I bought the book/writing instruction program, "Writer's Jungle" by Brave Writer. It's pretty inspiring. Among other things, I realize that I've long been a decent writer. Pulling a 5-paragraph essay out of my hiney has never been a problem, and once upon a time before I got angsty about my online persona and over-sharing, I used to be a pretty ( Read more... )

Naptime is SUCH a headache lately. We just can't hit that stride of knowing when he's ready and putting him down for a smooth transition to sleep, like we had a month or so ago ( Read more... )

I've found the Perfect Dog Pee Cleaning Routine! When I was done with this morning's spot I could put my nose right down to it, still damp, and smell only the tiniest hint of cleaner. WHOO ( Read more... )

OK, Sunday the 23rd we flew to Oregon. Uneventful travel, the boy as usual didn't bother anyone, whoo! We rented a little car, headed out the Gorge to the SIL/BIL's place. Stopped for a McMenamin's lunch: delightful. The gorge was icy and wet and lush and wonderful. Upon our arrival, cousin R was smitten by little Eddy and entertained him ( Read more... )

OMG, I'm literally wiping tears from my eyes here. I've been to birthday parties this month, and congratulated all kinds of October mamas as their babies' birthdays passed, but this morning reading Krissy's post about her little girl's birthday I suddenly got choked up. I think it was when she said "don't let me miss a thing." Edward will be one in ( Read more... )

I think I figured out why Edward slept poorly the night before last. Seems the birthday boy's snotty nose was contagious at Tuesday's party/playgroup. Last night Eddy was super congested and slept horribly. He spent from 8 to 9:15 NOT going to sleep, then when I finally got him down he popped up 5 minutes later with bloodcurdling screams. I got him ( Read more... )

He definitely can sign "Eat." LOL. I wasn't sure before, I thought maybe he was just touching his mouth/chewing on his thumb out of tiredness at the same time he was hungry-ish. But just now I carried him into the kitchen and he touched his mouth and said, "Nom-nom" and got all excited about everything I pulled out of the fridge, LOL ( Read more... )

Today I gave him some quartered grapes. A while later I was holding him and he was working something around in his mouth. He picked out a grape skin, grinned, and tried to shove it in MY mouth ( Read more... )

Well, it looks like my instinct to keep the boy home on Saturday was a good one, because today he came out with a pretty classic viral rash, such that we are pretty sure he had roseola. A mild case to be sure -- he had a high temp again on and off for another day or two, but the highest I actually measured was that 100 degrees axillary. I'm glad ( Read more... )

OK, jury's still out but I'm leaning toward keeping him home as I just took a 100 degree axillary temp (DH says it has to be 100.4 to be a fever.) Really, I'm assuming the other babies' mamas would probably prefer I keep him home whether he's symptomatic or not. :P ( Read more... )