A wonderful weekend

Sprung!

Yesterday my little chunky baby and I were able to enjoy the fabulous weather and explore the neighborhood. While I didn't have any blooming Daffodils like they do in Central Illinois, there were plenty of stalks poking their heads out of the ground. The grass is showing its first signs of true green. (I am also reminded of walking around Charleston last spring with Iain following me saying, "Well, actually, Nora, those are Jonquils not Daffodils.")

My neighborhood is really cool, by the way. Most of the houses are at least seventy years old and every one is different. While many have been restored, there are also a fair number that are faded beauties in need of serious TLC. Often I find these houses to be even more intriguing than the impeccably decorated homes. As I peek in the back yard of some giant craftsman home and see a wooden and brick pergola that has nearly crumbled down I wonder about the prosperity that the owners or former owners enjoyed, and then the hard times that fell on them to allow such decay to take over. Is there some kind of modern-day Miss Havisham living inside allowing the house to fall into ruin? I believe that people in my generation have left only a tenuous connection to the past. In my mind, looking at old houses is a way to reinforce that connection. It is a chance to think about the people who have come before us. I'm sure sixty years ago there were other new mothers pushing a buggy around the neighborhood enjoying the first taste of spring and admiring all the other houses on the block. When I think about that I feel part of something much bigger than myself.

I have slowed down on the picture taking because Joel and I are both back at work and my camera broke. Still, I didn't want to deprive the grandparents of their not-quite-daily dose of Dexter so here are some pictures. He is filling out and becoming the chubby cheeked baby I am used to seeing in my family. He's also walking and reading Tolstoy. Well, not really, but clearly he is very advanced. (tee hee).

Well! Our family had so many adventures yesterday as LaSirena was transformed into Lady Jameson and dyed the Chicago River green. I'll let her tell most of the story. I am just happy to report that after two weeks back at work, Dex doesn't seem to be too mad at me.

Beware the Ides of March...

Math problems

In honor of Pi Day I have a math story for you.

For a long time I was a very lazy student. At that same time I also spent a lot of time obsessing over the fact that I wasn't smart. These issues creeped up on me during my freshman year at St. Ignatius. I was put in an algebra class with a mediocre teacher, I rarely did my homework, spent class time day dreaming about boys, and failed second semester algebra. This stunned me. In my mind I was a good kid and used to being a good student (at least from my grammar school days). I had to go to summer school for math. This turn of events affected my ability to view a math problem objectively for the next several years. Despite eight previous years of math success, I became "bad at math". I let this belief define me until it seeped into my work in other subjects as well. It became a punchline in that always-self-depricating sense of humor of mine. ("I agree with Barbie, 'math is hard.'") In college I didn't trust myself to take a "real" math class so I took Problem Solving. (Which I called math for English majors). I spent six years knowing that I did not possess the ability to find the slope of a line. If there was a graph on a standardized test I just filled in the letter "B" and went on to the next problem. Ironically, I always thought that math should have been my best subject because I am such an organized (anal retentive?) person. What's not to like about a subject where things are often black and white? Where answers can be found with the right amount of hard work.
Then right out of college I got a job that paid very well as a tutor for district 201. Guess what area students struggled with most? I had to start teaching Algebra, Geometry, and even a bit of Trig. I realized that I could retain the knowledge that m = y2-y1 over x2-x1. I could solve quadratic equations and figure out the radius of a circle. Only then did years of self-doubt begin to make way for the realization that I could have been doing well in math all along, but I hadn't really worked at it. I took the easy way out and believed that I was "bad at math" instead of working harder to understand it. I love my career as an English teacher, but I sometimes wonder if I had worked a bit harder and trusted myself more, perhaps I could have not closed so many doors that are open to people who are "good at math".

St. Patrick's Day 2007

What a great day! The weather was perfect; It almost felt like May. As usual it was so generous of Aunt Dawn to let us invade her home and no one makes corn beef and cabbage quite like hers. Mostly I'm in it for the people watching. This year I saw about two minutes of the actual parade.

And of course, all the babies love Mary best.

Light the corners of my mind...

So, as you probably know, Woodland Mama gave us a blog assignment. (I suggested the idea... I thought it'd be fun and now I'm the last to do my homework. Bad teacher.) Since I am a visual learner I chose a memory that had accompanying photos.

When we were younger there were two ice cream parlors on our family's radar. There was Jeromes in Scottsdale shopping center. (I couldn't read yet though so I thought it was dromes) And there was Farrell's in Ford City. The confusion began, at least for me, because Liza called Farrell's "Drums". (They used to bang a loud drum when singing happy birthday and because that was so cool, a lot of people went there for their birthday. Liza did not like those drums though. She would sometimes moan "no drums" and cover her ears. We know she was little, but Jen and I would want to hide her in the closet because of our burning desire to get to go.)

In any case, Farrell's rocked my little world. I loved the "marble" tables and the pleather banquettes. I loved the old timey photos and fonts (I didn't know it was called a font then.). I loved the piles and piles of whipped cream and maraschino cherries in a way that only a little kid CAN love maraschino cherries. I loved the straw hats and striped shirts the employees wore. But most of all, I loved the candy store. I loved that candy store in a way that is sort of difficult to explain.
First of all, let me be clear in telling you that we almost never got anything from the candy store. I am not telling you this in an "I was so deprived" kind of way. Honestly, I don't think I could have handled it if my mom or dad said, "Go pick out one thing." My little brain would have surely short-circuited. I just wanted to look. The Farrell's candy store was a thing to behold. Hundreds of colorful, confectionery masterpieces were suspended together on racks and poles that blew my little five year old mind. I just wanted to sit and stare at it for hours.

We went to Farrell's on my birthday and Jen's birthday. I don't think we went for Liza's. And while, after twenty-five years or so the visits are lumped together in my mind, I vividly remember the sheer thrill that news of a visit to Farrell's brought me and the awe of the wall of lollipops.

In searching for photos for this post I read the rather interesting history of the Farrell's franchise. There is one open again in Santa Clarita, California. If I ever find myself there I would probably feel compelled to stop, but I also fear I would leave disappointed.

Friends

I've gotten a small amount of grief from Joel and my family when I talk about bringing Dexter to playgroup. Yes, they're small. (Especially Dex who is the youngest by three months.) The babies seem to enjoy each others company. They make a lot of noise and smile a lot when we're together, plus it provides new toys to drool on. It is also really nice to have the connection with other mothers. (Also, when it was so cold in January I was glad to have a nearby place to go when I needed to get out of the house.)

I've been back at work for two hours and no tears yet! It isn't so bad to be back. So far most of the students have been very glad to see me and that makes me feel good. (Just wait until they get their first assignments.) Could I BE anymore of a drama queen?

New Tricks...

Dexter learned how to roll over on purpose this weekend. Now it is old news to him. Tomorrow I head back to work. Sad. It will be pretty difficult to leave this face in the morning.

Dear God,
Please break my mother's camera. She is torturing me. Everytime I turn around she has that thing pointed in my face. The time to act is now. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Dexter Barr

The couch potatoes

So our little family has gotten into the bad habit of turning the TV on pretty regularly. I used to be good about only turning it on if there was something specific to watch; now I just turn it on because it is there. Yesterday I hit a new low by watching a rerun of Who's The Boss. (I don't care if it WAS the 80's. There is no excuse for Judith Light's hair.) Then today I watched (on TV of course) a segment about how many Americans are suffering from sleep deprivation and one cause is the TV. (duh. Makes sense.) So...I am making a little challenge with myself and forcing Joel to go along. We're going to shut off the TV at 8:00 on weeknights and hopefully wean ourselves down from there. (Though I will have to record a few shows that I love to watch later or on the weekend.) I hope it lasts longer than the other challenges I have undertaken. (Who can forget the snooze alarm debacle of '03 and the 40 hours I lasted on the Atkins diet in the height of that craze? Mmmm bacon.) Anyhoo, I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Also, don't spoil what happens on ANTM tonight because I am taping it to watch tomorrow.

Dexter designed accessories...

it's what all the stylish ladies will be wearing this spring.

Over the last few days Dex has been laughing, grabbing at his toys, and babbling pretty often. We are having so much fun talking to each other. I am also having mixed feelings because it is the countdown to my return to work. On the one hand, I actually miss my job and won't mind seeing my students again. On the other hand it will be pretty difficult to leave this little man every day. Luckily, Joel will be home for two weeks with him; that should ease the transition.

Here he is wearing his hat from Lithuania.

Warmer Weather

Dexter and I have been enjoying the warmer weather. Last night we went to book club and later today we're going for a walk. First we decided to stretch out in the sunlight on the floor of the living room.

They grow up so fast part 2...

All of a sudden my little newborn has become a baby. He's smiley and giggling. He engages when people make eye contact and talk to him. He has also grown out of several of his 3-6 month jammies. He isn't so skinny anymore either; he's got baby chubby cheeks.
It doesn't end with just Dexter either! Rory has a new haircut that makes her look so much like my sisters and I did when we were younger. She looks like a girl...no longer a toddler. Iain will be ten (!) in May and he'll have his first sleepover. (Though hopefully not his ear pierced as we were able to do at 10.) And Donovan! Mr. GQ is hardly recognizable these days. Liza's friend said he looked like a rock star at her party. Don't tell him though. We don't want it to go to his head.

Three Day Weekend!

Hooray for long weekends. We get more time to hang out as a family and occasionally have out-of-town visitors. Iain proved himself to be a great babysitter and big cousin. We had a fun party for Liza, saw a few good movies and spent some quality couch time. Who could ask for anything more?


This last picture is a bit outdated, but we don't have too many family photos.

Ichabod Crane

Dex had his two month check up a few days ago. Since he is still playing catch up on the gaining weight...his 11 lbs 1oz put him in the 25th percentile for weight. His length and head size, on the other hand, are 75th percentile so, like his dad, he is long and skinny. I should be so lucky.

My funny Valentines

Joel and I spent a quiet evening at home staring adoringly into the eyes of our little cutie. We didn't do anything special; just spent time with each other. Nothing is more romantic than that.

Beggars/choosers

I have a problem! I have been so tired, all I wanted Dexter to do was sleep sleep sleep. Now he is finally doing it and I keep checking on him to make sure he is OK because he doesn't ever sleep this much!

Things I like...

Probably most things were better in the good old days. It seems every generation thinks so. Even I am guilty of bemoaning the state of the modern world because things were so much better when I was growing up. (Halloween, playgrounds, shopping malls, etc.) However there are times when technology and modern advancements can actually be an improvement on the way things used to be. So, at the risk of being called Barbie, I am going to occasionally blog about them under the category "Things I like..."

*The Bundle Me by JJ Cole. This fabulous little invention is attached to Dex's car seat. I can zip him in on cold days and not worry about putting him in a horrendous "I can't put my arms down" kind of snowsuit. Plus, when he is in it, little old ladies just say, "I wish I had one of those" instead of yelling at me for bringing the baby out in such weather.

*Trader Joes... I know that many corporate places are ruining the nations economy and threatening our individuality, but try as I might, I just can't find anything wrong with Trader Joes. Yes, I love mom and pop groceries, (family- remember Henry's Finer Foods/Seven Day? Joe's Butcher Shop with Hole in One Doughnuts?) But I must admit to being Trader Joes obsessed. The prices! The healthy, yummy foods! The funny writing in their sale paper! The customer service!

*Organized play dates... Okay, I'm going to get some flack for this...but the neighborhood organization that puts together play dates has been helpful to me. I like the women I am matched up with, and now have met other women in my neighborhood who have kids around the same age as Dexter. Plus now I don't have to bore my family and friends with all my breast feeding stories. (Though I do anyway.)

*www.imdb.com: If you are a movie/TV/and trivia lover what could be better than the Internet Movie Database? (There you are watching Godspell. Who is that guy playing Jesus? He looks SO familiar. IMDB it and you find out Holy Crap! It's Victor Garber, the father from Alias. Plus you can find out when movies are coming out. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader? Sorry. Not until 2008.)

*Netflix. I always return movies late. Now I just have to mail them at my leisure. Plus it seems the fastest way to mail them is by leaving them sticking out of my mailbox for the mailman. How lazy can you be? LAZY! And, they have so many more movies AND TV shows. Plus, I don't agree with the politics of the CEO of Blockbuster so now I don't have to give them my money anymore.

So see? Even though I heart nostalgia, sometimes progress can be a good thing. While I don't think you should sell your soul to the devil for the sake of a bit of convenience, why not recognize a good thing when you see it? Plus coming up with a new invention is one embodiment of the American dream. Sometimes progress can be a good thing.

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.