The Hat, Part II

Help Stop Gapiosis

Lydia is wearing her Babylegs. I love them. They're advertised as a way to help with gapiosis, i.e., the space between a baby's sock and the bottom of his/her pants!

According to their website, they also:

1. Make diaper changes a breeze
2. Protect soft knees from harsh surfaces
3. Keep legs (and arms) warm year round
4. Provide light weight sun protection
5. Make a fun fashion statement with styles for every occasion
6. Help keep socks on

She wore them today. I didn't have to worry about gapiosis at all. Check them out. They'd make a great baby gift.

In Honor of Becky

My college roommate is a great friend. She was (and still is) bright, articulate, beautiful....

But she had a secret problem.

She liked to pile clothes on a chair until it practically tipped over.

So in the spirit of Becky, I thought I'd post a look at my ironing board tonight.


It was a busy day.

Another Chicken Dinner

We had a date tonight. I guess that's what you'd call it. We paid a babysitter and went to dinner. Mike was asked to give the invocation at an annual chamber of commerce event. I decided that some intelligent conversation and lipstick would be good for me.

It was the first time I left Lydia with someone other than my mom. I was nervous throughout the day, knowing that she's teething and her digestive system is a little messed up from all the new solid foods she's consuming. But it would be a nice time, right?

So wrong.

I was bored. I knew no one. I sat and listened to strangers talk about town easter egg hunts and fishing derbies and sesquicentennial celebrations.

So $20 for a babysitter, a five minute car ride to talk with Mike, a chicken dinner (which means a potato, roll, and cold mixed vegetables for me), and a day of worry.

Was it worth it?

Nah.

Home (almost) Sweet Home

You know, I've lived in this town for almost seven years. I can't believe I made it this long! It doesn't seem that long ago when I was lying on the floor, kicking and screaming (literally) because I felt so unwelcome.

So although I'd move tomorrow if Mike said the magic words, there are a few things I've learned to appreciate about this place:

1. Where else can I visit four dollar stores, three chinese restaurants, and every fast food chain within a mile of my house?
2. Where else can I take my kids on a half-mile stroller ride and pass a scrapbook store?
3. Where else does it take four minutes to travel to Wal-Mart during rush hour?
4. Where else does the postal worker, bank employee, gas station attendant, and gift shop owner call me by name?
5. Where else can I wear clothes from 1999 and still look cool?

It's my home.

For now.

The Dragon Lady

I don't think a librarian has ever made me cry. I almost cried today.

When I'm trying to prove a point to a stranger, I often get emotional, my heart beats faster, and my voice starts to quiver. I hate it, but that's what happens.

In November, Jonah ripped the pages out of three library books when he was supposed to be taking a nap. He was punished, and a few days later, I made him go to the library to apologize. I took my checkbook to pay for the books at that time, but the evening worker said she didn't know what to do and asked if they could send me a bill. No problem.

I received the bill for $41.00, paid it, and even noticed yesterday that the check had cleared.

Today is the first time I revisited the library. When I tried to check-out, they told me I had a $10 fee for the collection agency. I said, "I paid it and the check has cleared," not really listening to what she had said.

She replied, "No, this is the fee for the COLLECTION AGENCY." Hello? What are you talking about? Collection agency? I've never had a collection agency called on me (oh, except for that time in 1999 when Liz and I placed our electric bill in the junk drawer and didn't realize it unti the collection agency called us!)

"But I paid it immediately. In fact, I brought my checkbook the night I returned the books and she didn't know how to bill me."

At this point, the head librarian yells from her desk, "What's your name?"
"[I state my name]"
"How do you spell that?"
"[I spell it out for her]."

I couldn't help but feel the 12 eyes looking at me from the nearby computers. Actually, this story wouldn't be any big deal if I lived in a larger town where no one really knew me. But keep in mind that people know us. People know Mike. People know our name. We have a reputation.

"We contact the collection agency when you don't pay your bill in 90 days," she screams.

Now I realize that she wasn't yelling or screaming, but she was talking loudly and no one else in the library was saying a word.

My voice is quivering. "I just got the bill. I just paid it. Can you check to see when the books were due that I--"

"Give me a second to think," she interrupts. "Oh, I'll take off the charge. Computer glitch."

That's it? That's all you're going to say to me? After making me say my name and spell my name for everyone in the library. After repeating the words "collection agency" over and over again. That's all you're going to say?

They proceed to check out my new books. As I'm walking to the door I hear in a sweet voice, "Sorry ma'am for the confusion."

I want to write a letter. I don't really know what I'll say.

Perhaps "Dear Dragon Lady,...

Today's Emergency

I guess I should be happy that our overactive Jonah is 3 years old, and we haven't had to visit the emergency room-- until today. I got a call right when school was dismissed. He had fallen, cut his head, and needed comforted by his mom. When I got to school, they had already determined that we needed to go to the hospital. Jonah was calm, and actually, a bit excited to visit the place with the "echo stairs." Mike was able to meet me there and help-- thankfully.

Jonah did okay. When the doctor asked him what happened, he replied, "My hurt myself." I think the doctor wanted more details! He had actually slipped on the wet floor coming in from recess and cut his head on a rocking chair. The cut wasn't very big, just deep.

He got three staples.

We stopped at McDonalds on the way home. So life, according to Jonah, is good.

Aunt Millie & Me

I received an unexpected gift for Christmas this year-- a bread machine. It has quickly become one of my favorite kitchen appliances. In fact, I don't understand why every household in America doesn't own one! Yesterday, I made two loaves to give away, and I think the combined time I spent in the kitchen was 15 minutes. Everyone is so impressed when I give them a warm loaf of fresh bread, and yet it's as simple to make as grilled cheese. One of Jonah's friends asked his mom for "Traci's bread." Just call me Aunt Millie.

The Hat

If Only

If only I had such talent. While sitting down to post last night, I got a little carried away with surfing the internet for amazing photographers. I'll never create the art they do, but maybe I will be inspired by their props, clothing, and sometimes, very unique settings for children. Here's a list of some great photographers I found: Brianna Graham, Lori Nordstrom, Kathy Wolfe, Audrey Woulard, and Rachel Devine. And if you want to just see an awesome photography blog, check out The Image is Found.

American Idol

It has begun. I’m definitely not obsessive, although Mike would say I am. Sure, I don’t want to miss a show, but I’m not in the American Idol fan club, I’ve never been to an American Idol concert, and Ace didn’t draw my tattoo.

But I do enjoy watching the show—much to Mike’s dismay. He makes fun of the singers, he makes fun of the judges, and he makes fun of me!

“You knew this before you married me,” I tease. He knew that even as a child I remember watching Star Search and Fame. He knew I was in my high school's show choir (dare I say that it really was cool at my school!). He knew that I love Broadway and enjoy reading my monthly Playbill magazine. He knew that I tap-danced and was the forensics coach at the high school.

He knew this before he married me—
What can I say, I enjoy the performing arts!

And he did catch the spirit last night. Guess who “auditioned” for me, singing California Dreamin’ in his best bass voice? Okay, so I really had to beg him, but it sure was fun!

So let's get past these first few weeks of competition. You know, it's one thing to shatter the dreams of young men and women that are strong, nice-looking, and intelligent. It's quite another thing to laugh at contestants that are clearly disadvantaged in other ways.

Regardless, I'll tune in next Tuesday. Will you?

Precious Moments

It's been a miserable day; I've had an achy body and am just now starting to feel better. My wrists were even hurting. I tried to explain to Jonah that Lydia and I weren't feeling well, and he would need to take care of us. He immediately gave each of us kisses and then started to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." After the first phrase he said, "I don't remember it." So with some coaching from me he finished singing the song. As soon as he was done, he said, "Feel better, Mom?"

A couple times this afternoon, I let out a few wimpering cries. Both times he grabbed my face and showered me with kisses.

At one point, I asked if he would pray that Mommy would feel better. He grabbed my hands and said, "Dear Jesus, (pause) Amen."

Too cute.

Although he takes so much work, he can be such a sweet boy. I'm so proud of him.

Snow Day

I heard those two words this morning. It's funny how my perspective has changed. I used to pray diligently for snow days; now I HATE them. Once Lydia is older I can picture building snowmen, drinking hot chocolate, and making snow angels, but right now there's no routine, nowhere to go, and nothing to do. I have gotten so accustomed to Jonah attending school for three hours every morning (I know, it's marvelous) that it throws me all off when school is cancelled. So I decided early this morning that we were going to spend the day baking cookies. And that's what we did!

We're obviously not going to win any decorating awards, but he's awfully proud of his rocket ship, music note, pumpkin, egg, sailboat, etc.

We attempted a dinner out with friends tonight. We took the kids. That's a big deal for us. The occupational therapist told us a long time ago that we were doing a smart thing by sacrificing restaurants for Jonah's sake. He did okay. I guess he's growing up. He even said, "Excuse me, more milk" to the server without much prompting from me.

Maybe the snow day wasn't so bad.

Garden Chicken Pasta

To respond to Tricia's post about new recipes, I thought I'd post one of my recent favorites.

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
6 oz. penne pasta
1 lb. chicken, cut in strips
1 cup sliced green pepper
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 T. oil
14.5 oz. Del Monte Diced Tomatoes with Mushrooms and Garlic
8 oz. tomato sauce

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. Cook chicken, pepper and onion in oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until chicken is no longer pink.
3. Add undrained tomatoes and tomato sauce; simmer uncovered 5 minutes.
4. Add hot pasta to skillet; toss. Sprinkle with cheese; heat until melted.

Who's Six Months Old Today?

Lydia Ray!

It's My Couch

I had a friend ask me this morning how I find time to blog. Yes, it's true that I don't have time to do laundry or fix myself lunch or clean the playroom or vacuum the kitchen, but I'm realizing that I will FIND time to blog. What initially started as a way to keep in touch with family and friends has evolved these past few days into something else.

Even though my job is the most important job in the world, most days I feel that I don't have much purpose. What will I put on my next resume? From 2003-2009 I completed laundry tasks, implemented a diapering system, performed kitchen duties-- somehow I don't think an employer will be too impressed. Yet these past couple of days, I have been forced to find something interesting to share. I actually do a lot every day; most days I just don't feel like it.

Perhaps it's allowed me to see humor in things that initially annoy me. For instance, before friends came over for dinner last night, Jonah had decided to smear poop all over the couch, and when I was trying to clean it up, he sprayed 409 cleaner all over his neck, face, and shirt since the plumber (a whole other story) hadn't shut the cabinet with the child proof lock properly. In the midst of cleaning the couch, putting Jonah in the bath before the cleaner would chemically burn his skin, setting the table, and preparing for our friends to arrive, I immediately started thinking, "This is a great story for the blog."

So why do I find the time?

It's therapy. It's my brown leather couch.

Humble Pie

...that's what I had for breakfast this morning. Mike had an early meeting so I took Jonah to school today. His teachers had already obtained an alligator and put an Ohio State emblem in its mouth.

Okay. Okay. I was wrong. I'm getting down off my high horse.

In the words of my brother, "That was quite possibly the worst game I've ever seen...although I didn't see much of it since I quit watching early in the second half. I was feeling fairly destructive, and after I visualized throwing the remote through the window, I figured I should change the channel for good and just forget about it. Thankfully, Rambo II was on AMC. It's a good movie to watch if you want to release agression...Well, I can't remember the last time I was so far beyond anger and frustration that I reached the point of indifference."

I, too, went to bed at halftime.

Maybe next year.

My Little Buckeyes

Retaliation

Before the Michigan/Ohio State game, Jonah wore his Ohio State jersey to school. When I got him off the bus that day, his first words to me were, "Go Blue." Inside his school folder that same day was a picture of him holding a yellow sign that said, "Go Blue." I was disgusted, of course.

So in honor of tomorrow's game (and you better believe he's wearing his jersey again), we made treats for his class tomorrow.

Pop the Great

We just enjoyed a day with my mom and dad. We are so blessed that our kids have such amazing grandparents. I don't think there's anything they wouldn't do for us-- look, for instance, at Pop's hiding place during a game of hide & seek.

I feel so much better when I know my world is organized, and I'm thankful that I had time to do that today while Pop and Grammy entertained.

On a different note, we tried a bow in Lydia's hair for the first time. I don't think she's ready for them quite yet!

Tappin' Feet are Happy Feet

I just returned from my "down time." I get 45 minutes a week to myself. I choose to tap with those 45 minutes. Every week I come home and show Mike and Jonah what I've learned. They're always unimpressed.

What is it about tap-dancing? I absolutely love it, but I guess it just seems cheesy to those who've never really tried it.

I stand next to a woman that's been tapping for over 30 years. She's always showing me what I'm doing wrong. There are also two men in my class. One is about five years older than me, has a wife and kids, and rocks. Yes, I just used that word to describe a tap-dancer. Come on--have you seen Happy Feet? Those penguins rock.

Quit smirking.

It's an Obsession, Really

I'm addicted. In fact, I have exactly six minutes to finish this before I need to be downstairs in front of the tv.

It all started about three months ago when Mike bought Season Two of The Office on DVD. I thought he was a bit ridiculous. I had tried to watch it before but had no tolerance-- until recently. Now I just can't stop.

Jim and Pam are my friends.

And yes, I do think Mike looks a BIT like Dwight.

I'm Not Smiling....Yet

Did you ever have one of those days? I had one today.

Happy New Year

We decided the year Jonah was born that we just couldn't "party" like we used to on New Year's Eve. So we left our friendly gathering at 9:30 last night and went to bed at 11:00. I can't remember the last time I wasn't awake to participate in the ritualistic singing of Au Lang Syne.

We watched TV for a few minutes around 10:45, laughing at the responses given when people were asked what they "hoped for 2007." One woman said "peace," someone else said, "just a great year." LAME. LAME.

But what do I hope for 2007? Healthy children. Sanity. A skinnier body. A joy-filled house. A joy-filled heart. I guess it's a hard question to answer when you haven't given it much thought.