were only allowed to speak during commercials when the X-Files were on.
Yup – it is probably one of the more dorky facts about me – but little by little I converted my roommates into dorky X-files fans as well. Except for one – who brought to the table a love of the X-files as great as my own. Jen, a girl who lived in the room across the hall, and I hit it off pretty much right away. The beginning of our friendship was hanging on the wall of my dorm room – a big X-Files “There’s Something Out There” poster sparked a conversation that turned us into fast friends and roommates for the last two years of college.
After 6 years of waiting, tonight was the premiere of the 2nd X-Files movie. Jen, my fellow X-Files guru, flew from San Francisco to Baltimore on the red-eye to watch the movie in theaters on opening night with me. As excited as I was to see the movie – I was more excited to see Jen.
Once again – I get to marvel at my good fortunes. Not only did Jen fly in from San Francisco, but Teresa came down from Harrisburg. Jen, Teresa, Rich and I made our way over to the Avenue in Whitemarsh to catch the 8:00 show. Admittedly, the movie was not as good as we wanted it to be – but that didn’t bother me at all. It was money well spent because it generated a memory that will always make me smile.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Get Your Bets in Now!
Get Your Bets in Now!
July 24, 2008
We took a trip to see Dr. Quartner today. The first piece of news is that my C-section is scheduled. October 21 at 7:45am. I was initially disappointed that I was unable to talk Dr. Quartner out of a scheduled C-section. I really wanted to experience going into labor and the excitement of the unplanned. For someone who needs to plan everything, there is something appealing about handing the controls completely over to God. So I spent a big chunk of the afternoon sniffly. Then I got a swift kick in the ass from Renee, followed by another swift one from Teresa, and I realized that although another C-Section isn’t my ideal birthing situation – it’s apparently what is meant for me. And really – the ideal situation is the one that ends in me holding my new, healthy baby!
So – it is time to start thinking about getting your bets in now. Given that I have a C-section scheduled, we changed the parameters of “Guess Baby Zoe” slightly. For Baby Zoe, you need to pick a gender, a weight and a length. We increased the stakes a little - $5/box this time around. Rosie was 6 days late, 9 pounds, 10.4 ounces. This baby will be 4 days early.
July 24, 2008
We took a trip to see Dr. Quartner today. The first piece of news is that my C-section is scheduled. October 21 at 7:45am. I was initially disappointed that I was unable to talk Dr. Quartner out of a scheduled C-section. I really wanted to experience going into labor and the excitement of the unplanned. For someone who needs to plan everything, there is something appealing about handing the controls completely over to God. So I spent a big chunk of the afternoon sniffly. Then I got a swift kick in the ass from Renee, followed by another swift one from Teresa, and I realized that although another C-Section isn’t my ideal birthing situation – it’s apparently what is meant for me. And really – the ideal situation is the one that ends in me holding my new, healthy baby!
So – it is time to start thinking about getting your bets in now. Given that I have a C-section scheduled, we changed the parameters of “Guess Baby Zoe” slightly. For Baby Zoe, you need to pick a gender, a weight and a length. We increased the stakes a little - $5/box this time around. Rosie was 6 days late, 9 pounds, 10.4 ounces. This baby will be 4 days early.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Smoke Free
Smoke Free
July 22, 2008
I’ve been smoke free for 3 years now. Just wanted to toot my own horn. (o:
July 22, 2008
I’ve been smoke free for 3 years now. Just wanted to toot my own horn. (o:
Everybody Toots
Rosie puts on Daddy's hat
Helping Daddy touch up the paint in the powder room
Everybody Toots
July 22, 2008
From the time she was a newborn, Rosie had an issue with certain bodily functions – namely, gas. She would get all bent out of shape and, rather than burp, scream her head off. I’m happy to report that she handles all bodily functions much better these days. In fact, she has become obsessed with them.
Today, while Rosie was with Dani, she announced that “Daddy Tooted.” Poor Daddy was still at work and unable to deny the claim himself. Dani sent me a text message – and I had to laugh. The lesson of our day had been “everybody toots.”
It all started relatively early that morning when Rosie let one rip. She turned to me with a very surprised look on her face and covered her butt with her hands. I responded to her “Oh no, wha happen?” with an “it’s OK, baby – you just tooted. Everybody toots.” Well. We just had to go through every single family member that she could think of and confirm that yes, they did indeed toot.
So, now we are a little “toot” obsessed.
July 22, 2008
From the time she was a newborn, Rosie had an issue with certain bodily functions – namely, gas. She would get all bent out of shape and, rather than burp, scream her head off. I’m happy to report that she handles all bodily functions much better these days. In fact, she has become obsessed with them.
Today, while Rosie was with Dani, she announced that “Daddy Tooted.” Poor Daddy was still at work and unable to deny the claim himself. Dani sent me a text message – and I had to laugh. The lesson of our day had been “everybody toots.”
It all started relatively early that morning when Rosie let one rip. She turned to me with a very surprised look on her face and covered her butt with her hands. I responded to her “Oh no, wha happen?” with an “it’s OK, baby – you just tooted. Everybody toots.” Well. We just had to go through every single family member that she could think of and confirm that yes, they did indeed toot.
So, now we are a little “toot” obsessed.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Rosie’s Baby
Rosie picks up Dabby for some play time
Rosie gives Dabby her bottle - while watching Kermit on TV
Rosie talks to Dabby after a "feeding"Rosie’s Baby
July 19, 2008
Rosie got her first baby doll today. As you know, I have been trying my best to keep all of Rosie’s toys gender neutral, educational and totally princess free. So – when my mom asked me if she could buy Rosie a doll, I was very hesitant. Would this open up the flood gates of overly girly gifts? Would she lose her interest in toys like Noah’s Ark and the Crack House that are geared towards kids, not girls?
Ultimately, logic won out and I agreed that Rosie could have a baby doll – but I wanted her to be the one to pick it out. Off to Toys R Us we went. We wandered for a bit, searching for the doll section. Rosie suddenly shouted “baby doll” and started pointing. There were dolls that burp…dolls that can be fed…dolls that say “mama” and dolls that wet a diaper. Rosie picked the one doll that does absolutely nothing!
This plain little doll came with a blue outfit and a pink outfit – both equally ugly. Its mouth is open slightly, so Nonna picked up a play baby bottle as an accessory. Rosie wanted the keep her new baby in the blue outfit – but when you ask her, the doll is a baby girl. Her name is Dabby. (Abby Dabby is her name for both Abby Cadabby and Zoe from Sesame Street…)
Both Nonna and I tried to put more interesting dolls in front of her – dolls that had binkies…dolls that were a little prettier. Rosie wanted nothing to do with any of them – she just wanted Dabby out of her box. So, Dabby is now her baby doll – complete with a little Pack & Play. Rosie put Dabby to bed today and tried to give Dabby her binkie. Dabby’s mouth isn’t big enough for Rosie’s binkie, but we are all impressed that she was willing to share.
Rosie is very proud of Dabby, her new baby doll…and I am very proud of Rosie. She cuddles her, feeds her – and even burps her new baby doll. (The burping action comes complete with a smack on her back, burping noise and Rosie saying “Shoo me!”)
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