Wednesday, December 31, 2008

My Resolution

I suspect Alan wants my resolution to involve more sex. Sorry, Alan, that's not it.

I am resolving this year to put things back where they belong. For example, I walk in from work. Purse goes in launchpad area in coat closet, pacifier goes in carrier, carrier goes in living room next to couch, coat and fancy shoes go in their spots in my closet, and phone goes on charger. This is instead of my previous method of dumping everything on the island counter, until sometime later (read: never).

It's simple, should improve my life dramatically (no more searching for a paci at 11 p.m.), and good for others (read: my spouse).

It's not more sex, but c'est la vie.

Etcetera.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Bedtime

You ever look up and realize that it's way past your kid's bedtime and he's walking around the living room saying, "sorry, I've got to go deliver services" and "that daddy plays scrabble." And that, my dear loyal readers, is when you know either he is delirious...or you are.

Etcetera.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Christmas Overload

Seriously, the kids got too much stuff. We'll need a new house to fit it all! The worst culprit is my MIL. She brought more gifts for them than Santa and Alan and I combined. We asked her to wrap all the clothes in one big bag, so that the kids didn't have to open a thousand gifts. She wrapped all the toys in one bag...and each bit of clothes in a separate package. Passive aggressive, inattentive, or both? Hmm.

Ander loves the game Doris and family gave him. We looked at it. We almost bought it. We decided not to. And then he received it, and went crazy playing with it. He also likes the assorted flashlights and Mr. Potato Head.

Alan and I exhausted. And that's with skipping Christmas cards and gatherings with friends this year.

Etcetera.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

An Ander Funny

Ander flicks something off of his finger across the room.

Alan: "Ander, what's on your finger?"

Ander: "Nothing."

Alan: "What was on your finger?"

Ander: "A booger."

Etcetera.

Paying Back Brien For "Clown Suit" Comment

LOL. This post is about breastfeeding. Take that, Brien. :)

People told me that if I pumped, it would be horrible. Actually, pumping's quite easy. I can usually pump quickly (5 minutes or less) and anywhere (with batteries). The biggest problem is having to carry the pump in my car. I actually only nurse Loki a little bit - just enough to keep him in practice two or three times a day. Loki takes a bottle or nurses directly just fine. Honestly, I'm surprised myself.

My poor sister followed all the recommendations. Wait until 4 weeks to introduce a bottle, so as not to cause nipple confusion. Now, her daughter will barely eat out of a bottle at all. And she can't pump much, because she hasn't taught her body to demand more. She goes back to work in a few weeks, and it's going to be bad.

I was also told that formula fed babies are fatter. Hmmm...Ander skinny, Loki, um, not. I'm not doubting the statistics, but they aren't pointing to horrible consequences for formula fed baby. Instead, they point to a slight weight difference.

I wish the advice out there was not all tailored to women who are staying at home for a full year and have support and can just breastfeed. All women have different lives and different needs, and I suspect that if more women knew there were options like combo feeding, more women would breastfeed.

I also heard that the medical profession would sabotage breastfeeding. To the contrary, I've seen full support. My sister, who had an uncomplicated delivery of a healthy baby, was encouraged to nurse on demand. (Her lactation consultant, however, was crap. But that was the ONE person who is there to encourage breastfeeding. She did encourage it, but see the complaint above regarding only nursing at home for a year as the ONLY option. Sigh.) Even in my case, with a preemie, sick baby in the NICU, the hospital did everything to help me get the maximum amount of breastmilk and to wean from formula and train Loki to nurse as quickly as possible. His peditrician very much encourages nursing, even though she only nursed for a little while (until she went back to work). His pediatrician's partner, who saw us yesterday to hand out scripts for breathing treatments - yippy - nursed for 22 months. (That won't be me. I am happily anticipating the day I stop nursing. It's so easy to pump that I might pump enough to last a year, which should take until about 7 months, but then that's it. And if it wasn't so easy for me - and no one has production like I do - I wouldn't last that long.) I received free formula, but the support I received made NOT using the formula an easy choice.

I do hate it when well-meaning breastfeeding supporters (men and women, unfortunately) walk up to me while I am discretely nursing the baby in a corner, to chit chat and encourage breastfeeding. I think a woman should have every legal right to breastfeed whenever, wherever, as long as the baby has a legal right to be in the place. (So, it's okay if baby can't be fed, say, in a courtroom or R-rated movie...not that I would kick a nursing mom out of either, since baby is to tiny to notice, as long as baby isn't disturbing others.) That doesn't mean that I choose to breastfeed whenever, wherever. Therefore, if I must nurse in public, I will go to a quiet corner and cover up. Dude, that is not an invitation to visit me! Dude, especially if you are a drunk, older, male relative. Just saying. :/

And that's my rant for tonight. Peace out.

Etcetera.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Christmas Break

I have court on Monday morning (but am already prepared for it) and potentially have to write a one-page letter to the Court of Appeals on Monday or Tuesday afternoon. Except for those two things, I am DONE with work until after Christmas. It feels so free! The week of New Year's will be a busy work week, because I really cannot afford a week off, but I have to take one, and my kids, who've been sorely neglected, need some mommy time. So that is that.

Sweet freedom feels so nice.

Etcetera.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Clown Suit

Alan is much more opinionated than you would guess about what I wear. Of course, most of my loyal readers never see me, or only see me in my t-shirt and mom jeans, so you probably don't realize that I am, in fact, capable of dressing professionally. I wear suits to court, of course, but needed some daily business wear. I went shopping, and among other outfits, I came home with a black and white jacket and a purple blouse.

Alan HATES them! :0 :) He says they are too ruffly. He he. My mom says Alan just doesn't like "clown clothes." My sisters think the jacket is fashionable.

What do you think?



Etcetera.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Not A Scrooge

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper for Christmas. Bags the rest of the year.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, with built-in lights. Alan calls it a Charlie Brown tree.

3. When do you put up the tree? Thanksgiving weekend, in theory. A couple of weeks later, in reality.

4. When do you take the tree down? New Year's Day, in theory. Before my birthday (January 17), in reality.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, especially warm in a latte'.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Huge bean bag chair (back in the 70s)

7. Hardest person to buy for? Loki, because he already has everything from Ander's stuff

8. Easiest person to buy for? Alan. He makes a wish list, with on-line links.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No. I plan to get one every year, but I'm a slacker, as evidenced by the above-mentioned answers.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither. Again, see slacker for details.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? White Macarena sweatshirt. I wore it anyway. :)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? None, I hate movies.

13. When do you start shopping? Usually Black Friday, but not 5 a.m.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Roast beef and my mom's Christmas sugar cookies

16. Lights on the tree? Yes, already on the tree. I like colors, but the pre-lit trees come in all white, so I settle.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night. Reminds me of my maternal grandma.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel close to home, but spend the night at home.

19. Can you Name all of Santa reindeer? Bob and Sue and Jimbo and Blitzerton...

20. Christmas Tree Topper? Star. Gold star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Mostly morning, but I like appetizers.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Overwhelmed lack of time.

23. Christmas Tree Theme or Color? Reds and purples and silvers - guess Alan forgot the star was gold. LOL.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Roast beef over a carb.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? My Palm phone and the Twilight series.

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? EBeth

27. Who is least likely to respond to this? Alan

Etcetera.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Yes, Virginia...

...there is snow in Louisiana. Look really hard behind Ander out the window:



Etcetera.

Louisiana Is So Stupid

They are sending employees home, in the snow, at 9 a.m. That means they had employees drive in AND home in the worst of the freezing rain.

Idiots!

I'm happy for the employees, but seriously, why send them on the roads right now?

Etcetera.

SNOW!!!

We never (okay, VERY RARELY) get snow. I just got to go outside and throw snowballs with Ander.

I am a happy person this morning.

Etcetera.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Beliefnet Quiz

The Discipline Style Quiz

You scored 33, on a scale of 0 to 60. Here's how to interpret your score:
0 - 20
Permissive. You are lenient, responsive, and conflict-averse. Your child may gain high self-esteem and creativity. But with so little adult direction, he or she may become a holy terror, self-centered and undisciplined. Learn more about giving moral guidance.
21 - 35
Moderate. You're responsive AND authoritative. Your discipline methods are supportive rather than punitive. You listen, but have expectations for good behavior. Your kids tend to be responsible and to think for themselves. Learn more spiritual parenting tips.
36 - 50
Tough Cookie. You are highly directive and have clear rules for your child's behavior. Punishment is swift, discussion rare. Your need for control may mean your child obeys out of fear and may not learn negotiating skills. View these tips for gentle discipline.


I'm a bit surprised to find out just how moderate I am.

Etcetera.

My Boys Love Me

It's sort of surprising, really, how much my kids adore me. I'm fine with older kids - gifted with them, even. But I usually suck with little kids. Yet my kids really like me. I mentioned to my sister and two college-aged cousins that I'm a better mom than anyone expected. They all agreed - TOO enthusiastically, I might add. LOL. How bad did they think I would be?

I don't parent the way most people I know parent. In many ways, I'm much more strict. In some ways, I'm much more lenient. I talk to my kids - a lot - but I leave them to learn independence, too. They play or babble or swing or draw, without me, except that I'm there, commenting and asking questions, but not doing it with them. The daddy does things with them. I talk to them about it. I already have started using the word "no" with Loki and warning about timeout. At this point, it's for biting. And I'm no fool...he doesn't understand. But how will he understand if we don't practice? The kids can cuddle in bed with me, during daylight hours. Except for a couple of desperate nights early on, Loki sleeps in his crib. Ander still stays in timeout when told. I don't think he knows there are other options. He he!

Oh, and they both LOVE my singing. Ha ha ha! Best thing ever! I sing with them and they tell me to sing some more. If you've heard me at karaoke night, it's quite a treat. Okay, it sucks. But I LOVE singing and they love listening and singing along.

Loki is learning to say "hey." I say "hey" and he says "hey" in response. He grabs for toys and my face. He looks around. He is so much more developmentally on track than Ander ever was. I guess that is the difference between a three week preemie and a six week preemie.

If only Alan could come around to loving my singing.

Etcetera.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Wow I've Been Busy

At work, I have a lot of current cases. Add Christmas shopping, potty training, putting up Christmas trees, wrapping presents (okay, haven't started that yet), hosting a Christening, and taking care of a baby, I haven't even set up my computer when I arrive home. Therefore, I never get to blog. I miss it. I like blogging. Blogging makes me feel good. It's my therapy. Still, I have been having trouble getting it all done and that's what got cut.

Hopefully, I'm back. Hopefully, I'll take a second every day to blog. And to eat breakfast. I'm working on working out. Sigh.

Now, off to eat, pump, and go to a client meeting. It never ends.

Etcetera.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Changing Carriers

Well, Loki has reached about 13 pounds. As with Ander, I hate the sling, even with the extra strap, at this weight. It kills my back.



Fortunately, my sister got an extra carrier as a gift and doesn't have the receipt. It has a lumbar back strap and crisscross, extra-padded shoulder straps. And Loki loves it.



Finally, a bonus picture of baby feet.



Etcetera.

Doris Tagged Me

Two names you go by: only 2!!!!
1. Mommy
2. B-Box

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. Maternity long-sleeve t-shirt (yep, I know I already delivered)
2. Sports bra

Two of your favorite things to do:
1. Read
2 People watch

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. To finish Christmas shopping
2. Breakfast

Two favorite pets you have had/have:
1. None...I don't do pets.

Two people who will send this back completed:
1. EBeth
2. Rach S.

Two things I did last night:
1. Ate jalapeno jelly, cream cheese, and crackers
2. Visited my new niece

Two things you ate today:
1. Coffee
2. Nothing else yet


Two people you last talked to:
1. Ander
2. Loki

Two things you plan on doing tomorrow:
1. Christen Loki
2. Watch Sunny cross the finish line


Trips taken in the last five years:
1. Leesville
2. San Antonio

Two favorite holidays:
1. Thanksgiving
2. Christmas

Two Favorite beverages:
1. Granita latte
2. Coke over crushed ice

Etcetera.

I Split My Pants

Actually, it was my skirt. The LAST suit skirt that actually fit. I was on my way to court, sat down in the car, and R-I-P RIP! This leaves me with zero suits. I have a black skirt and black pants that can be paired with suit jackets, but it's clear they weren't made to go together. Basically, it's not very professional. So I need to get a black and a brown or gray suit, soon. Sucks. Like anyone, especially mom of a toddler and a new baby, has time to shop for a suit right now. Plus, I'm a weird shape, so it will take a lot of trying on.

My dishwasher is still not working. My dad will try again tomorrow, and if he can't fix it, we'll need a tech or a new one. It is/was only two years old. UGH!

The roofing guy is coming to give us an estimate, post-Hurricane-Gustav. I suspect our insurance is trying to way underpay. The appraiser did not even look at the side of our house where all the other houses down the street have the most damage. Opps, I missed it...he said. Sigh. And why can't roofing businesses make an appointment. It's all, "we'll try to stop by Friday." Noon? 5 p.m.? 9 a.m.? Ever heard of an appointment?

At least all four court dates from this week are over. I still have a backlog of work and plan to work part of the day today, but at least it's not so bad as it was yesterday. What a horrible week it was for my childcare to fall through for three days at the last minute!

Etcetera.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

The Second Shift

If you haven't read The Second Shift, you should. I can't remember (or be bothered to google) the author, but it's about how women and men divide up the household responsibilities.

Let me tell you that after shopping for and cooking Thanksgiving dinner for twelve, hosting a gathering including two overnight people, going through the anniversary of the miscarriage, and having four court dates (one in Baton Rouge, when I only have childcare in Paulina) in four days, I was stressed. Add to that a broken dishwasher on Sunday morning and keeping the house clean (which I have done), and the stress level becomes unbearable. Oh, right, and Loki's Christening is Saturday. I kept the invite list for it small and family-based, but it still means keeping the house clean. The Christmas tree is not up, either.

So when I called my husband yesterday and told him work was running late and I was still in Baton Rouge and still had work to do, ALL I wanted in the whole wide world was to have him say, "yes, darling, I'll pick up the kids right away. Whatever you need." I didn't want to explain, to discuss my parents' attitudes about keeping the kids later than usual, to discuss the details. I just wanted this one thing off my plate so I could call the DA's office about a plea deal, without a crying baby in the background.

"Whatever you need" is not how it went down.

I'm still stressed, tired, and I burnt my coffee this morning (which, apparently, is what happens if you fail to put water in the coffee pot...opps). A major project just came across my desk at work, and I need to deal with it TODAY. I was expecting it, but maybe not today. Oh, and because of a childcare issue this week, I'm working at home on this major project. Excellent. :(

Etcetera.