Theme Thursday: Week 8

We're off this morning for a week-long vacation with my parents. This is the first time we've undertaken a vacation with them, and I'm thinking it'll be a good time. The kids love them and us adults all get along well. 

In that vein, I give you this week's theme:

Week 8 Theme: Family

Can't wait to see what you all have to share!

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As a side note, I added a Kirsty This button and a Digg Submit button below. If you have a minute I would love to increase participation in Theme Thursday. And if you have any other ideas on how to increase interest let me know!

I Wish I Had Given This More Thought One Hour Ago

A DIY a bikini wax, no matter how many times you've done them in the past, should never be attempted any time past the halfway point of pregnancy. Any time after the first trimester, really. Unless a sealed shut vagina is what you're going for. In that case may I recommend GiGi Honee waxing products? 

At least I won't be needing my vagina for much of anything in the foreseeable future, right?

Memories of Cheeses Past

May, 2005

September, 2007

May, 2008

May, 2009

If you know me, either in real life or in virtual bloggy life, then you know that I love love LOVE these head hole photo things. Nothing pleases more than coming upon one that is particularly relevant to something else in my life, like this blog thing (which is approaching it's fourth anniversary!) 

Because we have a membership to the Philadelphia Zoo, we encounter this cheesy photo op with a good deal of regularity. One day I hope to assemble a photo album with this exact same shot through the years. I might have to figure out a new configuration once the baby is born, but that should just add to the fun, right?

What memories do you have to share this week?

Shout Out to Wichita!

So I wrote this post last week for the Philly Moms Blog. And then it got a mention over at Strollerderby. And then it got picked up by the MCT syndicate feed. And today it ran in the Wichita Eagle. I kind of feel a little famous, even though it inspired some negative comments over at Strollerderby. 

Anyway, if you're a reader and you live in Wichita, run out and pick up a copy of the Eagle! If you get an extra and send it to me, I'll autograph it for you!

If Virginia Is For Lovers, Then Why Are We Going There?

On Saturday morning we're all packing into the mini-van and heading south. SOB has been visiting the same beach community since he was a child, and now we've adopted it as our family vacation spot. It's one of the most relaxing places I've ever been. We went there for our honeymoon almost seven years ago, and have been back five additional times. 

Unfortunately, aside from that honeymoon trip, that whole 'Virginia is for Lovers' thing hasn't really applied to us. 

For starters, we always go with family. In the past SOB's sisters have joined us, and this year my parents are coming. The houses we rent are big, but not so big that you're inclined to get frisky when relatives may possibly hear you. Plus we've had a kid sleeping in our room with us at other times. As any new, sleep deprived mother will tell you, sleep wins over sex almost every day of the week. 

But this year there is a not-all-together-new-but-annoying-none-the-less issue: the burgeoning bulge in my mid-section. Despite being an educated man, and a physician to boot, he gets a little squeamish when it comes to sleeping together when I'm visibly pregnant, and I don't mean the shut-eyed and snoring kind of sleeping. 

This is all very normal, for sure. Do a google search for the topic and you'll see just how common it is for husbands to lose interest in sex while their wives are knocked up. There are lots of different reasons, and most of them just boil down to a temporary mental block. I'm not surprised, either, because we've been through this two times before. Also, I'm not worried about the future because, well, we've been through this two times before. Lucy and baby-to-be might have been a little hard to produce if things hadn't gone back to the reg in the boudoir, you know?

It is, however, a little frustrating for me. He's been on vacation for almost two weeks and I'm a big bag of hormones. I was hoping for at least a few afternoon trysts while the kids were sleeping/at school and the occasional post-hockey game celebratory roll in the hay. Instead we've been watching Rescue Me obsessively during nap time and passing out during the third periods of the hockey games. 

Luckily, he's still an affectionate guy. I get lots of hugs and kisses, and some snuggling and spooning almost every night. Those doses of physicality help to keep me from feeling totally bloated and rotten.  

And they serve as a good starting point anytime I find myself with 5-7 minutes alone.

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Don't forget tomorrow is Theme Thursday! If you have a 'Memory' to share stop by and comment tomorrow. Also, if you are interested in having an email reminder sent to you on Tuesday night, let me know in the comments or at cheeseparty (at) gmail (dot) com. I'll start a list!

Theme Thursday: Week 7

Ah, Memorial day weekend! The unofficial start of the summer. Grilling, swimming, and picnicking are all on the agenda for our weekend. Our neighborhood is near silent while everyone else in the area crushes to the shore, and we just sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet. Well, save for the noise our kids are making. But at least there isn't anyone else around to be annoyed by their joyous shouts, right?

In honor of the three day weekend, I give you this week's theme:

Week 7 Theme: Memories

New or old or just being formed, there is a lot to remember and be thankful for this holiday weekend, and every day. I can't wait to see what you'll all have to share. 

A Conundrum

Yesterday was the detailed anatomy ultrasound for the baby. The little bugger couldn't be better!

These are the babies legs, with the ankles crossed. After being all knees-to-chin for the first part of the scan, the baby decided to stretch out, and it was just as the tech was looking at the legs, so we got to see some ridiculously adorable baby action.

Here is the obligatory cute profile view. That thing that by the mouth is the cord. It kept floating up by the face every time the tech would try for a 3D view. She finally managed to get everything in the right place after having me roll around on the table for a while!

Here, 3D baby has a hand up on top of it's head, just like he/she was waving. Hello!

Speaking of the whole he/she issue, after 21 weeks of waiting, I wasn't sure if I would be able to resist the urge to know it baby is a boy or a girl. We told the tech right away we weren't finding out. When she had to look around in that area, she gave us notice. I covered my eyes, and on the chance I would be tempted to peek I even turned my head. 

As I sat there in the dark, waiting for her to move on, I heard SOB exclaim, 'I knew it!'

WHAT?!??!!?!? 

THE!??!??!!??! 

FUCK!!?????!??!??!!??!

Here is some more !!??!???!??!???!??!! just for emphasis.

I immediately looked at his face, trying to read into his expression, but he's too damn quick for me. So was the tech, who had already moved onto the kidneys by then. 

What it boils down to is SOB knows and I don't. He swears he won't tell me or anyone else. But I still have 130 days left in this pregnancy. That gives me a lot of time for needling, prodding, bugging, and annoying him in general. Not to mention all of the other people who are likely going to be needling, prodding, bugging, and annoying him in general. 

I'm not entirely sure he thought this out very well. 

Relax the Natural Way

With vacation firmly underway, we've been taking lots of walks. To the park, through the neighborhood, to the other park. Since the kids stagger their school days, on Mondays and Tuesdays we only have one kid. That works out great for me, because SOB pushes the stroller while I snap away. The way I see it, I'm already slowing down from being knocked up, so it's no biggie if I go even slower because I'm busy taking pictures. 

I love flowers. My husband doesn't. Why? Because flowers like these make me pine for a lens like this. 

Water, especially of the babbling brook variety, has always been very calming to me. 

Small waterfalls + slow shutter speeds = serenity

Dare devil

And how did we end this idyllic, peaceful scene? By giving my 3-year old permission to traipse across the rock bridge, giving me a heart attack once every time he leapt over the chasms. Relaxing? Not so much!

How did you relax this week?

New Philly Moms Post!

By me!

Life, Interrupted

My husband is on vacation for three weeks. 

Three. Weeks. 3. 

It's only been five days, and to be honest I'm loving it. The kids are loving it. He is loving it.

My schedule is not loving it.

I barely have time to empty the hamper before it is full again, and don't even ask how many times the dishwasher has been run since he's been at home. Having an extra full sized person around makes for a lot of dirty clothes and dirty dishes. That's not to say that he doesn't help with the laundry or dishes. He's been great. He's helped with the kids and the chores, on top of working on some projects around the house. 

The trouble is bed time, for both me and the kids. Knowing that daddy is just a few feet away makes it very difficult for them to fall asleep at nap time. And as far as us adults are concerned, we are usually in bed at 9. This is a totally reasonable time for a pregnant woman with two kids to chase around and a man who gets up at or before sunrise. But a man who doesn't have to get up until after 7? He wants to stay up all night. Or at least until 11. 

Meanwhile Mama is plumb tuckered. My feed reader is overflowing, I'm behind on posting just about everywhere, and if you've called me this week, well, I'm sorry. I haven't returned a phone call in days. Between hockey playoffs, the first four seasons of Rescue Me and hyperactive hormonal dreams, my sleep is shaky at best. I haven't even been able to nap very well. I lay down, fall asleep for 5 to 15 minutes, have a dream about being trapped in a fire with Sydney Crosby and wake with a start. After that, the prospect of more sleep is but a dream.

We're having a blast, but I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of it I'm in a coma. Send flowers, ok? I like lilies. 

Up, Up and Away!

She's become quite the little climber, that girl of mine. It makes for some interesting adventures. 

For more Best Shot Monday photos, visit Mother May I! 

Theme Thursday: Week 6

Today is the first day of my husband's three-week vacation. He will be home for two weeks and then we're all headed to the beach with my mom and dad for the final week. Since I don't often have another responsible adult around, let alone every day, I'm considering it a vacation for me as well! We have some projects to do around the house and a few tasks to complete, but I'm hoping we all get the chance to relax. 

Week 6 Theme: Relaxation

There are certainly a lot of ways to interpret that one, so I can't wait to see what you all come up with! 

Halfway Point

Wednesday marked the beginning of my 20th week. We're halfway to meeting face-to-face. I was cleaning out my kitchen cabinets this morning (don't ask) and I came across all of my breast feeding/pumping supplies. I just laughed. With Sam I pumped diligently and he almost never took a bottle. I ended up tossing dozens of ounces of breastmilk down the drain. With Lucy it was just about the same story, except I gave up on the bottles earlier, so there was less milk to dump out. I have a feeling that this time I might not even bother with the pump. It can just continue to collect dust on the top shelf, out of sight and out of mind. 

Little by little, the reality of having this baby enter our world emerges. I bought a toy for him/her a few weeks ago. My mom bought a teeny Thing 3 shirt to go with Thing 1 and Thing 2. My detailed ultrasound is on Thursday. I can't wear any of my non-maternity clothes anymore. Despite seeming endless, the reality is that every week marches on and this pregnancy is halfway over. In roughly 140 days I'll be holding my baby in my arms, and Sam and Lucy will be meeting their new sibling, hopefully with smiling faces. Sam, I think will be ok. It's the Lulu I'm worried about, but that's another post for another day.

We'll see you next week baby. Mama and daddy can't wait!

Theme Thursday: All Good Gifts

Mother's day was a calm, quiet affair here. Well, as quiet as it can be with two kids under 3.5. That is to say, I was out of bed by 7:15 despite SOB's best efforts to let me sleep in. No matter, as the kids were warm and cuddly as gifts were presented. Lucy offered a large, colorful collage of tissue paper and Sam had a popsicle frame with his own picture inside for mommy. And of course there was Sam's proclamation of love, which included references to video games. 

But it was SOB who really caught me by surprise with this:

Well, it had a white ribbon on it, but the kids were all over that in about 0.3 seconds. I hadn't been expecting anything, so it put a smile on my face to receive this box with my coffee. I won't kill you by forgetting to post what was inside, like I did back at my birthday. Here you go!

How sweet is that? There aren't any pictures in it yet, but I've already chosen which ones I want. I just have to figure out how to print out teeny-tiny versions of these photos. When the baby is born, I'll probably change it up once I can see straight. 

What gifts do you have to share this week?

Three Year Old Logic

Mom: Sam, please don't drink out of Lucy's cup. She has a cold and I don't want you to catch it.

Sam (angrily): But I don't WANT Lucy's cold! I want my own cold!

Nesting 3.0

As with my previous two pregnancies, the nesting instinct comes and goes in spurts. I won't even bother to put laundry away for weeks on end (Seriously, you should buy stock in downy wrinkle releaser because I use it by the truckload!) and then out of the blue I get the urge to clean and totally renovate house!

Unfortunately, the renovating will have to wait because I blew most of my home improvement budget on wrinkle releaser spray.

What pittance I have left, however, has been parlayed into some simple things that have made a big difference in my perceived quality of home life. I know that makes no sense, but I'm pregnant, so roll with me. 

In my pre-pregnancy state, we bought new furniture for our bedroom last September. We had been using some nice but old-enough-to-be-outdated-but-not-yet-antique-cool furniture that had been my in-law's before they got divorced. My MIL is about to celebrate her 20th anniversary to her new hubby, that's how old it was. We sold it on craigslist and got some new stuff at Ikea because we didn't feel like spending upwards of $4000 for new furniture. It's from the Hemnes collection, and it's black-brown. A few after months that SOB came across a fabu deal on some plush towels at Restoration Hardware that he just couldn't pass up. They are a rich chocolate color that goes well with the furniture. 

The trouble was our bedding. Why? Well, it was all pastel-y and paisley and just didn't go with any of the dark, solid colors we now had throughout our bedroom and bathroom. For months I had poked and prodded SOB with the idea of changing the bedding, but he is stubborn in that arena. Prior to said paisley comforter, which we'd bought in '07, we had been using the same blue and white Ralph Lauren linens that we received as a wedding gift. In 2002. They were full of holes and worn in patches, but he loved them and couldn't bear to part ways. After we upgraded from a queen to a king sized bed, though, he had to acquiesce. 

After doing some digging through bargain bins and visiting the likes of Ross and TJ Maxx more times than I care to recount, I found some things I didn't think he would hate and began to slowly integrate them into our decor. They were in the blue family, an SOB requisite, and I was able to work the brown in with a lucky throw pillow find at the Maxx. Observe:

Just the bed

And now with 100% more towel

I know the colors aren't totally matchy-matchy, but I think that overall everything is close enough. And just for the record, I dusted the end tables and moved the following items off of them before taking these photos: phone, alarm clock, 9 hair ties, box of tissues, camel back water bottle, J&J lavender night hand cream, ear plugs, Vaseline, Kielhs lip balm #1, a white noise machine and TWO bottles of wrinkle releaser. No joking. And no, I didn't use the wrinkle releaser on my frumpy pillowcases, so don't even say anything. 

So whadda ya think internets? Aside from the rumply look to it, does my color scheme work? Should I give up this whole mother/photo/blog gig and pursue a fast paced, high paying career in the cut-throat world of interior design? 

Who am I kidding? I could never quit you!

Early Morning Fun

Last Friday we had a 7:20am doctor's appointment in Center City. Sam had a six month check up for his ear tubes. I don't recall making such an early appointment, but none the less, we were up and in the car by 6:35am. Good times. I truly felt like a super hero just for getting them up, fed, dressed and at the office five minutes early. 

Ever since that fateful morning, my kids have been rising at or before the six o'clock hour. On Saturday we were already bored by 7am. I was hesitant to take them outside because, well, they're a loud bunch, but when our neighbor started mowing his lawn at 7:15 I figured we were ok. I kept them on the porch since we were still in our jammies, but they didn't mind. Last week our neighbor gave us a small slide from when her kids were little, and they simply adore it. Here are a few shots from our early morning escapades!

Discovering the joys of being upside-down

Baby salsa verde

Saying 'Cheese' for mommy

Some love between siblings

When SOB got up at 8:30, he was amazed at how much we had done! 

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Want to see what everyone else has to share for My Best Shot Monday? Visit Tracy at Mother May I? 

I'm That Mom

When I picked Sam up from School on Thursday there were presents in his cubby. Presents for me! There was a card and some cellophane and something with glitter. 

I waited until this morning to open them, much to his consternation. I think that the teachers wrapped the presents, so he wasn't entirely convinced it wasn't for him. There was an adorable little frame with a picture of him holding a 'Happy Mother's Day' sign, and a cute little card in the shape of a purse. On the inside were some scribbles (in red and orange, his favorite colors) and then a quote from Sam. They asked each of the kids why they love their mommies. Sam's response? 'I love my mommy when she lets me play my video game!' 

Now doesn't that just give you the warm fuzzies?

Theme Thursday: Week 5

Last weekend we went to a wedding, and there was a table full of beautifully wrapped presents. 

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, and even if it's handmade by your 2-year old, most mothers will be getting a little something special. 

Every time I open my door, I am greeted with an array of blooms and blossoms and nature's glory. 

It's hard to ignore all of the beauty surrounding us. That's how this week's theme came to me!

Week 5 Theme: Gifts

Come back on Thursday and share some of your gifts with us!

It Really Tied the Room Together

My daughter has a problem. Well, you might say I have a problem, and that my daughter has an issue. Do you remember back when she started peeing on the potty? She did pretty well for a few days and then gave up. It was like she thought to herself, 'Well, now that I know I can do this let's move on!' 

Since then there have been zero potty peeing incidents. 

There have been, however, numerous rug peeing incidents. 

Every time this child finds herself diaper-less, she runs to the nearest rug and cops a squat. Naturally, I have tried to keep her diapered unless I am rightnextto her and putting her on the potty. But Sam has figured out how to help her out of her diaper. What a nice big brother, right? And occasionally, post-bath finds her clad only in a towel. I try and get Sam out first so that I can get her out and directly to her room for a new diaper, but there are times when she simply! Must! Get! Out! First! For example, last night when she started wailing and screaming Out! over and over. The second I turned my back to get Sam out of the tub? Pee on my rug. Urine on my carpet. Piss on the floor. 

No matter how you spell it, it stinks. 

There is a reason we don't have a dog. 

(Random subliminal insight: I actually initially typed GOD instead of DOG.)

It's because we don't want to deal with rug pissers in this house. 

So what is a girl to do? I've tried explaining things to her, but, um, she's a baby. She's a wicked smart baby, but still. Twenty months does not a rational being make. I tried doing that whole pretending-I-don't-care-as-to-not-give-her-piss-poor-behavior-added-attention thing, but I'm no nihilist. I do care. Why? Well, I can't exactly get all new rugs. And I have no trust fund specifically for rugs, nor the 77 bottles of Resolve I've gone through in the past few months. And while it's tempting, I can't exactly throw a coffee mug at her head, either. 

So I guess I'll have to get hardcore about the potty training. Wish me luck, because I am seriously out of my element here, dude. 

A Many Splendored Thing

Last weekend we attended the wedding of my brother-in-law Phil and his lovely new bride Rachel. I knew the weekend would be full of photo opportunities, especially ones keeping in line with this week's theme of LOVE! Believe me, I wasn't disappointed! When I was looking through the photos afterwards, I was pleased and surprised with how many different types of love were captured.

First off, here is a photo of me and my true love, courtesy of my sister-in-law Tori. Any time we look reasonably presentable I always try and get someone to snap a picture of us. I love going through them and seeing how we've changed through the years. Plus it'll be fun to show the kids one day! I used to love looking at my parents' prom picture from 1978. My mom still has her dress, and she used to let me try it on. 

Next is a perfect example of sisterly love. Tori and Allison's relationship is one of the reasons I wanted to have another baby, just on the chance that Lucy could have a sister.  

Here is our lovely bride Rachel being escorted down the aisle by her father. I can't even begin to think about SOB with Lucy at her wedding without getting misty, so let's just move on, ok?

Here is the happy couple during their first dance. They danced to The Man In Me by Bob Dylan, and it was a perfect song for them. 

Finally, this was my favorite shot of the day, though. After the ceremony, as they walked out of the garden, the bride was having some trouble with her dress on some stairs. Her new husband reached out for her have her a hand. 

What lovely images do you have to share this week?

Ohm

When I'm in need of some serenity and solace, this is the image I seek. And believe me, I'm in some serious need of serenity and solace right about now. Why my feet? Because this is my view from child's pose when I do yoga. Random? Yes. But useful. Thank goodness for small things.

Tally

Today there was a small break in the weather. That is, it only looks like it's going to pour instead of actually pouring. So I took that as a sign that the garden must get planted! Here's what's been done so far:

Two weeks ago I planted 6 pea plans, 5 bean plants and about a dozen sunflower seeds. The sunflowers are just now sprouting, so hopefully in a few weeks we'll have a nice variety, as I planted seeds from a variety pack. 

Today I planted 7 tomatillio plants, 6 hot pepper plants (I can't remember if they are serrano or jalapeno) 5 roma tomato plants, 5 yellow grape tomato plants, 5 beefsteak tomato plants, 5 sweet pepper plants, 4 cucumber plants, 2 cantaloupe plants, 2 fairy tale pumpkin plants and 2 ornamental gourd plants. Oh and 1 new deep purple hydrangea. 

We already have the 7 hop plants (We had 8 but one fell victim to squirrels, which led to some squirrel population control measures. And that is a post of a much more gruesome nature.), the apple trees and a few other flowers I planted last year. In about two more weeks the corn should be ready to go into the ground. It would have been planted today as well, but when the seedlings were inside the cat decided to feast upon my corn shoots. Bastard. 

I feel like this might be a bit excessive for our little suburban yard. But you know what? I don't care because I am teh awesome.

A Week of Best Shots

Last week was weird. It was hot, it was cool. It was sunny. It was rainy. We did a lot of playing and a lot of gardening. Here are some of my favorites from the week!

I love in-the-swing photos. Especially because since I take a lot of them I can go back and reference old ones. Like this! That photo was taken just over a year ago, and her love for swinging has only grown. Even if she spends our entire playground adventure on the swing she cries like a maniac when it's time to go. I can't even put her on the ground because she'll just run back and scream 'A-MOAR SWINGIN' NOW!' between sobs. Despite the hysterics, it's adorable.

Speaking of adorable, this is my son's concentration face. After spending the past two months playing basketball every day, I'm so relieved he's discovered baseball! Thanks Jake! For a few days I was pitching a wiffle ball to him, but after being hit a few too many times with a line drive, we invested in a T. 

I swore I would never plant annuals. Then I saw these gerber daisies. I could sit and try and rationalize this decision, but truthfully? Prrrrrrreeeeeettttttttty!

Finally, my boy again. He occasionally smiles when he sees the camera and if I'm quick enough I can catch it. He has grown so much in the past few months, and when he's out running and wearing his baseball hat, I search his face for glimpses of the baby he once was. All I have to do it look into those blue eyes and it all comes flooding back. That's why I choose this as my best shot.

For more Best Shot Monday photos visit Tracy at Mother May I.

Theme Thursday: Week 4

We're going to my brother-in-law's wedding this weekend, which should be ripe with photo opportunities! So I've selected this week's theme with their pending nuptials in mind.

Week 4 Theme: Love

That shouldn't be too tough, right? I mean, everybody loves something, in varying degrees. So even if there isn't a special someone in your life right now, you could always take a picture of your dog or a pint of Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Bun Swirl ice cream.

I'm just saying, it's pretty damn tasty.

A Clear Sign It's Time To End the Photo Shoot

The kids got some cute outfits for Easter, but because of the weather we weren't able to get them out for some pictures. First it was too cold and rainy, and then it was too hot for even being outside. (But global warming doesn't exist, right? Sorry. End rant.) 

Anyway, we finally were able to get the kids dolled up on Tuesday, but it was rather late in the day. I was worried they wouldn't cooperate, and honestly, they didn't. I took over 150 shots, and there was only one usable shot with both kids in it. I moved the kids around hoping that a new spot would pacify them, but I was mistaken. Here is the final shot of the day. 

He only squeezed a little bit, but he squeezed. Luckily for Lucy, no one was hurt. Sam got a very stern lecture and a TV restriction for the night. Luckily for me, this was the shot that came right before little Chokey McStrangleton got his paws around his sister's throat. 

Much nicer, don't you think?

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We'll be in Pittsburgh for SOB's brother's wedding this weekend, so I'm sure there will be lots of pictures to come!

Swine Flu Hysteria

Read all about it over at Philly Moms Blog!