Wow, what a stretch!

Ms. Hilton gets to show off her acting mettle in a role where she plays...herself. Check it out here. The movie looks awesome (said with my usual dry, sarcasm).

In other news, Nicole Ritchie announces that yes she is pregnant and that she is praying that she won't have to have the baby while handcuffed in jail. I am just guessing on the last part...

OK, I enough celebrity blogging, I feel icky.

Sum-Sum-Sum-Summertime

Splashing in the pool and then stuffing yourself full of cherries for lunch and blueberries for dinner. Cherries are heavenly and I can't help but feel sorry for people that don't have access to local ones. As you might guess, I fall in love with Oregon all over again every summer.

The World According to Mizz

Cupcake liners are coffee filters. (Pacific NW kid...I wonder when I should start injecting the coffee?)

I turn lights ON! I turn lights OFF!

While in time out, Mizz went through his repertoire of referee signals including, yes, time out, first down, and safe. It seems that Mizz could care less that Mom is mad at him. Or maybe he could see through my charade. I am a horrible actor and it is going to take a lot to make me actually mad at him. Although it would be nice to get through mealtime in a more civilized fashion.

When asked who is in his playground he responded C, N, B, K, Mizz, and Mama. Cool, I can still roll with the younger set.

Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley and Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom rule right now.

I am no longer a bus driver

I just updated my resume and was forced to admit that my stint as a bus driver is no longer highly relevant to my career as a social worker (although I did meet quite a few potential clients and I was elected to the Safety Committee several times!) It may seem silly to feel sad about it, but I loved that time in my life and what it led to. It also was a fairly fun topic to discuss at interviews, unlike the dreaded and cliched what are your strengths/weaknesses or even worse, why do you want this job? (duh...) or Give me an example of a...(Are you kidding? I don't store a single example of anything in my brain when pressed for one).

Double booked

Dave, Mizz, and I found ourselves scheduled to be in two places at once this morning. Now in my world, committing to getting anywhere on time has become, shall we say, lax. So with a strict schedule of leaving the house by 9:30, staying at the first engagement for no longer than forty minutes and then busting it out to the next one, I was a little apprehensive when I woke up this morning. But it all turned out well, despite leaving the house five minutes late and the first engagement forty minutes past due.

What? Where were we? The first stop was a incredibly touching and beautiful baby naming for the youngest J Baby. For those of you that don't know, somewhere along the way, Jewish people decided to create a ceremony that marks the birth of a Jewish girl and announces her Jewish name. It was a really personal ceremony and made even more special by the fact that the officiant was one of the mom's friends from sixth grade and it was her first baby naming. I was overwhelmed with the ritual and prayers connecting the baby both to her parents and to the ancient rituals and ancestors that have such significance for so many people. Seeing the baby wrapped in her dad's tallis was really beautiful and also made me continue to consider what tradition means to me and what I want to pass on to Mizz.

And then we went to the park.

To celebrate our playgroup's second birthday. It was great fun, as usual, watching the kids, remembering a year ago, and projecting what next year's gathering of three year old's will look like, especially with new, younger siblings. Nope, not pregnant, but several of the women in my playgroup are. Which is good, because all my wonderful friends, have gone ahead and had their second babies. Cami gets extra points for doing it all in one fell swoop.

Overheard at the park

"Careful! Watch my rash!"

Cringe.

Granted it could be hives, eczema, or any other number of non contagious diseases but still.


There has been a blight of pink eye and some other eye thing worse than pink eye going around the baby and wobbler room. Fortunately, I have managed to avoid contamination, which I am very relieved about having watched Knocked Up recently. Seeing kids with pink eye is sad enough, seeing parents with a raging case is downright pitiful and actually pretty strange.

Germs are inevitable but apparently basic hygiene and screening (ie prevention!) still go a long way in keeping them at bay. Check out this disturbing and yet, somewhat optimistic article and get informed about what your state is doing to legislate effective safeguards against the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Dad, this article is for you and anyone else that is sick of all the supercilious praise that is out there. With that said, I too am guilty of praising my son in a huge way when he gives me kisses. And goes down the slide, and makes a window shattering siren noise, and geez have you seen him spit recently? Ok there is no praise for the spitting but it seems that my constructive comments are essentially as meaningless as a praise for a "good" hug.

Mizz woke up grumpy

So we set sail for an early morning walk today. I threw him in the backpack, plugged in my ipod and did a brisk three miles. Mizz and I both cheered up considerably. Also, it occurred to me as I walked, that Mizz at 28 pounds, is pretty much what I gained in pregnancy. That seems unreal for many reasons... So instead of visiting Dada at the coast, we walked and then went grocery shopping. It is super grey today, amd so that, combined with the morning grumps, didn't exactly put me in the beachiest of moods (to say nothing of the three hour drive time). The sand will have to wait.

He is sleeping right now and I am catching up on some much neglected secretarial obligations, with a quick pause for blogging.

Ironically I am cured

I woke up with a horrendous headache today. After suffering all day, my headache began to lift around 4:00, ironically after a day mostly spent in the preschool and kindergarten rooms. Those kids are OLD, and as far as I can tell could fit right in at any high school in town. As a teacher, they certainly take way more skill to keep on task and to maintain order in the classroom. As a parent, they frighten the heck out of me. They already know how to ridicule and ostracize and it breaks my heart to see a few of them already being picked on. I get sick at the thought that it could be Mizz in a few years. Fortunately, he is developing some street smarts. At the playground last week, I saw him beeline away from the-child-who-bites, saying "no bite, no bite" or maybe it was "bite me, bite me"... In any case, he has chosen fleeing instead of preemptive attacks. I suppose I am fine with a speedy retreat, and it is definitely preferable to the kids that just stand there and cry. Because, I keep having to remind myself that kids are going to be kids and Mizz is going to be who he is despite me or because of me (and Dave). I have to accept that and the fact that I can't protect him from everything (and even if I could, it wouldn't be good for him).

It's Potty Time!

Please forgive me for that title. But, I couldn't help myself because, today, those words yielded serious results. Without being too graphic, Mizz pee peed in the potty not once, but several times today! I can't believe it! I, of course, know not to get my hopes up too high, but...he did seem to really enjoy it and made it clear that he could start and stop when he wanted to (TMI?). Of course, we've still got the whole other (#2) business to deal with but I am pretty darn pleased with my *gasp* big, little boy. Just yesterday, I had said that I was going to give him until September before I amped up my efforts and in the meantime simply ignore the pottys. He is developing so fast now, that I really am constantly stunned at what he knows. I have to remember that just because he hasn't talked about it, doesn't mean he doesn't know. Not everyone blabs everything out after it occurs to them...
Yikes! Maybe, Mizz will wow them at school tomorrow with his new skill.

Paying the price

Every two years or so, I get the ridiculous notion to get in shape. Which means I put on my running gear, rediscover that I still in fact remember how to run, feel really good about myself all day, and then the next day pay the price. In the form of searing quadricep pain that leaves me hobbling down stairs and holding on to the walls for dear life when, well never mind. The run was actually really nice after the first minute or so of rediscovering my stride. And I actually managed to run the entire course that I had mapped out for myself (admittedly only a little over a mile and a half). Now if I can just carve out two mornings or evenings a week for my twenty minute jog, I will be in business.

Blast from the Past

Mizz uses a utensil to turn the lights on and off and on and off and so on ad nauseum.

Calamity!



Order is restored and all is well!




That's Mizz modeling a train conductor outfit that was his Daddy's. It continues to astound me that Mizz's grandparents kept these treasures and can actually find them at the appropriate time. Let's just say that I have trouble keeping track of things from a week ago...I can't even think about an organizational system that spans thirty years. And while seeing Mizz play dress up is adorable, thinking about Mizz wearing the clothes that his Daddy once wore (with pics to prove it!), is priceless as they say. Thank you Grandpa and Tutu!

Mizz gets shorn

We took the Mizz to one of those fancy pants hair cutterys for kids today and it was worth every penny ($17 to be exact). Strangely enough, it seems that he has developed an aversion to sharp objects being waved around his head and threatening his ears. So despite Dave and my efforts to "chat him up" about the merits of a neatly coiffed head, when it came down to it, I am glad he was restrained in a car that made beeps, had a wheel that turned, and faced a tv that had Elmo singing. Despite all of these distractions, Mizz tried to duck and cover a lot, but there was no screaming or crying or blood, so I consider it a raging success.

Here's the result:

Who Killed the Electric Car?

A sad, sad commentary on our political world that is tied in way too closely with corporations. Rent it, if you haven't seen it. It actually ends optimistically which is probably the only reason I could fall asleep after it.

Juvenile Hall

Apparently Congress recently pulled an all nighter. Are they in college? It seems ridiculous to me (almost as ridiculous as the term and act of filibuster). It seems to me like Congress has to pull these silly antics to show that THEY CARE. Yet, as Dave pointed out last night, if they really cared they would actually sit down and talk about a reasonable strategy that both sides could live with. The much praised, (by democrats, I suppose) liberal Move On's recapping of the situation was as equally pig headed as, I'm sure Fox News' coverage of it. And so, this country continues to have no plan and will continue to fight a war that seems beyond hopeless. Not that one should always to choose to fight simply based on whether or not they can win, but that probably should be factored in there somewhere. Also, in keeping with that pragmatism, should be the question of when to bail or cut your losses. I realize that America (read George Bush) does not want to LOSE FACE, but it seems to be their could be a diplomatic way of accomplishing this with perhaps some fake goals that we supposedly accomplish. Much has already been faked, why not some victory too?


Man, I am pretty snipey today. Must be the three hours I spent at the Children's Museu. That is, I had time to think why Mizz played happily in the Dig Pit.

Congestion Ahead

Apparently my dream store is causing a nightmare for ODOT and the Port of Portland. Fortunately, in a shocking display of preparedness the port has devised an IKEA traffic flow plan. Sweet! I want to be in the helicopter watching the miles of snarled traffic for lovely Swedish furniture. Since I hate crowds way more than, I love affordable, cute goods, I am simply gonna wait a few weeks to get my fix. Of course, the uber wise urban mamas have weighed in on the issue as well.

Belated Birthday Pics!

As you can see, Mizz's birthday stretched out for quite some time and by the end of it he was wiped out. The last picture was pretty hilarious at the time. Mizz was playing tornado in the living room and Dave and I were cleaning up in the kitchen. When we noticed that the tornado had quieted down, we found Mizz quietly laying on the floor under his larger than life dog. At that point, we decided to take the birthday king up to bed.

Mizz told on us

Apparently Mizz knows and uses the phrase "shake your booty". He did this at a gathering of our more respectable friends today. And while I don't have a problem with the phrase per se, I realize that others may. I, of course, was quick to feign ignorance as to where he might have heard that. Dave took the less diplomatic approach and blamed the babysitter.

He also tried to steal grapes off of everyone's plates, managed to spill two beverages (not his) and unlatch the gate that the other kids were ignoring. And he did all of this with his two parents pretty much hot on his trail.

He's such a two year old. I love it! He is so sweet, and curious, and quirky which more than make up for the fact that he is one "busy" little boy.

Date Night

Dave and I finally made use of the Lauro gift certificate Janet and Dad got Dave for his birthday. It was a great opportunity to eat some exquisite food and get reacquainted with each other while Mizz tortured the babysitter. My meal was scrumptious and I now understand why my folks were so moved that they insisted that we try it. I ate:

"Pinchos Morunos" Spiced Chicken Kebobs

Butter Lettuce, Radish and Avocado with Tarragon Vinaigrette and Goat Cheese, Copper

River Salmon with Farro, Black Rice and Lemon Almond Tarator

Chocolate Midnight Cake with Crème Anglaise.

Lest you think I am a complete glutton, we shared everything although Dave got some lamb dish(sorry baa baa black sheep) and I pretty much devoured the salmon. We also shared half a pitcher of Lugana, Provenza, ca’ Maiöl, Italy ’02 although I think may have consumed more than my fair share literally and metaphorically.

I am making the effort to type all of this because it was that good. So, if you have not had black rice and faro (which apparently is some sort of ancient grain that may be a precursor to wheat) and Almond Tarator, I highly recommend that you do so. Or better yet, wait until you come to Portland and I will go with you.

My Dream

When I was a little girl I always dreamed of getting locked in the mall and being able to wander around the stores till my heart was content. And let's face it sample the merch. It's possible this still might be a dream for me. And now Ikea, a very cool store, is giving its loyal customers a chance to live my dream. Dave has already nixed my idea of an impromptu trip to Oslo so some other lucky folks are going get to try out all that marvelous faux wood in its uber cool simplicity. I'm going to just have to console myself with the fact that I will soon have my very own Ikea store as of August. Not that I am going to buy anything, but a girl can look and dream can't she?

Picking Blueberries and New Baby Girl

Mizz, Lisa, and I went to Sauvie Island (easily one of the coolest places on Earth) to pick blueberries. It was a great adventure to be picking beautiful, delicious berries, while gazing at Mt St Helens and the West Hills. Mizz was upset that I wouldn't let him graze but consoled himself by pulling my hair (he was initially in the backpack) and then running wildly through the rows and into the nearby cornfield. I can't wait to make some type of blueberry creation although it seems almost wrong to do so because they are so perfect as is.

Oh and while we were driving there my friend Nicole called. And, stupidly, I didn't answer in an attempt to uphold my no driving and cellphoning promise. A couple of hours later, something in my brain clicked and I thought "Nicole! Maybe she's had the baby! Or crap! Maybe she needs help!" A quick listen to my voicemail confirmed that she had indeed had her little baby girl in the wee hours of the night. Yeah! Baby and mom are doing well and I can't wait to meet her. Only one pregnant mama left standing. You go, Alma!

Sadness

My mom would have been 60 years old today. It seems unbelievable and unimaginable when I consider how long she has been gone and what she would have been like today as a 60 year old woman and also as a grandmother. Twenty three years is a long time. I will have to do something to honor her today.

Mizz loves him some train set

I have to admit train sets are pretty fun. While I've always admired real live trains, I have to admit I never thought pushing mini trains around a little track could be so fun. Apparently the men in my family were on to something.

What do you want to do today?

Mizz said: See A, Baby A, and Christie.

So cute and I wish that there wasn't an hour and a half between us. It may be a good thing though because I would probably be on their doorstep this minute. And they have on of those civilized toddlers that wakes up at a decent time. Unlike Mizz who felt the need to cry at 4:45. To his credit, he did return to bed until 6:30.

It is so exciting to have him start verbalize what he wants. While I am an excellent mind reader and really it isn't that hard (going to the park, music, fruit, and mac and cheese would sustain this boy for a long time), it is really cool to be able to have small convos with the boy.

Mizz gets old, goes to the doctor

Mizz had his two year old check up and unfortunately, it seems that we have turned a corner. Specifically, he no longer puts up with it and is, in fact, seemingly terrified of the white paper that covers the exam table. I suppose it is not really the paper per se but the memory of, oh, the hundred or so shots that the docs have callously administered to him while he was pinned down on it. He also was clear that he didn't want his ears looked into but did manage to open his mouth to say AH. Mizz continues his existence as a string bean and is long and lean. We were given the instructions to ply him with as much cake and candy as he likes. Or maybe it was whole milk, peanut butter, and other healthy, calorie laden snacks. She reassured me that one day his taste buds and texture preferences may branch out from cheese, cheese, cheese, and more cheese, but I'll believe it when I see it.

Watch out democrats!

The "moral" majority strikes again. It seems another Republican Senator fails to meet the very standards that he lambastes others for not meeting. Like the article states, the point is not that he did IT (or even his long history of doing it), it's his brazen hypocrisy and disregard for the truth solely to benefit himself that makes me sick. How many of these "shocking" scandals will it take before people stop mucking around with platforms full of empty rhetoric and actually take a stance on real issues (such as health care, education, being a responsible global partner). More importantly, when will people start questioning more of what comes out of politician's mouth? I am actually fairly pessimistic about this and I realize that I am pretty skeptical of a lot. I couldn't even get through the much celebrated Freakonomics without getting myself pretty worked up. In any case, here's the article.

Knocked Up

I saw the movie Knocked Up last night and absolutely loved it. Despite all the critical acclaim, I was hesitant to see it, thinking it was going to suck. But quite the contrary, it was hilarious and was an accurate portrayal in a lot of ways about having a baby in this day and age. And for once, it was actually a movie targeting at my age bracket, which is exciting. Actually, I would imagine, it has a fairly small age bracket that will appreciate it to its fullest (maybe 29-37 with, of course, the usual outliers). I want to see it again.

It's gonna be a hot one

102 degrees to be precise. Or at least that's what they are predicting. I am torn between wanting to stay bunkered in all day or trying to beat the heat and head to blue lake with my playgroup. It's the thought of the hot car that's making me pause. We do have our two year old check up scheduled today at 330 which is actually the hottest part of the day. So I suppose a morning run to the lake shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Where's mama's beer?

I got caught uttering those very words today at the impromptu birhday party I threw together for Dave. After spending the day making a to-die-for spice cake with butter frosting bohemoth and THEN ordering pizza OVER THE PHONE, I was wiped out. But with two toddlers running around and being the excellent hostess that I am, it was a trying experience keeping track of my beer. Luckily now everyone has gone home, I can get wasted. Just kidding. I just really wanted to say that.

Jamison Park Spashdown!

Mizz and I just returned from a fun, fun, fun morning in the park with a waterfall feature for toddlers. Mizz enjoyed splashing, rock climbing (much to my consternation), and chanting his friend's name who accompanied him on his frolics. I got to soak up the sun, cool my feet in the water, and grab bits of conversation wih my friend when I was wasn't pulling Mizz of the rocks.

This afternoon I am going try to see what kind of deal I can talk out of our local gym.

Mizz's birthday eve

It is 10:00 pm and the "royal we" are putting together Mizz new train set that we got him for his TWO YEAR OLD birthday tomorrow. Ok I am blogging and Dave is assembling, but still. It was my idea to have it all put together for him to discover. I can't wait to see his face.

On a completely unrelated note, I am digesting some fine barbeque food that my aunt and uncle graciously picked up for us today. Yummy and thank you!

Iphone I love U

Oh man, I got to play with one of those bad boys today and it is spectacular. Now given my new plan of tighter fiscal responsibility I am most certainly not going to march out and buy it both if one fell off a truck...I might not be responsible for my actions at that point. It appears to this untechie as sheer brillance with it's cool features and design. Ok enough, unless they start paying me to sell them or at least give me one of them, I will write no more.