Little son likes to grab onto my arm or try to put his feet in his mouth while I am trying to change his diaper. He is just starting to stay sitting up when I set him in a sitting position on the floor. He just started cereal and first foods a couple of weeks ago and is now consistently sleeping for longer stretches at night, hooray! He doesn't have any teeth but he does chew like mad on his hands. He will babble sometimes, just "Ababbabbabba" in varying pitches and sometimes almost a scream, without being upset. He is really a happy baby and rarely complains about anything.
Bigger son is getting funnier and cuter every day. His latest thing is to say "Mommy, give me a hug," and put his arms out to get the hug. He will put items on his head and say things like "I'm an astronaut," or "I'm Santa Claus," or occasionally, "I'm a baseball." It's pretty fun when he will ask me to do something and if I can't help him right away he will ask again but say please. He tries to sing songs he's heard more than twice, with varying levels of success. Too funny.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Progress Report.
So. I am doing well with the running portion of my resolutions. If not for a plugged milk duct I would have run 4 days last week, but as it was I ran 3, not too bad. At least I managed to avoid developing an infection which would have laid me up considerably more than one day.
As for reading, I need to get on that. I am planning to finally get to a real book after I post this. The reader will also get some use this week.
Writing: check. I need to see if I can wrangle my husband to read my really bad first draft of my novel and tell me what to do to help it out. Or maybe I should just trust I can fix some of it myself and start doing that till he's ready to read it. Hmm.
The kids are progressing rather faster than I want them to. The big boy is taller, I'm sure of it. He is finally starting to understand the process of going to the potty; now if only he would tell us when he needs to go instead of just going when we put him there ourselves. The little boy is smiley as ever, and really starting to work on teeth (chewing his tongue, fingers, toys, etc. and drooling). We'll see when one finally breaks through. He also babbles like crazy, so cute.
As for reading, I need to get on that. I am planning to finally get to a real book after I post this. The reader will also get some use this week.
Writing: check. I need to see if I can wrangle my husband to read my really bad first draft of my novel and tell me what to do to help it out. Or maybe I should just trust I can fix some of it myself and start doing that till he's ready to read it. Hmm.
The kids are progressing rather faster than I want them to. The big boy is taller, I'm sure of it. He is finally starting to understand the process of going to the potty; now if only he would tell us when he needs to go instead of just going when we put him there ourselves. The little boy is smiley as ever, and really starting to work on teeth (chewing his tongue, fingers, toys, etc. and drooling). We'll see when one finally breaks through. He also babbles like crazy, so cute.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Resolutions, 2011 Edition.
Happy New Year!
I have been away for far too long again. I spent some of my fleeting me-time in the last few weeks thinking about reprioritizing, and that has led me to form the following resolutions.
1. Run the 2011 Chicago Marathon. This was always going to be one of my goals this year. It will kick my butt into gear on getting back in shape after having my second son, and I have always wanted to run a marathon. My brother, a marathon veteran, has committed to running it with me, so I will have a friendly face and running partner as well. Hurrah!
2. Read and write more. This is one of those things I've been "meaning to do" but not really trying very hard to do it for the most part. I was given a book reader by my wonderful husband last Christmas (2009!) but it has mostly collected dust over the past year, to my shame. It even has over 30 books just waiting to be read, but I need to stake out the time to use it. I plan to get this time by not sitting around playing silly games on Facebook when I could be soaking up great literature. The writing portion will include updating this blog more often as well!
3. Finish editing my manuscript to prepare to submit to editors and agents by the end of 2011. I have already made the fundamental change I decided on once I was finished with 2009's NaNoWriMo (changing my main character from the male character to a female), but I still have a lot of work to do to make it presentable. I think that if I chip away at it consistently, I should have something to be fairly proud of by the end of the year. I believe I have the kernel of a good idea here, hopefully I can turn it into something people will want to read!!
I have been away for far too long again. I spent some of my fleeting me-time in the last few weeks thinking about reprioritizing, and that has led me to form the following resolutions.
1. Run the 2011 Chicago Marathon. This was always going to be one of my goals this year. It will kick my butt into gear on getting back in shape after having my second son, and I have always wanted to run a marathon. My brother, a marathon veteran, has committed to running it with me, so I will have a friendly face and running partner as well. Hurrah!
2. Read and write more. This is one of those things I've been "meaning to do" but not really trying very hard to do it for the most part. I was given a book reader by my wonderful husband last Christmas (2009!) but it has mostly collected dust over the past year, to my shame. It even has over 30 books just waiting to be read, but I need to stake out the time to use it. I plan to get this time by not sitting around playing silly games on Facebook when I could be soaking up great literature. The writing portion will include updating this blog more often as well!
3. Finish editing my manuscript to prepare to submit to editors and agents by the end of 2011. I have already made the fundamental change I decided on once I was finished with 2009's NaNoWriMo (changing my main character from the male character to a female), but I still have a lot of work to do to make it presentable. I think that if I chip away at it consistently, I should have something to be fairly proud of by the end of the year. I believe I have the kernel of a good idea here, hopefully I can turn it into something people will want to read!!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
12 Days of Motherhood: part 2
Here's the promised second half of a mom's take on the 12 Days of Christmas. Pretty much just for my own entertainment, but enjoy anyway. :)
Mom’s Twelve Dreams of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
two loving brothers
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
five toothless grins...
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
eight splashy bathtimes,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
nine giggly evenings,
eight splashy bedtimes,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
ten imaginary games,
nine giggly evenings,
eight splashy bedtimes,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
eleven surprise hugs,
ten imaginary games,
nine giggly evenings,
eight splashy bedtimes,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
twelve sleep-in mornings,
eleven surprise hugs,
ten imaginary games,
nine giggly evenings,
eight splashy bedtimes,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
Mom’s Twelve Dreams of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
two loving brothers
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
five toothless grins...
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
eight splashy bathtimes,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
nine giggly evenings,
eight splashy bedtimes,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
ten imaginary games,
nine giggly evenings,
eight splashy bedtimes,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
eleven surprise hugs,
ten imaginary games,
nine giggly evenings,
eight splashy bedtimes,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
twelve sleep-in mornings,
eleven surprise hugs,
ten imaginary games,
nine giggly evenings,
eight splashy bedtimes,
seven silent naptimes,
six sweet-boy snuggles,
five toothless grins,
four ‘yuv you mommy’s,
three toddler giggles,
two loving brothers,
and a peacefully sleeping baby.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
12 Days of Motherhood: part 1
Here's my attempt at a take on the 12 Days of Christmas, focusing on the not-so-nice parts of motherhood. I will come back with a more positive one soon, I promise!
The 12 Nightmares of Mom’s Christmas
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
an endlessly crying baby.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
two poop explosions
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
five temper tantrums....
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
eight leaky diapers,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
nine whiny voices,
eight leaky diapers,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
ten predawn wakings,
nine whiny voices,
eight leaky diapers,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
eleven changes of clothing,
ten predawn wakings,
nine whiny voices,
eight leaky diapers,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
twelve runny noses,
eleven changes of clothing,
ten predawn wakings,
nine whiny voices,
eight leaky diapers,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
The 12 Nightmares of Mom’s Christmas
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
an endlessly crying baby.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
two poop explosions
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
five temper tantrums....
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
eight leaky diapers,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
nine whiny voices,
eight leaky diapers,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
ten predawn wakings,
nine whiny voices,
eight leaky diapers,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
eleven changes of clothing,
ten predawn wakings,
nine whiny voices,
eight leaky diapers,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
twelve runny noses,
eleven changes of clothing,
ten predawn wakings,
nine whiny voices,
eight leaky diapers,
seven sleepless naptimes,
six toddlers screaming,
five temper tantrums,
four grumpy evenings,
three spit-up puddles,
two poop explosions,
and an endlessly crying baby.
Stuck in fast-forward.
I had really hoped to be back before now. I feel, as the title suggests, as if I am stuck in fast-forward. I hate that feeling on principle, but it's especially sad when it's in the middle of the holiday season. This is my favorite time of year, but I haven't gotten nearly anything done yet that I usually do by now. My Christmas cards were just addressed today and won't go out in the mail until Monday. I have one batch of cookie dough refrigerating, hopefully to be baked tonight but perhaps tomorrow. Our tree isn't up yet.
I guess I should cut myself a little slack, since we have a 4 1/2 month old dictating most of my schedule these days. He is a great baby, but it's still a bit unpredictable how much time I will have to get things done any given time he is asleep. I'm also trying to get back into shape; lately I've been averaging 3-4 days on the treadmill per week, and I added my long weekend run back in last week. With the weather as cold as it's been around here, I put a movie on and hop on the treadmill for 90 minutes. Before you gasp, I'll fully admit that I do a slow jog and take walk breaks every 5 minutes.
Anyway, I had an idea for a fun series of poems, taking off on the 12 Days of Christmas. If anyone wants to join me, that's great. If not, I guess I'll do it for my own entertainment. I'll post it in a separate entry, however. Hopefully tonight, depending on how it goes. :)
I guess I should cut myself a little slack, since we have a 4 1/2 month old dictating most of my schedule these days. He is a great baby, but it's still a bit unpredictable how much time I will have to get things done any given time he is asleep. I'm also trying to get back into shape; lately I've been averaging 3-4 days on the treadmill per week, and I added my long weekend run back in last week. With the weather as cold as it's been around here, I put a movie on and hop on the treadmill for 90 minutes. Before you gasp, I'll fully admit that I do a slow jog and take walk breaks every 5 minutes.
Anyway, I had an idea for a fun series of poems, taking off on the 12 Days of Christmas. If anyone wants to join me, that's great. If not, I guess I'll do it for my own entertainment. I'll post it in a separate entry, however. Hopefully tonight, depending on how it goes. :)
Monday, November 22, 2010
Poetry Challenge: Ripped from the headlines.
Hey folks,
Long time no see. I am running out of excuses not to blog, so here I am. I said I would write a poem related to this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, as I will do below. I will expand my inspiration for my readers to be able to select any current event that strikes their fancy. I feel that feature-y news stories work better for this type of thing, but if you find something newsy that works, go for it. If the story is not really familiar, please include a link to the story which provided the inspiration.
Here's mine:
Evergreen
I provided shade for generations
in a peaceful New York suburb.
Only recently have I grown so large
that the family worried at the prospect
of a windstorm bringing me down on them.
The father of the family,
one of New York City’s Bravest,
could not fathom losing any more
people he loved in a senseless manner
if he could help it.
So I was chosen
to be packed on a truck,
carefully pruned and groomed,
fitted with millions of lights
and brighten Rockefeller Center.
When I got to Manhattan,
I had one more surprise:
a nesting bird in my branches.
The bird was carefully removed
and now lives in the Central Park Zoo.
When this season is over,
I will yield myself again
to provide shelter for those in need,
safely sheltering further generations
as I have my whole life.
The story outlining most of these facts can be viewed here.
The rest was reported on the Today Show over the past few weeks, and I think you can probably find it by searching their page. Now, go forth and write!
Long time no see. I am running out of excuses not to blog, so here I am. I said I would write a poem related to this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, as I will do below. I will expand my inspiration for my readers to be able to select any current event that strikes their fancy. I feel that feature-y news stories work better for this type of thing, but if you find something newsy that works, go for it. If the story is not really familiar, please include a link to the story which provided the inspiration.
Here's mine:
Evergreen
I provided shade for generations
in a peaceful New York suburb.
Only recently have I grown so large
that the family worried at the prospect
of a windstorm bringing me down on them.
The father of the family,
one of New York City’s Bravest,
could not fathom losing any more
people he loved in a senseless manner
if he could help it.
So I was chosen
to be packed on a truck,
carefully pruned and groomed,
fitted with millions of lights
and brighten Rockefeller Center.
When I got to Manhattan,
I had one more surprise:
a nesting bird in my branches.
The bird was carefully removed
and now lives in the Central Park Zoo.
When this season is over,
I will yield myself again
to provide shelter for those in need,
safely sheltering further generations
as I have my whole life.
The story outlining most of these facts can be viewed here.
The rest was reported on the Today Show over the past few weeks, and I think you can probably find it by searching their page. Now, go forth and write!
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