tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18297370530404834772024-02-06T21:23:01.882-05:00Heaven UnderfootMusings from a reluctant optimist.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-9300803951131858102011-07-08T22:02:00.002-04:002011-07-08T22:27:14.197-04:00No More Dirty Looks<div>Cameron turned me on to their <a href="http://nomoredirtylooks.com/">blog</a>, and let me know when NuboNau had it as a free gift with purchase. I started reading it in the tub, so when they started in on contaminants and byproducts, I grabbed the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/21601/Johnson_%26_Johnson_Johnson%27s_Moisture_Care_Baby_Wash/">Johnson's moisture care baby wash</a> I had been using on Evelyn before we switched to <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/91474/California_Baby_Shampoo_%26_Bodywash_Super_Sensitive/">California Baby</a> products. Here is their ingredient list and some concerns based on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. Keep in mind that the closer the ingredient is to the top, the more of it is in the product. </div><div><br /></div><div>Water</div><div>Cocamidopropyl Betaine</div><div>PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(79, 78, 87); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; ">Violation of industry recommendations - Restricted in cosmetics; use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Not safe for use on injured or damaged skin</span></div><div>Sodium Trideceth Sulfate</div><div>Acrylates Copolymer</div><div>Glycol Distearate</div><div>Glycerin</div><div>Fragrance <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(56, 56, 56); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; ">The word fragrance...represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants such as diethyl phthalate. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.</span></div><div>Lauryl Methyl Gluceth-10 Hydroxypropyldimonium Chloride</div><div>Laureth-4 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(56, 56, 56); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; ">Due to the presence of PEG, this ingredient may contain potentially toxic manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane.</span></div><div>Phenoxyethanol <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(56, 56, 56); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; ">high concerns for eye, skin, and lung irritation; moderate concerns for organ system toxicity </span> </div><div>Methylparaben <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(56, 56, 56); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; ">Methylparaben is in the paraben family of preservatives used by the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries. Parabens mimic estrogen and can act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors.</span></div><div>Propylparaben <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(56, 56, 56); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; ">ibid</span></div><div>Tetrasodium EDTA</div><div>Mineral Oil</div><div>Tocopheryl Acetate <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(79, 78, 87); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; ">One or more animal studies show tumor formation at high doses. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(79, 78, 87); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; ">Suspected to be an environmental toxin and be persistent or bioaccumulative (uncertainty in environmental toxicity or persistence/bioaccumulation).</span></div><div>Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice</div><div>Red 33</div><div>May Also Contain: Sodium Hydroxide</div><div><br /></div><div>So the no-nos it contains include instances of PEG, fragrance, parabens. I am mortified that I have been putting this on my baby girl!</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-10200816229303819042011-02-16T10:01:00.004-05:002011-02-16T10:08:51.114-05:00Winter MadnessI'm one of those people who should hibernate--or perhaps move to a tropical location--during the winter. Around this time of year, I am desperate for a little warmth, a little sun, a little color, open-toed stilettos. I become lax in my already gentle self-discipline. I buy a few more coffees. Or bagels. New office tools. (The Sharpie liquid pencil? It sucks.) A new lipstick. (Maybelline's Super Stay 24 Color in All Day Cherry? So far, so good.) It becomes harder to concentrate, harder to work. I hate fighting endless colds, but I'm ready for Spring Fever.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-71126097877860076542010-10-02T15:41:00.005-04:002010-10-02T16:34:55.378-04:00Evelyn's Christmas ListStarting some ideas for the little one...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Tikes-EasyScore-Basketball-Set/dp/B001BKX0V4/ref=pd_sbs_t_5">Little Tykes EasyScore Basketball Set</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/LeapFrog-19157-My-Pal-Violet/dp/B001W35I8I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1286048956&sr=1-1">LeapFrog My Pal Violet</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Tikes-Climb-Slide-Castle/dp/B0000E6ZCI/ref=sr_1_13?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1286049058&sr=1-13">A slide</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-488-Band-Box/dp/B00005RF5C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1286049457&sr=1-1">Melissa & Doug Band in a Box</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Imaginarium-Shake-Up-Music-Set/dp/B0042LB5VG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1286049389&sr=1-1">Imaginarium Shake It Up Music Set</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Sesame-Street-Sounds-Remote/dp/B000LT1D56/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_3">Fisher-Price Sesame Street Silly Sounds Remote</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Stacking-Vehicle-Cream-Truck/dp/B002PAQIPO/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1286050329&sr=1-13">Fisher-Price Stacking Vehicle Ice Cream Truck</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Tikes-Tap-Tune-Drum/dp/B001QXDIW2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1286050513&sr=1-1">Little Tikes Tap a Tune Drum</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Little-People-Stack-Train/dp/B001JQLJI6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1286050896&sr=1-1">Fisher-Price Little People Stack 'n Sort Train</a> (pink)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-25438315309596011532010-09-05T17:36:00.012-04:002010-09-05T20:57:13.989-04:00Spoon FedI admire Severson's approach to food writing, a mix of social, political, cultural, and economic reporting, all of the things I'm interested in when it comes to food. I also like what she has to say about professional food tasting early in the book, how it is all about setting a baseline, eating things side by side so you can really tell the differences (yet respecting that sometimes, it's what you had at home that always tastes good. I'm that way about peanut butter. I've tried lots of fancy brands but always end up back at Skippy and Jif.). <div> </div><div>The subtitle of the book is "How Eight Cooks Saved My Life" although I think it would have been more accurate if it referred to how they taught her or exemplified for her some life lessons, as Kim had already saved herself from substance abuse, and most the lessons she learned (patience, perserverance, being yourself) aren't exactly earth-shattering. But in her career as a food writer, she's been exposed to some of the biggest names in food, and she certainly has learned from them.<br /></div><br />Marion Cunningham, James Beard's longtime assistant and the author of Fannie Farmer Cookbook, The Breakfast Cookbook, and Cooking with Children taught her that in food and in life, it's never too late to start over. <br /><br />Alice Waters (who everyone knows I'm crazy about, despite being obsessive at best and perhaps self-rightous at worst) taught her perserverance and patience.<br /><br />Ruth Reichl, the somewhat infamous editor of the now defunct <em>Gourmet</em> magazine inadvertantly taught her to compete only with herself.<br /><br />Marcella Hazan, the author of several Italian cookbook taught her to accept what comes her way.<br /><br />Rachael Ray (who I'd like if only I could get past the cutesiness) taught her to be true to herself.<br /><br />Edna Lewis, the grand dame of southern cooking, taught her to cherish the family of her own making.<br /><br />Leah Chase, the famous cook from Dookie Chase in NOLA taught her the power of prayer.<br /><br />Finally, Kim's own mom taught her that what's done is done.<br /><br />The only thing I disliked was that 240 pages of widely leaded lines didn't seem like enough to give much detail about the cooks Severson profiled (and you KNOW she has to have some more juicy tales to tell) as well as her own story, so both seemed a little thin.<br /><br />The blessing and curse of reading this is that it makes me want to get back in the kitchen, spatulas a-blazing. But as the mother of a demanding one-year old and the wife of a semi-employed thirty-something, I have neither the time nor the money to cook the way I'd like. A new mother herself, Kim wrote about having a similar problem. But if I were to write about what Kim Severson taught me, it's food's power of connecting families and creating memories. And I know that's what, one day, Evelyn will say I taught her.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-41228434530398378202010-06-30T10:59:00.002-04:002010-06-30T11:01:31.992-04:00Foodiephobia!!<span style="color:#663366;">Here's another good </span><a href="http://www.iconoculture.com/Approach/WhatWeIdentify/Observations/GenXers/index.aspx?DocName=oa_Foodiephobia_223877"><span style="color:#663366;">Iconowatch</span></a><span style="color:#663366;"> microtrend. I told C this reminds me of how I feel about her...and I imagine I'm not the only one!!</span><br /><br /><br />OBSERVATION<br />Scared cookless: Foodiephobia takes shape<br /><br /><br />WHAT'S HAPPENING<br /><br />•In a recent blog post for TheAtlantic.com, Lesley Freeman Riva wrote about a phenomenon she calls Foodiephobia: When Friends Fear Feeding You (5.26.10).<br /><br />•Freeman Riva describes how she happily entertains (and cooks for) friends at her house, but then she began to notice that people rarely reciprocate. Finally, some of them started to admit things like, "Oh, I'd be too nervous to cook for you."<br />•Because people think of her as a talented and breezy cook, they're hesitant to open themselves up to possible judgment.<br /><br /><br /><br />WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS<br /><br />•As foodies proliferate but some consumers stay behind in the skill and interest department, watch for heightened sensitivity in the home-entertaining space.<br /><br />•Many consumers lack (but seek) the tools to keep up with the foodies, and they want any attempts to appear effortless.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-25038677533595252862010-06-23T10:22:00.001-04:002010-06-23T10:23:52.678-04:00Post from Iconowatch...So very trueFROM OUR EDITORS<br />THE DAILY BEAST <br />By Charlotte Beal, Lead Editor <br /><br />I love food, but I hate my lifestage when it comes to food. I have a job, a picky preschooler, a Bjorn-saddled infant and a husband who doesn’t get home from work until late evening. The dinner ritual pretty much consists of me doctoring something in a mad dash, only to find a kid who refuses to eat and a baby who refuses to let me eat. Delicious, freshly prepared, leisurely meals? Maybe in about 18 years. <br /><br />We’ve been talking to bigger circles of moms recently, and they all echo similar challenges. Some choice quotes, often said with a sigh: “I love to cook, but at this point in my life I’m lucky to throw stuff together. If you can call that cooking.” “Dinnertime is my least favorite part of the day.” “My only hope is to make a few big pots of soup over the weekend to eat throughout the week.” The moms vent to each other, but they also share strategies and recipes — anything to make them feel less alone and stumped. <br /><br />For many parents, especially foodies, planning the meals and doing the shopping feels a bit like torture. We want to be creative, but there’s no time. We want to cook wholesomely, but not everyone will eat it. We want to cook conveniently, but many time-saving products are unhealthy and expensive. <br /><br />Food makers and retailers, we’ll strike a deal with you: Offer the holy grail of easy, tasty, nutritious and cheap meals. And we’ll hold out for adjectives like “transcendent” and “peaceful” until the kids go to college.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-62379745599023998332010-02-10T10:43:00.003-05:002010-02-10T10:47:03.149-05:00Cute Freecycle postingSomeone in my <a href="http://www.freecycle.org/">Freecycle</a> group just sent the following post:<br /><br />Offer: Snow<br />Located in Rosedale. You haul. I have tons, so don't worry about someone beating you out. You'll be thanking me for this come summer! :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-4909582279553340362010-02-05T10:52:00.001-05:002010-02-05T10:54:17.974-05:00Where I Want to Go For Valentine's Day...The <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycbr-renaissance-new-york-hotel-57/" target="external">Renaissance New York Hotel 57</a> is offering "The World's Sweetest Suite." They joined with <a href="http://www.dylanscandybar.com/" target="external">Dylan's Candy Bar</a> to create a suite that includes giant gummy bears, an edible candy wall, white-chocolate fountain, cotton candy machine and more than 300 pounds of edible candy, gum balls and chocolate treats in every corner.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Book me!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434788247094725474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY90RRJkTSGyf4Ti7RNtZGbDdC4CWKiE6He81wFlsmAH9stK8wMaEhZt2VWJI_VYzCDLVofHpQ592Jy-HMDYHy1WjUVtmFt9OXH1DN09L8sgDdPBzNwoSK08w6chNhl4hJgNWKuC2rgk/s400/Candyland.jpg" border="0" /></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-40926562037602319562009-12-30T11:25:00.004-05:002009-12-30T11:35:27.113-05:00I have to admit......that work has been a bit better lately. I have several new clients, most are in interesting industries, and I've been able to challenge myself to get informed on those industries (in all of my "spare" time). I'm also carving out the time to be more proactive with my clients, rather than only reactive to their immediate wants and needs. It's been dizzying, but at least I don't feel as though my brain is atrophying!<br /><br />I had an interesting exchange with a coworker about balance, and I think that's something I need to address. Not necessarily in the upcoming year--I don't think New Year's is the best or only time for resolutions--but immediately, continually, and earnestly. In the next few days, I'll be identifying the different areas of my life (family, friends, work, health, home, etc.) and devising measurable, acheivable objectives and goals. These clients may be my vocation, but my life is my real occupation!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-11274643984939890292009-12-26T09:03:00.011-05:002009-12-26T10:34:31.458-05:00Christmas Eve(lyn)We kept calling Evelyn our "Christmas Eve." So cute. Our day started with Evelyn and I paying a visit to Miss Tanya. We met her three kids and I helped her sneak in the presents Matt and I collected for her family at our jobs. Her parents paid her a quick visit, and we got to meet them. Her mother said, "So this is the Evelyn you are always talking about!" If there was any doubt in my mind that Evelyn holds a special place in Tanya's heart--and there wasn't--that would have resolved it!<br /><br />We got home just before Matt, and opened a few last minute Christmas cards, including one from Viki and Julia with gift cards for Olive Garden and Toys R Us.<br /><br />When Matt got home, we headed to Aunt Carol's for our annual Christmas Eve party. I walked in and my cousin Joey said it was about time I brought him his baby! She got passed around quite a bit and seemed to love all the attention. She was, as usual, amazingly good.<br /><br />Aunt Janet (who didn't make it to the baby shower) gave us a Toys R Us giftcard, which will come in handy for her high chair.<br /><br />After a long visit and plenty of food, we headed down the street to my mom's to open presents.<br /><br />My grandma (now Evelyn's "Nanny") got her a set of three mini <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cabbage-Patch-Monkey-Costumed-Snugglies/dp/B002VKZ2GO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261836467&sr=1-1">Cabbage Patch Snugglies</a> dolls.<br /><br />My mom got her a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-K8845-Crawl-Along-Drum-Roll/dp/B000LSZVJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261836431&sr=8-1">Crawl-Along Drum Roll</a>; a copy of Twas the Night Before Christmas (love it!); a Very Hungry Caterpillar book, doll, and blanket set; and three footed sleepers (spring green floral, pink with snowflakes, and psychadelic pink and purple floral)<br /><br />She got me a L'Occitane Shea Fantastique gift set; a customized calendar from Shutterfly, with pictures of my family on every month (which I just love) and a new, larger food processor. I can't wait to make bread in it!<br /><br />She got Matt <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Call-Duty-Modern-Warfare-2-Pc/dp/B00269QLJ2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1261840382&sr=8-3">Modern Warfare 2</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Family-Guy-Presents-Something-Blu-ray/dp/B002LASCJ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1261840317&sr=8-2">Something Something Something Dark Side</a>.<br /><br />Uncle Bob gave me a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paris-Sweets-Great-Desserts-Pastry/dp/0767906810/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261839548&sr=8-1">Paris Sweets</a> cookbook and a grater shaped like the Eiffel Tower.<br /><br />Shannon got us a four-slot picture frame that reads, "TOGETHER WE ARE A FAMILY" and an outfit for Evelyn with red pants and a pink and red polka dot hoodie.<br /><br />Uncle Glenn got her a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Baby-Bat-Wobble-Penguin/dp/B000W3RYQS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261837039&sr=1-1">Bat & Wobble Penguin</a>, me a glass teapot (perfect for blooming tea), and a Giant gift card (perfect for <em>buying </em>blooming tea!), and Matt a Scrabble card game and a gift card to Best Buy.<br /><br />Mom also got the family a Wii, and we spent a good part of the evening making our avatars and playing Wii Bowling. Matt and I are going to bring it home at some point; Mom got it for all of us to use. We got home around ten o'clock. According to NORAD, Santa was in Bolivia by then...we got right to bed!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-59673354689600948322009-12-23T17:31:00.002-05:002009-12-23T17:33:59.999-05:00Love it!Ray the Snowman, as created by Matt's friend Doug and Doug's little girl.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418563251129588274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PsiLM03ryFvDlrlJQhCeyDleKaYpN4Bf4LFQME3gbbr4MYhuhcf2iJhbjoKfNO7149-9GIa99IAZqkKzTdVrd-O-9nRuk7GMZlu5bRIgmuyHZTYlQf7tB8CT2-oDIwxGgIlcv7rHfYI/s400/Ray+Rice+Snowman+12.20.09.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Go Ravens!</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-22863641062902069892009-12-16T20:07:00.003-05:002009-12-16T21:10:42.786-05:00Zero to ThreeEvelyn turned four months old yesterday. Tomorrow she sees Dr. Kevin for a check up and her next set of vaccinations. I'm dreading those pin pricks and surprised looks and copious tears and sore thighs. I know it's something only Baby Tylenol and sleep and time will heal, but she's also getting Mommy, anyway. I'm going to spend the afternoon with her, even if it's just to hold her while she sleeps.<br /><br />She's getting to be such a big girl. When I hold her, she pushes herself up and away, surveying the room, expressing her independence in the safety of my arms. She's rolled over for me, getting stuck on her side before rolling onto her back. Then she smiled. She has the easiest smile. And she loves her bath. She fusses while we wash her hair, fusses when we undress her, then calms when she hits that nice warm water. And for a few minutes, I get to admire her in the way I first did: bare and perfectly formed, engrossed in her own experience. Only now, she's gaining control of those delicious limbs. I've kissed nearly every inch of her perfect round body. My fully realized dream of a fat, happy baby.<br /><br />I've already put away her 0-3 months clothing. Carefully picked out onsies from family and friends, sleepers, rompers, bodysuits culled over time from Baby Gap. All folded and put into matching plastic bins. A "maybe."Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-60801046613602498672009-11-03T00:14:00.003-05:002009-11-03T00:32:12.778-05:00Evelyn's First Day at Daycare (I Didn't Cry)Today was Evelyn's first day at her daycare. I didn't cry when she woke up early (since we did just "fall back") and I nursed her. I didn't cry when my alarm went off an hour later. I didn't cry when I got ready for work, or when she slept through my changing her diaper, dressing her, and putting her in her carseat. I didn't cry on the drive to her daycare.<br /><br />Matt and I got there and dropped Evelyn off in her room. I put her milk in the fridge and noted her last feeding, nap, and diaper change. I kissed her goodbye. Several times. I didn't cry. (Though Matt and I both were a little pink-cheeked.)<br /><br />Matt and I went to Starbucks afterwards, to put something warm in our bellies and to fuel my for my first day back at work. I couldn't believe I didn't cry.<br /><br />I got to work early and settled in and received well-wishes from my co-workers. I pumped in the bathroom at around 10:00. I thought of my baby, of every fat little roll, and it made me smile.<br /><br />I went to lunch with two of my co-workers, and called the daycare afterwards. I could hear Evelyn crying in the background. She was hungry and the "teacher" felt it was too soon after her last bottle to feed her. I think Evelyn may have wanted to be held. I was sad to hear her crying, sad that she wasn't being soothed that very moment. I wanted to race to her. But I didn't cry.<br /><br />Matt left work around 4:00 to get her, and got her some 90 minutes later, right about the time I started itching to go home. I left right around 6:00. Traffic was light, but I was frustrated by every car in my way.<br /><br />When I got home, Evelyn was sleeping in her daddy's arms. It was the sweetest sight. He gave her to me, and I held her for the next two hours, while Matt made a frozen pizza, while we ate, while he washed the dishes. I kissed her sweet little shoulders and hands and face, over and over and over again.<br /><br />Then I realized that Evelyn was sleeping when I dropped her off this morning, and was sleeping the entire evening after I got home, and that if this went on every day, she may very well not lay eyes on me until the weekends. It would be like her mommy suddenly disappeared from her life. And that thought finally made me cry.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-24983097096175832622009-11-02T17:53:00.004-05:002009-11-02T17:57:12.450-05:00Brave Little BugThis was taken on my cell phone in the evening, so it's a bit grainy... but it's Evelyn with her Daddy on Halloween. She actually seemed to like Matt's mask. Some of the Trick-or-Treaters on the other hand became Trick-or-Retreaters when they saw him. Several kids didn't make it up the walk. Matt loves Halloween!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4JPxItK5qIDmv0rcewXOyFjVHV3ZkUXycubVjzRS_rBja3H8S-JZrIS6hSqp6IYATwl2VCJbgIftD9nxdDvljc4zdgS3CctD_cIHTY0ILuf-vNfeAT9WmodPawASEKwwQMCApdOkVGI/s1600-h/1031099518061.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399643223529643202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4JPxItK5qIDmv0rcewXOyFjVHV3ZkUXycubVjzRS_rBja3H8S-JZrIS6hSqp6IYATwl2VCJbgIftD9nxdDvljc4zdgS3CctD_cIHTY0ILuf-vNfeAT9WmodPawASEKwwQMCApdOkVGI/s400/1031099518061.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Evelyn already had the ladybug romper, so we just threw that on her as a "costume." And no, I didn't take her trick-or-treating. I can't stand when adults take their babies out and actually try to collect candy. Does Evelyn look like she can eat <em>candy</em>??</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-7819146792429386132009-10-31T00:10:00.002-04:002009-10-31T00:12:55.299-04:00Halloween SpiritBefore Mom and Dad could fill the cauldron with Halloween candy, I figured I'd let them know <strong>I'm</strong> the real treat!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398611946727874354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOTR3pz9x7rk8Tat1tScgnrAxmcLcYp9E9Z1_DyAT8O898gd5cHTRzKm9lGVQ0WE4Ag1OsDsBzIkBhv2KW0SHXu8ve8CEk4K6wxt5RDeB37_KsDkpA84hdzZNgfd7WOj0fx0QRRdwK3o/s400/DSC05929.JPG" border="0" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-4602923696809326592009-10-31T00:05:00.004-04:002009-10-31T00:10:16.763-04:00More Mail for Evie<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Evelyn is becoming very popular with the mailman.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398610527529722578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7UpcruliU6F8oAGxqqKoJz_yhgHDTir6H8q8GuEWYJ4Aaafokq5EK6PcNu0Gr3WWK96DFw9cuEY4vBzXhjI5t2AhyphenhyphenuQPxkggCvGQgLoWU2Apqp3S__NvkocxrRwIKW68eHn5eJbuQVg/s400/DSC05924.JPG" border="0" />It's a Halloween card from Grandma!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398610528609268290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebST7l_hdVFD8qjBRkLLpxYKP3Z5PlJbaLI2QO2vtbYitiCHj9xUw7-C40UcpolLmlGt3ylibPeInNqKYZ5gqiFqSOEHHLpSC8L6EMzCbbKEhxM2kiHyczAc5q1pDtllkO3W5sJYvzqc/s400/DSC05926.JPG" border="0" />Okay, I'll lose the bink and read it...<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72wWeLc4bW0Nb14ETGbB3vliB2S4IahhDUmpRrPlBP6LLxgAgXDhskIUrR_DRUieAPsiUyIy70qFhB_gOwOwoOOnjOHyJFgCRP4tUBBjMx5b15ttGsYGPIuwGEEALAaiIbBrpvuSxPxw/s1600-h/DSC05927.JPG"><span style="font-size:180%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398610676745354946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72wWeLc4bW0Nb14ETGbB3vliB2S4IahhDUmpRrPlBP6LLxgAgXDhskIUrR_DRUieAPsiUyIy70qFhB_gOwOwoOOnjOHyJFgCRP4tUBBjMx5b15ttGsYGPIuwGEEALAaiIbBrpvuSxPxw/s400/DSC05927.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:180%;"> Wait, I can't read yet. But I like the pictures!</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398610679246675234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9o0MZiOIyN6HtT9M9x0IYNIvxhUelNhIeUMgPypKIVkoaKRhTNo6oYdtRCeDJFxDx3GJ2jUmkO05Uhyy51aeTHmINIa55v9spLTY7QTzInD6FM9Z5Ul8sdNBxXVVop84ycQAkhD6TxY/s400/DSC05928.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div> <div><div> </div></div></div><br /></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-76077101120628582292009-10-30T23:53:00.005-04:002009-10-31T00:04:40.022-04:00Evie Gets Mail!<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Evelyn received a package in the mail earlier this week. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398609495789694530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2blzA_9PGeU9KRLkRtTsFRu9wOX_x9cozlntyZpwKtjshm43r0fqOhYje8wIeOmzx3khJ0yHC0svmo7VSgpn9GHj5E4VUlVZ79CegNQ3nGA6u0dLf932Nw28ZxkFvbT3ZRl6mJxtyMlY/s400/DSC05910.JPG" border="0" /><br /></span><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Ooh! It's from Grandma!</span></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398609503489912194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8n6geb4SzIShhJPQwWSanLZh9BO5dafjJJ6spvaE2VUGiZu4xj1ARptOfGJK46tsPMpbsjlOh9hvsSlBPM31hzzmYkhSUbJMX8We-xLZblrxPxZ2ulbcj0gzC1Q93lv3ocUgHSC98X8/s400/DSC05912.JPG" border="0" /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Look, a few packs of onsies to help keep me warm in the fall and winter!</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398609677515209394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVemPwr_JHcjeuqDhky_Jxl0mY1-DCxv94D8LQhyphenhyphenUlmSJnukklQaINXpZL3tr7DBE60JPbqvPjxm5mGc4Ad5SteFIgo8IvO7VAS_20EjB03XeKaN1LcNZoZbiIAlKqXNVHVic3qSkSQRE/s400/DSC05915.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Good thing, 'cuz I pooped in these.</span> </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398609683362323746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjO9UE3QRrbP-3s7VVZ-iBwbhW0gXBX4YwSDb0S9flGkly884tJbt37enXx3KCSuRJ-Fjymz0xfx0k8z0fArp19sE1iuMqKqceeG9yS0n2gB9aL28mmk6fb-8FgrYWE7LgNIK2OVmLH0/s400/DSC05919.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-37780948927406114212009-10-30T23:47:00.004-04:002009-10-30T23:52:45.038-04:00Random Daddy CutenessSome of the things Daddy and Evie do together:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdOLkdWqa_OeF2OjjuIYIoEiYC9vGQUNNMmT0O2uxreedUK_slk7UiWpIOKNXyQZeDeRhWMiU1OHHlmmt5RMmLGV3Hog7zwvYAp_E5WgW6DlGB2hcYT_PhSwMleS5f-7ffb1KDaJH6Ok/s1600-h/DSC05900.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398606031008488594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdOLkdWqa_OeF2OjjuIYIoEiYC9vGQUNNMmT0O2uxreedUK_slk7UiWpIOKNXyQZeDeRhWMiU1OHHlmmt5RMmLGV3Hog7zwvYAp_E5WgW6DlGB2hcYT_PhSwMleS5f-7ffb1KDaJH6Ok/s400/DSC05900.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Snuggle after getting her hair washed, before her bath.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">(Note the faux-hawk!)</span></p><p><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9umWip1e7PWVCvKepJsdOHgSf2t5W2z9roPuoV1WnLiLOTlYaczgf5icfGWV188h78EhAaCq_WUIO8fTybdC2vjZ07WwuMkA7h6N9H4hceJ_4Qna6BhnUu8bdCbX1t6IrWArnxOxAaI/s1600-h/DSC05870.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398606027324932354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9umWip1e7PWVCvKepJsdOHgSf2t5W2z9roPuoV1WnLiLOTlYaczgf5icfGWV188h78EhAaCq_WUIO8fTybdC2vjZ07WwuMkA7h6N9H4hceJ_4Qna6BhnUu8bdCbX1t6IrWArnxOxAaI/s400/DSC05870.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Snuggling after bath, before bedtime.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoABqR7Hfak4jKgAhygWeFT06k9YFvFhboSEjy053jz46pcnmzVeXg5frBGa3eIy8WWVeBMf60-U5J1hWiwmL6TmIcIP_CBsp87ZJREja7qHwLDOG0PLMdhRrAMWwv3NOcDYTHjuwu7Sc/s1600-h/DSC05868.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398606025548354466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoABqR7Hfak4jKgAhygWeFT06k9YFvFhboSEjy053jz46pcnmzVeXg5frBGa3eIy8WWVeBMf60-U5J1hWiwmL6TmIcIP_CBsp87ZJREja7qHwLDOG0PLMdhRrAMWwv3NOcDYTHjuwu7Sc/s400/DSC05868.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Snuggle while watching football.</span><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-22056240755303775292009-10-30T23:38:00.002-04:002009-10-30T23:46:05.820-04:00Bathtime<div>Evelyn loves bathtime. She used to get her bath in the bathroom, but we finally got some sense and put her little bathtub in the kitchen sink. And notice who is washing her hair! Her daddy takes wonderful care of her.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExPEsWrlY-HVK_wVFZVbAsjyLBvF55Da7RZPpza5tX3nmOH2DFzVg5NnPFofT6RNR1-4_XA6ytjowRXunGolbpAEvh9V8MOklfdqr5Btzg-f5V05qAI-gSnLv31i0Pa_MiOtpsFRWt6w/s1600-h/DSC05857.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398604462535957010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExPEsWrlY-HVK_wVFZVbAsjyLBvF55Da7RZPpza5tX3nmOH2DFzVg5NnPFofT6RNR1-4_XA6ytjowRXunGolbpAEvh9V8MOklfdqr5Btzg-f5V05qAI-gSnLv31i0Pa_MiOtpsFRWt6w/s400/DSC05857.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398604471720335250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYvQdgAe880TcGb2CjxuMmN5tFJ1-EaIN4gVMAv3EM_iD0W8h9GMyrNoUyn6sitSKinBZRGtK21MdqW0cbdM2962UNExpdodW1C14y9iFIi48NQC_OKp-ij2nlDpkDKnB37yVDlGkQGU/s400/DSC05860.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-59059432818073626422009-10-30T23:05:00.003-04:002009-10-30T23:38:36.776-04:00Hey, Baby...Let's Go to Vegas!Matt has always wanted to go to Vegas. I've never been that interested. I would've liked to have gone in the 40s, 50s or 60s, when casinos were beginning to rise in the desert, when they were new and not so much of a joke. I want the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112641/">Casino</a> version of Vegas. I used to love that movie! I watched it constantly in college. That, and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112950/">Empire Records</a>. But I digress.<br /><br />What I really liked in high school was Garth Brooks. I always wanted to go to a Garth Brooks concert. I'd see footage of his concerts, and he was just so into it. There was so much energy and fun! When he did the big free concert in Central Park, I watched it from my mom's house and nearly cried when she said she wouldn't have minded if I had gone. I used to have a tape of that concert, and I'd watch that pretty often, too. I was super bummed when I heard he was retiring until his daughters got through high school. Matt promised if he ever toured again, he'd take me to see him.<br /><br />Well, Garth Brooks isn't touring, but he IS going to be playing at the <a href="http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/#entertainment/">Wynn</a>. In Las Vegas. That first round of sold-out tickets? Yup, we got 'em. They are supposed to be acoustic shows, so it probably won't have the same energy as his old shows, but I'll take it. For now.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-56571057367273191152009-10-28T23:43:00.004-04:002009-10-30T23:04:44.193-04:00Slow Down, Baby!Evelyn's daycare is closed the week between Christmas and New Year's, and neither Matt nor I can take that week off to take care of her. So, his Mom is going to babysit for us. And she is THRILLED! She was telling Matt how she wants to get her a crib and a carseat and a playpen and a bouncer or swing and toys and and and...<br /><br />I told him she needs to slow down! We can supply her with our Pack n' Play and swing and rocker and get an extra base for Evie's carseat. And I told him to remind her that she is babysitting AFTER Christmas, so if she wants to get Evie toys she should make them Christmas presents, not an entire set of after-Christmas presents. Then I tried to think of where she's be developmentally by the time Christmas rolls around, and my heart broke a little.<br /><br />By Christmas, my little baby should have better vision, and like things in color rather than just black and white. She'll like to explore textures. She should be able to grasp her toys. (And necklaces and hair and anything else that will fit in her hand.) She'll be able to bring things to her mouth, and will be exploring her world by tasting everything. She'll be able to sit up, and likely to roll over, and she'll be able to play independently for brief periods. It'll be a sorrow and a relief to not have to entertain her all the time. Or not to have to work so hard to elicit a few beautiful toothles smiles!<br /><br />She's already grown out of her newborn clothes, is growing out of her 0-3 month clothes, and will be growing out of her 3-6 month clothes. My camera can hardly keep up. I'm afraid I'm going to miss something, especially now that she's headed to daycare. She's changing so fast! Slow down, baby!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-14134482026743282942009-10-20T22:33:00.003-04:002009-10-20T22:52:07.524-04:00Oh, What a NightWe had a test run of what our evenings will be like when I go back to work, and it's not pretty. Right now, I get home at 7 pm. Granted, daycare closes at 6 pm so I'm going to have to either convince my employer to let me move my day back an hour, or figure out a secondary transportation/daycare option. If the former works out, I'll have an extra hour in my evenings, which would be FANTASTIC but still not ideal. Nonetheless, starting at 7 pm, my evening went something like this:<br /><ul><li>7 pm - Matt gets home. I have Evelyn while he gets the trash together, etc.</li><li>7:30 - Start dinner while Matt takes Evelyn</li><li>8:30 - Finish cooking, but put it aside so Matt can bathe Evelyn while I pump</li><li>9:30 - Matt feeds Evelyn while I pack his lunch, and wash dishes and bottles</li><li>10 pm - Evelyn is fed, changed, and put to bed. We finally eat a cold dinner.</li><li>10:30 - Wash dinner dishes. Whine about hands looking like a crone's. Matt gets in the shower while I blog.</li></ul>It's our goal to be in bed by 10:30 so we can get at least seven hours of sleep, including waking to feed Evelyn around 3 or 4 am. It's doable, but it looks like we won't be seeing much of our baby when we get home from work, considering all that needs to be done in the three-and-a-half hours we'll have between walking in the door and falling in the bed. NOT a good feeling.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-52304466450322813032009-10-18T23:04:00.004-04:002009-10-18T23:43:13.603-04:00Things I've Learned in the Past Two MonthsI love lists, so here's one about things I've learned to make our lives smoother... and things I've learned to just let go!<br /><ul><li>The Velcro swaddler is a gift from God. </li><li>Keeping a wet washcloth on baby's tummy keeps her warm and happy during baths.</li><li>Have multiples of everything fabric: bed sheets, playpen sheets, Boppy covers. Otherwise, baby is bound to barf, pee, poop, or do a combo on your only clean one. Plus, you won't have to do unexpected loads of laundry. I only do Evelyn's laundry once a week. </li><li>Don't bother with clothes that are "newborn" size, because baby will grow out of them quickly. Start with 0-3 month clothes instead. </li><li>Keep the tags and receipts for clothing you receive as gifts, and return them if needed. Evelyn received so many outfits, there were a few she never got to wear. (See above.)</li><li>If you want to use a pacifier but your baby doesn't take to it, it's probably just the shape. Try a different brand. (Better yet, register for newborn sizes in a few different brands.)</li><li>Keep binkies on every floor of your house, and keep them in the same spot when not in use. The moment you REALLY need one, you don't want to be searching all over!</li><li>Get baby socks with longer cuffs. The cute bitty ones never stay on.</li><li>Footed sleepers with little bear feet or other cute patterned features means more seams on the inside, rubbing little feet. Putting socks on underneath help. (And see above.)</li><li>Evelyn is indifferent to mobiles, but loves to look at faces. The mirror strapped to the side of her crib keeps her well entertained. </li><li>Get your man a really cool diaper bag and you'll never have to lug one anound yourself. </li><li>A jumbo box of wipes will last months. A jumbo box of diapers will last a week. (So don't bother buying anything BUT the jumbo box of diapers.)</li><li>Diaper "blow-outs" happen. The first time, it's the most disgusting thing ever. Then, you find you don't even think anything of scraping poop out of onsies. </li><li>Buying darker clothes hides a multitude of stains. (See above.)</li><li>Clothes that are stained beyond salvage are fine for sleepwear, especially if the staining activity tends to happen around the same time every day... at least you know what you're in for.</li><li>Take all the time you want with your baby. Let her sleep on you the entire duration between feedings. Ignore the laundry in favor of admiring her tiny eyelashes and toenails. Spend an entire day barely moving from the spot where you feed her and hold her and feed her again. Soak it up. It goes by faster than you think. And you finally begin to understand--truly understand--all the people who told you that you don't get this time back.</li></ul>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-31149044204288961532009-10-18T23:01:00.002-04:002009-10-18T23:04:18.355-04:00Among the Reasons I Love Our PediatricianAt Evie's two-month checkup, her doctor asked whether she was smiling in response to our smiles. I told him not always, and he reassured us that it's really more of a three-month skill, and to keep in mind she was about three weeks early, and we should give her that extra time when thinking of her milestones.<br /><br />Matt told him that she smiles at him most often, but because she usually poops when he's holding her.<br /><br />Dr. K looked at Evie and said, "Don't worry, sweetie. I smile after I poop, too."Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829737053040483477.post-43477104116350763262009-10-13T19:46:00.005-04:002009-10-13T20:08:42.638-04:00The Bee's KneesMatt was home from work today due to some confusion at work, so I had him watch Evelyn while I had lunch with D at the <a href="http://thefrenchpresscafe.com/index.html">French Press Cafe</a>. While I was there, Matt called to tell me that the house was being invaded by bees. Apparently, the underground nest that I'd been so blase about all summer had expanded to include my basement and kitchen. Lovely. We seem to have delt with it with some foam insulation and wasp spray. (We both feel terrible about killing bees while <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_collapse_disorder">honey bee depopulation syndrome/colony collapse disorder</a> is still an issue. But we killed two dozen bees inside the house, and that's a little much, don't you think?)<br /><br />Meanwhile, Evelyn is still the bee's knees. Though this afternoon, her day went something like:<br /><br />Walked around the neighborhood with Mommy in the Baby Bjorn. Was happy. Fell asleep.<br />Was put in the playpen for a nap. Fussed.<br />Was put on the play mat. Fussed.<br />Was put in the swing. Fussed.<br />Was picked up by Mommy. Happy again!<br /><br />I have two and a half weeks before I go back to work. I wonder how many of those waking hours will be spent holding my little spoiled one. And I wonder how she is going to adjust to <a href="http://www.youngschool.com/">The Young School</a>, where she's going to be "free to explore [her] environment" and "viewed as [an] initiator and self-learner" with teachers "trained to be sensitive observers." Meaning no one will be holding her all day. (I don't love this philosophy when applied to infants, so we'll be taking her to a more interactive daycare ASAP. Stay tuned.)<br /><br />Off to get some Zs... hopefully, without any bees!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06301097688074271603noreply@blogger.com0