Well it's true! This particular naptime, I just had to snap some shots.
Poor Gigi wasn't there to enjoy the attention.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
H1N1
It took me less than a second to make the decision not to vaccinate Gigi for H1N1. We aren't vaccinating her for anything else, firstly. Also, H1N1 vax contains thimerisol.
I won't get started on vaccinations other than to say that the companies who provide them are legally protected from liability should something go wrong. This vaccination is no exception, and was hastily concocted to boot.
I will take my own meager precautions now:
- No more touchy strangers. If you want to see how quickly I can move, step toward my daughter with your hand outstretched while saying "oh she's sooooo beautiful..."
- No high risk places. Gigi was invited to Chuck E Cheese for a little one's birthday. There are just so many reasons to avoid places like this. My conclusion was that they didn't base their business model on how clean they are, and I'll just leave it at that.
- I will periodically sanitize her hands. After the market, after playgroup. I know that there is a anti-hand sanitizer movement out there, but I'm on the fringe. I dont see the harm in a little alchohol now and then.
- And of course, I will KEEP BREASTFEEDING. Gigi has been sick once in her little life, and that was because I foolishly kept her in close proximity to three sick children for 6 hours (I didn't know!) when she was 4 months old. Even when I came down with something 2 months ago, Gigi stayed in her protective BF bubble.
I fully expect to come through this unscathed. However, I won't feel like I neglected Gigi if she gets sick. Ive struggled with the vaccination question already and made my peace with the risks on both sides. I gave the H1N1 vaccination question its due, however, and I still do not feel compelled to cause potential harm to my precious daughter over it.
Apples and Co-ops and Gym Class, Oh My!
Last week was a week of buying and recieving. I probably mentioned to G-Grandma Detkos that I was wanting to buy some more PJs for Gigi and so when they came by... more PJs! And other things. Grandma Bernie came also and brought a gorgeous pair of UGGs (is that what you say when you see the price??) and a pop-up halloween card. I will soon get the camera out and take some modeling pictures.
Also, apples. We have recieved so many apples from G-Grandma & Grandpa that I think we've given up trying to use them for something! We have made Apple Cakes, apple sauce, baked apples, sauteed apples and oatmeal... I cant remember what else, it's all an apple-y blur.
And co-ops. I belong to a buying cooperative and October is the time for holiday shopping. It takes awhile to get your items in coops, and manufacturers and retailers are too busy to deal with coops in December, so October is the time to buy. We ordered a wooden toy for Gigi, clothing for Nick, some stocking stuffer type gifts for various family and friends and some everyday things we've been needing, like a pound of organic Taco mix! It sounds like alot, but since Nick generally gets his way around here, we eat tacos once per week!
We signed Gigi up for Winter gymnastics too. We go "all the way out" to East Amherst for gym mainly because the facility is extremely clean as well as toddler and baby oriented. The gym was running a special for 15% off if we signed up way before the session began and it was worth it. A sign of the times, too. I wish there was an equal facility a bit closer- there isn't. Gigi and I went to a trial class for the toddlers, just to see if she still enjoyed it and yes she did!
A busy, productive expensive week. Maybe we should eat tacos twice a week?
Also, apples. We have recieved so many apples from G-Grandma & Grandpa that I think we've given up trying to use them for something! We have made Apple Cakes, apple sauce, baked apples, sauteed apples and oatmeal... I cant remember what else, it's all an apple-y blur.
And co-ops. I belong to a buying cooperative and October is the time for holiday shopping. It takes awhile to get your items in coops, and manufacturers and retailers are too busy to deal with coops in December, so October is the time to buy. We ordered a wooden toy for Gigi, clothing for Nick, some stocking stuffer type gifts for various family and friends and some everyday things we've been needing, like a pound of organic Taco mix! It sounds like alot, but since Nick generally gets his way around here, we eat tacos once per week!
We signed Gigi up for Winter gymnastics too. We go "all the way out" to East Amherst for gym mainly because the facility is extremely clean as well as toddler and baby oriented. The gym was running a special for 15% off if we signed up way before the session began and it was worth it. A sign of the times, too. I wish there was an equal facility a bit closer- there isn't. Gigi and I went to a trial class for the toddlers, just to see if she still enjoyed it and yes she did!
A busy, productive expensive week. Maybe we should eat tacos twice a week?
Monday, October 5, 2009
Babies and Puppies
Gigi has an affinity for dogs, no doubt about it. Cats too. Here we were at a friends house and Gigi spent a good deal of time goading Riley into "kissing" her. Yuck!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Down on the Farm
This weekend we went to a working farm, Kelkenberg, in Clarence. The experience included a hayride, pumpkin picking, animal visiting and a little pizza party thrown by the MomGroup I am vested in.
Trying to pick my way through the hay maze.
Clydesdales, so beautiful.
Gigi wanted to pet (or grab) those chickens so badly!
This is not a child I know, but I wanted to get a picture of the contraption he is operating. What is it?
We had a nice time there. Gigi especially enjoyed the hayride out to the pumpkin patch, where we were surrounded by green as far as we could see. The air was fresh and the sun shone brightly. It was one of those moments where you feel so happy to be alive.
Trying to pick my way through the hay maze.
Clydesdales, so beautiful.
Gigi wanted to pet (or grab) those chickens so badly!
This is not a child I know, but I wanted to get a picture of the contraption he is operating. What is it?
We had a nice time there. Gigi especially enjoyed the hayride out to the pumpkin patch, where we were surrounded by green as far as we could see. The air was fresh and the sun shone brightly. It was one of those moments where you feel so happy to be alive.
Friday, October 2, 2009
More Clothes!
This is Gigi a few days ago, modeling and generally reveling in a pile of new clothes from Great Grandma.
I feel generally surly about the prospect of buying brand new kiddo clothes, possibly to the point of being negligent.
First off, Gigi is a lucky little girl. She has had up until now 4 sources of hand-me-down clothing. Before I gave birth, I bought a huge lot of used clothes from a mama in West Seneca. I mean huge. 5 boxes all the way up to a few 24 months items, plus she threw in Avent bottles, sheets, some toys, tons of shoes, binkies- you name it. Plus, Gigi has a few important little girls (generous mamas) who contribute really cute stuff to her wardrobe and I am very grateful.
Second off, she has Grandma. Actually Great Grandma. Grandma Detkos has always been a "shopper" from what I can gather. She scours the aisles at TJ Maxx and the like, sweeping the grid like The Terminator looking for Sarah Connor. I need only to have mentioned that Gigi needed socks than she recieved all manner of them. I am grateful. I used to actually begrudge Gigi the deluge of non-essential clothing back when she was 6 months, but now that we actually go places and get dirty it's pretty cool. Now I just feel guilty for the kids in... well, not Africa. They're starving, yes, but it's hot there. I guess I don't know where, but the poor kids with only 10 things to wear is what I mean. They may live just minutes away for all I know.
Lastly, I just dont want to spend the money on new clothes. I have other stuff I want to spend our money on. Or not spend at all would be best. And I dislike TJ Maxx and Marshall's so much that I would actually endure real (minor) physical discomfort as an alternative to shopping there.
What I do is look for second-hand stuff. I want really good condition Pedipeds and Robeez for $15 a pair (still looking)! I want an EUC (excellent used condition) Patagonia snowsuit for $30 (got it)! I want some kind of fleece or wool hat that ties and covers Gigi's ears for $5 (working on it). I don't want a Ralph Lauren jumpsuit for $30 because it used to be $60 (got it from Grandma, though, and it's super-di-cute!).
So it pains me to admit that I'll be buying brand-new slippers for Gigi. And anything that is going to breathe, protect against hardwood slips, last for the next kiddo and not be the cartoon character du jour is $20, minimum. And that's a deep-discount Amazon deal on an Austrian brand called Giesswien that is usually priced at $60.00. For slippers!
This whole clothing thing is a balancing act for me. In attempting to live green, I try not to encourage additional production with my dollars, sweatshop and otherwise. Not to mention my general dislike of shopping. Also, I have many, many bags full of clothing separated by size and season in storage already, too small now. I could open a consignment shop at this point. And it's hard to reconcile what they claim are the "must-haves" with what really are. For instance, does Gigi need slippers? Are they a "must-have?" Shouldn't I just be chasing her down every 10 minutes and putting her socks back on? Or should I just let her navigate the hardwood and ceramic with bare feet after I get tired of the chasing?
It's hard to tell sometimes if these ideas of what she needs come from me or the media that has targeted me as a middle income, stay at home mom that wants the best for her little bundle and is willing to pay for it. And I do get targeted - even without the benefit of television, which I do not watch.
So...
Best I can tell, the girl should have some slippers. They're in the cart, ready to go. Of course, I can get Super Saver Shipping if I just spend $5 dollars more...
First off, Gigi is a lucky little girl. She has had up until now 4 sources of hand-me-down clothing. Before I gave birth, I bought a huge lot of used clothes from a mama in West Seneca. I mean huge. 5 boxes all the way up to a few 24 months items, plus she threw in Avent bottles, sheets, some toys, tons of shoes, binkies- you name it. Plus, Gigi has a few important little girls (generous mamas) who contribute really cute stuff to her wardrobe and I am very grateful.
Second off, she has Grandma. Actually Great Grandma. Grandma Detkos has always been a "shopper" from what I can gather. She scours the aisles at TJ Maxx and the like, sweeping the grid like The Terminator looking for Sarah Connor. I need only to have mentioned that Gigi needed socks than she recieved all manner of them. I am grateful. I used to actually begrudge Gigi the deluge of non-essential clothing back when she was 6 months, but now that we actually go places and get dirty it's pretty cool. Now I just feel guilty for the kids in... well, not Africa. They're starving, yes, but it's hot there. I guess I don't know where, but the poor kids with only 10 things to wear is what I mean. They may live just minutes away for all I know.
Lastly, I just dont want to spend the money on new clothes. I have other stuff I want to spend our money on. Or not spend at all would be best. And I dislike TJ Maxx and Marshall's so much that I would actually endure real (minor) physical discomfort as an alternative to shopping there.
What I do is look for second-hand stuff. I want really good condition Pedipeds and Robeez for $15 a pair (still looking)! I want an EUC (excellent used condition) Patagonia snowsuit for $30 (got it)! I want some kind of fleece or wool hat that ties and covers Gigi's ears for $5 (working on it). I don't want a Ralph Lauren jumpsuit for $30 because it used to be $60 (got it from Grandma, though, and it's super-di-cute!).
So it pains me to admit that I'll be buying brand-new slippers for Gigi. And anything that is going to breathe, protect against hardwood slips, last for the next kiddo and not be the cartoon character du jour is $20, minimum. And that's a deep-discount Amazon deal on an Austrian brand called Giesswien that is usually priced at $60.00. For slippers!
This whole clothing thing is a balancing act for me. In attempting to live green, I try not to encourage additional production with my dollars, sweatshop and otherwise. Not to mention my general dislike of shopping. Also, I have many, many bags full of clothing separated by size and season in storage already, too small now. I could open a consignment shop at this point. And it's hard to reconcile what they claim are the "must-haves" with what really are. For instance, does Gigi need slippers? Are they a "must-have?" Shouldn't I just be chasing her down every 10 minutes and putting her socks back on? Or should I just let her navigate the hardwood and ceramic with bare feet after I get tired of the chasing?
It's hard to tell sometimes if these ideas of what she needs come from me or the media that has targeted me as a middle income, stay at home mom that wants the best for her little bundle and is willing to pay for it. And I do get targeted - even without the benefit of television, which I do not watch.
So...
Best I can tell, the girl should have some slippers. They're in the cart, ready to go. Of course, I can get Super Saver Shipping if I just spend $5 dollars more...
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Words Gigi says and understands
I thought it would be fun to document the words Gigi is using these days. She understands a bunch more words and concepts, but these are just the words that she clearly says and associates with things or concepts:
She may or may not understand the word "up." She seems to use it for alot of things, including when something is particularly interesting and she needs to use an exclamatory word, kind of like "wow!"
- dada
- momma
- imums (breastfeeding)
- duck
- da (dolly)
- popop (CocoPop snack)
- eyes (comes ouxt "eesh")
- nose
- brush (comes out "ush" or "bish")
She may or may not understand the word "up." She seems to use it for alot of things, including when something is particularly interesting and she needs to use an exclamatory word, kind of like "wow!"
Monday, September 28, 2009
Irresistable Bunnies
Aunt Naomi sent this totally awesome wool sweater and hat set for Gigi's birthday. It is a very heavy sweater, really more like a coat, with a super sturdy zipper.
What I love most about it is that it is unmistakeably juvenile, sugar-sweet like the little girl it was made for.
At Grammie's on Sunday
We all went to visit Fred Anner this day and went back to spend some time at Grammie's
enjoying homemade applesauce and rootbeer floats at Grammie's house
This little tea set Gigi is playing with at Grammie's almost stopped my heart the first time Gigi reached for it. Grammie went along with the joke... it looks like porcelain but is in fact metal!
Totally unbreakable.
whew!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Exhibition Hockey
On Wednesday, we had our usual Wednesday playgroup and Wegmans excursion (always must get more CocoPops!). Gigi was a bit whiney during playgroup and the previous nights' party was most likely the reason.
And then, after a very long nap, the moment we had been waiting for for a long time... our first Sabres game of the season! With Gigi in tow this year!
Nick and I didnt actually get seasons for this game. I had requested getting tickets to a game in the pre-season, just to get our bearings on what Gigi might need in future games. It was a great idea (ahem) because attendence was low at 11k and we did learn quite a few things. Even though we got seats in the 200s and attendence was concentrated there, everything just took less time. We had kick-ass seats, too! Section 208, on the aisle. Of course, we took full advantage of the rare air and ordered nachos from our seats. The bustle was more leisurely and family friendly and the walkways are carpeted, so we were even able to let Gigi walk around during intermissions. I dearly wish we were in the 200s for the season, for Gigi's sake.
Ah, back to the game! Gigi loved it. The night started with the train ride in. We park and ride from Amherst and that is definitely the best way. She enjoyed sight seeing above ground and turned to people watching during the underground. There was a live band outside the stadium and without the bodies to absorb some of the sound, they may have been a tad too loud for her.
But oh my, when we got into our seats! The lights, the crowd, the individual people, the cheering! It was a wonder to her. And us, too- it was simply exciting to be there. The anthem was accompanied by deaf kids signing to the lyrics and that was really fun to see. Gigi was having so much fun, hanging out in daddy's lap, eating nachos, flirting with the people to our left and behind. Having fun, until... we scored. I actually didn't anticipate that little problem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnMtFFiu47k&videos=QlWSarkM7ng&playnext_from=TL&playnext=1
The link above is what it sounds (and looks) like when the Sabres score. That horn is loud. Gigi cried, jumped into my lap, buried her face against me and sprouted genuine tears. That scenario was to happen an additional two times. We were thrilled that we scored of course, but I have a feeling I may begin to dread it also, ironically.
The 200s afforded us plenty of room to nurse a few times, switch her from lap to lap and take it easy. Going forward, our seats will be slightly less posh, but I believe we can make it work. And the whole family is clearly looking forward to our next game. Oh yeah, the Sabres won, something I am starting to actually hope I'll be able to say alot this season!
And then, after a very long nap, the moment we had been waiting for for a long time... our first Sabres game of the season! With Gigi in tow this year!
Nick and I didnt actually get seasons for this game. I had requested getting tickets to a game in the pre-season, just to get our bearings on what Gigi might need in future games. It was a great idea (ahem) because attendence was low at 11k and we did learn quite a few things. Even though we got seats in the 200s and attendence was concentrated there, everything just took less time. We had kick-ass seats, too! Section 208, on the aisle. Of course, we took full advantage of the rare air and ordered nachos from our seats. The bustle was more leisurely and family friendly and the walkways are carpeted, so we were even able to let Gigi walk around during intermissions. I dearly wish we were in the 200s for the season, for Gigi's sake.
Ah, back to the game! Gigi loved it. The night started with the train ride in. We park and ride from Amherst and that is definitely the best way. She enjoyed sight seeing above ground and turned to people watching during the underground. There was a live band outside the stadium and without the bodies to absorb some of the sound, they may have been a tad too loud for her.
But oh my, when we got into our seats! The lights, the crowd, the individual people, the cheering! It was a wonder to her. And us, too- it was simply exciting to be there. The anthem was accompanied by deaf kids signing to the lyrics and that was really fun to see. Gigi was having so much fun, hanging out in daddy's lap, eating nachos, flirting with the people to our left and behind. Having fun, until... we scored. I actually didn't anticipate that little problem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnMtFFiu47k&videos=QlWSarkM7ng&playnext_from=TL&playnext=1
The link above is what it sounds (and looks) like when the Sabres score. That horn is loud. Gigi cried, jumped into my lap, buried her face against me and sprouted genuine tears. That scenario was to happen an additional two times. We were thrilled that we scored of course, but I have a feeling I may begin to dread it also, ironically.
The 200s afforded us plenty of room to nurse a few times, switch her from lap to lap and take it easy. Going forward, our seats will be slightly less posh, but I believe we can make it work. And the whole family is clearly looking forward to our next game. Oh yeah, the Sabres won, something I am starting to actually hope I'll be able to say alot this season!
Another party!
On Tuesday, I hosted a mini-playgroup, for Gigi and just one other little boy. It lasted one hour and we had some fun. This little boy is older than Gigi however he is not as rambunctious, so they are a good fit.
Then later, Nick came home and laid down for a few because he bonked his head at work. We talked about suing the rotten SOBs he works for and concluded that since it was his fault, we would just let it go. Lucky for Medaille, huh?
I got Gigi and myself ready while Nick was recovering, because we had a party to go to!
Cousin Jon and family came up from NC to visit and Auntie Ann had a bunch of people and food to celebrate. Gigi had an amazing time. She was the only little one and family sent bunches of attention and love her way. Daddy sent bunches of beets, corn on the cob, turkey, baked beans and who-knows-what-else her way, too, and she was in her glory. There was even a dog and a little person chair for her to sit on. It's become obvious that she just loves to socialize and work a crowd.
It was nice to see everyone and it has me hoping we have a good 4th of July turnout next year!
Then later, Nick came home and laid down for a few because he bonked his head at work. We talked about suing the rotten SOBs he works for and concluded that since it was his fault, we would just let it go. Lucky for Medaille, huh?
I got Gigi and myself ready while Nick was recovering, because we had a party to go to!
Cousin Jon and family came up from NC to visit and Auntie Ann had a bunch of people and food to celebrate. Gigi had an amazing time. She was the only little one and family sent bunches of attention and love her way. Daddy sent bunches of beets, corn on the cob, turkey, baked beans and who-knows-what-else her way, too, and she was in her glory. There was even a dog and a little person chair for her to sit on. It's become obvious that she just loves to socialize and work a crowd.
It was nice to see everyone and it has me hoping we have a good 4th of July turnout next year!
Monday, September 21, 2009
It's Black & White
I confess that out of all the precious little outfits Gigi received for her birthday, this was my favorite. There was nothing black & white in her wardrobe, until now.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Matryoshka Dolls
What you see here is a Yellow Submarine nesting doll set from the website Golden Cockerel.
I'm a bit obsessed with the idea of nesting dolls lately. Not really just lately either, probably for about 6 months or so. When Gigi went to visit Grammie and she had a set and really enjoyed playing with it, it lit the fire.
I started with the idea of simply getting any old set. Then Nick got involved and we moved to the idea of purchasing a "pirate" set. Of course, I wasn't thrilled with that idea because we ninjas are always under-represented. I then approached an Etsy artist about doing a custom pirate/ninja/pirate/ninja/pirate set only to find out she wanted to charge an extra $75 above her already ouchie prices just for the design. Yikes. NFW.
Well, I don't get obsessed often, and the truth is I'm not very good at it. For awhile there, the fire still burned, but out back because life gets busy. I'm back on it now. So I'm on the lookout for a modernistic matryoshka, one that doesnt cost more than, lets say, a hundred bucks. I'm not a collector of things and I really am buying this for Gigi. However I would like this little toy to reflect our family aesthetic, if we have such a thing. Clean, simple, not too flowery, on the cute, not particularly realistic side. (ha!) I would definitely consider a design that felt distinctly Japanese.
And I have this one shot to buy it. Because I have no problem spending money on something meaningful, but that's the key, isnt it? If I am going to spend $50-100 on something I am most likely going to look at every day, it really should be meaningful.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Birthday Pictures
A banana chocolate birthday
Eating the candle
Ginger & Gigi
This is it, all the pictures we took.
I think we forgot we were supposed to be documenting this day, but we had fun!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Playdates
Baby playdates are such an odd phenomenon. Not because they are in themselves odd, but because of the circumstances surrounding them. They are not organic in the sense that they just happen in a spontaneous way the way things used to in my teens and twenties. They are planned and there is serious unspoken etiquette about what goes on during.
Can I pass for someone who belongs? Sure I can. I do belong. And the ladies I often share baby space with are very nice. But are we really ladies? No. We are MOMS. Yes, we all have personalities and likes and dislikes but they dont often come out in conversation. We dont talk much about politics, health care, finances, the latest news, religion, family life, or even sex, the thing that got us here in the first place. We talk about kids. What milestones they've hit, what activites they engage in, what they are eating, what they are wearing, what they are saying.
It's good to have an outlet like this. The truth is, no one else wants to talk about these things. And all the while Gigi is playing near other children, which exposes her to other ways of doing things, some germies she probably needs to come up against and toys she doesnt own.
But for women who feel like their identity is drowning in a sea of powder pink or baby blue, playdates are not the answer. I haven't had any kind of identity crisis (yet). I thoroughly enjoy being a mom and I feel pretty secure that the rest of me is alive and well. However I can't imagine that a playdate will make any woman feel normal.
What is normal? It's different for everyone. I wish for a good debate now and then. Or to change someone's cell phone language to Spanish like we used to at work. Or even to identify a client's needs and sell them something. Or whatever. But we are moms and we dont have time for these things. At least, not with each other.
I think eventually the key is to find a way to stop replacing other facets of me with kid oriented stuff. At least that is how I feel at the moment. How will I do that while taking a one year old everywhere I go? I havent figured that part out yet.
Can I pass for someone who belongs? Sure I can. I do belong. And the ladies I often share baby space with are very nice. But are we really ladies? No. We are MOMS. Yes, we all have personalities and likes and dislikes but they dont often come out in conversation. We dont talk much about politics, health care, finances, the latest news, religion, family life, or even sex, the thing that got us here in the first place. We talk about kids. What milestones they've hit, what activites they engage in, what they are eating, what they are wearing, what they are saying.
It's good to have an outlet like this. The truth is, no one else wants to talk about these things. And all the while Gigi is playing near other children, which exposes her to other ways of doing things, some germies she probably needs to come up against and toys she doesnt own.
But for women who feel like their identity is drowning in a sea of powder pink or baby blue, playdates are not the answer. I haven't had any kind of identity crisis (yet). I thoroughly enjoy being a mom and I feel pretty secure that the rest of me is alive and well. However I can't imagine that a playdate will make any woman feel normal.
What is normal? It's different for everyone. I wish for a good debate now and then. Or to change someone's cell phone language to Spanish like we used to at work. Or even to identify a client's needs and sell them something. Or whatever. But we are moms and we dont have time for these things. At least, not with each other.
I think eventually the key is to find a way to stop replacing other facets of me with kid oriented stuff. At least that is how I feel at the moment. How will I do that while taking a one year old everywhere I go? I havent figured that part out yet.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Perfect Food
I really have finally found the perfect snack for Gigi - CocoPops. CocoPops are a pancake-shaped grain cake made of wheat, corn, rice and salt. The grain is compressed under high heat in a special machine until it explodes, creating each cake.
The machine is right out in the open at Wegmans, and apparently people enjoy just milling around the machine watching cakes zing out of the shute.
Gigi and I dont have that kind of attention span, but I finally gave the cakes a try. Wow! They have the consistency of styrofoam, taste vaguely of salt, melt in the mouth and dont mush if you drop it on the floor and step on it, unlike pretty much every other snack food I have had the misfortune of letting Gigi wander away with. Best of all, Gigi LOVES them.
Clearly this is a fad, but I intend to stay on it as long as Gigi will let me! Yay for CocoPops!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Birthday pictures to come! In the meantime, enjoy these few from August:
At Shogun with Great Grandma and Grandpa.She ate everything we gave her, including things we didnt...
She loves food, and lemons are food, right?
Enjoying her very own chair.Sometimes she will find a book she wants and sit down to read it.
Oh so cute.
Gigi loves her summer sink baths. When she's in, she's there for at least 45 minutes.
Going Away
Soon, Nicholas will be going to the Outerbanks for a traditional man-vacation.
In my imagination, this is where he goes to wear the same clothes over and over, drink hoity-toity wine like a yuppy fish and play boardgames until he passes out. I don't have evidence to the contrary, so I will continue to believe these things until some kind of counter-proof comes my way. I wholeheartedly support it.
Having an infant is intense. Having a full-time job with responsibility can be intense. Studying for your MBA is intense. Doing all three simultaneously, and well, deserves a vacation.
Nicholas leaves Wednesday and returns Sunday I think. I will freely admit I don't do particularly well without my favorite person to hang out with, but everyone needs some downtime from the intensity of life.
In my imagination, this is where he goes to wear the same clothes over and over, drink hoity-toity wine like a yuppy fish and play boardgames until he passes out. I don't have evidence to the contrary, so I will continue to believe these things until some kind of counter-proof comes my way. I wholeheartedly support it.
Having an infant is intense. Having a full-time job with responsibility can be intense. Studying for your MBA is intense. Doing all three simultaneously, and well, deserves a vacation.
Nicholas leaves Wednesday and returns Sunday I think. I will freely admit I don't do particularly well without my favorite person to hang out with, but everyone needs some downtime from the intensity of life.
Thank You Notes
One of my favorite things to do is write letters and notes. Some would say it was therapy, and if therapy was what I needed I might agree. What I need is a different entry altogether! What note writing is for me is an opportunity to think deeply on the subject and be truly grateful. It gives me a chance to breathe. For that moment, I am only thinking about whatever it is I am writing about and the person I am writing to.
It is also a love affair with the medium itself. Note cards and papers are expressive. They convey the aesthetic of the sender. It is an act of love and empathy to give notecards as a gift to someone. It is also wonderful to receive a handmade card, something I have been lucky enough to experience.
Of course, I have sent and received my fair share of hastily scrawled notes, vapid and superficial. In my advanced years (ha), I am realizing - and I believe there is a cliche dedicated to this train of thought - that if something is worth doing at all, it should be done well. Or at least with the best possible intentions and attentions paid.
So last night, as Gigi was stalking around amidst our new wealth of books, clothing and toys, I took some time to really think about the effort it took our guests to come and add to the happiness, to say nothing of the nice gifts they brought. And that was my perspective as I wrote out a first round of thank you notes. And even if no one could tell but me, even if I was the only one who benefited from the process, I was so grateful for the opportunity.
It is also a love affair with the medium itself. Note cards and papers are expressive. They convey the aesthetic of the sender. It is an act of love and empathy to give notecards as a gift to someone. It is also wonderful to receive a handmade card, something I have been lucky enough to experience.
Of course, I have sent and received my fair share of hastily scrawled notes, vapid and superficial. In my advanced years (ha), I am realizing - and I believe there is a cliche dedicated to this train of thought - that if something is worth doing at all, it should be done well. Or at least with the best possible intentions and attentions paid.
So last night, as Gigi was stalking around amidst our new wealth of books, clothing and toys, I took some time to really think about the effort it took our guests to come and add to the happiness, to say nothing of the nice gifts they brought. And that was my perspective as I wrote out a first round of thank you notes. And even if no one could tell but me, even if I was the only one who benefited from the process, I was so grateful for the opportunity.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Birthday Party
Yay! We had Gigi's birthday party today. She did very well, even with all kinds of family and friends around. She actually seems to have matured between when she woke up and when our last guest left.
So we had DiCamillo's pizza for lunch, and Raspberry Ginger Ale and Iced Ginger Peach tea to drink. We opened presents pretty readily, after most people were assembled. Nick got it started and we didnt write down who gave us what. So as I type Nick and I are trying very hard to remember from whence everything came. Hopefully everyone will understand...!
For the Happy Birthday song, I made two organic cakes, banana with chocolate neufchatel frosting, and chocolate carrot with neufchatel frosting. I enjoyed making them and from what I understand, people enjoyed eating them. Gigi ate the candle, which was not organic, and then enjoyed her cake.
Of course, there were lots of people here that I wanted to really talk to, and of course there just wasnt enough time. Kevin, Paul and Nels hid in the media room watching football most of the time, and frankly I dont blame them! I wish I had been relaxing with some of our guests instead of doing whatever it was that I was doing...probably being a hostess. I'm not knocking being a hostess- somebody has to do it- but it's lots of fun to chitchat.
I am so grateful for all of the wonderful books we received! My goodness, it will take a few weeks to read them all. What a wonderful day. Gigi loved every minute and now she wants to relax with mum and dada for a little while to nurse.
So we had DiCamillo's pizza for lunch, and Raspberry Ginger Ale and Iced Ginger Peach tea to drink. We opened presents pretty readily, after most people were assembled. Nick got it started and we didnt write down who gave us what. So as I type Nick and I are trying very hard to remember from whence everything came. Hopefully everyone will understand...!
For the Happy Birthday song, I made two organic cakes, banana with chocolate neufchatel frosting, and chocolate carrot with neufchatel frosting. I enjoyed making them and from what I understand, people enjoyed eating them. Gigi ate the candle, which was not organic, and then enjoyed her cake.
Of course, there were lots of people here that I wanted to really talk to, and of course there just wasnt enough time. Kevin, Paul and Nels hid in the media room watching football most of the time, and frankly I dont blame them! I wish I had been relaxing with some of our guests instead of doing whatever it was that I was doing...probably being a hostess. I'm not knocking being a hostess- somebody has to do it- but it's lots of fun to chitchat.
I am so grateful for all of the wonderful books we received! My goodness, it will take a few weeks to read them all. What a wonderful day. Gigi loved every minute and now she wants to relax with mum and dada for a little while to nurse.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Family
My mom's side of the family has been generally a silent or fleeting part of my life since I was very young. Whether due to my mom's stubborness or the family's, that was the reality. When I was a rebellious teenager I spent some time with my Uncles William and Chris who werent all that much older than me, however when they hit the road so did our relationship, for the most part.
Well, all these years later my mom has passed on, on June 10, 2009. And out of these ashes has come new life from the Craddocks. Mom's husband asked me to be the person to tell my Grandmother Lois of mom's passing and so I did. As a result of that conversation I am now corresponding with my dear Aunt Pam, who I have only good memories of. She sent Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny to Gigi for her birthday, so thoughtful.
And today, in the mail, I received a wobbly but nice letter from Grandma Lois' sister Marilyn, who always had a wild beehive in my memories, high and strange. Auntie Marilyn had a different dad from Grandma, and that man was greek I believe... Auntie Marilyn of olive skin, exotic dress, love and beehives. I am rich in memories and sadness that it took my mom's death to give me such treasures.
Well, all these years later my mom has passed on, on June 10, 2009. And out of these ashes has come new life from the Craddocks. Mom's husband asked me to be the person to tell my Grandmother Lois of mom's passing and so I did. As a result of that conversation I am now corresponding with my dear Aunt Pam, who I have only good memories of. She sent Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny to Gigi for her birthday, so thoughtful.
And today, in the mail, I received a wobbly but nice letter from Grandma Lois' sister Marilyn, who always had a wild beehive in my memories, high and strange. Auntie Marilyn had a different dad from Grandma, and that man was greek I believe... Auntie Marilyn of olive skin, exotic dress, love and beehives. I am rich in memories and sadness that it took my mom's death to give me such treasures.
Transitions
Even more so than January, September has always been a transitional month for me, and if there was one particular week this month that was the most transitional, I think this would be it.
Gigi turned 1 on the 5th, of course, and we are getting ready for her party this weekend. We are happy to be having friends and family over to help us celebrate.
This is the halfway mark for Nick's MBA! Thinking about it, Nick learned in one of his classes that the average candidate was worth 35k more once those letters are applied. So that must mean we are at the 17.5k mark. Nick has had the last two Mondays off and next Monday is the start of a new module, so Nick has been reading from his shiny Marketing book this week to prepare.
We got a membership to the Main Street YMCA a few weeks ago, and I have gone a few times, however my schedule wasnt fitting thier childwatch schedule which is limited in the summer. They have just reopened after their fall shutdown and it's time to sit down with their schedule and hammer it out. Of course, Nick and Gigi still have their swim every Saturday morning!
We are taking the Air Conditioning units out of the windows tomorrow. It feels like we just put them in (because we did- early August, if I recall!) but it's a short window (heh) of time that they are really needed and it's best to remove them as soon as they aren't useful any longer. Last year when Gigi was a twee little one, Nick had a medical emergency trying to move the heavy one on his own (due to lack of sleep among other things) so this year it will be a team effort. I think we used them about 5 times. Was it worth the effort of putting them in? Yep- those 5 hot days were brutally hot. Transitions aside, the question comes up every year- were we wise not to install Central Air back when we bought the house? The answer has never been definitive.
For the last week or two, I have been purging Gigi's summer wear. There are already things she cant wear all day, like sleeveless tops, and I cannot bring up fall wear without putting away the summer- no room! So most all the little shorts and tanks and skirts and whatnot went away, never to be worn by Gigi again, so sad. Sometimes I secretly hope that our next little one is a girl just so I can have the joy of seeing these cute things worn again... and then I realize that it would also be joyful to have a boy.
I have also always intended to move away from spamming family and friends with pictures of Gigi once her first birthday had passed, however I know there are people who will want to keep up with Gigi (if not Nick and me) so this is the beginning of a new way of doing things and the beginning of the end of BabySpam.
It's these times of transition that help me reflect on my experiences and values. It is through the shift from one state to another that I realize what I had and what I have to look forward to. Transitions are by their nature temporary, and bring me burdens and freedoms that help to remind me who I am and to propel me forward.
Gigi turned 1 on the 5th, of course, and we are getting ready for her party this weekend. We are happy to be having friends and family over to help us celebrate.
This is the halfway mark for Nick's MBA! Thinking about it, Nick learned in one of his classes that the average candidate was worth 35k more once those letters are applied. So that must mean we are at the 17.5k mark. Nick has had the last two Mondays off and next Monday is the start of a new module, so Nick has been reading from his shiny Marketing book this week to prepare.
We got a membership to the Main Street YMCA a few weeks ago, and I have gone a few times, however my schedule wasnt fitting thier childwatch schedule which is limited in the summer. They have just reopened after their fall shutdown and it's time to sit down with their schedule and hammer it out. Of course, Nick and Gigi still have their swim every Saturday morning!
We are taking the Air Conditioning units out of the windows tomorrow. It feels like we just put them in (because we did- early August, if I recall!) but it's a short window (heh) of time that they are really needed and it's best to remove them as soon as they aren't useful any longer. Last year when Gigi was a twee little one, Nick had a medical emergency trying to move the heavy one on his own (due to lack of sleep among other things) so this year it will be a team effort. I think we used them about 5 times. Was it worth the effort of putting them in? Yep- those 5 hot days were brutally hot. Transitions aside, the question comes up every year- were we wise not to install Central Air back when we bought the house? The answer has never been definitive.
For the last week or two, I have been purging Gigi's summer wear. There are already things she cant wear all day, like sleeveless tops, and I cannot bring up fall wear without putting away the summer- no room! So most all the little shorts and tanks and skirts and whatnot went away, never to be worn by Gigi again, so sad. Sometimes I secretly hope that our next little one is a girl just so I can have the joy of seeing these cute things worn again... and then I realize that it would also be joyful to have a boy.
I have also always intended to move away from spamming family and friends with pictures of Gigi once her first birthday had passed, however I know there are people who will want to keep up with Gigi (if not Nick and me) so this is the beginning of a new way of doing things and the beginning of the end of BabySpam.
It's these times of transition that help me reflect on my experiences and values. It is through the shift from one state to another that I realize what I had and what I have to look forward to. Transitions are by their nature temporary, and bring me burdens and freedoms that help to remind me who I am and to propel me forward.
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