Someday, hopefully soon, I will be able to accompany my posts with actual pictures.
Neither Nate, nor I knew children's songs when Ruby was born. We usually sang her U2 or Counting Crows. There really aren't finger games or hand motions that go along well with All I Want Is You or Mr. Jones-- and in the end, most kids really respond to the kind of interaction found in songs like Itsy Bitsy Spider.
Earlier this year, I signed Ruby up for an English speaking music class with her favorite little friend. It has been fantastic! Once a week we walk a couple of blocks to her instructor's apartment to join about 10 other children and their mothers in singing and playing instruments. Ruby loves it!! She asks regularly to sing many of the songs and has all the hand motions memorized.
Without the pacifier, bedtime has started to require a replacement ritual, whereas before we could just place her in bed, stick her pacifier in her mouth, shut off the lights and close the door-- we have now been forced to discover a new way to help her calm herself before bed. We now sing all her favorites: Mr. Sun, the Wheels on the Bus, "Gong, Gong and Kinkle, Kinkle Star" as she calls them. Last night, she decided that Elmo needed to learn the songs. She took her Elmo and had him move to all the motions of the songs. We fell a little more in love with her. She went to bed quietly singing "Row, row, row your boat" with Elmo and seemed to have long forgotten the need for her pacifier.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
My New Obsession
www.blurb.com
This site has free downloadable software that can take your blog and turn it into a bookstore quality book. It goes a step beyond the photo books offered through iPhoto and Snapfish. I think this will help me achieve some of my New Year's Resolution's quite easily. All you bloggers out there should consider doing something similar on a yearly basis, since in theory our blogs are a bit of our personal history (formerly known as Books of Remembrance), who knew so many of us were actually enjoying that stuff these days!
This site has free downloadable software that can take your blog and turn it into a bookstore quality book. It goes a step beyond the photo books offered through iPhoto and Snapfish. I think this will help me achieve some of my New Year's Resolution's quite easily. All you bloggers out there should consider doing something similar on a yearly basis, since in theory our blogs are a bit of our personal history (formerly known as Books of Remembrance), who knew so many of us were actually enjoying that stuff these days!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Paris with Kids
I am always compiling lists of helpful reading materials for people planning a trip to the City of Lights. Ruby was sent a great Christmas gift this year from our friends Dan and Laura. While she is a bit young to really enjoy it, Nate and I loved this quick read and heartily recommend it to everyone.
The Invention of Hugo Cabaret, by Brian Selznik, is a book about dreams. Hugo is a young clock keeper in a large Parisian train station. Check it out at your local library, though the waiting list might be long. It recently won the Caldecott award for best illustrated youth literature.
Cinema-philes will love references to movies by Rene Clair and others, as well as rumors that Martin Scorcese is slated to direct the movie adaptation of this book.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Bye Bye Paci
Ruby and her pacifier have a long history. She got her first hit off the hospital nurse after just a few hours of life. There are few pictures of her without, and those that exist--well you can be certain we pulled the plug just moments before snapping the memory (and then it was quickly returned to its proper place).
But, after an entire day of our toddler keeping us on our toes in search of the ever present addiction, we decided it was time to go cold turkey in giving the thing up. We did love the pacifier. It calmed her down, made her laugh, and sometimes even made us laugh. For example, since we can remember, se has insisted that the little handle be pressed up against her nose, creating the appearance of a bulls ring through her nostrils. Sometimes she would wander through the house calling "Paci, paci" until she found it hidden behind the crib or under a blanket.
Yesterday, the cute factor was obviously long gone. On our way out the door for a brief road trip to Belgium, we checked for the pacifier, which was no where to be found. Ruby pretended to help, but in the end she had actually hidden it. Then in the car she threw it when she was mad, lost it in the mound of toys. The fit that followed forced Nate to pull over to find it. It was tossed again. That was the moment that sealed her fate. We drove home without finding it. We went to bed that evening, eventually, with out it. We even made it through church, without it. Here is to 24 hours with out the Paci. It was a good friend, but we hope it doesn't come back to visit.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Top Ten: New Year's Resolutions
That’s right, I am putting my personal goals out there for the world to see, judge, and criticize. But, you never know, that may be exactly what I need to see these through to 2009.
10. Write. I have always enjoyed writing just to get thoughts out of my mind, which always seems to be reeling. I am not so much the “creative writer” who aspires to penning the great American novel of the 21st century, but I would like my name to appear with the likes of Christopher Hitchens (you gotta love him, even when you hate him). His social and political commentary, infuriating and often right on target, is precisely the kind of professional standard to which I aspire.
9. Continue to Read Literature and Daily News. Although another baby threatens to disrupt my perfectly scheduled two hour addiction (aka, Ruby’s nap time) of “checking the headlines” or reading the latest recommended novel, I would hate to see myself fall into the bottomless pit, already crowded as it is, of the uninformed, apathetic masses we call the American public.
8. Actively Seek Opportunities to Serve. The people I respect and admire the most always seem to have their plates full, but are nonetheless always available to do the most needful things. I feel those who know how to serve are more capable of keeping their lives in the proper perspective.
7. Always Dye My Hair Before the Gray Streak Returns! Embarrassingly enough, this only happens about 20% of the time. Right now, I have about a half-inch growth. Can we all say, House-Marm together please?
6. Organize, organize, organize!! Clean, clean, clean!! My bedroom doesn’t look much different then it did when I was in high school or college. The bed is made just before I climb into it. I hate putting on a top sheet. I don’t always load the dishwasher before I go to bed. I often have five loads of laundry to do in one day just to catch up. Don’t even talk to me about the chaos that is my hair and make-up supplies on the bathroom vanity. Some boxes from our move are still unopened in Ruby’s bedroom. A few frames are resting against the wall where I have intended for them to be placed for 18 months. I would like to turn into the "naturally" organized person everyone secretly hates and openly aspires to become.
5. Finish Ruby’s Baby Book. This needs to happen before number 2 arrives in April. I don’t want to put this off until her 18th birthday!
4.Complete a Marathon. This is the one I hate to admit to openly. It has been on my New Year’s Resolutions lists since I can remember and I have never once come close to preparing for it. I can’t imagine the mental and physical empowerment that would come with knowing you had the diligence, patience, and stamina necessary to prepare for and complete a 26-mile run.
3. Make One Meal Each Week From the Julia Child’s Cookbook, “ Master the Art of French Cooking” I claim constantly to dislike cooking, but this really just isn’t true. I didn’t like it as a kid because it was a chore, something you were banished to do while the rest of the family watched a re-run of Little House on the Prairie. In college I hated it because the kitchen was never clean and there were always too many women telling you how you should do it differently. I would just like to be able to really enjoy the time I spend in the process of cooking, something French cooking is designed to provide.
2. Write Down One Experience With Ruby Every Day. It will be nice to give to her far, far down the road.
1. Take More Pictures. We just don’t take enough of all the great family memories we are making. It is especially sad since we do some incredibly unordinary things.
10. Write. I have always enjoyed writing just to get thoughts out of my mind, which always seems to be reeling. I am not so much the “creative writer” who aspires to penning the great American novel of the 21st century, but I would like my name to appear with the likes of Christopher Hitchens (you gotta love him, even when you hate him). His social and political commentary, infuriating and often right on target, is precisely the kind of professional standard to which I aspire.
9. Continue to Read Literature and Daily News. Although another baby threatens to disrupt my perfectly scheduled two hour addiction (aka, Ruby’s nap time) of “checking the headlines” or reading the latest recommended novel, I would hate to see myself fall into the bottomless pit, already crowded as it is, of the uninformed, apathetic masses we call the American public.
8. Actively Seek Opportunities to Serve. The people I respect and admire the most always seem to have their plates full, but are nonetheless always available to do the most needful things. I feel those who know how to serve are more capable of keeping their lives in the proper perspective.
7. Always Dye My Hair Before the Gray Streak Returns! Embarrassingly enough, this only happens about 20% of the time. Right now, I have about a half-inch growth. Can we all say, House-Marm together please?
6. Organize, organize, organize!! Clean, clean, clean!! My bedroom doesn’t look much different then it did when I was in high school or college. The bed is made just before I climb into it. I hate putting on a top sheet. I don’t always load the dishwasher before I go to bed. I often have five loads of laundry to do in one day just to catch up. Don’t even talk to me about the chaos that is my hair and make-up supplies on the bathroom vanity. Some boxes from our move are still unopened in Ruby’s bedroom. A few frames are resting against the wall where I have intended for them to be placed for 18 months. I would like to turn into the "naturally" organized person everyone secretly hates and openly aspires to become.
5. Finish Ruby’s Baby Book. This needs to happen before number 2 arrives in April. I don’t want to put this off until her 18th birthday!
4.Complete a Marathon. This is the one I hate to admit to openly. It has been on my New Year’s Resolutions lists since I can remember and I have never once come close to preparing for it. I can’t imagine the mental and physical empowerment that would come with knowing you had the diligence, patience, and stamina necessary to prepare for and complete a 26-mile run.
3. Make One Meal Each Week From the Julia Child’s Cookbook, “ Master the Art of French Cooking” I claim constantly to dislike cooking, but this really just isn’t true. I didn’t like it as a kid because it was a chore, something you were banished to do while the rest of the family watched a re-run of Little House on the Prairie. In college I hated it because the kitchen was never clean and there were always too many women telling you how you should do it differently. I would just like to be able to really enjoy the time I spend in the process of cooking, something French cooking is designed to provide.
2. Write Down One Experience With Ruby Every Day. It will be nice to give to her far, far down the road.
1. Take More Pictures. We just don’t take enough of all the great family memories we are making. It is especially sad since we do some incredibly unordinary things.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
You Say You Want a Revolution
You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world.-- The Beatles
Since I can think about nothing else today, which shouldn't be a suprise since I haven't thought about much else since last February when the madness really began, I thought I would go out on a limb in sharing my read of the current political landscape, as well as my predictions for tonight's caucus results. Drum roll please!
1.Americans want real change, not just a new President. GWB’s ratings are not only low because of him though he is the easiest target for much of the blame. Anyone connected with the current government will pay a price for that relationship, not just Republicans. We are ultimately a revolutionary people. A change in political parties controlling the Executive branch does not satisfy our historical spirit for rebellion and change. The American Revolution itself was a unique and radical event that produced deep changes and had a profound impact on world affairs. I believe each generation of Americans produce their own revolutions with similar results. The current political atmosphere is suggesting now is the time.
Despite pundits focus on the democrats having the upper-hand in this election cycle, the Republicans have no one running that is heavily connected to a government legacy. A Clinton victory in Iowa will lead to a Republican win in the fall regardless of the Republican on the ticket because the general electorate will see her, not only as the liberal caricature that anti-Clintonians love to paint her as, but more importantly as the candidate least likely to revolutionize the current State of the Union. Since 1980 a Bush or Clinton has appeared on the national ticket, Senator Clinton in the White House will be seen as a continuation of the governments we have had over the last 30 years.
2.The “revolutionary” feel will drive unprecedented numbers to the caucuses in Iowa, regardless of weather, voting history and Independent status.
Based on some of these thoughts, trends in the polls over the last several months, and naturally a bit of my heart, I predict:
The democratic caucuses will place Senator Barack Obama in first place, the candidate of change (see revolution), John Edwards in second, and Senator Clinton in third. The results will be close, but not the dead heat many pundits are expecting.
Romney will barely squeak out a win in the Republican caucuses, over a second place Huckabee, but the story that will dominate media coverage of the Republican caucuses with be Senator John McCains stunning thrid place finish.
Well, you know
We all want to change the world.-- The Beatles
Since I can think about nothing else today, which shouldn't be a suprise since I haven't thought about much else since last February when the madness really began, I thought I would go out on a limb in sharing my read of the current political landscape, as well as my predictions for tonight's caucus results. Drum roll please!
1.Americans want real change, not just a new President. GWB’s ratings are not only low because of him though he is the easiest target for much of the blame. Anyone connected with the current government will pay a price for that relationship, not just Republicans. We are ultimately a revolutionary people. A change in political parties controlling the Executive branch does not satisfy our historical spirit for rebellion and change. The American Revolution itself was a unique and radical event that produced deep changes and had a profound impact on world affairs. I believe each generation of Americans produce their own revolutions with similar results. The current political atmosphere is suggesting now is the time.
Despite pundits focus on the democrats having the upper-hand in this election cycle, the Republicans have no one running that is heavily connected to a government legacy. A Clinton victory in Iowa will lead to a Republican win in the fall regardless of the Republican on the ticket because the general electorate will see her, not only as the liberal caricature that anti-Clintonians love to paint her as, but more importantly as the candidate least likely to revolutionize the current State of the Union. Since 1980 a Bush or Clinton has appeared on the national ticket, Senator Clinton in the White House will be seen as a continuation of the governments we have had over the last 30 years.
2.The “revolutionary” feel will drive unprecedented numbers to the caucuses in Iowa, regardless of weather, voting history and Independent status.
Based on some of these thoughts, trends in the polls over the last several months, and naturally a bit of my heart, I predict:
The democratic caucuses will place Senator Barack Obama in first place, the candidate of change (see revolution), John Edwards in second, and Senator Clinton in third. The results will be close, but not the dead heat many pundits are expecting.
Romney will barely squeak out a win in the Republican caucuses, over a second place Huckabee, but the story that will dominate media coverage of the Republican caucuses with be Senator John McCains stunning thrid place finish.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
All I Want for Christmas
This week's Top Ten List highlights commercialism and my materialistic nature, without apologies.
10. THE COACH DELPHINE LIMITED EDITION HOBO PURSE click here to see the model I prefer. It is perfect for maneuvering two children, a stroller and the metros of Europe (meaning a zipper closure). Here is a picture of Rebecca Romjin rocking a python version.
9. PEOPLE MAGAZINE, YEAR SUBSCRIPTION: My guilty pleasure. I feel it connects me to mainstream America and no matter how foreign my surroundings, the down home dramas, murder mysteries and starlet hysteria takes me right back to the comforts of home.
8.FLIP VIDEO ULTRA SERIES CAMCORDER 60 MINUTES: A video recorder that plugs directly into your USB port eliminating cords and promoting regular use thanks to its convenient shirt pocket size.
7. A BABY NAME WE BOTH LOVE: Apparently this book could solve all of our baby name woes, from the editors
That sounds magical to me and at only $10.36 and FREE SUPER SAVER SHIPPING on Amazon.com, how could I not ask that to be one of my stocking stuffers.
6. BUGABOO WHEELED BOARD: A stroller attachment that makes the need to use a bulky double stroller unnecessary and still allows me to hit the road.
5. NINA: The perfect perfume when warmer weather starts to descend and the musky scent of my favorite (Chanel no.5) is just too heavy for the heat and humidity. Inspired by the smell of the red toffee apple, a pop of citrus mixes with hints of vanilla and pralines. YUMMY MUMMY!
4. FRYE ENGINEER 12R: Kick ace and sexy. Need I say more?
3. ANTIQUE FRENCH ARMOIRE: Older than the Declaration of Independence, these beautiful pieces are like purchasing a piece of French history. Can't you just imagine your excitement if one were sitting beside your tree with a red bow on top come Christmas morning?
2. CANON DIGITAL REBEL XTi: I would love a camera which had the shutter speed to capture Ruby's smile, in addition to allowing me to pursue my desire to become a decent hobby photographer.
1. CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN GERMANY: No one celebrates Christmas as well as the Germans with lebkuchen, marzipan, and the smell of roasted candied almonds wafting through the crisp winter air.
10. THE COACH DELPHINE LIMITED EDITION HOBO PURSE click here to see the model I prefer. It is perfect for maneuvering two children, a stroller and the metros of Europe (meaning a zipper closure). Here is a picture of Rebecca Romjin rocking a python version.
9. PEOPLE MAGAZINE, YEAR SUBSCRIPTION: My guilty pleasure. I feel it connects me to mainstream America and no matter how foreign my surroundings, the down home dramas, murder mysteries and starlet hysteria takes me right back to the comforts of home.
8.FLIP VIDEO ULTRA SERIES CAMCORDER 60 MINUTES: A video recorder that plugs directly into your USB port eliminating cords and promoting regular use thanks to its convenient shirt pocket size.
7. A BABY NAME WE BOTH LOVE: Apparently this book could solve all of our baby name woes, from the editors
Yes, your baby’s perfect name is out there.
The trick is finding it.
The perfect baby name will speak to your heart, give your child a great start in life—and maybe even satisfy your relatives. But you can't expect to just stumble on a name like that in an A to Z dictionary or on a trendy list.
That’s why you need The Baby Name Wizard. Created by a name-searching mom, it uses groundbreaking research and computer generated models to pinpoint each name’s image, examine its usage and popularity over the last 100 years, and suggest other promising ideas. A perfect guide to the modern world of names, The Baby Name Wizard will engage you from the first name you look up and keep you enchanted through your journey to the just-right name for your baby.
That sounds magical to me and at only $10.36 and FREE SUPER SAVER SHIPPING on Amazon.com, how could I not ask that to be one of my stocking stuffers.
6. BUGABOO WHEELED BOARD: A stroller attachment that makes the need to use a bulky double stroller unnecessary and still allows me to hit the road.
5. NINA: The perfect perfume when warmer weather starts to descend and the musky scent of my favorite (Chanel no.5) is just too heavy for the heat and humidity. Inspired by the smell of the red toffee apple, a pop of citrus mixes with hints of vanilla and pralines. YUMMY MUMMY!
4. FRYE ENGINEER 12R: Kick ace and sexy. Need I say more?
3. ANTIQUE FRENCH ARMOIRE: Older than the Declaration of Independence, these beautiful pieces are like purchasing a piece of French history. Can't you just imagine your excitement if one were sitting beside your tree with a red bow on top come Christmas morning?
2. CANON DIGITAL REBEL XTi: I would love a camera which had the shutter speed to capture Ruby's smile, in addition to allowing me to pursue my desire to become a decent hobby photographer.
1. CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN GERMANY: No one celebrates Christmas as well as the Germans with lebkuchen, marzipan, and the smell of roasted candied almonds wafting through the crisp winter air.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Back By Popular Demand
Top Ten: Reasons I Love Christmas
1. Traditions! Making new ones, celebrating old ones, and participating in those of others, it gives life this continuity that is somehow exciting despite its familiarity.
2. It's a Wonderful Life, my all time favorite Christmas movie.
3. Decking the Halls. A home never feels as warm and lived in, nor as beautiful as it does in the evening when the tree is lit.
4. Singing! Christmas carols are beautiful and I love just listening to groups of individuals with untrained voices, unabashedly singing. (And might I use this opportunity to suggest you save the singing of Silent Night until Christmas Eve, it is really quite powerful when sung as the Germans--who wrote it--intended!)
5. Clementines, packed with vitamin C and more taste than an orange, they are perfection in a small package.
6. Wish Lists. The fact that at 30 it is perfectly acceptable to make an itemized list of desired gifts makes me much more capable of being in the spirit of giving myself.
7. Fudge, with nuts please!
8. Parties! And an excuse to buy yet another pair of red heels.
9. Christmas Eve dinner courtesy Nate's family traditions.
10. Christmas morning courtesy ole St. Nick!
1. Traditions! Making new ones, celebrating old ones, and participating in those of others, it gives life this continuity that is somehow exciting despite its familiarity.
2. It's a Wonderful Life, my all time favorite Christmas movie.
3. Decking the Halls. A home never feels as warm and lived in, nor as beautiful as it does in the evening when the tree is lit.
4. Singing! Christmas carols are beautiful and I love just listening to groups of individuals with untrained voices, unabashedly singing. (And might I use this opportunity to suggest you save the singing of Silent Night until Christmas Eve, it is really quite powerful when sung as the Germans--who wrote it--intended!)
5. Clementines, packed with vitamin C and more taste than an orange, they are perfection in a small package.
6. Wish Lists. The fact that at 30 it is perfectly acceptable to make an itemized list of desired gifts makes me much more capable of being in the spirit of giving myself.
7. Fudge, with nuts please!
8. Parties! And an excuse to buy yet another pair of red heels.
9. Christmas Eve dinner courtesy Nate's family traditions.
10. Christmas morning courtesy ole St. Nick!
Monday, December 10, 2007
And the winner is...
Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails! We will soon have a little Henry, or Max, or William, or Axel joining our family. And now that these names are potentially reality, no negative comments. You had your chance with the name poll conducted last month.
I handled the news quite well (and in truth our excitement has increased through out the evening) and with the added bonus of a little retail therapy, happily found a great little fall/winter ensemble in just the right color scheme. Thanks to Rebecca for suggesting the orange, navy, brown combo to me when I feared the unknown land of non-pink children's attire.
Ruby is clearly excited about the new wardrobe, though the idea of sharing is obviously going to take a lifetime to master. Here she is modeling the new purchases immediately after I pulled them out of the shopping bag.
I handled the news quite well (and in truth our excitement has increased through out the evening) and with the added bonus of a little retail therapy, happily found a great little fall/winter ensemble in just the right color scheme. Thanks to Rebecca for suggesting the orange, navy, brown combo to me when I feared the unknown land of non-pink children's attire.
Ruby is clearly excited about the new wardrobe, though the idea of sharing is obviously going to take a lifetime to master. Here she is modeling the new purchases immediately after I pulled them out of the shopping bag.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Presidential Trivia - Tecumseh's Curse
So Sina and I were reading about William Henry Harrison, our nation's 9th President (don't ask, we seem to enjoy very obscure trivia), when we came across this little historical note. In his previous life as a US Army leader, Harrison defeated the Shawnee leaders Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa, also known as "the Prophet". To exact their revenge, some say they put a curse on him and any succeeding US President elected to office in a year ending in "0". For those of you with my level of math skills, that ends up being every 20 years.
Harrison lived all of 31 days as President before dying of pneumonia. 20 years later a fellow named Lincoln was elected President, and so on it continued for 5 more Presidents including Garfield, McKinley, Harding, Roosevelt and Kennedy. Reagan was the first one to break it, and only barely!
Harrison lived all of 31 days as President before dying of pneumonia. 20 years later a fellow named Lincoln was elected President, and so on it continued for 5 more Presidents including Garfield, McKinley, Harding, Roosevelt and Kennedy. Reagan was the first one to break it, and only barely!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Les Grèves
I love reading US media reports discussing the screen writer's and the Broadway stage hands strikes. There was an article in the New York Times a couple of days ago talking about a Broadway actress whose life's dream was put on hold because of the chaos. It was heartbreaking...for her at least.
But, here in Paris we are facing more than re-runs of our favorite shows or delayed theater opening dates. The city's transportation is shut down completely and we are now entering week 2 of the showdown between unions and the newly minted, pro-sconomic reform government of Nicolas Sarkozy. You may be familiar with him due to his recent "honeymoon" in the US where he was greeted with a standing ovation by a joint session of Congress. No greater love has been shown to a French man in the states since Lafayette's post revolutionary tour of America. I digress...
So Sarkozy's government refuses to engage in any talks with the transportation unions until they return to work. In 1995 similar economic reforms were shutdown after a FIVE WEEK transportation strike, the reforms never happened.
No public transportation in Paris is akin to the Wasatch Front running out of gasoline. Just last night our friend was out running when the traffic was still at a complete stand still, around 8pm. The intersection of a major artery was completely blocked, and two men stood outside of their cars hitting each other.
Personally, I say suck it up with the re-runs.
But, here in Paris we are facing more than re-runs of our favorite shows or delayed theater opening dates. The city's transportation is shut down completely and we are now entering week 2 of the showdown between unions and the newly minted, pro-sconomic reform government of Nicolas Sarkozy. You may be familiar with him due to his recent "honeymoon" in the US where he was greeted with a standing ovation by a joint session of Congress. No greater love has been shown to a French man in the states since Lafayette's post revolutionary tour of America. I digress...
So Sarkozy's government refuses to engage in any talks with the transportation unions until they return to work. In 1995 similar economic reforms were shutdown after a FIVE WEEK transportation strike, the reforms never happened.
No public transportation in Paris is akin to the Wasatch Front running out of gasoline. Just last night our friend was out running when the traffic was still at a complete stand still, around 8pm. The intersection of a major artery was completely blocked, and two men stood outside of their cars hitting each other.
Personally, I say suck it up with the re-runs.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The New Face of Global Mormonism
This is an interesting article from the Washington Post discussing the LDS church in Nigeria.
Top Ten: Reasons I Want to Have Another Girl
1. Boys scare me: I don't buy into the adage that boys are easier, if you grew up within 100 miles of my home you wouldn't either. My brother was never easy, from day one, just ask my mom. And don't get us started on the Chow boys, their mother achieved Sainthood from the trials they put her through. And from my observations on the playground, I would rather deal with a cry-baby than a bully.
2.Circumcision: Enough said.
3.The clothes: Not only do I have plenty of hand-me-downs in excellent condition, but I am also willing to shop for more. But seriously, the options for a boy-at least until he is a toddler- are camo and cowboys...blah!
4. Names: They are plain and boring or just weird.
5. Tutus: I love them and need excuses to have many, many in a dress up box...I mean girls can wear a doctors jacket and a tutu to play hospital right? But boys have to wear scrubs...boring!!
6. Nate's athletic skills: Though he has great numchuck skills and computer hacking skills, he has told me far too many stories about standing in right field during little league games "watching the dandelions grow."
7. Boy Scouts: Let me say only this, in fear of backlash from my few readers, I have some very strong anti-BSA opinions not shared by my husband. But then I also have a competitive streak in me so, if I have to sew that stupid yellow sash for his uniform, it better be covered in merit badges. And how much time will I have to spend making sure his troop leader is on the ball? And don't get me started on my need to win the Pinewood Derby.
8. Pink
9. Girls squeal and hug eachother. They talk about how pretty that sparkley dress is. They twirl around in princess dresses (and you don't think twice).
10. Because I like the idea of having an entire entourage of mini-me's roaming the earth!
2.Circumcision: Enough said.
3.The clothes: Not only do I have plenty of hand-me-downs in excellent condition, but I am also willing to shop for more. But seriously, the options for a boy-at least until he is a toddler- are camo and cowboys...blah!
4. Names: They are plain and boring or just weird.
5. Tutus: I love them and need excuses to have many, many in a dress up box...I mean girls can wear a doctors jacket and a tutu to play hospital right? But boys have to wear scrubs...boring!!
6. Nate's athletic skills: Though he has great numchuck skills and computer hacking skills, he has told me far too many stories about standing in right field during little league games "watching the dandelions grow."
7. Boy Scouts: Let me say only this, in fear of backlash from my few readers, I have some very strong anti-BSA opinions not shared by my husband. But then I also have a competitive streak in me so, if I have to sew that stupid yellow sash for his uniform, it better be covered in merit badges. And how much time will I have to spend making sure his troop leader is on the ball? And don't get me started on my need to win the Pinewood Derby.
8. Pink
9. Girls squeal and hug eachother. They talk about how pretty that sparkley dress is. They twirl around in princess dresses (and you don't think twice).
10. Because I like the idea of having an entire entourage of mini-me's roaming the earth!
Monday, November 19, 2007
What's your IQ?
I have refused my entire life to submit to an IQ test, lest I discover that I am not as intelligent as I like to think I am. However, my sister Daphne insists that I had one while in elementary school, which means someone could dig up my permanent record if I ever decided to run for public office (which, by the way, I never will).
Today Nate sent me an IQ test I couldn't resist. It is called the Traveler IQ Challenge. You can chose to test your knowledge on a number of topics such as world cities, US cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites and the one that kicks my backside, photos of world sites, such as the one below. (Ten points to you if you already know what it is, but haven't been there.)
If you are up for the challenge, I warn you, you just might spend the afternoon on the site.
Today Nate sent me an IQ test I couldn't resist. It is called the Traveler IQ Challenge. You can chose to test your knowledge on a number of topics such as world cities, US cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites and the one that kicks my backside, photos of world sites, such as the one below. (Ten points to you if you already know what it is, but haven't been there.)
If you are up for the challenge, I warn you, you just might spend the afternoon on the site.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Nate finally posts something
Here's a fun little video, courtesy of our friend Erin. Just in case you'd exhausted all your ideas for feeding your adrenaline addiction, maybe you should give this a try...
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Parenting 102
Thanks to my friend, Snowbunny, who answered my plea for parenting advice with information on a new article on Barack Obama in the December issue of the Atlantic Monthly- I sat my oldest child in front of the tv so I could absorb more on a topic I already spend an entire nap time reading. But, the article is very well written, well worth the time- and in the end if reading this stuff leads to a better world for my children, then it is also a means of parenting, right?
Here is the link, I will fix it later, but until then you must cut and paste: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama
Here is the link, I will fix it later, but until then you must cut and paste: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama
Parenting 101
I remember visiting our friends Kandi and Von while we were expecting Ruby. They had just brought home their second child and watching them work the house and family was like watching this well oiled machine. There was one moment specifically when Kandi bundled the newborn so tightly and perfectly that the swaddle could function almost as a portable baby carrier. I hadn't swaddled a baby since I stopped playing with dolls. (And in fact, while in the hospital we had to ask a nurse twice to show us how to both swaddle the baby and properly burp her.) In hindsight, and as a parent now myself, I am sure they felt they were barely pulling it off. But from my vantage point, they did no wrong and I wondered if I could manage half as well with one.
Now, expecting number two, I am yet again overwhelmed. I lie in bed sleepless at night fretting over multiple scenarios, completely aware of my ineptitude and the fact that I still couldn't swaddle a baby with the skill I long ago witnessed. I deal with stress such as this by absorbing as much information as possible. I now, to my great horror, like to read parenting magazines and Babycenter.com. And while I know a lot of people don't advocate reading parenting literature, when you don't leave near any family and there is a vast time difference between you and a sibling with four children, you need to rely on the knowledge in your bookshelves a little more heavily than you otherwise might.
So, today's question is for anyone out there who knows of parenting literature that is exceptionally helpful. And I already know about the "What to Expect" books. Are there books you found invaluable? Books you would say to stear clear of?
PS: To those still wondering what we are having, we don't know yet...sometime in December maybe?
Now, expecting number two, I am yet again overwhelmed. I lie in bed sleepless at night fretting over multiple scenarios, completely aware of my ineptitude and the fact that I still couldn't swaddle a baby with the skill I long ago witnessed. I deal with stress such as this by absorbing as much information as possible. I now, to my great horror, like to read parenting magazines and Babycenter.com. And while I know a lot of people don't advocate reading parenting literature, when you don't leave near any family and there is a vast time difference between you and a sibling with four children, you need to rely on the knowledge in your bookshelves a little more heavily than you otherwise might.
So, today's question is for anyone out there who knows of parenting literature that is exceptionally helpful. And I already know about the "What to Expect" books. Are there books you found invaluable? Books you would say to stear clear of?
PS: To those still wondering what we are having, we don't know yet...sometime in December maybe?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Top Ten Tuesday: Ruby
Without an operational digi cam, I fail to give my child her due face time on our blog, so I felt this week was best dedicated to the many things you might not know about her.
1. She dances to all music and often demands two things. First, that we put on her Snow White princess dress so she looks pretty while she moves. And second, she will drag you from your seat begging "Please" the whole time when she wants you to waltz with her.
2. Any sadness can be made better with a two step remedy: her kitty and her pacifier.
3. She sleeps like a champ--and ALWAYS in her own bed. She has slept with us only once in her two years of life. Her schedule is fantastic for a family who values sleep: 12-14 hours at night and a two hour nap.
4. She loves her best friends Abby, Hannah, and Axelle. She jumps up and down as soon as she sees them, screaming and hugging them.
5. She now wakes up in the morning yelling "Mama. MaaaaMaaa." Unless I told her the night before that Papa would be home when she wakes up. She remembers and calls for him in that case.
6. She has the deepest, funniest laugh, but somehow talks in the highest, sweetest voice.
7. When we get home she runs through the house yelling, "puppy" until she finds him and then she gives him a big hug (you might not know, he is taller than her).
8. She reads already! OK, not really. But she will sit and read a book, and if it is one of her faves you can hear her saying, "Go, Dog. Go!"
9. She sits in front of the mirror and pretends to put makeup on while I get ready in the morning.
10. When Nate gets home in the evening, she drops everything to run for the door to get to him before Barkley. Between the two of them, it is total pandemonium.
1. She dances to all music and often demands two things. First, that we put on her Snow White princess dress so she looks pretty while she moves. And second, she will drag you from your seat begging "Please" the whole time when she wants you to waltz with her.
2. Any sadness can be made better with a two step remedy: her kitty and her pacifier.
3. She sleeps like a champ--and ALWAYS in her own bed. She has slept with us only once in her two years of life. Her schedule is fantastic for a family who values sleep: 12-14 hours at night and a two hour nap.
4. She loves her best friends Abby, Hannah, and Axelle. She jumps up and down as soon as she sees them, screaming and hugging them.
5. She now wakes up in the morning yelling "Mama. MaaaaMaaa." Unless I told her the night before that Papa would be home when she wakes up. She remembers and calls for him in that case.
6. She has the deepest, funniest laugh, but somehow talks in the highest, sweetest voice.
7. When we get home she runs through the house yelling, "puppy" until she finds him and then she gives him a big hug (you might not know, he is taller than her).
8. She reads already! OK, not really. But she will sit and read a book, and if it is one of her faves you can hear her saying, "Go, Dog. Go!"
9. She sits in front of the mirror and pretends to put makeup on while I get ready in the morning.
10. When Nate gets home in the evening, she drops everything to run for the door to get to him before Barkley. Between the two of them, it is total pandemonium.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Iowa Caucuses
Ever wondered why we call early voting in Iowa a caucus, but in New Hampshire we call it a primary? Check out this article from the Washington Post. For politico geeks like me, it will make you wish you were from some small unknown Iowa town...like Pella, for example.
It really is fascinating how personal these early voting procedures can be.
It really is fascinating how personal these early voting procedures can be.
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