So, as part of my New Year's Resolutions, I decided to try one new recipe per month. This month I went above and beyond with FOUR. I plan to come back to this month in June, when I've just had a baby and I tell you gleefully that I just poured a bowl of cereal, ALL BY MYSELF and call it dinner.
Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls
This is the kind of recipe that would typically intimidate me, what with all the steps and ingredients like yeast. I don't think a monkey could screw these up. They were out of this world good. I halved the recipe and still ended up with more cinnamon rolls than I knew what to do with. I plan to make these and freeze them before the baby is born. If I remember correctly, the nursing hunger is the hunger that will not be satisfied except by copious quantities of carbohydrates.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yes, I've made chocolate chip cookies before, but never one that I particularly enjoyed beyond the day they were baked. These aren't the perfect cookie, but they were quite good DAYS after baking, not just fresh from the oven. They are a dense cookie, but in a good way, I thought.
Salsa Chicken
This is now my go-to recipe when I have no plans for dinner. I've never baked chicken from a frozen state before, but did when I made this and with the exception of a longer cooking time (obv.) they were perfect. Oh, and if you're not already reading Style Lush, you should be.
Chicken Enchiladas
The last time I made enchiladas they were horrible, awful, disgusting and I was looking for redemption. These aren't your typical red sauce enchiladas, but they're actually just right for me. I might substitute my crock pot chicken* that I use in many, many things (tacos, burritos, chili, soups) for the chicken mixture next time, just because there's something about boiling chicken that I find particularly loathsome.
*Not really mine, as someone posted it on a message board I belong to, but DELISH. Chicken breast (frozen or defrosted - doesn't matter!) one can diced tomatoes, one package taco seasoning and one can Ro*tel (optional, and I usually leave out.) Cook until chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily.
On the horizon for February: Brownie Batter + Cupcakes
Someone posted this on Twitter and I knew I must try them, I'm just looking for a reason to bake them. I'm thinking "It's Tuesday" might have to suffice as reason enough.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
SOTP: State of the Pregnancy
*I've reached the all hungry, all the time stage of pregnancy. The other night I went to bed early, very early. I woke up at 8:30, shortly after falling asleep and NEEDED a snack. It's important to know that I'm lazy. I get angry when I wake up needing to pee in the middle of the night, but nothing was stopping me from getting that snack, so downstairs I went.
*One of the benefits of the second trimester is that I feel pretty good. I'm not (very) uncomfortable, and I'm not terribly tired, provided I get a reasonable amount of sleep. BUT, if I should stay up too late for any reason, I'm completely incapable of recovering the next day. Tuesday night I went out with friends for fondue and was rendered useless for most of Wednesday.
*It's looking very likely that this baby will come home from the hospital nameless. It's not that we can't think of a name that we like, it's that we can't agree on a name between the two of us. We had the same problem with Bub and ultimately decided on a name that we both love. However, I'm beginning to seriously wonder who this man is who lives in my house with his name suggestions that are so not the name of our baby. I'm open to any and all baby girl name suggestions.
*One of the benefits of the second trimester is that I feel pretty good. I'm not (very) uncomfortable, and I'm not terribly tired, provided I get a reasonable amount of sleep. BUT, if I should stay up too late for any reason, I'm completely incapable of recovering the next day. Tuesday night I went out with friends for fondue and was rendered useless for most of Wednesday.
*It's looking very likely that this baby will come home from the hospital nameless. It's not that we can't think of a name that we like, it's that we can't agree on a name between the two of us. We had the same problem with Bub and ultimately decided on a name that we both love. However, I'm beginning to seriously wonder who this man is who lives in my house with his name suggestions that are so not the name of our baby. I'm open to any and all baby girl name suggestions.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Better
Yesterday was a better day.
I turned off the TV, rebuilt his train track 49 times, then took him to an indoor jump house place to burn off some energy. I had a moment of panic when he got nervous and wouldn't go on the slide alone as I certainly couldn't climb that monster with him. Last time we were there he mastered climbing the ladder and sliding down on his stomach. This time he was a bit intimidated by the ladder. Fortunately a friend volunteered to take him up and that restored his confidence and he was up and down that slide until play time was over. He was a bit disappointed that I couldn't join him, but I couldn't see how that could possibly be good for the baby, so I cheered him on from solid, non-inflated ground.
He's two and a half. Racing towards three, but still solidly mired in the space between a baby and a boy. My husband tells me I say no a lot, and he's right. I correct every minor infraction. I need to dial back my expectations. I need to reward the positive. I'm working on it.
In other news, today we had an appointment to get Bub his flu vaccines. Yes, you heard me right. I made this appointment in NOVEMBER when my pediatrician's office finally had the vaccines in stock and this was the first appointment I could get. I'm not sure it was totally worth getting them at this point in the game, but we did. I'm going to feel even more ridiculous going back at the end of February for the second H1N1. The good news? No tears! He did not appreciate the flu mist, but was more opposed to taking off his sweatshirt for the shot than the shot itself. Other good news? No copay! Since they made me pay the day I took him in to have his TB test read, a day when he didn't even leave the waiting room and the glance at his arm took less time than writing the check, I assumed we would pay today, but NOPE!
The small things, indeed.
I turned off the TV, rebuilt his train track 49 times, then took him to an indoor jump house place to burn off some energy. I had a moment of panic when he got nervous and wouldn't go on the slide alone as I certainly couldn't climb that monster with him. Last time we were there he mastered climbing the ladder and sliding down on his stomach. This time he was a bit intimidated by the ladder. Fortunately a friend volunteered to take him up and that restored his confidence and he was up and down that slide until play time was over. He was a bit disappointed that I couldn't join him, but I couldn't see how that could possibly be good for the baby, so I cheered him on from solid, non-inflated ground.
He's two and a half. Racing towards three, but still solidly mired in the space between a baby and a boy. My husband tells me I say no a lot, and he's right. I correct every minor infraction. I need to dial back my expectations. I need to reward the positive. I'm working on it.
In other news, today we had an appointment to get Bub his flu vaccines. Yes, you heard me right. I made this appointment in NOVEMBER when my pediatrician's office finally had the vaccines in stock and this was the first appointment I could get. I'm not sure it was totally worth getting them at this point in the game, but we did. I'm going to feel even more ridiculous going back at the end of February for the second H1N1. The good news? No tears! He did not appreciate the flu mist, but was more opposed to taking off his sweatshirt for the shot than the shot itself. Other good news? No copay! Since they made me pay the day I took him in to have his TB test read, a day when he didn't even leave the waiting room and the glance at his arm took less time than writing the check, I assumed we would pay today, but NOPE!
The small things, indeed.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Reset
Yes. Just, yes.
Yesterday was not my finest day. Bub was W.I.L.D. We went to the mall because I had a few things to exchange from Christmas. I am not so wildly unrealistic as to expect him to wait patiently while I browse through the Nordstrom baby department, cooing over $57 hair bows that I would never in my right mind purchase myself, but secretly hope will find their way into my soon to be daughter's dresser. I had a plan. Three stores. Three quick exchanges. Lots of walking in between and definitely rides on both the escalator AND the elevator.
Problem #1 Bub is starting to refuse the stroller.
Problem #2 Even if I decide to strap him in against his will, he can unbuckle himself.
Problem #3 He's FAST.
More than once I had to take off running after him and drag him, quite literally kicking and screaming, with a side of hitting and hair pulling, back to me.
I had a J.Crew gift card burning a hole in my pocket. Not wanting to guess my post-baby size, I chose the first cute purse I saw and made my way to the register. Commence running and kicking and screaming. I balanced him against the counter while digging through my purse and Bub turns around to look at the salesgirl and says, "You're not listening to mama." (Where, of course, "You're" means "I'm" as we're not completely clear on our pronouns yet.)
No kid, you're not.
On our way out I had to wrestle him into the car seat while someone waited impatiently for my parking space. He has mastered the art of going limp and magically doubling his own weight, making this a perilous adventure.
After an all too short nap at home, he was back at it. Screaming. Hitting when things didn't go his way. I did my part, too. Lots of sighing and blinked back tears of frustration and, more than once, yelling. Loud, mean, red-faced yelling.
We ate dinner in near silence and when his food started flying to the floor, I just took his plate away and got him down from the table. I. was. done.
I handed over most of the bedtime routine to the husband, but even the small task of brushing his teeth pushed me to the edge. Just open your mouth! Do you know what happens when kids don't brush their teeth? They all FALL OUT. No more teeth? No more Teddy Grahams!
I know.
I hoped that an early bedtime for me would erase the feeling of yesterday. The all too short fuse (mine) combined with a two year old on overdrive made yesterday one of those moments I would rather he forget.
Today the TV is off. We're going somewhere kid friendly. I'm adjusting my expectations to realistic rather than ideal.
I'm pushing reset. We both need it.
Yesterday was not my finest day. Bub was W.I.L.D. We went to the mall because I had a few things to exchange from Christmas. I am not so wildly unrealistic as to expect him to wait patiently while I browse through the Nordstrom baby department, cooing over $57 hair bows that I would never in my right mind purchase myself, but secretly hope will find their way into my soon to be daughter's dresser. I had a plan. Three stores. Three quick exchanges. Lots of walking in between and definitely rides on both the escalator AND the elevator.
Problem #1 Bub is starting to refuse the stroller.
Problem #2 Even if I decide to strap him in against his will, he can unbuckle himself.
Problem #3 He's FAST.
More than once I had to take off running after him and drag him, quite literally kicking and screaming, with a side of hitting and hair pulling, back to me.
I had a J.Crew gift card burning a hole in my pocket. Not wanting to guess my post-baby size, I chose the first cute purse I saw and made my way to the register. Commence running and kicking and screaming. I balanced him against the counter while digging through my purse and Bub turns around to look at the salesgirl and says, "You're not listening to mama." (Where, of course, "You're" means "I'm" as we're not completely clear on our pronouns yet.)
No kid, you're not.
On our way out I had to wrestle him into the car seat while someone waited impatiently for my parking space. He has mastered the art of going limp and magically doubling his own weight, making this a perilous adventure.
After an all too short nap at home, he was back at it. Screaming. Hitting when things didn't go his way. I did my part, too. Lots of sighing and blinked back tears of frustration and, more than once, yelling. Loud, mean, red-faced yelling.
We ate dinner in near silence and when his food started flying to the floor, I just took his plate away and got him down from the table. I. was. done.
I handed over most of the bedtime routine to the husband, but even the small task of brushing his teeth pushed me to the edge. Just open your mouth! Do you know what happens when kids don't brush their teeth? They all FALL OUT. No more teeth? No more Teddy Grahams!
I know.
I hoped that an early bedtime for me would erase the feeling of yesterday. The all too short fuse (mine) combined with a two year old on overdrive made yesterday one of those moments I would rather he forget.
Today the TV is off. We're going somewhere kid friendly. I'm adjusting my expectations to realistic rather than ideal.
I'm pushing reset. We both need it.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
What would you do? Starbucks edition
Yesterday morning some of the moms in my, uh MOMS club, met at Starbucks for breakfast. We met right after preschool drop-off so most people were down one kid, but all but one of us had a child in tow.
We all ordered food and drinks and found two tables we could push together to make room enough for all of us. Even though it was freezing outside (yes, I mean freezing by Southern California standards, it's all relative) it wasn't very crowded and we weren't really bothering anyone.
But that's not really what this it about at all.
By the time we were done there was a spectacular mess of crumbs under the table. In a restaurant, I always tip a little extra when my kid makes a mess. What do I do here? Walk back up and drop something in the tip jar while smiling apologetically? Ask for a broom, because yes, it really was that bad? Get over it because scones and muffins are crumb-y by nature and I'm sure we're not the first?
I really do want to know what the right course of action would have been. I do care that much about what people think about me.
We all ordered food and drinks and found two tables we could push together to make room enough for all of us. Even though it was freezing outside (yes, I mean freezing by Southern California standards, it's all relative) it wasn't very crowded and we weren't really bothering anyone.
But that's not really what this it about at all.
By the time we were done there was a spectacular mess of crumbs under the table. In a restaurant, I always tip a little extra when my kid makes a mess. What do I do here? Walk back up and drop something in the tip jar while smiling apologetically? Ask for a broom, because yes, it really was that bad? Get over it because scones and muffins are crumb-y by nature and I'm sure we're not the first?
I really do want to know what the right course of action would have been. I do care that much about what people think about me.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Vegas Weekend
Early last week I considered canceling our hotel room and just staying home for the weekend. We already had the grandparents lined up to babysit and I thought we could just stay home, relax, go to a movie, go out to breakfast. A vacation without the eight hour round trip drive.
I decided against that plan of action for two reasons. One: I would feel like a complete ass if I just dropped my kid off so that I could stay home alone for the weekend. Two: I knew we would use all that kid free time doing practical things, like clearing out the office/soon to be nursery and catching up on laundry.
So we went.
Against everyone's advice, we left at 3:00 in the afternoon. Yes there was traffic. Yes it took about an hour and a half longer than it would have without traffic. But, by 9:00pm we were checked into our hotel, rather than just getting in the car and starting the trip.
Friday night? We did nothing. We watched some bad TV, loaded up on candy and talked about what we might want to do. Then one of us fell asleep around 10:30. And it was glorious. Of course, we were wide awake at 7:30 despite my declarations not to wake me if the time wasn't four digits long.
Saturday was breakfast (and a mini-heart attack via the husband when the check came showing that one orange juice was $8) shopping, lunch, relaxing, shopping then Le Reve. We had gotten the show tickets for free when we booked the room. I'm not going to pretend to have understood what the show was about, but we did like it. I was eavesdropping on the people in front of us walking out of the theater and they were convinced it was a dream. Husband thought it was the main character's struggle against what her father wanted for her and what she wanted. I? Have no idea. There were many, many hairless men wearing next to nothing that reminded me of Silas from The Da Vinci Code - an image I had to shake from my head every time they took the stage - along with some impressive acrobatics and other Cirque du Soleil-esque acts.
I've been trying to be better about taking pregnancy pictures this time around. I have about three pictures of myself from last time and I totally regret not documenting things better, so I snapped this picture right before we went out.
I'm obviously way too lazy to turn off the flash on my phone and opted for the super obvious finger over the flash method.
Sunday we woke up, ate another huge breakfast and tried to keep from slipping into a food coma on the long drive home. We waited anxiously for my parents to bring Bub home, only to have him cling to my dad desperately and refuse to be out of reaching distance from either of them. I'm glad he loves his grandparents, but c'mon kid! I guess if someone had taken me to the beach (twice) and the park (twice) in a 48 hour period, they might have earned my undying two year old affection also.
He was very happy to tell us that the ocean was "feezing cold" and the water felt like "ice cubeth." Repeatedly.
Oh, I almost forgot the best part! Aside from the hotel, (Wynn) which was a super steal of a deal - you wouldn't believe me if I told you what we spent on the room - and gas, we spent exactly $20. Everything else was paid for in gift cards, including meals and shopping. I did look longingly at the casino, but accepted the price to be paid for not having had a job for nearly three years and no immediate plans to go back to work.
****
Want to be embarassed for me? Click on over here and see how badly I'm losing.
I decided against that plan of action for two reasons. One: I would feel like a complete ass if I just dropped my kid off so that I could stay home alone for the weekend. Two: I knew we would use all that kid free time doing practical things, like clearing out the office/soon to be nursery and catching up on laundry.
So we went.
Against everyone's advice, we left at 3:00 in the afternoon. Yes there was traffic. Yes it took about an hour and a half longer than it would have without traffic. But, by 9:00pm we were checked into our hotel, rather than just getting in the car and starting the trip.
Friday night? We did nothing. We watched some bad TV, loaded up on candy and talked about what we might want to do. Then one of us fell asleep around 10:30. And it was glorious. Of course, we were wide awake at 7:30 despite my declarations not to wake me if the time wasn't four digits long.
Saturday was breakfast (and a mini-heart attack via the husband when the check came showing that one orange juice was $8) shopping, lunch, relaxing, shopping then Le Reve. We had gotten the show tickets for free when we booked the room. I'm not going to pretend to have understood what the show was about, but we did like it. I was eavesdropping on the people in front of us walking out of the theater and they were convinced it was a dream. Husband thought it was the main character's struggle against what her father wanted for her and what she wanted. I? Have no idea. There were many, many hairless men wearing next to nothing that reminded me of Silas from The Da Vinci Code - an image I had to shake from my head every time they took the stage - along with some impressive acrobatics and other Cirque du Soleil-esque acts.
I've been trying to be better about taking pregnancy pictures this time around. I have about three pictures of myself from last time and I totally regret not documenting things better, so I snapped this picture right before we went out.
I'm obviously way too lazy to turn off the flash on my phone and opted for the super obvious finger over the flash method.
Sunday we woke up, ate another huge breakfast and tried to keep from slipping into a food coma on the long drive home. We waited anxiously for my parents to bring Bub home, only to have him cling to my dad desperately and refuse to be out of reaching distance from either of them. I'm glad he loves his grandparents, but c'mon kid! I guess if someone had taken me to the beach (twice) and the park (twice) in a 48 hour period, they might have earned my undying two year old affection also.
He was very happy to tell us that the ocean was "feezing cold" and the water felt like "ice cubeth." Repeatedly.
Oh, I almost forgot the best part! Aside from the hotel, (Wynn) which was a super steal of a deal - you wouldn't believe me if I told you what we spent on the room - and gas, we spent exactly $20. Everything else was paid for in gift cards, including meals and shopping. I did look longingly at the casino, but accepted the price to be paid for not having had a job for nearly three years and no immediate plans to go back to work.
****
Want to be embarassed for me? Click on over here and see how badly I'm losing.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
It's This or a Gallon of Mint Chip. Maybe Both.
I'm in a craptastic mood thanks to a late night (LOVE my book club) and a way too early wake up call. I'm fighting a major case of the blahs, which seems to be going around, so I'm focusing on the good today.
*Packing for Vegas. Despite a little reluctance from the husband, we're going. We decided to come home on Sunday, rather than Monday so we can have some family time with the boy. It will most definitely not be a wild Vegas weekend given that I'm pregnant and prone to a 9pm bedtime. Our big plans include dinner, in restaurants, eaten after 5:30pm without crayons on the table, and perhaps a movie. Oh, and Three Card Poker. Somebody stop me.
*The baby stuff on clearance at Target. I couldn't resist teeny tiny outfits and pinks and purples and greens. Plus blankets and crib sheets and pacifiers. How I love buying pacifiers.
*No line at the post office. This really should be first on the list.
*The grand opening of our new Chick Fil-A. Judging by the people camped out in tents yesterday for a free chicken sandwich (you would have to give me a lot more than a sandwich to have me camped out in a tent in a parking lot) this has been highly anticipated. Me? I just enjoy hearing, "It's been a pleasure serving you," every time I'm there. Nice goes a long way. And the lemonade. Holy crap, the lemonade.
*Bub's not a baby, not quite a boy face. Sometimes I'm blown away by how grown up he is and where is my BABY going? Other times, I get so lost in his cheeks that I'm taken back two years and I can imagine them covered in teething drool.
*The chance to win a trip to Blissdom. I would so love you if you wanted to click through and vote for me. I know it's shameless, but I really want to go!
Oh, and today is delurking day, so make yourself known. Introduce yourself! Let me know where you're finding your happy today. I could use all the help I can get.
*Packing for Vegas. Despite a little reluctance from the husband, we're going. We decided to come home on Sunday, rather than Monday so we can have some family time with the boy. It will most definitely not be a wild Vegas weekend given that I'm pregnant and prone to a 9pm bedtime. Our big plans include dinner, in restaurants, eaten after 5:30pm without crayons on the table, and perhaps a movie. Oh, and Three Card Poker. Somebody stop me.
*The baby stuff on clearance at Target. I couldn't resist teeny tiny outfits and pinks and purples and greens. Plus blankets and crib sheets and pacifiers. How I love buying pacifiers.
*No line at the post office. This really should be first on the list.
*The grand opening of our new Chick Fil-A. Judging by the people camped out in tents yesterday for a free chicken sandwich (you would have to give me a lot more than a sandwich to have me camped out in a tent in a parking lot) this has been highly anticipated. Me? I just enjoy hearing, "It's been a pleasure serving you," every time I'm there. Nice goes a long way. And the lemonade. Holy crap, the lemonade.
*Bub's not a baby, not quite a boy face. Sometimes I'm blown away by how grown up he is and where is my BABY going? Other times, I get so lost in his cheeks that I'm taken back two years and I can imagine them covered in teething drool.
*The chance to win a trip to Blissdom. I would so love you if you wanted to click through and vote for me. I know it's shameless, but I really want to go!
Oh, and today is delurking day, so make yourself known. Introduce yourself! Let me know where you're finding your happy today. I could use all the help I can get.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
It's going to put me over the edge, very, very soon
One of the advantages of having a dog in the house is the post dinner under table sweep. Crumbs? Not an issue.
One of the disadvantages of having a dog in the house is their sense of entitlement to all things within their reach.
Enter Charlie.
Fortunately, Charlie is a small dog so not many things are within his reach. You know who does happen to be at the perfect height for food stealing? Bub. And he LOVES to feed the dog. It's not such a big deal if the dog snatches a goldfish cracker or teddy graham. Not good for the dog I understand, but not life threatening. Other foods are a bigger deals. Raisins and grapes are potentially fatal to dogs, along with chocolate, of course. Bub doesn't each much chocolate, but raisins are a daily staple. Every time Bub requests "raisins in your bowl" I have to herd the dog outside or into the garage.
Charlie's not a fan of being herded anywhere. He likes to be where the action is.
Charlie also finds other items to be doggie delicacies. Like crayons. If one falls from the table to the floor he's all over it. Bub used to find this highly disturbing and took great pains to put his crayons away and keep them safe. He now finds this hilarious and delights in feeding the crayons to the dog.
Not only does this leave small little crayon bits in the carpet, but I'm sure this isn't great for the dogs digestive system as he eats the entire thing, paper and all.
There's no good solution. I can't keep him in the backyard all day as we have coyotes and mountain lions that roam right along the edge of suburbia. We hear the coyotes howling day night, and Charlie would be a quick snack. I can't keep him locked up anywhere else out of fairness to him, not to mention there isn't a lock in the house Bub can't undo. It's just annoying to have to find a place for him every single time the kid wants a snack, or to color or to drink his milk. Oh yes, I forgot to mention, Bub loves to quench Charlie's thirst, directly from his sippy cup. GAG.
I'm short on patience these days. I'm not going to be blame this baby girl with the cutest ultrasound profile ever, but I fear pregnancy may be playing a part in my impatience. I'm at the end of my rapidly fraying rope and this dog who insists on constantly being underfoot is pushing it. You're on notice, Charlie.
One of the disadvantages of having a dog in the house is their sense of entitlement to all things within their reach.
Enter Charlie.
Fortunately, Charlie is a small dog so not many things are within his reach. You know who does happen to be at the perfect height for food stealing? Bub. And he LOVES to feed the dog. It's not such a big deal if the dog snatches a goldfish cracker or teddy graham. Not good for the dog I understand, but not life threatening. Other foods are a bigger deals. Raisins and grapes are potentially fatal to dogs, along with chocolate, of course. Bub doesn't each much chocolate, but raisins are a daily staple. Every time Bub requests "raisins in your bowl" I have to herd the dog outside or into the garage.
Charlie's not a fan of being herded anywhere. He likes to be where the action is.
Charlie also finds other items to be doggie delicacies. Like crayons. If one falls from the table to the floor he's all over it. Bub used to find this highly disturbing and took great pains to put his crayons away and keep them safe. He now finds this hilarious and delights in feeding the crayons to the dog.
Not only does this leave small little crayon bits in the carpet, but I'm sure this isn't great for the dogs digestive system as he eats the entire thing, paper and all.
There's no good solution. I can't keep him in the backyard all day as we have coyotes and mountain lions that roam right along the edge of suburbia. We hear the coyotes howling day night, and Charlie would be a quick snack. I can't keep him locked up anywhere else out of fairness to him, not to mention there isn't a lock in the house Bub can't undo. It's just annoying to have to find a place for him every single time the kid wants a snack, or to color or to drink his milk. Oh yes, I forgot to mention, Bub loves to quench Charlie's thirst, directly from his sippy cup. GAG.
I'm short on patience these days. I'm not going to be blame this baby girl with the cutest ultrasound profile ever, but I fear pregnancy may be playing a part in my impatience. I'm at the end of my rapidly fraying rope and this dog who insists on constantly being underfoot is pushing it. You're on notice, Charlie.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tales from the Car Dealership Service Department
That'll take about an hour.
Sure, an hour I can handle. I have just about the right number of snacks and toys and activities to keep us busy for an hour before Bub starts climbing into all of the showroom vehicles.
Three minutes later from the helpful cashier, just as we're getting settled into very comfortable chairs in front of mindless television:
You know we have a playroom, right? Just around the corner.
Oh yes, I do remember a recent email update from the dealer, inviting me to come in and see What's New! Last time we were here they had a small table set up with a box of blocks, just behind the comfortable chairs. Let's check out the Playroom.
Two very disappointed minutes later we discover that the small table and box of blocks has just been relocated to an unused closet/office. The only seating in the room is child seating.
I know the picture is terrible, but not only are those child size chairs, but they are child size chairs with ARMS. If I perch on the very edge of the seat, I fit. Kind of.
Just under an hour after our arrival, we're found by my friendly service writer. We're just about finished!
Great, just let me gather up my things and grease myself out of this chair and we'll -
Well, see it looks like you need new brakes. Like, now. And new tires are recommended.*
Sure, new tires. And by recommended, you mean I can probably drive for...
Another week or two, tops. They're completely bald on the inside.
Awesome. Okay, well go ahead and get the brakes started and let me just call my husband to prepare him for the heart attack he'll have when he sees the credit card statement. I'll let you know about the tires.
A quick phone call to the husband later and we're ready to green light the tires. I go to find friendly service writer, only to discover he's disappeared into a meeting. Is there anyone who I can talk to about the tires? Of course there is, that will be just a minute.
23 minutes later, someone is finally available totake my money get the tires going.
Bub starts to completely lose it. I want to go for a WALK. No "just a minute baby." WALK.
Good idea kid.
Seven minutes later we've seen all that the showroom has to offer. It's nearly lunch time and isn't there a restaurant just around the corner? Let's go.
We're soon settled into a booth with the world's most complicated kid's menu (but doesn't he look thrilled that I took the time to assemble it?)
It occurs to me that this is the closest I've ever come to eating alone in a restaurant and I'm mildly self conscious. I can't help but laugh as an elderly couple comes in and is nearly seated just behind us. They quickly request another seat on the other side of the restaurant. Their loss, because up until this point, Bub has been charming everyone within ear shot. Not that you would know it from that face, but trust me. CHARMING.
A short walk later (and by walk I mean, I walked and Bub rode. People probably thought I was kidnapping him by the way I was rushing down the sidewalk with him hanging halfway off of my hip) we're back and the car is done.
I laugh again when I notice that they've written on every page of the invoice (all FIVE pages) that they've given my car a complimentary wash and vacuum. I laugh harder when I load Bub in the backseat only to see the large pile of sand from last week's beach trip still squarely in the middle of my floor mats.
*No, I don't think I was being snowed. My car has nearly 40,000 miles on it and it's probably time for new tires and brakes. Also, I had mentioned to them that my Bluetooth system wasn't working. My warranty had expired months ago but they went ahead ignored that. Thank goodness, because that was a $600 fix right there.
Sure, an hour I can handle. I have just about the right number of snacks and toys and activities to keep us busy for an hour before Bub starts climbing into all of the showroom vehicles.
Three minutes later from the helpful cashier, just as we're getting settled into very comfortable chairs in front of mindless television:
You know we have a playroom, right? Just around the corner.
Oh yes, I do remember a recent email update from the dealer, inviting me to come in and see What's New! Last time we were here they had a small table set up with a box of blocks, just behind the comfortable chairs. Let's check out the Playroom.
Two very disappointed minutes later we discover that the small table and box of blocks has just been relocated to an unused closet/office. The only seating in the room is child seating.
I know the picture is terrible, but not only are those child size chairs, but they are child size chairs with ARMS. If I perch on the very edge of the seat, I fit. Kind of.
Just under an hour after our arrival, we're found by my friendly service writer. We're just about finished!
Great, just let me gather up my things and grease myself out of this chair and we'll -
Well, see it looks like you need new brakes. Like, now. And new tires are recommended.*
Sure, new tires. And by recommended, you mean I can probably drive for...
Another week or two, tops. They're completely bald on the inside.
Awesome. Okay, well go ahead and get the brakes started and let me just call my husband to prepare him for the heart attack he'll have when he sees the credit card statement. I'll let you know about the tires.
A quick phone call to the husband later and we're ready to green light the tires. I go to find friendly service writer, only to discover he's disappeared into a meeting. Is there anyone who I can talk to about the tires? Of course there is, that will be just a minute.
23 minutes later, someone is finally available to
Bub starts to completely lose it. I want to go for a WALK. No "just a minute baby." WALK.
Good idea kid.
Seven minutes later we've seen all that the showroom has to offer. It's nearly lunch time and isn't there a restaurant just around the corner? Let's go.
We're soon settled into a booth with the world's most complicated kid's menu (but doesn't he look thrilled that I took the time to assemble it?)
It occurs to me that this is the closest I've ever come to eating alone in a restaurant and I'm mildly self conscious. I can't help but laugh as an elderly couple comes in and is nearly seated just behind us. They quickly request another seat on the other side of the restaurant. Their loss, because up until this point, Bub has been charming everyone within ear shot. Not that you would know it from that face, but trust me. CHARMING.
A short walk later (and by walk I mean, I walked and Bub rode. People probably thought I was kidnapping him by the way I was rushing down the sidewalk with him hanging halfway off of my hip) we're back and the car is done.
I laugh again when I notice that they've written on every page of the invoice (all FIVE pages) that they've given my car a complimentary wash and vacuum. I laugh harder when I load Bub in the backseat only to see the large pile of sand from last week's beach trip still squarely in the middle of my floor mats.
*No, I don't think I was being snowed. My car has nearly 40,000 miles on it and it's probably time for new tires and brakes. Also, I had mentioned to them that my Bluetooth system wasn't working. My warranty had expired months ago but they went ahead ignored that. Thank goodness, because that was a $600 fix right there.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Bows!
We had our big ultrasound on Friday afternoon. It's a girl y'all!
I had told my husband weeks earlier that I had a strong girl feeling, but I didn't say that to anyone else. I didn't want it to be read as wishful thinking and I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up, but the closer we got to the ultrasound, the stronger the feeling was. The moment she put the wand to my stomach, I was certain it was a girl. I asked if she was paint the nursery pink* sure and she said she would personally come and repaint the nursery if she was wrong.
Everything else looked great. Ten fingers, ten toes, everything in the right place and working.
We saw my doctor afterwards and he just reconfirmed why I love him. He's the kind of doctor who will sit with you and answer any questions you have. I have never once felt rushed in his office. That also means that he's usually running behind and I try for a morning appointment, but that's a price I'm willing to pay. I had pain in my kidneys during the ultrasound, probably due to the gallon of water I had just finished, but the tech decided to take a look. She mentioned to me what she was seeing but wouldn't explain it. I asked my doctor about it and he explained that what she saw was just on the outside edge of normal and there wasn't really much we could do about it unless the pain got severe. He also mentioned that he had called upstairs to the high risk office just to be sure and they had said the same thing. It was 4:55 on a Friday afternoon and he had taken a minute to make a phone call rather than just making the call himself in order to get out of there. LOVE my doctor.
A girl! We're beyond excited to know what we're having and to be able to plan. I walked through Target yesterday and looked at cute girl outfits and was amazed that I can my those things for my own child now! I was texting back and forth between a friend of mine about all of the things we can do with our girls. Disney Princess lunches! Manicures! Dance class! And maybe she'll hate all of that. That's okay too. But, she will wear a bow before she has an opinion about it.
*I don't really envision a pink nursery. Like, at all.
I had told my husband weeks earlier that I had a strong girl feeling, but I didn't say that to anyone else. I didn't want it to be read as wishful thinking and I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up, but the closer we got to the ultrasound, the stronger the feeling was. The moment she put the wand to my stomach, I was certain it was a girl. I asked if she was paint the nursery pink* sure and she said she would personally come and repaint the nursery if she was wrong.
Everything else looked great. Ten fingers, ten toes, everything in the right place and working.
We saw my doctor afterwards and he just reconfirmed why I love him. He's the kind of doctor who will sit with you and answer any questions you have. I have never once felt rushed in his office. That also means that he's usually running behind and I try for a morning appointment, but that's a price I'm willing to pay. I had pain in my kidneys during the ultrasound, probably due to the gallon of water I had just finished, but the tech decided to take a look. She mentioned to me what she was seeing but wouldn't explain it. I asked my doctor about it and he explained that what she saw was just on the outside edge of normal and there wasn't really much we could do about it unless the pain got severe. He also mentioned that he had called upstairs to the high risk office just to be sure and they had said the same thing. It was 4:55 on a Friday afternoon and he had taken a minute to make a phone call rather than just making the call himself in order to get out of there. LOVE my doctor.
A girl! We're beyond excited to know what we're having and to be able to plan. I walked through Target yesterday and looked at cute girl outfits and was amazed that I can my those things for my own child now! I was texting back and forth between a friend of mine about all of the things we can do with our girls. Disney Princess lunches! Manicures! Dance class! And maybe she'll hate all of that. That's okay too. But, she will wear a bow before she has an opinion about it.
*I don't really envision a pink nursery. Like, at all.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
In lieu of a money tree...
Budget.
Frugal.
Sale.
Ten years ago, these were words that were not in my vocabulary. Money wasn't a discussion growing up. Not necessarily because we had an abundance, but it just wasn't on my radar.
Oh the times, how they have changed.
Now, I'm a stay at home mom living on one teacher's salary in a home with a mortgage that makes me want to vomit. (Dear Realtors, Sending out a listing of all of the recent home sales was a bad, bad, bad idea. Particularly when there was a large SIX DIGIT difference between what I paid for my home and what I could sell it for today.)
Ahem.
Our initial plan was for me to go back to work after Bub's first year. A few months into that year it occurred to both of us that wouldn't be happening and we needed to make some changes.
A few changes worked for us to live within our means and keep a roof over our head.
Cash
We take out cash at the beginning of every month for our "fun" money. We each get a personal allowance and there's a small amount set aside for entertainment and gifts. It sounds like a lot broken down into those categories, but let me assure you, it's not. The beauty of spending cash on these non-essentials is that once the money is gone it's, well, gone. Husband and I have two different approaches to this money. He spends his immediately, as if it's literally burning a hole in his pocket. I hoard mine, spending little bits here and there, making it last for the month.
Gift Cards
Some people hate receiving gifts cards as gifts. They think they're impersonal and thoughtless. Not me! Love them. They allow me to shop and indulge without worry and guilt. Confession? I hoard my gift cards as well. As you might suspect, husband practically runs out the door to spend his and then looks longingly at my stockpile.
Think!
I used to have no idea how much anything in the grocery store cost. If we wanted strawberries in December, we bought them, regardless of the $5/lb price tag. Now, HA! Those grocery store ads that I spent many years of my adult life recycling? I actually read them now. I do clip coupons as well, but half the battle is recognizing what a good price is for something and knowing when to buy and when to walk away.
It goes without saying that my husband would laugh me straight out of town if I were to ask to spend his hard earned money on a trip to Blissdom. Not that he wouldn't love to send me, but he thinks silly little things like diapers for Baby #2 are "essentials," which is why I'm desperately hoping to win a ticket from Inexpensively. I would love to be with people who get me. I adore my husband, but he imagines Twitter to be much like the dad in this commercial:
Frugal.
Sale.
Ten years ago, these were words that were not in my vocabulary. Money wasn't a discussion growing up. Not necessarily because we had an abundance, but it just wasn't on my radar.
Oh the times, how they have changed.
Now, I'm a stay at home mom living on one teacher's salary in a home with a mortgage that makes me want to vomit. (Dear Realtors, Sending out a listing of all of the recent home sales was a bad, bad, bad idea. Particularly when there was a large SIX DIGIT difference between what I paid for my home and what I could sell it for today.)
Ahem.
Our initial plan was for me to go back to work after Bub's first year. A few months into that year it occurred to both of us that wouldn't be happening and we needed to make some changes.
A few changes worked for us to live within our means and keep a roof over our head.
Cash
We take out cash at the beginning of every month for our "fun" money. We each get a personal allowance and there's a small amount set aside for entertainment and gifts. It sounds like a lot broken down into those categories, but let me assure you, it's not. The beauty of spending cash on these non-essentials is that once the money is gone it's, well, gone. Husband and I have two different approaches to this money. He spends his immediately, as if it's literally burning a hole in his pocket. I hoard mine, spending little bits here and there, making it last for the month.
Gift Cards
Some people hate receiving gifts cards as gifts. They think they're impersonal and thoughtless. Not me! Love them. They allow me to shop and indulge without worry and guilt. Confession? I hoard my gift cards as well. As you might suspect, husband practically runs out the door to spend his and then looks longingly at my stockpile.
Think!
I used to have no idea how much anything in the grocery store cost. If we wanted strawberries in December, we bought them, regardless of the $5/lb price tag. Now, HA! Those grocery store ads that I spent many years of my adult life recycling? I actually read them now. I do clip coupons as well, but half the battle is recognizing what a good price is for something and knowing when to buy and when to walk away.
It goes without saying that my husband would laugh me straight out of town if I were to ask to spend his hard earned money on a trip to Blissdom. Not that he wouldn't love to send me, but he thinks silly little things like diapers for Baby #2 are "essentials," which is why I'm desperately hoping to win a ticket from Inexpensively. I would love to be with people who get me. I adore my husband, but he imagines Twitter to be much like the dad in this commercial:
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Dear Lazy Neighbors, Thank You, Thank You Very Much
Yesterday afternoon I ran to Target and Toys R Us, needing a baby shower gift and two birthday gifts. And diapers. Unfortunately Target was completely out of size six diapers in both Pampers and Huggies. None to be found in the entire store. This was probably for the best as the last time I bought diapers there, the checker admonished me for my son still wearing diapers. He's two and a half, not five. I get that he's a big as your average three and a half year old, but I really don't need you making judgements on my parenting. Besides, it's his New Year's Resolution to ditch the Pampers.
Anyway.
I found all three gifts and even managed to let Bub walk freely without the restriction of a cart without any major incidents.
The sun had set while we were in the stores and as I was strapping Bub into his car seat, he declared, "Let's go see Christmas lights!"
Deep sigh.
Now, I know that the lights and the tree and the ornaments that make Christmas special would lose some of their luster if they were up all year 'round, but Bub really loved these aspects of Christmas. He can take or leave the presents, but absolutely had to say goodnight to the Christmas lights before bed.
"Sorry buddy, Christmas is over. All of the lights are off."
No answer, but he's two and had just found an old goldfish cracker in his car seat.
Then I turned onto our street.
"Christmas lights!"
The three houses to the left of ours, all still lit up. The only houses in the neighborhood still lit. A few other houses (coughuscough) still have their lights up, but not lit.
But thank goodness for the Lazytons next door. They made my kid's night.
Anyway.
I found all three gifts and even managed to let Bub walk freely without the restriction of a cart without any major incidents.
The sun had set while we were in the stores and as I was strapping Bub into his car seat, he declared, "Let's go see Christmas lights!"
Deep sigh.
Now, I know that the lights and the tree and the ornaments that make Christmas special would lose some of their luster if they were up all year 'round, but Bub really loved these aspects of Christmas. He can take or leave the presents, but absolutely had to say goodnight to the Christmas lights before bed.
"Sorry buddy, Christmas is over. All of the lights are off."
No answer, but he's two and had just found an old goldfish cracker in his car seat.
Then I turned onto our street.
"Christmas lights!"
The three houses to the left of ours, all still lit up. The only houses in the neighborhood still lit. A few other houses (coughuscough) still have their lights up, but not lit.
But thank goodness for the Lazytons next door. They made my kid's night.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Too Bad This Won't Last
At some point last week, the husband asked me if I would mind cleaning out the pantry while he ran a quick errand. I made quick work of tossing out stale food, bags of pretzels with nothing but salt left in the bottom of the bag and one open bag of chocolate chips that had spilled all over the shelf.
I then opened the refrigerator and found filthy shelves and drawers were staring back at me. I didn't even hesitate before removing each and every shelf, divider and bracket and scrubbing them within an inch of their life.
Later that afternoon I found myself in the office tossing piles of note cards, pens and more Post Its than I could use in a lifetime into a box for the husband to take to school for his students. I moved into my room where I tackled my nightstand, bathroom drawers, cabinets and medicine cabinet. During bathtime I made quick work of Bub's medicine cabinet.
Today I made three meals, plus cinnamon rolls from scratch, with nary a dish left in the sink after dinner and washed AND put away two loads of laundry. If this doesn't seem like a big deal, Hi, nice to meet you. I loathe laundry and have been known to live from a basket of clean laundry until I'm out of clean underwear.
All of this to say, that I'm evidently nesting. Nesting like crazy. We're turning our office into a nursery and I'm downright giddy with anticipation about the decluttering and reorganization that will ensue. Even though it's months before this is necessary, I'm already on the hunt for a desk that will fit into the nook in our bedroom so I can get started.
Realistically I know that there's an expiration date on this motivation so I feel like I should get as much done as possible before I'm back to my slothful ways.
Maybe my dresser should be next. Or maybe I should just get to work clearing out the cinnamon roll pan.
I then opened the refrigerator and found filthy shelves and drawers were staring back at me. I didn't even hesitate before removing each and every shelf, divider and bracket and scrubbing them within an inch of their life.
Later that afternoon I found myself in the office tossing piles of note cards, pens and more Post Its than I could use in a lifetime into a box for the husband to take to school for his students. I moved into my room where I tackled my nightstand, bathroom drawers, cabinets and medicine cabinet. During bathtime I made quick work of Bub's medicine cabinet.
Today I made three meals, plus cinnamon rolls from scratch, with nary a dish left in the sink after dinner and washed AND put away two loads of laundry. If this doesn't seem like a big deal, Hi, nice to meet you. I loathe laundry and have been known to live from a basket of clean laundry until I'm out of clean underwear.
All of this to say, that I'm evidently nesting. Nesting like crazy. We're turning our office into a nursery and I'm downright giddy with anticipation about the decluttering and reorganization that will ensue. Even though it's months before this is necessary, I'm already on the hunt for a desk that will fit into the nook in our bedroom so I can get started.
Realistically I know that there's an expiration date on this motivation so I feel like I should get as much done as possible before I'm back to my slothful ways.
Maybe my dresser should be next. Or maybe I should just get to work clearing out the cinnamon roll pan.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Resolve
I started this blog as a way to hold me accountable for last year's resolutions. Unfortunately, those resolutions were a bit boring and there's only so many times I can tell you that I'm an absolute laundry failure. The one resolution I did manage to keep was maintaining this blog for a year, and no one is more shocked about that than I am!
This year, there are so many things I would like to make happen, but only a few that I'm really willing to do what it takes to make them happen. I would love to get the laundry situation under control, but let's be serious here.
I'm focusing on two main goals.
1. Be a better, more present mom. These past two weeks having two parents in the house full time has rejuvenated me. The more time I spend with Bub, the more fun he is. I get stuck in a rut very easily and want to focus on doing different things with him. I'm not talking Disneyland every day (although we do have annual passes just burning holes in our pockets) I just need to be willing to get out the giant bubble wands and not care that they make a huge mess.
2. Cook! I will make at least one new recipe a month. I would say each week, but who are we kidding? Currently, I'm looking for a great cinnamon roll recipe. Again, we're in a rut and my current rotation of dinner foods is seriously lacking. I've been trying new things this past year with some success and plenty of failure (I think I'll just stick to brownies from a box thankyouverymuch.)
Also? I would like to make some resolutions by proxy for Bub:
1. Potty Training!
2. Big Boy Bed!
3. Paci Fairy!
It's going to be a big year for one of us.
This year, there are so many things I would like to make happen, but only a few that I'm really willing to do what it takes to make them happen. I would love to get the laundry situation under control, but let's be serious here.
I'm focusing on two main goals.
1. Be a better, more present mom. These past two weeks having two parents in the house full time has rejuvenated me. The more time I spend with Bub, the more fun he is. I get stuck in a rut very easily and want to focus on doing different things with him. I'm not talking Disneyland every day (although we do have annual passes just burning holes in our pockets) I just need to be willing to get out the giant bubble wands and not care that they make a huge mess.
2. Cook! I will make at least one new recipe a month. I would say each week, but who are we kidding? Currently, I'm looking for a great cinnamon roll recipe. Again, we're in a rut and my current rotation of dinner foods is seriously lacking. I've been trying new things this past year with some success and plenty of failure (I think I'll just stick to brownies from a box thankyouverymuch.)
Also? I would like to make some resolutions by proxy for Bub:
1. Potty Training!
2. Big Boy Bed!
3. Paci Fairy!
It's going to be a big year for one of us.
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