Blacho Blog

I Birthed an Alien

2011-11-30T13:39:00.000-05:00

You're a sweet boy Arlo.

Arlo: No, I'm not.

I'm NOT!!

(pause)

Arlo: (growling low) I'm a spaaaace alien......

Arlo turned TWO!!!!

2011-11-18T20:46:00.000-05:00

We are driving back from Arlo's birthday dinner.

I got a joke for you dad.

Dave:What's your joke Arlo?

BUTT!!!

He's the most verbal two year old I've ever met.
He loves cars and trucks and climbing and rock music.
("I want rock and roll mom" he tells me in the car.)

He's funny and devious and so damn cute I could eat him
up!

Summer Vacation

2011-09-12T22:15:00.000-04:00

More Birthday Pics

2011-09-11T20:59:00.000-04:00

More pics from Auggie's Spiderman Dinosaur Luau Birthday Party

FOUR!!!

2011-07-12T20:09:00.000-04:00

Party pictures to come.

Cousins!

2011-07-03T21:34:00.002-04:00

Christmas Pictures (Finally!)

2011-02-03T06:12:00.001-05:00

Gotta Have Goals

2011-01-23T20:35:00.000-05:00

Ok, the goal is to have Christmas pictures edited and into a video by the end of the month.
One month isn't horrible, right?

I am starting to make some progress...

Here are a few.

Some Fall Pics of My Boys

2010-12-19T19:43:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday

2010-12-06T15:53:00.002-05:00

Today I visited with you.
We sat in your tobacco stained living room, you on your pallette
and I in the rocking chair.
The light filtered in through the smoke that wafted
up above you. We sat without speaking for long periods of
time, taking turns picking out songs and listening on the stereo.
I looked at the knobs I'd touched so many times. Those gold
colored stereo knobs. I wonder when it was that I last touched them?
Periodically a song would end and we'd sit in that silence.
"Wonderful" you said quietly after hearing a new song you loved.
I knew you would.

I miss you. I miss your measured voice on the answering machine
that I called so many times after you died in order to just hear your voice.
I miss your hands putting a Pall Mall in that old silver ashtray.
I miss coming over and feeling stress melt away because in that space
that you created I could be myself.

All too often I hear music and think of you. Sometimes it's a song
I knew you loved and other times it's a song and I think to myself
"Did he know that one?"
"Shit, I hope so"

I know I'm a little late, but I know you wouldn't mind.
Happy Birthday.

I'm sorry I have to go now. The dog pooped on the floor, the baby
is throwing food and dinner isn't yet started.
I'll see you again soon, in a rare moment of quiet, when I can
close my eyes and listen to the music.

The Song Phase

2010-11-24T12:18:00.003-05:00

We've reached the phase where Auggie makes up songs about everything.
I can hear him singing first thing in the morning. It gets louder and louder
the longer he stays in bed. This morning we are driving to pre-school.
Arlo sits in the back like a demented drunken mini me screaming HI to
every car that goes by. Auggie sings at the TOP OF HIS LUNGS.

HEY MOM, THAT SONG IS CALLED I CAN'T FIND MY MOM
AND DAD.

Me: Oh, so it's a sad song...

NOPE! IT'S A HAPPY SONG!!!

Oh.

Dancing

2010-11-06T21:48:00.002-04:00

Dancing in Auggie's room.

Halloween

2010-11-01T07:11:00.000-04:00

ONE!!

2010-10-23T08:31:00.001-04:00

He's one.

He's charming.

He's energetic.

He's persistent.

Determined, but with a smile.

We've watched him go from newborn, to smiling infant, to crawling baby,

to suddenly a Frankenstein walking almost toddler.

He's impossibly snuggly and just cracks me up.

Who thought the year would possibly go this fast?

Keep On Going

2010-10-15T06:26:00.002-04:00

We are standing on the jetty screaming "KEEP GOING"
"GO!!!"
"COME ON MONIQUE, DON'T QUIT"

We are watching Monique struggle through the swim portion of
the Hammerman Triathlon. She kicks ass on the bike and run,
but keeps hitting a wall on the swim despite her training. She's alternately
swimming and stopping and we can see she's psyching herself out.
Sometimes it's all mental.

Stacey: Am I doing this?
Me: I think you are.
Stacey: I don't have anything else to wear.
Me: I'll watch your stuff and give you my tank top.

Stacey peels off her backpack, lays it on the beach,
and puts her camera on top.
She looks up at me and grins her wide wide smile, takes
a deep breath and wades into the water. She's fully dressed
and laughingly mutters "Great, I have purple underwear on"

She swims out to Monique and I hear her say firmly
"Put. Your. Face. In. The. Water. and Swim"

The other athletes are out of the water and I can imagine
it is disheartening, but Monique swims. Stacey swims
along side her and the guy in the kayak has paddled up
next to her. I hear him chiming in too- "You can do it!!, keep
going!" When she occasionally stops, Stacey alternates
encouraging words with strings of curses and it seems to
work.

And
Monique
Did
It!!

She runs out of the water as I frantically click the
shutter on my camera. We are the only spectators
left on the beach and I'm jumping up and down
wildly cheering.
Auggie is jumping up and down
too. Monique runs up the beach, up the
stairs to transition.

Stacey wades out of the water, a little bedraggled, shirt dripping,
purple underwear showing, grinning from ear to ear
and laughs WHAT ABOUT MY PICTURE??

Last out of the water by about 20 minutes, M. kicked
ASS on the bike and was only a few minutes behind.
She kicked double ass on the run and came in ahead
of a handful of people (impressive)

The moral of this story is that I know some amazing,
strong and lovely women. The three of us couldn't
be more different, but we met training for our first
triathlon, and have found lots of common ground.

These are women that would I would trust to
'hold the rope'.

.

Where to start?

2010-10-14T17:14:00.000-04:00

Where do I start? It's been a long time since I've posted so I'm going for it...

I started part-time work, Auggie back to school, had horrible childcare luck with
Arlo, working lots of side jobs, Auggie learned to mix colors and to subtract, and
suddenly gets that letters stand for sounds and lots of other huge milestones,
Arlo is cute as ever and flashes big dimples all the time, Aunt Janet passed away
and that is a terrible thing and I feel a deep deep sense of loss, K. got cancer and
it was a nightmare just to watch her go through it, to even for a second think
that one of us might not get to see our kids grow up is horrifying, terrifying and
sad. K. is ok, YAY!! lucky lucky lucky....Arlo took his first steps, I made a
giant 2' phallus that shoots confetti at work and remembered why working in theater
can be surreal, I'm running and spinning and weight training, but not for any huge
event at the moment, I hate leaving my kids when I work but I love coming home
and seeing them at the end of the day, Auggie is getting tall and is dramatic and
funny and challenging and oh so beautiful
and Arlo is going to be ONE, and WHERE DID THE YEAR
GO???!!!!

Pictures to come
More regular posts to come....

Puppies!

2010-09-02T19:32:00.002-04:00

Very sweet dogs were romping around a barbecue

we went to last weekend.

Can You STAND It?

2010-08-27T19:33:00.002-04:00

I find that smile irresistible.

Finally, A Response

2010-08-10T19:03:00.001-04:00

I finally got a response.

Selecting a candidate is a difficult task and there were many qualified applicants, however, after a thorough process of narrowing the field, you are no longer being considered. We feel it important to notify you as soon as possible, given your efforts to determine what lies ahead for you.

Thank you again for your interest in CENTERSTAGE and good luck to you in your search.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???
I PUT IN A LOT OF EFFORT FOR THEIR AMUSEMENT!!

I'm debating sending another letter. Hmmm. Something along

the lines of how I understand the need to test an applicant's

persistence by initially rejecting them...

I don't know. Maybe I'm out of steam.

I also thought the rejection letter was poorly written.

So there.

HELLO?? Center Stage?? Anyone Home??

2010-08-04T16:44:00.002-04:00

So again no response.
I get the same automated response saying
"We have received your materials"

REALLY REALLY??

I am not easily deterred. I try again:

July 30,2010

To Whom It May Concern:

I find it so odd that I have not had a response to my earlier e-mails about the Planned Giving and Major Gifts
Officer position. I fear that I have not emphasized how good at planned giving I can be.

I plan to give my all from 10-2pm every day. This may seem like a slackers point of view, but I assure you
that during those four hours I am WAY more productive than most people are in a full 8 hours. Let's be
realistic here, most people really don't work nearly that much anyway between bathroom breaks, lunches,
checking e-mail and facebook. I am honest about the fact that before 10 I'm still getting ramped up for my day and
after 2pm I'm really not good for much more than a nap, but boy whoooooeeeee I AM ON FIRE from 10-2!!!

Another example of my planned giving took place several years ago. I planned to give "myself" to my husband
three years ago. I looked at my calendar, set the correct date and BINGO, we have a lovely three year old son.
No backseat whoopsies here! Totally planned!

Please be sure that this e-mail get's passed on to your supervisor. I fear that a lower level employee (no offense)
may not have the instincts to recognize a wildcard when he/she sees one. A good supervisor will go for the
wildcard and often the wild hair, but that is a discussion for later.

I remain optimistic that I will hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Marni

TO BE CONTINUED.....

Center Stage Part 2

2010-08-02T07:50:00.002-04:00

After sending in my e-mail showing interest in the development position at Center Stage

I get this in my e-mail:

Please accept this as notification we have received your application materials for the position of Planned Giving and Major Gifts Officer. We will contact you if we need any further information.

Thank you for your interest in CENTERSTAGE.

REALLY??!!! THAT's IT??

I can't believe it...

So I decided to send a second e-mail.

July 29, 2010

To Whom It May Concern:

Since I haven't had a response to my earlier interest in your current development position I thought perhaps

I should write and elaborate. I covered my penchant for planning, but did not really go into detail on my

love of Major Gifts. I am creative in my love of Major Gifts, so although I enjoy the standard

gifts such as cars or diamonds, I also have a great appreciation for quirkier gifts. So if someone surprised me

with say, a chicken, I would call that a major gift and enjoy it thoroughly. I also wouldn't turn down ponies,

shoes or fine art!! So you see, not only am I excellent at planned giving, I am totally a Major Gifts person.

I will even consider your timely response to my e-mail a Major Gift!!! I plan to have a lovely conversation

with you in the future (SEE- Again with the planning- I can't even HELP IT!!!)

Sincerely,

Marni

P.S. Although I am not an officer, I do accept and appreciate Major Gifts from officers.

TO BE CONTINUED....

New Job?

2010-07-31T08:57:00.007-04:00

So I found this position advertised at Center Stage:

CENTERSTAGE seeks Planned Giving and Major Gifts Officer possessing experience in same; familiarity with planned gifts vehicles; proficient with MS Office software; and previous database experience strongly preferred. Excellent communication and organizational skills required. Position works closely with the Director of Development, the Managing Director and the Board of Trustees managing a major gifts portfolio and developing a planned giving prospect list. The position reports to the Director of Development, is full-time, with benefits. Send cover letter, and resume, to: devoposition@centerstage.org. No phone or fax applications. Application deadline: August 6, 2010. EOE.

I decided to apply...not that I'm qualified, but I have a history with Center Stage and
enjoyed working there. I enjoyed the people and remember having lots of laughs there.
I thought they would appreciate my cover letter.

Here it is...

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in response to your search for a Planned Giving and Major Gifts person. I find that in my life I plan to give a lot.

I plan to give my husband a kiss when he comes in the door when I am in a good mood. If I am not in a good mood I

often plan to give him a sock in the kisser instead. It doesn't stop there though!! I plan to give the lady at the YMCA a

piece of my mind because she was on the treadmill for longer than the allotted half hour. I plan to give my baby a bath

this evening before bedtime. As you can see the list goes on and on! I think I would be PERFECT for this position!!

I also plan to answer any further questions you may have about my qualifications as well!! (SEE!??...PERFECT!)

Sincerely,

PS. Dude, I am TOTALLY into major gifts as well.

TO BE CONTINUED......

Celebrate!

2010-07-06T15:16:00.000-04:00

One of these days I really will get around to writing a race
report. What I will say is that I grinned through the entire
triathlon. Like a crazy fool, I had a huge smile on my face
as I peeled nasty lake grasses off my shoulders when I came
out of the water, as I pedaled up the huge hill that usually
inspires much cursing, and as I walked up gatorade hill.

I grinned
I smiled
I laughed

It was NOT the reaction I was expecting, and I was
pleasantly surprised.

Butterfly Bush

2010-07-05T19:38:00.000-04:00

My butterfly bush is standing up to it's name.

Happy Birthday Auggie!!

2010-07-04T20:48:00.000-04:00

My baby turned three last week! I can't believe it.

He is strong willed, verbal as all hell, smart and really frickin' funny.

I made a spider cake with licorice legs that Auggie begged for!
Aunt Lisa and a friend and I packed up pool noodles, pizza,
drinks and gifts and took Auggie, his cousins and friend Aeden
to the gunpowder for the afternoon. They ran around, ate cake,
got messy and really tired, and pretty much had a great time.

This year has brought about so many changes.
Toddlerhood has passed and now my baby is a little boy.
He started nursery school and is thriving there, no longer clinging to me when I drop
him off. Instead he turns and blows me a kiss and runs off to play
with his friends. Thankfully he's still little enough to come running and fling

his arms around me when I return to pick him up.

A Few Pics

2010-06-26T11:04:00.000-04:00

A few pictures...
Busy around here.
Lots going on.
Lots of pictures to post.
Lots of posts to write.
SO little time.
Birthdays and sporting events and
cute babies, and cute preschoolers
and lots of goings on.
Will write soon.

Favorite Smells

2010-06-23T07:48:00.000-04:00

1. Arlo's head
2. Auggie's sweaty neck after he's been running around playing
3. Bacon
4. Coffee brewing in the morning
5. Fresh lavender
6. Summer evening pending rain
7. Lighting bugs in a jar
8. a whiff of honeysuckle as I whiz by on my bike
9. Clean laundry
10. Fresh cut grass

Nothing too surprising here I suspect.

Springtime

2010-06-03T13:16:00.000-04:00

The roses in my sister's garden are beautiful.

The herbs in my garden are lovely and we have

spinach, bok choy, chard, and radishes.

Preschool Graduation!!

2010-06-02T18:25:00.000-04:00

My niece Clara graduated today!

On to KINDERGARTEN!!!

Congratulations Clara!

More pics of my boys

2010-05-18T12:49:00.000-04:00

Busy training and being a mom. So much going on, but haven't had a lot of writing mojo.

I'm sure it will come back. I have plenty of unfortunate and embarrassing mishaps to share.

Nana and Pop Came To Visit!

2010-05-17T20:26:00.000-04:00

Nana and Auggie making sauce. He had a wonderful time. He can't stop

talking about his Nana and Pop.

This picture COMPLETELY captures little Arlo.

I Know, I know,...Syrupy...

2010-04-29T18:02:00.000-04:00

Things Auggie says that crack me up.

Pomorrow- as in I have school pomorrow.
Porgot- You porgot to give me a kiss!
Part of me- AAAchoo oh, PART OF ME!
Emote control- Use the emote control to change the channel.
Boremonica- I play the blues on the boremonica.
Gum-a-ball- Put a penny in the machine to get a gum-a-ball.

Love this!!!

2010-04-27T18:45:00.002-04:00

Training

2010-04-27T17:54:00.000-04:00

I'm still trianing for a triathlon in June. It's not easy trying
to make time to get to swim practice, go for runs, and
get in bicycle rides when you have 2 little ones at home.
I'm sticking to it though and sometimes I even see progress.

I have until June 1 to meet my fundraising goal of $2000.
If you've been thinking of donating but haven't gotten to it
yet NOW IS THE TIME!!!

Thank you to all who have shown their support.
Only $250 to go and I know I can make it!!

Hokey Pokey

2010-04-14T20:19:00.002-04:00

I hear Auggie and Dave running around upstairs after
taking a shower. Arlo needs to be dressed so I snag
him under one arm and head upstairs.

They are snuggled under the covers. Auggie has a towel
partially over his head and he's grinning. Little diamonds
of water still dot his eyelashes.

Auggie: We sang the Hokey Pokey!

Me: That's fun Auggie!

Auggie: We were in the shower. My pee pee was in the shower!

Me: (singing) Did you put your pee pee in you put your pee pee out
You put yo

Dave: NOOOOO STOP!!!

Me: What?

Dave: I just told him to teach the Hokey Pokey to his preschool class!!

Oops

Bathtime!

2010-04-13T06:36:00.000-04:00

Will write soon...Tech rehearsals for Dave mean busy days for us all!

2010-03-29T09:27:00.000-04:00

Haiku

2010-03-25T14:20:00.000-04:00

We have eaten lunch.
I have changed all the diapers.
Can I please sit down?

Art Show

2010-03-17T21:44:00.003-04:00

Auggie keeps looking back and I keep reassuring him
"Daddy is right behind us, he's with Arlo"
We go up the stairs and he is tentative until we reach
the familiar hallway of his classroom. Then he struts ahead
of us leading the way wearing his Viking hat that has a
pink glitter 'A" and the horns broken off. We are heading
to his preschool art show. He is proud and I see a few
parents in the hallway look at him, marching along in
his hat, and smile.

So far he LOVES preschool. Loves the routine,
his friends, his teachers, the activities. He has gotten confident
that I will come back. So confident that when I drop him off
he doesn't even think twice anymore. He runs in the room,
hangs up his coat, blows me a kiss and doesn't look back.

He shows us his artwork. A butterfly, a caterpillar, a chrysalis.

Then he discovers the food table and tries to take one bite of
everything, because after all the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

After the show we take him out for a celebratory chocolate milk.

Our little boy is growing up.
I'm proud.
I'm enjoying him.
I'm nervous because time is flying.
I'm hoping I remember all the details and that he doesn't
grow up too fast, because just yesterday he was my tiny
baby boy.

I Want To Have This Much Fun!!!

2010-03-17T08:59:00.000-04:00

I wonder if I could make a living doing pet photography.

Of all the photography subjects, I really enjoy pets and

children the most. Probably because they are so unpredictable

and it keeps things interesting.

Arlo and His Daddy

2010-03-16T08:25:00.000-04:00

Spring WILL get here....

2010-03-12T08:13:00.001-05:00

In three days I'll do a random drawing of all the people who have donated to support me in
my fundraising efforts for LLS. The winner can select one of my photographs and I'll frame
and mat it for you. If you'd like to be included in the drawing please click HERE to donate.

Coraline

2010-03-09T20:31:00.002-05:00

My sister got a new dog. She's very sweet and her name is

Coraline. Bonus- she doesn't seem to mind modeling for me!

After a day of lazing around her house and ordering

Chinese food we went for a walk. Spring is on the horizon and

it felt absolutely terrific to be outside.

Why Am I Cooking Topless?

2010-02-23T13:08:00.000-05:00

Crazy day.
Dave threw out his back and can't really move.
He can't lift any children, that is for sure.
I managed to run out for a few errands.
Home
Cooking dinner for family.
I am making sesame noodles.
I open the peanut butter and struggle with the foil top that
seals the new jar.
Picking
Pulling
Damn thing!!
Finally I pick it up (slow motion here)
put it to my mouth and pull the foil with my teeth.
Somehow
Don't ask me how,
but SOMEHOW
the oil that has gathered on the top pours out and
straight down my shirt! I feel the cool oil running
down my chest and all over my torso.

I am covered.
Soaked.
How much oil was in that frickin jar?

Stir fried broccoli and noodles are on the stove.
I gotta move fast.
I'm thinking if I get some dish soap on all that oil the shirt
might be saved so I rip off my shirt and cover it with soap.
I rub it in and toss it down the basement.
I look at my bra and that is covered too, so I peel that off
and soap it as well. I toss that down the basement stairs.

I'm standing there half naked.
The noodles are sizzling.
I need to drain some of the liquid off or they are going to be
mushy.
Shit
Oh well, I grab the pan and start to drain it.
I'm in front of the kitchen window and take a moment to glance
up and pray that my neighbors aren't on their deck getting a free show.

I hear Dave over at the table and I look up...
His eyes are wide.
I'm sure he has no idea what the hell is going on.
I hold the sizzling pan, boobs bobbing
"BE CAREFUL" he says

I can only imagine the visions of disaster in his head.
I laugh.
I have to laugh.

And THAT is how I ended up cooking topless on a random
evening at chez Blacho.

Joy!

2010-02-21T17:12:00.000-05:00

Please support my efforts to raise money for people with blood cancers by clickingHERE.

A year ago everything was exhausting. The smell of coffee or a wiff of a scented candle would make me gag.

I was newly pregnant and also had an upper respiratory infection.

I was happy to be pregnant, but finding it very challenging juggling my constant sickness with literally chasing a super active toddler.

Today I sit with a completely charming 4 month old. He can't resist a smile.

He catches your eye and grins from ear to ear flashing adorable dimples.

I feel that I haven't written enough about Arlo. He's just so sweet that anything I write sounds cliche. All the cute baby cliche's you can think of were written for Arlo.

At 4 months he's reaching out for objects. He's smiling and giggling. His hair mostly fell out and is now growing in. I think he's going to be much darker than his brother. He loves to be naked. Crying or upset? All you have to do is undress him and lay him down. He'll grin. He'll giggle.

He'll kick. He'll call out to you and blow bubbles.

Cute

Cuddly

Funny

Irrisistable

That's my Arlo!

ICE!!!

2010-02-14T08:05:00.000-05:00

Please support my efforts to raise money for people with blood cancers by clickingHERE.

2010-02-07T18:55:00.001-05:00

It's All How You Look At It

2010-02-06T18:42:00.001-05:00

Please support my efforts to raise money for people with blood cancers by clicking HERE.

You could look at this as an adorable pink sparkly princess toy that my son picked out when we went to see Disney on Ice.

You could look at is as a lighted pink sparkly clublike weapon with sharp points on top.

It's all how you look at it.

Snow Hats!

2010-02-04T07:24:00.006-05:00

Please support my efforts to raise money for people with blood cancers by clicking HERE.

Hunkered down.
Waiting for more snow.
They say this one is going to be another
HUGE storm.
I have plans to make soup and play with the wii.

See These??

2010-02-01T15:43:00.001-05:00

Please support my efforts to raise money for the leukemia society by clicking HERE.

See these big blue eyes?
Sometimes they are the only reason I don't hogtie him
and put him in his room.
This kid hates to sleep.
Fights it.
I thought it was something we were/weren't
doing for the longest time. But along came
Arlo. Arlo sleeps. We do nothing different.
(differently? Lisa?)

I'm convinced that so much of personality
is just there at birth. Our boys are WILDLY
different already.

This would look nice framed and matted!

2010-01-30T10:00:00.001-05:00

Please support my efforts to raise money for the leukemia society by clicking HERE.

I will select one name at random from the donors to receive a free framed photograph of their choosing.

Would You Like to Have This Photo?

2010-01-29T14:13:00.001-05:00

Please support my efforts to raise money for the leukemia society by clicking HERE.

I will select one name at random from the donors to receive a free framed photograph of their choosing.

Meet Anna

She was working at Center Stage and enjoying life when she

was suddenly sidelined by lymphoma. Her treatments are now over,

but you can help her and people like her by making a tax

deductible donation.

As I continue to raise funds I am surprised by how many

people know someone who has been affected by blood cancers.

A Day in the Life

2010-01-28T12:51:00.003-05:00

Please support my efforts to raise money for the leukemia society by clicking HERE. I will select one name at random from the donors to receive a free framed photograph of their choosing.

I carry Arlo's two ton carseat out and clip him into the car.
Back up to the porch to encourage Auggie to COME ON!!!
He has to walk down the hill at the side of the house first, but
finally makes his way to the car, but he's shouting because his
voice echoes down the street and he's enjoying it.
I'm buckling him in and he's screaming
HEY
HEY
HEY
at the top of his lungs and listening for the
echo. (screaming right in my ear I might add)
I look everywhere for my keys.
I know I have them because I opened the car door.
Back over to Arlo's side- did I leave them there?
HMM
Are they still in the front door?
In Auggie's bag?
I wanna scream

Finally I get the idea to check in Auggie's car seat.
SUCCESS- he's sitting on them.
I dig around and pull and off pops the stupid key tag
for my Y membership.
Crap.
I find a sharp thing in the console of the car and punch a
new hole.
sigh
FINALLY we are ready to go.
Off to nursery school.
Arlo out of the car.
Auggie out of the car.
Haul the world's heaviest carseat and the worlds most
dawdling toddler up the path into the building and up a
flight of stairs to his classroom.
Kiss goodbye.
Haul Arlo back down flight of stairs.
Go to car
Arlo back in car.
Drive to Y
Drag poor Arlo back out of car and to the childwatch center
at the Y.
Workout
Get Arlo and haul 200 ton car seat to the car.
Arlo in car.
Drive to nursery school
Arlo out of car and carry 300 ton car seat up path
and up flight of what are now the longest stairs in the world
Walk in the classroom and Auggie hits the floor
NOOOO
He loves nursery school and doesn't wanna leave.
I let him sulk on the floor for a few minutes and then he
gets up and gives me a hug and kiss.
"ok Buddy, Let's go!"
I trudge with the 500 ton carseat and the out of it with
exhaustion toddler down the flight of stairs and across
the parking lot.
Arlo back in car
Auggie strapped in car screaming
" I WANT CHOCOLATE MILK!!"
Drive home
Both kids asleep
Carry in Arlo's cement and lead lined carseat
Quickly let blind incontinent dog outside
back out to the car
Unbuckle Auggie
Carry him (OMG when did he get this BIG>????)
into the house, stripping off shoes as I go
Sit him on the radiator and peel his coat off
shusshssssshssss ing as I go to keep him asleep
Up the long ass flight of stairs in my house
and in bed
shhhhh
YAY- he didn't wake up!!!
Downstairs to let blind incontinent dog back in the house.
Arlo still asleep so I leave him in the world's heaviest carseat
and I take my own coat off
I look in the mirror and realize

I HAVE HAD A LOLLIPOP STUCK TO MY ASS
ALL DAY!!!

See what I'm going through to get in a workout?
If you could support me in my efforts to finish the
Celebration Triathlon and raise funds for the
Leukemia Society I would really appreciate it!

Win a Framed Photograph

2010-01-27T18:30:00.001-05:00

You could have this or a photograph of your choice framed and matted!!
As part of my fund raising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
I am holding a raffle. Anyone who donates between now and March
15th will be entered in a raffle to win a framed photograph of your
choice (I have lots you can choose from!!!)

I'm training to participate in the Celebration Sprint Triathlon as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives.

Please donate to show your support for our team. My fundraising page can
be found HERE.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-22T17:57:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Thomas!

2010-01-21T13:11:00.000-05:00

Family Portrait (my sister's fam)

2009-12-31T14:56:00.001-05:00

Hard to get them all in one place, so when it happens you best snap quickly.
Another version over here.

2009-12-25T07:28:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T21:58:00.001-05:00

The house is clean after the boisterous evening with my
nieces and nephews and K and P and Liam
My ears are still pleasantly ringing.

The family has left. We'll see them tomorrow.
Dave took Auggie up to bed. It's been almost an hour
now, so I'm fairly sure he fell asleep too.
Arlo is sleeping in his swing.
The dogs are sleeping on the loveseat.

I finished the wrapping and set up all the presents under
the tree and stuffed the stockings. The presents from
Nana and Pop are beautifully wrapped and I put them
under the tree as well. I'm excited to watch Auggie
in the morning on this first Christmas where he'll really
be taking part in the holiday with us.

It's lovely and quiet and pretty with the lights in the living
room and nice to have a moment to myself to reflect.
My boys are beautiful and healthy.
My husband is adorable and tolerant.
I look around and am flabbergasted that here I sit with
a lovely house and beautiful family. When did this happen?

Lucky me!

Merry Christmas.

Making His List

2009-12-23T10:56:00.005-05:00

Auggie's Christmas List

Auggie what are you getting mommie for Christmas?

A new special TV

What's special about it?

(run's off and jumps over the dog)

I got a BASKETBALL

getting mommie new HAIR!

and what about Daddy?
A special hammer

and Damnmom?
hmmm- a new HOUSE

and Nana and Pop?
a new phone
and a new house too!

What about ARLO??
a new BINKY!

What would YOU like for Christmas?
A red car that goes vroom vroom

Are you getting something for your Cousin Ben?
DIRT!

Arlo at 8 weeks

2009-12-22T20:16:00.001-05:00

Arlo has brought sweetness and a much needed mellow vibe to our family. He's so damn cute I could eat him up!

Pasta

2009-12-20T13:11:00.001-05:00

Making pasta

Because it seemed like a good idea

on the day after a major snowstorm

Because Dave remembers making pasta with his Nana

and I get to hear his stories if we do things like this

Because I want Auggie to know how to do things like make pasta

Because the house smells fantastic from the sauce

Because we are going to have one KICK ASS lunch!

**update- yep, that lunch was PERFECT
I am pretty proud of the way it turned out considering I'd never made noodles before!

More Snowy Day

2009-12-19T15:38:00.003-05:00

I bundle Auggie in his snowsuit, big poofy coat
and gloves that are so big they hang off the
tips of his little fingers. Dave puts on his
winter gear and heads out to play (I lost the toss
and had to stay inside with Arlo- and was
trying to be gracious about it, but irritation was
creeping in around the edges)

I went out on the porch, took a few pictures,
and decided to take advantage of the quiet house
to do some technical reading (more photo manual
stuff). Arlo slept in his swing, as snuggly and cute as a baby can
possibly be!!

After about an hour I peeked out and saw them
heading back in. Auggie was falling apart, clearly
tired and hungry, but screaming that he didn't want
to come in. I peel off his coat, and unzip his snow
boots. Kissing his cold red cheeks, I promise him that
we can go out again later.
Snow is all over the floor and I ask Dave to
get the broom so we can sweep it out before it melts
all over the place. He's unlacing his boots, but not
fast enough for me...

M: Hurry up before it melts!
D: I'm hurrying!
M: It doesn't look like you're hurrying..forget it, I'll do it.

I go in the mud room and the BROOM ISN'T THERE

M: Where is the broom?
D: I left it outside...
M: Great, so it's wet...sigh, WHY did you....

and I stop
because Auggie is screaming
because I don't feel like being irritated
because I have a choice here,
I can let this annoy me
and have a shitty day
or I can let it go

and I decide to LET IT GO

I pull Auggie onto my lap
He's cold and puts his arms around my neck
He's crying and fussing, but snuggles in.
I'm rocking him a little and stroking his hair
He sits up to bitch "I wanna go back outsi...HEY"
and he stops
"HEY" he says again
and points to my collar where he had been laying
his head,and slowly he smiles
"THERE'S A BIG GREEN
BOOGIE ON YOUR SHIRT"
I look down and see it. I wipe it and it is gross
and it smears and I say "EEEWW"
and Auggie cracks up
and I crack up
and both of us keep laughing
and it was really fun
and I am so glad that I didn't let stupid things
ruin my day.

Now Auggie is napping.
Arlo is napping again too.
Dave and I are sitting in companionable silence,
playing on our laptops drinking glasses of chianti.

SNOW!!

2009-12-19T10:08:00.004-05:00

They were calling for snow. Heavy snow.
We realized last night that none of us had mittens or gloves
so Dave ran out to get some.

Lucky he did because this morning we were blanketed and more is
coming down fast! We are warm and toasty. All of us under blankets
in the living room watching Christmas cartoons.

The snow is still coming down and I've been making doughnuts-mmmm.
As I was rolling out the dough Auggie kept excitedly coming into the kitchen,
and I kept shooing him out
"Auggie, this is hot oil, it's DANGEROUS"

I'm cutting out the doughnuts using a glass for the large circle shape and
an old pill bottle to cut the hole in the midde (ya gotta go with what you got).
I see two little hands reach up to the countertop from the dining room and a
little voice says
"Mommie, can I have a doughnut pleeeaaze"

SO FRICKIN CUTE
It makes me glad he's really talking now and glad that I took the time to make the doughnuts!

**It may not sound like a big deal that he asked, but it is only in the last
month or so that he is speaking in complete sentences...and it is really cool
We have actual CONVERSATIONS now.

Breakfast With Santa

2009-12-15T20:21:00.004-05:00

Pouring rain, cold and damp.
We made our way down to the B&O Railroad Museum
for Breakfast With Santa. The food was unimpressive,
and Auggie hid under the long tablecloth for most of it.
Afterwards we enjoyed exploring the roundhouse and seeing all
the old locomotives.

The best part was the train ride.
The inside of a train was decorated with garland and lights.
They played peppy Christmas music and Santa walked up and
down the aisles greeting everyone as the little ones peered
out the windows watching a wet South Baltimore pass by.

That night as Dave was putting Auggie to bed they discussed
the days events (part of our bedtime routine).

Dave: Did you have fun at breakfast?
A: I hid under the table.
Dave: Why?
A: BECAUSE SANTA IS SCARY!!!

Frankly I don't blame him.

BEAR

2009-12-14T16:57:00.004-05:00

From yesterday's photo shoot.

A puppy who doesn't know he's huge

makes for a fun photo shoot! He

kept us all laughing.

First Play

2009-12-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

The play was in a church basement.
Auggie was enthralled by the singing.
He was bored by the talking.
We sat in the back so he could climb around a little.
After the first song he LOVED the clapping.

He got so excited he yelled out

DOESN'T EVERYBODY WANT A COOKIE!!!???

Pictures

2009-12-11T21:06:00.007-05:00

By the time Dave gets home
I get everyone fed
Bathtime
A little chill out time
Snuggling Arlo time
Wind down time with Auggie
Bed

I don't seem to be able to find the energy to write very much.
I'm sure the desire to write will return when I get a little more sleep
and when it stays light long enough that I'm not craving my bed at 5pm.

Somehow

2009-12-04T15:24:00.002-05:00

Somehow I got to Target, Marshall's,
Charm City Run, the train garden at Kennelworth,
lunch, and ice cream all with 2 kids in tow.
There was a little public nursing, one
diaper blowout (requiring a parking lot
sponge bath), one semi meltdown (saying
goodbye to trains is hard) and a song about
BIG GREEN BOOGIES.

I have diapers, shoes and clean, fed, sleeping
children. WHEW~~!!!

Wake me when you get home Dave.

2009-11-28T09:24:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T17:56:00.002-05:00

EEEK Where Does the Time Go?

2009-11-17T20:08:00.003-05:00

Time
ticking!
I haven't even posted pictures from Halloween.

So much to write about!
Auggie's saw his first play
Arlo had his first bath
Playground trips
Bouncy place
Amish Market
Swim lessons

Arlo's first smiles!
"They" say 4 weeks is too early for infants to show
a social smile, but I say- SUCK IT NAYSAYERS - here is a picture!

Music!

2009-11-13T16:07:00.002-05:00

Listening to music with the family.
Arlo is asleep in my lap.
Auggie looks up at certain songs an grins or dances.
He is in the sunroom and alternately plays/fusses.
Dave is occasionally chatting and cleaning in the kitchen
while I play DJ from my laptop. Mostly there is no complaint
with my song selections.

I put on River (Joni Mitchell) and suddenly Dave comes
running into the living room waving his arms above his head.
"LILLITH FAIR!! RUN AWAY AUGGIE RUUUUUUNNNNN"
and back the other way
"LLLIIIILLLIIITH FAIR THE LESBIANS ARE COMINGGGGGG
RUUUUUUUNNNNNNN"

and he returns to the kitchen quietly.

Night at Blacho

2009-11-12T15:36:00.002-05:00

I hear the door thud and open one eye to see the
silhouette of Auggie in the doorway.

"Come on in"

He crawls in the bed between Dave and I.
Arlo is sleeping in a sidecar on the other side of me.
Within minutes Auggie is plastered up against my
back, one foot working it's way down my yoga pants,
and one hand tangled in my hair.

I lay there awake. Daisy is on the floor snoring.
Arlo is making straining noises and saying "EHH Ehh"
Dave is snoring. Auggie is snoring. Somehow I
manage to doze off.

Awhile later- hours? minutes? I hear Arlo start up again.
"EHH EHHH" he fusses quietly so I put a hand on his
chest and say "shhh" Auggie rootches further up in the
bed and I hear a soft voice. He's singing. I listen more
carefully and realize he's singing "Rock a bye baby on
the treetops...." He's getting half the words wrong, but
the tune is unmistakeably Rock a Bye.

I have to laugh.

Newest pics

2009-11-03T20:10:00.005-05:00

Pictures

2009-11-03T07:53:00.001-05:00

Lots of new pictures coming.
Just a matter of finding time to upload.

Birth

2009-10-28T19:43:00.007-04:00

I kept feeling like I must be a total wimp because I wasn't
even that far dilated and I was really hurting. I remember telling
Lisa that I wasn't managing the pain, and she said "yes you are"
"that is exactly what you are doing"
It was then that I realized pain management doesn't mean there is
less pain. It just means you are managing not to freak out. You are
managing to have moments of quiet and peace, but the pain is still
very much there.

The midwife kept telling me to go to my 'happy place'. "Go to your
happy place, lay on the beach and enjoy the sun...." etc.
I kept telling her "The beach ain't it, too much sand would stick to me,
I'd itch and get sweaty !!"

I know I threw up a few times and was relieved because it finally got
rid of the nausea from the car ride. At some point I ended up
laying on the bed, Dave alternately wiping my arms and forehead
with a cool cloth. I found some kind of quiet there and was probably
still for about an hour.

At this point the midwife came in and said I think you need to get
moving. "UGH, don't make me! I'm COMFORTABLE!!" The rest
I was getting felt wonderful. She pushed a little and said she thought
I wasn't making any progress laying in this position. I begrudgingly
got up and started pacing the room. The contractions hurt more.
When the midwife came back in I let her know that she was an
evil witch for making me move.
(At least I laughed when I told her this).

Kate told me that the anesthesiologist was going to come in to ask
questions-that it was just procedure. She came in while I was having
a contraction and asked "Do you want an epidural?" I said no, and
she responded "WHY NOT?!" What an asshole! She kept asking
questions and was completely oblivious to when I was having
contractions. If I waited to breathe through a contraction
before answering her she would say "Hello??" and I'd just hold
up a finger to tell her to wait a minute. Through the entire
night this was the one person that
didn't seem to get it...

Finally she decided to check me again and found that I was dilated to
6 cm.
WHAT!!
WHAT!!!??
ALL THIS TIME AND ONLY A 6!!! YOU'VE GOT TO BE
KIDDING ME!!
She offered to break my water to get things moving and I said yes.
What a frickin weird sensation. It was hard to believe just how
much water there was.
AND
With the next contraction
I
WAS
PRACTICALLY
ON
THE
CEILING.

In retrospect the contractions up to this time were NOTHING.
Now I was in serious pain.
I hopped up and rocked. Buried my face in the towel.
Did everything I had been doing before, but there was NO relief.
"I can't do this!"
"I think I want Stadol"
Lisa responded that stadol might make me sleepy and groggy but
wasn't going to take away the pain.
I really didn't think I could take this pain. this was unlike anything
I'd ever ever experienced. There was not getting away from it.
A contraction would start and get worse and worse and oh my GOD
IT'S EVEN WORSE!!! SHIT!

Suddenly I thought I was going to pass out so I was helped to the
bed where I sort of perched one hip and buried my head in Dave's
shoulder. I was kind of moaning/humming/growling and would
get louder as each contraction hit. They were unbelievably painful.
If Lisa and Dave hadn't been there I probably would've run
screaming naked down the hallway. The nurse hooked me up to
a monitor at this point and Dave could watch the contractions
on the strip. They were so intense I couldn't tell when they were
peaking so he'd watch and tell me "Ok, that's the worst of it" and
the midwife would remind me to try to take a deep breath and
relax in the moments before the next contraction would hit.

At some point a contraction hit and I was moaning and had to
hold my breath and push away from the pain. I heard Lisa say
"Sounds like an urge to push to me!" The midwife checked me
again and said "Yep! she's fully dilated"

At that point there was a lot of activity in the room and
Lisa leaned down and said "You're almost there- look at Kate,
when you see the nurse bustling around getting things ready
you know things are really moving"
It turns out I'd gone from 6cm- 10 cm in 45 minutes.
No wonder it was so intense.

Now the pushing.
Growling
Pushing
At some point the midwife handed me a towel- she held
on to the ends and would do a tug of war with me. This made
pushing much more effective.
We knew this baby was going to be big, so the midwife asked
the Dr. to be present in the room for an extra set of hands.
He came in and introduced himself to everyone.
He grabbed my ginger ale and gave me a sip, picked up the
cloth and wiped my forehead and reassured me that he
thought I was working hard and doing a good job.
We were all impressed with how nice he was.

The rest of the pushing is a blur. It hurt. I pushed as hard as
I could and felt like I was turning my body inside out.
Felt like I was splitting myself in half.
At the same time, pushing was better than not pushing.
Dave stayed right with me, giving me sips of ginger ale in
between pushes and encouraging me. Lisa, Jenny and Kate
took turns holding the towel that I pulled on for pushing leverage.
At one point I looked up and Kate was holding the other end
of the towel. I had to laugh. She is so tiny I thought I'd fling her
right over my head into the wall. Lisa later told me that
Kate was sliding across the floor from my pull and Lisa had to
put a foot in the way to block her.

Finally the baby's head was halfway out, and everything got very
quiet and focused.
The Dr. came over to help because the baby's shoulder was stuck
on my pelvic bone. This was the one thing that I knew the midwives
feared during my pregnancy. It felt like the world held it's breath
for just a moment...
With the next contraction I pushed, the Dr. pushed down hard
on my pelvic bone to alter the shape of the opening and Jenny
turned the shoulders,
and out he slipped!!
After an hour of pushing we got to meet little Arlo!

Baby was placed on my stomach for a few minutes, and then
they had to take him out for a minute to be assessed since there
was meconium in the amniotic fluid.
Dave went out with him and they were back in what seemed
like no time. I got to cuddle him and we all chatted while
Lisa and Kate finished up nursing 'chores'

I asked "HEY, where is this almighty powerful feeling I'm
supposed to have?"
"All these frickin natural birth magical woo woo chicks
always talk about
this burst of ENERGY!!
I'm just EXHAUSTED!!
AND HUNGRY!!
Energy?
HA!"

The room felt peaceful. Lisa hung out for awhile and took some
pictures. Dave snuggled the baby. I ate a bagel and sipped a
cup of coffee.
One of the other midwives came in and congratulated us. Another
nurse peeked in and said hello. Things were surprisingly quiet and
normal. We hung out for about an hour in this room before moving
downstairs to another room.

Dave, Arlo and I were all exhausted. We took a few pictures, and
then dimmed the lights. Dave stretched out in the lounge chair, I
settled in the bed, and Arlo snoozed away.

It wasn't easy, but it was exactly the birth that I had hoped for.
Without the support of the midwife, Kate, Lisa and Dave there is no way
I could've done it.
So THANK YOU
Dave
Lisa
Kate
Jenny
and
Big Doc Red

One Week Ago...

2009-10-26T20:03:00.004-04:00

One week ago I lay on the bed watching Dancing With the Stars. My contractions were about 4 minutes apart and increasingly uncomfortable. I'd been having contractions since Sunday morning, but now they were really starting to hurt. Dave lay with me. I would breathe my way through and Dave would wipe my forehead with a Lightning McQueen washcloth. I found an Emery board that I would tap/poke into my forehead with each contraction. Somehow I figured out that if I focused on this sensation I could distract myself from the discomfort.

I called my sister to let her know we were thinking of leaving for the hospital soon. We decided to see if we could wait until 11pm when Kate (one of the nurses) started her shift. Lisa was going to meet us there and stay with us to support both of us through the labor since she works there as an L&D nurse. My mother stayed at our house with Auggie.

We arrived at the hospital around 11:30 pm. Lisa was waiting out front. I remember walking in with my soft purple towel and my emery board. We made our way upstairs while Dave got our things from the car and took care of the Valet parking. I stopped to lean against the wall with my face against the soft towel and breathed through another contraction while Lisa waited.
As we went to the elevators I veered off to go in the restroom because having a full bladder made the contractions hurt worse.
Lisa: "You might want to wait, they are gonna want a sample when you get up there"
Me: " Yeah, well they can SUCK IT- it hurts worse when I have to go! Besides, I can tell them, the pregnancy test will be positive"

Upstairs we got in a small room while we waited for a larger birthing room (with a shower) to be cleaned. With each contraction I would lean on the wall with my face against that towel, tap my forehead with the emery board and breathe. The car ride made me really sick to my stomach so I complained about that to whoever would listen. Dave arrived, and the midwife (Jenny) arrived as well. She checked me and said I was dilated almost 5 cm. "THAT'S IT??!!!!"
I couldn't believe it after all these hours of contractions!! CRAP!

The midwife was in and out, offering suggestions for managing pain.
Kate was a fantastic nurse. She monitored me without keeping me constantly attached
to a machine so I was able to get up an move around. She was quiet, but present. Lisa, Jenny, and Kate were reassuring because they all have a true understanding that labor is not a crisis, not an emergency, but a process.

Dave was fantastic- attune to the contractions, gentle, soothing, the perfect partner
Lisa was steady and helpful- reminding me that I was managing the pain and that I could do this.

The next hours brought a move to the larger room
a warm shower
lots of standing and rocking while leaning against my purple towel
Sips of cola and ginger ale
constant pats with the cool cloth on my forehead
many registered complaints- just so nobody would forget that I was hurting.

More later...

All My Boys

2009-10-25T14:37:00.001-04:00

Arlo

2009-10-24T16:01:00.004-04:00

Arlo has brought a little bit of mellow to the house.
Much needed and hoping it continues.
He sleeps, eats, makes little squirley noises, and
looks around with his big brown eyes.

I'm feeling guilty for not having all my time for Auggie.
I just wanna hug him close and let him know "I'm SO SORRY!!",
but I know having a little brother will be a wonderful thing eventually.

The hormones have hit and with them have come evening crying
spells. I seem to remember that this passes in about a week or so,
or at least I hope so. It is making me feel a little crazy.
Dave took Auggie out for quality time today- they went to
Build a Bear (more on that later) and had pizza for lunch.

Will write about Arlo's birth in a day or so. At the moment when
I have some free time I mostly just feel like laying around.

Welcome!

2009-10-22T11:57:00.003-04:00

Arlo George Blachowicz
10/20/2009
5:57 am
8 lbs. 14.2 oz

What NOT To Say

2009-10-12T04:36:00.002-04:00

My Mother (to me at 39 weeks) :

"So I'm talking to people and you know how some pregnant women just have this little bump in front. I said, NOT MY DAUGHTER!! She looks just like that sun in the Jimmy Dean Commercials. Ya know, I told them? She's just ROUND!! " "I hope that doesn't offend you."

Me:
____ (?) ___(?!) ____(?!@#$#***!!!)

At least it's better than last pregnancy when she poked me in the arm at 39 weeks and said "I'm trying to figure out if that is weight gain or swelling"

Sigh.

Fall

2009-10-11T04:09:00.002-04:00

My sweet boy climbed and played and romped
all over at Webers last week. He discovered apple
cider and it's his new fav. He sucks it back and
declares "MORE HAPPY JUICE!!!"
He's verbal and singing and adorable while at the
same time asserting his independence more and
more.

The other day Auggie went to work with Dave
and had a FANTASTIC time. He packed his backpack,
put on his hat and proudly walked out the door to
"go to work!". According to Dave he would declare
"C'MON everybody" every time he left a room.
He climbed the set, wore a hardhat, crawled under drapes,
somehow found a mask (a duck's bill) and quacked his
way through the shop.
When he came home he was wiped out.

I'm in a state of waiting. Waiting for this baby to
be born. I've hit a rough patch with my hormones
going nuts. I'm irritable and raging one minute and
weepy sad and remorseful the next. I can only imagine
that I'm horrendous to be around, and I'm finding that
knowing you are being crazy doesn't make it any less crazy.
I've pretty much stopped answering the phone because I
just don't have much to say. I seem to remember feeling
this way before Auggie was born too.

Bigger

2009-10-03T14:21:00.001-04:00

I can't possibly get any bigger.
Weber's Farm today.
Hot
Boys were cute
I went from shady spot to shady spot and sat

Feel like I should be writing this in Haiku format
Pics later

Saint Theresa

2009-09-22T06:51:00.002-04:00

After 5 days.
Gone!
No pain!

I feel lighter than air.
I you see a large pregnant woman float by your window
think nothing of it, that's just me.

You got nothin' on me Theresa, you crazy ol' lady!!!
Ecstasy? I HEAR YOU SISTER!!!

Another Meatball!

2009-09-21T18:34:00.003-04:00

Ultrasound this morning!
This baby looks JUST LIKE AUGGIE.

The pics above are the meatball at 35 + weeks and of
Auggie at 8 weeks old. Remarkable!

Aside from that I've been doing nothing but feeling like crap. I thought I had a
UTI this week, but it turns out that doesn't seem to be the case. My guess is that
the awful cramping last week (that I was worried might be premature
labor) was actually a kidey stone and now that it has moved down I SUFFER.
I SUFFER
the
pain
of
a
glass
shard
in
my
urethra...
No shit, IT HURTS.

So I guzzle gallons of water, and complain.
I've complained in person to lots of people, so
I figured I might as well complain on this blog too.

I hope I get my sense of humor back soon!!

Doin the Trudge and Waddle

2009-09-15T11:16:00.004-04:00

Trudging from here to there
Waddling to Dr's appointments
Trying to nap when I can
Everything seems to be proceeding well.
I had a few very uncomfortable days over the weekend.
I was hurting enough that a little question mark started
floating around over my head "Could I be going into early
labor?" After a full night of no sleep on Sunday the pains
started to subside. I guess it was just more of the 3rd
trimester 'par for the course' aches. It's hard to believe that
in just 5 weeks we are going to have another little human in the
house! Holy CRAP!!

Auggie has been singing to me a lot lately.
I love it.
Twinkle Twinkle
and We Are A Team (put to the tune of a
Strauss Waltz) seem to be the favorites at the moment.

He's also beginning to make intimate friends with his 'time out'
chair. Mostly he gets time out for pulling the dog's tail.
He'll pull, and look at me and smile- testing me until I
count off "LET GO, ONE....TWO...THREE...OK TIME OUT!!!
Put him in the time out chair and the tears start. He's
heartbroken, but not heartbroken enough that he doesn't do
it again repeatedly.

Today he had a flu shot.
He flirted with the nurse on the way in
Cried only for a moment when he got his shot, and
was quickly distracted with the prospect of a sticker and
rocks to collect from the rock garden outside.
The nurse smiled at him on the way out and he walked
right by her muttering "I wanna go home"...

So home we are.
He's being pampered with pillows and blankets on the
couch because the injection site must feel like a gunshot
wound if I go by the way he is complaining about it.

It's nice to have a quiet day, just he and I
some songs
some cartoons
and lots of blankets.

Wedding

2009-09-07T19:51:00.002-04:00

Shot a wedding with Kathleen this weekend.
Hard work.
Harder when you are 8 months pregnant.
I was completely exhausted by the time I got home last night,
but we had a good time, and I think we made a great team.

It didn't hurt that the surroundings were fantastic and the
bride and groom were both beautiful.

Opinions

2009-08-21T12:44:00.002-04:00

For some reason he insisted on wearing rain boots
and a floppy sun hat to the fish store.

It made him happy and I figured "why not?".

Balloon

2009-08-21T11:34:00.002-04:00

Got Plastic?

2009-08-14T07:56:00.002-04:00

Last night after dinner I reached into the drawer
to pull out some tupperware. I thought I'd pack up
left over salmon and rice for Dave to take to work.

HMMM
NO STORAGE CONTAINERS AT ALL

What???!!
We have tons of plastic storage containers.
I was completely puzzled.
They weren't in the dishwasher.

It took me about an hour before I realized what happened.
Ya see, this is the ONE drawer in the kitchen that doesn't have
a child proof clasp on it. I have often seen Auggie pull out tupperware
and play with it. Suddenly it dawned on me- his obsession with
throwing things in the recycling bin and his joy of playing
with tupperware have collided.

Good thing the recycling was put on the curb and picked
up 2 days ago.

I guess I just didn't see it in there.

How is YOUR day going?

2009-08-11T12:16:00.002-04:00

I open the fridge to make Auggie lunch.
I'm putting ingredients on the counter and before I
turn back to close the door Auggie has taken beer bottles
from the door and thrown them in the vegetable keeper.
When I say throw I mean THROW... because several of them
have shattered and now the veges are floating in a glass shard
beer soup.

sigh

I put the drawer in the sink and start fishing out
and washing off all the solids. As I'm doing this the
dog runs by (clearly having an emergency) and drops
several wet turds on the floor before diving out of the
dog door.

I wipe them up. I spray the floor with bleach cleaner.
When I turn around I see Auggie now has a ceramic bowl
full of the amazingly sweet and ripe cantaloupe that I
cut up last night (despite being so tired I wanted to collapse).

"Auggie NO!!"

Too late
He has THROWN the ceramic bowl in the sink. It shatters
and now the entire sink is full of beer/cantaloupe/glass shard soup.

I give up.
I make chocolate milk for Auggie, put on cartoons, and
sit him in front of the TV while I try to clean a little.

I feel like I haven't had a break in ages.
I just want to meet some friends, pull up to a bar and have a
beer. Then I want to sleep in the next morning...

Where Did the Week Go??

2009-08-08T06:15:00.002-04:00

The phone rang the other day and it was the contractor!!
FINALLY! He called me back! Is it pathetic that I feel
like I've been waiting for him to call for a second date?
My first contractor REJECTED ME!! He didn't want the job.
I'd been KICKED TO THE CURB by my contractor!!
It is THAT DIFFICULT to find a contractor that you like
and that also comes in with a reasonable estimate!

So fixing up the new baby's room is on hold. That room
is serving as a construction staging and storage zone.
I'm hoping the bathroom reno won't push me over the
edge into crazy land.
Since it is our only bathroom we may have to get a hotel
room for several nights or take a mini vacation if Dave's
work schedule allows it. Even when we aren't staying
overnight somewhere I'm going to have to keep Auggie
out of the house all day to prevent him from breathing
in nasty dust.

I hope we don't get arrested for napping in the park.

I wish I could just take to my bed until the construction is
over.

Bowling

2009-08-02T16:13:00.002-04:00

Auggie runs to where the balls are and grabs one.
Immediately he throws it down and it starts a slow roll
down the lane. Before that ball is even halfway down he
grabs another and rolls/throws it after the first.
Dave tries to slow him down, but he's not having it.

He's also not having any of this "take turns" crap.
As soon as we pull him away so other kids can have a chance
he screams, kicks, cries and is generally in a full blown toddler
tantrum. I'm taking pictures and I look up to see Dave breaking
a sweat. He looks exhausted and frustrated.

We managed to stay at Ben S's bowling party for about 45
minutes before we had to pack it in. He loves the bowling
part, but really isn't so big on the wait your turn part.
He sure looked cute in those little bowling shoes though!!

At the Beach

2009-07-31T20:48:00.002-04:00

Walk to the lake
throw stones
watch the ducks

Back to the beach house
Breakfast

Walk to the beach
dig in the sand
chase seagulls

Back to the beach house.

HOW CAN IT ONLY BE 8 AM???

I'll tell you how- because we have a miraculous child that
doesn't appear to need sleep.

We had a very nice vacation, but are glad to be home.
Auggie is in his own bed tonight and we are praying for
a quiet evening.
Dave and I are recovering on the couch.

Chill

2009-07-23T09:11:00.003-04:00

When did it become so difficult for me to chill out?
I didn't used to be a tight ass!

I realize that a lot of the stuff I worry about I don't
really give a shit about anyway!
I need to start remembering to let go of all the trivial
crap that I spend energy on when I really don't care
about it one way or another.

I'll still worry about leaving lit candles around though.
And catching my toes in THIS toy! (a fear that follows me around!)
sigh

Playing

2009-07-18T20:21:00.003-04:00

Out playing with the family and the new camera
today. We had a very nice afternoon- will write
about it tomorrow.

Til then just wanted to put up some of the newest
shots.

New Camera

2009-07-18T07:03:00.002-04:00

Experimenting with the new camera.
Still getting the auto focus set so that it works for me,
and having fun shooting some raindrops with the burst mode.

Meanwhile I have to learn the Nikon language because I'm used
to the Canon, and I have to learn a whole new system of post
processing because my old program won't work with the Nikon
format. WHEW!! A great deal of information to absorb.

Once Auggie goes to bed I spend my time researching and reading
manuals.

Sink Bath

2009-07-14T18:22:00.005-04:00

Dave gave Auggie a bath in the sink this afternoon just to wipe
off the after dinner crud. It's amazing to remember how little he
used to be in the sink!

More and more I feel aware that things are going to change so drastically.
With the new baby, Auggie and I won't have these long days to hang out
and play by ourselves. I'm trying to make the most of these lovely summer
days together.

Yesterday we inflated the baby pool.

Here Auggie!!- I hand him a big bucket full of landscaping rocks, knowing
that throwing rocks into water is one of his favorite things to do.

ROCKS!!! he screams and runs across the yard AAAAAAA (screaming
appears to be linked to running)

In go the rocks
One, two, THREE- plunk
one after another
One, two, THREE- plunk

In goes some sand from the sandbox in streaming handfuls.

In goes the Tonka dump truck, the buckets, shovels, suntan lotion,
and his shoes.

He moves to the other side of the pool and throws in a deflated basketball.
SPLASH- (I am now wet)
Daisy catches wind of this and comes careening around the side of the garage
and DIVES into the pool to get the ball
SPLASH (I am now completely soaked)

I'm laughing
Auggie screams with delight
Daisy wags

Summery Day

2009-07-12T18:31:00.004-04:00

Blueberry pancakes at a friend's house.
Toddlers playing on the deck.
Skinned knees and watermelon.
Afternoon nap.
Steaks and corn on the grill.