I'm going to try to blog a little more this month and then, when Miss K turns the big 01, I'm going to shut this baby down.
Why?
You know, this blog used to be about missing Brooklyn and having to move to NH and how weird it is up here and how terrible the winters are and also it was about books and general updates. And now, or for the past 2 years, I feel like it's only about my kids and that's great and all but really, isn't it also a little bit boring?
I'm finding it boring and they're my kids so I'm actually interested in what time Miss K got up from her nap and how many poops were pooped on Tuesday. But you shouldn't be.
I'm thinking about starting a new and improved, less kid-friendly blog. Maybe after the summer. Maybe before. Maybe not at all. Anyway, keep reading for now. I will write through mid-May at least.
And, fyi, Miss K was up a few minutes after 10:00 AM today. Not such a good morning nap.
Showing posts with label updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label updates. Show all posts
April 26, 2011
March 19, 2011
10 Months!
Go Baby Go! You are an 10 amazing months today. I can't believe we're already starting to think about your 1st birthday...well, actually I can since your big sister is birthday obsessed (even for yours) and I'm rather forward thinking. But what a month, baby girl. You want to move so badly. Well, you are moving, just not in the right direction. You can't seem to get the hang of crawling forward. Most of the time your knee is in the way; and when you do get to your belly, you mostly scooch backwards. You are frustrated no end! But you're moving around and getting into things in a way you haven't done yet. You were crying earlier this evening and when I went to give you your binky, you were laying diagonally in your crib. Your dad moved your crib to the lowest setting last week because you have been flipping over more too.
You were a great traveler to Florida. You enjoyed being outside, playing in (and trying to eat) sand for the first time, and swimming in outside pools. You don't like sunblock at all! Your eyes got very red each time we put it on. You also figured out how to take off your hat on our trip. And down there you made it clear you're so done with baby food even though we sometimes have to give it to you if only to use it up. You have your first tooth and can eat most everything as long as it's small enough. You had your first fish stick today for lunch and seemed to like it. And you got really mad that everyone else was eating pizza for lunch. You love feeding yourself---you don't want to be fed unless you're super hungry or it's something super delicious like applesauce. Your hand-eye coordination is so much better too. You probably feed yourself 7 out of 10 Cheerios these days.
One of your favorite things to do these days is to give your paci to me or your dad. You think it's so funny when we have it in one of our mouths. You also laugh when I put a silly hat on. I love seeing your sense of humor develop.
You and your sister and dad all got a nasty stomach bugs when we got back from our trip. It was so sad having you so sick. But the next day, after being vomit-free for 12+ hours, you were hungry and SO mad when I tried to give you 50% formula (doctor's orders) or took away the pedialyte after a few ounces. Hopefully you won't get a bug like that for a long time.
You're starting to "talk." You like to say "da-da-da-da-da." When you say that The Bean says, "he's at work" or "I'm not da-da" or "that's mama, not da-da." You do say "ma-ma" but it tends to be when you're upset. You can also say "uh-oh" and "hi." You're a really good clapper now, too and starting to get the hang of waving. You seem very responsive to music and love shaking rattley things. You also love birds! You have this little noise you make when you see them.
For the most part, you are sleeping better. You've slept through the night a few times and before we left for Florida, you were taking one very long nap during the day. Since we've gotten back, your naps have gotten a little shorter and worse, you've taken to waking up at 4AM. It's much too early! We've been giving you a bottle at 5 AM, but I think we should try to make it even later.
You are such a big, strong girl! I don't put you in anything but 12 months and you can even wear some 18 month clothes. I ordered you a sweet little jumper in 18-24 months and hope that it will be warm enough for you to wear it on your bday. You are probably getting close to 24 pounds, honeybunch, and killing my back, but I wouldn't want you any other way.
xo,
mama
You were a great traveler to Florida. You enjoyed being outside, playing in (and trying to eat) sand for the first time, and swimming in outside pools. You don't like sunblock at all! Your eyes got very red each time we put it on. You also figured out how to take off your hat on our trip. And down there you made it clear you're so done with baby food even though we sometimes have to give it to you if only to use it up. You have your first tooth and can eat most everything as long as it's small enough. You had your first fish stick today for lunch and seemed to like it. And you got really mad that everyone else was eating pizza for lunch. You love feeding yourself---you don't want to be fed unless you're super hungry or it's something super delicious like applesauce. Your hand-eye coordination is so much better too. You probably feed yourself 7 out of 10 Cheerios these days.
One of your favorite things to do these days is to give your paci to me or your dad. You think it's so funny when we have it in one of our mouths. You also laugh when I put a silly hat on. I love seeing your sense of humor develop.
You and your sister and dad all got a nasty stomach bugs when we got back from our trip. It was so sad having you so sick. But the next day, after being vomit-free for 12+ hours, you were hungry and SO mad when I tried to give you 50% formula (doctor's orders) or took away the pedialyte after a few ounces. Hopefully you won't get a bug like that for a long time.
You're starting to "talk." You like to say "da-da-da-da-da." When you say that The Bean says, "he's at work" or "I'm not da-da" or "that's mama, not da-da." You do say "ma-ma" but it tends to be when you're upset. You can also say "uh-oh" and "hi." You're a really good clapper now, too and starting to get the hang of waving. You seem very responsive to music and love shaking rattley things. You also love birds! You have this little noise you make when you see them.
For the most part, you are sleeping better. You've slept through the night a few times and before we left for Florida, you were taking one very long nap during the day. Since we've gotten back, your naps have gotten a little shorter and worse, you've taken to waking up at 4AM. It's much too early! We've been giving you a bottle at 5 AM, but I think we should try to make it even later.
You are such a big, strong girl! I don't put you in anything but 12 months and you can even wear some 18 month clothes. I ordered you a sweet little jumper in 18-24 months and hope that it will be warm enough for you to wear it on your bday. You are probably getting close to 24 pounds, honeybunch, and killing my back, but I wouldn't want you any other way.
xo,
mama
September 6, 2010
Updates!
It's September, isn't it? The Bean is about to start her second week of school. It's 2 mornings a week from 9-11:30. She seems to like it although she's not at all forthcoming with the activities. I'm pretty sure they sing a goodbye song, do something with mats, don't sing the ABC's, and are not serving donuts of bunny crackers for snack.
She was REALLY tired and hungry after her first day on Tuesday. On Thursday she seemed a little more used to it. I want to get into a routine with Miss Koala on these mornings; this week we stayed home, she cat napped, I talked on the phone, wandered around, but it was nice to be home with just one and have a little quiet morning time with just Miss K. Soon enough I imagine she'll be sad that Miss Bean is gone, but until then it's cool bonding time.
Last Wednesday, I took both girlies to a drop-in gymnastics gym. It was okay while the baby slept, but when she woke up it got a little hellish. I was trying to comfort her and keep half an eye on The Bean. It's a huge space and while there are instructors, it's really up to the parents to assist the kids through the circuit. Eventually, I took the baby out of the stroller and she was quasi entertained for a few minutes, but then she just let loose and wouldn't stop crying. Bean did get a solid thirty minutes of playing, but she was enjoying it so I felt sad to make her leave. But them the breaks, kids. Miss K sobbed until we got off the highway and then slept soundly for a good 40 minutes while Bean galavanted outside. Why couldn't she have slept like that when we were out? Anyway, I think my volunteer (a lady who come over once a week) is going to come and stay home with Miss K, which will be great.
This past weekend we made our second pilgrimage to Portsmouth. This year, since we had another baby, we spent the big bucks to get a hotel downtown and a room with a suite. That way the girls could nap seperatley, but at night, when they were both good and asleep, N and I could watch bad TV. I was a little nervous about all four of us sleeping in the same room, but it worked out and a good time was had by all. We walked around a lot, went to a few shops, the Bean got ANOTHER BABY BECAUSE HER DAD IS A SOFTIE, we had a nice dinner and some good beer at the Portsmouth Brewery, and on Sunday we went up to Maine to see Nick's cousins. The Bean had a fabulous time. She got to eat muffins, strawberries and blueberries galore, walk on a wiggly bridge, see some chickens, and chase seagulls at the beach. Both girls (and mom) were pretty beat by the time we got back last night.
Today we did The Rail Trail Ramble. We made it about a 1/2 mile or so---Bean on her bike (pushed by N) and Miss K in her stroller pushed by Mama---before we turned around and went to eat BBQ on the green. We spent the evening eating impromptu Indian with friends from out of town.
All in all, it was a nice labor day and a good, if slightly overwhelming summer.
Here's to a good first day of school to N, a good 3rd morning of Toddler Time for Bean, and a good morning nap for Miss K during her first Mama-Baby yoga class tomorrow.
Happy Fall.
She was REALLY tired and hungry after her first day on Tuesday. On Thursday she seemed a little more used to it. I want to get into a routine with Miss Koala on these mornings; this week we stayed home, she cat napped, I talked on the phone, wandered around, but it was nice to be home with just one and have a little quiet morning time with just Miss K. Soon enough I imagine she'll be sad that Miss Bean is gone, but until then it's cool bonding time.
Last Wednesday, I took both girlies to a drop-in gymnastics gym. It was okay while the baby slept, but when she woke up it got a little hellish. I was trying to comfort her and keep half an eye on The Bean. It's a huge space and while there are instructors, it's really up to the parents to assist the kids through the circuit. Eventually, I took the baby out of the stroller and she was quasi entertained for a few minutes, but then she just let loose and wouldn't stop crying. Bean did get a solid thirty minutes of playing, but she was enjoying it so I felt sad to make her leave. But them the breaks, kids. Miss K sobbed until we got off the highway and then slept soundly for a good 40 minutes while Bean galavanted outside. Why couldn't she have slept like that when we were out? Anyway, I think my volunteer (a lady who come over once a week) is going to come and stay home with Miss K, which will be great.
This past weekend we made our second pilgrimage to Portsmouth. This year, since we had another baby, we spent the big bucks to get a hotel downtown and a room with a suite. That way the girls could nap seperatley, but at night, when they were both good and asleep, N and I could watch bad TV. I was a little nervous about all four of us sleeping in the same room, but it worked out and a good time was had by all. We walked around a lot, went to a few shops, the Bean got ANOTHER BABY BECAUSE HER DAD IS A SOFTIE, we had a nice dinner and some good beer at the Portsmouth Brewery, and on Sunday we went up to Maine to see Nick's cousins. The Bean had a fabulous time. She got to eat muffins, strawberries and blueberries galore, walk on a wiggly bridge, see some chickens, and chase seagulls at the beach. Both girls (and mom) were pretty beat by the time we got back last night.
Today we did The Rail Trail Ramble. We made it about a 1/2 mile or so---Bean on her bike (pushed by N) and Miss K in her stroller pushed by Mama---before we turned around and went to eat BBQ on the green. We spent the evening eating impromptu Indian with friends from out of town.
All in all, it was a nice labor day and a good, if slightly overwhelming summer.
Here's to a good first day of school to N, a good 3rd morning of Toddler Time for Bean, and a good morning nap for Miss K during her first Mama-Baby yoga class tomorrow.
Happy Fall.
March 30, 2010
Rain Rain Rain
It's been raining for days up here. Good thing we got The Bean some new yellow rain boots and green rain jacket. She really likes splashing in the puddles, but today it's really too cold to splash. And she was so tired she literally fell asleep in her tomato soup at lunch. Messy!
We were having a good run when day light savings began. She was sleeping till about 6:30, which was so nice. But for the past 3 mornings, she's been getting up before 6! Yesterday, for the first time in a long time, she refused to take a nap, which is probably why she was sleeping in her soup this afternoon. Hopefully this rainy afternoon will help her to take a good, long nap and hopefully get her back on schedule.
Now that she mostly sleeps through the night, I feel worried about the sleep deprivation that's in my future in about 2 months or so. The Bean didn't sleep through the night for 9! months. I hope her sibling does it a bit sooner. I've heard of kids sleeping through when they come home from the hospital, but I don't think that's really likely. That might make me nervous actually....
N and I had a great weekend away since Granny and Grampy were nice enough to come up and provide The Bean with maple syrup and coffee cake along with tender loving supervision this past Saturday and Sunday. N and I went up to this nice inn in Stowe, VT. It was a late bday present for him and a bit of a baby moon. Because it's monsoon season we were able to get a luxury room for the non-luxury price. I think it might have ruined me for chain hotels. It's really pleasant to have a bathrobe when you get out of the jacuzzi! The best part was probably the heated outdoor pool though. That and not having to be on a schedule. It was a revelation to be like it doesn't matter what time it is...we have no one to care for.
My back is still giving me issues, but I suspect it will till Baby Meow Meow makes an appearance. I just need to maintain it so it doesn't go out again. I've been seeing a chiropractor who always says, "a pound in front is a pound in back." This is upsetting because the next few weeks are about Baby Meow Meow plumping up! It's hard to tell if the chiro stuff is working. It kind of depends on the day. I might try acupuncture too.
Any thoughts y'all?
We were having a good run when day light savings began. She was sleeping till about 6:30, which was so nice. But for the past 3 mornings, she's been getting up before 6! Yesterday, for the first time in a long time, she refused to take a nap, which is probably why she was sleeping in her soup this afternoon. Hopefully this rainy afternoon will help her to take a good, long nap and hopefully get her back on schedule.
Now that she mostly sleeps through the night, I feel worried about the sleep deprivation that's in my future in about 2 months or so. The Bean didn't sleep through the night for 9! months. I hope her sibling does it a bit sooner. I've heard of kids sleeping through when they come home from the hospital, but I don't think that's really likely. That might make me nervous actually....
N and I had a great weekend away since Granny and Grampy were nice enough to come up and provide The Bean with maple syrup and coffee cake along with tender loving supervision this past Saturday and Sunday. N and I went up to this nice inn in Stowe, VT. It was a late bday present for him and a bit of a baby moon. Because it's monsoon season we were able to get a luxury room for the non-luxury price. I think it might have ruined me for chain hotels. It's really pleasant to have a bathrobe when you get out of the jacuzzi! The best part was probably the heated outdoor pool though. That and not having to be on a schedule. It was a revelation to be like it doesn't matter what time it is...we have no one to care for.
My back is still giving me issues, but I suspect it will till Baby Meow Meow makes an appearance. I just need to maintain it so it doesn't go out again. I've been seeing a chiropractor who always says, "a pound in front is a pound in back." This is upsetting because the next few weeks are about Baby Meow Meow plumping up! It's hard to tell if the chiro stuff is working. It kind of depends on the day. I might try acupuncture too.
Any thoughts y'all?
December 1, 2009
December!
Hard to believe it, no? Our travels were successful. The Bean had 72 hours of non-stop fun and excitement chilling with her granny, grampy, unkie, the great aunties, her very cool 3 year old 2nd cousin, and loads of other relatives. She did well with the car time and spoiled us by sleeping in past 6! every morning. One morning she even slept till 6:45! I think it was because the rooms were so dark because she was back to her fairly normally 5:45 wake up here in NH by Monday morn.
I did okay giving her multiple car naps. The one "disaster" of the trip was when the restaurant in Newport forgot to put in our dinner order so we had to contend with an over-tired, very hungry Bean. It was a good lesson to always have food stowed away. It's nice that, with the exception of having kilos of Cheerios, bunny crackers, and raisins for snacks, The Bean can pretty much eat where and what we eat. I was very happy that I had a banana to supplement her dinner on Saturday night though. Without that "nana" things might have been even crazier than a naked toddler spinning in circles in the hotel room.
Personally, I feel like a cow. There's too much food at Thanksgiving. I wouldn't want to give any of it up, but it is pretty insane to have 35 sides, right? My potatoes were a success and as far as I know no one died eating them.
Now we're back in the swing of things. I made a butternut squash soup last night. It got much better when I took my honey's suggestion and added heavy cream and hot sauce, but it was no black bean deliciousness. I have conferences with my students about their research papers this week. It's hard to believe that next week is the last week of classes. I've really enjoyed teaching this past semester. I like the students and it's so nice to do something non-mama related for a few hours. I got a really good evaluation, but I most likely won't be teaching in the spring because they don't offer that many comp classes. The plan now is to have our amazing babysitter come twice a week (instead of once) so I can go off and write, write, edit, write. I'd like to have a send-out worthy version of my YA done by late spring and also write a short story. I used to only write short stories, but I haven't written one in about 2! years. Sending stuff of to mags might also be a good use of my non-mama time.
I'm currently reading Commencement by J. Courtney Smith. It's from the library and it's not that great, but also light enough and decently written enough that I'm going to finish it. Not sure I'd recommend it although I still have 100+ pages to go. I'm not sure why it got so much attention over the summer.
Next up is Lorrie Moore's The Gate at the Stairs and Dave Egger's Zeitoun. I do love books and being into a novel even if it's not life changing.
To top off this extra long postie, here's a pic of The Bean and her granny holding hands on the cliff walk in Newport!
I did okay giving her multiple car naps. The one "disaster" of the trip was when the restaurant in Newport forgot to put in our dinner order so we had to contend with an over-tired, very hungry Bean. It was a good lesson to always have food stowed away. It's nice that, with the exception of having kilos of Cheerios, bunny crackers, and raisins for snacks, The Bean can pretty much eat where and what we eat. I was very happy that I had a banana to supplement her dinner on Saturday night though. Without that "nana" things might have been even crazier than a naked toddler spinning in circles in the hotel room.
Personally, I feel like a cow. There's too much food at Thanksgiving. I wouldn't want to give any of it up, but it is pretty insane to have 35 sides, right? My potatoes were a success and as far as I know no one died eating them.
Now we're back in the swing of things. I made a butternut squash soup last night. It got much better when I took my honey's suggestion and added heavy cream and hot sauce, but it was no black bean deliciousness. I have conferences with my students about their research papers this week. It's hard to believe that next week is the last week of classes. I've really enjoyed teaching this past semester. I like the students and it's so nice to do something non-mama related for a few hours. I got a really good evaluation, but I most likely won't be teaching in the spring because they don't offer that many comp classes. The plan now is to have our amazing babysitter come twice a week (instead of once) so I can go off and write, write, edit, write. I'd like to have a send-out worthy version of my YA done by late spring and also write a short story. I used to only write short stories, but I haven't written one in about 2! years. Sending stuff of to mags might also be a good use of my non-mama time.
I'm currently reading Commencement by J. Courtney Smith. It's from the library and it's not that great, but also light enough and decently written enough that I'm going to finish it. Not sure I'd recommend it although I still have 100+ pages to go. I'm not sure why it got so much attention over the summer.
Next up is Lorrie Moore's The Gate at the Stairs and Dave Egger's Zeitoun. I do love books and being into a novel even if it's not life changing.
To top off this extra long postie, here's a pic of The Bean and her granny holding hands on the cliff walk in Newport!
October 29, 2009
Honk If You Wish It Were Snowing
The title is a reference to the sticker that has been plastered onto the stop sign at the end of my street.
No comment, here.
Sorry for the silence. We had family weekend 09 last weekend. It was a lot of fun most especially for the Bean who has realized that grandparents=attention. Attention=happy Bean.
Miss Bean knows a lot of words. Perhaps the most amazing thing is how much she understands. It seems like out of nowhere she is able to understand and do what I ask. Within reason, of course. I can say, "Beanie, can you pick up your cat over there and put it in the bag?" It's not 100%, but she can usually do it! Very exciting. Now we just have to work on getting her to put her toys away. And maybe wash a few dishes....
We've been having nap crises all week though. She's only been taking one nap, which would be okay if it was long, but yesterday it was only 30 minutes. This is very bad as Miss Bean gets wack-a-doodle drunk by the end of the day if she's sleepy. Luckily, she's been getting her zzzzs in at night, but mama needs a nap too. I think she might have a tooth eruption since she's been practically gnawing her fingers off since Saturday. Hopefully things will improve. But as N sagely points out, at least she's not protesting the night sleep. In fact, she's desperate for it and will point to her crib while I'm 1/2 through her nighttime song. And yes, it might be might my voice.
This week Bean has been insisting on having one of her baby dolls (it doesn't matter which one) in her crib when she sleeps (or doesn't sleep). I'm okay with this, but hope she doesn't get attached to a particular doll. We'd lose it since we lose practically everything.
Hopefully it won't be too miserable on Halloween. We live with an excellent baaing dog and panting sheep!
No comment, here.
Sorry for the silence. We had family weekend 09 last weekend. It was a lot of fun most especially for the Bean who has realized that grandparents=attention. Attention=happy Bean.
Miss Bean knows a lot of words. Perhaps the most amazing thing is how much she understands. It seems like out of nowhere she is able to understand and do what I ask. Within reason, of course. I can say, "Beanie, can you pick up your cat over there and put it in the bag?" It's not 100%, but she can usually do it! Very exciting. Now we just have to work on getting her to put her toys away. And maybe wash a few dishes....
We've been having nap crises all week though. She's only been taking one nap, which would be okay if it was long, but yesterday it was only 30 minutes. This is very bad as Miss Bean gets wack-a-doodle drunk by the end of the day if she's sleepy. Luckily, she's been getting her zzzzs in at night, but mama needs a nap too. I think she might have a tooth eruption since she's been practically gnawing her fingers off since Saturday. Hopefully things will improve. But as N sagely points out, at least she's not protesting the night sleep. In fact, she's desperate for it and will point to her crib while I'm 1/2 through her nighttime song. And yes, it might be might my voice.
This week Bean has been insisting on having one of her baby dolls (it doesn't matter which one) in her crib when she sleeps (or doesn't sleep). I'm okay with this, but hope she doesn't get attached to a particular doll. We'd lose it since we lose practically everything.
Hopefully it won't be too miserable on Halloween. We live with an excellent baaing dog and panting sheep!
October 20, 2009
Bad News At Borders
You know how I liked working at Borders because they didn't have free wifi? Well, I'm bloggering from there right now because they went all free wifi. And you know I have the will power of a goldfish.
But it's this or learning about commas so I can teach my students how to use them and frankly, commas, I don't give a damn.
So, Miss Bean got her first dose of Benadryl after her lip start swelling from something she ate on Saturday night. I feel bad that she's seemed to inherit my allergies, but she was okay and thank goodness the Benadryl made her drowsy and not jittery.
Fully recovered from her lip swelling, the three of us went to a local apple orchard on Sunday. That night we went to colleagues of Nick's for a jamboree. The Bean came and while she had fun, I can never totally enjoy myself because first I worry if she'll actually go to sleep and then, when she did fall asleep, I felt bad waking her up to drive her home. I know it's okay to do this to her once and a while, but her sleep was screwy all day yesterday and I believe it's due to the wakings.
But it was fun to hang out with new people in a new place. And the food was good, too.
Last night we had one of the new faculty over for dinner, which was fun. The babysitter had to come today and since it's been fall break yesterday and today, I've had some free time. And, as you can see from this illuminating post, I've been using it quite wisely.
But it's this or learning about commas so I can teach my students how to use them and frankly, commas, I don't give a damn.
So, Miss Bean got her first dose of Benadryl after her lip start swelling from something she ate on Saturday night. I feel bad that she's seemed to inherit my allergies, but she was okay and thank goodness the Benadryl made her drowsy and not jittery.
Fully recovered from her lip swelling, the three of us went to a local apple orchard on Sunday. That night we went to colleagues of Nick's for a jamboree. The Bean came and while she had fun, I can never totally enjoy myself because first I worry if she'll actually go to sleep and then, when she did fall asleep, I felt bad waking her up to drive her home. I know it's okay to do this to her once and a while, but her sleep was screwy all day yesterday and I believe it's due to the wakings.
But it was fun to hang out with new people in a new place. And the food was good, too.
Last night we had one of the new faculty over for dinner, which was fun. The babysitter had to come today and since it's been fall break yesterday and today, I've had some free time. And, as you can see from this illuminating post, I've been using it quite wisely.
September 21, 2009
Weekend Update
Heya Kiddies,
The three of us went, somewhat spontaneosly, to Portsmouth, on the seacoast this weekend because I had a revelation that if we didn't take a free weekend in nice weather and go somewhere new we never would. I've always regretted not visiting San Francisco when I lived in Seattle. It was so close, but I never chose a weekend to just do it.
So, early Saturday morn we set off. Portsmouth was a nice town. There were good shops, a nice park with stuff going on, and we had fab weather too. It made me miss having coffee shops a lot though! We all had success shopping too: N got a Ghostface Killah album on CD because he is the last person on earth actually building up his music collection with actual, in-your-hands CDs, I desperately need new pants, but got two "new" sweaters at a great consignment shop, and Bean got her first ever baby doll from an amazing toy store that I'm happy is not in our town because I would spend too much money there. I think we got suckered into buying the doll because there's really not much cuter than a toddler saying "baby." We walked all around Portsmouth and got to see some cool boats, nice gardens, an amazing bubble machine, and even some fairies! The only bummer of the trip was the food. We were hoping for fresh amd tasty seafood, but it didn't happen. We chose Thai for dinner because the one Thai place near us is awful, but so was the place we chose. The Bean's tofu and veggies were delish though. And she got to discover the wonderfullness that is undiluted pineapple juice.
Speaking of pineapple juice, to celebrate our weekend on the coast, Missy B slept in till 6:15 the next morning. N and I could hardly believe it cuz she's been waking at 5:15ish for the past hellish six weeks of so. We were so happy we promptly gave her a banana and the rest of her pineapple juice right in the king sized bed. Horray for lots of pillows!
We went to a fun, quirky place for breakfast because its open 24-hours on weekends and it's exciting to go out to breakfast at 6:45 AM! After another walk through town, we drove up the coast to York, Maine! We made the right decision not to go to the Children's Museum because there was really low-tide so the Bean could scamper to her heart's delight along on the beautiful beach. Plus, there were dozens of wonderful dogs running every which way that were more than happy to play with her. The water was even warm enough for me and Bean to put our toes in.
After checking out an incredible playground with slides YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO WALK UP, we had our last touristy meal and drove back to NH because, as the Bean likes to say, as nice as it is to get away,it's even nicer to come home even if your town doesn't have any coffee shops, heavenly toy stores, or walk-up slides.
The three of us went, somewhat spontaneosly, to Portsmouth, on the seacoast this weekend because I had a revelation that if we didn't take a free weekend in nice weather and go somewhere new we never would. I've always regretted not visiting San Francisco when I lived in Seattle. It was so close, but I never chose a weekend to just do it.
So, early Saturday morn we set off. Portsmouth was a nice town. There were good shops, a nice park with stuff going on, and we had fab weather too. It made me miss having coffee shops a lot though! We all had success shopping too: N got a Ghostface Killah album on CD because he is the last person on earth actually building up his music collection with actual, in-your-hands CDs, I desperately need new pants, but got two "new" sweaters at a great consignment shop, and Bean got her first ever baby doll from an amazing toy store that I'm happy is not in our town because I would spend too much money there. I think we got suckered into buying the doll because there's really not much cuter than a toddler saying "baby." We walked all around Portsmouth and got to see some cool boats, nice gardens, an amazing bubble machine, and even some fairies! The only bummer of the trip was the food. We were hoping for fresh amd tasty seafood, but it didn't happen. We chose Thai for dinner because the one Thai place near us is awful, but so was the place we chose. The Bean's tofu and veggies were delish though. And she got to discover the wonderfullness that is undiluted pineapple juice.
Speaking of pineapple juice, to celebrate our weekend on the coast, Missy B slept in till 6:15 the next morning. N and I could hardly believe it cuz she's been waking at 5:15ish for the past hellish six weeks of so. We were so happy we promptly gave her a banana and the rest of her pineapple juice right in the king sized bed. Horray for lots of pillows!
We went to a fun, quirky place for breakfast because its open 24-hours on weekends and it's exciting to go out to breakfast at 6:45 AM! After another walk through town, we drove up the coast to York, Maine! We made the right decision not to go to the Children's Museum because there was really low-tide so the Bean could scamper to her heart's delight along on the beautiful beach. Plus, there were dozens of wonderful dogs running every which way that were more than happy to play with her. The water was even warm enough for me and Bean to put our toes in.
After checking out an incredible playground with slides YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO WALK UP, we had our last touristy meal and drove back to NH because, as the Bean likes to say, as nice as it is to get away,it's even nicer to come home even if your town doesn't have any coffee shops, heavenly toy stores, or walk-up slides.
September 15, 2009
That Time of Year
It's crazy how one day you notice a few red leaves in a single tree. Those leaves seem like an aberration since you're still in summer mode, running around outside most of the day and cooling off at night with a fresh squeezed lemonade at the Farmer's Market. But then, it feels like hours later, every other tree's leaves is changing and nights and mornings are downright cold.
Here we go with NH Fall #2. I'm trying to be positive. The leaves are so pretty, but it seems like every day more of them change from green to red and yellow and even more of them are on the ground. Today Missy Bean and I spent a lot of time in the house and we both felt a little nutty. But we have a membership to the science museum and even when it's cold we can take short walks to the library and art gallery. We can go out to lunch, look at books and toys at Borders, go to the pet store, grocery shopping, etc. We also have music on Fridays and we know a lot more people than we did a year ago and hopefully we'll know even more by the time the weather is downright dreadful.
Yes, I've used "downright" twice in this post. I have no idea why.
Anyway, teaching has been pretty good. The students seem pretty alert for such an early class although this could change in a few weeks. While I miss the diversity of my old school, the new has some nice things. At my old school, I worked, often taught, and took all my graduate classes on the same floor as the president. But he was in an office within an office with a door that was always closed. I saw him maybe three times in six years and two of those times were at functions. At the new school, the president's door is open and he sent a campus-wide email saying he had office hours for faculty and staff and there were even monthly brown bag lunches with him. As a lowly adjunct who needs to get home to watch the kiddo, I won't be partaking in these, but it still creates a nice vibe.
Even nicer than the pres' lunching? They let the faculty use the copy machine! Without having it under lock and key. It's in a room across from the department office and you can use it (assuming you know the code) without feeling like a criminal. At my old school, if you wanted to make your own copies (because maybe you needed the copies quickly) there would be 3-4 secretaries right next to you just waiting for you to go over the alloted number. It was pretty stressful and although I'm sure there were profs who would abuse the copier for their own use, I believe that most people wanted to make copies for the students. To uh, teach them. So that's nice.
It's a little rough having to go teach, drive back and take care of the Bean, but overall I guess I'm happy I'm back in school. It's a lot easier to be tired at work than tired with a toddler. But you should probably ask me again in six weeks.
Here we go with NH Fall #2. I'm trying to be positive. The leaves are so pretty, but it seems like every day more of them change from green to red and yellow and even more of them are on the ground. Today Missy Bean and I spent a lot of time in the house and we both felt a little nutty. But we have a membership to the science museum and even when it's cold we can take short walks to the library and art gallery. We can go out to lunch, look at books and toys at Borders, go to the pet store, grocery shopping, etc. We also have music on Fridays and we know a lot more people than we did a year ago and hopefully we'll know even more by the time the weather is downright dreadful.
Yes, I've used "downright" twice in this post. I have no idea why.
Anyway, teaching has been pretty good. The students seem pretty alert for such an early class although this could change in a few weeks. While I miss the diversity of my old school, the new has some nice things. At my old school, I worked, often taught, and took all my graduate classes on the same floor as the president. But he was in an office within an office with a door that was always closed. I saw him maybe three times in six years and two of those times were at functions. At the new school, the president's door is open and he sent a campus-wide email saying he had office hours for faculty and staff and there were even monthly brown bag lunches with him. As a lowly adjunct who needs to get home to watch the kiddo, I won't be partaking in these, but it still creates a nice vibe.
Even nicer than the pres' lunching? They let the faculty use the copy machine! Without having it under lock and key. It's in a room across from the department office and you can use it (assuming you know the code) without feeling like a criminal. At my old school, if you wanted to make your own copies (because maybe you needed the copies quickly) there would be 3-4 secretaries right next to you just waiting for you to go over the alloted number. It was pretty stressful and although I'm sure there were profs who would abuse the copier for their own use, I believe that most people wanted to make copies for the students. To uh, teach them. So that's nice.
It's a little rough having to go teach, drive back and take care of the Bean, but overall I guess I'm happy I'm back in school. It's a lot easier to be tired at work than tired with a toddler. But you should probably ask me again in six weeks.
August 18, 2009
Mid-August Update
Smokes: The Bean has been paci free for a solid week now. Other than one bad night (which was probably also due to heavy teething) she's been pretty cool with it. Well, she's not napping so much, but maybe she's downsizing?
Personal Grooming: Crazy times. The Bean had a bath 2! nights in a row to make up for the fact that we couldn't remember the last time she'd been bathed. Did you know her new MO is to stand up in the tub at all times? Today, her mom and dad both got their hairs cut and one of them had a pedicure and an eye-brow wax.
Weather: It's been HOT here, baby. Hot and humid. It's kind of beastly, but I'm trying to enjoy it since it's gonna be cold and gray before I know it.
Reading: I'm still reading Three Cups of Frakin Tea! But I'm going to finish it before we go to Adks on Monday. Then I have to read all the essays I'm assigning for school. Ugh. Maybe I can sneak something light and juicy in though. N is reading my manuscript, which he printed out today. Besides that I don't think he's read a book in like five months. In heavy rotation for Miss Bean is Good Night Gorilla, Dog and That's Not My Pirate, which N has also read so I guess he has read some books lately.
"Mad Men": I thought the season opening was pretty good. N liked it more than I did, but that's par for the course.
Pizza: We kind of got cocky with our p-making skillz and then got a good come-down on Sunday. The humidity make it nearly impossible for N to roll the dough out well and we timed things most poorly so the Bean was a screaming lunatic because, gasp, it was five minutes after 5:00 and the poor thing hadn't been fed. Have I mentioned that The Bean is bigger than some 2 year olds we know? The girl does not want for food, but try telling her that when you're late with supper. Her screams stressed us to no end so that the first pie was undercooked and not so tasty. The second pie was better, but whole wheat dough depressed N to no end and he ending up scrapping it and ordering Chinese.
Puppies: OMG! The puppies next door had 8! puppies and they are so cute, I want to vomit every time I see them, which is not often enough.
August 11, 2009
Houston, We Have A Walker
So, um, yeah. She's walking. As of today. Previously, I don't think I'd ever seen her walk more than 4 steps although it was rumored that she had done 5 or 6. But today she was all over the place, walking from the living room, through the dining room, and into the kitchen, without crawling or falling, to see me. How cool!
By the time N gets back from his manly-man hike in the Adks on Friday, she'll be sprinting laps. He's here now, don't worry. It's a short jaunt---he'll leave tomorrow afternoon and return Friday morning.
Anyway,do you think she started walking because she STOPPED SMOKING? That's right---she's been cigarette free for 24 hours now. None last night, none for the naps today, and none tonight. You go girl! I keep thinking she'll freak out, but she really hasn't. She was up a bit last night, but all in all it really wasn't bad.
Unfortunately she's a bit under the weather. Her vacs got cancelled cuz she was running a fever and she was very mellow during our bedtime reading of Goodnight Moon. Hopefully she'll be better tomorrow.
Man, we really gotta childproof now.
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