I'm still in a haze of cold medicine. While I can't be somewhat comatose during work hours, I've switched to DayQuil. It's kinda ruined my buzz. I just don't have the same love connection with the non-drowsy stuff as I do with the NyQuil. It really does complete me.
In an effort to not make this Five Fave about all the different types of cold medicines that are on the market, which I know would be totally stimulating, I thought I would keep it light.
Be warned, I'm still on medication. Heavy medication. Some of this may or may not be coherent.
1) The Bulb Syringe. When Zoe was in the NICU, she had to have her nose cleaned out with the bulb syringe every few hours. She hated it. I was glad that she didn't come home on oxygen because that meant I wouldn't have to bulb syringe. It freaked me to think I would attach a vacuum to her face for any reason.
Then she caught her first cold. At the same time, some other parents elsewhere decided that dosage recommendations didn't need to be followed and they OD'd their kids. The government decided to ban all infant cold medication all together. Because well, according to the governement, we don't take direction well. Enter the bulb syringe. It's still battle to get that hand-held vacuum up to her face, but when I can, it's music to my ears to hear her breathing through her nose.
2) Sick cuddles. One of the best parts of being sick, besides the NyQuil, is cuddling on the couch with Zoe. She's got the same cold, so we've spent the last few evenings, cuddled on the couch, with our Kleenex, watching Darby, Tigger and Pooh save Christmas. While I can't wait for both of us to be over these colds, I'm going to enjoy every minute of cuddling that I can get.
3) N. He has totally stepped to help me out since I've been sick. He came home early from school one night so I could sleep and he would stay with Zoe. He's cleaned up the house and called to check up on me. He's an amazing caretaker. I'm so blessed to have him in my life.
4) SNL. I'm not going to get political on here or anything, but I do think the political sketches they do are hilarious. The most recent of George W. Bush endorsing McCain is priceless. You can see the discomfort stretching across Darrell Hammond's face and you feel bad for him. It's worth a good laugh.
5) Harvest parties. This weekend we are going to spend some time with other young families from our church. They have a chili contest, which N will love. They also have some pumpkin carving, which Zoe and I will do. It'll be a good time with our friends, just enjoying this time of year.
Happy Autumn everyone.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Hangin' Tough
A couple nights ago N and I had a very serious discussion about NKOTB (New Kids on the Block). Growing up I was not a huge fan. I had a Pocket Rocker with Hangin' Tough, but beyond that I wasn't that into NKOTB.
Like all girls, I did have a favorite. Mine was Donnie. Mainly because he seemed rebellious and no one else really had a thing for him in my 5th grade classroom. I didn't have to know too much about him during the intense debates that come with elementary lunchrooms and boy bands.
You get me talking about The Bangles, The Go-Gos or early Michael Jackson and that's another story.
N was trying to convince me that Mark Wahlberg was a member of NKOTB. N can bust out all their moves and even recite the songs. He claims it is because of having two sisters, but I'll let you make your own judgment on that one. He felt he was an expert on the band members of the group.
You don't mess with a girl from that era who listened to her friends debate the cuteness of Joey vs Jordan. Let alone which one was going to sweep their 11 year old self right off her feet.
We bet a coffee. As you can guess, I won that one. My secret, not-so-real crush was on the only Wahlberg in NKOTB.
While drinking said coffee, I heard their first single off The Block album. I have to say, while I wasn't a child fan, I'm a HUGE fan of the adult NKOTB.
I'm off to get my hot pink scrunchy, crimper and Pocket Rocker.
Like all girls, I did have a favorite. Mine was Donnie. Mainly because he seemed rebellious and no one else really had a thing for him in my 5th grade classroom. I didn't have to know too much about him during the intense debates that come with elementary lunchrooms and boy bands.
You get me talking about The Bangles, The Go-Gos or early Michael Jackson and that's another story.
N was trying to convince me that Mark Wahlberg was a member of NKOTB. N can bust out all their moves and even recite the songs. He claims it is because of having two sisters, but I'll let you make your own judgment on that one. He felt he was an expert on the band members of the group.
You don't mess with a girl from that era who listened to her friends debate the cuteness of Joey vs Jordan. Let alone which one was going to sweep their 11 year old self right off her feet.
We bet a coffee. As you can guess, I won that one. My secret, not-so-real crush was on the only Wahlberg in NKOTB.
While drinking said coffee, I heard their first single off The Block album. I have to say, while I wasn't a child fan, I'm a HUGE fan of the adult NKOTB.
I'm off to get my hot pink scrunchy, crimper and Pocket Rocker.Wednesday, October 22, 2008
NyQuil, you complete me
I have Cold of Death '08 right now. I went to the store last night and bought NyQuil, DayQuil, Airborne (although it's already too late for that), cough drops and orange juice.
Did I go overboard?
I'm going to curl up, fall asleep and let this illness have it's way with me.
See you in a couple years.
Did I go overboard?
I'm going to curl up, fall asleep and let this illness have it's way with me.
See you in a couple years.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Trick-or-Treat: A Preview
With Halloween right around corner, I had to get busy on Zoe's costume. This year, we're planning on being a butterfly. I found some adorable wings, but the problem was making the rest of the costume something more than just a black sweatsuit.
Enter some tulle and a pattern for a tutu.
You get this:
ADORABLE!
Enter some tulle and a pattern for a tutu.
You get this:
ADORABLE!Monday, October 20, 2008
Hordes of Gourds
This weekend we took Zoe to the pumpkin patch at Greenbluff. Last year was very memorable as she puked in the corn maze. I'm happy to report that this year the corn maze had no ill effects on her tummy.
Although she was completely freaked out by the large, stuffed, caged animals they had on display. Quite frankly, it was a little alarming to see a stuffed zebra looking completely at home in the corn stalks. It was a little like Little People at the Zoo meets Children of the Corn.
Instead of pondering that horrible claymation possibility, I think I'll let the pictures do the talking.
Getting ready for the maze. With her trusty pine needle.
Telling mommy about her plan of attack on the corn.
Well who knew we'd have so much fun in that maze there. Although this is pre-animal siting.
Dad, I think mom's lost.
Getting a ride in the green limo.
Finding the perfect pumpkin.
With her loot
Having an end-of-the-patch apple.
Although she was completely freaked out by the large, stuffed, caged animals they had on display. Quite frankly, it was a little alarming to see a stuffed zebra looking completely at home in the corn stalks. It was a little like Little People at the Zoo meets Children of the Corn.
Instead of pondering that horrible claymation possibility, I think I'll let the pictures do the talking.
Getting ready for the maze. With her trusty pine needle.
Telling mommy about her plan of attack on the corn.Well who knew we'd have so much fun in that maze there. Although this is pre-animal siting.
Dad, I think mom's lost.
Kissing in the corn.
After getting lost and surrounded by teenagers that like couldn't like figure it like out, we took the shortcut through the maze to the Pumpkin Junction.
Getting a ride in the green limo.
Finding the perfect pumpkin.
With her loot 
Having an end-of-the-patch apple.Saturday, October 18, 2008
Old MacDonald's Farm
Zoe and I like to play in the evenings. Sometimes it involves me throwing her into the air so many times I lose my breath.
Sometimes it involves color crayons and many reminder of where we color.
Other times it's bonding while we watch another episode of Tigger and Pooh and sing along to all the songs.
Last night it was playing in her kitchen. We have a bin of dishes that we make wonderful, make-believe meals. After every pretend bite, Zoe makes an "mmmm" sound. Like the soup we made from the stirring the bear toy around in the bowl and pretending to squirt a little mustard in is thee absolute best tasting food ev-ar.
Let's face it, what would be better than a little bear meat with some mustard. Really?
What I love most about our play time is how much she's learning. She colors better now. She pats her baby's back and then wraps her in a blanket. She will even pull out a book and read it to me. She's becoming so much more communicative and sweet. I see more of her personality coming out each day. I fall more in love with her each day.
It was especially exciting last night when she pulled the pig toy out of the dishes, held it up and said, "pig."
This is the first time she's identified something on her own without just repeating what I said. I LOVE watching her learn. It is incredibly exciting.
Sometimes it involves color crayons and many reminder of where we color.
Other times it's bonding while we watch another episode of Tigger and Pooh and sing along to all the songs.
Last night it was playing in her kitchen. We have a bin of dishes that we make wonderful, make-believe meals. After every pretend bite, Zoe makes an "mmmm" sound. Like the soup we made from the stirring the bear toy around in the bowl and pretending to squirt a little mustard in is thee absolute best tasting food ev-ar.
Let's face it, what would be better than a little bear meat with some mustard. Really?
What I love most about our play time is how much she's learning. She colors better now. She pats her baby's back and then wraps her in a blanket. She will even pull out a book and read it to me. She's becoming so much more communicative and sweet. I see more of her personality coming out each day. I fall more in love with her each day.
It was especially exciting last night when she pulled the pig toy out of the dishes, held it up and said, "pig."
This is the first time she's identified something on her own without just repeating what I said. I LOVE watching her learn. It is incredibly exciting.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Friday Five Faves - Vol. 15
Another week gone in a haze of smoke detector beeping. I almost started freaking out when the microwaved beeped to let me know my food was done. I have developed a weird tick for beeping sounds.
I don't even want to comment on what happened, but I will since I know you're all in suspense. We had, packed away in some random box, a carbon monoxide alarm from Puyallup. In a random act of incompatability, it had a low battery and somehow signaled to all 5 smoke detectors that it was low, causing all of them to beep.
After calling an electrician who installed new smoke detectors, we found the real issue. Once we took the batteries out of the carbon monoxide alarm, they all stopped.
I don't even want to tell you the bill we got for new smoke detectors we didn't need. It would totally kill the buzz from the peace and quiet last night. You could call this a very expensive smoke detector test.
Onto the Top 5 for this week. Because we have an offer on the house, I thought I would focus this Friday Five Fave on the things we'll be able to do without that HUGE mortgage payment.
1 - Grocery shopping. I know, you shouldn't show all your cards right off the bat. To come out strong with this type of thing as #1 is just plain crazy talk.
To save money, we've had to shop at a sub-par grocery store. The meat section leaves something to be desired. The produce doesn't last two days. It's safe to say our eating habits have been severely hampered by this. Now I get to shop at my favorite grocery store. They sell wonderful produce, my favorite kind of milk (yes, different brands taste different to me), and a meat section that I could stand in for hours. It's safe to say that I'm completely, 100% excited to make this change.
2 - One yard. For 18 months I've had the Puyallup's yard in the back of my mind. We don't get over there often, so when we visit we have weeds that are almost as tall as the fence. Thank you Western Washington rain. So when we do visit, it's exhausting because of all the work that has to go into the yard.
Now, we only have one yard to focus on. I can plant tulips, roses, herbs and various other flowers. I'm beyond excited to be able to garden in the spring.
3 - Target. This is, by far, my favorite store. I've had to avoid this store in the last year and a half because I have been known to buy things that I may or may not have needed right away. It also has a children's clothing section that is stocked with kicky outfits. It's my go-to store when I want to wander and browse. In some ways, it's like a little haven when I need to get out of life into the aisles of fun purses, cute jewelry and new CD's.
I can now wander around this store, taking in the sights and smelling the popcorn from the snack bar. It will be good to be back.
4 - Eye brow waxing. For as long as I can remember I've had a problem with the brows. When I was younger it was almost impossible to determine if I only had one or if there were two, separate ones on my face. Then I discovered waxing. Sure it's a little painful, but when you have a forest to pluck, pouring hot wax and then ripping it off is the only way to go. I have tried electrolysis on my brows. I have to be completely honest, it could be a form of torture that helps the insurgants find those terrorists. After two hairs, you're ready to spill your life's secrets just to make the pain stop.
Now, I can pay someone to rip hair off my face all at once rather than hair-by-hair. Bring on the wax I say!
5 - Lessons for Zoe. Because she doesn't attend daycare, I try to find things that would allow her interaction with other children. Because of her age, that usually happens in the form of some class. Our local YMCA has several classes that would be great for her. Additionally, so does Gymboree Play & Music. I'm very excited to get her participating in music classes. The girl loves her some music.
I know this sounds like I can't wait to spend money, but I'm more excited about a return to "normal." We haven't had any discretionary income for almost 2 years. This is the first time that we will, as a family, be able to enjoy some of life's comforts. Despite what is happening in the economy, we will be able to rest at night. That should be my #1!
Happy weekend all.
I don't even want to comment on what happened, but I will since I know you're all in suspense. We had, packed away in some random box, a carbon monoxide alarm from Puyallup. In a random act of incompatability, it had a low battery and somehow signaled to all 5 smoke detectors that it was low, causing all of them to beep.
After calling an electrician who installed new smoke detectors, we found the real issue. Once we took the batteries out of the carbon monoxide alarm, they all stopped.
I don't even want to tell you the bill we got for new smoke detectors we didn't need. It would totally kill the buzz from the peace and quiet last night. You could call this a very expensive smoke detector test.
Onto the Top 5 for this week. Because we have an offer on the house, I thought I would focus this Friday Five Fave on the things we'll be able to do without that HUGE mortgage payment.
1 - Grocery shopping. I know, you shouldn't show all your cards right off the bat. To come out strong with this type of thing as #1 is just plain crazy talk.
To save money, we've had to shop at a sub-par grocery store. The meat section leaves something to be desired. The produce doesn't last two days. It's safe to say our eating habits have been severely hampered by this. Now I get to shop at my favorite grocery store. They sell wonderful produce, my favorite kind of milk (yes, different brands taste different to me), and a meat section that I could stand in for hours. It's safe to say that I'm completely, 100% excited to make this change.
2 - One yard. For 18 months I've had the Puyallup's yard in the back of my mind. We don't get over there often, so when we visit we have weeds that are almost as tall as the fence. Thank you Western Washington rain. So when we do visit, it's exhausting because of all the work that has to go into the yard.
Now, we only have one yard to focus on. I can plant tulips, roses, herbs and various other flowers. I'm beyond excited to be able to garden in the spring.
3 - Target. This is, by far, my favorite store. I've had to avoid this store in the last year and a half because I have been known to buy things that I may or may not have needed right away. It also has a children's clothing section that is stocked with kicky outfits. It's my go-to store when I want to wander and browse. In some ways, it's like a little haven when I need to get out of life into the aisles of fun purses, cute jewelry and new CD's.
I can now wander around this store, taking in the sights and smelling the popcorn from the snack bar. It will be good to be back.
4 - Eye brow waxing. For as long as I can remember I've had a problem with the brows. When I was younger it was almost impossible to determine if I only had one or if there were two, separate ones on my face. Then I discovered waxing. Sure it's a little painful, but when you have a forest to pluck, pouring hot wax and then ripping it off is the only way to go. I have tried electrolysis on my brows. I have to be completely honest, it could be a form of torture that helps the insurgants find those terrorists. After two hairs, you're ready to spill your life's secrets just to make the pain stop.
Now, I can pay someone to rip hair off my face all at once rather than hair-by-hair. Bring on the wax I say!
5 - Lessons for Zoe. Because she doesn't attend daycare, I try to find things that would allow her interaction with other children. Because of her age, that usually happens in the form of some class. Our local YMCA has several classes that would be great for her. Additionally, so does Gymboree Play & Music. I'm very excited to get her participating in music classes. The girl loves her some music.
I know this sounds like I can't wait to spend money, but I'm more excited about a return to "normal." We haven't had any discretionary income for almost 2 years. This is the first time that we will, as a family, be able to enjoy some of life's comforts. Despite what is happening in the economy, we will be able to rest at night. That should be my #1!
Happy weekend all.
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