Crummy show...

I am at this very moment watching the worst show on television. Outsourced.

Oh. My. God.

I heard a few bad reviews, but I liked the movie. So, I was willing to give it a try. But, I want that half hour of my life back. It was so unbelievably bad! So far beyond trite and insulting, but worst of all, not at all funny. I think I need to re-watch the movie just to cleanse the palate.

Ok, just had to share.

So far, no loves in the latest crop of television. Of course we have the little peanut to keep us occupied in the evenings - between his cuteness before bed and cleaning up the chaos he wrecks on the house after, there's hardly time for tv. *grin*

"No J, pause buttons don't work on babies..."

Thankfulness

It’s 9:26 PM and the power is out. I’m writing in word and will post tomorrow. We’re having an end-of-summer storm.

Usually I love power outages, but tonight Mother Nature did not have the best timing.

I had finally motivated to get off my lazy bottom and was in the middle of laundry, tidying and making food for M. I was in the basement getting a can of tomatoes (for his latest favorite – star pasta with tomato, zucchini, cheese sauce) when it went out.

It startled me and I knocked over a jar of tomato sauce when I was trying to make my way to the door.

Wet laundry in the wash, a dryer that locks you out when the power goes out (darn New Zealand technology!) food half cooked, new tv shows not recording, a tomato and glass mess on the basement floor, and…the worst of all…I forgot the yummy Fig Newtons in the car and was going to zip out after I finished in the basement, but with the power out the garage door won’t open (without using the safety release, and even Fig Newtons aren’t worth that.)

I was not in a good mood when J came downstairs to see if I was ok. Did I mention that we both have cold and he had gone to bed early?

Anyway, I was all sorts of grumbly for about five minutes before I had one of my Pollyanna-esque mood adjustments. In the grand scheme of things my slightly disrupted plans are so not a big deal. I have a wonderful life!

So far M has slept through everything, J bought us the best LED flashlights, it’s not as hot as it was a few weeks ago, so I’m not missing the air conditioning, the laundry will finish overnight, the tv didn’t look all that exciting anyway, M will not suffer for having zucchini and leftovers and I probably should go to bed early myself.

Plus, there was the most amazing fruit in our CSA box tonight – kiwi berries – they’re like miniature kiwi but not as tart. Not quite as yummy as cookies, but pretty darn good.

Ok, I’m off to cozy up in bed with one of these amazing little flashlights and a book…and my honey...well, my big honey. Hopefully the little one keeps sleeping!

Self portrait with M when he was five months. He was so round and squishy!

Favorite Baby Products: Beco

I've loved the idea of babywearing ever since, well, I was a baby. Apparently, I spent a lot of time in one of those frame backpacks - I actually remember hiking on my dad's back in one of those.

We started with a Bjorn my wonderful co-worker gave us. It was so useful in the early days when he was a teeny tiny thing. I could actually make dinner!

Plus, he was pretty cute and just the right distance for a kiss.

When he got heavier, the Bjorn wasn't so comfy. I did some research, then stopped doing research because babywearers online can be kinda...passionate...about the best way to wear your baby. Suddenly I felt guilty for Bjorning! I settled on a BecoButterfly 2, since I wanted a soft structured carrier like the Bjorn that was comfy for me and good for M. I love it - and so does M. I used it for months instead of a stroller. It was so easy and would fit in the diaper bag - great for grocery shopping.

I have no decent full body shots of M in the Beco. So, enjoy the cuteness...

Our Little Family

Poor M, always having to put up with kisses from Mama and Daddy...

Teething or Cold?

Unfortunately, it's probably both...

M has been a grumpy fountain of drool for the past few days and now he has a a fever. The poor kiddo had a tough day. There were lots of pauses to snuggle with blankie and whichever parent was closest. I even got one of his very precious post-nap-snuggles. Usually M is ready to go after a nap and won't stop for anything, but every once in a while he will lie on my chest and doze for a bit. It is so sweet and cozy and wonderful.

It was a rough day for Mama and Daddy too. But, we had nice time going shopping and taking a walk to the park. He refused to let me put him down while I was prepping dinner, so I broke out the sling and made it one-handed. After a dinner where he only wanted applesauce (and to feed Mama graham crackers - I am so getting this if it's a cold) we had bath time. He loves bathing in the tub - and hates to get out at the end. Then he had about an ounce of bottle and fell asleep.

Now we're enjoying some very cheezy tv and a much deserved beer. Whew!

M has started driving things around and making "vroom" noises. It's so amazing to see him learn and grow. My baby is becoming a little boy!

Books

M has started showing interest in books. He has started carrying a book over to me and sitting in my lap (he's not so subtle, my lad) it's so cute!

After months of wondering why all the books suggest reading to infants, when at most my little guy would use them as a teething toy! Here's to many more years of reading together.

M with Go, dog. Go! (Note: The shirt says "PEE-town." It's from Provincetown, MA.)

Saturday at the zoo

Yesterday we took M to our small local zoo. J and I had never been before, but heard it was nice and, of course, kid friendly. I didn't expect him to get all that much out of it, but it was a beautiful day so at least it wout be a nice walk with my boys. But he loved it!

He had the biggest "full body smile" whenever he saw a new animal. He kept pointing at the animals and saying "doggie!" (every animal is a doggie.) We saw "doggies" of all sizes, some with fur others with feathers. He loved them all!

M pointing at a feathered "doggie."

Playing

Playing, originally uploaded by linseyclair.

I love his face when he's concentrating.

Cousin Alex

M met his cousin Alex for the first time during our visit to the Cape.

Alex is five months older than M. We had a few incidents of both boys not not wanting to share and a few hugs that started out sweet but went on a wee too long, but in general they got along really well.

I have this sneaking suspision that they're going to have lots of fun growing up together...and get in lots of trouble...

370 Baths

M at 4 months smiling at Daddy.

We realized recently that we have given M a bath before bed every day of his life, which means he's had 370 bedtime baths (not counting the hospital baths and a few extras when there were vomit incidents.) Bedtime baths didn't have an auspicious beginning, he screamed and I ended up in tears. Usually it's both Mama and Daddy, sometimes it's just one parent, but bath time is always cozy ritual to close of M's day. I had lots of grands schemes and plans about child rearing, many have already fallen by the wayside, but I'm glad bath time stuck.

I'm not going to try counting diapers - too scary - especially considering he's already pooped three times today and it's only noon...

Saturday Play

My active little guy!

One year ago...

A teeny, tiny M being burped by Daddy.

Now we are one

M turned one while we were on vacation. We planned to have a party with family and friends on the Cape today, but ended up heading back to NJ on Thursday because of Hurricane Earl. (Which turned out to be only slightly more than a stiff breeze... *grumble*) I'm a bit bummed that he didn't have a first birthday party, but I know he won't remember it. Instead, J and I got our favorite pizza and a little cake. M liked gnawing on the pizza, but wasn't so sure about the cake! It was pretty wonderful to be home with my boys.

So, happy birthday my precious little boy! I really can't believe that it's been a whole year since a became your mama. It's been an incredible 12 months and I love you more and more every day.

But, just one more picture...

M striking a pose.

Pause for vacation

We're on the Cape. Much good fun, family and food - unfortunatly a very bad internet connection...