happy birthday, baby - and other things to remember

And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, Speak to us of Children.
And he said:
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday,

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

from The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran

Top 10 Baby Stuff - Part 2: The Toys

Here's Part 2 of 3 in my series on All Things Baby...

So last time I wrote about (mainly) all the big stuff, The Gear.

Here's my list of Top 10 Toys my baby has taken to during his first 6 months of life.  Some are already on their way out as he discovers new things.  It is really incredible how quickly babies grow and develop and change.  One week, they're obsessed with their hands but can't pick something up from the floor to save their life.  The next week, they're obsessed with their feet and passing blocks between their hands like it ain't no thang.  As much as I didn't want to be one of those parents who filled their home with toys upon toys - something has to be said for keeping a baby stimulated.  Something also has to be said about keeping a baby occupied long enough for Mommy to get some stinkin' (literally!) dishes or laundry done!

Top 10 Baby Toys

(prices are MSRP)

Wimmer Ferguson Infant Stim Mobile, by Manhattan Toy, $28.

When Baby Loves It:  Months 2 to 5
Why Baby Loves It:  Once H really began to "see", he was MESMERIZED by the high-contrast, eye-catching, & colorful graphics. And if he kicked his feet just enough to make his crib shake a little, the objects lightly danced - which helped develop his tracking abilities.  H especially took to the face graphic.  I named it "Bobby" and some of the first coos I heard from my baby were directed at Bobby.
Why Mama Loves It:  This was probably the first thing I was able to "park" my kid in front of (actually, under) for a prolonged period of time.  I loved that the cards were interchangeable so I could switch them out as H got used to them (except, of course, Bobby who was always in the center spot).  I also liked that you could adjust how low it hangs, so as your baby's eyesight develops and his range increases, you can move it farther and farther away from him.

Ring O' Links, by Sassy, $4

When Baby Loves It: Months 2 and up
Why Baby Loves It: I can't remember whether H was just learning to mouth things or was full-on teething when I bought this toy for him - regardless, he loved it from the get-go! At first, since he hadn't fully developed fine motor hand skills yet, I took all the links off the ring and strung them together.  He would play with them when in his car seat or infant chair, just grabbing onto one of the links and trying to bring it up to his mouth. He also liked just shaking the bejeezus out of them, especially if I strung them across the crossbar on his infant seat. Now that his dexterity is better, I've put all the links back on the ring (as pictured) and he enjoys going through & mouthing/gumming each one individually. It does also function as a rattle (apparently one of its main intents).
Why Mama Loves It:  It seemed to stimulate Baby's sight, touch, dexterity, and curiosity as he grasped, shook, mouthed, flung, and gummed the different textured & colored links.  The black & white ring, which is a slightly softer, more rubbery texture than the hard plastic links, made for a good first teething toy for him too because it was so easy to grasp.

Sophie the Giraffe Teether, by Vulli, $25

When Baby Loves It:  Months 5 and up
Why Baby Loves It: Who knew a giraffe was the ideal shaped teether? The French, apparently.  H, and I believe most babies who take to it, love that there are so many different shapes, nooks, crannies, and body parts to mouth, gum, drool on, and eventually gnaw.  The fact that it squeaks (although a little too akin to a dog squeeze toy for me) helps distract a crying baby, alerting him that Sophie has arrived to assuage his frustrations and/or discomfort.  Although, the manufacturer says Sophie is fine for babies from birth on, it really becomes invaluable once your little one has the manual dexterity to properly hold and manipulate Sophie - oh, and once he/she is teething, of course.
Why Mama Loves It:  Sophie is apparently a status symbol now. If you're baby doesn't have a Sophie (or two or three...) you and your (unborn) baby should just crawl back under the rock you've obviously been under for the past 1-2 years.  If you don't have a Sophie, it also means all the people who know you and knew you were having a baby, and STILL didn't buy you a Sophie probably don't like you and want you to be the pariah who asks at Mommy Group, "What's that giraffe thing?" Other than all that, it's a pretty darn good teething toy. Enough said.

Vanilla-flavored Teething Rings, by Vulli, $9 for 2

When Baby Loves It: Months 4 and up
Why Baby Loves It: These are great because they're a lot easier to grasp and manipulate than Sophie, so Baby can play with them much earlier.  My baby loved the vanilla scent/flavor and the harder material (they're not as bendy soft as Sophie).  The lamb one is especially fun for them to mouth, I think, because of their extra bumpy texture!
Why Mama Loves It: Gives Baby something to chew on! They are especially good if you have an early teether who may not be able to hold/manipulate more complicated teething toys.

Jacques the Peacock, by Lamaze, $17

When Baby Loves It: Months 4 and up
Why Baby Loves It:  It crinkles, it's brightly colored, it's got taggies and a menacing stare.  My friend (who actually gave us Jacques as a gift) and I laugh at how our babies tend to beat up on Jacques. Oh, how we Americans like to beat on the French - eh?
Why Mama Loves It: Jacques is a great Distraction Toy.  I call something a Distraction Toy, when its primary purpose is to calm or distract a fussy child.  You pull out a DT in an emergency or as a last resort.  You don't want to have your baby play with a DT for too long lest they grow tired of it. You have to maintain its novelty for as long as you can, thus DTs must be used sparingly and at strategic times and under very specific circumstances. DTs are great for long car rides and in any other situation where you know ahead of time that it will be difficult for your child to stay occupied, calm, and/or content.

Baby Banana Bendable Training Toothbrush, by Baby Banana, $8

When Baby Loves It: When s/he starts teething.
Why Baby Loves It: It's made of that bendy, soft rubber that teething babies CRAVE.  Like Sophie, it's got lots of different angles/ends to gnaw on - the brush end, the nubby end, and even the handles!
Why Mama Loves It: It keeps fussy teething babies content (at least for a while), and it supposedly gets your baby used to the feeling of a brush on their teeth & gums, which theoretically will aid in better dental hygiene down the line.  Only drawback: It attracts lint like a belly button. So be prepared to wash it off regularly. I usually rinse it in hot water and immediately wrap it in a paper towel or napkin if we're going somewhere and I need to put it in the diaper bag.  You think dropping a toy on the ground is how it gets dirtiest? Try just putting it in one of the diaper bag pockets. I guarantee it will pick up just as much dust & dirt in there as on the restaurant floor.

Musical Motion Activity Jumper, by Baby Einstein, $90

When Baby Loves It: Month 5 (or whenever they have the neck/back strength) until walking
Why Baby Loves It:  "Exersaucers" and "Jumperoos" give babies much needed (I think) & much appreciated freedom and the feeling of mobility they just can't get on their tummies, backs, or behinds before they've learned to stand/walk.  Even babies who crawl still get a kick out of these types of toys because they have the vantage point of being upright.  Of course, all things in moderation.  Many doctors/parents/specialists don't like jumpers and the like because they can disrupt the natural development of a baby's muscles and posture that lead to proper standing and walking.  Of course for every guy who poo-poo's it, there's another one who says these toys give your child a sense of independence and builds confidence.  Plus, it just plumb makes 'em smile!
Why Mama Loves It: It keeps Baby occupied for minutes!!  And minutes are a long time when you're at home with a baby all day. Anything that allows you to go to the bathroom, check your email, answer the phone, etc., is pretty much a god send.  And like I said before, the babies LOVE it.  HHP ADORES this thing. I try to limit his time in it, in favor of tummy time and (now) playing on the floor sitting up - but I see his gaze drifting over to it now and again...

Take-Along Mobile, by Tiny Love, $25

When Baby Loves It:  Months 3 to 6
Why Baby Loves It:  It does a lot more than his other mobile!  I got this after seeing it attached to another baby's car seat handle at Gymboree.  H absolutely loathed being in his car seat, especially during Months 3 and 4, so this was a god-send.
Why Mama Loves It:  It's so versatile! It can clip to his crib, his car seat, even his stroller! It can rotate with or without music.  I definitely used it as a "last resort" distraction in the car... I'd only turn it on as a last resort.  These kinds of toys you don't want to over-utilize from the get-go because then Baby gets used to it too soon, and it's just a waste.  You have to use it sparingly - in only the direst of circumstances - for best results and longer lifetime of efficacy.  There's even one in a pink palette for those who prefer pink!

Oball, by Rhino Toys, $10

When Baby Loves It: Months 3 and on
Why Baby Loves It: He can mouth it, grasp it, shake it, throw it, squeeze it, gnaw on it... pretty much abuse the thing and it always just springs back to its original Buckyball-esque shape!
Why Mama Loves It:  Lightweight = Great for on-the-go.  Inexpensive = Easy on the pocket book.  Versatile = Keeps Baby occupied longer.  Colorful = Stimulating for Baby & easy to find for Mommy.  They even come shaped like footballs!

Wee Sing series, by Wee Sing, $10

When Baby Loves It:  From birth on!
Why Baby Loves It:  It helps Mama remember fun songs, finger plays, nursery rhymes, etc!  I've never come across a baby who didn't LOVE being sung to.  The Wee Sing series helps grown-ups remember or learn age-appropriate songs to sing to their little ones. It's never too early to surround babies with music!
Why Mama Loves It:  Well, this Mama grew up with Wee Sing - so she was soooo happy when she discovered they still existed! Of course, when I was young, you got the booklet and a cassette tape.  They're so modern and hip, they've gone ahead and updated to CDs.  My favorites were Wee Sing Around the Campfire (which is now Wee Sing Sing-Alongs), Wee Sing Bible Songs, and Wee Sing and Play.  I think I also had the Wee Sing Around the World... I started out with Wee Sing for Baby since, well, my baby's still just a baby!  I imagine as my baby grows, and I get some of the other CDs, it'll be fun to listen to in the car.


So I (finally) got this posted!  I'm back working full-time now, so I figured if I didn't stay up late and just finish it, I never would.  Part 3 will be the "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda" portion of my series on All Things Baby.

"Stay tuned!"

Top 10 Baby Stuff - Part 1: The Gear

This is the first in a 3-part series on All Things Baby.  

A friend of mine, who is expecting her first baby in the early part of next year, has been asking me about all the Baby Stuff (and there's a LOT of stuff when it comes to babies) that's out there. I remember when I was pregnant and trolling through Amazon.com, Target.com, & Giggle.com (who actually goes to stores these days??) trying to figure out what to buy, register for, and add to wishlists.  It was definitely overwhelming.  To start, I'd like to present the Top 10 baby-related furniture, gear, and accessories I have found indispensable during these first 6 months of Baby's life. I've tried to break it down, explaining what I was looking for in each item and how they met or exceeded my expectations.

Top 10 Baby Gear

(in no particular order; prices are MSRP)

 

"Robin" crib, by Oeuf, in white, $590.

What I Was Looking For: Solid construction, can convert to toddler bed, built to last (if you plan on having more than one kid), attractiveness
What I Was Avoiding: Drop-side, parts made of particle board (off-gasses)
Why I Chose This One:  Yes, this is an extremely expensive crib. But I fell in LOVE with it the instant I saw it on Giggle's website.  I had seen Oeuf cribs on AllModernBaby.com and knew they were way out of my price range.  But after a hand-me-down crib fell through, I ended up having to look for one.  And since my mom said she'd pay for it and to "buy a good one" (very dangerous words to say to me, by the way) - I decided to take advantage and ordered this one right away.
Why I LOVE it:  Let's face it, once you get to a certain price point or level of quality in an item, you just go with what looks good to you. I love the minimal design (of all Oeuf cribs really). I love the white. I love that Oeuf is a European brand that uses all solid wood parts.  I also love how unisex it is.  Even the toddler conversion kit looks good!

 "Modo" changing table, by Babyletto, in espresso/white, $379.

 

What I Was Looking For:  Solid construction, good-quality drawer extension hardware, had to match the rest of the furniture in our office-turned-nursery

What I Was Avoiding: Too big (I had a very specific spot for it)
Why I Chose This One: I had been pining for this online, but thought it was out of my price range. Imagine my pleasure when I saw it at a Million Dollar Baby warehouse sale in Montebello - for, get this, only $80! What a steal!!  My mother-in-law was with me on this trip and wanted to buy something for the baby, so it worked out perfectly! It also matches the rest of our furniture in the room since half the stuff is this dark brown and the other half white. Although a lot of the parts in this piece are probably particle board or MDF, at least it's not something my baby sleeps on/in and none of those surfaces are exposed (all the pieces are painted on all sides, even the ones you don't see).
Why I Like It: Other than loving the fact that I got it for such a bargain, my favorite features on the dresser is the top-quality drawer hardware and soft close.

KeyFit 30 infant car seat, by Chicco, in "Adventure", $190.

What I Was Looking For:  Reliable, easy to install/use, lightweight but sturdy, LATCH system

What I Was Avoiding: History of recalls, unnecessary bulk/weight, lesser known brand that may be hard to find compatible strollers/frames for

Why I Chose This One: Since my first choice for an infant car seat (based more on aesthetics than anything else) turned out to have a history of recalls (thanks M!), I started anew.  Two names kept coming up in all my online research: the Graco Snugride and the Chicco KeyFit.  I saw & "tested" out both car seats at my local Target store and just felt like the KeyFit was a bit sturdier and the padding a bit more comfy.  Plus, it had the LATCH system and levels in the base to help with installation.
Why I Like It: Although I've gotten to the point where I curse under my breath whenever I have to pick it up (with my baby in it) these days - this is more due to the fact that my baby is so heavy than any fault of the car seat itself. I have been VERY satisfied with the ease of use and I feel very confident in its ability to keep my baby safe in case the unimaginable occurs (knock on wood!).  Looking back, though, the Snugride did have something else going for it - the fact that Graco makes their own snap-in frame compatible with all its infant car seats.  But more about that later...

"Swing" single electric breast pump, by Medela, $150.

What I Was Looking For: Dependable brand name, electric, portability

What I Was Avoiding: Too high a price point, bulky, noisy, too many parts (to wash)

Why I Chose This One: I debated for months whether to go with Medela (which has the most brand visibility out there) or another brand (Ameda, Playtex, Phillips, Lansinoh, et al.), but after reading countless online reviews I decided to just go with the flow (no pun intended).  I decided I only needed a single electric (rather than a double) because I probably wasn't going back to work right away therefore my pumping needs didn't warrant the extra $50-$100 a double pump would cost.  The icing on the cake was that the Swing can run on AA batteries when on the go!
Why I Like It: It's small, it's portable, it gets the job done. I have had a couple issues - a little nonessential piece of the pump broke off and I've already had to toss one tubing & valve because of milk getting to where it shouldn't.  I heard that if I had called Medela I probably could have gotten new ones (maybe even a new pump) for free, but I'm too lazy.

 "Sport" baby carrier, by ERGObaby, in black, $115.
  

What I Was Looking For: Ease of use, versatility, good weight distribution, quality construction

What I Was Avoiding: Complicated wraps

Why I Chose This One:  I had already heard great things about the Ergo and decided to register for it since it had more positions to hold the baby (front carry, back carry, & side/hip carry - always facing the adult) than the Baby Bjorn, which really only has one (front carry). Then, at my baby shower, a friend of the family RAVED about the Ergo and it's weight distribution versus the Baby Bjorn, which she claimed made her back hurt once the baby got bigger. That cemented it for me.

Why I Like It:  The weight distribution IS awesome. I've used it in the front & back carry positions so far, and both me and my baby have been satisfied with either. Added bonus: It's my last resort when I can't get the baby to fall asleep. Without fail, after 5-10 minutes in it (especially with the aptly named "sleeping hood" on and some walking, or bouncing, about) he is out like a light! At times, I will admit, I've wished I had the Bjorn so that H could face out, especially on walks or at the store when I want him to stay awake. If I had to do it all over again, I would get both - even though I'd probably only use the $80 Bjorn for 3-4 months.

Infant to Toddler Rocker, by Fisher-Price, $43.

What I Was Looking For: Affordability, dependable name brand
What I Was Avoiding: Not much...
Why I Chose This One:  Extended usability (Baby can use it from birth to 40 pounds), Fisher-Price is a known & trusted name brand, good online reviews.
Why I Like It: Removable activity bar, can be a rocker or a stationary seat (with a nifty kickstand).

Candela "Tooli", by OXO, in yellow, $25.

What I Was Looking For: A nightlight that wasn't just a tiny bulb in a socket.
What I Was Avoiding: A tiny bulb in a socket.
Why I Chose This One: It's fun! It's cute! It has easy on/off function! The baby can use it when he's older! And OXO is a long-trusted name brand in this household...
Why I Love It: It's so small, compact, and useful - I even travel with it.  I love how it just sits in it's cradle (off), then when you need it you simply pick it up and it's on - and you can take it anywhere.  It's just the perfect amount of light for diaper changes, to make sure your baby's breathing, to tiptoe through the room to turn off the computer, etc.

The Miracle Blanket, by Miracle Blanket, in green (pictured in beige), $30.

What I Was Looking For: Something my baby couldn't break out of as easily as he was breaking out of his swaddle blankets and the Kiddopatamus SwaddleMe
What I Was Avoiding: An actual straightjacket
Why I Chose This One: It was a gift! (Thanks again, M!)
Why I Love It: Even though H technically outgrew it about a week after we got it (supposedly its only for babies up to 14 weeks old. Pshaw.), I still swaddle him in for every nap and bedtime. He manages to get his right arm out almost instantly, but he needs it to self soothe anyway (big thumb-sucker). This may not be the wisest option, but it keeps my baby asleep. End of story.

Itzbeen baby care timer, by Coast Innovations, in blue, $25.

What I Was Looking For: Something to keep track of diaper changes, feedings, naps - without the use of graph paper, pencil, and a protractor (remember those??).
What I Was Avoiding: Carving notches on a stick, tying strings around my finger, or writing on my hand.
Why I Chose This One: It was exactly what I was looking for!
Why I Love It: The Itzbeen has, at times, been a godsend. In those first 6-8 weeks when day blurs into night and you have no idea what day of the week it is, let alone which way is up or down - the itzbeen is here to bring rhyme and reason to taking care of your baby. Just push the appropriate button when you perform the action and rest assured.  TRUST THE ITZBEEN. It even has a little switch so you know which boob you last fed the baby with (that is, if you're awake enough at the time to remember to use it!).  It's especially fun to take pictures of it as your baby starts sleeping longer stretches at night.  I still have photos from our first 8 hour, then 10 hour, and - more recently - 12.5 hour stretches. Yeah, baby!

 Assorted bibs 10-pack, by Koala Baby & Babies R Us, in "Safari" and "Boy Brights", $12.99

What I Was Looking For: A good-quality absorbent bib, affordability, quantity

What I Was Avoiding: Clever quips written on the bibs, cheap materials

Why I Chose These Ones: Bang for your buck, thick absorbent terry

Why I Like Them: They've stood up after many many washes & dries, they do shrink a bit but not too much, perfect for drool, spit-up, snot, and rice cereal... if one gets stained beyond repair I won't mind tossing it (but that hasn't happened yet!).  You may think it odd that I have bibs on this list, considering most of the other stuff have been big-ticket items.  But you will also find it odd that it's virtually impossible to find a good freaking bib out there. Oh, there are pretty bibs, big bibs, small bibs, lacy bibs, bibs with all sorts of stuff embroidered on them, snarky bibs, bibs for when they start solid foods (the plastic-y ones with pouches in the front), etc... But I looked far and wide before finally finding these bargain multi-packs at Babies R Us one day, and I haven't looked back since.

There's a ton of other stuff that I couldn't have done without and am so glad I bought or received.  All said and done, my husband and I have very generous friends and family, who showered us with an enormous amount of gifts - for ALL of which we are VERY thankful.  But lists work best in groups of 10! 

Stay tuned for my next post on the Top 10 Baby Toys!

Choose your battles

A good friend is getting married this weekend and I've been considering what I'm going to write in their card.  Most people give or pass on advice, so I was racking my brain trying to think of what I would consider the best advice for newlyweds.

But when I think back on the 2+ years I've been married to my husband - most of our "big" arguments have been over extremely little things, such as:

   * Toothpaste - how to squeeze the tube, Colgate vs. Crest, putting the cap back on & how
   * Ice Cube Tray - which water to use (Brita vs tap), how much water to pour in the tray (I apparently pour too much, he too little), how dare you empty the tray into the bin and not refill the tray?!
   * Fans - ceiling fans, small portable fans, leave them on all night or no, if you put it by an open window as night falls on a hot day should it face in (to blow in the cooler night air) or out (to blow the hot air out)
   * AC/heater - when is it too hot/cold, leaving it on for prolonged periods of time
   * Sock balls - they're all over the place... wtf?

Of course, my spouse & I don;t always see eye to eye on finances, long & short term plans, child rearing, and other typical sources of marital strife - but when we disagree, we discuss.  A compromise or joint decision is made.  The stuff in the list above is stuff we bicker about.

Isn't it funny how stubborn we get about the little things?

Sigh.

Just got choked up watching this trailer:

Big Miracle trailer

My mom said becoming a mother makes you look at EVERYTHING from a mother's perspective.

Apparently that applies to whales too.

A beer and an ice lolly

It's Friday night,
And the moon is bright.
Gonna have some fun
Show you how it's done...
TGIF!

Ah, Friday nights. The gateway to the weekend.

Even as a child, you knew Friday nights were special. You could stay up a little later, watch a little more TV. Then as you got older - maybe as a teenager - you began going out on Friday nights. It's when most movies premiere. It's a great night for a first date or a group date. Some high school dances were on Friday night.

When you went to college and/or began drinking, Friday nights took on a whole new dimension. You didn't have a (serious) job yet, but you definitely understood the merits of taking a break, putting on some dancing shoes, or meeting up with friends at a bar.

As you began to enter the Real World and work a full-time job, maybe start a career, the weekends became all the more valuable. Going out after work on Friday was almost an imperative. A necessary expenditure of pent-up energy and paychecks.

Then people started getting significant others, getting married. And the Friday night outings became fewer and farther between. At the same time, we got older and staying up late after being up at 6 or 7am wasn't as easy (or fun) as it used to be. Saturday nights were better suited for proper partying so our slower metabolisms and achier bones could gear up all day Saturday, get a good night's rest on Friday in anticipation of Saturday's high jinx.

Then you have a baby.

And Friday nights kinda blend in with every other night at first (if you can even discern between night and day). If you're the mom and you're at home - either for good or on maternity leave - you do begin to look forward to Friday nights again because your spouse/partner will be home over the weekend, which will be a welcome relief from flying solo. As much as you fall crazy in love with your little one, it's hard work. Anyone who feigns otherwise is either lying or has a nanny hidden in the closet. Yes, motherhood does come naturally to many - but that doesn't make it easy to run on fragmented, non-restorative sleep. It doesn't make you deaf or indifferent to your baby's cries (my baby's in pain and I'm helpless), screams (my baby hates me), coughs (is he choking?), or countless other noises and idiosyncrancies that keep you on your toes 24/7.

So it's Friday night here in our household and I'm just getting settled on the couch. My husband just texted asking if he can go to happy hour (of course!). My cat just vomited twice (lovely!). And I finally put my overtired baby to bed (his cries are like a chorus of angels!).

I've got my eye on a Bitmeister and a Trader Joe's frozen Fruit Frenzy Bar. If I were French and/or this was 1972, I'd probably add a cigarette to that list. Also, in exchange for my spouse coming home later, his admission through the front door will be In N Out for my dinner.

This is my life. This is my Friday night now. I wouldn't trade it for any other, of course.

TGIF.

Some things just sound better in another language.

cien besos cada dia
mi hijo
mi vida


happy 17 weeks, HHP.

Ah, sleep deprivation...

The other night...
Me: Are you looking at my... collage?
Husband: You mean, cleavage?
Me: (beat) Yes.
Husband: Yes.

Soup's on!

So both my babies were home with me today - HHP, who is home with me every day since he's only 3 months old, and my husband, who was home sick with a mysterious fever.

I figured a good project for the day would be to make some chicken soup for my ailing spouse.  So just before HHP was to go down for his morning nap, I stuck him in the Ergo and walked down to Elat Market - the local Iranian-Jewish grocery store.  The butcher there kindly skinned and cut up a whole chicken (just a lil' 2-1/2 pounder) for me.

Since I've made stock a few times before, I consider myself a pro (insert "ha ha" a la Nelson from The Simpsons). So I decided to wing it today.  I took my smaller stock pot out, placed the chicken pieces at the bottom, filled it about 1/2 way with cold water, then added a bunch of other stuff...

Including an onion, a couple stalks of celery with greens, a couple carrots, a couple cloves of garlic, a couple chunks of fresh ginger, fresh parsley, fresh rosemary, whole coriander, allspice, cloves, bay leaves, and peppercorns.

After an hour or so of simmering...

I let the pot simmer for a little over 3 hours - at one point, the liquid dipped to about a 1/3 full so I added some more to bring it back up to 1/2 full.  I think it's ok to do this so long as it's not in the last 30-45 minutes of simmering.

Once I felt it was done, I used tongs to pick out the chicken (which by now was fall-off-the-bone tender), and a Chinese fry basket to get most of the big chunks of debris.

Chicken pieces

Debris

Once the chicken had cooled a bit, I picked all the bones & grizzle out, and broke apart any large chunks.  I then poured whatever was left in the stock pot through a sieve and into a smaller pot...

I put the shredded chicken in the pot, along with one chopped onion...

One whole medium onion turned out to be a bit much - next time I'll just use one-half.

And some chopped celery...

I would have added carrots too but I ran out

I brought the soup to a boil again, then simmered until the celery & onion were soft.  I also seasoned the soup to taste - with kosher salt, white pepper, and fresh-ground black pepper.  

We happened to have a ton of leftover rice...

Q: Who puts away this much leftover rice like this?
A: My husband.

So I heated some up, then put a little scoop in each bowl just before serving...

I roused my husband out of bed...

And had a nice early supper together!

Too bad we're out of ice cream!

Nose, allow me to introduce you to Mr. Grindstone

One of the symptoms, and drawbacks, of being a habitual procrastinator is the "Missed Opportunity"... Or, more specifically, the "Stare Blankly at that Ideal Window of Time as It Passes You By."

For me, one of those windows was when I was unemployed (then later, unemployed and pregnant), sitting at home twiddling my thumbs. At that time, I could have been studying for the final step in obtaining my license to practice architecture - the California Supplemental Exam (CSE).

In February 2010, the California Architects Board - allegedly under immense pressure from several lawsuits brought on by disgruntled candidates who had repeatedly failed the CSE - decided to convert the long-standing oral format of the test into a computer-based multiple choice format. The original version of the CSE involved candidates being individually grilled by a panel of three architects.  It was an extra step towards getting your architect's license in California, necessary to make sure qualified candidates understood the legal and geological idiosyncrasies that make being an architect in this great state that much more complicated. The exams were conducted twice a year over several days, usually in a hotel, and if you failed you had to wait six months before trying again. About half the folks passed on their first try, the rest on their second, third, and then some...

I became unemployed, for the first time, in March 2010. I got my letter telling me I was finally eligible to sign up for the new computer-based exam in July. Now why didn't I dash to the nearest computer and schedule myself for an exam? Because I am a habitual procrastinator!  Here are the other excuses I kept telling myself as the months ticked by...

- In October/November, I realize I'm pregnant and am finally holding down a full-time job.
- In December, I lose my job AGAIN.
- In January, we move.
- In February, I start another new job.
- In May, I had the baby.

So, now, it's August - over a year since I received the letter telling me to get my act together and take the CSE already (in so many words).  And with every parenting book I read and every person that asks me when I'm going back to work... I realize that it would be REALLY AWESOME if I could work from home.  One thing that would substantially increase the chances of me doing that would be to finally get my license, so that I could start my own little practice and do little residential remodels and the like while being a stay-at-home mom.

Today, I signed up for the CSE.

(beat)

AUGHHHHH!!

Saturday, October 29th, Ladies & Gentlemen!

Mark your calendars! 

Cuz it's Doomsday!

And, maybe, finally I can call myself an Architect!

Day 100

You stole my birthday, breath, and heart - in that order... And you can keep them all, my love.

Happy 100 days, HHP!

Milestones today...
:: you finally noticed that we have a cat
:: you have now outgrown, broken free from, and resisted every swaddle blanket and aid on the market. tonight will be your first night with nothing, so I'm having a beer right now. it's going to be a long night, methinks.
:: you had your picture taken by a professional photographer at jc penny's
:: your fist is finding your mouth and your mouth is finding your fist!
:: we played peek-a-boo like we do every morning, and you giggled for the first time

xoxo,
mama

Baby's First Road Trip

SAN FRANCISCO!

Dutch Windmill at Golden Gate Park

Ocean Beach - first time by the water!

The de Young Museum at GG Park

  

California Academy of Sciences at GG Park

Music Concourse at GG Park

Some Irish guy...

Enjoying fine art at the de Young

The Bay Bridge

officially obsessed

Not good to be reading this stuff at 3 in the morning, famished.

The Adjustment Bureau - #fail

My husband and I watched The Adjustment Bureau, starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, tonight.

It is easily one of the worst movies I've seen this year.

The plot/story definitely had potential and the writing/dialogue wasn't horrible. And I'm pretty sure Matt Damon and Emily Blunt aren't horrible actors. Was it the directing? Unfortunately for Mr. George Nolfi, by process of elimination, It appears so. To his credit, it was his directorial debut...

I guess everyone's got to have a first!

Some day...

If I ever have so much money, a $500/person meal sounds mildly sane - I want to eat here.

Songs for HHP, Track 4

"That Was Your Mother"
Written and performed by Paul Simon
(c) 1986

A long time ago, yeah,
Before you was born, dude,
When I was still single
And life was great!
I held this job as
A traveling salesman
That kept me moving
From state to state.

Well I'm standing on the corner of Lafayette
State of Louisiana
Wondering where a city boy could go
To get a little conversation
Drink a little red wine
Catch a little bit of those cajun girls
Dancing to zydeco

Along come a young girl
She's pretty as a prayer book
Sweet as an apple
On Christmas Day
I said "Good Gracious!
Can this be my luck?"
If that's my prayer book
Lord, let us pray!

Well I'm standing on the corner of Lafayette
State of Louisiana
Wondering what a city boy could do
To get her in a conversation
Drink a little red wine
Dance to the music of Clifton Chenier,
The King of the Bayou

Well that was your mother
And that was your father
Before you was born, dude,
When life was great.
You are the burden of my generation
I sure do love you -
Let's get that straight

Well I'm standing on the corner of Lafeyette
Across the street from The Public
Heading down to the Lone Star Cafe
Maybe get a little conversation
Drink a little red wine
Standing in the shadow of Clifton Chenier
Dancing the night away...

(That's right!)

tuesday quickie

High point of the day:
Second stab at Gymboree Play & Learn class with H - he was much more cooperative than he was at our preview class last week. Only had a couple mini-meltdowns. And everyone commented on how cute and BIG he is. :)

Low point of the day:
After H's 5:30am feeding, he spit up a doozy. It was all over his face, foot, bib, my shirt and arm... As I reached for a clean burp cloth to mop it all up, he sneezed. Twice. Which meant there was now spit up on my chest, neck, face, glasses, and hair too!

Songs for HHP, Track 3

"Father and Son"
Written and performed by Cat Stevens
(c) 1970

(Father)
It's not time to make a change,
Just relax, take it easy.
You're still young, that's your fault
There's so much you have to know.
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want, you can marry.
Look at me, I am old - but I'm happy.

I was once like you are now,
and I know that it's not easy
To be calm, when you've found something going on.
But take your time, think a lot
Why, think of everything you've got
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.

(Son)
How can I try to explain,
when I do he turns away again
It's always been the same, same old story.
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go...

(Father)
It's not time to make a change,
Just sit down, take it slowly.
You're still young, that's your fault
There's so much you have to go through.

Find a girl, settle down.
If you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old - but I'm happy.

(Son)
All the times that I cried
Keeping all the thinks I knew inside
It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it.
If they were right, I'd agree,
But it's them you know not me.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go...

I (heart) BABYMAKINGMACHINE

I'm loving this blog so much, I couldn't wait 'til tomorrow to post (Two posts in one day?? It MUST be important!!)...

Mamas, Mamas-to-be, and Anyone who loves babies must check out this blog:

www.babymakingmachine.blogspot.com

It's excellent! It's hilarious!! And it has great photos of a chubby baby!!

(The only not-so-great thing about the blog is that when you click on any link, it opens a new window.)

Songs for HHP, Track 2

"Kooks"
Written and performed by David Bowie
(c) 1971

[CHORUS (x2)]
Will you stay in our lovers' story?
If you do, you won't be sorry
'Cause we believe in you
Soon you'll grow, so take a chance
With a couple of kooks
Hung up on romancing...

We bought a lot of things
To keep you warm and dry
And a funny old crib on which the paint won't dry
I bought you a pair of shoes
A trumpet you can blow
And a book of rules
On what to say to people
When they pick on you
'Cause if you stay with us you're gonna be pretty kooky too!

[CHORUS]

And if you ever have to go to school
Remember how they messed up
This old fool
Don't pick fights with the bullies
Or the cads
'Cause I'm not much cop at punching other people's dads
And if the homework brings you down
Then we'll throw it on the fire
And take the car downtown

[CHORUS (repeat ad inf.)]