The Happiest Baby on the Block...

Well, I thought I was boring the audience with Dexter pictures, but his auntie just requested an update. This is the smile that is entertaining me and warming me up on this rather blustery day.

Since we've no place to go...

So we're still indoors today, though I hear it will be a balmy eighteen degrees on Friday and we're definitely headed out of the house if that is the case, Dex and I are making our own fun. First we experimented with the hippie baby carrier. Then we hung out in the sun on the living room floor and pretended it was summer because the sun is shining so bright.

Well, it is pretty darn cold outside. Our hot water pipe to the shower froze on Sunday. But we fixed it and I can't wait for that $275 hot bath I'm going to have tonight! I guess I am pretty lucky that I don't have to go anywhere, but I am getting a bit of cabin fever. Joel told me to leave the house last night even for just a little while. I have never enjoyed a trip to CVS and Starbucks more, let me tell you.

But Dex and I are having fun together at home. He is so smiley and even a bit giggly lately. He definitely recognizes his mom and his dad. Last night when Joel walked in the door and spoke to me Dexter grinned from ear to ear, even before he saw him. Tomorrow he is two months old. Time flies.

Here is the backyard view we are checking out as I type...

Even though the results were disappointing, we had fun at our Superbowl party. (I ate and surfed the net during most of the game, but I did make some Blue and Orange cupcakes.)

So I told you I'm not the biggest fan...

but I guess Dexter is.

Although I occasionally miss going to Happy Hour...

Nothing beats a Friday night at home.

I know that Liza is excited about the release of the last Harry Potter book, but I have to tell you it makes me kind of sad. As of July 21, 2007 I'll never have another Harry Potter book to look forward to.

The Hungry Caterpillars

My hungry little boy wants to eat ALL the time.

Like mother like son...

Last night Dex went to his first party with Joel's musician friends. We had to dress him appropriately. He's been such a good boy...sleeping for a very long stretch at night. (Five to six hours.) Very nice.

Hey lady, leave me alone!: A Photo Essay

It's the same old song but with a different meaning...

For years mothers have been struggling with the dilemma of staying home to raise their children or working to support their family. Now, I know it isn't always a choice, but for the sake of this post I'll discuss it like it is. When Joel and I were thinking about buying a house we had many discussions about whether or not it was the right time. Taking on our rather substantial mortgage to buy the best house we could find for the cost eliminated the possibility that either one us would ever be able to stay at home with the kids. We are, like many other families I know, a two income family in order to own a home. (Yes, we could have spent less money, but we would have had to live in a neighborhood where we wouldn't have felt as safe or put so much money into the house we'd be in the same financial situation.) At the time, and even now, I believe that was the right choice FOR US. I wanted to be able to create a world rich with traditions like having a yard to play in, a place to mark their growth on the wall, with the added bonus of home equity to give us a bit of security. The downside of this is getting to miss out on some of the day to day stuff that I'd get to see if I stayed home, as well as the worries that might come about from putting Dex in daycare. But now that Dex is here and I spend each day with him, I begin to dread the thought of leaving him each day. I am very fortunate to have close family members and friends who will take care of him for this school year so that he won't be in daycare until September; however, I still hate the thought of leaving him each day. So this is how I console myself:

*Dex will adjust just fine. He has a ton of people who love him; especially his mom and dad who will hate to leave him each day but are doing it in order to provide the best life for him that they can.

*Joel and I are fortunate to even have this dilemma because we are lucky enough to be educated and employable. We both love what we do and love it all the more because it enables us to care for our family.

*Although teaching has its downsides, the hours are definitely an upside and we will be able to spend more time with him than any other full time job would allow.

So, yeah, this is some of what drifts through my mind between feedings and playing, and rocking Dex to sleep, and working on the yearbook, and laughing at the state of my house. Don't worry though; I am not letting this get too much in the way of enjoying the time that I do have to be home with him.

This is a little picture I like to call "Big Head, Tiny wrists".

This little piggy holds his own bottle...

Look at that happy guy. Guess what? Last night he slept from 9:30pm- 3:30am...the longest stretch ever by far. Then, he slept again from 4:15-8:00! I haven't slept so long since December 5th. Hooray! I feel sort of human again. I hope this is a trend and not a one off.

In other news...the Bears won. hooray. (lowercase letters to show lack of enthusiasm). Do you think there will be another Superbowl Shuffle? Gross. Also, look at Dex's cool cousins. We had so much fun at the farm last weekend.

Confession...

I don't really care about the Bears. I try. I am one of those people others mock when they say "name two Bears players", 'cause I can't do it. (Though, maybe because I know Brian Urlacher, even if I can't spell it. Plus, there's the guy who has been on the news...Tank something. Johnson? Williams Jr.? Plus, I guess I know there is a cute one with an unpronouncable name.) My friends are all really into it and go to games even if it is zero below. But me, if you invite me to your superbowl party, I'm only coming to eat your chili cheese dip and find the other secret football haters.

Dex has been good about doing his morning workout at the baby gym. Me, on the other hand... I'm too busy eating brownies for breakfast. I have a crazy sweet tooth which I irrationally blame on nursing.

The Baby Burrito

A friend recommended a baby book called The Happiest Baby on the Block. Since I have ADD lately I got the DVD instead. It essentially involves wrapping Dex up like a burrito. Turning him on his side almost as if I am playing him like a guitar and jiggling him like jello on a plate. I am not saying this is the answer to all my parenting prayers (ahem, family members who mocked me), but it does seem to calm Dex down. It looks pretty ridiculous though.

In other news...I have a social engagement sans bebe planned in the coming weeks! My first night out with the girls while Joel stays home. Where to? Showtunes at Sidetracks of course! I have the Wicked Soundtrack on right now to get me warmed up.

And I have no book recommendations because time to read right now is limited until I finish my yearbook deadlines. I keep trying, but as soon as I open a book I fall asleep drooling onto the pages. However, if I could read, these are what I am interested in currently:

About Alice

Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time

The Book Thief: The True Crimes of Daniel Spiegelman (Written by a friend; I can't wait to read it)

Ahab's Wife (Jen highly recommends this book. I will read it soon because I think I'll like it, but it is on the long side.)

Hide (Lisa Gardner is one of my favorite suspense writers; this doesn't even come out for another two weeks, but I do usually find her books to be page turners.)

And, of course because I am a new mother totally obsessed with pictures of the kid...isn't he the cutest baby?

Some things I have learned while staying home with the baby...

• Sometimes Dexter looks at me so lovingly it melts my heart.
• Sometimes Dexter looks down his nose at me (like when I am bouncing him in his chair at the specific pace neccessary to prevent his tears). I swear his expression says, "You fool. You will answer to my every whim and love it. I am the boss of you. Hahahahahah."
• The View is pretty stupid, but will keep you entertained while breastfeeding. Ditto for Reba and What I Like About You. (Reba is actually kind of funny.) Not the case with Maury, Tyra, and any Courtroom TV show. Those shows are bad in the unwatchable way.
• My house is kind of messy, but at least it isn't dirty.
• My huge pregnancy appetite hasn't gone away.
• Traffic is a lot lighter during the day and Dexter loves the car.
• Although I still don't let Dex sleep in the bed with us at night, I have given in to get an afternoon nap in, and it is my favorite time of day. (Not just for the sleep but for the snuggling.)
• Time flies! I can't believe how fast the days pass.
• I am tired. and...
• This motherhood stuff is the hardest and most wonderful thing I've ever done.

What's cuter than a baby in a funny hat?



A baby sleeping!



Dex and I are enjoying a very nice day at home today after a day from Aitch Eee double hockey sticks yesterday. (Did I really just write that out? What next? Mom jeans?) This maternity leave thing is really nice...

Social Butterflies...

A few days before Christmas I left the house for the first time with Dex and without Joel (sort of). I had to follow him to take his car in to the shop. It was a very short trip, but you would have thought I was traveling to Darfur or something; I was that terrified the whole time. My knuckes were white as I gripped the steering wheel trying to wrap my brain around the enormity of trusting my driving enough to transport the cargo that was most precious to me. I didn't even remember to bring a diaper bag. I couldn't wait to return to the safety of my home. Fast forward two weeks and I am happy to report that Dex and I went out together on Wednesday and today. We visited with a few friends and even hit the grocery store. I still get overwhelmed with the responsibility of taking care of this little guy, but we are handling it together. Not to say that there won't hundreds of other scary points in this adventure, but I am glad that initial terror has abated somewhat.

The guessing game...

Two weeks ago when Dex would scream his head off he could only be calmed down with the Soothie brand pacifier. (Our family rather crudely calls them plugs.) But those are apparently SOOO 2006! Today after much screaming and spitting of said Soothie back at mommy, we have learned that only the Nuks will do in the new year.

In college I wrote essays comparing literature based on a post modern point of view to a second wave feminist point of view. As a teacher I have researched multiple strategies for literacy development. Now... I am writing about which type of Binky works the best??? I wouldn't change a thing, but it makes me laugh. And truthfully this research has much more relevance and practical application than the college essays. (Though it is fun to think about what those second wave feminists would think about the image of the Soothie posted above.)

2007!

This year I resolve to...

Enjoy time with my son every day

Be the kind of mom I can feel proud of

Appreciate the wonderful things about my husband and not get worked up over petty arguments (Look at how handsome my guys are up there!)

Stop enjoying gossip

Stop biting my nails (this is on the list every year)

Be less judgemental

Learn how to spell judgmental

Work out more and feel bad about my body less

Make healthier choices about eating

Keep a nice garden

Learn a craft (stained glass? Sewing? Stripping and refinishing wood?)

Be more sarcastic on the blog so Pete won’t call me Barbie anymore

Stop biting off more than I can chew

Don’t procrastinate the yearbook deadlines

Be more positive about work

Go on more camping trips

Get over myself and my quest for perfection

Hi! We are in Michigan on Dex's first road trip. He has been such a good boy. He was so silent the whole ride except for the last two minutes before we got to Grandpa Barr's house. Nice work kid. We head home tomorrow and on New Year's Eve I will have my first night home alone with the baby (Daddy's got a paying music gig. Woo hoo!). I am so nervous that he'll have a bad night and I will not get any sleep at all, but I am sure everything we'll be fine.

I just finished reading a sweet little book ('cause little is all I can swing right now) for the southside book club (yes, that brings my book club total up to 3!). It's called Atchafalaya Houseboat: My Years in the Louisiana Swamp. I enjoyed it, and think you would if you are in to nature conservancy/ alternative living arrangements/ or all things cajun. We've also been watching a lot of DVDs. If you haven't already rented Invincible or Little Miss Sunshine, they are worth checking out.

My heart is full...

I am really enjoying being the mother to a boy. It is really fun to hang out with my two guys. Aren't they sweet all curled up and sleepy? I have everything my heart desires this Christmas.

Another bonus of living with two guys? Well, ever since I was a little girl, I have found nothing to be funnier than a good fart joke. (Ask my mom about her nickname for me.) With my house full of men there is no end to the gastric hilarity. We aren't a classy bunch here, but we're always laughing. (Does that make me a bad mom if I laugh when Dex toots? I don't want to give him a complex. Well, at least more of a complex than I probably am already giving him by keeping this blog.)

Merry Christmas!

Not much new here. Dex & I just are hanging out getting ready for Christmas. We're finally putting up the tree tonight. Joel went back to work today, but only for two days so we can handle it.

I probably won't be posting much but pictures for the next few days, so Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope your holidays will be spent with family and friends.

Sleep deprived but happy...

Little Man is 12 days old today, and I have only left the house once since we've been home. Do you think it is probably time? Joel does. I am just so tired it is the last thing I feel like doing. I know, I know, the "tired" is what I signed up for. I am not complaining...I am just dreaming of a nap in the near future. But it is all worth it. Look at this beautiful boy. His dad and I are convinced that he smiled at each of us yesterday. The book says it is gas but that we can go ahead and believe it is a smile. I am choosing to. Here is a picture ofLittle Man in Cousin Girl's lifesaving swing. He totally looks like his daddy.

Another hormone induced meander...

WARNING: I still haven't gotten my sarcasm back. This post is cheesey, gushy, and devoid of all irony. I'm sure I'll return to my old self soon...

but I couldn't have gotten through this week so well without the help of our wonderful family and friends. From bringing us meals, to babysitting so I could nap, to breast feeding class and massages, my family and friends have really pitched in to make this first week home beautiful and memorable. I've felt wrapped in a cocoon where I can focus on taking care of Little Man and figuring out this whole mom thing. It's even better because it is right before Christmas. For those of you who read this, I can't thank you enough for the company and support this week.

I loved watching my sister Liza, Little Man's godmother, with the baby yesterday. She tries to put up a tough exterior, but to those who know her, or those who watch her with a baby, it is clear what a softie she is. I feel so overwhelmed and fortunate to watch Martha, my mom, dad, Jen, Liza, my aunties, etc. and to know that they love this little guy too and that Joel and I are not in this alone. Now if only I can sleep.

She REALLY Meanders...

So Little Man has been home for three nights. He slept horribly night one. He slept like a sweet little angel in night two. He hardly slept a wink last night. Yikes!

He had a great visit to the Dr. yesterday though and has actually gained weight and gotten longer since birth.

Some disappointing news...I didn't achieve the National Board Certification that I attempted last spring. I kind of knew in advance because my portfolio had a very large error in it that I didn't find out about until after submission. I am surprisingly not too disappointed. I really know that I did the best that I could and then made a stupid mistake and mixed up some papers during final submission. This is probably a good lesson for me. Also, I feel so blessed right now with my little boy that it is hard to let other things bring me down. I have never cried so much in a short period of time. They are all tears of joy. (Probably brought on by hormones, admittedly.)

I am amazed at how I am surviving on this little sleep so far. Grandmama McGavic returns home today and Grandma Jane is moving in for a few nights. Joel and I are so spoiled by all of this help. But I'll take it because I am such a rookie when it comes to changing newborn diapers. I totally got peed on yesterday. I swear it was on purpose because Little Man was mad at me for undressing him. I seriously think the kid took aim. It was like an old slapstick movie where someone sniffs the joke flowers and gets squirted by a steady stream in the face. I got him back though. Several of our newborn clothes are hand-me-downs because I think he'll only be wearing them for a few weeks. Unfortunately they are hand-me-downs from Little Man's cousin, Girl. He slept in a pink sleep sack last night. I hope I am not giving him gender confusion. I prefer to look at it as helping him get in touch with his baby feminine side.

Daily dose of Little Man...

I promise this website won't be only a shrine to Little Man. But I'm a new mom; give me a break. Expect lots of pictures in the next few weeks...humor me for a little longer.

They grow up before you know it... :)

Little Man at about eight hours old and then again at about fifty hours old.



I'm not sure who he looks like now.

Feeling Christmassy...

So here are some of 2006's favorite Carols. (Some are the same from last year.)

"River" by Joni Mitchell: a very sad Christmas song, but so beautiful.

"What are you Doing New Years?" by Diana Krall: A very sultry song that makes you want to slow dance under Misteltoe.

"Silver Bells" by Stevie Wonder: There are a lot of great versions of this song, but this one just kicks up that Christmas feeling a notch for me.

"Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues: A fun, Irish Christmas song.

"Sleigh Ride" by the Ronettes: Another really fun song that a lot of people do, but their version is my favorite.

"All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey: OK, she can be a bit cheesey, but this song reminds me of a favorite chick flick, Love Actually. Then it makes me feel happy that I have a great family and I'm in love.

P.S. Still no appearance by Thelonius...

Late Arrival...

Well, it's December 3rd and little Thelonius has not deigned to make an appearance yet. Nor do I think s/he will anytime too soon. (But who knows? I've never done this before.)

I do know this...the latest it will be is December 12th. (Though I guess it could be the 13th if I have a dreadfully long labor?) So you can really place your bets now.

I am trying to be very chipper and upbeat about this delay because this is truly one of those things in life that you just can't control. (And for a control freak like me, what a hard lesson to learn!)

So I am nesting to keep myself occupied. I have reorganized most of the cabinets in my house. Joel and I cleaned the basement as much as possible...but there is a lot of stuff down there. As of this morning, the Christmas shopping is finished! Woo hoo! The giant pile of crap that usually litters my desk is almost completely gone. Next week, I guess the cooking and freezing will start.

I will have to say that by not coming this weekend, Thelonius is missing one breathtaking view out of the nursery window. The sun is shining and there is still snow on the trees and the backyard looks like the best kind of winter wonderland. But I am certainly enjoying the view.

Finally some reviews...

I have snapped out of my hormone-induced funk to actually finish a few (light) books and a movie!

If you are like me and not ashamed to read chick-lit (it has become a dirty word in some circles), then you might enjoy Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA. It was light entertainment and funny at times without being too over-the-top, which often happens with chick lit. But it is hardcover, so maybe borrow my copy or try the library.

Have you read much Adriana Trigiani? I devoured Big Stone Gap and Big Cherry Holler, the third in the trilogy, Milk Glass Moon, was getting to be a bit much. Then she moved away from that series and published Lucia, Lucia, which I loved. Then came a few books that were just OK, and finally she has returned to the Stone Gap stories with Home to Big Stone Gap. I feel somewhat indifferent towards it. Still, if you are fan, you are free to borrow my copy; I wouldn't invest in the hard cover.

Last Saturday, Joel and I watched A prairie Home Companion. We both enjoyed it, mainly because of Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline. They really are superb. I know it is nothing original to say, but Meryl Streep can replicate an accent like no one else. All the other actors in the film who used a Minnesotan accent were just a tiny bit overboard, but she was pitch perfect. However, if you are not a fan of the late Robert Altman's style, you won't like the film. (Overlapping dialogue, a story that defies traditional plot lines, and an ambiguous ending...) If you like it, and haven't seen it...add it to your queue.

Copycat...

Liza got me interested to find out what people had searched to find my blog. The following searches will lead you to me...

crude joke :(
Christmas in Kilarney
Jennifer Paddock

and my personal favorite:

stacked high school boob!!!

(Don't get any google search ideas cousin Michael!)

What will Thelonius look like?

I have been searching through all of Joel's stuff (which I am sure he loves) for a picture of newborn Joel. I can't find one, so here is one of me. Do you think our baby will be bald-headed with chubby cheeks? Odds are likely. Doesn't Rory look like Jen?

Crazy bag o'hormones...

Yep. That's me. I am trying really hard not to take it out on friends and loved ones, so I found an easy target: the evil folks in charge of merchandise at Disney. (Wow! I suck at hormonal rages. I wanted to call them whores, but I deleted it because sometimes grandma reads this.)

What's up with the most hated Disney princesses? I revile them in the way that others despise Barney. I know that I may have a girl someday and will sell my soul and purchase Disney princess merchandise so I can have a moment's peace with my margarita, but they don't even make senese. The ladies are from all different areas and time periods. Why are they friends and starring in videos and sleeping bags together? I just don't get it.

Useless trivia from the Strong girl archives...

Back in the early eighties, my sisters and I liked to watch Son of Svengoolie on Channel nine (?). One time there was this special event showing of Creature from the Black Lagoon. You had to go buy your 3D glasses at 7-11. My mom had to explain what 3D was to me. I was scared the whole week that the monsters were going to jump out at me from the TV. In the end, it was pretty lame and I have been skeptical about 3D ever since, but we did get this great photo out of the deal. If you read our blogs and don't believe we are that cool, here is photographic evidence to the contrary.

Give me a slice of the good stuff...

So I haven't had any weird cravings yet or anything. But the other day Joel was talking to me and a commercial for Baker's Square came on. You know the one where the lovely French Silk Pie spins around in a tantalizing circle?I couldn't even pretend to respond to him. I just sat there, mouth agape Homer Simpson style. I went out the next morning and bought one. I gave two pieces (not very big) to the neighbors, and one to Joel, but I ate the rest. (In only three days.) I don't know if that is considered a craving, but it was definitely rationalization. (I am eight and a half months pregnat and I WILL have some pie, damnit.) Now all I want is more.

The not-so-desperate housewife...

I hope I am as cute and fun as my mother when little Thelonius arrives.



The camper my mom is sitting on in the first picture is the source of some of my favorite childhood memories. There was a bed right over the cab where my sisters and I would hang out and play barbies during long rides. (I guess you probably couldn't do that anymore because everyone would have to be buckled in.) We didn't even mind when the camper broke down or overheated every hundred miles because we had plenty of stuff to do to keep up busy. When it no longer worked we moved it to Woodhaven where it served as our makeshift cottage. As a frequent nighttime pee-er (see almost any other entry in the last few months). I would always almost (and one time did) step on Jen's head as I climbed down from the bunkbed. (Maybe that explains some of the posts at LaSirena... just kidding lovely sister.) Of course I have been trying to convince Joel for the last several years that we need an RV. For some reason he thinks it is trashy. I have found a way around it though...I have started calling it a tour bus. Now I think he is on board.

Wide awake again...

Heartburn and my bladder woke me, and Thelonius' crazy dancing won't let me get back to sleep. Perhaps one part of the problem is that I went to bed at 8:30, so I have been sleeping for nearly six hours.

At the risk of sounding schmaltzy so early in the morning, I wanted to write about how blessed and lucky I am feeling (it's true...and you are blessed and lucky too... for the 10,000 Maniac fans... oh and yes, I do ALWAYS have song lyrics in my head that match what I am saying/ writing/ thinking). Anyway, first, last week I had a thirty-six week ultra sound. It turns out my "placenta issue" (thank you substitute Doctor) is not an issue. Everything is fine. Thelonius is healthy and exactly where s/he should be. Weighing an approximate 6.5 pounds. Will I give birth to an 8+ pounder? Let the pools begin!

Also, this weekend, my mom, sisters, and aunties (with help from dad) hosted a lovely shower for me that was just perfect. (Relaxed, filled with good food, and some of my favorite people.) Joel and I felt really, really spoiled. Of course we came home and set up all the strollers and everything, but it will be more fun when there is actually a baby to put in all the gear.

If that weren't enough...my teacher-friends surprised me with dinner last night at Rosebud. (I was almost bratty because Joel told me he was planning date night. I whined a lot about how all I want to do right now is stay home and be lazy, and almost refused to go. What an ingrate.) The teachers never fail to make me feel appreciated. I can't believe my luck that I get to work with such kind and gifted (funny) people every day.

Well, Pete, I hope this doesn't make me sound like too much of a Polyanna, but I believe in giving credit where credit is due. I can't wait for you to all meet Thelonius (remember this is not the real name, though, despite Joel's lobbying). But when you do, can you mention to him/her that the mama you know is NOT this much of a night person? Thanks.

Grrr...

Dear Pimply faced brat who egged my car last night,

You are a total loser. Find a girlfriend or a hobby. It is not difficult, nor is it impressive to throw four eggs at a car parked in a driveway from the sidewalk and still miss the car twice! You throw like a girl, sissy boy, and you run like a duck as evidenced by the wussy manner in which you ran when we turned on a light.

Regards,
The owner of the adorable car you bombarded last night.

Nicknames...

are fun. Well, when they're given by people who are kind and they mean it in an endearing way. Here are a few that I have been called over the years that make me smile...

Disaster Sister (Ellie)
Nora-girl (a college friend who still sometimes calles me that)
No/ NoNo (Sarah)
Dr. Strong (a co-worker in STL, I think because I am a know-it-all)
Dr. Barr (a maintenance worker at school who always raids my Ibuprofin collection)
The trollope (Pete)
Barbie (guess who's Ken? also from Pete and my mom)
Shoog (You know sugar cut in half? That's Joel...)

I think my students have worse names for me...but I won't print them here.

What are yours?

Insomnia

It has set in again. I have been awake since 2:30. At 3:30 I gave up and got out of bed for fear that my tossing and turning would wake Joel. Little Thelonius is wide awake with me and keeping me company while I do laundry and tidy up the house...'cause what else are you going to do in the middle of the night? Certainly not watch television.

Which reminds me...I haven't yet talked about the new TV season, and anyone who knows me knows how important "my programs" are. I have been a little disappointed with former fave, Veronica Mars, this season. I still love the show, but not in that "can't wait until Tuesday" way that I loved it last year. I think they are dumbing the show down a bit so that it will appeal to more viewers, but instead they aren't staying true to the characters.

My new favorite, because I am so fickle, is Studio 60. Have you been watching? The dialogue is very clever and the show is funny one minute and then heart felt the next. It will probably be cancelled because I like it so much.

Tonight I have yet another parenting class. This one is Baby First Aid. Now, while I'm all for First Aid for babies, I wish I had been more realistic about all these classes at Northwestern. I signed up for everything this summer, while in trimester two and feeling great, and while I wasn't working a full day. Now I am dreading the commute, and beginning to loathe all the labor videos. I know labor is not like High Tea at the Drake, but there is no turning back now, so stop trying to scare me with your gore fest videos NMH!

Sunday Bloody Sunday...

I hate Sundays. Isn't that ridiculous? Once there was a quote on My So Called Life about how the clock on Sixty Minutes is so horrific it sounds like a warning bell reminding you about work or school tomorrow. To me it is like The Tell Tale Heart. Maybe it is because I am a teacher and have never had to grow up to the cruel world of a real schedule. Since I get to experience utter elation in late May and early June I have to deal with the down side of the Sunday Night Blues.

I am lucky though because Joel is making my favorite dinner and it smells so good I don't want to be anywhere else right now.

We had our first birthing class on Friday night. Just when I had adjusted to the fact that I would have to experience labor I went and watched several on video. I almost changed my mind. But they know us crazy, hormonal pregnant ladies at Northwestern because they ended with footage of adorable babies being cute. Brainwashing? Perhaps, but I am getting so excited. We are still having a hard time agreeing on a boys name. I may just open the Bible and point randomly to words and see what we come up with. Jesus Wept Barr? Deuteronomy Barr? Gomorrah Barr? Yay! I found a fun new game!

Eastern Senior Day...

Mary's second to last game is Saturday, October 28th at 2:00pm. It's also Senior Day. Party to follow. Come cheer her on...

I raaatherr feel like expressing MYSELF.

I hate this commercial with a burning passion. I love Audrey Hepburn, but even find her annoying this way. And really Gap, the skinny black pant? Ya sure? Like five women in American can pull that look off. If you have any sort of hips at all, the skinny black pants make you look hugely pear shaped. Warning.

An excellent weekend...

One year ago we were living in my dad's condo waiting for the family of ten to move out of our house. You all probably know our nightmare story of the fight to move into this place, but I like to try and remember how powerless and frustrated we felt at the time. It makes this feeling of loving the house that much sweeter now. As a one week delay turned into two months many people told us that we might have to prepare to let this house go, and we almost did. We didn't want to make a stupid decision. I am so glad we fought for the house though. It is shaping up to be such a beautiful place. Although it is a money pit, it is also, definitely a home.

Wasn't this a great weekend? I love a three day weekend, and one where you have almost nothing to do is even better. Joel and I did projects around the house, watched some movies and TV, and enjoyed each other's company on three very sunny days. And we finally got around to stenciling what will be the nursery. Not the most professional job, but I think the dragonflies turned out pretty well. You can't tell from the pictures, but their wings are iridescenct.

Seven months...

and I am huge! I can't believe how puffy I look and still have two months to go. Honestly, the photos are harsh because I don't feel this big when I look in the mirror. I barely recognize myself...

Still, none of this matters. I couldn't be happier. We had one of those perfect days yesterday. Joel's mom and stepdad were visiting and a friend, Suzanne. We (meaning, they, mostly) worked on the house taking care of dreaded projects such as hanging art work and photos on our walls. The house looks so much cozier now that our "stuff has been strutted". (Suzanne's decorating business where she works with the things you have is called Strut your Stuff.) Then last night Thelonius was kicking so forcefully that you could see it make my stomach move through my shirt. Joel started talking to the belly, and the baby was kicking even more to the sound of his voice. Sorry to get a bit emotional on you, but the sound of Joel's laughing and the feel of the baby fluttering in my stomach is a memory that I am tucking away to remember on an unforgiving day.

Though right now I am hiding out because I am having heart attacks while Joel is perched precariously on a ladder in our stairwell as he tries to move our stained glass up to the atrium window. Yikes. I am kind of afraid of heights so even watching it makes me nervous.