Don't hassle the Hoff

My husband has been on "vacation" for one week. Unfortunately, it only took him ONE DAY to find out that "Night Rider" episodes are on EVERY FREAKING DAY on some stupid channel that I don't feel like looking up right now.

Why me?

When I asked him today WHY IN GOD'S NAME ARE YOU TORTURING ME SO, his response was "Don't hassle the Hoff."

Yeah.

Today I got to watch the episode where Kit almost kills Michael Knight because someone has highjacked his CPU and turned him into a Michael Knight killing machine. I so wished for a monent or two that Kit would come and kill me too.

Die "Night Rider," Die.

Tent + Hyperactivity

= Static.

It's a proven scientific fact.

Also, "Camera Cheese" is on display here. That's what Avery calls this 'smile,' although she looks more like a rabid psychopath.

I know you want an explanation

for why Ainsley is darker complected than Avery and why she has much darker hair.

Here it is. Thank you Anna for intercepting this message from Johnny. He knows I'm busy. He's trying not to bother us here and obviously, the last thing he wants is for Jed to catch on.

I need time to take some creative pictures

but for now, here's a foot. Enjoy.

Here's how Avery spent her day

Yes, watching TV. There is nothing whatever to do to entertain a child who's sick and clingy and annoying and... you get the picture.

Random Sleeping Pics...

So far this baby sleeps more than Avery did. We're hoping that means she'll be a better sleeper all around.

My plate isn't full enough...

because apparently, I can handle having a 5 day old baby AND an almost two-year-old with the flu.

WAH!

When people say "You've changed"

and you both acknowledge and are proud of the changes you've gone through, you'd take it as a compliment. Some people say "You've changed," and they don't mean it as a compliment at all. They meant it as a way to say you're not like them anymore -- immature and selfish.

To me personally, the "You've changed" label means I've grown up and gone through the normal changes that responsibility and adulthood come with. That is, when it comes from someone else who's gone through those changes as well.

Apparently to some people since I don't act like I'm 21 anymore, "I've changed."

I should think that graduating college, starting a career, getting married, starting a family, etc, etc, etc. would bring about some changes in my life. I like those changes. I don't miss being 21.

Well, maybe I miss the perky boobs, but I certainly don't miss the rest of it.

That is all.

My poor husband...

Good thing he has the testosterone from the two male dogs to help balance things around here...

Here he is with Ainsley at 2 days old, and for fun, the second picture is with Avery at 2 days old. Different couch, different babies. Same poor old outnumbered Papa.

Two days old

Ainsley has already changed quite a bit since birth. She looks a little more like Avery than she did at first, but she's definitely her own person. Here are some pictures from today.

Avery loves Ainsley's

FEET!

"My mom had a baby...

...and all I got was this stupid backpack."

We're home!

Ainsley May was born on Wednesday, 8/23 at 3:25pm. She's a little thing -- 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and is 19.5 inches long. Avery couldn't be happier to have her "new baby" home with us!

Here are some pictures to share:

Eating 'ice chips' -- ooooh, yum...


Trying to warm Ainsley up after birth:


Mom, Dad, and new baby:


Avery meets her new little sister:


Daddy and baby:


Mama and baby:


Ainsley May:


Avery loves her new sister!


Our completed family :)

I love this child...

I totally understand why women often say that when they had subsequent children, they often asked themselves if they would really love them as much as they loved their first born. I wonder that all of the time, but based on everyone's answer to that question, my answer, too, will be that yes, I will love him or her just as much as I love Avery.

But seriously, how can anyone not love this? You're subhuman if you don't.

One way to pass the time --

baking. Cookies. Oatmeal. YUM.

Avery thought so too. I did let her eat one tiny bite of dough -- despite the risk of salmonella and the crying that followed when I denied her a second taste -- I figured I'd be a BAD mom if I didn't let her take one lick. What's ONE taste?

Besides, I had one or two or three tastes too.

I hereby swear

that this baby IS going to be born in the next 48 hours. I am putting myself on a timeline. I am sticking to this plan.

Just for fun, I thought I'd take a couple more pictures of my hugeantic belly from a different perspective. This smile is forced. Just take my word for it.

I have no idea why my tummy looks bigger in the black and white picture. I guess it was the way I was standing and how I was holding the camera. I assure you, the black and white picture is the more accurate when it comes to demonstrating how large my belly is.

What's worse is my level of grouchosity overshadows even my enormous gut.

Nothing new to report...

Just laying low and going completely crazy that labor hasn't started yet. Two weeks ago when the doctor told me I was 3cm and 80% effaced, I thought for SURE there'd be no way I'd make it to my due date. My doctor didn't even think I'd make it to my appointment last Tuesday. At this rate, I'll make it to my next appointment this coming Tuesday, which, incidentally, I had to make last week just in case I hadn't given birth yet. So much for the whole 'second babies come early' adage. Fooey!

Here are some pictures to share just for the heck of it.

Surprise Baby Shower

Jed's coworkers threw him a surprise baby shower yesterday. They put a sizeable dent in my wishlist at Babies R Us. People are awesome sometimes, you know?

Anyway, here's what we got for Baby #2, who obviously isn't here yet. (Since my due date based on my 'cycle' was two days ago, I've already used the whole "I have a two day old baby in my womb" thing a few times today -- I'm holding out for my sonogram date of the 21st to be accurate, and I SOOOOO hope I don't go over that date.)

We got a play gym thingy that sits on the floor:


A new Boppy (since my original one is all lumpy from putting in the washing machine):


A bath sponge, some disposable changing table covers, pacifiers, and a bottle brush:


Diapers...


A bouncy seat that converts to a toddler seat (we'll just have to figure out how to keep Avery out of it...)


Various nursing supplies, teething rings, baby lotion:


A huge THANK YOU to his coworkers for their generosity :)

Now for my big question of the day... where do I get replacement tubing for my Medela Pump in Style? Anyone know?

Avery and her grandmas

Avery has been enjoying being the only grandchild on both sides of the family quite a bit lately. Just about every day for the last couple of weeks, she's been able to see either her GramZ or her Grammy Gigi. She is in spoiled grandchild heaven, let me tell you.

Trip to the local museum...

otherwise known as killing time.

My mom and I took Avery to our local county museum today. Much to our surprise, Avery actually really enjoyed it and cried when we left. They have lots of stuffed mammals and birds -- those are what she was most interested in. Until we discovered they also had a live animal exhibit, of course, and then that became her favorite.

I didn't take very many pictures -- we were on a time limit because we had to meet GramZ for lunch, but there's really not a ton to see anyway. This museum hasn't changed most of its exhibits since I first went there, when I was probably 10 or so.

Here's a cool metal statue of a... vulture? that greets you as you enter.


An engine from the Southern Pacific Railroad line:


Avery and I (and my enormous belly) in front of the coy pond:


I think I'm going to invest in a yearly pass, only because it's cheap and they'll credit my tickets today toward it. Avery seemed to enjoy it enough to take her back there on a random morning for entertainment in the future.

Belly Pic Update

For Kelly and anyone else who's been patiently waiting for one (I know you've all been on the edge of your seats in anticipation).

BTW, thanks Kelly for the font links -- I am a font junkie!

Our wishlist items arrived!

Yay!

These were all sent from Jen, whose wedding website I created over the last several months. Her wedding is this weekend -- I hope it all goes well and I'm sure she'll make a beautiful bride!




Lastly, here's the one we chose to open today. We're saving the rest for crucial moments in the weeks and months to come. Like, the moment when I imagine taking a one-way flight to Bermuda or something. I know that moment is coming and soon.


We opened the above because Avery has a true passion for her fossilized friends -- it's mostly because of the boy that lives across the street. He even taught her his dinosaur chant and dance that she demonstrates on cue for anyone and everyone.

I am just this desperate

to not be pregnant anymore.

There's a "Labor Cake" recipe that's been floating around on the pregnancy website I visit fairly often. I figured it couldn't hurt, and it sounded pretty good, even though I'm not a huge chocolate person.

So I made it.
Then I ate it. (no, not the whole thing)
Now I am twiddling my thumbs.



So here's the recipe in case anyone else needs it...
My husband didn't think it was funny that I told him the recipe called for "Eye of Newt." I think he's afraid to try a piece. He thinks I put castor oil in it. I thought about it, for maybe a second, but then I didn't want to mess with the recipe in case that would take away its effectiveness.

HERSHEY'S "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING(recipe follows)
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.

VARIATIONS:
ONE-PAN CAKE: Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.

THREE LAYER CAKE: Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost.

BUNDT CAKE: Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely. Frost.

CUPCAKES: Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. Heat oven to 350°F. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. Frost. About 30 cupcakes.

"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

It's begun

the phone calls.

The endless ringing of the phone with someone on the other end who says something like "Well, you haven't called me in a few days, so I thought maybe you'd had the baby." This coming from people who I would OBVIOUSLY contact to let them know I'd had the baby.

C'mon people, give me a little credit.

I don't call anyone. I am not a phone talker. I never have been. So when you say you haven't heard from me in a while, you're lying. It's been even longer. I call you when I have a specific reason, for the most part.

The most annoying part is that, even though my doctor made me feel like I'd have already had the baby by now with his report about how close to labor I am, I still have one more week to go, unless I go overdue again, which is possible.

So, here's my PSA for the day. If you have a friend who is close to the end of her pregnancy, please, please, don't call her too many times because, chances are, everyone else is doing the same.

Also, if she calls you, don't answer the phone with "Are you in labor?" I can't tell you how many times my mom and my husband did that to me last week.

This all makes me want to run away screaming.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Newest funny things

that Avery has said...

Yesterday, she must have asked me twenty times -- "Mama, what time is it?" I was like... 'what do you care?' I finally started answering her with activity-related times instead of the actual time of day. Like I'd say "dinnertime" or "playtime."

She also has picked up on saying "goodbye" in different languages. A couple of weeks ago, she told Jed "adios amigo" when he was leaving for work. Today, she told some friends of ours "Au revior!" when we were leaving their house.

Her other new thing is to yell at me (it's part of the new bossy Avery) "Mama, come back soon now!" I tried to explain to her that "soon" and "now" don't mean the same thing, but she continues to say them both.

Toddler speak is the funniest shit I've ever heard, seriously.

Fun playdate

Avery got to play with a little girl named Ainsley yesterday. I have been friends with Ainsley's Aunt Kelly for many years, and Kelly takes care of Ainsley everyday. We have been wanting to get together forever and just never made it happen until now. We were regretting holding off so long because it's about to get twice as complicated for both of us. Kelly and her husband Erin (yes, that's how you spell HIS name) are expecting their first child (a little girl named Penelope) in about 5 weeks.

Anyway, Avery had fun with Ainsley, even though she did boss her around quite a bit. I don't know what her deal is with being bossy... she's been on a little toddler power trip for several weeks now.

She got pretty good at saying "Ainsley" by the end of their visit to our house, so if baby #2 is a girl, Avery will already have had some practice since "Ainsley" is our girl's name.

Some corny pics

Avery wouldn't eat the corn I cut off of her cob for dinner. She saw Jed and I eating it right off of the cob and wanted it that way too. I figured, what the heck. She loved every moment of the messy adventure. She kept wanting to bite the same spot over and over though. We'll have to work on that part.

Tonight's Primetime episode

Tonight's ABC Primetime episode featured two people who are blind and use something called "echolocation" to navigate their way around.

It reminded me of when I was in college, there was a guy who lived right near me in my apartment complex (which was located directly across the street from the school) and he was blind.

I would often cross the street after class at the same time as him, but I only tried to help him once. He snapped at me one time when I said "it's clear!" and let me know he was using echolocation to cross. I was like... ooookay, sorry for trying to help you.

Anyway, as I watched Primetime, I realized that it was the guy I went to college with on the show. His name is Dan Kish.

Of course, I can't find anything that says he went to the same college as I did, but I am pretty sure it's him. If I look up anything on echolocation for the blind, his name comes up a lot, as well as several references to he and another boy, Ben Underwood, and that the two of them are pretty rare in their ability to use echolocation to get around.

Interesting stuff, though I think when someone tries to help you because they can see you have some sort of handicap, it's not 'nice' to respond like a jerk.

The other thing that struck me about the show was that the mother of other boy, Ben Underwood, was named Aquanetta. Yes, fo reals.

A big thank you

to my friend Viv. She sent me these flowers :) It was a nice thank you for a website I've been helping she and her husband start. Aren't they gorgeous?

No more monkeys

jumping on the bed!

I've never been a fan of China

But this really makes me dislike the country even more. I somehow missed this story when it originally came out. I am seriously just speechless.

This is what happens in a country run by a man named "Hu."

I know I'm boring you, but I don't care

After visiting my friend Christy the other day, I thought I'd stop really quick and take a couple of pictures of what makes my town so cool -- well, to me at least. Christy lives right across the street from this tiny little neighborhood that my friend Anna introduced me to years ago (before Christy lived where she does now) and that she so affectionately called the "Gnome Houses." Isn't that what you called them, Anna?

Anyway, it's this little cul-de-sac street of really tiny cool houses all smushed together, all really well cared-for and with nicely manicured lawns and the whole shabang. For Halloween this past year it was one of the streets we went trick-or-treating on, and each house seemed to be very elaborately decorated and totally into the spirit of the day. There is something so cool about them -- but really, a picture doesn't quite capture what I mean.

I took some pictures anyway, but you'll just have to believe me that this little neighboorhood is so cool and quaint and... okay, I'll stop now.

More of Gingey's Adventures...

I have been trying to take a few specific pictures with Gingey, only to be disappointed for a plethora of reasons. The most annoying of which is that Kimberly Crest is apparently mostly closed in the month of August, despite their sign telling me they'd be open this week from Thursday to Sunday. Thanks to Jed, we snuck onto the grounds anyway and Gingey was able to get a picture in front of the house. Shhh, don't tell Kimberly. Or whatever her name was.


We also stood in front of the Bowl and pretended to watch a really cool play, or a really cool band or something. I think Gingey was pretty disappointed in the amount of activity going on.


Lastly for today we took a quick snapshot in front of one of the many murals in my town. This one is a favorite of mine because, well, I happen to like Uncle Sam, if you must know.


I still have at least one more place I want to take Gingey before I send him on his merry little way. Where's he supposed to go next??? Anyone know?

ETA -- I forgot one pic of Gingey that I took earlier in the week. It's of an authentic orange grove that was just trimmed. I love the way they look when they're either in bloom or just trimmed. Gingey seemed to enjoy this grove too.

A new trend

and I think I like it.

Avery hasn't been super willing to fall asleep in the car recently. We've taken several 1-2 hour road trips specifically at her naptime in the past few months and have expected her to sleep, only to wind up with an overtired, cranky baby at the end of the drive -- she never fell asleep like we had hoped she would.

However, it seems that a good book will put her RIGHT to sleep the last few days. I'm thinking maybe we found the secret to getting her to fall asleep in the car again, but I am not going to get my hopes up.

Friday:


Saturday:

Proof of hair and a new way to hydrate oneself:

Two projects down

only about 22 or so to go.

I have resolved to finish some unfinished projects before baby #2 comes -- mostly to help me pass the time. One of this morning's projects was to finally hang the letters that I painted for Avery, oh... about a year ago. I was trying to be frugal and paint them myself, only the paint I bought was so opaque that I had to paint them like 16 times and still I didn't get the stark white look I originally wanted. Eventually I gave up and just stopped painting them. I went and bought a $1.99 roll of ribbon to hang them, and while at Michael's, I happened to notice stark white letters for only $1 more each. Sigh. Jessica J., I was trying to make you proud of me by being so thrifty, but it turns out I should have just spent $5 more and gotten the pre-painted letters. Anyway, here is the finished project... (doesn't Avery look thrilled?)


The other project was to rehang some cheap mirrors I bought at Ikea that wouldn't stay on the wall because the hanging kit they came with was so cheaply made. I think the mirrors cost me $2 each, so really, what could I expect? I got another roll of ribbon and hung the mirrors from that. I think they look nice for $2 mirrors, but what do I know about this stuff?

Singing, Dancing, Shapes, and Looking at Pictures

Just a typical afternoon.

video

She is her father's daughter, after all

My mother-in-law gave me some pictures of Jed to scan from when he was two-ish. I cannot believe how much Avery looks like him. I mean, yes, she's the fruit of his loins and all, but come on. Baby #2 had BETTER look a little like he or she was carried in my womb for 9 months. My God, as if birthing these children isn't enough to ensure they'll carry on my good looks. Science. Genes. Pfffthttt.

Nothing more than silly pictures...

Isn't she looking like a full-fledged toddler? And by the way, she does wear clothes. Every day. I don't know how it is that I take so many pictures of her in just a diaper.