February 28, 2005
An Important Announcement
Due to the lack of February 29th year, we are sorry to inform everyone that MO will not be turning 11 months old. Between now and March 29th, 2005 she will be "10 months and holding".
We are sorry for any inconvienence this may have brought about.
The Management.
MY KITCHEN NEEDS A MAKEOVER
Anyone ever been through a kitchen redo? Sucks I tell you. We are currently planning to gut our ugly, inefficient 50's kitchen and start from scratch. The problem is that the kitchen is small and we've been working with a designer to get the most out of this space. This designer has come up with 4 different layouts and I'm still not happy with it. Problem you ask? We want an eat-in kitchen and this is what we have to work with: a small working kitchen, and a step-down breakfast nook directly behind it, which is separated by what was the back exterior brick wall of our home. (Previous owners enclosed a small back porch). The ideal plan would be to combine the two rooms and create one large eat-in kitchen. But tearing down that brick wall would not only be a major structural issue, it would cost a fortune.
Equally challenging is the fact that we're picky as hell. Fortunately, the hubs and I like the same things, but what we like ISN'T in the kitchen showroom. We didn't like any of their cabinets, hardware or countertops. What's that you say? We should try another place? Nope. We don't like anything anywhere! Why? Dunno. We had that same problem when trying to purchase furniture. So anyway, we have to sink in a bunch of money to have our cabinets custom built and painted, we have to find our own hardware, and we have to find our own sink. So much for having a designer! All these decisions to make and you know what the hubs is concerned about...how can we get internet access in the kitchen?? Can someone stop by and smack him in the head for me? :)
Oh - anyone see those new refrigerators with the TV built in? At first I thought they were stupid, but now I'm thinking it'd be kinda cool having something to do while cooking. Yeah, I know...I don't cook. But maybe I would if I could be mindlessly entertained at the same time. Too bad they're expensive as all get out and seeing as how everything else in our kitchen is gonna cost us an arm and a leg, this luxury will have to be sacrificed! Although, I think we may spring for the GE Profile Advantium Microwave Oven. Those things are awesome!
February 27, 2005
Cute and Furry
Slapshot invited Mo to have her picture taken with him since she's his favorite fan. It was an offer that was too good to turn down. Mo was an absolute angel. We can't wait to do this again.
Thanks to Brad at Purdon House of Photography for his willingness to take a few extra pictures. Brad did an excellent job.
February 22, 2005
MORE BIRTHDAY CENTRAL
Mo's birthday is around the corner. It's so hard to believe that almost a year has gone by. I don't even like thinking about it...part of me just wants to pretend it isn't happening. But alas, with birthday around the corner comes party around the corner! It's time to start the planning.
I'm not good at kiddie party planning. And thankfully, there's no need to go overboard with the first birthday. Let's face it...she won't even remember the thing! Actually, I don't see the need to ever go overboard on any birthday party...mainly because I'm practical to a fault! And I don't want my child to be spoiled rotten. Although sometimes I wonder if I go "overboard" in the "trying so hard not to spoil her" thoughts that I'll end up neglecting her of certain milestone events. Somehow I need to find that balance. I guess I really struggle in this area, in particular, because I've had the - ahem - "pleasure" of meeting some very spoiled, self-centered, demanding and downright disrespectful kids over the years that it has scared the crap out of me. In other words, I'm forever tainted by my experiences and now have this obsessive desire to do everything in my power to prevent my child from developing any of those qualities.
Well enough rambling. Sometimes I drive myself crazy with my analytical ways!!
So, I wonder.... Do we throw a birthday bash? Or do we have a low key get together with close family and friends? I always envisioned the latter, but lately I'm feeling like I want to really, really celebrate this amazing first year of her life. She doesn't need gifts or anything like that. I just want her to be surrounded by people who love her and want to celebrate her being part of our lives.
If anyone has any thoughts, please share!
February 20, 2005
BIRTHDAY CENTRAL
And nope, I'm not talking about Mo. Hubs and I share a birthday - and today was that day! We're 32 and 33! It's hard to believe. We feel very young, yet when I look back at the days when my parents were in their early 30's, I thought they were over the hill. My, how perspective has changed!
Without a doubt, the highlight of this past year was the arrival of Mo. Today while in church, we heard about a couple who were expecting their third child; the woman was in the middle of her 5th month of pregnancy. This past week, they went in for an ultrasound and found that the baby had died. What was once a strong heartbeat was no more. My heart breaks for that family. It's just another reminder of how incredibly thankful I am for my little one.
Anyhoo - it was a busy day and I'm beat! Must get sleep. Now.
Thanks to our family and friends for making this day special.
By the way, the hubs got me a pink Ipod Mini! Can you say sweeeeet?
February 16, 2005
NEW TRICKS UP HER SLEEVE
Lil' Mo has a new trick. She likes to blow zerberts. Ordinary zerberts I can deal with....but she likes to do them while eating. This, I tell you, is no fun for the one on the other end doing the feeding. Do they make bibs for parents?
I'm always proud of her new developments, but this one...Momma no likey!
February 14, 2005
NOT MUCH GOING ON IN THESE PARTS
I haven't been in the blogging mood lately. Blogging, in general, has become such a negative experience. Certain people I know tend to use their blog as a forum to judge and criticize others; and over time, it has sucked the joy out of the process.
It's really quite sad that people find it necessary to put down others. What's the point? I mean really. I think what's even more sad is when the people closest to you find this kind of behavior acceptable.
I know this post makes no sense to anyone (other than a couple of specific people). Sorry about that. Just needed to vent.
On a positive note, isn't the Mo-meister a little cutie in that pic?
February 09, 2005
Mo's cup runneth over
Between Mo's 6th & 7th month, we started her on the cup. The very first time we gave it to her, she drank it like a natural. It's been all downhill since then!
She's almost a year old now and she absolutely, positively will NOT drink from a cup. Let me play out the daily episode for you.
Mommy: Give Mo cup (insert words of encouragement here)
Mo: Scrunch nose, groan a little, take a sip or two, throw cup on the
floor, thank.you.very.much.
Repeat. Many times.
At her 10 month well visit, the pediatrician gave us a hard time about it...as if we were purposefuly stunting her development or something. So she gave us a few tips and off we went on a full scale mission to succeed.
Mission failed. And I regret to say that much formula has been wasted.
Anyone else running into this problem? Have any suggestions? (And yes, we tried various brands of cups - as well as various types of drinks! And all cups have been tested and work!)
February 05, 2005
HOUSE O' FUN
It's been a regular ol' house o' fun around here. Mo woke up last Sunday morning and I could tell something wasn't right. She wasn't her usual happy talkative self - but was whiny and very, very lethargic. She was like that all day and by evening, was definitely sick. And she's been sick all week. By Tuesday evening she had managed to pass it on to me.
Being a parent means inheriting every single sickness your child manages to catch. I don't remember signing up for this!