Poop.

Have you ever wanted to poop for someone? Because I do right now. Ave has been experiencing her second bout with constipation this entire week. It's not that she isn't going, per se, but she is trying so hard and all that effort is resulting in...not a lot. If you know what I mean.

I don't know what caused it except that I gave her bananas and corn in the same day a few days ago and then some applie slices. And it went downhill from there or maybe not quite downhill. Maybe it just stopped there. You know? Everything just stopped.

Lunch today? Bran muffin, prune juice, apple yogurt and peas. Not exactly tasty, but all "loosening" foods.

Help?

lets talk about sleeping, again.

Isobel is actually sleeping pretty decent these days. She is sleeping through the night a few times a week (hooray!) and other times she wakes up early in the morning like 5ish and then goes back to bed. I'm satisfied with this.

Her naps are alright too. But, I still have a question.

So some kids just go straight down. They see their bed, their mom lays them down and they instantly adhere to the routine. Like my nephews. However, lately my daughter cries for a few minutes - sometimes a 5-10 minutes before allowing herself to fall asleep. Do your babies do this, or are they past this. We do have times when she just snuggles into her bed and blankie and doesn't make a sound. Its more often the opposite.

Sometimes when we walk into her room and I draw the curtains, she already starts protesting. What do your kids do when its sleep time?

Another question: Kelli, how are you guys doing? Is Cole feeling better?

Gasp!

I'm trying really hard to think there was a better reason for why this mom did what she did today. But, I can't figure one out. And if you guys think of one, please let me know.

I was leaving Target this morning and as I was putting Avery into her carseat, a lady in the car next to me was strapping her maybe 3 year old into her's (BTW, she had the cute zebra print cover!). The lady was wearing a 4-5 month old in a Bjorn and I watched her as she got into the driver's seat. I thought, Weird, maybe she want to "undo" it in the front seat as it was starting to sprinkle.

But. But! Then, she started her ignition and drove off with the baby in the Bjorn! I didn't want to stare as I heard her start her car, but I did just to make sure that she was indeed still wearing him.

I'm appalled. What do you think?

Little Lark

I was just looking at our lovely links - notably Design Mom. Did you guys see the Little Lark tees she posted? I love them. They are so fresh. The company is based out of Portland.

artista.

If I had a choice, I would take Brad to Color Me Mine (a pottery painting studio) way too often. Have either of you been? It's the best time: nice tunes, a relaxing activity, and and opportunity to expand your creativity. We've done it several times, and each time we get a bit better. We've learned to keep it simple. So far, our successful projects have been: soup bowls, a chip and dip platter and a piggy bank for Cole.

Here's how it works: pay a standard "studio fee", choose the piece you want to paint (there is always quite a variety of pottery and price ranges), paint/decorate your pottery (all paint and supplies provided), and pick it up several days later, fired, glazed and ready to take home.

Lindsey, they do have one in London! If anybody is interested, go to http://www.colormemine.com/ to find a studio near you.

initial birthday party

Have you started thinking about the big 1 year old birthday party yet? I haven't...but mabye I should after finding this amazing idea: an initial party.

It’s as easy as ABC to plan a party using the initial of the birthday child. Kids can cut out and decorate card-stock letters for invitations. Rubber-stamp a border on a paper tablecloth, and hang card-stock initials like streamers (print out letters from your computer to trace). Monogrammed cookies adorn cupcakes. Create “name-brand” drinks by coloring in a stencil on patterned paper in marker (affix with double-sided tape).
Initial Favors
Use your guests’ initials, too: Stencils mark each kid’s favor; inside the boxes are rubber stamps and stationery. You’ll need a white box (available at crafts stores) and paper stencils (sold in hardware stores). Cut a piece of construction paper slightly smaller than the lid; affix the paper and stencil to lid with a glue stick. Fill box with note cards and envelopes, rubber stamps, and gummy letters. Secure lid with colored rubber bands.
We also put guests’ initials on t-shirts using iron-on transfer paper for ink-jet printers; follow the package instructions.

(www.marthastewart.com)

thank you williams-sonoma.

A couple of years after Brad and I were married, I discovered that he was an amazing "dessert chef." It's true. And it all came about when he decided he wanted a creme brulee torch for his birthday. My parents not only fulfilled his request, but bought him the ramekins, pure vanilla bean paste, Nielson-Massy vanilla and a cookbook of various dessert recipes. He loved taking advantage of his gift, practice boosted his confidence, and now he is known as the family's dessert cook. (including special requests when we all get together.) I think it's a pretty fancy quality in my husband that I would have never guessed.

I found this recipe today. Doesn't bing cherry cobbler sound like a perfect treat? I love cobbler. And maybe I'll have to treat the dessert chef with something I've created come mid-February.

Bing Cherry Cobbler

Cobblers call for a biscuit topping baked over fresh fruit. The dough beneath the crisply baked surface stays tender over the warm, cooked fruit. This recipe uses a soft biscuit dough that spreads as it bakes to cover the fruit completely. Cold heavy cream, whipped cream or ice cream makes a good accompaniment to the warm cobbler. Nearly any fruit can be used for a cobbler, and the juicier it is, the better. If you are lucky enough to catch the very short season for sour, or tart, cherries, by all means use them, adding more sugar to taste. Blueberries, peaches, berries with peaches, apples, pears, cranberries, rhubarb or rhubarb with strawberries can bake you through a year of cobblers. Use the same dough for the topping with about 5 cups of any of these fruits. Sweeten the fresh fruit to taste, then add lemon juice, if desired, and any appropriate spices or grated citrus zest.

For the filling:

5 cups pitted fresh Bing cherries or other sweet cherries (about 3 lb. unpitted)

1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice, strained

3 Tbs. sugar

For the topping:

2/3 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

6 Tbs. (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 Tbs. sugar mixed with 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Preheat an oven to 375°F. For individual servings, place six 1-cup ramekins or custard cups on a rimmed sheet. For a large cobbler, have ready a 9-inch glass or ceramic pie dish or baking dish with sides at least 2 3/4 inches high.To make the filling, in a large bowl, stir together the cherries, lemon juice and sugar until well mixed. Divide the fruit among the ramekins or pour into the pie dish or baking dish. Bake the fruit for 10 minutes while you prepare the topping. To make the topping by hand, in a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk and vanilla; set aside. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in the butter until the mixture forms large, coarse crumbs the size of small peas. Pour the buttermilk mixture over the flour mixture and, using a large wooden spoon, stir just until combined and a soft, sticky, evenly moistened dough forms. To make the topping with an electric mixer, in a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk and vanilla; set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the flat beater, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add the butter pieces. Beat on low speed until the mixture forms large, coarse crumbs the size of small peas, about 30 seconds. Slowly pour in the buttermilk mixture and continue to beat just until combined and a soft, sticky, evenly moistened dough forms. Drop the dough by heaping spoonfuls onto the hot fruit, spacing it evenly over the surface. The topping will not cover the fruit but will spread during baking to cover it. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Bake the cobbler until the fruit filling is bubbling, the topping is browned, and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the topping comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes. Serve warm. Serves 6.

love day.

I bought the Every Day with Rachel Ray magazine in the grocery store yesterday. It's great...offering 159 recipes and tips as well as some new "faves". Let me share a couple that are appropriate for the season:

[Alicia Peck Valentine's Day Cards: I'm not a huge fan of the hearts and lace, so this is perfect. http://www.bellamuse.com/ $3.50.]

Can we buy ourselves a Valentine's Day present? My favorite part about a special occasion is being able to plan a special menu (or going out to eat.) This would make the process of cooking in the kitchen very fun.

[Thelma Apron: www.bellapamella.com. $40]

Need a perfect excuse to put on that new apron? (If we're being hopeful) Tangy Three Bean Soup sounds DELICIOUS!

Tangy Three Bean Soup:

3 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 pound baby red potatoes, thinly sliced

4 ribs celery from the heart, chopped

5 carrots, shredded (2 cups)

2 onions, chopped

1 baby leaf

One 32-ounce container (4 cups) vegetable or chicken broth

One 15-ounce can tomato sauce

One 15.5-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed

One 15.5-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed

1/2 pound green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup pickle relish

Flat-leaf parsley, chopped (a couple of hand fulls)

Dill sprigs, for garnish

Crusty whole grain bread, for serving.

1. In a soup pot, heat the EVOO, three turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, celery, carrots, onions, and bay leaf and cook until softened, 7-8 minutes. Add the broth, tomato sauce, and bring to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until just tender, 5 minutes. Season liberally with salt and pepper. (The "stoup" is thick- you can add a little water if you prefer it soupier.)

2. Stir in the relish and parsley and turn off the heat. Discard the bay leaf. Top the "stoup" with the dill sprigs and serve with bread.

Tip: serve the stoup with a dollop of sour cream.

Lindsey, this sounds like a different version of your tortilla soup...kindof. I think this is definitely the season for warm, easier meals! (Except for you, Missy. You're probably out having picnics. Sigh.)

Yummy Soup!

I am a big soup person. I made this chicken tortilla soup for lunch today. It's so easy and so good.

3 chicken breasts cut in cubes and cooked (sometimes I only use two)
2 cans of chicken broth
2-3 cans water
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1/4 C fresh chopped cilantro (sometimes I don't have this and it still good without cilantro)
3 Roma tomatoes diced or 1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can of corn (drain water)

Boil togther for 15 minutes

I love adding diced avocado and squeezing fresh lime juice. I'm going to try adding some cooked brown rice next time.

You can also add broken tortilla chips and cheese if you wish.

I love it because it lasts for a couple days.

I Went With This One

I decided to go blue instead of pink dots. You know...girls can be in blue, but I wouldn't want my little boy (if I have one in the future) to be sitting in a chocolate and pink cart cover. So, I went with this one. And it was $40 Buy It Now (and new) on Ebay.

kate spade

I love cute stationary.

I meant to make and send birth announcements after Isobel was born. Life was so crazy the first few months that I never got around to it. Maybe I should have just settled on some cute cards like this one below and stuck a photo inside. Oh well. Next time, right?
And I thought I would share some cute yet overpriced bibs.

lunch

I'm eating the most tasty lunch today. I can't wait to get to it. And SO EASY and FRESH. Let me share:
Simply Lemonade
Fresh pineapple
and a delicious pasta salad: bowtie pasta, a container of cherry tomatoes, halved, a red pepper, 1/2 green pepper, can of black olives, feta cheese, and Brianna's French Vinaigrette.

Could it get any easier? (I'm sure you could substitute the pasta for whole wheat pasta and add some meat if you desired.) Gotta go...

note: I made the pasta salad last night for several days worth of lunches. Pre-slice the pineapple and you have a 1 minute meal.

to medicate or not to medicate?

I'm asking this with very little knowledge or opinion. I'm planning on doing my research, but in the meantime...opinions?

So, we just got back from the doctor and Cole has an upper respiratory infection, two ear infections and several new teeth coming in. (well, the sames ones that have been trying for a while.) I left with an antibiotic for his ears, and a recommendation to give him numbing ear drops, children's Motrin (for the ears and teeth), and Benadryl (for the cough). That's a lot of medicine for a little boy. And, considering how horribly he has been feeling...causing a huge void of sleep for the family, I'm almost not hesitant to give him his doses. On the other hand, I think I need to know what the cost of medicating my baby is.

Luckily, his doctor is great and she has a daughter around 18 months old. She doesn't push medication for her own daughter. And I don't think she would for any of her patients if it wasn't extremely helpful. It seems harmless. Is it?

World's Oldest Mum

When is a woman to old to bear children? I think in most cases it's completely up to the woman, her spouse and their circumstances (ie the life they can provide for the child). However, while I was listening to the news, they discussed a new mom who is believed to be the world's oldest mother at the age of 67. Her name is Carmela, and she is from Spain. She gave birth to twin boys just after Christmas.

According to the news, she sold her home in Spain to raise $59,000 which covered in vitro fertilization in California. She lied about her age to the doctors. Carmela is also on the prowl for a younger man, who likes kids.

“Often circumstances put you between a rock and a hard place and maybe things shouldn’t have been done in the way they were done but that was the only way to achieve the thing I had always dreamed of and I did it,” Carmela said.

I keep wondering two things: 1) how will she deal with the tiring demands of motherhood in her ripe old age? 2) it seems somewhat selfish to conceive and give birth to children at that age, when you knowingly could die and leave them alone before they celebrate their 10th birthday.

On the other side, we know how fulfilling motherhood can be and what it's like to love a little person beyond what we thought capable. Shouldn't every desiring woman experience it? Even if she's 67 years-old?

I'm not so sure if it most likely compromises the children's well-being and future. But yet my heart still goes out to this new mom. Even though she might be a little crazy (I'm not trying to be mean, she just kind of is), I still find myself welcoming her into motherhood. Thoughts?

Simple Fun

Ok, I'm posting this in hopes that your babies will think it is funny too. I remember my niece Eden laughing at this simple fun too so I tried it with Avery and she giggles just as much.

Make a peace sign with your fingers and the index and middle finger "walk." This is the little man. And the little man is coming to get your baby. Walk your fingers all around their legs while chanting "here comes the little man" or something else creative.

And maybe we shouldn't be saying "little man" - maybe I should say the silly baby or something so I don't instill bad thoughts into her head about little men coming to get her. But, she laughs when I {ie: the little man} tickle her tummy.

Maybe it's just Avery and Eden (my niece). Let me know.

All For One And One For All?

Dooce has an interesting post on her blog today. You should read it. There is more to it than a heartbreaking story of her daughter holding her bowel movements. No, there is more to it than just that. And she refers to it at one point in her article, but one could easily miss it. She mentions how a curt email reminded her that women are, "the most judgmental people on Earth."

And it made me a little sad afterwards because I wish I could say that she's wrong. But, I honestly don't think she is. Am I being pessimistic? No, I'd like to think I'm being a realist. And with realism, we can become idealist and fix the problem.

While we as women can congratulate and support each other in various ways, there are times that we might fail to do so. Whether it be that women feel threatened or hurt or betrayed so we talk about women and judge...it's not our place. Do you agree?

Especially in a sphere such as mothering where we should all embrace each other no matter our choices. Because, let's be honest...there isn't a role that we need more support in. We're all learning the art of motherhood together. And what is interesting is that nobody has the answers because we each have children with widely different personalities and needs.

I would hope that if other women read this blog that they too will pipe in every so often. Because I imagine a world where we all feel free to share our ideas and expand our ways of thinking {and mothering}.

So, can we be idealist in our actions and choose to not judge? I'd like to think I will be.

walking.

I know life with baby is about a lot more than "nice things" and fashion. But it really makes the experience a lot of fun, right! I'm really excited that pretty soon we will advance past the crib shoes and have to purchase the real deal...with soles. This opens a world of options and pretty cool ones at that. Unfortunately, Vans slip-ons are a little large for Cole right now, so we might have to start with either these:

or these: (for the Burgoyne in him.) Both are sold at Nordstrom.com.
My favorite picks for the baby girls: (the girl version of my #1 pick, of course)
and...these. (how can you resist?)
I love shoes.

New Car Seat?

I think Isobel needs a new car seat. She is still in her infant carrier seat. At her last doctor’s appointment she weighed 20lbs and that was a month ago. I think she is 22lbs now. Have you guys switched Avery and Cole to a new car seat? Are they still rear-facing? I read that it’s best to leave them rear-faced until they are 20lbs and one year. BUT – with the older car seats can they also be positioned rear-facing? She looks so uncomfortable in her car seat right now, and I’m pretty sure she’s exceeded the weight limit by a pound or two. Any advice on car seats?

organic.

Check out www.figkids.com. I saw some of their product today at a boutique and loved it. Very simple. Very mod.

womanism.

Womanism started off as a movement formed by the feminist author, Alice Walker, that specifically referred to African American women's fight for equality.

Women of color feminism began with criticism of the white woman's movement of excluding women of color and the issues important to them: poverty, racism, and needs such as jobs, health care, good schools, and safe neighborhoods for all people. Asian-American, Hispanic, and African-American women and men who are activists often chose to join forces with each other to fight racism and classism, even though the women are aware of their oppression as women.

Since, according to a professor I had in university, womanism has extended beyond race or class and even feminism and expresses a respect for women and their talents and abilities. This is a more accurate description of what I stand for: not "equality" in the sense that woman is equal to man (don't get me wrong, I DEFINITELY believe in equal rights and opportunities for both women and men), but that woman should celebrate her unique qualities that set her apart from man. I really like this thought. And I especially like that way that it challenges me to continue to develop strengths that make up me as an individual.

Politics aside, yesterday I had a lot of thoughts about how challenging it can become as a mother who stays home with Cole to not turn my life over to routine. I really want to make sure that I'm constantly challenging my self on all levels. That I'm developing more talents and skills and practicing whatever expertise I may have because I am home. Are you following this?

This is HARD when my primary commitment right now is to take care of someone(s) else. BUT, I really loved going to a tap dance lesson yesterday and pulling out my really cool apple green yarn, knitting needles, and a Knitting for Dummies book I bought last year with all of the intentions to become a knitter. It was refreshing. And I hope that most days I find time to do something like this.

Any ideas for other "creative" projects?

Wash, Rinse and Lotion

It has been so windy here. I realize that 55 degrees and wind does not equal cold for you two, but when you've been living in a 65 degree winter, that's chilly. And the wind is hard! Lindsey, how do you take the tube with that little girl of yours? I remember when I moved over there, the wind walking in and out of the tube station was colder than arctic.

Anyway, this weather has got my hands thinking. And maybe you already have this in your homes. I didn't though. Not only should a sink have a soap and possibly an anti-bacterial rinse, it should also have a lotion. A lotion that doesn't leave your hands sticky and maybe a bit too "after an evening bath smell." It needs to leave your hands refreshed and clean.

I like these from Williams-Sonoma. Lemon for the kitchen. Am I think only one that associates lemon with kitchens? Grapefruit or Orange for the guest bathroom and Almond or Lavendar for the master suite.

I don't have them right now. I had them after we got married and sadly have not returned. I wanted them tonight through. My hands are chapped.

Dwell

Alan and I were looking at home magazines in Borders this evening. I love to peruse them for ideas. We’re actually planning on subscribing to one, but just can’t decide which magazine. Someday we will build a house (states) and/or own a flat (London). I think it's wise to keep a design file of what we like and would possibly copy (and what we can copy now).

Missy, I think the Dwell magazine would appeal to you. It covers modern design and architecture. We really liked it. Some of the homes looked like the one you linked to on your blog (like the one on the left).

Are there any home decorating/style magazines you guys like? Elle Decoration seems to be a good one. I also like to look through the niche magazines that cover kitchens, bathrooms or bedrooms.

scrapbook in a bag

A week before Christmas I went to Paperchase in search of scrapbooking materials. I was making my mother-in-law a scrapbook of her grandchildren, yet I had no vision of what it would look like. The scrapbook in a bag saved me. It included everything I needed to make a scrapbook – a book, 17 protected sheets (more sheets can be purchased separately) plain paper, patterned paper, buttons, ribbon, dye cut-outs, scrapbook stickers (the alphabet and others that match the theme of the book).

They offer different themed memory kits. I chose Granny's Kitchen.

What I really appreciated was the complete how-to guide in order to make my book replicate the one advertised. You can be a scrapbooking idiot, like me, and still produce a lovely book. Or you can be original with the kit's materials and do your own thing.

I bought it in London, but it’s actually made by a Utah company – SEI. Wow. They are a lot cheaper in dollars.

Mess Maker

I couldn't even clean the kitchen day. No more then 2 minutes of loading the dishwasher and a little someone was scurrying around the corner and headed for her favorite cupboard. I need cupboard locks, pronto.

It dawned on me this morning that my daughter is at that stage. The stage where playing involves tipping over her basket of toys and then moving on within seconds to more interesting tasks. Her favorite room is the kitchen right now - the most baby-unfriendly area in our flat.

So, yes, she is opening cupboards and pulling everything out of them, ripping pages out of magazines and books, scouring the family room for cords and outlets (that we have covered), crawling into the bathroom to attack the toilet brush (sick, I know and which has now been thrown out)…in short – she is making messes. Everywhere she goes.

And sucking everything of course. Because you can’t hold an object without putting it in your mouth. At one point she was sucking on a used match. Where did this come from? Why is there an old match within her reach? Why is the old match not in the garbage? I have no clue.

I'm getting nothing done and I can't stand a dirty home.

She's napping, so I should probably finish that kitchen now.

Early Wake-Ups?

Ok, this was the second morning in a row that Avery woke up at 5:30. That is early! And it's not like she woke up and went back to sleep after a little breakfast milk. No, she was up and happily played with my headlamp as I tried to figure out what day it was. Have either of you dealt with this? I'm so used to a nice 6:30 wake up call that this has thrown me for a loop.

I'm blaming it on her teething and maybe a little hunger because she didn't want dinner last night. And that's the thing. She doesn't seem as hungry when she teethes. So, it's like a catch-22. I think she might wake up due to hunger. But, then her body doesn't/can't (?) get back to sleep and rest until a comfortable 8 am.

Hope your teething babies are doing well.

Security Blanket

I think we are all past this point in our baby's lives. But, for our seconds? Once I stopped swaddling Ave, I could tell that she needed a blankie to help her feel safe and secure. She had her binky, but she needed something else. I gave her a t-shirt that I used to wear to bed for a while, but I worried about giving it to her at night due to the potential suffocation risks.

She has one of these now. Little Giraffe security blanky. And she loves it. She wrestles it while going to sleep and she finds it in her bed if she happens to let go of it. One side is soft chenille and the other is a lovely satin. We have it in pink. I will definitely be buying one of these for our second baby.

What do your babies use?

Teething Tablets

Kelli, I am so sorry that the week has been rough. I can only imagine. Six teeth? Cole is more than just efficient. He's like a teething workaholic that can't stop what he's doing to save himself. We will hope that they break through fast and have a ounce of relief time before more pop up.

Avery has one tooth. Her lone bottom right one that has cut through and started to rise. I can see her other bottom one starting to cut and it seems to be bugging her a little bit. I've been using the Hyland's Teething Tablets. And I think they work. Try them. They are all natural. I had Devin try one because I wanted to be sure that they didn't taste bad for her. He said it's like chalk and dissolves fast. I feel comfortable giving them to her during the day and before bed without worrying about her being on medicine all day. I don't think we're to the point that Cole is at, so maybe his pain is too strong for these. But, try them. They're worth a shot. I think they're working for us.

Here is the "Indications" from the label: A homeopathic combination for the temporary relief of symptoms of simple restlessness and wakeful irritability due to cutting teeth.

I like these better than the idea of the teething gel. I've read the gel can numb their swallowing and reflux sensation even if you only put it on the gums.

cole's being grumpy

BECAUSE not only does he have 4 teeth coming in on the top...we discovered two more slowly cutting through his gums on the bottom. It's a bad week for all of us, apparently. 6 ALL AT ONCE. Does that happen?

Missy, maybe you should post about those teething tablets. Lindsey, is Izzy teething?

Lunch Today

I'm trying really hard to offer a variety of foods to Ave for lunch and dinner. I pretty much stick with oatmeal and a fruit for breakfast. But, I did get some blueberry mini-muffins at Trader Joe's that we loved as a side dish to that. Anyway, for lunch today I made her this...

avocado (we love it in our house)
a cereal bar (think Nutri-Grain, but no preservatives, 100% fruit inside and organic)
scrambled eggs (my pediatrician said to wait on giving her egg whites did just the yolk, mixed it with some shredded cheddar and some cottage cheese and scrambled it)
banana

First time giving her eggs and she seemed to like them. And it was a great finger food meal. Have either of you heard of not giving them tomatoes yet? Because of the acidity? I wasn't sure when it was ok.

a file

This blog is reminding me of all the lovely things I read/hear about that I want to do/accomplish, but don't. Like Kelli's harmonious space post and Missy's multi-tasking exercises. The washcloths too.

I'm going to make a little file and look at it often. I feel inspired.

my file:
Recipes I need to make.
Projects I want to tackle.
Things I'd like to do.

thank you.

Grocery Store Cart Covers

I'm in need of one. Do you guys have one? Where did you get it? I'm not wanting an electrified pink with princess crowns on it. Simple and chic. Any ideas?

Don't Put it Past Me

It's been windy and cold here. I feel like I can relate with you two when you say that you are experiencing winter in London and Park City. It takes creativity on our part being mom's to babies under a year old.

A couple days ago I put Avery on my shoulders (she loves being up there for some reason) and started doing lunges around the family room. I had music going on the laptop so it was a modern dance of sorts I told myself. Combine that with the post below and you'll feel a little "tighter" in the morning.

Quick Ab Workout

I set Avery down this morning on a blanket and put her toy bin in front of her. She likes to pick through each and every toy, one by one. I was brushing my teeth, making the bed, cleaning up breakfast. Once I finished and sat down with her, I wanted to play. Quick idea. Set her on my stomach with a toy that makes her think ie: something she has never seen before and can inspect...today it was a bell (one that was too big for her to stuff into her mouth and choke). And I started doing some sit ups. With her on my tummy. She smiled each time my head came up to her eye level and she was also inspecting her bell. Once I did 100, we stopped and sang some songs. And then it was time for her morning nap.

harmonious space:

I definitely don't claim decorating or design maven, but I do really enjoy both. This is definitely a plus have having the opportunity to spend more time in my home: I can make it a cleansing and refreshing haven.

I love the idea that the subtle us of light, color and mirrors gives a breath of fresh air. (Detox for Life, Josephine Collins) And I've always relied on the essential "quick fixes":

-Lighting (lamps, candles)

-Mirrors (I really like Missy's idea of hanging a mirror with a ribbon.)

-Personal Pictures (and I LOVE frames!)

-Plants (anyone good at gardening? I would love to find indoor plants/flowers that could survive my winter)

-Colors

I have always "changed things up" with new throw pillows...maybe when I move into a new home.. or for those who live a more stable life, every year or two. I LOVE Color. And I think that choosing two or three main colors for your home and then adding accent colors with pillows, for example, set a tone and show personality.

But most importantly, I think accessories make a home unique. Make a home "you" rather than a Pottery Barn display. Here are three of my favorite ideas:

1. Hang unique decorative plates on your wall. I just buy the $.50 plate hooks from the hardware store:

"pen and ink" dessert plates, Anthropologie, for example. (although I like a little more color...just couldn't find a good example online)

2. Find great containers/jars and fill them with unique objects that coordinate with your color scheme. For example, coffee beans, rice, or playing dice. I also like to use square vases and add nuts with shells, limes, or fresh cranberries.

3. Books. I love to stack my favorite hard cover books throughout my house. Not only does it tell more about me and my interests, it makes a perfect prop for a picture frame or candle to add height variety.

Flo

This is a flo. And I will be purchasing one today. We don't have a bath seat and Avery doesn't shower. She's always been really accomadating with letting us lean her back and wash her hair, clean her bum, rinse her face. Not lately though. She's decided that she needs to play with her tub toys: the boat that when you pull the string it shoots off across the glassy water or the letters or the stacking cups or Dora the Explorer. She's decided to shriek until we sit her back up so bathing her has become a tag-team affair.

"You lean her back and I'll rinse the shampoo out."

"Hurry!"

"Keep singing Popcorn Popping until I can get all the dried green beans off her face."

I think this will work. Meet her halfway and turn the tub water on so she's distracted. A flo. I'm excited.

changing diapers...

is fine when it’s your own child. Or if the baby is just on milk – and therefore the diapers exude a sweet smell. BUT – changing a 2-year-old’s poopy diaper this afternoon made me kind of dry heave. I’m not even exaggerating.

It was like this little girl saved all her poo for me. In four hours she went three separate times. The first time, I didn’t allow myself time to think about her feces. I grabbed the diaper and wipes and went to work. Towards the end my throat jolted forward, beyond my control.

The second time, I put it off – which made it worse. And when the two-year-old brought me a clean diaper, I realized I couldn’t deny her a clean bottom. That’s just wrong and probably a form of abuse. The throat sensation occurred, again.

The third time, we had 20 minutes until her mom would be back. I couldn’t do it again. Just couldn’t. So we waited for her mom to discover it.

That’s my experience today. That other children’s poo, notably when they are two and have adult poo – makes me nauseous.

I’m so sorry to share this with you. Seriously. I’m sorry. Especially in the midst of Kelli’s adorable, must-have things.

Built NY

...a bag and accessory company.. claims to solve problems with style. Although their "adult" neoprene water bottle holder (that will fit a Nalgene) appeals to me in the best way, one of my favorite finds is their new baby collection: bibs, bottle holders (double or single) and snack packs. How could it not with it's machine washable, drip-dry, stain resistant material and it's look that exudes "cool mom" vibes?
Cole uses both their "Tidy Bib" and their "Comfy Bib" and we're definitely ready for a "Hungry Tote" and a "Thirsty Tote."

Built NY.

the genius of nature

I was telling Brad last week that our next vacation needs to be a "spa getaway." Maybe wine country in Northern California to keep it practical...close to home.

One side of me loves to be rough and adventurous and to be okay with dirty clothes and head injuries. (Or taking a big enough risk where that is a very good possibility.) I pride myself in owning Chacos and having an entire closet full of "camping" or outdoor gear, and getting reward points from R.E.I. Another side of my LOVES being pampered and knowing all the white glove etiquite. That's the side of me that doesn't mind oversized white tericloth bath robes and monthly pedicures (some day!) and...a spa vacation.

Until then, luxury comes from one of my favorite companies. A huge part of my night routine has become a late night bath. It has to be hot and it needs to be Ginger Float.

It has some ingredient that makes my skin tingle and does the same for my soul. Rejuvinating..and "skin-softening" without the oily layer floating on top of the suds.

Sometimes, I'll exfoliate my feet (it feels too harsh as a general body scrub) with Ginger Body Scrub.

I'm still a fan of Jergens body lotion and finish "bathtime" with its application.

Finally, I wash my face with either Checks and Balances frothy face wash from Origins or Aveeno's Positively Radiant cleanser.

A couple of times a week, I apply Biore's self-heating mask which feels amazing and banishes shine and oil and complete the pampering with A Perfect World: antioxidant moisturizer with white tea.

Sounds perfect, right? If I'm going all out, I just need C.O. Bigelow's breath freshening Mentha Lip Shine. (a reasonable comprimise between good mosturization and not too much gloss.)

Ta-da! My body is "healed" and I can go a little longer before I find myself here or the like.

ten minute ravioli with tomato cream sauce:

This is one of my top five recipes. It's easy...but not so easy that is becomes a sketchy meal- quality being compromised. I like fresh. (Chopping the tomatoes can be a little time consuming. Pre-chopping and storing would make this meal a true 10-minute meal.)

9-0z fresh four-cheese ravioli
3 T extra-virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup dry white wine (or apple or white grape juice)
1/3 cup whipping cream
2 T chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain. Meanwhile, heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; saute 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and simmer until juicy, about 5 minutes. Stir in wine; simmer 3 minutes. Stir in cheese and cream. Turn off heat and season with salt and pepper. Place ravioli in serving bowl and spoon sauce over.

We love the meal with fresh bakery bread, salad and fresh fruit.

swivel time

Bath time required a lot more effort before I bought the swivel bath seat.

Too much standing, slipping, and rolling. Not to mention the litres of soapy water being consumed. I could not get my little one to sit still for two seconds.

Until I bought the swivel seat.

Maybe the best ten pounds I've spent the last week.

going, going, gone.

I'm selling some of my daughter's clothes on ebay. Actually, an auction for five dresses just ended - all never worn and all of which were gifts. Several others are still pending. Is that wrong?

My justification: what's the point in storing an item that never made it on to her little body? If she didn't wear it, I have a hard time believing the next one would.

Is that okay? To sell someone's gift on ebay?

It's just...I'm willing to put a lot of random things on my child. A winnie the pooh sun hat just isn't one of them. Someone else would appreciate that hat. Not Isobel, and certainly not me.

wash cloth puppets.

I went to a baby shower two nights ago for a girl I didn't know very well. I'm not in a position to spend a lot of money...and even driving 45 minutes away to get to a town with decent stores to come up with a nice gift around $10 would be spending money I didn't have for this situation.

I ended up buying two nice wooden frames (4x4) painted a cream color and attaching the frames with a very "girly" ribbon. Similar to this:

It turned out nicely. (And my mom and I went in together for the gift...just over $10 each. I think that's reasonable for someone you don't know very well.)

Today I was looking for a craft that Cole would enjoy (I'm trying hard to get creative with our activities together...and my time to myself) and found this on Martha Stewart.

He would LOVE playing with those in the bathtub. AND...and they could make really cute gifts as a set of washcloths and some nice baby body wash. Hmmmm.

good stock

I read about Good Stock when I was living in Boston. It is such a brilliant idea and a perfect way to tell all the stories that make up your family.

Good Stock is a press and bindery that allows you to create your own book. Features include "a family tree, vignettes about family members, and vintage illustrations. Printed on archival paper and beautifully bound with fabric and a letterpress book label."

Their mantra: ...Every family has character and it doesn't take a writer to craft a lovely tale. All it takes are memories.

Check it out. Read a sample tale. I'm sold.

Sigg

I'm not to the point where I go through packages of juice boxes for Cole's persistent thirst...well, because he would have no idea how to use the straw. Even at that, he doesn't like the idea of a sippy cup in general because it's not a bottle and it usually doesn't have formula inside.

BUT when we do get to the point where when leaving the house requires containers of beverage just to be prepared (which is going to be a little trickier than dried formula in the easy no spill storage container), I'll be thrilled about this.

SIGG Switzerland makes an "environmentally responsible" aluminum bottle that claims unbreakable, leak proof, and absent of "taste transfer". For $15.99, I think I can handle living green (all reusable and recyclable)...especially since I can choose between paisley, polka dots, farm animals and singing giraffes, among others.

tub boo boo

by Margie Palatini is my new favorite children's book. I read it to Cole before his afternoon nap and enjoyed it more than he ever could at (almost) 10 months old. The story is as entertaining as the pictures:

Big Ooops! While taking a bath, Henry tries to stop a drip of a drop with his little big toe. Now he's stuck in the tub and can't get out. And everyone who comes to help him makes a tub-boo-boo, too. Can they be rescued before they turn all pruney - and make the Evening News? Margie Palatini's hilarious text and Glin Dibley's giddy art create a zany, zesty bathtime romp.

lori marie

makes pretty little things. I admire creativity. I love her ideas and her passion for detail. Reason #4 I need a baby girl. (So I can buy a Daydreamer doll...if I had an extra $150ish.)

http://www.lorimarie.com/

May Sarton, in her Journal of a Solitude said:

I am here alone for the first time in weeks, to take up my "real" life again at last. That is what is strange- that friends, even passionate love, are not my real life unless there is time alone in which to explore what is happening or has happened.

This blog is my means of exploring the details of my new life; my real life.