What not to say

'Actually, the backs of your legs under your butt aren't the same.'

'The backs of my thighs?'

'Yes.'

Silence follows on the drive home.

This after a conversation about Weight Watchers, possibly joining together as a team, and my comments that one side effect of not eating for 3 days and being sick is that I am finally starting to feel a bit like my pre-pregger body. The clothes fit. My boobs are even regulated to a normal size. And I feel pretty good (or at least I did) about my body 5 months post partum.

Note to all boys reading this blog: it's probably not a good idea to mention the backs of your sweetie's thighs EVER. I don't know anyone that's super proud of the thighs, let alone the back side of them.

Solid Food

Solid foods for me, not Clare. We decided not to start her on solid foods until she is 6 months old. For now we are enjoying our stain free and battle free meals. She's got her whole life to eat solid food...she won't be able to have a liquid lunch again until she is in college right? If my morning oatmeal stays down then maybe I can graduate to something more exciting like M'Cafe. I have 2 reviews to do on local eateries, I just need my stomach to get in synch first.

Our compromise on the sleeping issue so far is to nap on the belly. At night we put her to sleep on her belly and Mario ever so skillfully puts her in the back while maintaining the thumb in her mouth. If the thumb falls out we are royally screwed. Last night before my 9 p.m. bed time I read the 'repositioning technique' brochure from the orthotist. Obviously not written by someone that has ever seen an infant in action. Here's my favorite suggestion:
"If your infant prefers sucking a thumb over a pacifier, encourage her to suck the thumb on the opposite side of head flatness by covering the hand on the side of the flatness."
We couldn't even keep mittens on her when she was 2 weeks old, somehow I don't think that this will work for her. Anyhow, we have another appointment on 2/28 to remeasure and make another decision.

On the birthday front I am working on the list. Logistically the sex in the car is turning out to be an issue, especially since the book club girls said that doing it in the driveway does not count. So, where would you go in Columbia to accomplish such a feat? And then we have to find a babysitter... Going to Vegas is much easier, so on Friday I will join Mario's cousin Maria out there for a quick weekend. I've never been but am looking forward to seeing it, taking pictures, and bonding with Maria. It will be Clare's first weekend at home alone with Daddy and they will bond bunches! Now I need to look into flight lessons and cooking lessons.

For our trip I want to go to New England. Gigi and Pop Pop can help with Clare, we can play in the city, go to Cape Cod, drive up the coast, visit Clare's Cottage, or whatever else. There is much more flexability in this plan which can be just as much fun.

Parental Dilemma #461

This afternoon Mario, Clare and I went to Capital Prosthetics and Orthodics for a consulation and possible casting for a helmet to help her head grow properly. After the orthotist David measured and measure (and Clare rolled over and over on the paper) he said that she has a slight need for a helmet but since most of the head growth occurs between 7-12 months we're on the early end of things and she may round out herself.

So, we agreed to come back in a month and to keep practicing our 'repositioning techniques' with the bobby nest and Bumbo baby seat. And really, I think it is getting better the less time she spends unsupported on her back. But here is where I am a little uncertain.

Clare takes most of her naps on her tummy now and seems to be developing a preference for her tummy when sleeping. And yes I know about SIDS. Do I continue her naps on her belly? Is it safe enough for overnight sleep? She can roll over easily from front to back and pushes up great...keeping her off the back of her head is the best way to prevent the helmet path. I'm in a bit of a quandry on this one. My pediatrician only speaks book talk on this subject

Peru Pics

A quick siesta.
Stork parking Peruvian style.
Holly, Paul, and Will's house in Miraflores.
Clare and a bottle of the ever popular sickly sweet bublegum flavored Inca Kola.
Lunch with Aunt Holly and the magic bib.

Columbia, SC

And we're back.

I'm still not quite up to par and the details are too disgusting to share, but I am armed with more Gatorade and toast to get me through the next week. I'm on day three of the Azithromycin pack and thankfully the vomiting stopped after the first day so I can keep it down. I have no idea what I ate that set it off, I followed all of the 'rules' but still something found me. Luckily Clare seems to be just fine and she finally enjoyed a long bath this morning after a week of quickies b/c of my fear that she'd ingest the bath water.

It's humiliating to be so sick. It would have been one thing if it were just me but because I am nursing Clare dehydration hit me hard and I was afraid I might not be able to meet her dietary needs as well. On Friday I couldn't take care of her at all. I could lay in bed, haul myself across the hallway to the bathroom with a trashcan in tote, and come back. Changing diapers was out of the question, I didn't trust myself to lift her up or take her downstairs, and it just felt helpless. Thankfully Holly recognized this and aside from eating and naps she took over Clare's care and Paul cleaned up the carnage in the bathroom.

The hospital experience was okay, in addition to being super weak, having wheel chair assitance, and wanting to sleep I was worried about Clare being in this hospital environment. Again, Holly stepped up and took care of her but when they wanted to put another set of fluids in me I refused. I need to get out of there with her and back home to rest. I'm not sure if that was the best medical decision but as the time passed I needed to get out and get her out. On a side note, I got a glimpse of my pre pregger boobs...dehydration perk I guess.

I slept most of the rest of the day and a taxi arrived at 5:45 a.m. to take Clare and me to the airport. Our flight went off without a hitch and she slept with the help of benadryl and I managed to contain my bathroom trips to just 4 during the 7 hour flight. Knowing that I would be spent by the time we reached Atlanta, Mario drove down and picked us up. I've never been so happy to see someone. He swooned over Clare, took my heavy bag, and I could start to relax.

Aside from getting super sick, the trip to Peru was great. While we didn't see much of Peru other than Miraflores, I did get to see a lot of Holly. That alone was a super treat, at night we chatted and caught up, exchanged stories, and projected into the future. I have a stronger grasp on what she is doing and plans to do. I'll post another time about those discussions.

And, I learned that while totally possible and fun, travelling with an infant can be quite limiting. Naps still exist in other countries, tantrums exist, and bedtime is still at 7:30 p.m. On the way home last night we discussed plans for my 30th birthday trip and at this point I'd rather go to St. Simons for a week as a family where we'd have a home base, to Boston where Gigi and Pop Pop can help out if we want to go to a show or dinner, or maybe somewhere in the US where we can use timeshare and get a place with a kitchen and extra bedroom. It's difficult to do things with Clare that last in stretches beyond 5 hours. If she's older maybe a trip to Buenos Aires would be fun, but now I'm not so sure how much fun we would have.

It is wonderful to be back in the land of excersaucers, jumparoos, and devices that can hold Clare other than my arms. I have much more to tell, these are my preliminary thoughts on the subject and I will add more later.

Today we have an appointment with the helmet doctors here in Columbia. We found out our insurance doesn't cover any helmet or restructuring devices, so if we do go ahead with the helmet plan it is $3,200 out of pocket.

24 hours

You can read all about our past 24 hours on Holly's blog.

More Pictures

If you're interested in a few more pictures from our trip here in Lima, hop over to Holly's blog and you'll find a few. Paul has great pictures of Miraflores on his blog too.

Clare's currently napping after a long outing this morning hopping around Miraflores. The find of the day: finger puppets. She loves them and giggles when I put on a mini show.

The sun is really strong so I think we'll be in for the rest of the afternoon. Holly and Paul are out meeting with a realtor/historian right now and I may join Clare for a mini siesta.

At the Incan ruins in Miraflores this afternoon.

The ocean and cliffs around sunset this afternoon.

Baby Clare seems to get two reactions from people. If they think she's a girl we get 'que lindo' (how pretty) or if they think she's a boy we get 'gordita' (little fat one).

We checked out the local ruins in Miraflores this afternoon with Holly before having lunch at a nice Bohemia place in the oval area. Our food arrived like art and tasted fabulous. I've yet to have real peruvian cuisine, but it's on my list of things to do.

Since our lives are goverened by 7 p.m. bedtimes we haven't seen much of Lima after dark (and frankly I'm exhausted after a full day of mommy and running around). In the evenings we talk, knit, read books, take much needed showers, and wait till it's a bit past 9 p.m. to declare adult bed time. Thankfully Clare slept this morning till 7:45 a.m. and is off of her 6 a.m. wake up kick.

We do miss the daddy and can't wait to see him. Next time he's coming with us!

Hospital Visit

There's a delicate balance between what I'd like to do in Peru, what I can do in Peru, what I should do in Peru, and what I shouldn't attempt. Hang gliding seems to fall into one of those categories.

Today Clare and I accompanied Holly to a hospital in one of the poorer areas of Lima. The taxi driver (one of Holly's favorite greying driver types) took us there safely while Clare hung out in the Snuggli. Holly explained the migration patterns of the shantytowns in the desert hills while we drove along and I got a glimpse of a less glossy Lima. At the hospital our driver waited while Clare and I took a quick tour. She was the only gringo baby and got lots of smiles and looks as we walked along. The hospital facility impressed me and I wish we could have explored a bit more.

While Holly did her interview in the hospital the taxi driver took Clare and me home. In the past, and I guess still today, some drivers will take passengers out of the way where friends are waiting, they rob the passengers, and then they're gone. So picking a good taxi is important (hence Holly's preference for older greying men) not only for safety but the quality of driving (read slow versus fast). She did a great job and we are back safe and sound, though I am thirsty for more.

Maybe I'll look into international health programs for kicks.

Baby Mozart

This afternoon Clare learned how to play the piano with Josephina (Will's nanny). From what I heard she has talent...maybe it's time to sign her up for lessons at home.

Triples

This is a Triple with avocado, tomato and egg. Thanks to Holly for the introduction it's my new favorite eat here. Clare is currently napping and I stepped out for some air. We enjoyed breakfast with an ex-pat, a beer drinking nun, and Clare this morning. She made it through most of our breakfast and then the 2 of us set off in the Snuggli for a walk about town. I learned that it costs 5.5 soles to mail a post card to the US or a letter to Paraguay, that even though it's not hot the sun still wipes you out, and that Clare is a people magnet.

For the first time? I am starting to realize the responsibility involved with having her. I find myself more cautious than usual when she is involved. Tomorrow Holly is going out for an adventure in one of her project areas. I really want to tag along but sadly realize that I just can't because I don't want to take Clare into a hospital or area where something might harm her. I think we'll opt for a taxi ride around town or a walk along the cliff instead.

While sitting on the plane in Charlotte and wanting to get off with every ounce of my soul and NOT doing it I grew. Travel stretches me thin but when I do it or complete a 7 hour flight with an infant I do feel stronger. After India I felt more confident and stronger. While we are staying here with friends in a wonderful home in a posh neighborhood it's still challenging being away from our usual supports. I like the challenge and excitement. I need to find a way to get the same thrill a bit closer to home.

A Photo for Daddy

We'll work on taking more photos. I can see that we'll spend lots of time in dresses this summer because they are so much cooler than the alternative. There's a baby clothes store up the street I may go and explore.

Our first day.

We are loving Lima...mainly for the urban parts. I am happy being able to walk around to little shops, see the ocean, and be around a bustling area. At home walking doesn't yeild much by way of interesting scenery and here I could wander with the stroller for quite a bit.

Holly and I took Clare to Larcomar (a huge posh shopping area on the side of the cliff facing the Pacific Ocean) to wander. We learned about Alpeca and that kids under 10 are not supposed to wear it because of potential allergies. Maybe we'll have better luck finding something fun at a yarn shoppe in the near future. We lunched together and enjoyed a Triple (the sandwich of choice per Holly). Avocado, hard boiled egg, mayo, and tomatoes on bread cut in triangles (I think any sandwich cut in triangles tastes better!). One of those things to remember and recreate at home. Later in the day after a trip to the grocery store we enjoyed Churros and cappucinnos. Little cafes are a bit different with Clare in a stroller, but still fun to visit.

The area, Miraflores, is very upscale Peru. I'm hoping to maybe tag along with Holly on a visit of the city or that we can hire a car for a short tour so I can see more. The safety factor in this neighborhood is wonderful but I am itching to see other parts of the city too. Tomorrow there's a breakfast with a 60 year old beer drinking nun that's super involved in NGO health projects that I can join...and who knows what else the day will bring.

Holly does most of the speaking when we are out but I am enjoying being able to follow along for a bit and interject here and there. Most of the Spanish speaking countries I've visited in the past tend to do more English. Not so here. It's a great place to learn according to Holly Anna. there's no accent, but the speech pattern is muy rapido! We attempted to buy Clare a mylar globo (balloon) to keep her entertained....well, the girls at the card shoppe started blowing it up with a hand pump and we tried to explain helium with no luck. So, they put the globos on sticks here, not quite what we were looking for but kind of funny to try and explain.

My treat for the day: ovejitas. Little ears. Palmiers. Sweethearts. I love these little pastries and am happy that they carry them at the local mercado!

Lima, Peru

I almost got off of the plane in Charlotte, NC. We spent about 4 hours in the airport and then after boarding they announced that we would stay on the full plane for 1.5 hours till we got permission to take off from Atlanta. Clare screamed. People fussed. I almost gave up.

But they closed the door to the jetway before I could decide to get up and leave. Today I'm glad I stayed on the plane. The 6 1/2 hour flight from Atlanta to Lima felt like a breeze compared to our adventure in Charlotte. And thank God for Benadryl. Clare slept most of the flight in my lap, so my bladder stretched while she snoozed.

Arrival in Lima went well. The aiport is super clean and modern. There is a special lane for 'special needs' which includes kids to get through immigration. I got us a taxi to Miraflores for $24 and we arrived around 1 a.m. Holly stayed up and met us, showed us our spacious room, and we crashed.

Clare and I are sleeping together and I'd have to say that she's not my favorite bed buddy. She makes a LOT of noise but we're learning how to get along in bed together. I'm happy and am loving that I can actually use my Spanish here and English is not the norm.

NUMBERS:

dirty diapers on the plane - 3
pee breaks for mommy - 0
bottles of water consumed - 3

Sunday Morning Coffee

Clare and I are up while Mario sleeps a bit more. I enjoyed the pleasure of sleeping in yesterday, so this morning is my shift. I have coffee brewing and WISH that the Sunday paper was on the porch. I'll have to wait till Mario and Bailey go and fetch one (they go every Sunday together on this mission).

Tomorrow we leave for Peru and after talking last night with Holly Anna I feel more confident about our journey. I think the most challenging part will be the airplane ride. We have benadryl to help make her sleep a bit on the flight but it's still a very long ride any way that you look at it. Last night at Mass I said a totally selfish prayer for an empty seat next to me on the ride.

We did a bit of research this way on possibilities for my 30th birthday trip and so far I think we are narrowed down to Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rio in Brazil. My vote right now is for Buenos Aires (probably because the language isn't an issue and my fascination with Eva Peron). We'll see if this actually becomes a reality or if we opt for something different. Any suggestions?

Last night I started knitting again. Inspired by Stacy's love of wooden knitting needles I bought a pair at A.C. Moore and some brown yarn to make a skinny scarf. I'm hoping to find some interesting yarn in Peru to work with too. And I figure that wooden needles will be less of a 'threat' to security on the airplane ride. You really could do some damage with those metal ones.

Reading

Currently Reading

American Chica: Two Worlds, One Childhood
by: Marie Arana

Just Finished

Bringing Down the House

*Can't wait to go to Vegas and see the setting for this one.

Lima, Peru

Trip Dates: Jan. 23 - Jan. 29th

Airplane route: Charlotte to Atlanta, Atlanta to Lima

Flight Time: Atlanta to Lima - 7 hours

Medications: Benadryl (for plane zzz's). Baby tylenol, Little Noses saline, Zithromax, Dicloxacill. We're covered for traveller's runs, mastitis (please God not this week!), colds, and whatever else.

Time Zone: Eastern Standard

Frequent Flyer Miles Used: 35,000

Clare's expedited passport cost: $172

Clare's ticket: 10% of an adult fare

Why? To visit Holly and to see Lima and a tiny why not? creeps in there too.

Currency: Soles

Toilet swirl direction: We'll check it out.

The Past 2 Days

Fordham learns about wooden spoon and pot drums. Clare chills in the excersaucer in the distance.
Our naked smiling girl.
Practice with Fordham's diapers let us know that Clare can now graduate from a 1-2 to a size 3.
Clare hangs out and reads Fordham's books. Visiting friends is a great way to test out new toys. Clare is really going to enjoy visiting Fordham in the future. He's got cool goods. (And Gigi, Clare would love one of these chairs!)
At home Clare's Baby Bumbo seat finally arrives! So far it's a hit and really is a great spot to plop her down. It keeps her off of her back and she can't go anywhere when she's in it.
Mommy and Clare play peek a boo in the window at Miss Caroline's house.

Charleston

Clare and I hit the road on Thursday to visit Caroline and Fordham in Charleston. She hosted a Kelly's Kids clothing party and I hung out watching the process of a home party. I found myself most interested in how the hostess and sales rep make their money. Hostess earn 10% of the profits from the party in free merchandise, the sales rep earns straight comission and has an option to buy the samples at the end of the year. Caroline had a great showing and Fordham will be dressed to the nine for the season! Kudos to her!

We sampled the new Cinnamon Dolce Latte at Starbucks and agreed we'd try another. The peppermint mocha still ranks higher in my list but these were pretty good.

In a quest to make sure that Clare is safe in Peru and that she has a perfectly round head, I spent a bit of time talking to our pediatrician, Dr. O'Neill. She doesn't have any kids and she's relatively new but I really like her. She takes the time to explain things and to research our questions. We learned that there is a head helmet/doc band place here in Columbia that we can use so as soon as we get back from Peru we are going in for Clare's evaluation.

In the meantime we are using the Boppy Noggin' Nest and this super cool Bumbo chair to keep her off of her head. Babies spend so much time on their backs...both of these devices are helping and we've noticed that her head isn't quite as flat now! I wish we'd had them from the start.

Four Month Visit

Height: 25 1/2 inches (90%)
Weight: 14.6 pounds (75%)
Head: 16 inches (50%)

We asked the pediatrician a million questions about traveling to Lima, Peru and the baby helmet issue. As a result, we feel much better about both the upcoming trip and the prospect of using a baby helmet if the doctor in Charlotte thinks it is a good idea.

Road Trip

"We haven't don't anything stupid in awhile."

That's how the adventure began. And from there we gave up our beautiful front row seats on a Delta shuttle, took $800 in Delta Dollars, grabbed free dinner, and rented a car to DRIVE from Cincinatti to Columbia.

How long? 8 hours. $100 an hour.

Clare slept in the back seat the entire way. Thankfully the nice folks at Avis upgraded us to a Taurus since I rented a sub compact car by accident.

And we drove...down I-75 thru Lexington, Ky to Knoxville, TN where we caught I-40 to Asheville and I-26 to Columbia. Mario drove about 5 hours and I did the 3 hours of winding through the Smoky Mountains.

Yes, it hurts today but I think it was worth it. We talked about tons of stuff, listened to country music, took 2 tiny naps, figured out how to breastfeed Clare in the backseat while she stayed in her carseat, and now can plan an even more exciting adventure.

Maybe to Buenos Aires, Argentina to celebrate my 30th?

Fortune Tellers

Remember these? Aniesah and I made a few last night out of pizza menus and then again today with fun neon cardstock. I'm thinking that maybe I'll make an 'adult' version for more interesting play. Or the next bachelorette party I attend I'll make one for the bride-to-be for bar time challenges.

90 years

The oldest and youngest Pacella family members. Today we celebrated Grandpa Pacella's 90th birthday here in Buffalo. Born in 1916, Grandpa lived and fought through WWII with the Italian Army, was put in a German concentration camp after the Italians surrendered, went to Venezuela, came to the United States, fathered 6 children, and believes in total equality.

An interesting afternoon and a roller coaster of baby passing for Miss Clare. She met LOTS of relatives today, made a cute impression, bonded with Grandma Junie, and is now passed out in her car seat. Tomorrow we are laying low, having lunch with Grandpa Mario, and catching a 5 p.m. flight back to Columbia.

Oh, and something that I'm struggling to get used to is Clare as a helmet baby. We talked to Mario's cousin, Sammy, about our pediatrician's reccomendation for full time helmet use to make her head grow more round. As a plastic surgeon (the same kind of specialist we have an appointment with in Charlotte on 2/2) he thinks that a helmet would be a big help and would prevent future facial deformities. I HATE the idea of Clare in a helmet for 9+ months but from what he said and explained, I should start getting used to it. A good thing: her head will be perfectly round and I won't have to worry about her bumping her head if she falls down when she learns to walk.

Curls

One of the things I love about Lori is that she cuts her own hair. Inspired (and not required to clean up an awful mess) I did it tonite. It's kind of addictive and a whole lot of fun!

I think I'd do it again. Curly hair is probably more forgiving than other types and hey, it grows back.

Special thanks to Mario for helping me even out the tricky bits in the back. Now I've got to figure out how to make fun pieces a la hairdresser style. I put the scissors away for tonight...we'll see how it washes tomorrow morning.

R is for Rolling Over

So much for leaving Clare on her tummy anywhere! Mario discovered tonight at the swanky Clarion hotel that Clare can roll over just fine and thinks it is funny! He placed her on her tummy, she rolled over, they would both laugh, and then do it again. Super cute but oh so mobile...

Today was probably one of the best days I've ever had in Buffalo. We left Columbia at 4:30 a.m. and flew to Cincinatti and then to Buffalo. At 10 a.m. we got Clare's first passport stamp in Canada as we drove across the border to see the Falls while it snowed.

En route we stopped at the Butterfly Conservatory where we walked around this gigantic tropical green house and saw 12,000 butterflies living around us. Amazing and a photographer's delight! Clare spent most of the time with her head tilted up watching the butterflies that came to visit her on her level.

And then we visited Grandma and Grandpa Pacella. Too cute! They LOVE Clare, or Clara as they call her. Perhaps a bit surprised about the food issue though. I said it was time to feed her and Grandma asked where the jar was. I said, 'No jar yet' and she asked 'Cereal?'. You can see where this went...but it ended with 'Ahh, just you. That is why she is so big!'

And the mastitis is much better however it seems like my milk production is WAY low. Usually I can pump a ton of milk but I'm hardly getting anything out. Not sure why and it freaks me out. We're going to see how tomorrow goes, maybe the travel and wacky schedule just got us out of synch.

P is for Passport

My first passport.
Yes. I think I'll eat it.

Pushing up. Pooping. Passport. Peru. Today is definately sponsored by the letter P. It arrived today via Express Mail! She can go anywhere now! We are leaving tomorrow for a weekend trip to Buffalo with the snow suit in hand. And then on January 23rd Clare and I head to Lima, Peru to visit Holly Anna. More on this adventure to come.

I'm feeling much much much better. Clare is rocking out in her Jumparoo! as I type and she seems to be a happy camper too. Maybe getting her passport set off her adrenaline with possibilities too.

And...the mail also brought an envelope from Urban Nirvana. A one liner letter back "Thank you for your feed back, enclosed please find a gift certificate for $16. We hope to see you again." I guess since I can't use their services I'll use it in Charleston to buy something fun from their front area. Yesterday afternoon I pushed Clare into the Austral Salon on Forest Drive, took a walk-in appointment, and 4 staff members interacted with baby Clare while the girl waxed my eyebrows.

P is for Pushing Up

and Poop! Yes, she finally pooped in the middle of the Dandy Lion (a nicer children's store on Divine Street). A royal stinker that needed immeadiate attention in the back of the station wagon. We didn't go back in the Dandy Lion...for now it's a grandma store.

Day 4

We are starting day 4 of NO POOP. None, just stinky farts. When she does finally let loose (guaranteed to be in a very public place without a changing station) it's going to be a big one.

On the upside, I am finally starting to feel better. In cows that have mastitis they get a shot of anitbiotics directly in the boob. Last night that sounded like a great idea.

(P.S. I cancelled my 'regifting' party for tonight, I will reschedule that for next month so hang on to your gifts.)

Mastitis.

102.6 temperature

Raging headache

Puking

Ouchy boobs

I feel like I've got the worst ever case of the flu but really it's just Mastitis. And it hurts. The MD has me on 800 mg IBU and a type of antibiotic. Per the pros about 24 hours from my first dose I should start to feel better.

Mario is my hero. He is working from home today and managing Clare so I can sleep and get better. I'd give my left arm for more drugs right now...the motrin isn't even touching the fever (the lowest it fell was to 100) or headache.

Getting Ready

Clare helped me get ready for book club last night. We're trying to spend more time in the Snuggli before we leave for Peru to get used to it again.

And did you know that you can rent a mechanical bull for $2,700?

Our next book club book is Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T Students Who Took Vegas for Millions by Ben Mezrich. We're on the gambling theme so that we can combine the March group meeting with a Texas Hold Em' Poker Tourney. (And belated Kudos to Michael for winning $750 and coming in 3rd place at the Poker Tourney on the Emerald Princess!)

How many sick days do I get?

Aye. I can't figure out if I have mastitis or the flu. Everything aches. "I'd like to call in sick today" I told Mario this morning. He laughed...wrong answer Mister.

Mastitis means that the breast is inflamed, and there is swelling, redness, tenderness and pain. There may be an infection, so it is wise to consult your health-care provider to determine whether or not an antibiotic is necessary.

Signs of mastitis include:

Part or all of the breast is intensely painful, hot, tender, red, and swollen. Some mothers can pinpoint a definite area of inflammation, while at other times the entire breast is tender.


You feel tired, run down, achy, have chills or think you have the flu. A breastfeeding mother who thinks she has the flu probably has mastitis. Mothers with mastitis will sometimes experience these flu-like symptoms, even before they get a fever or notice breast tenderness.

You have chills or feel feverish, or your temperature is 101F or higher. These symptoms suggest that you have an infection.

You are feeling progressively worse, your breasts are growing more tender, and your fever is becoming more pronounced. With simple engorgement, a plugged duct, or mastitis without infection, you gradually feel better instead of worse.

Recent events have set you up for mastitis: cracked or bleeding nipples, stress or getting run down, missed feedings or longer intervals between feedings.

Business and Brows

This blog is officially a year old and has 518 posts so far. Hmmm...if only I could figure out how to make a career out of blogging and reading blogs, then we'd have that home business that Mario wants me to start for tax deductions.

He wants me to start something as a business in 2006 so I made a list of all of the things I love:

• stationary
• invitations
• real estate
• writing
• books
• blogging
• swimming
• house painting
• consignment shops
• mail

but none of these seem to jump out as a 'profitable option' that grabs him. The closest we've come is the stationary/invitation home biz sort of like Dorothy in Charleston but I have more research to do still.

And a HUGE thank you to Ariail for her suggstion of Salon M at the Richland Mall. A brow wax there is $15 and the salon is infant friendly. The manager I spoke with on the phone even said she's held client's kids while they get their hair done. Tomorrow at 11 a.m. I'll test it out.

Turtle Girl

I love this dress for Clare. I'll have to figure out a way to get it for her...I didn't think I'd fall for baby clothes but something are just too cute.

And if her hair really has a reddish tinge to it...green will set it off perfectly.

Home Photo Shoot