Trading In

The whole pacifier thing was a fluke. I bought a few before he was born, fully expecting to return them; I didn't think N would take to them. His sister promptly spit them out, and apparently I as an infant hated them too. But they really did something for old N. I was one of those mom's that had them stashed in the car, jacket pockets, his diaper bag, and a handful in the same corner his crib night after night that he was able to retrieve himself with no problem. But the whole teeth issue was starting to worry me. Not that at nearly 8 months old he doesn't have any yet, just that when they did start coming in their growth would be effected. And with the catalogue of stories that friends had relayed to me about their nightmares of separating tot's with their binkies, I needed to have a game plan. Or, did I? One morning for his nap I thought, "I'm gonna put this sippy cup with water in the normal 'binky corner,' and just see what happens." Nothing! No whining, and no tormented fussing! He thought it was novel to have something different in his crib to play with, and to suck on. That was a week ago, and nary a pacifier to be had. Hallelujah!

Hey! I've Been There!

D sent me this shot of him in Utrecht, Holland with the same windmill in the background as the picture of me 6 1/2 years ago!

When We Were Younger

I've been going through old photo's. It's hard to remember a time without the daily responsibilities that come with children. What did I do with my days? (Traveled, I guess...These are from Lake Tahoe, France, Holland, and our old town of Poulsbo)

Sweater Drive

Going on now through February 7th, in the Seattle Area.

"The sweater drive was created by Neighborhood host Fred Rogers in 1998 to commemorate the show’s 30th anniversary on PBS. Since then, PBS stations across the country have partnered yearly with community groups to collect over two million items of clothing.

“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It is easy to say 'It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.' Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”
- Fred Rogers

There is a large need this year for children’s coats and sweaters. Clothing donations will be distributed by Wellspring Family Services via their Baby Boutique store on 1900 Rainier Ave. South. Collection bins are located in all nine PCC locations and at the KCTS 9 station lobby at 401 Mercer Street. KCTS 9 is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m."

* From here

Early Morning Trip

We had to get D to the airport really early this morning, and then some breakfast and E to school...she was a bit late, but the view from the viaduct was worth it; the sky was clear and the water palpably cold.

Big & Beautiful

Books Before Bed

I caught E reading to N before bed this evening.

Happy Happy...

No, we don't have a dog that jumped up on the counter to ruin this birthday cake I made this afternoon for my hubby and mom. The bunt pan just decided it didn't want to share.

Harrumph.

Snap Shot

A little snap shot of our afternoon; While I washed the van, N hung out in the garage in his walker. He hasn't mastered the movement part of his new (to him) vehicle, but was very taken with the ability to munch on a snack somewhere other than at the table.

Dare I Say Dairy-Free?

Well, it seems Our Newest Addition has some form of a dairy sensitivity...Upon introducing a few dairy items to N (yogurt & cottage cheese), the poor guy was plagued with frequent and, what we'll call interesting diapers. He also started recurrently waking up at night, and taking terrible naps. This, after we had all become accustom to the 11 hour nights he had afforded me for months! So I took all the dairy away 3 days ago and lo and behold, he's back to 1 regular b.m. diaper a day, and even better, back to sleeping soundly! I don't know if this'll be a rest-of-his-life-thing, but I am so relieved he's more comfortable and thank goodness we live in a day and age where soy is so available! We'll talk about this finding with his pediatrician at his 9-month appointment, and probably get him tested eventually. But for now we've got our game plan.

Melissa & Doug Giant Panda Giveaway

If you know someone who'd love this panda enter here!

Green Beans

Made up some green beans for my little sweet pea this evening:


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The Need to Flee

Some days I just need to go somewhere other than back home after I pick E up from school. Today required caffeine & something sweet at a table in our local coffee shop. E drew, N sucked the same teething biscuit for the better part of an hour, and I just sat (until it was time to hose my son down, and everything he had touched).

The Drive-In

The weather was so great today; standing outside the Dick's Drive-In on 45th was so wonderful in the sun. It reminded me of the first time I met Tania on their trip to Seattle.

Puff Practice

N's workin' on practicing his pincer grasp, he's so determined, and it usually leaves us in a fit of laughter. They'll stick to every part of his hand and it still takes great amounts of concentration to maneuver one to his mouth (note the double fisted execution). Practice makes perfect.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Roald Dahl is my favorite children's author. I was delighted another of his brilliant stories was coming to the theatres. But, first we must read! E's thoroughly enjoying this one (and so are her dad and I), can't wait to take her for popcorn and the flick! And with Wes Anderson at the helm, it cannot miss.

John Rodrick Look-Alike?

E was watching a little more of the Muppet's this evening, and commented that the lead singer for Musical Meyham reminded her of John Rodrick...She l-o-v-e-s Uncle John, he came to her birthday party and often visits us for dinner. I was dying laughing.

It's Time to Play the Music!

I ordered up the first Season of The Muppet Show from 1976 via Netflix. E wasn't sold on the idea of turning it on, she's been petrified of Animal since her initial viewing of The Muppet Movie (when he grow's to a gigantic size and scares the bad guys. But I talked her into it, and she really likes it. In fact she's been singing Mana Mana repeatedly ever since.

And check this act out from Juliet Prowse:

New Year's Resolutions

E's class made New Year's Resolutions:


(Her teacher wrote out what she said, it's not her handwriting)

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Who's the cutest one of all? I caught N kissing and babbling away to that very cute baby that lives in the mirror.

Papa-Cake, Papa-Cake, Baker's Man!

N and Papa were playing a game at the table after super this evening. It's so sweet to see his fondness for my dad and learning new tricks!

Good Morning

A nice break from the raindrops on our roof.

I Just Can't Help It!

It's just so fun to comb up his little tuft after his bath!

Bathtime ABC's

Custom Alphabet Pillow

My friend Brian alerted me to these sweet pillows on Esty, coincidentally arranged in my initials!

Avo-Boy (Part 2)

I didn't expect him to hang onto his love for this perfect food for so long, but it's really the only meal he gets excited for. His arms wave in the air, and his mouth is open and waiting for the heaping spoonfuls. He eats 1/2 of avocado for dinner each night, and he's gotten much better with lumpier consistency's, so I just scoop it right out of the skin!