b: bodacious
e: enthusiastic
c: crafty
k: keen
y: yogini
z: zesty
i: inviting
m: musical
m: merry
e: energetic
r: respectful
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Helmet Baby
Today at 2 p.m. we have another appointment with the head orthotist to talk about Clare's need or lack thereof for a helmet. Helmets are used to reshape baby heads that are flat from sleeping on their backs, uterine pressure, and other causes. At our last appointment we opted to wait another month to see if it gets rounder with the implementation of an aggressive 'keep Clare off of her back' campaign. We use the Boppy Noggin' Nest, the Bumbo seat, and lots of other upright stations to make sure that she is not putting unecessary pressure on the back of her head.
The majority of baby head growth occurs between 7-12 months so at 5 1/2 months we are still ahead of the curve. The verdict last time we visted David at Capital Prosthetics and Orthotics after taking measurements of her head was that she has a 'slight' case that could be fixed with a helmet or may just round out naturally.
My mommy gut on this one is that she is doing much better and her head is perfect the way it is. I'd like to continue our campaign without the helmet. But I think Mario is in the 'if we can make her more perfect let's do it' camp. We haven't talked about it much but I fear that this may be a dividing point between us and I'm not sure how it will go. What happens when you disagree with a spouse about the best course of action for your child?
If you want to learn more, here's a great Washington Post article about baby helmets.
The majority of baby head growth occurs between 7-12 months so at 5 1/2 months we are still ahead of the curve. The verdict last time we visted David at Capital Prosthetics and Orthotics after taking measurements of her head was that she has a 'slight' case that could be fixed with a helmet or may just round out naturally.
My mommy gut on this one is that she is doing much better and her head is perfect the way it is. I'd like to continue our campaign without the helmet. But I think Mario is in the 'if we can make her more perfect let's do it' camp. We haven't talked about it much but I fear that this may be a dividing point between us and I'm not sure how it will go. What happens when you disagree with a spouse about the best course of action for your child?
If you want to learn more, here's a great Washington Post article about baby helmets.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Spaceships
Mario and his sister Rena used to build space ships out of Legos. After a great yard sale outing I returned with a tiny train set and bag of blocks to keep at the beach. From there we had our very first spaceship date and I loved it. (And fell in love with Mario all over again.)
Asparagus Thoughts
If it makes your pee stink, what does it do to your breastmilk?
Either it's the asparagus or Clare is having a teeny tiny nursing strike.
Either it's the asparagus or Clare is having a teeny tiny nursing strike.
Friday, February 24, 2006
TGIF
It's here at last and we can head to St. Simons Island for the weekend! Aunt Christy headed north today to visit more W and M friends before heading home to MA. An eventful visit filled with lots of chats. Next time we see her we'll be past the spit up stage (hopefully) so she'll be able to love on Clare more. This time each time Christy held her she dribbled and we quickly learned that baby drool is NOT Christy's favorite thing.Squealing seems to be Clare's new favorite thing. She opted to squeal through ALL of her naps today so she can save up all of her sleeping time for our ride down to St. Simons. It's an official NO NAP DAY around here and I think it could turn ugly in a few hours.
Otherwise I am looking forward to a calm week to refocus. I started a few articles to submit before the baptism and now need to find homes for them in local or national publications.
I am also reading a ton of different books on parenting strategies. While pregnant Mario and I both read a plethora of books and articles to figure out what was going on and what might happen. Some were more helpful than others and nothing really prepared us for the real thing. When I'm out scavenging at consignment shops I find quite a few parenting titles and I am amazed at how different they all are. But, the more information we gather the more informed choices we can make. Most of all, the books are promoting and encouraging interesting conversation with Mario about how we want to raise Clare. I can't wait for our drive to St. Simons tonight to share tidbits of today's reading with him.
Introducing
Scooter McGhee! Her head was somewhere near the Boppy Noggin Nest when I left her. Looks like the crawling lessons are paying off in all types of movement.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Help!
Each night when Mario comes home he takes Clare into the living room on a floor blanket. From there I hear things like 'put this arm forward.' Yes, he's trying to teach her to crawl. Not a good thing, we will get there soon enough on our own and in my humble stay-at-home-mom opinion: crawling lessons each night are NOT necessary!
Reading
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
La Leche International
Meet Addy
by: Connie Porter
Want to Read
Gilead
by: Marilynne Robinson
The Position
by: Meg Wolitzer
La Leche International
Meet Addy
by: Connie Porter
Want to Read
Gilead
by: Marilynne Robinson
The Position
by: Meg Wolitzer
Distracted
I should be writing my article about Renovating for Resale that is due tomorrow but instead I am using this time to drink coffee, read blogs, write email, and make lists. Sometimes a bit of organization can do me a great bit of good.
Christy is here and we spent the week talking about her sweetheart, travelling to Costco and Charleston, watching movies, making pretty good dinners, and hanging out with baby Clare. Last night she played photographer and caught quite a few Clare smiles on her Cannon digital camera that I hope to upload soon.
Christy returns North tomorrow sometime and we are leaving for St. Simons Island. We haven't been down there since Christmas and are looking forward to a long weekend of relaxing walks. Perhaps Clare will even be big enough for the jogger stroller.
Christy is here and we spent the week talking about her sweetheart, travelling to Costco and Charleston, watching movies, making pretty good dinners, and hanging out with baby Clare. Last night she played photographer and caught quite a few Clare smiles on her Cannon digital camera that I hope to upload soon.
Christy returns North tomorrow sometime and we are leaving for St. Simons Island. We haven't been down there since Christmas and are looking forward to a long weekend of relaxing walks. Perhaps Clare will even be big enough for the jogger stroller.
Simple Does It at Grilled Cheese Co.
The Grilled Cheese Co. ***1/2 NORTHEAST: Village at Sandhill behind Bi-Lo, 419-8989. Mon-Thu 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m. until; Sun 11 a.m.3 p.m.
Grilled cheese is one of those things that I ordinarily make at home. Creating the sandwich is easy and I usually have everything I need on hand. With that in mind, I thought it odd that someone would actually create a restaurant called the Grilled Cheese Co. and put it in the Village at Sandhill. But they did, and it seems to be working. Maybe simplicity is the new theme in dining. There is a popular PB & J restaurant inside the Detroit Airport food court that bustles each time I'm there. Even so, the Grilled Cheese Co. also serves burgers, wraps and salads —perhaps out of a lingering sense that grilled cheese sandwiches could be a mighty thin idea on which to base a restaurant.
Located in a simple storefront near the Super Bi-Lo, black vinyl seating prevails and there are large tables to accommodate gaggles of kids, teams and large families. Order at the counter from a menu posted on the wall and a server will bring the food after it is cooked to order. Before you chow down, you can visit the condiment bar to doctor up your sandwich or burger with sliced tomatoes, lettuce or pickles. When you're done, drop your trash through the shoot, put your basket on top of the trashcan and enjoy the satisfaction of comfort food in your belly and extra cash in your pocket.
As far as dinner or lunch goes, there is not a cheaper option in the Village at Sandhill. A plain, cooked-to-order burger is just $2.69. And if you are in the mood, you can wash it down with a $1.75 bottled domestic beer. The most expensive thing on the menu is the Bacon Chili Burger Combo for $7.14.
What about the grilled cheese? The restaurant offers three varieties, made with American cheese, provolone, mozzarella or swiss. The options are … drum roll please … the Grilled Cheese Sammich' ($2.99), Grilled Cheese with Ham ($3.99), and Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomatoes ($3.99). All of the grilled cheese plates come with thick cut french fries perfect for dipping in cheese or one of the condiments. In our household, grilled cheese always comes with pickles and they must agree at the Grilled Cheese Co. You can have as many dill pickles as you like to go with your Sammich'.
I tried the Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomatoes for lunch, and it tasted just like, you guessed it, grilled cheese with bacon and tomatoes. Just enough bacon, thin tomato slices and gooey cheese oozing from between two slices of white bread. Perfect.
If you want to leave grilled cheese for the kids, grownup options include the Philly Cheese Steak Wrap ($4.99), South by Southwest Cobb Salad ($6.99) and Buffalo Chicken Sammich' ($4.69). The Philly Wrap stuffs beef, cheese and onions in a wrap and arrives toasted on both sides. Everything is warm inside and the cheese oozes out when you take your first bite. The Cobb salad is hearty too, more than enough for a meal. Fried chicken tenders, romaine and iceberg lettuce, cheese, tomato and crispy colored tortilla shreds combine for a pretty artistic presentation.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield and NetBank employees receive 10 percent discounts every day and a few times a month they get 50 percent off. It's worth talking to your boss to see if your company could arrange a deal for you and your co-workers. And on Fridays, the Grilled Cheese Co. hosts a fish fry in true Northern style.
In an attempt to jazz up the ordinary grilled cheese, the Company went a little left of center on the interior décor: An action sports theme —complete with shined motorcycle pants, mounted skate boards and BMX memorabilia —fills the bright yellow walls. But the coolest part is that you can leave your mark —literally. One of the walls inside the restaurant has a big black Sharpie marker attached to the wall with a string. So if you visit, be sure to write on the wall.
Grilled cheese is one of those things that I ordinarily make at home. Creating the sandwich is easy and I usually have everything I need on hand. With that in mind, I thought it odd that someone would actually create a restaurant called the Grilled Cheese Co. and put it in the Village at Sandhill. But they did, and it seems to be working. Maybe simplicity is the new theme in dining. There is a popular PB & J restaurant inside the Detroit Airport food court that bustles each time I'm there. Even so, the Grilled Cheese Co. also serves burgers, wraps and salads —perhaps out of a lingering sense that grilled cheese sandwiches could be a mighty thin idea on which to base a restaurant.
Located in a simple storefront near the Super Bi-Lo, black vinyl seating prevails and there are large tables to accommodate gaggles of kids, teams and large families. Order at the counter from a menu posted on the wall and a server will bring the food after it is cooked to order. Before you chow down, you can visit the condiment bar to doctor up your sandwich or burger with sliced tomatoes, lettuce or pickles. When you're done, drop your trash through the shoot, put your basket on top of the trashcan and enjoy the satisfaction of comfort food in your belly and extra cash in your pocket.
As far as dinner or lunch goes, there is not a cheaper option in the Village at Sandhill. A plain, cooked-to-order burger is just $2.69. And if you are in the mood, you can wash it down with a $1.75 bottled domestic beer. The most expensive thing on the menu is the Bacon Chili Burger Combo for $7.14.
What about the grilled cheese? The restaurant offers three varieties, made with American cheese, provolone, mozzarella or swiss. The options are … drum roll please … the Grilled Cheese Sammich' ($2.99), Grilled Cheese with Ham ($3.99), and Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomatoes ($3.99). All of the grilled cheese plates come with thick cut french fries perfect for dipping in cheese or one of the condiments. In our household, grilled cheese always comes with pickles and they must agree at the Grilled Cheese Co. You can have as many dill pickles as you like to go with your Sammich'.
I tried the Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomatoes for lunch, and it tasted just like, you guessed it, grilled cheese with bacon and tomatoes. Just enough bacon, thin tomato slices and gooey cheese oozing from between two slices of white bread. Perfect.
If you want to leave grilled cheese for the kids, grownup options include the Philly Cheese Steak Wrap ($4.99), South by Southwest Cobb Salad ($6.99) and Buffalo Chicken Sammich' ($4.69). The Philly Wrap stuffs beef, cheese and onions in a wrap and arrives toasted on both sides. Everything is warm inside and the cheese oozes out when you take your first bite. The Cobb salad is hearty too, more than enough for a meal. Fried chicken tenders, romaine and iceberg lettuce, cheese, tomato and crispy colored tortilla shreds combine for a pretty artistic presentation.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield and NetBank employees receive 10 percent discounts every day and a few times a month they get 50 percent off. It's worth talking to your boss to see if your company could arrange a deal for you and your co-workers. And on Fridays, the Grilled Cheese Co. hosts a fish fry in true Northern style.
In an attempt to jazz up the ordinary grilled cheese, the Company went a little left of center on the interior décor: An action sports theme —complete with shined motorcycle pants, mounted skate boards and BMX memorabilia —fills the bright yellow walls. But the coolest part is that you can leave your mark —literally. One of the walls inside the restaurant has a big black Sharpie marker attached to the wall with a string. So if you visit, be sure to write on the wall.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Yahtz!
Christy is officially initiated into our Travel Yahtzee club. Mario informed her that when declaring 'YAHTZEE!' one must yell 'YAHTZ!'
So, in our house we have lots of yelling 'YAHTZ!' going on. And, I am pleased to announce that Christy currently holds the all time high score of 517.
So, in our house we have lots of yelling 'YAHTZ!' going on. And, I am pleased to announce that Christy currently holds the all time high score of 517.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Monday, February 20, 2006
Whirlweekend DC
A lovely weekend! Thank you to all of the superstars that made it happen: Tina and Densil for getting married, Grandpa Mike for his taxi services to and from Dulles, Grandma Bonnie and Ashley for babysitting on Saturday night, and Uncle Mike/Aunt Mikie for sharing a room so we could stay at the Hay Adams.
During our 29 hour trip to Washington, DC I also got to visit with Emilie. We met for drinks at the Red Sage and I am super inspired to 1. live in DC, 2. read lots of new books, and 3. get to know the girls in my book club better. She's great fun and I enjoyed talking to her...though now that I think about it we didn't even get to talk about the impact of Travel Yahtzee on our lives. We'll cover that next time.
One thing is for sure, the Kaloupis family KNOWS how to throw a party. No detail overlooked. Mostly, I enjoyed having a date night with Mario. We danced, ate wonderful food, conversed with interesting people, got dressed up, and enjoyed all of it. One thing I especially like about the Babywise series is the discussion about marriage focused relationships. We need to put more emphasis on our relationship (at least for a cup of coffee after 7 p.m.) so that it can continue to grow independently of Clare. We have a few sitter swap nights in our future that I am really looking forward to soon.
Whirlweekend
Our family in front of the White House. The Hay Adams is right next to the White House and the wedding ceremony actually overlooks the scene.
Clare and Grandpa Mike bond for a bit.
At the reception.
Cousin Nancy, Clare and Cousin Jennifer hang out with Clare at the brunch Sunday morning.
Tina and Densil dance the night away to a 6 piece band. He's quite the dancer!
White House chocolates and chocolate dipped strawberries after wedding cake. Does this get any better?
After the rooftop ceremony over looking the White House and Washington Monument.
Mike and Mikie.
The view from the wedding after the 7:30 p.m. ceremony.Friday, February 17, 2006
Frosting
Did you know that Starbucks now has cupcakes? They are delightful, beautiful to look at, and only cost $1.50. Take a peek and you will smile too.
Stacy and I met up for a late nite Target run and coffee chat...too bad we have to fly out early tomorrow morning for DC or I would have stayed and chatted even longer.
We are off to Washington by air thanks to USAIR e-savers. It's still $350 to fly, but at the moment that sounds better than 18 plus hours in the car with our teething child. We will eat rice and beans next week to make up for our ticket splurge.
Stacy and I met up for a late nite Target run and coffee chat...too bad we have to fly out early tomorrow morning for DC or I would have stayed and chatted even longer.
We are off to Washington by air thanks to USAIR e-savers. It's still $350 to fly, but at the moment that sounds better than 18 plus hours in the car with our teething child. We will eat rice and beans next week to make up for our ticket splurge.
Cringing
I know they are her books and they are designed to be chewed on, but something inside me (maybe the book lover) just cringes when she mauls them with her mouth.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Blasted Girl Scouts!
And I just ate an entire tube of Thin Mints. The same thing happened last year at this time and I blamed it on being pregnant. I guess I just really like them and it's something I need to do once a year.
Five Months
To our little science experiment:
Today (okay, last week) you turned five months old. We are beside ourselves with anticipation of the next five to come and are shaking in our boots from the first five. We never knew how much you would change our world and our hearts. Even on the most challenging days that make life in the office seem like cake, a drooling sloppy grin from you melts me to my core.
In your short life we hit the road to capture this 'golden time' of travel with babes. Because I love to travel, I decided long before you arrived that you would also love to travel. As a result, so far you have visited
The truth is that he adores you. Each morning the two of you have a special dance before he goes to work. You jump and grin in your jumparoo while he squats down infront of you, hits the music button, and does this funny space man jig. And you giggle and giggle till he stops. Pop Pop picked up on this during his visit for your baptism and before we knew it, he was dancing with you too.
I'd say that you are melting boy's hearts already. Uncle Mike (your closest resemblence to any family member) loves to hold you and smile at you, Grandpa Mike introduced you to the television and sticking your tongue out, Pop Pop does the dance and even took you on the merry-go-round, and your Daddy will do ANYTHING for you. It's probably my job to keep all of these men in your life from spoiling you too too much.
Having you enhanced my relationship with Gigi. She is also a member of your adoring fan club but also helps to keep Mommy going. On days when I'm not in the mood or don't know what to do she steps in and helps out. And Grandma Bonnie loves to send you ducks (which you then eat in the tub) and lots of real world advice on brining up babies. It's all good stuff.
We started bringing you to church just after the holidays and baptized you this weekend. You know what? Church is a lot more fun with you around. It's kind of a challenge to care for you during the mass but also a distraction we welcome. The entire church environment is stimulating for you and when the organ plays you are at full attention. Aunt Rena and Uncle Mike are your godparents and we know they will continue to play a great role in your world.
Developmentally you are doing what every other five month old does, except maybe for eating. You are exclusively breast fed and I think we'll keep it that way for another month to protect you from your Daddy's nasty allergies. The other day you managed to turn on your aquarium while Mommy and Gigi enjoyed coffee. Each day there is something going on with you and I'm getting better at figuring out what exactly that is.
We're saving the good stuff for when you are older, we figure you have your entire life to eat and watch TV. So for now we love on you, pass you from station to station, and soak in your smiles. Thank you baby Clare for letting us in on your world.
I love you...Mommy
Today (okay, last week) you turned five months old. We are beside ourselves with anticipation of the next five to come and are shaking in our boots from the first five. We never knew how much you would change our world and our hearts. Even on the most challenging days that make life in the office seem like cake, a drooling sloppy grin from you melts me to my core.
In your short life we hit the road to capture this 'golden time' of travel with babes. Because I love to travel, I decided long before you arrived that you would also love to travel. As a result, so far you have visited
- Boston, MA
- Charleston, SC
- Weare, NH
- New York, NY
- St. Simons Island, GA
- Atlanta, GA
- Charlotte, NC
- Cincinatte, OH
- Buffalo, NY
- Niagra Falls, Canada
- Lima, Peru
The truth is that he adores you. Each morning the two of you have a special dance before he goes to work. You jump and grin in your jumparoo while he squats down infront of you, hits the music button, and does this funny space man jig. And you giggle and giggle till he stops. Pop Pop picked up on this during his visit for your baptism and before we knew it, he was dancing with you too.
I'd say that you are melting boy's hearts already. Uncle Mike (your closest resemblence to any family member) loves to hold you and smile at you, Grandpa Mike introduced you to the television and sticking your tongue out, Pop Pop does the dance and even took you on the merry-go-round, and your Daddy will do ANYTHING for you. It's probably my job to keep all of these men in your life from spoiling you too too much.
Having you enhanced my relationship with Gigi. She is also a member of your adoring fan club but also helps to keep Mommy going. On days when I'm not in the mood or don't know what to do she steps in and helps out. And Grandma Bonnie loves to send you ducks (which you then eat in the tub) and lots of real world advice on brining up babies. It's all good stuff.
We started bringing you to church just after the holidays and baptized you this weekend. You know what? Church is a lot more fun with you around. It's kind of a challenge to care for you during the mass but also a distraction we welcome. The entire church environment is stimulating for you and when the organ plays you are at full attention. Aunt Rena and Uncle Mike are your godparents and we know they will continue to play a great role in your world.
Developmentally you are doing what every other five month old does, except maybe for eating. You are exclusively breast fed and I think we'll keep it that way for another month to protect you from your Daddy's nasty allergies. The other day you managed to turn on your aquarium while Mommy and Gigi enjoyed coffee. Each day there is something going on with you and I'm getting better at figuring out what exactly that is.
We're saving the good stuff for when you are older, we figure you have your entire life to eat and watch TV. So for now we love on you, pass you from station to station, and soak in your smiles. Thank you baby Clare for letting us in on your world.
I love you...Mommy
Reading
Meet Samantha
by: Susan S. Adler
Samantha Learns a Lesson
by: Susan S. Adler
On Becoming Babywise: Parenting Your Pre-Toddler
by: Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam
When We Were Orphans*
by: Kazuo Ishiguro
*April Book Club selection
by: Susan S. Adler
Samantha Learns a Lesson
by: Susan S. Adler
On Becoming Babywise: Parenting Your Pre-Toddler
by: Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam
When We Were Orphans*
by: Kazuo Ishiguro
*April Book Club selection
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Confession
Umm...today I don't feel like being a Mom. It's not that Clare is having a bad day or that I have something huge I need to accomplish, I just don't feel like doing it.
Cupid's Big Day
What a Valentine's day! Clare and I attended the Mother Goose story hour (or more like 1/2 hour) at the Richland County Public Library and loved it! The program is designed for babies under 1 year and is held once a month. There were about 7 kids and parents in the story room, the librarian taught us songs, showed us the latest kids reads, and then at the end dumped tons of books on the floor while classical music played. We could pick up to 30 books out to check out and the mobile kids crawled all over, played, and smiled at the non mobile bunch. I learned some new songs to sing to Clare (complete with hand motions, though I am embarassed to admit that I can't quite get the hang of the itsy bitsy spider movement) and we checked out about 15 books to read!When Mario got home we went on a family walk so Bailey could play at the park and Clare hung out on the blanket with her toys when we got home. I love her new pj's from Gigi! Bailey even came over to hang out with us for a bit...and then she pulled his fur.
And cupid did visit. Mario took a spin on his fortune teller and I received LOTS of coupons for bottom scratching and back scratching in various increments. What a commodity.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Who is this?
When Mario changes Clare's diaper I can hear 'but it's Elmo' over her cries and coos or sometimes 'I've got Big Bird or Ernie!' And sometimes I hear 'Daddy doesn't know this one.'
Mall Day
We spent a few hours at the mall yesterday to shop Gymboree's great baby sale, get pictures, made, and to ride the merry-go-round. Clare is in *LOVE* with her Pop Pop and enjoyed riding around with him in the snuggli all morning.Looks like our next visit with them will be in April...maybe by then all of Gigi's E-bay finds will be shipped. In the meantime I am happy to report that I finally won something on E-bay! Luckily for
Date Night
We finally went on a date (no, we didn't have sex in the car) because Gigi and Pop Pop spent an evening with Clare. While they bonded, read stories, and shared bath time we went ice skating at Iceland in Irmo. Mario tested out his new Christmas hockey skates while I wore blue clunkers from the ice rink (my figure skates are in Georgia right now).Immeadiately we zoned in on this dad hunched over on the ice with a young girl riding between his legs on tiny baby skates. Clare will so know how to skate as soon as she can master walking. Turns out the girl was 2.5 years and she hit the ice as soon as she turned 2. At first she screamed bloody murder, but now each week they have a daddy/daughter date and go ice skating. Granted, it looked like the water fountain attracted as much attention as the ice, but still, what FUN!
We enjoyed skating and a dinner a la gift card at Chile's. We didn't have to scarf down our food, bounce our legs, or distract through the meal. A nice change for us and we decided that we need to go out together more often. A good part of our dinner conversation did revolved around Clare, especially if she should be a figure skater or a hockey player....
Monday, February 13, 2006
Baptism PIctures
A very busy day for all of us. Clare wore a family gown (with a few alterations for her size) and christening blanket from Aunt Janet. The ceremony was short and sweet, squeezed in between the 10 a.m. mass and the noon mass with two other children. We left impressed with the comfort level and ease at St. Peter's.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Clare's Baptism
Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate Clare's baptism. There are many more 'serious' pictures to come, but this one remains one of my favorites. She had a great time, didn't scream, and seemed to like the water.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Visitors and Crosses
Clare hangs out with Cousin Savannah and Cousin Brenden.
My favorite hat on Miss Clare.
Clare models her new cross necklace from Aunt Rena and Grandma Junie. The challenge is keeping her from ripping it off of her neck. I think tomorrow we'll tuck it under the gown for safe keeping.Swimmin'
A water princess! From what we saw, Clare loved the pool and next time I think I might join her in the water. Tonight Gigi and Pop Pop took her for her first swim in the bathing suit Aunt Rena and Cousin Gina bought her in Buffalo. A smashing sucess and great practice for the baptism tomorrow!
Pop Pop Love
She's fascinated by the bristly beard that Pop Pop brought along. Too much fun and texture.
Story Time
Clare reads her favorite book, the Belly Button Book to Aunt Rena last night in the Red Room. Clare loves all of the attention and the weekend is definately 'all about Clare' as we swoon to capture every second of her awake time.Last night we all drove to Batesburg-Leesville to Shealy's so that Mom and Stan could experience our favorite SC BBQ Buffet. Our pregnant woman sightings were down, but we were there early so maybe they all came out later in the evening.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Regarding the baptism
Two things:
1. In a mommy moment I forgot to put an RSVP on the invites. If you are coming and I don't know about it, please send me an email so I can have a solid head count for lunch on Sunday.
2. We will not be attending mass on Sunday morning due to Miss Clare's short attention span. Instead we will be at the 5:30 p.m. service on Saturday and will arrive around 11:10 a.m. on Sunday for the baptism.
1. In a mommy moment I forgot to put an RSVP on the invites. If you are coming and I don't know about it, please send me an email so I can have a solid head count for lunch on Sunday.
2. We will not be attending mass on Sunday morning due to Miss Clare's short attention span. Instead we will be at the 5:30 p.m. service on Saturday and will arrive around 11:10 a.m. on Sunday for the baptism.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
On my mind
Figuring out what else needs to be done before Clare's baptism on Sunday. I picked up the gown from the alteration shoppe, let's hope that her linebacker arms will now fit through the delicate armholes.
Needing to go to the craft store to pick out some new yarn. After another Starbucks chat with Stacy last night I am again inspired to pick up a new project. I made a Macaroni and Cheese scarf on the way to Vegas and I want to start something new.
Gotta get a pedicure/manicure tonight. Mario gave me a gift certificate for a combo last Valentine's day and it expires on 2/12. The smell at the nail places made me quease while pregnant and since then I just haven't gotten around to it.
Loving Smart Pop Kettle Corn. It would probably defeat the purpose if I figured out how to make it into caramel corn. In Vegas at this tiny sweet shop featured on the food network (Danielle's) I fell in love with their white chocolate coated popcorn. Mmmm.
Need a Valentine's surprise for Mario. We are planning an ice skating date (finally!) on Monday night since Gigi and Pop Pop will be in town. My list for cupid includes: a Special Dark candy bar, a coffee mug with a locking lid so I can't spill it all over, and coupons for bottom scratching. There is NOTHING in this world that I love more than having *just* my butt scratched. You laugh, try it, have your sweetie give you just 5 minutes and I promise you will be begging for more.
Wanting to see Nine Lives at the Nick this weekend. A film by Gabriel Garcia Marquez's son, it features 9 14-minute stories about different women. Maybe we can squeeze that in tomorrow night. I think Clare is past her 'going to the movies and sleeping through it' stage.
And...a very exciting writing project is also swirling in my head.
Needing to go to the craft store to pick out some new yarn. After another Starbucks chat with Stacy last night I am again inspired to pick up a new project. I made a Macaroni and Cheese scarf on the way to Vegas and I want to start something new.
Gotta get a pedicure/manicure tonight. Mario gave me a gift certificate for a combo last Valentine's day and it expires on 2/12. The smell at the nail places made me quease while pregnant and since then I just haven't gotten around to it.
Loving Smart Pop Kettle Corn. It would probably defeat the purpose if I figured out how to make it into caramel corn. In Vegas at this tiny sweet shop featured on the food network (Danielle's) I fell in love with their white chocolate coated popcorn. Mmmm.
Need a Valentine's surprise for Mario. We are planning an ice skating date (finally!) on Monday night since Gigi and Pop Pop will be in town. My list for cupid includes: a Special Dark candy bar, a coffee mug with a locking lid so I can't spill it all over, and coupons for bottom scratching. There is NOTHING in this world that I love more than having *just* my butt scratched. You laugh, try it, have your sweetie give you just 5 minutes and I promise you will be begging for more.
Wanting to see Nine Lives at the Nick this weekend. A film by Gabriel Garcia Marquez's son, it features 9 14-minute stories about different women. Maybe we can squeeze that in tomorrow night. I think Clare is past her 'going to the movies and sleeping through it' stage.
And...a very exciting writing project is also swirling in my head.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
A Valentine's Thought
Men always want to be a woman's first love; Women have a more subtle instinct; what they like is to be a man's last romance. - Oscar Wilde
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Ho Cards
We chatted about these last night a book club since the issue of whores was a small part of our 'Memories of my Meloncholy Whores' discussion.I'm not sure why Donna is $35 and Cat is $49, I think it would be interesting to call next time I'm in Vegas just to do an interview, see who showed up, and to figure out what exactly they do put on the credit card.
Our Cupid
Such restraint! Caroline and I went to the Picture People to have the Valentine's Day photo special and we both managed to leave with just one pose! They have an interesting marketing strategy. A photographer takes about 6 different poses or shots, develops them and prints them off. You return in an hour and look through 6 poses and 3 sheets of photos already developed. If you don't purchase a sheet of pictures or a pose, off they go to the trash. Throwing away your kids pictures feels awful, but thankfully Caroline prepped me well so I knew that this was coming.Both kids did a great job and we got away with no meltdowns and scored some major bargains for next winter at the Children's Place. Currently Clare is screaming bloody murder from her crib...maybe a nap isn't in her afternoon plan.
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