2. Reading this months Sculpture magazine and in it, the interview with Rachel Perry Welty. These two quotes made me stop and think. -"they are not representational. I hope that they merely suggest." -"the world belongs to the articulate."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A few highlights from the week so far......
1. Hysterical laughter from G while reading Amy Krouse Rosenthal's, Little Pea. If you love hearing your toddler laugh uncontrollably, I highly recommend this book. 2. Reading this months Sculpture magazine and in it, the interview with Rachel Perry Welty. These two quotes made me stop and think. -"they are not representational. I hope that they merely suggest." -"the world belongs to the articulate."
2. Reading this months Sculpture magazine and in it, the interview with Rachel Perry Welty. These two quotes made me stop and think. -"they are not representational. I hope that they merely suggest." -"the world belongs to the articulate."
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Conversations I'd rather not have, #1
G: IS that a COOKIE?
Me: NO. No, G. THAT is not a cookie. Now get out of the bath tub so I can clean it.
Lesson learned: Never make your son laugh hysterically while taking a bath. Save the good jokes for before or after, when they've got a diaper on.
Me: NO. No, G. THAT is not a cookie. Now get out of the bath tub so I can clean it.
Lesson learned: Never make your son laugh hysterically while taking a bath. Save the good jokes for before or after, when they've got a diaper on.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Chivalry is not dead
Me: G, will you be a big help and pick up that Cheerio and put it in the trash, please?
G (staring at the Cheerio): What Cheerio?
Me: The one, right in front of you, on the floor. Please pick it up and throw it in the trash.
G: Okay. Sure. I'd love. (stammering a bit) I'd love to help you Mama.
No joke. That is what he said.
I had a dream that baby #2 was a boy. I wonder if I am destined to be surrounded by men.
G (staring at the Cheerio): What Cheerio?
Me: The one, right in front of you, on the floor. Please pick it up and throw it in the trash.
G: Okay. Sure. I'd love. (stammering a bit) I'd love to help you Mama.
No joke. That is what he said.
I had a dream that baby #2 was a boy. I wonder if I am destined to be surrounded by men.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Pigs and pregnancy
The past few weeks my belly has really begun to grow and my choice of pants to wear has dwindled from MANY to five. I had to buy a few longer shirts to accomodate the growth as well. At 27 weeks along, most people tell me, "Oh, you look so petite or small." But I feel quite big and cumbersome.
Thursday night B was out playing basketball for the evening. As I squatted down to wipe G's face after dinner he immediately ran behind me, threw his arms around my neck and climbed up on my back saying,
"Mama, I want to ride you like a pig."
Now, I don't usually think of myself as being sensitive about the weight gain, but I've gotta admit my first thought was, "My 2 year old is calling me fat."
My second thought was, "What is he talking about, people don't ride PIGS."
I had to share this with someone and B was out for the night, so I called my sister.
It was only in the retelling of the story that I realized what G was talking about.
He wanted a piggy back ride........
Thursday night B was out playing basketball for the evening. As I squatted down to wipe G's face after dinner he immediately ran behind me, threw his arms around my neck and climbed up on my back saying,
"Mama, I want to ride you like a pig."
Now, I don't usually think of myself as being sensitive about the weight gain, but I've gotta admit my first thought was, "My 2 year old is calling me fat."
My second thought was, "What is he talking about, people don't ride PIGS."
I had to share this with someone and B was out for the night, so I called my sister.
It was only in the retelling of the story that I realized what G was talking about.
He wanted a piggy back ride........
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wishing.......
I had the answer. Or even just a relatively strong gut feeling.
For the past two months I have been consumed with the pursuit of natural childbirth after a C-Section. I am determined to push this little human growing inside of me out of my body by myself, without the aide of pitocin, a vaccum, forceps or a knife. It has become my latest obsession. I have read incessantly, talked with everyone I can think of and read numerous blogs and mothering forums.
We interviewed four doulas and chose the best one for us. She has been wonderful so far with advice on books, finding the right care provider and just plain supportive of any random question I might have.
I've decided to leave the midwife practice I've been seeing ever since I was pregnant with G because they feel much more medical minded than I am comfortable with. They think like OB's and deliver at the hospital with the highest c-section rate in Rhode Island.
In the pursuit of a new health care provider, I have interviewed another midwife practice that delivers at a different hospital, a homebirth midwife and a family physician/OB. The OB has been ruled out.
My gut says my best chances for a natural birth are at home but my brain is worried about the one trillionth chance of complications and the fact that I won't technically have any connection to a liscenced health care professional. The homebirth midwife IS a professional, and in my opinion has more experience (27 years) than anyone I've interviewed, BUT she is a CPM (not a CNM) and RI does not recognize them, so she can not write perscriptions or even legally deliver a baby in the state.
I am so torn and eager to make the decision. I would like to go back to focusing on other topics in my life, such as making some art before #2 arrives or maybe just planning dinner.
I have given myself until tomorrow to decide. It's just getting that ridiculous and I am 26 weeks along now so I feel the urge to have this nailed down.
What do I do about the fact that neither option feels perfect?
For the past two months I have been consumed with the pursuit of natural childbirth after a C-Section. I am determined to push this little human growing inside of me out of my body by myself, without the aide of pitocin, a vaccum, forceps or a knife. It has become my latest obsession. I have read incessantly, talked with everyone I can think of and read numerous blogs and mothering forums.
We interviewed four doulas and chose the best one for us. She has been wonderful so far with advice on books, finding the right care provider and just plain supportive of any random question I might have.
I've decided to leave the midwife practice I've been seeing ever since I was pregnant with G because they feel much more medical minded than I am comfortable with. They think like OB's and deliver at the hospital with the highest c-section rate in Rhode Island.
In the pursuit of a new health care provider, I have interviewed another midwife practice that delivers at a different hospital, a homebirth midwife and a family physician/OB. The OB has been ruled out.
My gut says my best chances for a natural birth are at home but my brain is worried about the one trillionth chance of complications and the fact that I won't technically have any connection to a liscenced health care professional. The homebirth midwife IS a professional, and in my opinion has more experience (27 years) than anyone I've interviewed, BUT she is a CPM (not a CNM) and RI does not recognize them, so she can not write perscriptions or even legally deliver a baby in the state.
I am so torn and eager to make the decision. I would like to go back to focusing on other topics in my life, such as making some art before #2 arrives or maybe just planning dinner.
I have given myself until tomorrow to decide. It's just getting that ridiculous and I am 26 weeks along now so I feel the urge to have this nailed down.
What do I do about the fact that neither option feels perfect?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Awesome Stuff!
I stumbled upon this book during a late night (9pm) trip to Urban Outfitters with two of my gal pals, after a lovely evening of dinner and an art show.After briefly flipping through the illustrations in the store, I sensed there was something special about the book, but decided not to buy it because I have a constant and at times debilitating fear of buyers remorse. But anyways.
When I got home from Urban Outfitters, that night, I did a search for it on the web , found the website and decided I had to buy it.
This book really is awesome! The first time I read it to G, I teared up.
You should check it out.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Not knowing
We have decided not to find out whether we are having a girl or a boy.
On some days however, I really want to know. People always ask, "Do you know what you're having?" And when I say, "NO, we're waiting", they say, "Oh you must really want a girl." And you know what? I don't REALLY want a girl. Actually, I want a boy so G can have a brother and I want a girl so B and I can have the experience of knowing what it is like to be the parents of a girl.
Either way we will be thrilled. And all we really care about is if this little human is healthy. That is all that truly matters.
But some days, I just wish I knew.
And then again, there is something fun about NOT knowing.
On some days however, I really want to know. People always ask, "Do you know what you're having?" And when I say, "NO, we're waiting", they say, "Oh you must really want a girl." And you know what? I don't REALLY want a girl. Actually, I want a boy so G can have a brother and I want a girl so B and I can have the experience of knowing what it is like to be the parents of a girl.
Either way we will be thrilled. And all we really care about is if this little human is healthy. That is all that truly matters.
But some days, I just wish I knew.
And then again, there is something fun about NOT knowing.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Prenatal Yoga
Phone conversation with my NOT pregnant sister, C.
Me: When does that Yoga class, you said you signed up for, start?
C: Next Tuesday.
Me: (apparently mumbling) I should sign up for one. A prenatal course.
C: NO!
Me: What do you mean? Why not?
C: I'm beyond the beginner level.
C: And, I will not be the one NOT pregnant girl.
She thought I was trying to insinuate that she needed to take the prenatal course because it would be easier for her.
Me: When does that Yoga class, you said you signed up for, start?
C: Next Tuesday.
Me: (apparently mumbling) I should sign up for one. A prenatal course.
C: NO!
Me: What do you mean? Why not?
C: I'm beyond the beginner level.
C: And, I will not be the one NOT pregnant girl.
She thought I was trying to insinuate that she needed to take the prenatal course because it would be easier for her.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
What girls are good for......
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of preparations and getting back into our Fall routine. Oh, and the evenings have been filled with scrounging up every last episode of the not yet officially released MAD MEN, Season Three. B has a way of just finding them on the internet, albeit cruddy copies but copies none-the-less. You could say that we are addicted. The last episode we were able to watch, all but the last 10 minutes, was the one where Betty gives birth. As a woman who is about to head down that road in 17 weeks or so, if you haven't seen it yet, all I'll say is, it was horrifying. Just further motivation for me to take control of those things that I do have control over and make the process as natural as it can be, within reason of course.
With G at daycare two days a week, B's new school year in full swing, and me teaching two courses this semester, the lazy days of summer are over. I'm officially 23 weeks pregnant, physically feeling good and eager to meet this new human growing inside of me. But not too eager. I am soaking up these last few months with G and appreciating what I assume to be the ease of "just having one."
He recently made this funny yet potentially troublesome observation on gender roles.
*******************************************
My friend's daughter, M, born 8 days after G, is his best friend.
Last weekend, we had a small gathering at our house in which M attended. G and M played together all night. The next day at lunch B, G and I were sitting at the table when G told us:
"M fed me with her spoon yesterday. That was really nice."
After which, he proceeded to say:
"That's what girls are good for."
******************************
Maybe it's because I'm one of three girls, maybe it's that I'm 23 weeks pregnant, but if he wasn't only two years old, that would have been cause for a bit of a talking to.
With G at daycare two days a week, B's new school year in full swing, and me teaching two courses this semester, the lazy days of summer are over. I'm officially 23 weeks pregnant, physically feeling good and eager to meet this new human growing inside of me. But not too eager. I am soaking up these last few months with G and appreciating what I assume to be the ease of "just having one."
He recently made this funny yet potentially troublesome observation on gender roles.
*******************************************
My friend's daughter, M, born 8 days after G, is his best friend.
Last weekend, we had a small gathering at our house in which M attended. G and M played together all night. The next day at lunch B, G and I were sitting at the table when G told us:
"M fed me with her spoon yesterday. That was really nice."
After which, he proceeded to say:
"That's what girls are good for."
******************************
Maybe it's because I'm one of three girls, maybe it's that I'm 23 weeks pregnant, but if he wasn't only two years old, that would have been cause for a bit of a talking to.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Reunited
Yesterday my parents, aka Nonni and Grampi, brought G home from a three day hiatus at their house. It was so good to have some time away, alone, but so much better to see him again. He looked older, taller, thinner and his hair looked longer. It's amazing how much you miss or just take for granted when you are with them all day, every day.
Turns out they had a great time together. G was a good guest and kept my parents laughing and on their toes.
Turns out they had a great time together. G was a good guest and kept my parents laughing and on their toes.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Patience
Lately I seem to be questioning much of what goes on with G. If he cries when we put him down to sleep, after numerous books and the normal routine, I wonder what is wrong. What am I not giving him that he needs.
If he is overly fussy I wonder why is he doing this to me. But deep down I know he is not doing it to me. He is just doing it because tantrums and testing and stretching the limits are all developmentally appropriate right now. It is still hard to take, but talking about it helps. I know that I have to work through this stage with him as a patient, loving, consistent parental figure who gives him room to be and gently guides him toward appropriate behavior, however long it takes. Not easy.
I just finished an amazing book called Momma Zen: Walking the crooked path of Motherhood, by Karen Maezen Miller. It was just what I needed, when I needed it. She talked about the tantrums and suggested looking at yourself for clues as to why they might be happening in the moment that they are happening. See what you might be doing or not doing to contribute. Give yourself a timeout by going into another room (if it is safe to leave the child, of course) and let them know when they are calm, they should come get you. I love that idea.
It already worked once, maybe just at calming me down, but hey, that counts.
This parenting thing is a constant exercise in being open and patient.
If he is overly fussy I wonder why is he doing this to me. But deep down I know he is not doing it to me. He is just doing it because tantrums and testing and stretching the limits are all developmentally appropriate right now. It is still hard to take, but talking about it helps. I know that I have to work through this stage with him as a patient, loving, consistent parental figure who gives him room to be and gently guides him toward appropriate behavior, however long it takes. Not easy.
I just finished an amazing book called Momma Zen: Walking the crooked path of Motherhood, by Karen Maezen Miller. It was just what I needed, when I needed it. She talked about the tantrums and suggested looking at yourself for clues as to why they might be happening in the moment that they are happening. See what you might be doing or not doing to contribute. Give yourself a timeout by going into another room (if it is safe to leave the child, of course) and let them know when they are calm, they should come get you. I love that idea.
It already worked once, maybe just at calming me down, but hey, that counts.
This parenting thing is a constant exercise in being open and patient.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Of note, this week
A few things of note, that occurred over the past week; a bulleted list.
We're off to Crane's Beach in Ipswich, MA this weekend. Should be another story-filled two days.
- Came, THIS, close to getting a black eye from the reverse head-butt my two year old landed on my left cheek, while I tried to put him to sleep, during our first night of camping last weekend.
- Discovering the Fantastic Umbrella Factory in Charlestown, RI. It's like a little piece of San Francisco in Rhode Island. Haight Street meets Armistead Maupin's, Tales of the City.
- Watching my two year old son "breastfeed" his beloved "Kitty." Overheard: "What's that? You want some milk, Kitty? Okay. Here you go. (as he lifts Kitty's mouth to his bare nipple)
We're off to Crane's Beach in Ipswich, MA this weekend. Should be another story-filled two days.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Doulas and Jesus
In an attempt to better my chances of having a VBAC (G was born via emergency c-section) B and I have decided to hire a doula. We've met three of the four women that I have scheduled interviews with and Man is this difficult. They each seem great in their own ways.
I can't seem to separate my feelings about them as people in order to discern whether or not I think I'll feel comfortable being naked and totally vulnerable in front of them. I like them all. How can I know who I will want there to comfort and support me when I am actually in labor? It's almost like I'm searching for the right religion. Maybe I'm putting too much on this.
Speaking of religion. Two nights ago we began the night time routine of wrestling G into his pj's. Trying to empower G to take part in the process, I said, "G it's time for your pajamas. Can you take your shirt off?"
When he did not respond, I said, "Okay, let me take your shirt off. Arms up."
To which he responded by raising his arms and saying, "Arms up for Jesus!"
B and I have never said this to him. My sister said it the first time she heard us ask G to put his "arms up," and she has said it, maybe, four or five times since, over the course of a year and a half.
Here's to hoping that one of us finds him.
I can't seem to separate my feelings about them as people in order to discern whether or not I think I'll feel comfortable being naked and totally vulnerable in front of them. I like them all. How can I know who I will want there to comfort and support me when I am actually in labor? It's almost like I'm searching for the right religion. Maybe I'm putting too much on this.
Speaking of religion. Two nights ago we began the night time routine of wrestling G into his pj's. Trying to empower G to take part in the process, I said, "G it's time for your pajamas. Can you take your shirt off?"
When he did not respond, I said, "Okay, let me take your shirt off. Arms up."
To which he responded by raising his arms and saying, "Arms up for Jesus!"
B and I have never said this to him. My sister said it the first time she heard us ask G to put his "arms up," and she has said it, maybe, four or five times since, over the course of a year and a half.
Here's to hoping that one of us finds him.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A little different.
Being at the ocean always does something for my soul. My family has been vacationing at the same beach in Maine for 25 years and it never fails to refresh my outlook. There were a few years in, and slightly after, college that I did not go with them, but now I would not miss the chance to bring my son to the beach where my parents, sisters and I have such fond memories.
Our vacation was everything that a good week and a half away should be. It was relaxing, fun, stressful at times and ultimately, gave me the perspective I needed. It was great to be away and great to come home. I love the first night back when we prepare our own meal, sleep in our own bed and snuggle with our overly affectionate cats.
Everything feels a little different. New.
**********************************
I have officially settled into "being" pregnant. I'm showing much more than when I was 17 weeks along with G, which I know is normal, but it's still weird. I've started to feel the little life moving inside me, it's reassuring, exciting and creepy all at once.
While I type this G is napping upstairs in his new, low to the ground, twin bed. So, it seems the days of worrying whether or not he'll jump out of his crib are behind us. Last night we moved the crib aside, which gave my heart a jolt. Wait, didn't we just put this thing together for our unborn first child? I can't believe how fast two years have gone.
The first night went well. I checked on him once and then at 6:30 this morning we heard. "Hey. I'm in here." When I opened the door he was standing on the other side to greet me. He hadn't even tried to open the door to discover that we had mounted a child gate just outside, in case he decided to sleep walk.
New things are brewing and a new perspective has been achieved.....
For now anyways.
Our vacation was everything that a good week and a half away should be. It was relaxing, fun, stressful at times and ultimately, gave me the perspective I needed. It was great to be away and great to come home. I love the first night back when we prepare our own meal, sleep in our own bed and snuggle with our overly affectionate cats.
Everything feels a little different. New.
**********************************
I have officially settled into "being" pregnant. I'm showing much more than when I was 17 weeks along with G, which I know is normal, but it's still weird. I've started to feel the little life moving inside me, it's reassuring, exciting and creepy all at once.
While I type this G is napping upstairs in his new, low to the ground, twin bed. So, it seems the days of worrying whether or not he'll jump out of his crib are behind us. Last night we moved the crib aside, which gave my heart a jolt. Wait, didn't we just put this thing together for our unborn first child? I can't believe how fast two years have gone.
The first night went well. I checked on him once and then at 6:30 this morning we heard. "Hey. I'm in here." When I opened the door he was standing on the other side to greet me. He hadn't even tried to open the door to discover that we had mounted a child gate just outside, in case he decided to sleep walk.
New things are brewing and a new perspective has been achieved.....
For now anyways.
Monday, July 20, 2009
New perspective
Tomorrow we're headed North.
B, G and I are going to the coast of Maine and then to the lakes of New Hampshire. Not sure what kind of internet connection we'll have up there, so I won't be posting much, if at all. Have a great week and I'll be back with renewed perspective and a few stories to tell.
Pray for good weather, please.
B, G and I are going to the coast of Maine and then to the lakes of New Hampshire. Not sure what kind of internet connection we'll have up there, so I won't be posting much, if at all. Have a great week and I'll be back with renewed perspective and a few stories to tell.
Pray for good weather, please.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
14 weeks
From the moment I found out, I was preoccupied with concern. The constant worry subsided a bit at 10 weeks when B and I saw and heard the heartbeat. Up until then I was feeling physically fine, just very emotional and suddenly around 10 1/2 weeks, I started experiencing extreme nausea. A few days later I got a cold, and for a week straight, felt like I was going to die. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. It was bad.
Then, as quickly as it arrived, at 12 weeks on the nose, the nausea and cold were gone. And again, I was worried. Why did it end so abruptly. I thought something must be wrong. I fought the urge to call my midwife every day because I didn't have any signs that something was really wrong.
Yesterday B and I saw my midwife for the 14 week checkup and she scolded me for not calling.
"Never sit home and worry." she said. "Now let's listen for this heartbeat."
She squeezed some jelly on the Doppler wand and began sliding it around the little ponch that has begun to form in my lower abdomen.
Nothing at first.
"Remember we're looking for a little fish in a big pond," she said, trying to ease our worries.
Then she found it. Loud and clear and fast. I was surprised when my eyes immediately filled with tears and the lump in my throat made it hard to talk. I felt so relieved.
I'm glad I didn't call two weeks ago. If this is going to be, it's going to be and I want to stop obsessing over every twinge. I need to let go of that which I have no control over and focus on the things I can do now.
Like spend time with my son and make some sculpture.
Then, as quickly as it arrived, at 12 weeks on the nose, the nausea and cold were gone. And again, I was worried. Why did it end so abruptly. I thought something must be wrong. I fought the urge to call my midwife every day because I didn't have any signs that something was really wrong.
Yesterday B and I saw my midwife for the 14 week checkup and she scolded me for not calling.
"Never sit home and worry." she said. "Now let's listen for this heartbeat."
She squeezed some jelly on the Doppler wand and began sliding it around the little ponch that has begun to form in my lower abdomen.
Nothing at first.
"Remember we're looking for a little fish in a big pond," she said, trying to ease our worries.
Then she found it. Loud and clear and fast. I was surprised when my eyes immediately filled with tears and the lump in my throat made it hard to talk. I felt so relieved.
I'm glad I didn't call two weeks ago. If this is going to be, it's going to be and I want to stop obsessing over every twinge. I need to let go of that which I have no control over and focus on the things I can do now.
Like spend time with my son and make some sculpture.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Too heavy
For a variety of reasons, the main one being that nausea and exhaustion left me feeling like ass and it was all I could do to keep going and get the bare minimum done, I think I failed to pick up on the noteworthy things coming out of G's mouth over the past few months.
Over the past few weeks, however, I have begun to feel like I can operate in the world of the living once again, and I have begun to take notice.
Last weekend our friend Graham participated in a Half Ironman that ended with the run portion in Providence. G, B and I all went with his wife, Alison, to cheer him on. We stayed in one spot on the sidewalk for about an hour to see him do the same loop twice, cheering on all the runners as they passed.
G loved it, eagerly clapping, giving the thumbs up and an occasional high five. It was truly inspiring to watch so many people of all different ages accomplish such a great physical challenge. We saw a 73 year old man run by and I got chills just thinking of him finishing the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run.
The second and final time we saw Graham run by, we said bye to Alison as she left to meet him at the finish line, and we took G home for his nap.
In the car on the way home, G and B had the following conversation.
G: "Where'd Alison go? Where is she?"
B: "She went to pick up Graham at the finish line."
G: "He's too heavy."
It's good to be back.
Over the past few weeks, however, I have begun to feel like I can operate in the world of the living once again, and I have begun to take notice.
Last weekend our friend Graham participated in a Half Ironman that ended with the run portion in Providence. G, B and I all went with his wife, Alison, to cheer him on. We stayed in one spot on the sidewalk for about an hour to see him do the same loop twice, cheering on all the runners as they passed.
G loved it, eagerly clapping, giving the thumbs up and an occasional high five. It was truly inspiring to watch so many people of all different ages accomplish such a great physical challenge. We saw a 73 year old man run by and I got chills just thinking of him finishing the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run.
The second and final time we saw Graham run by, we said bye to Alison as she left to meet him at the finish line, and we took G home for his nap.
In the car on the way home, G and B had the following conversation.
G: "Where'd Alison go? Where is she?"
B: "She went to pick up Graham at the finish line."
G: "He's too heavy."
It's good to be back.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Eye contact is a must
To the woman in the park:
Hi. You seem nice and your son is very cute, but those sunglasses are a real turn off.
Seriously, it was overcast with the occasional, and I mean VERY occasional spot of sun today and you never once took off your glasses. You didn't even do the courteous thing of wearing them like a headband when we were talking. I'm an eye contact kind of person. I learn a lot from looking people in the eyes. As it stands, I don't even feel like we actually met today.
Also, your lenses have a tiny area that is not tinted, so every now and then I got a glimpse of the corner of your eyeball as we spoke. And that was just plain creepy.
If we meet again, I hope it's under better circumstances.
Hi. You seem nice and your son is very cute, but those sunglasses are a real turn off.
Seriously, it was overcast with the occasional, and I mean VERY occasional spot of sun today and you never once took off your glasses. You didn't even do the courteous thing of wearing them like a headband when we were talking. I'm an eye contact kind of person. I learn a lot from looking people in the eyes. As it stands, I don't even feel like we actually met today.
Also, your lenses have a tiny area that is not tinted, so every now and then I got a glimpse of the corner of your eyeball as we spoke. And that was just plain creepy.
If we meet again, I hope it's under better circumstances.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Kid's got a point
A few nights ago, at B's parents lake house, we set out for an evening stroll. G, apparently knowing he was tired, looked at B's father and asked, "Papa, do you have a stroller?"
No stroller, but they had a wagon.
G jumped in and eagerly waited for B to start pulling. Three minutes into the walk, B turned to G and said, "Wanna switch? I'll get in and you can pull me."
Without hesitation, G decisively replied, "No."
When B asked a second time G gave the same answer.
Assuming G would like the idea if he actually had a chance to try it, B picked him up, out of the wagon and before he had even set him on the ground, G declared, "No, Dada. THAT'S not nice."
It always catches me off guard when he throws our words right back in our faces, in context.
No stroller, but they had a wagon.
G jumped in and eagerly waited for B to start pulling. Three minutes into the walk, B turned to G and said, "Wanna switch? I'll get in and you can pull me."
Without hesitation, G decisively replied, "No."
When B asked a second time G gave the same answer.
Assuming G would like the idea if he actually had a chance to try it, B picked him up, out of the wagon and before he had even set him on the ground, G declared, "No, Dada. THAT'S not nice."
It always catches me off guard when he throws our words right back in our faces, in context.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
New beginning
Well, it looks like the waiting I was talking about a few months ago, has turned into a new kind of waiting.
Two months ago I was waiting to take a pregnancy test and now I find myself waiting for my next appointment. I'm 12 weeks along but still waiting for reassurance that this new life I'm growing is okay. I had a miscarriage back in November, so I am acutely aware of how fragile a process this is and I can't shake the feeling that something could happen, at any time, for any reason.
Each ultrasound I've had, three in total, has been fine, GREAT, in fact. The baby is measuring well, heartbeat is strong and still I worry. I had a horrible bout of sickness last week on top of some of the worst nausea I've ever experienced and then on Monday morning I woke up feeling great. Energy returned, nausea pretty much gone. My first thought was, oh no, something is wrong. I know I should be positive, not assume the worst, and most of the time I am, but it's hard.
I think once I can feel the baby move, which I did A LOT with G, I will feel more at ease. I just hope that day comes soon.
Two months ago I was waiting to take a pregnancy test and now I find myself waiting for my next appointment. I'm 12 weeks along but still waiting for reassurance that this new life I'm growing is okay. I had a miscarriage back in November, so I am acutely aware of how fragile a process this is and I can't shake the feeling that something could happen, at any time, for any reason.
Each ultrasound I've had, three in total, has been fine, GREAT, in fact. The baby is measuring well, heartbeat is strong and still I worry. I had a horrible bout of sickness last week on top of some of the worst nausea I've ever experienced and then on Monday morning I woke up feeling great. Energy returned, nausea pretty much gone. My first thought was, oh no, something is wrong. I know I should be positive, not assume the worst, and most of the time I am, but it's hard.
I think once I can feel the baby move, which I did A LOT with G, I will feel more at ease. I just hope that day comes soon.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Getting away
Even though I was feeling 98.9% miserable the majority of the weekend, only part of the reason being the Flu symptoms, it was one of the best weekends I've had in a long time.
A few weeks ago my sister agreed to watch G for the weekend so B and I could go to a concert.
B took Friday off so we could get packed and miss traffic. Even though I was feeling horrendous, I was determined to make the best of it. Because, how often do we get an opportunity to go, AWAY, for the weekend?
Friday morning B did yard work and watched G while I lay on the couch nursing a headache and horrible all over aches and pains. After lunch we packed the car and headed to my sisters.
We stayed the night and the next morning woke up to a lovely breakfast of pancakes and real maple syrup. Is there any other syrup worth putting on your food? Aunt Jemima makes my stomach turn.
Then we packed again, kissed our boy goodbye and headed to Lenox, MA. At Tanglewood, the amazingly nestled concert venue, that feels like you're at a grand old summer home/estate, we saw Garrison Keillor do The Prairie Home Companion radio show.
I grew up having to listen on Saturday nights, my Dad has always been a fan, and then somewhere in my mid twenties I began to enjoy it myself. I remember listening to it in the sculpture studio on Saturday nights in grad school.
Well, seeing the show in person was profoundly more entertaining, exciting and enjoyable.
I loved every minute of it. And to top the night off, at B's suggestion we waited through the 1 1/2 hour encore to have Garrison sign our copy of his new book, which at first I thought was a bad idea. But then, not only was the show fantastically wonderful........
It was AWESOME. And just the kind of weekend that B and I needed to kick start summer and get us out of this routine rut that we've been in for the past few months.
Nothing like getting away from it all to give you a new perspective on all that you've got.
A few weeks ago my sister agreed to watch G for the weekend so B and I could go to a concert.
B took Friday off so we could get packed and miss traffic. Even though I was feeling horrendous, I was determined to make the best of it. Because, how often do we get an opportunity to go, AWAY, for the weekend?
Friday morning B did yard work and watched G while I lay on the couch nursing a headache and horrible all over aches and pains. After lunch we packed the car and headed to my sisters.
We stayed the night and the next morning woke up to a lovely breakfast of pancakes and real maple syrup. Is there any other syrup worth putting on your food? Aunt Jemima makes my stomach turn.
Then we packed again, kissed our boy goodbye and headed to Lenox, MA. At Tanglewood, the amazingly nestled concert venue, that feels like you're at a grand old summer home/estate, we saw Garrison Keillor do The Prairie Home Companion radio show.
I grew up having to listen on Saturday nights, my Dad has always been a fan, and then somewhere in my mid twenties I began to enjoy it myself. I remember listening to it in the sculpture studio on Saturday nights in grad school.
Well, seeing the show in person was profoundly more entertaining, exciting and enjoyable.
I loved every minute of it. And to top the night off, at B's suggestion we waited through the 1 1/2 hour encore to have Garrison sign our copy of his new book, which at first I thought was a bad idea. But then, not only was the show fantastically wonderful........
- Martin Sheen was his special guest.
- Steve Martin, who plays the banjo, was the musical guest
- With a surprise appearance by Arlo Guthrie
It was AWESOME. And just the kind of weekend that B and I needed to kick start summer and get us out of this routine rut that we've been in for the past few months.
Nothing like getting away from it all to give you a new perspective on all that you've got.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hypochondriac
I went to the doctor's this morning for a routine appointment.
While I was checking in, the receptionist said, "They're making us ask this, Do you currently have any symptoms of the Swine Flu?"
She paused, I stared at her and she finished with, "Such as chills, fever or a cough?"
I thought about it for a minute and said, "No."
She seemed to feel bad about having to ask, finished my paperwork and told me to have a seat in the waiting room. I sat there with three other adults and two children thinking about how many germs might be currently circulating in the air we were all breathing.
Now I am home with aches and pains and a headache.
While I was checking in, the receptionist said, "They're making us ask this, Do you currently have any symptoms of the Swine Flu?"
She paused, I stared at her and she finished with, "Such as chills, fever or a cough?"
I thought about it for a minute and said, "No."
She seemed to feel bad about having to ask, finished my paperwork and told me to have a seat in the waiting room. I sat there with three other adults and two children thinking about how many germs might be currently circulating in the air we were all breathing.
Now I am home with aches and pains and a headache.
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