Cajun Goodness

Yesterday, we joined some friends for a Gumbo dinner with bread pudding- very yummy!

Made me wonder, however, what the difference is between gumbo and jambalya? I went and asked Bing.

What is the difference between Jambalaya and Gumbo? Jambalaya: Rice is cooked with the meat and vegetables and is not stirred. Gumbo: Rice is cooked separate from the meat and vegetables. There is also a lot of stirring going on while making the Roux. Gumbo is more of a stew that is put over the rice. The Gumbo recipes are a lot more complex to master.

Now I know - - - and you do, too!

Today: I'm thankful for yummy food.

Birthmark...

Recently, we've noticed a Birthmark on the little guy. It's a freckleish - - probably one of those big, almost mole-looking birthmark thing (after all, what babies have freckles at 4 months?!)

Anyhow, it looks like dirt at this point - but it doesn't wash off!

I liked weekends before, but I like them even more now! For studying and lots of baby time and no pumping.

Today: I like weekends. :)

Horse

Okay, not the animal... (and yes, I realize it's spelled "wrong") - - but my voice is hoarse!

No other symptoms of anything, just a random voice outage. I sound like a man. When I can sound at all.

I've never had just the voice go out. And for some reason, eating lunch today kept making me cough.

I went to an exercise class today at work - admittedly, it was a bit weird. There was another new mom in there- had her baby boy (her first) on Nov 2nd! It's always fun to chat a bit with other moms- particularly the first time moms with kiddos about the same age.

They also changed the display at daycare, and Mark's picture is up twice! Once for him talking, and once because another baby is sharing a toy with him. So sweet.

Today: I'm thankful that even if I can't talk, I can still blog!

Snoozin' in the Sunshine...

Since it's going to snow tonight, I thought it would be appropriate to post about the afternoon snooze in the sunshine!

This was from the gorgeous weekend - where it was in the 60s, and we spent lots of time outside!

And now, we're hunkerin' down for another snow...

Gotta love the ups and downs of the winter!

Today: I am thankful we had such a great weekend and enjoyed every moment of it! If it is going to snow, at least it is going to snow on a weekday this time!

Lunch Today...

Today I had a super-productive lunch! That means I felt super-charged for the afternoon - and relieved that I accomplished a few things off my list - and also a bit more poor!

I was able to run errands and pick up some things I'd been wanting/needing for a while. Including... (Can you believe it?)... 9-month sized clothes!

It's time to put all the little infant clothes away. I was surprised that many items jump from 6-9 month (newborn) to 12 month (infant)... which means, perhaps, that our newborn is all of a sudden an infant?!?! Also got a couple of storage tubs so the clothes that no longer fit can be put away.

It was also time for kiddo to have a bouncy seat (or jump-up) so he can practice using those legs! Plus, he's a little bored/tired of laying on his back all the time.

Anyhow - A couple stores, lunch to go, and all within an hour!

If only work were as productive...

Today: I am thankful for a shopping center with two great shopping places and lunch all within walking proximity!

"Blah"gs

Don't know why I've had the "Blah"gs lately when it's come to blogging. Short and sweet posts seem to be all I can muster! It's certainly not that I'm completely uninspired, just not at the right time! I like to think that with all the studying I've been doing lately, my head is just totally full (and about to explode) and therefore there isn't room for blogging anymore? Hmm... Sounds good, let's go with that.

I gave up trying to video tape Mark turning over. Turn the camera on, and he won't do anything! We did a get a "fussy" bath the other day - - but even that wasn't as bad as his "normal" bath! (Maybe I posted about that already)...

Today has been a fussy-for-no-apparent-reason day.. When I picked him up from daycare, and for a good 20-30 minutes (before he fell asleep) was some serious crying! Poor guy. I sure wish he could communicate on days like today!

Like anything else, he has ups and downs. Fussy mornings or afternoons, and very happy mornings or afternoons. Once in a while he turns on his fishy/water mobile on himself - in fact, that's how I woke up to feed him this morning! (Well, that and I didn't feed him late last night, so I was up at around 4 thinking about feeding him!)

Today: I'm thankful that M went to sleep. Whew!

Spitup..

Another day outside, another day of spitup on my shirt.

Seems I haven't had much to report lately. We did enjoy the lovely weather and the sunshine this afternoon - including eating lunch out, stopping by one of my favorite stores (remember: from me, that means a GROCERY store!), and then coming home for a relatively relaxed day!

Of course, I did yoga this morning. It's always so intense! (Don't believe me? Try an Ashtanga class some day!)

Today: I am thankful for more sunshine!

Sunny weekend!

For the first time in a month, we get SUNSHINE and NICE WEATHER for the weekend!

Yay! I'm looking forward to running errands and catching up on chores- and spending at least a little time outside enjoying the weather! After all, the baby needs some vitamin D!

Today: I'm thankful for sunshine!

Four Months

Baby M went to the doctor day, and was his usual mellow self - - in fact, the doctor even asked if he was always that mellow!

His official numbers: 25.5 inches (60th percentile) for height and at 17 lbs 3 oz for weight or 80-90th percentile. The doctor said, "I can't find anything wrong with him!" He got 3 shots, and was quite the trooper - - he fussed for about as long as it took me to get him dressed, and then was flirting with the nurses and receptionist while we made his next checkup (for 6 months)!

In other news, he rolled over yesterday (Weds) from his stomach to his back. Then today (Thurs), he did it twice in a row! Which means- - - he's officially mobile. We'll get video tape of it soon. It's also cool to see that instead of fussing on his stomach, he can now just roll to his back on his own!

We also noticed his first birthmark/freckle - - on his left shin. Pretty fun!

One of his daycare teachers had a baby today - so he'll have a new teacher for the next 6 weeks or so.

Today: I am thankful it was Baby M that had to have shots today and not me!

Scattered Thoughts, Again...

Another missed day! Sorry to my most faithful followers.

Baby was 4 months old yesterday, and he has his official appointment and weigh in tomorrow (Thurs)!

Over our homemade valentine's dinner, DH asked if I felt like a mommy yet. I guess the feeling comes and goes. On Monday, I was feeling like a mommy - - but for reasons only marginally related to the kiddo, directly. Laundry, for example, is more difficult. There is more to do. And in the past, I could spend an afternoon getting a project done! That same type of project now seems like it takes me 3 days to complete, instead of just 1 afternoon. I have been overwhelmed the last day or so. Lots to do, and time flies by me without me getting some things done that need to be done (like studying and exercising, which unfortunately seem like they are typically two of the first things to go by the wayside.) I'm sure most people can relate. Even the dishes seem to pile up - - and even though I'm breastfeeding, there are bottles to be washed every day for daycare.

Speaking of Nursing...

After reading some articles online, I decided to try something different at work and during the day. Instead of pumping 3 times, I started pumping only twice (for longer). It makes a huge difference, to me. It means I can go out to lunch without worrying about the need to pump at lunchtime, and makes me feel just a teensy bit more human. It means I only have to wash my "equipment" twice a day, instead of three times. And at the end of the day, I've expressed about the same amount of milk. Lately, I've even been getting a tad more so that we can start feeding kiddo real food in earnest, one day. (Mixing rice cereal with breastmilk.) The frequency thing only works sometimes, though. Because of a mid-afternoon meeting today, I had to pump around it - and wound up having to pump 3 times even though daycare only needed 2 bottles. ick!

And speaking of rice cereal...

Last night, we did another attempt at real food (rice cereal). It went in just fine. And sat in his mouth. And then got spit out. Every spoonful. The last attempt (meaning, when we tried to feed him a week ago) he seemed to swallow more. One of these days, maybe we'll be consistent with it. That is definitely one of the things we'll be asking the doctor about.

And on to a couple of my favorite things about February. First of all, when you are paid monthly, or twice-monthly, you seem to have more in February because there are fewer days! It's also the month that typically we finish a tax returns - which sometimes means money back from the government. Even though I typically use the money to payoff a mounting credit card bill, it always seems to me a little like a financial clean slate.

Today, I'm thankful for pacifiers (aka binkies). Kiddo has been a bit dependent on them, lately!

Day off?

Daycare is out today. Seth and I both had to work! Oh, what to do!

DH wound up taking care of kiddo this morning, and I worked 1/2 a day and now I'm at home trying to get caught up on all those things I didn't do this weekend!

It's a little wierd to be "displaced" by daycare - although this is one of the first years my office wasn't closed for the holiday (and instead, we have a floating holiday to use anytime).

It's nice that I don't have to take a full day off work, also!

Today: I'm thankful that DH and I both have flexible jobs, to some degree!

Love is in the air!

A year ago, on Valentine's Day, I found out I was pregnant. It literally brought me to tears- I was so blasted happy, I was shaking.

I don't think anything could quite top that this year - and I don't expect it. I was, however, pleasantly surprised with my hubby bringing me purple tulips!!

I am also looking forward to the season premiere of Amazing Race tonight - - - more than ever before, since a friend of mine will be on the show! Go Jody and Shannon!!

Today: I am thankful for my almost-four-month-old Valentine Day gift, and for my DH who loves me and treats me like a queen.

Marathon - 2007 Repost

I'm thinking about Racing today. In 2007 and in 2008, I ran in the Austin Marathon - which happens to be tomorrow! I have tons of friends running, and I wish them all much luck!

Before I ran the 2007 Marathon, I posted something titled "3065." This marathon changed my life. From a bad experience in college, I never thought I could run. But I did run. I ran a marathon.

Anyhow - today, as I reflect on that crazy period in my life, I'd like to repost one of my favorite things I've ever written and shared publicly. So - - please enjoy the story of 3065.

--

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

3065 Current mood: optimistic Category: Sports Athlete? Not me! I may have been coxswain on the college crew team, but that merely involved telling other people what to do! When I ran with the crew team in a February 1997 event, I thought I was going to die. I ran about one mile, and walked the rest of the freezing 5K (3.1 miles) - I barely made it to the finish line. Several years have passed since then, and after a life-changing 2006, some friends encouraged me to join a marathon training program. Why not? At the time, I couldn't come up with a good reason. But - I had to convince myself that this overwhelming adventure was worth tackling. I told myself I wouldn't get any younger, and then in January 2007 I faced a big front-number-changer: My 30th birthday. I told myself I had the time, since I wasn't planning to study for another crazy actuarial exam. I figured my Saturday mornings were relatively free. And so, I embarked upon this gigantic adventure! There were some details to consider. How about the half-marathon program? In the first week, the difference was merely a mile or so. That just didn't seem crazy enough – and, I like to aim high. If I didn't make the marathon, I could always fall back to a half marathon (which would an amazing accomplishment!). And so, my friend Joy and I headed to downtown Austin on a September morning, to run two timed miles and figure out our pace group. Even in those first two miles, I did some walking - but I completed 2 miles in about 25 minutes. That put me somewhere between the walking group and the slowest running group - no surprise there! Two miles... I was exhausted. I was sore. The downtown Austin Farmer's market was tempting, but I told my friend maybe we should wait until another time. That week, Joy and I discovered that USA fit had two groups in the Austin area- in addition to the group in Downtown Austin, there was a group in Round Rock – just North of Austin. As I considered travel time, the 15 miles to make it downtown to Austin Fit wasn't worth it, compared to the 11 miles to make it to the Round Rock Fit meeting place in Old Settler's Park by the Dell Diamond. By joining the Round Rock Fit group, I gained an additional five minutes of sleep, every Saturday morning for 26 weeks! For an early Saturday morning run, that's a very important five minutes! After a week or two, I discovered that I would definitely need a new pair of running shoes. I stopped by Runtex over lunch one day, and got a brand new shiny purple pair of shoes. To fit me for them, they considered the flexibility of my foot, whether or not I pronate (put more weight on the inside of my foot), and all these other things I never knew existed. Luckily, Runtex knows running shoes. So I trotted off to my next run in my new shoes. It was still fairly warm outside, so the seminars given by Round Rock Fit reminded us that drinking lots of water and hydrating are important in those warm months. A rule of thumb, they said, was to weigh yourself before and after your run: The goal is not to gain and not to lose weight. My routine with the Round Rock Fit group began in full swing. On Saturday morning, we would meet for a "long" run, followed by 3 days during the week. Those first weeks, we ran about only 20 minutes during the week. The mileage gradually increased. Of course, life continued in the meantime. It was clear that I wouldn't be around every Saturday for a long run with the group. For at least part of this journey, I was on my own. In late September, I traveled to Minnesota for a friend's wedding. I learned that one of the benefits of running is that it is flexible – you just need your shoes! So I took my purple running shoes with me to Minnesota, and ran about 4 miles, or about 50 minutes, in 50 degree weather. The trails were gorgeous, the trees were changing colors, and the friends I stayed were still asleep early Saturday morning ... but I went on a run. Now, I feel obligated to explain what I mean by the term "run." You see, I jog – at best. I typically move my feet in a running-like pattern (i.e., a snail-paced jog) for about 9 minutes, and then follow with about a 1 minute walking break. This continues so that I walk a minimum of 1 minute every mile. By October, I could "run" 8 miles. After this exhausting event, I was "rewarded" the following week with a shorter 6 mile run. In late October, I went to New York to visit friends for a couple of days. One of my friends there, Paul, decided he'd make an effort at 8 miles in my run 9 minute/ walk 1 minute pattern. And so, we trampled across Brooklyn- including across the 1 mile Brooklyn Bridge. Although I was supposed to run 8 miles if I stuck to the "program," I began having problems with my knee – and so the last 2 miles were spent walking the entire way. Instead of giving up, I visited my Doctor who told me to stay off running for 10 days. TEN DAYS!?!?! I was amazed at how dedicated I had become to staying on track in order to make it to Marathon Day. Luckily, many coaches had encouraged us to stay healthy – and heal – and only by doing these things would we make it, injury free. My new friend, and 100K (or 62 mile) running coworker Janice loaned me a book so I could learn more about running related injuries. I did as the doctor ordered, and when the 10 days were over (and I could finally run again!) I was in San Francisco. The weather was a bit rainy, so I wound up running on a treadmill. I had missed a few of the weekend "long" runs, but it felt great to get back into this "sport" I began by dreading. You see, at some point in the process, I became a runner. Although I still have a difficult time making that admission, running is now a big part of my life. I've nearly forgotten what life was like when I didn't pick up my shoes and head out the door, often with my dog. When I have a particularly bad day, I crave a run. I actually experience the adrenaline rush - and want to go running. As November came around, the mileage increased and I finally made my first double digit run - 10 miles! I'd heard about these things called "ice baths" – where runners actually sit in a tub full of water, and then dump in a bag full of ice. I thought they must be crazy – and then, after that first 10 mile run, I tried it. I decided that I couldn't manage unless I was distracted, and so I called my mom. For some reason, I sat in a bath tub full of ice for nearly 10 minutes. My legs turned red, and went numb. Never in my life has a warm shower (after the ice had all melted away) felt better. I've learned about all these things that in my previous life, I never knew existed. Often, on a long run, runners use "gu" to replace some of the nutrients lost – particularly salt, potassium, and other essential stuff. I tried my first gu in New York and thought – YUCK! After mileage increases above about 6 miles though, it's obvious why people force this yucky, gooey stuff down their throats. I've learned about blisters and injuries. I've learned about massage and stretching. I've begun to understand the mental challenge involved. I've had help from coaches, and I've read inspiring stories from others. I've read about pacing, and tried a few techniques. I've gotten a few new articles of "running" clothing. I even attempted my first race since the 1997 disaster – this time, the Austin Radiological Association's 20 miles. Even though I ran 12 miles and walked 8, I made the finish line in that race. A few weeks later, I had my best run ever- 10 miles. I was able to complete 10 miles in just over 2 hours – a major accomplishment. A few weeks ago, our training run topped out at 23 miles. This time, the Austin and Round Rock groups joined forces and ran part of the Marathon course, leaving from downtown Austin. The same place where I started the adventure by running merely 2 miles. This time, I ran 16 miles and walked about 7. At 13.2 miles, the coach I was with told us if we had been running a half marathon, we would have been finished- surprisingly, one of the most motivating statements I've ever heard in my life. I'd already finished a half marathon – and kept on going! The whole run took me 5 hours and 45 minutes, but I finished. Exhaustion had new meaning in my life. The point of this story is 3065. What's 3065, you say? Well, that's my Bib number. This chapter of my life is about ready to come to a close. A marathon - who would have thought I'd ever attempt such a thing. After all, the first guy to attempt a marathon wound up dead at the finish. Will I be dead at the finish? Dead tired, definitely. However, as long as I make it to the finish – I will have accomplished something that few people do in their lifetime. I won't be fast – but that isn't the goal. My goal is merely to finish. I will make it to the finish. And when I make it to the finish, I will have won the race. Mark your calendar: Feb 18, 2007 For more details: www.austinmarathon.com www.roundrockfit.com

Rhyme Time...

Earlier today, I shared with a coworker the most random thing she would hear all day. Now, I'll share with you!

The words Submarine and Trampoline almost rhyme.

My head has been in a lot of random, very bloggable places lately. I think I have topics already for the next 4 or 5 days! We'll see if that actually happens or not...

A couple of other thoughts for today's post (although not as entertaining, perhaps, as rhyming submarine and trampoline..)

We fed Mark his first cereal for one day last week. We haven't continued as of yet - - and probably will wait until we hear what the doctor has to say (and his percentiles- my favorite part!) I heard today that as young as 3 months, children can begin being "obese" - and Mark's looked a bit chubby to me lately!

And in one other very random thought, unrelated to the rest of today's post, I've met a couple of the other mom's for Mark's daycare friends recently. Today, I was the last one there to get my kid - - which was a bit odd! They also had their "friendship ball" - so I have a valentine's day picture of kiddo. If only I would have kept his cute red shirt. If I find and wash it this weekend, I may take him to get official pictures done. That's if I get ambitious and we aren't snowed in. But no worries, I got chocolate tonight so I should be able to make it through the weekend. :)

Today: I heart chocolate. Thanks!

Da' Feet

When I picked Mark up from Daycare yesterday, his teachers told me that his socks were off because he'd had some help from his friends. Not what the picture quite suggests, eh?

Have I mentioned that we have a camera-shy child, already? We've been trying to get a bit of film (video) to send to family and such. And so far, nearly every time we turn the camera on, he starts getting a bit fussy.

Ahh, the joys of parenthood!

Today: I'm thankful we have a video camera!

Babies and Dogs...

On my way home today, I was listening to some CDs and pondering a blog topic or two. I laughed out loud when I thought of the comparisons you could make between babies and dogs... Hopefully you will appreciate this as well - - - particularly anyone with a baby AND dogs! Although if you have either, hopefully you'll still be able to relate some.

Eating:
Our dogs eat once a day. You put their food in the bowl, they eat it as fast as they can, and repeat tomorrow. Babies? They eat multiple times a day (ours is eating 6 times a day, right now). His eating is also tied to my chest. It hurts if he hasn't eaten. It's "occupied" when he is. I have to schedule work around pumping (or the other way around, I'm not sure which)...

Nature Calls:
The dogs go outside, do their thing, and come back inside. Occasionally we step in it, and have to clean off our shoes. With the baby, it's multiple diaper changes every day. Some days, he's saved up pooping for the one diaper that explodes and requires a clothing change - - and often, that means a full clothing change not only for the baby, but also for us! There's throwing diapers away, changing out the trash bags so the whole house doesn't smell, you get the picture.

Sleeping:
Dogs will sleep anywhere, anytime. Once in a while they want our spot, but generally they just want to be with the pack. They want to cuddle. The baby? Well, thankfully he sleeps through the night. But often, he has to be convinced (with a binky aka pacifier) to take a nap. We have to put him in his bed. We often play music or turn on a toy to help him sleep. He requires being tucked in.

Playing:
The dogs can and do entertain themselves! Destuffing toys, gnawing on each other, you name it. They ask for attention when they need it, or just come say hello. When they want to play, they often bring us the toy so we can still be lazy. In terms of attention, though, the kiddo needs more. We have many toys for him, we bounce him, we show him a mirror. If he gets bored of one thing, we change it out. We move him from the floor to the sofa to his high chair. We hold him. We rock him. Sometimes we even put our finger in his mouth.

So, I ask you, why is it we rate "babies" above "dogs" in the household hierarchy? What is it that makes them so irresistible? Why are two legs better than four paws?

Two simple words. (Which coincidentally, doubles for what I'm thankful for today.)

Baby Smiles.

Scrips...

Or rather, prescriptions...

In an uncharacteristic like 6-months, I have successfully managed to finish a bottle of advil. For most people, this may not seem like an accomplishment... However, thanks to the tooth and the baby, I have probably for the first time in my life had more advil/ibuprofen in 6 months than I had in the prior 6 years.

When I had the tooth pulled, the oral surgeon didn't even bother to give me anything by prescription. And oddly enough- I'm thankful. It wasn't soo bad (even though it's still acting up today and I may have to start on bottle #2 of advil). I'm also glad not to have anything stronger around - since chances are I wouldn't use it, anyway.

Today: I'm thankful for OTC medications.

Day After...

Today is officially the day after the best commercial event of the year!

Around the office today, I didn't hear anyone talking about "the game." The highlight was hearing about all the commercials!

Even though I only watched about the first half (and a few commercials) of the game, it was fun! We played a game with a big group, and I got to meet some new people.

Two things stand out for the "day after"... the first being the commercials, as discussed above!

A close second, however, came from an unexpected source - - one of Mark's daycare playmates! He had on a Drew Brees Jersey (at 11 months old) - and for some reason, it was just funny to me!

Today: I'm thankful for good commercials. Who knew you could be thankful for commercials?!?!

Snowed In...

This picture is from last week (and was finally downloaded to my computer - Hooray!). We were snowed in for a good couple of days... It snowed Friday Night, allowing us to Sled on Saturday and Sunday. I was out of work on Monday and part of Tuesday for the snow. We had fun, though!

Mark made some snow angels, and was all bundled up to be outside. On Monday, the neighbor girls were STILL sledding, and he was a HUGE hit with the girls! My 7-year-old neighbor informed me that you can babysit when you are 12. It definitely gave me a smile!

Today: I am thankful for Yoga classes.

$3.35

What's that? Evidently, it's the going rate for the tooth fairy. Yep, all in coins - some quarters, some pennies.... It was also good for a laugh last night when I went to bed missing my #3 (tooth #3, that is!)

Just the quick update today. You didn't want to spend all weekend reading a long post, anyhow.

Cheers!

Today: I'm thankful for game nights with the DH!

Scattered Thoughts...

This evening, I'm listening to my little chatter bug. Mark's making all kinds of noises lately! I wonder if he'll be this talkative as he gets older....

Anyhow, Today's blog will reflect my multiple scattered thoughts for the day. That was but one insight into my life!

As promised on yesterday's chatter, I'll tell the Hazmat story.

My work is in this building that is... to be kind... in need of demolition (for multiple reasons). My office is always cold. Always. One day last year, we held a meeting in the dark (with people from out of town) because the electricity went ka-put. (Most of my coworkers got the day off - but since I was in the meeting, I was stuck until at least noon or so). So... Yesterday's "episode" was just the latest in a stint of "problems". I went upstairs to get a pop (or soda, if you prefer) from the upstairs break room after my lunch, and saw our facilities person dragging a fan to that part of the building. I didn't think much of it, and went back to my office to pump (oh, the joy. not.). Just as I finished, my coworker knocks on my door and says, "we're being evacuated."

At that time there were 2 firetrucks outside. Within 10 minutes, we had 2 or 3 police cars, 4 fire trucks, a hazmat truck, the heating and air conditioning guys, and 2 ambulances. 20 minutes later, we had at least one news camera and the helicopter overhead circling our building.

I opted to walk to dunkin' donuts for a hot chocolate with a coworker who was a bit too shy to go on her own. We came back, and everyone was still standing outside.

The official word (after being out of the building for 45 minutes) was that perhaps the cover was not placed back on the AC unit. However, the building never tested too "out of whack" for any gases and/or chemicals, even though several employees had been complaining of headaches and nausea (hence, the ambulances - - ready to treat at least 12-15 people!)

It was cold outside.

On a positive note, however, today is "go red for women" month. My office hosted a yummy breakfast (BAGELS!... maybe my blog should be renamed starbucks, shopping, socks, and bagels... although bagels doesn't start with an s... hmm..) In addition to the bagels, we all wore red, and donated money to support heart health for women (I think). We raised more than the goal of $200 and it was really cool to see so much red/support around the office. Attached is a picture of me with some coworkers (in which I'm acting a bit sassy..)

I left work and got to feed the baby (one less time to pump today- yay!) before heading to the oral surgeon for my "surgery". I think it's funny what is called surgery sometimes - I only had a tooth pulled, and it didn't seem like that big of a deal. Of course, the dentist told me that I was his only patient for the day that wasn't put to sleep to have the procedure done, but alas- I digress. They showed me the crazy tooth (which they pull out one root at a time - - I didn't know that) and the infection that had been causing me the pain off and on for the last couple of years. Blasted tooth. Blasted infection. And now, I'm down one tooth. It wasn't even nice enough to be one of the ones in the back (although it is a molar - tooth #3 to be exact!). The recovery part sucks. For today, at least, lunch/dinner of yogurt, ice cream, and mashed potatoes hasn't been too bad. Tomorrow, I've got a smoothie and possibly scrambled eggs to look forward to. I like my food, though. Hopefully it's not too much longer before I feel okay to actually eat again. It's still bleeding (although nothing major), and pain peaks around day 3-5 with swelling peaking around day 2-3. Joy.

Maybe a starbucks would make it better? I'm not soo interested in shopping, and I do have on one of my favorite pairs of socks at the moment. Hmm.

Today: I'm thankful for my teeth. Most of them, that is!

Healthy = blah?

Why does everything "healthy" taste so blah?

I know, use spices... Cook it differently.. Whatever. I'd still prefer the cookie to the carrots. And the chocolate to the apple.

Salads are Blah. Even when I try to spice them up with nuts or fruit, they get boring. And chicken? Ick. I'd rather have beans for protein. Oil and butter are yummy. Baked and broiled are bland.

You get the picture.

I'm obsessed about food - yes, again. Wish I could control my own eating habits a bit better. Every time I make Rice Krispie Treats, I eat through about the whole batch in 3 days straight. I guess at least this time, I only made half a batch (but it still barely lasted 3 days!)

I guess that's one of my comfort foods. And I do prefer those to a slice of cake, anyday! I add chocolate chips to give it character. I would have added a picture - - but they're already gone now. They are right up there with Bagels - - yes, I will pick them up off the floor (even the floor of the garage!) if they have been dropped.

Today: I am thankful for air to breathe. Snoring - even fake snoring - can be fun sometimes. My DH told me the other day that I snored when I was preggers. Go figure!

Stay tuned tomorrow for Hazmat!

Mirror, Mirror...

..on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?

I love nursery rhymes and disney movies. I love patty cake and fairy tales. I love having a kid, so I have an "excuse" to relive my child hood.

What do you love?

Today: I'm thankful for Mirrors to entertain babies with!

Groundhog

Who came up with the idea for groundhog day, anyway? I mean really, what does a rodent know about winter?

Based on the snow on the ground, I could predict 6 more weeks of winter myself!

It's supposed to rain today, so the end of the snow may be here soon. I still haven't managed to get a pic of Mark up in the snow! I'll get to that soon.

We got our wedding pictures from our photographer on DVD, which is exciting! So, I'm posting one of those today. Mostly because I'm lazy. I still have some good pics of Mark on the camera from the three day weekend. Our entire wedding party was the flower girl, our neice Laney.

Anyhow.. today: I'm thankful for lazy mornings to finish laundry and get breakfast in before heading to work!

Culdesac: A+

We must live on about the greatest cul-de-sac in the world. After clearing their own driveways, we had two neighbors out clearing our drive way!

Seth and I both worked on it for a bit, but didn't make a ton of progress (and weren't motivated to do it so much...)

Very nice, indeed. I gave them rice krispie treats!

I was out earlier today, and two of the neighbor girls (Sarah, age 10 and Allison, age 7) were still sledding. Since I had mark out in his seat, they wanted to hold and play with him. It was really cute. He was smiling at them!

Anyhow - - still working on getting the pics we took of my angel making snow angels. Will post that hopefully soon! In the meantime, I think today is the last of the snow days.... At least our culdesac, driveway, and the streets look clear (finally)!

Today: I'm thankful for great neighbors!